Ehehehehe, yeah, welcome to the only chapter where there is a Christmas scene before I inevitably rip your heart to shreds in the next four chapters following this one. The final two members of Issei's Harem will be bonded this chapter because why not? Christmas is romantic right and what better way to express that than to watch the last two girls lose their v-cards to our favorite cambion so without further adieu, let us begin!
I do not own Highschool DxD. Highschool DxD is owned by Fujimi Shobo, Fujimi Fantasia Bunko, Funimation, and Ichie Ishibumi. Please support the official release.
[Ddraig talking]
[Ddraig thinking]
{Albion talking}
{Albion thinking}
|Tiamat talking|
|Tiamat thinking|
Mental Communication
"Regular Dialogue"
Attacks/Spells
Kuoh Town, December 23, 2020, 12:00 PM; Current Time: 1 minute and 20 seconds til Midnight
It was nearly Christmas Eve in Kuoh. Spirits were high as some of the citizens of the town had taken to the old American tradition of going from house to house and singing Christmas carols, which annoyed some of the neighbors on Issei's street and amused the others. Snow fell gently from the sky, blanketing the grass in an alabaster coating which gave off a nice sheen when the sun reflected upon it. Inside the Hyoudou Manor, the kitchen was busy as Rias, Akeno, Miki, Mitsuki, and Asia all worked tirelessly to make this year's Christmas dinner. Issei's father, Gorou, was in the living room making sure that everything was in place. They were having a Christmas party at the house this year and were going to invite old friends and family as well as the families of the girls over to the house to celebrate the season. Upstairs, Issei was preparing the rooms for the guests with the help of Irina while Rossweisse, Kiba, and Kuroka vacuumed the halls, each one taking a floor. Now, this would have been easy with a maid but Issei had insisted on not getting one as he grew up just fine without one.
Grayfia, however, insisted that she helped them set up and was currently with Gasper, Ingvild, Xenovia, and the others to set up everything needed for the rest of the party. Even Artemis and her hunters helped with the festivities even though Christmas was originally a Roman Pagan Holiday and the Church had stamped that out of history. Everyone was smiling and laughing, all except for Artemis. Her current mood was as low as the temperature outside. As she held the ladder for Thalia to go and plant more lights on the tree, Artemis began to resolve and steel herself.
Okay, Artemis, you got this. You can tell Issei how you feel. Orion just said to jump in there, she thought as she held the ladder. The image of her former huntress's sly smile made its way to the forefront of her mind as she shook her head. Artemis turned when she saw Issei and Irina walking down the stairs. The two were laughing at something and their interaction made Artemis. She was no fool and knew that she had to share him with four other girls but from the looks on their faces, Issei had given them an equal amount of love and did not favor one over the other despite it being very clear that Irina was on top.
There was also the nature of Issei's deal. How was she going to cope with that? Was she going to put herself out there with him just for two months of romance? Was it worth watching him die before her? Artemis shook her head. No, she had to do this.
It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Cliche quote but the only good thing Aphrodite's ever said in her life, Artemis thought. On Christmas. I'll do it when the clock strikes twelve tomorrow.
"Issei, are you ready?" her silver eyes traveled to the newly christened Nibi no Bakeneko, Kuroka Toujou-Hyoudou as she had taken to calling herself. In public, she was still Kuroka Toujou but she added the Hyoudou whenever it was just them or if they were in the Supernatural World.
Issei nodded and the two left the house with Irina waving at the door. She closed the door and walked to the stairs when she caught a glimpse of Artemis looking at her. Irina smiled brightly at the Goddess.
"Kiana, hold the ladder for me," Artemis said as she walked to Irina. The hunter nodded and walked over and held the ladder.
"Happy Holidays, Artemis-sama," Irina said.
"You too," Artemis said. Her face became serious as she looked at Irina. "I need to talk to you."
Irina blinked and looked at the Moon Goddess. She saw the look in her eyes and nodded. Irina motioned for her to follow and the two walked up the stairs to Issei's room.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Irina asked as they entered Issei's room. Artemis closed the door behind her and stood before the Angel.
"I want to know if it's okay with you for me to be in a relationship with Issei," Artemis said.
Irina looked at her with an unreadable look on her face. Such a look made Artemis uncomfortable as she shifted nervously in her spot.
How can she make me uncomfortable!? I'm a Goddess! Artemis thought. After a few minutes of tense silence, Irina finally spoke.
"You're not going to castrate him or anything right?" Irina asked.
"What? No!" Artemis said.
"Oh, good. I want children you know," Irina said, smiling.
"Oh. Was that all you were worried about?" Artemis asked.
"Yup," Irina answered.
"Okay, so I'm going to do it on Christmas Eve," Artemis said.
"Ooh, romantic," Irina gushed.
"Thanks, my former huntress who is also my twin brother's girlfriend told me to do it then," Artemis said.
"That's great! Though if I may give some advice," Irina said.
"Go on," Artemis said.
"Be aggressive. Issei's kinda dense," Irina advised. Artemis nodded.
"Lay on the charm. Use your womanly assets to your advantage," Irina said as she gestured to Artemis.
"You just gestured to all of me," Artemis said indignantly.
"Yup," Irina said, smiling
Issei and Kuroka walked the streets of Kuoh to the market. Issei's mother had told him they were running out of ingredients and he and Kuroka had been sent to go buy some. Kuroka latched onto Issei's arm, making him smile and the two entered the market together.
Kuroka walked over to the butcher's and began to look at some cuts while Issei stood next to her. He overheard some men in the store, whispering and eyeing Kuroka.
"That is one fine bitch," one of them said.
"Hey, let's get her to come with us later, yeah?" another one said. Issei clenched his fist and began to release his miasma discreetly. He felt someone grip his hand as he saw Kuroka looking at him worriedly. Issei calmed down and Kuroka smiled. She pecked his cheek and handed him the meat she bought.
The two walked out of the store and Issei noticed they were being followed. Kuroka glanced at him and winked and pulled Issei into an alley. She whispered something in his ear and began to nibble on it. Issei placed the meat in his dimensional storage and pushed Kuroka against the wall as the two began to make out. The men who followed them walked into Kuroka moaning into the kiss as she wrapped her legs around Issei's waist. Issei pulled out from the kiss and glared at them.
"Can't you see we're busy?" Issei barked.
"Issei~," Kuroka said, nuzzling his cheek.
"Um, we're sorry?" one of them said. Kuroka had enough of this and wanted more so she got off Issei and walked over to them. She brought her leg up and kicked the guy in the balls.
"Get out! I'm trying to have a moment here!" Kuroka yelled as the image of a massive flaming tiger appeared behind her. The men whimpered and grabbed their downed friend and ran as fast as they could.
"C'mon we have more things we need to get," Issei said as he held her hand. Kuroka smiled at him and nodded and the two continued on their way.
The doorbell rang and Ingvild went to answer it to see Issei and Kuroka with multiple bags in their hands.
"We're back, nya!~," Kuroka said.
"You need any help?" Ingvild asked.
"Yes, please," Issei said. Ingvild nodded and took some of Kuroka's bags and they walked to the kitchen after closing the door. As they dropped the groceries off, Rias asked Kuroka if she could help them. Kuroka nodded and grabbed one of the aprons from the hanger and began to chop onions. Issei and Ingvild walked out of the kitchen. Ingvild looked down at her feet as they walked. She needed to advance her relationship with Issei. To get that Bond that he had with the other girls.
Christmas. I'll do it on Christmas, Ingvild thought.
"Ingvild, are you okay?" Issei said as he looked at her. Ingvild looked up and smiled.
"I'm fine Issei-kun," Ingvild said. Issei smiled and the two walked into the living room. He saw Rossweisse preparing to plug in the Christmas Tree.
"Rossweisse," Issei said. The silver-haired former valkyrie looked at him and waved before plugging in the tree. The tree lit up in a brilliant mix of lights.
"Wow, it's beautiful," Ingvild said.
"It's nice isn't it," Issei said.
"Yeah," Ingvild replied.
"Still not as beautiful as you," Issei said.
Ingvild's face lit up at his words she touched her cheeks. Rossweisse smiled at the sight of the two.
"Issei, are you going to bond her?" Rossweisse asked.
Issei blushed and looked away. Ingvild turned redder than possible as she looked down at the floor. Rossweisse giggled as she looked at the two.
"Aww, how cute," Rossweisse said.
The doorbell rang.
"I better go get that," Issei said as he walked off.
Rossweisse nodded and watched him go. After she was sure he left, she walked over to Ingvild and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"Okay, so some tips for tomorrow if that's what you're doing…"
Christmas Day
The Hyoudou House was as full as it could be. People from the Biblical Factions showed up as well as some from the Shinto, Norse, Hindu, and Greek Factions. Even the members of the Vampire Clans showed up to the Hyoudou House for the Christmas party. People found from the non-Christian Factions found it ironic that they were celebrating the holiday dedicated to a biblical figure but they laughed when they realized that devils were celebrating the birth of their former enemy's son. Issei's family members from both of his parents' sides visited and were amazed at the connections that their two children made. The two parents blushed and thanked their parents giving credit to Mitsuki and Issei… somewhat. Issei's grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins had solely believed that it was Mitsuki that had brought all of this prosperity. Mitsuki ignored their relatives and grabbed her twin brother and walked away from their family members.
Artemis stood by the refreshments table, sipping some juice while Apollo stood next to her. Orion had managed to catch a break from her boss and stood next to Apollo. The two talked and smiled at each other with love in their eyes while Artemis's silver eyes scoured the crowd for someone. Someone she needed to talk to. When she spotted him, her eyes widened.
"I need to go," Artemis said as she walked away. Apollo and Orion blinked before waving goodbye.
Ingvild stood next to Rossweisse, Irina, and Kuroka shaking. She was nervous. No! She was going to do it. She was. She wasn't scared. She was the descendant of the Original Maou Leviathan. She was… she was… she was extremely nervous. Could she do this?
"Stop worrying. Just take the jump," Irina said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Satan knows I did," Kuroka said, remembering how Issei's stiff hard-
"Stop thinking out loud," Rossweisse said as she smacked Kuroka in the back of her head. She pointed at the people surrounding them. They had blushes on their faces. Kuroka looked away in embarrassment.
"Don't listen to the cat," Irina said. "Just… do your best is all I can say."
"Do my best? Is that really the best advice I'll get when it comes to having sex?" Ingvild asked.
"Yup. I can't really tell you how other than to just enjoy it," Irina replied as she drank her punch.
"Go get em, girl!" Kuroka said as she pushed her as soon as she saw Issei and Mitsuki. Ingvild stumbled towards Issei and Mitsuki from Kuroka's push. She gulped and walked over to the two conversing twins.
"Seriously, Issei, please don't mind them. They're just…," Mitsuki began.
"It's fine. It's fine. It's always been like this," Issei said. "I'm used to it."
"Aniki, it's not good to be used to mental depreciation," she said.
"Look, we only see them a few times a year. Just… drop it," Issei said.
"Um, Issei," Ingvild said. "Can I talk to you? In private?"
Mitsuki blinked at the girl's words before seeing her nervous posture. She smiled and walked off.
"Good luck," Mitsuki said. Ingvild just nodded dumbly as her boyfriend's twin sister
"Ummm, Issei, I-"
"Issei!" the two turned and saw Artemis walking towards them.
"Hey, Artemis," Issei said.
"I need to talk to you, privately," Artemis said. Ingvild bristled in annoyance. How dare she intrude upon her Issei time!
"Actually, Artemis-sama, I was going to talk to Issei first," Ingvild said, smiling sweetly.
"Oh, really," Artemis said. She sized the girl up and was confident she could defeat her in a head-on confrontation. The only time she would have a hard time is if the girl activated her Balance Breaker.
Ingvild narrowed her eyes as they flickered red for a split second. This goddess was getting in the way of her spending her private time with Issei. She knew that if she challenged Artemis head on she would lose but… maybe…
"Um guys, let's go somewhere else," Issei said.
"Yes, Issei, let's go to your room," Ingvild said, latching onto Issei's arm. Artemis's eye twitched as she burned with jealousy.
Over by the punch bowl, Irina, Rossweisse, and Kuroka watched with amusement in their eyes.
"Should we?" Kuroka asked.
"No, let Ingvild and Artemis have their time with Issei," Irina said. "Besides, there are other forms of entertainment we can watch," she said, glancing over at Mitsuki and Vali, who were dancing together.
"That's cute," Rossweisse said as she watched the two dance.
"I knew that Va-kun had it in him," Kuroka said.
"Oh, six o'clock," Irina said as she saw Lavinia walk over to the two.
Issei walked up the stairs, followed by Ingvild and Artemis. The two had been glaring at each other ever since they talked. Issei sighed. What was he going to do with this? He had seen the wink Kuroka and Rossweise had sent him while feeling fear at the smirk Irina was giving him.
"Um, so," Issei said as he opened the door to his room. He walked inside and blinked when he heard the door lock. He saw Ingvild locking the door and saw Artemis had a confused look on her face.
"Artemis-sama, why don't you go first?" Ingvild said as she sat on Issei's bed.
Artemis sighed and looked at Issei.
"Issei, I- no, Issei, ever since we met, I've felt something for you. Something deep. And over the course of time that we've fought, those feelings have gotten deeper and deeper. And now, I think- no, I'm sure that I know how I feel. Issei, I love you! I love you with all my heart and I can't think of anyone I would like to spend the rest of my life with," Artemis said. She walked over and grabbed Issei's hands and placed it on her chest.
"Can you feel that? My heart beats for you," Artemis said. She remembered the words Orion spoke to her brother. "Let's have an eternity of romance, Issei," Artemis said.
Issei was stunned. Here, Artemis, who was known for her reputation as the fiercest female goddess, was confessing to him. Her silver eyes shined in anticipation as she waited for Issei's answer.
Issei felt something in his soul stir as he looked into Artemis's eyes. Did he have feelings for her? Sure, he liked her but did he? His eyes looked into hers and he knew that he did. Issei leaned in and kissed her. Artemis felt her heart jump for joy. Issei liked her. He really liked her back.
Ingvild smiled at the two, remembering her own moment with Issei. As she did, she remembered why she was here in the first place.
"Issei, I-," the two pulled apart at the sound of Ingvild's voice. He looked at her nervous expression, wondering what was wrong.
"I want to take the next leap in our relationship," Ingvild said. She began to undo her clothes as Issei and Artemis's faces began to glow red. Ingvild now stood before Issei, covering her breasts. She looked shyly at Issei, now feeling very conscious of herself.
"Ingvild, are you sure?" Issei asked.
She nodded but as Issei moved towards her, he heard clothes being dropped behind him. His eyes bulged when he saw Artemis in nothing but her underwear.
"I- If Ingvild is doing this, then I'll do it too! I want to show you how dedicated I am to you! I am going to give you my chastity Issei!" Artemis said. Issei sighed. This was going to be a long night. Issei moved to kiss Ingvild as their tongues began to battle for dominance. Ingvild moaned as Issei began to fondle her breast. The two fell back on the bed as Ingvild began to take off Issei's shirt. Issei pulled away from her and took his shirt off.
He began to leave a trail of kisses down Ingvild's neck causing her to mewl in pleasure as Issei made his way down to her
He saw her womanhood which was beginning to leak juices. He began to lick it, causing Ingvild to yelp. She looked down and saw Issei with his face between her legs.
"Issei! What ar- hyaaa~!" Ingvild moaned as Issei stuck his finger inside and began to pump.
Artemis sat off to the side with a healthy blush on her face. She felt strange watching them. Her fingers began to slowly make their way to her panties and slid them inside. She began to rub her pussy as she watched them and moaned softly.
Ingvild was now a moaning mess as Issei skillfully used his tongue and fingers to pleasure her and she was sure that she had reached climax at least twice now. Her eyes traveled to Issei who was now over her. She saw his hard, erect cock which twitched every now and then. That was going to go inside her? Would it even fit?
"Are you ready?" Issei asked.
Ingvild nodded and Issei lined himself up with her sopping wet pussy. Issei began to slide his head into her womanhood and as he was a tenth of the way in, he thrust his way in. Ingvild was thankful that the time she spent in battle and training broke her hymen as all she felt was a pain and pleasure as she took in Issei's entire girth. She felt full.
"Are you okay?" Issei asked.
"Yes," Ingvild replied. "Let me get used to it first," she said. Issei nodded and Ingvild allowed herself to adjust. She looked at Issei and nodded to signify that she was ready.
Issei pulled out and thrust back in, causing Ingvild to moan. Waves of pleasure travel throughout Ingvild's entire body as Issei thrust in and out of her.
"Ahh! Issei! Issei!" she moaned as Issei kept thrusting. Her breasts swung hypnotically. Issei grabbed one of her breasts and squeezed, causing her to moan even more. He leaned down and began to suck on her left breast, causing Ingvild to mewl in pleasure even more.
"Issei!~ Faster!" she begged. Issei complied and began to move faster and faster. Ingvild's eyes rolled up and her tongue began to hang out.
Artemis began to pump her fingers in and out faster as she fingered herself furiously. She wanted to feel the pleasure that Ingvild felt. The look of ecstasy on her face made her jealous.
Issei felt Ingvild's pussy begin to tighten around his cock as it was coated in her juices. She was getting close.
"Ingvild! I'm getting close!" Issei grunted as he began to move faster.
"Me too! Let's do it together!" Ingvild said as she wrapped her arms around Issei's neck.
Issei moved faster and faster and hilted himself deep inside her.
"Ingvild! I'm cumming!" Issei said as he released stream after stream of cum into her awaiting womb. He leaned in and kissed her, passing on his Miasma into her and felt his soul bond to hers. Ingvild leaned in and wrapped her legs around Issei's waist as to not let any of his thick, warm semen go to waste.
The two pulled away and looked deep into each other's eyes.
"I love you, Issei," Ingvild said lovingly and kissed him.
"I love you too, Ingvild," Issei said as he pulled out. Semen began to slowly flow out of her pussy. Issei was still erect and turned to Artemis.
Her silver eyes were solely trained on Issei's still rock hard cock. She gulped and made her way to the bed.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Artemis?" Issei asked. Her answer was to push him down on the bed. Ingvild turned her head and watched Artemis mount Issei. Artemis took off her panties and removed her bra, revealing her breasts. While they were not as large as Rossweisse or Kuroka's, they were larger than average.
"Issei, I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't ready," she said as she lowered herself onto Issei's cock. Her juices dripped down onto it and she felt herself being stretched as Issei's cock slowly start to enter her.
Deciding to get it over with, Artemis impaled herself. She grit her teeth in pain as Issei's cock pierced right through her. A few tears welled up in her eyes as she felt a combination of pain and pleasure as Issei's cock twitched inside her.
Issei reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes. He kissed her and she moaned into the kiss as she began to move.
"Are you ready?" Issei asked.
"Yes, make love to me Issei," Artemis answered. Issei laid back down and Artemis began to bounce up and down.
"So hard!" Artemis moaned as she began to bounce faster and faster. Her breasts bounced hypnotically and Issei reached up and began to grope her breasts.
"Ahhh, Issei!~" she mewled as Issei began to buck his hips and the sound of flesh hitting flesh could be heard throughout the room. Artemis threw her head back as she began to move faster and faster.
Issei's cock was her new addiction as she felt it stretch her and send waves of euphoria every time it thrust into her.
"Isseiiii, I love you!" she cried out in pleasure as she began moving faster and faster. Issei grunted as he felt himself swell up. Artemis could feel it too. He was getting close.
Issei stood up, surprising her and got on top of her. He began to thrust into her at rapid speeds as Artemis moaned louder and louder. Her pussy began to erratically leak juices as Issei began to reach his peak.
"Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei! Issei!~" Artemis cried out as Issei buried himself deep inside of her.
"So warm!" Artemis moaned as stream after stream of semen filled her womb to the brim.
Issei gently began to kiss her. Artemis leaned in and the two began to make out as Issei passed on his Miasma to hers. Artemis felt a bond instantly form with Issei which she felt elated about as she felt herself connect to Issei in her soul.
"I love you, Issei," Artemis said as she pulled away.
"I love you too," Issei said.
Hyoudou Manor, February 23, 2020, 10:00 PM, Countdown to Issei's deal: 27 Hours
Irina stood on the balcony of the Hyoudou Manor. In the months since Christmas and Issei's bonding to Ingvild and Artemis, the group had become busier than ever. Various supernatural pantheons had lent their assistance and planted their forces in Kuoh, hidden in plain sight. Bael had upped Issei's training, sending him through the wringer multiple times. Azazel had completed her request and now she had something to help Issei fight.
Right now, they were holding a meeting as to the events of what will happen tomorrow. Tomorrow. A day Irina wished would never come. She couldn't do it. She couldn't bear to watch Issei die. But it might happen. She knew deep down that there was very little they could do to keep it from happening but…
"Irina," she felt arms wrap around her and instantly knew who it was.
"Issei," Irina said as she savored his warmth. Something she might no longer feel the day after tomorrow.
"Irina, we can't start the briefing without you there," Issei said.
"Issei, why can't we just run? Run away from this?" Irina asked.
"You know we can't. No matter where we go, she'll find us. Find me. The Gap. The Underworld. Heaven. There is nowhere in Creation that she won't find us," Issei said.
"But she'll kill you if you stay," Irina said.
"I know. I've had time to think about this but… when Onee-chan gets here tomorrow. I want to confront her… alone," Issei said.
"WHAT!?" Irina exclaimed. "Are you insane!? Do you not value your own life!?" Irina yelled.
"Of course I do! But… in the time I've had to think, I-"
"NO! Issei! You can't give up!" Irina said.
"I'm not going to. I'm going to… I'm going to fight Onee-chan and kill her," Issei said.
Irina's eyes widened. He was going to fight Lilith? This was borderline insane. None of them had anywhere near enough power to take on Lilith when they could barely take on Beelzebub in their strongest forms. Sure, they had significantly increased in power in the past year but… could they do it?
"I know it sounds crazy but I'm out of options here," Issei said.
"No, you're not. Remember what Bael-sama and Metatron-sama said? All you have to do is make it past midnight," Irina said.
"That sounds easier said than done," Issei said.
"So does killing Lilith. Issei, she's the most powerful demon to ever exist. How can we possibly stand up to her?" Irina said. Issei smiled and grabbed her hand.
"Together. Like we always do," Issei said.
"Issei…," Irina said.
"Just promise me that you won't go seeking out Lilith tomorrow," Irina said.
Issei bit his cheek before conceding.
"I promise," Issei said.
Irina nodded in satisfaction. The two stood there for a few minutes before Issei walked off.
"Let's go," Issei said.
"Wait!"
Issei froze and turned back to her questioningly.
"Just hold me for a bit longer," she said.
Issei and Irina walked into the basement where the training grounds were. The Four Maou, Amatsu-Mikaboshi, Azrael, Raphael, Azazel, Artemis, and Risa were there alongside Thor and Tyr. The teams present were Bael Peerage, Sitri Peerage, Vali Team, Gremory Peerage, Eden Squad, Phenex Peerage, Cao Cao's team, and Team Slashdog. They all turned and saw Issei and Irina walk in.
"Look who walked in," Vali said.
"Had a fun time?" Bikou asked.
"No, we just talked," Issei said.
"Yeah, get your mind out of the gutter, monkey boy," Irina said with a red face.
"Right, we're waiting for two more people," Amatsu-Mikaboshi said. "And here they are."
Bael and Asmodeus teleported into the room with serious looks on their faces. The two looked to Issei and nodded before walking over to the leaders.
"Right, so we need to get started with this. Tomorrow, Issei is going to die," Bael said.
Asmodeus slapped the back of her older brother's head.
"God, can you be more morbid?" Asmodeus said. Her golden eyes looked over the crowd and addressed them with the voice of a commander. "Tomorrow, we don't exactly know when but Lilith shall come to Kuoh for one person and one person only. Issei Hyoudou for the sole purpose of dragging his soul to Hell after making a deal to resurrect his twin sister."
"We need to plan out our defenses as Lilith will spare no expense to get Issei's soul," Bael said as he projected the entire town of Kuoh.
"We believe that she will enter the town via teleportation so we set up multiple space-time barriers that prevent teleportation in and out of the town but that also means us," Amatsu-Mikaboshi said.
"Wait, none of us can get in?" Sirzechs asked.
"No, to prevent the demons from hijacking all forms of teleportation including magic circles, we had to cut it off," Asmodeus said. "That being said now might be a good time to get more forces in here as the town will be overrun with demons."
"What of the humans?" Artemis asked.
Amatsu-Mikaboshi looked down and swept to a portion of Kuoh that was located near the mountains. "The town has been outfitted with shelters that were built during World War II after the Americans began to carpet bomb Japan. I will order an evacuation to shelters to protect the citizens of the town under the pretense of a natural disaster," she said, pointing to the shelters.
"What I'm worried about is the aftermath," Serafall said. "What do we do about the fallout? I mean, there is no way we can hide this even if we tried. Hiding Trihexa was hard enough but it was doable since Trihexa was a singular entity but this… this is a full-on invasion of an entire country. The news outlets will get wind of this and information will travel too fast for us to eliminate," she said.
"It's what she wants," Asmodeus said. "She wants to cause chaos and panic and use it to her advantage to make her next move."
"Next move?" Thor asked.
"After she's done here, Lilith will not stop here. Our niece has bigger goals than that," Azrael said, looking at Issei.
Issei looked down. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, he was sure of it.
"So she'll use this chaos to her advantage to wage her war against us?' Ajuka asked.
"Yes, this will be an inevitable consequence and if we did manage to stop it, she would just do it again," Bael said.
"This will be one of the things we need to prepare for after this. But enough about that, let's get back to what will happen tomorrow," Amatsu-Mikaboshi said. "Falbium?"
Falbium stepped forward. "Right, our main objective tomorrow is to defend Issei. Whatever the demons want Issei down in Hell for, we need to prevent that from happening. We decided to station forces in the north, south, east, and western sections of Kuoh with the rest of us staying at Kuoh Academy as our main base of operations. The North Squadron will be led by Cao Cao and will consist of his team and Vali Team. The East Squadron will be led by Serafall and will consist of Sitri Peerage and Phenex Peerage. The West Squadron will be led by Artemis and will consist of her hunters and Vali Team. Finally, the South will be headed by Asmodeus and will consist of the members of Blacklight alongside Sirzechs' peerage sans Grayfia.
"The rest of our forces will back them up with a portion of them concentrating around Hyoudou House as a decoy. Sirzechs and Bael alongside Metatron and Gremory peerage will be there to guard it to better make our decoy more believable," Falbium said.
"What about us?" Irina asked.
"Issei will evacuate to the shelter," Azazel said. "We need him to make it past midnight so we can't have him out on the field where the demons can easily spot him," he added.
"So I won't be fighting then?" Issei asked. "What was the point of all the training then?"
"It'll be our last resort," Azrael said. "In case things go south."
"So who do we have to worry about in terms of the fighters on the demons' side?" Artemis asked.
"Well other than the obvious one," Bael said as an image of Lilith popped up on the screen. "We have Cain's former apprentice, Abaddon. Samael. Astaroth. And as of recently, Bakunawa. The rest are cannon fodder except for Gremory when she activates her Qliphoth Form. Sitri and Phenex are of worry but not as much as the five we mentioned before," Bael said.
"We have them outnumbered in terms of powerful members then?" Vali asked.
"Yes, we do," Asmodeus said.
"This is going to be a tough fight, isn't it?" Mitsuki asked.
"It will be the second toughest fight of our entire lives," Issei said.
"Hmph, Lilith has nothing on our fight with Trihexa," Vali said.
"Still, we should be careful," Rias said. "We never know what she could throw at us."
"Rias is right," Azrael said. "Our enemy is more cunning than Rizevim having experienced billions of years of war that tore apart thousands of universes in the past. We are not dealing with someone with only a few thousand years of experience," she said.
"Az-nee, we need to tell them," Issei said.
"Issei," Azrael said.
"No, Az, Issei is right. We told them how we're going to fight but not why. They deserve to know why Issei is so important to Lilith and Lucifer by extension," Azazel said.
"..." everyone held their breaths at the notion. The sound of fluttering wings came into the room, revealing Metatron.
"I believe I can better explain this," Metatron said.
"We were all there with him 2,000 years ago," Bael said.
"Right. So what exactly are you talking about?" Thor asked.
"How many of you have read the Book of Revelations?" Metatron asked.
"The Book of the Apocalypse? The one that predicted Trihexa?" Rias asked.
"Yes, that same book," Asmodeus said. "A book containing all the prophecies that John of Patmos uttered 2,000 years ago before his death and the seeming end of the cycle of prophets."
"Trihexa was the fourth sign of it all beginning," Metatron said. "He was not the prophesied end but the fourth sign of it all happening. Three events have happened before him that were signals to the end. World War I, the Bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Chernobyl, and Trihexa, and finally Beelzebub's release of the demons from Hell."
"Wait," Sona said. "Those events you just uttered. They fall perfectly in line with the description of the Trumpets of Revelation!"
"Yes, and now, Lilith has advanced and activated the sixth trumpet. Her war with us," Azazel said.
"And the Seventh? Will there be a rapture?" Rias asked.
"No, there is no Seventh Trumpet. The Seventh was added to prevent panic," Metatron said.
"Then?"
"Then she will proceed to break them. The Seven Seals," Azrael said.
"What does that have to do with Issei?" Rossweisse asked, already fearing the answer.
"The minute Issei sold his soul, he became worthy of becoming it. The First Seal," Azazel said.
Everyone froze and stood in shock. They all turned to Issei who looked away, signaling that he had known this entire time.
"Issei is the prophesied Lamb of Judah," Azazel said. "He is destined to break the First Seal."
"Why don't we just kill Hyoudou here now?" Cao Cao said, leveling True Longinus at Issei. Irina stood in front of Issei with Hautclere pointed at him.
"Just try it!" she growled.
"Enough. Killing Issei would defeat the point. He has to be in Hell to do it," Metatron said.
"Why Hell?" Grayfia asked.
"And so the First Seal shall be broken by the Lamb with Seven Horns and Seven Eyes in the place filled with fire known as Gehenna. And the lamb shall witness with his seven eyes, seven atrocities. Each atrocity shall break the lamb's horns and upon the seventh atrocity, the lamb shall break, his purity robbed from him. As he breaks so shall it break," Metatron recited.
"Seven atrocities?" Kuroka asked.
"We don't know," Metatron said.
"So that's why they want Issei so badly. They need him to break the First Seal?" Irina asked.
"But why Senpai? Why not someone else!?" Gasper asked.
"Because it had to be him. The Prophecy calls for someone pure and righteous," Azazel said. "While he might not be pure in a sense, Issei's intentions were when he made that deal and his ideals have always been more righteous of all the Special Children. One more qualification is that you must have the blood of the Morning coursing through you hence why the Special Children were created. Lilith's blood was used which connects the Special Children to Lucifer hence the blood of the Morning qualification," he explained.
"So our goal is not just to defend Issei but to prevent the demons from claiming him to initiate the end of the world then," Artemis said. "Not a problem. This won't be so hard."
They all looked down. The stakes just got higher. Issei's life decided the fate of all Creation. Issei left the room after they had stopped.
"Aniki!" Mitsuki ran after him.
"Mitsuki," Issei stopped at the hall as Mitsuki caught up to him.
"Aniki, you don't need to worry. We'll get through this just like always!" Mitsuki said.
"Mitsuki, you've been a good sister and I love you," Issei said, hugging her.
"Aniki?"
"Mii-chan, tomorrow, there's a chance that I might die and Lilith will kill me," Issei said.
"What? NO! I'm not lettin-"
"Mitsuki. You are. And please don't let Irina or the others come after me. Can you promise me that?" Issei asked.
"But! NO! I'm not going to! We're no-!"
"You are. You all will."
"But why," Mitsuki asked with tears welling up in her face.
"Mii-chan, I don't regret selling my soul for you but I regret dragging all of you into this. But what everyone here is doing, it's not going to save me. It's just going to get all of you hurt or worse, killed. The only one who can save me now is me and I'm not going to drag everyone down with me," Issei said.
"Aniki…," Mitsuki said. "What do I do then?"
"You look after Lily, look after everyone. Keep fighting Nee-chan in the eve- no when I die," Issei paused when he felt someone behind them. Lily was looking at the two with wide green eyes. Tears were streaming down her face.
"You're going to die?" Lily asked, her voice breaking.
"Lily…," Issei said.
She turned and ran away.
"Dammit!" the twins cursed as they ran after her.
They chased Lily to her room where she locked the door behind her. Issei and Mitsuki arrived and knocked on her door. The sounds of sobbing could be heard behind the door. Issei had a worried look on his face as he knocked vigorously on the door.
"Lily, please let us in!" Issei said. His only response was sniffling and he sighed. Grabbing Mitsuki, Issei teleported inside Lily's room. She was curled up in the middle of her bed silently sobbing, a picture of her, Issei, and Mitsuki laying on her bed.
"Lily," Mitsuki said.
"Go away," she said.
"Lils," Issei sat down next to her and pulled her into his chest for a hug. The little girl couldn't take it anymore and wrapped her arms around him tightly and began to cry.
"Please don't leave big brother. I promise I'll eat all my vegetables, I'll do all my chores, and I'll never do bad things!" Lily cried into Issei's shirt.
Issei looked down and sighed.
"Lily, I can't make that promise… but I'll try to survive tomorrow," Issei said. "Hey Lily," he said.
The girl looked up, tears streaming down her face still. Her heartbroken green eyes looked into Issei's hazel ones, causing his heart to ache at the thought of leaving her behind. At leaving them all behind.
"Remember what I taught you," Issei said. "And always remember that no matter what happens tomorrow, I love you. These past two years of being your big brother have been the best two years of my life. I can never be more thankful for having two wonderful sisters," he said, glancing at his twin. Mitsuki had tears in her eyes as she moved towards her twin. Issei wrapped his right arm around her and held the two of them, soothing them with his voice.
"Shhh, it's okay. Aniki is here. And I'll love you two. Forever and always," Issei said as he felt the two girls tighten their hold on him. His eyes drifted to the clock on Lily's dresser.
11:59:50 PM
Ten seconds, Issei thought.
11:59:51 PM
Issei bade his farewells to Ddraig and Tiamat.
"I'm sorry you two," Issei said.
[It's alright Partner. You… You were the best host I've ever had] Ddraig said.
|Issei. I- I have thought of you as the hatchling Ddraig and I never had. For once, allow me to say goodbye as a mother| Tiamat said.
"Mmm," Issei replied. He felt the warmth of Tiamat wrap around him, making him feel loved. A mother's love.
11:59:57 PM
11:59:58 PM
11:59:59 PM
12:00:00 AM
The grandfather clock in the living room rang signifying that February 24th had begun. Irina looked at the clock and gulped. Everyone else tensed, ready for anything to happen.
Kuoh Outskirts
"My Princess, our forces are ready and awaiting your command," Astaroth said as she kneeled.
Lilith looked at her and over the hordes upon hordes of demons that had gathered at the mountainside outside of Kuoh Town. Samael, Abaddon, and the Demon Trio could be seen among them. Hellhounds, Spectra, Behemoths, and a few Ziz could be seen among the forces as demonic howls and screeches pierced the quiet Japanese air.
"Have our two… insiders done their parts?" Lilith asked as her blue eyes stared out over the sleeping town of Kuoh.
"Yes, they managed to get the rune keys into their barrier system but now…," Astaroth trailed off.
"Now what?" Lilith said as her blue eyes glanced at her faithful knight.
"Umm, your grace, they're demanding to be rewarded now," Astaroth said.
"Are they now?" Lilith turned her gaze back to Kuoh. "Well tell them that I have one more task for them before I… reward them," Lilith said, licking her lips as a sadistic smile appeared on her face. The demons went silent as they cowered in fear at the maddening dark aura that Lilith was releasing.
"O- Of course milady!" Astaroth squeaked before she teleported away from the army.
Lilith went silent as her gaze never left the town before her.
"So it begins," Lilith said as she stretched her hand out towards the town. The demons roared in approval as one by one, they all took off, some with their wings and others through plumes of smoke. Darkness fell over Kuoh that day. Hungry for the soul of one.
The soul of Issei Hyoudou.
Review Replies:
To leader. dbz: That would be interesting. Are Super Devils actually Demons -A joint experiment by Ajuka Beelzebub, Azazel, and Dantalion
To AnimeFan0216: It has a nice ring to it. Issei Cathariel.
So, this marks the beginning of the end of Issei's life. Literally. I hope this chapter was up to par with the others. I spent a while editing scenes and such as well as the lemon with Ingvild and Artemis. Issei is now bonded to all five of his partners now and he might die now. Sad isn't it? Next week is the beginning of Lilith's invasion of Kuoh and she will stop at nothing to drag Issei down to Hell and now you all know why he is being dragged down there. Issei is the First of the Seven Seals of the Apocalypse and I twisted the Seals and Trumpets a bit sooo, yeah. Anyway, cheers to those who stuck to the end. Remember to REVIEW. Also leave a follow/fav and remember, have a great day/night or not, the choice is yours!