SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 23 out, this is Chapter 24 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review other than just simply putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot and pairing.

Chapter 24: True Cross Academy Festival – The Following Night

"Everyone!" Yukio called, dashing to the meeting spot. "Shura, Shima and nii-san are still not here?"

"No," Suguro replied. "Those guys probably didn't listen to the instructions properly."

"Nii-san?" Yukio blinked when he saw Rin speed past.

"Izumo!" Rin shouted, arriving on the scene with the others in tow.

"Angel, you bald-head!" Shura snapped, jumping in, sword in hand. "You're late. I need backup now!"

"Don't worry." Angel assured as his subordinate proceeded to open the portal. "30 more seconds and I'll be in Japan. Once I, the Paladin, am there, there is nothing to dear."

"This is..." Shura gaped when a bright light shone on the group. "It can't be..."

"Seraphim..." Lightning breathed. "Kin of the King of Light."

"Shima!" Rin yelled. "Who are they?"

"Are they allies?" Miwa wondered.

"He should appear soon." the Female Illuminati Member informed.

"Wha..." Rin winced when an even bright light flooded the area. "Mephisto!" he gaped when the Time Demon King poofed before them.

"Pleased to meet you, everyone." Lucifer greeted. "Please forgive my rudeness for delivering my message in this forceful manner."

"Don't tell me this is the big event they've been preparing for." Ami hissed, her hand on her blade.

"I am the leader of the Illuminati Organization, the King of Light, Lucifer." Lucifer introduced himself.

"Older brother," Mephisto bowed. "I haven't seen you in a long time. The mask looks good on you."

"Samuel..." Lucifer droned. "As I can see it, you're as lively as ever."

"We had fun doing it, thanks to you." Mephisto admitted. "But at a time like this, what kind of business do you have in this remote area?"

"As the first stage, we, the Illuminati, have declared war on the True Cross Knights. In one year, from this day onward, we will revive Father, the God of Demons, Satan. And then, we will unify the divided Assiah and Gehenna. We will return to the original state where light and darkness were born. Bu doing so, all will be equal and free from affliction. The world will truly become peaceful. We, the Illuminati, do not forgive those who deny this goal. However, we always open the door to those who listen. Samuel, this is the last time I'll be asking you as your brother. Come with me."

"That's impossible." Mephisto hissed. "To be born on top of many corpses, while longing for the heavens, and creep about a life in shame, I think peace is surely the disorder where different things exist together."

"Why is it that we must maintain this state of existence while shouldering such responsibilities and pain?" Lucifer wondered. "In this world, there aren't only beings as powerful as you. There are many weak beings as well."

"Our views still differ, I see." Mephisto shrugged.

"It seems so." Lucifer agreed. "You should give it some thought as well. Let's do our best to not go easy on each other. That's right, I'll be taking this girl." he nodded to Izumo. "We need her for our plan. Well then, if you'll excuse me..." he turned to leave, but was stuck by a coughing fit.

"Commander!" the Female Illuminati Member rushed over. "Bring the doctor. And you come as well, Shima."

"Wait!" Rin shouted. "What do you plan to do with Izumo and Shima? Hey, Mephisto, do you intend to keep quiet and watch?"

"There is nothing I can do against the King of Light." Mephisto defended. "Although he's weakened, this person is actually Gehanna's most influential person. Even you sense it, right?"

"Then, I'll stop it!" Rin snapped and charged forward.

"Go." the Female Illuminati Member instructed.

"Second Release." Ami intoned, beating Rin to Shima.

"Himura-sama," Shima voiced, blocking the six-winged Arc Knight's solidified light sword with his K'rik. "From now on, you'll need to be prepared to kill humans if you want to win. We, the Illuminati, are gathering people."

"Who says I'm not?" Ami remarked coolly. "Mark my words, Shima." she parried the pink-head off. "I will bring your master to his knees for what he did to my father, even if it means killing every single one of the Illuminati." her eyes hardened. "Including you."

"What joke is that, Shima?" Suguro muttered. "Come back here!"

"Everyone, thank you for trusting me until now." Shima smiled. "But in the end, this is as far as it got. Well then, farewell."

"What is this lame farewell line?" Suguro snapped. "You think I'll accept this, Shima? Renzou!" he roared when Shima boarded the helicopter.

"No way..." Miwa gaped as the helicopter flew off.

"Well, he said that it's a declaration of war., so this is not the end." Mephisto remarked. "Hm, looks like Himura-chan's reinforced barrier seals held up." he mused, giving the young Arc Knight an impressed look. "But I have a feeling the other branches around the world are in a state of chaos with their barriers taken down. "You added something extra to our barrier seals, didn't you, Himura-chan?"

"I knew getting advanced sealing tutelage under grandfather was a good idea." Ami beamed.

"Ah, I knew I recognized some of Raphael's handiwork." Mephisto chuckled. "Okumura Yukio, Middle First Class Exorcist." he turned to Yukio. "Right now, I order you to lead the Esquires gathered here to rescue Kamiki Izumo."

"Only me and the Esquires?" Yukio echoed.

"Of course, I'll send reinforcements as soon as I'm finished here." Mephisto assured. "Also, Takara Nemu will go with you."

"What's with him?" Suguro wondered.

"He's an Exorcist that I hired from a third party." Mephisto explained. "To act as a 'moderator' for you and the cram school students. He has the abilities of an Upper First Class Exorcist, so rest assured. He also knows where you must go."

"What about Shima?" Suguro asked.

"I lack information about Shima." Mephisto admitted. "I can't explain why he did this. However, at the moment, as unfortunate as it may be, we must accept that he was the Illuminati spy."

"Shut up!" Rin glared, gripping onto Mephisto's coat. "Shut your mouth, you clown. It hasn't been decided yet. Izumo, as well as Shima, we'll definitely bring them back."

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.