Chapter 48
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.
It's time for the final battles to begin and one battle has an interesting twist.
(Nijou Castle)
As they arrived at Nijou Castle each member of the group was focused and ready for the battle ahead. "If it weren't for the fact, we were about to have a major battle here, I'd really enjoy this scene." Issei smiled. It was a reminder of just how beautiful Kyoto was
"Yeah yeah, you just need to focus on beating Cao Cao Issei?" Murayama groaned. She was thinking the same thing but unlike Issei her focus was on winning.
"I should say the same, though in your case it's Jeanne. She's going to be fully healed and she knows very well that she's on thin ice." Issei reminded her.
"And I wonder why that might be. Maybe because of a certain horny dragon who can't keep his hands away from people he shouldn't." Katase teased.
"In my defense… oh screw it. We fucked and that's that. It's not like I'm exclusive to you two." Issei replied deciding not to defend himself.
"Oh I know that. But it's one thing when it's Lady Vali or Rias Gremory. It's another when she's not even in our school." Katase reminded him.
"You guys can discuss Issei's sex life later. Right now you need to focus on your battles." Azazel admonished the girls. Normally he'd enjoy it as well but this was a serious time.
"Right" Murayama and Katase said firmly. Arriving at the center of Nijou Castle they were met by the smiling faces of the Hero Faction, well besides Jeanne who had a scowl on her face. Far behind them was Yasaka who was in her nine-tailed fox form frozen in a blue glow. The group knew that wouldn't last for long and now it was time to fight.
"Welcome Gremory group. I'm glad you could make it." Cao Cao said jovially.
"So are we gonna do the whole banter thing or can we just get on with the fighting." Issei smiled.
"Just fighting sounds good to ME." Jeanne smiled charging Issei immediately. In the blink of an eye she had a small rapier in her hand ready to attack an otherwise calm Issei who didn't react even as she aimed a slash at his head.
"Not so fast Jeanne" Murayama smiled having moved in front of Issei to block the attack with her serpents blade out and ready.
"You realize I could've dealt with that myself." Issei smiled.
Jeanne jumped back and smiled, "Mury I'll deal with you later. Issei and I have a score to settle." Jeanne said angrily. The fact she couldn't completely dismiss Murayama was equally frustrating.
"What score. You wanted him to fuck you and he did. The fact he's your enemy should've been something you considered a long time ago" Murayama countered.
"You!" Jeanne blushed. It was true but that wasn't something she wanted to hear.
"That's enough Jeanne. The Red Dragon Emperor is my prey and I was looking forward to facing him. If you want to face him so badly win against her first." Cao Cao chuckled.
"Idiot" Georg groaned in annoyance.
"So there you have it Jeanne, how about we go this way." Murayama said smugly before running to the west.
"Fine by me." Jeanne growled before following.
"See ya guys" Katase shouted following not too far behind. She wouldn't interfere in the fight but she would protect her friend if it came to it.
"Now where were we" Issei said nonchalantly having dismissed the whole thing.
"You really are something" Cao Cao chuckled appreciating Issei's nonchalance.
"Forget all that, who's my dance partner." Heracles chuckled as he moved towards the group himself.
Xuelan smiled as she walked up to accept the challenge, "That would be me. Don't let the pretty face fool you because I'm strong.' Xuelan smiled.
Heracles looked incredulous, "Your funeral girlie. Let's go" Heracles taunted before moving to the East.
"I suppose I'll fight the two exorcists." Siegfried smiled before moving to the South East.
"Xenovia and Irina turned towards each other and smiled, "Alright Siegfried it's on." Irina said happily as she followed their fellow swordsman.
"Leo why don't you play with the blonde boy." Cao Cao chuckled.
"Fine" Leo groaned sleepily.
"Shall we" Kiba smiled moving back towards the entrance.
"I just want to nap." Leonardo replied as he followed behind leaving Azazel Raynare Issei and Rossweisse along with Georg and Cao Cao.
"Well that was easy. Georg why don't you start things up and then have fun with that little valkyrie." Cao Cao smirked.
"Fine. I could use a fun battle" Georg smiled before reaching his hand out. The number of magic circles that appeared from Georg's side were impressive.
"Damn, his skill library must be amazing." Issei smiled as he watched Georg send a small burst of magic at the waiting fox. The fox goddess cried in pain as the circle surrounded her.
"I guess it's my turn" Rossweisse smiled as she charged Georg.
"Yes yes. Let's give them some space." Georg frowned as he moved to the Northwest aware that the big battle was coming.
With Georg and Rossweisse gone it was down to the fallen angel duo and Issei, "We'll leave you two alone. I believe we have a date with Yasaka" Azazel smiled before unfurling his wings and flying towards Yasaka with Raynare not far behind.
"Don't lose Issei." Raynare taunted before leaving. Now it was Issei and Cao Cao all alone.
"Looks like it's just you and me Cao Cao" Issei smiled as he prepared for battle. Everyone had their fights but this was the one they had to win. This was going to be good.
(Western Area)
The moment Murayama found a large enough area she stopped and smiled with Jeanne not far behind, "How lucky for me. It'll be like Kuoh vs Nochizuri all over again." Jeanne taunted as she looked at her two kendo rivals.
"Yes but we're fighting for real this time." Murayama replied defiantly. She wanted this battle badly and she was going to win.
"What about your tag along." Jeanne smiled focusing on Katase.
"I'm not fighting. I'm just watching to keep my friend safe in case you decide to overdo it." Katase chuckled.
"Works for me but you're gonna want to join Katase. Mury is no match for me in kendo and now we have real weapons. She might die."
"You won't be saying that for long." Murayama smiled as she got into her stance.
"Alright" Jeanne taunted as she got into her stance. A smiling Katase walked in between the two girls like a referee.
"Okay ladies you know the rules. I want a nice clean fight." Katase joked raising her hand into the air.
"Just start the match Katase." Murayama deadpanned with Jeanne equally as annoyed.
"Sheesh, I was having a little fun" Katase smirked before raising her arm up. "BATTLE BEGIN" and the match was on.
"Gift of the Hydra" Murayama shouted and four copies of Murayama appeared.
"Four more of you won't change a thing, HA!" Genevieve shouted before slashing her blade as a series of swords flew towards the Murayama's who easily dodged the obvious attack.
"Issei was right. You are like Kiba." The Murayama's smiled.
"What's that supposed to mean." Genevieve huffed.
"Kiba's power allows him to create blades out of nowhere. Issei told us about it when he was giving us the highlights of your little threesome with Kiryuu's sister." Katase chuckled causing Genevieve to blush as she remembered that night.
"That asshole overdid it big time. I could barely walk and I had to use one of my swords to numb the pain." Genevieve roared before sending another blast of blades at them.
"Ironically I think he did it because he didn't want us to fight. He's an idiot for that, but he does mean well." Murayama shrugged easily dodging the attack.
"What's that supposed to mean. If all you've got is your little clones, you'll never beat me." Genevieve smiled.
"That so" Murayama smirked since one of her clones was already on the move having hidden during the distraction.
"Yes!" Genevieve smiled. Out of nowhere one of Murayama's clones appeared from the shadows and attacked from behind but Genevieve quickly dodged and nailed a clone in the stomach.
"Che. You actually managed to counter that." Murayama cursed.
"It was a nice trick but I knew you'd use Issei to distract me. It was simply a matter of staying focused until you attacked"
"Then how about this" Murayama smirked as her clones charged again.
"Pointless!" Genevieve scowled waiting until the clones were in range before sending another slice of swords at the clones. Both clones instantly fell to Murayama's shock since they dodged them so easily.
"How!" Murayama groaned.
"You're a melee fighter like me and that means as long as I know your range, I can counter you perfectly. It's the annoying weakness that close-range fighters tend to have. Luckily for me, your range isn't too different from when we fought in kendo." Genevieve smiled.
Murayama cursed because Genevieve was right, "Well I know your range also. Plus I've fought against Kiba plenty of times so I know that if you're going to use that attack you need at least a quarter of a second to activate the magic. Both girls instinctively realized that this was going to be a war of attrition which didn't favor Genevieve due to her being human.
"Luckily for me. I have a way to completely eliminate any chance you have of winning." Genevieve smiled.
'Don't tell me' Murayama thought to herself aware this was going to get ugly.
"It's showtime Mury, Balance Breaker" Genevieve smiled and a series of blades appeared behind her before transforming into a gigantic metal dragon with a smiling Genevieve underneath it.
"Why couldn't we have just kept this as a battle of blades?" Murayama cursed.
"I can see why you'd be scared Mury but don't worry I'll just maim you a bit. I'm gonna need my strength to settle the score with Issei" Genevieve taunted.
"I'm not worried for you Jeanne. I'm worried because now I have to use something I utterly hate." Murayama explained as Katase's eyes widened.
"You're gonna use THAT. You can't be serious." Katase said in shock.
"I've got no choice. Katase go grab Issei and tell him to send a clone this way." Murayama frowned.
Katase's eyes widened but the look on her friend's face told her all she needed to know. "Right" Katase replied before leaving at a surprisingly fast speed.
"So why exactly do you need Issei. Have you realized you can't win?" Genevieve taunted.
"If anything it's the opposite Genevieve. I'm doing this because I'm going to win and I want to make sure you're alive after we're done" Murayama groaned as closed her eyes briefly before focusing her magic, "BALANCE BREAKER" Murayama shouted as she opened her eyes to reveal that they were dark black.
'Unreal. She has a Balance Breaker too." Jeanne said in disbelief. This changed everything and not for the better.
Jeanne watched as a black aura surrounded Murayama and shot into the sky. When the shadows around Murayama finally faded, Murayama's appearance had changed dramatically. Murayama's kendo uniform was gone and in its place was a strapless dress made of pure shadows that showed off her impressive breasts and went down mid-thigh along with a small black crown that was also made of shadows. "May I introduce to you my Balance Breaker: Robe of Black Shadows. This battle is over." Murayama said with a dark voice
"That doesn't look like much." Jeanne taunted but she froze when Murayama appeared behind her in a burst of speed.
"It doesn't look like much but what it does do is allows me to sync further with the dragonic qualities of my Serpents Blade. The results are rather nice outside of a small drawback" Murayama smiled before grabbing her blade and sending a slash of shadows towards Jeanne's own Balance Breaker destroying it instantly.
"No way!" Jeanne exclaimed. Her balance breaker was her best chance and now it was gone. This was bad.
"Now that was boring. Hopefully you can entertain me a bit then your balance breaker did" Murayama smiled as she walked towards the slowly panicking blonde. The worst part was her expression was changing and not for the better.
'I think I get why she wanted Issei.' Jeanne thought to herself. She was in trouble.
(Main Area)
"Well that's interesting" Issei smiled as noticed the shadows appear.
"What's wrong. Concerned about your girls." Cao Cao smiled.
Issei resisted the urge to say which one but focused on the question, "No but Murayama's power just spiked quite nicely. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was using Balance Breaker." Issei said with intrigue.
"From the way she argued with Jeanne, I got the impression you two were rather close. I'm surprised you didn't know about any type of Balance Breaker." Cao Cao questioned. True something felt off to him also but he was equally as curious.
"My boosted gear has a mutation that allows me to absorb power from anybody with an evil piece. Because of it I can…" Issei started to say before he sensed somebody rapidly approaching.
"Seems something is off" Cao Cao smiled when a running Katase appeared in front of the two. It was clear she was moving quickly but also that she was unharmed which was odd.
Seeing the two simply relaxing annoyed Katase but she had business to handle, "I hate to interrupt the budding bromance but I need you to make a clone for me Issei."
"Sure. I imagine that has something to do with Murayama's little power boost." Issei frowned.
"Yes and I'll tell you along the way. We have to hurry" Katase insisted.
"Alright" Issei smiled before making a clone to go with Katase. A part of him wanted to use Gift of the Hydra so he could remember what Katase told him but showing off too many tricks wouldn't be wise.
(Scene Skip)
"So care to explain this little power boost." Issei wondered as he and Katase moved back towards where Jeanne and Murayama were fighting.
"Murayama used the Balance Breaker for her Serpents Blade."
"Makes sense but I don't see the problem." Issei said nonchalantly.
"The problem is that her Balance Breaker gives her a power boost in exchange for becoming closer in nature to Yamata no Orochi." Katase revealed causing Issei's eyes to widen. Yamato no Orochi was an evil dragon and that meant trouble.
"Then let's move" Issei shouted and the pair accelerated to get to Murayama quicker. When they arrived at the battlefield, they noticed Murayama was fine but her opponent was not. Jeanne's outfit was torn leaving her in just a white bra with red panty and there were cuts all over her body.
"What the hell!" Katase gasped causing Murayama to turn towards her and Issei. She was gone for five minutes at the most and this battle was over.
"Oh hey Issei. Well I won and now I'm going to get rid of Jeanne once and for all." Murayama said in a sickly-sweet voice before moving to stab Jeanne in the heart and ending her life.
'Yeah not happening' Issei thought to himself before using his speed to get behind Murayama and wrapped his left arm around Murayama's body so he could restrain her right wrist and did so successfully, stopping Murayama's attack.
"It's not over till she's dead. Now let go of me." Murayama grunted trying to fight her off.
"I won't do that but I will punish you for letting your power take control of you." Issei smiled before using his strength to spin her body so her rear was right in range of his right hand.
"Oh you've gotta be kidding me." Katase groaned in annoyance as Issei spanked Murayama's rear causing her to yelp out.
"Aaangh" Murayama said in a combination grunt and moan.
"Bad girl" Issei smirked doing it again and causing another moan to come from the brunette's mouth. Five more spanks and Murayama finally responded.
"I'm good Issei." Murayama said much more lucidly. The fact he spanked her out of her confusion was embarrassing but considering the circumstances she couldn't exactly complain.
"Good" Issei smiled before letting her go. A much calmer Murayama dispelled her Balance Breaker.
"Do you mind… I'm kinda in trouble here." Jeanne grunted in pain having woken up while Issei spanked Murayama. The fact he was able to stop her so easily was ridiculous but at this point she couldn't complain.
"You're our enemy Jeanne. Why should I heal you?" Issei's clone wondered.
"You asshole, just help me… *COUGH*. I won't do anything, and I'll surrender like a good girl *GWHAA*. Now do something soon or I really will die" Jeanne complained as she coughed up blood doing so.
"Alright I'll save you and we'll take you prisoner, but you'd better not try anything."
"Just help me you ass." Jeanne grunted yet again and Issei went over to heal her.
"I don't like this." Murayama groaned.
"Same" Katase complained. Just as Issei finished healing Jeanne he was forced to dodge an orb that appeared out of nowhere. The orb slammed into Jeanne and in an instant she vanished.
"Well that's irritating." Issei grunted. Azazel mentioned True Longinus but he had no clue how many of God's original powers would manifest.
"I hope you don't come to regret saving her." Murayama wondered.
"We'll see but I guess you can walk back victorious Mury." Issei smiled.
"I'm more curious where that orb came from." Murayama shrugged.
(Issei and Cao Cao)
While Issei and Cao Cao sat and smiled the bruised image of Jeanne appeared in a flash of power, "What the hell." Jeanne gasped before she gathered her surroundings and realized her boss and Issei were standing next to each other and not fighting.
"Issei, I thought your clone was going to help Jeanne over here. Why is she in her underwear." Cao Cao smirked.
"Beats me. So care to fill us in." Issei smirked.
Jeanne blushed heavily at her current state, "Give me some clothes and I'll explain everything. Besides you two look pretty buddy buddy also. I thought you were going to fight each other"
Issei smirked before walking over to Jeanne and using his magic to summon a version of Nochizuri's uniform including the shoes for her to wear, "Since you wanted to face me so badly, Cao Cao decided to let you but obviously you had to face Murayama which meant that we had time to kill. Because of my ability to sense power I can track everyone and once they lost or won and we decided to check in on the various battles. One of his Sacred Gear's powers is the ability to teleport so he could save his people instantly hence our current situation." Issei said nonchalantly.
"I see" Jeanne sweatdropped having changed into her uniform during the explanation. A part of her wondered how he got the size of her uniform so perfect but that was a question better left unasked.
"Since I couldn't sense the battle, I'm curious what happened." Cao Cao mused curious why Jeanne was left in that state.
"Murayama kicked my ass with her fucking Balance Breaker. I had no clue she was that fucking strong. She would've killed me if Issei hadn't stepped in." Jeanne admitted bitterly.
"I see. Well I'm glad you're okay." Cao Cao smiled.
"Thanks, I guess. So what now?" Jeanne wondered.
"Now. We wait until the others finish." Issei smiled.
"You're a heartless bastard you know that." Jeanne said in disbelief. This was a fight to the death and everyone knew it. How could Issei be so nonchalant.
"I am." Issei smiled aware of how ridiculous he sounded. However he would worry about that later. His present concern was the other swordsman showdown.
(Irina VS Siegfried)
Much like the showdown between Murayama and Jeanne. The battle between Siegfried and Irina was a matchup of bladed warriors and rivals. "You've gotten a lot stronger since the last time we fought." Siegfried taunted as he held two different ornate blades in his hands.
"That's not gonna do me any good now." Irina frowned barely managing to hold onto Ascalon. During her time at the exorcist training school she had beaten every single opponent there at least once with the lone exception of Siegfried. Talent wise they were equal but due to his sacred gear Twice Critical, she was at a huge disadvantage.
"No it won't. Ascalon is powerful there's no doubt about that but compared to the might of Gram, you might as well be holding a toy." Siegfried taunted.
"Ascalon might not do it but Durandal will." Xenovia shouted before leaping towards Siegfried with her blade ready to strike.
"You still have no finesse Xenovia. I figured you'd get rid of that weakness after all this time" Siegfried smiled easily dodging the attack before hitting her in the back with the blunt edge of gram.
"Bastard" Xenovia cursed trying to hold back.
"That damn sacred gear of his means we're in trouble." Irina cursed.
"Yes you are. Unfortunately for you the number of swordsmen who can compete with me are minimal and neither of you can especially if I really take this seriously." Siegfried smiled causing Irina's eyes to widen.
"Please don't tell me." Irina pleaded praying she was wrong.
"That's right Irina. BALANCE BREAKER." Siegfried smiled before three more pairs of arms appeared and soon, he reached behind him and grabbed more blades.
"Xenovia"
"Yeah Irina"
"We're doomed." Irina frowned.
"Yes we are." Xenovia resided. They couldn't beat Siegfried with two blades so with his new ones that would be over.
(Issei and Cao Cao)
Around that time Issei flinched visibly as he noticed what was going on. "Looks like you win this round Cao Cao." Issei cursed.
"Siegfried is powerful indeed. Between his sacred gear and his various holy swords, even I would have some trouble with him"
"I see but like I said the battle was over" Issei frowned. Irina was out for the count and so was Xenovia.
"Yes I know" Cao Cao smiled before an orb appeared again and went flying towards the battling group. It took a minute for them to arrive but Siegfried soon appeared but surprisingly he was vertical.
"Why did you have to do that Cao Cao. I was about to claim Ascalon for myself." Siegfried frowned as he stood up and dusted himself off before dispelling his balance breaker and blades.
"Gentlemen's agreement Sieg. Besides you won your battle so you should be proud of that." Cao Cao smirked nodding towards Jeanne.
"I suppose but now we get to the boring part. Waiting for the others to finish." Siegfried smiled quickly realizing what happened.
"Yes but at least we have amusing company. I must confess considering how calm you are I wonder what would happen if we fought right now Red Dragon. We outnumber you three to one." Cao Cao smirked.
"Keep me out of this. I owe the ass for saving my life." Jeanne frowned.
"Okay two to one." Cao Cao deadpanned.
Issei raised his eyebrow at Cao Cao since they were both aware of the same thing. A fight between them would not be wise right now. If his plan did work, which by watching Raynare and Azazel it wouldn't, they'd need all the power they can get to face Ddraig. "That's a nice bluff but whatever." Issei smiled.
"And what makes you think I'm bluffing." Cao Cao smirked.
"You agreed to my terms because you realized that if we actually fought it would be an even fight. A battle like that would weaken you heavily for your upcoming battle with Great Red." Issei retorted. He'd die either way but if he wanted to stand a chance, fighting him was a bad idea.
"Yes and speaking of even fights." Cao Cao smiled as he turned towards the direction where Xuelan and Heracles were fighting.
"Yeah let's enjoy the fights for now. It's not every day you have a battle between two battle hungry fighters where neither party needs to hold back." Issei smirked. Xuelan needed a fun opponent and although he could only sense was happening, he imagined Xuelan was enjoying herself.
That's it for Chapter 48 and I hope you enjoyed the battles ahead. Next time Xuelan and Heracles battle takes center stage and Rossweisse and Georg face off as well.
AN: It's been a while for this one and yeah I have no excuses for why it's taken so long. Honestly I miss the old days when I was able to get a few chapters ahead but trying to do something different for each of my DxD stories is ideal. I'll try to finish the next chapter soon but at least you have some fun. Well hope you like it.
Vali's Peerage
Queen- Issei
Bishop 1- Ravel Phenex
Bishop 2- Le Fay Pendragon
Knight- Arthur 2 pieces
Rook 1- Kuroka (Mutation)
Rook 2- Bikou
Pawns
Murayama 1 Katase 1 Raynare 2 Megumi 4
Issei's Harem: Vali, Rias, Akeno, Megumi, Sona, Katase, Murayama, Irina, Xenovia, Aika Kiryuu, Asia, Ravel, Raynare, Le Fay, Xuelan, and Rossweisse
