"Alright girls make yourselves at home. Hansuke is going to find those scrapbooks for everyone while I bring out some snacks." Mrs. Hyoudou was working fast trying to make everyone's stay as comfortable as possible. She was always a nice lady. She practically took me in as her second son after the accident.
I ran upstairs and once getting to the main hallway took an abrupt right turn. I opened the closet and pulled out the boxes. Looking through a few of them I saw that I was in a number of the photos. Crap. This was going to backfire. I was told to bring these down though. Crap. I brought the boxes with scrapbooks down.
Once I got into sight the girls practically raced towards me. I held out my hand, "No. Not yet. Go back and sit down!" The girls pouted. I continued to the dining room table. I could see Mrs. Hyoudou in the kitchen. Going through the books real quick I found every single one that had me in them and put them aside then flipped the box on top of that. Then I brought all the ones for Issei out. "Alright girls here are Issei's scrapbooks." Issei looked very indignant.
"Thank you Hansuke-kun." Rias said. Everyone started going through and Asia and Rias were fawning over baby Issei. My plan was beginning to work when Mrs. Hyoudou came from the kitchen.
"Hansuke-kun you forgot a few on the table."
"What? No I didn't."
"Hansuke don't argue with me. There are four other books on the table. They were under the box." Mrs. Hyoudou turned to the girls. "Would any of you be willing to go grab those? I have a suspicion that Hansuke-kun might try and get rid of them."
Kiba laughed. "I'll get them actually. No need for the ladies to get up."
"Thank you Kiba-san. It's nice to know there's a real gentleman in here." Mrs. Hyoudou looked pointedly at Issei and I.
"I'm sorry Okaa-san please forgive me!" I bowed my head.
Mrs. Hyoudou laughed. "Oh i'm just teasing you Hansuke, go enjoy yourself. Also when are you bringing home this, Sona I hear so much about? She isn't here is she?"
"No, Sona-chan isn't here with us today, but if you'd be willing I can bring her over for dinner sometime soon."
"Sounds fantastic dear." Mrs. Hyoudou joined Asia and Rias looking at Issei's personal baby book.
"Hey Hansuke-kun."
I turned to see Kiba had opened one of our books. "Yeah?"
"Why are you in so many of these? And call Mrs. Hyoudou Okaa-san?"
"My parents were killed in a car crash. Mrs. Hyoudou has practically taken me in as her son."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's alright Kiba-san."
"Please call me Yuuto. We are comrades yes? It is also fair."
"Alright Yuuto-kun. So which one are you looking at?"
"This one has a lot of another little boy in it."
"Oh. That's actually a girl and her name is Irina. I don't think you'll enjoy that one all that much though. Those are mostly boring photos. If you pick up one that…." I stopped talking. Yuuto's entire mood had shifted. I was wondering when he would see it. Irina's dad had a Holy Sword. He was a businessman too. That's how I was able to know both Irina and Issei as a young kid even though most of my time was in America. Irina's dad saw my interest in the sword and my reading materials so he told me about it once. I didn't believe him then but with my knew knowledge he was probably telling the truth.
"Do you know what this is Hansuke-kun?" Yuuto turned the scrapbook and pointed at a sword, the sword, that was hung about Irina's fireplace.
"It's a holy sword. Nothing out of legend though."
"That is correct. But still, it reminds me of my purpose."
"Your purpose?"
"My purpose to live."
"I would have hoped you lived for yourself and maybe Rias and your family."
"Not until I finish my first mission."
"Yuuto-kun, I can tell this means a lot to you. Just remember that your mission no matter what it is. Doesn't have to be a solo mission. You have family and comrades right here willing to do anything for you. Myself included."
Yuuto opened his mouth, then closed it. He closed his eyes and took a breath before he continued, "Thank you Hansuke-kun, but my goal has a few parts to it."
"Don't they all?"
Yuuto let out a small laugh. "That they do. But forget it okay? It doesn't matter."
"I'll leave it be for now but it does matter. You're family to me. You all are. So all of your dreams and goals matter. For now let us just enjoy ourselves yes?"
"Sounds like a plan Hansuke-kun. Thank you."
"For what?"
"For showing me where I was wrong a bit."
"I have a habit of that. No one's ever thanked me for it though. That's a first."
Yuuto laughed. "I'm sure."
*The next night*
"I heard Koneko got hurt during your Stray hunt what happened?!" I had rushed to the OCR clubroom once I heard. They were regrouping because Yuuto apparently walked off.
"Kiba was totally out of it tonight! He wasn't paying any attention and got Koneko burned and almost got himself killed too!" Issei answered.
"That doesn't sound like Yuuto-kun."
"Afterwards I asked him what it was about and he was going on about Devils being selfish by nature and his true goal and reason for living!"
"Which was?"
"He said destroying Excalibur was his reason."
"I feared that might be the case." Rias said.
"Do you have any idea what might have caused him to go like this so suddenly though?" Issei asked.
"Actually I think I might. Remember that kid we used to play with when we were young? Her family used to invite us to church a lot."
"I think I remember. Weren't we like five?"
"Yes. Well in one our photos we're all there and then there's a Holy Sword in the background."
"What's a holy sword?" Issei asked.
"A holy sword is the opposite of a Demonic or Demon Sword. It's the greatest weapon against Devils. All holy swords are poisonous and or harmful to Devils. Devils will be burnt just by touching them. If cut by them they will be Erased. Not just killed. Their souls will be destroyed too." Rias explained.
"How would that affect Kiba?" Issei asked
"Kiba-san has a history with holy swords. Which we can explain another time. It's been a long night and everyone should get some sleep. Thank you for your concern Hansuke-kun." Rias bid everyone leave.
*Next morning*
Sona and I were entering the front gates when we saw two visitors in white cloaks. They had an aura around them I didn't like. It was the same feeling as going into that church just boosted like a rocket. I turned to Sona, "Were you expecting them?"
"Not at all. Be ready though. Before we approach read them for me as well."
"Alright. The shorter one has another sword. It shapeshifts. Holy. Church members as you could probably tell. Fast. But arrogant. Especially the taller one. Speaking of which she has a more powerful sword. I can't get a name but it's in a pocket dimension. Any ideas?"
"A few, but they can wait. Anything else?"
"They're both wearing crosses. The large sword on the taller one's back is meant for destruction oddly enough. These swords are starting to sound like-"
"Excalibur."
"They want to talk with Rias probably, mission from the church."
"Agreed. Let's talk to them."
"I have an weird feeling about the smaller one."
"What kind of weird?"
"Familiarity."
Sona turned and gave me a concerned and confused look. But we had made it to the duo. "How may I help you two?"
"We need to speak with the Devil that controls this territory." The taller one said.
"I can set that up. Before hand though introductions are normally done."
"Don't mind her she's a bit of a stickler." The smaller girl said. Then she reached up and took her hood down. My heart couldn't stop pounding. It was getting hard to catch my breath. "Hi I'm Irina Shidou, pleasure to meet you!" Irina hadn't directly looked at me yet. I was standing behind Sona.
"Sona Sitri, High-Class Devil and heir to the Sitri house, pleasure to make your acquaintance. This here is-"
"Hansuke-kun?!" Irina saw me.
"H-hi Irina. Long time no see eh?" Irina squealed and rushed me into a hug.
"Oh my God! It's been so long! And to think you could change this much while I was gone!" Sona and I winced when she said the G-word. "I'm sorry I forgot about that part."
Irina backed away from me. "Time has certainly changed us hasn't it."
"Yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do. Xenovia stop being rude introduce yourself to these two. This one is one of the childhood friends I told you about."
"Xenovia Quarta." Xenovia didn't make any move to shake our hands.
"Hansuke Akimoto, Pawn of Sona Sitri, holder of Furtum's Barrage and the Blessing of Athena. If Sona approves I can take you two to Rias Gremory the Devil who controls the territory."
"Go ahead Hansuke-kun, just be careful." Sona came up to me and looked at Irina before kissing me and walking away. I'd never seen that side of Sona before. It was almost as if she was jealous. Oh wait she was. Great!
"Follow me girls." I started walking them to the Old School building. "So Irina why'd you move all those years ago? I came back and you were finishing packing up."
"That was when I was entered into the Church's service. My parents were retired Exorcists and I wanted to follow in their footsteps and serve G-you know," Irina looked at me, "Him. Sorry close call."
"It's alright. So that's why you left eh? Well I wish I'd known I would have written."
"I do too. I heard about your parents. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"It's alright lass. I'm alright. I had Issei you know! He was always there after the accident."
"I'm glad. I've always had you in my prayers Hansuke-kun."
"Thank you Irina. I know that means a lot for you."
"So why did you become a Devil Hansuke-kun?"
"A Fallen Angel killed me. Sona saved my life. Found out I had this uber cool Sacred Gear. Furtum's Barrage. In related news I was also unknowingly blessed by Athena. Fun fact too, I have this." I summoned a spear of light.
"Hansuke-kun! You have light powers?! How?! You must truly be blessed by God!"
I ignored the pain in my head. "Well in theory yeah. He did create the Sacred Gear system. I'm a bit glad I used to go to church with your family back then. Might have saved my ass before getting here."
"How did you get light powers?" This was the first time Xenovia spoke up.
"Sacred Gear takes the powers used against me that are natural or that of other Sacred Gears. There's obviously a limit to it. Like my light isn't or wasn't as potent as the original but it can still be built up. Then there's another one I got. It heals, it can't heal major wounds all that well nor as quickly as the original but it works for when I hurt myself and then for training." I decided to stay a bit quiet on my other powers.
"So not only were you killed by the Fallen you were also empowered. Twice over?"
"Yes, Xenovia. Nice Excalibur by the way, Destruction right?" Xenovia spluttered. "We're here. Rias is upstairs. Please be respectful and polite, the both of you. Especially you Ms. Quarta." Xenovia gave me a nasty look. "Come on upstairs let's go."
*Time Skip*
"So we're just waiting on Issei-kun yes?" Irina asked the room. I was befuddled with how she couldn't grasp the tenseness of the room. All the Devils, especially Yuuto-kun were on edge. Yuuto-kun was letting off pure hatred. It was obvious he knew what sword Xenovia carried with her.
"That's correct Irina-chan. He should be here any minute with Rias's other member as well." Once I finished Issei and Asia choose to walk. Sometimes this group made, "Speak of the Devil," way too true.
"Hi Issei-kun do you remember me?!" Irina yelled from the couch.
Issei of course was very confused and also guarded. Looks like his instincts were starting to kick in. "I'm sorry but who are you?" Issei was already looking at Irina lecherously. Great.
Irina pouted. "Hansuke-kun remembered me!"
"Issei, Irina here is that little kid we used to play with."
"But you're a girl! A hot girl!"
Irina blushed. "You thought I was a boy? Well I admit I was really tomboyish back then." You see Irina had gone from a little boy looking girl to a mature woman. Her battle outfit was concealed under her robes but her arms and legs revealed she was toned and her face and eyes matched her brown hair perfectly.
"Now that we have that out of the way I think it would be best we get onto business yes?" I spoke up looking at Rias.
"Agreed. What do you two want?"
Xenovia spoke, "We've been sent on a mission from the Church. The Fallen Angel Kokabiel has stolen three of the Excalibur fragments."
"And what you think we've thrown our lot in with them?!" Oh no Rias was offended. "I am the sister of the Maou Lucifer and a High-class Devil! We would never help a Fallen Angel!"
"That was what we were hoping for. We came to ask that you let us complete our mission without interference actually."
"But that's a suicide mission! Irina you can't be serious?"
"If it's His will I shall do what is needed."
"Are you kidding me?! But-" I looked into Irina's eyes. I couldn't say anything else. "I don't want to lose more family. But if it's your choice." Irina winced.
Xenovia began speaking again, "Yes if death is what it takes. I would prefer it not but it is our duty."
"Fine. So be it."
Rias spoke up, "We will leave you alone in your mission."
"But Buchou!" Yuuto-kun had spoken up.
"No Kiba. We will leave them be. That is final." Yuuto-kun said nothing just fumed more in the corner.
"We should take our leave. If you ever wanna be exorcised Issei-kun, Hansuke-kun, just give me a call alright?"
"Despite that weird comment at the end I'm going to walk you out." I said. We started walking to the door when Xenovia turned and looked at Asia. Asia cowered behind Issei. I was on Irina's left side, Xenovia on her far side. Looking at Irina's arm I saw she had a rope tied there. It must have been her Excalibur. If things got ugly the most I could do was prevent Irina from helping Xenovia.
"Are you Asia Argento?"
"Y-yes."
"It makes sense I would run into a Witch here."
"Woah I heard about you! You were a Holy Maiden who could heal Fallen and Devils too. And even used it! I never would have thought you'd become a Devil too though." Irina interjected.
"I'm-I guess I'm okay."
"Of course she's not okay. She was a Saint and now became a Devil. You can't fall farther than that."
"Hey leave her alone!" Issei spoke up.
"Tell me do you still believe in God?" Of course Xenovia wouldn't care about the courtesy.
"Of course she doesn't. I mean she's a Devil and stuff."
"That doesn't always mean what you think. There are some whose hearts stay pyest even though they've betrayed Him."
"Is that true Asia? Do you still believe?"
Asia was crying at this point. I was getting fed up. "It's true. I've never been able to let go of my faith. I grew up with it."
"If that is so true you would allow me to execute you right here. In the name of God." Xenovia raised her sword up. "In fact I'll kill you right now." Xenovia started to ready her sword. Issei lunged but Koneko grabbed him. In the same moment I saw Akeno place a hand on Yuuto's shoulder and Rias stand up. Without thinking I lunged for Irina's shoulder and ripped her rope off willing it to be a sword. I placed it at Xenovia's throat in the same movement. Everyone froze. Even I froze. I was holding a Holy Sword. I was holding Excalibur and it wasn't affecting me. Issei moved first. He placed himself in front of Asia.
"You stay away from Asia! She's one of the kindest souls you will ever meet! If you can't see that you really are mindless!"
"Issei, we thank you for standing up to her but please assess the situation. Xenovia has a sword at her throat. Irina's sword. Irina's holy sword Excalibur. Being held by our friend Hansuke-kun. A Devil." Rias said.
"How are you holding my sword?!" Irina asked."
"I'm...not sure."
"Hansuke-kun could you please give her back the sword? It could be taken as an act of war."
"One second, Issei has something to say and I'm in agreeance with it."
"Issei?"
Xenovia interjected real quickly, "Just who are you to Asia Argento?"
Issei spoke, "Her family! And her friends! We all are! If you come any closer in an attempt to harm her, even a nasty look! I will spend every breath in my body making you regret it!"
"Is that so? Are you prepared to take on the entire Church then? That's extremely large talk from a small Devil like yourself."
"Those are pretty big words for someone with a sword at their throat." I said.
"That's a Holy Sword. As long as my faith is strong enough it can't hurt me."
"Question then girl, do you think it's strong enough?"
"Without a-" Xenovia gasped. I had scratched her jawline with the tip of Excalibur.
"You're wrong then. In so many ways."
"I think it would be best if you two finally left."
"No this is perfect. I'll take all of you on." Yuuto-kun spoke up.
"And who are you?" Xenovia asked.
"Your senpai." Kiba said
"Rias what do you say? Can Yuuto-kun and Issei-kun spar with them?" I asked Rias.
"As long as this is all off the record fine. Let us go out back. Hansuke-kun, you should probably take the sword from her throat and give it back to your friend."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry. Here you go Irina." I handed Irina her sword. "Shall we be off?"
