Author's Note: Xekuto's exorcism technique is taken from an excerpt of Blue Exorcist and altered.

It's about time he got to show off his true ability. ^^

Chapter XXXVII – A Moment of Peace

The gunshot wasn't even audible.

Mia opened her eyes a fraction, bracing for the horrible scene that she thought she would see.

But to her utter surprise.

Diego had shot the bullet.

Yet… he was facing away from Xekuto.

And it was pointed behind her.

Diego was panting heavily, an arm bent in that direction.

And Xekuto was no longer pinned down, but supported by his arms and facing the same way.

"Ahh…"

Mia jerked up and turned to where they were staring at.

And saw Shinume kneeling to the ground.

A bullet wound in her shoulder.

"Hehehe…haha…you're clever." She gasped and clutched at the wound. Clear blood was spilling forth and down her black dress.

She continued to laugh weakly and began to fade from view.

"Guess I need to take a break… this is getting very interesting. I am very intrigued by what should happen next."

And then she disappeared.

Pearl Fey gasped suddenly, a tremor from her magatama had made her jump. Her shaking hands finally fell out of the prayer, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Somehow… she just knew.

For now, all was well.

"Stand still, Diego."

"What…are you going to do?"

"Don't worry… it won't hurt." Xekuto was standing over his shivering, bent figure. "I'm simply going to remove what Shinume put into you."

"O-okay." The senior attorney croaked and managed to force his mind to trust the man he had nearly shot a few heartbeats ago.

The gun in question had faded from existence the moment Shinume was faded away.

Mia watched in awe as Xekuto raised a thumb above Diego's forehead, and placed the other one over his heart.

He then began to say in a very low voice.

"Then thou were taken and tempted by the devils.

Mischief is in their hearts,

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors,

Smite them and let them not rise again.

Blessed be the Lord.

The Lord is my strength, and my shield.

Thou devilish spirit that dwells within…"

His eyes suddenly glinted a very pale jade and the hand he had raised was brought forth onto just in between Diego's eyes.

"…shall perish!"

A small tremor was felt throughout the entire ward and Diego felt something be lifted up from inside him.

He sagged slightly and stopped his fall with shaking hands.

Mia also fell to her knees. This was the first time she had seen her childhood friend apply exorcism.

Xekuto's eyes returned to their normal colour, and he sat back onto the bed.

"You're alright now." He managed and turned away from the pair of them as Diego slowly got up, seemingly rid of some terrible burden.

"You've been cleansed. It's over."