Hello and welcome to the next chapter!

Yoga Pratama; Yup, but always expect the unexpected. Hehe it surely was~ That was fun to write~ If Makoto went through that because of Ise, Makoto would probably kill him.

hellspam; Thanks! Yeah, it was a fun chapter to write for those parts. I thought i'd change it up a little bit, so I did~ And yeah, he's got that Excalibur now. He won't be able to say it right away, but if anyone he trusts, at least between those two, then it would be Irina over Xenovia due to their history. That actually would be cool, I could see Serafall teaching Makoto that, and he busts it out during that part. Ooh yeah, during that arc, it is going to be very, very interesting between Makoto, and Asia, and Diodora. Oh, that would very much piss off Ise, and it would send him into Juggernaut yeah, Serafall would obliterate anything if that happened to Makoto. Thanks for the suggestion!

DocSlendy; Yeah, there has been a few huh.

marco794; Seemingly so yeah.

Blue Eyes Pendulum Dragon; She does indeed yeah~ Kuroka's come into play, and is still kicking some ass the way that she does. He is indeed, he's training himself, and wants to become stronger. They are trying, but they aren't able to come to an agreement with the pair of them, and him as well. They do both have good points, but if they only realized that coming together would be better than being blown apart like this. This is just his sword, right now, it might not always be his sword, and what rule was there for him to only have one sword? He might get different ones in the future.

Nivek Beldo; Yup, Makoto's trying his best for the young girl, isn't he? He should've but his mind was preoccupied, and yeah, he got some good 'service' didn't he? Ravel can show some cute sides, can't she? Hmmm, I suppose when we get there, there could be a battle between Makoto and Ise, friendly or otherwise. Yeah, we're getting more, and more into his past as we go along huh. She did indeed, she's very, odd like that huh. His sanity is always being pushed to different limits. Yeah, that fight was, something alright, wasn't it? Kuroka came though, and she saved the day, with her powers, then flirted with him for a little bit. Well, something might go down between them. Eeh, I couldn't see that working with Ise honestly. And thanks.

Vizard Issei; Yeah, he's got himself a Holy Sword! It's gonna be interesting going forward! Poor Shota indeed, Kiyome will stop at nothing to get it. I, dunno, maybe in the future somewhere. Well, they could be, nothing has been confirmed one way or the other. Well, we'll see what the future has in store for Makoto, and such when we begin seeing more and more. Eh, maybe it will happen, Ise probably won't fight them though, due to what I have planned. Really? Well, maybe in a future fic, not here though.

Harem Master123; Thanks very much! She isn't yeah but still, she is pulling away from him. Yeah, it never made sense to me either, why she did that. It just didn't make sense. Well, she could be, or she could be something else entirely. Nothing has been confirmed either way. Grayfia wasn't frightened as in downright terrified, she was more startled that a cat, she couldn't sense power from, was able to do such intimidating things. And thanks for the suggestions!

ShadowUzumaki55; They surely are, and it is going to only heat up from hereon out. She isn't, but it is gonna be a rocky road going forward. She did yeah...that's Kiyome for you, she's very, odd like that. I thought Makoto would do that, seeing that it was very unnecessary to hit her like that for, basically not paying much attention, it always seemed too far for me as well. Well, Gren is quite, the character, isn't he? He's, gonna be explored more on as we go forward. It is, remember that, it is gonna be paid off at a later date. Hehe, they'll...well, let's not ruin the surprise. She could be, she couldn't be. She could be just an insane cat. Well, at least those two seem to be.

Justin D; Yup, it surely is, and it is going to be, interesting going forward. Kalawarner wants Makoto in a serious way, even if she has to drag in Asia, she'll do it, knowing that Makoto would find it very difficult to displease Asia, so Kalawarner is quite the tricky person. He does, he's had time to get to know her, and knows Ise very well, and it is very easy to see the similarities. Hehe, that was quite fun to write actually, I had a good time writing that part of the story. Could very well be, or it could be something else. It is, but works differently than it did there. Yeah, it is gonna be fun going forward.

Dragonsayianblue; Thanks! Yeah, it was quite like the Rias vs Makoto during that 'fight'. Yeah, he surely is huh~ And thanks!

Guest 1; Eeh, dunno about arc, and I wouldn't know how he would end up having something like that, since he, before becoming a Devil, was just an ordinary highschooler. Especially one that is supernatural. Normal, I could believe, perhaps, but supernatural, it would be very hard to believe that.

Primevere; No worries, I can understand, my life is gonna become very busy soon enough. And thanks, no worries at all~

Guest 2; I can't spoil much about Vali right now, since it ties in with a plot point I have going on, but lets say it could very well be different than the canon. And yeah, for Serafall, Makoto is probably gonna be facing her.

Skull Flame; Yeah, it is noticed, don't worry about that. Yup, it is someone from canon, can't say who though right now. He should be, but then again, he did want to have a 'normal' bath, but living in that house, it is gonna be anything but normal. Yeah, don't think about that, those two together would be very terrifying to say the least. He did, but it was only a ball game after all~ It is a wonder he survived as long as he did in canon huh. Yeah, I suppose in a way, he could be like that. Kuroka, is gonna be fun to develop as we go forward into the future. She is interested, and there is a reason why she is, besides obvious things. He can yeah, and that's kinda important, remember that for the future's sake~ They are, they should be here, very, very soon. Ooh trust me, that scene is gonna go down with some, interesting results. They do, don't they? And thanks!

UsagiAngelRabbit; Yeah, she does huh. And I suppose it would be yeah.

Guest 3; I'm sorry, I haven't watched it before, so I couldn't write for it.

Cf96; Thanks!

Anime PJ; Yeah, that's quite the development huh, that's gonna be shown more down the line as we go on. It is gonna be, something when it is found out. We saw Kuroka kicking some ass, however brief, seems like Gren is quite scared of her huh. Yeah, I am thinking of the same way, and I probably will do if I can think of some good story line's for her. Well, thanks, I try my best and all. It should be yeah.

tyson113; Thanks very much! Aah, those two are gonna be fun to explore going down the road. Hehe, just wait for that, it is gonna be fun to write.

Guest 4; Yeah, I don't see why not, and yeah it would, someone he's been with for years, thought of as a brother, he of course would go into Juggernaut Drive if he lost him. And yeah, he does deserve that.

Guest 5; That could be an interesting thing to do, yeah maybe in the future I could do something like that.

Guest 6; Sorry, I've watched some, but not enough to make a fic of it. But from what I know, that could be interesting to do.

Tohka123; Thanks very much! He is trying yeah, and is somewhat succeeding as well. Though it is difficult for them to do it. The lap wars are forever on huh. It seems that cuteness, along with Princess threats, seemed to have won out. He was yeah, Kuroka saved the day, and also he helped out Yumi as well, protecting her from Rias. And thanks!

Neonlight01; I always thought the same as well. She really should've seen that wasn't the right way to go. I suppose in a way, they really were, weren't they? Hehe, their surprise attack seemed to work quite well, didn't it? Makoto even busted out a cuteness mode that he could do. Aah, good question, she might do in the future. They have, with a bloody vengeance apparently. Well, he didn't go through the project to wield them, so it is safe to say that he is a natural, unless there's something else about him we don't know yet. Well, the Sacred Gear has its own reasons, which shall slowly be revealed as we go forward. Kuroka is seemingly deeply connected to whatever is going on, we'll have to see and read more to find out. And yeah, seems a few are, aren't they?

Guest 7; Well, I do have to say, that is some good reasons, and some good ideas. And yeah, if I can one day, I probably will, then I will try incorporating those ideas, thanks for the suggestions!

Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!


Meeting's new and old!

"Yumi-senpai, please at least let me get Asia-chan to heal that wound on your arm."

Makoto said as he walked into the bedroom that he had, with Yumi.

After the days events, Makoto eventually found Yumi, and all but had to beg for her to come back to his place, but still was quite difficult. But he managed to get her back, somehow, she seemed to be rattled though, and he could understand why.

"I can't believe Freed used a cheap trick to get away like that."

She growled out as Makoto checked over the wound.

"This was made by a Holy Sword, wasn't it? The Excalibur, right?"

Makoto asked, begging for an answer.

Yumi just held her head down like she was thinking about something deeply.

"Yumi-senpai, please take off your shirt, so I can examine the wound. If you don't want Asia-chan to heal it, then I'm gonna have to fix it up myself, though Asia-chan would be the way to go anyway, yet I don't get why you won't go to her, she's not with Rias-buchou, and it doesn't make sense why you're not doing this."

"Because this is my problem Makoto-kun, I didn't even want you to become involved."

She said it rather rudely if Makoto was honest with himself, he didn't expect such things from her.

"Yumi-senpai, I became involved because I care about you, why can't you see that? I might be defying my King here, but I am doing it because I care so much about you Yumi-senpai, please tell me what is happening, I want to help you."

Yumi looked to the side, as she took her shirt off, showing the wound.

Makoto gathered some medical supplies he knew laid around the medkit the family had, beginning to address the wound that she had.

"Senpai, this isn't going to become infected or anything, but I have to clean the wound, it doesn't look that bad. But because it was a Holy Sword that cut you, I suppose it really hurt you, didn't it Yumi-senpai?"

Yumi nodded her head, while Makoto continued with the wound.

He washed it, and made sure that he did everything that he needed to do in order to make sure that Yumi was okay, it wasn't something that Makoto was comfortable with.

"Makoto-kun, I don't deserve your kindness. I'm being quite, reckless right now, yet you're still here for me, and I don't know why that is."

"What are you saying Senpai? You're my Yumi-senpai, of course I am going to be here for you. Why would you think I wouldn't be? I came to defend you, protect you, like you did me. Senpai, I don't want you to be in danger, and I don't understand why you're upset with these Holy Swords, are they really that bad?"

"It's…Holy Swords, Excalibur, is terrible Makoto-kun. Things have been done in their name, and it sickens me how it can be so. How could someone…"

She didn't reveal anything else, and kept her head down.

Makoto wondered what was going on, and he kept treating her wound.

Yumi didn't say anything, and neither did Makoto either. Makoto didn't know what to say, he believed that Yumi was a little stubborn in the regards to not speak like she should.

"Where did you learn how to treat wounds, Makoto-kun?"

Yumi asked, breaking the ice.

"I learned when I was younger. There was this, person who was hurt, and I did my best to help them, Ise-nii also used to get hurt a lot, so I'd pretend I was his personal doctor, and patch him up, and recently, Asia-chan's been teaching me also on how to treat wounds if she isn't around."

He answered as he bandaged her wound once making sure that it had been treated.

"Thank you Makoto-kun."

"I wouldn't have to do this at all if you didn't run off like that."

He spoke with a slightly stern, yet completely worried voice.

"I know…I just couldn't stop, he held Excalibur, and I had to go…I didn't even think, that enemy that fought you, what happened?"

"He ran off after we fought a little bit."

Makoto didn't reveal that he had bruised ribs, the punch he received was very harsh.

"I see, I'm glad you're okay."

Makoto wasn't sure what to say about this, but he took her hand in his own and held it gently.

"Yumi-senpai, please don't go off on your own like that. These Holy Swords are strong, I don't want you to end up hurt, or worse. This isn't the something that I like Yumi-senpai, I'm worried that something is going to happen Senpai, and I can't have something happen to Senpai, it can't happen Senpai. I won't allow something like this to happen to you, a Holy Sword isn't something you have to throw your life away for. Please…for me?"

He thought maybe, that would be enough.

Or maybe it wouldn't.

Makoto didn't know which one would be which.

However, he didn't mind right now, he didn't care.

He just needed to get through to her, and that's what he was going to do as well.

He tried his best, wishing that she would just, do it as well, and stay beside him like he thought she'd do with him.

Yumi looked right into her eyes, and then inched closer towards him.

"Makoto-kun, please don't ask me something like that, it's too hard. I'm, worried about such things, Makoto-kun. I don't want you out there with me, I don't want anything to happen to you, I couldn't stand it."

"Then why do you think I want to go with you? Do you think that I can handle anything happening to you? Really? I don't want you to be hurt Senpai, this isn't something you have to do alone. I won't tell Buchou about anything, nor my King if it takes that. I just want you to be safe, and sound, Yumi-senpai. Please listen to me, please."

His words were touching to the young girl, she couldn't deny that either.

Though he pleaded with her, she couldn't in the end.

It wasn't something that she could do, because she had a mission, and she had to fulfil that mission to the best that she could.

"Makoto-kun, I know that you're worried about me, but you don't have to be. This isn't something that you have to worry about. It's my worries, not yours, and I think that I should be able to handle all of this, that's how I am going to see it anyway."

"No…Senpai, you're not alone, don't you know that? I said it before, I am here for you. This isn't something that you have to worry about, or at least, not alone. That's what I am here for Yumi-senpai, this is supposed to be something that I am worried about, you know?"

Yumi stood up from the bed, and walked towards the door.

Makoto watched her like a hawk.

"Yumi-senpai, please…"

Yumi turned back towards him, offering a small smile.

"Thank you Makoto-kun."

Yumi took off through the door before Makoto could say anything else. He ran to the door, and tried to follow her, but he couldn't keep up in the end, he couldn't manage to do it. Makoto, wasn't sure what he was supposed to do now.

But then, he remembered something.

And that something was to do with Millicas.

While he didn't say it at the time, he did know that she knew something about this, and a little information was going to be better than no information at all. So, he resolved himself to get in on the understanding as well.


"Holy Sword Project, could you tell me about that please?"

Millicas nods at Makoto's words.

"Yes. Yumi-senpai is a survivor of that project."

Asia, Makoto, Elmen, Kalawarner and Ravel all listen to the conversation that Millicas gave. Though Ravel knew some, Kalawarner also knew some as well, the first three didn't know anything about the subject, and needed to know, Makoto taking it quite personally honestly.

"S-So, what is this project exactly? I've only heard some rumours, but what is it exactly?"

Elmen questioned, wanting to know more and more by the second.

"There was a project several years ago inside the Christian Church that aimed to make those who can wield the Holy Sword Excalibur."

"…This is my first time hearing this."

Asia didn't know about this project. It made sense to Makoto for Asia to not know what it was. Ravel then began again.

"Holy Swords are the ultimate weapons against Devils like us. If we, the Devils, touch the Holy Sword then we will burn ourselves. If we get cut by it, then we will be terminated without a trace. It could be called the ultimate weapon for those who believe in God and see Devils as an enemy."

"Ravel-san, if a Devil, I mean if a human can wield a Holy Sword, and then is turned into a Devil, then that would be something, interesting, right?"

Asking directly towards the female, Ravel pursed her lips.

"Yes, I have heard such cases happening, but it is very rare. Why do you ask?"

Makoto chuckled awkwardly.

"No reason, it's just something that I have been thinking about is all. I mean, having a Devil that can use Holy Swords would be pretty good, right? I mean, I can't see it being a bad thing if it happened, right Ravel-san?"

Ravel had to agree with that, and then she continued on with the conversation.

"Even though there are numerous Holy Swords originating from all over the world, I still think the most famous one would be Excalibur. Even in Japan, it comes up in many books. It's a holy weapon that is created through means of magic and alchemy by those who reach the territory of God. But Holy Swords choose their wielders. I hear that only one person in a decade or so gets chosen."

Makoto wondered if he was the person that was chosen, since he could use a Holy Sword. Yet, he also wondered why he was chosen? Was the reason why he was chosen because he believed in God? He didn't know, but he was gonna find out.

"Kiba is a Sacred Gear possessor that can create Demonic Swords. But there's also one that can use Holy Swords as well."

"So, a Holy version of Sword Birth then?"

Millicas nods her head, and explains herself.

"I believe it is called Blade Blacksmith, the Sacred Gear that is the Holy version of Yumi-senpai's. But if you compare it to the Holy Swords that already exist, it is kind of lacking. Of course I'm not saying it's weak. Among them there is a sacred utensil included in the "Longinus", just like Ise-senpai's "Boosted Gear". The most famous is the Sacred Gear that was wielded by the person who killed Jesus Christ, the "True Longinus". It's also said that the name "Longinus" was derived from it."

"Longinus…that's the same spear that killed Jesus-sama, right? or it was named after such things, yes?"

Millicas once again nodded.

"It's said to be the strongest one, and the first one, of course as I said. There are 13 Longinus', and I know, I believe all of the names of them. Though it doesn't matter right now, I think what does is what's going on right now, right?"

Ravel once again came into the conversation.

"Except, at this point there isn't a Holy Sacred Gear that can compete with Excalibur, Durandal or Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi because these Holy Swords are too powerful. It's the same with the Demonic Swords."

"That's great and all, but what about Yumi-senpai? How does she connect to things like this?"

Makoto carried onto the conversation, so Millicas carried on as well.

"Yumi-senpai received artificial treatment to adapt to the Holy Sword, particularly the Excalibur."

"So Yumi-senpai is able to use the Holy Swords?"

Millicas shook her head at Elmen's question.

"Yumi-senpai couldn't adapt to the Holy Swords. Not only Yumi-senpai, but it seems like everyone who received a treatment similar to Yumi-senpai's couldn't either…"

It kinda made sense now why Excalibur out of all of them was the one that she hated them the most. He understood. Though he wondered why people tried to make artificial wielders, and from the grimness of Millicas' face, he could only surmise that she didn't have a good experience either, and Makoto wasn't happy about that either.

"The people of the Church decided to view the ones who couldn't adapt to the Holy Swords as "defective products" and disposed of them."

"Oh my God, they…killed them off?"

Makoto wish that he didn't have to ask that, but he didn't have the right thing to say. He didn't even know what Yumi must've felt about that, and now it made more sense. If he was told that he was a defective product, then he would've been angry, hurt, and wanted revenge, especially after they had killed people that were important to me.

"Most of the people experimented on were killed including Yumi-senpai. Only because they couldn't adapt to the Holy Swords…"

"…It can't be. It's not an acceptable act by those who serve God."

It seems like this was a big shock for Asia. Her eyes were covered with tears. It is normal to cry when something you believe in continues to betray you. She even clung to Makoto because of the overwhelming sadness that she had.

Kalawarner turned her eyes downwards.

"Sometimes, the world handles things like this. It's not right, it is quite disgusting, and it isn't something that even we Fallen Angels have thought about doing, I can't believe…no, I can believe something's like that."

"They, the people of the Church, calls us Devils an evil existence, but I think the bad intentions of humans are the greatest evil in this world."

"That's not quite right, Millicas-san." Elmen chimed in. "Humans, don't all have such intentions. Humans, Devils, whatever. Everyone can have the greatest evils of the world. Not just humans, and that's not me defending humans, besides the fact that I am part one, it's also because I think that the greatest evil is whoever decides to go into a place like that."

Millicas nodded her head in agreement.

"Yeah, that makes a lot of sense actually."

"When Onee-sama reincarnated Yumi-senpai into a Devil, that girl was swearing for his revenge even when she was in a critical situation, I saw it all of the time, and Onee-sama had a very difficult time in doing things like that, she couldn't help much, Yumi-senpai would pull away from her a lot, and wouldn't speak all that much. Because her talents were being used for Holy Swords since she was born, Onee-sama wanted her to use her talents as a Devil. Yumi-senpai's talent at using swords would be a waste for only using it for Holy Swords."

Makoto felt more sorry for Yumi, and wished that he was with her right now, it also made sense that she'd want to be alone like she was, but he wished that she didn't have to worry about things like that for him now.

Millicas then released a breath as Ravel spoke.

"Senpai couldn't forget about it. The Holy Swords. Those who were involved with the Holy Swords. And the people of the Church…I wonder, if they ever truly understood how they ruined lives. I only knew some of it, and what I did know, I didn't like."

"Yeah, it does seem to make sense. I remember, she was saying about it being like that when we went to rescue Makoto-kun from the Church. I recall hearing her being in disdain, and Makoto-san also probably remembers that as well, doesn't he?"

Makoto nodded.

Of course he remembered.

The way she looked, the way that Makoto saw how she held disgust for the Fallen Angels, and the Church, and even now with the Devils and the Holy Swords. Things were in a troubling time, and it wasn't going to go away without a worry, it wasn't something that Makoto could reasonably understand.

"But, if this is the case, what set her off in the first place?" Kalawarner brought up. "What's going on with her, and why did she set off now? It doesn't make sense to me at all. I can't even think about such things."

Makoto knew why that was, bringing out a photo, the one that had a Holy Sword, and he knew that it was related, though Makoto didn't know what the Holy Sword was about.

"Ah, about that. I think this photo was what caused him to act like this."

Millicas looked at the photo, and her eyes changed a little bit.

"Makoto-san. Is there someone you know who is related to the Church?"

"No. There's none among my relatives…I mean, within the family of the Hyoudou's, I can't remember anyone anyway. And that person…I remember that she could be, I remember that we used to pray together all of the time."

"Makoto-san also prayed to God?"

Asia was surprised, so Makoto explained it slowly.

"Yes, I did, and still did just before I became a Devil. I wasn't the biggest follower, but I did believe in God, and tried my best to be a good person. But yeah, the girl in the photo, and I prayed together. I haven't seen her for a long time though, not since I was younger anyway."

Millicas continued to look at the image, and then remembered something so she expressed it to the others.

"So, there is one near you… No, there was a Holy Sword in this area about 10 years ago. It's so terrifying."

"Then is that sword really a Holy Sword?"

Millicas nodded seriously, as she looked over it once more.

"Yes, it's one of the Holy Swords. It's not as powerful as the legendary Holy Sword that was mentioned before, but it's the real thing. Then it must mean that this man is the Holy Sword wielder…I did hear that a few years ago in this town, there was something going on, and then it wasn't good at all, and it couldn't be good either, I just don't know what to even think about such things right now. I am sorry for Yumi-senpai though, it isn't something that I can personally connect with, how scared she must've been during that time."

Makoto agreed with that wholeheartedly, wishing that she had something going on as well.

"Also, Master…there's something that I am talking about honestly, I've been hearing things about Kokabiel lately, and he is…I think that he might either be coming to this town, or he might already be here. According to the rumours from the Grigori actually."

"Kokabiel." Ravel spoke up. "He's a Cadre Fallen Angel class, why would he be here? I've heard rumours that he doesn't exactly play with the games, and such. But, why would he come here Kalawarner-sama?"

Kalawarner shot a glare at Ravel, who backed down.

Makoto then looked and went to ask, but Kalawarner beat him to the punch.

"I don't know. I've heard the rumours about him being up to no good, but I don't know how true they really are. They could be true, or they could be something else entirely, it wasn't something that I am honestly privy too. I just thought, with the mention of Excalibur's, and such, and I have heard he could be interested in such things, I just thought that maybe, he would be into things like this."

"Kokabiel would be a hard person to fight even for all of us. He's a tough opponent that fought in the war, I don't think we'd come out of it unscathed either, it isn't something that I can honestly speak of though."

Millicas shared her thoughts, and didn't know what to say about it.

If Kokabiel was involved, what could they do?

Also, Makoto thought about Gren again, and what he said, and then remembered the Holy Sword in his possession, and what he was supposed to do about that. There's also the very that the mysterious cat girl saved him as well.


Meanwhile, as that was going down, at an abandoned Church, a young woman with long brown locks tied into twintails undid them, and let them flow down naturally, as she took to an open looking bath area.

She stood naked within the Church, picked up water, and ran it over herself.

She felt it slide down her naked body, and she held good feelings inside of herself.

She also had another reason for that, she just knew that it was something that she couldn't do either. Irina, felt unsure, uncertain of what she was supposed to do right now, she wanted to go and see him, but she didn't know how she was going to approach him, or what she was going to say.

It had been so long.

Would he even remember her?

That thought, and others ran through her mind and she wasn't coming to a conclusion either.

She couldn't even think what he or she would say, it was too incredible.

Makoto, being the age of 15.

What would he look like?

What would he even be like?

Would he be the same as the person she remembered before?

Even though they were childhood friends, would it be okay to speak so casually again?

Would there be weirdness?

She had all of these thoughts, and she couldn't come to a good conclusion on what was going to happen.

"Xenovia! I can't wait until tomorrow! I'm gonna be seeing Ma-chan again! Can you even believe something like that!?"

Xenovia curiously looked towards her.

"I do not know what a Ma-chan is, but I suppose you're going to be okay, if he is a childhood friend."

"H-He is my childhood friend! Please don't say such things Xenovia! Come tomorrow, once we meet with this Queen of Serafall-sama, then we'll also be able to see Ma-chan again! I can't wait until I see Ma-chan again! So many stories, so many different things that I will be able to see as well!"

Irina was confident in this, she was going to see Makoto again, even if it killed her.

"As long as it doesn't come in the way of our mission, then it is acceptable."

"It won't! Ma-chan is my Ma-chan! Oooh, I hope he remembers me! Ise-kun used to call me a boy, I remember but Ma-chan always said I was a girl and then there was…" She brushed her lips gently, and thought about it. "Ma-chan…Ma-chan and I, the last time we saw one another was…" She once again brushed her lips as she felt her breasts jiggle a little bit maybe out of excitement. "Ooh Ma-chan! I can't wait to see you again! It is going to be awesome!"

She said aloud, causing Xenovia to run a hand across her breast, and took in the feelings that she had deep within her.

"Irina, again, as I said, please don't let your, judgement cloud your better one, when it comes to this boy."

Irina knew Xenovia was being her usual self, but she couldn't even think about such things right now, she wished to see Makoto again, and see what had, or hasn't changed, and to see if Makoto was going to be any different.

"They aren't at all. I'm just so excited to see Ma-chan again! It has been years! We were very close, you know!? We spent so much time together, and we cuddled a lot, and he also hugged onto me when we slept at one another's houses! It was the best! We even prayed to God all of the time, and it made me feel good inside of my chest!"

Xenovia really didn't understand why she was so, excited like she was, it didn't make sense to her at all. If it was her, then she wouldn't be so excited like this, she wouldn't even care all that much. But, she couldn't understand why Irina, was like this now.


Later on, as Asia slept next to him, Makoto stared at the roof, one of his arms around Asia's sleeping form, and the other on the back of his head, trying to think about what he could for Yumi, Princess laid on his crotch, snuggling against him deeply.

Telling Rias, she probably wouldn't be able to do anything. If it is the Church, then she couldn't get involved, and Serafall wouldn't be able to do it either. Even if she is the Maou, she knew that she wouldn't be able to involve herself or him with the Church.

But Makoto couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

He knew that he would have to do something, and what was something was, Makoto didn't know yet. He wanted to find out however, he wanted to make sure that Yumi was okay, but in the end, until he could find out more, he wasn't going to be able to do much.

Even just lying down like this didn't seem good.

He just wanted to go and find her, and make sure that she is okay, wherever she is.

But right now, he didn't know where she was.

If he did, then he'd be right there for her.

But right now, he didn't know where the hell she was at all.

[Are you worried, partner?]

Makoto heard inside of his head, so he nodded his head, and spoke in his mind.

"Yeah, this situation is weird. I don't get why I can wield Holy Swords, and why this happened to Yumi-senpai. I don't understand Sacred Gear-san, I just don't understand at all. I just want this to stop, but I don't know how to proceed in this."

[Don't worry partner, you've got skills you aren't aware of yet. Like with that Holy Sword, you can use that to a good degree, it has good abilities. Use it the next time that you need it, and also, do not forget my power. I can freeze anything, let that power go through and freeze anything that I need to freeze, understand me?]

Makoto nodded his head as he looked towards Asia who continued to sleep.

"Can I fight a Cadre Fallen Angel if it comes down to it? to protect Asia-chan, Yumi-senpai and the others?"

Though it wasn't confirmed yet, Makoto did find it suspicious that Kalawarner mentioned it, and around this time. Them being here wasn't a coincidence, and he remembered Freed's words as well, and what he said as well.

[Even if I have to take away your lifespan, I can give you the ability to achieve a premature Balance Breaker if you so desire. But, it would eat at your lifeforce, and could potentially kill you. Choose wisely, if you want me to ever do that partner. My life, would continue in another host but yours, wouldn't, and you'd be dead. However, you have a good amount of lifespan thanks to being reborn as a Devil.]

Makoto furrowed his eyebrows as he thought about it.

Giving up his life for Asia and the others?

Yes, he could do that, and he would do it as well if he had to do it.

He would do it to protect the people that he cared about, even if it meant his life.

"Yes, I understand very well, thank you."

[Do not worry, I will make sure that you don't have to go that far, and if I can't, then I am sure that you'll be able to do it somehow, I believe in my partner the most. You truly are a most interesting host, so much history and power thriving within your body partner.]

Makoto looked towards Asia once more, and saw that she whimpered, so he hugged her even tighter. That seemed to settle the young girls heart, and she returned to having a normal face, as well as a normal voice as well.

Makoto continued to hold the young girl, and petted her head gently.

"I have to protect these people, I have to make sure that she is safe. Everyone is safe, no matter what…but, why do I feel a sense of foreboding is about to come over me? I don't get it, I don't like these feelings at all. but, I shall do it in the end, even if it kills me, I shall defend the people that are close to me Sacred Gear-san."

Makoto heard chuckling within his mind.

[You're odd, partner.]

Makoto chuckled as well.

"So I've been told Sacred Gear-san."

Makoto continued to chuckle, as he settled down onto the bed.

Maybe subconsciously Asia felt something amiss within Makoto, so her arms wrapped tightly around Makoto in her sleep, holding him tightly, and she wouldn't let him go either, which Makoto appreciated all the same.

What Makoto didn't realize was that while he slept, there was someone looking through the window, right at him, and stared, fondly towards him.


Kalawarner had entered a room that she was all too familiar with.

It was the room that she always saw her boss…one of her bosses at least.

She considered Makoto, and this person her boss.

The man in front of her, was a man that had black hair, with a blonde fringe. He looked rough and tough with a goatee, and his face looked like he was in or around his mid to late twenties, he looked rather distinguished as well.

"Kalawarner Roofie."

Kalawarner's eyebrows twitched as the man snickered.

"Azazel-sama, please don't call me that."

"But that's your name Kalawarner Roofie, you legally changed it, don't you remember? When you were drunk, and wished to have an edge. Speaking of mistakes with names, how is Mittelt Ecstasy exactly? Is she having fun with the Sekiryuutei?"

Kalawarner put a hand to her mouth, and felt tears prickling her eyes. Though she did have to laugh at Mittelt's forced last name.

"D-Don't say things like that to me please. I had my name changed for a dare, and I was really hammered, you made me! Azazel-sama, I'm not here about my name, I'm here about something very important, don't you understand this!?"

Azazel looked childishly towards Kalawarner.

"So, what can I help you with Kalawarner Roofie?"

Kalawarner hated that name she really did. But she needed to know the situation that was on hand right now.

"It's about Kokabiel." Azazel frowned. "There has been some talk in Kuoh right now, and there might be some Holy Swords named Excalibur coming there. And I remember that you mentioned that there might be something, going on with that. Could you please elaborate on it please?"

"Kalawarner Roofie, the thing is, Kokabiel has probably gone to the dark side. I say this because, several suspicions I have had on him have been confirmed. Though, I do not know what his intentions are, I could only presume the worst. Kokabiel is a meat head at heart, he doesn't stop fighting. While Vali for instance is a battle freak, at least Vali knows when it is time to stop. But Kokabiel couldn't ever forgive me for stopping the war the way that we did, he always wanted something else."

Kalawarner exhaled deeply.

"Kokabiel-sama always did say about the Devils being scum and wanting to kill them, and God with the Angels." Azazel barely noticeably turned his head. "I don't share that mentality sir, but he has the type to start a war. Could he be in Kuoh right now?"

"That's a very possible location. However, there are also a few other places. And the Kuoh town is a Devils location as well, it wouldn't be easy to slip in and out, though certain people seem to be able to do it. For now, I've sent agents to look for Kokabiel, and while in the Devils town, Kalawarner Roofie, I want you and Mittelt to also be on the lookout. Because you, and she can slip in due to the contract I have with Serafall and make sure that he is or isn't there. Would you do that for me?"

Kalawarner coughed into her hand.

"Of course Azazel-sama, leave it to me!"

"Also, make sure the Sekiryuutei and Queen of Serafall don't die. I am interested in their futures, if you would?"

Kalawarner allowed her head to bob up and down, knowing what her mission was.

"Of course, Master is Master, and the pervert is Mittelt's also. We'll do our best. We're, not the strongest, but I will do it. I don't know how I am going to do it, but I am going to work together with Master to fight if it comes to things like that."

Azazel was glad that he had a subordinate that was like her, and could depend on both Kalawarner and Mittelt. However, he knew they weren't the strongest, but it didn't matter in the end, they were gonna be right there with him and the others anyway, they were loyal servants after all.


The next day brought surprises to the others as Asia, Ravel, and Makoto were on their way home after the school day had been finished. Usually, Millicas would've been with them, but she was also busy with Rias, so she couldn't attend this walking home either.

"Wow, only three of us. This is quite refreshing actually, I didn't think that it would be like this honestly."

Ravel brought up, as Makoto nodded.

"Kalawarner-san is seeing if she can find out about anything to do with Kokabiel, and Elmen-chan said that there's something going on with her, and she needs to also do something. She said that she'd come by later."

Makoto responded as Asia clung to his arm tightly.

"Makoto-san is still worried about Yumi-senpai, aren't you?"

Makoto nodded his head slowly, looking down as he saw the ground and wished that he could just sink into it right now.

"Yeah I am worried about her, she's in a situation that I don't like, and I wished to help her as well."

"Don't worry Makoto-sama, I am sure that you will be able to help Kiba-sama when the time comes for it. right now, many thoughts and feelings are spreading around, and it must be hard for you to understand, for you to express why and why not you can and can't do something. I understand perfectly well Makoto-sama."

Makoto was impressed that she did understand this well.

"Wow, you do understand Ravel-san, you're quite good at reading people."

Ravel poked her fingers together shyly as she responded, her face a little red.

"Makoto-sama has a complex face, but each time I am with him, I can read it a little more."

Makoto smiled…

But then they all stopped when they felt shivers go up and down their backs.

Makoto had felt like this before, and so had the others.

It was the feeling of something holy, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling for the Devil Makoto, Asia, and Ravel. All three of them held themselves back as they assessed the situation that was before them, but they didn't know what it was either.

"Makoto-sama, I think we should prepare ourselves for a fight."

Makoto had to agree to that.

"You're not wrong, we do have to do that yeah. Asia-chan, are you…"

Makoto grabbed Asia's hand as she looked nervous, giving her a worrying feeling as well.

Makoto, Ravel, and Asia looked around, the feeling was increasing, and increasing. The feeling that something holy was around couldn't be mistaken either. Neither Ravel nor Makoto let up their stance for even a second.

"MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!"

Because he didn't sense any ill intent, Makoto didn't expect someone to just tackle him down to the ground, hugging his head very tightly. He felt his face being pushed against something very soft, yet warm, and big, round, and…all he could see was a pair of breasts within his face.

"M-Makoto-san!" Asia rasped. "W-What are you doing to Makoto-san exactly?"

Asia asked the young woman that was on top of Makoto himself.

Ravel noticed another person walking forward, a female that had blue hair, and a weird looking cloth near her.

"I couldn't contain my excitement!" The girl said, as she sat up. "It's been too long Ma-chan! You're grown now! I remember when you were younger, and I wasn't able to even meet Ma-chan again but here we are now…" Makoto looked up from her breasts, puzzled. "Huh? Don't you remember? It's me?"

Makoto studied the girls face, he was sure that he had met her before.

But he couldn't…

No, he did remember.

He remembered where alright.

"Y-You couldn't be Shidou Irina-chan, right?"

Makoto was shocked if it was.

This girl, being Irina…

He didn't know why, but it felt right. The same eyes, that he remembered back then, he remembered alright, and now seeing them before him, was quite shocking. He didn't think that he would see Irina like this again, it didn't seem possible.

"Long time no see, Ma-chan. Didn't Ise-kun mistake me for a boy? It can't be helped since I was a troublemaker just like the boys, but Ma-chan never did~ But it seems like we both have changed in the time we didn't see each other. Really. You can't tell what can happen in a reunion."

Her words sounded like she meant something. Yes, she had realised Makoto's identity as a Devil.

"Iri…Irina-chan, the thing is…"

"Excuse me, but could I presume you three, are Devils?"

Makoto looked towards the voice, and saw that the blue haired girl, Xenovia was speaking.

Ravel took up her form, and spoke properly.

"Yes, I am Ravel Phenex, of the Phenex clan. If there is a matter you'd like to discuss, Exorcist, then please allow me to direct you towards Rias Gremory-sama, or Sona Sitri-sama for instructions on what to do."

Xenovia waved her hand.

"Though they would be good candidates, we are looking for the Queen of Serafall Leviathan, as we believe that this person would also would be a person in charge of this town, and also has a direct connection to the Maou-sama. the rumours have it the Queen is also someone important to Serafall-sama, and would also need to be heard as well."

Makoto looked towards her, then folded his arms as he got off the ground.

"I am the Queen of Serafall-sama, is there something you'd want to discuss?"

Irina and Xenovia were both surprised, especially because it was Makoto.

"Ma-chan is the Queen of Maou-sama...? H-How...ooh..."

Irina's mind couldn't take it, and she fainted onto the ground with swirls for eyes, Makoto and the others grimacing at the sight.

Xenovia's eyes on the other hand ran up and down Makoto's form.

"Somehow, I expected you to be…taller."

Makoto's eyebrows twitched.

"M-My height doesn't have anything to do with my status. I just wish to understand what it is that the pair of you could want. Irina-chan, who's out cold, and…"

"My name is of no consequence, Queen of Serafall-sama. Right now, we need to speak about recent activities, would now be an appropriate time?"

Makoto looked towards Ravel, who walked closer.

"I don't believe now would be the right time. Maybe you wish to speak with the Queen of the Maou-sama, however we'd also need to converse with the other two High Class Devils in this town that aren't myself or Millicas-sama. So, please tell me what it is regarding?"

"Excalibur, and this town."

Xenovia answered slowly, so Makoto took in a breath.

"Could there be a connection to the Church and this town?"

"Yes. If this isn't the right time, then I need to know within the next 24 hours about what we need to discuss, if you shall need to speak with the Devils of this town. Though I would feel better if I spoke to the small Queen of-"

"Was it really necessary to add small?"

Makoto felt like he was going to blow a gasket at any second. He really didn't like being called small, or anything to do with his height, especially in a condescending way that the girl was portraying it, it wasn't something Makoto felt comfortable with honestly.

"Either way, I wish to converse with the Queen of Serafall of this matter. Though Rias Gremory or Sona Sitri would suffice, to hear it from the Queen as well would be just as good, due to your King being in charge of foreign affairs, and this is, quite an affair as you might believe."

Makoto couldn't help but notice the way that Xenovia was looking towards Asia, like she was eyeing her up or something.

"I understand…Ravel-san." He turned towards her. "I believe tomorrow, at 3.30 would suffice at the Occult clubroom, right?"

"Rias-sama wouldn't be against it if this is just a peaceful meeting."

Xenovia nodded as Irina was still knocked out, it was too much for her brain.

"It would be, merely a discussion on what has been happening. As long as the Devils wouldn't cause violence."

"You can be assured that the Devils wouldn't do that needlessly. As long as there is no reason to fight, then you can be assured that the Devils wouldn't do that either."

Makoto sounded proper when he said that. Like he could be a Queen of a Maou-sama, even Ravel took note of that, and enjoyed the sight that he was maturing in a way that she enjoyed very much, Xenovia on the other hand merely nodded her head.

"To hear that from the Queen is assuring. Then, the meeting place, if you please."

Asia watched on as Makoto gave Xenovia the details, and she also got into finer detail on what was going on. Though she didn't explain fully, Makoto understood what was going on enough to know that the topic was serious.

Then, once the conversation was done, Xenovia tightened her hand.

"We shall leave, and will converse more thoroughly tomorrow, though Irina is..."

"Then, goodbye, to be named Exorcist-san."

Makoto bent down towards Irina.

He shook her body.

"Irina-chan...please wake up..."

Irina's eyes slowly opened, and caught the gaze of Makoto's own.

"Ma-chan can't be the Queen..."

"I, am though."

He said softly, not wanting her to be knocked out.

Irina sobbed to herself, as she stood up.

"No, destiny is cruel, Ma-chan turned into a Devil when i wasn't looking, and now, I don't know what's gonna be happening with Ma-chan at all, Ma-chan can't disappeared like this..."

"I'm not dead...well, anymore anyway."

Irina still thought it was cruel.

"Irina, come with me now."

Xenovia brought up her head, and turned…

However, Irina didn't and looked at Makoto who looked back.

"Ma-chan, you really are Ma-chan, aren't you?"

"Though I'm a Devil, I'm still Makoto yes."

He answered honestly, so Irina adopted a smile.

"Then, that's the end of it, Ma-chan is still Ma-chan, even if he is a Devil. But when I saw Ma-chan I knew he was a Devil in of itself, and I was worried that Ma-chan wouldn't be the same Ma-chan I saw, but Ma-chan still looks like Ma-chan in the end. Yes, I think that might be the best way to say it, Ma-chan is the same after all, but still a Devil…what a thing like this."

Irina seemed disappointed as she looked towards Makoto, but more disheartened than anything else.

The look that he was getting from her was very hard to understand, he couldn't bare her to look at him like this.

"Irina, we need to leave, we have matters to attend to."

Irina looked towards Makoto once more, then bowed her head.

"W-What a life this is! How cruel! But don't worry Ma-chan, I still care about Ma-chan and haven't forgotten the promise either!"

Asia became slightly intrigued by the 'promise' between them as Makoto's face tinged slightly pink.

"…I was quite young when I suggested that."

Irina's face fell to near devastation.

"No way! How cruel that is Ma-chan! Y-You're going back on it now!?"

"N-No, it's just…lots of things have happened now, and I…"

Irina bowed her head.

"I understand Ma-chan, don't worry, allow me to lead the charge forward! Yes, we'll figure it out eventually! Well, goodbye, amen!"

Irina kissed the cross hanging from her neck, then disappeared with Xenovia.

As soon as she was gone, Asia, and Ravel moved closer.

"That could've been a very dangerous outcome. Exorcists, truly what do they want from us Devils?"

Ravel couldn't figure it out, and Makoto, wasn't sure either.

"Either way, I'll have to go and talk with both Buchou, and Kaichou as well right away."

Ravel agreed, taking out a phone.

"I'll make the calls right away."

It was like she was his personal assistant, as he was going to do that.

"Makoto-san, what did…Shidou-san I believe her name is, mean when she had a promise with you?"

Asia couldn't stop thinking about it, was a powerful thought that she was having.

"O-Oh, nothing really~"

He lied, he didn't really want to tell anyone, Asia might even be a little disheartened if she found out.

"A-Are you sure?" Makoto nodded, so Asia smiled, and held her hand out, looking at the engagement ring. "Aah, Makoto-san wouldn't lie to his fiancée, I understand."

Makoto could only smile weakly.


Makoto met up with Sona and Rias, and were discussing what had happened before, Ravel also stayed there to explain, along with Millicas who was hugging onto Makoto tightly, and she wouldn't let him go either.

"Ooh Makoto-san, I am sorry that I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most! Please don't be worried, I will make sure that Makoto-san is safe from now on!"

Makoto petted the back of her head as she sat down on his lap.

"Yes, don't worry now Millicas-san, it was hardly traumatic, just a meeting, seems like things are getting serious around here."

Millicas looked relieved, and continued to hug onto Makoto's form and wouldn't let go.

"So, Hyoudou-kun, you're telling us that Exorcists have come to this town…there has been increasingly worrying activity, especially from your Knight Rias…"

Rias looked down.

"Yumi's going through something's, but even I can't see her killing Exorcists either. So if it is anything to do with that, then I can systematically say that…"

"Rias? You don't see Kiba-san doing these things? Remember about her past…"

Rias looked up from the spot that she was looking down on.

"Yeah, I know Sona. But this is Yumi, she wouldn't, even if her head is messed up…"

"Look, they didn't mention anything about Devils killing Exorcists." Makoto chimed in. "They just said that they need to discuss about it is all. And some other things. I don't think we have a reason to fear them. We just have to listen to what they say."

"What did they say exactly?"

Sona was intrigued for more answers, so Makoto tried his best in giving them.

"They mentioned that they wished to discuss with me about something, I said about you two, but they said because I have a direct link to the Maou-sama, or rather than being their siblings like you two, my King is a diplomat, I think they might think of me as the same…though I don't know why because it is…well, that's how it is. I said that I should meet them at the Occult Room tomorrow right after school. They didn't appear threatening, but they did have Holy Swords, as far as we could tell, right Ravel-san?"

Ravel nodded, then continued after him.

"Yes, we could at least ascertain that they did carry such weapons. However, we do not know what kind. If I had to guess, then I'd say it was Excalibur, purely because of the rumours we've heard from Kalawarner-sama, and such. But, until they say, then I haven't a clue on the matter at all."

Rias, and Sona furrowed their eyebrows.

"At least, they didn't do anything dangerous to either of you. Perhaps, they do just want to talk."

"I, got the feeling that they also had some kind of weird motive for doing it. I thought that they might want help with something, but then I got the feeling that they didn't want help, and I think this talk could go either two ways."

Makoto gave his thoughts, Sona nodding as she continued.

"Simply put, go with help, or without help, that's what they are aiming to achieve."

"I still think we should listen to them." Ravel reasoned, as Millicas continued hugging Makoto. "We have to assess what it is they want, and what they could want. With these, Exorcists popping into town lately, we can't take the chance that something dangerous is going on. Cooperation is what is key here."

"Ravel is right." Millicas peeped up. "I think that even if they are Exorcists, we should still hear them out. Makoto-san even knew one of them, right Makoto-san? That's what Ravel told me just before we came in here."

Rias, and Sona were once again caught by surprise.

"Hyoudou-kun, that's unexpected."

"Yeah…I know. I didn't know she was an Exorcist. Onii-chan thought that she was a boy when we were younger, but I knew she was a girl. Because it is pretty obvious with the clothes she wore, and how she had longer than normal boys length hair. And now, she's…grown in many different ways, and I think that…"

Makoto stopped, and thought about Irina briefly, and how she had been developed, very developed.

"So, what is your relationship with this Exorcist exactly?"

Rias quizzed the young boy, snapping him back to reality.

"I'm merely friends with her, at least I was back then. Now, I don't know. It's been years since we've seen one another, so I can't say what kind of relationship that we have with one another. Honestly, I don't know what to think. But Irina-chan is, an Exorcist, it is quite shocking to say the least."

Millicas knew that there was more to that story than Makoto was letting on. She just had a feeling about it, is all, and she didn't know what she was going to do about it either. She just knew that she had to do, something about it.

"Either way, tomorrow, I will also be there, with my peerage."

Rias continued on, as Makoto made a complex face.

"What about Yumi-senpai? If these people possess Excalibur, then wouldn't that be quite the dangerous combination?"

"He's right, Rias." Sona gave her thoughts. "If she does happen to become, overwhelmed, things could happen, and they wouldn't be good. I presume you've thought about the outcomes if she does become a little…"

"Sword happy?"

Makoto finished, Sona nodding her head.

"Perfect."

Makoto smiled as Rias knitted her brows together.

"That's a good question, and I don't know the answer. All I do know is that we all need to be together. While they want to speak with Makoto here, he still hasn't had the experience of a seasoned Devil such as myself."

Ravel didn't like how Rias said that, so she spoke her thoughts.

"Actually, I believe Makoto-sama handled himself very well during the meeting between the Exorcists, and I am confident he would be able to also take this meeting, with or without your presence." Rias' eyes tightened in on Ravel, as Makoto gave a thankful smile towards Ravel, her face slightly tinging pink. "E-Either way, they did ask to request to speak with the Queen of the Maou-sama, so we should respect that."

"I'm still going to be there, whether you think it is a good idea or not, I will not be ignored like this."

Rias was adamant, even Sona had to question why she felt like that when no one said that they were ignoring her, or doing the deed itself, it didn't make sense to Sona, and for Ravel, it wasn't even a question of things like that.

"We're not ignoring you Rias-sama. I am just stating a fact." Ravel reasoned. "Of course you may attend, it is in your clubroom, I was just going with the wishes of the Exorcists, that is all, I wasn't going against that either."

Rias inhaled a breath, she felt like she was being undermined in her own town.

"Okay, as long as that's cleared, I don't have a problem."

Since it was cleared up, Makoto and the others discussed possible outcomes for a little while before splitting off. Though Makoto had to admit the very fact that things seemed to be changing, and how he felt, were things he couldn't comprehend that much.


The next day after school.

The members of Gremory group and Makoto's 'peerage', were gathered in the club room. On the sofa, Rias with Makoto, Koneko sat on his lap (even now she refused to move) and the two "guests" were sitting. The other members of the group including Ise, and others were sitting in the corner of the room listening to their conversation, Ravel sat next to Makoto's right, and Millicas sat on the left, since they both also were High Class, they and even Makoto thought that they should be sat at the front as well.

Makoto noticed that Elmen was doing her best to control the anger that was deep within Yumi, and he wished he could do the same. She heard about this, and this wasn't something that Makoto could deal with.

He just hoped Yumi wouldn't do anything. If she did, he didn't know what he was going to do. He promised the two females that there would be no fighting, but by the way that Yumi looked, it looked like she was going to kill them at any second.

Ever since those two came to the club room, they couldn't stop but feel something. And Rias especially, wasn't happy right now, due to the fact that Makoto was the one conversing with them, with the help of Ravel, and Millicas, over Rias and it was slowly drawing Rias to a place that she didn't like either.

"I'm sorry." Rias apologized. "But…why aren't you speaking directly with me as well? I am also someone who runs this town."

Rias couldn't help but notice they were speaking to Makoto more than Rias, though they weren't trying to be disrespectful either.

"Sorry, we just were conversing, we didn't mean to leave you out Rias-sama, no respect to be disrespected."

Rias nodded at Irina's words…

But then it happened.

Xenovia still did it anyway, and spoke with Makoto rather than Rias, making her feel angry.

"Anyway, Queen of Serafall-sama-"

"No." Rias protested against Xenovia. "Please, speak with both of us."

Xenovia turned her eyes towards Makoto, Rias' eyes going into a blazing fury and slightly sad as well.

"Queen of Serafall-sama, I do have to say that-" Rias went to say something, but Akeno held her back immensely. "-recently the Holy Swords Excalibur's that were kept by the Catholic Church Headquarter Vatican, Protestant Church, and Eastern Orthodox Church were stolen."

"Excalibur was stolen?"

Irina nodded at Makoto's words, as Rias saw that Ise had doubts on his face.

Makoto saw the same thing.

"Ise-nii, apparently, there are more than one Excalibur's, right Irina-chan?"

Irina winked towards Makoto, and then explained.

"Ise-kun. Excalibur broke in the war a long time ago."

"Now it looks like this."

The woman with blue-hair and green mesh got her weapon, which was covered in cloth, and revealed it to the others.

What appeared was a long sword.

"This is Excalibur." Xenovia showed the sword to all of them, and the Devils, plus Vampire tensed at the sight. "Excalibur was broken into pieces during the war a long time ago. The fragments were collected and turned into a new form by alchemy. It was made into 7 swords. This is one of them."

"What Excalibur is that one then?"

Makoto had his doubts, he didn't even see what the hell the Holy Sword was, in terms of Excalibur. He knew of their names (he made sure to know just in case) but he didn't know them from look alone.

Xenovia scrunched up her nose.

"The Excalibur I hold is "Excalibur Destruction". It's one of the 7 Holy Swords that were created. The Catholic Church is in control of it."

Xenovia put her sword down, and around the cloth that was used, magical symbols appeared. Though Makoto didn't know them, Millicas was somewhat aware of what they were used for, but she didn't say anything else about it.

Irina also took out something that looked like a long rope. That rope started to move as if it were alive. Makoto watched with keep interest, as the rope turned into a katana, and he was impressed to say the least.

"Mine is "Excalibur Mimic". I can change its shape into anything I want so it's really useful for carrying around. Just like this, each "Excalibur" has its unique ability. This one is in the possession of the Protestant Church."

She said it with pride. The Devils all around could feel the fear Excalibur gave them, at least the Devils and lone Vampire could.

"Irina… There's no reason to tell these Devils the ability of Excalibur, is there?"

"Ara Xenovia. Even if they are Devils we still have to form a trustworthy relationship with them in this situation. Also, even if my sword's ability is revealed, I won't fall behind all the Devils here."

"Erm, you do realize there's more of us than you here, right?"

Millicas gave her thoughts, as Xenovia tightened her eyes.

"Did you believe we would actually lose to such words?"

"I was just saying, your words sounded threatening, and I can't have such threatening language within this place, please apologize for your actions right away, I will not tolerate such things, especially when the sword Excalibur is in use."

As Millicas said that, Makoto felt a chill run down his back.

Turning, he saw that it was Yumi.

She was glaring at the Excalibur's and the two women with a scary face that Makoto had never seen before…no, he had seen it before, when she faced off with Freed, she showed a scary face back then as well, and Makoto couldn't have Yumi like that, so he needed to hurry this along before anything else happens.

Rias then coughed into her hand, trying to drive the conversation along as well.

"…So what does the stolen Excalibur's have to do with this country located in the east of the World?"

Xenovia just stared at her.

She didn't answer Rias, which Rias made it a point to grab Ise's hand and hold it tightly, breathing heavily from her nose.

"B-Buchou, y-you're hurting my hand!"

"It's either that, or I will use this hand to bitch slap them."

She growled out, as Xenovia stared at her, her hand laying on her Excalibur.

"E-Erm, please answer the question. We have theories on it, but why is Excalibur here in the first place anyway?"

Xenovia turned her eyes to Makoto, and answered, Rias inhaling sharply, like she was going to butcher anything that happened to be in front of her, and that also meant the women if they got in the way.

"The Catholic Church was in possession of two Excalibur's including mine. The Protestant Church also had two. Also in the Eastern Orthodox Church there were two as well. The last one went missing in the previous war between God, Devils, and Fallen Angels. One Excalibur was stolen from each Church. The ones that stole them escaped to Japan, and brought them to this town."

"Hey, hey. So the Holy Swords thief has taken a liking to this town huh?"

Ise thought about it, while his hand hurt from Rias' squeezing.

Rias also put her hand on her forehead and took a breath.

"Looks like my territory is full of incidents. So who are the ones that stole the Excalibur's?" Xenovia didn't say, antagonizing Rias, she thought she was doing this on purpose to piss her off, and it was unknown if she was or not. "Just answer the flipping question please! It's not difficult!"

"B-Buchou, please calm yourself."

Ise soothed Rias, who shook her head and grabbed a biscuit roughly from in front of her, snapping it off with her teeth menacingly. Xenovia's challenging eyes went towards Rias who shot right back with a darkened glare.

"Something you'd like to say?"

Rias breathed through her nose very aggressively like she was going to attack, Makoto slapping himself in the head.

"Erm, please can I ask." Xenovia looked towards Makoto, Rias fuming at this point. "Who was it that stole the Excalibur's exactly, and for what purpose exactly?"

"The ones that stole them were the Grigori."

Makoto looked towards Ravel, who nodded her head, having already heard from Kalawarner about it.

"The Grigori…it wouldn't happen to be Kokabiel, would it?"

Irina and Xenovia both were surprised by that announcement.

"How did you know that Ma-chan…?"

Makoto's head cocked back towards Kalawarner, giving her a slight smile.

"Because, a friend of mine said that it could happen."

Kalawarner was…surprised.

Because she was called a friend, it wasn't something that others did that much. But now, to hear that Makoto said that, brought a smile to her lips, and made a cute face appear on her face, enjoying the very fact that Makoto had said that.

"I see, so that's how it is."

"I'm sorry, but who is Kokabiel?"

Ise was lost in the conversation, so Rias brought up what was going on to Ise.

Rias looked between them all, and then explained with a dry face.

"Kokabiel… One of the leaders of the Fallen Angels that survived the previous wars since ancient times, that's who he is Ise."

"Okay, I remember also that you mentioned that you've been sending priests to this town, yes? You mentioned it yesterday, didn't you?"

"You're not wrong. We don't have the culprits name though right now. We have been assuming that Kokabiel has been doing it, or you people."

Xenovia's eyes hastily went onto Makoto, and the others.

"I can assure you that it wasn't any of us that did anything." Makoto said it through lidded eyes. "We, haven't done anything to your Exorcists, it is probably Kokabiel, or one of his lackeys, has done it instead."

Xenovia released a breath after hearing that. It seemed like she was going to take that at face value, it seemed like Makoto didn't have a reason to lie, she didn't detect any deceit within his voice.

"And now comes to why were are here…our orders are for you people to not become involved in this mission. Do not go seeking out these people, it is our mission, and your interference would jeopardize the mission for us all together. So, do not get in our way."

The way she said that, Makoto had complex feelings. Even Ravel and the others did. Rias looked peeved that Xenovia said it like that, and looked like she also wanted to harm Xenovia for saying something quite outlandish like that.

"Such manner of speech. Is it restraint? Are you thinking that we might collaborate with those Fallen Angels? Perhaps that we might team up with them to do something with Excalibur?"

Xenovia didn't answer Rias' claims, causing her to hiss. Makoto however spoke strongly.

"She asked a valid question. Did you perhaps, think we would involve ourselves with the Fallen Angels like that?"

"The headquarters think that it might not be impossible, and there are two Fallen Angels sitting in this room right now. How can we not be sure that you're not working with them already? The evidence speaks for itself."

Makoto releases a breath.

"The two Fallen Angels behind me are being currently hired by my Master, Serafall-sama, to be my, and Rias-sama's Pawn's servants for the time being. They do not, nor will they have any connections to Kokabiel, I can assure you of this."

Xenovia tightened her expression on the two Fallen Angels.

Kalawarner and Mittelt felt uncomfortable as Elmen tried her best to make sure neither of them set anything off, she didn't want this to be an incident, it couldn't be.

"Even then, we have to be sure. Even if you're the little sister of the Maou, and the Queen of the Maou-sama, we still need to be clear on what we are speaking about here and now, we cannot hold ourselves back now."

Xenovia said it casually without caring about Buchou's glare.

"…If you know that I am the sister of a Maou, then it means that you have lots of connections with the higher-ups in the Church. Then I will say it. We will not form an alliance with the Fallen Angels. Never. In the name of the Gremory house. I will not do something that would tarnish the name of our Maou!"

It had become a contentious situation for both sides.

But Xenovia once again didn't say anything, looking at Makoto, pissing off Rias even more.

"As she said, neither I, nor Rias-sama, nor Sona-sama would be willing to aid Kokabiel in this mission, nor would we want to get in the way of your own. We are not siding with the Fallen Angels, nor do we want the Holy Swords anyway. We are Devils, Holy Swords are our enemies, and we wouldn't work together with someone trying to gather said swords, we would be foolish to do so. By my Maou-sama King, in her name, I can assure you that we're not working, or do we plan on working together with Kokabiel."

Ravel, and Millicas were both impressed with the way Makoto was handling this. But they knew that by now, Xenovia was doing it more to piss off Rias for some kind of amusement than anything else, even then it didn't matter all that much.

"Fu. Hearing that is good enough. I had to warn you just in case that Kokabiel is hiding himself in this town along with the three Excalibur's." Makoto looked slightly away, something that Millicas noticed, and didn't question for now. "If something were to happen I would be the one to be hated by the bunch in the Church headquarters. Well, we won't ask for cooperation. If you were to form an alliance with God's side temporally, then it would affect the balance of the three factions. Especially if it's the little sister of a Maou and Queen of the Maou-sama."

After hearing Xenovia, Makoto, and Rias both relaxed their expressions.

Millicas then brought a thought to the table.

"Where is the person the Orthodox Church dispatched?"

Xenovia answered Millicas' question, antagonizing Rias even more that she would answer Millicas and not Rias.

"They have that person put on hold for this case. They are planning to protect the last Excalibur if Irina and I fail."

Makoto couldn't believe that Xenovia would say that, and even Irina looked like she was agreeing. What could it be that they were so willing to risk life and limb for something like this? Makoto couldn't understand, even if it is for God, it seemed too extreme in his eyes.

"Is it even okay to just go with the pair of you? Isn't it too dangerous to be just the pair of you? Are you wanting to die?"

Ravel said it with an amazed voice. But Irina and Xenovia said it with straight eyes.

"Yes."

"I have the same view as Irina, but if it's possible I don't want to die."

Makoto glanced at Irina and saw that she was being truthful, and it had him question why they would even say that. getting swords back or their death? Was it really that worth it? in his eyes, he didn't think so.

"Irina-chan, really? You'd die if you couldn't get it? Is it really that hard to grasp a concept that life is precious? I can understand wanting to fulfil your mission for God, it would be like Irina-chan to say that after all this time. But to say it for real? It seems quite scary honestly."

Irina's eyes matched Makoto's in an intense way.

"Ma-chan always had a kind soul. Even as a Devil, I haven't seen it diminished."

"I'm concerned that you're so willing to die without even a seconds hesitation, that isn't right, is it?"

Irina smiled gently towards Makoto, a smile that she hadn't used with others.

"It's just as you said Ma-chan, without a seconds hesitation. Am I scared? Of course I am, every mission carries a fearful death if we're not careful. But now thinking about it Ma-chan, you've really become even kinder since back then, you're worried for even your enemy, how touching Ma-chan, I was worried that you became a Devil, but you seem still caring."

"Of course I care. Just because I'm a Devil, it doesn't make it different to this now. Irina-chan, please consider something else, anything else, I don't want you to be in danger, or to be hurt. Can't the Church, send more Exorcists? Wouldn't it be better if that happened?"

"I'm sure Ma-chan would say that, but no, we don't have any Ma-chan, I'm sorry, but we have to do it. It is for God, and the Church after all."

Makoto didn't like that answer.

If he was asked to go to his death by Serafall, then he'd say no. If it was a mission for the world, or something, then he'd try his best, but he wouldn't really be prepared to die to get swords back. To beat a bad guy that could cause destruction, sure he was okay with that. But, swords…it just seemed to radical, if Irina said they were sent to kill or capture Kokabiel, then he could believe it more. But swords, even Holy Swords, it didn't make much sense, if any at all to Makoto.

After their little conversation ended, Rias still wasn't sure what to make of this, and couldn't hold back her comments.

"…You came here to Japan prepared to die?" Rias said with amazement. "The belief in your teaching is extreme like always. Doing something like that, you're foolish."

Irina's eyes changed when she said that.

"Don't talk ill of our beliefs, Rias Gremory. Right, Xenovia?"

Xenovia shook her head at Rias, like she was disappointed.

"Right. Also the Church decided that it would be better to eliminate all of the Excaliburs rather than letting them get used by the fallen-angels. Our minimum objective is to get the Excaliburs away from the Fallen Angels. To accomplish that, it's okay for us to die. The only way to fight against the Excalibur's are Excalibur's."

"Why is that exactly? Why only with Excalibur, because they are Holy Swords? I'm sure that there are stronger things out their than Excalibur."

Elmen pipped up into the conversation, as Koneko shifted on Makoto's lap, giving a slight purr when Makoto scratched behind her ear. She purred even more when Makoto continued petting Koneko's head, something Irina looked slightly jealous of.

"Because Excalibur started this, and will end this."

Yumi felt disgusted by those words, and she couldn't help but feel triggered by the words. If she could, she would do something right now, Yumi looked like she was going to use her powers to destroy Excalibur.

"Is it possible with only the two of you?"

Ravel asked curiously, to which Xenovia spoke fearlessly, and maybe even recklessly.

"Well, we won't die in vain."

"You seem confident. Do you have a secret weapon?"

This time it was Millicas who spoke, Xenovia once again showing that she wasn't going to back down at all.

"Maybe. I will leave it to your imagination."

After that, the Makoto, and the others of them just stared at each other and the conversation stopped.

Irina and Xenovia looked at each other and stood up.

"Then we will take our leave now. Let's go Irina."

"So you won't drink your tea? I have prepared a snack for you."

"Ooh, me too!"

Mittelt spoke up after Kalawarner, but Xenovia declined it all.

"I don't need it."

Kalawarner huffed and puffed, and looked very not thrilled at all.

"Fine, all that time spent, for nothing. I made these things damn it! I'll make you suffer for this!"

Xenovia jumped at Kalawarner's aggressive words. She even almost fell back on her chair, and that made Millicas give a small giggle as did Elmenhilde, and Koneko. When Xenovia turned towards them, they looked away with innocent faces.

Irina hugged herself tightly, trying to calm herself down from Kalawarner's 'assault' like she was doing.

"I'm sorry. See you."

Irina also apologised with her hand as Mittelt middle fingered her.

Irina felt shocked.

"T-That's not something you should do!"

Irina spoke out with a spluttering sound.

Mittelt however continued flipping the bird.

Until Ise tapped her on the back of the head.

"What did you do that for!?"

"Stop flipping the bird, idiot! You're gonna get us into trouble!"

"I'll do what I want! You're not my boss!"

"I'm your Master!"

Mittelt looked livid as Kalawarner smirked.

Xenovia strolled over towards the door, and Irina did the same thing as well…but stopped.

It took only a few moments to realize who they were looking at.

It was Asia.

"When I saw you in the presence of the Queen of Serafall-sama, I thought that maybe it was you. Are you the Witch Asia Argento? I never expected to meet you in a place like this."

Xenovia said something that triggered Makoto in many negative ways.

Asia's hands shook, and her eyes quivered, as did her bottom lip. Makoto looked pissed off that Xenovia had said that.

"Are you the rumoured Witch? The former Holy Maiden? You are said to have the power that can also heal Devils and Fallen Angels, right? I heard that you were sent somewhere after getting exiled, but I never thought you became a Devil."

Makoto thought she was going to do something and he didn't like that either. He got off the couch, and slowly walked towards them as Asia looked troubled on how to say it, how to say anything at all, and it wasn't, something that Asia couldn't even comprehend.

"…Ummmmm…I…I…"

"It's okay. I won't tell the higher ups what I saw here, so rest assured. People who were around the "Holy Maiden Asia" will also get shocked as well."

"…"

Asia made a perplexed expression at Irina's words, and Makoto was shocked at the harshness of Irina's tone.

"But to become a Devil. The one who was called a "Holy Maiden". You fell to the lowest place you could. Do you still believe in our God?"

"Xenovia. There's no way that she, who became a Devil, still believes in God."

Irina said it with an amazed face.

"No, I can smell the "belief" from her. It might be an abstract way of saying it. But I'm sensitive to these things. There are people who betray the teachings and still have guilt within them because they couldn't forget the teachings. I can feel something similar coming from her."

Xenovia said it with sharp eyes and Irina stared at Asia even more with interested eyes, Makoto looking quite, shocked that Irina was also saying something like this, he didn't expect her to say something's like this.

"Is that true? Asia-san, you still believe in God even if you have turned into a Devil?"

Asia replied to that question with a sad expression, as Makoto stood nearby, his anger reaching it's breaking points.

"…I just can't put it aside. I believed in it for my whole life…"

Hearing that, Xenovia took her sword out from the cloth and pointed it at Asia.

"That's enough!"

Before she could say anything, Makoto got in the way, and stood between them. Asia's eyes became shocked when Makoto got in the way of the Holy Sword, and Xenovia also looked surprised that Makoto got in the way.

"Excuse me Queen of Serafall-sama, getting in the way? That Witch behind you has sinned, and to live her life as a Devil, it is unforgivable. God shall set her on her way as soon as the sword pierces her body, she shall be cleansed and her soul shall ascend."

"Tch, I knew you weren't the sharpest tool in the shed but that's utter stupidity right there. For one, how the hell do you smell belief? Are you the Church's bloodhound or something?"

Xenovia's eyes changed, and walked closer aggressively.

"I've also had to tolerate you as well, and I have a smell like no other."

"Yeah, can't argue with you there."

Rias had to admit that was a good quip, and she chuckled darkly, partly because she was ignored by these girls beforehand, it felt like justice.

"Don't speak to me like this. Like the Witch-"

"Call her that one more time, and I'm breaking body parts."

Makoto threatened, even Ise was shocked at how angry he sounded. Rias looked stunned, holding herself, as she thought about what to do, not that Xenovia was listening to her anyway, it wasn't something that Xenovia would do.

"Like her, you also have belief, you've also fallen to become a Devil like her. If you ask kindly, I shall also cleanse your soul."

Irina looked troubled, Asia was one thing, she didn't know Asia. But Makoto was something else entirely. She knew him. She grew up with him, and she cared for him. even as a Devil, it wasn't a mistake that she cared for Makoto.

"Cleanse your own soul bitch. You keep saying that, but what Asia-chan went through because of you people is sickening. You make her your Saint, then you throw her away, when she does something noble! She healed someone, she didn't even know he was a Devil until later on! It wasn't her fault! She was innocent in this! She didn't do anything, and you're saying she needs to die for something that any decent person would do?"

"That's why God loved her. If she held onto that, then she would've known."

Xenovia said it with straight eyes.

"That's bull shit that is! Don't speak like that! God didn't tell her anything, and threw her away like nothing at all, so don't stand there, and sprout your God's love speech to me!"

Xenovia sent a challenging look towards him.

"And you're speaking like this now, Queen of Maou-sama? I thought you'd have more sense."

"I do, and you're speaking to her, like that, and it isn't right. Did you know, she is the Bishop of a Maou-sama?! My Maou-sama at that!" His rage surprised most, even Asia who felt touched more than anything. "And you're willing to kill her? You said it yourself, that you didn't want to fight, but here you are, trying to pick a fight. You could've walked away, but you didn't." His eyes glanced towards Irina. "And you Irina-chan…I didn't think you could be so cruel to someone like that. I thought you were better than to say such things."

Irina looked down at the ground, ashamed of what she said, and what he also said to her, and could see that he was right. She did regret saying it now, she was swept up in the emotions, and now, she had said hurtful things, and unlike Xenovia, she did regret them much.

Xenovia tightened her eyes.

"What are you to Asia?"

Makoto…didn't know the answer to that.

What was he to Asia?

He was many things to Asia.

He was a friend, comrade, and even fiancée going by her words.

But now…he had one thing that he could say.

"I'd die for Asia-chan. She means that much to me, I'd die for her. That's your answer. She means a very great deal, so much so that I would die for her."

The room remained silent besides the odd gasp, one large one erupting from Asia herself.

"Tch, Devils dying for one another, sounds almost simple."

"Simple's fine with me, because death isn't complicated. Dying for someone you care about is also fine, protecting that person. I died once, and I watched Asia-chan die, her life slipped away and I couldn't do anything at all." His eyes began filling with tears remembering that situation, but he inhaled deeply, and continued on. "And now, hearing you speak like that, is disgusting."

Xenovia kept the pressure on.

"Disgusting? That's a rude way of saying it. Are you trying to make an enemy out of me?"

"If you come at Asia-chan, then I won't be afraid to put you down. I'll even freeze you down to your soul, and then shatter it."

Makoto said it with raised killing intent.

It looked like they were going to fight.

The feeling in the room felt too hard to ignore, the pressure going off was too hard, and it couldn't happen either.

With the air in the room being tense, Yumi was the one who stepped forward, standing nearby Makoto. With eyes like thunder, she looked towards Xenovia angrily, and she wasn't going to back down either.

"That's good timing. I will be your opponent."

Yumi was carrying her sword, and there was an enormous aura of intent to kill coming out of her body.

"Who are you?"

Yumi smirked at Xenovia's question.

"I'm your Senpai. Though I apparently was a failure."

That instant a countless number of Demonic Swords appeared in the club room. Makoto didn't like it, but if he had to fight to defend Asia, then that's what he was going to do. Xenovia wasn't going to back down, and Yumi looked ready for a brawl. And he himself was pissed at the way they spoke to Asia. Even if it was Irina, he would have to fight as well.


End chapter!

So, things went down, didn't they? Makoto, and Irina met, apparently having some kind of promise between the other. They had the meeting...though Rias seemed to be ignored by Xenovia, for a little comedy I suppose. But when the chips were down, Makoto stepped between Xenovia and Asia, and was willing to put her down if it came down to it. And now they are gonna fight. It's gonna be interesting going forward.

Either way, until next time, thanks for reading everyone!

Issei; Rias, Yura, Aika, Bennia, Jeanne, Walburga, Xenovia, Mittelt, Reya, Mira, Katase, Murayama. (WIP)

Makoto; Serafall, Yumi, Millicas (fem), Irina, Gabriel, Asia, Koneko, Kuroka, Rossweisse, Kalawarner, Ravel, Kunou, Tiamat, Akeno, Vali (fem), Sona, Le Fay, Elmenhilde. (WIP)