Chapter 14
I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes.
(Kuoh Academy)
After entering the barrier, it was immediately clear to the group where Kokabiel was waiting, because of the large throne sitting in the sky. "Even after all these years Kokabiel is still so freaking arrogant" Vali chuckled.
"Well let's not keep him waiting" Rias said enthusiastically. This was her first major test as the head of the Gremory and she was determined to pass it.
"You say that as though you're one of the people actually fighting him Rias" Vali deadpanned with Issei sporting an amused smile.
"That's right you're the backup Rias, so don't sound so excited" Issei nodded. This was a big time battle and Issei had to stay focused.
"Shouldn't we be more concerned with Valper" Kiba asked calmly. Kiba wanted his revenge for what happened but he realized that if he showed it then they would cut him off.
"Not at all. Thanks to Arthur and Kuroka here Freed is as good as dead and anything that Valper might be planning will be negated." Bikou chuckled.
"Got it" Kiba sweatdropped remembering that Vali's peerage was significantly stronger than Rias's. It was a constant bugaboo for his master and Issei's arrival had made it worse.
"Ufufufu here we go" Akeno said with an amused smile as the group made their way towards the middle of the school.
(Vali's Apartment)
After the revelation about Issei and Irina having sex, an awkward silence filled the apartment with nobody wanting to say anything. Heck there was a television in the room and nobody turned it on because they were afraid of an argument breaking out. "Well this is boring and sitting around all night is no fun at all" Kiryuu pouted. Sure she wanted in on the action but she had her job.
"We have our orders and as boring as it is we have to stick to them" Raynare groaned. She liked it better this way and in truth she didn't want to be at the battle because of various annoyances. All of the sudden a magic circle appeared in the room.
"What's going on" Irina said nervously as she reached for her blade. The concern soon vanished when Le Fay Pendragon arrived.
"Sorry about that, but I wanted to get back before the battles began." Le Fay said with a devious smile.
'That's not good' Raynare thought to herself.
"What are you up to Le Fay" Irina said nervously wondering what her old friend was planning.
Le Fay smiled as she focused her magic again and revealed a small white orb, "This is called a projection orb and I can use it to focus on anything I want to as long as I can connect my magic signature to it. In this case I'm going to focus on the middle of the school. That way we can watch the battle without Issei being aware of it." Le Fay smiled.
'This is bad. I can't stop them or they'll question me but if this continues we have major problems." Raynare cursed internally. The real reason she stayed back is because she realized why Issei didn't want the church girls at the battle and she knew how dangerous things could be if Issei was proven right.
"Perfect now we can find out what Issei is hiding" Xenovia said calmly.
"Yeah I guess" Irina said nervously. Issei was her childhood friend and he cared about her deeply so for him to hide something was a big deal. Either way, Le Fay was determined to reveal his secret and admittedly she was just as eager to find out.
"Well how about we watch everything on the TV" Le Fay smiled focusing her magic again so the orb could connect to the TV in the room.
(Battlefield)
"So you've arrived at last. I was wondering if you'd have the courage to show up." Kokabiel smiled as he looked down on the Gremory and Lucifer groups. The smile on his face would unnerve anybody but for Vali, who grew up with the Grigori, it was nothing. Next to him was Valper and Freed and the pair were simply waiting for the Excalibur's to finish fusing together.
"Oh spare us Kokabiel. You're as excited as you get." Vali scoffed ready to fight and not in the mood for Issei's banter
"True but before we begin I'm curious about something?" Kokabiel smiled.
"What could you possibly ask us at a time like this?" Rias exclaimed.
"I was curious why those exorcists aren't with you. Surely they want the blades back don't they?" Kokabiel smiled.
"Yeah I was hoping to crush Iri-chan and take Mimic. Oh well" Freed cackled before he winced at Kuroka's killing intent.
"Don't worry about those exorcists freak boy. I'll kill you myself in a moment" Kuroka growled.
Vali groaned at Kuroka's reaction but understood how she felt. She had an enemy she truly wanted to kill so she could appreciate that level of hatred. "To answer your question Kokabiel it's because we realized what you were really up to" Vali smirked.
Kokabiel's eyes widened but he was steadfast, "Then perhaps I should go find them myself" Kokabiel replied with a smile that Vali knew very well. It meant that trouble was definitely ahead for everyone. Though his personality leaves a lot to be desired, he was still the Grigori's number 2.
"Get ready guys this is about to get ugly" Vali warned. Just as she feared Kokabiel snapped his fingers and a bunch of magic circles appeared from the sky. The group watched in horror as a group of falling angel grunts appeared from the sky. They were low ranking but there were enough to be a problem.
"Dammit he's gonna send them into the town" Rias complained not expecting this at all.
"I've got it Rias. BOOSTED GEAR" Issei shouted as he activated his sacred gear and devil wings before flying into the sky in front of the group of soldiers.
"Are you sure you can beat them by yourself boy." Kokabiel taunted. He knew the young man was the Red Dragon Emperor but he had no clue just how powerful Issei was and Issei was about to show him.
Issei smiled since Kokabiel had no clue how strong he was, "Yes and it's because I'm never by myself. Gift of the Hydra" Issei shouted before splitting into four copies.
"INTERESTING" Kokabiel smiled with a savage grin that unnerved those watching.
"Yo Issei you want some help" Bikou smiled from the ground.
"I'm good" Issei smiled as he began to reveal much more of his power; which was promptly doubled by the Boosted gear.
"BOOST"
"Not bad" Kokabiel smiled as he appreciated the power output.
"Yep" Vali said with a smile. Everyone watched as the group of Issei's quickly dispatched the fallen angel grunts with a series of dragon shots.
(Vali's Apartment)`
"No way" Irina gasped not expecting Issei to be that strong. Thanks to Le Fay's orb she could practically feel the dregs of power coming from Issei as could the rest of the girls.
"Your childhood friend is strong" Xenovia admitted. They had never seen him fight or got any indication of his strength so this was a pleasant surprise.
"That's right but he's only getting started" Le Fay smiled. Issei's power was truly incredible and if he continued to add women he could surpass Vali in due time.
(Battlefield)
A victorious Issei flew back to the ground with a smile on his face having dispelled the boosted gear. "That was a nice warmup" Issei smiled.
"That's very impressive boy. I would've expected that from Vali but not from you. Though I'm curious how you can use Gift of the Hydra and the Boosted Gear at the same time since the former should only come from the Serpents Blade and you quite clearly aren't a swordsman." Kokabiel mused.
"I'll tell you but only after you tell me something. Well specifically Valper." Issei smiled. This was his chance to control the narrative.
"Very well boy. What do you wish to ask me?" Valper smiled as he walked towards the combined group.
"Why did you come up with the Holy Sword Project in the first place" Issei wondered.
"What!" Kiba growled not expecting that question at all
"What a fascinating question boy." Valper replied as he began to sport an almost nostalgic smile. "As a child I was fascinated by King Arthur's stories and about the legendary power of Excalibur. Unfortunately for me I wasn't compatible with the blades" Valper explained causing Issei to twitch something fierce. Vali and Arthur were each twitching just as much.
"Hold on a moment. Don't tell me that you did all of that just to fulfill some childhood goal" Arthur asked almost afraid of the answer knowing that Kiba, a survivor of said project, was on the verge of going nuts.
"That's right and although my original experiment was a failure, eventually I came up with this" Valper smirked as he reached into his pocket. Much to the shock of both the people there and the secret observers, Valper revealed a small blue jewel.
(Apartment)
"That's" Irina gasped not expecting Valper to reveal what he did.
"What is that Irina" Kiryuu wondered.
Irina touched the bracelet she was wearing and Excalibur Mimic appeared again. "I'm not a natural Holy Sword wielder so in order to use Mimic the church gave me that jewel. I can't believe Valper somehow created it"
"So that means" Le Fay gasped.
(Battlefield)
"You're a true monster" Issei frowned somewhat aware of what the jewel was.
"So you've figured it out, I see." Valper smiled.
"You bastard. All of our suffering for some jewel" Kiba growled in fury his rage barely held back.
"Hmm" Valper mused as he looked at Kiba. "So you're the one who escaped. I always wondered what happened to you." Valper cackled.
"That's right! I escaped that inferno and I've returned to seek my revenge" Kiba roared. Anybody who knew him realized that his mask was gone and he was barely holding back.
"Well then you shall have your wish." Valper smiled as the spell seemed to fade and the new blade was revealed.
"Finally. That blade was taking too long!" Freed groaned.
"Well you'll get your wish Freed." Valper smiled as he tossed the blade towards the priest.
"I gotta admit that I want to skewer this guy but he's all yours Kiba" Kuroka smiled.
"Thank you" Kiba smiled as he summoned his blade.
"Hey Kiba keep your cool" Issei frowned sensing the rage coming from Kiba.
"I'll be fine" Kiba smiled as he charged Freed." The clash of swords was brief but one thing was clear to everyone.
'Kiba is going to lose' Vali Arthur and Issei all thought together.
(Apartment)
"He's got no chance of winning" Kiryuu frowned.
"That's right" Le Fay added.
"Why are you so sure" Irina wondered since they looked even.
"Because Kiba's head isn't in it. His strikes are wild and sloppy." Murayama explained.
"Like this even I could beat him" Katase scoffed in disappointment. Kiba was way stronger than she was and she knew that Kiba's rage was getting in his way.
(Battlefield)
"This is just pitiful" Kokabiel scoffed aware of the same thing as everybody else.
"Freed stop for a moment" Valper ordered causing the priest to stop attacking and simply kick Kiba away.
"Why'd you make me stop old man? I was enjoying that" Freed pouted.
"Because that boy was one of my subjects and I'm going to give him one last chance to entertain us before allowing you to finish him" Valper smiled as he reached back into his pocket and tossed the jewel right in front of the reeling Kiba
"What are you doing" Kiba gasped.
"I'm giving you a chance to say goodbye to your friends since you couldn't do so the last time. This is the last of my jewels and since I have no use for it perhaps this will entertain me" Valper scowled as he looked at Kiba in disgust.
'Ouch that one hurts' Issei thought to himself. Then again Valper wasn't wrong. Kiba was a major disappointment despite him suggesting. Of course that thought quickly changed as everybody watched the stoic Kiba grab the jewel and begin to cry.
"My friends" Kiba wailed as he held onto the jewel like it was his very life. For everyone who knew him, seeing the proud knight in tears was almost shocking.
"Kiba" Rias said solemnly knowing how painful this was for him. He was her knight now but these were his friends and comrades. Knowing that they were tools for some jewel was almost too gut wrenching to bear.
While the devil group looked on in sorrow, Valper wasn't as bothered. "This is ridiculous, finish him Freed" Valper ordered coldly and as Freed went to strike him down he was repelled by something that nobody watching ever expected. The blue silhouette of a young boy was blocking the attack.
"You have got to be kidding me" Kokabiel scoffed as he watched what was going on.
(Apartment)
"So that's what's going on?" Raynare gasped as she watched the scene unfold. At first she wondered what was so special about the jewel but now she had her answer
"Care to fill us in." Le Fay wondered watching the display. Nobody seemed to figure out why the blue figure was there and why it was protecing Kiba but everyone was curious what was going on.
"Valper brought together hundreds of kids into a private area hidden in the forest in order to figure out a way to use Excalibur. As you've no doubt realized Kiba was one of them." Raynare explained.
"Yea but Valper said the experiment failed. How is that possible if he was able to create the jewels" Irina wondered. Something was missing from this.
"Because the experiment did fail" Raynare said grimly. Even for her, what she was about to explain left a bad taste in her mouth. "If I'm right, that jewel is concentrated Holy Factor." Raynare revealed.
"Holy Factor?" everyone asked in confusion. Even the church girls had never heard the term.
"Have you ever wondered how come some people can use Holy Swords very easily and some struggle to do so?" Raynare asked the group. It was actually something her father told her about years ago when he was trying to get her to be more scientific like him.
"Sure." Irina answered calmly. She and Xenovia were a great example of that idea since Xenovia didn't use the jewel in question
"Every human has what's known as a Holy Factor. The factor is created when you were born and your actions during your life increase or decrease the factor. There's actually a theory that the level of the factor is what allows a person to go to Heaven or Hell." Raynare explained.
The group looked on in confusion until Kiryuu spoke up, "I get it now. After killing the kids Valper somehow discovered the Holy Factor. He realized if he combined enough Holy Factor's together one could wield the blades."
"Exactly. Kiba is actually being protected by the Holy factors of his old friends" Raynare said calmly before the group heard something they never imagined.
"Is that"
"The Holy Song" Irina and Xenovia said respectively and Raynare turned towards the television to focus on the battle again.
(Battlefield)
"This is unreal" Issei said in disbelief a sentiment that most of the group shared. More and more blue figures appeared around Kiba and protected the man like a shield. Of course when they began singing it was clear that something special was taking place.
"Vali that Holy factor has caused a change in Kiba. He has obtained it" A
'It' Vali wondered as the children seemed to sing.
"He has obtained his balance breaker" Albion explained.
"I see" Vali replied as she watched Kiba summon a new sword which was quickly surrounded by a black and white aura.
"Hoh" Kokabiel smiled aware of what the two energies were.
"It's time to take revenge for all of my comrades. Sword of Betrayer a mix of Holy and Demonic powers" Kiba shouted as he grabbed hold of his new blade.
"Impossible" Valper exclaimed. The ornate sword was almost as long as Kiba and with a mini sword like area of gray and another miniature black area that contained small red runes.
"FINALLY I can have a real fight" Freed cackled as Kiba walked towards him.
"Yes and now you'll taste my wrath" Kiba said coldly.
"Doubt it" Freed smiled before the pair clashed again. Unfortunately for Freed, this time Kiba's rage was focused and his new blade was more than powerful enough to destroy the new Excalibur and Kiba did just that.
"You lose" Kiba smiled.
"I'm not done yet" Freed cackled but before he knew it there was a claw protruding from his stomach.
"Yes you are" Kuroka said coldly before pulling her claws away as Freed bled to the ground. She was growing tired of waiting and Kiba clearly got his revenge. Now it was time for hers.
"Fuck you" Freed gasped as his body limped to the ground.
"Pass, you probably have a small penis" Kuroka smiled.
"Well that was boring" Issei scoffed before turning towards a stunned Valper and immediately frowned since Valper had a look on his face that unnerved Issei.
"That's impossible. There's no way that Holy energies could've fused together unless… I see." Valper smiled but before he could say anything else he was hit by a dragon shot and Holy Spear at the same time.
"Sorry but I couldn't exactly let him finish" Issei smiled. Admittedly he was a bit surprised that Kokabiel attacked Valper.
(Apartment)
Back at the apartment the girls were stunned by Issei's quick decision. "Unless what. What was he trying to say" Irina said nervously. Just like the now dead priest, Irina was wondering how that was possible to fuse Holy and Demonic energies. It wasn't the first time that this mission had bothered her and even in her moments with Issei, something was still bothering her.
"So you figured it out huh Red Dragon Emperor" Kokabiel cackled through the television screen.
"Yes and I'd very much appreciate it if you don't finish Valper's thought" Issei said coldly.
"Wait a minute what's going on" Irina panicked. It was clear that Issei's secret was related to what Valper had realized and that's why he killed him.
"What did Issei figure out Kokabiel" Rias exclaimed.
"Hahaha very simple my dear" Kokabiel said happily. The group watching would've continued but all of the sudden the TV was struck by a holy spear and destroyed. It didn't take much to realize who the culprit was.
"What the hell was that for Raynare" Le Fay said coldly.
"Sorry to say but I couldn't let you guys hear what Kokabiel was about to say." Raynare said with a cold expression of her own. If that group learned of God's death things would get very ugly. Luckily for her she destroyed the TV and any chance the girls had of learning the truth. Or at least that's what she thought.
"I'm amazed that nobody told you Gremory girl. During the Great War it wasn't only the Devil King that died but God did as well. Kokabiel said via Le Fay's orb.
'Dammit, I forgot about Le Fay's orb' Raynare cursed but the damage was already done.
"It can't be" Irina said as she put her hands to her face in shock.
"God's dead" Xenovia said with a shocked look on her face.
"No. No. No. No. No. No. What have I done?" Le Fay gasped before dispelling the orb. Of all the things Issei could've hidden from the group it was God's death.
"It's all a lie. It's all a complete lie" Irina exclaimed as her body crumpled onto the couch she was sitting on. Kiryuu Murayama and Katase could only look on as the two church girls and Le Fay had a mental breakdown.
"This isn't good" Raynare groaned. The damage was done and Kokabiel's plan had succeeded even if he didn't know it yet. That and Issei was going to be PISSED when he found out what happened.
(Battlefield)
The news had stunned a good portion of the group at the actual battlefield as well. Although, it was more the Gremory side of the group. "God is dead. You have to be joking" Rias exclaimed.
"So what was it all for" Kiba said with a dead expression in his face. He may be a devil now but he was once a part of the church and learning that God was dead was still a bitter blow.
"No. This can't be true" Asia said in disbelief. As a former Holy maiden this was a particularly cruel revelation.
"Geez Kokabiel. Why'd you have to go and do that?" Vali groaned. Azazel told her about God's death long ago during one of his drunken rants. Bikou and Arthur knew the truth because of their own connections and she told Kuroka herself. Issei clearly knew and this was what he was afraid of all along.
"Well I guess Azazel told you the truth. Though I'm curious how the Red Dragon figured it out."
"If God was alive there's no way in hell this project would've been allowed to go on. When I discussed my thoughts on the subject with Azazel, he confirmed it and that was that" Issei groaned. He was lucky that Irina wasn't here because he knew the truth would devastate her. Little did he know his childhood friend already knew the truth.
"True but we have more important things to worry about" Kokabiel smiled.
"If you mean the remnants of Valper's spell, Arthur destroyed it while most of us were distracted by Kiba's holy song." Vali smiled. Fusing the Excalibur together would've required a major spell and one that would no doubt have dangerous ramifications.
"I see. But I was really referring to the final battle." Kokabiel smiled before snapping his fingers yet again. This time 3 ceberus appeared in a roar of flames. The roar of the beast was truly fiercesome to any who haven't experienced it.
"Lovely" Vali deadpanned knowing that this was going to be good
"So me and Vali vs Kokabiel and the rest of you get the mutts." Issei smirked.
"Sounds good to me what about you Rias" Vali said calmly as she looked at her dazed friend.
"Huh" Rias said absentmindedly. The revelation of God's death stunned her a bit and she was shaken.
"Good grief" Issei frowned as he vanished in a show of speed before appearing behind Rias and groping her large breasts with his hands breaking Rias from her stupor.
"What are you doing Issei?" Rias exclaimed.
"Waking you up from your stupor Rias, it's time for the final battle" Issei smirked before vanishing back to Vali's side.
"Well that's an interesting way to get her focused" Kokabiel chuckled.
"Spare me. We have more important things to do right Vali" Issei smiled as he activated his boosted gear.
"Yeah" Vali replied with a hint of annoyance before summoning her balance breaker.
"Sorry about that, but you're right Issei. We can worry about God 's death later" Rias smiled as she powered up.
"Rias is right. We have a battle to win" Akeno said happily before transforming from her school uniform into a miko outfit. Rias's scream got her focused as well and she was ready to fight.
Little by little the rest of the Gremory peerage focused on the cerberus and now it was finally time for the final battle to begin.
That's it for chapter 14 and yeah this was choppy at best but there was a lot going on. Summary of today's events. Kiba got his balance breaker. Irina and Xenovia accidentally learned about God's death and now it's time for the final battle.
Vali's Peerage
Queen- Issei
Bishop 1- Ravel Phenex
Bishop 2- Le Fay Pendragon
Knight- Arthur 2 pieces
Rook 1- Kuroka (Mutation)
Rook 2- Bikou
Pawns
Murayama 1 Katase 1 Raynare 2
Issei's Harem: Vali, Katase, Murayama, Irina, Xenovia, Kiryuu, Asia, Ravel, Raynare, Le Fay, and Xuelan