GeassDragon: Thanks.

Naruto-Uzu-Uchiha: Thanks

Riadentensho: I do intend to have the fight be big for the battle with Kokabiel. As for the possibility that Kazuhiko would unlock his Scale Mail early, you'll just have to wait and see what happens.

OshiroNai: I think it would be OP to have them with Sacred Gears with those powers. I do intend to have other characters pop up with anime/ game based characters like Yu show up but they'll probably be if and when I come up with them and can try to include them somehow.

ChaosEmperorNex: Thank you. It's always been pointed it out that Sacred Gears can evolve based on the user's will and that demonic magic can be used to for anything the user can imagine so it seemed natural that people with either would be influenced by everything around them, including anime and manga. Glad you like how Albion and Metatron act with Kazuhiko as I intend to have them something like older siblings to him.

Universal Crunch: Thank you, I try my best with making sure characters stay in characters and tend to check things over with Umbra580 as well on occasion. The Sekirei characters are intended to be superhuman in their own series so they lend themselves rather well to DxDverse and just need to be tweaked so their backgrounds seem more natural for their supernatural abilities.

I do intend to keep Rias' unrequited love for Kazuhiko in the story and hope to have some fun with it as the story progresses even as I have Rias grow through the story as well. I also admit it would be cool to see this version as an animation but the amount of links to other anime series would probably make it a giant project in itself. I do intend to keep Kazuhiko after the story finishes and will probably put him into another story afterwards because he's really has grown into his own being that I enjoy writing with.

…

"" – Speech

'' – Thought

[] – Sacred Gear

[] – Albion

{} – Mtatron

…

Sitting in class, Kazuhiko couldn't help the conflicted look as he glanced over to Asia who was talking with Seraphina, Aika Kiryuu and some of the other girls. Takeshi was spending lunch with Hikari and Kensuke was talking about the game he was playing without realising that Kazuhiko wasn't listening to him but thinking over what he had learned the night before.

"It hurts, you sadist!"

"Yeah. Don't take it out on us, you beast!" Issei's two friends shouted, both rubbing their heads after Issei had hit them as he shouted

"Don't fuck around! Spreading rumours about me?! You guys! Do you really want to die, seriously!?"

"Hm... We'll go crazy with jealousy if we don't do things like this."

"Hahaha! More like our heads are already fucked over!" His two friends countered in turn, Issei fuming as he shot back

"Regret a little! What are you guys trying to do to my school life!?"

"By the way, there's also a rumour about you and Saji being a gay couple."

"It's oddly popular among some girls."

"Kyaaa! Who's bending down and who's sticking it in?" Matsuda spoke imitating a girly voice as Issei shouted while pointing at them

"Die! Seriously die!"

"What was that about?" Kazuhiko asked, Kensuke chuckling as he answered

"Looks like those two are spreading rumours about Hyodo's relations in the Student Council"

[Good thing Zirnitra isn't in control otherwise they would be splats against the wall and Vritra would chargrill their asses if he found out] Albion spoke amused, Kazuhiko blinking as he mentally asked

'Zirnitra and Vritra…?'

[Oh, I mean the spirit in Hyodo's Sacred Gear is called Zirnitra, he's known as the Sorcerer Dragon, he's a friend of mine from before my sealing and Vritra is one of the Dragon Kings known as the Prison Dragon]

{Zirnitra lives inside the [Titan's Sorcerer] Sacred Gear which Hyodo has and part of Vritra's soul is inside of Saji's Sacred Gear from what we can tell} Metatron explained, Kazuhiko mentally nodding in understanding as he mused

'So those two asses have powerful dragons living inside them? Well, part in terms of Saji'

{Vritra isn't awake with only part of his soul, the other pieces are stored in other Sacred Gears so he can't regain his consciousness unless the others are added but that's only a guess} Metatron explained to him, Albion nodding in agreement as Kensuke spoke

"I would have expected those two to cheer him on rather than try and screw things over"

"Yeah well perverts don't exactly think like normal people" Kazuhiko replied with a roll of his eyes.

…

"Why are we going to see your friend, we do have an important mission, Irina?" One of the two white cloaked figures spoke in a female voice, a large bandaged up sword on her back, as they walked through the streets. The other figure speaking in a female voice as well as she explained

"I haven't been back to Japan ever since I left, Xenovia… I want to see him before we meet with the Devils"

Yu arched an eyebrow from where he sat outside of a small café, wondering why the two exorcists were talking so openly about the Supernatural before picking up a faint sense of Holy aura from them as he thought 'The Church must have sent Holy Sword users to retrieve them… I just hope they don't have Excalibur fragments otherwise they would be playing to Kokabiel's hands'

Yu frowned as he realised that the Excalibur theft could so easily fall into war as he remembered his orders 'I'm to make sure that the Church take those Excalibur fragments back or get help destroying them so they can't be used against anyone… Mugen may be stronger than a regular sword but it can't destroy Excalibur on its own so I'll have to ask Kaz for help. Shame that Miya-sempai is stuck in Okinawa dealing with an Oni rebellion she could easily do it with hers'

Finishing his drink, Yu made to leave as he took his phone out and texted Kazuhiko about what he had just seen as he decided to look around for Kiba to make sure he didn't start a war by accident.

A small chuckle escaped his lips as he remembered having to talk to Rias about Kazuhiko, the redhead wanting to find out what his friend would like as he muttered "I can't believe Gremory intends to go through with it despite what I told her… Kaz's gonna be pissed."

…

Kazuhiko grumbled as he headed over to the Old School Building, wondering for what reason he had been called over by Rias as he pulled out his phone and got the text from Yu.

'Looks like the Exorcists are here' Kazuhiko thought to himself with a sigh as Metatron spoke up concerned

{They were going to send reinforcements sooner or later… I just hope they are prepared}

Kazuhiko nodded to himself as he came to a stop outside of the clubroom doors, looking confused at the rushed footsteps from behind it as he called out "I'm here Gremory!"

"Come in" Rias replied, making Kazuhiko wary as he opened the door only to find himself pushed back against the wall behind him while Rias leered at him with a seductive look on her face, her hands resting against his shoulders. Her shoulder cape, waistcoat and ribbon had gone, her shirt was half buttoned to show off the black lace bra she was wearing underneath.

"Kazu-kun~ let's have some fun while alone" Kazuhiko frowned at Rias' attempt at a husky voice, pushing her back before she could try anything else as he spoke annoyed

"What the hell are you trying to do?" Rias smirking despite it as she replied flirty

"Oh, playing hard to get like, huh…? You don't have to put up the serious act for me, cutie~" Rias moved again to kiss Kazuhiko only to find herself pushed back again as the brunet shouted annoyed at her

"Piss off, Gremory! I'd rather attack Heaven then do anything with you" With that Kazuhiko left, Rias watching him disappointed as she headed back into the clubroom to try and plan her next move as she mumbled

"I guess I'll have to do something even sexier next time…"

…

Kazuhiko frowned as he leant against the wall near to Yu, the next day, his gaze focused on Kiba who was glaring at the two exorcists who had come to meet with Rias. The two exorcists were sitting opposite Rias and Akeno while the other members were sitting near the corner of the room, Asia was nervous as she sat between Mittelt and Seraphina while Kalawarner sat on the former's other side and had to put up with a glare from the two exorcists when they had entered.

A serious air was in the room, the devils amongst them feeling the dangerous supressed aura of Excalibur from the two exorcists, who had identified themselves as Irina Shidou and Xenovia Quarta.

"Recently the Holy-swords Excaliburs that were kept by the Catholic Church Headquarter Vatican, Protestant Church, and Eastern Orthodox Church were stolen." Irina started before Rias spoke up, sparing a glance to Kazuhiko as if expecting to answer his unspoken question

"Excalibur itself doesn't exist." Kazuhiko didn't bother replying, figuring it was better to see if the exorcists would reveal what swords they had on them as Rias continued

"I'm sorry. One of my servants recently became a devil, so can we continue this conversation while explaining about Excalibur?"

Irina nodded at Rias' request before adding "Excalibur broke in the war a long time ago."

"Now it looks like this." Xenovia spoke as she removed the cloth from her weapon to reveal the long sword with an axe shaped guard as she added

"This is Excalibur."

Kazuhiko feel the holy aura be released at the moment the cloth had been removed, noticing the shiver that ran suppressed through the rest of the Devils in the room as Irina continued

"Excalibur was broken into pieces during the war a long time ago. The fragments were collected and turned into a new form by alchemy. It was made into 7 swords. This is one of them."

"The Excalibur I hold is [Excalibur Destruction]. It's one of the 7 holy-swords that were created. The Catholic Church is in control of it." Xenovia added as she wrapped the sword up in cloth again, Kazuhiko mentally smirking as Metatron spoke to him

{Destruction has the power to destroy… Rather obvious an ability but it does have limits}

Irina took out a long rope, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as it moved like it was alive before changing into a katana as she spoke with pride "Mine is [Excalibur Mimic]. I can change its shape into anything I want so it's really useful for carrying around. Just like this, each "Excalibur" has its unique ability. This one is in the possession of the Protestant Church."

{[Excalibur Mimic] is able to change into anything the user can think of within reason}

'That would be rather useful ability to have in a weapon' Kazuhiko thought to himself, realising he would be able to use the skills Metatron had taught him if he had that ability added to his own sword.

"Irina… There's no reason to tell these devils the ability of Excalibur, is there?" Xenovia spoke slightly annoyed before Irina retorted confidently

"Ara Xenovia. Even if they are devils we still have to form a trustworthy relationship with them in this situation. Also, even if my sword's ability is revealed, I won't fall behind all the devils here."

Kazuhiko's frown grew as he felt Kiba's killing intent towards the Excaliburs grow, a scary face forming on the swordsman's face.

"…So what does the stolen Excaliburs have to do with this country located in the east of the World?" Rias asked seriously, not backing down even with part of Excalibur before her, Xenovia continued talking

"The Catholic Church was in possession of two Excaliburs including mine. The Protestant Church also had two. Also in the Eastern Orthodox Church there were two as well. The last one went missing in the previous war between God, devils, and fallen-angels. One Excalibur was stolen from each Church. The ones that stole them escaped to Japan, and brought them to this town."

"Looks like my territory is full of incidents. So who are the ones that stole the Excaliburs?" Rias asked curiously.

"The ones that stole them were the Grigori." Xenovia spoke, sending an accusing look to Kalawarner which Rias did but with surprise instead as she spoke

"The holy-swords were taken by the fallen-angel organization? It's not a matter of mistake. But certainly it would be the fallen-angels when it comes to stealing them. For the devils working at the top, holy-swords does not give them much interest."

"It is a group of Stray Fallen Angels who did it…Being led by Kokabiel" Kalawarner explained, Xenovia nodding as she spoke

"We know the main culprit who stole the Excaliburs. One of the leaders of Grigori, Kokabiel. What proof do you have that he is Stray from Grigori?"

"Kokabiel… One of the leaders of the fallen-angels that survived the previous wars since ancient times… I never expected to hear the name of the one that appears in the Bible." Rias spoke shocked, Kalawarner producing an envelope from one of the pockets of her skirt as she replied

"I have a letter from Azazel-sama stating that Kokabiel has been disavowed from Grigori" Handing the letter to the two exorcists the pair carefully read through the letter before nodding as Irina spoke

"This seems in order"

"We sent priests, exorcists, to this town secretly but they kept getting killed." Xenovia spoke getting back to the main topic as she continued

"Our request… No. Our order is to not to have any devils intrude in the battle between us and the fallen-angels for the Excaliburs. In other words, we came here to tell you not to interfere with this incident."

Rias' eyes changed after hearing Xenovia speak with restraint as she asked "Such manner of speech. Is it restraint? Are you thinking that we might collaborate with those fallen-angels who have left Grigori? Perhaps that we might team up with them to do something with Excalibur?"

"The headquarters think that it might not be impossible." Xenovia countered, Rias looked pissed at the blue haired exorcist who ignored it as she added casually

"The higher-ups don't trust devils and fallen-angels. We were ordered as [If the holy-swords are taken away from God's side then the devils would also be happy right? The fallen-angels would also profit from it. For those reasons it won't be weird for them to form an alliance. That's why we are giving you a warning. If you form an alliance with the fallen-angel Kokabiel then we will eliminate you all. Even if you're the little sister of the Maou, by our boss."

"…If you know that I am the sister of a Maou, then it means that you have lots of connections with the higher-ups in the Church. Then I will say it. We will not form an alliance with the fallen-angels. Never. In the name of the Gremory house. I will not do something that would tarnish the name of our Maou!" Rias countered seriously, Xenovia laughing as she replied

"Fu. Hearing that is good enough. I had to warn you just in case that Kokabiel is hiding himself in this town along with the three Excaliburs. If something were to happen I would be the one to be hated by the bunch in the Church headquarters. Well, we won't ask for cooperation. If you were to form an alliance with God's side temporally, then it would affect the balance of the three factions. Especially if it's the little sister of a Maou." Rias' expression softened at hearing that and she took a calming breathe before asking

"Where is the person the Orthodox Church dispatched?"

"They have that person put on hold for this case. They are planning to protect the last Excalibur if Irina and I fail." Xenovia answered, Kazuhiko and Yu sharing confused looks as Rias voiced her amazement

"So it's just the two of you? You are going to retrieve the Excaliburs from the leader of the fallen-angel with just the two of you? It's reckless. Are you trying to die?"

"Yes."

"I have the same view as Irina, but if it's possible I don't want to die." Irina and Xenovia replied with a straight look, Rias replying surprised

"…You came here to Japan prepared to die? The belief in your teaching is extreme like always."

"Don't talk ill of our beliefs, Rias Gremory. Right, Xenovia?" Irina responded seriously, Xenovia nodding as she added

"Right. Also the Church decided that it would be better to eliminate all of the Excaliburs rather than letting them get used by the fallen-angels. Our minimum objective is to get the Excaliburs away from the fallen-angels. To accomplish that, it's okay for us to die. The only way to fight against the Excaliburs are Excaliburs."

[Foolish…] Albion spoke calmly, Kazuhiko nodding as Metatron sighed as she added

{Their faith is strong but… the church hasn't thought this through seeing as they know Kokabiel took the swords.}

'Excalibur can only fight Excalibur, huh? What a stupid thing to say when Kokabiel can beat both of them without using any of them' Kazuhiko thought with a snort of amusement.

"Is it possible with only the two of you?"

"Well, we won't die in vain." Xenovia replied fearlessly to Rias' question before the latter asked

"You seem confident. Do you have a secret weapon?"

"Maybe. I will leave it to your imagination." Xenovia replied, Rias and the blue haired exorcist staring at each other for a few minutes before Irina and Xenovia look at each other and stood up as the latter spoke

"Then we will take our leave now. Let's go Irina."

"So you won't drink your tea? I can prepare a snack for you." Rias spoke, Xenovia declining her offer with her hand

"I don't need it."

"I'm sorry. See you." Irina apologised, the pair moving to leave before they both looked in Asia's direction.

"When I entered I thought that maybe it was you. Are you the "Witch" Asia Argento? I never expected to meet you in a place like this." Xenovia spoke, Seraphina and Kazuhiko's serious looks deepening as Asia shook as Irina asked

"Are you the rumoured "witch"? The former holy-maiden? You are said to have the power that can also heal devils and fallen angels, right? I heard that you were sent somewhere after getting exiled, but I never thought you would hang out with devils."

"…Ummmmm…I…I…" Asia spoke, unsure how to react as Seraphina hugged the blonde as Irina continued

"It's okay. I won't tell the higher ups what I saw here, so rest assured. People who were around the "Holy-maiden Asia" will also get shocked as well." Asia looked perplexed at Irina as Kazuhiko clenched his hands as Xenovia spoke

"But to be associated with devils. The one who was called a "Holy-maiden". You fell to the lowest place you could. Do you still believe in our God?"

"Xenovia. There's no way that she, who became a devil, still believes in God." Irina spoke amazed as Xenovia continued with sharp eyes

"No, I can smell the "belief" from her. It might be an abstract way of saying it. But I'm sensitive to these things. There are people who betray the teachings and still have guilt within them because they couldn't forget the teachings. I can feel something similar coming from her."

"Is that true? Asia-san, you still believe in God even if you have turned into a devil?" Irina asked even more interested than before as Asia replied sadly

"…I just can't put it aside. I believed in it for my whole life…"

Upon hearing that, Xenovia took her sword out from the cloth and pointed it at Asia as she spoke "Is that so…? Then you should be cut down by us this instant. If it's now, I can cut you in the name of God. Even if you have sin, our God will forgive you."

"Don't you dare touch her" Seraphina growled as Kazuhiko stood before Asia as he spoke with restrained anger

"If you come close to Asia-san, I won't forgive you. What right do you have to call Asia a "Witch"?"

"Right now she is a being at least fit to be called a "Witch"." Xenovia countered, Kazuhiko's scowl growing as he replied

"Really…? Not even a single person helped her when she needed help! Those who can't understand Asia's kindness are a bunch of idiots! It's wrong that none of them tried to become her friend!"

"Do you think the "Holy-maiden" needed friends? What's important is the charity to others. The "Holy-maidens" are finished when they seek friendship and love from others. She could have continued to live with the love from God. So Asia Argento didn't have the right to be a "Holy-maiden" from the beginning." Xenovia said as if it was an obvious thing, Kazuhiko smirking as he countered

"So the church's selfish desire wins against a single kind soul? It was your bosses who didn't teach her how to tell Devils apart from other people or maybe it was some of your colleagues who couldn't finish off a Devil if he managed to get so close to the church she was working at?"

Kazuhiko's smirk grew as he paused, Xenovia about to speak only to be interrupted as he continued "Oh yeah… If He cared so much about your Holy Maiden he would have smote the Devil before she could have healed him… It was your screw up, not Him upstairs, not Asia-san's but you exorcists' fault and if I am wrong let Him strike me down now" There was a long pause as everyone waited for something to happen even now that Kazuhiko had invited it before Xenovia replied, trying her best to stay calm despite what Kazuhiko had said

"God loved her. If nothing happened then it means that she didn't believe in him enough, or her belief was fake."

"Her belief fake? You only said before that you could smell the belief from her so are you going back on that now? Or are you so lost for words that you're reciting the church's view on people who have been kicked out of the church, huh?" Kazuhiko shot back, Xenovia's eyes widening slightly as she tried to figure out what to say as Kazuhiko continued

"Also I didn't realise that the church had become that stupid as to send just two exorcists against a Cadre… Oh, let me guess you both were stupid enough to fail a mission and this is your punishment… to be nothing more than cannon fodder for a Cadre level Fallen Angel." Kazuhiko added amused that she didn't seem to be able to counter his words.

{Kazu-kun…} Metatron spoke concerned that his dragon instinct to protect Asia was making him angrier especially with Xenovia pointing her sword at her

"What are you to Asia?" Xenovia spoke while gritting her teeth, Kazuhiko looking seriously as he answered

"I am her friend and family… I will protect Asia-san from people like your church who insist on taking advantage of her kindness and her healing power. Lay one hand on her and I will destroy you"

"Is that a declaration to us…all of those in the Church? Something big coming out from a single devil. Gremory. I think you didn't educate him enough?" Xenovia spoke with sharp eyes Rias trying to calm things down only for Kiba to step before the two exorcists, carrying his sword, as he spoke with a smirk

"That's good timing. I will be your opponent." Kazuhiko could tell the enormous aura of killing intent coming from Kiba's body, Xenovia turning her gaze onto him as she asked

"Who are you?"

"I'm your sempai. Though I apparently was a failure." Kiba replied with a smirk before countless demonic swords appeared in the clubroom.

…

"Are you sure about this Kaz?" Yu asked as Kazuhiko rolled his shoulders, having decided to keep his gravity seals active as he replied

"They think a piece of Excalibur is the reason they are going to be able to get the others back from Kokabiel… They need to be shown they are wrong and arrogant to believe that a weapon makes a person strong" Seraphina didn't look worried as she stood next to Asia and the others as Yu nodding in understanding as he added

"Alright, just don't get yourself hurt"

"I'll be fine" Kazuhiko replied with a smirk, [White-Fang] sheathed on his back as he headed over to where Kiba, Irina and Xenovia were getting ready before the barrier formed around them.

"Then let's start." Xenovia spoke as she and Irina took off their white robes to reveal their skin tight exorcist clothes before they readied their weapons. Akeno had formed the barrier around them so they didn't draw any unwanted attention.

"Even if it's just a match, be cautious of the holy-swords!" Rias called, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he mentally retort

'Not like a Holy Sword is going to hurt me much'

Kiba just activated his Sacred Gear and created several demonic-swords around him as he laughed darkly

"…Are you laughing?" Irina asked confused, Kiba's cold smile her response as he spoke

"Yeah. The thing I wanted to defeat and destroy appeared right in front of me. I'm happy. Fufufu, I had even heard that by being close to a devil and a dragon, "powers" would gather. But for me to encounter it this early."

"…[Sword Birth], huh. The possessor can create any demonic-sword they imagine in their head. It's unique among the Demonic-sword related Sacred Gears… I heard that there was a "subject" that avoided from being disposed by the [Holy-sword Project]… Is that you?" Xenovia spoke, Kiba not answering as he directed his killing intent onto her only for Kazuhiko to speak up as he drew [White-Fang] in a fluid movement

"Xenovia's mine Kiba… Focus on the twin-tails there"

"Aaah, it must be a trial to find out my friend, Ise-kun, became a Devil while I was away. A harsh destiny where my childhood friend has turned into a devil! The way time moves is harsh! But by moving forward, I will turn into someone with the true belief towards God! Now! I will give judgment to you with this Excalibur! Amen!" Irina spoke eagerly, her eyes sparkling before Xenovia regarded Kazuhiko's sword and smirked as she charged

"No sword can stand up to Excalibur!" Xenovia called as she jumped into the air and brought [Excalibur Destruction] down on Kazuhiko, who swung his own sword to meet it, a light blue aura around it showing he was using [Divider].

"How?" Xenovia and Irina spoke shocked, seeing that [White-Fang] had survived its clash with [Excalibur Destruction], even with the twenty metre wide crater that had formed under their feet. Kiba smirked as he spoke

"You will hurt yourself if your attention is on Kazu-san!" With that Kiba and Irina started to clash, the blond using his demonic swords as Xenovia stepping back as she spoke in surprise and disbelief

"How can that sword survive against my [Excalibur Destruction]? It's the incarnation of destruction"

"This sword? Oh it was created from the fang of Albion, the Vanishing Dragon, do not assume it would be as weak as a regular sword" Kazuhiko shot back, shocking the member of the ORC who didn't know while Albion chuckling as he mused

[Good idea... Using [Divider] to absorb and turn [Excalibur Destruction's] trait against itself]

Kazuhiko swung his sword to clash with Xenovia's again, the light blue aura returning moments before they hit and the two combatants fought to overpower each other, the crater under them deepened and widened from [Excalibur Destruction's] power. The bluenette's eyes widened at something she never expected to see, her sword had a small chip in it.

Xenovia's pause allowed Kazuhiko to take full advantage, slamming his free hand into her gut in a crude palm strike that launched her back several feet while her sword remained tightly in her grip.

"Cannon fodder like I said" Kazuhiko spoke seriously, resting his sword against his shoulder as he waited for her to make the next move. Xenovia groaned as she pulled herself back to her feet, scowling at Kazuhiko who was tapping his foot as he spoke with a small smirk

"I'm waiting~" Yu couldn't help a snort from suppressed laughter as he was reminded of a certain blue hedgehog as Xenovia's scowl deepened and she charged swinging her sword horizontally only for it to be blocked easily by [White-Fang], held in a reverse grip, and a small crack starting to form on her sword as the crater deepened.

The pair continued to clash blades, [White-Fang's] [Divider] ability activating to counter [Excalibur Destruction's] Destruction trait, Xenovia's anger growing as she mentally shouted 'How? How can a Dragon sword, made from Albion's body, be damaging my Excalibur? And it's being used by a Devil!'

Xenovia jumped back to get out of the crater, unleashing a wave of holy aura at Kazuhiko only to see it get split by Kazuhiko's sword much to her annoyance. Releasing move holy waves, Xenovia was shocked as Kazuhiko disappeared with a burst of orange flames only to reappear above her, [Sky Flames] covering his feet, with his sword coming down in an overhead slash.

'He's fast!' Xenovia thought shocked, blocking his sword with her own and mentally sighing in quick relief at not seeing a new crack form on her blade even as Kazuhiko forced her to skid backwards from the force of the attack.

Xenovia couldn't help the small smirk on her face as she watched Kazuhiko float in the air only by the orange flames that covered his feet. Kazuhiko was probably the strongest opponent she had ever fought and some part of her knew he was holding back, that Kazuhiko hadn't stepped out of first gear in this fight, and her blood boiled at being matched by someone who was only using a bit of Devil magic and a Dragon Sword.

Kazuhiko vanished again with his speed, Xenovia raising her sword to block as they clashed again and a new crack formed on her weapon. Her blood lust rose as she dug her feet into the ground even as she was pushed back by Kazuhiko's second sword swing.

Watching the flames disperse from around Kazuhiko's feet, Xenovia's eyes flickered up his form and settled onto his serious eyes, feeling a heat start to grow in her stomach as she charged forwards. Bringing her blade down in an overhead slash, Xenovia wasn't surprised when Kazuhiko's sword blocked her own before lashing out with her left leg to hit the brunet's side, only for Kazuhiko's free arm to deflect it.

Twirling on one foot, Xenovia used the momentum from the push to increase the power of her next horizontal slash only for Kazuhiko's sword to clash against it. Kazuhiko managed to hold his ground from the force before quickly throwing his free hand in a punch towards her face, stopping suddenly to avoid hitting the Excalibur's blade that Xenovia was using for a guard, if only so he could hid the fact touching the holy sword would do nothing to his body.

Xenovia smirked as she tried to use the pommel of her sword to hit Kazuhiko's gut, her eyes widening as Kazuhiko vanished with only a trace of orange flames before appearing behind her, pressing the tip of his blade against the small of her back, making her freeze as she realised she had lost to him.

"I guess you're not a rookie… But you should work on your swordsmanship. You won't get far if you let your sword do the work for you." Kazuhiko spoke seriously as Xenovia's eyes remained wide as if expecting a final blow… Only for Kazuhiko to start walking away from her and back towards the others, finally noticing Kiba was in pain with a cut across his stomach while Irina was in shock and Xenovia looked at him in confusion as he sheathed his sword and dismissed it to his pocket dimension.

"Oh… and just for the record, if either of you try anything against Asia-san you will be angering the Hakuryuukou" Kazuhiko added with a smirk before activating [Divine Dividing] much to the pure shock of both exorcists.

'He's the Hakuryuurou! B-But he didn't even need that power to defeat me' Xenovia thought shocked, sharing a glance with a gaping Irina while Kazuhiko dismissed his wings before Irina spoke up

"Erm…I should say that the [Welsh Dragon] has already awakened."

With that the two exorcists left, Kazuhiko filing that piece of information away as he turned towards Kiba to see what the blond would do.

Kiba gritted his teeth angrily at himself as he punched the ground, realising he had failed to even put a scratch on [Excalibur Mimic] while Kazuhiko had been able to leave over a dozen cracks and chips over [Excalibur Destruction]. Forcing himself to stand up despite the still smoking wound which Asia quickly hurried to tend to, he turned his attention to Kazuhiko, who asked "So… What did you learn?"

"Excalibur… It's tougher than I thought" Kiba replied with a scowl, Kazuhiko sighing annoyed as he spoke

"No you idiot… You would have lost against any holy sword in that girl's hands even if it wasn't Excalibur…"

"I warned you that letting your emotions take control wouldn't help you" Yu spoke sternly, Kiba shooting him a glare before pushing away from the others as he started to walk off.

"Hold on! Yuuto!" Rias shouted after him, Kiba continuing to walk as she added

"I won't forgive you if you leave me! You are the "Knight" of the Gremory group. I will also be troubled if you turn into an "exiled". Wait this instant!"

"…I was able to run away from there, thanks to my comrades. That's why I have to put their regrets into my demonic-swords…" Kiba replied after turning back to them, going to continue only to find Kazuhiko standing before him as he spoke

"So that's it, huh? You want to destroy Excalibur to avenge your comrades from the [Holy-sword Project]? You think they would want you to do something like that after they sacrificed their lives for yours?"

"My comrades died because of Excalibur!" Kiba shot back with a fierce glare, Kazuhiko's frown growing as he replied coolly

"It would have been the [Holy-sword Project] no matter what Holy sword was used for it and you think that just because Holy swords were the reason of that project being made that makes them evil? It's an inanimate object, Kiba. It has no way to influence people aside from its legend and it can't attack on its own. The true person you should focus your anger on is the person who created the project and not some weapon that is harmless in an innocent's hands."

Kiba stared at him with a scowl as if trying to find a way to refute it as he spoke "Are you going to tell me to give up on revenging my comrades as well?"

"No… just that destroying Excalibur is a waste of time and effort. You're old comrades wouldn't want you to die over a stupid weapon that the church can just re-forge anyway afterwards and those you have here now wouldn't want you dying either" Kazuhiko replied, nudging his head in the direction of the others. Kiba looking back at the concerned looking group, Yu smiling softly at seeing Kazuhiko getting through to the blond as he added

"Kokabiel is going to show up sooner or later here to try and start a war so till then you should just work out a means to make a stronger demonic sword if that psycho Freed shows up using Excalibur again."

"Whoever ran the project is probably here as well as I can't picture Freed being a natural Holy sword wielder, can you?" Kazuhiko added, Kiba nodding after a moment's thought as he continued

"Take some time away from the others… Kokabiel might have some spies around and it would be better if we can catch him by surprise when he tries something, maybe have a look into Fate/Stay Night considering the main character has a similar power to you" Kiba looked confused at Kazuhiko before nodding and walking away from the school while Kazuhiko headed back to the others as Yu asked

"Defused?"

"Somewhat… At least I don't think he'll go hunting for them at the moment" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh.

…

"Come on…" Kazuhiko spoke as he, Seraphina and Kalawarner lead Yu into Matsu's shop, seeing no one about as they headed into the back and down to the laboratory as Matsu called out

"Nice job with the Exorcist, Kazu-tan…"

"Thanks, Matsu-san… I was trying to point out that Excalibur isn't as unbeatable as everyone thinks" Kazuhiko replied, signalling to Yu as he spoke

"Matsu-san this is Yu, my friend. Yu this is Matsu-san, she's the one who helped me since the start"

"Nice to meet you, Yu-tan. Also liked how you evolved a [Staring Blue] into Mugen, good job" Matsu spoke with a smile, Yu looking slightly annoyed at the nickname as he replied

"Thanks for helping Kaz out"

Kazuhiko chuckled along with the two bluenette, summoning [White-Fang] to his hands as he spoke "Hey Matsu-san is it possible to upgrade this so I could have an ability similar to [Excalibur Mimic]"

Matsu smirked at hearing that, taking [White-Fang] as she spoke "Yeah I can do that… will need to get some materials for this. Should take me a few days once you grab the material for me"

"I'm surprised that sword stood up to [Excalibur Destruction] myself" Kalawarner spoke as she looked at the sword, Matsu chuckling as she explained

"He was absorbing Destruction's aura and turning it against itself to cancel it out with [Divider]" Matsu explained, Kalawarner looking surprised at Kazuhiko asked

"What am I going to be looking for?"

"Celestial Bronze… It can be forged into weapons that gain the ability to change their shapes. It's really tough to make nowadays so the last dozen or so bars were left in the Labyrinth of the Minotaur in Crete" Matsu explained, Kazuhiko nodding as Seraphina spoke up

"That should be easy then, the Minotaur was killed wasn't it?"

Matsu shook her head "The myth about Theseus is true but he never checked the rest of the labyrinth after he'd killed the Minotaur. The whole labyrinth is Minotaur territory and they have been allowed to run wild inside. Also theirs an anti-teleportation barrier to prevent someone from just teleporting into the centre where the Celestial Bronze is kept so you'll have to navigate the labyrinth yourself"

"Great… So I'll get lost if I can't navigate the place." Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh, Yu resting a hand on his shoulder as he retort

"I'll go with you…two heads are better than on after all."

"I can't let you come help me for nothing…" Kazuhiko replied with a shake of his head, Yu smirking after a moment of thought as he spoke

"Well I have been looking for a means to make Mugen stronger… It keep breaking when I spar seriously with Miya-sempai and it drains my reserves to reform it after each time"

"I can see what I can do about that, once I've had a look at your sword and put a list together… I've been meaning to ask, Kazu-tan, if you want I can make some Vongola Gloves for you?"

"That would be cool with me. What do you need for them all?" Kazuhiko spoke with a grin at the thought of using them as Matsu replied

"Let me have a look at Mugen first and I'll come up with a list while you go after the Celestial Bronze"

"Right…" Kazuhiko spoke with a nod.

…

The orange magic circle shone brightly as Kazuhiko and Yu stepped out of it on the island of Crete, facing a large pair of stone doors as the latter muttered "This is going to be interesting"

"I know… Minotaurs and a labyrinth from Greek Mythos, at least you'll be getting something good out of it. Stuff like this is almost part and parcel for me by now" Kazuhiko replied, walking forwards in his usual battle clothes as Yu nodded as he signalled to his new attire

"I can't believe Matsu-san made these for me as well" Kazuhiko smirked slightly as he glanced back at his friend. Yu had been given some clothes by Matsu to help protect himself, a black leather jacket which was kept closed at the front by four large silver buttons, black armoured jeans and boots finished his appearance.

"Well it'll at least help you protect yourself from the Minotaurs" Kazuhiko spoke, moving to push on the stone doors and starting to open it, thanks to his gravity seals and bangles being removed, Yu sighing as he moved to help him.

"You got the string Matsu gave you?" Yu asked, Kazuhiko nodding and pulling the silver ball of string from his pocket and tossing it to his friend as he drew both his pistols from their holsters as he replied

"Let me have a look inside first, can you tie that onto something so we can find our way back" Yu nodded as Kazuhiko stepped into the dark corridor, both pistols pointing down as he expected something to attack him within moments before calling back

"It's clear!"

"That's a good sign, I guess" Yu spoke as he stepped into the corridor, unwinding the string in his hands as he moved to stand next to Kazuhiko, who was holstering one of his pistols, as he added

"You can keep unwinding this thing" Handing the ball off to Kazuhiko as he took a few steps forwards and held his hand above him as he spoke

"Ghost Lights"

Forming above Yu four tennis ball sized orbs of pale blue light formed, illuminating the area around them as Kazuhiko smiled "Nice technique"

"I had to make up for not having Night vision like some people" Yu replied with glance over to Kazuhiko who smiled sheepishly as he holstered his other gun and started to unwind the ball of string as they started to walk down the corridor and enter the maze.

"You know we should have just brought some luminescent pens with us and marked the walls as we went." Kazuhiko mused, Yu looking annoyed as he retort

"Still wouldn't have helped me very much, Kaz"

The corridor of the maze looked to be made out of thick stone blocks, the pair noticing cobwebs at the corners as they reached the first turning of the maze which was a cross junction. Kazuhiko pressing his finger to the earpiece as he asked "Matsu-san have you got a plan of this maze yet or not?"

(There was never a plan for the maze created… if there was you wouldn't have a ball of string with you, luckily what I know from the legends say that you don't turn left or right and just keep going forwards and down to reach the centre. Oh, don't forget to bring back some Minotaur meat, I've heard its rather tasty) Matsu replied, Yu scowling as he spoke up

"This means that the string is our only way to find our way out then"

"Looks that way… Hopefully we won't get stuck running away from Minotaurs" Kazuhiko mused with a smirk, Yu shooting him a glare as he added

"Not helping" With that the pair continued to walk forwards and navigate the labyrinth, Kazuhiko unwinding the string and sticking it into corners or the floor of the corridors so they could follow it back.

[You know I would have expected more traps] Albion mused aloud, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as Yu looked back at him as he stepped on a slab which clicked as it sunk into the ground.

"Damn it" Kazuhiko growled diving forwards to push Yu down before a dozen or so arrows shot from both walls and hit into the other. Once the volley of arrows had ended Kazuhiko and Yu shared a look before the latter spoke

"Thanks"

"You just had to jinx us, Albion" Kazuhiko grumbled as the pair got back to their feet, avoiding accidentally setting of the same trap a second time as Albion spoke up sheepishly

[Sorry]

{Please be careful, both of you} Metatron spoke aloud with concern, the two friends sharing a nod before continuing on their way after checking the string was fine.

"We definitely should be more careful" Yu spoke seriously, Kazuhiko nodding in agreement before stepping forwards onto another trap switch before Yu shouted at him

"Damn it Kaz!"

"Hey you were the one to trigger the first trap, anyway nothing is happening" Kazuhiko replied, looking around as if expecting something else to happen before a loud rumbling came from behind them.

"Oh no…." Kazuhiko spoke turning along with Yu to see the giant boulder rolling towards them as he added

"Run!" With that both started to run away from the giant boulder, swinging around the first corner they could and let the boulder pass them as they sighed in relief before Yu hit Kazuhiko on the head as he shouted

"Idiot!"

Kazuhiko rubbed his head while Yu shook his aching hand as the latter added after taking a calming breathe "Now let's not set off any more traps and just find this Bronze and get out of here. Have you still got the string?"

"Aye sir" Kazuhiko replied, holding up the ball of string in his one hand and the [Cloud Flames] that was wrapped around it so they wouldn't run out of it. Yu looking at him annoyed despite the small smirk that was on his face as he shook his head and lead the way as he spoke

"Come on."

…

Half an hour and a dozen more traps, Kazuhiko and Yu managed to see the centre of the maze from the corridor they were standing in. Between them and the centre was a dozen giant Minotaurs, each holding a large weapon in their hands, as Yu stepped forwards as he spoke

"Finally near the end… Mugen Unsheathe!" Activating his Sacred Gear, Yu glanced back to see Kazuhiko walk alongside him and speaking

"[Sachiel!]" Yu arched an eyebrow at the Tonfa that appeared in Kazuhiko's hands as the brunet spoke

"I'll disarm and you can finish them" Yu smirked at hearing that, holding out his other hand as he spoke

"How about we see who can take out the most instead? … Double Sword Illusion!" Yu gripped his second sword tightly as Kazuhiko smirked and noded before breaking into a charge, Yu rushing after him, as the first Minotaur brought down its battle axe only for it to be deflected by one of Kazuhiko's Tonfa as he jumped and swung the other tonfa into its chest and knocking it to the ground before [Lightning Flames] formed over both weapons into blade shaped forms as he brought both Tonfa down in a reverse grip to stab its chest.

Yu had jumped over Kazuhiko the moment the first Minotaur had crashed into the ground crossing his two light swords before him as he spoke "Eight Flower Mantis!"

Eight energy waves launched from Yu's swords and took down the second Minotaur, knocking it back into the third and being impaled on the giant broadsword it was holding. Kazuhiko was running forwards at that time, changing from [Sachiel] to [Sandalphon] as he jumped and slammed the war hammer down onto the head of the third Minotaur and consuming it in holy flames.

"First Illusion: Netherworld Creatures!" Yu declared, firing the blue coloured insects around Kazuhiko and attacking the next two Minotaurs as the pair continued to charge ahead.

"[Sahaquiel]" Kazuhiko called, before drawing a pair of kunai from their holsters, encasing their blades in [Cloud Flames] before throwing one at the next Minotaur. The kunai multiplying in number before making a barrage of explosions take down the Minotaur as Metatron spoke up

{Oh my, that was a lot bigger than I expected}

[Damn… That was cool] Albion added impressed as Kazuhiko and Yu continued to work through the Minotaurs.

…

"Phew…" Kazuhiko sighed in relief, wiping one sleeve against his forehead as Yu smirked as he looked around at the Minotaurs that they had killed as he spoke

"I must say I'm impressed… I didn't realise that Metatron's power was so strong"

"It is on its own but I was combining it with Vongola Flames so…I probably went overkill with some of the Minotaur." Kazuhiko replied as they sat on a large stone slab in the centre of the maze, Yu chuckling as he spoke

"I could tell that… Now where is this Celestial Bronze supposed to be?" Kazuhiko looked around, scratching his head with his hand as he spoke

"I don't think they're just going to be a Zelda and appear in a treasure chest…"

(Nope… Your sitting on it) Matsu spoke amused, Kazuhiko glancing down at the car sized slab of rock they were sitting on as he asked

"This is Celestial Bronze?" Yu brushed his hand over the stone, knocking off a layer of sand to reveal a bronze shine of metal underneath as he spoke

"Looks Bronze to me… How are we supposed to get this out?"

(You don't need to get it all out just about two metres cubed should be enough) Matsu replied

"Isn't that a bit much for just for a sword?"

(Well I only need about a foot long for the sword, the rest is just in case I need to use any more later on) Matsu explained, Kazuhiko and Yu nodding as the pair set to work trying to cut off the right amount of Celestial Bronze from the giant slab.

…

The pair had returned an hour later with the large block of Celestial Bronze, luckily able to store it within Kazuhiko's pocket dimension so they could easily escape the Labyrinth. Kazuhiko had left [White-Fang] with Matsu while she started work on upgrading it before they retrieved the list from her about what they would need along with the request to see how much they could find themselves seeing as she would be busy with Kazuhiko's sword.

"Right looks like I've got a contract" Kazuhiko spoke as he moved to stand on the magic circle in the clubroom, Yu getting help from Kalawarner with finding out where they could retrieve material from while Rias was away on one of her lessons with Grayfia and Akeno was taking charge at the moment.

Mittelt, Koneko and Kiba were already out on their own contracts while Seraphina and Asia were working on their homework together as everyone wished him good luck before he was blinded by the flash of red light.

When he could see again, Kazuhiko recognised the bad boy looked man before him who smirked while standing dressed in a yukata from the description that Kalawarner had given him as he asked "Greetings… What can I do for you?"

"Devil-kun, would you come fishing with me?" The man spoke, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as he shrugged as he replied

"Well that is what you summoned me here for, Governor"

"Oh-ho, you know who I am already…. And I made so sure to hide my energy" Azazel replied surprised, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he spoke

"You didn't try and hide your appearance did you? Kala-san described your appearance when I asked"

"Oh darn… Well I must say I'm surprised you're not moving to defend yourself" Azazel spoke intrigued as Kazuhiko asked

"Are we going fishing or are you just going to observe my Sacred Gear while we stand here talking? If you wanted to attack me I'd be dead already"

"That's true…" Azazel spoke with a nod before they gathered everything so they can go fishing. The pair setting up at the marina as Kazuhiko lounged in his seat as Azazel spoke up

"You know I was impressed about how you pulled off duplicated the Vongola Flames… and how skilfully you used them against the Phenex boy, he's still frozen in ice if I remember rightly"

"I hear that a lot…and yeah, Phenex is still on ice" Kazuhiko replied, watching the fishing rod set up before him as Azazel added

"I'm surprised you saw through Sirzechs attempt to reward you, most guys your age would have enjoyed picking any single heiress for themselves"

"I don't like the idea of people being forced into arranged marriages… agreeing to it would be putting myself and some girl in the same position I had just had to deal with Gremory" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh, Azazel nodding in understanding as he regarded the young man before spoke teasingly

"There's a few ladies at Grigori who wouldn't mind being stuck with you… Maybe I can introduce you to them next time I summon you" Kazuhiko rolled his eyes as he started to reel in the fish on his line, Azazel looking at him intrigued and amused as the brunet did so.

…

Author's Note

Here's the official introduction of Xenovia, Irina and Azazel, at the end for a little bit of fun. Hope you like the whole meeting with Xenovia and Irina as well as Kazuhiko's fight with the former.

The talk with Kiba is intended to point out a detail and something I felt was overlooked in Kiba's whole 'destroy the Excaliburs' plan which is that the church can just remake them as long as the cores stay intact.

Also I included a bit of Greek Mythology involving Theseus and the Labyrinth with the Minotaur and Celestial Bronze, although I had a bit of fun with what happened in the Labyrinth and Kazuhiko and Yu's fight with the Minotaurs.

Also Kazuhiko or Yu won't get their new weapons till after about halfway in the Treaty Arc as they have to work for them now.

Anyway hope you enjoyed the chapter.