Chapter 36: Error in the scale mail? Yasaka the shrine fox maiden.
Hey guys :D fun fact, I had a dream last night that I was Issei lol, but I saw Rias with the new graphics from the next season lol. I'm ready to start the next chapter . Due to circumstances and failure to meet certain days in the week, I have decided to make no promises for a certain day to expect the next chapter. But I promise you this, I will always try to get a new chapter to you every week. Whether it be Monday, Thursday or even a Sunday. I will deliver one to you without fail.
After an extreme struggle to recover the legendary dragon Tiamat's lost treasure, Issei fought to the bitter end in his battle with Rias' cousin Sairaorg. The battle seemed to be over, but then as if Draig himself jumped into save his partner, Issei awakened a new form and an ability labelled by the chaos karma dragon, Crimson dragon god overdrive! Issei's hair changed to a ruby red and spiked upwards, his reflexes sharpened and his power increased exponentially.
With this intense struggle finally over, Issei and the gang have taken a trip to Kyoto. Issei, Rias, Akeno, Asia, Xenovia, Kiba, Koneko, Gasper, Rossweisse and Sirzechs with the twins, travelled to Kyoto for a quick getaway.
The Gremories enjoyed themselves to their hearts content. Between playing cards and watching a movie back at the hotel, followed by sight-seeing and eating from fine restaurants.
It was no surprise that night after they all played so much and had no battles to the death, that all of the tuckered out devil's fell to sleep quite quickly. All except one devil king, who as per usual, couldn't rest because their mind continued to wander.
"Can't sleep again partner?" Draig asked noticing Issei's alertness.
"Hey, Draig. Do you know how I can find great red?" Issei asked making Draig pause for a second.
"I wish I could tell you partner, but the dragon of dragons is within the dimensional gap. It's no easy feat to get into the gap let alone find great red inside of there. Is this about your scale mail armour?" Draig replied making Issei look deeply at his boosted gear.
"Yeah, even if it was just a bad day, or if it was because of Tiamat's curse, I have to make my armour stronger. If that trial taught me anything, it's that I can't always rely on the same power and hope the same thing won't happen again. This is the only power I have, and if I overestimate it's durability, lives would be at stake. I can't allow that to happen. So I will find great red and protect those I love." Issei said feeling determined to see it through.
The Sekiryutei felt the time to sleep had passed by. His blood burning with passion, his mind transfixed on the goal ahead. Sleeping wasn't the priority at this time. All Issei wanted to do, was get some air. And as if his mind had been read completely, a not so surprising volunteer had appeared.
"Hey Rias, what's wrong? Can't sleep?" Issei asked as the crimson queen wrapped her arms around him.
"I've been in this hotel for so long now, I just want to go out and see the stars! Get some air you know?" Rias said cuddling him gently.
Rias and Issei left the hotel room quietly trying their best not to wake any who would be easily stirred.
The purple eyes of the Gremories second queen piece fluttered open. Closing again the second the happy husband and wife left the room.
"He's all yours for now Rias. But it will be my time tomorrow." Akeno said with a cheeky grin before falling back to sleep.
Night time had finally fell upon the town of Kyoto, the glistening moonlight reflected from above, illuminating the streets and those who walked down them. A cooling breeze circled through the air bringing forth a refreshing and almost therapeutic feeling for the body.
"This a good opportunity, I fancied getting some air myself. Should we let the others know where we are going?" Issei asked feeling it best not to leave without a word.
"It's okay, we won't be going far. And the twins are fast asleep. We all played to the max today. So nobody would think badly of us for just stepping outside for a bit." Rias said in a reassuring tone.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to give them some space. But I don't like leaving our little miracles for too long. Ever since I spent so much time away from home, I've felt they may forget who I am." Issei said feeling the guilt begin to resurface.
Rias pulled Issei into her chest stroking the back of his hair.
"They could never forget how brave and amazing their daddy is. They may only be little now, but I know that they know how strong and incredible their dad truly is." Rias said holding him in the same way she always chose to in order to cheer him up.
"I guess you're right. Remember how happy they both looked when we took them to the arcade and they pointed like crazy at the stuffed animals in the crane machine?" Issei said with a smile.
"I still can't believe you managed to win both of the animals that they wanted! I thought for sure it would have ended in some sort of situation where you accidentally put too much force into the switch and accidentally broke it." Rias said laughing at the thought of such a dire situation.
"Hey, when you've experienced fighting against gods, a little Japanese arcade game is no match for the might of the Sekiryutei! So our children can sleep happily with their rabbit and their puppy." Issei said making Rias giggle.
"Although big brother wasn't happy when they were no longer interested in the ginormous teddy bear he brought especially for the trip." Rias said followed by another giggle session.
"I don't know…. He seemed happy to use it himself judging by how comfortable he looked relaxed in its arms." Issei said remembering Sirzechs head cradled in the bears paws.
"Geez it's hard to believe he's a maou sometimes." Rias said remembering the image herself.
"Now, now don't say that. After all, if it wasn't for Sirzechs, we would never have met and I'm pretty sure I would be dead." Issei said making Rias suddenly hug him tight.
"You're right. I don't even want to imagine what my life would be like if my brother had not have saved you. I would be.." Rias said her sadness interrupted by Issei who kissed her on the lips.
"That sort of worrying is no longer necessary. I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Issei said making Rias calm down.
"You best not be." Rias mumbled pressing into his chest.
After giving Rias a few minutes to regain herself, Issei observed his surroundings.
"Should we head back?" Issei asked feeling better to have gotten some air and to have relaxed for at least a bit.
"Not yet, there is one more place I want to visit. Just the two of us, if that's okay?" Rias asked hopefully.
"Of course Rias. Just lead the way." Issei said feeling he owed everything to Rias, she was the reason he was so happy right now. She was his reason for living. She saved him from missing out on such a fulfilment.
The two devils walked together hand in hand, their echoing footsteps the only sound through the night.
"Here it is." Rias said pointing towards what Issei detected was a shrine.
"Will we be okay going inside?" Issei asked reminded of the devils restrictions when it comes to certain shrines.
"Yes, definitely. This is another shrine which devils are allowed to access. Which makes me very happy! I have always wanted to visit this shrine with the man I love. I dreamed about ever since I met you." Rias said tightly gripping Issei's hand.
"Okay Rias, let's go." Issei said gripping her hand with the same level of intensity.
A rich and sweet aroma invaded Issei's and Rias' senses the second that their feet touched the treasured soil of the shrine.
Issei suddenly felt alert, sensing two unfamiliar spirits in the area. And their magical power seemed frightening also.
"What's wrong Issei?" Rias said feeling Issei's aura.
"Be on your guard Rias, We're not alone." Issei said feeling the presence get closer.
"Oh, it seems we have a couple of late night visitors." A surprisingly gentle voice said as they approached the two devils wearing a shrine maiden outfit.
"A nine-tailed fox?" Issei said to himself feeling his aura subside.
"I'm so sorry if I startled you, my name is Yasaka, please have a seat." The fox maiden said leading Rias and Issei to a comfortable seating area.
Issei could tell with his dragon enhanced sense of smell, that the sweet fragrance he previously picked up on, was coming from the kettle on the table.
Yasaka had the appearance of a young woman with blonde hair and matching golden eyes. And much like almost every woman that Issei has encountered lately, had a voluptuous figure. But as Issei observed her, he grew curious of the power seeping out of her. And the crazy fox form she chose to keep hidden.
"Thank you for your hospitality. This tea is exquisite." Rias complimented taking a sip feeling her Japanese craze burning inside.
"It's not a problem at all. We're all living beings in this world, whether we are nine-tails foxes or devils. So please don't be shy." Yasaka kindly replied looking over towards Issei.
"I will happily take you up on that offer." Issei said taking a sip himself.
"You know, I've heard the stories, and all of the rumours. But to think that the all-powerful Sekiryutei really is a young and handsome man. Forgive me, it's not my intention to cause any offence, but I thought you would be a much scarier individual. I'm glad that the rumours of you being a monster weren't so literal." Yasaka said suddenly getting up close and personal, leaning forwards and making an obvious sneak shot of her cleavage.
"That's right! My Issei is a legend in the underworld. He's a hero and a great man." Rias said suddenly taking possession of Yasaka's new attempted play thing.
"But of course, I too have heard of the red dragon emperors' service to the underworld. Especially the incident where he saved all of those children from the old Satan faction. My Kunou's eyes were glued to the screen when his victory reached the underworld news channel. So she really looks up to you." Yasaka said putting on the heirs of a mother.
"Kunou?" Issei said trying to place the name.
"Oh please forgive me. Kunou is my daughter. She's just out back finishing sweeping the grounds. But she should be along soon. You see, Kunou has been edge a lot lately. Ever since they started coming." Yasaka said looking gloomy now.
"Who's they?" Issei said curious now.
"It's…" Yasakai said her voice suddenly outmatched by a high pitch scream and growl of a nearby fox.
"It sounded like it was coming from the back!" Rias said on her feet with Issei.
"Oh no they're back! Kunou!" Yasaka said bolting out the back entrance to the tea house.
Issei and Rias were in pursuit of the lightning quick nine-tails as she rushed to her daughters aid.
"Mummy!" Kunou cried out as mysterious individuals in black outfits, their faces covered surrounded the trapped fox girl.
"Don't worry baby! Mummy's coming!" Yasaka said before Issei jumped in before she could advance.
"Issei!" Rias said seeing her husband jump into the middle.
"Sekiryutei?" Yasaka said surprise on her face.
"I'll take care of these intruders for you Yasaka. It's the least I can do to thank you for the delicious tea. Let's go Draig!" Issei said lifting his sacred gear into the air.
"Not good! It's the Sekiryutei!" One of the intruders said feeling the pressure coming from the dragon king.
"It's okay, we've been gifted with balance break as well!" Another said feeling ready to fight.
"Balance break!" Issei yelled covering himself in his boosted gear scale mail.
All of a sudden, Issei's formidable armour shattered into pieces the very second it touched his body.
"Damn! I knew it!" Issei thought to himself as the others began to close in on him and little Kunou.
"Hey! What gives Sekiryutei?! You think you can beat us without your balance breaker?!" One of the masked men said as he brandished a crossbow.
"Don't underestimate you damn elite!"
Issei looked behind himself and saw the little girl both wild and frightened. It was then he was certain, armour or no armour, he wasn't going to let them harm her.
An eager blood frenzy like opponent charged the fox girl first but unfortunately for this charismatic foe, his enthusiasm was rewarded with a ferocious uppercut. Even before his body hit the ground, judging by the cracking sound and feeling of broken bone from Issei's connected punch, it was obvious that the assailant was unconscious.
"Issei.." Rias said feeling worried about Issei's balance breaker sealed.
"Rias! Yasaka! I will hold off the enemy and try to open a path. When that moment comes, you have to save Kunou!" Issei said feeling two more enemies closing in.
A brandished and articulate spear whisked past Issei's head thanks to the red dragon's superior fighting expertise.
Issei smashed through its formidable wood with a destructive kick.
"That's impossible!" The fighter exclaimed after Issei effortlessly destroyed his weapon.
"I'm not just called the Sekiryutei for my balance breaker you know!" Issei said following his front kick with another side kick, this time aimed directly at his unarmed opponent's rib cage.
"I have fought against countless opponents before! Most of the time with just the clothes on my back!" Issei said reflecting on his battles with Kokabiel, Loki and even Sairaorg.
"He's too strong!" One opponent said feeling his body break apart as it hit the hard ground.
"Now! Go!" Issei said as Kunou was finally free from the conflict.
"Kunou!" Yasaka cried as she raced to her daughter.
"Mummy!" Kunou cried out as she raced towards Yasaka.
"All troops retreat!" The man with the crossbow said after he loaded the weapon with an unusual round.
"Oh no!" Issei shouted but it was already too late…
Within an instant, the heartfelt reunion of mother and daughter, was snatched away in a burst of blinding light. The masked and disguised figures snatched away Kunou and disappeared before the light could disperse.
"Damn it!" Issei said to himself, feeling so helpless without his enhanced speed and power.
"Who were those people?" Rias asked seeing Yasaka frozen in place.
"The hero faction! Damn them! They took my Kunou… They took her!" Yasaka screamed feeling her calm and friendly nature burn away in the scorching flames that began to surround her.
The kind and caring form of Yasaka was now gone. Replaced by an enraged and ferocious fox mother. Her nine tails now giants, her fur golden and glistening.
Before Issei could tell her to wait for them, Yasaka leaped off into the night following after her daughters kidnappers.
"Rias let's go too!" Issei said receiving a nod from her as they prepared to leave.
"Where do you think you are going Sekiryutei? It's time for you to die! Balance breaker!" A hidden hero faction member said as his power began to multiply exponentially.
Issei said nothing and just stared in the direction of the panicked Yasaka.
"I wouldn't look away from me if were you Sekiryutei! My balance breaker gives me 10 times my normal power! And with this power, I'm going to bury you in the name of Cao Cao!" The arrogant fighter declared as he effortlessly closed in on Issei with a unique firearm.
However, just as a mighty burning flame will eventually be blown out by a stronger force, Issei was in no mood to play with someone who makes murder into a sport. Issei grabbed hold of his opponents extended arm and on his firearm.
Within a second, due to his enraged state and his desperate need to immediately pursue after Yasaka, Issei broke both the assailants arm and his sacred gear.
As the now trampled warrior cried in agony, Issei turned away from him with a menacing glare.
"Let's go, Kunou and Yasaka need us!" Issei said using his dragon wings to carry both himself and Rias through the air.
Although the ferocious and Yasaka took off in such a hurry, by time Issei and Rias had finally caught up, it didn't seem like Yasaka had any intention of advancing any further.
No it wasn't just that, Issei and Rias no longer saw the powerful nine-tailed fox that left before them. Instead they saw the same polite and caring woman who greeted them at the shrine.
Issei and Rias were disgusted at the mess that they had stumbled upon.
The frightened Kunou had a sacred gear (Knife) Pointed at her neck and something like a special magic circle was in front of Yasaka.
"What's going on here?" Issei asked himself only to receive an answer from Draig.
"It looks like a dragon ritual.." Draig said making Issei pay attention to Yasaka as she trembled in rage and fear.
"You know the deal Kyoto Youkai leader! If you step on the circle, we'll let the girl go. But if you try anything funny, I'll bleed her dry right in front of you!" The blackmailer stated making Yasaka go blank as a sheet.
A simple nod came from the terrified mother for the future.
Yasaka took a few steps and began to get closer to the magic circle.
Issei gritted his teeth and shook his fists at his sides.
"Damn it all! I feel so helpless! I know that if I could use my balance breaker, I could use my enhanced speed to save Kunou and take the rest of the guards out. But without it, all I'd do is get Kunou hurt or worse…" Issei said to himself in anger as Yasaka made her final step onto the magic circle.
The moment that Yasaka's feet made impact with the powerful circle, a piercing bright light shot out towards the other circles that surrounded them. Once all lights connected with each other, they all shot wildly towards the middle exploding into yet another luminous light. A giant gate emerged from the magical ritual. A nerve wracking and fierce energy pattern coming from the middle of it.
"Damn it! If only…. If only…. I could use that power once again….. Please…. I'm begging you…. Draig…. Great red…. Lend me that power once more!" Issei suddenly shouted! His pleas finally showing some promise as his hair and eyes suddenly went through their metamorphosis.
Issei's crimson dragon god overdrive was revived once again.
And before Issei could decide how to act, the Sekiryutei's body began to move on its own. Crashing straight into the knife wielder with frightening speed as Issei's colossal kick crashed into the hero faction member's skull.
"Yasaka! Kunou's safe!" Rias shouted after Issei successfully retrieved the frightened girl from the mercenaries and gave her to Rias.
Yasaka rushed away from the trap she was forced to walk into, and returned to Kunou.
"It's already too late Sekiryutei! The nine-tails has opened up their gate….. Great red will die today and grant me world of silence once again!" A sinister voice said as she descended from the sky.
"Ophis!" Issei said as the young looking child touched ground and looked right at him.
"That's right, and I've been dying to test my true Longinus against yours Sekiryutei!" Another voice said.
However, this voice was one Issei did not recognise, that is until the hero faction fighters blurted it out so openly.
"Master Cao Cao! He's back!" They all cheered as the mysterious warrior touched down upon the battlefield.
"Looks like this isn't going to just be a leisurely stroll after all. Are you ready Rias?" Issei said as his wife returned to his side.
"Of course! Let's show them the power of the Gremory household!" Rias said as she returned to Issei's side and kissed him. Releasing the power of their combination technique.
Rias' scale mail upgrade, checkmate.
And that's the end of chapter 36! Quite a cliff-hanger I know…. But I had to end it there! So what will happen now? Can Issei hope to compete with the hero Cao Cao and Ophis with just himself and Rias? Or will Issei finally taste defeat from the dragon of infinity? Will Issei receive his scale mail upgrade? Or will Great red meet with its destined end? Find out in chapter 37 .