Chapter 31
With a hurried step, I approach the park exit, heading for the church, when I see a bat staring at me, a Rias familiar watching me.
(Of course she knows what just happened...)
"All right, I'm on my way, but I've got no time to lose." I stare at the bat.
Then I turn back, heading towards the school, even more annoyed. The bat follows suit, keeping an eye on me.
"Come on in."
After knocking, I hear Rias' voice, and enter to see everyone inside staring at me as if I'd done something stupid.
"I'm here president, so what do you want from me?" I ask, looking to get this over with as quickly as possible.
"What do I want? Senji, it seems obvious to me, what happened? Are you all right?" Rias is really worried from what I can see.
"I met the Sister by chance downtown, so we decided to spend the day together, until that fallen angel bitch shows up and kidnaps her and if I understand correctly they're going to sacrifice her for a ritual, so I don't have a lot of time on my hands. There you have it, and yes I'm fine, Asia fixed me up before she left."
"You... Senji, don't tell me you're planning to go after her?" Rias takes on her serious expression.
"Of course I'm going to go and save her, after what I've heard and especially the fear in her eyes... I'm not going to let Raynare kill her."
"Senji! No means no! How many times do I have to say it? I can't allow you to go save that Sister." Rias gets angry, but I don't care.
"Allow me? I don't need your permission to go save someone President. I joined your group precisely so I could save lives, and now you're going to stop me?"
"No, it's not that, it's more complicated than that..."
"It's not true, there's nothing complicated about it, there's a life in danger, so there's only one thing to do."
"Senji..." Rias looks at me with fear in his eyes.
A look I know all too well. I don't know what face I'm making, but I don't care, nothing's going to stop me.
"Anyway, I was planning to go alone before your familiar spotted me. I can only imagine what they're going to do to her, but either way, it doesn't look good." I turn and start to leave.
"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?" Buchou tries to talk calmly, but she is talking to me as if she is warning me.
"You think I'm afraid of death?" I turn my gaze to her, staring straight into her eyes. I feel my anger rising, letting Ddraig's aura escape, tensing everyone in the room. "I've looked death right in the eye many times and yet I'm still here. My life was saved when there were a hundred others to choose from. You can't stop me from fulfilling my obligation, Rias."
"Your obligation...? No, that's not the point! Your actions will affect not only me but the other members too! You're a Devil of the Gremory group, You need to be aware of that!"
"Then do what you should have done last night, get me out of this group, so I don't cause anyone any trouble."
"We're not going back on it Senji, not after what happened last night and anyway I can't do that! Why don't you understand!?" It's the first time I've seen President this enraged.
I have been causing a lot of trouble for President. But this is the thing that I can't back down from.
"I made a promise to Asia Argento, I promised to discover Fuyuki together, to teach her Japanese, to play together again. What kind of man would I be, if I didn't even try to help her?" I clench my hands so tightly I can feel the blood flowing. But Rias doesn't answer. "Answer me Rias!"
"...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."
"Well if they get in my way, I kill them, simple as that." We glare at each other. I didn't back off. I look straight into her eyes.
"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."
"But before being affiliated with the Fallen Angel and being on God's side, we're talking about a person, President. I don't care what side she's on, she's a friend and that's all that matters, and that's what she thinks too, Asia is not our enemy." I denied it strongly.
"Even if she isn't, she has nothing to do with us. Senji, you have to forget about her."
"That's where you're wrong, President, I'm not asking you to wipe the slate clean, but to at least try to understand each other, and that always starts with talking to each other and creating a friendship, not hiding and throwing cold glances back and forth."
She doesn't reply, surprised by my answer. My travels with Kiritsugu have shown me things that children's eyes should never have seen. But they made me see hope, the hope of peace, of victory, the hope of love. It may be naive and misguided, but it's what I want to believe in.
Then Akeno-san comes and whispers into President's ear.
(What is it? Did something happen?)
Akeno-san also has a serious expression but it looks like it isn't because of President and my discussion. President, who is listening to Akeno-san, makes a serious face.
(Just as I thought, something definitely happened.)
President looks at me, and then looks at the remaining members.
"I've got an urgent thing to do now. Akeno and I will go out for a bit."
(Tsss, of course...)
"I knew that this interaction would lead nowhere. Whatever you say, I'll save Asia, you can consider me a stray devil if you like, but-" President put her index finger on my lips.
"Senji, there are a couple of things I need to tell you. First one. You think that a [Pawn] is a weak piece, right? Am I right?" I nod quietly to her question. "That's a big misunderstanding. [Pawn] has a special ability that no other pieces have. That ability is the [Promotion]."
"Promotion? What is that?"
"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. Senji, 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 if I understand correctly, I can promote to Kiba's [Knight] class, Koneko-chan's [Rook] class, and also even Akeno-san's [Queen] class?)
"Since it hasn't been that long since you became a Devil, there are restrictions, so it's probably still impossible for 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."
(Wait, did she just...)
"There's something else I need to tell you... You... you have no obligations, I hope that one day you'll be able to open up to us and explain what happened, but if you've been chosen among so many others, then enjoy life, you owe it to yourself and everyone else to enjoy it more than anyone else, seeking sacrifice because you think you don't deserve to live today is, in my opinion, a mistake."
I can't answer, as if something had caught my throat and prevented me from expressing myself. I see my parents again, my father, his eyes bloodshot, his gaze full of hatred, telling me to shut up and not listen. My mother's indifferent gaze, not even looking at me. Then the flames...
"There's one last thing you should never forget, Senji. Even a [Pawn] can take down the [King]. This is basic in chess. This truth also applies for the Devils' chess pieces. You going to become stronger." Her sincere, kind words bring me back.
After saying that, she teleports to some other place through the magic-circle along with Akeno-san. The only ones left are me, Kiba, and Koneko-chan. After I take a deep breath, I was already determined to go and was about to leave.
"Emiya-kun." Kiba calls me. "Are you going?"
"Obviously, after everything I've just said, what would I pass for if I resigned myself now. I'm going to save her."
"...You will get killed. 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 by yourself."
"Wanna bet?" I look at him, my answer seeming to surprise him. "I wouldn't die tonight, not until Asia is safe."
"It's a good determination, that's what I'd like to say, but it's still reckless and then if you die, do I need to tell you what you're going to release?"
I freeze just before turning the handle to get out.
"What's your point?"
"I'm going too."
"Wha..." I lost my words after hearing something unexpected. "I don't know much about Asia-san, but you are my comrade. Even though President 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 has probably has some kind of past as well.
(But to hear the word "comrade" from him...)
"I guess you've already figured this out, but when President told you about the promotion, she indirectly told you that she recognized the church as an enemy zone."
"Yes, I find it a little hard to believe, but that's what I've come to understand too."
"President indirectly approved you to go. Of course, I think she also means that I should support you as well. President may have some kind of plan. If not, she would have stopped you by locking you up somewhere." Kiba laughs.
"It's a good thing it didn't come to this. Otherwise she would have had a nasty surprise."
(Yes, but let's not think about it. I can at least thank her for helping me, even if indirectly).
"...I'm going as well." The small build girl approaches me.
"Koneko-chan?"
"...I feel uneasy for only having you two go."
I can't tell what's going in her mind since she doesn't show any expression, but i can feel she's sincere.
"Very well, then no more time to lose, let's go quickly." And so the three of us headed for the church.
The sky is already dark, and it's already time for the street lamp to be on. As we approach the church, I recognize someone already there, as if waiting for us.
"Tohsaka." I approach her, followed by my two companions.
"Good evening, Emiya-kun, Kiba-san, Koneko-chan." She turns to me with a light smile, but I can see that her face is tense.
"So it was you who warned Akeno-senpai." I ask her.
"Indeed, you can feel it, can't you? There's something going on in the church, I don't know what they're doing inside, but it doesn't look good."
"...Nasty." Koneko seems irritated by the situation
"Damn it, why did that fake priest go and leave the church unattended..." Tohsaka mutters, annoyed.
"So Tohsaka-san, are you going to help us?" Kiba asked.
"Of course, that's why I'm here." She said confidently.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? If the Magi Association finds out you've been attacking a Church-owned area, you could be in trouble, no?" I ask, remembering the problems Kiritsugu had.
Tohsaka looks at me with confusion and surprise, then regains her composure before pulling out a gemstone from her pocket.
"Indeed, you're right. But here the conditions are different. We're talking about Fallen Angels, enemies of the Church, who are performing an unknown ritual on my territory. So I have every right to interfere, and besides, I can't let you have all the fun."
"Very well, but from the aura present, there truly is a Fallen Angel inside. Are you really sure you want to follow us?" asks Kiba.
"No problem, I'll let you have it."
"Obviously..."
"Anyway, take a look at the building map. To tell you the truth, I think it takes place in the sanctuary that's here, so I'll guide you there." Rin pulls out a map and shows us the way.
"How do you know all this?" I ask.
"Hmmm? Oh, I know the priest who's supposed to look after this church."
"If the sanctuary is located further into the church, then our best option is to go for it without thinking too much, if we can defeat the exorcists waiting for us." Kiba explains.
"No problem with that. Is everyone ready?" I ask, starting to charge my magic circuits.
We look at each other and nod. Without waiting, we run straight for the entrance, which Koneko smashes, sending the two large doors flying inside. There's no light at all, giving a sinister aspect to the place that's supposed to be sacred. Surprisingly, the place is rather well preserved.
"Strange, I'd have thought the Fallen Angel faction would have defiled the place." Kiba commented, on guard.
"Whoever's in charge of this place isn't to be taken lightly, and they probably know it." Rin explains, lighting up her magic circuits.
Then a clap of hands echoes through the sanctuary. A priest-like figure appears from the far door. Seeing his face, I become disgusted.
"Meeting! It's a reunion! So emotional!" It's that white haired shitty Priest. "Oh I see you brought that mage bitch too? Great, another problem easily solved! 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 Deeeeeeeeeeeevils!"
After showing his joy and sadness, he is in a rage now. He takes out the gun and handle-only sword and quickly brings out the blade.
"Wow, okay this guy has a problem." Tohsaka looks at the priest with some disgust.
"You guys came to rescue Asia-tan, right? Hahaha! Devil-samas 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? Those bastards!)
I'm about to lunge towards him when Rin stops me, putting her arm in front of me.
"Don't give in to his provocation Emiya-kun, he's been waiting for this. Let's kick his ass together, alright?"
(Damn, I almost made the same mistake as last time... Inhale, exhale... ok)
"Hey! Where is Asia?!" I ask.
"Well, you take this door by the one I came from, go along the garden until you take the first door, then you just have to go down."
We're speechless, he's just deliberately given the position as if there were no problem. But now that we have confirmation of the location, we're getting ready to attack. Kiba draws his sword from the scabbard and Koneko-chan... lifts benches that are several times bigger than her.
"...Get smashed." Koneko-chan throws the pews at the Priest.
"Wow! Oh yeah!" The Priest did a small dance and cut the benches in half with his blade of light. The chair that is cut in half hits the ground.
Tohsaka points her hand at the priest, then dark red energy is created in front of it, then concentrates into a ball of energy and she shoots three of them. One misses completely, another crashes into the ground, leaving a smoking crater, and the last is parried by the priest.
"Hey! It's dangerous miss! Especially when you can't aim!" Said the priest, sticking out his tongue.
"Senji, get ready, you're about to deliver the coup de grâce." Kiba said, preparing to pounce.
"Right." [BOOST] I summon my Sacred Gear, beginning to amass power.
When I thought Kiba went ahead, he has already disappeared. He's so fast that I can't see him. There are sparks between Kiba's sword and the Priest's blade of light.
"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!"
Kiba dodges the soundless bullets with his legs, while continuing to attack his enemy. The fight intensifies, with Kiba attacking and dodging the priest's blows, who keeps stopping Kiba's slashs. [BOOST] As soon as there's an opening, Tohsaka fires salvos of her red balls, which irritates the priest, forcing him to move back and parry, leaving him vulnerable to Kiba's attack.
Kiba and the Priest then start to battle head on, both of them are glaring at each other.
"Impressive. You are quite strong."
"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! Too bad this bitch is in the way!"
The priest points his gun at Tohsaka. This is exactly what I've been waiting for, I project a blade and throw it, parrying the bullet. Then, with a leap, I dash towards the priest and strike the gun with my foot, sending it flying further away.
"Hey! Take turns! It'll be your time when I'm done with the little soldier!"
"Really? Then I've got to bring my A-game." Kiba said with a low pitched voice.
Then, some black stuff comes out of Kiba's sword. It starts to cover the whole sword. Darkness. If I have to describe it, that will be it, the darkness covers the sword. No, it's more like the darkness is shaping into Kiba's sword. Even having landed a little further away, I can feel the intensity emanating from this energy. The darkness sword that is clashing against the Priest's blade of light starts to expand and is devouring the blade of light.
"Wha, what the hell is this!?" The Priest seems confused.
"[Holy-Eraser], a darkness sword that devours light."
"Y-You are also a Sacred Gear possessor!?"
"Well, Rias knows how to pick her team members." Rin thinks aloud.
(So Kiba also owns a Sacred Gear, his darkness-sword looks awesome.)
The Priest's blade of light is completely devoured by Kiba's sword, and it can't maintain its shape after having the lights devoured. I notice Kiba's gaze turning towards me. He doesn't need to do anything else, having understood directly. [BOOST] I charge towards him, which he notices directly, pushing Kiba away with a kick.
(Okay, time to find out what it's all about!)
"Promotion, [Rook]!" I block the punch with my gauntlet.
"-! Promotion!? A [Pawn]!?" The Priest seems to be in shock.
"Yeah, I'm a [Pawn]! The [Pawn] who is going to bash you! With the traits of a [Rook]! Unreal defence and ridiculous attack strength."
My left fist hits his stomach full force, I feel no resistance and send him flying further away.
"That's for trying to rape Asia last night, it feels good to punch you."
The Priest is on the ground, but gets up slowly and spits his blood onto the ground. He holds his stomach, breathless.
(The [Rook] promotion is no joke.)
"… Hmm... Oh man, not only I got punched by a trashy Devil, but he's saying some weird crap to me... Even with this fucking exorcist outfit that's fucking useless. Don't fuck with me." The Priest makes a howl. "Don't fuck with me! You shiiiiiit! A mere Devil shouldn't act cocky with meeeeee! I'll kill you! Definitely! I'll definitely kill you! I'm going to cut you into pieces, you shiiiiit!"
He lunges for his gun but stops short, seeing it at Rin's feet, pointing her finger at it.
"Maybe it belongs to you?" She asks mockingly, then fires, completely destroying the weapon. "Sorry, but you shouldn't leave your stuff lying around."
The Priest grits his teeth, then pulls out a second sword. I, in turn, project a sword into my hand. Followed closely by Tohsaka, who stands next to me, a gem in her hand. Kiba and Koneko surround him, ready to jump at him. The Priest notices it, and he looks around. He begins to smirk.
"Wow, wow. Is this what you call a crisis? Hmm, for me, getting killed by a Devil is a no-no and even more so by a mage, so I feel like retreating. It's a shame that I can't exorcise you guys, but I also don't want to die!" The Priest takes out something round and smashes it on to the floor.
Instantly, our eyes are blinded with a shining light.
(Shit! Is he really going to escape?!)
When my eyes healed, I looked around but the Priest is gone. Then the Priest's voice comes from somewhere.
"Hey. The grunt Devil over there... Senji-kun, was it? To tell you the truth, I have fallen in love with you. So I will definitely kill you. Definitely, okay? I won't forgive a shitty Devil who punched me and gave me a lecture, okay? Then, bye-bye."
"...He escaped." Koneko walks towards us.
"He event left some parting words for you Senji-kun..." Kiba seems worried.
"Yeah, he can say whatever he wants, we don't have time to think about it." I take a deep breath, feeling the effects of the fight from a while ago starting to weigh on me.
We nod at each other, and went towards the church's garden.
