Throughout Sasuke's battle with Kokabiel, Kiba watched from safety as the two tore apart the landscape and shaped the elements. He held on to his sword, ready to help Sasuke the moment he fell into danger, but he knew in his heart that there was no need to worry about Sasuke.

In the end, he was proven right.

The moment Kokabiel collapsed, a massive golden glyph rose high into the air, hovering in place before winking out of existence. It wouldn't be taking Kuoh Academy with it, because Sasuke hadn't merely defeated Kokabiel, he grabbed Kokabiel's head and ripped out a ghostly apparition as purple as the spectral armour he'd worn.

"Is that Kokabiel's soul?" Rias muttered. "It can't be..."

Kiba couldn't be certain, but Sasuke had put a hand – his only hand, shedding the purple arm he used to impale Kokabiel's chest – to his head, face pinched from a migraine. He flew to Sasuke's side immediately and stood next to him. A glazed look had taken over his features, complete with glassy eyes. He breathed in and blinked rapidly, coming to his senses a few moments later.

"How are you doing?" Kiba asked.

Sasuke's face smoothed out. His right eye was black, but his left eye was still gray, having changed with six extra markings. Were they the source of his otherworldly powers? They had to be, as Kiba could sense energy swirling within it.

"Fine. Just taking in everything."

"Take your time."

After everything Sasuke did, he was more than welcome to take care of himself. Even if Kiba hadn't seen the fight unfold with his own eyes, he still would have believed that Sasuke was capable of defeating Kokabiel.

Kiba had clashed against Kokabiel and quickly realized that Kokabiel easily outclassed him, but not once did he assume that he couldn't be beaten, and it was all because he had fought Sasuke and witnessed his overwhelming strength first-hand. If they combined their powers, Kokabiel wouldn't have stood a chance.

And yet... Kiba's eyes trailed to Sasuke's loose sleeve. He suspected that Sasuke had a disability, but not something so severe. Not only had Sasuke had won on his own, he'd won with a literal handicap.

"Did you ever think that you'd lose?" Kiba asked.

Sasuke stood still for a second, before shaking his head. "No. Kokabiel is one of the strongest opponents I've ever faced, but there wasn't a single second where I thought I couldn't win."

"I thought so. You did extremely well against Kokabiel."

Sasuke nodded in acknowledgment, taking in another breath to settle himself. His face was slightly pinched, from what must have been mental strain.

"Sasuke!" Issei shouted. He had caught up to them, a broad smile on his face. "Way to go, man!"

A slight smirk grew on Sasuke's face. Issei glanced at Sasuke's severed left arm, but other than a slight flinch, he wasn't surprised to see it. In fact, it was almost like his own suspicions had been confirmed.

"When did that happen?"

Sasuke's smirk grew wistful. "When I fought my friend."

Issei blinked, uncertain. "Which one? That girl friend you told me about?"

"No, not her. I'm talking about the friend that you reminded me of. We got into a fight, and by the end, we both lost an arm."

Issei winced. "Must have been some fight."

"It was."

Kiba had to agree. Certainly, Sasuke's friend was impressive, and not just in terms of power, as he played a pivotal role in convincing Sasuke to turn over a new leaf. It also spoke to the depths Sasuke sunk to on his lonely quest for vengeance, if permanent dismemberment was the cost Sasuke had to pay in order to find a new path.

"If you could survive losing an arm, then beating Kokabiel must have been a cinch," Issei said. He clenched his left hand, still the red of the Boosted Gear. "Seriously, though, I thought about helping you, just in case you needed me to boost your power or something... but I knew you could handle things on your own, and you didn't just handle yourself, you won." He smiled, and thrust his gauntlet hand out. "Great job."

Sasuke chuckled. "I wouldn't have needed to get a feel for Kokabiel's power with your help. Still, you've done a lot already. Knowing you'd help me is more than enough."

Kiba stared at his sword, then back at Issei and Sasuke. "You're never alone so long as you have people you trust on your side, ready to support you whenever you need them."

Issei grinned. "You got that right."

Sasuke smiled. "You've come a long way, Kiba."

He had, and now, his quest had come to a satisfying end... for the time being, at least. At that moment, he heard wings flapping and looked up, seeing the crystal barrier begin to disappear, transforming the crimson sky back to black.

A couple of moments later, Rias and Akeno landed next to them.

"Where did you guys go?" Issei asked.

Rias smiled. "I had a quick talk with Sona. Now that the fight's over, we have to deal with the fallout." She immediately faced Sasuke, all traces of her smile wiped away. "What exactly did you do to Kokabiel at the end there, Sasuke?"

Sasuke frowned. "Kokabiel had information I wanted. I have a technique that lets me take a person's memories from them."

"By taking their soul?"

"Yes."

Kiba sucked in a deep breath, watching the colour slip out of Issei's face. Akeno gulped audibly, while Rias hung onto her composure, though only just. He was struck with the memory of Sasuke in the rain, telling Kiba that he had ways of making Freed Sellzen talk. Was this what he was alluding to?

"I see," Rias said. She straightened herself out. "I'd advise you to keep that technique of yours a secret. We devils can interact with souls and even resurrect them, but there are very, very few beings capable of taking a soul by force, and for good reason."

"Understood."

Being able to seize souls was yet another reason why Sasuke was so dangerous, but in the end, it wasn't a reason for Kiba to believe that Sasuke was a danger to them, not after everything he'd done for him.

"You're really something else, you know that?" Issei said, a slight edge of sharp humour lacing his words. "No wonder you thought you could've done more."

Rias smiled, gracefully. "I have to agree. You were right to believe that you could defeat Kokabiel. Thanks to you, the only thing we have to worry about is convincing Azazel to defend us from any of Kokabiel's allies after he recovers."

Or rather, if he recovered at all.

Sasuke shook his head. "There won't be any need for that. We can speak to Shemhazai: he's a high-class fallen angel who's in league with Azazel. Informing him of Kokabiel's actions should serve as sufficient deterrent among those who sympathize with Kokabiel's views."

"Making the most of those memories, aren't you?" Akeno said.

"Of course."

"How many of them did you take?" Issei asked.

"As many as I needed." Sasuke grimaced. "There's a lot more memories than I ever expected to deal with."

Kiba tried to imagine it. He quickly realized that all of his struggles and the trauma he'd suffered, everything that developed him into the person he was barely would have registered as a blip on Kokabiel's brain, compared to the countless memories he'd cultivated over dozens of millennia.

It was a humbling, sobering thought.

If Sasuke had taken them all in, it spoke to the strength of his mental fortitude that he hadn't collapsed from the weight of Kokabiel's exhaustively long life. Although, it almost seemed like talking and reminiscing about his past was helping Sasuke process those memories he'd taken.

"It's certainly a unique way to learn," Akeno said.

Sasuke grunted. "I suppose."

Perhaps, in time, he'd only be left with the memories he needed.

"What now?" Issei asked.

That was a rather good question, for Kiba wasn't sure of his future. At the moment, there was one thing he was aching to do.

"We should check on Marietta and her father, and give them some good news," Kiba said.

Now that Kokabiel was dead, letting his victims know that they had been avenged would be rather cathartic. That was, of course, if they survived.

He hoped they wouldn't be too late.

Kiba found Marietta and Sariel side-by-side, eerily still. He'd seen how Kokabiel had wounded Sariel, but he'd only heard of what happened to his daughter. If he hadn't, he would have assumed she was fast asleep.

Asia was next to Koneko, on her feet instead of healing them with her Sacred Gear, while Sasuke's clone had already disappeared at the original's behest. Surprisingly, he saw Sona Sitri alongside Tsubaki and Genshirou Saji, standing close to the fallen angels.

He made eye contact with Tsubaki and held his gaze, before smiling at her. She returned it, but only briefly. A dour mood hung in the atmosphere, clearly visible in Saji's stricken look and Sona's narrowed stare.

"Good of you to join us," Sona said.

"Did you guys beat Kokabiel?" Koneko asked, ever calm.

"Sasuke did," Issei said.

Koneko blinked, head swivelling towards Sasuke. She appraised him, before nodding to herself. "Good."

Asia looked at Sasuke as well, but she immediately returned to staring at her hands. The funk she was in didn't sit well with Kiba, not one bit.

"How are they?" Rias asked.

Asia frowned. She was about to open her mouth, but Sona raised a hand. "Let me, Asia."

"Okay," Asia whispered. Koneko clasped Asia's shoulder, whispering something that lightened the heavy, guilt-ridden look that enveloped Asia entirely.

"The good news is that neither of them suffered for long," Sona said. "The bad news is that their injuries were more severe than we expected. Asia did everything she could to heal them both. Unfortunately, her Sacred Gear wasn't strong enough to reverse the damage they sustained."

"None of their injuries were normal," Sasuke said. "The most I could do was alleviate their pain."

"That's right: they weren't. Both of them had vital organs destroyed by damage sustained from a Holy Sword. Holy Swords aren't merely harmful to devils, but to fallen angels as well. However, your efforts weren't in vain, Sasuke. You and Asia bought Marietta some time."

"Marietta appears to be half-human, which should have dampened the effects the Holy Sword had on her," Tsubaki said. "As it stands, there's a chance she'll make it out alive, though it's very slim."

"What about her father?" Kiba asked.

A dark frown crossed Sona's face. "He won't make it."

Kiba frowned. How... disappointing.

"Can't you take them to your medical facility?" Issei asked.

"We can, but that won't guarantee his chances of surviving."

"Could we resurrect them, before they pass on?" Rias asked.

"They'd have to consent if we want to avoid any problems," Sona said.

Sasuke frowned. "Sariel won't; he's too proud of his identity as a fallen angel. I can't say the same for Marietta."

Rias frowned. "How unfortunate."

Sona glanced at Rias, who nodded in affirmation. "If Sasuke is correct, then our best course of action is to take Marietta and do our best."

"What about Sariel?" Akeno asked. "Will we leave him to die?"

"No, we'll figure out a plan. Tsubaki – "

Kiba felt the heavens split apart and saw the night sky turn gold, flashing brighter than the sun. A single being descended from the schism, clad in a red robe topped off by golden armour, emblazoned by the regalia of the Church. Twelve resplendent golden wings spread outwards from the being's back.

The holy aura the being exuded merely with its presence was almost suffocating. There was no doubt in Kiba's mind that the being was a truly powerful angel, and acknowledging that fact was enough to set his heart on fire.

He wasn't the only one who withered from the angel's appearance. Asia, in particular, was caught between pure joy and utter terror. Only Sasuke wasn't afraid, but even then, he was wary, hand resting over the hilt of his chokuto.

When the angel's feet touched the ground, the schism closed and he smiled at them. He was not as tall as Kokabiel, but he still stood above them all.

"Fear not," he said, in a melodious voice. The angel had long, golden hair finer than silk and kind green eyes, but it was the certainty behind his words that put Kiba at ease. Slowly, he began to relax.

"You're Michael," Sasuke said. "The leader of the angels."

Michael faced Sasuke, examining him with a single, searching look. "Yes, I am, young wanderer. I arrived here to answer a prayer made by one of our most devout believers."

Issei's eyes widened. "You mean Irina?"

"Yes. She was deeply concerned about the threat Kokabiel posed. After he attacked Azazel, I considered intervening personally, and would have if my appearance would not have accelerated his plans. In that light, I extend my congratulations to you all for how you handled him tonight."

"Thank you, Lord Michael," Rias said.

"You are welcome."

Kiba couldn't blame Rias for deferring to Michael's authority, yet that didn't imply that she was cowed. Neither was he.

"If I may impose, is there another reason for your arrival here?" Sona asked.

Michael looked at Marietta and Sariel. "It appears that you are in a conundrum, regarding Sariel's condition. I offer a reprieve: in your stead, I shall take responsibility for Sariel."

"Why?" Kiba asked. He was surprised that he spoke up, and considered holding his tongue. Then, he threw caution to the wind. "Isn't he's your enemy?"

"He was. However, that was long ago, and he has since fought valiantly to overcome the vice that caused him to fall so low. I believe such determination must be rewarded."

"He'll still die," Sasuke said.

Michael's smile grew mournful. "He may. Yet his soul shall not cease to exist."

"We'll leave it to you, then," Rias said.

Sona nodded. "Tsubaki, prepare a portal. Saji, you'll take care of Marietta's body."

"You got this, Saji," Issei said.

Saji smiled. "Of course, Hyoudou. Who do you take me for?"

Gently, he scooped up Marietta in his arms, while Tsubaki conjured a white summoning circle. Once it was prepared, they stepped inside, Sona being the last to enter.

"Don't worry about the damage to the school," Sona said. "We'll take care of it."

"Are you sure about that?" Rias asked.

"I am. Thanks to you, another war won't break out. Now, it's time for us do our share."

Rias smiled. "Do us proud, Sona."

She smiled, as well. "I will."

In a flash of light, Sona and her peerage members disappeared. Kiba wasn't sure about Marietta's chances of survival, but he wanted her to pull through. She'd proven to him that a fallen angel who'd been raised as one didn't have to be completely awful.

As for her father, Michael levitated his body, surrounding him in golden light that froze him in suspended animation.

"If there is nothing else you would like to say, then allow me to take my leave," Michael said.

"Wait," Issei said, stepping forward. His mouth was pulled into a frown. "Can you tell me why Asia was banished? She's the most faithful person I've ever met, she wouldn't ever hurt a fly, and she's an incredible person, too. It doesn't make any sense that you'd kick her out, even if she healed a devil."

Michael faced Issei, but while he wavered at first, he stood his ground. "There were circumstances that I had to consider regarding the effect that Asia Argento's choice would have on the Church and its followers, should it have come to light. It would shake the beliefs of many, and sow discord and dissent that could easily be avoided."

"So Asia has to suffer just because other people won't understand what she did? That isn't right!"

"I am aware of that."

The archangel turned his attention to Asia, who was still transfixed, utterly silent. "I must say that I am pleased to meet you, Asia Argento."

Asia swallowed audibly. "I'm happy to meet you, too, Lord Michael."

"Do you regret your choice to heal that devil, knowing where it has led you?"

She didn't speak, and Kiba was afraid that she'd lost her nerve. But then, she stared right at Michael. "No, I don't."

"And are you content with where you are?"

"I am."

Michael smiled. "Very well."

Before Michael could pass his judgment, Kiba heard footsteps shuffling towards them. They belonged to Irina, who was ambling about, still tender from injury. Walking next to her was Xenovia, treading carefully. Both of them were dressed in their white robes, preserving their modesty.

"Irina! Xenovia!" Issei said. "It's good to see you guys!"

Irina waved. "You too, Issei!"

Xenovia smiled. "We couldn't stay in bed after hearing and seeing all the commotion outside."

It was rather nice to see them awake and on the road to recovery. Just before they could join them, they saw Michael. Both of them immediately froze on the spot.

"Lord Michael," Xenovia said.

"Is it really you?" Irina asked.

"Yes," Michael said. "May you do me a favour?"

Xenovia breathed in. "Anything."

"You have met Asia Argento, have you not? What is your opinion of her?"

Irina and Xenovia frowned, glancing at Asia before looking away. Both of them were deep in thought, brows furrowed.

"She's a good person, Lord Michael," Irina said. "She kept her faith in our God even though it wouldn't be unreasonable if she lost it completely. And she healed us both after we fought Kokabiel."

Xenovia nodded in agreement. "She also decided to heal me after I had fallen in battle, in spite of the fact that I offered to execute her. She was merciful to us when we did not deserve any of her kindness, and for that, I owe her my eternal gratitude."

"Thank you," Michael said. Once more, he faced Asia, whose green eyes – so much like Michael's – were starting to fill with tears. "I cannot fault you for healing a devil, Asia Argento, for your intent was pure, solely devoted to using your gift for good. It is a tragedy that you have suffered for circumstances outside your reckoning, yet I am pleased that you have not wavered in your faith or your deeds."

Michael smiled, warm as the dawn. "May all of our faithful one day possess your courage and your devotion to our Lord."

Asia wiped her face. "Amen." She said it automatically, and for her troubles, she winced and held her head from a jolt of searing pain.

"Isn't there a way for Asia to pray without getting hurt?" Issei asked.

Michael nodded. "There is. With your permission, Asia, I shall grant you reprieve from the pain brought upon you by invoking our Lord's Holy Name."

"Please," Asia said.

Asia glowed for a moment, then let go of her skull. She muttered a prayer underneath her breath, and waited, waiting for pain that never came. Then, she beamed, brighter than he'd ever seen her smile before.

"Thank you, Lord Michael," she said. "Thank you so much!"

Michael smiled. "It is the least that I could do."

Kiba felt himself smile, almost instinctively. "Good for you, Asia."

He wasn't the only one to congratulate Asia: Koneko smiled at her and squeezed her shoulder, Rias and Akeno showered her with praise, Irina and Xenovia expressed their support, even Sasuke shot Asia a warm smile.

As for Issei, he gave her a thumbs-up.

"Enjoy it, Asia," he said. "You deserve this."

In response, Asia almost leaped into Issei's arms, hugging him fiercely. It made a steady warmth bloom in Kiba's chest. He'd been too consumed by rage and thoughts of vengeance to keep his faith in God intact, and he'd held no desire to even try for the longest time... but that didn't mean that he couldn't be happy at seeing Asia being vindicated and rewarded for her piety.

"Irina Shidou, Xenovia Quarta, allow me to commend you two for your service," Michael said, facing the two exorcists.

Irina's mouth hung open, before she slammed it shut. "We only did what we were asked to do."

"And nothing more," Xenovia said. "We suffered a horrific defeat against Kokabiel, which led to the destruction of our Excaliburs."

"We dealt with devils, too," Irina said. "We could have done so much better."

Michael raised a hand, smiling gently. "You could have, yes. However, that is not to say that you failed in any respect. You went above and beyond in dealing with extenuating and unforeseen circumstances, the likes of which would have brought more experienced exorcists to heel, and not once did either of you waver from your duty. Hold your heads high, for you have done splendidly."

He waved his palm across both of their bodies, bathing the pair of exorcists in holy energy. They stood straighter, the tension in their faces bleeding out.

"Thank you, sir," Xenovia said.

Irina smiled, tears forming at the edge of her eyes. "Yes, thank you, Lord Michael."

Michael smiled. "You are very welcome."

Sasuke walked over to them, and pulled out a pair of scrolls. He opened them, revealing their contents. "These are the remains of the Excaliburs, both yours and the ones Kokabiel stole."

"Does that means you beat Kokabiel?" Irina asked.

Sasuke nodded.

"That is truly impressive," Xenovia said. "I was certain that saving us instead of the Excaliburs was the wrong move, but you ended up proving me wrong."

"Your lives are what matter most," Sasuke said. "Don't spend them when it isn't necessary."

Irina smiled. "We won't. Thank you for saving us."

"Any time."

Once Sasuke stood up, Michael gathered the remains and placed them inside a golden sphere. Kiba noticed the ashen remains of the merged Excalibur he destroyed among the metal Sasuke collected. Five Excaliburs had been destroyed, and only two were left to complete the set. Before, he wouldn't have been satisfied until the scourge of the Excalibur had been erased, but now, he was content with what he had accomplished.

There was one matter left to resolve. Kiba made eye contact with the archangel, one question burning in his mind. Issei had made his statement without fear, so he would do the same.

"I met Valper Galilei," Kiba said, "and he told me the truth behind the Holy Sword Project. Are you going to let another Holy Sword Project happen?"

For the first time since his arrival, Michael frowned. "You were one of the survivors of the Holy Sword Project, yes?"

"Yes, I was." He froze, after processing what Michael just said. "Why did you say I was one of the survivors? Everyone else was killed."

"There was a young girl who became enclosed in a barrier after her Sacred Gear awoke. We currently do not have the means to release her from the barrier, but she is very much alive and safe from harm."

A smile grew on Kiba's face until it strained his cheeks. Someone else survived that horror. As ironic as it sounded, it truly felt like a blessing of some kind.

"Thank you for telling me about her," Kiba said. His smile faded, as he held his sword parallel to his chest. "However, I can't let our suffering go unnoticed. Valper is dead, but there are others like him, using the name of God to take advantage of innocent people and ruin their lives. Will you allow that to keep on happening?"

"No," Michael said. Kiba saw sorrow flecked in Michael's eyes, a sadness too deep to be faked. "You have my word."

"Do I?"

"Fear not, for my word is my covenant with you, Yuuto Kiba. I cannot eradicate all evil, but I shall not allow another Holy Sword Project, or any clandestine project of that nature to occur again."

Were these just pretty words meant to placate him? Kiba couldn't be certain, but Michael had proven to be far more merciful and candid than he'd expected. If Michael gave him his word, he'd take it, and see if it meant anything.

"I hope that you succeed."

"And I you."

It startled him. "You say that, knowing that I'm a devil?"

Michael's smile returned. "The capacity for evil exists in every being that has ever drawn breath, as does the capacity to do good. So long as you choose to do good and refrain from evil, there is no reason for me to condemn you."

Kiba breathed in, letting it out. "Thank you."

Before long, Michael had flown to Irina and Xenovia's side. "Are you two ready to depart?"

"We are," Xenovia said. Irina nodded.

"See you guys around?" Issei said.

"You're always welcome here," Rias said.

Irina smiled. "We'll be sure to visit."

Xenovia smiled, too. "Thank you for hosting us. And Asia, I truly apologize for any pain that I may have caused you."

Asia waved her hands; she'd let go of Issei while Kiba spoke to Michael. "I accept your apology."

Michael looked at each of them, all smiles. "You have done quite well for yourselves, pursuing peace and prosperity instead of craving carnage. Continue to tread that path, for it is one that shall lead to success."

"We shall," Rias said.

With that said, Michael disappeared, taking Irina and Xenovia, Sariel's prone body, and the remnants of the Excaliburs with him. Now, the only people left in Kuoh Academy's fields were the members of Rias' peerage, Sasuke, and Kiba.

"Tonight certainly was very eventful," Akeno said.

"Yeah, it was," Issei said. He made his gauntlet disappear. "At least Kiba got his revenge."

Was it? It should have been, but in spite of the fact that Kiba was surrounded by his friends, the weight of his choices hung on him like an anvil, pulling him towards a torrent of guilt that would consume his entire being if he let it.

Issei snapped his fingers. "Hey, Sasuke? Did Kokabiel help you find what you were looking for?"

Sasuke frowned. "Other than a couple of potential leads, no, he didn't."

Kiba bristled. He hadn't thought that Sasuke had gotten himself involved for other reasons. "What are you looking for?"

Sasuke kept quiet, like he was considering his options. After he finished deliberating, he opened his mouth.

"There's a legend of a tree that reaches into the heavens, from which someone can take a fruit that grants access to unimaginable power. This tree was planted by a race of travellers from outside this dimension."

That was rather unusual.

Akeno scrunched her lips. "Other than the people who planted it and the fruit, it sounds like you're talking about the Yggdrasil, from the Norse pantheon."

"Kokabiel was aware of it, but it's only a tenuous connection. It doesn't appear that the travellers I mentioned came here."

Rias frowned. "I can ask my brother if he's heard of this tree you're looking for."

Sasuke shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but it's better if he doesn't get involved with this."

"Well, if you change your mind, I'm more than willing to help you."

"Me too," Issei said.

"Same here," Koneko chimed in.

Kiba clenched his sword. "Any time you need my help, I'll be there."

Sasuke smiled. "I appreciate that."

"Um, Kiba," Asia said. "Are you going to come back now? We really miss you."

Kiba frowned. "I want to, Asia, but I walked out on you all. It's not up to me to decide if I can return."

"Do you really want to come back?" Rias asked.

He faced Rias, his master, his friend, the person who'd saved him all those years ago. There was no doubt in his mind what he wanted, now that he knew exactly what he stood to lose.

"I do. If you'll have me."

Rias smiled. "You always have a place with us, Kiba. Always."

She closed the gap between them, enveloping Kiba in an all-encompassing embrace.

"Welcome back," she whispered.

Kiba returned the hug nearly as tightly. Rias' body was filled with life-giving warmth that soothed Kiba's fears, his worries that Rias would resent him for what he did. She held him for a few more moments, before letting go.

"You got your revenge, and you didn't lose yourself, either. Not only that, you've grown so much, and not just in strength. I'm proud of you, Kiba, I'm so very proud of what you've accomplished."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for hurting you, Rias, I truly am. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness."

Her smile never wavered. "You came back. That's enough for me. I just hope that you realize that you don't have to do things on your own. We're here for you, to help you with whatever you need."

He smiled. "I won't forget that."

"You'd better!" Issei said. He smiled. "But for real, man, you did it, and you got a badass new sword out of the deal. I'm really happy for you, Kiba."

Kiba's smile grew. "Thank you, Issei."

Kiba hadn't had much of an opinion on Issei before he joined their group, but in spite of his proclivities, Issei had proven to be a guy with a big heart and the stubbornness to fight for what he believed in, and he wouldn't let anyone or anything stop him. That determination was one of the reasons why Kiba was able to find a different path.

He was more than willing to call Issei Hyoudou his friend.

"We'll definitely have to make up for lost time," Akeno said, smiling at him.

"We will."

"I'm glad you're back, Kiba," Koneko said.

"So am I, Koneko."

They exchanged smiles. He was truly grateful that he was accepted among his friends. However, he wouldn't forget the lessons he'd learned on his quest. He was an avenger, and that didn't have to mean that he'd pursue his revenge at all costs.

It meant he'd destroy the evil that came his way, and protect the people close to him, and anybody else who needed a helping hand. He looked at the person who taught him that, and saw him smiling.

"Thank you for everything, Sasuke. You understood what I was going through, and you gave me the help I needed, even when I didn't want anything from you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

Sasuke's smile turned into one filled with pride. "I gave you the help I wanted to have. The fact that you're standing here is all the thanks I'll need."

"You won't mind if I thank you, then?" Rias said. "Thank you for taking care of Kiba, Sasuke, and working with us when you could have easily refused."

"Don't mention it. I managed to learn a few things along the way, and helping you ended up working out pretty well."

"Just wish Kokabiel didn't maim a bunch of people," Issei said.

Sasuke's smile faltered, changing into a frown. "He paid for it, and in the end, he failed to accomplish anything other than a satisfying fight. Whether or not his victims survive, their suffering won't be in vain."

"No, it won't," Akeno said, softly.

He nodded, more to himself than to Akeno. "Time for me to go." Sasuke faced Kiba. "You're in good hands, Kiba. Don't forget what you have."

"I won't."

Kiba let his sword disappear. Finally, he could return to living a normal life among his friends, his new family, and truly appreciate every moment. It would be a challenge to get used to a life free of vengeance, but right now... he was content.

Author's Note: Next chapter will be the epilogue of this story. I always intended Heart of an Avenger to be about Sasuke getting involved in Kiba's quest for revenge. There's room for a sequel, of course, but I've written everything I wanted to write. Hope you enjoyed it.