Zeldris plainly stared out to a nearby window. He had recently been taken under Vasco Strada and his training would start soon. He wasn't worried about; despite running his hands through his now white hair. He was lost in thought, though. Wondering why all this had happened and how his life had gone crazy. He was sure of one thing: he hated the supernatural. To think that the world he lived in was corrupt with cinders of light acting as a barrier to reality.
Zeldris's head turned to the door, and it opened, revealing Vasco Strada along with three people he had never seen; one adult female, and two girls. The first was a sister with the appearance of a woman in her late 20's or early 30's with blue eyes. Her beauty made her look like she was from Northern Europe and had features that were standing out like an actress. A young woman with long blue hair and dark yellow eyes. The second young woman next to her is a beautiful young woman with chestnut hair and violet eyes. Her hair is tied into twin tails, each held with a blue scrunchy.
"How are you doing today, Zeldris?" Vasco asked, seeing the plain face of Zeldris.
"I'm fine," he replied. His head gazed at the unknown figures, his neck slightly titled in there direction. "And who are those women at the door?" he asked.
Vasco stepped back, and allowed them to present themselves. "They are also members of the Vatican. Meet, Griselda Quarta, Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou," said Vasco Strada, pointing to each of them respectively - indicating who had each name.
"I see."
The girl named Xenovia Quarta stepped forward and bowed. "Nice to meet you. I hope that you will strive as hard as possible to strike down evil in the name of God. If you are not like that, then may you be blessed to reach that level," she said with a serious tone, even her face was serious.
"Xenovia!" the chestnut-haired girl shouted, admonishing her partner. "You don't need to be rude. You shouldn't force it on him like that. I'm sure God's grace will reach him anytime!" she exclaimed, a content smile on her face.
"I'm just saying," Xenovia replied.
Griselda then joined in the conversation, trying to make sure it didn't escalate. "Now, now," she started with a friendly face, "let's all come down. Xenovia, I understand your passion for your faith but try not to seem-forceful-when you preach the word of the Lord. Irina, try to understand Xenovia's passion, she just loves her religion. However, I believe introductions are over, and we should start with the training."
"Good idea," said Vasco. "I will be training Zeldris, while Irina and Xenovia will be training with Griselda. It's been decide that you three will also be going on missions together, as a team. You're not at the level where you can take a mission by yourself. Understood."
"Yes," they all said at the same time, with Zeldris's one being very plain, not really heard by the boisterous voice of Irina.
"Then, let us proceed."
Several days had passed since Zeldris' arrival at the Vatican. He didn't have an opinion on it. It was fine, really. Although, if had to be honest, he might of liked the Vatican better than his old home. Not to say it was bad or anything. The Vatican had plenty of things he needed, especially because he could now train and do or sorts. There were plenty of places, people and more. The Vatican was a large place, with an even larger amount of people.
His training with Vasco had started, and it was good. For how old he was the man was an extraordinary teacher. He could be classified as a veteran, for his teaching prowess. He was the man who cornered Kokabiel in the past so it was no surprise he was this powerful. He had met up with Griselda, Xenovia and Irina a lot as well, training with them.
Today they were going to go on their first mission together. He had been suited in a battle gear; it was comprised of a white button-up shirt, white trousers and a white hooded cloak with gold and blue accents. The girls' were also in their own Church battle suit; a black, skin-tight, short sleeve leotard with pauldrons, matching finger less gloves that extend to her biceps, and thigh-high boots, all of which are adorned with straps. This attire is worn under a white hooded cloak with gold and blue accents. Zeldris was armed with multiple light swords. Irina looked like she brought nothing; though Zeldris noted the string tied around her arm, perhaps that was the weapon. Xenovia had a large sword, shown by it's shape, wrapped in bandages.
They were all at the entrance of the Vatican where Vasco was explaining the mission: "Apparently, some devils have been caught doing mysterious things. We want you to investigate it, and report back. Remember this: if you catch them doing anything that crosses the boundaries, kill them. Apart from that, good luck, children."
"Understood!"
Forest
Zeldris, Irina and Xenovia walked with caution through the forests carefully, their eyes zooming frantically on anything that shouted danger or suspicion. They stepped over muddy puddles, and cleared some wayward shrubbery. Everything seemed normal as they ventured forward for a brief period of time.
Zeldris placed his hand in front of Irina and Xenovia, prompting them to stop. "Stop, you two," Zeldris warned them. "I can feel several demonic presences nearby along with human ones. I think there nearby. Be careful."
"Right!" they both responded.
All three of them journeyed on further, travelling deeper into the heart of the forest; reaching closer to the center. They had walked for awhile, and were about to take a break—a scream broke out; one of help. They quickly abandoned their idea to rest and headed straight to where the help was needed.
Two devils were holding a woman on a make-shift altar, giving the idea that they were sacrificing her for some repulsive ritual. "Oh, great Beelzebub," one devil chanted. "We offer you this virgin in your name."
They were about to bring the knife down but Zeldris brought a light blade and threw it. The devil was alert and got out the way, but not completely unscathed; smoke rose from the wound of the light sword. "Damn! They sent some Exorcists!"
Zeldris, along with Irina and Xenovia came out, fully prepared. Xenovia came out and the bandages came off, revealinga two-handed sword with a grip long enough that can be held with more than one hand with a cross in the pommel. Contains an axe-like guard and a second grip with a chain-like form connecting the guard with the blade, the blade itself being huge and long that ends with 3 points. Irina took the string from her arm off, and it turned intoa Katana with a round gold guard and a long enough grip making it a two-handed blade.
"Be judged by God!" Xenovia said, her blade pointing towards the devils.
"In the name of the Lord. Amen!" Irina shouted, promoting her love for her faith a bit too much.
"Dead." Zeldris leaped from his position and flashed his blade, cleanly swiping the devil's arm off. "Stop proclaiming your faith and fight!" Zeldris went to finish the devil off but multiple swarmed them, and he found himself cutting through wave of them, with Irina and Xenovia joining.
While the three Exorcists found themselves busy with a wave of devils, the previous two devils continued with the ritual; further chants being made. Zeldris noticed this and tried to get closer but was pushed back my the amount of devils. "Stop!" he shouted, his anger further increasing, and his powers growing; the ominous mark fading in-and-out of existence.
The devil roared out in laughter. "It's too late! The ceremony is already done, and this virgin will be sacrificed. You're powerless to stop it!" he shouted with glee, the knife shining with murderous intent.
"Stop!" Zeldris shouted louder, his blade becoming doused in blood as he sliced through the horde of devils at an erratic pace. "Don't you even dare!"
"Too late!" the devil shouted. The blade ran at the girl, and Zeldris saw it in slow motion. The blade was inching ominously closer by every moment.
"I said, stop!" Zeldris shouted at another level—something happened. An invisible gust of wind blew through when Zeldris let out those words. Everyone stared in utter shock—they started falling, like they'd been tranquilized—the devil dropped the knife, it fell down harmlessly to the now unconscious girl. Even Irina and Xenovia were left stun, barely holding onto the line of reality.
Irina and Xenovia walked up to him, still in shock about what happened. "W-what was that?" Xenovia questioned, having felt so weak at the current events.
Zeldris shook his head. "I'm not quite sure, myself. All I know is that we've discovered those bastards were doing something suspicious and that we've saved a random girl," he replied.
"He's right," Irina said. "This mission has been accomplished! And from the help of the Lord!" she added on
'That boisterous attitude is really annoying,' Zeldris thought, why did he have to be stuck with two extensively pious people? It was harder than he thought. "We're still not finished, though," Zeldris said. He pulled a light sword from his blade, brandishing it as he approached the devils. "They might not be knocked out for long, so we must quickly slay them all. We'll leave one for interrogation, best to take the one who did the ritual, they will have all the details."
"That seems a bit harsh."
"He's right, Irina. These devils were about to take a life of a woman, as a member of the church and a woman, I can't let that go by. They must be punished." Xenovia raised her blade and killed several more devils, with Irina soon joining her.
They took the devil back to the Vatican but he only explained how he was remembering and honoring the previous Four Great Satans. Zeldris cut his head dead-off. "Honoring" and "remembering"... Zeldris had never heard such ridiculous words from a devil. They kept his sudden outburst of power a secret as well. Too much hassle to explain.
They continued doing small missions every once in awhile, still training with their mentors. Zeldris had also taken it upon himself to get some training done. He tried to start controlling his energy. He knew about how he killed those devils with his darkness manipulation, and wanted to learn on how to do it. He spent most of his extra time doing it. While everyone else was relaxing, he was improving his skills everyday.
After several months of living in the Vatican, Zeldris was being introduced to some members and new members of the Vatican. He only greeted them and left, he was too busy training; he didn't have time to build up friendship. His goal was more important.
After a vigorous training exercise, Zeldris decided to actually take a break for once. He sat on the grass outside eating an apple. He felt calm. The sounds of footsteps reached him, and he turned around and saw Irina and Xenovia.
"Are you alright?" Irina asked, she knew that Zeldris was training a lot, which worried her slightly. He always seems gloomy and distances himself from everyone.
"I'm sure he's fine, Irina," said Xenovia. "You don't have to watch out for him. He's just training hard to ensure he becomes a fine warrior in the name of the Lord," she explained to Irina. "Everything is fine, right?"
"Yeah."
"Alright. After you're finished, can you go back because there will be other young Exorcists. I heard there might also be rewards for us. See you later, Zeldris. Amen," Irina said with a smile.
"God bless you," Xenovia said stoically. Walking off afterwards.
"They're too pious," Zeldris said plainly. "This is gonna be boring."
