The Devil and the Chicken
Chapter 5: The Chariot, Part 2
Arc: Monk of Destruction.
Glossary:
"Greetings." Normal speech.
'Greetings.' Thinking speech.
[Greetings.] Comms and phone speech.
{Greetings.} TV and Radio speech.
{START}
~Asia Argento~ TIME: 07:45 PM
"Oh lord… please keep your followers safe from evil…"
Asia Argento prayed by her bed as she held her cross close to her. The room that was given to her was damped, dusty, and dirty. Torn papers littered around her, no, pages, pages of the bible… all littered around her…
She held her cross tightly, something she has been doing ever since she came to the Church. She felt… anxious to be in God's house, she did not feel His protection, only darkness…
The door to her room opened, the sound of rust echoing around her room, showing its age and its lack of maintenance. She held her cross tightly, hesitant to turn around and face the person.
Asia shivered after feeling a hand on her shoulder.
"Come now, Sister Asia" a man bemoaned behind her "Don't tell me you are still angry. I let that little Devil leave without any divine punishment he deserves just as you asked"
She tightened her hand, keeping the cross close to her chest.
"Yes, I might have… been a little excited in my mission to rid these cursed creatures, but you have taught me an important lesson and that is in forgiveness"
She wanted to argue, to question the lie he is telling her. She has seen what kind of person she dealing with. His pleasant, calming voice she first heard him with when she first came to the Church and a voice that made her feel… welcomed.
Standing behind her was a young man, early to mid-twenties. His white hair might look appealing to some outsiders, but those who know him, and Asia came to found out, appealing is the last thing anyone would even think to describe Freed Sellzen.
"I am sure, that in your kind heart, you can forgive this humble servant of his lord," said the man, coming closer to the blond-haired girl.
Asia did not answer him, opting to continue praying in silence.
Freed's eyes turned from apologetic into a glare in an instant for her silence, sneering at the girl with contempt.
And proceeded to kick the young girl, cruelly so.
"You little whore!" Shouted Freed, gone the pleasing voice, replaced with a harsh one "I go out of my way to not hurt the little shit of a Demon because of your crying and begging!"
Asia tried to stand up, holding her head still, this is not the first time he has hit her, just an hour ago, after Freed injured Issei, she begged him to not kill him, he slapped her, calling her names for interrupting him. And now, he is doing it again.
She still held her cross tightly, tears slowly falling from her eyes.
"Please… stop…"
Another kick, this time to her abdomen.
"I don't know what Raynare wants with you, but I get to have you when all is said and done" he grabbed her by the neck and lifted her to force her to face him, his red eyes staring at her own. Asia did not see any goodness behind them, the eyes that once welcomed her now stared at her with nothing but hatred, and lus-
She hitched, feeling his hand go somewhere people should not be going. She tried to fight, grabbing his hand from going lower.
"Stop it! Please!" she begged, trying with all of her strength to stop his hand from grabbing anything from her body.
She received a slap to the face, a hard one, which echoed in the room. The hit sent her back to the ground, tears continued falling from her eyes as she grabbed her cheek.
"Not only a whore! But you are a liar" Freed sneered, standing over her "Didn't you promise me you will do anything for me if I let that brown-haired fuck go? Huh?!" he demanded, putting his foot over her head "Did I hear wrong?! Or did you lie to me?!"
Asia cried, all the begging were for not if she says anything he will hit her if she says nothing he will hit her. And if she let him do anything to her… her heart sank at the thought…
"That's enough"
A voice called the priest's attention, whose eyes twitched, not happy with the interruption.
"Can't you see I am busy here!" he shouted at the newcomer, his eyes still leering at Asia "I was about to get started-"
"We are about to start, and you abusing the girl would make things difficult," said the stranger "We need her at one hundred percent for it to succeed".
Asia raised her head, and she hitched in pain, but she fought the pain, she needed to fight the pain.
The man was tall, much taller than Freed. His attire consisted of a pale gray trench coat, black pants and shoes, a pair of black gloves, and a black fedora. Asia suspected the man in the grey coat to not be from the Church, his aura was completely different from Freed, more powerful than the priest. So their interactions were limited when she first arrived for he was quiet, cold but had some form of familiarity to it she felt when she entered Churches back home, but different enough for her to feel worried and fearful.
Freed let out a loud scoff "Why? I thought you crows will start the ritual tomorrow"
The man in the grey coat groaned "Raynare's condition is getting worse" revealed the man in gray coat "Whatever hit her made sure her regenerative abilities are slower than usual. So we need to finish the ritual fast and get out of here before anyone gets the wind about us. When we are done, you can whatever you want with her"
Freed chuckled "Oh that's the fun part!" he said in excitement before turning back to Asia "Well, little whore, looks like our little playtime will have to wait for another time" Asia shuddered, his red eyes had a glint behind it "I don't mind doing it with the dead!"
He let out a burst of loud laughter, walking out her room and leaving her with the man in the grey coat. Who helped her up to her feet and checked on her face.
"Thank… thank you…" she said meekly to the man in the grey coat, holding her swollen cheek and wiping away the tears.
"Don't thank me…" he answered coldly, backing away from the girl "Because what happens next isn't something you'll be thanking anyone for…" he turned and walked to the door "Follow me, Raynare wants to see you"
Asia clutched her cross closely and followed the man in grey coat into the dark hallway, after a few seconds she found herself into the larger hall of the building she stayed. Like her room, the hall did not age well, the lack of care to it showed the place to be starting to fall apart. Pews were littered and broken, wood was starting to rot, papers, burned and scattered all over the place. And with the only thing that stayed intact was the large cross located at the end of the hall.
She took a deep breath nervously. Around her were several men dressed in white and black garbs, like how Father Freed dresses. Each of them had a hood covering their heads as they converse with one another. Asia felt unnerved as some of them turned their sight to her as she passed by them, among them being Father Freed, who was staring at her like a hungry animal, following the man in grey coat until they reached the podium where the large cross was located.
"I brought her" the man in grey coat announced.
Asia looked up and saw two women she has never met waiting for him. One was a short, blond hair like hers, in twin tails. Dressed in what Asia believed to be a maid outfit. The other woman was tall, her long navy blue covered her right eye. Dressed in what looks like a business suit, with a maroon jacket and a skirt.
Between the two of them, the blond-haired girl looked at Asia with disdain, while the blue-haired woman had her head down, arms crossed under her breast, the aura she radiated was overwhelming for Asia, more so than even the man in the grey coat.
"Kalawarner, Mittelt" the man in grey coat greeted them "It's time"
Asia felt a hand touch her shoulder, a cold hand. Hesitantly turning her head, she was greeted with a bandaged up and heavily injured Raynare. A woman Asia has been taking care since yesterday when she first arrived. Using her healing powers to help to no avail, her injuries were too severe for even her powers to help her.
Whatever injured Raynare, they were made with the intent to make her suffer.
"My little Asia…" through haggard breath and fighting through the pain "It's time for you to repay the favor… a favor that would help us" Raynare's eyes turned forward, and Asia followed before finally settling where Raynare was staring at.
The large cross.
"It's time for you to give me your Sacred Gear… my Sacred Gear"
The cross she held close to her chest dropped to the floor as the fear and dread that she has been feeling ever since she saw Issei nearly die in front of her, ever since she has come to this Church she felt the dread…
The last time she felt even remotely safe is when she was with Issei, with Mr. Black. They made her feel safe, feel welcomed even, the last time she felt that before was back home…
Before she was exiled…
"Put her on the cross!" Freed's orders reverberated around the hall, and on command two priests quickly grab her by the wrist and drag the young girl closer to the large cross.
"NO! PLEASE! NO!" Asia cried out, tears falling from her eyes as she tried to escape the priests' grip, pulling away, scratching away, to no avail. She screamed for help, for anyone around her. She turned to the man in the grey coat, who was simply staring at her with a blank expression before turning away. The blond-haired girl in maid clothes was simply snickering at the sight of Asia's attempts. While the blue-haired woman had her head down, unchanged.
Raynare's grin widened, practically elated for what's about to happen.
The priest's set her close to the cross, despite her struggle, they managed to lift her arms as they clutch her wrist tightly. Forcing her to face everyone in the Church, from the priests to the newcomers, to Raynare.
"Nails!" Freed shouted "Bring out the nails! And let the ritual begin!" his eyes were focused on Asia, growing more animalistic, enjoying seeing her suffer and beg, just like when he hurt Issei… Her eyes widened after seeing another priest approaching her, carrying two large silver nails.
Tears continued falling, she struggled, she tried to escape, but she was weak, she felt weak
'Please… God… save me…' she begged inwardly, she felt exposed, she felt lost, she felt betrayed.
She felt alone-
*BOOM!*
Suddenly an explosion shattered through the side of the Church, sending a massive shockwave to everyone in the hall. Some of them were pushed far back to the other side of the wall, hitting hard into the concrete. Dust began to settle from the explosion, and after a few seconds, it dissipated, showing everyone just what had happened.
"What the hell was that?!" Raynare screamed, shocked by the blast "Dohnaseek!"
The man in grey coat, Dohnaseek, coughed from the dust as he tried to answer her, "Someone hit the building!"
"What?!" Raynare's shouted once more, teeth gnawing in irritation and anger "Who hits a Church?!"
Asia, who was left unharmed along with the rest who were standing near the cross, coughed as she waved away the dust, trying to look through the mess in front of her, she managed to see through the dust before a gasp escaped her.
In front of them, by the entrance and behind a large number of priests, stood four people.
As the dust finally passed and things became clearer, the priests realized that there were people inside the Church and took stances, brandishing a holy blade from their coats. Freed took the lead, standing in front of the priests as he readied his swords, a two-bladed holy weapon.
Dohnaseek and the two women took their fighting stances, each of them had black wings sprouting out of their backs, revealing themselves to be Fallen Angels.
Asia rose wobbly, trying to keep herself from falling to get a good look at the four who came in the front and her eyes widened.
"ASIA!"
A voice, a familiar voice called for her name, a voice that made her heart skip and her eyes watering.
Issei Hyoudou, who came through the hole, stood in front of the priests, carrying a red gauntlet in his left hand. His eyes were on Asia, behind the softness she has seen it carries a look of focus and determination.
Standing by his side were two others she did not know, one was a blond-haired boy dressed in what looks like a uniform, carrying two swords in each of his hands. And the other was a white-haired girl, shorter than the rest of them, even shorter than Asia herself, had her hands up in a stance.
"No…" Raynare whispered, shaking in her place, fear gripping her voice "No… not you!"
And standing by Issei's side was Bazzard Black, carrying a large blue bow in his hand.
"We came to save you!" shouted Issei, the conviction behind his tone was enough to fill Asia's heart with hope, hope she thought she lost it just a few seconds ago.
Asia, tears dropping openly from her eyes, tears of joy.
{D&C}
~Issei Hyoudou~ Three Minutes before the assault:
"So…" Issei began after some period of silence, looking at the people around him as they surveyed the church ahead, the place where Asia is being held. Feeling restless ever since they came to the rooftop opposite of the place, every second he feels they are wasting the more Asia is in danger, he can just feel it "…You want us to blow a hole by the side of the Church?"
Bazzard Black scoffed, looking through a duffle bag he brought with him "There ain't us in this plan. I will be the one who blows a hole into it just for you three to get in and not feel any effects from its walls" he noted, bringing a black glove out of the bag and wore it, tightening it around his hands. He brought out another piece of personal equipment from the bag, which was the silver cross he usually carries around with him in the academy "Unless you know how to shoot out a blast powerful enough to make a hole out of that place"
Issei did not know whether it was a question or a statement but he answered without any hesitation.
"I am working on it," he brought out his Boosted Gear "Yesterday I managed to blow up a tree with a blast! Been thinking of giving it a name."
"I am sure that tree had it coming," Bazz cited nonchalantly, which caused Issei to flinch at his criticism "Unless you want to go to an alternative plan and sacrifice your dignity with pretty boy over there, they might actually give us Argento without any hassle."
Yuuto Kiba, who was surveying the Church ahead, cringed at Bazz's suggestion, even if he was being sarcastic about it. Kiba was the first person Issei called for help and thankfully he accepted without any hesitation, which gave him a few good points in Issei's eyes despite being his enemy for attracting the girls in his school.
Issei gave Bazz a horrified look "Dude, I told you that plan wouldn't work! And I am saving myself for girls!"
"You're right, they like them young and pretty," he said in sarcasm and eyed Kiba "Although I am sure they wouldn't complain that much."
Kiba felt a sweat drop from his head before a hand touched his shoulder.
"…Don't worry, Kiba-Kun," said Koneko Toujou in a calm tone, another person who decided to come and help them. "…They will be gentle with you." she said at the blond-haired boy, who stared in horror at her sarcasm.
Issei did not expect her to come but she followed Kiba to make sure he and Issei don't end up hurt. That made the brunette extremely happy that despite making it clear she does not like him, she cares enough to help him in this rescue, even if they were saving a former member of the Church.
"Can we continue with the blowing the Church up, please?" Kiba pleaded, feeling a little uncomfortable with the looks he is being given.
A chuckle escaped Bazz, "Hey, I am just throwing a suggestion here" Tightening his glove, Bazz stood up and gazed at the Church "Alright, back to business, you three know how this goes down?" he asked, turning to the two others who came with them in this rescue.
"Of course, Black-san," said the blond-haired pretty boy, trying his best to forget the suggestion given by Bazz "This is not the first time we've faced a band of exorcists or Fallen Angels."
Another revelation Issei has come to find out is that the Church is currently the base of the Fallen Angels, something Buchou has been aware of for a while. One of them being Amano Yuuma, or whatever real name was, with her possibly involved in harming Asia fueled Issei's desire to save the priestess even more.
"I am sure your King has trained you two well, then again, she does leave all the heavy work to her servants," Bazz noted sarcastically, which caused Kiba to narrow his eyes before someone at the side told him to let it be "Just remember our deal, the crows are mine and it is not up for discussion" the German turned to Kiba "And if your King has anything to say about it, tell her I don't care."
Kiba sighed and nodded in acceptance and acknowledgment. Issei could understand the frustration, he knows he would have done the same with Bazz if he misspoke to his King. But at the same time, he trusted Bazz, knowing when to argue with him and when to not, and this was not a time to argue with him. And if Souna Shitori couldn't do anything to change his mind, he doubts Rias Gremory could do the same, and this is coming from her Pawn.
Koneko nodded at Bazz in return, all the while she ate another chocolate. Issei has come to find out of Koneko's special abilities, which was sensing other's energy presence, at a certain distance she can count just how many are around her, and because of her Bazz and the others can make certain adjustments of Issei's original plan to make sure they get out of this alive and getting Asia safe.
He pointed at the Church ahead, the position they were standing gave them the view of the side of the building. A position Bazz specifically chose before Kiba and Koneko came.
"I'll blast a hole right on the side of the building, it should be big enough to destroy any form of protection it gives out against Devils" he explained, and the three nodded "The moment the arrow hits, we go through it right away. So don't tumble flying over there or…" he turned to Issei, "Hanging by a helping hand towards it"
Yeah, the flying part did not work for Issei, he fell the instant he got out of Bazz's balcony. So he had to run after him, Bazz refused to carry him, and he can't blame him for it and realize that he has to train even more if he has to get better and get any closer to his dream.
At least Kiba agreed to carry him when they charge, so that's a plus (He was too scared to ask Koneko, much to his shame and fear) even if he was his sworn enemy.
Bazz took a wide breath, flicking his wrist, the silver cross that hanged by his hip shook and instantly a large bow began to form from the palm of his hands.
Issei stared in awe of the bow. He expected some kind of energy made a destructive weapon had a messier shape from Buchou's description. But seeing it now it taking such a solid shape it's almost intimidating to look at despite its simple appearance.
"…She is moving," Koneko noted, leaning against the edge, staring at the Church with a dull look "…They are taking here somewhere in the Church."
Issei clenched his hands in anger, memories overflowing to his mind of Asia back in the old man's house when he saw her crying for the old man. When he saw her crying for him… for getting hurt by the hands of Freed…
"Freed…" his eyes turn to rage, his tone turning lower from the memory.
"Tell me when she stops moving, I need to know where exactly she stands" Bazz directed Koneko as he grabbed the blue string of his bow, pulling back, an arrow began to form, aiming at the Church.
Issei followed his aim back to the Church, still doubtful with Bazz's plan, despite the changes made when he originally pitched they just barged in the front door and save Asia before Bazz had to smack that idea from his head right away, explaining that it's stupid and suicidal to not only charge ahead like mindless grunts but also charging into a building that is an actual weakness to Devils. Doing this plan of Bazz, which is blowing a hole by the side of the Church, and in the process weakening the building's powerful holy blessing would give them the necessary advantage in the ensuing confusion.
"…She stopped," Koneko announced, nodding at a specific area "…She is there… and she is growing weaker."
The air around them tightened as Bazz's hands continued pulling back the string until it reached the end. His green eyes glowed, blue aura began to appear from his hands as his gloves began to react in his actions.
Heilig Pfeil
And then, he let go of the arrow.
{D&C}
~Bazzard Black~ Present Time:
He did not expect to see this many priests in one place, let alone exiled ones from the Church. Then again, Fallen Priests almost always go wherever Fallen Angles hang around in the world.
'Priests and Churches... all that's left is a Little Timmy and you got the unholy trinity lump in one place' his eyes turned back to Issei and Kiba, 'Scratch that, these priests would probably consider this a win...'
The plan was simple, in his mind, hit them in one side and storm in, simple, effective and the enemy wouldn't expect a full-on assault, let alone one such as this scale. Yeah, he might have gone overboard with his shot but he made sure to not use a full power arrow shot from the get-go it doesn't want to hurt Asia by mistake.
'And to think the kid said it wouldn't work.'
Stupid plan? Yes, even by his standards. But they couldn't just barge through the front door right away (Which was Issei's original plan), these people were expecting an attack from the Devils who own this territory one day, so an attack wouldn't shock them unless they receive an unexpected one.
A giant arrow shot from his bow was one idea, which would blow the side of a building and weakening the holy blessing this place might have, and it worked. Now most of them were confused, and unfocused with the sudden attack. With the holy blessing gone, giving the Devils a better footing.
"I count twenty", Yuuto Kiba whispered by his left "Not to mention the seven currently on the ground and the three who are knocked out," he looked up and saw the Fallen Angels "Plus the four Fallen Angles."
"Three," Bazz pointed at the terrified Raynare "She ain't be doing any action, I made sure of that."
Bazz expected Issei to call in one person at least for help, two would be an achievement, and the dumb pervert managed to do so without begging to people. Managing to convince Kiba and Koneko (He never bothered to ask what her last name was, so he'll start calling her white hair) to come and help him.
'At least Gremory isn't here…' he thought, their King and Queen were out on a job, and didn't know about this little rescue mission Issei planned because the pawn said that there is a possibility she might have taken a neutral stance, even Kiba supported the idea of his king taking it, which is why he decided to help Issei out of the goodness of his heart. Koneko for her part simply came along to make sure they don't get killed.
"Yuuma…" Issei whispered by his right, eyeing the injured Fallen Angel "You were right that she would be here…"
"Focus kid," Bazz advised, his sight were on Asia "We are here to save your little Girlfriend, everything else is just extra."
Issei nodded and took a stance, bringing out his Boosted Gear, not even embarrassed or denying the fact he just called the priestess his girlfriend.
"Well well well~" a priest began clapping, walking ahead of the unit of priests. His white-hair shined from the moonlight that came from the hole Bazz made. Red eyes studying each of them before settling on Issei "Look at you! You abomination finally grew a set of balls!" said the priest.
"Freed!" Issei glared at the priest "You are the one who took Asia away!"
"Took her away?" The priest, Freed, tilted his head in confusion "Who said anything about taking her away? She came to us after she was kicked out of the Church! She should be grateful we even accepted the little whore!" Freed brought out his tongue "Oh! I got such a hard-on when the bitch begged me to not waste you back at the old man's house!"
"…Disgusting," Koneko whispered under her breath, and Kiba nodded in agreement.
Bazz brought his hand in front of Issei, stopping him from doing anything rash, he turned and looked up to Asia, who was staring at them in shock and hope. Tears falling down her cheeks.
Her swollen cheeks.
He clenched his hand into a fist but kept his cool under control.
"Listen up you Godless fucks!" Bazz began addressing everyone in the room "You have a chance to leave this room with your limbs intact, step away, it is not worth it. But step up, we'll make sure you'll regret stepping up like a fucking idiot" said the German, surveying his surroundings and occupants before settling at the Fallen Angels "Same goes with you crows, leave now, and I am sure your bosses will give you a second chance"
"…"
"…"
"…"
Freed began to shake, almost trying to fight it off before finally bursting into a burst of laughter that echoed around the Church. Soon after, the other priests followed suit in laughing with who they acknowledge being their leader. The Fallen Angles, which is the tall man wearing a grey coat and the blond-haired girl chuckled alongside the priests, amused at his threat, while the blue-haired woman had her eyes on him with a focused look, and Raynare remained shaking in fear at the sight of him.
He still had his hands clenched.
"We waited too long…" Kiba whispered by his side "I am seeing some of them getting up…"
He is right, the whole explosion was to disorient them, confuse them when they attacked, but instead they decided to talk, like people with time in their hands. He never understood why people bother to talk to you before or during a fight…
Time for plan B.
"Guess we should introduce them to fear…" Bazz sighed, and the three with him tensed up, waiting for him to make his first move "You" he pointed at the white-haired priest "You the leader of the priests?" he asked, even if it was clear who led them.
Freed stopped laughing, finally acknowledging the German with a sneer.
"What of it? Chickenhead?" he chided, and Bazz let that one slide, he let it simmer "These Men are mine and they respect my authority!"
He looked around, some of them were shaking, some of the priests had their head down in prayer 'Even in exile they are still God-fearing zealots… or fearing this fuck' he turned back to Freed, his face still neutral.
"Her face" he pointed at Asia, who flinched after getting singled out, touching her cheek almost on instinct "Your doing?" he asked.
Now is Kiba's turn to hold Issei back after realizing what Freed has done, angered the swollen cheek of the priestess.
"Huh?" Freed uttered as he scratched his head "Her face?" he turned back to Asia with a sneer and grinned in her direction "Oh right! I did that, little whore didn't know her place" he turned back to face them "So I decided-"
He did not see the punch coming.
It was fast enough that no one would see it coming, not the priests, not the Fallen, and sure as hell not Freed.
The punch felt good, it felt… just right. It's been a while since he put his full strength into his punches as he always held back, especially against the local gangs in town. He knew he had to hold back if didn't want to kill them.
But Freed? He was a priest, no, he was an exorcist. The Church trained them extensively to be killing machines, to know nothing but fight Devils and serve a God who will never answer them.
And they can take a hit.
Freed's head bounced back from the punch, but as he was punched back, Bazz quickly grabbed him by the collar of his coat and dragged him close for another punched with the other hand.
Bazz continued punching him, holding him by the collar in one hand and the other was used to punch the ever-living hell out of him. Every punch echoed around the hall, every single one of them. He did not know what really set him off, was it Asia's face? Did her expression and the clear signs of her cry cause him to just grab the priest and wail at him with all of his strength to punch the ever-living shit out of him? Or was it the stress? The fatigue for a hectic day? Or was it just the need to punch someone at the slightest chance he can get?
Whatever the reason was, it didn't matter, all that mattered to Bazz is to save Asia and make everyone who wronged regret it.
One punch caused one of the priests to gasp, the sound of bone crunching echoed in the silent hall. Freed's knees buckled, but Bazz made sure to hold him still by the collar of his coat.
"Stand straight and take a beating you little shit" Bazz warned, pulling him up and delivered another punch.
Another caused Raynare to scream in fear, but not for the priest, but for the existing fear she had for the German.
Another one caused Koneko to stare in shock.
Another one caused Kiba to look away.
Another one caused Issei to be taken aback at the brutality, even if the one receiving it was Freed.
And another one caused the Fallen Angels to tense up.
Punch, teeth began to fall from Freed's mouth, a lot of teeth.
Punch, and blood smeared across God's house.
Punch, and the priests began praying for a God they abandoned.
Punch.
Punch.
Punch…
"…"
"…"
"…"
Bazz let Freed's limp body go, he was already knocked out by the seventh punch, his face smashed up, and his eyes shut bloody, his cheek swollen beyond recognition. His teeth were everywhere, some even catching a priest nearby.
Asia, possibly out of petty, or out of the goodness of her heart, was taken aback at the brutal beating the priest was given. Even after everything she has suffered under his hands, she seemed to feel bad at the beating he has taken.
Issei glared at the priest's limp body and spat in his direction.
Cracking his neck, Bazz turned at the rest of the priests, his eyes turning from neutral into a glare. The air around turning warmer by the second as the heat began to come out of the German.
Fear, the quickest way for a crew of warriors to feel true fear is to beat the strongest among them. And Freed was the strongest among the priests here in the hall. Break him, brutalize him, show him just what kind of fight this will be, soon the others will follow.
And they did, some of the priests let their weapons go and ran into the nearest entrance running and screaming in fear. Bazz and the Devils let them pass, some taking the door, others taking the hole Bazz made.
"Nineteen…" Kiba said through haggard breath, still trying to shake off the brutal beating he has witnessed. Even though he hated the priest and what he represented, the beating looked a little too much for the teen "Only nineteen priests…"
Bazz nodded and eyed the Fallen Angles "Get ready" he ordered the three and they took their stances.
"You…" one of the priests began through shaky breath, his eye was on the fallen Freed "You spilled blood of His follower in His house!"
The priest, the ones that remained and were more pissed than fearful, brought out their weapons.
'And from their anger, their true self will appear…'
Bazz aimed his bow at the Fallen Angels, the sound of chain shaking by his hip echoed as the cross he carried with glowed in blue.
"This ain't God's house, preacher. Just a house with three walls, a hole, and a roof," said the tall student, his shoulders tensing up in anticipation.
His comments angered the priests greatly, and earned a few chuckles from the Fallen Angels, except for Raynare.
Issei took his stance, the green orb at the heart of his Boosted Gear glowed in anticipation.
Twirling his two blades, Kiba surveyed his surroundings.
Koneko brought her fists up, despite her small frame and stature, she brought out a terrifying aura.
Raynare, possibly out of desperation, or stupidity 'Which goes hand in hand for her now…' took a step forward and began to shrill like a banshee.
"KILL THEM! KILL ALL OF THEM!" Raynare shrieked out her orders "I WANT THEM DEAD! I WANT THEM ALL DEAD" She pointed her wrapped fingers at his direction, shaking in fear "I WANT THE CHICKEN HEAD DEAD!"
The priests let out a battle cry, and charge forward, raising their holy blades in their attack.
They readied themselves but Koneko jumped in front of the trio, raising her legs, and brought it down on the wooden floor. And through sheer strength, the rotten wood shattered, causing hundreds of splinters to burst from the ground and catch the charging priest, stopping and dazing them.
"Holy shit…" Bazz muttered at the strength delivered by the small girl, feeling a sweat drop.
"Holy crap!" Issei shouted in awe "I never knew Koneko-chan was this strong!"
Kiba nodded "Koneko-chan is a Rook, her piece's abilities are enhancing her strength" he explained, twirling his swords and taking a stance "And I am a Knight"
Kiba charged forward, faster than normal eyes can see, and swing his sword at the disoriented exorcists. Slashing away at their arms and legs, making some of them immobile.
"…Kiba becomes fast" Koneko finished, quickly dodging an oncoming strike from an overeager priest, and she delivered a vicious punch by his rib.
Issei, despite being pretty motivated and pissed, asked them to hold back in not going overboard in this fight, which in translation means no killing. Which Bazz doesn't mind following, death is the easy way out, a broken bone and living with one is far worse.
Along with the fact he wants the crows to be alive if he doesn't want Azazel to annoy him that he killed a couple of his stupid followers not knowing any better.
The four continued their fight, with Issei and Koneko punching their way to rush forward, while Kiba and Bazz continued occupying the ones left behind, making sure they focus on them.
"Kalawarner! Mittelt! Kill them! I want the chicken head dead!" Raynare shouted, growing fearful after seeing how the priests are getting curb stomped by the four, and without Freed being there to lead them, the result is apparent to whose side is winning. She grabbed Asia by her wrist and dragged her back to the large cross "Dohanseek! With me!"
Mittelt, the blond-haired girl, smirked in anticipation "I got dips on the pretty boy blondie!"
"Hmm…" Kalawarner's eyes were on Bazz with interests.
"Let me go!" Asia tried to pull away from Raynare's grip to no avail.
Dohanseek turned to Raynare, flabbergast at her order "Just what the hell are you doing?!"
"Finishing the ritual!" she responded, sounding desperate by the second "We… we have to do it!"
"Oh hell…" Bazz swore under his breath after realizing what Raynare is doing, the giant cross and a Sacred Gear user by its side takes a no brainer to know what they are about to do "Kid!" he called for Issei attention, dodging a swing from a priest, Bazz delivered a nasty head-butt at him, knocking him out "Save Argento! They are trying to get her Sacred Gear!"
"What?!" Issei turned to Raynare in anger.
Before Bazz could take another step forward, he saw something coming in his direction, and at the last second, he moved his body out of the oncoming holy spear that passed by him and hit a nearby wall, destroying it in an instant.
'That was fast… too fast…' he turned to face the one who threw it, raising his bow to aim and fire only to be looking at a pair of high heel shoes hitting him face first, sending him flying across the hall and hitting into the entrance, opening it on contact.
"BAZZ!" Issei shouted and tried to go back-
"Issei-san!" Kiba grabbed him before he could do another step back.
The kick managed to send Bazz outside, skidding a couple of feet on the grass dirt until he managed to stop himself by using his feet.
"What's with people kicking me…?" he shakes his head "I am getting slower…" trying to shake off the dizziness and pain from the attack. His eyes turned up and saw someone flying towards him.
With her holy blade ready, the Fallen Angel, the woman known as Kalawarner tried to stab the disoriented Bazz, who at the last second managed to move out of the way. Grabbing her by the wrist, he brought his head back and pushed it forward to deliver a head-butt at the crow.
But Kalawarner, through the use of her long legs, brought her knee up to block his head, sending a powerful shockwave behind her. But she remained undeterred, she pulled back to give herself enough space and shot out her legs, hitting her high heeled shoes on the shoulder, and because it is high heels, it felt like she was stabbing him on his shoulder.
His already injured shoulder.
"FUCK!" He shouted in pain and let go of her wrist, not believing his luck that his already banged-up shoulder is slowing him down here. Fighting through the pain, he quickly blocked another leg strike from the Fallen Angel. He grabbed her legs, brought her close, and this time managed to deliver a head-butt. The force behind the hit was powerful enough to send her head back and shattering her nose.
He twisted his body, hands still on her leg, and proceeded to throw her across the field a couple of feet away from him.
'What's with women fighting in fucking high heels?!' he thought in anger, grabbing his bleeding shoulder, already pouring out into his shirt and jacket 'Useless powers…' his bow has dissipated, and even if he summoned it again his shoulder is too banged up, he can't use it properly "I fucking hate bows… useless in a fight..."
The Fallen Angel is much smarter than he thought, she knows that at a distance he could fire a couple of arrows in her direction and do serious damage, the same as what happened with Raynare.
Kalawarner spat out blood, standing on one knee as she shook off her distortion. Looking up, she glared at the injured German, before smirking "When they told me Raynare had her ass handed to her I thought the Boosted Gear welder or the Devils did the deed" she noted, standing up, she flicked her wrist and summoned another holy spear. Hers was unique that the others he has seen, a golden light, compared to Raynare's purple blade. Those with their unique holy light, be it Angels or Fallen, represent their place in the Angel society, namely their rank.
Wings are the easiest to guess an Angels rank, the more wings they have the higher they are. Their holy light indicates the same, however, it varies. Sometimes you get a golden light but you get a scrub. Sometimes you get the opposite, sometimes you get someone who backs it up.
"Kalawarner, Grigori. Former Principality of Heaven" she introduced herself.
Power of Heaven, basically a lieutenant of Heaven. The holy faction hierarchy is composed of three groups, or Spheres as they call. The Third Sphere is one of them and they are composed of grunts, the soldiers, the Angels who are put into the frontline. Composed of Angels and Higher Angels with The Principality of Heaven (which is an actual rank) act as sergeants or mother hens in taking care of the Angels.
'Guess ranks mean shit in the Grigori if Raynare gets to become a leader of her crew…'
Bazz cracked his neck, and flicked his wrist, summoning his bow once again, the silver cross shaking as the blue orb glowed at its center.
Heilig Bogen: Bow Form
"Bazzard Black," Bazz introduced himself, "Student of Kuoh Academy"
Kalawarner raised an eyebrow "Not going to introduce who you really are, bowman?" she asked, smirking at him.
Bazz gave her his own smirk "Used to be a knight if you are that curious." he noted in sarcasm.
Well… not exactly in sarcasm.
Kalawarner took a stance and readied her spear, splitting the long weapon into a double short sword.
Bazz readied his bow and pulled the string, gritting his teeth in pain as blood continued pouring out of his shoulder, the arrow began to form and taking a solid form.
The Fallen Angel took flight, sprouting out four wings from her back, she flew straight like a bullet, bringing her golden spear forward. Bazz responded by firing a volley of arrows toward the Fallen Angel, who maneuvered and dodged each shot. Using Hirenkyaku, Bazz enhanced his speed to dodge each of her attacks, going backward and giving himself a couple of distance to let him fire a few more shots in her direction.
"HCK-"
That is until his wounds began to catch up to him, namely the one on his chest. Gritting his teeth, Bazz knew that if he slowed down even for one second, which would mean his death-
"Got you!" Kalawarner managed to cut the distance, stabbing her spear forward with the intent to kill.
Bazz, while with some difficulty as he fought off the pain, dodged at the last second, his wound was too severe, plus the one in his chest is adding to his already diminishing strength due to using his powers more than usual.
But alas, it wasn't enough, just as he managed to cut another distance, Kalawarner, through the use of her wings and already full strength, decided to bulldoze her way through his attacks, allowing some of them to hit her but she remained undeterred, focused and determined to hurt Bazz.
With the use of her split spears, she came in close, stabbing him by the legs, causing Bazz to shout in pain. And just as he was to swing a counterpunch, Kalawarner used her long legs to trip him, causing him to fall back first.
He tried to get up but the Fallen Angel quickly used her other speak to stab him by his left hand, the hand where he was carrying his bow.
Possibly she has noticed it beforehand, but she used her holy spear to cut the silver chain that held his cross off of his person, which forced his bow to disappear in an instant as, without it, he won't be able to summon any sort of weaponry. He tried to use his other hand to grab her by the legs, but Kalawarner quickly caught him, using her foot to step on his hand, stabbing it with her high heels.
"I…" she breathed heavily, seeming excited from their short exchange "…Win~"
Bazz gritted his teeth, not because of the pain, but he was still not at one hundred percent.
"I wouldn't…" he grimaced, trying to resist the pain "I wouldn't exactly call it a win…" Bazz cited, trying to talk from the pain coming from three different directions. Both of his hands, and his leg.
He groaned in pain after Kalawarner pushed her heels on his hand "Really now? Excuses?" she asked, sounding unimpressed "When I heard little Raynare had her pride shattered, I thought I might have found someone to entertain me in this little backwater of town" she noted, standing tall over him. Bazz finally realized just how tall she is, possibly the tallest women he has met, towering even him "I expected more than a mediocre workout"
'You and me both…' he twitched, trying to move his arms but Kalawarner stopped him 'Somewhere in the world… I can hear Jugo laughing at me if he saw me right now losing this way… if he can laugh that is…'
He had to bury that memory the moment that name came out…
"But…" she leaned closer, bending over, which in the process caused her heel to stab deeper into his hand "I can let it slide… if you become my little pet, I might teach you a few tricks~"
'What's with people asking me to join their crew… it's either that or be a slave, usually both at the same time…' thought the German 'I already had my fill with those type as it is…'
He had to think of something… anything that can get him out of this predicament. Almost all scenarios lead to the same result, with him grovel in the ground feeling like his soul leaving out of his body.
'I can't use Blut Vene at my state…' thought the German 'But…' his eyes turned to her energy spear and something clicked in his mind, a memory resurfaced, a recent one
"Except you absorb only the Spirit elements, like picking a specific fruit in a fruit basket"
Sona Sitri's voice echoed in his mind, which caused him to groan inwardly, in a life or death situation, Shitori's voice somehow makes worse.
"Basically, if you want to use the fruit example for simplicity"
He heard his own voice, sounding miserable as always.
"But it isn't that simple. You are dealing with a lot more than just picking a single particle or fruit, you need more focus to absorb such singular element in a large basket of energies"
"That one takes a long time for me to explain but if you want me to shorten it, I can absorb other elements and my body can pick out the spiritual particles, it's just…"
'Your body reacts negatively to it…' he echoed Sona's words, turning to look at Kalawarner's holy blade, a holy blade made out of magical particles, particles that possess many elements…
"Well? What do you say?" Asked Kalawarner.
He groaned in pain but still gave her a weak grin.
'Focus… you used it a hundred times before… except with the other crap piled with it'
"No" he responded defiantly "I already bowed my head to one old fucker, no need for me to bow to another just because it got a pair of tits and kicked my ass" he chided, his words carried a vicious venom behind it.
He can feel it, the air around him tightening, no, absorbing. He focused his strength on the two blades currently pierced through his hand and his legs.
Kalawarner's eyes turned into a glare, she sneered at his defiance and summoned another blade with her free hand, and she swung, aiming at his neck.
Bazz, even with the imminent death, was still grinning in confidence.
Ransōtengai! Heavens Puppet Suit.
Time slowed down around him, hearing nothing but his breath, as ragged as it is. Around him, he could feel the spiritual air, a feeling he hasn't felt since he first came to Japan. Ever since he left… his home…
Lichtreich.
From his hand, blue patterns started to appear, surrounding the holy blade pierced to his hand, same with the one on his leg, and quickly it connected itself to the blade.
Small strings began to burst out of the palm of his hands, and spreading out in the air, eating away any form of energy it can sense. Starting with Kalawarner's holy blades…
"DIE!" Kalawarner's swung her blade and made contact with his neck, but instead of blood spluttering, she saw something that shocked her.
The blade did not cut through his neck, it was blocked, blocked by his neck.
Her eyes widened as she stared at his neck, blue veins taking shape all over the area where her blade connects. Blocking it like some sort of shield. But she also noticed something glow, a silver chain revealed itself behind around his neck, holding a small silver pentacle, and it started glowing blue in its entirety.
Blut Vene
Kalawarner's realized, much to her horror, that her two blades that pinned him down were gone, freeing one of his hands.
"Shit!" she tried to use her wings to escape but she still had her foot on his other hand, which gave Bazz the opening to grab it tightly, stopping her escape.
She screamed in pain after feeling a burning sensation on her foot, and her eyes turned into shock after noticing the smoke coming from his hand, the hand that held her foot. Before long, her high heel shoes began to melt away, like it was nothing but paper.
"Why you little shit- AHHH!" She shouted in pain as three arrows pierced her by her shoulder, she forgot his free hand.
On his hand, he did not carry his usual bow, instead, he carried a large crossbow, its handle shaped like a handgun.
Heilig Bogen: Crossbow Form
Distorted and in pain from the attack, Bazz let go of her foot, causing her to stumble backward. But before she could shake it off, Bazz shot out his free hand and grabbed her by the face, smoke still came out of the palm of hands.
"Burn" he commanded in a low tone.
And flames burst out of the palms of hands, burning through his black gloves and the Fallen Angels face like a flamethrower coming out. Kalawarner screamed in agony, the flames continued burning through her face and hair, and before long she got down on her knees and tried to shake off the burning to no avail.
Bazz quickly delivered a swift kick across her face, knocking her out cold, and on contact, the flames dissipated.
Collapsing on one knee, Bazz took a deep breath, his hand still coming out smoke while carrying his crossbow in the other. He looked solemnly at the Fallen Angel, he did not need to use his powers, not to this extent, but he was desperate, he felt weak, he felt useless after being out of the game for so long.
"Oh shit…" he felt his stomach rumble, and before long, he started vomiting out everything he has eaten today in one fell swoop. The negative reaction of using other elements to charge himself has made itself known in the worse way possible. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself down and muttered: "Never again…"
Bazz brought out the pentacle that hanged by his neck, remembering wearing it back at his apartment after asking Issei to call in for help as a last resort for him to use in case the cross Azazel gave him (which did end up looking like an eyesore like he thought) gets destroyed or targeted. It felt heavy wearing it, old memories resurfacing the moment he touched its silver surface.
Memories of shame, shame to himself for he once was...
'I am sorry grandpa…'
It's been years since he last used the silver cross, or pentacle if he doesn't want to confuse people, not ever since he first joined them.
He stood up and walked to the body of the Fallen to check up on her. His fire did not turn her into a burned victim as he had feared, her Fallen Angel traits protected her enough from doing any serious damage but powerful enough to cause her to scream in agony from the fire.
'It's been a long time since I last used it… burning someone is never a pretty sight' he took a deep breath and sat on one knee beside the unconscious body of the Fallen Angel. Staring at his hand, he clenched it tight to stop the smoke, the flames managed to burn through the gloves in an instant 'At least I got my crossbow back… so that's a plus…'
He stood up and turned his head to the direction where the Church stood, the place turned quiet, he trusted their abilities well enough to have done the job in saving Argento. Well… he trusted Kiba and Koneko. Issei still has a long way to go but at least he is motivated to get better.
*BOOM*
An explosion erupted from the back of the church, and this time it wasn't his fault.
'Ah hell… what did you do this time, kid…' he grimaced in pain, grabbing his shoulder but soldiered on. Turning his sight to the Fallen Angel he defeated. First picking up the silver cross Kalawarner cut off then he grabbed her sleeping body and prompted her up to his other shoulder with much difficulty and pain, but he shook it off and walked back to the Church, hoping they at least survived.
{D&C}
Back at the Church…
He has to be honest, he did not expect to see this kind of result.
Surrounding him were the priests, knocked out and bloodied up. A few had missing limbs courtesy of the Knight, and few were groaning in pain, complaining they had broken ribs and arms, courtesy of the Rook.
Ahead of him, the place where the large cross once stood was gone, replaced by a giant hole made by Hyoudou Issei.
Issei, standing tall over Raynare. Was hugging a crying Asia close, consoling her and comforting her.
The red gauntlet on Issei's hands caught his attention, it changed shape and appearance. Covered up to his elbow, taking a spikier shape, almost draconic from the looks of it, with clawed fingers and blades sprouting out from the sides, the green orb remained at the heart of his hand but it became larger.
He walked up towards where Koneko sat on top of the pile of knocked out priests, along with them is one of the Fallen Angels, the one with blond hair who looked like she took a beating. The white-haired girl turned her head and nodded at him in greeting. Putting Kalawarner's unconscious body beside her.
Looking around he noticed something amiss.
"Where's the other crow, the big guy in the coat?" Bazz asked, did they burned his corpse or something?
Koneko pointed at the giant hole and Bazz let out a whistle after realizing what she meant. Not bad, kid sure packs a lot of firepowers.
"Black-san" Kiba approached them, cleaning off his blade after the fight "Thank goodness you are alright" he regarded the German with a smile.
He grunted in pain but answered nonetheless "Yeah, feeling real peachy after getting my ass kicked"
"Bazz! You are ok!" Issei's voice somehow made him twitch in annoyance, that sound way too happy in his book. He turned to the approaching Issei, with Asia helping him stay standing. She gave the tall student a warm smile, a smile he feels he does not deserve.
"Mr. Black! I am so happy you are here with us!" Asia said warmly, looking happier than the miserable little girl he saw when they first came bursting through the Church. It made Bazz feel proud for once, saving someone.
Bazz, for the first time in a long time, let out a genuine smile at the priestess.
"That makes both of us, sister," he said, and Asia responded with a wide smile.
"When I saw you get kicked out through the door, I thought the worse might have happened!" Issei noted and gave him a thumbs up "I guess I got worried over nothing! Even though you look like you got the crap beaten at you!"
He doesn't know if he should be flattered for Issei worrying for him, or insulted because he thought Bazz could have lost in the fight.
Bazz looked Issei up and down and noted that even he looked like crap, a bloody face, a scar here, and a bruise there.
'Say what you will, the priests and the crows put up a fight'
He let out a chuckle but grunted in pain "You and me both…" he turned and looked back at the hole Issei made "You did that?"
"Huh?" Issei stared back at the giant hole behind him "Oh right! I was getting my ass kicked by this bigger dude in a trench coat and all of a sudden, I heard this voic-"
"Never mind… I just remembered who I was talking to…" Bazz interrupted him, already feeling tired just from listening to Issei, whose habit in telling tall tales and talk for way longer than he has any right of doing.
"Hey! Just so you know I am very proud of myself –WOAH!" Issei quickly caught Bazz from falling.
He grunted in pain and hunched over, and Issei quickly grabbed him by the shoulder, trying to make sure he doesn't fall, already with him feeling fatigued and the injures finally catching up to him. Added with him using the holy spear, which possesses a lot of elements other than Spirit particles, did a number to him because his body and soul are not used in handling such foreign things.
He should have taken that nap earlier…
Just as he was about to try to shake off the pain, something he has been doing for all day, he senses something cover itself around his body. It felt… pure. It felt… kind.
'Healing spell?...' he turned to Asia, whose eyes were closed and her hands were hovering over his shoulder, a bright light came out of it as she started healing his injuries.
Asia moved to his injured hands and leg, her spells working their magic over them, and quickly as they appeared the wounds were gone, including the one on his shoulder.
He wanted to ask her to heal another part of his body, feeling his chest still nagging like it never left. But he knew he would be asking too much, especially from someone as kind as Asia Argento.
He did not deserve it, he needed that thing as a reminder...
"There!" Asia declared, proud of her work as she held both of his hands to hers and Bazz noted just how tiny they felt compared to his "All healed like they were never there!" she regarded optimistically.
"Awesome work Asia!" Issei compliment the priestess "It's like there were never there in the first place!"
Asia blushed from the compliment and smiled brightly.
"Impressive" Kiba voiced out what he saw, impressed at her powers. Koneko for her part nodded and gave the girl a thumbs up.
Standing up straight, Bazz rotated his joint to get a feel to it and it felt like he was never injured. For the first time since this whole mess started back at the park, he felt a hundred percent!
Physically that is, he still feels like shit when it comes to his powers.
"I…" he tried to pick the right words, turning his sight to Asia, he did not know what to exactly say, and he rarely if ever thanked anyone, not even Azazel got one from him after getting him out of Germany. But this time… this time it felt like the right time "Thank you, Asia"
Asia's smile brightened, widening to the point it felt like he was staring at the sun at how freaking bright it looked "You are welcome!"
Bazz turned to Issei and the rest "You got a place for her to crash? Because let's be honest she can't exactly stay here" he waved the Church around him "Not looking like the Lord's place with the blood and limbs"
Asia's expression became downcast, despite everything that has happened to her, from her exile, from her treatment from them, Church and former members, she still cared about her faith. She started praying, holding her hands together for those who were harmed today.
Her action made the three Devils twitch a little but did not complain.
"Well… I've been thinking she can stay at my house," Issei said after some thought, turning between Asia, who seemed happy at the suggestion, to Bazz, who had an eyebrow raised "Although I have to explain to my parents why a girl is currently is living with us. They wouldn't mind, I am sure, but…"
Koneko let out a snort "…Parents know you are a pervert" she noted. Bazz agreed on that part, he'll need one hell of an explanation that doesn't paint him like the perverted fool he is.
"Eh? A pervert?" Asia asked in confusion.
"As- As- As I was saying, Asia can stay with me for as long as she wants" Issei quickly continued speaking, avoiding to explain to Asia and expose her innocent ears "Maybe I can ask Buchou for some help"
He did not like that idea, feeling he wasted more time than necessary "Fine," he turned and stared at the hole behind him "You guys can go back home, I'll take care of things here."
Issei nodded with Asia while Kiba looked hesitant. Before they burst through the Church Bazz told them he needs the crows alive and he will take care of them, which cast doubt from Kiba and Koneko, and he can't fault them for it. Kiba explained to him that the Devils always clean up after any mess made by any supernatural forces in their territory.
He had to fight off his scoff
After some arguments in part of Kiba insisting to know why, Koneko had to step in and tell him to back off, which Kiba obliged after some hesitation.
Bazz really had to thank his self-control and the white-haired girl for intervening.
But it seems there was still some objection on his part.
God… he always hated those who are too loyal for stupid causes…
"…Kiba-Kun" Koneko grabbed him by the cuffs of his uniform "…Let's go home"
He hesitated for a moment before eventually sighing, and followed Issei and Asia through the opened entrance, leaving Bazz on his own with the bodies of the priests and Fallen Angels.
'Is it a Devil thing to be so fucking stubborn? Or I am just dealing with noisy people…' he sighed, and he thought he would be only dealing with Shitori, now the number is growing by the day.
He turned to the right and found the only person still awake among all of these unconscious bodies (he suspected some of them to be dead, he saw how Kiba did not look like he was holding back) and they were still shaking in fear.
Raynare rocked back and forth, seating on the dirty floor looking like she's been crying in silence hoping they would go away. Muttering something under her breath in desperation in this turn of events.
"Do… do you know why I did it..." she asked him, almost absentmindedly, not realizing he is even there, not that he blames her. All of these failures and the beatings she took must have taken their toll on her confidence and psyche, which was already damaged when she fought him. Whatever she had planned with Asia and the fact it did not even come close to getting her Sacred Gear put a nail in the coffin, finally breaking her.
He did not answer her, he wasn't exactly the person you can talk about your feelings or ask for a psych evaluation. So Bazz went to work fixing the place up by seating up each of the bodies in different places.
The ones who were unconscious in one area, the same place Koneko had them placed, he threw Freed's prone somewhere in the pile, violently. The dead ones 'Pretty boy did not hold back like I thought' in another area. And finally, the Fallen Angels, all alive and breathing, even the guy in the grey coat who got the brunt of Issei's blast from his Boosted Gear, barely. He gently prompted each of them next to Raynare, who was still rocking back and forth.
After five minutes, he looked at his work, impressed it didn't take him that long to fix the place up 'Might have to thank White hair on that…' and sat on the wooden floor, fiddling on his phone on a number he is looking for before finally finding it and press call.
"Tobio," he cited on the line before the person could even say 'hello', "It's me, managed to get some of your crows here. Got them tied up in a Church in Kuoh they used as a base."
[I know of it, it's the only one in town. I'll send in someone to clean it up] Tobio the bartender noted, [How about you? You need any help?]
"No need, I got things taken care of on my end" Bazz answered, moving his shoulder to feel the full rotation. Asia did a great job with her Sacred Gear "Just get whoever you have so that I can go home and finally sleep…"
Tobio let out a chuckle from the end of the line [Noted, I already send the location to them, so they should be there any minute] the bartender confirmed and Bazz felt like a weight escaped him, feeling like forever has passed when this whole mess [Don't worry, you'll be home sleeping in no time.]
He sometimes wishes that would permanent…
[Oh, before you hang up I got a message from the old goat,] Tobio informs the German, which caused him to raise an eyebrow. Azazel usually sends messages to him by phone, sometimes by paper (He is pretty old fashioned), and sometimes through Tobio [He says 'To not expect any phone calls or visits for the time being. Troubles back home', and don't expect any payments for the apartment for the next month, only for this month]
That made him more confused, not the money part, he gets that "Troubles? What kind?" he asked.
[Sorry, Bazz,] Tobio apologized, sounding guilty [Can't say any official Grigori business through this line or to none members] he explained [Even if the old goat says is alright and he considers you apart of the family, but I also answer to Shemhazai, and he is still not sure with you.]
He sighed "That's fine I get it, I wouldn't trust an outsider even if my boss trusts them," then again, this is Azazel they are dealing with, who changes his goals by the hour, so he can't blame Shemhazai, who is really the one that runs the Grigori if Azazel isn't around or does jackshit of work, "Although I would need to find new ways to pay the bills…"
He senses something in the air, something foul, like it's being sucked out, and grimaced, recognizing the energy that is coming off of it, and he doesn't need to use any of his abilities to realize what is coming.
'They'll send him of all people…'
[I can hire you to work at the bar if you want some cash.]
"A bar isn't exactly an ideal place for a student," Bazz noted, already imagining the reaction around the academy that a student works in a bar that is frequented by sad salesmen and women trying to gauge a lot of money out them would be one hell of a story. Shitori would have a field day over this "I'll go right now, looks like your cleaner is here" the air continued to tighten around him, even Raynare seems to notice it too, her eyes growing wider and her shaking getting worse by the second.
Looks she knows what is coming.
Turning off his phone after saying his goodbyes, Bazz turned to the area where the sudden surge of energy is starting to grow by the second. And then, a long line of black began to form in the air, and like an eye it opened fully, staring at him with an empty void. It even takes shape of an eye being opened, behind it was an empty void, white smoke coming out of the opening and spreading all over the hall.
The spiritual pressure that washed in the room could have made anyone cringe at how large it is, even Bazz had to fight
Raynare let out a small sound, her fear already reaching its apex to the point she is no longer able to register anything other than mumbling incoherent words under her breath. The rest remained sleeping, good, that is one less headache to care about.
From the black opening, one person stepped out of it. He was tall, close to Bazz's height, wearing a black sleeve coat over his white clothes under it. He noticed it is a Japanese style of clothing, the ancient kind or the one you see people wear on a special occasion, along with the white boots. Dark skinned, his braided purple hair is tied back in a ponytail with an orange scar wrapped around his neck.
Another distinctive part is the mask he was wearing. Which covered the entire lower half of his face, with large goggles covering his eyes and forehead.
Bazz's eyes quickly concentrated on the sword he is carrying with his right hand, a katana, with an orange hilt 'Someone sure loves orange…' and the guard taking shape of a teardrop, which is an odd choice to give to a katana.
"…"
"..."
The man in front of him stood straight, his head forward, and focused in his direction. Bazz's shoulder stiffened, he is always uneasy at the presence of this man, and the last time he felt that was a death dealer he would rather avoid meeting ever again.
The man in black coat concentrated on him but Bazz could feel the aura coming out of him, no, spiritual power, one that is intense, higher, and larger than anyone in the Church.
Larger than even Bazz, and if he could have his full strength, the results would be the same, he would lose.
"…Quincy" the man in black chided in a low tone, the way he called him Quincy is only served for those they preserve to be an enemy "Your presence poisons the air…"
"And hello to you too…" Bazz muttered "Shinigami… rising through the ranks this quick. Not bad, for an exile" he answered back with an equally low tone.
The man in black. No, the Soul Reaper, raised his hand and clicked his finger, and on command, five more came out of the portal. Each of them wearing similar clothing and with the same mask except it also covered their heads. And went to work in cleaning the place up, picking the unconscious bodies of the priests, and creating another, smaller portals and dumped them into it.
Three of his helpers proceeded with the Fallen Angels, picking them rather roughly on their shoulders with the two girls, and one dragged the big guy.
"Raynare…" the Soul Reaper called for the crow's attention, who quickly lowered her head in fear the moment he spoke up. His voice was low, deep and monotone, but had an edge behind it "Lord Azazel is unhappy with your insubordination" he chided, causing the girl to lower her head in shame "And for that, I am was instructed to give you the utmost punishment-"
"I WAS GIVEN ORDERS!" Raynare shouted, using the same tone she used in the park, but it was more desperate, almost trying to convince herself more than the man she is begging to "I… I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS NOT GIVEN BY LORD AZAZEL!" She shouted, crawling close to the man in black's feet "PLEASE! PLEASE FORGIVE ME! LORD TOSEN!"
Tosen, even behind his mask, did not hide his disgust at the Fallen Angel, simply nodding at one of his helpers to drag the crying Fallen Angel into the portal, all the while she continued crying her pleas, even eyeing at Bazz in desperation, but he kept his head facing Tosen, avoiding her completely.
She continued shrieking, begging, crying, all at the same time. And it felt... wrong. Bazz felt bad for the girl, even after everything that has happened to her he knows what is in store for the crow, and sometimes hopes to be ab
Bazz sighed as the last portal was closed, leaving only Bazz and the man in black as the only occupants in the Church hall.
The eerie silence that settled between unnerved Bazz greatly, and he enjoys the silence, but this silence… it feels like death came through.
And he is staring at one right now.
"Do I even have to ask what exactly you are planning to do her?" Bazz asked.
Tosen's head turned slightly in his direction "She will face justice, that's all that matters. Lord Kokabiel will see to it"
"Kokabiel?" Bazz scoffed loudly, almost seeing it as a joke of his explanation "Better kill her now instead whatever that sick fucker has planned for her" he is still amazed just why the hell does Azazel even have that psycho Kokabiel in his employment, is he married to a sister of Azazel or something?
"You object? Even after destroying her operation and fighting her team?"
Bazz shrugged "Not really, but going overboard with this punishment if Kokabiel of all people is seeing it through", even if he feels bad for the girl, she hurt two innocent people for stupid reasons, and whatever they were, he did not care. He did his part, whatever they have to do to save face, that's their problem.
"She nearly started a war for her actions" Tosen defended the judgment laid on the girl "And for that, she must face justice"
"I am sure the screams of a confused girl coming from Kokabiel's little torture lab would be a satisfying justice" Bazz cited in harsh sarcasm "I am sure even Soul Society would be pretty happy with this kind of justice, don't you say, my fellow exile?"
He did not need to see his expression behind his mask to know he is frowning at Bazz in anger. Gripping his katana tightly, Tosen still kept his cool but Bazz can see he is just giving him a reason to take a swing.
Bazz quickly removed his burned-out white gloves from his hands and threw them to the ground, already wasted and beyond repair "Tell Azazel to not ask me for a favor unless I am given the choice to say yes or no. Especially if it concerns my health and sanity" he noted, moving past the tension because he does not have the energy to argue with him and walked past the man in black "Because sure as shit I am not being given any choice of anything these days…"
The Soul Reaper is an exile, no different from some of the members of the Grigori, and no different from Bazz himself. The Grigori of the Fallen takes in almost anyone, it doesn't matter if they were Angels or Priests. Anyone who fell from grace shall we say, would be accepted with open arms into Grigori, doesn't matter who or what they are, the Grigori would accept them.
''There is no such thing as 'my kind' among the Grigori, all are equal in this family'… Azazel has a weird way to write out a motto…'
"I have to admit, Quincy" Tosen began, catching Bazz's attention "I did not expect you to be this restraint against these insubordinate Fallen, but here we are, four live Fallen, injured, but alive"
Bazz scoffed "Don't think I am doing this as a favor for you Grigori" he noted, standing next to the large door leading outside, which was broken thanks in no small part from him getting kicked right through it "Azazel asked me a favor, I did it and I move on. No different from the other jobs you and your crew get from time to time to clean up his mess" he answered.
Tosen, however, did not seem satisfied. Turning fully to face Bazz, he had his head down as he asked him "It's that simple? Just another job given by Azazel and for you to move on like nothing?"
Bazz, eyes focused at the masked Reaper and answered his question in the most honest voice he could muster.
"Honestly? I just want to sleep in peace and move on with my life, the crows were keeping me up to no end" he answered, sighing all the while "Getting entangled with this shit keeps me up at night, and I hate the fact it keeps me awake"
"…"
Bazz took Tosen's silence that he accepted his answer, which is honestly enough to get out of the exiled Soul Reaper.
"Tell Azazel I'll try to find a job, a normal job, he'll know what I am saying" he saluted Tosen and continued to exit the Church "See ya whenever I am still alive, Shinigami"
Bazz took a deep breath in the air around him as he went outside the Church, feeling it rewarding after what felt like a hectic day, scratch that, a hectic week. Now, he gets to at least think straight and continue forward with his life without any trouble.
Even though things wouldn't exactly be the same, especially with the people he deals with every day. The Devils will be annoying to deal with moving forward now that they know what he is, kind of, but they know he knows about them and vice versa. Now he has to deal with it.
"At least the kid is happy with his deal…" Bazz muttered and continued walking forward, heading home, feeling he can finally sleep in peace for once "Even if it did kill him in the first place…"
Bazz continued walking forward, enjoying somewhat the quiet night as he walked back to his apartment. Feeling, for the first time in a long time, happy in doing something meaningful.
And if that meant bleeding here and there for the sake of others, then he'll take it.
{D&C}
Atop the Rooftops…
A man, standing on top of the rooftop, the same rooftop where Bazz and the others stood, stared at the field ahead and the half-destroyed Church with curiosity. Waving a fan to himself, he noticed something walking out of the church and out came a tall young man, red hair, styled in a Mohawk except he grew out his sides. Looking tired but happy with himself, walking toward the street back to town.
"Well well, someone is in a good mood~" noted the man, he wore a dark green robe over a light green haori. But the most distinctive feature was his hat, a white bucket hat, which had a dark green stripe around it, hiding his eyes and showing some parts of his blond hair. Waving his fan, he continued staring at the young man until he is finally out of sight, already inside the town and walking back home "But you are right, he is definitely an extraordinary and very rare sight."
"There is no mistake with this display," said a voice behind, their voice was deep, very deep, purring with every word "He is a Quincy and a Knight of the Star judging from the air density change we have felt"
"Hmm…" he stopped waving his fan, "But to come this far from his home, it makes you wonder if he is here on his own volition or for someone else's…"
"I suspect his own, I haven't seen anyone of his kind ever since he arrived in town," said the voice, purring their words "He has been keeping to himself these past few months. Interacting only with the Boosted Gear wielder, unless you also count The Sitri and Gremory heiresses"
"Those are a recent development before they've finally realized what he is" he noted and smiled "That is if our neighboring young heiress knows exactly what he is"
He closed his fan and stood up, the sandals he wore let out a loud clicking as he started walking back.
"Do you think he would accept your help?" asked the deep voice "His kind were never exactly appreciative of ours, especially their king"
"That is up to him to accept our help when the time comes" noted the man in hat and sandals "I don't judge a person base on their species or origins" he let out a confident smirk "And I feel this one doesn't bow his head to his king, compared to his people"
"And you consider that to be enough for him to trust us?" asked the voice "Or for us to trust him?"
The man shrugged as he continued walking back, the sound of his sandals clicking at each step he took "Who knows, we can't judge a person without meeting them, no? And I am charming enough to be trustworthy" he noted and let out a chuckle after the voice sighed at his confidence "The Old World just became a lot more interesting"
{END}
Author Note:
And with that, the Raynare arc ends! Or as I like to call it, the Monk of Destruction Arc. This was supposed to be part of the last chapter but I felt it was too long and I didn't want you guys to be reading a long chapter, and the suggestion I got to cut it into two parts definitely helped, so thanks to everyone who helped me with this.
Also, the last couple of parts are more or less set up for the future. The next two arcs I have planned would be somewhat original but it would have a Bleach feel to it, especially early Bleach, so I am excited to write about it and hopefully, you guys would enjoy it! Because if I am being honest, I didn't really enjoy writing this arc that much except for the character interactions just because it is expected to write the Raynare arc, and thankfully I ended it nicely even if it was predictable.
And yes, Tosen is in this universe, and apart of the Grigori. He won't have that much of a role in the story (yet) but I am using him to establish that this is not only a merge universe, but also an alternative one, a lot of things are different, from characters and history, and Tosen is among them. And don't worry, he isn't in the same role in Bleach (Although there are similarities between them), his appearance is a mix of his Soul Society (Hair and scarf) his Espada attire (Clothes), and the Turn Back the Pendulum arc (Mask). The last scene also establishes other characters in the setting who have been keeping an eye on Bazz, and who might that be? You all can figure that one out (One of you already made a note about it, so I commend you, dear reader)
Other than that, hope you all enjoyed this chapter and stay safe at home during these tough times.
EndNote.
