Chapter one: The aftermath of a dream
It was a cold morning, the still dark sky and its already faintly bright stars were about to set and give way to the warm light of the king star. In the silence of the early morning heavy sounds and ragged breaths reverberated.
"Hah! Hah! Hah!" A young man yelled as he brandished his sword in an agitated and lacking style, and as if matching the young man's expression, he conveyed enormous anger.
That young man was Kiba Yuuto, survivor of the Excalibur project and knight of the heiress of the Gremory clan, normally at this time he had his training routine but today it was different than usual...
-Not yet, not yet...
He muttered unconsciously while swinging the heavy steel sword, even after countless thrusts the cloudy memory kept returning sporadically to his mind, if it had been only a nightmare he could have ignored it and continued with his day normally, but the vividness of the memory and the chill he felt every time he thought about it, swallowed all rational thought and urged him to swing the sword more violently, reaching a point that he began to deliberately release his supernatural aura.
He cut and dodged like a boxer fighting his shadow.
-Tch.
After each thrust a disgruntled and irritated voice filtered from his pale lips and responded by trying another combat taste trying to take his illusory opponent by surprise.
-Hah!
A horizontal cut, followed by a diagonal cut from below to finish with a Kendo cut with all the energy concentrated on it.
The impact of the last blow generated a strong wind pressure that shook the distant branches of the trees out of the courtyard and scared away the surrounding birds.
-Fuu… Not yet huh?
He said after coming out of his self-absorbed state.
- If it had been this sharp that time, I wonder what would have happened.
He said looking down at her hand
-It's been several years… Why me and not you or someone else? -Yuuto says while he looks at his weapon waiting for some answer
Only silence was the answer to his question.
-I can't do anything about it, for now, I'd better get things ready before it's late.
Yuuto takes his towel to dry off and goes into his apartment to prepare his breakfast. While he is in the kitchen he grabs the control of the television and turns it on so he would find out about the latest events in the city and not get too bored.
-The recent disappearances in Kuoh continue to scare the community, the authorities have not yet obtained any indication of the criminal or his motives ...- the reporter continues to give details about the events, however these are not relevant to Yuuto
-Mmm ...
(Maybe I should investigate this sooner than I expected ...)
After hearing the news, Yuuto turns off the television and arranges to start another day in Kuoh.
The young man left his apartment, the sun was shining brightly which, even after many years, still seemed annoying.
- ... at least it's ignorable once you get used to it.
The demons by their biology feel lethargic during the day, not by superstition, but by the fact of having their biological senses made for the night life.
As he made his way to his school he heard the chimes of the main cathedral, a white building at the top of an elevated street, its walls were high and old-looking, but somehow they felt resistant and well cared for, the stained glass windows, of a high variety of colors, showed acts described in the holy book. A palace for believers, but in Kiba's eyes it looked more like a high-class slaughterhouse.
- ...
His disgust grew as he continued watching the old building, it was not until one of the nuns came out to clean the outskirts of it that he decided to discard his futile task and resume his way to school.
As he walked he could see the Kuoh Academy, although the city was very far from the capital or the major tourist states, Kuoh was an important site for many foreigners and of course the Japanese government. Originally a small city but years later Japan and several allied countries wanted to promote cohabitation with citizens of other countries to create "citizens of the world" this began the modernization of Kuoh and its cultural variety which brings us back to the Kuoh academy that was founded by important members in its development with the intention of making it not only the best academy in the region but also in the country thanks to the combination of various study methods in the academy. Although it shares the original design of a Japanese school, it has several western architectural features which make this academy one of a kind in every way.
The huge gate was wide open and a large number of students entered and dispersed each in the direction of his club building and Yuuto was not different.
As Yuuto approached, he could see a familiar old-looking building, if the academy stood out for its European airs, this building was especially recognizable for being Japanese in style, both its structure and its environment somehow transmit the number of years it could have been there, and yet, strangely, it looked radiant and newly built, as a separate fact this building is one of the mysteries of the academy. Located in the eastern corner of the academy was the location of the occult research club. Once inside the club room dim lighting greeted him, dark colored walls seemed to swallow the already scant light, strange objects were here and there and a table with many papers and strange images occupied the middle of the room and was surrounded of several armchairs.
-It's weird that you're late Kiba ~.
As she turned from one of the rooms, the vice president of the club Himejima Akeno entered holding a thick sheaf of papers. Akeno is a tall girl with black hair as night tied in a long ponytail that stands out in her white skin and has a silky appearance.
-I lost track of time in my training, good morning. What is that pile of papers? I don't think we should organize another '' occult club demonstration'' again, do we?
Even though Rias's family was an important benefactor of the school, the rules had to be followed and from time to time recorded club activities had to be done. Kiba sighed thinking about the past activity in which they ''contacted spirits" and observed the marks left on the ceiling due to the ritual.
(Although pretending that something was happening would have been enough, our president is really strict)
-Yuuto
The door to the main room opened and out of it emerged a beautiful girl, hair red as blood and vivid as fire rippled. If Akeno was the representation of the perfect Japanese wife, Rias Gremory was the embodiment of what anyone could describe as '' foreign beauty ''. Rias called Kiba while she was fixing her clothes. White skin showed from her unbuttoned neck.
-… You should fix that bad habit or some new member will take a strange impression of you, president.
After living with his mistress, Rias Gremory for a long time Kiba knew how careless she could be with quotidian acts, even so, he continued to lightly reprimand her.
-You know that I can't start the day without a long bath, besides, what makes you think that new members will arrive soon? The last member to enter was Koneko and that has been several years ago.
-There are no more members because even to be the daughter of one of the noble clans you are eccentric Rias. Akeno remarked.
Even among the high-class devils Rias was one of the few that still did not award more than half of her chess pieces. Many times families have problems because, as in some sports entity, the individual wants to be another more important piece, or demands extra terms in his blood contract. But that was not the case in one of the most important clans, the Gremory clan had dozens of applicants for most of Rias's available pieces, so it was a mystery why she still had so many pieces left over ... for everyone except his subordinates and people close to her.
-I must choose carefully who will have my pieces ... I don't want to be someone who discard others easily.
She said with some bitterness. In the world of demons, being part of the pieces of a demonic chess game meant sharing the same destiny of such a person, glory and praise or failure and bitter tears, even so, many high-class demons took advantage of that system to build connections with other families and in extreme cases exploit other lower class demons and use them as sacrificial shields… pawns in the worst sense of the word.
-Rias...
Akeno called out to her with a somewhat sad tone.
-Anyway, Akeno, inform Yuuto of his mission! Rias said energetically to change the atmosphere.
-Yes, Kiba, I suppose the name Raynare is not unknown to you, is it?
-I vaguely recognize it- he said as his face turned somewhat bitter.
-Well then this will be easier- Akeno exclaimed as she took the folder with a photo on the cover.
The photo showed a girl with jet black hair, white skin to the point of looking dangerous to health. The most remarkable thing were her eyes, cold, empty and devoid of all emotions.
-Raynare is one of the captains of several squads of Dark Angels in charge of "secular operations'', she had been involved in multiple cases of mysterious disappearances in recent years or so we can guess due to our Intel.- Akeno continued with the report of her automatically.
-As you know, recently there have been a series of mysterious disappearances in Kuoh, the victims act normally until overnight and vanish without a trace. '' Rias said, touching the table full of papers with the tip of her finger.
-…That means that…
-Our scouts detected a person who fits Raynare's description about a month ago on the outskirts of Kuoh and signs of magic have been detected in certain parts of the city.
-Ok, I already have a general understanding of the situation- Kiba said looking up from the papers and putting them back on the table. "What I don't understand is, why are we the ones who should take care of this?" Aren't skirmishes like these supposed to be controlled by some general of the Demon King's army or Azazel himself? I mean, they're supposed to keep the balance right?
-That may be true, but my brother and his army are busy with several attacks by an unknown group, they call themselves Chaos Brigade- Rias explained- On Azazel's side, they have tried to make contact with him but there has been no success, so there have been no clear orders, in addition this group of angels has been growing in the shadows for a long time, nor can the high command determine for sure how many and more importantly, who is a member of that faction.
-I see, so Maou-sama has it difficult too huh?
-In addition, there is another reason to get involved in this matter- Rias snapped- there are indications that several of the members of this faction were involved in a project many years ago and now they are trying to revive it.
- !
Kiba's gaze sharpened and his countenance completely changed and the aura around him emanated as his voice turned sullen.
-You mean that these kidnappings are related to the Excalibur project?!
-We're not sure yet- Akeno said with a soothing voice trying to calm the enervated Kiba.
-But even so, if you had told me before...
-Yuuto- Rias interrupted him with her eyes closed- Acting without thinking and just by indications will not lead us anywhere, you know that better than anyone.
That said, he opened his eyes and stared at the knight with his crimson eyes.
-… * Sigh * Yes, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have acted that way.
-Okay, I understand why this topic is sensitive for you- Akeno said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you," Yuuto said, smiling bitterly. "So ... what should we do?" Because of how the situation is and what you just said, I don't think we are going with a direct approach at the moment.
-That's correct- Akeno held up another folder and handed it to Kiba- Your mission is to investigate the events discreetly, discover everything you can about the identity of the general behind this massacre, and most importantly find and monitor Raynare Depending on the situation, you will have to make contact with her, interrogate her, discover the names and whereabouts of her companions and accomplices and dispose of her if necessary.
-Akeno will be in charge of the supervision of the magic circles and their activation, and Koneko will be in charge of acting as my bodyguard as well as support in case of emergency.
-Got it- Kiba said getting up from the table- I'll start with the mission today.
* Ding * Dong * * Ding * * Dong * the school bells were ringing announcing the start of the class schedule.
-Ara ~ is it about time? In that case I have to arrange a meeting with the student council for this afternoon, so if you'll excuse me ~
Akeno said as he left the room.
-I must go too, with your permission.
Kiba said getting ready to leave.
-Yuuto- Rias interrupted him- Don't let revenge cloud your judgment.
Kiba with slightly sad eyes and a bitter smile turned for a moment to see Rias.
-What is the use of seeing clearly a path that goes nowhere? See you later President.
Interlude
-So… they still have to find the bearer of the sacred gear?
The male silhouette declared as he stomped and his deep voice echoed in what seemed like an endless dark room lit only by candles of an ominous color. No sound could be heard except the wind that, strangely, calmly swayed the withered branches of the dead trees that could be seen through the window of the huge and furnished room.
- ...
None of his subordinates could answer the question. You could feel the tension in the dim room as all eyes turned to the ground, both for fear of meeting their gaze with his superior and to observe what was at the foot of him.
-I will interpret your silence as a confirmation to my question - He said while releasing a stomp once more -Pathetic.
He emphasized while applying pressure to the foot that was on one of his subordinates, one of the captains of his squads as a matter of fact.
The crunching of bones could be heard and blood gushed from the man's mouth, clearly it had internal damage, but that did not stop the cruel angel.
-Ugh sir, there are too many strange magical signs in that city, I'm sure this has to do with the princess of destruction and her family!
Exclaimed the wounded and terrified captain.
-I understand what you're saying…
He said as he lifted his foot from the wounded angel.
"So! ... ugh!"
And he pierce him with a spear of light straight through the heart.
- ... but I have never liked excuses.
The light faded from the man's eyes and subsequently from the sinister fallen angel's hands.
-I hope this is not repeated, I expect results, not justifications.
He said he as he moved his gaze from him in the direction of the girl in front of his subordinates.
-Understood Raynare?
A small, imperceptible tremor ran across Raynare's lower lip before responding and looking away from the corpse of his now-deceased companion.
-… Understood, sir.
In the classroom of the third year students Yuuto kiba was looking through the window.
The wide courtyard of the academy surrounded by huge trees that at this moment was being used for the preparation of the athletic team stole his sight.
Kiba watched the boys run, some laughed, others had tired faces and others just looked focused on the instructions that the coach gave them.
(I wonder what would say the teacher after seeing our club activities?... most likely he will resign, right?)
He thought as a bitter smile formed on his face.
(-Hm?)
At that moment one of the boys fell and a student with a red band on his arm helped him up and took care of him. After making sure he was in good physical condition he seemed to give him advice.
- (The captain of the team I suppose ... I wonder, how will be the general of the fallen angels that the captains fear so much)
He thought as he gloomily thought of his previous battles with the dark emissaries.
Several times they had faced angels and fought captains but they never fought against a general.
(-If we are optimistic Rias could handle him without problems, but I did not trust to be so lucky and I do not think that exposing the skills of our mistress is the right thing to do)
Remembering his queen a sudden thought crossed his mind.
(-This time I have to protect them… all of them)
-Oi plan to ignore me all day Kiba?
Kiba surprised turned his head in the direction of the sullen voice, there a girl with a serious face and something angry stood with crossed arms
-Ah ... I'm sorry about that, I was a bit ... scattered, Kiba said and immediately shook his head a bit as if shaking his thoughts - So ... is the room ready? Vice President Tsubaki-san?
The girl was the vice president of the student council and queen of the Sitri family, Tsubaki Shinra.
-Yes, but still most of your members are missing, Hah really, you and Rias-sama act way too freely.
Tsubaki affirmed with a sigh as she remembered how difficult it was to find the school mascot Toujo Koneko.
-Haha you just have to know where to look, I'm sure she's sleeping somewhere.
Kiba said in a calm voice as he imagined the little girl sleeping in one of the trees that surround the academy courtyard.
- ... Why do I feel that this girl acts too much like a domestic cat? * hah *
Tsubaki said as she smiled bitterly
Students began to crowd at the sight of two important personalities of the school interacting in public.
-Hey I didn't know that the vice president knew Kiba-san so well.
Said a female student.
-Ehh, does that mean that the ikemen even conquered one of the goddesses of the academy?
Another student voiced that question.
-That's not fair!
A male voice sounded despaired as his shot made echo across the classroom.
Similar conversations could be heard in corners of the room as casual glances were sent in their direction.
-Emmm I think we should go before the situation gets out of control right?
-Effectively ... Although I think it already got out of control, isn't it?
Tsubaki replied looking around her.
-Anyway, are we going? Kiba said opening the door for Tsubaki
Her surroundings became noisy at that moment.
-… You really do it on purpose, don't you?
-What? Kiba said with a smile
-… Nothing, let's go.
She said walking through the door without paying attention to the voices around her.
-So… you're late, Yuuto, Tsubaki.
Sparked Sona Sitri, the current student council president and the Mistress of Tsubaki.
-Sorry Sona –said Tsubaki inclining her head a little –Finding the Gremory family pet was more difficult than I thought and I had to look for Kiba.
-I also apologize on behalf of our girl. Rias said to the president as she patted Koneko's head.
-You keep pampering them too much ... Souna muttered
-Anyway, Rias, you still can't find a pawn? At this rate we can never have a Rating game.
Sona declared looking at the members of Rias's faction.
-Oh you are not better, you still have pieces missing, right? Rias said with a somewhat exasperated tone.
-Well…I wonder ...
- ... I don't want to know. Rias interrupted putting a hand on her forehead. –Going to the main topic, Sona I want to ask about the response of the Sitri faction about this situation.
-Unfortunately, our faction cannot provide support, we still have no proof that any faction of the angels is in fact killing humans, if we act hastily it would look like the Sitri clan is directly attacking the faction of the dark angels.
- ... That would be bad. Akeno said, frowning a little. Maybe that's their goal, we can't give them what they want so simply.
-I agree, if what they want is to cause chaos then we would be fulfilling their objective by attacking them publicly.
Tsubaki said holding one of the documents
-Then it only remains to crush them before they make a fuss
Koneko said
-I don't think it's the best way to put it, although I agree- Kiba said
-As always, anything goes for you right?
Sona said sighing
-Then we will be in charge of monitoring the outskirts of the city and the recognition and updating of the information to the high commands.
-Thanks Sona that would help a lot.
-Fufufu ~ you don't have to thank me, I also live here. I don't like vermin roaming freely in my home.
At the ruthless comment of the president, everyone except Rias and Tsubaki who were already used to her personality gave a small and uncomfortable laugh while some cold sweat ran down their backs.
At the top of a building a feminine silhouette gazed out over the city. Tall, recently constructed buildings, a cool breeze, and what appeared to be a beautiful sunset composed what it seemed like a perfect picture for a postcard.
-Tch.
However, the girl, Raynare did not have time to contemplate such an image, she had spent all day chasing a diffuse sign of a sacred gear and had not yet been able to make contact, on the contrary, an uneasiness that she did not understand formed in her stomach as time passed.
-Where are you, damn it, where are you!?
The tension swirled in her throat and if it hadn't been for the huge knot she would have emptied her stomach, the fear of punishment that her superior might impose on her and the ominous foreboding that ran through her head chilled her blood and made her despair grow.
-If only the presence weren't so weak…! I found it!
She said as she directing her gaze to a square two blocks from her position and took flight with visible haste.
When he felt that the signal was closer, she descended to the ground, fixed her clothes and completely eliminated her presence.
- (Well the carrier must be here now; it only remains to see where the signal is stronger ... hmmm there)
She directed her gaze to a boy with brown hair, he looked like a normal school boy and was actually still wearing the uniform.
- (This is the wielder of a holy weapon? I'm sure he would have problems when facing a puppy ...)
She said as she looked at the brunette student. The boy seemed to be thinking of many things and talking to himself.
- (I wonder what he's thinking, it must be serious to be talking to himself)
She thought herself as she leaned closer to hear the boy's murmurs.
- * Hah * Will I never get a girlfriend?
-…Heh?
Raynare thought he had misheard and put her ear close to him once more.
-I wonder if at some point I will receive something like a declaration or a love letter? *Hah * life sure is hard….
- ...
A vein sprouted on Raynare's forehead and her rage almost made her murder the boy in that instant, and in fact it would be easy, just a rose from her fingers and the boy's neck would break.
- (But I won't be so merciful to you brat)
She said while she made an annoyed grimace and smiled fiercely.
-Ummm, hey, you are really handsome, do you want to go out with me?
The dark angel said whit a cute and innocent voice as she hid her face.
-…Heh?
The boy turned back and for the first time focused his eyes on Raynare.
-This…who are you?
-My name is Yuma, it's a pleasure to meet you, I really like you so please go out with me!
Said the girl lowering her head a little
-Ehhhh ?! Eeem Sure, of course I'll go out with you!
Said the young man scratching the back of his head and with red cheeks without noticing the mischievous grimace that the cute "Yuma" had on her lowered face.
(Do you want a girlfriend huh? Well, congratulations, you will have one)
The next day Yuma and the boy Hyoudou Issei had a long date, seen from an external point of view they looked like a normal young couple.
-Issei-kun, I really had a lot of fun today.
Yuma said with a smile on her face
-Really?! * hah * thank goodness, I thought I bored you.
Issei declared relieved.
-Not at all hahaha and I love the bracelet you gave me.
He said she showing the pink bracelet that Issei had prepared as a gift.
-Hehehe is nothing.
Ashamed Issei lowered his face. At that moment Yuma's gaze turned cold but she quickly returned to how she was before and she took a couple of steps closer to the young man.
-Tell me Issei-kun, could you do something for me? –He said smiling enormously.
-Of course! I would do anything for you Yuma-chan!
Issei exclaimed while striking a bodybuilding pose.
-Heeeh ~ I see, so… Would you die for me? She stated happily and his smile widened from ear to ear.
-…Hm~?
Confused Issei shakes his head and starts laughing.
-Hahahaha I thought I heard Yuma-chan wrong, could you repeat it please?
-Sure, please, die for me!
No longer able to laugh at the situation, Issei began to get nervous.
-Oi Yuma-chan ...what are you ...
His question was interrupted by a stabbing pain in his abdomen.
-eh, a, are, what, is this? ... blergh!
Blood was pouring from his mouth and his light-colored shirt began to turn a deep crimson hue.
-If you are going to blame someone, blame the God who put the sacred gear inside you, it was fun '' Issei-kun '' hyahahahaha
Raynare scoffed as he vanished the stained spear of light from his hand and turned away.
- (What is this?… Why am I bleeding? Why does have a glowing spear? Am I going to die?)
At that moment a blow hit Raynare who was about to fly away. The impact was so strong that he sent her flying and he ended up rolling on the ground as she tried to regain her composure and visualize his opponent.
She could not detect any sight of magic so it has to be a physical fighter, but still she was surprised of the speed of the unknown enemy.
-(It has to be not just pretty strong to send me this far with a blow but also has to have a lot of experience to send me to an area without people.)
She thought as she tried to detect the presence of the opponent
-I see I'm are very late, I expected you to play more with your prey, what bad eating habits you have, dark angel Raynare.
A voice came out of the shadows in front of the dark angel.
-Show yourself insect! –She declared as he materialized his spear of light and spread his wings ready for combat.
At that moment, a young man with blond hair emerged from the darkness carrying an elegant sword.
-Who are you!? Raynare snapped.
Me? Kiba said taking a fighting stance –I am a knight, and I have come to exterminate a witch.