This is the 18th chapter of the crossover story. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the video game of Final Fantasy 13.
No flame reviews, seriously it's a bad rep and I have no tolerance what so ever.
Kuoh Academy
When Issei used his Boosted Gear to increase his power, Irina charge after him while leaping to action, leaving Issei caught off-guard.
"Amen!?" Irina said with a smirk, raising her Holy Sword Mimic.
"Issei, Look Out!?" Asia called him with worry.
Issei barely managed to jump out of the way, but Irina just sliced some of the fabric on his uniform.
"Dude, what the hell!? That was dangerous!?" Issei exclaimed as he looked at Irina with panic. "I thought this was a friendly fight!?"
"Oh~to return to my hometown, only to be forced to kill one of my oldest friends!" Irina exclaimed in zealot position, acting like she is in despair. "Alas, fate can be so cruel."
Virgil groaned with annoyance of her stupidity.
"Although our new orders from our master prevents us from taking you back to headquarters." Xenovia stated as she readied herself. "I'll show you that it's best to surrender and come with us."
"And here I thought you'd be smart enough to follow his orders, but it seems like you're not since you were just too stupid to realize that I'm not to be underestimated." Virgil stated with a glare, causing Xenovia to growl with anger while Griselda and Kuroka giggled of his statement.
With that, Xenovia charged after Virgil when he activates his Steelguard to block her attacks with his gunblade.
"It's been quite some time, Kuroka. How have you been?" Griselda asks with a smile.
"Your son have healed me when I tried to find him since months ago." Kuroka answered with a smile, leaving Griselda surprised. "Overall, I'm holding up well, but your son has been taking care of me."
"What do you mean?" Griselda asks confusingly.
"Virgil have proven my innocence to the Underworld that no one else could." Kuroka told her. "And he's capable to handling himself since he fought against the Fallen Angels, Stray Exorcists, Stray Devil, and Riser Phenex."
Griselda was shocked of hearing that her son have fought against not only Stray Exorcists, but the Fallen Angels and Devils which she wanted to hear his explanation.
"Issei!" Rias called him from the sideline, standing with the rest of the Occult Research Club. "Try to avoid her direct attacks!"
"Yeah, that is the plan. Thanks!" Issei said as he looked at Irina with a scowl when he was boosted from his Sacred Gear.
[BOOST]
"Issei's Boosted Gear of the Red Dragon Emperor, Asia's Twilight Healing, and your Sword Birth." Cornelius said as he faces Kiba, who stood among his swords. "Your master has indeed gathered some special individuals that was brought together, including my son since he's capable of fighting. Whoever taught my son must've been a warrior and I wanted to thank for someone who trained him."
"I have another power, one that comes from grudges of my fallen comrades." Kiba proclaimed, glaring at him with hatred. He then pulled out a sword from the ground. "With this power, I will destroy all of the Excalibur!"
He then charged at his opponent when they clashed their blades. Cornelius blocked his attack with ease.
"And along with them, I will annihilate there wielders!" Kiba shouts as he unleashed his flurry of slashes at Cornelius, but he blocked and parried all of his attacks without breaking a sweat.
"Just being touched by a Holy Sword could injure a Devil. They're at a huge disadvantage." Akeno explains.
"Kiba can manage with speed, Virgil can fight with his own capabilities, but Issei." Rias responded as she turned to Issei, watching him fighting against Irina. "I'm a little worried."
Issei used his Boosted Gear to block Irina's attack which that attack of hers couldn't even make a dent out of his Scared Gear while Virgil keep using his defense on Xenovia's Holy Sword which she growled with frustration as she charge after him.
"Vendetta" Virgil then block and counter her attack when he slashed horizontally at Xenovia, leaving her gritted her teeth with pain. He then used his paradigm to switch sentinel to commando as he charge after her.
"Actually, that sword doesn't seem to bother him much." Rias said with confident smirk.
"Or at all." Akeno added. "But that left arm is the dragon itself."
"True, but my son seemed to be holding against my student well." Griselda said with impressed smile. "His swordsmanship was truly impressive."
"That's because Virgil was battle-experienced." Akeno told her. "For what you need to know was Virgil wasn't a Devil, he's a l'Cie from Gran Pulse."
That leaved Griselda surprised with shock while Irina was shocked that her attack didn't work on Issei.
"You're way too simple to be that imprudent." Irina said with a light glare.
"Whatever that means you're gonna regret it!" Issei said with a scowl. "Know why? Because I'm gonna make you pay hardcore. Besides, I'd never miss out on boobs!"
[BOOST]
Xenovia was struggling when she was sent flying from Virgil's attack as he used his paradigm to switch commando to synergist.
"Enfrost" He used his ice-enhanced magic in order to use his ice-based attacks as he then used his paradigm to switch synergist to commando as he charge after her.
"Ice enhance spell, I've never seen him used it before." Griselda said surprisingly.
"That's because he was using his ability called Paradigm Shift." Koneko told her. "It allows him to used only six roles which he only use one at a time during battles which he does that just to keep his opponent guessing."
Griselda was surprised about his ability as Kuroka began to explain about his Paradigm Shift while both Irina and Issei were staring at each other as his expression turned into perversion, leaving Koneko scowled with annoyance.
'Irina Shidou, you focus on worshipping God and I'll focus on worshipping your tight-ass bod.' Issei mentally thought when he imagined Irina's clothes were ripped off and naked.
"Uh, that's freaky." Irina said with dull expression. "What does he making that lecherous face for?"
"You should be careful." Koneko said with rebellious eye despite making no emotions, earned her attention. "Seriously, watch out for that pervo-jerk, because he has the power to blow away a woman's clothes just by touching them."
"What!? Their clothes!" Irina shouted with wide eyes while looking at her childhood friend.
"Koneko, why are you giving my secrets away to the enemy!?" Issei shouted comically with wide eyes.
"Because you are the enemy to all women." Koneko answered with a glare, jabbing Issei.
"Sometimes the things you say really hurts." Issei said with sad expression.
"I can hardly believe how you've ended up, Issei! It's not enough that you've turned into an Evil Devil, but you're heart is filled with such extreme wickedness, now!" Irina said with sad expression while praying, a comical stars sparkle on her eyes. "Dear God, I pray that in your Divine Wrath I will never forgive this sinful pervert!"
Both Akeno and Rias couldn't help but sigh with annoyance while Asia chuckled, looking at Koneko.
"Preach it sister!" Koneko said with a glare.
Cornelius punches Kiba in the face, sent him flying backwards, but he recovers and lands on one knee. Throughout the fight, his frustration began to grew as Cornelius left without a scratch, blocking all of his attacks and countering with only punches.
Kiba then stabs his sword to the ground while grabbing two demonic swords.
"Fight me with your sword or burn! And then freeze!" Kiba yelled as his two demonic sword were charged in between fire and ice. He then roars and charges in, attacking Cornelius with his godlike speed, but Cornelius swung Scottish Claymore, turned Kiba's demonic swords into dust, shattering them instantly. Kiba was speechless of seeing his swords destroyed so easily, but Cornelius saw the opportunity as he punch him in the face, sent him flying, making him skid across the floor as he lands on his chest. He looked up with bitter hatred towards Cornelius who walks to him without emotion.
"You failed to compare with that hatred of yours, boy." Cornelius coldly remark. "Do you believe that destroying the Excalibur will be simple as even decided who lives and who dies? You were a fool that simply killing those who wield a Holy Sword because of your dark past. Vengeance won't bring your comrades back."
"Destroying all seven Holy Swords will indeed be a difficult path." Kiba said, his eyes didn't lose their hatred as he wipes away from the blood of his mouth with his right hand before standing up. "But I will not stop until it is destroyed and I will cut anyone who stands in my way!"
Cornelius was disappointed of his declaration. Kiba had been consumed with vengeance and hatred.
"So be it." Cornelius replied.
Both Virgil and Xenovia clashed their blades once again, locking their blades.
"This is preposterous." Xenovia grits her teeth as she tries to push, but he won't budge. "My sword is Holy Sword of Destruction. How are you still alive?"
"This swordplay of yours is nothing compared to my adopted mother's." Virgil replied, holding his ground. "I've been trained all of my life."
Virgil then pushes her back with his gunblade as he flick his weapon to turn into a gun form, firing at her. Xenovia was shot from her shoulder, making her hiss as she jumps back to retreat. Xenovia growled with anger as she points her sword downward while Virgil used his paradigm to switch commando to ravager.
"Thundaga: Arc Lightning" Virgil then cast his lightning spell against Xenovia, causing her to scream with pain when she felt the electricity on her body as she then collapse down to her knees, leaving Griselda shocked when she saw her son used magic.
Xenovia looked at Virgil when he approaches her as she was tries to reach her sword, but he stepped her hand, aiming his gunblade at her.
Virgil was glancing at Xenovia with a glare, she failed to realize that she underestimated him which he was battle-experienced.
Xenovia glared in frustration at him, but bitterly concedes. "I...yield."
Virgil gave her nod as he left without looking back while putting his gunblade in his holster.
Returning to the Occult Research Club, Rias, Kuroka, and the Peerage stood smiling at him, proud that he didn't kill her as Griselda embraced her son with a smile.
"Well done, Virgil." Griselda praised her son. "Thank you for not killing my fool-hardy student."
Virgil nods as he embraced his biological mother in return, but the celebration will have wait when the sound of metal brings their attention to Issei, Irina, Kiba, and Cornelius.
"Alright Virgil, nice work dude!?" Issei shouts with a smile when he blocks Irina's attack with his Boosted Gear.
"It's time to finish this game." Irina said with a smirk as she then raise her blade to attack.
[BOOST]
"Let's do this!?" Issei exclaimed with a smirk.
[EXPLOSION]
Issei was then surrounded himself with green aura as his demon wings appear.
"Here we go! Dress Break!?" Issei said with perversion as he raise his hands to charge after Irina, leaving her scared.
"EW! Gross!" Irina said with disgust as she dodged him, but he continuously charges after him when she dodges him with fear which she didn't like his expression.
"It looks like Issei's movements are getting more flexible and much faster." Akeno said seriously.
"All thanks to his pervertedness." Koneko said with deadpan expression, leaving Rias sigh with annoyance.
"This isn't fair, leave me alone!" Irina shouts as Issei rushed in front of her, leaving her frightened.
"Never underestimate the power of a twisted mind!?" Issei exclaimed with perverted smile as he then leaped after Irina, but she ducked down as Issei was about to after both Asia and Koneko instead.
"Haste" Virgil then used his speed magic as he then rushed after the two girls, grabbing them as he ran a few distance.
Issei then landed on the ground which he missed while Virgil put both Asia and Koneko down next to Griselda as he then approaches Issei with his dark glare, leaving Issei looked at him with fear.
"Mercy!" Issei pleads for his life.
"Nope." Virgil said with his dark tone as he then used his paradigm to switch synergist to ravager. "Fira: Flare Shot"
Virgil then used his fire magic to fire at Issei, leaving him scream in pain while running around with his butt on fire, leaving Kuroka, Griselda, and Koneko laughing while Rias, Asia, and Akeno giggled a bit. Irina was shocked to see Virgil's magic, but laughed at Issei which she finds it hilarious.
"Sorry about that." Virgil apologized. "I have to interfere because Issei wasn't fighting fair due to his perversion."
Irina blinked threes times with surprised expression since he apologize to her as she spoke with a smile.
"No worries." Irina shrugs, calms down from her laugh. "I'm just glad that Issei receive some punishment."
Akeno then used her water magic to extinguish the fire, leaving Issei sigh with relief collapse down to the ground.
"You know Issei, you need to take your perversion down a notch." Akeno told him with a smile. "Virgil was here, remember?"
"Yeah, sorry about that." Issei apologized. "I guess I deserve that from Virgil."
When Irina put her Sword of Mimic on her arm, she then return to Griselda which she was disappointed of Issei's actions, but glad that Virgil did save Asia and Koneko. However, the sound of metal turned their attention to Cornelius and Kiba.
Kiba gives a battle cry, raising his already hardened spirit as he creates a gigantic sword that was held with both hands and releasing an ominous aura. It was longer than Kiba's height and looked heavier.
"Why don't we see which of these destructive swords is the most destructive! Your Claymore or my demon!" Kiba said with hatred as he then charges at Cornelius, swinging at him with great force, but more to his shock, Cornelius holds up his Scottish Claymore and blocks the heavy strike easily, not struggling against it.
"You have decided you fate, boy." Cornelius said.
The Scottish Claymore then began to brandish with Celtic Runes as he then pushes the sword out with ease, destroying his demonic sword with one swing, leaving Kiba shocked when his demonic sword was shattered as Cornelius then goes in for a horizontal slash. With one quick strike past him, Cornelius leaves a cut mark on Kiba's stomach, causing him to scream in pain enough for him to fall to his knees as he clutching his stomach, coughing a bit of blood.
"No way..." Virgil said with shock.
As Kiba collapses down to the ground, Cornelius approaches him with his hardened glare, holding his Scottish Claymore on Kiba's face.
"Your weapons is just a variety of swords that were created by your own power." Cornelius said. "But by just looking at the way you wield your blades, not only that you lack the strength to use it, but you sacrificed your speed in exchange for power that was much weaker than you think which is why you have lost this fight."
With that, Cornelius takes his Scottish Claymore away from Kiba's neck, he returns to his wife and his students as they put their cloaks on and were ready to leave.
"No...wait!" Kiba was struggling to speak as he reaches his hand out towards him despite his loss.
Cornelius stops to look over his left shoulder at him, bearing a small smile of sympathy.
"Vengeance won't bring your friends back, Isaiah. Do not allow your hatred consumed you. Otherwise, you may never return and the deaths of your friends will be for naught." Cornelius advised.
Kiba could only glare at Cornelius with hatred, growl with frustration.
"My apologies for my students behavior." Cornelius apologized, bowed to her with respect. "I hope the result of three duels have lived up to your satisfactory."
"Yes, I'm grateful neither were dealt final blows." Rias nods with a smile. "I'm just glad that your son wasn't taken from us. Otherwise, his adopted mother would kill me."
"That will be true, Rias Gremory." Cornelius agrees. "Then I take it that I trust you not interfere, as we discussed earlier?"
"Of course." Rias nodded. "But just out of curiosity, did you find out which Fallen Angel was guilty? Of stealing the swords I mean."
"Yes, we know who's behind it." Griselda answers with a nod. "One of the Leaders of the Grigori's, Kokabiel."
Rias' eyes widened with surprise at the answer, along with Akeno. Kuroka, Koneko, Asia, and Virgil already knew of Kokabiel which Azazel have told some of them about him. Also, Virgil have past the information to Asia and Koneko which they were shocked at first.
"Yeah uh...so who are the Grigori's?" Issei asked with confusion.
"Fallen Angels." Akeno answered as she explains. "It's a group of them who are also known as the 'Ones Who Watch Over The Children Of God.'"
"The four of you are after a leader class? Are you planning to die?" Rias asks seriously.
"We are aware of his powers, Rias. However we don't want those Holy Swords fallen into the wrong hands." Cornelius told her.
"Also, I am willing to trade my life to annihilate them." Xenovia added.
"We understand the danger." Irina said seriously. "The priest have told us that he was saved from an unknown individual which happens to be Virgil. Virgil added that Freed was the one who tried to murder him."
"I was also here last night, Freed Sellzan was attacking me last night." Kiba told them, leaving Issei flabbergasted.
"Really? The Stray Priest did?" Rias questions.
"Yes, I happen to be there last night and Freed definitely had the Holy Sword." Kiba explains.
"So the Stray Priest was the one stole the Holy Swords." Griselda said seriously. "At least we know now who we're up against. We appreciate the information you've shared, but don't involve yourselves further in our affairs."
That leave Kiba groan with frustration, looking at them with hatred.
"Except." Griselda then looked at her son. "You and Kuroka."
"What!?" Virgil exclaimed with shock.
"You do have the ability of Paradigm Shift to use different roles since I witnessed it first hand." Griselda told him. "I ask only for your help."
"Master, you can't be serious!?" Xenoiva said with anger, leaving Griselda glaring at her student which Xenovia was scared.
"She is serious, Xenovia." Cornelius said seriously. "My son did out bested you during the fight."
Xenovia couldn't help but sigh with defeat which he was right. Cornelius and the Exorcists were planning to leave.
"Wait..." Virgil said, stopped them. "Why not stay in my house? I'm sure you've got no other places to go."
They were shocked of Virgil offering them a place to stay for the night as Cornelius spoke.
"Virgil, I appreciate your offer, but-"
"I can assure you, it's no trouble." Virgil interrupts. "Also, I still have plenty of guest rooms left and I'll have Koneko sleep with Asia so that way both Xenovia and Irina won't try anything stupid."
Both Xenovia and Irina couldn't help but felt like they're were to say something, but Griselda stopped them with her death glare, leaving them scared as Cornelius spoke.
"Well since you offer. We accept your hospitality." Cornelius accepts his offer, leaving Xenovia and Irina shocked.
"Wait, Master Cornelius. You can't be-"
"Not another word out of you Irina." Cornelius said with a death glare. "Once we settled in my son's house, we're gonna have some serious discussion about your actions."
Both Xenovia and Irina gulped with fear which Cornelius and Griselda were very upset of their transgression and their behavior. With that, they left Kuoh Academy, but Virgil told them to be on alert in case anything pops up which Rias gave him a nod.
Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club Room
Koneko and Asia were with Virgil and the others since they lived with him when Rias and her peerage were about to retire for the day, Kiba began to walk away.
"Where are you going, Kiba?" Rias questions with serious expression. "You do realize I will never permit you to leave me. Remember, you are a Knight of the House of Gremory."
"I know President." Kiba said without looking at her. "And I'm sorry."
"Kiba!" Rias called her name but was too late, Kiba walked away from the rest of her group, leaving Rias sad with her eyes widen. "Oh Kiba. Why now?"
Issei knew that Kiba had left the group which he knew that Kiba won't stop until the Holy Swords are destroyed which it won't be easy.
Town of Kuoh
When Virgil and the others made their way towards his house, he unlocked the door to let them inside. Cornelius, Griselda, Xenovia, and Irina looked inside of his house with awe which is large and spacious.
"Virgil, I'll have to admit. This house is magnificent." Cornelius compliments with a smile.
"Well, this house feels like home." Virgil stated. "Plus, the mortgage was already fully paid."
They gave him a nod as Kuorka spoke.
"I'll leave you to catch up with your family, but I still need some help." Kuroka said with a smile as she turned to Koneko and Asia. "Shirone, Asia, I'm gonna need some help with the cooking."
Virgil, Koneko, and Asia nods as they head towards the kitchen to cook something for dinner.
"So, you live here with three girls?" Griselda asks.
"Actually, I live alone since I've been enrolled in Kuoh Academy." Virgil answered. "Until, Kuroka showed up in the alley since she got hurt, Asia lived in my house since she got nowhere else to go and Koneko lived here since I prove Kuroka's innocence."
Cornelius and Griselda were surprised about his explanation as Xenovia spoke.
"So, you started to live with them for your own sexual desire?" Xenovia questions with a scowl. "To think that you would-"
Griselda interrupts by bonked her in the head, leaving Xenovia scream in pain and a big bump on her head. Irina, Virgil, Koneko, Kuroka, and Asia winced at this, but they don't feel bad for Xenovia which she brought it up to herself.
"Xenovia, I won't tolerate you insulting my son." Griselda snarled at her. "If you don't watch your mouth, then you'll get more than just a simple lump. Understand?"
Xenovia gave her a nod while rubbing her head.
"Besides, I don't believe it's your place to judge my son. You're not him." Griselda added.
Irina wanted to speak, but Cornelius clamped her mouth, preventing her from speaking. Irina just pouted, but didn't resist any further since she didn't want to end up receiving a bump from Griselda.
Cornelius then looked at his son.
"I'm proud of you my son for helping those in need and fighting against my fool-hardy student. You made your old man proud." Cornelius praised his son.
"I was only doing that to stay alive." Virgil pointed out.
"Ha! If you didn't, then you would've been killed." Cornelius told him with a chuckle. "And I won't forgive for Xenovia's actions."
Xenovia looked at Cornelius with fear which she's not gonna be forgiven from him.
Kuroka called them that supper as they head towards the kitchen. Virgil then say grace to the Maker while four Exorcists prayed to God as they began to eat. When they savor their taste buds, both Xenovia and Irina felt like there were sparks on their mouths as they began to scarf it down.
"This is heavenly." Xenovia said, scarfing it down.
"Yeah, I never have something this good." Irina agrees.
"My, this is divine." Griselda said as she looked at her son. "Where did you learn how to cook?"
"From Aunt Serah." Virgil answers with a chuckle. "I learned how to cook when I was a kid."
"Well, if we're able to find your adopted family. We want to give thanks for what they have done." Cornelius said with a smile, Virgil gave them somber expression.
Kuroka, Asia, and Koneko noticed Virgil's expression with worry since he has to come clean as he spoke.
"I'm afraid they're not her. They were from another planet called Gran Pulse." Virgil confessed, leaving them shocked.
"What do you mean?" Cornelius asked with confusion.
"When the both of you placed me in the orphanage when I was a baby, I was adopted by a former l'Cie named Lightning Farron." Virgil explains. "She took me in from Gran Pulse and she trained me to become a l'Cie."
The four Exorcists were shocked a his explanation about his past.
"But why would she take you somewhere very far away?" Griselda questions.
"Because her sister was married and plans to have a child. The reason why she wanted to adopt a child was because she wanted to have a meaning of life." Virgil told her. "My adopted mother was given the role of taking care of her sister who is my aunt after my grandparents died. She had to be strong for her and when she thought she needed to forget her past she became Lightning."
"Lightning?" Xenovia asks confusingly.
"So, you were raised by the name of a lightning bolt?" Irina questions.
"Her real name is Claire Farron." Virgil shook her head. "She thought that by changing her name can change who she was. Lightning, it flashes bright then fades away. It can't protect, it only destroys."
The four Exorcists were stunned when they heard that he had a strong and caring parent.
"She changed her name when she was young." Virgil continues. "I know the two of you gave me name since 17 years ago, but she gave me a last name when I was a baby, I became her son who makes a decision of my own freewill and I picked up her bad habits along the way."
"That explains about it, but what is a l'Cie?" Cornelius asks. "It was clearly unheard of."
"They're humans that are branded by Fal'Cie, they were given great physical and magical power, as well as Focus to fulfill in other words mission and their power comes from crystals." Virgil answered as he then touched the left part of his chest which flashed a bright light and brought out a bright pink rose that was fully bloomed on his right palm. They looked at the crystal with awe.
'Amazing.' Cornelius thought with admiration.
'So that's how he defeats Xenovia. And the rose crystal, it was beautiful.' Griselda thought with a smile.
"If one fulfills a Focus, they will be granted eternal life in the peaceful slumber of crystal stasis, in other words you will be a servant of Fal'Cie for eternity until the new Focus is presented." Virgil explained. "However, if one doesn't fulfill the Focus in time, then they will be turned into monsters which is called a Cie'th for all eternity until they die."
Virgil then placed his rose-shaped crystal back into his left chest as Irina spoke.
"Do you happen to have a Focus?" Irina asked curiously.
Virgil gave her nod as he spoke.
"It's to find friends who will appreciate my power and they'll gave me the strength I need to face foes, no matter how strong they are." Virgil explains. "Power isn't something that's physical or how it's used, it's the strength to protect those who are important and irreplaceable to protect. No matter how dire situation can be, no matter where I go, I'll always have their back, and I know that they'll have mine as well."
The four Exorcists were stunned to hear his words, but both Cornelius and Griselda were happy to hear what Virgil is saying.
"In other words, my friends and my family are my focus. That's why I became a l'Cie." Virgil said with a smile.
Irina couldn't help but cry with her teary eyes, felt touched by his words. Cornelius and Griselda smiled proudly at their son since he has a Focus. Kuroka, Koneko, and Asia remembered when Virgil told them about his Focus back in the Underworld which they were touched by his words.
When everything was settled down, Virgil began to clean the dishes while Kuroka, Koneko, and Asia were heading towards the bathroom as Cornelius began to scowl at his students. He was still furious about their actions as he brandishes his Scottish Claymore.
"Xenovia Quarta. Irina Shidou." Cornelius spoke with his dark tone. "I'm gravely disappointed in you."
"But Master Cornelius, please let us-OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!" Xenovia cried in tears when Griselda began to rub her temple with her knuckles.
"You deliberately disobeyed us. You have kept information from us regarding your other mission for taking our son." Griselda said with her angry tone. "You should consider yourself lucky that Virgil didn't kill you with his magic. And what's worse, you clearly jeopardized your future because of your narrow-minded faith!"
Irina and Xenovia looked at each other nervously, knowing that against their masters, they would be no match which they have to come clean.
"We were confused ourselves." Xenoiva told them. "But they said about your son and said to bring him to the Church."
"Then why we were not told about the second mission!" Cornelius yelled with anger. "As your teacher, I am about this close to bring to both of you over to them for punishment, if not execute you for your treachery and try to capture my son. If you wish to avoid that, then you will give us one good reason as to why we were never told of this."
The dark tone from Cornelius scared the two students. They knew that they would be no match to fight against him. Their teacher surpassed them in their training and not once had they won a match against him.
With fear from him in their minds, they looked at each other before they looked back.
"We were told not to tell the both of you." Irina said.
"What do you mean?" Griselda asks confusingly.
"The ones who gave us the mission to capture your son told us not to inform anyone, not even the both of you." Xenovia explains.
Virgil could hear of their confrontation which he knew that it wasn't good, but they were telling the truth. Cornelius could see they his students were telling the truth as he put his Scottish Claymore back in his holster, but his expression did not change as he began to demand an explanation.
"Explain yourselves." Cornelius ushered.
"They want him at the Church since it indicates that he's the same individual that he confronts the Fallen Angels and the Stray Exorcists during his enrollment in Kuoh Academy. Thus they sent us only two missions and told us not to inform anyone else." Xenovia explains.
This have troubled both Cornelius and Griselda greatly. Either those who gave them the task were clever for not informing them or very foolish. But they also feared for Virgil's safety which they remembered the Church wanted him to be experimented at the Sigurd Institute. Despite Virgil's return since 17 years ago, he was able to handle himself due to his explanation of his power and Focus which it was touching. But perhaps the Church wanted him for power that wasn't theirs because they think it's from God. They would never approve of this only because their Virgil's biological parents, but they couldn't help but wonder why they were never been told about this second mission.
"Master..." Irina spoke, caught his attention. "How could you not see the same evil as we do? The Devils are enemies and this boy was working with them."
Cornelius' expression calmed him down as he spoke with his somber expression.
"Because he's our son, the Church wanted him for themselves since 17 years ago." Cornelius said. "They wanted to experiment on our boy which Griselda and I don't approve of there actions. We have no other choice but place him at the orphanage only because we cared enough for him to have a good family and to have a good life."
Xenovia and Irina were shocked about what the Church were trying to do with Virgil which it was pretty selfish.
"But we were relived that he was adopted." Cornelius continues with his sad expression. "But when it came for one day, he was vanished, our son. We were devastated of his disappearance. I thought we have lost him forever. At that moment, we would do anything to get our son back."
"Well I'm here now." Virgil said with his sad look, earned their attention. "But I don't want to be far away from my friends, I wanted you."
Virgil then began to walk towards his parents.
"I wanted a family, I still do." Virgil told him, leaving Cornelius and Griselda sighed. "Come to Gran Pulse. This time, you two get an invitation."
"Virgil, I just don't know." Cornelius said, felt unsure as Virgil placed his hand on his father's shoulder.
"Dad, I'm not going to school until morning." Virgil told him. "Could you at least think about it?"
With that, Virgil has heading towards the bathroom to clean himself up, leaving Cornelius sighed.
"Virgil doesn't seem to understand. I only wanted him to be safe and to be away from Kokabiel." Cornelius said.
"They already got him involved in this, dear." Griselda told her husband. "Also, Virgil can fight against the Fallen Angels and Devils."
"Be that as it may, but he won't stand against the chance against him." Cornelius retorts.
"That's where you're wrong." Griselda retaliates. "Virgil have shown a great effort during his fight against Xenovia since Kuroka told me all about him."
That got Cornelius' attention as he turned his head to his wife.
"She told you about our son?" Cornelius asks, getting a nod from her.
"And I have faith in our son, but he wanted to be with us as family." Griselda told him. "He'll be turning 18 soon and it might be our opportunity to see his adopted parents."
Cornelius was surprised to hear that Virgil will be turning 18 in this coming month which he might be able to see his adopted family.
Kuoh Academy
The next day after school, Virgil, Kuroka and Issei have gotten the opportunity to call only two people. They told them to meet them at the café that was around in Kuoh. They were now waiting at the table.
"Hey there, tiger." Hearing the familiar tomboyish voice, both Virgil and Issei looked up and saw two contacts: Tsubasa, Reya, and Saji.
"Haven't see you in a while." Tsubasa said with a smile and her hands on her hips.
"Hyoudou." Saji greets with an arrogant smirk.
"Hey, sorry about that." Virgil apologized. "Listen, I need the three of you for something important."
"No worries man, so?" Saji asked as he, Reya, and Tsubasa sit at the table.
After Virgil and Issei explain about what they wanted to do, Tsubasa and Saji responds.
"HELL NO! ARE YOU TWO EVEN SERIOUS!?" The three whispered in unison, looking at Virgil and Issei with eyes, thinking they've lost their minds.
"As a five hour boner, dude." Issei said with a bow.
"I'm serious, you three." Virgil added.
"You're insane!" Saji exclaimed, jumped out of his seat which he made a scene when he noticed and sat back down. Tsubasa then lean a bit towards Virgil.
"You realize both of our Presidents won't allow us get involved with the Holy Swords." Tsubasa whispered, slightly scared. "We could get in trouble!"
"We're going to get murdered for sure! I mean you've got Rias, she's strict and reasonable. But Sona is draconian and loves punishing us!" Saji exclaimed with panic, imagines Sona in a dominatrix outfit.
"That's the thing, I won't get punished." Virgil said. "I'm not part of Rias' Peerage and four followers of the Church have asked me for their help retrieving them, but I don't have the ability to destroy them. And both of those Exorcists happens to be my real parents."
Saji, Tsubasa, and Reya were surprised when they heard that Virgil's biological parents were the Exorcists of the Church.
"Seriously." Saji asked curiously, getting a nod from them. "Then you, Issei, and Kuroka should take them on, why are you asking us for help?"
"Because if things go south, you're gonna help us." Virgil answered seriously.
"No way man, sorry." Saji said with angry tone when he stood up on his seat.
He was about to walk away, but he was stopped for some reason. Issei, Virgil, Kuroka, Tsubasa, and Reya were curious as to why he was stopped as they leaned their bodies to the side to see who grabbed Saji. They were surprised to see Koneko sitting there with her parfait.
"Big surprise, I kind of had a feeling you would try and run away." Koneko said with her usual tone.
A moment later, Koneko was now sitting with them, along with Saji which he beginning to cry.
"I wanna go home." Saji sobbed while attempted to run away, but Tsubasa grabbed his shirt and pulled him down.
"So you want to cooperate with the Church." Koneko asked with shock.
"Makes sense." Issei answered seriously. "I mean those guys said they'd rather destroy those Swords than have the Fallen Angels use them, didn't they?"
"Yes, it seems like they'll stop at nothing to get them back at the Churches hands." Koneko reminds him.
"Kiba wanted his vendetta by defeat Excalibur and the Church wants them back no matter what. The goals were a little bit different, but the result says otherwise." Virgil explains. "But the problem is we have to get them to work together."
"I don't think it'll be easy as it sounds." Tsubasa comments which Koneko and Reya nods with agreement.
"True, but they ask for my help remember?" Virgil questions, giving Koneko a nod. "Also, I owe my parents for that since they did save me from the Church since 17 years ago. I just want to return the favor."
"Especially if it means Kiba will be able to keep being the Devil with the rest of us." Issei added. "I think we gotta do everything we can think of!"
"Well, we've gotta find them first." Reya suggests as she stood up along with Tsubasa, Koneko, and Kuroka. "I don't like keeping the secret with Sona."
"Also, I don't like this keeping a secret between Rias and Akeno, but we have to do something to help him." Koneko said with sad expression.
Twenty minutes afterward, they were continuing to search four Exorcist while Kuroka explain about Virgil's biological parents and why he was an orphan. Tsubasa and Reya were surprised that Virgil's biological parents placed him at the orphanage to keep away from the Church since they've experimented on infants for the genetic DNA to create 'Siegfried' and for wielding the demonic sword called Gram.
Saji didn't care about Virgil's real parents since he couldn't stopping complaining about being dragged along for the ride.
"We've been searching for like twenty minutes." Saji moaned with his back hunched. "Why do you need us for? You've got those Phenex Servants and two Fallen Angels."
"I could if I wanted to." Virgil said with annoyance. "But those Phenex Servants are starting to get adjusted in Gran Pulse. Mittelt was still in training with the other Fallen Angels while Kalawarner was staying with Azazel since I don't want any of those Exorcists get the wrong ideas about her."
"Also, we need all the help we can get here, nya~" Kuroka added. "Which we don't want too many, nya~"
"But where could they be?" Tsubasa asked, looking around at the marketplace. "It's not like we're going to find someone with a pair of white robes and a man with a red cape."
That was until...
"Oh blessings on the wandering sheep before us."
"We are pitiful, we couldn't compare to you O Lord!"
The next moment later, they found four Exorcists on the road. The two girls were praying while Cornelius held of a box of money to be placed into it. Griselda was next to her husband which they were stand out and people walking past them, giving them odd glances.
"You were saying?" Virgil asks sarcastically.
Later
Virgil and the others were having them to agree to let them but food considering the shortage of money, but Cornelius told them that they have since they didn't let Irina buy anything which they agreed as they brought them over to a family restaurant. The Devils and Virgil ordered drinks while Xenovia and Irina go out of their way ordering only one plate on the menu since Griselda have warned them not to waste any money. Xenovia have ordered a hamburger steak while Irina have ordered some rice curry, Griselda have ordered a rice omelet and Cornelius have chicken salad.
Xenovia and Irina have scarfing their food down.
"So delicious. Don't you agree?" Xenovia asked. "This is Heaven."
"Yeah." Irina agrees while eating. "Everything I'm putting in my mouth is like food for the soul!"
"Watching this is a little too intense for me." Saji said with a nervous smile.
"Yeah, it looks like they're really hungry." Issei agrees.
"Geez, it's like you're feeding this slop to the pigs." Virgil said with annoyance.
"I'm really sorry for you to see this." Griselda apologized to her son with a smile. "They learned swordsmanship, but they have lack table manners."
"But this food doesn't even compare to your cooking, son." Cornelius said with a smile.
Virgil knew that his parents would wanted to have his cooking since they left by morning. When they finish their lunch, Xenovia and Irina gets curious at why would they help them buy food since they already have money like Cornelius and Griselda have told them.
"What just happened?" Xenovia asked with her stood over her head. "Even if this will build our faith, the Devils and a Pagan-"
"You better bite your tongue about our son, Xenovia." Cornelius warned her with his dark tone, leaving Xenovia scared which she made a mistake of insulting Virgil.
"And I suggest you better watch your mouth as well, Irina." Griselda warned her, leaving Irina nod frantically which both of the Exorcists were scared.
"Wow, both of your parents were scary just like Lightning." Issei said with a fright look.
"No kidding, I'm really scared of them now." Saji added with a fright look.
Virgil kinda figured that his biological parents were a bit protective of their son like Lightning and Serah as Cornelius spoke.
"Now, what do you want to talk to us about?" Cornelius ask his son with his stern tone.
"I've been thinking about it yesterday and we wanted to help destroy Excalibur." Virgil answered.
Both Xenovia and Irina were surprised of his proposal while Cornelius and Griselda narrowed, meeting their son's expression as he sat in silence waiting for a suggestion. While the others were a bit frightened by the look, Virgil wasn't intimidated which he wanted to return the favor from his biological parents.
"Very well." Cornelius replied. "We will accept your aid and your friends are welcome to join us. In return, you may destroy one of the Holy Swords."
"Wait a minute." Irina protested. "You can't be serious!"
"He's right." Xenovia said, leaving Irina surprised. "It would be impossible for us to retrieve the Holy Swords and fight someone powerful as Kokabiel with just the three of us."
"But...even if it is Issei and Virgil, Issei's still a Devil while Virgil's still a-"
"Irina, what did I tell you?" Griselda warned her with a scary face, leaving Irina frightened.
"Sorry!?" Irina apologized.
"But remind you two that we have less chance for succeeding our mission and return home safely." Cornelius told them.
"We knew what of risk we have to take before we got here." Irina argued.
"Be that as it may, Irina, but you two are our students and the best Exorcists the Church has to offer, which is why they have sent us." Griselda counters with her calm expression. "And as in command of operation, we will accept anymore of your arguments, nor we will accept your deaths should you fail. We will accept their aid and face this threat together."
Virgil nods while Issei began to call the certain Knight.
Town of Kuoh, Park
Kiba meets with Virgil, Issei, Koneko, Saji, Tsubasa, and Reya at the park at twilight. He was waiting at the water fountain which Virgil was showing no intention of assaulting since he have heard about the Holy Sword Project as he explain his plan to him.
"I get it, but I'm quite disappointed that someone who can wield an Excalibur would approve of their destruction." Kiba said with a glare, looking at the Exorcists.
"Speaking of disappointment, didn't you recently abandoned your place in the House of Gremory?" Xenovia questions seriously, causing Kiba to anger. "Since you're a Stray now, we could execute you if you'd like."
Xenovia then began to draw her Holy Sword of Destruction.
"You're welcome to try if you'd like." Kiba said with anger as he began to draw his demonic sword.
Until, Virgil began to draw out his gunblade, pointing at Xenovia while Issei blocks Kiba's way.
"That's enough, both of you!" Virgil protests. "We're here to cooperate and you're making this difficult! So knock if off!"
"He's right, you guys need to simmer down." Issei added.
"Especially when we hold that same hatred, Isaiah." Cornelius said, earned his attention from Kiba. "Your hatred and anger comes to the fact that not only you're a survivor, but a girl named Tosca who also survived the Holy Sword Project."
"What do you mean?" Kiba questions.
"Tosca possessed a Sacred Gear that creates barrier." Griselda answered. "We took her in and placed her somewhere safe far away from the Church so she won't be fallen into the wrong hands, but she wanted to help us and wanted to look for you."
Kiba was shocked of hearing that his old friend survived from the Holy Sword Project and she was looking for him.
"What do you mean?" Virgil asked curiously.
"Before you were enrolled in Kuoh Academy, we were told by the Church about the Holy Sword Project was a failure, along with the fact that the old fool was executing children, Griselda and I came as fast as we could to cease this massacre." Cornelius explains, remembered the day. "But when we've arrived, we were too late, all except one were dead, killed by a poison gas included onto them. The girl named Tosca has the ability to create a barrier around herself for protection which we felt relived that she survived. By the time the executioner's have arrived inside, Griselda and I decided to kill those who have killed the children."
Virgil and the others were shocked that both Cornelius and Griselda have killed those executioner's for the massacre they have caused since years go.
"Once we finished the execution, we gave those children a proper burial so they won't be disturbed and decided to take Tosca under our wing so she can learn how to defend herself." Cornelius continues to explain. "Also, I had the Church to track down the old fool responsible for it all. The one in charge of the Holy Sword Project, but before we could find him, he was excommunicated by the Church from heresy and the massacre. He is now aligned with the Fallen Angels."
That made Kiba snap out of his shock as he ask Cornelius.
"What's the name of this person?" Kiba questions.
"Galilei Valper, The Genocide Archbishop." Cornelius answers with a stern tone, causing Kiba to glare with hatred.
"What I've learned from Azazel was that Valper and Freed were working with Kokabiel to steal the Holy Sword Excalibur." Virgil explains. "He came into my house few days ago and explain to me about this situation."
"Like Valper, Azazel exiled Kokabiel since he wanted to continue the war." Kuroka added. "The reason is because Kokabiel enjoys the war while Azazel doesn't which it caused him to rebel."
That got his attention since they've heard about their information which Xenovia was about to draw her Holy Sword, but Cornelius grabbed her arm prevent it, causing her to wince in pain and struggles against her teacher's strength before she eventually let go.
"What else did Azazel have told you since you and Kuroka have got information?" Griselda ask with stern tone.
"Azazel had Kalawarner worked with us since he explain about what Kokabiel was up to." Virgil answers. "Right now, she's keeping herself hidden because I don't want any of you get the wrong ideas."
"I see." Griselda nods with an understanding. "Kalawarner won't have anything to worry right now, she can work with us which we're gonna need her help."
Xenovia and Irina was about to protest, but Griselda gave them her scary face, leaving them scared.
"Thus, that was enough reason to stop them." Cornelius added. "We all now know that Valper was involved for this matter."
"Well after hearing that, there's no reason for me not to cooperate with you." Kiba said with a sigh.
When everything was at ease, Cornelius then return to his son. "We will contact you when we were ready for the strategy. When the time comes, meet us at the abandoned church."
Griselda hands over a piece of paper to her son. "If something happens, call this number."
With that, the four Exorcists turned around and headed towards the abandoned church.
"Well, that's good news." Tsubasa said with a sigh of relief.
"This is not good news!" Saji snapped. "This is not good news at all, not only we could've been killed, but we could've been responsible for another war with the Church!"
"Virgil." They turned their attention to Kiba, who was staring at Virgil.
"Why did you do this?" Kiba asked quietly, surprising them. "You shouldn't getting involved yourselves with my revenge."
Virgil looked at him with sad expression before scowling at him.
"Because we are comrades and your friends. If you were labeled as a Stray, I would've killed you on a spot." Virgil answered. "I owe my parents since they did save me from the Church and I wanted to return a favor by helping them."
"And it's not your group." Reya added, earned Kiba's attention. "Tsubaki was worried about you."
"She is?" Kiba asks, caught off-guard.
"How could you expect us to let you go?" Issei questioned seriously. "To become a Stray? Rias was worried about! Have you ever thought about her?"
Memories of Kiba's first interaction with Rias have coursed through his head, remembering that cold, dark night.
"President Rias, of course." Kiba said quietly with sad expression. "Of course, I first met her because of the project. I would be dead if not for her."
"Here's something I don't understand." Saji said. "If Virgil's parents killed the guys who killed your friends, why did they let it continue for as long as it did?"
"It's because those that were involved kept it a secret even from them." Kiba explained. "We were just kids, being experimented on day after day. Our freedom was taken and we weren't treated as humans. Yet, we believed we were chosen by God, we held those beliefs, hoping eventually we'd become special. However, not one of us became able to wield the Holy Sword. The experiment failed, we were disposed of pretty quickly after that in order to cover up what had happened, even as we were vomiting blood and writhing on the floor. We looked to God to save us. I thank Rias from the bottom of my heart for taking me in as part of her House, but the truth is, I was only able to run away because of my comrades, they're the reason why I'm still here, that's why I have to destroy the Excalibur. My sword contains my friend's pain, I may not the only survivor since your family told me that Tosca survived."
Suddenly, Saji was crying, leaving Virgil, Issei, Tsubasa, and Reya looked at him with confusion as he had so much tears falling out of his eyes and he was crying so much.
"Oh Kiba! I had no idea you had such a horribly tragic past! I don't care about Sona's punishment anymore!" Saji said as he then turn to Issei, holding his hands and looked at him with passion. "Issei, put me in coach, I'll help you with every single thing I've got!"
"Yeah, thanks man." Issei said awkwardly.
Virgil and Kuroka shook their heads with a chuckle which it pretty much got Saji convinced. Kiba then felt something his sleeve and looked who is was. He was surprised to see it was Koneko, looked at him with sad expression.
"I will also help you." Koneko said.
"Koneko?" Kiba asked.
"Don't be stupid, I would be sad if you weren't with us, Kiba." Koneko said, leaving Kiba shocked as he smiled.
"I guess I've lost then, I mean if you're even going along with this plan, then I've just never gonna be able to do anything rash on my own." Kiba said.
"That's good to hear." Virgil said with a smile.
"Plus, we all know who the real enemy is. I will accept your help, so thanks guys." Kiba thanked them sincerely.
Later that night, Virgil, Kuroka, and Koneko have told Asia that they'll be helping out the Exorcists which she was worried, but he protests that she have to stay in the house so she won't get into trouble from Rias which he was right about it. Kalawarner was walking with them as they were walking towards the church since they were getting ready for the attack, they were looking to see everyone standing outside of church waiting for them.
'It's time.' Virgil mentally thought seriously as they get ready for the attack.
That's it for the 18th chapter. Sorry about the delay.
