I do not own the Persona series or High School DxD. Everything belongs to their respected owners.

"…Remind me again why you're sticking around here rather than being at home or attending this meeting thing with Gremory-san?"

Ryuji was inside of the library of Kuoh Academy. It was an incredibly rare sight, and even the male blonde had to admit such a thing. But then sadly, exams were coming up. Normally, he wouldn't really take the time to review everything he may or may have not learned about in class. However, even he was feeling the pressure of having to get out of third-year.

He had no idea how he managed to pass second year, but he did. While he was happy about that kind of thing, having to live apart from his mother made him realize something.

While he was living with the Phantom Thieves, that didn't mean that he was going to be with them forever. There was still a huge world out there. Futures for them all to consider.

Akira at least considered going to university before going into something of his choice. Ann had herself set for trying to be a model… or was it actress? Yusuke was already wanting to be an artist. Makoto had the goal of a police woman in mind. Futaba had a couple of years left to decide. Haru was set to be take on the Okumura Food Company but she still had school in order to learn more about that kind of world. Morgana was a cat, so he didn't have to worry at all.

The sound of fingers snapping brought him out of his thoughts as the clicking was constantly happening right in front of his face. Jerking his head back, he looked over to the person who was the source of the sound.

"Were you even listening to anything that I was saying?" Ravel questioned, bringing her hand back and sitting back down into her chair. Grabbing a pencil, she played around with it between her index finger and thumb as she folded her arms.

"Err… no. Sorry." Ryuji shook his head and mumbled his apology. Rubbing his head, he casted his gaze down a bit towards the books that were set around him messily.

Ravel sighed. "Well, just like you, I am studying for exams. While I am familiar with some of the content this school offers, I still must take looks upon areas I do not seem to know so well. I did just join this school yesterday after all, and therefore must abide by their rules." She unfolded her arms and tapped her pencil on a notebook. "As for why I'm not attending the meeting that Germory-san is taking part in at the moment, it is because this is her territory. In no way do I have any right to participate unless I am invited."

"That's kind of stupid. I mean, aren't you supposed to be important as well?" Ryuji asked without looking up. But then Ravel didn't answer so he didn't proceed to question any further. It then occurred to him. "Wait, then why not study with Futaba then? She's pretty familiar with a lot of this stuff you've just started going through as well as the stuff before that."

Peeking up, Ryuji saw Ravel fidget in place in an unpleased manner. The blonde also seemed to look just a bit uncomfortable as well. "Just having to be next to her sometimes exhausts me." The female blonde griped a bit.

Ryuji immediately thought back to that time Futaba had suddenly pulled Ravel into a one-armed hug yesterday. "Ah… right…"

"Also," Ravel added, pointing a single finger up as if she had been going off of a mental list. "You're the only one I actually know among all of you people. Because of this, you are most comfortable to be around apart from the others for me."

He blinked. "Huh… you're actually right now that you mention it." Ryuji scratched the top of his head. "You're only interactions in this world have only been with me."

"Your peers have asked me to keep an eye on you as well." Ravel threw in a bit more information. She then used the eraser end of her pencil to tap Ryuji's notebook a couple of times. "They wanted me to make sure that you were actually taking the time to study and not slack off."

…" Ryuji gave Ravel a bit of a flat stare. Reaching into his pocket, the blonde male fished out his phone. "I can still call Futaba you know."

TakeABreak

The situation could have been a lot tenser if Makoto and Morgana were not in the same room sitting between two groups. Nothing seemed out of place in the Occult Research Club room. Everything looked just as it always did. The only difference between now and every other time Rias Gremory and her Peerage spent time in the room were the two guests sitting on the couch.

Both of them looked like ordinary teenager girls… provided the fact that they wore long white cloaks while one of them carried some large object wrapped in cloth. Judging by the size and shape however, it was certainly something extremely important.

The one on the right had light brown hair in twin tails tied on either saide of her head. Each tail was long, traveling all the way down to her backside. Her eyes were a bright violet and had a rather cheery disposition. She just sat in her spot, smiling brightly, seeming to be unbothered by the fact that she was surrounded by a Devils.

The other girl had messy, chin-length blue hair. Her eyes were yellow and had fair skin. While the twin-tailed girl's features were clearly of Japanese origin, thei girl had the appearance of a European. Something that stood out was the green fringe of hair on the right side of the girl's face. Unlike her companion, this girl was rather serious. Her eyes were completely blank, almost hiding what was really going on in her mind. But then there was something behind her gaze; complete and utter confidence in herself and her purpose.

Both girls sat across from Rias and her Peerage. All but Asia, Issei, Makoto, and Morgana looked at the pair of strangers with distrust in their eyes. The scene was a bit worse since Kiba was glaring at the two girls like he was going to kill them right on the spot at that exact moment. The two Phantom Thieves however hoped that he would be able to keep his anger in check.

"So you are the two member of the Vatican Church who requested to see me." Rias crossed her arms under her chest, presenting an image of a confident young woman. "I'm honestly quite surprised. I've never had a member of the Church try contacting me before."

"Circumstances dictated that we have this meeting." The blue-haired female replied. "Believe me when I say that we would never want to sully ourselves by being in the presence of Devils if we could help it. But the situation we find ourselves in is strange."

Makoto made a noise to clear her throat. She was sure that Rias wouldn't rise to that insult, but then the two parties needed a reminder about the topic at hand rather than being able to throw in a verbal jab every now and then. If one side were to lash out, the other would be on the higher ground in their negotiations. She wanted this sort of business to be on fair ground as she knew the matter that was to be discussed was important.

The blue-haired female eyed Makoto and the brunette only challenged the gaze with a straight one of her own. The two females stared at each other for a few seconds before the yellow-eyed one looked back towards Rias. "I thought this meeting was requested only for you and the ears for Devils of this territory. Why is a non-Devil here?"

"Gremory-san has invited me to participate in this meeting as a neutral party to make sure things to not go out of hand." Makoto answered, making sure to keep her body neutral where she sat. "My name is Makoto Nijima. May I ask what your names are?"

The bubbly girl among the two of them blinked before realization dawned on her face. "Ah, that's right! How rude of us to not give our names. I'm Irina Shidou, and this is Xenovia."

Xenovia however still kept her eye on Makoto. The brunette noted how she was being judged at the moment. Morgana only stretched his jaw open to yawn, feeling a bit bored having to play the part of a normal cat at the moment.

"So I see." Rias noted, grabbing the attention of the current situation. "Very well then, you two have requested this meeting. What is it that you wished to discuss with me?" She supported her chin with her thumb and index finger. "Is it perhaps about the stolen Excaliburs and the Fallen Star, Kokabiel?"

Xenovia narrowed her eyes. It seemed like she thought there was no point in lying. "And just how do you know that?" She asked a bit dangerously. "Explain how you were able to get a hold of that information." A single second passed before it struck something in her mind. "Was it her who told you? Is she really a spy for the Devils? You said that she was to act as a neutral party. By telling you this information, she has proved herself to be affiliated with the Devils."

"How we managed to gather your reasoning here is not the concern here." Rias' lips twitched, threatening to go down into a frown at the baseless accusation.

"Gremory-san, if I may?" Makoto asked politely, her voice being normal in volume. Seeing the red-head nod, the brunette gained many eyes looking at her. "Xenovia-san, you are correct when assuming that it was I who helped give Gremory-san the reason that you are in this town in a sense. I am a part of a neutral organization and our leader was the one to inform Sitri-san who let Gremory-san know. We are people that are concerned for humanity, and Gremory-san respects our idea while supporting it at the same time. If what we've been informed about Kokabiel from our sources is true, then that is something that the Devils of this territory must know about so they will be able to take actions in order to protect the people that live here."

Xenovia saw red-eyes narrow a bit towards her. She challenged that gaze but then soon looked away. "You claim this group of yours are to be a part of no faction, yet you are siding with the Devils."

"We do not join sides. We only help whenever and wherever we think we are needed in anyway we can." Makoto stated, her tone steeling a bit. That one sentence left a small impact through the entire room. Silence broke through until Makoto took a small breath. "Now, we were on the topic of stolen Excaliburs and Kokabiel?"

"…Your source is correct." Xenovia finally spoke, a small breath of defeat escaping her mouth. She was not very pleased. "Due to such events, we have tracked Kokabiel here and are to retrieve the holy swords."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a minute." Issei said in a confused voice. Realizing that he suddenly had all of the attention, he blushed a bit sheepishly. "I don't really get it. You say holy swords, as in plural. I always thought there was only one Excalibur."

"That is partly correct, Issei-kun." Rias turned her head and nodded. "There was only one Excal-"

"Hold on a second. Issei-kun? As in Issei Hyoudou?!" Irina cut Rias off mid-sentence as the former girl leaned as far as she could forward in her spot towards the male brunette. "It's me, don't you remember?! We used to play a lot as kids before I had to move-"

This time, Makoto was the one to cut the person off as she knocked on the table. "I'm sorry, but we can save the pleasantries for later. Right now, there is a reason why you are both here and we should fixate on that."

"Oh, yes, right." Irina said with rapid pauses. "Anyways, the original Excalibur was broken during the Great War. The fragments were then collected and attempted to be reforged by the Church. Our alchemists weren't strong enough and lacked the material to repair the blade entirely, so it was forged into seven different swords."

After her small explanation, Irina moved her arm, revealing a skin-tight black bodysuit underneath. The Church follower then grabbed a small string tied around her arm. The string lengthened and wiggled as if it were alive, then changed shape, straightening, solidifying, hardening, before eventually morphing into a long katana.

Morgana and Makoto looked at each other, surprised at the action. The two of them looked over the reactions of Rias' Peerage. The red-head warily eyed the weapon. Asia was frightened as she was awed. Issei was taking care of the blonde though, arm slightly wrapped around hers. Akeno stared at the weapon carefully. Koneko shifted in her place, fidgeting a bit. Kiba's eyes only narrowed even more, a clear hatred for what was in front of his eyes.

"This is Excalibur Mimic. It has the ability to change shape into anything I want it to, so it's really useful to have around. Unlike Xenovia, I can just carry it like this." Irina explained as the sword changed back into a string before wrapping it around her arm again.

Makoto then turned her head back to the two exorcists. "Could you please at least give warning if you are going to reveal your weapons? Just bringing it out without any indication could almost seem like an attempt of attack." She frowned a bit, but then it was pretty light.

Irina scratched her cheek. "Sorry." She apologized.

Xenovia had a much larger frown than Makoto however. "You shouldn't give away your Excalibur's power to a bunch of Devils, Irina." She scolded her companion. Looking around though, all of the Devils and even Irina was giving her expectant looks. She sighed. "This is my Excalibur." The blue-haired female unwrapped her weapon, revealing what appeared to be a giant sword. "It's called Excalibur Destruction. It is one of the three Excaliburs in the Church's possession. As you know, three of the blades have been stolen but the seventh one was lost sometime after the war."

"And they were stolen by Kokabiel…" Rias rubbed her forehead to rid herself of an incoming headache. "My territory has been filled with incidents like this lately." She partially groaned, but then got back to the topic at hand. "So what is it that you want from me?"

Xenovia raised an eyebrow. "From you? Nothing. We want nothing from you. All we want, our request, is that you stay out of our affairs. What's happening here I between the Church and the Fallen Angels. Devils have no business interfering in this."

"I see." Rias replied back. "Are you worried that I might side with the Fallen Angels, thinking that my Peerage and I might be in collaboration with the Fallen Angels to steal the holy swords Excalibur?" There was curiosity in her tone as she eyed Makoto, trying to make sure that the brunette didn't see her words as a means to rile the opposition up.

"Headquarters did not deny the possibility of that being the case." Xenovia said mildly. "After all, holy swords are the enemy of your kind. They are one of your greatest weaknesses. The Church understands this simple fact and has come to realize that it wouldn't be unusual if the Fallen Angels and Devils joined forces. Both sides stand to profit a lot if the holy swords went missing from the Church."

Makoto saw the bit of displeasure, besides Asia and Issei, that the Devils were giving due to the implications the two exorcists were making. "Then I hope you understand that if we are to stay out of your affairs, then you are unable to receive any support from us."

"Of course." Xenovia nodded her head while standing up. Irina took that as a sign to get up as well, reminding them all of who was in charge between the two of them. "We will not take up any more of your time."

The female brunette let out a small breath of relief. Yes, many could say that her presence was perhaps pointless in this meeting. But it was better safe than sorry in case something did break out. Thankfully, they only had to be reminded once or twice throughout the entire ordeal.

But as the two exorcists began to walk out of the room, Xenovia eyed Asia once more and the blonde flinched at it. Her gaze pierced the former-nun's entire being as the girl began to feel a bit uncomfortable. "Aren't you Asia Argento?" Xenovia asked.

Asia blinked. "Hm? Ah, ye-yes." She answered nervously.

"…It makes sense that I'd run into a witch like this."

Xenovia's comment was as loud despite it being made from her usual volume. Irina followed up, but then if it was meant with bad intent or not was unknown. "Oh my gosh, it is you!" The light-brown haired girl said. "You're the former saint who became a witch! I had heard that you were banished because you had the power to heal Fallen Angels and Devils, and that one time you actually used it! You must be pretty strong. I didn't know you'd actually become a Devil yourself."

As the words just kept coming, it made Asia looked down and refuse to make eye contact. "We-well, I… guess so."

"I believe that comments like that should be stopped." Makoto did not look very happy as she stood up and stepped around the room so she would be standing right next to Asia. Putting a hand on the blonde's shoulder, her look was directed to the duo. "Did you not say that you will not take up anymore of Gremory-san's time?"

Asia continued to shake like a leaf in a storm, a bit of a hiccup escaping her throat. That sound made Issei worry. "…Hey, are you okay?" He asked, although he had a feeling he knew the answer and didn't like it.

"Of course she's not." Xenovia stated. "She went from being a saint to a Devil. That's about as far as one can fall."

"That's-"

"Shut up!"

Issei beat Makoto to the punch as everyone looked over to the male brunette stepping forward. "Why don't you two take that crap out of here?"

Koneko grabbed the back of Issei's uniform and pulled him back. "Oi, down I-cchi." She commented.

"Koneko-san is right, Issei-kun." Makoto brought Asia close to her body so she could embrace the blonde comfortingly. She was doing a really bad job at making sure that nothing would break out between the two factions though. Xenovia just had talk to Asia.

Morgana however hopped up on Makoto's shoulder. "Just wait a moment." He whispered into Makoto's ear. "Let's just see how this plays out." Makoto wanted to still interfere right then and there, but then she decided to give Morgana the benefit of the doubt.

"Do you still believe in our God, Asia Argento?" Xenovia questioned, turning her body so she would be fully facing the blonde female. "You would not be the first to still believe in the Lord even after their selfish actions." There was a silent nod from Asia. "Though you have sinned in the worst way possible, if you sacrifice your soul to him you will be forgiven. Let yourself be convicted by my hand. God will work through me to save you."

"That's a load of bull crap!" Issei exclaimed, getting as far as he could away from Koneko until his uniform finally restrained him. "You constantly call Asia-chan a sinner and a witch, but you're wrong! You just call her that because of an action she committed without her knowledge or intention! They imply that she is evil when I know that there is not even a single sinful bone in her body!"

"Believe me, calling her a witch is one of the nicest thing I could call them for what she has-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Issei roared back at Xenovia, tearing himself out of Koneko's grip and grabbing Xenovia by the collar of her cloak. "If you claim that God will work through you to save her, why didn't he save Asia-chan before then?! Where was he when she still kept her faith even when she was on the verge of dying?! Where was your precious God when the Church abandoned her?! Where was he when she was all alone with nobody to turn to for help?! Tell me! Tell me!"

"Enough!"

Makoto yelled loudly to make sure that everyone did as she told them. Snapping her hands forward, she ripped Issei away from Xenovia."Issei-kun, cool it!" She snapped at the brunette before turning her attention away. "As I've said before, I believe that you didn't want to take up anymore of Gremory-san's time." She walked towards Xenovia and Irina. "What were the words again? Do not judge, or you too will be judged? For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you?"

"Where did you learn that?" Morgana whispered.

"Preachers off the street." Makoto muttered back before addressing the exorcists again. "What gives you the right to judge Asia for what she has done? That it not your decision to make. I suggest that you follow your own words and leave before I have to get Gremory-san and her Peerage to keep me calm and prevent me from lashing out."

Xenovia's yellow eyes gazed at Makoto's red ones once more. But then it lasted for a second before Xenovia left without a word. Irina only flashed them a small apologetic smile before jogging behind her partner.

A sigh escaped Makoto's lips as she rubbed her head. "I can't believe I lost my cool there." She groaned, sitting down on the couch. "And I was supposed to be the one to make sure things didn't get out of hand. Yet they clearly did, and I didn't do a single thing about it."

"That's okay, at least you managed to stop Issei-kun." Rias commented.

The mentioned brunette though only kept his gaze towards the door. "That damn girl… I'm definitely going to remember their names… Xenovia-san and Shidou-san… Shidou… Shidou, Shidou, Shidou…" He continued to mutter to himself. He then snapped her head up. "Wait, that's the name of the guy who played with me as a kid!" A moment of silence fell for the brunette as it began to register itself in his mind. "Wait, she's actually a girl?!"

"…Issei's flashbacks aside," Morgana commented, finally being able to talk at a normal volume. "There is one thing that has been bothering me through the entire conversation."

The cat then looked over to Kiba who had a rather displeased look on his face before realizing that the exorcists were gone, and all eyes were on him.

TakeABreak

Luckily, it was going to be a quiet day it seemed as Haru observed the amount of people that were taking up space in the Neko no Mise cat café. The influx that would usually come around this time did not due to the season becoming summer and most students were attempting to study before the break.

Nodding to herself, she was about to move towards the coffee maker when she saw Akira approach her. "Apparently, you've been asked for specifically." Akira stated, gesturing behind himself with his thumb.

Poking her head around the black-haired male, Haru saw exactly what Akira was talking about. Vali had arrived inside of the café and was sitting at a table that was unoccupied, which also happened to be next to where one could hang out and interact with cats. The white-haired male's eyes were directly at her, as if he were expecting something.

"Thank you, Akira-kun." Haru nodded with a smile. Simply nodded back in return as he walk to a different part of the café. Making her way to the coffee maker, she began to create a fresh brew with a combination of beans of her choice. She felt Vali's eyes on her for the entire ordeal, but then she didn't mind.

Pouring out a cup, the female made her way over as Vali was still in the same position that she first saw him in. "Hello, Vali-kun." She greeted as she gently placed the cup in front of the male. "How was your day today?"

"Decent." Vali only answered, grabbing the cup and take a small sip. Closing his eyes, he allowed his taste buds to judge the flavoring of the liquid. "There is always a certain warmth behind your coffee and it is not because of the temperature. Whenever I drink someone else's brew or make my own, I can never achieve such flavor either."

Haru only giggled at Vali's response. "Thank you for the compliment." She replied back, watching a couple of customers walk out of the room where the cats were. But then they forgot the close the door behind them and a single cat walked out.

"Yes… you're welcome…" Vali only answered back as Haru picked the cat back up and proceeded to walk into the feline area. But as she did, Vali stood up and followed with coffee still in his hand. Closing the door behind them, he sat down and already found himself being flocked by many cats. Among them, he found himself glaring at a black cat.

"Is there something wrong?" Haru asked, walking back towards the seated Vali.

"No. Just remembering someone." Vali stated as he looked at Haru. It looked like she was going to say something but then was interrupted by a swarm of cats surrounding her legs. The girl only laughed as she bent down to her knees and began to interact with every single one of them tenderly. Vali watched the love and affection she showed for each and every single one of them.

As Haru stroked another cat, she looked over towards Vali and saw that he had a face of remembrance. He was living in a mental memory as his gaze was fixed upon her. He almost looked… content… but also sad at the same time.

"…Vali-kun…" Haru said slowly and grabbed his attention. Walking over to him slowly, she took a seat next to him. "If you don't mind me asking… what's on you're mind right now? You look a bit sad."

Vali slowly turned his head towards Haru as she just looked at him with concern despite technically being a complete stranger. "…" He chose to stay silent at first. But then as the seconds passed, he found himself just suddenly speaking. "My mother…" He started. "…You remind me of her."

Haru blinked. "In what way?" She asked.

"…She is one of the most compassionate people I know…" Vali confessed. "She's human while my father was… a part of the supernatural side." He fell silent, wondering if he should keep going or not. But then once more, he just started letting his words out without thought. "My father did many things to me no child should ever have to live through… My mom was powerless against what he would do, but still did whatever she could to protect me. She helped in so many ways as well."

"What are some examples?" Haru questioned.

"She would bandage wounds or cook simple food for me." Vali closed his eyes, thinking back. "I remember the first time she let me try coffee. I hated the bitter taste, so she easily sweetened it for me with some sugar. But as time passed, I would take a liking to the drink straight."

That explained why he liked coffee so much. But then, it made Haru wonder. "Your mother certainly sounds like a wonderful person. Where is she right now?"

"… I'm no longer a part of her life." Sipping his drink, he rested his forehead against his free hand with a sigh. "Her memories of me and my father were wiped… Whether or not it was against her will, I don't know. But I have a feeling she didn't want it… She's remarried, Haru Okumura. Happily remarried and has given birth to two children."

"Aww…" Haru cooed. "That means you're an older brother."

Vali released a breath to hide a chuckle. "Yes, that is correct… An older brother that are completely unaware of… and will never know of." He inhaled through his nostrils bitterly.

Once more, there was silence. But then Vali began to seem a bit sad once again to Haru. The female thought about what she wanted to do. Reaching up, she put her hand on his shoulder and it caused him to look in her direction. "Vali-kun… it must have not been easy for you to tell me all of this." She said quietly.

"…I'm not exactly sure if that is true myself…" Vali admitted. "The words… they just escaped my lips."

"But I want to thank you though." Haru gently smiled as she comfortingly rubbed Vali's shoulder. "You trusted me with the story of your mother… your past. I am… flattered that you told me everything. Also… I'm sorry for what you had to and are going through. But I just want you to know that I am here if you need any help at all with anything."

The male continued to look at Haru. "…You're willing to help a stranger?" He asked.

Haru chuckled at his question. "You're Vali-kun, someone who enjoys coffee. He is has a small, tragic past and cares deeply about his mother. Despite his exterior, I know that he really is someone that is concerned for the people close to him." Her smiled widened. "How are you a stranger to me?"

Vali only looked away while shrugging his shoulders.

The two didn't notice Akira behind them in the café section of the building, smiling at the two of them before turning around and getting back to work.

TakeABreak

"Excuse me, but could you tell me what paintings those are?"

Yusuke turned around to see a female with light-brown hair in an odd cloak pointing towards one of his latest creations.

Looking back to the paintings, he hummed as it took him a second to comprehend what to day. If he were to be honest, he was running into a bit of an artist's block again. Unable to come up with any original ideas, he decided to draw and paint something that was already in his mind. Due to the recent events of the supernatural, it occurred in his mind to perhaps create pictures of Personas.

Unfortunately for him, he had to do almost all of his work off of the top of his head since he couldn't get Akira to summon any. Yusuke decided to start with the many Angels.

"Are you aware of how many figures are differently depicted among many stories? Yusuke asked, getting a confused look from the female. "Basically, this is how I view the Archangels. Raphael, Uriel, Gabriel, Michael. These are paintings of the many, famous beings that live in the Heavens."

The girl gasped. "So, you're telling me that these are paintings of all of the Archangels?"

Yusuke blinked. "In a sense, yes. But remember what I-"

"I'll take them all!"

Once again, Yusuke blinked. "E-excuse me?"

Sorry for the late update, folks. Getting this chapter out was a huge effort. Other stories distract me for writing, school is taking up most of my focus, and now DBFighterZ + MHWorld are out. Good grief, I am going to be distracted.

But here it is. A new chapter.

Damn it, there is so much I want to show in this fic but then it's so long since I will arrive.

No flames please.