Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone
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About a thousand questions flooded my mind, swirling around like a whirlpool.

Alex was the son of Michael and the original choice to wield the Dragon Bane, however my parents somehow stole it and gave it to me first.

Before I could worry about that, I looked over at Asuka.

Draco: "Wait here, check up on the others"

Asuka: "Right"

I then ran after Alex, who had went deep into the forest after talking to Yuki and Nozomi. After searching for about a minute, I found him standing by a lake, looking out onto the water.

Draco: "Hey, man, you okay?"

I heard him sniffle and he wiped his eyes. When he turned around, his eyes were red.

Alex: "Yeah, I'm good"

Draco: "So... you're the son of an Archangel. Does that make you some kind of demigod?"

Alex: "Michael isn't a God, but I guess you could say that..."

Draco: "Did you know about all that? About what my parents did?"

Alex: "I... knew. But I didn't believe it, but I knew. I don't know much about your parents, you probably know more about them than I do"

Draco: "Aren't you... I don't know... mad?"

Alex: "Why would I be mad?"

Draco: "You were supposed to have this, the Dragon Bane. But... because of my parents... I have it now"

Alex walked up to me and patted me on the shoulder, avoiding eye contact.

Alex: "Well, if it's a gift from my dear old Dad, I don't want it"

He then walked past me and back towards the others. There would be time to talk about this stuff later.

We regrouped with everyone, however Annis and Shadow were still nowhere to be seen. Annis had vanished ever since Mammon attacked, maybe something happened to her. But more importantly...

Asuka: "The car!! That stupid Demon!!"

Alex: "It'll be alright, we'll get home another way"

Yuki: "We can't stay out in the open for too long. Beelzebub attacked us out of nowhere right when we were still recovering from Mammon. They know it's only a matter of time before we slip up"

Alex: "We stick to the plan, get back home and hope we have somewhere safe to stay. From there, we'll plan our next attack on the Sins"

Suddenly, everything came crashing down on me. My body felt like noodles and I felt a little dizzy. I walked back and leaned against a tree, slowly sliding down until I was sitting against it.

Draco: "What's... even the point...?"

Nozomi: "D-Draco? What's wrong?"

Draco: "We can't win this, there's no way"

I looked down at my hands to see they were trembling.

Draco: "M-Mammon and Belphegor, we could manage them. But... Beelzebub, we didn't stand a chance..."

Alex: "We were worn out from Mammon. If we had more time—"

Draco: "Even with prep time, none of us could even land a hit on him. He took out you and Yuki, the two best fighters on the team. We only got away because of Shadow, and who knows what happened to him. Then, if Michael hadn't shown up, we'd all be dead right now"

Nozomi: "But we aren't, Draco. Everything worked out—"

Draco: "No! It didn't! What part about any of that worked out!"

Asuka: "We're still alive, aren't we?"

Draco: "Look... my point is that if that was one of the Sins, and I was barely able to even keep up with him, what chance do I have against Satan?"

They were all quiet.

Yuki: "That doesn't matter. Get your ass up and let's get moving. You thought we couldn't defeat a single Sin before, now look at us, three down and four more to go before Satan"

Draco: "I... I was confident before, but after Beelzebub, I don't think I can do this..."

Yuki suddenly ran over to me and slammed her fist right into my cheek.

Draco: "O-Ow!! What the—"

Yuki: "Get ahold of yourself!! Sitting here on our asses doing nothing will guarantee their victory. We may not be able to win, but we can damn sure try. Even if it isn't about killing Satan, it's a matter of survival no matter how you look at it. So get a grip or I'll kill you and give Alex the Dragon Bane"

I spoke with heavy sarcasm.

Draco: "Thanks for the motivational speech"

Nozomi: "She's right, we need to keep going. Even if it seems hopeless, we can't stop now after all we've been through"

I tried to stand, however my legs wouldn't hold me up. I fell over, however Asuka was there to catch me.

Asuka: "We're all here for you, Draco, no matter what comes out from Hell"

Draco: "I... I just can't stop thinking... In a week, we'll either be back to normal or dead. I.. I'm scared..."

Asuka: "We all are, but we can't lose faith, that's what Satan wants"

Draco: "But... this is Armageddon, right? The end all be all"

I suddenly realized something.

Draco: "Wait... even if we win, won't all souls who are worthy just go to heaven? Anyone who isn't is just... destroyed... What if I get destroyed..."

Asuka: "You won't, you have a kind heart and you always try to help people. You'll get into heaven, I'm sure of it"

Though this didn't fix what was going on in my head, I managed to power through it.

Draco: "Thanks... Now let's figure out a way back"

Asuka: "I can try to make the car again, but it'll take a while, unless you want me to pass out again"

Draco: "Does anyone besides Asuka know much about cars?"

Alex: "I know a few things"

Yuki: "Definitely not, that's for the commoners to know"

Draco: "Don't act like a princess, tsun tsun"

Yuki: "What did you call me?!"

Nozomi grabbed onto her.

Nozomi: "Easy, girl, calm down"

I sighed.

Draco: "Leave the car to the three of us, you two stay close. We're not splitting up. Maybe Yuki can make us some water to drink, we don't have any since we left it all back at the mansion. Can you purify it too, Nozomi?"

Yuki: "Why does any water I make need purifying?"

Draco: "Not exactly sure how you would produce said water"

She blushed and her eyes began to glow red.

Yuki: "You stupid pervert!!!!!!"

Nozomi kept ahold of her.

Nozomi: "Any water she produces is transferred from the water vapor in the air, but I'll still purify it"

After that, the three of us got to work while Yuki and Nozomi made us some water. We had Asuka transform some rocks into cups for the water, however it brought up another question.

Draco: "Can't you just create food for us?"

Asuka: "I need to know the atomic structure of whatever I'm forming and it needs to be fundamentally similar to what I'm changing said matter into. So I would need something alive to make something like a cooked chicken or something"

She tightened a bolt on something in the engine.

Asuka: "Also, do you realize how much stuff makes up a human body? Granted, not everything is also in something like a cow or chicken, but I would have to know everything that makes it up"

Alex: "What about something like a potato?"

Asuka: "I can try, but making organic objects is really taxing, I might not have enough energy left for the car if I do"

Draco: "We'll last"

After a quick drink break, we got back to work. After a couple hours, just before sunset, we got the car completely finished. The three of us laid on the ground, panting and breathing heavily. Meanwhile Nozomi and Yuki just sat on a nearby log.

Yuki: "Up and at em! We have a long way to go!"

Alex: "Give us a break!! We just built a car for a couple hours straight! Give us a bit"

Yuki jumped up and walked over to the car.

Yuki: "Nissan Rouge, huh? Not bad on gas, I'll give you that. I would've preferred a Rav or something a bit faster, but this'll work"

Asuka: "We don't have gas though, I don't have enough energy to make any..."

Alex: "It's all good, there's a gas station not too far away. We can push the car and be on our way"

Yuki: "Cool, you three have fun with that. Come on, Nozomi, you get shotgun"

Draco: "Hell no! Get back here and help us push, you're stronger than I am!"

Yuki: "As good as it feels to hear you call me stronger than you, I have to decline"

Draco: "I forgot how much of a brat you are..."

Yuki: "I'm a sweetheart, aren't I~? Now get pushing before it gets dark"

Alex: "Unbelievable..."

After ten minutes of rest, Alex and I began to push the car from behind while Yuki and Nozomi sat up front with Asuka in the back.

After about an hour of pushing, we made it to a gas station. We put $20 worth of gas in the car, which wasn't much but it would get us most of the way there. If need be, we could pull over and have Asuka make some more gasoline after she rested up.

After we all got into the car, with Asuka sitting in the back between me and Alex, Yuki tossed a plastic bag back to us, keeping one bag up front with her.

Yuki: "Who's hungry? There should be plenty"

Draco: "How did you get all this?"

Asuka: "Did you steal it?!"

Yuki: "More like borrowed, but it's alright, we need the food. And they should be giving all of this to us for free since we're the ones saving them"

Draco: "I... guess"

Yuki: "Either take the food now or don't eat, your choice"

The three of us in the back dug into the food. We each had a hot dog, a small bag of chips, and a bottle of root beer. Meanwhile Yuki and Nozomi got one slice of pizza each and shared a chocolate milkshake.

Alex: "You two official yet?"

Yuki blushed.

Yuki: "Want me to crash this car too?"

Alex: "I'm good"

After getting onto the highway, we started talking a bit.

Alex: "So the plan is to go to my place. Demons and Exorcist's alike will be stalking Draco's and Nozomi's house. Yuki's is a little destroyed, and Asuka lived in the House of God"

Yuki: "We'll be completely alone and no one will be the wiser"

Alex: "Not... exactly"

Yuki: "What do you mean?!"

Alex: "I have a sister"

Yuki: "I've known you for how long and you haven't told me this?!"

Draco: "I knew"

Asuka: "Same"

Nozomi: "Did you really not know?"

Yuki: "Great! Guess I was left in the dark"

Alex: "It shouldn't be a problem. She knows about the whole exorcist thing, but she doesn't exactly care"

Asuka: "How long until we get there, then?"

Yuki: "Another two hours, buckle up"

After making a pit stop for Asuka to make more gasoline, we were back on the road and back in town before we knew it. It was like we never left, everything seemed normal. No signs of Exorcists or Demons anywhere, which was a good thing.

After another few minutes, we made it to Alex's house. It was inside a gated community, so it was much more secure. Once we arrived, his place was a log house surrounded by trees and a large driveway. It kind of reminded me of The Mystery Shack from Gravity Falls, giving off a bit of a mystical vibe.

Alex: "I just realized, she's gonna kill me for being gone for so long"

Draco: "We'll help explain, she knows you wouldn't do anything too stupid"

Alex: "That's exactly what we did"

The second Alex opened the door, we heard footsteps speeding down a hallway upstairs.

Alex: "Here it comes—"

A girl ran down the stairs so fast that she tripped, however she flipped forward and rammed feet first right into Alex, sending him to the ground and leaving her standing on top of him.

???: "Where in the hell have you been?!?!"

The girl was a year younger than us, however a little taller than Alex. She had Alex's dark black hair and chocolate skin with his fiery red eyes. Her black hair was long and tied into two long twin tails in two bright red ribbons, with the front of her hair covering her left eye. She wore a set of red headphones on her head which were currently around her neck. She also wore a dark red hoodie that was only partially zipped, leaving her chest area open and revealing a black bra underneath, however she didn't seem to care. She had on a black skirt and fishnet leggings that went all the way up her legs. For some reason, she had a collar around her neck with a large red heart on the front.

???: "You're such an idiot, you know that!!"

Alex: "Okay! I get it! P-Please get off!"

She got off of him and helped him up. She then gave him a huge hug before punching him in the side.

???: "I have several questions for you, but why did you bring your friends after all this time? You were missing for days!! I was about ready to call the police!!"

Alex: "It's a long story"

Her eyes fixated on the rest of us.

???: "Let me guess, Demon related?"

Alex: "Very much so"

She walked behind us and closed the door, checking out the window before walking back over.

Alex: "Yuki, Asuka, this is Scarlet, my sister"

Yuki and Asuka were the only ones who hadn't met Alex's sister.

Scarlet: "Nice to meet you, and all that. But if all this is about Demons, leave me out of it. All it brings is trouble"

She looked down at her phone.

Scarlet: "You guys can go talk about it in the living room or kitchen. I have a stream later and I can't miss it"

Asuka: "You stream?"

Scarlet: "Yeah, it's how I get my income. ScarletFlame69 if you're interested"

Asuka: "Wait— As in the account on OnlyFa—"

Alex grabbed the four of us and dragged us into the living room.

Alex: "We won't bother you, so go show off your feet on the internet or whatever"

Scarlet: "You know that's not what I do!!"

She stormed off into her room upstairs.

We sat down on couches or chairs that were scattered around the living room.

Alex: "Sorry about her... Ever since Mom died, she's been... kind of distant"

Nozomi: "Seems like she cares about you a lot"

Alex: "If she really cared, she would help fight them off"

Yuki actually seemed more reasonable.

Yuki: "You know this life isn't for everyone, if this was a perfect world, we wouldn't have to fight Demons to keep them at bay. Don't get upset with her because she doesn't want to die"

Alex: "The... the whole reason I became an Exorcist is because a Demon killed Mom... She knows it, but she acts like everything is fine..."

Draco: "Alex, man, you're being selfish. Just because you wanted to fight Demons doesn't mean she should too. I thought you'd actually be happy she isn't so she can stay safe"

Alex: "Will you just shut up!!"

Draco: "Woah! What did I do?!"

Alex: "Quit poking in on my family, just drop it and let's figure out what to do next..."

He turned away from us and walked into the kitchen.

Asuka: "What's up with him?"

Draco: "I think what Michael said is getting to him"

Asuka: "I'm not sure that's it. I know you've known him for longer, but he's acting really strange"

Draco: "I know, but asking him directly won't get us anywhere. For now, let's just stick with the task at hand"

After Alex managed to regain his composure, we sat down at the dining room table.

Alex: "If we're continuing with our original plan, we should track down the next Sin"

Draco: "Guys, I've been meaning to ask this for a while. What's the point in taking out the Sins? Yeah, I get they're powerful, but why are we targeting them?"

Nozomi: "The Seven Deadly Sins are essentially the Generals of Hell. They answer directly to The Devil himself, acting out his wishes since he can't leave Hell"

Draco: "If he's trying to escape Hell, why don't we try to prevent it?"

Yuki: "I don't exactly see a map on where we go to stop his summoning. Besides, it would be stupid to think we can stop him head to head. We would be fighting the entire army of Hell just to get to the place"

Alex: "Which is why we're after the Sins. Take out the Generals and the attack won't be nearly as successful, leaving us with an opportunity to win"

Suddenly, Asuka spoke up.

Asuka: "Guys... I've been thinking. We should join back up with Arana"

Yuki: "I'm not sure you've noticed, but we're public enemy number one right now!"

Yuki grabbed a drink from the fridge and sat back down.

Yuki: "They all think Draco's a Demon, which even we're unsure of the cause. We don't exactly have much proof to say he's human"

Nozomi: "I'm not a Demon, Demons can't use holy magic and I'm his sister"

Yuki: "We would need something more, like proof that he's not a threat"

Asuka: "Maybe, if we kill another Sin, they'll trust us. We've already taken three down until the end of Armageddon. One more and they may trust you"

I leaned back in my chair with a sigh.

Draco: "Or you guys could go back without me. I'm sure they'll trust all of you without me"

Nozomi: "No, Draco, we're not doing that! We're in this together until the end. Besides, we'll get questioned about where you are"

Draco: "So what do we do...!"

I grabbed onto the sides of my head.

Draco: "I... I'm scared...."

My arms were trembling and I was doing my best to keep myself from crying.

Draco: "Can't I just give the Dragon Bane to you, Alex? You'd be better off with it..."

Alex suddenly jumped out of his seat.

Alex: "No!! Keep the damn thing!!"

Yuki: "What the hell is your problem?! You've been a complete asshole every since we saw Michael!!"

Alex: "That's none of your business!!"

Suddenly, a bright light shined into the room, blinding us all. When it faded, Annis was hovering in the air with her Angel wings flapping slowly.

Draco: "Where have you been? We nearly died to a Sin while you were gone!"

Annis rolled her eyes.

Annis: "I had more important things to attend to"

Draco: "More important than protecting the one who you're supposed to keep an eye on? Some guardian Angel you are"

Annis: "I've already told you that I know how you die! I knew you wouldn't die there!"

Draco: "You do? Then tell me right now. Tell me if we succeed and save the world. Tell me that all of us make it out alive!"

For once, she didn't respond to me.

I stood up from my chair and walked to the door.

Annis: "Where do you think you're going?!"

Draco: "Out"

Asuka: "Draco! Hold on!"

Asuka ran over to me as I had already grabbed onto the doorknob.

Asuka: "Come on, we can't afford to split up right now. We need to stick together"

I suddenly snapped.

Draco: "Damnit Asuka!! Look around you! Everyone's on edge! We're all scared and tired and worn out! Some of us just need a break...!!"

I immediately regretted yelling after I saw her face, however I turned around with my head down and walked out of the house. I put my hood over my head and hands in my pockets.

I didn't exactly know where I was walking to, I didn't have a destination in mind. However I eventually found myself back at school just as the sun began to set.

Just when I thought today couldn't get much worse, it did.

???: "Hey Himeko!! Where the hell have you been?!"

I didn't even bother turning around since I immediately recognized the voice.

Alan: "Hey!! I'm talking to you!!"

I ignored him and kept walking. After a few steps, I felt him grab my shoulder.

Alan: "Don't fucking ignore me!"

I glared back at him.

Draco: "Piss off"

Alan: "Excuse me?! Who the fuck do you think you are!!"

He spun me around and pushed me away. I was able to keep my footing so I didn't fall to the ground.

Alan: "You and Nozomi vanished! What're you doing with her, you freak!!"

Draco: "I don't have time for this..."

I tried to turn away when he suddenly slammed his fist into my cheek.

Alan: "You better make time then, asshole!!"

After all that had happened in the past few days, all the rage and anger that was building up was about to explode out of me.

Draco: "Fuck..."

I grabbed him by his collar and slammed him against one of the school pillars.

Draco: "OFF!!!!!"

I swung my fist into his stomach so hard that it cracked the pillar. I let go of him and he fell to his knees, clutching his stomach.

Alan: "Y-You're a fucking psychopath!! A-A fucking monster!! You're a god damned murderer and you know it!!!!"

Him calling me a murderer didn't even phase me. I'd heard it thousands of times in school and in public. Every time someone would look at me, I saw fear in their eyes or even just pure disgust.

All they saw was a boy who killed his own parents.

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Holy— I'm so sorry—

It has been WAY too long since my last update and I apologize. I haven't had much motivation to write much since I'm so busy. Graduating in 4 months is also stressing me out too. But I'll try to get updates out whenever I can.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you next time!!