Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Frozen Shadow 95; That's what I was thinking. It would be funny if they did~
Xizors2; Thanks and yeah, other factions will also be with him~ And those two are good choices as well~
Hellspam; Thank you, and he will be soon~ And cool suggestions. True Longinus...eh, if I gave him that, he wouldn't need a holy sword, so him being a holy sword wielder wouldn't matter. Besides, I am going to make a story at some point with my character using True Longinus.
Jose19; I know, but like I said, this isn't strictly canon.
Anime PJ; That he is~ Xenovia...well, you'll see why in this chapter that she understood such things. And I agree, Asia-chan is so kawaii so even a second of her is enough~ Yeah, that is true, I haven't read a fic with that Sacred Gear as main. And cool~ Grayfia might be a possibility, and as for the other two, just look towards the bottom~
DraigTrueEmperor9; Thank you, I'm glad that you liked it. And you were right, his past does haunt him. He does have a lot of talent, to where he could be called a technique user like Cao Cao when he gets to around the DXD canon. And that's Xenovia for you, she talks all kind of crazy~ And yup! Asia has appeared~ And thank you! Naoki wont have the True Longinus for reasons that will be shown in the future, but there will be a story in future when I do True Longinus.
Mr Beaver Buttington; That is true, so I will think about it. Grayfia is also a possibility as well.
Harem Master123; Thanks! I'm glad that you liked it! And cool! I think that's the Gear he's going to have! And cool suggestions! Ise, I'm not too sure about yet.
ELOSHAZZY; Thank you, and yeah, they're cool choices~
Dragonrider66; Thanks, I think. Erm, Tsubaki, Koneko, and Serafall, for reasons that I've explained before.
Guest 1; Cool suggestions!
Noctis Lucius Dragneel; It is a good idea, but not this story sorry. However, Naoki will eventually have skills to fight on par with Cao Cao's skills.
Guest 2; Gasper all the way huh~ Yeah maybe~ I presume you mean female, though right?
HolyKnightX; It would be, but it would defeat the reason why he's a holy sword wielder, he simply wouldn't need one if he has True Longinus. But not to worry, he'll still have quite some skills to place him on a level near that when the time comes.
Guest 3; Yeah, I will check them out when I get time~ It sounds cool~
DoctorWhoXX; Hehe, yep, we can discuss~
Ran; Thanks! And cool!
With those reviews out of the way, it is time to start the next chapter!
Sister Asia and the Witch
"Sister Asia, why do the people outside line up to be...seen by you? Do you do something special for them, being the Holy Maiden as Sensei said. I was curious...you don't have to answer me, but I was just really curious. Sensei mentioned something about you being the Holy Maiden with a special gift..."
I asked the Sister who was walking next to me, guiding me towards Sensei wherever he is. This Church is surprisingly big. I thought that it might've been small...but, no. This Church is quite large indeed. I wouldn't expect anything less for the Holy Maiden. The Holy Maiden herself is only around my age...from what I can see. She might even be a little younger than I am as well. I'm just not entirely sure right now. I will have to ask her when we get a more appropriate time.
"I don't mind telling you, Eminence Naoki. I would be happy to share anything with one of the strong Exorcists come to save this village from the naughty Devils who have been plaguing the town for sometime now."
She called me Eminence Naoki again, and just before I came into the Church, the townspeople where talking about me being an Eminence as well. That title doesn't belong to me. Although I would like such a title one day. Right now, I do not have such a title.
But the outside is in a...better state than it was before. I believe that because I offered these people reassurance, they took that and they believe in us all...that's good, if they can believe in me. Maybe this time I can do something amazing as well. Maybe I can save this place...unlike the time that I cowered away from my own village...no, I shouldn't think of such things.
Wait, did she say that this town has been plagued for sometime now? That means that this Devil has been taking people from this town for sometime, yes? But why? What's so special about this town?
"Good day, Sister Asia."
"I hope you are well, Sister Asia."
"Y-Yes, Good day. And yes, thank you. I am well."
People from the Church (Nuns mostly) pass us by, bowing to Sister Asia who bows to them back after exchanging some words.
But something about the way she bows to them is...a little off if I am honest. I don't know quite what it is exactly, but I can tell that something is off about the way she looks at them...hmmm, maybe I am thinking about this too hard. She's a devoted follower of God, isn't that all she needs? That's all I need anyway...or that's what I believe of myself anyway.
Asia-san though...something about her makes me worried. She's breathing quite hard, is she alright? It looks like she has been running for hours on end. Has she exhausted herself somehow?
"Sister Asia, are you tired right now?"
She stopped in her tracks, briefly looking at me before walking forward again.
"E-Erm...a little, why do you ask?"
A little? She looks more than a little tired...she looks so exhausted. I wonder what she's been doing until now? Maybe she has been using her special talents as a Holy Maiden?
"I was just curious that all. Have you been doing a marathon lately?"
When I asked with concern for the young girl, Sister Asia gently shook her head.
"N-No, I've been doing important work that has made me feel tired now. As soon as I take you to Eminence Strada, I will be retiring for a few minutes."
A few minutes, I think that she needs a few hours of sleep. Just what are they making her do to make her this exhausted like this?
We continued onwards, her not answering my first question. Deciding to let it go for now, I walked forward down this corridor, taking in the various sights from the Churches interior. They're really beautiful sights. I love the crosses on the ceiling. I think that is pretty unique.
"Eminence Naoki, please come this way. Eminence Strada is located down this hallway. It seems to me that he has gotten something to share with you...but he didn't tell me the specific details...m-maybe because I'm not an Exorcist."
It would seem like the most likely thing. Sister Asia isn't an Exorcist, so sharing information of this kind of level is...pretty bad if I am honest. Yeah, the less these people know about the situation the better.
"Thank you, Sister Asia. You're as kind as you are graceful."
Sister Asia's face turned a cute shade of red.
"N-No, please don't thank me. I haven't done anything special. I'm just...I just am grateful that you and Eminence Strada are here, Eminence Naoki. Please come this way."
Sister Asia directed me down a large corridor. The walls all had tapestries of famous saints. There was even some of Strada-sensei, and Cristaldi-sensei. Those two are famous people from the Church, so having their faces up there like that wouldn't be out of the ordinary.
"Aah thank you, Sister Asia. But you don't have to call me 'Eminence' as I do not belong to the category of such a thing. Just refer to me as Naoki or...no, just call me Naoki. That's fine with me. It sounds right to hear that from someone similar in age to myself."
Even though I said that with a gentle voice, Sister Asia looked unsure of what to say. I don't want Eminence on my name when I'm really not one. Even if I become one, I would still be unsure if I want to hear me being addressed by people my age like that. Maybe once I'm older, I would like such a thing.
"B-But...Warrior Naoki? You deserve at least that amount of respect. With his Eminence Strada being with you, I could only refer to you as such a title. If I didn't, I would be being disrespectful, and I simply couldn't do that, Warrior Naoki."
I...don't deserve such respect. This is the first time I've ever been on a true Devil hunt before. I've seen Devils before, in photos and I've met one once, because Sensei caught him trying to corrupt members of Gods army, but besides that, I don't have any dealing with Devils, therefore I don't deserve respect, even Warrior Naoki is a little far.
"But Sister Asia, you've gotten it wrong. I'm just a humble Exorcist in training. There isn't anything special about me, to be honest. The one thing that I can think of is that I am a holy sword wielder."
"A-A holy sword wielder you say?" I nodded at Asia-san who looked dazzled by such a thing. "It seems that God has blessed you as well Warrior Naoki. To be able to use a tool like that is amazing. I am blessed to have met such a being. Warrior Naoki, the holy sword wielder."
She builds me up quite well, but I just don't feel it. I feel like she's gotten me confused for someone really important. If I was such a being, I would be happy. But as I am right now, I really can't be called such a thing. I wish that I will be a warrior one day, for God.
"Sister Asia...calling me Warrior makes me feel uncomfortable..."
I shifted in place as we turned a corner, going down another corridor...geez, not even the Vatican has so many turns, that I know of. At least I know where we go when I'm there. But here is a foreign thing. This place needs to be cut down to a smaller size. No disrespect to God and His followers, I just merely don't see the point of having this place so huge. God would surely like a smaller building for his works.
"I-I'm so sorry!" She gasped, and looked down with shame. "I-I didn't mean to make you feel like this. I just wanted you to be respected for the powerful warrior that I know you are."
She knows I'm sure a warrior huh. Maybe she has her wires crossed here. I don't think that she has been seeing such things lately, has she? If I'm a hero, then what does that make the others around her?
"Heeee~ Maybe one day I will be strong. But as I am right now, I'm merely above Low Class, in Devils terms. Maybe average Middle Class Devil...but that's about it. I know my limits, and I respect those limits."
"Even then...Warrior Naoki...I couldn't be disrespectful..."
I sighed, giving into her...suggestion I guess.
It was only the best thing I could do, since she seemed so determined to make sure that I was given respect, when I don't deserve anything like that. Sister Asia is really such a strange girl indeed.
Somehow, I feel like bowing down to this girl. She's higher up in the Church than I am. She's a Holy Maiden and I am merely an Exorcist in training. She has more authority than I do. But again...something about her makes me want to question something about her happiness...nah, I'm over thinking it.
"Yeah, call me Warrior Naoki then, until you get comfortable with calling me just Naoki, Sister Asia."
"Warrior Naoki...you said you wanted to know about the people outside?"
I gave a nod, smiling happily towards the young girl.
Sister Asia...or Asia-san as I might call her, regarded me with a smile.
"Yes...those people come regularly to be blessed by me...my special power sent to me by God has an amazing effect on his followers. Those people come to me, and I pray and try my best to cure all of their problems. Sometimes...it is regretful, but it doesn't always work...some people are beyond help..."
So, she has something like that after all. Asia-san is...amazing. She has such a power. I wish God granted me such a thing. But I am a holy sword wielder and that is enough for me. If God blessed me anymore, then that would be a bonus.
"Oh, a gift from God. I've seen people with gifts from God before. I believe they are called, Sacred Gears. These Sacred Gears are things that can change the world, and they can invoke miracles, or so what I've heard anyway. Do you possess such a thing, Sister Asia?"
Asia-san confirmed what I said with a nod.
"Yes...that is what someone told me my special power was. It is called, Twilight Healing...it is a beautiful name for a Sacred Gear and the radiant light of a pure green colour that it releases when being activated truly sends me into a place called euphoria, because I am able to help people, something that I've always wanted to do since I was young. I am happy that God chose me to the bearer of this Sacred Gear. It means that I can help God, and his followers as well. If I am able to do that, I can live a satisfying life."
That's cool. She really possesses a Sacred Gear. God must've shined down his brilliance upon the girl and granted her a healing ability. From the name of the Sacred Gear, it sounds to be as if she has the power to heal people...and she's quite the smart girl, isn't she? She speaks as if she's an adult but has mannerisms of a child.
However, when she said about the satisfying life, it didn't sound like she meant it...no, it was as if she only meant it a little. I wonder, does she not have a happy life as the Holy Maiden?
"Yes, it is a gift, Sister Asia. And I am sure that you can have a very fulfilling life being the Holy Maiden. I am happy that you are blessed with this Sacred Gear. To be able to help people by healing them, curing them of their afflictions is an amazing power. It makes me slightly jealous that I don't possess such a thing."
To be able to heal, what a wonderful power to have. I'd love to have something like that. Maybe I could use it on myself during a fight. To heal myself and continue fighting for God. That would be an amazing Sacred Gear to have. And even if you don't use it for combat, the way Sister Asia uses it is the best way as well. Healing Gods agents is a marvelous thing indeed.
"Y-Yes...it is a good power. A very good power indeed."
She sounded like she wanted to say something more, but she suddenly stopped outside a door.
I looked at the door, noting that there wasn't really anything special about it and then I turned to look at Sister Asia.
"Is this the place, Sister Asia?"
I asked, with a raised eyebrow.
Asia-san gave one nod.
"Y-Yes, Eminence Strada awaits inside. Please step inside...but before you do, can I ask a personal request?"
A request from the Holy Maiden? That's already a blessing.
"A personal request? From me? What can I do for you, Sister Asia?"
I was stunned that she would want something like that. She really wants to ask me such a thing? What can I do for her?
"Yes...it concerns what is happening during these dark times...there are peoples loved ones that have been captured by the bad Devil. I know that I have no right to ask you such a thing, but could you...please save them. It might be too late now...but these children outside also cry for their loved ones...each time I see it, it breaks my heart. They asked me to ask God...and God sent you and Eminence Strada to help this town. So...even if I can't ask this...please save the children and the adults that have been taken by the Devil. I would be really...appreciative if that happened..."
She bowed her head to me, her eyes becoming wet with tears.
She really cares about everyone's loved ones, yet she hasn't indicated anything about her loved ones being involved...maybe she doesn't have any loved ones? Even then, she cares about the others loved ones immensely. W-What a lovely girl she is. She really does deserve to be the Holy Maiden, in my eyes anyway. Anyone that has such a love and devotion to people she doesn't know, has the right to be held in such a high esteem.
Seeing her devotion to these people, I held out my hand and patted her head softly as if I was comforting her with my hand.
"Don't worry, I will do everything in my power to save these children and adults. I wouldn't worry, Eminence Strada is here. He's the strongest ever. If anyone can beat the Devils, then it is that person. All he needs are his fists, sword and his heart. Believe me, I know what it is like to stand near that man. He...He also saved me as well, so if anyone knows what he is capable of then it is myself."
As I said my speech about Strada-sensei, Asia-sans eyes became hopeful. It was a nice sight to see...hope. I didn't have that back then, but if I can truly give someone hope...then I have to at least try, don't I?
"T-Thank you Warrior...no, thank you, Naoki-san."
D-Did she just use a Japanese honorific with me? T-That's really unexpected, isn't it? Why would she do something like that? She doesn't look Japanese to me. Yet she used such a thing? For what purpose?
"Sister Asia...you used a Japanese honorific with me..."
"Yes, I hope I got it right. Eminence Strada said that you were Japanese, a country you miss terribly, and you would like if someone used such things with you. I hope I said it right..."
So, she did it for my benefit? That's actually really sweet. I couldn't ask for anything better than a girl that would do something like that for me.
"Y-You did, I was just astonished that I heard such a thing in a far away country like this. Thank you, you don't know what it means for me to hear such a thing. I've not heard it in awhile."
Asia-san smiled at me, and then bowed her head.
"I would say anything to please you, Naoki-san. Also...maybe you could call me Asia-san as well. Even though I'm not Japanese...we could still have something akin to a Japanese friendship."
Well, she hasn't gotten it quite right. But since she's not Japanese, I will let it go for now.
"Hehe, you've got yourself a deal Asia-san. Now don't worry about the town, I will personally make sure that the town is safe. Even if I can't do anything amazing, I will still have Strada-sensei save the day. That's what he is best at, after all."
Yeah, I have total confidence in Sensei. I would even believe in him until the day that I die. He is my Sensei after all, so my faith in him is on par with my faith in God. And he's brought me here, so I can't let him down now.
"Yes I believe in you, in both of you and...you've come here, when it is really dangerous, and have come to save the town, despite us being the same age. I couldn't imagine doing something so scary at your age. It is...I am blessed to have met someone so kind."
W-What? What makes her say that I am so kind?
"Eh? How can you tell that I am kind?"
Asia-san moved near me, and peered into my eyes. From the closeness that she is having with me, my cheeks went a little red. A girl being so close to me is strange. Only Xenovia-san from my age group would be this close to me, and even then, she is only that close to freak me out.
"Your eyes."
"My eyes?"
I parroted, the young girl giving a little nod.
"They portray your kindness, those eyes you have. Even if your face and the rest of you is that of a hard warrior, your eyes tell me that you would do anything if it was for someone else. Even a stranger. I've never seen such eyes on someone so young. Even the Nuns and Priests around here don't show such eyes...Eminence Strada also has the same eyes."
Of course he does. He's the kindest man that I've got the pleasure of knowing.
"Hehe, maybe I've inherited his kindness?"
Asia-san though, to my joke, gently rejected what I said.
"That's not right, Naoki-san. You can't change your eyes. No matter who influenced you, the eyes are a window to the soul. And no one can teach you your soul. So...Naoki-san has always been kind and gentle. Please don't ever change your eyes. Always stay kind and gentle, the Church needs people like you."
That was a sudden request from the young girl. The eyes are a window to the soul huh. I've heard that before as well. What a wonderful thing to say. So, my soul is kind as well. I'm happy about that. And if a Holy Maiden says it, then it has to be true, right?
"I don't plan on changing who I am, because that's who I am. There's nothing to fear, Asia-san. Even the Maou's can't influence me."
"Hehe, I'm glad, Naoki-san."
"Yeah, em too...you also stay the same. You're a really kind girl. Even talking to a stranger like me as if we're friends."
"Friends...?"
She seemed confused about what I said...eh? Doesn't she know what friends are?
"Yeah, friends? Don't you know?"
Asia-san cast her eyes downwards.
"...I don't have any friends, so I'm not sure what it means to be a friend..."
She doesn't have any friends? Is that the price of being a Holy Maiden? All children need friends, it is a law or something. I have Xenovia-san, she's my friend. She might be a little insane, but she's still my friend. I couldn't imagine a life where friends wouldn't be apart of it.
"Huh...I see. So, you don't have any friends then?"
"No...erm, everyone is nice to me...but they don't speak to me like we are now...I wish someone would speak to me like we are now..."
"Then, your wish has been granted, hasn't it?" A confused face appeared on her delicate features, so I elaborated. "I mean, we're talking normally, aren't we? We're conversing about the goodwill of God and its followers. I'm not sure what friends talk about either. My last friends died, and now my...I guess she's my best friend is quite, quite mad."
"Hehehe~"
Asia-san released a little giggle, filling me up with joy inside.
"Yeah, Xenovia-san is nuts, she really is. But...I wouldn't replace her with anyone else in the world. And if the Holy Maiden needs a friend, please allow me to fill that position, until you find someone better that is."
Asia-san covered her mouth, as if she has heard something out of this world.
"F-Friend? Y-You would be my friend? We hardly know one another though..."
"So? I can tell you're very kind and loving. For being my friend, that's all is required. So, why can't we be friends? We're both believers in God, we both have a love for the people outside and care about what happens to them. And with time, I am sure that we will find something in common."
"Something in common...I...I don't know what it means to be a good friend...I would fail at being a good friend..."
"Nah, you wouldn't. There's no such thing as a failure as a friend...unless you start massacring everyone around you. That's the only way in my eyes that you could be a bad friend. Also Asia-san...I don't exactly know what it means to be a good friend either. So, why don't we learn together, friend? Besides if Xenovia-san is my only friend at my age, I'm going to be driven insane."
I chuckled at that last part, and I felt like Xenovia-san was doing something right now like cursing me or something...
Xenovia P.O.V
"Achoo!"
I sneezed, looking at the ground with slight annoyance.
This feeling inside of me. It is undeniable. I know that Naoki is doing something without me. Darn, I wish that I could have gone with Eminence Strada as well. It isn't fair. I also want to train to be an Exorcist as well.
"Xenovia, what is wrong exactly?"
Sister Griselda asked me as I lifted up my blade.
"It's nothing, Griselda. I just have the feeling that Naoki is saying something terrible about me to someone else. Hmmmmmm, what would that little heretic be doing right now...?"
I bet he is making fun of me. It is my radar from God. He tells me that Naoki is picking on me to someone else, possibly a young girl as well. God...what should I do about this heretical attack? Should I have Durandal cut me a path? Yes. Durandal is the right way to go. He has the answers that I am seeking right now.
"Now Xenovia." Sister Griselda scolded, my body moving back due to the overwhelming fear she is making me feel. "Naoki wouldn't be thinking about you in a negative light. You're his friend, he told me so just yesterday before we went to bed."
Yes, went to bed. It is no secret, Griselda. Even I, someone who doesn't notice these things, noticed this thing...well, Eminence Cristaldi told me about it. But I would've gotten it eventually anyway...
"I-Is that the case?"
I asked, slight fear taking over me, but a warm feeling as well. I've never had a friend before. Most people think I am weird, therefore they stay awya from me. But since Naoki also fits into the category of weird, we can be weird friends together. That is what God is telling me right now anyway.
"It is. He also told me about how you wish to have a little team with him in the future?"
So, he even told her that. I shouldn't be shocked, considering that they are going to be married one day. Hmmmm, Naoki married to Sister Griselda...I'm not sure on how I feel about that.
"Yes...I thought that since we're both holy sword wielders, we would be able to match one another perfectly."
"Yes, the Church is also thinking the same thing."
When she said that, my eyes went slightly wider than usual.
Did she say the Church is also having similar feelings to me as well? That is a new revelation. It is Gods work after all. He is sending them my wishes, therefore he is going to make them see that Naoki and I are going to be together.
"A-Are you serious, Sister Griselda?"
"Yes, I am. There is also another Exorcist that the Church has its eyes on."
Another Exorcist? It couldn't be anyone around here, could it? I would've been able to see this person with potential. But next to Naoki and myself, there aren't anyone around that would fit the category of being our close and personal comrade.
"Another? Who would that be?"
It is intriguing, who would come between me and Naoki. We're going to be a duo, but now it is a trio? I can't fight back against it, if this is Gods will...but to think that someone else is going to come between us...
"A young girl around the same age as you and Naoki. And she is also from Japan. Naoki surely would be pleased to have someone Japanese to converse with. However, that isn't the reason as to why we've got our eyes on her."
A young Japanese girl...Japan...the country that Naoki is originally from...does this complicate matters further?
"A Japanese girl around our age...what makes her so special?"
Besides being Japanese that is. Like Sister Griselda said, Naoki would love someone Japanese to converse with. He's always complaining about it. But then...if they start speaking that language...I wont know what they are talking about...Sister Griselda...I am conflicted as to what I should do...should I feel good about this or not?
"Her skills as an Exorcist in training are grand. She's coming well and truly good as an Exorcist. And of course, we've been keeping our eyes on you and Naoki as well. Eminence Strada was the one to suggest that you three would be able to work together efficiently."
So Eminence Strada sees it as well...of course, God also sent him the information. I shouldn't be so naive.
"Oh, is that the case? Then, what is the girls name, if I maybe so bold as to ask?"
"Yes. The girls name is Shidou Irina, and currently, she is residing in England, but has the potential to become a great Exorcist like yourself, if you apply yourself like Naoki does. You should learn from his dedication."
Dedication...yes, he is dedicated to certain things, but what those things are, I do not understand. It is for God, our mighty Lord. But I believe there is something else going on inside heretic Naoki...
"Yes, I understand..."
I trailed off, something deep within me being unsettled by what she was saying. This girl...why does it make me feel...like this? Maybe God is trying to teach me a lesson? As his most devoted follower...he's trying to make me understand these emotions.
"Xenovia, is something the matter?"
"No Sister Griselda. I am having a hard time understanding why someone from England would come here to join me and Naoki. Don't they have anyone closer to England than the Vatican?"
It doesn't make sense. Why send someone from England? And why is someone in England Japanese anyway? Shouldn't Japanese people live in Japan? Has she migrated?
As I thought about it, Griselda gained a coy looking smile that I did not trust in the slightest.
"My, it sounds you're a little jealous Xenovia. Are you thinking that with a Japanese friend around, Naoki will ignore you?"
"T-That's not what I was thinking in the slightest. How do we know if this girl is really the spawn of Satan or something...Sister Griselda, I will have to do my own research on this girl, to make sure she is who she claims to be."
Yes. I have to make sure that this female is who she claims to be. If she isn't, then we're going to be in danger. She could be the spawn of evil. She could be a mental patient. She could be, someone related to Naoki. All of these scenarios are more and more likely as I think about them deeply.
"If that is what you want. Do not forget then, her name is Shidou Irina."
Shidou Irina...that's the girl that is Japanese, therefore she will converse with Naoki without me understanding, therefore she will take away my friend from me, therefore I will be at Griselda's mercy...Naoki...this girl might be a problem...
Naoki P.O.V
"Achoo!"
I sneezed, and looked at the ground with a shameful expression.
Somehow, I feel like someone is thinking about me and is thinking something somewhat negative thoughts...no, maybe it is the case that this person is thinking about me and someone else...hmmmmmm, I dunno what that is about...whatever it is, I can't shake the feeling that it has something to do with Xenovia-san...
"Naoki-san, are you okay? Are you perhaps coming down with a cold?"
Asia-san offered me a tissue, but I declined.
"I'm alright. Thank you for the offer though. I got the feeling someone was watching me for some reason. Anyway Asia-san, I think we should be good friends! If that's what you want that is! We could be the best friends ever!"
Asia-san showed a conflicted face.
It must be because I just said something so bold. Yeah, we've not known one another long, but having a friend is a good thing. And this girl said she doesn't have any friends...that's not right. It isn't fair that she doesn't have things like friends. They should be the most simplest of things in the world.
"I'm...I want to be friends...I just don't understand what a friend does..."
"Didn't I say that I don't either?" She nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Then lets learn together, Asia-san."
"Y-Yes!"
While shedding tears of happiness, she made that declaration with a loud voice.
"G-Geez, there's no need to cry Asia-san. This isn't a crying matter. Being friends is the most simplest thing in the world. Being friends is easy, not being friends is hard...in my book, that's what it means anyway."
Asia-san came closer, so I petted the top of her head, affectionately.
"I best be going inside to see Eminence Strada. Before I go, I will definitely come and see you again."
Asia-sans face turns upwards, a faint smile gracing her small lips.
"Yes, I look forward to it. Please excuse me, Naoki-san. I will pray for your success...my new friend."
I bowed my head and she went down the corridor. Something about the way her body moves is...interesting. It was something I...I can't put my finger on it. She does stumble a little as she walks...she must be more tired than I thought she was. But I made a new friend. I am blessed to have met a new friend like Asia-san. However, I get the feeling that something is...strange about this. I wonder, what is wrong with Asia-san?
Putting those thoughts to the back of my mind for now, I turned towards the door, and entered without worry.
I'm sure Sensei wont mind me entering, since he did call for me.
"Sensei I've arrived..."
When I did go inside, I became shocked with what I saw.
The room, is full of injured people, some have had their injuries healed, and are bed resting it seems. But some have injuries that...well...I can see that nurses are trying their best to fix them...Asia-san must've been here before, to try her best. I can sense her aura inside of here, and I did notice that her body looked exhausted. But all of these people. Some are Exorcists, and some are...normal people. Normal people have been taken by this Devil-san and he, or she, has hurt them like this. Why would anyone do this? Don't these people have a heart? They are living people, and Devils come to hurt them. So cruel and unusual...it sickens me, it really does.
I scanned the room for Eminence Strada...
.
.
.
...I found him sat by a Exorcist, having a displeased face. The Exorcist in question has heavy injuries on his body, scrapes and cuts and lacerations all over that body of his. What a poor soul.
No wonder Strada-sensei has such a face on. Even I was displeased with this situation right now. All of these people have been hurt by the Devils...it just brings me back to the time that I was beaten down.
"Strada-sensei..."
When I called out his name, he stopped looking at the Exorcist on the bed and looked towards me, a pained face filling his old face.
Seeing that pained face, I was almost instantly taken over by the fear...but soon, I regained my usual composure, and took a deep breath.
"Sensei, are you alright? I know this scene is distressing..."
Sensei is a man that cares about people like this, and seeing so many devoted followers in a situation like this must be painful for him. It is painful for me as well, seeing people like this. Even if they weren't devoted followers of the Church, I would still be feeling bad about all of these injuries. All of these poor children and adults...it hurts me so much seeing them like this...I can't even begin to imagine what is happening right now...
"Naoki, come here."
I walked over and bowed to him respectfully.
"Yes Sensei, I have come. What can I do for you?"
Sensei turned his nose downwards, seemingly in thought.
About a minute later, his eyes cast upwards towards me, our gazes locking onto the others.
"This situation is quite serious. At first, I thought it was going to be a simple exorcism, however as of now, it has become dangerous. These Exorcists...our comrades have been through a brutal battle, most didn't even survive. And this town is suffering as well. We will need to eliminate the threat before it spreads any further."
Yes...
This is a most troublesome situation. This is why I wish Sensei brought other people along as well. I will do what I can, but I'm only one person. I don't know if I can do something amazing like he can. I don't even have an Excalibur. If I had one, I might've been able to do something with it. But as I am right now, I don't have any skills that Sensei doesn't know, and would employ anyway.
"Y-Yes Sensei. I believe the same as well. Asia-san...eh, Sister Asia told me about how children and adults have been captured by this Devil and even outside, this little girl said her Big Sister was captured as well. And seeing these people in pain, and the panic outside, I believe this Devil is of the most importance in the threat level."
All of the people here...how could anyone do anything like this to these people...it sickens me that they would do things like this to a town of people believing in God. God...I will make sure that they are all safe and sound.
Sensei nodded at what I said, his face as serious as always. No, it is even more serious than usual. It has to be very serious, if Sensei is like this. Darn...I wish that I could do something as well...
"That's exactly it. Hostages are most troublesome. Not due to their status, but rather how they are used. Cowards take hostages, and this is what this Devil is. There are even confirmed reports that this Devil is...eating them."
E-Eating...he doesn't mean as in eating like snacks does he? Eating people...I think I might be sick. What person could do such a thing? No, I forgot. This person isn't a person at all. Rather, it is a Devil. That's what some Devils do after all. I didn't want to believe it, but if Sensei is saying it, then I have to believe it.
As I was thinking about it, Sensei looked at the squeamish looking me.
"I know that it is distressing, but you cannot allow this little information bring you down. It would be the equivalent to you being lose in the darkness. An Exorcist lives this kind of life. Death is a constant companion. Even comrades can be lost as well. That's what it means to be an Exorcist."
Yeah...that's what an Exorcist lives, breathes, and dies by. I knew that since I signed up to be one. But I'm going to make sure that I never lose anyone. No one should die when they're with me.
"I understand Sensei..."
"However, you're one of the few that knows what this means. You've lived through death before. Out of everyone, you understand the boundaries of life and death. And knowing my little Naoki, he'll do something to protect everyone, isn't that right?"
I gained a little smile, before nodding once. I'll do anything to protect my friends, my comrades. Asia-san asked me to protect this town, and to save its people. And that's what I intend to do.
"That's right Sensei. B-But why would this Devil do something like this? Eating people...why would anyone do something like that?"
I could only begin to imagine what a Devil would want to do. And all of my theories are leading to a disturbing conclusion. I wish that it wouldn't be what I am imagining in my head right now.
"It could be a number of reasons. It could be to satisfy hunger, depending on what type of Devil this one is. It could be stealing peoples powers by eating them. There are Devils that can do such things. It could be even eating them to scare the other prisoners. To be honest, it could be any or all of those reasons. Maybe it is a reason I haven't talked about yet? Either way, we cannot allow this Devil to continue on. If it does, this town will suffer immensely."
That is true. If the town is to come under attack, the people here will surely suffer. That can't be allowed to happen...these people don't need to be targeted like this! I'll have to force them away myself!
"R-Right! So that means we're going to go and exorcise this Devil? Rather, are you going to do that and I provide support?"
When I asked, Sensei shook his head to my confusion.
"It isn't as simple as that. This town is still under threat, and without defences, it could fall within the day, should the Devil choose to take it when we're away. And then there's the issue of where the Devil really is. There are reports of two Devils terrorizing this town, but that is as of now, unconfirmed."
Two Devils...that means that there is double the threat. If they both are High Class, will Sensei be able to take them...no, I believe in Sensei very much. He has to be the one that takes these Devils. There aren't any ulterior motives. I might be able to provide support, but this is leagues beyond what I am capable of.
"So, what is the plan of attack Sensei? Since it is only the two of us...you must have Durandal with you, correct? If it is that blade, you surely cannon lose to these Devils, yes?"
I thought that with Durandal, Sensei would be pretty unstoppable, but he gently shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I do not possess that sword right now. Xenovia is currently wielding that blade in her training. Originally, I thought that it would be fine, considering that this was supposed to be a simple exorcism. But seeing the situation now, it is remarkably more complex than I thought. Even then, I am confident we're going to be okay."
Even Sensei sounds slightly nervous right now. What are we going to do about this? If he's like this, what does that mean for me? I couldn't possibly do anything against these people if Sensei is even showing a nervous side.
As I was pondering it, Strada-sensei lifted his hand to my head, patting it once.
"But all hope isn't lost, little Naoki. I do have a sword that is sturdy, and with my power behind it, will be able to exorcise these Devils. There is the matter of where they are as well."
Where they are...? What does he mean by that? Can he just tell where they are? He's always been able to do things like that. Even Griselda-nee-sama says that he can do things like that. Ugh...I wish that I could do what he could do. As I am right now, I am pretty much useless.
"Can't you sense them Sensei?"
Yeah, he has to be able to do something like that, right? He's done it in the past before, and his skills are above my own. So it has to be the case where he can just lift his head and will be able to sense what's going on, yes?
But even though I thought that, Sensei gently shook his head.
"At this time, no. They must be employing high level techniques to cloak themselves. From the reports given to me, there are two locations that they could be. And it is time consuming, going from one to the other, and in the meantime, the town would be left defenseless."
We can't have this town defenseless. It would be like leaving them to their deaths. And if I stayed behind, I wouldn't be able to do much against such Devils that even a whole team of Exorcists couldn't deal with. I wonder...what are Sensei's plans now? He must have something up his sleeves, correct?
"Yes...we can't have the town defenseless. So what do we do, Sensei? You have a plan to allow this town to be safe? A trap perhaps? Maybe you can have more Exorcists come and protect the town as you deal with the Devil?"
I made a guess, based on what I thought to be true. Thinking about it honestly, more Exorcists are required right now. I can't believe that the Church didn't send more than it already has done. Fueeee...I wish that we had backup right now.
"Kuku, no other Exorcist is coming I'm afraid. We can't spare any others, so it is going to be me and you solely Naoki."
"B-But...that's a little..."
"You're ready for this. I couldn't ask for a better partner than you."
Ooh Sensei, that makes me feel special. It means you truly do want me to become strong, and believe in the strength that I already have. If he is believing in me, I shan't let him down.
"Okay Sensei! So, what's going to happen to the town?"
I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I've got an idea about that."
Sensei went into his priest vestments and pulled out several crosses.
As soon as I saw the crosses, I held a hand to my chest. The holy power radiating from them is simply amazing. It is already filling me up with such a feeling that...it made me feel like I was looking at Excalibur again. But obviously this isn't Excalibur, maybe something akin to it? Whatever it is, the power is something fantastic indeed.
"These crosses. I want you to plant them around town, and activate them like you did during our little spar yesterday, with the barrier that surrounds this town. These have been imbued with my own power. If something disastrous was to come while we're away, then these crosses would be able to protect the town."
He handed me the crosses, and indeed, I felt the power instantly. I could even compare this is an amazing feat of power. Well, if that's what Sensei wishes for me to do, then I can't complain about it. Yeah, I can do something like that. It isn't any different than the one that I made during the spar yesterday, like he said.
"Y-Yes Sensei, but what will you be doing? Going after the Devils?"
He gave a nod of agreement.
"That's exactly it. You're sharp for a child. Yes, I will be investigating the areas that the Devils have said to inhabit. After you've done with the barrier, accompany me. Until this barrier is up though, this town is in your hands. I trust in you for this task. Don't let me down."
To place such a burden on me. Don't you realize what this does to me Sensei? I couldn't possibly do anything to protect this town without your assistance. If this was a few years later, then I would be fine, since I would've had more training...no, even with massive amounts of training, I would still be a little frightened deeply within myself.
"No disrespect intended...but could you maybe not have so much faith in me?"
"Whatever do you mean, Naoki?"
I looked down, shuffling in place.
"What I mean is, I'm not a strong Exorcist yet. I couldn't do anything amazing like you could do. Handing an entire town over to me is...I wouldn't wish to question your judgment Sensei, but for me to look after this town is...I don't know if I could, even with the training I've had..."
"I wouldn't task you if you wasn't capable. Don't you know that I already believe in you. Now, please go and do the task. I shall be heading out immediately. I trust you can track my location?"
I nodded silently.
Of course I can. I can track most things, but that's due to Sensei teaching me how to do things like that. I am blessed that Sensei made it so that I could do things like that. Maybe in the future, he'll teach me how to do more complex stuff as well.
Sensei stood up from the chair he was sitting on, and looked into the sky, rather the roof. But it was as if he was really looking into the sky with his old eyes. Sensei, what are you looking for right now?
"I've got to go. The longer they are alive, the longer they could cause harm. Now, I will take my leave. Accomplish your task, then follow after me. Be safe, little Naoki."
Sensei's always kind to me. No matter what's happening, we're always like this. He's like my Ojii-sama...secretly, I wish that he was my Ojii-sama. Then I would have someone like that to look up too.
"Thank you Sensei, I wont allow you to be let down. Although, can I ask about...erm, what sword do you have exactly? Is it a holy sword? Maybe it is one of the Sacred treasures hidden deep within the Vatican, only high level Exorcists can access?"
It has to be something like that, doesn't it? That's the only thing it could be.
But Sensei's face made a astonished look, before he gave a gentle shake of it.
"The sword huh...ooh, the sword I have is merely just a sword. It doesn't have special properties, however the sword was made of a fine steel and has a good thickness. It will do for this battle. Naoki, do you have a weapon you can use?"
I gently shook my head.
"I'm sorry Sensei, you said that I wouldn't be fighting...the best I've got is some crosses, the bible and holy water. I didn't think ahead, I take blame for that...please forgive me for my absentmindedness."
I bowed my head, begging for forgiveness.
However, Sensei didn't seem to mind what I said, and chuckled lightly.
"No, I didn't expect you to carry a blade and it isn't absentmindedness in the slightest. I did say that you wouldn't be fighting so the error would be mine. I should've said that you should bring a weapon."
He did say that. I thought I would just be watching the fight, not actively participating in the fight.
"Sensei, did you expect me to fight during this day?"
"Originally, I did not. However, as things have changed, you're going to have to stand up as well, little Naoki. Even if it is a little much to ask from someone so young, I believe that if you come across a Devil, you'll be able to at least hold them off until I come to your side."
Standing up...fighting for what is right...that's why I became an Exorcist, after all...yeah, that's right. I've got to stand up as well.
"I have to stand up...yes Sensei! Please allow me to stand up as well!"
Sensei smiled and pulled a blade out of a tear in space that he made. The blade was a blade that had a long reach. It didn't have any special properties from what I could tell. But the blade did look beautiful, in the way that it shined with ever perpetual strength, that a normal blade would possess.
"Good response. Take this blade. It was formed from sturdy steel. It will allow you to cut through most things. And if you add holy water onto the blade, then it will allow you to injure Devils as well."
I took the blade off Sensei, holding it tightly within my grasp. I could feel the blades inner strength from my hand. No matter the blade, all of them possess a beauty. It is a little strange, but I feel connected with this blade.
"Sensei, this blade feels good."
"Doesn't it just? The blade is a good one, and it will allow you to fight. Also, take this communication device."
Sensei handed me some kind of rectangular thing that had a screen on it. When I pressed the button at the bottom of the thing, the screen lit up and it showed me a picture of a cross and a holy background. I thought that it was quite beautiful to see such a thing. The screen went off a few seconds later, as I gazed on it.
Mouuu, I was enjoying its beauty. But this device...hmmmmm, I remember them being in the village at once point when I was younger...the village was...hmmmm, I believe that it is actually...wow, this thing is actually something that God has delivered to me!
I believe this is known as a cellular telephone! Yes, this is telephone! God, you've given me such a delightful treat! I am blessed that I am able to have such a treat! Maybe I should call Japan and see how everyone is doing...wait, I don't have anyone else in Japan left...
"Sensei...why have you given me a telephone?"
I presume that he doesn't want me to use it for recreational use. But if not for that, then what purpose would a phone serve? Perhaps he wishes for me to be of some assistance by calling backup?
"Isn't technology wonderful? This little device will allow me to communicate with you, even from across the planet. It is very useful, and I am employing that every Exorcist carries one of these devices."
Everyone to carry one. That would be handy...and he wants me to use it so when he needs to contact me and help him with...well, whatever it is that I can help him with! Y-Yeah, that's got to be it!
"That's a very smart idea Sensei. So now I have to face against the perimeter and set up a barrier, as you go and find some Devils? Aah God, this trial truly is hard to comprehend."
I prayed to myself, looking towards the sky for an answer to this life I have. Devils, really are a bad people when they want to be. Why can't everyone learn to get along? It would make everything better.
"Ooh Naoki, you truly are a troublesome child."
"Hehe...h-how am I troublesome Sensei?"
Sensei shook his head, and looked towards the door.
"It doesn't matter. Go now, Naoki. Lets clean up this mess."
"Yes Sensei!"
Sensei patted my head once and then left through the door.
Holding this sword within my hand, I knew that I had to fight as well. Even if it costs me my life...Asia-san also asked that I saved the children as well. That's alright, I will go and save the children as well!
Since she was counting on me, I will also try my best!
[Later]
A little while later, I found myself outside of the Church, and walking around the perimeter of the town. Every so often, I would drop a cross on the ground and activate it, forming a barrier. I was going around the town, thankfully it isn't a big town to go around.
"Big Brother! Big Brother!"
The girl that spoke to me before ran up to me, holding a flowery necklace in her hands. It was composed entirely of flowers...did she make that herself? That's quite the amazing thing to accomplish.
I stopped my task ever so briefly, to engage with the girl.
She neared me, a panting from her reached my ears. It looked like she was running for awhile now. Maybe she just caught up to me by running for along time.
"Yes? Is there something I can help you with?"
"Please look at this Big Brother."
I glanced at the necklace she had hanging down by her side. It was a beautiful assortment of colours. Red, yellow, pink, green, blue, white and even black as well. All of the colours are fantastic.
"Yes, it is a beautiful necklace. Who is that for?"
The little girl held up the necklace for me.
"Will you please wear this Big Brother? I made it while thinking of you, the strong Exorcist that's come to save the town. It is a good luck charm. If you wear it, it will protect you from the bad Devils and the naughtiness of this world. If Big Brother wears it, then I will be happy."
I merely smiled, a happy face appearing on my own.
What a cute little girl, giving me such a thing.
"Yes, of course I will wear it. It would be a great honour. Thank you for making me such a gift."
The young girl draped it around my neck, and bowed her head to me once.
"Thank you Mr Exorcist. I'm grateful to you."
The young girl bowed her head towards me once, and was about to walk away when my curiosity got the better of me.
"What is your name, little girl? I'd like to thank you for the flowers you gave me. They're a sweet present from someone so young."
She stopped in her tracks, and looked at me with a smile as she held up a finger to her lips ever so softly.
"Wouldn't the Exorcist like to know? Hehe, sometime, I will tell you my name. For now, I'm no one."
She's no one? What does she mean by that? How could she be no one? She's someone, isn't she? What a weird girl. Maybe I should ask her some more questions so I can get some kind of answer.
"So, if you're no one, who am I talking to right now?"
"Hehe, when I said no one, I meant no one important...for now. In the future, you'll know who I am, and you'll see when we meet again. Until then, Mr Exorcist. Please be safe."
She turned and walked forward. I watched her walk, something about her step being...off. I don't know what it is personally, but something about it was making me feel...on edge...
"Sorry...but you wanted me to find your Big Sister didn't you?"
"Maybe~ Good luck~"
With that, she went into the town again, disappearing from view. Something about that was...weird. I mean, that wasn't a normal experience, was it? She disappeared so quickly.
What was that about? Who was that little girl? She was a little more mysterious than the last time. Something about her made her feel...not normal. I wonder, who was that little girl? And why does she keep showing up around me? I didn't sense evil...but if not evil, was it someone good?
With those thoughts in my mind, I continued to go and plant these crosses so I can go and help Sensei fight the Devils and rescue the people that need to be rescued from the evilness of these Devils.
Each time I dropped a cross, I could've sworn that I was being followed. But when I looked, I didn't see anything. I don't think it is a Devil following me, but something is following me, and I need to make sure that they don't come to surprise me. If I'm right, then it has to be a human that's following me...
It couldn't of been that little girl...as I would know. But if it isn't her, then who is it? Why would someone follow me? And why does it make me feel...strange deep within myself? Something is going on, and I'm not sure what it is...maybe I should draw my sword...
But if I did, it would be showing whoever it is following me that I am on to them, and then I would be done for. Damn it, I need to stay cool, so they don't suspect me of knowing what is happening...
I used some more crosses on the ground, activating the barriers so the town would be safe...
.
.
.
...As time went on, I became more and more suspicious of a little girl dressed in purple that was secretly following me. She was a little older than I was, and she had something about her that wasn't right.
But when I looked at her, she would play innocent and would wonder away, trying to keep with a crowd, whatever crowd was around. She even went so far as to converse with them. But they didn't know her, and looked at her strangely. For someone trying to blend in, she isn't doing such a good job.
She's far from innocent...I know that she isn't innocent. But I have a job to do first and I don't have time for someone trying to come for me. After that, I can question the girl dressed in purple. I suspect that she's...she isn't a Devil. But she's got something about her that doesn't make her an ordinary Devil. But if not Devil, what is she exactly?
As I planted the last cross in the ground, activating the barrier, I felt something rush towards me at a fast pace. Turning in time, I saw a fireball coming at me! N-No! There's a fireball coming at me!
"Hah!"
Reacting quickly, I grabbed my sword and used it to cleave the fireball in two! The fire disappeared in the air and I became aware of someone drawing magical equations in the air.
The person was that girl who was following me from before! So, she wants to attack me, does she? This isn't a Devil though, so why would she bother attack me? What does she have against me?
"Alright girl, why are you attacking me?"
I asked it clearly to the girl who has now donned a magical hat.
"Kukukuku~ Exorcist, what's wrong~? Didn't you like the fireball?"
She continued drawing magical equations in the air, ice forming there.
So I raised my blade, and pointed it at her.
"Attacking one of Gods agents is an offence. If you do not surrender immediately, I will have to take you into custody. Unless you explain your actions, I might have to fight against you."
Upon hearing my demand, the girl let off a laugh.
"Hahahaha! That's a funny thing little boy! No no no~ I don't take orders from a lousy Exorcist...nah, you aren't even an Exorcist. I've got this in the bag~ Kukukuku~ What could a little boy Exorcist do to me?"
It was as if she was baiting me into a trap. If I'm not careful, she could do something to me. I don't know much about magic, therefore she could be lots of different things. Darn, I need to be careful around this girl. One false move and I could be done for.
"A little boy Exorcist is more than enough to handle you, witch."
"Witch? Fufu, what a bad way of saying it. I'm merely a magician, after all. The names Walburga, and I'm going to be dissecting you today, so we can have a little look at that Sacred Gear you have~"
Sacred Gear...? What does she mean by Sacred Gear? I don't have a Sacred Gear. Asia-san does, and some people at the Church do, but I don't have anything like that. If I do, then I haven't been told about it.
"You must've gotten your wires crossed, Walburga was it?" The girl gleefully nodded. "I don't have a Sacred Gear. And even though I don't, I don't need one to beat the crap out of you. Wouldn't it be better if you surrender now? It would save me the trouble of..."
"Hahaha! Ooh no, you're threatening me? What is a girl to do? Aah well, maybe I should just do this!"
The equations lit up the sky, and a mass of ice came towards me like a meteor. Reacting in time, I jumped to the left, avoiding that block of ice, the ice smashing into the ground, creating chunks.
"You're quite a magician, making ice on such a small amount of time. But even if you attack me with your magic tricks, don't think you're going to be saved. Witch, prepare to be defeated by me."
I made a bold declaration, and got ready to fight against the girl. Although I don't like attacking girls, sometimes it is necessary when they are standing in the way like this girl is right now.
"My oh my! What a rude boy you are! Shall we see if the Exorcist or the magician is the one with the power? I have a sneaky suspicion that I am a little ahead of you. Sorry my dear, but we're going to have a problem now~"
"Don't speak so cheerfully little girl! This is a serious situation! Go and be playful around somewhere else!"
I snapped at her, the situation being something of a disadvantage for me. Fighting in a town. She might not care about hurting those around, but I certainly do. This town is under my protection now, as Sensei said so himself.
"That's highly rude. I came here, wanting to kill you, and you're greeting me so harsh. What is a girl to do, I wonder? Can't I also have a little fun sometimes, Suzuki Naoki?"
The girl grinned at me, her eyes becoming wide like saucers.
W-Wait, what did she just say then? She couldn't know my name, could she? I never told her my name...but she knows my name now...how in the heck does she know something like that?
"...How do you know my name, Walburga?"
Her grin became even wider.
"I know something's about you, boy. Like you're an Exorcist, your village was destroyed by an entity, searching for you I believe. And your eyes are telling me how you wish to hate me right now."
How does she know things like that? She must've accessed records or something. I'm sure that the attack was documented. Or she could've been involved...nah, she doesn't seem smart enough to carry knowledge around like that.
"I don't hate people...I hate what they do. You're a person, everyone can be redeemed given the right circumstances. Can't you see that? Or, would you rather allow me to beat sense into you?"
"That's not very Exorcist-like, you know?"
I smirked and lightly ran a finger over my blade.
"That's true. But I'm also a person, not just an Exorcist. And the person in me wishes to get some information from you, witch. Prepare to lose to an Exorcist, trained my Vasco Strada!"
"Is that the case, Suzuki Naoki? Then, why don't I do this?"
She tapped her foot on the ground, and a magic circle was made.
When she did a couple of taps on the ground, the circle expanded and made more in the sky around her. What came out of the circles could only be described as beasts. They felt demonic in nature, and equally all had power that was above Low Class Devil...hmmmm, if they're all Devil beasts, then holy items will still work. The amount of creatures exceeds four, and could easily be eight. Eight plus her...huh. That's alright. Eight opponents for me. Sensei has given me harder odds before. I will just overcome this trial as well.
"Why don't you play with my pets for awhile? They're ever so eager to eat you all up~"
Her pets huh...
Fine...I will also fight her stupid animals as well.
"Great. This will give me a treat before I go and face the other Devils. In league with them as well, are we little girl?"
"How can you call anyone little?"
I tightened my fist, glaring at the girl. She mentions my height again and she wont have to worry about surviving! I will absolutely take her out of existence! That's it! I'm not holding back anymore!
"Why don't you go back to the witch country!?"
I yelled, washing my blade with holy water. Since these are creatures of hell, they can stand before God as well. I am sorry about this creatures. But I don't have a choice but to exorcise you in the name of the Lord!
"Heeeeee~ What a good remark, boy. Why don't you go and pray to God, and asked for a good little bang~"
A good little bang...? What does that mean...it must be something hurtful...I need to do something hurtful back so I can gain that advantage. Hmmmm, what did the children in the town used to call one another when they were fighting...hmmmm... it's on the tip of my tongue...ooh! I remember now!
"Well, at least I'm not a beached whale!"
She burst out crying and looked at her body.
"B-Beached whale!? I am NOT a beached whale! You're an idiot!"
"The ocean is that way whale!"
I pointed to the side, as she cried harder.
I am sorry, but God will forgive me if it is to stop you, Walburga.
"I hate you, you bastard! Go and die fucker! Now, my pets, get them yeah~! Kill him yeah~ Lets see what Sacred Gear we can take yeah~"
Responding to her call, some of the monsters made a dash for me. These monsters had the appearance akin to tigers, but with Dragon like heads. I wouldn't say these are chimeras...but they aren't one species either.
"Garrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrru!"
One of the creatures came to my side, howling like a beast that it is, making a large bite for my midsection with teeth that could be compared to swords easily. They are sharp...darn this girl. Just what kind of experiments has she been doing on these creatures?
"I don't think so."
Reacting with lightning speed, I bent my body out of the way, jumping a couple of steps backwards. Landing on the ground, I raised my blade, dripping with holy water and went forward, going for a slash.
"Hehe, he dodged~"
The creatures reflexes were good, and it completely missed my blade as she said. But the holy water that was on the blade split off slightly, and hit the creature straight in the eyes.
"No it didn't~"
Mimicking her childishness, she showed unpleasant features.
It made a howl of pain, and I sliced it down the middle while it was distracted, cutting it completely in half. The bisected creatures body disappeared, turning into particles of dust, mixing in with the atmosphere.
"My, you don't hold back, do you? And here I thought you was a nice Exorcist. What happened to all of that kindness you had? Does it go away and you become all hard ass Exorcist boy?"
The witch commented as another beast came at me from the right.
This time, the beast released a fireball in my direction, the size of it exceeding my body. The flames could be felt from here, so hot. Dazzling even. One touch of those, and I know that I could be burned away.
I took out a cross from my pocket and threw it on the ground, chanting some choice words and making a barrier to protect myself. The barrier surrounded all of me, so even if they do a surprise attack, I will be ready.
"You don't have any idea of what I am capable of girl! Especially when it is against people like you who wishes to harm innocent people!"
She rolled her eyes at me, preferring her creatures doing all of the talking for her.
The fireball smashed against the barrier, canceling one another out.
Smoke raised from the spot, so I took advantage of the blind spot, dashing through the smoke, emerging on the other side for a surprise attack.
The creature that attacked me was there, surprised by my sudden appearance. But it made fire dance around in its mouth, preparing to blast me away with fire. At the same time, another creature came from the left, rushing directly for me.
"My oh my~ You're becoming a little annoying!"
The witch made a magical equation and fired some lightning at me, in the shape of a bolt. It was an intense lightning that a skilled magician would be capable of using. She isn't all talk either, is she? She's also a skilled magician...I need to be careful.
"I'm annoying? You're the one having someone else do your battles for you."
She sharpened her eyes and put my intense power through her magic, the lightning's power increasing by a margin.
So, on top of having creatures fight for her, and using magic, she can also increase a spells power if she wants? That's a dangerous feat alright. And then there's two creatures coming for me as well.
All three of these things are a disastrous situation, therefore I made a quick plan and set it in motion.
"Get him~ Get him~"
She sang out cheerfully, as the one that went for a physical assault jumped me. Doing a timed dodge by spinning backwards, the monsters assault was stopped for an instant. Bringing up the butt of my blade, I hammered it down on the creatures head, sending it to the ground.
"Hah!"
Simultaneously, I kicked the creature with fire dancing in its mouth in the side of the head, making it face Walburga. Because I kicked it at the same time it was going to release its fire at me, it released its fire at Walburga instead, but at a different angle than the lightning is heading, so they wont intercept one another.
"T-That wasn't in the plans!"
She became distraught and threw up some barriers to protect herself. As she did, the creature I knocked out was picked up by me, and by throwing it at the incoming lightning, I was able to defeat two birds with one stone.
"Take this!"
Running my blade through the third creatures torso, its body slowly disappearing due to the effects of the sword with holy water washed over it.
"Hehe~ I've not had fun like this in awhile~"
Dislodging my blade as it turned to dust, I barely had time to dodge another magic spell that Walburga fired at me. The spells crashed into the earth, making an explosion of a sizable proportion.
Damn, if she does things like this, then the people around here are going to suffer. I can't let that happen. I need to finish this little battle soon before others become involved.
"Damn witch, you're getting on my nerves."
As I said that, two more beasts came at me, both of them having sharp claws for fighting at close range. Those claws looked like they would be able to spread flesh. Ugh, why does she have to pit me against these creatures.
Seeing my odds being less than stellar, I jumped back and let them collide with one another. However, they didn't collide with each other, stopping in midair somehow and going towards me.
"Ooooooh! This is bad isn't it boy? Well, be stabbed!"
The girl drew equations in the sky, and the next thing I knew, ice shards came towards me, ready to skewer me at any second. No, these creatures are the same as spires of ice. Each of them are sharp, any of them could kill people with just a single stab.
"Try this!"
Doing a timed swing of my blade, both the ice spires and one of the creatures were bisected.
Some of the ice spires made it past my swords cutting power, so I jumped backwards, slashing my blade at a number of ice spires that got past me before. I couldn't allow the girls ice to hurt anyone, so I made sure that they weren't a danger to anyone.
"You're good at cutting things down, as expected of the brute Exorcist."
"I'm not a brute whale!"
I yelled, landing on the ground, swinging my sword to the left.
"That's what you say, brute~ And I'm not a whale! My creature, kill him for me~"
The other creature from before came for me, swinging its claws at me.
I blocked the claws with my blade, burning the claws due to the holy water and while it was receding from the blade, I sent a hard kick to its torso and threw a cross at it at the same time.
Instead of using a barrier to block it from me, I used it to trap the creature inside. The bright white barrier trapped the creature, and despite how it tried to escape, there was no escape for a creature this weak.
"You're finished!"
With it being defenseless, I rushed and did a complicated sword movements, and cleaved through the creature easily, bypassing the barriers natural defences, since I was the one who made it.
After doing that, I pointed my sword at Walburga, as the creatures gathered around her again, all of them acting as one single force. It was as if they were actually reading the others mind. I couldn't see any blind spots in their defences.
There's three left. Alright. Take those out, then go for the witch and make her comply with me, making her answer some of the questions I have for her. Wow, I'm sounding like an Exorcist right now! Sensei, I know I shouldn't be so excited right now, but I can't help but see that I've become someone that you can be proud of!
"Your little creatures aren't strong, Walburga. In fact, if I was a suspicious person, I would say they are a little too weak. Even someone like Xenovia-san would be able to defeat these with minimal effort. So what's your game little girl?"
Yeah, the more and more I fight these things, I can tell that they aren't as strong as I thought. Perhaps she used some magic to distort my perceptions of these creatures. But if that was the case, why would she do something like that? Could she be up to something else right now?
"Yeah, what of it? That's for me to think about. Maybe you're too strong? Who knows~"
From those words, I knew there was something wrong with her. If I know this girl, and unfortunately, I'm becoming to know her more and more, she wouldn't give her enemy praises. So why did she give me praises? It doesn't make sense.
"Yeah, I'm strong alright. Now why don't you stop this silly fight? Why are you even here anyway?"
"You're just going to have to win against me!"
Making an unspoken command, all of the other creatures came at me. In all of the movements they made, I knew they were trying to confuse me. Like one is covering the others movements, and the third one is attempting to move faster than I am. But compared to even Xenovia-san, they are moving at baby speeds.
While my eyes were on the third one, I had a cross at the ready, should the other two start with me.
"Take him out!"
The witch yelled, and the creatures responded. The one with the sharpest claws came at me, and swung them as if they were like blades. Using what I know of swordsmanship, I deflected each strike it gave me. Somehow, the creature stood on its hind legs, and it attacked me with more vigorously.
I continued to block its attacks, mixing in a punch and kick every now and again. More damage appeared on its body, with the holy power of the crosses being mixed in with my punches.
"Fire strike!"
With the witches command, both of the remaining creatures opened their mouths. Instead of releasing two fireballs, the fire mixed together in a harmonized state, blending together.
With bated breath, they released a stream of fire at me, like a vortex coming for me. I tried to take a step away, but the third creature went on the offensive for me. With no choice, I took out three crosses and threw them to the ground, making a barrier that stopped the streams of fire, for a few instances.
I could see that they were breaking due to the sheer power they released.
"Time to be annihilated!"
With a single slash of my blade, the creature that was attacking me head on was pushed back. Unable to stay on its hind legs, it fell backwards. In that little time, I did a number of slashes, exorcising it.
After I did that, the barriers broke, and the flames came at me. I made the decision to jump into the sky as high as I could go. Once I made it over the flames, I could see the final two creatures on the ground, so I took out two crosses and threw them at the creatures left.
"Trap!"
With that, and a phrase, the creatures became encased in the barriers, therefore the streams of fire was stopped. I landed on the ground, going for the creatures trapped.
...Walburga, didn't do anything, to my surprise. I thought that she would do something about it, but she just stood there, folding her arms. She's such a coward. She has others fight for her, and she doesn't even show any sadness for the creatures I am exorcising. I could understand the creatures fighting for her, if she couldn't fight, but the not even caring about your comrades, is disgusting.
"Time to be exorcised!"
Making it to the creatures, I exorcised them with my blade. They didn't put up much of a fight, falling to my blade in the end. It was something of a good thing for me.
With those things out of the way, I can concentrate of the girl witch. Said girl has a goofy grin on, magical auras surrounding her body. Hmmmmmm...what is this witch playing at? I can't figure this girl out. One second she is attacking me, the next, when she had the opportunity to cause damage, held back her power. Why would she do something like that? Is she trying to accomplish something by making me second guess her?
"So, you've defeated my creatures~ My oh my, you're a bad boy. What kind of Exorcist are you, defeating innocent creatures like that? You're a naughty boy that's going to be punished by me!"
"Innocent you say? The ones innocent are the people in this town. Now either leave, or I will be forced to defeat you. I'd rather not have to fight you witch. But, I will fight against you if I have to fight you."
Making a statement full of seriousness. I had no choice but to raise my blade. She wanted a fight, now she's got one. Just because she's a girl, it doesn't mean that there's going to be any easy going with me...
"Oh, is that the case? Then lets go and fight and fight until one of us dies...is what I want to say. But our time is slowly coming to an end."
Saying that with a dirty smile, she wrote in the air, magical equations filling the sky. Each equation made a circle, and soon those circles increased to a number exceeding twenty.
All of them are different elements coming from them, and all of them are pointed directly for me.
"Walburga, you intend to defeat me with these little attacks?"
I asked, getting into a fighting stance.
Walburga shrugged her shoulders in an impassive move.
"Whether they do or not, it doesn't matter. Of course it would be nice if you do lose, but if you don't lose, then so be it. Either way, today Suzuki Naoki, you're going to lose, and pay with your blood."
"Pay? Pay for what?"
She smirked wildly, and pointed towards my chest.
"You're going to pay with your life! The thing inside you, your Sacred Gear. It is a naughty one, and we can't allow you to go on with having such a thing. It would be better if you die now, rather than let you grow up."
...As she said that, I recalled the night of my parents death...
That monster said something similar. It would be better if I die now, rather than let me grow up. Hmph, so, more people want me dead. What a shock. I don't mind right now, because I'm strong enough to fight now.
"Well, it is time to die now. Go and rejoice in death. That God you love so much, I will send you to him!"
All attacks consisted of fire, ice, lightning and wind. The numerous attacks went for me at amazing speeds. Each of the attacks had a good sizable amount of power behind them, befitting of a witch like Walburga here.
But even then, I rushed forward, not a care in the world.
Using the blade that Sensei gave me, I cut through the attacks.
Even if they were strong from the magician girl, they all had a weak point which I was able to see quite clearly. So it was easy to cut through the weakest part of the attacks. As I took down the storm of attacks, Walburga sent more and more at me. With those added, I picked up the pace, cleaving through these attacks.
"...! T-That isn't possible! You're cutting through my attacks!?"
She became panicked as I neared her. Seeing that she couldn't escape, she placed barrier after barrier around her. Increasing my power as much as I could, I forced my power through the blade, and went slashing towards her barriers.
"This is where you end, witch!"
One after the other, my sword went through the barriers to her shock. All of them were strong yes, but like her precious spells, I could see the weak point, so I focused on that place, and made the blade cut through the barriers!
"G-Get lost!"
Walburga made fire within her hands, and shot off a ball of flames. Cocking my head to the side, the attack bypassed my head, going towards a house.
Reacting quickly, I threw a cross, erecting a barrier to protect the house.
"You care about these creatures huh. What a thing. You're mad, you are."
Even though she said that, she was panicking as my blade neared her. I'm not going to kill her, but I am going to make sure that she gets stopped with the blade in my hands.
"Take this!"
I brought up my blade, her making a fearful face.
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
But as I was going to knock her out, I heard a large explosion, accompanied by lots of screams! That explosion originated near the Church...wait, the Church? Why would anyone be at the Church? And how would anyone be at the Church? I made the barrier, I would've known if it had been broken. Yet, here we are...
As I thought about it, Walburga showed an evil smile.
"My, it's about time that they got towards the blonde girl~"
The blonde girl...who got towards the blonde girl?
"Speak witch! What was that about the blonde girl?"
She didn't respond, and stuck out her tongue. What a girl, even in the face of an enemy, she's showing such a disposition like this. Either she's insane, or she's just not bothered about her situation.
Seeing that, I put my blade near her neck, to her fear.
"I told you to tell me what's going on. If you don't speak within the next five seconds, my blade is going to be tasting a little witch blood."
Even if it was cold, I had to make her talk, however that would be accomplished. She showed scared eyes, and smiled weakly.
"I-It wasn't my idea...but the Holy Maiden is going to get a little surprise for her~"
Holy Maiden...Asia-san! Why are they after Asia-san? Is is a coincidence?
"Why are you targeting the Holy Maiden!?"
"Geez, there's no need to yell. She's got a Sacred Gear. Don't you think it would be nice if others had such a thing as well? She can heal things, lets see if she can heal everyone? Hehehehehehehehe!"
S-So, they're going to take Asia-san because she has the power to heal? W-What kind of evilness is that!? She's just a girl! She's my friend! As if these people are going to be taking my friend away!
I've got to get to Asia-san. Using her Sacred Gear on Devils...what will the Church think about that? It isn't her fault if she's forced, but even then, the ability to heal Devils is...sinful. That's what people would view it as...if what Walburga said can be trusted, then Asia-sans power doesn't just work on faithful and good people, it heals all without distinction...I can't say anything about it, if it is true...the Church might not like that...although, if she doesn't heal Devils or Fallen Angels or bad creatures, she would be fine, right? Unless...no, I don't have time to think about this right now.
"Right you witch, you're going to stay here! Do you understand me!?"
I said that with a hint of malice.
"Hehe, wouldn't you like me to stay here~ I've got a Devil to meet up with~"
"Devil, is that one over there? How is it even here?"
I demanded answers straight away.
But the witches body was glowing in lights...she's going to disappear! S-Since when did she activate that? Her hands aren't glowing with equations...her body is just lighting up...
"It's been here the whole time~ Not even Strada sensed it~ Kukuku, you're going to regret taking us on~"
I growled at the witch.
"You're annoying you are! H-How can you even do things like this? Why try Asia-san? She's just a pure girl you horrid girl!"
"Fufufuf! It was fun while it lasted, Exorcist~ Hopefully we'll see one another again~ Until then my Darling~"
"Wait!"
I couldn't do anything as she disappeared. From the looks of it, it was a spell that was set to activate if she was to be defeated. I didn't see her draw any equations, so it has to be something like that. Witch, Walburga. We ever meet again, and I'm going to be thoroughly beating on you for endangering this village...
I can't think about that witch now. I will tell Sensei about it later. But I have to go and save Asia-san now! I promised that we would be friends, and I can't have my new friend endangered like this!
"I'm coming Asia-san!"
Boldly saying that, I rushed off towards the Church. God, please allow me to make it in time.
End chapter! So Naoki has made friends with Asia, Xenovia is...Xenovia as usual, plus some weird little girl kind of stalking him, but who is she? Is she important at all? And he's come across Walburga! But what are that witches intentions? Well, until next time! And the suggestions are still under works!
Naoki; Asia, Xenovia, Irina, Griselda, Gabriel, Koneko, Akeno.
