Chapter 24 Lady White takes Flight
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
(Valerie's Apartment)
On the eve on one of the biggest events in her life, Valerie Lucifer couldn't sleep. While she spent most of her time at Azazel's during the day, Valerie had her own apartment in a complex on the opposite side of town from the one used by Rias and the student council. Her apartment was pretty basic with a simple kitchen stocked with everything she'd need, a living room that wasn't very decorative, but was nicely furnished with a large couch decent sized television and a few chairs for when her peerage was over a dining room that served its purpose along with a bedroom that had very little outside of a closet desk drawer and a twin bed. Her bathroom had a shower bath combo which was nice but again it was simple. "Tomorrow's the big day" Valerie smiled bitterly as she sat in her living room playing video games talking with video game rival and fellow dragon Issei Hyoudou over the headset she was wearing. Although they had sex during the trip to the Underworld, she didn't know if she could consider herself one of Issei's lovers yet. Issei was infuriating like that
'Yep and I'm surprised you're not getting some rest Valerie. This will be your first rating game and I'm sure everyone else is resting.' Issei spoke from the other side. Video games were always her favorite way to relax and Issei made for an excellent partner in gaming. It was how their bond began and she liked it that way.
"Well that's them. I'll get some rest when I'm good and ready." Valerie huffed.
'What's the matter? Zephyrdor is a weakling and you should easily be able to crush him.' Issei reminded her.
"I know that, but here's the thing. Before she came to Kuoh Rias was good friends with the previous heiress of the Glasya-Labolas clan Megumi. She happens to be pretty strong and Rias is suspicious of how she lost to her cousin despite that." Valerie revealed.
'You'll be fine and if you're still worried how about I help you relax.' Issei replied.
"Unless you're coming over and fucking me, I suggest you save the teasing for Smash Brothers. That style of yours is so irritating." Valerie huffed. Issei loved to play a counter-attack style in the game and for Valerie who was naturally aggressive it was infuriating.
'Good night Valerie' Issei smiled before hanging up their communication and going offline.
'That asshole" Valerie huffed as she ripped off her headset in anger before turning off the game. Just as she finished putting the games away, a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room and a smiling Issei appeared with a white t-shirt and shorts to her shock.
"I was going to give you a kiss for good luck before your match tomorrow, but I get the feeling this would work so much better." Issei smiled.
"You think I can't tell you're a clone." Valerie deadpanned. Issei's clones had a unique scent that was different from the real world and Valerie could easily tell them apart.
"In that case I guess I'll go back home." Issei smiled just for Valerie to grab his hand.
"The bed is this way asshole." Valerie huffed as she dragged Issei up to her room with him barely resisting.
(Scene Skip)
As the pair lied in bed with Valerie snuggled against the clone Issei's chest, the Red Dragon decided to ask a question that had been bothering him leading up to the match. "Hey Valerie, what are you going to do about Kuroka." Issei wondered.
"What do you mean?" Valerie replied as though it wasn't a big deal.
"Kuroka was a stray devil and as much as she trusts you, I doubt she wants to be a devil again." Clone Issei replied. For her to compete in the Rating Game tournament they would have to be devils theoretically and that would be an issue for Kuroka.
"It's fine because she's not a devil. In fact, none of my peerage are." Valerie revealed to issei's shock.
"Come again." Issei blinked
"I heard from Rias about what you did with those two exorcist girls and asked Ajuka if he could do something similar for me. Instead of using my power as a catalyst for the evil pieces they use their own power and Ajuka manipulated the system into recognizing them as devils." Valerie smirked.
"Nice" clone Issei smiled happily. Now things could work out
"Yeah and that means I'm ready for my debut and thanks to a certain Red Dragon I'm all relaxed." Valerie smiled before leaning in for another kiss which Issei gladly accepted.
"Well I can't wait to see what Lady White does in her debut" clone Issei smiled.
"Thanks." Valerie smiled before pecking the clone on the cheek once more. Any nerves she may have had were gone thanks to Issei and now she could fight with confidence. She would worry about Zephyrdor later.
(Scene Skip)
Issei Irina and Xenovia sat in the ORC alongside the Gremory peerage as they prepared to watch Valerie's debut battle. Issei himself was on the couch with Irina and Ingvild next to him taking his left and right sides respectfully while Xenovia was on the opposite couch in between Koneko and Karlamine. The nekomata had her head on the bluenette's lap in a way not so different from what Valerie would do, "Hey Issei how strong is Valerie?" Xenovia wondered. She didn't spend much time watching Valerie, so she had no idea how strong the White Dragon Empress really was.
"Strong enough that I don't think I could oppose her in a fair fight."
"Wait a minute what about the other day. Didn't you beat her then." Rias wondered.
Issei mentally cursed since that was true, "I got a lucky shot in." Issei replied which was a half-truth. Valerie held back because she realized the curse wasn't affecting him at all and played along. If she really believed the curse was working, she'd have knocked him out in seconds which would've defeated the purpose of the whole thing.
"I see" Rias said with narrowed eyes.
"Well let's focus on the match." Irina smiled happily wanting to put the focus back on Valerie as the group turned towards the battlefield.
(Battlefield)
Valerie smiled as she relaxed inside the throne room of the large castle that acted as her base. Zephyrdor's base was another castle that was about 5 KMs away with a large open area in between. "So are you guys ready for our big debut" Valerie smiled as she sat on a makeshift throne in an ornate chair with white covers. In fact, the whole room was died in the White and light blue that represented her dragon. A touch she was certain Azazel had a hand in.
"Yes but the question is how many of us should go. Zephyrdor is no match for us and we know it" Arthur smiled dressed in his suit with his trusted blade by his side.
"Yeah. Honestly me and Arthur could kick his ass alone." Bikou chuckled dressed in Chinese armor with a red bo staff by his side."
"I wouldn't mind fighting also but monkey boy is right." Kuroka smirked dressed in her famous black obi.
Valerie contemplated what to do and in truth she was right. "Alright. Bikou Arthur go crazy and make Zepyhrdor squirm."
"What about us Valerie." Le Fay wondered dressed in her mages outfit.
"We can sit and wait until Bikou and the others have had their fun and then I'll come in to finish it off." Valerie smirked. She was going to make it flashy and beautiful.
Bikou and Arthur nodded before the pair made their way out.
(ORC)
"Battle begin" the announcer roared and the group watched as Bikou and Arthur made their way towards Zephydor's base.
"I don't get it. She's only sending those two for the whole base." Rias said in disbelief.
"Yes because 'those two' are more than enough to beat Zephyrdor. To be honest if you added Kuroka Valerie wouldn't need to do a thing" Issei said snidely causing Rias to twitch.
"We'll see" Rias said calmly and they watched the battle. Just as Issei expected Bikou and Arthur made quick work of most of Zephyrdor's peerage with Arthur taking out the eight hobgoblins that were his pawns in mere minutes. His rooks consisted of a pair of rock golems and Bikou took care of them with senjutsu boosted punches. His knights were a pair of flying griffins and with very little effort Arthur and Bikou finished those as well.
"Told you" Issei smirked as Rias watched in shock.
"But how!" Rias exclaimed. She watched them train and they never showed this level of power.
"Valerie was always strong and while they were intense with you guys, they weren't serious." Issei explained causing Rias to frown.
'And yet you beat them so easily.' Rias thought to herself. If they were this all-powerful group and yet Issei was able to defeat them it was a terrifying thought.
Focusing back on the fight Zephyrdor was pissed at the way things had played out, "This is bullshit. I shouldn't be losing to that fake devil bitch."
"Why don't you wait for a little bit and 'that bitch' will join the party. Then again it doesn't really matter since you lost to a flick from a base form Red Dragon Emperor. You're no match for Lady Valerie." Bikou smiled.
"What's that supposed to mean." Zephyrdor cursed.
"That's enough Bikou. I'll finish him as he requested." Valerie shouted from the sky with her balance breaker out. She landed about 10 feet in front of Zephyrdor.
"Aww but I wanted to toy with him for a bit." Bikou smiled before backing away.
"Now now Bikou. Zephyrdor had an issue with Lady Valerie and it's only right that she be the one to finish him off. It's why I used Ruler on his queen." Arthur smirked before nodding towards the large mammoth in the corner. The beast was stabbed by Arthur's Excalibur Ruler but ordered to stay put by Arthur instead of simply finishing the job.
"Right" Bikou chuckled.
"You bastards" Zephyrdor growled before launching a magic attack at Valerie.
"Boring" Valerie deadpanned before using a magic circle to easily block the attack.
"What the fuck!" Zephyrdor exclaimed.
"Tell you what. I'll give you ten minutes to try and force me to divide anything with my balance breaker. If you fail to do so in the ten minutes. I'll end the battle but if you do I'll give you the win." Valerie smirked.
"Deal" Zephyrdor smirked and he charged Valerie again. The ten minutes that followed were an utter joke as Zephyrdor shot various magic attacks at Valerie just for her to block them with ease.
(ORC)
"Incredible" Rias gasped as she watched the White Dragon Empress go. On sheer power alone she was dominating Zephyrdor.
"She's just toying with him." Issei smirked appreciating the sadism.
'Not bad. Your rival is doing pretty wel" Ddraig smirked as Valerie blocked another series of attacks.
'Yep and Valerie's hardly trying. It's nice to see her be this strong.' Issei smirked. Valerie was truly too powerful for Zephyrdor and as the ten-minute mark arrived Valerie smirked as Zephyrdor fell to a knee in exhaustion.
"It's over now Zephyrdor. Your ten minutes are up." Valerie smiled as she walked towards the winded Zephyrdor. One dragon shot later and that was it, "What a battle" Rias smiled happily.
"Yeah and that's my cue." Issei smiled bitterly as he got up to leave.
"Why not stay Issei. I'm sure Valerie would want you to be here." Rias said happily.
"I'm sure she would also but that curse would ruin any celebration." Issei replied since he needed to keep up his story.
(Scene Skip)
Later that night most of the group gathered at Azazel's to celebrate Valerie's victory. Rias and her peerage, Valerie and her peerage, and finally Irina and Xenovia all gathered to celebrate Valerie's victory with the Murayama Katase and Issei being the notable exceptions, "To Valerie Lucifer and her debut victory" Azazel smiled having given champagne to the older members of the group with Koneko and Asia choosing juice instead.
"You did wonderfully Valerie" Rias smiled happily as she drank some wine alongside her newest ally.
"Yeah you were really strong." Ingvild smiled.
"Tell me about it. Issei always said you were strong and you proved it." Irina smiled.
"Thanks guys. I'm glad all of you could be here for me." Valerie smiled.
"Well you deserve it. I'm so proud of you" Azazel smiled happily. Valerie was like his daughter and seeing her this happy was a beautiful thing for him.
"Thanks Zaz" Valerie smiled.
As the night continued the group was all smiles but Valerie herself couldn't help but feel a little bitter. "Everything okay Valerie" Albion spoke up.
'Yeah I'm just mad Issei couldn't make it. I mean if he showed up Le Fay could've just transformed into something else.' Valerie replied mentally.
"Well he's not here. I wouldn't worry about it too much." Albion replied.
"Hey Valerie, we're about to order some more pizza. You good." Bikou shouted breaking Valerie from her inner thoughts.
"Yeah I'm fine." Valerie replied but her inner thoughts were on what her fellow dragon was doing.
(Hyoudou Household)
While Valerie and the group were having their celebration, Issei was relaxing at home by himself. "I can't tell if I should be happy or annoyed." Issei smirked as he sat alone. Irina and Xenovia had gone to celebrate with Valerie but he couldn't come. Well he could but he figured Le Fay would be more comfortable that way.
"Relax partner. It's not as though you didn't know this would happen." Ddraig chuckled.
"Yeah" Issei replied with a smile. Valerie wanted to celebrate and he was going to let her do so in peace. Worrying about something happening with the curse just wasn't smart.
"Then again something about that whole thing bothered me. That man was far too weak to have defeated anybody." Ddraig muttered.
"Yep which means his counterattack should be coming soon." Issei smiled as he got up from his bed and went to get his tracksuit on.
(Azazel's home)
After a few hours of fun, the party seemed to come to an end, "I'm going to go pass out now. Don't have too much fun without me" Azazel smiled before walking to his room.
"Took him long enough." Valerie smiled before her expression turned sour and she looked outside. For the last hour somebody had been watching them but didn't attack. It was cowardly as far as she was concerned but it didn't surprise her given the source.
"So is our party crasher finally going to come say hi" Rias smiled. She got her answer when the door was blasted open.
"Sorry I'm late, I got stuck in traffic" Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas spoke up with a wicked smile.
"I see and it didn't have anything to do with the fact that you're scared shitless of Zaz, not that I blame you." Valerie smiled.
Zephyrdor scowled before focusing on the group, "It's a shame that bastard Red Dragon isn't here. Oh well he's got a nasty surprise waiting for him."
"What did you do!" Valerie scowled.
"Well I had a few friends of mine pay his family a visit. They should be coming to say hi right about now." Zephyrdor smiled causing the room to scowl.
"You're a real bastard Zephyrdor but that doesn't matter. You're not escaping this room alive." Valerie roared.
"That would be a pretty bad idea. If you kill me my army will use that as a cue to come and attack. That means you're done." Zephyrdor smiled causing the group to scowl yet again.
"You little" Valerie cursed.
"Of course, I can always call off the attack if you want but I want you to do something for me." Zephyrdor cackled.
"What's that" Valerie scowled though given his personality she knew what was coming.
"Become my woman. Do that and I'll spare everyone." Zephyrdor cackled.
"You're disgusting" Valerie spat.
"Why thank you. Devils should be that way after all. This whole peace crap is a joke." Zephyrdor smirked.
Valerie was about to just attack and see what happened next, but a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room and out popped a bored looking Issei dressed in his tracksuit, "Sorry I'm late to the party but I had to deal with a pest problem." Issei said sarcastically.
"What the hell" Zephyrdor scowled not expecting Issei to show up out of nowhere.
Issei smiled as he walked towards Valerie making sure to stare at Le Fay for a bit as he did, "I don't get it Valerie. What kind of victory party is it if you invite the guy whose ass you kicked?" Issei teased before pecking Valerie on the lips.
Normally, Valerie would've enjoyed the kiss very much, but she was more focused on Zephyrdor and his actions, "Now's not the time for this Issei. We're in a bit of a bind." Valerie said nervously.
"Let me guess. Zephyrdork over here has a bunch of bad guys that are on standby and he wanted to make Valerie his woman or he'd unleash them on Kuoh." Issei said calmly before turning his attention towards Zephyrdor. Despite his calm expression, everyone who knew him realized that he was pissed.
"How did you know that and what the fuck are you doing here?" Zephyrdor scowled.
"Well I knew because I took care of those houseguests you sent me and my family. I 'convinced' one of them to tell me what you were planning before I sent him to his grave. As for why I came here. Well somebody decided to put his hands on something that belonged to me… and I don't quite like that." Issei scowled as he walked towards Zephyrdor his aura rising by the second.
"Umm we should probably run now." Le Fay said nervously recognizing that Issei's curse was slowly building up.
"No need to run Le Fay because the curse doesn't affect me anymore." Issei smirked continuing his walk.
"How!" Le Fay exclaimed since that curse was a major problem.
"Azazel and I knew that if we didn't work out the Le Fay issue it would be impossible to fight against the Khaos Brigade. So at Rias's home, I intentionally activated the curse by appearing in front of you when you were in your mage outfit and allowed myself to go crazy. During that time Ddraig was able to analyze the power and control it which is why things went so well and why everyone was relatively unharmed. What Rias and the girls saw when they arrived was me manifesting a controlled version of the power. Kinda like I'm doing now." Issei smiled stopping right in front of the Glasya-Labolas heir.
"Doesn't matter how strong you are. Once I die my army will attack and you can't stop me." Zephyrdor cackled before Issei punched him right in the gut causing him to fall to the ground.
A smiling Issei stood over the prone Glasya-Labolas heir and simply smiled, "DRAGON SHOT!" and blew Zephyrdor away. Everyone was stunned by the display but also by the fact that they never figured out how to stop the army.
"Issei are you nuts. What about that army?" Irina scowled.
"Oh… that… just come outside." Issei smiled as he powered down and walked outside with the others right behind him.
When they arrived outside the group was were stunned to discover that there was a massive barrier over the town and above them was a clash. One party was Zephyrdor's 'army' based on how they were dressed but it was the other party that shocked them.
"That's Seekvaira. What the heck is she doing here" Rias said in disbelief.
"Back during the Three Factions Meeting I had a secret mission from Zaz to see if any of the other heirs were spies for the Khaos Brigade like Diodora." Issei smiled as the battle raged on above them. Luckily for them Seekvaira was extraordinarily skilled and it was obvious to those watching that she would win.
"So that's why you got involved instead of Arthur." Valerie gasped recalling Issei's involvement in that little scuffle.
"Yup. I wanted to get a good look at Zephyrdor and Seekvaira myself."
"So what did you discover" Valerie wondered. Up in the sky the battle was quickly coming to an end and Seekvaira appeared to be victorious.
"Neither of them were spies, but Zephyrdor was a bit of a dick. Luckily for me, I made such an impact on Seekvaira that she reached out out to me recently" Issei chuckled.
Rias recalled that Issei did kiss her on the cheek during that interaction and couldn't hide her annoyance, "Don't tell me you're trying to seduce Seekvaira also."
"No but when I learned about Zephyrdor's plans I called Seekvaira and asked her to make a barrier for the army while I dealt with Zephyrdor. She agreed on two conditions, the first was that she be the one to fight off the troops that I knew were coming. I was going to do it myself with a few clones, but since she wanted to do so I had no problem.
"What's the second condition?" Valerie wondered.
"Turns out, Seekvaira is a mech otaku and despite her best efforts has been unable to find the original Mobile Suit Gundam episodes to watch in her spare time. Doing that for her was the second condition. Luckily for me, I know a guy who's a big Gundam fan and can get me the DVD's." Issei smiled causing the group to sweatdrop
"I see" Valerie replied unsure of what else to say.
"So yeah. Problem solved and it's time for me to go home. We've got class tomorrow and I've got a rare night off. You guys can continue your party if you want but I don't care." Issei smiled before activating a magic circle and leaving just like that.
"Well that was awkward." Bikou chuckled.
"Yep but that's Issei" Xenovia smiled.
"Yep. I've gotta call my brother and tell him what happened." Rias groaned knowing that she had a long night ahead of her.
(Scene Skip)
Valerie returned to her apartment and despite having barely done anything was exhausted. "Can't my life ever be simple." Valerie cursed as she went over to her bed and collapsed not bothering to change out of her outfit for the night, a pair of black jeans and a black blouse with no bra.
"That's the curse that comes with being the White Dragon Empress." Albion chuckled.
"Yeah I know but seriously. I kick his ass in our battle and then Zephyrdor decides he wants to make me his woman… like who does that. I'm beginning to understand why you hate dealing with the devils so much Issei" Valerie groaned before turning to the side to see a smiling Issei in a white shirt and shorts
"Aww and here I thought I could get a strip show." Issei teased.
"If you want to see me naked, you're doing it yourself mister." Valerie retorted before moving her body so she was on her back and Issei had easy access to her.
"Very well" the clone smiled before flinging off his shirt and crawling onto the bed. His goal was obvious and he wasn't going to be denied.
"Before we get started, I just have one question." Valerie wondered as the clone effortlessly pulled off the jeans she was wearing revealing a pair of lacy silver panties.
"No, I'm not sleeping with Seekvaira and I won't be anytime soon. I do need to call my contact tomorrow, but that's a minor annoyance." The clone smirked
"That wasn't the question I was going to ask… but that's good to know." Valerie blushed as she leaned up and took off her shirt.
"So, what did you actually want to know?" Issei smiled wolfishly
"Were you serious when you said I belonged to you?" Valerie blushed both from recalling Issei word's and the heated gaze he was sending her.
"Does this answer your question." Issei smirked before leaning down and capturing Valerie's lips in a heated kiss that Issei pulled away from after around thirty seconds.
"Yes" Valerie replied before leaning up to resume their kiss Issei and a lot more. Her grand debut was a success and now she was firmly among Issei's lovers as she wanted for some time. Things were finally looking up for Valerie Lucifer and she knew it was only going to get better from here.
(Scene Skip)
The next day was school and everyone was sitting in the ORC besides Issei who was with the kendo club. "I guess now it's my turn" Rias said calmly. Valerie and Zephyrdor was the first matchup but she and Sona were next.
"Yep but it won't be much of a match." Valerie chuckled. The power difference between Rias and Sona was vast and Rias and Sona knew it.
"I wouldn't underestimate Sona if I were you Valerie. She's incredibly smart and that's what makes her dangerous." Rias admitted.
"Yeah but" Valerie started to say before a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room. Everyone tensed up briefly but there was a shock when Seekvaira Agares appeared in some casual clothes.
"What are you doing here Seekvaira?" Rias asked calmly.
"I came because there's some information I thought you should know, but first bring Sona over here." Seekvaira said calmly.
"What about Issei?" Rias wondered.
"You can grab him if you wish, but this is primarily devil business." Seekvaira said calmly. Ten minutes later Sona appeared with her peerage but Issei did not.
"What's going on Seekvaira." Sona wondered. It had been a LONG time since Seekvaira appeared in Kuoh and for her to visit was sure to be trouble. The fact she came by last night was another matter but Sona blamed that on Issei.
"It is. I got a call from Megumi this morning and there's urgent news. Somebody attempted to burn down the main house of the Glasya-Labolas family last night and the start of the fire was in Zephyrdor's room."
"What!" Sona and Rias exclaimed and even the watching Azazel was shocked.
"The rest of the house was fine but Zephyrdor's room was completely destroyed. I thought I should tell you guys given what happened with him." Seekvaira said calmly.
"I see. I assume that the Maou have been notified." Sona said with a hint of annoyance.
"Yes and an investigation will be done very soon. I just thought I'd tell you guys as soon as possible so you know to be careful." Seekvaira said calmly.
"Thanks Seekvaira, we'll be way more careful." Rias said calmly. This couldn't be good.
"Good, now if you don't mind, I have to get back to my anime. Please inform the Red Dragon that I want those videos as soon as possible." Seekvaira said calmly.
"Videos" Sona wondered.
"It's part of an arrangement we had." Seekvaira replied calmly keeping her stoic expression.
"Very well" Sona replied unwilling to ask more.
"Well goodbye" Seekvaira replied before teleporting away.
"It seems we have quite a bit to discuss." Sona frowned.
"Yes, we do Sona; Yes, we do." Rias said with a nervous expression on her face. Things were clearly getting interesting and not in the good way.
That's it for Chapter 24 and this was a fun one. Valerie is now an official part of Issei's harem and Zephyrdor is dead, everybody wins. Next chapter the investigation into Zephyrdor's attack yields nothing but everyone is still wary of what's to come. As for Rias she must prepare for her battle with Sona and she's not the only one nervous ahead of her big debut.