Welcome once again fellow reader to eighth chapter of High school DXD: Apocalypses Bringer. Now we enter the Legendary Holy Sword: Excalibur Arc. Please give me your thought on this chapter. And without further delay, enjoy.

Story Eight: Old Wound

Issei POV

Hello there guys. I know I'm seemingly breaking the fourth wall here but whatever. It's your one ever hard working Devil, Hyoudou Issei. This is abrupt, but once or twice, all of you also have things that happen when you're in bed, right? For example, being late because the alarm didn't go off, or falling off your bed because you moved around while sleeping. In my case, something that is happening to me right now far exceeds my expectations...

"Unnn..."

I can hear a seductive voice. Yeah, it's coming from very close to me.

When I look next to me, the one who is sleeping there is the crimson haired Onee-sama, Rias-buchou. My master, who is a High-class Devil. She basically forced herself into my home several days ago, and has started living with me. She seems to have come in my bed before I noticed... And she happens to be naked...

No, I knew about it. Buchou told me herself that she sleeps naked and she even did the same thing to me when I was sleeping on the infirmary bed at school.

Kuuuuu! I can feel a soft sensation from the left side of my body! She's sleeping while using me as her hug-pillow! Buchou's smell is stimulating my nose! Why does Buchou smell this good?

I mean, her breast is completely touching my left arm! And my left hand is completely covered by something that is extremely soft! It must be her thigh. My left hand is between her two thighs like a sandwich! A "Thigh sandwich"! This is such a wonderful thing!

Thanks to that, I am in a situation where I can't move. No, I don't want to move! There's no way I can end this wonderful situation easily like that! This only happened just a few days after she started living with me! I thought it was going to feel awkward living with Buchou, but if this kind of thing continues then I am all for it! Banzai!

"...Oh, you're awake?"

So Buchou is also awake!

"Y-Yes, I am. When I woke up, it was like this so I didn't know what to do..."

Well, that's how I actually feel. I have no idea what I should do. And since my master has woken up, I'm even less sure of what I'm supposed to do.

"I'm sorry. I felt like sleeping while using you as my hugging pillow. I came in after you went to sleep."

That kind of thing happens!? I can't understand Buchou's feelings!?

Buchou then hugs the left side of my body even stronger. Uoooooooo!

"What should we do? It might be wonderful to stay like this until it's time to wake up... Maybe doing something a little bit naughty would be a good way to communicate with my adorable servant."

Buchou then kisses me on my cheek. Wh…Why does Buchou adore me this much!? Is it just me or has Buchou started to adore me even more after the incident with Raiser? It's true that I'm getting a nosebleed every day.

"Ummmm Buchou...I'm also a guy...s-so you say things like that..."

"Do you feel like attacking me?"

Buchou replies with a naughty voice. Why is Buchou so good at stimulating me this much!?

"It's okay; I'll do anything that will please you."

"-!"

Having her whisper me with her sexy voice, my mind is about to go somewhere else and then-

Someone is knocking at my door.

"Ise-san. It's almost time for morning training."

The voice I hear from the other side is Asia's.

...What timing! I-It was getting to the good part... No no, it's not Asia's fault!

Every morning, I do hard training. That's because I'm still a weak Devil.

I still train while Axel and Buchou coach me. Asia supports me by acting like a manager. Thank you very much Buchou, Axel and Asia.

"Ise-san? Are you still sleeping?"

"No, I'm awake. Wa…Wait a bit! I mean, wait for me downstairs!"

That's right. I can't let Asia see this situation. It's already bad enough since Asia has started to have a rivalry towards Buchou ever since Buchou started living here.

I don't know why Asia looks at Buchou like that, but Buchou has also accepted the challenge.

Well, they usually talk normally so it doesn't seem to be a serious fight. Anyway, can the two of you please get along...? I don't want to see girls fighting.

Without even knowing what was going through my mind, Buchou puts on a devilish smile.

"Asia, wait for us a bit longer. Both Ise and I need to get ready."

"…!"

Buchou says that to Asia who's on the other side of the door. Buchouuuu! Why are you making it worse!?

Even if she's on the other side of the door, I can imagine Asia being speechless. My bedroom door is opened violently. Asia then sees me, with my upper body up, and Buchou. Asia has teary eyes. She seems really displeased and is making an unpleasant face...

Buchou hugs my left arm after seeing Asia's face. He…Hey, Buchou!?

"Good morning Asia."

Buchou smiles. Asia, who's really mad, shakes her body.

Then she puts her hand on her clothes. Um…Umm, Asia-san?

"I will also get naked! I don't want to be left out!"

"Asia!?"

Seems like today will also start with a stimulating situation.

We then heard a noise at the door.

"What are three doing early in the morning?"

"Big bro?!"

"Axel?!"

"Onii-san?!"

I was Axel! I started calling him "big bro" since he asks me to call him that but I'm just fine with it. Wait! No! If he sees the three of us like this, he'll be pissed. But I was wrong. He just looks at us and sighs.

"Huhh, whatever. Just get ready and I'll be waiting for you guys downstairs. And please put some clothes on while you're at it…" And with that he just left. That's odd. He usually would scold any of us if he saw what we are doing right now. I wonder what's on his mind…

After training, we had breakfast. Guess what, some of the breakfasts were made by Buchou. Like this fried egg which is very delicious that I have been eating a lot of them since earlier. It's seriously good!

"Ise, there's more, so eat in a calmly manner."

"Y-Yes, Buchou..."

I didn't find out until Buchou started living with me, but Buchou is good at cooking Japanese food, western food, and Chinese food. She has a wide range of cooking skills and can cook food of the finest quality.

I thought she would be bad at these kinds of things because she is a princess, but it's the opposite.

She doesn't just live in Japan by herself; she can do all of the cooking, washing and cleaning.

"I don't like it if a person says that I can't do these things because I am a princess. I want to do what I am capable of doing."

That's what she told me before. Splendid indeed! I am truly admiring you from the bottom of my heart. You are amazing Buchou. My master is dependable even in normal day life!

And Asia who looks at Buchou as her rival started concentrating on learning Japanese culture after she saw the gap between her and Buchou.

But Asia is also amazing. She started to learn Japanese letters in a short time. She already mastered hiragana and katakana and was moving to learn how to read and write kanji now.

She probably knows how to read the kanji of grade school levels now.

It was mostly because she worked hard but also because she seemed to have a talent for studying. She just started school but she has no troubles with mathematics, science and languages.

Also she said she enjoys studying which may also be the reason why she is a fast learner. There are some subjects where she teaches me instead. I was supposed to be her guardian, but I look so pathetic.

Asia, who enjoys everything started to have a rivalry towards Buchou when she gets involved.

H-Hmm. Asia is amazing even from my point of view because she is a hard worker, but if you compare her with Buchou...

Buchou is several times better in terms of cooking. Asia's food taste good as well, but her opponent is too...

I then drink some miso soup. Ah, this miso soup that Buchou made is delicious! Tears were coming out of my eyes!

Girls who are good at cooking are so appealing. Especially if that happens to be are beautiful girl who is an Onee-sama, then I have nothing to complain about...

Asia who still has a troubled face grips onto my clothes from under the table. It's Asia's habit that she only shows to me.

When she gets in a bad mood, she does this to me without saying a word. Well this behavior of her is really lovely and cute. Yeah, I guess this is how a little sister would act. I then set my gaze towards Axel or big bro who was sitting at the side of the table; to my surprise he wasn't touching any of the food on the table. He was just staring blankly at the food. I then try to call out to him.

"Big bro, hey. Are you there? Hey, big bro!"

"Huh? Ohh, sorry. I was just thinking about something..."

"Are you alright, Onii-san? You look pale. Are you sick?" Said Asia with a concern look.

"It's nothing, Asia. I haven't got enough sleep because of work, that's all."

"You sure, Axel-kun? Maybe you should go to the clinic or something…"

"I'm alright, Oka-san. I just need some rest and I'll be better soon. I'm done eating so I'll be in my room."

"But Axel, you haven't touched any of your food."

"I'm okay Rias-san. Just don't have that much of an appetite…."

With that he left to his room. I wonder what could make him act like he did.

"Oh, I forgot to mention this to you Ise. Today the club members are coming here."

Buchou tells me.

"Huh? Koneko-chan and the others? Are we doing something in my house?"

"Yes, I'm thinking about having the Occult Research Club meeting here."

"Huh, at my house?"

"Do you remember what I said before? It's about time to clean the whole old school building. Apparently they asked the cleaners to clean it."

Half of that is a lie. The truth is that she uses her familiar to clean the building. She said it like that to explain it to my parents.

So we would be doing the Occult Research Club activity at my house huh.

Buchou bows her head down at my parents.

"I'm very sorry Otou-sama, Oka-sama."

"That's all right Rias-san. I heard that you are taking good care of Ise. I'm also happy that Ise has more girl friends."

Dad nods at mum's words.

"She's right. I like Matsuda-kun and Motohama-kun, but I think it's also important to have a friend who plays safe. You can't enjoy youth by staying in your room and talking about naughty stuff."

"That's right Otou-san. Matsuda-kun and Motohama-kun are good boys but they have lewd eyes. Well, they are lecherous students, so it's obvious that they are a bad influence on Ise. And since Asia-san and Rias-san are living here now, I don't want them to enter this house any more. The girls will get stained." They are talking about whatever they wanted about you guys, Matsuda and Motohama. I can't back you up because they are saying the truth.

But mum, you know it's good to have friends whom you can talk freely to? They are just like that, and the reason why I had fun until now is because of them.

"So we will have the activity here today. Please take care of us, Ise."

I wonder how it will turn out after this.

Shifting to Axel POV

Moment later, I was sitting on the desk that was prepared in my room. Recently I have been having that nightmare a lot recently. The night my parents were killed. Every night, I would wake up in a cold sweat and after that I wouldn't be able to sleep afterwards. Why am I having this nightmare now? This rarely happens before but now it pops up every night replaying those horrific events that occurred in front of my eye when I was a child.

No matter how you look at it, it wasn't normal for a kid to witness both of his parent's death in a single night…because of the event that transpired sixteen years ago; I had to abandon everything including my own sister for her own safety. Afterwards, it's all been hell for me. Thinking back on those bitter memories suddenly gave me instant pain on my chest. Yes, the pain of being stab by that Fallen Angel was still felt even after it healed. It left a deep scar on my chest.

The painful reminder that life will never be easy for me…nor will it ever be in the future. That's how I felt. I suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Onii-san, can we come in… Ise-san and I brought you some porridge?"

"Ohh, yeah. Come in…"

After that, both Ise and Asia came through my door bringing me a bowl of porridge. Asia then gently places the bowl of porridge on my table.

"I hoped this is a little bit to your liking since Onii-san can't eat solid food at the moment…"

"Asia took the liberty of making you this porridge, so please don't waste her effort, big bro."

I gently took the bowl on my hand and look at it for a moment and slowly I took a spoon full of it and in a single gulp swallow it. It was good, just like how mom would use to make it… Most of the cooking I thought to Asia was actually mom's way of cooking. And like I guess it, eating this from her own cooking really makes me feel a little bit nostalgic. Moments later, I finish all the porridge.

"Thanks for the porridge. That really hits the spot…"

Ise and Asia look at me for a moment until she asked me something.

"Has something been bothering you, Onii-san? You've haven't been yourself this past week. Has something happened?"

"Yeah, big bro. A lot of us notice the changes you've gone through this past week."

Somehow this two just never seize to amaze me with their observation skill. I took out a photo from one of my book. I lend it to Asia. She gently took it from my hand.

"A photo of a family. This man and woman…also the little boy and the baby being cradle by that woman….is this mother and father…?"

I just nod my head at her question.

"Wow, your mother looks so beautiful Asia. She looks exactly like you. But more developed in the body of course."

I twitch my eye there for a moment, but I have to agree with Ise. Ka-san does have a very developed body much like Rias-san and Akeno-san but I know for certain that Asia will have that type of body one day. I can tell that Ise is fantasizing about it. Stupid little brother… And then Asia asks me.

"How did they die?"

I was taken aback by that question. Asia notices and said.

"I'm sorry if I ask an insensitive thing. Forgive me for that, Onii-san." I just shake my head at both side and said it's alright. I sigh for a moment.

Then, I told her and Ise what really happened that night and how it affected me ever since.

"So mother and father were killed by Fallen Angel… just like me… but the one who suffer the most was Onii-san. Onii-san has more emotional attachment to them than I ever did…"

"Asia…" I just can't tell how wrong she was. To-san and Ka-san really did love Asia that they were willing to sacrifice their own life to save her and mine… Then I hugged her and said.

"You may not felt their loves at that time but know this Asia; they love you enough to the point of giving their own life to protect yours'... never forget that."

Asia then hugged me in return and cried silently in my arm. Ise was watching the whole thing and was shedding tears. After that, Asia and Ise left me for a while. I told them I need some time alone. I said to myself.

"Those two seems to cure this wound in my heart little by little and I thank them for that…"

Shifting to Issei POV

"And this is a picture of Ise when he was in grade school."

"Ara ara, so he went into the beach naked."

"Hey Akeno-san! Hey mum, stop showing her things!"

Having a meeting, huh. The ORC meeting which was supposed to take place in my house was crumbled by the album mum brought.

"...Ise-senpai's embarrassing past."

"You also can't look, Koneko-chaaaaaaan!"

It's the worst! An object which holds my embarrassing past! Uwaaaaaah, I want to die!

I think I remember mum saying this before.

"One day when you bring lots of girls to our home, I want to show them your album."

She thought that it would end in a dream because I'm unpopular with girls. But life turned around and it changed into this situation... Man, her dream came true when I didn't want it to!

"...Small Ise."

Buchou, I'll be embarrassed if you stare at a picture of me when I was a child like that...

Ummm Onee-sama? Why are your cheeks red?

"...Ise when he was a child, Ise when he was a child, Ise when he was a child, Ise when he was a child..."

Is she muttering something?

But she seems satisfied. Buchou, is the picture of me when I was a child your taste? Is Buchou a shota-con? I never heard of being like that...

"I think I know how Buchou-san feels!"

Asia grabs Buchou's hand. Her eyes are sparkling.

"So you also know how I feel. I'm so happy."

Hey, hey. Both of them went to another world...

Even Kiba and big bro are looking at the album with a smile! Shit, why do I feel so bothered if guys are looking at it!?

"O-Oi, Kiba! Big bro! Don't look!"

I tried to take the album from their hand, but both dodges it smoothly.

"Hahaha, don't worry about it. Let us enjoy your album a bit more."

"That's right, little brother. It's not often I see a photo of you when you still this adorable. Plus I already showed you a photo of me when I was small. So it's only fair that I get to see yours'."

Unnnngh! Don't enjoy iiiiiit! Besides, big bro! That was only one! You are looking at a full album of it!

I try to take two of them back again so I jump at them! But they dodge it again as if it was nothing!

Shit! I witness the skill difference between us in a place like this!

Just like how Asia sees Buchou as her rival, I also look at Kiba and big bro as my rival. Just like how Buchou is a big obstacle to Asia, big bro and Kiba is also a big obstacle to me.

But I will definitely surpass them one day! However I'm not certain if I can ever surpass big bro who is the Strongest Being but I would still try to be as powerful as him!

When I was making my new devotion, Kiba stares at a particular page. Rather than enjoying it, he seems to have surprised eyes. Big bro also notices this.

Both of us got close to him and also look at the page he is staring at. There is a picture of me when I was in kindergarten.

There is a photo of me and another boy of my age with someone who seems to be his father.

I remember this boy. He's the boy who used to live close by when I was in kindergarten. We played "Hero-play" a lot together.

He went to another country before moving up to first grade because of his parents' work. I haven't seen him since then.

But why did two of he take an interest in this photo? Don't tell me this boy is Kiba...

Kiba points at the boy's father on the photo. To be more accurate he is pointing at the thing the boy's father is carrying.

A sword-.

I think it's a fake sword, but the boy's father is carrying an old European sword.

"Do you remember this?"

Kiba asks me seriously. Hey, the tone of your voice is different.

"Hmm, no, since I was really small back then..."

"Things like this happen, huh. To find it in an unexpected place..."

Kiba laughs by himself. But his eyes are filled with so much hatred that it made me shiver.

This photo is the start of a particular incident-.

"This is a Holy Sword."

"What make you so certain, Kiba-san?"

Big bro was asking Kiba that question while making a serious expression. Kiba simply kept quit but somehow big bro also know something perhaps even I don't know.

Shifting to Axel POV

The dull clanging of metal reverberated through the azure sky.

"All right. I've got this one."

Ise promptly caught the soaring baseball with his gloved hand.

"Nice catch, Ise."

Rias-san smiled and gave him a thumb up. We, the Occult Research Club, were practicing baseball on the backyard of the old school building where no grass was growing. That's right; this isn't a Devil's job.

"Alright guys. Next week is Kuoh Academy's 'Ball Tournament'. It's a battle between clubs that we can't lose. So give it your all!"

I said with a firm voice.

[Okay!] They all said in high spirit.

Yeah, one of the school's biggest events, the "Ball tournament", was closing in. Overall, it is an event where they play ball-related sports, such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis. These matches include contests between classes, genders and obviously, there are also some between clubs.

Whether or not you belong to a sports club, it's club mandatory; naturally, that includes the Occult Research Club. What the clubs actually play is announced on the day of the event, we don't know what it will be. When club member numbers differ, the setup is for fair play, at least number wise.

According to the Student Council announcement, some sports may require more players, so we need to make sure we have the reserves. And in conclusion, we were practicing sports likely to arise. Today happens to be baseball. As it was evening, the sky was beginning to darken.

Typically, we spend our time chatting away in the club room. Recently, we began to change into our PE uniforms and practice sports. Well, while I don't hate moving around for fun. Training in the morning, teaching at school, training the member in sports and Devil's jobs at night... To tell you the truth, I'm beginning to enjoy this simple life I have.

"Batting practice is fine now. If it's baseball, then Koneko-san will be the fourth batter."

"...Affirmative."

Well it is natural for the superhuman girl, Koneko-san, to be the fourth batter. No need to complain about that. Even if we voted on it, Koneko-san would be the suitable choice.

"Now! We'll practice a "knock"[1 1]! Now everyone! Put your gloves on and spread out!"

Rias-san was in high spirits. She was so energetic and lively that she was basically on fire.

"Ufufufu. Buchou likes these kinds of things."

Said Akeno-san while giggling.

"I think I understand. After all our President hates to lose."

"Yep, that's it. Of course, there's no way that we can lose unless we make mistakes."

I consented. As Devils who are fundamentally stronger than humans, on the sports day they will have to hold back. Naturally, they wouldn't have a hard match. On the flip side, they had to learn the rules and features of baseball. Which is the reason why Rias-san and I are making us practice.

"Even if your brain knows, your body has to as well."

Said Rias-san. Quite an amazingly strong spirit. That's our President for you, theory and practicality. Regardless of our superior physiques, it is necessary because we don't know what might happen.

"Here, Asia! Here I go!"

Rias-san hit the ball towards Asia.

"Haaan! Aaau-aaau-aaau... Aah!"

The ball went through Asia's legs. Needless to say, Asia's sports sense is below exceptional. At times, she'll even trip over nothing.

"Asia! You alright?"

"Yes, I'm okay. Onii-san. I just tripped a little bit. Hehehe…"

"Asia! If you fail to catch it, go fetch it!"

"Y-yes!"

Since the Raiser incident, Rias-san started to show a lot of concern about matches. She seemed to really regret that loss to Raiser. However, it is obvious that they were disadvantaged. But the fact that we still lost damaged her pride... She did say she really wanted to win... If only I notice that ambush sooner, then they wouldn't have to bear with their loses...

"Next is Yuuto! Here!"

Rias-san hit the ball to Kiba-san. This should be a piece of cake for Kiba-san; he's the fastest runner in our group. He can do pretty much anything. -Is what I thought...?

Kiba stood there like an idiot and got hit. What just happened?

"Kiba! Get a hold of yourself!"

Ise yelled at Kiba. He then looked at us with a puzzled expression…

"...Aah, sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

Kiba-san picked up the ball and threw it back to Rias-san. Rias-san caught the ball with a sigh.

"Yuuto, what's wrong? You've been acting rather strange lately. It's not like you."

"I'm sorry."

Kiba-san sincerely apologized. I was right. This young man has been thinking about something serious lately. Even during discussions in the Occult Research Club, he would look somewhere else and not participate. I even heard that it became a hot topic in his classroom, "A prince in his thoughts."

The girls were worried and excited over his expression. He was always smiling so this was rather unexpected... If my intuition is right, he started acting strange after we had that club "activity" in Ise's house. Was it the photo? In the Raiser match, his voice harbored some hatred while he spoke to the enemy "Knight". Apparently, Kiba-san is like this because of "Holy swords". And I know for certain why...

"Hey, big bro. Is there something the matter? You look tense…" Ise suddenly pop up beside me when I was in the middle of my thought.

"Uhh, nothing. I was just thinking about something. No need to worry."

Ise just shrugged his shoulder afterward

"Hmmmm..."

Oh, Rias-san picked up a baseball manual. Our President tends to read when things come up. Quite a book worm she is. At home she reads some complicated texts. No wonder she is number one student of our academy.

"Ara ara. By the way, Ise-kun, did you know?"

Then suddenly Akeno-san pop up next to Ise. Are my senses getting dull? Man, I need to keep my awareness at top notch at all time or else I'll be caught off guard.

"Know what?" Ise asked her.

"Recently, Buchou started a manual on love."

"...A love manual!?" Said Ise in a surprise manner.

I'm not that too surprise. For Rias-san to be reading a book about love. She wants to know more about being in a relationship. And that relationship would be Ise. She always looks at him with compassionate and loving eye. I guess someone is lucky, although Asia who is Rias-san rival isn't going to be pleased by this. But that just how life is. You get first and that's that. But that doesn't mean I'm not supporting my own sister. I will try my best to ensure Ise is drawn to her as well although that might be quite difficult.

Because as I can tell, my little brother here is a little dense on the brain. But he'll get there someday. And after a short break, we commence with our training.

Shifting to Issei POV

The next day after lunch Asia and I headed to the clubroom. Apparently there were some works needed to be done there. But man, what a wild day I have. Both my bastard friend Matsuda and Motohama were spreading wild rumors about me forcing sexual relationship on all the female members in our club and that's not all. They also spread the rumor of how I was in a gay relationship with Kiba and big bro! Apparently, some of the girls actually like the idea. Man, that just wrong in so many ways! After that, I beat them up little bit to remind them that they need to watch where they spread this rumors.

Asia and I finally arrive at the clubroom door. When we entered the room, the other members were already there…and there were also those who didn't belong to the club here as well. I got shocked when I saw the person sitting on the sofa besides the club members.

"Student President..."

Yes, the person sitting on the sofa is our schools, Kuoh Academy's Student President-sama. Student President is a beautiful and slender female student, and has a cold and strict atmosphere around her. She is so beautiful that she doesn't look Japanese, but her name is Shitori Souna-senpai. She is my senior who is in third year. At school she is the third most popular. Of course the most popular is Rias-buchou, followed by Akeno-san.

She has a scary atmosphere that won't let anyone come near her. It's also because she has the eyes of a strict person, but she is also quite the beauty. She's more popular amongst female students than male students, and she may be more popular than Rias-buchou and Akeno-san with girls. If I looked carefully, there was one other male student besides Kaichou who is from the student council.

"Ohh, so you didn't mention us to Hyoudou, Rias-senpai? It's also weird not to notice us, when we are Devils as well."

Isn't this the guy who joined the student council recently as a secretary of the council? Kaichou then said it quietly to the secretary guy,

"Saji, it can't be helped because we are not supposed to contact each other at normal times. Also it hasn't been that long since he became a Devil. Hyoudou-kun is responding like he is supposed to."

Wh…..what!? By the way she just explained, then that means that the people of the student council are also…? So there were other Devils besides me and the members of the occult research club!? Big bro explained to me who got really shocked,

"The Kaichou, Shitori Souna-san's real name is Sona Sitri. She's a High-class Devil who is the next heir of the house of Sitri."

H-High-class Devil!? And the house of Sitri!? I'm not actually sure about it, but I know that it's an important house just like Buchou's and the house of Phoenix! Wha… I became speechless. I became really shocked to find out that there was another High-class Devil in this school! Big bro then further explained to me.

"The house of Sitri is one of the 72 pillars that survived the Great War just like the house of Gremory and the house of Phoenix. This school is actually controlled by the house of Gremory, but at day time, it is the student council…in other words the house of Sitri is in control. The time of being in charge is split between day-time and night-time. I thought I already expaline it to you, Ise."

Is that so… Maybe I already forgot about that… Ohh man. I'm such an idiot in this kind of stuff. Then the members of the student council are… The secretary guy spoke,

"You guys are getting peaceful school life because Kaichou and us, the Devil servants of Sitri, are working at daytime. It won't be bad for you to remember that, you know? By the way, my name is Saji Genshirou. I'm in second year, and I am Kaichou's "Pawn"."

"Oooh, the same year as me and also the same "Pawn" as me!"

"Interesting, so there was another "Pawn" who was the same as Ise. Looks like you two will have something in common…"

What an unexpected meeting! I was a bit happy. For there to be another [Pawn] besides me and also in the same year as me! The secretary guy, Saji, made an opposite reaction to me and big bro and made a sigh.

"Actually you two damaged my pride very badly. For you, one of the three pervs, to be the same "Pawn" as me…"

"W-What did you say!?"

This bastard! I was thinking of getting along with him!

"Oh? You wanna go at it? Even if I look like this, I'm a "Pawn" that consumed 4 pieces of "Pawns". Even if I just turned into a Devil, I won't lose against someone like Hyoudou."

Saji made a provoking comment against me, but Kaichou glared at him sharply.

"Saji, stop that."

"Bu…but Kaichou!"

"The reason we came here is to introduce our new servants amongst fellow High-class Devils where we both have this school as our base. In other words it is a meeting to introduce you and Rias's servants, Hyoudou-kun and Asia-san. If you are my servant, then don't make a shame out of me. Besides…"

Kaichou then looked at me.

"Saji, you can't win against Hyoudou-kun right now. He is the one who defeated the third son of the house of Phoenix. Consuming 8 "Pawn" pieces were not just for show."

"8 pieces!? Wait, this is the guy who defeated the Phoenix!? For this guy to beat that Raiser… I thought that it was Kiba or Himejima-senpai who rescued Rias-senpai…" Kaichou then continued by saying.

"And that's not all; the man standing before you now is the close friend of our Four Maou-sama. And he himself is also our Maou-sama. Actually the "True Maou-sama".

The guy named Saji went pale and he suddenly kneels on his knee and started to apologized.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner! Please forgive me for my rudeness, Maou-sama!" Big bro then slowly bent in front of him and held out his hand.

"It's okay. I don't mind. Besides, I'm actually not used to being called a Maou yet, so no need for the formality." He then looks at him and just bows his head several times.

"Ohh, thank you, milord! I don't know whether or not I should receive such kind word from you but once again thank you!" Kaichou then look towards me and Asia and said.

"I am sorry Hyoudou Issei-kun, Asia Argento-san. My servant hasn't experienced as much battles as you two, so he still has some rude attitude in him. If it's okay, can you please get along with him?"

Kaichou said it to us while smiling. I think you call this a cold smile. I didn't feel anything bad from the smile, so she must be a person who can only smile like this.

"Saji."

"Eh? Ye…yes! Please get along with me….."

Saji also bowed his head down at me reluctantly. He seemed like he wasn't satisfied with it.

"Yes. Let's get along."

Asia replied back with a big smile. Asia sure is a good child.

"If it's Asia-san, then I am very happy!"

Saji grabbed Asia's hand and made an attitude opposite to the one he gave me. Thi….this bastard! I took Saji's hands off Asia's, and shook his hand while gripping it hard.

"Hahaha! Saji-kun! Please look after me as well! Also I'll seriously fucking kill you if you lay a finger on Asia. Okay, Saji-kun!?"

I said it with a fake smile. Then he also smiled and held my hand stronger.

"Yes! Yes! Let's get along Hyoudou-kun! To have the blonde bishoujo for just yourself. You really are a Brute-kun! Man, I wish there was a divine punishment which falls on you! I wish you die when a lightning falls on you while you are on your way home!"

We made negative comments against each other. It must have looked weird. But I couldn't forgive this guy! He was different than Kiba but I couldn't stand guys like him! Actually, I seriously wanted to hit him! I seriously won't let him walk alive if he touches Asia!

"Can you two just get along?" Big bro said that to us while giving a sharp glare.

[Ye…yes!] Saji and I said in unison. Big bro sure is scary. And then Kaichou said to Buchou.

"You must have a hard time."

"You too."

Buchou and Kaichou both made a sigh while looking at us.

"Chi. Members of the student council are stronger than the members of your club."

Saji said it while letting go of my hand. So the members of the student council belong to Kaichou's household and are Kaichou's servants. Kaichou took a sip of green tea and said it with a small voice.

"I love this school. I also think that the work of the student council is worth the effort. That's why I will not forgive those that ruin the peaceful life of this school. Whether they are human or Devils. That applies to you, the people in here, and also Rias."

I understood immediately that those words were directed to us the new Devils which are me, Asia and Saji. I believe she was also directing that message towards big bro. She got guts if she can tell off big bro like that. She will not forgive anyone that ruins the school life. So this person loves this school, Kuoh Academy, that much. No wonder she is the Kaichou.

"I think this is enough for introducing our rookies. Then we will pardon ourselves now. There's also a document which I want to finish during lunch time."

Kaichou got up and tried to leave.

"Kaichou. No Souna Sitri-san…sama. I will be in your care from now."

"Y…yes! Please take care of us!"

"Once again. I'll tell you that I'm in your great care, Sona-san."

I bowed my head towards Kaichou and greeted her. Asia and big bro did the same. It's a greeting as a newbie Devil even though big bro wasn't a Devil like us but his technically someone with same rank as a Maou if not higher! She is a High-class Devil and also Buchou's acquaintance. Even if her servant is "that", I think it's an obvious thing to do as a new Devil of the Gremory household.

"Yes, let's get along."

Kaichou replied and smiled at us.

"Rias, I will be looking forward to the "Ball Tournament"."

Kaichou said to Buchou with a smile, before she left the room.

"Yes, me as well."

Buchou smiled back at her. Oh. I understood immediately that these two are really close. Then she could have helped us in the quarrel between the old houses from the previous incident. But then I thought that it's not that simple to put your head inside the problems between High-class Devils. Or did she believe that Buchou would be able to clear the problem herself? Kaichou left the room after saying that.

"Ise, Asia. Get along with Saji-kun. You will also meet the other members of the student council who are Devils, but don't fight with them. Since we are all spending our school life at the same school. Okay?"

Buchou said to us while smiling.

"Yes!"

If Buchou says that, then I will listen to her without complaining! I won't fight even though that guy is a jerk! But for there to be Devils besides us at this school… Seems like there are more secrets within this school…

A few days later, the day of the tournament arrive. The sound of the start of the ball tournament echoed in the sky. From today's weather broadcast, it's going to rain in the evening. Please don't rain until the tournament finishes.

[Tsukmoto-kun of the "Manga research club", Hashioka-sensei is calling you. Can you please come to the teacher's room immediately?]

The PA which is placed throughout the school ground was making announcements endlessly. All of us members got changed into our PE uniform and gathered at one place and were resting up till the start of the match. But the club matches were at the end. First of all, there were the class matches. I think my class is going to compete in baseball. Me and Asia also have to participate. The practice we did after school wasn't in vain.

After that there was a match amongst genders. Then after lunch there was a match between clubs. I did some light exercises as a warm up. Asia was stretching with the help of Akeno-san. Koneko-chan was sitting on the plastic mattress on the ground reading the rule book for ball games. Big bro was gathering with the other teacher to watch the macth unfold. Kiba…was still thinking about something. He had been staring at the sky. Buchou went to check the category sports for the club matches… Oh she came back. Buchou, who just came back, was smiling fearlessly.

"Fufufu, we have won this match already."

"Buchou, so what are the sports we are playing then?"

"Dodge ball!"

I only had a bad feeling about this.

Shifting to Axel POV

Most of the day was a thrilling one, all the member of the ORC was very energetic in what they do except for Kiba-san. He's doing nothing but spacing out a lot. I told myself.

"He better keep his cool or else it will cost them this match…"

Looks like that Holy Sword really got to him. But right now, there is an important tournament going on and the only thing Kiba-san is doing are dragging his team mate down… I don't like this… I just don't like this at all. But anyway back to the main topic. Apparently Ise hurt his crotch pretty badly and is now being treated by Asia at the back of the gym. Koneko-san manages to drag all the way here. I was just standing there while holding back my laughter.

"Big bro! That's not funny! I almost lost my ball you know?!"

"I'm sorry…hehehe…but I just can't help it….hehehe…." As Ise was struggling to hide his embarrassment, Asia has already finished healing him. Throughout that ordeal, I could tell Ise was enjoying the treatment.

"…A situation I can't describe by words."

Koneko-chan made a sigh. I couldn't help it until I finally laugh my heart out!

"Hahahaha!"

"Big bro! I told you it's not funny!"

"Sorry about that, little brother! Man, I haven't laughed like that in forever!" After that Asia said something to Ise

"Ise-san. Please rest for a bit."

Ise was lying down and Asia approached him and lifted his head… He is getting a "Thigh pillow". Well, good for him.

"Ise-san, you looked really happy when Buchou-san was doing this to you… Maybe I might not be good enough…"

"Sob… No. That's not true Asia! This is the best! Thank you. Thank you."

Ise thanked her a lot while shedding tears.

"Ufufufu. Ise-san is thanking a lot today."

[The Occult research club wins!]

The good news which the announcement just made has reached our ears.

Shifting to Issei POV

It was raining hard outside. We were lucky that it rained after the tournament.

There was also a bitter sound which echoed along with the sound of rain. Buchou just slapped someone. Not me. It was Kiba.

"How is it? Did you wake up?"

Buchou was quite angry. For the ball tournament, we, the occult research club, got 1st place. Me, Asia, Koneko-chan and big bro went back and obtained 1st place as a whole team… But there was one person who didn't cooperate. I'm talking about Kiba. He did contribute a couple of times but he was doing nothing most of the time. Buchou got angry at him a couple of times during the match but he didn't seem to care.

I would have gotten pissed if Buchou didn't. Even if he got his cheek slapped, Kiba still didn't make any expression nor talked. What is this guy…? Is he really Kiba? Because of the sudden change he looked like a totally different person. He was a good looking guy who always had a refreshing face. Then he suddenly made the usual smiley face.

"Are you done now? The ball tournament has finished as well. We won't be practicing anymore so can I take a rest until its night time? I'm a bit tired so I will take a break from the usual club activity. I'm sorry for my behavior this noon. Seems like I didn't feel well today."

"Kiba, you are really weird lately?"

"It's none of your concern."

I asked him but Kiba replied coldly with a smiley face.

"Even I'm getting worried about you."

"Worried? Who worries about whom? I think its normal for Devils to live by how they want. Well, I think I'm at fault for not listening to my master this time."

Hmmm, maybe I should tell him a bit. But why am I supposed to do this? It's usually the other way around. I say something insane, and Kiba calms me down.

"It's troublesome a situation like this when we are trying to form a proper group. That's how we felt after we went through that bitter experience in the previous match, remember. Don't we have to cover for each other's weak points from now on? We are comrades."

"Comrades…"

Kiba then made a gloomy face.

"Yes, comrades."

"You are always burning… Ise-kun, lately I started to remember the basic things."

"Basic?"

"Yeah, that's right. The reason why I am fighting."

"Isn't it for Buchou?"

That's what I thought. That's what I believed in hard. Just by my own thinking. But he rejected it immediately.

"No. I'm living so I can seek my revenge. Holy-sword Excalibur. Destroying that is the reason why I am living."

Kiba had a face with a strong determination. That time, I thought that I had seen his real face. After saying those words he left us without looking back. I tried to go after him but I was soon stop by the shoulder. It was big bro.

"Let him go, Ise. He needs some time to think this alone…"

I could sense that big bro those know something about Kiba situation but I dare not asked him further.

Moments later at the Hyoudou's Residence

"Holy Sword Project?"

Buchou nodded at my words.

"Yes. Yuuto is a survivor of that project."

Asia, Buchou, big bro and I returned to my house after we finished our club activities. Buchou and Asia came into my room. Big bro said he wanted some time alone in his room so we let him. And now Buchou had started to tell us about Kiba.

"There was a project several years ago inside the Christian Church that aimed to make those who can wield the holy-sword Excalibur."

"…This is my first time hearing this."

Asia didn't know about this project. Well a secret project like this won't reach the ears of the girl who was praised as the holy-maiden.

"Holy-swords are the ultimate weapons against devils. If we, the devils, touch the holy sword then we will burn ourselves. If we get cut by it, then we will be terminated without a trace. It could be called the ultimate weapon for those who believe in God and see devils as an enemy."

Holy-sword… It's those things that also come up in games and light novels, right? I'm a devil so it would be the most dangerous weapon for me as well.

"Even though there are numerous holy-swords originating from all over the world, I still think the most famous one would be Excalibur. Even in Japan, it comes up in many books. It's a holy weapon that is created through means of magic and alchemy by those who reach the territory of God. But holy-swords choose their wielders. I hear that only one person in a decade or so gets chosen."

"Kiba is a Sacred Gear possessor that can create demonic-swords, right? So isn't there a Sacred Gear that can create holy-swords instead?"

It was my question. I made a simple conclusion that a Sacred Gear that can create holy-swords exists because a Sacred Gear that creates demonic-sword does.

"It's not like there aren't. But if you compare it to the holy-swords that already exist, it is kind of lacking. Of course I'm not saying it's weak. Among them there is a sacred utensil included in the "Longinus", just like your "Boosted Gear". The most famous is the Sacred Gear that was wielded by the person who killed Jesus Christ, the "True Longinus". It's also said that the name "Longinus" was derived from it."

Longinus. It is a Sacred Gear that has the power to kill God. Like the one I possess in my left arm. So, there is a sacred utensil that is a Sacred Gear and is also a "Longinus". But to hear that the spear that killed Jesus-san was also a "Longinus"… I was discovering the mystery behind the history from out of nowhere. Talking to a high-class devil can be really shocking.

"Except, at this point there isn't a Holy Sacred Gear that can compete with Excalibur, Durandal or Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi because these holy-swords are too powerful. It's the same with the demonic-swords."

Hmmmm. So much stuff that I had no clue about. I'll probably have to remember these things, but lately there is so much stuff that I have to remember, it's hard to keep up…

"Yuuto received artificial treatment to adapt to the holy-sword, particularly the Excalibur."

"So Kiba is able to use the holy-swords?"

Buchou shook her head at my question.

"Yuuto couldn't adapt to the holy-swords. Not only Yuuto, but it seems like everyone who received a treatment similar to Yuuto's couldn't either…"

Even Kiba who is an expert at using swords and can handle all those demonic-swords couldn't use the holy-swords.

"The people of the Church decided to view the ones who couldn't adapt to the holy-swords as "defective products" and disposed of them."

Dispose… Sounds like an unpleasant word. I can imagine what it means. Buchou's eyes changed because she also felt discomfort.

"Most of the people experimented on were killed including Yuuto. Only because they couldn't adapt to the holy-swords…"

"…It can't be. It's not an acceptable act by those who serve God."

It seems like this was a big shock for Asia. Her eyes were covered with tears. It is normal to cry when something you believe in continues to betray you.

"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."

Buchou said it with sad eyes. Buchou is a devil. But she is very kind. Buchou told me that she has similar feelings as humans because she stayed in the human's world for too long but I believe that's not the case. I think that Buchou was a kind woman right from the start. Otherwise you can't explain her kind smile. There are also kind people among the devils! And that is my pride of being a devil.

"When I reincarnated Yuuto into a devil, that boy was swearing for his revenge even when he was in a critical situation. Because his talents were being used for holy-swords since he was born, I wanted him to use his talents as a devil. Yuuto's talent at using swords would be a waste for only using it for holy-swords."

Buchou wanted to save Kiba by turning him into a devil because he had a miserable life due to the holy-swords. She wanted to tell him not to get so fixated on holy-swords and use his powers as a devil. But Kiba…

"That boy couldn't forget about it. The holy-swords. Those who were involved with the holy-swords. And the people of the Church…"

The reason why he detests priests. The reason why he is obsessed with the information regarding holy-swords. He still couldn't forget about them. No, they played around with his life and killed him afterwards; it's not weird for him to hold a grudge. When I was killed by that fallen angel, I also held a grudge against her. And it happened to him when he was little so his hatred against them must be enormous. Buchou made a big sigh.

"Anyway I will just watch over him for now. Right now his head is full of the feelings he has towards the holy-swords. But I hope he returns to his usual self."

Then we heard the door open. It was big bro. He slowly came into the room and stand in front of us. He was looking at us with cold stare.

"What's the matter, Onii-san?"

He then finally spoke to us about something, however we did not expected it.

"That night. A few years back, I can still recall it as if it just happens yesterday."

He's starting to freak us out.

"That night? What do you mean, Axel?"

"The one who disposed of all those involved in that project along with the test subject. Was me…"

Our heart almost stops at those words. Big bro was the one who…? No way! That can't be!

"You must… be joking, right Onii-san?" Asia was asking him with a shaking voice.

He didn't answer Asia's question but we all know too well that this was far beyond any joke…

"I was hired by the Vatican to terminate any living witness involve, none were to be left alive….I killed almost all of the people involve; the priest, the alchemist. And afterwards I slaughter all of those defenseless children… and among them was Kiba-san himself."

Author's Note:

And with that, the end of chapter eight. This chapter is a little bit shorter than the rest but please bear with me on that. On the next chapter, we dig in deeper inside the truth one of Axel's darkest past. Once again please give me your thought on this chapter and I will see you in chapter ninth. Bye bye.