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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
Tayabas, Philippines, March 2, 2020, 11:30 AM; Current Time: 3 Minutes and 16 Seconds Til Midnight
"It's rather lively here," Irina said as she hovered over some bananas. Issei stood next to her as the two looked and analyzed the bananas, contemplating if they should buy some and bring it back to Kuoh.
"You want bananas? 20 Pesos!" the vendor said, growing annoyed. He had been there for twenty minutes while the two stared at his produce.
"Excuse me po? Pero, hinog na ba ang mga saging ito?" Irina asked. Issei blinked and looked at her. The vendor looked surprised that Irina was able to speak Tagalog and nodded in mild amazement. He was impressed. Many foreigners came to his city to go to the mountain but none of them spoke a lick of the native language which made communication hard and ripping them off easy.
"I don't have any money," Irina muttered.
"You two! Come on!"
Issei and Irina perked their heads up and turned to Artemis, who stood with the rest of the group with her arms crossed. Irina sighed and began to walk away. Issei stood there staring at the bananas. He reached into his pocket and pulled his wallet out. All yen. He sighed and followed Irina back to the group.
"Now's not the time for you two to go grocery shopping. Come on. I managed to get us a ride out of the city," Artemis said. Issei and Irina gave each other a glance before noticing the pale faces of the men in the group.
"What did she do?" Issei asked.
"I never even knew you could do that with an eggplant," Eren said.
"Issei, she did nothing. She… just asked nicely," Kiba said, flinching at the memory.
"Okay?" Issei said. The girls shrugged as they walked away. The group followed Artemis and saw a bus with no people inside. The driver looked at the group and blanched when he saw Artemis.
She glared at the driver and handed him a hefty sum of cash before motioning for all of them to pile into the back.
The group got into the back of the bus and sat as the driver turned it around.
"Huh… this is convenient," Rias said as she watched the other busses pass by with people unloading and people hopping on.
"They're called Jeepneys," Irina said.
"Irina and I had to take one around Manila when the church was called because a rogue exorcist was working with a stray devil that made its way here," Xenovia said.
"It's nice. At least I didn't spend all the money on that trip," Irina said.
"Like when we were in Kuoh and you spent it all so Issei had to let us stay over?" Xenovia asked.
Irina pouted and buried her head in Issei's shoulder. Issei sweatdropped as she hugged his arm tightly. He felt a multitude of stares on them, Koneko and Rossweisse being the most prominent. Rossweisse grumbled about the unfairness of it all while Koneko looked at Irina with a hint of jealousy in her eyes. A glint that Issei noticed on the other girls as well. Unlike Rossweisse which was more competitive and playful jealousy, the others were a more seething, festering jealousy. The only one who didn't seem to have it in spades was Rias, whose visage was a mixture of slight regret, sadness, jealousy, and happiness.
"Anyway," Mitsuki said. "How long until we get there?"
"Where are we going, Artemis-sama?" Rias asked.
"We're going to Mount Banahaw and San Cristobal. The most sacred mountains in the Philippines. They're referred to as the Yin-Yang Mountains and it is the current home of Mayari, the Goddess of Moon and Combat as well as Apolaki, God of the Sun and Warfare. The peaks are also the entryway to Kaluwahaitan, the Divine Realm of the Philippine Pantheon," Artemis said.
"So which peak are we headed to?" Issei asked.
"We are headed to Mount San Cristobal. Locals here call it the Devil's Mountain," she answered. "Strap in I guess. We're in for a long ride. The trip there takes about two hours via car."
"Why can't we teleport?" Akeno asked.
"There's a powerful presence there that prevents any and all teleportation to and from the mountain by any being that's not associated with the Pantheon native to this country," Artemis said.
"Powerful presence?" Kiba asked.
"Bathala. The Elder God of the Philippines and God of Eternity and Creation… I presume," Artemis said, placing her hand on her chin and looking out the window.
"Are you sure we won't piss him off by being there?" Irina asked, lifting her head from Issei's shoulder. "Christianity wasn't exactly good for this country in the beginning despite the majority of the population being Christian."
"You'll be fine," Artemis said. "At least… I think you will. Bathala's more or less retired. He handed over rule over the Pantheon to Mayari and Apolaki a long time ago. It resulted in a massive fight that ended with the two compromising after Mayari lost an eye to her brother."
"Ouch… sounds like one of Issei and Mitsuki's fights," Irina commented.
"We're not that…"
"Bad!"
Issei and Mitsuki both shouted at the same time.
"Hmm," Artemis hummed.
"So how sure are we that Mayari knows where Asmodeus is?" Akeno asked.
"We don't," Artemis answered. "Lady Mammon's description was more or less vague. Yellow eyes aren't exactly unique within the supernatural world. There are many beings with yellow eyes."
"But? I'm sensing a but here," Rossweisse said.
"Mayari may be able to help us track her down. A demonic power within her country won't be able to escape her notice much less her father's," Artemis answered.
"Okay. But… my question is will she help us? Like Irina said, our Pantheon's influence on this country wasn't exactly peaches and mangoes following Spanish Colonization," Rias said.
"She will. She owes me for the last Lunar Convention," Artemis said.
The group drove down the roads of the Philippines, passing other cars. The driving here was vastly different from what they were used to. People sitting on the backs of pickups or atop Jeepneys was a sight to behold for Issei, who had never seen such a sight before. He honestly wanted to try it out and looked for an opening to climb onto the roof of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, both Irina and Rossweisse had spotted the look on Issei's face and glared him into submission. An hour had passed since they began their lovely trip to Mount San Cristobal and most of them had fallen asleep. Artemis was sharpening her silver knife in the plain view of Issei and Kiba. Eren, Tatsuya, Yuu, and Hiruko had fallen asleep. Irina was drooling on Issei's shoulder while Mitsuki fell on his lap. Rias and Akeno were using each other as support while Koneko hugged Xenovia. Xenovia's head lay on Rossweisse's shoulder who seemed to be fighting sleep.
"Thanks for coming with us, Artemis-sama," Issei said.
"Don't thank me. Any words out of your filthy male mouth are just lies told to seduce women," Artemis said.
"No really. I mean it. I know that you hate men and all that but… I want to thank you for coming with us. Without you, we might all get annihilated," Issei said, flashing her a smile.
Artemis looked at Issei for a few seconds before nodding. Issei's grin grew wider before he looked back out the window. Artemis looked down at her knife for a few seconds, attempting to figure out what that bizarre feeling she felt was when Issei smiled at her.
It's probably nothing, Artemis thought as she continued running the whetstone along the side of her prized weapon.
After another hour had passed, Artemis tapped on the wall of the bus, causing the driver to come to a stop. They were in the middle of the road with trees surrounding them. The sounds of animals running around from inside the forest could be heard. Issei noticed that the vehicle had stopped moving and saw Artemis thanking the driver. She placed her hand in her mouth and whistled as loud as a New Yorker when hailing a cab. Everyone jumped, including those who were still awake.
"Wake up. We're here," Artemis said as she pushed past them and got out of the car.
"We are?" Rias said groggily. She looked out the window and noticed nothing but forest.
"Um, Artemis-sama," Akeno said. "I don't mean to offend you but… we're in the middle of nowhere."
"No, we're here. I can feel her power washing over the area. She's blending it in with the natural energy of the island," Artemis said. "Neko girl. Use your senjutsu. You can feel it right?"
Koneko closed her eyes and began using senjutsu. She immediately regretted following Artemis's suggestion and ran out of the jeepney. She got on her hands and knees and promptly vomited all over the pavement.
"Koneko!" Everyone got out of the van and moved towards her. Asia knelt next to her and cast a diagnostic spell over her.
"She's fine but… why did she vomit?" Asia asked.
"Her power… it's massive. Like staring at the Moon and feeling its gravity trying to pull you apart," Koneko said as she wiped her mouth.
"Come on. Let's get a move on," Artemis said as she hopped over the railing and began to make her way into the forest.
In front of them, a viridian peak obscured by some clouds loomed in the distance. Artemis expertly maneuvered through the thick brush while the others struggled behind her.
"I should've brought Zin. She would've blasted these insects and the entire forest into ashes," Issei said as he slapped a mosquito.
[Hmm, filthy insects. Do they think themselves worthy of drinking a dragon's blood?] Ddraig said.
|I mean… we got bit a lot back in Mesopotamia| Tiamat said.
"I know what you mean," Xenovia said. "I have half a mind to summon Durandal and just cut down every tree in sight just so we can get to our destination faster."
"Why aren't we flying?" Irina asked.
"You can't fly because they might perceive you as a threat. If I'm not there, I am one hundred percent certain that either Tala or Apolaki will smite you," Artemis said as she moved a large leaf out of the way.
"Are we at least almost there?" Tatsuya asked. "These bugs are getting on my nerve."
"Yes, Mayari said she'd meet us in the woods so she can bring us to the mountain," Artemis said.
"Stupid no teleportation," Yuu said.
"We just have to bear with it," Eren said.
"Yeah, lucky you," Tatsuya said. "Your Sacred Gear lets you control plants so none of this is affecting you."
"Knock it off you two," Rias said. "It's hot and we really don't need this right now."
The group broke through the edge of the treeline and came across a small clearing in the woods where a small stream flowed through. Artemis sighed and turned to see her charges tired and sweaty. She didn't blame them. Despite being constantly on the move with her nymphs and hunters, she had to admit. Tropical locale was never her favorite to be in.
"Alright. We'll rest up here for a couple of minutes and then we'll continue on our way towards the mountain. That is if Mayari doesn't show up," Artemis said. She sat down on a rock and closed her eyes while the others collapsed on the grass.
"God… please forgive me for any sin I might have committed," Irina said as she stared at the sky.
"Hmm, rather offensive praying to another god when there's one right in front of you," Artemis said, cracking open one eye.
Irina gulped as the Moon Goddess looked down at her.
"I'm kidding. You're fine. Go pray to your dead God," she said.
"...," Irina looked at her blankly and looked back at the sky.
"UGGGHH! WHERE IS THIS GODDESS!? IS SHE EVEN HERE!?" Mitsuki asked.
"She can be if you pray hard enough."
A foreign voice caused them all to turn around and look behind Mitsuki. A woman dressed in a white shirt with a beige vest over it stood behind her. She wore baggy camouflage pants. On her feet were a pair of brown hunting boots. A bow and a wooden staff were strapped to her back and a quiver found its home on her left hip. Her yellow eyes stared at them as Mitsuki took a step back.
"Some party you got here Arty. I didn't know you were beginning to accept males into your little entourage. Does that mean you're no longer a feminazi?" she asked as she brushed her midnight black hair aside.
"Mayari. I see your sense of humor hasn't gotten better in the past 50 years," Artemis said, crossing her arms.
"Riiiight," Mayari said.
"Wait… I thought she lost an eye," Issei said, whispering to Rias.
"Me too," Rias said.
"I did," the Filipino Moon Goddess said. The two jumped and looked down at the ground.
"But with the miracles of magic and technology, I managed to snag a replacement eye. Even has my original eye color too!" Mayari said, tapping her right eye much to the discomfort of her guests.
"Stop that. You're making them and me uncomfortable," Artemis said.
"Anyway, it's kinda hot out. Why don't we head back to my house and we can talk there?" Mayari said. Her question was met with a chorus of agreement from the entire group, causing her to chuckle a little. Mayari formed a large silver magic circle underneath them and teleported them to her house.
Mayari's house wasn't overly grand as Issei expected a Goddess's home to be. It was a rather simple house. The exterior was painted white and the house was three stories tall. A small gate stood in front of them as Mayari opened it and walked inside. They followed her through the gate and through her front door.
The inside was homey and quaint as one would expect of a house in the mountains. They looked out the window and noticed that they were at the peak overlooking the woods and the various farms that surrounded the mountain. They saw a town in the distance.
"So," Mayari said as she took a seat on her couch. She placed her bow and staff on the table as she gestured for them to make themselves comfortable.
They complied and all took a seat.
"What brings the Great Biblical Pantheon and Artemis to my neck of the woods?" Mayari said as she summoned a bottle of Fanta to her hand.
"Actually before we answer that, if it's not too rude of us to ask, may we have something to drink?" Rias asked.
"Of course. Where are my manners?" Mayari said, laughing a little. She teleported her weapons to the side and summoned two buckets from a place called Jollibee and a large tray of drinks filled with juice.
"Thanks," Rias said.
They all grabbed some food, poured themselves a drink, and took a bite while Mayari waited for an answer. Eventually, Rias spoke up once more.
"We're here on a mission from our Pantheon actually. We were wondering if you could help us find someone," Rias said.
"Hmm, that depends. Who is this someone that the Biblical Faction is so interested in finding," Mayari asked as she took another sip of her drink.
"Asmodeus," Issei said. "We were tasked by the Prime Demon Mammon to find Asmodeus."
Mayari raised an eyebrow, pausing a little. She closed her eyes and placed her drink on the table.
"Hmmm, kind of a wild goose chase don't you think? If I recall, Asmodeus committed suicide shortly after the end of the Great War," Mayari said.
"She did… according to the records but Mammon-sama told us that she was here," Rias said.
"Did she explicitly state that?" Mayari asked.
"Well, no…," Rias said.
"Wait," Issei said.
"Hmmm?" Mayari turned to him.
"Mammon-sama told me to say something once we found Asmodeus. Something like 'The Seventh stirs and walks like a lion'," Issei said.
Mayari's eyes widened slightly. "I see…," she said.
Man, she is not going to be happy, Mayari thought.
"Well then, I believe that I can help you with this but… by doing so, I will be more or less taking you to someone who went as far as to fake a suicide just to live in peace," Mayari said.
"Wait," Artemis looked at her in shock. "You mean that Asmodeus is actually still alive?"
Mayari nodded. "She is. The Lord of Lust resides here within the Philippines in the most unlikely area too."
"Unlikely?" Rias asked.
Mayari placed her bottle down. "Asmodeus… resides within Kaluwahatian, the Divine Realm of the Philippine Pantheon."
"Wait… what?" Everyone looked at Mayari in shock.
"She lives in the realm of the Philippine Gods?" Issei asked.
"Well, hiding out is a more accurate term," Mayari said.
"Can you take us to her?" Mitsuki asked.
"I would but… I don't think she'd take kindly to the fact that she's being dragged back into a life she wants nothing to do with anymore. She's happy there," Mayari said.
"But this is important! Please! Hear us out!" Irina said.
"It always is," Mayari muttered. "Very well… I'll let her decide. It's only fair."
"Really! You'll take us to her?" Rias asked.
"On one condition," Mayari said.
"What's this condition?" Artemis narrowed her eyes at Mayari's words.
Mayari grinned and reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small notepad and pen and handed it to Issei.
"Can I have your autograph? I'm a big fan of your show. I know it's for kids but… hey, it's funny!" Mayari said.
"Eh? Really? That's all I have to do?" Issei asked.
"Of course! I'll take you there after he signs it," Mayari answered.
Issei nodded and took the pen. He signed his name across the paper and handed it back to Mayari. Mayari smiled and pocketed the paper, muttering to herself about how she got the Oppai Dragon to sign her paper.
"So? Are you going to take us there?" Artemis asked.
"Yeah, yeah don't get your chastity belt in a twist Goddess of Virgins," Mayari said as she got up.
"C- Chastity belt? How rude!" Artemis yelled.
"Yeah, yeah," Mayari created a large silver magic circle. She raised her hand into the sky and a rip opened in the ceiling. White light emanated from the rift. She grinned as she slowly floated and flew through the rift. Artemis grumbled as she jumped through the rift above her.
The others shrugged and followed suit, spreading their wings and flying through Mayari's rift.
What greeted them on the other side was a beautiful expanse of sky. The sky extended in every direction, seeming to go past infinity itself. Bluer than the Earth's sky on even the clearest of days, Issei could make out various stars as well as a large Moon. He felt someone tap his shoulder and saw Mitsuki pointing ahead of them. Issei's jaw dropped.
Before them, were a set of massive islands floating in the air. Issei walked over to the edge of the island and glanced over, thinking that he could see the Earth below them. He was disappointed when it wasn't the case. Just a deep blue void that seemed to have no end. He looked to the island across from them. It was larger than the one they were currently on. Large towers could be seen, towering over the entire island. A massive central tower stood over the others, asserting its dominance as a large beacon of light shot into the sky.
"Hmm. Let's go," Mayari said, walking past Issei. She held her arm out and a massive translucent bridge appeared in front of them. She began walking across when Rias called out.
"Wait! What if we fall off?" she asked, noting that the bridge had no guardrails on it.
"Huh?" Mayari turned around.
"Just ignore her. Let's get this over with. I was in the middle of a hunt when I got called here to help them," Artemis said, walking past Mayari.
"But!"
"You have wings!"
Rias blinked and nodded as she followed Artemis and Mayari. The others followed suit. As they walked across the bridge, Issei noticed as he looked over that there was something at the bottom. A massive swirl of dark clouds with violet lightning crackling within them. He felt drawn to the vortex and was about to walk over the edge when Mayari grabbed his shoulder.
"Don't. That down there is our version of Hell. It's where Apolaki and I sealed the Evil Elder God, Sitan, the God of Darkness and Chaos," Mayari said.
"Wait, you and your brother defeated an Elder God?" Artemis asked.
"We got lucky. He was attempting to free Bakunawa from his seal so we got him while he was distracted," Mayari said as they neared the island.
"I see," Artemis said. As they stepped foot on the island, the bridge behind them vanished. Upon closer inspection, the island was much more beautiful than the one they were on. Streams with what seemed to be the purest water in existence flowed and cascaded over the island's edge. Large palm trees dotted the island as birds and animals frolicked in the untamed natural wilderness.
A large city sat in front of them with massive walls that were made of wood. However, the others could feel the power emanating from the wood. This wood was made to endure and survive. To the edge of oblivion and back and if Mayari's account was true, then that wooden wall did its job. The group walked past the gate with Mayari being welcomed and praised by the people of the city.
"Ate Mayari!"
"Mayari!"
"Lady Mayari!"
Mayari simply smiled politely and waved back as she walked by.
"Quite the fan club she has," Tatsuya said as he watched a child run up to the Philippine Moon Goddess and give her a flower.
"Of course," Rias said. "She and her brother are the current rulers of this pantheon. Twin Chief Deities who were chosen by their father above all his other children to rule their Gods."
"Still popular I see," Artemis smiled as the child waved at her.
"Well, among the anitos, my sisters are more popular," Mayari said. Issei and the others marveled as they passed by the towers. Spirits and Gods passed them as the group weaved their way down the winding road and marketplaces.
"So where is Asmodeus living exactly?" Artemis asked.
"Asmodeus lives at the central tower where Father sleeps," Mayari said.
"You trust a Demon… a Prime Demon to stay there with your father while he's in his slumber?" Artemis asked.
"I mean… yeah. Why not?" Mayari asked.
They arrived at the central tower where there were stained glass portraits that decorated the base of the tower each portraying a Deity. They quickly identified Mayari's stained glass image as the Goddess's black hair and yellow eyes were easily identifiable. In the stained glass, she wore blue robes that parted at her chest, revealing the underside of her breasts and her stomach. The robes came back together at her waist. In the portrait, Mayari was seen sitting on a crescent moon.
"Come on," Mayari said as she opened the door.
She walked over to an elevator and pressed it.
"She's on the top floor," Mayari said, ushering them into the elevator. As they ascended, Mayari turned around.
"When we get there, show your utmost respect and reverence for the place. My father is slumbering inside the building. He woke up a few hundred years ago but went back to sleep right shortly after. Asmodeus has been here watching over him ever since," Mayari said. "Another thing. If she doesn't want to go, then that's the end of it. Don't force her into something she doesn't want to do or go back to."
The Gremory Group, Issei, Irina, and Mitsuki all nodded rapidly as Mayari's eyes began to glow ominously. A ding was heard as the elevator car came to a stop. The door opened revealing a massive crystal at the room's center. A man wrapped in green flowing robes slumbered inside. He had tan skin and dark hair. The man bore a striking resemblance to Mayari in the shape of their face but that was as far as family resemblances went between the two.
Artemis kneeled before the crystal and bowed her head in respect.
Rias and the others followed suit.
"Wait here while I go find her," Mayari said. The others looked up from their homage and nodded.
[Even while asleep, Bathala can still radiate so much power. It's amazing. The Elder Gods are true monsters in this world when it comes to power.] Ddraig said.
|I get what you mean. There are only a few people I can compare his power to and they're all in the higher end of the Top Ten| Tiamat said.
"No kidding… Kali has nothing on this guy," Issei said.
"Do you think the legends are true?" Issei heard Rias ask. He turned to see Rias and Artemis standing and looking at the crystal.
"What legends?" Issei asked.
"That Bathala was born ab aeterno, meaning that he had no creator. He simply came from the bowels of eternity, always existing," Rias said.
"No, because I met Chaos once. All the Elder Gods came around at relatively the same time and that old geezer has always gone on about some higher power creating the Gods," Artemis said.
"We're back."
The group turned to see Mayari being accompanied by a woman. The woman was beautiful beyond measure. If Issei wasn't afraid of being castrated by the Greco-Roman Lunar Deity and his girlfriends, he would have voiced his opinion out right now. The woman in front of them had silk black hair that was as dark as the night sky. Her face was perfect with no blemishes save for the faded scar on her cheek. But even that faded wound made her stand out. She had poisonous yellow eyes that reminded Issei of Mammon and for some reason, Lili. She wore black robes that failed to hide the figure she had. If Issei were a betting man, he would guess her measurements to be 100-60-92.
"Ahem," Mayari said, crossing her arms and glaring at Issei.
Issei blinked and saw Irina and Rossweisse shaking their heads. Kiba and Mitsuki were putting their hands over their mouths, hiding their laughter while Asia pinched the bridge of her nose. Eren rubbed her back sympathetically. However, like Issei, the other boys save for Yuu were entranced by the woman's looks.
"S- Sorry!" Issei said, bowing before the woman.
"No need," the woman said. "I'm told that I have that effect on people."
"Mom!" Mayari scolded.
"What?" she said.
"Nevermind, just… introduce yourself," Mayari said.
"Right. So, Maya here has said that you were sent here by my dear little sister, Mammon is that right?" the woman asked.
"Y- You're…!" Rias stuttered as she finally recognized the woman. The woman smiled and six pairs of bat-like wings burst from her back.
"That's right. I am one of the Seven Prime Demons and the Lord of Lust, Asmodeus," she greeted. "I never thought I'd be entertaining the Red Dragon Emperor and his friends here. Welcome to my house."
Rias immediately got on her hands and knees and prostrated herself before Asmodeus.
"A- Asmodeus-sama! It's such an honor to meet you! Everyone in Hell believes that you're dead because you committed suicide and and and and!" Rias babbled. Akeno sighed and placed her hand on her forehead.
"Umm… please lift your head," Asmodeus said gently. Rias slowly looked up and saw the Prime Demoness looking at her strangely.
"Please don't bow to me. I was never used to it like my siblings ehehe," Asmodeus said, scratching her cheek.
"Of course!" Rias said, standing up.
"Now, Heiress of Gremory. If that little charade is out of the way, tell her why you're here," Artemis said.
"R- Right! Um, Issei, that's all you," Rias said.
"Eh!?" Issei looked at her incredulously.
"Mammon-sama was the one who requested to you personally! It's only right that you do it!" Rias argued.
"Fiiiine!" Issei said. He turned to Asmodeus, who looked at them strangely.
"Asmodeus-sama. Upon the request of the Prime Demon and Lord of Greed, Mammon, please return with us to Hell!" Issei said, bowing. "Please!" he added.
"Hmmm, did Mammon tell you why?" Asmodeus asked. "Because frankly, my answer right now is a hard no. I don't want to return to Hell. Never will. I left that life behind after the Great War."
"You abandoned your people in their time of need!" Rias argued.
"Perhaps. But what's the point of ruling over a race with an extremely backward point of view. My son demonstrated that. I was there in Hell shortly after I 'died'. I saw how he faked those tears. He didn't give two shits that I died," Asmodeus said.
"We're not like that anymore!" Rias said.
"I heard. But I digress. Red Dragon. What did my sister need so badly that she had to send a messenger instead of coming here herself?" Asmodeus asked, crossing her arms.
"She wasn't very clear on that but… she told me to deliver a message," Issei said.
"What was the message?" Asmodeus asked.
"She said that 'The Seventh stirs and walks like a lion, ready to consume all' or something," Irina said.
Asmodeus's eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure that that is what she said?"
"Something along those lines yeah," Issei said.
"I don't want an answer like that! Give me a clear answer!" Asmodeus said.
"Yes," Irina said with certainty in her voice.
"Hmmm, I see," Asmodeus said.
"Do you know what she means by that perchance?" Mayari asked.
"She's referring to the youngest of the Primes," Asmodeus said. "My brother, Beelzebub, the Lord of Hunger… but that should be impossible. Beelzebub died during the Great War. We went to look for him after he challenged Uncle Raphael to a fight but found nothing."
"Red Dragon… by any chance, did Mammon happen to say anything else other than that?" Asmodeus asked.
"My name is Issei and she said nothing else. Just that you'll get the meaning," Issei said. "Which you obviously do…"
"Mammon… you were always one crafty bitch," Asmodeus mumbled. "Fine. I'll go with you but only for the sole reason of figuring out why she would mention… Beelzebub."
Her gaze narrowed as her eyes lingered on the group.
"What's wrong?" Issei asked.
"It seems that you've allowed a fly to enter your house…," Asmodeus said.
"Eh?" Issei looked at her confused. He watched in confusion as Asmodeus walked over to Akeno and looked her in the eyes.
"I see… so that's why Mammon sent you here," she muttered. Without warning, Asmodeus raised her hand and everyone was rooted to their spots, save for Mayari. Asmodeus slammed her palm into Akeno's chest. Akeno gasped as her eyes flickered. She gritted her teeth and slammed her fist into Asmodeus's torso, sending her skidding back.
"Akeno!" Rias cried as she struggled against Asmodeus's grip.
"What the hell!?" Issei roared as he glared at the Prime Demon.
"Can it!" Asmodeus snapped. "That's not your friend… not now at least, isn't that right Little Brother?"
Everyone looked confused but turned when distorted laughter came from Akeno's mouth.
"Hehehe… Ahaha! I never thought that you would notice me oh dear Sister of mine," "Akeno" said in a manner that made everyone's skin crawl.
"Your lousy attempts at possessing the girl and hiding inside her soul might have worked on the others but… not on us. Mammon noticed you apparently if she sent your vessel here to me," Asmodeus said. She raised her hand and closed her fist.
"Akeno" began clutching her throat as she began to vomit black smoke.
"Pity… you didn't even take any precautions," Asmodeus said.
"B- Bitch!" "Akeno" raised her hand and fired a blast of black lightning. Asmodeus's eyes widened as she formed a barrier in front of her that nullified the lightning.
"Akeno's" eyes were now a toxic shade of yellow, similar to that of Asmodeus as twelve shadowy wings erupted from her back.
"I'd like it if you leave that girl's body," Asmodeus said.
"Why? Have you gotten soft over the years sister? Has marriage to a God made you that complacent?" "Akeno" asked.
"That wasn't a request," Asmodeus said.
"Oh? Well then!" "Akeno" dashed towards Asmodeus, black lightning covering her hands, poised to rip into Asmodeus.
"Monyé valack forsa, ulu iri regatt ruac, fieesh nieesh forthsa lé inmist infirum forthsa por un betest a té un fornalles ecclaisee," Asmodeus chanted as she held her hand out. An invisible force slammed into "Akeno" causing her to spit out blood. "Akeno" fell to the floor and slid a few feet. She lay there spasming as her eyes rapidly changed colors from violet to yellow.
"C- Curse you!" "Akeno" roared as her head flew back. Her mouth opened in a silent scream as a torrent of black smoke exploded from her mouth. The smoke swirled around inside the room after it left Akeno and coalesced into a shadowy form with yellow eyes.
"Asmodeus you traitor!" the shadow said.
"Beelzebub… that's a rather mean thing to say," Asmodeus said as she formed several spears made of darkness behind her.
"Tch!" Beelzebub's shadowy hands were held out as Asmodeus threw the spears. The spears were instantly absorbed into Beelzebub. His eyes widened as Asmodeus darted at him. As her hand was about to make contact, Beelzebub dissipated in a puff of smoke. Asmodeus's hand slammed into the floor, sending spider web cracks and shaking the entire room. She growled as she turned around to see a cloud of smoke with yellow eyes staring at her.
Beelzebub cackled loudly as it formed a small sphere of shadows and launched it at the crystal that housed Bathala. Asmodeus's eyes widened as she ran at the crystal at full speeds while Beelzebub took this opportunity to escape through the vents. The sphere hit Asmodeus head-on as the Lord of Lust erected a barrier around herself and contained the explosion. Mayari summoned her bow and fired an arrow at the vent, halting Beelzebub's escape.
The demon lord growled before unleashing a telekinetic wave that knocked everyone over. Free from Asmodeus's grip, Issei fired a Dragon Shot at Beelzebub. Beelzebub absorbed the blast into his wispy form and laughed.
"He can absorb any form of energy into himself," Asmodeus said. She limped out of the smoke, bleeding as she clutched her arm.
"Then I guess we'll just have to punch him into submission," Issei said.
"Oh… my dear sweet Issei. As if I'd let you hit me that easily," Beezelbub said.
Issei disappeared in a burst of speed and appeared in front of Beelzebub. Beelzebub's shadowy form grinned as it split apart into separate funnels of smoke. Issei's punch missed and the shockwave shattered the windows in the room. The smoke came back together and slammed into Issei, sending him into the wall.
"Aniki!"
"Issei!"
Kiba and Gasper dashed towards the wispy being as he hovered over Issei and attempted to attack. Beelzebub spared them no glance as the attacks phased right through him. Beelzebub flew away and reappeared at the edge of the window.
"I'm afraid that our time has been cut short. This is where I bid you all… adieu!" Beelzebub said as he flew off at rapid speeds.
"Can he escape?" Rias asked.
"N- Now he can," Asmodeus said as she fell to her knee. "Damn… that attack really did a number on me."
"You were the one maintaining the barrier weren't you?" Artemis deduced as she knocked an arrow into her bow. She aimed at Beelzebub's escaping form and let loose a silver arrow. Artemis hummed in satisfaction as the arrow hit home and Beelzebub slowed down, dipping a little presumably from the wound that Artemis's arrow inflicted.
"We can't let him escape," Asmodeus said.
"No, let us handle it. Mayari, you can take care of her right?" Issei asked as he spread his wings.
"Don't worry about me," Asmodeus said as black mist poured from her wounds. "Go! Don't let Beelzebub escape!"
They nodded and flew off in pursuit of Beelzebub. The group followed the wisp of black mist and landed on an island close to the one they were at in the beginning.
"Split up!" Rias said.
"Right!" they said as they all took off in different directions. Issei ran through the thicket, searching for any trace of Beelzebub. A part of him said that this was a futile endeavor and that Beelzebub might have taken advantage of the barrier growing weaker and escaped.
"Can you guys feel that?" Issei asked.
[No, we can't sense anything] Ddraig answered.
|Be careful. We don't know if he's still here| Tiamat said.
(Issei behind you!) Mastema cried out. Issei whirled around and saw a shadowy fist slam into his face. The force of the impact sent Issei flying through several trees and clear the forest. He slid across the island and stopped once he reached the edge.
Issei groaned as he looked up. He felt pain as Beelzebub's foot slammed into his chest, pinning him down.
"How easy would it be for me to take you right now," Beelzebub said as he leaned his shadowy face close to Issei's. Issei glared into the yellow eyes of the mist.
"But," Beelzebub said. "Now is not the time. Not yet at least… you know the old saying. Kill two birds with one stone?"
"What are you saying you bastard?" Issei asked.
"You'll figure it out. I believe that this is where we part ways, Issei," Beelzebub said. He mock-saluted Issei and disappeared in a funnel of smoke.
"Ugh," Issei groaned as he sat up. He rubbed his chest, feeling the pain of Beelzebub's foot slamming into it.
"Damnit!" Issei said, punching the ground. "I let him escape because I let myself get caught off guard!"
[Don't worry Issei. You'll get another chance to get him.] Ddraig said.
"Yeah… but what did he mean by killing two birds with one stone?" Issei asked.
"Issei!"
He turned and saw Artemis running over to him. She had her bow ready and an arrow already knocked.
Her eyes darted around frantically as she scanned her surroundings. "What happened!? Did you find Beelzebub?"
"How did you find me?" Issei asked.
"Everyone felt that quake just now. I just happened to be close by. Now answer the question. Did you find him?" Artemis asked.
"The bastard sucker-punched me and then left," Issei said.
"...," Artemis lowered her bow and knelt next to Issei. She put her weapons to the side and pulled out a small towel from her pouch. She brought it up to Issei's cheek and began to wipe the dirt off. "Be more careful and aware next time," she said as she wiped Issei's cheek.
Issei winced as he felt her touch the area where Beelzebub's fist made contact with his face.
"Does it hurt?" Artemis asked.
"A bit," Issei said.
"Issei!"
The two turned to see the others heading in their direction.
"Nii-san!" Asia ran over and knelt next to Issei as she began to use Twilight Healing to heal Issei's wounds.
"Where's Beelzebub?" Rias asked.
"He- He sucker-punched me and got away," Issei said.
"Damnit," Rias said. "Well, we'll get another chance to get him so don't worry. Come on. We have to report back to Asmodeus-sama and then head back to the Underworld."
Issei nodded and got to his feet.
"Mom. Are you sure about this?" Mayari asked.
"Yes. Beelzebub is a dangerous existence and is a master schemer. I need to do this," Asmodeus said as she stood at the gate of Kaluwahatian.
"I see… don't be away for long. If Dad wakes up and you're not here," Mayari said.
"I won't be. Don't wreck the pantheon while I'm gone," Asmodeus said.
"What kind of Queen would I be if I wrecked my own pantheon?" Mayari asked.
"You would be Gaia," Asmodeus said.
Artemis snickered at her joke.
"Are you all ready?" Asmodeus asked. Issei, Rias, and the others nodded. Asmodeus raised her hand and a small violet magic circle appeared in her hand. The roman numeral one spun lazily inside the circle as a large rip in the fabric of space and time appeared in front of them.
"Hey, why does Mayari call you mom?" Issei asked.
"Because I am," Asmodeus said as they walked through.
Unbeknownst to them all, a small black fly managed to fly through the portal before it closed.
Omake: The Little Three
A girl about the age of eleven sighed as she sat at the edge of a small dock. The ocean in front of her lapped at the pillars that supported the structure while a fishing rod sat in front of her. Her wings, which were whiter than the purest snow, fluttered in impatience. Her blue eyes glared at the ocean as if she wanted to boil it all until no water was left.
"You'll grow wrinkles doing that," a girl said as she threw her line in. The girl pouted and glanced at her companion. She had violet hair, rather pale skin, and dull violet eyes. She wore an Anarkali dress with wide sleeves.
"Come on... of all the boring things Ma'at had to pick, it had to be fishing," the girl said, pouting. Her white hair blew in the sea breeze as if responding to her distress.
"At least the ocean is nice, Ellie," the girl said.
"Did you catch anything by chance Kali?" Ellie asked.
"Not yet," she said.
"Hey!"
The two turned to see another girl wearing white robes, running towards them with a bucket. She had long violet hair, reaching down to her ankles and violet eyes. Her skin was dark and brought out the color of her eyes. Her eyes were a rich shade of purple that differed from Kali's.
"I got more bait- GYAA!" the girl tripped and dropped the bucket, spilling worms everywhere on the dock. A large shadow darted from behind the girl and began to eat the worms. Ellie sighed as a dragon that was larger than a dog began lapping up the worms. The dragon's scales were red with tints of black and had spines decorating its back and forearms. Two large horns resembling that of a ram were on its head and formed a v-shaped crescent alongside a crown of ten lesser horns. Its red eyes gleamed in happiness as it devoured the worms.
"Satan! NO! That's our bait!" the girl cried out.
"Satan! Barf it up!" Ellie scolded. The dragon stopped eating and slowly puked all the worms out. Ellie shivered in slight disgust while the girl turned green.
"Ma'at, it's okay," Kali said.
"But Kali! Helel! our bait!" Ma'at said.
"Don't worry. We can use the one Satan hasn't eaten yet," Helel said as she grabbed the worms that weren't covered in dragon slobber.
"In my defense young Princess, I was getting hungry of waiting for food," Satan said.
"Yeah, yeah. Useless reptile," Helel said as she sat back down at the edge of the dock. Satan shifted down to a smaller size and flew over, landing on her lap. He curled up and looked out at the ocean with his master and her friends.
"So who do you think will get a bite on their line first?" Ma'at asked.
"Probably me. I do have a way with animals!" Helel said, grinning.
"I don't mean to burst your bubble Ellie but... the last time we went to go see some animals," Kali trailed off. Helel grimaced as she remembered when those lions ran in fear of her. The only animals that never feared her were birds and serpents. Kali blinked when she felt something tugging.
"Come on!" she said as she pulled. "HELP ME OUT HERE!"
Helel and Ma'at both grabbed Kali's waist and pulled as whatever was on the other side fought with all their might to drag the three girls into the ocean.
"Heave!" Helel said.
"Ho!" Ma'at groaned.
The three pulled and the ocean exploded. Satan blinked as a massive shadow landed on the ground behind them. Kali, Helel, and Ma'at looked at the massive shark that was flopping around on the ground behind them.
"A Megalodon... you caught a megalodon. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO CUT THAT!?" Ma'at said.
"I got it!" Helel grinned as she summoned a massive sword comprised of red and black energy.
"W- Wait!" Ma'at tried to stop her but Helel swung her sword, several times. She dispelled the blade and grinned as the shark was cut into several small pieces... along with the rest of their surroundings.
"I think you overdid it," Kali said.
"You think!?" Ma'at said.
"Uhhh, my bad," Helel said, rubbing the back of her head.
"Well, at least we can cook the shark now," Kali said. Helel grinned as she created a large pot while Kali summoned some wood and lit it ablaze with magic. The two moved the shark meat into the pot.
"AM I THE ONLY RESPONSIBLE ONE HERE!?" Ma'at said in an exasperated manner as she watched her two friends begin to cook the shark.
"I'm afraid so Lady Ma'at," Satan said.
"...," Ma'at looked blankly at the Dragon before the two moved to go help the two girls cook before they somehow managed to mess it up.
Reviews:
Rhongomyniad: Well, while Trihexa wasn't really believed to have exist and was regarded more as a myth with the truth about its existence being hidden, people did know about it. The Book of Revelations did mention a beast that fit Trihexa's description so people knew about it. Of course, that also means that we only saw 2 of the three beasts of Revelation so far in the series. The First Beast which is Trihexa. The Dragon which is Great Red. But, the Second Beast hasn't been seen yet. And to answer your question, I believe that Mao's NP would have something to do with sparrows because of his Four Pests Campaign due to it being targeted. Which would be funny in my opinion.
leader. dbz: I see. Well then, I am sorry to have mistranslated. But please remember that this is a work of fiction and that any mythological artifact that I will show or use will have its own spin on it so... yeah. Anyway, about Lilith, she's more of a neutral player for now.
Ah yes, the end of the chapter. Remember folks. The battle royale starts... next chapter! So remember, make it a great day/night or not, the choice is yours~!
discord. gg/ V54pcwA Come and join so that we may help drive out the Witch of Miracles.