"I get it," Kiba said, standing before the fountain. His tone was controlled but icy. "But I'm disappointed that someone trusted with an Excalibur would approve of its destruction." His glare fixated on Xenovia and Irina like a sharpened blade.
"Speaking of disappointment," Xenovia replied without hesitation, "didn't you abandon your place in the House of Gremory? Since you're a stray now, we could execute you if you'd like."
Kiba's jaw tightened; his hand twitched near where his sword would form. "You're welcome to try."
"Can we please stay on track?" Ryusei cut in sharply. "The faster we finish this, the less trouble we get into… well, the less you three get into." She jabbed a thumb at Issei, Koneko, and Saji.
"Y-yeah! We're trying to cooperate here, so no fighting. Simmer down!" Issei said, sliding between Kiba and Xenovia.
"You clearly resent what the Holy Sword project did to you," Xenovia said, watching Kiba carefully. "I understand. That incident is viewed with disgust even by the Church now. The one responsible was punished—excommunicated."
"His name is Galilei Valper," Irina added. "Also known as the Archbishop of Annihilation."
"I know Valper," Kiba said darkly. "It was all him. He was responsible."
"I told you one of his tools was a stray priest, didn't I?" Xenovia said.
"You mean that creep Freed?" Ryusei asked, crossing her arms.
"It's not uncommon for there to be collusion among those banned from the Church," Xenovia explained. "There's a high possibility Valper is involved in the current situation as well."
Kiba's expression twisted, fury simmering behind his eyes.
"Well, after hearing that," he said at last, "there's no reason for me not to cooperate with you."
"Yay! Then it's decided!" Irina cheered.
"We shall return the favor for the food someday, Ryusei Okkotsu," Xenovia said as she walked off. Irina gave a cheerful wave before following.
Issei let out a relieved sigh. "So this is good news, yeah?" He clapped a hand on Saji's shoulder.
"This is NOT good news!" Saji cried, turning on him. "This isn't good at all! Not only could we have been killed, but we could've started another war with the Church!"
"Relax, man," Ryusei muttered with a sigh of her own. 'If Rias finds out… she's going to kill me.'
"Issei. Ryusei." Kiba's voice cut through the air. He stepped toward them, eyes steady and serious. "I want you to stay out of this."
All four—Ryusei, Issei, Koneko, and Saji—stared at him in surprise.
"What's going on is my revenge, not yours," Kiba said. "I can't allow this. I don't want any of you involved."
"But we're family, aren't we?" Issei stepped forward. "We're supposed to be friends. Tell me I'm wrong."
"No… you're not wrong," Kiba said quietly. "But still—"
Issei put both hands on Kiba's shoulders.
"But nothing. How can you expect us to just let you go? To become what— a stray? And it's not only us! Have you thought about Rias?"
Kiba's gaze dropped to the ground.
"President Rias… of course. I first met her because of the project. I would have died if not for her."
His voice grew distant, eyes clouding as the past rose up around him.
"We were just kids. Experimented on day after day. Our freedom was taken. We weren't even treated as humans. And yet we believed we were chosen by God. We clung to that hope, thinking one day we'd become special."
He closed his eyes.
"But none of us ever became able to wield a Holy Sword. The experiment failed. We were disposed of to cover it up—vomiting blood, writhing on the floor. And still, we prayed."
A younger Kiba ran desperately through the cold, chased by armed soldiers. He stumbled and fell into the snow, coughing blood. He lay there as the world dimmed, snowflakes landing on his eyelashes.
Damn it… I have to make things right. I have to avenge them. I can't die. Not here…
His vision blurred—until he heard a girl's voice.
"If you're going to die anyway, I don't mind taking you in."
He lifted his head from the snow.
There she was—dressed in white, long crimson hair glowing against the winter landscape, blue eyes steady and warm.
"So from now on," she said gently, "live for me."
(Flashback ends.)
"I thank Rias from the bottom of my heart for taking me into her House," Kiba said quietly. "But the truth is… I was only able to run because of my comrades. They're the reason I'm still here. That's why I have to destroy Excalibur. My sword carries their pain."
He looked up, resolve sharpening his expression.
"As the only survivor… I have no choice."
Saji starts sobbing loudly. "Oh, Kiba! I had no idea you had such a horribly tragic past! And I don't even care about Sona's punishment anymore!"
Is this guy bipolar? Ryusei thought, her right eye twitching.
Saji then grabs both of Issei's hands. "Hyoudou, put me in, coach! I'll help you with every single thing I've got!"
"Yeah? Thanks, man. That's cool…" Issei says, sweatdropping as Saji continues to vigorously shake their hands.
Kiba suddenly feels a small tug on his uniform sleeve. He turns to see Koneko.
"…I will also help you," she says.
"Koneko?"
"Don't be stupid. I'd be sad if you weren't with us, Kiba."
Kiba lets out a soft laugh. "I guess I've lost. If even you're saying that… then I'm just never going to be able to do anything rash by myself."
"For really?" Issei says, eyes widening.
"Plus, we all agree on who the real enemy is." Kiba looks at each of them—Koneko, Issei, Saji, and finally Ryusei. "I'll accept your help. So… thanks, guys."
Saji glares at Ryusei. "Aren't you gonna say something?! He just poured out his heart and soul!"
"Uhh…" Ryusei scratches her cheek awkwardly. "I'm not good at this stuff, but… you know I'll help you however I can."
"That's more than enough," Kiba says gratefully. "And I still haven't thanked you for saving Rias from Riser."
"That's old news by now. Don't worry about it." Ryusei waves it off. "Anyway, I gotta head home. Apparently it's my turn to cook dinner since my older sister and Rias are always the ones doing it."
"I forgot President was living with you! You're so lucky!" Issei cries dramatically.
"Isn't Asia living with you?!"
Issei freezes. "Uh—"
Before he can embarrass himself further, a voice cuts through the air.
"Well, would ya look at that? I finally found ya again, kid."
Ryusei goes stiff. That voice—she recognized it instantly.
She turns. Standing behind her is the same black-haired man who attacked her a few nights ago.
He grins. "Hey. Long time no see, right?"
"Uh… Okkotsu? Is that a friend of yours?" Saji asks, suddenly sweating. It feels like the air around them has thickened—heavy, crushing, almost hard to breathe.
"No…" Ryusei says quietly.
The man walks right up to her and clamps a hand on her shoulder.
"Y'know… you're one lucky kid. You've managed to slip away from me twice now."
"Twice…?"
"Well, the second time, some white Dragon Emperor interrupted me before I could finish the job. But he's not here right now."
"What are you—?"
Ryusei's question is cut off as the man drives his fist into her gut hard. The impact launches her into the air like a missile, sending her flying across the sky.
"RYUSEI!!" Issei shouts, eyes wide with shock and rage. "What the hell is your problem, bastard?!" His Boosted Gear materializes with a burst of green light.
"That doesn't concern you," the man replies coldly. "I'm just finishing a job."
He leaps into the air after Ryusei, vanishing into the darkening sky.
"We're going after them!" Kiba yells.
"Right!" Issei and Koneko take off immediately.
"W-wait for me!" Saji stumbles after them.