Enjoy the next chapter, with the awaited official appearance of Irina!
Chapter 7 Excalibur and Darkness
[Kuoh Academy, Issei POV]
As I headed for school, there were around 16 kicks heading for me. I evaded them all but one by jumping. I took the last one. That didn't hurt at all.
"HYOUDOU ISSEI! YOU TRAITOR OF MEN! WHY DON'T YOU SHARE THE BISHOUJO!?"
"FUCK YOU, IT'S NOT LIKE I NEED TO KNOW YOUR NAMES! YOU'RE JUST PATHETIC! NOW GO ENJOY EACH OTHER!"
They're just generic guys, oh wait. They're generic perverts. They're just outdone by Matsuda and Motohama. These guys have a not so generic appearance, that's why they're the Perverted Duo. These two are the scapegoats and they know it. I actually feel a bit sorry for them. They're really unlucky to be chosen as the ones to be beaten up every time they're seen looking at girls. It's not only the Kendo club, it's all the clubs they're hated on. They're the stress relief for every girl. They're one of the few guys I do talk with, I'm their stress relief. They know I can't do anything about the girls, because of my reputation, but that doesn't mean I can support them with their lust. The other guy I mostly hang out with is Kiba. Genshirou joins us sometimes to escape the hate of the pathetic guys. Sometimes we're eating at a table with 5 guys. Too bad too many girls think of me and Kiba as a BL pair.
"Issei! How's your harem coming up?"
"Don't worry about me! I'm doing really good now!"
"I see, Rias-senpai is staring at you. You've got Amano-san in your arms. There's Himejima-senpai who's taken an interest in you. There's the mascot Koneko-chan who is more emotional near you. So are you giving Asia-chan to us?"
"I'm sorry, I'm not going to give Asia to you. I don't want her to become like Kiryuu over there."
"I think Kiryuu is sexy in an odd way."
"Oh yeah, Matsuda. You're right!"
Matsuda and Motohama gave each other a high five. They're good guys, but their lust is too much for girls.
"So the Perverted Duo and the Royal Three are sitting here talking about what? I guess sex? Or is it how much more awesome the Royal Three is compared to the Perverted Duo?"
"Shut up, Kiryuu. You're still a virgin."
"SHUT UP, HYOUDOU-KUN! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU LOST YOUR VIRGINITY EITHER!"
"I did lose it. Hahaha, I'm great! I feel awesome!"
"My darling~."
"Hey Hikari."
"So Asia, why are you hanging out with him?"
She was pointing at me, trying to tell me I'm horrible.
"Kiryuu-san, we're not like that!"
"Nope, she's more with Kiba than with me."
Then you heard the girls fall one by one.
"NOOOOOOO, KIBA-KUN HAS CHOSEN HIS LOVER! IT'S OVER FOR US!"
They all cried in despair. That's really terrible. It's not weird considering there are three factions here at school. One which follows me, but that's mostly Rias, Akeno-san(I was forced to drop the senpai), Hikari, Koneko-chan. Those are the most devoted supporters of my faction. The other girls only admire me, but they aren't devoted to me. Most other girls are devoted to Kiba or Genshirou. They call me, Kiba and Genshirou the Royal Three. Then there's the ranking list of most popular people. I'm on the sixth place. Kiba is on the seventh. Genshirou on eighth. Up higher, from just higher than me to the best, there's Koneko-chan, Shinra Tsubaki, the Vice-President of the Student Council, Sona-chan, Akeno-san and Rias is on top of the popularity list.
"So is there anything interesting coming up?"
"Ah Issei-kun, I heard Buchou is messing with Kaichou about a game."
"A game?"
"Kiba's right, Kaichou wants to play a game with Rias-senpai."
"Let's head for club then."
"Alright."
We headed to our clubroom with Kiba, Ray, Asia and Genshirou for some reason. Then we saw Rias and Sona-chan talking.
"Ah Issei-kun, Kiba-kun, Amano-san and Saji."
"Ah Issei, Yuuto, Hikari and Genshirou-kun."
"So what's this about?"
"We want a devil match, involving a battle of demonic strength."
"Wait, Saji's a Devil?"
"Didn't you know!? I've got four awesome Pawns, man!"
"Saji, stop it. He's Human. It's obvious he doesn't know about you. Also he's the one who beat Riser Phenex, the third son of Phenex Clan."
"What, he's the one who shot down the Phoenix?"
"Yeah. I did. Also, Hikari isn't a Devil either."
"What are you two doing here in the Occult Research Club?"
"Let's say she's not Human either, but I'm too familiar with supernaturals. So they thought I should be with them, not against them."
"Well Sona, let's decide on dodgeball."
"Alright, Rias. The winner gets a date with Issei-kun."
The bet is me? Seriously? Then Genshirou stares at me with killing intent.
"HYOUDOU, YOU'VE STOLEN KAICHOU'S HEART!? YOU TOOK ALL THE POPULAR GIRLS' HEARTS, CAN'T YOU STOP BEING A LOVING THIEF!?"
"Sorry Genshirou, I can't" I said with an evil smile.
He looks like he's going to cry, but then two Council girls comfort him. If I'm right, they're Hanakai Momo and Nimura Ruruko. These two are the closest to him. Since the day we started school, these three were close. Until Genshirou found Sona-chan. He fell for her beauty. I can't blame him, I also like her. I never expected her to like me.
"Oh also, Issei-kun can't join in this."
Well, that's an obvious given.
"Then everyone else joins?"
"No, Amano-san is also out. I want a Devils only battle."
"Alright, can Rias' team be given double lives? And leave Asia out?"
"Issei, why do you want to leave Asia out?"
"I want her to work as a medic. If your powers are as ridiculous as that thunder by Akeno-san, then I don't want to take risks."
"That makes sense, Issei-kun. I like it how you're so smart."
"Alright, let's change into our clothes!"
Easily said, easily done. Every girl went in PE clothes, a shirt, a pair of bloomers or spats. Only Rias went in a tracksuit which is crimson. Genshirou and Kiba went in standard gray tracksuits. I used to have one like them. As usual, the influence of Jesus and Lucifer turned my tracksuit colours into blue-white left side and a black-gray right side. Even my shirt under the standard uniform is like this! Nothing I can blame them, I can guess it's to suppress their powers. If one wears karma clothes, the powers will flow into the clothes and be stored in there.
"Saji, if I lose, I'll punish you a thousand times! We've got to win!"
"Okay, Kaichou. But why have you also fallen for the Representative?"
"He's an intelligent man. He must have planned something with these double lives."
So when everyone got ready, we started. Here goes the chaos. Shinra-senpai starts with a power ball at Rias! She catches the ball and sets it ablaze! She throws it to Meguri Tomoe. Full hit and her clothes are burned off. OOOOOOOOOH! She has a good looking body! The ball touched the ground. I called.
"Meguri out!"
Shinra-senpai took the ball and used another power ball, but this time she aims at Koneko-chan! It's a slight hit, but a hit is a hit. She lost some parts of her clothes.
"Koneko-chan first hit!"
"Issei-senpai, don't look at me. I don't want to be ashamed in front of other people."
I averted my gaze away from Koneko-chan, but then she takes the ball and throws it with high speed! Unfortunately catched by Sona-chan.
"Koneko out!"
Sona-chan started to charge the ball to.. Oh fuck, she's going to throw a nuke. This is no joke!
"SHITORI STYLE CLUSTER BOMB!"
HOLY CRAP, SHE'S SERIOUS AT DATING ME! She double hits Akeno-san, single hits Kiba and Rias.
"Akeno-san out, Kiba and Rias first hit!"
Then Rias takes the ball, she sets it ablaze, but this time the flames are even coming from her. Is she putting her soul into it!?
"GREMORY DESTROYER!"
ANOTHER ONE DESPERATE TO DATE ME. SEARCH FOR COVER! CRAP, I CAN'T! I need to calm down. So she hit Hanakai-san, Kusaka Reya, Yura Tsubasa and Nimura-san. They all need new clothes, that also means new undergarments! OOOOOOOOOOH! SEXY GIRL BODIES!
Then the ball falls into Koneko's hands. She aims at Genshirou. BOOM! Nutshot. I feel for him. That's a painful place to get hit. So in the end, Kiba and Rias on one side, and the other side it's Shinra-senpai and Sona-chan. I called a sudden death.
"All of you get one ball, if you miss, you're out. If you hit, you stay!"
I gave all four of them a ball. Let the power shots come.
They all charged their balls. They all said a spell!
"SHITORI STYLE ICED BLAST!"
"SHINRA STYLE YOUKAI SLAYER!"
"GREMORY BENEVOLENCE!"
"RUSHING FLASH!"
We destroyed the gymnasium. Sweet. That's a draw.
"You've drawn, no winners. That means nobody dates me."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Sona-chan and Rias screamed at the same time.
"I'll rebuild the school, you can all go home now."
"No, I can't leave yet. Saji, you failed. I'll punish you."
"No, Kaichou. Please, don't hurt me! OW!"
I went on to rebuild the gymnasium with my SC men, I never thought they'd come in with more than a thousand guys. Now that's sweet. Now we can repair this in no time under the music of Genshirou's suffering.
[London Heathrow, Irina POV]
Alright, I'm going to Japan! I hope I can see my dear again. I miss him so much. It's only because of his shield I'm here now. I couldn't do this without it. I'll give it back and hug him like no tomorrow. My mission is something, where's that damn note?
"Dear Irina Shidou,
We've got a problem, 3 of our Excaliburs have been stolen. The Rapidly, the Nightmare and Transparency. We need you to retrieve them. You'll be receiving support from the Protestant Heretics. The one will wield the Destruction. You'll be given the Mimic as you wished. The Blessing will stay with the Orthodox as a final safeguard. Watch out for the Grigori and the renegade exorcists. No one will help you. Good luck.
The Catholic Church."
Three Excaliburs!? Which fool thinks about fighting three Excaliburs with two Excaliburs!? I hope we can make it through this. I need help, but the Church forbids it. This is just suicide. I'll go anyways. In the name of the Father, I'll go. Amen.
[Kuoh Station]
I met another girl, she's Italian. Her name is Xenovia. She's the Protestant Heretic who's working with me. She looks professional. I fear she's stupid though. If she's faithful, then it's not my problem. I'm back home! We first headed for the church, it's completely destroyed! WHY!? This must be the work of Fallen Angels. These bastards seek vengeance on poor churches, just because they were rejected by the Father. They've committed a crime and had to be punished by the Father. Amen.
We walked around my former hometown. I see a new school. It says Kuoh Academy. It stinks of Devils. Blergh, that's why the Church said no reinforcements. If those Devils are also involved in this, then we're screwed. Hey I see a few people working there. I should talk to them.
"In the Name of the Father, let the blessings be with me. I'm lost, can you help me with something?"
"Aw stop with that, you damn preacher. We're all bloody heretics here. We don't mind helping people, though."
Oh God, then I saw one of them. It's Issei!
"ISSEI!"
"What the? IRINA! What are you doing here? Aren't you still in training?"
"Uhm, can we tell this at your house?"
"Well, if I look at you, you're both exorcists. It's better if we stay away from my place for now. You're still enemies of the Devils."
"But I want to sleep at your place. Muuuuu."
"You can't. The house is filled with Devils. I can't afford a war in my house. Whether it's for love or factions!"
"Are there only Devils there?"
"No there's also a Fallen Angel."
"Are you a Devil?"
Xenovia! That's rude to ask! You don't ask a Human that! It's not like he feels that way!
"So you're Irina's companion? Please take care of her. For the question, I'm not a Devil. I'm a Human."
"How can you work with Devils then?"
"How else would I guess you're exorcists?"
"That makes sense, Xenovia, let me do the talking. It's been a while since I saw him. Don't disturb me."
[Issei POV]
Crap, I never expected to see Irina again! It's nice to see how beautiful she is. She told her companion off, even that looks beautiful. The problem is, why are they here?
"We can end this quickly. I'll arrange an audience with my fellow club members, and you can tell me why you're here."
"Alright Issei! It's good to see you again. You haven't changed much at all, except you're even prettier now! I want to love you, but I can't due to work."
"It seems the teachings are strict."
"Yes they are."
"Let's sleep at school. Men, we're good now. You can go home now. I'll pay you before the night falls. "
"Yes, sir!"
So we headed for the school. For some odd reason, I can enter the school building with my student pass. I heard only people with prestigious acts are given access to the school all day. I also think Rias is one of them, also Sona-chan is allowed to enter the school during nighttime. I called Rias.
"Hey Rias."
"Ah Issei. Where are you? We're waiting for you."
"I won't be coming home. I've got something to do."
"Mou. We're all dressed in sexy clothes."
"I'm sorry, this is too important to disobey my responsibilities. Send me the photos if you really want me to see them."
"Issei-senpai. Please, where are you? I feel lonely without you."
"Sorry, that was Koneko. I won't send them. I want you to be with us."
Poor Koneko-chan, but I have to keep them safe.
"Anyways, you've got a meeting with two exorcists. The good kind exorcists, tomorrow. I'll be sleeping in the club room."
"You've got exorcists!? They're dangerous! Can't you stay away from danger?"
"I can't stay away when one of them is my childhood friend."
"Okay, it can't be helped, but you need to be here. I need at least you to keep me safe."
Here we slept through the night. I slept on my favourite couch. Irina slept on me with her breasts comforting my body. Her companion slept standing up keeping watch on me and everything else. She's still suspicious of me. It can't be helped.
[Next day]
There I woke up before school time, I went to the local department store for some food. I had breakfast with Irina, it made me cry for a bit. I haven't done this with her for at least 9 years! It feels like old times. I know her companion is thinking. "What a pathetic guy." Irina, however, feels happy I'm with her again, even if she did choose a side of faith. After a while, the whole Occult Research Club arrived. I thought Rias said only she has to be kept safe? All Devils here, this can't end well. So here goes nothing.
"We're here. What do two exorcists want from a bunch of Devils?"
"We don't want you to get involved into our problem."
Then I asked this before Rias would ask.
"What's your problem?"
"Not your business."
"Xenovia, it's at least his business! I promised him! Issei, three of our Excalibur fragments have been stolen."
Then I saw Kiba flinch. Is Excalibur a curse word or something?
"Why do they only send two exorcists?"
"Because we're skilled enough to handle them."
I doubt it, even if they're well-trained. I fear this might go completely wrong.
"So who did it?"
"Grigori did it."
I whispered quickly to Rias.
"Rias, what's Grigori?"
"That's the Fallen Angels organization."
It seems somehow Azazel is involved in this crap. I need to give him a call sometime.
"So why do you think Devils will help Fallen Angels?"
"Because you both hate God?"
That makes sense. Unfortunately, Devils nor Fallen Angels are stupid enough to steal the sword that represents the Church to cause a war. I know Devils aren't stupid enough to do that. Sirzechs doesn't want another war after that Civil War. Serafall doesn't like swords at all, as she's a Magical Girl. Ajuka cares about creation and Falbium is just damn lazy. That's what Rias told me.
"So we won't interfere. Then what?"
"We leave."
"Issei, I might visit your place sometimes."
"Alright."
"Ah you're Asia Argento. I never thought the witch would be joining the enemy."
Ah it's that. As I can't stand watching Asia cry, I can understand because she is taught that way. Their way of teaching is the only way. That's how they teach it. I'm different because of these incidents and meeting that Azazel. I only rely on my own principles and my judgement. Then we went for a turn for the worse.
"Hey, don't insult her! You don't know her circumstances! She should have died!?"
Aw crap, Kiba snapped completely. He's really off since Excalibur was mentioned.
"Yes, she should have died in the name of the Father."
I can see Irina pushing her head into the wall. She didn't want to comment on Asia. So Xenovia is kind of stupid.
"So the Father only brings Death?"
"No, he brings salvation. Do I need to prove that to you!?"
"Yes, let's fight! I feel thirsty to destroy that sword!"
Then I went for Rias again.
"What's Kiba's relation to Excalibur?"
"He's related to a horrible project named the Holy Sword Project. It's a project to create perfect holy sword wielders. Yuuto and his friends were all defective by themselves, so they were killed. Yuuto barely survived because I revived him."
"Holy swords choose their wielders. It's fateful doom. I don't like this one bit. I know that since I'm wielding a holy sword myself. That explains why Kiba turned hostile when I showed you my holy sword for the first time."
"Hey Issei, when these two angry fools fight, don't you want to spar with me? I want to see how strong you are."
"Let's go then, Irina. I've always wanted to do a sword fight."
[Kuoh Academy Field]
I changed into my casual clothes, I can't let me Kuoh uniform get destroyed now. They cost me a lot of money! I unsheathed my Red-Hilted Sword and showed it to Irina. Then her companion Xenovia talked to her. Their battle dresses are very tight on their tight bodies. You can obviously see they're well trained.
"Hey Irina, are you sure you can beat him?"
"Nope, I doubt I can. I just want to fight him, I want him to feel my love for him."
I'll show her my power. My skill. Rias will be the referee.
"The sparring battle between Xenovia against Kiba Yuuto and Shidou Irina against Hyoudou Issei will start now!"
"Here I come, Irina!"
I rushed forward to attack Irina. I shouldn't have done that, but I hate defensive analysis, so I rush forward and see what her sword abilities are.
"Issei, why are you so naïve? You should've waited until you know what I can."
"I'm not naïve, I wanted to provoke you, Irina. I need to know what you can, that's best show if you take action. You should know me well enough."
"Well I do, I'll show you a trick. Eat my Excalibur Mimic!"
She did show a trick! She moved somewhere else, so the one I hit was a fake!? Excalibur Mimic!? Oi, that doesn't sound good.
"Now take this!"
"Crap!"
I blocked that slash, her slashing strength isn't as high as mine, but her sword has some powers that involve mimicking things. Mostly swords, but still I need to make sure I keep this like a normal sword fight. Then.
"BOOM!"
"Woah. Oi, Irina, what's that Excalibur?"
"Oh, just the Excalibur Destruction."
"It destroys stuff?"
"Yep."
"Oi, keep the destruction down! I need to repair all that crap!"
"Issei, you let your guard down."
You heard swords clashing. I kept guarding because I didn't care about winning, I wanted to stay with Irina.
"Nope, I didn't"
Then I tried to hear what Xenovia and Kiba are talking about.
"Your sword against mine. We'll see which is stronger!"
"Well, that's got to be my holy sword."
He rushed to Xenovia and she just forced him to touch a blunt side of the sword. The result is just abnormal, Kiba went down coughing up blood. Well that's over for him then.
"I expected more of you, too bad I'm let down. Irina, are you done yet?"
"No, I'm still busy with him, he keeps guarding! I can't seem to hit him!"
"Do you need help? This guy looks like he's interesting with that odd sword."
"NO!"
"I'm still going in. I can't get you wounded in a sparring match."
"May the prayers stop her, Amen!"
Aw crap, now I'm engaging two Excaliburs. Then you heard the man who's taken down say something.
"I won't give up!"
"Just give up, you're in no shape to fight."
That's actually true, he's in a really terrible state.
"Issei, now you'll lose if you keep defending like this!"
Damn it, I've got to use that, but the damage will take a full week to repair! No, I can't slack off! I need to stop them both! They slashed at me, I slashed at their swords. There's an explosion that takes a week to repair and there's more damage. Clothing Damage. I'm the only one unaffected. There are so many naked bodies to look at! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! I can't hold my perversion with these beautiful girls!
"Damn it, Issei! Why did you do that!?" Screamed Irina.
My nosebleed is really terrible now. Rias' and Akeno-san's beautiful big breasts, Irina's, Xenovia's and Ray's well-trained breasts, there's also Asia's pure breasts and Koneko-chan's cute small breasts. I lost my consciousness. I can die in happiness now. You heard screams from the girls and my mind was also screaming for some reason.
"Oi, Issei, now's not the time to die!"
"Jesus, let him be. He's still at that age where he thinks beautiful women are enough for complete bliss. Also, we'll make sure he won't die. We've always done that."
"Do we need to wake him up now?"
"Nah, let him dream. It's alright for him, there's nothing for him to do now."
[A few hours later]
I got slapped awake. By Koneko-chan that is!
"Issei-senpai, you pervert."
"I'm sorry! I had no choice!"
She hugged me.
"Don't embarrass me in front of other people anymore. You can embarrass me when we're alone, senpai."
"So what happened?"
"Issei, after you lost your consciousness, the exorcists left."
Damn it. Why couldn't Irina stay with me!?
"I know you wanted Irina to stay with you, but that's a bit dangerous. We've got a problem now. Yuuto left the place. Xenovia told us this after the fight."
"If you can't beat us, you can't even touch the Grigori. You will never destroy an Excalibur."
"Irina followed up with this after that."
"Issei, I know you could have killed us, but please I'm sorry for Xenovia's stupidity. I wished this could last a bit longer. Why didn't you try to attack me during the whole battle?"
"If she wants an answer, there's no need to attack her. I can't just attack somebody I like. Anyways, what's the damage?"
"Sona repaired it already, she only wanted to do this because of Issei, she claims. Darn her."
"That's a relief, it seems your clothes are also repaired."
"It's your fault!"
"I know, I'm sorry."
"Why did you nosebleed during a fight?"
"I can't help it if there are 7 beautiful naked girls! I'm still a healthy guy!"
"That's true."
"I'll head out for school. I'm going to think about this stuff."
"Issei, don't get involved into this."
"Rias, you know I can't promise you that."
"Otherwise, please help Yuuto."
"Don't worry, I will."
So I went outside and looked into the horizon. Kiba has left the place. We're in for something bad. So when I was gazing outside, there was Ray and Asia walking with me. Asia speaks with a bunch of guys.
"So Asia-chan, will you go to karaoke with us!?"
"That's alright."
"Yes! Now we've got a girl for the karaoke!"
Then I think someone stepped between them.
"Now Asia-san, you can't go with them. Their scum behaviour will rub off on you."
"Don't worry, Saji-san. Issei-san will protect me."
"Get out of the way, you damn secretary of the student council!"
Hmm, I can ask a devil in this. He seems new, so I can ask him. He can help me. We're in a serious pinch now with Kiba.
"Genshirou, can you come to the restaurant after school?"
"Ah that's alright Hyoudou."
Then I think I triggered another weird flag.
"Oh my gosh! Hyoudou-kun is going to have fun with Genshirou-kun! Kyaaaaa!"
Another BL flag, great. This is the only issue about being really popular. You get a lot of attention. That means positive or negative. All the guys are really giving me death glares. They hate me with all their heart. The ones not giving me death glares are all famous in some way. That means there are only four guys who don't hate me with all they've got. Sweet.
[Family Restaurant]
So I was sitting here minding my business, waiting for Genshirou.
"Ah Genshirou, thanks for coming on such short notice."
"Ah Hyoudou, it's alright. I can always help someone as secretary."
"Yeah, this isn't related to school. It's worse."
"Do you want to make love to someone? Are you forcing me to have a date!?"
"No, it's worse. Devil stuff."
"Can we talk that here?"
"Yeah, don't worry. I can say it's one of your customers and use that as excuse."
"Alright, Hyoudou."
"This is it. We're in need for support with the Excalibur case."
"Are you nuts!? We're told not to get involved into that! Maybe Rias-senpai will be kind, but Kaichou will punish me until infinity!"
"Yeah, that was music to my ears."
"Oh shut up, Hyoudou."
"So let me tell the detailed stuff about it."
"I don't want to know! I'm out!"
He leaves, oh well it can't be helped. I thought he was going to leave, but he's stopped by someone. It's Koneko-chan!
"Issei-senpai, I knew you're going to do something about this."
"Sorry Koneko-chan, If I can do something about it, I'll try to make the best of it."
So the situation is changed, Koneko-chan has joined me and Genshirou is stuck here. Now he can't refuse beause Koneko-chan will make him accept it.
"I'll be going into the detailed stuff. The first problem is Kiba, he's missing. If he stay missing long enough, he'll be a Stray and the military might be forced to kill him. I don't want to end his life like that. He wants to take down Excalibur, the Church wants the Excalibur out of enemy hands, even if it means destruction."
"Wait, what do you mean with you don't want to, are you military?"
"You saw through that huh?"
"What's wrong Hyoudou?"
"Genshirou, I'll tell you something. Let's go to my house. This is more classified than anything else."
So we paid for the drinks and we headed with the three of us to my house.
[Hyoudou Residence]
We reached my home, it seems nobody is at home yet. I'll call Ray, just in case.
"Hey Hikari."
"Hey Issei."
"How are you my dear?"
"I'm doing well darling."
"Where are you now?"
"I'm at work. All the girls of the club are also here, we only miss Koneko."
"Yeah, she's with me."
"Alright, I won't be back soon, it's going to be a long day."
"Got it. Then good luck at work!"
"Thank you darling!
So Hikari isn't going to be home for a long while.
Then I looked at Koneko-chan who's looking at me jealously. Don't look at me like that! I want to touch your head!
"Rub my hair."
She knew what I was thinking! I touched her cute hair. She was sitting on my lap! Does she also want me!? I don't know if my house can take anymore cute girls! I need to upgrade my residence! Not a worry for now. I'm here with Genshirou talking about my military history and involvements related to the supernatural!
"Genshirou, Koneko-chan, you both can confirm this about me. You don't know anything about me. Who I really am. I'm more than you think I am. I'm not just the Representative of Kuoh. I'm a special military operator. I'm a member of the Special Corps. A special forces that takes care of supernatural cases."
"Issei-senpai, then that brown-haired boy who saved me back then was you?"
"Yes, it was me."
I did save a white-haired girl back then. I think it was around three years ago.
[Three years before zero hour, Osaka]
I was deployed to search for a young girl. She's not hostile, but stated to be executed by hunters. How are we going to find her? It's in our luck we're getting support from the local police. I guess afterwards it was to be expected. We're a really popular force for the Japanese. We help good Youkai and protect from them evil Youkai. That's one of our main jobs in Japan.
We met some Devils.
"Hello, what are you doing here?"
"Tch, Humans. Weak beings."
Well I need to threaten them if they're ever going to talk. I shot one of them with a silenced pistol. Nothing was heard, but he did suffer.
"What's this!? Something hit me! Guys, help me!"
"I'll kill him if you don't tell me what you're doing."
"That doesn't matter."
I shot him in the head. Goodbye.
"So it doesn't matter? You're next and your mission will be a full blown bust. No honour, no fame, nothing. Just me burying your corpses into Hell!"
"Alright, alright. We're hunting a Nekomata, she has white hair and looks as cute as a button. Her age would be around 13 years old."
So there's our target, we need to get her before these guys.
"Don't get in our way."
"Don't worry, we won't. We'll help you."
I lied through it. He knows he can use any kind of help. If he refuses, she must be a low-priority target.
"Fine, you can help."
Awesome, now I can use my technology to find her.
"HQ, can you find all white haired girls in the area of Osaka? I think she's as old as I am. Search for an age range between 12 and 16."
"Roger that, Commander."
Now I'm going to take a nap for a bit. I send an order to my squad.
"Guys, do what you can, but we don't know what to do. Just do whatever you want."
"Roger that, sir."
"Oi, Commander! Wake up! We've found her!"
"That's quick."
"Of course it's quick, if you give something like white hair as main trait, that isn't hard to find."
"Where is she?"
"She's 150 metres away from you. Walk forward."
"Roger that. I can see her, she's under attack by those Devils. Call my men. I need to do this silently, or they'll take dangerous actions."
Let's listen in for now until my men have arrived.
"Hahahaha, you're ours now, Nekomata!"
"No. Please, don't hurt me."
"What are we going to do with her?"
"We're going to rape her of course!"
Oi, did I hear rape!? They're completely nuts! Crap, I can't interfere, they're with 10 and I'm alone. I might be the Commander, but I'm not skilled enough with the pistol now to take down 10 rather strong Devils fast enough to prevent getting spotted. I need to wait for reinforcements.
"First, let's strip her!"
"YES!"
They just took off her clothes, wait a second. One of them is out of their sight and in my range to kill. I'll take one of them down. Silenced pistol, such a blessing to take one such weapon. I shot his head, then I caught him and hid him in the bush. I need to distract, my men aren't going to be in time at this rate before she gets raped!
"Issei, you can always pray for their sins."
"Why does that work?"
"Oh, God made something that's called condemning the Devils. If you pray for their blessing, they get stabbed by the blessing given by Michael."
"Ah, that sounds like a good distraction. Can I do it silently?"
"Of course. Repeat as I say"
"Our Father, hallowed by your name. May these Devils be blessed until eternity. May their sins be dissolved in their righteousness. As I will keep on praying, may their souls be taken to Heaven and make them Angels. Amen!"
This is what happened for them.
"AW LUCIFER DAMN IT! Which Satanic bastard is praying now! NOOO, not the blessing! Death, no. Don't take our souls!"
That should do it, they're suffering a lot. Still they don't know who's doing this.
"Sir, we're coming in a minute!"
That's long enough. They had to move through the crowded city, I can't blame them for taking their time. I'll do anything to give me more time. They arrived just in time. They've recovered from the blessing, which hurts like a curse for them.
"Sir, so what's the plan?"
"We'll kill the Devils silenced. I want the Nekomata alive. She's innocent."
"Roger that."
Here goes nothing, we shot with our silenced weapons through their heads. They didn't die from a headshot. I should have expected as much. These bastards can take a hit from a weak bullet. The Nekomata is a high-priority target. She shouldn't be exposed to danger like this. Why do they want her dead?
"Damn it, those Humans are with her! Take them down!"
"Fall back! We'll take them down in the city!"
As their leader screamed, I said my orders to fall back. We need to keep them away from her.
We made it to the city. They'll be nuts if they want to fight in the city. They really are completely nuts.
"Kill the Humans!"
"Sniper, drop them."
I had one man to help me as a sniper. This person is a professional and takes down two Devils with a single shot.
"Darn it, they're using strong magic."
No magic, just ammunition. I unsheathed my sword and fought the rest of them while they're distracted searching for the sniper. They've got killed in a single slash by my sword. I guess taking a holy weapon does destroy the balance of Light and Darkness. I heard Darkness can't hurt Light as effectively as Light does to Darkness. This was what I experienced from the battles I fought the supernatural.
No matter what, we need to go to that Nekomata. She looks like she's in a bad condition. I took off my hat and holstered my pistol and sheathed my sword.
"Hey, are you alright?"
"Help me. Don't hurt me."
"Don't worry, it'll be alright. We're here to help you."
Or not, I saw a magic circle coming from behind me. I had to keep everything a secret. I need to leave now.
"Sorry, I've got to go. Here, have my jacket and my bento. There's enough money to last here for a month."
I escaped the scene and let her behind. I had no choice. If that magic circle is hostile, she's done for. I looked back and then I saw crimson hair. It seems I don't need to worry. She'll be alright. I headed back for base.
"So Commander, what's the report?"
"We failed to retrieve the target, but I can guarantee her safety. Some crimson haired woman took her in. She has saved me once before. Rather, her brother did."
"If she's fine, then there's nothing to worry. Nice work."
"Roger."
[Present Day]
"Koneko-chan, do you remember being given a jacket and a bento by that kind boy?"
"Yes, did you give it to me?"
"Yes, I did, I'm sorry I had to leave you behind, I made the right call, because Rias has saved you."
"It's alright, you had no choice."
"Do you need a hug?"
"I want to take your lap as a permanent seat."
"Alright. How did you know that I was that boy from back then?"
"Buchou told me about the Corps, you have the similar kind look when you look at me sometimes."
"She knows about me being in it?"
"I don't think so."
"Alright, don't tell anyone about this."
"Okay."
"Genshirou, now you all know that. I'll make sure Sona-kaichou doesn't know about this."
"Okay, Hyoudou. I'll help you save Kiba."
"Let's head off and find the exorcists."
We tried to walk into the city, we barely got in there and we found two shady white robe wearing beggars. They can't be.
"Give some money for God!"
They really must have spent their money. How did they do that?
"Hey, Exorcist baka. Long time no see."
"Ah Issei!"
"Ah Hyoudou Issei."
Then I heard a rumble from two stomachs. That can't be theirs, right?
"Sorry, Issei. We didn't eat for some days."
"It's because Irina was so stupid to buy a painting!"
"It was a painting of Jesus!"
"Show me, Irina."
"Here is the painting!"
I talked with my mind.
"Jesus."
"I can make it real."
"Just do it."
"Done. Engraved with my blessing."
"Splendid."
I gave the painting back to Irina. She screams at Xenovia.
"I told you it's real!"
"Hmm, but you did spend all our money! Still. Amen for the painting."
"So shall we eat now and talk about what we want to do?"
"Yes!"
[Family Restaurant]
The exorcists are devouring the food we ordered for them. They must be really hungry.
"Irina, this food is the greatest!"
"Ah it feels good being home again!"
After they ate, they prayed and asked for forgiveness. That means Koneko-chan and Genshirou must be suffering.
"I can't believe we've sought help from Devils."
"I can't believe I've sold my soul to Issei!"
Oi, isn't that a bit harsh? Oh. She's smiling at me. She really wants her soul sold to me.
"Father, please bless these three."
"AH STOP IT, IT HURTS!"
I'm so happy not being a Devil.
"Oops, a habit of mine."
"Don't bless Devils ever, except if you want to hurt them."
"Teehee, Issei."
So now it got serious with Xenovia starting the conversation.
"So what got you here? Why do you seek our help?"
"We want to destroy an Excalibur."
"So you want to do it that way."
"Yes, I know. I've seen you two wield Excalibur, you're good, unfortunately, I think the one who stole the Excalibur is even better if he took three of them."
"Yeah, I've just heard they've been supported by Kokabiel, one of the leaders of Grigori."
It seems I need to speak with Azazel about Kokabiel. He should know something about this.
"That makes it even more suicide! We need your help, and you need ours!"
"Alright."
"Then we need to talk to Kiba after this. He's the one who wants to destroy an Excalibur."
So we headed outside to find Kiba. How do I always find people in walking distance!? He's right there outside!
We explained everything to Kiba. Our agreement. He reacts with an angry face, a face that fits me. Not a Prince Charming of Kuoh! Be yourself again!
"Alright, I'll help, but it's too bad I needed approval of its wielders. You shouldn't have done this."
"Your words are filled with hate. So is it true you left the Gremory? That means I can kill you now."
"Let's fight for real then."
"OI! STOP IT! Both of you! Don't fight!"
"Alright, but your hate for the Holy Sword Project is understandable. Even we can't deny it's a horrible project, the leader has been exiled because of this. His name was Valper Galilei."
You've got to be kidding me. I've heard of that massacre. So that's the Holy Sword Project. That's just an excuse to kill children.
"That bastard killed my friends."
"We've heard he's working with a stray exorcist, have you heard of Freed?"
That weakling heh, he's a complete idiot.
"So they work together, does that mean Valper is involved in this incident?"
"Yes, he is."
Then Kiba clenched his fist.
"Then I've got no reason to refuse."
"So the agreement is up."
"Issei, I'll repay you one day!"
Then Kiba looked at me.
"I don't want you to get involved into this, this is personal."
"I don't plan to go with you. I want to find out about Kokabiel. Koneko-chan and Genshirou will go with you as support. Especially Koneko-chan can't leave you behind like this."
"That's alright then, but how are you going to do that? Go to Grigori?"
"Yeah. I'm still friends with Azazel after all."
"Ah of course. I want to tell you why I'm driven by vengeance. I owe you that Issei-kun."
Here comes a story.
"When we were recruited for the Holy Sword Project, they told us we're the chosen ones by God. They told us we'll wield the Excalibur. When we got there, we were forced to be tested for horrible experiments. They treated us worse than they'd treat Devils. Because of our innocent belief God chose us, we kept on enduring these experiments. Unfortunately, we're all deemed failures. And then."
"You had to be disposed of to hide the experiment."
"Issei, how do you know about this?"
"I found a case named Reina, which will lead to Cleansing. We've found one of the people who tried to kill you. He looked proudly in the sky talking about killing children in the name of Valper Galilei. I stabbed through his heart. How did they try to dispose you?"
"It's a gas. They made us spit blood on the floor. We couldn't stand anymore, I barely could. They told me to run and tell the story to make sure nobody forgets what criminals people can be."
"In the end, you failed to survive."
"Yes, I did fail, that was when I met Buchou. She saved me by turning me into a Devil, but the chance to survive was given by my friends there."
"So you seek vengeance and retribution?"
"Yes, but now we need to head off to meet up with the exorcists."
"Just get yourselves ready. You can find most stuff about the site at my house. I'm going to the Port District. May the Maou be with you."
"Thanks."
I seperated from Kiba, Koneko-chan and Genshirou. I'll trust them to support Irina and Xenovia.
Okay, so we're before all the big battles in Excalibur Arc. As you can see, Issei won't be involved now. Not as much as canon. So when that's out of the way, next chapter might be taking a little longer. For the Harem Girl Route Status. I'll keep mentioning the complete ones, but the non-important won't be mentioned if they don't have real interaction anymore with Issei.
Ray: Complete
Rias: Complete
Koneko: So they've got a history together. Very High Affection.
Sona: No progress this time. High Affection. She's doing his favours.
Seekvaira: No progress. High Affection.
Irina: Affectionate as one can be. Her teaching prevents her confession.
Akeno: Progress mentioned. Forced to drop the formal senpai. Medium Affection.
Asia: I've decided. She's going to be with Kiba. She'll stay very friendly with Issei, that's it.
