It was still early morning, and the sun was casting shadows over the grounds of Kuoh Academy.
The school gates were open, but there was only a trickle of staff and early-bird students making their way inside, most of whom were greeted by two ladies standing near the gates.
The front gates were still mostly closed, with only a trickle of faculty and early-bird students making their way inside.
As all of these people entered, Gabriel and Neuvillette were approaching the school gates.
Gabriel was humming softly, tugging on the hem of her floral blue dressed as she stepped just behind Neuvillette, her eyes scanning the courtyard ahead.
Despite their altered appearances, the aura around them was undeniable, subtle, controlled, but dignified. Anyone who stared at them could tell they were important people.
Neuvillette walked at a steady pace, every step measured. His hood was still up, brown eyes sharp and analytical beneath it. His senses were open, quietly scanning the territory ahead.
Gabriel let out a quiet whistle as they neared the gates, eyeing the school's pristine architecture. "Well, well. Kuoh Academy. Fancy little place for a Devil stronghold, don't you think?"
Neuvillette didn't glance her way, "The Devils figured it'd be best to have the girls make this school the centerpiece of their territory, with how young the girls are and everything."
She smirked, falling into step beside him, "Personally, I think they just have good taste in stonework."
He gave a soft exhale, not quite a sigh, "Focus, Gabriel."
"I am focused. Just… multitasking." She twirled a strand of her disguised hair, "Can't I appreciate the scenery while we hunt corrupted divine outlaws?"
"You can appreciate it once the situation is resolved."
Gabriel leaned closer with a teasing grin. "You know, for someone undercover, you walk like you're delivering judgment to the entire building."
"I am judging it," he said without missing a beat.
Gabriel laughed, bright and warm, "At least you're consistent."
They passed through the gates then, their presence causing a few students to glance over curiously before quickly looking away, unable to shake the feeling that these two weren't just some new transfer staff.
Neuvillette's gaze flicked forward, finally landing on the two girls waiting just ahead. "That must be Sitri and Shinra."
Gabriel clasped her hands behind her back, still smiling, "Let's hope they're friendlier than the last batch of devils I met. I didn't exactly leave a great impression."
Neuvillette gave her a side glance, "Then this time, try not to smite them with holy light as soon as they greet us."
Gabriel winked. "No promises."
Soon they arrived at the gates, and in front of the gates stood Sona, the heiress of the Sitri clan, accompanied by her ever loyal Queen, Tsubaki Shinra.
The two girls stood quietly, discussing the day's itinerary and greeting everyone who entered the school. They both turned as the disguised pair approached.
Tsubaki was the first to take notice, her heterochromatic gaze narrowing slightly as she sensed something...off. Not dangerous, not aggressive, just overwhelmingly composed, unnaturally poised. A presence that did not belong in a high school setting.
Sona turned, adjusting her glasses on reflex, her calm gaze meeting the approaching pair.
The two stopped a few feet before the Sitri heiress and her Queen.
"Good morning," Sona began formally, voice cool and practiced. "I don't believe I've seen you two before. Are you?"
"New hires?" Tsubaki asked politely, though her eyes flicked briefly to the school's barrier glyphs. Not even the detection wards had alerted them. That was alarming.
Gabriel smiled warmly and stepped forward, her poise deceptively gentle. "Oh, we're not faculty. Or students. At least not officially." She glanced around playfully, then leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.
"We're just here to have a little talk. Somewhere private, with you... and the Gremory heiress."
Sona's brows drew together, about to speak, when Gabriel's expression shifted subtly.
No change in posture. No radiating power. But in an instant, Sona knew.
Those amber eyes sparkled, and for a fleeting moment, the illusion faltered, just enough for Sona to glimpse the truth behind it. A flash of radiant gold, the faint outline of six wings behind her, like the memory of light burned into closed eyes.
Tsubaki gasped softly, stepping slightly in front of her King on instinct, but Sona raised a hand to still her. Her mind moved quickly. She recognized the signs. An Archangel…? Here?
Sona swallowed quietly, her voice careful, "I see. Then I take it this isn't a social visit."
Gabriel winked. "Would've loved it to be, honestly. But unfortunately, this one, " she gestured lightly toward Neuvillette "doesn't believe in vacations."
Neuvillette gave a silent nod, his hooded gaze steady on Sona, though he didn't speak.
Sona turned to Tsubaki. "Clear the next hour. Let Rias know she's needed. I'll take them to the Club Room."
Tsubaki gave a brief nod and stepped away.
Without missing a beat, Sona turned back to the two visitors. "This way."
Gabriel fell into step beside her, swaying slightly as she walked, clearly enjoying the mild chaos she'd caused. "You know, you're handling this quite well. I half expected screaming or warding circles."
"I prefer not to waste energy panicking," Sona replied flatly, "Though I must admit, I never expected the Seraph of Communication to just walk through the front gate."
Gabriel grinned, "Wouldn't have worked without the outfit, right?"
Behind them, Neuvillette remained silent, gaze scanning every corner, every magical ward, every ripple in the mana of the area. He wasn't here to chat. He was here to judge.
Sona pushed open the main doors and led them through the quiet halls of Kuoh Academy toward the old building housing the Occult Research Club.
"Rias should be there by now," Sona said. "She has...a looser morning schedule than I do."
Sona didn't dignify that with a response.
When they reached the door of the Occult Research Club, Sona paused and looked over her shoulder. "Once inside, I suggest you be clear and direct. They're not used to visitors like you."
Gabriel's smile widened,"Darling, no one is used to visitors like us."
Neuvillette simply stepped forward, his hand on the handle.
The door opened.
The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a... rather unique sight.
Issei Hyoudou, dressed in a slightly wrinkled school uniform, sat stiffly on a couch with an erotic magazine in hand.
Akeno Himejima, the Queen of the Gremory peerage, stood beside him, leaning low, whispering something into his ear with a sultry smile as her hand trailed teasingly along his collar.
"F-f-f-foul temptress!" Issei stammered, nearly falling backward off the couch.
Sitting nearby at a table, Rias, Kiba, and Koneko looked on with mixed reactions, Rias mildly amused, Kiba sipping tea, and Koneko munching on a snack in total indifference.
"I think he might explode," Gabriel murmured, eyes dancing.
Neuvillette said nothing, but his brow twitched. Just slightly.
Akeno straightened, eyes now on the guests. "Oh? We have company. My, my..."
Sona walked in behind them a moment later. "Everyone, pay attention."
Rias turned her head. "Sona? You're early today."
"I had reason to be. Let me introduce our guests. Though I suggest you all compose yourselves."
Rias raised an eyebrow, curious. "Friends of yours?"
"Hardly," Sona replied with a rare hint of deference. "Everyone… I need you to treat these two with the utmost respect."
Gabriel smiled brightly and waved. "Hi!"
Neuvillette stood straight, arms behind his back, gazing over the room like a judge examining the accused. Despite his simple attire, his posture radiated undeniable authority.
Rias narrowed her eyes, "You're not human."
"No," Neuvillette said calmly.
Gabriel stepped forward, "We're here investigating the activity of the Fallen Angels around Kuoh. You've encountered them, yes?"
Kiba stood up, his hand subtly resting near his hip,"And who exactly are you two?"
Sona coughed slightly, drawing everyone's attention as a sense of embarrassment could be seen on her face after she heard Kiba's question.
Still, she remained calm and looked towards Rias, "This is Neuvillette, Chief Ludex, and she..." Sona gestured to Gabriel, " is none other than Archangel Gabriel of Heaven."
Silence.
Akeno's teasing demeanor dropped like shattered glass. Even Issei sat up straight, blinking stupidly at the revelation.
Rias's eyes widened, the color draining from her face,"Archangel… Gabriel?"
Gabriel's smile turned soft and sad, "Yup. And I'm not here to smite anyone. Yet."
Koneko, still chewing, finally spoke, "Why are you really here?"
Neuvillette stepped forward, his presence silencing the room like thunderclouds overhead.
"There is a girl currently in the hands of the Fallen Angels. She possesses a Sacred Gear of immense healing potential. We want to know who she is and why they're targeting her. We suspect you might have the answer."
Rias glanced to Sona, who gave a confirming nod.
"You must be referring to Asia" Issei immediately sprang up, "See Rias, I told you, we need to go save her."
Kiba's eyes narrowed, "Then what's the plan?"
"This is your jurisdiction, so I'll give you all a chance to take them down from the side first, of course, if you fail, we'll take over."
"WE WON'T FAIL!" Issei hurriedly shouted, "We're definitely gonna save her."
***
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