บท 16: Looming "Threat"

The next few days went by quickly, without much anything happening. The most notable event was probably him learning to paint from Abelia. He was of course still far from her level, but he was sure that he would be able create presentable paintings in a few months. To reach the level of a professional however would take a few more years.

Aside from that, Ezekiel hired a few people to repair the church. Although Asia lived together with Jeanne now, she still likeed to do her duties as a nun.

The only other thing worthy to mention was the devils making a drama about an arranged marriage. Ezekiel had sympathy for Rias' situation, but he also knew that it was one of the obligations in a noble community. One would expect her to accept an arranged marriage as she was named the heiress.

Since nothing else happened at that time, Ezekiel kept an ear open for everything that occurred. They wanted to decide the marriage through a rating game. Rias knew, that their situation didn't look good and decided to go and train for a few days together with her peerage. Actually, it was laughable that they expected any large increase in their strength in a short amount of time. Sure, someone like Issei would improve if you showed him a few techniques for an hour or two. But a weak person won't get strong by doubling his strength. At least not in a world of monsters with human appearance.

As expected, they lost their match, but her brother abused his authority and cheated. He created another chance for Issei, who fought pretty dirty. Ezekiel wasn't sure if he should reprimand Asia for giving him holy water and a cross. She is just too good for most people and would easily get taken advantage of.

-o-

As Ezekiel was enjoying his time at home, a magic circle materialized beside his ear.

"Ezekiel! Have you missed your big sister?" Gabriel asked cheerfully.

"Of course, I missed you, why do you call Gabriel?" He answered, glad to hear her.

"Can't I just call my brother? How is school Ezekiel? It's important to do your best in your studies!" She said to him, fully knowing he knew all the material already. But she hoped he might find a friend close to his own age.

"I'm fine. I joined the art club and learned a bit of painting. I actually enjoy it very much." Ezekiel replied.

"Then you must show me a painting of yours the next time we meet!" Gabriel answered, happy that he found a hobby for himself.

"Will do Gabriel, but I don't think that was the reason you called?" Ezekiel asked her.

"I did want to call you, but you are right. Michael wanted me to tell you something." Gabriel revealed.

"Why didn't he call then?" Ezekiel asked. He really was annoyed of them acting like sissies after he sparred with them occasionally. If it weren't really important, they would often make a big arc around him. Sure, before he began training with his father, he was a bit hot-headed when it came to training, but they didn't have to overreact like this.

Gabriel just laughed, she was the only one that was spared after all.

"Isn't it fine? But regardless, he wanted to ask for a favor." Gabriel explained.

"Let's hear it then." Ezekiel shortly replied.

"A few fragments of Excalibur got stolen and everything hints toward Japan, more specifically Kuoh. Whoever is to blame for it, seems to have bad intentions toward the devils in Kuoh. As you know the talks about peace are on the way and nothing should happen until then." Gabriel explained.

"So you want me to search for the fragments?" he asked.

"Yes and no. Michael decided it would be a good experience for two of our young exorcists, wielding fragments of Excalibur themselves. Since the devils in Kuoh are young as well, he hopes they could for good relations. He would only ask you to keep an eye for them and intervene when necessary. You already told us that you and your father decided it was time for you debut, so it shouldn't be problematic." Gabriel carried on.

"I can do that, maybe there is even someone strong to fight." Ezekiel grinned at the thought, before continuing: "I won't say anything since I am here to watch them, but actually sending wielders of holy sword fragments after thieves of holy sword fragments? That just sounds plain stupid to me."

Gabriel couldn't follow for a moment.

"Look, normally you'd think wielders of holy swords are strong and you are right about that. But now you are sending you members that clearly lack experience and probably necessary strength. Whoever dares to steal them from under your nose and possibly wants to make problems for the young sisters of Lucifer and Leviathan, must have some strength to back up that confidence. I doubt you are only after some stray exorcist. And if you send people after said person with their strength too weak to compare, it would be the same as gifting them a few more fragments." Ezekiel explained his reasoning.

After a moment Gabriel spoke up again: "That seems accurate. But there shouldn't be any problems with you and Jeanne around."

Ezekiel was sure they didn't think too much of it and were blinded by the peace talks on the horizon. Michael wasn't someone to send young people to their death because he didn't take their enemy seriously.

"Tell him, that I will look out for anything they can't handle. Furthermore, please tell him that I will leave from Kuoh after the peace talks are finished. I made it clear before, but I want to explore the supernatural world and meet other factions. Building good relations should be a boon as well." Ezekiel reminded Gabriel.

He would help them gladly when problems pop up. It was as much his faction as it was theirs. But he still wanted to see the world for himself and fight a few strong people while he was at it. School just wasn't his cup of tea after he learned everything important already. He would rather learn how other pantheons fought and how their ways differ from them. They already talked about it, but it wouldn't hurt to remind them.

"I will tell him Ezekiel and thank you." Gabriel replied.

"You don't have to thank me big sister." Ezekiel was sure she was happy after he called her that. She was quirky when it came to the small things.

"When will you come to heaven again? Will you start your travels immediately after the talks are finished?" Gabriel inquired, eager to see her nephew again.

"I planned to stay with all of you for a few weeks before I go. I will make sure to keep some time off my schedule to spend with you." Ezekiel answered. He already made plans for the time he would spend at heaven and the Vatican. If everything goes as planned, they will receive some benefits from their future cooperation with the devils and he won't be left behind by his fellow seraphs.

They talked for a while longer until they ended their call.

Ezekiel sunk into his own thoughts again. He was still unsure which pantheon he wanted to visit first after his stay at heaven and who he would take with him. Practically all of them were interesting. He already knew a lot about his father's, but the others were mostly unknown to him, aside from the general knowledge he possessed.

-o-

Meanwhile a long-eared, pale man was sitting on his throne, instructing all his pawns. He was sure his plan would bear fruit. He was sure if he kills the two siblings of two of the strongest devils alive, coupled with the destruction of a town in Japan, a large-scale war will erupt once more. Not just devils and fallen angels, he was sure to involve the church as well. Considering the location of the town he wouldn't be surprised if the Shinto faction joined and many more thereafter.

The other terrorists he met didn't want to join in on his plan. He would show them. Nobody would be able to stop him.