Night fell quickly as the on-hand members of Team DxD were gathered on the top floor of the mansion. All of Sona's peerage as well as Sister Griselda and Dulio joined them as they listened to Michael speak to them via magic circle. "I'm sorry for all of this, considering you have been repeatedly being involved in matters of the church." He passed an apology to them. "Their request to battle against Team DxD and in Kuoh town of all things."
Azazel was looking at the letter "Why here of all places?" Murayama asked him.
He looked up from the paper "This is the birthplace of the alliance between Devils, Angels, and Fallen. This place has created something great for the world yet they see it as revenge in some perspective. Team DxD is seen as the easy yet hated target in something like this."
"The people involved in this rebellion…" Griselda spoke up "They are mostly from families that were involved in violence from Devils or Vampires, some of them even had their lives destroyed by them. And now that there is a peace treaty the warriors of the church have lost their only source of revenge. But now it seems they want to reopen that book now with some support."
Irina hung her head low "Many of them have defected from the church but even though they believe in god they still are unsatisfied. Sadly, this has to come out, even if I understand the reason behind it."
"This is an internal conflict, and I want to call upon the other members of DxD for assistance. But the others are busy protecting their territory as they are obligated to do so. If we absolutely needed them we could say we were engaged with Qlippoth but that was cause issues with the Great King and Archduke families. Then again the upper echelons would only complicate things."
"So much for a special task force that's handicapped by some people who should have been put in a home by now." Issei said as he got a small chuckle from Azazel.
"Azazel the reason why is because of our poor management. I will be using…"
Azazel cut Michael off before he could finish. "Now now Mikey, the rash solution isn't the best. You are a symbol of Heaven. Giving strict orders is one of the responsibilities of a leader. But this is a matter of conflict started by complicated reasons. Using your position to force an end won't solve this problem. The problem needs to be handled smoothly."
"Azael we can't let DxD deal with this completely."
"I'm well aware of the problem that Strada and Cristaldi are causing by shouldering the burdens of their students just to start a rebellion. Something like this isn't normal to bring along so many people that they have personally trained. You have to have noticed this."
"I have Azazel, I've watched them grow up, and they're all devout believers. They care about humanity and I believe they don't plan on causing a loop." There was some uncertainty between them as to how things would go. "There is a young one, Teodoro Legrenzi, He has the greatest abilities of the Miracle children. That is why he was given the position of Cardinal at such a young age."
"Miracle children are hybrids between Angels and Human's" Azazel explained before anyone said anything.
"Don't worry Irina somebody already beat you to it" Issei said as she hung her head as her face was red. Issei felt a prompt tug on his ear from Rias "Ouch!" He complained as she brought him back in line.
"I know this might be a bad time to ask let alone a bit inappropriate but did you use it? I never thought I would be looking forward to hearing about it."
Issei smiled and held two thumbs up as he felt his ear throbbing "Yep." He looked over at Irina "I don't think she wants to admit to it yet."
"Most interesting." They could see Michael writing things down on the other side. "All of the tests in the lab worked better than expected." What he didn't know was the room was being ping-ponged by the church girls as a seduction palace.
Azazel wanted to get back on topic as he did "Moving along, It looks as if you kids have drawn the short straw once again. And I'm sorry that you have to deal with this alone."
Michael nodded in agreement as he apologized "I'm truly sorry."
Rias only smiled "We were alone when we fought Kokabiel. And even without the assistance of Seekvaira or Sairaorg, it won't be a problem. We have received a challenge and we will accept it."
Sona was in line with Rias as well "We also accept this challenge. This is our town and things like this can not be ignored. We were also involved with the fight against Kokabiel as well as the meeting of the Three factions."
"Uhh Lord Michael" Irina raised her hand up "May I join in as one of…"
"Of course, you can, this is a mistake of mine and you can help correct it." Micheal told her.
Dulio perked up from the back of the room "Don't worry about it Michael, things happen. People are always going to be unhappy with change."
Griselda looked back at him "You just showed why you were chosen as the leader of this team."
"Positive feedback is always nice. So I'll happily accept it."
"So uh you coming as well." Issei looked back at Dulio wondering if he was going to join this mess.
"Dulio and I will be joining as well. We are representatives of Heaven who work in this town who support the church. We need to show that there are plenty of people working to make this alliance as strong as possible." Griselda answered Issei's question before Dulio even had a chance to speak.
"What about Vali and his Team?" Rias looked towards Azazel wondering what other help there might be.
"About that… They couldn't be contacted. So my guess is there acting on their own right now. And with this being a church matter I don't think involving them would be a good idea."
"I'm just worried about the possibilities." Rias said knowing that Rizivim could strike at any point.
"If that's the case then Kuroka and Le Fay are bumping it up in your house. Get them to do some work and don't let them be leaches."
Issei sighed hearing that from Azazel "Kuroka thinks that her payment for staying here should be with her body." His voice got real quiet "Maybe I should take her up on that offer." He said to what he thought was himself as he felt a hand come across the back of his head as it was Koneko hitting him.
"Right so the counter will consist of Rias' Sona's Issei's groups along with the Brave Saints. That much firepower should be enough to curtail any problems." Azazel said as he pulled out a tablet and started mashing away at typing something up "I'll let Seekvaira Agares and Sairorg Bael know of the current situation so they are caught up on what's happening as well. SlashDog will be assisting you in the background as well."
"I need to be honest with all of you." Griselda said getting their attention "Eminence Strada and Eminence Cristaldi true power far exceeds Dulio's."
Issei looked over at Irina Kiba and Xenovia seeing that there was some worry on their faces. Nothing was ever easy for them as they always drew the short end of the straw. But they had three days to sort themselves before the fighting was to break out.
One of the three days passed as the house received another visitor under the busy roof of the Hyoudou Household. When they saw who it was a small dragon was standing down in the basement of the house. It was Tannin of all Dragons that came to visit. "I have come here for some of your assistance." Issei was surprised to even hear something like that. "My role as leader of Dragon Mountain is to oversee the wellbeing of all dragons that come to seek peace. And one species is particularly rare. One of the Spectre Dragons recently laid eggs."
Rias perked up on full attention hearing that "Specter Dragons are extremely rare."
"That is correct. It's also why I have come with one of the eggs that was laid to provide it some hope. The problem is incubation and hatching a Spectre Dragon egg is extremely difficult in the underworld. The eggs have a hard time developing before they can hatch. That's why I would like to ask if I could use the area under Kuoh Town for the egg."
"What about Qlippoth?" Rias asked him.
"I don't have much of a choice as this is one of the suitable areas in the human world. Anywhere else and I cant guarantee that Qlippoth won't go after it. Deep down in the cellars of this town is one of the safest places for the egg."
"Okay, then how long would it take to hatch?" She asked him looking for more information.
"In the human world, it should be fast. The Egg has already been in the dragon mountain for some time." Hearing that Rias nodded.
"Very well then we will do what we can to protect the egg." She told him.
"Thank you, Princess." Tannin said as a magic circle appeared behind Tannin as out came a man wearing a black coat holding a large shining egg.
"Why are you here Crom Cruach?" Issei said getting everyone's attention.
"Woh woh woh" Tannin tried to calm everyone down "It's a long story but Crom Cruach is a guest of mine."
"Tannin is currently taking care of me. This is simply a job for that." Crom told them.
Issei's eyes flipped back and forth between Crom and Tannin. "Crom Cruach is an Evil Dragon, and he was previously served under the Evil God Balor, but he is also a pure dragon. And since he is a pure dragon there are ways we can understand each other." Tannin tried to reason with everyone.
[Just be careful as he still is an evil dragon.] Ddraig said out loud
"I'll keep that in mind for later." Tannin answered Ddraig but the worst possible thing that could have happened did. As Ophis appeared from behind Issei Crom set the egg down and took a stance ready for combat.
"Fight me Ophis."
Ophis however didn't seem interested in Crom at all as she had a banana in her hand as she pealed it. "Impossible. I made a promise not to fight." She said to him as she took a bite out of the banana.
Crom on the other hand just stood there with his eyes wide as he didn't know how to deal with it. "Then what do you want to fight me?"
"Don't know." Ophis said as she was focused on the egg and less on Crom.
Crom was silent as he picked the egg back up. He didn't know what to do as not only was he rejected but he somehow accepted that fact.
"I take it you knew she was here?" Issei asked Tannin as he wasn't surprised to see her.
Tannin nodded "Yes Lucifer told me that she was here. But I understand why she is and will keep my mouth shut. Crom however has seen the human world change over time. As he and I have not been sealed I watch to see how the world continues. Humans have changed from primitive beings to technological juggernauts, some good some evil. Crom however wants to see how dragons will change and he is interested in what I have seen and I will say. I brought many species of dragons to the underworld I could. But I wish that you would keep Crom being with him a secret for now as I want to see what he will do."
Issei nodded as Rias looked at Tannin "I understand, I know a place where we can place the Specter Dragon Egg where it will be monitored and we can alert you if anything happens."
Tannin bowed his head "I'm very grateful for this."
School days still had to be carried out even with the ever-looming duel on the horizon as on the second day. The church girls alongside Kiryuu were in one of the empty classrooms working on Xenovia's speech. She read it out loud as they made tweaks to it each time. Kiryuu wanted a comedic tone in it while Irina wanted it to have cut to the point.
"Why are you so serious lately?" Kiryuu asked the all-important question that was on everyone's mind.
Her words made Xenovia's shoulders slump "Isn't it strange that devils are here in this school? Running for the government of it? It's just strange."
"I guess." Kiryuu said to her "If you would have told me this last year I would have called you crazy. And magic is real? I would have thought that was a far out there idea that people can just summon elements. But why can't it be strange? We are here doing exactly what you asked. You and Hanakai are not trying to be dictators, or eat people. I don't see the problem with it. It's just a school it's not like your trying to run a country as a devil. Knowing your identities change nothing hell look at the other two, they forgave Issei. But you will still always be something here… a student."
Xenovia let those words sink in for a bit as she thought about everything that happened so far. "Thank you." That was all she could reply with.
Later in the night, Issei was all alone down in the pool. He was sitting alone surrounded by darkness as the lights were off only and the outside world was lost to him as he was in his mind. [Your upgraded body is still full of secrets, some will take time to unravel. Ophis's power energized Great Red's flesh. Who knows what you are now even I wonder if Crom was correct to ask if you are a Dragon. But all we know is that the secrets of the flesh will take time to reveal what changed.]
"Unfortunately the way everything is going sooner rather than later would be appreciated with how everything is going." Issei told Ddraig.
[Yes but you need to work for that peace that you want. It's been a fickle thing to obtain and has never lasted long. But if you want it you need to work hard for it. Your training has advanced massively as you get stronger and stronger. But never doubt the path you are on.]
"Hey, Ise." They heard a quiet voice call out to them as it came from the outside. When he returned to the normal space he saw Xenovia standing there wearing only a T-shirt. "Did I disturb anything?"
Issei shook his head "No, what's up."
"Just going to take a dip." She grabbed the shirt and pulled it off revealing that the only thing she brought was the shirt as she was nude.
He could see everything on her toned but curvy body and her perky breasts. "Skinny dipping now?"
Xenovia didn't care that she was called out on it only showed off her body to him "It feels nice as the water glides over you. I do this sometimes at night when nobody is around." She was quick to bend over in front of him as she dived in the pool and swam some laps. After she went back and forth a few times without putting too much effort into it she stopped in front of him
"Ise" She spoke quietly over her small movements to stay afloat. A hum was what he got out of him "Can I surpass Sona and Eminence Strada right?" She was looking for reassurance and Issei could hear it in her voice. "I've always thought a new position has to surpass a predecessor."
"That's a good question." He said as he looked down at her "But I forgot to ask you why you want to become the Student Council president."
She was quiet for a moment "This is the first school I've attended. And so far nothing has made me feel bored. It didn't matter if it was talking with others or club, class, or even the school trip we took. Everything is new and exciting and it makes me happy. I like this school and I want to give back to it somehow. So I decided to run for president."
Hearing it from her it had to be the simplest of answers as it was all the same reasons as Asia loved going to school. Xenovia held out her hand "Pull me out."
Reaching down he grabbed her hand as he felt a tug on his arm as she tried to pull him into the water. A big smile appeared on his face from that as his clothes disappeared and took her up on that offer. This time now nude he went crashing down into the water with her as he held onto her. When they surfaced Xenovia was up in his face as she took another shot at gaining the advantage as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
She took everything she could as she was the one pushing her tongue into his mouth dominating everything she could as they made out in the water. "That's my second kiss where I'm serious about it. The next one will be when I'm president." She was serious as she was attached to him as if they were in bed. He could see some tears in her eyes "I've been fortunate to have this new way of life thanks to Rias. And now I have so many new friends because of it and even now you. Your the only man who has given me such things and that's why you are my King."
"Thank you Xenovia that means a lot." His arms were wrapped around her as he held on tightly to her and his hands ran down her back. "It means more than you believe that you, Asia, and Ravel want to be with me. But please don't bottle it up, we will all listen to your problems." He floated over to the edge of the pool where they could get out as they got out and started to dry off.
"Doing such scandalous things it's not fair." They heard as Irina ran towards them as Issei felt a pair of breasts get shoved into his back. "I saw the two of you doing something."
"Oh?" Issei said as he reached over rubbed his hand on her stomach and let it slide down. "Maybe we were doing something." He tempted not only Xenovia but Irina who could see everything.
"That is scandalous! And at such a time." Irina got off him as he dried off and didn't bother getting dressed.
"I'm going to borrow the room sometime soon." Xenovia looked at Irina as she followed Issei's path in staying nude.
As they got out of the room they heard mumbling. "No splashing it's...wet." Asia was asleep laying across from the entrance to the pool. She was talking in her sleep as it was kinda normal for her.
He swooped her up as they got in the elevator getting ready to head off to bed. "Say Issei I see something." Xenovia reached towards his junk as he was semierect as she touched it teasing him as it was only fair.
"I see 3 cute girls who want me." He said to them with a smile knowing that they wouldn't argue with the fact. But now was not the right time for anything sexual.
It was zero hour as everyone gathered down in the basement teleportation room. All the appointed members were ready as Azazel was holding open a magic circle. "The location for this duel was built in a hurry so no damage to the city. The church faction has agreed to this without any arguments. The duel begins at midnight."
"I agree that it is much better this way." Sona had no issues with using a rating game-like field for the duel.
"Once again I'm sorry that you kids drew the short straw. Strada and Cristaldi brought warriors that want to vent their anger, but there has to be an ulterior motive for the actions of the cardinal. Whatever it is."
Rossweisse stepped up and projected a map "This is a 10k by 10k battlefield of Kuoh town with the school being its template. "The field uses a sealing technique that I've been developing for Trihexa… as of right now this will be its first large-scale test." This alone was something new to everyone as Rossweisse was somewhat detached from her social life recently and hyper-focused on working.
On the map, Tsubaki pointed at two locations " We know that Ewald Cristaldi and Vasco Strada will be splitting their warriors up into two squads. As such we should do the same."
"Dulio will lead the first group along with Sister Griselda, Irina, and my peerage. Saji will be on support role while we engage Ewald Cristaldi to conserve energy till needed." Sona said as names appeared on the map.
Rias knew where this was going. "So the rest of us will engage Strada's group then."
"Past versus current." Xenovia told herself as she was trying to get ready for everything.
"Kuroka, Le Fay and Slash Dog team will be assisting the Gremory offensive as well." Azazel told them "Strada is extremely powerful and backup is a stone's throw away then."
Kiba had stepped out of the crowd as he looked at Sona "I would like to join your side."
There was silence as everyone looked at him "This is because of Excalibur isn't it?" Sona asked without hesitation.
Kiba only nodded confirmed everyone's fears about what was to happen. "I heard that he is a wielder of Excalibur."
"He is a rare person, while he is retired he was able to naturally wield any of the Excalibur fragments. And in his youth, he could use any three at a time." Griselda informed him but there was more to come. "However he is the only person the pope has given a replica of Excalibur to from what has been learned from Ex Durandal's project."
Rias had her hand on her forehead just thinking about the nightmare this could cause "Yes I was told they wanted to create replicas of Excalibur and they only have about one-fifth of the power so far."
"That is correct." Griselda confirmed some information "Eminence Strada should also have been equipped with a replica of Durandal as well."
"I want to test myself against the wielder of Excalibur. Not out of revenge but as a challenge to myself."
There was silence as they didn't know what to say. "How about you let him do it?" They heard a new voice as they saw a man in a suit with a sword on his waist appear. "A swordsman can only be tested by another swordsman. Isn't that correct Yuuto Kiba?" It was Arthur as he looked at Kiba as if he was expecting an answer. "How about this. I'll take his place and fight Strada. I have been interested in what the Old man who is known as the strongest wielder of Durandal is capable of."
"Do it, Sona." Rias said to her. "But don't mess this up Yuuto and settle this."
Kiba turned around and kneeled in front of Rias "Thank you."
Issei pointed at Tsubaki as his fingers went back and forth between the two of them and only nodded at her. Tonight he mouthed some words to her as everyone knew what he was referring to as only Kiba was out of the loop but he was fixated on Rias at the time.
As Kiba got up he moved over towards the Sitri group as Issei poked him in the chest "You had best have a sheth for that sword when the time comes.
Kiba knew what Issei was referring to "I do."
Hearing that Issei hooked his thumb towards the Sitri girls "Then go, there are no do overs."
Before the clock struck midnight there were a few things that needed to be clarified. Issei made his way over to Asia as she was sitting down waiting for it to start. He got down in front of her and held her hands "Are you okay with this?" He asked her as this was going to counteract her whole beliefs.
"I'll be fine." She told him.
"Fafnir is still recovering so you will have to rely on your other dragons to protect you if something happens."
"With them, I can focus on healing everyone."
"You know." Issei heard from behind him as he saw Kuroka and Le Fay "If we see anything strange we can deal with it." Kuroka said as her tails were flopping around behind her.
"Look after my brother if you can." Le Fay asked of him.
"Don't know how much I can do but okay."
"It's time!" Azazel said getting their attention.
As everyone shuffled around getting into place Issei could hear Griselda and Xenovia still talking "Xenovia even as the times have changed I'm still proud of you. It's good to see you finally branching out."
They scrambled as everyone went through the teleport and arrived on the battlefield. The team sent to deal with Cristaldi was deployed to the west side of the town. It was an all too familiar sight for them as they were on the outside of the church. The place that started all of the ever-evolving events. Kiba watched as everyone spread out only for Dulio to take a seat on the ground "You know I didn't expect to fight alongside you today." Dulio said as he was getting comfortable.
"Then I feel honored to do so." Kiba said as he looked around only to see nothing as he decided to sit down as well and wait.
"I heard about your complicated origin so to see you here fighting alongside me is something I wasn't expecting."
"What I hate is clearly defined, and you are not on that list." Kiba told him as he was quite open about things like that.
"Yes but I am somewhat concerned if you will be out for blood today. Even deep down we can hide things, and there is an internal conflict in you. And only you can speak about it." Dulio reached into his coat as he pulled out a small orange folded paper that was shaped like a crane. "In the underground facilities in and around Kuoh, there will be ceremonies held to dispel sacred gears. One of them is a young child who is bound to a wheelchair because his legs are disabled. But his body never built enough resistance to and the sacred gear developed to harm him when it was meant to aid in his legs. But thanks to the Grigori we can dispel some of them but everything is a trial."
"What about after."
Dulio breathed in as he moved the crane to act as if was flying. "As they say that's the million-dollar question. The binding may disappear and they could make a full recovery, or they might have to rely on a walking aid for some time. But what we know is that when it's over and he can walk, he wants to go to an amusement park. Even if he is just a normal child. There is still a barrier that needs to be passed." Dulio pushed the paper crane as it was sent flying into the sky "Protecting the dreams of children is more than enough." Dulio told him as he got up "But there are others to greet beforehand." They were quickly surrounded by a large group of warriors from the church some dressed in clothes similar to Xenovia and Irina's battle suits others in priest vestments.
As Kiba looked around there were easily over one hundred people ready and waiting for a fight as in the middle of them all was a man wielding a large sword. Ewald Cristaldi made it known that he was on the scene as he released a holy aura to accompany him. "Long time no see teacher." Dulio spoke looking towards Ewald.
"I don't know if this should be a happy or a sad reunion considering that you still consider me a mentor." Ewald told Dulio.
"There are things that this side wants to ask. Discussion is a better route than what has been chosen."
"This place…" Ewald motioned to the church around them "You visit it often as there will be a ceremony correct?"
Dulio gave a slight nod "That is correct."
"This facility of the church has become infested by Devil rituals. That alone is sinful enough, and I need to carry out judgment on those people who have been tainted, my subordinates hold the same views as we are true believers."
Dulio was focused on Ewald hearing that "You want to destroy the facility? What of the children who are living there?"
"Their souls will be purified of sin in purgatory."
The smile dulio had disappeared as his voice got deeper as he held anger in his voice. "Even if that its a joke don't speak of such evils."
Ewald only shook his head hearing that "To think that such an exceptional warrior such as yourself reached the rank of joker has yet to realize the truth. Even if there is an Alliance there still is a need to eradicate evil. Or have you forgotten that when you were turned into an angel? Your Zenith Tempest can do just that and change the balance of the world."
"It seems as you failed to understand why I became so strong." Dulio held his arms out as his wings appeared "I did it to protect those who needed it the most. That is why I became the Joker of Heaven. To protect the children when they need it the most. But your words are meaningless as you cant change my resolve."
Ewald pointed his Excalibur at the two of them "If talk is pointless then my warriors will use their weapons to make you understand. This is a battle that Heaven will see that we are serious." As he finished there was shouting as the warriors let out a loud chant as the battle was set to begin.
As the warriors started to charge at Dulio and Kiba they heard a voice over their earpieces. "Tsubaki, Tsubasa" Sona said as the two of them landed in front of them as they summoned their Official and Artificial Sacred gears making a defensive barrier. Tsubaki was able to return all damage done to her mirrors at double the rate while Tsubasa was able to tank all kinds of attacks with her shield barrier making it look as if it was nothing. The two of them absorbed all forms of attacks from swords, axes, some morning stars, and even guns.
"Close quarter tactics have been confirmed. Nimura, Meguri, Bennia, and Rugal engage them." Sona called out once again as Kiba watched as they leaped into the fray with weapons in hand aside from Rugal.
The Exorcists however were armed to the teeth with everything they needed from crosses, multiple vials of holy water, and blessed ammunition. Kiba dipped into battle following them using his extreme speed to disarm as fast as possible. Weapons were knocked out of their hands and guns were cut in half destroying them.
"This is a pain." Bennia said over the radio. Her reaper scythe was easily capable of killing anyone that she slashed with it but she had to hold back.
"It's merely a test." Rugal voice was heard as he was punching people with flame-covered fists.
"It's good practice to get a handle on the destructive powers of my sword." Tomoe said as it was a test for everyone.
"Sona, everything is ready." Tsubaki came on alerting everyone.
"Good, everyone fall back." Here Sona's command everyone did leaving Tsubaki alone as Kiba and Dulio were already far enough away to see what was about to happen.
"Balance Break!" Tsubaki shouted as three mirrors appeared out as creatures came out of each one.
"The Dormouse puts people nearby to sleep." They watched as a large fat grey rat was breathing gas on the groups of exorcists as they were falling over. "March Rabbit stirs people in a radius into a frenzy making them violent to others." Once again they watched as the exorcist turned on each other as fistfights broke out as they were fighting each other. "And the Mad hatter causes people to Hallucinate," Sona said to everyone as on queue there was screaming heard as it messing with their minds. This was more of a demonstration to Kiba on how they fight as they were mainly in the background.
"To think that summoning three different demons with widely different powers, there must be more and one ability." Kiba said to Sona.
"Far from it. Tsubaki only has one ability, to summon demons from her mirrors. It's no different from how you can create elemental demonic swords." Sona said as they watched the creatures retreat into the mirrors.
Cristaldi prepared himself for battle as Dulio looked at Kiba "Looks as if it's your turn to show us what you can do. But he has all seven abilities of the Excalibers do not underestimate him."
"The brave saints will back you." Sona said as Kiba made his wavy forward as out of the ground came a handful of his holy demonic swords. He grabbed one of the ground as Cristaldi walked towards Kiba. Cristaldi's body separated into multiple versions of him as he kept advancing.
In Griselda's hand, she gathered her angelic energy and threw it up into the air. That energy then came crashing down in the form of smaller energy balls. Kiba could feel the pure holy energy as it radiated off from the explosions. None of the clones disappeared only some of them swung their swords deflecting the energy as he closed the gap. "It's Mimic!" Dulio shouted as Kiba was dodging to the side already out of harm's way. Irina, however, swooped in, and with Halacutre in hand, she slashed away at the clones mimic made.
In Cristaldi's hand, the sword began to reform as he charged at Irina as she saw what was to come next. With her guard up she blocked a downward swing but it sent her down on one knee as a crater formed from the sheer force of Destruction. "Xenovia's destruction outclasses you."
Cristaldi smiled hearing that "That was quite obvious but you can't measure Excalibur only on its destructive power." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a handful of crosses and threw them into the air. They began to float and spread apart as a barrier formed encapsulating them in a barrier of light. "The Sitri Devils can wait outside for a while. Blessing's power will reinforce the barrier."
Sona's team got close to the barrier as they were being repelled by the sheer volume of light. So she decided to throw some of her water magic at the barrier to see if it was crack, but it only evaporated from its raw output.
Cristaldi looked back at Irina "Even an Angel will have a hard time with a barrier like that. And your flight powers have been reduced.
Irina pushed Cristaldi away getting back up as he made some distance between them. She fired off a wave of holy energy as Kiba swapped swords to a pure holy one and followed Irina sending a few waves of holy energy as well. Cristaldi swung his Excalibur a few times countering their attacks. When they collide the energy dissipated into a fog as it rose to the top of the barrier. The thing was they were expecting a mimicked attack as more waves of energy came at them. First, it was in a direct line to them but as they started to move the energy started to curve following Irina and Kiba. "Ruler wasn't available to me back then, but it is now." He said as the attacks made sharp turns to each of them.
Dulio stuck out his arm as the light came down acting like lightning striking each of the attacks destroying Cristaldi's homing attacks. Cristaldi made it look like child's play putting Xenovia to shame as he was able to combine two elements he was familiar with and a third with ease.
He reached into his jacket once again and pulled out a vile of Holy water "This may be a replica, but it is still an Excalibur." He said as he ran at them as mirror images appeared. The three images ran at Irina and Kiba shifting places to not show who was who as one raised the vial of holy water and coated the blade. The other two were intercepted by Irina as she swung her sword at the image striking it in the neck. The neck wound opened up as large amounts of skin were peeled back and Irina was startled to see what she had done. "Your too naive." His head tilted into the blade as the skin healed up as if it was trapping the sword. Cristaldi swung his blade at Irina as it hit her on the flat edge sending her tumbling as the image of Cristaldi disappeared.
Fire and Ice rained down on the battlefield. But around one of the Cristaldi's, there was a ring of icicles stuck in the ground and fireballs landing around them. "He can take control of Dulio's attacks."
"Ruler controls everything even Sacred Gear." His Excalibur was glowing brighter than normal.
"Are you sure he isn't a sacred gear user?" Kiba had to ask as this much talent and power was unnatural for a human.
"Neither he nor Eminence Strada possesses sacred gears. Cristaldi is known for his skill and Strada for his power." Dulio answered Kiba.
Kiba dropped his holy blade as the other blades on the field disappeared, out of the ground came a red blade with gold plates running down the side. "Even against a user of his caliber, a single opening is even hard to come by." He got in a position to strike as the power of Gram was getting stronger by the second as a white plate appeared around the handle of Gram.
"That will not happen." Dulio told him as he was shaking his head. "You're channeling your lifespan into power and that will not be happening. This battle is similar to a spar and you need to express your anger through that, not kill yourself while doing it." Kiba was thinking about how the past was put aside by an alliance only for things to never be settled. But he felt Dulio grab ahold of him and hug him. "You came from the church and even if you are a devil now you are still a younger brother to me. And I can't allow you to act recklessly."
Kiba gave no resistance as he didn't know what to do as Dulio let him go. "What do you fight for Dulio?" Cristaldi had to ask him.
Dulio smiled hearing that "I fight so everyone can live a peaceful life." Ten white wings came out from Dulio as a staff appeared in his hand. A golden aura appeared as he twirled his staff, when it touched the ground out of the top of it bubbles came out as they were thrown up into the air. The roof of the barrier Cristaldi setup was shattered as the bubbles scattered all around the dimension they were in. "This is a technique of Zenith Tempest Speranza Bolla di Sapone."
One of the bubbles landed on Kiba's hand as his mind was racing around the past. He was seeing the past of his friends. He heard their voices "I want to be an artist." "I want to open a flower shop." Kiba was stopped in time as he could see everything clearly as if it was today. It was never his intention to live a life full of revenge. He just wanted to live and that was it. That was when he heard another yet familiar voice. "Live for me and you will live for yourself." The voice of a redhead rang true. "Don't be an idiot and die because I don't want to deal with that fallout." He heard Issei's voice.
Kiba dropped Gram as he fell to the floor crying as he understood everything. "These bubbles remind people of their most precious memories and who is important to them. This is what I desire the most from my Sacred gear so I was able to create it."
"Then let's settle this." Cristaldi had a tear running down his cheek as the three remaining angles prepared for combat.
Griselda extended her six wings as in her hand a golden bow made of holy energy appeared as she pulled back on the string. Irina held Hauteclere "Lend me strength, I wish to get back at him for his last attack." She said as she extended her four white wings and took to the sky.
Kiba stood up and put Gram away and forged another one of his Holy Demonic swords. But it was different than normal the metal was still vibrant like normal but the blade had an all-new shine to it. The blade itself was a perfect creation and mix of energy. Kiba and Irina made their charge at Cristaldi destroying multiple clones of himself that were created from the power of rapidity and mimic. Each of their slashes got them closer and closer to the real target. It got to the point that the clones were blocking attacks as metal was grinding on each other but Cristaldi could tell something was off. He watched as the holy aura was being drained away by Kiba with each swing of his Holy Demonic sword. "Most interesting, the Demonic and Holy attributes are working in tandem to power each other."
"Purification!" Irina shouted as she swung the blade down at Cristaldi.
He did everything to block her attack but Excalibur was drained of its holy energy. But he was still able to hold her off and possibly mitigate some of the attacks. That was until they hear a whistling noise as a beam of light struck Irina. "My arrows empower Angels!" Irina felt a surge of power as Hauteclere's energy was quickly ramping up.
Overhead a large black cloud appeared above them as the temperature dropped as icy cold winds swirled around as Cristaldi's hands turned pale and his sword was icing over. While powerful, Cristaldi was still only human as the ice crept down his body locking him in place. A bolt of lightning came down from the cloud striking Cristaldi's blade as it arched into his body. That was all it took as the ice shattered and he dropped the Excalibur as he was laying on the ground. "It seems as if you have won, do what your must." He said as looked up in the skying waiting for whatever was to come next.
Dulio looked over towards Irina and Kiba. "Head over to Issei's side they will need some help. I have to have a long talk with Cristaldi."
On the other side, the fighting had been in full swing at school as they were out in the large opening where they fought Kokabiel. Issei saw bubbles floating down to the ground as they were landing on the exorcists he watched as they started to cry. One of them landed on Issei's armored hand and poped. But nothing happened as he saw some of the girls crying as they were on the floor. [I think that these bubbles can trigger memories, what I don't know.]
"Okay but nothing happened when it touched me."
[I don't know, maybe it requires skin contact or it does not affect you. It's also possible that you don't have things you worry about unlike the others do.]
"These bubbles came from the other side?" Issei heard Rias ask as he looked over and saw Kiba and Irina next to her.
"That's correct." Kiba answered.
"These bubbles were made by Dulio, and they make whoever touches them remember what is precious to them." Irina said confirming parts of Ddraig's theory.
[Well that solves that then]
Strada held out his hand holding one of the bubbles in his hand as it had yet to burst. "They are quite beautiful." The bubbled popped as he walked forward advancing towards the devils. So far it had just been a brawl between the Devils and Exorcists. But now that Strada was joining in he was holding onto a sword that looked Exactly like Durandal only much smaller compared to his size. Issei could feel a coldness that was something that only Sirzechs and Crom Cruach could muster so far. "It's time for you to learn little devil children." He said as that pressure extended outward that could penetrate any crack it wanted.
"There are no limits on what he can do with that replica." Xenovia said as she was ready for what was to come.
Xenovia was preparing to make the first move but she was beaten as Kiba and Irina rushed Strada. He just watched the two of them get closer as Kiba was faster than Irina as he closed the gap much faster than Irina could. Kiba swung his blade at Strada's face but nothing happened as his blade was stopped as Strada grabbed it. "Accurate with no hesitation. Unfortunately…" His words were followed by the sound of shattering metal as it fell to the ground "Your attacks are too direct, you need more training." Strada swung his fist at Kiba, he was faster than Kiba could keep up as he raised the broken blade for a guard only to be knocked around and sent tumbling back to the line.
"That was rude!" Irina said as she swung Hauteclere at him. He grabbed the blade between two fingers and did the same thing as he tossed Irina around like she was nothing but a fly.
"Magic then." Rossweisse said as above her numerous magic circles appeared as she fired every element she could at Strada. But he just stood there looking at the magic as it was about to rain down on him. He lifted his hand up and before the attacks could land he touched them as they disappeared leaving him unharmed. "You disassembled my magic? With magic?" Rossweisse said as she was shocked as everyone was amazed as well.
"What you call magic is just calculations. If you know how it works and you can find any flaw you can unravel it. That is a major flaw of many young magicians."
"My turn" Gasper's body transformed into his darkness monster as he ran towards Strada. Why the little bishop was going into close quarters was partially Issei's fault as he had to teach Gasper alongside the other girls how to fight with their fists if they ever needed it. But with the combination of his Sacred Gear, he was able to fight in a whole new realm. Strada however flexed his arm as they could see each of his muscles swelled up as he became a hulking monstrosity doubling his size.
With a slight exhale Strada swung his fist at Gasper who was running in line at him. Gasper was able to dodge the fist but everything behind him was torn asunder as the ground and even buildings were torn apart from the shockwave alone.
"That's insane is that even real? That punch is on the same level as Sairaorg." Rias said as she was looking at Issei for an answer.
He didn't have much of an answer for her. It was something Sairaorg could do, hell he could do if he wanted to. "Eminence Strada's punches are known as a Holy Punch. Every hit contains holy energy so be careful." Xenovia told them.
Gasper however was able to dodge not one but two hits as he went on the offensive hitting Strada with more than enough power to send anyone flying. But Strada was more than man as he raised the Durandal replica as a shield as Gasper was hitting it. While Gasper didn't take any damage from hitting the sword each time he did some of the holy aura from the blade peeled back his darkness cloak to the point where everyone could see Gasper.
"I'm next" Saji ran in with his jet black armor as he sent out as many black lines as they could see. A few of them were able to attach onto Strada as Saji was about ready to start draining away his power. Strada tilted his Durandal and flicked it without touching the lines with the blade as the lines were severed as they fell to the ground. Another building was cut in half as they heard glass shattering as if nothing happened at all. "The hell" Saji was at a loss of words
"You rely on the Sacred Gears too much, a power given by God." He raised his arm showing off the muscles on his body "This is the power of my own flesh and blood. Obtain through constant training and countless battles over time. Is there any power in your souls because you have yet to show me any."
Issei's armor started to glow as it shifted colors to the crimson hue "I'll dance old man." Issei put his right foot down and moved towards Strada as the ground cratered below him. When Issei closed the gap his right arm got thick as it took on a large mass. [BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!] Ddraig called out Issei swung his fist. [SOLID IMPACT BOOSTER]
Strada saw the attack that was incoming as he didn't evade it. He opened himself up to take the hit as he held his Durandal up and put both hands on the blade guarding his chest. Issei's fist collided with the blade creating the sound of an explosion as the two of them were still standing where there were before. But behind Strada, every building in sight was gone as the ground was split apart as if an earthquake tore the place apart.
The area above them got bright as crashing down came a dragon made of energy "Holy Lightning!" Akeno shouted as she was up in the air surrounded by some matching dragons made from her Holy Lightning.
"Power of the Descendent of the Lightning of God. It is beautiful." Strada said as he raised Durandal and cut the oncoming dragon into pieces.
The problem was the wave was still coming "Sheilds up!" Rossweisse yelled out as everyone got behind her as the wave of holy energy kept coming. Her multilayered barrier was the only thing that was slowing down the wave as with each barrier that broke it slowed down slightly. With all of her power she could muster and the power of the rook piece she was able to stop the oncoming assault but it was only wave one.
Xenovia lept out from behind the barrier "This is far from over." She yelled out as she was getting ready to slam Ex-Durandal down on Strada. He saw this as he raised his blade to block the attack.
As the blades collided he smiled "Good, no discussion only action. Listen well, you have smeared the essence of Durandal… pure unadulterated power." He told her as they were swinging blades at each other "Why do you think you were chosen by Durandal? It's because you have the potential to use its raw power. That power if you deny it will be useless to you. You need to harness it or do you want Durandal to act as such."
He saw Xenovia's eyes move somewhere else for a moment as she jumped back. As Rias was holding a massive black pool of energy above her head. "Then how is this? You will die if you don't avoid it." Rias told him as she threw the mass of energy at him. Her Extinguished Star of Destruction was no joke as it had ripped apart an evil dragon.
Strada only looked at it as it crept closer to him "Let's see" With his Durandal up as it began to glow as a holy aura covered the blade. As the Extinguished Star got closer he swung the blade down to release the holy energy. The blade slammed into her attack as it swallowed it up only for him to push further down and down until they saw the blade touch the ground as Rias' attack dissipated into specks of black energy that fell to the ground like dust in the wind.
Rias was speechless as was most of everyone else. This old man was not human as he was able to cut in half an attack that could destroy Grendel. "It seems as if I have to explain it to you. Durandal cuts through everything. It doesn't matter what it is even the Bael's power of Destruction or the flames of a Dragon. There are no exceptions to that rule." He told them as his breathing was getting heavy from that.
"How is he able to do this?" Koneko asked as they watched Arthur step out from behind the group.
"Then I shall take a turn." Arthur was looking at Strada as he pulled out his blade as it was covered in a thick aura similar to what Strada has just done.
"To think I would be able to lay eyes on Caliburn at such an age." Strada quickly got ready for battle.
"It's rather unfortunate that your sword is a replica and not the genuine article. I wanted to test myself." As Arthur approached him the two of them disappeared only as metal clanging and pressure waves of energy could be felt exploding everywhere. It was hard for them to follow as soon as they see the shockwaves of energy and the sounds of metal clashing. The remaining buildings of what was left had massive cracks running up them as the concrete was far too fragile to handle being anywhere near their powers.
"I can't see anything." Murayama said as Katase and Kiryuu were looking around trying to follow the explosions.
"Don't feel so bad about that." Rossewisse said as she saw Kiba Irina and Xenovia standing there watching in awe of what was transpiring.
"This much and there not even at full power." Kiba watched as sparks rained down on them.
After a few more shockwaves they saw Arthur and Strada appear back in front of them. Arthur had sheathed his sword as he looked at Strada "I might be spoiled if this continues."
Strada smiled hearing that "If we had met even twenty years ago that would have been the best battle I would have ever had." Arthur retreated behind everyone as Strada looked at Issei. "I've heard that the Red Dragon has the ability to modify the environment in a dangerous way. Even an attack like that I can't counter."
Hearing that Issei thought about it. The Longinus Smasher was a dangerous tool, Euclid somehow mitigated enough damage to survive. But the previous times that he used it weren't so fortunate. Xenovia however stepped forward as she held Ex-Durandal forward as the blade glowed. Once it reached enough to cover the blade she put both hands on it and pulled apart the blade. She separated the two holy swords from herself as in her right hand she had Durandal and in her Right was the reforged Excalibur.
They could see Strada's skin had goosebumps as the blades were separated "Yes! That's Durandal a finished product. There was never a need to cover a completed blade with another one. It was because you were unable to control Durandal! Yet you are a prodigy when it comes to single or dual-wielding and you chose to forgo that. If you believe in the powers of the blades in return the blades will grant that power."
Issei had seen Xenovia train with Dual wielding but in practice she rarely used it. But that was about to change as holy Aura was radiating from her swords. It was something new as she had never done this before with swords only Irina had but not on a scale of this level. "THAT IS DURANDAL!" Strada shouted, "It's true form pure destruction."
Xenovia tightened her grip on the two swords as she advanced as Strada got ready. It was a slow pace that they started at as Xenovia swung Durandal at Strada. Sparks flew everywhere as the ground shook. Everything shook from a single swing of the blade. Some of the exorcists felt like they got hit as the shockwave cratered the area. Large cracks appeared in Saji's armor as not as large ones appeared on Issei's crimson armor as well. One swing was all that took but more care as the speed increased as she swung now two blades around as Strada was parrying every hit he could. Strada's raw power was enough in combination with the replica to deflect her strikes but it didn't matter. Cracks on the blade were appearing as the whole dimension was shaking. The raw power Xenovia possessed was on par with what Issei could do but she could swing it around whenever she felt like it.
She put more force into it her next swings but she did them one at a time leaving Strada to defend against the previous one. He was soon pushed to the ground from the raw output of destructive power. The winner of this duel was decided on the first hit but was drawn out to see what else could be done. That's when they saw a child with a single pair of white wings, descend to them as tears were in his eyes as he grabbed ahold of Strada "Please stop this is all my fault." The child said looking at Xenovia.
"Young Teodoro this is my decision. I chose this path and knew what would become of it."
Strada tried to get up as the boy pushed him back down "You've done enough already. If you disappeared then I will have nothing." His wings curled inward as is if they were protecting Strada as he looked over at everyone and his eyes just peered out over his wings. "My father and my mother…they were killed by devils. I will never forgive devils, and they not get away with it." He shouted at them.
Strada dropped his sword as he wrapped his arms around the child. "The alliance was made to foster peace between the factions. There will always be those that are angered and there will be others that welcome the change."
"We only want to live in peace." Kiba stepped forward and looked at the kid. "Your values differ from ours and that is fine. But everyone you see here including my Master Rias Gremory and Issei, we have all seen and survived life and death situations together. We have been through good times and bad times."
Xenovia looked down at Teodoro "It's true, we have risked our lives for this and the betterment of the supernatural world. We fight with pride and people believe in us that we will succeed."
Strada smiled hearing that as he looked at Rias and Issei "Your knights said it quite well."
Irina made her way up front as she got down to Teodoro's level "I believe that evil Devils exist as I have seen them." But she turned and looked back at her friends "But everyone here is not an evil devil. Just like humans, there are good and evil humans. Other mythologies are the same there are good and evil."
They heard a laugh out of Strada after Irina "To think that Lord Michael's Ace would speak of Pagan Gods. This is a new era for all of us."
"We had dealings with some of the other gods in this world of ours. Some are evil others are…. Perverts." Irina told Teodoro as she could only think of Odin.
"Maybe I can get rid of you all here and now?" There was a female voice that echoed all through the area. Everyone found the location of the voice as they saw Walburga standing at the entrance to the school as it wasn't far from them. She was smiling as behind her was her army of evil dragons who were teleporting in behind her. "So how about I have all these evil dragons kill you?"
"How nice of you to show up." Rossweisse snapped her fingers as the sky lost its blue hue and it change to solid silver.
They watched as the evil dragons started falling over as the lights in their eyes died out and became nothing but husks. "What the fuck is happening?" Walburga asked as she was looking around as her army was reduced to nothing.
"I sealed your dragons away. We expected Qlippoth to attack us and bring evil dragons. So when I built this battlefield I made some precautions." Rossweisse looked down at Asia "Asia here was able to teach me how she tamed those mass-produced evil dragons. So figured out how to stop them."
"Ohhhh Scary. I think I'll be retreating now." Walburga activated a magic circle as it started the teleport sequence but it was quickly shattered. "Teleportation fail so you sealed that as well."
"No." There was another male voice as Walburga's eyes were as big as possible as everyone saw Toboi and his dog walking towards them. "We cut every pathway out of here off."
"Slash Dog of course it's you." They hear through the grinding of her teeth.
"Long time no see Witch of the Purple flames. Have you been having a good time with the Incinerate Anthem? I guess this is my fault for not dealing with it after that little incident with Augusta. But it doesn't look so good for you now that you can't leave here." Tobio pointed up as blades were coating the ceiling.
"A….a..are you even human?" She asked seeing the blades blocking every area possible route.
"Last I looked yes I am." He answered her "Hyoudou Issei, I believe this is where you take over. My job in the background is done."
Issei smiled hearing that as he punched his fist with a smile on his face. "Oh yes, I get to solve another problem. I might enjoy this one because she made my problems bigger by having to call Tiamat. Do you have any clue what she gonna do to me when she figures out what she wants?"
Walburga laughed hearing that "The Dragon King will have nothing when your corpse is burnt to a crisp." She spread out her arms as purple flames appeared as they made a blazing inferno behind her forming a cross. "You will experience my Balance Breaker Incinerate Antiphona Calvario." The flames got larger and larger as they extended taking on a massive eight-headed dragon.
"The Holy Cross can alter the user's abilities based on what is bound on the cross. It looks as if Yamata no Orochi is bound there if I'm not mistaken." Strada said, looking at it.
"Oh, how smart of you. Yaegaki sword was only half of Yamata no Orochi while the other half was absorbed by my flames."
"Then I will break it." Xenovia said as she advanced towards Walburga with Excalibur and Durandal in hand.
Issei held his hand out as out of his armor the gems liquified as they turned into his wyverns. "This should be fun." The wyverns flew ahead of Xenovia as she started generating the power she needed in her swords.
"The two of you? You must be joking if you think you can defeat me." Walburga laughed as she was throwing all sorts of elemental spells at Issei as he dodged them. The wyverns were flying around doing whatever they felt like as it was causing a distraction of Walburga as she had to focus on shooting them down as well.
But she had a hard time hitting them as one of the white wyverns was hit with an attack. [REFLECT!] Called out as her attack was thrown right back at her. As she was focused on the oncoming attack on the Red one landed on her shoulder digging its claws into her drawing blood as there was a loud smack…[PENETRATE] then they saw its wing hit her in the back of the head as it took off.
There was some laughing at her from that, but Issei was looking at her with a smile "So miss why don't you tell me something important?" He asked her as they heard his fingers snap, making a loud echo. Around them, the area turned to a pink area as it was eerie quiet for them.
"First I'm going to use elemental attacks. Then I'm going to use Yamata no Orochi to pin him down while I use my purple flames to surround them." The voice that came out was not some cute girly girl but a battle-hardened warrior that sounded like she smoked cigars for substance as if it was a deep and rough female voice.
The area returned to normal as Walburga realized what happened "That's impossible. You used that weird technique on me that's impossible."
Issei only laughed at her watching her raise her hands as she was getting ready to fire off more attacks at them. "Dress break." Issei said as there was another snap of his fingers. The sound of fabric tearing was heard as her clothes shredded as scraps of cloth fell to the ground. They laid their eyes upon her body as she had a slim waist with matching thin legs and a flat ass. The most disappointing thing is that Issei saw her breasts as they looked damaged and nowhere near as nice as the lowest quality of porn he had ever watched. Issei pointed at her and turned his head back at the group. "That's a sad state."
"You perverted fucking dragon." She was yelling at him as she didn't even bother covering up showing everything off "That was my good outfit."
Issei waved his hand around as if he didn't care about her complaints. "I'll admit you look like shit and coming from me that says a lot. You know it's funny how you are unable to fight now that you are trapped in here."
"Hello Pot, the name is Kettle don't call me black. You're not able to fight me as well."
Issei smiled hearing that one "Oh sick burn that hurts right.." He went to point his finger at his chest plate "...It hurts nowhere because I'm not fighting you. I'm stalling you for her." Issei pointed over at Xenovia.
Xenovia had held up her Excalibur and Durandal as the blades were radiating a dense power. "I know what my problems were and I deviated from solving them. But today I have solved them." Xenovia said as she swung the blades in unison releasing tremendous amounts of holy energy that lit up the area in pure white light.
Walburga saw the massive X-shaped wave of energy coming at her as she unleashed her purple flames to counter them. Her flames condensed into a fireball as the two of them clashed in the air. The amount of holy energy the two of them output could erase many devils with ease.
"You know if you get hit with that it's going to hurt right?" Issei egged her on as multiple dragon Heads popped out as it started to spew fireballs down to the ground.
From behind Issei, there were all sorts of energy flying around as Akeno's Holy Lighting, Rias shooting off baseball-sized Power of Destruction while Saji sent out his lines coated in a black fire to destroy the oncoming attacks.
Unfortunately for Walburga, it was a losing fight from the start as Xenovia was the winner of the power struggle as her attack tore apart the fireball and smashed the heads of Yamata no Orochi. Seeing that her main source of power was gone two cannons appeared on Issei's shoulders. "Rossweisse, did you care about the inside of this dimension?"
"No. Why?" She asked as there was a green light that was shining brightly.
"No reason." He smiled beneath his helmet. The cannons charged at a rapid pace as he fed it all the power that was needed. [FANG BLAST BOOSTER!] Ddraig shouted as the energy engulfed Walburga.
After the dust settled the groups gathered as Tobio went back to doing his work. The Church warriors were all in front of them as they surrendered as well as Cristaldi and Strada did the same. "There will be no more resistance." Strada told all the warriors.
Tobio went over to Walburga as she was laying on the ground as she was injured but still alive as there was a purple flame next to her. He pulled out a lantern and got the flame inside of it and clipped it onto his belt as he prepared Walburga for transportation. "And you no longer have your Longinus now."
Strada however reached into his coat and pulled out a stack of envelopes "I have something for you." He handed the stack of envelopes to Asia "Do you remember me, Sister Asia?"
"Yes…" She nodded "We met once before."
"Please take these."
Asia took hold of the envelopes as she looked at them "What are they?"
"All of them are letters from people who you healed with your powers." Asia didn't know what to say as she was staring at the pile "After your departure from the church, the letters kept coming in and I collected them."
"But why… disposing of them would be easier."
Strada shook his head and smiled at her "When I heard you were going to be excommunicated I wanted to find you but you were already gone before I could find you.
"I" Was all she could say as her hands were shaking.
"I hope that you will find some time and write back to them, you can even talk to the church for information. I have already set up some things if you wanted to meet with them." Strada told her.
She was doing the best she could to not become a loud crying mess as she sat down holding onto the letters.
Strada made his way over to Azazel as he just teleported in and saw the chaos. "Former Governor, It looks as if the others followed us."
"Yes, it seems so. Walburga was told how to get into the barrier. It's a good thing we anticipated here to crash the party. But it looks as if it was a successful test of Rossweisse's fancy new barrier alongside the seal.
"Yes, it worked perfectly" She smiled "I let Ise destroy a portion of the field to test its endurance as well."
Strada dug back into his coat once again looking for something as he pulled it out. "I have something for you Azazel." He placed it in Azazel's hand as everyone looked on.
"What is that?" Issei asked as they could see a small piece of metal golden in color with a rounded tip and thick walls.
Azazel looked at the item in disbelief "This is a fragment of the Holy Grail, as in the real one." He looked at Strada "This is the real thing right?"
Strada only nodded as he looked at Rias and Kiba. "There is another matter that needs to be resolved with your Knight Isaiah, Rias Gremory. Or so that was your name when you were in the church."
Kiba's eyes were eyes as they could go hearing that name. "How do you know that?"
Issei was no more surprised than everyone else as Kiba reacted to that name. He never once mentioned it to any of them. "Many children lost their lives But there was an exception, Tosca. Do you have any memory of that name?" Strada asked.
Kiba nodded as if he was lost in time. Strada looked back towards the group of people as he motioned for someone. Out of the crowd came a small girl with her braided into twin tails as her hair was white. She looked to be no older than a middle school student as she walked towards them. But as she got closer she saw Kiba and her eyes started to leak "Isaiah?" She asked
"But… your…. Tosca… how." Kiba was no better as he started to cry as he saw the girl.
"She is the only other survivor. She has a sacred gear that produces a strong barrier. She was stuck in suspended animation and Valper was unable to dispel it. So they hid her in the depths of the facility. We found her after that and even the church was unable to release her. But thanks to the alliance and the research the Grigori has done over the years they were able to release her. But unfortunately, while she was in the barrier she stopped growing and was extremely frail. It's taken over five months to get her to a point where she was fit for travel."
She walked over to Kiba and reached out and touched his face wiping the tears away "Isaiah you're so much bigger. We use to be the same size." She had to get on her tiptoes to reach further back on his face.
He grabbed her hand "I'm okay with this."
The two of them wasted no time as they hugged each other. "I'm glad your alive Isaiah."
Katase and Murayama had a small crying spell that happened as they watched what just happened. Issei was happy for his friend as there was some much-needed closure in his life.
"Take her with you." Strada said to Kiba "If the church keeps here there's bound to be people who would want to use her. She does not require the services that the church can provide her but you can."
Kiba opened his mouth as the two of them were hugging "...I…"
"There is no need for that." He knew what he was going to say. "You will need the utilize the area between Holy and Demonic as your source of power. That is what will keep your sword sharp and your determination steady."
Leaving the two he looked at Xenovia "Xenovia, the way the two of you fought together was interesting. The two of you will progress nicely and it seems as if Durandal understands that connection."
Strada had other pressing matters to deal with as he was technically the loser of this battle interrogation was going to be the outcome. But as they watched him disappear through teleportation they all understood one thing. Strada took the fall to bring some semblance of peace to this chaotic world and he helped the former members of the church with their problems that they were still holding onto.
A few days after the battle passed Ravel left for the underworld as this was the day that all the candidates gave speeches to the whole school. Saji had finished his speech as to why he would be a vice president.
Momo however was next on the list as she spoke into the microphone. "I'm running for Student Council President because I've always watched and Followed Sona and her actions. And with that Knowledge, I want to build a new Kuoh Academy honoring those actions and continuing to make them better for everyone..." She had the crowd with words alone as they wanted to see how things would keep going with Sona's plan.
When she finished Xenovia was the last one to speak. When she got up in front of everyone she looked out a the crowd "Before I came here I was someone with little knowledge of how the world worked. I was raised in a facility for the church in Italy. I was never given a chance to do anything I wanted. I received an education from the church but not as a student it was more of enough to get you from A to B. And that's why I'm running for Student Council President. My life has changed and I'm happy to be attending school for the first time. Every day I come here I have yet to find anything boring. Every day is a new and exciting day. I'm thankful for everyone that has helped me adjust as they have made me feel like I'm welcomed where I go. So I decided to run as Student Council President as a way to give back to everyone." There was no talking, there was no form of distraction as everyone listened to what she had to say. "I will do my best to help everyone who comes to me. I want to do whatever I can to protect this small slice of time we have together and mold it into something that everyone will cherish forever." That's when she smiled at everyone "Thank you, everyone." As she finished, applause finished as she waved at everyone showing off the suit she was in. There were cheers for her as the crowds were dispersing to head off to vote.
After a little bit, Issei was walking through the halls and catching up to Xenoiva as she was hugging somebody. "Griselda you came."
"Of Course, I would. I may not be your mother but I am your older sister. And I'm proud of you for everything."
Issei got closer to them "OH Issei your here as well." Xenovia said as she saw him.
"Just wondering where you ran off to before everything is tallied."
Xenovia reached over and grabbed Issei's arm pulling him over to her so they were both facing Griselda. "When this is all over, Issei and I are going to use Irina's room to make a child."
Issei looked at Xenovia "We are?"
He watched as a hand came down and hit Xenovia over the head. "I didn't need to know that. The two of you aren't even married."
Xenoiva looked at Issei "We should fix that then."
"Bold now aren't we? But that's something that needs to be talked about with all the others, and mom will kill me if she isn't involved."
Griselda laughed hearing the two of them bicker. "Yes, that would be preferred. No need for a disaster that can be prevented."
It took some time but a tally was made, Xenovia was declared the new President while Saji was the Vice president. And many other names were announced for all the other positions. A party was thrown for Xenovia for the normal fanfare that they always had. But it was cut short as Azazel had called them to one of the many Laboratories the Grigori owned in the underworld. They were behind large panes of glass that looked down into a large circular room. In the center of it was Valerie laying on a bed as Gasper was sitting next to her lifeless body.
Azazel was able to fashion a necklace out of the fragment that Strada gave him that held the fragment of the Holy Grail. "Will this work?" Gasper asked Azazel as everyone could hear them talking over a speaker system.
"It's hard to say. Her Holy Grail was a sacred gear and this is but a fragment of the real thing. Something like this has never been attempted before. It's possible that the fragment may be stronger than the gear." Azazel told Gasper as he was putting the necklace on her.
As it laid on her chest they waited to see what would happen. Her jaw slowly opened as there was a noise that came out. Her eyes slowly opened up "Valerie, it's me!" Gasper was getting gitty as he saw her starting to move.
"Good morning Gasper." Her voice was still monotone just as it was when they were in Romania.
"Valerie Valerie! Your back!" He shouted as they could hear him crying as he laid his head on her chest.
"Always a crybaby." She put her hand on his head.
"Listen up." Azazel said, getting their attention. "This was a serious gamble if this would even work." Gasper looked at Azazel, wiping the tears from his face. "You need to keep this in mind. She has to wear that necklace AT ALL TIMES." Azazel had to stress that point to them. "We don't know what will happen if she leaves the barriers. We have one set up on Issei's home and will be setting up one where you and Kiba live. As long as she is inside of those barriers then things will be fine."
"So then Eminence Strada losing was more of gifts to us." Rias said over the intercom.
Azazel nodded "Yes that's what he does."
"An Insurance policy." Issei said.
"Unfortunately it had to go to such lengths for that but yes. If we aren't able to recover the grail, we still have an option of destroying the Grail and denying them the use of it now that she is awake. Abusing the Grail's powers by them… They will most likely use the grail as a shield as they know we want it as much as they do."
"So they decided to lessen the blow if we had to come to that?" Rias asked
"The price of the fragment is rather cheap in comparison to this team's morale. Priority is still retrieval but now there are fewer repercussions. There are many secrets still within the church that will be coming out over time. But for now, Strada has chosen his path and decided that this was the best way to deal with the problems." Azazel looked at Kiba "About that girl, how has it gone."
"I uh umm. I told her of everything that happened in the past few years and about this town. I've introduced her to everyone but she doesn't understand a lot of things. So she needs to be taught things as well as Japanese so I started on that already."
Issei snickered hearing that "Asia was no better and Xenovia well look how that's gone. The fact that you can eat food with your hand tripped Asia up for a bit. So hearing that isn't surprising. Tho Tsubaki that's another story now."
"Rias." Sona's voice was heard as they saw a projection of Sona in Akeno's hand as Rias was looking at it.
"What's a matter, Sona?" Rias asked as it looked urgent.
"You might want to get Issei and get back home." Sona told her.
"Why?"
"Riser and Ravel…. Something happened that we don't know yet."