I have now reached a new record for the longest chapter I've ever written for this site! Although, a lot does happen during this part including the introductions of Xenovia and Irina. I hope you all enjoy!
Oh, by the way, the mystery character I introduced in the last chapter is not Bayonetta (although in hindsight, she would be a very good fit for this universe) and she is not the crossover character I mentioned all the way back in Chapter 1. That music track I listed was purely because it was relaxing jazz for the scene.
"Annabelle, I'm sleeping with Luke tonight."
"Lady Rias, I am afraid I cannot acquiesce to your request. You have already spoiled my Little Luke all week. Allow me to sleep with him tonight."
In Luke's room, Rias and Annabelle were arguing over who would sleep with him for the night. How it got to this point was when Luke and Rias made it to his room. Annabelle came in and asked to spend the night with him, but Rias protested and the two started arguing while Luke just watched out of fear of getting caught in the crossfire. Both women were glaring at each other to the point that it caused sparks to fly.
"How about we let Luke decide?" Rias suggested.
The young women turned to Luke with demanding eyes and the pressure was causing him to panic.
Dammit! WhatdoIsay?! WhatdoIsay?! … WAIT! I've got it! A solution that will make both of them happy! "… Both."
"… Huh?" Both Rias and Annabelle were surprised at Luke's response.
"You c-can both sleep w-with me." … AGH! Why did I say that?! I sound like a playboy trying to get laid! They're going to think I'm some kind of sleazebag!
"That is very kind of you, my Little Luke." Annabelle happily smiled. "That's one of the things I love about you."
Rias cutely pouted and remained silent for several seconds. "Fine."
That actually worked?! Luke nearly dropped his jaw that two beautiful women were willing to sleep with him.
Rias then took off all of her clothes, including her bra and panties.
"P-President, do-do you have to get n-naked?" Luke asked as he shyly looked away with pink cheeks.
"You know I can't sleep unless I'm naked, Luke." Rias said before leering at Annabelle with a smirk.
"It is unbecoming of a maid to bare herself in front of her master." Annabelle looked down at first, but then looked up with fire in her eyes. "But I must not lose to you, Lady Rias!"
Annabelle stripped down into her birthday suit and Luke, who was still looking away from the women, couldn't believe what he was hearing. However, he didn't have much of a choice for as soon as the lights were turned off, he felt himself being forced onto the bed with Rias lying next to his left and Annabelle lying next to his right. Both women were grabbing onto each of his arms and looking at him with eyes of longing. He could feel that both of them had his arms between their equally large breasts and his face turned red from the sensation.
"Who's breasts do you love more, Luke?" Rias asked.
"I think he loves them both, don't you, my Little Luke?" Annabelle turned to her young master.
However, Luke had already passed out from all of the heat he was feeling from the lewd situation.
"Hmhm!" Annabelle giggled. "Our Little Luke is so adorable, don't you think?"
"Of course. He's my cute servant, after all." Rias still pouted.
"Lady Rias, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"That depends."
"Can you tell me what Lady Grayfia is like?"
"Grayfia? Why do you want to know about her?"
"Ever since Alastair and I were brought in by Sterling Morag, I have always looked up to Lady Grayfia. Not just as a maid, but as the Strongest Queen. As Lord Lucifer's younger sister, I was hoping you could tell me about her."
"Si-I mean, Grayfia… She's strict and serious… but she's also very wise and kind. She loves her family and her maid duties."
"Lady Grayfia sounds just as amazing as I've heard, maybe more so… Thank you, Lady Rias."
"Oh, you don't need to thank me."
"I wasn't talking about Lady Grayfia. I meant 'thank you for saving my Little Luke'." Annabelle began gently stroking the unconscious Luke's cheek. "Luke means the world to me. I love him more than anything and will do whatever it takes to ensure his happiness." She then looked to Rias. "Even if Luke chooses you in the end, as long as you make him happy, I will have no objection. I have no intention of losing to you, but can you at least promise me that?"
Rias confidently smiled. "On the name of House Gremory, I will make Luke the happiest man in the world."
Annabelle smiled back. I can tell my Little Luke already holds great affection for Lady Rias. But I hope that I can also be by his side.
In the middle of the night, Luke had woken up to use the bathroom and was now on his way back to his bedroom.
President and Anna have both been possessive of me over the last week or two. What's going on with them?
Having girl troubles?
"Bwa!" Luke was startled by the sudden voice that spoke up.
He looked around to make sure no one was woken up by his loud gasp and see if the speaker was anywhere around. Suddenly, a sapphire light appeared in his right hand and his Art Creation took the form of his Falchion.
"Wait… Opheria?" Luke whispered to his Sacred Gear. "You haven't spoken to me since the battle against Riser."
I apologize for not speaking up until now. I am not used to having long conversations with humans.
Gee, thanks…
I heard that.
"You heard my thoughts?!" Luke asked in a hushed tone.
I don't have a choice. I am always with you.
"Even-"
Yes, even the perverted thoughts.
Luke groaned at this new information.
As a human for your age, it's only natural for your mind to wander to the thought of mating with the opposite sex.
It feels weird being told that by a woman… You are female, right?
I thought my voice gave it away.
It did, I just… wanted to be sure.
The Gremory and their servants have extraordinary affection among Devils. Your master and friends are the same. The love Rias Gremory has towards you is especially deep. She seems to adore you a lot.
She does dote on me a lot, especially after I beat Riser. Do you have any idea what's going on in President's head?
I wouldn't know what females of other races think, but I can tell from your thoughts you adore her as well.
Luke blushed.
You are at that age where you're curious about those you're attracted to. My advice would be to experience those when you can. You never know when you will encounter the Emerald One.
Oh yeah, you mentioned something about an 'Emerald One' before. Who is that, exactly?
The Emerald Dragon Emperor, also known as Eupherio the Parasite Dragon. He is also my twin brother.
Your brother?!
Yes. Dragons are beings born from masses of power, in our case Eupherio and I were born from that same mass. All dragons act freely and selfishly. Whether they took a side in the Great War between the three factions or didn't care, us dragons live our lives as we please.
How did you live?
I found humans to be quite useful creatures and desired to cultivate their abilities by ruling over them. My brother wanted to live alongside humans and held a deep love for them. Due to our clashing ideals our battle was inevitable, and he was the victor. After my defeat, my body was cut into pieces and my soul was sealed inside this Sacred Gear before being put to sleep for 2,000 years. To make matters worse, all of the abilities I have created were sealed, meaning I can't teach you anything.
What happened to the Emerald One?
Though I was aware of the whereabouts of other dragons from various mythologies, I was not able to know what happened to my brother. At the very least, I do not sense his presence in this world. He could be in the Underworld, Heaven or somewhere else entirely. There's also the possibility that he is dead.
Do you regret what happened?
Dragons do not regret.
Ah…
Unlike the Red and White Ones, who were turned into Sacred Gears and passed down through many, many hosts, I have only had one host, you. My brother wanted the Sacred Gear born from my power to awaken in an era of peace, so my power would not be used for war.
Yeah, Art Creation would be pretty dangerous in the wrong hands. Hold on, who are these Red and White Ones?
They were a pair of Heavenly Dragons who were too stupid to stop fighting each other and were turned into Sacred Gears by the three factions. That boy… Issei Hyoudou was his name, right? He holds the power of the Red Dragon Emperor, the Welsh Dragon Ddraig.
No way! That idiot has a Heavenly Dragon in his Sacred Gear, too?!
He's not the only one you've met who has a dragon in their Longinus.
What do you mean?
Though he did not speak to me, I could definitely sense his unique aura. A feeling of impending doom… And it came from your brother's Sacred Gear. The Calamity Dragon, Apokálypsis. He was an Evil Dragon that threatened the Greek Faction long ago, until he was slain by the power of the Aegis.
'Aegis'?
Yes, the same one you hold the key to. I do not know what power the Aegis holds, but if it managed to stop the Calamity Dragon, it might be worth seeking it out. Whatever goals you set your sights on, with that power they will absolutely be within your grasp.
Well, I'm not exactly aiming big, am I? I just want to make girls happy.
You are still young, and Devils live more than 100 times longer than humans. That is more than enough time to find many dreams to strive for. Just keep getting stronger and there will be no limits to what you can achieve. But know this, throughout history dragons have always represented power. Humans have admired, respected, and feared us. Unwittingly, dragons fascinate those around them. Rather, those with power gather around dragons. The dragon's power will lead you to both those who yearn to be with you and those who wish to test your strength.
Sounds pretty stressful…
To fight powerful foes attracted to power. That is the fate of the vessels of the Dragon Emperors.
Luke let out a heavy sigh.
Don't be so glum. Your power will attract women as well.
"Huh?"
I can't speak from personal experience, but I've heard that all of the hosts of the Red and White Dragon Emperors were surrounded by those of the opposite sex.
"… Oh…"
Luke did not speak a single other word out loud, though Opheria could still hear his thoughts.
… I see…
There was a tense and awkward silence between the two for several seconds.
In any case, I am more than willing to lend you my powers to achieve your goals. I'm looking forward to what you can accomplish, Luke.
"Yeah…" Luke felt much more upbeat in response to Opheria's last words. "I'll do what I can to live up to your expectations, Opheria."
After classes the following day, Luke was waiting in a Japanese-style room that was on the second floor of the old school building. Akeno offered to teach Luke how to improve the use of his demonic powers. After a minute had passed, the door opened and Akeno entered the room. Strangely, she wasn't wearing her school uniform and instead wearing a loose white robe. Even her usual ponytail was missing and her long black hair was untied.
Akeno looks very beautiful with her hair down… Hold on…
Luke noticed that Akeno's hair was soaking wet… as well as her white robe. Upon closer inspection, Luke noticed a couple of pink dots that could be seen from underneath her robe as well as a noticeable lack of something that made his face instantly turn red.
IS SHE COMPLETELY NAKED UNDER THERE?!
"My, my, why are you so quiet?" Akeno asked before patting her ample bosom. "Don't you like my outfit? I felt like putting it on."
After Akeno drew attention to them, Luke couldn't help but briefly stare at her breasts
"I-I like it v-very mu-much." Luke stuttered as he tried his best to look Akeno in the eyes.
"Luke-kun, you may have just learned how to use your demonic power to create phenomena, but there is a limit to how much you can do. I have seen you use your entire palm when using your demonic power to attack with fire and lightning, but that likely consumes a good amount of that power."
"Kind of like Magic Points, right?"
"If that helps, then yes, you can think of it like that. Today, I want you to try creating water with just your index finger."
"Water is safer than fire if something goes wrong."
Luke closed his eyes, held out his right index finger and began focusing his imagination and demonic power through it.
"Be sure not to pour out too much demonic power at once."
After a couple of minutes of focusing, Luke managed to create small orb of water around his index finger.
"It worked!"
"Wonderful! That will be all for today! Next time we'll try to recreate that size with only two fingers."
"That's it? Huh, okay. Now, where do I get rid of this?" Luke looked at the water orb around his finger.
"Allow me."
Luke became surprised when Akeno got on her knees, inserted his finger into her mouth and started sucking on it.
WHAT IS AKENO DOING?!
The combination of Akeno being practically naked and seductively sucking on his finger while deliberately making lewd noises was causing Luke to feel incredibly aroused. At one point, Akeno began licking his finger and swirling the tip of her tongue around it, all with a mischievous grin on her face.
"Nyah…" Luke let out a sound of pleasure.
When his finger came out of Akeno's mouth, there was a thread of her saliva dangling from it.
"My, my, if you keep being cute and innocent, I'm going to want to service you even more."
"S-serv-service?"
"Yes. There's nothing wrong with spoiling my junior."
Akeno was sucking on Luke's finger again and brought her body closer to his. While Luke was flustered, Akeno hugged him with a bewitching smile. Even though Luke still had his shirt on, he could still feel Akeno's soft skin due to her wearing only a thin and wet piece of cloth and the dampness did little to contain her body's warmth.
I can practically feel her breasts pressing against my chest! They are so soft! I didn't think it was possible, but Akeno's breasts might be even bigger than President's and Fumiko's! Luke's mind was going crazy, and he could feel himself becoming rock hard.
"Even while you're like this, Luke-kun, I've really taken a liking to you."
"H-huh? M-m-m-me?!"
"Yes. I've always thought you were cute, but my feelings have been different lately. During the battle against Phenex, while I was in the infirmary, I saw you refusing to give up, all for the sake of Rias's happiness. You even defeated the immortal phoenix. It's very arousing, seeing a man fighting so magnificently."
"A-Arousing?"
Akeno looked Luke straight in the eyes and giggled. "Sometimes when I think about you, a warm feeling rises from my chest, and I can't help myself. But when I'm entertaining you like this, Luke-kun, I have this strong desire to tease you. Is this what it feels like to be in love?"
L-love?! Does Akeno think she's in love with me?!
"But if I lay my hands on you, Rias might get upset. She really… Heehee, you're quite the sinful boy, Luke-kun."
Akeno then put her arms around Luke's neck and purposefully exposed herself to the point he could see her right nipple and most of her legs.
"Would you like to have an affair with me?" Akeno teasingly asked.
"An affair?!" How can I have an affair when I'm not even dating anyone?! And even if I was, I don't want to go behind her back!
"Eheheh, I promise to keep quiet about this from Buchou and Fumiko-chan. You're brimming with lust, right? This can be our little secret."
I forgot how we got to this point.
"I want to know what it feels like to be devoured by a younger man at least once. I'm also quite the masochist. I've been thinking it's time that I felt a man inside me."
"A-Akeno? Are you a-?" Luke was about to ask, but Akeno knew exactly what he was going to ask her.
"Yes, I'm a virgin. Hmhm, you must be more experienced than me, Luke-kun, so I would love it if you could lead."
"W-well… I d-don't have any exp-p-perience, either."
Akeno looked surprised at Luke's confession. "Oh? I was sure you and Buchou had already…"
"We-we haven't. Honestly, I-I'm not even su-sure I should be President's f-first." Luke replied shyly.
"My, my, Buchou is taking it slow? What about your maid, Annabelle?"
"N-no! Not Anna, either!" Why does she think I have sex with Anna?
"I would have thought Buchou would have given you a 'treat' every night… This is quite the surprise. Luke-kun, don't you want to make love to them?"
Luke's already pink face became red. I-I can't tell her that! S-sure, I've thought about what it would be like to have sex with President, and it may have come across my mind with Anna recently, too.
"You poor thing… It sounds like the other girls are taking their time. I'm sure they could do it if they put their minds to it. Then it seems I can't take your chastity unless I get your permission."
Does… Does Akeno want to take my virginity?! Someone help before I make a terrible mistake!
The door suddenly burst open and standing in the doorway was Rias, who was leering at them with fierce eyes.
"Akeno, what is the meaning of this?" Rias questioned as she approached them.
"Hmm? I was just teaching Luke how to better control his demonic power." Akeno responded with a carefree smile.
"Really? No matter how I look at it, it seemed like you were doing much more than that." Rias clearly didn't buy Akeno's answer.
"My, my, I wasn't thinking of doing it."
"Even if you weren't, you're taking this too far. I still haven't even…"
"That's because you're moving too slowly. Studying from the books is fine, but real life doesn't always follow the manual."
Though not exactly glaring, Rias and Akeno were looking at each other with such intensity that Luke didn't want to intervene, and he just remained still to avoid attracting attention. Although, that was futile as Rias then glared at him and pinched his cheek hard.
"Luke, it seemed like you were having fun." Rias said while leering at him. "I thought you said you weren't the kind of man who goes behind a woman's back. Did you get close to the dear Akeno you like so much?"
"Urr…" Even if Luke wasn't having his cheeks pinched, he had no idea how he should respond to this turn of events as he felt like he should have handled Akeno's flirtations much better.
Rias angrily puffed out her cheeks, let go of Luke's face, and stormed out of the room with a loud slam of the door.
"I really need to apologize to President after she calms down…" Luke looked at the ground with deep regret.
"She's cute when she's jealous." Akeno whispered to him. "Heehee, perhaps this will progress your relationship."
I… don't entirely get what Akeno is saying, but I do feel a little better now. Still, I should really apologize.
Luke was on his way home after finishing his club activities. Rias told him to head home without him.
President is still mad at me. She didn't even look me in the eyes. I'm off to a pretty lousy start for my dream.
You really do focus too much on the negative, don't you?
He finally arrived at his house and as soon as he was about to open the door, there was a chilling shiver running down his spine.
This feeling… It's the same as when I approached the abandoned church to rescue Hana and Asia.
He then recalled how brutal and cruel the Fallen Angels and the Stray Exorcists were, even to humans with any affiliation to Devils.
… SETH! ANNA! ALASTAIR!
Luke bolted toward the living room, hoping that his family was unharmed. When he entered the living room, he saw Seth sitting in a chair with Annabelle and Alastair on each side of him.
"Seth, is everyone all right?" Luke asked with worry.
"We're all fine." Seth replied, although he was also feeling a bit uneasy. "Hana and Emery are safe and sound in their room. We just have a couple of guests who wished to speak with Rias."
Luke sighed with relief, but he still felt that sense of danger in the room. He looked toward the two figures sitting on the couch, both wearing white robes and had crosses around their necks. One of them was a woman that appeared to be a year older than him with frightening eyes and blue hair with a green highlight. The moment Luke saw the second one, he was frozen in place and his eyes widened in shock. The other figure was a chestnut-haired young woman with violet eyes and a face Luke could never forget.
"I… Irina?" Luke uttered out in a breathless state.
"… Luke-kun?!" The chestnut-haired girl seemed just as shocked to see him.
Before he knew it, the familiar young woman had practically leapt off of the couch and locked him in a bear hug.
"Even if you are a Devil now, it's so great to see you again!"
"It… really is you…" Luke muttered as it finally hit him that the woman before him was his long-lost childhood friend. She's just as bright and cheerful as she was back then. And she's grown into such a beautiful young woman. He then realized one of the words she just said. "H-hold on… How-how did you kn-know…?"
"Irina and her friend here are warriors for the Church." Seth answered him. "And relax, they're not here to pick a fight with us."
"I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to stop and see some old friends." Irina had a genuine and bright smile on her face.
Luke looked toward the other woman that accompanied Irina and noticed she had a long object wrapped in cloth attached to her waist. The shivering feeling got even stronger as he looked at that object.
She must be concealing some kind of holy weapon under that cloth.
"I'm so glad you're safe!" Rias embraced Luke.
Shortly after Irina and the other woman from the Church left after the former wanted to chat, Rias burst into the house with a pale face and held Luke after making sure everyone was okay.
"Are you hurt? They didn't do anything to you, did they?" Rias appeared to be genuinely concerned.
"N-no, they-they didn't seem like they had a-any intent t-to fight us." Luke responded. "Th-though I still felt like one of them was watching us in case we made any sudden moves."
Rias hugged Luke even tighter as if she didn't want to let him go. "Oh, Luke, thank goodness… If something were to happen to you… Sona wanted Melody and I to speak with her after club activities. She told us members of the Church have infiltrated Kuoh Town, and that they have Holy Swords. When we were on our way home, we sensed an unsettling presence coming from your and Issei's homes and I came here as fast as I could."
Luke could feel Rias's body and voice shake.
"I assumed the worst. I was terrified at that one of my cute little servants might come to harm… If anything had happened, I would have regretted our argument until the day I died. I'm sorry, I should have taken better care of you…"
Luke remembered the words Opheria told him the night before.
(The Gremory and their servants have extraordinary affection among Devils.)
Seeing President as she is now, that couldn't be any truer. Luke thought. She got angry with me just hours ago and I still feel guilty about it, but it looks like President was just as troubled. When she realized I was safe, she was relieved and broke into tears. She must have been incredibly worried about me. Her hugs are always so warm.
"President? I need to apologize for earlier." Luke spoke up. "I should have-have denied Akeno's advances."
"It's okay, Luke. Neither of us could have expected Akeno to do something so bold, but you can't keep letting other women seduce you."
"'Other'?"
"Anyway, according to Sona, who encountered those two women earlier today, they want to negotiate with me, who owns this territory."
"People from the Church want to negotiate with a Devil?"
Rias nodded.
"I doubt it's a pact."
"I'm not sure what they want, but they plan to meet us in the clubroom after school tomorrow. Apparently, they swore to God that they wouldn't attack us."
"Can we believe them?"
"We don't have a choice. It can't be easy for 'true believers' to ask 'evil' Devils for help. Whatever they want, it must be serious. I have a bad feeling about this… From what I've heard, the priests living in this town have been getting slaughtered one after another."
Luke gulped at Rias's words.
The next day after school, the members of the Gremory peerage, as well as those of the Morag peerage sans Akira and Hikaru, gathered in the clubroom of the old school building. Rias, Melody, and the two women from the Church took seats on the sofas. Akeno and Misaki stood next to their respective Kings. Everyone else were relegated to two separate corners of the room and kept watch of the conversation between the Kings and Church officials. Although everyone was on edge due to the Church women's presence, Yuuto was the most uneasy as he glared at them with such intense hatred and vengeance, it seemed like he was ready to cut them down without hesitation.
Irina was the one to break the silence. "Several days ago, the Holy Sword Excalibur guarded by the Catholic Church at the Vatican and the Protestant and Orthodox Church headquarters, was stolen."
Luke and Issei were able to understand that Excalibur was stolen but confused as to how it could be stolen from three different locations.
"I must apologize." Rias said. "Some of our servants only became Devils recently."
"Please, do you mind explaining to them the history of Excalibur?" Melody requested.
Irina nodded before looking past Rias and Melody. "During the Great War, Excalibur was broken."
"This is what it looks like now." The woman with the green highlight lifted the object from her waist and pulled back the cloth to reveal a long blade. "This is an Excalibur."
The mere sight of the weapon was enough to fill the Devils in the room with dread.
"The fragments of Excalibur were brought back together and reforged into seven new swords through alchemy." The woman continued. "This is blade is one of them. Excalibur Destruction. It belongs to the Catholic Church."
She covered the sword in the cloth again, which the others noticed had arcane glyphs all over it. Irina then pulled out a long rope from her pocket. The rope began to move, and it morphed into the shape of a katana.
"Mine is Excalibur Mimic. It can change its shape into anything I want, so it's really convenient to have and carry around. This one belongs to the Protestant Church. Each Excalibur has its own unique power."
"Irina, there's no need to divulge that information to these Devils, is there?" The other woman questioned her colleague.
"Oh, Xenovia, even if they are Devils, we need to establish a relationship of mutual trust." Irina stated. "Besides, we won't be at a disadvantage even if these Devils know of Excalibur's abilities."
Luke then felt killing intent coming from beside him. That pressure came from Yuuto as he glared at the Holy Swords and their wielders with such hostility, it must have taken an unspeakable level of willpower to not lose him to his rage.
President and Melody are trying all they can to not piss off an enemy organization. Luke thought. If you lose your shit now, we're all fucked! Going up against two Excaliburs… No doubt some of us will die."
"What do these Excaliburs stolen from Europe have to do with this Japanese town?" Rias asked without losing any composure.
The woman named Xenovia responded. "Including the weapon I am currently holding, the Catholic Church possesses two of the seven swords. The Protestants have another pair, as does the Orthodox Church. The final sword was lost during the Great War between God, Devils and Fallen Angels. Of the six remaining, one from each Christian sect was stolen. From what we understand, the thieves escaped to this town."
Rias placed her hand against her forehead and sighed. "Surprises always seem to happen in my territory. So, who were these thieves?"
Xenovia's eyes narrowed. "The Watchers of the Children of God, Grigori."
Melody's eyes widened in surprise. "The Fallen Angel organization is responsible for stealing the swords? Then it's not some feeble-minded fools who had no idea what they stole."
"We also know the main culprit's identity. One of the leaders of Grigori, Kokabiel."
Rias smirked upon hearing that information. "Kokabiel… One of the top Fallen Angels and a survivor of the Great War. I never expected to hear a name from the Bible."
One of the leaders of the Fallen Angels?! Luke thought. Are these ladies here to ask for our assistance?
"We sent several exorcists to this town, hoping to infiltrate the enemy's ranks and locate the Excaliburs." Xenovia said. "They were all killed. Our request… No, our demand is that the Devils in this town not interfere in the Church's battle with the Fallen Angels."
Rias raised her eyebrow at how Xenovia talked. "That's quite the manner of speech. You don't think we are cooperating with the Fallen Angels, do you?"
"Headquarters thinks it is in the realm of possibility."
Rias's eyes burned with a cold fury.
"Our superiors don't trust Fallen Angels or Devils." Xenovia stated with indifference. "Would the forces of God losing their precious Holy Swords not be a boon for you Devils? You have as much to gain from this as the Fallen Angels. As such, an alliance between your forces wouldn't be surprising. Thus, we would issue you with a warning… If you assist the Fallen Angels in any way, we will eliminate you. Even the sister of one of the Great Satans. Those were our superiors' orders."
"If you know I'm the sister of a Great Satan, you must have connections with the Church's higher-ups. I will say it right here. In the name of the House of Gremory, we will not ally ourselves with the Fallen Angels! I would never do anything that would tarnish the name of the Great Satan Lucifer!"
Rias and Xenovia glared at each other, but a few moments later Xenovia softly laughed.
"That's good to hear. I had to warn you that with Kokabiel hiding himself in this town along with the three Excaliburs, if anything were to happen, we and the church authorities would be held accountable. With that said, we won't ask for your cooperation. If a Devil, especially the younger sister of a Great Satan, were to side with us, even temporarily, it would upset the balance between the three factions."
Rias's expression relaxed. "And what about the representative from the Orthodox Church?"
"They are on standby." Xenovia replied. "Should Irina and I fail, their task is to defend the remaining piece of Excalibur with their life."
"So, the two of you are planning to retrieve the stolen Excaliburs alone? That seems quite reckless." Melody expressed.
Irina and Xenovia looked at each other with determination.
"Yes." Irina replied.
"I am with Irina on this." Xenovia agreed. "That said, I don't intend to die."
"Are you saying you came to Japan prepared to die? I see that faith continues to cloud common sense." Rias commented.
"Please don't mock our faith, Rias Gremory. Xenovia?"
"Right. The Church has decided that it would prefer the Excaliburs to be destroyed than remain in the hands of the Fallen Angels. The bare minimum of our task is to ensure the Excalburs cannot be used by Grigori. We're willing to risk our lives to accomplish that, if necessary. The only weapon that can stand up to an Excalibur is another Excalibur."
"Can you pull this off with just the two of you?" Melody inquired.
"If we do die, we don't intend to do so in vain." Xenovia resolutely answered.
"You seem quite confident. Do you have a secret ace up your sleeve?" Melody asked.
"I will leave that to your imagination."
After that, Rias, Melody, and Xenovia stared at each other, and their conversation had stopped dead in its tracks. Irina and Xenovia gave the other a glance before standing up.
"It's about time we take our leave. Irina, let's go."
"Won't you stay for a cup of tea?" Rias offered. "I can prepare a snack for you."
"That won't be necessary." Xenovia waved her hand in declination.
"I'm sorry. See you." Irina apologized with her hand.
The Church women then looked in the same direction, the corner in which the members of Melody's peerage were gathered.
"You. The one with the violet hair." Xenovia directed her voice to Spiral.
Spiral looked away from Xenovia and Irina as if he didn't want to interact with them in any way.
"No way!" Irina gasped. "Is that you, Rasen?!"
"'Rasen'?" Issei looked at Spiral quizzically.
"Spiral?" Melody's voice spoke up without her even turning around. "It's time you tell everyone."
Spiral sighed and took a deep breath before saying another word. "… 'Rasen' was my old name… Before I became a Devil… I was an exorcist."
Nearly everyone else in the room was shocked at that revelation.
"No way!" Issei shouted. "You used to be like that shitty priest Freed?!"
"I was never a chaotic Stray Exorcist like him!" Spiral replied with contempt in his voice. "But it's true I took the lives of many innocent Devils. Remember that woman I fought during our Rating Game against Kaidon, Primoir? Her parents are among those I've slain."
"I was an exorcist, too." Azusa raised her hand.
"Azusa-chan… And after you were deemed worthy by the Holy Sword Dyrnwyn!" Irina seemed regretful.
"Spiral-oniisama… became sad after he left the Church." Azusa said. "Even if it meant summoning a Devil and becoming one, I wanted to help him."
Azusa-chan really loves her brother, doesn't she? Issei thought.
"And you." Xenovia then darted her eyes to Asia. "When I saw you in Issei Hyoudou's house, I thought that it might be you. Are you the 'Witch' Asia Argento? I never expected to meet three former Church members in a place like this."
Asia's body shook as Xenovia called her 'Witch'.
Irina stared at Asia. "Are you the rumored 'Witch'? The former Holy Maiden? You have a power that can also heal Devils and Fallen Angels, right? I heard you were exiled, but I never thought that you would become a Devil."
"… Ummmmm… I-I…" Asia was visibly hesitant and growing upset at Xenovia and Irina's words.
"It's okay." Irina assured Asia, as well as Spiral and Azusa. "I won't tell headquarters what I saw here. The people who were around you three would be shocked if they found out."
Irina's words left Asia, Spiral, and Azusa with complicated expressions.
"Does Seiryuu know about this, Rasen?" Irina asked Spiral and Azusa.
"U-uh, no, she doesn't know about this." Spiral answered nervously.
Spiral looked pretty scared when she said Seiryuu… Issei thought. Whoever they are, they must be pretty terrifying to get him like that.
"A Holy Maiden and exorcists are now Devils." Xenovia said. "How far they fall. Do you still believe in God?"
"How could they, Xenovia? They are Devils."
"No, I can smell the 'faith' from them. It might be an abstract way of putting it, but I'm sensitive to these things. There are people who betray our teachings and bear guilt because they couldn't forget their devotion. I can feel something similar from them."
Xenovia's eyes and words were like daggers to the former members of the Church.
"Is that true, you guys?" Irina asked with curious eyes. "Do you still believe in God even though you became Devils?"
"… Azusa and I might not pray anymore… but we still try to follow God's teachings of respecting our fellow men." Spiral replied.
"… I haven't abandoned Him. I've believed for my entire life." Asia replied sorrowfully.
Xenovia took out her Excalibur and pointed it at the three. "I see. Then we should cut you down this instant. If it's now, our Lord will forgive you for your sins."
Luke thought as he watched events unfold. I can't let them slay our comrades… but who knows what damage it would cause to the relations between the three factions if I did something reckless.
As Xenovia approached them, Issei got in between her and his comrades.
"Don't lay a finger on them!" Issei shouted clearly. "If you come any closer, I won't hold back! You called Asia a 'Witch', didn't you?"
"I did." Xenovia replied plainly. "That is what the Church regards her as."
Issei grinded his teeth at Xenovia as he could barely contain his anger. "Fuck that! Not a single one of you bothered to help her when she needed it most! You're idiots for not appreciating her kindness! You didn't even try to become her friend! How is that right?!"
Issei… Luke thought as he watched him in admiration. You're… a lot more courageous than me…
"Do you think a Holy Maiden needs friends?" Xenovia questioned Issei. "Her only duty should have been the charity of others. Any who seek friendship are unfit to be a Holy Maiden. The love of God would have been enough. I guess Asia Argento was never truly qualified to be a Holy Maiden."
"What follower of God would allow that to happen?!"
Everyone was surprised by the sudden voice, and it looked like the one who said it was Luke as he had a clenched fist slightly raised. When Luke realized what he had said, he lowered his hand and looked at the floor.
"I'm sorry for speaking out of turn…" Luke calmly apologized.
"Don't apologize, Luke-kun! They're in the wrong here!" Issei protested before turning back to Xenovia. "None of you know what Asia went through! What kind of God and His love would do jack shit for Asia when she was in danger!"
"The Lord loves her." Xenovia answered calmly. "If nothing happened, then her faith wasn't strong enough, or she never truly believed in the first place. What are you to Asia?"
"I'm her family." Issei replied boldly. "Her friend. Her comrade. That's why I will help Asia! Protect her! If you so much as even try to lay a hand on her, you're my enemy!"
"He's not even bringing us up anymore…" Spiral muttered under his breath, referring to himself and Azusa.
Xenovia sharpened her eyes at Issei. "Is that a challenge to all within the Church? Bold words from a Low-Class Devil. Ms. Morag, you should really train your servants better."
"Issei, that's en-"
Luke was about to try and stop Issei, but Yuuto then stood in front of him.
"Fine, I will be your opponent." Yuuto proclaimed with a voice and body oozing with a murderous aura as he drew one of his swords.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Xenovia asked Yuuto.
Yuuto smirked at Xenovia. "I'm your senpai, although I was a failure."
At that moment, countless demonic swords materialized in the room.
"Kiba, don't!" Luke got in front of his comrade and tried to keep him back. "I can't fully understand what you went through, but it's not worth starting another war over!"
"Luke, I don't want to have to cut you down!" Yuuto growled at him. "Out of my way!"
Luke saw the malice in Yuuto's eyes and backed away from him.
"Might I propose a private duel?" Xenovia interjected. "At the very least, they can vent their frustrations without causing an incident. As long as we don't kill each other, we won't report this to headquarters. Should that suffice?"
Yuuto had a menacing smirk on his face at the suggestion.
"Issei, you're fighting, too!" Melody declared as she stood up. "While I don't blame you for lashing out, we wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for your provocations. Besides… It would be a good chance for old friends to catch up."
"O-old frie-friends?" Luke asked. "What-what do you m-mean, Melody?"
"Oh, sorry!" Irina rubbed the back of her head apologetically. "I didn't think you and Issei knew each other, but Issei and I were childhood friends, too."
"Huuuuuh?!" Luke and Issei were equally shocked they both of them knew Irina as children.
Yuuto, Issei, Xenovia and Irina were standing in the clearing behind the old school building with a crimson barrier erected around them to shield their surroundings from the potential destruction of the bout and hide it from prying eyes. The other Devils from both peerages were watching from outside it.
"Well then, shall we begin?"
Xenovia and Irina removed their white cloaks, showing their black combat gear and pulling out their respective Excaliburs.
What's with their outfits? Luke thought. You'd think the Church wouldn't have their female warriors wearing something so tight and exposing so much thigh.
"Issei, this may just be a duel, but watch out for their Holy Swords!" Melody called out to her Pawn.
Yuuto had already activated his Sacred Gear and summoned a large quantity of demonic swords around him.
"… Are you laughing?" Xenovia asked.
The smile on Yuuto's face was chilling, devoid of its usual refreshing qualities. "Yes. The one thing I have longed to destroy has come to me. Heh, I heard that staying around Devils and dragons would certainly draw in the powerful. But I never expected to encounter Excalibur so soon."
Opheria told me something like that the other day. Luke thought. Then… does that mean this whole thing is my fault?
That young man's past has nothing to do with you or I. Opheria spoke to Luke through their thoughts. Even if you never crossed paths, he would come across Excalibur again eventually. Don't beat yourself up over this.
His attention was eventually interrupted by the battles. Yuuto and Xenovia were clashing their swords head-on.
"Sword Birth, Twilight Healing, Supreme Aid, Eternal Frost, and the Longinuses Boosted Gear and Art Creation." Xenovia grinned. "I see Rias Gremory and Melody Morag have gathered quite the collection of Sacred Gear users."
"My power is born from the will of my fallen comrades, those murdered in cold blood!" Yuuto proclaimed. "I will use it to strike down any who wield Excalibur and destroy those accursed weapons!"
Meanwhile, Issei was only dodging Irina's strikes while his Sacred Gear gathered power. Irina stopped after noticing Issei had an excited and mischievous grin.
"… What a lecherous face. What are you thinking about?" Irina asked.
"Be careful." Azusa spoke up. "Issei-senpai has a technique that blasts away the clothes of any woman he touches."
"You're… you're joking, r-right?" Luke nervously chuckled.
"Sadly, it's the truth…" Spiral sighed.
"… Issei?" Luke asked.
"Huh?" Issei looked toward Luke.
"… You are a lecherous moron." Luke did not hold back one bit of his disgust.
"The enemy of all women." Koneko sharply insulted Issei.
"That hurts, you two…" Issei sobbed.
"Such a disgusting technique!" Irina then clasped her hands in prayer with a sad expression. "Dear God, please never forgive this sinful pervert!
"Don't look at me like that!" Issei shouted back at her.
I can't help but pity Ddraig for having such a lecherous host. Luke heard Opheria's thoughts.
Luke refocused his attention on Yuuto and Xenovia's duel. Despite his speed, Xenovia was able to dodge all of his attacks with minimal movements.
"The Knight's agility and demonic swords of fire and ice. Impressive, but you shouldn't underestimate me!"
With a single swing, Xenovia turned Yuuto's demonic swords of fire and ice to dust.
"My sword is the embodiment of destruction. There is nothing it can't destroy."
Xenovia twirled her sword around and then stabbed it into the ground. Suddenly, the ground in front of her was reduced to a large crater.
"This is Excalibur Destruction. It destroys anything it touches." Xenovia stated.
"… Such destructive power." Yuuto gave a bitter smile. "And that's with only one-seventh of its true power. Obliterating all seven swords will be difficult."
Luke then noticed Irina wiping the dirt from Xenovia's attack off of her clothes and dashing toward Issei with her sword. After the fourth boost, Issei activated Boosted Gear's Explosion and charged at Irina.
"Sorry for stripping you." Issei said as he headed toward his target.
"Argh! Obscene!" Irina whined as she dodged Issei's charge.
"It's not over yet!"
Issei continued his attempts to strike Irina at least once to activate his Dress Break.
He's actually keeping up with her simply through the desire to see her naked? Luke thought in disbelief. Doesn't he know how degrading that is? Or even if he does know, does he care?
"You caught up with me?!" Irina exclaimed as Issei was about to catch her.
However, before Issei could even touch Irina, she ducked down. Unable to stop his body, Issei went past Irina and passed through the barrier, heading directly to where Asia and Koneko were, and his hands touched both of their shoulders. The girls' uniforms and underwear were instantly torn apart, and they were completely naked.
IS THIS REAL?! Luke shouted in his head as he faced away to avoid Koneko's wrath.
He could hear Issei desperately pleading to Koneko, but he was sure what would happen next.
"… You super pervert!"
He could hear a heavy blow and Issei's groaning voice.
"… Oh." Luke took off his uniform's jacket and held it out toward Koneko without looking at her. "K-Koneko? Here."
Koneko walked up to Luke while covering her private parts. "… Thanks."
She took Luke's jacket, put it on and buttoned it up.
"You can look now."
Luke looked to Koneko, who was now wearing only his uniform jacket. It just barely covered the lower privates.
"I'm so sorry, Rias…" Melody sighed as she apologized for Issei's actions.
"I feel sorry for you…" Rias sighed back.
Despite his best efforts, Issei lost his boost and the duel ended in his loss.
"Haaaaaaaa!" Yuuto shouted as something was taking shape in his hand. "The destructive power of your Holy Sword or the destructive power of my demonic sword! Let's see which one is stronger!"
A gigantic sword appeared in Yuuto's hands and he swung it with tremendous force at Xenovia.
"A shame." She sighed in disappointment. "You made the wrong move."
With a single slash of Excalibur Destruction, Yuuto's gigantic demonic sword was easily broken in two.
"Your weapons are the variety of swords you can create and your speed." Xenovia said to Yuuto. "You need a lot of strength to swing such a large sword like that, sacrificing the speed you're so proud of. Are you seeking destructive power? It's unnecessary for your fighting style. You should know that."
Xenovia pounded the pommel of her sword into Yuuto's stomach, forcing him to the ground and vomiting.
"Even though it wasn't the blade, that hit just now is enough to keep you from standing for a while." Xenovia leered at Yuuto and turned around.
"… Wa-wait!" Yuuto tried to reach out towards her.
"Yuuto, that's enough!" Rias shouted. "It's over!"
Akeno unsealed the red barrier around the combatants.
"I suggest you fight with your style next time." Xenovia said to Yuuto before turning her attention to Rias and Melody. "I trust you with our talk from earlier. Also, you should train your servants more and polish their techniques." Ignoring Yuuto's glares, she looked at Issei. "I will tell you this, Red Dragon Emperor. The Vanishing Dragon has already awakened."
Issei seemed shocked at Xenovia's words.
"You will meet him eventually, but you can never win in your current state."
Before Xenovia could leave, Luke approached her.
"E-excuse me? Do-do you know if the Parasite Dragon is awake as well?" Luke inquired.
"You must be the Paradise Dragon." Xenovia guessed. "Unfortunately, not even the Church knows of the Parasite Dragon's whereabouts. The only certainty is that he was never converted into a Sacred Gear."
"Th-thank you." Luke politely bowed to her.
Xenovia then left after picking up her things and Irina followed her.
The Occult Research Club returned to the old school building where Fumiko was healing Yuuto's injuries.
"Here is your jacket back." Koneko, now wearing a spare uniform, handed Luke his jacket back.
"You're welcome, Koneko." Luke replied as he took the jacket and put it back on.
"Hold on! Yuuto!"
They heard Rias's voice, and they saw her angry as Yuuto seemed like he was trying to leave.
"I will not allow you to leave me!" Rias said. "You are the Knight of the Gremory peerage! I won't let you become a Stray! You're staying right here!"
"I was able to escape from that place because of my comrades. That's why I must exact their revenge through my demonic swords…" Yuuto left after saying those words.
"Yuuto… why…?" Rias muttered in sorrow.
The next day, Luke was on his way to the train station where he was meeting with a couple of people.
"What are you doing here?"
He looked to the familiar voice, which belonged to Koneko.
"… I saw that look in Kiba's eyes when he threatened me…" Luke looked toward the ground. "I… I can't bear seeing him like that. I want to help him in any way I can… That's why… I'm going to ask Xenovia and Irina for permission to destroy the Excaliburs!"
A/N: I'm surprised I managed to get such a large chapter done in only a week, especially after the morning I had when writing the last stretch.
I got to reveal Opheria's origins this chapter as well as the fact that Seth also has a dragon in his Sacred Gear, World Ender.
You may have noticed Luke's unusual reaction when Opheria told him that women would be drawn to him. That's actually a very important plot point for him that I won't reveal for a long while.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed! Stay tuned for next time!
Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Annabelle Wright
Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento
Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)
Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops)
Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral Hirano (Knight), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Asia Argento (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)