XXIII

Ambassadors from the Church

Issei endured through the monotony of a Monday school day before getting to what really mattered…the ambassadors from the Church coming to talk to Rias. All weekend, Issei's thoughts were with Kouji and what they were all about to go through. He had tried asking Ddraig for help but as usual, the dragon kept to himself and only spoke when it was convenient for him and no one else.

He quickly found Asia before making their way to the Occult Research Club. He was happy that Asia had found her place at Kuoh, making friends and having a seemingly normal life. It was a far stretch from when she was killed by Raynare…but then again, so has he. They've both been inducted into this world but at least they had each other.

"Issei," said Asia. "Should we stop by the church after the meeting? I'm scared they're going to run out of food…especially since I remember them saying something about Winter?"

"Oh right," said Issei. "Yeah why not, I'm sure they're getting lonely too."

"I kind of like them," Asia smiled. "For some reason…it feels like I'm back at the Church."

"Maybe because NingNing's an Angel and Amy's an exorcist?" asked Issei. "I'm still worried about the whole prophecy thing though…Do you think Rias knows more about it now?"

"I hope so," said Asia. "Things have been getting out of hand lately, I just hope everyone's keeping their heads on straight."

Issei opened the doors to the club to once again see two unfamiliar faces. Something within Issei screamed at him to run, like an extrasensory warning system. His hands began to sweat and his heart began to race as he saw the crest on the white cloaks of the two individuals, rosaries embroidered in gold. Their white cloaks were clean and pristine with one of them holding a sword that was twice her size completely wrapped in white bandages.

"Well," Rias smirked as she crossed her legs on the couch. "Looks like we're all here. Come in you two, I want you to meet some people from the Church."

Issei and Asia walked nervously behind Rias with Issei giving Kiba a fist bump. "They look scary."

"You have no idea," Kiba said with a cold disdain in his voice. "I hope we just get this over with."

Issei's brow furrowed. "You're unusual vindictive today, you alright man?"

"I'm fine," a smile tugged at Kiba's lips.

"Well then," said Rias. "Since we're all here, let's get down to business shall we?"

Issei's arm began to throb, however it was in pulses. There it was again, that tingling in his head. Without attracting attention, Issei glanced behind him at the window and tried to contain his laughter when he saw Kouji fighting to get into position with NingNing and a girl with long silvery white hair as they all tried to remain unnoticed while looking through. Amy, on the other hand, was standing behind them as she looked in, unbothered at the sight of Kouji fighting with the two girls.

What the hell was he doing here? Were they really going to eavesdrop in on this conversation? Seeing as how these two were members of the Church, he understood why they couldn't just come in…but eavesdropping without using magic? Surely Rias would notice them.

Issei's attention turned back to the two individuals as they both removed their hoods. One was a tall and extremely serious looking girl with short length azure hair that barely touched her shoulders. Her dark amber eyes surveying the room, almost observing each of them for minut details before sitting down. The other was a much more relaxed and carefree girl with long auburn hair tied into twin tails that flowed down her arms. She had violet colored eyes that, unlike the other girl, were full of life and vibrance as she smiled at them.

"Greeting, Rias Gremory," said the girl with blue hair. "My name is Xenovia, an exorcist under his Holiness. This is my partner, Irina. We've been sent on orders to speak to you about an incident that occurred at Vatican City not too long ago as well as a certain individual that poses a danger to us all."

"The murder of Princess Alice and the disappearance of your Paladin, yes I'm aware," said Rias. "Though from what I've gathered, it would seem both incidents are connected somehow. Mind filling in the gaps for me, Xenovia?"

Xenovia nodded in agreement. "You are correct. About two weeks ago, Princess Alice had a vision and gave a prophecy to our former Paladin, Karisma Gray, that sent our Elders into a panic. Not too long after, she was found murdered in her bedroom within the Basilica with Karisma Gray being nowhere to be found."

"Do you think she did it?" asked Akeno. "Karisma, the Paladin I mean."

"I'm not crossing out any suspects yet," said Xenovia. "However we have gotten assistance from the Reincarnated Angels of Lady Gabriel, but…the findings were rather unfruitful."

Lady Gabriel? The Archangel? Asia and Rias had been filling Issei in on more and more of the supernatural world so he at least knew that Gabriel was one of the Archangels in charge of Heaven…but an Archangel's Reincarnated Angels are helping the Church to figure out this murder? Is it really that serious?

"What did they find?" asked Rias.

"We've been told that the murder was done by an outsider…with the assistance from someone within the Church," said Xenovia. "Vatican City is bound in a barrier that protects the Holy City from all forms of incursions, however if anyone were to get inside…it'd have to be done delibrately by one of the guards."

"So one of your people let the murderer inside," said Kiba. "Any leads on who it may be?"

Xenovia shook her head. "We were already on our way to Japan when we were told this information."

"If even the Holy Church has been infiltrated…this is getting out of hand Rias," said Akeno. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I really hope not," Rias sighed. "I don't really see how we can be of assistance to you on matters relating to the Church, however-"

"Apologies," said Xenovia. "The matter we require your assistance with is not of Princess Alice's death nor the disappearance of Karisma Gray…it is about the Nephallem."

There it was. Issei glanced back to see Kouji and the girl's eyes taking a more serious look. To be completely honest, Issei wanted to hear this too.

"I'm listening," said Rias.

"As you know," said Xenovia. "The known existence of this monstrosity causes great upheaval within our world. A walking abomination that is the spawn of a Demon…as exorcists, we cannot allow such a creature to freely walk this Earth without divine intervention."

Rias was…strangely mad. He had never seen her like this with anybody outside of their club, but her devil magic was casting a powerful and almost terrifying.

"Oh?" asked Rias. "We only recently found out of the existence of such a…creature, but it's near impossible for us to truly locate the boy. How could we possibly assist you?"

"Your ignorance is almost believable, Rias Gremory," said Xenovia. "We know he is in Japan and even more specifically, in Kuoh. You may not have information on his current whereabouts, however we do. One of Karisma's unit soldiers in charge of monitoring him was tagged, upon her escape from our capture…we knew she would come to track him down."

Issei's eyes widened with shock. One of Karisma's soldiers? Did she…Did she mean Amy? His eyes darted back to see Kouji and the girls turning to look at Amy, horror filling her eyes.

"We have, in our possession, a weapon that can end the suffering of this creature once and for all," said Xenovia. "We ask that you stay out of our way."

"Excuse me?" asked Rias.

"This is technically business of the Church," said Irina. "It is our duty to rid this world of any evil, be it a monster or an abomination in human skin."

"We would like it to be done without the interference of the Devils," said Xenovia. "Once we've accomplished our mission, we will leave this town and you will never see us again."

Rias crossed her legs and arms. "Tell me then, would killing the Nephallem do anything to ease the rumors that the Prophecy of the Starless Night has come to light?"

Xenovia and Irina had a more serious look on their faces now.

"How do you know about the prophecy?" asked Xenovia.

"I have connections, Xenovia," said Rias. "Did you think the other factions wouldn't know if such a prophecy were to be spoken again? Though, I admit, it did come as a shock to find out what the prophecy truly means…I'm more worried about the end of the world rather than a Nephallem."

"Y-You know what the prophecy means?" asked Irina. "What does it mean?"

"Oh?" Rias had them on the hook. "And here I thought you knew it, seeing as how you're so insistent that killing the Nephallem would be for the greater good and all. If I might add this one tiny little crucial detail to your plan…the Nephallem is under the protection of Lady Gabriel herself as well as her Reincarnated Angels. To touch the boy is to call upon the wrath of Gabriel the Destroyer…Would you really go as far as this to slay one creature, knowing that it would mean a war against one of the original timeless Angels?"

"W-What?" asked Irina. "Lady Gabriel…is protecting the Nephallem?"

"Nonsense," said Xenovia. "An Angel would never willingly protect such a creature. How do you even-"

"It seems my brother has forged an alliance with the Nephallem," said Rias. "To uncover the truth of the prophecy as well as how to stop it. Don't get me wrong now, I had the same idea as you. If killing the Nephallem is the fastest way to stopping the prophecy, we should surely take a direct path…but I did not think angering Gabriel would be such a wise decision."

"It does not matter," said Xenovia. "With our Holy Sword…we shall rid the world of this abomination consequences aside. If we are to be punished for our righteous actions, then so be it."

"You lot sure are stubborn…" said Rias. "Very well then, do as you please. I give you my word, I will not have anything to do with it."

"Then we are in agreement," Xenovia and Irina got up and began to leave before Xenovia turned her head to look at Asia. "So it's true then…A Saint really has become a Devil."

"W-What?" asked Asia.

"You're Asia Argento, right?" asked Xenovia. "The Saint who became a witch?"

"Oh that's right!" cried Irina. "I remember you! You were a Saint who had the ability to heal Devils and Fallen Angels. Was it true you healed a Devil and was excommunicated?"

"I…I…"

Issei balled his fists. These assholes…

"That's quite enough," Rias's eyes glowed as she looked to them. "I said I would let you conduct your business in my town and I intend to do so, but if you shame my servant one more time, on my honor as a Gremory, I will atomize you where you stand."

Issei felt the ground shake a little. He thought it was just his imagination but he looked back to see NingNing and the silver haired girl more angry then he had ever seen anyone, the window they were looking through even cracking a little.

"Very well then," said Xenovia. "We'll be on our way."

Issei watched as Xenovia and Irina closed the door as they left, leaving him with a strange sense of deja vu. Had he…Had he met Irina before? Something about her seems so familiar yet he couldn't put his finger on it. He could have sworn he's met her before, but he definitely would have remembered if he met an exorcist as cute as she was before.

The silence in the room was palpable. Issei placed a hand on Asia to comfort her in her time of need, but truth be told he wanted to punch Xenovia in the face hard enough to destroy a wall. But even he knew that was a stupid thing to do. If those exorcists were willing to start a war with the Angels, they wouldn't hesitate to do so with the Devils.

Rias sighed. "You four can come in now. If you're going to eavesdrop on us, at least be less noticable."

The window finally gave weight to the three as Kouji, NingNing, and the silver haired girl crashed through behind Issei.

"What in the world are you guys doing!" cried Amy. "I told you to be more quiet! What's the point of eavesdropping if you guys are so loud!"

"Those buncha arrogant sons of…" NingNing balled her fists. "I swear if I see her again I'm gonna kill her."

"You're the one who made us all that food right?" the silver haired girl looked up at Asia. "NingNing told me you made those just for us…I can't let that kind of comment slide when someone made us such delicious food."

"W-Would you two calm the hell down!" Kouji used their bodies as leverage to push himself up. "We've got bigger fish to fry then your macho showdown…that Holy Sword…"

"You sensed it too," said Rias. "Kouji that sword is incredibly dangerous, but something of that caliber could hardly kill a Nephallem."

"Irina…" Kouji balled his fists. "She really is here to kill me."

"The hell she is," NingNing slammed her hand on Kouji's head. "I don't care if she's your sister or not, I'm not gonna let her lay a hand on you."

Rias's eyes narrowed as did Issei's.

"I can't believe she would say those things about you…" Winter locked arms with Kouji. "Horrible…"

"Did you just say Irina is Kouji's sister?" asked Rias. "I wasn't aware of that…"

Kouji smiled saddenedly. "I told you I was raised by a human family, didn't I? Shidou Touji was my adoptive father and Shidou Irina is my adoptive sister."

Shidou…Shidou…Shidou…

"Ah!" cried Issei. "She's the dude I grew up with who always dragged me to church every Sunday! I knew she looked familiar…"

Kouji smiled. "That means you're the boy she was always talking about back then…the boy next door huh? I kinda get it now. Sorry I didn't recognize you sooner Issei, Irina never showed me any pictures."

"She…She really doesn't remember you," said Asia. "She called you a monstrosity…your own sister."

Kouji smiled. "I wiped her memories clean…her's and my father's. To the both of them, I never existed in their lives so it'd make sense she wouldn't remember…but it doesn't make hearing that any less painful."

The silver haired girl clutched at his arm tighter. "It's okay…"

"Did you find another one of your friends?" asked Rias. "Your group has grown by one since our little negotiation."

Kouji smiled. "This is Winter, another of Lady Gabriel's Reincarnated Angels. I already told her everything but…we have more information on the murder of Princess Alice. We think we know who did it."

The four of them quickly came inside and filled everybody in on their findings. Xenovia was spot on about an Angel of Gabriel working with the Church. Winter had dug so deep into the case that she found out more in a day then the Church has found in the weeks since Princess Alice's death.

"The Hero Faction?" asked Issei. "What's that?"

"A faction of strictly humans, descendants of ancient heroes," said Akeno. "I had heard they were stirring trouble in the West, but I didn't know they would make a move so rash…"

"They're supposed to be enforcers of human good," said Rias. "Their methods aside, they produce results. If they really were the ones who killed Princess Alice…"

"They're trying to incite Armageddon," said Kiba.

NingNing nodded. "Our only hope right now is whether or not Karina and Giselle can help Azazel track down the manufacturer of that drug. It's the only lead we have to go on for a direct confirmation…"

"There's…There's something else too," said Winter. "I visited Karisma's office before I left Vatican City. I combed through every little thing in there but I couldn't find a single trace of evidence…nothing but ice."

"Ice?" asked Rias.

"Residual ice from magic," said Winter. "It's similar to my Sacred Gear, but this was the work of a highly advanced mage. It was ice formed from human blood, frozen at a temperature so low that it could instantly freeze over anything it touches. The effects have begun to wear off after so long but if it's still like this after two weeks, imagine how strong the effects were when it was used."

"Ice magic, huh?" asked Rias. "Ice magic is hardly used by many people…I can only think of Lady Leviathan, but she wouldn't do something as stupid as attack the Church."

"Well someone did it," said Kouji. "How are we supposed to find the mage who did it?"

"Giselle," said Winter. "She has connections at the Mage's Association…We have to wait until she's done with helping Lord Azazel."

Rias sighed and rubbed her foread. "Of all the things we have to worry about…now we have to deal with the Mage's Association?"

"That's bad right?" asked Asia.

"Extremely," said NingNing, scratching her head out of frustration. "A bunch of dicks who think magecraft and magic are some mystical and grand spectacle that needs to be studied rather than the dangerous art that it is. I hate everything they stand for."

"We'll be fine," said Winter. "You guys seriously need to have some hope."

"I'm sorry…" said Amy. "It's all my fault that they knew you were in Japan Kouji…Lord help me. Even when I want to help you I end up-"

"Oh shut up," said Kouji. "Whatever happens happens, all we can do is deal with it and make it out alive. Shit happens Amy, you either adapt and live or lay down and die. I don't have any plans on dying, do you?"

"N-No…" Amy balled her fists. "What do we do then?"

"Rias," said Kouji. "Stay away from Irina and Xenovia. The four of us can handle them…but the important thing is finding that mage that was in Karisma's office. Do you think-"

"I'm all over it," said Rias. "I won't interfere as promised, but if you need help from any of my servants, feel free to ask."

"Actually Rias," said Kiba. "If it's okay, I would like to help out with the Holy Sword. If something that powerful exists…I have to help them deal with it."

"I figured as much," Rias smiled. "But you'll be working with Kouji, is that fine with you?"

Kouji smiled. "I look forward to working with you Kiba."

"Likewise," Kouji smiled.

"Great, great, fantastic even," NingNing shot to her feet and grabbed Kouji's hand. "You, me, Winter, Amy…grocery store…Now! We have a fully functioning kitchen and a black card, oh we're gonna eat good tonight Winter!"

"Yes!" Winter shot to her feet and cheered. "Finally! I've waited a whole year for this!"

Kouji smiled and looked to Issei. "Apparently I'm cooking a feast tonight at the church. You're all free to join us if you have the time, you too Rias."

"As much as I would love to," Rias smiled. "I have to start this investigation. But you guys have fun, you can join them if you'd like Akeno."

"Really?" asked Akeno. "It does sound kind of fun."

"Great, great," said NingNing. "Can we go please? Pretty please? We did not destroy half the church to put in a kitchen for nothing."