CHAPTER 24 THE MEETTING WITH THE HOLY PRIESTS
The day of the meeting came, and everyone was sitting in the club room in silence. While the silence still continued Issei was for the moment very deep in thought. His thoughts went back to last night when he had a late-night call from one of his reacquiring clients, the middle-aged man with black hair he met before that gave him an expensive painting as payment. And as much as he didn't want to, but he needed something else to put his mind at ease. And so issei left while rias and Asia were asleep in his bed. The client told him to meet at the river near the bridge so they can do some fishing. Issei didn't know why but he still needed the distraction, while he did enjoy the calm atmosphere his mind couldn't help but still wonder about Kiba, the two female priest at his house, freed returning, and that everything about all seems connected.
Issei: *inner speech* uggghh danm it! I came here to not think at all! *sighs* thinking is more of senpais specialty he's a lot smarter than I am...no no no rias and senpai said I should break that habit...*sighs* easier said than done honestly
Middle aged man: hey what's the matter kid?
Issei: huh? oh, sorry its nothing just thinking too much sorry if I'm ruining the mood.
Middle aged man: Haha no don't worry its totally normal infact I sometimes do the same thing while I'm here.
Issei: whoa I didn't people your age with all that money had that much worry.
Middle aged man: Haha well that just prove that money and time doesn't always fix everything, i still come here to either clear my mind of life's worries or to try and think them through.
Issei: and...does it work?
Middle aged man: eh not always but I take what i can get and make the most of it.
Issei: hehe...yea...*inner speech* if only i was like this guy and maybe things wouldn't bother me so much...*sighs* like going to see my supposedly childhood best friend who I haven't seen in years *sighs* who's also part of the church now...yeaaa tomorrow gonna get intense.
Middle aged man: hey just try and keep your held high yea? stressing about the worse that could happen is a waste of time just as long as you keep calm and looking forward things will change for the better, you'll see.
Issei: I...thanks I honestly needed that.
Middle aged man: hm oh looks like you got a bite.
Issei: huh? oh got it.
And Issei continued fishing until his time was up and he had to go back home and sleep.
Now back to the present with Issei the whole room was still filled with silence until the blue haired girl named Xenovia broke the silence.
Xenovia: thank you for speaking with us today, my name is Xenovia.
Irina: and I'm Irina Shido
Xenovia: hm but three out of the six people in this room already know that.
She looks over at Yu, Issei, and Asia.
Xenovia: don't you?
All three of them just said nothing and kept a striate face.
Rias: yes, it's clear that you already know much about me and my friend's here but back on topic it is fascinating that two followers of God would want to meet with a devil
Irina: yes, it does seem random but here's the thing there are six swords we can account for three are OfCourse still with the church but what we do know is that the other three have been stolen by fallen angels.
Everyone was visibly shocked to hear that.
Issei: wait seriously are you sure about that?
Yu: *inner speech* if that's the case then that would explain why feed had a holy sword he's working with the fallen angels.
Xenovia then shows them all a sword shaped object wrapped in rags.
Xenovia: these two are from the ones we have left they were made from Excalibur this is my holy weapon it's called the sword of destruction.
Irina lifts up her arm revealing some kind of string and cloth-based accessory wrapped around her upper arm.
Irina: and this is the one I have here it's called the holly sword of mimicry it's an Excalibur mimic.
Yu: *inner speech* ok...and what was he point of telling all of us all that? especially to a very high ranking devil like rias? wouldn't have been better to just not tell us?...well it could either be just a demonstration or a form an intimidation which I could definitely see happening if it was just Xenovia but given how upbeat and cheerful Irina showed hers, I'm not too sure.
Rias: hmmm ok, then what is it you would like for us to do for you today?
Xenovia: we want you to stay completely out of it.
She then looks sternly over at the three humans.
Xenovia: that goes for the three of you two.
Asia felt a bit scared by Xenovia's icy glare and even icier comment, but both Yu and Issei just having a straight face.
Yu: and what's that supposed to mean exactly?
Xenovia did feel a bit irritated that this civilian boy had some to talk to her like that, but she held it down.
Xenovia: it means exactly what it means we know you three are not devils and not part this devils house so technically she can't stop you from doing what you want.
Rias did want to admit it but it's true Yu, Issei, and Asia are just club members they're not actually her servants so she can't completely tell them what to do.
Xenovia: and we also know that you've had frequent run ins with a couple of fallen angels yourselves.
Yu would ask how they would know that, but he pretty much realized it was pointless.
Xenovia: but no matter you must stay completely out of it, it doesn't matter you want to settle some vendetta or trying to play hero again like with a certain someone here (looking at Asia) no matter we want none of you anywhere near this matter.
Both Yu and Issei got really mad after hearing that
Yu: *inner speech* tch playing hero? Asia would have permanently died if we didn't do something about it and plenty more innocent people to!
Issei: hm and what if say no? what then?
Everyone visibly gasps when they hear that.
Asia: Issei!...
Koneko: dude what are you...
Xenovia: hm then we'll just have to make drastic measures to make sure you do.
She says that giving him a very stern and icy glare, but Issei still wasn't going to let that stir him.
Issei: was that a threat "holy women."
Xenovia was now getting angry.
Xenovia: hm I make it real threat if you wa-
Rias: please stop right there.
She then looks over to Issei.
Rias: Issei I know what's she's saying is hitting a lot of nerves, with the three of you especially but i ask that you would please keep those thoughts to yourself they are only here to talk not to fight remember?
Issei: I...*sighs* yes senpai I'm sorry won't happen again.
Rias: thank you.
Irina looks at Yu and issei internally impressed by issei especially not many people would have stood up to Xenovia like that not even the most battle-hardened priest have. That just showed her how different Issei is since she last saw him, she would remember when they were little that he didn't even have the courage to touch a harmless little mouse like she could.
Irina: *chuckles*
Irina nearly chuckles at the thought...*sighs* but things are different now...they grew up, now she's a devil slaughtering priestess and issei fights along the devils with a sacred gear...fate can really be cruel, can it?
Xenovia: now as I was saying stay completely out of this this is between us and the fallen angles, to put it simply we don't need the devils and its..."worshipers" in this town to interfere with our mission.
Rias: hm that sounds a lot like an accusation, hmhm does that mean you're afraid that some of us might actually want to side with the fallen angles? cause if that's true you're Sherly mistaken as you said earlier some of us had terrible run ins with the fallen and there's no way i would side with anyone who hurts my friends like they have.
Issei, Asia, even Yu felt a big sigh of relief and a bit of warmth hearing what rias said.
Xenovia: hm that maybe true but still we know that for devils a holy sword is a detestable thing so wouldn't it still make sense for you to support the fallen angles even if they hurt your... pets a little?
Rias was really trying to follow her advice she gave to Issei but now this Xenovia woman was now starting to push her buttons, her eyes started to turn red showing she was really starting to get angry.
Issei and Asia visibly jump back a little seeing that.
Issei: *whispers* whoa oh shit now rias is getting pissed.
Yu: *whispers* I don't blame her that girl Xenovia is being way out of line.
Xenovia: hm and if that's true then we'll have no choice but to annihilate you even if you are the great devil lucifer's little sister.
Issei: *inner speech* hm I really like to see you try with all of us here.
Irina really wanted to say something to calm this conversation down, but she can't like it or not Xenovia's right, and right now they have a job to do she's a holy priestess of the church, a worshiper of God nothing else matters...nothing.
Rias: hm well if you are looking for any conformation then let me tell you, there's no way I would ever even think about joining the fallen angels i would never do anything to besmirch the name of the house of Gremory or my dear brother and like I said earlier there's no way I would ever side with anyone who hurts my friends, and I meant it
Xenovia now has a small smile on her face which honestly had everyone in the room a little worried.
Xenovia: hm then that's enough for me just to be able to hear that.
And just as quickly everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Xenovia: I was only merely relaying the thoughts of headquarters; I honestly wouldn't think that the little sister of lucifer would be that stupid
Issei: *whispers* she could have been a little nicer about it if that's the case.
Yu: *whispers* yea, but people like rarely do
Rias: hm good to know, the I hope you'll also understand that I will not be providing aid to your side either
Xenovia: Of Course, just as long as you or anyone else in your group are nowhere near this conflict, I'm sure we'll prevail.
Rias: *nods* you have my word on that right you three?
She looks over at the three humans also wanting the same conformation. they all nod
Yu: we were the ones that made sure they wouldn't come anywhere near us again so yea we agree as well.
Xenovia: hm well then if that's the case.
Both Xenovia and Irina stand up
Xenovia: then we shall not take up anymore of your time we'll be going now.
Rias: but wouldn't you like some tea before heading off?
Xenovia: no thanks I'm not here to make friends with devils.
Issei: *sheesh* she was just being polite.
And both Irina and Xenovia start heading towards the but then Xenovia stopped and looked at Asia
Xenovia: hmmm before I go, you!
Asia: huh? m-me?
Xenovia: I was wondering if visiting the home of Issei hyoudou would lead us to you and see you show up there confirmed my suspicions.
Xenovia: you are Asia Argento if I'm not mistaken?
Asia: umm yes
Issei: *inner speech* and why the hell dose she care about Asia all of a sudden?
Xenovia then gives a cold and murderous glare at her.
Xenovia: it would make sense that would run into a witch in a place like this.
Yu, Issei, and Asia all had different but visibly reactions hearing that. for Asia she was just horrified and physically shaking but for Yu and issei they were just shocked and angry that she actually had the nerve to say that to their face
Issei: *inner speech* w-what the hell!?
Yu: *inner speech* I-is serious right now?
Irina: whoa oh my goodness it is you! you're that former saint who became a witch after joining the devils,
Yu: *inner speech* is that...really how that works?
Irina: I also that you were banished because you had the power to both fallen angels and devils.
Yu: *inner speech* yea and that still doesn't sit right with me.
Issei: *inner speech* its complete bullshit!
Irina: and at one you actually used it you must be really to pull that off I'm kind of a little jealous.
Asia shaking was not stopping in fact the Irina talked the worse it got. Thankfully Yu and issei noticed and their arm around her trying to comfort her, and it worked she stopped shaking and she was smiling a little bit. This was something Xenovia noticed but somehow not Irina as she just kept talking.
Irina: but I didn't actually know that you joined the side of devils now to be honest I kind of thought you had already become on yourself.
Asia: umm well I have come close yea...
Issei: hey Asia are you ok?
Xenovia: tch Of Course she's not she went from being a saint to being a witch.
Yu: enough! stop calling her that!
Xenovia: why? I'm just calling it like it is, from being a saint to a witch is about the lowest anyone can fall, she's nothing then a deplorable abomination at this point.
Hearing what Xenovia was saying about her was about to make Asia cry her eyes out a little, but before she managed to shed one tear someone already spoke up to defend her.
Issei: HEY! senpai already said enough so how about you listen to him and just shut the hell up already!
Koneko: dude! you're seriously not helping.
She says while trying to hold him back.
Issei: but...
Koneko then gives him a serious look that made Issei calm down a little
Issei: *inner speech* grrrrr danm it she's right even I know it's a stupid move to pick a fight with these jerks...shit!
Xenovia: now Asia do you still believe in our god?
Issei: huh? *Inner speech* the hells she asking this for all of a sudden?
Yu: huh? *Inner speech* why the hell would she? him and his followers basically abandoned her.
Irina: oh, come on don't be silly she's with the devils now she's totally over us.
Xenovia: no, that doesn't always mean what you think.
Irina: hm? what do you mean?
Xenovia: there are those whose hearts continue to remain pias in the Mits of their own selfish betrayal, and it seems like she's one of them.
Irina: wait seriously? is that true Asia do you still believe in God? even amongst being around a bunch of devils.
Asia: ...yes
Issei: what?
Yu: what? Asia is that really true?
Asia: ... yes...I...I haven't been able to let go I still believe in God this whole time.
The two honestly didn't what to feel now especially Yu his mind goes back to when they first physically made love to each other...but under a different scenario now.
Yu: ...I...
Xenovia: hm then you allow us to execute you this instant.
Yu: WHAT!?
Issei: WHAT!?
Everyone was really shocked to hear Xenovia say that so openly but obviously not more than Yu, Issei, and Asia.
Issei: are you freacking serious? you must really be that crazy if you think were just gonna let that happen!
Xenovia completely ignores isseis comment and walks closer to Asia.
Xenovia: Asia Argento although you have sinned in many worse ways possible at this point you may earn god's forgiveness if you sacrifice your soul to him.
She then grabs her sword.
Xenovia: this act will be convicted by my hand; God will work through me to sl-
Yu and Issei were about make there move protect Asia until rias spoke up.
Rias: do you mind stopping there please? there is no need for to be shaming one of my friends in such an indignant manner.
Xenovia: oh, I wasn't shaming her like I said earlier I am calling it like it is, and I'll say again it is my duty to rescue her soul.
But before she could take another step Yu had already stepped forward having his already at her throat
Yu: not another goddanm step...Xenovia...
Everyone including rias was really shocked to see Yu do that.
Yu: Issei guard Asia
Issei then breaks out of konekes and stands in front of Asia boosted gear ready.
Issei: right, on it senpai
Xenovia could believe the audacity this human male had to threaten her like this it really made her angry
Xenovia: really? you would honestly dare to threaten a mighty solider of God this way? just who do you think you are!?
Yu just stood there stare directly in her eyes unfazed, then with a small smirk he answered.
Yu: I'm Yu narukami and I'm someone who's willing to go above and beyond even slay a god to protect those I love that's who I am.
Issei: and I'm Issei hyoudou a pervey teenager who has the power to destroy gods that's also willing to go through hell and back to protect the ones I love!
Xenovia: looked at the two boys curiously but then starts to laugh.
Xenovia: hmhmhm *laughs* I see I finally get it now you two are in love with her, aren't you?
The only who were pretty much surprised about that question was Irina everyone else just looked over at Yu and Issei to see their answer, both Yu and Issei just look at each other for a second until they both smiled looking back at Xenovia and answering proudly.
Yu: yes, we are.
Issei: yes, we are.
Both Xenovia and Irina were surprised...well only Irina was really surprised to hear them say that so openly, rias and the others on the other had pretty much already knew this but rias was actually smiling for a lot of reasons, I'm sure.
Xenovia: ...really?...hm I guess the little witch really has gotten both of you in its thralls, hm then are you two really willing to take on the entire church and even God himself just to protect this one little girl?
Issei: you bet your ass we are were never gonna let you hurt Asia again like you did!
Yu: you can a hundred hell a thousand priest or angels my way it will never be enough to stop me from protecting Asia none of you will.
Seeing her two boys saying that their willing to do anything and everything just to protect her and see her happy, if she wasn't madly in love with them already, she surely was now.
Asia: oh, you two*sniffs* you have how really happy you've made me just now.
Yu: *inner speech* hey angles I'm sorry I know how much god and the holy order mean to you all, but I just can't just sit back while all of them just stands there and treats Asia this way I don't care who she is she's going down if she lays a finger on her.
The angels were silent at first for the most part but then one of the most famous of arch angels spoke first.
Michle: do not despair my master we know you don't mean any ill will towards us.
Raphiel: but we are thankful you put our feelings about this into consideration.
Gabrial: and two be honest I believe all of us feel the same way you do young master.
Yu: *inner speech* huh? you all do?
Urial: I was personally involved with the young girl Asia's rescue so I can say for certain that she deserves more then to be slain by some fanatic follower of our lord.
Virtue: she is kind, caring, virtues, and so full of hope snuffing out her light would be a grave loss.
Dominion: I've already seen how those fallen retches treated her I will not let it happen again to the same people she once trusted
Yu: ...Helel?
Helel: ...I...will of course stand behind whatever decision you make my young lord.
Yu knew deep down that helel didn't want to go against everything he believed was right and just about the holy order but him saying that he's still with him makes Yu feel a little better.
Yu: Helel...thank you guys this means more than you think.
Xenovia just looked at the two boys with disgust and disappointment.
Xenovia: *sigh* how utterly foolish
Just then someone rias and the others all know unexpectedly walks through the door.
A young voice: actually, this is perfect.
Issei: huh? wait Kiba!
yep, they all turn to see Kiba standing by the door arms crossed.
Kiba: putting aside the adorable display of a love triangle confession aside I'm willing to take all of you on myself as well.
Xenovia: hm and who are you supposed to be?
Kiba: I'm Kiba your superior nice to finally meet you.
Xenovia: superior huh? hmhmhm well then if you really want to have sword with us then I'll give you that satisfaction.
And without another word said everyone went outside to witness the confrontation. Yu and Kiba were standing side by side facing the Irina and Xenovia. At first rias and the others were skeptical about Yu fighting with him but Kiba stated that he trusts Yu enough with his swordsman ship.
Xenovia: alright then let's begin.
And in a quick flash they both fling off their robs reveling a black and very skintight outfit with both of them were a cross necklace of course
Akeno: hey rias are you sure about this? should we really be fighting people from the church without permission?
Rias: it's just an informal bout it's not an actual official battle
Irina: *giggles* cause if the higher up found out then we'd all be in trouble.
She says that while pulling off her upper arm accessory and it turns into a katana.
Yu: *inner speech* huh she did say it was a mimic although I don't know how i feel about it being a katana.
The wrappings fly off of Xenovia's weapon revealing it's much more intimidating design.
Xenovia: consider it a drill no killing.
Kiba: *chuckles*
Xenovia: huh? what's so funny?
Kiba: hmhmhm because the one thing I've been wanting to destroy more than anything has appeared right before my eyes.
Then a huge number of swords came bursting out of the ground around Kiba
Xenovia: hm so this is sword birth, is it? hm, I remember now during the holy sword project the holy sword project there was a subject that managed to escape hm so your actually him huh?
Irina looks at Yu her opponent with a cheerful look but inside it was different.
Irina: *inner speech* hmmm so this is the one issei replaced me with as his new befriend...I guess it makes sense it's not like we would have stayed friend's even if I didn't move, my parent and everyone wouldn't allow it... especially if said friend was a boy...a tall...strong...charming...really really cute boy...
She soon shakes her head to quickly get out of that mind set.
Irina: *inner speech* nononono NO! stop that I'm not someone tempted by those sinful thoughts I'm a priestess a child of God I'm...I'm above all of that!
Irina: hm ok Yu narukami let's see what you got!
All of them got battle ready and with a loud battle cry they charged at each other swords raised and ready to fight.