CHAPTER 54
(Sorry to be a day or two late. Here's the next chapter.)
Issei knocked on the door thrice, his stoic facial expression masking the mixture of resignation and trepidation he actually felt.
"It's open!" came Azazel's muffled, nonchalant voice from inside.
With a light, resigned sigh the brunet opened the door and entered, going straight towards the living room, where his sensitive nose told him the three people were.
Said people looked at him with a little surprise when they saw him.
In almost less than a second, the Sekiryuutei scanned the room.
Azazel and Vali were sitting on their usual spots on the couches, wearing casual clothes, ready to put their glasses of what appeared to be whiskey -well, the bottle on the table indicated as much- on the table.
The sole female in the room, whom Issei managed to peg as a Fallen Angel from her scent in such a close proximity, was also wearing casual clothes and sat on the couch across from Vali. Although, in her case, the pair of blue jeans and the modest black T-shirt, along with the pair of black low-hills, accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her deep purple eyes, long black hair and perfectly shaped face only added to her natural beauty.
Well, supernatural, if Issei was honest with himself. Up until this moment, Rias, Akeno, Raynare and Grayfia -not necessarily in that order- were easily the most beautiful women he had ever met. Yet, this woman dwarfed them, albeit by not so large of a margin.
"Ise?!" Azazel blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance, clearly not expecting him.
Vali and the woman got over their surprise quickly. "Rival? What are you doing here?" the silver haired young man questioned in obvious curiousity, accompanied with a raised eyebrow.
The woman's expression turned to one of surprise yet again as her mind instantly recognised the way the Hakuryuukou adressed the brunet. "This brat is the Sekiryuutei?!" she wondered as her gaze focused on the afforementioned Sacred Gear holder.
"Yo." Issei ignored all the chaos he accidentally caused as he greeted all of them casually with a matching wave of his right hand, before he went and sat on the other side of Azazel's couch and boldly filling himself a glass of whiskey, from which he took a sip.
Incidentally, the brunet put Azazel in the middle of himself and Vali, while also being close to the sole female in the room.
A couple of seconds of awkward silence passed, before Azazel broke it. "Ise? How come you're here without me summoning you?" he asked curiously to break the ice.
Issei took another sip of his drink before he spoke. "According to Sirzechs Lucifer himself, turns out that my contract with Rias wasn't exacly valid, so he took it upon himself to form a contract that pleases both sides, as well as the Devil Council once they get wind of it." he explained nonchalantly as he faced the Fallen Governor General.
"Oh." Azazel muttered in realisation, but a little surprised that his fellow leader personally intervened. "So, what's the new contract?" he asked curiously, ignoring the other two that shared his sentiment, even if one of them was totally clueless in everything involving the brunet.
"Well, I won't bore you with the details..." Issei said thoughtfully, pausing just a bit to remember the new contract in detail. "...but Sirzechs-san struck a very good deal with me. The important part that concerns people like you is that I can do whatever I please, as long as it doesn't bring any harm to Rias, Sona-san, their Peerages and the Devils as a whole." he vaguely explained.
"People like him?" the woman parroted in confusion as she looked back and forth at her leader and the brunet.
"Yeah." Issei said casually as he turned his head to face her and took a sip from his drink. "People that aren't related to the Devils, but I befriend for one reason or another." he added in the same tone.
Azazel didn't show his surprise at the indirect declaration of friendship, but Vali and the woman did by involuntarily widening their eyes.
"Glad you think of me as a friendly person, Ise." the Governor smiled kindly.
"You and Sirzechs-san seem to be good people. People that I can trust and be allies with. The same with Rias, Sona-san and their Peerages, but you two are leaders of your factions, so I want to catch bigger fish, per se." the Sekiryuutei said calmly and honestly as he looked at the Fallen Angel Leader in the eyes.
All three that heard his words were taken aback by them for a moment, before they recovered. Azazel grinned sheepishly at being read so easily by someone so young, Vali smirked mysteriously and the woman looked at the brunet with a scutinizing gaze, trying to get a read on him.
She was inwardly frustrated that she couldn't, especially because he looked -and was- younger than the Hakuryuukou.
"Thanks for your words, Ise." the older man said gratefully and took a sip of his own drink that he had almost forgotten. He only received an acknowledging nod in return.
"Then, what about me, rival?" Vali questioned eagerly, his mysterious smirk still in place as he leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees, as if the action would bring him closer to the afforementioned person.
Issei calmly locked gazes with his silver haired counterpart, easily picking up the subtle signs that the latter was ready to throw down at a moment's notice. "From what Azazel told me some time ago, you're a battlemaniac. That alone is a red flag for me, but I don't get any actual bad vibes from you. So, if you're willing to sit down peacefully and discuss, I'll see if we'll be allies or just aquaintances." he spoke truthfully.
"Humph." Vali snorted amusingly as he leaned back on the couch, crossed one leg over the other and his arms against his chest. "What makes you think that I'll be patient enough to do such a thing?" he asked airily, but his slightly narrowed eyes showed his true intentions.
"I don't." Issei easily admitted, which made the other three blink in surprise, before his eyes narrowed slightly as well. "If you want to fight me that badly, we can arrange it. However, if I get the feeling you're an enemy, I can't guarantee that you'll be left in a good condition afterwards."
His warning slash threat was heard loud and clear by all three. Azazel and the woman tensed at the tension that rose in the air. Even though both expected it to some degree, it was already thick enough to be cut by a knife.
Vali, on the other hand, seemed both amused and excited. "Hooh...?!" he almost snorted as he tilted his head slightly to the right. "Do you want to find out now, rival?" even though it sounded as a suggestion, it was clear that the silver haired young man wanted nothing more than to act on his words right then and there.
Much to the woman's curiousity, Issei rolled his eyes unconcerned as he leaned back on the couch and spoke nonchalantly just as Azazel was about to do something to difuse the tension. "Nah." the brunet shook his head. "As I said, it will be arranged. Preferably after the situation with Kokabiel is resolved."
Before the woman could voice the surprise she felt that the young man knew about the actions of one of her brethren, Azazel chose that moment to speak. "I guess that's the real reason you're here, then?" he questioned casually.
Before Issei could respond in any way, the woman almost exploded as she got up from the couch she occupied. "Hold up! Hold up!" she exclaimed as her eyes continuously exchanged between the three males in the room, who looked at her a little surprised at her outburst. "Can someone explain to me what the hell's goin' on?!"
Almost an entire minute passed in awkward silence, which broke at the sound of Issei standing up from the couch and faced her, gaining her undivided attention. "I'm Hyoudou Issei. But, as you've already heard by now, Azazel and people close to me call me Ise, since I'm not one for formalities. Also, I'm this generation's Sekiryuutei and contracted magician to Gremory Rias and Sitri Sona." he introduced himself in a calm tone, followed by a shallow, yet respectful bow of his head as it was the norm for japanese people like him.
Azazel and Vali blinked in surprise at the addition of the Sitri girl, but didn't comment on it since it wasn't their business.
The woman stayed silent for a moment as her mind worked on what she just learned and what she had seen so far. The brunet was affiliated with the Devils, yet he had a good relationship with the Fallen, if his interactions with her leader were any indication. There was no way he didn't know that Vali was his opposite, considering that the latter addressed him as nothing else than 'rival'. Also, for some reason, he was aware that Kokabiel was up to no good, but not too much it seemed.
While Issei waited patiently for her to say anything, even just introduce herself, he was keenly aware that she was thinking on something concerning him, but he didn't say anything else.
Then, the woman locked gazes with Azazel and the man showed her a reassuring smile and a matching nod.
Getting the meaning behind her leader's actions, the woman relaxed her tense posture and looked back at the brunet with a stoic expression. "I'm Penemue, a Cadre-Class Fallen Angel and Azazel's Secretary in the Grigori." she finally introduced herself in a tone that perfectly matched her expression.
Inwardly, Issei compared her to Grayfia. These two were eerily similar when wearing stoic expressions on their faces. Sona and Tsubaki should take lessons from them. Koneko as well.
"She's also the person that trained Raynare for ten days during your absence." Azazel pointed out nonchalantly as he sipped from his drink.
Issei and Penemue returned to their seats, still locking gazes as they subconsciously mimicked the Fallen Angel Leader and sipped from their own glasses. Both were trying to get an accurate read of one another
The silent stare off continued for a couple of minutes, before they broke it off, both coming up almost empty in their 'quest'. The only thing they got was that the other was a good person at heart and nothing else.
"Speaking of my absence." Issei said casually as he faced Azazel once more. "Did you manage to watch the Rating Game?" he asked curiously, taking a long sip from his drink afterwards.
"Unfortunately, no." Azazel sighed dejectedly as he finished his drink and immediately refilled his glass from the whiskey bottle. "Apparently, the Rating Game was privy to the Gremory and Phenex Households, along with the Satans." he added in the same dejected manner.
"I see." Issei muttered thoughtfully as he finished his own drink, before he refilled his glass. In all seriousness, this was a good thing. The Underworld was still hugely unaware of him and his powers and it meant that Vali hadn't seen them. Especially his Dragon Slaying abilities. "Heard anything, then?" he asked curiously again, trying to subtlely pry for leaked information about the afforementioned event.
"Just that the Phenex Devil was absolutely demolished by you." Vali interjected with calm amusement. "No details were leaked, aside from the fact that your flames were stronger than his."
And that was me holding back severely... Issei thought to himself sarcastically. Still though... "Who told you that?" he asked suspitiously with slightly narrowed eyes.
"Sirzechs." Azazel responded casually. "There was no way for him to hide an event like this from me and Heaven, considering that the Sekiryuutei played a major role in its outcome. And, apart from the destructive capabilities of your flames, he shared no other details about the Rating Game."
Issei didn't even dare to show his relief. However, if he didn't change the subject, he was pretty sure that the three would try to get some information out of him. Information that he didn't want to reveal, in case Kokabiel got wind of it and prepared accordingly. Thinking of it, he remembered the original reason for his visit and how it digressed from Penemue's outburst. "Did you tell him anything about Kokabiel, then?" he asked airily.
The other three were experienced enough to see that he wanted to change the subject for some reason, but played along.
"No." Azazel replied firmly. "While I do have new information about his escapades, it's too early to say anything to the Devils and Heaven."
"I still don't understand why the brat knows about Kokabiel..." Penemue muttered under her breath in wonder as she sipped from her drink, unsurprised that she was completely ignored.
"News?" Issei probbed patiently.
"He's gone after some Holy Swords that several churches in Europe guard under Heaven's orders, already having stolen two of them. It won't be long before he finishes with that and, if I'm right, comes to Kuoh to start causing mayhem due to the presence of two relatives of the current Maou." the Fallen leader explained in a slightly defeated tone.
Issei didn't care much about the details of Kokabiel's plan. He just wanted to keep Kuoh, Raynare, his parents, Rias, Sona and their Peerages safe from whatever chaos Azazel's subordinate had in mind. That said... "You've said before that there are two relatives of the Maou in Kuoh." he pointed out in wonder. "I already know that Sirzechs-san and Rias are siblings, but who's Sona-san's sibling?"
The three internally gave him credit for his perceptiveness, even if it was a little obvious in hindsight that the Sitri heiress could only be related to a Maou.
Surprisingly, it was Penemue that answered him in a professional tone. "It's Serafall Leviathan. The strongest female Devil, her power over Ice magic surpassing even Grayfia Lucifuge; the strongest Queen and Serafall's contender for the title of Leviathan. And, like Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan is a widely known sis-con."
"That mostly explains why the Maou would interfere when Kokabiel comes to Kuoh..." Issei hummed thoughtfully as he looked at his almost finished second drink.
Even if it took a month for the Cadre-Class Fallen Angel to complete his plans, which Issei severely doupted to take so long, the Devils and Raynare wouldn't be ready for what was to come. Not even with the training he started a few hours ago.
Which meant that it would have to be himself that had to deal with Kokabiel. The others would deal with whatever minions the Fallen Angel might have with him. There was no way the Cadre had someone as strong as himself or, worse, Issei under his command.
Issei didn't mind the set-up, by the way. He knew he was powerful enough to deal with Kokabiel and, as long as his minions were around the level of someone like, say, Freed Sellzen, then he could easily put his trust on them.
The other three saw his thoughtful expression and that for the past two minutes he was lost in thought, but didn't say anything, waiting for him patiently to think things through.
Speaking of, Issei came up with some form of payment for his 'services'. "So, since I'll be the one to deal with Kokabiel, how about we form a contract of sorts?" he suggested to the Fallen Angel Leader.
Penemue looked skeptical that the brunet was strong enough to beat her fellow Fallen Angel, but kept her mouth shut when there was not an objection of some kind from the other two in the room.
"I'm game." Azazel easily agreed. "My only term is that Kokabiel remains alive for questioning when the time comes." he all but demanded.
"Unless he kills one of the people that I'm close with, then you can be certain that he'll be alive after I'm done with him." Issei negotiated firmly.
Again, Penemue was left almost dumbfounded at the kid's confidence. Cadre-Class Fallen Angels were no joke in terms of power and the brunet seemed to brush said power off as inconsequential. It made her wonder just how strong he trully was, considering she was one herself.
Of course, she wasn't the only one. Everyone that had met the current Sekiryuutei had the same question somewhere in their heads.
"Acceptable." Azazel nodded in acknowledgement of the point. He knew the only thing that humans and Dragons had in common and that was acting on their emotions. Issei was essentially both a human and a Dragon, so he couldn't do anything to prevent Kokabiel's potential death, if the latter's actions warranted it.
"Good." Issei nodded back in satisfaction. "Then, I want you to make sure that both of my parents and Raynare get a very generous monthly income, pay their yearly taxes and, lastly, make sure that Raynare becomes strong enough to put Kokabiel to shame. All that until my parents die of old age and Raynare is powerful enough to fear only top-tier beings." he proposed nonchalantly.
"Deal." Azazel agreed immediately and the two shook hands over their agreement, before the Fallen Angel Leader wrote the details on paper and the two procceeded to sign it.
While greatly amused, Vali was also jealous at the close bond his rival seemed to have with his parents. He was also intrigued that his rival didn't ask anything for himself.
Penemue shared the Hakuryuukou's feelings on the matter, with the addition of her own incredulousness at the absurdity of his demands. Why the hell did Azazel agree to this contract so easily?
For that matter, why the hell did she care so much in the first place?
She had to find out.
At a later time, though. Probably after this whole mess was over and done with.
"Pleasure to do business with you." Issei said airily as he finished his second drink and refilled his glass.
"The pleasure is all mine, Ise." Azazel mimicked the brunet's tone as he sipped from his drink. "Though, I'm curious as to why you didn't ask anything for yourself." he wondered.
"I told you that Sirzechs-san struck me a very good deal, so let's leave it at that." Issei almost deadpanned.
"Right." Azazel sweatdropped as he spoke slowly, knowing better than to pry for any more information about said deal.
Vali and Penemue shared his sentiments and even the sweatdrops.
"So..." Penemue trailled off as she wanted to change the subject into one that she was greatly curious about. "...how come you and Vali aren't on each other's throats?" she asked.
""That's a good question."" Azazel and Vali said in sync, sounding both eager and curious about his answer.
On the other hand, Issei was curious about something else. "Why should we?" he wondered genuinely, looking at all three of them and taking note of their momentarily dumbfounded expressions. "Is there something I don't know?" he asked cluelessly.
At that moment, both the Boosted Gear and the Divine Dividing appeared on their respective hosts in flashes of crimson and white.
Although Issei's was a gauntlet, Vali's was a pair of white draconic wings with shining blue gems here and there.
Honestly, Issei thought that Vali's Sacred Gear looked cooler. He didn't dare to tell this to Ddraig, though, for obvious reasons.
{I see that you haven't told anything to your host, Red One.} a deep, rumbling voice sounded from Vali's wings, the gems of which glowed a deep blue with each word. Its tone was aggressively mocking in nature. So much so, that Issei thought that it fit Vali perfectly.
[I didn't want to add on his already heavy burden, White One.] Ddraig defended himself firmly, almost aggressively.
Hearing the two Dragons ready to tear each other's throats, even if it was physically impossible, made Issei look at both Sacred Gears in a deadpan. "Why do I get the feeling that I won't like what I'll hear about you two..." he stated dryly more than questioned.
Azazel couldn't stop the amused snort that escaped his mouth, while ignoring the half-heated glares he received from the hosts of the Heavenly Dragons.
Penemue just shook her head in disappointment, knowing what would follow.
[Me and Albion are rivals even before the Great War.] Ddraig started explaining seriously to his wielder. [We have fought against one another for as long as I remember and that didn't stop even when we were sealed by the Biblical God. Our hosts are destined to fight like us, until one stands victorious.]
{Don't forget that we developed abilities of our own because your flames and my poison were proved to be pointless when we used it on one another.} Albion added his two cents.
"That's interesting." Issei said truthfully. "But why did you start fighting in the first place? Or, better yet, why make your hosts go through your feud so adamantly?" he basically demanded.
[Truth be told, I don't remember what started our highly destructive fights.] understatement of the millenia in Azazel's and Penemue's opinion. [However, at some point, it was just our pride as powerful Dragons to be better than the other.] Ddraig admitted easily.
{And that pride continues to this day.} Albion added in the same tone as his rival. {Even as we speak, our hosts have equal results. 300 people have died by the hands of the Divine Dividing and another 300 by the Boosted Gear.}
Issei didn't like the fact that people died over a pointless rivarly, in his and most others' opinion, but couldn't do anything to change the past. Instead, he could change the future. "Is that why you want to fight me so badly?" he asked his counterpart seriously.
"Partly." Vali admitted with a nod of his head. "I want to fight strong opponents and, from what I've previously felt, you're easily one of those." he explained nonchalantly. "Then again, you and others are just a stepping stone to my ultimate goal." he added as an afterthought.
"Which is?" Issei probbed, genuinely curious as to what kind of goal a battlemaniac like his counterpart could have.
"To defeat Great Red and become the True White Dragon God Emperor." Vali responded firmly, his eyes almost glowing blue in determination.
For two seconds, Issei and Penemue, the latter of whom heard of this for the first time like the former, were stunned in awe at his goal. None of them laughed, though, because, in hindsight, it was a respectable goal, no matter the motives behind it.
"Then, I guess that the other part is that you just want to continue the completely and utterly pointless rivalry between our Sacred Gears?" Issei questioned almost rhetorically, purposefully insulting the two Dragons' feud in their metaphorical faces.
It should be noted that he spoke with a completely straight and serious expression.
Ddraig and Albion sputtered incoherently at his insult, while Vali couldn't help but snort in amusement.
Penemue and Azazel shared the silver haired young man's sentiment and outright laughed, making the two Dragons feel clearly embarrassed and return to the minds of their hosts in the hopes of avoiding further humiliation.
"When you put it like that..." Vali couldn't stop another chuckle escape from his lips as he paused. "...then, no." he relented. "Let's just keep to the 'I want to face strong opponents' part." he added casually, using his fingers to put air quotes for his repeated sentence.
"Good, 'cause I've no intention to fight for Ddraig's pride. I have my own pride and goals, so Ddraig can wait for his next host to continue this feud." Issei said seriously.
"Then, what are your goals?" Penemue asked curiously, knowing that Azazel and Vali were interested as well.
"Nothing as grand as surpassing Great Red for my own pride, but you could say that it's linked in a twisted way. I want to be strong enough to protect my loved ones and even the world from anything harmful. So, if that means that I have to be stronger than Great Red, then I have to surpass that level of power." Issei explained calmly as he locked gazes with the sole female of the room.
At that moment, Penemue's heart skipped a beat. The hosts of the Heavenly Dragons were polar opposites in more ways than one and she was inwardly embarrassed that she felt an attraction to the brunet's selflessness. Especially because she was thousands of years older than him. And yet, this boy was the first one she had ever encountered to put his life on the line for others' sake.
She would have to give some thought over this at a later time and possibly discuss this with him, but clearly now was not the time.
Vali, for his part, didn't laugh at his rival's goal. He could respect the desire to protect loved ones, but he hadn't been raised with that kind of mentallity to think like that. Before Azazel took him in, that is. Yet, that wasn't enough to change his mind. When he would become strong enough, he would outright kill that man first and aim towards the top later.
That didn't mean, however, that his point of view on things regarding the reasons why he wanted to get stronger didn't change in the slightest. So, he too would have to give some thought on his rival's words.
The night ended with some light jokes here and there after the heavy talk was over, before Issei got up and went back to his home...
...only to find Raynare, Rias and Asia on his bed with the same clothes -or lack there of- as the night before, sleeping somewhat restlessly.
He sighed fondly at the sight, took a shower and carefully joined them in bed.
Immediately, the three girls latched onto him subconsciously and instantly their sleep turned peaceful with matching smiles; Rias put his right arm between her breasts and the same thing did Raynare on his left, with Asia using his left thigh as a pillow -hugging it tightly at that- and the rest of his leg as a mattress with most of her body curling into a ball to fit on the bed.
Again, Issei sighed fondly at the what would be normal occurence from this point onwards, before he closed his eyes.
At least, he managed to be at peace for a small while on his bed. Because, as soon as he reopened his eyes, he was forced to fight his two tenants as was the usual most of the nights.
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