Chapter 24 The Devil is in the Details
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
Welcome to Chapter 24 boys and girls. Last time Issei took on Katarea and using some unique tactics made Katarea angry enough to reveal that the mysterious leader of the Khaos Brigade was Ophis. Vali then stepped in because Issei was in way over his head and the two combined to defeat the Leviathan heir for good. After giving out some small reparations it was at last time for Issei to reveal one final secret.
Among the Four Devil Kings there were four very distinct personalities that made life interesting. Sirzechs Lucifer was stern and business-like, everything you'd expect from a leader, until you learned that he was a massive siscon. Ajuka Beelzebub was a technological genius and was the creator of the evil pieces which was the most important item in the Underworld, but he could get so caught up in his own projects that he'd ignore everything around him. Falbium Asmodeous was one of the laziest people ever but he did what had to be done. Finally, there was Serafall Leviathan a girl so bubbly and excited you'd forget that she could destroy whole cities with a snap of her fingers and possessed a cunning that matched her title as devil king. However, that very bubbly Serafall Leviathan was currently in her room at the Sitri family's household in the human world. The bubbly personality that normally could brighten any room was gone and replaced with a look of depression that nobody would ever believe. Serafall hadn't left her room in days except to get food and check on the reports that her servant Behemoth brought her. In fact she was currently just wearing a white and pink stripped bra and panty set that hugged her impressive breasts. "What do I do? If what Issei told us is true we have a major problem" Serafall muttered almost in disbelief. It's been 3 days since the conference and Issei's massive revelation.
(Flashback)
"So Issei what's this information you have to tell us?" Sirzechs said in a very serious tone. After all he was addressing three major leaders with this mysterious information. If this was nonsense it would be very problematic.
This was it for Issei and he knew that he had to reveal this, "As you are aware Lord Lucifer and Lady Leviathan, Asia Argento is the former Holy Maiden who was kicked out of the church for healing a devil. What you aren't aware of, is that she was the latest victim in a nefarious scheme." Issei said calmly though each person in the room was shocked.
Michael frowned because it was something he didn't want to bring up, "I believe it's my turn to talk Red Dragon. You want me to explain the rest do you not?" Michael wondered.
"That would be best." Issei replied.
"What is he talking about Michael" Sirzechs said with a slight hint of concern. Issei Hyoudou always seemed to know a dark secret or two and this latest one appeared to be another doozy.
"Over the past 3 years, various Holy Maidens around the world have been excommunicated for different incidents. If it was just one that wouldn't have been a problem, but." Michael stopped because Sirzechs interrupted.
"You discovered a pattern didn't you" Sirzechs said unhappily. He knew that this spelled trouble and the kind that couldn't be dealt with easily.
"Yes we did, although it was after five incidents that we realized the connection. We discovered that each person in question had three things in common; the first is that each of the maidens was very young; the second was that each of them vanished soon after they were excommunicated; the third was that each of the incidents involved the same Devil."
"You're not suggesting that?" Sirzechs asked nervously.
"That's right, a devil intentionally set the girls up to be excommunicated. For what reason I don't know but what I do know is that a single devil was behind all the incidents." Michael said sternly.
"That's very disturbing information." Sirzechs said as he held back his anger. Sirzechs was almost positive that the maidens were now devils. However, everybody was allowed to choose their own method of obtaining their peerage so they couldn't punish the person in question, at least before this peace conference. Now a person like this could be a real threat if they weren't careful.
"Wait a minute Issei, does that mean that what you want to tell us is related to Asia coming to Kuoh and that Kokabiel was the one who told you" Serafall asked nervously having come to the same conclusion that Sirzechs did. It explained why only the 3 people there could hear the statement. Azazel would have no doubt learned the truth and if Rias found out what happened she would go crazy.
"Yes it does. Before he was taken away by Azazel, Kokabiel told me that, 'The devil that asked him to bring Asia to Kuoh is one of the six.' I don't know what that means but I figured that if it involved devils you two would know. Plus I needed Michael to fill in some of the details I didn't know" Issei revealed. Based on the reactions of the two devil kings, they had a fairly good idea of who Kokabiel was referring to. Sirzechs was absolutely furious and Serafall was absolutely shocked.
"I take it you know who it is?" Michael asked hopefully.
"Lord Michael, because Kokabiel is our enemy we have to be very careful with the information he gave us. That being said, we have a fairly good idea of who the person in question is. We will monitor him accordingly and should we find more proof of his activities we will stop him." Sirzechs said in a diplomatic voice. He was well aware of who it was and he had to tread carefully.
"Thank you very much Sirzechs. I understand that if not for this new peace even you couldn't stop the person from doing as they please. However, since we now have peace a person like this must be dealt with" Michael replied. Whoever the person was, they wouldn't be able to do anything moving forward and Michael was happy for that.
After that was over Issei brought everyone in and asked Michael if he could allow Xenovia and Asia to pray. The girls confirmed that they were still believers and Michael promised to support them. Serafall was glad that Issei had shown such kindness to the girls. However, the information he told the three leaders was incredibly damning.
(Flashback end)
'Issei, I really hope Kokabiel lied to you otherwise we could have a serious problem on our hands' Serafall thought to herself. 'The Six' was a nickname that high class devils used for a group of 6 very young high class devils that had all come into their own at the same time. The first two were Rias and Sona. The others were Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, Sairoarg Bael, Diodora Astaroth, and Seekvaira Agares. There was no chance it was Sairoarg because his unique circumstances meant he wouldn't do something like that and since Asia remembered healing a male Seekvaira was out. It could've been Zephyrdor, but the Glasya-Labolas liked beasts so he was out. That left Diodora Astaroth and something always bothered the Leviathan about the young man. The real problem was that if it was Diodora that meant that Ajuka's brother was working for the Khaos Brigade and that was a major blow. Serafall and Sirzechs were both furious at the idea that a Maou's sibling would work for an enemy.
The sound of her doorbell brought Serafall from her malaise and she made her way downstairs to welcome her guest. Unfortunately, for the Leviathan she forgot that she was wearing only her underwear so when she opened the door Issei got quite the eyeful.
"I'd ask how you're doing, but if you're answering the door in your underwear I'd say the answer is obvious" Issei said with a smirk as he walked into the house and closed the door.
"Huh!" Serafall replied absentmindedly till she realized what Issei was talking about. Blushing heavily the Leviathan ran up to her room to change clothes.
"Uhh did we come at a bad time" Ddraig wondered.
"I guess so. Serafall was never this absentminded. Not that I didn't enjoy the view" Issei smirked. He heard the shower go on and knew that the Leviathan definitely hadn't seen him coming.
"Partner you never cease to amaze me in how relaxed you are" Ddraig replied dryly.
"Thanks" Issei said with a smirk of his own. About twenty minutes later Serafall came back down having changed into a pink tank top and black shorts.
"So what are you doing here? I didn't think we were supposed to meet today and it's pretty late." Serafall wondered.
"We weren't. Your sister was worried about you. Apparently you haven't left your room in 3 days and she was wondering what happened. So I decided to stop by to check on you, so she would calm down." Issei said with his trademark smile.
Serafall groaned at Issei's explanation but figured that he was worried also. "Well yea, what you said was a big deal. It took everything I had not to lose my mind and Sirzechs wasn't far behind." Serafall pouted.
"I can't blame you. Learning that the younger brother of one of the devil Kings is a traitor is a big problem." Issei replied nonchalantly.
"Sona told you about the six didn't she?" Serafall groaned realizing that Issei was well aware of what happened. Issei was very good at what he did and when he needed information, he generally got it.
"Yep. The question is what are you gonna do about it? You and I both know that Diodora will attempt to get Asia again. After all he's tried twice to get Asia and people like him generally escalate if they keep failing"
"Thanks to the recent peace, Sirzechs has been in meetings with the Elders and the other high class devils. I haven't joined him because I didn't want to face Ajuka, Diodora's brother"
"Yea I can only imagine how difficult that must be. Sona told me you guys all fought together during the war and if Diodora was a traitor it would mean that your old friend would have serious problems." Issei groaned. Having kept his own share of secrets it's rather difficult to talk to people about them and since Sirzechs was already under pressure from what happened with Riser this wouldn't help.
"Well I need to get back to the Underworld and join the meetings. Sirzechs and I will figure out a way to deal with Diodora" Serafall said reluctantly. Kokabiel wouldn't lie about something like that and now it was time to deal with the problem at hand.
"Sounds good to me" Issei said with a smile. Things were just getting interesting at Issei loved it.
(Scene Skip)
"Everybody we're going to the Underworld" Rias said on the last day of class before summer break. With the chaos of the peace conference over it was time for a much needed break.
"Wait a minute what's going on" Irina said nervously not expecting that.
"Don't worry Irina we haven't done anything wrong. Rias is taking us back to her house for summer break. Makes sense since so much has happened this year" Issei said happily. Sona told him the same thing the night before.
"Issei's right. My family wants to meet everyone since things have become really crazy and that includes you Irina" Rias said happily.
"So Issei are you going to spend the time with us or Sona. You know because of your unique relationship" Akeno teased causing Rias and Irina to growl. Issei and Sona's relationship had always been a sore spot for Rias and even though she'd been with him more recently, it was because of gasper that she was even getting that chance. Irina wasn't happy because it was a constant reminder that her childhood friend would never truly be hers.
"She's right. I'm sure Sona's family would love to meet you also" Xenovia replied nonchalantly. Xenovia of course ignored the fact that Issei was sleeping with her, Rias, Sona, Irina and Murayama all at the same time.
"I'll probably spend most of the time at Rias's house and go over to Sona's for dinner on one of the days. It's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned. Sona knows that our relationship isn't conventional and I'm sure she'll figure out something" Issei said nonchalantly. Admittedly Sona hadn't discussed any specific plans with him but he figured that it would all take care of itself.
"Ufuffu, such a naughty dragon." Akeno said with a seductive look on her face.
"Akeno focus" Rias yelled trying to get everybody back on track. "We're going to my house in the underworld to relax and train. Plus there's a special event that's being setup and I want all of you to accompany me."
"A special event" Issei said warily. After he left Serafall he started running his own scenarios on how to deal with Diodora and if Issei was right, Sirzechs was about to attempt one of them.
"Partner I have a bad feeling about this" Ddraig said nervously having figured out the same thing.
"That's right. They're holding a gathering of all the young devils." Rias said with a smile.
"I can't believe he actually did that" Ddraig replied in disbelief.
'Sirzechs are you OUT OF YOUR MIND!' Issei thought angrily. This was recklessness of the highest order and Issei knew it. He was so angry that he lost track of his killing intent and it flooded the room.
"Calm down Issei. Your killing intent is leaking" Irina said softly as she reached over to hug her childhood friend. She could handle Issei's killing intent a little bit but he was pushing it to dangerous levels.
Irina's embrace served its purpose and the killing intent subsided "Sorry about that everyone. I remembered something that made me angry and it caught me off guard" Issei said bashfully as he calmed himself down.
"So care to tell us what's wrong" Rias said nervously. Issei was rarely angry and he was downright furious based on his killing intent.
"I'm just fine. I think I'll head home early and see you girls later." Issei said calmly as he teleported away leaving the rest of the group to wonder just what made Issei lose his composure.
(Scene Skip)
"Partner calm down" Ddraig yelled out. Issei was taking out his frustrations on the punching bag in the gym at his home and had been doing so for an hour since rias revealed that the Youth Devil Meeting was being scheduled.
"I am calm Ddraig" Issei replied as he continued to attack the bag with all the anger in the world.
"Clearly you're not" Irina deadpanned as she stood at the door to the gym with a frown on her face.
"What do you want Irina" Issei growled towards his childhood friend.
"Issei this is about as angry as I've ever seen you. Please tell me what's on your mind" Irina pleaded as she came towards Issei. His composure was usually ironclad but something clearly annoyed him.
"I'm just as angry about what Rias told us. The idea that they're having a Youth Devils meeting is reckless." Issei explained.
"You mean because it's obvious that one of the devils at that meeting is the one who went after Asia." Irina replied. Issei looked almost shocked that she found out. "I called Sona when you left so quickly. I figured she'd have an idea of why you were so angry. Turns out she was right" Irina said with a smirk.
"It must've hurt your pride big time to call Sona." Issei replied cheekily. Irina was the one who seemed most annoyed by issei's harem situation and he fact she called Sona must mean she's worried.
"Well hey Sona is number one but I'm the obvious number two. That's enough for me at this point" Irina said with a smile. Though she was internally furious.
"If you don't mind I'm gonna finish my workout and I'll talk to you later" Issei said with his trademark smile.
"Okay then" Irina replied before walking over to her childhood friend and kissing Issei on the lips and leaving. The old Issei was back and she liked him much better that way.
(Scene Skip)
The next day Issei went over to Azazel's to hang out and relax. All things considered he felt like talking to him would calm him down. "So you guys are headed to the underworld for summer vacation and to visit Rias's family." Azazel grinned as they fought in smash brothers yet again.
"Yep but the problem is Sirzechs and his infinite wisdom is planning a meeting with all the Youth Devils." Issei groaned both from the memory of the meeting and the fact that he lost their latest match.
"Oh come on I don't see the problem. They clearly know which one they're looking for and they have a plan to draw him out." Azazel said happily.
"That is the problem. There's only one reason that Sirzechs would go through all of this if he knew which devil he was after." Issei said calmly.
Azazel paused for a moment before realizing something, "Now I get it kid, you're mad because"
"Yea, Sirzechs is probably going to announce a rating game tournament amongst the youth devils. Doing so would give the person we're after an opening to take Asia for himself. Knowing Sirzechs, he'll probably set us up in the second match knowing that he'll betray them." Issei replied.
"Why the second match. That seems pretty early to have what will surely be a major problem" Azazel wondered.
"Because if he does it in the first, then the person he's after will be suspicious. If you do it in the second match the person will drop their guard and at the same time give him time to prepare a proper counterattack" Issei groaned. It was an obvious trap and he didn't like being used as bait.
"You're far too smart for your own good. That analysis makes perfect sense" Azazel smirked as Issei's explanation made.
"Hey, blame Sona for that. She has no idea what a monster she created when we started sleeping together." Issei shrugged.
"I'm pretty sure she does and that's why she lets those other girls share you. You have the stamina of both a devil and a dragon. One girl cannot contain all of that" Azazel replied cheekily. They were interrupted when a magic circle appeared in the room, it appeared to be the one that Arthur used but instead of the knight, it was a young girl with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes wearing a magician's outfit.
"Umm excuse me Lord Azazel I just came to confirm that preparations are done for the trip to the underworld" the girl asked nervously.
"Yes that's right Le Fay. My preparations are finished and I'm guessing everyone else's are also."
"That's right" Le Fay replied.
"So Azazel whose the kid" Issei wondered.
"Ahh Issei. This is Le Fay Pendragon, she's Arthur's younger sister. Le Fay this is Issei Hyoudou the Red Dragon Emperor."
"Nice to meet you kid" Issei replied calmly.
"It's an honor Red Dragon. However I must be going" Le Fay said innocently before leaving.
Once Le Fay was gone Issei turned to Azazel and smirked, "I figured that you'd be going to the Underworld but to bring Vali with you. That's a risky move" Issei said smiling.
"It's perfectly fine. Plus Vali is a devil so that means he'll be right at home" Azazel smirked.
"What are you really planning Azazel" Issei asked angrily.
"What do you mean what am I planning" Azazel said with a smile.
"Azazel I know you very well thanks to all of our time together. That being said I guess I shouldn't worry too much. You and Vali trust each other instinctively otherwise I would've been concerned about him betraying you."
"To be honest I was afraid Vali would betray me too" Azazel said smiling.
"You can thank my rival for that? Having a strong rival makes it easier to stay on the good side" Vali said with a smirk as he arrived in the room.
"I wondered how long until you'd join us. Do you want to play another round of smash brothers" Issei suggested.
"I would but Azazel forbid me from playing games for a month remember" Vali retorted.
"Damn that's right. What a shame" Issei replied.
"No kidding, it's kinda strange that I'm so attached to this damn game." Vali mused. When Azazel first introduced him to video games, Vali was skeptical. Now he couldn't go a day without playing something.
"Frankly it's perfect for Vali. You get to take out your anger on opponents that you know will be no match for you. It makes things easier" Ddraig admitted.
"Yea I guess. So should we get going? I doubt we'll be able to enjoy these calm moments for very long." Issei replied. Whatever Azazel was planning, Issei was fairly sure that he would be ready.
(Scene Skip)
When Issei finally arrived in his room it was extremely late at night. Waiting for him, in black lace lingerie were Xenovia and Irina although both girls were fast asleep. Issei simply got into the bed and fell asleep knowing that he had a long day ahead of him the next day.
(Scene Skip)
The next morning was pretty chaotic for Issei. He woke up to Xenovia and Irina playing with his morning wood and the threesome that followed was enjoyable to say the least. Then he was reminded that he wouldn't see Murayama for the rest of the summer so he called her up for an early morning quickie at the school since nobody was going to be there. The harem king was exhausted and then he remembered that he didn't pack because of all the erotic fun and he rushed home to pack. Needless to say when it was time to leave Issei was exhausted.
"So everybody are you ready to go to the Underworld" Rias said happily. She was glad to be going home and with the craziness of the last few months she could use the time to relax. She had no idea that her problems were just beginning.
That's it for Chapter 24 and yea this one was just a classic preparation chapter for the next arc. Get ready boys because next chapter Issei and gang arrive at Rias's house in the underworld and Issei meets up with one of the dragon kings for some special training.
