Issei walked the echoed halls of St. Peters, avoiding the normal tourists and clergymen that dotted its halls. He didn't take a single moment to look out at the wonderous artwork of the building, mostly due to him have seen it a million times at this point in his life and because he hated most of it. It constantly reminded him of his mother who had a fascination in the art of the cathedral.
Issei navigated through the crowds into a hallway that laid hidden from the normal path, more paintings and religious artifacts dotted the walls as he made his way towards an office that laid at the end. As he arrived, he took note of the door's strange engravings and markings, some he recognized as wards, meant to keep away those who do not have a proclivity to the supernatural. Issei knocked three times and waited for an answer that came not too long after.
Issei entered the office, which was furnished with various tomes and artifacts. A man dressed in a black priest grab sat at a plain desk that stood in the center of the office. "Issei. It's good to see you." Spoke the priest with a warm smile, although his eyes carried a weight of tiredness.
"Father Felix," responded Issei with a small bow, "I hope that you haven't been running yourself to ragged."
"I'm afraid I have been, was the mission a success?"
"Of course, however I do have some concerns that need to be brought to your attention." Spoke Issei as he sat down in a chair in front of Father Felix. Felix nodded and Issei began to give his report, "the journey was rather hectic considering the numerous conflicts that we encountered against fallen, however my concern is over the safety of Asia Argento in the near future."
"Care to explain?"
"Last night, I was attacked by a high-class devil, whom of which is the younger brother of a Satan. His objective was to corrupt Asia." Issei said in cold monotone.
"Dear God." Spoke Felix as he rubbed his temples.
"I believe that it is the best interest of both Asia and the church that new precautions be in place for her safety."
"How would you propose that we do this then?" asked Felix curious to what his mercenary exorcist was implying.
"I offer that she come with me to Kuoh. There she will be safe."
"It has come to my attention that Kuoh is devil territory, explain how she would be safe there?"
"Kuoh is currently under the join rain of both the sisters of Lucifer and Leviathan. Both of which wish for peace and will not be a threat." Issei stopped to catch his breath, "I also have a few favors that can be called in should they attempt any action against her."
Father Felix sighed. He knew that he made a good case, especially after the events yesterday. However, he still felt some unease, at least until an idea came into his head. "Issei, I will accept this proposal on once condition."
"Alright." Issei said curiously.
"I will be assigning Xenovia Quarta as her guard. Will that be acceptable?" Issei nodded with a smile on his face. Having his cousin along sounded like a great way to both have some company and to help train. With that Father Felix began completing the paperwork and Issei disappeared in a silver light down to training chambers.
As he arrived, he felt the nostalgic feeling of battle. He watched as dozens of different exorcists in training were clashing blades in hopes of bettering themselves, also in a rather vain attempt to impress the battle master who noticed Issei's entrance. "Hello, Issei. What brings one of my best students here?"
The battle master was older, with large spots of grey hair adorning his head. A large grey beard was present masking his features. "I'm here to pick up Xenovia, she will be accompanying me on a mission."
"Oh, I'm sure she will be excited to hear that. She holds you in very high regard."
"Oh, you're making me blush old man." Issei said in a joking manner, "Know where she is?"
"She just finished a mission and is currently in the showers. She said she would be coming here soon, to help train some of the more promising recruits." The battle master said, trying his best not to laugh at some of the mistakes the recruits were making.
"Are these all of them?" asked Issei noticing the lack of students.
"Sadly yes, recruits are becoming harder to come by due to devil interferences. More and more devils are acquiring evil pieces so getting strong warriors for the church is being difficult."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Issei said in a sad tone.
"don't worry about it, all it means is that the new batches of recruits will get more attention. For better or for worse." Said the battle master with a wink, which caused Issei to feel incredibly sad for them. The two began to engage in various subjects regarding the recruits, ranging from fighting style to personality. However, the conversation began to get cut off when the students noticed Issei.
"Hey, isn't that Issei Hyoudou?" whispered a male student to his dueling partner,
"Yeah, I think it is."
"Oh my god, is that the wielder of Joyeuse?" a female student whispered.
"He's kinda cute." Another said.
Issei picked up on the various conversations thanks to his enhanced hearing, however paid them no mind. However, the battle master had some other ideas. "I see your appearance has made them nervous. How about a demonstration?"
"How so?" Asked Issei curiously.
"Just bring out Joyeuse. Many of them have yet to see a true holy blade." Issei nodded and walked to the center of the room with the battle master getting all the students in attention. Once there, he removed the seals off his wrist and summoned the blade, not in its form that he would normally fight with but in its true form. As the blade changed form, a blinding light filled the entire room and once it left all could see Joyeuse in its glory.
It was a longsword, with a golden hilt and pommel. A cross was emblazoned upon it, and it radiated powerful holy energy. The students awed and gasped at the sight. Many taking great measures to ensure that the sight never leave their memory. Issei swung the blade effortlessly, allowing the holy energy to waft over each student, which in turn made many of the more skeptical student more inclined to the teachings. The demonstration, however, was disrupted when a powerful feminine voice rung across the chamber, "Good to see you again, Issei."
Issei turned to see Xenovia, standing in the doorway of the chamber. A small smile stretched on her face. "Hello, Xenovia. Say would you be up for a bout? Afterall you are the wielder of Durandal."
"You know I can't wield it that well."
"All the more reason for practice." Said Issei with a sly smile. Xenovia sighed, however internally she was excited. Joyeuse was one of the only blades that Durandal could clash against, so it was perfect to practice. She was a battle junkie after all. Xenovia took her place and began to speak, closing her eyes,
A golden circle appeared next to her hand…
"Oh peter,
Oh, basileus and Dionysius,
And the blessed virgin Mary.
I ask you to please hear my prayers!
In the name of the saint within this blade,
I hereby set you free!"
A blade of gold and blue appeared from the circle, shattered binding chains.
"Ready, Issei?!" yelled Xenovia with a wild smile.
Nodding, the two waited for the battle master to begin the duel.
The battle master looked at both combatants. Issei was relaxed, however his eyes held perfect concentration and seriousness that honestly brought a chill to the old master's spine. Xenovia, however, had rapid eyes that kept scanning and rescanning her opponent, which made him uneasy. Taking a deep breathe, he yelled, "Begin!"
Immediately, Xenovia launched herself forward, using the momentum of her heavy blade to further increase her speed as she reached Issei who had only moved a mere few centimeters. His blade glowed a furious holy energy, which when the two swordman clashed, an explosion of energy rolled over the audience of students. The blades locked together. Issei was calm and silent as Xenovia growled like an animal, using all her strength into her blade. Pushing down against the boy.
Issei held, using his blade's ability of perfect defense to hold firm against the destructive nature of Durandal. "Is that all you can muster Xenovia?" he asked mockingly, causing Xenovia to become more aggressive.
She pulled her blade from the lock before pushing forward with a rapid series of downward strikes, all to break the defense of Issei. He watched his opponent's aggression, looking for any signs of an easy opening. That opening appeared as she reared back her blade as fierce holy energy formed around the blade. When it condensed, she launched her attack. Issei waited millimeter by millimeter as the sword came closer to his. Finally, he sidestepped the attack. The energy from the strike causing a large crater to appear. Issei swung up with finesse, striking Xenovia's side in a non-fatal manner. However, the strength behind the swing propelled her away, loosening her grip on Durandal. Issei, not one to miss an opportunity, launched himself form a stationary position, striking her with his knee and lurching Durandal from her grasp.
Xenovia cratered into a nearby wall with a disgusting crunch. Leaving her weakly shaking as she attempted to rise.
Issei felt a strange singeing pain in his hand that held Durandal. Looking at his hand he noticed that the blade was continually burning his hand with holy energy. Guess he doesn't like me. Issei jokingly thought as he walked over to the struggling Xenovia.
"You alright?" Asked Issei as he lifted Xenovia.
"I'm alright," she said, although pained, "You've gotten better."
"Perhaps," Issei sighed as began to hear the murmuring of the students. "So, now that is done, let's talk about why I'm here." Issei began to inform Xenovia of the situation as they began to walk out from the training grounds.
"I guess I won't be able to help you after all, Master." Xenovia said as they reached the door frame, where the old man stood.
"You have done more than enough. Good luck on the mission."
"Thank you, may the lord's light guide you, Master." Xenovia said bowing.
"To you as well. Issei take care of her." He looked at Issei with worried eyes.
"I will old man. Try not to kill one of them." Issei retorted as they left the room, making the Master laugh and the students to feel some Semblance of worry.
The two-swordsman walked through the halls of the dormitories that connected to the training hall. Xenovia had a rather uncharacteristic smile as they walked towards her room. Upon arriving, Issei remarked, "Why is your room so…empty?"
"What do you mean?" she asked as Issei looked around the room. Everything was incredibly basic. No personal items other than a mountain of weapons. All her clothes being church uniforms and battle attire.
"Nothing, just were going to have to go shopping when we get back." Issei sighed.
"I'd rather not."
"Oh, but you will." Issei said as he sat down on her bed as she began to pack her things.
As Issei waited for Xenovia to finish, he called Asia through his phone.
"Hello, Issei." She said with the same cheery tone as always.
"Hey, Asia. I was just checking up on you. Are all of your things packed?"
"Yep!"
"Alright. I'll be done soon, and I'll go pick you up." Was all Issei said before ending the call.
"Say Issei, you never did tell me why you insisted on bringing Asia with you. The church would have doubled her security if you would have asked. You know you have that kind of authority." Issei thought about for a moment, each answer that he came up with would backfire due to Xenovia having some analytical prowess.
"The truth is…I wanted to." Issei said bluntly.
"Huh?" was all she could manage.
"I wanted to. She seemed sad to be couped up all day within a tower. She wants to experience the world and have friends just like any normal girl would want. I can tell just by her eyes. Besides you know my distain for this place." His response was all honest and she could sense that much at least. That was one thing he really loved about him, his honesty.
"Alright then, but did you plan to have me as well?" she asked with a small blush, luckily hidden due to her back being turned.
"No, however it's a very pleasant surprise." Issei said warmly which only exasperated her blush.
Several moments passed and Xenovia finally finished packing her sparce belongings. With a simple spell, all her things were teleported to Issei's dimensional storage. "Alright, now we just need to pick up Asia and we can go home." He said as he grabbed Xenovia's hand and disappeared in a silver light.
Rias Gremory was having a rather shity day all things considered. Her new Bishop of one was horribly ruining the reputation of her club with his antics, mainly peeping on the girls of the school, and now he botched his fourth contract in a row. She rubbed her nose bridge, trying to alleviate some of her headache. "Akeno, when was Issei supposed to return?"
"ara, missing him?" spoke Akeno in a playful tune, causing a rather large blush to plaster on her face.
"No, I need him to start training Motohama. The game is coming soon, and I really need all of my pieces up to shape."
"Sure...He said he would return in a couple of weeks. So perhaps today or sometime this weekend." Responded Akeno not losing her playful grin. "Tea?"
"Yes, please." exclaimed Rias knowing full well the wonders her queen's tea did. Akeno nodded and left the room, leaving Rias alone with her thoughts.
Rias left her seat and wondered over to the window, looking out at the night sky with worry. I know Motohama won't win me this game. but Issei is a mercenary right. maybe if I offered him something then he could... she thought as suddenly a waft of holy energy fell upon her, although it was suppressed heavily. turning she noticed a silver magic circle was glowing over the one imprinted in the floor. It flickered several times in a very specific pattern, one that Rias was familiar with. She created a magic circle over it allowing the teleportation to come through.
Three figures came from the circle. One was dressed in a white cloak and had blue hair with a green streak. Another wore a nun's outfit and had golden hair. Finally, she saw Issei standing tall amongst them. "Issei, welcome." her greeting however was met with hostility from the blue haired one.
"Issei! why the hell are we in a devil lair?!"
"Calm yourself Xenovia. She is in charge of this place and is Lucifer's little sister. Behave." Issei barked at Xenovia as he collected himself. "It's good to be back Rias." his tone flipflopped from authoritative to warm so fast that it threw her for a loop.
"I hope you have been well. Care to introduce me to your friends, Issei?" Rias asked curious to why he brought an exorcist and a holy maiden to her residence.
"These two are Xenovia Quarta, my little cousin," he said pointing to the bluenette. "And this is Asia Argento."
"H-hello." spoke Asia nervously, while Xenovia was fuming.
"They will be staying with me for the foreseeable future and will both be attending school. I've already set everything up with Sona."
"That's wonderful, Welcome to Kuoh Academy." she said with as much warmth as she could muster, "I didn't know you had a cousin, Issei."
"Well...she's my aunts ward. So not really related but my cousin all the same." Issei said patting her on the head, somehow calming the seething animal known as Xenovia.
"I see..." Rias trailed off watching their strange family dynamic. like a tamer and its beast.
"Oh, how's Motohama." suddenly the headache was about to leave Rias's head came back in full force.
"I kinda wish I never reincarnated him." she said coldly although with a hint of Sarcasm. she wouldn't admit but she liked his perverseness slightly. Added a funnier dynamic to her rather serious group.
"I'm sure he's not all that bad." Issei sad jokingly, however in Rias's eyes she felt intense killing intent from his eyes. they glowed a deep gold and felt as if a demon was watching her. forever reminding her of his words before when she had just gotten Motohama. "Anyway, I'll get out of your hair. I won't be going to school for the remainder of the week, but I will train Motohama. Chao." suddenly the three disappeared in a silver light. Rias felt weird, really weird and it was noticed by Akeno as she entered the room, noticing that her king's eyes held an intense fear, yet her body was screaming lust, thanks to her skills as a fallen.
After Issei had gotten the girls settled and fed, he returned to his bed and fell into his mindscape.
The valley of this world was silent, but only for the echoing winds were to be heard. Not even the dragon residence could be seen. What the hell did they bring me here for if they aren't even here. sighing, Issei brought out his wings and launched into the sky. observing his surrounding, looking for the troubling dragons. for several moments he looked, and soon he found the two clashing in bitter conflict.
Ddraig stood on his hind legs, looming over Ymey, who was crouched over guarding a golden and siler orb that radiated energy. Their flames of green tinted red and grey blue clashed against each other sending shockwaves across the entire valley.
"Just let me see it Ymey, I should have access to his soul as much as you do." Ddraig roared as the two dragons clashed.
"Hell no. You are battle maniac and would only serve to bring my beholder down the path to ruin." yelled Ymey, losing all of his calm demeanor. The two's flames clashed again, causing another shock wave.
Issei watched, his fury building with every fireball each sent towards each other. I should really teach Ddraig a lesson. thought Issei as he found a perch. Issei focused energy on his spine, allowing a familiar burning sensation to form. in a flash of light, a strange bone like structure appeared on his back, acting like a second spine. It had bones in the shape of ribcages that held it firm to Issei's torso. Grey gems lined the different joints, intermixing with spikes that protruded outwards. Issei knelt down and placed his hand on a rocky surface. as he did so the gems began to glow a sinister grey as he felt the earth shift and shake. Pulling his hand up, A stake the size of a house followed, sticking to his hand like glue. For Issei, the stone was weightless in his hand, however its reality it easily weights a hundred tons. Holding the stake like a javelin, he waited for the perfect shot against the dragon.
time rolled slower and slower as he waited, the two argued over pointless things till finally Ddraig began to charge up a blast of boosted fire. Issei exhaled as he threw the stake with as much strength as he could. It flew with great speed and terrifying accuracy as hit struck its mark mid breath attack. "Argh!" roared Ddraig as he felt the stone breaking through his scales and puncturing his flame glandes. Flames spewed from his mouth and from the wound, causing the battlefield to erupt in a sea of flame. Ymey, seeing an opportunity, launched several more stakes, although far larger than Issei's. Each punctured and stuck the heavenly dragon to a nearby mountain. "Damn it!" roared Ddraig in a pained breath.
"Did you call me here over a damned squabble?" Yelled Issei towards Ymey, who regained his wise composure.
"No, it was an automatic response from your soul to bring you here."
"I thought Ddraig was a welp compared to you, or perhaps you're losing your edge, Ymey." Issei said sarcastically earning him a scoff as the Ymey began to encircle his soul like a constrictor.
"I'm tried now and looks like day is about to come." Yawned Ymey, leaving a frustrated Issei as he had lost another night of dreams.
Issei awoke with a layer of sweat plastered on his forehead. his body was strewn on his couch, still dressed in his battle attire with a white cloak draped over him like a blanket. Issei wiped his eyes, as he rose cracking his neck in the process. He then began to stretch the rest of his body, joints popped and creaked, however it was quite enjoyable for him.
He walked into the kitchen and noticed that Xenovia was already there. dressed in sweats and a sports bra, a thin layer of sweat present along the exposed skin. In her hands were a cup of coffee. "Good to see you awake, Issei." she said warmly.
"Morning. Did I pass out on the couch?" she nodded as he went and made himself a cup. "Sleep well?"
"The bed here is far more comfortable than back home and made it difficult to sleep. I was so used to the bed back home that it was unpleasant."
"I see." Issei said took a deep sip of the coffee that now warmed his innards. He took a look at the clock that hung on the kitchen wall, it read 6:30. "How long have you been training?"
"About an hour. Your training room downstairs is very technologically advanced."
"Yea, Azazel owed me a favor." Issei said casually, not noticing the surprised face of Xenovia.
"The governor of the fallen angels owed you a favor?" she said adding emphasis on the you.
"Alot of people owe me favors, it's one of the tools of the trade. Michael owes me couple and Zeus, man he owes me so many that it's hard to keep track." Xenovia was having an incredibly hard time following Issei. When the hell did, he get so much influence? she thought as she took another sip from her cup. The two sat in complete silence for a while, however both enjoyed the silence and serenity of the situation. After an hour of calm, Issei spoke up, "I have to go train an idiot for a while. Take care of Asia and if you need anything just call me." Xenovia nodded as Issei left.
"Alright, I'll see you later mom." yelled Motohama as he left the front door of his home, only to be met by a daunting figure dressed in an outlandish white cloak. it took a moment before he recognized the man to be Issei.
"Hey, Motohama, guess what?" spoke Issei in a cheery voice, that actually made Motohama fear for his life.
"What?" he said in defeated tone.
"You're out of school for the rest of the week." Issei exclaimed bring joy to Motohama's ears, "but you're stuck with me." the last words spoke with cold ruthlessness. making Motohama truly wish he had died that night.
whew, just did an all nighter to get this done alongside my studies, so you guys better appreciate the work I'm doing.
Nah just kidden, have a good day.
