Itachi Sitri

by Michael Shadow

After the edo tensei was undone, Itachi gets offered a second chance by a dark being, the next thing he knows he has a twin sister, an older sister and two new parents, and they are all devils. I don't own anything! No Chakra Itachi, Itachi x harem(small), more information in ch1. Rated M because it's DxD.

20. Tainted Holiness!

Chapter 20: Tainted Holiness!

Rain was pouring down from the dark sky onto the streets of Kuoh. It poured down onto the bloodied body of Issei, his red blood along with the rain washing away into a drain on the edge of the sidewalk. Leaning over Issei, was the now stoic looking Kiba, although his eyes were burning with the ferocious intensity of hatred. The lingering sensation of holy energy emitting from the cut on Issei's back. Every sound around Kiba was drowned out, from a memory filled with screaming and desperate cries of agony. The memory played on again and again like a broken record inside his head.

"Yuuto!" Kiba didn't react, his mind boggling with questions. Who has a holy sword in this town? Where is it right now? "Yuuto!" Whoever this person was, he would hunt them down and destroy that accursed sword. "Yuuto!" A sharp pain was felt to his cheek, finally gaining his attention. Kiba perplexed looked around him, seeing Rias with Akeno and Koneko surrounding him and the unconscious bloodied Issei. "Did that wake you up?" Rias glared at him, having been the one that slapped him. "I cannot sense Asia… whoever took her cloaked their presence with a magic circle." Rias clicked her tongue, enraged over someone having the audacity to kidnap her beloved servant. "We need to get Issei some medical attention, Koneko carry Issei. Akeno prepare a transportation magic circle. We'll take Issei with us back home."

"Yes, Buchou." Both Koneko and Akeno gave a nod, Akeno beginning to prepare a magic circle, and the tiny petite Koneko threw the unconscious Issei over her shoulder.

"Seems whoever attacked Issei kidnapped Asia…" Rias sent out her bat familiar scouting around town for any signs of Asia and her kidnapper. Rias looked to her knight, whom seemed distant. His mind elsewhere, Rias pulled Kiba up to his feet. Without the need to say another word, Kiba understood and walked over to the magic circle with the others.

The magic circle transported them back home to their mansion. And they instantly carried the unconscious Issei onto a bed. Waiting for them were Itachi and the others, Raven standing on standby at the bed ready to begin healing the injured Issei. Issei looked pale as he was placed onto the bed, his eyes twitching in pain. Raven stood at the edge of the bed, placing her hands onto Issei's head. "Azarath metrion zinthos." Raven chanted as her eyes glowed white with a glint of purple, her hands unleashing a dark aura covering Issei's body. The darkness separated into a bubble, carrying a golden aura of holy energy left from the cut on Issei's back. The darkness suffocated away the light erasing the holy energy in Issei's body. The darkness around Issei's body began to heal Issei's wound. The dripping blood from the cut retreating back into the cut, it was like Issei's injury was being sent back in time. As all the blood had gone back into Issei, the wound itself began closing up.

Issei's eyes shut wide open, and his body sprang back to life. "Asia!" Issei panted with sweat pouring down his face. His shocked face was replaced with that of confusion, as he looked around to see he wasn't in the streets anymore. "Wh-Where am I?" Issei looked stunned seeing the large room and the queen size bed he was on. Rias goes on to explain that they brought him here after they found him bloodied and unconscious. They quickly went to ask Issei about what happened, and where Asia was.

"Freed… he attacked us on our way home. He had this strange giant sword with him, it had this strange energy that sent chills down my spine. One mere cut from it made me feel like my entire body was on fire. After a while I couldn't even move, and the bastard took Asia!" Issei clenched onto the blanket, grinding his teeth in frustration over having failed saving Asia from Freed.

"A holy sword…" Kiba looked on with content, his focus completely directed on the subject of the holy sword. It was like the shell he always had during his school life had cracked open. Not even bothering to hide his feelings, hatred leaking out from his eyes. And then without saying anything else, having gotten the confirmation he needed. Kiba stormed out of the room, going out hunting for Freed and the holy sword Excalibur fragment.

'What's with him?' Issei was confused over seeing Kiba acting strangely.

"… Personal things?" Itachi whispered to Rias, recognizing the look of hatred in Kiba's eyes and the desire of vengeance clearly showing.

"Yes… I really hoped we could keep Yuuto out of this business. But I guess it was inevitable." Rias looked out of concern for her servant's wellbeing. "Perhaps it is best to let him cool off for a bit."

"Maybe… But we might need to make sure Kiba doesn't let his personal feelings get in the way. In his blind desire for revenge, he might make a fatal mistake." Itachi knew all too well what someone blinded by revenge could do, having witnessed it first hand on multiple occasions during his past life. "There is also one more thing, tomorrow after school. Two guests from the church will arrive at your clubroom to discuss this matter. They want permission to scout the town after the Excalibur fragments." During the heat of the moment with Issei getting attacked by Freed, Itachi had no time to fill Rias in on Xenovia and Irina before now.

"Buchou! We need to go out and find Asia! There is no telling what that Freed is doing to her!" Issei jumped out from the bed, ready to head out to rescue Asia right away.

"Where is she then?" Itachi sounded a little harsh in Issei's ears, earning him a glare. "We cannot rescue her if we don't know where she is. I understand how you feel, but acting thoughtlessly won't help Asia." Issei calmed down a bit from those words, although he couldn't stop shaking with frustration.

"You don't understand! That Freed bastard could kill her!"

"If he wanted to kill her, he would most likely have done it right then and there. And like you said yourself, he left in a hurry with Asia through a portal. Saying his boss has use for her. Meaning she is alive." Itachi in his own way tried to assure Issei and calm him down.

"But! That bastard could still hurt Asia! He threatened to rape her once!" Issei was panicking, feeling misery over not being able to save and protect Asia like he swore.

"… If that is to happen, there is nothing we could do about it right now. It might be a bitter pill to swallow, but in cases like this there isn't much we can do. That is the reality of the situation." This scene resembled that of an experienced soldier teaching a rookie the harsh reality about war and conflict.

"… Damn it! Damn it all to hell!" Issei fell to his knees and punched the floorboard in anger. 'Why? Why am I so weak…!'

The others looked at Itachi with a mixture of feelings. Some wondered if he had to be this harsh. Others were curious as to why he sounded this experienced. But they all knew, he was worried like everyone else. 'Interesting…' Eto smiled at seeing this small crack in Itachi's personality.

"All of us are to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Me, Rias, Kuroka and Akeno shall use our familiars to search for Asia." Itachi remained as stoic and calm as always despite the situation at hand. Before he exited the room, he gently put his hand on Issei's shoulder. "I can't confirm anything… but with this much limited space for them to move and this little time. It is unlikely for them to harm her out of fear we will discover their location faster. And this Freed may be wicked minded, but his boss Kokabiel… Although a warmonger, is likely not to approve of such a move in such a critical time. Odds are, she is unharmed." Issei's stiff shoulders lowered as he relaxed a little bit, having no choice but to bet on that Itachi was right.

Rias, Sona, Akeno, Kuroka, Koneko, Raven all smiled at hearing Itachi's comforting words to Issei. Despite his serious and emotionless appearance, Itachi was a man of love and peace whom cared deeply for those around him. "Okay everyone, let's get to work."

Meanwhile, in an old warehouse the former nun Asia was thrown down onto the cold floor by Freed. "Don't even try and scream slutty sister. I will slit your throat open before you even get a chance." Freed sadistically smiled with glee, blushing at the thought of seeing blood run down Asia's throat. Asia silenced her screams of fear by holding her hands over her mouth. The screams coming out as small muffles as tears dripped down from her eyes.

"Now Freed, lower your blade. She is formerly of the church after all." A short old grey-haired priest walked out from the shadows, smiling kindly like your average old man. "Greetings my child, I am Balba Galilei. Do forgive father Freed's insolent behavior."

"…" Asia regained her composure, and backed a little away out of a suspicious feeling she got from this old man. "What do you want?" Asia glared harshly at Balba and Freed.

Balba looked a surprised at her attitude. "Why the harsh look my child?" Balba looked a little hurt at the glare Asia gave him, trying to play her for a fool.

"You had him kidnap me, and he hurt Issei-san!" Asia shot back at the old priest, to which he looked confused.

"Issei?" Balba blinked and looked over to Freed.

"A devil boy she fell in love with." Freed shrugged his shoulders, to which Balba gasped at these outrages' news.

"A devil?! What a sad day, to see one that used to be considered a saint having fallen for a filthy evil devil's seduction. My child-" Balba approached Asia with his hand stretched out, to which Asia slapped it away.

"I was not seduced! Issei-san is a genuine kind person! A lot of the devils I've met have been kind! Buchou, Akeno-san, Koneko-chan, Kiba-san, Bob-san, Issei-san… They are all kind! They are not evil and filthy as you claim!" Asia spoke in outrage, as she won't stand here and listen to them badmouth her comrades. Balba's kind smile was replaced by a scowl.

"Insolent little girl… Don't you dare speak that way to me. You may have been a respected saint once, but now you are a mere devil." Balba slapped Asia across her face knocking her over. "I was going to be nice, but you can forget that now. You are going to do a little job for us." Balba smiled maliciously upon the trembling Asia, whom despite her fears glared at them.

"Seems your approach failed, Balba. We'll go for mine now." A voice came from above, Asia looked in complete horror as she looked up. Seeing Kokabiel sitting on a floating throne. She didn't of course know who this was, but the feeling she got from his presence was enough to frighten her. With a flick of his fingers, other figures began appearing from the shadows. All Fallen Angels, from what Asia could see there was at least twenty of them. They all knocked over the carboard boxes in the warehouse, and they all popped open to which mangled human body parts rolled out.

Asia gasped in horror, covering her nose so she wouldn't have to smell the rotten corpses. Tears ran down her face at seeing all these dead bodies, feeling saddened at their deaths. "Unless you want your friends and this Issei to end up like these human workers… you will do exactly as I say." Kokabiel chuckled at seeing the trembling Asia's reaction to the dead human warehouse workers.

"Bring him in." Kokabiel waved at one of his subordinates. The fallen angel gave a nod, and raised his hands to which a portal opened up on the floor before Asia. And out from it, rose a giant pillar of ice. Asia looked at the ice pillar, and to her shock she saw a person in there. Or rather, a fallen angel with six wings and a gaping hole in his gut. It was the younger brother of Raynare, Amon. "Your task is rather simple, heal him. That is all you must do." Kokabiel declared, and the curious Asia looked at this frozen fallen angel.

"Wh-Who is he?" Asia asked, perplexed on what made this one fallen angel so important to this clearly evil man.

"His name is Amon, he is the younger brother of Raynare. I'm sure you remember her." Kokabiel revealed, and as such Asia's eyes widened in pure terror at the memory of her and Issei's tormentor Raynare. "He, is also the reason Raynare went through the trouble of obtaining your Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing."

The very next day, right after school was over and the very minuet Rias and her peerage minus Kiba whom still had not returned from his hunt. And Asia whom was still kidnaped by Freed and Kokabiel. The group walked into their clubroom. Where they were greeted by the two hooded visitors from the church, Xenovia and Irina. And with also both Itachi and Sona waiting with the church duo.

Rias without saying a word walked with Akeno and sat down onto a sofa, with Xenovia and Irina sitting across from them. Itachi and Sona stood as observers to see how this conversation would go, acting like flies on the wall watching over the room.

Issei stood beside Koneko, visibly anxious to get out and search for Asia. His parents had given him hell when he came home without her. He eventually managed to persuade them that Asia was sleeping over at a friend's house. However, although his anxious feeling was mostly directed at Asia's safety. He was also visibly sweating, as the vibe they all picked up from Xenovia and Irina made their devil bodies react. Their natural instincts telling them that they were dangerous. That instinct didn't seem to affect Itachi, Rias and Sona. But Akeno despite trying to keep her cool, Koneko and Issei were shaken up by their presence.

Issei eyed the two Exorcists, noting they were both beauties. The blue haired one whom was by far the more intense one, was what he would describe as a cool beauty. And the other one, seemed like the typical cutesy type. She noticed Issei staring at her, to which she gave him a friendly smile and a wave. Issei looked visibly confused. Did he know this girl? Was she trying to make him feel at ease? His confusion and curiosity were further spiked as he noticed something about her felt familiar.

This act did not go unnoticed by the other people in the room. Itachi and Sona exchanged a look, both twins giving each other a nod. "Pardon me, but do you two know each other?" Sona looked in between Irina and Issei, Issei gave a shoulder shrug as a reply.

To this the girl gasped and looked a little hurt. "How cruel, Ise-kun! Forgetting your darling childhood friend like that!" Irina's little outburst brought visible confusion on everyone in the room. And in particular Issei, whom looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Eh?" Issei blinked a couple of times, before backing up. "Ehhhhh?!"

"Childhood friend?" Rias looked surprised at this news, a little amazed that Issei had been so close with someone related to the church. Especially seeing as this town was deserted of any exorcists by the time the Gremory and Sitri family took over.

"Huh? W-Wait a minute… Sh-Shidou-san? I-Is that you?" To this Irina's mood shifted to excitement as she clapped her hands like she was praising a child. "W-Wait… you were a girl this whole time?!" And now her mood shifted back again to embarrassment followed by a teary-eyed pout.

The rest of the room just sweat dropped, while looking at the Gremory pawn. Rias herself looking with a nervous smile, while her eyebrow was twitching. "Y-You seriously didn't know?"

"W-Well, I mean… she used to look so… boyish." Issei tried to think of an excuse, even mentioning that back home he had a picture of them as kids. Irina then quickly broke in to the conversation.

"It's fine, he isn't wrong about that… I did kind of dress a little bit like a boy back then." Irina gave a light nervous chuckle while rubbing the back of her head. "I just didn't know he actually thought I was a boy…" Irina mumbled underneath her breath.

"If we could go back to business." Xenovia interrupted, wanting to get what they came here for and then leave.

"O-Oh! Right, sorry Xenovia…" Irina's face flushed red out of embarrassment. They then went on to explain the situation with the stolen Excalibur fragments, and it all being done by a group of Fallen Angels. Although, the newbie of the group Issei didn't seem to understand what was going on.

"The Excalibur itself no longer exists." Itachi noticed Issei's confused expression and went on to explain. "It was destroyed and split up during the war a long time ago. And through alchemy it has been remade into seven fragment swords. However, each fragment still holds quite a lot of power… and are especially dangerous to devils." His explanation earned him a look from Xenovia. She looked like she kept her guard up every time Itachi moved a muscle. She was clearly nervous around him, feeling his power.

"That's right… and this is one of the fragments." Xenovia held out her bandaged-up sword, it's sheer concealed aura almost enough to bring Issei to his knees. "Excalibur Destruction, is the fragment I hold.

"Mine is Excalibur Mimic." Irina untied a rope around her upper arm, the rope itself moved like it was alive and suddenly changed into a katana. "I can change its shape into anything I want so it's really useful for carrying around."

"You don't have to reveal your Excalibur's ability, Irina." Xenovia harshly pointed out to her companion.

"But Xenovia. We have to form a trustworthy relationship with them. Besides, even with my ability revealed I don't think I will fall behind some of the devils here." She spoke in clear confidence, the confidence she could not lose to them. A confidence Xenovia didn't seem to share. Her eyes drained onto Itachi, sometimes switching over to Rias as well.

The church duo went to explain how they tracked the thieving Fallen Angels to this town, and then a certain name was brought up, Kokabiel. The name alone, brought shivers down some of their spines. A legendary Fallen Angel leader that survived the war from Ancient times was in town. Itachi quietly thought to himself how he should have killed Kokabiel when he last met with him.

"Our request to you… No. Our order is to not have any devils intrude in the battle between us and the fallen angels for the Excaliburs. In other words, we came here to tell you not to interfere with this incident." The way Xenovia made that sound, caused Rias' eyes to change. Her look sent chills down the two Exorcists spines, yet Xenovia kept her cool and remained unfaced as she stared Rias down.

"Such manner of speech. Is it restraint? Are you thinking we might collaborate with those fallen angels? That perhaps we might team up with them to do something with Excalibur?"

"The headquarters think that it might not be impossible." They both then flashed their auras through the room. It was like a hurricane in here, sheets of paper blew around the room and the chandeliers moved dangerously above them.

Itachi and Sona both sighed, knowing someone as proud as Rias wouldn't let that slide. "Now hang on. Lower the killing intent, both of you." Itachi looked in between them. Issei stood shaken up, and looked at Itachi with awe and disbelief.

'Man, Itachi-senpai has some balls going in between them like that…' Issei couldn't stop trembling from these dangerous auras leaking in the room.

"We are dealing with an incredible delicate situation here. Acting like this will get us nowhere. Now, explain why your superiors think why we would team up with Kokabiel and his goons?"

"The higher-ups don't trust devils nor fallen angels. We were ordered as such. If the holy-swords are taken away from God's side then the devils would also be happy right? The fallen angels would profit from it. For those reasons it won't be wired for them to form an alliance. That's why we are giving you all a warning. If you form an alliance with the fallen angel Kokabiel then we will eliminate you all. Even if you three are the younger siblings of two of the Maous." Xenovia said it so casually without any care about the glares given from Rias and even Sona now.

"If you know such information, that we are the younger siblings of two of the four Maou, then it means you have lots of connections with the higher-ups of the church." Sona pointed out, knowing that the knowledge of the four Maous and their individual families wasn't common knowledge amongst members of the church.

"If so, then I will say this. We will not form an alliance with the fallen angels. Never. In the name of the Gremory house. I will not do something that would tarnish the name of our Maou!" Rias openly declared, to which Xenovia laughed.

"Hearing that is good enough. I had to warn you just in case that Kokabiel is hiding himself in this town along with the three Excaliburs." Xenovia and Rias both softened their facial expressions at hearing each other out.

"Oh, he most certainly is." Itachi said to which Xenovia and Irina both looked at him. "My connections say his castle has been empty for quite some time in the Underworld."

"Then we mustn't waste any more time. Irina, let's go."

"Although we cannot accept your request on not interfering." Rias interjected, to which the tension was back once more.

"What?" Xenovia questioned.

"You see, a peerage member of mine was recently kidnapped. By a Stray Exorcist wielding one of those Excalibur fragments. As such, I cannot sit idly by and do nothing." Rias' words earned her a suspicious glare from Xenovia.

"And how can you be certain this peerage member of yours hasn't been killed? Any Stray Exorcist would usually jump at the chance of killing a devil."

"Because, she is rather important you see. Asia Argento, the wielder of Twilight Healing. They have tried to steal her Sacred Gear before after all." That name seemed to ring a bell in the church duos heads, seeing as they flinched. Issei looked in admiration of Rias, happy at seeing Rias express such care of Asia.

"The rumored witch, Asia Argento." Issei's blood went cold at hearing how Xenovia addressed the absent former nun.

"The formerly holy maiden? Seriously? I mean I heard she was sent into exile for healing a devil but I never expected her to become one." Irina looked shocked at learning of this, while Xenovia looked disgusted.

"To think one formerly known as the Holy maiden could have fallen so low. Disgraceful." Xenovia's words made almost everyone look in anger, with the exception of Irina whom agreed a little. And Itachi, whom kept his composure.

"Well, I guess she lost her faith in God perhaps. I mean why else would she become a devil?" Strange enough Irina's words seemed to calm Xenovia down a bit.

"Bastards! Asia has more faith in that damn God of yours than anyone! Even though being a devil! Even though every time she tries to pray it feels like someone is jabbing a knife into her head! She still believes!" Issei was shaking in anger, how dared they talk about Asia like that? After everything that has happened to her.

"… If that's the case, then she is better off dead." Xenovia harshly declared to which Issei almost jumped up into her face, had Koneko not held him back.

"You damn bitch! Don't you dare trash talk her when she isn't even here to defend herself!" Xenovia remained unfaced at Issei's outburst, as if he didn't matter.

"It is mere fact, she is a witch. Whatever you say, won't change that." These? These were the people Asia defended? The people she cared for and believed in along with their God?

"Don't you fuck around! No one! Not a single person helped when she needed it! Those of you who can't understand Asia's kindness are a bunch of idiots! No one even tried to become her friend…"

"Holy maidens don't require such things. Holy maidens give charity to others. If they seek out friendship and love from others they are done for. All they need is the love from our God. So Asia Argento didn't have the right to be a holy maiden from the beginning." Whatever words Xenovia threw at Issei, it went over his head. He didn't want to understand them. All he could see is that they thought someone as kind as Asia, was the bad one. And that infuriated him to no end.

"You are the ones who selfishly made her into a holy maiden and abandoned her because she was a bit different! That's fucked up! None of you know what she went through! What God?! What love?! That damn God of yours didn't do shit for her!"

Irina looked anxious at the situation between her childhood friend and her companion. While Xenovia calmly answered. "God loved her. If nothing happened then it means she didn't believe in him enough, or her belief was fake." Xenovia was like most from the church, blinded by the faith in their extreme teachings. Nothing else but that mattered to her. It was utter pointless for Issei to argue with her. "What are you even to her?"

"Her family! Her friend! I am the one who will kick the asses of anyone who dares to even lay a hand on her!" Xenovia sharpened her glare at that statement.

"Is that declaration directed at us? To all those in the church? Big talk for one devil. Seems Gremory didn't educate you enough. Maybe I will have to teach you some manners." Xenovia held the tip of her Excalibur pointed at Issei's chin.

Sona and Rias were about to step in, although both were halted by Itachi. Earning him questioning looks from both of them. 'This might be a good opportunity, to witness the power of these Excalibur fragments up close.' Was the thought that went through Itachi's mind, especially as he felt another presence on the other end of that door. Itachi hadn't left out the option that these two might become potential enemies one day, therefor seeing what they were capable of would be good for tactics.

"Itachi, you aren't seriously planning on letting them fight those two, are you?" Rias whispered to him, almost like she could read Itachi's mind.

"Don't worry, should things get out of hand I will step in." Itachi assured, confirming Rias' suspicions.

Rias looked worried, and not just for Issei. "Yuuto…" Rias uttered as the door to the clubroom was flung open. And standing in the doorway, was Kiba. His eyes burning with pure hatred, and a sword ready at hand. His hatred focused onto the two Excalibur fragments.

"And who are you?" Xenovia's attention was redirected towards this new presence. Kiba began laughing, a creepy smirk spread across his face.

"I'm your senpai. Though I apparently was a failure. I am also the one… who shall grind that sword of yours to dust!" Issei stepped next to Kiba, wanting make Xenovia apologize for what she said about Asia.

"I'm with you man! Let's take them down!" Issei held his arm up summoning forth his Boosted Gear gauntlet. Irina looked conflicted on fighting her childhood friend, although she still had to accept. Having her own sense of pride, and having someone like Asia being called a more believer than her was an insult.

Irina was about to untie the ribbon that was her Excalibur, although was stopped by Xenovia. "No, I am more than enough for these two. You remain on standby in case someone else might interfere." Xenovia directed her gaze at Itachi mostly, she might have overheard his and Rias' conversation. Irina nodded and stepped back to give Xenovia some room.

"Not here." Itachi stopped any of them from fighting, not wanting to destroy the room. "Why not take this outside, the school is empty now after all." Xenovia seemed to accept these terms, and mere moments later they had all gathered outside.

Both Issei and Kiba stood face to face with Xenovia. While surrounding them was a barrier made out of blazing red aura, that reminded Issei of Rias' hair. The rest were gathered outside of the barrier to witness the battle. 'Itachi-senpai's eyes look rather strange…' Issei noticed something about Itachi's eyes, they were red and had a strange pattern to them. He thought he had witnessed those eyes before in Itachi's battle against that Raiser, but this was the first time he had seen them up close like this.

"You don't have to help me… I can fight her myself." Kiba stated not even looking at Issei, his angered glare focused onto the Excalibur in Xenovia's hand. Clearly Kiba didn't want him here, he wanted to fight Xenovia on his own.

"Don't think I'm doing this for you, pretty boy. I'm doing this for Asia." Issei retorted back at Kiba, to which Kiba clicked his tongue in annoyance. He seemed rather tempted to knock out Issei then and there, and then fight Xenovia. Although despite Issei's words, he was rather nervous considering the warning Rias had given him about Holy Swords. Those swords were fricking scary for devils!

"Well then… show me what you can do, Gremory devils." Xenovia discarded her white robe, flinging it off to the side. Revealing a very tight black battle purposed clothing no doubt. It didn't show much skin, but was rather erotic stimulating. Especially for Issei, whom couldn't help but stare at those nice curves. Xenovia had nice curves and tight hips! Issei instantly shook his head, recalling how Xenovia trashed talked Asia. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted by those... curvy… curves. Xenovia unwrapped the cloth around her Excalibur revealing the giant blade in all its glory.

"Dammit! Might as well!" Issei activated his Boosted Gear, while Kiba summoned forth a demonic sword. Before Issei had time to act, Kiba had charged on ahead of him at Xenovia. Slashing violently towards her, his killing intent leaking out for everyone to feel. Xenovia seemed to be putting up an effort in countering and blocking all of Kiba's strikes. Sparks flying in-between the Holy Sword and the Demonic Sword.

"I see… Sword Birth, Boosted Gear and Twilight Healing. All of them Sacred Gears said to be heresy to us. Perhaps turning into a devil was the only path for the likes of you." Xenovia ducked from a slash attempted directed at her neck, and with a swift move she swung the heavy looking sword down onto Kiba. Kiba reacted just in time, blocking the strike with his Demonic Sword held up high. The ground beneath Kiba's feet exploded and looked to be sinking from the intense weight and pressure unleashed by Xenovia's Excalibur. "You are clearly aiming for the kill… after I was kind enough to decide not to report this battle back to the church. In order not to cause any troubling issues between our two sides."

"I don't care…!" Kiba snarled at her in anger, his eyes burning with an intense hatred for the sword she was wielding. "With the power of my comrades' hatred, with their feeling of regret as they were killed! I shall use this power, and defeat any who wield the Excalibur and destroy that accursed sword!"

"Ridiculous." Xenovia gave an emotionless stare to Kiba's glare of hatred.

"Don't forget about me!" Issei jumped up from behind with his fist raised, although this sudden action earned a sigh from the peanut gallery. Xenovia merely tilted her head sideways avoiding Issei's attack, his body flying past her while she held off Kiba. Xenovia swiftly kneed Issei in the gut as he flew by her, to which Issei's eyes twitched in pain. Xenovia was surprisingly strong for a human.

"What a foolish tactic, revealing his position while he attacks." Itachi noted the amateur fighting style Issei displayed.

"I taught the perv better than that." Koneko sighed feeling like that training trip went to waste.

"This is the wielder of the Boosted Gear? How disappointing. At this rate you won't be able to touch me." Xenovia didn't even bother glancing at Issei, rather keeping her focus on the bigger current threat which was Kiba.

Boost!

Issei instantly picked himself up, and with a war cry and improved speed he charged again. Xenovia avoided his strike by taking a leap over him and Kiba, backflipping in midair and landing a great distance from the two Gremory peerage members. 'Koneko-chan and Itachi-senpai are right… I'm too loud while I attack. And she is a trained experienced fighter… I don't stand a chance as I am now. Think Issei! Think stupid me! What can I use to help Kiba defeat her?' Issei furiously rubbed his head out of frustration while trying to think of a tactic. Going over his arsenal there wasn't much he could do. His finishing move would take too long to charge up, that only left… "Heh." Issei grew a lecherous face as the realization dawned on him. He hadn't had a chance to display this new technique just yet in battle. Yes, Xenovia would make a perfect test run for his ultimate Dress Break! "Oy! Prince charming! I got a plan!" Issei called out to which Kiba looked curious with a raised brow.

"You… have a plan?" Kiba looked in disbelief that Issei had a plan for a fight. Which pissed Issei off the moment not only Kiba, but seemingly everyone else gave the same look of disbelief. Looking like it was some kind of fricking miracle!

"Don't look at me like that dipshit! Why are you treating me like this! Just listen!" Issei dragged Kiba in closer and started whispering into his ear. Kiba gave a few nods as Issei told him his plan, although his expression turned somewhat uncomfortable as his eyes gave a nervous twitch.

"What sort have technique have you developed?" Kiba looked with a sweat drop at Issei, whom seemed to get angrier by that.

"What's the deal?! I got my own style okay?! Now do you think you can do it?" Kiba merely sighed at Issei's outburst.

"Whatever, it probably won't work anyway. But I don't mind fighting her head on while you make the attempt!" Kiba wasted no time and went charging in towards Xenovia, summoning forth a second Demonic Sword. "Now back to where we were! Burn! And freeze! "Flare Brand" and "Freeze Mist"!" Kiba went slashing with one of his swords unleashing a blazing whirl of fire, and the other unleashed a cold air and silver frost.

Despite being a knight, and having great speed. Xenovia seemed to have no difficulty keeping up with Kiba. Her speed matched his equally. Kiba attacked from all directions minimizing Xenovia's room for movement. Yet she swiftly moved around with that heavy looking Excalibur to counter all of Kiba's attacks. "The ability of a knight. And flame and ice demonic swords. If you think that is enough then you are too naïve!" With a mere swing of her Excalibur, Kiba's Demonic Swords shattered like glass in the face of Xenovia's destructive Excalibur.

Kiba looked speechless that his Demonic Swords were destroyed with a single swing. "So that is the power of Excalibur… Tch!" Kiba took a leap back to gain some distance between him and Xenovia.

"My sword is a mass of destruction. There's nothing it can't destroy." Xenovia jabbed her Excalibur into the ground, to which it began rumbling and shaking. Issei whom was charging up his power lost his balance and fell to his knees. Clouds of dust blew up into the air, with even dirt flying around them. Issei and Kiba both gasped seeing that the ground where Xenovia had stabbed her sword, had turned into a crater. And what made it worse, it didn't seem like it took any effort on Xenovia's part. Like she wasn't nearly using her full power in that slice.

Kiba clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "Such destructive power when it's not the real Excalibur. Seems destroying all seven will be a difficult path." Issei looked in disbelief, Kiba still wanted to destroy all seven. Despite seeing what just one could do. It was insane! "I'm not done yet!" Kiba in a fit of anger summoned forth a massive Demonic Sword, blinded by hatred he charged at Xenovia. "The destructive power of that Holy Sword or the destructive power of my Demonic Sword! We will see which one is stronger!"

Xenovia looked unimpressed, and merely gave a tired sigh. "How unfortunate." She sounded disappointed. In the flash of in instant, the sound of violent metal colliding with each other rang across the battlefield. And a large sword fragment was flung up spinning in the air. It was Kiba's sword that broke, the massive chunk taken from his sword landed behind Kiba with the tip lodged into the ground. "Using such a massive sword, takes a lot of strength to wield. But in return you will lose the speed you are so proud of. Are you seeking destructive power? Because based of your fighting style, it is not needed. You don't even know that and you call yourself my senpai?"

Itachi looked impressed, Xenovia had been trained well by the church. Her skill with the blade was great enough to have her go up against opponents even stronger than her. And she was able to use Kiba's raging emotions to increase her own power to gain the upper hand. It was like she was throwing all of Kiba's relentless attacks back at him. But the fight wasn't over yet. Kiba unleashed a war cry to which Demonic Swords started popping up from the ground around them.

Xenovia leaped up to avoid the blades, looking calm as she analyzed the situation. Although there was one thing she noticed. 'Wait, where is the Boosted Gear wielder?' She felt a strong presence behind her, she swiftly swung her blade in a turn to counter the attacker. Her Excalibur clashed with the red dragon gauntlet of Issei, whom gave her a smirk.

"I've powered up!" Issei used his now superior boosted strength to hold off Xenovia's blade, and moved his other hand aiming for Xenovia's chest. Xenovia looked perplexed at this fighting style. It wasn't like any of those she had been taught to fight against by the church.

"Sorry for stripping you!" Issei declared to which Xenovia looked in confusion attempting to avoid Issei's hand. He managed to touch his fingertips onto her right shoulder, and that was all he needed.

Xenovia was sweating a little as she took a leap backwards and away from the Demonic Swords popping up from the ground. Issei was flying in midair with his devil wings over Kiba and the swords, while magic power surged through him. "Yosh! Here it comes!" Xenovia braced herself for whatever attack Issei had planned to throw at her. "Dress Break!" With a mere flick of his fingers, Xenovia's clothes were blown away.

"Huh?" Xenovia looked surprised at her clothing suddenly being blown away, leaving her as naked as the day she was born. Irina squealed in shock and blushed a little. While everyone else merely sweat dropped and Kiba looked in disbelief that it actually seemed to have worked.

"How's that?!" Issei laughed in victory while taking in the sights of Xenovia's naked exposed body.

"P-Pervert!" Irina shouted at Issei, while beginning to pray to her God to punish this perv that used to be her childhood friend.

"Super lecher…" Koneko stared accusingly at Issei.

"Quite… the servant you have there, Rias." Sona looked pale, and disgusted while Rias and Akeno both gave a nervous giggle in responds.

"No matter how strong you are, there is no way a girl like you would be willing to fight like that-" Issei looked in confusion as despite her first initial shock, Xenovia gave him a scornful look and charged right at him. "W-Wait! How are you able to fight?!" Issei eyed Xenovia's boobs as they bounced before his eyes as she leaped over him. He could see everything, and she didn't even care!

"The human body is nothing to be ashamed of. Unless you have certain, insecurities." Xenovia gave him a sly smirk, and Issei looked a little insulted at what he thought was an indirect jab at him. Xenovia slammed the hilt of her sword atop of his head, sending a surge of holy energy just enough to knock Issei out cold.

Kiba in responds to seeing Issei falling, grabbed a Demonic Sword, and negated all the rest so Issei wouldn't get impaled on his landing. Xenovia landed before Kiba, and without hesitation the blond knight charged straight ahead with his sword raised. "That's enough." The barrier around them vanished, and Itachi had stepped in blocking Kiba's Demonic Sword with his bare arm. "This fight is over, you lost." Itachi told Kiba, whom glared daggers at him for interrupting.

"Itachi is right, I hope you can forgive my servant for his… rather crude behavior." Rias looked apologetic at Xenovia, whom didn't seem to mind her current situation. Irina quickly went to cover Xenovia using Xenovia's white coat. Although on que, Akeno restored Xenovia's destroyed outfit using magic on orders from Rias.

Xenovia looked a little displeased taking help from a devil like that, never the less she bowed her head in gratitude. Xenovia then turned to lecture Kiba on using his coolness the next time they would fight. Kiba just stared with pure hatred at Xenovia and Irina' Excalibur fragments. While Issei was recovering on the side lines with the help of Akeno's healing abilities.

Itachi looked like he had gotten a good idea of the Exorcists strength level. Despite Irina not having fought, he could easily see Xenovia was the stronger one among the two. And if Irina had been taught a similar fighting style like Xenovia, they wouldn't prove too troublesome for them. Now they just had to get back to tracking down Kokabiel and the kidnapped Asia. Then suddenly on que, Itachi's phone started to ring.

Meanwhile, our poor struggling nun had barely managed to resist the threats given to her by her captors.

Having been trapped in this warehouse all night, Asia sat curled up like a ball in the far corner. Muffling her cries over the image of the mangled corpses of the workers in the boxes. Two Fallen Angels stood guard around her, making escape impossible. while Freed stood with Balba and Kokabiel debating over their next move. "Come on boss! Let me at 'em and I will get you those Excalibur blades! I'm like super powerful with this, they ain't gonna be a problem." Freed flexed his Excalibur excitedly before the Fallen Angel leader, whom gave him a mere scoff.

Kokabiel truly despised these two humans, but they made for valuable pawns in his twisted little game. "All in due time, Freed. All in due time. First things first, I need my right-hand man healed." Kokabiel looked towards the frozen body of Amon in the ice pillar. To this Freed looked angered, jealous perhaps?

"Right-hand man? Please, that guy is probably dead anyway! You should focus on your new right-hand." Freed gracefully bowed before Kokabiel, whom gave an amused chuckle at this bold statement from Freed.

"My dear boy, Excalibur or no Excalibur. You cannot hold a candle to the Angel of Death. His manipulation with the light exceeds even that of my own." Kokabiel admitted, Amon's talent with light was one of a kind. Some amongst the Fallen Angels in particular Azazel used to speculate it was some kind of mutation that gave Amon this ability. The ability to increase the frequency and intensity of his light attacks at will, made him comparable to that of an Arch Angel. "Amon here, is very crucial for my ultimate goal. Without him, it would be impossible." Kokabiel in a display of showing affection, put his hand onto the ice crystal eying his priced warrior within. 'And with the revelation of Raynare's unfortunate fate. Will surely awaken his powers further.' Kokabiel smiled internally with glee at the endless potential of what he could accomplish. "How is our dear guest doing?" Kokabiel nudged towards the weeping Asia in the corner.

"That bitch hasn't stopped wailing like a baby all night. Should I just cut her tongue off boss?" Freed suggested with a sadistic glint in his eyes, as his killer intent flared at the sight of Asia.

"No, we cannot afford to harm her. She might lose more energy that way. No, we'll need to break her in a different way." Kokabiel snickered as he waved for one of his soldiers, whom gave a nod and headed to the neighboring room. "Freed, do your thing. Although don't physically harm her, understand?"

"Heh, gotcha boss!" Freed saluted and opened a bag of tools while humming happily. "Oh boy! We're going to have a party in here!" Asia flinched at the sound of the mad cackling coming from Freed.

"Miss, are you ready to heal Amon just yet? Or do you perhaps need more motivation?" Kokabiel grabbed onto Asia's chin, forcing her to look into his maddening yellow eyes. Asia gathered up what courage she had, thinking of the brave strong people she has encountered on her journey. Bob, Rias, Kiba, Akeno, Koneko, and most of all Issei.

"I refuse to help you. You who only want to harm those I love…" Asia looked into his eyes to which Kokabiel snickered at the look of bravery she displayed.

"More motivation it is then. Bring in the survivor." To this Asia looked confused, her panicked look didn't go unnoticed by the warmongering Fallen Angel. "Miss Argento, you see I view myself as a business man as well as a warrior. So, I am a man who knows the arts of negotiation. As well as torture." Asia began hearing struggling grunts coming from the neighboring room as well as the sound of someone being dragged away. "Do you know, what negotiation and torture have in common?" To this Asia's eyes widened with fear, shaking her head with a look of plea spread across her frightened face. "Well, first of they both take a long time… And secondly, you get what you want in the end." Kokabiel smiled sadistically as his soldier dragged a worker of the warehouse to them.

"P-Please! I don't know what you want… please, just let me go!" The man cried as he was brought to his knees, his eyes locked with the frightened Asia.

"This, is miss Argento. She alone, has an ability that I need for something. And you know what else only she has? The choice to decide whether you live, or die." Kokabiel whispered into the man's ear, whom looked to Asia with a pleading look.

"Miss, please… please do what they want… Please." The man started weeping. His day started off completely normal yesterday, he ate breakfast with his family and headed out for a day's work. Only for his workplace to get attacked by these creatures. The panic was unlike anything ever seen. They all had thought this man Kokabiel was the devil himself. Although as soon as anyone called him that, they would get beaten to death for what they said was an insult to Kokabiel. His life, turned into a living hell as he witnessed these winged people cut up his co-workers one by one and put them into the boxes in the storage room. Yet they decided to keep him alive, he was the unlucky one. He knew that now.

"I'm sorry… I can't… if I do, they will kill everyone…" Asia began to cry, wanting to reach out to the man in an embrace to apologize. It looked like something dawned upon the man, as he shakenly looked to this demonic creature standing over him.

"Wh-What are you going to do with her?" Despite wanting to live, once he had seen Asia's school uniform and looked at her upon closer inspection. She was just a kid, a scared little kid.

"Why nothing, we just want her to use her witch powers to heal a friend of ours." Kokabiel replied with a big sadistic grin spread across his face. His words feeling like drops of venom, foul and filled with lies. He couldn't trust this man, if anything he would probably just kill the girl once she had done what he wanted. And him most likely before that. Or would he? Is there a chance he could go home to his family and pretend this never happened? Wait, did he say witch powers? Wasn't this girl human?

"Please… let him go! He has done nothing wrong!" Asia pleaded with Kokabiel, Freed and Balba all looked down at her with condescending looks.

"Oh? Hasn't he? I thought all humans were sinners?" Balba humorously rubbed his chin, pretending to think of letting the man go free. "What do you say, father Freed?"

Freed smirked back at Balba and held a pair of hedge scissors out. "I say, sinners need to repent. And this one, is a sinner!" Freed happily hummed as he chopped off all four fingers on the man's right hand except for the thumb. The man rolled over in pain, holding his bleeding hand while crying out.

"No! Please no! I got a kid back home! No, please! Argh!" He screamed again as Freed this time cut off his nose, while laughing sadistically. Asia gasped and muffled her cries at the sight, attempting to close her eyes.

"Oy! You slutty sister!" Freed grabbed Asia by her hair and lifted her head up to face him. "Don't ya dare look away. You need to witness this sinners end like a good sister~" Freed then went after the man whom attempted to crawl away. With a mighty stomp of his foot Freed broke the man's leg. "Hey, I think he might have passed out?" Freed looked as the man had stopped moving, he reached into his coat and pulled out a shot of some kind. He jabbed the needle into the man's chest and pushed in the liquid to which he sprung back awake screaming. Asia wanted to cover her ears, but a Fallen Angel held her arms back, and forced her to watch as Freed tortured the man to death.

"Now little girl, heal Amon. Or else I will find that Issei of yours, and do even worse things to him." Kokabiel threatened, seeming to run out of patience.

"Oh Father in heaven- Argh!" Asia winched in pain, yet kept going on with her prayer despite it feeling like knives were stabbed into her head. "Please guide these pour souls into your holy kingdom. Please father guide them to paradise. And please, punish this evil standing before me!" Asia cried out as the pain eventually became too much that she rolled over on the floor, holding her hands to her head.

Kokabiel merely gave a scoff and a snort at hearing the former nun's prayer. "Like that will do anything." To this, it seemed the old Exorcist Balba picked up on as he raised his brow at that statement. "Now heal him." Kokabiel pushed Asia into the giant ice crystal. She frightenedly held her hands out, sniffing from her cries. Her eyes bloodshot from all the tears she cried. Rings started appearing on her hands, giving a green warm glow. "Good~" Kokabiel smiled.

"Master Kokabiel!" A Fallen Angel came barging in, stopping Asia from healing Amon much to Kokabiel's annoyance.

"What?!" Kokabiel roared at his subordinate.

"Devils! They have found us! They have passed over the trap we set out! They will be here in less than a minute." He reported to which Kokabiel let out a frustrated scream. He took deep breaths to compose himself, and figure out what to do next. With a wave of his hand, the ice crystal with Amon sank down into a magic circle and vanished.

"Freed, Balba, grab the devil bitch. We are leaving. All of you retreat and regroup, expect for you five!" Kokabiel pointed at five two-winged average Fallen Angels, whom all gave perplexed looks. "You stay and stall the enemy while we all escape. You will be doing your race a great service." With those encouraging words the five nodded and saluted their master. "Let's move!" Kokabiel opened a portal for him, Balba, Freed and Asia whom was dragged away.

"Help!" Asia shouted as coming raining down from the heavens through the ceiling window, came Jack. Holding a pair of demonic daggers. The little assassin took a leap for Kokabiel and the targeted nun her master had asked to bring in alive.

"Sin of Wrath, Jack the Ripper huh? What an honor." Kokabiel smirked while the portal closed, and the five Fallen Angels flew around her to attack her from behind. Although, all five ended up restrained by invisible strings, unable to move a muscle and their light weapons negated into nothing. "And those strings… I assume the Sin of Greed Damian? Too bad we'll have to cut this meeting short." Kokabiel threw a light spear at Jack, whom barely managed to move her tiny flexible body around it. The light spear blew up half of the warehouse in a fiery explosion, as Jack looked annoyed at seeing the portal having closed. She was too late.

Coming out from the shadows, was Damian, dressed in his suit with his hair slicked back. "We speed through after we activated the traps, and we still failed to capture them."

"Nothing could help it. Those trap magic circles were well hidden. We need to report to mama about this." Jack turned to face the trapped five Fallen Angels caught in Damian's Sacred Gear. "And we only need one." Jack gave the Fallen Angels a glare, her killing intent leaking out all over the place. And with a flinch of his fingers, Damian strangled four of them to death with his strings. To this Jack looked a little annoyed, clearly having wanted to kill them herself. "We were the ones who would kill them." She cast a glare at Damian whom gave a shrug with his shoulders.

"Pardon me for not wanting to see you tainted with blood." To this Jack looked at him with a raised brow, for some reason every time they did a mission together. Damian would prevent Jack from getting into dangerous situations and always have her back. He even cleaned her face if it was stained with the blood of the enemy. And whenever his perverted goofy personality showed, he would dot on her to no end. Damian went on to call Itachi about their discovery, and about their prisoner.

Back with Itachi, he hung up the call and looked to the group. "Seems Damian and Jack found Kokabiel's hideout." To this Issei rushed up, no doubt to ask about Asia. "Kokabiel however set a trap, and escaped with Asia. Although they confirmed that she was alive and unharmed in any physical way." To this Issei looked somewhat relieved, although he still wanted to rush to this lair and see if they could track down this Kokabiel and Freed. As Itachi was about to leave, Xenovia stopped him looking like she demanded answers.

"Anything else?" The Exorcist asked in a strict tone of voice.

"… They captured a prisoner, a Fallen Angel." Itachi replied to which Xenovia gave a nod and looked like she was about to accompany Itachi.

"Very well, tell your servants to keep him restrained. After that, we expect neither of you to interfere." Xenovia harshly looked to Rias especially, remembering the Gremory heiress declaration of not backing down.

"Forgive me for saying this. But we cannot turn a blind eye to this. One of our own have been captured. And seeing as you don't really have any say in our business, nor command of our territory. You can't really tell us what to do." Itachi went straight up to Xenovia's face, both staring each other down. While the frantic looking Irina looked unsure of what to do in this situation, stuck between Xenovia and Itachi.

"… Perhaps I should take this as a declaration of war against the church? You devils are too suspicious when it comes to the fate of Excalibur." Xenovia did have a point, Devils would benefit from the Excalibur, so the Church had every reason to be worried that Devils might side with the Fallen Angels on this. But Itachi knew otherwise.

"We have no reason to side with the Fallen Angels, especially with the likes of Kokabiel. He is far too proud in the might of his own Faction, that he would never side with the enemy. Not to mention… one of us so called devils have displayed quite the distaste for those Excalibur fragments." Itachi nudged towards Kiba which got Xenovia thinking. "Your higher ups seem rather desperate for the Fallen Angels to not get their hands on the fragments, correct? Meaning they would be willing to do anything to prevent it from happening. Even destroying the fragments themselves perhaps?" Xenovia flinched at hearing this clearly Itachi hit the nail on the head on that one. The church was that desperate to prevent Fallen Angels from obtaining Excalibur that they would be willing to destroy the fragments if needed. "If anything, I would say we should form an alliance. The Fallen Angels don't get the Excalibur fragments, and the devils will have fewer holy swords to worry about. Not a bad deal, right?"

Both Irina and Xenovia exchanged looks, looking rather uncertain on how to respond. On one end they would accomplish their mission given to them by their higher ups. On the other hand, the way Itachi had reached his hand out and the aura he gave of made this seem like a devil trying to strike a deal for someone's soul in exchange.

"I shall gather my own peerage then so we can begin the hunt." Sona bid her farewell, more than confident that her dearest older twin brother could persuade the Church duo.

"Should we? I mean it would be making a deal with a devil?" Xenovia questioned her companion, being raised as a catholic certainly had enforced harsh rules into her mind. And making deals with a devil was a big NO! in their book.

"I don't know… I mean, he basically said what he would get out of the deal. Destroy a few holy swords which would benefit the Devils, and they get the former Holy Maiden back. It won't be like we sold our soul… right?" Irina seemed slightly more flexible with her protestant teachings. Although devils were devils after all in their book as well.

"If the higher ups don't find out. I guess it would be fine. We could always give them one of the fragments for them to attempt to destroy. As long as their identities aren't revealed everything should be fine. The higher ups wouldn't think we were connected to them either that way." Some of the devils looked shocked that Xenovia would agree to it just like that.

"I don't know… even if Ise-kun is with them, he is still a devil, you know?" Despite her relationship with Issei, Irina raised an objection which made sense. Although in all honesty Itachi thought Xenovia would be the one to object.

"Irina. To tell you the truth, it would be really difficult to retrieve the stolen Excalibur fragments by ourselves and to battle Kokabiel of all things… What's more, this battle helped me realize something. If a mere servant of Gremory is close to my level of skill… then we don't stand a chance against the likes of Kokabiel. And the Excalibur fragments would be lost." Xenovia looked to the quiet Kiba sulking in the corner. And then she looked to Itachi focusing on the arm he had used to block Kiba's blade earlier.

"But…"

"Our objective is to either retrieve or destroy the Excalibur fragments. If we fail and our Excalibur fragments are taken as well… To be honest, with Kokabiel and his army we probably have less than 5 percent chances of this mission being a success. Even less for us to succeed and return home alive."

"But we agreed to lay our lives down for the cause anyway. Our lives for the mission to be a success is a small price to pay."

"Even though the life of the church is all I know, and believe in. I am still flexible enough in my beliefs to act in the best way possible. Foremost what matters, is the mission given to us by our superiors. With this alliance our chances of succeeding on this mission improves greatly."

"I've been thinking about this for a long time now… but your beliefs are weird."

"I won't deny it. But I think our duty is to accomplish our mission and return home safely so that we can continue fighting for God. Am I wrong in that?"

"Well, no but… we are talking about devils here."

"Pardon me, but I am not offering you the help as a devil. Rather just a concerned citizen of this town. Besides, it honestly doesn't matter if you accept or not. Because regardless we are going to interfere." Itachi gave this sly smirk that made him seem like a scheming anime villain.

"Fine… Your assistance is most appreciated." Xenovia shook Itachi's hand as a sign of the deal being made. Xenovia and Itachi silently glared into each other's emotionless eyes. Irina gave a small sigh, and looked in agreement casting small glances at Issei as a form of comfort for teaming up with devils.

"To tell the truth…" Speaking up breaking the silence was Kiba. "I don't like the idea of getting permission from Excalibur wielders to destroy it." To this Xenovia glared daggers at Kiba, whom more than willingly returned the favor.

"That's a rough way to speak. If you were a mere Stray I would have cut you down without any time to spare. So you do hold a grudge regarding the Holy-Sword project. Against the church and the Excaliburs." Xenovia seemed to be aware of where Kiba's hatred came from, earning some questioning glances.

Kiba's glare sharpened. "Obviously. Would you forgive the act of killing test subjects because the project was deemed a failure? Going through endless inhuman experiments day after day! Having our rights and freedom stripped away! Only thing keeping us going were those damn words from the priests saying God loved us! To live on for him, and that one day we would be rewarded for our faith! Believing we would one day be proud Holy Sword wielders, when instead we were disposed of like mere trash!" Kiba was shaking, trembling. Issei looked in disbelief at hearing Kiba's story, while Rias and Akeno both looked in sadness and pity for their friend. "They put poisonous gas on us while saying "amen". As we vomited out blood on the floor and suffered… we still sought help from God, but it never came! They helped me escape, they all gave their lives so I could escape… if Rias buchou hadn't found me, I would have died and my comrades would have died for nothing!"

Xenovia and Irina didn't respond, Irina didn't look like she knew how to respond. Xenovia closed her eyes and sighed. "Certainly. That incident is viewed as one of the worst cases amongst us and people felt truly disgusted by it. However, I believe your hatred and desire for revenge might be misplaced." Xenovia's words angered Kiba beyond anything any has ever seen the Gremory Knight express. He fumed and practically looked like he was about to foam out of his mouth.

"How dare you?!" Kiba was only held back by Rias, grabbing him and pulling him back by his collar.

"Yuuto, I know you are angry. But please I beg you, don't do anything rash…" Rias spoke calmly and kindly to her servant, her words somewhat calming him down, but not nearly enough.

"Let me finish." Xenovia spoke up her serious gaze glaring down at Kiba. Kiba took a few deep breaths to calm and collect himself. And once he had done that, he looked at her as a sign for her to continue. "You are blaming a sword for the death of your comrades and fellow test subjects. A sword that has no train of thought or even a consciousness. It is a mere tool. True the fact that they died just so someone could wield the Excalibur is horrible and inhuman. But still, if someone killed a person that was precious to you with a sword. Would you seek vengeance against the sword? Or the person?" Xenovia's words seemed to cut deep into Kiba, as he looked down looking to be in a deep thought on the matter.

"I wanted to accomplish my comrades' regrets. I don't want to make their deaths to have been in vain. I need to keep on living and prove that our will, determination, anguish and hatred are far stronger than Excalibur." Kiba uttered, he didn't want to hear Xenovia bad mouth his resolve. No matter how right she was in the Excalibur being a mere tool. Where else was he supposed to direct this hatred?!

"It is true that the church approved of the project. But, the church itself never approved of the killing of the test subjects. That fault alone belongs with a single man, the man charged with the project in the first place. Consider what I am about to say as a sign of goodwill and trust in this alliance. The man that was leading the Holy Sword project at the time was said to have problems with his belief. And was charged with heresy. Now we have reasons to believe he has sided with Kokabiel and aided him in the theft of the Excalibur fragments."

This seemed to peek Kiba's interests, he looked to Xenovia. "What is his name?" Kiba had no idea who was charged with the Holy Sword project it would seem. And therefor when seeking revenge, he must have had no choice but to direct it at the one source he knew. The Excalibur and the church.

"Balba Galilei. The man who is called the Genocide Archbishop." Xenovia revealed the identity of Kiba's true enemy.

"…" Kiba didn't say a word, but his eyes said it all. Burning with a brand-new determination. Now knowing the name of his one true target. "Very well, fine… I accept this alliance with you, wielders of Excalibur. But on one condition… Balba's head is mine." Kiba's eyes looked sharped and cold, as he spoke Balba's name with a hint of venom in his tone.

Itachi seemed to get the gist of Kiba's background. True it was sad, but then again he had witnessed similar situations before. He also actually agreed somewhat with Xenovia's words of Excalibur being a mere tool, and that it shouldn't be Kiba's source to direct his vengeance on. "Well, as we are all in agreement. You two ready to go?" Itachi looked to the two Exorcists whom both gave a nod.

"We are coming to. Asia is my peerage member after all." Rias stated, with her peerage standing behind her ready to go. To this Itachi merely gave a shrug and smiled.

"Guess I don't have a choice." Itachi summoned forth a magic circle, to which an image of Kuroka appeared. "Kuroka, ready Bob, Eto and Raven. We're going to battle against Kokabiel and his forces."

"Nya! Right away captain~" Kuroka moved her hand in a cat-like fashion. "And I'm already way ahead of you, I told Bob to get a good long sleep last night. Four more hours and he will have slept for a total of 23 hours." Kuroka reported to which Itachi gave an approving nod.

"Good, maybe we won't even need to contact Harry for this." Itachi ended the call between him and Kuroka, and they all took off to the warehouse.

They all gathered onto the now ruined warehouse, and they all had surrounded the captured the Fallen Angel. Everyone had pretty much stepped back to let Itachi do his work. Using his sharingan to hypnotize the Fallen Angel to reveal what he knew of Kokabiel's plan.

"We are to gather the Excalibur fragments… combine them in this town within the next five hours… to attract the Angels with the Excalibur, and to gather the Devils by endangering the younger siblings of Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Levithan…" The hypnotized Fallen Angel twirled his head around, before falling onto the floor as Itachi let go of his collar.

"So, he can't afford to do this anywhere but here in town for his plan to succeed. And we have five hours to find him." Itachi summarized the situation, in five hours a big battle could take place, a battle that would trigger a new war between the three factions. "Everyone, spread out. Kuroka, Raven you are with me. Eto, Jack you two are one group. Damian and Bob, you are also one group. And do not wake Bob up until he has either slept for a total of 23 hours, or unless there is an emergency." Itachi instructed and all his peerage members gave a nod, and just like that they scattered into opposite directions. Itachi, Raven and Kuroka taking the far north side of town. Jack and Eto went on their way into town shortly after. Then there was Damian whom carried a sleeping Bob on his back as well as having Bob's Warhammer strapped to his back.

"Okay, Akeno you come with me. Issei, Yuuto, Koneko you three go cover the east side of town." Rias likewise ordered her peerage and they all scattered. Sona followed with the same routine and scattered.

And of course, there was the Church duo. Even if they had agreed to form an alliance with the Devils for now, they still felt the need to go on their own to avoid further sin as they called it. The search had gone on for three hours. "I'm still not so sure about this, Xenovia… I mean Devils are the sworn enemy of the Church." Irina still seemed conflicted, she did like Issei and all, but her faith was still burning strong.

"So are the Fallen Angels. How does the old saying go again? The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Besides, we don't have much of a choice in the matter." As the Church duo went back and forth with each other, they failed to notice the blockade in the road. It wasn't until it fully came into view that they halted. "What is this?" Xenovia looked at the big wall of fallen trees, her senses telling her to run.

"Xenovia, we got company." Irina readied her Excalibur mimic turning it into a katana, as hovering above them where four Six-Winged Fallen Angels. Snickering as they eyed the Excalibur fragments in the two Exorcists grasps.

"Yohoo! Lovely fellow Exorcists~" Stepping out from the shadows was Freed, wielding his Excalibur blade. Clearly having been the one to chop down these trees to block their path. "On the behalf of our mighty Angel friends, I am to relieve you of those Excalibur fragments~" Both Irina and Xenovia scowled upon the sight of Freed, and that killer intent oozing out from him.

"We know who you are, Freed Sellzen. Once a prodigy amongst Exorcists, already at the age of thirteen you were responsible for the death of several Stray Devils and Mythical beasts. Although due to your lack of belief in our Lord, you were cast out and branded a Stray Exorcist." Freed smirked with glee over seeing how well known he was. Xenovia readied her blade, seeing their goal in sight and no Kokabiel either.

"Xenovia, should we contact Ise-kun and his friends?" Irina stood back to back with Xenovia, keeping her eyes on the four Fallen Angels above them.

"They should find us with all this noise. But, let's see if we can get the Excalibur before they get here." Xenovia without any hesitation charged straight at Freed. Freed responded with a maniacal laughter as the ground beneath them lit up in a blazing fire of an explosion.

"Dumbasses, you guys didn't even sense the trap we laid out! Guess that old geezer Balba is good for something after all." Charging out from the smoke of the explosion was Xenovia, her clothing slightly tattered and her body slightly bruised and burnt. "Of course, I knew it wouldn't be enough to kill you~" Freed humored himself as he attacked Xenovia. Although as they dueled Freed grew surprised over how difficult it was to keep up with her. Luckily, he knew something that could give him the advantage. "Although, it seems your friend took most of the damage~"

Xenovia looked form the corner of her eye, seeing Irina having a hard time fending off one of the Fallen Angels. Irina's body having suffered most of the damage from that explosion, as she stood in the dead center of the source of the explosion. Her arms and legs had suffered burns making it harder for her to move and defend herself from the Fallen Angels. "Irina…" Xenovia uttered with a worried look in her eyes.

"Predictable." Freed used this opportunity of Xenovia being distracted to attack, swinging his Excalibur down at her.

It didn't take long for the Devils to gather, that explosion made too much of a racket and got all of their attention right away. However, they arrived somewhat too late. Xenovia came leaping out from the forest, carrying an unconscious Irina in a piggyback. And running out from the forest after her were Freed, holding not only his own Excalibur but Irina's as well.

"Oh shit! The big shots are here! Fallen Angels, let's split!" The four Six-Winged Fallen Angels gathered around him and together vanished through a portal. The devils quickly went to Xenovia to ensure she and Irina were okay, and to see if they could learn where Freed ran off to.

"They said… they were meeting up at the academy. That Freed blurted it out the moment he took Irina's Excalibur…" Xenovia panted and gently laid down her unconscious companion to be healed by Raven. "They didn't manage to get mine though…"

"Did they say anything about Asia?" Issei interjected, the safety of the former nun being the first thing on his mind right now.

"No… but I reckon if Kokabiel is there, and if he still needs her. She would be there as well." Xenovia replied.

"We don't have any time to waste… we have to hurry and pursue after them." Itachi prepared a magic circle for him and his peerage to jump through.

"Wait! What about Irina?" Issei held onto the unconscious body of his childhood friend as she was being healed by Raven. "We can't just leave her here!"

"And we aren't, Tsubaki if you would?" Sona looked to her queen.

"Of course, Kaichou." Tsubaki easily picked up the now healed, yet still unconscious, Irina up bridal style. And teleported with her to the mansion.

"Well, shall we get going?" Rias walked up next to Itachi, as from this hill they were able to see the academy in the far distant.

"Yeah…" Itachi nodded and they all teleported through magic circles, with Xenovia accompanying the Gremory group.

Once they arrived certain things had to be set up. They couldn't risk the town getting damaged as a result of the battle. So, Sona's group were set to put up a barrier around the entire academy. The mere sight of the barrier covered academy sent chills down Itachi's spine, over the memory of the battle against Trigon last year. The barrier wouldn't be able to hold Kokabiel's attack if he got serious. But at least it was something, as long as someone could keep Kokabiel occupied in a fight the barrier should hold.

"Akeno, I want you to help Sona and her Peerage with the barrier." Rias looked to her queen, whom looked a little surprised at this.

"But, buchou, I can help you guys in the battle-" Rias halted Akeno from protesting, giving her an assuring smile.

"It's okay. Akeno, with your magic skills you can help us by making sure this barrier remains standing. You are needed here. Besides with Itachi and his peerage to back the rest of us up, those Fallen Angels don't stand a chance."

"I couldn't have agreed more." Itachi added, having complete faith in Akeno's magical prowess.

"Right… as you command, buchou." Akeno nodded with a faint smile, spreading her wings and taking flight joining Sona and her peerage in forming the barrier.

"Rias, do you think you should call your onii-sama? It's not too late." Sona suggested but Rias merely shook her head.

"Why don't you two contact your onee-sama. She would gladly help you two out no question."

"Our onee-sama is… rather extreme." Itachi shut down that idea, he really didn't feel there was any need for Serafall to get involved. After all, Kokabiel was no Trigon. "We should be fine, as long as there is no goofing around. We are dealing with a leader from the Fallen Angels. He could wipe this entire region off the map in an instant. Everyone needs to be serious here, I hope you all know that?"

"Yes!" Everyone declared energetically. The level of intensity he felt from their voices brought a smile to Itachi's face.

"Well then, let's finish things." Itachi declared as they all stormed through the front gate.

On the track field of Kuoh Academy, the echo of a yelp could be heard as Asia was thrown before an ice pillar. "You are really beginning to test my patience, little devil girl!" Kokabiel snarled at her, and with a flick of his fingers he blew up a big chunk of the new academy building. Showing a glimpse of his power to spook the nun into healing Amon. "Either you heal Amon, or I will blow up this entire town and kill every human in the area!"

To this Asia gasped, her memory going to Issei and his parents. They had welcomed her into their home and made her family. And this man threatened to blow up the entire town which would include the Hyoudou residence. "No please…" Asia wept yet Kokabiel didn't flinch, and like the cold-hearted monster he was threw her into the ice pillar.

"Heal him, or I will kill everyone in this rotten devil infested town." Asia was trembling, she couldn't trust him. She couldn't trust that Kokabiel would spare her friends nor the people of this town. And yet if she didn't heal this Amon, the younger brother of her tormentor Raynare, everyone would die regardless.

"I… Do you promise that no harm comes to the town?" Asia stuttered to which Kokabiel gave her a sadistic smirk, that most certainly didn't ease her mind.

"Of course." Kokabiel assured, putting his cold pale hand onto her shoulder. "On my word as a former noble angel." His word didn't assure Asia in the slightest, she still didn't trust him. But what choice did she have? She didn't know what to do. She was scarred, she just wanted this day to end.

As this was happening, the group of Devils and one Exorcist, sneaked through the empty Kuoh Academy main building. Attempting to get to the track field where Kokabiel and his men were waiting, without being detected that is. "Issei, before we go out there… I acknowledge this as enemy territory. That way you can use your promotion." Rias looked to her impatient pawn, moving rather fast for someone sneaking around.

"Thanks, Buchou." Issei sped up seeing the doorway leading outside to the academy's track field in his sight.

"I detect about… fifty… maybe a few more." Itachi analyzed the outside through a window with his sharingan. Seeing a few rather high leveled Fallen Angels, some with six wings. And then there was Kokabiel. But strangely, the leader wasn't the most intense presence. He saw one, laying on the ground emitting such energy that he shined like a beacon of light. 'I know this energy…' Itachi recognized the signature of that energy, but before he could put his finger on it the perverted pawn of Rias Gremory sprang into action.

"Asia!" Issei knocked the door down, running out onto the track field of Kuoh Academy. Rias, Kiba, Koneko, Xenovia, Jack, Kuroka, Eto, Raven, Itachi and Damian carrying the sleeping Bob on his back not far behind. And the sight before them, was an army of fifty Fallen Angels looking down on them as they hovered up in the sky. And in the center of the armada of Fallen Angels, stood a sadistic smirking Freed and Balba. And sitting on her knees, crying, was Asia with the healed body of the unconscious Amon laying before her, the hole in his gut having closed up.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry. They didn't give me a choice… I'm sorry." Asia cried into her hands, not able to look her friends in the eyes.

"Freed, now you may kill her." Kokabiel looked down from his hovering throne onto the stray exorcist. Without any hesitation, Freed raised his blade looking on Asia with clear killing intent leaking out from him.

"I won't let you! Promotion Knight!" Issei using his now enhanced Knight speed, blitzed over to Asia's side blocking Freed's Excalibur with his Boosted Gear gauntlet.

"Well, if it isn't the devil Issei-kun! I'm glad for the opportunity to slice you once again!" Kiba rushed in after Issei, pushing Freed and his Excalibur back and Xenovia soon joined in pushing the stray Exorcist back.

"Asia…" Issei lifted up the fragile weeping former nun, holding tightly onto her so that no one would take her away again. Ignoring the twitching body of Amon, Issei took a leap back over to Rias and Itachi where it was safe for Asia. Issei gently put the crying nun down, to which Asia was instantly pulled into a warm embrace by Rias. Like an older sister, Rias gently stroked the hair of Asia, speaking softly to her.

"It's okay… it's okay." Rias comforted the crying Asia whom placed her crying face into her bosom. "Now… who's first? For punishment." Rias glared up the Fallen Angels, that glared hatefully back down at them.

"Attack…" Kokabiel ordered, an instantly all Fallen Angels charged straight down onto the Devils. And instantly the attacking Fallen Angels were blown away by a wave of darkness. Raven's eyes glowed in a dark purple glint, pure magic power emitting from her very being in a cloak of darkness. Using her magic to restrain most of the Fallen Angels in their place. And followed by Jack, Kuroka, Eto, Issei, Koneko and Itachi all charged straight ahead. Attacking the Fallen Angels that managed to avoid Raven's restraint.

Itachi easily countered the attack of three Fallen Angels attempting to sneak up on him. Generating a current of water around his arms into the shape of blades, blocking the strike of a light spear aimed for his rear. Itachi using his superior strength pushed the light spear and the Fallen Angel back, moving like an assassin slitting the Fallen Angel's throat with the water blade.

The Fallen Angel backed up, gurgling up blood that ran down from the deep cut in his throat. "Guurghel! Arguhl" The blood then came splattering out like a geyser as his head fell clean off. The other two looked stunned at how easily their friend was killed, Itachi taking this opportunity sliced the second Fallen Angel from his right shoulder and down splitting his upper body in two. And then stabbing the other water blade straight through the third one's chest. The third one looked in fear, as she stared into Itachi's emotionless eyes. He looked like this wasn't anything new to him, like she and her friends were just more numbers added to his kill count list.

Itachi pulled the water blade out from her chest, and directed his attention to Kokabiel sitting on his floating throne above them. The current of the water blades slowed down, and rained down from his arms onto the three bodies lying beneath him. Itachi took flight towards Kokabiel, ready to take the warmonger down and end this whole mess.

Kokabiel spotted the incoming Itachi from the corner of his eye, smirking at seeing the glare he received from the young devil. He waved his hand towards him, challenging the young Sitri to attack him. "Project Fallen Arch, complete." Kokabiel snickered.

A radiant glow shined onto Itachi from the right. The light was blinding, making Itachi close his right eye. The light grew stronger and hotter, his devil skin feeling like it was boiling. The heat of the light affected Raven also, weakening her darkness so that the restrained Fallen Angels broke free. "Ugh!" Itachi grunted as he did a 180 turn, his right hand held out to catch an incoming blast of light. The intense blast of light dragged Itachi with it, sending him falling towards the ground. Itachi readied himself, firmly planting his feet to the ground. The pressure of the attack and the strength Itachi put into his legs to remain standing, dug up the ground beneath his feet. Spikes of rocks stuck up around Itachi like if the ground itself exploded. Itachi was sweating, his eyes twitching from the intense burning pain. More power was added to the attack pushing Itachi skidding backwards digging up the ground leaving a trail.

"ARGH!" Itachi flared up his demonic power to counter the attack, surging his demonic blue aura through into the golden light. Blue rays of light shined through the golden angelic light causing it to implode into a massive explosion. Itachi took a backflip away from the explosion and landed a few feet away from the explosion.

Itachi stood there with his eyes twitching in pain, clutching his left hand onto his right wrist. His right hand burning with an intense pain, the skin of his hand was peeling off and bright red. Having suffered third degree burns from the looks of it. Smoke emitting from his burned hand, his fingers twitching in pain. His eyes glared at his attacker, seeing Amon standing tall with his hand raised at Itachi. The Angel of Death having awoken from his long slumber, only to be greeted by the sights of battle bringing a look of sadness in his eyes.

Kokabiel gave an amused chuckle at the sight of the two strongest young members of their individual faction staring each other down. A bright menacing smirk spreading across the warmongers face. "Now, that is quite a greeting." His yellow eyes glinting with a lust for battle and war.

That's the end for now!

Took a bit longer than I expected writing this chapter. The next chapter will be the last of this arc. And after this we have the peace conference arc.

Now in the next chapter we'll have the Sins and the Gremory group against Kokabiel and his small army of loyalists. And now with Amon awake after Kokabiel had Freed torture Asia and threaten her to heal him. How will the Angel of Death react to the news of his dead older sister?

Also, before anyone asks, no Itachi will not awaken his Mangekyou in this fight. I have planned for him to awaken it during the events of DxD Hero. And why that is? I simply think it is the best time for him to awaken it, considering the types of opponents that comes after. That and I have always planned for that moment to happen around then since start of the story. Don't like it? Well too bad, because I'm not changing my mind on that.

Anyway, remember to leave a review!

-Later!

(responds to reviews):

seant5054: I will, me and my co-writer are working on it. Hoping to update it somewhere around this or next week.

Senritran19: Thank you. And yes, we will update it somewhere around this or next week.

andresskorskiruiz: Thanks! And Eto has her short hair. I imagine it wouldn't be the kind of reaction most would expect, if I decide for Itachi to reveal his past that is.

DarkReaderSeiin: Thanks!

merendinoemiliano: Thanks!

TeraBaapBSDK: Well thanks for reading.

Uday Sra: Thanks!

HighPaladinRin: Hmm, I will think about it.

Mr. Haziq: I can understand that. And well, I imagine she won't be against peace.

YacknessYT: XD I'm still considering it though.

saashi samy: Thanks!

Dat boi: Thanks!

razmire: You are correct!

FATEMURDER: You didn't read the authors note I take it XD Both Damian and Bob are OC's I created.

Naelyon: Already sent you a PM, you haven't responded but no need to say the same thing twice.

Tasty Food: Here you go!

Guest: You know what's even sadder? The way you spelled authors or "arthurs" as you wrote it. And some translations I have seen spelled his name like Raiser. I honestly do not see the big deal here.

mirajanestrauss489: Thank you!

HammerofJustice: If you have reached this point, I decided to fix the review respond thing a while ago. And now it is at the bottom. But the first one, duly noted.

0vrLrd71: Eh, yes but it is not the same form of chakra as Naruto verse. And yeah, these sin suggestions are a little tad too late. And Raven is a part of the harem so no worries there. And that would be cool.