Hello and welcome to another chapter of Dark Slayers Rebirth. It's been a while since I updated this. Last chapter, Vernal officially met Rias and her peerage, witnessed Issei awaken his Sacred Gear, meet Asia and saved her from Freed and discovering that her mother's new pet cat is the Stray Cat Kuroka. This chapter will have Vernal show the Fallen Angels the power of the Dark Slayer. Now, the poll results for who Vernal will have as a Familiar. The winner is...Tiamat, whose appearance will be based on FGO's version. To all Shadow and Griffon fans, I'm sorry. Now, let's get to it.
As usual, I own nothing.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST THE GIRL?!"
That was the first thing Raynare demanded from Freed. Things were business as usual. Freed had gone out to "punish the wicked" while dragging Asia around. While it was a surprise that the devil who his latest victim made a request from showed up, the brown haired boy wasn't anything special. What made everything go tits up in Freed's opinion was the tall white haired devil with the cow tits kicking his ass and taking the nun.
After that incident, Freed and the Fallen Angels made their way back to the abandoned church they were using as a hideout. Needless to say, Raynare wasn't happy with tonight's events. Along with Raynare, Kalawarna and Dohnaseek was a girl with blonde hair styled into twintails and blue eyes wearing a gothic lolita outfit. Her name is Mittelt.
"Look, I had everything under control." Freed says as he cleans his ear with his finger. "It's not my fault that dairy cow swiped her."
"She was your responsibility, Freed." Dohnaseek says. "Without her, the plan is ruined."
"We were finally able to obtain Azazel-sama's Sacred Gear Extractor and you lose the nun to a unknown?" Kalawarna asks incredulously.
"I'm starting to wonder if you really are as good as you say you are." Mittelt says.
Freed frowns at Mittelt. "Listen Happy Meal, I'm the best there is at what I do. But babysitting ain't part of my skills."
"Enough!" Raynare exclaims. "Who was the devil that took Asia?"
"Hell if I know." Freed says with a shrug. "Tall, white hair, creepy blue eyes and had tits bigger than yours. From what those other devil shits said, her names Vernal Angelo. Can you believe that? A devil with angel in her name."
Raynare, Dohnaseek and Kalawarna freeze up at Freed's description of the unknown devil.
"White hair and blue eyes?" Kalawarna asks. "You don't think...?"
"It has to be that same girl whose been interfering with our plans." Dohnaseek says.
"Damn her!" Raynare says. "I knew I should've killed her when I had the chance!"
"Something tells me you would've had trouble." Dohnaseek says. "From what I was able to get detect from her, she's leagues above whatever the Gremory girl is capable of."
"Regardless, we need the nun." Raynare says. "Her Twilight Healing is our ticket to better serve Azazel-sama and the others."
"You mean your ticket." Mittelt deadpans. "You did say you would be the one to take the nuns Sacred Gear."
"Of course." Raynare says haughty. "I'm better suited. But don't worry, I won't forget the little people."
The other Fallen and Freed roll their eyes.
"So, what do we do?" Kalawarna asks.
"We have to get Asia back." Raynare says. She then grins as she rubs a pink scrunchy on her arm. "And I know just the person to lead us to her."
While the Fallen Angels were making their plans, Vernal was dealing with another problem. Her mother's new pet cat. Or as she introduced herself, Kuroka. After bringing Asia to her mother, Vernal thought it was the perfect time to confront the Nekoshou woman about her motives. Though Vernal knew Kuroka wasn't an ordinary cat, she wasn't expecting the Strays appearance.
"This is...curious." Vernal says.
Kuroka pouts. "Mou, that's all you have to say? You aren't shocked by my appearance nya?"
"While I knew you were by no means a normal cat, you'll find not many things shock me." Vernal says. "Now, why the charade? What is it you are after?"
Kuroka lies down on a couch seductively. "I was in the neighborhood when I sensed someone with a powerfull aura in another devil's territory nya. Imagine my surprise when I found you."
Vernal frowns. "Curiosity killed the cat."
"Oh you can relax Nally-chan." Kuroka says with a giggle. "I'm not here to cause trouble."
"Then why are you here?" Vernal asks. "From your introduction, your a Stray Devil. You seem like a smart woman, so you should have some inkling that if you were to attack me, things would end badly."
Kuroka frowns as she stands up. "I think you may be underestimating me. You may be stronger than the devils in this town, but do you honestly think you'll-"
Kuroka is cut off as she fells an overwhelming pressure aimed at her. Enough to make the Nekoshou woman fall to the ground.
"W-what is this? This...pressure..." Kuroka thinks with a bead of sweat running down her face.
Kuroka manages to lift her head up and is shocked. Why? Because the heavy pressure was coming from Vernal, whose eyes are glowing ominously with a blue aura surrounding her as well. It was then that Kuroka knew.
"Her power..." Kuroka thinks. "It's easily that of a High-Class Devil. But it feels...like she's STILL holding back?!"
Seeing that she's gotten her point across, Vernal reigns in her power as her eyes stop glowing and her aura disappears. The white haired devil sees Kuroka take a few deep breaths.
"I trust you understand?" Vernal asks rhetorically. "I wasn't boasting, I was stating a fact. Let this be a lesson-"
Vernal is cut off as Kuroka suddeny zooms over to her and straddles her. The Nekoshou's eyes appear to have a certain gleam to them. And Vernal could definitely feel a strange puddle forming on her pants.
"Give me kittens nya~!" Kuroka exclaims with a excited look on her face.
"...What?" Vernal asks after a pause.
"I'm one of the last Nekoshou's in the world." Kuroka says. "So naturally, I wanna make sure my species doesn't go extinct. To do that, I need someone to give me strong children. So, as I said before, give me kittens nya~!"
Vernal stares at Kuroka blankly as she blinks once. Then twice.
"You do realize that the both of us are female, correct?" Vernal asks. "Not that you need to know I was male in my past life."
"Yes." Kuroka says without missing a beat. She then gives a sultry grin. "But I've taken the liberty of researching some spells and incantations should I find myself with a female partner nya."
Vernal stares at Kuroka for a moment before teleporting to the other side of the room. Making the Nekoshou woman stumble forward. Kuroka looks back at Vernal just in time to see the white haired girl slide the door open.
"I believe this conversation is over." Vernal says without facing Kuroka. "So long as you refrain from causing trouble for myself and my mother, I will permit you to stay here. Just know that should you do so, you will be promptly evicted."
Vernal steps out into the hallway. She then glances back at Kuroka.
"One other thing." Vernal says. "My mother isn't stupid. I have no doubt she knows of your true identity and simply chooses to ignore it."
With her piece said, Vernal closes the door. Leaving Kuroka alone. After a moment, the Nekoshou woman gives a sultry smirk.
"Oh don't think this is over Nally-chan." Kuroka says. "Sorry Vali, Bikou and Arthur. But I'm going to stick around here for a while. ...At least this gives me the excuse to check in on Shirone-chan more."
It was a beautiful morning for Vernal and Asia the next day. After breakfast, Asia had begged Vernal to let her explore the town. It seemed even with the threat of a few Fallen Angels after her, Asia's curiosity needed to be sated. Vernal would've preferred to keep Asia at the compound until Raynare and her crew were dealt with, but then the nun broke out her ultimate weapon. The dreaded Puppy Eyes. But it wasn't Vernal who gave in, it was Sylia.
So, at Sylia's suggestion, Vernal accompanied Asia as her guide. Sylia had even given Asia a change of clothes. The nun was wearing white blouse over a teal colored shirt, blue shorts and her own brown boots. Finishing her outfit was her silver cross necklace. Since it was the weekend, Vernal wore the same outfit she wore when she watched Issei's "date" with Raynare.
Though, Asia was kind of wary of Vernal. Ever since the two left the compound, Vernal appeared to be in a mood. The white haired girl hadn't said a word.
"I'm sorry for making you do this Angelo-san." Asia says with an apologetic look.
Vernal stays silent as the two continue walking. Thinking she may have made her white haired companion mad, Asia was tempted to suggest going back.
"...Forget it." Vernal says.
"Eh?" Asia asks in confusion.
"With my presence, if the Fallen try anything I can deal with them accordingly." Vernal says. "Besides, your presence is tolerable compared to most people I've had the...pleasure of knowing."
"Asia?"
Vernal and Asia look up to see Issei standing in front of them. The boy wearing casual clothing as well.
"...Speak of the devil." Vernal says dryly.
"Asia! It really is you!" Issei says. "Are you okay?"
"Issei!" Asia says. "Yes. Angelo-san and her mother let me stay with them last night. They've both been very nice."
"Really?" Issei asks. "Come to think of it, I've never even seen your house Vernal-sempai. Every time I head home, you take the other road."
"Yes, well my mother and I like our privacy." Vernal says. "So we live in a remote area without any neighbors."
"Sounds kind of lonely if you ask me." Issei says. "But what are you two doing out here?"
Asia shuffles sheepishly. "I kind of begged Angelo-san to take me on a tour of this town. It's my first time in Japan so..."
Issei blinks before smiling. "In that case, count me in!" Issei looks at Vernal. "If it's okay with you I mean."
Vernal stares at Issei before glancing at Asia. Seeing her pleading expression. Vernal then walks past Issei.
"Try to keep up Hyoudou." Vernal says.
Issei and Asia watch as Vernal continues walking. The two glance at each other before smiling. Issei and Asia then rush after Vernal.
Things were interesting with Issei in the mix. The groups first stop was a burger joint, where Asia got to experience her first cheeseburger. Next stop was the arcade, where Asia again proved to be out of her element. But that was to be expected considering how sheltered Asia's life has been. Still, the blonde nun enjoyed the new experience. The group even took pictures of each other in a photo booth. Though Vernal didn't smile. Issei had even won Asia a stuffed animal and the blonde said she would always treasure it.
Seeing Asia happy was enough for Vernal. Their morning started as an obligation. But Vernal was slowly remembering the old days of her past life as Vergil. Before the Dark Slayer began his quest for power. The days spent with Dante and their mother, Eva. Memories that have been kept buried were being brought to the surface. All because of Asia. The nun seemed like Eva in a way with her kind and caring nature.
During the final clash as Urizen, Dante had told his brother that their mother had searched for Vergil when they were attacked. Urizen had said he didn't remember that time. But after joining with V, Vergil vaguely remembered his mother calling out to him before her demise. A memory that was once repressed by the trauma of everything that happened.
The truth is Vernal didn't remember her life as Vergil when she was somehow reborn in this world. It was only after a certain...incident that happened during Vernal's childhood that the Dark Slayer had truly returned. But her time spent as Vernal had changed Vergil. So, while she now knows the importance of protect the people close to her, she hasn't given up on gaining more strength. But Vernal has decided to gain strength by improving her own skills and not taking shortcuts as she once did. Especially if the day ever came that she'd face Dante again.
Coming out of her trip down memory lane, Vernal, Asia and Issei decide to rest at a nearby lake. Asia went on about how she enjoyed herself. Something that Issei (and secretly Vernal) shared.
Seeing that she felt comfortable around the two, Asia shared her past with Vernal and Issei. How her parents abandoned her when she was a baby, her life at the church, awakening her Sacred Gear and being treated like a Saint, how everything came crumbling down because the nun- unknowingly at the time- healed a devil and joining the Fallen Angels. Even so, Asia still kept true to herself and that she believed that her hopes and dream will come true.
At the end of the nuns tale, Vernal decided to make a call. "I'm trusting you to watch her Hyoudou. Don't let that trust be misplaced." With the boy giving her his word, Vernal left Asia with Issei as she made her call. Which was telling Sylvia how their day went and Asia's story.
"So that's what happened." Sylvia says dejectedly.
"You said you knew her parents in the past." Vernal says.
"Yes. But it was a long time ago." Sylvia says. "I was a different person back then."
"...I see." Vernal says while closing her eyes. After a moment, Vernal opens her eyes. "What will you do?"
"...Once this business with the Fallen Angels is over, I've decided to adopt her." Sylvia says. "The poor dear doesn't have anywhere else to go. And I'm the closest thing she has to a family."
Vernal hums in thought.
"I'm already on my way to the courthouse to get the adoption papers." Sylvia says. "I just hope Asia will accept the offer."
"She will." Vernal says readily. "From what she's told me, all she wants is to experience the things she couldn't while part of the church. ...We can give her that much."
"Ara? WE can give her that much?" Sylvia asks with a mischievous tone. "Is it possible my Nally-chan likes the idea of being a big sister?"
"Mother..." Vernal says with a warning tone.
"I'm only teasing." Sylvia says with a giggle. "Thanks for the support I-"
Before Sylvia can continue, Vernal suddenly looks to her left as she feels a familiar presence.
"This is..." Vernal asks.
Catching on to her daughters tone, Sylvia starts to worry. "Nally-chan? What happened?"
"...A barrier just appeared." Vernal says as she narrows her eyes. Her eyes then widen in realization. "Argento!"
"Nally-chan?" Sylvia asks. "Nally-chan!"
Vernal hangs up the phone, pockets it and teleports to where she left Asia and Issei. Once she arrives on the scene, Vernal sees Issei with a bloody shirt, but no wounds and Asia in Raynare's clutches.
"Damn you!" Vernal says as she prepares a few energy swords.
Raynare responds with a smirk as she holds Asia closer to her. "Ah ah ah. You wouldn't want to hit little Asia here, would you?"
Vernal grits her teeth in frustration. Suddenly memories flash before the white haired girls eyes, with one being the most prominent. Her mother injured while a few shadowy figures surround her. With the supposed leader staring at a younger Vernal with hazel eyes and a manic grin.
"Goodbye my friends." Asia says snapping Vernal out of her thoughts. Tears then fall down her face as she gives a sad smile. "I'll miss you."
Raynare and Asia then vanish. Issei falls to his knees as Vernal dismisses her energy blades.
"No." Issei says in despair. "Why couldn't I save her?"
Issei looks up at the sound of footsteps approaching him. He then sees Vernal, staring at him. But it's a look that sends a chill down his spine. His senior has proven to be terrifying when it came to Issei and his pals antics. The look Vernal was giving the brown haired boy now...was worse.
Later that night, Vernal and Issei went to the ORC building. When Rias saw the bloodsatin on her Pawns shirt, she knew something had happened. Issei then proceed to tell his King what happened with Asia and Raynare while Vernal stood in a corner and listened with her eyes closed and her arms crossed. Not even the sound of Rias slapping Issei disturbed the white haired girls concentration.
"Let me try one more time." Rias says sternly. "If I say don't, you don't. You have to forget about Asia. You are a member of the Gremory family now."
"Then release me from your household, cause I refuse to let her go!" Issei exclaims.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that." Rias says.
Issei scoffs. "Of course not. I'm your "precious Pawn" right? Can't do without your most important piece, can you?"
Rias frowns. "That's enough Issei."
Issei is taken aback by Rias' tone. Having heard enough and gathered her thoughts, Vernal opens her eyes as she makes her way out the door.
"Where are you going Angelo-san?" Rias asks.
Vernal stops but doesn't turn around. "It's clear to me that neither you nor your household are equipped to handle this matter. So the task falls upon me."
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." Rias says with a frown. "This is a matter for the Gremory family. Outsiders aren't permitted to interfere with our affairs."
"And how has that worked for you?" Vernal asks.
Rias narrows her eyes. "...What?"
"Your Pawn has been attacked four times now by Fallen Angels." Vernal says. "Foes invading your territory. It should not have taken you this long to dispose of them. It's clear to me that you're out of your league."
Akeno, Kiba and Koneko frown at Vernal's words.
"That's enough!" Akeno says. "Who do you think you are insulting our King?"
Vernal glances at Akeno with a cold expression. "You wish to defend her, Half Breed?"
Akeno flinches in shock. Her fellow peerage members (sans Issei) not far behind her. How did Vernal know about Akeno's secret was what went through the Gremory peerages minds. Akeno then gritts her teeth in anger as Issei looks at the scene with confusion and apprehension.
"I warned you before that if there was a threat, I would act as I always have." Vernal says. "It doesn't matter to me whether you are the little sister of Lucifer or not. Get in my way..." Vernal looks back at Rias and her peerage with a glare as her eyes ominously glow. "...and I will cut you down."
Vernal then flares a small amount of her power. Causing Rias and her peerage to gasps as they stumble by how heavy the pressure is. With her point across, Vernal let's up on her intimidation and teleports out of the building.
"...What the hell was that?" Issei gasps. "That felt worse then when Yuma killed me."
"It was like that feeling I got from her last time, but worse." Kiba says tensely.
Koneko says nothing as she huddles fearfully.
Akeno takes a breath to regain her composure before turning to Rias. "Bucho?"
Rias takes a few deep breaths. "I knew she was hiding more of her power than what she lead on. But I never imagined THIS much. And what scares me more...is that she was STILL holding back!"
Rias looks at the place where Vernal once stood.
"Who...or what are you?" Rias asks.
Moments later, Vernal is seen walking down the path to the abandoned church. She then digs her phone out her pocket before making a call.
"Vernal!" Sylvia exclaims in worry. "What happened? Where are-"
"The Fallen have taken Argento." Vernal says cutting her mother off.
Sylvia gasps on the other line.
"I'm getting her back." Vernal says. "I'm done hiding."
Sylvia stays silent for a few moments before sighing.
"So, your revealing yourself." Sylvia says gravely.
"If HE wants me, then he'll have to come get me himself." Vernal says as she narrows her eyes.
"...I know." Sylvia says. "I just wish we had more time. But it's my fault for asking you to hide your true strength in the first place."
After the incident that awakened her identity as Vergil, Sylvia made Vernal promise to hide her true power. Knowing that there was a chance of the man who attacked them years ago finding them. But Vernal could no longer hide. It was time for the reborn Dark Slayer to reveal herself.
"...Just promise me one thing." Sylvia says.
"And that is?" Vernal asks.
"...Come back to me alive." Sylvia says pleadingly.
"...Understood." Vernal says.
Venal ends her call before closing her eyes. After a moment, she opens them Her eyes focused on the church in her sights.
"It begins." Vernal says.
"Ugh! This is the worse. Standing guard is the most boring thing ever."
Mittelt, Dohnaseek and Kalawarna stood a ways away from the church. With Raynare inside preparing for the ritual, the three Fallen were tasked to guard the church from any intruders. Mainly the Gremory peerage and a certain white haired devil. A barrier was already in place for the occasion.
The three Fallen suddenly tense at the sound of someone approaching. Wondering why there were no signs of teleportation. In the darkness a pair of glowing blue eyes can be seen approaching. The glow fades as the intruder steps into the light. Revealing Vernal.
"Ooh. Ask and ye shall freaking receive." Mittelt says with a grin.
"...So it's her." Dohnaseek says tensely.
Mittelt looks at Dohnaseek with a raised eyebrow. "Her? You mean THIS is the devil that's got everyone on edge?"
Mittelt looks back at Vernal. She examines the white haired girl before zooming in on her chest. The blonde Fallen's eyebrow then twitches.
"Freed wasn't kidding." Mittelt says. "How can she even stand with those things?"
"Your alone?" Dohnaseek asks. "That was a mistake."
"It's clear your intentions are to disrupt the ceremony." Kalawarna says. "We won't let you interfere."
"And once it's done, not even the Gremory heiress will be able to stand against us." Dohnaseek says.
"Too bad, so sad~." Mittelt sings.
"...Your mistaken." Vernal says. Getting questioning looks from the Fallen Angels, Vernal continues. "Rias Gremory and her little group aren't who you should be fearing. Not that it matters." Vernal glares at the Fallen. "This is the last night you crows shall draw breath."
"Ooh! I'm like so scared." Mittelt says sarcastically.
Vernal narrows her eyes in concentration. She parts her feet as her power explodes. Taking the Fallen by surprise as fear begins to settle in.
Back at the ORC building, Rias and her peerage are suddenly slammed to the ground by a overwhelming pressure. Making everyone gasp in shock as the struggle to stand up.
"Gah!" Issei exclaims as he begins to panic.
"S-so...heavy!" Kiba bites out.
"This power...it's scarier than onee-chans!" Koneko thinks with wide eyes.
"Rias, what is this?!" Akeno exclaims.
Rias grits her teeth as she struggles to stand. Instinctively knowing who the cause of this pressure is.
"Her power far exceeds a High-Class Devil!" Rias thinks with wide eyes. "And it's still climbing!"
Meanwhile, back at the Angelo compound, Kuroka, in her true form, suddenly falls to her knees at the sudden pressure.
"Is this her true power?" Kuroka thinks with wide eyes. "It's as strong as Vali's! And it's still growing!"
Sylvia felt Vernal's power skyrocket as well. But because she was already exposed to it, she was affected quite to the extent as everyone else. The moment she felt Vernal power, all Sylvia did was close her eyes.
All around the Underworld, devils everywhere are shocked by the dense power coming from the human world. The weaker devils were rendered catatonic while the stronger ones found it hard to move. One devil in particular sensed a familiarity in the power being displayed...and couldn't help but grin maniacally.
"So, your still alive." A man says. He then laughs uncontrollably. "Hehehe HAHAHAHA!"
It wasn't just the devils who could feel Vernal's power. The Angel faction, the Fallen Angels and the Yokai could feel her power. Even a certain dragon could feel Vernal's strength and couldn't help but be intrigued by it.
Back at the church, the group of Fallen Angels were hit with the brunt of Vernal's power and found it hard to breathe. Thankfully, the pressure began to lessen as the aura around Vernal dies down. Revealing Vernal's new appearance.
Vernal now wears a long black coat with light neon blue serpentine patterns and three separated coattails with slightly tattered edges. She wears a black sleeveless zippered-turtleneck beneath her midnight blue formal vest. Vernal also wears charcoal gray fingerless gloves, black pants and dark boots covered by teal gaiters with several straps.
But it was what was in Vernal's left hand that drew the Fallen's attention.
A sheathed katana with a golden-black handle wrapped in a white cloth. The sheathe was black as night with a blue tassel. The power emanating from it was incredible. At long last, the Devil Arm, Yamato, has returned.
"Now witness...the power of a son of Sparda." Vernal says.
The Fallen say nothing as they stand in shock of Vernal's aura. Dohnaseek manages to snap out of his shock as he sees Vernal slowly drawing her sword. Sensing danger, the male Fallen tries to warn his comrades.
"Get out of the way!" Dohnaseek exclaims in a panic.
Dohnaseek's actions prove futile as Vernal quickly slashes the area around her. All is quiet as the Fallen try to grasps what the white haired devil has done. Vernal closes her eyes as she slowly begins to sheath her sword.
"Void Slash." Vernal says softly.
With a clank, Vernal fully sheaths Yamato. At that moment, the Fallen Angels feel as though they've been cut. Dohnaseek looks down and gasps in horror at the sight of his torso separating from his waist down. The male Fallen glances at his comrades to see them bisected as well.
"How...?" Dohnaseek asks.
With screams of agony, the Fallen explode into molts of light, with only scattered black feathers remaining.
With the Fallen taken cared of, Vernal opens her eyes and moves towards the church.
After a few minutes, the white haired devil reaches her destination. Vernal examines the church for a brief moment before moving to the door. She then places her right hand on the door and strikes it. Causing the door to fly off it's hinges and land somewhere inside the church. Vernal walks inside and quickly examines her surroundings. Suddenly, Vernal stops walking as she hears someone clapping. The figure steps into the light. Revealing Freed Sellzen.
"So, we meet again." Freed says cheerfully. "Glad you could make it. Though I'm surprised your little devil friends aren't here." Freed examines Vernal. He then licks his lips. "Gotta tell ya, I'm loving the outfit. Really adds more to those cow tits of yours."
Vernal stays silent as she stares at Freed stoically.
"Not much of a talker, huh?" Freed asks. "Well I wonder if your a screamer." Freed reaches into is robe and pulls out a gun and a sword hilt. A blade of light then appears from the hilt. "Cause your going to be doing plenty of that when I'm done with you!"
Vernal continues to remain silent. She then glances at the podium.
"I can sense Argento's below us." Vernal thinks. "There must be a secret entrance under that podium." Vernal suddenly narrows her eyes. "Argento's life-force is getting weaker. The Fallen must be extracting her Sacred Gear." Vernal turns her attention back to Freed. "Better make this quick."
"So, tell me cow tits, how would you like to die?" Freed asks as he licks his gun with a manic look on his face.
Vernal responds by quickly teleporting to Freed in a Iaidō stance. She then unsheathes her sword and swings it at Freed. Reacting quickly, Freed manages to evade Vernal's strike, but the podium is destroyed. Revealing a hidden stairway.
"Okay, rude!" Freed says indignantly.
Freed charges forward as his sword drags on the floor. He slashes at Vernal, only for the white haired devil to deflect the strike upwards. Undeterred, Freed lunges at Vernal with his blade primed to stab her. Vernal redirects the mad priests strike away from her, flips Yamato and uses the hilt of her blade to strike at Freed's stomach. The amount of force in the strike causes Freed to gasp in pain as he is flung back into a wall. Regaining his bearings, Freed points his gun at Vernal and shoots at her. In a shocking display of swordplay, Vernal twirls her blade and blocks the bullets. When she stops twirling her sword, Vernal reveals that she caught the bullets as she lays the out on the ground. She then launches the bullets at Freed.
"The hell?!" Freed exclaims in shock.
The mad priest quickly dodges the bullets as the impact the wall behind him. Just before Freed can retaliate, he stops himself as he feels pain in his stomach. The priest looks down to see Yamato impaled in his stomach. Blood begins to stain his shirt as Freed drops his weapons. He looks up to see Vernal staring at him with an apathetic expression. Vernal then drives her sword deeper into Freed's body. Causing the mad priest to swear loudly as he grips Vernal's sword.
"You...bitch...!" Freed groans out with a weak glare.
"Little wanderer, hie thee home!" Vernal says.
Vernal pulls her sword out of Freed and swings it to get rid of the priest blood. Turning around in the process and causing the floor to be adorned with Freed's blood. Vernal then sheaths her sword. When Yamato is fully sheathed, Freed collapses on the floor. Vernal then walks to the hidden stairway. Leaving Freed for dead.
As Vernal runs down the stairway, she begins to hear Asia screaming. Hearing this the Dark Slayer quickens her pace. Vernal arrives at the hidden basement. Just in time to see Asia, in a white blouse, chained to a cross with a green orb floating away from her and into Raynare. Along with a small army of Stray Exorcists.
The rogue exorcists draw their weapons upon Vernal's arrival. Raynare looks back at the Dark Slayer and smirks.
"Welcome." Raynare says. "I'm afraid you've just missed the party though."
Vernal says nothing as she gazes at Asia. Noting that the blondes bright green eyes have lost their light. The nun was dead. She was too late. Seeing this, Vernal hangs her head. Thinking that the white haired devil was despairing over the nun, Raynare laughs maliciously.
"What's the matter?" Raynare asks with a cruel smirk. "You look upset." Raynare glances at Asia's body. "This is the fate of those who carry a Sacred Gear. But there's no need to cry...cause you'll be joing her soon enough! KILL HER!"
At Raynare's command, the rouge exorcists charge forward. A group of four then gang up on Vernal, who raises her head. Though her expression looks blank, Vernal's eyes say differently. The emotion in them plain as day. Fury.
[Play Divine Hate (Vergil's Combat Theme 2) (DMC3:SE)]
Time seems to slow down as the rouge exorcist approach Vernal. The white haired devil then backslaps three exorcist with her scabbard before slowly drawing her blade. With a slash, Vernal cleaves the exorcist in front of her in two. Keeping up the momentum, Vernal spins around and bats an exorcist away from her before cleaving two of them from the waist down. She then sheathes her sword. Seeing the deaths of their comrades, the other exorcists quickly surround Vernal. The white haired devil looks upon the opposition with a steely gaze.
An exorcist attempts to strike Vernal with their sword. Only for the Dark Slayer to lean back slightly to avoid the attack. Vernal then responds by striking the exorcist with the butt of her sword. She then draws her blade to block a strike from another exorcist, before sheathing Yamato as she sweeps her foe off their feet with her sword. With her target airborne, Vernal draws her blade and bisects the exorcist. Another exorcist tries to attack Vernal, only to be cleaved in two with an upwards slash. Vernal then quickly spins around, knocks an exorcist airborne with her sheath, before bisecting her victim along with another.
That's how most of the battle went on. With Vernal either blocking her enemies attacks with her sheath or knocking them off balance before slashing them in two. All in a display of blood and gore. A sight that made even Raynare flinch at how one devil meticulously decimated half of her forces.
By the end of the carnage, Vernal's bangs had came down over her face. But it didn't matter to the Dark Slayer one bit as she looks upon the remainder of the Fallen's forces. With a yell, Vernal dashes forward, relentlessly slashing everything in her path. At the end of her charge, the remaining exorcist fall to the ground as their bodies are cut in half in a shower of blood. Not one drop touching the white haired devil. Her enemies vanquished, Vernal sheaths Yamato behind her. She then scoffs as she swipes her bangs back before narrowing her gaze at a wide eyed, shaking Raynare.
[End OST]
The Fallen Angel was terrorfied. One no named devil completely and utterly decimated her forces. Without so much as a scratch! It was then Raynare knew. This devil- no monster- was nothing like the Gremory heiress. She was cold, merciless and unforgiving. Even with her newly acquired Twilight Healing, Raynare was certain she would not leave the church alive. That fact was proven when Raynare's eyes made contact with Vernal's. The Fallen had seen a vision of herself riddled with energy blades with her body on display like a crucifix.
So busy with her emotional distress, Raynare didn't notice Vernal was moving towards her. The Fallen gasp before quickly producing a light spear.
"S-stay back!" Raynare fearfully exclaims.
Raynare hurls her light spear at Vernal. Only for the spear to be batted away by Vernal's scabbard, without the Dark Slayer breaking stride. Seeing this, Raynare begins to panic as she creates more light spears and hurls them at Vernal. Only to be met with the same results. Even so, Raynare continues her futile assault.
"Stay away!" Raynare exclaims. "I finally have supreme power! A no name devil like you is nothing to me! Everything I've done! Disobeying my orders from Azazel-sama, killing that pervert, taking that nun! All so I could have this power!"
"...You did all this just so you could have the power to heal?" Vernal asks with a snarl. You think THAT is true power? What do you know of power? Is it the power to destroy a city? To crumble a mountain? Annihilate an entire country? To bring all on this planet to their knees? You have none of that! You are too low to even understand it and for your ignorance, your life is utterly forfeit!"
Vernal bats away another light spear. She then quickly teleports to Raynare, grabs her by the throat and lifts the Fallen off the ground. Raynare struggles to get out of Vernal's grip, but is unable to break the white haired devils hold. The Fallen then fearfully gazes at Vernal as the devils eyes begin to glow with her aura surrounding her.
"Before I relieve this world of your stupidity, let me enlighten you to the truth even a toddler can understand!" Vernal says.
Raynare's pupils begin to dilate as she sees an image of a dragonic looking demon over top of Vernal.
"I - AM - POWER!" Vernal exclaims with a demonic voice at the end.
Faced with the monster in front of her, Raynare gives a horrific scream.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
A few moments later, Rias and her peerage appear outside the church. Issei is the first to rush in, with his fellow peerage members following him.
"ASIA!" Issei exclaims.
Issei, as well as the rest of the Gremory peerage are shocked to find Vernal, in a different outfit standing in front of them while using her sword as a cane. What had Issei's attention was Asia laying down in a bench next to Vernal. There were also signs of a fight with blood splatters on the floor.
"You showed up." Vernal says.
Rias stares at Vernal. "Koneko?"
Koneko shakes her head. "They're gone."
"The Fallen have been dealt with." Vernal says. "As well as the exorcists following them."
Kiba glances at Vernal's sword. Feeling it's power even from across the room. He then looks back at Vernal.
"What about the Stray Priest?" Kiba asks.
Vernal furrows her eyebrows. "He's dead. At least he was when I left him." Venral glances at the blood splatters on the left of her. "His body was right there before I went to dispatch the exorcists. When I returned it was gone."
News of Freed Sullzen's body disappearing unnerved Rias. But before she can ask anymore questions, Issei beats her to the punch.
"...And...Yuuma...?" Issei tentatively asks.
"Gone. Not even a feather remains of her." Vernal says darkly. She then takes a breath before focusing on Rias. "Rias Gremory. Tell me, how do you view your servants?"
Rias is taken aback at Vernal's question. After a moment, she composes herself.
"I see my servants as my own family." Rias says with conviction. "There is nothing I wouldn't do for them and anyone who harms them shall know my wrath."
Vernal stares at Rias. Seeing nothing but conviction and sincerity in her eyes. Seeing this, the white haired devil closes her eyes.
"Argento's Sacred Gear was removed." Vernal says.
Rias narrows her eyes while her peerage, most notably Issei, pales at the news.
"That means..." Kiba says solemnly.
Vernal nods. Confirming everyone's fears. Issei takes slow steps to reach Asia's body. He then drops to his knees as tears fall down his face.
"Damn it!" Issei exclaims as he punches the ground. "She didn't deserve this! All she wanted was to have friends and to do normal stuff!"
Rias gives a pointed look at Vernal. "...Angelo-san. Are you asking-"
"Know this Gremory. I hate owing anyone anything." Vernal interrupts. She then looks at Asia. "...Do this and I shall owe you one favor. I suggest you not waste it."
Rias stares at Vernal. After a few moments, she gives a small smile before digging into her pocket and pulling out a Bishop Evil Piece.
That night, Rias revived Asia as her Bishop. The first thing the now former nun saw was Issei tearful smile. An expression Asia herself had. After letting Issei have his moment with the blonde, Vernal chimed in telling Asia about Sylvia adopting her. When she heard the news, Asia bursts into tears of happiness and latched on to Vernal saying "Nee-san!" over and over. After everything was said and done, Vernal and Asia returned home, with Sylvia giving a bone crushing hug to the blonde. Asia responded by calling the older woman "Mama". Which made Sylvia cry tears of joy.
The next day, things were back to normal. Rias had asked her father to enroll Asia in Kuoh Academy. With Issei as her classmate. With the former nun also becoming a member of the Occult Research Club. Thankfully, Kendo Club ends earlier than the ORC, so Vernal was able to watch over her new little sister. Though Asia was disappointed by the fact that she couldn't pray anymore. Even though the Gremory peerage was still wary of Vernal and her power, things have definitely gotten lively for the devils of Kuoh.
Unfortunately, the devils reprieve would soon end. As plans were in the works that would disrupt the peace in Kuoh Town. Such as a certain flaming devil setting his sites on Rias and certain individuals eyeing Vernal.
And done! Again, sorry this took so long. It's been hot these past few weeks and I've just recently got a new air-conditioner. Next chapter will cover the trip to the Familiar Forest as well as the meeting with Riser.
Also, as a little note, the Vernal vs Freed fight was taken from the end of Dante's first fight with Vergil in DMC3. Vernal's massacre of the exorcist was taken from Vergil's prologue in DMC3 Special Edition. And yes, from time to time, Vernal will quote poetry just like V did. And shout out to D'nnome for giving me the lines for Vernal's speech to Raynare.
Now, I have an announcement. I am in the process of making a Naruto x Kuroinu fanfiction. What's better is that Zero Arashi Uchiha has asked to be Co-Author of my fanfic! I was asking them for advice and when I pitched my ideas, Zero liked my ideas enough to volunteer to help me write this fic. Which is good because I'm new to writing lemons. A summary of my newest fanfic is posted on my profile. Be on the look out for Dark Elf Vixen.
See you next time. Until then, ja nee!