Chapter 15 - Yeah, I saw it coming from a mile way...

∆ Part 1

It has been some hours, but Kuroka and Shirone had not been able to meet Nora again. As he had told her, Kuroka kept the box close to her, even when the devils that helped her to get away from the facility tried to take it away from her... she resisted. Although they only stopped when she said that she wanted to meet those people Nora mentioned, saying that she knew them. A lie she made up at that moment. But since Nora gave her those names, they were probably acquainted.

After that, her sister and her were taken to a devil city. And it would've been an impressive sight if only she had her mind into looking at it.

...

...

Guided to a building among many others, they entered it and saw how there were many people dressed similarly as the ones who brought them here. They were then taken to a room where there was a long table with many chairs around it.

"Please wait here for a moment before I speak with my superior about what you said"

Saying such a thing, the person who brought them here left... not before coming back to leave them with chocolate bars and juice.

...

"Nora-nya, when are you going to come here...". Muttered Kuroka to herself in a lonely tone of voice.

She was happy that they are now away from the facility, but the happiness got halved many times as Nora was not by their side.

"Nee-sama, it will be ok. He was able fullfit his promise so he will surely...". Shirone said trying to console her sister.

"I know-nya... But I thought we would be able to be together as soon as we left that place-nya". Kuroka weakly said.

For Kuroka, she had already been away from Nora for enough time.

"I know you miss him... I too...". Shirone muttered in a low tone of voice, but noticing what she said, Shirone tightly closed her mouth.

Perhaps she thought that Kuroka did not hear her slip of tongue so she did not say anything else in case she commited the same mistake.

Too bad, but Kuroka-onee-chan heard her.

Few things were able to change Kuroka's mood at the moment, and unfortunately(?) for Shirone, those words were one of them.

"Ohhhh!". With her mood doing a complete turn, Kuroka exclaimed.

Just from the tone, Shirone already regrets her slip(?) of tongue just now.

"Hehe, I knew it-nya". Happily said Kuroka as she grinned.

Shirone turned her face to another place just to avoid looking at that grinning face. Although she did not want to see her Onee-sama sad... she does not exactly enjoy when she gets enthusiastic about a topic like this as she gets carried away.

"You can turn your face away-nya ︋︋♪. But I heard you-nya ♪". Said Kuroka in a happy tone.

Just hearing her, Shirone felt a sudden impulse to just leave her alone. But... while a little annoyed at her actittude... she was a bit relieved that she was acting like usual.

"You probably miss heard". Said Shirone.

"No-nya ♪. Don't be shy, I also like him-nya. It makes me happy that you get on friendly terms with him... Although I would be even more happy if the three of us could be together...". Kuroka started to speak in a merry tone, but her words lost strength when the fact that Nora was not with them came up again.

It was a little too much for Shirone to keep the happy mood.

...

Minutes went by, or perhaps hours. For the Nekomata sisters it not easy to tell how much time they had spent there waiting.

And finally, after all that wait... there was a knock on the door of the room they were. Just after that, the door opened, and two people came into the room. One man with crimson hair, followed by a woman with silver hair.

"Hmmm, hello there. I came as I heard that a nekomata asked for me... But you are not who I was expecting". Said the crimson-haired man with a frown.

"Sirzechs-sama, when I gave you the report it clearly stated that the individual was a young female...". The silver-haired woman said with no change of expression.

"Well, you say that, but you were the one who practically brought me here to confirm that". Replied the crimson-haired man, Sirzechs with a wry smile.

At those words, the silver haired woman flinched a little.

"That is just because Ojou-sama is very worried...". Said the silver-haired woman as the mask with no expressions on her face started to break.

At the side, Kuroka and Shirone could only blink in confusion at those strangers conversation.

Noticing the strange looks they were receiving, the man awkwardly coughed before speaking to the two who were already in the room.

"I think that there is a need to introduce myself, I am one of the four Maou, Sirzechs. Beside me, this is Grayfia, my wif-ouch... *cough* my Queen. Hey, I don't think it matters if I introduce you like that once in a while". Complained Sirzechs to Grayfia who had pinched his side mid-words.

"We are currently working...". Replied Grayfia as she avoided looking him on the eyes.

"Yes, yes... *Sigh* Anyways, you two. We already introduced ourselves. I think it should be your turn now. Also... there are a few questions I would like to make". Said Sirzechs as his tone became serious all of sudden.

Slightly flinching at the change of atmosphere that the man gave, Kuroka and Shirone didn't answer immediately.

*Gulp*

Recovering faster, and considering her duty as a big sister, Kuroka spoke.

"I am Kuroka, and this is Shirone-nya. We are sisters-nya... Uhmmm, I know that you have questions, but we also have things we want to ask-nya. Do you know where is the child that was with us before they brought us here? He is a Nekomata like us-nya... Can you tell me? Please? Where is Nora-nya?". Inquired Kuroka in a sad tone.

At those words, Sirzechs and Grayfia exchanged a glance and then both bitterly smiled.

"Actually, that was what we were planning to ask you. When someone used the name of my family, and my wif-ouch, my queen's name, and not to mention... my name. I thought it was that child. Someone who we have been looking for months, Nora Shiki. But the report said that it was a black-haired female Nekomata that called for us... so I had to see this in person. Still... Can you tell me how the two of you know about him?". Asked Sirzechs.

This time, Kuroka and Shirone shared a glance, and they both nodded at each other.

"Well... It's like this...". Kuroka started to explain.

...

...

Having just finished speaking, Kuroka was a little thristy, but as a juice was timely put in from of her by Grayfia, she drank it.

No one in the room spoke a word, Sirzechs and Grayfia both had a frown on their face.

After pondering for a while longer, Sirzechs spoke.

"That is something quite difficult to believe if it wasn't for the reports of the patrols... Yet, there is nothing on Nora-kun huh. It's somehow fishy. Is that everything? From what you told me, the three of you spend a good amount of time together. Did he tell you anything else?". Asked Sirzechs.

Hesitating for a moment, Kuroka tightly gripped what was held on her ŀȧp, the box that Nora gave her.

"He left me with this when we escaped...". Said Kuroka as she handed the box to Grayfia who was already beside her to take it.

After confirming the contents of the box, Grayfia handed it to Sirzechs who also inspected the contents.

"I guess this confirms that Nora-kun was there. The leader of the Youkais told us that he carried this with him before suddenly losing the signal. Hmmm, as for the other things... cat shaped hair clips? And what is this thing?. Grayfia, send this to Ajuka. Tell him that I need a favor... if he could take a look at these things now, it would be a big help. I doubt that these things were randomly put in here by that child...". Said Sirzechs as pondered about what he just found inside the box.

Grayfia took the box back and was about to leave when...

"Oh, I almost forgot. Let Serafall know about this too. Tell her directly. She has been cooperating in the search too so it would be a good idea to tell her now that we got a clue where Nora-kun has been". Explained Sirzechs.

All that Kuroka could do was to watch as these two people spoke about this and that, even if a few names came up, she was not able to understand who were those people or how they were related to Nora. But she understood that they were trying to help him, and that put her at ease. Well, only slightly as she still wanted to reunite with Nora.

"Onee-sama, you see? It is as Nora said, everything will be alright so don't be sad...". Shirone used this opportunity to lift her big sister' mood.

Although she spoke softly as to not be heard by the other devils in the room.

Kuroka nodded at her little sister. She was happy that she was speaking more. Even if it only was to lift her mood... no, it made her happy that she did it because of that.

"Now then... I think that you two have limited choices you can make at this point. You can either stay here and wait for Nora-kun to be found. Although I wouldn't recommend it. There are many people interested in what happened at that place. So I offer you to take you to my family's manor and wait for him there". Said Sirzechs as he had already finished talking with Grayfia.

It was obvious for the Maou, that if he left the two on their own, there would be many people who would try reach for them.

The incident this time was not made public, but there were probably many nobles families that had their methods to find out that something had happened even before it was properly dealt with.

From the initial report, that facility was involved in illegal experiments... and while he would like to believe otherwise, many children were used as subjects.

Various individuals would be interested in putting their hands on these children. A proper follow up is necessary. But seeing how the girls in front of him were familiar with Nora... he thought that he should offer them preferencial treatment.

Sirzechs had an idea that the box given by Nora was something important, and handing it to them had to be for a particular reason. Even leaving that token inside. So that is why he will take them under his wing... or rather, the Gremory's wing, for now.

"...I don't know-nya. Staying here does not sound that good, but I am not sure if I want to go with you, Maou-sama?. I just want to meet Nora-nya". Replied Kuroka after thinking for a moment.

Even when Nora had told them to call these people, Kuroka still found it hard to just accept to be taken somewhere else after finally escaping the facility.

"You don't have to add '-sama' to my title. As for the other thing, I can guarantee that you will be treated well, you won't be lonely either as you can play with my little sister. She is friend's with Nora-kun too". Smiling slightly, Sirzechs tried to kindly convince them.

Hesitating for a moment, Kuroka spoke again.

"A friend-nya?". Asked Kuroka slightly curious.

Taking her interest as an opportunity to convince her, Sirzechs continued.

"Yes, they met since years ago so they are very good friends". Replied Sirzechs.

It was not technically a lie so everything was ok. Although Sirzechs would probably be reproached by Grayfia later after she heard the method he used.

"Hmmm, I don't know-nya". Muttered Kuroka still not fully convinced.

"...There will be plenty of food and sweets too". Sirzechs used his last card.

"Onee-sama... I think we should go". Suddenly said Shirone in a decisive tone of voice.

Thinking about what was probably that convinced her littler sister, Kuroka smiled wryly.

"Ok-nya.... We will go-nya". Said Kuroka at last.

In that moment, Sirzechs felt that the little sister was the person who he should've tried to convince since the beginning, as he probably would've saved some time.

∆ Part 2

I expected things to possibly go this way, but to think that I would ended up behind the bars.

Nora Shiki, around 8 (?) years old... already in jail.

Nope, I don't think I can laugh at that.

...

...

My appearence seemed to have brought me some troubles...

Being covered in blood while wearing a patient's garb is not exactly something that many would ignore.

I was separated from Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan as soon as we managed to escape.

Apparently, following the testimony coming from some of Naberius' men, I was pointed to be a dangerous and highly aggressive individual. Which is why I was taken to a different place from the girls... or so I was told. But something smelled fishy.

I felt that some those devils were not there for the same motives that the ones who came to take care of helping the captured people. I even overheard them saying how they wanted to destroy evidence of the involvement of some devils.

Too bad that I was not able to hear the whole conversation. But I wonder if they are only there to destroy evidence... if they tried to collect Naberius' research data... then it would be hilarious as I already had taken what I think was useful and gave it to Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan after putting it in the box.

I had taken the opportunity to recover the cat shaped hair-clips that Shirone-chan used in the Canon... which I found by pure coincidence. I mostly took it as it was probably the only memento she got from her parents, even if they were like the Canon and carried all the research data of what was done to Kuroka-chan, it wouldn't matter too much to me. Although it would be a good proof in case that some guy wanted to pin something on her.

Well, I also took something that looked like an usb flash-drive from the safe and put it in there... the same goes from couple of those that Naberius had on his body.

Hopefully, they become useful later...

Well, I am currently behind the bars so I doubt that they will be useful right now.

I just wonder how long will I be here. It was a somewhat long travel, where they took me to a building were they gave me a bath (against my will) and made me wear some really old school prisoner's outfit. Black and white strips covered the damned overol.

Well, I think that it could've been worse... wish they finish doing their investigation quickly. They left me here until they confirmed some stuff.

...

...

This is not looking good, they just put me a collar that works the same as the restrains from Naberius.

They led me out off the office (I resisted), and put in a vehicle.

...

...

No one hears my words no matter how much I shout or yell... I only got hit as a result.

The vehicle stopped at one place that no matter how you looked at it... seems like a prison. Well, it does not look that big so it could've been worse.

...

...

Forget my earlier words...

What the heck is wrong with these people and their damned underground facilities. This prison got many floors under the ground level.

I am extremely worried. Were those two taken here like me?. No, these guys just pinned some charges at me (which I can't really deny... I mean, Arsony, Murder and Assault are things I kind of did so...). I made sure to not allow Kuroka-chan fight or get involved in anything just to make sure that she never becomes a criminal. Although I ended up becoming one myself.

Oh, the irony.

*Sigh*

...

...

I took the liberty of taking a peek around with my Clairvoyance, and from what I could see... the prison seems to be divided by four major areas. Each separated by a number of floors in between. I wonder what is this about.

Besides that, I found this place to be similar to prisons from my old world... well, without the non-humans prisoners of course.

There are many kind of prisoners, and the lower you go, the lesser there are.

It feels that it is because...

...

...

Trying to ask or speak only made them hit me in response... the same as resisting so I only made sure to learn as much as I could from the situation.

I was not exactly calm about this, but it is not time to lose my head. No matter how I look at this, it is not a mistake or an equivocation.

The guys who brought me here are hardly speaking. Exchanging a few words with the wardens at the entrance, they just entered the prison with me in tow. And although I got a few curious glances, there was no one who said a word about me being here. Well, I think I saw some people who were about to say something before being scolded by their superiors.

...

...

I kept being led farther and farther from the surface. The only way to move between floors being elevators that were located on different ends from each floor. And they only worked to connect one floor to another.

Thanks to that, I was able take a closer look without using my ability at the whole place.

Although what picked my interest was how this place keeps criminals from different races, and not only devils. Considering how many noble houses in the Canon believed in devil supremacy, I expected to be lesser if not any kind of criminals from another race.

Fallen angels, devils, even humans... youkais from different shapes and sizes. Truly impressive. And scary. Those guys don't look friendly at all.

I wonder... How long will I have to be here.

...

...

From certain point downwards... it became more difficult to even walk. Putting aside the damned collar that worked as a restrain for my Ki. Just stepping into this new floor, I started to feel somewhat drained of energy. It was a slow process, but I certainly felt it.

It was not simple just me that imagined it. The effect was real. I could observe how the prisoners from this floor were less active that the ones from the previous floors.

They look more idle, you could even call them haggart.

How interesting, and ruthless of them.

Those Maous were always portrait as peace loving guys, but they at least kept the criminals in check. Well, now I suffering from that though.

...

...

To not get bored, I kept making a map of the lay out of this place on my mind. Although it is lacking compared to the one I made at Naberius' facility since I had much more time to look at every bit and cranny from that place.

Each floor seemed to be divided further in four areas. And each area have a number of rooms that kept the prisoners locked. The doors are not open in bars style, but instead the door only has a small glass view to see from the outside. It made me remember that damned facility somehow.

They are separated by wide hallways, and the doors are not all closed. Allowing free movement to the prisoners. Although there are wardens everywhere and from what I can see, security cameras. It made me wonder why they are not using magicc to observe them, until I remembered the draining effect... but who cares.

...

...

I have been confirming this at close proximity as they lead me downwards. But each area seems to keep different kinds of criminals. Without minding the races, I noticed how some of the prisoners have a better semblance than others, and while there are really thin prisoners bordering the unhealthy, I could also see very fat guys that could use a diet or two. Those people kinda look arrogant even though they are here... a mocking grin was directed at me more than once, or just an annoyed look.

I kind of feel that it has something to do with their social status, but I can only speculate at this point.

...

...

After walking at such a slow pace for long, and being slightly drained from the walk around these strange floors. The wardens just left me in an empty room without saying another word.

I scratched my head in confusion at my situation, but I was at least thankful that I had no room mates. The guys from this area look beyond unfriendly.

...

...

"Stop right there, you piece of sh*t!!!!"

"Catch that that runt"

"Don't let him escape"

No, just let me go.

Complaining in my head, I ran as fast as my legs allowed me to.

It was just a few minutes after being left here and I was already running away.

I know I said that these guys looked unfriendly, but this is too much. Picking a fight with me since I was new is beyond absurd. I am not going to survive if they give me a beating now, those guys won't be holding back after all.

"It's all your fault, you let him go!"

"No, it was you!"

"No, it w-"

"SHUUUPT UP! YOU BOTH SCR*W IT!"

Hearing them fight from behind me, I was beginning to get tired. This floor is affecting me more than I thought.

Suddenly, a door from one of the cells opened and hand extended from inside catching the helm of my clothes.

"Hey, w-". I tried to yell but another hand was put on my mouth to seal my voice.

I was dragged inside the room, and the door closed.

...

...

Well, this is awkward.

After being dragged inside the room, I expected another prisoner to attack me so I resisted by kicking and hitting whatever I could.

I was indeed able to hit and kick the person who dragged me. Just... he apparently meant no harm to me, as he wanted to save me from those guys.

A-w-k-w-a-r-d.

"Eh... Sorry about that". I honestly apologized.

Although I can't just trust an individual that 'happened to help me just when I needed it', it would be rude to act rudely to him after getting saved.

"Don't mind it, kid...". Said the individual who saved me as he rubbed the places I hit him. Which were mostly the face and ċhėst.

Observing the person, I noted that this guy is a human... and a rather aged person at that. With a haggart and dishiveled face full of wrinkles, he had long white hair and brown eyes. His height was not very tall, reaching 160 or 161cm perhaps. One thing I could be not help but notice is that he gave the atmosphere of someone crafty. It is difficult to explain as it is more a feeling than anything else.

"Thanks for your help by the way...". I did not not forget to thank him.

"Sure, sure... But it is very odd to see such a small child roaming around in this place. You must've pissed off someone very important to be sent here". Said the old man as he took a seat on his(?) bed.

Me? When did I do such a thing?.

"You can't be serious, there is no way I could've done that". I exclaimed indignantly.

"Those guys usually use methods like these to get rid of people that they want to make disappear but it would be difficult to do so". Explained the old man.

Oh... That reminds me that I kinda wrecked that facility a little. But who would... Hmmm. I didn't think too much about the consequences of my actions, or rather, I did not expect them to come and bite me so soon.

It is terribly absurd to ȧssume that the sicko was working alone. The scale of the operation where you kidnap children, make experiments and evade the law is not something that just anyone can do. Everything reeks of hidden collaborators... but the question is who. I really have no clue.

"Let's say that it is as you say... Wouldn't the actual good guys among the devil's find out about this?". I asked something I was wondering.

"Do you think they check every single criminal that gets locked in a prison?. It is because they entrust it to 'capable and reliable' people(devils) that they trust that everything is running perfectly fine. No one cares if there is one more criminal or one less, it is that simple. With the ones managing this place practically bought, they can do pretty much everything. Even until not long ago, there was a rumor that prisoners were being brought out... but it stayed as that, as rumors". Replied the old man.

Ah, ahhh, ahhhhh. This is giving me a headache. What sh*tty situation.

I don't even know where to retort here.

"Well, that is how it is... the world is not an sweet or kind place. Even I, was brought here under charges like spionage and theft, but there was never evidence or even a trial. They just knocked my door one day, one second I was preparing for breakfast... the next second I was eating breakast... in jail". Muttered the old man in bitter tone.

Hmmmm?.

"Were you actually guilty of all that?". I asked as I took a seat on the floor, rather far from the old man.

I was trying to recover the fastest I could, just from the running I did before, I was exahusted.

"Oh...... No comment". Replied the old man grining foolishly.

It actually made me want to hit him. This guy...

"Aren't you here because you actually commited a crime? Why were you talking like you are victim here?". I inquired.

I don't get this guy.

"It is true that there was no evidence against me. I truly left nothing behind that they could use to trace me. I was just out here out of the blue. But don't worry kid, no need to be scared of me because I did a few bad things. I am actually rather awesome, you know. I am like those spies on the movies". Said the old man in a cheerful tone.

Did I already said that I don't get this guy? Because I don't.

"You are really alike, even to point where you let yourself get caught". I said.

"Hey, I am really good in my craft, I just don't have anything here but if I get my gadgets back, I could even show you to change your appearance and no one will know that it is you". The old man tried to convince me.

One word can overcome whatever he does with his gadgets... magic.

"Not like I care, besides... Wouldn't magic do the trick?". I asked.

I mean... this is a world were supernatural beings are everywhere.

"*Tsk* *tsk* Magic this, magic that. You supernatural creatures are always using that, but let me ask you. Magic might help you to change your appearance... but, Is that enough to foul others?. You require more than that. Your appearance, your voice, even the gestures down to the tiniest details, I reckon that magic won't be able to help you with all that. Kid, don't understimate humans craft because they are not magical. Your magic requieres more than sheer quantity to be useful". Explained the old man in a rather annoyed voice.

"Oh, but I can't use magic though...". I said.

It was not my intention to trigger the switch this guy had regarding his abilities... That was just a simple question.

"Then, why the heck did mention magic just now?". Asked the old man more annoyed than when he complained about magic.

"Curiosity...". I replied while shrugging my shoulders.

"Don't you know that curiosity killed the cat?". Said the old man as he looked at my ears and tails.

I know that he is hinting something here... but it is seriously not funny. So instead of answering, I just stared at him listlessly.

He seemed to get that I did not find amusing his comment because he just scratched his head with a troubled look.

"*Sigh* ok, ok... I might've spoken a bit to much since I hardly speak with other people". Muttered the old man.

Do they avoid him because of his talking habits?.

As rude as my thoughts were, they were wrong.

"It is not a very good idea to wander around here. The wardens will not move to protect other prisoners from each other. Unless they try to do something to the prison, or they do something cathalogated as 'escaping', they will just stare at you as you get wrecked". Explained the old man.

That does not sound like good news.

Then again, being here is already very bad for me.

"Then, you are here because you pissed off someone huh...". I muttered.

It would be too much of a coincidence that we both bothered the same guy so there is the possibility that many people(devils) are involved in this kind of actions. Until what extent can they influence in certain matters such a this is not clear.

"So you are... By the way, What kind of stuff did they pin on you before bringing you here?". Asked the old man.

Hmmm, not like it matters if he knows or not.

"Murder, ȧssault, theft and arsony... Yeah". I replied while counting with my fingers.

Not exactly a lie if I think about it...

The old man just stared at me with weird expression as I said that.

"You are not just some random kid huh... My guts were right". Murmured the old man but I was still able to hear him. I still ignored it though.

"Hey, Why did you exactly save me? I doubt you did it out of the kindness of your heart... My apologizes, but you don't look that type". I asked trying to change the subject.

"No particular reason... is what I was going to say, but you are not buying that. There is no such a deeper reason though. I was just following my I instincts here, you know, my gut. They were telling me that it would be good for me to give you a hand". Replied the old man rather proudly.

No... no matter how you look at it...

"Didn't your guts help to when you were about to get caught? If they are that good... Why are you here?". I ask.

"It is just a faint feeling you get, not a guide book with all the right answer... They have helped me many times before and they are hardly wrong". The old man replied to my slightly jab.

Yeah, it still sounds unreliable.

...

...

Waiting for a while in silence, I noticed that the draining effects had disappeared at some point, allowing me a swift recovery.

"Today's draining ended earlier huh...". Muttered the old man he seemed to have noticed the same thing as me.

"What is exactly that?". I asked.

"Oh, that? You were feeling it right? It drains our strenght to keep us in check. There are many mystical creatures who would be able to break havoc even with this collar on them. It is just an ensurance to maintain a 'peaceful' environment. Although I am not sure what they do exactly with the energy that is drained. No matter if it's magic power, demonic power, Ki or whatever you use, they suck that out of you...". Answered the old man.

*Click*

Such a sound was suddenly heard after the old man had spoken.

I froze where I was standing... the same happened to the old man.

"Hey... Does this also happen often too?" I asked as I moved my hand to my neck.

Touching my now free neck, I stared at the floor where the collar had fallen at some point during my surprise.

"No, no, no... There is not way that this happen often. They never take these off". Replied the old man with dumbfounded face.

I had probably the same face as well...

"Then... What is this?". I asked while pointing at the fallen collar.

Something just occurred to me but...

"Hey, Why do you think I would know? This is the first time it has happened. At least from the time I was put in here until now, it has been like that". Replied the old man as he stood up and walked to the door.

Suddenly, the lights went off quickly and then came back just as fast. But there was something different, a slight red tinge was mixed with them this time.

*Alarm sound*

An alarm was heard along with...

"This is not a drill, I repeat, this not a drill. Areas 1 and 3 from the middle division have been taken over by the prisoners. All personal on site, be careful".

A voice was heard from what I believe we're loudspeakers located on the hallways, resounded loudly.

Ok, I did not want to accept it but... there seems to be a slightly riot going on...

I moved to the door and standing on my tip toes (and shoving aside the old man), I observed how outside was total chaos.

I managed to see how a few wardens were fighting some prisoners, and how the prisoners were putting a resistance.

From how I see it, those guys might last for now. But that is only because not many prisoners have joined the fray. This will turn into a bloodbath soon.

Oh, jeez... I have a terrible luck.

I am considering becoming a hikikomori if I get out of this one alive.

∆ Part 3

Sirzechs was having a headache right now.

He has not been able to get much from the investigation of that facility. Many of the documents were destroyed by the time his trusted subordinates arrived on site. It is bothersome that he was not able to get more than a bit of information on some experiments... but the especificts were not 'readable'.

It is not difficult to figure out that someone destroyed them with the intention to hide what happened there. Even few of the captured people have been 'silenced' in what he believes is an intent to avoid any leak of information. Even when all the might he has in a fight, it basically means nothing when the opponent uses politics and underhanded tricks to get what they want.

*Sigh*

"This is why I wanted a simpler life, and not some Maou title...". Muttered Sirzechs to himself.

Alone in his office, he had just ordered to strengthen the security on any captured individual from the facility to avoid any more cases where they are found dead.

While it did not happen as often, ȧssassination has been used since long ago in the devil society to take care of some problems... it is hard to trace when it started.

Although... this case is bigger than he initially thought.

Many noble houses must be involved if they are being this agressive at getting rid of the possible links that could be used to trace them. And quite the high ranking ones at that.

It all started by looking for that young youkai.

Yet, he got bunch of troubles on his table but he hasn't found Nora yet.

He had sent Grayfia to check if he was taken by any patrol, and that was going to take some time as she would have to go personally if Grayfia wanted a real confirmation instead of a half-assed one.

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~

Starting from the description given by the Nekomata sisters she got. Grayfia began looking for the particular patrol that had taken Nora.

It did not take too much effort to trace them, but when she arrived on the site, those people had apparently been sent to solve certain issues in different parts of the city where they were.

It took a bit of restrain from her part to not simple lash out at that lame excuse. But that was not really the reason why she was here so it was something she would take care of later.

Directly asking for any clue about Nora, there was apparently no one that fitted that name or description in the patrol's base.

As she was being taken for a fool twice, Grayfia did not took it nicely this time. So she began with a slightly rough questioning, using her the authority of the Maou along with a little pressure of her demonic power to kindly remind the man who was not cooperating that he should answer truthfully.

Thankfully, this time she able to hear what she wanted. Although it was not exactly good news.

He had been here until not long ago, but he was directly locked behind bars using pathetically excuses. It really angered her when she heard it. Her demonic power leaked to the point that the man fainted on the spot.

Informing Sirzechs, she was told to inform their other cooperator in this situation to lend a hand.

The prison that Nora was taken to was a tricky place as many political prisoners were locked up there. Going there out of the blue could bring many repercussions so more help (authority was needed).

...

...

After calming down her indignant friend who got angry at that child's situation, both decided to meet at the prison.

For someone who believes in justice like her, Nora's situation put her in a bad mood. But she also knows that it would be reckless to act without thinking so they were preparing the propers procedures.

"I better hurry, Serafall is waiting...". Muttering to herself, Grayfia teleported to the next location she had to go.

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~

"So, you are telling me that we should save the wardens? Just because your guts are telling you to". I asked in an uncertain tone.

I don't particularly mind helping those guys as I am not enjoying the sight of them being ganged on, no, I don't really find pleasing a situation where violence is used mindlessly itself. But intervining now would only change the target of the prisoners from them to me.

"This uprising will be taken care of soon... most likely. At that time, they will turn their hostility on the prisoners like you have no idea. But if we lend a hand, they would even change the place of our cells to a more cozy location". Explained the old man while he rubbed his hands together and had a rather crafty expression.

Yeah, I sort of imagined that he was not going to help out of kindness. Still, his guts again?.

"Are you nuts? Even then, we would be making an enemy of those guys. I don't know how things work here, but in jail you should never make enemies, that much I know. Waiting quietly would be better". I exclaimed.

I might've gotten my Ki back. But I was not at my top form. Until not long ago I was fighting non stop to escape that facility. My body has recovered due my continuous caring using Senjutsu, but that is not enough.

*Sigh*

"You are not thinking things through, you don't know enough of this place. Whom you should be afraid are the wardens not the prisoners. There are few of those guys who come to this floor to relieve stress by harming the first unlucky guy they find. We should take this opportunity to get better treatment while we can". Explained again the old man.

I can't deny anything he just said as it happened in my old world a lot. There were sometimes news on the TV about it. And I can only imagine that in this place it would be worse for some. The guys who sent me here won't just throw me here to let me rot. They probably have other things in mind.

At the end, I was convinced.

Hopefully I won't regret this later.

...

...

"Get down!" I yelled before throwing Kashas at the prisoners. It felt somewhat different to how I usually create them but I had already sent the attack flying.

I don't know how strong those guys are for real, they don't feel as strong as Nil or the queen of Naberius. But it would stupid to underestimate them just for that.

The Kashas quickly hit the guys on the other part of the group that were attacking the wardens. Even if my yell worked that intended to be as a warning for the wardens ended up warning the prisoners too, not everyone would be able to evade as they were gathered together.

"What is this!?"

"Hey, he just bursted into flames!"

"Move it! I don't want to burn as well!"

A strange thing happened though... my attack was more powerful than before. The prisoners I hit had no chance to resist before being burned.

It was absurd. Even if I aimed at their heads, or if I did not hold back. It was way too powerful. But I will question it later, for now...

I threw a few more Kashas before the prisoners scattered in different directions.

The power of a group is actually amazing. Together they just act tough, but at a small amount of danger they can't respond easily and they scatter like flies.

No, I can see a number of individual have stayed behind watching me cautiously.

"How about stopping right there, I am pacifist so I would prefer if you just left quietly". I basically yelled so that they all heard me.

They all shared a glance before one of the prisoners spoke.

"Why are you interfering? And... Who are you? I don't recall this place being a kindergarten"

The speaker was a tough looking guy, and from his characteristics I can see that he probably a Youkai. With Raccoon ears and tail that matched it. He seemed like a Youkai, but it did not make us friends just because we are of the same kind. The proof was that he was glaring at me without even a hint of goodwill.

Rolling my eyes at his choice of words, I kept my guard up while I considered what I should say.

"It doesn't matter who I am. I just happen to have some business to sort with those people(devils) over there. It would be better if you just leave quietly". I said while creating more Kashas.

As expected he...

"Are you supposed to be some big shot? You don't understand how things work around here. I don't care about your bus-AAAAAAAARGH"

Not interested in hearing the rest of his words, I just attacked and then threw my body to one side to evade the magic(?) attacks that were thrown at me.

The momentary peace that had appeared after the group of prisoners dispersed had ended pretty quickly. The wardens who finally got a breather had to start fighting again.

I just kept doing my thing without minding them. That tanuki guy actually did not die in one hit like the others after receiving a direct hit from my Kasha. Which made me wonder if he survived because he was using Touki or Senjutsu to protect himself, or my attack that ended those guys before was just a lucky strike.

"You guys catch that runt for me! Argh!"

Covering the part of his face where the Kasha landed, the guy just ordered that and some of the prisoners who seemed to follow his words started to surround me.

I, of course, did not stay iddle.

Using the limited Youjutsu spells I knew, I just kept sending fireballs and icicles at them until I made an opening in their ranks. Which I used avoid their surrounding attempt.

Now I had the option to join the wardens fight and then take care of this guys with them or take care of these guys on my own.

I went along with the idea of a joint attack. It was better in order to lessen the pressure on my side.

...

...

The fight ended faster than I thought after I collaborated with the wardens. But the prisoners were not captured or restrained, instead they were killed. It was a little hypocrite of me to say this after having done the same but... Was that a good thing to do from their standing?.

It was not my place to judge though.

Instead, I observed as the wardens tried to use some sort of device to communicate with someone a distance away from me. Keeping my distance is something I thought I should do as I am not sure if they would start attacking me. My mind was working in parallel as I recalled the fight from just now.

No matter how I think it, something was out of place with my Kasha. The energy I felt circulating before in my body as result of the experiments is what I considered demonic energy. That b*stard did say something about becoming a devil so that is probably it.

At the facility I felt nothing different... but now? I am sensing it acting on its own. Although that does not make sense. I don't think demonic power has that kind of effect... No, it could be something else he did?.

I need more time to make a proper diagnostic of my current state. To begin with, I had no time to do so far.

"Oh, Kid! You are pretty good. You took care of those guys easily". Said a carefree voice coming from behind me.

There is no need to guess.

"As soon as I attacked the first guy you suddenly disappeared, thought they got you". I replied to that voice's owner harshly.

This guy truly left me alone as soon as I started to fight. He was just beside me and then he just left when I was not looking.

"Hahaha, don't be too harsh on this old man. I am not really the fighter type. But you, my friend, are something else. Could it be that you are not really a kid? Oh, I have heard of some youkais who remain in child-like appearence for pretty much all their life so maybe...". Said the old man as scrutinized me with his eyes.

Can't I beat this guy?.

"Stop with the pointless chatting. I can see that you are just changing the subject. Just forget about it. We have something else to take care of. Those guys...". I spoke as I pointed at the wardens who seemed to have finished communicating using the device.

Not sure what's the plan now.

"Ha! Leave this to me! Here is where I show you my worth!". Exclaimed the old man righteously and full of confidence before walking in the direction of the wardens.

If I leave this to such unreliable guy... Won't things go south quickly?.

...

...

Luckily, they seemed to have reached an agreement after exchanging some words.

I was prepared to have some magic thrown at me, but things went well. They apparently have a good relation with the old man so right now we are moving together as a group. Although we still keep our distance with each other.

We were not given a detailed explaination, but luckily(?) not all prisoners were released from their restrains so we won't have to fight the whole prison population if we stand with the wardens.

A riot occurred and things scalated until this point. And that is all we were told. I am not exactly happy with that half-assed explaination so I have been stealthly taking glances everywhere using my ability. But I don't have a full grasp of this place so it is taking time to look for the origin of this situation.

We are suppose to regroup with other group of wardens that is close by... well, this place is not exactly small so it is taking a while to just walk there. And we are moving slowly to avoid rushing right into any ambush waiting for us, courtesy of the prisoners.

I have only thing I have to complain putting aside my crappy situation.... and that is I am hungry.

...

...

There were a couple fights with the prisoners but it was easily taken care by the wardens. I had no chance to act. Which was fine by me as I focused on refilling my Ki reserves.

No matter what, unless the number is too large, the wardens have the advantage as they fully equipped. And the prisoners are not really organized.

Still, I find it strange that we have found so few prisoners on our route.

...

...

Minutes later, I was able to locate what I believe is the cause of the small amount of prisoners.

They broke out from the area we are in and have moved to another one. The results were not something I wish to go into many details. But I will only say that... those other guys were not released from their restrains... and stood no chance.

...

...

At some point, we found the group we were suppose to regroup with. They apparently were able to hold as they were a larger group and were far from the violent prisoners.

Things were going smoothly... too smoothly.

"Old man, Don't you think that everything have been going a little 'too smoothly'?." I asked in a low voice at a good distance from the guards.

Noting my tone, the old man understood what I was trying to do so he lowered his voice when he replied.

"It is indeed strange. For a riot, everything seems rather tame. Things appear to be a tad bit too different from what I have seen before in regard to the personality of the guys locked here.Riots start with the dissatisfaction of some people and scale out of proportions in an uncontrolled manner. But this is... too strange. Whatever it is, it looks like someone is taking care of guiding the 'uncontrolled' prisoners". Said the old man with a pondering expression.

Hmmm, that doesn't good for our side, does it?.

An uncontrolled crowd is dangerous, and one of prisoners is even worse.

*Sigh*

This is going to be hard.

...

...

Some neutral, some unfriendly... I received different kind of gazes from the wardens as we began moving again.

But my mind was preoccupied with something else to actually care. I have been keeping an eye on that crowd of prisoners... and they just kept breaking havoc as they move... Although I can see that they are not just going to places at random. They have taken with them some of the powerless and restrained prisoners with them. I seem to recognize one of those guys... When I was being taken to my cell, I saw that same guy, the fat prisoner who looked at me arrogantly in contempt, being dragged along some other familiar faces.

A few ideas come to mind, like for example, they plan to use them as meat shields. Nah.

This is more like, taking important looking prisoners with them to use as bargain chips if things don't go as they expected them to. Sounds more like it if they are nobles... Well, not my problem anyways. They can drag those guys all they want, but this is the Devils' problem Although the wardens might hesitate.

...

...

The mood couldn't be more somber after the wardens received a transmission a few seconds ago.

I was able to hear most of the transmission... and I can sympathize with these guys a little.

The instructions they were given are no different from a death sentence depending how things develops later.

Not only they were asked to save as many of those prisoners as they can, they were also tasked with keeping the prisoners locked on this floor. As the worst situation happened here, it would be terrible to let the prisoners go higher and start another riot on the upper floors... or worse, the lower floors.

Apparently, there are some really dangerous guys down there and while they are currently still locked... If the crowd of prisoners ended releasing them from their restrains as well... they could actually break out of this prison.

I wonder, Is it that easy?.

"There is something I don't understand... How would those guys release other prisoners, no, to begin with... How did they took these off?". I inquired as I pointed my neck.

The only person who was willing to say a word about was, of course, the old man.

"I don't know how they did that... it is actually a complicated process from what I have learned. You can't just release all the prisoners from one place. And you can't expect to find that control on the same floor either". Explained the old man as he kept paying attention to the wardens movements.

"Old man.... You sure know a lot. Don't tell me that you have been...?". I asked doubtfully.

It seems like he...

"*Cough* I have not been thinking of escaping this place, I am such a law abiding person. How could I?". Replied the old man without looking into my eyes.

Yeah, that pretty much confirms it.

"I don't think you can call yourself law abiding person while in prison though...". I said.

No matter how you look at it, from what he said he did around the time of the arrest... while it was not the proper procedure, he was still committing crimes. Well, that is what he said at least.

"You always have to say something to get the last word...". Muttered the old man in a tired tone.

Mmmmm.

"Yes". I replied.

...

...

For now, I went along with the wardens. As long as I kept myself behind and don't engage too much in a fight. I should be ok.

There is something bothering me though.

Using the old man's words as a guide, I began looking for this floor's control room. But it was long busted from I saw.

The questions is, if this releases prisoners... why did the wardens.... No, why have the wardens not received any kind of warning?. Different from I expected, their transmitter is being awfully quite.

Yeah, that can't be a good sign.

....Hey there!

I ended wanting more time to read stuff I wanted to catch up with, but work was harder than I expected it and had no time to do so.

Still, I was bȧrėly able to write the chapter. But with guts! And of course, sheer force of will to resist falling asleep as soon as I got home, I managed to finish it.

Not that it matter to you huh.

Anyways, I wrote this time about something I had in mind for a while.

Escaping is nice, but you would need one hell of a luck to not be accused of anything after doing all that.

Obviously, there are reason why that happened. Someone let the guards know about his dangerous nature, and as there were people collaborating with Naberius' men, they took Nora away.

Kuroka and Shirone are fine. I made Nora make Kuroka not to participate in any kind of fight to avoid any future where she would be taken by the law. There might still be people(devils) trying to do stuff, but Nora taking Naberius' stuff will help Sirzechs deal with that kind of thing on his end. With proof, he will be able to solve some of the stuff that Kuroka had to deal in the canon. And that is pretty much the great number of people who pined that crime on her without looking deeper into it.

Nora got involved in some interesting thing as soon as he got into jail but help is technically on the way... He just gotta hold it long enough.

I thought of making him try to escape, but it is even more reckless to do so in a jail where the government has no need to be sneaky, really strong people would get involved if he tried to do so. Instead, he is putting his hope in Kuroka and Shirone's safety, and having them give that box to his only acquantices in the Underworld.

Anyways, that is for this time.

Good day to you.