Chapter 36
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 36. A showdown with a pair of leviathans was the highlight of last chapter. First Issei took down Katarea Leviathan by showing off a new Balance Breaker with Tiamat's power. After the dust had settled, Issei then fought Serafall Leviathan, though that fight was in a bedroom. Drama with his childhood friend and master made the upcoming trip to the underworld far more interesting.
"Vali, is Issei alright?" Rias asked concerned. Rias and Vali along with their peerages were on their way to the underworld in Rias's family train. The plan was for the group to arrive a few days in advanced and have a little bit of time to calm down before the Youth Devils meeting. Of course Issei was clearly bothered by something and it showed.
"I'm not sure." Vali said calmly. She was just as concerned, and looking at the Red Dragon, it was clear something was bothering him. Not to mention he hadn't been at the rooftop for his usual flings and he hadn't hooked up with any of the girls lately.
"I'd be more concerned about what happens once the dinner starts. Your queen has a bad habit of going off on his own." Ravel scoffed.
"Sadly, Ravel, you're right." Vali groaned. Remembering that Issei was sleeping with Serafall brought a headache to the White Dragon's face. Along with the question of how he would deal with Seekvaira, the fourth female in the rookie group.
The person in question was sitting on a couch in the train thinking about everything that happened over the last week. True, Issei was a playboy, and he was more powerful than ever. Unfortunately he was also nervous about the upcoming meeting.
"A pussy for your thoughts?" Murayama said walking over to Issei before kissing him softly on the lips. Usually Issei was far more into the kisses, but this time he just seemed to go through the motions. Ending the kiss she looked at a completely calm Issei, something she didn't like.
"I believe the phrase is 'a penny for your thoughts', but I'll accept this." Issei said smiling.
"Geez, what's wrong with you, Issei? Ever since the end of the battle at the Three Factions meeting, you've been off." Murayama said concerned as she sat down.
"I'm worried about the way that things played out. A group like the Khaos brigade shouldn't be able to hide and have the resources they did without anybody noticing." Issei said calmly.
"True, but Azazel noticed something and didn't say anything." Murayama quipped.
"That's because he couldn't." Vali said arriving over presumably to keep things wholesome.
"What do you mean?" Murayama asked in confusion. Murayama wasn't as vested in politics as Vali, so this seemed like an odd choice.
"Let's say Azazel guessed something was wrong. If he acts against Kokabiel, he risks angering the other fallen angels. He had to wait until Kokabiel actually did something. One of the pitfalls of being a leader.' Vali added.
"Exactly, plus he couldn't walk up to Rias and say what's happening because her rash personality would've never allowed it. I mean seriously, look at the fact that she allowed Raynare and group to act. Having peace is easy, but keeping the balance is impossible." Issei quipped despite protests from Rias.
"I see. That doesn't explain why you're so nervous. You figured out most of that from the way you were acting." Murayama said calmly.
"It's because of Irina, isn't it?" Xenovia said having walked into the room at some point.
"Hmm! What do you mean?" Vali wondered. She was very suspicious of what the two discussed afterwards.
"Don't worry about it, Vali. Right now let's just relax." Issei said leaving to go to the bar.
"Hmm, was it something I said?" Xenovia wondered.
"Xenovia, what happened between Issei and Irina?"
"Nothing, I'm sorry I brought it up." Xenovia backtracked realizing that she had hit a mark in some regards. Sure she wasn't the sharpest bulb, but even she could tell Issei was in a tight spot. Xenovia walked away leaving Vali and Murayama still confused.
The rest of the trip went by and the girls left Issei to himself. They figured that he would be fine if he relaxed. Plus there was far more pressing matters to deal with. The Youth Devils meeting was a headache for Rias because of the usual antics, but Vali's own issues made it far more interesting. After all, her being the daughter of the Morningstar was already a headache, but now she has the Red Dragon Emperor as her queen, something that she knew was making the rounds. Plus there was still the matter of what Issei discovered about Asia. This meeting was about to get ugly and Rias and Vali knew it.
(Scene Skip)
"Not bad." Issei said happily as they arrived in Gremory castle in a carriage. Issei had mostly ignored the fanfare through the city and when they arrived at Rias's house he was impressed by the Gremory Princess' opulent mansion. It was a Western style castle and he certainly approved.
"Thanks, Issei. I'll have to give you the tour later." Rias said seductively.
"Sorry Rias, you can't have sex with Issei during the trip. None of us can." Vali said angrily. How much of it was anger at her friend or anger at the truth of the situation. Normally the girls would be all over Issei, but considering the nature of the Youth Devil meeting they wanted to ensure that no drama occurred. Plus there was the little matter of her mate mark. The mark normally wasn't an issue because Kuoh Academy had long sleeve shirts and she could hide it. Unfortunately for Vali, she'd be forced to wear a dress and the mark would be easily visible since it was on her neck. Since the rest of the peerage was wearing uniforms theirs were naturally hidden, but for Vali that problem definitely existed.
"Fine." Rias acknowledged; though inside she was planning a way to jump Issei's bones regardless. Vali had her own issues to deal with, but she was still horny for Issei.
As they left the carriage and walked up to the house, the large doors opened to reveal a woman who looked like an older version of Rias, but with brown hair. Issei was impressed, but it took him mere seconds to figure out this was Rias's mother.
"Hello Lady Venelana, how are you?" Vali said calmly. Turning to Issei and her other new members she spoke once more. "This is Venelana Gremory, Rias's mother, and yes I know, she looks like Rias." Vali groaned.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I must admit, Vali, since last we spoke, you've gained some interesting peerage members." Venelana said calmly.
"Yes, I know. I'm forever grateful for you and your husband for taking me in after all that happened." Vali said calmly.
Issei looked intrigued at that news, but decided if Vali wanted to talk about it, she would. After all this was a critical week for Vali, and he had to focus on her as much as he could.
"Hey Aunty, is everything okay?" A young boy with red hair and wearing what looked like a school uniform said calmly.
'Hmm Aunty… wait a minute!' Issei thought looking at the young boy. The Red hair was a dead giveaway it was Sirzech's kid, but who was the mother? A quick check of his aura answered that. "HAHAHAHAHA! Oh that's rich." Issei chuckled out loud; unfortunately everyone else stared at him for his outburst.
"So wanna tell me what's so funny looking at this little kid, Issei?" Vali growled.
"I'm sorry, but I never guessed that Sirzech's and Grayfia had a kid." Issei said calmly causing those not privy to the secret to sit in shock.
"Damn, I forgot how smart you are." Rias groaned. "Anyway, this is my cousin, Millicas Gremory. As Issei said, he's my brother and Grayfia's child."
"Hmm, this one's interesting. I suspect the others are fine, but you seem to need some manners training of your own, Red Dragon Emperor." Venelana said sternly.
"No need. Once we have dinner I'll prove that my own training is just fine." Issei said smirking. It seemed like something was about to happen so Rias intervened.
"Okay let's just get settled in. There are plenty of guest rooms for everybody so each person can have their own room."
"Except for Issei, who's gonna room with Bikou." Vali insisted. The subtle groans of both her peerage and a few of Rias's members made it clear this was not a popular decision. It was Vali's way of keeping everybody honest.
"Uhh, can I share a room with somebody? I'm not used to having so much space." Asia said nervously.
"Me too." Xenovia nodded.
"Umm, can I room with big brother?" Le Fay asked nervously.
"That's fine, Le Fay. As for Xenovia and Asia, you two can room together." Rias said happily. As everybody got moved in Issei was certainly aware that Vali's action was to prevent this vacation from being yet another orgy.
"So what's up with you and the boss?" Bikou said as he and Issei got unpacked.
"Hmm, you mean about her forcing us to room together? Please, that's just Vali's way of preventing an orgy." Issei smirked.
"Yeah, I know. If you want, I can go somewhere else. I'm not comfortable with all this opulence." Bikou said looking around at the lavish room.
"No, it's better this way. Vali's got a huge problem on her hands." Issei said smirking.
"Which one? Her best friend keeps trying to seduce her queen; She can't hide that mark of hers in the dress she'll no doubt be forced to wear; or that she'll be in a room of devils who are aware of her being the granddaughter of a super-devil, but left her house and went to live with the fallen angel leader for years before finally returning as a ward of the Devil King? It's a political nightmare." Bikou said amused.
"How'd you know about all that?" Issei smirked. Bikou always fascinated Issei and he was proving why.
"You think you're the only clever one among us? I can read people as well as you can. I just choose to stay quiet because it's more fun to see how things work themselves out." Bikou said happily.
"Works for me. So if we're keeping things secret, when did you and Kuroka start sleeping together?" Issei said happily.
"Hah! So that's why you didn't go after her. I gotta admit I was waiting for you to do that." Bikou smirked.
"Nope, I never had any intention on doing it. I figured keeping one member off limits was fine." Issei said smiling. The truth was he could tell Kuroka and Bikou were a thing and didn't want to mess with that.
"Anyway, it started way back when we were on the run. It didn't happen very often, mostly during her mating seasons. Even now we rarely do it." Bikou said smirking.
"Yep, but let's get unpacked. Things are going to be a headache this week."
"Yeah, I know. By the way, you can get Le Fay to find out the name of the devil you're after. I'm sure you know that." Bikou said calmly.
"Sure, but I can't think of a way to do it discreetly." Issei said calmly.
"Leave that to me. We've been a group for months. Secret signals are my specialty." Bikou said smirking.
"Very well. Oh, and if you want to go see Kuroka, go ahead. I won't say anything if you don't." Issei smirked.
"Thanks dude. Oh, and I'll give you a fair warning. If you want Le Fay to do the favor you're after, you'll have to give her what she wants." Bikou teased as he left the room.
"I'm aware." Issei groaned as he made his way towards Le Fay and Arthur's room.
(Scene Skip)
"Ah, that was amazing, Issei-sama." Le Fay said as she lay naked in Issei's bed, a fresh mate mark on her neck. Much as he expected, Le Fay agreed to find out the identity of the devil that set Asia up. Interestingly enough, it was Arthur who suggested an alternate plan. If Issei marked Le Fay properly, he could do it himself, and since he and Asia trained together, Vali wouldn't be suspicious. Issei naturally agreed since he knew about Le Fay's affections and his respect for Arthur was the only thing holding him back.
"Yes it was. I'm surprised it was Arthur who offered up that suggestion." Issei admitted.
"My brother likes you a lot. Especially after the way you handled the situation with Faust. He knew about my affection toward you and he wanted me to be happy." Le Fay said as she snuggled next to Issei.
"Got it. Well it's time to rest. I can find out what I need to know soon enough. Though I imagine Vali isn't happy right now." Issei said calmly.
"She's sharing you with most of her peerage and her two best friends. I don't think she has any room to complain." Le Fay retorted.
"True, I'll let you stay here tonight, Le Fay, but tomorrow you're in your room." Issei said smirking.
(Scene change)
"What the hell are you after, Issei?" Vali said confronting him after breakfast.
"What are you talking about, Vali?" Issei said irritably.
"You've always talked about how you wouldn't go after Le Fay because you respected Arthur. Now I find out she's got a mark too!" Vali growled.
"Don't worry about it, Vali. We agreed I'd choose my mates; let's just say I have my reasons." Issei added.
"Issei, tell me what's going on." Vali pleaded in pain. She had many worries about her relationship with her queen and with yet another member of her peerage being added, she wondered if she was enough.
Issei looked at his master's pained expression and even he couldn't stay angry. "Fine, I'll tell you." Issei said before explaining the plan he worked out.
"I see." Vali responded although right then something occurred to her. "Wait Issei, couldn't you have just asked Yuuma? She was with Kokehead, and Kalawarner and Mittelt were spies. Surely one of them met the devil Kokabiel was with?"
"Unfortunately, Vali, she doesn't know either. I would've rather avoided marking Le Fay, but in the end I had no choice." Issei explained.
"Well on the bright side it should help with your magic. We wouldn't want any more Alana's showing up." Vali teased
"Yea yea, now get going. I know that you have a lot on your mind." Issei stated dryly before the two went their separate ways.
(Scene Skip)
At last the day of the party had arrived. Rias and Vali were going to the party together and the group had gathered together. Having used the Orb of Memories on Asia a few days ago, Issei now had the face of the devil that Asia saved. At the moment, Issei was currently getting dressed and he had to admit he wondered what the girls would wear.
"Just remember, Partner, once you find the person you're looking for, you must remain calm. You can't act now, but you will get your chance soon enough." Ddraig warned.
"Yeah, I got it. By the way, how do you think they'll react to these clothes?" Issei chuckled in amusement. Since he was Vali's queen, he had to wear something more befitting of a second in command, so he went shopping in secret. He had to admit he was looking forward to showing off his new attire as he walked down to join the group. He was wearing a dark red shirt with black pants along with a pair of dark red combat boots, but the real surprise was the black and red mantle and cape that he wore. He had to admit he was inspired by what he saw Sirzechs wear, so he found something similar for himself.
"They'll like them, I'm sure."
When he went downstairs he was surprised to find that most of the group was there. Although Vali, Akeno, and Rias hadn't come out yet.
"Not bad, Issei." Murayama said happily with the other girls nodding their approval. Everybody was in the Kuoh Academy uniform and all that was left was to wait for Rias, Akeno, and Vali.
"Girls, you can come out now." Kiryuu said smirking. Almost on cue Rias, Akeno, and Vali walked out. Rias was in a dark red evening gown that emphasized her massive bust and Issei had to admit he was impressed. Her long red hair was tied up in a ponytail. Akeno was in a black kimono and her hair was also in a ponytail. Finally Vali was in a silver backless gown cut right in the middle so her breasts were out too. Unlike the others, Vali's hair was kept straight, and it made for quite the sight. Interestingly enough, Rias and Vali's dresses revealed their marks, which was something the girls weren't happy about.
"Not bad, ladies." Issei nodded approvingly. "Though you know the mark doesn't have to be visible all the time. If you concentrate your magic, you can hide it." Issei chuckled.
"Damn it, Issei! Why didn't you say that earlier?" Vali cursed before focusing her energy to hide her mark. Rias did the same while chuckling at her old friend's plight.
"I figured Albion mentioned it." Issei shrugged.
"Anyway Issei, who looks the best between the three of us?" Rias asked teasingly. The truth is the three girls made a bet that whoever Issei said looked the best would sleep with Issei after the party was over.
"It's a tie. I can't choose between you girls." Issei said cleverly. Rias had a habit of going with bets so he figured that she was looking for a decisive answer. Granted, he could've just chosen Vali, but that was boring.
"Ughh!" Everybody groaned except for Bikou.
"Hah! I knew he'd do that." Bikou chuckled.
"So there was a bet huh?" Issei said deviously.
"Yep. Now let's get this party over with." Vali groaned as the group made their way towards the vehicles that would transport them to the party.
That's it for Chapter 36. Yeah, I skipped around a lot of the Gremory family nonsense. This was another up and down chapter and there's far more to come. Next chapter the big dinner arrives and there's tons of tension, and when the opponents are revealed, things immediately get fun.
Vali's peerage
Queen- Issei
Bishop 1- Asia
Bishop 2- Ravel
Knight 1- Katase
Knight 2- Murayama
Rook 1- Kuroka
Rook 2- Bikou
Pawns:
Raynare 2, Arthur 1, Le Fay 1, Kalawarner 2, Mittelt 2
Harem for Issei: Vali, Katase, Murayama, Irina, Xenovia, Kiryuu, Asia, Ravel, Raynare, Mittelt, Kalawarner
Issei's fuck buddies: Rias, Akeno, Kiyome Abe, and Serafall