Chapter 12 – Old Friends

For this week in Kuoh Academy, the School's Halloween Festival was supposed to be in preparation. Different Clubs would be organizing activities in their fields of expertise and students and their families were invited to come and attend.

In Issei's case, he was helping out with the Occult Club's preparations. Taking wooden boards and hammering them together whilst hanging up decorations at other times, he found that this experience was quite enjoyable. During his time in Grigori, when he wasn't studying, he was training or eating. This new change of pace was quite refreshing to him.

As for the ORC, they were going to be doing multiple activities. Akeno would be doing a Shinto Shrine Cleansing, in name and in real function with Asia helping her. Koneko, Kiba, and Raynare would be doing the Haunted House. Rias was going to be doing a horror-themed chess game. Last but not least, Issei…would be doing nothing.

He didn't really have much of an idea on what he wanted to do and he didn't seem to have an affinity for any of the activities besides dealing with the hard labor and being a security guard in case boys, and even girls, decided to try and get frisky with any of the members.

After finishing all decorations and putting things in place, the Old School Building had been decked out to be quite a sight. The ceiling was cracked and had holes in them, with the holes being in places that weren't of worry. Glass was cracked. Vines were wrapped around the walls. The floorboards were also very sensitive. One footstep was enough to send a creak echoing through the halls. Issei had put in a very large amount of effort with that one.

However, what he had never expected, was that real ghosts and monsters were being used for the Haunted Area. Who knew the 'Haunted' part was literal?

"Good work." A familiar voice rang out as Issei felt a cold bottle touch his cheek.

Turning around, he found Akeno embracing him from behind.

"Thanks." He took the water bottle from her hand and drank it reservedly.

"You really worked hard. The whole school building looks amazing."

"Not really. I'd say that everyone had a hand in it. Still, I did do a fine job." He chuckled.

"So if a ghost comes out, are you going to protect me?" Akeno jumped the conversation into a different direction as Issei merely chuckled again.

"Of course. But if a ghost possesses me then you'll have to exorcise it or take me down."

Akeno grinned mischievously as she continued.

"I'll make sure to give you the kiss of life so that you come back to me then." She giggled.

Issei's cheeks turned a significantly pink color as he cleared his throat. Ever since the match with Riser, Akeno had become drastically more affectionate. She'd cling to his arm and flirt with him. Whenever lunch came, they always ate together.

"Ahem. Then I'll look forward to it."

This time, it was Akeno's turn to go red.

"I'll be glad to give you some loving healing too." She sensually spoke in Issei's ear as she gave a ragged breath.

Feeling chills down his spine at the action, Issei tried to keep his instincts in check as he kept his calm façade. Smiling deviously to himself, Issei decided to get back at her. Turning to Akeno, he looked her in the eyes and inched closer to her.

Suddenly, she felt two strong arms grip her shoulders as she was pushed gently to the floor.

"Now then, Akeno. It's about time that I had my way with you. I won't always let you have the win." Issei spoke with an eerie tone.

Akeno immediately turned scarlet as her expression contorted into surprise.

"E-Eh?!" Was all she could say.

Bringing his lips close to hers, she really didn't expect him to get back at her again. This time, in particular, Issei didn't look like he was going to be stopping. Akeno closed her eyes, waiting for contact.

As his lips barely touched hers, he immediately got up.

"Well, I gotta go now. See ya!" He laughed as he found an upset Akeno behind him.

"Issei! You jerk!" She hollered.

Making his way around the Old School Building to lose Akeno, Issei found that everybody was up and about outside around the New School Building. Bustling to get their classrooms ready, Issei looked forward to what activities that would become available.

Turning his head back to look in front of him, he found that he was in the Haunted House section of the building.

Taking a look at his handiwork, he had to give himself a small pat on the back. The floorboards were made fragile enough so that one step would cause a creaky echo to ring out from far into the distance of the hallway.

Scratches and cracks in the window glass were done enough so that the building would look extremely old while still being stable and strong. Broken desks and pieces of classroom tools and objects were left lying around. In the classrooms that were deeper into the Test of Courage Course, splats and rivers of fake blood were painted along the walls and floors as the Halls would grow darker.

Of course, he was the most likely candidate to do the cleaning for all of this.


When he left the building, he was met by Raynare, who was trying her costume on.

In the guise of a bloodied ghost, with a white uchikake kimono stained red and eye-contacts on, she actually looked like a convincing ghost woman.

"Wow." Issei whistled as he walked over to her.

"Oh, Issei. What do you think?" She turned around to show her full outfit.

"Convincing." He laughed.

"I guess that's good. I wasn't sure if I looked the part, though."

"What's the costume supposed to be?" Issei asked.

"I'm supposed to be a ghost bride." She made a sheepish laugh as she looked away from Issei's gaze.

'Ow.' Ddraig commented as he took Issei's dilemma into consideration.

'Shut up, Ddraig.' Issei retorted.

"Well, that's a waste. You'd make a very lovely bride." Issei spoke before he could stop himself from making such a bumbling comment.

Raynare made a frozen and surprised look as steam puffed from her ears.

"Eh?..." She trailed off as she processed what he had just said.

While she was not one to take her imagination and run with it to the point of embellishment, she did feel some embarrassment with that particular comment.

"Er-well-I mean. Um. I think that you would make your future-husband quite happy one day." Trying his best to clarify himself, Issei didn't actually do much to diffuse the awkwardness.

"W-Well, since you brought up the topic. Issei…do you ever see yourself with a wife and children in the future." Raynare looked up at him uneasily as she held her breath.

The seriousness of her question had surprised him slightly as he tried to formulate an answer. In all honesty, he had indeed imagined a life like that but he doubted that he would have it. The lives of the Red Dragon Emperor were never happy, according to Ddraig. Many of the past hosts had died horrible deaths or with nothing but regrets.

"Well, I can't say that I haven't but I'm not actually sure if I'll ever have something like that."

Neither denying nor confirming his future desires for a family of his own, Raynare felt a sense of foreboding. She was depending on his answer to see if she really would pursue him. She knew well that Akeno and Vali were ahead of her in the race for his heart but that didn't mean that she was going to just quit.

She wasn't 100% sure, but she knew that what she felt towards Issei over their time together was growing out of friendship.

"I see."

"What about you?"

Now that it was Raynare's turn, she had to try and make it clear that she held feelings for him.

"I do."

Feeling as if he were at an impasse, he wasn't sure if Raynare was trying to tell him something or if it was just a general topic.

"Well, then. I bid you good luck on that." He made a small smile while walking away.

As he passed, neither spoke a single word as they were left thinking on the future.

Returning back to class for one last homeroom session, Issei was sitting at his desk with his head on the desk, looking troubled.

He was currently chewing on the idea of what had happened the previous night, during his discussion with Ddraig.

'So…essentially I'm a douchebag for wanting to enter a relationship with not just one nor two women, but possibly three?' Issei sighed to himself.

'Can't say I didn't warn you about that. Being the Red Dragon Emperor, people of the opposite gender are going to be drawn to you regardless of your intention. However, it's better to make your feelings clear now rather than waiting forever and never saying anything to them. You can't keep them waiting any longer either. With Akeno and Vali, it's been years and the way you feel about them is already clear. As for Raynare, it's hit or miss with her, all things considered. Either she accepts this or doesn't.' Ddraig advised Issei, who took his words rather seriously.

Heaving another sigh at break time, he found silver hair entering his view out of the corner of his eye.

"What's wrong?" Vali gave him a worried look.

"Nothing, Vali. I'm just thinking about some things." He weakly replied.

"About?" She sat in the seat in front of him and put her head on the desk, drawing eye-level with him.

'About how I'm going to potentially destroy my relationships.' Issei confessed in his mind as he made a bitter smile.

"Just random stuff." He gave the young lady in front of him a reassuring smile.

Vali raised an eyebrow as she knew that there was more to his troubles than he let on.

"I know you're lying. You're left eye slightly twitches when you do." She gave Issei a deadpan remark as she eyed him, waiting for the truth.

Issei was caught off-guard when she told him that.

"Have you been watching me?" He grumbled in worry.

"I've known you since we were kids. Of course I can tell." Vali gave him an upset look.

He couldn't help but laugh at this. She seemed insulted that he didn't expect her to know his habits.

"Haha! I guess I can't fool you or Akeno."

"Of course not." Vali gave him a matter-of-fact tone while grinning.

Before they could continue talking, the teacher had arrived, disrupting them.

"I'll talk to you later." She then got back to her seat.

'I was hoping that wouldn't be what you'd say.' Issei thought to himself as he imagined the atmosphere.


When school was over and his share of preparations for the festival done with, he decided to head home first. Apparently, Vali was going to be staying after to talk with Rias, whom she hadn't officially met yet.

The walk home was quiet, which wasn't particularly new, but today, Issei felt as if something was off, almost ominous.

This feeling only grew as he got closer to his home.

His steps becoming more cautious as he approached, he spotted two hooded figures standing outside of his home.

Adorned in white robes, Issei immediately recognized them as Vatican soldiers. The markings of crosses and just the aura around them made that clear enough. One of them was even carrying something large that was wrapped in bandages.

"Can I help you?" He walked over, ready to fight if he had to, whilst wearing an oblivious expression. Even if the Vatican proclaimed purity and benevolence, he knew better than to trust them off the bat. Corruption was everywhere, and that place was no exception.

The hooded figures looked at him, with one of them taking a deep interest in him.

"Is this the Hyoudou Residence?" One of them asked. Judging by her voice, she was female.

"Yes, it is." He confirmed.

"Thank goodness! I was hoping that you still lived here." The hooded person that spoke to him seemed to be overjoyed as she took her hood off.

When it came off, the woman underneath was revealed to be in her teens, with light brown twin-tailed hair. The girl had purple eyes and had a generally cheerful expression.

"It's been a long time, Issei." She cheerfully waved at him.

"Huh? Do I know you?" He had absolutely no idea on who this mysterious girl was.

"It's me!" She held out hope in the wish that he would remember her with just a look.

Taking a long glance at her for a moment, Issei boggled his mind as he felt some sort of familiarity with her. Then all of the gears in his mind clicked as his memories pieced themselves together.

"Irina?!" He pointed finger at her in surprise.

"Uh-huh!" She nodded in confirmation.

"What happened to you?! The last time I saw you, you didn't look like this!"

When Issei recalled her, she looked more like a boy than a girl. Her hair used to be short and she acted quite masculine back then. Now, she looked so much more womanly. She had matured into a very…attractive young lady, in his words.

"I grew my hair out and learned lady-like manners. Impressed?" She giggled, waiting for positive remarks.

Making a small smile, he nodded.

"Well…"

Looking at his watch, he noticed the time.

"How long were you two waiting?"

"Not very long. About 10 minutes or so."

"Then, come on inside. I'll make us something." He offered.

Showing his guests inside, the sat them down at the Dining Room table and made tea while putting out snacks.

"So what have you been doing since you left?" Issei excitedly asked his first childhood friend.

"Well, my parents moved to England. There, I went to a religious boarding school, where I've spent most of my time. Then, I graduated and began working for the business that started that school. Since then, I've been traveling to a lot of places doing work for them." Irina briefly spoke. She knew not to give the full juicy details of her life or else, Issei would've been unnecessarily exposed to the dangers of the supernatural world.

Unfortunately, he had been exposed from before he had even met her.

'In other words, she got sent to the Exorcists for training and then she's been going around and killing monsters for the Vatican ever since she finished training.' Ddraig spoke the real version of the story in his mind, understanding what she was trying to hide from him.

Issei didn't want to believe it, but even he knew that was the most likely truth.

"Well that sounds arduous. To have to go around the world doing work for such a large business." He played along.

When he glanced at Irina's companion, he was sure that she was suspicious of him. The whole time she was present, she hadn't said a thing, which made it clear that she was suspicious of him. Jokes on her. He was perfectly capable of hiding his supernatural presence.

"What about you?" Irina asked him as she sipped some tea.

"Well, I got sent to boarding school, too. I had actually been living with a family friend for several years before moving back here." He decided that he needed to lie to and gave a similar story.

"That reminds me, what happened to your parents? Why are you living alone?"

Issei's lips pursed before he responded. Thinking about his dead family still hurt a little.

"My parents died about 8-9 years ago. When they passed away, I was put under the custody of my godfather." He explained calmly.

Irina immediately felt guilty for asking. She knew how much his parents had meant to him in the past. She had never imagined that he'd been an orphan.

"I-I'm so sorry, Issei. I shouldn't have asked. I'm sorry about your parents." She looked down in shame.

"It's fine. It's not like you knew about it anyways." He chuckled.

"Now then. I think it's time that I made dinner."

As Issei got up to start cooking, Irina's companion rose as well.

"I'm sorry but Irina and I should be leaving now. We have business to do for our employers so I'm afraid that we cannot stay."

Hearing her speak for the first time, Issei noticed that her voice was rather blunt and direct.

'She's going to be hard getting along with.' He remarked.

"She's right. Sorry, Issei, but we need to be leaving now. I'll try to come and see you before I leave, though." Irina gave an apologetic smile as she walked towards the door.

Knowing that it was best for them to leave now before the others came home, Issei had no other choice but to let them leave. Even though he really wanted to catch up to Irina again, this was the smartest move to make for them.

"Ok. I won't hold you up any longer."

"Thanks for the tea." Irina sadly waved and left with the other woman, closing the door on their way out.

Knowing that he was alone now, he crossed his arms and spoke to himself and Ddraig.

"So she's an exorcist now. Sheesh."

Recalling all of his unpleasant experiences with Stray Exorcists and even true Exorcists, he didn't feel very fond of many of them. Some he liked, some he didn't.

"I hope she's not as fanatical as the others that we've come across. That would really strain your relationship. However, if they're here then that means…"

"They're going to be talking with Rias and Sona Sitri too. That's not going to be pretty." He sighed.

Hearing his door open, he walked over to find the three women in his life come home. Vali, Raynare, and Akeno had all stepped in with serious looks on their face. Regarding why she was there, she had sort of become a housemate here, having moved out of her apartment to stay at the Hyoudou House, with full agreement on Issei's account, of course.

"Issei!" Akeno jumped over and inspected his entire body.

"Wha?!" He cried out in surprise.

"Are you okay? Did those Exorcists do anything to you?!" She cupped his face.

"How did you know about them?"

"We saw them walking away from the house. We thought they came to do something to you." Akeno explained.

For a moment, he thought that they were monitoring his every move.

"I'm fine. They didn't do anything to me. One of them was actually one of my old friends from childhood." Issei gently took her hands off of him and gave a comforting smile.

"Still, Exorcists don't just come here to talk with people. If anything, something serious must have happened to make official Vatican Exorcists come here. We'd best be on our toes." Raynare cautioned.

"Did anyone feel something odd when those two walked away?" Akeno recounted the shiver she felt go down her spine when she came into their proximity. It was as if every single cell in her body had told her to be on high alert.

"Yeah. I did too. I think they're carrying Holy weapons." Vali had also felt that same sensation.

Issei and Raynare had felt sensations of power coming from them but they didn't feel the same kind of jolt that Vali and Akeno felt. It was only natural since the two were Devils and were instinctively avoidant towards weapons of light and holiness.

"However, if they're here, shouldn't they be checking in with Rias to avoid unlawful trespassing. Anything can set the Three Factions off these days." Issei inquired.

"Apparently, Rias has already been requested for a meeting with two Vatican members. It's tomorrow after school at 4 PM. If anything, we should be ready for anything ugly. I know that most of the tension will be between the Peerage and those two but you three need to be careful as well. They just might target you if they deem you as threats." Akeno warned.

'I'm getting kind of tired of being seen as a threat by everyone that lays eyes on me.' Issei sighed.

He wasn't exactly sure if any of this had to do with him but he was certain that if anything, he was going to get dragged in. He always got dragged in one way or another.


The next day, right before the meeting was to happen, everyone in the Gremory Peerage had gathered in the ORC room.

Issei, Raynare, and Vali were elsewhere since this matter wasn't safe for them to get involved in. It would also only serve to fuel tension in the meeting. Considering how Vali was the last descendant of the Lucifer line and Raynare was a Fallen Angel, it didn't seem appealing.

Asia was rather nervous since she had never been on the opposite side before. This was the first time where she would be looking at members of the Church as potential enemies.

"Asia, no matter what happens or what they say, don't let it get to you. We'll protect you." Rias turned to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Yes. I know. I'm sorry for being troublesome."

"It's of no consequence. It's only natural in your case. Don't worry too much." Akeno smiled at her warmly just as the doors received a knock before opening.

"Enter." Rias ominously spoke.

The entrance opened to reveal Irina and her partner, who was still hooded.

When Kiba laid eyes on them, he instantly gazed at them in shock and anger. As soon as he saw what the hooded girl was carrying, he knew that she was hauling a Holy Sword around. His expression contorting into feral anger, he had to force himself to remain restrained.

"Hello." Irina brightly greeted everyone with a wave.

"Please have a seat." Rias gestured to the furniture in front of her.

Sitting down, Irina's companion finally took off her hood.

She was revealed to have short blue hair with a streak of green hair. Going down the front.

"My name is Xenovia and this is my partner, Irina. We have come from the Vatican Church to deliver a message and to complete a task." She spoke with a stern tone.

"And that would be?" Rias urged her to continue.

"Excalibur fragments have been taken from the Church and we have been sent to recover them or to destroy them. Therefore, do not interfere with our business or you will face consequences." Xenovia arrogantly spoke as she gestured towards the clothed object on her back and to Irina.

Rias didn't take too kindly to that warning.

"I don't have any interest in those fragments. What makes you think that they are here?"

"Our sources have found people of suspicion smuggling them into Kuoh. Therefore, they must be here."

Rias merely sighed at the blindness of the woman in front of her.

"Don't put too much stock into what you are told, Exorcist. You are free to investigate this place but do keep yourselves from instigating anything or causing anything that may attract unwanted attention." She politely returned a warning to the bluenette in front of her.

"Then there's nothing else to say." Xenovia stood up but right after, she noticed Asia.

"Are you Asia Argento?" She coldly inquired.

Asia, who was a bit startled, answered uncomfortably.

"Y-yes."

Narrowing her eyes, Xenovia's hand inched toward the wrapped object on her back.

"I see. As I have heard, you are now a former follower from the Church who was banished due to your heretical ability to heal even Devils. At first I questioned these rumors but now that I have seen that you have joined the other side. I was afraid that you had indeed become a witch."

Irritation erupted in Rias, who wasn't taking kindly to the overbearing attitude that Xenovia was exhibiting.

Even Irina was exasperated by her behavior, sighing while face-palming. Once Xenovia got started, she was like a raging bull; uncompromising and stubborn.

Asia, however, was utterly stunned by what she had just been called and was even more shocked by what her gift was being called. She began to wonder why it was so wrong to be able to heal everyone who was in suffering.

Struggling to answer, the former nun remained a stuttering mess.

"That is quite enough." Rias warned Xenovia, who just ignored her.

"The Heavens will punish those who turn their backs and follow the way of sin. Perhaps if I execute you now, you will be forgiven and sent to Heaven as a cleansed soul for your heresy." Xenovia put a hand on the hilt of the wrapped sword on her back.

Before anything else could be done, she found very menacing auras radiating around Rias and Akeno, as well as Kiba.

"How dare you threaten one of my adorable servants." Rias hissed.

The Power of Destruction began radiating around her as she directed her gaze towards Xenovia.

"You fanatics will not touch Asia." Akeno was about ready to start blasting away at the blue-haired swordswoman until the sound of the doors opening made everyone pause.

Issei was glaring straight at Xenovia.

Irina stared at him in shock.

Of all people and places, she never expected him to be here. Judging by the way he was carrying himself, it was clear that he knew about what was going on. He'd heard Xenovia the entire time, having waited outside the door, not wanting to interfere.

"Issei?" Akeno also expressed her surprise.

"Now, from what I understand, the Church has lost Excalibur pieces, which is a big problem since they are obviously in the wrong hands. Therefore, these two exorcists should be allowed to search and recover or destroy them. As for the Devils in this town, it is still their territory and they have control here, so rules should be respected. It won't take much effort to simply allow the other to do their business. On the other hand…" Issei reasoned to both sides before turning to Xenovia.

"Guests should mind their tongues. Asia is no longer part of the Church. It's not your place to try and hurt her because your ego says you can." Issei protectively stood in front of Asia.

The Vatican had overbearing followers in countless numbers. He hated overbearing believers who thought they had the power to do whatever they wanted. The Salem Witch Trials was a prime epitome of what he hated about religion and the arrogant ignorance of humans.

"Hmph, and who are you?" Xenovia looked at him with a glare.

"I am the current Red Dragon Emperor. I don't care if you're from the Vatican. Get your business done and get lost. If you try and hurt Asia or anyone I care about, I'll cave your teeth in." He showed his red dragon gauntlet.

Issei's temper boiled. He didn't have anything against the Church, but he certainly didn't like Xenovia's arrogance.

Xenovia didn't lower her stance. During her time within in the walls of the Church, she had heard of stories of the Red Dragon Emperors. They were practically agents of chaos. Everywhere they went, fights broke out.

"My business is not with you but with that witch over there."

Knowing that words were useless now, Issei had an idea.

"Very well, then. In that case, I propose a duel between both sides to get the poison out of your systems."

Issei took a page out of Sirzech's book. Since everyone wanted to fight, might as well make it official with rules.

"If one side wins, then the other has to obey the rules set by the winning party within reasonable bounds. I will serve as referee due to being a neutral party. Deal?"

The suggestion was reasonable and indeed, Xenovia was itching to test the mettle of the opposing side.

Rias was about to reply until Kiba turned to her.

"President, let me go." He spoke with a low voice. His gaze was unflinching and dangerous, which Issei had noticed.

She didn't want Kiba to be fighting in such a volatile mood but she knew that he might not snap out of this trance unless he found a way to vent things out.

"Very well." She sighed.


Outside in the backyard of the Old School Building, everyone had gathered to watch the duel between Xenovia and Kiba.

"Tell me, who are you?" The swordswoman had grown curious about him ever since he first looked at her with hateful eyes.

"I'm your predecessor; a survivor of the Holy Sword Project." He hissed, barely able to contain his anger at remembering his past.

The sight of watching so many children like him being murdered in cold blood after being deemed expendable and useless was so infuriating. Even after all their prayer and hope after being treated like guinea pigs, they were only rewarded with murder.

"Holy Sword Project?" Xenovia recalled hearing something like that among several Church members.

"What was that?" Raynare asked Issei, who apparently knew something about everything.

"It was a secret and illegal science experiment done by members of the Vatican in order to create more people that could wield Holy Swords without side-effects. There's not many people who can naturally use Holy Swords now." Issei whispered so that only she could hear.

What he didn't say, was that when the project had been shut down, the children who were being used as test subjects had been killed to dispose of evidence of the illegal project.

"How do you know all of that?" Rias looked at him in curiosity.

"My guardian filled me in on it, along with some people who found the corpses." He briefly explained.

Irina visibly jumped when he said 'corpses'. Issei remembered how Kiba was listed to be one of the participants, which was probably why Rias didn't stop him. This was something he needed to do to move on with his life.

"Both sides, ready!" Issei hollered out.

"Begin!"

Both had weapons drawn, with Xenovia brandishing a massive sword that had a large hand-guard that had sides like axe-blades and a three-tipped blade. Kiba had surrounded himself with many of his demonic swords, a variety of tactics ready for him.

"What is that sword?" Asia inspected it and could tell that there was something special about it but she couldn't exactly tell which sword it was.

"That's Excalibur Destruction. It's one of the seven fragments of Excalibur and is capable of unleashing destructive blasts of energy from its blade." Irina gave her helpful input to Asia.

"Then which one do you use?" Issei turned to her with curiosity.

"I use Excalibur Mimic." Irina showed a piece of rope tied around her arm and undid it. As she held it in her hands, the rope shortened and widened before changing shape and turning itself into a katana.

"This sword can change its shape into anything I want." She proudly explained.

However, Issei didn't seem too amused. He was actually wondering if she had been a part of the Holy Sword Project and if she had been subjected to experiments to allow her to use it. Was Irina involved in the shady projects by the Vatican?

Kiba was about to make the first move as he was holding two of his swords before he disappeared into a blur as he instantly reappeared in front of Xenovia.

While irrational, he knew not to go for the killing blow since problems would arise if he did.

Bringing her guard up, she was able to block two swings from Kiba's sword with her one blade using its sheer size.

Responding with violent force, she slashed upwards, unleashing a destructive wave that sent a blast of energy rushing from her sword. Sidestepping the incoming wave, Kiba rushed to her side and wreathed one of his swords in wind. Throwing it at her, catching her off-guard, Kiba created another sword of fire and a blade of ice in his other hand.

As the wind blade approached her, the air carried dust towards her, forcing her to retreat and close her eyes momentarily to avoid being blinded. With a mighty burst of effort, he cross-slashed at Xenovia, who blocked with her sword, slamming into her and sending her flying back.

Grunting as she crashed into the ground, she flipped up and resumed her posture. Resuming his furious barrage of attacks, Kiba created more swords.

Grasping two of them, he ran at her in a frenzy. Igniting one blade into violent flames and encasing another in ice, he hacked and slashed at his opponent, obviously too absorbed in attacking to even think straight.

"He's losing it." Issei commented grimly.

Rias could only agree as she watched Kiba lose his edge.

"My turn."

Whipping around in a circle, Xenovia caused a great gust of wind to circle around her as she let lose a massive blast of energy that became a destructive wave that obliterated all of Kiba's swords, knocking him into the air.

Following him up, she leapt into the air and slammed her pommel into his stomach, causing him to gag and cough as she crashed back into the ground.

As he forced himself to get up, he broke into another sprint.

This time, he crafted a giant grey zweihander and ran at Xenovia.

Raising her Excalibur Destruction into the air, she slammed it into the ground, creating a shockwave that almost collided completely against him, causing him to suffer some wounds that were akin to burns.

Deciding the match could continue a little more, Issei remained silent.

Grasping his wounds in pain while breathing heavily from the strain he was forcing his body to endure due to his insane demands, Kiba only grew more frustrated as he had yet to land a hit on Xenovia.

"Give up, Demon. You can't win against me."

"Tch. I'm not done yet."

Kiba stood up and took hold of two swords. Mystically, the demonic swords around Kiba began to radiate a blue aura. Slightly levitating off of the ground, the swords floated around Kiba, aiming themselves at Xenovia, who was surprised by this unexpected trick.

"When did Kiba have this technique?" Rias stared on in surprise at the floating array of blades that surrounded Kiba.

In truth, he had developed this technique for the Rating Game with Riser but he hadn't been able to keep his swords afloat long enough for him to use it.

Focusing a large amount of energy into Excalibur Destruction, she waited for Kiba to attack.

When prompted for the swords to fly at her, Xenovia fired a massive wave of energy that completely shattered and erased all traces of the swords that Kiba had fired at her.

Growing even angrier that he had failed to land even a scratch against an Excalibur wielder, Kiba was going to continue the fight. However, his body had denied him this wish, locking down and losing all strength, he sank to one knee.

"That's enough." Issei announced.

"Now do you understand your place?" Xenovia taunted Kiba, who couldn't say anything as he played back the memory of the battle inside of his mind.

'Even after all this time…I still couldn't do anything.' He growled angrily to himself.

On that matter, Rias had agreed to stay away from the affairs of the Church. As for the duo from the Church, they left without any further conflict, though Irina had apologized to everyone for Xenovia's cocky attitude.

When Asia went over to Kiba to heal his wounds, he remained silent, his mind still fixed on the battle that had just happened.

"Yuuto, we need to talk." Rias looked at him in worry.

"What is it, President?" He asked absent-mindedly.

"You were having a much harder time than you should have against that woman. What's wrong?"

Kiba only remained silent, confirming Rias' suspicions.

"Kiba…I know what it's like to want revenge but believe me, if you only focus on it, you'll end up nowhere." Issei warned him.

Kiba merely scoffed.

"Issei, I don't think you know anything about me."

"Then do tell. Why are you still living?" Issei decided to get down to the core of the matter and ask what he was planning on doing since he had survived the Holy Sword Project.

"It's for revenge." Kiba darkly declared.

"I want revenge on all of the Excalibur fragments. I want to destroy them for all of the misery that they have caused me and all of the friends that I lost because of them. If it weren't for those swords, they would still be alive. They were everything to me. It was by staying together that we were all able to continue enduring those experiments." He growled.

Standing up and walking away, Kiba ignored any and all attempts to talk to him.

"Yuuto!" Rias called out to him, but he just kept walking away.

He was too focused on wallowing in his dark past that he was becoming increasingly single-minded on his desire for revenge on the Excalibur fragments.


The next day, school progressed like normal, with no troublesome challenges making themselves known. However, Kiba wasn't present for school.

Issei wasn't sure if it was because of the wounds that he had endured from the Excalibur Fragment or if it was because of his unshakeable hatred for Holy Swords.

Although, he half-expected this to happen, he still felt uneasy about this. It was true that he didn't know Kiba well, but he knew that he was likely to do something rash soon. Issei was uncertain, conflicted. This was Kiba's vendetta, not his. Still, it didn't feel right to just let Kiba mope around.

On Issei's way home, he noticed that two particular people were standing on the road, carrying…a bowl.

"Please have mercy and show a kind hand." One of them spoke.

Issei face-palmed when he realized that it was Irina and Xenovia.

"What are the two idiots doing now?" He sweat-dropped.

"Hey, you two. Let's do some talking." Issei then gestured to the diner that was practically next to them.

Leading them inside and allowing them to order whatever they pleased, he began chatting with them.

"This is really good." Irina hungrily chomped down on her steak while Xenovia shoveled fried rice into her mouth.

"Soooo…how did you end up using all of your money?" Issei already knew that it was a silly reason but it wouldn't hurt him to ask.

The pair in front of him froze as they recalled their recent experience.

"Well, um…you see…I…" Irina was a bit too embarrassed to say anything.

"Well, Irina had ended up buying a fake painting of a Saint, which cost all of our expenses." Xenovia grumbled.

With a deadpan sweat-drop, Issei wasn't very surprised at Irina's blunder. In the past, when they were younger, she was easily suckered into doing a lot of things when promised something at face-value. It wasn't hard to trick her by giving her a trading card for curry bread.

"So in the end, you got scammed and are now in a tight financial situation that will risk the success of your mission?" Issei summarized the events in a nutshell, which was met by silent confirmation.

When they were all done eating, Issei decided to talk in a more reclusive place in the forest in case there were eavesdroppers.

"Anyways, so have you two gotten any leads on the missing Excalibur fragments?" He pressed on.

Xenovia eyed him with suspicion as soon as he got on the topic. She still hadn't forgotten the words they traded in the Clubroom.

"That's classified. Why does it interest you?"

"As it so happens, one of my friends has a particular problem. I'd like to help that person deal with it. Also, if the Excalibur Fragments are here in Kuoh, then that will only bring more trouble here, which is something that I can't allow. I like how peaceful it is and I'd hate to see it go down the drain." Issei explained himself briefly.

Xenovia found his sudden interest in the Excalibur fragments to be strange. Before, he didn't seem to care but now he did. However, against her better judgement, she decided that if it was just her and Irina, their mission would be slowed down. With the aid of the Red Dragon Emperor, things just might speed up to a great degree.

With a great sigh, she spoke up.

"At the moment, we've found information that there is a church nearby that is housing Stray Exorcists. We plan to infiltrate it and find whatever we can. Leads say that there are Excalibur Fragments hidden there."

"Issei, this once, can you help us?" Irina stepped forward.

She saw that since Xenovia was willing to tell him about their information, he would be helpful.

Nodding without hesitation, it was agreed.

However, now Issei was reminded of the matter about Asia.

"That reminds me. Xenovia, do you still have intentions of harming Asia?" He eyed her cautiously.

"At the moment, I won't touch her. I will simply go about my own business. In the future, however, I cannot say…"

His gaze souring, Issei decided to establish ground rules.

"First, in exchange for my help, you will leave Asia and Kiba alone. Second, if you harm them, then we're automatic enemies, with the power of the Church behind you or not. Third, keep in mind that using God's name in vain is a sin itself, which you have been doing to justify your attempts of murder." Issei spoke to her using her own arrogant tone so as to give her a taste of her own medicine.

Not caring much for it, Xenovia only nodded.


Changes to Chapter 12:

1. Grammar fixes.

2. Changed some dialogue. I didn't want Issei to be talking as if he were an authoritative figure. Instead, I wanted him to sound like a third party on even authority when he intervened at the meeting between Xenovia and the ORC.