[Flashback]

[Spirit speech]

['Spirit thought']

Sacred gear names

Attack names

'Thought'

Time skips and other

I don't own Highschool DxD nor do I own any references I may use. That goes to Ishibumi Ichiei nor do I own any references I may use. I only own Shiro and any other characters I may use that aren't cannon.

Chapter 15

'Today's been such a crazy day...' Shiro thought as he laid on his bed, alone. He had requested to Rias that he was allowed a little time to himself to collect his thoughts and process the day's events.

After the battled had ended, Xenovia and Irina swiftly made their exit but not before being questioned by Rias as she asked them if they had found out who had stolen the Holy Swords.

"Yes." Xenovia responded. "The one who stole them was the Grigori leader, Kokabiel." Her answer shocked Rias.

"Wait you're taking on a leader class by yourselves?" She questioned. "Are you planning on dying?" She asked them as she crossed her arms under her bust and raised her eyebrow.

Xenovia stared at Rias before slowly nodding her head. "If it's to stop the Fallen Angels gathering any more Excalibur fragments, then I will gladly trade my life for their destruction."

"It's not like we're going into this blindly." Irina spoke her mind. "We know the risks, one of ours has already been killed." She told them.

That's when Kiba slowly rose to his feet, craddeling his stomach, spoke up. "I met that Priest." He said, taking deep and laboured breaths before Asia ran up to him and started healing him. "The one who killed him was Freed Sellzen."

That name caused a twinge of anger to course through Shiro. "Seriously, that psycho bastard is still lurking around here?" He growled as the memories of what he did to him and Asia were still fresh.

"I...see..." Xenovia slowly nodded as she gladly accepted this new information. "I've heard of this Freed Sellzen. He was a prodigy, becoming a full fledged Exorcist at the age of 14. However, he was excommunicated due to his violent behaviour." Xenovia elaborated on the Stray Exorcist.

After that, both Exorcists took their leave.

"Kiba wait!" Rias quickly yelled at the blonde 'Knight' who had gripped the handle of the club room door.

After the two Exorcists left, the group would reconcile within the meeting room but Kiba made it clear that he wasn't going to stay for long as once he was healed by Asia, he stood up and made for the door but Rias chased after him.

"You are a member of this family and as such, I will not let you leave a second time and become a Stray Devil." She sternly told him but Kiba said nothing and opened the door.

"Oi pretty boy." Shiro growled, gaining his attention. "You step out that door...then I will hunt you down and drag you back here if I have to." Shiro told him only to be met with silence as the blonde continued out the door and closed it behind him.

Shiro replayed that scene over and over in his head, how Kiba didn't spare a second thought or glance back before he walked out on Rias. His Master. His family. 'That dumb blonde bastard...' Shiro thought with a scowl on his face. 'Why...Why are you facing this problem alone.' He thought as he sat himself up and swung his legs of the bed and sat on the edge of his bed.

[You seem troubled Shiro...although, I already know why.] Ddraig's sudden voice broke Shiro out of his thoughts as he was quickly dragged into his mindscape of Ddraigs home.

"Well you've certainly done some...improvements." Shiro commented as he looked around at the drastically changed landscape.

The normally black landscape had been changed into that of roaring fires and rolling rivers of magma that bubbled and spat. Basalt and Obsidian pillars jutted out the ground, forming arches and spikes. [Hmm well I always make myself comfortable in my host.] He responded with a huff. The mighty Dragon had his chin and arms resting on the platform Shiro was stood on while his lower body was submerged in the magma. [Now then...care to tell me why you're so troubled.]

"Didn't you say you already knew the answer?" Shiro asked with a raised eyebrow only to be met with a breath of hot air. "Fair enough. It's about Kiba...he keeps thinking that he can take this problem on by himself." Shiro explained with a fustrated sigh and rubbed his head. "He's blinded by his rage...even when I was blinded by mine against that bitch I still asked for help."

[And what about the Stray Devils hmm?] Ddraig questioned with a knowing smirk. [If memory serves, you explicitly went out of your way to not ask for help.]

"That's different Ddraig." Was the immediate response. "With the Stray Devils...I could handle them but this is Excalibur we're talking about. There's no way Kiba can take on all of them and live...and think how upset everyone will be if he does die." Shiro replied with a heavy sigh. "So you know what, tomorrow I'm gonna look for those two Church girls and then help them destory Excalibur."

[And what makes you think they'll agree to have help from a Devil?]

Shiro smirked and chuckled making Ddraig roll his eyes. "Simple, I won't help them as a Devil but as a Dragon." Shiro told the Red-Dragon, using the same line he said to Xenovia.

Ddraig merely sighed in response and shook his head before forcing Shiro out of his dreamscape/home and into the realm of unconsciousness.

The next day...

"So I've decided that I'm joining you for kareoke!" Kiryuu eagerly exclaimed, flicking her hair off her shoulder with a wide smirk.

"M-Me too..." Came Asia's meek response.

"Oh hell yeah!" Matsuda exclaimed in joy, pumping his fist into the air. "Screw Kiryuu, I'm so glad that your coming Asia." He proudly exclaimed causing Kiyruu to pout behind the two perverts.

That's when a heavy sigh cut through their cheers and they all looked over to see Shiro leaning on a banister and looked to be contemplating something. "Didn't we already agree that Kiryuu and Asia could come with us this weekened?" Shiro questioned as he just stared out towards the courtyard. 'How the hell am I gonna find those two Church girls anyways? It's not like I can just go around and ask questions, that'll raise serious suspicion.' He thought while humming his annoyance.

"B-Big brother?" That's when Asia's gentle voice broke him out of his thoughts causing him to look at her concerned expression. "Are you feeling alright? You've been like this ever since this morning." She asked him as she put her hand on his shoulder.

Shiro stared at Asia with a blank expression before a wide smile crossed his face. "Yeah I'm fine, just thinking about a few things is all." He told her before turning to the others. "Anyways, now that it's confirmed Asia and Kiryuu are coming plus it's getting close to the weekend, we should start finalising plans?" He said before jolting in surprise as a new face suddenly appeared in front of Asia, holding her hand.

"You know, if you hang around with these loser you'll slowly become like them." Saji said as he smiled at Asia, who just seemed as shocked as everyone else.

"O-Oh hello Saji..." Asia replied with an awkward smile.

"Ahhh it's such a fine day now that I've seen you." Saji exclaimed with a smile before Matsuda and Motohama expressed their anger towards him.

"Shut up man!"

"What gives you the right to butt in on our convosations huh!"

Shiro, meanwhile, just stared at the second Blonde Devil before a smile crossed his face. 'I can't ask anyone from the Gremorys' side...but that doesn't mean I can't ask other Devils for help.' "Yo Saji before you leave." Shiro suddenly spoke up as the blonde had started to walk off.

Saji, who couldn't seem more interested in Shiro, glanced over his shoulder with a bored expression. "Huh? What do you want Katsura?" Saji questioned.

"After school, I need to talk with you." He told him with an expression that told him that it was serious. "Meet me at the cafe near the park." He told the blonde and, before he could respond, the bell rang. "See you later Saji." Shiro nodded as walked off to class.

"Wh-Hey!" Saji yelled at the fleeting Shiro. "I didn't agree...DON'T BE SHOCKED WHEN I DON'T SHOW!"

After school...

"So what was that about 'don't be shocked when I don't show'?" Shiro questioned with a smirk as he took a long and drawn out sip from his drink.

"Shut up..." Saji scowled as he reluctently pulled a chair out from the table and sat down. "Jeez I don't even know why I came here, last time I checked we aren't friends." He grumbled as he rested his elbow on the table and his chin on his hand.

"I know I know...that's why I couldn't ask anyone else but you." Shiro replied with a nod as he glanced around to make sure they were safe. "Look what I'm about to ask you, what I'm about to tell you. You can't let anyone know, not even Rias or Sona or anyone from Rias' peerage or Sona's do I make myself clear." He told Saji in a hushed whisper.

Saji, shocked at the secrecy Shiro wanted him to keep, slowly nodded. "Jeez man alright I won't tell anyone...just how bad can this thing be."

Shiro stared at Saji for half a minute before sighing. "I need your help to find the Church girls from yesterday...so I can help them destroy the Excalibur fragments."

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOU FUCKING MIND!" Saji yelled, slamming his hands on the table and rapidly stood up before being dragged back down. "Dude both Rias and Sona will punish us for even getting involved with Excalibur but to destroy them? That'll get us killed for sure." He shivered fearfully. "Rias is strict but fair and kind. Sona though, she's strict through and through to the point I think she's a sadist."

"Look I know we'll get in trouble for it but I have the perfect pl-"

"No way." Saji quickly interrupted Shiro and made an X with his arms. "There's no way I'm getting invovled with this." He told Shiro before standing up, turned around and started to walk away...before only walking on the spot as someone reached out to grab the bottom of his shirt.

Shiro raised an eyebrow before standing up and glanced over the bush that separted them from whoever had grabbed Saji. "Oh crap..."

"Big surprise...I had a feeling you'd pull a stunt like this." Koneko said as she effortlessly held onto Saji while eating spoonfuls of a large ice-cream sundae. Koneko glanced over her shoulder to look at Shiro before nodding for him to join her while she forced Saji to sit down.

"So how'd you know?" Shiro asked Koneko the moment he sat down.

"I heard you ask Saji to meet you after school and going on your past record of doing things in secret...I followed you." She told him before gesturing to her head as two tufts of white hair twitched.

"Right right...bullshit Nekoshou hearing." Shiro said.

Meanwhile, Saji pathetically sobbed before standing and tried to run away again. "Come on, let me go home." He cried before being forced to sit back down by Koneko.

"So you wanna cooperate with the Church?" Koneko questioned as she wanted to get a full understanding of Shiro's plan.

Sighing, since he saw no way out of this, Shiro nodded. "That's right. They said that they would rather destroy the Excalibur fragments then leaving them in the hands of the Fallen Angels." Shiro said. "And Kiba want's to get his revenge on Excalibur. The goals may be different but they have the same results." He told her, since Saji clearly was preoccupied with escaping. "We just have to get them to work together for a little while."

"Okay but what makes you think they'll go for it?" Koneko asked him since it was a resonable question.

"Simple, I won't go in asking for help as a Devil. I'll ask for help as a Dragon." Shiro told her. "In the past, Dragons have always been neutral, doing whatever they please. If we go in with that mentallity, then I'll technically be helping both the Church and Devils." He explained before standing. "It's a long shot but we won't know unless we at least try."

Koneko looked up at Shiro before smiling and nodded. "Okay but first we have to find those two girls." She said as she also stood, dragging Saji along with her. "I don't like keeping secrets of Rias and Akeno but if it's to help Kiba...then I don't mind."

Shiro smiled at Koneko before gently petting her, causing her to purr softly. "Alright, and if it comes down to it, I'll take all the heat from Rias." He said before looking at Saji. "And Sona. This will be on my shoulders."

After that declaration, the three Devils would start to wonder around the main shopping district, with Koneko leading as she had the better senses out of the three of them, in search of Xenovia and Irina. "So...what are the chances we actually find these two girls?"

"Why do I still have to come?" Saji questioned, still sulking. "You've got your 'Rook' on board so why do I still have to come?"

Shiro simply rolled his eyes at his fellow 'Pawn'. "Because the more people we have, the higher chances of success we get. It's simple maths and battle tactics." Shiro replied with an annoyed sigh. "Anyways, the chances of us finding two foreigners dressed in white robes is likely...but in the market district, I'm not so...sure..." Shiro started to say but slowly cut himself off as he stared at the scene before us.

"O Lord bless us wandering sheep!"

"We are pittiful when compared to you!"

"Or you know...they're just in the middle of the street." Shiro muttered with a sweat drop as he watched the two girls beg for money, going by the crudely made sign they had. "Oi you two." Shiro yelled out, making the two flinch before slowly looking his way.

"What the hell are you doing man!" Saji hissed at Shiro.

Shiro ignored Saji as he walked up to the two, people muttered as they watched him approach them. "We need to talk." He told them, with Koneko and Saji stood behind him.

Both Xenovia and Irina looked at each other before looking at Shiro. "Why should we agree? We've said our piece." Xenovia spat before a blush could be seen underneath her hood, same with Irina, as their stomachs growled loudly.

Shiro smirked when he heard their stomachs growling before gesturing over his shoulder to a fast food chain. "Simple, you two hear what I have to say and I'll buy you food." He told them.

The two Church girls looked at each other before both nodding and agreed to hear Shiro out. Smiling, the silver-haired teen lead the group into the resturant, sat down at a both and told them to order whatever they liked...what he didn't realise is that they would be ordering everything from the menu.

Soon, the table was stacked with empty plates and bowls with some still holding freshly made food. "You know...when I said I would buy you food I didn't mean it was okay to drain me dry." Shiro sighed as he stared at his now empty wallet.

"Watching them eat is...well it's kinda disturbing." Saji muttered as he was sat in between Koneko and Shiro to make sure he didn't try and escape them.

After the two had their fill of food, the actions of what happened hit them. "What...What has the world come to?" Xenovia questioned as she gripped the table. "Even if this will build our strength and faith...to accept charity from a Devil must mean the end of the world."

Shiro's eyebrow twitched and he aggressivly tapped the table. "So this is the thanks I get for feeding you...you know I could've just let you starve." He grumbled before freezing as he felt Koneko place a hand on his lap.

That's when Irina clapped her hands together in a prayer. "Lord, please have mercy on these lost souls even if they have been taken by Devils."

"AHHHHHHHH!"

The ginger haired Exorcist froze when she heard three cries of pain and looked up to see Koneko, Saji and Shiro holding their heads in pain. "For the love of Satan, we don't need your stupid Gods blessing!" Shiro yelled at her as she stopped her praying.

That's when Xenovia slammed her glass on the table and glared at Shiro through her hair. "So...what do you want?" She questioned, wanting to end this matter quickly now that they had regained their strength.

"We want to help you destroy Excalibur." Shiro told her as they finally got down to the real reason of the meeting.

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me." Shiro nodded, reaffirming what he said. "We want to help you destroy Excalibur for no other reason then to help Kiba." Shiro added. "We don't care about trying to steal them or anything. All we want to do is help our 'Knight' get over his revenge."

"I see..." Xenovia nodded before humming in thought. After a minute of silence, she leaned back and sighed again. "Fine, I don't see the problem in letting you handle one sword." She said, shocking Irina and angering Saji.

"Wh-Xenovia hold on!"

"Grrr why couldn't she of disagreed like I'd hope she would."

"Xenovia are you sure this is wise?" Irina asked her companion with a concerned expression.

Xenovia glanced towards Irina and nodded her head. "You know who's on the other side right? Kokabiel is a Leader class Fallen Angel...if we tried to take the swords on our own we would perish."

Irina scoffed at her companion. "We already knew the risks when we agreed to take this mission." She replied to Xenovia, who averted her gaze.

"Umm if I may." Shiro suddenly said interupting the two. Both Church girls looked towards him with questioning glances. "During the three faction war, Dragons were a neutral party right? Well I'm not offering my help as a Devil, I'm offering my help as a Dragon." He told them. "By doing this, I'd be helping out both the Church and the Devils so I'd technically be neutral in all of this."

Both Irina and Xenovia looked at each other before Xenovia placed a finger on her chin in thought. "That's reasonable. The Church said nothing about cooperating with a Dragon."

Shiro smiled as Xenovia seemed to be on board with his idea. "Perfect. So, do you have a temporary truce?" Shiro asked as he held out his hand towards them. After a few seconds of contemplating silence, they both nodded to each other and Xenovia took his hand and shook it. "Great, now we just need to call Kiba." Shiro said as he pulled out his phone.

"No need." That's when a familiar voice spoke up next to them. "I heard everything." Kiba said as he stood with his hands in his pockets and glared daggers at the group. "Honestly, I'm shocked that people who are able to wield Excalibur would agree with it's destruction." He sneered.

That's when Xenovia narrowed her eyes and grabbed the hilt of her Excalibur, which was covered in cloth once more. "Yes well I heard that you left your household and are basically a Stray." She spat back, the hostility between them still fresh.

"Alright that's enough." Shiro's stern voice cut through the tension and silence fell amongst the group. Shiro turned his gaze to Kiba and gestured for the blonde to sit. "Kiba, it's great that you heard the plan but at least try to get along with them." He told the blonde.

"Look 'Knight' of Rias Gremory." Xenovia sighed out. "I understand your hatred towards that project. Ever since then it's been declaired as heresy and the man responsible has been excommunicated." Xenovia explained before Irina spoke up and named the man responsible.

"His name is Valper Galilei, also known as the Archbishop of Genocide."

"Valper...yes I know him." Kiba sneered upon hearing that name. "That man was responsible for the suffering of my comrades..." He quietly muttered, his hands balled into fists so much so that his nails dug into his skin causing them to bleed slightly.

"I told you how Stray Exorcists collude with one another. Well there's a high possibility that Valper is involved in all this." She told him.

"I see." Kiba nodded before chuckling darkly. "Well if that's the case then how could I possibly say no." He told them, agreeing to the plan.

"Perfect." Shiro spoke up, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Now that everyone is on board. We'll meet up tonight, at the abandonded Church." He told everyone and after giving Xenovia his number, the two left leaving him, Saji, Kiba and Koneko.

"Well this went about as well as I hoped for." Shiro sighed in relief as he leaned back into his chair with a satisfied sigh. "Now then, we should all get home and get some rest for tonight."

"Shiro."

"Huh? Yeah Kiba?"

"I want you to stay out of this." Kiba told him, as well as addressing the group. "This is my revenge. I can't get you all involved in this." He said before standing up.

Shiro felt a twinge of anger course through him before he also stood up and stopped Kiba by grabbing his collar. "Listen here you pretty boy bastard." Shiro snarled. "I don't care what you call it. We're helping you and that's final." He said before releasing Kiba. "You're so blinded by revenge that you're forgetting one crucial factor in all of this." Shiro looked at Kiba with a concerned gaze and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We're a family and a family protects their own."

Kiba stared at Shiro with wide eyes before glancing down at his side as he felt someone grab his sleeve. "Kiba..." Koneko quietly said as she look up at him with teary eyes. "I would be sad if you left." She quietly said.

"...Even you Koneko." The blonde 'Knight' quietly muttered before softly laughing. "If you're getting involved, then there's no way I can win." He said as he sat back down, this time opposite them. "But if you're getting involved then you need to listen to how I met Rias through the Holy Sword Project." He said before taking a deep breath.

"We were only kids when it happened. Day after day we were forced to endure horrific experiments. Our freedom was taken from us...we weren't even treated as people, only guinea pigs. Despite all that...we endured because we believed what they told us, that we were chosen by God to wield such powerful artifacts. So we stuck with that belief and prayed that one day we would become special...but none of us could ever wield a Holy Sword. The project was deemed a faliure and so we were disposed of soon after that happened. They locked us in a room and sprayed poison gas while saying 'Amen'. Even as we writhed on the ground, coughing and vomiting blood...we prayed to God to save us. I only escaped thanks to my friends holding our killers back."

"Kiba..." Shiro suddenly cut the blonde off as his hair shadowed his eyes. "You don't need to say more...I've heard enough." Shiro told the blonde before recoiling as he heard a loud sniffle next to him.

"Kiba..." Saji sobbed, tears streamed down his face and his nose was running. "Oh man I can't believe you endured such a tragic past!" He said before turning to Shiro with his fist raised. "Shiro, Sona's punishment be damned, I'll help you in any way that I can."

"Thanks man..." Shiro replied with a shaky smile as he pried his hand free from Saji's grip. "Anyways, like I said we should return home and get ready for tonight." He said as he finally stood up. "I'll see you guys later." He said as he left the resturant and swiftly made his way home.

After the group had left to their respective homes, they all anxiously waited for night to arrive. "Shiro...are you in there?" Asia's voice called out as she knocked on his door.

Shiro, who was sat at his desk, looked towards the door with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah, what's up Asia?" He called to her before she opened the door.

"I just wanted to see if you were doing okay." She told him as she walked into his room, closing the door behind her. "You seemed really worried during school. Are you still worrying about Kiba." She asked as she walked up to him.

Shiro stared at Asia before smiling and nodded. "Yeah I am...I felt like I was a little harsh to him before." He told her, remembering how he did punch Kiba in the face. "But I know he'll come back to us even if he doesn't get his revenge. There's no way Rias would let him go." He said before glancing at his phone and saw the time. "Well I gotta get going." He said and stood up.

"Huh? Where are you going?" Asia asked him as she followed him downstairs.

Shiro looked back at her before smiling. "I got an emergancy summoning again." He told her with a shrug."Look when Rias gets back tell her the situation okay." He asked as he gently patted her on her head before stepping outside and summoned his wings before taking off into the air.

Kuroka, who was sat on the roof, stared at Shiro flying away before her eyes narrowed and she quickly took off to follow him.

In no time at all, Shiro arrived at the Church to find Kiba, Koneko and Saji waiting for him. "Hey guys, been waiting long?" He asked as he landed.

"Nope, you're right on time." Irina said as she stepped out of the church alongside Xenovia.

"Perfect." He nodded before pulling out his phone. "I gotta make a quick call. Hello, yeah it's me. Look I want be able to make tonight's summoning as something came up. Something important...yeah, okay thanks old man." He then hung up his phone before turning to the others before he saw that they all put on Priest robes. "Uhh may I ask why?"

"Because Freed has been attacking Priests." Xenovia stated as she held one out to Shiro.

Shiro took the robe, glancing over the black and gold design and fake cross, before throwing it over his uniform as he had yet to change. "I see...we're basically baiting him out." Shiro summerised as he pulled up the hood to cover his face.

"Yes. Now we'll split up into two teams since we'll be able to cover more ground." Xenovia said, stating that she and Irina be one team while the Devil's be another team. "We shall cover the West side of the city. If you find anything give us a call." She said before her eyes widened. "Oh I should mention, since we're helping each other now...the White One has awoken."

Shiro's eyes narrowed while nodding, already knowing this information thanks to Ddraig. "Yeah I know but I'll deal with him/her when the time comes. For now, Excalibur is our only concern." Shiro said before he placed his hand, palm down, out. "Everyone, let's make sure we come back alive." He said, his eyes blazing in determination.

Everyone looked between each other for a few seconds before Saji was the first one to place his hand atop of Shiro's. One by one, everyone placed their hands together, even Xenovia and Irina. "Alright, Excalibur Destruction Squad let's move." He smiled before removing his hand.

"That was the worst thing I've heard..."

"Kinda childish."

"Idiot senpai nya~"

"Tch okay assholes." Shiro growled as he lead his team out of the Church while Xenovia and Irina split off.

Soon the group were walking through a residential distract that was close by. "So, where do we look first?" Shiro said, glancing at Kiba. "Kiba you said you met Freed when he had an Excalibur fragment and when he killed a Priest, any ideas?" He asked the blonde.

Kiba placed a finger on his chin in thought before nodding. "Yeah. When I found him, the Priest came out of an alley so we should check any areas that don't have a lot of people."

Shiro's eyes narrowed before nodding. "Hmm alright then. We'll search the alleyways first and branch out from there." He said before the group detoured down the closest Alleyway.

After a few hours of searching alleyways and abandoned buildings, the group was ready to give up as they came to an isolated building deep within the forest. "Man this has been one dissapointment after another." Shiro said as he walked with his arms behind his head. "We'll search this building then call it a night and pick back up tomorrow. Sound fair guys?" Shiro asked, with everyone nodding in agreement.

"Wait!" Koneko quickly called out as her eyes narrowed and her tail and ears appeared. "He's here...above us!" She quickly yelled causing everyone to jump back as an object slammed into the ground with tremendous force kicking up dust and dirt.

"Well well~" Freed childlike voice rang out from the dust cloud before said Exorcist leapt out and onto the roof of the building. "If it isn't my old Devil pals~ Here I was hoping to kill some Priests BUT YOU DEVIL SCUM WILL DO INSTEAD~" He sang, a demented look in his eye.

"Look Freed." Shiro called out to the Exorcist as he grabbed his cloak and threw it off his body. "You won't be able to beat us all so just hand over the Excalibur fragments." He called out as he summoned his Boosted Gear.

[BOOST!]

"Oh is that right~" He smiled before licking the blade of the Excalibur he was carrying. "If you know what I have then you know that one little cut will end your pathetic existence." He giggled as he waved the sword above his head as it started to glow with Holy energy. "So bring it on you Devil scum~ I'll chop you all into little pieces."

"Your opponent is me!" Kiba yelled as he appeared besides Freed while swinging his sword from the right.

Freed easily blocked Kiba's strike before pushing the blonde back before vanishing, shocking everyone. "tYou think you stand a chance against me and my Excalibur!" Freed yelled as he decended from the skies and swung his sword down, which Kiba blocked. "My Excalibur is called the Excalibur Rapid but I like to call it the SUPER FAST CHOPPING SWORD!"

Kiba narrowed his eyes as he pushed back against Freed before parrying his sword and slashed horizontally, from the ground up. Freed dodged the strike but Kiba chanced after the Priest and seemed to match the Excalibur's speed. "Shit how is that Exorcist keeping up with Kiba? Is Excalibur Rapid seriously that powerful?" Shiro sneered as he stared at the flying sparks. 'I'm barely able to keep up while using Senjutsu.'

[BOOST!]

"This is bad..." Koneko muttered as she pulled out her phone.

"Oi Saji." Shiro glanced over to the other blonde Devil. "You wouldn't happen to know a way to stop Freed in his tracks?"

Saji stared at Shiro for a second before smiling and turned his attention back to the dueling swordsmen. "Oh I know a way alright. "Alright, Line on!" Saji declaired as purple energy began to be pulled from the air and condense on his hand. After a second or so, a black lizard with large purple eyes appeared on his hand, it's tail wrapped around his wrist. "Line extend!" He yelled before a blue line shot out from the lizard's mouth and wrapped itself around Freed's leg.

[Hmph well I'll be.] Ddraig smirked as he saw what had appeared. [If it isn't Vritra. I was wondering what happened to that fool when he allinged himself with the Asura Gods.] Ddraig smirked.

'Wait Ddraig you know that Sacred Gear?' Shiro questioned the Dragon before turning his attention to Saji. "Okay neat trick but what is it?" Shiro asked the blonde.

Saji glanced back at Shiro with a smirk. "This is the Absorption line." He said as he dragged Freed to the floor, who struggled to cut himself free.

"Grrrr what the hell is this?" The Exorcist snarled as he tried every angle he could to free himself. "Is this one of those Dragon types?"

"Huh, so that's why Ddraig called it Vritra." Shiro muttered before shaking his head.

[BOOST!]

"Alright Kiba, you ready for a power boost!" Shiro called out with a smirk as he aimed his Boosted Gear at Kiba. "Boosted gear gift: Transfer beam!" He yelled as a beam of crimson energy shot out from his palm and raced towards Kiba.

"Hey no fair!" Freed yelled in a panic as he watched the beam hit Kiba and the energy stored in the Boosted gear was transferred into his body. "That's cheating!" He cried as he quickly stood up and faced Kiba.

"Heh thanks Shiro." Kiba smirked as he crouched down and raised his sword. "This is the end for you Freed. Now, SWORD BIRTH!" He roared and slammed his blade into the ground while a crimson magic circle appeared above his head.

The moment Kiba slammed his blade into the ground, dozens upon dozens of swords shot up and raced towards Freed, who would shatter any that came towards him. However, despite the boost from the Excalibur Rapid, Freed was starting to slow down and the amount of swords Kiba was creating...that was until a new voice spoke up. "Ahhh Sword Birth." The voice said.

"Who said that?"

The voice belonged to another Priest, a fat and balding man, who had suddenly walked out of the building. Freed turned to face the man with a sneer. "Oi, old man Valper. Help me out here!" Freed demanded.

Upon hearing that this new comer was Valper, Kiba's eyes narrowed and was filled with rage. "Valper Galilei!" Kiba roared and stopped creating new swords.

"Hmm?" He questioned, turning to face Kiba before returning his attention to Freed. "Freed, channel your energy into the blade, that should give you more then enough power to free yourself." He told Freed with a heavy sigh, almost seeming like he's explained this before.

"Oh is that all it takes~" Freed smirked as he focused on the Excalibur he was holding. "One holy cocktail COMING RIGHT UP HAHAHAHA!" Freed cackled as he swung the sword down and severed the line that was holding him down.

Saji, who was applying tension the the sword, fall down and was shocked seeing how his Line was cut. "No way!"

"No time to deal with you, Devil 'Knight'!" Freed yelled before suddenly vanishing before appearing before Kiba. "TIME TO DIE!"

"Not likely."

"Huh?"

Just before Freed struck Kiba, who was preparing to block, a large sword found its way between Kiba and Freed as Xenovia appeared beside him. "You made it right on time Xenovia." Shiro called up to the blue-haired woman before hearing a more cheerful voice behind him.

"We got your call. Glad we made it on time." Irina called out as she ran up to join them.

"Heratics Freed Zellzan and Valper Galilei. In the name of God, I will punish you both!" Xenovia snarled as she glared death at Freed.

"Don't you ever say his name to me YOU BITCH!" Freed roared in anger before having to quickly retreat to avoid being sliced in half by Kiba.

The Exorcist landed besides Valper, crouched down and ready to engage again, before he was stopped by Valper. "Freed, we're done here." He told the Priest. "We were here to eliminate those with Excalibur fragments and yet there they are, still wielding them...plus you're heavily out numbered." Valper sighed before glancing up and past Kiba. "You, buy us some time to escape like you are supposed to."

"Don't start giving me orders old man..." A new, deeper and gruff voice said coming from behind Xenovia and Kiba. Both swordsmen/women glanced behind them, only to raise their blades as a pair of arms batted them away like they were nothing.

Both Xenovia and Kiba were sent flying, with Kiba's sword shattering in the process, before they quickly righted themselves in the air. "Who the hell are you?" Kiba questioned as he landed on his feet in a crouched position.

The new comer had dull-brown hair done in short spikes and he was wearing a black, leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up and golden buttons, a black under-shirt and blue pants with black boots to complete the outfit. "The names Max and that's all you need to know." He sneered before a savage smile crossed his face when he made eyecontact with Shiro. "Ahhh so you're the Katsura brat the Master is so interested in."

Shiro eyes went wide when Max addressed him. "Wait what?" Shiro questioned before there was a blindng flash of light and when the light vanished, both Freed and Valper had gone. "Dammit, we can't let them escape." Shiro growled before stumbling as Kiba, Xenovia and Irina pushed past him. "Oi, quick let's follow them."

"Hold on." Max called out as he was crouched down on the roof. "Don't you want to know more about the Katsura Massacre?" He asked.

Shiro, upon hearing this, froze with wide eyes and slowly turned around to face him. "Wh-What did you just say?" He asked, forgetting all about chasing after Kiba and the others.

Max, seeing Shiro take his bait, smiled and pointed down to the ground. "You can either chase after me and learn all about it...or you can stay with your precious Devil Master." He said just as Rias and Sona appeared accompanied with Tsubaki and Akeno.

"My you're all such naughty children." Rias sighed as she and Akeno appeared from the magic circle. "Would you kindly explain what's going on here Shiro?" She asked before jolting in shock as he heard a low growl come from above her. Glancing up, she would see Max staring down at her and Akeno with a large smile.

"Well well it's true what they say." He growled and licked his lips. "The Gremorys are nice pieces of meat...and that raven-haired girl ain't too bad either." He said before standing up and stretched his back. "So what's it gonna be Katsura." He said before vanishing, his voice echoing all around them. "Stay here and be punished or find out some answers?"

Shiro stood statue still, his hands balled into fists and was biting his lip. "Shit..." Was all he muttered before sighing. "I'm sorry Rias..." He said before quickly dashing towards the forest. "DON'T PUNISH KONEKO AND SAJI! THEY'RE INNOCENT!" He yelled.

"Wait Shiro! Get back here now!" Rias yelled out but it was too late as Shiro was gone.

'Where the hell did he go?' Shiro thought as he sprinted through the forest, desperatly trying to find Max's trail. 'Who the hell was he? How does he know about the Massacre? Is he a Stray Exorcist too?' Shiro thought as his mind raced at a mile a minute.

[Shiro calm yourself.] Ddraig snarled at Shiro. [Whoever this Max is, he's clearly trying to bait you into following and you just took the bait. I don't know how he knows about the Massacre but you must stay calm and think rationally about this.]

'Calm? How the fuck do you expect me to stay calm when this random ass guy said he can give him answers about the massacre!' Shiro mentally yelled at the Dragon as he skidded to a stop and panted for breath. 'Shit...I'm totally lost now.' He thought.

[I told you Shiro! You are blinding yourself. Stop, think and plan out your next move.] Ddraig told him now that he wasn't sprinting after a phantom.

Shiro sighed before taking a few deep breaths to calm himself...or at least he would've until he heard Max's voice behind him. "Smart choice kid." He said with a smirk as he leaned against a tree. "Now then...you're coming with me." He told him with narrowed eyes as he pushed himself off the tree.

"I ain't going anywhere." Shiro spat back as he summoned the Boosted gear.

[BOOST!]

Max stared at the Boosted gear before rubbing his chin. "So that's what the Master is after." He muttered before appearing in front of Shiro with his arm pulled back. "Welp time to kill you." He smirked before bringing his fist into Shiro's abdomen.

Shiro's eyes bulged out and bile filled his mouth before he coughed it up. He was then sent flying back, crashing through trees and bushes before skidding to a stop 5 feet away. He coughed wildly, cradling his stomach as he rolled onto his knees. 'W-What the hell?' He thought as he slowly stood up and turned to face where Max was. 'This guy...he's stronger then Koneko.' Shiro thought as he took deep breaths.

"Huh...I guess you're stronger then I thought." Shiro's eyes widened as he heard Max's voice grow closer. "I was sure that single punch would've knocked your ass flat." Max said as he stepped over a toppled tree. "I guess that's the power of the Boosted gear and Senjutsu for you." He sighed before a saving smile crossed his face.

'Thank's Ddraig.' Shiro thanked the Dragon as he gathered Ddraig enhanced his body with Senjutsu at the last second. 'If I'm gonna beat this guy...I'll seriously need to keep Senjutsu going.' Shiro thought before his eyes went wide and he quickly dove to the side to dodge a kick from Max, a kick that was so powerful it created a wave of condensed air that ripped through the trunk of a tree.

"Huh...you dodged it?" Max questioned as he lowered his leg. "Good good~ That means this'll be a fun fight." He savagely smirked before kicking off the ground towards Shiro, kicking up dust and dirt.

"ICE GLACIER!" Shiro roared as he quickly summoned up a large chunk of jagged ice that blocked Max's path.

"HAHA GOOD GOOD!" Max roared in laughter as he dug his feet in the ground to stop himself from being impaled before running around the miniture glacier. "THIS'LL BE A GOOD HUNT! HOWLING FANG!" He roared as Max dropped to all fours before leaping at Shiro with his right hand pulled back in a claw shape.

Shiro's eyes went wide as he saw what seemed to be a visage of a paw coalesce around Max's hand. Shiro bent his legs before leaping back as Max's hand slammed into the ground and broke apart dirt and rocks. 'Does this guy have a Sacred gear?' Shiro thought as he stared at Max, who was on his hands and knees.

[BOOST!]

"Come one, it's no fun if you only run." Max called out with a laugh. "Fight back, make this a hunt worth my time!" He yelled as he dashed towards Shiro.

"Fine you want a fight." She growled as he raised his fists. "I'll give you one, then you'll tell me what you know." He roared as he ducked under Max's fist before quickly uppercutting him in the stomach. Shiro pulled back his other fist, coated in it Senjutsu before slamming it into Max's face sending him flying. "RED DRAGON CRUSH CLAW!"

Shiro then chased after Max, as the man was still airborne. befoore leaping in the air with his leg raised above his head. "RED DRAGON CRUSHING TALON!" Shiro roared as he quickly brought his leg down and slammed his heel into Max's stomach sending him crashing into the ground. Shiro then used Max's body as a springboard and jumped into the air and aimed a finger pistol at him. "RED DRAGON RAILGUN!" A beam of condensed energy shot out of Shiro's finger and raced towards Max before exploading on contact with a deafening boom.

Shiro landed on the ground, panting for breath, as he stared at the smoke and dust he had caused from his attacks. 'Did I get him?' He thought before his eyes widened as he heard laughter from within the smoke.

"Yeeeeesssss~" Max growled as he slowly walked out of the dust cloud, his clothes shredded and burnt. "That's it, give me everything you got but I want more!" He growled as his body started to shift and morph. Sounds of bones breaking and flesh tearing apart, making Shiro flinch in disgust and horror. "Well? Come on kid." Max snarled as his brown fur covered his body and his body became larger and thicker. "Show me that balance breaker."

Shiro stared in horror as Max was now twice his size and had muscles the size of his head. 'N-No way...he's a fucking Werewolf?' He thought as he gritted his teeth and racked his mind to plan his next move. 'In terms of physical strength, Werewolves are one of the strongest creatures out there. They can even match a 'Rook's' strength.'

[BOOST!]

'Just how many boosts is it gonna take to overpower him?' Shiro thought before his eyes went wide as Max was in front of him. "Shit!" Shiro cursed as he went to leap away from Max but the Werewolf grabbed his ankle and, with a savage smirk, yanked him towards him and threw Shiro towards a tree.

"Where do you think you're going?" He questioned Shiro, who's body hit the tree with such a sickening crunch before he hit the ground with a dull thud. "The hunt has only just started."

Shiro groaned in pain and slowly rose to his hands and knees before wincing as he held his sides. 'I think he broke my ribs.' Shiro gasped before a brown-fured foot slammed into his face and broke his nose. Shiro gasped in pain as he was lifted into the air only for a large paw to grab his face and then slam him into the ground. 'S-Shit. I don't have time to think of a plan.' Shiro thought as he gasped for breath while Max stood over him.

"More!" He snarled as he clenched his fist before slamming it into Shiro's chest, breaking more ribs. "I need more!" He growled as he punched Shiro's face. "I haven't been satisfied yet." He then raised his right leg before stomping on Shiro's elbow, forcing it to bend at an unnatural angle.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Shiro cried out in agonizing pain as he felt his arm snap like a twig.

His cries of pain were silenced and muffled when Max began to punch his face over and over again. After a five minutes, Shiro's muffled cries of pain stopping two minutes ago, Max would stop his beating and stood of Shiro's unconscious body before slowly reverting back to normal. "Hmph...pathetically weak." He sneered as he grabbed Shiro's wrist of his broken arm and lifted him up. "Is this seriously where you're at in terms of strength? Max sighed as he rubbed the back of his head in annoyance. "And here I was hoping for a decent fight...oh well, not like it matters since you'll be dead soon anyways." He shrugged and began to drag Shiro across the floor.

That was until three purple fireballs shot out of the forest and exploded in his face or at least they would've if he had not quickly blocked them with his hand. "Who the hell did that?" He snarled before sniffing the air before smirking. "Ahh I see...come on out little Kitten, I know you're there." He called out.

"Hmm so I guess the mutt isn't as oblivious as I thought." Kuroka sneered as she laid on a branch of a tree. "Would you mind leaving the idiot here. His Mother, fiancé and friends would be incredibly upset if you took him away...and I would be very, very angry as well." She said as she sat up, crossed her legs and stared at Max.

The brown haired man stared up at the Nekoshou before holding Shiro up for her to see his bloodied and beaten form. "You want him Kitten?" Max taunted before tossing Shiro away like a ragdoll and quickly switched to his Werewolf form. "Come take him. I'm still hungry for more." He snarled.

Kuroka stared at the Werewolf before closing her eyes and scoffed. "Oh please, do you take me for some fool?" She said as before opening her eyes and glared at Max. "I have no intention of dying." She said before hoping down from the branch and gracefully landed on the floor. "I still haven't had his children yet~" She purred and licked her finger.

"Well the only way you're getting to him is by going through me." Max snarled, his anger flaring at how nonchalant the Nekoshou was. Then, his eyes went wide as he saw that a purple mist wafted through the air sending him into a coughing fit. "You...bitch..." He choked as he fell to his knees. "A poison mist huh." He muttered as he was forced back to his human form while Kuroka casually walked towards Shiro.

"Hmph I know that won't keep you down for long." She said as she knelt down besides Shiro and traced a finger across his cheek. "Tell me...who do you serve?" She questioned as she sent a harsh glare his way.

Max continued to cough before smirking as he slowly stood up and slowly transformed into a Werewolf, shocking Kuroka. "That, my dear, is a secret. NOW DIE!" He roared as he lept towards Kuroka only to harmlessly pass through her body as she and Shiro both faded away. "Tch...a mirage huh." He growled as he turned back into a Human and pulled out his phone. 'That psycho-bitch is gonna have a field day.' "Hey Master it's me...I lost the kid...nah it wasn't her, it was that black-haired Nekoshou." He spoke before walking through the forest, stepping over fellen trees and holes in the ground. He stopped before a savage smirk crossed his face. "I'm pissed that I'm not going to be able fight her but if your stepping in...then they have no chance." He smirked as his body vanished in magic particles.

Katsura household...

"I'm getting worried Rias..." Asia whimpered as she stood in the kitchen alongside Rias and Lilith as they all helped to prepare dinner. "Shiro hasn't come back yet."

Rias, upon hearing Asia's concern, bit her lip and sighed heavily. "As am I...after learning what he and the others were doing I should acted sooner...and the way he ran off after that stranger." She muttered to herself before jolting as she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Glancing over, she saw that Lilith was giving her a wide smile. "Don't worry about him, either of you." She said as she removed her hand from Rias' shoulder and leaned against the counter top. "You both know how strong and smart Shiro is, I'm sure he would run the moment he knew he couldn't handle a fight." 'At least I hope...judging by what Rias tol me about this stranger, it isn't him...but the way this Max knows about the massacre is worrying.'

Rias stared at the Katsura matriarch before smiling and nodded her head. "You're right Lilith. Shiro will be fine and the moment he walks through that door I'll give him the biggest hug I can." She said with a smile before an aura or pure malice coated her body and she raised her hand, her Destruction magic leaking from it. "Followed by 10 thousand spankings."

However, the moment Rias said that they all jumped in frieght when they heard the front door be slammed open. Just before they could all question Shiro, as they thought that's who came through the door, Lilith's eyes widened as she heard Kuroka's panicked voice. "Lilith! Lilith come quick. Shiro's badly injured." She yelled.

Lilith wasted no time in quickly dashing out the kitchen before freezing as she saw Kuroka stood there with an unconscious Shiro in her arms. "What...What happened to him?" Lilith questioned as she ran up to Kuroka and gently touched her child's cheek.

"Lilith, what's going-!" Rias started to say as she and Asia had followed the matriarch out of the kitchen before Rias froze as she saw Kuroka, the SS-Class criminal and the one who caused Koneko so much pain, stood in the door way holding a bloodied Shiro. "What did you do to him?" Rias questioned, her voice dripping with pure venom and malice, while she gathered her Destruction magic in both her palms.

"Rias, Lilith...what's going on?" Asia questioned before Rias stood in front of her.

"Stay back Asia, she's an SS-class criminal." Rias snarled in anger as her magic grew stronger and stronger...that is until Lilith glared at her.

"Rias. Enough." Lilith sternly spoke, her own aura leaking out. Once Rias had dispelled her magic, Lilith turned to Kuroka. "Kuroka, take Shiro into the living room and lay him down on the couch. Asia, I want you to follow her and do whatever she says." Lilith told the blonde and stepped to the side to let Kuroka through...and giving Asia a good view of Shiro.

"S-Shiro!" Asia cried, tears filling her eyes as rushed to join Kuroka. "What happened to him?" She asked as she wasted no time in calling her Twilight healing and began to heal Shiro's wounds as Kuroka carried him to the living room.

Once they were both settled, Lilith closed the door before whipping around to face Rias who was glaring at her. "Say it." She spoke.

"Why in the name of my Brother do you have an SS-class criminal in your home? And why is she so familiar with you and Shiro?" Rias questioned, demanding an answer.

Lilith stared at Rias before sighing and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I've known Kuroka before Shiro was born and Shiro only learned about her when I asked her to train him for the rating game."

"What! Is that why he could suddenly use Senjutsu?" Rias questioned, placing her hands on her hips. "And if you've known her for that long, why haven't you reported her to my Brother since you know how dangerous she is."

"Because your brother is the one who placed him under my care!" Lilith quickly retorted, shocking Rias. Lilith took a deep breath before sighing. "Look Rias, I know how you feel about Kuroka and what you might think you know but I'll tell you this, not all stories you hear are true." She told the red-head before placing a hand on her shoulder. "I apologise on Shiro's behalf that we kept her a secret from you but we had to since I knew this is how you'd react...Satan only knows how Koneko will react." Lilith sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

Suddenly, the front door opened up and Kuroka was stood there. "Lilith, he's waking up." She told the two, only sparing a glance at Rias, before she walked back over to Asia who was still healing Shiro.

Both Lilith and Rias walked into the living room just as Shiro let out a groan of discomfort. "Fuuuuuuck why does my everything hurt." He groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. "How...How did I get home?" He questioned as he looked to the side to see Asia using her Twilight healing and both Rias and Lilith stood in the doorway. "Did...did you come to save me Rias? Ma?" He asked as he slowly sat up before grunting and held his side.

"Lie down Shiro." Asia quickly said as she stopped healing him in order to keep him from moving. "I-I still need to finishing healing you." She stammered, fighting to hold back tears. "Y-You had four broken ribs, a broken nose a-and a broken elbow." She whimpered before tears streamed down her face. "Oh Shiro what happened? You looked so hurt I was scared." She sobbed before she felt Shiro pull her into a hug.

"Hey don't worry. Thanks to you I'm okay." He cooed before glancing up and went wide eyed as he saw Kuroka stood to the side. "Uhhhhhh." He stammered as he glanced between Rias and Kuroka. "L-Look Rias I can explain." He quickly said as he released Asia.

Rias stared at Shiro before huffing. "Don't bother, Lilith already told me...however, you're still in deep trouble for running off like that." Rias told Shiro as she barged past Lilith and stormed up to Shiro before glaring down at him. This glare lasted all of five seconds before tears filled her own eyes and she dropped to her knees and pulled Shiro into her bust. "You silly boy...you had me so worried." She softly whispered and craddled his head, stroking his hair.

"Ahem." Lilith coughed into her hand to gain everyone's attention. "I'm glad you're okay Shiro but please...what happened?" She asked him.

Shiro pulled himself away from Rias and clenched his fists. "I...I'm sure Rias told you what I did with the others...well after we found Freed and Valper, this third guy appeared and called himself Max. He...He told me that if I followed him he would tell me about the massacre." He said before clenching his fists. "I...I followed after him to find out more but it turned out he was a Werewolf. I-I wasn't strong enough to beat him...I coudln't even match his strength." He growled in anger before sighing softly and looked towards Lilith. "Mum...what happened during the massacre? Who was that guy?"

Lilith stared at her son before looking around the room and towards Kuroka, who nodded slowly. "Alright...I'll tell you about the tragady that happened...how one of our own betrayed us and lead the Fallen Angels to us."

Bet y'all didn't expect a new chapter so soon after the last. Well I've been in a big mood for this story recently...it also helps that we're nearing the climax of the Holy Sword arc and...well some shit is gonna go down which is why I'm so eager to finish this part of the story.

Before I leave, I just want to say...thank you.

Thank you to everyone who's followed, favourited this story. You don't know how worrying it is to see that a review has been posted only for it to be pure hate and malice. Yes, I know this story isn't anything new. How it follows the main plot of DxD but...that's what I wanted. I wanted to write a story about my character in Issei's shoes and DxD is already a work of art, why fix something that isn't broken?

Anyways, no matter what people say I'm finishing this story. I've started to collect the English translated LN, since there's no sign of a season 6 coming out, so when I finish season 5, I'll start following the LN.

Anyways, that's all I wanted to say.

Stay well, stay true and once again, thank you for sticking with this story...BYE BYE~