Chapter 20: Time's Up

"I see. So Kokabiel intends to invade Kuoh." Rias said as the fallen duo was done explaining their former leader plotting something in our town. The details were almost exactly the same as what Azazel said, which means we still have a crazy warmonger to fight. The church duo were silent, listening and reacertaining the status of the stolen Excalibur fragments.

"That still does not explain why you did not inform me of your arrival at an earlier time." Her eyes were staring at both groups actually, "The same goes for the church."

"Azazel-sama and Shemhazai-sama did not want to risk any leaks as Kokabiel may flee with the Excaliburs elsewhere." Forcuis answered, his posture straight and polite.

"I supposed that is a reasonable assumption." Xenovia sighed, "We sent one of our priests in advance to covertly scount the area for clues and rendezvous at the abandon church before locating the devils in this town. Sadly, we lost contact and he went missing."

Fuck! I forgot about that little tibit! Freed did say something about a priest, but we never saw anyone near him. Poor guy must have been gutted earlier in canon. Maybe we could've helped him and earn a bit of their trust.

"Then I can safely presume you two are here to retrieve the stolen Excaliburs." Forcuis questioned.

"Yes. If you were to interfere with our mission, we will not hold back to kill you."

"I will keep that in mind." His voice sounded the tiniest bit on edge, "However, make no mistake. We do not aim to disturb the balance between the three factions."

"You may think that way, but due to your negligance, we need to waste time and resources to track down your former superior."

Forcuis narrowed his eyes but stayed silent. Raynare however, did not take Xenovia's jibe too well and seethed, "What does that suppose to mean?"

The bluenette tighten her hold on Destruction, "Carelessly letting a Cadre with such intentions lurking around your organization for such a long time? What else do we expect from fallens, you and the devils have always harbored evil. Perhaps there may be more than one traitor amongst you."

A major headache is coming, I can feel it.

"Do not blame us for your own incompetance." Raynare replied back with a scowl, even Forcuis doesn't look very happy. Neither of them are getting physical though. "You church dogs were the ones who carelessly allow your precious weapons to be stolen. Maybe your security was too busy praying for your God instead of doing what they are supposed to."

Irina was annoyed by that insult, "Isn't that a bit rude? A lot of fallens were once angels, and they fell beause they gave in to their desires. It's not strange for us to think there are more of you like Kokabiel."

"Have you forgotten the same could be applied to you? Many priests have gone astray due to their bloodlust and thirst for fighting. Your faith is not as firm as you believe." Forcuis calmly countered.

"And what do you think you can do? Just two girls against a Cadre? Kokabiel may have betrayed us, but we know he completely outclasses you in every aspect. You will be walking to your demise."

The church duo weren't phased by what Raynare pointed out, "Of course we will not willingly die by his hand. Our mission is to secure back the fragments and return them to the church or destroy them in order to stop their goals. If you are that doubtful, would you like witness first-hand at our abilities?"

Tension and anamosity are increasing as the groups stared at each other. Keep this up and we might actually end up fighting, this is what I was afraid of. With members from all three factions in one room, dispute was bound to happen sooner or later. We don't get along already and Kokabiel as a fallen offending the church just makes those two leery. Not to mention the present Xenovia and Raynare aren't exactly polite.

Rias noticed the situation and raised her voice louder to gain attention, "Enough. We are not here to cause a scene. Do any of you wish to discuss further?"

Xenovia took her eyes away from the fallens and looked at Rias, "We have a request- no, a demand. The devils must keep out of our fight against the fallens over the Excaliburs. This incident is ours to settle."

"Do you still believe I would cooperate with the fallens?"

"One can never be too sure. Until this matter is resolved, the final fragment will be guarded by the Orthodox Church."

"Quite presumptious of you to ask for that." Rias' tone was calm and leveled with a hint of iritation, "Kuoh is under the devils jurisdiction. Are you saying I should do nothing when enemies have infiltrated my territory to harm us?"

Narrowing her eyebrows, "That maybe so, but your movements could be perceived as a threat to us. After all, the Excaliburs are Holy Swords which can annihilate you with ease. There will be no telling what you would do to them. Furthermore, this is an internal affair, one we will settle as soon as possible and leave this town before we overstay our welcome."

"How about a proposal then? What would you say if I have potential information about Kokabiel's whereabouts as well as an Excalibur fragment?"

All four of them stiffen in alarm. Xenovia narrowed her eyes, "Would you mind elaborate the details?"

The red head's smile looked almost complacent, "Last night, we have encountered a stray priest in posession of an Excalibur which grants the user immense speed. A certain foul mouthed priest with white hair that you fallens once employed."

"Freed?!" Raynare exclaimed, her mouth almost gaping in shock, "He is working under Kokabiel now?"

"Apparently so. After a scuffle, we managed to detain him and attempted to interrogate him for any useful information. He was quite tight-lipped and we only discovered the types of Excaliburs Kokabiel has stolen, and he has numerous hideouts around Kuoh which even he does not know."

Silence permeated. Forcuis and Raynare were still processing the information while Xenovia looked torn between ignoring and negotiating with us. Irina nudged her partner, "Xenovia, our chances of success is slim already. If they don't make us do anything too bad, maybe we can get our next clue."

The agent sighed regretfully and asked in lament, "What are your demands?"

"Wait! We want to know where Kokabiel is too. That traitor-"

Forcuis' hand firmly grasped Raynare's shoulders, "Our mission is to relay information as messengers, Raynare. And that mission is already completed. We cannot afford to overstep our boundaries such as our previous mission."

"Don't worry about it." Irina cut in, "It's best if the wielder is far away from the Excaliburs as possible. We only need the information and fragment. Since he was once your subordinate, you can have that stray priest after we're done with him."

Surprise crossed their faces. Forcuis released his hold on her and nodded in appreciation, "Thank you."

"But remember, only after we are done with him." Xenovia parroted.

Okay, so far so good. A few bumps on the way but it's going according to plan. Freed will be taken to Azazel for imprisonment, leaving Kokabiel no Excalibur wielders and hopefully we won't see him again in the future. We can't pinpoint Kokabiel's exact location but with Rapidly here, Valper would probably focus more on seizing it back than going out of his way to find Freed. Even if he tried to inject holy properties to make a new wielder, I doubt he can make one as powerful as our crazy prisoner, especially on such short notice.

Rias put her business face on, "We only have one demand actually: the destruction of all Excalibur fragments." The Excalibur wielders' hands went to their weapons by reflex, but the King continued without missing a beat, "But not entirely."

Confused and wary, Xenovia asked with her hand still on the sword handle, "What do you mean?"

"Allow me to explain." Kiba stepped up, arms crossed and glaring at the holy swords, "I am a survivor of the Holy Sword Project. As such, I bear a great hatred towards those swords. In exchange for Freed and a fragment, I want all fragments you plan to gather in ruins. You did mention their destrction was better than allowing Kokabiel to achive his goals, did you not?"

They took a few minutes to think about it, analyzing just how truthful was Kiba's words and their options, "There were rumors about a survivor... Very well. I can somewhat understand your hatred. As long as the core is intact, rebuilding the Excaliburs is possible with the correct alchemy."

"We have an agreement." Rias stood up from her seat and walked to the exit, "Please follow me." The rest of us trailed after her to a long corridor, reaching to a sealed room completely opposite of Gasper's room. She began unlocking it and slowly opened, revealing a familiar human who was bounded in a straitjacket, chained to a chair, and gagged with duct tape. He's thrashing around in futile attempt to escape before stopping and popping his eyes wide open at his former bosses.

"Mrggmrrmrrrmrg!"

The Gremory group stared flatly at that crazy look in his eyes, "He would not stop shouting profanities, so we had no choice but to restrain him to this extent."

"I can imagine him doing that." Raynare smiled almost maliciously, "Hello Freed, I'm sure you would be happy working with us again. I can't wait to know where your new boss is."

"Frghkyou!"

"So this is your prisoner, but where is Excalibur Rapidly?" Xenovia looked around the bare room to find nothing else.

My King gave me the nod of approval and in turn, I unzipped my backpack and gave Miho my nod of approval. The Salamander reached her hand into it and pulled out Rapidly from the secret compartment...

"What... is that?" Xenovia pointed at the sword with her eyes glaring darkly at us.

... or what's left of it. The blade portion is almost completely shattered.

Kiba spoke, "I told you didn't I? My purpose is to destroy all the Excalibur fragments. Rest assured, the core is still intact. That sword is repairable."

"Hey, wait a minute! How can a devil hold an Excalibur? Even if it's broken and weaken, it can still easily burn a devil." Irina asked, poiting out the contradiction as everyone outside the Gremory group, excluding Forcuis, stared out in wonder.

"Now that's where you're wrong. Miho isn't a devil, she's my familiar."

After Kiba smashed Rapidly into pieces, he felt great relief like some weight is off his shoulders. He looked like he's seen part of paradise, even tearing up a bit, never saw him gazing so happily at the sky before. After that, we decided to let Miho and I guard the broken fragment by keeping it with me in my backpack at all times, since she's the only one completely unaffected by the holy properties and strong enough to look after it. Apparently, it functions as a piece of any other lump of metal if someone who's not chosen wields it, doesn't mean that I'm unaffected by the residual traces of it's holiness but it's bearable.

"That explains much." Forcuis focused on Miho, reexamining her with his sensing abilities no doubt, "Your prowers did not felt anything like demonic energy at all. Quite impressive for you to contract with a strong familiar."

"Thanks. Miho did most of the work, I just help her out."

Xenovia spun around to face our King with slight disgruntlement, "You allow a familiar who is not part of our business to attend our meeting?"

My right eye twitch.

"Make no mistake, Miho is the familiar of my servant. She is one of us as well as a valuable fighter. Or are you saying you know how devils run their business better than me?"

The church agent had no comeback for that, "Very well. We would like to initiate or own interrogation on the stray."

"You may have the fragment in our possession once you fulfill your end of the bargain. Think of the complimentary information as a gesture of good faith."

Makes sense, Xenovia and Irina want to double-check if we're selling them the wrong information. Rias asked Akeno to bring them a copy of a map with Kokabiel's bases marked on it. The bluenette proceeded to stand in front of Freed and tore off the tape.

*Rip*

"Yeeeooch! You fucking bitch, that smarts!"

"Start talking. Where are you hiding the Excalibur fragments?"

"Like hell I'm gonna talk! How about you use your mouth to suck my cock with that goody two shoes tongue of yours! Might as well have anal and scream you cunt dripping ass liking whore of a- mrgghgrhmh"

Thankfully, Xenovia slapped the tape back on to shut him up before he could say more, "On second thought, your information alone would suffice."

The beet red Irina tip-toed away from our captive, "How did you get him to talk?"

"Lots of pummeling and my version of hypnotism, and that's after letting our Queen zapped him senseless for chuckles." I answered blandly.

"Then we will return to Grigori with Freed. He has a lot to repent to us and Azazel-sama."

Raynare created light rope and dragged her prize. The church agents accepted the map from Akeno and scanned the locations. It's not that many and there's still undiscoverd ones, it'll take a while for them cover each base to search those fragments. They nodded in satisfaction and all of us peacefully exited the old school building. At least there's no fight this time.

"We will take our leave. Once we achieved our goals, I expect you to return Excalibur Rapidly as promised."

"The same goes to you." Rias said with her amrs crossed under her chest.

The fallens bowed in appreciation, "Thank you for allowing us to inform you of Kokabiel's betrayal, as well as capturing Freed. We would once again like to express our deepest apologies for our atrocious actions."

Just as they were about to turn around and leave, Issei called out with his hand outstretch, "Raynare wait!" She stopped to look at Issei with uncertainty in her eyes. Her ex-boyfriend's words were caught in his throat, suddenly nervous and straining to say something but slowly lowered his hand, giving up in the end, "Never mind... sorry."

His killers eyes were neither vengeful, nor were they remorseful or warm. Raynare wordlessly turned her back and walked away, most likely back to Grigori. The other group already departed in search for the fragments. With our business concluded, we went our separate ways to return home. Miho replaced the broken sword back in my backpack as we joined Issei and Asia, our homes are partway on the same route. And I got something to ask him anyway.

"Issei, how do you currently feel about Raynare?"

His breath hitched, Asia grabbed his hand for whatever comfort she could give. Issei, usually easygoing, was grimacing, "I... don't know. I mean, I'm still mad at her for hurting Asia, but that was when she was tricked by this Kokabiel bastard. Now... I just don't know."

"Issei-san." The healer tighten her grip, "Raynare-sama is strict and looks a bit scary, but I don't think she is bad at heart. She didn't hurt me before taking my Twilight Healing."

"And I don't know what to think of her as well." I dived into my memories to remember what little I had about her, "Raynare is definitely better than her anime counterpart. Trust me, you don't want to know what she did. However, there's one thing I know for sure." Stepping in front of him, I placed a fist over his heart, "It's that you're always a good judge of character. You wouldn't feel this conflicted if she was truly evil to the core, follow your heart and see where it leads you. Even if you're wrong, we're here to save your ass."

His lips twitched slight upwards as the pervert regained back some of his vigor, "You'll never run out of those cheezy anime lines, will you?"

"Nope." I popped the 'p' sound.

"Remember Issei-san. Now matter what happens, I will always be by your side."

"While you may be a lecherous, you are still Hanwei-sama's friend and our comrade."

Our perverted friend bashfully smiled, scratching the back of his head, "Thanks guys."

Comfortable silence filled the rest of our walk this time. After bidding goodbyes, we parted and head back home. Let's just hope there aren't anymore too big of deviations from canon.

"You're quite good at Physics Daisuke. Already working with the sum of both translational and rotational kinetic energy to this level." Rias commented, taking peeks at my notebook filled with equations for both homework and spells.

"Ara ara, you did say you have quite the aptitude for Mathematics." Akeno looked through my quadratic equations along with geometry about spheres.

"What can I say? I'm a math wiz."

"There's even a bit of differentiation and integration. I'm surprised you have time even for this."

"Well, it did cut my time for Japanese a little. Other than that, it wasn't too much of a hassle."

"Ufufu, how studious. I could tutor you more in case you have any problems Daisuke-kun."

"I wouldn't mind helping you as well. You can come and ask me anytime."

Straining a smile, "It's not that bad. I'll be sure to ask when I need something."

"Let me assure you Daisuke, I have utmost confidence in my Japanese. Even before I moved here, I always had a fascination with Japanese culture and learned the language to the point where it is as good as my first language." The otaku declared proudly.

"Ara ara, I always excel in my native language. You are always welcome to my home if you want to have a better understanding. You can even sleep over for the night."

Whispers and death glares were directed straight at me from everywhere. The bell rang not too long ago, signifying lunch time for the students. And the Two Great Onee-samas just happened to pass by, causing my classmates to nearly shriek in happiness. They decided to have lunch with me in class, our desks connected so the three of us could sit together. That isn't what earned me the ire of every male students and majority of female students. It was the fact that Rias was on my left while Akeno was seated to my right, both leaning almost close enough to make physical contact.

Issei and Asia weren't surprised and for some reason, nodded at me before leaving to the cafeteria. Matsuda and Motohama felt the worst, glaring darkly at me with absolute despair and frustration. There's bound to be another rumor, and it better not be something asinine like the dark knight becoming the fallen knight who enslaves the hearts and bodies of two innocent maidens. Presumably it wouldn't be this bad since there's the already existing rumor about me dating Akeno, but Rias intimately chatting with me is new.

In other words, the entire school population thinks I'm hogging them both.

Kiryuu was in the crowd, hypothesizing a theory completely opposite of what I want to hear if that cheeky smile was anything to go by. This is gonna bite me in the ass, I just know it.

Judging by how nonchalant Rias and Akeno are, either they have perfected their skills to ignore the surroundings, or just gotten really used to it to the point it's completely normal in their lives. Knowing them, it could be both. I knew they were worshipped, just not how much they are worshipped. More than a few of the onee-sama's fans practically fainted when their breasts touched my arms. But I won't falter this time. Ever since Akeno's last flirting attempt, I have better control of my emotions.

*Growl*

"How about we get some lunch? I'm getting pretty hungry." Closing my notebook, I eagerly withdrew a bento made by Miho. Let's see, today is pork, egg rolls, shrimp with seasoning on the rice with other side dishes I forgot. Nonetheless, they are delicious, gotta love her cooking.

""Ah, wait.""

They somehow went in sync and pulled out two bentos. Weird? Are they extra hungry? Though I have no doubt the nutrients are absorbed into their more feminine anatomies.

"Here, I thought you like some dessert."

"I hope they are to your liking."

Rias and Akeno traded silent competitive glares before quickly opening the bentos. The former had honey egg tarts while the latter had chocolate and strawberry flavoured cupcakes. The sweet aroma wafted to my nose, both of them look pretty tantalizing.

"Wow, thanks. You didn't have to."

"True, but I want to."

"Go ahead Daisuke-kun. Tell me what you think."

""Here. Aaaahh.""

More of their fans passed out, some did while sitting down. I didn't think that was even possible without magic. My smile immediately turned stiff as they each held their respective dessert in their hands to feed me, "Uh, it's okay. I can eat by myself."

""No need to worry, let me spoil you.""

Did they just say what I said to Miho last night? The perverted duo were now weeping uncontrollably and Kiryuu's... Is she taking pictures?!

This is seriously getting uncomfortable. The Two Great Onee-sama's eyes were almost sparkling in anticipation. Ultimately, I just quickly grabbed the food from their hands, earning sad frowns, and tried out the tart first.

"It's got good balance between sweetness and softness. I like it." The red head smiled in delight as the ravenette waited imptiently. Taking a bite of the cupcake, "You can taste the warm flavour all over the taste buds. It's great." Akeno smiled with equal delight.

"Thank you. I wasn't sure what you really liked, so I tried some pastries from your country."

"Ufufu, you always did have a sweet tooth. I will add some frosting next time for you."

Don't know why, but I think there's more than just competitiveness in their eyes. I smiled gratefully, "Thanks you two. It's not often, but I occasionally have some sweets. Can't have them too much or I'll get cavities."

""I can bake them again. Maybe once a week if you like?""

Their syncing is starting to creep me out, "Maybe once a fortnight. Sure."

With renewed enthusiasm, they grabbed another one of their desserts and held them right in front of my mouth.

""Aaaahh.""

They're not gonna stop, are they...

It was tough, they even successfully hand fed me a few times, much to my embarrassment and to their joy. After surviving the whole ordeal, they ate their own lunch and went back to class. I went for a bathroom break before any jealous students could interrogate me for answers. Walking along the corridor, I was about to head to someplace quiet to relax for the rest of lunch break until I spotted a guy carrying lots of stacked up boxes. He almost lost balance before I gave him a hand.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"Here, let me help." Taking half the boxes and to my surprise, it was none other than Sona's Pawn, "Saji?"

"Daisuke? Didn't think I'd see you here." He readjusted himself to get a better hold.

"You need these at the council office?"

"Yeah, sorry. We're a bit busy so I had to carry more of these to make up time."

We began walking to the Student Council Office. Never had much interaction with Sona's group before, "What's in these anyway? There isn't supposed to be any big events in the first semester."

"Just some documents about bills and conditions of school infrastructure, some are for the sports festival and school festival in the second semester. Kaichou wants to make sure everything goes smoothly in advance for everyone to participate."

Snickering, "That sounds like the strict and dedicated Sona-kaichou. Guess you got it rough, huh?"

Saji smiled sheepishly, "You can say that. While she rarely shows it, Kaichou really cares about everyone having as much fun as possible in their school life. Something that I wholeheartedly agree on. So I don't mind the extra work, as long as it keeps the school lively."

Opening the door to see the room devoid of any people, I carefully navigate around the tables, "Where do you want these?"

"Just put them in the corner over there." After placing them and Saji scrutinize for any misplacement in the council office, he smiled appreciatively, "Thanks for the help Daisuke."

"No problem. So, I've been wondering. You don't have to answer me but, how did you end up joining Sona-kaichou's peerage?"

"Oh that? It's not because of something big like meeting a supernatural person. It happened a few months ago, I... uh..." The Sitri Pawn hesitated for a moment, "... had problems with studies in the second year. I thought it was gonna be like last year's curriculum and by the time I've caught up with the syllabus, I couldn't make heads or tails with it all."

"I went to the library one day to try and catch up with not much success. It was to the point where I banged my head on the table." Saji's eyes suddenly look brighter, "Sona-kaichou chided me for disturbing the silence. Don't know it was because of my pathetic look on my face or something, but she offered to tutor me. Her explanations were clear and simple, and I felt really happy that the Student Council President actually went out of her way to help someone like me without asking for anything in exchange."

"Guess I can relate to that. I always ask help from my friends when I'm stuck with something."

"I know right. After a few sessions, I started liking hanging out with her more, even when she's really strict. Took a while and after some convincing, I finally got a spot in the student council and found out they were devils. Freaked the hell out of me but to me, Kaichou is Kaichou. I was dead set on proving myself to be useful to her. I was even happier when she was surprised to see my Sacred Gear which makes me even more useful."

So Sona doesn't know about Saji's gear before he was reincarnated, just like my case with Rias. It wasn't like I expected anything bad from the Sitri heiress, guess I'm just curious. So Saji and I are a bit similar.

"You're so lucky." He stared at me in surprise. "I had to get skewered by a light spear to meet Buchou, hurts like hell. Why can't my life be more ordinary like yours?"

"I'm lucky?" His index finger pointed to himself, then to me, "You're the one who's lucky. You got brains, brawns, and an awesome gear. Kaichou showed us your Rating Game against Riser Phenex, you're the perfect servant any master can ask for."

Saji explained further at my raised eyebrow, "The part where you said about peerages being the masters' pillars. I want to be just like that for Kaichou. I want to be with her every step of the way to achieve her dream. It doesn't matter who stands in her way, I'll beat the guy up and do whatever it takes. Even if I have to give my life up for it. For Kaichou, no cost is too big to-"

"So you like Sona-kaichou?"

Pausing in midsentence, the Sitri Pawn blushed slightly, "Well, she is cool and kind in her own way. What's wrong with liking her?"

"Nothing. She is the third most popular girl in school... Or was it Tsubaki-fukukaichou?"

"It's Kaichou." He deadpanned.

"Sorry, I don't pay much attention to these kinds of stuff. Like I said, there's nothing wrong with liking a girl. It brings out the best in us guys actually. But I can't agree about the 'giving up your life' part. If you die, then who's gonna be by her side? Who's gonna see her beatific face when she finally realizes her dream? As her faithful supporter, you have the responsibility to see it to the end. One of the most painful suffering is standing alone at the top."

"Well... what about the present?" He fumbly tried to retort, "What's the point in that if I'm too weak to help her now?"

"Do both." His eyebrows rose in shock. "I can't say it's okay to bet on your life all the time, that's your decision. When push comes to shove, you better make sure to come back in one piece. If not for your sake, but for the sake of Kaichou and your friends."

"I guess I can do that. When I said I'd give up my life, I didn't mean anytime soon. It's not like some strong guys are gonna get in the way." Saji joked.

'I hope you're right.'

"So, time for my question. What's the deal between you and the Two Great Onee-samas?"

Took me a few seconds to figure out what he meant, then I deadpaned, "It happened not even an hour ago."

He shrugged, "Rumors travel fast in Kuoh Academy, especially when it comes to those two."

"It's complicated. Can't tell you much about them since it's their emotions. We have some mixed feelings, that's all."

"Now I've seen it all. A guy who actually has mixed feelings about Rias-senpai and Himejima-senpai."

"Says the guy who's crushing on Sona-kaichou."

"Touché."

An idea hit me, "Say, my friends and I are going for karaoke. The one that's gonna be done renovating soon. Wanna join us?"

"Really? Who's going?"

"Well there's-"

The door suddenly opened to show Sona, "Saji, what are- Hanwei-kun? Do you have any business with the Student Council?"

"Oh, I'm just helping Saji with carrying the boxes and asking him to hang out for some karaoke."

A small smile played on her lips, "Thank you for your assistance." Her smile suddenly vanished as a strict atmosphere surrounded her, "Will there be any girls in your outing?"

"There are Asia, Koneko, and Aika Kiryuu from my class."

"My apologies Hanwei-kun, but Saji is forbidden from joining any activities with the opposite gender outside of school. Therefore, he cannot come."

"What? But Kaichou-"

The president's aura suddenly intensified, "Is there a problem, Student Council member Saji." Sona emphasized the Student Council part.

The Pawn cowered in fear and obeyed, "No, Sona-kaichou."

'Good luck dude.' I inwardly cheered for my new friend.

School's over for the day and I somehow managed to stay out of my human friends' radar. Along with Issei and Asia, I knocked the door as usual and entered, "Hey guys." Instead of the usual greeting, we find the club room with a heavy atmosphere, including Gasper in his box.

"Daisuke, Issei, Asia. Good, everyone listen. There has been a report about a roadside in the east near the outskirts of Kuoh heavily damaged. No human casualties were accounted for. However, there are traces of light, presumably due to a fight. Which only means it could be either the church agents or the fallen angels."

All of us tensed at Rias' news. This definitely did not happen in canon. "Sona is already informed and we took care of the accident by having a traffic incident as false news. Daisuke, what are your thoughts on this?"

Heads turned to me as I thought deeply with a hand under my chin, "Our original training time against fire chicken was ten days not fourteen, so the Excalibur arc started earlier from our perspective. Either Xenovia and Irina arrived later than they should have, or something prompt Kokabiel to act sooner. I'm betting the later since Forcuis and Raynare never came here in the original timeline. Maybe we should search through the town. If I'm right- and I really hope I'm not -we're gonna have to deal with Kokabiel tonight."

Our King stood up with full authority, "Everyone, have your familiars comb through Kuoh. Look for any unsactioned supernatural occurences and report back immediately."

"Yes, Buchou."

All of us except Issei and Gasper, summoned back our familiars thorough our contract magic circles. Miho, in her scale-themed work uniform, teleported after a few seconds, "Yes, Hanwei-sama?"

"Miho, find any abnormalities in Kuoh, including any small or isolated areas and report back to me. We might have a big fight, no individual initiatives unless it's absolutely necessary."

"As you wish, Hanwei-sama." She transformed into her salamander form and teleported.

This is gonna suck so hard, I can feel it. At least my ace in the hole is ready. No way I can go toe-to-toe with a Cadre at my current strength, our training time is significantly less than what we had before. Not to mention this development occurred sooner than I anticipated. Azazel, whatever you're doing, you better do it fast.

"I just informed Sona of the situation. She also had her peerage's familiars around Kuoh. Hopefully, we won't-" Rias' bat familiar suddenly appeared in front of her, she narrowed her eyes, "Irina is found unconscious near a forest south-east of town, alone."

"Irina's hurt?!" Issei exclamied in shock.

"This happened too soon, it's a trap." I provided.

"Perhaps. However, potential enemy or not, leaving a wounded girl alone does not bode well for me, or anyone else in this room for that matter. And Issei looks worried about her."

The Pawn in question was definitely tensed, guess he still cares about his childhood friends despite being on opposite sides, "Didn't say we shouldn't go. Everyone remembered to bring your gears right?"

Earning collective nods, Rias prepared a magic circle. I left my backpack which stored Rapidly next to Gasper, "Hold the fort for us, okay? We're counting on you."

"Y-yes. Please be safe." Gasper bravely said with a bit of fear and somehow regret.

One teleportation later, we found Irina in the state as in the anime. Asia wasted no time to heal her, trailed after by Issei. Shortly after, Sona and Tsubaki also arrived from a blue teleportation circle.

"Rias, what happened?"

"Sona, thank you for coming. Apparently, one the church agent is wounded, but not fatally."

All the physical injuries are healing at a rapid rate, but Irina won't wake up, "Sorry, Twilight Healing cannot heal lost stamina."

The Sitri heiress crouched down for a quick look, "It's okay, you have done enough. My house has treating equipment. Tsubaki."

The vice-president carried the chesnut haired girl and teleported back. Most of us thought we could relax a little until our devil instincts kicked in. At least it's not-

"Me."

A guy appeared from a tree was- you must be fucking kidding me! "Freed?! What happened to Forcuis and Raynare?"

Everyone got into defensive positions. Unlike the times we last met him, the stray exorcist was scowling like mad, "Boss man came and help when I was in a pinch." He pointed an Excalibur that I think is Mimic, "I'm gonna eviscerate you fuckers for treating me so nicely. Starting by ramming this Excalibur-chan into your asses. Daisuke-kun might have a swifter death though for his little kindness."

"Trust me, I didn't like it any more than you did."

"Boss?" Sona repeated in question.

"That is correct." A familiar barrier suddenly erected around the perimeter. An ominous aura pressured onto us as we look up. Hovering above us was the warmonger, "Good evening heiresses of Gremory and Sitri Households. Freed's capture was certainly unexpected. Should he be still imprisoned by you, I would have personally free him and advance my plan ahead of schedule. However, I am familiar with fallen angel infiltration techniques better than anyone."

We would have been dead if Forcuis and Rayanare didn't come, wouldn't we? But why do they want with Freed so much? I don't remember him being that important in canon.

"Kokabiel." Rias slowly called out as she walked forward, pride oozing out of her voice, "Good evening. Now what do I owe the pleasure of meeting a Cadre-class fallen angel such as yourself?"

Sona followed up to Rias' side, "What indeed? You have made a bit of a ruckus in Kuoh Town. Invading devils' territory? Letting your subordinate run amok with Excalibur? Do you fancy yourself in restarting a war which was ceased so long ago?"

The Cadre laughed maniacally, his condescending viseage aimed at us, "Perhaps I may enlighten you, provided you are able to entertain me before the main force arrives." He pointed his finger towards our school, "That institute is your base of operations correct? I wonder if Sirzechs or Serafall will arrive first should you be left on the brink of death?" A pillar of light rocketed from the distance, "Oh, it seems Valper is already starting the necessary preparations for the detonation. This town must hold great significance if the younger sisters of Lucifer and Leviathan are governing it."

What?!

"Valper Galilei?!" Kiba shouted in rage.

"Detonation?" Sona's facade almost broke with vexation, "You would murder every student and resident of Kuoh in cold blood all for the sake of your motive?"

"Of course. Your elder siblings who befits the status of Maous would not arrive for any less. Quite a shame I have no method for Michael. Perhaps his benevolence will blind his judgement, forcing him to come if his two precious followers were to be killed."

"My Boss is awesome isn't he?" A small crazed smirk appeared, "This is why I'm following him, I get to run wild as much as I want. It's payback time shitty devils. These babies are goona make you scream until it reaches to good ol' Heaven."

Opening his coat, Freed revealed the rest of the frag- Is that Destruction?! Oh come on! What else changed?!

Our Knight unsheathed his blade, but made no moves yet. Even if it's Freed, having four Excalibur fragments is not easy to deal with. So much for the deciding-the-battlefield idea. Then again against Kokabiel, the terrain advantage is almost negligible, "What happened to Xenovia, Forcuis and Raynare?"

"Oh, them. For a devil to be concerned about the enemy? You are a strange one." Kokabiel casually float there, almost bored, "That other Excalibur wielder and Azazel's little workers are a slippery bunch, especially that sensor. They are probably hiding like cowards, pitifully licking their wounds as we speak. Once you join them, we will reclaim Excalibur Rapidly and unleash my army."

Issei gulped at the mention of an army.

"Do try to give me a warm up at least. It'll be interesting to see what you can provide."

Freed threw a flash bomb. After our vision clears, those two are gone, most probably heading to Kuoh Academy. I don't know if we can hold out until Vali gets here like in canon. But if we don't, everyone I know here will die. Not just us, Takazuchi-san, Haru, Ojiro-jiisan, Kiryuu, Motohama, Matsuda, and countless other innocent lives are at stake. My hands clenched unconsciously, I refuse to let that happen.

The Kings took command, "Everyone, we return to Kuoh Academy at once. Cadre or not, we will not allow Kokabiel to devastate our home. We will emerge victorious!"

"Yes!" All of us responded with resolution.

Time to see just how strong this guy really is.

Byayan (Assuming all three of you are the same person instead of three people with the same name): Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. No, he doesn't have any affairs on Earth, he said he never had a girl liking him before, remember.

Guest-Questioner: Thanks. Neither did I, guess some people are just too faithful, huh.

A.N.: Hey guys, sorry I'm late because of school and all. I'll probably be updating once every two or three weeks. About the ones who gave negative reviews, I don't think you're reading this so I won't bother replying. If you are, then whatever, I aprreciate all reviews anyway. I think I'm getting writer's block, it keeps getting harder to progress. What do you guys think about this chapter? I'm not exactly confident since I cut out a lot of unneeded/slightly nonsensical parts. Hope you guys like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne