Fallen Angels Arc Chapter 17: Battle of Kuoh Begins

"Well, she hasn't returned or sent a single report. Guess you know what time it is," Kalawarner said to Dohnaseek and Mittelt, who nodded in response. She then turned to the small army of fallen angels and stray exorcists.

"Find Raynare and the nun at all costs. The three of us will go pay those devils a visit. They seem to be spread across town. Feel free to destroy the town if you want; I don't really care." Kalawarner said, gesturing forward, as a bunch of fallen angels and stray exorcists grinned evilly, running and flying out of the church and towards the town.

"HEY!! WHY THE HELL DO I HAVE TO STAY BEHIND?! I WAS READY TO RUMBLE!" Freed yelled in irritation as the Kalawarner, Dohnaseek, and Mittelt prepared to fly off with their own small groups of about 15 fallen angels and 25 stray exorcists.

"Because you are in charge of guarding our base and watching over Lullaby, and there are other fallen angels and exorcists downstairs, and they're fine with staying behind, so stop complaining," Dohnaseek said. Then, Mittelt chimed in, "Have fun, Freedy." They started to fly away with their individual groups.

"YOU BASTARDS, SCREW YOU!" He yelled in frustration and then turned back into the church, grumbling in anger. He sat on one of the pews and pulled out one of his "prized magazines" from his coat. "Guess this is the best way to pass the time," Freed said as he started undoing his belt.

Asia and Raynare stayed hugging for a few minutes before pulling away. "There, feel any better?" Asia asked, smiling at Raynare.

Raynare looked away. "Hmph, maybe just a little," she said, as a small blush crept onto her cheeks.

Asia giggled at her reaction. "Hehe, even if it's just a little, that's still better than nothing. I'm sure you'll feel completely better soon." Asia said, smiling in an Akeno style.

Jiro then walks out from behind the wall. "Looks like you girls are getting along." He said, startling both of them.

"J-Jiro-san?! Were you listening?" Asia said, eyes wide. He responded with a "yup". Irina then peeked around the wall. "He wasn't the only one; I was too," she said with a sheepish smile.

Raynare looks at him, her cheeks turning red in embarrassment that both of them had heard her story. "Guess I can see why you are the way you are," Jiro said in a serious tone.

Raynare turned away, trying to hide her vulnerable expression. "Well? What happened after that?" Jiro asked, to which Raynare sighed.

Raynare knew there was no point in hiding it anymore since Jiro and Irina had already heard everything and reluctantly spoke. "To keep it simple, after he found me, I was placed within Kokabiel's sub-faction, and for centuries, I was tasked with carrying out assassinations and search-and-find missions. And that continued all the way up until now. Many years later, when I got older and stronger, I returned to the village at the foot of the mountain and decimated it. I felt an immense sense of relief and satisfaction at being able to avenge my parents and home. After that, I began to enjoy the feeling of killing and hurting humans, and I swore loyalty to Kokabiel and accepted myself as his tool since... he was the only one who showed concern for me." Raynare said, solemnly.

Irina and Asia frowned in sympathy, knowing what was really going on. Jiro looked at her in empathy, knowing how it feels to have one's parents killed and wanting revenge, but didn't voice it. "Is that right? Tell me, did he show any kind of real concern for you after he found you that night? In the centuries you served under him, did he pay any kind of attention to you when it didn't involve missions? Did he even reward you for your efforts?" Jiro asked, to which Raynare stayed silent, recalling her past with Kokabiel.

Raynare shook her head, pulling herself out of her thoughts. "Whether he did or not, he took me in when I had almost no home and no one who showed any kind of care for me then or since. Because he did that, I am eternally grateful. Therefore, it's my duty to serve him, obtain Twilight Healing, and use it for his cause," Raynare said, definitely.

"Is that so? Pretty sure it seemed like he was only interested in the power you might've possessed, judging by him saying, 'I must admit it would be a waste to leave a descendant of two powerful individuals here to die soon would be a waste.' If you ask me, if he hadn't thought and said that, he would've left you there to die without a care in the world." Jiro said, making Raynare look at him in contemplation.

"B-but I-" Raynare started, but Jiro cut her off. "And you said no one showed any care for you then, or since, so are you trying to tell me a certain someone didn't just show any care for you by healing your injuries, listening to your story, and comforting you a few minutes ago?" Jiro said, pointing at Asia.

Raynare glanced at Asia for a second and then looked down. She knew he was right; Asia had shown real care for her, even despite the way Raynare had treated her. Jiro then approached her and crouched down to meet her gaze while she sat.

"Now let me tell you something: no one exists in the world to be used by others, no matter how grateful you are. There are other, better ways of showing gratitude. We all have our own wants and desires, and no one has the right to take control of them. You are not someone's "tool" to be used and discarded. You are Fallen Angel Raynare, a being who, whether fallen or otherwise, has the right to choose her own path." Jiro said, looking into her eyes and poking her forehead.

Raynare looks at him, stunned into silence. The wisdom in his words beginning to resonate with her. Jiro then stands back up.

"Now you tell me; which feels better to you? Living your life as Kokabiel's tool to use, or having someone like Asia here show genuine care and concern for you?" Jiro asked, pointing at Asia again.

Raynare looks down and begins to recall her time working under Kokabiel. She realizes he really didn't show any care or concern for her and simply ordered her around. He would even punish her severely if she failed at a task, even if it was above her skill level, but she simply endured it, unconsciously feeling grateful that he was giving her attention at all.

Raynare then glances at Asia. She recalls the feeling of her aching bruises fading away from her light touch, the warmth of her embrace, and her kind words after hearing her story. It was a feeling she hadn't felt... since she last saw her mother, and it was very foreign to her, yet she longed for more of it.

Raynare looked back at Jiro in resignation. "Yeah, you're right... feeling cared for does feel better than... that," Raynare said, turning away.

Jiro smiled, then in one swift movement, he cut the ropes that bound her and removed the anti-magic handcuffs. Raynare's eyes widened at the action, surprised that he had released her, and secretly shocked by Jiro's immense speed.

"Y-you untied me? Why?" Raynare asked, genuinely surprised. Irina and Asia also looked on in surprise. "Because judging from your story and our discussion, I can tell you really aren't a bad person. You're just... misunderstood. So I see no reason to hold you prisoner." Jiro said, making Irina smile because she had guessed right and that Jiro agreed with her.

"R-really? You're letting me go?" Raynare said, shakily, yet hopeful, her eyes widening.

"Yeah, you can go back to Kokabiel's group, or you can stay here for a while. It's your choice," Jiro said, shrugging. Raynare looked down for a few seconds, thinking.

On one hand, she doesn't want to return to her fallen comrades, knowing they're waiting for her return and potentially facing the wrath of Kokabiel for failing to complete her current mission. On the other hand, she's weary of staying with the three of them, having viewed Jiro as an enemy and him once being her assassination target, not really knowing Irina, although she could sense that she was a pure angel, and Asia being her target to capture and... the way she treated her before. Asia then approaches Raynare and takes her right hand in hers.

"I know you're most likely conflicted about the idea of staying with us, but... I honestly would love to have you stay with us." Asia said, giving Raynare a kind smile. Raynare looked at her, eyes wide from her statement.

"W-why? I... abused you... tried to use you..." Raynare said in a low tone. Asia shook her head dismissively.

"I know you did, but like I said, I know you didn't do so out of a personal grudge towards me in particular, even if you disliked humans in general. You were ordered to do so, along with your own personal insecurities. So I have no reason to hold a grudge against you for what you've done, not that I would anyway." Asia said, looking up at her.

Raynare, upon hearing her words, felt true guilt for the first time in her long life. She had been guilty of all she had done to the former nun. She mentally recalled all the times she had slapped her in the face, pulled her hair, yelled at her, and insulted her. Raynare was now beginning to regret all her actions towards someone so kind and forgiving.

"Asia... I'm so sorry for everything I did to you." Raynare said, hanging her head in shame and regret. Asia smiled and shook her head again.

"There's no need to apologize, Lady Raynare. Because I've already forgiven you." Asia said as she wrapped her arms around Raynare's waist, pulling her into a hug, burying her head under her chest, due to their height difference. Raynare returned the gesture, wrapping her arms around Asia's neck, as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Jiro and Irina watched the scene, smiling. "How beautiful," Irina said, almost moved to tears. "Guess this really shows you can't always judge a book by its cover, even towards beings who are seen as evil." Jiro said, somewhat starting to see other races in a new light, specifically devils. Irina nodded.

Raynare and Asia pulled apart, smiling at each other until Jiro approached slightly. "Sorry to interrupt your touching reconciliation, but I have two questions. You said you wanted to obtain Twilight Healing and use it for Kokabiel's sake, right? How exactly were you planning to get it and use it?" Jiro asked with an eyebrow raised.

Raynare looked at him, taken aback by his sudden question, but answered honestly. "We were going to have a ritual to extract Twilight Healing from Asia's body and embed it into myself," Raynare said, making the three look at her in shock.

"What?! Are you serious?! You know removing a person's sacred gear results in their death, right?!" Jiro and Irina said in unison.

"Y-yes, I'm aware and... I regret even considering doing that to Asia." Raynare said, looking down in shame. Asia let out a sigh of relief and looked at Raynare, smiling.

Jiro and Irina regained their composure and also sighed. "Anyway, how were you going to use it?" Jiro asked, repeating his earlier question.

"With Twilight Healing being the best healing-type sacred gear, I would have gained immense power to heal any wounds I get and use it for Kokabiel's cause." Raynare said with a stern expression.

"Is that so," Jiro said simply, with a deadpan expression, processing her words. Raynare nodded.

"I see, good to know," Jiro said as he suddenly appeared in front of Raynare and head butted her again, however this time not hard enough to knock her unconscious. Irina and Asia, caught off guard by his sudden action, looked at him in shock.

Raynare let out a yelp and fell back onto the couch, rubbing her forehead. "OW, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, YOU ASSHOLE?!" Raynare yelled in irritation and pain.

"For you to say one of the dumbest things I've ever heard." Jiro said simply, to which she responded, "What do you mean?"

"Did you think that if you got Twilight Healing, it would make you invincible? Did you think it would allow you to heal any injury instantly? Did you think it would make you the strongest fallen angel there is?" Jiro said, glaring down at her.

Raynare remained silent as he continued. "If you thought any of that, then you're an idiot. I'll have you know Twilight Healing doesn't work like that. It heals anyone the user touches at the expense of the user's energy. On top of that, it heals a person's injuries slowly and can't do anything about lost limbs or stamina, at least at this stage. I know this because, unlike you, I did my research. If those drawbacks weren't the case, don't you think Asia herself would be invincible right now?" Jiro said, pointing at Asia.

Raynare looked at him for a second, processing his words, but before she could speak, he continued. "And furthermore, did you really think that if you obtained a powerful sacred gear or whatever other weapon or ability, it would instantly give you near unrivaled, immense power? You think these instantly made me unbelievably powerful the second I awakened them." Jiro said, summoning the Boosted Gear on his arms.

Raynare looked at him, eyes wide in shock that he possessed such a powerful weapon. "Before you ask, yes, these are the Boosted Gear, and they have many drawbacks of their own. They didn't automatically make me as powerful as I am now. You know how I got to my level?" Jiro said as Raynare looked at him in anticipation.

"I trained. I trained rigorously, pushing myself to near death time and time again, for the past decade to reach where I am now. It wasn't easy, but I put in the hard work and effort and didn't try to take shortcuts. I'm sure if you do the same, you'll be a regular powerhouse." Jiro said, sporting a smile at the end.

Raynare listened intently as he lectured her, taking his words to heart as she realized he was right. "Y-you're right... I'll give your advice a try, but... could I really be that strong with just a little training?" Raynare said, to which Jiro's smile widened.

"Glad to hear it, and of course you could. Based on what I saw during our fight in the park yesterday, I'd say you're just about on the level of a high-class devil at full power. And, on top of that, you're the daughter of two powerful fallen angels, as Kokabiel put it, so you've most likely got a lot of inherited power underneath that you don't even know is there. So who knows what you'll become once you've actually trained seriously." Jiro said, to which Raynare's eyes widened again.

Raynare thought to herself that it was hard to believe she could possibly have that much potential, but she was willing to give it a try to see for herself. She smiled, looking forward to trying to find a better path to go down. Irina then approached her.

"Bet you're glad you didn't kill someone like him, right?" Irina whispered to Raynare with a playful smile. Raynare nodded and looked back up at Jiro with an appreciative expression, believing she had found someone far better to follow than Kokabiel.

"By the way, I don't think I've introduced her yet. This is Irina Shidou, my childhood friend." Jiro said, gesturing to Irina, who gave a sheepish smile and waved.

"I'm sure you've already noticed she's an angel, so I hope the two of you become good friends, because I have a great plan that I'll tell you about another time." Jiro said, making Raynare and Asia look at him curiously while Irina's curiosity was piqued even more at the mention of his mysterious plan once again.

With that, the four of them continued to chat amicably. Irina and Raynare began to converse more casually, despite being two different types of angels. Irina's slight disdain towards Raynare for trying to kill Jiro started to fade away. The three chatted for a while and would soon become aware of the threat approaching the town.

Meanwhile

Rias and her peerage had just finished a morning training session and were now in different parts of Kuoh Town, resting and enjoying their Sunday while they waited for information from Jiro about the fallen angels. Rias and Akeno were at the empty Kuoh Academy, sorting through unfinished paperwork. Kiba was at the park, taking a relaxing walk, and Koneko was sitting at a patio table outside a cafe, enjoying a parfait. Unbeknownst to Jiro and Irina, the devils, since their fight with Viser, had been secretly training to work on their teamwork skills over the last few days, and to sharpen their abilities overall. Rias also used the time spent together to further her bonds with her servants, now starting to see them as true friends rather than just "tools".

They were currently speaking to each other through communication magic circles next to their ears. "Alright everyone, Jiro should be giving us information about the fallen angels soon, so be ready," Rias said to her servants, who responded in unison with "Yes ma'am."

Before they could hang up, Kiba had a thought he wanted to share. "Hold on, everyone. I just had a thought. Remember when Jiro said he had a friend who was taken from him by devils when they were kids?" Kiba asked, and they said "Yeah" in unison.

"Well, remember that angel who was with Jiro on Friday, the one he said was his childhood friend... Irina Shidou, was it... do you think she could've been that friend?" Kiba asked, making Rias, Akeno, and even Koneko widen their eyes in realization.

"Y-yeah, he said he had only one friend, whom he lost, and she was his childhood friend. It makes sense now," Rais said, a thoughtful look on her face.

"And it shows why he was so protective of her and made us let her stay at the school and in town." Koneko said, in her usual deadpan voice, albeit a little softer in tone.

"Fufu, so two childhood friends who were forcibly separated, suddenly reunite... sounds kinda romantic if you ask me." Akeno said in her usual playful smile, with a hint of happiness for them.

The other three chuckled at the "Queens" remark. "Well, anyway, I think we really should try to get along with Irina even if she's an angel. We want to be on better terms with Jiro, right? So that could be a great step towards that, and maybe we could make a real new friend." Rias said with a determined and hopeful smile.

Akeno: "Yeah, that sounds great."

Kiba: "I may not be a fan of all things holy, but that doesn't sound too bad."

Koneko: "If the light bird likes sweets, she's cool with me."

Rias smiled at her servants' responses. "Glad to hear it. Now then, goodbye, you two." Rias said as she deactivated her line to Kiba and Koneko.

"Fufu, looks like we might have new friends soon and a new girl to go shopping with." Akeno said as she went back to her paperwork, also deactivating her communication circle to Kiba and Koneko. "I think we will, Akeno." Rias said, also getting back to work.

Five minutes passed as the devils returned to their activities when they suddenly jolted and stiffened up. They began to sense a frightening amount of fallen angels and exorcists entering the town... and making their way towards them.

Koneko eats the last drops of her parfait, jumps from her seat, and takes a fighting stance facing the direction she sensed the fallen coming from. Suddenly, a purple light spear comes flying at her, at great speed. Using her "Rook" abilities, she deflects the spear with her bare arm as more light spears and light bullets come flying towards and around her, thankfully not hitting anyone else as the cafe customers and passersby run away in fear.

"Well, well, aren't you a cute little devil. However, I'm a far cuter little fallen angel." Mittelt said as she descended with her squad, and stray exorcists arrived on the scene, standing side by side.

"What's so cute about you, rat bird? And what do you people want from me?" Koneko asked in her usual deadpan expression and voice.

Mittelt's eyebrow twitched in annoyance at Koneko's insult. "I'll have you know there are a lot of things cute about me. Now, where are Raynare and the blonde nun?" Mittelt asked, pointing down at Koneko.

"Never heard of them. Now, shoo, birds." Koneko said, glaring at them. Mittelt chuckled evilly at her response.

"Heh, I figured you'd say that, but I'm sure you know we're not just gonna let you go that easily," Mittelt said as her followers took fighting stances. The other fallen summoned more light weapons, and the stray exorcists pulled out lightsaber-like swords and guns, ready to attack her.

"Well, duh. Now bring it," Koneko said, glaring at them and clenching her fists. Mittelt's smirk widened upon hearing her response.

"You heard her, everyone. So, have at her," Mittelt said, sticking her arm out dramatically as the fallen angels and exorcists charged at Koneko.

Kiba turned around in the park, summoned two swords, and deflected the barrage of light spears and bullets coming towards him. "Well, well, I see you've got some skill, pretty boy," Dohnaseek said as he and his fallen angel squad descended, while stray exorcists emerged from the trees and bushes, surrounding him.

"What business do you have with me, fallen angels?" Kiba asked in a stern voice as he pointed one of his swords at Dohnaseek. Dohnaseek smirked at his fearlessness.

"Oh, nothing much, just for you to hand over Raynare and the blonde nun, and then we kill you," Dohnaseek said, smirking evilly. Kiba's grip on his sword handles tightened as he took a fighting stance.

"I don't know anyone by the name of 'Raynare', or anything about a blonde nun, but if you're looking for a fight, come at me." Kiba said, glaring at Dohnaseek while looking around him. Dohnaseek gave an amused chuckle at his confidence.

"Heh, such a shame. Guess we'll just have to kill you, as you wish. Skewer him," Dohnaseek said to the other fallen angels and exorcists as they charged at him, weapons in hand.

Rias and Akeno run out of the school and onto the track field as they channel their respective magics into their hands. Kalawarner and her fallen angels descend while stray exorcists run onto the track field and immediately summon and equip their weapons. Kalawarner floats forward as she addresses Rias and Akeno.

"Hey there, ladies. Looks like you were expecting us," Kalawarner said, smirking at them. Rias and Akeno unfurled their devil wings and floated up to her level.

"Yes, we were, but we didn't think you'd come to us. Saves us the trouble of sniffing you out." Rias said, her voice cold and assertive. Kalawarner's smirk widened at her response.

"Well then, I'm guessing you have Raynare and the blonde nun. We would appreciate it if you handed them over," Kalawarner said, in a seemingly negotiating tone.

"Sorry, but we don't have the two you're referring to in our possession, so if that's all you wanted to ask, leave. Unless you're looking to fight." Akeno said, her voice sounding uncharacteristically more aggressive as she glared at them.

Kalawarner merely chuckled at her words. "Oho, feisty one, aren't you, honey? Well, we do happen to want to fight. You're the devil heiress, Rias Gremory, aren't you? I'm sure killing you would hilariously get under the devil higher-ups' skin, so why don't we do that." Kalawarner said, smirking evilly.

"Oh, is that so? Let's see you try, fallen angels," Rias said, flaring her crimson destruction aura as Akeno flared her yellow electric aura and they charged towards the fallen angels.

Meanwhile back at Jiro's house

The four of them continued to chat amicably when Jiro suddenly remembered something from his earlier discussion with Raynare. "Hey Raynare, I just remembered something..." Jiro said, to which Raynare looked at him in anticipation.

"When you said your plan was to extract Asia's sacred gear, you mentioned 'we were gonna have a ritual to extract it', so does that mean you had others helping you?" Jiro asked, raising an eyebrow, his expression turning slightly more serious.

Raynare looked at him, noticing his change in tone and remembered she had said that. "Y-yes I did. I suppose I should've mentioned that earlier. I had a small army of fallen angels and stray exorcists helping me with this mission since this is said to be devil territory. We were tasked with retrieving Asia's Twilight Healing and something else. They're situated at the abandoned church on the edge of town, which we were using as a base." Raynare said, to which the others' eyes widened in surprise.

Irina, being the most surprised, stood up in realization. "T-the abandoned church?! That's the church my father used to own! Are you saying the fallen angels took it over?!" Irina said, with irritation and offense in her voice, to which Raynare nodded.

"Yes, and believe it or not, three of the fallen angels who led the group along with me are just as strong as I am," Raynare said matter-of-factly, making Irina and Asia's eyes widen.

Jiro's expression turned completely serious as he stood up along with Irina. "I see. Well then, I'll contact Rias and the others, and we'll deal with this problem right away," Jiro said. Flames suddenly engulfed his body and died down, revealing him in his usual punk attire.

Irina, in turn, unfurls her wings and halo. Her body, from the neck down, then glows with a bright golden light, which dies down, revealing her in her black church battle attire. Raynare shivers slightly at Irina's holy aura and stands up herself.

"Is that alright? Are you okay with going against your friends like this and attacking them?" Jiro asked, with a small hint of concern.

Raynare frowned at his question. "No, they're not my friends. They saw me as a tool to gain Kokabiel's favor, but then again, I saw them the same way, so I was in no way close with any of them." Raynare said in a low tone, to which Jiro nodded.

Asia looked between the three in concern as they got ready for a fight. Jiro noticed her concern and offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Asia, we won't let anything happen to you. Just stay close to us." Jiro said, to which Irina and Raynare nodded while smiling.

"By the way, what's this 'something else' you were-" Before Jiro could finish his sentence, he stiffened up and turned to a random direction, his eyes wide. Irina, Raynare, and Asia looked at him in slight worry.

"What's wrong, Jiro-kun?" Irina asked in concern.

I sense fallen angels and stray exorcists. There's a lot of them. They're all over town.

To be continued