Co-Written with Demons Anarchy of Pride. The creator of many fantastic masterpieces such as: Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the R-eset, The Crow: DxD, Highschool, DxD: Shatter Destiny, RWBY's Reaper, Code Geass 00, Fractured Reality, Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack, Devil Survivor: Destiny Rewind, and some of his new projects, such as Lagrange 111: You Are (Not) Alone, Tokyo Ghoul: A Flowered Colored Darker Than Black, Persona 4: The Unseen Truth, Monarch, Kill the Deadly Sin, Code Geass: The Butterfly Effect, DxD: Final, DC Heroes: FORGOTTEN BLOODSTAINED LEGACY, DxD: Nocturne, Project, A Tale of Three Dragons, A Dragon Darker than Black, Code Geass: Kill the Rebellion, RWBY: Colorless Memories, RWBY: Black Rebellion, RWBY: Final Judgment, and more.
I highly recommend you check them all out.
I really appreciate your help, man. Couldn't have done this without ya!
I also recommend a few stories made by another talented fanfic writer, Otaku-Nation666: Warning Letter, Highschool DxD: Destiny's Play, RWBY Riders: Spirits of Legend, Deadly Sin of the Spriggan, RWBY: Within Enlightened Hearts, Tokyo Ghoul: Wishes of an Eyepatch, Fabulae Parcae, RWBY –Apocrypha-, Tokyo Mirage Sessions: Apocalypse, and more.
Thank you to all who continue to support this story. Please Read and Review.
Also…..ALL FLAMES CAN JUST BURN IN HELL!... So don't even bother.
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Chapter 7: Chromatus Part 2
"WHAT?!" Both Issei and Ludger cried out. They were just informed of the news of what happened in the Church by Raynare and Kalwarner. Dohnasheek was murdered and Asia Argento has gone missing.
Kalawarner nodded grimly, hands clenched at her sides. "I'm...afraid so," she said. "Dohnaseek...we found him this morning. Asia was nowhere to be found."
When she and her friend regrouped back at the Church, they were greeted with the stench of blood. They rushed to the source and found the body of Dohnasheek. Bleeding. Unmoving. Dead. His body had multiple stab wounds and a pool of blood festered below him.
All in all, it was a horrible sight for them. They were glad that Mittelt wasn't there to see it, however. Despite her insistence, she was actually close with Dohnaseek, being a sort of uncle-like figure to her. To learn that he was killed...they weren't sure what it would do to her, especially if she saw the state of his body.
"H-how..." Issei said, mortified. "How did this happen?! A-and where's Asia?!"
"We don't know for certain." Raynare shook her head in dismay before her eyes hardened. "However, we have a pretty good idea who took her...given how he wrote a message on the wall with Dohnasheek's blood..."
"Who?"
Kalawarner's eyes burned with rage as she spoke. "Freed Sellzan."
The name sparked something in both teens. It was pure rage.
"Wh-WHAT THE FUCK?!" Issei growled. Freed Sellzan? He thought he went missing. When the hell did he come back?! No, scratch that, how did he manage to kill Dohnasheek?! Last he recalled, the bastard couldn't hold a candle to the Fallen Angel!
Ludger, likewise, was brimming with rage, as his hands curled into fists. "H-how the hell did that bastard even get close to Asia?" he nearly barked with anger. "Dohnaseek easily put him down when I fought him! There's no way he could have killed him!"
"Exactly." Kalawarner nodded in agreement. "There was no possible way Freed could accomplish this on his own...he must've received help from an outside source. What that source is, however, we still do not know..."
"Kuso!" Issei growled. "That son of a bitch!"
The Fallen Angels sympathized with the boys' anger. To them, a friend was taken by a cruel psychopath. If only they knew more...
"...so, what do we do?" Ludger asked. "I mean...do we have anything to go on here?"
"Aside from the evidence from the crime scene? Not much." Raynare shook her head in dismay.
The only things they had found inside the Church was the message written for them, Dohnaseek's body...and nothing else. Not the slightest indication of any possible hint that could lead them to where Asia was...or who killed Dohnaseek with Freed.
With little to no clues available, they were all at a loss. In the meantime, Asia is captured and in danger.
And that infuriated the two to no end.
"We-We...We can't just stand here and do nothing!" Issei growled. He realized they didn't even know where to start, but they just had to do something! Asia's life is at stake!
Ludger looked at his friend with concern. "Hey, calm down," he said in worry. "We'll find her. First things first, we've got to find out if anyone knows anything."
"And where would we start asking?!" the brunette snapped. "Nobody in Kuoh doesn't even know about these scumbags?! Who the hell could we even-"
He trailed off when something came to mind. Realization dawned on him. His eyes widened. Ludger was confused, but then he understood Issei's epiphany.
"...there is one person who might have an idea," Kalawarner said, a smile forming across her face. "After all...it is her territory."
Raynare understood what her friend was getting at. While she was happy they knew where to proceed next...complications arose in her mind. "While that may be true...I don't think she would be willing to assist two Fallen Angels, even indirectly."
"No..." Issei shook his head. "...But she would be willing to help out two humans and good acquaintances."
The silver-haired teen nodded in agreement. "Yeah...plus, even she can't ignore something like this. We really don't know much about her, but she strikes me as the person who doesn't take it kindly to knowing about something like this happening in her territory."
"Yeah! So what are we standing here for? Let's go!" Issei made his way to the door leading out of Ludger's apartment.
Ludger sighed, shaking his head. "You'd think he would know patience..."
Raynare giggled. "Then again, it's a part of him that makes him so cute.
XXXXXXXXXX
Reiko had always been told by her father to never underestimate dragons. They were symbols of power, pure raw strength given physical form. She didn't understand why, but she had a good idea of what he meant. She had seen him fight before, wielding the power of a dragon. She adored that level of strength, and wanted to obtain it. It was why she asked that old crow to make her a weapon that functioned just like her father's.
While it didn't have the spirit of the Dragon that resided in her Father's Sacred Gear, the artificial Sacred Gear she received was still draconic in origin and utilized the same functions. He even gave her a gear that still resembled a gauntlet, yet had the abilities of her uncle's Sacred Gear.
Day after day, she trained with them, slowly getting more and more used to the feel. Eventually, she became one of the best hand-to-hand fighters in her year...though she wouldn't admit that she was still leagues below her dad. Anyway, when everything started to happen and spiral out of control, she went with Caius and his siblings, hoping to find this Land of Canaan place her dad and Caius' father spoke of.
Unfortunately, she somehow fell off the ship bound for their next destination, and when she came to, she was in that barren wasteland.
And right now...she was currently fighting with a dragon. The very thing she respected and awed.
Unfortunately...she also developed an immense irritation for them as well.
"WILL YOU QUIT FLYING AROUND AND STAND STILL?!"
The mighty beast ignored her as it circled around the girl, preparing for its next attack.
Reiko gritted her teeth as she slammed her fists together. She then closed her eyes, feeling her mana swelling up. Her Allium Orb shined for a moment, and then opened her eyes. Red aura began to dance around her fists.
"Destroy Seeker!"
She pulled her fists back before thrusting them forward, causing two dragon-shaped blasts of energy to erupt from her hands and fly toward her opponent.
The dragon roared back as it effortlessly dodged them, and went into a nose-dive, intending to crush Reiko. However, the red-haired girl was quick on her feet, as she ran forward, rather than push back. She was intending to strike it head on. Again, power began to dance around her fists.
[BOOST!]
'Need to get in close for this to work!' she thought with determination. 'If I can just touch it, Y-Gear can do the rest!' She gritted her teeth as the dragon grew closer to it, screeching as it opened it's maw to reveal sharp rows of fangs. 'Uncle, don't fail me now...!'
Just when the dragon grew near, close enough to scoop the girl up in its jaws, Reiko dropped to the ground and let it pass over her, barely missing her. Now that the beast's underside was wide open, he thrust her other hand out and pressed her palm to the scaly skin. The blue jewel on her white gauntlet shone brightly.
[DIVIDE!]
Reiko smirked. "Yosh! Here we go!"
A familiar, dark red aura began to flow around her red-garbed hand, as she clenched it into a fist.
"Time for my death blow!" the girl announced. "Annihilation BREAK!"
She threw her fist forward...and the Power of Destruction roared to life, amplified by the powers of both Welsh and Vanishing alike.
The weakened Dragon could only let out a roar of confusion before its form was reduced to nothing by the blast of pure, cataclysmic energy.
A massive shockwave plowed through the area, nearly blowing Reiko away. Dust and sand were thrown into the air, as well as a few pieces of debris. As the shockwave dissipated, Reiko sighed, bending down with her hands on her knees. "Phew...so freaking tired..."
The last attack took a lot out of her. She may have her mother's ability over the power of destruction...but she lacked proper control over it like her grandmother and uncle. As a result, she could only use it for finishing blows rather than technique-type attacks.
Still, least the dragon was gone. Meaning, she could relax...at least for a bit.
Given how the world she was now in was currently out to get her and kill her, she couldn't afford to drop her guard yet. But thankfully, there wasn't anything dire at the moment, granting her a well-deserved breather.
She sat down on the ground beneath her, taking a moment to recollect herself.
'Let's see...I was on the ship bound for Kuoh, but a storm hit and I fell off,' she recounted her journey. 'When I came to, I was in this strange place...and there are weird monsters roaming around that want to kill me, plus that dragon from earlier. To top it off, I don't know where Caius, Muzet, or Elle is at!'
Then, a more worrisome fact came to mind.
'I don't even know where my imouto is...'
She lamented. She hadn't seen her little sister since before getting on the ship with her friends. Just before her sister could even get on with them, they became separated.
"Where could she be...?"
"RAAAAAR!"
"H-HUH?!"
She looked up and she was greeted with a massive flash of light high into the air.
From up above, she found a terrifying sight. Three figures were fighting in the sky. One was humanoid with gears spinning behind it, but clearly wasn't human. Another was a beast clad in dragon-like scales, a killing aura flowing out of his being. The last was a white dragon with glowing blue wings, dueling against the beast.
Her eyes widened with recognition upon seeing the last figure. She knew that armor! It was her uncle's Balance Breaker!
"No way...is that?!"
Her thoughts halted when she heard screeches from nearby. Her head whipped around, and found herself staring at two dragons, having the same characteristics as the first one. "Great!" she whined. "I kill one, and now two more pop up!" She gritted her teeth, however, and steeled herself. She fell back into a stance, and let X-Gear flair.
[BOOST!]
"One more time!" she declared. She was still slightly winded from using Annihilation BREAK, but she wasn't about to tap out now. If there was anything she learned from her father...it was to never give up! Always fight back! NEVER GIVE IN! "Alright, you iguanas! Which one of you is first?!"
One of the dragons roared in outrage, and charged at her. Reiko was about to brace herself, and ready for a counterattack-
"...Light Rain."
-when dozens of spears of light rained down upon the dragon, stabbing into it's head. This caused it to let out a cry of pain, and back off. "Nani?!" Reiko cried in shock. Her eyes fell upon the spears, recognizing their form. Her gaze then settled to the source.
A wide smile of relief formed over her face.
Floating in the air a few meters away was a young woman in her mid to late teens with a light complexion, and clear violet eyes. Her hair was long and tied to a braid that rested over her left shoulder. The color of her hair was brown, like the color of milk chocolate. She was dressed in a white jacket over a pink blouse with the neck cut low, showing off a bit of cleavage. She also wore a black skirt that stopped above the knee and black leggings. The most striking feature from her, however, were the black, feathered wings sprouting from her back.
In her hand was a long white spear, with the shaft curling around into a twist-like pattern, and the blade of the spear, easily the length of the average man's arm.
"Sorry I'm late, onee-sama," the girl apologized as she set herself down to the ground. "Azazel-san was having trouble finding you."
"Hikari-chan!" Reiko cheered as she engulfed her younger sister in a tight hug her face pressed against her bountiful chest. "I missed you so much...!"
"Gah!" the girl cried, suddenly stuffed between her sister's bountiful treasures. "O-Onee-sama! Can't breathe! Need air!"
"You were gone for so long! I thought...I thought something terrible happened!" The redhead sobbed as she continued to smother her sister.
"O-Onee-sama..." Hikari sighed. "...gomen. I didn't mean to worry." A pause. "...but I'm serious! I can't breathe!"
The roar of the dragons brought the two out of their tender moment. The red-haired girl let go of her adorable sister, and then turned her attention back to the beasts.
"Oh yeah...forgot about them..." Reiko said sheepishly. But then she recalled her uncle's presence.
She looked up, only to frown in disappointment to find the beast and white dragon gone. They must have moved their battle elsewhere. Oh well, at least she knew her uncle was here, so that was a plus!
And now her sister was here as well. Now she's not alone anymore! Now if only Caius were here with her...
"Onee-sama," Hikari spoke up. "Please stop drooling about Caius-nii-san."
XXXXXXXXXX
"...I see," Rias said slowly as she placed her teacup down on the table, staring at Issei, Ludger, and the three Fallen Angels behind him, sapphire eyes burning with intensity. "So, one of your comrades was killed, and the nun in your care was taken?"
Kalawarner nodded, her face grim. "That's right," she answered. "Ever since we learned about Kokabiel's betrayal, Dohnaseek has been taking direct orders from Azazel-sama. We were ordered to look after Asia Argento, and study her Sacred Gear, in order to ascertain its abilities."
"But before that could happen, Freed came in and slew Dohnasheek before spiriting away Asia. We don't know how he was able to do so, but we can assume he had outside assistance since he is unable to best Dohnasheek on his own."
Rias closed her eyes, putting a hand on her chin. Beside her, Sona sighed. "Good grief," she muttered. "So much trouble, and all of it is happening in our territory no less."
The boys were still surprised by Sona's presence. As it turned out, they learned that Rias was not the only Devil at Kuoh Academy, other than the members of the Occult Research Club. Sona Shitori, or rather, Sona Sitri, was like Rias, the heir of her respective family, and like Rias' club, the Student Council members were also Devils, all reincarnated by their own volition. Issei was still shocked by it, but couldn't help but feel perhaps slightly understanding it. Now he knew why she was so terrifying when it came to her studies. He always heard that the Devil was in politics, and seeing Sona, he found some truth to it.
"So then," Rias opened her eyes again and leaned back, crossing her legs. "Why come to us about it?"
"We're already reporting to Azazel-sama as we speak," Mittelt answered, keeping her tone as polite as possible...even though deep down she wanted to kill every Devil in the room. Just because they weren't enemies didn't mean she hated them. "However, as Kuoh is the territory of both the House of Gremory and Sitri, we believed it would be in our best interest to inform the two of you, in hopes of cooperation."
"A wise decision," Sona applauded. "Still, it's rather troubling. Is there a possibility that Kokabiel might be involved somehow? Perhaps trying to steal the Sacred Gear of Asia Argento in a more direct approach?"
"It's quite possible. But until we hear back, we can't say for certain."
Rias sighed. "I'm starting to think that our territory is the cause of a lot of trouble as of lately," she muttered. "But we can't overlook something like this." She gave a look at Sona, who nodded, causing the redhead to smile, and turn back to the Fallens and the boys. "Alright. You have our cooperation."
"Yes! Thank you!" Issei shouted out in gratitude and joy. They can go save Asia now!
Ludger chuckled. "Calm down, Issei," he told the boy. "First things first, we actually need a clue on where she is."
"Ah. Right..." Issei settled down before turning to face the Devils.
"So...do you have any ideas, senpai?"
Rias giggled. "Patience, my adorable kouhai," she said teasingly wagging her finger at him. "Just give us time. Hopefully, we can find at least some idea where she might be."
"Okay. Well, thank you for your help." Issei bowed in gratitude.
Rias smiled back at him. "Oh, don't worry about it." Raynare narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the red-haired Devil. Somehow, she didn't really like her all that much. Now, it could have been her imagination, but that smile looked very devious to her. "Say, Issei-kun, have you given any more thought to my offer?"
"Sorry, Gremory-senpai, but I still like to be human."
Raynare felt her eyebrow twitch 'Why that sneaky little bitch...'
So that was what's up. She's been trying to recruit Issei into her peerage and make her a Devil. How dare she?!
Oblivious to Raynare's obvious anger, Rias pouted. "Mou~ You're a hard one."
"Sorry, but I dont truly have a reason to become a Devil." Issei shrugged apologetically.
Sona smiled slightly. "That's good," she said. "After all, it should be one's decision to lose their humanity."
"Don't tell me you're gonna try and recruit me too, kaichou."
The bespectacled girl shook her head. "Hardly," she refuted. "I'm afraid I have only a few Evil Pieces left, and I'd rather not waste them."
'That,' she mentally added. 'And none of them could reincarnate either one of them.'
Based on her previous observations of the two...their potential and abilities exceed the effectiveness of her remaining Evil Pieces.
Chances were, she'd need a Mutation Piece, just to even have a hope of reincarnating them. Regardless, she was pleased by Issei's words. She understood Rias' goals and reasons, wanting to get out of her engagement with Riser Phenex, but she failed to see the value of one willingly choosing to become a Devil. She had, after all, encountered circumstances where those in her peerage were offered no choice in the matter to become Devils.
"Now, unto other matters..." Sona pushed up her glasses. "You said the culprit was an exorcist named Freed Sellzan?"
"Yeah." Issei nodded, his visage falling into a grim expression. "He is a psychopath who loves to kill others. He is one insane bastard."
"From what we understand," Kalawarner added. "He was expelled because he enjoyed battle far too much. He loved the act of killing so much he even slaughtered his own comrades."
"Eventually, he was found by the Grigori and joined us. He takes up jobs involving murder, more whatever gives him a chance or an excuse to kill."
Mittelt snorted. "In plain words," she said bluntly. "He's a psychopath who loves murder, murder, and more murder. Should be pretty easy to find, given how sloppy his murders are."
"Just keep an eye out for some corpse pinned to a wall or a message written in the victims blood. If the blood's fresh, he should be nearby."
Sona and Rias' cringed with disgust. "He sounds like a colorful person," Rias noted. "Very well...we'll let you know if we find anything."
"Arigato, Gremory-senpai!" Issei said gratefully as he bowed.
"It's no trouble at all." Rias shook her head. "...But if you ever change your mind about my offer, please don't hesitate to let me know."
Raynare glowered again, once more unnoticed by Rias. Issei was also oblivious, and nodded. "Sure."
With that said, the boys got up, and left the room, the Fallen Angels following behind them.
But before that, a certain raven haired Fallen walked out of sight, she shot a warning glare at the Gremory heiress.
The look said all she needed to know;
'Stay the hell away from my man.'
Without another word to be said, Raynare huffed and flipped her hair before strutting out of the room. The door closed behind her, leaving the Devils in silence.
Eventually, Sona spoke up. "...well, I see now that my worries of her betraying Issei Hyoudou are unfounded." she remarked before raising an eyebrow. "However, I recall Himejima saying that Hyoudou-kun had a crush on you?"
"I do not know what you are talking about." Rias faced away from her friend, not allowing her to see the faint blush on her cheeks.
Sona, however, smirked knowingly. "My word, is that a blush I see on your cheeks?"
"You're imagining things, Sona."
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"...Rideaux's gone missing?" Julius questioned with a frown, his hands in his pockets. "With all due respect, Mr. Bakur, this is hardly the first time he's done this sort of thing."
The Crown Agent of Spirius spoke face to face with his boss, the CEO of Spirius, Bisley Bakur. The man's hands were folded and rested against his chin. "That may be true, Julius, but this is certainly the first time that a number of our agents and equipment have vanished along with him."
The man's eyes narrowed behind his glasses, as he adjusted them. "Is there any record of him entering a Fractured Dimension?"
"None," Bakur answered. "However, we've also received word of a recent shift of the Rogue Exorcist activity here in the city. There hasn't been much word of them lately...around the same time Rideaux left." A thin smile formed on his aging face. "Now, I'm not a betting man, Julius, but if I were to take a guess...I'd say my trusted Director of Interdimensional Affairs is causing trouble that we don't need."
"I am inclined to agree, sir." Julius nodded, his eyes narrowed. This was the type of thing he would expect from Rideaux. However, right now, there is no conclusive evidence of his involvement to the current issues. But if Bisley had an instinctual feeling about this...then chances are, the man really is causing a disturbance.
"We have no knowledge of his whereabouts, but there is something interest you should know." Bakur leaned back, typing in a few keys on his desk before an image scrolled up on his board. "One of our acquisitions from a few years ago was recently taken out of storage. It was a device designed by Azazel, meant to extract a Sacred Gear from the user."
Julius knew where this conversation was going. "If I recall...we had a similar project led by Dr. Steiner, but it was abandoned. Something about the extraction proving fatal?"
"That's correct," the man nodded. "A Sacred Gear is directly routed to a person's soul. To extract it is the same as damaging the soul. When we learned that the host of a Sacred Gear would be killed from extraction, the project was halted...but the machine in question has been removed from storage. The video feed is nothing but static, but the time when it was taken-"
"Matches with Rideaux's disappearance," Julius finished with a glare. "And if memory serves, the Grigori are harboring an excommunicated nun from the Vatican, who just so happens to possess a Sacred Gear."
"That is correct." The CEO nodded. "The timing of it all just seems too convenient to be mere coincidence. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what all of this would mean..."
"...Do you mean Rideaux plans to extract the nun's Sacred Gear with the device?"
"It is the most likely scenario."
"How do we proceed?"
"I'll let you handle it," Bakur answered. "Also, if Rideaux is involved...you have my permission to take him down. But don't kill him. I want him alive for questioning."
Julius nodded. "Understood," he replied to his boss quickly, and walked away brusquely.
Once the doors shut behind him, a figure stepped out of the shadows. "You could have told him you knew where Rideaux was," Jeanne pointed out with a curious look. "Why not?"
"Because Ludger will not doubt learn about Julius' plans," Bakur answered with a broad smile. "It's a chance for me to see his character. Test a man, and you will see his depth. Besides, I couldn't exactly tell Julius who really deleted the video, now could I?"
Jeanne giggled. "You are a devious man, Mr. Bakur," she said. "So, I take it I will be observing Ludger Will Kresnik?"
"That is correct." He nodded. "Be sure to pay close attention, and let me know if he is capable of using 'it'."
Jeanne smiled widely. "Of course!"
XXXXXXXXXX
"Hrrrraaaaaaaaagh! DEMON FIST!"
Ludger swiftly moved his body to the left, evading the fierce hook that would have otherwise sent him flying. Issei, however, had proven far more flexible, as he used the momentum of his strike to whirl his body around and deliver a roundhouse kick. The kick struck him square in the chest, and caused him to stagger back. Taking the opportunity, Issei fell into a stance with his hand clenched into a tight fist.
[BOOST!]
"Cerberus Strike!"
He lashed out his fists three times. The first struck Ludger across the cheek. The second struck him in the stomach. The third caught him below the chin.
"Khrk!" Ludger wheezed as he felt himself reeling. Those strikes were no joke, especially since they were powered up by Boosted Gear...even still, that was unbelievable what he just did. When had he learned new Artes? He'd have to ask him later. For now...it was time for payback. Quickly reorientating himself, Ludger stabbed his blades into the ground, and took out a new weapon;
His trusty sledgehammer.
While this third weapon of his sacrificed speed...it gave him the power he needed to keep up with Issei's enhanced strikes. He twirled the two-handed weapon in his hands, letting mana flow into it and triggering an arte. Once he built enough momentum, he hurled it at the brunette.
"Hammer Toss!"
Issei's eyes widened when the hammer came spinning at him, a gold light trailing behind it. He cursed, and brought up his arms.
The head of the hammer smacked hard against the Boosted Gear. If it weren't for it, he was pretty sure the impact would've broken his arm.
The brunette was sent tumbling to the ground. He rolled a bit before landing back on his feet and stood again.
He looked up just in time to see Ludger charging at him, once again with his dual blades at the ready.
"Ah crap!" Issei flinched.
[BOOST!]
"Falling Snow!" Ludger declared, charging forward. His blade clashed with Issei's gauntlet, who impeded the attack. He was far from done, as his blades glowed. "Lunar Reflection!"
He spun around using the balls of his feet as the axis, and his blades followed his motion and broke through Issei's guard.
With a kick to the chest, Issei was knocked off of his feet, and hit the ground.
"Guh..." The brunette slowly pulled himself up, a hand clenching his chest. "Nice move back there..."
"Always be prepared for an opponent capable of using Artes." Ludger advised. "It's possible to chain them together in a combination assault."
"So I noticed..." he said as he stood up, dismissing his Sacred Gear. "Man...I know this is to help us get stronger for when we save Asia, but dammit, my body hurts all over."
"You have to get used to it, Issei." His friend responded, sheathing his swords. "As you stand right now, you don't have a chance in fighting against Freed. I'm not saying I doubt your skills as a martial artist, but that exorcist is a psychotic murderer who's been killing monsters since he was young."
Ever since Issei and Ludger learned about Dohnaseek's death and Asia's capture, the Fallens told them everything they knew about the man called Freed.
When he was young, he had shown proficiency in combat in the Vatican. They called him a prodigy, and recruited him to be an exorcist at age thirteen. Since then, he took up missions that involve using lethal force on obstacles and their targets. He would kill their assigned targets with a twisted sense of pleasure. At first, the higher ups turned a blind eye to his growing bloodlust, as his brutality in dispatching their enemies benefited the Church. However, it all changed when he began to kill his own comrades.
Soon, his temperament went out of control. They were eventually forced to excommunicate him, lest he get more out of hand. However, it due this course of action, they just released a psychotic murderer out on the world. And now, that madman was roaming around, slaughtering anyone he could find. Worse...he had Asia.
While Issei was furious for the fact that the Church wouldn't take responsibility for its transgressions for recruiting a psychopath and instead simply let him go to be someone else's problem, he had bigger fish to fry. He will go after Freed, beat the crap out of him, and rescue Asia.
That was why he was training with Ludger. To get stronger, and fight more effectively.
Even though he can still only use the basic Demon Fist, he is definitely getting stronger through these sparring sessions. He is also getting more used to his Sacred Gear with each bout.
Although...was it just his imagination, or were those dreams about that dragon getting stronger each day?
At first, all he could visualize was a sea of flames. But after each night, he began to perceive a shadow shaped like a western Dragon amidst those flames.
He felt as if he should speak with the others about it...but for now, he was more focused on rescuing Asia.
He wanted to find her as soon as possible. Who knows what was happening to her right now? He shook his head to clear such thoughts. He WILL save her. That's that.
And when he found Freed...he was going to beat him to within an inch of his life.
'As you should,' a voice told him from the back of his head. An oddly familiar one, at that. 'After all, a man who dares to lay a hand on a woman deserves to be put down like the mad dog he is.'
'Yeah! I agree...wait...who is this?!' Issei thought in confusion.
The voice had gone silent.
"Aw, come on!"
Ludger frowned. "Something wrong, Issei?"
"I don't know." He scratched his head. "I thought I heard a voice in my head, or something. It sounded familiar, and talked about putting Freed down like a mad dog..."
"Voice?" the boy questioned, tilting his head. "Maybe...it was your Sacred Gear?"
Issei shrugged. "Maybe...I heard it before. Back when I fought with Mittelt."
He still had no idea what the voice was. But if it was from his Sacred Gear, did it have anything to do with his dreams? Gah...He is even more lost than before. So many questions and no answers!
"When you were fighting Mittelt?"
Issei nodded. Suddenly, he recalled something else...more specifically, someone very important. "Wait...that's right! I completely forgot!" he shouted in realization, slapping his forehead. "After I knocked out Mittelt, I ran into someone! She had a Sacred Gear, like me!"
"Really? Who was she?" Ludger inquired
"Would you believe me if I told you she was the descendant of Lu Bao?"
"Lu Bao? You mean the Chinese Hero?"
Issei nodded. "Yeah...it might be a stretch, but what if we talked to her?"
"Maybe...but do you have any idea as to where she would be?" He asked.
Issei opened his mouth...but then realized he had no idea where Lu Bao was. She had never told him where she might be, or where he could find her. All he knew was that she wanted to fight a Chinese man wielding a spear. He thought about finding that man, but then decided against it. After all, what were the odds of someone from China being here? Besides, he was sure that someone from China wouldn't want to come to Japan...given their history.
"...you have no clue, do you..." Ludger deduced based from his friends lack of response.
The brunette hung his head low in shame. "...sorry, bro."
Ludger shook his head. "It's alright. Maybe we can ask Julius about your Sacred Gear when he gets home."
Issei nodded. That seemed like a good idea. He was still curious as to who that voice belonged to, but for now, it could wait. As he and his friend were about to leave the training room, his cell phone went off. "Eh?" he uttered in confusion as he took it out. "Who the heck is calling me at this hour?" He looked at the number, and frowned. "Unknown? Eh, probably got the wrong number."
"You going to answer?" Ludger inquired. "Not that it would do any good."
The brunette shrugged his shoulders, and flipped open his cell. "Hello?" he said. "This is Issei Hyoudou speaking."
"Ah, the Red Dragon Emperor!" Issei's eyes went wide open, and his jaw dropped. That voice...! "Just the boy I wanted to speak with! It seems interrogating that bald ruffian and his four-eyed friend was the correct decision after all!"
"L-Lu Bao?!" Issei gaped. His response made Ludger's eyes widen. How did she get his friend's number?
"Correct!" the woman cheered. "Give the boy a prize~"
"H-how the hell did you get my phone number?!"
"That's a secret~" The woman responded over the phone.
Issei face-planted.
Thankfully he was able to keep a solid grip on his phone. Slowly, he pulled himself back up.
"O-okay...so why are you calling me?"
"Well, I figured you would need some help after all that's been happening so far."
"Help...wait, you know about Asia?"
"Are you referring to the blonde nun that was under the care of the Grigori? If so, then yes."
Issei felt his heart leap. "D-do you know something?!" he shouted. "Anything at all could help!"
"Well, I'm not to keen on the absolute specifics...but I do know that the exorcist who abducted her got a little assistance from a snake."
"A snake? What do you mean?"
Lu Bao chuckled over the phone. "Well, if you really want to know...meet me by the gate of your school. We'll talk then."
Before the brunette could question her, she ended the call. Issei pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it in confusion. The school gate?
"Issei? What's wrong?"
"...I don't even know where to start."
XXXXXXXXXX
Lu Bao giggled madly as she twirled the cell phone in her hand around. "A battle against the Director of Interdimensional Affairs and the Sekiryuutei," she said with a certain mad glee in her eye. "This will be most interesting!"
She sat on top of the stone pillars that composed the wall of the gate, swinging her legs back and forth in amusement. She was antsy, antsy for the bout that will take place within a couple hours.
Why wouldn't she? It wasn't every day one gets to see the maiden battle of the Red Dragon Emperor. The first battle of the one who would one day become a dragon unlike any other. She had every right to be excited. "I really have to thank you," she said as she looked at the one standing in the shadows. "Although, I have to ask...what do you get out of all of this? Last I checked, you and the Dragon Emperors never really got along at all."
Lu Bao smirked. "Not going to answer, huh?" she mused before grinning. "Oh well, that's fine with me."
The figure did not respond. Instead, they simply slinked away into the darkness, a violet blue spark trailing behind them. As their presence vanished, Lu Bao looked up at the sky. It was alright night, and the moon was full. A wide smile soon appeared over her face. "A full moon tonight as well...truly, tonight will be a night to remember."
A red glint flashed in her eyes, and a feral grin appeared over her face. "Now, let's see you rampage across this earth once more...Welsh Dragon Ddraig."
XXXXXXXXXX
"So you're sure she said to meet at the school gates?" Ludger questioned his friend as they rushed over to Kuoh Academy.
"I'm positive!" Issei nodded in confirmation.
Ever since the phone call ended, Issei had informed Ludger about his conversation on the phone as they had begun making their way to the school. They made sure to contact Rias, Sona, and Raynare as well, in case anything happened. After all, this involved them, with the Fallens being in charge of Asia's wellbeing, and the series of events happening in the Devils' territories. They all agreed to meet up with them outside the gates. They were curious to meet this Lu Bao character as well.
"I hope she actually knows something, Issei," Ludger said with a serious look. "Because this isn't the time for jokes!"
"Don't worry! We can trust her!" He paused. "...I think!"
"...You think?!" Ludger yelled in irritation. Can they REALLY trust her, then?!
He couldn't refute Ludger's words. Instead, they continued towards the school.
Eventually, they made it to the gates...but were unable to find anyone. They supposed the girls weren't here yet, but Lu Bao should've already been here.
"Where is she?" Issei wondered. "She said she would-"
As if on cue, something leaped out from behind the gate, and landed in front of him. Ludger and Issei jumped back in shock, as the figure stood before them. "Hello, boys," Lu Bao greeted with a smile, placing her hand on her hip. "What took you?"
The two teens were unable to speak for several reasons. One of them being recovering from the heart attack she nearly gave them from her sudden appearance.
"JESUS!" Issei gasped for air. "Dammit, Lu Bao, what the hell was that for?! You scared the fuck out of me!"
"Heehee~. Sorry, unable to resist." She stuck her tongue out.
Ludger panted heavily, holding a hand over his chest. "S-so," he gasped, trying to get air back in his lungs. "Your Lu Bao, I take it?"
"Yep," she smirked. "And I assume your one of Issei's friends?"
"Y-yeah...name's Ludger."
"Nice to meet ya, Ludger." she held out her hand to shake.
Ludger shook hands with the woman. He immediately felt the roughness to her hands.
They were covered in callus. It was mostly prominent on her knuckles and palms. This was a sign she was a trained melee fighter with a lot of experience in combat. Her grip was also firm, yet not bone-crushingly strong.
"Hm," Lu Bao studied his hands carefully, not letting go of them. "Your hands are rough, mainly around the palm...you must wield a sword, is that right?"
"I wield two actually." The white haired male responded. "It's a fighting style my older brother taught me."
"Yeah, the sword part anyway." Issei added. "He also uses two other weapons for his fighting style."
The woman's eyes widened. "More than one fighting style, eh?" she questioned with curiosity. "Interesting...I'm looking forward to see that in action."
"...Likewise." Ludger nodded in agreement.
Issei chuckled slightly, scratching the back of his neck. Well, at least the two seemed to be willing to work together, if only interested in how they fought. He was, although, also curious about Lu Bao's fighting style, since he only knew about her Sacred Gear.
But based on her namesake, it wouldn't be crazy to think she was capable of Chinese martial arts.
"So, Lu Bao," Issei said as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "You said you knew something about Asia?"
"Yes I do." The descendent nodded. "From what I heard, the little nun was abducted by a crazy white haired exorcist and a snake dressed in a red, pin-striped suit."
The boys' eyes widened. A snake in a red pin-striped suit?!
Their minds pictured a literal snake dressed up in a pinstriped suit. What did that even mean?!
"Ah, perhaps I should have clarified," Lu Bao added. "The man gave off the feel of a snake...as his eyes were like that of a wolf in sheep's clothing."
"So you mean...like one of those sleazy, cunning bastards you would see in some shows and videogames?" Issei asked.
"Pretty much," the woman answered. "Saw him holding her while they were off to the old warehouse district near the end of town."
"Ho?" a voice called out from above. "That certainly is interesting to hear..." The group looked up, and found Raynare and Rias floating above them, their wings outstretched.
"Ah, Senpai, Ray-chan! Glad you two could make it!" Issei smiled at the two.
Raynare blushed heavily at his affectionate name for her, while Rias smiled. "Hello, Issei-kun," she greeted with a wave. "I do hope we're not late."
"Nah. We just got here ourselves."
"I see," Rias nodded as she and Raynare settled on the ground. "That's good to hear, at least. Then I suppose she hasn't told you yet where we can find this supposed snake?"
"I was actually getting around to that." Lu Bao responded.
"Good to know we're not late," Sona's voice stated. From behind, the Student Council President approached, followed by two others. One Issei recognized as Saji Genshirou, a member of the SC. He had messy blonde hair and light blue eyes, and wore the uniform, though his was slightly modified, as he had an armband around his right bicep to signify his status. The other was Tsubaki Shinra, the Vice-President. Like Rias and Akeno, she was certainly not lacking in the *ahem* chest department. She had long black hair with mismatched eyes, one violet and the other light brown. "I assume you are Lu Bao?"
The martial artist nodded. "That's correct, Heiriess to the House of Sitri," she said with a smile as she looked at Issei. "My word, Issei Hyoudou...you certainly brought a sizable party."
"Yeah, well..." The brunette scratched the back of his head. "...not really knowing what we're up against, we thought it'd be best to take precautions."
"Understandable," Lu Bao nodded, leaning against the gate. "So...shall we get started?"
XXXXXXXXXX
When Asia woke up, she found herself restrained to a silver cross, hands and feet bound to it as if she were mimicking Jesus Christ during his final days.
Panic had settled in as she whipped her head around to see where she was. She was only able to make out a few chairs and tables due to the dim lighting of the room.
"W-what?!" she cried out, looking around fearfully. "W-where?!"
Then, she remembered, and her face promptly set into horror. "D-Dohnaseek...!"
The sight of the Fallen Angel dying to protect her made her fall to tears.
How could that have happened? Why? What was going on?! Where was she?! "Ah, your awake!" a voice cheered. Asia looked up and found a man dressed in a red suit standing across from her, his arms folded over her chest. "I hope your comfortable, Miss Argento~"
"W-who are you?" she asked, her voice quivering. "W-where am I?"
"Oh, how could I forget my manners?" The man rapped his knuckles against his forehead. He then bowed in greeting. "My name is Rideaux, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Asia stared back at the man. There was no way he could forget that face...the face of the man who stabbed Dohnaseek from behind. "W-who are you?" she asked again. "Wh-where am I?! What's going on?!"
"Ah, I see you are dreadfully confused from the series of events that led you here..." The man sighed as he stepped toward her. "Well, to cut things short, you are currently in a special place in an undisclosed location. As for me, well, let's just say I am a benefactor to your retrievers." His smile grew warped. "For you see, you happen to be carrying a package that is most useful."
The nun froze, her breath hitched, and for a moment, her heart ceased its rhythm.
Rideaux's grin became even more venomous. "It seems like you finally realized what I was getting at. Yes...we will be taking your Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, off of your hands..."
XXXXXXXXXX
Freed had to admit, he was loving this new gig.
Being able to kill the his old bastard superior who was giving him crap, having shelter from the fuckers who could hunt him down, having a fat paycheck, making the nun bitch scream, and best of all...he would get to take Julius Kresnik's head! He was in paradise! And getting to kill anyone else who got in his way was the icing on the cake.
That, and his co-workers...finally! Men who could understand him!
It has been absolute hell trying to get through a job without some scrub preaching him about morals or scolding or punishing him for insubordination. It was all so annoying! He didn't want to uphold some code or whatever, all he wanted to do was kill!
But these guys? Exodus?
They were all like him. So fed up with all of this shit. So fed up with this whole IDEA of being ordered around. And for what? Divine Providence? Orders from Higher Beings?! Screw that! To hell with that bullshit!
"Hehehehehe," he cackled madly as he spun around. "Talk about the best damned thing ever! Can't this day get any better?!"
As soon as those words passed through his lips, the front gate, nothing but steel metal, was blown apart.
The exorcist's mad grin remained frozen on his face as shrapnel from the explosion grazed his body. If it weren't for his quick reactions, he would've gotten hit in a vital area. Several of the men in dark blue clothes quickly gathered at the front, readying their weapons. Slowly, figures entered the entrance. One of them he easily recognized. "Well, well...if it isn't lover boy!"
[BOOST!]
Issei Hyoudou glared fiercely as his eyes burned green for the briefest moment as red steel encased his hand. Beside him, Raynare glowered as spears of light danced around her. "First of all, my name is Issei, not lover boy," he snapped angrily as he cracked his knuckles. "And secondly...I've got a message from my bro and a question from me!"
In a split second, Freed brandished his light sword, raising it just in time to block Issei's fist. It happened so fast none of the men could react. Mad eyes met fierce ones, barred by red metal and punishing light.
"WHERE. IS. ASIA?!"
TO BE CONTINUED
Preview for the Finale:
"Ikuze, Ddraig! Cu Chulainne!"
"Kyahahahaha! You think you can beat me, lover boy?! WELL BRING IT!"
(A man of the cloth, mind adled with insanity, clashes with the red dragon wielding the spear of the hound)
"I don't know who you are, but your going down!"
"Please...the only person who's ever beaten me was Julius, and you can't even compare."
(A wolf in sheep's clothing, brandishing knives against steel twin fangs)
"Ludger Will Kresnik...I will ask, only once: do you have the resolve to withstand this burden once more?"
(And so the Spear of Destiny pierces through the Time and Void once again!)
Next Time: Chromatus - Finale!
"RRRRRWWWWWWAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHH!"
