Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD, it rightly belongs to Ichiei Ishibumi. I am doing this purely for the creative enjoyment.

Reviewer response: Thanks for all of the encouragement and reviews. To enigma95: I will soon be bringing in the Okami Mercenaries within the next couple of chapters. And I do intend to let everyone know about his past, but it will be in sidestories until I bring him back up to speed along with the little tidbit here and there. To Blckwlf4: I'll plan on doing the date with Gabriel in the next chapter. Hunter will have access to his full potential near/at the end of the Raiser arc, so please be patient with me as I intend to explain all. Also, thanks for the idea on sparing the Fallen Angels. I had been debating on that and I'll use that as a way for a semi-formal way of introducing the Okami Mercenaries. Also, the Alpha of a wolf pack is a terrific idea. I'll use that in accordance with the full reveal of the Okami Mercs.

Chapter 3: Memory and a new friend

[] Asa

[] Cathal

{} Niefelm

{} Ddraig

'' thinking

"[[{{]]}}" Iron Wolf persona cover

If a person were to look in the distance, they could see a small hillock with a large grove of oak trees. And if that person had a set of high-power binoculars, they would have been able to see two figures standing near the edge of the grove.

Those two people were the Iron Wolf and Grayfia. They were looking into the distance where they could see a group of young devils approaching their first stray hunt, the giant devil Zinae.

"[[{{Do you think that they can handle taking down Zinae? I heard that he was the strongest of his peerage, even before he was made into the Rook.]]}}"

"Lord Gremory has faith that Rias and her peerage will prevail. But just in case things do go wrong, we have you on standby."

"[[{{And how, exactly, will I explain myself if I do have to help out?]]}}"

"Just tell them the truth. You were sent as backup."

'Straight to the point. My kind of style.'

CRASH!

At that, both Grayfia and the Iron Wolf had their attention drawn to the battle.

It seems that Zinae was indeed being defeated by Rias and her peerage. Zinae was currently missing one of his arms and covered in electrical burns. But the peerage was not doing so well.

They all were scuffed up and starting to breathe heavily.

{Impressive. If they had a few more years to train, they could become quite the force.}

'True, but right now they seem to be at their limit. Better get down there.'

"[[{{Grayfia, I'll be moving in now. In their current state, one of them will most likely be heavily wounded, if not outright killed.]]}}"

"Indeed. Go quickly and if anything happens to Rias….."

"[[{{Yeah, yeah. The entire Gremory clan and Sirzechs will have my head. I know the drill.]]}}"

Shrugging on their shield, The Iron Wolf summons a short spear into their free hand and move out in a gust of wind.

Zinae, sensing that the group that was assaulting him were beginning to be exhausted, set his sights on the small white haired girl that had given him a black eye.

"No offense, but I plan on living. Good luck in the afterlife."

With that, Zinae began to swing his club with his good arm for the killing blow.

Koneko, knowing that her defense couldn't handle a direct strike from the club, braced herself for what she thought would be her demise.

SwiiiiiiBooom! "Auuuuugh!"

Confused, Koneko opens her eyes only to see that she was in the middle of a large crater and what appeared to be the black armored back of a young man. The stranger had stopped the club with only their shield while at the same impaling Zinaes wrist with what seemed to be a short spear.

"[[{{Are you alright?]]}}"

The stranger, for lack of a better word due to the mix of male and female voices, asked. Koneko could only nod her head in the affirmative due to the shock that she was still alive.

Taking the girls silence for a "yes", the Iron Wolf proceeded to push the club away while at the same time summoning a longsword to their hand.

"[[{{All of you can stand down. In your current state you'll only wind up getting killed. I'm your backup so just relaxe.]]}}"

"What is this?! Who are you to stop me from making my kill?!"

"[[{{I'm disappointed in you Zinae. But I can't blame you since my shield was being blocked by your club. I'm the Iron Wolf and though it will be for a few seconds, it's a pleasure to meet you]]}}"

And with that, the battle was begun anew.

'Right. What do you suggest I do with this guy? According to the intel he should be easy to take down.'

[I'd say go with a straight out slice and dice. His club won't stand a chance against our swords and it should work.]

[Only you would do something reckless like that. And what if he does a counter while we're up in the air?]

{Do a fireball to the face. He should instinctively block it and that will open up his legs. Move in, hamstring, then finish him off quick.}

'We'll go with your plan Niefelm. Ddraig, if you would kick things off?'

{You got it partner.}

Bear in mind that while the conference was going on, both the Iron Wolf and Zinae were circling each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.

With Ddraig summoning a large fireball and using the shield as a medium, the Iron Wolf fired it towards Zinae's face.

And like Niefelm predicted, Zinae proceeded to bash away the fireball with his club only to find himself in agonizing pain from his two legs.

As he proceeded to fall down, Zinae saw the Iron Wolf waiting patiently. Smirking at the sight, Zinae could only think at how he would crush this punk with his fall.

But unfortunately, he fell just short.

"[[{{Sigh. And to think that the reports said that you were one strong opponent. Guess it was all just talk. Goodbye.]]}}"

And with that, the Iron Wolf proceeded to lop off the head of the once Great, and stray, Zinae.

Cleaning off their blade using Zinaes shirt before unsummoning it, the Iron Wolf prepared to leave only to find themselves being hugged by none other than the little white haired girl.

"Thank you."

Hearing Ddraig chuckle at their predicament, the Iron Wolf proceeded to ruffle the hair on the girls head.

"[[{{It's no problem. I'm glad I was able to make it in time before any of you could get hurt.]]}}"

And with that, the Iron Wolf disengaged themselves from the girl and disappeared in a whirlwind.

Reappearing next to Grayfia at the oak glade, the Iron Wolf made their report.

"[[{{Zinae has been defeated with no losses. Why did your Intel make him seem stronger than he was?]]}}"

"Think of it as a way of boosting their confidence. If they had defeated him without help than they would have a good standing in the world."

"[[{{But I had to step in to save them. Still, it was impressive that they were able to weaken him the way they did. Please see to it that they receive the credit for it.]]}}"

"I will. And the payment has been made to your account. Do you plan on sticking around for a while Hunter?"

The Iron Wolf proceeded to dissipate the forward part of their helmet to reveal the grinning face of a 13 year old boy.

"Even if I wanted to, I can't. I have to get back home before its suppertime. But I do appreciate the offer."

Rinnnnngggggg!

'So it was just a dream turned memory.'

It was the morning after the Stray devil hunt. Hunter was getting ready to begin another day in his new life as a reincarnated devil.

[You think any of them will ask about how we could do the flaming tornado?]

{I don't think so. They seem like the group that would respect Hunters wishes.}

[But there is a limit to how long you can stay quiet about this Hunter. You'll have to let them know about your past soon]

'I know, I know. I just, I don't know, feel like there's something going to happen in the next couple of weeks that'll take care of this.'

{Just be careful.}

Heading out to school by myself, Nick was sleeping in again and wouldn't be up anytime soon, I hear a slight "ooof" followed by what sounded like a case hitting the ground.

Turning around, I see a nun who appears to be a year younger than me on the ground with her suitcase next to her.

"Are you okay?"

While saying this, I offer her a hand to help her back on her feet.

"Yes. Thank you."

While getting up, a gust of wind blows off the girls' veil and reveals her to have long blonde hair and green eyes.

Stunned at this brief revelation, I recover just in time to nab the cover before it blows away.

{Wow. It's rare that you're rendered speechless from a girl Hunter.}

'Shut it Ddraig.' But the others were either laughing or whistling in the background acting like nothing had happened.

Indicating her suitcase,

"Are you traveling around?"

"Yes. Actually, I've been positioned to the church here in town but I got lost and now I don't know how to get there."

[The church? The only one that I can think of is the one a few blocks from here on the hill.]

{But isn't it abandoned?}

'Guess it's being put back into use.'

"I think I know where you need to go. If you'll just follow me, I can take you there."

"Really?! Thank you!"

But as soon as we round the corner, we could hear a little boy crying in the nearby park.

The boys' mother asked "Are you alright Yosh-kun?"

Before I could do anything, the nun was already kneeling down next to the boy. From what I could tell, he had a small scrape on his knee.

"Are you okay? Boys shouldn't cry with a minor injury like this."

Even though the sister was saying that in a different language the boy couldn't understand, her kind expression and tone seemed to convey that she was a friend.

But the next thing that the sister did surprised myself and the others.

Holding her hands crossed over the boys' knee, a warm green glow started to form and heal the boys' knee.

'Healing magic?!'

[I don't think so Hunter. I'm sensing some healing properties, but it's not magic based.]

'So she's a sacred gear user as well. Quite the handy thing to have.'

It's a shame that I can't let her know that I have sacred gears as well. Too many people who could overhear us in the streets. That, and I still didn't know too much about her.

[Ah cut the bull. You, I, and everyone else can sense that this girl doesn't have a mean bone in her body and if she asked you would tell her everything in a heartbeat.]

"Here, your wounds healed. You shouldn't feel any more pain now."

With that she ruffles the boys head while his mother grabs his hand with a mixed expression on her face.

Turning around to face me while sticking out her tongue, she said "I'm sorry but I had to."

While walking away with his mother, the boy turns around and says "Thank you, Onee-chan!"

Seeing that she couldn't understand, I translated for her.

Her face is brightened up with a dazzling smile.

"What you did back there, it was amazing."

"Yes, it's the power to heal that I've had since childhood. It's a wonderful power that God gave me."

Even though she said that, her eyes didn't contain the smile on her face. Must have been a bad memory from the past to cause this. I should know.

A few minutes later and I find myself with the sister outside of the old church. There were a few lights on inside so it did seem that it was being put back to use again.

Now churches and shrines, you see, are a natural enemy to devils like me since they have divine protection for God or whatever deity they represent. But through my work as the Iron Wolf and natural affinity with light powers, I wasn't too concerned. I did still feel a slight discomfort and there was a slight scent on the breeze. I couldn't figure out what though due to the foliage in the area.

'Meh, probably not important.'

Noticing that I would be late to school if I didn't get going, I started to say goodbye to the sister.

"Well, now that we're here, I have to get going."

Touching the brim of my cap, I start to turn around.

"Wait! I wanted to thank you with a cup of tea, if possible."

Though it is a nice gesture, and I could never say no to a good cup of tea, I really did have to get to school. And I think Buchou would kill me if I said that I had tea in a church with a nun.

"I appreciate your offer, but I really do need to get to school. But maybe another time. My names Hunter Silas but everyone calls me Hunter."

"My name is Asia Argento! Please call me Asia!"

[Her name's Asia and she's a healer? I can just see you mixing our names up in no time Hunter.]

"Alright, Sister Asia, until we meet again."

"Yes! Hunter-san, I will definitely come and see you!"

Asia then bows down her head.

I proceeded to bow, turn, and walk off while waving my hand in the air as a goodbye.

Little did I know that our next meeting wouldn't be in as good an atmosphere as the first.

After school, in the OCR club room

"Don't ever go near that church again."

Yep, just as I thought, Buchou was chewing me out for doing what I did.

"I don't see what the harm was in helping that girl get to her destination. She didn't speak Japanese and was lost. I couldn't just do nothing."

"Even though you say you know the devil world, you go and do something that could get you killed. The church is the enemy's territory. Just stepping inside could cause a large rift to appear between our two sides. You were lucky that you were doing a good deed for the nun. Otherwise, the angels that were on lookout would have shot you with a light spear if they had the chance."

"You were able to revive as a human. But devils who are exorcised by exorcists return to nothing. They can't be revived from that. Do you know how serious that is?"

'It wasn't that serious of a situation. I have a contract with both the Angels and Fallen that give me, and the Okami mercenaries, a little leeway in that kind of situation.'

{Yes, but they don't know that Hunter.}

{Seriously, you Have to tell them about your standing in the three factions.}

'And I said that I would in due time.'

"Yes Buchou. I'm sorry to have caused you any grief through my actions. Please forgive me."

I proceed to bow my head while saying this.

"Hunter, just see to it that it doesn't happen again. Anyways, there's a new contract and seeing as everyone else is out, it falls to you. Do your best."

"Yes Buchou."

But as soon as the transportation is complete, I immediately tense up.

I had found myself outside of the house instead of in front of the client.

'That's strange.'

I proceeded to knock on the front door.

"Hello? I'm the devil from the Gremory's that you summoned. Anyone there?"

But once I was done knocking, the door started to creep open and I was assaulted with the scent of blood.

'What?!'

{You had better proceed with caution Hunter. In fact, you better equip me with a short sword. I don't like this.}

[Hey! What about me?!]

'Even though your cutting abilities would be perfect for this, we are inside someone else's house. I don't want to cause too much damage with the cuts and wind.'

So, after equipping the Woman-at-Arms sacred gear, I proceeded to walk into the house.

The smell of blood intensified the moment I started to walk down the hall. Once I was near what I could assume was the living room, another scent began to make itself known. The smell of entrails.

'Not good.'

Once I had gone through the door, I could only stare in horror at the sight before my eyes.

There was what had once been a man nailed to the wall upside down in the form of a cross. His gut had been slashed and his entrails were spilling out. Beneath him was a large pool of blood.

{From what I can tell, the poor soul died a little under 5 minutes ago. Must have been right after he summoned you.}

Upon further inspection, there was something written on the wall above him.

It was Latin. But before I could translate it, a voice spoke up.

"It's written as "Punishment for those who did bad deeds!" I borrowed that sentence from someone."

I could only slowly turn around at the sound of the familiar voice.

'How the hell did he survive! I thought that he was labeled as excommunicated and set for destruction?!"

For standing in front of me was a white haired young man in a priests outfit. In one hand he held a gun while the other held the handle for a light sword. It was none other than Freed Zelzen.

He was smiling.

"Hmm hmm. Well, well, if it isn't a Devil-kun!"

[Great, looks like he's really flipped this time. As if he wasn't unpredictable before.]

'Looks like he recognized me as a devil already. They did say he was a prodigy.'

{And the fact that you have ears and a tail doesn't enforce this, how?}

"I'm a priest~ A boy priest~ I cut down devil-like people~, and I laugh at them~ I cut the head of you Devils, and receive my meal~ "

[Ding ding! Looney land central, everybody off!]

"My name is Freed Zelzan. I belong to a certain Exorcism organization. Ah, just because I introduced myself doesn't mean you have to. I don't want to remember your name in my memory, so please don't. It's okay, since you are going to die soon. I will make sure of it. It might hurt at first, but later you will feel so good that you will cry. Now let's open the new door -ZE!"

"Damn it! Did you have to do this?!"

I indicated the man on the wall.

"Yes, yes. I killed him. He was making deals with devil scum like you so he became a regular criminal."

'Damn it! That doesn't justify what you did!'

"Oh? Aren't you going to run away? That's weird. I mean humans who make a pact with Devils are scum. Scum indeed. Can't you understand that? No? Is that so? Well you are a scum Devil after all."

"How can a human kill another human, then!? Aren't you only supposed to kill Devils?"

"Haaaaa? What the fuck is that? A mere Devil like you is lecturing me? Hahaha. I will laugh at this. You probably could get a reward for being funny. Okay then, listen carefully you shitty Devil. Devils also use humans' greed to survive. Relying on a Devil proves that you are no longer a human. It's the end. That's why I killed him~. I make a living by killing Devils and those that are contracted to a Devil. That's my job."

"Even Devil's won't go this far!"

"Haa~~? What are you talking about? Devils are trash. Do you know they are a shitty existence? Do you know this is common sense? Didn't you know? Seriously, you should start your life back from a toddler. Wait, it's useless to tell this to a reincarnated Devil like you. More like, I have to kill you! Hahahaha. It's awesome, isn't it? It's the best, isn't it?"

Before I could react, I felt a sharp pain in my right thigh. Looking down, I saw what appeared to be a bullet hole.

'Damn!'

The priest started to run towards me while activating his light sword.

Dodging to the left, I start to parry his strikes.

The sound of metal striking metal could be heard throughout the room.

But another sound started to be heard. It was the sound of cracks being formed.

Taking a swift glance at my blade, it had started to disintegrate.

{Hunter! My weapons won't hold out for long against light weapons! Either you summon another weapon or switch over to the light arsenal.}

'I can't go with the light weapons. I'll only use those when in the Iron Wolf persona or after I reveal myself. There's too much of a chance that he would make the connection even if he is bat shit crazy!'

With that, I summon another sword to my free hand and begin to go on the offensive.

"Tch! So you can make multiple swords."

Jumping to the other side of the room, Freed begins to shoot at me with his light gun.

But now that I knew what to listen for, I proceeded to deflect the shots with the swords.

"Hey hey! You can't do that! But still, I'm beginning to feel something! No devil has lasted this long. Is this love?"

"Please stop!"

Then there is a voice of a woman I am familiar with.

The priest froze his posture to where he was about to attack me, and looks towards the direction where the voice came from.

I also look to the same direction.

—!

A girl is there, and I know her.

"Asia."

Yes, the blond sister is standing there.

"Well if it isn't my assistant, Asia-chan. What happened? Did you finish putting the barrier?"

"! N-Noooooooo!"

Asia screams after seeing the corpse that is nailed to the wall.

"Thank you for the adorable scream! Oh yeah, this is your first time seeing a corpse like this, isn't it, Asia-chan? Then look carefully. We have the humans that are entranced by a Devil die like this."

"…N-No…"

She then looks at us and gets shocked to see me.

"…Father Freed…that person…"

Asia looks at me directly.

"Person? No, no. This shit here is a Devil. Hahaha, what are you misunderstanding?"

I could only look her in the eye and see that she was having a little trouble understanding this. Even though she was shocked at the ears and tail, I didn't know what to say.

"You guys know each other? Now this is a big surprise. Is it a forbidden romance between a devil and sister?"

I didn't want this to happen. I thought that if we had seen each other in various places, and if I felt secure enough, I would have let her seen my ears and tail and let her know the story behind it.

"Ahaha! Devils and humans can never coexist! Especially humans from the Church and the Devils are the biggest enemies! Also, we are a group of heretics that was deserted by God. Asia-tan and I are humans that can't survive without the support of Fallen Angels-sama."

[Hunter! If he's saying that, then there's a good chance that their Fallen friends are nearby. We gotta wrap this up quick!]

'I know, but I don't know what Asia will do. Will she fight us, or protect?'

"Well, leaving that aside, I need to finish what I started and kill the little devil-kun."

But before Freed had taken three steps towards me, Asia placed herself in front of me with her arms spread.

"Please, Father Freed, let him go."

"Hey, hey! Asia-tan, do you realize what you are doing?"

'Asia….'

"I do. Please forgive this person."

{I never thought I'd live to see this. A nun protecting a devil.}

"You can't kill people just because they are associated with devils! You should forgive them for their transgression and offer them help and guidance."

"Don't talk shit, bitch! You also learned that Devils are trashes at the Church! Seriously, is there something wrong with your brain!?"

Freed now has an anguished expression.

"There are good people, even among Devils!"

"There aren't, idiooooooot!"

"T-That's what I thought until recently… But Hunter-san is a good person. That fact doesn't change even after I found out that he is a Devil! Killing someone is unforgivable! This kind of act! God won't allow such acts!"

She saw the corpse, and she found out that I'm a Devil, so she should be shocked. But Asia isn't backing down to speak her beliefs to the priest.

What a strong willed girl. This girl is amazing. Just maybe….

BAKI!

"Kyaa!"

The bastard priest hit Asia to the side with his gun.

Asia fell to the ground.

"Hey, Asia!"

I went to Asia who was struck away.

…There's a bruise mark on her face. That bastard actually hit her.

[Okay, now I'm getting pissed off! Kill him!]

"…The Fallen Angel girl told me very strongly that I can't kill you. But I'm getting a bit pissed. Since I can't kill you, than can I rape you or something? If I don't, I won't be able to heal my heart. But before that, I need to kill that trash over there."

The priest points his blade of light at me again.

…I can't run away while leaving Asia here.

I can't leave her here with him who just talked about doing that!

If I'm running away, then it will be with Asia. So I have to fight…

"I can't leave a girl who just defended me. Nor can I allow you to go unpunished for what you've done. So come on!"

I summoned two new swords and got ready.

The priest whistles and seems really happy.

"Eh? Eh? Seriously? Seriously? You are going to fight me? You will die, you know? You will die with a lot of pain? I have no intention of killing you painlessly, okay? Now then. Let's see if I can make a new record for the smallest minced-meat!"

The priest jumps up high, —then the floor glows in a blue and white colour.

"What is this?"

The priest becomes suspicious when the floor glows. The blue light starts to form a shape.

The magic-circle of the Gremory household! I-Is it…!

FLASH!

"Sorry we're late. Hunter-kun, we've come to rescue you."

Kiba says this while smiling.

"Ara ara, this is awful."

"….Priest."

Akeno and Koneko!

Looks like everyone's here.

"Hyahou! Here's a present for a group of Devils!"

The priest starts slashing his sword.

KAGIN!

The sound of the metal echoes through the room. Kiba blocks the priest's attack with his sword.

"I'm sorry. He's one of us! We can't let you lay a finger on him!"

"Oh, oh! A mere Devil being concerned about their comrade? What are you guys? Devil Squadron, the Devil Rangers? That's nice. I can feel the heat. I'm getting turned on! So how is it? Are you one the sticking it in, and is he the one bending? So are you guys in that sort of relationship?"

They are exchanging swords but the priest is getting cocky and sticking his tongue out while he is shaking his tongue and his head.

Kiba has an anguished expression. Yeah, that guy is definitely disgusting.

"…What a vulgar mouth. It's hard to believe you are a priest… Oh, that's why you are a "Stray Exorcist", right?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm vulgar! Sorry about that! That's because I strayed away! I was kicked out! That's why, screw the Vatican! I'm alright as long as I get to cut Devils whenever I feel like it!"

Both of them are still exchanging their swords.

Kiba has a calm expression, but his eyes have already captured his foe.

The boy priest, Freed, is still laughing and enjoying the fight.

"You are the type that is the most hard to deal with. Someone who feels like they are living by cutting Devils…the one who causes the most harm to us."

"Haaaaah!? You know, I don't want to be told off by a Devil? I'm trying to live now just like other people! I'm not in a position where pests like you can talk down to me!"

"Even Devils have rules."

Akeno-san is smiling, but her eyes are serious.

She is showing a sign of will to fight and hostility towards Freed.

"Nice. I like those passionate eyes. Onee-san, you are the best. I can feel your urge of wanting to kill me. Is this love? No. I think it's a killing intent! Superb! This is great! I love the feeling of intending to kill and getting intended to kill!"

"Then disappear."

Rias-Buchou had appeared at my side.

"Sorry Hunter. I didn't think that a stray exorcist would visit the client's house."

But upon seeing my wound, her eyes narrowed in anger.

"…Hunter, did you get wounded?"

"Yes, sorry. I was surprised when he got in the shot. I'll be fine."

I started to stumble a little since I hadn't healed the wound. It was starting to take its toll on me.

But Buchou didn't say anything to me and gives a cold expression to the priest.

"Looks like you have been looking after my cute servant?"

Her voice is low.

Wow, Buchou is pissed. Am I the reason?

"Yes, yes. I have been playing around with it. I was planning to cut his body all over but I was interrupted and it finished as a dream."

BON!

A section of the furniture behind the priest is blown away.

It's Buchou. Buchou shot out a ball of demonic-power.

"I make sure I never forgive those who harm my servants. I especially can't forgive a lowlife like you damaging my personal possessions."

Her intensity causes the atmosphere to feel frozen.

Her killing intents lurk around the room. There is a thing that looks like waves of demonic-power surrounding Buchou.

"! Buchou, there seems to be few Fallen Angels heading to this house. At this rate we will be at a disadvantage."

What?!

Akeno had informed us of the situation while continually glancing out the window.

{Hunter, they will be here in a few minutes. Even with everyone here, the battlefield isn't to our advantage.}

"Akeno, prepare the transportation circle. Koneko, retrieve Hunter."

Looks like we're falling back.

But as I look towards Asia, I have the strongest urge to protect her.

"Buchou! We can't leave her behind!"

I had indicated Asia, but Rias only shakes her head.

"Even if I wanted to, we can't take her with us. This type of spell only works for those in my clan."

"But, but, even so! I'll transport her myself if I have to."

"I'm sorry Hunter. We have to leave her."

As the circle starts to glow, Freed begins to charge towards us.

"As if I'll let you devils get away!"

But his charge is halted by the couch that Koneko had thrown towards him.

Just as the spell was about to complete, I was looking towards Asia.

"Let's meet again someday, Hunter-san."

"Asiaaaaa!"

And with that, we were back in the clubroom.

It's only been a few minutes since we had returned. At the moment, I had Asa out and healing the wound in my thigh.

[Hunter, I can take care of most of the damage but you'll be a little stiff. It seems that since you're a devil, light damage won't be healed as effectively by me.]

'Alright. I'll deal with it for the next couple of days. Still no luck on the limiters influence?'

{Give us a few more days and we should be done. But so far, you've been hit with a pretty big handicap.}

{No matter. It's not like we've faced harder challenges than this before.}

"There are two types of exorcists."

"Buchou, before you go into the whole speech, I'm well aware of the two types of exorcists. Those that are backed by the church and those that are kicked out. Also known as Stray Exorcists. The stray ones are tougher to deal with since they aren't held back by the rules of the church. And the way that guy was acting, he is definitely a Stray Exorcist."

'And that would explain the Fallen Angels who had taken me down. But how could they have a base here in town without Rias realizing it?'

[Maybe she did notice them but didn't want to risk an all-out war. You know how the devils and fallen angels are.]

"Buchou, I need to save that girl, Asia!"

"It's impossible. How will you fight them? You are a Devil. And she is a servant of Fallen Angels. It's the two kinds that cannot coexist. Saving her means making the Fallen Angels your enemies. …If that happened, we would also have to fight."

"…"

I couldn't say anything back to her. I will cause trouble to Buchou and others due to my selfishness.

I compared Asia with Buchou and others.

But I can't find the answer. Which one is more important?

I couldn't let this go! But how can I help her? Maybe if I went in as the Iron Wolf….

{Hunter! Don't you dare finish that sentence! You know that would be an abuse of your powers and Azazel would use that as an excuse to nullify his debt and get you into his lab.}

Noon, the next day.

"Haaaaah. What am I going to do?"

I was currently near the business district. Buchou told me to take the day off so that my thigh could heal from the light bullet. It itched a few times while at other times caused me to stumble slightly.

Not wanting to hang out at home all day, I decided to just walk around town.

Trying to decide on where to eat, I saw a flash of gold through the crowd.

{Could it be?}

[Naaaah. That's impossible. There's no way they would let her out of their sights.]

'Only one way to find out.'

So, I started to make my way towards where the golden flash had occurred.

When there was a part in the crowd, I saw Asia looking around as if she was in trouble.

"Asia?"

"Hunter-san?"

I could tell that she seemed relieved to see me.

We were now standing in front of the cash register of a family restaurant, making our order. But the cashier seemed a little nervous since Asia was having trouble ordering.

"Do you need any help?" I asked her.

"No, no! I can do this. Ummmmm…."

{She sure is stubborn.}

'I better do something before the poor guy has a panic attack.'

"She'll have the same order as me."

Once we had gotten our order and sat down, I started to eat while Asia just stared at her meal.

"Have you never eaten a hamburger before?"

"No. I usually ate a salad and piece of bread with the occasional meal of pasta."

"Well, you eat it like this."

I then proceeded to take off my wrapper and bite my burger.

"Hwaaa. So you can eat it with your hands?"

With that, she proceeded to take a tiny bite out of her burger.

"It's so tasty!"

The look on her face was almost divine.

{So cute!}

[You know that you shouldn't be doing this Hunter. Rias is going to be pissed off about this.]

'What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides, I don't intend for her to find out about this. Still, there's something that I'm going to do.'

[You're not….]

{Yep, he is. Though I do admit it is kinda cute with what you plan. Ever the chivalrous knight.}

"Asia, after this, let's go to the game center."

"umm…okay."

So we then proceeded to the game center in town. I won most of the games that I played on but dominated the races. Asia, after learning how to play the game, started to have fun.

Just as we were making our way out, I noticed that she was staring at one of the claw machines. When I look inside the crane game there is a doll of "Rache-kun" inside. It's a cute mascot based on a mouse. If I remember correctly, this character came from Japan but it's popular worldwide. So that's why Asia also knew it.

"Do you want one?"

"No, no! I'm fine."

Saying that, with the slight blush on her cheeks, I couldn't let it go.

"It's alright. I'll definitely get you one."

And so, after a few tries and dollars later, I was able to finally snag one of the dolls.

"Here you go."

"Thank you Hunter-san! I'll take good care of the doll.

She was so happy and hugging the doll to her chest.

Late afternoon.

We were walking along the street and both of us were worn out a little from the day we had. I'm just surprised we weren't caught for playing hooky from school.

"Ouch."

I stumbled a little from the wound I had received the other night.

"Ah. Is that from last night?"

"Yeah, but its fine. I'll be okay in a day or two."

"Here, let me see."

With that, I found myself sitting on a bench near a monument with Asia holding her hands over the site of the wound.

After a few seconds, I again saw the warm green glow from her healing.

"That should do it. How does it feel, Hunter-san?"

I stand up and do a few stretches. Looks like its back to normal.

"I feel like new Asia! That power is amazing. It's a sacred gear, right?"

"Yes, it is."

[Bingo. Told you it wasn't a healing spell.]

"Well, I have two sacred gears in me. Though right now I'm a little limited with what I can do."

See seems a little shocked at this revelation.

"Hunter-san, you also have sacred gears? I didn't realize it."

"Yeah, they are pretty useful. But they're nothing like yours. You can heal humans, animals, and devils like me right?"

With that, she starts to tear up and begins to cry.

{Hunter! What did you do?}

'I don't know!'

{How could you make her cry?!}

'Lay off Ddraig! I just said that she had a terrific power and she started crying!'

After her crying had subsided, she proceeded to tell me the tale of the "Holy Maiden".

Apparently, Asia never knew her parents. She grew up in an orphanage that was run by the church. One day, she had come across a wounded puppy and while she was praying, somehow she was able to heal the little dog.

But a man from the main church had seen this and took her back to headquarters. She was then known as the "Holy Maiden" and proceeded to heal all that had come to her. But it wasn't a perfect life. Even though she had healed people and was well known, she didn't have any friends. They treated her with a wary distance

Even if a person is able to do a tremendous thing, if they are a little bit different from "normal" they will always be seen as something other than human.

One day, she had come across a wounded devil. Being the kind hearted person she is, Asia had proceeded to heal the devil. But she had been seen by a higher up of the church. After that, she was branded a heretic and a witch because her power could heal devils.

A power that works with the enemies of God should not be used for the followers, was their reasoning. And so, she was excommunicated from the church and spent some time wandering around until she was picked up by a group of stray exorcists.

I could only grip my hands in anger over what had happened to Asia. It just wasn't right! Here was the kindest person in the world who was only doing what she felt was right. And for that, she was made into an outcast for doing a good deed.

{If only we had heard about this, she could have joined the Okami Mercenaries instead. I'm sure that Maya would have made her into an apprentice healer, let alone adopting her.}

"…It's because I didn't pray enough. It's because I'm clumsy. I'm so stupid that I can't even eat a burger by myself."

The girl, Asia, wipes her tears while laughing.

I didn't know what to say to her.

I didn't know what to say after finding out her devastating past.

Just like she showed before, she is a Sacred Gear possessor that has the power to heal even Devils.

"This is also a trial that the lord gave me. Since I'm a clumsy nun, the lord gave me this trial. So I have to endure it."

She was laughing as if she was talking to herself.

"I'm sure I will make lots of friends one day. I have a dream. I want to go buy flowers with a friend, buying books and…talk…"

She is full of tears.

I will do anything to make her life better. And I think I know how to start.

"Hey, Asia, I'll be your friend."

"…..Why?"

"There's no why. You and I spent the entire day playing, laughing, talking and having fun!"

"Is it a pact with a devil?"

"No! Asia, we can still be friends even if we are on different sides. This is no devil deal. We will put all the differences aside and be friends! We can go buy flowers and books, talk, and I'll even introduce you to a group of people who I know you'll like!"

She had started to cry again, but this time they seemed to be tears of joy.

[At least she seems to be cheering up now.]

"….Hunter-san, I have no common sense."

"Then I'll help you learn Japanese! I'll tutor you and we can even go to the museum and look at Japanese culture."

"But I don't know what to talk about with a friend."

"What do you think we've been doing all day? You've been talking with me just fine."

"….Will you become my friend?"

"Of course! So let's get along well from now on, Asia."

She nods her head and smiles.

'Okay, looks like I just made life more interesting for us. Even though we are both devil and human, we can make this work!'

{Sigh. Only you would go and do something like this Hunter. But I am glad that you're doing….Wait a second. Hunter!}

{There are two fallen angels incoming!}

'Damn! Looks like they found out she was missing.'

"It's impossible."

The one who says this is none other than the fallen angel who had killed me, Raynare.

"Heh. So Dohnaseek was right, you did survive and become a devil."

"…..Raynare-sama….."

Asia calls her by her name. So she is working with the fallen angels. But where's the second one?

"What do you want with her?"

"I won't be talked to by a low-level filthy devil like you. But Asia is our personal belonging. Can I have her back? Asia, you know that it's useless to run so why don't you return with me?"

[So she was running away.]

"…No. I don't want to return to that Church. I don't want to return to the people who kill other people. …Also, you people did things to me…"

Asia replies back with disgust.

What happened? What happened inside that Church?

"Please don't say that, Asia. Your Sacred Gear is essential for our plan. So please come back with me? I also took the time to look for you. Don't make trouble for me."

Raynare approaches us. Asia hides behind me. Her body is shaking with fear.

I summon both Boosted Gear and Woman-at-Arms, ready for battle.

"Can't you see that she doesn't want to go back with you? Just leave her alone Raynare-san!"

"Tch! Don't call me by my name low-class devil! My name will get filthy if you continue to call me by it. But I was told that your sacred gears were a threat. Looks like the Intel was wrong. To think that you have those common Twice Critical and Guard Break gears."

"Don't look down on me!"

As I start to move towards her, I start to think about what to do.

I can't take Asia to my house or to the clubroom. Either location is too vulnerable with the people there and I think that Buchou would kill me for bringing a nun with the fallen angel's right behind us.

My best bet is to get enough of a lead and use a transportation spell to get to the Okami Mercenary headquarters. I could strategize better from there.

"Sacred Gear, activate!"

{Boost!}

'Okay, with this we should be able to take her out.'

But just as I was about to engage Raynare in battle…

{Hunter, dive right!}

As I did this, a light spear had pierced the spot I had previously occupied.

Looking up, I notice another fallen angel, but she was different. She had blonde hair and was in what appeared to be a gothic Lolita outfit.

'Shit! This is going to make things difficult.'

Even if I tried, I couldn't get her without getting shot by Raynare. So I decided to take out the ground first, then the air.

Both Raynare and the new Fallen angel began to shoot light spears at me. Being forced to dodge both attacks was a little tricky.

[Hunter, you better watch out! One wrong step and….]

Before Cathal could finish his sentence, I tripped over a stone that was jutting out from the pavement. That was the opportunity that both the fallen were waiting for.

"Gahhhh!"

I had taken two direct hits from the light spears. Raynare's went through my chest, again, and the angel that was flying had grazed one of my arms.

Before I could summon Asa to heal me, my body was enveloped by a now familiar green light.

Asia had started to heal me.

"Raynare-sama, if I go with you, you'll leave Hunter-san alone?"

'What?! Wait!'

"Of course Asia. If you come along now without any fuss, we will spare this devil for you."

"Alright, I'll come quietly."

"Wait, Asia!"

"Please Hunter-san. I don't want you to get killed on my account. I had fun today and will cherish these memories forever."

"Good girl Asia. After tonight's ritual, you will be freed from your suffering."

[Ritual?]

{I don't know what kind of ritual she's talking about, but it can't be good.}

As Asia reaches Raynare's side, she turns around and gives me one of her dazzling smiles.

"Thank you."

"Hey Asia! We're friends aren't we?! I have to protect you!"

But with that, as Raynare's wings start to enfold her, I hear one last thing from Asia.

"Goodbye."

And with that, she and the fallen angels had disappeared in a flurry of black feathers. I could only stand there, my face twisted in anger over what I had seen

Asia was crying.

[Hunter….]

'Damn it! Why does this have to happen! And what the hell did she mean by a ritual? To think that Azazel would condone this!'

{Maybe he doesn't know. He had said that he had told all of his subordinates that you were to be left alone.}

[Looks like it might be a rouge faction of Fallen then?]

'We can't be sure unless we hear it from Azazel himself.'

Speaking of which, my phone had started to ring with Azazel's ringtone. I picked it up.

"Hunter here, what's up Azazel?"

"Hunter, I've got a situation here. From what I can tell, 4 of my group has gone rogue on some nonsense of a mission."

"Yeah, I figured that when they killed me the first time Azazel. What do you want me to do about it?"

"I want to hire you as the Iron Wolf and the Okami Mercenaries to bring them in. These 4 aren't really a bad group, they're just misguided in the hopes of impressing me."

"I'll do it. I've been planning on having a little "talk" with these upstarts. They've gone too far with something here. But I won't be going as the Iron Wolf. I'll have the Okami mercenaries move in to help out with this while I'll be staying with my fellow peerage."

"Okay Hunter. I'll expect results from all of you and also have a little conference with you on their punishment."

"Right. Just don't push it Azazel."

And with that, I hung up and proceeded to make my plans with my fellow Mercenaries.

"Heeeeyyyy Wolf Man! When are you going to finally come visit us?! Maya and Nichole are starting to make plans on coming to get you."

"Don't worry about it Jenkins, we'll be seeing each other a lot sooner than planned. I've got a job for us with Azazel."

"Really? What do we have to do?"

"Capture 4 rogue fallen, alive, and bring them to Azazel. But there are a few catches."

"What are you talking about Hunter? What have you gotten yourself into?!"

The new voice on the line was none other than Maya.

"Uhhhhh Maya! Honey! When did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago. What's the trouble Hunter?"

"You guys all know that I'm now a part of a peerage. But I haven't told them anything about my past yet and they don't know about my Iron Wolf persona or my connection with you. Also, there's this nun who's in trouble. The fallen let slip that they are going to be doing some kind of ritual."

"And you plan on saving her in the process. Ever the gallant knight."

'Of course you would say that Nichole.'

"Naturally. So here's the plan. I'm going to be letting Buchou know of my intention to raid the church, most likely get scolded, and try to convince her of the merits from the strike. In the meantime, Nichole and Vincent will be on the lookout for any of the fallen. If I've got them figured out, three will be outside the church somewhere looking for interlopers."

"And that's when we'll strike?"

"Yes. I'll be moving on the church but I should warn you. Akeno, the queen of the peerage, might sense them and move in with Buchou. Do what you can to stay out of sight and get those three captured. We'll rendezvous at the church."

"Hate to break it to you Hunter, but how will you explain our presence once we are seen?"

"Just say that you guys were hired to bring the fallen angels back for questioning. I'll deal with any flak from the others. Also, please explain to Azazel that I will be delayed until I make it home."

"You got it. And Hunter? After this we are going to expect you at Headquarters after the interrogation. We have some news for you."

"Alright. I'll be there. Iron Wolf out."

'Now, to deal with Rias.'

Later, in the clubroom

Slap!

The sound echoed through the clubroom. Rias had just slapped me.

"How many times do I have to say that we cannot rescue the Nun?!"

"Buchou, if you would hear me out on this! She can help us!"

"Even if she can, I won't let you go to that church."

"Then I'll go by myself. What they said about the ritual has me on edge. Don't you think that what they are doing could have an adverse effect on all of us?"

"Even so…."

"Look, Buchou, Asia's sacred gear can heal anyone, even Devils! Think about how helpful that could be for us. If she willingly joined with us, she could be a huge advantage!"

[Are you sure you should be saying this Hunter? You don't know how Asia would react to this. You barely know her!]

'Asa, she is a kind girl who's had a bit of a rough time. Besides, once she sees how nice everyone is, she'll want to be friends with them!'

"Buchou, even if you say no I will still go. She is my friend who is in trouble and I won't just stand by and do nothing!"

"Hunter, that's a wonderful thing for you to say. I'm impressed that you can say this to me face to face."

C'mon! We don't have much time here!

Akeno then came in and whispered something in Rias's ear.

[Looks like the fallen angels have made their move. Think Nichole and Vincent will be in position in time?]

'They better be.'

"Alright Hunter. I'll let you do this. You do know that I recognize the church as enemy territory, right? Just remember one thing. Even a Pawn can take down a King in chess."

With that, Rias and Akeno teleported to what I could only guess was the location of the three fallen angels.

As I start to walk towards the door, Kiba calls me.

"So, Hunter-kun, are you going?"

"Yes. Even if I have to take on every fallen angel, I will get Asia back."

"…You will get killed. Even with your sacred gears and abilities, even with Promotion, there's a distinct possibility that you won't come back alive."

"Even if there is a slim chance, I will do anything to help a friend."

"You have good determination but you still act recklessly. I guess I'll go too."

"I figured you would, but why?"

"Because you are my comrade. And a part of me respects what you are doing to help out your friend Asia. Besides, I don't like Fallen Angels and priests."

"….I'm going as well."

{Koneko?}

"….I feel uneasy for only having you two go."

"Thank you. I know that with the three of us, we will succeed."

In front of the church

"Here, take a look at this."

Even though we could feel the hatred/danger from the church, we had waited for nightfall before we made our move.

Kiba had just pulled out a set of blueprints for the church. Guess he was well prepared for this.

[We could have a map too. All you needed to do was give Jenkins a call and you would have it in a second]

'Too late for that Cathal.'

"Apart from the sanctuary, there are the dormitories on the side of the church here."

{It's safe to assume that we can ignore them and focus on the Sanctuary. They have most likely made a few changes to the place to give it the nice Stray Exorcist touch.}

"That's true Niefelm. Besides, once we enter there's a good chance we may face a few assassins."

As both Kiba and Niefelm were talking tactics, I was straining my senses to see if I could find any snipers, but so far there was nothing. I then proceeded to summon both Boosted Gear and Woman-at-Arms.

[Hunter, you should let me in on this fight! With all of the Fallen angels and priests, Niefelms weapons won't last long. At best, you should have me in one hand and have a weapon of Niefelms in the other.]

'Alright.'

One who cuts through deception and defenses, slicing the wind and binding it to you, come forth Fragarach!

A burst of wind later, and Cathal was in my right hand. I decided to have a hand axe for my secondary weapon.

"Okay Kiba, Koneko, lets do this!"

With that, we started to run straight at the church. As soon as Koneko punched open the doors, we knew that the enemy knew we were there.

We proceeded to walk down the aisles of the sanctuary, wary of any hidden assassins waiting to strike.

It seems as if the place was a shambles. Several of the pews were scattered around as well as the figure on the cross was missing their head.

{Gives it that nice homey feel, doesn't it?}

Clap clap clap clap clap.

We all tensed at the sound.

Someone had started to move out of the shadows from the pillars near the alter.

'Damn! It's that shitty priest Freed!'

"Meeting! It's a reunion! So emotional!"

He sure has a weird smile like always.

"Well, I never met the same Devil twice before! You know, since I'm super strong, I cut Devils into pieces when I first meet them! Once I see them, I cut them up on the spot! I then kiss the corpse and say goodbye! That's how I used to live! But since you guys ruined my style, I'm so lost! That's no good~. It's not good to interfere with my lifestyle~! That's why~! You guys piss me off! I hope you guys will die! Actually die! You trashy Deeeeeeeeeeeevils!"

After showing his joy and sadness, he is in a rage now.

He takes out the gun and handle-only sword from before.

BOOOM.

The blade of light appears. It will be a troublesome to get cut by that sword. That gun is also troublesome.

But it's different from before. It's 3 against 1 now.

"You guys came to rescue Asia-tan, right? Hahaha! Devil-samas are big hearted for coming to rescue a bitch like that who would even heal Devils! Well, just being entranced to a Devil should make that Sister die!"

Die? What does he mean!?

"Hey! Where is Asia!?"

"Well, there is a hidden stairs under that altar. From there you can go to the place where they are doing the ritual."

That guy spilled out the location of the hidden basement by pointing at the altar.

Does he even know that he has to stop us? Or did he spill it out because he's confident that he can kill us and it will solve the problem?

Kiba draws his sword from the sheath and Koneko-chan—

Koneko-chan is lifting up the pews that are several times bigger than her.

"…Get smashed."

Koneko-chan throws the pews at the Priest!

"Wow! Oh yeah!"

The Priest did a small dance and cut the chair in half with his blade of light. The chair that is cut in half hits the ground.

"There."

SWIFT.

GIIN!

There are sparks between Kiba's sword and the Priest's blade of light.

"Hmmm! Hmmm! Such a pain! Why are you guys so noisy!? I'm super very bad! I'm sorry for talking in a death language! Forgive me after you die!"

Kiba dodges the soundless bullets with his legs he is proud of while continuing to attack his enemy.

Kiba who is dodging all of the Priest's attack is amazing.

But the Priest is also something because he can fight on par with a Devil.

Man, he stopped Kiba's slash again!

Kiba and the Priest then start to battle head on. Both of them are glaring at each other.

"Impressive. You are quite strong."

"Ahaha! You too! A [Knight], huh!? Not even a single blind spot! This is great! Yes yes, this is what I'm talking about. Lately, I haven't had an awesome battle like this! I was about to cry because of it! Hmmm! Hmmm! I'm going to kill you!"

"Then maybe I should also fight seriously for a bit then."

Kiba is going to fight seriously? What is he going to do?

"Eat this."

Low pitched voice. I can't believe its Kiba's voice because it has some intensity in it.

Then, some black stuff comes out of Kiba's sword. It starts to cover the whole sword.

Darkness.

If I have to describe it, that will be it.

The darkness covers the sword.

No, it's more like the darkness is shaping into Kiba's sword.

The darkness sword that is clashing against the Priest's blade of light starts to expand and is devouring the blade of light.

"Wha, what the hell is this!?"

The Priest seems confused.

"—[Holy-Eraser], a darkness sword that devours light."

"Y-You are also a Sacred Gear possessor!?"

Sacred Gear! Kiba too!?

The Priest's blade of light is completely devoured by Kiba's sword, and it can't maintain its shape after having the lights devoured.

Now! This is my chance!

"Let's go! Boosted Gear!"

{Boost!}

With that, I start to charge forward.

"Thch! So annoying!"

With that, Freed began to take aim with his gun

"Promotion: Rook!"

With that, I felt my strength and defense increase. Thanks to the training in the dreamspace, I had pretty much mastered each of the forms as far as I could with the limiters.

Freed had started to shoot at me but as soon as the bullets go near me, I either sliced them in half with Cathal or charged through. My defense could handle it.

"What the?! Promotion? So that makes you a pawn?!"

"Yeah. Eat this!"

I then proceeded to close the distance with Freed and smashed Fragarach's pommel to his face.

After the hit connected, he flew backwards but didn't seem to take any damage.

[Looks like he used the pommel of his sword to stop most of the damage.]

Damn, Asa was right.

"Don't fuck with me! You shiiiiiit! A mere Devil shouldn't act cocky with meeeeee! I'll kill you! Definitely! I'll definitely kill you! I'm going to cut you into pieces, you shiiiiit!"

The Priest takes out his second sword which only has its handle.

But the three of us, me, Kiba, and Koneko-chan, surround the Priest.

The Priest notices it, and he looks around. He begins to smirk.

"Wow, wow. Is this what you call a crisis? Hmm, for me, getting killed by a Devil is a no-no, so I feel like retreating. It's a shame that I can't exorcise you guys, but I also don't want to die!"

The Priest takes out something round and smashes it on to the floor.

Instantly, our eyes are blinded with a shining light.

Shit! A smoke screen!?

When my eyes healed, I looked around but the Priest is gone.

Then the Priest's voice comes from somewhere.

"Hey. The grunt Devil over there…Hunter-kun, was it? To tell you the truth, I have fallen in love with you. So I will definitely kill you. Definitely, okay? I won't forgive a shitty Devil who punched me and gave me a lecture, okay? Then, bye-bye."

With that, he was gone.

{You sure know how to make a few enemies, don't you Hunter?}

'Yeah. I don't know when we'll meet that crazy bugger again. But when we do, it will be for the last time.'

"Over here."

Koneko had found the entrance under the alter that led down to the basement.

As we made our way down, I started to feel a change in the atmosphere.

'Do you guys feel that?'

{Yes. It seems as if the ritual may be underway already.}

"Kiba, Koneko, we have to hurry."

At my urging, we started to run down the hallway to the only door at the other end.

Just as we made it, the door started to open on its own. Inside, we saw the place was filled with priests and at the alter was Raynare and….

"Asiaaaa!"

"Hunter-san!"

She was strapped to some sort of contraption. I didn't know what it would do but it wasn't for anything good.

"So, you made it this far. But you're too late. The process is almost complete."

Raynare says this with a smirk on her features.

I start to move forward but I'm instantly surrounded.

"Get out of my way!"

"Sorry, but we can't allow that Devil. We will end you here and now! Gahhh!"

The priest that said this was struck down by my blade and axe. But another one instantly took his spot.

"Aaah, ahhhh, iyaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Asia had started to scream in pain while being surrounded by a light.

"Damn it! Move!"

Just as I was about to strike, Kiba came to my side.

"Looks like I will have to go full throttle from the beginning. I hate Priests. If there are this many, then I won't hold back to devour your light."

Kiba's eyes become sharp and I can feel chills from him.

The darkness is showing a very dense killing intent. This will be an all-out war.

{Looks like you aren't the only one with a troubled past.}

At that moment, a priest went flying past us and crashed into the wall.

"….Please don't touch me."

Koneko…

"Iyahhhhhh!"

At that moment, a light detaches itself from Asia and starts to float toward Raynare.

"This is it! This is the power that I craved for a long time! Sacred Gear! With this, I will be loved!"

With an expression of ecstasy, Raynare hugs on to the light.

Then the bright light envelops the ritual room.

When the light stops, there is a Fallen Angel emitting green colored light from her body.

"Ufufu. Ahahahahahaha! I finally have it! The supreme power! With this, I can become a supreme Fallen Angel! With this I can payback all those who were looking down on me!"

The Fallen Angel makes a big laugh.

I didn't pay attention to her and went straight to Asia.

The priests are trying to stop me, but Kiba and Koneko-chan support me by blowing them away.

Kiba's sword devours the light of the priest's sword, and Koneko-chan hit the priests who has lost their weapon with one mighty hit. The combination of these two is remarkable, and it's obvious that it isn't the type of combination possible with a few days of practice.

"Thanks, you two!"

Asia, who is attached to the cross. She looks lifeless.

No, she should still be okay!

I untied the things on her hands and legs, and hold her in my arms.

"…H-Hunter-san…"

"Asia, I came to take you back."

"…Yes."

Her voice is very small when she replied, and it didn't sound lively.

"It's futile."

Raynare makes a smirk as if she is rejecting my thoughts once again.

"Possessors whose Sacred Gear is taken away from their body will die. That girl is going to die."

"—!Then give the Sacred Gear back!"

I shout at her, but she just laughs.

"There's no way that I will give it back. You know I even deceived my superiors to get my hands on this? I will kill all of you and erase all evidence."

"So the intelligence was correct. You have gone rogue."

Raynare seemed stunned at my statement and I used this as my chance to fall back.

"Kiba! Koneko! Make a path for me. We're at a disadvantage here if we have to protect Asia!"

"Roger."

"….Yes."

With that, the two make a path for me to the door. I carried Asia to there and when I turned back, Kiba and Koneko had taken up defensive positions.

"Thank you! When this is over, you two have to call me Hunter! After all, we are comrades!"

I turn away from the battle and run back up to the sanctuary.

When I laid Asia down on a pew, her face was pale.

"Asia, just hang in there." 'Asa! Is there anything you can do?!'

[I'm sorry Hunter. Even if I could, she's too far gone. I can't keep her alive without her sacred gear. It's…..too late]

'No!'

At that moment, Asia had gripped my hand weakly.

"…I was happy that…I had a friend…even for a short while…"

Asia is smiling even though she is in pain.

"…If I were to be born again, will you become my friend once more…?"

"W-What are you saying?! Of course I would be your friend! But that's beside the point! If you can wait a little bit, I'll get your gear back and everything will be alright! You'll see!"

{Hunter….}

I can't stop my tears from coming out.

I'm supposed to be talking to her with a smile, but I can't stop crying.

I know it.

I already know it.

This girl is dying.

She is going to die.

Even so, I want to deny it.

That this has to be a joke—

"…If I was born in this country…and went to the same school as you…"

"Let's go! Come to our school!"

Asia's hand pats my cheek.

"…You even cry for someone like me…now I can…"

Her hand that is patting my cheeks drops slowly.

"…Thank you…"

Those were her last words.

She passed away smiling.

{We were too late. I'm sorry Hunter.}

"No…..no….no…..God Damn iiiiiiittttttttt! Hooooooowwwwwwwwllllllllllllllll!"

I couldn't let this happen again! I won't accept this! There is no way I'll let another friend die when I have the power to do something.

[Have you completely forgotten that Rias can use one of her remaining pieces to reincarnate her?! Get a grip man!]

'I know that Cathal! But I wanted to try to keep that from happening if I could.'

"Ara, a howling devil. I should have expected it with the way you look.

I whip around in rage to see Raynare standing there with cut on her arm. Looks like she got past Kiba and Koneko.

'I hope that Rias and Akeno go to those two first. They might have been a little overwhelmed with all of those priests.'

"Look at this. This is the wound I got from the [Knight] boy while I was coming here."

Raynare places her hand on her wound.

The shallow green light starts to heal her wound.

"Look. Wonderful, isn't it? I can heal any kind of wound. To us Fallen Angels, who lost the protection of God, that child's Sacred Gear was a wonderful present."

Hey.

That light belongs to Asia.

"My status will rise since I will be a Fallen Angel that can heal Fallen Angels. I could be of help to the great Azazel-sama and Shemhaza-sama! There is nothing more wonderful than this! Aaah, Azazel-sama… My power is all for you…"

"You're going about this the wrong way, Raynare. That's not what Azazel would have wanted you to do."

"Don't sully my name or his you low level devil scum! What would you know?!"

"I know quite a bit. I know that Azazel would prefer to see and study the people that have sacred gears while they are alive. I know that Asia was a sweet, caring girl who deserved none of this. And I know that you had made the biggest mistake of your life when you took her sacred gear."

"Ha ha haaa! What are you going to do? You only have those two low level sacred gears and they won't do anything to defeat me, the one who is now the ultimate Fallen angel!"

"If you would have taken the time to notice your surroundings and paid attention, you would notice that these are not your ordinary sacred gears. And now? I'll take back Asia's sacred gear!"

My body started to radiate a large dark aura that cause Raynare's face to contort in both confusion and slight fear.

I wouldn't accept this! I will do anything to get Asia back!

{Woman-at-Arms! Final Evolution!}

{Boosted Gear! Second Evolution!}

With those two declarations, my body was engulfed in a twin aura of Red and Black. When it settled, the Boosted Gear now went up to my shoulder while the Woman-at-Arms did the same thing with my right arm while the legs were fully encased up to the hips in armor.

"What is this?! Still! Even with this, you won't stop me!"

While I was wrapping around this sudden change, Raynare had fired two light spears that proceeded to impale my two legs.

"Guh!"

'How is it that she's able to do this?! Damn limiters!'

I proceeded to grasp the two spears and pull them out of my legs.

"How?! Light should be poisonous to you!"

"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm an exception to the rules."

I then crushed the two spears with my bare, armored, hands.

'Ddraig, give me a boost!'

{Boost!}

'Niefelm! I'm gonna need reinforcement for the right gauntlet!'

{Roger!}

I then started to run to Raynare, ignoring the pain from my legs.

"Tch! You are just a grunt devil! Do you expect to just punch me?!"

With that, she flapped her wings and started to ascend into the air.

{Boost!}

"I figured you would do something like that. But you seem to have forgotten one important fact…."

I then brought out my devil wings and gray feathered set.

"….Devils can fly too!"

And with that, I grab her hand.

"Wait! You can't do this!"

She's starting to panic. Figures.

"I can, and I will. Disappearrrrr!"

I then throw a heave right cross to her gut, sending her flying through the wall and out of the church.

[I think you might have overdone it there.]

'I don't care. She deserved it for what she did to Asia.'

I landed on the ground but stumbled from my wound. But I was stopped from hitting the ground due to being caught by Kiba.

"Good work. You actually beat a fallen angel."

"Kiba! You're a little late."

"Buchou told me not to interfere."

So, looks like I was right that Rias did make it in time to help them. One less loose end to tie up.

"That's right. I believed that you could defeat the fallen angel Raynare."

"As if there was any doubt."

Buchou had started to walk towards me from the basement entrance. Akeno was slightly behind her. As for Koneko…

[Why is she going outside towards where Raynare landed?]

'Probably to retrieve her for questioning. Things are about to get tense.'

{You got that right. I'm sensing Nichole and Vincent closing in.}

{They should be here in about a minute.}

"Fufufu, excellent. Just what I expected from my servant."

She taps on my nose.

"Ara ara. The Church is in a mess. Buchou, is it alright?"

Akeno-san has a troubled face.

"…I guess went a little overboard, huh?"

I ask Buchou timidly.

"Church's belong to God or religions related to him, but there are cases like this where it is used by Fallen Angels. In cases like this, if we Devils damage the Church, there will be times when we get targeted by assassins. For revenge and payback."

"But it won't happen this time."

"Why is that?"

"This Church was originally an abandoned one. So a certain group of Fallen Angels had come here to use it for their own greed, and we just happened to have a fight in a place like that. So we didn't step foot on the enemies' actual territory to have war. So it's just a small fight between a Devil and a Fallen Angel. This happens every time. That's what happened."

I see. So it's a matter of fact of how you sum it up.

"Buchou. I've brought it."

The one who appeared while making a sound of dragging something is Koneko-chan.

She appeared from the broken wall, and what she is dragging is a black wing, Fallen Angel Raynare.

So Koneko-chan is dragging the unconscious Raynare whom I had punched away.

But she said she "brought" it…

She uses unique words for a small girl.

"Thank you, Koneko. Now then, let's wake her up. Akeno."

"Yes."

Akeno-san lifts her hand up. Then water appears up in the air.

Akeno-san splashes the water created in the air on Raynare.

SPLASH!

Raynare coughs after the splash.

The Fallen Angel wakes up and opens her eyes slowly. Buchou looks down on her.

"How are you doing, Fallen Angel Raynare."

"…The daughter of the Gremory clan…"

"Hello, my name is Rias Gremory. I'm the next heir of the House of Gremory. It will be for a short while, but nice to have your acquaintance."

Buchou greets her with a smile, but Raynare glares at her.

Then she sneers.

"…You think you've got me, but too bad. This plan was kept secret from the higher-ups, but there are other Fallen Angels with me. If I get in danger, they will—"

"They won't come to help."

Buchou says it clearly to reject Raynare's words.

[I hope that those two were able to save them]

"That's because I already eliminated all three of the Fallen Angel Kalawana, Fallen Angel Donaseek, and Fallen Angel Mitelt."

'So that's what that girls name was.'

"Lies!"

Raynare rejects what Buchou said while sitting up straight.

Buchou takes out three black feathers.

"These are the feathers of those three. You can tell them apart since you are the same kind as them, right?"

Seeing that, Raynare's expression darkens.

"When I met with the Fallen Angel Donaseek who attacked Hunter before, I predicted that there were a few Fallen Angels plotting something in this town. I ignored it because I thought it was a plan that involves the whole Fallen Angel. Even I'm not foolish enough to take on all of the Fallen Angels. Then I heard that the Fallen Angels were moving around secretively so I went to talk to them, taking Akeno with me. When I met them in person, they blurted that it was their own plan. By helping you, they said, they would get promoted to a higher status. Low life that move around secretively for their purpose usually brag about their plots."

Buchou smirks.

Raynare is biting her teeth with frustration.

"They must have looked down on us because it was just two girls who approached them. So I asked them as a parting gift. Fufufu, they were foolish Fallen Angels who didn't know who was going to die. Since they were willing to help in your pathetic plot, they themselves were low beings."

"Getting hit by a single shot won't even leave a trace. The princess of the Duke who has the power of destruction. Buchou is a powerful Devil who is called a genius among the group of young Devils after all."

Kiba makes a comment to praise his master.

"She is also called the "Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess", you know?"

Akeno-san says it while smiling.

{So the rumors were true.}

"Fallen Angel Raynare. This boy, Hunter Silas's Sacred Gears are not regular Sacred Gears. That's why you lost."

Raynare has a puzzled face after hearing Buchou.

"—[Boosted Gear], a Sacred Gear that is said to be the rarest of the rare. The Red Dragon mark on the gauntlet is the evidence. Even you have heard of that name before, right?"

After listening to Buchou, Raynare puts on a very shocked expression.

"B-Boosted Gear… One of the [Longinus] … Even though it's for a temporarily time, it's said that it has the power to surpass Maous and God… Are you telling me that hateful power is possessed in a boy like this!?"

"If it's just like the legend is told, then the ability of the [Boosted Gear] can double the power of the possessor every 10 second. Even if his power starts from 1, it doubles his power every 10 seconds, and it can reach the power of the leader-class Fallen Angels and High-class Devils. And by mastering it, he could even kill God."

"As for the second gear, it is known as the Man-at-Arms, a Lost Longinus. Its power is said to allow the user to create any type of offensive weapon from the past to the present day."

"That can't be! It's said that gear was just a rumor! This brat has it?!"

Oy Oy! Watch what you're saying there!

Buchou proceeded to pat my head.

"But it's interesting. Just to be expected from my Servant-kun. Just like I thought, Hunter is an interesting boy. I'm going to adore you even more."

I look over to Asia and I'm reminded of one thing. Even though I won, I still lost in the long run for Asia's life.

"And now, I'll finish my business."

"Wait, Buchou. Let me do this."

Rias then looked at me questioningly.

"Do you think to contradict your master?"

"No. I just want to make sure that we have Asia's sacred gear before Raynare is gone. There's a chance that it could be destroyed if you use your power of destruction."

"Fine. I'll allow it."

With that, I start to approach Raynare. She has a scared look on her face and attempts to scoot backwards from me. But then a voice calls out.

"Me, here."

Then, a shadow appears from behind the broken wall.

The Priest—, Freed Zelzan.

It's that shitty Priest! He came back despite running away once!

"Wow! My superior is in serious danger! So what's going to happen now!?"

Raynare screams at the appearance of the Priest:

"Save me! If you save me, I will give you a reward or anything you want!"

Freed makes a sadistic smile.

"Hmm, hmm. I received a wonderful order from an Angel-sama. Eh? So I can have sex with you? To me, having sex with an Angel-sama is like the best honor and it will become a good social status for me."

"Ku… D-Don't fool around and save me!"

The Fallen Angel's expression is filled with anger. It also seems like she's in a rush.

No, she is in a rush. She probably thinks that, "A mere human won't betray me".

"Ararararara, you know that I'm actually serious… I mean, something simple like that should be alright, isn't it, Angel-sama? So it's a no? Is that so? Then I will take my leave now. No matter how you look at it, I'm at a disadvantage, so I will just take off."

Freed says it in a funny tone while curling his body.

"Y-You are a Priest, aren't you!? You are supposed to save me! I'm an all mighty Fallen Angel! I—"

"I don't need a superior who loses to trashy Devils. You are pretty, but you lack plans and you are hard headed. The only thing you are useful for is masturbation. So just die away already. Well, a Fallen Angel who is abandoned by God won't go to either Heaven or Hell, but goes back to nothing. Maybe the experience of turning into nothing will be helpful? Ah, that's impossible. Since there will be nothing left. It's impossible. So namusan. Wait, that's Buddhism. Ah, I'm a former Christian! I'm such a naughty boy!"

After saying that, he moves his sight elsewhere, as if he has lost interest in Raynare.

With that, Raynare put on an expression of despair.

She looks miserable. Is this the fate of the Fallen Angel who sought for power and causing a rampage?

Freed makes a big smile at me.

Eh? Me?

"Hunter-kun, Hunter-kun. You have such wonderful abilities. I'm getting more interested in you. You are so worthy to kill! You are definitely in my Top 5 for the "Devils I want to kill", so be prepared, okay? Next time we meet, let's have a romantic fight to the death, okay?"

That guy is smiling but has an extreme killing intent.

A challenge directed at me. No, an advanced notice for killing me.

"See ya then! Bye-bye! Remember to brush your teeth!"

Freed disappears immediately from the scene after waving his hands at us.

'That guy is nuttier than a peanut factory.'

"Now then, Raynare who was abandoned, where were we?"

I then return my gaze back to her. It's time to do what needs to be done.

'Ready with that coma Asa?'

[I am. But are you sure that this will work?]

'I'm pretty sure. Since she will be in a near death state, and the gear isn't hers, it should come out of her body.'

One who is able to cure all and save lives, the snake that contradicts its poisonous cousins, heed my call Asclepius!

After a small white flash, the rod of Asclepius is now in my hands.

"Wh-what are you going to do to me?"

You could smell the fear in Raynare's voice.

"It's quite simple. I'm going to be taking back Asia's sacred gear."

With that, I pin her to the ground with Asclepius.

"Deaths Door."

With that one phrase, Asclepius begins to emit a slightly dark aura. Raynare had started to struggle underneath the rod but the movement became more subdued. Soon, her eyes drooped closed and she ceased to move at all.

Soon, a green light began to hover over her. Asia's sacred gear. It looked to be a pair of small earrings with green jewels.

"Buchou, I know that this might be too much to ask, but will you please reincarnate Asia?"

"Fufu. But of course. Her sacred gear, as you said earlier, benefit our group greatly."

With that, she proceeded to make her way over to Asia while taking out a Bishop piece.

"It seems only fitting that she be reincarnated as a Bishop. After all, the Bishop has increased magical abilities while also supporting the group. My other bishop piece is already used."

She then proceeded to place both Asia's sacred gear with the evil piece on the center of her chest.

"I order, in my name Rias Gremory. You, Asia Argento. I, resurrect you back to this soil as my servant, and have you reborn as a Devil. You, my [Bishop], be delighted with your new life!"

With a flare of crimson and green light, the items proceeded to enter into Asia's body. Giving one final check, Rias ended the flow of demonic power.

I could only stay where is was in a daze, praying that nothing had gone wrong.

After a short while, Asia opened her eyes.

Seeing this, I couldn't stop the tears from spilling out of my eyes.

"Huh?"

Asia was slightly confused because the last thing that she remembered was that she was dying.

Rias-buchou gives me a warm smile.

"I resurrected her because I wanted her power that can even heal a Devil. Fufufu, Hunter, from now on, you'll protect her. Since you will be her senior Devil."

"Understood, Buchou."

Asia raises her upper body and looks towards me.

I answer her gaze with a smile.

"Didn't I tell you that I would make sure you were alright?"

"Hunter-san…"

But at that moment, I started to tense up. I could hear two distinct pairs of footsteps approaching from the wall that had been knocked down. Looks like Vincent and Nichole had found us.

"If you're done with the fallen angel, we'll take it from here."

The first one to speak was Nichole. She was in her usual battle garb which consisted of a bullet proof vest, slightly baggy reinforced combat pants, and her combat boots.

"Who are you to interfere with devil business? Identify yourselves!"

Rias was instantly on her guard from these two interlopers. This is getting tense. We need to diffuse this situation, Fast!

"Oh my! Where are our manners? My name is Vincent and this is Nichole. We are here on a contract for the Okami Mercenaries. Our mission is to take back the rouge fallen angels to stand trial for what they have done."

{That's one way to get straight to the point.}

'Let's hope that Buchou leaves it at that.'

"You're with the Okami Mercenaries? If that's true, show us your identification!"

With a slight sigh, they both hold their hands forward. After a slight pause, the profile of a wolf is seen to shimmer in front of their hands.

Nichole, "There, satisfied? Now if you're done, we have a schedule to keep."

{Rather blunt there Nichole. Not exactly the best thing to do in this situation.}

And with that, they both start to make their way towards me. The others had tensed up but I just backed off slightly, leaning on my staff.

'I better heal my wounds before I see Azazel. Can't faint in the middle of the meeting now, can I?'

As they both lift up Raynare's body, Vincent leans over to me and whispers

"See you in a few minutes."

They then proceed to the outside of the church and are then enveloped in a flash of light from a transportation circle.

"Ah! Hunter-san! You're injured!"

And like that, Asia had already started to heal my leg wounds.

[Better her than me. Remember that I'm at a disadvantage healing light based wounds for you?]

"Well, now that everything seems to be settled, let's all get some rest and meet up at the clubroom early tomorrow morning. I have a few announcements to make."

With that, Buchou thinks that the whole fiasco is finished.

If only she knew what I would be doing for the rest of the night.

Authors Note: And on that cliffhanger, we end this chapter and near the end of the Enter Asia story arc! I believe that you guys are going to like what I have in store for the next chapter. It will be the introduction of a set of characters that many have been wanting to see.

Next time: Mercenaries and Angels!