ATTENTION: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING OF HIGH SCHOOL DXD. ALL CREDIT BELONGS TO CREATORS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING PARTNERS!
-The Other Side-
-0-2-
Inside the admin meeting room, located on the executive floor of the training facility, Dr Sudachi Heisenberg scrolled through his tablet vigorously. The bottled water left on the table by his associate remained open and untouched. His mind was a highway of thoughts, not stopping for even a moment.
No matter how much convincing he could do to be the facility director, there was one truth that stood above all.
Results mattered.
He was being pressured more and more by the Pendragon family for results on the ORACLE project, his magnum opus and make or break leap for the church.
Aviana didn't make it too obvious though, hiding it under rhetorical questions and deafening silence. Sudachi just wanted them to be more patient!
Everything great in life takes patience! Besides, it's not like the project was a complete failure. There were pilots operating other machines. The only one that remained was the Arrogant Jackal unit. But Heisenberg made 5 other successful machines in operation out of 6. Shouldn't he at least get some praise?!
The Arrogant Jackal was a bulky and highly experimental unit, increasingly modified by the day. It was pretty technical compared to the others, but a powerful weapon in the right hands.
"Hey, four eyes." Galliard muttered from across the table, crossing his arms. "Your water bottle is still open. It's freaking me out. Close it."
As if siphoning the gas out of his tank, Heisenberg just plopped down in his chair, motionless, Galliard raising an eyebrow.
After a few moments, the doctor slid his tablet over to the other man, letting out a defeated sigh.
Grabbing it, he looked at the screen and frowned.
SUBJECT 05: DECEASED
"Another one?"
"Of course another one!" Dr Heisenberg fired out of his chair, gripping his jacket. "Actually, that's the last one! They didn't survive the treatment and died this morning."
"Right." Galliard's cold tone concealed any emotion towards the tragedy. Another sacrifice to science. "I hope the poor girl enjoyed those 17 years of her life, cause she's not getting them back."
Sudachi grabbed the tablet back and started to pace the room. "I don't get it! Her reaction was only minor, then poof! Flatline! What am I gonna do?! Aviana is going to be here any moment and skin me alive!"
The blonde leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up on the desk. "So why am I here?"
"To protect me!" ~Sigh~ "I want him." Heisenberg confessed.
"Oh? Is the delusional doctor finally ready to make a smart cognitive decision in his life?" Galliard teased, trying to make light of the situation.
The lightbulb went off over Sudachi's head as he nodded. "Mitsuki Senjougahara." He pulled up the profile on the trainee who had captured his and Aviana's interest.
"Are you going to transfer him? He just began physical training yesterday. To be frank, doctor, the kid is a little weak." Galliard confessed.
"Maybe- no-! Yes! Gah!" He sat back down, spinning in the chair. "He did agree to have us keep an eye on him and decide when he is ready, but the pressure could affect how he handles training. It took the other's a little bit before their bodies fully enhanced from the treatment."
Galliard stood up, placing his hands in his jean jacket. "Well, I hope he does. Cause next class I'm NOT going easy on him."
As the blonde pushed in his chair, he looked at the tablet displaying Mitsuki's full exorcist profile. At the bottom of the display, there were three words that were worthy of his concern.
POSSIBLE SACRED GEAR
Truth be told, Mitsuki felt fear when his new instructor entered the room. He didn't know what to expect for Martial Arts Training besides some kicking and punching. Maybe he would learn a new takedown move or secret technique to beat combat masters. After all, what good is an exorcist if he can't fight?
The Instructor's expression sent a chill down every trainee's spine. Cracking his knuckles before everyone, the slicked-haired blonde didn't have a very welcoming introduction either.
"My name is Vittorio Galliard, Executive Officer, and I've been instructed to kick your ass." He announced. "You may have heard something similar from Captain Kolasa, but I don't give a crap who, what or why you are, where you came from or where you expect to go. Got In the end, you all bleed the same. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir!" The gymnasium thundered.
One of the first things exorcists learned was how to fight. All exorcists start at the bottom and are molded by this training to be able to fight high-level opponents. Besides, very rarely will it be other humans they will be fighting.
This case was fresh.
All of these kids were prepared to fight for their lives to an extent. Vittorio was there to find out to what extent they are skilled.
His results?
Disappointing.
It turns out he would need to start from the very beginning of basic form. It annoyed Vittorio to the core.
So, after finding out every single recruit's foundation on the subject of fighting, Vittorio had gone on to elaborate that there were multiple ways of approaching a fight with a creature of the supernatural. The better the fighter, the more efficient they were, expelling out more power and wasting less energy. Beginners were expected to be sloppy, easily taken to the ground and beaten by a veteran like Galliard. Experts were described as more fun. They gave themselves a challenge and earned themselves the opportunity to live another day.
After a week of basic form practice, Mitsuki began to figure out why martial arts classes were nicknamed 'Galliard's Ass-kicking'.
While being mediocre in combat, he showed no sign of triggering his body alteration.
Mitsuki was slammed to the ground feeling the shock tremble all throughout his body. He seemed to last just as long as the other trainees against their instructor.
"That's enough with you." Galliard ordered, handing the recruit back his glasses.
"Huh?" Mitsuki gasped, shocked that he was being cut loose earlier than expected. He witnessed other recruits leave with bruises, injuries and other bumps from the spar. Compared to that, Mitsuki thought he was getting off easy.
"Because, trainee." He muttered, walking back to the side of the room. "I'll have to start getting serious if we keep going."
"What?" He stood up, putting his glasses back on. Examining his instructor, he noticed he wasn't even sweating! How can his man flip so many recruits and not break a sweat?!
"Other recruits are waiting their turn." He clarified. "Every time I put you down, you get back up. It seems you know how to not burn yourself out on the first go. Have you ever played sports?"
Taking the compliment, Mitsuki nodded his head. "Thank you, sir. I used to run track for my school, sir."
"Hmn, makes sense. Seems they actually teach you something in those schools." Galliard faced the crowd. "Alright! Shiromine! Get up here!"
"Excuse me, sir! May I have one more round before I sit down. If I am to fight I believe I deserve the fair share of pain as my fellow recruits!" Mitsuki wanted to cover his mouth. He felt the compliment fuel a secret ego in him. An ego which just cost him his ass.
"Oh really? Wanting to take the beating with your brethren? Let me give you a piece of advice." Galliard got back into position. "Do you know what people like more than a hero?"
"What is that?" Mitsuki got ready as well.
"To see a hero fail…"
WHAM!
"How do you feel, Mr Senjougahara?" Xenovia asked, applying the tenth bag of ice to his body.
"I feel like I've been hit by a train, Quarta-senpai." Senjougahara groaned.
As soon as she heard the news that her battle-buddy was injured, Xenovia made it her priority to go and see him. The situation was nowhere near ideal for her, but the fact that he remained in one piece was a miracle.
"I see. Was this a training accident?" The blue-haired girl tapped the ice to his body.
"No, senpai. I felt pressured that Galliard-sama had been going light on me. So I acted like a hero and asked for another round of fighting. He used a move I've never seen before. He was so fast. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't human." Mitsuki confessed in defeat. Xenovia's dull expression wasn't comforting him, rather squeezing the confession out like a stress doll.
"You wouldn't be the first one to say that about Instructor Galliard. Rumors are that he's some sort of yokai being held hostage against his will. I personally would believe it." Xenovia added.
She sat down in the chair inside the infirmary, crossing one leg over the other, in order to feel more secure to her battle buddy.
"Quarta-senpai. I'm sorry I look pathetic. Week 2 of being an exorcist and I'm already in the infirmary. Isn't that something?" The boy groaned.
His partner didn't react. She just looked at him.
Xenovia slightly squinted.
There was indifference with a slight hint of disgust in her eyes. "Pardon?" She failed to understand his grievance. "A trip to the infirmary in your second week is far from pathetic. If anything I would have to count it as a miracle. It's clear you are unaware how many people die from this. Believe me, Mr Senjougahara, this is far from pathetic."
"Indeed it is"
Her voice cut through both the trainee's like a hot knife through butter. If Mitsuki wasn't nervous before, he started to shutter at the large shadow towering above him.
Instantly he sat up, hopped off the bed and held his arms to his side. "Captain Kolasa, Ma'am!"
Silence.
Dead silence fell upon them all as Mitsuki seemed to have sprung up and presented himself like there was no injury in the first place.
Magda cocked her eyebrow and looked the recruit up and down. "I had gotten a report that Instructor Galliard -ahem- suplexed you?"
"Yes ma'am!" He thundered.
"Right." She was more confused than anything. Galliard had a history of playing rough with the trainees and injuring them like this. Sometimes even killing them. Magda couldn't shake the fact that Mitsuki was fired up even after opening a can of whoop-ass. "Next time you wish to take an extra step with Instructor Galliard, you consult me. Despite who has the authority in that moment of training, I am your unit's leading Captain."
"Yes ma'am. Won't happen again!" He assured her.
In reality, Magda was testing the boy. She used her intimidation to squeeze the most out of Mitsuki at that moment. A smile crept across her face once she put the pieces together.
His body was starting to alter and it began in his muscles.
"Well, what is this?" Kolasa removed an ice bag to reveal a growing bicep.
"What is what? Oh." It had a firm vein that gave off a low pulse. Taking off another bag, no longer in any severe pain, Mitsuki discovered muscle definition appearing more and more on his body. Was this it? "I know I had muscle, but now it's showing more, Captain."
"I see." The curvy woman further removed every icepack off his body until he was just a shirtless boy in shorts.
"You're growing." Xenovia commented.
"I think I could figure that out." Mitsuki confirmed. He looked all over his upper body to see himself more toned out. This couldn't come from two weeks of training.
Magda circled her trainee twice, examining his arms, chest and neck. He looked fine and his heartbeat sounded normal. The baby blue-haired captain nodded, walking towards the door. "It seems to be an adjustment from the rigorous training. Continue on this path and your body will mold itself to hunt the evil that lurks in the world. You and every trainee together. Am I understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!" Xenovia and Mitsuki both chanted.
They both watched Magda leave the infirmary before looking at one another. Xenovia was the first to get up, approaching Mitsuki and poking his muscles. "For a boy who likes to stick his head in books all day, I never would have thought you were hiding all this muscle."
"H-Hey! S-Stop poking me, Quarta-senpai! I'm still sensitive!"
Magda disappeared back into the waiting room and out into the main facility halls. She didn't go right back to her quarters. No, she actually met up with her fellow instructor who was waiting outside the infirmary.
Passing by Galliard, she signaled him to follow her.
Though somewhat of a cold-heart and a stoic, or maybe because of it, he was an excellent officer and fighter that stemmed from an odd upbringing that made Magdalena trust him the most. That, along with his unbiased outlook on the world, made it easy to talk to him and confide as an asset and a companion. Though, she remembered the first day she met him and how he was brought in. How could she not sympathize with Galliard? Befriending him was a risky move, but paid off in the end.
Letting out an exhausted sigh, Magda took off her cap and shook her hair out.
"How's the kid? Hope I didn't hurt him too badly. Just bad enough." He walked beside the taller woman, remaining next to her. While he wasn't much of a talker, he knew being next to Magda made her feel all the better.
"That's the problem." She commented, uttering a few Italian phrases out of surprise. "The second I stepped in he was back on his feet and standing. Not even a wince of pain."
Galliard looked at her and his eyebrows retreated to the sky. "He's completely fine?" He asked, clearly shocked the boy survived getting suplexed just moments before. As instructor, it was his job to go hard on the recruits and show them what it was like to fight a supernatural being. The trainees had the choice to grow, die or get 'tuned up'. By no way was he a medical expert, leaving him baffled.
"Yes. He must have recovered within a half hour or so." Magda nodded, pacing herself slower down the hall. "He must be mutating."
"He is." Galliard cut to the chase. "Only a non-human has that recovery time. I would know."
"What?" She softly inquired. "That would explain his muscular appearance so suddenly. But, we don't know how fast. He seemed to change only enough to recover. After that, he returned to stasis."
Vittorio rubbed the back of his head and shrugged.
There seemed to be a plausible answer that both superiors were trying to convey. It seemed that his enhancement from the treatment only took place when exposed to physical damage and pain. The only way to promote more enhancement was more physical contact.
"I want him!"
Magda and Vittorio held their breaths, stopping dead in their tracks. Slowly turning their heads around, they faced Dr Heisenberg with a grimace expression on their faces. Out of all the people they wanted to have a chat with, it was the Ballerina of Citadel Italia.
"I want him." Heisenberg declared. "I want him as my pilot."
"Well, look who it is." Magda crossed her arms. "You still owe the Pendragons results. They are the ones getting heat for putting our funds towards your toys. You don't want to have a "special meeting" with the Cardinal, do you?"
"Eeeek! Not the Cardinal! But how do I get him in for sure? I mean- sure, I can guilt trip him. I mean he technically accepted!" The doctor perked up in Gallard's face.
The blonde pushed the doctor back with his finger and a look of disgust. "Then he declined right after saying that he wasn't ready."
"He is abiding by his contract of service. Unless he fully meets the requirements of being a pilot, then we can discuss releasing him to the Oracles." Kolasa corrected. She disliked when others tried to snake past her with exceptions and other excuses. "He may have shown slight development, but he would burn alive inside that Oracle unit and pushing him when he isn't ready will just kill another kid. Aviana is pissed about last week."
"But what about your lessons, Galliard?!" He changed the subject. "Can't you just push him more till he fully enhances? Why don't you tell him that you'll continue to train him only if he accepts?" The doctor clearly grew desperate.
"No." Instructor Galliard hissed. "I will not compromise his physical education, nor my dignity as this unit's instructor to monopolize him for you in the future. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be strong and I would never forgive myself if I stooped down to your level of tricks. And don't change the damn subject."
Heisenberg flamboyantly gasped, placing his hand on his chest and making a face. Clearly acting, he sniffled in front of the two.
"I agree with Galliard, Doctor. As my trainee as well, my job is to instruct and help these exorcists grow to defend humanity, not play dress up and robot with a half-breed nutcase." Kolasa ended the conversation with a metaphorical kick in the balls.
Heisenberg remained still. He looked at his shaking hands and closed his fists. " I'm sorry. I know what happened. I'm still not over it." He apologized knowing he had gone too far. His impulsiveness cost him the life of an innocent test subject, blood that is forever on his hands.
Magda shook her head. Oddly enough, Galliard let out a sigh. "It's fine, four eyes. Just think next time. I know you're trying to look out for the kid and give him an opportunity, but you're making it too obvious that you're covering your own ass."
What to do.
Instructor Kolasa remained more quiet, watching her companion show some softness out of his hardened personality. What was originally a check up on a cadet turned into a whole set of problems involving the one known as Mitsuki Senjougahara.
An only child to Mitsuzuri Senjougahara and Taku Senjougahara, having nothing but a normal life growing up and a good athletic streak; no supernatural intervention.
The only thing that stood out was that he was a nerd, not to the extreme like Doctor Heisenberg, and that about a month ago he had been diagnosed with a terminal blood disease, bound to take his life.
Dr Heisenberg had taken it to a whole other level. He'd gone to the hospital and interviewed the doctors and nurses there about his condition beforehand. He even went as far as to dress up in church clothes and talk to Mistuki's parents.
It was hard to comprehend, but they had just gotten a normal boy with a streak of bad luck.
"Four eyes, you should go and get some rest. Before you poison another kid." Galliard advised. He could only tolerate the passing minutes of silence for so long. The insults didn't help. By now, the facility was in its evening mode, cadets leaving dinner and preparing for free time and bed.
"Dammit." The scientist forfeited. He was overcome with anticipation and exhaustion. His stomach turned into a knot, swelling with disgust at the danger he just wanted to put Mitsuki in. "Whatever. I'll go get some sleep. Goodnight." He left the two, slouched forward and emotionally beaten.
"I suppose we should go now." Magda suggested. She put her cap back on her head and adjusted her suit.
"Unless you wanna go get a drink. I mean. It's not a sin to have a drink or two." Galliard proposed.
Magda giggled silently while shaking her head. She walked ahead of the blonde while sighing to herself. "You know we won't stop at two drinks, right?" Kolasa rarely joked with anyone. Her jokes were either masking insults or out of boredom. The only one she confidently joked with was Vittorio.
Both left the halls chuckling side by side. They were so confident and wrapped up in their high-end business that they didn't notice Mitsuki and Xenovia listening in from the other side of the infirmary door.
Entering his third week in the exorcist training facility, Mitsuki was making progress along with the rest of his fellow trainees. In physical training, he performed just average. He was catching onto new moves, adjusting his technique and overall able to spar with his other classmates. Still, he was mediocre for an upcoming exorcist.
The classroom was another story.
In Magdalena's classes, Mitsuki soaked up what she taught like a sponge, not only fueling his determination, but also improving his overall performance in intellectual studies. Senjougahara soon came to learn about dealing with devils, fallen angels, yokai and other species that coexisted in the world. Old Mitsuki would have laughed and never believed any of this. Almost a month later, he's taking tests on it.
Still knowledge alone couldn't get him far in the field. He needed that physicality and that ferocity other recruits were showing.
But still, his studies were outstanding. Like a duck to water, he understood and even expanded on what was taught in the classroom. His knowledge even landed him as a personal tutor to Xenovia Quarta, who wanted to raise her grades and be just as knowledgeable as her battle-buddy.
Mitsuki and Xenovia would often seek Magdalena's extra time when she was available after classes. Some days would be Xenovia and Mitsuki answering problems on the board while Magda watched and guided them. Mitsuki's main concern was outwitting the enemy. How could he use his mind to leave an enemy open so a more capable fighter could finish the job?
Teamwork!
One day during free time, Xenovia and Mitsuki were in Magdalena's classroom during off hours. It was just the both of them together, Mitsuki quizzing his blue-haired companion.
From the looks of it, Xenovia was stressing out over some of the questions while Mitsuki was calmly reciting them to her. Internally, he was grueling the girl's density. It was harsh, but reality.
"I'll restate the question. A demilitarized zone declared by the Vatican is to be obeyed by all who are all under their ranks. This applies to all but who. A, Members of the Citadel for training? B, Exorcists on reconnaissance missions? C, Excommunicado members of the church? Or, D, Exorcists on compromise?"
Xenovia scratched at her head, growling at the question. "Uhhhh, why is this so hard!? A demilitarized zone is where there is no conflict! But, all of those cause conflict! Uhhh! C!"
"Incorrect." Mitsuki adjusted his glasses.
"Gaaah!" Xenovia slumped in her chair, sinking down slowly upon hearing her tragic fate. A wrong answer. Oh how will she ever recover from such a terrible and mortifying verdict?
Concealing his smile, Mitsuki shrugged. "The answer was D. Exorcists on compromise. An Exorcist is allowed in a demilitarized zone as long as they compromise with the Vatican and the third party of that land. When an exorcist arrives on their assigned task, they must meet with the overseer of the territory, regardless of race, and establish their presence and permissions in a compromising fashion."
Xenovia wanted to spit on the floor. "Tch. So even if it's a devil, I have to go and talk to the likes of them?"
"Correct." Mitsuki informed her. "We learned that after the Great War a stalemate was agreed on between the three warring factions, stating there are tight rules we have to follow. If we are conducting business, hunting strays, not civilized devils, then we are to meet with the overseer of that territory and get permission to compromise with them. Otherwise we could accidentally provoke another conflict."
"There are no civilized devils. Devils are devils. Eliminating the evils that walk God's Earth should be promoted. They are deceitful monsters which lure humanity towards sin, condemning the weak to hell by forcing them to give into tempted desires and turn away from God." Her tone suddenly became strong, turning the air stiff. Xenovia sat up in her seat and looked Mitsuki dead in the eyes.
"Well, our superiors seem to think otherwise. The text says civilized devils. We have also been taught to only go after stray creatures. They are possibly more likely to pose a threat than some devil who's watching over territory, dealing with their own set of issues." It was a bit of a wild proposition, but Mitsuki seemed to lack the fire that Xenovia had in her heart for this.
"That is where we disagree, Mr Senjougahara. Evil, civilized or not, is still evil. What we are being taught is indoctrination to appease the other side." Quarta softened her tone and tilted her head. She seemed to have caught herself with her intensity earlier. Mitsuki was the last person she even wanted on the wrong end of her intensity.
Mitsuki seemed a bit more carefree about it. He wasn't actively hating on devils, nor was he supporting them. "Quarta-senpai, I get where you are coming from, we can't just go against church order. Our lives are literally at stake. We can get- what's it called again?"
"Excommunicado." Xenovia muttered.
"That." The nerd reassured her.
"So what's this I hear about being Excommunicado?"
Mitsuki's body tensed at the sound of his voice. Xenovia even felt a chill fire down her spine. Both recruits instantly stood up and held formation stance.
"Instructor Galliard!" Xenovia greeted firmly.
"G-Galliard-sama!" Senjougahara felt his heart stop. Despite making the mistake he quickly corrected himself. "Instructor Galliard! What are you doing?"
"Right." The man looked rather calm. He even started to chuckle as he held his hand up in reassurance. "Sorry I scared you. For that, I won't smoke you guys, this time. I came here to retrieve Captain Kolasa's grading folder. Now, what's this talk about being excommunicado?"
Feeling a wave of relief fire over him, the younger boy presented his paper back to his instructor. "I was tutoring Quarta-senpai in Captain Kolasa's recent lesson. We have an upcoming assessment and one of the questions revolved around who can be in certain territories, sir."
"Mr Senjougahara is correct. He was tutoring me because I wanted to ace this next exam, sir!" Xenovia declared.
Vittorio took Mitsuki's study guide and started to pace the room while reading it. He set it down on Magda's desk, reviewing every question and answer the young recruit wrote. The room was silent, Galliard glancing up at the standing cadets. "What? Do you have pins on your chairs? Sit down, stay a while!"
Xenovia and Mitsuki both crashed down in their seats.
"Makin' me nervous, heh." Their superior chuckled. Galliard was a very prideful person, never admitting when he recognizes something far greater than his own. Thus, when he concluded that Mitsuki's practice score was perfect, he remained quiet as a mouse. Grabbing the page and slamming it down in front of Mitsuki, Galliard stared down at the recruit. "How long did it take you to finish this?"
"Uh- 35 minutes, sir!" He answered.
"And you?" He looked over at Xenovia.
"50 minutes, sir!" Quarta sternly replied.
"I'll be damned…" Galliard didn't want to admit that he was blown away by Mitsuki's test taking skills and study habits. More importantly, he didn't want to admit that a 14 year old kid in Junior High was smarter than him by a milestone. Once he had Magda's folder, he shook his head and left the room. "You both think at the speed of a snails. Do it again."
SLAM!
The door shut, making Mitsuki jump in his seat. He remained frozen in fear until Xenovia waved her hand in front of his face. "You seem to space out a lot."
"Eh?! I- I'm just- what just happened?" His thoughts were scrambled like an american breakfast dish.
"You seem to be having a problem." Xenovia's density wasn't helping Mitsuki's case.
"I mean, yeah." He said, blowing out some air. "I mean I've gotten most of this stuff down already. 35 minutes is average for a quiz! I don't see the problem!"
"Hmn." The blue-haired beauty stroked her chin. "The Instructor does seem to always have a problem with everyone. I stopped taking it personally in my first year here."
"No, it's just," Mitsuki ran his hands through his hair. "I've just been taught that failure is unacceptable. Anything that isn't perfection is failure. We learn about heavy stuff in these classes, then go running and work to the bone, get our butts kicked by the instructor and then are expected to meet unrealistic performance expectations. We are just being set up for failure, Quarta-senpai!"
A wave of silence brushed over Xenovia. For a moment, her eyes were shaded by her hair. Looking down on her battle-buddy, she moved over to him and picked up his sinking head. "This is far more complicated than that, Mr Senjougahara. This isn't school. This is a barracks. This is a life where we have to fight unrealistic odds to defend the ones we love, our towns and humanity itself. If you stop pushing yourself now, you will just prove Instructor Galliard right."
"I push myself academically, because that's all I know. Overachieving is better than underachieving. Good grades means good school and a good life."
"I see." The woman commented.
"And it's only been a little less than a month! I mean look at this paper. We've gone through all the questions, checked that they are all correct and watched my instructor tell me it's not good enough! What do I do now?" He asked Xenovia.
Letting out a deep breath, she turned her practice test sheet towards Mitsuki. With the trust in him she carried in her heart, she let him see her self-score grade; C "I suppose you can do anything. Leave and sleep on the matter, get a snack or simply fall into the crowd of other exorcists who mindlessly join. You can do whatever you want to see fit, Mr Senjougahara. It really is up to you."
Mitsuki paused, taking off his glasses and wiping his face with his hand. Xenovia was maybe the most complex person he had met so far. He could almost never get a read on her. One moment she will be saying something very blunt or dense and then the next thing she says is straight from a philosophy textbook. One thing he liked about Xenovia was that no matter what, she never seemed to cast judgment on him.
That was the most relieving thing between their partnership.
"But what I would personally want you to do, is stay here with me." Xenovia admitted. "I enjoy the way you teach. You have a knack for it."
Xenovia's speech about choice really started to loom over his head. It didn't change the fact that they were enrolled in an uptight church order. If Mitsuki ended up dropping his performance because of a couple comments, he would probably be killed.
Sure he could maybe try a little less, but that didn't sit right with the boy. He had taken multiple verbal and physical beatings over the course of a couple weeks; too many to stop now. After fighting for his life over his blood disease, giving up now was a dishonor to everyone.
With that, Mitsuki kept his head up as high as he could and endured what Citadel Italia had for him. He kept up his academics and studying, often meeting with Xenovia to go over things she didn't understand or just to talk. Occasionally he would drop by Dr Heisenberg's office whenever the scientist called for him. From there Senjougahara seemed to better understand and tolerate the eccentric scientist, as far as to no longer being nervous around him. While the doctor was energetic, he knew when to calm down and talk genuinely with the boy, trading ideas and smarts both have accumulated over the years. Though, he did fear one side of Heisenberg that he had the unlucky opportunity to witness. Mitsuki once walked in on him talking heated politics with a skull in a jar, dismissing it as something not to be spoken about ever again.
Heisenberg was beginning to go as far as asking Mitsuki's opinion on minor projects and mechanics, slowly integrating him as a part of the ORACLE's overseer without him being fully committed.
"Technology sure is magnificent, isn't it Mitsuki?" Dr Hesienberg exhaled with pleasure, yawning with him as they both glanced at the holographic screen in his office. The animated suit up of one of the ORACLe Units played on repeat in detail. "If only the machine could move like this on its own. Day by day we are getting closer!"
"I noticed. After looking over some of the errors, it seems the main problem with it is just hydraulic distribution. I understand the units themselves are part of your sacred gear, but the way you created them gave them physical properties to be improved and worked on." Mitsuki pointed out. "Also due to the size of the Arrogant Jackal ORACLe, there may need to be a conversion to a more lightweight and larger battery. Instead of Lithium, try Sodium."
"Sodium. Yes, I mean it is more reactive. But then I would need to redesign the battery out of a more resistant metal." Sudachi spun around in his chair and began writing. After taking a few notes and looking ahead at the cadet, he dropped his pen and sat back in his chair.
"Does this kind of stuff interest you, Mitsuki?" Heisenberg asked. "I think if you spoke to Aviana, she could possibly-"
"I guess it does. How can it not?" So that's what all this making nice was for. So he could be a messenger or a tool for Heisenberg to get the Pendragons off his back. If Mitsuki hadn't been through another couple weeks of brutal exorcist training, he would take total offense to it. He did, but was all the better at hiding it. "What should I say? Aviana, I wanna dedicate my life and soul to the great Dr Heisenberg? She wouldn't buy it one bit."
"Oh come on! Don't be like that! Aviana really likes you, right? So she would take your word into account!" The doctor bantered. His pride swallowed any urge to apologize for coming off very imposing.
Mitsuki scowled, but turned to another screen to hide his disappointment. "No, she wouldn't. She's just an acquaintance of mine. And I doubt that even if I was close with her, that she would excuse you on my behalf."
"But you at least like her, right?" Heisenberg pushed his wheely chair back from his desk. "I mean she hasn't ever been angry or yelled at you!"
"By that logic, that means my entire unit class should be in love with me, yet that is far from the case, Doctor." Mitsuki sighed.
"But why not? Everyone seems to be a fan of yours! Your grades in the classroom are outstanding! I mean other cadets are coming to you for tutoring and study groups! Your captain is very pleased with you! And! And!"
Looking the panicking scientist directly in the eyes, Mitsuki just squinted. "Are you done?"
"Yes." He then crossed one leg over the other, hands folded.
"Thank you. Listen, I remember what you said when we met five weeks ago. And if it makes you feel any better, I'm still deciding. But I have no right to go seek Aviana Pendragon and demand anything of her. Speaking of tutoring, I have a group tutoring session in an hour."
"Oh, with who?"
Mitsuki started to count. "It's Xenovia, myself and a couple others. Small but sturdy group."
"PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!" Water came flying out of the doctor's mouth as he spit it back into his cup.
"What? Is everything ok?!" Mituski stood up, approaching the doctor.
"Xenovia Quarta?! Yes! Ack! Yes! I just remembered something uh- yeah. Remembered something from years ago. Uhhhh, Mitsuki, I think I need my office to myself for a moment. Uh- Aviana is calling me!"
"But your phone isn't ringing…"
"ANYWAYS! Bye Bye!" SLAM!
Mitsuki was quickly escorted out of the office receiving a door slam to the face. Filled with confusion and shock, the young boy just shrugged and walked it off. "And I thought I couldn't get a read on Xenovia…"
"Oooooh! Senjougahara-kuuuun!"
Mitsuki always made sure to keep a mature and professional attitude wherever he went. It's how he was raised, strict and professional like a businessman. Japanese culture did its fair share molding him into an ideal worker who didn't stand out, while others at Citadel Italia were more outlandish with different homes, cultures, personalities and upbringing, Mitsuki would ignore them and walk his own path.
To sum it up: He's obedient, quiet and introverted. Meeting people wasn't necessarily on his daily to do list.
He considered it a shame that not all people knew he wasn't the most comfortable around new people. Especially considering the fact that he was gaining small popularity among some of the recruits due to his tutoring successes with others.
It didn't seem so bad until random recruits, of different ages and rank, started coming up to Mitsuki on the daily, asking about possibly tutoring or advice for classes. He wasn't saying that he was against helping people, but he was starting to get tired when approached by all different personalities when he wanted to have alone time.
Though, Mitsuki was always thankful that he had a select person who always knew how to give him some grounding. Without Xenovia doing a lot of the talking and sending people away, the boy would have been flooded by requests he couldn't turn down.
"Oooooh! Senjougahara-kuuuun!"
Mitsuki's eyes twitched, looking towards the light-brown pigtails. "H-How may I help you?" Mass had just ended in the Citadel chapel and the recruits were let go to redress for their off day.
"So you're the one who's tutoring all the new recruits!" Irina placed a hand on the side of her dress and smiled brightly. "That's pretty awesome for a fresh recruit!"
"Oh, thank you." He tried to keep walking, clearly wanting to get out of the chapel and out of his compressing suit and tie.
Irina tilted her head, following the cadet towards the chapel lobby. "Senjougahara-kun! I wanted to introduce myself and ask if you can make time to go over some of my studies!"
Mitsuki's eyes lost their light and turned overly tired. Who didn't want to use him nowadays? He let out an exhausted sigh and turned towards his fellow recruit. "Right. May I ask who you are then?"
"Ah, yes! How rude of me! My name is Irina Shidou! 105th Unit! I have heard so much about you and wanted to meet you in person! You must be smart since Xenovia speaks so highly of you!" She trotted.
He halted, fully putting his attention towards the newcomer. "Xenovia?"
"Yes, I'm glad you two finally met."
Irina and Mitsuki both turned their heads, facing Xenovia and a shorter spiky-haired recruit next to her.
"Xenovia!" Irina cheered. Can you help me out here? Senjo-san is being mean!" She clearly jokes, smirking towards the others.
"Eh?!" Senjougahara recoiled.
"I'm sure you're well aware who Mr Senjogahara is, Irina." The blue-haired girl introduced. "He is my battle-buddy, as well as my tutor."
"Of course I know. Well, this is my battle-buddy, Shiromine! He's also Japanese, like us, Senjougahara-kun." She said, cheerful as day. "Oh, I have an idea, let's all go to coffee hour together!"
"Oh…"
Before he knew it, Mitsuki sat across from Shiromine, exchanging silent glances at the lunch table. They could be less bothered by Irina and Xenovia chatting up a storm, more focused on what to say next to one another.
"Senjougahara, Mitsuki." He introduced himself, " Where are you from?" The nerd awkwardly asked.
"Shiromine, Ketsu. Kyoto, you?"
"Tokyo."
Irina smiled, "See! They're becoming friends already!"
"Right." Xenovia nodded.
Mitsuki felt his stomach start to turn like a propeller. He turned his face away from the group, hiding the red blush on his cheeks.
Xenovia leaned closer to Mitsuki once she realized that he was slowly getting uncomfortable. Rather than let the boys sit in silence, she knew the whole purpose of this introduction. "Mr Senjoughara, I want to ask you if it's ok if they both join us for study groups."
"Right." When faced with this situation, the pressure was piling down on him. Three pairs of eyes shoved him more and more into a corner. "I don't know, I mean- I just don't think it's the best idea. This week is the unit merge and I'll be busy and stuff."
"Oh." Irina frowned, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor, Senjougahara-kun. Xenovia was the one who said you were free before the unit merge."
It was one thing to be called out on one's bullcrap, but to feel utterly humiliated in front of a small lunch table. It was a feeling of no escape as once again all eyes were on Mitsuki. The room seemed to have fallen silent, the boy feeling everyone staring through his soul.
"It's not nice to lie to your fellow cadets, especially when they are coming to you for help." Irina's words further burdened the boy.
"Excuse me, please. Shidou-san, Shiromine, thank you." Glancing at the door, he quickly left the room, taking a cup of coffee and muffin on his way out.
Quiet time was amazing, especially when you need to get away and clear your head, or avoid an embarrassing moment. Anyone with a brain knows that quiet and alone time is the key to healing, especially for someone like Mitsuki.
The best place to get alone and quiet in the citadel was il parco or the park. It was the largest room in the facility, spanning about half a mile in radius and 50 stories high. The dome-like structure had an artificial sky with UV lights and an active daylight cycle. Filled with grass plains, trees, and a full track and field, "Al Parco Citadel" was a popular common area for the exorcist trainees. Sometimes Galliard even held training there to let the recruits "get some sun" as he would say.
Mitsuki's happy place was on top of one of the hills and under a tree. What made him more happy is he was able to get out of that tight suit and tie; man was it killing him. But below, he watched a group of exorcists throw around a ball, laughing and bantering with one another. By the looks of their enjoyment, the boy concluded they were all friends. Friends who had company with one another. Something Mitsuki felt he still lacked, despite all the people he met. Well, he can't call his instructors friends. And Xenovia is just a battle-buddy, right? Hell, there some nights he began to question that.
"Someone should tell them to keep it down. Other's come here to relax, not listen to a pride measuring contest." A voice spoke from above Mitsuki. Exorcist Niwa Ikimono peered down from her tree branch and glanced at the new arrival.
"I know, right. Who cares who dropped the ball or let it roll a certain amount of distance. Just shut up and throw it." Mitsuki sneered, looking down at the group of kids once more, before glancing up at the branch above him.
Niwa giggled, putting down her book, and closing it with its bookmark. "So what brings you here? Most cadets are still in coffee hour."
"Nothing. I just wanted to get out of my suit. Besides, my battle buddy is chatting it up with her friend and their partner. I suppose I can ask you the same thing." Mitsuki was curious.
He had seen the girl every once and a while. But clearly, she was from a different unit. Niwa wasn't in Captain Kolasa's academic and weapons classes or Galliard's can of whoop-ass. Though, there was always something interesting about her. He just couldn't put his finger on it.
"I just skipped coffee hour. How can you enjoy a good meal with everyone yelling out and about in the cafetorium? I find the most peace here." Niwa answered.
"Up in that tree?"
"Up in this tree."
"Ah." Mitsuki figured. "It's nice to meet you, my name is Senjougahara, Mitsuki from Tokyo. 104th Unit."
"Ikimono, Niwa, from Fukuoka. 105th Unit. It's nice to see someone else from our home who speaks our language." She confessed.
The teen did have to agree. It was hard keeping track of the many languages others spoke. The main one was English. Everyone on base spoke it, but there were times Mitsuki heard Dr Heisenberg ramble on in German, or even Galliard insult another cadet in full Italian. Speaking of Italian, it reminded Mitsuki to ask a question he was nervous to bring up.
"Ikimono-san, I know it's been a few weeks already, but, do you know where exactly we are? I mean, it may seem stupid, I know, but, are we in the middle of nowhere?" He asked.
Niwa's adorable giggles soon became laughter. She swung down from her tree branch and gave Mitsuki a pat on the head. Seeing red come to his cheeks fueled her amusement even more. "No, Senjo-kun. We are in Italy! Citadel Italia is the largest training barracks in the entire exorcist order. Those who come here are either locals, the most skilled fighters or those transferred in with pure luck. As a matter of fact, we are right under the Vatican City." She said with a twinkle in her eye and passion from her lips.
His heart almost skipped a beat. "Italy?! T-That's so far!"
"Shhh shhh shhh." Her dark hair and purple tipped highlights easily calmed down the panicking nerd. Awarding him more headpats seemed to do the trick. "I know it is. Believe me, but everyone who is here is here for a reason. Once we graduate and get assigned, we can hope we get assigned back home together."
It did sound promising. Mitsuki also seemed to become more relaxed every second he spent with Niwa.
She slowly sat down next to the boy-
Squish!
"Eh?!" Niwa stood back up. She had accidentally squashed Mitsuki's muffin and knocked over his coffee. Overcome by embarrassment, she shielded her face from the cadet. "I'm so sorry Senjo-kun! I wasn't looking where I was sitting! I'm sorry I didn't see the muffin and coffee right next to you before! I-I'll buy you a new one!"
Mitsuki waved off the girl. "Hey, hey. Don't worry about it. You don't owe me anything. It was an accident."
"I'm sorry! I'll go get you a new one! I- I will see you again later, Senjo-kun!" Not listening to Mitsuki's reassurance, Niwa scurried off, embarrassed by her actions.
Mitsuki, on the other hand, just shrugged it off. What more could he do? Niwa was a nice girl… so far. She did give him a slightly off vibe but nothing he could label bad. Speaking of, he did have that same tingle in his hand. Blowing some air out his nose, he laid back on the grass, looking up at the artificial sky. "Lazy Sunday, huh? For an underground installation in the middle of Italy, you'd think it would be more interesting."
"Would you like it to be?" An amused voice asked from behind him. Mitsuki froze, slowly turning his head around to face Aviana Pendragon herself, arms folded across her chest and an emotionless purr coming from her lips. It was obvious people were staring. The two made a rather strange pair, one of the more infamous superiors of the facility and a simple cadet who was just average. "May I sit, Mitsuki Senjougahara?"
"Yes, Ma'am." He replied. The kids throwing around the ball seemed to stop and murmur once she sat with him, close enough that Mitsuki was able to smell the scent of her morning perfume. The two other suited exorcists who joined her seemed to only draw a bit more attention.
"How is training going?" She asked, tilting her head. "I can't remember the last time Captain Kolasa has boasted about having a genius in her class."
Mitsuki blinked at the last part. "It's going well, ma'am. I study and do my best. As a good charity I even tutor on the side for those who really want to succeed."
"Really now?" Aviana raised an eyebrow. Her eyes never left Mitsuki's, perhaps not even blinking since she arrived. "I hope you are aware we do have other academic instructors in the Citadel who are here to provide that extra help. If you would like, I could make them more noticeable so other students can use their services." She then caught herself, remembering to blink and compose herself. "It is not your responsibility to be tutoring your unit. It is nice of you, but not something you need to burden yourself with."
Mitsuki tried not to think about how close Aviana's face was to his. He even slightly leaned back from her.
"You're right. I've just gotten and studied all the knowledge I can. It's a habit. The supernatural, church rules, weapons, exorcist rules, sacred gears, proper species handling; everything I'm taught I understand." He reassured the blonde woman. "It wouldn't be fair for me not to help whoever asks. Plus, it's not like I can say no."
Aviana squinted her eyes and locked her ocean blue's right onto the cadet's retina. She had to test that theory. She had heard his name one too many times that week from both unit instructors. "May I?" Her hand took Mitsuki's and held it firmly, interlocking her fingers with his.
"I-I uh… I- sure." Mitsuki sucked in his breath once the beautiful woman held his hand. He mentally closed his eyes and counted to three. He hoped when he opened them that Aviana would be just a figment of his imagination. Nope, she was still there. He just looked around, seeing multiple people staring at his position.
Mitsuki felt like fainting. His heart was racing and thoughts were in overdrive. Why was this happening? What was all this? How can he get her to go away!?
"Mr Senjougahara." Aviana called. "What are you doing?"
"N-Nothing, Ma'am." He just caught his stutter, speaking to his superior.
"Precisely." She stated.
"Of course he's going to say no! He ran away when he lied to me!"
Mitsuki and Aviana simultaneously turned their heads to see Irina, Ketsu and Xenovia approaching, the two girls locked in a heated moral dispute.
"Well in that moment he must have felt pressured by everyone looking at him while he decided!" Xenovia then turned ahead, looking at her battle buddy. "Mr Senjougaha- oh."
"M-Miss Pendragon! Ma'am!" Irina quickly stood still, holding a formation stance with the others. "We are sorry for disrupting you, Ma'am. We'll come back!"
"No need." Aviana bluntly spat, letting go of Mitsuki and rising to her feet. "Thank you for your honesty, Mr Senjougahara. I'll be seeing you."
"Right- I- thank you, Ma'am." He politely returned and held form with his fellow cadets.
All four of them watched her leave with her exorcist bodyguard, three of them distracted by the sight of the blonde and the other left in pure shock.
"Senjo-kun, I don't know what happened back there, but are you ok?" Irina asked, still watching Aviana increase her distance. "She never comes out to talk to anyone personally like that."
"Mr Senjougahara may have a lady friend." Shiromine joked with a smile on his face. "Or secretly making nice with the head of Citadel."
"S-Shut up! She just wanted to talk! I think so! Plus she's just an acquaintance of mine!" Mitsuki snarled at his group. "Why are you guys so stunned?"
Irina on the other hand was blasted. She didn't know how to explain to the boy, "Senjo-kun. That was Aviana Pendragon."
"Yeah…"
"The DIRECTOR of the entire Citadel."
"Oh."
Mitsuki felt like crawling in a hole and crying. Why did he have to act so pathetic in front of her?! What was she trying to even do in the first place?! The nerd just retreated into his mind. 'It was one thing for Aviana to do something like that to me, but in front of Xenovia and the others? Now I wish I stayed at the table and took Irina's chewing out.'
Mitsuki shut that part up when meeting Xenovia's death stare, a clear sign that he was not going to have a good day.
The director opened the door that led down to one of two superpowers of the Citadel. Carefully opening it up, she entered with a smile.
"Cardinal? Would you mind taking a look at something with me?" She approached her superior, bowing her head briefly before him. She sat down and folded her arms, gifting the man with formalities.
Cardinal Eld Constantine, one of the Pope's elite hand-picked choices, threw the last dart at the board hitting a bullseye. "Yes!" He softly cheered to himself. "O-Oh! Aviana!" He spun back in his chair and faced the blonde woman. "Hmn. No hello? No chocolates? No hug for your old man?" While his smile was welcoming and words genial, they slowly fell into a pensive expression and stern persona. If Aviana was not acting how she usually was, this had to be a serious matter. Warranting that treatment, he respected her example.
"Forgive me, Cardinal, But I need to get your opinion on a new asset."
"Of course, Aviana. Please, make sure the door is closed. And, did you bring any chocolates?"
Aviana sighed, softly nodding her head and chuckling. "Yes, Grandpa. You know I always bring them."
To
Be
Continued...
Please don't kill me. I know I need to edit other chapters of fics and stuff but I've had a sturdy direction and momentum with this fic. But here is the next chapter! We have new characters introduced and further development on others! There is one thing I do want to clarify quickly
ORACLES - Name of the Project
Oracle - Individual Pilot
ORACLe - The name's of the mechs themselves
Just to avoid confusion or think there is a spelling Error. For an original concept and fic, I hope you all are enjoying the exorcist side of DxD. I am of course in a tough spot in College Life and summer so I'm trying my best. At the end of the day, I love to write. This also takes place TWO YEARS before the events of High School DxD. And since this is from a church standpoint, this won't be fully of ecchi, lewds or other erotic writings. Perhaps the most I can predict is a kiss. Anything else would come from the opposition.
I know this story won't change people routing for the Gremory's and Issei and the devils, bit at least show that on the other side, there are lives among the exorcists and troubles that face them.
Feel free to favorite, follow and leave reviews! I love to read your reviews and attain feedback for the story!