Welcome Back! I am happy to say that Chapter 5 is up. This chapter will be based around 3 or 4 POV. Kana's will be in First Person POV, with the rest in Third Person POV.

Originally this chapter would be the Conclusion of Volume 1, but I kinda overdid it, so I thought I'd split it into 2 Chapters for simplicity's sake. I'll put up Chapter 6 hopefully within the next 2 weeks but since I am a bit busy with other work. It may take some time. Please be patient with me!

Chapter 5: We're Saving Asia (First Half)

It's during days like these that makes Reinhard glad to be back in Kuoh Town. Despite everything, it was nice small town with a peaceful livelihood. If he ever had the chance, he'd move here but due to his current circumstances and his work, he would have to put those plans on hold.

Currently he wasn't wearing his armour, instead he wore simple civilian clothing, with a blue hoodie worn over a white long sleeve t-shirt and black jeans. In his backpack he had kept his helmet and kept his sword in a guitar case.

In the interest of keeping his identity a secret, he wore the hood up and held his head low.

Despite him wondering across town like this, he was still on a mission. He had a broker here in the region that likes to move around due to his business. He had kept tabs on his whereabouts and he had heard rumours in Nazarick.

He turned right into a dark alleyway. At the end of the alleyway was a small Love Hotel that couples would go to have vaginal intercourse. That place was not his target, but rather the door that was beside the entrance to the hotel.

He unzipped the bag and pulled out his helmet. He pulled back his hoodie to wear his helmet. When he arrived at the door, he knocked on it. After a while, the door opened to the bouncer, a humanoid boar dressed in biker clothing. With a purple Mohawk and greyish brown skin, he stood tall and was physically imposing.

He physically inspected the armless knight, checking for any weapons before he asked for the password. Reinhard simply replied the password before the bouncer was satisfied with his reply.

When the bouncer opened the door, he could hear the loud music booming from the inside. When he stepped inside and walked down the empty hallway, he had entered a different dimension. What makes it easy for the owner to transport his business quickly is to use magic to turn any door he wanted to into the entrance to the establishment. Currently he was in the Underworld, he always knew that, the empty hallway itself was a physical representation of the link created to instantly transport people between the Human World and the Underworld.

That form of magic itself was high levelled, and highly expensive.

The place inside was dimly lit, with candle illuminating the room to show off its brick walls, covered in thin red drapes line with gold. The mahogany wooden tables and chairs were lined in a semi-circular fashion within wooden cubicles. The room had a scented smell to it, one that would help relax the customers. The music itself was a form of smooth jazz that helped set the mood.

Generally walking around the room were his staff, beautiful women were skin tight and next-to-nothing clothing to show off their hourglass figure. Their small dragon-like wings and spaded tail-end were out openly and proudly. They had a pair of horns on their head which somehow made them exotic and complemented their outfits very well. The staff that works here were Succubus, demonic being, not unlike Devils, which thrives on the life force of other races.

The patrons consists of many different races. The helpless humans themselves were under a glamour magic to believe that they were in a human institution. He could see a Minotaur, a devil, magicians, and many more indulging themselves in the services the institution provides.

"I see we have an unusual customer today," he heard before he turned around to see a tall, voluptuous woman leaving nothing to the imagination. She had long pink hair pulled back by lacy black piece of clothing with her horns peeking through. She wore a black, almost see-through lingerie and the skimpiest thong. She had her lacy black gloved hand near her pink glossy lips. "Good evening, I am Ageha. I will be your server for today, how may I help?"

"I am looking for your boss, Ansiel, I know he is in today." He told her as he looked at her straight in the eyes. He hated being in here, he was a bit young for this establishment and he grew up as a God-fearing man. But he always understood that with this world, he had to step into unsavoury places at times.

"I see…" she replied, looking at him and inspecting him up and down. She already knew that he was not a regular customer. "…What would you want from him…?"

"I only need information." He answered back simply before he walked towards one of the doors that was to the left of the room. It was Ansiel's room.

He felt her touch on his shoulder. He saw her purple painted nails growing, longer and sharper, almost trying to threatened him, "Even still if you are one of his 'clients', then I can't let yo-"

A male voice, almost singing-like, interrupted her.

"Ooooh, I see the knight is in today." He looked up to see the youth-look of the owner, Ansiel. He was dressed similar to a Greek scholar back in ancient Greece, which showed off his chiselled body and pale white skin. His golden hair reach down to his chin could be described as beautiful, he was handsome with golden eyes that enhanced his exotic look. Hanging off each side of him were two beautiful Succubi. "Its fine babe, he is allowed." He told Ageha, who nodded hesitantly before returning to her other duties.

"You look well Ansiel." Reinhard tossed him a gold coin. The simple gold coin was the currency for the underworld's black market.

"So how do you like the music? I got new speakers from the humans and it's great! Human minds are amazing, and the technology they create always surprises me." Ansiel began as they were walking into his personal office.

The swordsman could tell he was trying to make small talk. One thing about Ansiel that he can say for sure was that he was narcissistic, his constant attempt at small talk and his stylistic choice of clothes supported those. He was an Incubus, he had pride over his looks.

He heard the cheeky request from his usual info broker, "Since you are here, why don't you indulge in my main business?"

Reinhard expected that question coming sooner or later, it was part of their low-key banter which Reinhard would indulge from time to time. "I won't do that. I know fully well how your main business feeds your other business."

Ansiel could only chuckle from that response and sigh. "Ah ever so elusive and cautious. I would like to know what goes through that mind of yours." He took a seat on his red, expensive looking couch, with his girls by his side, snuggling up to him, "So what does the young mercenary want from me?"

Reinhard sat down on the opposite couch, "I want information on a group of Fallen Angels that have made their base here in Kuoh Town, where they are, their numbers and their objective which involves a Sister from Italy. I know you have clients from the Fallen Angels and Devil sides in your main business."

He heard the clicking noise that signal annoyance.

Ansiel's face changed from his usual flirtatious attitude to a more serious attitude, he looked to the girls beside him and signalled them to leave. Once they had left, he returned his attention to Reinhard. "You know my policy, Reinhard. I don't deal in anything related to the Three Factions. Even if I do know what you are talking about, I can't say that what you are looking for is hardly worth your time."

"You know Ansiel…" Reinhard stood up and walked over to the window. He started playing with the curtains with his fingers. "I seem to understand that you are operating illegally. I wonder what would happen if the right authorities were to find out about you." He threatened. His voice getting low.

He could see the small sweat sliding down Ansiel's face. His voice was slightly shaken at this. "You can't blackmail me, even if the human's peace keeping forces were to come here, what I run is not prostitution in the slightest. My girls give them dreams that they desired to relieve of their stress and in payment a miniscule, not even a fraction of their life force is taken from them. Besides, the humans will forget about everything anyway. And as for the Devils that lives here, as long as it doesn't interfere with their contracts business then I don't see any harm in it."

It was true, though in the Underworld the legal, moral and ethical questions of prostitution did not exist and that what his business does was far less serious that prostitution by Human standards, the problems lies on where and how he gains his clientele.

Operating in the Human world would usually create competition for other supernatural beings in which Humans were counted as their main source of profit. This was true for Devils and their contracts, the Church and their believers and their faith, he had even heard of female members of the Nekomata race, running a Cat Girl café.

The nature of problem lies on where Ansiel was operating. He was currently operating on the grounds of where two Devil Heiresses were governing over and where a Shinto Family overlooks. Majority of Devil's were not known for friendly competition and sharing. If word had been known that Ansiel had been stealing possible contracts, there would be hell to pay.

He let out an amused chuckle. As he expected, he was not one for blackmail. He just never understood the craft well enough. "You know I joke. I know how you operate, and I know that you would use whatever you can to continue both businesses." He rummaged through his pockets and flicked another gold coin at Ansiel with his thumb.

Ansiel sighed in relief after he caught the coin. His mood returned to his original flirtatious self. "Haha. Is this girl really worth 2 gold coins? You sure you want to be wasting your money like this?"

"Its fine. So will you tell what I need?" Reinhard questioned. He sat back down by then.

"A little black bird did come here recently and from him, my girls brought me an interesting piece of information."

-x-x-

Rias-buchou had slapped Issei-kun on his cheek.

You could tell she had enough of his outburst, "How many times do I have to repeat myself? No is no. I can't allow you to save that Sister." She had her foot down.

After the incident in the Kuoh Town Park Lake, we both ran back to the school and told her what had happened with both Asia-san and Raynare. After we had done so, Issei-kun proposed to go to that Church to stop the Fallen Angels and to save Asia-san.

Rias-buchou on the other hand said, repeatedly, that she wouldn't get involved in this matter.

We both were not able to agree with her decision. I knew it was wrong to ignore with Asia-san but I also understood the reason why she said no. Issei-kun knew it too but he tried to convince her anyway. That's why she slapped him.

I was held back by it but in the end I worked up enough courage to ask for her permission too.

Rias-buchou then turned to me with the same serious face that she had on Issei-kun. She was not impressed by my supporting of the idea.

After he held his cheek for a bit he then told her, "Then I will go by myself. I'm worried about the ritual thing. The Fallen Angels are doing something from behind the scenes. There's no guarantee of Asia's safety."

I was surprised by the statement that Issei-kun made.

"Are you really that stupid? You will definitely be killed if you go. You won't be able to come back to life anymore. Do you understand?" Rias-buchou warned him, she was trying her best to keep her emotions in check and was trying to speak calmly to him. "Your actions will affect not only me but also the other members! You are a Devil of the Gremory group! You need to be aware of that!"

"Then let me out of this group. I'll go there as an individual." He retorted.

"Issei-kun!" I was shocked by his suggestion. He was being stupid! "You can't go in there on your own, you will die there. Rias-buchou said that once you die there will be nothing left and we can't save you! This was not like last time!"

"Then what do you propose we do? Leave her be? We both promised to be friends with her! I can't abandoned her!" he snapped at me.

I was held back at the thought before I snapped back it him, "Of course I want to save her! She is my friend too! You don't think I don't want to ask Rias-buchou to let us go?! But I can't let you leave! You'll die!"

"Why don't you two understand?" I think it's the first time I've seen Rias-buchou this enraged, it was a clash of will at this point between the two.

"I became friends with Asia Argento. Asia is my important friend. I won't abandon my friend!" Issei-kun repeated again.

I bit my lip.

I know, I know that. I promised to be her friend but what can we do? The two of us were not enough to deal with the Fallen Angels and Exorcists living in the church. Our only hope was to ask for help from Rias-buchou and club. We were on our wits end.

Rias-buchou then replied, "That's a wonderful thing. I think it's amazing if you can say that face to face. But that is different than what we are talking about now. The relationship between a Devil and a Fallen Angel is not as simple as you think. The two sides have been glaring at each other for hundreds and thousands of years. If you show them a single gap of weakness, they will come and kill us. They are our enemy."

"Wasn't blowing away the enemy the Gremory's way of doing things?" he questioned back.

They glared at each other.

They were both equally stubborn.

"That girl was originally from God's side. She is a person that we cannot ever coexist with. Even if she went with the Fallen Angels, it doesn't change the fact that she is still the enemy of us Devils." Rias-buchou explained her reasoning.

"Rias-buchou, please, Asia-san is not our enemy." I pleaded with her.

She turned to me, "Even if she isn't, she has nothing to do with us. You two have to forget about her."

Then Akeno-senpai came up and whispered into Buchou's ear.

What was it? Did something happen? Akeno-senpai also had a serious expression.

Buchou, who is listening to Akeno-senpai, makes a serious face.

Just as I thought, something definitely happened.

Buchou looked at us, and then looked at the remaining members. "I've got an urgent thing to do now. Akeno and I will go out for a bit."

What was going on? What were they going to do?

"Rias-buchou! We haven't finish—"

Buchou put her index finger on my lips. "Kana, there are a couple of things I need to tell you…Issei too… First one. You think that a 'Pawn' just a sacrificial piece, right?"

We nodded quietly to her question.

"That's a big misunderstanding. 'Pawn' has a special ability that no other pieces have. That ability is the 'Promotion'." She explained.

Promotion? That sounded familiar but what did that mean?

"Just like the actual chess game, 'Pawn' can change into other classes if they reach the opponent's base. They are able to promote to any other piece besides the 'King' piece. For the both of you, when you step foot in the location I acknowledge as "Enemy's base", you are able to change into any piece besides the 'King'."

So you are saying that we have to ability to change to other pieces like a Knight, Rook, Bishop or even a Queen?!

"Since it hasn't been that long since you two became a Devil, there are restrictions, so it's probably still impossible for the both of you to be promoted to the ultimate piece, a 'Queen'. But you could change to other classes. If you wish strongly for 'Promotion' within your heart, then there will be a change in your ability."

"For you Kana, I know you have only just learned Magic but here is a quick reminder of Demonic Powers. It works through the power of your imaginations. If you wish for it truly, you can use Demonic Powers. I have faith in your abilities."

Like that she explained. I did remember her telling me about the mechanics of using Demonic powers once out of curiosity. When she had told me that it works through the imagination of the user, my mind went ablaze. I was delighted when I learnt that this was more in common with the magic I see in anime.

"Also one more thing. It's about the Sacred Gear, Issei. When you use your Sacred Gear, just remember this." Rias-buchou starts to stroke his cheek with her hand. "Desire… Sacred Gear is driven with the power of desire. And it also determines the power for it as well. Even though you are a Devil, your will to desire hasn't been lost. The stronger you desire, the stronger your Sacred Gear will respond to you."

Desire.

The power of desire will activate the Sacred Gear?

Issei-kun looked to be in deep contemplation of what Rias-buchou had told him.

"There's one last thing you should never forget…even a 'Pawn' can take down the 'King'. This is basic in chess. This truth also applies for the Devils' chess pieces. Both of you can become stronger."

After saying that, she teleported through the magic-circle along with Akeno-senpai.

The only ones left were Issei-kun, Yuuto-kun, Koneko-san and I.

After taking a deep breath, Issei-kun was already about to leave.

"Issei-kun…" I began.

"Hyoudou-kun." Yuuto-kun then said. "Are you going?" he asked.

"Yeah, I am. I have to go. Asia is my friend after all. I'm the one who has to save her." He told us when he stopped by the door.

"You will get killed." I spoke up in response. "Especially if you go alone. Let me come." I said to him. I clenched my fist. "I made a promise to her, I have to keep it. I would feel horrible to not do anything." I spoke my mind.

"Even if you have the Sacred Gear, and even if you use 'Promotion', you can't take down a group of Exorcists and Fallen Angels with just the two of you." Yuuto-kun said, warning us.

I already know that. We both were very aware of that.

"Even so, I'm going. Even if I die, I will set Asia free." Issei-kun said in defiance.

"Good determination, that's what I would like to say but it's still reckless." Yuuto-kun added.

"Then what am I supposed to do!" he shouted at him.

He then replied it straight at him. "I'm going too."

"What?" I was surprised at that statement.

Next thing I knew he already equipped himself with his sword.

"I don't know much about Asia-san, but you are my comrade. Even though Buchou said that, there's a part of me that respects your decision. Also, I personally don't like Fallen Angels and priests. I detest them." He explained simply.

Detest? Why?

I am going to make a mental note of that to ask later.

I guess there are layers to everyone.

He then explained. "Remember what Buchou said? "When you step foot in the location I acknowledge as 'Enemy's base", you are able to change into any piece besides the King'. So isn't she indirectly telling us that 'I acknowledge that the Church is the location where the enemy of Rias Gremory is'?"

So he had dissected Rias-buchou's words for us.

"Ah." I finally realise it. I see, so that's what she meant.

That's why she told us the information about 'Promotion'.

"Buchou indirectly approved you two to go. Of course, I think she also means that I should support you as well. Buchou may have some kind of plan. If not, she would have stopped you two by locking both of you up somewhere." Yuuto-kun laughed.

I guess I underestimated Rias-buchou. She was simply testing us on our resolve and was already ok with us going ahead.

Thank you Rias-buchou! I promised I will not disappoint you and become stronger in the future!

I noticed Koneko-san approached Issei-kun. "I'm going as well." She said in her usual quiet voice.

"Wha-, Koneko-chan?" Issei-kun was surprised. I can't say I wasn't surprised to hear that too.

"I feel uneasy for letting you two go." She said before she gripped on my sleeve.

"Koneko-san, thank you." I smiled at her words. Despite her seemingly empty expressions, she does care about us.

"I'm touched! Right now, I'm so deeply touched, Koneko-chan!" Issei-kun was smiling gratefully whilst grabbing her shoulders.

"H-Huh? But I'm going as well…?" Yuuto-kun puts on a sad smile at the sight of being ignored.

I panicked slightly at the sight of the cute troubled handsome look he had. "O-Of course Yuuto-kun! We are both grateful for your assistance." I bowed whilst also forcing Issei-kun to bow too.

All right! With this it's possible! We can do it!

"Then let's go for a rescue mission with the three of us! Wait for us, Asia!" Issei-kun began, seemingly leading the charge.

Like this, the four of us headed towards the Church.

-x-x-

Though we agreed to do so. There was a small errand I had to do. Since my home was a quick detour on the way to the church, I had wanted to pick something up to help me be more useful.

Sure I had learn some form of Magic since I became a devil, but unlike everyone else in the group, I probably was the weakest. Rias-buchou was a high-class devil with powerful demonic powers, Akeno-senpai was a highly skilled user of the demonic powers too, Yuuto-kun was fast and was also good with swords, Koneko-san was insanely strong too, Issei-kun may not seemed much, but I could see the potential of doubling's ones power.

Plus before I could use magic, I knew how to use a sword. That was where my strengths lie, I knew it. Which was why I came home.

Before Otou-sama passed away, he had given me a katana as a present. He said that it would be useful in the futures to come. It was the last memento that he had given me, so I was reluctant to use, fearing I would break it.

But I needed it.

I had decided, I would be strong for Asia-san's sake. I would make my resolve right now to save Asia-san. When I found the katana, I pulled it out slightly to check whether it had dulled over the years of neglect.

Everything looked good so far. It was ti-

"What are you doing?"

The voice made me jumped. The voice belong to Onee-sama, who stood by the door with a serious face on her.

"Why are you taking that sword out?" she questioned. "Are you going somewhere dangerous?" She was in big sister mode. It was a mode I seldom see from her but it was a scary mode I for as long as I could remember.

"Onee-sama…" I began wondering what I was going to tell. But I decided on telling her the truth simply. "I am."

She looked very much unimpressed with my answer and crossed her arms before she ask, "Where is your master? I want a word with her."

"I don't know where Rias-buchou went but me, Issei-kun, and the rest of the group are going to the church to save a friend."

She was surprised at the reply. "A church? That place is dangerous. You could die, Kana!" she grabbed my shoulders.

I could see the fear in her eyes. I swallowed my spit before I told her. "I know that." I had decided I was doing this for the sake of someone else, "I don't want to lose Asia-san. Asia-san is an important friend of mine. I've decided that I will fight, I won't run and I face the fights I see head on. Onee-sama please let me fight!"

A short silence befell upon the both of us. I could see my sister contemplating.

She began, "As a rule, I can't join as I can't take sides in an altercations between the Three Factions." With that she left me alone.

Did she let me do as I pleased?

Right now I had no time to contemplate what she was thinking. Right now I have something to fulfil. With the katana wrapped in a cloth, I left for the front door. To my surprised, I saw Onee-sama standing there with a straight sword in her hand.

"I think this would be more suited to your needs." She held out the sword for me to take. I took the sword and pulled it out to inspect the blade. The sword itself was straight double-edged sword similar to a Chinese Jian, probably slightly wider blade width, and the handle itself was two handed. I could feel magic coming off the sword.

From I had remembered when I studied swordsmanship from Otou-sama, this sword was commonly known as a tsurugi. It was a type of sword used before the invention of the katana around the 1300s Japan.

"This sword is an old sword passed down from generation to generation. It holds no special abilities, other than it was enchanted to be more durable and stronger than normal swords. It won't break so easily against light weapons unlike that katana you have there." Onee-sama explained.

Going from that, I was surprised. Was she openly letting me go? "Onee-sama, I am sorry." I bowed. "Thank you for going along with my selfishness."

She took my katana off from me. "Now go. You are pressed for time now, aren't you?"

I smiled to her and nodded before I walked out the door.

-x-x-

"When you get back, there is something I want to show you."

Shizuka whispered to herself. She knew Kana would be ok. She had faith in her abilities. When she comes back, Shizuka would show her what was inside that forbidden room. She deserves to know.

-x-x-

Akeno Himejima followed her master and best friend Rias Gremory diligently into the forest. They had arrived outside of the forest through a transportation circle. Even at this distance, she still could feel the hostile air that had surrounded the church.

According to her familiars, a group of small Oni, ogres which lived off the land, they had found that a group of Fallen Angels had been setting up camp in the Church. Their plan involved former members of the Church, including the young nun that her cute junior had been smitten with. What they had confirmed, after she had conferred with her master was that this group of Fallen Angels were an independent group and that there were no consequences of their demise. A concept basically similar to Stray Devils. She didn't mind, she had a huge dislike for Fallen Angels anyway.

The plan was, though she had some objections to it, was to distract the Fallen Angels which had casted their security net around the church whilst their juniors would storm through the main church. For her master, it was a test to really showcase Issei's ability and to battle test Kana's fighting ability. Yuuto and Koneko were there as a form of buffer to help protect them as they fought through the trials.

Though that was the case, it would seem that she and her master were a tad late. What they saw was the Knight they had met earlier today during lunch standing proud in his armour, looking up at a winged child sitting up by a tree. She had blonde hair stylized into twintails and had large blue eyes. She wore what could be described as Gothic Lolita attire. Her dress was black with white frills, a large black bow on the front and white thigh-high socks.

When Rias had seen him, she decided to hide and watch the altercation occur from afar.

"What do I have here?" the child-like Fallen Angel looked like she was elevated from boredom before she jumped down and landed gracefully. "I'll introduce myself as the Fallen Angel, Mittelt." She introduced herself before politely curtsying before him. She could see multi-coloured stars flying off from her.

'Why, how polite of her,' Akeno had thought, smiling at the sight.

"Fine then, as the Code of Chivalry must properly be exercised, then I shall give my name as well. I am Reinhard." He returned the favour whilst bowing with his right arm on his heart. "I guess, this means that my plan to simply walk in was just misguided?" he questioned.

"Was he actually planning on walking in on a place fortified by Fallen Angels?" Rias whispered.

Akeno thought so too, for him to be nonchalant in his situation, he must think highly of his skills.

Mittelt simply grinned in reply, "Nope, they just didn't want to be interrupted in the middle of their ritual."

"I see. So the ritual had begun." Reinhard said in response. He began walking up towards the Fallen Angel who stood between him and the church.

Mittelt stood her ground, "I won't let you through. Looks like you have to play with me first before you can get into the church."

He looked over the girl's shoulder at the entrance. Akeno too looked to see her juniors running into the formerly Holy building.

He chuckled at the sight, "Just like the group of Devils that just went in?"

"Wait, seriously?" The loli's eyes went wide in surprised before looking back to confirmed what had transpired. "They even went through the front entrance!? Dammit! I kept imagining that they would be sneaking in through the side!" she frantically went on and as stomped on the floor in annoyance.

It was a cute scene to watch, Akeno had thought.

She then regained her composure, "It doesn't matter how many people interfere, I just need to kill you right now." She turned back to Reinhard with a cruel glee on her face. "Thanks for taking your time to come all the way here."

"I see," Reinhard simply said before he placed his hand on his scabbard, ready to draw out his sword. "Looks I have to do it this way then."

Then the air above them began to distort, descending from above where four more Fallen Angels, all of whom held an air of hostility aimed towards the young Knight. They had trapped him in a circle.

"I see that a lowly human wants to fight against us." The first fallen angel was a tall man that looked to be a walking mummy. He wore bandages that covered his face, neck and was strapped around and underneath his pits. He wore grey leather jumpsuit that formed tightly on his skin. His skin, from what Akeno could see, was dark, and his pupils were white with black sclera.

"Looks like we meet again, my dear Reinhard." The only woman of four said. Akeno remembered her to be the Fallen Angel that attacked her new junior, Kana. She had remembered Kana calling her Kalawarner. She had her hand on her hip.

"The fact that you're here and causing trouble to our rituals, is more than problematic." This fallen angel looked to be the oldest of the group. He had short black hair and dark blue eyes. He wore a pale violet trenchcoat over a white shirt, black pants and wore a black fedora. Akeno did remember that this Fallen Angel was the one that attacked Issei, his name was Dohnaseek.

"You should be grovelling at our feet, human," he was the youngest looking of the group, looking to be of similar age to Akeno and the rest. He wore biker clothing, with a dirtied white sleeveless top under a black leather jacket with blue jeans that had chains connected on. He had white spiky hair and crimson red eyes. He looked to be the most quick to anger of the group.

Normally under circumstances like this, any sane person would run away but Reinhard simply looked at each of the Fallen Angels.

"…4,5," he had counted his opponents before he himself sighed, as though disappointed with something. "I guess this is the best I can get. I had hoped to deal with all six of you in one go," he told himself before he pulled out a small piece of paper with a magic circle drawn on it.

Akeno could think that he was going to attempt to transport himself out of here but he dropped the paper on the floor before he stood on it.

"Don't get too cocky!" the mummied Fallen Angel roared before they spread their wings out and took flight. Clearly ready to kill him.

Suddenly a turquoise magic circle appeared from below, its radius was big enough to cover all 6 of them. In a blink of an eye they were all encased in a crystalline like barrier.

"A barrier?!" Kalawarner looked around, surprised on what had happened.

"Isn't this kinda bad?" Mittelt looked shocked.

"You shitty human! What did you do?!" The youngest fallen angel demanded from the human.

"I thought since the Devils there are going to do my job for me, I might as well repay the favour by stopping all of you from interfering." Reinhard said.

"You think you can deal with all of us!" the white haired angel roared. He was angry, and created a light spear. He aimed the spear for the knight's head at top speed.

Reinhard simply widened his stance and placed his hand on his sword handle.

"Holy Sword…drawn."

He simply said before he drew his sword in a swift motion.

A single slash was needed to destroy his spear, with a swing of his sheath, he struck the struck the enraged black angel across the face. The angel flew straight into the barrier wall.

"Rayvolt!" Mittelt cried.

The other fallen angels were gawking at the display of skill.

Akeno was not even surprised at his reaction speed, she had previously fought against him with Yuuto's help before and they had fought to a standstill before they cleared up the misunderstanding.

Rias herself was smiling, she was clearly interested in what this man could do.

Reinhard then simply looked to his sword and said, "Balmus…Let thy shine." The sword itself was covered in a greenish glow.

The Gremory Queen felt her hairs standing when she saw the sword properly for the first time. When she first fought him, she knew that sword was dangerous, she had assumed it was an enchanted sword blessed with power of light, a kind of weapon that exorcist of old used to use. Now that he released the sword's ability, she could not mistake it for what it truly was.

It was a Holy Sword.

But she never heard of the sword Balmus before.

She could the keen interest developing in Rias' eyes.

Akeno could tell he was going to be fine.

-x-x-

The sky was already dark. The four of us, Issei-kun, Yuuto-kun, Koneko-san, and I, were examining the Church from a safe place where we could still see it. So far there was no one entering or exiting the Church. The closer we got to the Church, the stronger I started to have a bad feeling. I'm sweating from all over my body. It was like when I met the Fallen Angel or Reinhard-san for the first time.

Yuuto-kun said, "From this presence, it's certain that there is a Fallen Angel inside".

So that bitch Raynare was inside, I assumed.

"Here, look at this map." Yuuto-kun then took out a map and spread it out to show the architecture drawing of a building.

Was this the drawing of the Church?

"Well, it's basic when you are going into the enemy's territory." The Prince of Kuoh smiled.

Wow, he was really prepared. We never really prepared a strategy when we were running over to the church.

"Besides the sanctuary, there is also a dormitory. The sanctuary looks suspicious." he pointed at the sanctuary.

"So we can ignore the dormitory then?" I asked, thinking that this ritual would be more likely handled inside the church.

"Most likely. Most 'Stray Exorcist' groups usually make some alteration to the sanctuary. They usually perform suspicious rituals under the sanctuary." He confirmed my theory.

"Why?" Issei-kun asked him out of curiosity.

Yuuto-kun made a bitter smile. "It's the place they used to respect as a holy place, and by doing something that rejects God there, it makes them satisfied because it's an insult to God. Because they loved God, because they were rejected by God, they purposely cast evil spells under the sanctuary as a representation for their hatred."

So they destroy parts of a church as an outlet for their anger at being forgotten? When I think about it, it would be soul crushing to experience. When you believe in something so much, and it abandoned you, it must leave you angry at the world.

"The sanctuary is located right behind the entrance. I think we can go straight in. The problem is to find the door to the basement once we get in the sanctuary, and also if we can defeat the assassins waiting for us."

Assassins…

In this case, the Stray Exorcist? The servants of the Fallen Angels. When I think about, I thought about the crazy exorcist that nearly killed Issei-kun. Though, it could be other Fallen Angels, like that Kalawarner lady.

We looked at each other in front of the Church and we nodded to each other.

It was time for us to storm in.

Wait for us, Asia-san!

We ran in, cutting through the entrance and went straight for the sanctuary. By now the Fallen Angels must have noticed our invasion by now. There's no going back. We knew that by now! There's only forward!

What we saw were a candle lit sanctuary, with the altar and long chairs kept the same as you would see in an ordinary sanctuary. The only thing out place was the statue of Jesus on the cross, where its head had been removed and destroyed.

It was as Yuuto-kun said, they really do destroy things as a sign of their anger to the God that abandoned them.

Then a clap echoed through the sanctuary. Appearing from behind the pillar, was someone who looks like a priest. I become disgusted when I saw his face.

"Meeting! It's a reunion! So emotional!" It's was the priest that attacked Issei-kun. I remembered Issei-kun told us his name was Freed.

He put on a weird smile like before. "Well, I never met the same Devil twice before! You know, since I'm super strong, I cut Devils into pieces when I first meet them! Once I see them, I cut them up on the spot! I then kiss the corpse and say goodbye! That's how I used to live! But since you guys ruined my style, I'm so lost! That's no good. It's not good to interfere with my lifestyle! That's why! You guys piss me off! I hope you guys will die! Actually die! You trashy Devils!" His voice was like a song when he said those words, going from happy to sad and back to happy again before he settled in on being angry. He takes out the gun and handle-only sword from before when he attacked Issei-kun. The blade of light would be troublesome to fight against, as light are poison to us Devils. That gun looked to be quite troublesome considering Issei-kun was shot badly from it.

But right now, it was four against one now.

Normally under these circumstances, the one surrounded would try to run. But this exorcist, Freed, seemed to enjoy it more.

He started talking in a frenzied smile, "You guys came to rescue Asia-tan, right? Hahaha! Devils are big hearted for coming to rescue a bitch like that who would even heal Devils! Well, just being entranced to a Devil should make that Sister die!"

Die? What does he mean!? Was this that ritual thing that Raynare said?

"Hey! Where is Asia!?" Issei-kun demanded.

"Well, there is a hidden stairs under that altar. From there you can go to the place where they are doing the ritual." That guy told us about the location to the hidden basement by pointing at the altar.

Was there really a hidden basement underneath a church? That was somehow really cliché.

Though I am curious about this crazy priest's actions. Did he tell us because he's confident that he can kill us before we get to the stairs?

Something about that was grinding my gears.

"Sacred Gear!" As though it was synchronised with Issei-kun's call, the red gauntlet appeared on his left arm.

With that call, it was time for us to fight.

Yuuto-kun and I drew out our swords from their sheaths. In the corner of my eyes, I could see Koneko-san was-

I was freaking out at what I saw.

Koneko-san was lifting up the pews that were several times bigger than her.

"Get smashed." Koneko-san threw the pews at the priest.

I think out of the four of us, she was probably the most pragmatic.

The priest was dancing around in excitement, "Wow! Oh yeah!" he cut the chair in half with his blade of light, dust flew when the sliced pews landed.

"There." A quick call was made by Yuuto-kun and before I knew, he disappeared off. I had forgotten how fast he was.

Sparks flew between Yuuto-kun's sword and the priest's light sword.

So the blade was made out of solidified light?

Yuuto-kun was unfazed by this. They began crossing swords again like before. Looked like they were pretty even.

I decided to jump in, I drew a runic letter. "Ansuz!" I called. The red magic circle appeared. "Yuuto-kun!" I warned before I fired out the stream of flames at the crazed priest named Freed.

Yuuto-kun jumped out of the way, using his amazing speed.

Good, the stray exorcist wouldn't have had time to dodge this attack.

I saw his crazed smile grew bigger.

What was he-!?

He then slashed the flames with his light sword. When the flames dispersed, his clothed were charred from the heat.

How the hell did he do that? Looks like it won't be that easy to beat him.

"Hmmm! Hmmm! Such a pain! Why are you guys so noisy!? I'm super very bad! I'm sorry for talking in a death language! Forgive me after you die!" He roared.

I dashed forward with my sword. I aimed a slash at his head but he simply blocked it.

"Ooh! Not bad Onee-san! I can see I'll have fun with you," he said before he stuck his long tongue out. I could feel his crazed eyes eyeing me up. But before he could do anything else, Yuuto-kun jumped in again.

With his gun as a shield, the white haired boy blocked the attack. He kicked me in the stomach, pushing me back a few distances away.

Ow!

That asshole!

He returned his attention to blonde hair knight. Yuuto-kun jumped back when the priest began wildly slashing at him. He then aimed his gun at Yuuto-kun and fired wildly. Yuuto-kun dodged the soundless bullets while continuing to attack his enemy.

What amazing speed!

Yuuto-kun was really strong!

The priest was also something because he was able to fight on par with a Devil like Yuuto-kun. That crazy priest was not an opponent that I could take on by myself.

He caught Yuuto-kun's sword again and both of them were glaring at each other.

"Impressive. You are quite strong," Yuuto-kun said, almost complimenting him.

His opponent only laughed in response, "Ahaha! You too! A Knight, huh!? Not even a single blind spot! This is great! Yes yes, this is what I'm talking about. Lately, I haven't had an awesome battle like this! I was about to cry because of it! Hmmm! Hmmm! I'm going to kill you!"

He raised his gun at Yuuto-kun's head. In response, Yuuto-kun flipped back and kicked the gun away. The gun was kicked out of Freed's hand and flew a few distance away.

I guessed he didn't learn from last time.

"Then maybe I should also fight seriously for a bit then." Yuuto-kun said with his blade held up in guard position.

What did he mean? Was he not fighting seriously before this? What was he going to do?

"Eat this." He said in a low pitched voice, it made me surprised that that voice belonged to Yuuto-kun'.

Suddenly, shapeless black started coming out of the sword's hilt, covering the whole blade. It was eerie and moved very unnatural.

Darkness.

That was it. It was more like the blade was being eaten by the darkness and became a blade.

Yuuto-kun's sword of darkness that was pressed up against Freed's blade of light started to amplify and began devouring the blade of light.

"Wha, what the hell is this!?" The priest was confused.

"Holy Eraser, a darkness sword that devours light." Yuuto-kun explained, naming the sword he held. His voice was serious.

The priest was taken back "Y-You are also a Sacred Gear possessor!?"

Sacred Gear?

Yuuto-kun had a Sacred Gear too?!

That was a really cool ability! He reminded me a bit like a Dark Knight kind of character.

The priest's blade of light was devoured by his sword, completely destroyed the blade itself.

Issei-kun ran straight at him!

"Sacred Gear! Activate!" he called.

"Boost!"

When the jewel glowed, I could see the energy pouring out of him.

The priest then turned his attention to Issei-kun. "I'm keeping on telling you! You are annoying!" He pointed his gun at him and fired wildly.

"Promotion, Rook!" Issei-kun called again in response. Red energy began enveloping him. I could see the silhouette of the Rook piece overlapping him.

The bullets made their mark, but instead of piercing him. It simply ricocheted off him like the bullets were nothing.

"Promotion!? A Pawn!?" the exorcist seemed to be in shock.

"The traits of a 'Rook'! Unreal defense and…!" Issei-kun threw his left fist at the priest. I could see the priest brought up his sword handle up as a shield just before getting punched in the face. Even with the sword handle, the impact was strong enough to throw the evil priest into the wall. "Unreal power!" he laughed, he was out of breath.

Oh shit! That was the power of a Promotion to a Rook?!

"That's for hitting Asia that time. I feel relieved that I hit you once." Issei-kun said. He was out of smiling to himself.

The priest was on the ground, but he quickly recovered and got up slowly. He spat his blood onto the ground. I could see his right cheek was swollen.

The exorcist muttered to himself, "…Hmm …Oh man, not only I got punched by a trashy Devil, but he's saying some weird crap to me…Don't fuck with me." He then howled. "Don't fuck with me! You shit! A mere Devil shouldn't act cocky with me! I'll kill you! Definitely! I'll definitely kill you! I'm going to cut you into pieces, you shit!" He took out a second sword handle.

How many did he have!?

Then the priest stopped, then he realised that he was surrounded by the four of us.

He began smirking. "Wow, wow. Is this what you call a crisis? Hmm, for me, getting killed by a Devil is a no-no, so I feel like retreating. It's a shame that I can't exorcise you guys, but I also don't want to die!" he took out something round and smashed it on to the floor.

Instantly, our eyes are blinded with a shining light.

A flash bang!?

When my eyes recovered, I looked to see that the priest was gone.

"Hey. The grunt Devil over there…Issei-kun, was it? I won't forgive a shitty Devil who punched me and gave me a lecture, okay? I will definitely kill you. Definitely, okay? I think I have fallen in love with that pretty Onee-san there! The one with the big boobs! I'll take my time with you in the future too! Then, bye-bye." His voice echoed before he said good bye.

He escaped.

He even left some parting words…

EWWW!

I don't want to be raped by some crazy priest!

I didn't really have time to think about what he had said.

Issei-kun, Yuuto-kun, Koneko-san and I nod at each other and went towards the altar's hidden stairs.

Asia-san, wait for us!

-x-END-x-

I'd like to wish my Chinese readers and those who celebrate it, Happy Chinese New Year!

Thank you for waiting on me! Please Read and Review!