Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD


Chapter 13


His hand stopped patting the white fur in front of him, as his eyes shifted from the innocent and usually emotionless amber orbs of Koneko to focus on the vicious red ones of Freed.

'My mind feels weird…like there is a small fog clouding it…'

Thoughts that weren't his own, primal instincts that were ramped up to eleven, desires that had slumbered deep inside his heart and power above all – all was coming to him like the drums of imminent battle or the marching of a distant army, now faint but each passing second becoming louder and louder until he wouldn't be able to hear anything else.

'I need to act fast…before I lose control'

The left side of his body had morphed with scales, claws, fangs and a horn. Meanwhile his right side remained for the most part unchanged, aside from a few scales sprouting here and there, it looked for the most part human…but he wouldn't kid himself, that wouldn't last long. Sooner or later his whole body will morph and his reason will be completely lost, after that the Dragon will lay waste to town…whether he wanted that or not.

'I knew the risks…no time to cry over spilled milk…now I have to focus on killing Freed and saving my friends before my time runs out, after it…well, I guess I'm next…'

He moved slowly, his eyes never leaving those opposing blood-red ones, and headed towards the silver blade on the ground, even doing that felt weird with his current body – he had more strength, more speed, his senses were heightened and to rein all of that back in was taking a conscious effort. A human hand held the handle tightly later to be joined by a dragon claw that closed its grip under it. The great-sword was raised high once again and along it's wielder entered a fighting stance, raised along his side with its edge reflecting the moonlight.

"Koneko. Please take Issei, Kiba and the others to a safe place, I don't want anyone nearby when I cross swords with him…I don't know if I'll be able to stop after it…" even speaking felt different, as now most of his teeth had become edged.

The White-haired Devil in question seemed to be shaken out of a trance, her amber eyes returning to the present instead of being in the past. She sent him one closer look and hesitated acting for a second, but then proceeded to nod weakly. So, with her previous tears now dried and her more usual poise recovered, she lifted herself and responded.

"Ok Katsuo-senpai…"

A smirk appeared on his face.

"I'll drive him away from here then you can take them to safety, contact Rias and Sona they'll be able to help them. I trust you with this…also…Don't wait for me" that last line unnerved Koneko; she didn't want to leave him to fight alone, not after those wounds he sustained…and the grim way he uttered them…She was about to retort but a lazy grin and the confidence of his words stopped her "Don't worry, I'll be fine…and Koneko, thank you"

She again hesitated for a second…but ultimately nodded, this time with more vigor than before. Her attitude returning to its usual self after seeing that Katsuo was still himself despite his transformation. As for the stray exorcist…his eyes were wide with deranged joy and bloodlust, his characteristic grin had only widened the moment Katsuo rose from the ground; now he looked like a starving rabid dog ready to take a bite out of some meat.

"HAHAHAHA! This is truly wonderful; I've never had the chance to kill the same person twice and that tough guy act…you truly are something el-"

BOOOOOM!

A resounding sound shook the night accompanied by shockwaves that sent the people present stumbling back; a sudden rush of air was felt by everyone, as if a sports car had whizzed past them at high speed. The ground where he stood was destroyed in a second, reduced to only a web of cracks. A silver and golden shockwave followed after the sudden rush of wind and the sound of metal grinding against each other replaced Freed's monologue. Sparks could be seen far away by the main group, as two holy blades clashed against each other.

Freed's smirk had disappeared completely, as his whole body buckled under the pressure of the large blade before him. The stray couldn't hold that massive strength forever; vaulting to the side, his speed enhanced by Ex Rapidly, he let the silver great-sword meet the ground instead of his head. The force of the blade craved a trench where the Stray stood a second ago and created an updraft that sent him stumbling back – as for the wielder of said blade, he didn't look at all bothered or strained…as if that swing was just that, a simple swing of the blade.

Katsuo pressed his advantage once again, performing a powerful upwards strike at an unfocused Freed. The Stray responded quickly, getting himself out of his stupor, and tried to parry the incoming blow…but in that quick clash he knew…so he simply sidestepped the attack. In its wake Katsuo's sword displaced the air and created a loud shockwave that the wielder of the Fused Excalibur clearly felt. If he didn't have Ex Rapidly blessing, he would most likely already be tomato paste by now.

The Dragon-Hybrid continued with his overwhelming barrage with a powerful downward blow. Dragon energy was coursing through him from head to toe, strengthening him beyond his normal capabilities, yet he could feel the palpable difference between the two sides of his body; he felt the massive boost in strength his morphed arm granted him, the speed of his clawed leg, the endurance of his scaled skin and his heightened senses. So, it wasn't a surprise for him when Freed dashed around him in a bolt of light and swung at his exposed right side.

The Fused Excalibur met and swept across his body at blinding speeds, only leaving a glimmer of light behind, then another grin appeared on Freed's face. The Stray exorcist expected the dragon's torso to split open and for his entrails to hit the floor…but the sound that came was not of flesh being pierced or blood gushing…with his grin now gone and eyes set in shock he saw a tiny, miniscule almost barely noticeable line left behind on the supposedly human skin. The now-fused Legendary Sword of Victory, the weapon that earlier skewered Katsuo and cut him open from bellybutton to cheek, its effectiveness was now reduced to that of a key scratching a car. Freed in a fit of rage tried slash again but an incoming blow left him no other choice but to block…

BLAST!

Freed tumbled like a ragdoll until his body was stopped by a sudden impact with a steel beam. The high-pressured wind threatened to send him flying once again, so he was forced to stab his sword into the ground and brave the storm as all around him was swept away by it. When the wind's roar stopped and the only noise was that of footsteps slowly approaching the stray, a sadistic grin appeared on Freed's face and a small but dark laugh followed soon after.

The dragon stooped in his tracks; a questioning look appeared on his face as the mad laughs deepened. His viper eyes darted around him, analyzing their battlefield with his now enhanced sense.

'Somehow, we went from the front yard to the backyard of that unfinished manor…thankfully it's pretty sizeable, a good cover, so Koneko and others should be long gone – now we are in some sort garage? Or I suppose it's going to be one, right now it's nothing but a steel beam framework…huh, this whole place is larger than my room…it's as large as the school gym – I'm sorry for the guy who was to own this place, he must have paid a lot of money for it…'

A sickening cracking sound brought his inner monologue to a close as his viper eyes focused on the enemy before him; Freed was back on his feet with a hand on his shoulder, seemingly cracking his bones back into place. All with a large smile, larger than any before, and his red eyes filled with bloodlust. The stray the took his golden sword once again and gave it a few practice swings before finally pointing its tip at the other silver-head.

"You got stronger, wayyyyy stronger than anything that I've killed before. I can barely feel my face after that attack, kukuku…this makes me excited. I've never killed a dragon before, I'm glad it's you who is gonna pop that cherry, kukuku…"

Freed voice was laced with a sense of twisted pleasure derived from his current situation; a fight with a superior opponent, the rush of the thin line between life and death, all fueled the Stray in his own twisted way. While many would have run at the sight of his morphed appearance, many would have feared his unnatural strength or be overwhelmed by his oppressive aura – the monster that Katsuo faced felt none of those things, he only felt excitement. The Dragon's grip tightened around the silver-hilt and his stance shifted from his usual defensive one to a more aggressive one, with the blade's tip directed at his enemy.

"No response, no remark – did the Dragon ate your tongue, HAHAHA"

Freed taunted him and, in a sense, had the scenario been different he would've have given a piece of his mind, but now the clock had already started ticking…

'It's really hard to keep a clear mind and I don't have the time to humor to you'

…and the primal drums on the back of his head were getting louder and louder with each passing second, soon that would be all he would hear.

The two silver-hair swordsmen jumped at each other in a passing heartbeat, no hesitation and no remorse in their mind. One clad in a golden aura and the other in black scales. The two Holy swords met and with sparks of gold and silver their battle officially started


Koneko approached the defeated form of Irina and, like a sack of potatoes, fling her on her small shoulder. The Protestant-exorcist was exhausted, after what essentially was three fights against Freed and her blade being stolen out of her hand…the feeling of failure that came from it, poor Irina just wanted to rest. However, her Catholic counterpart was wide awake, but her face was down-casted in deep thought and her eyes were focused on his and her past. So, she didn't protest when Koneko also carried her like a sack of potatoes. All this happened while Issei appeared conflicted, a myriad of emotions flashing on his face as his eyes darted from their current location to where the silver-haired dragon went. The Pawn steeled his eyes and closed his fist anger and as he was about to sprint towards him…

"…Ise-senpai. Are you going to help me?"

He almost tripped as her voice called him and his head whipped around so fast that it appeared a blur. His eyes met hers and he saw the same calmness, the same lack of emotions they were characterized for.

"How can you act so nonchalantly Koneko-chan? Katsuo needs our help!"

"…No. He doesn't"

Koneko's answer was short, dry and to the point. It was blunt, way too blunt for Issei's liking.

"How can you say that! The guy was practically dead a second ago! Even if he isn't a Devil or part of the Gremory family, he still is my friend and I'll rather die alongside him than let him alone to die again!"

Issei was raging, his vison was becoming blurry and his head was beginning to spin. He didn't want to see his friend get skewered, even if Katsuo was an evil dragon or housed one…he didn't care. So, he would ignore Ddraig's mental warnings and Koneko's blunt words and prepare himself to stomp after his friend…Then a small hand clutched his jacket; his view shifted and his eyes met hers once again. The same calmness was still present on her face, yet something more was beneath it something he hadn't seen in Koneko before.

"…Ise-senpai…do you trust Katsuo-senpai?"

Issei flinched, unsure where this came from, nonetheless answered resolute and firm.

"Of course, he is my friend!"

"…then we should let him fight alone…"

"Why-" he was about to respond but got quickly shut off by her quiet voice.

"…Katsuo-senpai trust me with bringing all of you to safety…Katsuo-senpai trusts himself with defeating Freed…and I trust Katsuo-senpai…so, Ise-senpai…do you trust him like I do?"

He now understood what Koneko's emotionless eyes were expressing – belief in someone else. Issei face softened and his previous anger dissipated, like it was never there, his hand simply ran through his hair before responding.

"Yeah…yeah, I guess I do too…Tch…honestly, that asshole just loves getting himself in trouble that isn't his own, doesn't he…" Issei's mood shifted and, as result of it, he gave a small smile to Koneko – one she reciprocated albeit smaller "Let's go Koneko-chan, your hands are full enough. I'll take Kiba and Saji"

The pervert went to lift his fellow pawn off the ground and offered his shoulder as support. Grunting and rubbing his hand in the process, Saji took Issei's help gladly. The devil of Sitri wasn't that physically wounded or exhausted, but he had been subject to the awakening of an evil dragon and, as a dragon host himself, felt such presence harder than anyone – Issei could attest to the feeling.

Then both pawns went to lift their fellow devil until Issei noticed something…or lack thereof. From the spot where the knight of Gremory previously was, now only broken swords and marks of footsteps remained. Yuuto Kiba had banished and along him the Archbishop Valper Galilei.

"Koneko-chan!" Issei's mind went into overdrive; worry clearly present in his voice as he called to his comrade.

She noticed too and worry flashed through her previous calm amber orbs. There was confliction in them and her expression soured, the same scenario was presented to her again. To help one would mean not help another…

"Go. Hyoudou" if Koneko wanted to say anything, Saji cut her words before they couldn't be uttered "Go. I'll be fine as I am, but that pretty boy won't last long with those wounds. We'll help those two and contact Kaichou and Rias-senpai"

"…you sure?"

Issei shot Saji worried look. He knew personally how bad those burning sensations were and Saji's hand not only felt that but literally combusted into black flames, so he couldn't just leave…

"What are you waiting for Hyoudou! Are you going to save your friend or what!"

The pawn of Sitri spoke loudly and clearly. Issei's gaze became steel and with a nod to both Koneko and Saji sprinted off to his goal, but not before his ears caught wind of very quiet but strong words of encouragement.

"…I trust you…Ise-senpai…"

And with that he was off.

Immediately he saw it – There was a trail of footsteps clearly imprinted into the soil, two sets of them. One belonging to the priest and, right behind him, one belonging to the devil. Both of them lead to the unfinished manor.


The Circle of Power – only that existed, it was the only thing that mattered, all outside it was not important. Steel-beam frames were sliced like a hot knife slices through butter, by flashes of gold and silver. Concrete was shattered like thin ice with each step the combatants took. Containers were used to climb, vault over or take cover. Brick walls exploded with each swing of the Silver Great-Sword and steel melted instantly in the presence of the Golden Blade's light. There wasn't anything around them that wouldn't be brutally destroyed in a single instant by the clash of their Holy Blades…yet none of it mattered, only the circle of power did. Each of them trying to kill each other, yet neither being capable of overpower one another; an endless loop that, like the opposing winds that form a tornado, destroyed everything in their vicinity. So, in their endless struggle of dominion against one another, the circle of power was created.

No words were exchanged on either side, there wasn't a need to do so, even the foul-mouthed stray let his blade do the talking for him. Vicious and unconnected strikes were aimed at the opponent's vital points only to be met by powerful parries, blocks or by unbreakable black scales. Heavy and larger-than-life swings sought to overwhelm the opponent's defense, each swing enhanced by a dragon's immense strength, yet they were unable to meet its target, as he vanished in a flash of light or was never there to begin there – only an illusion.

The Stray's bloodlust was palpable, his face ecstatic, as he used every trick in the Fused Excalibur's arsenal to kill the person before him. He used Ex-Mimic's ability to extend the blade's length and make it soar through the air like a deadly spear, shifting its direction and moving in impossible angles to confuse the enemy. Ex-Rapidly granted immense speed to avoid every attack and to perform his staccato tune in a way that, to anyone watching, it was impossible to see how many swords were truly at play. Though he lacked the strength necessary to match the dragon in battle, Freed used the raw power of Ex-Destruction to negate the powerful shockwaves and gust of wind that silver sword sent his way. Lastly Ex-Transparency and Ex-Nightmare gave him a means of defense; Freed had long stopped trying to block his opponents attack, rather he simply used his own blade to quickly nudge the incoming strike and side-stepped it with his enhanced speed…but he only could that for so long. For when the Stray was in serious danger, he only needed to become invisible and leave a mirage of himself to take the hit. Yet for all his tricks and vast array of abilities…his illusions were dispelled, his ferocious strikes parried away, his tricks seen through and his clean hits outright ignored, as they met that cursed scaled armor.

This was a life a death battle where a single mistake would lead to someone's demise, Freed Sellzen knew this much. He knew that he had lasted this long thanks to the blade in his hand…if not for it his opponent would have killed him in four moves – yet he didn't care…he rejoiced in the danger, enjoyed fully the use of his new power and sought above all sought blood to satiate his lust.

As for the dragon, things weren't going as he would have wanted. Katsuo could match Freed's unorthodox swordsmanship with his own near-perfect classic style. He could overpower every swing the Stray threw at him with superior draconian strength, with it he could even match the destructive power of the Excalibur with just the force his swings expelled. Keeping up with Freed's illusions, speed and invisibility wasn't a problem either; both his senses and instinct had been magnified to the point that when danger was near, his blade moved on his own to intercept it – and though he could feel himself become more feral and more unpredictable, the sensation wasn't enough to muddy his swordsmanship…still…

'Damn this guy…if not for my dragon blood I wouldn't be able to keep up with him and that holy sword…'

Under different circumstances he could have possibly beaten Freed without much resistance, if not with his swordsmanship then with his Dragon abilities. Katsuo knew that, but right now the circumstances were anything but ideal. Right now, all was reduced to a fifty/fifty duel…but Freed had something in abundance that could be the deciding factor of this battle. Something more powerful than an intricate fighting style and a legendary holy sword…something that Katsuo severely lacked – Time.

He could sense the dragon's influence, creeping slowly on his brain with each passing heart-beat. Katsuo felt his body reacting once again; scales started, slowly but surely, making their way across his body, ready to cover the other half in their darkness. The greed and the lust for power that his heart fostered were becoming harder and harder to ignore, pulling him in with the offer of more strength. And though he was fighting that nature of himself, like he had for the entirety of his life, eventually it would take hold and consume him…it was just a matter of Time…Such was his life, such was his fate, such was his curse.


He just had one wish that time…

"I just wanted to live"

His voice echoed through empty halls and resonated loudly in his ears. After all that declaration wasn't for anyone but himself.

A battered body carried him through the mansion's stairs, a sword in his hands acting as a crutch. He had taken too much damage from holy element; way more than a devil was supposed to take, now he was barely moving…despite of it he kept on going, shutting down the pain and following the trail that man left behind. His vengeance, his war…they would finally come to an end tonight. So, he ignored his body, he ignored those around him and forged onwards. After tonight the comrades he lost would finally get peace, after tonight no other children would be harmed for the ambition of that man…and perhaps after tonight, he would finally know…

"…why did I live, while everyone else died…what makes my life worth living"

A single tear escaped his steel eyes. Yet he forged onwards, despite the sadness, despite the memories, despite the pain.

"It isn't fair…" It wasn't – they weren't offered a second chance like him. So, the least he could do was live for their retribution.

Stumbling and finding solace in the edged weapon he continued. The mansion's halls were long and his introspection made them seem longer. The place was barely built, yet now the top half was gone with the swing of a sword. Without it the dim moonlight glimmered on him, encasing every fiber of his being in the soothing shine. It looked familiar to him, like that day amidst snow and blood.

'What do you desire?'

Those were her words; the words of the crimson hair girl that appeared to him that night. Rias Gremory – she conceded his wish, he got to live. Would she be sad now that his life would come to an end? Would she be mad that he was such an unworthy servant, one who does not listen to his master? What about the others like Akeno, Koneko, Asia…even Issei? Would they be sad for him?

He stopped dead in his tracks.

"…What am I doing?"

Silence followed, as moonlight shone through the ceiling.

The sound of joy – praises, glorious compliments and laughter broke through the silence. It certainly didn't came from him and there was only another person inside the destroyed manor. His shaken resolution became steel, as all doubts were casted aside. Sluggishly moving his body through the halls there was only one thing that filled his mind – Vengeance.

"…they won't be sad for me, I left them…I don't deserve their sadness"

That is what he told himself, either as a rationalization for his actions or to shut away the gilt. Sadly, now his single-minded nature couldn't help him distinguish between the two.

"I'm just a vessel…just a sword for retribution, nothing more"

He was steps away, so he kept going.

Finally, before him was it – What once was a large and spacious room had been reduced to a balcony if nothing else, the roof appeared to have been sliced clean off and the entire left side too, and in the center of it was Valper Galilei. The Genocide Archbishop had a smugly satisfied expression on his face, as he started at the clash of gold and silver into the distance...He hated that look.

Kiba sluggishly lifted his swords, his whole body ached but he ignored it, and pointed the tip at the priest's back. He only needed one good hit, but his body wasn't complying; swinging back and forth like a drunken mess and his blade barely standing upright.

He took a step forward and…

BANG!

He fell like a string less doll, hitting the ground with a resounding thud. His body didn't react instantly, so he pushed himself up…his right leg didn't respond. He ignored it, taking the blade into his hand once again and…

BANG!

His arm slumped against the floor, unresponsive to his command. Then like a tidal wave, it hit him. The pain, the stinging sensation on his skin and the feeling of being poisoned – light bullets. The Priest approached him, his satisfied expression still plastered on his face and an exorcist gun in his right hand.

"Oh, failed subject, did you came to see the miracle firsthand?" the Archbishop said while directing his gaze to the twin lights in the distance and to the sound of clashing swords "Still I must be grateful for your contribution. Thanks to all you subject the experiment finally succeeded"

The tone of Valper was jovial, even mocking, and his face turned into a self-satisfied deranged smile. This irked Kiba to no end.

"Succeeded?!" his face turned to a snarl, as he let all the locked hatred flow through him "You slaughtered us all like pigs!"

The priest smiled.

"Yes, I did. Alone neither of you had the power to wield a Excalibur, but together…well that is another story. In the end you were nothing but Materials for my experiment, the best materials one could ask for"

The Genocide Archbishop smiled once again, and a chill ran through Kiba's back. The priest pulled a small crystal from his robes and held it up high triumphantly…Kiba understood instantly.

He felt sick, the need to puke outweighing his ever increasing rage.

"You…you, butchered them and later disposed them…for that damn crystal…" tears started flowing free out of his steel eyes.

The priest nodded and a smile, once more, found itself on his face. After it he grasped Kiba's hair and dragged him to the edge of the room by it. With his elderly hands he pointed at the ensuing battle in the distance, the clash of gold and silver, before opening his hands wide and exclaiming a top of his lungs.

"And I'll do it all again! The Church called me a heretic because of it…but I've done it! I have re-forged Excalibur once more and created it's chosen wielder! A miracle, not created by any God or Michael, but by me! Valper Galilei! And now we shall see the fruits of my labor once and for all! Go, Freed, swing my miracle and kill the Sky-Demon"

Kiba's eyes had lost its shine, the previous rage that filled them changed into depression. This was it, the end of the path he had chosen…he had given all away in sake of vengeance and this was the end result. To die alone at the hands of that rotten priest. He stopped caring about the pain, he stopped caring about the hurt ad kept on looking to the distance, as two warriors clashed fiercely. He had no right asking for another chance at life, no right to expect Rias to intervene again…

He just had one wish…and though he had no right to ask that from that person…it was all his mind could think of…

"…Hirai-san…please win…"


Their War for dominion continued and time was running out for him, as the human was dying and the dragon was taking over. So, with the clock ticking against him, Katsuo lunged at his enemy; every step a strike and every strike a step. Like a walking fortress closing in, unable to take damage and collapsing on top of Freed. The Paradigms had shifted. Where before Freed had been the offensive one now, he was forced back with every strike of the massive blade as he felt caught in the middle of an avalanche.

Katsuo dragged all his weight and swung his sword downwards, Freed moved quickly, leaving an illusion behind, and followed by an attack of his own. The Dragon used his scaled arm to block the strike and responded with a sword-thrust, aimed at the Stray's heart. In split second the Stray disappeared, a trail of light behind him, only to reappear behind his prey. Freed swung hard at his back, as if possessed Katsuo's body twisted and his blade moved through the air to swat that golden blade away from his back.

A smirk appeared on Freed's face, before he lifted his sword and uttered the word "Nightmare". With it his body divide and where there was one now stood five, all of the lunged at Katsuo and started swinging their blade with the viciousness and complexity that characterized the Stray Exorcist. The five became a barrage of destruction that no ordinary person would have been able to survive them.

Not one touched him. Katsuo's blade moved on its own, blocking, parrying and flourishing all opposing blades away from him, guided only by the enhanced instincts of his current self. Two illusions tried to stab him, a quick swing of his sword and the shockwave that followed stopped them in their tracks. Another jumped high and plummeted directly at him, blade first – a quick and precise upwards swing made sure to dispel the mirage. The remaining two tried to pincer him, one from the right one from the left. Katsuo one-handedly blocked the attack to his right with his sword, while he used his draconic left limb to push the incoming blade away and to drive a closed fist into his assailant's face. As the fist met the illusion, it disappeared – leaving only one once again.

No time was wasted, as he once again lunged at Freed with overwhelming force. The Curse was spreading through him and Katsuo couldn't stop it, he was feeling the rage and primal instinct building inside him with every swing and every strike.

He saw a small opening on Freed defense, a small gap that existed every three swings the stray made with his unorthodox style. He could exploit it, but to do that he needed to switch to defense and let Freed attack wildly at him. So, he did exactly that – adopting a more passive stance and letting the Stray swing his blade wildly. Katsuo's defensive stance and movements were near-perfect and even with that he found Freed's style to be a challenge for him, it pushed him unlike any opponent before had and that truth went for the Stray as well. It was a weird feeling, but a part of him enjoyed their battle even if it was a matter of life-and-death.

Clang!

The Holy swords clashed once again and in that split second the opening appeared. Adopting a more offensive stance, he slid his blade across the flat end of the Excalibur and bypassed the Stray's defense. Freed's eyes widened as the Silver Great-Sword was at hair length from his face – and in a split second Katsuo swung downwards.

Slice!

The blade passed through the air and the mirage that once was there was broken like glass. Freed disappeared once again; using invisibility, speed and illusions at his favor. Whatever joy for battle Katsuo had, disappeared along the illusion – replaced only by rage and frustration.

"Nightmare" A hundred figures suddenly appeared in the night, a hundred figures wielding the Fused Excalibur and wearing the face of Freed Sellzen, a hundred figures laughing in his mocking voice.

The buildup in his chest grew stronger and he felt his frustration increase. Something was preventing air from getting in his mouth.

All clones screamed "Mimic" at the same time and their blades shifted into various barbed spikes of light that headed directly at Katsuo from every possible angle and every possible direction. They left him no escape; cutting all possible escape options and even if most of them were illusions, he wouldn't be able to discern the fakes from the original until they hit him…and if the original pierced his back…Katsuo would die.

His chest was glowing brightly energy crackling around it, the fire that ran through his body had reached its maximum capacity, his rage had surpassed his usual limit and his frustration let him no choice but to give himself to the dragon…so he did…

"I HAVE NO TIME FOR THIS!"

His mouth opened and Inferno spewed from it. Dragon fire scorched everything around him, all that was became undone in blue flames and only ashes remained. Primal Instincts and animalistic nature took over his body, as a torrent of flames melted iron, steel and stone. All illusions disappeared in an instant, as the night was illuminated by a blue star on earth. With a mighty roar and a final pulse of blue flames, his outrage had come to an end and he fell to his knees. The inferno was gone and a large crater, as if a meteor had impacted the site, was the only thing left around him – all other things had been molted and the ground had been glassed.

Liquid fire dripped from his mouth, each drop burning the already glassed ground, with his chest moved furiously up and down. A lot of magical energy had been expelled from his body and the glow on his chest, that once was and incandescent aquamarine, had lost its shine.

Regret instantly filled him, as he watched the destruction he caused.

"I gave in to it…too much…"

Gathering his remaining strength, he tried to lift himself up but then…a cold sensation ran through his back, killing intent was nearby. Possessed by instincts his body quickly turned before the Fused Excalibur impacted his left scaled-shoulder, a burned and angry Freed furiously trying to drive the blade into him. Katsuo reacted quickly and gripped the blade hard with his left claw, while his right hand gripped his silver-sword.

"I had my fun at first, you bastard! Now I just want you dead! DIE YOU FUCKER!"

Freed kept pushing, using the seven holy elements in his back to enhance the blade's aura. Katsuo kept it at bay with his dragon arm, he tried to pry it away but his body was losing strength – the flames that once filled him had been exuded in the previous inferno.

"Once I'm done with you, I'll proceed with your little friends! I'll slaughter and rape those little devils with your own sword and use your unbreakable skin as a coat! WHY WONT YOU DIE!"

Freed's face looked monstrous; more half of it had been burned to the bone, his skull being visible, and his silver hair had turned charred black…half of his body was like that with burned skin from dragon flames. The stray kept pushing and the dragon's strength kept wavering.

'Damn it! Damn that curse! Always trying to take over me and the one time I need that cursed-power it only takes half of me…'

If he lost right now Freed wouldn't stop his rampage, he wouldn't be the last person the mad exorcist would kill in his attempt to satisfy that sick pleasure. Also…Kokabiel was still in town and whatever the fallen angel was planning would most likely mean the death of its inhabitants…Rias, Akeno, Issei, Asia, Kiba, Sona, Tsubaki, Irina, Jeanne, all of the students and all of the town would be destroyed by the whims of such monsters…and above all…the girl he betrayed and left, the girl he considered a friend despite all, the girl he cared for deeply since childhood. Xenovia would be hurt because he couldn't give his all, because he feared his fate…NO…that wouldn't do…If he had to sacrifice a piece of him for power to save someone. Then, he would sacrifice all of him for more power to save everyone.

"…Well then, take it all! If I have to become the embodiment of greed, then so be it! I'll endure the fall…ANYTHING TO SAVE THEM!"

BA-DUMMM!

A single heartbeat filled his body once again with fire. Renewed cursed strength took over his body and mind, his grip tightened as response. Small ruptures appeared on the Golden Sword's edge – his dragon claw quickly closed and in a single second…

Crack!

The Fused Sword of Victory broke.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

With a last war cry Katsuo swung his sword upwards with all his might. A quick slice followed and the arm of Freed Sellzen fell, its grip still around excalibur.


Shock.

When the clash ended and the light disappeared, only one holy sword was left intact. The supposed sword of victory, the primordial holy blade, Valper Galilei's abnormal creation laid of the dirt broken, the bisected arm of its wielder still holding the handle.

The satisfied expression the priest turned into despair, as his Magnus opus was rendered mere scrap.

"Th-this, this c-cannot be…t-that was the Legendary Excalibur and its chosen wielder…h-how can it be destroy it…it can't be, it must be a mistake, a mistake in god's system…there is no way for this to happen…no way for the legendary Excalibur to be beaten…no way… no way… no way… no way… no way… no way… no way… no way… no way… no way…"

Kiba eyes widened, as he watched Katsuo still standing, holding barely on his blade but standing nonetheless. The person he had considered an innate enemy of his since the day he appeared, just on the basis of the type of sword he wielded…Kiba hated holy swords, they had taken everything from him and his fallen comrades, they created nothing but bloodshed and an unnecessary loss of life…or so he thought…until he saw this moment with his very own eyes. Now the lives of Koneko, Issei, Saji, even Xenovia and Irina were saved thanks to that person he despised, a person that he had put blame for something he had no control or was aware of. Tonight, the Excalibur Sword, the blade he despised, was destroyed with the help of another Holy Sword wielded by someone who, for as long as he had known him, just helped for the sake of helping.

'…have I been wrong all this time?'

Then it hit him…it was something so simple and basic, that even a child could have reached that conclusion, yet both him and the Archbishop were so set in their own mindset, so blinded by their own biases that both of them ignored that fact…it seems in the end he had more in common with the rotten priest. A small laugh escaped his lips, as if he just understood the most elaborated joke ever.

"you idiot, you blinded fool…"

Kiba spoke and if he meant it for either himself or Valper, the priest didn't care. As two hands warped themselves around his neck and lifted him up. Kiba, in his weakened state, couldn't do much about it.

"What do you know! You are a failure! You are a Devil! You wouldn't understand the legend and you wouldn't know of the undefeated power of the sword…the glory of Excalibur!"

Kiba let out a raspy laugh ad spoke.

"Swords are just Swords…Demonic, Holy…it doesn't matter…What matters is their wielder and the reasons why to take the blade…someone like Freed who only kills for fun and someone like me who seeks only vengeance…we…we can't stand against someone like him, who fights for the sake of others…whether he wields a demonic, holy or a plain steel sword"

Valper snarled and spat at him.

"You are delusional – The Power of the Excalibur is Supreme, there isn't any other blade in the world that compares to it! It is the ultimate blade!"

Kiba remained calm, now after everything he had done, seen and said, he could recognize his own obsession. The same thing that held him back, always dragged him to his past and made him betray his friends, was the same thing that drove Valper to commit all his atrocities. He finally recognized it and that was why he remained so calm.

"I've always wanted to destroy that blade…I blamed it for what happened, but now I see how blinded I was. Destroying the blade won't do anything so long as there isn't a worthy wielder for it. Destroying the blade won't do anything as long as people like you exist…its not the bade, it's the people…I got so obsessed with the object, just as much as you are"

"I can re-forge it! I just need to gather more Holy Element, I can continue my experiments and find a better candidate than Freed…You! I can use you for it! I can use you as my guinea pig. So that the legend may live once more! The blade of Victory will be reborn and all will know the name Valper Gali-"

Thwump!

A single black blade pierced the priest's chest, going straight through his heart and coming out from his back. Called forth with Kiba's last remaining strength.

The Eyes of the Archbishop went white and his disturbing smile got stuck on his face, yet no more words came from his mouth.

"…you talk too much"

Kiba said, before Valper's cold body fell to the ground and him along with it. Landing back first into the floor, the only sight that greeted him was that on the moon and it's calming light.

"…I did it…they can now rest in peace…"

His vengeance was done; the Excalibur was now broken and Valper Galilei laid dead, now incapable of hurting anyone else. Soon he would succumb to his wound, he knew that, the light poisoning was making him weaker with each second…but he had achieved what he set out to do, so he should be satisfied…now he could join the others…

"…why am I so unsatisfied…what is wrong with me…"

He couldn't find it in himself to rest, he didn't want to, something in the back of his head was preventing him from doing so. He knew exactly what it was; the memories of those he had come to appreciate and known as friends, of those he left behind in the sake of his obsessive vengeance. His eyes caught sight of a small glimmer of blue, reflecting the moonlight on its crystalline surface – a small blue crystal that had slipped out of Valper's robes, the same one as before.

Yuuto Kiba took it and cradled it into his hands with the utmost care. Tears streaked down his cheeks, as he placed both of his hands on his chest.

"…if I reached my goal…then why do I feel so hollow…what do I do now…"

Now it would have been a fitting ending. His steel eyes softened and finally closed…then silence…

"KIBA!"

A loud and quite obnoxious shout woke him up. He recognized it immediately.

"…Issei" his whisper came quiet, barely audible.

He suddenly felt arms warping around him and lifting him up. Issei had come for him, now the pervert's shoulder was supporting battered body and slowly but surely dragging him out of the destroyed construction.

"You came for me…" Kiba said in a mixture of shame and surprise.

In response his fellow Gremory devil just shot him his usual grin and answered with upmost confidence.

"Of course idiot, I told you before didn't I, we are comrades. And we belong to the same group. Everyone would be sad if you died; Akeno, Rias, Koneko Asia they would cry a lot…hell, I think even Saji and Katsuo would shed some tears after all they've went for you"

Kiba remained speechless for the remainder of the trip out, until finally before crossing the entrance he whispered something barely hearable, not for Issei…but for himself.

"…yeah… we are comrades…"

Once outside a single color caught his attention directly. Red – a bold and vibrant crimson that was as unruly as the person it belonged to. Her hair looked just like it did all those years ago, under the moonlight and snow. Crystal blue eyes snapped directly at them, as soon as they stepped out of the destroyed mansion and he could feel Issei start to shake.

He lowered his head in response and stared at the ground. She approached him instantly and wasting no time, she lifted her right hand high and…

…gently warped it against his shoulder, while her left was warped on Issei's. She proceeded to press them tightly into her ample bosom and, though she tried to hide it, he could hear uneven breathing and fast heartbeat.

"Yuuto. don't do this to me again, please"

He could only simply nod weakly. Rias pulled them out of her big sister hug and smiled warmly at them. Behind her stood the remaining members of the Gremory Family; Akeno, who watched the whole scene with heartfelt eyes, and Asia, who tended to the wounded, yet her teary eyes were focused on them. To the side were the church team of Xenovia and Irina, who were being treated, and Jeanne, who discussed some serious business with Sona and her Queen. Lastly, two more persons suddenly came to view, Momo Hanakai and Reya Kusaka, both who were tending to Saji's arm.

"Come you two, let Asia treat your wounds"

Rias voice stopped his gawking, and he simply quietly followed her with Issei trailing behind him. Throughout the whole ordeal, he never let go of the blue crystal in his hand.


He missed slightly, he aimed for the head as well, but now he didn't care…for finally…

"It is done…"

Fused Excalibur laid broken before him while Freed lost an arm and half of his face had been burned. Katsuo tried to approach the broken stray, but his body immediately collapsed, as he felt the backlash of the stunt he just pulled. His heart-beat became erratic, his breathing was ragged and he could feel the curse taking hold of him. Scales sprouted again out of his body and a feral sound left his mouth. Liquid fire fueled his veins and his eyes turned a sickly yellow. He could only hear the drums of war, the primal instinct of the beast within, its desire for power and greed for gold overwhelmed his consciousness. The last thing he saw was the form of Freed Sellzen limping away from him and retreating into the night.

"Damn me! if only…if only I had been a bit faster…"

Regret hit him, as he finally collapsed on his stomach. His remaining human hand clutched tightly the silver great-sword, as he saw black scales consuming his human skin. He couldn't think anymore…so his regret-filled eyes closed, accepting his fate, he let himself be consumed by darkness and become the Evil Dragon.

The bright green bushes that once greeted me in my dreams, were no longer there. The abundant fauna that once inhabited this place had become nonexistent. The large forest that once filled the plains was long burned by fire and only ashes remained, while the soil had been ravaged by winter, now no longer fertile.

The plains that had been once an Utopia were now everything but…

The night sky was dark, the sun long gone and with no sings of ever returning. Only Polar lights and the star's glimmer illuminated the penumbra of darkness that enclosed me.

Yet, there was thing that was still alive…a single thing that remained standing and would do so, no matter how deep into the darkness I went.

Standing before me, as the only sign of life in this plundered place, was a large tree.

A tree that I've seen before, a tree that once stood in a king's halls. And now just as before, a very familiar sword was stuck in its trunk. A silver great-sword that I knew too well…A silver sword that despite me using it, I didn't accept the legacy it represented…doing so would mean taking a name that isn't mine, and inheriting a path that isn't my own…but what is my own Path to begin with?

My life would soon cease to exist…my life as Katsuo Hirai would soon come to an end, with it all it's memories, all it's desires and wishes…all of it would be snuffed by greed and only the Evil Dragon would remain…

So, what difference does it make. I won't even attempt to pull the sword…

Darkness and Silence befell me as I waited my inevitable ending…then I heard it…he sound of clinking steel, like segmented armor pieces lightly hitting each other. The sound began approaching me, increasing with every step, until it finally stopped before me.

I lifted my face off the ground and saw Him – standing tall over me, taller than anyone I've ever met; in his grandiose silver armor, royal black clothes, his chest and the markings on it exposed, for no man could harm him, and his face solemn. He shared my eyes, my silver hair, my face features…yet there were some differences; he looked older, more experienced, his skin was tanned, his hair was longer more wild and he was taller and better built…it was like He was a better version of me…no…I was a lesser version of Him.

'I must look pretty pathetic…'

The words left my mouth and I didn't even realize it. Yet they were the first thing that came to my mind. For me, that is supposed to be him, and him, who is supposed to be me, to be seen in such a pitiful state…being consumed by the dragon's curse…it must look like a black ink mark on pristine white clothing.

'leave me and let me die…' I said.

'Is that what you wish for?'

He responded, in a calm and dignified voice that befitted a legendary being like Him. Aqua eyes focused intensely on me like an unwavering statue. In turn my forehead hit the ground hard, while my body found comfort on the dirt and snow. Still I begrudgingly answered…

'…you already know what I wish for…'

He waited a few seconds, but responded in kind.

'To live. but for what reason, what purpose will guide your steps if you do so'

'…I'm content with just doing so…I don't have much time do so anyway, so better enjoy what I have'

'To live without a path to follow…that would be a very empty existence'

'…and what about you then! Is your desire to simply exist here trapped inside me, is your wish to have me follow into your footsteps…I am not you…'

He was drawn into introspection, his eyes wandered to the weak lights above. Later he knelt by my side and placed a soft hand on my back, on the place where my grievous wound was.

'I lived and died as a hero, without regret for the path I chose, yet fate gave me another chance at life. My only desire this time around is that you find the path you want to follow. I will be satisfied to walk it beside you, until we meet its end…be it for good or bad. So, until your path is clear, even if you deny me and hate me, I will not leave you and I won't let you die'

A soft shine exuded his body and by extension travelled to mine. A cleansing glow like the northern lights above us, it soothed my pain and put my mind at ease…then the world around us disappeared, engraving the memory of that glow and his last words into my mind.

'I am sorry'

Katsuo's eyes suddenly opened, the sickly yellow that tainted them purged away. His body ached, his breath was ragged and his chest hurt…but he was alive, he still was himself. He lifted his right hand and gasped at the sight.

"…what the…"

Long gone were the black scales that threatened to consume him, replaced by his usual skin. His right side was back to being human…his left side wasn't. Such was the corruption of that evil curse placed on his body that not even the power of a hero could clean its taint…but at least he was himself again.

The once furious cursed power that overwhelmed his body had ceased its conquest, as his heart produced no longer flames but human blood. It was a temporary fix like slapping tape on a water leak, he could deduce as much, without those runes active there was nothing that could stop his inevitable transformation…but it was good he had time to figure something out.

He slowly stood up and used his large sword as a crutch, after all he could barely move; his strength was all gone, the magic energy that was fueling him until this moment had stopped and he lost a lot, if not all, the blood his body had. So, he would take it slowly, taking his sword in right arm and tucking the broken one under his left arm, he would go back where the others were, hoping they were okay.

…but first he needed a small break.


"Thank the Lord they are okay, I rushed as fast as I could…but it seems that I wasn't fast enough" the maid of Orleans reprimanded herself, while hearing the situation from Sona Sitri "but that leaves one question. Where are the Excalibur shards then?"

Sona simply shot Rias a straight look and with a simply mutual nod they understood.

"Saji"

"Ise"

Both Devil heiresses said simultaneously to their pawns present. As for said pawns they understood immediately the implication, Issei was about to response, but was cut off unexpectedly when someone stole the words from him.

"…Katsuo-senpai went to bring it back…" Koneko responded in her usual calm demeanor, yet her eyes were steady and resolute.

Both Rias and Sona were visibly shaken by this, even Jeanne was, they didn't expect to hear that. Rias sent a reprimanding glare to Issei.

"Ise. You even dragged him into this. The guy is always vocal about not wanting to be part of this sort of situation"

In response the pawn of Gremory shook his head quickly, denying the accusation.

"I didn't do such thing, he just suddenly appeared…"

Rias simply bit her nail in frustration.

"So, he simply came here out of his own volition…why doesn't that surprise me"

"…Katsuo-senpai came to our help, because he is kind…" Koneko's soft-spoken words concluded the Gremory part of the argument.

Sona on the other hand remained silent, deep into her own thoughts. Unlike her rival, she didn't jump to the nearest conclusion in the heat of the moment, she analyzed the evidence in search of the truth. And like a good detective questions appeared on her mind, questions which answers all led to the second-year student.

"So, that destroyed street with the dead stray exorcists, the whirlwind that suddenly appeared during the night and the destruction here…I'm assuming all of this is his handiwork"

Saji rubbed his left hand, the burn marks gone but the feeling remained.

"I don't know who could've done something like that besides him…seriously, that dude has some scary power…"

Rias quirked an eyebrow while Sona's eyes narrowed, her suspicions confirmed. Even some of the others were a bit taken back by the revelation; both bishops of Sitri were surprised that the guy that they thought to be unremarkable could be capable of such destruction. Meanwhile the queen of Gremory was intrigued by what Saji refereed as 'scary power'. But out of everyone present, just one voiced her concerns.

"If Katsu-kun went to bring the Excalibur swords back. Then, where is he?"

"He is possibly fighting Freed Sellzen" to everyone's surprise it was Xenovia who talked this time, her gaze still fixed on the ground.

The same thought ran through Rias', Sona's and Jeanne's mind and immediately got ready to go after him, after all they understood the danger that fight entailed. Both devils got their wings out and signaled to their respective groups, while the saint summoned her rapier.

They needed to just follow the path of destruction; the broken ground, the melted steel, the trail of sword slashes. Soon enough they saw the scorched ground and in the center of the crater was him, holding his weight under that massive great-sword with one hand while carrying broken shards with another.

Bathed from head to toe in blood with barely any clothes on him just a pair of ragged pants that once were part of his school uniform, he simply gave them a barely recognizable smirk. The right side of his body was that of a human being, while his left side was scaled, with claws, fangs and, while it remained humanoid, it certainly looked more dragon-kind. He began dragging himself by dear life, using his blade as support. His left dragon hand held something up before two pieces of a golden sword fell to ground.

"Sorry…seems like I broke it…"

The fused Excalibur, or what remained of it, hit the ground unceremoniously and the sound it made permeated the silence that filled the night. The expressions of both Gremory and Sitri Heiresses, who usually liked to be all calm and collected, at not only seeing his current state but also the state of the holy sword, was an uncharacteristic shock that he would never forget.

"What in Maou's name happened here? What happened to you?" Sona Sitri exclaimed in an uncharacteristic manner; showing a different array of emotions aside her usual authoritative one.

Through pain and gritted teeth, he managed to get out one word in the most nonchalantly way possible.

"N-nothing…"

A hard grunt escaped his mouth before he also collapsed straight to the ground. A white blur ran past by all the devils and humans, who still held shocked expressions, and stopped his fall. Koneko's small hands held him in place before he could hit the ground, a small and relieved smile appeared on the small girl's face before offering her shoulder to lean on. Though there was large margin in their stature, he somehow managed to stand mostly upright. His eyes darted to the group before him, landing on the shocked face of a certain blue-haired girl, and a relieved sigh escaped his mouth.

"Glad you are all fine, thanks Koneko…sorry to be a burden…"

"…Katsuo-senpai should learn, when to shut up"

Issei also made his way to his wounded friend and helped him stand up straight. Multiple expressions cycled through the pervert's face; amazement at seeing the broken Excalibur, regret at seeing Katsuo's sorry state, confusion and fear at seeing the Dragonish left side until it finally set on relief, glad that his friend was alive.

"You stupid Prick Face! Next time tell us if you want to pull some crap like that. We can help too you know!" Issei said and while his tone was very strong, the relieved smile on his face spoke another truth.

A weak smile appeared on Katsuo's face and a sarcastic, yet well meaning, chuckle left his mouth. There was still trepidation in everyone's faces as they watched the exchange between the trio; even Asia and Jeanne, the two kindest of the bunch, didn't know how to exactly feel about the whole situation. That trepidation was quickly shaken off when the boy suddenly grunted in grueling pain and clutched his head; his body once again collapsing over in a loss of strength, his fall being stopped thanks to both Issei and Koneko.

"Asia!" The first to be shaken off their collective shock was Rias, who quickly called for her bishop to tend to the person of the hour.

"H-Hai Buchou" the ex-nun didn't need more words, as she made her way straight to the injured boy "Don't worry Katsuo-san, I will help you"

Twilight Healing's glow illuminated the night, as it healed the body of the silver haired boy. To the relief of Asia Argento, the wounds on Katsuo's chest reacted extremely well to her power, closing almost instantly, leaving only a large mark across it. But her concern came back in full swing, as she watched the boy's left side remained the same.

"Buchou, his left side isn't healing…I-I don't know what to do" the worry on Asia's voice was palpable, as she kept putting power into her gear.

"…his back isn't healing too…" Koneko said.

Rias approached the group with Akeno following behind; her purple eyes fixed on the silver-haired boy, staring intensely in a trance-like state at the deep black scales that now covered the left side of his body. At the same time Sona and Tsubaki made her way to the scene, a conflicted expression on the Sitri heiress who was analyzing the sudden development. Both of them only needed to give the boy one look to Know.

"Rias we can't treat him here, we have to stabilize him and drain the magic of that arm" Sona said with her collected and usual demeanor back.

"Agreed. We can take him back to the Old School Building, there we have enough place…and besides there is much to discuss"

Both Devils Heiresses sent the Saint a sharp look, as response the Maid of Orleans firmly nodded.

"Indeed. Momo could you please help Asia and see to Katsuo's condition"

"Of course Kaichou"

"Akeno, please do so too"

Purple eyes were quickly shaken off their trance. The queen of Gremory shifted her gaze from the Dragon-Human hybrid before her to the serious face of her liege, a quick nod was given with as much composure she could muster in that small-time frame.

"…Of course, Buchou" she said, before her eyes fell back on those black scales.

The Conclave of Human and Devils left the scene way past midnight. The Excalibur ended destroyed, it's pieces now wrapped in holy bindings and carried by Jeanne. Both Exorcist were safe, but their pride was not. The Gremory and Sitri servants would be chastised in due time, for now there was a bigger threat they had to deal with. A threat with black wings, who saw the whole exchange from the start with an amused grin on his face.


The situation looked grim and the current atmosphere reflected that, no one uttered a word and the tension that filled every cubic centimeter of the room could be easily felt, neither the peerages of both Gremory and Sitri nor the Members of the church present were immune to it. Jeanne had finished her explanation; she told them about the horrible experiment that Valper had spearheaded, his plan to lure the Excalibur wielders to Kuoh for him to re-forge the sword and ultimately destroy the town. The former revelation wasn't the reason for the current mood, after all Valper was dead, Freed disappeared with mortal wounds and Fused Excalibur was destroyed…no…what caused their collective worry was the latter part of their plan. To use the Holy Sword to destroy the Town, blame the church and restart the Three Faction war, all lead by Kokabiel's ambition.

"This is…troubling" The president of the Student Council said in her usual calm voice, yet the worry in her words could be felt by those who personally knew her.

"You could say that again, but we cannot let that crow get away with this. Not in our territory" in turn said the president of the ORC, with her usual bold and headstrong attitude.

"Kaichou, perhaps we should notify both Sirzechs-sama and Serafall-sama" Tsubaki inquired at her King, with trepidation in her voice.

"No. If my sister gets involved that would only signify more chaos thrown into the mix"

The voice of the Heiress of Sitri was strong and firm, to her this matter didn't need to be discussed. The sentiment was shared by her fellow heiress, who nodded in approval and spoke with the same firmness as her.

"Agreed, both have enough in their plate as rulers of the Underworld. This is our problem and we should solve it ourselves"

"While I can't wholeheartedly agree with that line of thought…as long as I draw breath, I will protect this town and the people that live in it with my own life if I have to – I can't let Kokabiel murder so many Innocents to re-start a war that would take many more"

The Maid of Orleans truthfully declared while placing a hand over her heart, with her blue eyes resolute and unwavering. The Red Devil, as usual, had her reservations against anyone that doesn't concern her inner circle. So, with a raised eyebrow she let her skepticism be known.

"Part of your assignment by the church, I assume? They can't let their good name be tainted after all; they are too busy doing that themselves" sarcasm dripped from her words.

Yet it was only met by those unbreakable eyes and steadfast attitude.

"No. Part of my honor and pride as a Hero"

The voice of the Sitri heiress intervened their small bout.

"Denying a Saint's power would be a pretty stupid decision by our part, so until the matter is resolved and our territory is secure, we accept your co-operation"

Another voice made itself be heard.

"You can count with us too"

The twin-tail exorcist said with her characteristic enthusiasm, even in this situation, but was quickly shot down with a single word.

"No"

Both Irina and Xenovia stared hard at the person who uttered the word, their supervisor, Jeanne d'Arc, who looked at them with a gentle but firm expression.

"What do you mean by 'No'! We can fight as good as any of you, even without our swords!" Xenovia hot-headedly responded.

Jeanne simply gave her a calm smile, like a big sister would give a little one.

"It's not about that. Tell me, what was your mission in this land Xenovia"

"…To retrieve the stolen Excalibur Shards"

Jeanne nodded with a smile on her face; her calm and understanding demeanor still present, despite Xenovia's more brash approach.

"Yes, mine was to supervise your operation and to deal with three targets of importance. Two of my targets were already dealt with and while I cannot say I acted as a good supervisor…quite the opposite in fact…I can certainly say that both of you already accomplished your task while mine remains far from over"

Shock flashed through Xenovia's face at the insinuation.

"You can't expect us to just abandon the innocent people that live here to save our tails! We swore to protect the weak, and the teachings of the Lord compelled us to do so"

The Saint's eyes became steel and her attitude became more commanding, gone was the previous patience and understanding of the big sister for she needed to command authority.

"As did I. And that sword remains a threat to them until it is behind Vatican doors. So, don't worthlessly throw your life away, and please complete your mission – right now neither you nor Irina are in position to stay here"

While her tone wasn't harsh nor insulting it certainly was firm and wouldn't take a no for an answer. Xenovia's hands balled into fist before storming off by the door, leaving a shocked Irina to apologize and follow after her.

"F-forgive me, Jeanne-sama…Xenovia wait!"

Now she felt awkward, her incisive hand rubbing and avoiding eye contact with everyone present spoke to that. Both devil heiresses watched the scene with something akin to understanding in their eyes; they had never considered that, just like them, Jeanne was just a girl who had been placed in that position of power from a young age. So, they could in a way relate.

Jeanne tried to mask her uneasiness with a smile.

"I'm truly a terrible leader…I guess that is a trait that I didn't inherit from the Original one. Sorry you had to bear witness to that display"

Rias Gremory simply sighed, before shrugging the whole thing off.

"Getting that blade out of my territory is truly a load of my back moreover, that way you can guarantee they will survive…well played Saint"

Sona Sitri agreed with her friend and gave a quick nod.

"I don't disagree, but we have more important matters to attend to. We can't face Kokabiel openly, a fallen angel of his class could wipe us out with a single hand wave – we need a plan"

"We could enclose him inside Kuoh Academy; you and your peerage could hold a barrier, while the saint and us face him one on one"

The Gremory heiress gave her two cents and while the tactic was…unusual to say the least…the smug and satisfied expression on her face told volumes of what she thought of her strategic genius.

"I don't believe that is a good Idea…Kokabiel was originally going to use the help of Valper and Freed, with them gone most likely he is going to bring others that can make up for the loss of the Excalibur…"

Jeanne tried to be as tactful as possible and denied her plan in the politest way possible. Sona, true to her nature, did not.

"I agree, that is a stupid idea"

"Hey! I don't see any of you offering any mind-blowing strategies, so don't mock mine – humph!"

The proud Rias Gremory, the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, crossed her arms under her large breast, directed her gaze away from the other two leaders and pouted like a little child that just got their toy taken away. When a certain pervert saw her beloved President's reaction there was just one word that popped in his head – cute!

"I like your plan Buchou!"

A quiet white-haired girl hardly nudged his shoulder in response.

"…not the time"

Sona continued to the real matter at hand, waving aside the previous interaction of both Rias and her peerage.

"All of us have our sets of strengths that vary from person to person, we have to use that to our advantage. And find a way to wear Kokabiel down before we can engage him head on"

"Sounds great – then what should I do?"

A new voice interrupted the Student Council president and caught the collective attention of everyone present. Their eyes couldn't help but widen instantly as they saw Katsuo; his body was human once again, he was dressed in loose clothing and he was resting his weight on the door frame, as a preoccupied Asia, a calm Momo and an aloof Akeno told him to take it slow.

Sona Sitri needed to just give him one look, his ragged breath, his inability to maintain his own weight and the black bags under his eyes, before her own glassed narrowed.

"You. Should return home"

Her voice came out cold and harsh, good…but she knew that wouldn't stop him.

"I'm sorry there is a large fight coming and I can't simply close my eyes and hope it ends quickly"

His weak arms gripped tightly the door frame, as he tried to stand upright and look as steadfast as possible. Rias watched that with pity in her eyes; she would try to be less hard and more understanding, yet she needed to remain firm.

"Katsuo. You are in no condition to fight, you need to rest, give your body time to heal before you try and go play hero"

She also knew that he wouldn't relent so easily, she had seen his stubbornness firsthand.

"My arms move and I can swing a sword-"

"Momo, please tell me of Katsuo's condition"

The Sitri heiress' cold voice cut his words right in their track and surprised the bishop in question, who simply nodded before telling what she knew.

"Ok. Hirai-san body was previously depleted of all its blood, it is a miracle he survived that long. While removing the magical build up that caused his…uh, transformation…from his body was easier than expected, said transformation caused sixty-percent of his body to be burned by the influx of magical energy. In addition to that, he had been sliced from bellybutton to right cheek thankfully that wound healed nicely and only a scar was left…the wound on his back though…"

"It took the combined of Hanakai-san, Asia-chan and myself to properly close it…a powerful curse was preventing us from healing it" Akeno said with a pitying look on her face.

"We also found some broken Nordic runes on his chest that-"

Momo Hanakai was cut off when Katsuo weakly lifted his tired arm in a way to signal her to stop. She did because, her King's point had been made and she found no reason to continue.

"I get it. You don't have to continue…what do you want me to do then, ignore that all of this is happening and go back to sleep"

The boy before them wouldn't relent, that heroic complex of him wouldn't let him, and from the three leaders present only one had dealt with it firsthand. And though it helped her back then…now it was just harmful. So, Rias would try to reason with him, not because he was an asset, but because they were friends.

"Katsuo. You always help people without regard for yourself, you helped me in a time of need and I will always be grateful for it…but you didn't show the extent of how you push yourself until now. You would give your live for the sake of others…and that isn't a compliment, its self-destructive and could lead to your death. Be selfish for one and go home, forget about Kokabiel and us, live that quiet life you always speak of – let us handle the rest, we can take care of ourselves"

"I don't like being a smartass Rias…but I won't get to live a quiet life in this town if Kokabiel blows it to pieces – none of the thousands of people living in it will"

"Katsu-kun. I know what the desire to help others feels like, I really do, but you won't help anyone if you throw your life at the earliest opportunity. Go back and rest, let us do the lifting. You saved me once, let me return the favor" Jeanne said in her usual kind and humble manner, she did truly understand where he was coming from. And that is why she couldn't let such a good person die so meaninglessly.

There was a tinge of understanding that flashed through his eyes, as if their constant barrage was slowly cracking that stubborn shell…and, as soon as it appeared, it went away replaced by his usual drive.

He tried to retort, but no words came out only a heavy grunt, his head couldn't focus and started spinning, his eyes blacked out for a second and he felt himself falling. The door frame provided good support and stopped his imminent collision with the floor…but the damage was already done. He saw all the eyes staring at him with pity, concern and worry…He looked away in shame…

"…I-I'm f-fine…"

"Stop being stubborn and listen to reason!" Sona Sitri stern eyes were disapprovingly fixed on him, while cold-anger permeated her words "You are not a member of the Church nor a member of our Peerage, you are an outsider, we don't have any obligation to include you and this problem doesn't concern you. We don't need a half-dead idiot with a death wish stumbling through the battlefield while we deal with Kokabiel. So, go back and let us deal with our job, the one you are currently interrupting"

He tried to open his mouth but it didn't budge…he knew she was right; he was useless at the moment and would cause more problems to their already busy hands. So, he simply stared at the hard floor before replying.

"…fine…you are right…I…I won't trouble you anymore. I'm sorry"

He tried to ignore everyone's gaze and headed quietly out of the door before a hand softly grabbed his shoulder. Shifting around he met her sky eyes and braided blonde hair, a smile adorning her features.

"Wait Katsu-kun, this belongs to you"

Jeanne held out a large object that had been wrapped in holy bindings; he knew what it was, there was no reason to ask…so, he simply took it. The weight he felt on his arms was unlike anything he had ever felt; normally he could carry the blade with one hand…now he was barely holding onto it with two arms, it was a testament to how useless he was now.

"I thought your task…"

A humble smile appeared on the Saints' lips and a shake of her head followed soon.

"I have no use for it, nor know its name or how to use it. Besides its already in good hands"

A smile appeared on his face, truly her attitude was contagious.

"My familiar will help you back home and make sure you rest properly"

Rias indicated to the bat-girl that suddenly appeared before her. The familiar in question simply followed her master's orders and offered her shoulder to lean on. Katsuo switched his gaze to Rias one last time.

"…thanks…"

And with those last words he left the Old School building, a large and uneasy silence was left in his place. Everyone was tired both physically and emotionally and it showed, just one look to the Peerage of Gremory was enough to confirm it.

"I need to see to my junio-I mean, to Xenovia and Irina. Afterwards we can keep planning our course of action, in the morning perhaps"

Jeanne said trying to ease the mood with her kind smile, though it was clear that the maid herself was anything but fine. The stress of the whole situation surely was getting to her nerves, Rias understood as much and couldn't help but nod.

"Understood, my Peerage needs to take a breather as well – it has been a heavy night for them, for all of us…"

One by one everyone left the room, until only the two devil heiresses were left. Their shoulders slumped as if a weight was lifted off them and a heavy sigh followed soon after. Rias couldn't help but rub her neck, while Sona massaged her forehead – both hoped to be in their personal sauna right now.

"You were very hard on him"

Sona simply nodded, before another sigh left her mouth.

"…I took no pleasure in that but it was the only way he would understand, he is quite stubborn"

"Tell me about it, I have been dealing with that trait of his for longer than you…still…A Dragon and Nordic runes?"

"It intrigues me to no end, just as I'm sure it intrigues you. We both have been trying to figure out the puzzle that is Katsuo Hirai since the day he arrived, yet every time we place a pice three more appear that don't fit anywhere. Besides, we have more important matters right now"

"I don't disagree with you…but I'll respect his privacy. So, we better focus on the Cadre trying to destroy the town" Rias got up from her chair, an action that Sona imitated, before both headed for their respective teleportation circles "see you later then"

With that last exchange both heiresses left the room in their respective flashes of magic, one blue and one red.


The travel back home felt long and excruciating, but it was all he could do. If going back home felt like a he had run a ten hour marathon, then there was no way he could take on Kokabiel. Sona was right, he would be a nuisance to the rest…and he hated that feeling…being stuck in the backline, while others risked their life for him…he, whose life was for the wishes of others.

He set his sword, now wrapped in binding, by his bed and the proceeded to head directly into the bathroom and after taking his shirt off he couldn't help but stare at his reflection, his body had been forever marked by that holy sword; the glow of both his heart and, by extension, his chest scar had stopped – for how long would that last…he didn't know. A sharp pain shot through his back and he quickly turned to see the damage it had sustained. A dark laugh escaped his mouth when he saw the reflection.

"…There must be a god out there that is really fond of dark comedy…and I'm his joke…"

On the center of his back he sported a scar unlike any other; it was still fresh and the skin was unsightly and raw, redder that his usual tone, something told him that when it finally healed…it would stay that way. Right on the center, where his back impacted the solid ground after Kokabiel sent him hurling through the air, was a scar shaped like a leaf from a linden tree – a linden leaf-shaped mark.


A/N: There was a lot of stuff to cram into this chapter, but aside some corners I think I managed to do so. Also the chapter wasn't supposed to be this long, but I'm infamous enough for my cliffhangers, so I opted for a complete conclusion. The tone for these few chapters is a bit darker, but it will all light up at the end of the Arc.

Next chapter begins 'Battle for Kuoh Academy' that will cover two chapters maybe three.

Thanks for reading, if you liked the chapter leave a review reading them makes my day.

Till next time