13. Church Melodies
There was a knock at the door.
There was also the moment of waiting that often followed.
Then the door opens. Anos stands at its threshold, he looks somewhere close to tired.
He's not really— not at all— but appearances were often deceiving.
"Yes, Rias?" he asks, taking in the sight of her red negligee, the attire does well to insinuate her curves; and Rias has a great many curves indeed. Even her crimson hair seemed to imply something; being tied up into a ponytail. It looked, cute.
Similarly, Rias takes in Anos' choice of clothing -- or the lack of a choice at least. Though he adorned pants; his upper half was completely exposed. His physique was that of an Adonis— as if God Almighty had purposefully chosen Anos to fit such a definition.
In her opinion, there would be no greater champion.
Anos took notice of her small blush. Blushes of embarrassment were always larger than that. A modest blush, he supposes.
In the end, after a long and very avid stare, her mouth wins out.
"We fought a battle two hours ago," Rias says, sudden and quick as a reflex. It is an effect spoiled by the fact she's still mostly red in the face, "some of my peerage have killed for the first time. I've been making sure they're all okay before retiring for the night. Would you like to talk about it?"
Anos notes the faint downward curl of the redhead's lips at the reminder. Looks like someone isn't quite used to killing, that could only suggest what the young ones in her peerage similarly feel.
He met her gaze and replies. "There won't be much to discuss if that is the whole reason."
"You've killed before, Anos?" she asks. He spares her his mirth.
"Even a simple yes wouldn't be the whole truth."
He sees the incredulity in her eyes. He continues. "Taking another life usually means to secure your own, sacrifice and protection often go hand in hand. But true strength is to protect without sacrifice."
'True strength is to protect without sacrifice,' Rias files such words in the back of her mind, reminding herself to write it down for later.
She also tucks a stray strand of hair back, not exactly missing how easy it was for Anos to express such a sentiment. Rias herself has killed before, but it has never been so trouble-free. The man before her made it sound as if breathing and killing were synonymous with one another.
It made her curious all over again. The way Anos spoke, did things, had this look in his eyes she couldn't quite explain, it all pointed to something deep beneath the surface.
It also made Rias wary, but more than that, it made her eager.
"You showed no weakness when it valued most," Anos remarks as Rias faces him, "to protect that which you most cherished. You are a quite the King."
The sentiment was sincere, and warmth bloomed in her chest, "Thank you," she mouths at the vocal praise.
From there on, Rias formed a question. She wouldn't ask about Phenex, Anos would have told her if he'd picked up the traces of ash and fire in the air after all.
What was left over was all the accumulated curiosity, so she asked the first thought that came to her. The words tasted heavier than she'd meant them to when she spoke them aloud, like she was reaching for something she wasn't sure she deserved.
"How exactly did you know that Issei was this generation's Red Dragon Emperor?"
She of course had her own suspicions but Anos had a grand total of zero doubts in his claim— and he was proven right.
Infusing a bit of magic into his cerise eyes, Anos' smirk shines with a blasé vengeance. His pupils are endowed with a magic circle formula. The pattern is, funnily enough, eye-catching, but the power it exudes eclipses such beauty.
"My Magic Eyes of Destruction," Anos reveals the eyes in all its glory, for a time.
Rias remembered now, catching a glimpse of it when Anos intercepted one of the fallen's assault on Issei. Was this a Sacred Gear? Maybe, but it's giving off different magical energies that she's never recognized before. Still, no harm in asking.
"They're beautiful," Rias speaks and shifts herself closer, a hand to his cheek, they really were. More than that, even as his eyes proclaimed the absolute, it felt more serene— safe, even. "Is it a Sacred Gear?"
Anos looked soundly amused, "That is certainly a possibility, but not quite, no miracle of the divine clings to my soul, otherwise I'm sure even you would have noticed."
She nods, it was futile to attempt to argue with the man who actually possessed such eyes. His answer also simply made sense.
After the deactivation of his Magic Eyes and the small explanation of its nature, Rias tries to hide her reaction of how small the gap between them was.
Aiming to look down at his neck instead of his face, but all that does is remind her how he wasn't wearing a shirt, which also reminds her that she can see his bare chest, which— she fixes her gaze on the floor, and hope he thinks it's humility rather than humiliated desire.
Into the resulting silence, there lay one last question. Her voice dropped to a whisper, like the words might break if she spoke too loud, "Am I really just amusement to you?"
'Odd,' Anos thinks, a finely raised brow.
"You think my answer has changed?" Anos remarks, glaring down.
Gremory looks up, still, her gaze does not quite meet his eyes.
She'd understood it back at his shop. But was that all she was to him? A resource for entertainment?
Akeno did say he had a fascination for traveling entertainers.
"Has it?" She responds in her askance.
"That was then." Anos' gaze lifted, smirking, "Now? You and the rest of the devils are the reason I'm enjoying Kuoh at all. In some ways I need you."
His tone was sure -- certain, making her pulse jump. Heat rushing to her cheeks, too sudden, too much. That wasn't something you just said.
Rias had no words, no way to voice how much that meant. Her thoughts tangled, her chest too full. This was supposed to be simple. A nudge, a question, nothing more than that.
She did like what she was hearing, but she didn't know what to do with it. She didn't understand why it mattered so much either. But it did. More than she could admit.
There was a sudden faint smile from her, mirroring his. "You shouldn't tell a girl you need her unless you mean it."
"I do. Maybe you'll see a day where that becomes clear." he replies, in any case, he's glad that she's noticed.
To the Gremory, at this present moment, everything felt easy, like all the weight in the world had lifted. As if she'd found something she hadn't even known she was missing.
Perhaps... her mind can wander away from the upcoming training and the reasons for it. Maybe...
She bit her lip.
What was she thinking?
"Rias," Anos breached her thoughts, she watches him, gaze lingering, "don't let the what-if's or if only's distract you. You came to me for help. So you needn't worry, I won't abandon you in your time of need."
She might not deserve him but— Lucifer— did she need him. Her lips parted, then closed, hiding what she really wanted to say, "Thank you again."
She swallowed, moving back to him quickly, her dainty fingers brushed his chin before her lips pecked against his cheek, she withdrew, "Goodnight, Anos."
There wasn't a response— not right away at least.
"Goodnight, Rias," Anos' voice had been quietly comforting: simple, warm, and enough for her.
—————
"Good afternoon, Kaichou," A sandy blonde boy spoke out, sitting up from the couch he had been lounging on prior. Posturing himself perfectly in the presence of his King.
Sona smiles lightly at her servant. Individually, she's been speaking with them on their temporary stay in the Underworld. That time has come to an end, "There's no need to be so fixed, Saji. It's okay to relax."
He nods, but he makes no effort to lessen his posture. His need to impress her is to be noted at the very least. "Alright, is there something you wanted to tell me then?"
"Yes, there is. Three nights ago there had been a domestic affair that had been handled by Rias," Sona says and continues well after Saji nods, "and since my business here has been halted due to... unforeseen variables, we can head back to Kuoh and resume our day-to-day lives."
"Oh," Saji says, that word seemed to come out before he could control it but he rolls with it, "Kaichou, permission to speak freely?"
"I don't see why not," She says, moving to sit herself opposite to him.
Saji sighs, hand to the back of his neck as he rubs awkwardly so, "I trust you Kaichou, I wouldn't willingly become your Pawn if I didn't, but I... I don't think that Voldigoad guy is worthy of an engagement with you."
His eyes do not meet her face but he was aware of the stare his King was imparting onto him. His head is looking down and away, and Sona's own is the opposite.
"Explain to me why you think so, Saji," Sona says, her voice doesn't reveal a word of emotion. "Are you saying I am wrong to choose someone who's met my standards?"
"N-No, Kaichou!" Saji sputters out, bowing his head in a near-perfect ninety degree arch. This whole conversation has just started and it has been too difficult already, "I just don't understand. Hasn't the House already addressed his disinterest with the proposal? Besides, he seems to be more involved with Gremory-senpai's group. If it were up to me I wouldn't bother and let them have him."
"No." Her voice is firm, her face wrinkled. Saji gulps in dry saliva in return to such a riposte, "absolutely not."
Sona isn't all knowing, but she isn't an idiot either. In all honesty, she is probably the most intelligent person in any room she decides to take up. She knows exactly what being in the House of Sitri means, and what it affords her.
Conversely, and what it doesn't.
She wants to stand on her own. Be her own person -- to be known for something more than just who she's related to and whose blood runs in her veins. Oh how she has experienced it many times, and she is sick of being strung along by devils who dwarf her in age and power simply because they want to garner favor with her Pillar. She wants them to respect her for nothing more than simply being herself.
It's one of the reasons she and Rias get along so well, because if there is one thing in this world Rias understands, it's what it's like to be related to a Satan - and all its pitfalls.
Speaking of Rias -- Sona will not lose to her on this front. If Anos has impacted Rias in any way half as much as he did herself -- she would have competition.
And Sona does not tolerate defeat for her own servants, it should go unsaid what that implies about herself.
To Sona, Anos is a Lucifersend. He was his own person: from his power, to his intelligence, to his good looks -- all that, and much more. More importantly, no influence from the Underworld. No being bought, no being controlled. He's versatile, and even more importantly, a single man.
Such qualities make Anos a desirable individual in any circle.
Indeed, Anos doesn't even have to accept her proposal... for the moment. In truth, the Sitri had only meant for it to be something that keeps herself in the back of his mind. That is also why she is adamant on getting back to Japan no later than today. Sona needs to make... progress; in the same way Rias has no doubt made her own.
But first, "Saji," she replies. He flinches, but Sona is not sorry.
"It is admirable of you to look after me in such a way. I could ask for nothing more from you and from any other members of my peerage. But this matter is my own personal decision. You do claim to trust me as your King, do you not?"
Saji nods, and Sona stands up, "Kindly exercise your faith in me and my decisions with greater care from now on."
"I will, Kaichou," He finally says, looking up at her but not meeting her bespectacled view.
"Thank you, Saji," Sona replies, and heads to the door. "Remember to make haste with your packing, we have much to do when we're within the walls of Kuoh Academy again."
—————
Normalcy seemed to flow back into everyone's lives. Three nights had it been since the church attack -- and two nights since Issei had found out Asia would be living alongside him and his parents... because that's a thing.
Issei is not the guy to go back on his word. No matter how much he might want to. Because seriously, as much as he proclaims to himself in wanting to just be Asia's friend, he can't deny she's been giving him this anxious type of boner all day.
Even so, that is far from his mind. The sight in front of him swatting away his thoughts prior. In his quest for the perfect hentai; Issei thinks he has never seen a view like this one. Not many could compare at the very least.
Before him is Buchou. She is sitting at her desk, leaning against it to reach for parchment on the far side. It should be studied in how a single movement can express such languid grace, because exposed in front of him is a fair window of cleavage from his King's loosened uniform.
Issei tried to withhold any colorful thoughts he may have had, really, he tried, but when Rias notices him staring, she imparts onto him a small smile. By then, it was clear. Issei never stood a chance.
'Oooooooouuuhhh! It's the majestic cleavage shot! And that bounce should be illegal!'
It's as if nothing could make him happier.
"Issei," Rias calls his name, her tone suggests it is little more than an afterthought but there is a certain sweetness that echoes in her voice.
Issei doesn't notice, too consumed with his King's removal of her reading glasses. The movement is stunningly delivered even if so simple.
The Gremory could clearly see how her Pawn's line of vision focused on her well-endowed chest. The mirthful part of it all is that Issei doesn't hide his desire to, well, hide his desire. He doesn't exactly make it a secret in what he wants out of life. He is nothing if not honest, and Rias appreciates that part of him.
But now wasn't the time for the judge of character so Rias puts her pen down and snaps her fingers just loud enough for the brown-haired boy before her to fix his focus.
"Y-Yes! Buchou!" Issei stood a little straighter. A hand to the right of his head in a salute. His face is a little too red. He looked to find his King leaning back against her chair with her arms crossed, attenuating her large breasts unintentionally.
Rias enunciates, her tone sits on the fine line of repose and imperious, "There was something you wanted to tell me. What was it?" she inquired.
Her Pawn pauses and grins a bit sheepishly, he rubs down the base of his neck. Buying himself a little time to remind himself of what he came to say to the crimson haired beauty. Once he managed that much, a groan pushed past his lips. A modicum of a reminder hits him.
"I can't do this anymore," Issei said soon after.
Surprise must have shown on Rias' face because Issei is quick to speak again.
"The fliers I mean! I can't just sit back and watch Asia give out those fliers and contract them anymore! It's just..." Issei bumbles over himself, "there are some real weirdos out there, and I don't mean Matsuda-san's yaoi magazine hidden under his mattress weird... which is pretty weird... why would anyone want to read something that isn't about girls, you know? Anyways, what would that say about a sweet girl like Asia? She can't be exposed to stuff like that!"
The boy continued his prattling, and the small smile Rias formed grew a bit at the drivel that left his mouth.
Issei was known for a lot of things, being astute was further down the list.
He more than likely thought he was defending Asia like this. Speaking on her behalf while she was busy in the other room preparing tea— for him, no doubt.
Has she yet to mention that Issei was also one of, if not, the biggest pervert she'd probably ever meet in her life? Which is indeed impressive given that as a devil, her lifespan would be measured by the centuries.
Again, Rias finds it welcoming by all accounts— Issei's openness, she means. He's honest, just honest. And she believes a great many people underestimated the infamous third member of the Perverted Trio for this exact reason. He was a well meaning person. She really thinks she's found something like a little brother in the Pawn.
"Now, Issei," Her voice is a light firmness, "I trust you didn't forget what I told you? You are Asia's senior now but that doesn't excuse her from exploring her own potential. I don't want you or Asia to lag behind. Soon you will be facing a lot more than just the colorful customer or two."
She stands, and rests a hand on his shoulder. He looks up at her, at the hand on his shoulder, and blushes. "Keep this in mind, Issei. Even if you are my precious servant, it won't mean I will make it easy for you. And at the same time, please don't hesitate to come talk to me if you need to. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes, Buchou!" Issei answers with a little more grit. It was nice to see him in his usual cheerful mood.
"Good," Rias smiles faintly, "but for today, you can tag along with Asia later, and if I find you do a good job, then I might reward you for it."
For a third time, Issei is red faced. Rias can't help but entertain the idea that it forms like the sunrise. She finishes her speech, "You will understand in the future and maybe even thank me for it, but for now, we'll focus on your training and relationships with the other members of our group."
"H-Hai!" Issei replies before the words he hears register completely. He looks around before his eyes fall back onto his King followed by an impulse of a head scratch, "Where is everyone?"
"Just outside, training with Anos," Rias proffers a smile that should have made Issei worry; that is if he paid enough attention to notice the movement of her lips when she crosses her arms in the same motion. Again, that jiggle should be labeled a crime scene.
"Why don't we join them?" Rias broaches the idea at her Pawn— said Pawn could only manage to nod dumbly at the idea, "Good, fetch Asia and we'll be with them shortly."
—————
A blur of a shadow craters the ground with every step as it advances. There is more violence in this approach as compared to last time, the young nekoshou notes.
She reacts too slowly, still, she manages to trace her arms over her uniform chest in a cross guard. A makeshift shield that offers its best resistance and subsequently does nothing to save her.
Strangely, for a moment, the blur seemingly passes through her; just when the real Anos breaks her guard and takes her by the stomach from an unprotected side. The jab rattles her body as much as it shatters her bones, but Koneko is regrettably getting used to the pangs of pain Anos inflicts without prejudice.
She collapses, even when Anos has the extra weight of carrying an unconscious Kiba in his other hand, by the collar; he was still swift enough to overwhelm her senses. She really can't believe it -- she doesn't know what to believe until her senses have caught up to her and she realizes Anos had casted some sort of illusion before striking her true.
Lynel; illusion magic. One illusion to give Koneko a false impression of what she expected, and another of the actual reality behind it. It was something the nekoshou should have figured out the moment he casted the spell.
"Get up." To say Anos isn't impressed is less in the truth of the matter. It's not like he cares too much about how impressive they are in his eyes, but more-so the growth they've displayed.
"If you're on your feet in the next few heartbeats, you'll have earned your respite. That goes for you as well, Kiba." Anos tosses Kiba's waking body next to Koneko who was charitable enough to help him up.
Fortunately for the Rook and Knight, they do make it to their feet. A greater recovery reflex. They were making progress. Enough to warrant a break for now.
It had been of their own volition, Koneko and Kiba requested for more training after their first session from the days prior. Anos had admired the dedication, so he acquiesced.
Off to the nearside, the Queen of the peerage kept to watching. Akeno had that look again. Cheeks red, eyes half-lidded, and a rising smile all too enchanting. Not even to mention the way her arms hugged around her upper, curvy frame; her bountiful breasts were squished together.
Anos put on quite the performance, being so rough with their juniors. What really pushed her to the edge was the violence he demonstrated wasn't even close to what he could actually— hopefully— do in the future. In his own words, even the night at the church was leniency. Oh how the thought made her tingle.
She'll get her dues soon enough, and the only question would be whether it was something she'd await with pleasure or look back on with regret. Likely both.
"I see things are shaping up rather well," Rias, now standing beside her Queen along with Issei and Asia, joins the now unfolding conversation.
The Gremory turns to her adorable Knight and Rook, "Kiba. Koneko. Are you two okay?" The lack of a response worried her at first until the two gave a verbal, albeit strained reply to let her know they were at least still breathing, by then the crimson King knew they were fine. Mostly.
She looks to Anos once more, "I do hope you aren't overworking them past what is considered humane, Anos." The concern in her voice is blatant.
"Is a human heart something a King would have? In particular, this temporary hardship is necessary for growth." Anos is right of course, it is to be expected.
It is obvious that Rias lacks what Anos has in spades; experience. He's not beating them into the dirt for something as shallow as short lasting pleasure, no. Leave that to the shallow and senseless. It is easy to find what you're looking for when you've lived the life Anos has. He knows what breeds results. He wasn't a war chief for the fun of it.
Rias considers his words, when she accepts them Anos looks to respond before Issei grew too excited and took to introducing Asia to him. It was amazing how the two hadn't gotten aquatinted yet. Issei wanted to fix that.
The Pawn started blabbering, words fired out like a thousand arrows. Some of it made sense, some of it was frankly bizarre, and some of it referenced breasts— wait, all of it referenced breasts... What was this one-sided conversation turning into?
Eventually, Issei's introduction turned into a full on rant about them. While this happened, Asia went over the two servants and attended to them. A green glow overcame the two juniors and in the next moment, Kiba and Koneko were as healthy as one could imagine.
Breaking away from Issei— who hadn't even noticed his leaving — Anos regarded Asia, the emerald-eyed maiden; she looked a year or two younger than Issei.
She was also awkwardly shifting from where she was standing under his gaze. She looked hesitant to say anything. There was one more obvious observation he could make; she radiated like innocence personified. This girl was an angel in all but reality.
"You're Anos, right? Thank you for helping me back at the church, Issei's told me so much," The nun expressed her gratitude in a plush Italian accent to Anos, offering him a smile of warmth, how adorable she was.
"What's your name?" Anos questioned the blonde, speaking the tongues of Italian as he did so. He'd already knew her name but he'd like to hear it directly from her. He also noted how the nun looked at him in pleasant surprise.
"Asia Argento," She spoke, the accent again present, as if put on display.
"Anos Voldigoad. But you seem well aware of that." He remarks with couth, "would you hold out your hand for me, Asia?"
The former nun complied and soon found her hand in Anos' own, he spoke, "A wonderful gift was entrusted to you, Asia. You've done well to make it your own, haven't you?"
He lets go of her hand which briefly glowed a faint green, after which he commends her, and Issei looked like he'd scream as Asia eagerly nodded.
"Senpai," Issei began, "let others be lucky for once, you already have Himejima-senpai sitting so close to you that she's almost resting her head on your shoulder every time you two have lunch! Now you're trying to charm Asia!"
Anos narrowed his eyes at Issei, his scarlet-orbs sharpened and even Rias' peerage felt its weight despite its lack of direction at them, "What are you babbling about, Hyoudou?"
"Err, it's nothing, senpai," Issei looked like a kicked puppy, "carry on..." he muttered out, pathetically.
"Hmm. While we're on the topic of lunch, you two should come by Wind of the Sun. I'll prepare you both one of my favorites." Anos suggested.
"Really? How much would the meals be?" Issei asked.
"It's free, you can thank your friend," Anos interjected the underclassmen.
"Really? Thank you then, senpai." Issei actually bowed. Asia took her own approach.
"Oh thank you so much, I am truly blessed and grateful. To help me when you had no reason to do so. Offering us food without asking anything of us. May the good Lord God bless you." Argento felt the need to thank him in such a way and as a result, she felt a strong rising headache forming all the while -- she held strong.
Asia's voice was soothing to the ear, it particularly reminded Akeno of simpler, more childlike times. When the world was just, a small traditional house where three, happy people lived. Anos himself nodded at her words, he could see why Twilight Healing clung to her source.
"She's good company, Hyoudou," Anos told the Pawn directly, the boy actually beamed a smile back, as if proud he had even met Asia at all, "bring her around sometime soon." He added.
"Sure thing!" Issei saluted, elated. Anos nods, he'll hold the Pawn to his word.
Turning to both of the Great Ladies of Kuoh, Anos addresses them as he speaks, "You haven't forgotten my words from before? I won't be holding back so you best not disappoint me."
"We've had extensive training from the Gremory Clan's finest, Anos," Rias spoke for Queen and herself, a single step forward.
"Very well. Then I can discern what you have learned by having a spar. Are you two ready?" Anos had already widened the distance between them in the same breath.
Rias and Akeno shared a glance, the spars with Koneko and Kiba were enough information to know how much stronger Anos really was. That didn't deter them in the slightest. Anos thought as much. His smirk leaps like the morning sun.
"Begin whenever you can," Anos instructed and the two beauties acted.
The King's hands modeled her family's crest while the Queen's hand danced with saffron light.
Anos advanced in a single measured step; already had he invaded their space.
'Seperate,' Rias directs mentally with widened eyes, Akeno's wings burst forth from her back around the time it takes Rias to do the same.
The two took opposite directions. Sharp left. Instant right. Anos didn't move after either. They flew just high enough to not exceed the concealment barrier placed over the area.
In twin blurs, a literal golden bolt made of light lunges at Anos from behind, it is as wide and as tall as Anos is -- and the length doesn't decrease at all. Similarly, a miasma of the world howled in entropy, it ran down dainty fingers like blood stained with the darkness between stars -- it blisters from his immediate right.
Anos moves his hand in a motion that has no true detection of motion at all; one moment his arms are at his side, and the next the energies that pulse like a quasar are caught with little effort, stunning everyone in attendance. The reincarnated man bends both the golden bolt and crimson matter in his hand with a scrutinizing gaze.
He then flicks the energies skyward and it disappears into the horizon, still keeping its shape which pleases him further. "Moderate quality, at your young ages."
Under Anos' appraisal, it's quality is on the tiny edge of what he finds acceptable.
Anos looks up at Rias and Akeno, the two are a pair of stunned youths, "That isn't possible," the crimson King murmurs, but Anos hears her clear as day.
"Not possible? Do you really think I'm constrained by what's possible?" Anos laughs, half serious, half amused.
Twirling two fingers together, Anos draws a magic circle and reaches through a rift in open space. Inside is a plain steel sword he'd crafted from its atoms with Iris. Drawing the sword out completely, Anos reinforces the blade in holy magic. The light was brilliant and blinding.
He wasn't known for his proficiency with a blade— compared to Shin and the Hero at least— but it would have to do.
"Divine magic?" Akeno picks up on it at once, her King also, nerves on edge; another thing Rias didn't think possible.
"Does that deter you?" Anos all but mocks, playfully.
"Perish the thought," Rias retorts right away. Taking the momentary pause to think.
From their height in the air and the angle in relation to everything else, they should have the advantage in range and scope; that was what Rias would be thinking if she were to be so foolish.
Amazingly, it is not Rias, nor Akeno, nor even Anos that moves.
At first it was blurry. It was another sword, aiming straight towards Anos' heart. The sword came swinging down but was caught mid-flight by Anos' left hand.
The former Demon King looked at the offender, everyone did; it was... Kiba?
His expression didn't match his body language -- so full of anger and hate. He wasn't at all like what he seemed in the small amounts of time they conversed together. It was a daring attack, he'll give the Knight that much.
The blade in his hand turned into light and faded. Kiba backed up and took a stance against him, a new sword in hand.
"Use your blade!" Kiba bellowed, his eyes glazed, he charged. He was still slow compared to the few times they sparred. Only a minor improvement with a quick first step.
"Fall." Anos' voice was absolute, and Kiba was forced to his knees. The simple command that made even the mighty submit. Kiba could not even thrash against the unseen binding that was Anos' will. It perfectly holds the devil to the grassy field underfoot.
"R-Release me!" He demanded, like a wild beast made man; almost growling animalistic. It was unsightly. Anos drew back his own sword, as if to drop it on Kiba's neck.
"No, stop!" Crimson hair took Anos' attention. Rias descended in front of Kiba, her arms out to defend her sworn Knight. Her expression clouded in terror for what her Knight had done.
Akeno stood along with her King. Her eyes were wide also, understandably shaken by what was transpiring. Koneko, Issei and Asia had no idea either -- if their faces gave any indication.
Anos lowered his blade, "Is this some poor attempt on my life, Rias? And you defend him of all things. Am I supposed to believe this wan't an order?" That is the only way he sees it.
Rias shook her head, her hair whipping around as if this was all a misunderstanding, her response was hurried and pleading, "No this wasn't an order! Kiba wasn't told to do this! Please, forgive him!"
She bowed, deep, her head laying down to his feet. She was shaking, and somewhere in the depths of Anos' source did he feel sympathy for the girl. He dissipated his sword and relaxed his hold over the boy.
At once, his hand flickers upwards to grab the opposing blade moving towards his chest with the small space in between his index and middle finger. It was Kiba, again. Anos held his gaze with the blonde; the boy's teeth were grit and his eyes let him know exactly what he was feeling. Incandescent rage. Anos might as well know the reason behind it.
"What have I done to earn your ire, Yuuto?" Anos asked. He wasn't unfamiliar with supposed allies wanting him to meet an end, whether it be by their own hands or someone else's.
Koneko and Hyoudou ran over and pulled on Kiba's arm, successfully managing to hold the Knight back, tiring him out. The blond snarled and his sword shimmered into nothing, he trudged away. Each step laced in fury and rue.
"What's gotten into him?" Issei asked Rias, who finally broke her gaze against her Knight's retreating back. Her visage became low. Even Akeno had her stare stray to the side in remembrance. Koneko remained silent.
A curtain of red hair swings in Anos' direction, he too, was waiting for the explanation in all this.
She exhaled, "Kiba, along with many other children were viciously experimented on and tortured by members of the church in an attempt to create users able to wield Excalibur."
Anos attempted to recall anything involving experiments from his time in the church. But he came up empty.
"All of his loved ones were murdered, and he was the last survivor. He developed a severe case of mental instability from that incident, and as such, he reacts violently when anything related to holy swords come up in conversation."
Silence took over forthright, Issei was the first to break it, "I'll go talk with him." he said. Rias nods, permitting it.
"And here I thought this was some elaborate prank," Anos said, absently watching Issei's departure. He could understand where Kiba was coming from. Anos did have a background in the church and wielding a unique holy sword certainly didn't help. The reaction was to be expected.
But those feelings of hatred, Anos knew them well, but he also knew never to carry them and never to direct them towards the innocent.
Akeno laid a hand on his shoulder, "You couldn't have known."
Rias sighed, heavy, "We'll pick off where we left off at a later date then. Sedating Kiba takes priority." The others from her peerage nodded in agreement with the decision.
Lucifer knows Rias wasn't ready for things to turn out this way; it seemed nobody was.