I did what she asked me, bringing her to my house for the night fast as I carried her bridal style. We were both soaked to the bone, so I kept us warm with by releasing a weak dose of [Sky Flames] around us. [Dying Will Flames] can't easily be put out by water, so that's a bonus.

I unlocked the door and saw a faint light on in the kitchen, it seemed that Asia, Kalawarner, Leone, Mittelt and Ray are in there. I carefully carried Kiba over to the couch and set her down. She just sat there, staring ahead. I knew she wasn't watching T.V. because not only was it off but it was also against the other wall.

[Raiga/-san/Boss/Kōjiro-kun!]

From the kitchen appeared Asia, Kalawarner, Leone, Mittelt and Ray, all of them looking terribly worried. Asia covered her mouth, gasping when she saw our exhausted and beaten forms.

"It's a long story." I said in order to stall this conversation. I gestured to Kiba "For now let's get Kiba something dry to wear and perhaps a blanket to keep her warm. Since everyone is probably tired, it would be best if we all got some rest for tonight. I'll explain what happened in the morning."

Asia seemed uncertain and I noticed she stared at Kiba with a great sense of sympathy, but she still nodded. Kalawarner helped up Kiba as she and Ray brought her to go get changed.

I went to my own room to get a change of clothes. It had been such a long night. Mittelt and Asia desperately tried to convince me to tell them what had happened, but I once again informed them that it would have to wait for morning and sent them off to bed without me. I didn't want to chance them working together to work it out of me.

After deciding to take a quick shower because I realized that, despising being dry, I stunk.

I dried my hair as I made my way to the living room. I had given Kiba the couch. I offered any of the beds in the house, but Kiba chose the couch. Her voice sounded empty and I didn't want to upset her again by saying the wrong thing.

I wanted to check if he had fallen asleep yet. I walked over to her. Kiba was now dressed in a black shirt with the words "Got Milk?" in white on her chest and small, black shorts.

"You alright?"

Kiba hung her head, placing her hands in her lap. "Yes." That sounded like a lie. I sat down next to Kiba, my bath towel hanging around my neck and water dripping from my hair.

"No." Now THAT was the truth. Kiba looked very sad. There was no way she was okay after everything that just went down.

"...Do you mind telling me your story with the [Holy Swords]?"

Kiba tensed, her body becoming as rigid as a board. For a brief moment, I thought that I offended her and that she would shut me out again. Then she started trembling "OK..." She said as I saw the tears streaking down the sides of her face.

"You don't have to-"

"No." She declined, shaking her head "You fought with me and I got you involved in my own personal grudge. You have a right to know."

Kiba seemed to choke for a moment, but she overcame her fear. That was when she told me a sad and tragic story... She told me about the [Holy Sword Project].

As the [Holy Swords], like [Excalibur], [Ascalon], and [Durandal], were important weapons the Church used against the Devils, there began a certain project developed to allow people to wield [Holy Swords] despite not being born with the unique holy power needed to wield them.

Artificial [Holy Sword] wielders.

They had recruited many children, mainly orphans who had nowhere else to go and who would not be noticed if they went missing. All for this project. Kiba had been 1 of those children. She had been given the same artificial treatment as the others in an attempt to become a [Holy Sword] wielder.

At the time, she had been really excited. Some of the experiments hurt, but she, like the other children, had been happy and excited at the thought of being such great power and the thought of being able to serve the God whom they believed loved them enough to give them such a gift.

However, it was not to be...

"You and the other kids couldn't wield the swords..."

"Hai... The people of the Church decided to view the people who couldn't adapt to the [Holy Swords] as 'defective products' and disposed of them." Yumi hugged her legs to her chest, curled up into a ball as she leaned against me.

"Most of the people experimented on were killed, including me. Only because we couldn't adapt to the [Holy Swords]..." Kiba had started crying again "The only reason I survived... Despite everyone dying... The reason I'm still alive right now is because-"

"-Gremory brought you back to life as her servant." I concluded. It was the only logical answer, as Kiba had no other way to survive other than becoming a Devil.

Kiba nodded, choking on a sob before covering her face with her hands.

"I was so rude and harsh to her... I-I wanted to apologise, but I..." She stared at me with tear-filled eyes "Kōjiro-kun... You have to understand... I really care about Buchou. She gave me a new life. She took care of me. I-"

I patted the blondie on the head, silencing her. I can't relate to her, but I can understand it. To watch your friends die can make anybody, especially a child, go mad. She was told that all Devils are evil for all of her childhood, so it made her hostile towards Gremory when they were together.

"I know." Kiba was mad, but she definitely loves Rias like her own sister. "And I'm positive that Gremory knows, too."

Kiba managed the weakest of smiles "I hope so..."

So... she had died because of [Holy Swords] like [Excalibur] and the hypocritical intentions of the Church. They call Devils as evil beings, and yet they did a greater evil to the children. But there is still something left that troubled me... What happened to the person that started the project? Is this still person alive? If so, then this person needs to die.

"I'll help on your quest of vengeance, Kiba." I declare, surprising her as I looked at her wide eyes "I'll guide you to the real target of your hatred."

"What do you mean?" Kiba asked in confusion.

"The person that started the [Holy Sword Project], as this person was the main reason why you and your old friend had suffered and died... The [Excalibur] fragments may have been a big part of it, but there're just objects that can't hurt anyone without a wielder." I explained to Kiba, making her look down to ponder on my words "Just destroying the [Excalibur] swords is a waste of time and effort... You're old friends wouldn't want you to die over stupid weapons that the Church can just re-forge afterwards and you have your current comrades that wouldn't want you dying either."

Kiba's eyes widened as she processed what I was saying, since it was true. If the Church were able to re-forge the broke [Excalibur] into different pieces, it would be foolish to think that they can't do it again and I'm sure that the others wouldn't want Kiba to die as well "Kōjiro-kun... Thanks you."

*ding*

You have gained +? relationship with the Yumi Kiba

I mentally closed the pop-up window as she hugged me. I hold her as well. After for what seemed like hours, I could tell her breathing had become softer. She had fallen asleep. Picking her up gently and brining her to my room, I lay her down. Afterwards, I covered her in a blanket.

I looked at the clock, 9:40. I still got some time to train and gain some new skills. It's a good thing that the time inside the [Instant Dungeons] is faster that outside, with 5 hours inside it is equivalent to an hour outside.

- 4 hours later inside the [Instant Dungeons] -

*ding!*

You have gained 8 new skills through special action!

[Dying Will Flames of the Earth] - Passive -

Description: 7 different-colored Flames that are said to rival the [7 Flames of the Sky] and are the trademark of the [Simon Famiglia]. They are named after an aspect of the Earth and appears to contrast with their respective rivaling [Flames of the Sky].

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

Variants:

[Earth Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Reddish-Brown Flames that is [Dying Will Flames of the Earth]'s equivalent to the [Sky Flames], looking like actual flames in appearance. A person using the [Earth Flame] can manipulate the local gravity to any extent.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

Variant:

[Oath Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 8 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: A combination of the [Earth Flame] and [Sky Flame] that forms an extremely powerful Flame. The user can use the [Earth Flame]'s Gravity Manipulation to slow down or even immobilize his or her opponent and this Flame holds the [Harmony] characteristic of the [Sky Flame], which is the reason why this Flame was created in the first place.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG and INT by 3

[Forest Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Green Flames that are in the shape of leaves and allow the manipulation of plants. It allows its user to grow, manipulate, and use all sorts of forest-born plants to a certain level. The Flame, although in the shape of leaves, have a blade-like quality, comparable that to many small, but very sharp knives.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

[Mountain Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Brown Flames that can penetrate and synchronise with soil and sand and is said to have complete control over flamed earth and sand. Users of this Flame are capable of making rocks grow from the earth. The flame can also be compressed until it becomes solid, resembling rocks. When used, the Mountain Flame looks like stones and magma covered in flames.

[Swamp Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Dark Brown Flames that take the appearance of mud and can ferment any inorganic substance, causing it to decay or rot away. It can also make bottomless swamps.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

[Glacier Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Light Blue Flames that appear as glacial ice shards, which, upon contact with water, freezes it into glacial ice. [Glacier Flames] possess freezing properties and the actual ice generated by [Glacier Flames] have more traits in common with diamond than ice. This implies that the 'effect' of the flame fortifies water rather than simply freezing it.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

[Desert Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Light Brown Flames that are very similar to [Mist Flames], as they both possess the ability to create illusions. [Desert Flames] appear as desert sand; however, they behave in a way similar to [Mist Flames] while in use, swirling around the user.

You passively gain the following bonuses from acquiring the skill.

Increase in MAG by 1

Well, I can only get 6 of the 7 [Dying Will Flames of the Earth] as the last Flames was never revealed in the serious... Looks like I have to create it myself. But what aspect of the Earth should it be based on? The hardness of the ice created with the [Glacier Flames] is close to a diamond, so making a [Crystal Flame] would be pointless.

Ah... I have an idea and I can already think of its characteristic.

- 3 hours later inside the [Instant Dungeons] -

*ding!*

You have gained a new skill through special action!

[Iron Flames] - Active - LvL: 1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: 5 (continuously drains if constantly use)

Description: Silver Flames that sheds metal dust and allow the manipulation of any metal. It allows the user to create, control and change the shape of all sorts of metal to a certain level.

I have to thank Magneto for inspiring me to create this flames. While the [Gravity Manipulation] of the [Earth Flame] can allow me to bend the gravity of the local, it doesn't allow me to freely control the form of any metal.

Well, I think I should get some sleep.

- the next day -

"And that's everything."

I pretty much summarised the events that happened last during breakfast and needless to say, the girls weren't happy to heard about this situation. Kiba already left before any of us were awake.

"So, any info from Azazel-san about Zelzan?" I asked my Fallen Angel friends, who are the only people who can contact the person that might have an idea about this situation in hand.

"Well, there was this report that Kokabiel have stolen 3 of the 6 [Excalibur] fragments from the Churches." Kalawarner said before taking a sip from her coffee "And the reason why I didn't told you about it is because we just received it yesterday afternoon."

"I see..." I muttered to myself with a frown "Does it say anything about how many soldiers that Kokabiel has under his wings?"

"It's still unknown, but a large group of [Exile Exorcists] and a few Fallen Angel have suddenly vanished." It was Ray that answered it this time.

"So... What's the plan?" Mittelt asked.

"...The only thing that we can do is report this incident to the leaders of the 3 Factions, to ask for some backup to prevent a new Great War from coming to life." It's logical. If the [Excalibur] fragments are here with the younger siblings of the [Lucifer] and [Leviathan], than a new will raise if Gremory and Kaichou are killed.

I have to discuss this with Kaichou, as I believe that she sees the logic of things rather letting her pride go to her head. I promised to help Kiba from achieving her revenge, so the only thing that I can do is bring her the person who started the [Holy Sword Project] to give her and her old friends the justice they deserve.

- later -

"So, what you think that we should do?"

*tack*

"I must admit... *tack* This situation is very complicated."

*tack*

"Hai, especially since you and Gremory are here... *tack* Kobabiel plans to kill you girls with [Holy Swords] to piss off your older siblings... *tack* And direct their wrath towards him and the Church... *tack* To start a new Great War. He'll turn this place into the starting point of a new Great War."

*tack*

"I would have suggested that Rias and I *tack* To go back to our homes in the Underworld...*tack* But I fear that Kobabiel will kill the people of Kuoh just to anger the [Shinto Gods]."

*tack*

"So either option will possibly lead to a Great War... *tack* Looks like we should go with my idea."

*tack*

"Indeed... *tack* I'm surprised that I'm the person that you talking about this situation rather than Rias, Kōjiro-san."

*tack*

"Well, I believe that you see things more logically... *tack* And I trust your judgement more than Gremory's any day."

*tack*

Kaichou and I are playing chess while discussing the options to counter Kobabiel and his forces. I gave the idea of calling her older sibling, Azazel-san and the leader of Heaven to call for some backup against Kobabiel.

"So... *tack* Only thing left is to find someone who can contact Heaven and notify them of the situation with Azazel-san and 1 of the [Maō]."

*tack*

"*sigh* *tack* While I dislike to involving Onee-sama with my problems, I can't ignore the fact that this is very delicate problem... *tack* That the leaders should be know off immediately."

*tack*

"I didn't expect that your older sister is 1 of the [Yondai Maō]."

*tack*

"Hai... *tack* While she's a very important person in our race, she really is a pain sometimes."

I didn't choose to ask what she meant from that line and just concentrated on the game. Kaichou and I are in tight spots and a single misplay will be the downfall of either side of us.

...Got it.

"Checkmate." I declared after placing my [Knight] in a position to take out her [King], which shocked Kaichou as she looked at the broad again. All paths of escape is blocked with a [Rook], [Queen] and 2 [Knights] "Looks like the score is a tie now, Kaichou."

"Ufufufu... [HAHAHAHAHA!!!]" I was surprised that Kaichou suddenly started laughing out of nowhere... The way she laughed, it was like she's an undefeated champion and finally found her rival, someone that can challenge her "Hehehe... Forgive me, Kōjiro-san. I didn't expect to lose against you, it's rather... Refreshing, to say the least."

*ding*

You have gained +? relationship with the Sona Sitri

"I see..." I commented while closing the pop-up window before standing up from my sit "Well, I better be off to class now. Until next time, Kaichou."

"I can understand, and please call me Sona when it's just you and me."

?

I looked at her in confusion, wondering why she's being very friendly with me right now... Is it because I beat her in chess that she has a new found respect for me? Well, not that I'm against it. I nodded back before moving out of the room to get to my class.