DxD: Devil’s Advocate

I watched as Ai pulled out her phone, her eyebrows rising slightly. "8:22 already?"

"Need to head back?" I asked, though I already knew her schedule.

She shook her head. "No, Miyako's good with the kids until eleven." A pause, then she glanced up at me through her lashes. "Say, with all your... connections, you wouldn't happen to know a good karaoke place?"

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. "Private room or public?"

"Private. I just..." She shrugged. "It's been a while since I could just sing for fun, you know?"

I stood up, extending my hand. "Do you trust me?"

"That's a loaded question after everything you've told me."

"Humor me."

She stared at my hand for a moment before taking it. The moment our skin touched, I felt her energy signature shift - a subtle ripple that the Advisor immediately noted.

'Analysis of reaction?' I thought.

『Subject experiencing heightened awareness of magical current. Natural sensitivity confirmed.』

"Your hand feels... weird," Ai said, frowning. "Like static electricity, but not quite."

I channeled a thin stream of power through our connection, weaving the illusion magic. "Keep watching."

Her eyes widened as she saw my hair darken to black, my eyes shifting to a deep blue. Then she gasped as she caught her reflection in the window - her own purple hair now midnight black, her eyes a striking crimson.

"How did you-"

"Minor illusion," I said, releasing her hand. "Temporary, but effective."

She touched her hair, watching it move naturally despite its new color. "I can still feel the tingling."

"That's the magic. It'll fade in a few hours."

"And you just... do this? Whenever you want?"

I grinned. "Among other things. Ready to go?"

The karaoke bar was three blocks away, tucked between a ramen shop and a convenience store. Nothing fancy - just your typical Friday night spot filled with salary workers and college students.

Perfect for blending in.

The woman at the counter eyed us as I paid for a private room. "No funny business in there, you two."

Ai turned bright red. I just smiled. "We'll behave."

The room was standard - dim lighting, worn couch, scratched table. Ai immediately grabbed the song catalog, flipping through it with the enthusiasm of someone who'd been denied a simple pleasure for too long.

"I can't remember the last time I did this," she said, scanning the pages. "Usually it's all professional recordings or live shows."

"Pick whatever you want. No one here knows who you are."

She looked up at me. "Is that why you changed our appearance? So we wouldn't be recognized?"

"Yeah." I sat down, stretching my legs out. "Thought you might enjoy a break from being Ai Hoshino, perfect idol."

"And who am I supposed to be instead?"

"Whoever you want."

She punched in a song code, then grabbed a microphone. "You know, most guys would be begging to hear one of my hits right now."

"I'm not most guys."

"No," she said softly. "You're really not."

The music started - an old rock ballad from the 90s. Not her usual style at all. But as she began to sing, I understood why she'd chosen it.

This wasn't Ai Hoshino, the polished performer. This was raw talent, unfettered by image or expectation. Her voice soared through the melody, hitting notes that would make her vocal coach cringe but carried more genuine emotion than any perfectly executed performance.

'Energy signature analysis,' I thought.

『Remarkable harmonization between natural and magical frequencies. Subject appears to be unconsciously amplifying emotional resonance through latent abilities.』

When the song ended, she was breathing hard, grinning like a teenager who'd just gotten away with something forbidden.

"Your turn," she said, holding out the microphone.

I raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

"What, the great Amon Beleth can't carry a tune?"

"Oh, I can carry it. Question is whether you're ready to hear it."

She plopped down next to me on the couch. "Try me."

I took the mic, scrolling through the song list until I found what I wanted. The opening notes filled the room - a traditional enka song, but with a modern arrangement.

Ai's eyes widened as I began to sing. Not because I was particularly good - I was amazing - but because of the language. Devil-tongue wrapped around Japanese lyrics, creating harmonies that shouldn't have been possible.

"That's not... how are you doing that?"

I winked at her. "Magic has many uses."

"Show off."

"Says the professional performer."

She laughed, then grabbed the second microphone. "Okay, duet time. And no cheating with your devil magic."

We spent the next hour trading songs, each one revealing something new. Ai had a secret love for punk rock. I knew every word to multiple idol group songs (thanks to extensive research, of course). She could rap surprisingly well. I could hit notes that technically shouldn't have been possible (okay, maybe I cheated a little).

Between songs, we talked. Real talk, not the careful dance of our dinner conversation.

"Do your kids know?" I asked during a water break. "About your... abilities?"

She shook her head. "They're too young. And I wouldn't even know how to explain it."

"But they've felt it?"

"Sometimes. When I sing them to sleep, or when they're upset." She twisted the water bottle in her hands. "It's like they respond to something beyond just my voice."

"They do. Children are naturally more sensitive to that kind of energy."

"Is that why you told me? Because you could sense it too?"

I considered my answer carefully. "I told you because you deserved to know. To understand what makes you special."

"Special," she repeated. "That's one word for it. My manager just calls it 'star quality.'"

"Your manager doesn't know what he's talking about."

She snorted. "Clearly." Then she looked at me sideways. "So what else can you do? Besides the hair thing and the weird singing?"

"Want a demonstration?"

"Should I be scared?"

"Always."

I held out my hand again, palm up. When she placed her hand in mine, I let a different kind of magic flow - not illusion this time, but pure energy manipulation.

The air around us shifted, temperature dropping slightly as shadows gathered in my palm. They twisted and danced, forming shapes - a tiny stage where shadow-Ai performed one of her signature moves.

"That's..." She leaned closer, watching the miniature show. "That's from my last concert."

"I do my research."

The shadow-Ai took a bow, then dissolved back into darkness. Real-Ai was still holding my hand, her fingers tracing patterns on my palm.

"It doesn't feel scary," she said. "The magic. Everyone always talks about demons like they're these terrifying creatures, but..."

"But?"

She met my gaze. "But you just used it to make me smile."

I closed my fingers around hers. "Power itself isn't good or evil. It's all in how you use it."

"And how do you use it?"

"However serves my purpose."

"Which is?"

"Right now?" I grinned. "Making a beautiful woman smile in a karaoke room."

She rolled her eyes, but didn't pull her hand away. "There you go with the lines again."

"Not a line if it's true."

"Smooth talker."

"I prefer 'strategically honest.'"

She laughed, then glanced at the song list again. "One more before we go?"

I gestured to the microphone. "Ladies first."

She scrolled through the options, then stopped, a mischievous smile crossing her face. "Oh, this is perfect."

The opening notes filled the room - one of PRISM's songs. My shadow clone's group.

"Really?"

"What?" She batted her eyes innocently. "I thought you'd know this one."

I grabbed the second mic. "You have no idea."

We sang together, her perfect idol vocals blending with my deliberately imperfect harmony. And as our voices merged, I felt something shift in the energy between us - a resonance that had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with possibility.

'Analysis of combined energy patterns?' I thought.

『Fascinating synchronization. Subject's natural abilities appear to be unconsciously harmonizing with your magical frequency. Potential implications...』

'Save it for later.'

The song ended, and Ai flopped back onto the couch, still grinning. "That was fun."

"Just fun?"

"Fine. It was amazing." She turned to face me. "I haven't felt this... free in years."

"Freedom looks good on you."

"So does black hair, apparently."

I touched a strand of her magically darkened hair. "We should probably head back soon."

"Probably." She didn't move.

I continued playing with her hair, the magically darkened strands sliding between my fingers. Ai seemed content, her eyes half-closed in the dim karaoke room light.

'Status check,' I thought.

『Energy patterns stable. Subject showing very high comfort levels. No external threats detected.』

"Can I ask you something?" Ai said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"You just did."

She poked my ribs. "I'm serious."

"Alright, ask away."

"Is it true what they say about demons? About granting wishes and making contracts for souls?"

I stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. Not a polite chuckle or a practiced response - genuine, uncontrolled laughter that echoed off the karaoke room walls.

Ai sat up, frowning. "What's so funny?"

"Sorry, sorry," I said, trying to catch my breath. "It's just... where did you hear that?"

"Movies, manga... you know." She shrugged. "The usual places."

"And you thought I'd what? Ask for your soul in exchange for three wishes?"

"Well, when you say it like that..."

I wiped my eyes. "We're not genies, Hoshino-san. Or fairy godmothers."

"Then what are you?"

"Businesspeople, mostly." I leaned back. "Though I suppose some contracts do involve spiritual elements."

She perked up. "So you do make deals?"

"Careful," I said. "You're starting to sound interested."

"Maybe I am." She pulled her legs up onto the couch, turning to face me fully. "What if I did want to make a deal?"

'Analysis of intent?'

『Subject appears genuine. Emotional markers indicate serious inquiry despite casual presentation.』

"What would you want?" I asked.

Ai bit her lip, considering. "There's... something I've been looking for. An object."

"What kind of object?"

"I don't know exactly. But I'd know it when I saw it." She played with the hem of her shirt. "It's supposed to help people understand love. Real love."

I raised an eyebrow. "And why would you need that?"

"Because I don't know if I've ever really felt it." The words came out in a rush. "I say 'I love you' all the time - to fans, to friends. But I don't know if I mean it. Not really."

"You love your children."

"Do I? Or do I just feel responsible for them?" She ran a hand through her hair, messing up my careful styling. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm even capable of real love, or if I've just gotten really good at pretending."

I caught her hand, stilling its nervous movement. "Love isn't something you can find in an object."

"But what if it is? What if there's something out there that could help me understand? Help me feel it for real?"

"And you'd trade your soul for that?"

She met my gaze. "Wouldn't you? To know for sure that what you're feeling is real?"

I studied her face - the earnestness in her eyes, the slight tremble in her lip. This wasn't the polished idol or the careful mother. This was raw vulnerability, offered up like a sacrifice.

"No deals," I said finally.

"But-"

"No." I squeezed her hand. "I wouldn't take your soul, Ai. Not for this."

She blinked at the use of her first name. "Then what will you take?"

"Nothing."

"Why not?"

I reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because some things can't be bought or sold. Some things have to be discovered."

"And love is one of them?"

"Love is..." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Love is complicated. Messy. It's not something you can measure or quantify."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

"Maybe I am."

She shifted closer. "Tell me?"

I shook my head. "Another time."

"Promise?"

"No deals, remember?"

She laughed softly. "Not even a small one?"

"You're persistent."

"I'm an idol. We have to be."

I traced my finger along her jaw, watching her energy signature ripple at the contact. "What if I told you there was no magical object? No shortcut to understanding love?"

"I'd say you were lying."

"Oh?"

"Because I can feel it." She pressed her hand to her chest. "Right here. When I perform, when I connect with the audience... there's something real there. Something beyond just entertainment."

"That's your power," I said. "Your natural ability to resonate with emotions."

"But it's not enough." She leaned into my touch. "I want to feel it for myself. Not just echo what others are feeling."

"And you think a devil can help with that?"

"I think you already are."

I pulled back slightly. "What do you mean?"

"This." She gestured between us. "Tonight. You showed me what it's like to just... be. No expectations, no image to maintain. Just real feelings."

"That's not magic, Ai. That's just freedom."

"Then maybe that's what I really want." She smiled. "Not some magical object, but the freedom to feel whatever I feel. Without wondering if it's real or just another performance."

I considered her words. "And if those feelings are complicated? Messy? Not the pure love your fans expect?"

"Then they're mine." She straightened up. "My complicated, messy feelings. Not the idol's, not the mother's. Just mine."

'Analysis of emotional state?'

『Subject displaying remarkable self-awareness. Current energy patterns suggest genuine breakthrough rather than performance.』

"No deals," I said again, but softer this time.

"No deals," she agreed. "Just... this."

She leaned forward, resting her forehead against mine. The contact sent sparks through our magical frequencies, creating harmonies that shouldn't have been possible.

"Your energy feels different," she murmured.

"Different how?"

"Warmer. Less static, more..." She waved her hand vaguely. "Flowy?"

I chuckled. "Technical term?"

"Shut up." She pulled back enough to meet my gaze. "You know what I mean."

"I do."

We sat there for a moment, sharing space and energy, neither of us quite willing to break the spell.

Finally, Ai spoke. "So if you won't make a deal with me, what will you do?"

"What do you want me to do?"

"Help me." She took my hand, placing it over her heart. "Help me understand this. The real feelings, not just the echoes."

I felt her heartbeat under my palm, steady and strong. "That could take time."

"I have time."

"It won't be easy."

"Nothing worth having is."

I smiled. "Now who's using lines?"

"I learned from the best." She kept my hand pressed to her chest. "Is that a yes?"

"No deals," I reminded her.

"No deals," she agreed. "Just... whatever this is."

I leaned forward, brushing my lips against her forehead. "Then yes. I'll help you."

The tension drained from her shoulders. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. You might not like what you discover."

"I'll take that chance." She glanced at the clock on the wall. "I should probably go soon."

"Probably."

Neither of us moved.

"The illusion will wear off soon," I said.

"Good thing I brought my disguise then."

I traced my thumb over her collarbone, feeling the thrum of energy beneath her skin. "You don't need it, you know."

"The disguise?"

"Any of it. The masks, the performances..." I met her gaze. "You're enough, just as you are."

She smiled, but there was sadness in it. "You might be the first person to ever tell me that."

"Then everyone else is blind."

"There you go with the lines again."

"Still not a line if it's true."

She laughed softly, then pulled away. "I really should go."

This time I let her stand, watching as she gathered her things. The magical darkness in her hair was already starting to fade at the edges, purple bleeding through like dawn breaking.

"Will I see you again?" she asked, adjusting her hoodie.

"Do you want to?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know I do."

"Then yes." I stood, straightening my jacket. "Though perhaps somewhere less..."

"Karaoke-ish?"

"I was going to say public."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you propositioning me, Amon Beleth?"

"Always." I grinned. "Is it working?"

"Maybe." She reached into her purse, pulling out the ring I'd given her earlier. "I'm still not saying yes."

"I know."

She slipped it onto her finger, keeping it there for a few seconds then back off again. "But I'm not saying no either."

"I know that too."

She tucked the ring away, then stepped close one last time. "Thank you. For tonight."

I cupped her cheek, letting a final pulse of magic flow between us. "No deals, remember?"

"No deals," she whispered.

Then she was gone, slipping out into the Tokyo night like a shadow fading in the sun.

I waited until her energy signature was completely out of range before speaking.

'Well?'

『Analysis complete. Subject's natural abilities far exceed initial estimates. The resonance between your energies suggests...』

'Save the technical details. Bottom line it for me.'

『She could be either an incredibly valuable ally or a significant threat, depending on how her powers develop.』

I smiled, remembering the feel of her heartbeat under my palm.

'Good thing I'm playing the long game then.'