Chapter 16 The Supernatural's Shady Side
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.
The Three Factions meeting begins, and more secrets are revealed.
(Meeting Room)
Issei took his spot between Azazel and Serafall with Irina and Xenovia a few feet behind him and that was the cue for the meeting to begin, "Now that the Red Dragon is here, I believe we can begin the meeting. First off, everyone here is aware that God is now dead." Azazel said calmly causing a solemn look to appear
"That should be obvious. I believe that little piece of news is one of the reasons for this meeting." Issei said coldly. Everyone could tell that Issei was not happy and who could blame him under the circumstances.
"Why don't we have Rias go first with her perspective on what happened." Sirzechs said calmly trying to keep the piece.
The suggestion made Issei smile, "I agree. Getting her perspective would be interesting." Issei said calmly. Internally he was chuckling since Rias did practically nothing during the whole thing.
As Rias explained what happened, it was made painfully clear that Rias's primary role was that of an overseer and that most of the work was done by the Red Dragon and she was only there because her position demanded she be.
"Thank you, Rias." Sirzechs said calmly once Rias finished trying to hide the annoyance that he felt. Rias was the overseer of Kuoh, but she did virtually nothing of note during the mission.
"Might I ask a question of the Red Dragon Emperor." Michael asked calmly.
"Of course, what do you want to know Lord Michael." Issei replied trying to hold back his annoyance.
"According to Rias's report, you drugged young Irina and Xenovia before the battle. Why would you do that when they were your allies, and in the case of young Irina a precious childhood friend?"
Issei was furious by the question no matter how logical it might be, and his killing intent started to leak. Fortunately for the group, Irina quickly calmed him down with a hand on his shoulder. "Sorry about my little outburst but I simply found your question to be rather hypocritical Lord Michael." Issei said coldly.
"That's a bold statement Issei. You do realize that Michael is essentially the Head of Heaven now." Valerie chuckled. She understood his annoyance, but this wasn't really the time to air grievances.
"I'm aware of that Valerie but before I answer I'd like to pose a question of my own to Lord Michael, but the other leaders can chime in" Issei said calmly.
"Of course" Michael replied.
"If Kokabiel wanted to, he could destroy this entire town without batting an eyelash correct." Issei surmised.
"Not just him, Zechs Mikey Sera and I could all do it. In fact, each of the Maou, all the Cadre and all of Michael's Seraphs could." Azazel said nonchalantly.
"If that's the case, why the hell would he go out of his way to attack the churches and steal the Excalibur fragments in the first place. It was clear from the start that he was involved and when he fled to Kuoh, a town run by two devil heiresses, the church should've been on high alert. I adore Irina and I've grown quite fond of Xenovia but sending two relative novices to a town where a cadre was hiding out was foolish and stupid. We're lucky that his role was playing backup to Valper, but this could've been a whole lot worse if they weren't smarter" Issei said coldly before staring at Michael.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were blaming Michael and the church for what happened." Sirzechs said with a very harsh tone.
"I'm not blaming him and the church per say, but it's rather ironic that the church asks so much of their warriors but yet provides so little in return." Issei said bluntly.
"That's enough of this subject because it's taking us down a path that won't do us any good." Azazel said calmly trying to keep the peace. Issei wasn't wrong with his critique, but the cruel reality was that the church couldn't send somebody who was truly capable of stopping Kokabiel due to it being devil territory. It was the same reason that he couldn't act himself even if he was aware of everything as well.
Issei wasn't pleased that Azazel stopped it, but he understood why, "Kokabiel claimed he wanted to start a war by killing Rias and Sona. While that would've surely made the devils angry and riled up causes for war. Heaven would've stayed pat because the only people involved on their side were two exorcists. Exorcists that were sent on a suicide mission in the first place" Issei explained. It was subtle, but Issei could tell the two siblings were not happy about that but kept their calm. "Since that was the case, the only way they could get heaven involved would be to reveal something to Irina and Xenovia that the church couldn't brush off. I drugged Irina and Xenovia because I believed that if they weren't around, Kokabiel's plan wouldn't work and he'd be forced into different actions." Issei explained.
"Well ultimately they showed up and now that leaves us with another problem entirely." Azazel said with a smile on his face.
"Which is" Issei said with a raised eyebrow. Valerie may have told them about Azazel's suspicion's, but it was Azazel's job to reveal them to the others.
Azazel smiled since Issei didn't give it away, "Kokabiel was never the type to take orders even from me. That means that for him to willingly work with Valper, even on a temporarily basis, suggests that there's a powerful force behind it." Azazel explained.
"Does this powerful force have a name?" Issei replied.
"Yes, they're known as the Khaos Brigade. From what I've gathered the group contains remnants of the Old Maou Faction but that's it. Sadly, I can't say much more." Azazel revealed though Issei couldn't help but notice a cheeky smile coming from Valerie.
"I see and how did you discover this group Azazel." Sirzechs said nervously. Issei couldn't blame him since Azazel was clearly hiding something.
Azazel sighed knowing that he could get in a lot of trouble for this, "Because Valerie was once recruited by them." Azazel frowned causing everybody to look at her strangely.
With the focus on her, Valerie frowned since it would do her no good to hide the truth. Everyone watched as Valerie unfurled a pair wings but not the ones that came with her sacred gear. "My real name is Valerie Lucifer, and I am an actual descendant of the real Lucifer through my grandfather Rizevim Livan Lucifer. Since I know you're wondering why I've got the power of the White Dragon Emperor it's because my mother was human.
When I was a child my father bullied me and tortured me because of my grandfather's hatred, which ultimately led to me leaving the Underworld. I was alone for a few months before I eventually fled to the place where Azazel was staying. To my surprise instead of killing me or taking me back to the devils, Zaz adopted me and raised me as his daughter, keeping my true heritage a secret from most of the Grigori outside of the cadre. A few years ago, I decided to go on a journey to find myself and it was during that time that I was recruited by the Brigade and met what would later become my team. My 'peerage' if you would. During that time, I discovered quite a bit about them even though it was difficult to gain their trust due to my status." Valerie revealed to the group. The truth was Azazel sent her to act as a double agent, but they really didn't need to know that. It would cause too many problems if that was revealed.
"So how much do you know about the Brigade." Sirzechs wondered trying to hide his annoyance at the situation.
"I know that there are 3 major groups in the Khaos Brigade. The first is the group that works with the Old Maou faction. I suspect, this is the one that convinced Kokabiel to make his move since the Old Maou's plans would line up nicely with the Warmongers ideals. The second is known as the Hero Faction. They are humans who are descendant from legendary heroes and have gathered together to make a group. Luckily for us, they're not going to be a threat for some time since three of their major members are a part of my group. The final group won't be active for some time but believe me when I say it's the most dangerous group."
"Who leads the final group?" Serafall said nervously. She had a bad feeling she knew the answer.
"Let me guess, it's led by dear old Grandad." Issei interrupted.
Valerie twitched slightly at Issei's sarcasm but nodded, "That's right. I don't know much about his forces, but I know that he won't act for some time. My grandfather is not the type to move recklessly and if anything, he'll act as a final boss of sorts"
"Well that's good to know. Since we know what the threat is how about we." Sirzechs started to explain before a large explosion came from the old school building.
"Gasper!" Rias panicked aware that her bishop was right near where the explosion occurred.
"The kid is fine. That explosion was probably from the person I have guarding him. Your little bishop will be fine." Valerie smiled.
Rias breathed a sigh of relief but before she could voice her concerns Xenovia shouted out, "Look outside"
Everyone looked outside and what they saw was a large series of magic circles appearing in the sky and warriors coming out to face off with the forces Sirzechs Michael and Azazel kept in wait. "We're under attack" Rias gasped.
"Yes, but we'll be fine. Even if by some crazy chance these guys get by our forces, we have all of us ready to go. Though I'm curious why they'd attack your bishop Ms Gremory." Azazel said calmly.
Rias was about to respond when Issei spoke up, "It doesn't matter why. We should send somebody to back up Valerie's protector." Issei smiled.
"Who did you have in mind?" Valerie smiled back thinking that Issei had a devious plan in place.
"How about Akeno and Xenovia run over and help out. They're strong and they can support Valerie's help." Issei smiled.
"What do you think Rias" Valerie replied calmly but trying to hide her annoyance.
"That's fine. Go Akeno but be careful." Rias said nervously.
"Don't lose Xenovia." Issei smiled.
"Right" the two girls nodded before sprinting out.
"No fair Issei" Valerie pouted slightly causing Issei to smile and Rias to look at both with an odd expression on her face. She was about to speak up when a magic circle appeared in the room.
"We've got company" Azazel smiled.
(Old School Building)
Akeno and Xenovia quickly arrived at the Old school building with their weapons in hand. Xenovia's weapon of choice was her other weapon Durandal is a uniquely shaped broadsword with a blue blade and a golden edge. The sword has a semicircular guard on the left side of the handle that extends to the bottom just above the pommel, with a small extension on the right side of the handle. Akeno was dressed in her battle outfit, a white and red miko dress and her devil wings were out. "So Xenovia should we get going." Akeno smiled.
"Of course. I do hope that the person who Valerie selected is strong." Xenovia wondered as they moved through the room. To the surprise of both women they found bodies all around and very little blood, but it was clear the people were dead or defeated.
"Clearly they are" Akeno smiled as they arrived at the clubroom where Gasper was held and when they arrived Akeno's eyes widened at the women next to a terrified Gasper.
"I wondered when they'd send me some backup. Sorry for taking care of everybody." a voice said with a smile before turning towards the girls at the door.
"It can't be. You're." Akeno stammered as she looked at the women in question. She had black hair with split bangs and hazel gold eyes along with cat ears and two cat tails. Her outfit was a black kimono with a red interior yellow obi that was open to show off breasts that rivaled Akeno's.
"You know her Akeno?" Xenovia said in confusion.
"I do. Her name is Kuroka and she happens to be the older sister of our dear Koneko."
Kuroka wasn't happy at her past being brought up but she kept her coo, "I assume they sent you two to make sure we're okay." Kuroka smiled keeping her cool.
"That's right, but if I had known you were watching him, I would've stayed myself. You have no idea the harm you did to Koneko." Akeno scowled.
Kuroka's eyes narrowed for a moment, "I know exactly what I did to Shirone. There's a lot more to that story then you know." Kuroka yelled back.
"ENOUGH!" Xenovia yelled stopping the two before things got ugly. "We have to focus on making sure everybody is okay. You can discuss the past later"
The two girls looked at each other before turning away from each other and huffing. "Fine" Akeno scowled. The small peace was brokered but it quickly faded due to a large explosion from the meeting room.
"What was that" Xenovia said nervously and as she looked towards the meeting hall to find found Azazel flying in the sky.
"You girls go back them up. I'll stay here." Kuroka confirmed. She wanted to help but now wasn't the time to see her sister.
"Right" Akeno nodded and the two girls ran back to the conference room wondering what they missed.
(10 minutes ago)
Out of the magic circle came a single person. It was a woman who appeared to be in her mid-40s with tan skin purple eyes and brown hair tied into a bun that was held together by a headset. She was wearing a low-cut purple dress that had a slit and showed off her sizeable breasts and gold bracelets along with a staff, "Hello everyone. I hope you don't mind if I crash the party." The women said with a bittersweet smile on her face
"Katarea what are you doing here." Serafall frowned.
"I'm here to destroy you and claim my place as the true Leviathan Serafall." The now named Katarea spoke up.
"Well then you're doing a pretty shitty job of it." Issei spoke up causing everyone to look at him like he was crazy.
"What was that" Katarea scowled staring straight at Issei.
Issei eyed the women briefly before a look of boredom appeared on his face. "Considering what you've already done it's obvious that your plan was to use the time stopping abilities of Rias's bishop to freeze most of us besides the Maou and fight them in a situation where you have hostages to distract them. How does that prove anything other than the fact you're a coward?"
"You little bastard. Who do you think you are?" Katarea yelled.
"Issei Hyoudou, the Red Dragon Emperor pleasure to meet you." Issei replied sarcastically before giving a short bow. "Anyway, if you want to prove that you're the better Leviathan than Serafall here, your best bet would be to beat her in her own game. The whole magical girl thing she has going for her."
"Why would I reduce myself to wearing such an outfit? It's degrading to a devil of my stature." Katarea scowled as though the thought was ridiculous
A vicious smile appeared on Issei's face and he decided to have a bit of fun, "Well ignoring the fact Serafall IS a devil of your stature, it was a bad idea since you couldn't pull it off even if you tried."
"What was that" Katarea scowled.
"Serafall looks like she could pass for a college kid about to go to her first job interview with her appearance. Meanwhile, you look like somebody's aunt who dresses like she's 20 when she's pushing 50. You'd have no chance of surpassing Serafall so I can see why you wouldn't try."
"Why you!" Katarea yelled before taking a breath realizing that she was being taunted. Realizing that, Katarea decided to fight back in a different way. Everyone watched as a magic circle appeared below Katarea and while most of the group braced for an attack Issei stayed calm. It turned out to be the right decision because a light appeared around Katarea and when it faded, there was quite the surprise waiting for him.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me." Valerie face palmed.
"Nice" Azazel smiled.
"Oh my" Michael said in almost abject shock.
The reason for the disbelief from the three men was that Katarea now looked like she was around twenty with her brown hair in a ponytail of her own and her glasses replaced with contacts. To make the scene more surreal Katarea's outfit was a dark black skirt with a black crop top that showed an incredibly toned stomach. Red gloves with black accents along with red stockings and a red hat.
(AN: Basically, it's Serafall's milky spiral costume, with black and red replacing the pink and black on Serafall's with Katarea looking like Ikumi Mito from Shokugeki no Soma but with a ponytail instead of a bob cut). "So, who's the better Leviathan now?" Katarea said in a voice that was bursting with youthful energy.
"Unfair, I wanna dress like that too." Serafall pouted before transforming into her own outfit.
Issei was admittedly caught off guard since both women looked gorgeous, "Gotta admit it's a much harder decision then I thought it would be. So, gents what do you think." Issei smiled before looking towards Azazel Sirzechs and Michael.
"You're seriously going to have them vote." Katarea said in shock.
"Why not I mean you went all out to show us what you look like. A vote makes perfect sense." Issei chuckled.
"He's right you know. Getting the fans opinion is always fun" Serafall smiled.
The men were stunned and admittedly didn't know what to think. Naturally Azazel spoke up first, "Hate to say it but I'm going with Katarea on this one. Sera looks good, but the contrast between the black and red along with the tan skin is really sexy." Azazel admitted causing Katarea to smile and Serafall to frown.
"I'm going to abstain." Michael said bashfully since he didn't feel comfortable answering.
Sirzechs was rather uncomfortable before saying, "I'll choose Serafall." The two women were even but he would have hell to pay from Serafall if he chose her rival.
"Looks like the last vote goes to you Red Dragon, so which one wins." Katarea said smugly aware that the young man had been slack jawed by her new appearance.
Everyone looked at Issei wondering what he was going to do before the young man spoke up, "Hate to say it but it's a draw. Serafall makes the magical girl outfit look good that's for damn sure, but Azazel got it right with the contrast looking good on you. I can't choose" Issei shrugged.
Katarea was furious at him because despite going through all of that she still couldn't win. "That's enough. Let's just go back to fighting" Katerea growled before another magic circle appeared and she was back to her old appearance.
"If we're fighting mind if I be your opponent." Azazel smiled.
"Don't get distracted by her tits old man." Valerie spoke up causing Azazel to twitch.
"When it comes to battling, I'm a professional Valerie." Azazel retorted.
"Enough" Katarea scowled and she blasted a hole in the wall and flew out with Azazel not far behind. Luckily for them the battling outside had pretty much stopped so they had the battlefield all to themselves.
The group watched as Azazel danced around the battlefield dodging every one of Katarea's attacks.
"Looks like they're even" Issei chuckled.
"The old man is just toying with her. He could easily kill her if he wanted to." Valerie frowned.
"Stop moving around old man." Katerea said angrily.
"Aww come on I'm not that old." Azazel replied with a frown. He was enjoying the battle, but he knew that he should wrap things up before they become too troublesome.
Katarea was furious that Azazel kept smiling but then she came up with an idea, "Try this on for size." Katarea smiled before a magic circle appeared from underneath her. When the light shone around Katarea once again, the group was in for another surprise.
"I blame you for this Issei" Valerie deadpanned.
"I'm perfectly okay with that" Issei said with a smile on his face.
"Oh come on" Serafall pouted. The reason for the group's surprise this time was that, not only was Katarea back in her younger appearance, but she was wearing a simple black bikini top that strained her massive breasts with a red bottom that hugged her body amazingly. To say she was erotic was an understatement.
"Damn" Azazel admitted getting a slight nosebleed and that proved to be a perfect distraction.
"I got you" Katarea smiled turning her right arm into a tentacle which she used to grab Azazel's arm
"What's that going to do?" Azazel smirked nonchalantly.
"I can't win that much is obvious and retreating without doing anything would shame the Leviathan name. Those tentacles around your arm are indestructible so I'm going to self-destruct and kill you." Katerea smiled.
"Oh boy" Issei frowned.
"Damn it Azazel, do something" Valerie said in desperation.
"Why do all the cute ones have to be evil?" Azazel frowned before making a light spear and using it to chop of his arm as it flew to the ground.
"What the" Katarea said in shock and Azazel used the opening to fire his own light spear right at Katarea's head killing her instantly.
"That was close" Rias said with relief in her voice. Unseen by most was Issei grabbing Azazel's fallen arm and sealing it into storage so Azazel could take care of that after he was done.
"That was close" Azazel frowned just to have a dragon shot hit him in the stomach causing him to fall to the ground.
"That was for being so reckless. If you hadn't been so focused on her body, she might've killed you Zaz" Valerie pouted.
Azazel got up and dusted himself off before saying, "I deserved that" and everyone chuckled at Azazel's expense.
"Don't worry Valerie, I got his arm and Asia can heal him later." Issei smiled.
"Thank you Issei" Valerie smiled as the wild battle came to an end.
(Scene Skip)
With the Khaos Brigade pushed away, the three faction leaders took the time to relax and fix all the damage that was done. Issei unsealed Azazel's arm and Asia was able to heal his arm with no problem so the Fallen Angel leader was fine. Michael Sirzechs and Serafall helped to repair the buildings along with sending the various troops back to their locations. Once that was over it was time to right a few wrongs before everyone went their separate ways.
The first to speak was Michael who finally decided to reply to Issei's accusation from earlier, "While he may have been slightly misguided, the Red Dragon Emperor is correct that Heaven bares plenty of responsibility into the way things have played out. When my father died, I was forced to take over the system he created but I simply could not do all the things he did. As a result, we had to take certain precautions to ensure that our followers didn't realize God was dead. One of those was hiding the death of God from nearly everyone outside of our most trusted. Miss Shidou your father was one of those men. Admittedly there were many times he begged us to allow you to learn the truth because he knew how it would impact you should you ever discover our lie, but we force him to keep it secret. I do apologize for that much"
"I see" Irina said solemnly.
"I confess I also owe Ms Argento an apology as well."
"Me!" Asia exclaimed not expecting to be put on the spot.
"Yes I do. What happened to you was horrible and you didn't deserve your fate. However, we had no choice because we couldn't have people learn that God's blessings affected Devils. I truly apologize for that"
"I see" Asia said solemnly.
"Don't act like you're the only one at fault here Mikey. We all messed up." Azazel said calmly knowing he was to blame as well.
"Azazel" Michael said in shock.
"Kokabiel was a major threat for a long time that needed to be put down and I knew it was only a matter of time until he tried to pull something. I didn't act because I was afraid that I'd get my own version of the Old Maou Faction if I didn't let it go. Maybe if I had done something, he wouldn't have told these guys the truth and this would've been avoided."
"Azazel" Sirzechs said calmly trying to stop the man. They all deserved some blame for letting things get this bad and the Old Maou Faction still existing was a Devil problem.
"It's fine Zechs. I've done plenty of things that I've regretted, and it's hurt many people and it's time I correct some of that" Azazel admitted. Issei didn't miss the look he sent towards Akeno when he said that which it gave Issei even more questions.
"Mistakes have been made by all parties as far as I'm concerned. We've let this cold war that existed for many years go on and now it's time for a true change. With this peace agreement all can be settled, and we can move towards the future." Sirzechs acknowledged.
"Right. As long as So-Tan is safe that's all that matters and if it means making peace. I'm all for it." Serafall smiled.
"Good grief sis." Sona groaned. She hated being put on the spot, but she was glad her sister was looking out for her.
"So how about we make peace and start over. Because the Khaos Brigade will be back, and they won't be as easy to beat as they were this time." Azazel smiled.
"Yeah!" the room shouted with joy. They needed to make peace because, the Khaos Brigade would be back, and there was no telling what type of threat they would bring.
(Scene Skip)
The next day, everyone was back at the ORC with smiles on their faces since things seemed to be moving forward. "Well Issei I have news for you." Rias said calmly.
"What's up" Issei said nonchalantly.
"During Summer break, Sona and me along with our respective peerages will be returning to the Underworld to show our families our new peerage members and get updated on other devil matters."
"That's fine but that has nothing to do with me." Issei replied dismissively. Sure, he would miss Yumi and Karlamine but that was it.
"Actually, it does involve you Issei. Near the end of the break, there will be a meeting that takes place in the devil capital and we would really appreciate it if you would attend." Rias revealed to Issei's annoyance.
"In other words, I've got about a month and a half to myself before I'm dragged into devil issues yet again." Issei groaned.
"Pretty much. The truth is that they're going to gather the Youth Devils for a massive meeting and the Maou want you to meet them." Valerie smirked.
"Sounds about right. The kendo club has a month-long summer camp coming and I'm sure they want their manager to be available for that. To make things easier for all parties involved, I'll come to the underworld after it's over" Issei explained.
"Maybe we should start calling you the Perverted Dragon Emperor instead of the Red Dragon Emperor." Valerie teased.
"Maybe so but considering how long you've been trying to sleep with me, maybe we should come up with a title for you." Issei retorted causing most of the room to blush particularly Valerie.
"Can you guys flirt later. We're talking business." Yumi exclaimed.
"My bad" Issei smirked before moving over to the Gremory Knight and kissing her on the cheek.
"Really Issei." Irina deadpanned.
Rias coughed in annoyance returning the focus to her, "Anyway Issei, the point is that we won't see you for a while. Keep Kuoh safe while we're gone."
"Yeah yeah, but Valerie is a much bigger concern then I am."
"What's that supposed to mean" Valerie deadpanned.
"Let's start with the fact that you used to work for the guys we're all trying to stop. They'll be targeting you as much as anybody" Issei smirked. 'That and you want to prove yourself to me.' Issei smiled.
"I hate you" Valerie pouted since he was right in a backwards way. The Khaos Brigade would target her in due time and the revelation that she worked with them was not going to play well.
"Whatever" Issei smiled.
"Anyway, I just wanted to tell you to enjoy your time without us and I'll see you when the summer camp is over." Rias smiled. Like that the small meeting came to an end and everyone's focus turned towards what was going to be a fascinating summer.
That's it for chapter 16 everybody and yeah it was a bit anti-climactic in a few ways but that's okay with me. Everyone's made peace and the focus will turn towards the summer and the Youth Devil meetings. However, next chapter is all about the kendo club's summer camp. Let's just say the girls of the kendo club are not going to be very happy with our boy.