GeassDragon: Thanks. I did have trouble with deciding what Azazel and Kazuhiko would talk about in the last chapter.
SargentFalco: Yeah the fight should be a good one between Kazuhiko and Kokabiel. I intend for Karasuba to show up although she won't actually take part in the battle for other reasons.
Raidentensho: Glad you enjoyed it. As for Yu's Balance Break, I'm going to keep that as a surprise for now. The idea about armour Sacred Gear to pull off the Karas armour sounds good although it did make me think of possibly working in a character using Megaman Double Soul Forms. Whether I put either in or not is more a matter of working out how to include them into the story later on.
Naruto-Uzu-Uchiha: Thanks.
ShadowUzumaki55: Kazuhiko is the sort to try and find out about people who would be interested in him, like Azazel so he wouldn't be caught off guard by them trying to secretly watch them.
OshiroNai: I haven't decided on what sort of things Kiba would learn from Fate/Stay series but at the very least he'll learn to make stronger and more creative swords to fight with him.
Frank: Thanks. I haven't decided on Koneko yet as Kazuhiko can easily just view her as a little sister given how he acts with younger characters.
Universal Crunch: Thanks. Kazuhiko and Yu's upgrades are intended to be somewhat of a side arc itself and won't be showed until part way through the Treaty Arc because they have to gather the materials together for it. With the fight scenes I tend to, ironically, imagine is as if watching it as the anime and try to make them flow.
Rias seducing scene is intended as a start of her antics to try and win Kazuhiko over and her fails is more to point out her stubbornness to keep claim on 'her' Kazuhiko despite his rejections. I will admit when I came up with Metatron's weapons, I didn't think of how they work be affected by Kazuhiko's magic till the Minotaur run last chapter. I hadn't thought of including the Scissor Blades from Kill la Kill although I can see there being maybe one or two issues with working it in depending on things.
…
"" – Speech
'' – Thought
[] – Sacred Gear
[] – Dragon
{} - Metatron
…
Kazuhiko scratched his head as he looked over the two spirits in his head as he asked "You think Azazel noticed you Metatron?"
{I don't think so… the sealing bangles worked with the current Lucifer and Grayfia-san} Metatron replied seriously, Albion nodding in agreement as he added
[He would probably be more focused in my power anyway]
"Yeah I guess so" Kazuhiko spoke with a relaxed sigh, Metatron giggling as she replied
{Don't worry… Azazel's interest in Sacred Gears means he would be more willing to take you in Grigori should the Devils and Angels not accept you}
[She's right…] Albion spoke with a nod of agreement as Kazuhiko nodded to himself as he spoke
"I best get back to training with combining my styles then, in case I have to use it against Kokabiel"
…
The next day was rather peaceful, Yu and Kazuhiko working to find out where the materials Matsu had told them she needed for their weapons could be located. Currently the pair was sitting in the school library after the other students had left, several large books set on the table between them as Kazuhiko spoke "I think its best we put the Light Wyvern hunt on the back burner… What else do we need to gather, Yu?"
Yu glanced at the piece of paper with the list on as he spoke "Luminous Crystals for me... and Magic amplifier Crystals and Dragon Scales for you"
"The Scales we can get when we find and go after the Light Wyvern as they probably as fire proof as other Dragon Scales… the crystals will probably be easier to find as long as we can work out where a crystal mines for them are" Kazuhiko replied, flicking a few pages in the book he was looking at as Yu nodded in agreement before he asked
"What about the Mithril?"
"We'll have to find a mine with that in as well… Maybe we should try and find some Dwarf to help us with that and the crystals" Kazuhiko sighed, scribbling the idea onto the bottom of the piece of paper.
"So this is where you are?" Issei spoke, Kazuhiko and Yu looking at him as he approached the pair.
"What you want Hyodo?" Kazuhiko asked, Issei looking around to make sure no one was about before replying
"I… I want you to help the exorcists to get the swords back"
"No way, Hyodo. It's insane for you to even think of wanting to help them against a Cadre level Fallen Angel let alone what Kaichou will do to you when she finds out?"
Kazuhiko rejected instantly, surprised that Issei would ask something like that as the Sitri [Pawn] replied
"I don't care about the punishment from Kaichou… I can't let Irina do this even if she's willing to die, she's my childhood friend…" Kazuhiko frowned as he regarded Issei, seeing the serious face on the brunet as Metatron spoke
{He seems determined to help that girl}
[Yeah… Probably best you go along so he can avoid starting a war himself] Albion added, Kazuhiko sighing as Yu spoke
"You must really like her if you're willing to go against your master for her"
"Well she's filled out nicely…" Issei replied with a perverted smile, Kazuhiko stamping on his foot and making him tear up in pain as Kazuhiko spoke
"If we do this… you are going to have to pull your weight especially seeing as you want use to wade into this tense situation"
"Y-Yeah…" Issei wheezed out, Yu smirking as he regarded Kazuhiko before speaking as they packed away their books before the pair left. Issei looking confused as the two left without him before he tried to catch up to them
"Aren't you going to help me?"
'Albion please tell your friend to get Hyodo to meet me in an hour in front of the shopping mall' Kazuhiko thought, Albion smirking as he replied
[Already have… Zirnitra says thanks for helping his idiot host] Glancing back he saw Issei's eyes widen as the message was passed onto him, a short nod from the perverted brunet before he headed off on his own way.
"So we really are stepping into this then?" Yu asked as they left for the day, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied
"If we didn't he'd probably go off and get himself killed…" Yu smirked amused as he nodded his head in agreement.
…
"Thank you so much for helping me" Issei spoke as he walked on Kazuhiko's other side, the hybrid rolling his eyes as he replied
"Don't thank us yet… We still need to find the exorcists and convince them to let us help"
"Should be easier for me to help so either way I can just let you two know what happens" Yu spoke up, Kazuhiko nodding while Issei looked surprised as they walked as Metatron spoke up
{I sense the two holy swords nearby, Kazu-kun}
Ten minutes of walking later the trio were surprised at what they saw.
"Please give blessings to the lost lamb-"
"Please give charity to us on behalf of the father in heaven!"
The two exorcists praying on the road while getting odd glances from the people walking by them as Xenovia spoke
"How can this be? This is the reality of the developed country of Japan? That's why I don't like countries that don't have the smell of our beliefs."
"Don't say that, Xenovia. We lost all the money we had. So we have to rely on charity from these heretics or else we can't get food, you know? Aaah, we can't even buy a single loaf of bread!" Irina shot back
"Hmph. It all happened because you bought that fake looking painting." Xenovia spoke as she pointed at the painting, Irina frowning as she countered
"What are you saying? This painting has the drawing of someone who looks like a saint! That's what the person in the exhibition said as well!"
"Then do you know who the person in the drawing is? I certainly don't." Xenovia argued back as Irina replied, taking a few moments to decide who the painting was
"…I think it's…Saint…Peter…?"
"Don't mess around. Saint Peter wouldn't look like this." Xenovia shot back only for Irina to counter
"No, he must have looked like this! I'm sure about it!"
{I can't believe that they were duped into buying that fake painting… It doesn't look like any of the Saints} Metatron spoke with a sigh to Kazuhiko, who nodded in agreement while noticing Yu stifle a chuckle while Issei gawked at what was going on before them.
"Aaah, why did my partner have to be someone like you…God, is this also a trial?" Xenovia spoke with a sigh, lowering her head as Irina replied annoyed
"Hey don't hold your head down. You really get depressed when you are down, don't you."
"Shut up! That's why the Protestants are called heretics! You guys have different beliefs than us Catholics! Show more respect to the saints!"
"What! What's wrong, it is Catholicism where they still abide by the old law!"
"What did you say, heretic?"
"What did you say, heretic!?" The two girls continued to argue, banging their heads together before a loud rumble from both of them broke them out of it.
'This is getting stupid' Kazuhiko thought as he walked over to the two robed girls as he spoke sternly
"What are you two doing? Don't you have an important mission to do rather than begging for money?"
"What are you doing here Devil?" Xenovia asked with a scowl, Kazuhiko smirking as he signalled to Issei as he answered
"I'm here because this idiot wants to help you"
"Ise-kun!" Irina spoke surprised as she jumped up to hug her childhood friend who spoke up
"Let's get you something to eat first though"
"Yay!" Irina called, hugging him tighter as Kazuhiko and Yu looked over to Xenovia who looked annoyed as Irina spoke
"Come on Xenovia! Ise-kun is going to get us some food"
…
"Delicious! Japanese cuisine is delicious!"
"Yes, yes! This is it! This is the taste of the food of my homeland!" Xenovia and Irina spoke after filling their stomachs, Kazuhiko chuckling at how they had been thinking they had sold their souls to the Devils or something along those lines.
Issei was silently weeping over his now empty wallet, Kazuhiko having offered to help split the bill at least helping slightly.
"Phew. Now I'm calm. It's the end of the world to get helped by a devil." Xenovia spoke, bringing the attention back to her as Issei spoke annoyed
"Hey. We are treating you to food and that's what you say?"
"Pheeeew! Thank you for the meal. Aaaah God, please give charity to these devils." Irina said while using her cross, Issei the only one suffering from the prayer while Kazuhiko pretended.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I did it without thinking." Irina spoke with a cute smile on her face before Xenovia asked
"So, why did you come to us?"
"Like I said before this idiot wants to help you survive this mission" Kazuhiko answered jerking a thumb towards Issei who nodded seriously.
"Yeah, maybe if you can make sure your identities aren't revealed. We don't want our higher ups and enemies to think that we are connected to you guys." Xenovia replied after a moment of thought, Issei's mouth dropping open as Irina spoke up
"Hey Xenovia. Are you sure? Even if it's Ise-kun he's a devil, you know?"
"Irina. To tell you the truth, it would really be tough to retrieve the three Excaliburs and to battle Kokabiel with only the two of us." Xenovia countered only for Irina to try and interrupt
"I know that. But...!"
"The minimum objectives we have to achieve are destroying the three Excaliburs or take them back. If our Excaliburs are going to be stolen as well then we should break them before it happens. Even if we use the last resort, there's only a 30 percent chance that we will succeed in our mission and return home safely." Xenovia continued, Irina nodding as she spoke
"Even so, we thought that the success rate was high enough to come to this country prepared to put our life on the line."
"Yeah. The high-ups also told us to continue with our mission as well and dispatched us to this country. It's almost self-sacrifice." Xenovia agreed.
"And isn't that what we, the followers, desire for?" Irina questioned, Xenovia shaking her head as she replied
"I changed my mind. My beliefs are flexible. So I can act in the best way."
"You! I have been thinking about it for a long time, but your faith is a bit weird!" Irina spoke surprised, Xenovia shrugging as she replied
"I won't deny it. But I think that it's our duty to accomplish our mission and return safely. I'm going to live and continue fighting for God. Am I wrong?"
"…You are not wrong. But..."
"Then think of it as getting help from two Dragons. Hyodo here has Zirnitra and I have Albion. Yu here is pure human as well" Kazuhiko spoke up to counter Irina's concern, Xenovia looking seriously between them before settling on Kazuhiko as she spoke joyfully
"He's right… I never thought that I would meet the Hakuryuukou in a distant country like this. Even if you turned into a devil, I see the dragon power within you is rather strongly present. I think that it was God's doing that we had this meeting"
"Ce-certainly they didn't tell us not to borrow the power of a dragon… But you are just saying nonsense! Your belief is certainly weird!" Irina replied confused only to be silenced as Xenovia spoke up
"Weird is fine with me. But, Irina. He's your childhood friend, right? Let's trust him. The power of a dragon or two will help us."
"Good…" Kazuhiko spoke calmly before Yu quietly asked
"Are you going to get blondie in on this or…?"
"What? And rearm Kiba's anger?" Kazuhiko asked back only for Yu to counter
"It'll be focused on whoever ran the project now right?"
"Alright… I need to contact someone who will be helping us" Kazuhiko spoke to the two exorcists.
…
"I understand the situation" Kiba spoke after being filled in about the details after his arrival, the blond's gaze turning to Kazuhiko as he asked
"Are you sure we should be doing this seeing as Kokabiel will attack sooner or later?"
"What?" Irina, Issei and Xenovia spoke shocked, Kazuhiko nodding as he answered
"If he's got spies on us then its natural a hidden alliance would form between us here to try and stop whatever plan he has to start a new Great War"
"How do you know that is his plan?" Xenovia asked curiously, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as he explained
"What reason could Kokabiel have aside from starting a new Great War…? He stole three Excalibur fragments from the churches and is somewhere in this area which is under the control of the little sisters of two of the Maou? It's obvious he wants to start war again by killing Gremory and Sitri and inciting the rage of the Maou who would believe it was the church's doing through Excaliburs' aura." Kazuhiko took a moment to sigh before adding
"He probably wanted the church to send Excalibur users here against him so he would have more to use…"
"Yeah that makes sense" Yu spoke with a nod, the others looking shocked before Xenovia scowled as she muttered
"So we played into Kokabiel's hands…?"
"Probably… He'll probably send Freed to take your Excaliburs seeing as the attacks on Priests here was to test out his holy sword affinity with [Excalibur Rapidly]"
"Wait? Freed Sallzen is here? And he's using an Excalibur?" Irina spoke shocked, Kiba nodded sternly as he answered
"Yes… I, Kazu-san and Yu-san fought him a few nights ago"
"Maybe we should tell Kaichou and Gremory-sempai about this…?" Issei spoke nervously, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow at him as he retort
"You were the one who wanted to help your childhood friend, Hyodo… Don't change your mind just cause you didn't realise how big things were" Irina blushed at hearing that while Issei tried to reply only for Kiba to ask with a stern look
"What happened to the person in charge of the Holy Sword Project?"
"Valper Galilei. The man who is called the "Genocide Archbishop". He was charged with heresy for that project and now he is one of the people on the Fallen Angels side." Xenvoia answered, Kiba clenching his fists as he spoke to himself
"…If I go after Fallen-Angels, then can I reach him…"
"He's probably here seeing as Excalibur is nearby as well" Kazuhiko mused to himself, Issei asking hopefully
"You could beat Kokabiel, right Yuuki? I mean you did beat Riser" Xenovia and Irina looked surprised at hearing that Kiba looking curious while Yu shook his head slightly.
"The Phenex brat is at least two or three levels lower than Kokabiel… Also Kokabiel has got vast more experience than Phenex and I didn't beat Phenex, I sealed him in ice and I doubt Kokabiel's going to let me do that. He probably also fought someone with [Divine Dividing] before so will know what to expect from my Sacred Gear and probably won't let me the time to divide his power enough times" Kazuhiko replied seriously with a shake of his head, Issei paling at hearing that while Yu smirked as he spoke
"You'll come up with something… But anyway it looks like we have a truce"
"Yeah, let's move onto the cooperation strategy." Kazuhiko spoke, Xenovia taking out a pen and writing on a memo pad before handing it to Kazuhiko as she spoke
"If something happens, call this number."
"Thanks. Here's mine…" Kazuhiko replied writing his own number down and handing the pad back to her as Issei spoke up
"Oh Irina, you should have my number"
"We already received Ise-kun's number from Oba-sama." Irina replied with a smile, Issei looking surprised as he shouted
"Are you serious!? Mum!? She gave it without my permission!?"
"Then that's it then. I'll repay you for the meal another time, "Hakuryuukou" Yuuki Kazuhiko" Xenovia spoke with a nod as she and Irina got up, Kazuhiko nodding as Irina spoke up with a smile and giving her childhood friend a wink
"Thanks for the meal, Ise-kun! Treat me again next time as well! Even if you are a Devil, God will allow it if it's Ise-kun who treats me to a meal! It's okay if it's food!"
After the two girls left, the four guys taking a moment to trade phone numbers before they went their own ways for the rest of the day.
…
Kazuhiko blinked as he appeared from out of the contract magic circle, wondering why Azazel was grinning at seeing him again as he asked "So what do you want to do this time, Azazel?"
"Well I want you to show Astrid here around town, Devil-kun?" Azazel replied while signalling behind Kazuhiko, the brunet turning to see a buxom five foot six young woman about his age with long gold coloured hair that ran down her back to her hips while several bangs hung down over her forehead and held in place by a blue headband. Her eyes were an icy blue in colour and stood out against her fair skin and black semi-rimmed glasses she was wearing. She wore a long sleeved cream cardigan over a white blouse which clung to her figure, a knee length blue skirt, tan stockings and black slipper heels on her feet
"I told you before to call me Kazuhiko, Azazel." Kazuhiko spoke back to the Governor before giving a bow to Astrid as he spoke to her
"Nice to meet you, Astrid-san…" Astrid looked stoically back at him, Azazel smirking slightly as she gave Kazuhiko a short bow before speaking
"Sorry for having to indulge Azazel-sama's whims"
"It's alright… I don't mind spending time with an attractive young woman" Kazuhiko replied with a shrug, Azazel smirking as Astrid averted her eyes from the brunet.
…
Seraphina and Kalawarner suddenly got a jealous feeling as they sat in the ORC, looking around before wondering what had brought on the sudden feeling before sharing a look as they both thought 'Kazu-kun, flirting with another girl!'
…
"Plus Governor here is gonna be paying for this date isn't he?" Kazuhiko added as Astrid nodded in agreement, Azazel smiling as he regarded the pair as he spoke
"Now you two go out and have some fun" With that Kazuhiko and Astrid moved to leave.
…
Kazuhiko smiled at the idea he had for his date with Astrid, having taken her around a museum before bringing her to the café they were sat inside of as the gold haired young woman opposite him asked "Why did you seem so calm around Azazel-sama?"
"Well, I was told he was a Sacred Gear enthusiast so I'm more useful to him alive" Kazuhiko replied with a relaxed shrug as he added
"Plus he didn't seem like he was going to hurt me when I met him before"
"I guess that makes sense seeing what Azazel-sama told me about your first meeting with him" Astrid replied with a small nod, Kazuhiko smiling as took a sip of his tea.
"I will admit I trust my instincts a lot around people when I first meet and aside from a few… mistakes they tend to be on the mark" Kazuhiko spoke, a momentary frown forming on his face as he thought back to Raynare/Yuuma.
"So what does it say about me?" Astrid asked curiously, Kazuhiko looking at her as he answered
"Hmm… Intellectual and observant I would say, reason I decided on showing you the museum seeing as it's probably your first time in Japan" Astrid looked at him moderately impressed as she replied
"Interesting skill… So you know I'm not a Fallen Angel then?"
"Yeah… I've hung around a few dragons for my training for the Rating Game so I can sense one without too much trouble" Kazuhiko spoke with a nod, Astrid nodding understandingly as she replied
"Tiamat's niece and student if Kalawarner-san's report was correct… I must say I was surprised to learn you used a magic style based on an anime"
"Well it was diverse enough to be useful, plus I always liked the idea of being able to use them back when I was human" Kazuhiko replied with a sheepish smile, Astrid nodding to herself as she spoke
"I guess that is obvious given you were brought into the supernatural world so suddenly… but I must say you have adapted marvellously to everything from what I have read"
"Oh, I didn't realise that Grigori kept a file on me now?"
"I-It's only a few things, mainly the Rating Game with the Phenex" Astrid replied with an embarrassed look, Kazuhiko smiling as he asked
"So how did you join Grigori?"
"My uncle made a deal with Azazel-sama so I could experience more of the world as I prefer reading and learning things from books then going out to experience them. Since then I have been sent out for a few missions so I could experience the world and my latest is to escort Azazel-sama here" Astrid replied embarrassed, Kazuhiko nodding in understanding as he spoke
"Well family is supposed to look after each other, so your Uncle is only trying to help you" Astrid nodded in understanding as they slipped into a comfortable silence, her eyes drifting over the brunet's face before a dusting of pink formed on her cheeks.
…
The next day after school, Kazuhiko, Kiba and Issei headed out to a secluded park after their normal duties, meeting Yu there as they started to discuss their plan.
"So I guess we better start searching" Issei spoke, Kazuhiko pulling his phone out as he dialled Matsu's number
(Hey Kazu-tan…Nice way you dealt with the exorcists yesterday)
"Hey Matsu-san, I figured you would be watching us" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh, drawing curious looks as he continued
"I need you to tell me where the strongest location of Holy energy in the city is, aside from the two exorcists?"
"Wait, Matsu-san can do that?" Kiba spoke surprised, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as Issei asked confused
"Who's Matsu-san?" Kiba looked away ashamed as he realised to answer that question, Rias' choice to leave Kazuhiko alone to begin with would come up and that wouldn't help their current situation.
(Aside from those two, the nearest location of holy energy is…) Matsu started, Kazuhiko waiting a moment or two before continuing
(…it's an abandoned warehouse on the outer edges of the town, from what I can tell an Excalibur fragment is there and probably the psycho priest Freed)
"Right… give me the directions and we'll head over there now" Kazuhiko spoke with a nod to the others.
…
"Mugen Unsheathe!" Yu spoke as he activated his Sacred Gear, holding the katana ready as Kiba created a demonic sword and Kazuhiko activated [Divine Dividing].
"Wow…" Issei spoke shocked at looking at Mugen while Kazuhiko scoffed as he retort
"You better activate your own just in case we run into Freed"
"Right…! [Titan's Sorcerer]" Issei declared, light wrapping around both of his hands and forearms before a pair of black draconic gauntlets formed over them, stopping at his elbows in a gold spike which matched the gold claw like armour on his fingers. Set on the palm of each hand was a ruby red orb that pulsed with energy as a voice called
[Reinforce]
"Reinforcement Magic?" Kiba asked surprised, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow at Issei as he nodded in response as he explained
"It's the easiest magic I can do, I can also use it on others as well to power them up"
"That'll be a good help" Kazuhiko spoke before the quartet entered the abandoned warehouse. Yu and Kiba taking the lead with their swords ready while Kazuhiko and Issei was a few steps behind them.
"Come out Freed! We know you're in here" Kazuhiko shouted, igniting his hands in [Sky Flames] as he looked around and tried to pinpoint the holy aura while the others got into fighting stances as a mad cackle filled the warehouse.
"Look up!" Yu called, everyone jumping back as Freed fell from the roof with his Excalibur as he shouted
"Haha! Some devils have crossed my path and that shitty one who stopped me from getting Asia before!"
"Double Sword Illusion!" Yu declared creating his second sword as he and Kiba charged at Freed and started to clash swords as Freed spoke
"Chi! Are you the possessor of [Sword Birth], perhaps? Wow. You are guilty of having a rare Sacred Gear, you know! But. Normal demonic swords can't put up a challenge against…"
With a single swing, Freed's sword destroyed both of Kiba's demonic swords, a second swing destroying one of Yu's swords as Freed continued "…my Excalibur-chan."
Kazuhiko and Issei watched, the former looking for a point he could jump in and hit Freed, so he could use [Divine Dividing's] power, Kiba replacing his swords with new ones while Yu reformed his lost one in a matter of seconds.
"Kiba! Do you want to receive a power up?" Issei asked concerned, Kiba's focus completely on Freed as he replied
"I can still go on!"
"There…" Kazuhiko muttered, vanishing in a burst of speed before Freed was knocked into the wall by Kazuhiko's punch, willing his Sacred Gear to activate as the call echoed in the warehouse
[Divide!]
"…This is!? Shit! Are you absorbing my powers!?" Freed shouted in rage after picking himself up, Kazuhiko smirking as he replied
"I would have thought that you would have known a Longinus when you saw one Freed. Kiba, Yu! Finish this idiot off"
Kiba and Yu nodded as they charged, the latter speaking up as a pale blue aura covered his body "Triple Illusion!"
"[Sword Birth!]" Kiba called, making dozens of swords appear around them and trapping Freed where he was standing. Freed clicked his tongue in annoyance, using his Excalibur to destroy the swords around him before Yu moving faster than before as he brought one of his katanas down only for it to be blocked by the holy sword.
Kiba took advantage of the clash, swinging his own sword up to use the opening Yu had created only for Freed's enhanced reflexes to move his sword to block it before forcing both to jump back as an elderly voice spoke "Hmmm. "Sword Birth" huh? It's a Sacred Gear that can have an infinite number of powers depending on the possessor and… Oh my, for [Staring Blue] to have taken such an interesting form, the possessor must be rather special"
"…Is it you old-man Valper?" Freed asked, the group turning to see an old man step out of the shadows wearing priest clothes.
"…Valper Galilei!" Kiba spoke with a glare of hatred at the old man, Kazuhiko eyes trying to keep both ex-priests in his gaze as Valper replied with a nod
"I certainly am."
"Freed. What are you doing? We must leave before we anger Kokabiel-sama and cannot delay his plans any longer" Valper spoke turning to the white haired priest who grinned as he spoke
"I will be escaping now! The next time we meet will be the time of our ultimate battle!"
"I won't let you escape!" A female voice shouted, Xenovia moving fast and clashing swords with Freed before Irina spoke up as she entered the warehouse
"Yaho! Ise-kun.
"Irina!" Issei replied surprised before focusing on the two exiled priests as Xenovia spoke
"Freed Zelzan. Valper Galilei. Rebels. I will cut you both down in the name of God!"
"Ha! Don't say the name of the hateful God that I hate! You bitch!" Freed shot back as the pair exchanged swords, the former taking out a ball of light as he spoke
"Old-man Valper! We are escaping! We are going to report to the boss, Kokabiel!"
"There's no other way." Valper replied with a sigh before Freed smirked at the group as he sneered
"See ya! The alliance of Church and Devils!"
As soon as Freed had thrown down the ball of light, the flash blinded everyone for long enough for the pair to escape.
"Shit!" Kazuhiko cursed looking around in an attempt to spot them or even pick up their auras as Xenovia spoke
"We are going after them Irina."
"Okay!" With that Xenovia and Irina nodded to each other and sprinted after them as Kiba spoke
"I'm going after them too! I won't let you escape Valper Galilei!"
"Damn it Kiba, don't run after them!" Kazuhiko shouted after the blonde, before sighing as he landed on the ground and deactivated his Sacred Gear, Yu and Issei following suit as the former asked
"What's the plan now?"
"We wait… Not much we can really do until either Kiba shows back up or Kokabiel makes his move" Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh, running his hand through his hair as he groaned at the familiar auras approaching them
"When I thought that the flow of power was irregular…" Rias asked as she approached the trio alongside Sona who asked sternly
"This is certainly troublesome. Hyodo, what's the meaning of this? Explain."
…
"Is that what Kokabiel's planning?" Rias asked shocked, Kazuhiko nodding as he sat on the wall of the fountain while Sona looked incredulously between him, a kneeling Issei and Yu who was standing with his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah… I would have thought it was obvious if Kokabiel was here with part of Excalibur" Kazuhiko replied, Rias looking annoyed as she asked
"Why didn't you bring this to us when you worked it out?"
"What would you have done? You're too proud to contact Lucifer-sama, so we would have just been waiting around till Kokabiel attacked. At least with my plan we could have reduced the number of Excaliburs he had to use against us and anyway Hyodo wanted to protect Irina" Kazuhiko replied, Rias looking sheepishly as Sona turned her gaze onto Issei as she spoke
"Hyodo. You were doing something like this behind me? You truly are a troublesome child."
"I-I'm sorry Kaichou…B-But Irina is my childhood friend…" Issei replied nervously, his face turning blue as Sona looked sternly at him.
"So Yuuto went after that person called Valper?" Rias asked, Kazuhiko nodding seriously as he answered
"Yes. He'll be with Irina and Xenovia… He should show up when shit hits the fan, so to speak because Valper isn't going to be too far from Kokabiel when he makes his move." Kazuhiko stood up after a moment, switching his gaze between Sona and Rias as he added
"I'm not going to apologize either, because I am trying to stop a war from happening here as well as the destruction of this town, with whatever Kokabiel has cooked up. I expected you would have figured this out, Kaichou, so don't think you can just punish Hyodo for trying to save your ass as well!" Rias and Sona's eyes widened slightly at hearing that, Issei looking surprised up at him as Kazuhiko signalled to him as he spoke
"Go home, you're gonna need to rest depending on when Kokabiel is going to attack" Issei looked between Kazuhiko and his master, Sona sighing as she nodded as she spoke
"Go on Hyodo, we'll decide on your punishment later if what Kazu-san says is true"
"Thank you Kaichou, Yuuki" Issei spoke as he jumped back to his feet before leaving, Yu smirking as Kazuhiko walked over to him as the latter spoke
"Let's head back to mine… It's probably safer for us to stick together should Kokabiel make a move tonight"
"Alright…" Yu replied with a nod, Rias looking surprised as she spoke annoyed
"Hey! I haven't dismissed you yet!"
"Really?" Kazuhiko asked with a look of disbelief on his face as he continued
"You want to stay out here and lecture me about how dangerous what I did was? When potentially Kokabiel could be watching us and easily put a light spear through you both. Or if he sends his Excalibur user psychotic subordinate to gut you instead just to make it more believable that the Church started it" Rias and Sona realised what Kazuhiko meant as they started to look around cautiously before reluctantly agreeing with him.
…
"You feeling alright?" Yu asked concerned as Kazuhiko sighed deeply as the pair walked back to the latter's house as he answered
"Yeah… Just annoyed at Gremory and Sitri's lack of concern for themselves" Glancing back the pair of young men saw Rias walking a few steps behind them, Yu scoffing as he muttered quietly
"She's acting like a spoilt child"
"I know… I think her spoilt lifestyle is making her believe she can get what she wants…I don't even know why she's following us" Kazuhiko replied as they turned back to focus on where they were walking, Rias' arms crossed in thought as she pouted while watching Kazuhiko.
"Probably trying to plan her next move" Yu chuckled, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as the swordsman thought curiously
'Has she not realised that changing her hair colour would probably give her a better chance? Probably not…'
"I can't wait for this to be over…Sera-san's gonna be annoyed I didn't tell her about this." Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. Yu patted him on the shoulder as he retort with a smirk
"Ah, she'll understand… You are just trying to protect her and the others right?" Kazuhiko nodded in response as he sighed
"Yeah…"
"I better head back to the hotel and grab my stuff so I can stay here tonight" Yu spoke as they arrived at Kazuhiko's house, the brunet nodding as he replied
"Alright then… I'll see you in a bit then" With that Yu walked off towards his hotel, leaving Kazuhiko to looking annoyed back at Rias before entering his own home.
…
That night Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Kalawarner woke with a start at feeling the enormous pressure from outside. The brunet jumped out of the bed and rushed over to the window as he growled at who he saw in the street outside
"Freed!"
Freed smirked sickeningly up at him, Kazuhiko's eyes widening as he heard Albion mutter [That's a Fallen Angel]
"Oh no…" Kalawarner spoke shocked, realising who she was sensing as the trio hurried to get dressed before rushing outside. Looking at the next door to see Rias and Mittelt coming out with Asia a few steps behind them while Yu came out behind the two young women from Kazuhiko's house.
"Yaho! Kazu-kun. Whore-tan. Looks like you guys are in a bad mood. Were you doing alright? Ara ara, were you guys having sex? Then I'm sorry. Not reading the atmosphere is my charming point." Freed called over to Kazuhiko and Kalawarner, the former asking annoyed
"What do you want?" Freed just shook his shoulders as he laughed, Kazuhiko taking a moment to search around with his senses for the Fallen Angel only to catch Rias and Yu looking up as Kazuhiko looked to see a man with ten black feathered wings and dressed in a black robe.
"Kokabiel" Kalawarner spoke with restrained anger, Kokabiel smirked at seeing Rias as he spoke with hatred
"This is our first time meeting, daughter of the house of Gremory. The crimson hair is beautiful. It reminds me of your brother that I hate enough to make me want to vomit."
"Nice to meet you, one of the leaders of the fallen-angels, Kokabiel. And my name is Rias Gremory. I will also add one more thing. We and the house of Gremory are a being who are closest to the Maou, and also the furthest from it. If you are here to discuss about politics with me, then it's no use." Rias replied, Kazuhiko's eyes widening as he noticed Kokabiel was carrying a person as he spoke
"This is a gift." Throwing the person, Kazuhiko flared [Sky Flames] around his hands to move fast enough to catch the person, landing lightly on his feet as he looked surprised at who he was holding as he thought
'Damn it… Hyodo's going to be pissed at finding this out. But I guess Kiba and Xenovia got away so that's good'
"Asia-san!" Kazuhiko called, Asia rushing over to him as the brunet gently putting the exorcist down so she could heal her as Kokabiel continued with a laugh
"She came into my base. So I gave her a welcome. Well, I couldn't catch the other two." A few moments of being under the Asia's healing light Irina's expression softened and her breathing levelled out, Kokabiel continuing to talk regardless of what was going on before him
"I wouldn't do something stupid as talking with a Maou. Well, if I rape and kill his little sister, then Sirzechs' anger will be pointed towards me. That won't be bad." Rias glared at Kokabiel as she asked disdainfully
"…So what is your motive for contacting me?"
"I will be rampaging in this town using your base, Kuou Academy, as the starting point. Then Sirzechs will also appear, right?" Kokabiel answered with joy, Kazuhiko realising he had been right as Rias retort
"If you do something like that, the War between God, fallen-angels and devils will begin again you know?"
"That's what I'm wishing for. I thought that Michael would start a War if I steal the Excalibur... But what he sent were grunt Exorcists and two holy-sword wielders. It's boring. I'm really bored indeed! That's why I'm going to rampage at Sirzech's sister's base and kill that bitch of a traitor with you. See? It looks fun, right?" Kokabiel retort, Rias clicking her tongue as Kazuhiko, Kalawarner and Seraphina glaring hatefully at the Cadre.
"…You battle-freak." Rias replied with hatred, Kokabiel laughing with joy as he retorted
"Yeah. That's it! I was bored and bored after the war between the three sides! Azazel and Shamza weren't that keen on the next war. They then started to collect something boring like Sacred Gears and started to do some weird research. Something useless like that won't be of any use to us! …Well, it's a different story if it's a [Divine Dividing] like the one the brat over there has… But it's not something you can find so easily." Kokabiel turned his gaze to Kazuhiko, the brunet trying to avoid his body showing any reaction to the enormous pressure as he asked
"…Are you after my Sacred Gear?"
"I'm not interested in it. But Azazel might be. His collection hobby is crazy. That traitor behind you probably has been reporting back to him about it" Kokabiel answered pointing at Kalawarner for a moment before shrugging and continuing
"Either way, I'm going to be starting a battle involving the holy-swords, Rias Gremory. For starting a war! A school where both little sisters of Sirzech's and Leviathan's go to. It must be filled with demonic-powers so that I can enjoy the chaos! It's also the best place to release the real power of Excaliburs! It's a good place for the battlefield."
{He become more crazed then I expected} Metatron spoke in an almost sad tone as Kazuhiko mentally agreed as Freed laughed
"Hyahahaha! Isn't my boss the best? His craziness is the best. So I'm also eager to do it. He even gives me treats like this." Freed took out an Excalibur while pulling back his coat to show the two Excaliburs sheathed on his hips and the rope form of [Excalibur Mimic] on his left shoulder as he added, signally to each on in turn
"The one on the right is [Excalibur Rapidly]. The one on the left is [Excalibur Nightmare]. The one on my hip is [Excalibur Transparent]. I also received [Excalibur Mimic] from the girl over there! I also feel like getting [Excalibur Destruction] that the other girl has. Hyaa! Am I the first person in the World to be in possession of this many Excaliburs? I also received an element from the geezer Valper that allows me to wield holy-swords. Right now I'm in a hyper mode that allows me to wield all of them, you know? I'm invincible! I'm wonderful! I'm the strongest! Hyahahahahahahahaha!" Freed continued laughing maniacally as Kokabiel added
"Valper's holy-sword research. It's the real deal if it shows this much result. To tell the truth it seemed suspicious when he joined my plan."
"What are you planning to do with the Excaliburs!?" Rias asked, Kokabiel moving his wings and looking in the direction of the school as he replied
"Hahaha! Let's have a War! Little sister of Sirzech Lucifer, Rias Gremory!" Before anyone else could respond Freed had blinded them with one of his light grenades, the group only regaining their sight once Kokabiel and Freed had gone.
"Everyone! We are going to the school!"
"Yes!" Everyone called, Kazuhiko freezing as his father's voice spoke up from the doorway shocked and confused
"Kazu-kun, what's going on?"
…
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before but I just…" Kazuhiko spoke as he sat opposite his father, having just finished explaining quickly what had happened ever since he had been revived. Rias and the others had headed off ahead to Kuoh Academy aside from Seraphina who was making an important call for Kazuhiko as he continued
"…I didn't want you brought into this world, Tou-san…"
"How can I be sure that all of this is real?" Kazuhiko's father asked dazed and confused, Kazuhiko taking a moment before letting his Angel wings emerge from his back as he pulled one of his feathers out and hand it to him as he answered
"This is how…" Kazuhiko's father took the feather in his grasp, the brunet retracting his wings, as he looked over the feather intently
"Yuuki-san… Kazu-kun is still the same person he was before" Seraphina spoke in a caring voice, giving a brief nod to Kazuhiko as she continued
"Albeit he now has abilities beyond other humans" Kazuhiko's father looked between Seraphina and Kazuhiko before a small smile formed on his face as he chuckled
"I guess you're a superhero now then, Kazu, like you always wanted to be when you were young" Kazuhiko blushed at hearing that Seraphina giggling as he stood up and spoke
"I'll explain the rest once we've dealt with Kokabiel, alright Tou-san?"
"Alright… Metatron, Albion, please continue to look after Kazu for me?" Kazuhiko's father spoke in a serious tone as he looked at Kazuhiko for a response.
[Of course… Kazu here is the best partner I could hope for] Albion replied aloud seriously before Metatron added in a formal tone
{Yuuki-san… We will do everything in our power to protect your son. We have both grown to care for him more than just any other host we have had before}
"Thank you…So what about Rias?" Kazuhiko's father spoke, Kazuhiko looked annoyed before shaking his head as he replied
"I'll explain that later…"
"Alright then" Kazuhiko's father spoke, the two young adults nodding to each other before rushing out of the house, while he continued to look at the single feather in between his fingers as he muttered
"Go get him, Kazu…"
…
"Rias-sempai. We have covered the school with a large barrier. With this, unless something disastrous happens, there will be no damage outside." Saji reported to Rias. The other members of the ORC and Student Council were gathered around the park located in front of Kuoh Academy. Kalawarner, Asia, Seraphina and Yu also gathered to help them as Kazuhiko stood in his Rating Game battle outfit as he asked
"So Karasuba-sensei is going to come?"
"Yeah… she says she's going to take on whatever reinforcements Kokabiel has waiting nearby for him thanks to Matsu-san's information" Seraphina replied, Kazuhiko nodding before turning his attention to Asia as he spoke
"You don't have to risk yourself with helping us, Asia-san"
"I-I want to… this town is the only home I've ever had" Asia replied with a surprisingly serious tone as Kazuhiko nodded as he spoke serious
"Alright then, stay next to either Kala-san, Mitt-san, Sera-san or me at all times alright and if we tell you to run you have to do it" Asia nodded seriously, Yu smirking softly as he spoke
"You're acting like a regular leader now, Kaz"
Kazuhiko sheepishly scratched his head as he looked around, Kiba or Xenovia hadn't showed up yet and Irina had been moved to Sona's house so she could rest there.
(Don't worry Kazu-tan, they'll get there in time) Matsu spoke up through a hologram of herself that was nearby, Kazuhiko glancing over to see Saji still explaining the barrier around the school to Rias as he asked
"You ready to reinforce the barrier?"
(Yeah it should be a piece of cake with So-tan having already used my barrier generators with the original barrier.) Matsu answered, Kazuhiko taking a calming breathe as he heard Sona's words
"This is to keep it to the minimum. To tell you the truth, if Kokabiel were to fight seriously, not only this academy, but the whole region would be annihilated. Adding to that, he has already gotten ready for that. My servant has seen him releasing his power at the school grounds. My servants and I will continue to place the barrier to reduce the damages. I want to minimise the damages as much as possible… It's hard to prevent having our school getting damaged. But it looks like we have to since it's the leader of the fallen-angels who is moving." Sona was glaring hatefully towards the school where Kokabiel was at the moment.
"Thank you, Sona. We will do the rest from here." Rias spoke, Sona pressing her glasses up her nose as she replied
"Rias. Our enemy is a monster with strength above ours. It's still not too late. We should get your Onii-sama…" Rias shook her head in response as he countered
"You also didn't call your Onee-sama."
"My Onee-sama is… Your Onii-sama loves you. Sirzechs-sama will definitely move. So…" Sona replied with a slight nervous air before Akeno spoke up
"I have already informed Sirzechs-sama."
"Akeno!" Rias shouted shocked, Akeno's looking back at her angrily as she retorted
"Rias. I know that you don't want to cause problems for Sirzechs-sama. It happened in your territory. In your base. And it happened after the family problem. But it's a different story if the leader of the enemy appears. It is a problem that surpasses the level that you can solve. Let's borrow the strength of a Maou."
"She's right…" Kazuhiko added, his hands in his pockets as Rias clamped down on what she wanted to respond with and took a deep breathe, Akeno offering him a smile before turning back to Rias as he spoke
"Thank you for understanding the situation, Buchou. Sona-sama. Sirzechs-sama's reinforcement will be here in one hour."
"One hour… I understand. In that time, we, the student council, will vow to continue to place the barriers in the name of Sitri." Sona spoke determined, briefly glancing over to Kazuhiko as Rias turned to her peerage as she spoke
"…So one hour. Now my servants. We will be on the offensive. We will go inside the barrier and draw Kokabiel's attention. Unlike the battle against Phenex, this is a battle of life and death! Even so, I will not forgive you if you die! We will survive and continue to attend that school!"
[Yes!] Everyone responded, Kazuhiko just nodding as he felt the gravity seals being released by Metatron.
"Yuuki! I will leave the rest to you."
"Me too…! Get him back for Irina" Saji and Issei spoke, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied
"Alright… I'll be sure to give that warmonger enough trouble so reinforcements will arrive"
"Heh, don't forget about me, Kaz. I may be human but I can keep up with Devils as well" Yu added with a smirk, dressed in the battle clothes Matsu had made for him as Kazuhiko smirked before hearing Albion speak up seriously
[Leave it to us, partner. Our opponent is Kokabiel. He's not an insufficient opponent. Let's show him our power.]
…
Author's Note
Well things are heating up. Kazuhiko's dad knows what has happened, Kokabiel is planning to start war with Excalibur and everyone is ready for a fight. It's probably a surprise to see Kazuhiko help Issei with working alongside the exorcists but he wants to avoid Kokabiel getting any more swords or start the war.
Astrid is intended to be based appearance wise on Satellizer from Freezing aside from the changes mentioned and is working as Azazel's assistant with an arrangement made for her although Azazel looks to have other ideas.
Anyway hope you enjoyed the chapter.