"Issei."= When characters are talking to each other.
'Allen'= When characters are thinking to themselves or when Issei, Marcus, and Vali are talking to their partners through their mental link.
[Ddraig]= When a dragon or spirits speaks out.
{Ddraig}= When a dragon or spirits speaks to their host through their mental link.
Chapter Five:
"I have a date, this Friday.", Xenovia said. "With... Marcus."
"When did this happen?", Jeane asked to which Xenovia blushed thinking back to what happened last night.
And so Xenovia told Jeane and Irina what happened and how Marcus asked her out on a date.
"Well this is a surprise.", Jeane said. "I never saw this coming. But you know what? I'm happy for you, Xenovia.", she said to Xenovia who smiled.
"But are you sure you want to do this?", Irina asked. "He is a Dragon-Kin after all."
"So.", Xenovia said.
"So, he might see you as a possible mate.", Irina said low enough so that only Jeane and Xenovia could hear her.
"I don't think so.", Jeane said.
"What do you mean?", Xenovia asked.
"Well, last night I was talking with Kuroka and she told me a few things about Marcus.", Jeane said. "One of those things being that he likes to get to know a girl before he wants to make them a possible mate."
"So what you're saying is..."
"That he just wants to take Xenovia on a date.", Jeane finished for Irina. "No more, no less. The real question is, what will you do after said date?"
"I do not know.", Xenovia said with a smile. "To be honest, I'm still a bit excited about having my first date."
"Well then let's try and find you a good outfit to wear.", Irina said with a smile that Xenovia returned.
Later that day, after school, everyone met up at the ORC to begin their search for Freed and Dulocke. Well, almost everyone. When it came to the Sitri Peerage, it was only Sona, Tsubaki, and Saji while when it came to Marcus and his group, all but Terra, Mittelt, and Asia were there.
"So how are we going to do this?", Katase asked.
"I suggest we split up into three teams.", Sona suggested. "And the teams be mixed teams."
"Do you now?", Akeno questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes.", Sona said being calm. "With the threat of Kokabiel being behind everything, there's a good chance that he'll have some of his fellow Fallen wit him as well."
"Which will be bad news for your kind.", Allen said understanding Sona's logic. "But if we're going to do this, let us form teams that can work together enough so they won't fight among themselves. As well have an exorcist on each of the teams."
"Agreed.", Sona said. "For the first team I think it should be Jeane, Kuroka, Shirone, Issei, Matsuda, and Akia.", she said as said group gathered.
"This'll be fun.", Shirone said sarcastically, getting a giggle from Kuroka and Jeane.
"Now for team two, it'll be Xenovia, Akeno, Murayama, Kiba, and Gasper.", Sona said as said team gathered.
Wishing she was teamed up with Marcus, Xenovia let out a sigh as she looked over at him. Something Akeno noticed as a smile grew on her face knowing something was up. Something she was going to dig into.
"The rest of you are our final team.", Sona said as Irina, Tosca, Marcus, Katase, Motohama, and Saji gathered.
'Aaaaaaaw man!', Irina thought to herself wishing she was with Issei.
"I'll be with Xenovia's team seeing as they only have five people in it.", Allen said.
"And while you all are out there searching, I'll be with Sona and her peerage monitoring your search as we map out everything.", Rias said.
"If I may. Can I..."
"No Kiba.", Rias said cutting her Knight off. "You can not switch with someone on Tosca's team. I need you focused for this. The same goes for the rest of my peerage who wants to be teamed up with either their friend or significant other."
"Rias is right.", Sona said. "You all need to be focused and ready to fight if the need arrives."
"With that being said, be careful everyone.", Allen said. "If you find anything important, contact the others. Kokabiel isn't one to take lightly."
"No. He isn't.", Akeno said.
"Let's move out everyone!", Allen said as they left the ORC and began their search.
"I hope this can work.", Sona said.
"I believe it will.", Tsubaki said.
"So long as everyone can get along.", Rias said.
"Here's hoping.", Sona said.
(Team 1: Jeane, Kuroka, Shirone, Issei, Matsuda, and Akia)
"So how do we even begin searching for the blades?", Matsuda asked.
"The best thing we can do is sense for people with a strong aura.", Jeane said. "With mages teaming up with Kokabiel, we're bound to run into one. Unless they're hiding somewhere and have a powerful barrier up."
"And ten to one, that's what they're doing.", Akia said.
"Then it's a good thing I remember Freed's scent from our last fight.", Kuroka said with a smirk. "And a guy, like him, won't just sit still when he can go out and have some fun."
"Then we got two things going for us.", Issei said. "We can try to sense for mages and Fallen while Kuroka tries to find Freed's scent. Let's just hope we can pick up something before it gets dark.", he said as they continued their search.
"So I have to ask.", Matsuda said. "What's so bad about joining us or the Sitri Peerage?", he asked Kuroka and Shirone.
"Why would we want to be made one of your kind when it was your kind who murdered our parents?", Kuroka questioned.
"Not all of us are like that, you know.", Matsuda said.
"You also don't know how to back off when some one turns down your offer to join your peerage either.", Shirone said.
"What can I say. We like what we see.", Issei said with a smile.
"Well listen and listen good.", Kuroka said. "We do not wish to join either of your peerages. So respect that and leave us be!"
"Sorry to break this up, but we do have a search to do.", Jeane said.
"The sooner we get this done the better.", Kuroka said as she and Shirone walked with Jeane keeping some distance from Issei, Akia, and Matsuda.
"This is far from over.", Issei said as they followed behind Jeane, Kuroka, and Shirone.
'One way or another, we will find a way to make them join us.', he thought to himself as they continued with their search.
(Team 2: Allen, Xenovia, Akeno, Murayama, Kiba, and Gasper)
"So is there a way to use you Excalibur to find the other ones, Xenovia?", Allen asked.
"There might be a way to so.", Xenovia said. "Unless the blades are behind a power barrier. But, if we're lucky, Excalibur Destruction might react to the other blades the closer we get to them."
"That's something to work with.", Allen said. "That and us trying to sense out any mages or Fallen.", he said as he looked at Kiba. "By the way. Kiba, right?"
"Yes.", Kiba said.
"Tosca told me about your feelings towards the blades and how much you wish to destroy them out of some need for revenge.", Allen said.
"That's right.", Kiba said. "Those blades have caused mush pain and need to be destroyed! And nothing will stop me from doing so!"
"And are you willing to cut down any of the three exorcist to do that?", Allen asked causing Kiba to flinch a bit. "Cause if you do that, you'll be signing you own death warrant. This is why Tosca keeps her distance from you. The more you hold onto that anger and hatred, the worst it'll be for you when the time comes for you to fight. For you will be so focused on the blades, you won't be paying attention to anything else."
"He does make a good point.", Murayama said. "Maybe you should just help them find the blades and let them take them away."
"I'd take that advice if I were you.", Akeno said before catching up with Xenovia. "So, Xenovia, what's up with you and Marcus?"
"Huh?! W-What do you mean?", Xenovia asked with a slight blush.
"I saw how you looked at him when our teams were formed.", Akeno said with a grin. "You wanted to be teamed up with him. So did something happen between you two?"
"Well... He asked me out on a date this Friday.", Xenovia confessed.
"Oooooooh! I see!", Akeno said. "You did say yes, right?", she asked getting a nod from Xenovia. "Good. Now you just need something to wear. I think I can help you find something."
"Thank you.", Xenovia said with a smile that Akeno returned.
"Let's focus on the task at hand, ladies.", Allen said with a grin.
"Okay.", Akeno and Xenovia said as they continued their search.
(Team 3: Irina, Tosca, Marcus, Katase, Motohama, and Saji)
"They have to be around here somewhere!", Saji said.
"They're probably hiding behind a powerful barrier.", Motohama figured. "And if that's the case, they can be anywhere."
"I wonder.", Marcus said as he began to think.
"What is it?", Irina asked.
"Just a thought.", Marcus said. "When Freed tried to get the jump on me and Xenovia, the night we first met her and Jeane, there were a lot of mages with him. And I mean A LOT."
"Your point?", Katase questioned.
"My point is, that many people being here for a short time, they'll be ordering a lot of take out.", Marcus said.
"Not to mention buying a lot of food to eat throughout the day.", Saji said.
"Which means that they'll be making an order soon.", Tosca figured. "Only question is, which place will they order from?"
"Hmmmmmm...", Motohama said as he began to think. "They'll want something that can be cooked fast yet also be light and filling."
"That or we can look for any places where there's a lot of trash sitting outside.", Irina said.
"There is that.", Tosca said as they continued their search.
"You know, with all that you've been through with that project, you'd think that you would want to get revenge, just like Kiba.", Katase said as she walked along side Tosca who let out a tiring sigh knowing what she was up to.
"Isaiah chose to let his anger fester inside him, while I decided to move forward with my life.", Tosca said. "Sure I'd like to bust Valper and make sure he pays for his crimes, but not kill the man!"
"The guy has a goal.", Saji said. "Can't fault him for that."
"I can when it blocks his better judgement.", Tosca said. "Which I know is going to happen if he runs into Valper."
"Then let's hope we find him first.", Marcus said. "The last thing we need is for an all out fight happening in broad daylight."
"You make a good point there.", Motohama said. "The sooner we find our targets, the better."
As they were continuing their search, Irina decided to learn what she could about Marcus for Xenovia's sake.
"So Xenovia told Jeane and me about the date you two are having this Friday.", Irina said as she was walking along side Marcus.
"Yes. I asked her out to give her a good time.", Marcus said. "Little did I know that this would be her first date.", he said with a grin.
"Yeah.", Irina said with a smile. "Granted, I haven't been on a date since the one I had with Issei before I left for England, years ago."
"I see.", Marcus said. "So why bring up my date with Xenovia?"
"I just want to make sure that your intentions are pure.", Irina said. "With you being a Dragon-Kin and all."
"And you think I see her as a possible mate.", Marcus figured getting a nod from Irina. "Rest assured that I do not intend on making Xenovia one of my mates. I mean, once you mission is over, the three of you will be going back to England."
"You make a good point there.", Irina said.
"Kind of funny how you're being worried about me sleeping with Xenovia when you've been sleeping with Issei since you've been here.", Marcus said so only a blushing Irina could hear them as she looked at him in surprise.
"How did you...?"
"His scent was all over you the other day after school.", Marcus said. "My guess is that you two got it on before your began searching for Freed and Valper.", he said causing Irina to blush more. "Anyway, not to sound mean, but if something were to happen between me and Xenovia you are the last one to judge."
"I just don't want Xenovia to be taken advantage of.", Irina said.
"And I can respect that.", Marcus said. "You have my word that I will not try to take advantage of her. But if I were you, I'd keep my eye on the Gremory and Sitri Peerages. For if they see how powerful you three exorcist are, they just may try to get you to leave the church and join up with them."
"Issei wouldn't do that!", Irina said.
"But the others might.", Marcus said. "Just a word of warning.", he said as they continued their search.
'Issei wouldn't let that happen.', Irina thought to herself. 'I just know it!'
Sometime later, everyone met up in the park, as planned. But sadly none of the teams found anything.
"Okay. There has to be some way of finding them!", Murayama said.
"Actually, there might be a way.", Kuroka said.
"What do you mean?", Allen asked.
"Well, and this is just a hunch mind you, but a while ago I was at my favorite place, The Bento Shop, to get sushi when I overheard the chef send out a huge take out order.", Kuroka explained.
"How big an order?", Issei asked.
"Very big.", Kuroka said. "Enough to feed six to nine families."
"That has to be them!", Saji said.
"Maybe.", Allen said. "We have to be sure before we do anything."
"We need to find the place first.", Marcus said.
"Hmmmmmm...", Akia pondered when a thought came to her. "Why not wait at the restaurant and see if they order from them again."
"We can do better than that.", Shirone said.
"How so?", Matsuda asked.
"The receipt board.", Shirone said.
"That's right!", Tosca said. "The Bento Shop has a board where they hang up copies of the receipts of large orders. The larger the better!"
"And the address has to be on there as well.", Allen figured.
"Be right back.", Kuroka said before teleporting away.
"Now where is she going?!", Katase questioned.
"To get the address. Or addresses.", Marcus said. "There's going to be more than one address on that board."
"Which means that we'll be doing more searching.", Motohama said.
"Aw man!", Katase whined just as Kuroka teleported back to where they were.
"I got three addresses that match who we're looking for.", Kuroka said as she took out her cell phone and sent the pictures of the addresses to Marcus and Allen's phones.
"Our team will take the first address.", Allen said.
"We'll take the third.", Marcus said.
"That leaves us with the second.", Issei said.
"If you find anything, contact the rest of us and don't try anything.", Allen said. "We don't know who or what we're dealing with here."
Agreeing with Allen everyone split back up into their teams and headed for the addresses hoping they would lead to who they are looking for. Now Marcus and Allen's teams went to places where there were no mages. So that left the team of Jeane, Kuroka, Shirone, Issei, Matsuda, and Akia who had hit pay dirt as they were now hiding behind some bushes observing some mages that were sitting outside a three story house relaxing.
"Okay. We known that they're here.", Jeane said. "Now we just have to contact the others."
"What we need to do is find out how many mages we're dealing with.", Issei said. "That's where you two come in.", he said to Kuroka and Shirone.
"Say what now?", Kuroka questioned.
"I know that your kind can transform into cats.", Issei said.
"So you want us to go and spy on them.", Kuroka figured.
"That's a pretty good idea.", Akia said.
"We'd know who we're up against and be ready for them.", Matsuda said.
"That's the plan", Issei said.
"Not going to happen.", Shirone said.
"Come again?", Issei questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"They second they sense us sneaking around there, they'll be blasting at us!", Kuroka said. "I'm not going to risk me or my sister's life when we don't know who or what we're dealing with!"
"Which is why we need you and your sister to do this, Kuroka.", Issei said. "We need an edge.", he said as Shirone texted Allen and Marcus letting them know what they found. "Unless you're afraid to go.", he said with a smirk.
"Fine! But I'll go alone!", Kuroka said as she handed Shirone her cell phone before she transformed in to a black cat and took off towards the mages' house.
It was then that the other teams teleported to where Issei and the others were hiding and saw that Kuroka wasn't there.
"Where's Kuroka?", Marcus questioned.
"She went to go see what we're up against.", Akia said.
"By herself?!", Tosca questioned.
"He made her do it.", Shirone said pointing at Issei.
"What?!", Allen questioned. "What part of don't try anything did you not get?"
"We need an edge, here.", Issei said. "And in her cat form, Kuroka can walk around the property without any problems."
"Yeah, man. Relax.", Matsuda said. "There's nothing to worry about."
"Unless they can sense Kuroka's power while in her at form.", Irina said.
"Didn't think about that, did you genius?", Tosca questioned.
"Whoops.", Matsuda said.
"Whoops, huh?", Marcus questioned. "Well you better hope nothing bad happens to her, or else it'll be you and me, Hyoudou.", Marcus said as he glared at Issei.
"Hey! I didn't hold a gun to her head and force her to go!", Issei said.
"That's true. He didn't", Gasper said.
"But he did call her out about being afraid to go.", Jeane countered.
"That'll do it.", Allen said. "Let's just hope that she's okay over there.", he said just when they all felt a barrier go up around the mages' house.
"That can't be good!", Tosca said.
"Kuroka!", Shirone cried out worried about her sister.
Moments earlier, we have Kuroka in her cat form roaming around the house the mages were in trying to find out what they were dealing with.
(Kuroka's POV)
'I can't believe I let that Red Dragon Moron get me to do this! At least Shirone isn't here.', I thought as I was creeping around the house. 'Let's see what we'll have to be dealing with here.', I thought as I jumped up on the window sill to see who was there.
I looked in the window and saw at least ten mages sitting in the living room, of the house in lotus position meditating. My guess was that they were focusing their minds or something. I tried to sense out the Excalibur blades but couldn't. Ten to one they were hidden some where where no one could find them. Anyway...
Uh-oh!
Busted!
(Normal POV)
Busted was right, for a mage walked into the room and looked at the window where Kuroka was looking into. She may have been in her cat form, but the mage was able to sense what she really was and alerted the other mages before putting up a barrier. Thinking quickly, Kuroka jumped from the window only to get hit by a fireball attack from the same mage who spotted her as they ran at the window. The mage then jumped out the window only to see Kuroka transform back to her Human form with her cat ears and tails out ready to fight as she was in a crouching position.
"Now what is a Nekomata doing snooping around here?", the mage questioned as he formed a ball of green energy in her right hand.
"That's my business.", Kuroka said hoping the others would show up in time as more mages showed up.
"Oh! We have ways of making you talk, Yokai!", the mage said as the mages surrounded her with their attacks ready when suddenly...
Moments earlier, once the barrier we put up Marcus and the others ran towards the house knowing that Kuroka was in danger.
"Equus Castor!", Akia called out activating her Sacred Gear.
It was then that two black horses, with white manes and tails, appeared running towards the barrier at great speeds. One of the horses had violet and blue light bolts symbols along it's back, that Akia jumped onto and rode it towards the barrier.
"Smash on through, fellas!", Akia said as they picked up speed.
The horses then busted through the barrier surprising the mages.
"Meet, my Sacred Gear, Equus Castor!", Akia said as she got off the horse she was on. "It can break through just about any barrier!"
"Now tell us where the Excalibur blades are!", Jeane demanded.
"Like we'd tell you where they are!", a mage said.
"Looks like we'll have to go looking for them.", Marcus said with a smirk.
"But first, let's deal with these pest.", Allen said as he and the other got ready to fight.
"Take them!", one of the mages ordered. "Leave none of them alive!", he said as he restored the barrier to hide what was going on.
"This'll be short work.", Issei said as the mages charged at them.
As both side were fighting each other, Kiba was making his way to busted window trying to get into the house.
'The blades have to be in there', he thought to himself as he took down two mages.
Once he was close enough, Kiba jumped through the window and began his search for the blades. Seeing Kiba go into the house was Tosca who knew what he was up to.
"Isaiah, you idiot!", Tosca said as she knocked out a mage. "I'm going after, Isaiah!"
"I'll go with you!", Jeane said as the two of them headed for the busted out window and jumped through it.
"Go with them, Matdusa!", Issei ordered before knocking out four mages with a roundhouse kick.
"Right!", Matsuda said as he knocked out a mage with his Sacred Gear, Cavalier's Guard which was a small round shield that can erect a powerful barrier around it's user and those that stand behind him. "Hold up, ladies!", he said as he jumped through the window.
"What are you doing here?!", Tosca questioned as she narrowed her eyes at Matsuda.
"I'm here to help.", Matsuda said as they made their way through the house. "Plus, Kiba is one of teammates. Can't leave him hanging."
"Very well.", Jeane said as they continued their search for not only Kiba, but the Excalibur blades.
Meanwhile, the others were taking down the mages. It didn't take long for them to defeat them group of mages as they wee lying on the ground defeated.
"Well that was easy.", Irina said.
"They were small potatoes.", Allen said as Shirone ran up to her sister.
"You okay, Kuroka?!", Shirone asked.
"I'm good.", Shirone said as she knocked out a mage who was coming to. "Just mad that that one mage was able to sense me in my cat form."
"Well we was trained well."
Everyone turned to see a powerful mage floating above them with a smirk on his face.
"Dulocke!", Marcus said recognizing the mage.
"Hello, Dragon-Kin.", Dulocke said with a smirk. "I take it you lot are here for the blades."
"That's right!", Xenovia said. "Hand over the blades!"
"I'm sorry but I can't do that.", Dulocke said. "Valper Galilei has big plans for the blades we have. And I'm sure he'd be happy to get the blades you two have.", he said as he looked at Xenovia and Irina.
"And how do you plan on taking our blades when you're all alone?", Irina questioned.
"Who says that I'm alone?", Dulocke said with a smirk as he sent out a wave of white energy down at them.
It was then that the defeated mages began to get up fully healed and ready to fight.
"You've got to be kidding me!", Issei said as he knocked out one of the mages.
"Round two.", Dulocke said as they fighting continued.
"Terra! I need you, Mittelt, and Asia here! Now", Allen said as he called his wife on his cell phone.
Seconds later, Terra had teleported onto the scene with Asia and Mittelt only to see all the fighting.
"Oh my!", Asia said as a mage came running at them. "Ahhhh!", she cried out only for Terra to blast the mage away with a powerful wind blast followed by Mittelt knocking out a mage with a punch to the face.
"Stay close to me, Asia!", Mittelt said as she blasted another mage away with a wave of energy.
"O-Okay!", Asia said as she stuck close to Mittelt while Terra went to fight by her husband's side.
Meanwhile, Kiba was on the third floor of the house looking for the Excalibur blades. But couldn't find them.
"Where are they?!", Kiba questioned getting frustrated. "They have to be here somewhere!"
"Foolish devil! Did you really think we would have the blades here?!"
KIba turned around to see Dulocke walking towards him.
"Who are you?!", Kiba questioned as he had his took his fighting stance.
"I am, Dulocke. Vrernon Dulocke.", Dulocke said. "Prepare to die!", he said as he formed a powerful fireball attack just as Tosca, Jeane, and Matsuda showed up.
"No!", Tosca cried as Dulocke sent his attack at Kiba.
"Crap!", Matsuda said as he dashed towards Kiba.
Outside the house, the mages were once again defeated as they were lying on the ground.
"Okay, now let's take down that Dukocke guy!", Katase said just as part of the third floor of the house exploded.
"What in the...?", Allen questioned as Marcus, Akeno, and Issei sprouted their wings and took to the air and flew up to the third floor of the house.
Once at the third floor, they saw that Kiba, Tosca, and Jeane standing behind Matsuda who had blocked Dulocke's attack with his Sacred Gear he used to put up a barrier around the four of them.
"Not bad, boy.", Dulocke said with a sly smile. "I would love to see how powerful your Sacred Gear is, but I have bigger plans to attend to.", he said before teleporting away.
Down on the ground, the defeated mages were teleported away as well.
"Looks like Dulocke took off with his fellow mages.", Murayama said as Issei, Akeno, and Marcus landed among them just as Tisca, Jeane, Matsuda, and Kiba exited from the house.
"So what now?", Irina asked.
"We go home and get some rest.", Allen said. "Tomorrow we go back to searching for the blades.", he said to which everyone agreed as they left the area.
Once Marcus and the others got home, Terra and Akeno got to work fixing dinner.
"I wonder where Dulocke and the mages went off to.", Irina pondered.
"Probably to another place they had set up for them to stay in.", Tosca said.
"You may be right.", Allen said. "Which will make finding them even harder now."
"No it won't.", Kuroka said with a smirk as she had her cat ears and tails out. "I slipped a small tracking talisman on a mage during the fight just in case they got away.", she explained.
"Good thinking, Kuroka.", Marcus said before he gently stroked Kuroka's head causing her to purr happily before she moved closer to Marcus.
"Okay. We have a way of finding the blades.", Allen said. "Tomorrow we'll let Gremory and Sitri know about this before we act."
"Let's just hope that the talismans aren't discovered before we find the mages.", Tosca said hoping for the best.
Later that night, as he laid in his bed, Marcus was thinking about his date with Xenovia and where he should take her. He didn't want to overwhelm her yet he wanted her to have a great time.
'What do I do?', Marcus thought to himself when his door began to open slowly. 'What the...?!', he began to question when he saw Kuroka leaning against the doorway wearing a XXXL red t-shirt that left her left shoulder bare as she was looking at Marcus seductively.
"Kitty's feeling frisky.", Kuroka said as she walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind her while also putting up a soundproof barrier.
"Uh-oh!", Marcus said as Kuroka began to crawl onto the bed towards Marcus with a seductive smile knowing she was going to have some fun.
Morningn came and Marcus woke up to find Kuroka cuddled up to him, sleeping, while holding onto his left arm letting out soft purrs with a small smile. He was about to sit up when he felt a small weight on his right. He look down to see a small head of white hair sticking out from the cover and thought that Tosca snuck into his bedroom to sleep with him. But then he saw a thing of cat ears sticking out from the covered head and knew who it was.
"Shirone?!", Marcus questioned as the Nekomata, in question, sat up with a yawn dressed in a XXL white t-shirt that left her right shoulder bare.
"Good morning.", Shirone said with another yawn before laying back down on Marcus' chest with a smile.
"Ummmmmm... Good morning.", Marcus said still surprised by Shirone. "Not that I'm complaining, but normally you spend the night with me alone, Shirone."
"That was the idea, but then I saw that Kuroka was already here.", Shirone explained. "I was about to head back to my bedroom, when I figured why not go for it?"
"So you decided to sneak into my bed.", Marcus figured getting a nod from Shirone who snuggled up to Marcus a bit more.
"I'm one of your mates, too.", Shirone said. "And it's time I started claiming my place among the others.", she said before she leaned up to Marcus and gave him a kiss that he returned.
"My little Shirone is growing up, Nya!", came Kuroka's voice causing Shirone and Marcus to look and see that Kuroka was now up with a smile.
"And how long were you up?", Marcus asked.
"Long enough to hear Shirone claimed her place among us mates.", Kuroka said as she winked at her sister who's face turned red before she burried her face in Marcus' chest as he tail swayed under the covers.
"That she did.", Marcus said as he gently rubbed Shirone's back calming her down a bit. "So can you tell if your talisman has been found?", he asked to which, Kuroka closed her eyes to sense her talismans as a smile grew on her face.
"It hasn't been discovered yet, but we better find them and soon before it's discovered."
"We will.", Marcus said before Kuroka gave him a kiss that he returned.
"Hey! Stop hogging Marcus, Kuroka!", Shirone whined with a lighter blush. "You're not his only mate, you know!", she said before Marcus brought her face to his. "Marcus?", she questioned softly before he gave her a kiss that she returned.
"Better?", Marcus asked with a smile.
"Uh-huh.", Shirone said while Kuroka giggled at her sister.
'Good for you, Shirone.', Kuroka thought with a smile happy for her sister as they both laid in the bed with Marcus until it was time to get ready for school.
Sometime later, everyone was up and got ready for the day. Once they were all ready and had breakfast, those who needed to go to school were ready to go while the three exorcist were ready to continue the search for the Excalibur blades.
"Take this.", Kuroka said as she handed Jeane a small compass that was pointing in the direction of her talismans. "This will guide you to the mage I slipped the talisman on."
"Thank you.", Jeane said as she took the compass.
"Once you find the mages, come back here.", Allen said. "Once school ends, all of us will go and take the mages down and hopefully find the blades.", he said getting nods from Jeane, Irina, and Xenovia before they headed out while Marcus and the girls headed for Kuoh Academy.
"Let's hope we can end this soon.", Tosca said worried about Kiba and what he would do.
"Don't worry, Tosca.", Akeno said. "I'm sure that Kiba will keep himself in check."
"I hope so.", Tosca said with worry.
Seeing this, Marcus, Kuroka, and Akeno looked at each other and nodded knowing that they needed to have a word with Kiba for Tosca's sake. Later that day during lunch, while Tosca, Asia, Mittelt, and Shirone were having lunch together, Marcus, Akeno, and Kuroka decided to go and talk to Kiba. Thankfully, they were able to sense him at the ORC with the rest of the Gremory Peerage. Once there, Marcus knocked on the door and it was answered by Akia who was surprised to see them.
"What are you doing here?", Akia asked.
"We wish to have a word with Kiba.", Marcus said as Akia let them in.
"And what brings you three here?", Rias asked.
"They wish to have a word with Kiba.", Akia said getting Kiba's attention.
"Can I help you?", Kiba asked.
"Yes.", Kuroka said. "You can help by keeping yourself in check.", she said in a tine that said she was serious.
"Come again?", Kiba questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Tosca's worried that you're going to to do something that will get you killed.", Marcus explained. "Case in point, what you did yesterday. If Matsuda wasn't there, you could have been killed and took Tosca and Jeane with you."
"Funny. Last I checked, Tosca didn't want anything to do with Kiba.", Murayama said.
"Well when Kiba keeps bugging her about joining your peerage, it tends to get off her nerves.", Akeno said.
"Besides. If she didn't care about you, Kiba, then she wouldn't have went after you yesterday.", Marcus said. "I've known Tosca long enough to know that she'll be keeping an eye on you, once we find the mages."
"Your point?", Kiba asked.
"My point is think before you act.", Marcus said. "Before you get someone hurt.", he said.
"Cause if you get Tosca hurt, because of your lust for revenge, then you'll be experiencing a whole new world of hurt.", Kuroka said as she along with Akeno narrowed their eyes at Kiba.
"And that's promise.", Akeno said.
"Is that so?, Kiba questioned.
"Yes. It is.", Marcus said narrowing his eyes at Kiba only for Kiba to narrow his eyes back at Marcus.
Not showing any fear, Marcus turned to leave with Akeno and Kuroka hoping that Kiba got the message.
"They've got some nerve coming here and saying all that.", Katase said.
"Well they have a point.", Issei said.
"Seriously, Bro?!", Matsuda questioned. "You're taking their side?!"
"This isn't about taking side, Matsuda.", Rias said before she turned towards Kiba. "You could have died had Matsuda not been there to shield you from the Dulocke guy's attack, Kiba. You need to keep your cool now that you know that Valper Galilei is involved in all this."
"I'm sorry, Rias.", Kiba said. "It's just that after all this time, I have my chance at revenge."
"I understand that, Kiba.", Rias said. "But I want you to think with a clear head when we fight. You'll get your revenge. I just want you to think before you act."
"I will, Rias.", Kiba said.
'And I will get my revenge on you, Valper Galilei.', Kiba thought to himself. 'Make no mistake about that.'
{We may have to keep an eye on Kiba, Partner} Ddriag said to Issei through their mental link.
'I Know.', Issei said. 'I have a feeling that he's going to do something stupid.', he said as he went back to eating his lunch.
As for Marcus, Akeno, and Kuroka they were now back with Tosca, Asia, Mittelt, and Shirone who were almost finished their food.
"Where did you guys go?", Tosca asked.
"Just having a word or two with the Gremory Peerage.", Akeno said with a kind smile.
As Akeno, Kuroka, and, Marcus were eating their food, Mittelt looked at them knowing something was up but said nothing as she continued to eat her meal. Whatever they talked about with Gremory must not have been that important if only the three of them went to talk to them. Now somewhere else, in Kuoh, we have Jeane, Xenovia, and Irina following the compass to where the mages are. The three of them are dressed in their robes with their battle outfits on under the robes while Xenovia has a wrapped Excalibur Destruction at her back and Irina has Excalibur Mimic in he form of a bracelet on her left wrist. As for Jeane, she had a rapier at her side ready for battle. Now as for where the girls are, they are in a park that overlooks the town of Kuoh following the compass to where the mages are.
"Something isn't right here.", Jeane said as they walked through the park.
"I agree.", Xenovia said.
"What do you mean?", Irina asked.
"Why is the compass leading us all the way out here?", Jeane questioned as she looked down at the compass and the direction it was pointing towards. "There's no houses out here."
"And there are no signs of a campsite either.", Xenovia added.
"Then why did the compass bring us here?", Irina question. "Unless..."
"It's a trap!", the three of them shouted before they saw something shoot up into the sky.
The three of them look up to see a figure in the sky with long black hair and red eyes with pointy ears and five pairs of black wings. He was dressed in a black robe with detailed accessories and purple shoulder pads with some gold streaks on the side.
"I take that you three are looking for this.", the figure said as he held a piece of paper out.
Seeing this, Jeane looked down at the compass and saw that the arrow was spinning around letting her know that they found the talisman.
"This isn't good!", Jeane said as she looked up at the figure who was smirking at them. "You're Kokabiel, aren't you?", she questioned as they prepared their weapons.
"Indeed I am, little girl.", Kokabiel said. "And you three are finished!", he said as he formed a light spear and threw it down at the exorcist who began to scatter only for the light spear to cause an explosion once it hit the ground that sent the girls fling in different directions.
Watching this. from a distance, was Freed and Valper who were there waiting for the right moment to grab the Excaliburs from Xenovia and Irina.
"Once they are defeated, go and grab the blades, Freed.", Valper said with a sinister smile.
"Got it, old man.", Freed said with a smirk.
"Soon, my dream shall come true!", Valper said. "Soon I'll have a holy sword like no other!"
As for the exorcist, they were doing their best to get away from Kokabiel, but he was just to fast for them. It was then that Jeane used her Sacred Gear, Blade Blacksmith, to create a holy sword that she used to deflect one of Kokabiel's light spears back at him.
"Impressive. Very impressive.", Kokabiel said. "But it's time to end this.", he said as he formed multiple light spears and sent them down at the girls.
Doing their best, they tried to dodge the attacks and escape. Now Jeane and Xenovia were doing fine. It was Irina who got it the worst as she was hit by a the shock wave from an exploding light spear as it hit the ground next to her sending her flying against a tree knocking her out with her battle outfit damaged from the explosion exposing her chest. Seeing this, Freed made his way over to Irina to get Excalibur Mimic, which was in the form of a katana. As he stood over her, he grabbed the holy sword and was about to leave when he stopped and looked down at Irina with a smirk and looked at her with lust in his eyes.
"This would really stick it to Old Man Touji for getting me excommunicated.", Freed said with a smirk while licking his lips as he was about to grab Irina when...
"Get away from her!", Jeane shouted as she and Xenovia dashed at them.
Seeing this, Freed made a run for it before Jeane swiped at him with her sword while Xenovia scooped Irina up and ran off with her with Jeane right behind her.
"Tell Gremory and Sitri that I'll be seeing them tonight at their little school!", Kokabiel shouted as the exorcist made their escape.
"Let us go and prepare, Freed.", Valper said as they walked off. "We have a new holy sword to create."
"Aw man! This is going to be good!", Freed said as he left with Valper.
"Soon I shall have my war.", Kokabiel said as he flew off. "One where the Fallen will come out victorious!"
As for Jeane and Xenovia, once they were far enough away, they had stopped to cover Irina in her church cloak before they made their way back to Macrus' home with Xenovia still carrying her.
"We need to head back and warn the others!", Jeane said as they headed for the home of their friends.
"But why would Kokabiel be after Gremory and Sitri?", Xenovia asked.
"They're the younger siblings to two of the Maou.", Jerane said. "He kills them, he starts off a war!"
"I see.", Xenovia said. "Then let us hurry.", she said as they made their way back.
Soon school was over with and the three groups were at the ORC waiting for the Vansings and the exorcist to show up when Marcus' cell phone rang.
"It's Terra. Hello?", Marcus asked as he answered the phone. "What?! When?! I'll send them!", he said as he hung up his phone. "Kuroka! I need you to take Shirone, Tosca, and Asia home. Now!"
"What going on?!", Tosca asked.
"The exorcist were attacked and need healing!", Marcus said. "Now get going back to the house!"
"Gone!", Kuroka said as Tosca, Asia, and Shirone stood next to her as she teleported away with them.
"Do you think it was Kokabiel?", Matsuda asked.
"Whoever hurt Irina is toast!", Issei said thinking about Irina which didn't sit to well with Murayama.
'What makes her so special.', she thought to herself.
Meanwhile, we have Asia who is using her Twilight healing on Xenovia and Jeane while Kuroka and Shirone are using their senjuutsu to heal Irina while Tosca is using her time manipulation skills on her as well to turn back time on her injuries.
"How does your power work?", Jeane asked Tosca as she was being healed by Asia.
"My Sacred Gear allows me to manipulate time to a certain degree.", Tosca explained. "So I've learned to use it to heal people by turning back the clock on their injuries."
"Incredible.", Xenovia said.
"So what happened to you three?", Kuroka asked.
"We were attacked by Kokabiel.", Jeane said. "He found your talisman and lured us into an ambush."
"Irina got hit by the shock wave from an explosion of one of Kokabiel's light spears.", Xenovia added. "We were lucky to escape with our lives."
"And now Kokabiel has Excalibur Mimic.", Jeane said. "I think he's going to try and merge the Excalibur blades he has into one powerful sword."
"That's not good.", Shirone said as she, Kuroka, and Tosca finished healing Irina.
"That should do it.", Tosca said as she wiped her forehead.
"Oooooooh! My head.", Irina moaned as she sat up slowly. "What... What happened?"
"We were able to escape from Kokabiel.", Jeane said. "But now we have an even bigger problem."
"What do you mean?", Irina asked.
"Kokabiel wishes to kill Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri in order to start another great war.", Xenovia said to which Irina gasped in surprise.
"Let's head over to the others and form some kind of gameplan.", Allen said.
"I'll teleport us there.", Terra said as she prepared a magic circle.
Once they were ready, everyone gathered around Terra as she was ready to teleport to the ORC. A few seconds later, Terra teleported to the ORC with the others in tow. At the ORC, everyone was waiting for the others to return when they suddenly teleported there ready to fight.
"Irina!", Issei said as he walked up to her. "You okay?", he asked as he held her hands.
"I'm okay.", Irina said with a small smile as she had a light blush.
'Oh brother.', Murayama thought to herself as she rolled her eyes.
Seeing this, Rias couldn't help but grin at how Murayama was acting. For unlike her, she was okay with how things were going when it came to Issei and any mates he would have in the future.
'I may have to have a word or two with her.', Rias thought to herself.
"Not to ruin the moment, but we need to know what's going on.", Sona said.
"Kokabiel is here and is going to try and start another great war.", Jeane answered surprising everyone.
"How is he going to start another great war?", Saji questioned. "I mean he'd have to do something major to get another war started."
"He plans on killing your master and Gremory.", Xenovia said causing Rias' and Sona's peerages to gasp in surprise.
"Makes sense.", Tsubaki said thinking it over. "Take out the younger siblings of two of the Maous..."
"Instant war.", Marcus finished.
"This just keeps getting worst and worst by the minute.", Akia said.
"It may look bad, but we got to fight.", Allen said.
"He's right.", Rias said. "Kokabiel is a threat to not just Kuoh, but the whole world."
"We need to come up with a plan of attack.", Issei said.
"Us against a cadre.", Marcus said. "That'll be fun.", he said as he rolled his eyes.
"Looks like we'll be calling our parents.", Akeno said with a grin.
"Yep.", Marcus said with a grin of his own. "Let's just hope they get here in time."
Hours later, Kokabiel and his forces showed up at Kuoh Academy. Sensing this, the Gremory and Sitri Peerages along with the others made their way to where Kokabiel was waiting for them.
"So when will your folks be getting here?", Irina asked Marcus and Akeno as they made their way to Kokabiel.
"As soon as they can.", Marcus said. "Turns out that they're on a mission and have to complete it before they can come here."
"I still think that you two should call your older siblings.", Allen said to Sona and Rias.
"Even if I did that now, it would be to late to call my brother.", Rias said.
"Then it's a good thing I called my sister.", Sona said.
"Seriously, Sona?!", Rias questioned.
"Yes.", Sona said. "We are seriously outclassed here, Rias. We need all the help we can get."
"You do know that Serafall will call my brother as well.", Rias said with a sigh.
"Maybe.", Sona said. "But it beats getting killed."
"Yeah. Yeah. I guess you're right.", Rias said giving in as they showed up to where Kokabiel was.
"Okay. Me and my peerage will go and form a powerful barrier around the school to keep the town safe.", Sona said.
"While the rest of us will be taking on Kokabiel.", Allen said as he stood there dressed for battle like the others were.
He was dressed in a pair of black pants and t-shirt with brown boots with brown leather fingerless gloves with steel breastplate and round shoulder pads. strapped to his side was a sword while he held a round shield in his left hand. Terra was dressed in a blue mini-skirt with white leggings and brown boots, with a white long sleeved shirt and brown vest and a blue hooded cloak with a wooden staff. As for the three exorcist, they were dressed in their battle outfits ready for battle. Only now, Jeane had some orange armor with gold accents for extra protection. Irina and Xenovia also had the same type of armor only Irina's was whit while Xenovia's was blue. Asia was dressed in her nun attire seeing as she didn't have an outfit suited for battle yet. Kuroka was dressed in a a black kimono with a yellow obi, a set of golden beads, and a headband that was ornately detailed along with black sandals. Her kimono was opened at the shoulders showing the red interior as well as showing off her cleavage to distract any male opponents. Shirone was dressed in white yukata kimono that had light blue patterns on it with a light blue obi around their waist and a pair of dark blue shorts with black boots and black fingerless gloves and her kitty cat hair clip. Tosca was dressed in a black shirt and skirt with black short shorts with matching boots with woman's silver chest armor with a women's silver tassel belt along with silver gauntlets with fingerless gloves, greaves, and a white headband and a gun blade at the ready. Akeno was dressed in a shrine priestess outfit with the top being white and the pants being red with brown sandals. Mittelt was dressed in a black dress with white frills, a large black bow on the front, and a green jewel embedded on the collar, with white thigh-high socks and a large bow on her hair. Now instead of shoes, she now was wearing black boots that went up to her knees along with silver round shoulder pads, a small silver breastplate with a women's silver tassel belt, silver greares, and gauntlets with black fingerless gloves. And finally, Marcus was dressed in a pair of black pants with matching boots and a gray t-shirt and brown long coat with matching fingerless gloves.
As for the Gremory Peerage, Murayama and Katase were dressed in their yukatas they wore for kendo practice while the others were dressed in their school uniforms like the Sitri Peerage was. Soon the Sitri Peerage had the barrier up and around the school to contain the battle as best they can to keep Kuoh safe. Also there at a distance, was a pillar of light, which no one knew what it was.
"So you actually showed up.", Kokabiel said to the group as they looked up at Kokabiel as he was sitting in what looked like a throne with a smirk on his face. "I'm impressed. It does save me the trouble of having to hunt you down."
"Some one is full of themselves.", Akia said as she scowled at Kokabiel.
"Well he is a cadre.", Terra said. "We could wipe us out within seconds."
"That's not helping with the confidants, lady!", Matsuda said.
"But she's right.", Kokabiel said. "I could swat you all right now and not break a sweat. Well... Most of you.", he said as he looked at Issei and Marcus. "You two might actually give me a challenge.", he said with a smirk.
"That's not good.", Marcus said.
"No it isn't.", Issei said.
[Steady, partner.] Ddraig said. [We can get through this.]
"Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?", Kokabiel said. "For you exorcist, Valper Galilei and Freed Sellzen are over at the pillar of light trying to fuse the Excalibur pieces they have into one single blade.", he said to which Kiba wasted no time running towards.
"Isaiah, you idiot!", Tosca said as she followed behind him along with Jeane, Irina, and Xenovia.
"Murayama! Katase! Go aide Kiba!", Rias ordered to which they nodded before they took off after Kiba.
"I sense Dulocke is with them as well.", Terra said as she flew off towards the pillar of light on her magic staff.
"And with them gone, the rest of you can deal with my other forces.", Kokabiel said as he snapped his fingers.
It was then that a large number of Fallen and mages appeared ready for battle. Saying nothing, the battle began as both sides were going at it giving it their all while Asia stayed back ready to heal any of her allies who needed it while she put up a strong barrier to keep herself safe. Now as for the group that went towards the pillar of light, they had showed up to see Valper Galilei standing at the piller where the four Excalibur blades were floating in the air glowing. Also there was Freed and one Vernon Dulocke along with a large group of mages.
"So Kokabiel was telling the truth.", Terra said as she landed next to the teens. "You're really trying to merge the four blades into one!"
"Indeed I am.", Valper said with a smile. "And once the blade is formed, I shall go after the other blades and merge them with it creating a complete Excalibur!"
"Not while I'm here, you won't!", Kiba snapped as he ran at Valper only for Freed to stand in his way with his light sword.
"Not so fast, pretty boy!", Freed laughed as their swords clashed.
"Get out my way, Freed!", Kiba said.
"Sorry but if you want Valper, you'll have to go through me first!", Freed said with a grin.
"If that's what I have to do!", Kiba said. "Then so be it!", he said as they jumped back from each other ready to continue their duel.
It was then that the pillar of light glowed brighter as the four Excalibur blades began to merge into ine sword. Once the pillar of light faded away, a single blade was floating there ready to be used.
"It is done!", Valper cried happily. "I have created an new Excalibur! Now Freed! Take the blade and finish off these fools!"
"With great pleasure, old man!", Freed said as he jumped back toward Valper and took the sword. "Oh baby! Now that's power!", Freed said as he felt the power of the sword pulse through him. "Ready or not, pretty boy! Here I come!", he said as he made a mad dash at Kiba who summoned his Holy Eater sword.
"As for the rest of you, take them!", Dulocke ordered of his mages who charged into battle with their weapons at the ready.
"I challenge you, Vernon Dulocke!", Terra said as she pointed her magic staff at him.
"Challenge accepted!", Dulocke said as he summoned a black cane that had a round clear crystal on top. "Show me what you got!"
"I guess that leaves the mages for us.", Jeane said as she unsheathed out her rapier.
"Looks like.", Katase said as she and Murayama summoned their katanas.
"Let us make short work of them and deal with Valper!", Xenovia said as she held her Exaclibur Destruction ready to fight.
"The sooner we deal with them the better!", Irina said as she began to fight a mage with her katana wishing she had her Excalibur Mimic.
'No way I'm going be outdone by her.', Murayama thought as she began to fight off some mages.
Meanwhile, back at where Marcus and the others were fighting the Fallen and mages, we have mages and Fallen getting defeated left and right by Marcus and the others. As Marcus takes down two mages, he sees a Fallen flying towards Asia with a light spear ready to attack her. Seeing this, he sprouts his dragon wings and tail and flew toward the Fallen and knocked him out as he spun around and hit him with his tail.
"You okay, Asia?!", Marcus asked as he landed in front of her.
"Y-Y-Yes.", Asia said glad to be safe. "I'm okay."
"Good.", Marcus said. "Keep you barrier up and stay safe.", he said as he flew up to fight more Fallen.
"Be safe everyone.", Asia said praying for everyone.
"These guys are to easy!", Issei said as he took down a Fallen with an axe kick follows by decking another one with a hard right.
[They're just small potatoes compared to Kokabiel.] Ddriag said. [Be ready to fight him soon.]
"I'll be ready.", Issei said. "I owe him a beating for hurting Irina.", he said as he went back to fighting the Fallen.
"Freeze!", Gasper shouted as he froze a group of mages with his Sacred Gear, Forbidden Balor View. "To easy.", he said as he knocked out the mages with quick movements before he unfroze them allowing them to drop to the ground before he went to fight more mages.
"You guys are way to easy!", Allen said as he knocked out three mages with a roundhouse kick. "My wife has better skills that you all!"
"My guess is that they're low level mages.", Akeno said as she struck a group of mages with a powerful lightning bolt knocking them out. "Ara! Ara! I may have put a bit to much in that attack.", she said with a grin.
"They'll live.", Kuroka said as she sent a few senjutsu fireballs at some Fallen knocking them out of the sky knocking them out.
"Not bad ladies!", Motohama said with a smirk as he now had some goggles with clear lens and a gold frame on his face over his glasses. "And thank you for showing me one of your skills!", he said as he tried to form a senjutsu fireball only to fail at it. "What gives?! My Mimic's Eye should be able to copy your attack! Unless... I have to know senjutsu to be able to copy any of the attacks!", he figured.
"That might be the case.", Akia said as she aimed her bow at a mage and shot them with a magic arrow that she super charged with her power from her promotion to Bishop. "Nice.", she said with a smirk.
"Oh well.", Motohama said as his hands glowed red. "I still have my other copied skills!", he said as he aimed at some other mages. "Dragon Shot!", he shouted as he fired his attack at the mages knocking them out. "Thank you, Issei!"
"Show off.", Issei said with a grin as he saw how Motohama used his attack on the mages. "He has gotten pretty good using my Dragon Shot though.", he said as a Fallen was flying at him. "Dragon Shot!", Issei said as he fired his attack at the Fallen knocking him out. "But he's not better than me!", he said with a proud smirk.
As for Mittelt, she didn't like fighting against her own kind, but they were the enemy and she wanted to help, her friends.
"I'm sorry.", Mittelt said as she summoned all four of her light spears surprising the Fallen that were there before Mittelt unleashed her attacks taking down plenty of Fallen.
"Well now. This is s surprise.", Kokabiel said as he watched Mittelt fight. "Now how did you get to control four different light spears? What have you been up to, Azazel?", he wondered.
"Suck it, chumps!", Shirone shouted as she knocked out a few mages with a roundhouse kick followed by knocking out another one with a backflkp kick.
She then dashed at another mage and hit him with an uppercut followed but decking another in the gut knocking the wind out of them. She then saw her sister fighting some mages and ran over to help her. As for Matsuda, he running at some mages with his Cavalier's Guard out with a barrier around him making him a human battering ram with his strength as a Rook, knocking the mages into the air.
"That's one group down!", Matsuda said as he spotted another group of mages. "And plenty more to go!", he said as he ran towards said group.
As for Rias, she had just taken down a group of Fallen with her power of destruction. Followed by a group of mages. But what caught her eye was how powerful Allen and his group were. Mainly Akeno, Kuroka, and Marcus.
'I have to get one of them in my peerage!', she thought to herself as she went back to fighting. 'One way or another, I will have one of them in my peerage!'
Now back at the pillar of light, the sword wielder were holding their own against the mages while Kiba was dueling Freed and Terra was taking on Dulocke. Jeane and Irina were taking down takng down plenty of mages with their speed and agility while Mrayama and Katase were defeating mages with their skills and speed from their promotion to Knight. As for Xenovia some mages tried to get the jump on her but she was ready for them as she swung Excalibur Destruction to the ground sending an explosion at the mages knocking them away from her.
"You have some skill, woman!", Dulocke said as he dodged a fireball from Terra. "But I'm better!", Dulocke said as he sent a powerful wind attack at Terra who dodged the attack and charged up an attack.
"Let's see how you like this!", Terra snapped as she sent a large water ball as Dulocke surprising him.
"Water? You hit me with water?!", Dulocke laugh before he was suddenly struck by lightning! "Aargh!"
"It helps make my lightning attack stronger!", Terra said with a smirk.
"Oh! You'll pay for that, you little witch!", Dulocke said as he glared at Terra.
"I'm a mage! Not a witch!", Terra said as they continued their battle.
Now as for Kiba, he was giving it his all against Freed, but his anger was getting the best of him as Freed was gaining the upper hand.
"You're starting to slip up, pretty boy!", Freed gloated as he was indeed winning the duel.
"I will not lose to you!", Kiba snapped as he charged at Freed only for Freed to dodge his slash attack and do a back-flip kick knocking Kiba back and off balance enough for Freed to charge at Kiba ready to hit him with a powerful slash attack.
"So long, pretty boy!", Freed laughed as he swung his blade down at Kiba who didn't have enough time to block the attack only for...
About a few seconds earlier, Tosca had just defeated a few mages when she saw Freed knock Kiba back with his back-flip kick and about to take him out with his light sword.
"Isaiah!", she cried out as she dashed towards them hoping to make it in time.
Thankfully, she made it but being the way she was, Tosca blocked the attack with her body taking Freed's slash attack.
"Aahhhhh!", Tosca screams as the attack cuts her in a horizontal slash across her stomach.
"Tosca!", Kiba cried out as he caught her falling body. "Tosca! Are you okay?!"
"You need to... stay focused... Isaiah.", Tosca said weakly as she touched the side of Kiba's face.
"I can't believe you actually did that!", Freed laughed as he stood over them. "Why would you protect a stinking devil?!", he asked earning a glare from Kiba.
"Now I remember you two.", Valper said looking at Kiba who was holding Tosca. "You two are the ones who got away that night."
"Yes. We are!", Kiba said Tosca slowly got to her feet. "Tosca?", Kiba questioned.
"Why?", Tosca asked as she held her slowly bleeding stomach. "Why did you do it? Why did you kill our friends?!", she asked with tears in her eyes.
"Oh brother.", Freed said as he rolled his eyes.
"Let me tell you two a story.", Valper said. "When I was but a child, I was told about the legend of Excalibur it had sparked something within me. I wished to wield the sword and become a mighty warrior that would fight for the church! Only once I was old enough and had joined the church, I found that I didn't have the power to wield the mighty blade. That's when I decided to find a way to get said power to wield the mighty sword."
"The Holy Sword Project!", Tosca said figuring things out.
"Correct.", Valper said.
"You mean to tell me that you started the Holy Sword Project because of a childhood dream.", Katase said.
"Indeed I did, young lady.", Valper said.
"You're insane!", Murayama said.
"Your sick!", Jeane said.
"You put us through all that pain just to wield Excalibur?!", KIba questioned.
"You truly are a monster!", Tosca said.
"And yet the church is now using the data from my research to give their warriors the power to wield holy weapons!", Valper said surprising Kiba and Tosca.
"True, but the church doesn't use the methods you used!", Irina said.
"Say what you want, but I did what needed to be done for the greater good!", Valper said. "Sadly, though, my research didn't go as I had planned. So I decided to scrub my research and hopefully start over."
"You decided to kills us!", Tosca said.
"Yes. I did.", Valper said. "But out from their deaths came something wonderful! I was able to take their Holy Factor and put it into this stone.", he said with a smirk as he tossed a blue stone at Tosca who caught it with her free hand. "That stone is the combined Holy Factor of all your little friends."
"Our friends.", Kiba said with a sad smile as he looked at the stone Tosca was holding. "Our poor friends.", he said as tears ran down his face.
"I'm sorry you're still suffering from all of this.", Tosca said as tears ran down her face as well.
"See it like this, my children.", Valper said. "Now you can all pass on together.", he laughed. "Finish this, Freed."
"Finally!", Freed said as he was about to strike Kiba down.
"No!", Irina cried as she and Xenovia were ready to go to Kiba and Tosca's aid.
"Stop!", Jeane said as she suddenly felt a surge of power coming from the stone Tosca held.
"What's this?!", Valper questioned as suddenly images of children and teenagers appeared around Kiba and Tosca. "What is this?!"
"I think that Tosca and Kiba's emotions and our battles have given the spirits in the stone the power they needed to come out to aid Tosca and Kiba.", Jeane figured.
"Our friends.", Tosca said surprised to see them.
It was then that one of them smiled at him before they all turned into swrils of light and circled around Kiba and Tosca.
"It's okay.", one of them said.
"Let's all gather together.", another said.
"Take us in.", another one said. "It's time."
"Carry us with you, always.", another voice said as some of them merged with Kiba while others merged with Tosca causing them to glow while Tosca's wound healed quickly.
Now back with the others, some of them felt the surge of power coming from Kiba and Tosca.
[The Knight as peaked.] Ddriag siad. [He has reached Balance Breaker.]
"Not bad, Kiba.", Issei said before knocking out a Fallen.
"Kiba.", Rias said surprised by her Knight.
"Looks like Tosca has reached a new level of power.", Akeno said before hitting a few mages with some lightning.
"Good on you, Tosca.", Marcus said as he uppercutted a Fallen.
Back at the battle, the glow faded showing a more calmer Kiba and Tosca.
"I see now.", Kiba said. "My friend never wanted me to seek revenge. They only wanted for me to live without vengeance. But that can only happen when I am rid of you, Valper.", he saiod as he walked towards Valper Galilei.
"No! Stay away from me!", Valper said as he backed away from Kiba. "Protect me Freed!"
"Here I am!", Freed said as he got in front of Kiba. "Now we finish this, Blondie!", he said as he pointed the merged Exaclibur at him.
"It's time for a new sword.", Kiba said as he summoned his Holy Eater sword and held it up. "My fallen friends! Please lend me your power and aid me in this battle!", he called out as his sword glowed and changed.
Kiba's new blade was white with black going down the center with ruins along the blade.
"Behold! The Sword of the Betrayer!", Kiba said as he took his battle stance. "A sword born from both Holy and dark power!"
"How is this possible?!", Valper questioned. "How can two opposing powers come together like that?!"
"Who cares, old man?! I'm still going to kill him!", Freed said ready to fight. "Then I'll be coming for you next, Quarta! I'll give you a good stripping before I go after Shidu and Arcadia! And then I'll take you all out!"
"Not if I get you first, Freed.", Xenovia said as she walked up to them and stood next to Kiba. "You and I may not get along, but allow me to fight Freed with you, Yuuto Kiba. There are those he has done wrong that I must get justice for."
"Fine by me.", Kiba said.
"Thank you.", Xenovia said as she stuck Excalibur Destruction into the ground and held out her right arm while doing a chant that summoned a blue greatsword that had gold trim. "Behold! The holy sword, Durandal!", she said sad she grabbed Excalibur Destruction with her left hand .
"Impossible!", Valper said. "Durandal was never part of my research! No one should be able to handle that blade!"
"Unlike Irina and Kiba, I am one the rare natural holy sword users.", Xenovia and with a sly smile.
"Ooooooo! This just got more fun!", Freed siad as she charged at Kiba and Xenovia. "Let's see what ou've got!", he said as Tosca stepped up.
Saying nothing, Tosca held up her gun blade that suddenly transform into a ground blade with a glowing blue blade that she held with ease surprising Kiba and everyone else there as Tosca focused her glare at Freed.
"The more the merrier!", Freed said with a wicked grin as he licked his lips ready to fight.
Saying nothing Xenovia, Tosca, and Kiba charged into battle. At first, Freed was holding his own against the three of them with his speed and power. But soon he was being overpowered by the combined power of Kiba, Tosca, and Xenovia. As they were fighting Freed, Tosca noticed how her blade was getting stronger and stronger as she continued to fight. Amazed by this, she kept on going hoping it would last long enough to defeat Freed. As for Freed, he began to feel over whelmed before Xenovia jumped at him with her Durandal and Excalibur Destruction with a downward slash hitting the ground causing a powerful explosion knocking Freed back allowing Kiba to dash at him with a slash attack that Freed blocked getting knocked back by Kiba's attack. It was then that Tosca came at Freed with a downward slash that Freed was able to block, but half way through her swing, Tosca puled the trigger on her gun blade unleashing a powerful shot that knocked Freed back.
"Argh!", Fred grunted as he got his footing. "You little brat! I'm going to...", he began to say just as Xenovia came at him. "Crap!", he said as he blocked the attack.
Once she was close to each other, Xenovia did a "X" formation slash at Freed destroying the fused Exclibur leaving the four cores from the blades that were fused.
"Aw crap!", Freed said as he dropped the hilt of the destroyed blade knowing that the battle was over with.
"It's over, Freed!", Tosca said as she pointed her gun blade at him.
"Surrender now and the church might show you some mercy.", Jeane said as she narrowed her eyes at him.
"Bite me, Arcadia!", Freed snapped as he glared at her.
"How?! How can it be possible?!", Valper questioned. "How can those powers be fused to make that sword.", he questioned as he looked at the blade Kiba had. "It shouldn't be possible to do that! Unless... Ahhhh!"
Valper was cut off when he was suddenly impaled by a light spear from Kokabiel who was watching everything, followed by Freed taking his chance to escape by using a flash bomb to cover his exit.
"Sorry, Valper, but I can't have you spoiling my little surprise.", Kokabiel said with a smirk. "Besides. You've more than out lived your purpose."
"I did not see that coming.", Jeane said surprised at what Kokabiel did.
"Neither did I", Katase said.
As for Terra, she was still fighting Dulocke when they noticed what had happened to Valper.
"It would seem that Valper is no long among the living.", Dulocke said as he dodged a fireball attack from Terra. "Perhaps it is time to make a hasty retreat.", he said as he jumped in the air and summoned a magic circle that he stood on it as it floated in the air. "Until next time, witch!", he said with a smirk before teleporting away along with all the mages.
"I'm a mage! Not a witch!", Terra shots as she raises her magic staff in the air. "Jerk!"
"You okay, Terra?", Tosca asked as she was walking up to Terra.
"Yeah. I'm okay.", Terra said before she noticed Tosca's gun blade. "What happened to your gun blade?!"
"It's a long story that can wait until after we take care of Kokabiel.", Tosca said as she looked at her new gun blade.
"Agreed, but first...", Terra said as she walked up to where the Excalibur cores were and pointed her staff at them.
It was then that she formed a magic circle under the cores causing the cores to glow a bit before the glow faded.
"There. That should do, it.", Terra said with a smile.
"What did you do.", Irina asked.
"Canceled a spell Valper put on the cores.", Terra said.
"What kind of spell?", Xenovia asked.
"One that would have caused an explosion that might have done a lot of damage to the school and most of Kuoh.", Terra explained.
"That's not good.", Murayama said.
"Good thing you put a stop to it.", Jeane said as she began to collect the cores and put them in a bag. "Now we can go face Kokabiel!"
With all in agreement, they headed back to the others knowing that the battle was far from over. As for the others, they had defeated all the mages and Fallen, much to Kokabiel's amusement.
"To think you were able to defeat all those Fallen and mages.", Kokabiel said still impressed with them all. "But I still have oe more surprise for you all.", Kokabiel said. "A little something that I borrowed from Hades!", the Cadre said as he snapped his fingers.
It was ten that three massive magic circle appeared on the battlefield surprising our heroes. Suddenly, three massive beast appeared before them ready to fight. They were the legendary three headed hounds of Hades!
"Cerberus?!", Rias questioned. "He has Cerberus to fight us?!"
"Well this just got interesting!", Issei said said ready to fight just as Terra and the others showed up.
"What the heck?!", Terra questioned as she looked up at the Cerberus.", "Seriously?!"
"Yep.", Allen said. "Cerberus."
"This just keeps getting better.", Marcus said annoyed.
"Let's see how you handle these puppies!", Kokabiel said "Attack, and destroy them!"
"That's not good!", Kiba said ready to attack only for Irina and Xenovia to step forward.
"We'll just have to defeat them.", Xenovia said as she readied her Excalibur Destruction and Durandal.
"Gremory Peerage, take the Cerberus on the right. Exorcist will take the Cerberus on the left with me, Terra, and Mittelt.", Allen said. "The rest of you will take the one in the middle!", he said as everyone sprung into action.
First was the Gremory Peerage as they worked together to take down their Cerberus. Gasper acted first as he froze the three headed beast giving Kiba, Murayama, and Katase the opening they needed as they moved swiftly as he cut at the legs of the beast causing it to fall allowing Akia to shoot the left head of the beast followed by Motohama hitting the same head with a fireball and Matsuda ramming the same head with his shield, killing it. Next was Issei who killed another head with a powerful Dragon Shot and finally, Rias took out the final head with a ball of destruction. Next was Allen's team as he along with Xenovia, Irina, and Jeane slashed at the legs of the beast causing it to drop to it's knees giving Terra her chance to strike the Cerberus with a volley of fireballs followed by Mittelt attacking it with all four of her light spears taking the Cerberus down. As for the third Cerberus, Tosca used her gun blade to slash at the Cerberus' legs causing it to howl out in pain like the others which gave Marcus, Kuroka, and Shirone a chance to uppercut one head each knocking it back before Akeon shit it with a powerful lightning bolt taking the Cerberus out. With all three of the beaten, the Cerberus retreated back to Tartarus leaving Kokabiel with no one to fight for him.
"Well that was boring.", Kokabiel said. "Oh well. Looks like I'll have to get my hands dirty after all.", he said as he got,up from his throne.
"Get ready everyone!", Allen said. "This is where the real fight begins!"
No words were said as Kokabiel flew down at them ready to finish what he started!
End of Chapter Five
A/N: And now the fight with Kokabiel begins! How will this end? Will they defeat the cadre? Will Maecus and Akeno's parents get their in time? Or will the allied groups pull off a win? Or maybe they'll get some unexpected help. Read on to fond out.
Please review.