Chapter 22 – Echo
The sound of alarms blaring echoed through the night as a large number of robed people rushed in the courtyard of the Church of Saint Sava, weapons drawn and at the ready. Confusion and weariness were abounding, but drawing from their training, the Church warriors refused to let their fear cloud their judgment and dull their movements. Forming a perimeter around the large church, they started scanning the area, their eyes straining to catch even the tiniest flicker of movement.
"What's going on?" One of the Exorcists asked one of his female comrades. "An enemy attack?"
"That seems to be the case." She responded, her eyes still darting around. "The outpost in the south isn't responding. A team has gone to survey the area, but they've yet to report back."
"Why are they here…?" Another Exorcist, a fresh recruit judging from his young age and slight tremor in his voice, said. "Why are they attacking us?"
"It's obvious, isn't it?" An older Exorcist with a gruff voice responded. "They must be aiming for the vault where—"
A bloodcurdling scream resounded at that moment, followed by a rumbling that shook the area and a dust cloud rising from the south. Before the assembled Exorcists could understand what had happened, a figure wearing black robes and a hood that obscured their face emerged from the dust cloud, walking towards the assembled troops with blood dripping from their hands.
"Freeze!" The Exorcist who seemed to be the leader ordered, his weapon aimed at the intruder. "Who are you!? Identify yourself!"
"A dead man has no need to know my name."
The intruder said with a derisive laugh, his voice unmistakably male. The head Exorcist snapped his fingers, with the assembled troops emptying their magazines of light rounds at him. However, the intruder weaved through them with surprising grace, not a single bullet grazing his body. Dashing forward, he thrust his hand through the head Exorcist's chest, who vomited copious amounts of blood before falling on the ground dead.
"You—!"
That was the only thing another Exorcist managed to say as the intruder's high kick tore off her head. A large number of warriors rushed at the intruder, only for him to smirk as his punches and kicks sent them flying, their blood spraying the courtyard. Grabbing two light swords from the fallen Exorcists, the intruder started carving a bloody path through them, their torn body parts and viscera dying the pristine walls of the Church and their screams joining together in a dissonant cacophony. Despite their best efforts, the Exorcists seemed unable to even touch the intruder.
"Ah…"
The fresh recruit, his eyes opened wide in horror, dropped his light sword and tried to run away. However, the intruder was faster, grabbing the back of his head and lifting him up. Despite his struggling, the Exorcist couldn't free himself from the intruder's vice-like grip.
"P-Please…" The Exorcist pleaded with a trembling voice, tears running down his eyes. "Spare me, I beg you! I-I don't want to die!"
"You do not want to die, eh?" The intruder scoffed. "So much for your vaunted creed, lapdog of Heaven. But take it from someone with experience, child. There are fates far worse than death in this world."
The intruder crushed the Exorcist's head after saying so, letting his corpse fall on the ground. He then turned his attention to the double doors a few meters ahead from him. Extending his palm, he shot an aura blast that sent them flying. Once the intruder set foot inside the Church, he took note of the several Exorcists stationed in the balconies, who were aiming at him with their rifles, and the squad of Exorcists in front of the chancel. The latter were dressed in ceremonial armor with several spells engraved on it and were holding lances that radiated light.
"Templars, eh?" The intruder smirked. "That's perfect. If you are here, then that means my prize is also here."
"Eliminate him!"
One of the Templars ordered as the Exorcists stationed above them started firing at the intruder. The Templars also pointed their lances at him, firing waves of dense holy energy. However, the intruder clapped his hands, forming a bubble of black aura around him that blocked the incoming attacks. Then, in a surprising feat of strength, he jumped up and landed on one of the balconies. Before the Exorcists stationed there could react, they were sent flying, crashing on the murals as pieces of their mangled bodies slid on the ground. Leaping once again, he landed on the massive chandelier and jumped from it on another balcony, dispatching the Exorcists there with a few quick blows.
"To me, brothers!" One of the Templars ordered. "This fiend is far more skilled than we thought!"
The Templars nodded, the spells engraved on their boots activating and propelling them up. Aiming their lances, they fired once again at the intruder. He ran up the walls, his fingers aimed at the Exorcists as he shot a barrage of aura bullets and felling one after another. Jumping off the wall, he collided with one of the Templars mid-air and smashed his head on the ground, breaking his neck. The other Templars descended from above, their lances aiming to skewer their enemy. However, the intruder stopped them all with an aura shield that appeared in front of his palm.
"This is!"
"Enough playing around." The intruder said in a low voice. "My employer will get annoyed if I take too long. That's why, die."
A storm of foul aura erupted from his hand, engulfing the screaming Templars. Once it subsided, only their disfigured corpses and broken weapons that fell on the floor remained behind. Sparing only a glance at them, the intruder walked towards the chancel. Removing the carpet, he wrenched the hidden trapdoor beneath it open and began descending the stairs into a dimly lit crypt.
"Let's see…"
The intruder muttered. Several sealed vaults could be seen on his right and left side, but he ignored them as he kept walking down the hallway, evading the occasional trap. After a minute or so, he arrived at a wide chamber whose dome-shaped ceiling was supported by several pillars. It was empty except for a pedestal where a sword had been placed on top of a velvet cloth. Said sword was shaped like a long Kris, and the blade was wide with a diamond-shaped gap through it and spikes on both edges. A sneer appeared on the intruder's face at the sight of it.
"Excalibur…" The intruder spat out with evident hatred. "How long has it been since we last crossed paths? Now, you shall—"
[That's far enough, intruder.]
A voice echoed throughout the chamber. Then, three magic circles flared to life, with three Angels dressed in battle armor stepping out of it. Two of them had two pairs of wings, while the third had three pairs.
"Oh, if it isn't the venerated and almighty Angels." The intruder smirked. "Their precious believers getting massacred? No feathers off their back. But when their valuable trinkets are at risk of being stolen? Everybody is tripping over themselves in haste and amassing at full force…sort of"
"Why have you done this, intruder?" The six-winged Angel asked. "Your goal is this Excalibur Rapidly?"
"You have a talent for stating the obvious, no?" The intruder said. "If you value your lives, stay out my way."
"I'm afraid we can't do that." The six-winged Angel said as he and his comrades formed light spears in their hands. "The death of our precious warriors is bad enough, but we can't allow you to do what you wish with one of our Holy Swords. Surrender, and we shall show mercy."
"You Angels always made the worst jokes." The intruder sneered. "In that case, I shall send you straight to your maker!"
The Angels wasted no time throwing their spears. However, the intruder evaded two of them and grabbed the third, crushing it in his grip. Conjuring a magic circle next to him, he pulled out a European sword with a guard resembling a Dragon's claws from it. The sword was letting out a foul aura, and both its hilt and blade had a dull grey color.
Dashing forward, he buried the blade into a four-winged Angel's abdomen. Said Angel let out a shriek as his body started smoking and disintegrated in a manner of seconds. The other two Angels aimed at the intruder's back, but he kicked the six-winged away and shattered the four-winged Angel's light blade with a powerful swing, decapitating him with a single stroke of his blade.
"That sword…" The six-winged Angel muttered as he took a step back, a shocked expression on his face. "It can't be…the lost Holy Sword Ascalon? But that foul aura coming from it…"
"You're half-correct." The intruder said. "This is indeed Ascalon, but it is no longer a Holy Sword. Just like Arondight in the past, it has been corrupted into a Demonic Sword. I would not have minded keeping it as a Holy Sword, but it would not have served me otherwise. That is why I changed it to suit me better."
"You…corrupted the sword?" The six-winged Angel said, a shiver going down his spine. "This…it shouldn't be possible! Lancelot was an exceptional individual with a high synchronization with Arondight, which was why his madness infected it! If you weren't in synch with Ascalon, and yet still managed to make it fall…who in the Lord's name are you!?"
"A phantom." The intruder said, brandishing Ascalon. "One who lost everything because of the Three Factions' meddling and his own foolishness, and was left wandering this world aimlessly. That's all you need to know—and the last thing you will ever know."
The amount of demonic power and black aura surrounding Ascalon intensified as the intruder swung it in a lightning-fast motion. The ensuing wave consumed the Angel, who let out a scream as his body was burned all over and turned into a pile of ashes in a manner of seconds.
"All too easy."
The intruder said as he sheathed Ascalon. At the moment, the entire chamber shook violently, with parts of the ceiling collapsing as a pair of eight-winged Angels fell down from it. The intruder tensed, but then relaxed upon seeing his foes' state. One of them was near death, with several light spears protruding from his body, while the latter was trying to crawl away, her battered and broken body in a horrid condition. A light spear descended from above, piercing her heart and vaporizing her.
"How disappointing for Ultimate-class Angels. The fighting skills of my fair-winged brethren seem to have diminished ever since the Great War ended."
Floating down from above while saying so was the Fallen Angel Kokabiel, his robes stained with blood and a cruel smile on his face. Taking note of the skewered eight-winged Angel gasping for breath, Kokabiel aimed a light spear at him, vaporizing his head. He then turned to the intruder.
"You took your sweet time getting here, mercenary." Kokabiel said. "Because of that, I had to deal with reinforcements dispatched from Heaven. What part of getting in and out as fast as possible did you not understand? You did so with the other blade."
"That was not an option here, and it didn't matter in the end." The mercenary said as he walked to the pedestal and grabbed the Excalibur, tossing it at Kokabiel. "Here is your prize as agreed. Now, about the reward…"
"It has already been taken care of." Kokabiel said, observing the sword with a glint in his eyes. "Your services are no longer required. You may take your leave."
"Are you certain?" The mercenary said. "I know what your end goal is, and I wouldn't mind helping you even free of charge for it."
"Tempting, but no." Kokabiel said. "I would never trust someone who works only for his benefit and has no devotion to the cause. That's why, our business here is concluded. Farewell."
Kokabiel said as he spread his ten wings and flew out. The mercenary started at hole above for a while before forming a small magic circle on his hand. There, a holographic projection of a masked figure appeared.
[If you are contacting me, I assume all went as planned?]
"More or less." The mercenary said, removing his hood and revealing his close-cropped jet-black hair, his heterochromatic eyes of red and gold, and his pale face. "Kokabiel has his toys now, which means a major diplomatic incident between the Three Factions is underway. However, shouldn't we take further steps to ensure he succeeds, Alkaid-sama?"
[Our interests don't necessarily align.] Alkaid said. [That's why we only offered Kokabiel the minimum amount of assistance from our side through you. If he succeeds with this little scheme of his, even better for us. If he does not, nothing of significance is lost, and we can keep our trump cards hidden for a little while longer until the main act begins.]
"Understood." The mercenary nodded. "I will return back to base."
Alkaid nodded as well, with his projection disappearing. Jumping through the hole by gathering aura in his feet, the mercenary landed on the nave, taking note of the even further ruined state of the church and the large scorch marks as a result of Kokabiel's rampage. Letting out a small smile, he exited the Church, pulling his hood over his head, and vanished in the busy streets of Belgrade.
"Koneko, you may be my adorable servant, but there are some things I won't compromise on. This is one of them."
"…I also feel the same. Even though you're my master, I'm not backing down."
"Although I don't want to get in the middle of this…it's an important aspect of my daily life. It's for the sake of everyone's safety, so I'm also putting my foot down."
"…Is that so? I smell ulterior motive here, Pandora-senpai."
"What Koneko said. However, what matters most is the opinion of the one involved in the end. So, which one of us do you want to walk to school with, Takeshi?"
Koneko, Rias and Pandora turned to Takeshi, who was sitting on a chair with a troubled expression on his face. He and the three girls were in the Ryuugamine residence's living room, having an argument that had begun with Rias's insistence to walk to school alongside Takeshi like a proper couple. Koneko had insisted to do the same, and Pandora had also joined in, citing that she still needed to be by his side in case she lost control of her powers.
[Lucky you.] Orochi chuckled in Takeshi's head. [All these beauties vying for the spot next to you is praiseworthy. I'd expect nothing else from my buddy. Feel free to ask me for advice any time you wish. Old Orochi here is far more experienced with women than you'd think.]
Takeshi ignored the Evil Dragon as he turned to the expectant girls waiting for his answer. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he spoke.
"It's a given that Pandora has to be close to me due to her condition." Takeshi said. "However, I understand how you feel, Koneko, Rias. Truth be told, I also want to spend more time next to you. That's why, let's all walk to school together and act like a proper couple around others from now on."
"Isn't that going to be a pain for you though?" Rias pointed out. "A single guy going out with two girls will spark the ire and jealousy of the student body. That's why you were so hesitant before to make your relationship with me and Koneko public, no?"
"Yes, but no more." Takeshi said. "I don't have anything to be ashamed of and I'm sick of hiding. I want to be together with you two as much as our circumstances allow us too. Even if the other students think I'm a pervert, a playboy or a man-whore, I don't care about that at all."
"…How will you justify this though?" Koneko asked. "This country doesn't allow harems unlike the Underworld."
"I figured we could say you girls confessed to me at the same time, and we came to an agreement that I'd date all of you until graduation at the latest before settling on one." Takeshi said. "Not a perfect solution, but it's the best I can think of for now in order to keep things as fair as possible."
"I suppose that's acceptable." Rias said. "What do you think, Koneko?"
"…As long as Senpai thinks he can handle the gossip, I'm alright with it." Koneko said. "Much better than having to mind ourselves all the time at least."
"Can I…make a suggestion?" Pandora asked, raising her hand in a hesitant manner. "Once the whole school learns of your…situation, boys might start flocking to me and asking for dates. I don't really want to deal with that, so, if it's not too much trouble…could I pretend to be one of your potential girlfriends as well? For a while at least…"
Pandora trailed off, a small blush on her face.
[A fake girlfriend?] Orochi remarked. [What a waste of a good catch. You should make your move and seduce her sooner rather than, partner.]
"Well…I don't really mind, but what about you, Rias, Koneko?" Takeshi asked, ignoring Orochi once again. "Are you alright with this?"
"Since it's the request of my adorable servant, I can't possibly turn it down." Rias said with a smile. "Besides, I know the feeling of having unwanted suitors after you."
"…It's OK with me as well." Koneko said, staring at Pandora. "However, are you fine with just that, Pandora-senpai?"
"Hm?" Pandora said, tilting her head to the side. "What do you mean by that, Koneko-san?"
"…It's nothing." Koneko said, entwining her arms round Takeshi's left arm. "Now then, should we get going, Senpai?"
"We don't want to be late for school after all."
Rias said as she entwined her arm around Takeshi's right one, winking at him. Next to them, Pandora looked slightly disappointed, but her expression quickly returned to normal. Takeshi grinned as he led the three girls out of the Ryuugamine residence and started walking towards Kuoh Academy, bracing himself for the inevitable storm that would follow once they reached the courtyard.
"That's…Ryuugamine with Rias-senpai and Koneko-chan?"
"Why are they clinging to him like that? You don't think…"
"Tell me it's a lie! Tell me I'm dreaming!"
"It's bad enough that Othrys-san sticks to him like glue, but two of the school's most desired girls actually being together with him…!"
"Don't lose hope yet! There must be another explanation for this!"
Such comments could be heard from the surrounding students, matching shocked expressions on their faces. As if to dash their hopes, Rias let go of Takeshi and kissed him, much to the horror of everyone watching. Their spirits sank even further when Koneko pulled him down and kissed him as well. Pandora seemed conflicted, but after nodding to herself with a determined expression, she walked to Takeshi and kissed him on the cheek, prompting everyone present to start wailing.
"Sorry…" Pandora whispered to Takeshi with an apologetic expression. "We need to keep up the charade after all…but it was probably a bother…"
[Compliment her or something, you dolt!] Orochi hissed. [Can't you see this girl needs a major boost in her confidence!?]
For once, we agree on something.
"Don't sell yourself short, princess." Takeshi grinned. "Receiving a beautiful girl's kiss is always the highest of rewards. Also, you smell great. New perfume?"
"Yes, it is." Pandora said with a pleased smile. "I'm glad you noticed…"
"Looks like we might have a new member at some point…"
"…Pandora-senpai is quite sneaky."
Rias and Koneko said with knowing smiles before turning away and heading to their respective classrooms. Takeshi and Pandora made their way to their class, the students whispering around them and shooting envious and hateful glares at Takeshi, who paid no heed to them. Upon entering the class, Aika rushed to them with a sly smirk on her face.
"Let me guess, the news has reached you already?"
"You know something like that would spread like wildfire." Aika said. "However, I never would have imagined you were such a carnivore, Ryuugamine. Not one, but three girls at the same time? Color me impressed. How did that work out?"
"They…I mean, we all confessed to him, and we agreed that Takeshi would date all of us until graduation, where he would pick one." Pandora explained. "Hence the…scene just now."
"Heh, is that so?" Aika grinned. "Good for you, Pandora-san. You finally landed the man you had your eyes on. However, your approach was a bit too timid. The others kissed him on the lips, and you settled for the cheek? That's no good. Let me give you some advice on that department so you can wrap him around your little finger in no time."
"Hey, don't put any strange ideas in Pandora's—"
[You damn traitor!]
The Perverted Trio rushed at Takeshi with matching murderous expressions on their faces. He dodged their clumsy charge, with the three of them slamming on a wall due to how much speed they had picked up.
"Are you alright?" Takeshi asked, kneeling next to Issei. "That looked like a nasty hit."
"That pain doesn't compare to the pain in our hearts!" Issei wailed, standing up and glaring at Takeshi. "How!? How the Hell did you manage to land three gorgeous girls at the same time!? How did you get them to date you!? What sort of tactics did you use!?"
"It's unfair!" Motohama cried out. "A serious case of injustice! Koneko-chan…at least Koneko-chan, you should have spared her!"
"No, at the very least, give us advice!" Matsuda begged with tears in his eyes. "Tell us how to become as popular as you! Hell, I'd even settle for half as popular! Please!"
"It's the same as always." Takeshi said. "Tone down the perversion, and I'm sure you three will eventually meet girls willing to date you. As things stand, it's hopeless for you guys."
"Could this be true…?" Issei muttered. "It's a pain, but if that's the cost we have to pay…"
Issei, Matsuda and Motohama started whispering between themselves as Takeshi sat down. Yuuto stepped into the classroom a couple of minutes later and sat down in front of Takeshi.
"You're late." Takeshi said once Yuuto turned around. "How come? Usually, you're here much earlier than me."
"Quite a few students accosted me after that stunt you pulled in the schoolyard with President, Koneko-chan and Pandora-san." Yuuto said with a smile. "They were dying to learn the details of the relationship between you and the girls, but I didn't say anything. Mind filling me in later?"
"Sure thing." Takeshi said. "If the hordes of rabid male students don't try to eat me alive first."
"Don't tell me you're afraid of mere high schoolers, Takeshi-kun?"
"Please." Takeshi scoffed at Yuuto's question. "They're an annoyance at best. As long as they don't do anything stupid, I won't raise my hand against them."
[How very magnanimous, whelp.] Grendel remarked. [Or should I say gutless? If someone wants to fight, then destroy them with your full strength!]
[Come on, wasting time and energy on mere humans?] Orochi scoffed. [There's no point in rampaging when there's nothing to be gained from it, Grendel.]
[Look who's talking!] Grendel laughed. [How many fights did you pick because a certain girl or two struck your fancy, Orochi? Don't try to act all superior here, you snake!]
[Fighting over a beautiful girl is the very essence of my being, therefore a worthy fight.] Orochi said. [Of course, a meathead like you couldn't possibly understand this, Grendel.]
[You want to go, bastard!?] Grendel howled. [Should I tie your heads into a knot again!?]
[Just try it, you crooked freak!] Orochi hissed. [If you want another mouthful of poison, you can have as much as you want!]
[Enough bickering, you morons.] Nidhogg said with a fed-up tone. [Have you forgotten we're still stuck in here, incapable of interacting in our physical forms? I sure haven't.]
Orochi and Grendel piped down following that remark, only letting out annoyed growls.
Never thought I'd say this, but thanks, Nidhogg. Takeshi thought. These two were getting a bit loud.
[I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let your disgusting gratitude slide.] Nidhogg said. [There's so much envy and murderous intent around that I feel very relaxed right now. Well done in stoking everyone's negative emotions, whelp.]
Now I'm the one who doesn't appreciate the gratitude…
"Are you alright, Takeshi-kun?" Yuuto asked. "You spaced out a bit there."
"The Evil Dragons are arguing again." Takeshi said in a low tone. "More of the usual."
"I see." Yuuto said with a sympathetic expression. "I can't imagine how tough that must be. My Sacred Gear doesn't have a creature sealed in it after all."
"Lucky you…"
Takeshi said as all students went back to their seats since homeroom was about to begin.
Later…
"Here it comes!"
Rias said as she swatted her bat and struck the baseball, with the dull sound of metal reverberating in the sky. The ball soared towards Takeshi, who caught it with his gloved hand.
"Excellent!" Rias praised him. "You haven't missed a ball so far, Takeshi."
"Looks like I may have an unexpected knack for this, though I still prefer basketball." Takeshi said as he tossed the ball back at Rias. "You're really fired up about the upcoming Ball Tournament, aren't you, President?"
"Of course." Rias said, preparing to bat once again. "Since it's a battle between clubs, we can't afford to lose."
"Lose?" Takeshi said with narrowed eyes. "That word doesn't exist in my dictionary!"
"Well said!"
"Ufufu, it's cute how Takeshi-kun and President are so much in synch when it comes to competitions."
Akeno said with a chuckle. Currently, the Occult Research Club was practicing baseball in the backyard of the old school building. Due to next week's sports tournament, Rias had insisted they should take some time off their more mundane club activities in order to practice for said tournament.
"Too bad we don't know what sport we'll be playing beforehand." Pandora remarked as she caught Rias's incoming ball, wincing due to the strength the latter put in her swing. "We wouldn't have to practice so many different ones if we did."
"Yes, but this is fun in its own way." Yuuto said as he caught an incoming ball from Koneko. "However, with our heightened physical abilties, it's going to be difficult to lose. Only the Student Council can realistically pose a threat."
"Even so, we cannot neglect our practice." Rias said. "Apart from the various rules, our bodies have to get accustomed to the different manners of movement unique to each sport. Now, let's continue, everyone. Koneko, you'll be the batter this time. If baseball is chosen, we'll be counting on you."
"…Understood."
Koneko nodded. The practice continued until the sun started sinking in the horizon. Taking note of that, Rias clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, that's enough for today." Rias said. "It's getting dark, which means it's almost time for our Devils' job. Let's clean this place up. Tomorrow, we'll move to football."
[Yes, President!]
The members of the Occult Research Club dispersed as they picked up the stray balls. Just as Takeshi was about to go after them, he experienced double vision and doubled over, feeling as if the ground below him was shaking. He shook his head in an attempt to focus, but he still felt as if his body was burning. Before he realized it, he was on all fours, struggling to breathe.
"Takeshi!" Pandora shouted as she rushed to his side, having noticed his abnormal condition first. "What's wrong? Is it 'that' again?"
"Afraid so…" Takeshi said as he stood up while Pandora supported his body. "Guess the corrupted draconic aura…has built up again…"
"So it would seem." Rias remarked, a concerned expression on her face. "Akeno, can I leave this to you?"
"I'm on it, President."
Akeno supported Takeshi as she formed a magic circle underneath the two of them. One flash of light later, the two of them found themselves in an empty classroom inside the old school building, where a large magic circle had been drawn on the floor. Depositing Takeshi in its middle, Akeno placed several talismans around the magic circle and started chanting something in a low tone.
"The circle is ready." Akeno said. "As always, this might be a little uncomfortable, but bear with it, Takeshi-kun."
Takeshi nodded as both the talismans and the magic circle lit up. He winced as he felt like something was being pulled out of his body along with a stinging sensation throughout it. Despite the discomfort and slight pain, there was also relief, as if a burden he didn't know he was carrying was removed bit by bit from his shoulders.
"…I've seen this formation three times so far…yet I can't help but be amazed by your ingenuity, Akeno-san…" Takeshi said through gritted teeth. "You built a specialized magic circle…combining Devil magic and Shinto talismans…in order to draw out the corrupted draconic aura building up in my body…"
"That's the least I could do." Akeno said with a smile. "I won't have you dying on us if I can help it, Takeshi-kun. But I never expected that the demerits from your Sacred Gear would extend that far."
"Me neither." Takeshi said. "Having traces of the Evil Dragons' aura linger in my body…even after I dismiss their Sacred Gears…is quite the nasty feature… It makes sense…but it's frustrating nonetheless. I wonder if what I'm trying to accomplish in my recent training…is also playing a part… Even so…I won't let these beasts have the last laugh. Absolutely not."
This treatment went on for several minutes until the magic circle powered down. Takeshi let out a relieved sigh, his symptoms having subsided and his body back in top condition. Meanwhile, Akeno gathered the blackened talismans, branding them with a sealing magic circle before setting fire to them, scattering the ashes with a gust of wind.
"How is it, Takeshi-kun?" Akeno asked. "Are you feeling any discomfort? Some lingering pain or nausea perhaps?"
"No, everything is fine." Takeshi said, flexing his arm. "Thanks, Akeno-san. I really appreciate this."
"Think nothing of it, Takeshi-kun." Akeno said. "It's a given that I'd do anything in my power to help you. But if you want to show your appreciation…"
Akeno kneeled next to Takeshi, a playful smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into her embrace. The feeling of her supple body pressed on him never failed to get a reaction out of Takeshi, who felt his cheeks heating up and an erection coming. Despite dating two beautiful girls, he was far from desensitized to Akeno's bold approaches. Not to mention, a part of him really enjoyed them.
"Mmm, how comfortable…" Akeno whispered in Takeshi's ear as she rubbed her body against his. "Don't you think so, Takeshi-kun? Or perhaps…you want me to give you more service?"
[Don't you dare chicken out here, partner!] Orochi shouted. [This girl is throwing herself at you! Ravish her!]
Maybe I should take the plunge here…but on the other hand it's a bit too soon.
"That sounds lovely…but mind if I take a rain check on that?" Takeshi aid, separating from Akeno. "I wouldn't want to give my poor classmates even more heartbreak than I already did."
"Aw, but their dismayed expressions were the best." Akeno said while grinning. "Besides, who says anyone has to find out? We could have an affair, you know? Sharing an amoral secret like this between us, doesn't it excite you? Imagining the rush and thrills we'll get to experience, it's making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, ufufu~."
"You only say that because you're not the one Rias will vaporize once she finds out." Takeshi said. "Look, Akeno-san…no, Akeno. The truth is, I like you, and unless I'm really off the mark, you like me too. It's just…Koneko and Rias confessed to me almost back-to-back, and I'm still figuring out how to make this whole harem thing work. That's why, I'd like you to give me a little more time. Also, no affairs. I like keeping things honest."
"That's fair, I guess." Akeno said. "You are navigating uncharted waters, and it's making you anxious. However, I hope you'll forgive me for this much, Takeshi-kun."
Before Takeshi could say anything, Akeno leaned forward and kissed him, her lips brushing over his as he felt her warmth being transmitted through the kiss. He felt a surge of emotions that subsided once Akeno pulled back and stood up.
"That should hold me for a while." Akeno said with a playful smile as her fingers brushed her lips. "However, don't take too much time, Takeshi-kun. I might be a patient girl, but even I won't wait for you forever."
Akeno winked at him as she left the classroom. Takeshi let out a wry smile as he stood up, dusting himself.
[An utter waste.] Orochi said. [I can smell the loneliness coming from that girl. She needs someone to support her, and you're depriving her of that. Quite callous, aren't you?]
Speaking from ages of experience, I bet?
[Of course I do.] Orochi said with a proud tone. [You know, I've courted and pleased tons of women in the past when shapeshifting into my human form. You won't go wrong if you follow my advice, partner!]
Uh-huh. Takeshi thought. And how exactly did those relationships end?
[In my stomach.] Orochi said matter-of-factly. [I can't get enough of the taste of soft and supple flesh. Best delicacy there is!]
"And this is where this conversation ends." Takeshi said. "Go back to sleep, Orochi."
[Oh, come on, what did you expect!?] Orochi said in an exasperated tone. [I'm an Evil Dragon! We all have a quirk or two! But that doesn't make my advice any less valuable! See, when it comes to women, you—]
Takeshi groaned as he made his way back to the clubroom, struggling to tune out Orochi's ramblings.
A week later…
"Student President! You can do it!"
"Go, President! Show them your strength!"
Genshirou and Takeshi were cheering on their respective group's leaders, who were facing each other in a tennis match as part of the Ball Tournament. Having finished the matches between classes, where Takeshi, Yuuto and Pandora's class had dominated the others in baseball, they had moved on to the matches between genders. The club matches were scheduled afterwards.
"Student President-sama!"
"Rias-senpai! Don't lose!"
Tons of students had gathered around the tennis court, cheering for Rias and Sona, who were representing their respective classes in the finals. Among them were the rest of the Occult Research Club and the Student Council.
"Ufufu, seeing two High-class Devils facing each other like this is a rare opportunity." Akeno said while grinning. "Neither of them seems to be holding back either."
"I hope they don't overdo it." Yuuto said with a concerned expression. "It's going to be a pain hunting down all students present and modifying their memories if they end up using their powers."
"They shouldn't be that reckless…I think." Pandora said with evident hesitation. "But we might want to start preparing. You know, just to be on the safe side…"
"…You seem pretty absorbed in the match, Takeshi-senpai." Koneko said, staring at Takeshi. "Seeing something you like?"
"Well…Rias in a tennis uniform is a treat for the eyes." Takeshi admitted. "But above all, I want to see her crushing the Student President. That's why, don't hold anything back, Rias! Win this!"
Several glares came at him from all sides, but Takeshi paid no heed to them. As for Rias, she glanced at Takeshi once before letting out a small smile.
"My boyfriend is cheering me on, so I can't afford to show a disgraceful performance here." Rias said, setting up her racket. "Here I come, Sona!"
"Yes, give me your best shot, Rias!"
Sona responded as Rias hit the ball, sending it flying towards Sona. She attempted to counter, but the ball slipped past her.
"Point for Rias Gremory!" The referee announced. "The score is fifteen – fifteen!"
"Yes!" Takeshi cheered. "They're even now!"
"It's alright, Student President!" Genshirou shouted. "It's only a draw! You can still win this!"
"As expected from my rival." Sona smirked. "You're not pulling nay punches, are you, Rias?"
"There's no way I would." Rias said with a fearless smile. "Don't forget our bet though. The loser has to pay for the udon with all the toppings at Kobashiya, and that's going to be you. With the one hundred and eight different styles of demonic ball at my disposal, there's no way I'm losing this!"
"Is that so?" Sona said. "You'd be wise not to underestimate my Shitori Zone. I'll send all these balls right back at you with my peerless technique!"
The match continued like that, with both heiresses scoring one more point each. However, after some time had passed, the referee was forced to call the match a draw once both players' rackets broke while the score remained even. As such, both Rias and Sona shared first place.
"Well played, Rias." Takeshi said, offering a towel and a sports drink to the sweaty Rias in the tent set up for the Occult Research Club. "It's a shame you didn't manage to outright win, but you showed everyone an impressive performance out there."
"Thank you, Takeshi." Rias said, gulping down half the drink in one go. "Do you think you could massage me a bit? My neck, shoulders and back are stiff and sore."
"It would be my pleasure."
Takeshi said as he moved behind Rias and started rubbing her shoulders. She let out a sigh of relief as she felt her exhaustion and soreness vanishing.
"Mmm…you're really good at this…" Rias said with a moan, a blissful expression on her face. "At this rate, I will get addicted to this sensation as well…"
"Don't hold yourself back then and enjoy this, Rias." Takeshi smirked. "By the way, do we know which sport we will be competing in as a club?"
"Not yet." Rias said. "But they should be announcing it in a while. I sent Akeno to check out the board. No matter what it is though, we'll win this thing."
"You got that right." Takeshi smirked. "One hundred percent full effort. That's how the Occult Research Club rolls."
"Good response." Rias smiled as she stood up, stretching her limbs. "If you do well today, I'll give you a big reward later. That's a promise."
"Suddenly, I'm feeling even more motivated." Takeshi said with a determined expression, checking out her tennis uniform. "You think wearing this uniform could part of the reward?"
"Hm, so that's how it is, eh?" Rias smiled, putting her finger on her lips. "Sure, why not? But first, a little good luck charm…"
Rias said as she drew closer to Takeshi and kissed him. Takeshi responded in a passionate manner, deepening the kiss as he wrapped his hands around her. This went on for several seconds until a dry cough from the side interrupted them.
"Ara, ara, looks like you two are having fun there." Akeno said with a sly smile. "However, don't get too distracted. The tournament is far from over yet."
"I know that." Rias said as both she and Takeshi pulled back. "So, what are we playing as a club, Akeno?"
"Dodgeball." Akeno said. "This should be fun in more ways than one."
After a few minutes, the members of the Occult Research Club had assembled in their tent, doing stretches as they waited for the announcement. Gazing towards the sky, Takeshi noticed that clouds were starting to gather. He hoped that it wouldn't rain in the middle of the games, since it was possible they would be cancelled then.
"Worried about the weather?"
"Yes…though what you're wearing also concerns me a lot." Takeshi responded to Pandora, who was wearing bloomers instead of the usual shorts the other female members were wearing, showing off her sleek and shapely thighs. "I mean, it's not against the rules or anything…but why bloomers?"
"Kiryuu-san said it's easier to move when wearing this." Pandora said. "Also…she said that the opposing team would be more distracted if I used this…"
"She's not exactly wrong there…but it's a bit too extreme." Takeshi said, fighting against the urge to ogle her legs himself. "There's no need to push yourself if you feel uncomfortable though, Pandora."
"It's alright." Pandora said. "Besides, if I do this…you might…"
[Members of the Occult Research Club and the Baseball Club. Please gather at the sports ground.]
Pandora's words were drowned by the announcement from the school's PA system.
"Alright, it's showtime, everyone." Rias said. "Let's show them what we're made of and win this whole thing!"
[Yes!]
"Before we go, I have something for all of you." Akeno said, taking out several headbands with the words 'Occult Research Club' stitched on them. "Every other club is wearing an item to symbolize the team, so I thought we should have something similar. I made them last night, so I hope they're to everyone's liking, ufufu~."
"This is very well made." Takeshi said, taking one of the headbands and running his fingers over it before tying it around his head. "Good thinking, Akeno-san."
"Yes, thank you very much, Akeno." Rias said, taking her own headband. "It's just what we needed."
After everyone had taken their headbands, they headed to the field, where the Baseball Club was waiting for them. Following the referee's whistle, the game begun. However—
"Isn't this…way too easy?"
Takeshi remarked with a frown. Every ball thrown at them from the opposing team seemed to miss its mark by a wide margin for some reason. It was as if their opponents weren't even trying to win. The crowd seemed to have noticed this as well, since their cheers were subdued and they seemed more intent on commenting on the girls' beauty than the match.
"Yes, this is very anticlimactic to say the least." Yuuto remarked from the side as another ball went past him. "They don't seem to want to hit us for some reason."
Takeshi thought about this as another ball sailed past him. Rias, Akeno and Pandora were among the school's divas, which was probably why nobody seemed willing to aim at them. Not to mention, they seemed busier ogling them instead. Koneko was widely considered to be the school mascot, so once again, no-one wished to hit her. Yuuto was despised by the boys, but a horde of rabid fangirls would most likely shred to pieces anyone who dared strike him. As for Takeshi, he was probably loathed by most of the student body right now, but their fear of him was probably greater than their distaste, which meant they were unwilling to hit him as well.
"This isn't how I imagined the game would go, but we're not holding back." Rias said as she threw a ball at one of their opponents, taking him out. "We'll swiftly eliminate them and move on to the next match!"
At that moment, two of the opposing players showed determined expressions as they picked up balls.
"I don't care if I'm hated by the girls!" One of them shouted, aiming at Yuuto. "Die, handsome!"
"How dare you snatch all these beautiful girls for yourself, Ryuugamine!?" The other bellowed, tears running down his eyes as he aimed at Takeshi. "Damn lucky bastard! Even if this kills me, I'm taking you out at least!"
The young men threw the balls at their targets. However, Yuuto avoided the incoming ball with his nimble footwork, while Takeshi caught it with one hand.
"Nice!" Takeshi grinned. "You're finally showing some fighting spirit! Here, let me reward you!"
Takeshi threw the ball, putting a moderate amount of strength behind his throw. As a result, the unfortunate student was sent flying out of bounds once the ball struck him, falling unconscious.
That guy is going to kill us!
Every opposing player thought so with matching terrified expressions on their faces. Suffice to say, this display destroyed any traces of morale left, with the Occult Research Club dominating the match. Their next matches played about the same way until the final match, which pitted Rias and her group against the Student Council.
"Looks like we'll be facing each other once again, Rias." Sona said. "This time however, there will be no draws."
"That's just the way we want it." Takeshi declared before Rias could respond, giving a thumbs-down to Sona. "You'll be eliminated without fail, Student President!"
"Seems like you're raring to go, Ryuugamine-kun." Sona smirked. "Careful though. We aren't easy opponents."
"What Student President said!" Genshirou declared in an energetic manner. "If you want to get to her, you'll have to go through me first!"
"That's the spirit, Saji-kun!" Takeshi let out a savage grin. "But if you get in my way, you'd better be ready for world of pain!"
"Bring it on!"
"Teams, take your positions!"
The referee called out as the Occult Research Club and the Student Council faced each other. Once the referee blew his whistle, Takeshi was the first to move. His curveball caught the Student Council members by surprise as it went past Sona, the seemingly intended target, and struck Tsubasa. Next to him, Koneko also threw a ball, hitting Tomoe straight in the abdomen and eliminating her.
"…Nice."
"You too, Koneko-chan!"
Takeshi and Koneko smiled as they high-fived each other. Their joy was short lived when a ball coming from Tsubaki struck Akeno a few steps behind them, eliminating her. Reya and Momo aimed at Yuuto next, but he avoided their shots and threw his ball at Sona. However, Genshirou stepped in front of her, catching the ball and throwing it at Rias. Pandora caught it and retaliated by hitting Reya, taking her out. Unfortunately, Sona's ball struck her moments later, forcing her to retire.
"Not bad, Sona." Rias grimaced. "To be expected from my rival. But this is far from over!"
Rias glanced at Yuuto, who nodded as he aimed at Tsubaki. The Sitri Peerage's Queen grabbed the ball, but that left her open to Takeshi's attack, who dodged Genshirou and Momo's balls to throw his own at Tsubaki, taking her out. However, Sona's shot, which rebounded on the floor, struck Yuuto, eliminating him. Genshirou also caught Koneko's ball and threw it at her while she was dodging Sona's next shot, eliminating her. However, he was eliminated by Takeshi's ball, while Rias took out Momo, leaving Rias, Takeshi and Sona alone on the field.
"Looks like the odds aren't in my favor." Sona remarked. "Still, I won't give up here!"
In response, Takeshi threw his ball at her, with Sona throwing hers at the same time. Due to misjudging its direction, Takeshi wasn't able to fully evade the incoming ball, which grazed his arm, eliminating him. However, Rias's accurate shot, who predicted the direction Sona would dodge towards, took the final member of the Student Council out.
"Match over!" The referee said while blowing his whistle. "The winner of the club division is the Occult Research Club!"
The members cheered together as they rushed to hug each other with jovial expressions on their face. The members of the Student Council also came to congratulate them for their victory. After receiving the honorary trophy from the school principal, the Ball Tournament came to an end, with several students staying behind to clear out the sports field.
"Great job, everyone." Rias said while smiling. "Once again, you've all made me proud."
"This was…fun." Pandora said, a small smile on her face. "I never thought I would ever get to experience something like that…"
"You'll get plenty more chances, I'm sure." Akeno said. "Now then, since we've all worked up a sweat, we should probably call it a day. There's still the Devils' Job to take care of later at night."
"…No rest for the weary." Koneko said, turning to Takeshi. "Walk you home, Senpai?"
"In that case, I'm coming as well." Rias said. "There's the matter of your…reward, Takeshi."
"Sorry, girls, but Yuuto and I have plans today." Takeshi said with an apologetic expression. "We were thinking of catching that new spy movie that came out a couple of days ago."
"That's surprising." Rias raised an eyebrow. "You usually aren't so keen on such outings, Yuuto."
"Takeshi-kun can be very persuasive when he wants to." Yuuto said while smiling. "He said unwinding every now and then is necessary, and I'm inclined to agree with him. Besides, with the Devils' Job and all these chaotic situations we find ourselves in lately, even I want some downtime."
"That's good to hear." Rias nodded with a smile. "I guess we'll see you two later then. Have fun, and try not to be late for our job."
"Sure thing."
Takeshi said as both he and Yuuto took their leave, chatting about today's games as they walked.
A few hours later…
"Man, it's really pouring down! We should have taken our umbrellas like you suggested before, Yuuto!"
"A little late for that! Devils might be unable to catch the common cold, but this is annoying to deal with!"
"You can say that again!"
Takeshi and Yuuto shouted at each other while running in the rain, using their jackets as makeshift hoods. Having finished watching the movie and having eaten dinner in a local fast-food chain, the two of them had started making their way to the Occult Research Club, only to get caught in the downpour midway.
After a couple of minutes of running, the two of them arrived at the redevelopment area. Taking cover under a scaffold and making sure no-one was around, both youths used their demonic power to dry themselves in a matter of seconds.
"You've got to love the conveniences of demonic power." Takeshi said. "Just give me a second to create a teleportation magic circle, and we'll be on—"
Both youths tensed as they heard footsteps splashing and heading towards their direction. Turning their sights towards the sound, Takeshi and Yuuto noticed a man in his mid-forties, who was stumbling towards their direction. A bloody patch could be seen in his stomach area, and the man himself had blood dripping from his mouth. Letting out a strangled cry, the man tripped and fell down.
"Hey, are you alright!?"
Yuuto shouted as he rushed towards him, with Takeshi following right behind him. However, both youths felt a chill going down their spines, jumping back on instinct as a man in an Exorcist uniform descended from above, his twin blades opening large gashes on the street below them. He seemed close to the age of the fallen man, with long grey hair, grey beard, dull blue eyes and a muscular physique.
"Devils, eh?" The Stray Exorcist said. "You're not the main target, but that's alright. I was getting tired of cutting down the Church's agents. You—"
Before he had a chance to say anything else, Yuuto dashed at him, a pair of Demonic Swords in his hands and an expression of absolute hatred in his face as he glared at his opponent's blades.
"I found you…" Yuuto spat out through gritted teeth. "After so long, I finally found you…Holy Sword Excalibur! With my own two hands…I will destroy you for sure!"
Yuuto howled as he swung his blades at the Exorcist, his furious assault driving back the enemy momentarily. However, the Stray Exorcist grinned as he vanished from his spot and reappeared behind Yuuto, his blades aimed at his back. A large number of Demonic Swords erupted from the ground, blocking the blow and aiming to skewer the Stray, but he destroyed all of them with a series of rapid slashes almost too fast for the eye to follow.
"Excalibur…?" Takeshi wondered. "No, that doesn't matter right now! I'm coming to help you, Yuuto!"
"Stay out of this!" Yuuto snarled. "I need to deal with him myself! Those cursed blades…I'll shatter them to pieces!"
"You seem to have some sort of grudge towards Excalibur, Devil." The Stray Exorcist sneered. "However, rest assured that it can't match the depth of my hatred towards your foul kind!"
After saying so, the Exorcist and his swords suddenly turned invisible again. Looking around with a wild look, Yuuto howled as he began conjuring a large number of Demonic Swords around him blindly, attempting to strike his opponent.
"What's wrong!?" The Exorcist's laugh echoed all around Yuuto. "Can't find me, you rotten Devil!?"
"Shut up!"
Yuuto bellowed as Demonic Swords exploded all around him in greater numbers than before. However, once again, he came up empty and jumped backwards on instinct, barely avoiding what would have been a fatal hit on his back.
"Something's wrong with Yuuto…" Takeshi muttered, summoning Cataclysm Zone and Mayhem Striker. "Sorry, but I can't sit here and watch as you get pulverized, Yuuto!"
Takeshi tried to rush towards Yuuto's position, only for a large hexagonal light construct to block his way.
"Our comrades seem to be having a good time there, so it would be rude for you to interfere there, young Devil."
A burly Fallen Angel with long, wavy blond hair, amber eyes, a cross-shaped scar on his face who was wearing weathered grey armor descended from above, landing in front of Takeshi. Gadreel spread his eight black wings and formed a light spear in his right hand, letting out a sly smirk.
"An Ultimate-class Fallen Angel…?" Takeshi said with a grimace. "How the Hell did you guys get here without us noticing you!? Our security spells should have notified us of your approach!"
"A good question, the answer to which you'll have plenty of time to contemplate while your wretched soul drifts in the void!"
Gadreel said as he threw his light spear. Takeshi avoided it, with the spear destroying several nearby scaffolds. He made a brief apology to his father and the workers, who would have to work extra time to repair all the damages. Judging from the ripples in the atmosphere around them, Takeshi assumed that the area was within a barrier of some sorts that would forbid outside contact.
"If that's the case, I'll go all out!"
[Malice Rise! Abyss Rage Awakening!]
The ash gray armor wrapped itself around Takeshi as he swung his axe, unleashing a wave of miasma that smashed on several smaller hexagonal shields that had formed in front of Gadreel. Takeshi's legs were surrounded by miasma and demonic power as he pressed on the attack. However, Gadreel's shield constructs would always block his kicks, with the Fallen Angel counterattacking by launching several light spears at Takeshi.
This could be a problem. Takeshi thought as he split two incoming light spears in half with his axe. Because of the rain, my ashes aren't that effective. Grendel's Balance Breaker would also face similar issues, not to mention the burden on my body. In that case!
A large number of light daggers came at him, but Takeshi let out a high-pitched aria, forming a sound barrier that shielded him while also shattering the nearby windows. Focusing his demonic power in his voice, he screamed once again, with Gadreel pilling several large light shields in front of him. Most of them were destroyed, one of them cracked and two remained intact. Wasting no time, Takeshi rushed, pressing the sides of his buckle twice.
[Charge! Malice Overflow!]
A torrent of demonic power and miasma gathered in Takeshi's right arm.
[Abyss Impact!]
Delivering a flurry of punches almost too fast for the eye to see, Takeshi shattered the remaining barriers. Gadreel was unperturbed as he enveloped his arms in holy aura that formed gauntlet-like constructs, countering Takeshi's blows. However, miasma enveloped Takeshi's four wings and tail as they aimed at Gadreel, with the Fallen Angel being forced to take several steps back to evade them and form another hexagonal shield to defend himself from the miasma-clad axe thrown at him next.
"Not bad, Evil Dragon User!" Gadreel smirked. "Not bad at all! You've got some skill! Looks like I'll get a good fight out of you before gutting you like a fish!"
"Dream on, Fallen Angel!" Takeshi snorted as the axe returned to his hand. "You're the one who'll be eradicated without fail!"
[Use the new trick you've been practicing over the past weeks, partner!] Orochi said. [We've got this in the bag if you do!]
Yeah, not happening. Takeshi thought as he dodged Gadreel's blow, countering with a high kick. Maybe if all else fails, but I'm not about to rely on something I still haven't got the hang of.
Takeshi clapped his hands, unleashing a storm of miasma around him that forced Gadreel to shield himself behind a wall made out of numerous light hexagons. Undeterred, Takeshi delivered a dropkick, shattering the wall. Gadreel formed a pair of light spears and clashed them against the incoming Mayhem Striker, with the ensuing shockwave blowing away all raindrops around them.
Meanwhile, Yuuto was having a harder and harder time to contend with the Stray Exorcist. Apart from the older man being considerably skilled and strong, his blades were of higher quality, shattering Yuuto's Demonic Swords with ease. Another wild swing from the young Knight missed its mark as the Exorcist turned invisible once again, coming at him from the side. The two of them locked blades for a moment, but the Exorcist pushed him back with his superior strength, sending him crashing on a nearby wall.
Is he really human? Yuuto wondered. That strength is abnormal even for an Exorcist…
Yuuto didn't have time to ponder this further as the Exorcist started attacking from several directions, his speed easily on par with Yuuto's max speed. Although he was doing his best, using combos of wind, lightning and water Demonic Swords, Yuuto was being pushed into a corner, his blades shattering one after another and his breath coming out in short gasps.
After missing yet another slash, a kick on his chest sent Yuuto crashing on a garbage bin, with him spitting out blood. He waved his hand as several Needle Edges protruded from the wall behind him, shooting their blades at the Exorcist. He slashed them to pieces before increasing the aura around his blades, shooting out several crescent-shaped waves of holy aura that Yuuto barely avoided. However, his awkward movement resulted in him losing his footing and falling on the ground.
"The end."
The Stray Exorcist said as he prepared to strike at the defenseless Yuuto. However, his instincts warned him to move, dashing to the side as a whip-like blade barely missed his head.
"Ah! You weren't supposed to move there!"
Two figures clad in pure white robes and holding swords oozing holy aura descended from the sky, landing in front of the Stray Exorcist. At the same time, a mini-tornado separated Takeshi and Gadreel, with another robed figure landing between them and pointing his blade at the Fallen Angel.
"The Holy Sword Fragarach and two Excalibur fragments, eh?" Gadreel said, eyeing his opponents' blades with a wary gaze. "I guess the lapdogs of the Church finally caught up to us then?"
"Correct." The Exorcist who was facing Gadreel said, his voice unmistakably male. "Now, return the stolen blades and surrender without any more fuss. There's no need for further bloodshed."
That voice… Takeshi frowned. Why does it sound familiar?
"As if heathens like them would listen to reason." One of the Exorcists facing the Stray said, her voice female, as she brandished her broadsword. "Violence is the only language they understand."
"Come on, Xenovia, that's not always the case." The Exorcist next to her, also a girl judging from her voice, said. "Some of them can be reasonable at times."
"Not in this case." The one named Xenovia said, glaring at the Stray Exorcist. "Isn't that right, former Exorcist Jacob Torres?"
"That's right." Jacob said with a sneer. "Since you were so kind to bring us two more blades, I will—"
"We're retreating." Gadreel said. "The current situation isn't favorable for us. We'll resume this another time."
Gadreel snapped his fingers, with a blinding flash of light enveloping the area. By the time everyone's eyes adjusted, both the Fallen Angel and the Stray Exorcist were gone.
"Damn it!" Yuuto cursed, slamming his fist on the ground as tears were running down his eyes. "Damn it all to Hell! Is this all my hatred…my grudge amounts to in the end!?"
Takeshi was concerned about his friend, but the presence of the Exorcists was the more immediate problem right now. While they had jumped in to confront the Grigori members, that didn't automatically mean they weren't hostile. Perhaps sensing his weariness, the male Exorcist sheathed his blade, motioning at his comrades to lower their weapons as well, before turning to Takeshi.
"There's no need to be alarmed, Devils." The Exorcist said, throwing his hood back to reveal the face of a young man close to Takeshi's age with short pale blond hair and light blue eyes. "We aren't your enemies. My name is—"
"…Leon?" Takeshi cut off the young man, a shocked expression behind his helmet as he recognized the Exorcist's face. "Leon Ainsworth? Is that really you?"
"How do you know my name?" Leon said with a frown. "Have we met before? No, actually, your voice is kind of familiar…"
"Perhaps this will help?"
Takeshi said, dismissing his helmet. Leon observed his features for a couple of seconds, and then his eyes opened wide.
"Takeshi…?" Leon said, an expression of disbelief on his face. "Ryuugamine Takeshi? I…wow…alright, major brain overload right now. I didn't see this coming. You…are a Devil, and the current Evil Dragon User?"
"And you are now an Exorcist of the Church with a fancy blade and a horrible wardrobe." Takeshi said, dismissing his armor and Sacred Gears. "Looks like many things have changed since we last met six years ago."
"Yes, they sure did." Leon said, and then smiled. "Even so, I'm glad to see you're doing well…all things considered."
"Same here." Takeshi grinned. "But man, life sure is full of surprises…"
"A reunion between childhood friends!" One of the female Exorcists said in an energetic tone as she removed her hood, revealing the smiling face of a teenage girl with chestnut hair tied into twintails and violet eyes. "Truly, this must be a blessing from the Lord! Shame that they're on opposite sides though…"
"Shame indeed, Irina." The Exorcist named Xenovia said as she pulled her hood back as well, revealing the stoic face of a teenage girl with chin-length blue hair with a dyed green fringe on the right side and brown eyes. "Devil and Evil Dragon User, which means twice the heretical existence. We should deal with you here, but alas, that's not our mission."
"No, it's not, and don't forget it, warrior Xenovia." Leon said, glancing at his comrade. "We're not here to pick a fight with the Devils."
"Then why are you here exactly?" Takeshi said. "Does it have something to do with those Grigori members that were here?"
"I promise I'll explain everything in the meeting we have arranged with Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri tomorrow." Leon said. "But now, we must see if we can pick up the trail of the fleeing Grigori members. Take care and watch yourself, Takeshi."
After saying so, the three Exorcists took their leave, leaving Takeshi and the fuming Yuuto behind. The latter had not moved an inch from his kneeling position, his hands clenched and looking like he was about to blow his fuse at any second. Takeshi sighed as he approached his friend.
"You alright there, Yuuto?" Takeshi asked as he kneeled next to him. "Come on, we have to get back and notify Rias."
"No…" Yuuto said, standing up with a determined expression. "You go back, Takeshi-kun. I'm going after that bastard. And after him, those Exorcists. They also carry Excalibur. I swear I will destroy those blades even if it kills me!"
"You're in no condition to do any of that." Takeshi said. "Plus, even if you found them, you would be no match for them as you are. We're getting out of here, and that's final."
"Don't get in my way!" Yuuto shouted, pushing Takeshi away as he stood up. "I will have my revenge no matter what! For everyone's sake, I—!"
Before Yuuto could say anything else, he received a karate chop in the back of his neck, courtesy of Takeshi. He fell unconscious, with Takeshi grabbing him before his body hit the asphalt.
"Yeah, if you can't react to that, you're definitely in no position to go after them." Takeshi said, conjuring a communications magic circle. "Rias, can you hear me? It's me, Takeshi."
[Oh, thank the Devil Kings!] Rias's relieved voice was heard coming from the magic circle. [I've been trying to contact you and Yuuto for the past few minutes! We were just about to head out in order to look for you! What's going on here? We received an emergency message from some Church agents several minutes ago, stating that they were entering Kuoh to pursue hostile forces. Did you encounter them? Are you alright?]
"Yuuto and I are fine more or less." Takeshi said. "He was being uncooperative, so I knocked him out. I'll bring him back to my place, so can you meet me there? Apparently, we're dealing with Grigori members again, only this time, the Church folk and Excalibur have been added to the mix."
[Excalibur…] Rias muttered with a grim tone. [Looks like my bad feeling was on the mark. Yuuto's past has come back to haunt him at last…]
"Rias?"
[No, don't mind me.] Rias said. [I'll explain everything once we meet. First, I need to notify Sona and probably suspend our contracts for the night again.]
"Got it." Takeshi said. "See you soon."
Upon dismissing the magic circle, Takeshi tossed Yuuto's unconscious body over his shoulder and created a teleportation magic circle beneath his feet.
"Something tells me we're in for a lot of trouble…again."
Takeshi said with a grimace as both he and Yuuto vanished in a flash of light.
This concludes Chapter 22. First, in response to your questions.
—To Ryukipendragon: Ah, I see. For the time being, I'm not planning any other stories. My policy is to only focus at one story at a time. As for Vali and Takeshi, well, you'll find out soon since Vali will appear towards the end of this arc, with a smaller role compared to canon though.
With this chapter, the Excalibur arc finally begins. Several things are once again different, like Ascalon being a Holy Sword that fell to a Demonic Sword (so no free Holy Sword for Takeshi), Fragarach being a Holy Sword instead of a divine weapon (explanation for that in the next chapter), and a new Stray Exorcist replacing Freed. One of Takeshi's old friends, Leon Ainsworth, has also made his debut here as an additional Exorcist from the Orthodox Church aiding Irina and Xenovia. Look forward to more details about him later down the line.
Well that's all for now. As always, please read, review, favorite, follow, but most of all enjoy!
See you all next time!