Chapter 34

Lucifer`s Estate.

Another defensive rune and it is working perfectly, as it always has been and hopefully will be. Grayfia nodded to herself, moving inside the estate after checking up on all of its defensives and bounded fields that were set up by Alex, Medea, Scathach and, just today, Grayfia herself. Kokabiel`s presence and the fact that he might have collaborators has put Alex and his team on level 1 combat alert, along with Grayfia as well, as she was a veteran of Great War and her old habits from that time kicked in, as she enhanced already impressive defenses of the estate to a whole other level, when it would take not just a Satan, but someone on the same level as Sirzechs to break the bounded fields, but it would only be the first layers of the defenses of this estate and there were plenty to keep any intruder occupied. Grayfia had to admit to herself that a way that Alex and his group have fortified this place and acted right after learning the news was nothing short of admirable and quite impressive even for her veteran eyes. No sitting around, no compromise with Exorcists or hesitations, total organization and preparations, those were the signs of a real-life military commander. If it were up to Rias, Grayfia imagined that she would let it simply go on for some time and wouldn`t intervene until things were looking especially grim and she would do nothing to prevent the escalation of the crisis. Alex, on the other hand, took charge and control of the situation, managed to prevent a diplomatic disaster and get all 3 sides work together on something.

This was a mark of Lucifer, a true one. Grayfia still remembered just what kind of a man her father was and she always held him in highest regard and deeply admired for his organized side and keen view on many things. Lucifer never took risks when they weren`t a necessity, playing safe and steady, never straying away from the pattern. This way has ensured the prosperity and stability of the Devils, even though there were those that disliked it and believed that war and aggression would give them far more than "useless" peace. Many of these houses have now long perished in Great War, along with her mother and father, position of power was handed to Sirzechs, who has been able to lead Devils out of crisis and unite most of them, on the public. But in reality, it was still Lucifer, Grayfia`s father, that was saving Devils, as Houses of Bael and Belial, Lucifer`s closest and strongest supporters, that have been holding in bay society and patching the wounds behind the fancy chairs of 4 Great Devil Kings. Sirzechs has served mostly as a public face, but he does wield a great power, both political and literally. Currently the strongest Devil, he is in Top 10 Strongest Beings in the World, all thanks to his Power of Destruction and hundreds of years of experience. Current Lucifer does pride himself of this particular fact and actually believes that because of this and the fact that he killed the original Lucifer, he has the power to dictate his will to others, such as Alexander and Grayfia.

It took some time for Grayfia to get over the fact that he own husband has lied and threatened her, but now she was better, especially with her son with her. Their entire marriage has been a trial to her, with several miscarriages and hundreds of years trying to conceive a healthy child. Then there was the fact that Grayfia was Lucifer`s daughter and fair amount of despise and distrust came from her husband`s supporters and other Devils as well. She did manage and endure to live through all of that, while unknowingly submitting to the rule of Gremory. She lived like that for all this time, even when Millicas was born, he was mostly raised by Venelana, not Grayfia. They must`ve feared that Grayfia would influence Millicas in the wrong direction, the one of her father and not Gremory. This continued for years and years, until she suddenly saw, on that meeting between Rias and Riser, her nephew, Alexander. She didn`t recognize him immediately as a member of House of Lucifer, but once she sensed his Power of Annihilation, she understood immediately that she just saw a member of her own family with the same power as she had. After that, she started looking into him, studying him and learning of the past and trying to find out who he really was, but nothing. Until that Rating Game, when the truth was revealed and Grayfia, along with thousands of Devils, saw how Alexander`s black raven hair and viridian eyes became the shade of white and silver. At that moment, Grayfia immediately recognized just whom Alexander resembled the most. He resembled, no, was Lucifer incarnate, his true heir and successor, demonstrating his traits to everyone with his powers when he battled Riser and killed him. That was enough for Sirzechs to become… frightened. Yes, he was frightened of Alexander and his powers and just how fast he was growing in power. Because of this, he attacked him in Rating Game and now wishes to leash him as his own through Rias and her House`s marriage, just like they did with Grayfia and Alex`s mother, Lucia, when they broke her and sold out to House of Phenex.

However, as Grayfia now knew, Alex wasn`t like all others, for his resolve was one that even Gods couldn`t break. For him, submission to Rias` desires and Sirzechs` wishes would be the ultimate defeat and humiliation he couldn`t allow to happen with him. No, instead, he chose to defy them and challenged them and their arrogances to a Rating Game, rebelling against all of their plans and attempting to break free of their plans on his own life. And when Grayfia has opened her eyes and left Sirzechs, Gremory threatened her and Millicas through separation, hoping that Alex would submit. Instead, Alex went out and confronted Rias and her family, proving once more that Lucifer doesn`t submit to wishes of others, like Sirzechs does and instead declared that if Millicas and Grayfia were hurt in any possible way, he would make House of Gremory pay tenfold. And that was a very firm statement, one that actually Alex leaked to the press of Devils, giving a clear message that he, theLucifer, was protecting his family and those that were threatened. And this clearly has boosted his popularity in some certain circles of Devils` society and made it clear as day that Alexander wasn`t just against the wedding Rias Gremory, but ready to defy even her all mighty older brother, who has taken the title of Lucifer, but not it`s real name. And as much as Sirzechs wanted, he could never be a Lucifer, for it was more than just a title and power. It was a code of honor, dignity and independence; will to fight for better and never submit, never to destroy out of pride and never to subject out of arrogance. Alex knew and understood those principals, for he lived by them and continues to live by them, that is why he opposes Rias and Sirzechs.

And that is one of the reasons why Grayfia has come to love her nephew with a motherly love, almost the same way as she loved her Millicas. She loved her younger sister Lucia dearly and her fate and end has been a great shock to her. Grayfia truly believed that betraying her family, especially her little sister, was the reason as to why she was denied so long of a healthy child to be born. Her talk with father cleared this hypothesis, as he has never in his time held any grudge against his children, no matter the wrong they have done. Same with her mother and sister, as they have actually visited Grayfia and talked to her. Lucifuge managed to finally calm her mind and soul, but before leaving Lucia asked of Grayfia one thing: to look after Alex and help him in the times of need, even if he wouldn`t admit the need of help. And Grayfia promised to do just that, looking after Alex and serving as his advisor and one the most trusted persons, not fearing to reveal his more vulnerable and scarred side. Alex has been through more than even some of the older Devils would struggle to cope with, always bearing on his soul and just boiling all inside. Grayfia offered to listen and help when he needed, providing a compassion and care, which he really needed and was grateful to receive, as he told her of what has happened to him in those damned orphanages and in foster families, how he suffered and was tortured over and over again physically and literally. Lucifuge could only wonder just how didn`t he break sooner, but at least he let it all out him and could breathe easier. She also deeply admired Alex for how dearly loved both Illya and Sakura, despite the race or circumstances. He was their father and he acted just like one should. Sirzechs may`ve given away a look of a father material, but most of his time was always devised to the point when there was very little time for Millicas and to compensate, Sirzechs was buying him fancy clothes, games, toys and more, missing the point of being a real father. Alex`s priorities were straight and girls were on top of all his lists and he took time with them, spending as much time as he could, playing, talking, just being with them was like breathe of a fresh air. And with Millicas… Alex had to come in terms that both Sakura and Illya had huge crushes on him and just get over it, even though Grayfia caught him grumbling something about killing Millicas if either of the girls were to get hurt because of him. She knew that it was a joke, but still, it reminded her of her father and just how he reacted to the news of Grayfia having kissed a boy she had a crush on. It was a good thing that mother was there and managed to calm Lucifer down, or there would be a need in patching a crater that would be a house of that boy. As for his love life, Alexander was true to his feelings and feelings of his ladies, deeply caring and loving them all individually, creating a certain separation between them all, but not in a bad way. He didn`t hurt them, but made them more whole and complete, as he was honest with them and their feelings to him. He treated them all as individuals and not as mere lovers in bed. They were his armor and founding stones of his resolve, giving him strength to go on. The will to continue and fight on, something that Grayfia found impressive and unique, as Alex never asked them to bear with him, but they did, just like his own team did and they would follow him to the ends of the Earth and back. Just like Lucifer would always inspire and lead people. Grayfia simply had to admit that Alex was Lucifer in every single right.

As she made her way into the estate and into the living room, she quickly saw and heard that there was a heated argument going on between multiple known to her personas. Sona Sitri and Illya were arguing with Rias Gremory and it seemed as Rias was the first one to initiate this scuffle, as Grayfia had suspected. Both heiresses were here for some time now, with their peerages also on the stand by, but Rias and Sona wished to come here and await the news about the operation firsthand, but it seemed like they couldn`t avoid the built up issues and it now spiraled into this argument, with Illya clearly being on the side of Sona. Grayfia was quick to realize that this little girl is far more than meets the eye and that there was something that she was clearly hiding from everyone`s eye. Grayfia even confronted Alex about her suspicions, but it turned out that he knew that there would be such questions and he himself asked his daughter about it, not pressuring her and letting her know, that no matter what, he was here for her and Sakura. Just out of curiosity, Grayfia decided to observe them and see what it was all about.

Rias was truly furious as it was evident by her red glowing aura.

"Say that again, Sona, and I will blast your face into ashes!" Rias warned her former friend. "And as for you, midget, I won`t tolerate someone of your size giving me commands. Go and hide under bed until I decide to teach you humility."

"Threaten me all you want, Rias, but do mind threatening a child." Sona warned her. "Illya is Alex`s daughter and a bright one as well. Certainly brighter and far kinder and humbler then you with all you're bragging and claims on Alexander." Sona glanced with a smile on a little white-haired girl, who nodded with a smile to Sona.

"Those aren`t simply bragging, but true facts." Rias reminded. "Alex will be mine, and the first thing I`ll do once I marry him, is to send this little brat and her sister to orphanage, where they`ll learn respect."

"Do not threaten Sakura and me." Illya warned with a cold and serious voice Rias, surprising everyone. "And daddy will not marry you. You are bad and you do not care about anyone, but yourself and your family has deceived and threatened daddy. You are nothing more but bullies and mean baddies."

"Why, you little…" Rias was ready to do something, but then she and everyone heard a loud enough cough from Grayfia.

"Rias, if you truly wish to do harm to Illya or Sakura, or anyone in this estate and those associated with my nephew, do bear in mind that I will be more than happy to personally repay you for all harm done to them." Grayfia stood along with Illya and Sona, turning to them. "My apologies for not stepping in earlier. Mind informing me of the reason of this heated conversation, if it is not complicated for you?"

"She said that lady Sona and her family are…" Illya started explaining, before going silent, as if contemplating on something and turning to Sona. "Lady Sona, what was that she said that sounded like a curse?"

"Something that good and well-mannered ladies must not say, Illya." Sona smiled to Illya. "She called us cravens and robbers, putting it lightly."

"Which you clearly are, stepping on my territory." Rias growled at them. "And do you honestly think that even if Alex gets out of marriage, he would choose you? I mean, the only reason you are so popular is because of that position of yours and a bit of pretty face. And without it, nothing but bare bones and a nerdy look." Sona looked as if she took an offence, but decided to respond on such claim.

"Well, it would seem that Alexander sees in people more than just objects of physical appeal." Sona replied. "Although, last I`ve heard from him, my measurements were quite to his pleasing and he wasn`t shy from proving it with his actions."

Rias widened her eyes once she realized just to what Sona was referring to.

"You`ve got some nerve, Sitri, to bed my future husband and tell it directly in my face." Rias` red aura returned. "Just for that, I`ll personally make sure that your clan dies on you, when I rip that damned womb of yours in the Rating Game and not even your big bad sister will stop me!"

"If you think that I require Serafall`s assistance to defend myself, then you are even more foolish then I first gave you credit." Sona adjusted her glaces. "I am perfectly capable of defeating you."

"Ladies…" Grayfia decided to end this argument for now. "Save your personal squabbling for future and focus on the crisis at hand, for you are here with a definitive purpose."

"Grayfia, are you really going to play a role of a mediator here? You, my brother`s wife and Queen? Don`t you know on whose side you are on?" Rias asked, as if Grayfia was her servant. "Or perhaps I shouldn`t have expected more from a daughter of man whose name Sirzechs has earned." Now, it was Grayfia`s turn to teach Rias.

"My dear Rias, allow me tell you a couple of things that your dear parents should`ve told you long ago, but must`ve neglected to mention due to their arrogance." Grayfia smiled a little innocently, but menacingly at the same time. "First of all, being Sirzechs` Queen and wife does not mean that I become his slave, despite how much your family has tried. Next, I know exactly now on whose side I belong and who has merely been using me and my name to increase their status. House of Lucifuge, after all, is famous as the house that was always the closest and strongest of the supporters of Lucifer, my father. And they always stand with a true Lucifer, not someone who has merely used the weakened state of my father and killed him, akin to a coward and someone who believes himself of being of higher purpose, but fails to understand what it truly means to be the Lucifer."

"And what it means? Do tell, Grayfia. Enlighten me, younger sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, the Strongest Devil alive."

"Lucifer is not just a title, Rias." Grayfia spoke. "It is a name and symbol that is bestowed upon the one who carries within him the will and resolve to lead entire nations into future, defying all those that oppose them and ready to accept anyone who asks of help. Lucifer is not the one who holds the greatest prestige, most powerful or the richest. Lucifer is the one who is capable of doing what others wish not to do and the one who can make an impossible choice and live through. Alexander, as much as Sirzechs wishes to believe to have tamed him, is the Lucifer by right and judgment of life itself, for he has survived and lived through more horrors then anyone can imagine. I know all about it, for he did tell me about it all and I also understand that if Sirzechs was in his place, then I know that he would break under pressure."

"What? You mean that my brother is weaker then Alex?! Absurdity in its finest." Rias laughed. "Have you forgotten just how powerful he is? Your and Alex`s Annihilation pales against his Power of Destruction."

"Rias, it is not the magical or physical power that is discussed here." Sona spoke up, backing Grayfia. "It is about the mentality and will that a person has. I`ve talked with Arturia and Scathach a couple of times about Alex and they told me something rather interesting about him. They told me that when he was in Spec Ops, commanding it, he never, even once, has turned down someone who was in need of help. And every time he helped, he took no credit, just doing the right thing. But that is not all. I do not know all the details, but Scathach has stated that Alex once faced the Goddess of Death, Hel. I am sure you`ve heard of her."

Everyone in the room knew very well of legendary Hel, Goddess of Death and Dead, ruler of Helheim and one of the strongest creatures in the entire world, standing in the same league as Sirzechs himself. Very little solid information is known of the powerful goddess, but what truly is known is that there are very few who even dare to speak to her, much less fight her. As a Goddess of Death, she is also known as someone who never forgives and forgets those that have cheated their deaths and would always have her due, but she is rumored to be favoring those that do not fear death and always pay their debts, but it is unknown in what way she shows her favoritism. Rias couldn`t possibly imagine just what Alex did to draw the attention of Goddess of Death.

"From what know, Alex confronted Hel not long after the attack on Asgard by frost giants was prevented." Sona continued. "She herself has dragged him into Helheim against his own will. It has taken a direct intervention from Morrigan and Scathach to get to Helheim. When they`ve reached the kingdom of the dead, Hel peacefully allowed Alex to leave her domain, even apologizing for her rude behavior towards him and to Morrigan and Scathach. Alexander, from what I`ve heard, held no grudge against her and was glad to satisfy her curiosity. When they were about to leave, Hel said that Alex is the single person that has impressed her quite like he did and that out of all that have faced her, none has been so unshakable in the face of Death, which is something that Hel respects in others. I believe that facing literal Goddess of Death and impressing her to the point of earning her respect is something that not even strongest of Devils or Angels can do. It takes a true monster to not even flinch in the face of Death."

"Daddy isn`t a monster. He is a Nephilim." Illya reminded with a pout. "And grandpa Lucifer isn`t a monster, he is also a Nephilim, but turned into a Devil. And grandpa Lucifer is very powerful one, much stronger than even Albion and Ddraig in their best day even without his Nephilim`s powers with only his powers as a Devil, much stronger than Sirzechs. But Daddy is also growing stronger and is almost as strong as uncle Baraquel, who is 3rd strongest in grandpa Azazel group. Although, it is odd that Daddy can`t use his power fully, and something inside him holds back his full power."

Grayfia`s eyes widened at what just Illya said, especially the part about her father and Alexander`s power growth. Lady of Lucifuge was most certain that only those that had the blood of Lucifer in them could actually connect with his spirit and spirits of the rest of House of Lucifer and Lucifer himself assured both her and Alex about this. Then how could Illya, adopted daughter of Alexander, who possessed zero blood connection with Alexander or anyone with Lucifer`s blood in them, could see her father and determine his power so well, not to mention that he also was a Nephilim. And to state so clearly about Lucifer`s true power was something that Grayfia just couldn`t let go so easily. And then there was the statement about Alexander`s power growth. Baraqiel was one of the strongest living Fallen Angels and to claim something so confidently… And Alex didn`t use his power fully, even though she was pretty sure that he did and that he was actually in the same leagues as the lesser Satan-class, but to hear something like that. And then there was something that was holding him back inside… Could it be a magical seal? Grayfia decided to ask.

"Illya, if what you are saying is true, then, just based on your judgment, how strong would Alex actually be if he were to use his full power?" Grayfia asked her.

"If Daddy were to use his full power, then he would be just as strong as False Lucifer." Illya stated.

"You watch your mouth, little girl!" Rias warned Illya, who simply turned to her and spoke.

"Sirzechs` isn`t a Lucifer, he is a Gremory." Illya spoke. "I meant that False Lucifer, who thought he could become what he wasn`t."

"I don`t understand whom you mean." Sona spoke. "But, I am curious just how on Earth you know so much, even as a Dragon.

"I know whom she is speaking about." Grayfia spoke, turning to Illya. "And I too would like to know from where do you know about this title, young lady?"

"I know because I know." Illya innocently spoke. "Is it weird?"

"More like confusing, to be honest with you." Grayfia admitted, before actually thinking of a theory she wanted to check right now. "Illya, tell me, who is your mother?"

"Hm?" Illya looked curiously at Grayfia before bowing her head down a little. "She is… not a very nice person, but she is not a bad person. She is just… too focused."

"In what way?" Sona curiously asked Illya.

"She only cares about getting back the silence." Illya said, confusing everyone.

"And you don`t want it? Don`t you miss your mommy?" Sona continued.

"I like this world; it is fun and is full many good things, while mommy thinks that she must get back in her home no matter what. Mommy doesn`t want to understand that this world is much better than one she wants. And… I also don`t want to leave, because I would miss Daddy and Sakura, and if I left, Daddy would be very upset and…" Illya suddenly stop and turned to the courtyard. "They are back, but something is wrong. Very wrong and… Daddy isn`t with them." And without saying any other word, Illya ran directly towards it.

Grayfia and the others have followed the little white haired girl, thinking over what they`ve just heard about, picking up on the phrase of Alex not being with them. Once the trio were in the courtyard, they saw how from the ground opened up a very powerful and large portal, from where emerged practically the entire group that went out in the recon mission, but they were missing several members and had another person with them, helping to Cu Chulainn. However, that wasn`t what caught everyone`s eye: the group looked like they`ve just went not into a recon mission, but a bloody battle, as Xenovia and Cu Chulainn were badly injured and almost everyone was covered in bruises, cuts and dirt. It was troubling to see them like this, but then Grayfia noticed the weakened pained scream and saw the source of it, which was Kuroka, lying on the ground and… having blood spilling from between her legs. Ravel and Raynare were tending to her, while Scathach has fallen on to the ground, completely exhausted and out of all her powers, for it was obvious from the burnt runes on the ground it was her portal. But all of that wasn`t what hit them all. It was the fact that among them wasn`t Alexander. Rias was the first one to speak up.

"What the hell happened to you all?!" She screamed at them. "And where is Alex?! What happened to my husband?! Answer me!"

"Will you fucking shut the hell up?!" Archer finally snapped at Rias, disregarding the fact that Illya and others were here. "We`ve got two wounded here, both bleeding and a pregnant Nekoshou lady here with a risk of death and miscarriage! We don`t have fucking time to put up with your…" Archer was shut when Kuroka suddenly screamed louder and more painfully.

"Darn it! Damage to the womb is more critical than I thought and teleport affected her badly. I can only sustain her for a little while, but I can only slow down and ease a little the pain, but she needs real healer RIGHT NOW!" Ravel immediately reported, suddenly turning her attention to Illya who simply stepped close to Kuroka and put her little hand on her. "Illya, don`t touch her! She…"

Instead of listening to Ravel, Illya simply closed up her eyes and then snapped them open with them now glowing red. In the same instant, everyone almost chocked at the power surge coming from the little girl and just what kind of power it was coming from her. It was… unimaginable, like the purest light breaking through the night and blinding them. Like the freshest breeze of sea air, akin to icy wind cooling down the desert and hotness of the air. There were many interpretations and none would be completely accurate, for they were not enough. Even Grayfia didn`t know that there was this kind of power in this world, and she has faced many kinds of magical signatures and energies, from Greek gods to Angels and Devils of all kinds, but this… The closest energy she could think of related to Illya`s power was the energy she sensed from Dragons, but it was very stretched, almost like a whisper, but it was there, this relation.

As Illya`s powers flown through her body, the entire group has felt the effects that were taking effect on them all, flowing into them and making them feel the effect immediately. Battled Nephilims with all their wounds, cuts, bruises and exhaustion, have suddenly realized that all their pain and strains were gone, replaced completely by freshness and new found strength to fight on. Xenovia, Cu Chulainn and all of the warriors here have just witnessed how all of their wounds, cursed, poisoned or otherwise bad were completely gone. And then everyone turned to see that Kuroka has stopped crying out in pain, and wasn`t even feeling any at all. She gently moved away stunned Ravel`s hands and looked curiously at already finished Illya, who looked with a gentle smile at Kuroka, who smiled back to her and kissed her forehead.

"Nya, thank you, my kitten, nya." Kuroka said to Illya, standing up carefully and rubbing her belly gently. "Nya, what a fool of a mommy you have. Should`ve known better than risk your safety. Illya, you are a life savior, kitten, nya."

"Kuroka, explain yourself." Rias drew the attention of everyone, with her red aura glowing once more. "What is this talk about miscarriage and a child?! Is it his child?!" Heiress of Gremory wanted to know from Nekomata, who looked at her with a visible scowl.

Grayfia and Sona quickly picked up on what happened and were looking simply shocked, but they were good enough to hide their surprise and process it all out in their minds. Grayfia was mildly surprised to hear of the fact that Kuroka was pregnant, especially considering the fact that she wasn`t in her mating period, for she has made it her business to know who was among her closest, and she knew well enough that Nekomatas could mostly consummate a child during their mating periods and that the periods of pregnancy were relatively short, just barely 2 months. Due to the unique body structure, their child was forming fast, but also not showing off too much, until the very last week of the pregnancy. While she had some second thoughts, she was internally happy for Kuroka and Alex, especially considering that it was his first child. She already wondered if it would be a girl or a boy. As for Sona, she did feel a little sad that it was Kuroka to beat her in getting the firstborn to Alex, but she wasn`t going to let it get right under her skin. It was obvious that Alex and the girls were having intimate relations, with Kuroka known among their little circle to be an unofficial 'main girl and wife' to Alex. Nobody in Alex`s harem could actually compete with her level of devotion and love, so Sona simply had to accept. Plus, it showed clearly that Alex was capable of conceiving, which was the literal plus to her and other girls. And once Tsubaki hears about it… They would have to take a day off, or two for personal matters.

Kuroka looked threateningly at Rias and decided to answer to her. The rest of the group were looking in already combat alert.

"The miscarriage was my fault, I won`t deny it, but I believe that it is obvious who is the father." Kuroka spoke, not wanting to actually start up a fight, turning to everyone. "And he needs our help right now."

"Kuroka, sorry, but on this one, you aren`t coming along." Arturia said. "No offence, but knowing Alex, he will have my head on a pike for getting you hurt. I would prefer not to risk you and baby once again, although, you could`ve told at least someone about it."

"I knew." Illya spoke up, surprising everyone, save for Kuroka. "Kuroka`s baby is quiet, but she is sweet and kind. She feels nice and well with her Mommy and Daddy, but around Rias, she feels threatened and angry."

"Nya, the kitten knows who is who." Kuroka noted out. "Alright, but make it fast you all. I have a very bad feeling about it all."

"Not to ask about the obvious, but who is this one?" Sona asked, pointing at the young man standing near Cu Chulainn.

"Diarmuid O`Dyna is my name, milady. Descendant of First Knight of Fianna and loyal and proud member of Special Operations Division." Diarmuid introduced himself, looking at Cu Chulainn. "And, much to my own shame and dismay, one of victims of Kokabiel`s vile schemes. Hope you do not mind if I accompany you." He drew the questioning looks from Medusa and Archer.

"Don`t worry, that`s my cousin alright." Blue-haired lancer spoke in defense of his cousin. "Gae Dearg does its job just well against any kind of magic, Holy or Unholy." He then summoned up his own weapon. "Now, are we gonna stand here or go and get our people out that forest?" All nodded to that one and prepped up to go…

…Until they all had to turn to another opened portal, from which emerged another group, only these looked even worse than the first one. With them was Medea, whose whole attire was ragged and burnt, as if she had to go through hell and back, wounds showing off as well. It was clear as day that she has been fighting her own battle against someone. Next to her, were lying Griselda without her own weapon and Yuuto Kiba, badly beaten and bleeding from several wounds. Now it was clear just where the hell he was all this time, with a look of total defeat and shame. Near of them was sitting young girl in a traditional attire of wizard, with a cape and hat, dressed in a English-styled clothing of a student. She had blue eyes and curly blond hair. Arturia immediately went to her, for she couldn`t do otherwise for her little sister Le Fey Pendragon, knocked out Arthur being near them. And then there was one last lady, sitting on the ground and punching the ground with her own fist, cursing the hell out and with tears flowing out of her blue eyes, with her navy blue long hair looking messed as never before and her military-styled uniform also wrecked. Members of SOD immediately recognized her as their Field Commander and Alexander`s second-in-command, Esdeath, Strongest member of Special Operations Division and commander of her own unit of elite warriors and anti-terrorists Jaegers. And now, she looked as if she has been defeated in the worst way possible.

"Darned bastard… just couldn`t… you bloody idiot…" With each word she descended deeper into seemingly endless despair and… sadness, crying out loud, something that was never seen from Ice Queen. "Why couldn`t you just move away… Why… WHY?!"

Arturia looked at her and then at her little sister.

"Le Fey, was it your work?" She carefully asked her, who looked at her with teary eyes.

"Y-yes. I`ve m-managed to get them into multi-locational transportation spell, b-but…" She too descended into crying and sought comfort in Arturia`s shoulder. "Arturia, I am so sorry… I should`ve… I n-needed t-to be faster, b-but…" She descended into crying.

"Wh-What do you mean…" And then she understood… "No…No, don`t tell me… YOU SERIOUSLY MEAN IT?! HE CAN`T BE GONE!"

The rest of the group were a little confused, but then it came upon them. A morbid realization of what has occurred in that forest. The battle, that has been fought, but lost and now… they were realizing the loss. They all knew that there was a chance of death in a mission, always. Alex made sure that they all understood it and knew that this was truly possible, but for it to actually happen… Scathach gripped her spear and cursed in Celtic, with tears coming out. Irina and Xenovia bowed their heads in respect, despite how bad they`ve started out, not hiding their sadness. Medusa took away her eye patch and revealed tears flowing out. Archer was livid, pissed at that bastard, but no curses left his mouth. Cu Chulainn and Diarmuid gripped their fists and did their best to hold in bay their feelings. Medea and the rest of arrivers weren`t showing much emotion from exhaustion, safe for Esdeath and Le Fey. Sona and Grayfia had their mouth agape and faces pale, with Rias simply looking in shock. Illya didn`t even know what has happened, for her mind blackened and she fell in hands of Archer, holding poor child. Kuroka upon understanding it, dropped on her knees with shocked and mortified expression, all life gone from her body.

"No… Tell me you are not serious…" She said with emotionless and dead voice.

Instead of answering, Esdeath drew out something that no one of them wished to see, for it was the confirmation of what they all wished not to see.

Clarent Avenger, bloodied and covered in black feathers… with Alexander`s hand attached to it, severed from the body. And that was enough for them to finally understand, that their worst nightmare has come to life…

Alexander Lucifer, son of Lucia Lucifer and Azazel, True Lucifer and harbinger of Nephilims… was gone