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."