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[Ddraig talking]
[Ddraig thinking]
{Albion talking}
{Albion thinking}
|Tiamat talking|
|Tiamat thinking|
(Mastema talking)
(Mastema thinking)
Mental Communication
"Regular Dialogue"
Attacks/Spells
Hospital, Hell First Level Gehenna; February 22, 2020, 4:57 PM; Current Time; 3 Minutes and 20 Seconds Til Midnight
"Mammon?" Issei asked.
"Yes," Mammon said as she pulled out a chair and took a seat. Sirzechs closed the door as he stood off to the side and paid attention to the conversation that was about to happen. Irina sat on the other side of Issei's bed, watching the Elder Devil with a guarded look.
"Don't worry Ace of Michael. I won't do anything suspicious to him," Mammon said.
Irina nodded, opting not to respond for fear of offending her. She had read and heard about the Prime Demons. Devils that were so powerful that they were touted to be Gods that wore a devil's skin. They were the apex and pinnacle of their kind prior to the existence of Super Devils and still held the respect of all Devilkind. Their political power was great and surpassed possibly that of the Four Satans and would have ruled the Underworld if not for their jadedness.
But here was one of them. One of the last two that remained sitting in front of her and Issei.
"Is this about?" Issei began.
"No. At least, not entirely. Yes, I do want to talk about how you could possibly have the Shevirat Ha-Kelim but there are other things I want to talk to you about," Mammon said.
"Okay… why don't we get the hard one out of the way? I don't know how I have it," Issei said.
"I know that much but… do you know what the power you hold can do?" Mammon asked.
"Well… Kali said something about having the power to create and utilizing the powers of all Devils," Issei said.
"Yes, you displayed it during your fight. The Power of Destruction. Hellfire. The Power of Hole," Mammon said. "It's only a matter of time before you start using other abilities."
"You're saying that one day… Issei will be able to use the power of all Seventy Two Pillars and the Extra Demon Clans?" Sirzechs asked.
"No. Well, yes but not in the sense you're thinking. Issei will be able to use powers that are similar to theirs. The Shevirat Ha-Kelim is a power that allows you to use the powers of Absolute Zero according to my mother. She never explained what that meant but… it is a power unique to the Biblical Faction," Mammon said.
"So why Issei?" Irina asked.
"Like I said… I don't know," Mammon answered. "Perhaps it's a sign."
"A sign of what?" Sirzechs asked.
Mammon remained silent.
"Let's move onto the other thing I came here for. I have a request that I would like for you to fulfill when you have the time," Mammon said.
"What is it?" Issei asked.
"I would like for DxD to head to the Philippines to find someone for me," Mammon said.
"DxD? Why do we need DxD to find someone, sensei?" Sirzechs asked.
"This person is reclusive and will possibly react in a hostile manner. I need you to deliver a message to her," Mammon said.
"What's the message?" Issei asked.
"The Seventh stirs and walks like a lion, ready to consume all. She'll know what it means," Mammon said. She got out of her chair and began to walk to the door.
"Wait!" Issei called.
"What is it?" Mammon asked.
"Where do I even look? What does she even look like?" Issei asked.
"Her eyes are like mine," Mammon replied before walking out the door.
Issei sighed. That narrowed things down.
"Sorry about her. Sensei isn't really good at giving hints. It's a wonder I became as strong as I am now," Sirzechs said.
"Yeah… kinda hard to believe that you're really a Super Devil considering how she is. How did you even learn anything?" Irina asked.
"Well, a combination of self-learning and getting my ass beat into the ground. Eventually, I turned the tables and began beating her but for the majority of the time when I was younger, she threw me around like a ragdoll," Sirzechs said. "Nobody is strong off the bat. I may have been born a Super Devil but I had to train to master my powers like everyone else."
Issei and Irina nodded.
"Well, I better get going. Remember, you guys have two weeks to get ready. Use that time however you want and remember what Sensei asked," Sirzechs said.
Issei and Irina nodded as he left the room.
Irina sat next to Issei's bed, holding his hand.
"So what's the plan?" Irina asked.
"I was thinking… I should probably take Rossweisse on that date I promised her and train. The match against Kali showed me how much we still need to get stronger. The people in the finals will be no joke. Vali. Indra. Sairaorg. Rias. We can't afford to lose there," Issei said.
Irina nodded.
"Just make sure that… when you take Rossweisse on your date, you treat her well," Irina said.
"When do I not?" Issei replied.
"Just standard protocol. Rossweisse is our friend after all," Irina said.
The door opened, catching their attention to reveal the rest of the team. Issei laughed as he was surrounded by the others and began to reveal to them his plan for the next two weeks.
Kuoh Town, February 29, 2020, 10:30 AM
It had been a week since the team was released from the hospital. Issei was thoroughly chastised by both Azrael and Grayfia, both of whom had given him an earful about a concept called regard for one's safety or something. Issei didn't remember. He had tuned them out and hummed a song inside his head much to the amusement of the occupants inside of his soul. Most of them anyway. Mastema had become unusually silent after the match. The first thing he had expected upon waking up was to see Mastema's transparent form and to hear her annoying remarks inside his head but she had been quiet.
Other than that, the past week had been uneventful. The training sessions had gone as well as always. Rikka began revealing more powers that she had never shown before and Issei kept forgetting to ask her about her mom. He figured he'd save it for later and just opted to train alongside her. Bova and Rikka had become oddly closer after the match and Irina had been making trips to the Blacklight base more often.
Every time he asked, she smiled and held up her MagiTech bracelets and said it was a surprise that she wanted to reveal when the finals match began.
Issei sighed as he combed his hair and checked his shirt. Today was the day he had set for the date with Rossweisse. He had cornered her after school on Monday in her office away from the other students. To say that she didn't scream at him about tact and the fact that he might get her fired was an understatement. But despite all that, Issei managed to get his request for a date out of his mouth.
"Do I look good?" Issei asked.
[You look fine.] Ddraig said.
|Hmmm, your hair's a bit messy on the left| Tiamat said.
Issei looked in the mirror and saw one stray lock and brushed it. He smiled. Perfect. Now, he was ready. He walked out of his room and went downstairs where he saw Irina reading a book. Rikka sat next to her polishing the famous red sword that had caught the entire world's attention.
The Agneyastra. The famous weapon of the Goddess Agni, bless her heart wherever she is.
"You look good. You heading out?" Rikka asked, looking up from her work.
"Yeah, I got a date with Rossweisse-san," Issei said.
"Ah right… your girlfriend let you have a harem," she said, returning to her work.
"It's not that bad. Most guys dream of having multiple girls," Issei said.
"Yes, but society sees that are repulsive. Monogamy is the social norm after all," Rikka said.
"Issei. You're gonna be late," Irina said. Issei glanced at her and then his watch. His eyes widened as he immediately ran out the door, leaving Rikka and Irina to watch in amusement.
"Are you really okay with this?" Rikka asked.
"I am. Besides, it's not fair to Rossweisse. She was Issei's lover prior to the incident with the mind control. It wouldn't be fair to her if she didn't get another chance just because of an incident that happened while she was at work," Irina said.
"You're really open-minded with this," Rikka said.
"I guess… and besides, it's not like this is frowned upon in the Supernatural World anyway. Most people in this society marry for power rather than love. There are only a few that I know that actually married for love," Irina said.
"Hmm. I guess you're one of those lucky few. I can see the way he looks at you," Rikka said.
"Yeah, I guess I am lucky that Issei isn't like the other men in the Supernatural World," Irina said.
Issei ran down the street towards the agreed-upon meeting place. He shoved past several people, earning yells of anger which he quickly apologized for and stopped at the fountain. He panted, feeling oddly winded despite the fact that he had done more strenuous activities for longer periods of time.
[Remember. It's not like what you're doing is new. Just make sure the both of you enjoy this] Ddraig said.
"I know how to take a girl on a date," Issei said.
|Yes. You do. Don't make him feel anxious, Ddraig.| Tiamat chided. Ddraig sighed inside his head though Issei swore he heard a chuckle.
"ISSEI!"
Issei turned to see Rossweisse running towards him. She looked breathtaking in Issei's opinion. Her violet-silver hair was tied up in a ponytail which was supported by a small pink bow. She wore no make-up, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Her clothing consisted of a snug yellow hoodie that did very little to hide the figure she had. She wore a black pleated skirt with black leggings as well as short fur boots that extended almost halfway up her calves.
Rossweisse stopped in front of Issei to catch her breath before she stood straight and smiled. Issei gulped as her turquoise eyes stared into his very soul and her smile made Issei feel week in the knees.
"I hope you didn't wait long!" Rossweisse said.
"No. Actually, I just got here. I was afraid that I was the one that made you wait," Issei said, laughing in an embarrassed manner.
"Oh. Well, shall we get going?" Rossweisse asked, grabbing his arm.
Issei smiled and the two walked off.
"You're rather bold today," Issei said as they crossed the street. Rossweisse just smiled, her fingers interlocked with his as the two made their way to their first destination.
"Aquariums are such a cliche place for a date," Issei said.
"Yeah but… I've never been to one before," Rossweisse said.
"You haven't?" Issei asked.
"No, back when I was in University, I devoted all of my time to my thesis paper on Trihexa. While all the valkyries went off and found their destined Einherjar, I remained in the library and did research. By the time, I found the time, I was already working as Odin's bodyguard which was basically just being a glorified maid," Rossweisse said as they entered the building.
"Bet you're glad you left right?" Issei said.
"I wouldn't say I was glad. You were there when I essentially got fired," Rossweisse said, looking at Issei blankly.
"Right…," Issei said.
The two walked into a tunnel aquarium. Rossweisse paused to marvel at the amount of marine life that swam in front of her. A large shark swam by the glass, startling her slightly. She jumped and grabbed onto Issei, causing him to laugh a little. Rossweisse heard this and pouted.
"It's… it's not funny!" she said, her cheeks stained red in embarrassment.
Her face wasn't helping as Issei laughed harder, forcing her to slug him in the arm. Her rook strength caused Issei to stumble back a bit as his laugh quieted down. He rubbed his arm and snickered at her embarrassed face.
"Let's just move on before another shark jumpscares you," Issei said. Rosssweisse rolled her eyes and the two moved forward in the aquarium.
The two moved through the building, looking at the various marine life. Issei watched as Rossweisse ran ahead of him towards the pools where people could interact with the marine life. He smiled when Rossweisse called him over to pet a sand shark. He dipped his hand in the pool and gently ran his hand along its smooth skin.
"Not even a day has passed yet but I'm already enjoying myself at the pools," Rossweisse said as she stroked another shark.
"It's not done yet. I still have a lot of things I want to do. A lot of things we need to catch up on," Issei said.
"Even if we don't get to do all the things we planned, I'm still happy we got the time to do this," Rossweisse said. Issei looked at her and nodded. He felt like he did when he was with Irina. He was completely undeserving of this woman in front of him. The waiting he had made her go through as he sorted himself out and fought in the matches. Issei prepared himself. Today, he was going to give Rossweisse one of the best days in her entire life.
"Hey Issei!"
Issei blinked and saw Rossweisse was no longer next to him. He looked around and saw her waving as she took a plate full of fish from one of the aquarium workers.
"This guy said that we can feed the seals with fish!" Rossweisse said.
"Wait for me!" Issei said as he ran over to her.
"I wonder how they're doing?" Irina asked as she closed her book. She sighed.
Should I follow them? Irina thought.
"I wouldn't do that. You'd be intruding," Rikka said as she sheathed Obsidian Rite.
"Eh?" How did you?"
"You were thinking out loud nya!"
The two turned to see Kuroka and Ingvild standing behind them. Irina jumped as she looked at Kuroka.
"How did you get in here!?" Irina asked.
"She let me in," Kuroka said, jutting her thumb at Ingvild. Ingvild looked at Irina apologetically.
"Sorry, I thought it was Issei or Mitsuki," Ingvild said as she yawned.
"You sure woke up late," Rikka said as she grabbed the remote.
"Farming for stuff in Monster Hunter World… gotta be ready for the next siege," Ingvild said as she collapsed on the couch. Kuroka hopped over and sat down next to Irina.
"So… who were you going to follow?" Kuroka asked as she placed her feet on the table. Irina looked between Kuroka's feet and her face and sighed.
"Issei is taking Rossweisse on a date," Irina said. "I was thinking of following them."
"And I'm saying not to. You said it yourself. Rossweisse deserves the time she's getting with Issei so why intrude?" Rikka said as she put on a movie.
"It would be fun to spy on them and really easy for me to do so," Kuroka said as she popped out her cat ears.
"Not all of us are blessed with the gift of shapeshifting, Kuroka-san," Irina said dryly.
"Well, not that I'm going to. Vali only let us have this short break to recover our strength and I have to head to Kyoto in a few hours anyway," Kuroka said.
"Kyoto?" Ingvild asked.
"Mmm! You two are new so I'll say this. I'm the current-!"
"Devil Ambassador to Kyoto," Rikka said as she put on Scream.
"Nyo! How? How do you know that?" Kuroka asked.
"I have youkai friends in Kyoto," Rikka lied as naturally as she breathed. Of course, Rikka couldn't say that she was part of an international, inter-pantheon secret organization that kept track of everything that happened in the mundane and supernatural worlds.
"Huh… well, your friends won't know this but Yasaka-sama said that I'm needed for something extremely important. It's why she sent me home for a few weeks," Kuroka said.
"What's this important thing that Yasaka-sama apparently needs you for?" Irina asked.
"I don't actually know, nya ehehe," she answered.
Rossweisse and Issei walked out of the aquarium with Issei silently praying to every god in existence for the safe passage of his wallet's soul into the afterlife. He looked at Rossweisse, who was hugging an orca plushie close to her chest as she cooed at it. She treated the stuffed toy like a pet. Not that Issei found that weird but… did she really have to buy the other stuff?
(Is this what happens nowadays when you take a girl out on a date?)
Issei blinked. His eyes darted around and he spotted the familiar semi-transparent figure of Mastema floating in the air next to Rossweisse.
"You're here. I thought you died or something," Issei said.
(How rude. I was merely recovering of course. All that power you spent fighting Kali sent me into a sleep-like state to recover.) Mastema said. She looked down at the orca plushie and all of the things Rossweisse had bought.
(Wow… your wallet must have taken one hell of a beating) Mastema said.
"She cleaned me out. I brought enough money for food at the movies but now I'm out!" Issei hissed.
(I don't see how that's my problem… just go withdraw some yen from an ATM machine or something) Mastema said.
"I think I saw one by the entrance. But what do I say?" Issei asked.
(Bathroom excuse duh)
Issei felt like facepalming but doing so would draw Rossweisse's attention. He turned to Rossweisse.
"Hey, uh, do you mind waiting here for a bit. I need to go to the restroom," Issei said. Rossweisse looked up from her plushie and nodded.
"I'll wait here by the sign," Rossweisse said.
"Thanks!" Issei said as he turned and ran back into the aquarium. He weaved through the crowd and found the ATM. Issei sighed in relief as he pulled out his card and withdrew money. As he pocketed the cash, he turned around and headed back to the exit when he saw something that made his blood boil.
Rossweisse stood next to the sign as some random person was clearly flirting with her. The man had his arm on the sign as he stood directly in front of her. He had slick blonde hair and an earring as he grinned. He wore a white button-up shirt that was slightly parted at the front.
Issei breathed as he calmly walked over to them.
"So… why don't you and I take this somewhere more private?" the man said as he grinned. This girl was top notch. Her body was… he couldn't even describe it.
"Ummm…, I'm sorry. I'm with my boyfriend," Rossweisse said.
"Forget him. I can show you a better time," he said.
"Ummm," Rossweisse said. She was really starting to feel uncomfortable just being around this guy.
"Hey, I'm back."
Rossweisse thanked the Norns for that intervention. The man in front of her turned and saw Issei standing next to them.
"You want something?" the man asked.
"Hey, Rossweisse. Ready to go?" Issei asked. The man stiffened. This little stick was ignoring him. Rossweisse nodded and grabbed Issei's hand. As the two were about to walk off, the man grabbed Issei's shoulder.
"Hey! I'm talking to you! Where do you think you're going off taking my girl like that?" he asked.
Issei turned and his eye bled black while his irises glowed an eerie green. The man slowly took his hand off Issei's shoulder as he stumbled back, assaulted with visions of every possible death he could suffer at the hands of this man- no monster. The silhouettes of two dragons stood behind him and moved towards him. As their faces got closer, their mouths opened. He covered his face with his arms and prepared for the worst when he heard someone speak.
"You okay?"
He opened his eyes and saw Issei and Rossweisse staring at him. Looking fearfully at Issei, the man got up and ran as fast as he could.
"What was that all about?" Issei asked. Rossweisse rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Come on. The next one's on me," Rossweisse said as she dragged Issei into the street.
"So where are we going?" Issei asked.
"There's this place I wanted to go," Rossweisse said.
"What's the place?" Issei asked.
"It's a surprise," she said.
Issei nodded as Rossweisse led him down the street. Issei watched as her smile grew when they turned a corner. The surroundings slowly became more and more familiar until Issei realized that they were back in the neighborhood. He glanced at Rossweisse, who kept pushing forward and sighed.
"Rossweisse, why are we back?" Issei asked.
"Because, I want you to push me on a swing," Rossweisse replied.
"Push you on a swing?" Issei asked.
"Yeah, I just want to do something simple. I know that… you spent the entire's day worth of cash on the gift shop just for me and… I feel really bad about making you spend all that money," Rossweisse said.
"Rossweisse, it's fine. Really, you don't have to throw away any plan you had because of me," Issei said.
Rossweisse stopped as they reached the park entrance. There were kids running around and parents relaxing on benches as the two stood there. Rossweisse refused to face Issei.
"I'm not throwing anything away. I just want… to enjoy the day with you. I don't care if it's at an amusement park or the theatre or even if we're just taking a walk. I don't care as long as I'm spending some time with you," Rossweisse said.
"Rossweisse," Issei said. "Wanna go? That kid just got off."
Rossweisse looked back at Issei, who was smiling softly at her. Rossweisse nodded and the two walked over to the empty swing. Rossweisse placed her stuff down and sat on the seat.
"Ready?" Issei asked. Rossweisse nodded and Issei began to push her. She laughed as Issei pushed and turned her head.
"Push harder!" Rossweisse said. Issei nodded and pushed her a little harder, sending her higher into the air.
"Hey, so I was thinking," Issei said as he pushed her on the swing.
"What?" Rossweisse asked as she flew up.
"When are you taking your high-class devil exam?" Issei asked.
"I'm only a Mid-Class Devil so I got to wait first," Rossweisse said.
"Huh, so after the games?" Issei asked.
"Probably. Why?" Rossweisse asked.
"Just asking," Issei said.
"Hmmm. What about you? How are things going with your team?" Rossweisse asked.
"Is this some ploy to get me to confess the strategies we use to win matches?" Issei asked in a teasing tone.
"No. If I wanted to, I'd use other methods," Rossweisse said seductively.
"Ahem… uh, there are kids," Issei said.
"Anyway, are you guys healed up?" she asked.
"Pretty much. We've just been training for the most part. Today, since we're on a date, everyone ran off to go train by themselves. Irina and Rikka are probably sparring in the basement of the house right now," he said.
"How and where did you find the daughter of Agni?" Rossweisse asked curiously.
"Well, I met her while I was in Kyoto to ask Yasaka to see if she knew any youkai that would be good for my team for the Azazel Cup," Issei said.
"And you ran into her?" Rossweisse asked.
"Well, yes and no," Issei lied. "I saw her getting attacked by a pair of Oni and wanted to help but she cut them down by herself. She moved so fast too. Faster than Kiba can I think outside of his armor."
"Faster than Kiba?"
"Yeah, I barely saw her move."
It wasn't a total lie. Issei's first spar with Kuroyuki Rikka was an eye-opener for him in terms of how outclassed he was when it came to speed. She was beyond fast, moving at speeds that Issei could honestly say surpassed his and Vali's. Of course, he attributed it to her being a demigod and her brutal training at the hands of Taki.
"What about you guys? What are your plans for the finals?" Issei asked.
"Mostly to fix Tatsuya's attitude. He's a bit… arrogant. He sometimes rushes in without thinking but overall, he's pretty decent as a fighter," Rossweisse said. "Rias is also spending some time outside training with Sirzechs-sama."
"I see. What about Eren and Asia? How are they doing?" Issei asked.
"The two have… basically become the team support. Asia with her healing skill and Eren's been reading botanical journals and stuff about plant medicines to help Asia. Last I saw them, Eren was developing a technique to sprout a plant that can spray a cloud of healing dust that heals minor wounds so Asia won't be overburdened with the sole duty of healing," she said.
"Nice to know he's carrying his own weight," Issei said. "I'm proud of them."
"I think I'm good on the swings," Rossweisse said as she planted her heels in the bark.
"Huh?" Issei looked at her oddly.
"If we don't go, we'll miss the movie," Rossweisse said.
"Oh crap!" Issei said.
"Wait! Our stuff!" Rossweisse called as Issei picked her up.
"Just put them in a pocket dimension or something!" Issei said. Rossweisse sighed and discreetly cast a spell that wouldn't be detected. The bags sunk into the magic circle as Issei ran off at high speeds. Once he was sure that no one was looking, Issei jumped off the ground and began hopping from roof to roof until he reached the theatre.
Irina swung Hauteclere in the arena. While the others watched movies, Irina decided to get some training in. She lowered Hauteclere and stared at her wrists.
"Come on…," Irina said silently.
"Need help?"
Irina turned around and saw Rikka standing behind her, holding a bokken.
"I thought you guys were watching movies?" Irina asked.
"Hmm… I wanted to come down here and see what you were up to," Rikka said.
"I'm just trying to get my magitech to work," Irina said as she stared at her wrist bands.
"What does it do?" Rikka asked.
"I wanted something that enhances me physically and magically. The R&D people looked at me like I asked for something they never heard of before too," Irina said.
"I can see why. The features you asked for are pretty generic," Rikka said.
"One of them said the same thing so I said that I wanted it to be able to assist me in any way and I added the word biblical in there and they gave me this," Irina said.
"That doesn't really answer my question," Rikka said.
"I can go fast. Control Water. Draw power from the Sun, control fire, and control wind," Irina said.
"The Flood, The Storm, and Holy Fire but fast?" Rikka asked.
"It was based on Asahel, one of Zeruiah's three sons, who was said to have been extremely fast and graceful that he might as well have been a gazelle," Irina said.
"I see… so have you made any progress in unlocking its Codification?" Rikka asked.
"Codification?" Irina looked at her strangely.
"Sort of like its Balance Breaker. Like mine for example," Rikka said as she unsheathed Obsidian Rite. She gripped the hilt and breathed. Irina was pushed back as a wave of power exploded from Rikka. Black aura covered her as red markings appeared on her body. The sclera of Rikka's eyes turned black as her red eyes began to glow.
"Rite of the Dark God: Code Laevateinn," Rikka said.
"This is Codification. It is the ultimate form of your MagiTech and can drastically enhance your abilities. But it can leave you extremely tired afterward if you push yourself too hard in that form," Rikka said. She breathed, releasing the form and resheathed Obsidian Rite.
"So… will you help me unlock my Codification before the Main Stage starts. I heard that they're making it a Battle Royale and we still have opponents on Kali's level to face," Irina said.
"Indra. Typhon. And a host of others," Rikka said. "Alright. First things first. Unlocking your Codification requires being able to sync with the fragment of your soul that's inside the MagiTech. By doing so, you'll lift the restrictions that are placed on it."
"That sounds easy," Irina said.
"It's not as easy as it sounds. It involves hours of meditation to try and sync with the soul," Rikka said.
"I'll give it a go," Irina said.
"Remember. Breathe. Clear your mind. Relax," Rikka said, reminding her of some of the basics of meditation.
Irina nodded and sat cross-legged. She took in a large breath of air and exhaled. She kept doing this until her body reached a rhythm. Irina's brows furrowed as she tried to clear her mind, finding this harder than she had initially stated.
"Not so easy is it?" Rikka asked.
"It would be… if you didn't say anything," Irina retorted.
"Hmmm," Rikka smiled and sat down in front of her. She pulled out her AS and projected the time. She stared at Irina and sighed. They were going to be here for a while.
Issei and Rossweisse walked out of the movie theatre with Rossweisse glued to his arm. Her face was pale as she shook slightly. Issei kept stealing glances at her pale, terrified face as he struggled to contain his laughter. His muffled snickers were noticed by Rossweisse, who glared and pinched his arm. Issei nearly bit his tongue as he tried to stifle his scream of pain.
"That's not funny!" Rossweisse said. "That movie was really scary!"
"Come on. It was just about a woman running from her crazy ex, who happened to have a suit that can turn them invisible," Issei said. "It's not like we haven't faced things down that were more terrifying."
"But still," Rossweisse said. "The way that guy snuck into the mental facility and just killed all the guards… and his obsession with her was the scary part."
"Hmmm, I thought you would've read the book first," Issei said.
"I'm not that old Issei," Rossweisse said, pouting. The two looked up and saw the sun setting. Issei smiled and grabbed Rossweisse's hand as the two began to walk home. Rossweisse blushed a little as she decided to hug Issei's arm. Issei's face slowly turned red as he felt her large, soft breasts envelop his arm.
As the two walked home, Issei decided to do something.
"Hey, there's somewhere I want to take you. It's not far from the house," Issei said as he dragged her down the street. The two kept walking until they arrived at the overpass. Issei's eyes widened in horror. The field was ruined. Scorched potmarks littered the place. Issei took a small step forward and fell to his knees.
"Who did this?" Issei whispered.
Rossweisse noticed the drop in Issei's mood and walked over to him. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder as she kneeled next to him.
"This place," Issei said. "This place was where Irina and I became best friends and where Rias and I…"
Rossweisse remained silent as she rubbed soothing circles on Issei's back.
"Is it still here?" Issei looked up and scanned the area for a certain rock. A rock that had his name alongside Irina, Rias, and Akeno's names engraved into it. Issei looked around until he spotted a rock that was blackened with ash. He ran over to it and wiped the ash off, sighing in relief to see that the rock was still… somewhat intact. Issei noticed some cracks on the side, indicating that it had been caught in the blast of whoever did this. He ran his fingers over the names.
"Hey Rossweisse… Come here. I want to show you something," Issei said.
"What is it?" Rossweisse asked, noticing that Issei's mood had lifted. She looked down and saw a rock with names engraved into it.
"This rock. Irina and I carved our names into it when we were kids. When Rias and I started to date, I took her here and we carved our names into the rock. I did the same with Akeno," Issei said.
"And now… you want me to do it?" Rossweisse asked.
"Yeah," Issei said. "But I don't have anything to carve into it with. Ascalon's too big for something like this…"
"I can just use magic," Rossweisse said as she formed a small blade on her finger. She knelt next to Issei and began carving something into the rock. She didn't want anything overly grand or complex like the message Akeno carved in. She wanted something simple but meaningful enough to convey the love she felt for the man next to her.
"And done!" Rossweisse said.
Issei blinked and smiled. "Kinda simple don't you think?" Issei asked.
"Sometimes, simple is all you need," Rossweisse said.
"Let's go home," Issei said. As he got up, he felt Rossweisse tap him on the shoulder. He turned and his eyes widened in surprise. Rossweisse pressed her lips softly up against Issei's. He leaned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her waist.
After nearly a minute of constant lip-lock, the two pulled apart and pressed their foreheads against each other. They smiled before pulling apart and walking back to the house, hands intertwined.
The wind blew, sending a nice breeze through the ruined field. The rock which previously had three engravings on it now had four.
I+R
Issei, Mitsuki, and Irina walked into Sirzechs' office where he was met with the sight of Gremory Peerage. Rias glanced at Issei and waved. She smiled when Issei waved back. Issei stood next to her as the group faced Sirzechs.
"Where's your Azazel Cup Team?" Sirzechs asked.
"They're… pre-occupied at the moment," Issei said.
Pre-occupied was the most accurate term to describe what everyone was doing. Vasco and Risa were on a short bodyguard mission for the Archangel Uriel while he visited the Middle East to go spend time in the city of Jerusalem. Rikka, Mica, Tohka, and Ingvild were all pulled by their respective branches for an assignment. Issei, Mitsuki, and Irina would have been sent as well if not for Taki's exact words.
Taki looked at Issei as he stood in front of his desk.
"Why aren't we being sent on a mission with Rikka-senpai?" Issei asked.
"Because you've been assigned one already," Taki said, placing a cigarette into his mouth and lighting it.
"I don't remember getting an assignment," Issei said.
"You did. From the Prime Demon Mammon. And now I'll make it official. We have reason to believe that there are other Prime Demons that survived other than Mammon and Belphegor. Mammon's statement just confirmed our suspicions about the Philippines," Taki said.
"So you're saying that there's a Prime Demon there?" Issei asked. Taki nodded. "Only speculation. Any attempts we have at observing the country is met with heavy amounts of both technological and magical interference. Like something's hiding there. At first, we attributed this to the Elder God Bathala due to his want to remain out of the limelight so to speak but… as of recently, with the Original Demons running around. It's been getting harder to observe and we've detected small trace amounts of Miasma."
"So, you want us to go and see if there is a Prime Demon there or if it's just a Demon," Issei said.
"Yes. This is your first assignment," Taki said.
Issei nodded.
"Right…," Sirzechs said. He turned to the others. "Rias. Your club was specifically requested for this by Mammon-sensei. You are to head to the Philippines and find the Goddess of the Moon, Mayari."
"Mayari?" Rias asked.
"Yes," Grayfia said. "Mayari is one of the three daughters of the God Bathala and the youngest of the three. She is… for a lack of better words, extremely powerful."
The group nodded.
"We felt that since Mayari was your target that you would need some backup for this mission so we asked another well-known Moon Deity to assist in this," Sirzechs said.
There was a knock on the door, causing Sirzechs and Grayfia to smile.
"That must be them. Please come in!" Sirzechs said.
The door opened to reveal a beautiful woman walking in. Her eyes were silver, resembling the Moon itself on a bright night. Her hair was a beautiful shade of auburn and was styled in a braided ponytail. She wore a white high collar sleeveless shirt that was open at the top, revealing a black undershirt. She wore black biker shorts and had a pair of thigh-high salmon-colored socks with brown boots.
"So this is the team?" the woman asked, crossing her arms. She looked at the team with some measure of interest. The men in the group shivered when her eyes lingered on them for a bit too long. They could feel the disgust she had for them if the brief bursts of killing intent weren't any indicator for this.
"Please don't kill them out on the field, Artemis-sama," Grayfia asked in a respectful manner.
The woman known as Artemis sighed. "I promise. Besides, this is more of an escort mission anyway," Artemis said.
"Right, so you all know what you have to do. Find Mayari-sama and get the information on the whereabouts of our person of interest," Sirzechs said.
Rias raised her hand.
"Yes?" Sirzechs asked.
"If I may ask, who is our person of interest?" she said.
Sirzechs and Grayfia looked at each other. A silent conversation happened between them as they stared into each other's eyes. Sirzechs sighed and turned back to Rias.
"Look this was hard for us to digest as well but…," Sirzechs trailed off. He recomposed himself and folded his hands. "Sensei said that the person you are looking for is one of the Seven Prime Demons. The Lord of Lust, Asmodeus."
"What? But, isn't she dead?" Rias asked.
"Yes, Asmodeus-sama was believed to have committed suicide shortly after the end of the Great War," Grayfia stated. "But if Mammon-sama's words are to be believed, then she's not as dead as we expected her to be."
"Any more questions?" Sirzechs asked.
Nobody said anything as Sirzechs smiled.
"Good. You can depart for your mission," Sirzechs said.
The group nodded before Artemis formed a massive magic circle with old Grecian symbols and the group disappeared in a flash of silver light.
Outside of the Ars Nova, a woman with white hair sat on the roof as her yellow eyes gazed upon the window of Sirzechs' office. She brought an apple up to her mouth and bit into it. A sudden presence caused her eyes to turn around. She lazily gazed at the newcomer.
"So, you are alive."
"Surprised?" she asked. Mammon looked down at the woman and crossed her arms.
"Kind of. You dropped off the map for several centuries and all of a sudden, your power was felt by all the Old Devils," Mammon said.
"So the other Progenitors know I'm alive?" she asked.
"No. It was too brief for them to identify the source of the surge but… Belphegor had an inkling and shared it with me," Mammon said.
"I see," the woman said.
"Are you with him?" Mammon asked. "Are you helping him kidnap those children?"
"If I said yes, what would you do, my dear little sister?" the woman asked. Mammon felt a bead of sweat run down her face.
"Nothing. There's no way I could ever pose a threat to you. Not then. Not now," Mammon said.
"To answer your question, I'm not actively helping him. I'm more watching from the sidelines until his plan is complete," she said.
"So why are you here then?" Mammon asked.
"Him. Issei Hyoudou," she said.
Mammon's eyes widened.
"It's been so long. He's grown up and I missed it. And he even has the Shevirat Ha-Kelim just like me and Mother," she said happily.
Mammon remained silent as the woman stood and walked past her. She stopped just behind Mammon when she called out.
"Are you going to take him, Onee-sama?" Mammon asked.
The woman placed a finger on her chin as she thought over Mammon's question.
"No. Not yet at least. For now, I'll watch. He's looking for Asmodeus-chan right?" she said.
Mammon's breathing hitched as she turned to face the toxic yellow eyes of her older sister.
"You stay away from her! Whatever Beelzebub is planning, Asmodeus has suffered enough! Don't drag her into this!" Mammon snarled.
"Oh. I won't do anything to Asmodeus-chan. She's my little sister after all. And besides, it's not like Beelzebub isn't already there with them," she said.
Mammon's eyes widened. Her memory of seeing Akeno's eyes during the Gremory Match against Riser Phenex came back to her.
"That girl," Mammon said.
She smiled. "Well, this has been fun. I'll see you later, Mammon-chan," the woman said as she turned around.
The woman disappeared before Mammon's eyes as the Prime Demon fell to her hands and knees, releasing a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
Reviews:
Ronin Nexus: I don't know what kind of weed you're smoking to come up with these but can I ask who you buy it from. Astra means "weapon". My Indian friend told me so. And don't say that's a lie because you know nothing about my personal life. And Agni is a God. Not just a normal run-of-the-mill God. He's a Major God. He's Indra's brother for crying out loud. So, please... send that address.
Disclaimer: Don't actually do it. I'm doing this to highlight how absurdly wrong your information about how Agni being a demigod is.
Scrumblenut: Interesting assumption... fufufu.
DoctorMario 911: Yes. It was based on the fight except Kali isn't a super buff gray alien who can level the Universe in this fic.
AnimeFan0216: Rikka is a Hindu Demigod like Karna but... she hates the entire pantheon for the reasons Kali speculated. I'll reveal more about Mara and Agni in the second season so for now, you and the others will have to sit with that little tidbit. And ah yes, I forgot to answer this but... the next chapter, you might get an answer as to who won the best daughter fight courtesy of an omake featuring the daughters themselves.
So this chapter is shorter because it kind of fought with me so I fought back. At first, I wanted Issei and Rossweisse to go to an amusement park but decided that an aquarium was better cuz... why not? I love aquariums. The scene at the park was my sister's idea and I liked it so... sis, if you see this, thank you. Anyway, for those who wondered by Rossweisse just went with I+R, I went for the "simplicity can be powerful" angle, and since hers is simple compared to... Akeno who wrote an entire poem basically, it set her apart from the rest. Well, that's all I have to say about this chapter other. Well, hope you remember to make it a great day/night or not, the choice is yours!
Oh right here. If any of y'all are interested in discussing Mao Zedong's Noble Phantasm. I bet it involves sparrows. discord. gg /V54pcwA