Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter Text
???: “Ioriiiiii…~”
Iori remains asleep, despite the call of his name.
???: “Come on Ioriiiiiii…~”
Someone was poking Iori as he still remains asleep.
???: “Hm… you really are a sound sleeper huh… oh well… guess I can try this out…”
Suddenly, Iori was hit with a ton of water that just fell on him.
Iori: “Ahhwazzaaawake..!”
Iori then swept his now drenched hair to see Akeno in an apron, with a magic circle above her head.
Iori: “What… no electricity this time?
Akeno giggled.
Akeno: “I figured I would try something different today, and good morning to you too.”
Iori: “R-Right… morning.”
Iori sat upwards.
Iori: “Oh I see…”
Akeno: “What does that mean? You don’t like my outfit?”
Akeno gave a little twirl, making it more clear that she’s ONLY wearing the apron.
Iori: “Come on you know very well that I do. I just like it a little better off~.”
Akeno: “Smooth. But let’s try to have breakfast first.”
???: “Yeah, come on I’m starving.”
Iori’s eyes opened widely as he turned to see Airi… his little sister… back before she disappeared.
Iori: “…Airi?”
Airi: “Yeah- oh…… come on bro… how long are you gonna sleep? You’re supposed to meet my boyfriend after all?”
Iori stood up from the bed.
Iori: “Boyfriend?”
Someone did step in, but Iori’s vision couldn’t pick up on the guy’s appearance.
???: “-And you must be the brother, is that correct?”
The guy looked like TV static, Iori unable to pick up on his appearance.
???: “Unfortunately I must ask you not to interfere with my plans. For you see, I have take quite the liking to Airi here. My very soul calls out to her love… and I appreciate it if you were out of the way…”
The figure held his hand up and Iori’s vision flashed immediately as he shot awake in a king sized bed. The sheets lowered down into his lap as he looked around the bedroom.
Akeno: “Ara ara~. Finally awake are we?”
Iori turned to see Akeno in the middle of dressing herself in the Kuoh Academy uniform. Though she immediately knew something was off about Iori.
Akeno: “Are you alright?”
Iori: “Uh… yeah. Just an odd dream is all…”
Akeno: “An odd dream you say… care to tell me more?”
Iori: “……I saw Airi.”
Akeno’s eyes opened a bit wide.
Akeno: “Your… sister?”
Iori: “Yeah. Though she was… a bit younger. Before she went missing.”
Akeno: “Likely because that was the last time you saw her… anything else?”
Iori: “Yeah uh… there was a guy she introduced as her boyfriend. Couldn’t make out the appearance or voice though…”
Akeno: “You didn’t recognize him?”
Iori: “Couldn’t. The dude looked like static and his voice was distorted.”
Akeno: “Odd. Did anything else happen?”
Iori: “…He said that he had plans, that is soul called out to her and he didn’t want me in the way… I don’t know about you but… not sure I like the idea of… any of that.”
Akeno: “No, I don’t either… did it… did any of it seem real? Or… just a normal dream?”
Iori: “I’d say it was just a dream. But…… the guy… I think I’ve met him before but…… I can’t remember…”
Akeno sat beside him on the bed.
Iori: “…I think that guy’s involved with the gap in my memory. The day Airi disappeared…”
Akeno: “I see… do you plan to continue looking then?”
Iori: “Not sure where I’d start… or… maybe I know someone who can tell me at least something.”
Akeno: “I would do that. But……”
Akeno trailed off and Iori picked up on what she was thinking.
Iori: “You’re worried I won’t like what I find.”
Akeno: “I’d be lying if the though hadn’t crossed my mind.”
Iori sighed.
Iori: “The possibility of her being dead is… as much as I don’t want to admit, frighteningly high. But there’s something that tells me she’s still alive. Maybe it’s just hope or an instinct… but my instinct’s never failed me before. Until I have to take that entrance exam…”
Akeno giggled.
Akeno: “Oh you’ll be just fine. And if you pass…”
Akeno got close to his left ear.
Akeno: “I believe a reward is in order~.”
That got Iori flustered.
Akeno: “Just try to keep the tool of yours in your pants for now, okay~? I don’t want you taking it for a test drive without me~.”
Iori: “Oh don’t worry. A ‘test drive’ is nothing in comparison without you… nope that did not work… dammit.”
Akeno patted him on the head.
Akeno: “‘A’ for effort.”
Akeno got up from the bed.
Akeno: “Coming down for breakfast?”
Iori: “Yeah, I’ll be there.”
Akeno left the bedroom, leaving Iori to get dressed.
Everyone from the peerage was at the table eating.
Mr. Hyoudou: “Must say I was certainly surprised. Eighteen year old kid with a motorcycle was certainly not the kind we expected to be staying with us.”
Mrs. Hyoudou: “Your parents must’ve raised you fast before… well… what you told us.”
Iori: “Didn’t exactly ‘raise’ more… beat. But I’m the one still standing and I’m the street racer. Should probably tune into that bike up… well I’ve got all day.”
Rias: “That you do, but remember, you still have the entrance exam to pass. And when you join Kuoh Academy in a few months you’ll be allowed on school grounds, including the Occult Research Building.”
Iori: “Yeah… unless I find my own way.”
Akeno: “Planning to sneak in, are we?”
Iori: “Oh just wait and see.”
Iori took a sip of his mug.
Iori: “And I’ve gotta ask… how long as… this entire palace been in my neighborhood?”
Gasper: “Since the rest of us moved in actually so…… about a week?”
Iori: “So where were you all living before that?”
Rias: “Since Issei joined the group, I’ve been staying here since.”
Asia: “Then I started living here when I joined.”
Kiba: “I’ve had an apartment with someone I share a contract with.”
Akeno: “Nice luxury hotel.”
Xenovia: “Me and Irina made a living situation in a church before I became a Devil.”
Gasper: “Occult Research Club room.”
Koneko: “Tent in the forest.”
Issei: “Uh-“
Everyone turned to Koneko.
Rias: “…Why did you not tell me you were living in a TENT?”
Koneko: “Wasn’t a living problem. More comfortable than you think.”
Gasper: “…Is that what we were staying in when it came to the whole Mujin thing?”
Koneko: “Same spot, same tent.”
Rias: “You didn’t even carry a scent- how did you bathe?”
Koneko: “Bathhouse.”
Rias: “…I worry about you, you know that?”
Koneko: “Well aware.”
Iori was driving down Kuoh Town on his bike, not too fast as his mind was half focused on the drive… and his dream.
Iori: “…Why now? Why get a dream like that now? A warning? A calling?”
Iori sighed.
Iori: “…Where are you Airi?”
Iori picked up the gas as he made his way to the police station, parking his bike, and then making his way inside, and to the front desk. Thankfully no like ahead of him as he approached… exactly who he was looking for.
Officer: “Iori?”
Iori: “How are you Officer Kabuto?”
Kabuto: “Detective now, actually.”
Rikiya Kabuto
Kuoh Detective, Second Division
Iori: “Really? Must’ve been a while.”
Kabuto: “Since I last saw you, three years. But I know you’re not here to talk about that.”
Iori: “Read like a book huh?”
Kabuto: “As I said, detective.”
Iori nodded in confirmation.
Iori: “I’m guessing the case isn’t getting picked up?”
Kabuto: “Missing persons cases don’t actually get dropped. They can go on for years but… with you getting confirmed you’re not a suspect and… no other possible suspect… you can imagine how difficult it is when whoever did this isn’t a serial kidnapper or killer.”
Iori: “How do you know that’s not the case?”
Kabuto: “We tried searching mountains, bodies of water, already know we turned the city upside down and… no trace.”
Iori: “Yeah…”
Kabuto: “You’ve got my number, so if you get any evidence, you call me, okay?”
Iori: “Swear it.”
Kabuto: “You’re a good kid.”
Matsuda: “Last day of school you jive-ass suckahs!”
Issei: “And you guys know what that means! Sexy summertime!”
Motohama: “Babes in bikinis at the beaches and pools! My spy-dork sense is tingling with anticipation!”
Aika: “So The Perverted Trio’s keeping their summer schedule open?”
The three turned to see Aika sitting on a nearby desk.
Motohama: “Oh shut up!”
Issei: “And again with this Perverted Trio junk?”
Matsuda: “Step off Kiryuu! We only need one scouter with glasses and Motohama’s our dog!”
Kiryuu: “Heh. Lumping me in the same as the spectacled freak? A bit insulting.”
Motohama: “Foolish!”
Issei: “Yeah! Motohama’s glasses can accurately measure a woman’s bust in the time it takes to finish this sentence!”
Motohama: “Watch.”
Motohama adjusts his glasses.
Motohama: “I’d say you’re packing a very respectable 36C.”
Aika: “Heh. Not bad. But I hate to break it to you, you’re not the only one with that technique.”
Aika’s glasses shine to the surprise of the three, then she steps up to Issei.
Aika: “Now gentlemen… let’s see.”
Aika then gets close and whispers three different numbers into Issei’s ear, then is ultimately amazed.
Issei: “Her scouting level’s over nine thouuuuusaaand!”
Matsuda: “Oh snap!”
Motohama: “Alright the glasses are off! Now I’ll scout the size of your areola!”
Aika: “Then shut your yap and do it pansy!”
Issei: “Scouting stand-off!”
Matsuda: “A duel!”
Meanwhile, in the distance…
Irina: “What are they doing?”
Xenovia: “I’m not entirely sure…”
Asia: “Aika does have a few interests… so-“
Aika: “You’re a pretty lucky girl Asia! Your boy here’s smuggling some serious kelbasa!”
Asia: “Really?”
Irina: “Smuggling kelbasa?”
Xenovia: “Sounds like an authority issue…”
Aika face palmed.
Aika: “I meant his big-“
Issei: “DON’T announce it too the room! Are you TRYING to warp minds!?”
Aika: “Oh please, like you haven’t done anything to do the same. Biggest mystery is how you recovered from Toujou beatin’ you three senseless.”
Matsuda: “Chick’s got too much strength in that tiny body…”
Gasper was in his box beside the window as Issei looked down at the game he was playing.
Issei: “Have you been playing that all day?”
Gasper: “KOF games are hard…”
Issei: “Oh god which Rugal?”
Gasper: “Goenitz…”
Issei: “Ooooohhhhhhhh… good luck.”
Gasper: “Yup…”
Issei: “So, Kiba. Got anything special planned for over the break?”
Kiba looked up and closed his book.
Kiba: “Actually we all do. I forgot this is your first time with us Issei.”
Asia: “How about you Koneko? What are you going to do?”
Koneko: “I’ve started yoga.”
Irina: “You have? Really?”
Koneko: “Therapist’s idea.”
Rias: “Good to hear that you’ve picked up techniques.”
Rias and Akeno had just stepped in, with another figure with blue hair.
Asia: “Uh… who- Akeno I didn’t know you had a brother…”
Issei got a better look at the guy in sunglasses.
Issei: “Dude that disguise is NOT fooling anyone.”
Iori: “Hey it got me past the gates…”
Iori put his sunglasses away.
Iori: “And I’m a good liar. So as far as anyone knows I’m actually Xenovia’s brother.”
Akeno: “When I dyed his hair a few days ago it came out a little lighter than mine, matches Xenovia more.”
Xenovia: “Looking at it now, it does.”
Issei: “Oh and Kiba, what did you mean ‘we all have plans’?”
Rias: “He hasn’t told you? As a group we’re all visiting home in the Underworld as a yearly tradition.”
Asia: “All of us?”
Rias: “Masters and servants must always be together. Plus I got a group rate and there are plans for a conference.”
Irina: “Oh I almost forgot about that! I need to prepare my suit! Or should I get a new one..?”
Iori: “Hold on I didn’t even know we bad another one with us…”
Xenovia: “Oh that’s right, you never met Irina.”
Iori’s eyes widened a little.
Iori: “Hang on you’re the girl that managed a perfect score on the dancing game in the arcade!?”
Irina chuckles to herself.
Irina: “That I have! Irina Shidou! Ace Ranked Angel of Lord Michael’s Knights!”
Iori raised an eyebrow.
Iori: “Angel? Really?”
Rias: “She’s not actually with the peerage, but she is a very close friend of ours.”
Iori: “I see. Iori Kazama. Reincarnated Fallen Angel.”
Irina: “Really? I didn’t know it worked the same way it does with Devils.”
Rias: “Each faction works differently. But because Akeno is a part of a peerage of Devils, she uses the same system.”
Akeno: “And Iori here has proven to be a unique case quite a few times. Even picking up magic circles.”
Iori: “Forbidden Magic actually works as an autopilot. Kinda cheating to work magic circles, but I’m not complaining.”
Iori traced a small circle in the air, the markings then filled into the circle and a small, odd-shaped light blue beam of light shot forwards and flipped Irina crucifix into the air for a short second.
Irina: “Whoa… cool.”
Azazel: “Seem to be improving there Iori.”
Everyone turned to Azazel who was sitting in a chair behind the desk for… no one knows how long.
Rias: “Azazel? How did you get in here?”
Azazel: “Listen Gremory, if you didn’t notice my presence until just now, you’ve got a lot of training ahead of you. Sounds like the plan is to head out tomorrow, I’ll be sure and to pack a deck of cards. Maybe work on my throwing.”
Iori: “What are you, a magician?”
Azazel: “Didn’t you and Akeno do a whole magic act?”
Issei: “When did that happen!?”
Akeno: “It’s a long story.”
The next day came around and the team was packed in the Gremory Train, zooming through the Underworld. Gasper was playing his game still, but he noticed Koneko looking off in the distance.
Gasper: “Uh hey, Koneko… you seem a little… distracted.”
Koneko: “Hm? Oh, guess so.”
Gasper: “……Is it… the White Tiger blood?”
Koneko: “…A little. I had control when I fought Mujin… but now it feels more aggressive.”
Gasper: “I see…… well… I did manage to snap you out of it once so… I’d be happy to help you do it again. Even if it… is kind of terrifying.”
Koneko’s face flushes a little.
Koneko: “…Thanks.”
Gasper: “A-Anytime.”
Announcer: “We will soon arrive at the Sitri Domain terminal.”
Issei: “Sitri domain?”
???: “Hey, Hyoudou!”
Issei turned to see Saji, Sona, and Tsubaki were entering their train car.
Issei: “Hey, Saji!”
Rias: “Good to see you Sona. Tsubaki.”
Sona: “Since you were kind enough to give us a ride on the Gremory Train, I figured we’d see how you were before getting off.”
Sona took a look at Iori.
Sona: “This must be your newest addition to your peerage.”
Rias: “Why yes. Iori, this is Sona Sitri. She’s the king of her own peerage like me, while on the human world, Kuoh Academy’s Class President.”
Sona: “It’s good to meet you, Iori Kazama.”
Sona Sitri
Devil Peerage King
House Sitri
Iori: “So she’s a class president? That mean the whole peerage are Devils too.”
Saji: “Every last one of us, yeah.”
Saji Genshirou
Devil Pawn
House Sitri
Tsubaki: “You lot must also be assembling for the gathering I take it?”
Tsubaki Shinra
Devil Queen
House Sitri
Xenovia: “That and for training. Especially after what happened last time we all fought together.”
Saji: “Oh yeah, I’m gonna be working my ass off down there. Workin’ my way to get stronger than you Hyoudou.”
Issei: “Heh, you can sure as hell try.”
Sona: “Saji, Tsubaki. Time to go.”
Tsubaki nodded and bowed to the group.
Saji: “Right, welp, see ‘ya!”
Sona: “Farewell for now, and good luck.”
Rias smirked back at Sona.
The train kept going, now arriving at the Gremory domain.
Issei: “About time!”
Akeno: “You boys ready to be mind blown?”
Iori: “Watcha mean- holy shit!”
Iori was looking out the window, then Asia, Xenovia, and Issei started looking outside.
Xenovia: “Wait- ALL of that land!?”
Akeno: “Oh yes. This all belongs to the House of Gremory.”
Issei: “Freakin’ huge…”
Kiba: “If you were to compare it to Japan, they own roughly the size of it’s main island.”
Iori: “So this entire land is practically a-“
Suddenly the train stopped, making everyone fumble a bit.
Xenovia: “We stopped?”
Announcer: “The emergency brake has been activated.”
Iori: “What did we crash?”
Akeno: “I do wonder…”
Azazel: “A few VIP’s will be gathering here soon. The stop was likely a security precaution.”
Issei: “VIP’s?”
Rias: “As mentioned before, the his gathering is going to have many guests. One of the representatives of Asgard being one of these guests.”
Issei: “Sorry, what’s an ass-guard?”
Iori: “I’m gonna guess a world that is NOT what I read about in a Marvel comic…”
Kiba: “Asgard are the forces behind Norse mythology, the home os Viking gods. Then there’s Olympus from Greek mythology, and the legendary Mount Meru in Asia. It’s more than just Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils.”
Issei: “Any chance one of those guys was who escaped with Vali as one of them-? Oh this conference is about the Chaos Brigade isn’t it?”
Rias: “Correct, terrorist countermeasures.”
Asia: “Wait isn’t-… Kuroka part of that too?”
Rias looked over to Koneko and so did Issei.
Issei: “Yeah are… you gonna be okay with that?”
Koneko: “I’ll manage.”
Iori: “I’m gonna guess Kuroka’s family? Sister?”
Issei: “Right on the money.”
Koneko suddenly senses immediate danger.
Koneko: “Something’s here!”
A massive glow took the area and Iori quickly summoned a magic circle as one wrapped around the train, the circle surrounded everyone except Rias and Azazel.
Xenovia: “Forced teleportation!? What the hell!?”
Iori: “Wait someone can teleport us!?”
Akeno: “About too… Iori you can’t hold it off, can you?”
Iori: “Unfortunately no…”
Gasper: “Are we gonna be okay!?”
Iori: “……I’ve started practicing teleportation of my own, maybe I can get us out.”
Issei: “Wait! Rias! Azazel! What about-!?”
Rias: “I don’t know why whoever did this wants you all. Just work on teleporting out of there, we’ll find you!”
Akeno looks at Iori.
Akeno: “Go on.”
Iori nods and manages to teleport them out of the train.
Azazel: “…Did you know he could do that.”
Rias: “I did not. But that shouldn’t make a difference…”
Issei, Iori, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Asia, and Xenovia all ended up in unknown territory.
Kiba: “Looks like you got us out.”
Gasper: “Yeah but where are we?”
Issei: “Hey, Iori. You teleported us.”
Iori: “Wish I could say I knew where… this is my first visit to hell after all.”
Akeno: “Could be worse. We don’t exactly know where we could’ve ended up.”
Koneko: “…Whatever did it found us. I smell it.”
Iori: “You can ‘smell’ it?”
Large footsteps are heard from behind a rocky cliff and getting close. Then a dark purple dragon becomes visible and finds the team.
Issei: “A dragon!?”
The dragon spewed flames in the direction of the team, forcing Issei, Asia, and Gasper to dodge the flames.
Kiba: “Safe to assume this thing’s not friendly!”
Kiba summoned a sword quickly.
Xenovia: “Think so?”
Xenovia summoned Durandal as the dragon kept spewing flames.
Akeno: “Koneko wait!”
Koneko jumped up towards the dragon to punch it, but it whipped it’s tail at her, she caught hold but was still knocked into the rock wall pretty hard and then to the ground.
Gasper: “Koneko!”
Akeno’s clothes quickly turned to her shrine maiden’s uniform.
Akeno: “Asia! Get to Koneko! Kiba, Xenovia, Iori, do what you can to distract the dragon! Issei, focus on your Sacred Gear! I’ll give orders to coordinate our response!”
Issei: “Then lets rock some Boosted Gear!”
Issei summoned his Boosted Gear.
Ddraig: “Boost!”
That very action seemed to catch the dragon’s interest.
Issei: “Uhhhhh a little help!?”
Akeno struck the dragon with lightning.
Akeno: “Oh it has been too long since I’ve dished out proper punishment…”
Xenovia: “Hey scale-y! Over here!”
Xenovia and Kiba both jumped up to the dragon’s head, which managed to block both of their sword strikes with it’s horns and deflecting them.
Xenovia: “It even deflected Durandal…”
Koneko felt her anger rising, then let out a loud gasp as she started clenching into the ground, a red aura started to overcome her. Asia still healing her, but growing concerned.
Asia: “K-Koneko..?”
Koneko: “RUN…… NOW…”
Gasper immediately knew what was happening.
Gasper: “Koneko hey! Just calm down… we’re here-“
The dragon let out a loud roar, and Koneko’s gaze turned right at the dragon with bloodshot eyes. She jumped up again and delivered a punch to the dragon’s gut, sending it flying and crashing into the ground.
Akeno: “……Unbelievable…”
Xenovia: “Like thirty yards…”
The dragon struggled a bit to get back up, while Koneko was clearly struggling to maintain herself, letting out pained screams. Then someone teleported in front of her.
Rias: “Kone-“
Koneko immediately threw a punch, but thankfully Rias had created a magic circle to shield herself, the entire ground shaking and the magic circle ringing like a gong as a result. Azazel then stepped down and turned towards the dragon.
Azazel: “Alright… Tannin, that’s enough.”
Tannin: “I’ll say. That punch hit quite hard…”
Iori: “Another test? C’mon you’re killing me here Rias…”
Azazel: “Actually this one was my idea. Though I probably should’ve taken Koneko’s strength into consideration… hadn’t expected you to knock a Devil Dragon like Tannin here that far…”
Koneko: “…Not a good thing…”
Akeno: “…Is that what Rias told me about? Your instincts taking over?”
Koneko: “Yeah… I managed to hold them back this time but… I can’t promise it’ll happen again.”
Tannin: “Hitting you that hard must’ve made you lose focus…”
Koneko: “No. I was off focus before that… I apologize.”
Tannin: “It’s perfectly fine. You got me back anyways. By the way, I thought I recognized you Ddraig.”
Ddraig: “Yes. Good to see you again Tannin.”
Issei: “You two know each other?”
Azazel: “Blaze Meteor Dragon. A.K.A. Devil Dragon Tannin. Vassal to the former Dragon Emperor. He allowed himself to be turned into a Devil for reasons I don’t feel like going into now.”
Kiba: “A dragon that’s become a devil?”
Issei: “Just how powerful can you get?”
Azazel: “Coming from the guy who can boost his own power continuously?”
Issei: “…Point taken.”
Tannin: “Sirzechs asked me to come and help you train, and the lot of you could use the work.”
Akeno: “Is that why you sprung this test as an ambush?”
Azazel: “Far as I know, the battles you kids have encountered have been fully expected, but ambushes are where you kids crumble. Take the magicians for example and that Koneko’s been holding back since day one by suppressing her instincts.”
Iori: “Wait you can punch that hard while holding back!?”
Ddraig: “Even so… I suspect Tannin wasn’t using his full power either.”
Issei: “Damn seriously!? Also why didn’t you tell us about him in the first place!?”
Ddraig: “I remember you once saying ‘no spoilers’.”
Issei: “That-… okay yeah.”
Rias: “Come on. No more tricks this time, it’s time for our obligatory bath.”
The bathhouse the team was in was huge and looked quite nice.
Gasper: “No really it’s fine I can go in later!”
Issei: “Dude seriously we’re both guys, you’ve got nothing to-“
Issei then noticed that Gasper’s towel is being held over his chest.
Issei: “Dude you’re a guy you don’t need to cover up your chest.”
Gasper: “Seriously!? I never thought you’d notice me in that way!”
Issei: “No! Not even!”
Iori and Kiba were just watching them from in the bath.
Iori: “So we’re sure Gasper wasn’t a girl in the past who… what’s the word, changed?”
Kiba: “Changed? Oh- no he’s always been a guy. Just feels more comfortable woman’s clothes. You know I never asked, you referred to Gasper as ‘him’ before you even knew him. How did you know he was a guy?”
Iori: “I have a very good instinct that I follow. Took me a few seconds but… I was right.”
Akeno then peered down from the higher up bath.
Akeno: “Oh Issei, you shouldn’t be bullying poor sweet Gasper you know?”
Issei: “I- WHOA!”
Issei looked right up.
Issei: “The girl’s bath is up there! A heaving heaven of hot hooters is just a few feet away! This is better than good, it’s great! Underworld hot springs for the win!”
Azazel: “Sure are having fun aren’t you Issei? Add a bottle or three of sake for me and this would be paradise for me. So, Issei, tell me. Your a boob man, you get any good squeezing in?”
Issei: “Yes sir! With this hand here, my form was flawless!”
Azazel: “Good. Now, you ever pushed in a girl’s nipple?”
Issei: “No not yet, why?”
Azazel: “Let me tell you. You can’t just poke lightly you really gotta get in there. The feeling of your finger being enveloped by funbag flesh is unparalleled.”
Issei: “My finger… buried in bosom… nipples aren’t the bell of the front door!”
Iori: “The what-?”
Azazel: “True, but in a way the two are actually quite similar. The ring is the cry of when you get in there.”
The image immediately went to Issei’s mind.
Issei: “I had no idea… this whole time I always thought that boobs were there to grope, suck, or to squeeze. My world’s brand new… limitless.”
Iori: “Are you crying? What-?”
Issei: “I am… and proudly so.”
Azazel: “Then never forget kid. Jubilees have infinite potential!”
Issei: “Yes sir! Thank you sir! I swear to you I will continue my training!”
Azazel: “Good! Never give up! I believe in you! You let those bra balloons know who’s the boss!”
Issei: “YES SIR! I SWEAR-!”
Iori: “CHAIR!”
Issei: “AND CHAIR- chair?”
A chair came flying out of nowhere and slammed into Issei’s head.
Gasper: “Uh-? What-“
Kiba: “Hey Issei… I think that was Koneko’s way of telling you to quiet down…”
Issei rubbed the back of his head, then looked up to see Koneko glaring down at him with seething eyes.
Issei: “Yep…… probably…”
Koneko stepped away from the edge and sat beside the wall again. Rias keeping an eye on her.
Akeno: “You’re worried about her?”
Rias: “Given what she’s been through… I am, who wouldn’t be? Not to mention her instincts almost going berserk again…”
Akeno: “You said she was able to come out of it though.”
Rias: “Only because of Gasper, which raises more questions… the biggest one being… how did he do it?”
Koneko remains still, her eyes closed as if she was meditating.
Chapter 2: Training Like Hell
Chapter Text
Issei: “Ho-Ho-HOOOLY BALLS!”
The peerage now stands before a very large mansion.
Xenovia: “Wow this place is enormous…”
Asia: “Rias you’re… whole family lives here?”
Rias: “They do.”
The front doors opened up and Grayfia stepped out.
Grayfia: “Welcome home, Lady Rias. We have been awaiting your return. Please, come on in.”
The lot stepped in and the halls were fill of butlers and maids up against the walls, all of which bowing as the group passed.
Iori: “I feel like Kiryu and Daigo walking up to the Omi HQ.”
Issei: “You play Yakuza?”
Iori: “My job was street racing so I had a LOT of free time, and I was young so I made some dumb financial decisions that probably should’ve gone to the house.”
Issei: “Well hey, you managed to keep and maintain it on your own.”
Iori: “Yeah… hardly.”
???: “Rias! Rias! Rias!”
Some kid with red hair was running down the hall and hugged Rias.
???: “Finally you’re home!”
Rias: “Good to see you again Millicas, you’ve gotten quite big since last time.”
Issei: “Oh, who’s the half-pint, younger brother?”
Rias: “Not quite. Millicas is actually the som of my older brother Sirzechs.”
Asia: “So he’s your nephew.”
Rias: “Now c’mon Millicas, say hello.”
Millicas: “Mm-hm!”
Millicas stepped away and before the group.
Millicas: “My name is Millicas Gremory. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Asia: “Oh he’s so cute!”
Xenovia: “Devilish looks and polite manners. Talk about a prince charming.”
Issei: “Wait then… who did Sirzechs knock up..?”
Iori: “…600 yen it’s Grayfia.”
Issei: “Confident huh?”
Iori: “Undeniably.”
Grayfia: “Please, won’t you come in.”
Grayfia was at the end of the hall and a double door opened up, Millicas ran inside the room.
Millicas: “Hey! Rias and her friends are finally here!”
???: “My, my! Such poor behavior.”
The group entered the next room and Issei’s eyes were immediately pulled to woman in the room.
Issei: ‘Damn this chick is bangin’ hot..! I want one of these in my harem!’
Rias: “Issei.”
Issei’s attention was immediately pulled away.
Issei: “Yo! Here!”
Rias: “Finding a carpet that matched the drapes was a pain so please try NOT to drool on it while staring at my mother.”
Issei: “Y-Your… mom!?”
Akeno: “Oh it’s a pleasure to see you again Lady Venelana.”
Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba bowed and Iori, Issei, Asia, Xenovia, and Gasper followed suit.”
Venelana: “You sound so different Akeno, and I’m delighted to meet the rest of you. As Rias said. I’m her mother, Venelana Gremory.”
Iori: “That’sss your mother- not your sister?”
Venelana: “Oh you flatter me, but I’m nowhere near as young as I look. You must be new.”
Iori: “Started with them about a week ago.”
Venelana: “Good to see your settling in.”
Venelana then turned to Issei.
Venelana: “And you must be Issei Hyoudou.”
Issei: “Yes ma’am how do you know name ma’am?”
Venelana: “Oh I take to look into my daughter’s suitors. A mother worries you know. I even got to see your performance in battle against Riser.”
Issei: “Oh shi- okay! Yeah Iiiiiii may have made a terrible first impression with your husband and… everyone else there… and everyone else I’ve ever met…”
Venelana chuckles at Issei’s frantic response.
Venelana: “Oh you’re perfectly fine dear. My husband didn’t to well himself when we first met. He was rather…… ‘enlightened’ when he first laid eyes on me. And I do wish when it came to his daughter he would have the same instinct and pick the boy for Rias that she ‘really’ liked-“
Rias: “Mother-!”
Venelana: “Oh I’m only teasing dear. Now, I believe it’s time we all sat down for dinner. Rias dear, would you show everyone the way?”
Rias: “……Okay.”
Grayfia then approached Venelana.
Grayfia: “Lady Venelana. Should we… let them know?”
Venelana: “Hm… I can’t imagine anything too terrible happening. He has taken up some manners since last time.”
Grayfia: “I worry more about Sir Issei and Lady Koneko’s reactions.”
Venelana: “Hm. I’m sure Rias will be able to handle their reactions.”
Grayfia: “Of course.”
The dinner table was set and everyone was seated with the butlers and maids observing.
Lord Gremory: “Welcome everyone. While you are here please think of this as your home away from home.”
Iori: ‘Okay… table manners… perfectly fine you’ve…… had… practically no experience at a dinner table- okay, instincts… never failed me once don’t do it now…’
Iori picks up his utensils.
Akeno: “Oop, Iori that’s the wrong fork.”
Iori: “Really-? Oh man… alright…”
Iori sets the fork down and picks up another one. Rias has a confused look on her face and looks to Akeno who holds a finger up to her lips.
Iori: “No this one’s too small.”
Lord Gremory: “That would be your serving fork.”
Iori: “Okay that… hang on I got it.”
Issei: “Nope that’s the snail fork.”
Iori: “That’s a thing?”
Issei: “Yu-Yup!”
Iori: “Okay- why are there so many forks? No offense.”
Lord Gremory: “None taken.”
Iori: “Can someone- okay… nope I got this. This one.”
Xenovia: “Fruit fork-!”
Iori: “Motherf-…… okay… how-“
Venelana: “Oh you sure can be cruel can’t you?”
Iori: “Who?”
Iori looked over to his right, Akeno was looking away, slightly snickering. Issei holding a napkin to his mouth to hide a smile, and Xenovia with her hand over her mouth, clearly chuckling.
Iori: “…I had it right the first time didn’t I?”
Akeno, Issei, and Xenovia all started laughing.
Iori: “Oh ha ha! You know what? I’m spiteful today! I’m using the serving fork!”
Rias let out a chuckle.
Lord Gremory: “It’s nice to see you all getting along so well. And Iori, nice to see you fitting in.”
Iori: “Hey trust me, massive improvement.”
Lord Gremory: “That’s good to hear. And Issei, how are your parents doing? Are they enjoying the new home?”
Issei: “Oh they’re great. Still trying to break in the renovations actually.”
Lord Gremory: “I’m happy they’re enjoying it. However, the castle I originally prepared would have been a bit nicer.”
Iori choked on his drink and barely managed to swallow it.
Issei: “Wait a castle!?”
Iori: “Could’ve had a castle-!?”
Rias: “Father I explained this already. You cannot force your culture onto others.”
Iori: “And I respect that, but they really could have used those fifty maids-“
Issei: “F-F-F-FFifty!? Fifty beautiful maids with their to-“
Rias: “Having that many young women around would undoubtedly distract Issei from his real priorities.”
Lord Gremory: “Ah yes you did already explain that once before, my apologies.”
Issei: “Awww… that’s one fantasy on the ‘no hope’ list.”
Lord Gremory: “And one more thing, Issei.”
Issei: “Yessir?”
Lord Gremory: “Remember, you’re a part of this family. So of course I am your father-in-law so I ask you to think of me as such.”
Venelana: “Oh darling, your actions are premature. There is an order to these things that must be followed.”
Rias: “Ughhh! You two are killing me!”
Rias stood up from the table and walked away.
Akeno: “Perhaps the teasing was a little much…”
Venelana: “But you do enjoy seeing Rias so embarrassed, do you not?”
Akeno: “Hm. Guilty as always.”
Issei: “Here, I’ll go see her.”
Issei got up from the table.
Issei knocked on Rias’ door and it didn’t take long for it to open up.
Rias: “Oh good, just you.”
Issei: “Yeah. Is it wrong to say this is payback?”
Rias chuckled.
Rias: “For seeing those pictures of a younger you, huh?”
Issei: “Little bit. I mean let’s face it, what didn’t you see?”
Rias: “I can think of a few things… you should get some sleep.”
Issei: “You’re not letting me in?”
Rias: “Only for tonight… I have… things on my mind.”
Issei: “Alright… well… goodnight.”
Rias nodded and closed the door, leaving Issei to sigh.
Issei: “Talk about getting blue balled.”
Rias: “Heard that.”
Issei: “Uh- no you didn’t I’m sleep-talking!”
Issei power-walked away and Rias sighed on the other side of the door.
Rias: “…What is going on with me..?”
Koneko stepped into Gasper’s room and… looked a little confused to see that Gasper wasn’t in his bed.
Koneko: “…Gasper?”
Gasper: “Yeah?”
Koneko turned to the box in front of the bed with red glowing eyes.
Koneko: “…You chose the box over the bed?”
Gasper: “It’s awesome..! It… also got me through some tough times…”
Koneko: “Right…”
Gasper: “……I’m sorry.”
Koneko: “…About?”
Gasper: “I said I would help you with your instincts but…… only an hour or two later it… you struggled and… I didn’t do anything… I’m… I’m useless aren’t I?”
Koneko: “No. You just haven’t been in battle often.”
Koneko sat in front of the box.
Koneko: “You’re not useless, okay?”
Gasper: “……Thanks.”
Koneko: “…I take it you won’t make room in the box?”
Gasper: “U-Uh-..! N-No I- uh… well there’s not much room and-“
Koneko: “N-No right I… it was a stupid question… I’ll… I’ll see you in the morning.”
Gasper: “Okay goodnight.”
Koneko: “Night.”
The next day came around and everyone was outside house in tracksuits or gym uniforms.
Azazel: “All right, looks like everyone’s here. Cutting to the chase, I’ve got a twenty human world day regimen that’s going to whip you into shape. For each of you it’s a different strategy, while most of you will be working on strength and technique, some of you will be working on control, knowledge, and how to properly use your strengths.”
Large footsteps came closer as Tannin stepped forward.
Issei: “Yo who summoned the dragon from yesterday?”
Azazel: “If you recall, Sirzechs had called him down to help you train, which is exactly what he’ll be doing today with you Issei.”
Issei: “Wait huh?”
Tannin: “It will be my first time training someone who wields Ddraig.”
Azazel: “Your primary concern is to pull out your Balance Breaker. And… if you survive, it’s a bonus.”
Issei: “Why is not dying always a perk-? Whoa-!”
Tannin lifted Issei up with two fingers.
Issei: “Okay I get it, Dragon against Dragon but why can’t Koneko do it, she’s the one who knocked this dude down a peg or three!”
Azazel: “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to make the girl do all your heavy lifting?”
Issei: “I’ve seen her lift a tree the size of a train car before and swing that shit like a foam copy of the Dragonslayer! I don’t think heavy lifting is a term in her vocabulary! I think it’s just ‘lifting’! Period!”
Xenovia: “When did you-“
Koneko: “Long story.”
Issei sighs as Tannin flies off with him.
Issei: “This suuuuuuuuuucks-!”
Azazel: “The question is, are you the brains of your team, or the brawn. Answer, a good king is both and neither as they know when to fight and when to lead. Realizing the difference comes from using your pieces to their fullest.”
Rias is studying through all sorts of strategies and types of magic in a huge library to herself.
Kiba was focusing with his sword in both hands.
Azazel: “Hone your Balance Breaker, once you’ve whipped it out, keep it out for as long as you can.”
As Kiba throws a few practice swings, he noticed a presence behind him, a petit woman with short white hair, blueish-gray eyes, likely around Koneko’s age who was dressed in a black kunoichi garb with a dark pink sash, a black spider tattoo visible on her back.
Azazel: “I’ve assigned you a sparring partner to help further your swordsmanship as well as her’s.”
Kiba: “Thank you for agreeing to train with me. But I won’t go easy on you.”
The woman nods and whips out a katana.
Azazel: “That sacred blade of yours is fickle when it chooses it’s wielder. Taming it is a sheer matter of will and fighting with it’s a whole new story. But don’t expect your sparring partner to take it easy on you, she’s a fast and nimble one so hitting her will be enough of a challenge.”
Xenovia swung her sword in a horizontal motion as her opponent flipped over it, then jabbed her katana forward towards Xenovia who blocked the strike with her blade but was still pushed back and lowered to her knees.
Irina: “Ha ha! Score for Irina! I’m up six!
Xenovia: “Six!? Where did you learn to count!? It’s seven-to-three!”
Irina: “Then how about I make it eight?”
Irina held up Hauteclere again and Xenovia stood back up, both of them ready to go again.
Gasper was hiding in a dark alley while multiple figures roamed through the streets of the town.
Azazel: “I’d call you a gentle giant… if you weren’t so small and jittery. C’mon man. While you may think you lack talent it’s your timid nature that’s holding you back. Simple fix, just going out and letting people see you is the first step- you’re already in the box…”
Gasper is hiding in a box.
Gasper: “I’d rather die than take the first step…”
Koneko was going all out on a heavy punching bag, slightly more aggressive than usual.
Azazel: “You don’t want to unleash the power you wield but you’ve got to stop restraining yourself so much. The only way you get stronger is by embracing who you are and not fearing what you may do, but controlling what you can do.”
Koneko broke the punching bag with a fierce kick and it crashed into the wall, leaving a gash in it. She remained still for a moment as her fangs started to kick in.
Koneko: “…Shit……”
Asia remains still in a cave, sitting still on her knees as if she was praying.
Azazel: “Little thing about Twilight Healing. It’s completely dependent ok the user’s ability. If you’re good enough, you can release that aura from your whole body and heal your friends, even when they’re far away.”
Asia: ‘I’m going to do my best… for you Issei!’
Issei: “Shit shit shit shit shit-!”
Flames spewed from behind Issei as he jumped away.
Issei: “Ohhh-! That was close!”
Tannin: “It seems you were able to avoid it this time.”
Issei: “Hey don’t sell me short! Three days in and you haven’t burned me yet! I’m starting to think you don’t live up to the hype!”
Tannin: “I would hate to disappoint. So how about I crank up the firepower for you?”
Issei: “Oh me and my big-! FUCK-!”
Issei narrowly avoids an even more powerful blast of fire.
Akeno: “I hadn’t expected you to be here.”
Akeno and Iori stood across from Baraqiel.
Baraqiel: “Azazel figured you two could use the teamwork, and who better to train you with magic. You’ve accepted being a Fallen Angel but you haven’t completely embraced it, while Kazama is still starting off as one.”
Iori: “He is not gonna hold back is he?”
Akeno: “Wouldn’t it be insulting to you if he did?”
Iori: “…Yeah I suppose.”
Iori summoned a Spear of Light as Akeno quickly switched to her Shrine Maiden uniform.
The days continued to pass and everyone was once again grouped together, all except Koneko.
Issei: “Uuuughh… felt like I was camping like last time. Each night I longes for your soft body pillows as I lay my head down on a long hard loooog!”
Rias held Issei’s head close.
Rias: “I’m very proud of you, you’ve grown quite strong.”
Azazel: “You also did pretty good without your Balance Breaker, despite the fact using it was the plan the whole time…”
Issei: “Yeah… I suck… I know.”
Azazel: “Don’t put yourself down kid you did good, if you can avoid Tannin without it, it’ll be harder to hit you when you actually use it.”
The door opened and Akeno and Iori walked in.
Akeno: “Oh, you’re all here.”
Asia: “U-Uh… Iori?”
Iori: “Yeah I know… I got a little fried out there.”
Iori was now in the Kuoh Academy uniform, but you can still see some marks on his face likely from lighting magic.
Iori: “Also the uniform is surprisingly comfortable.”
Rias: “I take Akeno made it for you?”
Akeno: “I did.”
Akeno looked around for a bit.
Akeno: “Koneko’s not here?”
Azazel: “Getting sleep. Almost went berserk again and did some pretty hefty damage to the gym…”
Asia: “Was it that bad?”
Azazel pulled out a picture on his phone of the gym.
Iori: “Whoa!”
There were claw marks all over the walls, punching bags absolutely decimated, the floor torn up, it looked pretty bad…
Issei: “Is it wrong to say that it looks like two predators went wild in there?”
Xenovia: “There are a lot of claw marks…”
Azazel: “Thankfully she didn’t go too far when I had Gasper come in to calm her down. Seriously, watchin’ him do it is like watching a whole new person.”
Kiba: “You did it again, what are you doing that allows her to understand you?”
Gasper: “I really don’t know. I just… I know she’s in pain when it happens and I just want to help. First time I just ran over and tired to calm her down like she was an animal. I know it’s probably insulting but-“
Azazel: “Wait… how did she go berserk the first time?”
Gasper: “It was against Cera’s troops. One of them knocked me into the wall pretty hard and I blacked out for a while… when I woke up she had already lost control…”
Azazel thought back to the moment where Gasper was calming Koneko down.
Flashback
Koneko was punching a punching bag into the ground relentlessly, already broken as she was starting to go feral. Her eyes bloodshot, car ears on end, fangs out. Which she even used to tear out part of the punching bag by biting into it.
Gasper: “Koneko!”
Koneko’s head whipped back towards Gasper, her breath ragged.
Gasper: “It’s okay. Calm down… you’re okay…”
Koneko crawled over to him, her breathing getting less ragged, eventually calming down.
Azazel: “Interesting…”
Flashback End
Azazel: “My theory is that she can still understand Gasper due to a certain instinct that both Koneko’s normal state and feral state share. Neither of which want to hurt Gasper and deeply care for him. Because of this, he’s able to tame her predatory aggression. That, or maybe being a vampire’s a special case, but I like my first theory better. Anyways… I’ve got to get ready for tonight’s reception, and I suggest you all do the same. I hear some of you are still in need of suits and dresses.”
Xenovia: “I’m debating on a suit or a dress, I never thought it would be this hard to pick…”
Xenovia headed out and so did all the others.
Azazel: “Oop! Gasper, wanna talk to you first.”
Gasper: “Huh- oh.”
Gasper stayed behind.
Gasper: “It’s uh… about my training isn’t it?”
Azazel: “The instinct that’s allowing you to reach Koneko… it’s hormones kid. She’s in love with you.”
Gasper’s face went bright red immediately.
Gasper: “Uh-Wh-Huh-I-Wha-!?”
Azazel: “And judging by your reaction, you feel the same.”
Gasper didn’t even bother denying it.
Azazel: “And if it looks like I’m about to lecture you, I’ve only got the one thing to tell you.”
Azazel stands up.
Azazel: “Man up. That’s what you want to do anyways, right?”
Gasper nodded.
Azazel: “You don’t gotta do it today obviously. But, definitely make sure you get those feelings out one day.”
Azazel walked up to him and patted Gasper’s hear.
Azazel: “I believe in ‘ya.”
Azazel then made his way out the door.
The night of the reception came around and Rias’ peerage was getting ready.
Rias: “I trust most of you not to offend anyone tonight.”
Rias was adjusting her ponytail.
Issei: “Gotta say, I’m not typically a suit guy, but I’m kinda liking this.”
Issei supported a red suit the same color as Rias’ dress (which is the same from the anime), the shirt underneath was a more flashy design in yellow and black patterns.
Kiba: “It is nice having a little creative freedom with the suits. I think blue suits me.”
Kiba supported a nice navy blue two-piece suit with a gray shirt underneath.
Xenovia: “Dress is a little tight in the back… but it’s pretty nice.”
Xenovia had a very unique blue dress with a black lacy skirt and sleeves (Another Mobage Card Use).
Asia: “I’m sure one of the maids or butlers can refit it for you.”
Asia wore quite a pink, princess-like dress (Once Again, another Mobage use).
Gasper: “I think I may have confused the butler a little with my choice…”
Gasper ultimately decided on a light blue shoulder-less dress (You know the drill).
Iori: “Hey you’re allowed to wear what you want to wear.”
Iori had a black haori with a design that matched Akeno’s kimono (same one from the anime).
Koneko: “Agreed.”
Koneko supported a light gray suit with a red shirt underneath the jacket. (Not a Mobage Card use but sounds familiar, doesn’t it?)
Akeno: “I’m surprised you didn’t wear the-“
Koneko: “Mention it again and it will be the last thing you do.”
Akeno: “Fufufu. How feisty~.”
The door opened as Sirzechs came into the room.
Sirzechs: “You all seem to be ready.”
Rias: “That we are. Are you escorting us brother?”
Sirzechs: “Unfortunately no. I only dropped in to see how all of you are doing.”
Sona: “But we figured we could accompany you.”
Sona, Tsubaki, and Saji stepped into the room.
Rias: “Of course. How did training camp go for you three.”
Sona: “It went alright.”
Saji: “How’s it hangin’ Hyoudou? You getting on or getting off?”
Issei: “Can’t it be both? So, training kick your ass?”
Saji: “No way dude. You and I may have had the same teacher but I totally took him to school.”
Issei: “Also, have to ask, are you getting married?”
Saji was wearing a white suit with a black shirt underneath.
Saji: “C’mon don’t diss the suit, I look good in white.”
Tsubaki: “Thought there was one more Devil that wanted to see you all before the reception.”
Grayfia: “Uh oh…”
Sirzechs: “What-? Oh you didn’t tell them did you..?”
Grayfia: “I apologize I… couldn’t find the time.”
Sirzechs: “It’s fine, truly.”
Akeno: “Should we be concerned?”
Sirzechs: “Well… you- some of you do have history with this particular guest and… I was worried about how you’d react…”
Asia: “I’m sure it’ll be fine!”
The door opened but not everyone saw who stepped in, Rias and her eyes widened immediately at the familiar man in the red suit, then she looked over to Koneko.
Rias: “Koneko I’m going to ask you not to do anything… overly violent.”
Koneko: “If you’re worried about instincts I’ll be fine. Nothing to be angry over.”
Riser: “Gremory Peerage.”
Issei, Akeno, Kiba, and Asia all looked to see Riser Phoenix in the room. Meanwhile Koneko’s eyes were bloodshot.
Rias: “Koneko please-“
Koneko turned around and punched Riser in the gut and Rias sighed as the two started fighting… or rather… Koneko beating up Riser as he tried fighting back.
Iori: “So…… what am I missing here?”
Rias: “Iori, Xenovia, Gasper. Meet Riser Phoenix. Former King of the Phoenix Peerage and was going to be my husband after I forfeit a Rating Game to save Issei’s life. But he crashed the wedding, challenged Riser, and won against him.”
Xenovia: “So why does Koneko hate him so much?”
Rias: “…Made her wear a cute dress.”
Koneko slammed Riser onto a table and Rias sighed.
Sirzechs: “I… should’ve warned you from the start, I apologize.”
Kiba: “Should we stop her?”
Rias: “…Eh… give her a few-“
Gasper: “Uh… Koneko’s cat ears sprung up-“
Rias: “Okay get her off.”
Riser was sitting down while Asia was healing him.
Ravel: “And the reception hasn’t even opened yet…”
Riser: “Well let’s face it, Zephyrdor’s gonna be there so there’s gonna be a fight.”
Issei: “I… honestly didn’t expect to see you again…”
Riser: “Well I don’t run the peerage anymore, yeah I’m still going out with most of the chicks, but got a new leader.”
Ravel: “And that would be me.”
Issei: “Oh… you’re…-“
Koneko: “It’s his sister.”
Ravel turned to Koneko.
Ravel: “Oh, you again.”
Rias: “Again?”
Koneko: “She delivered a letter from Xuelan a week ago to me. Wasn’t exactly a good first impression.”
Riser: “Well Ravel’s always been the high and mighty type. Kinda runs in the family.”
Koneko: “Lot of things do.”
Xenovia: “Was the dress that insulting to you?”
Riser: “Wait that’s why you attacked me? The dress?”
Koneko: “I would’ve worn anything else.”
Ravel: “Excuse you? I’m the one who picked it out!”
Koneko: “From a doll store?”
Ravel: “Not like it’s easy finding a dress in your small size.”
Koneko steps towards Ravel, but Rias and Akeno hold her back.
Ravel: “And you should feel honored that someone of my status spent the time to pick out such a dress. And you should at least address me with the appropriate tone!”
Koneko: “Fine I’ll speak in ‘baby talk’ next time.”
Iori snickered loudly, trying to hold back his laughter.
Rias: “Koneko…”
Koneko: “It’s fine, it’s before the gathering.”
Rias: “Not the point.”
Kiba: “Actually… Koneko what did you do with that dress?”
Flashback
Koneko was dousing the pink dress with lighter fluid until the bottle was empty. She then picks up a bottle of alcohol, takes a few sips from it, before sticking a cloth inside and sticking the cloth into a nearby fire and chucks it at the dress, incinerating it immediately. Giving it the biggest grin that’s ever come across her face.
Flashaback End
Koneko: “I disposed of it.”
Ravel: “You did WHAT!? Do you have any idea how much that cost!?"
Riser: “Look sis, gaining respect takes a little longer than this.”
Ravel: “And you would know how easy it is to LOSE it!"
Riser: “…That’s low.”
Rias: “You seem to be a lot more mellow than you used to be.”
Riser: “The whole harem thing got to my head a little quickly, and to have a wife from such a wealthy family like yours, who wouldn’t get prideful? But… I’m man enough to admit it, and admit when I lost.”
Riser stood up.
Riser: “Doesn’t mean I don’t want a rematch. After all, that match the two of us had Red Dragon, I’d say it makes us even.”
Iseei: “Well I’m always ready to kick your ass again.”
Riser chuckled.
Riser: “You’re alright Red Dragon.”
Ravel: “Alright, let’s just go. I have adjustments to make and you need to slip into something more comfortable.”
Issei: “Uh- what?”
Riser: “Try again sis.”
Ravel blushed, now understanding what she just said.
Ravel: “Er- n-need a new suit.”
Riser: “Yeah she doesn’t always understand how things sound. Plus she’s trying to sound more like royalty so it leads to unintentional double entendres…”
Ravel: “Brother.”
Riser: “Yup, on my way. Good to see you all again.”
Riser headed out of the room, following Ravel.
Sona: “Well… that could’ve gone worse.”
Rias: “Koneko please… do not start another fight.”
Koneko: “It was a matter of circumstance.”
Rias: “And get your suit jacket cleaned by a professional. I can see the blood.”
Koneko looks at her shoulder with the small amount of blood on her shoulder.
The group was now heading down the hall, fully ready.
Sona: “Not much longer from here.”
Rias: “A bunch of young, hormonal devils stuffed in one room together? Talk about a recipe for disaster.”
Suddenly the door before the group blew open.
Tsubaki: “And right on que…”
As the group stepped inside, two Devils were already facing each other, ready to fight.
Seigvaira: “If you’ve got a death wish I’m happy to fill it Zephyrdor.”
Zephyrdor: “Filling is my job. Like I said before, if you want a virgin ‘urgin I’d volunteer.”
Saji: “Seems Riser wasn’t wrong…”
???: “Fellow guests!”
A woman with blonde hair with bright orange eyes, wearing a flashy looking suit jacket with a shirt that barely covered her chest, and a fur cape that she dropped as some eccentric music started playing.
???: “If you truly wish to do battle! Then allow me to be a part of this legendary battle! For every fight I partake in, shall only bring me closer to the legend I wish to become! For I! Am The Great! The soon too be Dragon of the Viper Family!”
The woman struck a dramatic pose with his legs spread apart, his left arm out, and a fist close to his chin.
???: “RYOMI SHIMIZU!!”
Everyone’s eyes were on the particular Devil.
Saji: “I think someone needs to lay off the Sentai Warriors a bit…”
Zephyrdor: “…Sure are an ecstatic one aren’t you?”
Seigvaira: “And who the hell is playing that music?”
???: “Apologies…”
A large guy that was fully clad in armor stepped forward and pushed the stop button.
Zephyrdor: “Alright blondie, if it’s a fight you want so bad-“
But before they could actually fight…
Vulrikan: “What, is going on?”
Four more characters arrived that, Vulrikan in a white, professional looking suit, Reina with a maid headdress, and an elegant black dress. The same white haired woman that trained with Kiba, wearing a shoulder-less kimono and a gray top to cover her small chest, and Nova with and a tight fitting dress with gaps at the hips and leg slits up to her thighs.
Ryomi: “Oh, boss! What’s up?”
Vulrikan: “It has been three minutes, and you are ALREADY picking a fight.”
Ryomi: “C’moooon boss, you KNOW my blood boils for a good fight!”
Vulrikan sighs as he shakes his head, then looks to the armored man.
Vulrikan: “You didn’t try to stop her?”
???: “I… apologize sir. She… has rather infectious ‘hype’ as she calls it.”
Nova: “C’mon bro… let Golden Dragon have her fun.”
Zephyrdor: “Alright listen jackass! The girl still challenged me, so if you don’t mind-“
Zephyrdor then took a look at Reina… GLARING at him with a look in her eyes being absolutely horrifying…
Zephyrdor: “…You know what… I’m good……”
Zephyrdor backs off and so does Seigvaria.
Akeno chuckled a bit.
Akeno: “Seems she hasn’t lost her touch. And you look as professional as always Vulrikan.”
Vulrikan: “Himejima-san, Kazama-san, pleasure to see you both again.”
Iori nodded.
Rias: “Akeno, Iori, you know them?”
Akeno: “Three of them. I’m a little surprised you got Nova to come here.”
Nova: “Typically not my kind of party... but a whole room with potential fights or hook-ups? Count me in.”
Vulrikan looks directly at Rias.
Vulrikan: “You must be Rias Gremory. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vulrikan. I am the Fallen Angel Patriarch of the recently formed Viper Family.”
Vulrikan turned to Reina.
Reina: “I am Master Vukrikan’s maid, Reina Kurosaki. Good to meet you all.”
Reina bows.
Nova: “And thy name is Nova as you have already heard.”
Nova then took a seat on a hovering jagged spear.
Nova: “Got a bit of a collection of names myself, but bro here said I at least have to act ‘more normal’-“
Vulrikan: “Professional, Kiyoka.”
Nova: “So we’re on first name basis now.”
Kiba then noticed the familiar face in the furisode kimono.
Kiba: “Oh it’s you, Nanaya-san, right?”
Nanaya: “Okano Nanaya, yes.”
Akeno: “Oh, an acquaintance Kiba?”
Kiba: “We actually trained together. She’s a remarkable ninja, made her pretty difficult to even hit.”
Vulrikan: “She was a ninja before becoming a Fallen Angel, of course, still plays the role of course.”
Okano nods.
Armored Man: “And I am Kuwahara Otake. I hope my appearance has not frightened you.”
Nova: “Yeah, Dark Knight here’s a big ‘ol softie. But he’s packin’ some serious strength and a real BBC.”
Vulrikan: “Kiyoka.”
Asia: “…What does that mean?”
Nova: “Big black-“
Vulrikan: “BRITISH. Broadcast. Convention.”
Issei: “Wait that’s an official acronym?”
Sona: “Not going to ask. Don’t want to know…”
Saji: ”And we all heard Ryomi.”
Ryomi: “Damn straight and-……”
Ryomi trailed off looking in Koneko’s direction.
Koneko: “…Why are you looking at me?”
Ryomi: “Y-Holy shit! You’re..! You’re Koneko Toujou!”
Ryomi bowed down to her dramatically.
Ryomi: “It’s the greatest honor to meet you! Tiger of Neberius!”
Koneko grimaced at the mention of that title.
Rias: “Um… Ryomi-san..?”
Ryomi perked her head back up.
Ryomi: “I’ve heard about how you took down a Devil who used the Herculean Gauntlets against you and you came on top nothing but brute strength and skill! You’re a legend Koneko-sensei!”
Koneko: “Don’t call me sensei.”
Ryomi: “Of course Miss Koneko-“
Koneko: “Not that either-“
Vulrikan: “Please forgive Ryomi then… we have all actually heard of what you and your peerage have done in the past.“
Rias: “It is rather nice to see Koneko has fans.”
Vulrikan: “Admittedly you all do in the Underworld.”
Sona: “Does make me a little glad we’re more in the dark…”
Serafall: “There you are Sona!”
Sona: “Fu-!”
Sona held back her foul language.
Rias: “Oh, it’s been a long time Lady Serafall.”
Serafall: “Oh! Hi Rias! I see you brought the Red Dragon and everyone else and-“
Serafall looked directly at Vulrikan.
Serafall: “Whoa! Who brought the twelve out of ten!?”
Reina’s eyes went bloodshot, glaring directly at Serafall.
Vulrikan: “Reina. No.”
Sirzechs: “Lord Michael and Irina Shidou will be arriving in due time, what about the others?”
Azazel: “Don’t worry. I stuck Baraqiel on security duty and according to him, Odin’s not far out.”
Sirzechs: “Guard duty?”
Azazel: “Some of the other Norse Gods have a bug up their asses about the alliance he’s made with you guys, but that’s nothing like the BA. They hate the very fact of a treaty with ‘heretics’ like it’s their job.”
Sirzechs: “I wish I could say that surprises me.”
Azazel: “Yeah, but they don’t concern me as much as the Chaos Brigade.”
Koneko was up against the wall sipping down a drink. Xuelan stood next to her doing the same.
Xuelan: “I heard about what happened.”
Koneko: “You’d understand.”
Xuelan: “How such a dress insults a fighter, I do, yes.”
Koneko: “…Not offended are you?”
Xuelan: “No. That’s Lady Ravel’s job.”
Koneko: “She’s really your leader?”
Xuelan: “Riser has been teaching her a few things as well as their mother, she’s actually doing quite well, establishing a friendship with the Red Dragon Emperor as we speak.”
Koneko: “Not sure which one I feel more sorry for.”
Xuelan chuckled, then Koneko immediately sensed something.
Xuelan: “…Something wrong?”
Koneko: “…No. Just need to check something, catch you later.”
Xuelan: “Of course.”
Koneko headed outside the room and to an elevator, opening it and heading to the bottom floor.
Koneko: ‘I know I sensed her… what are you planning?’
After a while of silence, the elevator opened to the outside and Koneko ran forward, picking up a scent immediately and following it, then came to a stop.
Kuroka: “…There you are.”
Kuroka was up in a tree, looking down at Koneko.
Koneko: “Kuroka. What it do?”
Nova: “Yo. Back speaking to you readers again. Don’t get your hopes up though it’s not narration again, just here to tell you we got a character page up for both Queen’s Gambit, Nine Lives, and the new Reborn characters. Some of the new characters don’t have many details, but those’ll come around. Meanwhile we’ve got new abilities for our Cursed Arts user, and the gals measurements for all you horn dogs that wanted me. Check it out, it’s right here. So give it a look, be sure to check up on it when the next chapter comes out. Later, I got an afterparty to get to.”
Chapter 3: Chaos, Chaos!
Chapter Text
Koneko was faced with Kuroka once again, meeting her the same way as last time.
Kuroka: “You even picked up on my chi, and I only sent out a small fraction. I’m impressed.”
Koneko remained silent.
Kuroka: “Oh there’s no need for the silent treatment, we’re still sisters you know.”
Koneko: “And I know you shouldn’t be here. You’re still labeled a terrorist.”
Kuroka: “Perhaps, but I heard there was a party going down and I just had to crash it. We both know what they say about curiosity and cats.”
Koneko: “That it kills them?”
Kuroka: “Yes, but we have a few lives to spare now, don’t we?”
Koneko crossed her arms.
Kuroka: “How are the powers holding up?”
Koneko: “…Almost lost it twice, haven’t gone completely feral… yet.”
Kuroka: “Happy to hear that.”
Koneko: “But I know you didn’t come here for that?”
Kuroka: “…You want to talk about the vampire instead~?”
Koneko’s face flushed a little.
Koneko: “No.”
Back at reception, Asia was looking around the room.
Asia: “Has… anyone seen Issei or Rias?”
Xenovia: “Now that you mention it… no. Wonder where they went?”
Iori: “…They the type for a quickie?”
Akeno: “In this environment, not likely. But then again…”
Akeno took a look around, then her attention was pulled to Baraqiel, escorting two characters into the room towards Azazel and Sirzechs.
Azazel: “And there he is. Y’know, for a crotchety old bastard from the Northern wastes, you’re not looking too bad.”
Odin: “And I like what your husband’s done with your hair.”
Sirzechs: “Charming. It’s been too long Lord Odin. How we’ve missed your casually homophobic banter.”
Odin: “Oh it’s not like I threw a bible at the boy now did I? And greetings to you too, Sirzechs and let me thank you personally for your invitation.”
Serafall: “Lord Odin, mighty God of the North, you honor us with this visit.”
Odin: “I expected more from you Leviathan. Drab clothing and no flashy intro for us, I thought this was a party.”
Serafall smirks.
Serafall: “Good point!”
Serafall’s clothes gave off a yellow glow.
Serafall: “Mirurun mirumiru..! Spiral!”
Serafall’s uniform now turned into her traditional magical girl uniform.
Odin: “Oh my… I expected flashy, but not quite like this.”
Serafall: “Been living in a cave Odin? Magical girl outfits like this are all the rage you know?”
Odin: “Love it, how’d you like to stroke Odin’s beard?”
Rossweisse: “Please keep in mind why we made the voyage milord. You’re here representing Valhalla!”
Odin: “Must you always be the downer in the room? It’s that kind of attitude that keeps you from getting a hero for yourself.”
Rossweisse immediately hit the ground to wallow in despair, tears forming in her eyes.
Iori: “Well that was harsh…”
Vulrikan: “Certainly are an interesting pair…”
Serafall: “Is she..?”
Odin: “Sorry about her. This ball of neuroses is named Rossweisse, my highly capable and… rather sensitive assistant.”
Michael: “Allow me to apologize for keeping you waiting.”
Lord Michael had stepped forward alongside Irina.
Michael: “Odin. All-father of the Norse! Looking as pale and hearty as ever your Excellency.”
Irina: “It’s an honor to meet you Lord Odin.”
Odin: “Ah, Michael and his Ace Knight. You must have rather big shoes to fill little lady.”
Irina: “Of course your Excellency, happy to fulfill the role!”
Back outside, Koneko and Kuroka still remained in the same positions.
Koneko: “So what are you doing here-“
Koneko started sniffing out another scent.
Koneko: “…You’re here with the Chaos Brigade.”
Bikou: “You weren’t kidding babe, she really does have the smell of a predator.”
Bikou stepped in from the bushes.
Koneko: “…This was a trap while the others attack the party.”
Kuroka: “I wouldn’t say attack, but Vali wants us to make sure a certain VIP makes their way to the party. I figured I could keep you distracted and see how far you’ve come.”
Bikou: “Consider it a test of sorts, of course we have no intentions to kill you.”
Koneko: “You can certainly try. Not that I’ll make it easy.”
Koneko cracks her knuckles.
???: “Oh he’s fully aware!”
Koneko picked up on the voice immediately, then looked back up at Kuroka with seething rage.
Koneko: “You. Dick.”
Aorous strutted into the area, wearing a flashy black and purple suit with only the low two buttons done.
Aorous: “Kuroka told me what’s going down, and I figured it might be a little more of a fair fight this way, I’ve been pretty bored not fighting you Kitty Cat~.”
Koneko sighed.
Sirzechs: “Lord Odin, if there are no objections, please sign the pact monument.”
Odin: “Of course.”
Odin stepped over to the shield, but before he could press his hand against it-
???: “Objection!”
Odin: “Ahhhh I’m surprised he waited this long…”
A magic circle popped up in the air, opening up as Loki had now arrived.
Loki: “Arrogant fools…”
Azazel: “Alright now we got a party!”
Sirzechs: “Lord Loki, you may be the Norse God of Mischief, but that gives you no right to cause problems here.”
Loki: “Seeing Odin, our great All-Father mingling with lesser mythologies causes me to suffer indescribable torment, truly makes me want to vomit.”
Odin: “Leave Loki, if you return to Valhalla immediately I’ll forgive you for this public affront.”
Loki: “Please. You can take your forgiveness and shove it old man.”
Rossweisse: “Oh great, another man without manners.”
Loki: “If he chooses to sign an alliance with the other mythologies it will make things rather difficult for me to send Ragnarok into motion.”
Azazel: “Yeah yeah different lyrics same song. Look kid, it you’re just a clown looking for the Chaos Brigade then save it.”
Loki: “For, no. With, yes. But the op was my idea and I promised to take my son on a father-son outing.”
Summoning circles had caused a shockwave as Fenrir had crawled out and roared.
Kuroka: “And so it begins.”
A large barrier surrounded the four.
Kuroka: “Just a barrier to keep us inside.”
Koneko: "And for a test against two fighters. Fine... I'll just have to beat you both into submission."
Bikou: “Alright then Tiger! Show us your fighting spirit!”
Bikou slammed his spear down as it extended over to Koneko, she flipped to the side to avoid it.
Aorous: “Alley-oop!”
Aorous dropkicked towards Koneko who narrowly avoided it and sent a gut punch to Bikou that he blocked, both Aorous and Bikou went for a swing at Koneko but she leaned backwards, under both attacks and quickly swung her left hand over her other shoulder, landing it on the ground so she could put herself upside down and spin, kicking both her attackers and knocking them back a little, then rolling over to kick at Aorous from below and behind her back, then she rolled back to jump up and kick at Bikou below his neck. She then got back up and stepped a few feet back from the two.
Bikou: “Breakdance fighting?”
Aorous: “Told you she was good.”
Bikou: “Then I guess I should stop holding back!”
Fenrir roared and Loki snapped his fingers, commanding him to attack. Fenrir swung his front paw at a table, sending it flying at Asia and Gasper, as he glared at the table coming their way, it stopped in time completely. The result surprising him as his Sacred Gear worked on just the table, allowing Xenovia to stop it easily.
Xenovia: “Nice work.”
Gasper: “I didn’t even know I could that!”
Akeno zapped Fenrir with lightning, pushing him back but not by much. Before Fenrir could attack her, someone had else struck him with lightning and and tendrils started restraining the giant beast.
Baraqiel: “This woman is off limits, pup!”
Iori: “Bad dog! Now sit!”
Loki: “Oh look, knights in shining armor.”
Fenrir freed himself from the tendrils, but was then shoulder tackled by another Devil, knocking the giant wolf away.
Sairaorg: “Alright pal, I’ll give you and the pup one chance to back out.”
Loki: “You honestly believe I’ll stop at the threat of ONE Devil?”
Sairaorg: “No. But I could use the extra workout today.”
Fenrir roared at Sairaorg and dug it’s claw into the floor, chucking a large patch of rubble in his direction, he blocked it off with his shoulder, but the remains of the rubble flew at Asia, who was thankfully protected by another Devil who summoned a barrier in front of her.
Loki: “Beelzebub bloodline!?”
Sairaorg looked back to the Devil who stood before Asia.
Diodora: “Sairaorg correct? Think you cam handle this on your own?”
Sairaorg: “Still gotta hold back a lot so I don’t hurt anyone else here.”
Diodora: “Then allow me to help.”
Diodora summoned another barrier that stretched out and walled itself around Sairaorg, Loki, and Fenrir.
Sairaorg: “Perfect.”
Loki grimaced as he looked at Sairaorg.
Loki: “Get him!”
Fenrir roared and launched himself at Sairaorg, who easily dodged to the side. Fenrir swinging his paw, only for Sairaorg to dodge again, running across the wall and jumping off it.
Ajuku: “Sairaorg! Towards the back!”
Sairaorg noticed a second barrier behind Loki.
Sairaorg: “Everyone! Away from the back!”
Everyone that was behind the barrier moved away from it as Sairaorg jumped over Fenrir, pushing himself up against the opposite side of the wall, then clapping his hands together for a loud thunderous clap. One that not only broke the back end of the barrier, but knocked Loki and Fenrir into the second and sealed them both inside, teleporting them away. Diodora then dispelled his barrier.
Diodora: “Impressive strength.”
Sairaorg: “Eh, I still held back a bit.”
Diodora then turned to Asia.
Diodora: “You aren’t hurt, are you?”
Asia: “Uh-… no, thank you.”
Diodora: “But of course. I could stand aside and watch such a beautiful woman get hurt now, could I?”
Asia’s face flushed a bit, much to the notice of Akeno.
Baraqiel: “Are you hurt Akeno?”
Akeno: “Huh, no. Thank you both.”
Iori: “Course, someone needed a time out.”
Koneko blocks the jab of Bikou’s power pole with her elbow but it still pushed her back, she punches it to the side and then blocks a knee strike from Aorous, she then swung up a high kick, but Aorous caught it and swung it up and pulled Koneko off balance, then he threw her over to Bikou who caught her and suplexed her into the ground. However, she gets her legs around his head and manages to toss him backwards, Aorous goes in for a punch, but is suddenly interrupted by another punch from Issei.
Rias: “Koneko! Are you okay!?”
Koneko gets up from the ground.
Koneko: “… Little dizzy but I’m fine. You followed me?”
Rias: "Did you expect us not to?"
Kuroka: “Guess a few extras got caught in the barrier.”
Bikou: “And it’s the Red Dragon Emperor and her master!”
Aorous: “Red Dragon, that guy’s the titty freak I’ve been hearing about?”
Issei: “Damn right! And I’m more of a connoisseur!”
Kuroka: “Well then, if we have the additional company…”
Kuroka hopped down from the tree.
Kuroka: “What’s say we make it a three-on-three?”
Issei: “Yeah, make it a proper fair fight! Boosted Gear!”
Issei summons his Boosted Gear.
Issei: “Oh come on!”
Kuroka: “Oh, whisky dick at the gauntlet. Turning forty already, at least you still look young.”
Issei: “I’m eighteen and I get it up just fine- give me a minute! Ddraig!”
Ddraig: “This is the result of your training with Tannin. You’ll have to decide if you want to power up, or to Balance Breaker.”
Issei: “So are you telling me I might be able to use Balance Breaker on the dot?”
Ddraig: “You did it when you thought you were about to fight Iori, did you not?”
Issei: “Yeah but I didn’t fight with it or hold it for long.”
Ddraig: “Then ultimately you should know you won’t be able to kick out the jams using your Balance Breaker without a radical catalyst.”
Issei: “Radical catfish?”
Ddraig: “Catalyst. The rest is up to you boy.”
Issei: “Yeah no, telling me that DOESN’T exactly tell me what I’m supposed to do all of a sudden!”
Kuroka: “Well that’s lame… the Red Dragon Emperor in battle and incapable of using his Sacred Gear? Maybe he doesn’t have the balls.”
Koneko: “Just figure out a way to bring it out and then join in. My guess is Ddraig knows you enough to figure out exactly what you can use to get stronger.”
Issei: “You think so? Wait! I got it!”
Rias: “Alright, then do it quick!”
Issei: “About that… Rias, I’m gonna need your help.”
Rias: “You can’t do it on your own? We have three of them to deal with.”
Kuroka: “No no, I can wait for the Red Dragon, I’m intrigued.”
Koneko: “Then I’ll keep the other two at bay.”
Rias: “Chances are I may not be able to help you out with them Koneko, you may be taking them both on yourself.”
Koneko: “Then it’s a fair fight.”
Koneko tosses her suit jacket and takes up a stance with her right fist up by her chin and her left down low.
Issei: “…Bad…… ass…”
Rias: “Alright Issei, what do you need. I’ll do anything in my power to assist you.”
Issei: “In that case, let me poke ‘yo titties.”
Kuroka raised an eyebrow, Bikou looked a little confused, and Aorous let out a chuckle.
Koneko: “Of course that’s your idea…”
Rias: “Ah geez. Well if that’s what’s going to get you going have at it.”
Issei: “Wait really I got the green light? I’m gonna poke ‘em. I’m pushing that nipple back deep in there babe.”
Aorous: “Well… certainly a connoisseur.”
Koneko: “So help me-“
Rias: “Koneko it’s fine.”
Koneko takes a deep breath, then ran forward at Bikou and Aorous who also ran at her, her punch colliding with the other two, actually causing a shockwave that knocked a few trees down. Kuroka had to jump off her’s and down to the ground. The three backed away from each other, Aorous stepping forward but was punched twice by Koneko in the gut, then she jumped up and kicked him, bouncing off his chest to kick Bikou with the same leg, he blocked with his arm, she rolled across the ground, Bikou then dodged Koneko’s attempt to grab hold or him, following with two punches, both of them hitting her in the head, until she blocked a third and swung her arm away, knocking his arm away as well and leaving him open as Koneko socked him in the gut, and then swung around Aorous’ fist which hit Bikou instead.
Aorous: “Oh shi- friendly fire-“
Koneko then knocked Aorous away with a backhand punch, then stepped back again, but Bikou knocked her in the head with his Power Pole, then swung it under her arm and flipped her over. She did hit the ground, but quickly pushed her legs out to kick Bikou in the shins, then grabbed him and rolled them both around, then back away when Aorous swung a kick towards her.
Issei: “Damn, could she kick ass like this?”
Rias: “Look just focus if you’re gonna do this…”
Rias lifted up the top part of her dress to expose her breasts.
Issei: “Uh…… okay uh… hey someone’s an expert right? Right can or the left?”
Koneko: “Are you fucking kidding me-?"
Aorous launched a heavy punch to Koneko that knocked her into a tree.
Aorous: “Professional speaking, go the side on your dominant hand.”
Bikou: “Personally I prefer a challenge, go for the non-dominant side.”
Koneko: “They’re the same!"
Koneko dug her fingers into the tree, jumping over Bikou’s punch and dropkicking him.
Issei: “I’m being serious and there’s no way they’re the same! It’s deal or no deal, and I’m pushing the buzzer for the first time ever! Lives are at stake!”
Koneko: "Yes! YOURS!"
Rias: “For crying out loud my breasts are NOT part of a game show. Just do both!”
Issei: “Eh-! Both!?”
Koneko: ‘Not to self, headache medication will provide useful.’
Issei: “Alright get ready.”
Issei de-summoned his Balance Breaker.
Issei: “I’m comin’ in.”
Koneko then caught Bikou’ power pole between her knee and elbow, pulling her elbow away and pushed the pole up with her knee, extending her foot out to kick Aorous away, then her attention was pulled as Issei’s power suddenly shot up in an instant.
Ddraig: “Welsh Dragon! Balance Breaker!”
Kuroka: “Well would you look at that…”
Aorous: “Wow! Haha it really worked!”
Bikou: “It actually worked?”
Koneko: ‘Why did that work..?’
Issei’s Balance Breaker activated, even redesigning his wings in his form.
Issei: “Balance Breaker. Boosted Gear Scale Mail! My power has been unleashed by poking my master’s headlights! And now! Time to pound some pussy!”
Koneko: “I am NOT fighting to that!”
Ddraig: “Congratulations partner! But I’m not looking forward to what you’re going to use this hand for when we’re done here.”
Kuroka: “Well it’s about time. Hope you can handle it rough Dragon Emperor!”
Kuroka summoned a magic circle behind her and chi flew in a circle around it, then launched at Issei, who tanked the blast, much to Kuroka’s surprise.
Kuroka: “Alright, I’ll up the intensity!”
Kuroka fired off a few more blasts in Issei’s direction as he flew at her with a punch. Bikou jumped in front and blocked the punch, but Issei continued to push forward. Eventually overpowering him and knocking both of them back, while Koneko punched Aorous and sent him flying in the same direction. After a while, a magic circle opened up in the air and Flying Nimbus flew up with Bikou on the center, Aorous on the back, and Kuroka being carried by Bikou.
Kuroka: “Already?”
Aorous: “Loki’s disappeared, our job is done.”
Bikou: “He’s right, meaning we don’t have any more time to be monkeying around.”
Aorous: “So it’s not offensive… ta ta for now Kitty Cat!”
The three of them vanished into the magic circle which then dissipated.
Issei: “Hell yeah! Up top!”
Koneko: “I’m not touching either of those hands..."
The whole scuffle came to a close and Rias met with Sirzechs and Grayfia.
Sirzechs: “So you fought his accomplices in the forest.”
Rias: “Technically Koneko and Issei did but yes. Bikou, Kuroka, and Aorous.”
Sirzechs: “I see. You’ve become a true member over your household, Rias, I’m very proud.”
Rias grinned as Sirzechs turned to Issei and Koneko.
Sirzechs: “And you two did remarkably well, never forget what you two have accomplished.”
Iori was walking down the hall, adjusting his haori.
Asia: “Oh, Iori?”
Iori: “Huh, hey.”
Asia: “Uh… do you happen to know where…… the rooms are… I got a little lost.”
Iori: “Yeah just… down the hall right? Or is that the-… nope that’s… a reason to find Akeno- hang on…”
Iori looked around the corners as the two were making their way down the halls.
Iori: “So hey… who was the dude that flirting with you?”
Asia: “O-Oh I… I don’t know I… I think his name was Diodora? Haven’t actually met him before but… he seemed… charming…”
Iori: “What, you got feelings for him?”
Asia: “Uh- n-no my…… I love Issei, really so when he… flirted with me I… I kinda froze up.”
Iori: “I’m gonna take a guess you’re not exactly used that, or that you are but still don’t know how to react.”
Asia: “Y-Yeah exactly. Are you like that?”
Iori: “I… have frozen up a few times. But only Akeno has that kind of effect on me.”
Akeno: “Good to hear.”
Asia: “Yip-!”
Asia jumped as she turned back, Iori doing the same.
Iori: “Oh, perfect timing.”
Asia: “I uh… got lost.”
Akeno: “It is a rather big house, but it’s only down the hall, head towards the right, and it’ll look familiar.”
Asia: “Right, thank you!”
Asia headed off to her room.
Akeno: “Something on your mind again?”
Iori: “…Did you see the guy that saved Asia?”
Akeno: “I did, yes. I think it’s rather sweet that she has another admirer, after all she is quite adorable.”
Iori: “No doubt on my part but… something about that guy just rubs me the wrong way.”
Diodora arrived inside his castle through a magic circle, as he entered, the queen of his peerage had come to greet him.
Queen: “Welcome back my lord.”
Diodora: “My, you haven’t been waiting this whole time for me to return have you?”
Queen: “Only supervising the others my lord.”
Diodora: “Glad to hear it, oh, and my Queen? See if you can find another bed, I expect to be adding another to the peerage very soon.”
The queen bowed.
Queen: “Of course.”
Chapter 4: Mischief, Magic, and Muscle
Chapter Text
Sirzechs: “You wish to keep Loki at bay?”
Rias: “I don’t intend to sound overconfident, but I truly believe we can beat him.”
Sirzechs looks over to Azazel.
Sirzechs: “You monitored their training, think they can do it?”
Azazel: “Extra help may be necessary, but I definitely trust them not to die out there. Plus, if higher class Devils attack Loki outright it’ll result in a large scale war.”
Rias: “And it would play into Loki’s hand wouldn’t it?”
Azazel: “Given that he wants to bring about Ragnarok, yes. And to top it off, the Chaos Brigade wants pandemonium, meaning we’ll be playing into their hands too. It’d be the beginning of the end…”
Odin: “I’m going to head up north this instant to retrieve Mjolnir. You’ll need it in this fight if you truly wish to fight Loki.”
Ajuku: “The Underworld knows of the power you and your peerage holds Miss Rias Gremory, but without reinforcements this battle will be much harder than anything you’ve fought.”
Rias: “Yes, I’m well aware of the danger ahead. All of us are.”
Serafall: “Then don’t think your the only volunteers.”
The doors opened and Sona, Tsubaki, and Saji stepped inside.
Rias: “Your peerage is coming too?”
Sona: “Most got injured in the attack, they’re currently healing now so it’ll just be the three of us. Besides…”
Sona held out a case, opened it and caught a black leather whip as it dropped out, handed the case to Tsubaki, then cracked the whip on the ground, causing Saji to back up in fear.
Sona: “I wanted to give this a try…”
Sona has a mischievous grin on her face.
Iori: “…Am I the only one that found that scary?”
Issei: “Nnnope.”
Odin: “Rossweisse.”
Rossweisse: “Of course. I’ll fight on behalf of Asgard.”
Vulrikan: “We’ll be joining you as well.”
Everyone turned to see the Viper Family.
Sirzechs: “I appreciate the Viper Family wishing to join, but I can only teleport ten at a time.”
Vulrikan: “Not a problem.”
Reina: “I’ve been capable of tracing magic circles to teleport through, Master Vulrikan has to activate them, but I can still trace other kinds of magic circles.”
Sirzechs: “Meaning that you can copy mine.”
Rias: “But how many can you take through?”
Reina: “…Only eight.”
Rias: “Then we’ll do it this way. Issei, Akeno, Iori, Koneko, Kiba, and Xenovia, we’ll be going into battle. Sona, you, Tsubaki, and Saji can teleport with us. Vulrikan and his team can take Rossweisse with them.”
Azazel: “And that makes seventeen. If you feel you should take Asia or Gasper you can.”
Rias: “…Asia, Gasper. Don’t take this the wrong way but it might be best for you two to stay back from this one.”
Gasper: “It’s fine… I don’t think I’m exactly ready just yet.”
Asia: “I’ll pray for you guys.”
Issei: “Wwwwaait no bad idea that did NOT go well last time.”
Iori: “Why, what happened last time?”
Issei: “It-… wait does it still hurt like hell?”
Asia: “I haven’t prayed for anyone else recently… but it doesn’t hurt me anymore so that’s nice.”
Kiba: “If it makes you feel comfortable, try it out.”
Asia: “Okay here…”
Asia clasped her hands together for a few seconds.
Iori: “AAAAHHHHH MOTHERF-“
Iori clutched his head.
Issei: “Okay no still bad!”
Akeno: “Iori!”
Iori: “Oowwww my god-! That’s… that’s for dinner.”
Iori was faking it, much to the others relief.
Rias: “Good grief we thought you were in pain…”
Iori chuckled.
Iori: “C’mon payback was overdue for those back to back tests of yours.”
Michael: “Seems you lot really are a colorful bunch. So if you have one more seat to fill, there is someone else.”
Xenovia: “Who? There’s no one else here?”
Then, at the perfect time, someone stepped in.
Irina: “There is now.”
Irina had a confident smile as she held her sword close to her hip.
Irina: “Yeah that… the corner was really dark I couldn’t help myself. There might be a bulb out…”
Outside, everyone was about ready for departure while Reina wore her tight sleeveless dark purple top with black coattails, long black gloves, dark gray thigh-high socks, and heeled boots, and is currently in a tracing the magic circle that Sirzechs had made besides his. Vulrikan standing in the middle wearing his gi that consisted of a black top, purple pants with golden snake-like details.
Vulrikan: “And… here.”
With a single tap in the middle, the magic circle let out a green glow with a feint hint of purple, Kurohawa stepped inside the circle once it lit up.
Sirzechs: “Rather impressive.”
Ryomi: “Yeah, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get to fight!”
Ryomi and Okano both stepped forward. Okano wearing a black kunoichi dress with a dark pink sash and Ryomi was wearing an open long yellow leather coat with wraps around her chest, black chaps over yellow pants, and steal grieves.
Issei: “Damn… was his team always a set of babes?”
Saji: “Reina looks pretty good herself too…”
Issei: “Yeah no kidding, that booty’s a whole bakery!”
Rossweisse then stepped forward in her armor.
Rossweisse: “I suppose I should have introduced myself earlier seeing that we’ll be fighting together, I’m the Valkyrie Rossweisse.”
Issei: “Oh now THAT is armor.”
Saji: “And I’d definitely take that Valkyrie for a ride.”
Issei: “Armor on, off, business suit or birthday suit I am DOWN.”
As the two were ogling Rossweisse, Sona and Rias pinches onto their ears.
Sona: “Gushing over four women at a time is certainly a record for you.”
Rias: “Down boy.”
Ryomi and Okano passed them and made their way to the other magic circle.
Ryomi: “How much longer ‘till we get to kick some ass? I’m already eager to go!”
Grayfia: “Once you take these.”
Grayfia held out an open case with three red capsule inside.
Grayfia: “These are Phoenix Tears. Unfortunately we only have the three on such short notice so use them wisely.”
Rias took one out of the case.
Rias: “Sona, you hold onto one.”
Sona: “Of course.”
Sona picked one out of the case, then Rias took another.
Rias: “Vulrikan.”
Rias tossed the last Phoenix Tear to Vulrikan and he caught it.
Sirzechs: “Remember, all of you. Keep your guard up out there.”
Rias: “Of course.”
Sirzechs: “Teleporting you all now. Vulrikan.”
Vulrikan: “On it.”
Both magic circles lit up and teleported the two groups away.
The teams arrived before a large seal that was in the distance.
Sona: “Looks like it’s about time.”
Rossweisse: “Anyone have a strategy?”
Nova: “Only one, but it involves a giant green rage monster that we don’t have.”
Ryomi: “Kuwahara's giant.”
Kuwahara: “But not angry nor green. My armor is black and very dark red.”
Kuwahara stomps his halberd into the ground.
Kuwahara: “But I will be angry if he hurts my comrades.”
Iori: “...Giant teddy bear huh?”
Nova: “You have no idea.
Sona turned to Vulrikan.
Sona: “Certainly do have an interesting team.”
Vulrikan: “It can be rather… difficult stopping them from causing a commotion. Kiyoka and Reina especially."
Nova: "Hey I cause a LOT more than 'commotion'!"
Rias: “Well everyone handles it differently. Where would be the fun if you weren’t all comfortable being yourselves around each other?”
Ryomi: “Exactly, what better way is there to describe friendship?”
Kuwahara: “There is not.”
Nova: “Unless it’s whatever Vul and Reina got going on.”
Vulrikan: “What are you talking about?”
Nova: “What you think I didn’t hear you and Reina-“
Vulrikan: “Moving on. Reina.”
Vulrikan handed Reina an odd looking dagger that she stabbed herself with, it spilled a little bit of blood that rescinded back into her body.
Irina: “W-Wait!? What are you-!?”
Reina’s eyes started to glow red and she started chuckling.
Kiba: “What the hell..?”
The dagger disappeared and Reina swung out two saw-back machetes with black blades.
Rossweisse: “What kind of sorcery is this?”
Vulrikan: “Reina’s true personality. Sh was afflicted with a curse that seals this personality, and we have recently found a dagger to remove it, but it only works temporarily.”
Iori: “Oh yeah, forgot Reina likes slicing things apart as much as she’s in love with Vulrikan.”
Issei: “Freaky……”
Sona: “I take it she’s more talented in this state?”
Vulrikan: “Very much.”
Saji: “Would that explain that glare she gave one of the Devils at reception?”
Nova: “Should’ve seen her when all those other chicks were checking him out.”
Vulrikan: “Is that what they were doing?”
Nova: “Dude! They wanted you to pipe them-!"
Rias: “He’s coming!”
The seal was glowing brightly and rose up into the air and it shattered, freeing Loki.
Loki: “Well that was annoying…”
Rossweisse: “Hear me Loki! Attacking the All-Father is unforgivable! Surrender now and maybe your punishment will be reduced!”
Loki: “Surrender? To a bunch of children? Ha! While this isn’t how I pictured the beginning of Ragnarok it’ll serve as an opening act.”
One of the large rocks exploded and Fenrir roared as he was now summoned.
Iori: “Okay the dog wants a round two…”
Two more explosions came about besides Fenrir, revealing two more large wolves.
Rias: “Hati and Skull too…”
Then, a bolt of lightning struck the ground, causing another explosion that revealed a large, serpent-like Dragon.
Rias: “And now a Midgard Serpent, dammit. That thing’s one of the Five Dragon Kings!”
Irina: “A legendary monster?”
Ryomi: “Good! A battle against a legendary beast will surely bring me one step closer to a legend! Loki! Hear the name Ryomi Shimizu, and cower in fear! For we all! Will defeat you! With the POWER! OF-!”
Loki: “Okay so you will die FIRST!”
Loki snapped his fingers and all the beasts roared in unison.
Issei: “Rias!”
Saji: “Sona!”
Rias & Sona: “Done!”
Issei & Saji: “Promotion to Queen!”
Issei: “Balance Breaker!”
Ddraig: “Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!”
Issei transformed and flew up to Loki.
Loki: “Oh my, the Red Dragon Emperor. And yet I’m still disappointed.”
Loki flicked his fingers out and fired a blast and Issei blocked it.
Issei: “Guess that makes two of us. I’ve trained for this and this is the best you’ve got.”
Loki: “Fenrir!”
Fenrir jumped up towards Issei, but was struck with the back of Kuwahara halberd and down to the ground.
Issei: “Hey! Thanks!”
Kuwahara: “Of course Red Dragon!”
Xenovia, Kiba, and Okano jumped up behind Kuwahara.
Xenovia: “Allow us to help! Durandal go!”
Xenovia fired off a sword beam that nailed Fenrir.
Kiba: “Sword Birth!”
Kiba jammed his sword into the ground and multiple swords shot up and jammed into Fenrir.
Rias: “Koneko! After Skull!”
Vulrikan: “Ryomi! Reina! Nova! After Hati!”
Ryomi: “You got it boss!”
Reina: “Of course!”
Nova: “Done and done!”
Ryomi dashed over to Hati and dropkicked him whole Koneko pinned Skull down.
Tsubaki: “Leaves us with the serpent.”
Akeno struck it with lightning, but it quickly retaliated by breathing fire, forcing the group to fly away.
Akeno: “It’s resilient…”
Tsubaki: “So are we! Mirror Alice!”
Once the flames strike the mirror, it reflects the fire back at the serpent. Then, Rias casted her magic to strike it and Sona summoned a water serpent to bite it and restrain it, unfortunately it didn’t take long to break free.
Rias: “Okay it’s VERY resilient.”
Sona: “Then it’s a good thing we’re holding it off… this is way above our pay grade…”
Iori: “Yeah but it’s not out of our league!“
Iori’s tendrils wrapped around the beast and managed to pull it’s head to the ground, but it quickly freed itself and roared.
Iori: “Probably…”
Koneko rolled under Skull and Irina tossed a ring construct of magic to restrain it. Allowing Koneko to deliver a punch towards the side of Skull’s head, crashing it into the side of the ground. Rossweisse following up with a hailstorm of magic.
Nova tossed several spears in Hati’s direction as it ran towards the group facing him. Reina slashing across the side of Hati’s body with her machete and Ryomi dove forward, smashing her head into Hati’s to knock him away.
Loki: “They’re doing rather well for a bunch of weaklings.”
Loki fired off another blast at Issei that he flew around and went for a punch that was easily avoided, but then Loki’s attention was pulled away by a strand of magic that wrapped around his arm.
Saji: “Hey, I caught a big one!”
Loki: “Oh please, if you think this can hold me-“
Loki summoned a magic circle to break the strand, but his magic didn’t do anything.
Loki: “What-?”
Issei decked Loki in the face and knocked him away.
Loki: “Gah-!? What is this!?”
Grieves and gauntlets had appeared onto Saji and his left eye turned red with a yellow beast-like pupil, the strand now emitting a black and purple flame.
Loki: “I see, the Vritra Dragon’s dark flames.”
Saji: “Damn straight, and even a god can’t shrug off this power without problem. Shouldn’t have underestimated us!”
Then the serpent dragon roared at Saji.
Saji: “Aw shit, little help!”
Iori’s tendrils fired up from the ground and pulled at the serpent from below it’s head and Issei fired a Dragon Shot at it’s head to further back it up, but was caught off guard as Loki hailed rapid shots of magic at him, knocking him back a little and forcing him to block, but getting pushed back only allowed Hati to jump up and attempt to eat him, so Issei was forced to hold Hati’s mouth open from inside.
Issei: “Shit! I’m in trouble!”
Okano jumped up quickly and sliced the inside of Hati’s mouth with her katana, then jumped off it’s nose and threw four kunao daggers into it’s mouth, each one setting off a small explosion and Issei was able to get out.
Issei: “Thanks!”
Issei fired a Dragon Shot at Hati that knocked him down and Vulrikan followed up from afar, sending up a wave from Okano’s shadow that struck Hati and knocked him away.
Iori: “Damn Vulrikan’s team is good.”
Akeno: “Then it’s time we play representatives to Fallen Angels too.”
Iori: “…Wanna try the thing?”
Akeno: “Absolutely~.”
Iori flew forward and Akeno flew up, extending her wings, but instead of Devil wings, her right wing was that of a Devil, but her left was a Fallen Angel wing.
Akeno: “I am the Devil Queen of Rias Gremory, but I am also the daughter of Baraqiel Himejima! I am Akeno Himejima!”
Akeno conjured up a yellow magic circle from above and struck the Midgard Serpent from above, then with her left hand, blue lightning that she casted towards the serpent, but the blue lightning missed.
Issei: “Aw damn almost had it too…”
Akeno grinned.
Akeno: “Who says I missed?”
The Midgard Serpent flew up to attempt to eat Akeno, but was then slapped with blue lightning and that strike knocked it away.
Iori was using a Desecration Vortex between his hands, keeping the blue lightning Akeno cast and shaped it like a long whip.
Flashback
Akeno cast lightning in Baraqiel’s direction and Iori swung a tendril at him, but he quickly jumped back to avoid both, casting lightning of his own as Iori whipped out a Desecration Vortex, using enough power to pull Baraqiel’s lightning towards him, but it wasn’t intentional and he was struck in the chest when it went haywire.
Akeno: “Iori!”
Baraqiel landed back on the ground as Akeno went to check up on him as he had hit the ground
Iori: “I’m alright… caught me off guard-…… oh…”
Iori held up his hands and Baraqiel’s lightning was flowing through the vortex he made, and now contained within.
Baraqiel: “Impressive.”
Akeno: “Can you… wield it?”
Iori thought about it, then aimed his left hand and fired off the lightning in the air.
Iori: “Well would you look at that…”
Iori still held a small sliver of lightning within, then boosted it to make it bigger.
Baraqiel: “Even with the smallest sample… you can still make other magic into your own…”
Akeno: “Well that just opens up a few possibilities now, doesn’t it?”
Iori: “Heh… what do you have in mind?”
Flashback End
Irina: “A lightning whip!?”
Iori: “My Queen’s idea, figured we could demonstrate a little shock therapy!”
Iori cracked the whip at the Midgard Serpent, hurting it pretty hard, so it retaliated by breathing fire at Iori as he flew to the side, cracking the whip at the serpent again at it’s middle body, and then flying up and swinging the lightning whip down at it’s head.
Akeno: “How about I have a turn?”
Iori: “Feel free!”
Iori passed the vortex with the lightning and Akeno caught it and lashed it at the side of the serpent’s head.
Tsubaki: “They can wield each other’s magic?”
Vulrikan: “His Desecration Vortex must be able to absorb magic and amplify it with his own power. They must have been training in order to utilize this magic to such an extent, even practicing to a point where Himejima-san can wield his magic just like he can wield hers.”
Akeno lashed the serpent one more time.
Akeno: “Iori! Tie it down!”
Akeno tossed the lightning whip to Iori who extended it even greater and threw it at the Midgard Serpent, tangling the serpent’s body and trapping it.
Akeno: “Now!”
Akeno and Iori landed on the ground, clasped their hands together and up in the air, Akeno surging blue lighting within, and Iori using Desecration Vortex.
Akeno: “Ready?”
Iori: “Say the line?”
Both of them charged lighting into their outer hands.
Akeno & Iori: “Ride the lightning!”
Both of them struck the Midgard Serpent with powerful lightning in a joint attack, knocking it down and out.
Iori: “Phew!”
Iori flicked his right wrist violently as it was smoking.
Iori: “Wow that does not hurt any less than last time…”
Akeno: “Didn’t seem like a waste. Training paid off.”
Akeno gave Iori a peck on the cheek. Rias watched from a afar with a tear in her eye.
Rias: “You finally put it past you…… I’m so proud.”
Irina, Rossweisse, and Koneko had just taken down Skull while Ryomi, Nova, and Reina had taken down Hati, while Kiba, Xenovia, and Kurohawa were still focused on Fenrir. Loki was flying around, but struggling to avoid Issei’s attacks due to Saji’s Sacred Gear still around his wrist.
Loki: “Alright, enough child’s play!”
Loki let off a blue aura and a thunderstorm began to conjure, then a massive gust of wind.
Rossweisse: “Dammit! Lord Loki enough! You won’t just destroy the Underworld you’ll destroy all the mythological worlds!”
Loki: “Good! That’s the idea!”
Large chunks of ice started raining down.
Vulrikan: “Everyone! Get to lower ground! Find cover! Kuwahara! To me!”
Kuwahara rushed over to cover Vulrikan.
Kuwahara: “Are you about to unleash it?”
Vulrikan: “I am.”
Vulrikan summoned a purple magic circle from below his feet.
Kiba used Sword Birth as cover, but the chunks of ice as well as the magic hailing down was breaking apart his cover and now striking Kiba.
Xenovia: “Kiba no!”
Xenovia was using Durandal as cover, until Okano jumped in front as was using two katanas to slice through the magic and ice.
Okano: “Get to cover.”
Xenovia ran back, bringing Kiba with her.
Loki: “This is only the beginning of Ragnarok. At least your lives will have an epic finale!”
Loki conjured three more magic circles, firing them up into the sky and the storm of magic came down even harder. Okano managed to move fast enough to dodge, Xenovia and Kiba’s cover was coming apart. Koneko managed to find use a giant rock as a shield above her head, Ryomi stood under Rossweisse, Irina, and Reina’s magic circles, Issei was shielding Rias and tanking the hits like Kuwahara was doing for Vulrikan, Tsubaki used a magic circle as cover for her and Sona, and Nova used her spears to cover her.
Nova: “Hey bro! Now’s the time!”
Vulrikan: “With these words, I call upon chaos, darkness, and destruction. For I wield the blood, of the malevolent deity…”
Vulrikan’s eyes began to glow purple.
Vulrikan: “Apophis!”
The top of Vulrikan’s gi came off as he body gave off a purple glow and the magic circle summoned a long serpent body with a transparent and purple glow, wrapping around the area and shielding everyone from the storm.
Issei: “Ugghhh-! What the-!?”
Rias: “Apophis!?”
Loki: “APOPHIS!?”
The rain of magic ended and the serpent beast roared at Loki and fired laser breath at Loki, forcing him to use a magic circle to block the attack, pushing him far back.
Vulrikan’s body stopped glowing and he now had a serpent like pattern on his chest and his back like a tattoo, one that was glowing purple.
Vulrikan: “Thank you Kuwahara.”
Kuwahara armor had sustained pretty heavy damage, but he seemed perfectly fine.
Vulrikan: “Allow me to keep Loki at bay, I cannot hold Apophis’ power for very long, but it should be long enough for you to tend to the wounded!”
Rias: “Alright. Who’s injured!?”
Koneko: “Kiba, Xenovia, and Saji!”
Sona: “I’ll get Saji and Xenovia.”
Tsubaki: “Kiba.”
Vulrikan tossed a Phoenix Tear to Sona and she caught it, before Vulrikan flew up and sent Apophis to attack Loki who fired rapid magic at the beast, only for it to tank it and attempt to eat him, but he used a magic circle to hold it off.
Sona let down a single drop of a Phoenix Tear onto Saji and he slowly woke back up.
Saji: “Ohhh wow those things work wonders… thought I died again…”
Sona: “Loki made us his bitches, you gonna take that?”
Saji: “Not in the slightest…”
Saji sat back up.
Saji: “Too my last breath, for that school you want…”
Sona stood up and began to teleport away.
Sona: “Thank you.”
Saji: “Yea-… wait did you just-“
Sona teleported away.
Saji: “…Hold on you just- what!?”
Irina slashed at Skull and she landed on the ground, unsheathing her sword slightly.
Irina: “Don’t move!”
Irina sheathed her blade and six slashes stuck Skull in an instant, then Xenovia jumped in and smashed the beast with the side of her blade.
Irina: “Glad you’re okay!”
Xenovia: “Think I’d be stopped so easily?”
Irina: “Not even close. Now what’s say we demonstrate an unstoppable Heaven and Hell combo?”
Xenovia: “Heh. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Tsubaki dropped down a Phoenix Tear down on Kiba and he slowly got back up.
Kiba: “Well this shirt’s ruined…”
Tsubaki: “That’s your first response?”
Kiba: “Suppose it shouldn’t have been. Thanks.”
Hati then jumped down before the two and Kiba readied two swords.
Kiba: “What’s say we take this one down together?”
Tsubaki: “Not the worst idea I’ve heard.”
Tsubaki held out her hand and Kiba looked surprised, handing one of his swords to Tsubaki.
Kiba: “Didn’t know you were a sword fighter.”
Tsubaki: “Practiced fencing as a hobby, think you can keep up?”
Kiba: “Guess we’ll have to see. And I’m rather glad to be fighting along you.”
Tsubaki’s face flushed a bit, but she quickly focused.
Tsubaki: “How about we focus on the wolf first?”
Kiba: “Sounds good.”
Apophis lunged it’s head towards Loki as he flew back and continued to attempt to block off the giant deity. Ryomi threw a massive rock at him from the ground and he blocked that as well.
Rossweisse: “Everyone! I’ve got good news!”
A blue magic circle conjured from above.
Issei: “What’s that?”
Mjilnor started to drop down from the sky.
Rossweisse: “The mighty Thor’s weapon of choice. With a single swing, the God of Thunder rains down divine punishment!”
Loki: “Mjolnir!”
Rossweisse: “Odin sends a message! Red Dragon Emperor! Grab it!”
Issei: “I got it!”
Loki: “No you don’t-!”
Then, mutliple shadows of Apophis began to take the same three-dimensional shape and blocked Loki’s direction.
Loki: “Damn you, you insolent Fallen Angel!!”
Loki casted magic circles to strike at the multiple bodies, then Spears of Midnight flew past him, forcing him to draw his attention to dodging Nova and Okano throwing the spears.
Rias: “Issei now!”
Issei: “Got it!”
Issei flew towards Mjolnir.
Issei: “It’s hammer tiiiiime-!”
Iori: “Yo! FENRIR!”
Issei just noticed Fenrir jumping at him from the side, but thankfully before it could bite him, Koneko flew in from nowhere and kicked Issei out of the way, then getting caught in Fenrir’s mouth, but was struggling to keep it’s mouth open as it was plunging to the ground.
Issei: “Koneko!”
Koneko: “Grab the hammer!”
Fenrir crashed into the ground with Koneko still in his mouth and slammed his own mouth into the side of the ground, then into the ground, making Koneko struggle more to keep Fenrir’s mouth open, she managed to jump away and out of Fenrir’s mouth and back on the ground as Fenrir slammed it’s paw into the nearby rubble on the ground, sending large rocks in Koneko’s direction, forcing her to punch it and break it apart.
Issei: “KONEKO MOVE!!”
Fenrir ran at Koneko through the rubble as Koneko broke it apart and as it turned it’s head sideways, Fenrir bit into Koneko’s skin, forcing a pained scream out of her, then Fenrir slammed her into the wall and tossed her aside, sending her rolling across the ground and bleeding violently.
Issei: “DAMMIT!!”
Issei flew at Fenrir and knocked him away and Akeno struck it with lightning, blood still staining Koneko’s clothes as she was on the ground, her fingers digging into the ground…
Chapter 5: Unleash The Rage
Chapter Text
Six Days Ago...
Koneko finds herself sitting inside the Gremory Train alongside Rias, who just set a hand on her shoulder.
Rias: "How are you holding up?"
Koneko: "......It's complicated."
Rias: "Mixed emotions?"
Koneko: "...Something like that."
Rias: "...I told Uchiyama about... your past. I remember you saying you hated talking about it, so I thought it would take some weight off your shoulders."
Koneko: "...Thanks."
There was a moment of silence between the two, until Koneko broke it.
Koneko: "...I almost got Gaspy killed..."
Rias: "Hey, I'm the one who wanted him to see how you were doing. Sure none of us expected... anything that would happen, but we're all just glad you two are okay."
Koneko: "...For now. I'm...... I'm just worried that... there'll be a time I go berserk and... I won't be me anymore... nothing more than some animal you shouldn't let out of it's cage..."
Rias: "...That won't happen."
Koneko: "You can't promise that."
Rias: "No... but I do know you'll find a way to control it, or knowing you, find a way to weaponize it."
Koneko: "...Personally I'd prefer not too... but if it helps..."
Present
Koneko's hands dug into the ground, struggling to bear the pain as she spit up blood.
Ryomi: "Hey! She's still alive down there!"
Rias looked a bit surprised as she could now see Koneko.
Sona: "Even so... we're out of Phoenix Tears. Someone's going to have to heal her-"
Issei: "Wait! Hang on! Someone keep Fenrir distracted for a bit!"
Vulrikan: "Kuwahara!"
Kuwahara: "On my way!"
Kuwahara jumped down over to Fenrir as Akeno zapped him with lightning. Issei quickly deactivated his Balance Breaker and searched his pockets.
Loki: "Fenrir!"
Loki snapped his fingers and Fenrir jumped towards Issei, who narrowly dodged by flying up.
Rias: "Issei what are you doing!?"
Issei took out a black capsule from his pocket.
Flashback
Ravel: "Red Dragon Emperor, good to see you again."
Issei: "Huh, oh yeah, same. Ravel right?"
Ravel: "Listen, I didn't get the chance to do this when your friend attacked my brother, so I'll do it now while I have the time."
Ravel handed out a black capsule.
Ravel: "I want to give you this gift, seeing it as a token of our friendship."
Issei: "Oh, what is it, some kind of gem?"
Ravel: "Idiot... it's a case. Look."
Ravel takes a short second to open it, and inside is a Phoenix Tear.
Issei: "......This is..?"
Ravel: "Oh for crying out loud..."
Flashback End
Issei opened the case and dropped the Phoenix Tear into his hand.
Issei: "Got it! Hey I got one more!!"
Sona: "Where did he-?"
Rias: "Right now I don't care-"
Issei narrowly dodged another one of Fenrir's bites and Iori's tendrils wrapped around the large beasts head and pulled it to the ground, allowing Issei to fly over to Koneko and get a drop of the item onto her.
Issei: "Gotcha, hey Koneko! C'mon!"
Koneko wasn't getting up from the ground, still on her hands and knees.
Issei: "Koneko what's wrong is it still-..."
Issei can hear Koneko snarling, her cat ears looking feral and her tail was out.
Issei: "...Oh balls... Guys!! CODE WHITE!!"
Rias, Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina all went slightly pale at those last two words.
Vulrikan: "Code White?"
Sona: "Rias? What does he mean?"
Rias: "Everyone! Pull back from Fenrir now!"
Akeno, Iori, Xenovia, Irina, Rossweisse, and Kuwahara all looked over to Rias with confused faces.
Loki: "Pull back? I don't know what game you're playing but it won't do you any good! Fenrir! Red Dragon!"
Fenrir roared as it ran past the others and charged towards Issei and Koneko. But before Issei could grab Koneko and move out of the way, Koneko headbutted Fenrir, sending him flying.
Loki: "What the-!?"
Fenrir had crashed into the ground and Koneko landed on both feet, a red aura engulfing her. Fenrir got up and roared at Koneko, who now stared at him with blank white eyes and let out an even more fearsome roar at the beast before her.
Saji: "JESUS CHRIST!"
Both Koneko and Fenrir ran at each other on all fours, Koneko jumping at him, grabbing him and slamming him into the wall, then lifting him up and slamming him into the ground. Fenrir immediately tried to eat her, but Koneko held Fenrir's mouth open, tossing his head away and claws against the side of his head before biting Fenrir with her fangs, forcing a pained roar out of the large beast as she digs her fangs deep enough to draw blood. Fenrir then slammed Koneko into the wall and tossed her away, but she quickly bounced off the wall, back to Fenrir and slammed both fists down on the ground, not only causing it to shake, but making a massive crater up to over a twenty mile radius, but causing it to rupture and cave inwards.
Sona: "Where the hell did this come from..?"
Rias: "According to another source, this is the result of the White Tiger's blood."
Vulrikan: "The White Tiger?"
Sona: "A violent beast of the Underworld that once slaughtered an entire village on it's own, took an entire army to put it down."
Rias: "Mix the blood of that and fuse it with Koneko's Nekomata blood she holds incredible strength even on her own, but she fully takes on that strength when she enters her Nekomata form... but there's one drastic problem..."
Sona: "She can't control it."
Rias: "...No. She becomes an apex predator hungry for blood..."
Fenrir threw Koneko off from his back, only for her to land and run under Fenrir, scratching him while running under him, drawing a lot of blood from the underbelly, Fenrir let out another pained roar and swung it's paw to claw her, it did hit her but she quickly retaliated by biting into it's front leg, then slammed down both fists on it's head, then grabbing him by the head and proceeding to raise him up and slam him into the ground about four times before tossing him several yards away, where bright white chains had pulled on the nearly unconscious beast, restraining it.
Loki: "That sigil!"
Rossweisse: "The Magic Chains of Gleipnir?"
Kuroka: "Oh... seems the battle’s over already..."
Kuroka had found her way to the battlefield.
Loki: "Another cat Devil... you have the audacity to betray a God!?"
Loki fired up a storm of magic that came to rain down on Kuroka, but all of them were blocked off by another figure with a Holy Sword.
Arthur: "Salutations, my name is Arthur, of the Vali Team. Lord Loki, we will be taking custody of Fenrir from this point forward!"
Loki: "And for what reason?"
Kuroka: "Apparently Vali has a hard on for fangs like these since they can devour gods..."
Fenrir was teleported behind Arthur and Kuroka, but was bleeding pretty heavily.
Loki: "Tell your master he will regret this decision!"
Kuroka: "Suck it, we're not the ones who need to worry about regret."
Arthur: "Apologies for leaving so soon everyone, but we must be going. Far thee well, ta-ta."
Arthur bowed and the two vanished with Fenrir.
Loki: "Damn you White Dragon..!"
Ddraig: "Boost!'
Loki turned to Issei who was holding Mjolnir up high.
Issei: "Alright high and mighty jackass... time to get hammered!"
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Loki was about to open fire on Issei, until Akeno zapped him with lightning, then Nova threw her spears at him which he had to deflect, then Rossweisse casted blasts from several magic circles at once that he narrowly avoided, Irina threw a ring-shaped construct at him that pushed Loki back, and unexpectedly, Koneko super-jumped and tackled him down to the ground, slamming him into it. She landed a few feet away from Loki, who was visibly VERY angry. Koneko began to run at him, until he quickly stood up-
Loki: "ENOUGH!! You meddling children are beneath me!!"
Loki stared right at Koneko.
Loki: "I am a God you untamed animal! And I will not be bullied BY-!!"
Koneko grabbed him by the ankle and slammed him into the ground like a rag doll six times before throwing him closer to Issei. She remains standing on two feet as her eyes turn back to yellow, but bloodshot as she breathes heavily.
Koneko: "...............Suck it bitch."
Loki crashed into the ground and then quickly flew back up. Saji using his Sacred Gear to hold his arm and Iori using tendrils to hold Loki's legs.
Issei: "Alright, said it once I'll say it again!"
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Mjolnir expanded in size three times.
Issei: "It's HAMMER TIIIIIIIME!"
Issei swung Mjolnir at Loki.
Loki: "Damn you Red Dragon! Damn you Odin!!"
The hammer was blocked by a magic circle from Loki has a last minute defense, but it didn't stop Issei.
Loki: "...A plague on all your houses. A plague on all your houses... may you suffer greatly before death."
Loki was then sealed away and the hammer crashed into the ground.
Rias: "Shakespeare?"
Vulrikan: "Romeo and Juliet."
Saji let out a sigh.
Saji: "Safe to say it's over?"
Sona: "Good work Saji, really. And thank you."
Saji's face flushed a little.
Saji: "Huh, oh hey, yeah. No big deal. Also all this smiling on you is starting to make me nervous..."
Kiba: "Tsubaki!"
The Midgard Serpent roared and Kiba flew forward, lifting Tsubaki up and away as the serpent's head slammed into the ground, but suddenly started to glow and exploded.
Sairaorg: "Guess he didn't hear no bell..."
Sairaorg had defeated the Midgard Serpent, his fist smoking.
Issei: "Sairaorg- damn one punch!?"
Ryomi: "Oh ho ho! That was so fucking cool!"
Sairaorg: "Just came along to back you kids up, but it seems you all had things under control."
Sairaorg stepped up and bumped a fist to Issei's chest.
Sairaorg: "I'd like to fight your team in a Rating Game one day. Enough strength to wield Mjolnir, I gotta see that strength for myself."
Rias stepped over.
Rias: "Then you should know we don't plan to lose that fight-"
Rias' attention was quickly drawn behind them as Koneko crashed down behind them, she and Issei turned around to see Koneko on both legs, her eyes not white, nor is she acting like a wild animal.
Rias: "Koneko..? Did you-?"
Koneko: "Got a hold on it for now..."
Issei: "I know the Phoenix Tear thing helped but... you alright?"
Koneko: "Just tired. Had enough center stage for a while..."
Akeno: "You do look like you could use the rest..."
Iori: "Still trying to get off the high of 'we just kicked a God's ass'."
Akeno chuckled.
Akeno: "I suppose we did."
Ryomi: "Hell yeah! The way the Red Dragon swung that hammer was awesome! The way Koneko-sensei was beating down Fenrir! Boss summoning Apohpis! Legendary as SHIT-!"
Rias: "It certainly provided useful cover from that attack. Though Kuwahara must be a brave one to use himself to protect you."
Vulrikan: "He would not have been hurt by the attack."
Issei: "What is he that strong?"
Kuwahara: "Not quite."
Kuwahara pulled his helmet off, and revealed that his transparent body is a blue-greenish glow with red eyes.
Rias: "He's a ghost?"
Kuwahara: "I prefer the term, undead. The armor is what gives me a body to use."
Ryomi: "-And that lightning whip! When I saw that thing getting swung around! I almost wanted to get hit by hit! Just to feel the power for myself-!"
Issei: "Uh... is she-?"
Vulrikan: "Give her a minute, she will stop on her own... eventually."
Arthur: "Such is the power of the last fragment of Excalibur. A sword of total control."
Arthur pulled his sword out of Fenrir and he shrank several sizes.
Vali: "Did a good job healing the pup. Never expected a Nekomata to do so much damage on something roughly six times her size."
Kuroka stared off into the distance.
Kuroka: 'How I worry about you sis... but I do believe you'll manage to fully utilize that power... one day.'
Odin: "It was fortunate we had the Red Dragon Emperor there. A tremendous amount of power is required to wield Mjolnir to such an extent."
Michael: "However, Loki was an important God in your fold was he not? What if he has allies?"
Odin: "The times change and we must change with them."
Outside the mansion, Rias' peerage was getting ready to leave.
Rias: "Thank you once again mom and dad. We're off, bye Millicas!"
Millicas: "But you only just got here..! Do you have to leave so soon?"
Rias: "I'll be sure the next time I visit the circumstances will be better. Okay Millicas?"
Grayfia put a comforting hand on Millicas' shoulder.
Grayfia: "Lady Rias is incredibly busy, we can't be greedy now can we."
Millicas: "Yeah you're right, thanks mom."
Iori: "BOOM!"
Issei: "Dammit!"
Iori: "I knew it-!"
Issei: "How!? You just met them!"
Iori: "Instinct man! Never doubt instinct!"
Issei: "Son of a-!"
Iori cackled as he had officially won the bet.
The Gremory Train was heading back to the Human World. Issei still looked concerned for Koneko.
Issei: "Uh hey... I know double checked 'ya for injuries but..."
Koneko: "I'm fine."
Gasper: "Really? Because you apparently got bit pretty hard."
Koneko: "So I bit him back."
Xenovia: "An eye for an eye?"
Iori: "More like fang for a fang..."
Koneko: "Pretty much."
Issei: "Well hey, guess you showed him who the 'Queen of the Jungle' was."
Koneko snickered.
Issei: "...Did you just laugh at my joke?"
Koneko: "...No. Just dreaming."
Issei: "Nuh-uh you absolutely did! That was a laugh I heard it! C'mon let's see that smile!"
Koneko: "I will kill you."
Rias and Akeno watch the scene unfold from the window.
Akeno: "Koneko seems more open than usual now..."
Rias: "Seems so. It's nice seeing her this happy, as well as you finally putting your past aside."
Akeno: "I actually have Iori to thank for that... I was actually able to open up to him first, then after he defeated the other Fallen Angel I... learned everything... that very moment, me and my father were able to repair a relationship I originally didn't want to repair."
Rias: "I'm glad to hear it. Though now I do wonder, what is it with the boys on this team saving us girls from our back stories?"
Akeno: "Fufufufu-! First Asia, me, then Koneko, wonder who's next?"
Rias gave a slight chuckle.
Rias: "I almost forgot to ask but... the Fallen Angel that killed Iori. Do you know who did it?"
Akeno: "Come to think of it... no. As much as his situation reminds me of Issei, I doubt it was Raynare who killed him."
Rias: "Of course, that would a little absurd."
Akeno: "Just a little."
Everyone made it back to the Hyoudou Household and Iori was in his and Akeno's room, reading about magic based around people's memories.
Flashback
???: “Unfortunately I must ask you not to interfere with my plans. For you see, I have take quite the liking to Airi here. My very soul calls out to her love… and I appreciate it if you were out of the way…”
Flashback End
Iori: "Could that guy have been... the Fallen Angel..?"
The door opened and Iori tossed the book in a drawer, taking out a textbook on math.
Akeno: "...You know I saw you switch books right?"
Iori: "I don't what you're talking about..."
Akeno: "Iori... the book is upside down."
Iori looked at the problems on the pages.
Iori: "Okay you got me."
Akeno: "Let me guess... you think someone messed with your memory."
Iori: "Given that we fought a God, I'm not ruling out anything. Gotta say, that was not something I expected to have on my bucket list."
Akeno: "Certainly is quite the way to make a name for yourself."
Akeno picked the book up from his hand.
Akeno: "I request we both get some rest, you'll need it for the entrance exam."
Iori: "How dare you remind me."
Akeno giggled at his sarcasm.
A few days passed and Asia was walking down the halls of the school alongside Issei, passing by a flyer for the sports festival.
Issei: "Oh, sports festival's coming up."
Asia: "Is that important?"
Issei: "Definitely. It's a competition between classes. Every year after summer break we duke it out to see who's the best."
Aika: "One of two ways to get a gal hot and sweaty... but I don't think that's Issei's preference now is it?
The two turned around to see Aika.
Aika: "Or am I wrong?"
Issei: "Well aren't you as chirpy as ever."
The three entered the classroom.
Aika: "I mean, hey. We did get a new student coming down here, and I gotta say, real easy on the eyes that one."
Asia looked over to Issei as they sat down.
Asia: "Did he-... is it-?"
The bell rang.
Teacher: "Alright class, starting off the new year we've got another new student with us. Why don't you introduce yourself?"
The student got up from his chair.
Issei: "Well I'll be..."
The student wrote on the board in kanji.
Iori: "The name's Iori Kazama, but you guys can just call me Iori."
Hours flew by and Iori had gotten quite a handful of admirers in the school, but of course, his heart belongs to Akeno. Though he was a little confused at the text message that she wanted him to keep Irina out of the house for a few hours, so he asked about a tour of Kuoh Academy.
Irina: “I’m glad you asked me for a tour of the place.”
Iori: “Figured you’re more of the adventure type.”
Irina: “Oh absolutely! Though I actually got my tour from a friend of Asia and Xenovia. So we should probably ask her if she’s still around the school.”
Iori: “…And that is?”
Aika: “So, need my help do you?”
Aika consumed a strawberry whole, sitting in a seat before the two.
Aika: “You must be the new student, Iori right?”
Iori: “Yeah, Irina said you’re a friend?”
Irina: “This is Aika Kiryuu, apparently Asia’s known her since before Kuoh Academy.”
Aika: “Yeah… bit of a story though, but I’m not bringing down the mood. Anyways… what’s with the choker? A gift?”
Iori: “Actually yeah, Akeno made it for me.”
Aika: “One of the big three?”
Iori: “Big three?”
Irina: “Apparently there’s a list for the top three prettiest girls on campus. And I took the number three spot a while back."
Iori: “I’m guessing Rias and Akeno are #1 and #2?”
Aika: “You bet. And word has it you and Akeno are going steady, makin’ a name for yourself already. But don’t think that’s gonna stop anyone from asking you out, or her."
Iori: “You about to do the same?”
Aika: “Nah, got my eyes on a certain blonde. Now…”
Aika stood up from her seat.
Aika: “Let’s start with the boring part, and work our way up.”
Aika led them outside the classrooms.
Aika: “Obviously you’ve got your classrooms around here, not too hard to find and if they are, look for the Perverted Trio’s enthusiasm.”
Iori: “Perverted Trio?”
Aika: “Matsuda, Motohama, and Issei.”
Irina: “…Did they earn that nickname because they snuck into the locker room?”
Iori: “How the hell did they do that?”
Aika: “Hid inside a locker, give ‘em credit on the bravery, and for surviving the aftermath. There’s a group of kendo girls that fight them off when they do one of their antics. Though it’s not as bad as what happens when they got Koneko that one time.”
Iori shivered at the thought.
Iori and Irina arrived at the Hyoudou Household.
Iori: “So wait, do you- no you don’t live here to do you?”
Irina: “Actually I have a nice apartment in town, I’ve been able to pay for it through a modeling job I took up. That and a lot of volunteer work. Stuff for the church, soup kitchen, few other things.”
Iori: “…How did you have the time for an arcade game?”
???: “Excuse me.”
Both Iori and Irina turned to see Diodora standing behind them.
Iori: “Huh? Oh you’re the Diodora guy, right? When did you get here?”
Diodora: “Not long ago. I’m aware that you’re part of Rias Gremory’s peerage are you not?”
Iori: “I am, yes.”
Diodora: “Right, then may I ask you to please deliver this message to Miss Asia Argento?”
Diodora handed a letter to Iori and he took it.
Diodora: “She doesn’t have to respond, but I do hope she reads them, and hope she at least considers my request to dinner.”
Irina: “That’s… pretty bold of you.”
Diodora: “I have a tendency to ‘go for it’ as some would say, and I do have a thing for women who seem to take fascination in their faith, especially in a time where a treaty between Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels. Much like an Angel such as yourself Irina Shidou. I must say, you are rather beautiful in person.”
Irina: “Oh? Heheh… thank you.”
Diodora: “Only telling the truth, but alas, my heart belongs to Asia Argento.”
Diodora then turned around and prepared a magic circle.
Diodora: “I hope to hear an answer soon. Farewell.”
Diodora teleported away.
Irina: “That was weird…”
Iori: “Just a little.”
Iori and Irina then stepped in and once they did-
Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Asia, Xenovia, Gasper, and Rossweisse: “Surprise!!”
Koneko popped a party popper.
Irina: “Wha-? What is this?”
Iori: “Surprise party- that’s why you wanted me to keep her out of here.”
Irina: “Wait I was told to keep you out and make it a secret!”
Rias: “Little more deception on our part. The party here’s actually for both of you since we didn’t throw one for you joining us, and for Irina becoming more of a reserve member.”
Irina: “While my duty as an Knight for Lord Michael takes priority, I will always be sure to lend you all my support!”
Iori: “Just glad to be-…… where’s Issei?”
The couch cushion Xenovia was sitting on was rumbling violently.
Xenovia: “Wait is he under the-!?"
Xenovia got up and pulled the cushion off, Issei shooting up with gasps of breath.
Issei: “OH!! Ohhhhhh…… oh that was a bad idea…”
Iori: “Well it’s one way to get sat on…”
Issei: “Not a good way, don’t recommend, too much cushion between cake and face…”
Xenovia: “…But I don’t have any cake.”
Koneko: “He’s talking about your ass.”
Xenovia: “Ah, I guess that would make more sense.”
Gasper: “It would?”
Rossweisse: “I think I heard one of the Fallen Angels at the gathering refer to as someone’s posterior as ‘cake’.”
Iori: “Nova probably.”
Irina: “Also, Rossweisse? You’re still here-“
Xenovia: “Uhhhh wai-“
Rossweisse immediately curled up in a ball.
Rossweisse: “Lord Odin left me behind… not that I expected him to remember me, it’s not like any other man wanted me by his side so why should my own boss!”
Iori: “Well that’s depressing…”
Irina: “Well I’m… sure he’ll be back soon..!”
Rossweisse: “Oh sure! Once the titty bars have a special event he’ll be the first one in line! Maybe I should apply to be a dancer so he’ll finally see me only for him to demand a younger and prettier woman up on stage-“
Rossweisse continues to ramble.
Xenovia: “…Regret asking?”
Irina: “…A little.”
Everyone was gathered around a table with a whole feast on top. Iori made sure to hand the letter over to Asia too, and she read it to herself, getting more flustered as she did.
Issei: “For a guy who’s only known Asia for a few minutes he certainly does jump the gun…”
Asia: “Not to mention he is… really good with words…”
Akeno: “Seems so, your face is getting flustered.”
Asia: “I-It is?”
Rias: “I do wonder why he’s specifically taken an interest in Asia…”
Akeno: “Are you really that surprised, she’s a perfect blend of cute and beautiful you know? It’s no surprise she has an admirer.”
Asia’s face was completely flushed.
Azazel: "Oh, speaking of admirers. This crew’s getting some real attention, we’ve got celebrities now. And I don’t mean the Princess of Ruin or Priestess of Thunder for once.”
Issei: "Celebrities? What do you mean?"
Azazel: "Footage got taken from the Chaos Brigade attack, some pretty big hits that went hell viral."
Azazel snapped his fingers and a TV screen lit up, giving a familiar face.
Koneko: "Fine... I'll just have to beat you both into submission."
Koneko: "Oh goddammit..."
Irina: “You fought two of them at once!?”
Kiba: “I’ve never seen you fight this well Koneko… could you always do this?”
Koneko: “Aside from Mujin I haven’t used that style in years, just the other three.”
Iori: “You know four different fighting styles?”
Koneko: “Boxing, breakdance fighting, grecko-roman wrestling, and one of my own.”
The group continued to watch the fight that Koneko put up on her own.
Issei: “Wait that stance… isn’t that…… wait Koneko do you..?”
Koneko: “I did not pick up that stance from a video game if that’s what you’re about to ask.”
Iori: “…He didn’t say video game.”
Koneko remained still, then took a sharp breath.
Koneko: “…Okay fine I played the Yakuza games too. Happy?”
Issei: “Proud. Yes.”
Azazel: “They’re changing that title of yours down there… now you’re the ‘Tiger of Gremory’.”
Koneko: “Fantastic…”
Irina: “I don’t know why you’re so sarcastic about it, it’s a really cool name!”
Azazel: “It is, and she’s not the only celebrity here.”
The screen transitioned to another familiar character.
Issei: “In that case, let me poke ‘yo titties.”
Issei: “AHHHHHHH-!”
Iori let out a loud snicker.
In the video was Issei’s transformation for the Balance Breaker Scale Mail.
Issei: “Balance Breaker. Boosted Gear Scale Mail! My power has been unleashed by poking my master’s headlights! And now! Time to pound some pussy!”
Iori was struggling to contain himself.
Azazel: “The fans energetically love it when you make heroic remarks over boobs. They call you the Breast Dragon Emperor.”
Issei: “Y-You’re kidding! Tell me you’re joking!”
Azazel: “The kids love you most of all. They sing songs about you around their school yards called ‘The Grabbin’ Dragon’.”
Iori hit the ground, his face red, wheezing uncontrollably.
Gasper: “U-Uh hey! Iori are you-!”
Iori: “AAAAAAAAHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! AHAAAAAHHAHHAHAHAAAA!!”
Issei: “Stop laughing it’s not funny man!”
Iori: “-HAHAHAAAA!! OH- OH MY GOD-! OH MY GOD MY STOMACH AHAHAHAHAHA-!”
Iori continued to laugh as Issei was trying to convince him that nothing about this was funny.
Xenovia: “…Suddenly ‘Tiger of Gremory’ doesn’t sound too bad, is it?”
Koneko: “…I had a name like that, I would need MORE therapy.”
Chapter 6: Night Before the Fight
Chapter Text
Iori was in class and half-asleep while Aika was up at the board assigning roles for the culture festival.
Issei: “Already falling asleep? It’s not even a lecture.”
Iori: “Huh, oh no just…… not much sleep.”
Issei: “Yeah I didn’t sleep much either…”
Iori: “What happened with you?”
Flashback
Issei stared down at the glow on the back of his hand.
Issei: “C’mon man, it’s not… THAT bad.”
Ddraig: “Except now I’m known as the ‘BREAST Dragon Emperor’! All these centuries and now it’s all hail ‘Grabbin’ Dragon’!”
Flashback End
Issei: “Didn’t think Ddraig could be so sensitive… so, how bad was the entrance exam?”
Iori: “Well I managed to climb my way all the way up to your grade, even if I guessed a lot…”
Issei: “So you got lucky.”
Iori: “…Two times actually.”
It didn’t take long for Issei to put two and two together.
Issei: “Lucky bastard.”
Iori: “Hey, you have Rias and Asia, plus isn’t Xenovia still determined to have a kid with you?"
Issei: “…Now that I think about it she hasn’t tried that in a while. Also haven’t done the deed and… I’m a little worried for Asia.”
Iori: “ The Diodora guy?”
Issei: “Yeah. I had someone obsessed over me a long time ago... which… did not end well.”
Flashback
Yuma: “Can I ask you a question? In honor of our first date there’s something I’d like you to do… to commemorate this special moment.”
Issei: ‘I’m gonna get to kiss her- totally gonna get to kiss her! This rocks!’
Issei: “Yeah sure, you can ask me anything.”
Yuma smiles, but has a much more menacing aura to her.
Yuma: “Would you die for me?”
Flashback End
Issei: “Sure it led me here but… still can’t help that it was my interference that got Asia into this in the first place..."
Iori: “Really?”
Issei: “Well it’s… in actuality she ended up helping a Devil before she even met me and the others, got her expelled from her church and mixed up with Fallen Angels… or at least, she was ‘rumored’ to have helped a Devil…”
Iori: “So it may not have even been true?”
Issei shrugged, then thought about something.
Issei: “…You don’t think Diodora was that Devil, do you?”
Iori: “Not impossible, but he didn’t seem to know her before so… not really sure.”
Aika: “Yo! Issei!”
Issei turned over to Aika.
Aika: “That a hole in your armpit or an air vent?”
Issei: “Huh?”
Issei looked at his sleeve with his arm up high.
Issei: “Hang on there’s no hole-“
Aika: “And that’s half out tripod!”
Aika marked Issei down for the three-legged race.
Issei: “Oh that was dirty even for you!”
Aika: “Only one and a half legs to go, any takers? Iori, you two seemed fully in conversation.”
Iori: “C’mon don’t need to call us out…”
Asia: “I’ll do it.”
Issei looked right behind him to see Asia raising her hand.
Aika: “Done deal!”
Outside in the field, Xenovia and Irina were prepared to race.
Irina: “Ready to do this Xenovia?”
Xenovia: “Don’t expect me to lose!”
Both of them took off at the same time, Irina proving to be a little faster.
Irina: “You can’t keep up with me! Just look at my speed!”
Xenovia: “Pride cometh before the fall!”
Issei: “Hot damn… wait why am I impressed it’s Irina and Xenovia.”
Matsuda: “Man those chicks don’t slow their roll they gonna end up with black eyes!”
Issei: “You’re right! They keep it up they’ll motorboat themselves!”
Motohama: “With their pistons pumping so hard it’s impossible for us to appreciate them!”
Iori: “…You three sure have your tastes.”
Matsuda: “Got a problem?”
Iori: “Just amazed. Don’t think I could be on your guys’ level, but that ain’t a bad thing. Just means you know what you love.”
Issei: “When did you start getting wise?”
Iori: “It happens every now and then, and if you kids want your eye candy, you’ve always got the stretchers.”
He was right, the other three took a gaze at the various girls in the field in all kinds of stretching positions.
Issei: “And just like that, almost like a multiple choice test!”
Matsuda & Motohama: “Answers A through D!”
Saji: “Hey, Hyoudou! Kazama!”
Issei: “Saji! ‘Sup!”
Saji: “Nothing much. You?”
Issei: “Birdwatching. Titmouses to be exact.”
Saji: “Sounds about right. So, that your festival event or what?”
Issei: “Nah, doin’ the three legged race with Asia.”
Saji: “Well aren’t you a lucky son of a bitch. What about you Kazama?”
Iori: “I considered doing a race but… think I already know who’s taking gold.”
Iori pointed over to Irina and Xenovia still running around the track.
Issei: “What are they picking up speed now?”
Saji: “Probably… meanwhile I got stuck in the bread eating contest-“
Sona: “Saji.”
Saji let out a slight, high-pitched yelp as he turned around to see Sona and Tsubaki standing from a distance.
Sona: “Seeing as you represent the student council I expect you to win your race. Get back to work.”
Saji: “Yep-! Yes! Right away just getting hungry!”
Saji ran off.
Issei: “…I always forget who whipped he has it…”
Iori: “Is she always that scary?”
Issei: “YES.”
Then the two were interrupted by a small shout, they turned to see Aika behind Asia, fondling her chest like clay.
Aika: “Would you look at that… you had quite the growth spurt over the summer!”
Asia: “I’m flattered you noticed-! But can you please let go!”
Issei: “…I’d be so into this it it was any girl but Asia…”
Iori just glared over at Aika, then remembering something she said.
Flashback
Aika: “You bet. And word has it you and Akeno are going steady, makin’ a name for yourself already. But don’t think that’s gonna stop girls from asking you out.”
Iori: “You about to do the same?”
Aika: “Nah, got my eyes on a certain blonde.”
Flashback End
Iori: “Certainly a bold approach.”
Issei: “Hey!”
Issei ran over to the two.
Issei: “Asia, you about ready to practice?”
Asia: “Huh- oh! Yeah!”
Asia freed herself from Aika.
Asia: “See you later!”
Asia headed over to Issei.
Aika: “Issei~! Don’t get a hard on with your bodies pressed together~!”
Issei: “I’ll stay soft by thinking o’ you!”
Aika: “Keep tellin’ yourself that twelve inch!”
Issei: “Fuck you!”
Aika: “No need to scream your to-do list at me!”
Iori found himself back in his old home again, in a black haori.
Iori: “How the hell..?”
Airi: “You put the haori on!”
Iori turned around to see Airi in a wedding dress.
Iori: “Airi?”
Airi: “The wedding’s soon you know!”
Iori: “Wedding- you’re getting married? To who?”
The man that looks like static suddenly took Airi’s place.
???: “Please, Kazama. I can safely assure you that she is happy with me as I am to have her. You see, my very soul cries out to her beauty.”
The mystery man picks Airi up.
???: “Do not fret, I will make her very happy.”
Iori’s vision flashed and he shot right awake in bed, seconds later the bed ruffled and Akeno woke up as well.
Akeno: “…Same nightmare?”
Iori: “Even weirder…… and I think they’re getting more specific.”
Akeno: “And she still looked the age you last saw her, and you still couldn’t identify the guy.”
Iori: “Exactly. Starting to bug me, really.”
Akeno: "Anything new this time?"
Iori: "This time she was getting married to him. But that might be more of a paranoia thing."
Akeno: "I see. I take it the guy still didn't look or sound familiar?"
Iori: "His voice did sound a little familiar but...... still don't know."
Akeno: "Hm. Well. Let me know if you need my help. I have to help set things up for the culture festival, but I'll make the time for you if you need it."
Iori: "...You're the best, you know that."
Akeno: "I very well do~."
The two shared a quick kiss, until Akeno broke it off seconds later.
Akeno: "Now, how about you help me with breakfast?"
Iori: "See what I can do."
Akeno and Iori managed to conjure up quite the meal for everyone.
Gasper: "Uh hey guys, we've got another one."
Gasper was holding a letter.
Rias: "Goodness, another one?"
Issei: "Another? What's with the letters?"
Rias: "Well they're all love letters. All sent from Diodora Astaroth, to Asia."
Asia: "He's sent me something every single day since the first."
Rias: "Movie tickets, dinner invites, stuffed animals, chocolates, flowers, car keys, all the works."
Iori: "I'm sorry- car keys!?"
Asia: "I'm really sorry..."
Rias: "You don't need to be sorry for someone with a crush on you. I'll admit he has a way with words, but he just doesn't seem to know the way to a woman's heart."
Issei: "This is straight up stalker type..."
Issei looked visibly pissed and Rias noticed quickly.
Asia: "Anyways, we should get going to practice."
Issei: "Yeah."
The two got up and started heading out.
Rias: 'That expression... does he...... no, Issei's always like that. I shouldn't be worried...... I guess.'
Iori and Irina were coming up on the track field.
Irina: “You think someone kidnapped your sister?”
Iori: “Fallen Angel or a Devil. I’d say Angel but… I highly doubt that.”
Irina: “As much as I hate to admit, not every church division is necessarily clean. There’s a faction that uses holy water as a method of execution, which to a Devil or Fallen Angel, is utter torture.”
Iori: “Well that’s dark… were you part of that division?”
Irina: “I wanted to be but… then I found out their executors are meant to be more expendable, and their methods are… harsh. Before I just wanted to fight with faith in my heart, and to wield a sword to punish the devil, the heretic, and the false god. But now as a knight for Lord Michael, I want to make a more peaceful time for all three factions.”
Iori: “Geez, any more goodness in your heart and you’ll be a super angel.”
Irina laughed and the two found Issei and Asia practicing for the three legged race, with Xenovia clapping a rhythm for them.
Irina: “Oh, practicing for the three-legged race.”
They two stepped up behind Xenovia.
Asia: “-Something on your mind Issei?”
Issei: “Huh-? No nothing. Just… little worried for you I guess.”
Asia: “The nightmare again?”
Issei: “Can you blame me for keeping that guy in mind? Hell he’s gonna end up sending you a teddy bear as big as Koneko- actually that doesn’t sound very hard…”
Koneko sneezed as she sat in the Occult Research Room.
Gasper: “Uh- bless you?”
Koneko: “Thanks…”
Koneko turned to the window.
Gasper: “Is something wrong?”
Koneko: “…No. It’s nothing.”
Gasper: “Okay…”
Koneko faced the screen before the two.
Koneko: “So, how do the focus attacks work again?”
Gasper: “Oh, uh, medium punch and medium kick.”
Issei: “-Just… a giant ass teddy bear.”
Iori: “Wait the guy’s been sending more stuff?”
Asia: “I… know you’re worried I… heard you and Iori talking yesterday. But… well I helped a lot of people so I… don’t actually know if any of them were Devils or not but… even so… it’s because of everything that happened back then is the reason I’m in Kuoh Academy, the reason I met you, Rias, and all the others. People I love more than anything. I couldn’t be happier to have ended up here, really.”
Issei: “…Yeah, and we’re always going to be together Asia.”
Irina pulled out a handkerchief to dry her tears.
Irina: “That was so tender…”
Issei: “Whoa! When did you two get here?”
Irina: “Just a little while ago. Iori came to see me about his missing sister a while ago, so I figured I’d come sooner.”
Issei: “Missing sister?”
Iori: “It’s… a whole thing.”
Issei: “Right… anyways, should probably go and get changed.”
Asia: “Sure, I’ll come with you.”
Issei and Asia headed off.
Xenovia: “I’ll go check on them.”
Iori: “For… wha- okay.”
Xenovia was already tailing them.
Irina: “Hey, back to the sister thing. Have you been having strange dreams recently?”
Iori: “A-… Actually, yeah. A couple, I doubt they’re exactly what went down but… Airi was in both of them- same age as she was before she went missing, and then there’s a guy who looks like TV static, can’t pick up on bis appearance or voice.”
Irina: “Sounds like memory tampering.”
Iori: “That’s a thing?”
Irina: “I call it that. It’s very easy magic, but it only works on humans. However, if a species of the three factions was hit with this kind of magic when they were human, they can get their memories back. It takes time though and they really only get pieced together through visions that act like dreams.”
Iori: “So the more I dream the more my memories come back?”
Irina: “They... should be piecing together through each one, but yes. Has anyone specific showed up in them?" ”
Iori: “Only the three. Akeno in one and Airi showed up in both, and so did the static guy.”
Irina: “Anything he say stand out?”
Iori: “One thing that was constant was ‘how his soul cries out too her’.”
Irina: “That’s… poetic.”
Iori: “There was another thing about him not wanting me in the way so it only gets weirder…”
Irina: “Hmmmm…”
Iori: “Do you know something?”
Irina: “Actually, I think I might. Also… how long have those three been in there?”
Irina looked over to the storage shed.
Iori: “No idea.”
Irina: “Are they locked in?”
The two started advancing over to the storage shed.
Iori: “Can’t imagine them being stuck inside though.”
Irina: “Maybe they got hurt?”
Iori: “Yeah but we’ve all been hit by a lot worse I’m sure.”
Irina: “Hm… what do you think they could be doing?”
Iori: “Each other?”
Irina looked at him with a confused and slightly concerned expression.
Iori: “Sorry, stupid jok-“
Asia: “Ahh~!”
Both of them faced the shed, Irina now flustered.
Iori: “Or maybe it wasn't-.”
Irina threw the doors open to see Xenovia and Asia both topless, and on top of Issei.
Irina: “You guys never came back out so I was worried something happened! But THIS!?”
Issei: “Uh-.. hi?”
Irina: “GEEZ! At least do it in a bed! This place is filthy! Who knows what kind of germs you could catch here! What made you think this was a good idea!?”
Xenovia: “Rule of threes. I conducted how a devils threesome could improve their three-legged race skills.”
Irina: “HOW!?”
Iori: “Also wait, devils threesome is three of the same gender. Normal threesome is… well exhibit a.”
Issei: “There are two separate names?"
Iori: “You should know… ‘Grabbin’ Dragon’.”
Issei: “I’m gonna kick your ass.”
Iori: "No no, you gotta start with the chest first-"
Issei pulled himself from under Asia and Xenovia and started chasing Iori down who had already started running.
Iori: "HOW LONG 'TILL THEY MAKE IT A SONG!?"
Issei: "YOU CAN FIND OUT IN HELL YOURSELF!"
Rias’ Peerage was all grouped up in the Occult Research Room.
Issei: “So a Rating Game’s coming up again.”
Rias: “That’s right. But in this case it’s a tournament designed to test and rank the power of the next generation of Devils. It was supposed to be held over the summer break, but then Loki and the Khaos Brigade attacked.”
Issei: “Hey… does that mean we’ll be fighting Sairaorg?”
Rias: “Yes, and he’s one favored to win the championship, and with good reason too, he’s on a whole other level. Fortunately we’re much stronger than we were in the last Rating Game and we’re not paired up against him in the first round.”
Koneko: “They chose the brackets already?”
Rias: “They did… and we’re fighting against Diodora Astaroth.”
Issei: “Oh fuck- really!? Can’t get rid of the guy!”
Rias: "Well it's better than going up against Sairaorg."
Rias used magic to demonstrate live feed. Feed that demonstrates Zephyrdor and Sairaorg facing each other directly in the middle of an arena.
Zephyrdor: "Damn you! If this is it you can bet your balls I'm going out swinging!"
Sairaorg: "Then bring it on."
Sairaorg smirks, which happens to piss Zephyrdor off.
Zephyrdor: "Bastard!"
Zephyrdor flies up and hurls a flurry of magic at Sairaorg who punches at the magic to deflect them all.
Sairaorg: "My turn."
Sairaorg jumps up towards Zephyrdor who summons multiple magic circles to block his attack, only for Sairaorg to punch through each one and then Zephyrdor and throw him to the ground, knocking him out.
Issei: "Balls......"
Kiba: "Flawless victory, they say he's the strongest Devil in the Rating Game."
Rias: "And Zephyrdor's power is ranked almost as highly. He's done quite well stepping in as a substitute."
Iori: "Wait the guy's a substitute?"
Rias: "The first heir of his house died to some incident-"
Rias' attention was pulled to the green magic circle that appeared on the floor.
Gasper: "A magic circle-"
Rias: "Astaroth."
Koneko: "What did we say his name too many times?"
And just like that, Diodora and the Queen of his peerage were now present.
Diodora: "Salutations everyone. How lovely to see you all again."
Rias' peerage all stood behind her as she sat on a couch on the opposite side of Diodora while his queen stood behind him. Akeno setting a cup of tea on the table for him. He picked it up an took a sip.
Diodora: "This is very well made. Now, shall we get to business?"
Rias: "Surely. I would like to know why you're here after all."
Diodora: "I'll cut the chase. I'm here to make an offer a Bishop trade with you Lady Gremory."
Issei held Asia's hand tightly.
Gasper: "Nuh-uh! I don't want him to take me!"
Koneko: "He's not after you."
Rias: "You want to trade for Asia."
Diodora chuckled.
Diodora: "Was I that transparent? I do promise you that it's a fair exchange."
Diodora made to magic circles to display holograms of his two Bishops.
Diodora: "Both are very hardworking and loy-"
Rias: "I'll stop you right there. I reject the offer. Asia is not only a valuable member of my peerage but I also see her as the little sister I never had. Using a roster trade to try and get the woman who hasn't accepted any of your proposals shows me not only are you uncouth, but have no idea what she wants."
Diodora chuckled.
Diodora: "I was warned you don't hold back your punches, clearly that was not a lie. As disappointed as I am, I must say, I respect it but I won't let it dissuade me."
Diodora stepped over to Asia and got down on one knee.
Diodora: "This very moment was predestined. Even if all the forces in the Underworld stood in our way, I will do anything necessary to overcome them. No amount of love I have ever felt could compare to what I feel for you, as if my very soul cries out to your beauty-"
Iori's eyes open wide as that last line hits him like a truck.
Flashback
???: "And you must be the brother, is that correct?"
Iori: "Who the hell are you- Airi who is-"
Iori looks to see his and Airi's parents, both dead as if they had been crushed against the wall.
Iori: "What the hell..?"
???: "I did your little sister a bit of a favor you see. As her boyfriend. I heard they were abusive so, I handled them personally."
Iori: "I'm supposed to believe this?"
???: "I hope you do... for you see, my very soul cries out to her beauty, to her love, and I do hope you'll trust me enough to care for her."
Iori then looks down at the magic circle that Airi made.
Iori: "You're a Devil."
The guy looks over to the magic circle and sighs.
???: "Well... I figured this would happen..."
Iori throws a punch, only for the guy to push him with overwhelming strength and into the wall. His hearing is blocked with ringing as Airi and the Devil speak to each other, then the guy crouches down to Iori, and after two blinks, Iori is met with the golden and red eyes of Diodora Astaroth.
Flashback End
Iori glared at Diodora with both his eyes turned red.
Issei: "Hey! Get your damn hands off-"
Before Issei can pull Diodora away, Iori kicks him in the head and pins him against the wall.
Rias: "Iori what the hell-!?"
Akeno: "Iori stand down!"
Diodora: "Goodness, you seem rather angry-"
Iori: "Shut it! Where's Airi!?"
Akeno's eyes opened wide.
Diodora: “…You’ll have to forgive me. I’m not familiar with that name-“
Iori: “Don’t! Bullshit me! Where is she!?”
Rias: “Iori-"
Akeno set a hand on Rias' shoulder.
Akeno: "Wait."
Rias looked up at her confused as Iori was seething with rage, still had Diodora pinned to the wall.
Diodora: "Now now, Kazama right-"
Iori: "Answer me."
Iori summoned a tendril from the ground and it aimed right at Diodora's neck.
Iori: "NOW."
Then, Diodora's queen aimed her hand at Iori, a green flame igniting from her hand.
Queen: “Hands off my lord. Or I WILL use force.”
Rias: “Iori. Let him go. NOW.”
Iori eventually let him go. Diodora then adjusted his outfit.
Diodora: “Your pawn- or… I suppose he’s actually Himejima’s pawn seems tense. I suppose the Rating Game should allow him to let out this stress."
Diodora walked over to the door and with his queen.
Diodora: "Farewell, for now."
Diodora and his queen vanished through a magic circle. Rias then stood up and looked directly at Iori, making her way over to him and slapped him.
Rias: "What the hell was that? I know you're new to all of this but you should know that was WAY out of line!"
Rias then looked back to Akeno.
Rias: "And who's Airi?"
Iori: "My sister."
Everyone looked over to Iori.
Iori: "...Diodora has her."
Diodora and his queen arrived at his castle.
Queen: "I apologize for not interfering earlier."
Diodora: "No need to apologize. You intervened before he could do any damage, although he did tear my cloak..."
Queen: "I can sew it back if you wish my lord."
Diodora: "Please do."
Diodora removed his cloak and handed it to his queen.
Diodora: "I'll be busy for the rest of the night, so I ask you to please hand me my cloak in the morning."
Queen: "...Are you sure you shouldn't be training my lord?"
Diodora: "Not likely. I won't lose to a peerage like Rias Gemory's. And even so... I have a back up plan."
The two walked over a magic circle and past it.
Queen: "I will get to work."
Diodora: "Of course."
The two separated and Diodora made his way to his bedroom, with someone waiting for him to arrive.
Chapter 7: Trust Instincts
Chapter Text
Rias: "How long have you known?"
Iori: "Can't really say. Irina says it's memory tampering and that's the cause of the dreams I've been having. I see her back to before she went missing and a man that looks like static... until he said that line to Asia. Saw a flashback of the moment before she was taken... and I saw his face."
Rias: "And you're absolutely SURE it was him?"
Iori: "It is. He either knows something about Airi or he has her. Either way... I want answers... and I don't want her in his grasp."
Rias: "...Even so, we don't have any definitive proof of this. Your memory's still hazy and you didn't actually see him take her in or anything."
Xenovia: "Not to mention, what would a Devil like him be doing in the human world?"
Iori: "...When we were young we both had to deal with abusive parents. Typically I was the one who took the beatings to prevent Airi from getting hit, and the one who brought meals for the two of us. Damn parents spent more money on the lottery than us and sometimes wouldn't allow her to eat just to save money. One day, she came up with the idea that she could summon a Devil to get rid of them both."
Rias: "But she didn't know how to do it."
Iori: "Until the day she went missing. I got caught up with an asshole of a teacher, so I was late to get back to her. When I did, I found her in her room, mom and dad dead, and Diodora."
Akeno: "He couldn't remember anything from that day when we first met, and I did see a crater in the wall implying that he was attacked by something that definitely wasn't human."
Rias sighed.
Iori: "There's nothing you can do, is there?"
Rias: "On the indication that Diodora does have Airi, we'll find out in the Rating Game, or right after. All I ask is that you try to get some sleep, and we all come back here prepared."
Iori: "......Yeah."
Iori got up from the couch and walked out of the Occult Research Room, everyone soon following, but Kiba noticed something off on the couch. There were tears in the cushion.
Kiba: "How did this happen..?"
Kiba looked at it more carefully, and noticed the tears formed a kanji for the word 'trap'.
Kiba: "Huh?"
Not much longer and night came around, almost everyone at the dinner table with the inclusion of Irina and Rossweisse. Akeno made her way to said table and sat down.
Akeno: "Issei and Koneko haven't come back yet."
Asia: "Are they still fulfilling contracts?"
Akeno: "I heard they had some last minute requests."
Asia: "And Iori?"
Akeno: "Just needs a few minutes to himself, he'll be down."
Rossweisse: "I must say, being a Devil sounds like a lot of work."
Irina: "Oh hey, where's Rias?"
Akeno: "Holed up in her room, plotting a strategy for our approach in the Rating Game."
Asia let out a little shiver.
Xenovia: "No need to be worried Asia. Remember, Issei will protect you."
Akeno: "Most definitely. Not to mention he looks out for all of us."
Asia: "Yeah, he always does."
Irina: "Really? Never thought so many girls would trust him so much."
Gasper: "Aren't you two friends though?"
Irina: "I mean, yeah we go way back but... our first reintroduction when we had a mock fight...-"
Flashback
Irina is consistently, and barely evading Issei's quick and determined movements for him to use Dress Break on her.
Irina: "No! Stop it!"
Flashback End
Irina: "-I'm just grateful for being so fast back then..."
Xenovia: "Truth is, Issei allowed us to share his home with him. Even looks out for every single member of the peerage as a family."
Akeno: "And I do feel rather bad that we haven't thank him for all he's done."
Irina then hops up.
Irina: "Then what are you waiting for? Let's thank him!"
Akeno was rummaging through a closet.
Akeno: "Wanna tell me what you think Issei will like more?"
Iori: "I feel like his tastes are about six times more creative than mine, I doubt I could give you anything nor could I think of anything you can't pull of."
Akeno: "I'm a little surprised you're perfectly okay with this."
Iori: "Well I know how you like to mess with him and I can't really stop you from doing it."
Akeno chuckled.
Iori: "How about we make a bet over it?"
Akeno: "Oh, what do you have in mind~?"
Iori: "500 yen if you get him to nosebleed and-... does Rias know about the whole thing?"
Akeno: "Y'know... I don't believe anyone told her... perhaps I should-"
Iori: "No no no, don't. And I'll throw in another 500 if you can make her jealous."
Akeno: "Oh I am absolutely rubbing off on you~."
Issei and Koneko were returning, Issei riding the bike and Koneko sitting on the back.
Issei: "Well that was definitely one of the weirdest pacts I've done so far, but at least he wasn't handsy."
Koneko: "I've had weirder."
Issei: "Really? Like what?"
Koneko: "Critter stealing underwear form the cheer club."
Issei: "......Okay that's definitely weird. Sorry we're out so late. Even though I've been able to jump through magic circles, everyone seems more comfortable hitching a ride on my bike."
Koneko: "Eh. Nice night for a ride anyway- stop."
Issei halts the bike immediately.
Issei: "What's up?"
Koneko starts sniffing around.
Kuroka: "You know you don't have to sniff around for me right?"
Kuroka was on top of a stone fence and hopped down.
Issei: "You again?"
Kuroka then looked over to Issei.
Kuroka: "Hey, your face looks like less of a bitch since last time. Is that because you achieved Balance Breaker? Or did you finally grow a pair and get lucky?"
Issei: "Eh- first option I guess-"
Kuroka licks his cheek a little.
Kuroka: "Mmm, yep. You definitely still taste like a virgin."
Issei: "Don't have to say that shit out loud!"
Kuroka: "Just wondering if you ever want to change that status with me sometime~."
Issei: "What?"
Kuroka slightly pulls down her kimono.
Kuroka: "I wouldn't mind riding the dragon you know, or having brats with that kind of strength-"
Koneko: "Can you keep those things IN the kimono?"
Kuroka: "Aww, jealous shironome?"
Koneko: "I will punch you."
Kuroka chuckles.
Kuroka: "Feisty as always. Not unexpected, we are naturally violent as much as we love to breed."
Koneko: "......What the fuck do you mean by that?"
Kuroka: "Rather simple don't you think?"
Issei: "Look, if you're gonna be into this why not ask Vali or something-"
Vali: "Because I turned her down."
Vali then arrives through a magic circle.
Issei: "Oh shit!"
Issei whips out his Balance Breaker.
Vali: "Easy Hyoudou, not here for a fight this time."
Issei: "I am! You're the one who unleashed Loki on us you ass-wipe!"
Kuroka: "Loki was just doing his thing, we only brought him there to get a hold of Fenrir."
Vali: "We took him out of the equation completely. I'd say you should be thanking us, but one I'm not that much of a prick, and two, you pretty much did the work for us taking Fenrir down."
Kuroka: "As fearsome as your berserk state can be sister, it certainly is impressive."
Koneko: "Impressive is not the word I would use."
Vali: "I heard you'll be participating in a Rating Game and that your opponent is the Astaroth Family. I wouldn't let my guard down, even for a moment."
Issei: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Vali: "Just a warning. You don't have to take it seriously, but I would. Farewell for now, Hyoudou."
Akeno: "He's baaack~. Welcome home Issei."
Issei immediately caught attention to the skimpy, transparent, maiden-like outfit that Akeno was wearing. Koneko just sighed while standing next to him.
Issei: "H-Hey-Hey-Hey-! That outfit. What's going on?"
Akeno: "Oh? Don't you like it?"
Issei: "I love it! It's the freaking best!"
Asia: "Welcome home Issei. We put these on for you."
Asia was also wearing an identical outfit, as well as Xenovia.
Xenovia: "Yes, welcome home."
Issei: "Eh heh heh heh-! Am I dreaming?"
Irina: "It was actually my idea. We wanted to show you how much we appreciate you."
Issei: "W-Wait, you planned this?"
Irina: "Well... not the outfits, they're a little too... vulgar for me."
Akeno got a little closer to Issei.
Akeno: "I thought a little display of nubile flesh would be quite the big gift for you, safe to say, I think it's working already~."
Irina: "Guess they knew exactly what to do for you."
Koneko then made her way past Irina.
Irina: "Oh, Koneko? Where are you going?"
Koneko: "Bed. I'm too tired for this shit."
Koneko makes her way up the stairs and past Rias and Iori.
Rias: "What's going on?"
Akeno: "Oh, hi Rias. We're just making Issei here happy to show how thankful we are for him. I have a spare outfit for you if you want to- oh?"
Rias walked away into another room.
Issei: "Wait am I in trouble?"
Irina: "Maybe just upset that she was left out?"
Issei: "I'll go up and check on her."
Issei starts heading up the stairs, but is then stopped by Rias now flying down in a short red dress with a v cut down the middle, red long gloves and heels, holding a pitchfork.
Issei: "Uhhhhh- she's fine! Fine in two different ways!"
Rias: "You must think it looks amazing~."
Issei: "Yes-! Without a doubt!"
Rias: "I'm well aware of your personal proclivities, don't you think?"
Iori then looks to Akeno.
Iori: "Gonna take that hun?"
Akeno then smirks and pulls off the outfit and into a much skimpier outfit.
Akeno: "Presto-chang-o bikini technique! You don't think you've won yet."
Akeno flew over to Issei.
Akeno: "Be honest, your imagination's pretty weak so you like clothes that leave very little to the imagination~."
Issei: "Uh-huh. Uh-huh!"
Suddenly, Issei's arm is pulled and his hand is latched around Rias' breast to his surprise.
Rias: "Oh yes! When you touch my breast I get hot all over. There. Feel my heartbeat."
Akeno: "Now isn't this just fun. After all we both know Issei would prefer the size of my girls than anyone else."
Rias: "Wrong. Issei prefers the gentle sloping of MY snowy peaks, got it?"
Akeno: "Oh you know that Issei's M.O is 'the bigger the better'~."
Rias: "I don't want to hear it!"
Rias hurls her magic at Akeno
Akeno: "And now you sound ridiculous bdubs."
Rias: "This coming from the girl who says 'bdubs'!"
Asia: "Well this escalated quickly..."
Xenovia looked over to Iori.
Xenovia: "You look like you're having fun."
Iori: "Just made a little bet with Akeno... which means I'm down five hundred, but not a thousand."
Irina: "......Hey I thought Akeno had a spare..."
Xenovia: "She did."
Xenovia: "Then where did it go?"
Asia, Xenovia, Irina, and Iori looked over to wear the spare outfit used to be.
Koneko was in her room, facing a mirror, and wearing the spare outfit, that obviously did not fit her, then let out a sigh.
Koneko: "...What the hell am I doing?"
Then the door opened up and she immediately looked back.
Gasper: "Hey Koneko. Do you know what's-"
Gasper immediately froze up and Koneko's face slowly turned pink.
Gasper: "Uh-....... uhhhh....... ummmmm..."
Koneko remained silent.
Koneko: "I-"
Gasper collapsed.
Koneko: "...Yeah that seems about right."
Rias: "A bet. I swear those two are a match made in hell."
Issei: "Don't you mean heaven?"
Rias: "I know what I said. And Vali on a different manner just showing up. Seriously what's his goal?"
Issei: "Well whatever it was it wasn't to start a fight."
Rias: "Be that as it may, I still have to submit the report, and I certainly don't intend to trust him on this manner. Although... there's something about Diodora's attitude and Iori's memory."
Issei: "Do you think Iori was on to something?"
Rias: "I have my suspicions... but why take in a human? Could've just made a contract with his sister when she summoned him and that's still and 'if'."
Issei: "And now he wants to take Asia away. That won't happen, I refuse to let it."
Rias then brought Issei in for a hug.
Rias: "You feel responsible for bringing Asia into this world. Blaming yourself changes nothing."
Issei: "...I know. Besides, she told me she's happy with all of us but... I don't know what I'd do if she died again... after everything she's lost she... she didn't deserve any of that."
Rias: "Then we'll all just have to make sure she gets the happiness she deserves. Of course, I hope the same for everyone else. You especially."
Issei: "Did I ever tell you you're the best?"
Rias pats his head.
Rias: "Everytime."
A bit of time passed until Rias broke the silence.
Rias: "Oh and before I forget. The Underworld sent a request for you to make a guest appearance."
Issei: "Guest appearance. What did they want with me?"
Rias: "They also asked for Koneko, but she turned it down immediately. And you know her."
Issei: "Yeah no changing her mind."
Rias "But not to worry, it won't happen until sometime after tomorrow's Rating Game. So let's focus our energy into winning that shall we?"
Issei: "Right on, let's kick ass!"
Iori finished a glass of water and set it down, then glared down at it.
Flashback
Diodora: "And you must be the brother, is that correct?"
Iori: "Who the hell are you- Airi who is-"
Iori looks to see his and Airi's parents, both dead as if they had been crushed against the wall.
Iori: "What the hell..?"
Diodora: "I did your little sister a bit of a favor you see. As her boyfriend. I heard they were abusive so, I handled them personally."
Iori: "I'm supposed to believe this?"
Diodora: "I hope you do... for you see, my very soul cries out to her beauty, to her love, and I do hope you'll trust me enough to care for her."
Iori then looks down at the magic circle that Airi made.
Iori: "You're a Devil."
Diodora looks over to the magic circle and sighs.
Diodora: "Well... I figured this would happen..."
Iori throws a punch, only for Diodora to push him with overwhelming strength and into the wall.
Flashback End
Kiba: "Something on your mind?"
Iori looked over to see Kiba.
Iori: "...Few things."
Kiba: "...Just out of curiosity. Do you happen to know anything about someone writing a kanji into the couch cushion at the ORC?"
Iori: "What do you mean?"
Kiba: "The kanji for trap was cut into the cushion."
Iori: "Trap?"
Kiba: "Weird I know. I told Azazel about it too but... not sure why that would be there or who even wrote it into the cushion. Seems weird."
Iori: "......I'm gonna make a call real quick, lemme know if something else comes to your mind."
Kiba: "Will do, see you in the morning."
Iori: "Yeah."
Kiba walked off and Iori picked up his phone and made a call.
Iori: "Hey, you mind if I ask you for a favor?"
The next day came around and the peerage was all grouped together in the ORC, all of them standing in a magic circle.
Rossweisse: "Good luck out there."
Irina: "We'll be rooting for you!"
The team teleported away and Azazel approached the two.
Azazel: "Well then, I suppose we should be getting ready too. You ladies got your gear?"
Irina: "Brought it with me."
Rossweisse: "But why keep our involvement a secret?"
Azazel: "Because if nothing happens, we then we simply showed up as a surprise to cheer our friends on. And if something does happen, well, you two do what you do best."
The team arrived in the Underworld before a high up and complex looking castle.
Issei: "Well that is METAL."
Kiba: "Is this where they expect us to fight?"
Rias: "Strange. A referee should've announced our arrival then."
Gasper: "Did... something happen then?"
Iori: "Feels unfair we're fighting on their...... ground........."
Koneko: "...Fuck it's a trap!"
An orange magic circle conjured up in the air, then multiple started to conjure up in the sky.
Rias: "Everyone! On your guard!"
Issei: "Boosted Gear!"
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Kiba and Xenovia both whipped out their respective swords, Koneko cracked her knuckles, Akeno prepared lightning and Rias prepared magic.
Rias: "I've seen that crest before..."
Devil soldiers came in through the magic circles.
Rias: "Those devils are loyal to the Old Satan Faction of the Khaos Brigade!"
Xenovia: "So they're terrorists!?"
Soldier A: "To the despicable usurpers in the false royal House of Gremory, we're here to take back what's ours!"
Issei: "Where the hell did they all come from!?"
Asia suddenly shouted and Issei whipped around immediately to see Asia was gone and up in the air with a green glow, being lifted into the air.
Rias: "Diodora!"
Issei: "You bitch!"
Diodora: "Greetings. Asia Argento will be coming with me."
Issei: "What do you think you're doing!?"
Rias: "I demand an explanation!"
Diodora: "Well these Devils of the Khaos Brigade plan to murder every last one of you. Is that enough of an explanation?"
Akeno: "So you've allied yourself with lowly criminals."
Diodora: "Believe it or not I didn't even have to pay them, they were willing to come down to kill you all for free!"
Rias: "You traitorous dog! First you defile the sanctity of the Rating Game which alone deserves death. And second you laid your filthy hands on Asia!"
Diodora: "Well if you wish to do something about it, you'll have to fight your way through now won't you?"
Iori: "Actually... we won't. She can get herself. Isn't that right, Okano?"
Before anyone can ask what he meant, Asia's appearance suddenly changed to Okano, holding a kunai blade.
Okano: "Yippe-kay-yay motherfucker."
Okano tosses the blade at Diodora's face and it explodes in said face, forcing a pained scream out of him.
Nova: "Hell yeah and she said the line!"
The Viper Family was now present to the surprise of Rias' peerage.
Diodora: "Kill them! All of them!"
Kuwahara dropped down towards Rias' peerage and split his armor apart around the team, creating a force field that shielded them from the oncoming blasts form the Devil soldiers. Rias looked over Iori.
Rias: "Iori, what's going on?"
Iori: "Kiba saw a kanji on the couch that said 'trap'. We don't know why but I decided to ask Vulrikan for a favor to help us out if this is actually a trap. I know I should've cleared it with you but I didn't know how much trust you had in my instinct when it came to Diodora."
Kiba: "Forgive us for keeping the secret but I did report it to Azazel at least!"
Rias: "Okay so you planned ahead, plan for this?"
Iori: "Honestly… I only care about the one thing…”
Iori's eyes went red.
Iori: "I want. ANSWERS."
Vulrikan summons Apohpis and it starts eliminating the devil soldiers alongside Nova, Reina, Ryomi, and Okano.
Kuwahara: "I can keep this barrier up long enough for you to make another plan, but Diodora's gone!"
Iori: "Fucking coward!"
Vulrikan landed on the ground, still using Apophis to attack.
Rias: "Vulrikan! Can your team handle all these soldiers?"
Vulrikan: "They're not too strong but there are still a lot of them. We will need backup!"
Issei: "Hang on! Where's Asia!?"
Akeno suddenly let out a yelp as Odin had flipped up her skirt from behind.
Odin: "Hmm... now that is a sweet piece-"
Suddenly, sharp tendrils were summoned by Iori and he glared at Odin with a threatening aura.
Iori: "Hands off. I'm the LAST person you want to piss off right now."
Odin chuckled.
Odin: "Well aren't you a brave one..."
Rias: "Lord Odin, what are you doing here?"
Odin: "We discovered that Diodora Astaroth has been making deals behind everyone's backs for a while now."
Odin stepped outside the barrier.
Odin: "Hear me! I'm the great All-Father of the Norse-gods! Whoever can take my head will become a warrior of legend!"
The soldiers looked at each other and all fired blasts towards Odin.
Odin: "Not a bad plan Azazel. Lure them all in and take 'em out in one fell swoop."
Odin created a barrier of magic that continued to expand and wipe out a whole hoard of Devil soldiers.
Rias: "We were brought here as bait."
Azazel: "Yeah you can kick my ass for that later. Right now, we've got bigger fish to fry. Ambushes all over the place to fight off the Khaos Brigade. You can thank Iori and Kiba for catching idea to the trap that was planted for you and because of that Asia's safe, Irina and Rossweisse and bringing her with them now."
Rias: "Wait why!?"
Iori: "Because he knows I want to kick Diodora's teeth in."
Azazel: "I'll leave it up to you kids, you can either fight or flight, but personally, I'd recommend you fight, makes you look a lot less pathetic."
Everyone looks to Rias.
Rias: "...Everyone too the castle! Azazel! Tell Irina and Rossweisse to meet us there!"
Azazel: "Alright, have fun. And Iori. That rage you're feeling?"
Iori: "If you're gonna tell me to keep it in check-"
Azazel: "No. USE IT. Rampage that Fallen Angel heart of yours out kid. Trust me."
Odin: "I'll help your friends hold the front line. Come to me! Gungnir!"
Odin summons Gungnir and Kurohawa drops the barrier.
Odin: "Go!"
The team advances to the castle.
Odin: "Sure it's wise to tell that kid to give into his anger."
Azazel: "Absolutely."
Nova: "Well then gents, fellow Vipers! Let's get this party started!"
The team made their way up closer to the castle, Irina, Rossweisse, and Asia joining them as they were stopped by a small horde of figures in cloaks.
Diodora: "I knew you'd come after me, so I figured I'd set a little welcome party. I doubt you'll be following any Rating Game rules, but you won't be able to ignore their challenge. So I'd recommend splitting your forces among my peerage. On the right path are my two Rooks and eight Pawns, on the left, my Queen and two Bishops. Feel free to split your forces however you wish."
Rias: "Issei, Koneko, Xenovia, Gasper, and Iori take out his forces on the right."
Gasper: "Five of us against ten of them!?"
Koneko: "We can handle them."
Diodora: "How confident. Let the games begin then!"
Issei, Koneko, Xenovia, Gasper , and Iori were teleported to the right side.
Gasper: "Here they come!"
The Rooks and Pawns teleported before the five.
Diodora: "You should know that each of them have been promoted to Queen, I like to hedge my bets."
Rias: "Should've known you wouldn't fight fair."
The Queen and two Bishops had made their way to the left side and the Queen threw off her robe.
Akeno: "A Queen and two Bishops, they sure are confident."
Rias: "Xenovia, get to work on the Rooks!"
Xenovia: "Copy!"
Xenovia parried an attack from both Rooks.
Rias: "Koneko, work crowd control on the Pawns!"
Koneko: "Easy."
Iori: "Got it."
Rias: "Issei, give Gasper a quick taste of your blood!"
Issei bites his finger and holds it to Gasper who licks the blood and his eyes give a glow.
Issei: "Cocked, locked and ready to roll!"
Rias: "And Issei, Iori, time to level the playing field."
Issei: "Wait you mean..? No jokin'? Thank you Sexy Boss! Promotion to Queen!"
Both Issei and Iori were promoted to Queen.
Iori: "Goddamn... so this is what it feels like."
Issei: "Hell yeah! Iori! Cover me!"
Koneko: "Oh for fucks sake."
Iori: "What?"
Issei rushes in as Iori summons tendrils to block off the rooks from getting a hold of Issei and he gets a tap on each one.
Issei: "All too easy. I make kicking ass look good. Dress Break Snap!"
Issei snapped his fingers and the clothes of the Pawns all came off.
Iori: "Wait that wasn't a joke!?"
Issei chuckles.
Issei: "Now you won't be able to fight- AH!"
One of the Pawns jumped up and kicked Issei in the head.
Iori: "I'm gonna guess it's usually more effective than this?"
Koneko: "Usually..."
Diodora: "A little spell will do just that. Any feelings of embarrassment or modesty are completely sealed away."
Issei: "Exactly what Dress Break thrives on."
Rias blocked off magic attacks from the Queen.
Rias: "Akeno!"
Akeno: "Thunderbolt!"
Akeno cast lightning to break the magic circles made by the Queen, allowing Kiba to smack her with the sword and for Rias to strike her with magic. Only for the Bishops to heal the Queen.
Kiba: "Any damage is just being healed by the two Bishops..."
Akeno: "They fight well together... even better than Riser's peerage."
Two of the Pawns fire blasts at Issei who blocks them off with his Balance Breaker, then two of them kick Issei away. The others avoid Koneko's punches and even her spin kicking.
Issei: "The hell's up with them?"
Koneko: "They're perfectly coordinated... that's the problem."
Iori: "Damn it all... we didn't come here for a game!"
Diodora: "But you did climb your way here did you not? All after one little sister that you failed to protect? Perhaps if you actually had any power you wouldn't have failed her!"
Iori snarls and a purple and pink aura comes up from his shoulders.
Rias: "Iori! Don't listen to his nonsense!"
Diodora: "Let's face it, even as a filthy reincarnation you still couldn't handle a high ranking Devil like me! You're nothing but some filth that was better off dead! And let's face it, what happened to your sister, she's gone because of you!"
Iori's wings shoot out and he whips out his Spear of Light and a magic circle on the ground.
Iori: "You know Diodora!? Fuck your speech! Fuck! Your rank! AND FUCK!! YOU!!!"
Lightning flows through Iori's spear as he rises it up. He slams it into the ground and a storm of lightning shoots up from the ground, causing it to rumble heavily, also forcing the Pawns and Rooks off balance completely, lightning shooting up from the ground to top it off.
Rias: "What the..?"
Kiba: "Did he... manage to summon lightning on his own?"
Rias: "Forcing it into a Spear of Light, and into a magic circle!?"
Rossweisse: "And that power- is he forcing a thunderstorm into the ground!?"
Iori slams his hand down with a magic circle in his palm to stop him from stabbing himself to cause another powerful shock wave and lightning.
Koneko: "They're off balance!"
Gasper: "We can't get to them!"
Issei: "I don't think we need to-"
Issei then came up with an idea.
Issei: "Everyone down! We guys are gonna do something very stupid! Iori hold up! Boosting your power!"
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Issei: "Hit him again!"
Iori slammed his hand down on the spear and the storm hit even harder, knocking a few of the Pawns out.
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Iori did it again and it proved more powerful.
Issei: "C'mon!"
Ddraig: "Boost!"
Another powerful storm hit the ground, knocking out another few Pawns.
Issei: "C'mon!!"
Iori slammed his hand down again for another powerful shockwave, officially not only knocking out all the Pawns, but both Rooks too.
Iori then dispelled the magic circles and the spear.
Xenovia: "Well... that went by quickly..."
Issei: "Hell yeah! We're the freaking best! How'd you know you could do that?"
Iori: "Honestly... I have no idea..."
They all looked over towards the other side to see that Rias and Akeno were fighting off the Queen.
Xenovia: "They're in trouble."
Issei: "Dammit, let's get over there!"
Koneko: "Wait, got an idea."
Issei: "What's up?"
Koneko: "It's a stupid one but... knowing all the stuff that's worked in the past, this might actually work."
Rias and Akeno were fending off the blasts from the Queen's attacks, then caught on to a conversation coming from Issei and Iori.
Iori: "Hey, Akeno! If you win that fight, I promise to take you out on a date much better than anything Issei can come up with for Rias."
Akeno's eyes lit up immediately.
Iori: "Think that'll work-"
Akeno's power suddenly skyrocketed from afar, a bright yellow glow very visible from the battle.
Issei: "I guess so!"
Akeno was giggling greatly.
Rias: "I'm going to pretend you didn't add that LAST PART Iori!"
Akeno: "Just goes to show that Iori seems to be more of a passionate boyfriend."
Rias: "Oh don't even say the word 'passionate'! You two are absolute horn dogs! It's a miracle you don't keep anyone up at night!"
Rias' power suddenly increased.
Akeno: "Frustrated you're not getting any action with 'your man'?"
Rias: "I sleep with him all the time! Last night, Issei wouldn't stop touching my breasts the whole night!"
Akeno: "I don't think five minutes counts as a whole night!"
Rias: "Is five also the size of your man's 'manhood' if he can call it that!?"
Iori: "Okay that one was targeted."
Kiba and Irina were shielding Asia from the gradual power increase.
Queen: "Enough of this! You're getting stronger because the mere thoughts of your men!?"
Rias and Akeno: "BACK OFF!"
A joint double attack easily nailed the two Bishops and the Queen.
Kiba: "Jealousy truly is a woman's kryptonite..."
Rossweisse: "Did that... really just happen?"
Kiba: "...You get used to it."
The team finally made it all the way into Diodora's castle and stormed right inside. After stopping inside the castle grounds, they were greeted with Diodora.
Diodora: "I'll admit, I hadn't expected such an attack, bravo."
Iori: "Can it! I want answers! Where is she!? Where's Airi!?"
Diodora chuckles.
Diodora: "Well you came this far... so I guess you should know. Come on out."
Someone with the same cloak as the members of the peerage stepped out and threw off a robe as she stepped before Diodora. The figure wore a black top that only went along her large chest, straps that connected to a black hood, black shorts that went down halfway her thighs, thigh-high stockings, and high up boots. But what truly stuck out, was the figure's dark blue hair and blue eyes that were identical to Iori.
Iori: "...Airi?"
Chapter 8: Ursurp The King
Chapter Text
Years Ago…
Airi was paranoid. She locked herself in her room had was drawing up a magic circle on the ground. Making sure to follow the specific patterns she found in a book, getting everything down on the ground. She then kneeled before the magic circle.
Airi: “Saecula saeculorum, be my friend, be my friend. Saecula saeculorum, be my friend, be my friend. Saecula saeculorum, be my friend, be my friend!”
The magic circle lights up green to Airi’s amazement and after a short while, someone rises through.
Diodora: “Well, well, well… what do we have here? A human girl playing with magic?”
Airi: “I…… did it..? You’re…… not what I expected actually.”
Diodora: “Allow me to guess. You were expecting flames, sulfur smoke, and the sounds of tortured souls?”
Airi: “…Pretty much, yeah.”
Diodora: “A little more on the cliché side don’t you think. Well you’re only human…”
Father: “AIRIIIIII!!”
Airi’s father had yelled from outside the room, scaring her, especially as he was now pounding on the door.
Father: “I know you’re in there you little brat!”
Woman: “Airi just open the door!”
Diodora: “Well they sound charming…”
Airi looks around the room, then looks back at Diodora.
Airi: “You… you’re a Devil… you can… you can kill them, can’t you?”
Diodora: “Ah. So this is why you’ve summoned me.”
Airi: “Just please… kill my parents. Do it and… I’ll do whatever you want..! Name your price, whatever you want I’ll do it!”
Diodora: “Anything I want you say? That’s quite the bold offer…”
Diodora thought for a moment, taking an interest in the desperation on Airi’s face.
Diodora: “Very well. I accept your offer. I’ll handle your little problem with your parents, but in return, I will claim a rather simple.”
Diodora opened his gold and red eyes, no longer hiding his true personality as he crouched down and held Airi’s chin between his thumb and finger.
Diodora: “I’ll bring you in as a servant. You’ll be by my side serving me until the very end. Is that understood?”
Airi looks as if she is heavily regretting her decisions up to this moment, until her father banged on the door.
Father: “AIRI!! OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR!!”
Diodora: “You seem to be running out of time. If you don’t accept my offer before they open that door, you can consider me gone.”
Airi looked between the door, and Diodora, then nodded.
Airi: “I accept. I’ll be your servant!”
Diodora gives a sinister grin.
Diodora: “Good~. Well, now if that’s out of the way. Let’s take care of these insipid fools.”
Diodora steps over and unlocks the door, then backs up as the mother and father step in.
Father: “You little-“
Diodora: “Greetings!”
Both parents turn to Diodora.
Father: “Who the fuck is this? A boyfriend? What the hell do you think you were planning!?”
Diodora: “Ah, so you’re the father. Forgive me I just couldn’t tell, with such an attitude I mistook you for a shaved ape.”
Father: “What was that you fucking retar-“
The father reaches to grab Diodora, but is easily evaded and thrown into the dresser behind him.
Mother: “Wh-… what the hell-!?”
Diodora: “Allow me to explain. Your daughter here and I have a little arrangement.”
Mother: “Arrangement? What arrangement!?”
Diodora: “Only a lucrative one. Your daughter here just sold her soul to a Devil, that Devil being me of course.”
Father: “Soul… don’t tell me you’re still on about this ‘Demon Summoning’ bullshit!”
Diodora: “I assure you it is not ‘bullshit’. Seeing the failure of a job you did of raising your daughter, she sought out to summoning me, and agreed to a deal with me in exchange for two bodies. More specifically, YOUR bodies.”
Father: “You-!? To kill us!? We gave birth to you! You bitch!”
Diodora: “Ah, the ‘gave birth to you’ argument, how original. Well, that won’t matter anymore seeing your daughter now belongs to me.”
Diodora then rushes over in an instant, grabs the father’s face and smashes it into the dresser with enough force to kill him on the spot, blood splattering his hand, the dresser, and his face. The mother tries to run out of the room, only for Diodora to create a barrier in the doorway.
Diodora: “Now now, I’m not one too chase in such a circumstance.”
The mother is absolutely horrified as Diodora closes the distance.
Mother: “Please-! Please don’t I’ll-! I’ll give you anything you want! Whatever she’s offering! I’ll double it! You want me! That’s fine! I mean-! I’m still beautiful!”
Diodora: “Actually, you could use a little facelift.”
Diodora constructs a quick barrier to slam the mother’s face into the one in the doorway, smashing her head in from both sides. He drops both barriers and the mother’s body falls.
Diodora: “…Nope, still not much of an improvement.”
Diodora readjusts his outfit.
Diodora: “Now my servant, find something to clean the blood off me.”
Airi slowly gets up.
Airi: “Yes Dio-“
Diodora: “Apupup-! It’s ‘Master’, to you.”
Airi nods.
Airi: “Yes Master…”
Airi looks around the room and finds a handkerchief to wipe the blood off Diodora’s face. Then they both hear a door open.
Iori: “Airi?”
Airi’s eyes open up wide and Diodora’s attention turns to the voice.
Diodora: “Another one?”
Airi: “My brother…”
Iori’s footsteps rapidly approach the room.
Iori: “Airi are you okay-?”
Iori makes it to the room and is immediately met with Diodora.
Iori: “What the……”
Diodora: "And you must be the brother, is that correct?"
Iori: "Who the hell are you- Airi who is-"
Iori looks to see his and Airi's parents, both dead as if they had been crushed against the wall.
Iori: "What the hell..?"
Diodora: "I did your little sister a bit of a favor you see. As her boyfriend. I heard they were abusive so, I handled them personally."
Iori: "I'm supposed to believe this?"
Diodora: "I hope you do... for you see, my very soul cries out to her beauty, to her love, and I do hope you'll trust me enough to care for her."
Iori then looks down at the magic circle that Airi made.
Iori: "You're a Devil."
Diodora looks over to the magic circle and sighs.
Diodora: "Well... I figured this would happen..."
Iori throws a punch, only for Diodora to push him with overwhelming strength and into the wall.
Diodora: “Well… can’t say I tried…”
Airi: “Wait! Please don’t!”
Diodora looks back to Airi.
Diodora: “Ah, he must have not abused you like your parents did. Touching. But he can’t expect to get away with the vile crime of attacking me.”
Airi: “No! Please don’t I’ll-..! I’ll……”
Airi trails off… having no idea what to offer, if she can even offer anything.
Diodora: “Trying to figure out another offer are we?”
Airi: “I’ll-..!”
Airi doesn’t really have anything too offer… until she looks down.
Airi: “…I’ll… devote my body to your pleasure. I’ll do anything you ask me to do… I’ll even put it in writing if I must.”
Diodora raises an eyebrow, not expecting such an offer.
Diodora: “Willing to such an extent. You understand that I’ll be making a contract with you. Until I die, you’ll be legally obligated to serve my every whim and desire, without protest. Do you understand?”
Airi reluctantly nods.
Airi: “…Yes Master. I’ll… I’ll do anything.”
Diodora: “Without hesitation or protest, no matter what I ask of you?”
Airi pauses and then nods.
Diodora: “Alright then.”
Diodora walks over to the barely conscious Iori and holds his hand over his face, a magic circle forms around Iori’s head and he is knocked out.
Diodora: “Just a little memory manipulation. He won’t remember me. Now.”
Diodora steps back into the room, before Airi. He then snaps his fingers and lays out a contract.
Diodora: “All that’s left for you to do, is to sign your name. And I will officially have ownership of you.”
Airi has tears in her eyes that she rubs away, she looks back to the unconscious Iori, and then down to the contract.
Airi: ‘Sorry big bro…… you shouldn’t have to burden yourself with me…’
Airi signs the contract.
Diodora: “Now then, my little pet. Get down. On your knees and bow.”
Airi does as she’s commanded.
Diodora: “Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Every part of you is now officially mine, isn’t it my pet?”
Airi: “……Yes Master.”
Diodora: “Good girl.”
Diodora brings a foot up onto Airi’s back.
Diodora: “Say it again. I want to hear you say ‘I’m yours’.”
Airi: “……I’m yours… Master…”
Diodora gives a malicious smile.
Diodora: “Excellent.”
Present Day
Airi stares down at the peerage, holding a tome in her right arm.
Rias: "You're a real scumbag you know that?"
Diodora: "Why stop now?"
Rias: "Using your spells to brainwash her and the other women, twisting them all to do your bidding..."
Diodora: "Hahahahahaaa! You think I brainwashed them!? Oh no Little Miss Gremory! No amount of brainwashing was behind how the nuns you fought were so loyal to me."
Rossweisse: "Nuns?"
Xenovia: "Why would nuns fight for a Devil, or even want to become one?"
Diodora: "Well I figured 'he'd' explain it to you, but I'll do it anyways. You see, each one of them WAS a nun, some of them well respected saints of the church. Ones that would never want anything to do with the Underworld. Unless their spirits had somehow... 'broken down'."
Irina: "He...... broke their spirits through a prince charming act... got them thrown out of the church for even being around them because he's a Devil-!"
Irina then went slightly pale.
Flashback
Diodora: “I have a tendency to ‘go for it’ as some would say, and I do have a thing for women who seem to take fascination in their faith, especially in a time where a treaty between Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels. Much like an Angel such as yourself Irina Shidou. I must say, you are rather beautiful in person.”
Irina: “Oh? Heheh… thank you.”
Flashback End
Irina: "Hooooooly crap he was gonna do the same to me and-"
Issei: "Asia..."
Issei looked back to Asia who looked rather terrified at the thought, and then he looked over to Diodora with rage.
Issei: "So you're the one who got her thrown out of the church!"
Diodora: "This may sound like a surprise, but no. Apparently she had already met a Devil and healed her. Got her kicked out of the church and I didn't have to lift a finger. Though maybe if I had taken care of that bitch of a Fallen Angel, she wouldn't have killed Asia and I would've had her in my clutches."
Asia shivered at the very thought.
Diodora: "But, I've secured a rather interesting pet of mine instead."
Diodora sets his hand under Airi's chin.
Diodora: "Isn't that right my little pet?"
Airi: "Yes Master."
Iori looks at Diodora with disgust and rage.
Issei: "And Iori's sister's just another conquest for you!?"
Diodora: "Oh with this one I hardly had to do much of anything. Didn't have to break her down like the others when she was already so desperate!"
Akeno: "Desperate?"
Diodora: "Allow me to explain, assuming Kazama already let you know about his sister's attempts to summon a Devil..."
Rias: "She summoned you..."
Diodora: "She did indeed! And of course when you deal with a Devil, there's always a price, and in her state of desperation she was willing to offer anything if I killed her abusive parents. So I took the first thing that came to my mind... her soul."
Rias: "You sick bastard... you took advantage of her in her lowest moment."
Diodora: "And that moment is where she just so happened to summon me! But the real situation that led to this... was Kazama's own doing.”
Iori: "What are you talking about?"
Diodora: "Originally I only planned for her to be more of a maid for the castle. But when you came along in your poor attempt to stop me, she begged for your life. And instead of just offering her soul, she offered her body."
Iori went pale with disgust and so did many of the others.
Issei: "That... twisted motherfucker..."
Diodora: "Oh but don't stress yourself too much over it. After even one night your sister became very willing to please her master. In fact, I've treated her rather nicely."
Iori's anger is visibly flaring up, a purple and pink aura coming off his shoulders.
Rias: "Iori calm down, this is no time to be reckless!"
Diodora: "But let's face it. The only reason she ended up in such a position was because of you!"
Iori was snarling at Diodora, both eyes turned red.
Akeno: "Iori don't listen to him!"
Diodora: "And don't worry! After I've killed you all I'll be sure to make well use of her tonight!"
Iori's eyes went bloodshot, letting out a scream of absolute anger. He then ran forward to Diodora, flying a kick at him, but before he made contact, Diodora made a barrier that stopped him in his tracks. Issei ran up towards him, but a few gunshots hit the ground before him, then someone else jumped down in front of the others.
Freed: "Guess who's back bitches!?"
Issei: "Again with you!?"
Freed: "Yuh-huh! Hard to kill and that's a fact!"
Issei: "Move your ass out of the way, we don't have time to deal with you!"
Irina then stepped up and stared Freed in the eyes.
Irina: "I'll get him."
Freed: "Ah-ha! If it isn't pretty little twin tails once again! Back with a vengeance I take it?"
Irina: "I think retribution is more accurate. Don't expect me to go down like last time."
Irina drew out Hauteclere.
Freed: "And here I thought that pretty little thing was destroyed. Well if you want to use toys so bad...-"
Freed drew out his sword.
Freed: "We can get as freaky as you want guuuurl~!”
Irina had a face of disgust.
Irina: “Is he always like this?”
Issei, Koneko, and Kiba: “Yes.”
Irina: "R-Right- You guys! Get up there! Help Iori!"
Freed threw his sword straight as an arrow at Irina who deflected it into the air, Freed ran over to her as she swung her sword, only for Freed to vanish, and suddenly arrive in the air, behind Irina. She whipped around and blocked his downward slash and the others ran past the two to help Iori, until another barrier stood in the way of them, which was also now behind Airi.
Airi: "You won't hurt my master!"
Airi slammed down on her book and the ground had conjured up multiple magic circles, and rising from them are purple and black spiritual-looking bodies, identical to Rias, Issei, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Xenovia, Gasper, and Rossweisse.
Rossweisse: "She can make shadow warriors!?"
Kiba: "The book she's holding is a tome! We don't need to fight her, we just need the book!"
The shadow warriors all stood in front of Airi.
Xenovia: "Might be harder to get than we think..."
Iori pushed himself off the barrier and Diodora stood up from his throne and down the steps, Iori quickly swinging a punch at him, only for it to be blocked by another barrier and pushed away. Diodora then throws off his cape and sprouts out his Devil wings and quickly conjures up a magic circle from his hand and repeatedly fires blasts in Iori's direction as he flies away from them, eventually using Desecration Vortex to absorb a few and then hurl it back at Diodora. He manages to block it with his barrier however and quickly reappears behind Iori, using a blast to send him into the ground.
Diodora: "Do you really expect that you, a filthy, reincarnated Fallen Angel pawn, can actually stop me? I didn't even need one of Ophis' snakes- let alone three!"
Tendrils shoot up from the ground and try and stab Diodora, but he blocks them with the barrier, only for them to pull around Diodora and aim behind him, lightning shooting through them as they zap Diodora in the back, forcing him to drop the barrier. Iori takes advantage and runs up at Diodora and decks him in the face, but he hardly budges and constructs another magic circle, Iori pulling up one of his own to block the blast fired from Diodora, but is still pushed back, then Diodora closes the distance in an instant and grabs Iori by his neck and slams him into the ground, chuckling as Iori hits the ground.
Freed jabs his sword forward and Irina parries it as well as the following four slashes, then Freed jumps away and fires four shots from his gun, and Irina proceeds to cut through each bullet. Behind her, Koneko hops up and delivers a heavy punch to her shadow clone and knocks it away, Issei grabs his shadow clone by the shoulders and starts delivering punches to it’s head, Kiba pushing his back with his sword and Xenovia doing the same to her’s, while Rias, Akeno, and Rossweisse all use their respective magic to take down their clones, but to their surprise, the three use the same magic as them.
Rossweisse: “They’re copying our magic!?”
Rias: “Her shadow warriors are first rate, they’re not as strong as us but they’re not easy to get rid of either. Just focus on trying to get the book!”
Freed knocks Irina down to the ground and brings his foot down, but Irina rolls away and swings her sword at him, he blocks, but she then flips away from Freed, just in time to block another swing of his sword, she then pulls away from another swing to dodge, then blocks another one that narrowly closes in on her neck. She swing her sword up to force Freed’s away and then swings her sword, only for Freed to step away. Once he plants his feet, they both rush at each other and deliver a slash at each other as they pass. Irina sheathes her sword and blood spills from Freed’s abdomen as he drops to the ground. Once she turns around, she sees Xenovia hit the ground and block off a strike from her shadow clone, allowing Irina to smack it with the hilt of her sword.
Irina: “Xenovia.”
Xenovia: “I’ve got a plan. Cover me!”
Irina: “Alright!”
Xenovia: “Issei! Toss me Ascalon!”
Issei tackles his shadow clone and summons Ascalon.
Issei: “Catch!”
Issei tosses the sword to Xenovia and she brings both of them up as they both give off a yellow aura. Asia also healing any injuries that Xenovia sustained.
Xenovia: “Aura transfer! Durandal to Ascalon!”
Xenovia aimed both swords over and they proceeded to wipe out all the shadow warriors with a beam of light. Airi had ducked under the beam and Rossweisse blasted the tome to pieces to Airi’s surprise.
Kiba: “Airi Kazama! Listen, we’re friends of your brother Iori, we don’t want to hurt you! We came to save you from Diodora-“
Airi: “I don’t need saving!”
Airi unexpectedly waved her hand and whipped out purple flames down on the ground.
Rias: “Cursed flames……”
Akeno: “And we don’t have much time! Iori!”
Iori is thrown into the wall as Diodora fires another blast at him, fortunately Iori ducks under and launches at him again. Diodora constructs a barrier from his hand to block Iori’s punch, except it doesn’t even connect, Iori uses a Echo Fist to push Diodora slightly back and then throws a high kick up to his chin that does connect, and in retaliation Diodora kicks him back against the wall, then grabs hold of him.
Diodora: “You know… I was never a fan of dirtying my own hands, but for you I’ll make a royal exception!”
Diodora punches Iori in the face three times before tossing him aside.
Diodora: “I’ll give you credit for being so brave to fight me on your own. But suicide is the cowards way out.”
Diodora conjures another magic circle from his hand and fires a beam at Iori, he blocks it with a magic circle, but it pushes him into the barrier.
Akeno: “Iori!”
Iori is getting winded, firing an Echo Fist at Diodora but he blocks it easily, and as Iori runs back at him, he is then caught within a barrier made by Diodora that's progressively shrinking, Iori uses the tendrils to avoid being crushed within and they continue to push against the edges of the barrier, but are only delaying the inevitable.
Diodora: "And to think all the effort you threw in was all for nothing! Your cute little magic tricks have nothing against the barrier of the Beelzebub bloodline!"
Issei: “Dammit! Iori!”
Akeno: “Iori hang in there!”
The tendrils are getting pushed back inwards, the barrier getting smaller and closer to crushing Iori inside.
Iori is clearly being overwhelmed, all other voices out of focus, including Diodora, heavily focusing on keeping the walls of the barrier.
Diodora: “It’s a cute attempt, but it’s feeble at best!”
The barriers suddenly shrink in closer, the tendrils push in closer, Iori struggling even more.
Issei and Koneko punch at the barrier, and Xenovia, Kiba, and Irina jab their swords into it. Before Akeno does anything, she notices the purple and pink aura coming from Iori’s shoulders.
Diodora: “They care about you quite a bit! But don’t worry too much, I’ll be sure to save your mistress for last since you care about her so much!”
The barriers close in more as Iori’s aura starts to kick up and his power starts increasing more and more. Both his eyes open up red with a glow as he lets out a scream, swings his arms out and his entire body gives off a pink glow, his power blowing violent winds and destroy the barriers around him and the one separating the others from him and Diodora.
Diodora: “What!?”
The glowing body of Iori stares Diodora down, then flies towards him in an instant, snatching him and sending him through the wall, he flies out with him and throws him. Diodora quickly regains himself, only for Iori to fly at him and strike him quickly, and do it again from another angle, and again, and again, and again.
Odin's spear wipes out another horde of the Devil soldiers and his eyes turn over to see Iori beating up Diodora.
Odin: "Was that what you were waiting for? Azazel?"
Azazel: "Damn right it was! Get him kid!"
Iori then knocked Diodora back to the top of his castle, he fires several blasts in Iori’s direction, only for Iori to fly towards him and evade each one and towards Diodora, punching him through the castle rapidly, busting through several floors, until they finally get back to the throne room. Diodora hits the ground hard, he gazed up to see Iori's glowing body slowly float down, then the glow dissipated and his new appearance was now visible. His shirt now gone, some sort of tattoo looking pattern on his chest glowing purple and pink, both of his eyes red, four black wings and his shoulders emitting a purple and pink glow.
Rossweisse: "He... evolved?"
Issei: "Certainly looks stronger..."
Akeno: "Oh he does...~"
Diodora: "Guh..! Damn you..! I'm a descendant to the Great Devil Beelzebub!"
Iori: "I'll be sure to explain filicide to him."
Diodora raised up his magic circle from his hand and Iori immediately broke through it with laser vision and nailing Diodora, knocking him back. Iori slowly closing the distance between the two.
Diodora: "Impossible... I can't lose. Not to the Gremory Family! I am Diodora of the Astaroth Family!!"
Diodora holds up a magic circle that surges power and fires a blast at Iori who holds a Desecration Vortex in front of him and then crushes it, allowing to surge through his fist before throwing a punch at Diodora that knocks him away towards the doors.
Kiba: “Incredible…”
As Iori makes his way to the bloody and beaten Diodora. Airi steps before Diodora and holds her arms out to shield Diodora.
Irina: “…She’s still…”
Iori: “Airi..! Airi listen to me-“
Airi: “I won’t let you hurt Master…”
Rias: “Airi, listen to Iori. He's trying to help you. That damn bastard Diodora has manipulated you and brainwashed you.”
Airi: “No… I love him… Master means the world to me..! He gave me paradise from a world that never once looked out for me!”
Rias: “Airi, that's not real love. That's obsession. You only feel that way because he took advantage of your trauma!”
Airi: “Master’s good too me… he never hurt me… I never had to worry about anyone’s hatred…… no one to hurt me…”
Iori: “Airi listen… I know I couldn’t I always be there… but I need you to listen… I’m here… I came here to save you… I spent the last three years trying to understand why you disappeared! But I’m here now-“
Diodora: “Hahahaaaa…… it won’t work… you’re not gonna reach her in one lousy speech Kazama… and legally I have full obligation over her..”
Then, the Queen from Diodora’s peerage enters the room.
Xenovia: “Shit…”
Diodora: “Oh… perfect timing. Queen! Get the others and finish the job! We can still emerge victorious from this!”
The Queen stared at the group, and Rias' Peerage prepared for an attack.
Queen: “Go to hell.”
The Queen turned towards Diodora and blasted him away.
Airi: “No!”
Airi was about to run after him, but the Queen grabbed her first and set her hand on Airi’s face, a faint smoke emits from her hand and it puts Airi to sleep.
Irina: "What the..?"
Queen: "She’ll be out for an hour. I’m a bit weak from our fight, so that was the best I could do…”
Xenovia: “...You were against him?”
Queen: “…Not the entire time. I only broke free from his grasp about a year ago…”
The Queen turned to everyone.
Queen: “I must apologize to you all. The fight still went on, but I… assume you did see my message?”
Kiba: “…The kanji for ‘trap’ written on the couch… that was you, wasn’t it?”
Queen: “I needed… Diodora to believe I was still under his influence, so I couldn’t say anything directly. Ultimately I prayed that you would notice and be prepared for an ambush, and then be able to defeat us and then L-… Diodora…”
Rias: "So you had to maintain the guise of being loyal to Diodora, planning this trap all along. One hell of a risk, but it was the only way to fool him into thinking we were unprepared. Smart move."
Queen: “…Unfortunately it still counts as treason…”
Koneko: “…We didn’t see anything.”
Issei: "Yeah. You didn't attack your boss."
The Queen smiles
Queen: “Hm. You lot truly are an interesting bunch, anyone ever tell you that?"
Asia: "A lot... yeah."
Iori: “…He said he ‘legally’ has obligation over Airi. What does he mean by that?”
Queen: “…Diodora holds a contract with her that makes her a legal servant to him. One that he typically used for…… well… let’s just say ‘pleasure’.”
Asia: “N-… No did he-… he…”
Issei: “That… fucker…”
Irina: “Did he…… did he do that to all of you!?”
Queen: “He did… but he only really used Airi since he brought her in. When I first saw her I knew something was different… but what really started to make me realize I had to do something… was when I saw her become completely devoted to him out of will… because she saw this as salvation in comparison…”
Xenovia: “So she didn’t even care if she was just a toy for his pleasure… as long as she felt safe here…”
Akeno: “That’s… horrible…”
Iori: “How do we undo the contract?”
Queen: “…The contract unfortunately doesn’t die out… until Diodora dies…”
Iori: “…Then I guess I don’t have much of a choice… do I?”
Kiba: “Iori. You shouldn’t have to sully your hands due to your rage. I can-“
Iori: “I appreciate the thought Kiba… but I’m Airi’s brother… I made a promise to protect her… I failed once… and I didn’t come this far to let her down a second time.”
Iori then looks over to Akeno.
Iori: "I've kinda been defying you a lot recently, acting on my own I know... but this... you can expect me to let this go."
Akeno: "That monster violated all these women as entertainment.”
Akeno had a dark glare in her eyes.
Akeno: “Don’t let him off easy.”
Iori conjured up a Spear of Light, but a Magic Circle caught their attention at the other side of the room.
Rias: "Another one?"
Another Devil had brought himself into the room.
???: “I had not expected a single Fallen Angel to awaken to a power and surpass even him. But if he can’t even keep his peerage in line… I suppose that doesn’t say much.”
Rias: "Who are you? And what do you want?"
???: “I am Shalba Beelzebub. The true heir to the Great Devil Beelzebub himself.”
Iori: “Yeah- so was he…”
Iori point outside the doors indicating Diodora.
Shalba: “I am nothing like that maggot, do not compare me to him…”
Rias: “What do you want then?”
Shalba: “You cannot expect me to sit out and allow this battle to taint the heritage of Beelzebub… the TRUE heritage of Beelzebub.”
Rias: “You're here to maintain the so-called 'purity' of Beelzebub's bloodline.”
Shalba: “Watch your tone, daughter of a false king…”
Rias: “Do NOT speak ill of my lineage!“
Diodora crawled his way over to a strange magic circle on the ground outside the throne room, tapping it and bringing it to life, after a short minute, an arm shoots up from the magic circle.
Shalba: “-A true king would not sign a treaty with other factions.”
Roseweisse: “You’re no different from Loki. Just another fool who can’t change with the times.”
Shalba: “Now you listen-“
Suddenly, the wall with the door behind the team explodes, a massive gust of wind due to the sheer power that has just now surfaced, that gust of wind blowing Diodora back into the throne room.
Issei: "Dammit what now!?"
Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Rossweisse, and Gasper all suddenly pick up an incredibly powerful presence coming from behind the doorway as slow footsteps arrive, and a woman's voice, singing.
???: "Peaceful young races with bloodstained their houses, millions of voices all silenced like mouses...-"
The figure steps into the room through the smoke from the rubble, low heels now seen.
???: "Watching the cowards bow down to their queen-"
The woman's long purple skirt now visible through the smoke, and as she steps forward, a white, long sleeve shirt.
???: "These are a few of my favorite things...~"
Short blonde hair now visible, on a beautiful, young looking woman with red eyes.
???: "Oh...... hello."
The figure gives a terrifyingly evil grin.
Chapter 9: Death in the Face of Beauty I
Chapter Text
Here’s the guest character Nova promised
The woman in the long purple skirt stared down at all the others.
Shalba: “Who is this? Another cockroach?”
Diodora: “Ah… a true warrior. It seems my summon did not disappoint.”
The woman looked right at the bloody and beaten Diodora.
???: “Well what do we have here… I hadn’t expected such a meal at my moment of return…”
Diodora: “Tch-… a bloodthirsty servant… I summoned you for a reason, and I WILL get it.”
???: “Oh, so you summoned me. And you know what happens when you summon a vampire like me, don’t you?”
Diodora: “Of course I know. But you see I have the upper hand here. I summoned you from the abyss to fight for me. So I suggest you do as I command unless you want to be cast back into the abyss of nothingness!”
Koneko: “He summoned a vampire-…”
Koneko looks back at Gasper, who is shaking violently in place in absolute fear.
Koneko: “Gaspy what’s wrong?”
Gasper: “H-He… He… He doesn’t know what he just unleashed……”
The vampire looks at Diodora for a short moment, then suddenly starts chuckling with her hand over her face.
???: “Hehehe… heheheheheha……”
Diodora: “…Is something funny..?”
???: “Ahahahahahaaa..! Ahahahahaa..! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!”
Diodora: “Enough! Stop laughing and explain yourself now!”
???: “Hahahahoooooo! Ohhhhhhhhh… oh I haven’t laughed so much in centuries… you see… I haven’t been outside my castle in so long, and seeing that I’m out… I’m fully free to do whatever I want…”
Shalba: “Vampire! What do you believe to achieve with this freedom of yours?”
???: “Oh..? No one’s ever asked me that before. Usually all my toys do is beg for their lives, or beg me to end it quickly. But… seeing that I’m in the Underworld…”
The woman gives a sadistic smile.
???: “I guess I’ll just kill and drink the blood of every Devil I find in the Underworld…~”
Everyone remains silent after that claim for a short moment.
Diodora: “Absurd! Let me make one thing clear—you are bound by my command as my summoned servant. I am your master, and you will obey me. So stop laughing like a madwoman and listen when I speak!”
???: “And you’ll think I’ll listen…… well then… tell me.”
The vampire grabs Diodora by his throat in an instant and holds him up in the air.
???: “How exactly will you send me back?”
Diodora then uses a barrier to separate the two, and keeps the woman contained.
???: “Oh… cute little barrier…”
Diodora: “Cute little barrier!? This very barrier was crafted by-“
???: “Beelzebub, I know, I can tell.”
Shalba: “…What do you mean you can tell?”
???: “Who do you think killed the original Beelzebub?”
Even Shalba raises an eyebrow at the very bold claim.
Diodora: “Y-You’re lying.”
???: “Am I? Am I really?”
The woman held up a hand before her shoulder, opening it and a massive explosion engulfed the area within the barrier, destroying it completely. The ground rumbling aggressively due to the explosion and the wall behind the woman coming apart.
Diodora: “You wretched low-life! I am your master! And a high ranking Devil of the Beelzebub bloodline!! And you! You bloodthirsty creature! Will DO! WHAT I SAY-!!”
The vampire’s hand punctures straight through Diodora’s chest.
???: “Here’s the thing… Beelzebub bloodline, high ranking Devils…… I’ve already killed thousands… kind of like THIS.”
She slams Diodora into the ground, showing razor sharp teeth before tearing him apart ruthlessly, spilling blood everywhere. The sheer amount of gore is enough to make Asia vomit, Irina close to doing the same. The display of carnage comes to a close once Shalba fires off a blast at the vampire and it punches a hole in her chest.
Shalba: “Enough of this. I did not plan for this confrontation to be interrupted by a-… what the…”
The hole in the vampire’s chest regenerates quickly.
Shalba: “…You’re not a normal vampire.”
???: “No. And you’re dead.”
The vampire aims her arm up and the ceiling comes apart as a massive meteor is suddenly summoned in the air, slowly coming down and an absurd amount of pressure taking over the area.
Rossweisse: “No… that meteor… it’s far too strong for just the castle! We can’t stop that!!”
Kiba: “Then we need to go! NOW!”
Everyone else quickly flew outside of the castle, Iori quickly grabbing Airi’s unconscious body and all of them flew away from the giant meteor coming down that eventually exploded with the impact of a nuke, the shockwave ripping through the air like a violent storm, blowing the remaining Devil soldiers of the Old Satan Faction back. Rias, Issei, Akeno, Iori, Koneko, Kiba, Asia, Xenovia, Gasper, Irina, and Rossweisse all made it to the ground and looked up to the castles remains. Azazel flew down with the Viper Family and approached the team.
Azazel: “I know you kids have gotten strong over the years but I KNOW that wasn’t one of you!”
Rossweisse: “Diodora summoned some vampire to do his bidding but it didn’t work out.”
Vulrikan: “But what kind of vampire is this strong? Unless-“
Gasper: “Arcueid Brunestud.”
Both Xenovia and Irina went pale as they turned to the mortified Gasper.
Irina: “Th-The Moon Princess!?”
Nova: “Arcueid Brunestud? From Tsukihime/Melty Blood made my Type-Moon- oh fuck…”
Xenovia: “Gasper are you absolutely sure!?”
Gasper nodded with a lot more than just fear in his eyes.
Issei: “What’s the big deal-? Ddraig do you know something?”
Ddraig: “Enough to know that this is a losing battle. You’re opponent is not just a vampire, but a True Ancestor-“
Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Vulrikan, Rossweisse, Azazel, and Odin all look over at Ddraig.
Kiba: “Please tell us you did NOT just say our opponent is a NATURAL BORN VAMPIRE!”
Ddraig: “I very wish I could…”
Gasper: “We have to run… we… we can’t stop her…”
Iori: “Is it that bad? Sorry for being overconfident but we did fight Loki and he was a god-“
Gasper: “No you don’t get it! Loki has NOTHING on Arcueid Brunestud! The True Ancestors were the most powerful beings among all worlds, and Arcueid’s the one that killed ALL OTHER 26!!”
Odin: “That woman’s very strength is drawn from the planet itself. Her power level does not make her a god, but the closest runner up TO GOD himself.”
Iori: “So wait- we’re going up against someone strong enough to KILL GOD!?”
Shalba fired a beam in Arcueid’s direction as she evades with incredible speed, then he threw six punches at her, only for her to evade each one and deliver one of her own that sent Shalba flying into the throne, breaking it in two and then into the wall. Creuserey jumping into battle by firing a blast down into the throne room that Arcueid quickly deflects.
Creuserey: “Kill the woman!”
The Devil soldiers beside him chant as they fly down towards Arcueid.
Koneko: “Gaspy, we know typical weaknesses, what else do you-“
Gasper: “Anything that works on me WON’T work on her! True Ancestors DON’T have any weaknesses!”
Rias: “So we may have no possible way of killing her!?”
Gasper nods.
Akeno: “Okay so what do we do?”
Azazel: “You’ll do nothing. Use a magic circle, and get out. We’ll get backup from the top of the chain.”
Akeno: “You can’t expect us to run from this!”
Azazel: “You also can’t be expected to go up against someone THIS powerful. She’s far too strong for you lot…”
Odin: “While I’ve seen you all fight Loki. This is much, much worse…”
Iori: “And… running might be out of the question…”
Iori pointed up to the remains of the castle, several very long chains had extended from the ground and killed off the ENTIRE Old Satan Faction. Arcueid slowly making her way down the stairs, her eyes glowing red, her body covered in blood as she licks some off her hand.
Rossweisse: “The entire Old Satan Faction…… wiped out. We can’t let this monster leave alive…”
Odin: “I’ve called for Mjolnir and it’s on it’s way now. Red Dragon, think you can wield it again?”
Issei: “Do I really have a choice?”
Rias: “Given the situation, not really.”
Kurohawa: “…What are our chances of victory?”
Vulrikan: “Just focus on doing what you can, and allow me to say if any one of us do not make it, it’s been an honor to be your friend.”
Rias: “Don’t think that just yet. Everyone get ready. Asia, Gasper, stay back.”
Rias looked to Diodora’s Queen.
Rias: “Can you keep them safe?”
Queen: “As well as the others from my same peerage.”
Iori then hands Airi over to the Queen.
Iori: “Can you take her with you?”
The Queen holds Airi in her hands.
Queen: “I’ll protect them with my life. C’mon!”
The Queen, Asia, and Gasper fly off and Arcueid approaches the large group.
Arcueid: “Well well well… most of you didn’t run away. And I was hoping to meet the other vampire… personally.”
Koneko’s red aura flared up.
Odin: “Hear us True Ancestor! We are fully aware of your power and intentions and cannot let you pass! We can do this the easy way, or the hard way.”
Arcueid: “Well isn’t that just cute… I do have to say, I look forward to this. A fight like this is something I haven’t had in a LONG time. So I’ll be sure not to break you all too quickly~.”
Odin: "Cocky lass isn't she?"
Azazel: “Are you surprised?”
Azazel’s wings sprouted out, Odin held his spear tightly, Issei activating Boosted Gear, Akeno transformed to her Shrine Maiden uniform, Kiba, Xenovia, Irina, Nova, Reina, Kurohawa, and Okano all whipped out their weapons. Arcueid only smirks at the display.
Arcueid: “Oh… now THIS is going to be fun… let the FEAST BEGIN!”
Arcueid hurls a multi-colored disc shaped construct and it rips through the ground towards everyone, they all avoid it thankfully but it was rather fast.
Vulrikan: “No one hold back! Fight her with everything you have!”
Nova fired all twelve Spears of Midnight in Arcueid’s direction, only for her to deflect each one.
Kiba: “Sword Birth!”
Sword Birth summoned swords that Arcueid jumped over as they shot up from the ground, then Vulrikan used his shadow to strike Arcueid back down into the swords, but she vanished quickly and turned up above the shadow, smashing it into the ground. Reina followed up by swinging her machetes at the vampire about six times, only for her to dodge each swing, then elbow Reina in the back of the head, Issei rushed in to punch Arcueid, but she was faster and clawed across his armored face, actually chipping part of it off, and knocking him away, then deflected the magic that Rossweisse had tried attack her with, and right back at her. Azazel rushed in and kicked Arcueid in the head, then flew back to cast a horde of light spears at Arcueid, once again, just like Rossweisse’s magic, deflecting each spear with ease.
Azazel: “Damn how fast is she!?”
Azazel stopped and then Irina jumped in with a light-infused sword to stab Arcueid, but she stopped it with a single finger, then punch Irina above the chest, sending her flying back.
Akeno: “Thunderbolt!”
Akeno’s lightning surrounds Arcueid and Iori jumps over with Desecration Vortex and absorbs a fragment of that lightning, then whips it out as it’s own to strike Arcueid as she’s surrounded, though she barely reacts and turns around towards Iori and swings her arm down towards him, a massive wave of power blowing Iori back, then Arcueid looks up, grabs the lightning with her hand and throws it at Akeno, knocking her out of the sky. Kurohawa quickly rushed at her, only for her to punch the armor and the entire set came apart on the spot. Kiba followed up alongside Xenovia, both running at her the moment Kurohawa’s armor came apart. Arcueid then stomped the ground, throwing both sword fighters off balance as the ground rumbled. Arcueid acted quickly and kicked Kiba away, then doing the same to Xenovia. Okano then quickly made her way in an attempt to stab Arcueid, but she quickly dashed back, and Koneko jumped over Okano and delivered a punch to Arcueid, the punch landed but it hardly knocked her back. Then, the arm of Kurohawa’s armor pieced itself back together, holding his halberd and it flew down towards Arcueid along with Kiba, Nova, and Rossweisse.
Arcueid: “Well isn’t this just fun…”
But Arcueid only sent out a shockwave that knocked all three away and the arm. Vulrikan managed to summon Apophis and it roared and flared out four of it’s wings, emitting aura and it spewed laser breath down at her, even more powerful than what it dished out against Loki. It overtook Arcueid, but she was clearly not completely phased by it. Thankfully, a bright light shined down from the sky.
Odin: “Mjolnir’s here!”
Rias: “Issei grab it! We’ll hold her off!!”
Issei flew over to grab hold of it, then Arcueid flew up in an instant towards Apophis, slicing below it’s head, then whipping her body around, summoning chains from the ground that punctured through the body of Apophis in several locations, dissipating it easily. Rias then fired a beam alongside Odin, both of which directed at Arcueid, holding her off as she was pushing against it, but it was becoming a struggle as Arcueid was pushing forward, even against both Odin and Rias.
Issei: “I’ve got it!!”
Issei held Mjolnir up high and Rias looked over to Iori.
Rias: “Iori! Tendrils! Everyone! Hold Arcueid down!”
Akeno casted lightning in all directions around Arcueid to prevent movements, Iori using the tendrils to restrain her, Kiba using Sword Birth to stick her in place again, this time succeeding, Irina hurling a ring shaped construct to hold her, all of which restraining Arcueid.
Issei: “HERE IT COMES!!”
Issei swung Mjolnir down at Arcueid who managed to get free and push against Mjolnir, not yet being sealed.
Azazel: “Come on kid!”
Rias: “Issei! Put everything you have into it! Don’t let up!!”
Rossweisse: “Do it Red Dragon!”
Issei keeps fighting against Arcueid to seal her, and Arcueid is close to being sealed away, the magic circles ready to seal her.
Arcueid: “…Well. You almost had it.”
Arcueid’s power shoots up exponentially in an instant, blowing a shockwave through the area, one that blows everyone away, including Issei. Leaving Arcueid, holding Mjolnir up in the air.
Arcueid: “Unfortunately sealing me with this thing isn’t gonna do it.”
Arcueid then tightens her grip and smashes Mjolnir into pieces, horrifying everyone.
Rossweisse: “Sh-She-… she broke Mjolnir!?”
Kurohawa: “Okay… what do we do now..?”
Vulrikan: “There has to be something we can exploit. For now, hit her with everything you have.”
Nova used the mist from Lust Arts to try and charm Arcueid, but that clearly has no effect. Koneko then chucks a large part of the ground towards Arcueid, who caught it, then crushed it in her hand, then flashed a red blink that struck Koneko out of nowhere, knocking her back, Xenovia unleashed a blade beam at Arcueid, only for her to deflect it. Xenovia then swung Durandal towards at Arcueid, only for her to not just block it, but chip a part of the blade off to her shock and was then punched away.
Odin: “Stay! Down!!”
Odin fired off a beam from Gungnir at Arcueid. Only for her to run through it, reach Odin and slam him into rubble. As she holds him by the neck, she looks over to see Asia, healing Xenovia.
Arcueid: “Oh? A healer…”
Rias’ blood runs cold as she sees Arcueid’s smile. She lifts her arm up and a light blue and white cube surrounds and traps Asia as she yelps and is lifted into the air.
Gasper: “Asia no!”
Xenovia: “Let her go!!”
Irina regains her footing and starts flying over to cut the cube. Rias uses her magic to strike Arcueid, but she only deflects it as well as the lightning from Akeno, then she jumps back.
Issei: “Don’t do it! LET HER GO!!”
Arcueid gives off a grin as Irina starts making her way to the cube, the terrified Asia stuck inside, tears in her eyes as she looks over to Issei.
Asia: “……Issei-“
Arcueid clasps her hand tight the cube closes in on itself in an instant with Asia inside, leaving nothing but blood to splatter. Irina halts in place in horror and her heart along with everyone else’s of the peerage just shatters, everyone going pale as the area goes silent.
Chapter 10: Death in the Face of Beauty II
Chapter Text
Issei: “So you dig stuffed animals.”
Asia’s face flushed.
Asia: “Oh! Not at all… well… sort of… yes.”
Issei: “Heh, well it’s your lucky day.”
Issei doesn’t hesitate to enter a coin into the crane machine.
Asia: “You’re gonna-“
Issei: “I’m kinda outing myself as a big nerd here but I’ve spent hundreds of hours at arcades- YES!”
Issei successfully got a stuffed animal into the bin and handed it to Asia, who clutched it almost immediately.
Asia: “Thanks for winning this little guy for me! From now on every time I look at it I’ll remember how much of a blessing it’s been to get to know you.”
Issei chuckled.
Issei: “Come on, there’s plenty stuff left to see.”
Issei started making his way around and Asia looked down at the stuffed animal.
Asia: “Thank you… this is special… even if it is only for today.”
Issei’s vision shattered to the scene around him. Still in shock as he saw the blood on the ground, all that remained of Asia Argento. Tears fill the rest of the peerage’s eyes.
Azazel: “…Fuck……”
Arcueid: “Well… that’s a bit of a shame.”
Xenovia rushes up behind Arcueid with a scream of anguish, tears in her eyes and she swings the broken Durandal down at her, only for Arcueid to turn around and block it. Though Irina manages to stab her in the back, the same anguish in her eyes. Arcueid forced them both away with a boost in aura.
Arcueid: “Heh. So who’s next?”
Before anyone else can attack, Issei starts letting out gradual screams of anguish, which then explodes into a loud one as his power fires up in an instant and a red aura engulfs the area from him completely, his Balance Breaker armor taking over and growing.
Rias: “Issei!?”
Kiba: “His aura and power are incredible-! They’re still skyrocketing!”
Nova: “I’d say it’s over 9,000, but I think it’s more like 9 MIL!”
Issei’s screams turn to draconic roars and his Balance Breaker armor turns to more of a dragon appearance, even getting larger in size, his wings extending, his aura increasing, his eyes glowing green as his transformation is finally completed, letting out a draconic roar.
Arcueid: “Heh. You know if the one girl’s death made you this angry I can always slaughter them ALL!!”
Issei’s hand slams down at Arcueid, but she backs away quickly, then he tries to bite her, but Arcueid holds his mouth open until she jumps away. Issei lets out another roar as red energy overtakes his body and breaks a crater in the ground, causing it too rumble violently. Then various parts of his body started to glow green.
Vulrikan: “His power could destroy us too!“
Akeno: “He’s right! We have to go!”
Rias: “We can’t leave him with a True Ancestor!”
Kiba: “We don’t have a choice!”
Kiba grabs Rias and starts flying off.
Kiba: “We’re going!”
Everyone starts flying away as Issei and Arcueid continue their fight. Iori then notices the various segments of green on Issei’s draconic appearance glow even brighter.
Iori: “Uh GUYS!!”
Rias looks back and then drops a magic circle in the air.
Rias: “On the circle! Quick!!”
Everyone drops down on the magic circle and Rias holds up another one in front towards Issei as he starts firing blasts EVERYWHERE from his body. Iori holds up a magic circle in front of Rias’ to offer support.
Arcueid reflects the blasts coming her away, but is rather struggling as they are damaging her. Once they stop, Issei lets out another roar and rips at the ground around her, she jumps over them and onto his head, then rips the orange horns from his head, making him moan in pain, then roar again in anger as his aura kicks up again even greater.
Ddraig: “Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost-!”
Issei fires a beam from his mouth at Arcueid and she proceeds to run across the ground as Issei’s head tracking her from above as he has taken to the skies. It tracks for about a minute until he lands back on the ground and Arcueid jumps up behind him. He quickly whips around and fires a blast from his mouth that Arcueid avoids, only for it to make it’s way over to the others, it’s blocked by Rias and Iori’s magic circles, but struggling to hold it back, until they angle them and chuck it up in the air past them, as it flies off, it explodes in the air, temporarily changing the color of the sky to the same green of the blast and shakes the very environmental.
Ryomi: “Okay so I’m not the ONLY ONE who doesn’t want to know what would happen if that hit us right!?”
Vulrikan: “Gremory! Is there a way to bring him out of this!?”
Rias: “He’s never done this before! I don’t even know what it is!”
Nova: “What are the chances we’ve got a weapon with Dragonslayer!? Might knock him out of this!”
Odin: “I’m amazed that he seems to be holding his own in this state.”
Rias: “But he’s boosting constantly! Gone berserk with his power! He keeps this up it could kill him!”
Vali: “You’re right about that.”
The group turned around to see Vali step through a rift.
Vali: “I sensed Issei’s power along with another, seems he had an incomplete transformation.”
Rias: “Vali. Do you know how to turn him back?”
Vali: “In an incomplete state there’s a chance it can happen naturally, but if not he’ll use up his entire life force until he dies.”
Odin: “And unfortunately we have another problem…”
Odin pointed down at Arcueid.
Vali: “The Moon Princess…”
Issei slams into the ground at Arcueid as she backs away and then shoots her hand up.
Arcueid: “I’ll admit it’s a cute little tantrum! But you’re not the only one here with power at that level! Now! Face the destruction… OF THE CRIMSON MOON!”
A meteor the size of a moon starts pulling down towards the ground. Issei roars at it and the green fragments turn blue, and unexpectedly-
Ddraig: “Divide!”
The moon sized meteor divides in power and size, much to Arcueid’s surprise.
Ddraig: “Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide-!”
Arcueid: “Avalon!?”
Arcueid fired up chains from the ground, but they were only divided by the same ability. Arcueid’s clearly getting pissed and Issei’s aura shoots up even greater, his power multiplying on the spot as his aura takes over the entire area. Then a green glow emerges from his chest.
Ddraig: “BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOSTBOOSTBOOSTBOOSTBOOSTBOOST!!”
Issei & Ddraig: “JUGGERNAUT SMASH!!!”
A green beam fired from Issei’s chest that Arcueid holds herself against, but is surprisingly being pushed back as his power is rapidly increasing, a red aura increasing as well as a dark black and purple.
Issei: “BOOSTBOOSTBOOSTḄ̷̹̥͚̠̬͙̺̤̖̯̀̓͛̏̀̏͊̉̄̑̽́̕͘͝O̶̫̪͇̯̘̜͗̓̉̄̒̇͋̊̏̈́̽̍͐͑͛O̴̹̺͓͙̤̮͚͛̉̾͌͗̐̈̚͘͝ͅS̷̟͂̚͘T̷̲̗̼̠̿̄͐͠B̸̬̗͇̈́̍̑̔͋̈́͘Ơ̵̢̘̫̘̭̘̹̳̪̳̻̓̋̀̔̊̈́̿͂͐̇͆̀̕Ò̵̧̤̝̖͖̥̰͍̪͓̬̖̒̔ͅS̴͎̹̜̳̜͓̹̥̞̗̱̹̥͚̓́̔̈̑̔̆̇͊̂̄̔̍͜͝T̵̢̧͔̠͇̲̩̪̹͂̋͌͌͐̂̇̓͝͝Ḅ̴̭̑͗̒̑͜͝Ò̴̤̺̩̯͉̭͓̰̞̩̝͔̰̎͜Ơ̷͔̩̤̞̹̬̪̭͍̱̰̿͒S̴̛̜͍̭̭̟͔̘͕̓̀̒͊͆̎̓͊̀̐̚Ţ̴̡̞͉̮̞͖͕̯͙̌̀͒͊͑̎̂̂͌́̑̇ͅB̵̧͖̟̦̬͍̺̭̙̫͕͌̆͐O̸͍̰͋͛́̓͗̎̀̑̉̕͝͠O̶̤̭͉̮̻͚̯͕̘̖̩̟͙̻̍̆̅S̶̨͓̟͈̟͚͕̼̭̝̪̈́̑́̂̂͂̈́̓͑̐͂̆̚͘͝ͅT̸̞̰̙͖͔̪̟̩̙͚͙̟̈́̚B̴͚́̌̉̆̋̕̕O̵̐͜͜O̷͎̹͙̣͕̿͑̈́͘̚S̶̹̟̄̈̇̋͆̇̋͑́̈́̃̕T̸̨̟̺̠̙̯̫̹̂̾̔̒̎́͒̔̃̓̾̑̌͝B̷̧̢̧̻̣̤͙͙̣̝͔̺̳̺͉́̽͆̀͐͑͑̆̂̓̌́̕͝Ǫ̵̧̛̺͔̺͔͙͔͇̲͌́̂̍̽̆͂̀͠͠Ơ̵̧̛̰͎̗̣̋̈́̇̈́̍̇̒̕͠Š̴͕̱͚̗̺̮̿̊̓̄̈́̈͛̈́̾̓̑̈͜ͅT̸̻͉̈̄͛̇͗̈́̏͂̀̚B̶̤̰̳̮̲̔̅͑͗ͅȌ̷̡̱̰̝̹̣͈̥͎̫̟͑̓͋̓̋̓͋̐̿̈́̄̕͝O̸̫̖̹̗͗̇͠S̷̢̝̬̠̮̪͈̝̤̥̱̜̯̋͛̂̍̓͗̈́ͅT̵̡̢̡͙̝̤̻̪͕̪̺̭̻̂̈́́̀̑͒̚B̷̻͂̒͛̑͌͒̈́̊̀̉͘͝Ŏ̸͙̬̈́̈́̿͗̃͊ͅŐ̴̡͈̙̣͍̗̻Š̴̘̭̻̟̺̼̃́͑͛̕͠͝T̷̮̩̤͌͋̄̃̿̈́̓̌̾͋́́̓͝͠B̶͇̜̫̟̩̜͕̄̋̇̆̽͂͑̃̈̆̈́̚̕͝ͅǪ̸̨͙̺̩̥̞̱͕̦͉͎͑̅͌͛͒͌͐͋̀̒̎̒̒ͅǪ̸̨̬̹̞̖͙͈͓̓̾S̷̡͍̲̏̽̏̈́̾̊̽̎̈́̎̃̌̋̕͜͠ͅT̶͎͔̈́̓͐̉͌ͅḆ̴̜̙͔͇͍̼̖̭̽͂O̸̧̢̟͙̠̬̖̥̮̲̕Õ̵̡͔̦͙̹̳̣͕͚̪͈̙̮͙̼͐̓̿̄̑̀͘͝S̵͓̥͓̞̏̆̏͜͝Ṯ̶̨͕̹̌̀̇̆̓̍B̴̨̤͓͖̖͔̜̘͑͂̈̒̍̊͐́̀̾̂̕͘͜O̵̩͍̮̙̹͕̝͒̆̓̋̔̿̈͘͘͜͠ͅO̷̫̓͌̎̐̉̇̑̇̆̔̏̆̈́͒̚S̸̘̈̕T̵̯͙͉̩̖͔̙͔͍̾̈͂̑̒̐̍̌̈́͝-!”
Vali: “…Wait… that’s not his power…”
Irina: “What do you mean it’s not his!?”
The blast that’s firing from Issei’s mouth is multiplying as Arcueid’s holding it back, but actually losing ground. Issei roars as the blast continues, his power shooting up higher and higher.
Vali: “…He shouldn’t be able to reach that level!”
Kurohawa: “Brace yourselves!”
Kurohawa’s armor split apart and surrounded everyone, providing a force field as the blast generating a massive explosion that overtook the area around him and Arcueid. The explosion overtaking the whole area and causing the area to shake violently.
Azazel: “…Did you just say that wasn’t HIS power?”
Vali: “Something else increased his power in that moment…”
Vulrikan: “Okano. Search for third parties.”
Okano nodded and vanished. The smoke begins to clear and Issei’s draconic body glows as he reverts to his more human state.
Rias: “He’s back!”
Rias and the rest of the peerage flew down towards Issei, Rias being the one to catch the barely conscious Issei.
Kiba: “Did he… kill Arcueid?”
The smoke is clearing up, and Arcueid is SOMEHOW still alive. But, as it clears up more, her face had lost it’s beauty as her sclera was now red with yellow eyes, cracks on her cheeks, razor sharp teeth, and her hair was disheveled, losing color. And more importantly, she was missing her right arm and both legs, and ok the ground.
Azazel: “No not quite…”
Xenovia: “But she’s vulnerable…”
Xenovia drew Durandal, absolutely ready to kill Arcueid as her eyes are full of rage.
Issei: “Suck that…… you bitch…”
Arcueid is snarling at the barely conscious Issei.
Arcueid: “…Boosted Gear… and… Dividing Gear…… in one… the girl was…… that important?”
Issei: “Haaaa…… more than you would ever know.”
Arcueid: “Well……”
Arcueid suddenly smiles with her razor sharp teeth.
Arcueid: “Be sure to tell her.”
Arcueid suddenly REGROWS ALL HER MISSING LIMBS ON THE SPOT to the shock and horror of everyone, then stands back up.
Koneko: “Oh fuck…”
Arcueid: “I’ll admit… you did some damage, and you’ll get to die with your honor intact.”
Arcueid summons chains to stab Issei, but before the chains stab him, they pierced through someone’s arm as the hand of that arm grabbed the chains. The figure before the group surprising everyone, including Arcueid… as there is now a SECOND Arcueid, readying a fist that emits a green glow.
Other Arcueid?: “CAT HAND SMAAAAAAAAAASHH!!”
The other Arcueid throws a punch that sends her flying into rubble with incredible force.
Iori: “Another?”
Avalon: “Another-? Miss Arcueid! Is that you!? Are you yourself!?”
The other Arcueid turns to Vali’s Sacred Gear. This Arcueid having the same beauty the other one had earlier, but instead of a long purple skirt, she had a blue miniskirt, black tights, and boots.
Arcueid?: “Huh? Avalon? Is that you?”
Avalon: “Yes, it’s good to see you again Miss Arcueid.”
Vali: “Avalon. You two know each other?”
Avalon: “We do. But right now we have our priorities…”
Arcueid?: “Yeah…”
Gasper: “I-… I don’t remember hearing anything about True Ancestors using body doubles!”
Arcueid?: “Normally I’m not split from my bloodthirsty side, it takes over when I give up suppressing it, but some kind of seal split us apart.”
Odin: “…Mjolnir.”
Vulrikan: “It split you apart from the other you?”
Arcueid?: “True Ancestors after drinking blood even once can never NOT want the taste again. I only drank blood once in my centuries of existence, and managed to suppress that bloodlust, but when I don’t…”
Arcueid points to the rubble.
Arcueid?: “That side of me takes over.”
Arthur: “Making you the original.”
Arcueid: “And that other me- what I call ‘Red Arcueid’.”
Avalon: “Miss Arcueid. Do you plan to fight her?”
Arcueid: “I do. But I can’t do it with her in my pocket…”
Arcueid snapped her fingers and summoned a light blue, transparent cube and Asia was brought out from it- PERFECTLY FINE TOO. Everyone was shocked, Xenovia being the first to feel her face to see if she was actually there.
Xenovia: “Asia-! It’s you you’re-“
Asia: “I’m okay! I’m okay!”
Irina: “Thank every god you’re alive!”
Irina hugged her head and Issei weakly turned himself to see the now alive Asia.
Issei: “You’re okay……”
Asia nodded.
Kiba: “How did you..-?”
Arcueid: “Used something called Marble Phantasm, same thing the other me used and got her out before the other me killed her. But… it ended up catching my arm. She healed me up though so I didn’t have to use any power to regrow it.”
Azazel: “As glad as we all are surely. I don’t think we have the luxury for a reunion just yet-“
The rubble from where Red Arcueid crashed into was thrown aside and she was up and standing, breathing heavily.
Red Arcueid: “YOU!!”
Asia hid behind Xenovia who picked her weapon up, but could hardly stand.
Rias: “…How many of us can still fight?”
Arcueid: “No. She’s mine.”
Rias: “I appreciate you wanting to fight her on your own but-“
Arcueid: “I promised someone I care for that I would protect humans. With her separated from me, she poses a threat to everyone I know and love. You’re free to help… but just because I’m weakened… doesn’t mean I’m holding back.”
Rias: “What can we do?”
Arcueid: “…I’ll try and leave an opening to her neck. If you cut her head off she’ll regenerate it, it’s gonna take up some power, enough for me to overpower her and seal her within me.”
Arcueid hunched forward.
Arcueid: “I’ll let you know when I get it.”
Arcueid ran forward in an instant at Red, both of them throwing a punch that caused a massive sonic boom.
Iori: “Damn are ALL vampires this strong!?”
Gasper: “…Just Ancestors…”
Koneko: “So how the hell do we cut off the head?”
Xenovia: “……Asia. Heal Issei.”
Issei: “I’m flattered…… but…”
Issei held up his Boosted Gear, it looked fractured, even part of his skin from above it didn’t look all too great.
Iori: “Oooooh… that does not look great…”
Rossweisse: “But it is out best shot. One of the thirteen Longinus, Boosted Gear specifically, he should be able to boost his power to a point he should be able to cut off her head.”
Vali: “…Then do that. I’ll assist Arcueid.”
Vali activated his Balance Breaker armor and flew up.
Both Arcueids took up into the sky, Red hurling several hundreds of chains towards the other and she deflected them as she was flying away, then started flying forward through the chains, eventually delivering a punch to her abdomen, Red retaliated by delivering a punch to her face, then the two started rapidly exchanging punches and kicks at light speed. Eventually an opening jumped in as Vali decked Red in the face, allowing Arcueid to strike her counterpart with her knee, then slam her down towards the ground, then adding on as she jams her boot in her back and slams her into the ground. Arcueid then jumps up and swings her left arm to the side, a blast of light erupting from Red’s position. But she quickly gets up and reaches towards Arcueid, clawing across her face and sending her back, Red quickly closes the distance and throws a flurry of punches as Arcueid steps back at the same speed, guarding against the punches, but is then kicked in the head and knocked back, not far, allowing Arcueid to bounce back in and elbow Red in the head, then she retaliates with two scratches which are both blocked. Then disc shaped constructs hurled at Arcueid as she jumps up, swinging green strands of magic that clash into the constructs. Then Red summons chains from the ground that swung up towards Vali as he flies around them, avoiding each one as they fly at Arcueid who deflects them away, eventually they find their way wrapping around Arcueid’s arms. Red sees the opportunity to attack and kicks her, breaking the chains as she flies forward with Arcueid, then grabs her by the head and slams her into the ground, running forward incredibly fast while dragging Arcueid across the ground until she summons a green construct to stop Red in her tracks, forcing Red to toss her and Arcueid gets back up on her feet. Before the two continue, Iori’s tendrils wrap around Red, but they’re ripped out of the ground.
Iori: “Everyone! Grab ‘em!!”
Gasper stops time on the tendrils, allowing Koneko, Ryomi, Kurohawa, Okano, Reina, Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, Irina, and Rosweisse to grab the tendrils. All of them restraining Red Arcueid, Nova’s spears and Reina’s machetes dig into Red’s feet.
Kiba: “Sword BIRTH!”
Swords shoot up and help keep Red restrained by stabbing her from the ground.
Arcueid: “THERE!”
Before Red could break free, Vali grabbed her by the head.
Vali: “HYOUDOU!!”
Issei was flying forward.
Odin: “RED DRAGON! CATCH!”
Odin tossed Gungnir towards Issei and he caught it, still flying forward and swung the spear at the side of Red Arcueid’s neck, but it didn’t cut through.
Issei: “DDRAIG! Give me all you’ve got! Whatever we’ve got left! FULL..!! POOOOOWWWEEEEEEERRRRR!!!!”
The damaged gauntlet had a green glow, Issei’s Devil wings turned red, his eyes green.
Ddraig: “BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST!!!”
The spear was getting deeper and deeper.
Red Arcueid: “No! NO! NOOO!!”
Red’d eyes gave a red glow, but before attacking. The spear cut off Red’s head, Issei flew past her and he crashed into the ground. Red’s head reattached immediately and she shook off the tendrils, only for Arcueid to use Marble Phantasm. She then whipped her arm back towards her, the cube shrinking down in size constantly as it flew into Arcueid’s body. Everything went silent after that… everyone well exhausted, except Arcueid.
Vali: “…Huff… is it over?”
Arcueid: “……Yep. Whole again, and because she drank a lot of blood… she’ll be away for… a pretty long time.”
Odin: “And how long is that?”
Arcueid shrugged.
Arcueid: “I’ve managed to suppress my bloodlust on my own for up to six hundred years at most, probably won’t have to worry about a next time.”
Azazel: “So we won’t have to worry about you trying to kill us.”
Arcueid: “Yeah huh.”
Issei: “‘Kay good… ‘cuz I totally just burned through any energy I have left… the fact I’m still awake is crazy as is…”
Rias: “Do you feel okay?”
Issei: “…If I say no do I get a feel?”
Koneko: “He’s fine.”
Vali: “Good. I want you to see this.”
Vali helps Issei up to his feet, then points up to a rift forming in the sky, a massive dragon flying through.
Rias: “Isn’t that…-?”
Vali: “Dragon of Dragon. Often referred to as DD, the true Red Dragon God Emperor. Great Red.”
Arcueid: “Oh yeah. Met that one when I was in my 60’s. Pretty powerful, not very talkative though.”
Vali: “He chooses to live up in the Dimensional Gap and flies around all eternity in there. Ophis wants that as well. My goal is to defeat him.”
Issei: “For real?”
Vali: “Of course. To become the true White Dragon Emperor. The White Dragon God Emperor.”
Arcueid: “Gonna ask little old me for help?”
Vali: “Respectfully no. I’ll take down the Great Red on my own.”
Ophis: “Sure are stubborn aren’t you?”
Issei: “Wha- who’s that?”
Azazel: “Oh, Ophis. Now you show up.”
Ophis: “Just biding my time.”
Vali: “Ladies, gentleman, the Dragon God of Infinity. Ouroboros Dragon.”
Iori: “Okay- three God’s in one trip to the Underworld.”
Nova: “I know it’s like the author was on a rush job.”
Vali looked over to Issei.
Vali: “Tell me something Issei. Do you want to defeat me?”
Issei: “Kind of, yeah. I still don’t want you shrinking Rias’ boobs in half… or shrinking anyone’s boobs, you feel me?”
Vali chuckled.
Vali: “You are such a bizarre little man. Get strong Issei, and don’t let me down-… you okay?”
Issei: “No I’m good. Just… yup… passing out… someone catch me.”
Iori: “Yup… I gotcha.”
Iori caught him perfectly as he fell back.
Azazel: “Whelp… feel proud kids. You all defeated a True Ancestor… even if she was at half her power I suspect.”
Ryomi: “Holy fuck how strong are you?”
Arcueid: “…Very. But… I wanna take a nap. It takes a lot out of me using Marble Phantasm. But I don’t wanna go back to Millennium sooo… anyone know the way to the human world?”
Rias: “Heading there now actually. Come on.”
Arcueid: “Good. Maybe I can bother Ciel again, and see Shiki.”
Kuroka yawned as she waited for Aorous to make a move. He then jabbed the cue ball on the pool table, two of the balls making it in the hole in the opposite right corner.
Kuroka: “About time.”
Aorous: “I’m a man of patience.”
Bikou: “Haven’t seen anyone shoot under their leg before.”
Aorous: “You play as long as I have, you get confident, and pick up different ways to play.”
Arthur: “You certainly do make it look intriguing.”
Eventually, a purple magic circle opened up and Vali and Ophis walked through.
Kuroka: “Oh, welcome back. Find Great Red?”
Vali: “Only for a moment, yes.”
Kuroka: “That’s all?”
Vali: “Well… there were complications.”
Vali looked over to Ophis.
Vali: “You know where that sudden power came from. The ominous energy in Issei’s Juggernaut Drive?”
Ophis: “So you did notice. Nothing I was familiar with… but whatever it is… I doubt it’s the last we’ll see of it.”
A figure with white, frazzled looking hair, long white lab coat, black button down shirt and black pants, black long gloves approached the grounds of the former battlefield after everyone had left, picking up a fragment of Issei’s Boosted Gear.
Man: “I must say, you were right. The Red Dragon WAS quite the interesting specimen.”
The man looked back at a woman with a black leotard with an opening in the middle of the torso, a black miniskirt, stockings and sleeves, with pink outlines on the outside of the gap. To top it off, a black skull mask over her head, jet black hair hanging from outside it.
Man: “What did you put in his head?”
Woman: “Once he thought the former nun died it was easy. And it won’t be hard to do it again.”
Man: “Patience Death.”
The man looked at the fragment in his hand.”
Man: “The time will come.”
Chapter 11: Back Home
Chapter Text
Yuma: “She’s stone cold dead and you’re still whining about protecting her!”
Raynare: “Oh come on… as if I couldn’t tell you were a virgin from the first time I saw you.”
Raynare cackled.
Raynare: “I know! It was so stupid the way you’d try to play super hero if I complained or looked helpless just like her. You wanted to believe it so badly that you never caught on…”
Raynare gave a menacing looking stare.
Raynare: “You wouldn’t have been able to save her back then anyway, and surprise surprise, she died a second time. What’s to say it won’t happen a third?”
Issei: “Shut up..!”
Raynare: “Face it… she’s only the start. Maybe it’ll be Asia again, maybe another one of your friends will go next. Maybe Rias herself!?”
Issei: “Shut up!!”
Issei shot awake from a bed in a cold sweat.
Asia: “Uh…… you’re awake again are… you okay?”
Issei: “…Yeah…… just another nightmare-… what happened to your shirt?”
Asia’s shirt was torn in the middle.
Asia: “Oh… um… new ability was… apparently too much for it.”
Issei: “Did you wake me up with Twilight Healing?”
Asia: “…More… brought you out of a coma.”
Issei: “I was in a coma?”
Asia: “Azazel said your Devil power was malfunctioning… and that’s why you weren’t waking up.”
Issei: “…Thanks then. Oh… here.”
Issei threw his blazer on Asia.
Asia: “Thanks. I just… I couldn’t bear the thought of my life without you in it. Especially with all you’ve done. You’ve always been there for me, cheering me up and putting yourself in harm’s way… I couldn’t let you die.”
Issei: “And I can’t say I’m ready to die just yet… so are the others-“
Asia suddenly kissed Issei on the lips, it surprised him a bit, but at the same time, he’s more surprised at the boldness.
Asia: “I love you Issei… more than life itself. I’ve never been so sure of anything before.”
Issei: “Uh, uh, uh.”
Akeno: “So passionate.”
Issei: “AH-!”
The others were watching from the door.
Akeno: “Oh I should’ve kept my mouth shut…”
Asia hid behind Issei.
Issei: “Oh hi guys I’m awake and didn’t see you there.”
Rias: “Just seems that Asia won today’s battle for Issei.”
Iori: “There was a battle?”
Akeno: “Well there’s-…”
Akeno noticed Rias clutching at her heart.
Akeno: “…Is everything alright Rias?”
Rias: “Hm? Oh of course, I’m fine. Let’s prepare the feast. After all, Issei’s awake now.”
Sirzechs: “The recent encounter with the Khaos Brigade has made one thing abundantly clear. The Old Satan Faction has followed into ruin. And I don’t they’ll return for a while given what happened.”
Azazel: “Not to mention Vali never thought of them as comrades in the first place. Just a means to an end. Ophis just intends to kick him out of the Dimensional Gap. Thus, Vali’s interests line up with his.”
Sirzechs: “Well as it stands now, the lines between worlds remain stable and have done so ever since Great Red was confined there. And if it were to be freed, the world we know it could be in jeopardy. And speaking of which… what of the Moon Princess?”
Azazel: “Doesn’t seem to want to cause trouble. Long as we’re not on her bad side, I think the worlds’ll be safe.”
Rias and the rest of the peerage along with Irina and Rossweisse were down at the Kazama Household, all of them helping out with moving Airi’s stuff out of the room and into the Hyoudou Household. Airi, now dressed in a shrine maiden outfit that Akeno made for her, was sitting in her room, before where the magic circle she used to summon Diodora used to be. Iori being the one to step over to her.
Iori: “It’s nice isn’t it?”
Airi: “……I don’t really know. I mean… being Master-… Diodora’s slave was… kinda the only thing I knew for… five years.”
Iori: “…Wish I became a Fallen Angel sooner.”
Airi: “Well he-…… Master-… Diodora never actually abused me or… treated me like a slave. The castle was actually really cool and roomy, I kept up with hygiene, meals were luxury, and all I had to pay him was let him use my-“
Iori: “Stop. I get it.”
Airi: “……I actually loved him you know.”
Iori: “…I’m sure that’s not the love you think it is.”
Airi: “Well… I don’t really know anymore… now that I’m… no longer his.”
Iori: “Just glad you’re out of his clutches. How are you handling it?"
Airi: "...Still... getting used to not waking up besides him... and... not having him around..."
Iori: "I guess it'll take some adjusting won't it?"
Iori ruffled Airi’s hair.
Iori: “Good to have you back again sis."
Airi gave him a smile.
Akeno: “We got everything out.”
Iori and Airi looked back to Akeno.
Akeno: “Do you plan to keep the house?”
Airi looked to Iori.
Airi: “Do you?”
Iori: “Well… really only used the house ‘cause I needed a place to stay, and the years before I was paying off the house was mostly abuse so- yeah no, I’m selling it. Once I fix that gash in the wall… I could sell it now even with the gash in the wall, but… that would be a dick move.”
Airi: “I’d pack up the clothes I have but…… they… do not fit…”
Akeno: “Sounds like we’ll be going clothes shopping then, it’ll be fun, given that I’m going to end up as your big sister-in-law~.”
Airi looked a little surprised, then looked to Iori.
Airi: “You got married?”
Iori: “Well… no, Akeno here revived me after I got killed a while back.”
Airi: “Wait you died? And she brought you back?”
Akeno: “Mm-hm. Iori here hails as my personal servant~.”
Airi: “Uhhhh-“
Iori: “It’s not like the situation you had.”
Akeno: “No. But we’re not without our intimate moments~.”
Airi’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Iori: “Okay, maybe keep the sister out of the sex life-“
Airi: “I mean I have a few tips-“
Iori: “Jesus-“
Akeno: “Hm. Let’s put a pin in that conversation~.”
Iori: “-Okay! I’m gonna make sure the place is up to code before I put it up for sale.”
Akeno giggled as Iori looked into the living room.
Iori: “Y’all get everything?”
Xenovia: “Yup!”
Gasper: “Even got all the furniture cleaned!”
Iori: “Can’t thank you guys enough.”
Rias: “No need, really.”
Iori: “…Oh hey, though Rossweisse was helping too.”
Xenovia: “Well…”
Xenovia and Irina looked over behind the couch, Rossweisse was curled up behind it.
Rossweisse: “It’s not fair..! How could Lord Odin be so cruel! I stupidly thought he returned to take me back home and instead he sends me into battle! I did it, no complaints, and I fought a True Ancestor on top of it and when it was all over and done with? He’s gone back to Valhalla and left boring old Rossweisse behiiiiiind!”
Irina: “Hey, he probably had a load of admin to wade through after that mega conflict I’m sure he’ll come back soo-“
Rossweisse: “-You don’t get it! I was his bodyguard for this mission and now he’s returned to Asgard without me there to escort him! Then I’ll be the ditzy valkyrie who wasn’t up to the task of being the-“
Irina: “Hey cheer up-!”
Rossweisse: “-And they’re gonna demote me for sure!”
Rias: “I felt terrible when I saw Odin leaving her behind…”
Iori: “Which time?”
Rias: “I suppose both. And if the Asgardians don’t take her back I have plans.”
Issei: “Like what?”
Rias: “Not yet. Uh-uh~.”
Someone else steps through the halls of the Hyoudou Household. Strutting her way through, coming up to a door.
Nova: “Well look at what we have here… the obligatory bath scene of Episode ten takes place right here. Surely we could use a little more fanservice, even if in fanfiction, and would it really be so bad if we don’t reap the benefits of the little keyhole right here~?”
Nova peeks through the keyhole of the room where the girls were bathing together
Akeno: “Come on, I can help you wash your back as your big sister. You’re not nervous now, are you~?”
Airi: “No. Queen often helped me bathe a lot. She was really nice.”
Akeno: “Then you won’t mind me helping out~.”
Airi: “No I don’t.”
Airi pulled away her towel and Akeno looked down at her bust with a rather surprised look, the other girls noticed quickly too, also surprised.
Akeno: “…Oh…… oh my…”
Xenovia: “Are… are those real?”
Airi: “Yeah it… they make clothes hard to find in my size, normally people my height aren’t this… well… you can see them.”
Koneko: “Can’t UNsee them.”
Rias: “Now now Koneko, no need to be jealous.”
Koneko: “Not jealousy. Piss off.”
Airi: “…Is she normally like that?”
Akeno: “She can be a little feisty sometimes. I’m sure you’ll get along well when you join Kuoh Academy.”
Airi: “…Do I have to go..?”
Rias: “I'm sure you'll fit in just fine, and I doubt you'd want to be cooped up at home all day."
Airi: "That's EXACTLY what I want to be!"
Akeno: "Oh come on, it won't be too bad."
Rossweisse: "And you never want to skip out on education."
Airi: “...Fine..."
Akeno: "Oh I promise it won't be too bad~."
Asia: "Yeah, and you'll have us there to-... actually how old are you?"
Xenovia: "That's a good question. I mean you still look really young and not much taller than Koneko."
Airi: "Sixteen."
Xenovia: “And you’re… that huge?”
Airi: “Yeah they… happened pretty naturally… last time I was measured I think they were… eighty something centimeters.”
Koneko’s pupils shrank the moment she heard that measurement.
Koneko: “FUUUUUUUU-“
Issei, Kiba, Gasper, and Iori were all on the couch, Gasper taking his eyes off the screen.
Gasper: “…Do you guys hear that?”
Iori: “Hear what?”
Issei: “Guys! Guys! Tank! TANK!”
Kiba: “Don’t worry I found a grenade launcher!”
Iori: “No no, you want the AK! Nail ‘im!”
Issei: “OH SHIT THERE’S TWO!”
Gasper: “Why is there two!?”
Iori: “This gentleman, is why we DON’T play expert mode the first time!”
Koneko: “-UUCK!!”
The bath went silent for a short moment at Koneko's sudden anger.
Asia: “Um… are you uh… okay?”
Koneko: “JUST…... venting…”
Irina: “Kinda sounded like you were-“
Koneko: “-I think someone’s watching.”
Irina: “What!?”
Irina immediately stopped washing Rossweisse’s back and covered her chest, lowering herself in the bath, everyone looking back to the door.
Rias: “Can’t imagine who. The boys are playing some zombie game together.”
Akeno: “Never took Kiba for a gamer.”
Rias: “Well it’s not often the guys have their time together like all us girls. It’s rather nice.”
Irina: “So there’s… no one outside the door?”
Xenovia: “No one comes to mind…”
Nova simply cackles from outside as she pulls away and forms an ‘X’ with her arms.
Nova: “Niiiiiiicce!”
The next day came around at Kuoh Academy with most of its students down in the field. But Rias was alone in the Occult Research Club structure gathering papers, she put them down after a sigh.
Issei: "Hey gorgeous."
Rias turned to the door to see Issei step in.
Rias: "Didn't hear you come in. Already finish practicing for the school festival?"
Issei: "Just figured I'd come and see you real quick. What's keeping you here?"
Rias: "...Working on getting Airi in the academy. Her uniform's a little more complicated given her size."
Issei: "'Cuz she's carrying huge ones right-"
Issei immediately noticed Rias clench the paper in hand once he said that.
Issei: "...Something wrong?"
Rias: "N-No... nothing."
Rias set the paper down, then looked back at Issei who was giving a disapproving face.
Rias: "...What's with the face?"
Issei: "Akeno thinks there's something up with you. Now I'm sure."
Rias gives him a slightly surprised look.
Rias: "...Okay you're right. It's just... it's silly is all so don't laugh."
Issei gave a puzzled look.
Rias: "...I have been getting a little jealous."
Issei: "You? Jealous?"
Rias: "I'm serious. Normally I'm not the jealous type but... seeing you so close to Asia given that she has the same feelings for you that I have, and seeing how Xenovia has thrown herself at you sometimes I... I do worry that one day I'll just be an afterthought..."
Issei definitely had a level of concern on his face, but he put it away and hugged Rias from behind the couch.
Issei: "Not a chance. I promise you're never going to be just an afterthought. I owe you my whole life given that you saved it by bringing me back, I gave up my left arm to get you back and away from marrying Riser, and I already told you, I'd give up my other arm, or my eyes if I had too. I love you. And maybe my heart's too big for one, but I promise you, I'm never gonna stop loving you."
There was a pause of silence between the two as a tear had formed in Rias' eye.
Issei: "Was that good? I know I practically just said that you wouldn't be the only person I love which probably ruined the-"
Rias: "Issei."
Issei: "Ye-AH-!"
Issei was pulled over the couch and onto it by Rias, who immediately crawled over him to kiss him aggressively, and he returned a few seconds after the surprise passed. Both of them unintentionally rolling off the couch during said kiss. Few seconds after hitting the floor, Rias pulled herself up.
Rias: "How about we take this elsewhere."
Issei: "Yeah probably for the best."
Akeno and Iori were outside the Kazama Household.
Iori: "So you're taking Airi to get more clothes?"
Akeno: "Just figured she could use some given that most of her current ones don't fit, and I don't think the shrine maiden outfit I wear is really her style."
Iori: "Yeah she's always been the more gothic type, unless you wanna get her cosplay stuff, I know she's always wanted to do that ever since she picked up manga."
Akeno: "Is that so? Any favorite characters?"
Iori: "Uh let's see...... I remember the character Dio, although knowing her... it's probably going to be more specific than that."
Akeno: "What do you mean?"
Iori: "Last I remember she said there's two different ones and she prefers the first one."
Akeno: "I'll have to remember that. Do you know if she's working on the entrance exam."
Iori: "Heard Rossweisse offered to help. Granted I don't think you're supposed to... but if it works..."
Akeno: "Oh I'm sure she'll do just fine."
Akeno and Iori stared off at the house.
Akeno: "And you're sure about this?"
Iori: "Yeah. Way past time to move on. Maybe we'll have a better family living in it."
Akeno: "And one day... maybe a family of our own~."
Iori: "Heh, yeah. Assuming your dad doesn't kill me."
Akeno: "Oh I'm sure he's looking forward to being a grandfather someday."
Iori: "And I'm sure he'd rather I marry you first."
Akeno giggled.
Akeno: "Well, I can wait~."
Iori had a slightly flustered look as he left a 'For Sale' sign in front of his old house.
Chapter 12: Epilogue
Chapter Text
The entire peerage plus Irina, Rossweisse, and Airi were in the ORC. Rias sat on the couch on the opposite side of Rossweisse and Airi, both reading over papers.
Rias: "Summaries of the benefits package for servants of the Gremory Household."
Rossweisse: "The insurance premium's so cheap! And no term life policy mumbo jumbo! Valhalla never offered dental or paid vacation days!"
Airi: "I... understood half of that..."
Iori: "The fact that this is so amazing to you makes me pity every Valkyrie..."
Kiba: "President's actually buying a Valkyrie on the cheap."
Xenovia: "And the Devil's whispers were woven with temptation. I could learn a lot from her."
Rias: "So, what do you two say?"
Rias holds two Evil Pieces in hand, a Rook for Rossweisse, and a Bishop for Airi."
Rias: "Team Gremory?"
Irina: "You're making them both your Evil Piece-... wait... I thought you already have two Bishops."
Rias: "I do, but I didn't want to leave Airi's magical potential as a Pawn, so I called in a few favors and... got my hands on a Mutation Piece for Airi."
Iori: "What is that, rare?"
Akeno: "Extremely. Only one of ten Devils actually posses that piece, and now our peerage as two."
Rias: "Except unlike Issei, Airi's default piece is that of a Bishop, but because it's a Mutation Piece, it's a loophole in the system."
Iori: "And you're okay with doing all of this?"
Airi: "Well I do want to see what other magic I can use... I'm actually learning how to do the shadow clones without tomes, and the cursed flames come naturally to me."
Rias: "And I truly believe that those powers will be beneficial, as well as yours Rossweisse, that is, if you both agree."
Rossweisse and Airi took the Evil Pieces.
Rossweisse: "Perhaps the Norns themselves spun the thread of fate that led me to this very house. Ever since our first meeting in the Underworld, things just seemed right."
Both pieces vanished after glowing red.
Rossweisse: "Due to the Gremory Family's record of financial solvency, and top-tier health insurance and pension plans, I feel like I finally have a secure future now that I've become a Devil in your service. Everyone, I look forward to our joyous days of working together."
Airi: "......I don't really have much of a speech, but... thank you guys for letting me join."
Rias: "Well then, we have our newest members."
Azazel: "Now all your pieces are in place Gremory."
Azazel was in the chair behind the desk.
Issei: "Ah- why do you keep doing that?"
Rias: "You're sitting in my chair without my permission, again."
Azazel: "You've got a full squad plus two. Meaning from hear on our, you face any challenges head on, not that wasn't much trouble last time."
Rias: "Oh don't worry, we will."
Azazel: "Lot of trouble, but I guess it was worth it. Oh, and hey, Issei."
Issei: "What's up."
Azazel: The date of your appearance on Underworld TV has finally been scheduled."
Issei: "Oh shit I forgot about that!"
Gasper: "Wait you're going to be on television?"
Issei: "What do they want me to do?"
Xenovia: "Given everything that's happened, maybe a close-up interview?"
Azazel: "Nah I think they're planning that for another day, and that's gonna include all of you."
Issei: "Guess it is kind of a big deal, oh and Koneko, Rias said they asked for you to."
Azazel: "Yeah, last chance to-"
Koneko: "No."
Azazel: "You really don't like publicity do you?"
Koneko: "I don't fight for popularity."
Issei: "Guess I'm going it alone then..."
Two days passed and everyone was back in the ORC, Issei up on a holographic screen generated from a magic circle.
Issei: "This dragon is ready, how about you!?"
Kids: "It's grabbin' time! Sing it!"
Xenovia: "This... took a strange turn."
Iori: "They made... a kids show... over a guy... known as the 'Breast Dragon Emperor'... I'd laugh but... I think my funny bone's overwhelmed."
Kiba: "The Grabbin' Dragon Song?"
Koneko: "Lyrics by Azazel, Sirzechs wrote the music,-"
Gasper: "Serafall apparently did the choreography-"
Koneko: "And Koneko's happy she turned the offer down."
Irina: "I expected Underworld TV to be a different kind of sinister or metal... definitely not... this."
Rias: "I went with him on the day of the shoot... the amount of embarrassment was... I don't even know..."
Airi: "Is that why you were so silent when you came back?"
Rias: "Yup..."
Asia: "Well hey, you become a beloved kids show host!"
Issei: "I'm so glad it's only on Underworld TV... imagine if anyone outside the Underworld found out about it..."
Arcueid: "Then the Grabbin' Dragon went walkin' through the woods~."
Gasper: "AH-!!"
Everyone turned to Arcueid who was sitting on the ground, watching the screen.
Arcueid: "Oddly catchy song."
Azazel: "Damn not even I sensed you... when did you get here?"
Arcueid: "Heard the song while I was outside. Came to visit. After all..."
Arcueid got up in Gasper's face.
Arcueid: "This is the first time I've seen another vampire that I didn't have to kill! And you're not a Dead Apostle or True Ancestor! You can survive in daylight, you don't seem to need blood, and up close you're so cute!"
Koneko shatters a teacup in hand, red aura coming off her.
Gasper: "Uhhh... what? Huh? Bye!"
Gasper disappears, stopping time on the spot and hiding in his box.
Arcueid: "Huh..?"
Rias: "He gets shy easily..."
Arcueid: "And he can stop time? Awesome..."
Kiba: "If you don't mind me asking... what's this about Dead Apostles?"
Arcueid: "Oh, you guys don't know much about vampires do you?"
Irina: "The church organization me and Xenovia were with gave us a short version but... not too much."
Arcueid: "Oh. Here, I’ll give you a small lesson.”
Arcueid pulls a white board out of nowhere and starts writing on it with a marker.
Rossweisse: “Where did she get the white board?”
Rias: “That… is a good question.”
Arcueid writes all sorts of additional details and small pictures on the board. Seperating it into two different sections in top half and bottom half, the top half being for True Ancestors and Dead Apostles.
Arcueid: “So, you’ve got your two different kinds of vampires here. True Ancestors, and Dead Apostles… typically when people talk about vampires, they refer to Dead Apostles.”
Dead Apostle:
- Drinks blood from humans
- Weak to sunlight
- Monster
Arcueid: “These are the kinds of vampires that are turned by other vampires. When they turn, they either obtain eternal youth through Magecraft, or have their blood sucked and become underlings. Those who become vampires gain an imperfect body, ceasing to be what was once human. True Ancestors like me however…”
True Ancestors
- Drinks human blood (by choice)
- Has no particular weakness
- Natural being
Arcueid: “Were born naturally, and obtain nearly infinite immortality.”
Kiba: “Nearly?”
Arcueid: “There are circumstances where a True Ancestor can die. Such as Eternal Slumber, making them unable to interact with the world, something to counter their incredible power, typically by other True Ancestors.”
Gasper: “Is that what happened to the other True Ancestors?”
Arcueid: “Uh-huh… Red Arcueid took over… got rid of ALL of them.”
Irina: “Yikes…”
Rias: “A question if you don’t mind. You mentioned that Dead Apostles could be ‘underlings’.”
Arcueid: “Mm-hm!”
Arcueid spins the whiteboard and write on the other side.
VI: Dead Apostle (Lesser)
V: Nightmare
IV: Nightkin
III: Undead
II: Ghouls
I: Zombies
Arcueid: “The bottom three are your typical underlings, but their rank determines how they act. Zombies lack will of their own and blindly follow their master’s orders. Ghouls possess free will, but lack higher cognition. Undead have their brains reconstructed post-mortem and can disguise themselves by mimicking human behavior. However, they all have one goal in common, drink blood for their master.”
Arcueid flips the white board again, wiping the first side clean, then draws a figure on the board, then a few smaller figures to the side.
Arcueid: “See, Dead Apostles drink the blood of humans. This makes them live longer and makes them stronger.”
Arcueid draws a line to the small figures, then a circle around them.
Arcueid: “If their victims become underlings, they’ll also need to drink blood. However, they supply that blood for their master, by drinking the blood of more humans.”
Arcueid draws more smaller figures, then a line from the small figures to the smaller. Then a circle around the bigger figure.
Arcueid: “And these kinds of Dead Apostles, typically one of the higher three ranks. Nightkin, Nightmare, and Dead Apostles.”
Issei: “So what does that make Gasper? He gets stronger when he drinks blood but he doesn’t need it to live.”
Gasper: “I don’t even like the taste of it.”
Arcueid: “Really? Funny, I don’t either.”
Koneko: “So what does that mean for him?”
Arcueid: “Hm… well I can sense you’re only half a vampire, making you a Dampnir. Extremely rare actually, you’re the first one I’ve seen in over eight hundred years of living. So… who was your vampire parent?”
Gasper: “M-My father, Lord Vladi.”
Arcueid’s eyes opened wide.
Arcueid: “Vladi? Oh…”
Akeno: “Does that mean something to you?”
Arcueid: “Well I know Lord Vladi. The very son of someone you all may have heard of… Vlad Tepes.”
Rias: “Dracula?”
Xenovia: “So Gasper’s a descendant of THE Dracula?”
Arcueid: “The first vampire. Even older than MY father.”
Airi: “So… Gasper’s a True Ancestor?”
Arcueid: “Well he’s got the blood of True Ancestors, but he also has human blood. He’s not gonna have as much power by default… however… you don’t crave the taste of blood, do you?”
Gasper: “No I don’t l.”
Arcueid: “Meaning you can power yourself up with a lot of blood… and not go berserk!”
Arcueid holds Gasper’s hands and is bouncing up and down in place.
Arcueid: “Get enough blood, you could be incredibly powerful on your own! Like… awesome level powerful!”
Gasper: “Uh-Uh-huh!?”
Irina: “She seems like a pretty big fan.”
Arcueid: “Well it’s not often I get to meet vampires that don’t want to kill humans! It’s like having a sibling!”
Iori: “…Are we sure this is the vampire that’s the substitute for God?”
Azazel: “Burial Agency did say how she’s pretty air-headed…”
Irina returned to her apartment after the culture festival, hanging up a picture she bought from an art museum. Seeming quite proud of it.
Irina: “…Nope, Xenovia was wrong, it was worth the money.”
After hanging up the picture, Irina turned to her door as the doorbell rung. She walked over to look through the peephole, surprised at the light purple haired woman on the other side of the door.
Irina: “Oh!”
Irina opened the door and was face to face with the former Queen of Diodora’s peerage.
Queen: “It’s Irina, right?”
Irina: “It is, yes. What do I owe the opportunity?”
Queen: “I’d like to speak to you elsewhere. Outside the apartment building. That is, if you don’t mind.”
Irina: “Sure. What do you have in mind?”
The two headed out to a shrine in the forest. Both sitting on pillows for their knees.
Irina: “So, what’s the opportunity?”
Queen: “Well, I wanted to thank you personally. I heard how you reached out to Lord Michael and the higher ups to prevent my arrest, as well as the others from… Diodora’s peerage.”
Irina: “It wasn’t fair there was talk about arresting you.”
Queen: “Given what happened with Agares’ House, it actually is understandable. But that was entirely Diodora…”
Irina: “So… did you take all of the members in?”
Queen: “All except for Airi. How is she?”
Irina: “I’m not a member of Rias’ peerage, but she seems alright from what I’ve seen.”
Queen: “I’m glad. Admittedly I worried about her most of all given the circumstances, and contract.”
Irina: “I still can’t believe that was considered legal…”
Queen: “Not necessarily, but because it was made in a contract he formed… nothing anyone could do. After all… none of us could overpower him, and he was a high ranking Devil.”
Irina: “Yeah. How… are those other girls?”
Queen: “Some of them are struggling with… being free from his influence, some with the fact they’re Devils… and some of them both. But most of us are okay.”
Irina: “I’m sure that won’t be easy progress. Being an Angel was… the number one thing I wanted in years… I don’t know what would happen to me if it was all taken away from me.”
Queen: “I… have some struggles too but… the treaty between the three factions does bring some consolation.”
Irina: “Yeah. The faction doesn’t make the person, it’s the soul.”
Queen: “I’ll be sure to use that.”
Irina nods.
Irina: “You know… I never actually got your name. I doubt it’s just ‘Queen’.”
The Queen chuckles.
Queen: “Tomo Muranaka. It’s good to meet you, officially.”
Irina: “Hello Tomo. I’m Irina Shidou.”
The two shook hands.
Tomo: “We have been getting a castle rebuilt on the former grounds of Diodora’s castle. I’d like you to help out if you have the time.”
Irina: “Be glad too. But… I thought only descendants of that family would be able to do that. At least… I think… I don’t really know what the laws are in the Underworld.”
Tomo: “Well, it won’t be a problem.”
Irina raised an eyebrow, then turned to a smaller figure that walked in with a face that did resemble Diodora quite heavily. One with neck length dark purple hair and midnight blue highlights, wearing a very dark green tunic, dark gray pants and brown boots.
Irina: “…Oh.”
???: “Uh, hello miss.”
Irina: “Holy crap is he…”
Tomo: “My son.”
???: “Giogora. Giogora Astaroth.”
Tomo: “Diodora wasn’t much for originality in terms of names…”
Irina: “Right. But…”
Tomo: “Don’t worry. I’m doing my absolute best to raise him so one day, he’ll be a legal heir.”
Irina: “So he’ll lead the Astaroth Family?”
Tomo: “The Astaroth Family was disbarred after everything, so now we’re with the Beelzebub Family instead, where Gio here will be a Prince.”
Gio: “I don’t want to be like my father. I want to start a new legacy of royalty, bring pride to the Astaroth Family that erases what if formerly was.”
Irina: “…Seems pretty mature for someone so small. How old is he?”
Tomo: “Only eleven. I made sure to raise him right.”
Irina: “I would’ve figured Diodora would have raised him to be like him.”
Tomo: “No. He had me raise him while he was busy with managing the Astaroth Family.”
Irina: “I see. Well… good luck buddy.”
Irina held out a fist towards him, but he didn’t know what to do.
Tomo: “You bump it sweetie.”
Gio nodded, then bumped Irina’s fist. She pulled her fist away slowly.
Irina: “Booooooommmm…”
Gio grinned.
Inside a rather big laboratory, the man with white hair held his hands behind his back, standing before four large test tubes, three of them have people inside.
Death: “Has the time come Doctor?”
Doctor: “In a few days it will. The project isn’t exactly finished yet. However… the army IS close to ready.”
The doctor turned towards Death.
Doctor: “You said you know their moves?”
Death: “I’ve been watching them for a while now, studying what hurts them… hurts HER. I want. PAYBACK.”
Doctor: “You’ll have it.”
A wall opens up, revealing THOUSANDS of test tubes with people inside.
Doctor: “The day of judgement is coming.”
TO BE CONTINUED
BlackTyrantValvatorez on Chapter 9 Thu 03 Jul 2025 04:39AM UTC
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UltraHound84 on Chapter 9 Fri 04 Jul 2025 03:57PM UTC
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