Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Xionremind22; Thanks! Maybe~
OechsnerC; Thanks! Maybe they could do, we'll have to wait and see~
Darkwubs; I've thought about it, and if I found an interesting angle to take it then I'd be all for doing a story like that. Thanks very much! Yeah, Xenovia's reaction is going to be rather interesting to see. Haruki can demolish Kokabiel yeah. Maybe they could do yeah~ Augusta, she'd be interesting to see. Yeah, it's going to be a unique lemon.
KiritoAlpha; Thank you very much!
Isao Gin; Hehe, here's some more~
Coolguy001; Lint will do yeah.
kat1017; They'd be cool, thanks for the suggestions!
DanDrake; Thanks. Thanks for your thoughts.
TheRagFromTheCrag; Yeah that would be a funny fight!
danielhaywoodsnow; Maybe she could do. They could join her group.
NoaRien; Vali will join very soon.
ShadowUzumaki55; Haruki's quite the busy guy yeah. He is going to be gaining more peerage members pretty soon. Xenovia and Irina's visit is going to be rather interesting. Haruki gave Dohnaseek a chance, and he squashed it. Maybe they could do. Their lemon will come soon.
synode; Not sure on that yet, it's possible.
MDM11; Arthur could do that. Learning time magic would be fun. That as a Sacred Gear would be cool. Akeno will begin to use it pretty soon. Ravel learning things like that would be awesome. Shadow magic could be fun. They'd be cool members. Thanks for the suggestions!
Silver crow; Thanks. Yup, Ophis is added on, thought of a fun scenario involving her. Haruki will do what's necessary if it comes down to it. Yeah, they'll have some conversations. Yeah, after the neko's lemon, the Vali one will come afterwards. Yeah, Serafall and Haruki had quite a bit of time together. Glad you liked the Le Fay scene. Serafall is quite cute huh. Akeno is quite concerned, and yeah Haruki would love to marry Akeno. In the back of their minds, they know it is most likely Kuroka. Haruki is pretty good at reading people, and how they're feeling and what they might be thinking, so he could see what Isane was getting at. Haruki does care about Yuuto like a younger brother and doesn't want him to get hurt. Irina and Xenovia have arrived! I guess Serafall would be. Irina does seem to be yeah. Dohnaseek surely got scared. Yeah, that's how Haruki is. It seems the Fallen Angels would be yeah. They might have a bath scene one day. I could see Isane saying that. Irina wont have that sword just yet, but she'll get it earlier than she did in canon. Ophis will show up soon. Thanks for the suggestions! Cool Avatar ideas! Yeah, Kuroka and Koneko's lemon is going to be interesting to write. Yeah, Haruki has a massive bed. That's a cool thing for the fire prince.
Kenrio; He did help Akeno out with accepting her Fallen Angel side, she's coming round to Holy Lightning. Isane's just like that, she's not super serious about it, she does it for fun.
TheBossBovaTannin; Bova's a cool character, he'll show up in time.
Skull Flame; They'll notice pretty soon. Yup, Dohnaseek is dead. We'll see what happens with them~
LightningSlayer; Thank you very much~
KingTiger2 0; Thanks for the votes.
Battlefield9000; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 1; No problem at all, I always thought it would be cool to have a fire like that. Yeah, they'd be cool members. Yeah, the Phenex's seem to rarely use the wind powers so it would be cool to see. He'd like battle yeah. They'd be a good couple. Yeah, he could meet Ophis early.
Guest 2; Haha, I'm sure Haruki could do~
Akeno fan; Yeah, it's going to be fun. Yup, they'll have the next lemon. Vali will be joining the peerage quite soon.
Boku no hero; I have a Quirk in mind which would be different to that, since Keita's Quirk represents a lot of his character, through all of the difficulty he went through and still is since in many ways he's still quite scarred by the past, with it being able to rewrite a new existence for himself after trying to overcome the darkness of his past and present. Rensuke's would represent who he is and fit him more than that one would do.
Guest 3; I don't know when that story will be out, it'll be in the next poll, when that comes about but I currently don't know when that will be.
Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Exorcists vs Devils!
After dealing with Dohnaseek, Haruki returned back to his home, and went to go and meet Yuuto, when Ravel came towards him. Her eyes seemed to be focused on something, so he diverted from Yuuto, and turned towards her.
"Ara Ravel-chan, what's going on?"
"Haruki-sama, we have been contacted by two Exorcists. They wish to discuss something important tomorrow after school. One of them, according to Rias-sama, seemed adamant about speaking to you directly, we aren't sure of their motives just yet. But, Rias-sama and Sona-sama both believe that this is a meeting we should attend."
"If that's the case then we'll have to meet them, and see what they want. Though, I'm sure Koneko-chan has filled you in about what happened before."
"...Yes, Excalibur was within this town wasn't it?"
"According to what I could find out, it seems that Freed was directly involved."
Ravel wore an uneasy expression on her face.
"Freed...yes, I remember you telling me about him. So he wields an Excalibur...this could be tricky..."
"Depends how skilled he is with it. I didn't get a chance to see him fight, but I did take out Dohnaseek."
"Dohnaseek...the Fallen Angel that tried to attack Isane-sama all that time ago?"
Haruki inclined his neck.
"Yes, the very same. He's dead now...but, I remember that he, and the other Fallen Angels had been broken out of their holding cell. And around the same time, Kokabiel mysteriously disappeared. If that doesn't scream obvious, then I don't know what does. So, most likely, Freed is working with Kokabiel as well."
"Kokabiel...a Top Tier Fallen Angel...even if that's the case Haruki-sama, we shall prevail!"
Seeing Ravel's assuredness, Haruki was glad that she was as confident as she was, without being cocky about it at the same time.
"Fufu, I wouldn't worry Ravel-chan, I'm sure that he is going to make a good entrance, and then I'll make sure that he has a good exit if he attempts to do anything around here. But more than that, these Exorcist girls...I wonder if they're strong..."
Ravel gave an amused look.
"That's you Haruki-sama, I'm sure you're wondering if you can have a fight with them~"
"If they'd like to have a fight, I wouldn't be against it. But first of all, we need to make sure they aren't hostile, and they aren't going to cause trouble for Rias-chan or Sona-chan's groups as well as our own. Speaking of, how is Yuuto-kun doing?"
"When Koneko-san brought him here, he was rather quiet, and didn't say anything at all. The most I got out of him was that he was upset about the battle. Asia-sama is with him right now, healing his wounds. But still...I feel as if he might attempt to do something drastic, he has that look in his eyes Haruki-sama."
"Hmmmm...well, I'm going to have a little conversation with him, and see what he is going to be doing next. But Ravel-chan, I need you to make some preparations for me, okay?"
Ravel became excited, she was happy to do anything her King needed her to do.
"Yes Haruki-sama, I am ready and willing to do whatever you need me to do."
"Then please do these tasks..."
Haruki went over a few things that he needed Ravel to do, Ravel was quite excited to do it, and then ran off to do said tasks.
Smiling at her enthusiasm, Haruki turned for the spare bedroom, walking towards it.
When getting there, he walked in.
He found Asia inside, who was standing above Yuuto with her hands above his body, using her power to heal his body.
"Asia-chan, how is he?"
Asia turned to Haruki with a soft kind smile.
"I believe that he is going to be okay, he didn't suffer many major wounds Haruki-san."
"That's good, when you're finished, I'll watch over him."
"Okay Haruki-san! This shouldn't take me long."
"Thanks again Asia-chan."
Asia continued doing what she needed to do.
When she was finished, she bowed, and exited the room.
Yuuto's eyes couldn't meet with Haruki's own.
Haruki walked closer, sitting down beside the young blonde.
Yuuto couldn't look at him, Haruki though had some thoughts he'd like to share.
"Why was Dohnaseek able to get the best of you?"
Yuuto's eyes went towards Haruki, who didn't look away.
"I'm...he was stronger than I was."
"No, he wasn't. Dohnaseek didn't have the skills nor the power to beat you in a fight. Yet, he was able to get the best of you. Why is that?"
Yuuto didn't have an answer.
Rather...he didn't have an answer that would be satisfying.
"...Even if I said why, my answer wouldn't be a good one..."
"You got sloppy." Haruki delivered a harsh truth. "Excalibur clouded your mind, and you allowed your emotions to take over you. With your skills, Dohnaseek would have been child's play for you. Even with his new power up. Would it be the same if you come up against Excalibur again Yuuto-kun? And why didn't you call Rias-chan or anyone else from the peerage for assistance?"
Yuuto's body lifted up from the bed, and he gazed towards the raven haired young man.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to say...I messed up..."
"Yes, you did."
Yuuto blinked.
Hearing the truth did hurt.
But it was the truth, undeniable, unmistakable…
It was a truth that he didn't want to hear.
But it was a truth that he knew he had to hear.
"...Haruki-kun, the Excalibur...those blades that we were made to wield but couldn't in the end...they haunt me. When I saw that Holy Sword in Isane-sans pictures...it came flooding back, my mind was overwhelmed and I couldn't think correctly."
Haruki didn't rebuke what he said, he agreed with what he said about Yuuto not thinking clearly.
"Perhaps, but that doesn't excuse how you've been distant with others. I can't speak for how it was because I wasn't experimented on, but I do know what it is like to feel alone, and cut off from the world, where everyone is out to get you, and you have nothing but your own powers, and memories to believe in. I've also seen comrades die before Yuuto-kun, I know how distressing and anger fuelling it can be."
Yuuto's hands clutched the bedsheets below him, pulling them up to the point that his feet were exposed, anguish was on his face with memories flooding into his mind of what happened to him in the past.
"...Yes, that's exactly it. When I think about it...my anger grows, my hearts pace goes faster and faster, and in the end...I feel as if I can't do anything other than release my anger...it got me caught up in trouble today..."
Haruki inhaled, then exhaled.
"Listen, no one's asking you to forget your former comrades, no one's asking you to begin moving on just yet. But, what you did tonight endangered your life, not only yours but if you had died, then it could have endangered Rias-chan's life, my Onee-sama's, Ise-chan's and others that care about you. They could have used your death to their advantage and caused massive harm. When you go into battle, you can't allow your anger to cloud your better judgement."
Yuuto thought about what he said.
He did speak sense, he was coming from a place that wasn't being harsh for the sake of it.
It was coming from a place where he knew how Yuuto felt, how angry he was, and how heartbreaking such a situation could be.
He was relieved to hear him speak in such a manner.
"Yes...I understand...but, how do I get these feelings to stop? I can't stop thinking about what could have been, if we weren't killed that day..."
Haruki could see that his words were partly getting through, but some weren't and anger still resided within Yuuto. It was clear that even if he told Yuuto to not do it, then he'd probably try and do it anyway.
"You have a lot of good things going for you, don't let it all go to waste because the Holy Sword Excalibur is here."
Yuuto did appreciate the words, he truly did.
He bowed his head, nodding as Haruki walked to the door.
"We're having a meeting with the Excalibur wielders that came into town before, tomorrow after school." Yuuto's ears perked up. "However, I can't have you attend if you're going to cause trouble with them."
Yuuto looked devastated that he might not be able to attend.
To see Excalibur again...he couldn't allow this chance to go.
"But..."
"As a Queen of the Maou, who is in charge of foreign affairs, it is a duty of mine to help keep the peace when it is possible. And if you're going to be attempting anything, then I wont allow it. But, if you promise not to do anything drastic, then I'll allow you to come."
Begrudgingly, Yuuto knew that he couldn't argue, Haruki's words were all truthful, and correct.
If he wasn't in the state mentally he was in now, then he'd be agreeing wholeheartedly with what Haruki was saying.
"...Yes, I understand."
Haruki wasn't sure if Yuuto truly would keep to that, but if he did do anything then Haruki would stop it.
"I can't tell you how to live your life, it's your decision. But think about what decisions you're going to make, because even if you do destroy Excalibur but cut all ties to do so...then what do you have? Throw everything away for one thing, and you're left with nothing. Anyway, think about what I said, and rest, you're safe here."
Yuuto inclined his neck, before Haruki left the room.
Yuuto was left with his thoughts, he didn't know what he was going to say or do next.
But, he knew he had to at least see the blades again.
Isane was returning home for the evening, when she felt something...was off.
She felt her skin tingling, and her palms were beginning to sweat.
She didn't like the feeling, it was coming from her house.
She walked closer to the house, and knew the feeling as she got in close…
It was a holy power.
Becoming more worried, Isane rushed home, moving as fast as her legs would take her.
Returning back to her house within a minute, she practically barged through the door, and looked around the house.
She felt weird vibes, ones that felt like Freed from back when he made his first appearance.
She didn't want anything to be happening with her parents.
"T-Tou-chan! Kaa-chan! Where are you?!"
She called out as she made her way to the living room.
As she got close, she heard some laughing noise.
She didn't know what it was, but it didn't sound as if her parents were in danger.
She walked cautiously through the door, to see a young chestnut brown haired woman tied into twin tails sat on the couch, a hand going through her long hair, and her long eyelashes flapping up and down as she sat opposite of her parents.
It was Irina.
They seemed to be laughing about...Isane didn't know.
She couldn't see anything that would make them laugh all of a sudden.
"Ooh, Isane, you're back~"
Isane's Mother sang out with her Father chortling.
"Isane, look who's come to meet you again."
Isane blinked at the 'again' part since Isane didn't recognize the girl at all.
"Eh...nice to meet you."
Isane said as she bowed her head.
Irina looked towards Isane, blinking as she did so.
"Eh...but, you don't recognize me? Though I have changed a bit..."
"You are...someone I know?"
Irina giggled, and placed her hands together.
"It's me, Irina Shidou! How come you can't remember me Isane-chan?"
"Irina...Shidou...Irina Shidou...eh...y-you're...erm..."
Seeing her struggling to remember, Isane's Mother brought out the same book the others had been looking over not that long ago.
"Here, this is you and her when you were kids~ Don't you remember?"
Isane looked at the picture then towards Irina.
Then back to the picture, then towards Irina once more.
Irina waved, as Isane's eyes widened.
"Holy crap!"
"You remember me now?"
"Y-Yeah! You're really...ehehe, you really have grown..." Irina tilted her head curiously. "By the way, can I ask if you're single Shidou-san?"
"S-Single?!"
Irina gushed out, Isane's motives for such a thing made her truly excited and she wished to see what would be the best thing to do.
"Yes! Because Har..." Her eyes went to her parents who tilted their heads. "Ehehee, Kaa-chan, Tou-chan, can I...can I spend sometime alone with...Shidou-san?"
"Sure! We will be going to do some stuff~"
Isane's parents left the room, while Isane sat down near the young woman.
Irina's eyes went towards Isane.
"Isane-chan! I couldn't believe it, you really became a Devil!"
Isane was surprised she came out with it outright.
"Y-Yeah...it was a decision I made..."
"You decided to become a Devil…? Eh, but why is that?"
"Because...Because I wanted to become one. A lot of crazy stuff happened and I ended up becoming one. But you...you're an Exorcist, aren't you?"
Isane recalled what Haruki said about the person in the picture, and if Irina was that girl, then it was only logical that she would be an Exorcist.
"Yes, that's right! Uu, I'm sorry that I came like this, I didn't know you were a Devil until seeing you. Do your parents know?"
"Ehe, no, they don't know anything...but, eh...with you being an Exorcist and all..."
"Ooh, don't worry, we're being watched right now." Irina revealed as she pointed out of the window. "Someone by the name of Kuroka-chan said that even though I am an Exorcist, as long as she's here, and is keeping an eye on me, it would be fine if I didn't do anything, is that okay with you?"
"If it is Kuroka, I don't have any objections..."
"Exactly! We have so much to catch up on...though even if you are a Devil...I still don't think it would be so bad, right?"
"Hehe...it's strange, the Exorcist I met was really crazy. He tried to kill me, and threatened my parents. I didn't want anything to do with Exorcists, but you aren't so bad..."
"Ooh, thank you~ Well, I also did worry about Devils once, but I met a kind Devil who saved my life~"
Isane was intrigued.
"You did? Who's that?"
"Maybe you know him since he lives in this town...his name is Haruki Himejima."
"Pft!" Isane did a spit take. "T-That name! R-Really, Haruki?!"
"I take it you know him?"
"Y-Yeah! He's kind of my lover!"
Irina slowly nods, blushing lightly at how Isane said it.
"I see, so you do know him~"
"He really saved you?"
"Ooh yes, I was sent on a mission to secure a location that a Stray Devil happened to be around and killing innocent people. The location was that near a Church area I was at, at the time, so I was deployed. When I got there with my squad, the Devil was strong, stronger than anything I had dealt with. It was High Class, I was only 14 years old. That Devil came for me and my comrades, and began taking them out one by one. I would have been next...but Haruki-kun came in and saved my life."
"He did huh..."
Isane mused.
She found that really nice…
"Yup! He was also after the Devil who caused mess within the Underworld. He saved my life, and treated those who were still alive. He really did help us, members of the Church. I was shocked, I thought he might have wanted something...but, no. He didn't at all. He saved our lives...and I couldn't be more grateful, so that's why I was happy on two fronts. Seeing my childhood friend again, and seeing the man who happened to be a Devil who saved my life~"
Isane blinked at the words Irina used.
She was happy to hear it.
But it also sounded sad at the same time.
Probably because she was a human from the Church, she knew that she probably couldn't form a relationship with either Isane or Haruki now.
However, Isane took this chance to get to know Irina again after all the time they had spent apart.
Even if they came from different worlds…
It felt good to know someone like Irina.
The next day after school, Haruki, and Rias, along with their groups plus Kuroka and Asia have gathered in Rias' clubroom. On the sofa, was Haruki, Ravel, Akeno and Rias, with Ravel sat on the right of Haruki, Akeno sat on the left of Rias, with the two King's sat together. Koneko also sat on Haruki's lap, she wouldn't give that up.
The rest of the peerages, along with Kuroka and Asia were sat at the back of the room. Yuuto was among them, who was tapping his foot on the ground.
Facing Haruki, was Xenovia and Irina.
Xenovia's eyes went towards Asia.
Her piercing gaze made Asia look uncomfortable.
Haruki also noticed that, snapping his fingers, gaining Xenovia's attention.
"If you've got something to say to her, then please speak your mind."
"...No, I don't have anything to say."
Haruki knew she was lying.
But was keeping it back for the moment.
As Xenovia was doing that, Irina pointed to herself, and then towards Haruki.
"Hey, it's me! Do you remember me Haruki-kun?"
Dangerous eyes of the women in the room shot for Irina, besides from Asia and Xenovia, the former couldn't muster up any danger, and the latter wasn't all that concerned about what Irina was speaking about right now.
"Yes, it's been a long while. I'm glad you're doing well, Irina-san."
Irina giggled, waving a hand side to side.
"I'm shocked that we had a chance meeting like this. But I'm super glad also...aah, it was really a treat that I got to have a chance meeting like this...yes, I'm definitely happy that you're the one that we'll be speaking too~"
"Fufu, you are quite kind. So, I've been asked by you to meet here. Can you explain the reasons why?"
"Ooh yes, of course! We came because of Excalibur, and the incident that has been plaguing the Church for a good while now, and how it also refers to you at the same time, due to what has been happening in this town lately."
Rias, seeing an opportunity, talked to the two girls.
"It's a pleasure you're here, my name is Rias Gremory. Now, what is it that you'd like to speak about?"
Xenovia stared at the young woman, Rias looked back with a raising eyebrow.
She then turned her eyes to Haruki, seemingly ignoring Rias.
"Is everyone here? May we begin?"
"...Sure, begin."
Xenovia inclines her neck, and does just that.
"Recently, the Holy Swords Excalibur's have been getting stolen. The ones residing within the Catholic Church Headquarter Vatican, Protestant Church, and Eastern Orthodox Church were stolen."
Isane looked momentarily confused.
But then remembered what Haruki had told her, so she didn't say anything.
Rias, seizing an opportunity, spoke up once more.
"That's terrible. And...you both wield Excalibur?"
Once more, Xenovia stared at Rias, who was twitching an eyebrow.
Stone cold eyes met with Rias' annoyed ones.
"We do have the Excalibur blades, Haruki Himejima."
Rias was livid as she thought "She did that on purpose." but chose to hold her tongue for the moment.
She then pulled out a long sword covered in a cloth, and then revealed it.
"This is my Excalibur."
Looking at it, Isane and the other Devils felt the chills.
Yuuto felt the anger growing within him, but did his best to quell it.
Haruki looked towards Ravel who overlooked the blade.
"Haruki-sama, that blade is Excalibur Destruction."
Xenovia was stunned that Ravel got that so quickly.
"Intelligent. As expected of a member of Haruki Himejima's peerage."
Rias saw Xenovia glance at her, and then turn away, she felt annoyed by that.
"I did my research."
Ravel replied coolly, Irina giggled, and pointed to the ribbon tied on her arm, while looking towards Ravel.
"Do you know what this one is?"
"Since it has changed form like that...I'd have to say either Excalibur Mimic, or Excalibur Nightmare since that could be an illusion to misdirect me...but, I'd have to go with Mimic, am I correct?"
"Yes that's right! Mine is Excalibur Mimic. I can change its shape into anything I want so it's really useful for carrying around."
Rias, seeing that Irina had finished, began once more by placing a hand on her right breast.
"…So what does the stolen Excalibur's have to do with this town we are currently in?"
Rias spoke with grace, but Xenovia once more looked towards Haruki, ignoring Rias who didn't look happy at all.
Haruki glanced at Rias, who was narrowing her brows.
"Now shall we carry on the conversation?"
Rias breathed slowly in through her nose, and exhaled just as slowly.
Haruki gave bemused eyes, before continuing on.
"As Rias-chan said, the Excalibur's and this town, what's the connection?"
"One Excalibur was stolen from each Church. The ones that stole them escaped to Japan, and brought them to this town."
Rias put her hand on her forehead and took a breath.
"Looks like my territory is full of incidents. So who are the ones that stole the Excalibur's?" Xenovia stared at her, igniting rage within Rias. "Xenovia..."
Xenovia continued to stare at her, before turning towards Haruki.
"Would you like to know who stole them?"
Rias tightened her hand, and began to lift it.
But Haruki pushed it back down so she didn't do anything, even if he had some wonder as to why she was doing that to Rias.
"Yes, to be sure. Who on your side believes stole the Excalibur?"
"The ones that stole them were with the Grigori until recently."
Rias looked surprise, Haruki furrowed his brows.
"Until recently with the Grigori...hm, so could the man be named Kokabiel?"
While he was very sure, he wondered what the thoughts of the Church were.
Xenovia answered without hesitation.
"Yes, the man who stole them was named Kokabiel, he had his servants do his dirty work. But with research, we were able to find connections with Kokabiel being evident."
"I see. But since you're here, I take it that there's a reason. Speak what that is, if you may."
The young woman inclined her neck, and began speaking quickly.
"Our request… No. Our order is to not to have any Devils intrude in the battle between us and the Fallen Angels for the Excalibur's. In other words, we came here to tell you not to interfere with this incident."
Rias eyes changed after hearing the way Xenovia talked, Haruki didn't seem all that bothered, and kept a straight face.
"Such manner of speech. Is it restraint? Are you thinking that we might collaborate with those Fallen Angels? Perhaps that we might team up with them to do something with Excalibur?" Rias' words were ignored by Xenovia. "Xenovia….why are you ignoring my words? Do you have something against me?"
Xenovia released a breath, shaking her head in disappointment for the young woman, who in return sent a scowl at her.
Seeing that going nowhere, Haruki spoke up.
"Do you think it is possible that we'd team up with the Fallen Angels?"
"The headquarters think that it might not be impossible. The higher-ups don't trust Devils and Fallen Angels. We were ordered "If the Holy Swords are taken away from God's side then the Devils would also be happy right? The Fallen Angels would also profit from it. For those reasons it won't be weird for them to form an alliance." That's why we are giving you a warning. If you form an alliance with the Fallen Angel Kokabiel then we will eliminate you all."
Rias didn't look pleased, Haruki though remained calm.
"If you think we'd team up with Kokabiel then you have no clue about the relationship between us currently. He is our enemy just as much as he is yours. He also has been causing trouble for us as of late, so you can take my words and I'll tell you that we wont be working with him."
Hearing that from Haruki, Xenovia showed a satisfied look.
"Fu. Hearing that is good enough. I had to warn you just in case that Kokabiel is hiding himself in this town along with the three Excalibur's. If something were to happen I would be the one to be hated by the bunch in the Church headquarters. Well, we won't ask for cooperation. If you were to form an alliance with God's side temporally, then it would affect the balance of the three factions. Especially if it the Queen of a Maou."
After hearing Xenovia, Rias still wasn't happy at all that she was getting ignored.
"Where is the person the Orthodox Church dispatched?"
Xenovia turned her head from Rias, who was shaking at this point.
"Let me ask, is Strada going to be getting involved?"
Xenovia's keen eyebrow raised at Haruki's question.
"He is currently tasked with another mission, so he couldn't become involved. The same for our Longinus user. The last Excalibur we have is currently being guarded."
"So, it's just the two of you?"
Haruki asked, Xenovia inclined her neck.
"Yes, that's correct."
"How reckless. Are you trying to die?"
Rias said it with an amazed voice.
Irina and Xenovia didn't hesitate with their answer.
"Yes."
"I have the same view as Irina, but if it's possible I don't want to die. I wont die to you either, monster."
Rias looked surprised that she was called that, she didn't understand why she was called that.
"Excuse me?"
Xenovia huffed, and chose to speak directly to Haruki.
"Also the Church decided that it would be better to eliminate all of the Excalibur's rather than letting them get used by the Fallen Angels. Our minimum objective is to get the Excalibur's away from the Fallen Angels. To accomplish that, it's okay for us to die. The only way to fight against the Excalibur's are Excalibur's."
"Do you think you can take Kokabiel at your current level?"
Haruki asked, Xenovia gave a fearless smile.
"Well, we won't die in vain."
"Your words tell me you've got something up your sleeve, is that right?"
"Maybe. I will leave it to your imagination."
Haruki exhaled out of his nose.
"From what I can sense, you don't have the power to take down someone on Kokabiel's level."
Xenovia sharpened her eyes.
"Is that so?"
"In my opinion, yes."
Xenovia didn't look happy about that, while Irina bit her lower lip.
Then Irina and Xenovia stood up together.
"Then we will take our leave now. Let's go Irina."
"So you won't drink your tea? I can prepare a snack for you."
"I don't need it, monster. You might have poisoned it, like your poisonous words."
Xenovia declined Rias offer with her hand.
Rias breathed sharply, and jabbed a finger towards her.
"Alright, what's this about?"
"I received your threatening letters Rias Gremory, I wont be intimidated by you."
"What letters?"
Rias seemed perplexed.
Xenovia scowled as a result.
"You know what you sent me, saying that if I stepped out of line, you'd take me out. Saying that I'm nothing and you're the better of the two of us. I wont be allowing you to say such terrible things to me."
Rias blinked at the rapid words Xenovia used.
"I didn't send any letter to you...I didn't even know of your existence until yesterday."
"Liars don't prosper. You are lying to me, and everyone here, I suggest you stop with the lies."
Rias didn't look pleased.
She looked as if she was going through quite a bit deep inside of her.
"I don't lie, and I didn't send you a letter at all. I wouldn't even bother sending a letter to you, since I have no clue what you're like, and even if I did, why would I send a letter to someone I've never met being horrible to them?"
"You can spin the tale as you like, but the truth is known between you and I. You are against me, and you wish for me to suffer. But I wont suffer because of you, nor will I allow you to stop me in my tracks either. So, we will be leaving now, and I wont be speaking to you again."
Rias and Xenovia glared at the other.
The atmosphere seemed tense.
Kuroka wondered in her mind "I wonder who'd send that Xenovia a letter pretending to be Rias-chan? It doesn't make sense to me...unless they wished to cause tension between the two..." while seeing Koneko cuddle against Haruki.
Irina giggled awkwardly.
"Well, this was a good meeting...hehe, goodbye Haruki-kun! Lets catch up sometime!"
"Sure, just be careful and don't do anything that will get you killed."
Irina winked.
"Yup, I'll do my best~"
With that, Xenovia and Irina began to leave.
However, Xenovia stopped when she looked towards Asia.
Her eyes laid upon the young girl, who was looking stiff under the gaze of Xenovia.
"When I saw you before, I couldn't believe my eyes. But now that I get a look at you up close...Are you the famous Witch?"
When Xenovia said Witch, Haruki's killing intent went through the roof, especially when seeing Asia appearing very uncomfortable.
"…Ummmmm…I-I…"
Asia didn't know how to react to Xenovia while Irina offered apologetic eyes towards Isane and the others in the room.
"It's okay. I won't tell the higher ups what I saw here, so rest assured. People who were around the Holy Maiden Asia will also get shocked as well." Asia made a perplexed expression at Xenovia's words. "But to become an associate of the Devils. The one who was called a Holy Maiden. You fell to the lowest place you could...no, you could fall even lower by becoming a Devil yourself, do you have a mindset like that? Do you still believe in our God?"
"I erm...I..."
Asia looked very uncomfortable, Isane felt her anger increasing for Xenovia.
Haruki also felt his annoyance for Xenovia growing. His thoughts went back to Serafall, knowing he'd have to deal with this in the best way possible so it didn't begin wars or cause any problems for either side.
Though he was tempted to blast her with some lightning if she kept making threats to Asia.
"Asia-san...do you still believe in God?"
Irina asked very curiously, Xenovia gave sharp eyes.
"I can smell the belief from her. It might be an abstract way of saying it. But I'm sensitive to these things."
"What the hell does belief smell like?"
Kuroka whispered to Isane who shrugged as a result, but she also was getting angry at the words Xenovia used.
"There are people who betray the teachings and still have guilt within them because they couldn't forget the teachings. I can feel something similar coming from her."
Asia replied to that question with a sad expression.
"…I just can't put it aside. I believed in it for my whole life…"
Hearing that, Xenovia took her sword out from the cloth and pointed it at Asia, while Haruki's anger reached the max.
"Is that so? Then you should be cut-"
Before she could finish, Xenovia felt her sword leave her hand, and be placed at the base of her neck, with Haruki appearing in front of her, despite it being a Holy Sword, something Haruki as a Devil usually wouldn't be able to hold, using his Sacred Gear to create an icy layer between the two, allowed him to hold it perfectly well.
It happened so fast that even Rias, who was sat right next to Haruki, didn't notice that he had moved at all until she noticed Haruki a few seconds later.
Even Yuuto who was known for speed couldn't read Haruki's movements.
Koneko who was sat on Haruki's lap, only noticed she was sat on the couch again when she felt the chill in the air, it happened that quickly.
Akeno looked at Haruki, and felt arousal at the expression on his face.
Kuroka smacked her lips together in arousal as well.
Isane was silently cheering at what Haruki did, and was glad that Asia was safe.
How he was willing to jump and protect Asia the instant her life was being threatened was also something Asia herself truly did find herself feeling warm inside about.
"You threaten this girl again, and I wont be so pleasant next time. You know nothing about what she's been through, you don't get to say what choices she makes in her life. She was abandoned by the Church because she was kind, she never deserves to be threatened for acting on her kindness."
Xenovia breathed in sharply, then out again with widened eyes.
To think she was so outclassed, she could see that this truly was the power a Maou's Queen would have.
Irina looked between the others, not sure what to really say.
Xenovia, feeling her heart beat quickening, spoke in a quiet voice.
"Who is she...to you?"
"Who is she to me...that's a good question. She's someone that's important to me. She was a human and I was a Devil, yet we met, and we became friends. I don't see that being anything other than what it was, a good situation. I care for her, and if anyone harms her, or tries to, then they'll have to answer to me."
Xenovia looked towards Haruki's eyes.
She felt worried about what could happen.
She knew of his power, and she just got a small taste of it.
Haruki tossed her sword to her, she caught it with one hand.
He then pointed to the door.
"I think it would be better if you left."
"...I think you're right."
Xenovia knew when not to attack.
In this instance, she knew if she spoke more, it would be futile.
It was clear in that display Haruki was above her in power.
As she went to leave, Yuuto stepped forward.
"Wait, I need to say something..."
"Yuuto."
Rias chided, while Haruki glanced at the boy.
"Buchou, I can't...the Excalibur before me...I've been trying, I truly have been...but with it slipping out of my hands now...I have to at least try. Please Buchou..."
Rias looked troubled.
Haruki glanced towards the other members.
He saw that Isane was still annoyed by what happened with Asia.
"Hmmmm, if a match happened between you two, would it get back to the Church?"
Xenovia raised an eyebrow.
"What is that question? Are you asking me to lie to the Church?"
"You said before you'd not say anything about meeting Asia-chan, so what's the difference here? Besides, it seems that hard feelings need to be let out. It seems that it might be good for both sides. Don't you also want that, Ise-chan?"
"E-Eh?"
"I can see your eyes, you also wish to get out some feelings, right?"
Isane lowered her brows, and ultimately nodded.
"Yes...that's right."
Haruki clapped his hands together.
"Great, then how about it, Xenovia?"
"I wouldn't be fighting you, would I?"
Xenovia's voice seemed to go higher than normal, showing some worry at the thought of fighting against him.
"Not unless you try and do a killing blow on your opponent." His eyes shot for Yuuto. "Same goes for you. I see you trying a killing blow, and I'll stop the match. We need to not start a war with the Church. Is that clear?"
Yuuto nodded, as did Xenovia.
Haruki clapped his hands together.
"Great, Ravel-chan lets set up an arena."
"Ooh yes of course!"
Ravel rushed to Haruki's side as they made their way outside.
A small time later, Yuuto and Xenovia faced one another, with Isane standing off against Irina. Surrounding them was a large field so they could go to their hearts content. A barrier surrounded them so they didn't have to worry about others coming across it.
Haruki looked between the two of them while Koneko held onto his right hand, and Asia held onto his left hand, Akeno looked over to see Kuroka hugging him from behind, causing her eyebrow to twitch.
But then she snickered and moved closer, placing her boobs against his chest, hugging him from the front, to the ire of Rias who was about to do the same thing, Ravel also looked annoyed, but then she casually walked over, and hugged his right arm, the same arm Koneko was holding the hand of, the little neko didn't seem all that happy about it at all.
Rias looked towards Haruki, bewildered.
"I'm surprised you're allowing this. Don't you think Yuuto is going to go too far?"
"Probably yes."
Rias was even more baffled.
"Then..."
"Truthfully, my words might have held him back a bit, but there's too much burning desires of revenge in his heart. Do not worry, he wont be harmed to the extent that he is going to be knocked out. But, he also needs to realize that while his feelings are powerful, and I'm not saying he shouldn't have them, but allowing his anger to consume him, is going to only be detrimental if he truly does wish to free himself of the Holy Swords in his past."
Rias believed she understood what Haruki was doing.
Giving Yuuto a taste of reality, while also making sure he didn't die doing it either.
In her mind, it was a rather understandable what he was doing.
Yuuto wasn't listening to words, he had to experience it himself.
And she was glad that he was doing it in a safe manner.
"Even if it's just a match, be cautious of the Holy Swords!"
Rias warning reached Isane, who nodded.
"Ise-chan, remember your training."
"Y-Yes! Leave it to me Haruki!" As she spoke, the Exorcist girls took off their cloaks and revealed their outfits. Skin tight black leather outfits that got Isane's attention. "I approve! I didn't know the Church would be so risque!"
Irina and Xenovia looked at one another, before shrugging.
Yuuto in the meantime allowed Demonic Swords to appear around him.
He also was beginning to laugh in a slightly creepy manner, something Isane had to speak about.
"…Are you laughing?"
"Yeah. The thing I wanted to defeat and destroy appeared right in front of me. I'm happy."
"…Sword Birth, huh. The possessor can create any Demonic Sword they imagine in their head. It's unique among the Demonic Sword related Sacred Gears… I heard that there was a subject that avoided from being disposed by the Holy Sword Project… Is that you?"
Yuuto didn't answer the question, and merely raised the killing intent.
Rias glanced towards Haruki who slowly nodded, Rias understanding more and more about why Haruki chose to allow Yuuto to fight. He did have more hard feelings that even she didn't predict that he'd have, needing a safe outlet would be good for him.
"Hyoudou Isane-chan." Irina began, placing a hand to her chest. "When I met the girl that I haven't seen for so long, and she turned into a Devil… I was shocked."
Irina seemed slightly depressed, Isane coughed into her hand.
"To be honest...ehehe...aah, I know! Irina-san!"
Irina jumped.
"Y-Yes?"
"Irina-san! You say you've met Haruki before, correct?!"
Irina was nervous at the intensity that Isane was giving off.
"Y-Yes, that's right...we've met before..."
"Then I have to ask you something very important! Something that could alter the way everything goes from here on out! It will affect your future, as well as our own! Do you understand Irina-san?!"
"O-Okay! I'm prepared! W-What do you want to ask?!"
Irina was getting dragged along within Isane's wild words, Haruki didn't even want to know what she was thinking right now.
"Then Irina-san! Will you..."
"Will I…?"
Irina leaned in expectedly, wanting to truly know what her childhood friend was going to say.
"Will you please consider...no, I'd really like it for you to...JOIN THE HAREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM!"
"Pft!"
Rias did a spit take while Koneko shook her head, Ravel was astonished by the declaration.
Haruki chortled "That's Ise-chan for you~" while Asia looked bewildered.
Kuroka and Akeno were expecting, and actually cheering for it, Xenovia looked on, and tilted her neck side to side.
Irina's eyes widened in shock.
"EEEEEEEEEEEH?!"
"You're my childhood friend! I think it is only right that as childhood friends, we should have the same guy to love! Please consider joining the harem! We do not currently have a girl that has brown hair in twin tails! Please join my childhood friend!"
"Eeeeeh! B-But, I don't know if God would even allow that!"
"It's fine, come over to us and we'll take care of you~"
Irina looked between Isane and Haruki, her face turned a cute pink colour as she did so.
"Geez...now she's corrupting members of the Church...she truly is the worst."
Koneko scornfully said, Isane shot around with a pleading expression.
"Koneko-chan! Don't say that! I'm just trying to win over girls for the harem!"
Koneko didn't look so happy about that right now, she simply turned her head away.
Isane mentally cried, while thrusting out her hand.
"Well, whatever! It's time to activate it, Boosted Gear!"
[Boost!]
Along with the Boosted Gear appearing, it made a red flash, and increased her power by double. Xenovia's eyes went towards the Boosted Gear, as did Irina's own.
Irina pulled closer, tilting her neck side to side.
"…Longinus. So Ise-chan is the Dragon wielder of the Boosted Gear...how interesting…."
"I never thought that I would meet the person possessed by the Welsh Dragon in a far eastern country like this…"
While Xenovia was captivated by it, Yuuto made a move forward.
"You will hurt yourself if your attention is on Ise-san!"
Yuuto's went on slashing towards Xenovia, but Xenovia easily blocked with her blade.
"Sacred Gear Sword Birth and Boosted Gear. And also Absolute Demise and the Twilight Healing that Haruki Himejima and Asia Argento has. All of them are Sacred Gear that are said to be a heresy to us."
Haruki looked to Ravel who seemed to be rolling her eyes.
"I'm thinking the same thing as you Ravel-chan."
"It's just so weird that she'd say that when God made all of them….I don't understand her mentality."
"She was raised in the Church, it makes sense that she would be against anything that she didn't know. Though, at the same time I feel that she might be a bit flexible in her beliefs."
"How can you tell?"
Haruki chortled.
"Lets say I can smell the flexibility of peoples beliefs~"
Kuroka snorted at the joke, as did Ravel who held a small smile on her face.
Yuuto on the other hand didn't look happy, his anger was getting the better of him, something that Haruki believed could happen.
"My power is also the power made by my comrades hatred, who were killed while filled with regret! I will beat those with Excalibur with this power, and I will destroy that Excalibur!"
"Here I come, Ise-chan!"
Irina rushed in slashing towards Isane, but Isane remembered the training that Haruki gave her, allowed her to react to the incoming Irina, raising her arm, and blocked the sword with her Boosted Gear.
Irina was surprised, pulling back as Isane lunged forward, her fist flying through the air.
Irina cringed, blocking with her sword, but the strength behind the fist was more than she had expected.
"I'm not done yet! Please join the harem!"
"Please don't ask me that! It's forbidden!"
Isane was increasing her power while going on the offensive.
[Boost!]
Isane looked over Irina as she came at her, putting Irina on the defensive surprisingly to Irina herself.
"Ise-chan you must have a good Sensei for you to be able to fight like this. Who is it?"
"Fufu, it is Haruki. He taught me how to fight, and we'll teach you how to join the harem~"
"You truly have become a lecherous girl, haven't you?"
Irina said with a gasp, as Isane jumped towards the place Irina was escaping and swung her Boosted Gear for her, so fast that Irina backflipped away with the air before her being cut by the speed of Isane's strike.
"Fufufu, that's right Irina-san! I'm not ashamed! Now, it's time to display my technique!"
"…Please be careful. Ise-senpai has the power to blow away the clothes of...pretty much anyone she finds thinks would be good for Haru-senpai's harem, and she thinks you are."
Koneko ratted Isane out, with Irina gasping at the news.
"What a lowly technique! Aaah God. Please forgive this sinful pervert!"
Irina made a sad expression while praying.
"Don't look at me with those pitiful eyes!"
"…You are the worst."
Koneko murmured, while Haruki chuckled.
"Fufu, if Ise-chan truly is being a naughty girl right now, perhaps some punishment later on would be in order~?"
Isane's starry eyes turned towards Haruki who was giving her a seductive yet sadistic smile on his face, something that made Isane's happiness increase more and more.
"Yes! I've been bad Haruki! Now, I'm going to be even more bad!"
Haruki gave an amused look, Isane truly was one of a kind.
"I see. The mass of sexual desire. I think it's a fitting action for a Devil that has such strong greed."
Xenovia said it while making a sigh, and gave scornful eyes to Isane, then looked to Haruki, and sweated a little bit, before turning her eyes away from him.
"Fufu, I'm sorry about our cute Ise-chan. She becomes truly excited like this sometimes~"
Haruki's chuckle made Isane giddy.
Yuuto though created a Demonic Sword, wielding two of them, and placed them towards Xenovia.
"Now back to where we were! Burn! And freeze! Flare Brand and Freeze Mist!"
One of the Demonic Swords created a whirl of flames while the other one made a cold air and silver frost. Isane looked over, and saw the ice and fire, and believed that people such as Haruki and Ravel who focused on those elements could produce higher outputs with their powers, and freeze even more and burn even more than Yuuto could be able of doing.
As Yuuto came at Xenovia, Haruki could see once more that Yuuto's own anger was clouding his better judgement, allowing Xenovia to easily read his movements, and dodge each and everyone of the strike that he was attempting to give out.
"The Knights swift move. And flame and ice Demonic Swords. But you are too naïve!"
A single swing of Xenovia's turned Yuuto's two Demonic Swords to dust.
"…!"
Yuuto became speechless because his Demonic Swords disappeared within a strike, Rias looked towards Haruki, who closed his eyes briefly, before she looked back towards Yuuto, Rias truly did understand now what Haruki's actions were trying to show Yuuto.
"My sword is a mass of destruction. There's nothing it can't destroy."
Xenovia swirled around her sword. She then pointed it upwards then thrust it into the ground.
From her stabbing into the ground, a mass of power erupted forward, breaking through the ground. Haruki saw most of the girls standing up besides Asia who was having a difficult time, so he pulled her close, and made sure she could stand.
Isane began to shake with the ground fracturing out as it was. But thanks to the training she had from Haruki, she managed to stay up on her feet, the same for Irina who was beginning to dust off her outfit.
A crater formed around Xenovia, with Yuuto barely having avoided the blast radius.
"This is my Excalibur. It can destroy anything that comes its way. It's not called Excalibur for nothing."
Yuuto made a bitter expression when seeing what Xenovia had done.
"…Such a destructive power when it isn't a real Excalibur. So destroying all seven swords will be a difficult path."
Haruki hummed at what she said, before looking down to Ravel.
Ravel shared a look with Haruki before he lowered his eyes.
Ravel could see within his eyes that he was thinking about something.
She knew she'd have to speak to him at a later time to see what his thoughts were, and she wondered if they were the same as his own.
[Boost!]
While thinking about it, Isane felt the power she had increase even more.
"Geez! I'm all covered in dirt because you destroyed the ground, Xenovia!" Irina wiped the dirt off her clothes while complaining. "But. It's about time to settle this now!
Irina gained a serious face, and charged for Isane.
Isane began to panic, but then she calmed down when she saw the others looking towards her.
Remaining calm and composed, Isane watched as Irina came in from the right, slashing towards her. Isane pulled back, the blade missing her by a few inches, then she delivered a roundhouse kick towards the incoming Irina.
Irina let out a cry as she moved away from Isane, but Isane didn't allow the momentum to go to waste, spinning all the way around, before launching herself forward, appearing before Irina with her hand lighting up with some aura.
[Boost!]
"Let's go Boosted Gear!"
[Explosion!]
With the fourth power boost, Isane's aura began to travel outwards towards the worried looking around.
"What does that do?"
"Ehehehe! Sorry for stripping you."
"Obscene!"
Irina jumped away, Isane began moving towards her with her quickened speed. Rias shook her head as Irina tried to dodge Isane's movements, but Isane was quick enough thanks to her training to appear to every place that Irina was trying to dodge out of the way to.
Irina backed away as Isane came in closer.
"B-But, I thought you liked Haruki-kun!"
"Fufu, I do like Haruki very much! So, I also like showing Haruki harem girls!"
"I'm not in the harem though!"
Irina cringed as Isane leapt for her body.
Going over her, she came in contact with Haruki's shoulder, she snapped her fingers, and his clothes came flying off.
"Ooh my, you've stripped me Ise-chan, you are a naughty girl~"
Isane's nose bled when she saw his clothing all come off, including his underwear.
Rather than be embarrassed, he simply teased Isane who was very happy to receive such a teasing.
"Yes yes! Thank you for the treat!"
Isane looked on at his naked form, her cheeks burning bright red at the sights before her. Asia's face burned red, she let out a cute "Hauuuu!" as she stared at his naked form.
Koneko blushed as she looked at her naked King and Senpai, the same for Ravel who tried to hide her face with her hands, but she peaked through her fingers to take a good look at the boys body.
Rias looked towards Haruki's naked form, and saw his hip area, blushing lightly while Kuroka smacked her lips together, murmuring "Ooh yeah~" in a sensual voice, she even reached out and attempted to touch him, only for Akeno to stop her with some lightning releasing from her body.
Akeno was used to it, but she didn't deny that it got her feeling rather hot under the collar when she saw him in such a state, and the fact that he didn't even look embarrassed made her rather happy if she was honest with herself.
"T-That's H-Haruki-kun nude!" Irina gushed out, her cheeks burning bright red as she shook side to side. "N-No! I can't look! B-But at the same time it is before my eyes...no! Please Lord, forgive me for being sinful in this moment!"
Haruki, seeing how Irina was reacting, chortled, and whispered "Ise-chan now." while directing to Irina.
Irina looked on questioningly, blushing at the sights before her, and her body felt warm.
She hadn't seen a man like this before.
Much less a Devil.
She didn't even know what she was supposed to feel right now.
Haruki wished to tease though, and decided to have some fun while Isane made her way around Irina's vision so she could get in a good attack up close.
"Irina-san, are you looking at my naked body right now? Fufu, I don't mind if it is you, who I've met before~ I trust you to look at me in such a state~"
Irina's face continued burning red as she looked towards Haruki, her eyes widening when seeing him waving towards her. Her eyes went down and towards his crotch area, seeing the length, gushed at the sight before her, turning her head away while blushing massively.
"No I can't! I can't look at a Devils body! It is naughty to look at a Devil in such a manner! W-Would God forgive me for doing such a thing…?"
As she was having her own dilemma, Isane used this chance to get in close.
Placing a hand on her shoulder, Irina jumped as Isane released a bit of her aura up close, Irina's eyes widened as she was blown away, hitting a tree with a hard thudding sound, Isane grinned when seeing Irina unwilling to fight.
"Aaah...I win right? She got blown away by my power, didn't she?"
"I don't want to fight Ise-chan anymore! S-Seeing nude Haruki-kun has overstimulated me! I can't handle anymore fighting now!"
Irina cried out, Koneko looked at Isane scornfully.
"Your opponent quit because you overloaded her mind with lewdness."
"I'm sorry for being lewd Koneko-chan! B-But aren't you also being lewd by looking at Haruki like this?"
Koneko's eyebrow twitched, tightening her hand while Isane freaked out.
Meanwhile, while Xenovia was taking down Yuuto's swords, she also happened to catch the sight of a naked Haruki.
Her eyes glued themselves to his crotch, her cheeks burned red, and her body began to quiver.
Unlike Irina who was embarrassed...something was beginning to awaken within Xenovia.
Something that she had suppressed long ago.
Something that she didn't believe she had.
Desires…
Her eyes went across his naked upper body, his hips, butt, and most of all, a certain part of a male that she hadn't ever seen before.
"So, that's what a man looks like down there...it seems that this man is also well equipped...is that apart of the Fallen Angel heritage of his…? I don't know...but, this burning feeling inside of me...I feel a renewed feeling...my body's heat couldn't be quelled...why am I feeling like this? He is merely naked...yet, I can't stop looking...I don't understand..."
"Haaaaaaaaaa!"
While Xenovia was thinking, Yuuto thrust his hand up in the air. Forming a sword, twice the size of Yuuto himself, Haruki could see that he was having a difficult time in holding the blade, so Haruki knew that he would never win with the power and without speed.
He came at Xenovia with the blade, but his speed was so decreased that even Xenovia could see how the fight was going to go, and made a sigh.
"It's a shame. You made the wrong decision."
Xenovia swung her sword outwards, cleaving through the sword like it was butter as she released holy aura from the Excalibur blade. The sword of Yuuto's cut off end went up high into the air, where Haruki saw it disappearing by the release of power that she was giving off.
Yuuto looked at the destroyed sword, then towards Xenovia who was fast approaching.
"Your weapon is the variety of the sword you can create and your speed. You would need a lot of strength to swing a gigantic sword like that, and you will lose the speed that you are proud of. Are you seeking a destructive power? From your fighting style, it's something unnecessary. Don't you even know that?"
Haruki mentally agreed with what Xenovia said, which he wasn't happy about since he didn't like what she said to Asia beforehand, but it still was something that he had to agree with.
Xenovia moved her swords pummel to Yuuto's stomach, embedding deep within him. Releasing the holy aura, caused Yuuto to spit out bile from his mouth, falling down to the ground with pain etched onto his face.
Rias gave a concerned look, Haruki hummed.
"Don't worry Rias-chan, he's fine."
"Are you sure?"
"She didn't go over the top, probably realizing that if she tried then she'd be taken out. He might be sore for a little bit, but he'll recover quickly. This was a good thing for him, I can see that what I told him yesterday is truth, and feeling it with his own body confirmed the uneasiness inside of his heart, along with my words."
Xenovia, seeing the battle was over, sheathed her blade, and glanced towards Haruki.
Her eyes lingered on his naked form, then turned her face away.
"I trust...what we spoke about before...is...is..." Her eyes went towards Haruki who gave a slight teasing smirk towards her, Xenovia blinked rapidly, before turning away with redness on her face. "...yes, that's it, we'll be going now...and searching for Kokabiel...yes, goodbye…."
Xenovia glanced back once more, Irina seeing this looked surprised to see Xenovia actually looked a little shy.
Irina then bowed her head.
"S-Sorry for everything that happened, it was good seeing you Haruki-kun!" She cheered, then blushed immensely to see that he hadn't been dressed yet. "Ehehehe, I-I'm sure God will forgive me for an accidental look, right? E-Even if it is only a little..." Haruki raised a brow, Irina blushed even more. "S-Sorry! Forgive me! Goodbye!"
Irina turned heels, and ran away, while Xenovia walked very slowly.
As they disappeared, Haruki snapped his fingers, and put some clothes back on, Isane pouted.
"You didn't have to do that, you know?"
"Fufu, if you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask~"
Isane's face curled upwards as Haruki walked over to Yuuto.
Bending down to his level, Haruki let out a breath.
"Remember what I said yesterday?"
"...Yes..."
"It rings true for this battle. From what I saw of Xenovia, you have the skills to take her down, but you threw that out of the window, blinded by your hate for Excalibur. If this wasn't a practice match, she could have killed you. If you die, then what happens to the feelings of your comrades?"
"...I don't know..."
Haruki lightened his face.
"Seriously...you have to remember, you've got comrades here too. We are also people that care about you."
Yuuto knew what he said was right, and having experienced it…
He hated he had let himself get this far.
Haruki glanced at the others, Rias looked relieved, as did the others.
Isane though seemed to be deep in thought.
The same for Koneko.
Ravel also looked to Haruki, who gave her a smile which in turn caused her to raise an eyebrow.
When Haruki returned home that day, and went to do a few of his business for the Queen of Maou, and freshly High Class Devil business, Haruki went through them as quickly as he could while sitting on his bed.
But in the middle of doing his duties, there was a knock at his door.
Feeling who it was, Haruki called "Come in Asia-chan." which she did a few seconds later.
Walking through the door, was a cute timid looking Asia who had her hands in front of her body in a modest looking towel. Though it didn't show off her curves to the degree that he was used to seeing some of the girls, Haruki could see that breasts through the towel, it seemed that Asia had just come out of the baths, and perhaps didn't realize that the towel was a little see through.
"Ara Asia-chan, what's going on?"
Asia walked over to the bed, looking shy as she made sure the door was shut.
Sitting down beside Haruki, she held onto his arm while placing her head on his shoulder.
"Haruki-san...I never regretted staying with you."
While most would see it out of nowhere for her to say that, Haruki believed he understood why she was saying it.
"Xenovia is the straight forward type, she didn't understand the circumstances behind your feelings and what happened to you."
"But you Haruki-san, you always did understand."
Haruki lightly smiled as he brushed some of her wet hair out of her face.
"Asia-chan, I know what Xenovia said was cruel, but you don't have to worry about her."
"She thinks...that I sided with the Devils after being abandoned from the Church...and to an extent...it is true. But...I only wish to stay with you, Haruki-san. I don't mind if you're a Devil, a Fallen Angel, an Angel, a Nekomata or anything else. Haruki-san, you reached out to me when no one else did, I didn't understand a lot of things outside of the Church, but with your help Haruki-san, I can understand many things now."
"I'm glad I could help you, no one should have to be abandoned and alone."
Asia showed a delightful smile on her face.
"Haruki-san..."
"I wont let anyone hurt you, Asia-chan. Not Xenovia, not Kokabiel, no one is going to hurt you, I promise. I'll protect you with my life."
Asia's eyes began to become teary at his words.
"Haruki-san...you're always so kind to me...even when I don't understand things, you help me..."
"Of course~ I know what it is like to go out on your own and be abandoned by everything you know. The world can be scary, I didn't want that for you."
"And because of you Haruki-san, I get to live how I like. That's why...Haruki-san, your peerage...I've been thinking...Kuroka-san told me that it is like a family...and Koneko-san and Ravel-san have shown me...how happy they are with you. They love...being your servants, and are devoted to being with you forever...Haruki-san, I also want to...stay with you forever! I want...to be with you Haruki-san!"
Haruki couldn't hide his surprise.
To hear from someone that used to belong to the Church that she'd become a Devil.
"...Asia-chan, are you saying you wish to join my group?"
"W-Would that...be okay?"
Haruki lightly patted the top of her head.
"Fufu, of course it would be fine. But, is it what you want?"
Though it seemed repetitive, he also knew that it was a huge deal for a former nun to want to become a Devil. He didn't want her to have to worry about regretting a decision later on down the line in case she didn't want to become a Devil and couldn't choose after becoming one.
"...Yes, I want to...I want to be with you Haruki-san, for many years...for thousand of years...until we both grow so old together...because Haruki-san is the person I want to always be beside...to smile with, and laugh together with..."
Haruki smiled at her declaration.
Seeing her looking at him with love in her eyes, and seeing her pulling closer towards his lips, but doing it shyly, he took control over the situation, placing a hand on her cheek, and pulled closer himself.
Asia readily accepted him, as his lips was brought on top of her own.
Their lips meshed together as their first kiss began to happen.
To Asia, it was a huge deal to go this far, so she began kissing him deeply.
Haruki returned it by kissing her tenderly.
Coming together with their lips again and again, Haruki allowed one arm to wrap around her. Asia's cheeks intensified their redness as he held her kindly. Her towel slipped down ever so slightly, revealing her breasts.
Despite noticing, Asia was bold enough to not even hide them, allowing Haruki to look at her chest.
When their kiss ended, Asia collapsed into his chest.
Her face was flushed, her body quivered from giving her first kiss away, her eyes were laced with happiness and willingness to become even more bold.
"Asia-chan, after this mess with Kokabiel is over, ask me again, okay?"
Asia looked up to Haruki who smiled down towards her.
"After? But why?"
"Please?"
While Haruki wouldn't deny her, he wanted her to think things through, he also felt that because of what Xenovia had said, it might have caused Asia to push herself into this, so he wanted her to take a step back, and see if this was the path that she truly wished to go in.
"Erm...Okay Haruki-san! I'll ask again, but my answer wont change...because if I'm with you Haruki-san...then I know that everything will be okay. Being together with you Haruki-san...is all I want to do."
Haruki wondered if it would or not.
But if she did ask again, then he would take her as a member of his group.
For now though, Haruki knew that there was some messes that needed to be sorted out, so he'd have to do some talking with Ravel, and see if they could come up with anything together to make sure that Yuuto didn't go off and get himself killed, while also making sure that he, as a Maou's Queen and a High Class Devil, didn't become directly involved with the Church's work when they were asked to not become involved officially.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the Excalibur meeting and the fight. Haruki spoke to Yuuto, while being tough, he was trying to offer advice the best that he could do to make sure that Yuuto didn't get himself killed. Isane and Irina also had a meet up, and began speaking despite the fact Irina's an Exorcist, and Isane's a Devil, Irina even explaining the events of how she and Haruki met, and the fact that he saved her, and helped out the Church members with her, even if they were technically on different sides.
Xenovia also seems to believe Rias has been threatening her, explaining why she's been cold and aloof with her, though that's someone else who's been threatening Xenovia who'll be shown at a later time, it isn't Kuroka that's doing this one. Xenovia also tried to do the same to Asia, believing that due to her being with Devils, she had given herself over to the Devils, but that was shut down pretty quickly.
Then at the end, it seems that Asia has begun thinking about becoming Haruki's peerage member.
Despite not having much this chapter, Irina and Haruki will have a proper reunion and speak more in the future.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Haruki's peerage
Queen; Vali.
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Bishops; Ravel, Asia.
Knights; Lint, Meredith.
Pawns; Elmenhilde (two pieces), Kuroka (three pieces), Le Fay (three pieces).
Haruki; Serafall, Sona, Ravel, Koneko, Kuroka, Gabriel, Akeno, Vali (fem), Isane, Xenovia, Rias, Irina, Asia, Rossweisse, Le Fay, Meredith, Elmenhilde, Lint, Ophis,
