Chapter 23: Childhood Friends and a Crisis

After a day of classes and club activities, with no demon work, Miu, Asia, and I head home. Usually, the president joins us, but she's busy with the student council today.

"Is Kiba okay?" Asia asks.

I heard from a classmate that Kiba was spaced out all day, not responding even when called. Even the teacher was worried.

"He's got his issues. Let's give him space," I say.

"Can't we do something?" Miu asks.

I'd already told Miu about Kiba. Well, more like she sensed something was up and grilled me. She's sharp. She's been worried about him since.

"Sorry, all we can do is watch over him. Talking now might backfire."

"I see…" Miu says, dejected.

"Don't worry. He'll come back. Trust our friend."

Kiba, making Miu this worried you're in for it when you're back.

'Since when did you become such a siscon, partner?' Ddraig teases.

When did you learn that word?

'…'

Joking aside, Kiba needs to return soon. The occult club's off without him.

Right before we reach home, a chill hits me. I've felt this before. Asia senses it too. Miu's unfazed, so it's—

"Asia, Miu, let's hurry."

They nod, picking up the pace. My house is close, and I can sense Mom's safe. Still, better not take chances.

At the front door, two women in robes with crosses around their necks are chatting with Mom.

"Mom, what's going on?"

"Oh, Issei! Welcome back, all three of you. I got caught up talking with old friends."

Old friends?

I glance at the women. One has chestnut hair, the other blue with green streaks. Both stunning. And they radiate a holy aura. Exorcists?

"Good evening, Issei Hyoudou," the chestnut-haired woman says.

She knows me? Who is she?

"Don't remember? It's me!" She points to herself.

I rack my brain. No way I'd forget someone this beautiful…

Mom returns with a photo the one with the holy sword. She points to a boy in it.

"This is Irina Shidou. She was tomboyish back then, but now she's a proper lady. Surprised me too!"

What!? No way! I thought she was a boy! Sorry, Irina!

"Long time, Issei. Thought I was a boy? Can't blame you I was a wild kid. A lot's happened since we last met. Reunions are wild, huh?"

She knows I'm a demon now.

"Yeah, no kidding."

Who'd have thought that tomboy would turn into this beauty?

'That's not the point,' Ddraig cuts in.

"Thank goodness you're safe."

The president rushes back after sensing the holy sword's aura, relieved to see us unharmed.

"After club, Sona told me church agents with holy swords slipped into town. They want to negotiate."

"Church folks negotiating with demons? What's your plan, President?"

"I'll hear them out. If they're reaching out, it's serious."

Makes sense. Better to listen than let them act recklessly. But holy swords now? Worst timing.

"When's the meeting?"

"Tomorrow after school."

That's fast.

"Can Kiba stay calm around holy swords?"

"Honestly, I doubt it."

If he snaps, he might attack Irina and her partner. I'll step in if needed.

The next day, after school, everyone but Miu gathers in the clubroom. Miu went home since things might get heated. The president faces Irina and the green-streaked woman, while we stand behind her.

Kiba leans against the wall, glaring at them.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet. I'm Xenovia."

"Irina Shidou."

"I'm Rias Gremory, heir of the Gremory clan. Why would church agents, who despise demons, want to talk? Must be important."

"To the point: Excalibur swords, owned by the church, were stolen by fallen angels," Xenovia says.

"What!?" we gasp.

The president told us Excalibur was shattered into seven pieces after the ancient war. One was lost, but the rest were secured.

"The church's three factions each held two swords. Three were stolen. I have Excalibur Destruction," Xenovia points to a wrapped greatsword, "and Irina has Excalibur Mimic," she gestures to a cord on Irina's arm.

Half the swords stolen? Either the church slipped up, or someone betrayed them.

"We came here because the fallen angel who stole them is hiding in this town. We're here to retrieve or destroy them," Xenovia says.

"I'd rather destroy them than let fallen angels keep them," Irina adds.

"Who's the thief?" the president asks.

It's bold to steal from the church. I'm curious.

"Kokabiel, a leader of Grigori," Xenovia replies.

Everyone but me gasps. Who's Kokabiel? Sounds familiar…

'Grigori is the fallen angels' core organization. Kokabiel's a high-ranking survivor of the great war, named in the Bible. His power surpasses top-tier demons,' Ddraig explains.

That's a big deal.

"What do you want from us?" the president asks.

"Simple. Stay out of our fight with the fallen angels over Excalibur. Demons, don't get involved," Xenovia demands.

The president's eyes narrow. She's pissed.

"You think we'd team up with fallen angels to mess with your swords?"

"Demons hate holy swords. It's not impossible," Xenovia retorts.

The president's gaze turns icy. Blaming us for their failure?

"If you're with the fallen angels, we'll annihilate you, even if you're the Demon King's sister," Xenovia threatens.

"I'd never ally with them. I swear on the Gremory name and my brother's honor," the president declares.

Xenovia smirks. "Good enough. I didn't think the Demon King's sister was that foolish. Just relaying orders."

The tension eases slightly.

Irina and Xenovia stand to leave.

"Thanks for the meeting. We'll go now."

"No tea?" the president offers.

"Can't get too cozy with demons," Xenovia declines.

"Sorry," Irina says, gesturing apologetically.

Their eyes land on Asia.

"When we met at Issei's house, I suspected… Asia Argento, the 'witch,' in the Far East," Xenovia says.

Asia flinches at "witch."

Irina looks at her. "The ex-saint who healed demons and got exiled? You're a demon now?"

"I… I…" Asia stammers.

"We won't report this," Xenovia says. "But to fall so low… Do you still believe in our God?"

"She's a demon. No way she does," Irina scoffs.

"Some sinners still cling to faith. I sense it in her," Xenovia counters.

"Do you, Asia?" Irina asks.

Asia's face falls. "I can't let go. I believed for so long…"

Xenovia points her wrapped sword at Asia. "Then let us cut you down. Even a sinner may find salvation through our God."

That's it.

I grab the sword and force it down. Xenovia's shocked.

"A demon touching a holy sword, even wrapped?"

"Don't care. Calling Asia a witch? You've got some nerve."

"She fits the title now, doesn't she?" Xenovia says.

My teeth grind in anger.

The president tries to stop me, but I'm not done.

"You church folks are unbelievable. You praised Asia as a saint, then exiled her as a witch for healing demons. Now you'd cut her down? You're too damn selfish."

"God abandoned her because her faith was weak," Xenovia says.

"Then your God's got a narrow heart."

"What did you say?" Xenovia snaps.

"Asia's kind to everyone, even demons, and saved countless people. If your faith doesn't save someone like her, it's wrong."

"Is that a challenge to the church?"

"I don't want a fight. I've seen enough war. But if you hurt my friends or family, I won't hold back. I'll crush you."

"A mere demon talks big," Xenovia says, radiating killing intent.

"Issei, stop—" the president starts.

Kiba steps between us, sword drawn, seething.

"I'll take you on," he says.

"Who are you?" Xenovia asks.

"Your senior. A failure, apparently," Kiba sneers.

Suddenly, countless demonic swords materialize in the room.

We're in the grassy field by the old schoolhouse. Kiba's provocation led to Xenovia accepting a no-kill duel. I face Irina, Kiba faces Xenovia. Seems backward since I was arguing with Xenovia.

A red magical barrier surrounds us, keeping people out and muffling noise. The club members watch from the edge.

"Let's begin," Xenovia says.

She and Irina shed their robes, revealing tight black combat outfits. Curves in all the right places damn, they're hot.

Xenovia unwraps her greatsword, Excalibur. Irina's cord transforms into a katana.

"Issei, even if it's a spar, beware the holy swords!" the president warns.

"Got it."

I've seen footage of a demon cut by a holy sword smoke rising from the wound. Gotta avoid getting hit.

'You've got this, partner. These girls are no match,' Ddraig says.

I'll stay sharp.

Kiba's already summoned demonic swords, grinning eerily.

"Smirking?" Xenovia asks.

"How can I not? The thing I want to destroy is right here," Kiba replies.

Xenovia eyes his swords. "Sword Birth? I heard a Holy Sword Project survivor escaped disposal. That's you?"

Kiba doesn't answer, just glares with killing intent. Does he get this is a no-kill fight?

"Issei Hyoudou!" Irina calls.

"What?"

"My old friend, now a demon what a twist of fate! I earned the right to wield Excalibur for God, yet this is my trial! Overcoming it will bring me closer to true faith!" Her eyes sparkle with zeal.

She's totally into this. Enjoying it, even?

What do I say to that?

'Good luck, partner,' Ddraig says.

Thanks a lot, Ddraig.

"Here I come, Issei! My Excalibur will judge your sins! Amen!"

Irina slashes at me, wind whistling. She's serious!

This is how you greet a childhood friend?

…Well, I didn't remember her, so fair enough.

Time to end this quick. The holy sword's aura stings.

I dodge Irina's charge with minimal movement, grab her wrist, and knock the sword from her hand.

She gasps as I sweep her legs, pinning her to the ground.

"Match over."

"No way…" Irina's stunned.

She didn't expect to lose so fast.

"Charging a stronger opponent head-on's a bad move, Irina. Learn to read your enemy."

I pat her head and return to the president.

"Done. What's with everyone?"

They're all gaping, except Asia.

"Too clean a win," the president says.

"Impressive, Issei," Akeno adds.

"You're unreal, senpai," Koneko says.

Just the result of training.

"You okay, Issei?" Asia asks.

"Thanks, Asia. Not a scratch."

She's so kind. I want to ask the church why they exiled someone like her.

My fight's done. Now it's Kiba and Xenovia.

"Didn't expect Irina to go down so easily. I underestimated you," Xenovia says.

"Your turn," Kiba replies, gripping two demonic swords.

"Burn and freeze!" Kiba shouts.

One sword blazes with fire, the other radiates ice. Their blades clash, sparks flying in a fierce duel.

"Impressive speed. Fire and ice swords? But too weak!" Xenovia shatters both with one swing.

"Your swords are no match for my Excalibur!"

She raises her blade and slams it down.

BOOM!

The ground shakes, a crater forming where she struck.

"Even split into seven, such power. A path of destruction…" Kiba mutters, summoning new swords. "This power carries my comrades' regrets. I'll destroy Excalibur with it!"

He charges, but his swords shatter against hers.

Excalibur Destruction lives up to its name. Normal demonic swords can't compete.

Kiba conjures a massive, ominous sword, gripping it with both hands.

"My swords' destruction versus yours. Let's see who wins!"

He swings—

The worst move he could make.

His sword breaks. Xenovia's hilt slams into his stomach.

Kiba collapses, vomiting.

Xenovia looks down, unimpressed. "Your strength is in versatile swords and speed. A heavy blade kills your advantage. You didn't see that?"

She read him perfectly.

Kiba tries to stand but can't.

Xenovia approaches me. "Issei, your strength surprised me. I'd love to spar, but we're busy. Another time. Rias Gremory, keep our agreement."

"Understood," the president replies.

Xenovia and Irina leave.

"See you, Issei! Next time, I'll win!" Irina pouts.

Still competitive as ever.

And so, they depart.