Kokabiel Arc Chapter 24: Kiba Yuuto: Origins
Soon after the students councils departure from Jiro and Irina's house
Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko arrive outside the old school building. "Well, that went better than expected," Rias said, smiling as they walk towards the building and go inside.
"Fufu, agreed. Looks like we're superheroes now," Aken said playfully.
"Hardly my favorite genre, but what can I do?" Koneko said with her usual deadpan expression.
Rias and Akeno giggled at Koneko's comment, however, Kiba remained silent and had an uncharacteristically stoic expression.
"Is everything okay, Kiba? You've been out of it since we arrived at Jiro and Irina's house." Rias said, turning to Kiba, her voice low in concern for her "Knight".
"Huh, oh, yes, I'm alright. I was just lost in thought for a second, that's all." Kiba said, regaining his usual, cheerful smile.
Rias, along with Akeno and Koneko, softened their expressions slightly.
"If there's something bothering you, you can tell us." Aken said, comfortingly.
"Yeah, we're your pals, Prince Charming." Koneko said, lightly punching his shoulder.
Kiba's smile widened at their words. "I appreciate it, but I promise it's nothing bad. Just some... old unfinished business." Kiba said, reassuringly while on the inside he felt intense anger after seeing Xenovia and her holy sword.
The girls nodded at his reassurance. "If you say so, but if anything happens let us know." Rias said as they reached the door.
When she opened the door, they were greeted with the unexpected sight of Grayfia standing behind one of the couches. Most unexpectedly, Ravel Phenix was sitting on the couch in front of Grayfia, whom they recognized.
"Ravel? What are you doing here? And hello there, Grayfia." Rias said, looking at Ravel in surprise and then waved at Grayfia, who waved back while smiling.
Ravel fidgeted with her fingers before speaking. "Um, hello, Miss Rias. I asked Miss Grayfia to bring me here to speak to you," Ravel said nervously.
Rias chuckled slightly at her cute expression. While she and her servants very much hated Riser, they had no particular dislike towards Ravel. Rias walked over and sat on the couch opposite Ravel. Kiba and Koneko moved behind the couch, while Akeno went to make tea.
"I see, about what exactly?" Rias asked with a kind smile that made Ravel calm down a bit.
"Well, I wanted to apologize again for my brothers behavior the last time we came here, I should've tried to calm him down." Ravel said, bowing her head slightly.
"There's no need to apologize, Ravel, as you saw our friend delt with him easily, so he got what he deserved." Rias said, reassuringly.
Ravel calmed down a bit more as she looked back up. "E-even so, I hope you don't think badly of me for being related to him," Ravel said, nervously.
"Of course we don't, sweetie. We have no reason to." Aken said, walking in with a tray of tea cups.
"You heard her. We may hate Riser, but we have no reason to hate you just because you're his sister." Rias said kindly, making Ravel look at her with wide eyes.
"Yeah, you're not Riser, are you? You're an entirely different person." Kiba said, smiling.
"I've weirdly grown to like birds recently, so you're cool." Koneko said, pulling out a Hershey bar and nibbling on it.
Ravel breathed a sigh of relief as she heard their words. "Alright, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for your kind words." Ravel said, bowing her head once again.
"Don't worry about it, Ravel. We're happy to relieve you of your stress," Rias said, smiling kindly.
"Oh yeah, I also came to ask for a favor if that's alright," Ravel said, looking back up, her expression now more cheerful.
"Sure, what is it?" Rias asked, smiling, happy to see her spirits lifted.
"Um, well, you see, I have some free time and I wanted to ask if I could spend some time in this town, since this is your territory." Ravel said, making Rias's eyes widen in surprise at her request.
While Rias wasn't against it herself, she had admittedly forgotten that she had claimed Kuoh Town as her territory. After Jiro's harsh lectures, she had begun to see the town more as a home away from home instead of property she owned. She then sported a smile as she looked back at Ravel.
"Of course, spend as much time here as you'd like," Rias said, smiling kindly.
Ravel perks up at her words. "Really? Thank you Miss Rias, please excuse me." Ravel said as she stood up and speed walked out of room, closing the door behind her.
The other devils looked at where she left from with amused smiles. "Fufufu, She's quite the cute one, isn't she?" Akeno said, giggling.
"Indeed, she is. I'm glad she's nothing like Riser," Rias said with an amused yet relieved smile.
"You and she are the same age, aren't you? I'm sure you two would be good friends, Koneko." Kiba said, turning to the "Rook".
"Hmph, as long as the fire bird likes sweets, then we're cool." Koneko said, her expression deadpan as she nibbles on her Hershey bar.
"Heh, heh, you really do like sweets, don't you?" Kiba said, chuckling.
"Actually, Lady Ravel hadn't said the main reason she wanted to spend some time here," Grayfia said, making the student council look at her.
"Oh, then what is the main reason, Grayfia?" Rias asked curiously.
"Fufu, I don't want to embarrass her, so for now I'll simply say she's looking for a certain individual she's come to admire." Grayfia said, giggling.
"Oh, is that so? Fufu, I don't see anything wrong with that," Rias said, also giggling.
Grayfia's expression turns slightly more serious as she speaks. "On the topic of certain individuals, I can't help but sense an angel with a powerful holy sword had arrived here. Care to explain?" Grayfia said, raising an eyebrow.
Kiba jolted at the reminder of Xenovia's presence with her holy sword, and his patience finally reached its limit as he clenched his fist. "Pardon me, Rias, but I'll have to excuse myself as well," Kiba said in a serious tone as he walked to the door.
"Huh, hey, Kiba-" Rias tried to call out to him, but he ignored her and left the room.
The devils look at the door in silence for a few seconds in surprise at Kiba's sudden exit. "Did I happen to bring up a sensitive subject involving your 'Knight', by mentioning the angel with a holy sword." Grayfia asked, in slight concern.
Rias, Akeno, and Koneko looked at the door, also feeling concerned. Rias sighed as she looked back at Grayfia.
"I believe you did. This is most likely because of his past. I'll explain what happened in his past and why there's an angel with a holy sword in the area." Rias said, to which Grayfia nodded and sat down on the couch.
Rias then proceeded to speak as they sipped the tea Akeno made.
Kiba left the old school building, unfurled his devil wings, and flew off to the abandoned church.
"A holy sword, an Excalibur no less, I'd know those accursed things anywhere," Kiba said, scowling as he flew at top speed.
Present Time
Raynare, Asia, and Xenovia arrived at the abandoned church, landing in front of it. Xenovia took in the sight and was somewhat surprised. The grass on the outside lawn had been cut, the windows looked new, and it seemed to have been recently painted.
"I thought you said this was an abandoned church, but it looks like it could still be in use," Xenovia said, looking around.
Raynare and Asia chuckled at her reaction. "Well, if two lovely ladies like us are living somewhere, naturally it would be lovely as well," Raynare said, smiling smugly.
"Really, and how did you manage to make it so lovely?" Xenovia asked with a challenging smile.
Raynare went silent, but Asia answered. "Raynare brainwashed some of the town's residents and had them fix everything up," Asia said, making Raynare jolt and blush while looking away.
"Hmph, I'd expect no less from a fallen angel," Xenovia said with an amused smile.
"The hells that supposed to mean, huh?!" Raynare yelled, to which the other two girls giggled.
They started to walk into the church, but before they could enter, they sensed a familiar demonic presence approaching them. They stopped in their tracks and turned to where it was coming from, anticipating its arrival. A few seconds later, Kiba arrived and landed a few feet away from the three girls, much to their surprise.
"Mr. Kiba...?" Asia said, simply in confusion.
"Well, this is a surprise. What brings you here, pretty boy?" Raynare asked, curiously, while putting a hand on her hip.
"My business is with her," Kiba said, pointing at Xenovia.
"And what business do you have with me, Kiba Yuuto?" Xenovia asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kiba's expression hardened as he elaborated. "That holy sword you're carrying, it's not just an ordinary holy sword; it's Excalibur, isn't it?" Kiba asked in a low, serious voice.
Xenovia's eyes narrowed as she pulled her cloak back and unsheathed her sword. "Yes, this is Excalibur Destruction, one of the seven Excalibur fragments," Xenovia said, holding the sword up for him to see.
It appeared as a two-handed sword with a long grip and a cross in the pommel. It contained an axe-like guard and a second grip, with a chain-like form connecting the guard to the blade, which was huge and ended with three points.
"I thought so. Then, as a fellow knight, I challenge you to a duel." Kiba said. A sword with a gold V-shaped hilt sprouted from the ground next to him, which he grabbed and pointed at her.
Xenovia's eyes widened slightly at the sudden request, but she nodded. "As you wish, I accept your challenge, Knight of Rias Gremory," Xenovia said, pulling her white cloak off and throwing it to the side, revealing her black, leather church battle attire.
Raynare and Asia's eyes widened as they watched the two get ready to fight. "Hey, wait, is this a good idea? Aren't we supposed to be teammates?" Asia said in concern.
"Yes, we are, Asia, but this is something I must do for the sake of my fallen comrades." Kiba said as he took a fighting stance, Xenovia doing the same.
Before they could ask what he meant and before they could begin, Raynare speaks up. "Woah now, I don't care if you two want to fight or not, but don't do it in front of our church." Raynare said, putting her hand up, signaling for them to wait.
Kiba and Xenovia looked at her and then nodded before unfurling their devil and angel wings respectively and flying several feet away from the abandoned church, landing in a grove of trees. The two swordsmen took fighting stances and stared at each other for several seconds, then charged forward at great speed, diagonally slashing at each other simultaneously, their blades meeting in a blade lock with a loud clank.
They stay in position, glaring at each other before backing away and charging each other again. The two zip around the area with their immense speed, appearing as though they were invisible, only coming into view for split seconds. The sound of metal clanking and sparking fills the air as they clash ferociously.
Raynare and Asia watched from in front of the church in awe. "Damn, they're fast. Even I can't keep up!" Raynare said, her head darting back and forth, trying to locate them.
"Yes, they are," Asia said, mimicking Raynare's movements with a hint of concern in her timid voice.
Kiba and Xenovia then land on the ground, finally coming into view as they lunge forward and dance around each other, locked in combat as they clash swords. After a minute of near endless slashing, Xenovia suddenly strikes upwards, forcing Kiba's hand upward as he blocks, making him lose his guard. Xenovia brings her raised sword down in an attempt to overhead slash him.
Before her sword could connect, Kiba unfurls his devil wings and flies up, narrowly avoiding her slash. Xenovia unfurls her angel wings, flies up after him, and once she's in range, they resume their clash. They fly around the area over the trees and abandoned church as Raynare and Asia watch from below.
The two fly in circles around each other, each attempting to catch the other off guard. Their blades collide, producing a clanking sound that echoes through the air. As they clash, Kiba's strikes become increasingly aggressive with each slash. After another mid-air collision, Kiba summons another sword identical to his first and, using all the power of his "Knight" abilities, charges at her at great speed, unleashing a barrage of dual slashes with both swords as he yells in aggression.
Xenovia, being on the receiving end of his attacks, was forced to stay on the defense against his ferocious assault. With everything she had, she barely blocked and parried all of his slashes, with almost no room for a counterattack. While managing to defend herself to some extent, she was beginning to be overwhelmed by his speed and aggression, as Kiba managed to land small scratches on her arms, shoulders, and legs.
Xenovia managed to stop his assault by thrusting forward and striking back with her sword, pushing him back a few feet. Xenovia then flies towards him and horizontally slashes at Kiba with all her strength, leading him to block with both his swords, vertically. They meet in a blade lock and glare at each other.
"Now tell me, Kiba Yuuto; what is the true reason behind your challenge?" Xenovia asked in a low tone as she struggled against their blade lock.
"That's none of your concern. Now focus on the duel," Kiba said sternly as they broke the blade lock and descended."
They land back on the ground, and Kiba prepares for another assault until Xenovia speaks up. "I'll have you know, this is my concern. If I'm not mistaken, you arrived here out of the blue, asked about my holy sword, and challenged me to this duel, implying that it was for the sake of your fallen comrades. And don't think I haven't noticed your hostile glances and faux friendliness towards me earlier today. Now tell me: what vendetta must you have against me and my holy sword, when we're supposed to be newfound teammates." Xenovia said, demanding an explanation as she pointed her sword at him dramatically.
Kiba's eyes widened at her perception, and he grit his teeth. "Very well, since you won't be able to focus on our duel until I do, I'll tell you," Kiba said, as Xenovia looked at him in anticipation.
"Now, as a member of the church, you've heard of the Holy Sword Project, haven't you?" Kiba asked, making Xenovia's eyes widen.
"The Holy Sword Project? You mean the controversial experiment to have children infused with knowledge of using holy swords and given the strength to wield Excaliburs? That infamous project was forbidden by the church, and the researchers involved were all exiled. Why do you mention that event now?" Xenovia asked, taken aback by his question.
"...Because I was one of the test subjects involved in it." Kiba said in a low, pained voice.
Xenovia looked at him in shock at the revelation. "Y-you were one of the test subjects?! I had heard that one of the children involved managed to escape the facility, but they had disappeared, never to be seen again. Are you telling me that child... was you?" Xenovia asked, her voice becoming softer at the end.
Kiba nodded in confirmation. "Yes I was, in fact Kiba Yuuto is not my original name. My original name was Isaiah. I was an orphan, taken in by the Church and was chosen to be a part of The Holy Sword Project under the supervision of a man named Valper Galilei. Day after day, me and my fellow test subjects... my friends were subjected to inhumane experiments. As we continued to be experimented on, the scientists constantly tried to find the component that allowed humans to wield Holy Swords. Me and my friends we were even led to believe that we would be able to become 'special beings' and use holy swords for the sake of others. However, after continuous painful experimentation, the project was ruled a failure due to not being able to produce holy sword wielders... and the subjects were ordered to be disposed of. That monster Valper choose to eliminate the children as failures in order to hide their experiments from their superiors and cover their tracks. That man was directly responsible for the deaths of all my friends. On that fateful night all the test subjects including me were gathered at a different location and the researchers who wore protective suit started gassing the children. In the middle of the mass gassing, I was given a chance to escape by my friends who pushed away some of the researchers. After they opened the door by force, since I was in the least critical state out of all of them, they shouted at me to run away, to leave while he had the chance, and live as long as I could. I managed to escape from the laboratory and the pursuing researchers, but the poisonous gas had already infected me and coursed through my system. I finally succumbed to the poison I had inhaled and collapsed in the snow. Lying on the ground, I was in my final moments with the thoughts of all my friends faces flashing through my mind, I was found... by my master, Rias Gremory. She had reincarnated me as her second servant after Akeno and that led to where I am now." Kiba finished with a downcast expression.
Xenovia looked at him with a stoic, yet solemn, sympathetic expression. "I see, so that's the reason." Xenovia said in a low voice.
Raynare and Asia, who were watching from afar, overheard the story he told.
"Well... damn." Raynare said, her expression mirroring Xenovia's.
"Mr. Kiba..." Asia said, looking as though she was on the brink of tears.
"However, it doesn't stop there. I never forgot the pain I experienced back then and developed an extreme hatred towards holy swords, especially Excalibur, since it was part of the reason my friends lost their lives. That's why I swore to myself that I would destroy Excalibur and eliminate every one of its wielders, starting with you." Kiba said as he charged towards Xenovia again, swords ready.
Xenovia, seeing his intention, readied herself and blocked two strikes from him, jumped over him to dodge a third strike, and landed where he had been standing a second ago, now behind him.
"While I understand your pain and apologize for what you had to go through, if you honestly believe you can best me and destroy these sacred weapons, you're sorely mistaken." Xenovia said as she charged at him this time, her Excalibur ready.
"Oh, yeah, just watch me..."
"SWORD BIRTH!!!"
Kiba yelled as he stabbed his swords into the ground, which then glowed red. Suddenly, a plethora of large swords sprouted from the ground at an incredibly fast rate towards Xenovia. Acting fast, Xenovia unfurled her angel wings and flew upwards, just barely managing to avoid the blades. Although one of the blades managed to graze her outer left thigh. Being an angel, Xenovia winced in pain as the wound burned and sizzled from the demonic power in the blade that grazed her.
Kiba smirked at her discomfort as Xenovia glared down at him. "Don't get cocky, I also have tricks of my own!" Xenovia said, lifting her holy sword which began to glow blue.
Xenovia then flew down towards Kiba at immense speed, her glowing sword drawn back. Kiba, sensing the power beginning to emanate from the blade, knew it wasn't smart to try to block and unfurled his devil wings, flying backwards.
"HEAVENS JUDGMENT OF DESTRUCTION!!!"
Xenovia yelled as she overhead struck the ground with her sword, creating a large shockwave that shook and tore up the ground beneath her, destroying the swords Kiba had sprouted, and letting out a burst of wind pressure that blew away debris. When the dust settled, it revealed Xenovia standing inside a crater of her own creation.
Kiba landed on the ground and looked on in shock. "What... what the hell," Kiba said, eyes wide.
Xenovia walked out of the crater and held up her sword. "That is the power of my holy sword, Excalibur Destruction. It has the ability to unleash pure, destructive holy power that can easily shatter anything it comes into contact with, and is powerful enough to create large craters. The other Excalibur fragments have unique abilities of their own. Do you still believe you can best them and their wielders?" Xenovia said, pointing her sword at him.
Kiba scowled at her challenge. "I must admit, that's impressive, but it won't change anything. My determination won't falter, Xenovia Quarta!" Kiba said as he gripped his sword handles tighter, took a fighting stance, and flared his demonic aura.
"Hmph, is that so? Then let's see how strong your conviction is, Kiba Yuuto!" Xenovia said as she took a fighting stance and flared her holy aura.
Raynare and Asia watched from afar. After seeing the two swordsmen's powerful attacks, they began to grow concerned as the fight started to escalate.
"HEY, THIS IS GOING TO FAR, YOU TWO, KNOCK IT OFF!!" Raynare yelled in annoyance and concern.
"WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE TEAMMATES, YOU SHOULDN'T BE FIGHTING LIKE THIS!!" Asia yelled, the most concerned out of the two of them.
Their yells fall on deaf ears as the swordsmen charge at each other once again. They yell out as they draw their respective swords back, ready to clash once again.
CLANK
Before the two could resume their fight, they were met with the sight of an individual in a familiar red leather jacket. Jiro had suddenly appeared between them and easily stopped them in their tracks with his index fingers.
"JIRO?!" Kiba and Xenovia yelled in unison, realizing who had interrupted them.
'Wait, he stopped our full power strikes... with his fingers?!' Kiba thought to himself in shock as he looked at both his blades struggling against Jiro's index finger.
"Alright, that's enough, children," Jiro said, looking between them.
They pull back and bring down their auras. "Don't interfere, Jiro, this is a fight I have to win." Kiba said, gripping his sword handles again.
"You heard what I said!" Jiro said as he chopped Kiba on the top of his head, making him fall to the ground face first.
"Gaak"
"Huh, what is Jiro doing here?" Raynare said as she floated over to them, holding Asia in her arms.
"He sensed Kiba approaching you alone, and we came to see why, since it seemed strange. And I'm glad we did." Irina said, floating up to Raynare and Asia and then passing them.
"Irina? Were you two watching the whole time?" Xenovia asked as Irina landed next to them, Raynare and Asia following suit.
"Yes, we were, and there's no need to explain. We heard everything," Jiro said, glancing at them and then back at Kiba.
"Kiba-kun, were you really the survivor of The Holy Sword Project?" Irina asked in a low, sympathetic tone.
Kiba got back to his feet, lifting himself up with his swords in the ground. "Yes, I was, and if you heard everything I told her, then you should understand why I chose to challenge her. So both of you, don't interfere." Kiba said as he took another fighting stance.
"No way in hell," Jiro said as he chopped Kiba again, making him fall face-first back onto the ground.
"Gaak, stop that, damn it!" Kiba said as he tried to get back on his feet, but Jiro grabbed the top of his head and lifted him up to his level.
"That's my line, Goldilocks. Don't tell me you already forgot about our little get together earlier. What happened to all that talk about us being a team? Didn't you say something about looking forward to fighting along side us. What are you doing fighting against your teammate? Same goes to you, Bluenette." Jiro asked, glaring at him and then turning towards Xenovia.
Kiba shivered at Jiro's glare. "I am aware of what I said, but this and that are you different things. I have to do this for the sake of my fallen friends. If you heard my story then you must understand." Kiba said, struggling in his grip.
"Oh really, if I'm not mistaken, you said your friends yelled for you to 'live as long as you could'. I don't recall you saying that they wanted you to pursue revenge against all holy sword users." Jiro said, to which Kiba's expression softened slightly.
"Regardless of what they said exactly, I have to avenge them, and destroying those Excaliburs like the one Xenovia has is the only possible way I could, since they were the cause of our suffering." Kiba said, trying to regain his composure.
"It wasn't Xenovia or her sword that killed them, was it?" Jiro asked, to which Kiba said, "Huh?".
"Look, I understand that you want revenge for those who were taken from you by someone else. Trust me, I know exactly how that feels. However, do you honestly think your fallen friends would've wanted you to let your anger take control and purge all holy sword users who had nothing to do with the event that traumatized you?" Jiro said, making Kiba look at him, eyes wide, and stop struggling.
Jiro set Kiba down on his feet as he continued. "I understand where you're coming from. A group of devils took Irina from me when we were kids, and after that, I held a deep grudge against you devils for a long time, even thinking about attacking them when I was strong enough. However, after giving it some thought, I realized that wasn't something Irina would have wanted me to do, so I learned to move past my hatred for them and tolerate them more. I see no reason why you can't do the same." Jiro said as Kiba looked down.
Kiba knew Jiro was right. He let his anger and trauma take control, which led him to attack Xenovia just because she was an Excalibur holy sword user. Before Kiba could speak, Jiro continued.
"And furthermore, if you want revenge, attacking all innocent holy sword users and destroying Excaliburs isn't what you should be doing. In fact, it makes you just as bad as those who took from you. 'Valper Galilei,' wasn't he the one who ordered the test subjects to be killed? Shouldn't you be trying to take your anger out and get revenge on him instead of Xenovia and other holy sword and Excalibur users?" Jiro said, to which Kiba looked back up at him.
"Y-yes, you're right. He's the one responsible for my comrades' deaths. He's the one I should target, not others who aren't involved." Kiba said, looking back down in shame and clenching his fists.
Kiba then turns to Xenovia with a remorseful expression. "I suppose I should apologize to you, Xenovia, for unfairly antagonizing you and attempting to harm you." Kiba said, bowing his head slightly and dissipating his swords.
Xenovia's eyes widened slightly for a second at his sincere apology, but she nodded. "I accept your apology, though I should apologize as well for allowing this to escalate further," Xenovia said, closing her eyes as she slid her sword back into its scabbard.
"See, isn't it good when we all get along?" Raynare said playfully, throwing Xenovia her cloak, which she caught and put back on.
The others chuckled at her comment while Irina and Asia sighed, relieved that the situation had calmed down.
"Now then, Kiba, here's one last lesson." Jiro said, to which Kiba turned to him in anticipation.
"I understand that you're struggling to get over the deaths of your friends and still have an immense level of pent-up anger, but here's a word of advice: channel all that inner anger and pain into the power you hold within you, let it be the motivator and catalyst you need to surpass your limits. Take this from the raging dragon in front of you, the strongest powers awaken when your strongest emotions are the things that draw them out and strengthen them. And while you may have lost friends you cared about before, when you have that awakened power, use it to fight for the place you call home and the friends you have now." Jiro said, pointing at Kiba.
Kiba listened intently as the wisdom in Jiro's words resonated with him. He looked around, his eyes darting to Irina, Xenovia, Raynare, and Asia, and of course, Jiro himself, while in his mind he pictured the faces of Rias, Akeno, and Koneko. He understood now that he had new friends he wanted to protect, who filled the void in his heart after the deaths of his fellow test subjects. "Yes, I'll keep that in mind," Kiba said, smiling.
"Wow, he's good at that," Raynare said with an amused smile.
"Hehe, I know right," Irina and Asia said in unison, giggling as Xenovia simply chuckled with her eyes closed.
"Don't mention it. Now go home and stay home this time. You'll need the rest for training tomorrow. And I want to see that Sacred Gear of yours in action again while we're at it." Jiro said with a sly smile.
Kiba looked at him a bit surprised that Jiro knew his attack on Xenovia was the work of his Sacred Gear, but smiled. "Heh, I will, and we'll finish our duel and settle who's the superior knight another time, once we're both far stronger, Xenovia Quarta," Kiba said, pointing at Xenovia with a challenging smile.
Xenovia returned the challenging smile. "Yes, we shall, Kiba Yuuto," Xenovia said, mimicking his movements.
"I think we have rival nerds on the team now." Raynare said, playfully making them all chuckle.
"Now then, Jiro, Irina, Asia, Xenovia, and yes, even you, Raynare, I'll see you tomorrow, my friends." Kiba said as he unfurled his devil's wings and flew off while waving. The others waved back.
"What the hell did he mean by that?!" Raynare said, narrowing her eyes as they watched him fly away.
They all chuckled at her question and expression. "Hehe, Who knows, maybe you're finally leaving an imprint on our devil pals." Irina said, giggling.
Raynare made a "Hmph" sound while crossing her arms and turning away, with a small blush on her face.
"Heh, heh, anyway, make sure to play nice with your new roommate," Jiro said as he and Irina unfurled their dragon and angel wings respectively and flew away while waving. The three girls waved back in turn.
"Now then, shall we go eat dinner? Irina-san tells me you're a big eater, so I'll make a lot," Asia said, making Xenovia's eyes widen and blush slightly while she thought, "Irina, you little..."
Raynare chuckled at her expression. "Heh, heh, don't worry. Asia's cooking is the greatest in the world, especially her croquettes and Mac and cheese. You'll love it." Raynare said as they started walking back to the abandoned church.
"Oh, stop. You're going to make me blush," Asia said, putting her hands on her cheeks.
Xenovia watched the interaction between them and smiled. She was even more grateful that Jiro had stopped her from killing Asia.
"I look forward to it, Asia." Xenovia said as they approached the church and went inside.
Sometime later
By this time, it was already past dark. Kiba had landed in front of the old school building and went inside. He walked through the lavish hallway and reached the door, then knocked on it, before entering. When he entered, he was met with the sight of Rias, Akeno, and Koneko having just changed into their sleepwear. Grayfia had already long left after hearing about Kiba's background, the team they formed, and chatting over tea. They turned to him in surprise.
"Kiba?! Where have you been?! We were starting to worry about you!" Rias said in a mixture of irritation and relief as she approached him.
"I'm sorry, I'll explain," Kiba said, scratching the back of his head.
Kiba proceeded to explain all that had happened after he left the student council room. After several minutes, he finished, and they looked at him with annoyance and concern.
"You started a fight with Xenovia?! I understand why, but you're a devil, her holy sword could've killed you!" Rias said in even more irritation and concern.
"I know, I apologize for my actions. I couldn't control myself." Kiba said, bowing his head slightly.
"Goodness, Kiba, didn't I say that if there was something bothering you, you could tell us?" Akeno asked, sighing while rubbing her cheek.
"And didn't I say we're your pals, Prince Charming?" Koneko asked, glaring up at him.
Kiba chuckled nervously. "Aha, ha, yes, you did say those things. I am truly sorry." Kiba said, bowing his head again.
Rias sighed, begrudgingly. "As long as you've learned from your mistake, I'll let it slide. Just don't try something like this again. Got it?" Rias said, pointing at him with a stern look, choosing not to scold him any further, knowing he must be going through a lot emotionally after everything that happened.
Kiba nodded firmly. "Yes, I understand." He said and then remembered Jiro's words before he left.
He then got on one knee and took Rias's right hand in his and bowed his head surprising her. "I appreciate your concern, however Jiro had taught me an important lesson when he arrived. So I would like to say I, Kiba Yuuto, will protect you and my friends for the rest of my life as the "Knight" of Rias Gremory's peerage and a member of Biblical Vanguard." Kiba said, determination in his voice.
Rias looked down at him in surprise at his words, but smiled. "I'm happy to hear that, Kiba, but at this point in time, you're more than just my 'Knight'. You're our teammate and our friend." Rias said, smiling kindly as she brought him back to his feet.
"Fufu, you heard her, so let's try to act that way, hm?" Aken said with her usual playful smile.
"Totes, but you really are a Prince Charming, ain't ya?" Koneko said in her usual deadpan expression, but there was a small hint of affection in her tone.
Kiba smiled warmly at their words. "Thanks, all of you," Kiba said appreciatively.
"Anytime. Now then, we shall head to bed. We'll need the energy for Jiro's training tomorrow." Rias said, to which they all said "Yeah" in unison and went to bed.
Meanwhile at Jiro and Irina's house
Jiro and Irina had followed their nightly routine. They took a bath, ate dinner, and were now watching a movie, which had just finished.
"Another great movie and time to relax after such an eventful day," Irina said, standing up and stretching. Jiro did the same while saying, "You can say that again."
"But seriously, how do you always know just what to say to stop others from going down the wrong path, like with Kiba-kun and Raynare?" Irina asked, a hint of admiration in her voice as they walked upstairs.
"Honestly, I don't know. Guess I've just met a lot of people who could have had a better future if they had made the right choices." Jiro said thoughtfully.
"Oh, really, that's a shame, but it's an admirable trait for you to have," Irina said, smiling in admiration and affection as they reached the top of the stairs.
"Heh, thanks. Anyway good night, Ri-Ri-chan, get some good rest you'll need it for training tomorrow." Jiro said to which Irina said "Yes I will."
Jiro smiled and turned around headed towards his room while waving. Irina watched as he walked away with a conflicted and longing expression.
"Um... wait." Irina said, making Jiro stop in his tracks and say "huh?" while turning to look at her.
Irina blushed furiously as she looked down for a second, then quickly walked up to him, put her hands on his chest, leaned in, and kissed him on the cheek.
After a second, she pulled away and quickly ran into her room, closing the door behind her. She flopped onto her bed, putting her hands on her cheeks as they burned.
"I can't believe... I just did that," Irina said, her face crimson red, although there's a hint of happiness in her voice.
Jiro stood there in the hallway, looking at the door to her room. His hand gently caressed the spot she kissed him as he blushed furiously and his heart beat wildly. After several seconds, he slowly walked back into his room and laid down on his bed, his hand still caressing his cheek, remembering the feeling of her soft lips.
"(Heh, heh, your heart feels like it's going to explode any second. Heh, heh, must've been the best moment of your life.)" Ddraig said, teasingly.
Jiro snaps out of his daze. "Oh shut it, you," Jiro said in annoyance as tick marks formed on his forehead while Ddraig chuckled.
Jiro's expression softened and turned thoughtful. "Hey Ddraig... do you think I should... tell her... how I feel... about her?" Jiro said, his voice low and uncertain.
"(It took you this long to consider that? I say you should, the girl is clearly yearning for your affection.)" Ddraig said, matter-of-factly.
"Hey now, you don't know if that's really how it is!" Jiro said, feeling slightly offended and embarrassed.
"(Hmph, oh sure, I haven't lived in this sacred gear for thousands of years and seen many interactions between my hosts and others. You think I'm unable to easily read people's emotions like a book.)" Ddraig said, sternly with a hint of sarcasm.
Jiro's eyebrows furrowed in thought. "Yeah, but..." Jiro said trailing off.
"(All in all, if you think should then tell her. It's as Gabriel said: love is the greatest bond between people, especially childhood friends... like you two. So I suggest you make your feelings known, Jiro, before she gets tired of waiting.)"
Jiro heeded Ddraig's words, taking his advice to heart. "I got it. I'll try my best," Jiro said, nodding as Ddraig smiled within the Boosted Gear.
Jiro and Irina, in their rooms, turned to their sides, their minds full of thoughts of each other until they drifted to sleep.
To be continued
Jeez another long one, but I'm happy with how this turned. Hope you all did too.
Alright next chapter will finally be a Jiro and Irina centered chapter.
See you there ;)