1 Orion Belford(Edited 3/14)

Give it a try.

----

[User possesses a stronger body. Continuing supernatural extractions...]

[Sacred Gear extractions completed.]

[Sacred Gear, Boosted Gear, has been generated. Purging spirit...transforming it to suit the user...]

[Bejeweled Boosted Blade is finished.]

[Connecting the Sacred Gear to the user...]

[Completed.]

[Sacred Gear, Sword Birth, has been generated. Transforming it to suit the user...]

[...a new solution has been formed.]

[Merging Sword Birth with Bejeweled Boosted Blade...]

[Completed.]

[Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice, has been generated. Transforming it to suit the user...]

[...a new solution has been formed.]

[Merging Mirror Alice with Bejeweled Boosted Blade...]

[Completed.]

[Sacred Gear, Absorption Line, has been generated. Transforming it to suit the user...]

[...a new solution has been formed.]

[Merging Absorption Line with Bejeweled Boosted Blade...]

[Completed.]

[Continuing bloodline extractions...]

[Human bloodline, Himejima, has been generated. Synchronizing to the user...]

[Completed.]

[Another bloodline detected from the extracted target. Incompatible with devil physique.]

[Following command 3 from the user.]

[Beginning 2nd extraction from Akeno Himejima...halting extraction process... it will be continued once the host finds a solution.]

[Devil Compatibility now exists. Continuing devil bloodline extractions...]

[Devil Bloodline, Sitri, has been generated. Synchronizing to the user...]

[Completed.]

[Devil Bloodline, Gremory, has been generated. Synchronizing to the user...]

[Completed.]

[Another bloodline detected from the extracted target. Compatible with devil physique.]

[Following command 1 from the user.]

[Beginning 2nd extraction from Rias Gremory.]

------

Orion suddenly woke up with a powerful wheeze, the sudden intake of air leaving the back of his throat temporarily cold and uncomfortable. Rising as he did prompt a slight headache that rapidly dulled as seconds went by. Effects of his sleep kept him weary and troubled. Rubbing his eyes gently, he tried to recall the last thing that happened which according to his memories were his last moments. Small bits of sweat fell victim to gravity as it slid down his face and dived from his chin.

He flinched at the latest memory he inspected and immediately touched his naked chest, only to discover that nothing was different. There was positively no hole in the area where his beating heart was and strangely, his body heat was higher than typical.

This was disturbing. Something was seriously wrong with the two parts he mentioned. One, he never sleeps without a shirt, and two, his temperature has always been consistent every morning. Call it odd, but Orion liked to keep track of certain moments to experience a sense of regulation and security.

[First Person POV]

From the bottom of my heart, I genuinely hate weekdays. Nothing but annoyances and mental suffering.

Ugh! School days are the worst!

First I die...I think from some psycho crow girl, then I'm in unusual conditions when I wake up, and I just remembered that I didn't finish math!

Wasn't it also mid-afternoon when I met my demise? I missed Miki Oba-San's special spaghetti!

Fuck! This can't be happening to me.

What am I to the universe? A rising protagonist or an unfortunate side character?

Enough. Breathe.

All right. One thing at a time.

I was doing groceries because I had no club activities and it was my turn to do so. During my chore, I saw Issei and a suspicious girl walking beside him. Something didn't feel right about her like the student council president or the foreign redhead so I followed them. Everything became weird and she changed. Without thinking, I charged towards her and attacked.

A spear of light was shoved through my chest because I wasn't careful...or did I have a dream so detailed that I was convinced that I was living in reality? I mean, I did just get up from the bed.

No. It couldn't be. I can still recall the sensation of immense pain. That burning from the light, her, and the horrified face of...

Issei! He was stabbed after I was! Oh shit! Miki Oba-San is going to kill me!

But wait. I'm here now. Does that mean that he's okay too? Back up. Is this the dream and I'm in a coma perhaps?

After all, I was pierced through the chest. I should be not alive...right?

Scanning the room, my eyes were informing me that this was mine which doesn't make sense. I was at the park. How in the world was I home? Also, why was everything so unnaturally bright even though it was five in the morning? Is my clock wrong?

Massaging my forehead, I heard a feminine groan in the room.

Generally, I keep my room a specific way to bring happiness into my life instead of dread. Any modification to it has to be done by my hands only. Plus, only around certain people do I feel relaxed enough to initialize communication. That also means that I don't allow strangers to enter my sacred place, ever, unless it's Issei and family because they own the place.

Slowing my breathing to unwind a little, I heard something or in this case someone nearby.

What I saw left my mouth drier than the Sahara Desert.

To my left and right were two large bumps covered under the large, SpongeBob-themed blanket of mine. Their figures were human and that unsettled me. Sliding my hand underneath my pillow, I firmly grasped my switchblade knife, the Schrade Viper, which I obtained through legal means...ahem, pocketed my phone, and slowly lifted the left side to see who it was.

I reacted with a lethal strike to the head, only to not go through with it when one of the figures shifted positions. Now, the left one was facing me as the right one was.

For a second, I thought I was about to...stop. Reflect and feel bad later.

Once I finally pulled it off his or her face, I saw Rias Gremory to my dismay. And if she was here, the other one is most definitely her lackey. Seriously, they don't separate. As I predicted, it was indeed Akeno Himejima beside me.

Of course, my mind was buffering because no amount of explanations I came up with ended with the two Great Onee-Samas or whatever they were called in my bed with me.

Retracting the blade, I used the handle to tap both of them and clutched my weapon behind me. I had priorities and the first one was to have these two far, far away from me.

They stirred awake soon and blinked the sleep off their eyes. Sure I got a view of their upper body but one emotion was dominating my mind at the moment.

"Get out," I said with intense amounts of conviction and steel in my strained voice. Slowly, I shifted myself to the opposite side of the bed where I usually don't lay down. My phone was visible to them.

My guests that have rendered my private sanctuary unsafe were startled due to how aggressive my stance was and they gazed at each other, having a silent conversation.

"I said get out or I will call the authorities!"

"Calm down," The redhead started, reaching out to touch me. "Let us explain-"

No. "No!" I recoiled as I backed up a fit further. "Get out of my house or I will scream. My aunt and uncle know me and they will think that you raped me in my sleep after you broke into our home."

Truthfully, I wanted them out so I can think. My chaotic mind demanded it. Plus, I still wasn't convinced that this was reality.

Rias and Akeno were flabbergasted by the accusations. "Could you just-"

"No. Get out. Last warning."

"Let's go Buchou." Her eyes honed in on my armed limb. "I don't think we should upset him."

Buchou? Oh right. She's the club leader of that one club.

"...fine."

Standing up, they headed towards their respective clothes and started wearing them. My anger was increasing every second they lingered.

"~Ara ara, ufufu. Enjoying the sight?"

"Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. And don't talk to me." I scowled at the fact they were both dressed and were not leaving. Instead, they were...studying me? "What are you waiting for? Permission? Leave."

Rias tilted her head in mystification. "Your appearance..."

"Yeah yeah, I know. Ugly. Are you done?"

"That's not how I would-"

"Don't care," I replied, not letting her finish. "Door is behind you."

"Now, now." Your smile is fake as hell. "You wouldn't leave two fragile girls out-"

"I don't care. You can die for all I care and I would still carry on with my day. And didn't I just tell you to not talk to me?"

Akeno pouted. "So uncute."

"Deaf dumbass," I spoke in English.

"Watch your language. You don't have to be so rude." I reeled back from the fact Akeno has such fluency, but I wasn't planning on continuing this conversation.

"Maybe you should clean your ears because this is the sixth time I'm going to tell you to leave. Go away!"

Akeno opened her mouth to reply but Rias stopped her. "Enough Akeno."

The black-haired girl gave me one last glance before finally departing and the redhead gave me a weak wave as she closed the door. I had to verify if they were doing what they're supposed to and I was agitated when they were magically gone once I opened the door.

There was no way they left this fast.

Unless...they were like me.

...

Damn it! There goes my one chance to learn about my powers!

This shit sucks! Weekdays sucks! School days suck!

This is all Issei's fault! I just had to play hero for my perverted idiot of a cousin! God damn it!

"AHH!"

Fuck! What was that!

"Orion?" A woman questioned, exiting the restroom. "Are you okay?"

Honestly, just whom I wanted to hear. Miki Oba-San was one of the only people I go to when I'm troubled. God, I'm glad that she's in my life.

Fuck!

Again!

"Orion!" She zoomed to me, grabbing my shoulders as I held myself up by leaning on the wall. I momentarily neglected her touch as the pain lightened.

Opening my eyes slowly, I replied, "Yeah...I'm okay." I grunted as I straightened my back and her hands retreated to herself. "Just having killer headaches."

"Oh." Her concerned expression didn't ease. "There is some medicine downstairs in the bathroom mirror. If it doesn't help, we'll go straight to the doctors. Okay?"

"Got it. Thanks, Oba-San."

She smiled and ran her hand through my hair. "Just call me Auntie like always. I know you're trying to make us comfortable but honestly, I like it when you call me Auntie."

Why does her hand feel so good?

"All right. Then don't ever call me Orio."

Pinching my cheek, she rolled her eyes. "Denied. Orio-Kun will always be my nickname for you."

"I'm seventeen."

She wiped the imaginary tears from her eyes. "My little Orio-Kun has grown and become rebellious. How can my poor heart handle it?"

"Heart medicine?" I suggested. "You should try it if your heart is that unhealthy."

"Hmph. I'll let you know that this old lady has a heart as vigorous as a moose."

"A moose? Really? You had the option of tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, and many, many more but you pick a moose?"

"Hey! That's my favorite animal you're insulting."

"Oh yeah? Conveniently, my spirit animal happens to be a Grizzly Bear."

"How is that relevant?"

"What do you think is on the menu for them daily?"

"A moose is superior to a puny bear!"

"No, it's not! Who fed you those lies?"

"Nobody!" She huffed. "In my heart, I know that the moose will not betray me by losing."

"Didn't you have a poor heart?"

"Not the point. Moose are invincible!"

"Why is your faith in moose so strong??"

Our banter lasted long and she was super embarrassed for going on a rant about why moose are superior animals to every animal in the animal kingdom. However, I was grateful for it. My mind was clearer, I was laughing, and it was fun to have a silly debate.

What I did next to show my appreciation was unexpected.

Taking one step, I wrapped my arms around her and tugged her closer to me.

I was unquestionably not affectionate. Not to mention, I dislike physical connection with the body and I avoid it if I can. Hence why she needed a second to process my actions and return it albeit tightly. If I didn't know any better, I believe she thinks that I'll disappear.

Hmm.

The only time I was ever this touchy was when I...

Nevermind. I'm in a joyous mood and I have no reason to ruin it.

"You're taller than me. My head only reaches your chest." I gave no response. "It feels like only yesterday did I hold you in my arms. Issei is growing up. too" She sniffled. "My boys..."

"Auntie?"

"Sorry," she broke the hug with a sad smile. "It's finally hitting me that you and Issei are going to be adults soon."

"Oh. It's fine. Though I'm not looking forward to being one."

"Why is that?"

"Freedom for one. I would be capable of doing anything and everything. That scares me a lot more than it should."

"I get that. I went through something similar when I was eighteen. All of a sudden, my predetermined path vanished and there was nothing in front of me. I had the choice and it was utterly terrifying."

"How did you deal with it?"

"I winged it."

Huh? "What?"

"I winged it. I chose to go to college with your mother, picked writing as a major because I felt like it, seld some books, met my husband, and settled."

"You...summarized your life after high school in one sentence..."

"Did I?" She pondered it. "I did, didn't I? Shrugging, she asked. "Do you understand the message though?"

"Um, go with the flow?"

"Exactly." Auntie Miki nodded. "Do what you want, find your passion, and follow through with it. Deliberating over the future too much is stressful, so do it moderately. Then again, what isn't bad when done excessively?"

"Eating bacon?"

"Orio-Kun. We are not having this discussion again."

"Come on Auntie. Bacon is marvelously tasty."

"Not if it comes from pigs. Have you read the articles?"

"Of course I have. You leave them as homework assignments for me on my desk. "

"For good reason." I rolled my eyes. "Help me with the prep. I'll do breakfast today."

I was thrilled. "Really?" Compared to Auntie, my cooking is pathetic.

"Yep."

An hour later, I was sitting on the couch watching TV while Auntie Miki was cooking. Once prep work was done, I set the table, went through my morning routine, showered, and turned on the television. Normally, I have the self-imposed responsibility of handling breakfast and the lunches of Issei and me since I feel guilty for being a freeloader at another's house. Heck, I got a job to help pay bills or at least relieve financial troubles if they had any.

Dad did teach me to appropriately give back the kindness I was granted.

Right as the anime episode ended, Issei entered the living room and flopped on the cozy furniture that I was on but a few inches away from me. I waited. Customarily, Issei has something to say as his first words of the day, and most of the time, it was the topic of a woman's body, particularly their breasts. I never comprehended the greatness of it as Issei does and we would get into arguments for it every morning.

I question if he wanted to be miserable with an incredibly sexy woman who is abusive and likes to cuck him or a sweet, loving, supportive, stubborn woman who has his back and is not as feminine as the rest of her gender. That shuts him up swiftly and I get to secretly enjoy what I think is his face when he excretes a big one.

Yep. I'm weird.

Then again, who isn't?

Speaking loud enough for both me and Auntie Miki to hear, he queried, "Was I dreaming, or did you two argue about moose in the morning for ten minutes straight?" I shrugged while Issei's mom looked away. It's cool to know how ardor people can have about things they favor.

However, this is revealing how shaken up Issei must be from the experience we shared. Unless important, I shrug off most things; death is one of those things because I acknowledge it as an inevitable part of my life.

Did I die? Seems like it.

I'm still not a hundred percent sure what happened after but it more or less had to with the exceptionally developed teens in my bed this morning. It had to otherwise why they were sleeping next to me will turn into one of those unsolvable mysteries like Issei's perversion.

How he transformed so drastically baffles me to this day and I am determined to meet the old man that corrupted my family member.

Speaking of Issei. A day where he doesn't talk about breasts first thing in the morning is ominous. As strange as it is for me to admit that, his passionate declarations are one of the daily moments that I find regulation in.

"It happened," I answered, my eyes glued to the screen in front of me.

"Oh good." I heard the relief through his words. "I thought I was hallucinating. See, before that, I had a scary realistic dream where I got stabbed by my date with a spear of light. Stupid right?"

"Um..." What do I say to that?

"And you were there too. Dude, you punched her face super hard and even kicked her in the crotch. I don't know if I should be impressed or offended."

"Issei..." Why would you be offended? She wanted to kill you and succeeded.

"I mean it was my girlfriend that magically grew a pair of crow-like wings so obviously I would stand up for her. That was before she...did what she did and I mentally gave you a high-five because you don't like contact. What bugged me was the weird crap she mentioned like Sacred Gears and how God-ah!"

Ah! Son of a bitch!

Now I know what's causing it.

"Don't talk," I pleaded, wishing that I had learned healing magic. "When we walk to school, we'll discuss our...problems. For now, act normal and do not say the g-word."

"Okay? And what's the g-word?"

"He is the ultimate being of Christianity."

"G-"

I slapped his mouth shut. This is why I won't have kids in the future. They will always do the opposite of what I instruct them to.

"Don't or I will reenact what I did to Yuuma on you." He nodded his head energetically.

Breakfast was okay. Well...as okay as it can get for a family that completely forgot the existence of a person.

How?

How do two people forget the existence of a girl that went out with Issei? She was the rare card you drew from a pokemon pack opening. It's something to be celebrated and remembered for life.

And now? Issei was about to have a mental breakdown and one of the two people responsible was aware of it. On the plus side, Auntie Miki's cooking was fantastic as always.

"Hey, Issei. Pass me the milk."

I raised my eyebrow at him questioningly when we made eye contact. Realization set in and he shook his head and mouthed an apology.

So much for being discreet.

When we said our goodbyes and walked a few feet away, Issei asked, "Can I freak out now?"

I surveyed the surroundings. "Not yet."

We went further to a place where we were least likely to be arrested for public disturbance. Taking the long path today was a must.

"Can I freak out now?" he repeated, the word now being articulated heavily.

"Go for it." It's good to get out emotions instead of bottling them up.

Issei took in a loud, deep breath. I thought his chest was gonna explode by the amount of oxygen he inhaled.

"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?" I'm dumb. Stupid me and my quirks.

"Dunno." What's wrong with me? Why did I force them to leave?

"They forgot about Yuuma! It's like they never met!" They must've had answers.

"I was there." I could've learned magic from them.

"Was I killed!" How do I approach them? Well, it's gotta be in a secluded location due to how much gossip my school loves.

"Probably." I'm not apologizing though. It's my room. How dare they!

"I swore I saw Gremory-Senpai!" Yeah, I know. She probably saved us or brought...no way. Did she revive us? Then can I...?

"Uh-huh." Dad...

Issei frowned at the dry replies. "Why are you so nonchalant about this?"

I sighed as I pointed at my left hand. "Look."

He listened and was shocked, no pun intended, that I had lightning dancing in my palm.

"You can control lightning! That's so freaking cool!" Except I don't have this much control most of the time and my energy supply is abundant for an unknown reason. What's going on?

"Actually," I replied, changing my lightning into the element of fire, "I can do way more." Holy shit. My fire is stronger too! Way stronger! Why?

"Dude! How come you didn't tell me?"

"For the exact reason, we're having this conversation. We were murdered, Issei, and frankly, I rather not attract attention to myself and the people I live with. Too bad it happened anyway."

"Oh." Issei looked down at the floor in contemplation and cringed. "We died." Yikes. Gotta get a therapist for him.

"Yeah..." Really? Those are my words?

"I don't want to ever go through that again." What are the chances of us dying again?

I hummed in agreement. "You okay now? I'm not a therapist and I doubt there is one for dying anyway, but our little session is going to taint our perfect attendance record."

Issei groaned. "Great. Just add another headache to my day. Shitori-Kaichou is gonna-"

"Stop being dramatic and stay still."

"Huh? Why would-"

Below us, a gray magic circle materialized and ascended, swallowing and relocating me and Issei to a destination of my choosing. In the boy's restroom of Kuoh Academy, we arrived and I turned to Issei who was freaking out once more. After he pacified himself, he remarked where he was and pointed at me with an accusatory countenance.

"That's how you're never late! Ugh! I am so not sharing my porn with you!"

"Don't need them. They're all the same thing."

"You monster!"

"Whatever." I peeked out of the restroom, checking both directions.

"What are you doing?"

"Searching for people who are pissed off, wary, or are trying to find us."

Issei was bewildered. "What!"

"This school has a barrier and I'm good enough to go through it. The last time I teleported, the entire student council and the ORC club were working together, hunting me. I gave them the slip and hid from then on."

"Woah Woah. Back up a little. The school has a barrier and the two groups you mentioned are like you?"

"Definitely." Confirmed it this morning. "They are probably responsible for the barrier in the first place. Makes you suspect what they're doing in this school right?"

"Suspect? I'm creeped out. What if they're doing some horrible magical experiments on students here? Shit! That means the hottest girls in school are possibly evil!" he exclaimed. "And they might have powers like you. No wonder they're so good-looking!"

"Chill." I closed my eyes, checking all ki signatures around us. "I doubt they would do partake in those nasty practices...I hope."

"Wow. Way to fill me with confidence buddy."

"You're welcome. We're clear so let's go."

Walking to our class, Issei's words flashed through my mind and I was grinning. "So, you think I'm good-looking?"

"What? Ew. Why would you ask me that?"

"You said that they have powers like me. It's why they're attractive."

I can almost see his mind rewinding to that memory. "...damn it."

"Thanks. I do love me an ego boost."

"It's true though. You have all looks in the family. It's not fair."

"There, there young one. I'm sure you're just a late bloomer."

"Shut up." Issei glowered, grumbling something under his breath. "By the way, did you die your hair and wear contacts?"

"No?" Strange. Rias mentioned my appearance as well.

"You sure? Your eyes are different and there is one streak of red hair going up from the left corner of your forehead."

"I do?"

"Check a mirror."

Interesting. If I had these changes, why didn't Auntie Miki and Gorou Oji-san mention it?

"Later. Let's hustle. Two minutes left."