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"All right, boy I think it is time you told me everything" Master said
This was the first time in his memory she had come to him rather than the other way around, they sat on a park bench protected by a senjutsu barrier against eavesdroppers.
"Yes, master" he answered, his tone of voice was meek and submissive because he had never seen so much rage in her eyes.
"Well, " she said after a moment, "Out with it."
"You're going to think I'm insane."
"I just saw fire that was the antithesis to life itself... I think I can cut you a little slack in the sanity department brat."
"... Ok then you asked."
(Several hours later)
Master did not say anything when he finished his tale and they sat there in silence for several long minutes. So your telling me that you are one half of a soul, brought to this universe by an otherworldly being of immense power for the sole purpose of redeeming the other half your soul"
Anderson nodded "Something like that."
"I take it back you do sound insane."
His eye twitched, but he said nothing "But given what I have seen, I will give you the benefit of the doubt however but you have not explained the fire." she prompted.
"Before" his face twisted a little "My other self died, he surrendered to despair and use an artifact to give him power." A slight shiver ran along his body "It was thought to be a sacred artifact, but from what the Watcher said that was a lie. It was darkness that masqueraded as miracle, a power that turned my other self in a monster."
The skin over his heart burned for a moment with phantom pain "It was based around the vines, throned vines meant to be a mockery of the crown of thorns. Its greatest ability was the creation of flames that could burn away those that healed. Granted, it did not work on the monster he was fighting, but that had less to do with the flame itself and more about the creature extinguishing the flame just like the Moau did."
He sighed "From what I can understand my soul is still marked by the artifact, even though it does not exist in this world its power has been with me since birth and has only grown stronger. I think that is why I heal as well as I do, I've seen the memories of my other self and he was a slower at healing than I."
So you summoned that fire to this plane?"
He nodded "I needed a way to beat Riser and did not care where it came from." A bitter laugh came out "In some ways just like my other half, I gave up myself for power. But unlike him I had ones to draw me back, he only had the monster to stop his rampage."
"So that is where your skill at combat came from?"
"Yes, I passed his first test and he granted me his skill at arms."
"So your other half was it? Since you absorbed part of him what is left?."
He glanced down at his shadow waiting 'You conquered my despair and took my physical traits and skills lad. My arrogance remains that bines my mind, and my hatred that binds my heart'
"His mind and heart"
"So that means your mind and heart."
"Yes... no… maybe... I have no idea." he said after sputtering for a few moments.
His master took a breath in through her nose "Boy has your king forbid you from using that power? Her, the creator of the rating game and just about everyone in my peerage yes."
"Well, you can add mine on top of that list, do you have any idea what would have happened if you had used that fire in real world?"
"From your tone I can guess nothing good?"
"Try death to any human within one hundred feet."
"What?"
"And that only makes sense because that flame should not exist, the mortals of this world have little defense against it." She forced him to look into her eyes " You are not to use that flame ever again under any circumstances had in not been separated by dimensions who knows what could have happened."
His mouth twitched, but he said nothing "I see that look" Master said her eyes narrowed "Have you learned nothing?"
"I know master, but It is my duty, my purpose that those around me should live. That fire helped me accomplish that, is it so wrong for me to be willing to pay that price? ."
The old women sighed "Of course not, your problem is you seek out those situations. The Rating game is a non lethal way you devils settle things, surely you could have come up with a better plan."
"I did, it just did not work."
Master stepped off the bench and began to walk away "You know" Anderson said "I can't use that fire again, It was a one time shot. If I draw on the vine's again they will devour my mind and body."
"All the more reason not to use it brat"
She paused frowning "Ahh, I see the rating game was widely watched"
"I might not be able to pull a stunt like that again," a small smile pulled at his face "but If people believe I can."
She nodded "A thin weapon, one made of cobwebs, but if the enemy believes it steel than steel it is."
"The supreme effort in war is defeating your enemies without fighting a battle."
Master snorted "Sun Tzu was a romantic" then she shook her head "I have rented a place in town, your training will continue every night are we clear?"
"Unless I have orders from my king yes."
"Agreed"
1
The main gate was ahead, his talk with master had taken up early morning but he just might make it in time for classes. Several other students were on their way as well, but a group of them slowed to a near crawl.
There were several benches placed near the entrance to the school and students liked to use them a lot for dates and hanging out. But right now there was only one person on it and… and well it was impossible for a description to give her looks justice.
She had hair that might as well have been made out of gold, curling slightly as it spread over her head and shoulders. Her eyes were as blue as the azure sky and held just as much or perhaps even more depth to them. Her skin was fair, her body the utter existence of perfection. Voluptuous, lovely, heart rending, it was a beauty that simply did not allow for lust. Something so pure, an essence of perfection forged at the hands of the greatest craftsmen in the universe. It was what inspired artists, launched ships, it was something so absolute so pure that it almost hurt to look upon her.
That was when he forced his eyes off her, slowing down even more eyes closed. His senjutsu reached out to the women and nothing. Her aura was muffled somehow like trying to look at a ship through a thick fog. He opened his eyes again, frowning, given his paranoid leanings that was not a good thing.
He froze then knowing without turning around that her eyes were on him, sitting as she had before there had been nothing her gaze fell upon. Even surrounded by gawking boys and girls the women had not done anything just sitting with a serene smile. But his back now itched with sensation and he hastened his steps.
'TIS like an angel of God is she not' Internal Anderson said.
He froze a chill passing over his body, then without another word quickened his pace even more. 'I did not mean for you to take it so seriously lad.'
He shrugged at his inner voice "Better to be safe than dead."
'... Someones have been paying attention to my past'
"I think the words you taught to Iscariot have merit, even if I don't agree with your kill first ask questions later."
'I told you the one I told you a million times, if you take the time to ask questions more people will be killed.'
"And I say back that there is a time and a place for everything but that strategy is not an end all be all."
'How are you part of me?'
Anderson sighed out loud "Hell if I know"
Just as he entered the classroom the bell went off and he let out a breath, Sona always seemed to know when he was late. Issei was leaning over on his desk, his eye distant as the two boys Matsuda and Motohama spoke over his desk about the goddess of a woman they saw on their way here.
Issei made appropriate grunts and nods, but did not pay attention to them in the slightest. Given that his King practically living at his house it was understandable.
He nearly laughed at that thought, he had gone from wanting to beat the boy senseless, to being fine that his king was probably sleeping in the boy's bed naked. He did not want to consider them friends, but the boy had pulled him out of a fire that was the equivalent to anti life and from what he understood had given his arm to the emperor dragon to do so.
That caused him to frown as the teacher walked in, one month ago, he was beating this boy senseless for his perversity and now he was having an existential crisis about their current relationship "life was great was it not." he thought sarcastically
Saji came to him after classes were done and he did not look happy to be there "President sent me here to to get you." he intoned.
Anderson nodded and got to his feet, the boy struggled to keep up with his long stride trying to look distant and aloof at the same time as he had to make running half steps every so often. It was the little things in life that brought great joy.
Something caught his eye then, something he just managed to see on the edge of vision. He froze as the women from earlier was standing not fifteen feet away from him. Now that he was closer he could see her expression better, it was one of inner peace, of calm serenity that few beings could match.
Then just like that she was gone, and a light breeze brushed against him, well that's settled it, she was not human... unless she was perhaps a magician? He could only hope it was not an angel, any one of those could simply walk onto this campus with Sona's wards and warnings in place was not a good thing. If he was really luck he was just going crazy.
His other self snorted loudly.
*sigh* wishful fucking thinking he told himself.
"What are you waiting for?" Saji asked as he realized he now had five steps ahead of Anderson.
Partly because he knew how much it would annoy the fellow pawn and partly because he had some internal risk assessment to do he did not answer, and walked right past the boy. "Arrogant asshole" the boy muttered.
The funny part was neither of those statements was incorrect, he mused.
The council was in a somewhat disarray, with Sona gone for a week some of the order had fallen apart and they were still playing catch up. It was good that he was here as he still needed to talk to the girl. He hoped his apology for his actions during the rating game would not end with four broken ribs and a ruptured spleen like it had with Koneko but one never knew.
Sona looked up relief flickering over her eyes, but otherwise she nodded at him and pointed to a chair "Sona-San" he said.
"Yes, " she answered.
"May I speak to you in private?"
Uncertainty and a slight hint of red flashed over her "How private?"
"A sound proof barrier will do."
The red vanished, replaced by a frown, around the two of them, a silence spell fell, cutting of hearing from the other members of her peerage. "I would like to apologize for my recent actions, " he said without preamble. "I realize that they have hurt you and that was not my intention, I understand if you cannot but for what it is worth I beg your forgiveness."
Several emotions flickered over her face so fast that he could not get a good read on them "I once told you that I would be displeased if you died." Her breath was harsh for a moment "On one condition I will forgive you, I cannot give you orders for I am not your king. However, I am sure no one has asked for your word, not your promise, your word that you will never use that power again."
"...You have my word"
She let out a pent up breath "Then all is forgiven Anderson." she snapped her fingers and the barrier shattered "Now get to work."
()
It was about sundown when he found himself standing on the corner of a street, Moew-Moew''s Ice Cream shop was open late which made it a perfect stop for devils to enjoy ice cream.
He sensed her before she arrived, Koneko was dressed in a modest gray sundress and looked calm as normal. "Anderson" she said in greeting.
"You look good Koneko" The girl shot him a beaming smile.
"Check one off of Rias's list always compliment the look, " he thought. Despite the fact that he had missed the meeting due to his work with the council Rias had still found him in time to put him through a rigorous test on how to do a date properly.
He opened the door for her, but she waited "One moment, " the girl said.
Another girl walked into sight and he a spike of shock went through him, Sona Sitri dressed in her normal student clothing moved towards them at a brisk pace. The girl's exchanged a nod of greeting and calmly walked past him into the store while he stood there like a statue blinking like an owl.
Koneko sighed and reached out the door and pulled him in with and easy tug, he tried to recover, but Koneko dragged him over to their table and sat him down with Sona on one side and her on the other.
"...Did I miss something?" He finally asked after having his mouth open like an idiot for several seconds.
Both girls looked extremely calm "We had a week to comfort each other and talk about the state of things." Koneko answered.
"That does not explain anything."
Sona sighed "What would you do Anderson if both I and Koneko started vying for your attention?"
That was easy "I would probably be really uncomfortable and conflicted."
"Exactly, we decided to skip that stage, and skip the fighting, we had a reasonable conversion talked out the alternatives and came to the conclusion that this was for the best."
"Indeed" Koneko said.
'I suppose a warning about the sinfulness of this situation would be disregarded?' His other self sighed.
"Fuck off"
'Thought I'd say it anyway'
Both girls looked at him, daring him to say something, his mouth opened and closed several times "I need a drink" He finally said.
"You will refrain from alcohol while you are in school" Sona said instantly.
His mouth moved without checking in "Yes ma'am"
She huffed "Good, now are we going to eat ice cream?"
It was ten more minutes before anyone said anything, truthfully he did not know what to say in this situation, Rias's training had not covered this. Around that mark Koneko sighed and handed an 100 yen coin to Sona "You win."
He blinked "Win what?"
"We had a bet going, she thought you would be stunned into complete silence, I thought you would ask questions."
Sona's eyes sparkled for a moment "You may ask what is on your mind."
He wondered how he was going to word this "Sona, Koneko, I am well aware of how partnerships among many devils work. That being said, you two are the last ones I would expect to." he floundered for the next word
"Menage a trois?" Koneko asked.
"Where did you learn that " both he and Sona said at the same time.
She white haired girl shrugged "Internet"
Sona sighed "None of us are ready for that sort of arrangement, we are high schoolers"
"One hundred percent agree" Anderson said very quickly.
"Think of it as we are both dating you and that is that."
His frown was epic in proportion "Rias is going to lose it."
Sona growled but said nothing Koneko sniffed indignantly and did the same. Shaking his head "Does this mean I might wake up to find you in my bed?"
"Not me." Sona said with a blush, "Koneko-San…. well, I got a compromise out of her. I won't dissuade or argue with her about that and." She glanced meaningfully at Koneko.
The girl sighed "I won't hit you with my super strength anymore."
He thought he heard angelic choirs singing, or maybe that was the blond women across the street watching him. He pointedly ignored her existence, "May I ask another question?"
They nodded "I do not wish to sound arrogant, nor to I wish to be seen as fishing for compliments but," he hesitated but then decided in for the penny in for the pound. "I never asked or thought about why you two decided to like me. I was under some mistaken impressions about rank and protocol so I must ask… why?"
Koneko rolled her eyes while Sona looked uncomfortable, the rook's amusement was clear as she looked at her fellow devil. "Do you remember the first time I asked you for sweets?"
"I made it a point to always have some on hand in club room after that."
She nodded "Exactly"
"...that's it?"
There was a sigh from the rook "No it was just an example, you take care of us in your own way. For Kiba you are a sparring partner, for Akeno someone who would listen to her problems and worries. For Buchou you are a pillar of support and unfailing in your loyalty." a small smile made its way across her face "You are whatever we need you to be and I admired that about you, but after a while it turned into something beyond that. You never asked for anything from us and willingly gave everything you are. When you were there I felt warm and safe, I have not felt that since I was with my sister."
Anderson flinched that was not any easy thing for her to say, he did not know the specifics of her history but he did know that Rias had saved her from death caused by her sisters actions.
"I started to want," her face flushed a little "I wanted to be what you needed."
His shadow snickered 'teenagers and their emotions'
Anderson's internal glare at his other half was so deadly and so menacing the former monster of god shut his mouth.
Koneko closed her mouth clearly having said what she wanted to say and looked to Sona, the rival king looked like she was trying to choose how to say what she wanted. "It… it was" she stopped and composed herself. " You are a strong, polite, and serious person. You take you duty seriously. You are nothing like most other boy's in the academy I have never seen you act in any way that would degrade women. I highly doubt you watch or look at… certain literature like your fellow pawn. Despite how you are unfairly treated because of your blood and hair you have never complained not once. You protect those who need it and ask for nothing in return." she looked away uncomfortably "And this might be shallow, but your looks… I really like them… I think your handsome." She must have felt that she ended lamely because she did not look back at him.
He reached over the table touching her cheek and turning her face back to him "I think you look good too."
Sona let out a huffing laugh the tension fading "Thank you Anderson."
Koneko waited staring at him, thankfully Rias's training took effect and he moved his hands over her head ruffling the white hair. The girl let out a small groan that sounded downright cute, like the sound a cat would make.
"Well, " he said " thank you for answering my question, since this has not gotten any less awkward and Rias clearly has her hands in this situation do you want to hear stories from her childhood?"
The rival king leaned in eyes hungry "Do tell"
(Forty minutes later)
"And that's why I'm sure she stole a Gundam from a vault"
The sister of leviathan shook her head "I never suspected, and you say she had trouble sitting down afterwards?"
"For three or four days."
"Rias punished?" Sona laughed "I thought nothing would get them to." She leaned forward and laugh strong and loud. Koneko was grinning but did not laugh. "And then there was the time she hit a tennis ball so hard that it went through my racket and a good portion of the tennis complex out into the street and right though the prime minister's window."
"Was that the terrorist attack that everyone was so worried about?"
"Yep, and to this day they still have not figured out how a tennis ball broke through bulletproof glass." They shared another good laugh at that.
Something buzzed in his pocket, he looked at the number held up his hand for silence and opened it "Yes my king?"
"You and Koneko need to get here to this address, " she told him the location of a warehouse "There is a stray devil and we need to take her out now."
"We're on our way."
Kenoko and Sanaa were already standing as he pulled out money to cover the tab "There's a stray devil and we need to take it out." he looked at Sona "As a representative of the Gremory I humbly ask your assistance in this matter."
"Done, " she said swiftly with hurried motions they exited the building, got behind it and took to the sky. Sona covered them in a veil so that the only thing people could see were blurs against the night sky if even that.
It did not take them long at all to reach their destination, the warehouse was close as the crow flies and they were flying at better speeds than a crow could manage. They landed gently just as Issei chugged up on his bike, there was a package attached to the back wrapped in brown paper.
Rias blinked at their appearance "Sona?"
The girl nodded to her rival, "I asked for her presence" Anderson said quickly.
"Why were you at the school my pawn, I thought you and Koneko were on a… she trailed off "Oh, oh my" her voice was almost a purr. Her eyes flickered between the three of them running calculations "Anderson you dog, " she whispered with pure glee.
Sona and Anderson ignored that statement with great dignity, "Do we not have a stray to take care of?" Sona asked in an arctic tone.
Issei was looking between him, Sona and Koneko his face scrunched up in thought but it looked like he had not figured it out. "We have received orders to slay it tonight"
Rias confirmed "With Sona here the danger of this goes down, but it is still a deadly creature. Indoors it will have the advantage." His king looked at Asia "Stay back"
The former nun nodded, "Akeno, and I will wait out here for Anderson, Yuuto, Koneko and Issei to lure it out. Sona you may act how you wish, I have no authority over you."
Her friend nodded "I will step in if things get deadly, but I will try and let your servants gain the experience they need."
Rias nodded "Do you understand?" she asked them.
Issie answered with an excited yes and with a dramatic announcement his boosted gear appeared forming his gauntlet on his hand. Koneko gave her affirmative, but Kiba's eyes were far away and it took several repetitions of his name before he responded.
Anderson made a note of that, that distraction could be deadly in a battle, with senjutsu he could feel the barely contained anger and violence boiling in the boy's spirit. Something must have set him off, but what?
Issei had a grin on his face as he lead the way to the steel door of the warehouse and Koneko kicked it in. No sound greeted them save the door thumping against the ground, it was far too quiet for things to be natural.
Issei muttered that there was no one here, it was a fight to keep from rolling one's eyes, so much potential and he said such stupid things.
Koneko whose physical sense never ceases to astound him said "There"
He caught sight of a woman's form, but he just had time to register the blond almost white hair before it howled at them and its spider like lower half exploded into motion, moving with supernatural speed blurring up the wall and across the roof.
Anderson reacted instantly hurling bayonets into its path, however, he was just off target and the blades buried into the roof behind the story. It gargled and spit a green liquid and his arm flashed out, letting the stuff hit his arm inside of Koneko its target. Pain flared as it proved to be a horrid acid that began to eat away at his flesh.
"Boost" Issei's sacred gear, announced and he snarled "Dragon shot"
The blast hit the thing, but with only two boost's it did not have the power it needed, the attack barely signed the stray devil.
"Prince charming" Issei snarled at the knight who was spacing out in the middle of freaking combat. Kiba reacted with a startled motion as if just remembering why he was here, he opened a good wound on the creature with a jumping slash, but landed wrong and with much less grace than he normally had. The knight fell to the ground and the monster landed on top of him mouth lashing out, Anderson got there just in time shoving his newly healed arm in the way of its gaping mouth. The thing snapped down and did a twisting jerk wrenching the arm off his body, Anderson snarled as he drove a bayonet in the side of the creature.
It hissed in agony and it turned its body towards his mouth snapping down, about halfway down it came to an abrupt stop making a choking sound. Around its neck was a noose of water that had arrested its motion, Sona face livid with anger made a pulling motion flipping the thing upside down.
Koneko grabbed hold of it and heaved "Fly" she said in her normal voice and the monster was hurled skyward through the roof and out into the open air. There was the sharp scent of ozone as thunder fell from the sky, followed by a flash of crimson darkness and the last cry of the strays devil.
Anderson picked up his mangled arm and pressed it against his shoulder Sona watched still fascinated and sickened by the sight of his healing at work. A few moments later and the arm was as good as new.
Kiba lay where he had fallen eyes distinct, and Koneko had to help the boy to his feet. As they gathered and exited the warehouse, Sona gave Kiba, one of her trademarks glares "Had you been in my peerage you would be punished for your actions."
Kiba ignored her as the moved outside, Rias upon hearing what had happened took the boy aside and there was a slapping sound. "Did that wake you up?" she asked voice angry. "Had it been anyone else they would have lost an arm because you."
"I'm sorry, " he answered.
Rias's anger vanished as she put her arms on the boy's shoulders "What is wrong with you, I have never seen you like this before."
"This has not been my best day, I must excuse myself."
Something was definitely off and since he knew the boy only his past could have caused this, and he only knew the bare bones of what he had been through.
"Kiba" Issei said following the boy "What's going on you're acting all weird, you'd never say that to the president."
That was something he admired about Issei, the boy was never afraid to speak his mind even if he should not. "It's none of your business"
"The hell it's not, I'm worried."
Kiba's voice held a tinge of dark assessment "Worried? About who?" Issei flinched at the tone "Devils are naturally self-centered beings"
'God's own truth' Anderson's other half said with a sigh.
Anderson sent back a thought "What does that make me then?"
'A freak, someone who does not belong.'
"Say's you, " Anderson answered back, turning his attention back to the conversion "How can you say that?" Issei said.
Kiba shrugged back turned to them "Nevertheless, I' m sorry for what I just did, see you."
"Wait, tell me what's bothering you, we can help, we're friends aren't we?"
Kiba's dark assumed tone deepened "Friends, huh?"
He turned back to face Issei "You're very passionate Issei-kun you know that?" he shook his head "I just remembered something about myself. Why I'm alive, what I'm fighting for."
The eyes of the knight were the promise of death and violence and oath of destruction "For Buchuo right?" Issei asked hesitation in his voice
"No" Kiba said with a shake of his head "I live for vengeance" Issei repeated the word in confusion "The holy sword Excalibur its destruction is what I live for."
Anderson frowned that was quite a goal, perhaps the fact that he had been running from the church had something to do with that.
Rias moved beside him as Kiba walked away into the darkness, he glanced at his king eyebrow raised "I will tell you tomorrow, but suffice to say Kiba has many reasons to be angry."
He nodded to his king as she went to stood beside Issei, Asia trailed around as well. Sona and Koneko moved to his right and left "We should probably get home, " he said glancing at the sky. There was a flash of gold hair and the women who had been following him but she vanished after that instant.
"Indeed, it would not do for the student council president to be out too late with a boy, I must set an example."
"Oh yes" Rias said with a light laugh "Student council president in a three way relationship with fellow students." Sona just let out a growl but did not say anything. She and Anderson knew it would only make it worse.
Koneko jumped up to face level with him and pecked him on the lips "Thank you for stopping the acid."
His mouth twitched up in a grin, but only for a moment, "You're welcome."
Sona made a displeased sound and Koneko let out a small laugh and gave the rival king a wink before scampering off. Sona frowned down at the ground, "I… should I"
"The only thing you must do for me Sona is be yourself."
That caused a light smile to break through the doubt "Of course you would say that." She shook her head "What is going on with Yuuto-San"
"I have no idea but... " He looked skyward "I think a storm is coming."
Sona shivered "I feel the same way."
There was silence for a moment "We should get going."
"Indeed."
1
After parting ways with his… girlfriend he made his way home slowly, keeping an eye out for the women. But even with all his paranoid powered skills of observation he did not catch a glimpse again.
He was rounding the corner when he sensed something off, the lights in the street next to his house were out. Several animals that normally wandered about this time of night were nowhere to be found.
No one stood out on the street, no wandering drunk, no late night worker. There was a silence in the air that hung heavy with magic. His eyes went to his home and, and there, there was a haze around his house… oh no a barrier.
He dashed forward hurling himself through it passing through it as easily as one does through a curtain of water. That was when he heard his mother's screams and an insane laugh that chilled the soul. "Nice, I suppose even the mother of a demon can have nice tits."
A roar tore loose from his throat and the insane voice answered back "Can't you wait I'm busy shity demon, I haven't even got to the good par.." he cut off his taunt and made a noise of surprise "Who the hell are you"
There was a muffled thump and Freed Sellzen flew through front wall of Anderson's house tumbling out onto the street, screaming insults with every painful bounce. Anderson cut off his own bloodlust if only barely, he had to asses the situation even if every fiber of his being called for blood.
His mother was one the floor hands covering her breasts her torn shirt hanging about her shoulders, her light black hair was soaked with sweat and her breathing was rapid. But there was no fear in her eyes, no there could not be, because someone was standing before her.
The women, the one who had been following him stood in front of his mother. Her eyes were hard, a sharp contrast to the gentleness he has seen earlier. He still could not sense anything about her but the shining band of radiance above her head gave it away. The light was pure and sharp, somehow cleansing, his instincts told him to not to get near it.
The woman was standing in front of his mother hand up, golden wind swirling around her. "Come on you shitty angel why protect the mother of a demon?"
Freed complained, the man looked exactly like Anderson had seen him last time but he held a real sword in his hands now. It was like someone had taken the idea for a Kris and turned it into a sword.
He did a casual pop up and seemed no the worse for the sudden throw, He did a spin and landed facing Anderson "What's up precious its been awhile" The rain started falling then "How have you been doing shitty devil?"
Anderson answered with blue power now tinged with crimson red exploding around him, his senjutsu formed his Tokai cloak without his command. "Oh, someone's been training!" Freed said the last word in a high pitched insane tone. " I can't hold back my tears for this fateful reunion" he said with a laugh "I was just going to have some fun with you mother, but we can share if you want. I know how you devils"
He was forced to block as twin bayonets sent slashes at the neck, belly, and heart of the former exorcists. Freed twisted and parried the strikes, the golden steel of his blade creating sparks as the two clashed. The sword glowed then and holy power filled the air "I've been wanting to return the favor or you beating me with you arm. Of course I brought a sword and I see you bought blades as well so that makes it almost fair."
They parted and Freed moved the sword around unnecessarily laughing the whole time "The thought of me cutting you to shreds fills me with joy, let the bloodshed commence!" He raised the blade above his head "Excalibur Rapidly!"
Freed blurred towards him at speeds surpassing that of a knight, surpassing even his new tokai enhanced speed. Anderson barely blocked the first slash, water droplets exploded off the pavement as the former priest circled him with enough speeds to crack the ground laying a slash across his back.
The feeling of fire splayed across his senses as black aura spilled out of the wound, but after his experience with hellblaze it was nothing. Freed came to a stop several feet away "Heal that, this blade is Excalibur it not something that" he trailed off as flesh closed "What the literal fuck! Your a devil how can you heal that?"
Freed almost died then distracted by his own words, in the dark it was hard to see the black steel of the bayonets. Only the man's impressive reflexes allowed him to deflect the first one aimed at his heart and only get a piece of his ear sliced for the bayonet that had been aimed in between his eyes.
"Ow that fucking hurt you mons..oh shit" He blocked again as Anderson closed once again sending more killing strokes the way of the fallen priest. Their two blades lit of the darkness of the street, and that was when Freed realized something. Anderson was better, or rather he did not know that the internal Anderson had years and years of experience that the outer Anderson was able to take in.
In the storm of strikes Freed kept feeling the bite of those bayonets, all light cuts to be sure but one misstep and his life blood would drain out onto the street. The exorcist had to disengaged and there were two shallow gashes on his neck and three over his heart and belly. The anger boiled over in Anderson's voice "I'm going to tear you apart, until there is nothing left!."
'Now we're talking' his internal self howled.
"Oh you're turning me on" Freed freed hissed "But it will be you who are torn apart, I wonder if you can take a strike to the heart, the old man says that is sure to kill you as long as it is with this Excalibur."
"Bring it then, try and strike me down you fucking piece of shit."
"Gladly!" Freed snarled "Excalibur Rapidly"
His body glowed with golden light and he blurred forward but this time Anderson was ready, the man was as good as his word aiming for the heart. Stepping forward he allowed the blade to strike him driving himself through and slashing his bayonets down. This was where Freed would show his true colors if he was determined to keep the blade Anderson would take his arms, if not.
Freed of course let go by reflex hurling himself backwater, the power of the holy sword driven into the hilt right in his heart was agony. Black aura spilled out of the wound, lightning crackled along its blade burning him anew. But even through this he smiled showing his teeth to the man who had thought to kill him.
"Tell me now" he asked calling four bayonets to each hand "What will you do without your Excalibur?"
The man just stared at him "You have a fucking holy sword right in your fucking heart and you are still not dying."
"Unlike you"
"What?"
Anderson hurled the bayonets at the man calling eight more and hurling those as well, more and more he hurtled out as the man ran screaming away. Somehow through that storm of blades Anderson did not manage to land a single one. Freed did not have any witty comebacks, the man simply ran as fast as his legs could carry him screaming into the night.
Pride and vengeance demanded that hunt that man down, logic pointed out that he needed to get that sword out of his heart. He grasped the hilt of Excalibur Rabidly. The blade burned even hotter as its natural enemy touched it.
It was even worse when he drew it out and had to let go of the hilt to wrap his hand around the blade itself. It took and agonized thirty seconds to pull the holy sword out. It clattered to the ground where after a few labored breaths Anderson took of his shirt and used it as a barrier to the blade itself picking it up.
Turning to face the angel in his house his body heaving for breath he noted he women was bent over his mother hand glowing with pure radiance, his mothers' eyes were closed as if in sleep. As if she sensed him watching her she stood up and as she did his mothers shirt knit itself back together. Calmly the angel walked out to meet him her halo flickering out, as she passed through the hole she had created throwing Freed out of the house. The wood and plaster began to reform until it was like there had never been any damage.
"I thank you for saving my mother" he said carefully body tensed and ready to move even though the aftereffects of the sword still howled through his body.
"I would never watch something like that happen" the women answered. And holy hell her voice was just like the rest of her, beauty beyond beauty something so close to perfection that it could not be lusted over.
It made his voice quaver for a second so he cleared his throat "I realize this puts me in your debt however." he glanced the way Freed had ran "Was it the designs of heaven that brought this sword to that man?"
The women wrinkled her nose as if she had smelt something horrible "Never" There was the same tone on her voice that the watcher had, even if it was to a lesser degree. Something so pure as this could not lie, could not cheat, to do so would be to fall.
"Then I offer this to you" he handed the angel the blade in his hands "My debt to you is no more."
The angel just started at him her warm eyes seeming to bore into his very core, "Thank you."
He shivered at her voice "May I ask why you have been following me?"
"Observation" she corrected "I cannot say more."
"Do I at least have your word that you will not bring harm to me and mine?"
She shook her head "I must act according to the nature of my father, but I will not be the aggressor."
That was close enough as far as the internal Anderson reckoned, Outer one however was not assured. But if internal's suspicions were correct if this woman decided to attack him he would be able to do very little against her. "May I ask your name?"
She shook her head "I must observe more, but so long as you act in the manner I have seen you have nothing to fear from me or my brother."
And with those words she simply vanished into the wind as if she was never there.
He let out the nervous breath he had been holding in and realized his body was trembling, internal Anderson had gotten a read on her power for an instant. The moment she had thrown Freed through the window what ever was masking her power had faltered. He had been too enraged to care but internal had caught it. And the power he had sensed had been all kinds of bad news. Speaking of bad news how was he going to deal with his mother? And who the hell was that angel's brother?
1
As it turned out he did not half to worry about his mother. To his utter shock his mother woke up with no memories of the past night, a major blessing probably in the literal sense of the word. He had immediately called his king first moment after the angel had left. Her rage at what had happened was as great as his own and after they had hung up she had promised to get some family retainers to keep an eye on his house and mother. He had not told her the whole story promising to do so when they were face to face. He called his familiar to him and left her under orders to guard the house and contact him through their bond if anything happened.
The angel was waiting for him just outside his home as he stepped out to go to school, he blinked "Are you just not trying anymore?"
"I am observing" she said gently "If you wish I will follow you out of sight."
As a devil that might have been safer but the other half of him was clearly enamored with the Angel, not in a romantic sort of way mind you, more like the build a statue to try and capture the perfection of sort of way.
"... You do know I'm just going to school right?"
She nodded serenely, "And nothing I say is going to make you go away?"
The angel shrugged "Perhaps insults but are you really going to?"
He sighed "No"
So with a women that caused several cars to crash on the way due to her beauty and the seven foot tall half american who got death glares walked to school. The women said nothing as she walked by his side., oddly enough no one died in the crashes, he assumed that as something of her doing.
The school was in sight when he came to an abrupt stop as two girls dressed in white heavy hoods and cloaks. The were moving towards the school with what was clearly blades wrapped in bandages. The cloaks hid their figures but there faces were visible, one had hair like of a deep sea blue with with a single streak of turquoise hair. Her gold eyes bored into him as the passed each other, beside her the other girl had brown hair with violet eyes the color of amethyst. Her face seemed to be tilted into a perpetual smirk.
"Some of yours?" he asked the angel turning to find that women had vanished.
"Of course" he muttered.
The two sets of eyes followed him as he walked into the school and he got the feeling that they knew exactly what he was. And given the fact he could easily sense the holy swords on their back it was not difficult to guess what they were too. Now there was only the question as to whether or not they were with Freed. His bloodlust rose in time with his breaths but he forced it down here and now was not the place for a fight.
Given all that had happened he would have liked to go straight to Rias but he was still a high school student. And now that his mother was being watched over he could afford to do his work, and besides his classroom overlooked the whole front of the academy. The two holy blade users were currently at the entrance but not entering, hopefully he could keep an eye on them from there.
1
Neither moved over the entire day of classes but as time neared the end of school they moved away and vanished into the distance. Shaking his head he made his way to the club house opening the door to the main room just in time to hear Issei speaking with Rias, "Please tell me what Kiba had got to do with the holy swords?"
*Hm* He had not seen Kiba today so that meant the boy had not come to school.
He closed the door gently as Rias and Koneko made note of his presence, there was an overtone of worry to the room and he did not like it.
"I told you that Yuuto is a survivor of the Holy Sword Experiment, right?"
"Yes" Issei answered.
"There were many more children conditioned to be compatible with Excalibur" her voice was cold as she said this, as she hid her anger behind a mask. "That is because there are seven sword known as the Holy Sword, Excalibur."
Naturally Issei asked "Seven? But I thought"
Rias shook her head "At one time there was only one Excalibur but it was shattered during battle long ago, the church found those pieces and used alchemy to create seven new swords."
Issei frowned "Does that mean Kiba can use them?"
"Yuuto, along with the other test subjects failed to become compatible with the Excaliburs, the experiment was a failure." Sadness touched the anger in Rias's voice "Consequently the leader of the experiments decided to dispose of all the test subjects."
"You don't mean"
Asia fliched at the words, no doubt more of her image of the church being shattered, "Kiba was the only one to escape, and I found him more dead than alive. I think vengeance was the only thing that kept his heart beating."
"…It can't be. It's not an acceptable act by those who serve God." Aisa whimpered
"They, the people of the Church, calls us devils an evil existence, but I think the bad intentions of humans are the greatest evil in this world." Rias said
"You here that?" Anderson said inwardly
'shut your trap' Internal muttered back 'you don't think that either.'
"You're right I thank the bad intentions of all is what makes one evil, that applies to angel, humans and demons alike. And since I think that, don't you wonder why part of you believes that?"
His inner self silenced and said nothing to his statement, Anderson left him to stew in that thought.
"And then you made him into a devil" Issei was saying, understanding touched his voice "That's why when he saw the photo he…"
Anderson frowned, what photo?
Rias sucked in a breath and forced a smile to her face "We'll just keep an eye on him."
She turned to him eyes worried "Now what the hell happened to you?"
Issei and Asia turned surprised at his presence, "First is the protection in place?"
Rias nodded "My brothers Bishop is currently laying down wards and binding familiars in place to make sure this does not happen again."
Anderson nodded "Scylla is also on guard as well as someone else."
"What happened?" Issei asked worried at the deadly seriousness between the two.
"Indeed Tell me everything" Rias ordered.
Thirty minuets later
*Slap*
"YOU RAN YOURSELF THROUGH ON EXCALIBUR!"
The damage and pain of the punishment faded in an instant "Yes" he said plainly "And I healed" he added.
"What if you had been wrong? Those are made to kill devils instantly from touching them."
"I did what I did because I believed it would work. and it did."
Rias massaged her forehead "And then you just gave it to an angel that happened to be at your house, and that is not even touching the fact that you were being followed by one and you didn't tell me."
Crimson black power danced around her body as she trembled with wrath "I knew my limits, I healed though the power of light, why should I not heal through the power of the swords?"
"That is not the point" Asia said crying.
Both king and pawn turned to stare at her, the girl grabbed his hand tightly "We would be so sad if you died, you almost did die. Why, why are you doing this?"
He gently took his hand away from hers, he made a nod to Issei's arm "I do what I must to protect those that I must."
Rias balled her fists, and he well knew he was pounding on a sore spot in their relationship, but before they could say anything there was a knock on the door. Akeno poked her head in "My apologies Rias but we have two guests who wish to speak with you."
The girl visibly reigned in her worry and anger "We will speak of this later" she told him.
"As you will my king." he answered back.
She made a frustrated sound of defeat and moved to sit down back on the couch, he moved to the back of the room and leaned against the corner.
Sona stepped into the room with her queen in to "Excuse us" she said utterly polite.
Her face was serious though she did favor him with nod before moving her eyes back to Rias, "She has some very important business."
"Yes" Sona said "Rias would you please accompany me to my house? No one will be able to interfere there.
Rias gave him one last glare before schooling her face "This sounds like serious business."
Sona's voice was tight and and worried "Yes, quite serious."
Rias rose to her feet and walked towards the door "Anderson I order you to not risk yourself like that again do you understand me?"
Sona blinked and gave Rias a questioning look, his king shook her head mentioning that she would tell her later.
As they exited the room Issei and Aias looked to him "What's going on?" the girl asked worried.
Even though he had some ideas he did not truly know the answer to that question so he shrugged " I don't know you, but should remain on your guard."
Issei thumped his chest "Don't worry, whatever happens I'll protect you" he was probably saying that mostly to Asia but included him in that statement. It was amusing and somewhat sweet of the boy so he refined from making a disparaging comment. Thanks to his sacred gear Issei was on par with him if the circumstances were right and would only grow stronger.
A chuckle bubbled in his throat but he covered it was cough, one day this boy might very well be able to do what he said.
"Thank you Issei" he said.
The boy smiled widely "Were friends aint we? That's what we do."
"... Indeed" he shook his head and let himself out of the club house before he potential bromance started heating up headed to the main gates.
Evening was falling as he exited the school, through his bond with his familiar Scylla the Hydra he was able to check on his mother. Thankfully nothing had, he stumbled as he realised he was not alone. Beside him the angel was back, appearing from thin air as if she had been made of the stuff.
"You needn't worry he will not return to your house"
He sucked in a breath "That's not creepy at all" he said as he willed away several blades he almost called into existence.
"No its not" She agreed.
That caused him to blink, did she not understand sarcasm "What are you doing here?"
"Observation"
"... right, I'm supposed to not take anymore risks."
"Do you consider me a risk?"
He laughed "Believe me when I say exactly half of me does and half of me does not"
"I do not understand"
"Neither do I"
He began walking just to see what the women would do, like he thought she followed his movements making him the center of attention. Even now he could hear the whispers from passing students "Who is she" "She's Gorgeous" "Is she going out with Anderson-san?" "No way"
Oh hell this was going to bite him he just knew it.
'Make small talk' his internal self ordered 'I want to know more about angels'
"You do realize that given how everything else in this world is different from yours, that agnels probably have there own flaws."
'No I refuse to accept that reality'
"I hate you"
'You hate yourself'
"Angel-san" he said "Can you at least give me a hint as to why you are… observing me?"
She shook her head with serene countenance, "Ok then are you just going to walk there and say nothing?"
For the first time he saw her face gleam with happiness "I would like to answer some questions of my own."
He almost pointed out that she had not answered any of his but Internal Anderson raised such a fuss that he decided to bite the bullet. "*sigh* what do you want to know?"
"That thing" she said pointing at his cell phone "What is it?"
"... this was going to be a long walk.
(thirty minutes later)
"And that is streetlight, humans cannot see in the dark so they improvise"
"Oh, that makes sense" the Angel agreed.
There was the sound of breaking glass and they both looked over, he had been going to his master's town residence and had just reached it. He had never seen his master drop one of her cups before, she was standing at the women by his side and made a somewhat choking sound.
The Angel bowed to her in a gesture respect "My brother sends his regard Sage and ask's that you not speak my name for now."
His master recovered "Ah, you're the observation."
Anderson blinked "You know about me being watched."
She waved a hand impatiently "Of course, after you little stunt with that death fire I expected agents from all over the supernatural world to place you under observation." she looked at the angel at his side "Now i see why that haven't found you."
"Any chance you could tell me who she is?"
"None her brother is one of the nicer creature in creation but one I would not cross."
He sighed "I guessed as much," he glanced at the angel "I guess your staying here for my training?"
"If the Sage permits."
Master's mouth twitched "Under the condition that you cannot reveal what you see, hear or sense."
The women nodded "It will be as you say Sage."
Master nodded rising to her feet "Come along then boy, it is time for you to learn how to harness the energy around you."
"... you beat into my head how bad of an Idea that was."
"Indeed I did, you had not the power or will to control that force. Things have changed however, the barrier holding back your power is gone."
"Yes Master."
The angel gave them a serene smile and vanished from slight giving them the illusion of privacy, "How does she do that?" he asked not expecting an answer.
"The angel you saw uses holy power like all her kind, however she is gifted like her brother with was a special bend to that strength. Her power is nothing but pure holy force acting as wind, a powerful ability with no weakness to earth as all other wind magic."
Anderson blinked, he had not expected and answer and what's more had never heard of anything like this before. "Does this mean there are angels with fire, earth and water like holy powers?"
Master chuckled to herself "Yes there are."
"How come I have never heard of this?"
"Because few even in heaven know of that power and the the four who do have it don't do stupid things like give the enemy information. Its kind of like how the power of destruction used to be a secret, a better example is the power of the Sitri bloodline Paramour."
He was pretty sure he heard tire brakes squealing in the distance as the last part of that sentence caught his attention "Um… power of what kind of power is that?"
"Hm? The hell does it sound like boy."
"I just have never heard of it."
His master shrugged "It's kind of like the power of a succubus, it can cause a host of complicated biological reactions that can easily be summed up with, makes you horny, makes it hard to think and they can direct whom the sudden burst of emotion is aimed at whether it be themselves or others."
That image, that thought went against everything he knew about Sona, "The reason its not known is kind of funny. You see some humans wrote down what they knew of the Sitri in a book, the family was so humiliated by it, mostly because that was a more a hobby power rather than how they did things, decided to cover it up as best they could and limit the use of the power." Master Chuckled "They can all do it but I don't think there had been a incident with that power in over one hundred years."
Now that made sense, Sona might have this power but knowing her the girl would be humiliated by the very thought of using it. He made a note never to mention that he now knew of the power, it would be embarrassing on all sides and better left alone.
"Now sit down, we have a lot of work to do tonight."
"Yes Master"
1
"ANDERSON!"
He glanced up from his computer in the lab and carefully saved his files and stood up moving away from any breakable objects.
Sona Sitri entered the lab, her queen and rook in toe. Everyone else in there including the teacher forze. "Out" she ordered.
"Class dismissed" the teacher immediately said and the morals of the room did a truly supernatural flast flight.
The Rook and Queen looked confused and mildly concerned at there normally unflappable king's behavior "Sona-san" he said in the voice horse tamers used to spooked animals.
She almost said something but remembered at the last second that they were in a semi public setting. A sound dampening barrier sprang into place over the whole room, again the rook and the queen gave their King another concerned look. Given how she was completely focused on him, Anderson wondered if she even realized that members of her peerage had followed her.
"YOU RAN YOURSELF THROUGH ON AN EXCALIBUR?"
"... yes I heal."
she looked at him like she wanted to tear either his or her hair out and it did not matter which, "DO YOU WANT TO DIE?" her voice fell to a whisper "Are you looking for something to kill you?"
"Of course not" he said. "An enemy of mine tried to rape my mother, I was not in the best frame of mind at the time of that decision." The room got real quiet "Is she alright?" Sona asked.
Anderson nodded "Yes and with no memories of what happened."
He noted that the Rook Tsubasa looked both green and haunted by his statement of what had almost happened to his mother. "It does not excuse my actions nor what could have happened but at the time it felt like the best option."
"I-I did not know" Sona whispered.
"Rias and I have her protected now" He said "And you did not know, It is fine."
Tsubasa shivered something completely out of character for the self assured girl. "It is a definitely a blessing that she does not remember."
Sona turned and like he had thought the girl had not noticed her peerage members following her. Her Queen Tsubaki put a comforting hand on the Rooks shoulder, there was a story there but Anderson knew any questions would be unwelcome. And it was truly not hard to guess what her reactions ment anyway. It was quite common for mortals to become devils after a horrific event. He himself was a rarity in the fact that he had not outside force or event affecting him at the time.
"I see, do you mind I have my family place some protection as well?"
"I would be honored Sona"
The girl nodded "It will be done"
They were quite as the girl kept her back to her peerage members face slightly flushed that they had seen her explosion of emotion. Her face got even redder as she muttered out "I had one more question."
He took in a breath "Yes?"
Her mouth twitched once "You, people saw you with a blond women." She hesitated again.
That almost made him smirk and gulp at the same time, he was well aware the rumor mill would be going overload after his and the angel's walk. Sona wanted to know what was going one, no doubt part of her was feeling jealous, but she clearly did not want to become someone who wanted him to explain his every move.
"Its ok, that was the angel sent to follow me around after my stunt at the rating game."
"WHAT?!" the three girl's said at the same time.
He held up his hands "Let me explain"
(Ten minutes later)
"And that's pretty much that"
"How in the hell could an Angel simply walk onto my campus and I not know?" Sona said with a frown.
"And why would she help your mother?" the Rook pondered
"Because she's an angel?" he offered and immediately regretted it.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" All three girls said at the same time.
"uh is that not what angel's are known for?"
Tsubaki gave him a dark smirk "Well since President is too polite to ask, I will. According to the rumors she was standing very close to you and apparently she was gorgeous."
Anderson shrugged "So?"
"So, you're a healthy young man being near someone of that reported beauty must have affected you."
"... she is tooo perfect to be sexy or hot"
Sona blinked as did the other members of her peerage "What?"
He made several grasping motions as he tried to reason out what he meant "I don't fell any earthly desire towards her, not like I feel towards you Sona, its really hard to explain."
Sona was flushed beet red from that statement "She is beautiful to the point of scary and I feel I should point out I...am…not...Issei"
"Thank the maou for that" Tsubaki muttered.
"You don't need me to tell you that you should be extremely careful do you?" Sona asked recovered from her blush.
"Not really but its nice to know you care."
'I'm going to throw up' Internal Anderson said 'Thank God I avoided teenage romance.'
Outer Anderson ignored him with great dignity. The sound barrier fell and Sona looked much more like her normal self "I will not ask you not to be what you are Anderson, but in the future remember that cold rage has just as much of a place in battle as pure rage."
He pondered that statement as the girl and her peerage excited the room, that sounded like good advice to follow, he gathered his things together there was a meeting at the club house and Rias had told him to be there. He frowned to himself, he really needed to invite his friend to a day at the arcade or a several hour tennis match, they had not done anything fun together in too long. Granted she was currently hanging out with Issei a lot but perhaps they could find some time.
1
Rias sat on there couch her legs folded eyes serious, behind the couch Asia, Issei, Koneko and Akeno stood in a line behind their king. Behind that line Anderson stood towering over the rest of the room.
Sitting across from them were the two girls in white cloaks he had seen yesterday. One was blue haired with a small streak of green through it. She was tallish for a girl with yellow eyes and a serious expression masking whatever she felt. The other was brown haired with twin tails of brown hair and violet eyes that while sparking with humor held a hint of steel to them. Both of them judging by their appearance were lovely, and both bore holy swords, after having one stuck inside his heart he was still feeling twitchy being near them.
Asia and Issei had apparently met them early and from what he understood one of them was a childhood friend of Issei.
And now they wanted a meeting with with Rias, given Kiba's feelings on the matter he was expecting the meeting to end about as well as bomb blast.
"I thank you for your corporation" the blue haired girl said "I am Xenovia"
"And I am Shido Irina"
Rias acknowledged that "For what reason would the servants of God desire to meet a Devil?"
"Although one of the six reminds of excalibur have been found and kept by the three division of the church, three of those have been stolen by fallan Angels."
Anderson and Rias were the only ones who did not react to that statement, the rest of the peerage reacted in shock, as Aisa repeated the world "Stolen?"
Xenovia nodded "The ones we bare are the Excalibur Destruction." She paused allowing Irina to finish "and my sword Excalibur Mimic"
Rais's face went up in a smooth practiced smirk "So what do you want from us?"
"This particular problem is between us and the fallen, we can't afford to deal with the the devils of this city."
*hm* "How very condescending, you thought we would side with the fallen to do something to the holy swords?"
"Devils dispise holy swords, why would we not assume that?"
Powr flared in the air as Rias realized the threat "If we must we will comply destroy you even if you are the sister of a Maou."
"If you know that much already" Rias countered crossing her arms "Then let me tell you something else, I will never side with a fallen, that I do swear in the name of the Gremory.
"I'm glad to hear that" Xenovia said with a condescending tone "That was just what our headquarters were after."
"You must also know I won't side with you and your God correct?"
"Of course all we are after is for your pledge of non intervention in this ordeal."
"Understood"
The the girls rose "Thank you for your time" Rias said politely.
"I am sorry but we cannot befriend Devils" the girl answered.
Anderson rolled his eyes, no duh.
"We shall take our leave now."
As they moved away Xenovia stopped looking at Asia "I've been wondering this since I visited Hyoudou Issei's house, are you Asia Argento?"
"Y-yes" she whispered meekly.
The girl's eyes were hard "I never thought I would see a witch here"
Those words hit Aisa hard almost like a physical blow, the girl's head went down and she curled in on herself slightly."
"Oh, you're that ex nun who became a witch" Irina said. "I did hear that you were exiled because you could even heal Devils and Fallen Angels. But I never knew you'd become a Devil."
It was clear to anyone that these girls were just ripping open old wounds with no care whatsoever. Asia started trembling as she tried to say words but nothing would come out "To think that a saint has become a Devil" Xenovia said mercilessly "Nobody's perfect I suppose."
"Shut up" both Anderson and Issei said at the exact same time, the only difference between the two was wave of killing intent that went out from the tall blond like a wave. Both Excalibur wielders took a step back in pure reflex.
"Speak another word maiden of excalibur and we will have issue."
For the first time since entering the room the girls really sized him up, there was no fear in their gaze just calculation "Anderson" Koneko said placing her hand on his chest.
Both sword maidens noted that and turned their eyes away back to Aisa "Do you still believe in God?"
Irina laughed slightly "She's a devil Xenovia."
"Still, some blasphemers feel some guilt and reitan a little of their faith, I can sense that form her."
"Really?" Irina asked "Hey Asia-san do you still believe in the the Lord even though you're a Devil?"
Tears fell from her eyes "I can't let that go" she whispered "I believed in him all my life"
"In that case let us kill you now"
There was the sound of steel crossing steel, Issei, Aisa both had been stunned into silence, whereas Asia looked terrified. "Touch her and I will kill you maiden of the sword" Anderson said his words were spoken without malice or anger, it was like he was stating a universal fact. Issei moved then crossing the distance between him and the user of Excalibur Destruction "How dare you call her a witch." he snarled.
The others tried to shout him down but his words, his passion overid them all.
"I believe its a term fit for her state." Xenovia said.
"Like hell it is, you're the ones that started calling her a saint, you're the one's who cast her out, you're the ones who left her always alone."
"A saint needs only God's love, those who seek more love or friendship are not worthy of sainthood."
Anderson started laughing then his voice harsh and loud, merry but deadly it was a laugh that chilled the bone's of enemies and made allies very glad he was on there side. "Is that what you think maiden of the sword?"
There was silence then as no one answered "Then tell me this, St Augustine's mother was married to a pagan yet she is called saint. Elizabeth of Hungary, Edward the Confessor, Irene of Rome, Henry the second Emperor Holy Roman Empire all these and hundreds more were named saints" He leaned forward "And all of them were married, so tell my maiden what of them."
Xenovia looked utterly and completely shocked, no doubt she had never considered arguing with a devil about matters of faith. "Does not the church teach that love is willing the good of another, does not the bible say that if one does not have love then one is nothing? How then can you say that she should need nothing more, is not God one who gives love to all and expects his people to do the same?"
The girl took a step back from him "You no not of which you speak devil, do not try and confuse me."
His laugh resounded over the room, look it up maiden it is in your own books.
Her hand tightened on her sword hilt as Issei moved up again into her face "We are her family, we are friends, and if you so much as touch her I will not be afraid to fight every last one of you assholes. God did not do anything when Aisa was in danger we did."
"God loved her, if nothing happened that it means that she did not believe in him enough."
Anderson made a reliable imperanon of a buzzer "Wrong again, have you ever read the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors?"
The girl made a displeased sound "Did God not take the evil that had happened to him and turned it into something good. I don't remember a heavenly army rising up to defend him, his brothers betrayed and abandoned him… well all but one however that is more complicated. And what of the story of Job? The man had horrible thing after horrible thing done to him and God allowed Satan to do so. However something you should ask yourself is this, since God is all powerful and he could turn good out of evil? What if we were supposed to be there to save Asia, according to his will?"
"T-thats not"
"Is anything impossible for God?" Andoen asked innocently.
"You- you" she was breathing heavily anger boiling in her stance "You two would challenge the entire church?" she tried to sound confident but Anderson knew his words had made their effect. Internal Anderson was miffed that his knowledge had been used against the people of God but he could go screw himself.
"Issei, Anderson stop" Rias ordered.
Another voice cut in "Very well then I will be your opponent."
Kiba stood there leaning against the door, given that not even Anderson had seen him come in that was quite impressive.
"Who are you?" Xenovia asked
"You senior" he answered darkly his devil power glowing about him in an aura of darkness. "Thought I suppose I was a failure"
"Empty fucking night" Anderson sighed could this day get any worse?
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Hope you enjoyed it, Fanboy Out