FBBH 49 (Patreon)

Writting this much is actually making my arm hurt but we are close to the two chapters ahead here.

Lots of revelations today in:

Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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49-  Talks of Peace

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Medusa couldn’t help but stand in front of the mirror, fighting her own nerves. ‘What should I do?’ With her white dress similar to a toga with many ribbons and her loose hair, the person in the mirror reminded her of her sisters. ‘What would you do in my place? Euryale would probably try to charm everyone while Stheno… Stheno would already have them charmed.’ None of which helped her.

While the three sisters looked almost the same, Medusa knew their differences more than anyone; she always saw herself as less cute and pretty than her sisters, a distinction that grew with time. Even as she reverted to the small girl the three were in their happier times, she still could see herself as lesser than then.

“I wish you two were here.” Her mirror had multiple directions and when looking into an angle she herself with her sisters. Yet as Medusa embraced herself she knew it was just a fantasy. “Then you could tell me what to do.” A knock on her startled the goddess but she took a calming breath. “Enter.”

Shirou stepped inside dressed in his armor and shroud, ready for combat. It was also his most formal clothing by devils’ standards and his mother wanted him to dress his best. That didn’t stop him from admiring Medusa’s room as he rarely stepped inside her domain.

As usual it was spotless, or even more clean than usual as she cleaned to soothe her nerves. Besides that while a different place compared to the rest of the house it was more because Medusa preferred to forgo most Japanese traditions and have a more Greek setting.

It was the beds and couch mostly, places for Medusa to sit down and read while enjoying her privacy, usually with a light lunch. Most of it was purple, from the color of her chair and the walls to the bed and its covers. Her bed was too big for one person, had many pillows with different shades of purple and was her favorite piece of furniture.

Didn’t diminish the quantity of her bookcases or how many books she had in her room. Books dominated every shelf with every genre known to man. There was adventure, action, romance, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, everything and anything. Most of them she hasn't read yet but it was her favorite pastime, to visit other worlds without leaving the comfort of home.

Close to the door there was a desk with a watch and a small pile of books. Usually these books would be the ones Medusa was still reading and would be taking with her to Kuoh. Not today though, today they would remain behind as she would have no time to literature and her concerns wouldn’t let focus on them.

“Everyone is ready to go.” Shirou said delicately, noticing how pensive Medusa was. “Do you want me to tell them to go ahead? We still have some time before the meeting.”

Medusa looked at him through the mirror before shaking her head. “No, it is better if we don’t waste any time.”

“We wouldn’t be. There is no rush.” Shirou closed the door and began to walk towards the bed. Once he sat down and noticed the goddess’ eyes remained in the mirror, he frowned. “Look, just mom and Maya need to be there early. We can take our time.”

“Thank you but no.” Medusa turned to her protector with a conflicted look. “If we leave later… I may not find the courage to leave at all.”

Scratching his neck, Shirou kept his frown but tried to smile. “You were invited. Don’t go if you don’t want to.”

“I need to know what they want. Maybe it is nothing.” She glanced at the mirror again, imagining that her sisters were there looking back. “Or maybe they want me to depart so their alliance starts smoothly.”

Immediately Shirou moved to his feet and rested his hand on her shoulder. “You are only leaving if you want to. If angels of any kind have any problem with that then I will remind them that this is my home and you are my guest.” Then he smiled sincerely. “Besides, I need to take responsibility.”

“There is a difference between allowing me to stay at your home for free and picking a fight against one of the top Factions of the world.”

“‘For free’? Medusa, it was never for free.” She looked at the redhead with a raised eyebrow. “You helped me with projects, trained my friends, gave advice and spent time with Gasper when nobody else could. All that nothing including this,” he pointed to the jewel back in the center of his armor, “or how much you help around the house in general.”

“I like to clean.” She held a small blush that had Shirou chuckling.

“Be as it may, as far as I am concerned, you paid any due hundreds of times over. Never think that you were a burden, because believe me, you aren’t.”

“Still… Depending what they say-”

“We don’t know yet and we can cross that bridge when we get there.” Shirou offered his hand for Medusa to take. “Now we can go or we can wait for another hour or so before leaving. Or you just stay home and I tell them that you had better stuff to do than go to a meeting with a bickering Faction that needs to clean up their act.”

“Pft, they need to, don’t they?” Seeing the Three Factions as a bunch of petulant children helped her even if that was far from the truth. Even adding the centuries she was lost to insanity, Medusa was far younger than most of the men going to this meeting and admitaly less wise. “Then let's go. Time to cross the bridge.” Yet she would face them as a goddess, for anything else would shame her sisters and protector.

As they began to walk towards the garage, Shirou couldn’t help himself. “Well, technically speaking we need to get there, wait for another hour as aunt Maya checks the security, give however much time the others need to arrive, then there will be the start of the meeting with whatever protocols they have, not to mention the possible delays-”

“Forget about it. I am going back to my room.” And she turned to do just that.

“I made cupcakes~” The goddess stopped mid step, her head slowly turning to him. “Strawberry, your favorite. We better hurry before Liz finds them. Or worse, Koneko.”

Medusa let out a sigh of exasperation. “You are a manipulative man.” She began to walk to the garage in a hurry. He easily matched her step. “Using a girl’s weakness like that, you are cruel.”

“Hahahaha, I don’t mind. Sometimes you must be cruel to be kind.” If anything those words only made the goddess glare at him more.

“Giant.”

Her tone only made him laugh louder. “Is that supposed to be an insult?” For her it was.

Around the van the inhabitants of the house were getting ready to go however, Medusa saw something odd. “Why are they using the school uniform?” Most of those in the garage were using Kuoh’s standard uniform except Xenovia and the obvious exceptions between Iri, Maya and Liz. “Didn’t you make armor for them?”

Rias giggled at Shirou’s frown. “Because unlike Shiro, we don’t have a shroud to complement the armor.”

“Only because you didn’t want to use a cloak.” Shirou pointed to Xenovia who had a briefcase in her hands and Durandal tied on her back with its new scabbard. “At least someone is sensible enough to do it.”

“Sir!” Xenovia saluted with a grin that made Shirou sigh. She was using a red cloak that reached her knees, revealing her combat boots. “It’s slightly smaller than an Exorcist’s cloak but more comfortable, sir.”

“Ah, Shirou, don’t be like that.” Iri jumped from the side and hugged his neck. “You need to understand that a woman has to have her style.”

“Liz is using it.” Below her usual jersey all could note the black piece of armor even with the zipper up.

“Liz is hardly the best person to talk about fashion.” Rias commented and the maid shrugged as she relaxed in the driver’s seat.

Then Shirou turned to Luvia and Koneko. “Don’t look at us like that, Shero. If our King says that your armor is not proper for such meetings then it isn’t proper for such meetings.” She fixed her uniform around her breasts. “Not that the fact you got the measurements wrong didn’t help it in some of our cases.”

“I used the measurements you gave me.” Shirou replied as flatly as humanly possible. He already knew what was coming.

For Luvia was getting easier to read the more he lived with her. “Oh my, does that mean I developed a little.” No, she didn’t.

But never let it be said that Luvia doesn’t know how to take advantage of a situation, even a small one as such and Shirou could only roll with it. “If you need, I can take a look at it after.”

“Yes~ I am sure we can figure out something.” While the blonde posed, Shirou turned his head to Rias.

“Why can’t you use armor?” It wasn’t even the much work he put in it, but he would feel safer if she did.

However Rias rolled her eyes and waved him off. “It is a Peace Meeting, Shiro. We aren’t going to fight. Besides, Kuoh’s uniforms were designed to look like some noblemen's clothes from the Underworld.” She made a slight courtesy, lifting the skirt just a little to show respect and not reveal anything. It would still be tempting to those weaker of mind. “I will fit right in.”

“In the Underworld, maybe.” Iri pointed out with a gentle smile.

With his mother on Rias’ side Shirou knew this was a fight he couldn’t win. “There is nothing that I can say that will change your mind, is it?”

A small giggle later, Rias pointed towards Xenovia. “Come on, Shiro. You didn’t even get on Xenovia’s case and she doesn’t have any armor.”

“She is using her combat uniform that while less resistant, is still bullet proof.” At her cue the bluehead opened her cloak to reveal her fixed and slightly modified uniform now with no crosses and all black. “Can complain about the Church's work with swords but not with their blessings. She is also using a cloak, you know, the one that I designed for everyone that Akeno called too tacky.”

“It was a joke.” Rias was just too amused at her lover’s frustration. “Besides, it is a Peace Meeting, nothing is going to happen.”

Shirou facepalmed so loud enough that someone winced. “You just jinxed us.”

“While I don’t believe in luck, Gremory’s Power aside, I agree it is a good idea to use armor.” Maya opened her black jacket to show she was using one of Shirou’s models. She closed the zipper and folded her arms. “It isn’t uncommon for government representatives to use bulletproof vests when moving over hostile territory.”

That offended Rias a little. “Fuyuki isn’t hostile territory and we cleaned up every mess that showed up.”

“True.” Maya gave her that much before raising two fingers. “However this city has been the center of conflicts between the Three Factions at least two times, once with the fallen angels who almost killed your two people who became your Pieces and Kokabiel with the Fragments where the Church also sent agents. Obviously there will be those that are also against peace so we should be expecting a ‘mess’ of some kind.” Nobody could challenge her point.

Irisviel saw the concern on some faces and let out a sigh. “Maya is just being a little paranoid-”

“It is my job.”

“-but you guys don’t need to worry. That is why we are here!” She placed her fist above her heart proudly. “The Black Sheath Security Company, working with agents from all three camps, is on the prowl and alert. Our measures are many and nobody is going to get in the way of peace or my name isn’t Irisviel.”

“Doesn’t mean that something can’t go wrong.” Maya pointed out but shrugged. “Anyway, she is right. You kids just go there, give your testimony and then sit down and let the adults talk.”

“Can we go now?” Medusa asked with a nervous look. “Considering my situation, I admit I may be losing some of my nerve.”

“Sure, let me just call the others so they are at the door when we stop there.” Rias picked her cell phone as everyone embarked the van.

Shirou was about to go in when Xenovia tapped his shoulder. “Master, can I ask for a favor?” Her nervous look actually worried him.

“Sure, what is wrong?”

“Can I…” A pause of hesitation, Shirou was starting to get more worried. “Can I get another color?” Only to almost fall down at the question. “Sorry, Master. I don’t mean to upset you. I know red and black are your colors but-”

“No, they aren’t. Those are the Gremory’s colors and I use them to avoid confusion.”

“Also they look great.” Rias added from her seat, finishing writing the message. “Why would you want to change it? Red brings out your eyes.”

“Does it?” Shirou actually stopped to take a look but Medusa shook her head in his field of vision.

“Perhaps but if it isn’t much of a problem… Can you make me a green cape?” Xenovia felt like she was asking too much.

“Fine, which shade of green? Like your fringe?”

“Yes, Master! I would appreciate it!” At that Shirou touched her shoulder and the cloak began to change color. Once it was done, now the exact color of her fringe, Xenovia couldn’t hide her wonder. “Oooooh~ How did you do that, Master?” She spun in place, falling in love with her cape more than she was before.

Shirou was happy to see her happy. “My creation, remember? Altering it is not that hard.” His shroud changed colors twice, first to green then to blue before going back to red. “A little harder on this one since I made a little differently but you can thank my mother for that.”

“Nah, Shirou. We wouldn’t have gotten that far if you weren’t studying Noble Phantasms. That Green Mantle also helped a lot.”

“But it was you who figured out how to isolate its power and make a cape from it.”

“It isn’t as strong and you know it.”

“Yet, you did a better job than I could-”

“Love the family moment but we need to go.” Maya looked at the watch on her wrist impatiently. “You two can keep complimenting each other on the road.”

Realizing time was not on their side, Shirou and Xenovia took their seats, the briefcase she was carrying being put on the ground and the van began to move. Because of the security systems in place for the meeting there will be a lot of restrictions for people to get inside. So, to avoid delays and accidents, they would drop by and pick up the others.

Kiba was first as the complex of apartments he lived in was closest but they would still have to do a huge lap to get Issei and Asia before getting Akeno. The Knight got into the van in a good mood, the fact Caliburn’s Fragments and their hunt would be brought out during the meeting not bothering him at all.

When they arrived at the Hyoudou residence they were greeted by the sight of the parents wanting to know why their children were going to school on a Sunday. Rias quickly convinced them it was for a school project so there was little argument.

Everything was helped by the fact Asia also was dressed in her school clothes and when Xenovia asked if she would change to her nun outfit the Bishop shook her head and claimed she was going as a devil of Gremory and that it would be rude to meet Michael dressed like a nun.

Obviously the former nun was nervous about meeting such a revered angel but she still stood firm as a member of the Gremory Peerage. Rias smiled and embraced Asia with pride as the van moved to the next location.

Akeno was waiting for them close to a bus stop chatting with two guys, they were hitting on her but the Queen smoothly said her goodbyes and hopped in the van. Looking at how most of the population of the van were girls they tried to get in but Maya gave them a fake smile before saying they were going to another city for a school project.

Regardless, the two were left at the bus stop with some of the girls waving politely as they made their way to Kuoh. At that point most nerves had settled with Medusa much calmer and Asia smiling with everyone else.

“If Gasper was here then this would be an official ORC trip.” Rias commented, picturing the former dhampir and Setsuna also present.

Shirou tapped her side with his elbow. “When we go to the beach we take the van.”

“You guys are going to the beach?!”

“Not now, mom.”

“Maya! Turn the car back, we have to go to the beach!” Some laughed at how excited the older woman sounded.

The black haired woman wasn’t amused. “We have no time for that, Irisviel.” She held the wheel firmly as she was sure the white haired one was tempted.

However, besides a pout, Iri did nothing but watch as Maya remained on guard during the whole trip. Some were amused by the bodyguard’s reaction but Shirou just nodded in sympathy because if it wasn’t her, it would be him and he wasn’t getting into that particular line of fire.

It didn’t take long for the van to arrive in Kuoh. Different from most days there were guards outside of the gate already on watch, both dressed in black suits too hot for a day of summer. “Your men?” Rias asked as she catched a glimpse of them.

Maya nodded and stopped at the gate and one of them saluted. “While most of the security is being run by the Three Factions working together, our company was called to complement and reinforce. There is also the fact that Heaven is contributing less.” The man saluted again and with the click of a button the gate began to open. “I am also taking care of coordination between the three sides.”

“As a neutral party?” Shirou found the notion odd since they were connected to devils. Lucifer was his father’s backer, there was no way for them to be neutral.

“No, silly. Sirzechs and Serafall convinced Azazel and Michael to entrust most of the security to us.” Iri smiled and nodded her head confidently.

Now it was Rias’ turn to find things odd. “That is… a great deal of trust to throw around like that.”

“That was Michael’s idea, a way to ‘foster cooperation’. He even approved of the devils having two representatives with no fear whatsoever.” Iri relaxed on her seat as Maya began to drive inside. “Most of the security is from our side anyway with Grigori pitching in, Heaven waved almost every right off besides one or two bodyguards.”

“One and she is an Exorcist.” Maya looked to the back through the rear mirror before focusing on the road.

Soon they passed by the boundary field and everybody could tell it was different. Not unexpected since it was reinforced for the meeting but one of the changes was that the day turned to night.

Asia was the first one to look outside from the window and see an ocean of stars that while not banishing the darkness, proportionate her a great view. “Pretty.” She looked to Rias for guidance. “Is that because of the boundary field?”

The King nodded with a gentle smile. “There is no sun in the Underworld so our cities have boundary fields to give us the light of the day. The reverse is also possible but a rarely used function.”

It was Irisviel who decided to explain. “Since most of the security are devils, and the fallen angels don’t care much, we got permission to add that feature while strengthening the boundary field.” She pointed in Kuoh’s direction and everybody saw a sight none had before.

“That… is a looooot of devils.” Issei spoke as eloquently as he could and nobody disagreed.

There was no way anyone could say he was wrong as warriors with bat-like wings flew around their school with spears and swords of many kinds. All of them used dark armor from head to toe, heavy plate and masks. Their weapons were powerful too as they were more than blades; they were tools to expand their magic power.

“They are not alone.” Medusa was the first to notice and quickly pointed to the other side of the school.

Right there in the skies, Akeno gave a look of indifference. “Fallen angels.”

Much like the devils the fallen angels also came in number as their presence didn’t lose to the devils. Unlike their counterparts who were covered head to toe the fallen angels’ armor was lighter and they were armed with only daggers and short swords. Their helmets had visors to protect their eyes and small wings above the ears.

Graves and shoulder pads were also common but the fallen angels’ legs were covered in a toga that made it hard to discern if they had protection there or not. Still, like the devils, they were also moving around and watching the area like hawks in search of prey.

Easily there were hundreds of warriors flying around which made it hard to count but some were already guessing the two Factions came in force with at least two thousand strong and capable.

However there was a glaring problem with their formation. “They are too far apart.” Shirou commented with a frown, noticing an invisible line between the two forces.

“An eternity of bloodshed won’t disappear just because the leaders called for peace.” Maya commented nonchalantly, making Shirou’s eyes grow hard. “A lifetime wouldn’t be enough, much less for beings who can live forever.”

“Most of them only have four wings or less.” Rias pointed out, still studying the armies.

Issei forced his vision, trying and failing to find anyone with more than four wings. “Buchou is right. Aren’t the top wigs of the Factions in this meeting? Shouldn't they send their best?”

“Not really since it wouldn't make much of a difference.” Akeno avoided looking to the fallen angel side. Instead the Queen turned to give the Pawn all her attention. “If you think about it, who could compete with Sirzechs Lucifer other than Azazel? And vice-versa?”

“Himejima is right, even bringing this many people is pushing it.” Maya’s tone carried some irritation, clearly showing she didn’t like the situation. “I suggested this was done in a more secret avenue with the main brass alone but nope, apparently witnesses are needed for this and the more eyes the better.”

“I can’t speak about the Grigori’s side but most devils would appreciate our leaders not keeping these kinds of meetings a secret.” Rias spoke as she folded her arms. “Many in our population are Reincarnated Devils who fight to be promoted in a system that benefits the Pillars from where even the Maous come from. Dealings as this shouldn’t be backroom deals for the sake of preserving our system.”

“So is any of them a journalist or something?” Shirou asked with a chuckle and his lover shook her head.

“Not at all but people will talk and the story will spread anyway. Then, if things go right, there will be another meeting with pictures and the expected fanfare.”

“There is another purpose too.” Irisviel looked like she was pondering something concerning. “If all the leaders are counters to each other, Michael is in an even bigger disadvantage if something goes wrong with no reinforcements whatsoever.” She and everyone else noticed the anxiety that Medusa tried and failed to hide. Quickly Iri turned and waved her hands to dismiss the thought. “Not that anything is going to happen! This is a peace meeting! Peace meeting!”

Xenovia returned to her seat with a pensive expression. “It is still kinda sad that there are no angels to accompany Lord Michael either.”

“It would be cruel. To be reminded how few they actually are, how much was lost.” Medusa sounded down right depressed and Shirou began to pat her head but it didn’t help much.

“Extinction tends to do that.”

“Maya, have some tact!” Iri complained but the woman didn’t bother to reply.

Instead she parked the van close to the forest. “We are here.” She turned her back, everyone giving her looks of disbelief and concern. “You guys can get into the school in an hour or so. Iri is probably going to call you.” She opened her door and jumped out, stretching a little. When she noticed that nobody was moving, she let out a sigh. “If you want to wait an hour in the van that is not my problem.”

“Maya, that is not the issue.” Iri jumped out but the woman didn’t care. She just grabbed the long haired woman. “Wait! I want to go see Gasper-”

“I don’t care. The sooner you finish checking the boundary field, the better. We are on a schedule and this is too important to be delayed.”

“Five minutes! Just five minutes to check on Gasper! Then fix Medusa’s hair! And-”

“No!” Maya just dragged the white haired woman towards the school, some of the devils looking at the situation with amusement.

“Well, let's get this show on the road.” Shirou opened the door and hopped off, offering his hand for Medusa to do the same.

Rias found her lover’s reaction more amusing than the sight from before. “That is it? Not going to comment about-”

“No and at this point you shouldn’t be surprised either.” The magus looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Or do you want to talk about some of my mother’s offers for our future child.”

“I would love to hear about that.” Once again Akeno showed that she couldn't resist gossip at Rias’ expense.

Still the Gremory Heiress acted with grace, taking her lover’s hand to leave and grabbing a basket before marching to the ORC. “If anyone asks… I will spank them one hundred times and when they ask in the meeting why you can’t sit down I will make everybody say you are constipated.”

Everyone knew she was serious so the subject was dropped off, even Akeno hesitating on pushing Rias any further. Shirou wasn’t surprised, if anything he wondered how much his lover would last with his mother’s attention. Even Liz was impressed that the pureblood devil kept her composure for a whole week.

It helped that Sirzechs only stayed in the house for a day because he and Iri worked so well enough in sync that Shirou went to hide in his workshop while Rias picked any contract she could to get out of the house.

Still none of that mattered to Medusa who needed something to sooth her nerves so she turned to Shirou, her eyes clued on the basked on Rias’ hands. “Cupcake.”

Koneko’s cat ears sprung immediately. “Cupcake?”

Liz was on high alert. “Where?”

“Wait until we get to the club.” Yet both Rias and Shirou were already covering the basket as everyone else stepped out of the car.

Didn’t dissuade the white haired girls as they stepped forward, ready to pounce. “You won’t get the extra snacks we hid at the club.” Shirou spoke fast but they understood perfectly and went still, waiting for an explanation.

“Ah~ so that was why we were cooking so much yesterday, fufufufu.” Akeno quickly found herself the victim of two white haired girls’ attention. “Shirou-kun, Buchou and I worked hard yesterday but they didn’t tell me why.”

“And you won’t get any if you don’t behave.” Rias' ultimatum worked as the famished duo stood down.

Xenovia picked up the briefcase, noticing how Asia looked in the college's direction. “What is wrong?”

“Are any guards there too?” For a moment the Bishop thought she saw a pair of bat wings moving around the building.

“I don’t know, maybe?” Rias replied with a shrug.

Luvia cupped her chin in thought. “Probably not. The meeting is going to be at school and the boundary field will stop any invader. There is no need to guard the university.”

“Why?” Issei with a little confusion. “If someone would get in, it would be from there, right?”

The former Heiress of Edelfelf was happy to explain. "Generally the boundary field around Kuoh is so gentle that we barely feel the mana but today you are feeling your skin crawl a little, right?” The Pawn nodded. “That is because its composition changed to stop things like teleportation.”

“Not only teleportation but it is more reinforced than ever. The only way someone can enter Kuoh right now is through the front gate of the school.” Rias elaborated proudly.

Which was something that confounded Issei. “Then why don’t we have it like that always? Sounds easier than having any guards.”

Akeno giggled at the logic because while it was right it was missing some pieces. “Because it costs a lot and someone can still brute force it. Besides, on a normal day you have a lot of people who use other entrances to work like cleaning staff or even the teachers.”

“Ask yourself why you don’t see any college students most of the time.” Shirou threw out to make the brown haired devil think. “Because they have their own entrance.”

“Makes sense I guess.” Issei shrugged before realizing something else. “Wait, if we had the boundary field like this all the time then you guys wouldn’t be able to teleport to your contracts, right?”

“Well done, Issei-kun. You are starting to get it.” Kiba praised with a hand on his shoulder.

Only for Issei to point at Rias. “Then you all would have to use bikes in your jobs!”

“Well, yeah I suppose.”

“Then why don’t you do it? Didn’t you add that option for me? Doesn’t it ‘help train’ and ‘earn more’? Give it to everybody so we can have this super boundary field.”

“But then you would end up losing if we made that the standard.” Rias commented with a smile making her Pawn wince. “If everybody was using bikes then it wouldn't be special anymore.”

“I- But- I want to teleport.” Kiba patted Issei’s back gently but the Pawn just looked defeated.

“‘The client is always right’.” The Knight commented. “But look on the bright side, keep going like this and maybe you will have a car by the time we join college.”

Which, considering Issei doesn’t buy that many games anyway, was possible. The Pawn felt renewed. “Oh yeah! I’ll get a car so cool that a lot of girls beg to ride with me.” He nodded with new confidence, marching towards the club.

Asia kept looking at college, still confused since she saw something in the area. However she dismissed it as her imagination thanks to her friends. “So they have their own entrance? Where is it?”

Rias pointed to the college. “If you paid attention you would notice we are at the back of Kuoh University. If you go around you will find another entrance and a parking lot.” She pointed to the right of the terratin. “In that direction you will find a service entrance and trucks.”

"Hohohoho, indeed a huge university. As expected of the devils.”

“I agree you guys don’t do anything by half.” Xenovia moved her hand slowly, trying to get to the basket only for Rias to slap it away. She quickly turned to Shirou. “Can I get one?”

“There is enough for everybody.” Some gave him skeptical looks before turning to Liz and Koneko, ready and waiting. “Including some extra for everyone who is staying at the club.”

“Now you are tempting me, Shero.”

“You can’t, Luvia.” Rias’ face grew a little serious even if she was smiling gently. “Remember that you need to explain some stuff.”

She feared the former heiress would be uncomfortable but she just waved it off. “No problem. I am ready to face the music.”

Rias smiled proudly but shook her head. “I already told you that won’t be necessary but I am happy you don’t plan to hide from what happened.”

“Of course I wouldn't. As a devil from the Gremory I have a reputation to maintain.”

“I have the feeling that if Rin was here she would say something like; ‘good to know your head is as big as ever’.”

Luvia didn’t react as Akeno and others chuckled. “You forgot the ‘Drillhead’, Xenovia-chan.”

“Oops, my bad.”

“Let us forget about that Poorhead for today. She wasn’t invited to this meeting for a reason.“ Nobody was going to point out it was because Shirou would be enough to explain their part anyway or that was the same reason Liz was dismissed as well.

They were willing to let Luvia have that small victory as they arrived at the ORC and found Gasper sitting at the window before noticing them and quickly flying out of the building. From everyone’s perspective, dropping the seal was a good thing for the younger dhampir who seemed anxious to express his happiness early as he jumped to embrace Rias.

“Buchouuuuu! I’m scared! There are so many new presences around the school!!” Or express his fears as they could see the tears dropping from his eyes.

“Gasper, we told you the security was going to grow tight around Kuoh for a few days. Did anyone come here to bother you?”

“No but-but-but- but there were just so many of them!” Xenovia moved around and grabbed the small Bishop by the back of his uniform.

“I can’t believe this! You insisted on staying here even when Buchou offered to take you back to our house! Be a man!” Gasper winced but Xenovia just looked more irritated as she dropped him on the ground. “Did any of them drop around? Stop shaking, answer the question.” He shook his head. “Then why are you afraid?”

“Some flew around and I got worried.”

Before Xenovia could complain, Rias stepped forward and embraced her Bishop. “They are just doing their job, Gasper. And you need to get used to this many people. It isn’t like they are here to harm you.” She touched his nose with a finger, calming him down. “How are you going to go to school like that? Don’t you want to make more friends?” He nodded slowly, embarrassed. “Then you need to get used to more people.”

“He still has some time, Rias.” Shirou patted the small Bishop’s head. “Even if he can’t get to classes tomorrow or after, he is still a first year student. You shouldn't push him.” He turned to Xenovia. “Neither should you.”

“Nah, I disagree, Master. He needs some push to become a proper man.” Xenovia hit Gasper hard in the back to make him stand up. “Only when he has some backbone will he be more sure of himself.”

“He will get a backbone later.” Rias brought Gasper back into her embrace. “But not by bullying him around. He just needs time, that is all.”

“Time waits for nobody. He needs a push.”

“Time.”

“Push.”

“Cupcake.” Koneko called out loud and Akeno pouted as the two other girls stopped to turn to the former nekomata. “I’m hungry.”

At that point Shirou saw his opportunity before the discussion devolved even further. “Yeah, better we eat now or else most of us aren’t getting anything until the meeting. When does it start again?”

Rias and Xenovia traded glares but the redhead focused on her lover. “It starts in two hours but we can go in an hour like oka-sama and Maya suggested. We should go once the hour is up.”

“Why is that?” The pureblood giggled at his question.

“So we are the first to arrive, silly.”

…

Hidden inside the empty Kuoh University, inside a dark classroom, a bright portal began to open. It wasn’t something created by a magic circle but just a gate in the shape of a perfect circle that simply opened from nowhere and just existed a couple of centimeters above the ground.

That gate revealed another area with many warriors standing and making way for their leaders. All of them had armors with long capes and a symbol that carried four distinct magic circles in their back. They quickly raised their swords in salute to a woman who marched through the gate with a black staff topped by a purple gem inside a half moon.

She ignored the man who opened the gate and was already getting over to the other side. The young man with black hair was fixing his glasses while the woman just smiled, her own pair shining with malice. “Looks like you are right. This place is as empty as a graveyard.”

“Of course we were. One of our agents infiltrated Kuoh for a while and noticed that the devils didn’t prioritize college as much as the school.” Georg, one of the leaders of the Hero Faction, commented. He looked at the devils, noticing how there were humans waiting their turn with a scowl before hiding it.. “You can get your men marching. The sooner they all get here the sooner the safer it will be.”

Katerea Leviathan looked at the perfect circle, a frown marrying her otherwise perfect face. “Can’t you make the gate bigger? With this area it is going to take hours before the troops are ready.”

As she said many of her warriors were already moving at a fast pace, spreading around the area with some already leaving the classroom to scout. They had orders to not be seen at any cost until the time was right. A single mistake could ruin the whole operation so only the specialists in stealth were allowed to scout.

None of that mattered to Georg who calmly picked up a seat and pulled a small book and a pen from the pocket of his coat. “Word for someone unqualified for a job. Eleven letters, hmm.”

“Did you hear me?” Katerea’s annoyance bothered her men hopping from the portal and they began to surround the magician.

Yet Georg remained unfazed. “Are you feeling the dimensional tear’s presence? Of course not, because it is that small.” He didn’t bother taking his eyes off his puzzle..

Instead of allowing her annoyance to take over, Katerea smiled sweetly. “I apologize for the rudeness. This operation is messing with everyone’s nerves.” With a wave of her hand the other devils stepped back. “But perhaps you could open another gate? It would certainly accelerate things for us all.”

“The dimensional gate at that size can easily be disguised by the ley line. Any bigger or if more than one pops up and then you run the risk of it being detected.” Georg found another word even as the devils moved around him. “Unless you want to begin your attack immediately, dismissing all preparation you had before, then this is the ideal size. Of course I don’t care either way, that just means you will fight earlier and humans won’t get caught in the crossfire.” ‘Crossfire’ was one of the words.

“No, thank you. Not only this is too early and my target isn't even here yet but we invested too much to change the plan this late in the game.” She made a motion to sit and immediately some devils put a chair for her, not one from the classroom but a throne with a monstrous serpent above her head. “The meeting will start in two hours and my target will be there by then. If everything goes to plan then I will deal a blow to the New Satan Faction uninterrupted.”

Georg made sure to look at the woman if only to avoid any complaints. “Then you need to sit down and wait. Like you said, your target isn’t here yet and that is exactly why we started preparing early.” He went back to his crosswords. “By the way, any idea of a word with eight letters for- never mind. You probably don’t know any human language.”

“Hmm~. Indeed you are correct, I never bothered learning. You would have more luck with these so-called devils that frequent this institution.” She frowned, looking around the place. “To think they would give up learning from their ancestors and instead learn here from strangers. What did you call this place again; a college?”

“Technically it is considered a university but hey, same thing from your perspective.” He wrote something as while noticing a bunch of women with tailor made hoods began to exit the gate. Those were members of his Faction so Georg gave them a nod.

Odds were they wouldn't be coming back after this operation even with orders and resources to facilitate their escape. If it was up to him them none in the Hero Faction would work with the devils in what he considered a suicidal mission but it wasn’t. Either way the rest of the leadership considered this a chance to weaken the devil factions, both of them.

And the witches coven sent to this particular job knew their part to play and would do exactly that and nothing else. They had their mission and after it there would be only survival.

Katerea watched the small interaction with a chuckle and Georg quickly turned to her. “I bet you are already writing this off as a failure.”

“You are going against two Maous, the Leader of the Angels and the Scapegoat. I know your backup but I can’t see how your plan will work.” Georg admitted, fixing his glasses to give the pureblood devil a better look. “Even if your men are not going to be affected by the spell, the important fighters, Four of the strongest supernatural beings in Japan at the moment, aren’t.”

“We knew all that before we began to move. It is part of the plan as well.” Katerea revealed but the magician remained unfazed. “People like Serafall and Sirzechs have weaknesses that any true devil wouldn’t allow to be explored.” She said the first name with scorn before smiling. “And we will. With your help, of course.”

“Not my help, I am just the ride.” Georg went back to his puzzle. “I still think this will probably be our last meeting.”

“Perhaps. But my last blow will be a mighty one.” Katerea didn’t show her power but it was clear her authority was from her presence alone. She also wasn’t afraid to die. “We will show them all how true devils fight.” A raising fist and words that spoke of glory carried weight.

And her men followed her, swords raised around the woman like a queen being praised and bolstered by her people. It wasn’t just her ready to give her life for their cause but every single one of them was willing to follow. Those stepping out of the dimensional gate stopped to salute before moving on to their positions.

Or the devils did at least for the humans who watched the display with concern and Georg could tell they were anxious. He couldn't blame them, this wasn’t a fight for the Hero Faction. It wasn’t what they signed up for.

Unlike the devils they all had plans to escape if things got too rough and not only that but they also were specialists in indirect combat. Summoners, necromancers and golem makers. Not a single one of them was a direct combatant and every single one of them had  a hood that would help in their escape.

However Georg knew another truth, neither Illya, Cao Cao or Gilgamesh would send any essential personnel for this operation either. ‘Huh, I think I am the only one with some sort of sacred gear around here.’ And the magician knew he was the only one who could open rips in dimensions discreetly. ‘Not surprising.’

In the end Georg knew that, with the exception of himself, everyone there was expendable for the Khaos Brigade.

…..

Rias wanted to arrive first at the meeting to give some time for her peerage to settle down and bragging rights. Mostly for bragging rights on Sona if she was honest with herself.

Still, after an hour of preparation and rehearsal of what most of them were going to say, the Heiress of Gremory was confident that everything would end well. Sure Medusa still looked a little nervous, no matter how much the goddess tried to hide it, but everyone was confident they had time before things started and so they could help her.

The only person who had an important part during the Caliburn Incident that wouldn’t be participating would be Koneko since her greatest contribution was to call Yoruichi for help.

While it was Shirou’s plan it was still the white haired Rook call that had the nekomata rushing to the rescue but nobody wanted to bring that up to avoid giving Shirou’s other lover more wiggle room in her faction if necessary..

And Koneko also wanted to stay at the ORC and partake in more snacks with Liz and Gasper so her wish was granted.

So with the short members of her peerage out, Rias led the rest of the ORC towards the school ground in a bit of a good mood and enough time to spare. She didn’t expect to find anyone there other than the odd guard patrolling the area.

“Comeoncomeoncomeoncomeon! Yes!!” Except that someone else was already in the meeting room. None other that the Governor General himself, a game console on his hands and jumping from joy. “HAH!!! Took me twenty tries but I finally beat you, your monstrous goblin!!!”

“Finally more people arrived. Have you mastered it yet?” And Vali, the White Dragon Emperor, who was sitting in one of the chairs with his legs on the desk. His eyes were on Shirou and the real question was obvious.

“Sorry but this isn’t a thing that can be done in a month.”

“Pity. If you were a little stronger than we could at least have something to do.”

“Stop that, Vali. You shouldn’t try to start a fight with everyone.” Azazel commented, still focusing on his game. “Besides, if you started a match now it would interrupt the meeting and disturb the security.”

Vali shrugged. “Doesn’t a Reality Marble usually involve changing the landscape? The place would be fine.”

“Only a fully developed Reality Marble can do that.” Azazel frowned as sad music began to play in his game console. “For fuck’s sake! What kind of game do you beat and then have to beat again from the beginning after you just fought the last boss with a bullshity weapon?!”

The leader of Grigori actually began to unleash his power in rage a little before Shirou focused on the silver haired youth. “While I can’t use my Reality Marble yet, I can give you a decent fight.”

“Oh, really?” Vali took his feet from the table, a curious look on his face.

“Sure. I promised, didn’t I?” For him it was just that simple and that made Azazel laugh.

“Oh man! Really? You are picking a fight with a dragon over a promise? Huhuhuhu. Not the most insane thing I ever saw but still in the top ten. You have my blessing if I can watch.”

Rias poked Shirou’s cheek. “While I don’t mind you two having a friendly match, it would have to be as far away from Kuoh as possible.”

“I would be careful.” Her lover said and she let go of his cheek.

“I wouldn't." Vali admitted freely, his eyes moving to Issei who gulped. “When I fight my opponent is better to come with everything they have and everyone else should stay away or else…”

Some could tell immediately that Vali was serious, that in a match against him he would unleash hell and more if his opponent could take it.

Yet instead of maintaining his aggressive posture, the White Dragon Emperor placed his feet back on the table. “But you don’t need to worry about that, Hyoudou Issei.”

“Really?” On the back of his mind the Pawn heard a dragon groan.

“Of course. I don’t go after weaklings.” Immediately Rias got in front of her Pawn as the silver haired man’s eyes revealed a hint of malice. It was like he was offended by Issei’s weakness.

“Vali, no need to be rude.” Azazel tried to deescalate the situation and it was easy because all Vali did after was relax on the chair. The fallen angel was grateful for it and used the opportunity to greet someone he hadn’t much time to talk to even if he was curious. “It is nice to see you again, lady Medusa.” He stood up and offered her a bow of respect with a hand above his heart. “I am glad you have come.”

Medusa was startled but it was just for a moment before she did a courtesy. “You as well, Governor General Azazel. Perhaps… No, I would like to ask, why was I invited to this meeting?” She tried to project confidence.

Despite her small form there was no doubt in the fallen angel’s mind the girl before him was a goddess, she made absolutely sure to not show fear even if the anxiety was still there. Azazel wanted to chuckle but he also didn’t want to set the purple haired girl off in any way.

Instead he sat back down. “Don’t you want to sit down in your place first?” He pointed to a chair to his left, between him and Vali who was on the other side of the table.

“I am still very unsure of why I am here. Or why was I invited to this meeting in the first place.” Medusa’s voice grew firmer, anxiety melting into distruss. Her eyes were cautious, like a snake ready to bite an invader. If she was more powerful perhaps Azazel would be afraid. “For all intents and purposes I don’t belong here and yet Sirzechs failed to inform me why I am a guest.”

“And you are a guest, don’t worry.” Azazel saw how Shirou looked at him, studied him. Clearly he was protective of the goddess. ‘Funny since he dragged her out of her lair.’ His eyes shifted fully to Medusa once again. “But as to why you are here, you aren’t my guest, per say.”

“So it was Heaven.” Medusa wasn’t surprised, which told Azazel and Vali she had already figured as much. “That is odd considering their history with snakes.”

“We- I mean, them, had a problem with serpents for a looooooooong time.” Azazel admitted freely. “But Michael… I can’t exactly tell you why he is doing what he is doing but he wants to talk with you and past history is not going to help him.” Medusa nodded but was hesitant, having not moved from her spot. “Look, my brother is not going to force you to do anything. If you want to leave, that is your choice. But! But,” the Cadre leaned forward in his seat, almost bowing, “you could consider staying and hearing his offer, a personal favor to me if you want.”

Which considering Azazel’s power and influence meant a lot even if it wasn’t an official contract. Enough so that Vali looked at his caretaker curiously, Rias looked stunned, same with Luvia, and Akeno lost the discomfort which she was failing to hide. Even Issei and Asia looked in shock as the leader of a Faction offered a personal favor.

“You care about your brother.” Medusa nodded and began to move around the table, taking the place the fallen angel had offered. “I will hear it but won’t promise anything.” Shirou began to follow the goddess and pulled the chair for her to sit.

“That is good enough for me.” Azazel smiled and chuckled at noticing that Shirou was standing behind the goddess. “You were summoned for your testimony but you chose to come here as her bodyguard?”

“I am where I am needed.” He nodded to Rias who nodded back, waving her peerage to sit down with her close to a wall. There were enough chairs for everyone and more.

Xenovia didn't follow the devils as she walked around the table carefully. Her eyes were in Vali who was looking back at her like a hunter waiting for his prey to make a move. Had this not been a peace meeting her hand would be resting on her sword but she just held the briefcase in her hand more tightly as she stood besides the Mage of Swords.

He gave her a nod as the fallen angel smiled again. “I see… Can’t say what I am more curious about, that armor or that gem.” Azazel pointed at him with two fingers. “Could I take a look?”

“The armor perhaps, it is my creation. But not the gem.”

“It was a gift, my gift. It is proof that Shirou is my protector.” Medusa revealed without hesitation, something which Shirou was trying to avoid announcing. It was like the same way the fallen angel showed concern for his brother; she wanted to show her care for Shirou.

“Hmm, I could tell just from looking it was made by a god yet I can’t feel anything from it. If I was anyone else I would miss it or even think it was simple jewelry.” Azazel rubbed his chin. “Were you using it on our first meeting?”

“I was.” Shirou waved a hand and Xenovia placed the briefcase on the table. “But before anything else, I have something to return to you.”

Azazel began to rub his hands in excitement. “So you really fix it. Tell me, is it a blade worthy of my collection?”

“That is up to you. Like I said before, this is a sword of a warrior that spended day and night perfecting in skill and died in combat.” With his thumb, Shirou opened the briefcase and a holy presence began to wash over the room. The devils shivered but those with dragons felt something else; Issei felt discomfort as Vali’s smile returned. “If you consider that worth of your collection-”

“I definitely do.” Azazel replied quickly, barely interested in what else was in the briefcase. He already knew what it was.

Vali, on the other hand, looked more excited. “A Dragon Slaying sword. I can only guess this is for our fight?”

“No, this, I am returning to the legitimate owner.” Shirou turned the briefcase to show a magic circle in the top part while a golden sword rested inside it.

A unique sword with a golden guard in the shape of a claw greeted everyone with an aura of Holy that was lesser than the Fragments but by no means weak. It was designed like an European sword with shades of purple around the handle. In the eyes of a normal person that weapon could be troublesome but in fact it was extremely reliable.

But not something that earned more than a passing glance from Azazel. “I am pretty sure that isn’t my sword.” He joked.

“Ascalon isn’t the kind of sword that accepts being placed into pocket dimensions.” Shirou tapped the top of the briefcase and a magic circle began to glow before a familiar handle of a sword appeared from it. “Yours is just a good sword, not nearly as stubborn.” He removed the weapon, a sword taller than the briefcase.

That was Monohoshi Zao with its handle restored and a new purple sheath. It was at least twice as tall as Ascalon and had no presence or aura whatsoever. Sure it looked beautiful for a sword that even a normal person could appreciate the aesthetics even if it was still too big to most.

Shirou presented it to Azazel who stood up and held the center of the blade with one hand and the sheath with another while Xenovia closed the briefcase and removed it from the table.

The Cadre had a huge grin that reminded some of a kid about to unpack a gift but still refraining, knowing what the gift was.

Carefully, because the sword was still taller than the average, Azazel drew the blade. He avoided letting the sheath hit the wall even if it came close and soon the reborn and reforged Monohoshi Zao was closer to his inspecting eye.

"Humm, not bad. Really not bad. I can see not only reforged it but also replaced the metal with a richer kind of steel. Your special recipe? No, it isn’t black like the armor and still is normal steel.” The fallen angel danced around the blade. “Any reason to not use your metal for it? Probably would last longer.”

The magus scratched the back of his head. “I thought about it but the thing is too stubborn. You need to cool down many metals together to bind them with Alchemy but at that point there is just no messing with it.” Some annoyance was there for any to notice. “There is no way to separate it again without breaking things apart, making a mess, not a sword.”

“Obviously you need a stronger flame.” Vali suggested nonchalantly. “There is a reason many of the strongest weapons needed the fire of dragons to be forged. A fully developed dragon can easily match a volcano.” At that he shot Issei with another disappointed look.

Which the Pawn caught on and pointed at him with irritation. “And you can spit fire already?” An unimpressed eyebrow was raised before Vali took a breath and shot a bright flame to the side. It dissipated before hitting anything but Issei’s finger fell down before he grumbled. “Just you wait. My fire will be hotter.”

If anything, the complaint made Vali more pleased. “I sure hope so.”

“What about runes, though?” Azazel was still admiring the piece of his collection. “Didn’t use them because of tradition?”

“I know the basics and my German is good…”

“But…”

“But I just can’t use runes.” Shirou shrugged again, earning more of Azazel’s curiosity as he stabbed his sword on the floor and used it as support.

“What do you mean? Don’t you have any weapon with runes for reference?”

Avalon came to mind but was quickly dismissed. “Not ones I can understand.”

"Well, well, well. Looks like you need a teacher and lucky for you, I know just the guy.” Azazel waved to himself. “Don’t worry, I know a thing or two about metal.”

“No offense, Lord Azazel, but that isn’t a surprise to anyone.” Luvia pointed out with a smile. “You are, after all, the person who taught us how to use metals for combat. Sure someone like you has to know a lot. Certainly second to none.”

“Praise will get you everywhere but Humanity was already using stones to make spears properly when I decided to give you guys a little push. You would get there eventually even without me.”

“But there must be techniques that only you know.” The magus in Luvia wanted to know too.

“Well~ A couple. Or a lot.” He pointed at Shirou’s armor. To be more precise Medusa’s Gift. “Part of my research over the last few centuries is about sacred gears and that, my friend, reminds me a lot of those but at the same time… It confuses me.”

There was no frustration or irritation despite Azazel’s words, if anything he sounded more than pleased and curious. Both Shirou and Medusa grew defensive about it.

“He is not lending it to you.” The goddess said in an ultimatum and Shirou was happy to nod in agreement.

“But I can check the metal, right? Perhaps we can work together to figure out how to manipulate the bonding reaction and make it more versatile.” Because that also interested the man a lot.

“Sure. If there is no trouble.”

“Oh, don’t worry. There won’t be. I was already planning to drop by the Underworld to share my research. We just have to sync our schedules.” Many saw that in a positive light. It was Azazel signaling that he wanted peace to work which made Shirou nod in agreement with a smile. “But, from one scientist to another, I think you should add runes to your repertory.”

“I always saw myself more of a smith than a scientist.” Shirou joined the joke.

“Hahahahahaha! But we are all one in the same, only in different areas.” Azazel's jovial mood seemed to spread with some devils. He then moved his head in Luvia's direction. “Isn’t she a magus from a traditional family? She must know her fair share of runes as well.”

Before Luvia could offer to tutor Shirou with all the alone time that it would entail, he quickly shot the idea down.“My mother is from the old Einzbern. I know runes, I can write them and my workshop has some to help with my equipment.” He and Azazel frowned but for different reasons. “I just can’t make them work with swords.”

“Hmm~ Another Reality Marble’s mystery perhaps?” The frown was gone and a new look and interest and amusement came, one which Vali shared. Then Azazel snapped his fingers. “Don’t worry. I have an idea, what you need is a real master of real runes. Someone that can teach you the Primeval Runes; the originals and more connected to nature.” While the name caught the attention of some of the present, the Cadre waved them off. “I personally never got the hang of them but I know a guy who can help. I will hook you up at the first opportunity.”

“You don’t need to bother with something like that.”

“Don’t worry~ It won’t be a bother at all.” Azazel examined Monohoshi Zao a little more. “Besides, I want to see what else you can really do with guidance.” Then he assumed a proper posture of a swordsman with the scabbard to his waist and the sword firmly in his grasp.

The movement was smooth, too smooth for someone untrained as Azazel quickly and confidently sheathed his sword. Because of the risk that was always involved when moving a sword incorrectly, it wasn’t uncommon for even someone experienced to keep their eyes on the blade to avoid harming their fingers.

But not only the Cadre didn’t bother to look, his movement was perfect. ‘Like a stream of a river, flowing uninterruptedly.’ Kiba thought with wonder.

A thought similar which others shared. “You practice kendo?” Shirou asked respectfully.

“Nah, just a thing I picked up when I was in Japan once. It was a long time ago.” The fallen angel placed his weapon beside the table gently, as a normal sword it was possible it couldn’t harm anyone in the meeting. Except Azazel was skilled and nobody knew what he could do with it. “Never really had much reason to drop by but know how it is; you live long enough you pick up stuff around.”

“Except your movement was perfect.” Rias grew up around one of the most skilled swordsmen from Japanese History. She knew ‘skill’ when she saw it. “Did you just ‘pick up’ that or did someone teach you?” There was no accusation but a legitimate curiosity and wonder which amused the fallen angel.

Instead of giving her a straight answer, however, Azazel shrugged and sat down in his place. “‘Teach’ is a strong word. But that is neither here nor there.” He turned back to Shirou. “So you haven’t made a single sword with your metal yet? That is a shame.”

While Shirou knew Azazel was trying to fight the subject, he didn’t fight it. “It wouldn't work. The metal would be too stubborn anyway to be sharpened.”

“You are probably right. Still, perhaps another smith in another time could do it. Maybe even a god.” Azazel glanced at Medusa before shaking his head. “Pity the only one we have here is not the right kind but then again, she made a jewel that looks similar to the Core of a sacred gear. Most gods can’t get even close.”

Medusa looked down with a conflicted expression and Shirou knew immediately why. ‘It is because of her sisters. Technically she is three goddesses in one.’ Not something the former Gorgon liked to be reminded of.

He looked around, asking for assistance in changing the subject again, something Rias noticed and was quick to give. “Why are you here so early, Lord Azazel?”

“First; none of that ‘lord’ business. I hate it.” The fallen angel said dismissively. “Second; I just wanted to get here first.” The pureblood devil eyebrow twitched and Azazel chuckled. “Besides, it is common for security to check the area first and I came here with my team. Got here before any of you guys.”

Xenovia found the sentence odd. “You mean before the security team? Are you worried about…”

“About a trap? Being deceived? Foul play? Ghahahaaaaa, not at all. Much to my delight even the devils want peace. There is no reason for foul play from anyone in this meeting.” Azazel’s eyes gained a serious look. “But this security is not against anyone here.”

“You are implying your Factions have enemies. Perhaps another one?” Luvia wasn’t surprised, every Faction was out to be the top one after all.

“Not a Faction.” Vali commented with what some would call a ‘bad boy’ smile.

Azazel waved his charge off. “But that is for the meeting. Sit around and wait. Michael is the kind of guy who always arrives on the clock, not a minute early, not a minute late.” He clapped excitedly. “Hey, who do you guys think will get here first? Is Serafall going to come alone first or is Sirzechs going to arrive with her?”

“You are implying that my brother is going to take longer to get here?”

“Yeah, wanna bet?” Azazel offered. “From what I got from our last meeting, Sirzechs is laid back enough he is going to take his time and Serafall, uhhhh, I have to say, that woman can complain when drunk.” He threw Medusa a sly grin that the goddess didn’t get. “She has plenty of reasons to get here early, even if just to glare a little since she is already late~.”

“Fufufufufu I would take that bet but wouldn’t gamble in any of the Maou.”

“Oh~ why is that, Rias Gremory?”

“Because Sona will probably get here in half an hour or so.”

“Serafall’s sister? She also wanted to get here first?”

Rias didn't let Azazel’s jest get her. “No, she just likes to arrive for meetings a little earlier. Get everything ready, check the avenue. This office is actually her favorite place in the whole school.” Then her face turned stone cold. “Her peerage also participated in the fight against Kokabiel but Sona dismissed most of them.”

“Why is that?” Azazel asked with legitimate curiosity but when the redhead hesitated to answer he got the message. “Ah, I see. Don’t worry, I don’t blame her. My brother is a dick but he is a strong dick.”

“He wanted to start a war for shits and giggles. I think he was way past being a dick.” Xenovia grumbled in irritation, hoping only Shirou and Medusa would listen.

When Vali and Azazel laughed, she knew they heard. “Yeah, you know what; you are right! He was way beyond being a dick!” The fallen angel said with cheer. It lasted little as his eyes grew into those of a leader. “Looks like I have many apologies to still give.”

Such words actually had the devils look at each other, confused and even disturbed as that was the first sign Azazel gave of how Kokabiel’s situation really bothered him.

After a few seconds and to fill the dead air, Rias cleaned her throat. “I think she would only feel worse.”

“Hehe, don’t worry.” Azazel opened his arms to show his returning confidence. “If there is something I am good at, it is giving excuses that people can’t complain about.”

….

Like predicted, Sona turned out fifteen minutes before the meeting started. With just Tsubaki by her side she looked professional with a serious but expression despite both being in their highschool uniform.

After a moment of surprise that the meeting room was already half full, Sona immediately began to play host until Rias reminded her that she wasn’t the one organizing the meeting. Having to be reminded that she was there just as a witness miffed the Sitri Heiress a little but she moved to sit down close to where her sister would.

Then Serafall arrived, exactly a minute after Sona sat down. It made some wonder if she was watching over her sister or just knew her well enough to know when Sona would begin to relax. Or had something on her chair, that was what Azazel jokingly suggested but Serafall just waved him off.

Unlike the last few times Serafall was in Kuoh, this time she wasn’t in her guise as a magical girl but instead in a set of darker clothes; a long sleeve blouse with a dark pink ascot that wouldn’t be out of place in the army and a long black skirt that ended above her ankles and revealed boots.

She still wore her usual twin tailed hairstyle and her with pink ribbons but even with her cheerful smile, the posture presented from the holder of the Leviathan title was professional.

That was until her eyes landed on Medusa and Serafall threw a glare that was noticed by everyone, including the goddess herself. It wasn’t really a glare full of animosity but there was some which made the purple haired girl tilt her head in confusion.

Words were not traded but Serafall somehow looked more offended as she ruffed and moved for her seat, Sona hiding her face between her hands as Tsubaki patted her King’s back in solidarity.

“What was that about?” Medusa asked her protector.

“I have no idea.” Azazel laughed at the reply as Shirou and Xenovia shared in the goddess confusion.

Fortunately for them there was no time to dwell on that event for long as another took place, one that Shirou was dreading. His mother had told him she would be the one keeping records of everything it was said and decided on the meeting so it was only a matter of time until she showed up.

Iri and Maya arrived a few minutes after Serafall, the white haired woman carrying an old fashioned typewriter while the bodyguard had a radio on her ear and documents in her hands.

The matriarch of the Emiya family sat down close to a wall in a small desk and turned to her son with a smile. “Let's do our best.”

Having expected his mother to act more explosively as she usually did, her more subdued attitude made Shirou realize this was the first time he was seeing her in a professional setting.

So instead of the half expected hugs and comments, Iri just prepared herself to do her job as she fixed the typewriter in the center of her desk, her smile still out in full force which Shirou reciprocated. “Yes, let's.”

Just the look of approval from her son had Iri celebrating in her mind but it never got past it as she was the second in command of the company she started with her husband. In situations like this, especially in a peace meeting Kiritsugu showed considerable investment in, she would do her best so things went smoothly.

It was then surprising for those that knew her that Maya slammed some of the papers in her hands hard on the table, a look of annoyance directed at the silver haired youth with his feet in it. Plenty of the documents were already distributed but there was still enough for the impact to be loud.

“That is not your seat.” Maya spoke coldly but calmly as Vali opened an eye to give her his attention. “Please move to the place designed for you.”

Confusion appeared in the White Dragon Emperor’s eyes before he chuckled. “Don’t worry. I will move once the owner shows up.”

“Please, move. You are in the incorrect seat.” There was no tone change and she sounded disinterested.

“Hey, Vali. Don’t provoke her.” Azazel fake whispered which earned him a look from the youth. “That woman is the Magus Killer Secretary and is as lethal as him.” It took a second for the Cadre to realize that was the wrong thing to say.

“So she is as dangerous as the famous Magus Killer?”

Instead of letting Azazel make the situation worse, Maya pushed the document and took Vali's feet off the desk. “Kiritsugu and I are assassins. We don’t fight, we eliminate our targets after setting everything up to make sure the job is executed as efficiently as possible.” She gave Vali another cold look. “And the place designed for you, is not this one. This is only for those who will actively participate in the meeting and treaty. Once again, I ask; move.”

All the White Dragon Emperor did was smile and repeat. “Don’t worry. I will get up once the owner shows up.” Maya was about to insist when Vali looked at the door leading to the hallway. “Speaking of the devil.”

Sirzechs Lucifer arrived in all his glory with a new suit of clothing which fitted a monarch perfectly with a combination of white, gold and a black cape to complement his bright red hair. Behind him was Grayfia, who stopped beside the door as her King advanced and Vali stood up from his chair.

Sirzechs took a few seconds to greet the sister and the others and while Azazel looked curious he didn’t look worried while Maya watched Vali with caution. She was not the only one as Rias only spared a glance to her brother before her eyes returned to the White Dragon Emperor.

None could predict how Vali would act. “Here you go, Lucifer. Has been keeping it warm for you.” Maya couldn’t believe how someone could be that insolent, a thought Grayfia shared.

However, Sirzechs offered an easy going smile. “Why, thank you, young man. It was very thoughtful of you.” He sat down and made sure to adjust himself before turning to Vali with a grateful smile. “How did you know I liked my seat prewarmed?”

“Heard about it somewhere when I asked about you. Was trying to know how strong you were and that came up.” Vali began to walk around the table, a cocky grin thrown at Maya’s direction. Her expression didn’t change and she just moved the file to Sirzechs. “Can I ask a question? Is it true that once you decimate an enemy base in less than five seconds?”

“Yes, it was in the Underworld Civil War.” Sirzechs’ smile was kind but empty. “They had no one to counter me in that position so I took advantage of it to take out for the sake of our supply lines. Many brave devils died that day.”

“Brave but weak compared to you.” Shirou and Azazel recognized the look on Vali’s face, the redhead keeping his silence as the older man groaned. If asked to describe both would agree it was the look of a dragon studying their prey. “Did you fought anyone worthwhile during the war or-”

“I don’t like to talk about it but there were many powerful individuals around during those days.” He smiled at Grayfia who stepped besides him. Even dressed as a maid, or perhaps because of it, the look she was giving Vali carried a warning of death. “My wife was one of them, still one of the most powerful devils ever. She would have been the Leviathan if we hadn’t married.”

“Ahem.”

“Or if Serafall wasn’t after the title.” His smile became more genuine and he offered it to his coworker. “Unfortunately many passed but we still honor them.”

“That wasn’t my question. The story of your engagement is famous around the devils but it was clear that while powerful, your Queen wasn’t close to strong enough.” Vali was half way through the table and placed his hand on it, his eyes fixed on Sirzechs. “If rumors are also true, your only equal is one of the Maou not present, Beelzebub. Have you two ever fought?” That earned a frown from the redhead. “Or have you ever had a fight that got your blood pumping in the first place?”

“And we don’t have any time for any of that.” Azazel took over, Vali turning to look at him with a frown. The fallen angel gave him a grave look and smiled, raising his arm to show a wrist watch. “The meeting is about to begin right…”

“Sorry I am late.” Michael, Leader of Heaven and Acting God, entered the meeting room with armor, robes and a smaller figure by his side.

“... Now, right on schedule.” Azazel said with a grin as Vali began to walk until he was at the wall behind the fallen angel. Crossing his arms, the White Dragon Emperor looked uninterested but the Cadre was happy for the new arrival. “You are never late, Michael. You know that.” He showed his brother his watch. “Right on time, literally.”

Michael’s halo was shining brightly as the angel smiled. “Ah, that is a relief. For a second I thought we were late.” Compared with the others, the angel’s clothes were a combination of warrior armor and priest outfit.

Gold and white were the main themes with red spread in a cloth that went from his chest to his legs. His shoulder pads shone like the sun, a heavy singular piece of armor that covered the upper part of his chest, going around his neck with an elevation on the back for extra protection.

A cape also was connected with the shoulder pads, if the armor was like the sun of the morning then the cape could be confused with the sky during dusk. It was long and non intrusive as Michael moved with it like a second skin, never getting in the way or hiding the person accompanying him.

The robes the angel was wearing couldn’t be compared to any man made material; the crosses adorning it shone as much as the armor while ribbons went down from the front of his shoulders, words in a language that nobody other than the angels in the room could read written on them.

Besides the angel there was a person half as tall as him with white robes that were familiar to most but to Xenovia more than any. When she paid attention to Michael’s bodyguard, her breathing hitched as she recognized the face hidden behind the hood from a glance.

“Irina.” She whispered the name barely loud enough for those close to hear. Most attention was on Michael’s greetings anyway.

He spent a few minutes just asking people how they were, Azazel watching his brother with amusement. The fallen angel was the first person the pure one called and he quickly moved to the devils, calling every single one of them by name. His attention and gaze stopped in Asia for a moment and it was evident he wanted to say more.

Unfortunately for Michael, no matter how much he wanted to spend more time with the former nun, his attention shifted and his smile grew. “And hello to you as well, Lady Medusa.”

“Were you the one who invited me?” The goddess didn’t waste any time and the angel was about to reply.

When Maya raised a hand. “Now that all participants are here, please be seated.” She looked at Medusa, who was glaring at her, with a collected but firm expression. “The topics of the meeting will be discussed during the meeting and I would ask you all to hold back until then.”

“Why, yes. Sorry, I may have hurried too much.” Michael quickly moved to his seat, opposite to Medusa while Irina took off her hood and revealed herself.

“Irina!” Maya threw the Pawn a glare. “Meep!”

“Any sort of trivial conversation can be postponed after the meeting.” Didn’t stop Irina from waving to Issei and turning to Xenovia to greet her with a nod and a smile. The bluehead smiled back as Maya moved to the door, Grayfia opening them. “As it was agreed, once the doors are closed a boundary field will stop every sound from coming in or out. If necessary then I will personally return to open this door before the scheduled end. Does anyone have any objections?”

For a moment Shirou glanced at the briefcase on the table and looked ready to say something before sighing. ‘I can return the sword later.’ He removed it to not get in the way of the meeting.

“No.” Azazel replied first, it was standard procedure and too many sensitive topics would be discussed for them to risk a leak of any kind.

“None at all.” Michael was the second from his position and his eyes hadn’t left Medusa since he first looked at her. The goddess found his gaze odd as there was no lust or desire and yet there was something she couldn't identify.

“We approve the measures.” Sirzechs was next on the order from the table.

“All okay here.” Serafall went next as she turned to Medusa.

Soon the goddess noticed all in the room were looking at her and realized what the problem was. “I agree.” Simple and direct but Medusa still felt she was ruining everything.

Serafall glaring at her for some reason didn’t help matters but Irisviel moving got everyone’s attention. “Then this meeting towards Peace between the Three Factions can now begin.”

With those words Maya closed the door and a boundary field surrounded the area. Its function was to keep any soldier too curious for his own good to eavesdrop in matters of State. Most of that would be decided in the meeting would go public anyway but those inside that room were held in a higher level of trust for a reason or another.

“I, Irisviel Emiya shall help guide this meeting in all topics predefined. Does anyone have any objections?” Every word was spoken with confidence and the bearings of a noble lady, surprising her son.

At the corner of the table the typewriter worked by itself to record everything it said and the next few lines came from Azazel. “Do we need a ‘master of ceremony’ for this? I thought we all were already in accord.” He raised to his feet and spoke louder. “I am here for the sake of peace. In mine, and many in my Faction, opinion, it is past time we bury the hatchet. The world is changing and we can no longer stand divided.”

“Here, here.” Serafall agreed happily. “I certainly don’t want to fight in any more wars for at least a couple of millenia if I can help it.”

“Huhuhu. I am in agreement as well.” Michael said easily, his eyes still on Medusa who said nothing. He wanted to move on to other topics and Azazel’s comment helped him with this.

However, Sirzechs shook his head. “Unfortunately it isn’t so simple. Caliburn’s reveal, Kokabiel’s plot, revealed things about each of our Factions that need to come to light.” He saw how some didn’t like his words but Vali looked intrigued. “I want peace as well, more than anything, but if we are going to do this, we are going to do it properly, step by step.” A harsh look went into Azazel’s direction. “We need to establish trust and look into how the last crisis started is a good place to start.”

“Hehe. Really the devil is in the details.” Azazel said with resignation but understanding. “Very well, I will start then,” his posture shifted as his tone turned grave, “Kokabiel’s betrayal didn’t come out of nowhere, everybody knew that he wanted to do something about the status quo. We just didn’t know what or when it would happen and I always made sure to keep him busy with tasks that demanded all his attention.” He raised his chin. “For that failure on my part, I am sorry.”

“Then shall we call the first witness of the events that happened in Fuyuki?” Irisviel took over the conversation again and Azazel nodded at the question. There were no objections. “As the people called to deal with the situation in the first place, former Exorcist Xenovia Quarta and Exorcist Shidou Irina, please step forward.”

Xenovia was surprised at being suddenly called and Irina gulped hard but took a step closer to the table which her former partner reciprocated.

At that moment Irisviel took a step back and Sirzechs took over. “As we are all aware, Caliburn was the Fragments’ real identity. Since you two were sent to retrieve them, start by how the mission went from your point of view.”

…

“Leeeeeeeeeets goooooooooooo!!! I beat the world recooooord!!!” Gasper jumped from joy as Koneko and Liz politely applauded. They had no idea why the Bishop was happy but seeing him so energetic was something rare. “I did it in less than thirty minutes too! I beat the world record!! Yes, yes!!”

“Congratulations.” Liz finished a pocky stick, taking a close look at the game screen. She couldn't make sense of it, everything just moved too fast.

“Congratulations.” Koneko however had a little more notion of what happened, she knew Gasper for longer. “But did you record it?” The former dhampir froze mid celebration. “That is how you prove you broke a record right? With a recording?” The boy dressed in the girl’s school uniform dropped his controller with a dark cloud over his head. “You didn’t.”

That Liz caught on. “Oooh, so no one is going to believe he did it.” Gasper began to shrink in her seat. “Can’t he do it again?”

“Didn’t look easy.” Koneko could see the Bishop was almost crying. She came closer and patted his head. “There, there.”

Gasper embraced the Rook’s midriff, tears rolling freely. “Bwaaaaa! I can’t believe I forgot to record it. Hic.”

“Can’t you do it again?”  Liz was trying to care.

“I can’t! This game is super duper hard!” Gasper stood up, his eyes puffy from the tears. “Took me months to get it down, memorize the patterns, get the right one, beat the final boss and its last phase without a glitch! I can’t do it again!”

The gym teacher in Liz showed herself. “With that attitude you won’t. You need to keep trying.” Gasper froze at her tone which reminded him of someone else. Since he never went to the school proper he didn’t know that was how Liz motivated her students. “So you go back there and do it.”

It reminded him too much of Xenovia’s tone and that usually meant nothing good in Gasper’s opinion.

So the former dhampir resorted to his favorite tactic: hiding into a box. To be more precise, a cardboard box that he still drags around the ORC and when Xenovia wasn’t around to throw it away Gasper could trust it to be a great hiding spot. So he jumped inside and closed it, only his puffy eyes visible for the two white haired maidens.

They look at each other, both of them strong enough to get the Bishop out or just mess with the box until he leaves it. Fortunately for Gasper none of them had the will to do it, in their opinion if he wanted to hide, he could hide.

Which was still a little sad to Liz because since she became a teacher she discovered the happiness of watching her students succeed. Not that it was enough for her to act and force the blond to do anything but she still picked the controller and turned off the console.

Because of the special boundary field around Kuoh at the moment they had no TV signal or internet so there wasn’t much to do. There was still a DVD so Liz raised a disk. “Want to watch a movie?”

“Sure!” Gasper replied immediately, bouncing back from his depression quickly thanks to the company.

Koneko just nodded before a chill ran through her spine and her cat ears instinctually revealed themselves. She looked around confused before frowning and standing up.

“Something wrong?” Liz noticed quickly but Koneko closed her eyes and began to focus.

“Yes. Something-” Quickly Koneko tackled Liz to the side as a black sphere of mana collided with the TV, short circuiting the system. “Intruders!!!”

The former nekomata didn’t need to say twice as Liz recovered from her tackle and flipped the couch to block more blasts going in their direction. Then she did a slide in Gasper’s direction, grabbing the box and running to safety while Koneko threw the couch to cover their retreat.

However fireballs began to fly with the dark ones, Koneko realizing they were curses and that neither really had a strong effect on her. With a tin shell of Ki the Rook batted a dark ball going in her friends’ direction away, before throwing herself in front of a fireball.

There was a small but contained blast of fire focused on the Rook but Liz couldn't help her right now. Her priority was taking the non combatant, Gasper, out of harm's reach. “Behind you, Liz-sensei!!”

She turned around and threw a kick that connected with someone with a curse in their hands. Liz couldn't see a face or even a body but she still raised the box over her head and kicked that person where she guessed was the chest. She was right and the invisible adversary was thrown away as transparent robes revealed more robes below.

But she couldn’t examine the person for long as more curses flew in her direction and Liz felt her arms grow weak, her legs growing numb. As a combat homunculus such curses weren’t as effective on her but there were a lot of invisible figures around pelting her with projectiles, too much for her to do anything.

Liz threw herself to a wall to her side and her strength didn’t fail her as the escape was successful even if the reprieve was temporary. “Sensei! They are coming!” Gasper spoke before more curses showed up which meant the dhampir could see them.

That only gave Liz a temporary heads up as she began to run around a room with many file cabinets and tables around. With an arm she threw a desk behind her but it was easily destroyed this time before more curses flew in her direction.

No other choices remained, Leysritt placed the box in front of her as the curses hit her back, slowing her down further. She could already feel her whole body growing more and more numb, her resistance going to the limit. Pulling one of the lockers down she used it as a temporary shield but was forced to drop Gasper’s box as her left arm stopped working.

More curses flew around but their directions changed as the invisible intruders spread around the area to catch her from the sides.

Then Koneko dropped inside the room from another wall and a flurry of fists, breaking bones and throwing them around. One of the intruders threw a curse at the Rook but with Ki she chopped it in half, dissipating it harmlessly, before charging again grabbing whoever it was by their robes.

When more curses were fired in her direction, Koneko didn’t hesitate to use the intruder in her hands as a shield before throwing them at the others. Luckily for that person they took so many curses their body wouldn't feel any pain.

“She can neutralize our curses!! Change to lethal fire!!” One of the invisible intruders spoke, a woman by the voice.

“We haven’t secured the target yet!!” Another invisible voice complained but that just gave up her position as Liz threw a cabinet in her direction.

The woman and two more were hit, their invisibility failing to reveal three teenagers or young adults dressed in witch robes and long cloaks. From how they shimmered the members of the ORC could guess it was the cloaks which made them invisible but seemed to lack other protections.

“Open fire!!!” The first voice commanded and various magic circles with various elements were unleashed in the trio’s direction. Koneko once again tackled her friends out of the line of fire, this time breaking a wall with her shoulder to help in their retreat. They ran as the woman shouted again “Call for reinforcements!!”

“Who? What? Why are these guys here? Are they from the other Factions?” Gasper was panicking a little as the two women ran with him still in the box that Liz was carrying. “We have to call Buchou!!”

“No contact.” Leysritt replied calmly, her body more heavy than it has ever been. “Don’t have my cell phone.” It wouldn’t work either way.

“The office.” Koneko suggested, her ears and tail in full view and moving constantly. “There are magic circles there we can use.”

It was hope but a small one that both white haired women suspected wouldn’t be good enough with the boundary field for the conference active. Still it was their best bet and they began to go up stairs only for Koneko to suddenly rush and channel more Ki in her hands.

The Rook jumped and many were shocked when her fists landed on the chest of their allies. Invisible as they were, the intruders were not hidden from Koneko’s senses who could detect both their vital force and mana. She did a fast swipe on her leg to knock another person down before throwing a punch to whoever was at her left.

Curses immediately were fired but once again Koneko easily neutralized them and began to dismantle the opposition. Literally in a sense because she grabbed one of the cloaks and threw it in Leysritt direction while grabbing the intruder by the neck.

Once it left its owner then the woman was revealed, looking young and using dark robes with some sort of painting on her hands. Liz failed to use the mantle and ended up using it as a temporary shield for some curses before it was torn apart. But taking a good look at one of the invaders identified the kind of enemy they were facing.

‘Witches.’ Koneko realized by the clothes and curses being thrown around. The information didn’t help much since she was the only fighter left on their side and she needed to cover herself with Ki. ‘I can deal with curses. Nee-chan said Senjutsu was good against them.’ It wasn’t perfect but it was all Koneko had.

The former nekomata threw the witch in her hands over Leysritt’s head to hit a pair chanting with a magic circle. Already she could feel that the witches on the floor below were moving to the stairs which meant the enemy's number would increase. Not only that but more presences were making themselves known outside of the ORC.

‘What is going on? Where are they all coming from?’ Unlike the shouting Gasper, Koneko was much better in hiding her panic even as the situation grew worse.

She said nothing and just focused with a frown before breaking the bones of the closest witch and kicking the others into a wall. More curses flew her way but thanks to Yoruichi’s training Koneko’s Ki control was good enough that she could negate them all, forcing the witches to bring out nastier spells.

They started shooting more advanced curses, especially in Leysritt direction. The tall woman kept Gasper’s box in one arm and fought with her legs even as her body began to fail her. Already she wanted to puke, feeling sick because of how many curses she had already taken.

The worst part was that her armor was doing nothing as the projectiles didn’t damage her externally but internally. Curses in general could inflict external harm but the intruders were not drawing any blood and seemed more focused in neutralizing and capturing.

Koneko opened her wings and rushed to her friends with a mighty swipe of her arms, throwing many of the witches on the floor below. “Keep running!!” Many blasts hit her soon after and Leysritt hesitated, not willing to leave the smaller girl behind. “GO!!!!”

The order came as Koneko threw herself down and began to beat the witches with her Ki. It was the only real protection she had against curses which was surprisedly more efficient than she expected. Regardless she was one against over twenty people and growing as more intruders arrived in the ORC.

All witches which didn’t bode well.

Still Koneko fought, hoping that she was able to keep them all busy.

It wasn’t to be as some witches used wind spells or even magic brooms to fly to the second floor and pursue Leysritt. If the curses were other types of spell then her armor would be more useful but as it was she felt every single one of them was effective even if they never touched her skin.

Had she been human then Leysritt would be extremely sick at that point or even dying with how many curses had hit her already. Since she was a homunculus her constitution kept her going but that could only last for so long.

Gasper knew something was terribly wrong when the teacher fell to her knees and threw up to the side. “Let me go and run, sensei!!!”

“No.” The woman jumped to her feet and grabbed a broom from a witch who thought she was already done. She broke it when she slammed the intruder on the closest wall, her legs shaking and her vision doubled. “I need you… to run…” She managed to say before more curses hit her.

Leysritt hit the floor but this time nobody approached immediately, they kept shooting more curses and weren’t planning to stop until they saw the woman vomit blood.

“STOP!!!!!” It was too much for Gasper who jumped from his box with his eyes glowing, sacred gear active. He felt his power over time working as he saw the witches’ curses stop. “Sensei-”

He had no time to feel relief. “Secure the vampire!” Then more curses flew, those of different kinds, dark yellow in color. Gasper felt his body twitch when he was first hit and soon his box was falling apart as he fell in an odd angle.

‘My sacred gear didn’t work?’ He couldn't even talk or understand but Leysritt did. She had watched the interaction and realization dawned on her.

The witches came prepared for Gasper and called him a vampire, even shooting curses more focused into paralyzing him. It was more than clear that he was the target.

With all the strength she had left the homunculus knew escaping became a bigger priority as the attack was too organized and the timing with the peace talks was too convenient. Something was wrong in the worst way possible and she needed to get Gasper out.

Had she still stuck in the mentality of a homunculus then her next course of action would be to kill Gasper and deny whatever was the witches wanted with him. Be his sacred gear or his connections or even his blood, they represented a danger to her Master and so neutralizing the Bishop was the best way to stop them even if she fell.

However that hadn’t been Liz for a long time now and she grew to care about the timid devil, her resolve to see him safe giving her new strength as she felt her body burn her reserves of mana faster to pump more adrenaline and ignore the curses.

She was still too weak to keep fighting but there was some reprieve as the intruders approached with triumphant grins. They hadn’t dismissed their invisibility but it made no difference anyway; they were in a hallway and Liz knew she had little chance of winning a fight in her condition.

But she knew the club like the back of her hand and knew that while it was impossible for her to make way towards Rias’ office, she had options left.

So when the witches got close enough she jumped at them, breaking their skulls with her bare hands, shocking those a few steps behind. They quickly shot more spells at Leysritt direction but those were not curses and when they hit her chest the armor did its job and kept her safe.

At least giving her enough time to slam her arms on the wood floor with all the strength she could muster, dropping everyone on the floor below.

Koneko heard the noise but couldn’t focus on it as she was surrounded by witches flying around or just throwing spells that wouldn’t harm their allies but make her life harder. The intruder in charge had returned and ordered everyone to stop the curses and go for the kill.

However the Rook knew how to use her space well, always standing between the intruders and even letting them hit themselves. A jet of blood came when a cutting spell cut the neck of an invisible woman, a fireball burned another’s robes as Koneko grabbed that witch and used her as a whip against others.

The intruders may have numbers but Koneko was fast and her Ki control was superb.

Despite that, the leader of the intruders wasn’t concerned until she heard the noise of Leysritt blowing up part of the hallway. “The vampire is here!!” Another witch announced outloud and Koneko took her out as punishment for giving away her friends' position.

Still Leysritt didn’t grab Gasper this time and instead began to march towards a deeper floor. “They want Gasper! Buy time!!”

With another kick Koneko used her enemy as a springboard, throwing herself in front the hallway Liz had run into. She noticed Gasper and a couple of bodies around the debris from the second floor but paid no mind.

Instead her focus was on the enemies in front of her as she took a stance and focused more Ki on her arms and upper body. With how narrow the hallway was, witches or not, Koneko had already decided they would only pass over her dead body.

The leader of the witches coven, a woman close to her forties that looked to be in her mid twenties and short black hair, noticed it and barked orders. “Unleash everything we have! Take her out!”

“But the vampire-”

“She is protecting him.” Dismissed the protest while her and others focused and created many magic circles. Because of the area only ten could attack at once but she had a solution for that. “Rotate to get the barrage going! Time is running short and I want that devil dead!!”

‘Time limits. That is good.’ Knowing what their goal was getting Gasper gave her strength and so Koneko raised her arms when the first spells came. There were no curses anymore and all the spells that came were with the intent to kill.

This was the moment where both her training and her aptitude as a Rook could shine best, demonic power dancing with Ki as a white aura began to glow around her and her arms let out a smoke that increased their defense.

One punch and one spell was gone before her palm opened and she pushed another away. Her hands kept moving constantly as she slapped, deflected, pushed, redirected and chopped any spell that entered her range.

Koneko refused to move from her position, not even when a jolt of electricity almost stunned her or some dark green smoke threatened to steal her breath. Instead she focused on her Ki as Yoruichi taught her, that Shirou helped her cultivate and Xenovia pushed her further. Ki danced at her fingertips and mixed it up with her youki generated a chain reaction.

From strife came evolution as Koneko’s hands grew faster and her awareness grew to the point her eyes were unneeded for she could feel every attack, no matter how small. No spell came through as Gasper recovered from the curse and watched Koneko push everything away like a dam holding an ocean.

The Bishop stood there admiring the sight as Koneko’s ears and tail moved in sink with the rest of her body into a dance of perfect defense.

Except that the defense was not perfect and many spells hit Koneko’s body but she was fine thanks to her Piece. More smoke escaped from her hands and many of the witches intensified their attacks as they feared something was coming.

Koneko could feel it too, she was close to a breakthrough, the combination of raw mana, youki and Ki dancing in her finger tips. The demonic power inherent to all devils was being purified by her own power but the mana produced from it was stronger. She was growing stronger.

She couldn’t tell what was happening but thanks to her lessons she knew her element was close to truly emerging, her power fully becoming her own.

Unfortunately she stood alone against a squad of magicians, over thirty witches were still on the fight and despite her fast growth, Koneko was still holding the tide alone. Soon her Rook’s defense wasn’t enough and she lost her footing, getting hit on the face by a cutting blast of magic.

Her cheek was bleeding but she closed her eyes in time, her ears deaf because of the many sounds around her. The only thing Koneko had were her senses and she focused on detecting all mana signatures in the room.

A wall of white energy builded up around her but she was still being hit by too many things. She just couldn’t move to dodge or move around without exposing Gasper and she refused to leave her friend.

After a few more seconds of struggle the witches knew the battle was almost over, their leader slammed her hand on the ground as the wood moved like a wave and threw Koneko off her feet.

Until the end she had refused to dodge and that was the opening the coven needed to win.

The former nekomata was thrown back and in front of Gasper so the witches didn’t hesitate or stop. All their attacks went in Koneko’s direction and she panicked and raised her arms to protect herself.

Only for all attacks to suddenly stop, shocking and surprising all. “I can fight too!” Gasper announced with all his resolve. “Koneko-chan! Get away!” The Rook did a flip and all attacks slammed on the place she was before.

“Vampire!” The leader of the witches spoke with scorn, throwing a fireball in his direction, forgetting their goal for a moment.

Gasper didn’t reply, responding but just moving his eyes and activating his sacred gear again. “I can’t stop your Time but I can stop your attacks!” He announced confidently and Koneko smiled, as they both moved and the spell passed by them harmlessly. “I won’t let you hurt my friend anymore!!”

“What do we do, Flavia?” Asked one of the witches to their leader who frowned.

‘Shit! Our cloaks protect us from his sacred gear but our spells aren’t strong enough!’ Flavia bit her lip in frustration. ‘Time is running out.’ She had little choice. “We can’t let this continue! Charge and unleash your spells at close range! He won’t be able to stop them!!”

After all, the devils promised her a reward and her coven needed more power to grow inside the Hero Faction after Gilgamesh had exterminated many of them. There was no way Flavia or any of the surviving witches were going to quit so easily.

All of them followed the order, Koneko standing in front of Gasper as the panicking Bishop tried and failed to stop the witches’ Time. They charged with caution but little fear as magic circles were ready for when they were close enough.

It wouldn't be that easy as projectiles flew from behind the devils and pierced two of the witches necks. Shock ran through the intruders' ranks at the sudden death of two of their comrades. Many had already fallen but this was so sudden and cold that it was jarring, especially when they saw what had killed them.

Two thin swords but tall enough that they could not be knives had pierced the necks close to the throat, their handles seemed incomplete, made of cheap wood. It was nothing that could last long combat but just something to hold the weapons.

Both devils recognized the weapons as Shirou’s work and turned to see the returning Leysritt with dozens of swords on her back and waist, all of them thin and light. But on her right hand the homunculus was carrying a huge halberd made fully of steel with a sharp tip at the top.

While still looking weaker because of how many curses she took, armed as she was there were many who would call Leysritt an amazon. The witches certainly treated her as such, retreating a couple of steps and preparing magic spells.

Drawing two more swords from her back, Leysritt’s eyes were colder than the winter of the North Pole. “I won’t let you harm my students.” Koneko and Gasper prepared to help as the homunculus charged forwards, throwing swords and branding her new weapon.

It didn’t matter if she couldn't see her enemies, Leysritt figured that if she threw enough swords in a direction she was bound to hit something. Fortunately Shirou had a lot of swords in his workshop.

…

Time was something that devils had a plenty with long lives lived and to live unless someone took them out. Some gained perspective with their years, experience, knowledge and power that turned them into beings to be feared. Time didn’t make a devil weaker, it was their ally even if it took a lot of it for them to grow stronger.

Discipline should be one of the things that came with time but it was also a matter of personality and devils were also impatient by nature. Perhaps having all the time in the world wasn’t enough when the ambition far surpassed it or when the competition was fierce.

Regardless, the Old Satan Faction counted that their soldiers would be patient until their plan was prepared for execution. However in a battlefield things grew foggy, doubly so with the enemy army just a few kilometers away, unaware they were there. With so many people the Old Satan Faction called for this fight, some were bound to be impatient.

Fallen angels and other devils flew around Kuoh, all much more relaxed than the soldiers hiding away in the university.

They didn’t know the enemy had managed to infiltrate what should be an invincible boundary field without alarm, they didn’t know the enemy was already there, waiting for a signal, they had no clue they would die the moment the signal was given.

If anything the devils and fallen angels flew freely and looked at each other with suspicion, there was plenty of bad blood going around. Truly it was something which would make teamwork hard but at least they were just aware and not fighting. Didn’t really matter to the Old Satan Faction as the plan was to freeze them in time and kill them.

Except that the signal wasn’t being given and the magicians in their ranks looked as confused as them. Many wanted to march to the forest to figure out what was taking so long but couldn’t. Only the witches had the equipment, cloaks that turned them invisible, to approach the building undetected.

Just because the guards around Kuoh weren’t paying attention didn’t mean they couldn't detect them if the members of Khaos Brigade made a mistake.

So they had to wait and the wait was the worst part by far as they could barely move, had to stay on guard and even using too much mana was a risk. Had the members of the security detail of the peace meeting be more alert someone would have already been detected.

Except they weren’t, that old confidence in ‘invincible’ boundary fields showed itself full force combined with old habits cultivated in the last war. The logic was that since the enemy couldn’t teleport in then they would notice an attack to breach the boundary field. Nobody expected a dimensional fissure from a sacred gear.

There was only one in existence capable of making one, after all.

But the main issue was that an imobile army, with an enemy in sight and an operation that seemed to not be moving were all factors that ruined discipline. No matter if someone was young or old, devil or magician, when things seemed to go wrong nerves started to get in the way.

Impatience could be the most dangerous enemy in a battlefield and discipline was the counter to it; the confidence in one’s training, command and plan should keep the nerves at bay long enough for things to stabilize or an order from above to come and help manage things.

However many in the Old Satan Faction were zealots and they utterly lacked real discipline, who would do everything for their leaders ideals without understanding them or carrying about throwing away their lives.

And while that assured them their leader's plan was perfect, it also had the detrimental effect of them underestimating or not caring about their allies. They blamed the magicians for failing to execute Katerea’s plan and honor demanded they acted for their leader’s sake. For her success even at the cost of their lives.

It started small. “The witches are taking too long.”

“Yes, Lady Leviathan said they had ten minutes, it has been close to half an hour.”

“We should get there.” A third spoke with irritation. “Obviously these magicians don’t know what they are doing.”

Some other magicians glared but said nothing, focusing more on their plans to escape if the situation called for it. Unfortunately leaving before the fight would only earn vengeance from the Old Satan Faction back in the Headquarters but they still glared.

Which made other devils more impatient, there was no love between them but thanks to orders there would be no violence either. Indeed they were very similar to the fallen angels and the other devils surrounding the school grounds but more on edge since they were on the offensive.

A devil and a magician traded looks, one carrying arrogance and the other annoyance. One was a tall man, the other pretty woman and the devil began to flirt, finding a decent way to pass the time. The magician’s annoyance grew and she looked to the side, focusing on a comrade who was watching the devil intently.

Two men traded looks with a woman between them and the devil was feeling slighted, letting out a little of his power to challenge the other for the woman. They weren’t lovers and the man didn’t need to raise the bait but the bait was thrown. And another bit it as a fallen angel closer to the university felt something.

Suddenly many devils turned to stare at the black wing figure who paused his movement to look in their direction. They didn’t know the man’s expression, it was too far for them, but his body language spoke of confusion.

It was a confusion that attracted two others and the first fallen angel pointed at one building after a few words. The other two, closest to their comrade, had felt nothing and none of the others made any signs to join them.

“It must have been your imagination.” One of the fallen angels offered and the first one couldn’t really disagree even if it never had happened before.

Perhaps because of that he asked. “Would any of you mind if I take a look?” He would need to leave his post for a minute but they all were confident nothing would happen. “If we are supposed to ally with the devils then we can take a look around, right?”

“Well, I mean, did we receive any orders saying we couldn't’?” The second fallen angel questioned, scratching his elegant beard. “If this treaty doesn’t work then-”

“Let him go.” The third fallen angel finally spoke, a jovial smile on his face. “Lord Azazel is personally working on this treaty and everyone spoke how dedicated he is towards peace. Surely the devils won’t mind since we are going to be welcome here soon enough.”

“Right.” Curiosity about the devils’ facilities in Fuyuki was something all the fallen angels had to some extent. The first one just had voiced his because of a feeling and was willing to go with it. “I am going to just take a look and be right back.”

“Don’t fall asleep somewhere. We won’t cover for you if that happens.” The second joked in a good mood.

“You also will have to pay for lunch later.” The third added with a cocky grin.

“Fine by me. I want to try Japanese food anyway.”

“Didn’t we eat sushi last month?” The second asked back.

“But I want the legit stuff.” He wasn’t the eldest fallen angel but considered himself well traveled but before this assignment he never went beyond India on this side of the globe.

“Sure but you are still paying.” The third one repeated with a cocky grin as he and the second one stayed back and let their friend advance alone.

Many of those hidden in the building saw the fallen angel advance in their direction, suspicion and worry intensifying as some prepared to attack. Those close to commanders were quickly stopped with orders to wait for the fallen angel to actually get in so they could kill him quietly and buy more time.

There were just not enough commanders to watch over every soldier and so someone panicked at seeing the fallen angel approach, the man only feeling a spike of mana and seeing a magic circle before his chest was pierced by a beam of energy.

His comrades saw the event happening, fury and rage flowing into them.

The intruders did too, none knowing who took the shot but knowing that the time to hide was done.

The fallen angels summoned spears of light, their power an emergency beacon that had everyone else on high alert. Many magic circles showed up against them and more mana began to circulate the area before hundreds of attacks flew in their direction.

The duo countered, refusing to fall without avenging their friends. They still fell without knowing that their spears killed two devils and a magician respectively. However it was the show of lights that signified the beginning of combat, one that Katerea wanted to stop but knew she couldn’t.

All hell was about to break loose and the descendent of Leviathan saw no choice. “KILL THEM ALL!!!!!!!”

Behind her a man just shook his head as devils like him advanced in droves. Like them he also proudly wore the armor of his faction but unlike them he wasn’t under Katerea’s command.

Still the man was silent as the sky began to flash with hundreds of lights and golems of stone rose from the ground. He watched as death began to spread on Kuoh.

…

In the director’s office besides the meeting room, Maya frowned as the monitors began to display magic spells being thrown around Kuoh’s skies. Quickly people began to run around and try to establish communications with the warriors in the chaos.

“Idiots.” Maya grunted but just watched the monitors. For now the fight was away from the cameras but a stray bolt or another would leave them blind. “Absolutely idiots. They should be fighting around the building in case of an invasion like planned.”

“Commander, the boundary field stands intact.” One of her subordinates, a magician sitting on a table with four others with their hands on a crystal ball reported. “There were no breaches whatsoever.”

“Perhaps they got in before we lifted it up?” A woman in front of a computer suggested, data pouring on the screen as she tried to break apart the footage from one of the cameras. The fighters were too fast for her to get a look in. “Looks like they are devils. A traitor is possible.”

“Negative, fallen angels were the first to arrive and we were the last ones to scout.” A man also in front of a computer managed to bring up the distant figure of a fallen angel being pierced on the chest. “The attack came as a surprise too and all the devils joined the fight.”

“The attackers are mostly devils, ma’am.” Another man sitting in another computer managed to lock in an image without a blur. Another person analyzed the armor and sent more information to him. “That is the symbol of the Old Satan Faction.”

“If someone was going to try and disrupt the peace meeting it would be them.” Maya acknowledged, trying to keep up with as many screens as she could. The office was full of them and people ran around trying to get into contact with the devils and fallen angels in the field. “Keep trying. If we can get hold of a single commander then we can fortify our defense.”

“Should you go unlock the meeting, ma’am? They sure could use the leaders in the fight.” Another subordinate asked but Maya shook her head.

Instead her finger went to the radio in her ear. “Attention all security, we have confirmed that devils from the Old Satan Faction have breached Kuoh. As you can see the fight is mostly too far for us to intervene but you must prepare; Holy Blessed guns and bullets are authorized but you must not use chants or hymns of any kind. Our allies are also devils.” Her eyes focused on one of the monitors. “If you can’t identify who is on our side, shoot whatever shows up on the ground.”

Because she could already see familiars, giant tigers, huge insects, salamanders, being followed by golems of stone. The enemy came prepared and that was why she wasn’t calling the leaders of the Factions. Maya had read the file on them and knew that some wouldn’t hesitate to join the frontlines.

However history showed that nobody attacked the leader of a Faction without some kind of trump card or enough power to take them out. No one wanted to know the kind of disaster it would be if someone like Michael, who waved away most of his security privileges, died in this situation.

Her men didn’t need confirmation that she already dismissed the idea of interrupting the meeting, they knew her and that the idea was already considered and discarded, there was no need for explaining.

Until Maya saw some kind of threat or whatever the enemy had prepared for the leaders, she wasn’t going to risk it. The enemy was under the same rules, basically hiding until the leaders themselves showed up. That was why armies were important, the victorious army could draw out, weaken and perhaps even destroy whatever card the enemy had to play.

That was just how things were in the moonlit world, the first one to reveal their main weapon was in a huge disadvantage and Maya knew she was protecting some of the most powerful beings of the planet.

Rush could be the demise to either side.

All she had to do was to figure out what the enemy had, evaluate if it was really a threat and then destroy it. She didn’t even need to do that personally as an army of fallen angels and devils stood between the unknown threat and their leaders. The Left Hand Woman of the Magus Killer just needed them to work together.

For the sake of peace Maya was willing to let every devil and fallen angel die, especially if they weren’t going to go with her plans.

“Ma’am! I managed to make contact with Stevorn.” One of another set of magicians, ten of them with papers with personal magic circles in their hands, announced out loud.

Another subordinate grabbed the glowing paper and rushed to her side, Maya seizing soon after. “Why are you advancing?” If they had a good reason then that was understandable, if they hadn’t they were ruining their main strategy.

*The enemy has shown up. We need to protect-*

“That wasn’t my question! I was put in charge of the defense and you all abandoned the plan and broke formation. Get your men and start retreating.”

*Retreat back where lady Serafall is? No! I won’t risk my lady’s life-*

“You lady and the others placed me in charge of the defense, disobeying me is the same as disobeying them.” That shut up the devil but Maya didn’t need him to be silent, she needed him to obey. “Are you going to say your Maou made a mistake?

*No, but-*

“Then you have your orders.” Her authoritative tone left no room for argument.

*Yes, ma’am.* The response was automatic, Maya had him. *Although, the crows aren’t going to listen to me.*

Right on time another magic circle from another squad of magicians began to shine. “You have your orders.” Maya repeated and then cut the link, throwing the paper away before grabbing the other one. “I don’t care who you are or why you are advancing. Get your men and start retreating to our line this instant.”

*I-*

“Azazel agreed on giving me control of the security, you are going to follow my strategy. The boundary field we set up around the school will cover you and my men will fire in anyone that approaches. Your job is just to throw spears and force the enemy to reveal themselves.”

*Who do you think you are to command me like that, human?* By the woman’s tone, Maya deduced she was a younger fallen angel, the most arrogant kind.

She could work with this. “I don’t have time to give you all my resume so let me tell you this; I am the second in command of the Magus Killer’s operation. If you want to live, follow my orders. Or keep fighting like an idiot and die. At least you are going to be a good distraction while the devils retreat.”

To give the other woman no chance of giving a response, Maya tore the paper apart. She was counting on the fury and pride she would feel added to Kiritsugu’s reputation and the fact that the devils would be retreating.

Because they already were, which made the fallen angels retreat as well, Maya recovered the control of the situation just in time. “We have the counting, ma’am.”

“How many?”

“At least five thousand enemies.” All knew that was more than double her numbers. “That is not counting the familiars and golems. Besides that…” The man hesitated.

If Kiritsugu taught her anything, it was that hesitation was foolish and fatal. “Spill it.”

Another of her subordinates spoke. “Necromancers, ma’am. Some of the bodies of the fallen were already raised.” The woman gulped hard at Maya's calm stare. “We can’t find them, they must be at the back.”

“That can’t be their trump card but we can still work with it.” Maya raised an arm and the magicians around the crystal ball began to pour mana on it. Then she pressed the radio again. “Once the second boundary field is up, open fire. Not a second sooner. We want as many living targets dead as we can manage.”

Her other arm stayed up as Maya watched the slow retreat in the monitors. Battles in the sky were too fast and spread to have any order but their allies were managing. They shouldn't have needed to in the first place but plans usually didn’t survive first contact.

All devils on their side were throwing focussed spells while the enemy focused on area of effect. The collisions resulted in explosions and more dead but she was confident the fallen angels could secure the retreat.

It was thanks to their Light weapons that brought through many of the attacks and killed many of the Old Satan Factions. Sure more would be down if not for their armor but this was a fight these Factions already had billions of times in the past.

The key difference was that there were devils and fallen angels that were working together and so the focused spells from the devils gave more chances for the weapons of Light to hit their mark.

But the retreat wasn’t going smoothly as both sides were still not cooperating fully and the enemy was sending their warriors forward with zombie fallen angels as a buffer. Curiously no devil was brought back by the necromancers but Maya deduced it was because of pride.

“Fools.” She wanted to curse when some of the devils on their side drew their weapons to meet the charge of zombies. It was wasting time and that meant more would die. “Are they in range?” Her arm was still up.

“Only for the snipers, ma’am.”

‘Darn.’ Maya couldn't complain as the majority of her army was still retreating. ‘Since they are in range of snipers and at that speed.’ Her other arm went for the radio again. “Get ready.”

All in the office watched hundreds of small skirmishes, their side losing due to the high numbers and as predicted many were dying. Some of the fallen angels also summoned their weapons and had an easier time with their dead brethren but obviously they would never win at that pace.

Which was fine since they kept their retreat going, the devils on their side using their weapons to create huge magic circles for shields. Finally their side was really cooperating as the fallen angels’ weapons easily passed the demonic energy construct but many had already fallen.

“Ma’am! Necromancers sighted!” One of her subordinates tapped a few buttons and the main monitor had the images of men and women with skulls moving around.

“Are they in range?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Only she could give the order to shoot, no one dared to act without it.

Maya looked at the other monitors and began to count to ten slowly. Once she reached ten, she threw her arm down while her other hand went for the radio. “Open fire. Snipers on the necromancers.”

From the entrance and every window in the direction of the battle with the exception of the ones for the meeting room, men dressed in black suits began to unleash a lot of bullets with a plethora of weapons as a silver boundary field covered the school.

Rifles, machine guns and sniper rifles were all part of the fire and all focused on the enemy devils. The rain of bullets from down below came as a surprise as a silver boundary field separated them from their adversaries, the devils and fallen angels surprised by the sudden reprieve as their enemies retreated.

Only the snipers were not aiming up as they had their orders and necromancers fell in droves. They were in the most distant area of the battlefield, only the magicians controlling the golems or familiars were farther but that was fine since the dead body of a fallen angel was more dangerous than any of those.

Because of how powerful a fallen angel could be, one necromancer could only control one of those but some of them already had raised a couple of the dead. At their own death the reanimated would perish completely and once all visible necromancers were dead the snipers joined their comrades in firing against the army.

Holy bullets were still normal bullets in a sense and while the devils’ armor was strong it grew much weaker thanks to blessings.

Protections from God made them able to break through the enchantments most devils like to use as their power was nullified and in a competition against metal the bullets would take down any old fashioned knight.

Either way that was the only method the humans had of attack; pumping everyone outside the boundary field with bullets. If it wasn’t for it then the Old Satan Faction could just blow up the building unless the other side was there to hold them back.

For the moment the alliance of the Three Factions got some reprieve but Maya knew it was far from over. “Your weapons can breach the boundary field. Fallen angels, prepare spears to shoot at anyone who manages to make an opening, our magicians will fix it as fast as possible.”

This time there was no hesitation as half of the devils landed and began to cut down the golems and familiars while the other half pushed back the more aggressive enemies in the sky.

When a member of the Old Satan Faction managed to open a hole with their own weapon, spears of Light quickly skewered the man and the boundary field was patched up. Add to all that were the constant bullets that kept bringing hundreds of devils down with ease.

The defender's advantage was absolute in these circumstances but only for as long the boundary field lasted so the Old Satan Faction army began to throw more and more powerful spells at it.

Already in the command center the magicians in communication dropped the papers and rushed to help with the crystal ball with only two still with the magic circles, close to Maya to keep her options open.

The secondary boundary field wasn’t connected to the ley line so it was frail in comparison to the other one but with so many magicians working together Maya knew she had time for her men to win the fight.

Because, zealotry or not, survival instincts had to kick in sooner or later either for the enemy soldiers or for their commander who couldn’t risk losing all their men before the final fight.

“They began to retreat, ma’am.”

“The snipers are already shooting the devils. No more necromancers are seen on the battlefield.”

“More golems are advancing! Over one hundred!”

Taking all the information in, Maya frowned before barking more orders. “Tell the fallen angels to get ready to unleash a volley on that building. The hole will be open for just ten seconds to conserve our mana.” Once again she lamented the fact they were in a school and most of the defense had to be improvised. ‘Peace meeting or not, we should be in a fortress. We knew someone would try to stop the peace talks, it was just too tempting.’

As commanded a huge hole was open in the silver boundary field but instead of focusing on the retreating army the fallen angels obeyed and shot at the university. Many magic circles showed up to defend the sudden attack before the full devil army turned and tried to fire back. Only for the boundary field to close and protect the alliance’s side, stopping more casualties.

Still the barriers showed that they weren’t dealing with the whole army as the monitors identified demonic energy and normal mana signatures in the hasty defense. That told Maya that the commander on the enemy’s side was there as well.

Unfortunately she found no way for her troops to advance for a counter attack, the enemy were numerous and if she was to be pessimistic then there was the possibility of another army still hidden in other buildings.

A possibility that she couldn't discard because she had no idea how they got inside. “Snipers keep up the suppressive fire.” However she had other options to draw them out. “Prepare to open another hole, T minus 3.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Devils confirm they can prepare magic circles to help in the counter attack.”

“Belay that order. Seeing our preparations may tip the enemy off.” Maya wasn’t going to risk an advantage to rush things over. ‘Show yourself, whoever you are. I know an attack like this needs someone with real power. Show up so I can decide if bringing the leaders out earlier is safe or not.’

That the enemy was there was nagging on the back of Maya’s head as there were no signs the main boundary field was breached. Plenty of alarms would have warned if it had and the power needed to do it would be warning enough by itself.

Thanks to the tertiary boundary field, the one isolating the leaders, Maya knew there would be no interference without her permission. That diminished the risks of something going wrong considerably because she made sure her men had brought enough ammo for months worth of war.

Especially sniper ammunition, that was her trump card against a weak army like the one laying siege. From a safe distance the devils tried to bring down the silver boundary field only for many to fail and die. Every single member of Black Sheath had a sniper rifle ready and waiting even if they wouldn't fight.

Sure some were designated to use it exclusively and had other weapons but while the silver boundary field was up then range was their advantage.

Those already fighting were getting to a kill count of hundreds and going up, even if keeping the boundary field was exhausting, they were ready for the long fight.

Yet that nagging feeling was still there. ‘Where is the enemy? What do they have? Who is their leader? Until I discover those things, I can’t go on the offensive.’

She could only hope the peace talks would last for a long while because on the rhythm things were going it would be hours before a counter attack was viable.

…

“Master, what are we doing here, again?” A bored out of her mind Xenovia asked while holding back a yawn.

Chuckling discreetly, Shirou could agree with the sentiment and knew he wasn’t the only one. “We are here as witnesses and security detail.”

“Do they even need this much security?” Her eyes noticed Irina who was shaking her head once she noticed them whispering. “We already have given our testimony so they don’t need us.”

After everything about the Caliburn’s Incident was brought out, Michael admitted that the only reason he hid the fact it wasn’t Excalibur that broke was to keep the secret of God’s Death intact as He could easily fix that sword.

Nothing much came from it after and Sirzechs approved the rationality behind the decision and voiced his approval for the alliance. For many that meant that the meeting was over, quite early as someone joked about, and they all could go home.

Unfortunately for the more inexperienced in politics, approving an alliance was the easy part but not the ending of a meeting like this. No, just having such a meeting meant that the alliance was already pretty much approved and only some other kinks needed to be hammered out.

Not everything, just whatever the leaders found relevant at the time to get the ball rolling, everything else would be debated at a later date with assemblies and organizations built to foster their alliance.

“So we are all in agreement that Fuyuki is going to be a central hub?” Azazel didn’t need to ask, nods of approval were already in motion. “That is great. Finally I can get a proper lab around here. After the one that will help the Underworld with sacred gear research, of course.”

“Of course.” Sirzechs smile was genuine and he couldn’t be happier. He turned to Michael who looked equally pleased. “Are you sure you only want the church as your territory? It still needs to be reconstructed, maybe even from the ground up.”

“Don’t worry about it. We are pretty good at repairing Father’s houses. It will be up and operational in just a few weeks.”

“But your followers are going to need housing, right?” Serafall's smile was huge and her hands were resting on the table. “Maybe we can give you guys a couple of apartments, houses if they want to live in the area. Then a couple of warehouses, perhaps even some cars to move around-”

“You are being too kind, but we can manage.”

“No, no, no. We’re allies now and the Underworld won’t be told it isn’t doing its part.” Serafall threw a look of challenge towards Medusa whose expression was similar to a statue’s. It was lifeless but it was still a work of art and that irritated the younger Maou a little more. “Say, are you sure you don’t want help in the construction? I can fork from my own pocket if that is the problem.”

“Sister…” Plenty could hear Sona’s exasperation but they choose to ignore it.

“There is no need for all that. Some houses and a few apartments sure, perhaps the construction crews of Gremory could help.” Michael turned back to Sirzechs.

“Sure, no devils, of course.”

Michael nodded as he looked relieved at the assistance regardless of how he didn’t want to intrude. “There is also the matter of Caliburn. Are the previous agreements still going to stand?”

“Of course.” That was Serafall’s department. “Anyone willing to try and take the sword will be welcomed. Ah, but the rules and time tables won’t change; either join the school as a student or staff for unlimited tries, late at night when there are no students or on vacation days when the place is empty.”

“Wonderful. There are many who are excited to try and take Caliburn for themselves.” Michael’s words were full of pride and confidence but Shirou and Xenovia shared concerned looks.

They would pity whoever drew Caliburn from its resting place. In their opinion, the sword should stay where it was forever just to not condemn anyone to its Fate.

More than once Shirou thought about writing a warning or something but Xenovia stopped him, claiming that it was unnecessary since if anyone really took it then they would be ready to give their everything for the sword.

One way or another most of the talk had turned into things that only the leaders and nobles in the room cared about. The rest of the bodyguards or witnesses were just standing there, impatiently waiting for the meeting to end.

Issei looked to be half asleep with Asia still admiring Michael’s splendor by his side, Kiba kept his smile going but it was strained, not as strained as Akeno’s who sat as far away from Azazel as possible.

Vali didn’t bother to hide his boredom as he looked completely disinterested in everything else, his hand sustaining his head as he looked at his wristwatch. Closer to him was Irina who occupied herself by silently communicating with Xenovia and trying to pay attention to the meeting.

While their former partnership helped some of the talk get through they were still bored even if the bluehead was just the one showing it. From time to time she broke eye contact with Irina to talk with Shirou who was half in the meeting and half on his Reality Marble.

Rias, Sona and Tsubaki were the only ones still looking comfortable in the meeting, already used to such proceedings while also being future leaders of their generation who were watching History being made.

Two people, however, concerned Shirou the most as he fully emerged from his Reality Marble; the first was his mother. Irisviel had not moved or talked much once the ball got rolling and he never knew her to be so stoic. That was mostly his father’s deal and even the man himself would agree something was wrong.

But the other one he finally noticed that there was a growing irritation that was beginning to bubble to the surface; Medusa was getting angry and nobody else was noticing.

Those who lived with the goddess for a while could tell when her patience was at its limit; a small twitch of her eyebrows, her eyes becoming more snake-like, a small pout could also be seen before it disappeared once in a while.

It was her anger bubbling and evolving and only Shirou could notice it. “Medusa…” He tried to whisper at her but the goddess didn’t move. Ignoring convention, he approached the table. “Medusa… are you alright?”

The goddess turned and he could see hot fury hidden behind her cold exterior. It reminded him of the giant Gorgon gazing down at him inside her cave and a shiver ran through his spine.

At that point Xenovia and Irisviel noticed that something was wrong but said nothing as goddess and magus traded looks. Shirou couldn't guess the reason for her rage but he could tell it was about to explode.

“Do you want me to… get you anything?” He had no idea how to do that but he wanted to help her calm down.

His concern helped Medusa realize that she was angry in the first place. She took a deep breath and gave him a small smile to show her thanks. For a moment, Shirou thought that any danger had passed and the meeting would continue without interruptions.

Only for Medusa to stand up and break the table in half with a single hit of her open hand.

Everybody grew quiet and nervous at the sudden action, Shirou’s mouth hanging open as a shadow covered Medusa’s eyes. Sona and Tsubaki were on guard while the members of the ORC were jolted and confused but just stared at Medusa. Even Vali was sitting straight and looking at the goddess with new eyes.

Irisviel just kept smiling nervously, trying to communicate with Shirou silently. ‘What is going on?!’ Her eyes demand him to respond.

Her son got the message and looked at her equally nervously. ‘Sorry, she lost her patience because they are practically ignoring her.’ Unfortunately realization came far too late.

Fact was that Medusa was invited to a meeting with nothing to do and that was pissing her off. Not to mention they didn’t know why she was there in the first place.

But none of the leaders looked nervous, only a little tense with Grayfia moving to stand close to Sirzechs in case the goddess was going berserk. Quickly Shirou did a similar action but he shook his head to dissuade them that Medusa wasn’t going to explode or anything similar At least he hoped.

“All this talk of ‘alliances’, ‘being a leader’ and fixing this or that is all well and good.” Her eyes shone and some in the room could feel their bodies growing rigid. “But since this is a talk between the leaders of Factions, I can’t see why a lowly goddess such as myself is here in the first place.”

Azazel saw how annoyed she was and moved to try and calm her down. “Calling you ‘lowly’ is far from a stretch my dear Medu-” Her fingers closed in the wood of the table that easily gave out.

The goddess’ eyes focused on the Governor General and while her power didn’t affect him, he noticed it was there. “Do not call me ‘dear’. None of you earned that privilege.” She turned to a smiling Serafall that looked a little too pleased with herself. "Especially that false idol.”

The satisfaction left in a flash. “You want to say that to my face?!” Serafall got ready to advance but Sirzechs held her arm.

“That is why you are angry, isn’t it?” Before the redhead Maou could say anything, Medusa spoke again. “Took me a while to figure out but that thing about being a magical girl is about being an idol of some sort. Well, then you are a failure. Losing control of your followers like that is something my sisters would never do.” Her hand rested on her growing breasts and an aura of elegance manifested around Medusa not by power but by her posture and grace. “An idol must inspire the best in all who watch them. We must not dominate but be muses for the singers so they can join our song. If you allow your followers to be rabid, they aren’t inspired, they are mad and so you fail as an idol.”

A defeated Serafall sat back down as Sirzechs patted her back in consolation. ‘Giving her too much time to fester in her anger was a terrible idea. She is ready to rip everyone a new one without even throwing a punch.’ Shirou could see how Medusa wasn’t done but left Serafall to her devices. “Medusa, are you-”

“Not now, my protector. Your goddess is doing business.”

No one was going to point out the fact that complaining to Azazel and shredding Serafall’s self esteem weren’t business per say but the first one was out of fury while the second was out of pride.

For before she was a monster she was adored by thousands with her sisters; a muse, an icon, a real goddess with followers and temples no matter how modest. She was invited to Olympus and her fall came after many wannabe heroes tried and failed to take her down and that was even before she was completely the Gorgon.

Such a being was Medusa, a Goddess of Beauty and Serpents that ruled the Shapeless Island with her presence alone. And she would not be denied as her eyes finally landed on Michael who kept a tranquil expression.

“I am used to people looking at me for long periods of time.” Medusa started calmly, sitting down as her eyes met the angel’s. “To be admired, to be studied, to be hunted, to be desired, to be frowned upon, to be hated, to be loathed, to be feared. I am used to all those eyes.” The calm returned but the fury was still there, like a shadow at the bottom of the ocean just waiting to emerge. “But the way you are looking at me, the way that you are studying me, you have no desires and yet you keep looking. Is there a reason why? Is that the reason why I was invited to your discussion?”

Sirzechs shook his head, trusting that Serafall would recover by herself, and turned to Michael. “I think we made her lose her patience.”

“That is obvious enough.” Azazel recognized but Medusa cared for neither man.

Her eyes were fixed on Michael and the angel’s smile didn’t bulge. His next words were a surprise to all. “First, I apologize, lady Medusa, for my test.”

“Wait a minute, test? That is the first time I heard about this.” Azazel's surprise was shared by all in the table but the angel kept focusing on the goddess.

“What sort of test? Are you finally going to reveal why I am here?”

“Yes, you asking before the meeting ended was necessary for me to feel confident about moving forward.” Michael’s expression turned a little sad. “For my offer demands someone that doesn’t wait to act when something bothers them. It is fine to be patient but allowing things to happen when you can intervene is not patience but foolishness.”

“Then I shall act again; get to the point.” Medusa demanded, her posture more relaxed. Progress helped her calm down but she was still alert. Only the fact that Michael seemed to have no negative intentions kept her on the remains of the table.

Notwithstanding that she was making a demand from the Acting God and Leader of Heaven or one of the most powerful people in the planet with millions of followers and capable of erasing her with ease.

Michael wasn’t the kind who would kill someone for an insult but it was still a lot for many to process.

“The point…” Michael spoke slowly and with a great deal of melancholy. “The point is, lady Medusa…” He stood up suddenly and opened his wings. Their aura was such that faithful such as Asia and Irina dropped to their knees, one in reverence and the other in prayer while making the sign of the cross. “The point is that I am an angel, lady Medusa, not a god, certainly not Father for ‘who is like God?’ Certainly not me, a failure of a son who couldn’t protect his Father.”

“Michael-”

“No, Azazel. Father dying may not be my fault but I should have done something. We all should.” He was referring to all angels, including the fallen. “Yet here I am, occupying His Throne, using His Authority that I have no right to. Those wings, they are the proof of my failure and all my lies. Look at them.” He opened them for their full extension, looking at Irina and then Asia with even more sadness. “They used to be the most pure white, like snow in an empty field or a summer cloud, just like my siblings’. Now they are symbols of authority; instead of feeling relief and security, the first thought anyone has is to knee in reverence.” Michael sounded depressed by the very thought.

Such words felt harsh for the faithful two girls and they quickly stood up, not wishing to keep perturbing the angel further. Unfortunately for them they couldn’t help him, his problems were the golden beacons on his back, the wings he bore.

Just looking at their color, so much more bright than their original white, made Michael feel sick. “When Father died, someone needed to take over, to stop things from spiraling. I took upon the task and with time my wings turned gold like the sun… I dislike their actual form.” His eyes grew firm, the angel truly looked like a leader in all accounts. “But I do not regret taking charge in our darkest hour. The Flock needed to be guided, protected, before the remaining wolves pounced. Not devils, mind you, but other gods who would want to expand their power. Those who would take away Humanity’s Free Will.” That was Michael's greatest fear and the reason why he didn’t hesitate to take the Throne.

However Azazel looked equally sad before letting out an attempt of a smile. “You were always a Drama Queen.”

“Are you saying that humans wouldn’t be tricked?”

“Oh, they would. But then they would rise above it, sooner or later.” The Cadre spread his arms confidently. “Fact is; God is dead, and the world is still here.” He looked around the room as his brother let out a sigh of exhaustion. “Don’t you all agree? Or do any of you think that a world without God would die? Decay? Sorry to disappoint but God is gone and we are still here, living healthy.” He still gave Michael a look of concern. “You don’t need to carry everything, brother.”

“I don’t try to but you know there is much more happening than just the world spinning.” Michael spoke softly, not disagreeing with Azazel but adding to his words. “You are right, Father’s death didn’t stop the world, such is the beauty of its nature that God can go and it can keep going. Such is the nature of Free Will.” A mix of emotions was carried on his voice and none could understand what was there besides sadness. But there was something else. “As such, Father wouldn’t want the world to suffer because of his absence, He gave the people the right to let Him go and live their own lives.”

“While this conversation is interesting, this is not what Medusa wants to hear.” Sirzechs reminded the angels. “God is dead, Michael is in charge of Heaven even if with his death the world keeps going. Now explain to her why you needed to take charge so we don’t lose the tread.”

Both angels looked at each other, Azazel looked pensive while Michael was conflicted. Yet the blond’s resolve came through. “You are correct, thank you, Sirzechs and my apologies, lady Medusa.” Retreating his wings, he sat down again. “While the Throne of Heaven doesn’t stabilize the universe or anything of the sort, it is connected to many of the Systems that Father develops to help his duties and keep His power on the rise.”

“God needed help to keep his power? That is new.” Vali was more interested in that than in the rest of the meeting.

Azazel turned to him with a frown. “It is an open secret that because of some events, Father’s power was… broken into pieces.”

“Divided into pieces. Don’t make it look like it wasn’t on purpose, brother.”

“Fine, fine, divided. Doesn’t make much difference. Creation isn’t an easy thing to do and many gods can’t pull it off, those that can usually stick to their Domains.” He pointed at Medusa with his thumb. “Bet you can create an ocean of snakes as easily as breathing but can’t make, let's say, a centipede or even an ant without popping a blood vessel.” Medusa frowned but nodded in agreement. “But Father, God, was different. He was good at creating life, very good at creating life.”

“When the world began to form, many creatures came from the Primordial Mother.” Michael informed without hesitation, shocking those with Christian beliefs. “But he still created a lot to help fill some gaps. The Primordial Mother, Tiamat, usually went to give birth to powerful predators and even monsters. Father focused a lot on the more tame creatures.”

“Birds were also a theme as you can see our wings.” Azazel said only half jokingly. “But the point is, if you want to give a domain to the Christian God then ‘Life’ would be it.”

“So what? Does that Throne control life or something? Wasn’t Free Will his thing?” Issei asked after seeing Asia’s confused look.

Azazel found both the question and who asked hilarious. “Hahahaha! Is it coincidence the two Heavenly Dragons are the ones jumping on this conversation?”

“No, Hyoudou Issei, the Throne of Heaven doesn’t control life, but it can create it and recreate it.” Michael expanded to erase many doubts.

"’Recreate it’?” Those words made the Pawn shiver. “As in-”

"Resurrection, the real deal. God’s power can bring people back from the dead.” Sirzechs informed the Pawn with a gentle expression. “Of course it can't bring everyone back like those under the umbrella of other gods or beings like us, devils, whose souls supposedly go to Nothing after our death.”

Michael shook his head again. “It is different for devils because you are all Lucifer’s creations with- Doesn’t matter.” The angel looked even sadder. “Apologies, I don’t like to remember those days.” Remembering how the war began was harsh for him and even Azazel was silent in contemplation. “Whatever happens to devils and other gods was not Father’s design, there will be a war if someone starts to claim themselves as the First God for a reason, after all.”

Medusa took a deep breath, studying the information she already received. She was trying to not draw conclusions for the ones she already did disturbed her.

But Michael kept going, his eyes still on the only goddess present. "Resurrection is one of its greater powers, nevertheless. In the days of the Great War, angels that fell in combat could be brought back after a day or so when Father used the Throne, something I can not do.” He looked more depressed. “Many of its functions have been locked since Father passed. The Throne was created, after all, to compensate for the power Father used in many of his Creations. You can guess which ones.”

“Sacred gears.” Sona spoke with certainty, none disagreed.

As the lead researcher on the topic Azazel felt compelled to talk. “Much like that gem that Shirou has, sacred gears carried Father’s Divinity in a portable and safe manner. While Father was monstrously powerful even He had limits. To stop Himself from exhausting  His power for the third time since Creation, the Throne is supposed to act as a reserve of power, a filter to gather prayers, a center to control Heaven and to stop the sacred gear System from going out of control.” He raised a hand to point at the sky. “That is why hybrids can be born with sacred gears since Father’s death or Balance Breakers are even a thing. I honestly think the last one should be on the main design but-”

“They are far too dangerous as the incidents with Vritra can attest. And that is only one sacred gear.” Michael interrupted his brother with some anger. “We had to promote it to a Longinus so everyone could understand how dangerous that one is. If I could control the System at least a little I would remove any sacred gear with that dragon’s soul entirely.”

“Unfortunately, you can’t, because you aren’t a god.” Medusa words shocked many in the room, Sirzechs letting out a sigh as Michael grew stiff and Azazel scratched his head. “That is what this is about, isn’t it. You want a god to drive the system.”

“Correct.” The angel admitted with a smile.

Medusa didn’t like it. “You would chain me to the Throne and have me fix your mistakes? Why do you need a god? And if so, why me?”

“Hey, Michael would never chain anyone to anything after Lucifer, the Original, and that was an ugly thing nobody wants to talk about.” Azazel spoke passionately in his brother’s defense. “This is not him trying to force you to operate God’s works. This is him offering you God’s job.”

““““What?””””

Many asked the question but Michael’s eyes never left the silent goddess. “My brother is right.” The Leader of Heaven admitted. “To answer your other question why we need a god is because, while we angels have Divinity in the form of Holy, it is not nearly as potent as the Divinity of a god.” The angel let that sink for a moment. “We are not adored like our Father, sure there are those who pray to us but from the very beginning we always sent our prayers to Him. After His departure those prayers didn’t just return to us but they are still powering the Throne, the System of Heaven.”

“So all the power of God’s prayers is locked on the Throne.” Vali was thoroughly amused at the notion. The angel didn’t turn or even replied, which made the White Dragon Emperor chuckle. “All that power is doing absolutely nothing, then. What a waste.”

Azazel saw his brother was busy and decided to reply in his place. “THe System of Heaven works automatically after Father took a day of vacation and things almost fell apart. Even without proper guidance some miracles are still being performed even now.”

“Not as much as they should.” Michael took over. “Prayers losing power, protections breaking apart, even Caliburn’s corruption by Valper are the result of the System being unable to work properly without a guiding hand.” And he knew he was not the one who should do it. ‘My name never felt more appropriate for I am not like God.’

“You want me… be your goddess?” Medusa didn’t know how to feel and was ignoring everything else in favor of that information.

Michael could see the little goddess was overwhelmed but nodded. “Yes.”

“Why me? There must be others.” She had followers once, before her sisters and her moved to the Shapeless Islands and even after there were a few who prayed to them.

But it was for a short time and soon the Greek Pantheon reasserted their authority and they were left with little to nothing. She never had to manage those they had either as her siblings were better in that duty. In the end all Medusa was better than them was fighting and that turned her into the Gorgon.

She was well aware how underqualified she was as a god.

Yet here was the leader of one of the great Factions, one of the chief religions of the planet, offering everything a god could want in a silver plate. It made no sense to Medusa because she was sure there would be a plethora of better candidates for the job.

Another kind smile made its way to Michael’s lips. “Yes, there certainly are. However they have affiliations with other Pantheons and we would never accept someone who would throw their bonds away for power. So we never bothered to ask.” He waved at Medusa. “You, on the other hand, have no Pantheon of any kind. A lone goddess that belongs to nowhere. It was just a matter of testing your character and observing you from afar.”

“Did you have anything to do with this, brother?” Rias was glaring at Sirzechs from the side and the man laughed weakly while avoiding looking at his sister. “You must have. There was no way Michael or any from the Church could have scouted Medusa for long enough to reach some sort of conclusion. Only Irina would have anything good to say and I doubt her word alone would be enough to offer the Throne of Heaven.”

Grayfia shook her head at her King’s hesitation to answer. “Besides contributing and protecting everyone at the risk of her own security with her meager power, lady Medusa also helped with training of Rias-sama’s Peerage, showed care for young Gasper, offered sensitive advice and demonstrated great restraint in high stressful situations.” All was said in a calm, collected tone. She glanced at Rias before focusing on Medusa. “With the authority of Lucifer who allowed you to stay in Fuyuki, we recommended you to take over as God since our relationship proved fruitful.”

“It was as good of a suggestion as any.” Azazel commented while crossing his arms. “Michael is at his limit as well.”

“Azazel-”

“Nononono. You don’t get to complain, mister, you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

“That doesn’t mean you should have told her, brother.” Michael looked really upset but quickly calmed down. “It isn't my body which is failing, I can keep going forever if it is necessary.” His melancholy came back full force. “But I would like, if I could have a single wish, to not be in Father's place anymore.”

“It cannot be that easy.” Irisviel commented in deep thought. “Even if you recognize her, I can’t see you just giving the Throne of Heaven. She could ruin everything you worked for with a snap of her fingers.” She snapped her own for emphasis.

“You are correct, Irisviel, there is another reason why I approve of that choice.” Michael’s eyes hardened and Medusa felt her hand shake. Then the sad smile returned and his eyes became calm like the empty sky. “It is because Medusa is a god with an obvious weakness.”

Irisviel didn’t sound surprised. “So that was it, huh.”

“That is cowardly of you, Michael!”

“Rias, calm down this instant.”

“I won’t, Grayfia. He is threatening someone I care about and I refuse to let that stand.”

“He isn’t threatening her. Just saying that there is no risk of giving her that power since she can be taken out.”

“That is cold from you, Azazel. Usually you are against such things.”

“I care about my family, Vali, and Michael need a replacement. Better one we can deal with than the other way around.”

“Weakness? What is this about?” Shirou stood besides Medusa but his eyes were glued on Michael. Much like Rias he didn’t like what the angel had implied and he was glaring at the angel with open hostility. “If you think I will let you kill Medusa, then you are wrong.”

“Calm down, my protector. He isn’t planning to do anything.” Unlike everyone else, Medusa looked amused. She was even smiling much to the surprise of many. “And I think we have a misunderstanding here; even if you decided to kill me, unless you are stronger, then you are going to fail.” Her posture became more confident and her smile became dangerous.

Just her statement alone was confusing the leaders of the Factions enough that they settled down. All eyes were on Medusa as she sounded like her advantage against Michael was absolute. “Oh, why is that? Your weakness is well known.”

“Is it?” Medusa replied to Azazel's question with one of her own.

As carefully as he could manage to not draw attention, Issei got closer to Rias and tapped her arm. “Buchou, what is going on? What is this stuff about a weakness?”

“Please allow me to explain.” The Pawn jumped and turned to a smiling Irisviel who giggled at the action. “The greater the silence, the easier it is to hear a whisper. Remember that, Hyoudou-kun.”

‘Mom is worried.’ Shirou recognized the smile as fake in an instant. He glanced at Medusa who was all smiles. “Well, Ise is kind of right; it is a little unfair that you are talking while the rest of us are missing half of the conversation.”

Vali was glad to explain. “It isn’t that complex; every god has a weakness that is tied to their Legend, sometimes to Prophecy.” The White Dragon Emperor and Mage of Swords’ eyes met and the silver haired man chuckled. “Some stuff didn’t happen yet but Fate is special to gods, it always caught up with them without fail. For those not tied to a Prophecy, however, things are more fun.”

“Calling it ‘fun’ is rather cruel of you.” Medusa commented and the young man chuckled again before looking at his watch and deciding there was no rush.

Irisviel decided to step in. “As all of you must be aware at this point; a god’s power comes not just from their Domain and Authority, what they are the god of and where they rank in a Pantheon, but also from belief.” She looked at anyone but her son with her fake smile. “‘Belief’ needs things to be believed in, obviously, and so a god must spread their Legend as much as they can to increase their power.” True feelings were revealed with a frown. “Some took it too far and basically turned that into an arms race, revealing everything, even their weaknesses. Or how they could be killed.”

“Medusa’s weakness is an obvious one.” Michael kept looking at the goddess but her confidence didn’t diminish. “Because it already happened, she already died once.”

“Perseus.” Shirou remembered the brave man he saw in the mirror’s memory. Touching his gem, the magus couldn’t forget how he cut Medusa’s head. “Or Harpe.”

“Neither.” The angel was quick to dismiss that thought. “Some weaknesses are tied to places, some are tied to events.” He raised a finger. “In Japan, for instance, once upon a time Amaterasu hid herself in a cave and there was no sun. That is an important event for her Legend even if the cave was sealed soon after.”

“So if you throw her in any cave, her power will go down by a lot.” Azazel commented and his brother nodded. “Another one would be Buda for instance. Once he got stung by a scorpion and it turned into a human flesh eating monster.”

“Wait a minute, you’re saying Buda, the Buda, is weak to scorpions?” Because of how he was raised, Issei found that hard to believe.

“Got it in one.” Azazel’s face turned serious. “Our Father had problems with snakes… Anyone who has read the Bible knows why.” Asia, Xenovia and Irina’s eyes grew wide in realization and fear.

“That doesn’t mean Buda will die from any scorpion or that God could be killed by any old snake.” Sirzechs said out of pity after seeing the looks on the three girls' faces. “God in particular could deal with normal serpents and probably would have nothing against Medusa despite her domains.”

“But the Serpent of Eden was a special case.” For the first time Michael’s voice carried loathing.

Irisviel shook her head at seeing confusion in some faces. “Some beings are natural enemies of the gods. They are either destined to fall to them or to defeat them. Beings like these usually have Legends of their own but, unless said otherwise, they have no weaknesses.” Her expression became somber and she looked at Michael with a frown. “The Serpent of Eden didn’t existed until God-”

“Don’t dare to finish that sentence, Emiya Irisviel.” Fury, even if a calm one, was apparent on the Leader of Heaven’s face. “I have no idea how you came upon this information but if you keep going-”

“You will do nothing.” Sirzechs didn’t sound like he was giving a warning but a warning was being given. Then he turned to Irisviel. “And she won't say anything else.” She bowed and he looked to the angel again. “Don’t say anything you might regret, Michael. Our alliance came this far, please don’t ruin this.”

Tension began to grow as the leaders of Heaven and the Underworld stared at each other before the angel dropped his shoulders. “I apologize but that information is more classified than even his Reality Marble. Please, don’t talk about it, don’t even mention it.” He looked around the room slowly. “It would be best if everyone forgets about it.”

“I apologize, Michael-sama.” Irisviel bowed once again but didn’t hesitate to continue. “Indra and Vritra then?” No objections were given. “Indra is known as the Destroyer of Vritra per his Legend. If the two fight, even if Indra starts one eyed, one legged and less than half strength, the World will empower him to the point he can still face Vritra. Not defeat it, mind you.” Was added with a hand up like a teacher’s. “Legends don’t give invincibility and Vritra is a powerful dragon but Indra will always have that advantage. The reverse is also true and so we circle back to Medusa’s weakness.” A pause to see if anyone else wanted to talk later, Irisviel proceeded. “While Perseus can take the credit for Medusa’s first defeat, her Legend speaks of how she never left her lair and only someone who went inside could defeat her. Perseus took the challenge, the World gave him the help of the gods and other factors made it possible. It still took a lot of cunning and skill but many factors were in favor and against both sides in that battle.”

“The centerpiece of her Legend is her Lair.” Sona spoke for the first time in what felt like hours. “That is what you are counting on, right?”

“I don't get it.” Xenovia admitted with a frown.

“None of them do.” Medusa commented with a chuckle that confused all of the present. “Don’t mind me, please, continue. Tell them how you plan to turn Heaven into the Lair of a monster.”

“You aren’t a monster anymore.” Shirou got enough to understand such and Medusa smiled at him.

But her attitude was earning interest and soon all eyes turned to Michael. Some thought he would be offended by Medusa’s words. “She is correct.” Instead he smiled again. “We plan to turn Heaven into a new Lair by ascending her to God. Even if she is a serpent or a foreign one, after what I observed, she is our best candidate.” He looked at Shirou, knowing his next words may set him off. “By turning Heaven into her Lair, everyone that ventures in it will become stronger when pitted against her. That is every angel, soul, guest, ally and enemy gaining power to face her.”

The Leader of Heaven was correct and Shirou looked upset. “I don’t remember getting any power up when I had a giant trying to crush me or throwing lasers around. Certainly I didn’t.”

“But you did, even if you didn’t notice it.” Medusa giggled at his baffled expression. “During our fight, you had not a single instance of bad luck and managed to execute a maneuver that you never tried before. You told me later it was the first time you altered Caladbolg into an arrow, remember?” She let out a small laugh at his expression. “It was still you; your training and accomplishment. All the World did was give a push and all your previous experience flourished into a power capable of bringing me down.”

“That is how the World helps. Not with Miracles but with nudges in the right direction.” Said Michael thoughtfully. “Miracles are the department of the gods, Father was pretty good at them and it is another part of the Throne’s System.”

“So the plan is pretty simple.” Rias looked as upset as Shirou felt. “She becomes God but every angel will have an advantage if they decide her decisions are wrong. Add to the fact she is a ‘Serpent’ and I can already guess many of your siblings probably don't like the idea of her in charge.” At that Michael grew quiet and Azazel began to look at the ceiling. “Good grief, you thought they wouldn’t protest or anything.”

“We would protect her. All of us.” Michael sounded genuine. “Unless she abused her power, no angel would raise a hand against our new God, or Goddess I suppose. The angels in Heaven are those who did not Fall. Betrayal and lies would be shown in their wings.”

“I will pretend I didn’t hear that.” Azazel commented out loud. “But he is right; betrayal would be shown the moment one of them even thought about it. Medusa would have to do something to justify it first.”

The person who was more subdued in this whole meeting was Luvia but finally the aristocrat in her couldn’t hold her tongue. “And the fact she is a woman doesn’t affect anything?”

Considering her mistakes on how to deal with the Fragments, the new devil of Gremory knew she was let out too easily and was afraid of getting any attention. Unfortunately she wasn’t the kind to stay silent when something bothered her but the two Maous, the Leader of Heaven and Grigori looking in her direction reminded her of her place and mistakes.

She gulped hard and hid behind Rias who smiled in amusement. “Sorry.”

“No, it is a fair point. We personally don’t care who leads us but her being a woman actually helped me make a decision.” Michael surprised them all, looking at Medusa again. "Father went to War and never returned, we can never have another father and some angels would even rebel against it.” Perhaps even he would. “But we would gladly accept a Mother if she respects Father’s ideals.”

Such words manage to crack Medusa’s confident exterior and she looked more subdued, flushing at the idea. “I would respect His wishes.” That made Michael smile more, banishing all his sadness. Until the goddess spoke again. “But perhaps you wouldn’t accept me anyway, or shouldn’t, since none of you can become my weakness.” She pointed at Shirou. “Only he can.”

Everybody looked between the redhead magus and the goddess with confusion or incredulity, conclusions being drawn as they tried to puzzle the purple haired girl’s words.

“Shirou! She looks like a kid!!” Irisviel's shock snapped everyone else as well, her son more than all. “I am a failure as a mother!!”

“What are you implying here?! I do have a type and it's not little girls!” He pointed at Rias. “Look at the person I am dating!!”

“Oh, you are dating, congratulations.” Michael was the last to know with Irina who shook an amused Rias’ hand.

“Congrats.”

“Thank you. Now that I think about it, last time you were around you didn't have the chance to taste Shiro’s food, right?”

“Buchou, let's not drag Irina into this.” Issei placed himself between Irina and Shirou even if the redhead was on the other side of the demolished table. He feared that the food could be the tipping point for her to join the magus’ harem and wouldn’t have it. His King noticed the reaction with amusement and chose to say nothing.

“Shirou’s tastes aside, we should get back to topic.” Azazel’s words weren’t helped by his smile and Shirou glared at him. “What did you mean by that, Medusa? Say quickly now before Iri has another misunderstanding.”

The white haired mother was letting out breaths of relief. “Right, sorry. For a moment there I thought I made a terrible mistake.”

“My protector has tastes and preferences. None which would include a child’s form.” Medusa added for Shirou’s benefit and he would be forever grateful. “However, I am sure he has a preference for women with long legs. Personally I don’t see the appeal.”

Shirou felt like he was stabbed in the gut. “Hohohoho. I would love to hear about that later.” Azazel made things worse

“Do you want me to not cook dinner?” The redhead recovered enough to try and recover control of the situation.

However, threats weren’t going to work today. “With your mother here you are cooking anyway.” Medusa had him where she wanted and Shirou knew it. The goddess felt a little obliged to tease since Akeno was too quiet. “So go ahead, I dare you.”

“Back to the topic, please.” Serafall didn’t like that Medusa was controlling everything but still felt too defeated to make any overt moves against the goddess. “Why couldn’t the angels kick your but if you step out of line?”

Medusa placed her hand on her chest. “Because the Lair is the home of a monster and I am no longer a monster.” The statement surprised everyone and Azazel facepalmed.

“Of course! How could we be so blind?”

“Mind filling us in?” A curious Vali requested his distressed guardian as Serafall fumed, Sirzechs shrugged and Michael seemed to be lost in thought.

“Well, the plan to keep her in check is a bust because she can’t have a Lair anymore. As she said, she isn’t a monster.”

“Is that… is that how it works?” Serafall turned to her coworker but Sirzechs just shrugged again. “Wouldn't where she lives still be a Lair?”

“Maybe for the Gorgon but I am Medusa, a goddess.” She announced with pride. “Once I was a monster lost in her bloodlust but my gauntlet was thrown and a hero took it, Perseus claimed my head.” The pain of even was something she couldn't forget, neither what happened after. “Then I was brought back, not out of my own volition as Athena restored me and tried to sway me to her side. While Perseus saved many from my wrath, Medusa was still lost until another hero showed up.” Shirou blinked as the goddess waved to him. “Not born of a god and a mortal but just a human, someone who first saw a monster that needed to be stopped but not one that needed to be killed, he saved me.”

A moment of silence descended as everyone felt the emotion of Medusa’s words, even if they were strong enough to ignore her Charm they were still captivated.

“He saved a monster, where others would kill me for power, he extended a hand like none before. When I gave up on living, he helped me remember that my sisters would want me to push forward.” Her tone was kind and full of gratitude, so much so that Shirou looked at the side with a flush of embarrassment. “It doesn’t change the fact that I was killed, that the Gorgon is gone and I will never fall to bloodlust again. For I am a goddess, like my sisters were and thanks to their Divinity that is in my Core, even as broken as I am, a goddess is what I always will be.” Medusa and Michael met each other’s eyes. “That is why Heaven can never be my Lair, only a Home if I decide to accept it as such. So the only person who invaded the Lair of the Gorgon, who has a chance to kill me no matter how much power I gain, is always going to be Emiya Shirou, my protector.”

“Why ask him to protect you then?” Disbelief filled Serafall’s voice. “He isn’t captivated by you, inspired by you or in love with you. Why stay with the man that can kill you.”

Medusa looked at Shirou with kind eyes and he knew the answer. “Because I would never do it.” He placed a hand on the goddess' shoulder. “After all, I brought her back to a world she knew nothing about, it is my responsibility to help her.”

“Bwahaha. Sounds more like an excuse, hahahaha” Azazel couldn’t stop laughing. “Oh boy, oh that is so rich. I am going to love living here, aren’t I? So many interesting things.” The Governor General slapped his knee, barely controlling himself.

Medusa looked at Michael again, now she was the one with a sad look. “There you have it. Your armies, no matter how powerful, can’t defeat someone with the power of your Father, not without a Legend to back you up.” With a thought, she remembered something else. “Or without a god slaying weapon like Harpe or that spear I read about. But besides that, I am a goddess free from weaknesses.”

“Because a human is helping you write a new Legend, one where you surpassed the darkness of your past.” For a moment the Leader of Heaven was stunned into silence.

There were very few gods that could claim to be in the same position, to have no natural weaknesses whatsoever. Her weakness to Shirou was a technicality and everyone knew it, he cared for Medusa enough to stand against angels without hesitation after just fighting her. If he has the choice then she will never be in danger.

And she didn’t even have a minor weakness like Buda and the scorpion and no means to acquire a new one either. In a sense all leaders present knew that the purple haired goddess was someone free from any greater Fate, a feat that many would envy.

Michael shook his head with a grin full of wonder. “Humans are… really something.” Then his posture became firm once more. “But that didn’t change my mind.”

“Say what?” Medusa almost jumped in surprise only for Michael to stand up in the remains of the desk.

He began to walk towards her and the goddess stood from her seat, refusing to take a step back. With so many eyes and her protector by her side, she doubted that the angel would do anything malicious.

When Michael was just a few centimeters apart he stopped. The angel was practically three times taller than the goddess but his smile wasn't intimidating but gentle. For the moment it seemed the sadness and melancholy that plagued him had disappeared.

“Why did you point out that our plan would fail?”

“What?” Medusa almost stepped back in surprise but Shirou’s hand on her shoulder kept her firm.

“Why did you point out that our plan would fail? Had you not done so, you could have taken the Throne and all its power.”

Tilting her head, Medusa studied Michael’s expression, only seeing joy. “Because it would be unbecoming of a proper goddess to do so.”

“But right you can’t be called a proper goddess.” Silence reigned as Medusa stiffened, Shirou looking irritated while the rest of the room watched with either concern or confusion. “Reduced as you are, can you make Miracles? Prop your followers up or even defend yourself?”

“I can fight well enough.” Her arm held her protector’s sleeve. “And I won’t be weak forever.” That was said with some sadness.

“If you had stayed silent, you would have become the most powerful goddess of the planet, pretty much uncontested. Father’s power added to your own and the many prayers from the Flock would assure that.” His smile never left even as the goddess refused to look at him. “All you had to do was say ‘yes’ and stay quiet until you sat on the Throne. Why did you warn us?” Michael raised a hand for her to see. “The truth this time, please.”

"Unbecoming." Was the first word Medusa could think of, remembering her sisters in that exact moment. “It is unbecoming of a goddess, of a true idol, to steal. Anything we have must be gifts from our followers or conquered by our talent.” Anything else would be shaming her sisters and that she refused with all her being.

Unexpectedly for her, Michael’s shoulders dropped in relief and Azazel began to chuckle much to Vali’s confusion. Only the fallen angel knew what his brother was thinking but everyone began to have an idea when Michael dropped to a knee. He was still taller than the goddess but his expression showed both happiness and reverence.

“For such honesty alone, I would gladly call you Mother.”

“Fwah?” Medusa was perplexed and incapable of understanding the expression Michael was showing her.

“Congratulations.” Azazel clapped without mockery, Irisviel, Sirzechs and Grayfia following his lead. The maid then turned to the devils present with a harsh look which forced them to clap as well. Only Serafall didn’t joy them as she pouted.

Everyone else was just trying to understand what was going on but Irina was quick to begin to clap too, the idea of the return of God, even if not the same and a Goddess, making her legitimately excited.

Xenovia watched her old partner before looking at Medusa again, not knowing what to feel. ‘If Medusa becomes God, or Goddess, or whatever, does that change anything?’ Then she saw the stunned goddess’ face and shot the thoughts away. ‘Does she want to?’ When she noticed those thoughts, she knew that nothing would change for her but worried for her friend.

Shirou chose to do nothing, he didn’t remove his hand from the goddess back but didn’t say anything either. Things only changed when Medusa suddenly pushed the chair behind her and ran behind the redhead, a shocked Michael not knowing what to do while everything grew quiet again.

Then Azazel broke the silence. “Hahahahaha! Rejected! Must be your first time right?” He was there, beside his brother in an instant, patting his back. “Hey, hey. Don’t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

“Don’t joke about that, Azazel.” Michael’s melancholy returned and stood up, looking obviously disappointed. The Cadre took the hint and shut his mouth. “Why?”

“I am not ready to be a mother!” Medusa admitted with some shame and a flush, Rias immediately feeling a huge amount of sympathy for her. “Goddess or not, I never had children!”

"Bellerophon-”

“Xenovia Quarta, finish that sentence and you will wake up with snakes as a bed for the rest of your life!” The bluehead immediately shut it with her hands as Medusa took a deep breath and stepped aside, her hand keeping Shirou from moving but she was fully visible. “I thank you for the generous offer but I am not ready to be a Mother of any sort. Especially for hundreds of children.”

“Millions if you bring my siblings back, trillions if you account for Humanity.” Seeing the horror dawning more on her face, Michael had a feeling he just shot himself on the foot. But he had no intention of forcing her to do anything. “Can you change your mind in the future?” If she said no, that would be that.

“Yes.” Medusa surprised everyone once again, her expression sad as she looked at herself. “When I am a complete goddess once again, if you find her worthy, you may ask. Perhaps she will have changed her mind.”

“Why are you talking like that would be a completely different person.” Shirou turned, placed his hands on her shoulders and kneeled as he asked.

Shaking her head, Medusa seemed to hesitate. “I don’t know. At this point of my previous existence I was already drenched in blood, on the path to become the Gorgon.” Like a serpent spotting her prey, her eyes showed a coldness that wasn’t present before. “Besides, I have a feeling that while my Legend is done, my Counterpart’s Legends may not.”

“‘Counterparts’?” Azazel approached with interest. “Michael, she is right. She can’t become Goddess now.”

“I see.” The angel accepted with sadness but bowed his head. “Thank you for holding back once again. Were you already complete, you would make a great Mother.”

“Elaborating before anyone asks,” Vali decided to intervene as Shirou kept looking around, ready to demand an explanation, “some gods, because of their religion or because of some agreement, split themselves in parts, discarding certain Authorities that gave birth to other gods and such.” He pointed at Medusa. “She is saying that there is another goddess out there, or perhaps even a god, that is her origin and could try and take her back.”

Medusa nodded to show Shirou that Vali was correct. “Uniting ourselves again is hard but not impossible, all it would take was an agreement or for one to consume the other.” Her hands held each other above her chest. “Like when I devoured my sisters. Now I am three in one but in actuality we all were always parts of a greater goddess that broke apart for a reason or another.” Then she looked up firmly. “If I take the Throne and for some reason, perhaps a Legend, perhaps luck, my Counterpart can try and take me back. To be truly complete, If that happens I may disappear if she consumes me unless I consume her.”

“Any idea who she is?” Vali asked with a grin that vanished once Medusa shook her head. “You don’t know?”

“It wasn’t like we knew why we were born in the first place. One day, we were just there, together on a beach. We just wanted to live in peace even if devouring each other would make us more…”

“You want me to protect you until then?”

“No! That may put you in danger! Whoever I was part of was a much powerful existence, a true goddess of great power, especially if she managed to split herself so much.” She smiled kindly. “Little by little I am recovering my power and even if I am not ‘complete’ I will be a ‘whole’ goddess one day.” Then she looked at Michael. “I don’t know if I will ever see or meet my Counterpart but if I do and I am still in control, you can ask me again. If not, judge them however you see fit.”

“It will be for the best.” Michael said in acceptance but Shirou frowned.

He waited for Medusa to look at him again. “You will disappear?”

“If she consume me-”

“I won’t let her.” Shock appeared in her eyes but he carried on. “I promised to protect you and letting you disappear would break that promise.”

“If she is determined to take me-”

“Then I will stop her.”

“She is also a goddess, likely more complete than I ever was. One strong enough to slip into four and still retain her power, likely most of it!”

“Don’t care.”

“Are you suicidal?!” Frustration was really starting to show but Shirou patted her head.

“Not suicidal, just stubborn.”

Irisviel found the interaction and many of the baffled faces funny. She would be laughing if not for the reason they all were there. For that reason alone she clapped out loud to get everyone’s attention again.

“Okay, cute moment aside, we should focus on the peace meeting and decide what it takes for everybody to sign the papers to make it all official.” Pulling out a strand from her hair, Irisviel let it fall on the remains of the desk.

The angels quickly stepped out of it as the broken wood was restored with the strand of hair binding it all back together. Sona let out a sigh of relief as soon enough the meeting table looked like new, even if a little dirty, after the ordeal.

“Sooooo…” Irisviel started with almost childlike innocence. “About that treaty…”

“Fufufufu. We got sidetracked, didn’t we, brother?”

“Perhaps you are right, brother.” Michael took another look at Medusa, nodded in respect, and began to move back to his seat.

“Well, as I said before, I am all in for peace and I think we discussed every relevant topic we wanted, right?”

Sirzechs nodded with a smile as Serafall jumped from her seat. “Damn straight!  The Alliance of the Three Factions has our full approval!”

Then the fallen angel began to rub his chin. “But just to make sure, there are still two important players who haven’t given their voice to the topic.” Confusion began to grow again but Vali scoffed, obviously knowing where this was going. “Plenty of those who earned the titles of White Dragon Emperor and Red Dragon Emperor have changed the world. Not hearing what they want to protect the peace would be a disservice.”

“Me?” Issei asked as Vali just glared at his guardian and got up from his seat, marching to the window.

The silver haired youth folded his arms and looked at his watch again. “Yes, you!” Azazel said with a tone overly excited. “For all intents and purposes you are going to become a power in this Alliance… Eventually, we hope.” He then looked at his charge. “Vali already is.”

“I don’t remember being part of the Grigori or anything like that.” Said the Vanishing Dragon with a tone of annoyance.

“Come on, don’t be like that. You already work some jobs for me, go on adventures and fight bad guys. Our very own hero. And you even have competition since the Gremory also found one.” His thumb on the Mage of Swords’ direction.

“I am not a hero.” Shirou said quickly, much to his lover and mother's amusement.

Azazel partook in it with a smile. “Your goddess seems to disagree.” Medusa flushed but Xenovia nodded in agreement. “But let's not digress, we are talking about the Heavenly Dragon Emperors here. With the right training, both can face and defeat gods.” With a shrug, he looked between the two young men. “So we should ask them what they want.”

“You know what I want, what I always wanted.” Vali’s eyes didn’t leave the window. “I want to fight against the strongest, to be the strongest.”

The Cadre shook his head in exasperation while shrugging exaggeratedly. “And after that?” Sirzechs asked with curiosity. “What will you do once you are the strongest?”

“Then I will die, because this won’t be a world worth living. A world without challenge.”

“That is stupid.” Shirou couldn’t help but say, Vali turned to him. “Are you saying you have nothing else? Just a desire to fight?”

“Heh, that is right. That is the only thing that makes me feel alive.” The White Dragon Emperor raised his fist. “So I will be the strongest. After that, I don’t care what happens or if I die on the way. If I can’t fight, I can’t live.”

“The only thing you know for real.” Xenovia murmured with wide eyes and Shioru turned to her before letting out a sigh and placing a hand on his face, letting it slide off miserably. “Why are you looking at me like that, Master? It fits him.”

“Indeed it does.” Vali couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, Fighting is the only thing I know for real. The fast paced combat, the thundering heartbeat. I thought we had already talked about that.”

The Mage of Swords frowned and shook his head. “A single minded obsession usually brings people to self destruction.” His father was an excellent example. Looking at his mother, his expression became neutral. “‘A balanced life is the better way to live.’ At least that is what my mother usually says.”

Iri was there nodding proudly but Vali scoffed. “Good for you if you want balance but fighting is the only way to test one’s mettle.” He left the window to stand face to face with Shirou. “The only truth that one can really find, is the one in the battlefield.”

“That is extremely narrow minded.” Shirou said back and Vali chuckled, making him frown.

“Tell you what, when you are stronger than me, then I will listen to you.” The White Dragon Emperor chuckled again. “Just make sure to not be crushed before you can keep your promise.”

“It seems we are never going to be friends.” Shirou joked but his expression was serious and his hand looked to be searching for a sword. “I am ready whenever you are.”

“Funny, I am always ready.”

“We really need to get you a hobby.” Despite the callousness of his charged words, or the danger in them, Azazel was still in a good mood and not a bit surprised. “Anyway, it isn't like you can’t fight during peacetime either. The devils developed Rating Games for that and I am sure they won’t mind including you in their fun.”

“Hmph. If you call that true combat, a fight where lives are not placed in the line.” Vali returned to his position on the window and placed a hand on it.

Azazel gave Sirzechs an apologetic look but the Maou waved a hand in dismissal. “And what about you, Issei?” The Cadre then turned to look at the Red Dragon Emperor.

“Me? What I want?” Azazel nodded at the question and a fire was lit in Issei’s heart. “I want to be a Harem King.” Some smiled in amusement, Vali gave him a glance before looking forward, Michael didn’t know what to say and the Governor General barked out laughing again.

“Issei-san…”

“Ise…”

Both Asia and Irina sounded utterly embarrassed and disappointed at the same time but nobody paid attention to them.

Most were too focused on Azazel’s laugh. “Well, that you can get in peace. It is even better because you get more time to spend with them.” The Cadre stood up and walked to Issei, placing an arm around his shoulder. “Think about it, your face in a couple of girls’ breasts, the whole day.”

“The whole day!” Issei’s ears had smoke pouring out as he was lost in his imagination.

“Of course! In peace times the priority is to make babies. And that usually leads to…”

“Leads to…” The blush and excitement on Issei’s face told enough and the fallen angel kept striking while the iron was hot.

“You are a dragon, aren’t you? Most of the Red Dragon Emperors didn’t hesitate to have a lover, or ten.” Azazel noticed someone else approaching and chuckled.

It was Sirzechs placing a hand on Issei’s shoulder with a smile. “And with Rating Games you could become a star. Can you picture it? Thousands of fans shouting your name, hyping you up everytime you win a fight.” That was the prelude before Lucifer landed the final blow. “How many would ask to join your future peerage?”

“My-my future peerage?”

“Oh yes, with enough wins you would be promoted to High Class, that is for certain.”

“Just so you know, with this Alliance, the pool of girls will expand.” Azazel took over again, a cheshire’s grin on his face. “And they all will be watching you, wishing you, and as a dragon…”

“Peace!! Peace!! I vote for peace!!!” With a devil on one shoulder and a fallen angel on the other, Issei’s vote was pretty much guaranteed.

While not liking that Azazel was part of the show, Akeno couldn’t help but smile at Asia and Irina’s expressions. “Fufufufu. It seems you two don’t like the idea of competition.” She whispered, making the two girls jump.

Then Issei paused his celebration to turn to Michael. “But… Can I ask a favor from you, Michael-sama?”

All three leaders were surprised and while the angel was hesitant because of the personality the Pawn had already demonstrated, he decided to nod. “If it is within my power.”

Nervous but undetained, Issei stepped forward to stand right in front of Michael before bowing until his head was below his waist. “Please, let Asia pray to God again.” Gratitude poured from the Bishop while most of the room seemed surprised. Michael’s shock kept him silent and the Pawn was worried. “Michael-sama, I know that we are devils but-”

Then a sincere and happy smile grew on the angel’s face. “Of course.” The reply surprised everybody. “The prayer system is connected to the System of the Thorne and while I can’t change much, I think I can do that for a single devil.” Michael turned to Asia and the girl blinked in surprise as he repeated Issei’s gesture, he just wasn’t bowing for a request. “For all you suffered, Asia Argento, I owe you more than apologies. Trying to keep the secret of Father’s demise and with you healing a devil...” His voice began to break but the Leader of Heaven controlled himself. “Mistakes weren’t just made, it was a disaster. And when the fallen angels got involved things got worse.”

Azazel stayed quiet but he also felt remorse from what happened to Asia and Issei, for more than one reason. He made himself scarce, trying to draw the least attention.

He didn’t need to bother, all focus was on Asia and Michael. “No matter how much I want to apologize, I know it is never going to be enough. So if you want anything, ask and I will grant it.”

Asia paused, not really knowing what to do, she turned to Issei who looked baffled and couldn’t help and then to Rias who was as surprised and could only spare her a glance that held no answers.

“Please, could you raise your head, Michael-sama?” The former nun sounded shy, her hands were shaking but she made sure to speak clearly. To not distress her further the angel quickly stood up and focused on her eyes. “I… I forgive you.” The Leader of Heaven’s eyes went wide “I forgive you. You were in a difficult position and I… I don’t know what I would have done in your place.”

She almost broke when she heard about God’s death and if she was there, watching it, then having to deal with the consequences of it, Asia felt that she would falter where the angel didn’t.

In the end the former nun couldn’t blame the angel before her. For all his faults, his name was apt; ‘who is like God?’ Clearly Michael wasn’t but he still tried his best with what he had and while she suffered it wasn’t because of malice or because her kindness was in the wrong direction.

“Besides, I made friends.” Once more Michael was surprised by the sudden shift in her tone, more confident and happy. Her smile was one of the brightest things he had ever seen. “When it was discovered I had Twilight Healing, they moved me to a place where I would only heal and heal. I liked to help people but I also wanted something else, friends. People who cared for me because of me, not because of what I have. I received that after much suffering, it is true but… I wouldn't change anything.” Joining her hands, her smile grew brighter. “So I forgive you and I would love to pray to the Lord again, if you allow it.”

‘She should have been a Holy Maiden- No, she is happy like this.’ Didn’t change the fact that Michael was sad that the Flock lost someone like her. Still he would grant her wish, even if it revealed things he shouldn’t. “The weakness of beings like devils are regulated by the Blessings of gods and how they want their Authorities to interact with them.” Azazel’s eyes grew wide, he knew where his brother was going. “That includes certain words of power, or prayers if you will.” He gently placed a hand on Asia’s head. She accepted it, like a child being cared for by her older brother. “So to allow you to pray again, I shall remove all weakness born from our System.That applies not only to praying but from any of our symbols, places of worship and whatever else carries Father’s grace.”

While Asia was shocked, Serafall jumped to her feet at the implication. “Can you do the same for every devil?” Her fellow Maou shook his head and massaged his temples. “Sirzechs, if they do that-”

“They won’t.” The redhead devil replied calmly but was clearly bothered by something. “Not while certain elements make devils a threat in general, both inside and outside our government.”

“I am sorry but I wouldn’t even if I could, Lady Leviathan.” Said Michael with respect. “Doing it for one or two devils isn’t a problem but to change the System further you would need the full capacity of the Throne. You would need God.” His eyes landed on Medusa again but soon he looked back at Sirzechs. “It isn’t that I don’t trust you but-”

“But you are incapable and that would create a world of problems. I understand.” He threw his fellow Maou a look for good measure.

Serafall nodded after some thought and sat down. “It would certainly make sense if God gave us his protection after the peace deal but a lot of people would disagree. Huff, that is annoying.”

“That is politics.” Azazel finally spoke again with a pensive expression. “Besides, we all must remember that there is a storm coming. A storm that includes devils and many other Factions that never worked together before.”

“So it is finally time to talk about them?” Sirzechs mused. “Not that their existence affects the peace treaty anyway.”

Azazel made a show of laughing but his heart wasn’t on it. “You goddamn right-”

An explosion shook the room and nobody managed to stay on their feet. There was no fire but plenty of smoke as Grayfia moved forward and flipped the table for cover.

Unfortunately not everybody was behind it. “Shiro! Medusa!” Rias shouted as everyone in her peerage panicked.

“We are alright.” Shirou helped the goddess stand up as Xenovia shook her head.

The former Exorcist’s hand reached her sword when she looked to the newly made hole, in the back of her mind she noticed there was no debris from the blast. “What was that?”

“Company.” Vali cleaned his shirt, still standing in the same place like nothing happened. He was just looking up which made Xenovia turn in the same direction.

Only after her ears stopped ringing did she begin to hear the sound of guns and her eyes grew wide as a battle was being fought over their heads. “An attack! We are under attack!”

Durandal jumped from its scabbard as everyone jumped to their feet and moved to the hole to see what was going on. At that point they all were hearing the bullets and Asia couldn’t help but embrace Issei as the sounds of weapons and explosions actually scared her.

“This should be impossible.” Irisviel commented, marching to stand besides her son. “How did they penetrate the main boundary field or knew we were here?” She frowned as the silver boundary field seemed to shiver. ‘It has been going for a while at least.’

“How didn’t we hear any of that before?” Irina asked with a short double edge sword in her hands.

“Because of the security measures.” Sirzechs’ frown mirrored Irisveil’s and Grayfia was already standing in front of everyone, ready for anything. “Was that a stray shot? Did it hit the school?”

“It should be impossible.” Then again Irisviel would have said the same for an army getting inside the fortified boundary field with it still intact. “I need to go check with Maya. Figure out what is going on.”

“It isn’t obvious?” Vali asked with a grin. “We are under attack.” He pointed to devils fighting devils as bullets passed harmlessly by the boundary field and hit their targets. ‘Three boundary fields in total, one for the meeting, one of the school and one for Kuoh in general. Not bad.’ Previously he thought there were only two.

“Young ones, stay back.” Michael opened his wings fully to shield the majority of those present from any other possible stray shot. Medusa noted he was right by her side and his hand also was covering her. “Looks like they came to the meeting after all. I see devils, golems and familiars.”

“So they really came.” Azazel cursed under his breath with a word he considered too impolite for anyone’s ears. “To think they would be bold enough to attack us here. No, that they even know where to attack in the first place.”

Serafall pointed to one of the devils fighting. “That is the symbol of the Old Satans.” Which made things worse in her opinion. It was mainly a devil faction that was attacking and many were already dead.

“Yes, it is and if they are attacking, they have a plan.” Sirzechs’ face was cold to the point even Rias was worried. Lucifer was out in full force as he already was planning how to crush these enemies. “Looks like the Khaos Brigade is finally making its move.”

Shirou and Irisviel traded looks; that didn’t bid well for their family and they knew it.

…..