Forenote: A bit retcon, fixed from Chapter 9, I'm moving the Nephilim revelation here.

Chapter 24: Reunion of the Holy.

*Next day*

Right now, I'm on my way to a shrine outside the city area. I was called by Akeno to come over. Rias will also come after her work is finished, whatever it is, I do not know.

As I walk up the stairs of the hill that leads to the shrine, I felt little to no Holy power emanate from it. Hmmm, perhaps this is why Rias said that we can meet up here, not that I'm worry, since Holy power isn't a threat to me. I then look up the stairs as I walked, after a while, a familiar figure appeared at the final steps.

"Welcome, Vergil-san"

"Akeno?", I asked, it was Akeno who seems to have walked out of the Shrine. She was clad in a shrine maiden dress.

"Sorry for suddenly calling you out like this, Vergil-san"

"No problem, I also have nothing to do at the moment. So why do you call me? Rias said she will come too after work"

"Yes, I know. Rias has to do a final meeting with Sirzechs-sama regarding the conference matter."

With the shrine maiden dress, she really does define her title, The Thunder Priestess. Though, I'm curious as to why she is here.

"How come you're not with Rias? Don't you have to be with her?", I asked.

"Grayfia-sama will follow up over there, not to mention if it advances by a certain degree, then even without me it will be alright. More than that, I have to tend to the people who are waiting upstairs.", said Akeno as she looks up the stairs.

People? Who? Someone is waiting for me?

"Wait a minute, don't Devils receive damage if they went in to Holy ground, Reincarnated Devils are no exceptions, you know?"

"Ah yes, this place is fine. An agreement was reached under the table, so even Devils can enter."

…

Wow…

So Devils managed to go as far as buying Holy ground…

This is just a whole new level.

Anyway, as I plainly pass through the archway, I find myself in an old, but beautiful Shinto shrine. Despite giving off an feeling of oldness, there aren't any sections that were damaged, in any degree.

"I guess that you live here, Akeno?"

"Yeah, the priest of the last generation passed away, so Rias secured this shrine, which had no people remaining, for me."

"Is this him?"

Suddenly I heard a third person's voice.

"Who's there?"

In accordance to my instincts, I turn around while immediately went into battle stance. But what appeared in my field of vision… was a young man with a handsome face sending glances at me. His body was wrapped in an extravagant white robe, 12 golden wings sprouted out of his back, and above his head, a golden-coloured halo was floating.

Another old face… how many more am I going to meet from now on…

"Please don't be so cautious, Vergil"

"Michael…"

Yes, the young man in front of me right now, is one of the Yondai Seraph, and the Second oldest Archangel, the current leader of the Christian's Heaven, Archangel Michael.

"Yes, it really has been too long, Vergil. I see, judging from this aura's quality, it's surely Ddraig. This brings back memories."

It was a reunion I didn't expect to the slightest.

*Main Shrine*

With Akeno's lead, I went into the main shrine with Michael.

A halo was the proof of an Angel. Pure Angels of Heaven possess white feathered wings and halos above their heads, while Fallen Angels possess black feathered wings and no halos. Michael, with his 12 golden wings and immense aura, clearly displayed his strength and authority as the chief Angel of all Heaven. Must be a lot of responsibility after God died. Maybe that's also why she didn't come…

"This is certainly an unexpected reunion", I said, having reaffirmed myself.

"Indeed it is. After the great battle that occurred 2 years ago, you went missing, we were so worried that we searched for you everywhere. I was worried when news and rumors from the Grigori about sighting you with Devils. But having confirmed that you're with the family of Maou Sirzechs Lucifer, I am assured", said Michael with a smile.

A radiant, kind smile, one that I do not deserve…

"Ara, Vergil-san seems to know Michael-sama well", said Akeno, amazed.

"Yeah, about that…"

I scratched my head as I became a bit hesitant.

"It's alright, Vergil. You can tell her, she has the right to know", said Michael as he assures me.

"Eh? What is it, Vergil-san?", asked Akeno.

"Well… the truth is… Michael… *sigh*… he's my uncle"

…

"Eh?", said Akeno as she became shocked.

…

"YOUR UNCLE!?", she screamed.

As Michael and I looked at each other, I made another sigh as he made a bitter smile.

I put both my hands up to calm Akeno down.

"Ok, just calm down, I'll explain"

It was a long explanation. Yes, Michael is my uncle, which means that my other mother can only be the only Archangel who is a female: Gabriel. I was born out of the union between my human mother, Eva, my Devil father, Sparda, and my Angelic mother, Gabriel. Which contrast to the minds of the majority, I'm not just a Cambion, which is half- Demonic, or a Miracle child, a half-Angel, but a Nephilim, a hybrid species between the Angelic and the Demonic, with me being the exception for having an actual human part in my genetics and spirit essence.

"We have also heard rumors of you possibly being a Nephilim, but it was in the minority, and because we never saw you using any Angelic powers or Holy power so we thought it wasn't true. But… to think that…", said Akeno, still shocked.

"Yeah, I know, it's hard to take in. Especially when Nephilims were extinction after the Great Flood", I said as I looked at Michael.

Michael only returned another bitter smile. He then said.

"To be honest, that was our blunder out of fear of the race, as Nephilims were thought to be the among the greatest sinners and the most violent, after all."

"And then you all recognized that the cause for their ferality was the very fatal weakness of Nephilims", I followed.

"Yes… Nephilims, despite being forbidden existence for their tremendous power, has a hidden weakness, a counter-balance you can say"

"What is it, Michael-sama?", asked Akeno.

"Unlike normal supernatural being, all Nephilims possess a mysterious innate Pseudo Human spirit essence, a fake "Humanity" as you can call it, unlike actual "Humanity", those of Nephilims are not eternal, they cannot regenerate or reborn, as they are just imitations of the real thing. As a Nephilim uses more or its' tremendous hybrid power, it will slowly be deprived of its' humanity, eventually became feral and savage. As they had become too numerous and too violent, under God's order, we conjured the Great Flood to cleanse the Earth of their presence. We thought that the threat was over… and then you were born, Vergil", he said while looking back at me.

"It is the general law for the Nephilim to eventually surpass the parents that sired it. A normal Nephilim is already a big threat of its' own, but one that is sired by an Archangel and a godlike Devil? We can't even imagine the consequences. What's more is that you possessed a genuine Humanity, which allows you to overcome that sole counterbalance for your race."

Akeno was amazed even further.

"At first, 3 out of 4 of us was in an agreement to eliminate you, your mother, our little Gabriel strongly objected. We did not listen, Raphael and Uriel held her off, and I was determined, that is, until I… no, we all saw you.", said Michael as he displays a sign of sorrow.

". She was right, and we were wrong, you weren't at fault. An innocent child, born with a curse to carry power that can even destroy Gods, that's who you were. And then your journey started. Despite all that you did in the past decade, you saved not just the world, but existence itself. There's no nephew I am prouder of"

None of my act was of noble purpose, you know…

"Well, thanks for the compliment anyway. Putting that aside, what do you come here today for?", I asked.

""Ah"", both Akeno and Michael said in unison.

"Truth is, I thought of awarding you this.", said Michael he generated a Holy magic circle in front of him.

From the circle, a bright golden light radiated the whole shrine. As the light dissipated, what that is floating in the spot… was a sword.

A European sword with a reddish-purple grip, a grey hilt that has a red diamond implanted on it, surrounded by four blue lines that curve slightly and a golden pommel in the shape of a cone-like arrow. The blade is also notched three times on both sides near the bottom and the fuller, which reaches slightly above the notches, has a gold edge in the shape of a large pearl and the rest is colored purple.

"This is George's...if I say Saint George, then would it be better introduced? It's the Dragon Slayer Holy Sword that he possessed, Ascalon."

Sir George, the Dragon Slayer Saint?

[Yup, he's quite a famous Dragon Slayer, who killed an unknown powerful dragon]

Ddraig said in my head. Let's set any history lesson for another time.

"As a special courtesy, since I am giving this, a Nephilim like you, even weakened, and possessing Dragon power, can easily handle it. You already made a pact with Zea, didn't you?", said Michael.

"That said, it won't manifest even when I called it. I can still make the magic circle appear though", I replied as I make the Holy magic formation of Zea appear on the top of my right hand.

"Hmmm, 8 swords with their tips pointed at the center… this means each of these represents a Legendary Holy Sword. Also, Gabriel's face is in the circle at the center, truly, Zea took it after you, Vergil."

Yeah yeah, I know that.

"As for the Ascalon, before you can possess it, do you think you can assimilate it into the Boosted Gear?"

Hmmm, assimilate the Dragon Slayer with the Boosted Gear… It that possible? Won't there be consequences due to our current Draconic nature?

[It depends on you, partner. The Sacred Gear responds to your feelings. If you wish for it, it should be possible.]

Hmmm…

"Why giving it to me? This is a very powerful weapon you know?", I asked.

"During this time's meeting, I think there's a huge opportunity to cooperate between the Three Great Powers. I hear you already know it, so I am saying this, but we lost our creator, God, during the last war. Our enemies also lost the old Maous in battle. The leaders of the Fallen Angels are reticent. Azazel also has his official stand of not wanting to create wars. This is a chance to get rid of the useless battles. If small-scale battles continue like this intermittently, then anyhow, the Three Great Powers will be destroyed. Even if that isn't the case, other powers may invade from the side. That sword is a present from me to the Maou side, also because you're the only one on that side, who we can trust for the moment. Of course, I also sent presents to the Fallen Angel side. I got the rumoured Holy Demonic Swords from the Devil side as well, so our side is very grateful as well."

That's true, if the other powers knew that God is dead, then they might make a move.

"We heard that the one who opposed us, the Welsh dragon, had become a Devil. As a greeting, and alongside that as a present, we're giving you this sword. From now on, you'll probably be targeted by Dragon-class opponents and the Vanishing Dragon. As you're still inexperience in this, it may become a supporting weapon."

Support, huh…

Never have I acquried so much support in my life, other than the time father's power was backing me…

"Only once have the Three Great Powers held hands together. That's during the time they defeated the Red and White Dragon. Since it was the two Dragons who trespassed into our battlefield and threw the battlefield into disarray."

I have heard that story dozens of times before. And so, Ddraig, he's saying something.

[...Who knows.]

So you'll play dumb, huh? Sure, whatever.

"Wishing that we hold hands together like that time, I am placing my hopes in you, in my nephew, in the Sekiryuutei. It's typical Japanese behavior, right?"

Yeah, it's kinda like that.

I guess I'll do it then, for her.

"There were final adjustments done on that sword in this shrine. Maou-sama, Azazel-sama and Michael-sama's camps' ceremonies have been performed, so you can officially wield it now, Vergil-san"

That was what Akeno said. Without a second of doubt, I manifested the Boosted Gear and grabbed the sword by its' hilt. A strong Holy aura starts to emanate throughout the sword, then, to my body.

[Partner, focus your consciousness on the Boosted Gear. I'll follow up after that. Try making the sword in your hand combine with the surge of the Sacred Gear.]

I know. Within that moment, I became one with Ascalon, our aura resonated in harmony.

FLASH!

After a bright red flash – the Boosted Gear gauntlet's appearance has been drastically changed. It now has multiple golden curved blades on the sides, like the ones on the elbow section of the original gauntlet, the red armor plate covering my left elbow is lengthened to the pointy side, and at the front portion of the back of the left armored glove: a golden version of the Ascalon's blade was present.

I then noticed 3 swords on Zea magic sigil glow brighter than the other 5, they changed their shape into… Excalibur, Durandal and Ascalon respectively. Is this going to occur with every Holy Sword I encounter?

After confirming it, Michael clapped his hands.

"Ah, I almost forgot that I brought him here"

"Who?", I asked suspiciously.

"We can't call this a reunion if he isn't here. You can come in"

"What are you…?"

As I was about to question Michael, the door opened.

The one who appeared… shocked me so much that I couldn't believe my eyes.

A handsome young man who is the same age as mine, with the nostalgic brown hair. His hairstyle says it all.

"Alex?", I asked as I narrowed my eyes.

"Hey Vergil", he waved his hand at me, accompanied by a smile.

"I told you that I'll see you soon", he continued. I then saw 6 whitish blue wings unfurled from his back.

…

A silence broke out, but I was the one to broke it as I stood up to approach the young man.

He became nervous due to my narrowed eyes.

"Look, I know that you're confused…"

As I was right in front of him…

"Or pissed off. I understand, just…"

HUG

I immediately hugged him tight. It's really him, my best friend, my childhood friend, Alex Nash.

"You goddamn idiot… Why didn't you tell me?", I said.

Alex was surprised, but then he hugged me back.

We let each other go as I saw Michael smiled.

"And with that, it's time. I have to go now. Alex, meet up with me afterwards, ok?"

"Roger that", said Alex.

As he was preparing to leave.

"Wait, Michael, there's something I want to say"

"It's time to visit the conference hall, so let's hear it after the conference. I'll definitely hear it. Don't worry. You two have some catching up to do, and I'll keep your identity a secret to other forces, you have my word."

After saying that, Michael's whole body was wrapped by light. After a momentary flash of a light, the elder Archangel, who is my uncle, disappeared from this place.

*Later*

"Here's some tea, Vergil-san."

"Thanks."

We're in the shrine after Michael left. It was me and Akeno. Alex said he wants to go around a bit. He said that he has been cooped up in Heaven for a while now, so he needs to get some Earth air. It seems like he also wanted me to spend some time alone with Akeno, though I'm not sure why.

"Did you work with Michael on the sword?", I asked Akeno.

"Yes, in this shrine the specific modification ceremony was held for Ascalon.", she said. No wonder I felt a strange surge of energy surrounding Michael and Ascalon at that moment. So this whole shrine, particularly the pillars, were part of a large scale magic formation huh. Impressive.

Hmmm… now that I remembered things a bit, there's something about Akeno I have to make sure.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course."

"Is your father one of the leaders of Grigori?", I asked as Akeno's expression changed.

"… That's right. Originally, I was born between the leader of the Fallen Angels, Baraqiel, and a human."

Kokabiel did screamed at Akeno about 'The one having the power of Baraqiel'. As the battle was raging on at the time, I didn't care about it much.

Akeno stared at me and talked.

"My mother was a daughter of a certain shrine of this country. I heard that, on a certain day, my mother saved Baraqiel, who had collapsed from injuries, and from the fate of that day, I was born."

Sounds like an odd story of fate, one that doesn't end well.

I then saw Akeno spread her wings. I saw two different kinds of wings. Aside from her obvious Devil wing as a Reincarnated Devil, the other was a black wing of a Fallen Angel.

"They're dirty wings... The wing of a Devil and the wing of a Fallen Angel, I possess both of them."

As if despising the black feathers of Fallen Angels, she grabbed them with her hand.

"While hating these feathers, I met Rias and became a Devil. ...But what was born were the wings of a Fallen Angel and devil, a more disgusting creature who possessed both. Fufufu, this may suit me, who has dirtied blood flowing in her veins."

Akeno said in self-derision.

"... How do you feel, Vergil-san, after hearing that? Do you hate fallen angels? They tried to killed you and Asia-chan once, and tried to destroy this city once, even though you forgave Raynare and her little sister, I still don't know what your point of view is on that.", she said very sadly.

Okay, enough.

"I do hate certain Fallen Angels…"

Upon hearing that, Akeno became even sadder. But I'm not finished yet.

"But I do not hate you, Akeno"

"…"

Hearing that, she gave me a look of surprise.

"It was my fault, trying to know information that were bad memories for you, I'm sorry", I apologized and bowed my head.

"That's not the case. I have the blood of a Fallen Angel in me, you know? Can you forgive me? Although I reincarnated into a Devil, the fact that I have the blood of a Fallen Angel in me doesn't change. … Maybe, I approached you like that, because I didn't want you to hate me, you know?... No, that's definitely the case. I am the worst kind of woman..."

"And what does you carrying Fallen Angel blood had anything to do with those I hate?"

Another surprise face from Akeno.

"Who I hate, is my own to decide. You can't do it for me. You won't, because I won't allow you to. I already said something similar to Rias, and I'll tell you now."

I then stand up, taking a deep breath, I strongly said.

"Himejima Akeno. I did not go out of my way saving you, only to see you weeping and glooming over some blood issue. If you want to cry, cry out of joy, not out of sadness or despair. You're the [Queen] of the Gremory Peerage, as well as Rias' best friend, so stand tall and proud. I'll be here for as long as you need me to, and I'll help you deal with whatever pains you, so let go of the painful past that has already happened, and strive forward to the future that worth fighting for."

There, I said it again, not going to regret it.

Upon hearing that, Akeno cried, but she immediately wiped her tears as a smile floats out from her face.

"...You said some killing words. ...After hearing that...won't I really get serious...?"

She then jumped towards and hugged me.

"I have decided. I, have decided. Vergil-san, do you like Rias?"

"That's an odd question, but… I do like her"

"...That's a given, right? She's serious as well, so legal wife is impossible. There's a possibility of Asia-chan being the legal wife as well, and there's also Raynare, so...the first, second and third position can't be shaken, I guess..."

What is she talking about?

"Hey, Vergil-san"

"Hmmm?"

"I won't mind being forth position."

"...Forth position?"

I don't get it.

"Yes, forth position. I think it's a comparatively good position. Above all, there's the feeling of unfaithfulness, so it'll be burning. Ufufu, Vergil-san. Is it fine if I spoil you more? I'll even give you lap pillow instead of Buchou."

"A hug is already enough, I'm not demanding anything", I said with my usual straight face.

"Alright, then, Vergil-san, can you at least call me 'Akeno'?"

"Didn't I already call you that?"

"Then… just one more time, please…"

Why are her eyes getting… bleary all of the sudden?

I guess it should be fine, it's just her name after all.

"Alright, Akeno"

"...I am happy. Vergil..."

GYU

She hugged me even further. That's definitely not the voice I would hear from the usual Akeno, who is an elder sister figure to this group like Rias. She now sounds like a normal girl of her age, which is weird. I guess she feels better now, so good for her.

I then hear the door open. It was Rias, and she was with Alex.

"Vergil, may I ask what you are doing?", she said as she radiated aura.

"Way to go, pal, way to go", said Alex as he nodded happily while clapping his hands. What do you mean, Alex?

Rias then walks toward me and pinches my cheek.

"Au", I expressionlessly said.

Of course it doesn't hurt, but I can see that Rias is angry. Why is she divert it at me?

[*Sigh*… You seriously have little knowledge of women]

Ddraig say it again. Whatever.

"What about the sword?"

"Got it"

"And Michael?"

"Already left"

"Good, then, there's no business left here! Now you have to talk to your friend!", she said as she left with me and Alex followed her. I said goodbye to Akeno as we left.

"I am really jealous of the number one candidate, Rias-Buchou."

Akeno murmured something like that. I did not hear it clearly, but Rias stopped for a while, before pulling my arm and left.

*Later*

We were leaving the shrine. Rias was angry as she made rather heavy steps. I really wish she gave me a little more time to explain, but is she hate me with other girls that much? She doesn't seem to have much problem with Asia, Raynare or Koneko. Maybe because it was Akeno, so she felt like being betrayed? I don't really get it.

Oh, that's right, I have to talk to Alex.

"So Alex, how did you became an Angel, I saw your wings", I asked.

"That was a long story. You remember that day when our houses accompanied each other to the amusement park?"

"I do… You died that day, with your mother… I was"

Rias, who is listening, became shocked.

"Yeah, Demons tried to kill you, and we pushed you out of the way and got killed instead, it looked like a technical accident, because they fabricated it to conceal their act"

"Had I known sooner… had I…", before I can finish, Alex stopped me.

"Don't plummet yourself for what that already happened. It's not your fault, Vergil, no one is perfect, you always said that, remember?"

He then continued.

"Anyway, after we died, mom and I went to Heaven, I thought I was going with her, but we ended up in different places. She went to Third Heaven to rest peacefully, and I was greeted by Archangel Michael, while ascended as a high-level Angel"

"But with the death of the God of the Bible, I thought that was impossible?"

This time it was Rias who asked.

"Yeah, originally, we thought that it was a bug from the Holy System, but as we investigated further, we were shocked to realize the true cause"

"What was it?", Rias asked.

"It was you, Vergil", said Alex.

What? Me?

"Hold on, I was a kid back then, and I haven't woken up my powers that time, how is that even remotely possible?"

"Your family's wish when you gave us a proper funeral, especially yours, somehow make your dormant Angelic energy to awaken temporarily. It resonated with my soul, and reforged me as an Angel. I got to say, to be able to make me a high-level Angel right on the spot, as expected from my best friend who is Gabriel-sama's son"

He said as he patted my back.

"Hold on a second. How can Vergil make you an Angel? He is a half-Devil, isn't he? And what's this about Archangel Gabriel?", said a confused Rias.

"Alright, let me…"

"No, let me, Vergil, I can explain it, since I was the one to discover it".

Alex said that as he gives Rias a long explanation similar to the one Michael gives to Akeno. As expected, Rias has a similar reaction to Akeno, they are truly best friends.

"You know you're already unbelievable when we still think that you're a Cambion, Vergil? To think that you're in fact a Nephilim, and an unusual one…", said Rias as she holds her head.

"Yeah, I know it's hard to take it, sorry that I didn't told you sooner", I apologized.

"No, it's alright, we didn't ask. Besides, Nephilim or Cambion, Vergil is still Vergil, right?", asked Rias.

"Yes", I replied.

We then all continued walking, at a moment, without turning around, Rias asked another question.

"… Hey, Vergil"

"Hmmm?"

"Akeno is...Akeno."

"Yes?"

"Akeno is the Fuku-Buchou. However, she is 'Akeno'...and I am?"

Huh?

"Rias… am I wrong?"

"No… but…"

Her tone was really despondent. Did I say something wrong?

I then saw Alex facepalmed, does he know something I don't?

As we continued walking, Rias seemed very sad.

"...What's with that 'Number one candidate'...? Am I not the only one who's far off...!?"

That voice wasn't the usual elegant Rias. But like Akeno's brief voice before we left the shrine. It was that of a normal teenage girl. Which I still failed to understand…