As I arrive to the old building Behind the school, the cuts over my back start to heal.

Ryuko: Man. I forgot that Raynare can pack a punch.

Ophis: And your surprised why? You knew what you were getting into.

Ryuko: Yeah yeah. Now let's see what Rias wanted.

Ophis: Why did she want you to come all the way here? Can't be that important.

Ryuko: Who knows. It's Rias after all.

I open the door to the building and enter.

Ryuko: Hey Rias! I'm here.

Rias: One moment!

I can hear she sound of the shower going. I shake my head before going upstares. All of the furniture and everything is removed. Guess she's done with this place.

Rias: Glad to see you've arrived. I was just finishing.

I lean against the wall as she walks in with a towel around her hair.

Ryuko: Seems like your finally laying this place to rest.

Rias: Correct. Since we're not in school anymore, and I'm going to go and take my brother's place as the new Lucifer.

Ryuko: Wow! That's great! I'm not a devil myself, but I know you'll do well.

She smiles at me before removing the towel on her head.

Rias: So, how's the wives?

Ryuko: Their not wives yet.

Rias: Why not? I thought you would have asked already.

I sigh, knowing she would say that.

But.....why haven't I asked? I know they would say yes....But.....Is it just....fear?....No....not that......But what-

Rias: Well, I should be going back to hell now.

Ryuko: Huh? Just like that? What, did you only call me to tease me?

Rias: Slightly. Anyway, get going. I still have thing to get done here.

I nod and scuff a bit. Before I leave the room, I look over my shoulder.

Ryuko: Hey. I don't see a ring on that finger. Why aren't YOU married miss Lucifer?

I chuckle before closing the door. As I star to go down the stairs, the door behind was blown off. Better pick up the pace!

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Ophis: So where to next?

Ryuko: Is this just a sight seeing trip for you?

Ophis: Kinda. Now tell me where we're going.

Ryuko: Okay okay. Well, turns out Kiba and Akeno went their own ways. Kiba is probably looking for the Excaliburs. Akeno.......I fear what she's doing.

Ophis: Well, who's left around?

Ryuko: Hmm...Well, I know one place.

I keep walking for a bit longer......This city.....everything.... it's grown since I first started this weird adventure.

Oh, there it is. I stop infront of the apartment I used to live in. That old and worn down place has a new owner now. It's been renovated and officially named the "Magical Milky Way".

Ophis: What a weird name.

Ryuko: I mean, what did you expect?

I push open the door and look around. The place really has improved since I left it. I walk up to the counter and ring the bell. I hear quick footsteps before four girls in different colored outfits were behind the counter. Each of various heights, statutes and even varying between all the factions. There was one more that came out last.

Serafell: Welcome, hero of light! How may we help you?

Ryuko: Geez. Being professional to an old friend? You know I don't care.

She gasped and raised her bowed head.

Serafell: Oh! Ryuko! It's alright girls. I can handle this myself.

The four bow before returning through the back door.

Serafell: Ryuko! So good to see you! Do you like what I've done to the place?

Ryuko: It's.....you? I guess that's the word.

Serafell: Finally, I can live out my magical girl dream with those who wish to be my students. They will show that evil no good Viego that the Star Maidens are to be feared!

.......Why do I feel like she's not fully understanding how big of a threat he was?

Ryuko: ......Yeeeeeaaahhhh......Anyway, I've just come to stop by since I wanted to check up on you. So, how's the new girls?

Serafell: Oh! Their the Star Maidens!

Ryuko: That's neat. Goes with the theme I guess. So, how many people you managed to drag in?

Serafell: Oh! That's the thing! We're fully booked! No more open rooms at the moment.

Wow. And before I used to see the same 5 people going in and out of this place. And I was one of them.

Ryuko: That's quite nice to hear. Anyway, I want to go and check out more of the city. You have a good day.

Serafell: You too! By Ryuko! Oh, and tell sis I said hi!

I nod and was about to open the door before she called out to me.

Serafell: Ah, wait! I have to ask. Did you do it?

Ryuko: Do what? Now you got my confused.

Serafell: The question you dingus. You know. Are you two engaged yet?

I sigh before shaking my head.

Ryuko: No, I haven't yet. Rias already asked me that question.

Serafell: Why not? She's head over heels for you. Just ask her already. You know the answer is yes.

I know I know.....Just.....

Why can't I? It's like a blocks in my heart when I bring it up.

Ryuko: Anyway, I'm gonna go. Later.

I leave the building, feeling her eyes on my back. I just need to say the words "Will you marry me". Just say it.......More over, why have two people already asked if I'm married yet? Bet it was Raynare who said something first.

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Ryuko: Didn't know they opened a flower shop.

Ophis: I make sure I keep eyes on everything around.

The sun was already setting. I've been around the city already. Xeno and Irina decided to stay in the city, which is nice to know. And their engaged. Turns out that since their engaged, everyone basically expected me to be engaged.

I sigh as I push open the shop door, the bell above rung as I entered. Their are different types of flowers everywhere. All in different types of pots and are different sizes.

Ophis: Quite the assortment they have.

Coiffe: Ah! One moment!

I kept looking around before hearing some pots be set down.

Coiffe: Hello! How may i-Ryuko! How how lovely it is to see you.

Ryuko: Hey. Glad to see you come to the city. Kinda sad I didn't get to see you arrive.

She giggled before moving the pot from the counter.

Coiffe: Hey, it's okay. Glad you stopped by. So, how are things? Anything new and cool?

Ryuko: Not really. How are things here? Is business going well.

Coiffe: Business is fantastic. Everyone is loving my flowers. Otoya is in the back preparing some flowers for a customer.

Ryuko: Really? Well, I'm sure they'll love them. I should go before it gets too late. Tell Otoya I stopped by.

Coiffe: I will. Take care!

I nod before leaving. Huh. She didn't ask me like the others did. Well, guess I should be getting back home.

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After the light vanished from around me, I'm back infront of my house. This teleport pad is really useful.

I unlock the door before walking in and locking it again. I take my shoes off.

Ryuko: Girls! I'm back!

Sonia: In the kitchen!

I walk further in. Man, whatever she's making smells good. I walk behind her and kiss her cheek.

Ryuko: Whatcha cooking?

Sonia: That's something for you to find you.

Ryuko: Awww. Not gonna tell me?

Sonia: Nope. Now go sit down. You've been out all day. Relax a bit.

I chuckle before going to our Kotatsu and sit down.

Ryuko: Where's Koneko?

Sonia: She's out right now. She went to Hell for something really special.

Ryuko: Really? What is it?

Sonia: She's getting her mark. That way, people will know she's already taken.

Ryuko: Isn't it already obvious she's taken?

Sonia: You'd believe that. But until Rias gets in office, Hell is not in the best of places. Plus, some aftermath of that whole Viego incident caused some of those spirits to slip in under our noses.

Wow. Didn't know of that.

Ryuko: Is there any way I can help.

Sonia: There is. But I won't let you.

Ryuko: What? Why? I'm sure I can do something. Maybe I could-

Ow!....Huh? My mouths frozen!

Sonia: A no is a no. Rias already said she can take care of it. She specifically said for you to not get involved. You need to relax. Let other people be your hero for once.

...... She's right. I do need to relax. It's just......hearing anything about Viego.....I just can't let anything involving him get out of my sight.

Sighing through my nose, I rest my chin on my hand while my elbow was on the table. She sets a bowl infront of me and taps my lips to remove the ice.

Sonia: It's been three years. Let it go. He's dead and his world collapsed.

Ryuko: Maybe your right....I'm probably just paranoid.

She smiled and set down two other bowls before joining me. Maybe now is the best time.

Ryuko: .....Why Sonia. I was wondering, would you-

Koneko: I'm back.

Hearing the door close, Koneko walked down the hall before joining us at the Kotatsu.

Koneko: Ramen? Smells good.

Sonia: Well be happy I made a bowl for all of us. Anyway, you wanted to ask me something Ryuko?

Damn it! I did, but now my mouth won't move! Just say it! Their both here, so why can't I?!

Koneko: Oh. Ryuko. Actually, I have something to show you.

Sonia: Sorry to spoil the surprise, but I already told her.

Koneko: What?! Sonia! I said not too!

Sonia: Relax relax. I only told her you were getting your mark. Not what the mark is.

Koneko: Ugh. But I still wanted it to be a surprise. Anyway, do you-.....Huh?

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Ughhh! Why didn't I say it?! I had the opportunity and I choked! Just tell them Ryuko! JUST GET IT OUT!!

I make a purple orb in my hand and throw it twords the mountains. When it makes contact, it makes a big explosion. Ughhh! Why is this so hard? This should be easy......so why.....WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT?!

Sonia: Ryuko?

My eyes widen before I turn around.

Ryuko: Oh. Sorry I left while you two were talking.

Sonia: It's fine. Our conversation wasn't important anyway.

She walked closer and wraps her arms around mine and lays her hand on my shoulder.

Sonia: What's wrong? You seem distressed.

I take her hand in mine. This is the moment. The moment I can tell her.....and yet.....my voice still won't come out......

Ryuko: .....Nothing. Just.....old troubles bothering me.

I feel her head move in a nod.

Sonia: I told you. Viego is gone. I'm sure of it. Let yourself relax.

I know he's gone, but that's not what I want to say!.......Maybe their not ready yet?....But why would everyone be so adamant on them feeling like their ready?.....

Ryuko: Sonia.....answer this question genuinely alright?

I look down to her as she looked confused, but still nods.

Ryuko: .....I......I want to train some more. Even if I could just sit down and rest....my body won't let me. I know you'd want to enjoy this time and relax....but would you help me train?

I hear a sigh from her before she leaned up and kissed me.

Sonia: Even though I'd say no to any other person, I can't say no to you. So sure. I'll break my peace to help you train. Sometimes. Not every day. On days were I'm relaxing or doing my own thing, you'll have to rely on Koneko. She's definitely been training with the Morningstar to get better with it.

I nod and put my hand under her chin before leaning down to kiss her again. Even if I can't say it, I know one day it'll be the first thing on all of our minds. Until that day, I won't bother with it.

Koneko: Hey! The ramen will get cold if you stay out there any longer! I'm gonna eat it if you don't come back.

We pull away and laugh.

Sonia: She's right. Let's eat. Then, I'm off to bed. You better be joining.

She let go of me and walked back inside. I was about to follow before I feel a gust of wind blow past me. I turn and see Ophis sitting on the ground.

Ophis: .... Didn't you hear her? Go back and eat. I already tasted some of it. It's quite delicious.

Hehehe. Classic Ophis.