A/N: Hey everyone! Welcome to the newest chapter of Chalice: The Wild Card Chronicles! Man, this took me a very long while to make this chapter. I had to rewatch the anime again to allow my mind to refresh itself (including watching season 4). That, college, work, Monster Hunter World due to its update (Behemoth is a major pain in the ass and don't get me started about Extreme Behemoth), and BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle has been keeping me distracted since I have been playing as Blake and Yang (my favorite girls of RWBY) along with Mai (my favorite girl of BlazBlue) and Ruby (I'm Diamond IV Rank player, woo!). I am glad you enjoyed the story so far. Don't forget to check out my other stories including 'Remnants of Desire: After the Fall' (Kamen Rider OOO x RWBY), A Specter's Testament (Kamen Rider Ghost x Testament of Sister New Devil, and The White Dragon of Fiore (Power Rangers Dino Thunder x Fairy Tail).
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
"Undead"
"Human Undead"
As the day continued in the home, Kuroka already was wearing her kimono but she was still wondering why her lover left all of the sudden when Azazel stopped by? She was confused and curious. Curious about what he is doing and confused about what exactly is the reason. Something about it… even hearing his words the moment he left. It was faint but it sounded serious. Especially when it involved the Fallen Angels.
Something was wrong.
It brought a concern to her.
"Kuroka-sama?" She noticed Le Fay with a concerned expression. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, Le Fay-chan. I'm just wondering where Enrique is going..." The former Stray Devil replied.
"He does seem distracted lately ever since the two Exorcists arrived in Kuoh." Le Fay recalled.
Kuroka had to agree with the young Pendragon. For a long while, he has been occupied occasionally, thinking about something. She wondered what her lover was thinking about.
'What happened that got your attention…' she murmured in her thoughts.
It disturbed her, wondering what was going on in her lover's head.
The buxom Nekoshou sighed, "I hope he won't cause any trouble like he nearly did before."
"I am sure it is nothing," The blonde waved off casually.
The statement sent a need to grimace by the Nekoshou Devil. 'That is what I am worried about…' Kuroka thought with concern.
That was the one thing the Devil Nekoshou was worried about. While he is unkillable due to his Undead blood, his sanity was something she wanted to make sure he doesn't lose.
She just hopes whatever he is doing won't cause him to go berserk like before.
Chalice: The Wild Card Chronicles
Chapter 14: The Hunt for Excalibur
I drove in search of the Fallen Angel responsible for this recent incident along with making Raynare kill Asia and Issei. I still harbored a grudge against the one responsible for this mess. The reason why I told myself to one day find the entity responsible. But as of now, the search was leading me nowhere and it was starting to annoy me.
Just how in the world he is hiding on a town supervised by Rias's group? This was her territory after all. Then again, I am pretty sure she hasn't done a good job at it given the recent incidents of the Fallen Angels. Talk about responsibilities.
"Huh?" I stopped my motorcycle for a moment before looking over my shoulder, seeing three familiar teenagers who were walking somewhere. Deciding to find out, I turn the motorcycle around and drive towards the three. Coming to a stop, I lift the visor of my motorcycle helmet, finally recognizing them.
"Issei?" I recognized the brunette then noticed Shirone along with the other pervert, Saji. "Shirone? Saji? What are you guys doing? Normally you guys should be in their class by now."
"H-Hey senpai!" Issei greeted. "We were just uh…" He seemed very nervous to answer, more like unwilling given what they are doing is ditching school.
With the pervert unwilling to explain, my gaze sets on Shirone. "Shirone."
The former Nekoshou clearly had no choice given she was looking at me in the eyes. "We want to investigate the Excalibur fragments to help Yuuto-senpai." She said. "We are trying to find the two Exorcists who can help us find them."
"Koneko-chan!" Issei whined.
"I see," I muttered.
The brunette clasps his hands together, giving me a pleading look. "Please don't tell Buchou or Kaichou about this, senpai!" Issei begged. "They'll punish us if that happens!"
The reminder seems to have brought unsettled memories for the two members of Rias Peerage while Saji shuddered as well. What kind of punishments do they even give them anyway?
Although, this gave me an idea to tag along with them to find that bastard.
"I won't," I answered.
"Do- wait, really?"
"Only if I tag along." I bargained. Since they were investigating about the Excalibur fragments, it just might lead me in search for that Fallen Angel due to his involvement. "Deal?"
"Deal!" The pervert quickly accepted.
With the deal set, I set my helmet on the seat before looking at them.
"So what exactly are you guys trying to do for Yuuto with the Excalibur Fragments?" I asked them.
"W-Well…" Issei scratched his head. "We plan on asking the exorcists if we can destroy them, or at least a piece?"
I paused, "...Are you serious?"
"If it is to help Kiba then yeah." Issei nodded. "We are worried about him and I just couldn't stand back and see him like this anymore."
A thin smile was present, actually proud to see him have that mindset that wasn't from his perverted habits. He was determined to help Kiba.
I nodded. "Alright then. Might as well tag along then."
"Thanks," said Issei appreciatively. "But before we get Kiba, we need to find Irina and Xenovia to get their cooperation first."
All the others nodded in understanding and we set off to search for the pair of young exorcists. Hopefully, the task wouldn't be too difficult.
We didn't have to look for very long either. Soon after starting, we caught sight of our intended targets, who were trying to ask some of the locals for spare change or food. They seemed to be having a debate about cutting up a painting of a fake saint to earn some cash. Their little argument ended when both of their stomachs growled out audibly from hunger.
"Hey," Issei greeted somewhat awkwardly when he stepped up to them from behind, giving the two a slight scare. "We were just about to grab some food, do you guys want to join us? You look pretty hungry."
At the offer of nourishment, the two girls gained sparkles in their eyes and nodded eagerly. For some reason, the brown-haired pawn suddenly gained a feeling of overwhelming regret.
"So this is Japanese cuisine? It's delicious!" Xenovia stated whilst she shoveled some food down her throat. "Mmmm, it's so delicious!"
"I know!" agreed Irina, eating in a similar manner and at the same pace. "This is the food of my home country, it's the best!"
We watched the previously starving girls in awe as they wolfed down dish after dish at light speed. Issei was crying slightly on the outside. His poor wallet was going to lose a lot of its contents just from this one outing.
"My wallet…" he whined.
"It's what you get for offering them," I said.
"Senpai, please lend me some money! I'll pay you back! I promise!"
I rolled my eyes and handed him some Yen. "You better or you will be expecting Hajime to bite your ass."
I knew how my Familiar is towards the pervert, much like how Asia's Familiar is towards him. Whenever Hajime is around, he would tend to bite Issei, displaying hostility and protectiveness. It just shows that Hajime despises those with perverted intentions. His target being and always will be Issei. It was always amusing to see Hajime attack him in different ways.
"Thanks, Senpai! You are a saint!"
Rubbing my eyes, I look at the two exorcists who stopped for a moment from devouring their meals.
"So, what happened to you two that made you beg for money?" I asked. "Is it about that painting you got rid of?"
"Irina assumed it was a real painting." Xenovia answered. However, she seems to not look at me. My best guess was what I did back at the ORC.
From her perspective, it was blasphemous to know God would do such a thing by creating immortal monsters that fight each other. If only they can understand just how big and important the impact the Undead had towards the world itself.
Guess some people are too stubborn to believe it.
"So, what is it you want to ask us?" Irina asked after swallowing the food in her mouth.
"You two came to this country to retrieve the Excaliburs, right?" Issei asked.
"That's right. We already told you that before." Both of them didn't seem like they were giving us hostile intent because they had just finished their food.
"We want to help you destroy the Excaliburs." The two exorcists looked surprised at what Issei just said. They were also looking at each other. I can hear Issei swallow heavily, waiting for their decision. It would make sense for the small delay of an answer. The Excaliburs are supposed to be quite an important thing in this world. And to destroy that together with Devils like Issei, Shirone, and Saji might be an insult to them, perhaps?
Xenovia opened her mouth and replied, "Yes. Maybe it's okay leaving one sword to you guys. If you can destroy it, that is. But make sure that your identities aren't revealed. We also don't want our high-ups and enemies to think that we are connected to you guys."
...I felt my jaw open because I didn't expect that she would give us, let alone my friends permission like that. Were they that serious? And here I thought Exorcists don't trust Devils.
"Hey, Xenovia. Are you sure? Even if it's Ise-kun, he's still a Devil, you know?" Irina raised an objection. Well, that's the normal response for once.
"Irina. To tell you the truth, it would really be tough to retrieve the three Excaliburs and to battle Kokabiel with only the two of us."
I clench at the mention of the Fallen Angel.
"I know that. But...!"
"The minimum objectives we have to achieve are destroying the three Excaliburs or take them back. If our Excaliburs are going to be stolen as well then we should break them before it happens. Even if we use the last resort, there's only a 30 percent chance that we will succeed in our mission and return home safely." Xenovia replied. "Even so, we thought that the success rate was high enough to come to this country prepared to put our lives on the line."
"Yeah. The high-ups also told us to continue with our mission as well and dispatched us to this country. It's almost self-sacrifice."
"And isn't that what we, the followers, desire for?"
"I changed my mind. My beliefs are flexible. So I can act in the best way."
"You! I have been thinking about it for a long time, but your faith is a bit weird!"
"I won't deny it. But I think that it's our duty to accomplish our mission and return safely. I'm going to live and continue fighting for God. Am I wrong?"
"…You are not wrong. But..."
"That's why we won't ask for help from the Devils. Instead, we ask for help from a Dragon. The high-ups didn't tell us not to borrow the strength of a Dragon." Xenovia then looked at the pervert. She was talking about Issei, or more specifically his Sacred Gear. The being that is residing in his left arm. "I never thought that I would meet Sekiryuutei in a distant country like this. Even if you turned into a Devil, I see that the dragon power within you is still present. If it's like the legend says, then you can increase your power to that of a Maou, correct? If you gain a power to that of a Maou, then you can break the Excaliburs without a sweat. I also think that it was God's doing that we had this meeting." Xenovia said joyfully before she frowned slightly. "But I am not sure about having him tagging along."
Her eyes drift to me. I kept my emotions together until Issei beat me to it. "Senpai is helping too. If the monsters that he calls Undead to make a move to attack us during our investigation, then it is best to have an expert to help out if that situation arises!" He defended.
'Thanks Issei…' Issei really was one to look out for his friends.
But he is still a pervert.
"I can ask Kuroka and Le Fay to tag along," I suggested. I know Kuroka wouldn't want me to go over my head in this hunt. Not to mention the possibility of going against a strong Fallen Angel was clearly possible.
"You sure that is a good idea?"
"Kuroka would scold me if I didn't ask," I replied. "She wouldn't want us to go into a dangerous task unless we have some help. And, as you said, if a fight happens, it might attract an Undead given their lust to fight and kill. If anything happens during our investigation, they would be drawn like moths to a flame."
"Onii-chan has a point," Shirone stated stoically.
Xenovia stared critically before she sighed. "It can't be helped… fine, we'll allow it."
They knew they didn't have experience against the Undead and unaware of just how dangerous and lethal they are in combat.
"Okay. The negotiation is a success. Then can I call my partner for this cooperation, then?" Issei got his phone out and called the Knight.
A few minutes later...
"…I understand the situation." Kiba put his mouth on the coffee after he made a sigh. "To tell the truth, I feel unsatisfied when the wielders of the Excaliburs are giving me the permission to destroy it."
"That's a rough way to speak. If you were a "Stray-Devil", I would have cut you down without any time to spare."
The blonde Knight and Xenovia glared at each other at the sentence. Great, three minutes and already there is tension forming. It was starting to annoy me but I don't blame them.
"So you do hold a grudge regarding the "Holy-sword Project". Against the church and the Excaliburs." Irina asked.
Yuuto sharpened his eyes at Irina's words. "Obviously." He replied with a low and cold voice.
I was starting to recall from what Rias told me about Yuuto when I first met her and her Peerage. This is what Beetle told me in the past about Yuuto: Driven by revenge.
"But Kiba-kun. Thanks to that project, the research on holy-sword users showed results. That's why it created people like Xenovia and me who can synchronize with the holy swords." Irina said.
"Do you think it's a forgiving act to kill all the test subjects because the project was thought to be a failure?" Kiba looked at Irina with eyes filled with hatred.
Then Xenovia spoke, "That incident also became one of the worst cases among us and people felt disgusted about it. The person in charge of that project at that time was said to have a problem with his belief. So he was charged with heresy. Now he's one of those people on the Fallen-Angels side."
"On the Fallen-Angel's side? What's the name of that person?" Kiba took interest and asked Xenovia.
"…Valper Galilei. The man who is called the "Genocide Archbishop"."
"…If I go after Fallen-Angels, then can I reach him…"
Kiba's eyes had the color of a new determination. Just knowing his target was a big step for him. But now it made sense. Beetle was right, he is driven with a vengeance. I would need to talk to him when this is all over.
"Anyways, let's move onto the cooperation strategy." Xenovia took out a pen and used it to write on a memo pad. She gave us her contact details. "If something happens, call this number."
"Thanks." We watched the two exorcists leave. Seeing them gone and the cooperation in place, we exit the restaurant but l still needed a chat with the Knight.
"Issei. You, Saji, and Shirone go on ahead. I have to talk to Yuuto." I advised.
"Sure thing senpai!" Issei replied before the three Devils leave.
Seeing them gone, my smile faltered before I turn my attention directly to Yuuto, a frown now present.
"Kiba, you better tell me what has been going on," I said to him.
"I don't know what-"
"I saw the way you looked at Irina and Xenovia, more particularly their weapons before," I frowned. "Is it what Beetle once mentioned?"
"How did you-?!"
"He told me you seek revenge. And I remember a few months back how Rias mentioned you lost your friends. I have done the math, Yuuto."
"So you figured it out..."
"Yeah, Yuuto, what you are doing won't provide the peace you want. If you simply stop it, what would you do from then on? You are driven by revenge. If that is done, what's next for you?"
Just from these words, I begin to realize what I was doing. I still held a grudge towards the Fallen Angel responsible for sending Raynare to kill Issei and Asia.
It forced me to remember the moment I lost control of myself, slaughtering three of the four Fallen Angels. I still felt fear of losing control like that again.
"But…"
"But nothing, Yuuto. You need to realize the path you are on, whether into vengeance and lose your identity of who you are or do something right and go into a better path."
The blonde was silent, taking stock of my words. Even I had to remind myself of what I just said to him. Realizing revenge isn't the answer. It will only make things worse for the person and those around them.
"We will start the search tomorrow, alright? And by then, you might find an answer, a real answer."
"... Hai."
With the conversation settled, we went our parting ways so we can be ready for tomorrow.
Returning home, I slide the door open, only to see Kuroka by the cushion. She was staring at me.
"Enrique-kun."
"Hey, Kuroka…" I said until I felt her hand slapped my face. "What was that for?"
The frown was the first thing I noticed from her before she replied, "Shirone told me what you guys plan on doing."
Oh boy… She must have realized what I planned to do originally.
"Enrique-kun, I know how much anger you had after what happened with Issei-san and Asia-chan. You can't let it get to you like before."
I sighed. "I know."
The nekomata blinked, confusion seen. "Eh?"
"Not too long ago, I talked to Kiba and I realized what I was doing. It finally dawned on me and I had to look at the damn mirror for once, realizing I shouldn't let it get to me…" I admitted. "I… It isn't right for me to fall into something like that, especially with what I am…"
Being an Undead, anger, combat, even killing was something that runs in their blood. As for the Royals, they are more than the other Undead. They were intelligent, tactical, and controlled.
The former Nekomata felt relief.
"So um… since Shirone told you, can you help us with the situation?"
"Of course I will. If Shirone is getting involved, I am too, including Le Fay-chan. I want to make sure she comes back safely." She replied.
"That's good to hear." I smiled. "I'm gonna tell Shirone about this later."
"Be sure to give her a hug for me, darling!" Kuroka cooed.
I chuckled. "I will."
The next day, once dusk set, I had already explained to Kuroka and Le Fay about what the plan was. Once we went to our meeting area, we saw our intended destination, the three of us noticed it was a cathedral. Its roof jutted with gothic spires, their exteriors adorned with ornamented windows. At their tallest point was a bronze-hued dome, a statue of the cross etched onto its metallic surface. Encircled by the drab shapes of apartment blocks and shopping malls, its surroundings made the building stand out even more than its already grandiose architecture suggested. The road that led to its arched entrance was well-kept, and the trees that lined the meandering path could technically be considered pleasing to the eye.
"This must be the place," I said. I then noticed Kuroka feeling unsettled to near the building.
Ah right, when it comes to churches, it makes Devils feel tense to being in church territory given its holy origins.
Entering the building, we could see the moonlight beaming through the stained glass, barely lighting the room itself. Noticing we were the first to arrive here, we decided to sit in the church pews, waiting for the others to arrive. I can probably guess we were the first to arrive.
The church had long since been abandoned and was in a state of disrepair. With this being Devil's territory, I could understand why this place was never fixed up. The fewer places that worshipped God the better. That meant the Church had less of an influence in this place.
However, the church might've been beautiful once upon a time. What had it been like during its glory days?
"Hey, Enrique-sama," said Le Fay.
"Yeah?" I responded.
"Did you ever go to church?" she asked.
"When I was a kid, it was always every Sunday with my family," I admitted, resting my arms on the pew in front of me. It was true too. It was always a Sunday thing before we have dinner at a restaurant. But after I was in my mid-teens, it kinda changed on me. "What about you, Le Fay?"
"That would be Catholic! It has been our religion for a long time since our ancestor's era."
It makes sense. During King Arthur's time, Catholicism was a major religion.
"Hey, Kuroka. What about you? Religious-wise, I mean," I asked.
"Ah, back in Kyoto, it was Shinto."
"Shinto? Oh, you mean the connection between the present and the ancient past?" I recalled the lessons in class.
"That's right. It is also devoted to a multitude of spirits." She clarified.
Now that makes sense. Since the Yokai were spirits, it would also hold beliefs towards Shinto and also Buddhism.
"Oh, there you are." The three of us noticed the two exorcists we have been expecting.
"You three arrived early," Irina commented, earning a shrug from me.
"Meh, it's better than being late," I admitted. "Issei, Saji, and Koneko are not here yet?"
"Probably trying to sneak away unnoticed," Irina suggested.
No kidding. They ditched school yesterday and now doing a mission with the Exorcists to help Yuuto, all without Rias' permission and knowledge. I still wonder what did Issei mean by punishments from her? Were they that scared of the consequences from their respective Kings?
"While we wait for the others, how should we play this out for our search?" Irina asked.
"I think I can go with Issei, Yuuto, Saji, and Koneko. Enrique and Le Fay-chan can go with you and Xenovia-san." Kuroka suggested.
I had to agree with my girlfriend on the suggestion. Kuroka was a high-class Devil and held enough experience while I have my use of the Chalice armor to help. In other words, having a stronger and experienced member in each group would balance the odds if they encounter a stronger enemy, or an Undead since some of us have experience against them.
"Alright then." Xenovia accepted.
"I have been meaning to ask. What brought you to be an exorcist?" I asked her with curiosity.
"I was actually raised and trained under my guardian." She answered but shuddered at the mention.
"So, you were pretty much indoctrinated into the Church since you were a kid," I remarked.
It seemed a bit harsh and to let girls at such age to fight? This was starting to upset me.
"Um… Enrique, right?" Irina asked.
"Yeah."
"You mentioned about the title 'Kamen Rider'. We have spoken to the Church about the title and they have never heard of such people."
No surprise there. Kamen Riders were fictional superheroes in my universe. The closest thing they had in this universe was Kaben Rider Pinky and it starred a JAV actress.
"That is because Kamen Rider, or Masked Rider, are those who fight without anyone knowing who they really are. They gained their power from evil, or through mysterious circumstances, but instead of becoming monsters, they fight for justice. They sacrifice everything, even their own happiness, and humanity, to protect everyone and everything they hold dear. Sometimes, to fight monsters…" I look at my hand. "You have to become the very monsters you fight. Some of the Kamen Riders have become the monsters they fight or were already monsters."
Takumi Inui, Kamen Rider Faiz, was unknowingly the Wolf Orphnoch without realizing it. Eiji, Kamen Rider OOO, slowly turned into a Greeed. Kamen Rider Kiva, Wataru Kurenai, was part Fangire since his mother was the former Queen of Fangires. Nearly half of the Kamen Riders were or became monsters as they fight.
"Why would they let themselves commit such actions?" Xenovia frowned in disdain. "To sacrifice everything God has given them?"
I tilt my head to the glass. "It isn't easy as it seems. Sometimes fate has its ways for them. They run into it or it runs into them. You may think it is blasphemous to know of God's primordial creations but even gods hold secrets. Fate has its ways when it dragged me into the fight. To give up your humanity for selfish reasons, I agree, only the worst kind of people would do that. But to willingly surrender your humanity so that everyone can be safe, I think that even God would agree. After all, what is more, selfless than giving up everything you have for the sake of others?"
My statement brought silence into the occupied church.
"However." I smiled thinly. "Even when you lose everything you have in the beginning, there are others who are willing to stand by you." I look at Le Fay and Kuroka. "At first, I thought I would be on my own in this battle but instead, I found a purpose to fight for. An anchor to my morals and my standing in the society we live in. I found companions that keep me grounded and keep me human."
"I see…"
We heard the doors open, allowing us to notice the four Devils we know.
"Ah, there you guys are." I noticed. "We thought you wouldn't show up."
"It wasn't easy…" Issei mumbled with annoyance. Especially the conversation earlier in his class when one of his classmates tried to corrupt Asia! Even violating him and his pals by looking at his crotch with those glasses!
"Did something happen?"
"I… rather not talk about it." I notice him shudder.
I wonder what happened to him in the school? If it was something perverted, I would kick his ass, again.
"Issei… I didn't expect you to know such a beautiful woman!" Saji exclaimed when he finally noticed Kuroka.
"Watch it, pal. That's my girlfriend you are talking about." I growled defensively. "Keep your eyes somewhere else or I will do it myself, personally."
Saji squeaked and nodded frantically.
Xenovia coughed lightly to attract our attention. Seeing her, she now had folded disguises for all of us. "You all should wear these given we are in church territory. It will help us draw out the assailants."
"Priest robes?" I asked. "So if we wear these, it will draw one of them out?"
"Knowing what they have done, yes."
"Alright then." We put on the disguises as the men (myself, Saji, Yuuto, and Issei) wore the hats that were included. Hopefully, this plan will work once we split into the assigned groups.
The group split into two teams to allow themselves to follow the plan and find the targets the exorcists have to locate.
"Um, Kuroka-senpai. You think it is a good idea to let Enrique-senpai work with Xenovia and Irina?" Issei asked. "I mean… since he is part Undead and all."
"It will be fine. Enrique has been getting better at controlling his emotions since yesterday." She assured.
She can understand his concern. With the tension the exorcists yesterday, even she thought he was ready to lash out but did not. While learning what God did was blasphemous to them, they had to face the reality about the Undead.
Humanity, even those who look human, are now facing extinction in the Battle Royale. Winner of the representing species becomes the dominant one of the world, and in the process remove the current dominant race.
"... Can he really win the war, nee-san?" Shirone asked.
Kuroka became silent. She had no clue to what will happen in the end. Her lover has sealed nearly half of the Undead but it was a battle between him and the Undead. Originally, they were created to fight each other, but now they were mostly focused on killing human and human-like beings to avenge their loss to the Human Undead. The Undead were truly cruel and spiteful. Driven by vengeance and lashing out towards the descendants of the Human Undead.
It made her wonder… if he becomes a full blood Undead, what kind of Undead will he become? Will he turn into the next Human Undead or… the Joker Undead. She grimaced at such possibility of the latter. Being the bringer of extinction was something he fears of becoming. She hopes that it wouldn't lead to that. Or losing his happiness.
Her nekoshou ears twitch, sensing holy power and crazed bloodlust. She recognizes that. "We got company." She said to them before they see a looming shadow in the air.
Avoiding the sword, they saw one of the stray exorcists they have been looking, Freed Sellzen. Seeing as how it was pointless for them to keep wearing the priestly robes, they remove them, revealing their uniforms or in Kuroka's case, her immodest kimono.
While she is very experienced with her abilities and combat and formerly seen as an SS-Class Stray, she can't be overconfident of her skills. One mistake and she could get herself or the others killed. "Let's be careful here!" She said to her friends as Kiba narrowly avoids Freed's strike and attempting to parry it.
His swordsmanship improved due to his teachings from Beetle Undead. One of the first beings to ever wield a sword, the Undead was a harsh taskmaster. However, through his tough teaching, Kiba was able to learn a few new tricks. As a Knight, his speed was his strong point, but he also lacked defensive stats like a Rook. A glass cannon, that was what he was; strong and fast but fragile.
"Hello, shitty devils!" Freed greeted with an enthusiastic and maniacal smile. "Do you know, my new sword is thirsty! Can you feed it your blood?"
The Devil Nekoshou scowled at the man. Her lover was right on one thing about Freed. He is as worse as the Undead. A man who kills and fights.
That she won't accept. When Kiba dodged the next attack and retaliate with his own set of attacks, Koneko took the opportunity to grab Issei, hoisting him up.
"Oi! Oi! Koneko-chan, what are you doing?!" Issei exclaimed.
Kuroka had a good guess to what her little sister was about to do.
"Go help Kiba-senpai."
Issei immediately began to panic when he realized what Koneko planned to do. "Koneko-chan! Wait, wait, wait, wait, WAIT, WAAAAIIIITTTT!"
His plea was ignored when Koneko immediately threw Issei towards Yuuto.
The pervert activated his Sacred Gear as he was nearing Kiba.
[BOOST X4!]
"Kiba!" Issei called, earning the Knight's attention as the Pawn plants his palm to his back at the last second when he flies past the blonde.
[TRANSFER!]
Feeling his power increase, Kiba immediately launches himself towards Freed, grateful for Issei providing assistance in the fight. With Freed distracted, this gave the buxom Nekoshou the opportunity to attack, the magic seals appearing behind her. Casting a few orbs of flames, Kuroka launched them towards Freed with open opportunity. However, the man proved to be more careful and evasive than he looked as he narrowly evaded them and parries Kiba's swift strike. With the two fighting, it won't provide a precise attack for her or the Knight. Kuroka hissed in irritation until she turns her focus to Sitri's Pawn. "Saji, right?"
"Y-Yeah?"
"Do you have anything useful to keep Freed at bay?"
The Pawn of the Sitri Peerage blinked before a smug grin was present. "I know just the type!" Moving his left arm to the right, he called, "Line!" Violet energy surges around Saji's wrist and hand before it manifested a unique accessory that was black with dark gold lining around the crests it holds. Embedded as eyes were a pair of dark purple gems. This was his Sacred Gear. "Go, Line!" He thrusts his arm, allowing the Sacred Gear to release a glowing blue rope, catching the crazed exorcist by the ankle.
"Guh!" Freed landed on his face before looking back, seeing the Sacred Gear's line ensnared. Using the Holy Sword, he attempts to cut it off to free himself but each attempt was null. "This Sacred Gear is a dragon-type!?"
"EH!?" Issei looks at Saji. "Yours is a dragon too!?"
"You got that right!" Saji replied with pride.
"Kiba, now!" Kuroka allowed.
Kiba nodded, focusing on his Sacred Gear. "Unleash, Sword Birth!" A red seal appears above the bishonen before slamming the blade into the stone, clusters of swords erupting and heading towards Freed. The predicament infuriated the man, causing him to defend himself to avoid himself from being ended by a devil brat. Each swings destroying the swords of Sword Birth.
"Hmmm. "Sword Birth" huh? It's a Sacred Gear that can have an infinite number of powers depending on the possessor."
Then there was the voice of another person, earning their undivided attention. When they looked at the direction of the voice, there was an old man wearing priest clothes standing there.
"…Is it you, old-man Valper?"
Everyone became shocked at Freed's word. The one who disposed of Kiba and his comrades during the "Holy Sword Project". Just like the Excaliburs.
"…Valper Galilei!" Kiba glared at the old man with eyes full of hatred.
"I certainly am." The old man admitted it normally. "Freed. What are you doing?"
"Old-man! I can't run away because of this guy's weird lizard tongue!"
"Hmph. You still can't use the holy-sword perfectly yet. Use the "element" I gave you more wisely. I'm researching because of that. Gather the holy element that is running throughout your body to the blade of the holy-sword. With that, you should be able to cut it."
"Yeah, yeah!" Freed's holy-sword had started to gather auras and started to glow.
"Like this! Horyah!" Saji's Sacred Gear was cut with ease, and the only thing that was holding Freed was gone. "I will be escaping now! The next time we meet will be the time of our ultimat–!"
"Hey, Asshole!" Freed turn around but was given a hard punch to his face, knocking out a few of his teeth. Looking at the one responsible, he saw an armored mantis he recognizes greatly.
I felt satisfied with punching the psycho priest in the face. And now, he now also has to deal with myself, Irina, and Xenovia.
"You!" Freed recognized in anger. "The Shitty Devil lover!"
I cracked my knuckles as the blades of the Chalice Arrow was ready. "Ready to have your ass kicked a third time?"
"So that is the person you mentioned, Freed." The priest, no doubt being Valper Galilei. "That armor, is it a Sacred Gear?"
I didn't dignify him with a response, but from what I could tell, Kiba hated him.
"Hey, you're the guy who was responsible for killing Kiba's friends, right?"
This guy, he experimented on innocent children and when they died he just treated them like trash.
Unforgivable!
It was unforgivable!
Adam and Chalice agreed with me too.
Adam, while calm as he seemed, I can sense the hidden anger under his calm visage. Chalice, on the other hand, looked like he wants to fight and kill both Freed and Valper. That includes ripping them apart.
"Oh, so he told you, didn't he? Well, they were all worthless in the end. All they did was help further my research a bit but they clearly were not good enough to be Holy Sword wielders," Valper casually boasted.
Kiba growled through gritted teeth and he was about to move but I was faster as I fired my Chalice Arrow at the immoral priest.
To no surprise, Freed reacted by stopping the attack much to my ire. This guy is becoming an annoyance.
I have to stop him for good this time.
I immediately charged towards Freed, the man blocking my attacks before I pushed through with my Undead strength. With a growl, the crazed exorcist swings the sword towards my legs but I failed to realize it was a feint as it strikes my chest, pushing me back. Now he was finally putting up a fight than last time.
Planting my feet on the ground, I blocked his next attack before slamming my head against his. The impact sent him reeling, clutching his now bleeding forehead.
"You piece of shit!"
I grinned under my helmet. "Still sore about losing your arm?" I mocked the former exorcist. "Guess it takes two limbs to make sure you have your ends meet."
The man's pale skin burned red with anger, his teeth gnashing against each other, a growl heard in his voice.
"I don't care if you are unkillable as you said! I'll kill you again and again until I'm satisfied!" He shouted in fury.
"Then go ahead and try." I taunted, making him lose to his anger. After all, he will have more openings when his anger was set on me after our previous endeavors. I mean, I did anger him for his arm and preventing him from killing so it made sense he hates me.
Sure enough, he charged at me once more to which I defended his attacks. His slashes looked more like frantic wild swings which make me easier to block. Twisted the sword, he prepares an upward slash, causing me to move back but the man slams his boot against my chest immediately and shoves me to the wall. The crazed killer horizontally flings the sword, an attempt to behead me but I quickly scan a Rouze Card across the Rouzer on the Chalice Arrow.
METAL
The collision unleashed an audible cling, the blade only hitting my now metal body.
"Damn you!" The priest tried to slash me again only to receive the same result, making me hit him in the stomach before kicking him away from me.
"Keep beating him up, Gaki. I want to see him battered on the ground!"
I didn't know what was going on but it was actually feeling exciting. This punk was giving a good fight!
"Gotta do better, Freed!" I taunted. "You wanted to fight me? Then have at it you pathetic excuse of a man!"
"TEME!"
With one last charge, Freed lunges with the now glowing sword. I run towards him before moving my body slightly and used my ability and slam my knee against his stomach, earning a harsh cough. With a need to regain air, I merely plant my fist swiftly upward, sending him up into the arch above, cracking it slightly before falling onto the ground.
I could feel the stares but I ignored it and look down at Freed with the blades of the Chalice Arrow unfolding. A grin spreads, looking at the exorcist, the blades ready to end it.
"End it! End it!" Chalice encouraged in my mind, happy about finally seeing a kill for once. "Your win, your kill!"
"I wouldn't be sure of that…" Adam spoke.
"Why? This annoying rat of an exorcist is going to die a death by my skin!?"
"Adam?"
The Human Undead sighed. "Look what is in his hand…."
I slowly see Freed's hand and noticed what was in the palm of his hand.
You gotta be kidding. He has a damn flashbang, for the third time.
"Are you fuckin' kidding me?!" I swore.
A flash of light erupted, blinding all of us before the light was diminished. We all noticed Freed and Valper were no longer around much to my chagrin.
"Damn it, they got away…!" I clicked my tongue in annoyance, rubbing my armored arm. Freed sure put up a good fight than last time.
It actually felt… thrilling.
The Undead blood in my body reacted to it… I don't know if I should be glad or worried. However, that stupid priest used a flash bomb, again! Next time I see that guy I am so gonna make sure he doesn't do it again! It was pissing me off! For now, we should—Hold on…
"Guys… where is Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina?" I asked.
"Eh?!" Issei looks around. "Where did they go?!"
"They must have gone after Freed and Valper to wherever they went." Kuroka realized. Seems they were the first to recover from the flash of light and went after them.
"We gotta go after them!"
"Fine, let's—" I stopped when I noticed something.
"Senpai? What's wrong?" I grabbed Issei and made him look back, earning a horrified look on his face. "Oh, crap…"
We noticed Rias Gremory even Sona Sitri. They held disappointing frowns aimed towards Issei, Shirone, and even Saji.
Well… that was unexpecting.
They were glaring at their Peerage members, more so towards Rias' own Peerage. Yup, looks like they found out and I am sure they are gonna get punished.
To be continued...
A/N: Finally! Part two of the Excalibur arc is done! And now, things are about to get intense knowing what has been going on. What will happen next? We just have to find out now won't we? Anyways, again, I do apologize for the late uploads and my next update will involve my story A Wizard's Fate. So look forward to that. Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Stay in the shadows everyone!