ATTENTION: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING OF HIGH SCHOOL DXD. ALL CREDIT BELONGS TO CREATORS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING PARTNERS!

-The Other Side-

-0-3-

Mitsuki stood in line at the Citadel Gun Club, waiting for Xenovia to come back with Irina from the Citadel Italia museum. Mitsuki wanted to go with them too, but he knew he had to pick up his equipment for himself and Xenovia. He did owe the exorcist a solid after making her mad over Aviana Pendragon.

An hour later and no numskulls in sight.

Great…

Suddenly, the gun club was filled with trainees from the 105th Unit. The loud noise caused Mitsuki to cringe, doing whatever he could to shut out the noise of the rambling cadets. The social interaction started to make his blood turn cold, forcing the boy to close his eyes for peace.

"Senjougahara, Mitsuki. Your service weapon and lightsword handle. Please sign here."

Mitsuki looked up at the handgun in the plastic bag. It was a modified Beretta 92 with a larger size and barrel. Its Magazines were pretty big as well, loaded with custom sized rounds made by the Vatican called "Parabellum".

"Thank you, Ma'am. I am also here to pick up for Xenovia Quarta." Mitsuki took his bag and the pen from the woman. He started to sign his name.

"I'm sorry, Senjougahara, I don't see anything on file for Xenovia." She stated. "Please have her come see me."

'Just great…' Mitsuki mentally groaned, 'First she runs away to see the new museum with Irina, knowing well I wanted to go, then I'm sent to play fetch for weapons that don't exist. Come on, Quarta-senpai.'

"Senjougahara." The woman called. She witnessed Mitsuki blink and refocus himself. "Please finish signing." The boy realized the woman looked impatient, her composure slowly dropping.

"Oh, right. My apologies." Once the pen finished marking his name, he departed from the counter, holding his weapons and accessories in a large, sealed, plastic bag. "Come on guys."

Mitsuki sighed to himself, securely holding onto his items. Over the last two days, Mitsuki seemed to get closer with Irina; even with Ketsu. They were both oddballs, but who was really normal here? Despite how much closer they became, they were not exempt from Mitsuki's judgment. 'They probably have Shiromine there photographing everything for me.' He let out a sigh before seeing a pair of arms place down a small model volcano kit on the table in front of him.

Mitsuki blinked, looking up past a large sizable chest to see Xenovia glancing at him, "The museum was great." The blue-hair bluntly stated, "We saw one of these at the gift shop and bought it. I thought you would like it."

Mitsuki raised his eyebrow and looked at the model volcano. Deep down, he was smiling as bright as can be. These things were always so cool! "Really? For me? Quarta-senpai, you shouldn't have."

"It's a gift!" Irina declared, taking a seat across from him. "We felt bad you couldn't come so I pitched the idea to Xenovia since I know you like that type of stuff. Oh! Besides the entire 105th being there, that wasn't why we took so long." She then tilted her head with a perky smile, awaiting Mitsuki's response.

Deciding to humor the pig-tails, he shrugged. "What took you so long?"

"Oh, just this!" Irina plopped down a film picture of her and Xenovia in front of a fascinating looking stone mask. It had slits for eyes and teeth only on the upper jaw.

"They brought in a mask from the hassan?" Mitsuki's jaw dropped. "Why didn't I hear about this?"

"So that's what that was." Xenovia squinted. "I thought it was a plate used by Cleopatra."

"Of course you did…" Mitsuki whispered. "

"It was a surprise exhibit introduced with the museum's opening!" Irina pointed. "Despite being reinforced behind 5 inches of special glass, you can still feel the ominous presence coming from the mask! When I was there, I got the chills! Right, Xenovia?"

"Yes, it was pretty off-putting." Xenovia answered.

The girls shook their heads, noticing their friend's envious expression.

"Jealous, Senjo-kun?" Irina smirked.

"How can I not be while you guys and Shiromine are there having a blast?" He curled his fingers up, despite being brought home a gift.

Irina gestured towards the box. "Well, that's why we brought you back the gift! Also, what are you talking about? Shiromine has been with you the whole time."

"What?"

"Hello."

"GAAAH!" Mitsuki shrieked.

Shiromine smiled, staring at Mitsuki.

"How long have you been there?!" The nerd shivered.

"Since you arrived here."

"What? That's impossible!"

"Nope."

"So, you just do that?"

"Yes."

Standing in attention at his desk, his service weapon disassembled in front of him and keenly listening to the orders of Instructor Kolasa. It wasn't like he needed to listen, like Shiromine who was pretty bad at weaponry. At this point, everything about this life seemed to flow more naturally to him. Maybe because he's just been taught about all this stuff and not actually encountered any supernatural creatures. Regardless, Mitsuki noticed overall improvement as a person and an exorcist.

"Cadet Senjougahara. May you please recite the steps to assembling your service weapon." Another instructor called out, not out of picking on any student, but with faith that they know the person can best meet their expectations. Maybe even surpass them. It wasn't a surprise some Cadets were looking around the room, seemingly waiting for the clock to release them.

"Pick up your slide. Insert the barrel into the slide. Place the guide rod in spring and place them both in front of the barrel. Place the slide on rails and pull back. Push slide past rear and cock weapon 3 times in safe direction. Insert unloaded magazine to ensure slide locks back."

The Bishop Instructor nodded his head, "Well done, Cadet Senjougahara." He said proudly. At least someone was eager and paying attention to his lesson.

Bishop Daud Headmund, the weapons and academics Instructor for the 105th, joined Magdalena Kolasa of the 104th for a larger weapons class. He quickly became Mitsuki's favorite instructor as he didn't give him any special treatment or recognition. Not that Mitsuki didn't like the praise that Instructor Kolasa gave him at times, when Headmund was commanding, the boy didn't feel like he was being watched by team Heisenberg. Sure, he could only imagine how many cadets would kill to be scouted for the position of a mech pilot to fight with a team of fellow exorcists. The more time passed, the more the Oracles of the World seemed to be a fading desire.

Despite the opportunity, Mitsuki realized that maybe he was making fri-

"Assemble your service weapons, conceal them and you're dismissed!" Instructor Kolasa and Bishop Headmund roared.

Mitsuki started, looking up to see Magda and Daud gathering their things. Daud loaded his own handgun before holstering it and concealing it properly. "Make sure to practice. You will be timed on this during the week. Quality and care for your service weapon is valued. You do not want to face a devil and experience a malfunction from neglect."

A good amount of cadets let out an audible sigh until-

"The next cadet to be a pussy and moan, is getting this whole room smoked!" Instructor Kolasa thundered. "I could care less what you think! Dismissed!"

Shiromine shivered, giving Mitsuki a look. "How do you remember to do all that? I mean which direction does this go in? How does this work?"

"It took some time. Believe me, Shiromine, I wasn't good at this at first." Mitsuki finished assembling his handgun and loaded it. Placing it in his holster, he concealed it. "Tired?"

"Frustrated." Ketsu spat. He had the urge to slam on his desk and give up, but he kept trying.

Xenovia raised her eyebrow. "Right. Anyways, Mr Senjougahara. I wanted to ask if you built that volcano yet."

"Oh, yes. Yes I have."

"Really? It's been only a day." The blue-haired girl looked disappointed. "I thought you would have waited."

Mitsuki shook his head. "Nope. Once I got back to my room I built it immediately."

"Huh, I didn't expect you would work so quickly, Senjo-kun." Irina commented. Concealing her weapon, she walked over to them and shrugged. "Impressive. All of it?"

"Mhm. The mountain, the lava and even the velociraptors running away in the landscape."

"Right." Xenovia lowered her head for a moment.

"I feel like you were supposed to savor making the model. The box did say 2-4 people recommended. I feel like it was a waste then." Irinia confessed.

"Why?" The other two asked.

Irina placed a hand on her heart and looked up at the ceiling like an opera singer, dramatic to others yet normal to those who know her. "What's the point of building a model if you're just rushing through it? A model like this is meant to be slowly put together, enjoyed with another, not devoured like some piece of lunch meat!"

"I think you're being over-dramatic, Shidou-senpai," Ketsu commented, still struggling to put his gun together. "Sounds like you're impersonating Aristotle."

"Now that I think about it. When did you get so deep, Shidou-san?" Mitsuki lightly teased.

"E-Eh? I was just making a point about you doing that alone! And maybe some else should join you…!"

All while the others bantered, Xenovia stood motionless and still, tuning out her friend's childish teasing. 'Good grief…'

Magdalena sat at her desk, organizing the last batch of paperwork that so desperately needed her attention. After piling up the files she had finished, Magda stood and prepared to embark to the mailroom down the hall. Before she stepped through the threshold, the instructor closed her eyes, audibly sighing. "Galliard, if you're going to stand there, at least offer to take these to the director for me."

In the corner of the room, Galliard emerged from the shadows. "Eh, fine. The hell are these papers for?"

As requested, Magda handed over the files to her companion, "It's about the upcoming training games in Florence. These Cadets have had a fair amount of time to acclimate and obtain basic skills. Before we move onto the next phase we will see who is capable of using those skills and who will fall behind."

"I see. I plan to stop by the cafe afterwards. Would you like me to bring you anything?" The slick-haired blonde asked.

"Just a cup of coffee, two sugars with regular milk. A shot or two of vodka if you can." Magda jokingly requested. Returning back to her desk, she placed her index finger down on a few notices regarding the upcoming games. "Hmn. The church in Florence is advising that we move the games to another location."

"Ugh. They do this every year. One kid wanders into the game area and gets killed, despite being warned, and now everyone has to pay." Galliard's back pressed against the doorframe. If Magda sounded a bit concerned, this was an issue he needed to hear out.

"Florence has discovered a heightened presence in the devil community." She read aloud. "Church director Vincenzo Moltisanti claims that exorcists have confiscated paper contracts, becoming more of a common occurrence. The mountain area we use for the games had their talismans stolen or destroyed."

"Rule out a devil. Even those stuck-up leaders know the ceasefire is too good to risk. It's either a fallen angel or a human doing someone's dirty work." Galliard noted. He furrowed his eyebrows at Magda as she read more of the notice.

"A high-ranking devil wouldn't break the ceasefire by coming to Earth. And Italy of all places? The Vatican would have let us know immediately." Magda scoffed, picking up the paper and rereading it at a glance.

"That's what I just said." He said, mumbling with curiosity. "So, you suspect dirty work?"

"It's possible." She stroked her chin. "I'll follow up with this later because if Florence is making a complaint over a few devils lurking around, then they clearly forgot the point of these games."

"Hey… Kolasa… Galliard."

That familiar grimey voice made the blue-haired instructor forget what she was about to say next, shooting her head up and glaring at the door. 'Oh you gotta be kidding me' While she didn't exactly hate the scientist, he sure knew how to get on her nerves by speaking alone. Despite not looking it, Dr Heisenberg was responsible when it came to other matters in the facility. If he needed to come see Madga out of his own will and approach her carefully, there was a reason.

It immediately became clear when a hand landed on the top of Galliard and Heisenberg's head, shaking them around while making buzzing noises.

"BzzzZZZzzzZZZZzzzZZZzzzzZZZ!"

It was not just another exorcist joining them for conversation, but one of the top heads of the entire church, hand picked by the pope himself, as well as grand superior of the entire Citadel; A rank that is beyond Aviana Pendragon.

"Cardinal Constantine!" Magda gasped, springing to her feet and remaining in attention. Galliard calmly followed before Heisenberg who let out an 'eep' and cowered. "To what do I owe the pleasure of you seeing me?"

Resting his hands back at his sides, he strutted into the office with a jolly smile. "As much as I would love to say I came solely to visit you, it's business that brought me here." Eld glanced around the room before nodding. "Nice office. Seems being a unit instructor has done you well, Magdalena."

"Thank you, Cardinal." Magda remained standing and staring directly ahead of the smaller man. "May I ask the nature of your business?"

"This." The Cardinal snapped his fingers, signaling Heisenberg to place down a medical record file onto her desk.

Magda recognized the records, down to the last details. Picking up the folder, she glanced at the title, knowing this day would come eventually.

SENJOUGAHARA

"I want to know who this boy is." Eld softly announced.

"What?" Magda blinked. She half-expected this. Maybe from Aviana but not the Cardinal! "Why is that, sir?"

"Hmn? I just wanted to meet the young man who survived his procedure and showed positive results like the other four pilots currently on duty." Eld said, pointing at the records. "These results are exactly like the other pilots who have been assigned ORACLe's."

Everyone remained silent, Heisenberg wanting to retreat into his body like a turtle to its shell.

"It's only natural that I'm curious about a person who seems to be perfectly qualified to pilot the Jackal but isn't training to do so." Constantine addressed the elephant in the room.

Magda started to pale as her superior was no longer holding it against Sudachi, but rather shifting the blame onto his instructors. "Am I being accused, sir?"

"Huh? Oh no no no no no!" Eld waved his hand. "I'm asking questions, not making assumptions. So, where is our Mr Senjougahara?"

"The current training and citadel events won't allow me to disclose Senjougahara's location until he is finished." Magda was silently proud of herself; she was able to buy some time. Fortunately for an old man, Eld was as energetic as a teenager.

"I- I can find him, sir!" Sudachi blurted out. "There is one place I know he always goes during lunch!"

Galliard and Magda both turned cold, staring daggers at Heisenberg. Had their boss not been in the room, they would have probably strangled Sudachi.

"Really? Well isn't that swell? Lead the way, Doctor. Oh and before we see him can we stop at the cafe? I heard they have chocolate muffins there, I've been dying for one!"

With the room left in silence, Galliard leaned towards Magda, eyes visibly fuming from the doctor. "Dibs on his head."

"Dibs on his ass." Magda cracked her knuckles.

"I did it!" Ketsu perked up triumphantly, presenting his assembled service weapon before Mitsuki and Xenovia's face. "I spent half of my mealtime working on this. I finally got it!"

"Hmn? About time." Mitsuki looked up from his study guide, sliding the sheet in front of Xenovia and Irina. "Here. Fallen Angels are angels who have sinned, thus fallen from grace and had their divine light severed. Due to this, which weapons are most effective against them and why? It's open ended."

"None." Xenovia said bluntly. "Holy weapons nor demonic magic proves more effective. They are one of the neutral races."

"Senjougahara, may you please make sure I did it right? I found an easier way. The spring can go down both ends of the guide barrel for an easier load!"

"Oh. Yeah, no, it doesn't work like that I'm afraid." Mitsuki took Ketsu's sidearm, dropped the mag and pulled the slide back only for it to come right off. "Correct, Xenovia. Yeah, see, the slide won't lock back correctly. Hell, it won't even stay on."

Ketsu and Irina let out an audible sigh at Mitsuki who just raised an eyebrow. "What? Practice makes permanent. He's doing better than he did an hour ago."

"Dammit." Ketsu hissed. "How am I going to get a passing mark for Headmund's lesson? If I can't assemble and disassemble my service weapon, I'm as good as a failure!"

"You could keep practicing, Shiromine-kun!" Irina stated while checking her study guide answers. "Next question. What are the main components of a lightsword?"

"Ignition port, crystal, power source, hilt, butt." Mitsuki responded. The boy squinted seeing Irina shake her head. "Really? What was it?"

"Butt cap, hand grip, control port, focus ring, main hilt and the blade emitter." She listed out.

"I don't understand. Our sidearm is made up of only a few components. It's just… I keep forgetting which way things go! What angle! The specifics!" Ketsu deadpanned, taking apart the handgun and laying the parts out on the table. "We have a gunsmith. Why do we even need to be able to do this?

"Responsibility." Mitsuki said, silently amused at his own statement. "Once you learn the skills and responsibility of cleaning a handgun, you will be able to repair and clean any weapon you receive. Maybe even clean your own room too."

"Pffft…" Irina cracked.

"What do you mean by that?" Shiromine sighed.

Mitsuki retrieved the paper and began to write on it. "Well, it all starts with the 'making your bed' philosophy. If you can make your bed you can make your day. If you can clean your own gun, you'll be more inclined to repair it and other things in your life without help. Besides," Mitsuki grinned a little. "You'll be trusted to look into new things that would further make your life a little cooler."

"That doesn't really help me." Ketsu groaned, holding up the sidearm's slide and placing it back down again.

"You could always ask for help." Xenovia butted in. "Mr Senjougahara and I are very proficient in this field. Or if you really want to get help, ask Instructor Kolasa or Headmund."

Mitsuki groaned. His stomach always did a little turn when Xenovia volunteered him for things by putting him on the spot. "Xenovia…"

"What? Do you not want to help our comrade succeed?"

Strangled by the blue-haired woman's guilt tripping, he sighed. "Fine. If you want, I'll help you out, Shiromine. But Xenovia would be more than happy to join! Wouldn't you, Xenovia?" He lowered his voice, glaring at her.

Xenovia returned no ill will or emotion. "Of course. Irina too."

"Eh? Oh, uh, sure! All of us! I'm sure Senjo-kun would love to practice with us!" She suddenly perked.

Great. Not only did his reverse guilt-trip backfire, but now he dug himself into a mandatory social interaction with all four of them again. Mitsuki's social battery was slowly draining. Any more people bothering him and it could drop dead. "So, what exactly about assembling a weapon do you not know?"

"Everything." Ketsu confessed.

"I'm going to need a little more than that, Shiromine." Mitsuki rubbed his forehead.

"Order of assembly."

"There we go!" The nerd sarcastically cheered. "We'll meet back here in the library tomorrow during mealtime."

"Thank you, Senjougahara." Ketsu smiled. "You're a lifesaver!"

Xenovia smiled. "Very well. I look forward to it. I believe that we can do it togeth- is that the doctor?" She blinked, interrupting her own statement of gratitude to the sight behind Mitsuki and Ketsu. The boys looked at each other and then behind them. "And- T-The Cardinal?!"

What they saw was indeed Doctor Sudachi Heisenberg, seemingly shivering and moving around like a drama queen. Though his smart and tactile image was dampened by the fact that he was shadowed by THE CARDINAL of Citadel Italia. He was an equal distance away, dressed in refined red and white robes. It was impossible to miss. By his side was his personal exorcist guard.

Looking at Sudachi's scanning eyes, Mitsuki slowly started to fear for his own tranquility. It was the fact that he was a possible target for Heisenberg and a Cardinal for the Catholic Church. Whenever the doctor stepped out of his office to wander the citadel, he was usually looking for someone. Mitsuki prayed it wasn't him.

Turning back around, Mitsuki took a deep breath.

"It's the doctor." Xenovia said.

"Yeah right, I know! What does he want this time?" Mitsuki rubbed his temples.

"I don't know because he's coming right over to us." She muttered.

"Eek!" Mitsuki froze. The expressions on his companions' faces became stale as they all suddenly stood up from their chairs in respect to the one behind Mitsuki. The hands on his shoulders didn't help at all.

"Ah, Senjo-kun! Found ya!" Dr Heisenberg cheered.

"Dr Heisenberg." Cardinal Constantine approached the group. He smiled and waved at the others who addressed him respectfully. "Could you possibly think of a less creepy way to approach the boy? How would you feel if I did that to you? My apologies, Mr Senjougahara."

Mitsuki found that the Doctor had come with intensity behind him. Clearly he was nervous in the presence of the superior figure, but he was starting to squeeze Mitsuki's shoulders a little too hard. Never had he felt this kind of fear from Dr Heisenberg.

"T-This is him, Cardinal. Mitsuki Senjougahara." The scientist attempted to grin.

"Yes, I can see that now get- your- arms- off- of the boy!" Eld had to grab Sudachi by the wrist and pry his arms off of the young Mitsuki. "You're making a scene, Heisenberg. All you had to do was come here and ask the young man if we could chat."

"I'm sorry! I'm just a little ~ahem~ nervous."

"Good day to you, Cardinal. May I ask what you would like to see me about?" Mitsuki rubbed the back of his head, trying to calm himself down from the unsettling number of people in the conference room. He knew why he was in that room. Mitsuki just wanted to hear it from the Cardinal himself.

Constantine's personal guard and other exorcists had taken Mitsuki and Heisenberg up to the administrative level of the citadel and in the conference room. He felt totally alone in the crowd of unfamiliar faces. The only faces he knew were Dr Heisenberg, who he wasn't too fond of at the moment and Aviana Pendragon, whom he was slightly scared of.

"May I ask who everyone else is, sir?" Mitsuki politely spoke up, making sure to be professional in front of the Cardinal. In the back corner of the room there was a group of 4 teenagers, roughly a little older than him. Two boys and two girls in suits that looked sharp, similar to that of a fighter pilot.

"Well, allow me to introduce myself, Mr Senjougahra. My name is Cardinal Constantine. That is how I ask you to address me." Eld introduced.

Mitsuki was raised that everyone was to be respected, regardless of status in the world. When it came to facing important people, he knew he had to walk a careful tightrope of words and meaning.

Constantine believed the same thing, to an extent.

This was revealed when Eld looked both ways, lifted up his upper robe and took out a small box of chocolates. He leaned forward, whispering. "You wouldn't believe the stuff they have in these vending machines. If I had a nickel for everytime I encountered a crappy dispensary in the past, I'd have enough to be on a boat in the Mediterranean." He opened the box and presented it to Mitsuki.

"Oh- t-thank you, Cardinal." Mitsuki took a piece of chocolate in his hand, looking at it. Was this a trick? Was this filled with truth serum or some weird experimental drug? Why was eating a treat given to him by the Cardinal turning into a whole dilemma. If he didn't eat it, it would be a huge sign of disrespect. "It's good. Double fudge?"

"Ah, Rosie, I love this young man. Knows his chocolates." He looked at his personal guard and smiled. Constantine did give everyone the jolly Santa Claus feel. Perhaps that attitude was needed in a world of cut-throat people.

The white-haired exorcist standing beside him didn't smile. She didn't even say a word. The eyepatch on her face didn't make her appear any more friendly. Hearing her exhale, Eld shook his head. "Don't mind her. The fun police were short-staffed, so she's working overtime right now. I wouldn't take it personally."

"I see." Mitsuki looked at Rose's eyepatch before quickly breaking his stare. "She follows you everywhere?"

"Yep." The Cardinal sat back in his chair.

"My condolences." Mitsuki slipped. Before his hands could shoot up to cover his mouth or to his sides to bow, he was startled by the Cardinals laughter. Quite the charmer.

"We're getting off-topic." Rose's deep voice silenced all in the room but the Cardinal. She maintained her composure while he chuckled.

"Yes yes, I'm sorry. Ahem." Eld looked at Mitsuki up and down. He locked on his glazed hands, pursed lips and slight jitter of his left ring finger. "Are you nervous, Mitsuki?"

What kind of question was that? Of course he was! He was before the Cardinal, his hardass bodyguard, Heisenberg, Aviana and a group of teenagers and other exorcists. If anything he expected Instructor Kolasa or Galliard to be there. Did he secretly want them there? "Yes, sir. I am."

Looking around the room, Cardinal Constantine nodded his head to Rose. "Alright then. Everyone but Mitsuki, please clear out."

"Pardon?" Aviana spoke up. There was a small, tense silence that flooded the room.

"I wish to speak to Mitsuki, alone. It is clear that everyone staring at him like a zoo animal is scaring the boy. So may you all please clear out for me and wait until I am ready to see you all?"

"But, Cardinal." Rose interjected. "My duty is to remain by your side no matter-"

"Rosie." Eld glared, now slowly losing composure.

Letting out a sigh, the suited woman ensured that the only ones left were the Cardinal and Mitsuki. Once the door closed behind them, Constantine rubbed his head and slouched a bit. It was as if all the pressure was lifted off his shoulders as well. "People, am I right? Such an unnecessary annoyance. Comfortable now?"

"Yeah." Mitsuki softly confessed. Without everyone in the room, he sat up, organizing his posture to his superior.

"To answer your first question, you of course knew Dr Heisenberg and Aviana Pendragon. You were introduced to my personal guard. If you noticed there was another one with Aviana. That teal-haired gentleman's name was Rizzo. And all the kids who were probably on their phones, I wasn't looking, were the Oracles of the World."

"Those were the Oracles?!" Mitsuki paled.

"They were here because I asked them to come. Because that's what I wanted to talk to you about, Mitsuki." Folding his hands on his lap, he placed them over the manila folder that lies perfectly still over his robes.

"I see. This isn't my first time having a conversation like this. And I would prefer it if I didn't have it again… please?" The glasses boy hushed himself at the end, bringing his knees together.

Raising a brow, Constantine sat up. "Oh really?" There was some soft thunder to his voice. It tightened Mitsuki's posture as he was feeling pressed.

"No- excuse my comment, Cardinal! Forgive me. I accept responsibility and punishment for speaking out of line!" He quickly stated.

"Heh. Aha! Ahahaha! Ah… ah. Relax, Mitsuki. I'm not your instructor. I'm just me. Now, if you didn't know. I was an archeologist. I still am. I love digging. Digging through rocks, mountains, sand and finding results. It will never leave me, Mitsuki, despite that I am 75 years old and wearing red robes everyday."

"Really? That's… good for you!" Mitsuki peeped. He was trying to see what the Cardinal was getting at.

Constantine smiled and then said, "So, when it comes to mysteries, I enjoy digging. Especially to get to the bottom of things. Back when I was in my more reckless youth, I started as an exorcist who wished to receive the ability to wield a holy sword. Of course I either needed to be natural or go through seriously dangerous experiments. I didn't know what the holy sword project was really until recently." Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Eld tensed at the thought of the project. Especially since the ring leader was still on the loose. "But, eventually I became too old to fight. I had a family and I wanted to pursue greater pastures. I wanted to do what made me happy. But, I became a Cardinal instead." Eld got up and paced around the room before stopping at the door he pressed his ear to it. "Yeah you guys on the other side better not be trying to spy. Heheh. Where was I? Ah, yes! You, Mitsuki, have the proper qualifications and modifications to shoot for the stars. Yet, you choose to remain on the ground. I wonder why that is? Wasting such potential."

Just when Mitsuki was sure the Cardinal was about to begin interrogating him, the moment passed. He watched the intense man return to his jolly state. "Not that it's any of my business. But I like to dig and get to the bottom of things."

"I don't." Senjougahara said sheepishly.

"Pardon?"

"I don't want to waste this potential. It would be a disservice to everyone and the church." Mitsuki reasoned. This was more pressuring than when everyone else was in the room.

"What do you feel, Mitsuki?" Eld asked.

"Tingles. Everywhere. Especially in my left hand. Everytime I train the tingles spread all throughout my body to my muscles. I usually feel it when I'm nervous as well and unsure."

"Fascinating." Constantine exhaled. "Specifically in your left hand.?"

"Yes." Mitsuki confirmed. "But otherwise it's all over my body. Probably a side-effect of the treatment. That's why I've been performing as well as I could with my build. That's why I'm also still alive. Because my blood disease was cured, I'm alive."

"May I test something out, Mitsuki?" The Cardinal asked. He approached the young man while holding a small light marble. "Hold out the hand that tingles." At his doing-so, Eld gave the marble to the boy and closed his hand. "Your file stated you were labeled as a possible Sacred Gear user. We are about to find out."

"How?" Feeling rattled, the nerd wasn't sure he was ready for this. The ball in his hand made his arm tingle more. It was like the entire left side of his body was vibrating. His left hand then started to develop a light glow.

"There she is. Now, punch your arm out and hold the marble as tight as you can! Focus on that arm!"

Compelled by yells and the vibration of the marble, Mitsuki thrusted his left arm in the air, stopping a foot away from Constantine's face. By the time the vibrations stopped there was an object encasing Mitsuki's left arm. Coated by the scaled armor, the tips of his fingers appeared more like claws with an orb glowing on the back of his hand.

"Aha!" Constantine cheered.

"Aha?" Mitsuki raised a concerned eyebrow.

"Ahaaaa!" The proof was right there. It was a sacred gear. "Well won't you look at that. That's a sacred gear if I ever saw one. Hmn, by the looks of it, it's a Twice Critical. Despite what others say, it's still an amazing ability, Mitsuki!"

Mitsuki remembered touching on sacred gears. Twice Critical's were known as the 'Worst Gear". Magdalena even had the courage to say that. He bet money Galliard would agree. All the gear did was boost power for a limited amount of time. With the slander on his mind, he wanted to make sure the Cardinal wasn't going senile. "It is?"

Eld stared at him, his lips a solid thin line. "Mitsuki, you wouldn't believe how many people would go great lengths to obtain a sacred gear. People have sacrificed time, money, limbs and even others for something like this. But you were blessed by our father in heaven! God has awarded you a sacred gear! Despite it being a Twice Critical, it still carries immense power."

"Huh? Why? This is known as the worst gear. Maybe one other person in the ranks has a Twice Critical. Everyone else has some oddly specific ability." Mitsuki gulped, feeling a sinister overtone conjure itself into existence.

"I guess you don't understand the gift you have. Understandable, you are still a kid." Eld muttered. "You hold in your hands, a weapon, a tool that is not just given for one purpose, but has the opportunity to be more. Despite everyone crapping on Twice Criticals, it is perhaps one of the most dangerous sacred gears if used correctly. Your sacred gear, used correctly, could boost the abilities of an ORACLe unit by 200%."

"I- I never asked for this. I- I never wanted this." Mitsuki slumped in his chair, looking at his chrome-plated arm.

"I'm sorry, Mitsuki. But God has given you this gift. There's no point in crying over spilled milk." Constantine sat back in his chair. "Think of it as cards. That's the hand you've been given. You just need to play it the right way. A Two can beat an Ace depending on the game."

"Can I fold?" Mitsuki smiled awkwardly, his own attempt to humor himself and the Cardinal. He expected the light snort and chuckle from the old man. 'Seems he really likes jokes.' It was an old man making the most of his time. "I just wanted to get through my time, go home and resume my life in peace."

"Well. If you folded, then you would be labeled Excommunicado and be a free game target for any bounty hunter. Believe me. They breed them here in Italy." Eld sighed. He felt for the kid. But there was no escaping this crossing fate. "There is something I could do, actually. It could get you through your time at the citadel without interruption."

"You can?"

"I mean, I am the Cardinal of this facility. If I wanted to I could have this whole place painted green at my word." He smiled.

"Great!" Mitsuki stood up, grinning. "Thank you, Cardinal! But, what is it?"

"Well first, we need to make a deal. If I'm honest. I came here to issue a direct order to put you in the Oracles and start your new life after the upcoming training games." Eld confessed. By the shock on the boy's face, the old man knew it was cruel. Constantine didn't like what he had to do. He was about to propose a dilemma for both people. "BUT" There was a but. "Talking to you and seeing you in person has reminded me about the glory of youth. I know why you are hesitant. Not only the responsibility, but you would be leaving your friends as well. Miss Shidou. Miss Quarta and Mr Shiromine."

Watching him tap the file folder on his lap, Mitsuki knew that this guy had an entire run-down on his life and current arrangements.

"They aren't my friends." Mitsuki slowly said. "They are just comrades. I- I have no friends. I don't make friends easily."

"Those three would say otherwise. You're on week 6 of exorcist training. You have been with these people for over a month and you go out of your way to see them everyday. That's your comfort zone, Mitsuki. They are your comfort. That's why I am proposing a deal that holds Damocles' sword over the both of us." That wasn't a good start. "In this agreement, should you choose to accept, I will keep you in basic training. Thus, I will be ignoring the words of my own comrades, The Citadel and The Vatican. You will get to stay with your friends until you graduate and then be deployed separate from them, living the rest of your experience with all that wasted potential locked inside of you. As a result, while you are living the life you want, The Arrogant Jackal unit will be decommissioned. The Pendragons will lose millions of dollars. Dr Heisenberg will lose his job as well as the four kids you saw in the room today; all due to the fact that the Pendragons will shut the project down and terminate the positions of all those involved. I will receive a large blow to my career and possibly lose my clerical state."

That was the ugly truth. Mitsuki didn't have a choice. No matter his humor, smiles or jolly nature, Cardinal Constantine was speaking the truth. In reality he was testing Mitsuki. Would he be willing to sacrifice the livelihood of the Citadel's order just to be with the three people who made him feel comfortable? Was that why Mitsuki was so hesitant? Did he secretly, deep down, not want to lose his only friends? He didn't deserve to be having a moral crisis at 14 years old.

"The only thing I ask in return, if you wish for me to keep you out of the Oracles, is that you accept the consequences, dear boy." Constantine declared. "If it makes you feel better, you don't have to answer until after the Florence Games.

…

…

…

"Cardinal, I… think I have another answer."

"Aviana." The Cardinal opened the door, gaining the silence of the group who awaited outside of the hall. "I've finished my business with Mr Senjougahara. Rose, Rizzo, escort us to the surface please. I have to tend to new business at the surface."

"Right." Aviana joined her grandfather. "Doctor, take the Oracles back to their designated area please."

"Thank you, Cardinal! Aviana!" Sudachi waved off to the small group as they departed.

Eld looked over to his granddaughter, letting out a sigh. "As Director of the Citadel, and respecting the wishes of Mitsuki Senjougahara, I hereby give you the order to keep him out of the Oracles of the World."

"Eh?" Aviana perked, shocked by this. "Cardinal, what are we supposed to do? What am I supposed to tell Alistair and Aurora? That their daughter wasted years upon years to fund this program only for it to go to waste? That she made a stupid decision in trusting a half-breed nutcase's ideas? We have the money to fund this forever but this was the ultimatum Alistair gave me. Either a pilot or nothing!" She hissed. Aviana turned around, ready to walk into the conference room when Eld stopped her.

"Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action. Mitsuki isn't our enemy. It's the selfishness of human nature."

"Tch." Avaina's eye became shaded by her hair.

"Listen, Avi. Give the boy time. I think he will have a change of heart after the Florence Games."

To

Be

Continued...

Yo yo yo. I'm back. I know. Listen. As said, my life has gotten super busy. Heaven's Shining Diamond and Excommunicado Voyeur will continue. I have this passion for this story right now as its a more original concept. But I have started the new Chapters for HSD and EV so Don't worry! As for this story, I just posted a smaller chapter focusing on the more inner conflict between out protagonist and the pressure / responsibilities of having power.

In this chapter, we follow he main quad of exorcists from their silly bantering to classroom stress, their companionship now faces a large hurdle as a new oc arrives and puts the purpose and drive of Mitsuki at risk. Choices are morals are tested as the Oracles of Wonder and Pendragon family narrow down their last target. With deadlines and pressures coaxing everyone from Sudachi to Aviana, the pressures of Citadel Italia's Oracle Project remains on the line of Mitsuki Senjougahara. How will our young man approach it this time?

Hope you guys enjoy. This series is fun to write. Follow, Favorite and leave a review! I love reading em.