Chapter 25: Extreme training regimens. The gathering of young Devils.
I do not own anything from any media.
Everyone was at what appears to be a large manor. It was as wide as the White House in Washington DC. There were several fountains and trees.
"Now I know how a rich person experiences their everyday lives..." Issei said.
"You know, this is ridiculous for a human to own a house and property this wide." Dark Pit said.
"T-this is the Gremory home?" Xenovia questioned with surprise.
"Yes, this is my family home." Rias said.
"That's amazing." Asia said in wonder.
"I've heard about the Gremory family being one of the wealthiest in the Underworld, but not this wealthy…" Raynare said.
This irked Dark Pit up one hearing the term 'Underworld'. His edgy behavior since the encounter with Tannin was not relieved. He still displayed a hair trigger attitude.
'Better pray that the family isn't like Sirzechs.' He thought.
By then, the doors opened. From the entrance, Grayfia came out.
"Welcome home, milady, her peerage, and friends." She said.
'Well that was rather fancy... I have a feeling a wealthy family would have maids and butlers to help clean the house.' Dark Pit thought.
######
Inside the house, a long row of maids and butlers lined at a carpet, welcoming Rias and everyone with her.
"Wow... The interior is amazing." Raynare said in awe.
"I-I'm so nervous about this…" Asia said meekly.
"I can agree with the thought. It's as though the social class system is evident." Issei said.
"I don't like a huge place like this..." Gasper whined.
Dark Pit calmed him down by placing a reassuring touch on his head.
"Nya... I remember most devil homes were almost like this, but not too fancy." Kuroka said.
"Thanks for letting us know the differences from different devil household families." Dark Pit said comically.
By then, a young boy was running down the hallway. The young boy was wearing a dark red formal shirt with black shorts. He had black formal shoes on. His hair was a red color, being a shade darker than Rias's. His eyes were a blue-steel gray.
"Rias-neesama! Welcome home!" The boy said with excitement
"I'm home, Millicas. You've grown so big since I last saw you." Rias said.
"'Millicas?' Wait a minute... Red hair and the same eye color as Grayfia... Seems like this is the son of Sirzechs and Grayfia, isn't he?" Dark Pit deduced.
"Wow, onii-chan. You can tell?" Millicas asked with amazement.
"Well, you have your father's hair color, but your mother's eyes." Dark Pit said.
"Since when did you have such sharp eyes like that, Dark Pit?" Rias questioned.
"Being aware of the surroundings is a perk I naturally have." Dark spot answered.
"That would mean that Millicas is your nephew." Issei said to Rias.
"Go ahead and introduce yourself." Rias said to the boy.
"Okay. My name is Millicas Gremory. Nice to meet you, everyone." Millicas introduced himself.
"What a well-mannered child." Raynare commented.
"How cute!" Asia said.
"He's like a genuine Prince." Xenovia said.
"He is. Matter of fact, his father happens to be one of the 4 Maou." Dark Pit said.
Xenovia giggled, seeing that Dark Pit's awareness was acute. She noticed that he looked calmer.
"That also explains something else... That time when Grayfia came to Dark Pit's place and Sirzechs came to my home... It was evident upon seeing this child." Issei said.
"Starting to take my astute observation, Issei? You lucky dragon." Dark Pit teased with a laugh.
"Luckier than you think." Issei retorted with a laugh.
Grayfia lead Rias and everyone to another door.
"Please enter here, everyone." She said.
The doors opened on their own. Millicas ran to the room with excitement.
"Rias-oneesama is finally home!" He said with excitement.
"Now, now, Millicas. Where's your manners?" A female voice said.
Issei and Dark Pit looked towards the room and noticed two figures. One was a brown haired woman who appeared to be in her late teenage years. She appeared similar to Rias, save for the brown hair. She was wearing a white dress with a thin brown one. Her eyes were a purple color.
'A young woman like her would be easily mistaken for Rias's sister... But knowing how Devils live a long life, I'd say that she's probably a parent.' Dark Pit thought.
"Who is she? That woman looks exactly like Rias." Issei said.
"Surprised Issei? She happens to be my mother." Rias revealed.
"Your mother!?" Issei exclaimed in shock.
'Right, yet again... Sometimes I question about my awareness around me... I just hope Pit isn't like that or he's be the next [Merc with a Mouth].' Dark Pit thought.
Akeno walked up to the woman and bowed politely.
"It has been a long time, Venelana-sama." She said.
All of Rias's peerage bowed to the woman. Dark Pit remained impassive, still feeling edgy.
"It's nice to meet all of you newcomers. I'm Rias's mother, Venelana Gremory." The woman said.
She then looked at Dark Pit and Issei.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you two, Dark Pit and Issei." Venelana said.
"So you heard about us?" Dark Pit said.
"Although I was attending the Rating Game for my daughter's engagement, I was rather surprised to see such brutality." Venelana said.
"You don't have to remind us about that incident. Riser's cocky behavior led to his death. He did torture our respective girlfriends." Issei said.
"Dear me, I apologize for opening old wounds. I hope that you forgive me for that." Venelana said.
"No harm done. More importantly, who was the one who orchestrated the engagement to Rias?" Dark Pit questioned.
"My husband, Lord Gremory." The woman said.
"Where is he...?" Dark Pit said, clenching his fist.
"Temper, aren't we? None can blame for what you and Issei felt." Venelana said with pity.
"What's with all the noise?" A male voice called.
A middle-aged appearing man came to the room. His attire consisted of black brazier with a white shirt that had gold accents. His eyes were a blue color.
"Oh? We have guests from Rias. My name is Lord Gremory. Pleased to meet-"
The man's speech was interrupted by a ferocious punch from Dark Pit. This got everyone by surprised as Lord Gremory was hurled out from the house.
"W-what the hell are you thinking!?" Rias called out in shock.
"That's for payback for dragging our loved ones in to your mess…" Dark Pit said coldly.
The cold glare from Dark Pit was enough to tell anyone 'mess with me and I'll rip you apart'. They gave their space to him, not wanting to incur his anger. Lord Gremory eventually got up from his sudden attack.
"Ouch... I have to admit, that was painful." He said.
"Consider that as a consolation for your irresponsible actions." Dark Pit said with venom.
"I'll take that under advisement... Ugh…" Lord Gremory grunted.
"Let that be a lesson for you to not pick a bachelor who doesn't care about a woman's feelings." Venelana said.
######
The group was at a dining table. Everyone, save for Dark Pit, Issei, and their respective girlfriends was hungry.
"Hmm? Aren't the rest of you planning to eat?" Lord Gremory questioned.
"We're not hungry..." Dark Pit answered.
"Seems like someone has a deep scar in their heart. Let me see what the problem is." Lord Gremory said, getting into Dark Pit's personal space.
In response, Dark Pit kicked Lord Gremory with a draconic power infused leg. This sent the man flying off like a bullet into the sky. Everyone sweat dropped in response from the action.
"You'll have to forgive Dark Pit. Ever since the incident with Riser, he has been high strung. It's been getting worse now that he's here in the Underworld." Rias said.
Cracking noises were heard from Dark Pit. The floor was being overwhelmed by the pressure of his aura.
"It appears to be more than just that incident. That's probably attributed to a deeper wound." Venelana deduced.
Before anyone realized it, Lord Gremory zoomed back into the manner. His eyes were in complete swirls.
"How far and hard did you punch my father...?" Rias questioned.
"I just punched him with the force of an object that's about 1 ton heavy." Dark Pit said nonchalantly.
"A 1 ton weight!? You nearly threw him off the face of the earth!" Rias shouted.
"The man was planning to get in my personal space. I don't like people from the Underworld getting that close." Dark Pit said coldly.
Rias and the others could see his high strung behavior acting up.
"I'll head outside to get something to eat." The dark angel said.
Dark Pit eventually walked outside, fuming. Everyone noticed his behavior was starting to make a turn for the worst.
"I knew we shouldn't bring him here... Rias, why you have to be insensitive enough to open up old scars?" Raynare questioned.
"I didn't know this time…" Rias responded.
"Really? You saw his memories so it shouldn't be hard to find out." Issei said.
"The reason I came here is for the meeting with Asgard and the Rating Games…" Rias said.
"Take consideration of someone's feelings. If not, you would simply cause problems in the later end." Xenovia stated.
######
During the night, Dark Pit was resting in a different room, sulking. He was starting to develop a hair-trigger response after staying in the Underworld.
"I could honestly vouch that Rias's family is just as flippant as Sirzechs. Why do some beings have such personalities, I'll never know. The nekomata sisters seemed to have the same feeling as well." Dark Pit said.
He lied down in his bed, agitated from pondering on what to think.
'This place is too huge for my tastes…' He thought.
By then, the doors to the room opened.
"Come in." Dark Pit said.
Raynare and Kuroka were at the doors. Both looked rather nervous.
"Um, Dark Pit. We don't feel comfortable sleeping in open spaces." Raynare said meekly.
'Now she's becoming meek like Asia... Is this place causing personality changes?' Dark Pit thought comically.
"Nya, I also want to sleep near him." Kuroka said.
'Issei's probably having this problem as well.' Dark Pit thought.
######
Issei had Asia and Irina sleeping near him.
"I'm sorry, Issei-kun. I can't sleep with such a large room." Asia said meekly.
"Even though I was raised by the church, this kind of lifestyle doesn't suit me very well." Irina said.
"Anyone would feel that way. Still, you two don't have to drive yourselves to sleep with me. More importantly, I'm concerned for Gasper since open spaces make him panic." Issei said.
"Gasper is doing okay. He's been hiding in his box." Irina said.
"Leave to a hikikomori in using a box as a comfort zone." Issei said comically, making the girls giggle.
######
In Dark Pit's room, everyone fell asleep. The girls were cuddling him, lying on his body. Dark Pit was fast asleep.
"He's finally asleep... I hope that his stress calms down. This world is making him uncomfortable." Raynare said.
"I'm sure he'll manage, nya." Kuroka said.
######
Rias was talking with her parents. She noted Sirzechs absence from her home. Lord Gremory was having his injuries tended by Venelana.
"That fallen angel sure packs a wallop. I never imagined he could injure me with that much force." Lord Gremory winced.
"When he gets angry, that's the final warning for almost all of his enemies before they end up perishing." Rias said.
"I'll make sure not to trigger his anger... In any case, Sirzechs is currently attending for a special guest, hence why he is absent." Lord Gremory said.
"Busy as always, onii-sama." Rias commented.
"Governor Azazel seems to be helping out as well." Lord Gremory said.
"The fallen angel leader seems to be raising you all just fine. Up to now, I had doubts of that happening." Venelana said.
"He's an odd person to begin with." Rias said.
######
The next morning, everyone gathered at the courtyard. Azazel was waiting for them.
"Glad to see everyone is here. I managed to create a training regimen that will take about twenty days in the human world." Azazel said.
"Twenty days of training huh? That sounds fun for me." Dark Pit said with a smirk.
"First off, Dark and Issei, you two managed to attain Balance Breaker a while ago. The issue is, you two can't sustain it for long. Vali was able to sustain his form for months so we are planning to extend the time." Azazel explained.
"By 'we', you mean..." Issei questioned.
Tannin appeared at the courtyard, surprising everyone.
"The Blaze Meteor Dragon, Tannin... He is going to train us?" Dark Pit asked.
"Precisely. He'll train you two to increase your magic reserves and stamina." Azazel stated.
"It's quite a surprise for me to train the wielders of Ddraig and Tiamat." Tannin said.
"Work hard and don't die." Azazel said.
"Try to make a better parting speech…" Dark Pit said.
"Anyway, let's go and start the training." Issei said.
"We'll be back in twenty days." The boys said, flying off with Tannin.
Azazel looked at Rias, who was uncomfortable from his staring.
"Rias, you may have comprehensive strength, but you need to improve your strategies in decision-making. Utilize your peerage to their fullest potential." Azazel explained.
He then looked at Akeno, who had a brief look of disdain.
"Akeno, your power is amazing in its own, but you can't rely solely on demonic power. You'll have to start using the power of the fallen angels. Imbuing thunder with light will form lightning. It also adds the edge on a devil's weakness." Azazel said.
"Who will be training me?" Akeno questioned.
"One of the cadre fallen angels, Baraqiel." Azazel said.
"So he's here too…" Akeno spat out.
"It has been a while since we met. I never thought I would train my own daughter as ordered by the leader." A male voice called.
The group turned to see a middle-aged gruff man. His skin was slightly darker than Akeno's. He was wearing a black bodysuit with a cape. From his legs and arms, there was armor worn to protect the joints. His face and chin had long facial hair.
"Baraqiel…" Rias said.
"So it has come to this..." Akeno said.
"You'll have to accept your bloodline. It's the only way that'll ensure victory." Baraqiel said.
"No need to hold back." Akeno said.
She then used her magic to turn into the priestess of lightning.
"Do you wish to understand why I wear these clothes? It's a symbol of me not accepting you as my father." Akeno said.
Baraqiel and Akeno flew off to the sky. The group noticed the cadre fallen angel looking to be in emotional pain. Azazel then looked at Kiba.
"Kiba; you need to hone your Balance Breaker and maintain it as long as possible. I've assigned a teacher to train you in advanced swordsmanship." Kiba said.
"Very well. Show me the area to train at." Kiba said.
Azazel used a magic circle to teleport Kiba to the training area. He then looked at Xenovia.
"You may be human, but there's a time for you train as well. The Holy Sword Durandal is rather fickle and picky of its wielder. Just like how Dark Pit said, it's like a wild horse. You have to tame the sword and ensure it fully accepts you. Use your own willpower for easier reference." Azazel said, teleporting Xenovia to a training ground.
He then looked at Gasper, who cowered.
"Your abilities are advanced enough. The problem is you need to overcome your fear of public places. Your sempai has been training you with that but I want to make sure you're ready for it." Azazel said.
"I... I'll do my best to make my sempai proud." Gasper said.
Azazel then looked at Koneko.
"Koneko, your training as a rook is already showing its results. However, you must accept the power you sealed yourself off from. Don't deny this power, or you won't be able to develop your skills. Kuroka will help with your training to overcome the drawbacks." Azazel said.
"Kuroka-neesan…" Koneko said.
"It's time to train you on senjutsu and youjutsu, Shirone. I'll help with your training so you won't lose yourself.f" Kuroka said.
Azazel turned to Asia. She looked rather nervous.
"Your Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, has its power depend on the wielder. In other words, you must train to unleash the aura from your whole body. This will provide long ranged healing without you risking your life. At the same time, you must learn to wield a sword since Dark Pit have you the Crusader Blade. Irina, you will also undergo training with Asia in this category with your Excalibur Mimic. Meditate with the sword so you can use its abilities for surprise attacks." Azazel said.
"I will work hard. I need to do this for Issei-kun." Asia said.
"I'll do what I can to train hard to prepare against the terrorist." Irina said.
Azazel teleported them to a quiet location for them. He then looked at Pit.
"Why am I undergoing training?" Pit asked.
"You need to develop your combat prowess and magic abilities. In this world, any human or otherwise, have powerful items capable of defeating gods. You, Viridi, Palutena, and Phosphora shall train in a remote location to hone your skills." Azazel stated.
"Alright then. If it makes me stronger, let's start the training." Pit said eagerly.
"Sheesh, getting hyper for some training? Aren't we a battle ready angel?" Viridi joked.
"He's hard headed, but he's the best commander I have in Skyworld." Palutena said.
"I like his spirit though. Always wanting to grow strong." Phosphora said.
The quartet teleported to a different area, leaving Raynare.
"You will be trained with Kalawarner to raise your magic reserves. I want you to have three pairs of wings when you finish your training." Azazel said.
Kalawarner appeared, causing Raynare to smile at seeing her friend.
"Kalawarner, it's good to see you!" Raynare said with excitement.
"I'll glad as well. Anyway, let's go to our training grounds." The fallen angel woman said as they teleported.
This left Rias at the courtyard.
"Don't be worried. The locations I've sent them to have plenty of nutrients for them to abate their hunger." Azazel said.
######
At a different location, Issei and Dark Pit were moving away from Tannin's flames.
{Comrade, those flames are dangerous even among dragons. Don't touch them.} Tiamat said.
{Tiamat's right, Partner. Use this regimen to your advantage.} Ddraig said.
"Tell us before we start the training!" Issei shouted.
"It can't be helped...! Let's try to mix in our training style with Tannin's." Dark Pit said.
"Oh? What kind of training style are you thinking?" Tannin asked.
"Well, we're planning tonight each other while dodging your attacks." Dark Pit suggested.
"Hmmm... A little extreme, but it sounds more beneficial than my training regimen. I may join in the fray as well." Tannin said.
"Fair enough. Let's dance." Dark Pit said with a smirk.
For the next days, Issei and Dark Pit began attacking each other while dodging Tannin's flames and attacks. Azazel whistled in surprise on seeing from a distance what the boys were doing.
"Well now, seems like they want to do something extreme. I'd say those two will become stronger when this is over." Azazel said.
The boys kept dodging Tannin's attacks while fighting each other on the ground and midair. Eventually, it got to the point where they used their Balance Breaker.
{WESTERN DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!}
{WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!}
Blue and red dragon-like beings faced each other with Tannin ready to attack.
"Here we go!" The boys shouted.
Tannin was surprised on the sudden shift in power. The boys were now getting serious.
'Those two will grow up to become powerful beings one day.' The dragon thought.
The boys were fighting each other and against Tannin. The dragon noticed the boys clashing their powers against one another.
"I never thought that the Chaos Karma Dragon would be able to compete with the Red Dragon Emperor." Tannin commented.
The boys launched their individual shots towards each other. Their magic orbs clashed with one another before exploding in a purple flash. This blew Dark Pit, Issei and Tannin off their feet.
"Let's keep going!" The boys said.
Tannin decided to attack as well and began breathing flames to the boys.
'This is becoming both exciting and interesting.' Tannin thought.
The boys then proceed to use senjutsu to enhance their attacks. Tannin quickly realized it and was shocked.
"You two are capable of senjutsu!? This is getting more interesting!" The dragon bellowed.
During the days of training, the boys kept performing the same thing for the next days.
######
Days have passed. Dark Pit and Issei were on the ground, exhausted from their training. Tannin flew off to a different location.
"We'll meet again tomorrow for some intense training. I'll increase my firepower though." The dragon said.
"Looking forward to it." Dark Pit said.
"I'll have to say, I'm impressed." A male voice said.
The boys looked and noticed a young man at his late 20s wearing a white vest with black clothing. His hair was a brown color and spiky. His eyes were a purple color. Both boys felt the immense aura he was exuding. He was sitting on a nearby rock.
"It's quite an expectation for the Dragon Emperors." The man said.
"You're an observer, aren't you?" Dark Pit asked.
"Just as astute as the others claimed you to be. You have sharp eyes for a fallen angel." The man said.
"And your aura has a sensation of senjutsu. However, the one you're using is different compared to using nekomata senjutsu." Dark Pit said.
"Man, if anyone were to be trying to hide anything from you, they would be surprised." The man laughed.
The boys looked at the man, uncertain on how to react.
"Well, now that's out of the way. My name is Sairoarg Bael." The man introduced.
"Hmmm... Seems like you're a relative to Venelana Gremory." Dark Pit said.
"She's actually my cousin. Originally, she was part of the Bael family, whom have the ability to use the Power of Destruction." Sairoarg said.
"So Rias inherited that power from her mothe.r" Issei said.
"Indeed." Sairoarg answered.
The man then stood up with a smirk.
"Grow strong you two. I want to see how powerful you guys can be. I heard of your abilities that literally killed Riser Phenex. I look forward to fighting you both one day." Sairoarg said.
"Likewise." Dark Pit said.
"Oh, for the record, it's not senjutsu I'm using. It's just intense training that allows me to use Touki." Sairoarg said before teleporting.
"Touki?" Issei questioned.
"Life energy from senjutsu users. It can be used to recover lost life force or on combat. Kuroka's senjutsu is no exception." Dark Pit said.
######
During the night, the boys were able to make use of fire magic to create a fire to stay warm.
"Think this training will be useful?" Issei asked.
"We're pushing ourselves to the extreme Issei. As much as I don't want the Khaos Brigade to show up, we have to do this." Dark Pit said.
"Either way, I hope the others will be okay." Issei said.
######
The training days were over. Everyone regrouped to the Gremory manor at the courtyard. Rias's peerage arrived. All looked improved from their training. She took notice of the people who yet to arrive. Eventually, Pit, Palutena, Viridi, and Phosphora showed up.
"Whew... What a training camp. I feel stronger already." Pit said.
The goddesses giggled seeing the excited tone from him. Eventually, Dark Pit's and Issei's girlfriends appeared.
"I never thought I would feel this strong." Raynare said.
"It's amazing." Asia said.
The girls commented on their newfound strength.
"Where are the boys though?" Xenovia asked.
######
In the air, the boys were above the Gremory manor. Seeing that everyone gathered, Dark Pit decided to voice a surprising arrival.
"Hey Issei, care for to do a dramatic entrance?" Dark Pit said.
"What do you have in mind?" Issei asked.
"Let's bullet drop to the ground." Dark Pit said.
"Pardon?" Issei asked.
Before he knew it, Issei saw Dark Pit bullet dropping to the ground. Feeling left out, he decided to bullet drop as well.
"Nice of you to catch up." Dark Pit said.
"If it's a race you want, then let's see how touches down on the ground first" Issei said.
The boys were reaching at subsonic speeds, forming comes of their respective dragon's energy. By then, everyone at the Gremory estate noticed two shooting stars heading to near them. They eventually moved away, knowing where they'll land.
"Watch out!" Rias called out.
Immediately, the shooting stars both touched the ground, creating a large crater. Dust billowed into the air.
"Seems like it was a tie." Dark Pit's voice said.
Everyone looked at where the dust cloud obscured the boys. The cloud eventually cleared and showed Dark Pit and Issei. Both looked muscular than usual.
"Dark Pit-kun/Issei-kun!" Their girlfriends said.
The girls ran to the boys and plopped themselves on them.
"It has been a while, everyone." Dark Pit said in a calm voice.
"Indeed it has. Seems like everyone has improved dramatically. In any case, representatives of various devil calms will gather for a reception. I'll need to be present so I'll send someone to guide you all." Azazel said.
"A gathering of Devils?" Asia said in question.
"It's more of a formal greeting to develop friendships or relationships between devil families. The Four Maous have VIP status but we'll be acting as guards for him." Rias said.
"In other words, we shouldn't cause a ruckus that'll sully the families." Dark Pit said.
"Exactly, Dark Pit." Kiba said.
######
During the night, everyone was wearing formal clothes. They all gathered at the meeting with the devil family representatives. The boys had a tuxedo on while the girls had a dress on, or in Akeno's case, a formal kimono.
"Be sure not to offend anyone." Rias said.
"Better make sure they don't provoke me." Dark Pit said.
Rias groaned with Dark Pit's behavior. By then, Sona came by.
"Good evening Rias. How did the training regimen go?" Sona asked.
"It went well for everyone. How about you?" Rias asked.
"So-so. There's still time to improve." Sona said.
"Yo Hyoudou, Kuro. How are you things with you two?" Saji asked to the boys.
"We had a strong improvement. I would say that we ended up being crazy strong. How about you?" Issei said.
"Azazel also helped in my training." Saji said.
By then, Dark Pit had a shiver from his spine. He then heard a voice that would make him panic.
"Sona~tan, you're here." Serafell called out.
'Oh no... Not her!' Dark Pit thought with comical fright.
"Ah? Kuro~tan! I'm happy you came!" Serafell said, hugging the life out of Dark Pit.
"Too close, too close!" Dark Pit said, before teleporting with light magic away from her.
"You're mean, Kuro~tan. Why won't you accept my hugs?" Serafell said in a childish tone.
"Please stop acting like a child and be more presentable." Dark Pit begged.
By then Sirzechs came by with Azazel.
"Michael should be here any minute now." He said, trying suppress his laughter.
"This isn't funny Sirzechs!" Dark Pit shouted.
"Anyway... According to Baraqiel, Odin, the head of security, should be on his way." Azazel said.
"Baraqiel is protecting Odin?" Sirzechs asked.
"Many of the Norse gods don't approve of Odin's alliance with the devils." Azazel said.
"Seems like there's bound to be people who refuse." Sirzechs said seriously.
"To top it off, Khaos Brigade is recruiting those people." Azazel said.
The leaders then looked at Dark Pit struggling to set himself free from Serafell.
"You know, this could be well worth in calming our stress down. Never thought comedy would be this funny." Azazel said before laughing.
"I'll have to agree as well." Sirzechs said.
By then, Dark Pit's eyes glowed a comical red. He then bashed their heads, giving them a comical bump.
"Try saying that when I'm not physically nearby. Unless you want me to give you another knuckle sandwich, keep your mouths shut about this." Dark Pit said coldly.
"Scary..." Sirzechs shivered.
"Quite the temper he has…" Azazel said.
######
Rias and everyone followed Sona and her peerage to where the meeting will take place.
"The meeting will start at this room. Be prepared for anything." Sona ordered.
By then, a nearby wall suddenly blew off and pelted Dark Pit. This got everyone nervous.
"Oh no... Whoever did that is now risking Dark Pit's wrath..." Issei said with fear.
Rias, Sona and their peerage felt their fears getting strong. Dark Pit rose from the rubble, anger marred on his face.
"Who was the wise guy that caused that explosion in that room…?" He asked in a haunting time.
Two devils were arguing with each other. A female and a male. The female was wearing an academic uniform from a different school. She had pale blonde hair with pink eyes.
"It seems you want an early death, Zephyrdol." The woman said.
The male she was facing had a yellow black dress with a red undershirt. He has tattoos on both of his faces and wild blue hair that stood on spikes.
"You smell like a virgin. I just merely stated the truth, Seekvaria." Zephyrdol said.
By then, the two Devils noticed Dark Pit's aura. This got them to look at him.
"You have a problem with me, crow?" Zephyrdol taunted.
Dark Pit walked menacingly at the devil. His eyes glowed a mahogany color. Everyone was now on edge.
"You wanna fight? Bring it on!" Zephyrdol taunted.
Dark Pit raised his left hand and clenched his teeth. He then punched the devil on his face with a powerful haymaker.
"HUUUUURRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!"
The force of the punch was so strong, it literally knocked the air out of him. Before anyone knew it, Zephyrdol was launched like a bullet. He then flew across the room and his head was lodged on the wall.
"Dark Pit! Calm down!" Rias said.
This managed to snap him back in control. Everyone present was scared of the sudden display.
"Anyone that dares to provoke me in a manner like that will suffer the same fate. CAPICHE!?" He yelled, raising his aura.
Everyone was taken back by the immense aura. Every devil didn't bother daring to go near Dark Pit or oppose him. Asia lost her balance and fell behind a random male devil. The male in question appeared youthful and gentle. He was wearing an expensive tuxedo with a fur coat. His eyes were closed, forming a gentle expression.
"Are you ok?" He said calmly.
"Ah, yes." Asia said meekly.
Saji went to where Zephyrdol was and looked at the poor fellow.
"Damn... Powerful enough to make him stick on the wall..." He said in amazed fear.
Sairoarg came by and noticed the damage.
"Dark Pit did this much?" He asked.
"Yeah, with one haymaker he knocked the headlights out of that devil." Issei said.
"Might as well help him." Sairoarg said.
"You know Sairoarg, Issei?" Rias asked.
"We met him during our training regimen. He was observing our progress one time. We also know that he's your cousin." Issei said.
"I see, so you know about him. But what you don't know is this. He's ranked number one among the younger Devils." Rias said.
"All the more reason for us to have a friendly match." Issei said.
By then, Ravel noticed Dark Pit and Issei. She was wearing a pink dress with bird feather accessories.
"Geez, Dark Pit. You need to calm your anger down." Issei said.
"Sorry, but I don't like the feeling of this world." The dark angel said.
"Can you try to act a little normal for once, Blue Dragon Emperor?" Ravel said to him.
"I would be, if the devils didn't give us a reason to feel edgy." Dark Pit retorted.
Ravel then realized the high strung message from him and Issei. Both were weary ever since Riser plotted the kidnapping of their girlfriends.
"I guess the wounds have yet to heal." Ravel said.
"You shouldn't be near us." Issei said.
"I only came here to give the Red Dragon Emperor a gift..." Ravel said.
"Not an Evil Piece. I'm not interested in becoming a devil." Issei said.
"That's not what I mean! I meant this!" Ravel said, providing a small capsule.
Dark Pit had a look of the capsule. He sensed the essence of the Phenex inside.
"A Phenex tear? I guess you're not the same as Riser." Dark Pit said.
"Forgive me from my late brother. He was too cocky and wanted your girlfriends as his own harem collection. Serves him right for overestimating his abilities and causing harm to the innocent." Ravel said.
"You should feel more vengeful to us than forgiving for what we done to him…" Dark Pit said.
"I know, but you also made me realize that no devil, even if granted with immortality, can't avoid death." Ravel said.
"A lesson that had to be taught through a brutal method. It doesn't excuse the fact you should be with us. We were the ones who killed him. Don't you have any sympathy?" Dark Pit questioned.
"I'll admit I had such hate on you two. However, I had a look at his peerage, who appeared more energetic. I also heard them gossiping to each other about being free from his sexual assaults…" Ravel said quietly.
The boys were shocked and recalled what he did with Yubellina.
"Well, that explains why you show no sympathy for him. I guess that's your explanation on why." Issei said.
"Speaking of his peerage, are they doing okay?" Dark Pit asked.
"They're doing okay. Some of them are still scared of you two. However, Yubellina seems smitten with you, Blue Dragon Emperor." Ravel answered.
"Just call me Dark Pit. I'm not the true Blue Dragon Emperor. That title belongs to Tiamat." Dark Pit said.
"Same with me. Just call me Issei." Issei followed.
"Well then, Issei-sama and Dark Pit-sama. I wish you two the best of luck." Ravel said.
The boys had a confused expression on their faces.
"Ravel, we're not reincarnated devils. We're still the same. I'm human and Dark Pit's a black angel." Issei said.
Ravel was somewhat surprised to hear that.
"I didn't think about that... But now, the devils are planning to include any beings for the Rating Games. You two have been participating in the test during the battle with Riser." Ravel said.
"I never liked being a Guinea pig, but in this case, I'll let it slide. I was wondering whether the devils were the only faction to participate in Rating Games up till now. Good to know that." Dark Pit said.
Ravel smiled in response. By then, Dark Pit remembered a particular legend of Phoenixes.
'Now that I recall, there was a tale about a Phoenix that became a human. It gave its tears to the human, who accepted them. This also allowed the human to feel what the phoenix felt in response. Since that legend has been passed down, the granting of Phenex tears to someone else is essentially the same as a marriage contract...' He thought.
This made Dark Pit look at Ravel in surprise. She then noticed his shocked expression.
"Why are you looking at me with such a face like that?" Ravel asked.
The dark angel walked up to Ravel and went to her ears.
"You just confessed that you liked Issei, didn't you?" He whispered.
"H-how did you know!?" Ravel whispered back in question.
"I read about this practice regarding about the legendary phoenix. Since your family has similar abilities, it isn't much of a surprise." Dark Pit answered with a whisper.
Ravel blushed red, seeing how Dark Pit's acute awareness couldn't hide her actions. This made Issei look at Dark Pit in curiosity.
"What were you guys whispering about?" He asked.
"It's nothing serious. It's about the upcoming Rating Games." Ravel said, hiding her blush.
"Oh, well then. It gives us more of a reason to train ourselves. Isn't that right, Dark Pit?" Issei asked.
"We have been training with Tannin so we should ask him for extra training." The dark angel suggested.
Before the boys could head out, they noticed Kuroka and Koneko heading downstairs. They quickly caught up to them.
"Kuroka-chan, Koneko-chan... What are you two doing?" The boys asked.
"We felt someone near this place who can use senjutsu... It isn't you two, since the aura feels different." Kuroka answered.
"A different senjutsu aura... Can you take a guess from the tip of your tongue?" Dark Pit asked.
"It feels as though there's a monkey near..." Kuroka said.
Everyone paused, knowing who the aura belonged to.
"Seems like the flippant chimp, Bikou, is here. If he's here, then Vali might be here as well." The dark angel said.
"We have to stop them. Whatever they're planning, it doesn't sound good." Issei said.
"Agreed. Kuroka, I know you said to us that senjutsu is dangerous, but we have to use it to its full effect. Like it or not, a senjutsu user can overwhelm a dragon." Dark Pit said.
Kuroka and Koneko was surprised on what they heard.
"Be careful you two. The hatred of the world can be overwhelming if you let it control you." Kuroka warned.
The boys sat down on the floor and began to meditate, taking in the nature energy around them. Kuroka and Koneko can sense the nature energy around them. The malice of the world began to enshroud them, but the nekomata sisters saw something amazing happen. The negative influence was being purged from Dark Pit's body. When he opened his eyes, the shape of their appearance changed. The pupils had a slit appearance, similar to a cat's eyes. Issei initially struggled, but Dark Pit touched his shoulder. It caused the nature energy to purge. Issei then opened his eyes and displayed the same eyes.
"You two...! You boys have mastered senjutsu to the point of creating Sage Mode!" Kuroka said in shock.
"Sage Mode huh? How does this state work?" Dark Pit asked.
"Unlike simple utilization of senjutsu energy, you simply use this energy combined with your magic reserves to boost your attacks, speed, endurance, and durability." Kuroka explained.
"Really? I do feel the immense nature energy... It's as though it is a part of me." Dark Pit said.
"This form... It's just like how Naruto mastered senjutsu. The difference is, he learned it from toads." Issei said.
"It's kind of a dream among people who watch anime to experience this sensation. Makes you feel like you have Naruto's abilities." Dark Pit said.
"Not only that, I feel as though my sight has improved a great deal." Issei said.
"Not just sight. Even smell and hearing are enhanced. Because of this, we're pretty much cat sages." Dark Pit said.
Kuroka and Koneko looked at their respective boys. Dark Pit was at Kuroka's sight while Koneko was at Issei's sight.
"Um... Is there something wrong?" Dark Pit asked.
Kuroka had a blush on her face. She gripped Dark Pit on his shoulders and dragged him close.
"After we deal with the battle, I want you in bed with me." She said in a husky tone.
Koneko was breathing heavily and her face flushed. Her cat ears were completely exposed.
"Issei-sempai... I want to stay near you. It feels so warm when I'm close to this feeling." Koneko said.
Before the boys knew it, a pair of cat ears came out of their heads. This got them by surprise.
"Is this the result of the Sage Mode of cats?" Issei asked.
"I believe so. However, the effects are temporary so they'll disappear." Kuroka said.
"Good to know. Let's take the chance of using this form while it lasts." Dark Pit said.
The quartet dashed outside of the meeting. From a distance, Rias noticed and followed them.
'Why did those four suddenly leave? I don't know what their reason is, but judging by their need to rush, it seems serious' she thought.
######
Outside, the quartet raced at the forest. The nature energy they're sensing was close.
"The presence is around here. We're getting close." Dark Pit said.
"We noticed. Not to mention the smell." Kuroka said.
"Time to give that flippant monkey a taste of his own medicine." Issei said.
Eventually, they saw Bikou. He was sitting on a tree branch, holding a staff.
"Kakaka... It's about time to you guys caught my aura." He said.
"Bikou..." the quartet said with anger.
That's all from here.
Note 1: The cat sage mode is inspired off of the Naruto sage mode, but it's based on cats. If one would recall, both Issei and Dark Pit can use senjutsu.
Note 2: The reason why Dark Pit was able to purge the negative influence of the world will be explained next chapter.
Note 3: This will be difficult, but after the battle with Bikou, I'm planning to put the events of the light novel in conjunction with the anime.
Any questions, PM me.