Chapter 29

3 years before Alex became Rias` Pawn.

Austria. Region of Upper Austria.

Vali Lucifer, son of Lucian Lucifer, was a type of person that really like to partake in large scale battles and fights against strong and numerically superior adversaries. He was a battle maniac, although not as obsessive as Kokabiel and knowing his boundaries, most of the time, that is. He usually preferred to act independently and without restrains, when he was at his best in Balance Breaker of his Divine Dividing and destroying his enemies without hesitations. It was pretty hard to give him a command to be less violent and relentless in his battles and expect him to follow this decree. Of course, there were a few persons whose opinion his took into consideration and listened to, along with following their orders.

And Alexander Black was one of such people. Son of Azazel and Lucia Lucifer, his grand-aunt and daughter of Lucifer himself, he had his entire potential for powers sealed away even before his own birth. Vali knew of that from Azazel, just as Lucina, and they kept quiet about from him, as Azazel wanted not to get his son invested into endless squabbling with Heavens and Church and Devils because of his unique lineage. Vali could understand that and respected it, envying the guy even, for he had the opportunity to start up a normal life, something that Vali didn`t have. And yet, this guy has been through more shit then one can even comprehend and when he was brought into Grigori, back into the family, he didn`t stay long away from trouble, as he was suddenly abducted by Church for three months, but he did escape the captivity and he was saved by Baraquel and Vali, who along with Alex also brought in Arturia Pendragon, Archer and Jeanne D'Arc. With them and a number of other individuals, whom Alex helped out on the occasions, Black formed up, with the direct support and approval of Azazel, a special task force divisions, one of a kind in supernatural world, which acted almost fully independently and was acting as a pro-acting and reacting force. Formed with the aspects of the modern day spec ops units instead of the old fashioned formations, this 'Spec Ops' was something that many thought would be a mere wishful child`s dream.

But Alex made this 'child`s dream' into a force to be reckoned with by the members of anarchistic, terroristic organizations and even Devils and Angels with Church. Flexible and instantly reacting, reaching out to the places where official forces couldn`t get to and do some serious and really felt out damage. Even though Three Factions have signed up the ceasefire, in reality, they were in a state of cold war, just like the USA and USSR were. Real life battles changed to multiple, small-scale proxy-conflicts and skirmishes, where the direct actions of the Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels could cause serious consequences, but the unofficial force, a special operational task force… Black`s unit has quickly become a game changer in the entire politics of Three Factions, as before it was clear that Heavens and Church dominated the arena with their Exorcists, but when they were met with newest Grigori`s unit, their centuries` long domination was starting to crumble and influence of the Grigori was expanding rapidly.

Vali himself saw a couple of times how Alex handled things in these operations. He had to say, the guy had a real damn great talent and skill for the strategic and tactical planning, as the guy could plan out practically all outcomes of the battles and base his own battle plans on their supposed actions. Most of his operations were swift and clean, carried out without a hunch and done without wasting precious time and efforts of the men. Sort of like a surgical operation, a kind that Vali saw as a bit boring and not to his liking. Still he did appreciate the opportunity to witness Alex`s unit in actions, as Azazel did send him with Alex, to act as his bodyguard. Good thing that two got along really great. Usually, it was mostly Alex`s people doing the job, and really good one, but there were instances when Alex also partook in actions, being trained up for combat on SAS`s level by Baraquel, and being equipped for the duty by Azazel himself. Vali also did partake, glad to kick some ass.

Just like today.

Two days ago, one of Alex`s recon operatives, Hassan, reported about a strange smuggling activity, going all the way from Italy, through Tirol and reaching Upper Austria. Usually, that would mean that Alex`s division would wipe out the smugglers in an instance, but Alex ordered to do a full investigation of this operation, as he was getting reports about something suspicious going on in Grigori controlled area of states, that used to be the part of Holy Roman Empire, including Austria. Vali also heard those rumors, all connected with one thing: children missing. In the next day, Alex got a full report from Hassan, Kotaro Fuma and Archer, as they all pointed to one single place, a secluded abandoned monastery in Upper Austria, which was occupied by followers of the Church and Heavens, in large numbers. That was a huge violation of the agreements set between Grigori and Heaven about territories and not crossing them and it looked like this whole operation of Church was going on for a while now, over a year even. Azazel and most of the high command of the Grigori were attending a meeting with Celtic Mythology, effectively leaving Alex as the highest ranking member of the Grigori in the area. After a brief talk with Azazel and getting his approval on the further actions, Alex decided to act now, without hesitations and giving enemies time to realize that they`ve been spotted. And because of that, he called up his entire division that wasn`t on the missions and at deserved shore leaves. Vali could tell, this time Alex wasn`t going to take any chances with letting not using all of his available resources, as he even asked Vali to accompany him in this one. Vali was surprised and only agreed to do so.

Operation was planned quickly and without delay put into motion. The whole monastery was a formerly very well fortified castle, belonging to Habsburgs in the days of Austrian Empire, but it was granted to the Church as a sign of good will. During the World War II it was taken by Soviets and most of the battlements and defenses were reduced to rubble and only main building along with several other buildings remained. And now it was all put to uses by Church and Heaven, much to their own misfortune. According to Archer and Fuma, there were practically 250 Exorcists guarding up the place, along with less the 20 Church`s scientists, led by an archbishop Valper Galilei, unknown person to Alex. However, what really set Alex off on the way of war were the news about the children that were experimented for some reason. There were, according to their information, more than 400 children, and there were already 28 dead children. That was enough and Alex has deployed his own special division to the battle. Cao Cao was leading a strike team of 20 operatives from the north-east, with him were Heracles, Georg, Sieghard and others. Arthur lead his team of 24 operatives from the north-west, accompanied by his sister Arturia, Medea, Archer and other real specialists of the assault. And the third detachment was led personally by Alex, accompanied by Medusa, Vali, Atalanta, Cu Chulainn, Diarmuid and Jeanne. They were moving from the forests in the southern region, working as a force to take free the hostages and take the command of the enemy in captivity. The rest are providing diversion and dealing with the upcoming Exorcists.

Vali only wished that he was among them, not moving with his friend clad in his Scale Mail. Vali growled soundly.

"Ugh, damned snow." Vali complained through his armor. "Black, remind me again, why the hell can`t I just fly instead of moving my ass through this deep snow in the middle of a forest?"

Alex looked at his right, observing his friend, white-clad in armor. He himself was dressed in a special combat suit, created by Azazel and Shemhazai for his own usage in combat. It was a symbiotic black suit, capable of shapeshifting and changing its density and many other uses, serving to strengthen and enhance his host, but it was completely mindless and responded to mental commands of Alexander, such as taking a form of a battle attire of a member special forces, modified by Alex for his own tastes. With him, he carried two combat knives, Russian Dragunov sniper rifle with a scope and silencer and a AS Val for close combat. In his hands was Dragunov at the moment. Black spoke up.

"If I were to allow you to go there, then we would be having not an operation, but a slaughter house, and those guys know what it means, to be battling White Dragon Emperor." Alex explained his position, moving through the forest, along with his group. "Besides, with you out here, we can use you as our main ace in the hole against the Church. If situation calls for it, I`ll send you where you need to be, not where you want to be. And now, you are needed here. As for the flight, you would be an easy target to picking on."

"Heh, alright, you are a boss here." Vali agreed.

As the group made it to the borders of the forest, they saw the building and how it was guarded. They were just 400 meters away from their target and Alex decided to check up on his friends.

"This is Bravo-1, Nest in sights. I repeat, Nest in sight. Status report?" Alex talked through the comm with others.

"Tango-1 here, we are holding our ground in 900 meters from the building. I repeat, hold up in 900 meters from target." Arthur reported in. "Exorcists are coming at us from several directions and some of my men have been injured in a battle. Request their immediate removal through teleports."

"Approved, retreat to point Gamma and drive them to the range of your long-rangers." Alex commanded.

"Delta-1, we are on the move and driving the enemy back." Cao clicked in. "I`ve cut out their forces from their HQ. We`ll deal with them shortly."

"Good, keep this up." Alex clicked off and took up his rifle and watched through the scope. "Diarmuid, Atalanta, I see 4 guards posted, 2 of them on the ground, 430 and 423 meters, 2 others are on the roof with rifles, 435 and 431 meters."

"Aye, I see them clearly." Diarmuid confirmed. "I see them as clear as day. The rest are out fighting our friends."

"These swines don`t deserve to even take breath upon this soil, for taking those poor children captive." Atalanta growled, taking her bow and putting an arrow. "I say we teach these men a lesson. Give a word, Alex, and my arrows shall rain down on them in an instant."

"Medusa, Jeanne, Diarmuid and Cu, go and take up position to attack them on my signal." Alex commanded and the four moved out. "Vali, wait until we deal with the guards and then break open the wall. Atalanta, I take out one on the right, you are on the left one." Alex commanded, putting a magazine.

"Roger that." She readied her arrow and aimed. "3…"

"2…" Alex`s prepared his rifle and the scope was on the head of an exorcist`s head.

"1." Atalanta finished up and released her arrow out in the air.

Alex waited for one heartbeat, for they needed to kill them both right at the same instant. Once the moment was achieved, he gently pulled the trigger and bullet left the barrel of his rifle, travelling through the air and reaching its intended target. Target Exorcist`s head was pierced right through and his face become a bloodied soup. Atalanta`s target was hit in between the eyes, clean and instant kill. Both dropped on the ground, but there was none to be alerted by the time they reached the soil. As Alex made his shot, two pairs that he sent after those other two guards were dealt with as well: Medusa`s chain blade wrapped around the neck of one guard and in one strong pull, broke his neck; the other guard was dealt swiftly too, when Cu Chulainn`s spear reached the heart of his opponent, killing him. Covertly and swiftly, the enemies were dealt with very well planned efficiency. Putting back his rifle and taking his specialized auto rifle, Alex moved with Atalanta to the rest of his group, Vali following him. Once they were at the wall of the castle, Alex looked at his men and spoke up.

"Good, clean and swift." Alex has taken a look at Vali. "Alright, do your thing and go all out there, but do not kill the scientists or the archbishop. I need them to talk." He turned to the others. "Once we are inside, Jeanne and I will move to the dungeons and clear get the kids out of there. Cu, Diarmuid, I want you to guard the route we will be moving. Medusa, you are with Vali and find those damned clerics."

All operatives have nodded and now positioned at the wall. Vali took some distance and in one run, he broke right through the solid wall of bricks and stone, making his way into the hall. Alex nodded and Medusa followed right through with Vali, Alex and Jeanne going in the next and Diarmuid with Cuhullin the last. Inside, it looked like an old style church, just Alex had expected, but that wasn`t what he was concentrated on. He had a clear objective and he needed to complete it, along with the Jeanne. Vali and Medusa moved right forward, looking for their targets. Diarmuid was the first to be attacked by an Exorcist inside, as he was ambushed from the side, but he was quicker and moved to the left, with Gae Buidhe going in a quick thrust through the neck of enemy, sealing his fate. Cu Chulainn and his Gae Bolg were also busy, fending off two Exorcists, as one was pierced through the shoulder and a second was hit by a blunt side and then finished off with quick stab in the head.

Alex and Jeanne, using a map that Archer had made through usage of his Structural Analysis, when he scouted the place the first time, quickly found the way to the dungeons and were moving downstairs. Alex was moving in front, with his weapon ready. He then heard the voices and screams coming from downstairs. Child`s screams. Jeanne too has heard them and the two hurried their descend there, not even meeting the resistance, but this wasn`t even bothering them, for they had far more pressing matters. Something was going on with the kids and they had to stop it. After a minute, they`ve managed to reach the wooden door and Alex simply broke into the room, seeing one sight that simply became one that he wasn`t even thinking on seeing.

Inside the isolated cages, made out of steel and thick mirror, were children, stocked there like a cattle. Alex saw each and every one of them, all of them looking like they were through darkest hours of their life, but now… they were in the worst one. In front of Alexander Black, were 10 sealed off chambers where those kids… were being gassed. On his eyes, boys and girls were pucking out their own blood and guts, getting down on the ground, piling up and dying from suffocation and internal bleeding. They were being killed, no, executed, just like cattle. It was just like the Nazis did in their concentration camps, only now it was the Church that authorized it. There were no words to describe the horror and terror that Alex was seeing on his eyes. Not even in his worst nightmares and the most terrible imaginations, he didn`t even think that such atrocity could be possible. It was simply… too much. How… Just how someone could even think about it and execute?! What kind of a monster has ordered such thing to be carried out?!

As Alex was stopped for a second by the sight of gas chambers, three Exorcists, that were responsible for putting in the canisters, were now charging at Alex. Fortunately, Alex got pushed away by Jeanne, as her blade in one swift motion cut down the attackers, but then she go treated to the sight Alex was observing just now.

"Oh my God…" She was so shocked, that no words were there to describe it. "Th-they are…"

Gathering up his last bits of strength, he looked around and saw that 3 chambers weren't being gassed. So, he moved right to them and shot off the locks and opened up the doors. Alex removed his mask and looked at the kids.

"Listen, we are not here to hurt you." Alex reassured them. "Go upstairs and just stay away from the fighting. We will tend to all injured and traumatized soon enough. GO!" He ordered and they moved towards the upstairs.

And as they have cleared out the cages, Alex grimly turned towards the other cages, from where he didn`t even now hear coughing or any sounds. No sounds, only a noise of pouring more and gas into the chambers. Black wasn`t a professor, but he knew this type of gas. Phosgene, developed in World War I and deployed first by Germans on the Western Front. Deadly and very effective, especially deadly in such tight places. Even the small amounts were enough to kill dozens in cramped spaces. And now, it was used to kill those young children, all because those clerics have ordered. There was nothing else that could be said, for they have been now suffocated by this gas and there was nothing left alive inside them. All of them, all these children and their dreams, their hopes… all were taken by a deathly gas. Only a small part of them was now saved and the others were killed, but… Alex couldn`t help, but to blame himself, for the stupidity and arrogance. He knew there was something strange going on. He knew that there were strange movements in Austria. He knew… And yet, he let it all slip right under his own nose. And because of that, because of his blunder, these kids were now killed.

There was nobody to blame but Alexander Black himself.

Alex slowly moved towards sobbing Jeanne and stood near of her, looking inside one of chambers, seeing dead children inside them. Jeanne spoke in dead voice.

"H-how… W-what kind of a h-horrible monster could order it?" She struggled to contain her tears. "H-how c-could t-the C-church a-a-allow s-such…" She was breaking down.

And Alex decided to act and his softly pulled Jeanne into a hug, her head pressed against her shoulder making sure that she didn`t see the bodies of dead and feel that she isn`t alone. In the next second, Jeanne fully broke down in tears and sobs, as she allowed her tears flow freely, as Alex was holding her and not letting her go, while containing his own tears and not letting himself break down as well. Someone needed to be strong here, someone had to be the one to let out tears on and feel protected, even though inside there was nothing more, but sorrow and deep, deep sadness, fuelled with fury for those vanished souls. Wasted for some reason, there was no returning for them. And Alex wished that he could save all those that needed saving, but he had to understand that there will casualties and dead people, but still… If only…

Suddenly, the loud footsteps were heard and Alex with Jeanne turned to face whoever was coming down here. Alex pulled on his mask and readied his gun. In the next second, in front of Alex stood none other but commander of one of his attacking groups, Cao Cao, holder of True Longinus. He looked at his commander and spoke.

"Alex." He nodded to his CO and looked around, doing his best not to vomit. "Bloody hell, those bastards really did gassed them?! Shit…"

"Cao, report." Alex commanded, moving to his friend.

"The enemy forces have been dealt with." Cao regained his composure. "Arthur and his group along with my own group have secured the perimeter. Just saw the remaining kids, I have Medea and a few others tending them. Also, we`ve taken their leader captive. He is waiting for you outside as we speak."

Alex grimly looked at his friend and turned to Jeanne. After taking another glance at the dead kids he spoke up in grim voice.

"Cao, have the chambers cleared out of gas and… remove the bodies out of there. We will bury them with all traditions and honors." He decided. "Jeanne, contact our HQ and request a long-range teleport for those kids. You and a few others will convoy them and see to their health and conditions. And… inform Penemue of what happened here." And with that being said, he moved upstairs.

It didn`t take him too long to reach the hall and then move past his men and get outside, where, chained up and guarded by Cu Chulainn and Vali, was standing an old archbishop with glaces and dressed as one. Near him were the said scientists. Alex didn`t even glance at them or at his operatives that have gathered up here, but he knew that the word has already got out and they wanted blood. He couldn`t blame them, for he himself wished to kill someone, right now, but then, he halted with his thoughts, for he saw the familiar face. Among the captured Alex saw a woman that he knew from his past, guarded by Archer. Instead of going straight to Valper, Alex turned to her and moved closer. He spoke to her, removing his mask.

"So, this is how low you are ready to sink, Griselda?" Alex glared at the Exorcist, who was shocked to see the familiar raven-haired boy.

"A-Alex?" She questioned, recognizing the boy. "Y-you are the one who leads them? You are the Grigori`s newest commander?"

"That is not what you should be concerning yourself with, Exorcist." His voice was harsh and cold. "What you really have to concern yourself with is for how long you are going to be alive, before I put a bullet right through your fucking skull!" He shouted out, pointing a gun at her. "Do you even know, just whom did you gas down there?! Children, fucking children… Your men have gassed hundreds of children down there! I saw just how they were pucking their blood and organs out, you bloody bitch!"

"Alex, please, just listen to me and…" Griselda was trying to convince Alex, but then, she and everyone heard a loud chuckle.

And it`s source was none other, but Valper Galilei himself. Alex stopped his finger from pulling the trigger and moved away his gun, walking to the architect of this madness. And the old man simply laughed and laughed. Alex growled and spoke up.

"What`s so funny, cleric?" He demanded an answer from the archbishop.

Valper turned to the young man and looked at him.

"Oh, it is nothing. I just find it amusing how you care about all those wasted resources." Valper said in casual tone, surprising Alex and shocking at the same time. "All those petty little kids with their lives… All have held no potential or whatsoever for the one thing that my heart beats for. I was so hopeful that at least one would be capable of becoming a wielder of Excalibur, but all they did was shocking me with their worthlessness and so I`ve disposed of them, for they have proven to be utterly and absolutely failed."

That… That was something that Alex simply could get. All those lives, those children, all are dead because… they could wield Excalibur? Those children must`ve been the rumored Holy Sword Project and now… that project had failed. And all of the subjects were disposed of, all by an order of this man, who didn`t even see them as humans, only as… resources…

"You…You`ve ordered to gas them, all because they couldn`t wield your Excaliburs?" Alex asked the man once again.

"Yes, of course I did. What else was I supposed to do with those failed experiments? Keep them alive?" Valper questioned Alex. "Why would I need them alive, if they have failed in a single task I have given them? They were just material with which I worked with and that was all."

"So, you don`t even care if they were humans, you bloody Church`s BASTARD!" Alex have finally lost it and in one swift motion, he punched Valper with all his power right in his face.

An old man has dropped down on the ground and looked fearfully at the boy, who`s expression was now one of absolute fury and tears were going out of his eyes. Alex`s operatives and friends weren`t even going to stop their leader, for they would all greatly enjoy to kill this bastard themselves. Valper spoke once more.

"Wh-why have you done that? A-are you concerned about those kids?! W-what do they even mean to you?!" He questioned Alex, but he didn`t answer, for his fist once more connected with the priest`s face, breaking his nose.

And then Alex simply continued to hit him, with all he had, with all his anger, all his fury and with all remaining strength he had left. All those lives... All those poor kids… All for those cursed EXCALIBURS?! Just because of that and they had to die, so that this man`s sick dream would be completed?! Alex couldn`t even believe that the world bares such sick and twisted people. Why? Why?! WHY?!

As Alex continued to grind this man`s face into the ground, skies suddenly cleared out and impossible light appeared, blinding everyone and making all cover their eyes. Alex got up, coving his eyes and once the light died down, he saw the source of the light himself.

"Michael." Alex growled, as he looked upon shining gold Archangel.

"Greetings, Alexander Black." Michael spoke in saddened voice coming down and stepping closer to Alex. "I apologize for crossing the borders, but it is absolutely necessary that I come here now."

"To save those dogs and their bloody researches?!" Alex shouted at Archangel. "If that is what you here after, then forget it, because I will personally see that this whole mountain is gone with all the atrocities that you and your friends have authorized here!"

"Alexander, the knowledge of the nature of the research of these experiments was hidden from me and my brethren. " Michael revealed, surprising everyone for a second. "It was not my word that gave Valper the right to commit these atrocities, but it is my fault for letting him and others go this far, killing those poor children. I came here to ask of you to give him and others to me, so that they may be judged and executed for their crimes."

"Why should I even consider this?" Alex asked of Seraph. "Their mere presence is enough of a reason to break this ceasefire and retaliate with full force for all that your pets has done here, Michael. And you know, just as I do, that after what happened here, many will be happy to secure their children by destroying the Heaven and your entire Church."

"Alexander, I was sent here to deal with Valper." Griselda voiced herself, drawing attention from both Alex and his men. "It is true that Pope has given him permission to conduct his research, but once we discovered the truth behind his work, me and my division was sent here to deal with him and save the children. The majority of the Exorcists you`ve killed here are my men."

"If you expect me to apologize, Quarta, forget it." Alex turned back to Angel. "What she is saying is true or not, Seraph? Because if she is lying, then I`ll personally kill her." Alex knew that Michael wasn`t the guy that would lie.

"She is correct, for it was I that ordered it." Michael said, convincing Alexander. "Valper`s actions have already made him a heretic and he has death sentence prepared for him. He and his colleagues shall be judged and executed, that I can promise to you, Alexander. I ask that you stay your hand and give him to me."

Alex simply sighed and spoke.

"Alright." Alex allowed it. "Take Griselda too, but, the surviving children are coming with me and for all this damned crap you`ve allowed to happen, Seraph, I demand something from you as a compensation."

"Yes, it would only be reasonable. What you ask of me?"

"First, you shall donate all of Vatican`s treasury to every orphanage in the world." Alex demanded. "Second, each and every one child that was killed today will have a requiem served by leaders of the Churches. Third, a complete and unconditional withdraw all your agents and assets from Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Chechen, for these territories will be under Grigori`s full protection. And forth, the scientists that worked here will be judged by Grigori, while you can keep Valper and Griselda. If these conditions are not meant, and I will find out if they are not, you can expect serious consequences for your people, Seraph."

Michael could understand and simply sighed.

"Very well, I accept these conditions." Seraph agreed. "They are reasonable and justified. I am relieved that we were able to come to an agreement here, Alexander." Michael unchained Griselda and took the badly bleeding Valper. "Farewell, Alexander. I hope that next time we meet, it shall be under better consequences." And with the bright flash, he vanished with his prisoners.

Alex simply sighed and looked down on his hand, beaten up and bloody. They really ached and were in a bit of bad shape, even with his special suit on. Still, it wasn`t a time to be resting, for his turned around and walked into the building.

He still had the graves to dig for those kids…