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The world vanished in an explosion of draconic fire.
Two figures were making for the distant sounds of battle when one of them suddenly stopped. The other almost didn't notice in time and nearly collided with his back.
"What is it?" Raynare asked.
"I just had a premonition," her companion said slowly.
"A good one or a bad one?"
Solemn eyes met her own.
"An outrageous one."
The dust settled. The waves of power gradually dissipated, returned back to whence it came. By Issei's side, the cannon heaved a shuddering cough, exhausted twice in the same battle. The faint smell of burnt ozone drifted into the air.
Kiba turned and stared at the one responsible. Wonder was alight in his eyes.
"You missed."
Up on the rooftop, Kokabiel glanced over at the crater that had once been fully half of Kuoh Academy. He flicked a piece of wayward debris off his shoulder in a bemused gesture. The fact that he had lost a full dozen of his remaining force in the blast seemed only to be a mere afterthought.
"We have lost," sighed Koneko.
Kiba's eyes continued to twitch.
"How could you miss!?"
Issei looked down guiltily at the weapon fused to his fist.
"It was the first time I shot it at full power."
"He was right there in front of you!"
Boosted Gear flashed in muted agreement.
"Even I didn't miss," Dohnaseek muttered.
The boy threw up his hands in frustration.
"Oh, not you too!"
One of the Knights Templar lifted the visor of his helm, revealing a grizzled face pockmarketed with scars.
"Back in our monasteries, we have a way of dealing with such situations. It is called the Litany of Aiming. Would you like us to recite it for you?"
Issei looked like he was about to say something biting in response. What stopped him was Kokabiel. A single wayward glance from the Fallen Angel sent them all to their knees, smashed them into the ground. The immense force pressing down on their backs prevented them from rising again.
"It would seem your celebration was a bit premature," the Grigori smiled down upon them, "That was a nice trick, though. Do you happen to have any more hidden up your sleeve?"
The way Boosted Gear clawed futilely against the earth suggested what they all knew.
"Good. I grow tired of playing these games. This spectacle demands an end, and I will end it."
The pressure increased. Bones began to creak. A few of them cried out in pain. Those that could still lift their heads glared in defiance up at the cruel figure perched on the academy tower.
"You won't get away with this," Rias breathed, hard and strained.
"Get away? Again you mistake my intentions," the Fallen Angel leered, "I do not want to get away. I very much intend to stay here. This school, this place will be the very first battlefield in the second Great War. The other factions will come, intent on vengeance, intent on revenge, and they will find me here, waiting for them. I will slaughter my way through them like a hurricane! Cleave their heads from their bodies in showers of blood! I will forge my glory among the bones of devils and angels alike! Pile their sundered bodies in a mountain! I will show the world the true strength of the Fallen Angels!" laughter, harsh and dissonant pierced the air, "And your skulls will be the first to litter the base of my throne!"
"You are… You are insane…" Kiba coughed out.
Lying prone by the sword-user's side, Issei glared up fiercely at their tormentor.
"Arisato-san will stop you!"
"Ah, yes," Kokabiel's lips curled disdainfully, "The Nephilim. And where is he, this grand savior of yours? Where is the Nephilim? I will tell you where he is. He ran. Escaped. He has abandoned you."
"Arisato-san would never do that…" Asia gasped. Pressed against the ground, she could barely speak. The Knights Templar around her tried to reach for their dropped weapons but could no more manage it than the others.
"Then where is he?" Kokabiel continued to sneer, "Where is your savior now?" the Fallen Angel spread his arms wide mockingly and threw his head back, "Where are you, Nephilim!?"
Slowly, a hand rose, courtesy from the lone figure that had escaped unnoticed and remained standing.
"Here I am."
It was a disappointing entrance as entrances tended to go. He attributed it to a character trait. His Personas may have their own unique weight behind them, but he was altogether a more quiet soul. That made him easily overlooked and there were times in both worlds where his presence had not been acknowledged until the very last second. This was one of those times. He fought hard not to sigh when those on the ground craned their necks to stare at him. The looks of surprise were expected. The looks of relief as well.
They had made good speed and had reached the school just in time. Or at least what was left of it. While others would have gaped at the rubble around them, stared at the scale of the destruction, he did not. He accepted what he saw and moved on. Questions could come later. The presence of the Knights Templar and the three redeemed angels was accepted as well. He saw them lying on the ground next to those he knew, not as enemies but as allies, and recognized it for what it was. Stranger things have happened, and he did not judge.
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