Good God it's been a long time since I've done one of these. Hello once again everyone, I'm back. Sorry for the long break but shit happened. The type that caused me to be unable to write this story. It sucked too because the original plan was to have that last chapter out before reaching 100 favs and follows. Speaking of which: thank you so much to everyone that has read and probably reread the story. I worked my ass of to try and finish last chapter to get my self back in the groove of things. Fell asleep and woke up multiple times but I got it done. I was so tired I forgot to include the reference list. Don't worry.

References:

1. At the time I wrote that line Braun Strowman was still with the WWE I wonder what he'll do now.

Also wanted to say something about Michael and Jackie. I did this because I've read a few fanfics where the mc, whether its Issei or an OC will be in a relationship with Gabriel. So I wanted to show some love to Micheal by giving him a girlfriend of his own.

I think thats all I have to say on this so on with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything DxD or otherwise. I do own the OC's used in the story.

Hello" Talking

"Hello"Thinking

"Hello" Sacred Gear and etc. Talking

"Hello" Sacred Gear and etc. Thinking

'Hello' Sacred Gear names, Move names, messages

Chapter 23: Recovery

Some time before the explosion

Following closely behind the current Beelzebub was Yubelluna. Keeping a demeanor on her in front of a devil leader, she was secretly as happy as a kid in a candy shop.

Taking a step back to the duel between her King and Raiser Phenex, it was there that discussions were had in regards to removing the evil piece that lives within her as well as the other maidens.

"Thank you again for making this into reality Lord Beelzebub." The purple haired beauty tells the man as they make their way to his lab.

"No thanks needed. I benefit from seeing what exactly will happen when a reincarnation is reversed. Best case scenario your humanity is restored." He says matter of factly.

To enticed by her own curiosity she ask, "What would be the worst case?"

"Your body may try to reject the restoration of humanity and destroy itself in the process." The devil lead says bluntly.

Luna could feel the color leave her face upon hearing that possible outcome. "Research has been done and test have also been ran. The actual chance it happens is a miniscule 0.08%." He clarifies for her.

"You should learn to lead with reassuring words Lord Beelzebub." Luna sweatdrops upon hearing the explanation.

Making it to the lab Ajuka leads her over to his work bench where a small case sat. Walking up to the case he handles it gently, he turns around to Luna and opens the box. Before her eyes is a set of chess pieces.

Upon first glance the pieces seemed relatively normal. It was after a full examination that she noticed key differences between these and conventional chess pieces. The main one being that every piece seemed to be covered in a scale like pattern. Something else that caught her eye were the king and queen pieces; these two in particular had dragons heads on top of them. The queen with two short horns coming from the top of the head. While the king had three long horns forming a cardinal crown on its head.

Luna nods at the extra cosmetics on the chess pieces and looks up once again. "I'm sure my king will be enamored by the attention to detail you took."

Ajuka looks sheepish at the comment, "Actually I had the pieces designed like that simply so I wouldn't mix them up with others. I very well couldn't have those end up in the hands of a natural born devil."

Luna has overcast on her face disappointed that they were made this way simply to differentiate. "Oh well it's the thought tha-" She immediately stops talking and turns her head as if something caught her attention.

Ajuka noticed this and speaks up, "Is something wro-!!!!" He cuts himself off now feeling a wave of power wash over him. The first thought that came to his mind was an ultimate class devil flaring his power; but the power he felt, was less unholy and simply malevolent.

Handing the case back to Ajuka she talks once again, "My king has been angered, I'm sorry to leave like this but I must go before he lashes ou-" *BOOOOMMMM*

Upon making her exit the explosion cuts her off. As it did tears escape Luna's eyes though she was not sure why. She had no reason to be sad but at the same time she felt she had just lost something important.

With Nigel

Making his way back to earth he was now passing through it's insides more than likely making his way to the underworld.

Upon seeing his body he tries his best to mentally brace himself for the pain he was about to feel. No doubt he would have to do his best to cling on to life and not pass out from the pain he was about to experience.

"*sigh* This is gonna suck." He says diving head first back into his body.

With Luna

Feeling the presence of Nigel once again a wave of urgency hits her as she feels him getting weaker as every second passes by.

Take me to the explosion! Take me there now." She demanded for Ajuka to take her to where the explosion came from. Feeling life leave her king she knew she had to act. Ajuka nodded his head finishing the last of peculiar looking evil pieces.

"My King, please don't die." She pleads looking out into the distance as they teleport to the point of the explosion.

Explosion sight

A warzone It is the best way to describe the aftermath of the location. Nothing remained other than stone rubble and scorched ground. At the epicenter was the broken and burned body of the fire king.

The clothing he had worn before the explosion was entirely gone. His entire body was colored like charcoal due to the heat. His limbs were swollen due to the multiple broken bones and thanks to the trap, he was layed in an awkward position on his side, with one leg having a major gash on it.

KOFF KOFF* Finally back in his body. The pain kicks into overdrive. Only able to lay there he tries screaming uselessly as blood pours from his mouth.

"HATCHLING!!! Thank Bahamut you are back! Any longer and I for sure would have began to fade from your body also."

Nigel heard Ash say something but none of it mattered. "Hurt... everything hurts..." Was all that came into his mind.

" Focus on my voice hatchling! An explosion leveling a devil family's land wouldn't be something that's ignored."

The dragon tenant does his best to reassure his partner that help will come.

It was all he could tell him as he continues to hold the body together. Unable to release any aura, due to the potential strain it could cause the body, meant they could not give an exact location. On account for the internal bleeding he couldn't get a word out his throat. All this coupled with the fact it's dragon slaying magic, means he won't be self healing or regenerating for a while.

So all they could do was lay there as Ash did damage control and Nigel fought to stay conscious.

In the distance two magic circles appear. One to Nigel's left and the other two his right. One green in color while the other belonged to the house of Phenex. Ravel, Luna, and Ajuka materializing from their respective circles.

The first one to have a visual reaction to the ruined area was Ravel. *GASP* Clasping her hands over her mouth she sees nearly nothing of what remained of the Astaroth mansion when she dropped Nigel off. Scanning the area she looks to see any sort of life.

Doing a doubletake she spots what appears to be a body, the color of it matching the scorched ground around him. She finds herself frozen in place though, too scared to see what it is she is looking at.

At the other end feeling her king's presence drift drift between life and death. Spotting, what she can assume, is her lover lying prone. she quickly makes her way over to him.

Once there Luna kneels down examining her King. Everything in her wants to panic as she never thought she would see her King in this critical state.

With no idea of how severe his internal injuries are she is hesitant to move him onto his back. Thinking of her options she figures out the best course of action.

"Ravel come here quickly!" She calls over to the blonde girl snapping her out of her stunned state.

She begins to slowly make her way over, but the speed she was moving was not acceptable, "Ravel if you want Nigel to live get here NOW!" The purple haired woman exclaims to her.

This causes her to scurry towards the two as fast as possible. Coming up to the two she assumes a kneeling position. Finally seeing her boyfriend up close she feels like fainting witnessing the condition he was currently in. Her heart feels like it could burst out her chest and tears were escaping her eyes as she is freaking out.

Noticing the girl was having a panic attack Luna gets her attention again, "Ravel!" Bringing her attention to Luna the woman speaks again. "I know you are scared. I know that you never expected to find Nigel in a position like this. But right now our lover needs help and we are the only ones able to provide it. So I need you to calm yourself, and focus, your assistance here and now will be integral to his survival."

The speech seemed to do the trick as Ravel wipes away her tears and nods with her best determined face.

Luna sees this and gives a small smile, "Good... Do you still carry a vial of Phenex tears with you?" She asks looking down at Nigel again.

Reaching into her pocket she pulls out a vial filled with the dark liquid. Seeing it Luna nodded, "Good..." Looking back down at Nigel again she dreads what she has to do now, "My king... If you can hear me, do your best to endure." She tells him taking his body and pulling it to lay him on his back.

Immediately Nigel tried to scream but all that left his body was blood. He begins to go into a coughing fit expelling more blood from his body once it had died down Luna seized the opportunity before blood filled his body again.

Holding her King mouth and widening it slightly she speaks up. "Quickly ravel, pour the tears into his mouth." Following her command the young lady did so with shaking hands.

Emptying the contents into his mouth they wait to see some sort of change happen but none comes. The two become uneasy seeing Nigel remain in the state. "Damn it why is nothing happening?!" Luna ask in frustration to no one in particular.

"That is because the explosion that happened here was laced with dragon slaying magic." Ajuka approaches the three.

They both look at the leader somewhat confused by what he said. Spotting the confusion on their face he gives more detail. "There are two key functions to dragon slaying magic. One is to bypass the strong hide of a dragon itself. The other is to negate any sort of healing, regeneration or defensive capabilities said dragon may have after such magic is used."

Understanding what that means for Nigel despair creeps up on their face. Finally breaking her silence ravel speaks up, "So t-there's nothing we can do?" She asks doing her best not to panic again.

"You're exactly right..." The color leave both women's faces upon hearing the answer. "Is what I would say if your friend were a full dragon." He rubs his chin and closes his eyes as he begins to think.

"In theory... due to the explosion negating his abilities and natural defenses, his skin should be suspectable to conventional weapons." He finishes his train of thought giving his idea to the other two.

Luna brightens up as a thought comes to mind, "That or medical tools... would you be able to help him?" She stands and looks to the green haired man with desperation in her eyes.

"Unfortunately I cannot. I am a scientist not a medical doctor and to find one here in the underworld that can perform a surgery without magic will be extremely difficult to do." Ajuka explains disappointingly knowing that he has no way of helping the young man.

"I know one!!!" Ravel shoots to a standing position and shouts out as loud as she can. "Big brother Marco knows all about human medicine and surgeries and stuff!

Luna was aware of who Marco Phenex was, but didn't know how to feel about seeking his help. During her time as Raiser's queen she had heard of Marco's name in conversation multiple times. Only problem was that it was usually how unmotivated and lazy and uninspired he was. So the question she had was, when did he practice in human medicine? More importantly, how has he been in contact with Ravel with absolutely no one else's knowledge?

"Are you sure we can count on Marco? I've never heard anything good in regards to your brother?" Luna ask Ravel as she was concerned for Nigel seeking mediocre care.

The lone daughter of the Phenex clan took offense to the question and grew a scowl on her face. "That's because Father and Raiser simply don't get Marco. He's worked really hard at this and I won't let anyone question his skill! I believe in Marco!"

Surprised by the outburst Luna finally relents, "Fine, I trust your judgement Ravel. What do we need to do?" Giving her the lead from here on she waits for an answer from the blonde girl.

Wasting no time the girl answers, "Create a magic circle and take him to my mansion and put him in a guest room. Once that is over get everyone together and bring them back to the mansion also. In the meantime I'll call on Marco and explain the situation to my family if need be. Let's move it!" Doing a complete 180 in demeanor she gives instructions to the older woman like a boss would to a second in command.

With the orders given Luna goes to Ajuka and takes back the case of chess pieces he was holding for her. She then creates the magic circle around the three of them. As the teleportation process begins Ravel turns to Ajuka. "Lord Beelzebub. When the Fire King recovers he will search for whomever did this to him. Will this be an issue as the former heir of the Astaroth clan? More so will this be an issue between him and Devil's jurisdiction?" She says to him sounding very professional.

Slightly taken aback by her professionalism he answers her, "On account of my familial ties, no it won't. I will have to discuss with the other leaders of Nigel seeking vengeance on whoever the assailant is. I will do my best to see he gets approval."

Ravel nods at this as the circle now takes them to their destination.

Phenex Estate

A lone maid is in the living area of the Mansion dusting of various items with a feather duster. Behind her the magic circle appears and begins to materialize the trio. Feeling something happening behind her, the maid turns to find Ravel, Raiser's former queen hands covered in blood, and a charred man... that was also naked.

Taken aback by the scene she speaks up very concerned, "Lady Ravel, what is the meaning of this? Why has Lady Yubelluna returned? Why do you have a burnt corpse with you?" The maid ask rapidly.

"There is no time to explain. Lead Yubelluna to the nearest guest room, once you have, bring towels and containers of water to the room." The young lady tells the maid in a no nonsense fashion.

"H-How many will you require Lady Ravel?" The maid ask not wanting to agitate the girl.

Not having time to calculate she simply yells out, "All of them now go!"

This jolts the maid into action not wanting to get yelled at anymore. The maid looks to Luna to direct her to the desired destination. They both quickly head of to lay Nigel down.

Finally alone, Ravel takes a inhales deeply and then exhales slowly. A flame appeared on her forehead starting out orange in color. Gradually the colors become darker as they have done before. The change continues until it becomes a black flame sitting on her forehead. It grew in size and and more flames jutted from the sides in a diagonal and horizontal direction. It's distinct shape gave of the appearance of a tiara in some ways.

"Hello? Is this may favorite little sister contacting me?" A voice is heard in Ravel's head. Carrying a sense of confidence, and slight cockiness, in his words as he speaks.

"Hey Big Bro, do you have any other favorite little sister?" She says excitedly as she ask the rhetorical question.

" Hahaha!!! No i guess not. So what have you called on your coolest brother for today?" He ask her happily.

"... Well I... have a favor to ask you." Taking on a more serious and solemn tone she begins.

Picking up on this he quickly switches into a concerned big brother. "Is everything alright?" He asked seriously.

Ravel pauses for a second before speaking, "No... it's not. My... boyfriend is going to die. I'm really sorry to call you for something like this but, your the only one I would trust to save him. I-I really need your help Marco." She tells him as she tries to keep her composure.

It stays silent for what feels like an eternity to Ravel. The anticipation for an answer was causing her to worry even more than she already was.

Finally she hears, "I'm coming to you. Is the location of the mansion still the same?" He says with nonsense. Speaking in the same way Ravel had did when giving instructions earlier.

"Yes" She waste no time giving the answer.

"Good... I'll see you in a moment." He says as the Ravel feels the connection between the two fade away.

Instantly a magic circle appears behind her. This circle in particular had the Phenex clan symbol on it but, instead of the normal orange color, was blue.

Silhouetting a masculine frame holding a bag of some kind. Once the teleportation has completed it reveals a tall, lean, muscular, blonde-haired man with a rather sleepy look on his face and some stubble around his chin. He wore a button down white shirt with the top two buttons undone. Black pants that only reached down to his shins and a pair of sandals. On his face he wore a pair of glasses. This man was the second son of the Phenex clan. Marco Phenex and a smile grew on his face seeing his one and only little sister.

Ravel also gained a smile having not seen her second brother since he left when she was a kid.

With no words the two rushed in and embraced each other. Due to Marco being the tallest of his siblings he actually had to bend down to hug the shortest member of the family.

The embrace was kept short and sweet as they had to get down to business. Marco was the first to speak, "We have a bunch to talk about, but first things first where's this guy." He keeps a smile on his face for the entire time he speaks but, the lack of excitement could be heard when he referred to Ravel's boyfriend as "this guy".

Ravel nods and begins to lead the way to the nearest guest room.

Kuoh

After laying Nigel down in the bed she proceeds to carry out the second command she was given. Creating a magic circle she heads back to Kuoh to gather the other maidens.

Making it to the living area of Nigel's house she finds almost all the maidens either sitting, standing, or pacing, trying to figure out what happened to their King.

They all turned their attention towards her. The first one to speak in the group was Isabela, "Where is Nigel?" The Amazon asked in a demanding tone.

Dread filled her face remembering the images of her King on the brink of death.

"Our king... He was caught in a trap. An explosion laced with dragon slaying magic." This earned various gasp from the maidens.

Isabela did not gasp instead, wrath could be seen on her face, and she responded, "Who did it. Give me a name and I'll go find them." She says calmly but the glare on the visible half of her face made it clear she was ready to kill.

"You will do no such thing!" The purple haired woman tells her. "Our walks the line between life and death, and you want to retaliate on your own? Don't be foolish Bela!" The older woman shouts at the Amazon.

"Don't call me foolish, Nigel just had an attempt on his life made and you want us to sit on our hands? Fuck that!" The tall girl responds, becoming worked up thinking

about how the man she could bring home to her island was almost killed.

"This move made by an Astaroth will not go unpunished, but to search now is pointless our King needs us! If you are a maiden to the fire King, like you say you are, find a way to help." She yells.

Her words seems to make something click within Isabela, "Alright, where is he then." She concedes and asks now calmed down somewhat.

"He is with Ravel in the Phenex mansion, her brother is a doctor that is Nigel's best chance at survival. We need to aid them in any way we can." She says creating another magic circle.

Wordlessly all the maidens gather together in the circle, and transport back to their former place they called "home."

Phenex Mansion: Guest Room

Marco currently examined the body of Nigel; less to find what exactly was wrong with him, and more to figure out where exactly he would begin to try and help him.

"Ravel, I know you called on me because you believed I could save him, but the truth of the matter is, by no standard natural or supernatural should he be alive." The older sibling says bluntly.

"I'm aware of that, but you've studied human medicine and magic healing, is their truly nothing that can be done?" She looks into his eyes pleading for him to have something.

The young doctor takes a deep breath rubbing his hand on his chin as he thought. "If you weren't my dear sister I would simply tell you no. So I'll give you a run down of this laundry list of problems." He tells her wanting to put into perspective the position her boyfriend is currently in.

"This explosion he was caught in has broken nearly every bone in his body. Ruptured many major organs, which in turn is causing an illogical amount of internal bleeding. One leg needs to be set back into place, while the other has had the major artery severed clean through. His body is covered 100% in burns. That doesn't begin to go into the guy having a stomach that's touching his back currently or his fluctuating heart rate." He says as he list off the problems on his fingers.

He still wasn't finished, "All these problems can be solved through surgery, but in order to perform surgery he must be give antiseptic." He points at Nigel as he continues, "If I put that man under he will not make it through the surgery."

Hearing all of this Ravel opens her mouth to speak, "So what your saying is, surgery can be done without putting him to sleep?" Despite hearing what couldn't be done, Ravel still held on to hope that Nigel could be saved.

Marco was becoming annoyed by his little sister finding a loophole in his explanation. "Damnit Ravel! Even if we don't put him under the pain will still send him into shock and kill him. There is no alternative to this."

It was Ravel's turn to let out a sigh. "What if there was?" She asks her brother in a serious tone.

"What do you have mind?" Marco asks back.

"Well you see-" She was cut off by the door to the room opening revealing the dragon maidens.

Marco was shocked by the group of beautiful women filing into the room. Recognizing Luna, who he remembers as Raiser's queen before he left. All of them walking past him and going up to the bed looking down at their King.

Sadness could be felt in the room, as the women all looked down at him. The scene before him had felt all too familiar to Marco. As he had stood at the bedside of a man that had been a father to him.

Remembering that moment in his life and seeing how the guy before him was being surrounded by loved ones, he decided that he would do his damnedest give this man a fighting chance.

"So what was your plan?" He asks his sister with determination in his eyes.

Seeing this Ravel also adopts that determined look, "Alright everyone listen up. This situation is touch and go but I know together we can save Nigel. He needs surgery but as it stands he cannot be put to sleep for it. So simply put we won't put him to sleep."

This earned various looks from the group with Marco being very uneasy about the statement.

"Instead we will take advantage of Nigel's state of weakened resistance and combine alternative remedies and methods together to keep his pain at bay." She says now pointing out each individual maiden.

"Mihae, Luna, Shuriya, you three will go into Nigel's mind and keep him preoccupied from there." The three women nod to this and prepare themselves to enter their King's mind.

"Marrion, Bulent, you two will aid Marco with whatever he needs. While you Isabela and Xuelan, will be here to keep Nigel's body from flailing on the off chance something goes awry." The two nod and snap their fingers changing into scrubs. Marrion then turns to resident hand to hand fighters and snaps her finger again causing their outfits to go from their normal attire to a pair of large scrubs to fit their body. Fit being relative as the scrubs did nothing to hide Isabela's figure. "Forgive me for not creating something looser, but under these circumstances they will do. Now come darling we must go sterilize." The Russian says to the Amazon grabbing a hold of her and leading them to the bathroom.

Mira, Chocola, Vanilla, Nelly, Nillie, Sirius, and Karla: I'm trusting you all with your knowledge of natural remedies and senjutsu respectively to find ingredients to create a pain killing incense.

They all nod and exit the room to head out into the underworld to find the ingredient they know will help their King.

Marco had seen how Ravel had to charge of the situation, and it had surprised him to see her go from the little princess he remembered, to showing the qualities of a leader. He felt himself swell with pride as he prepped for the surgery.

So much so a tear nearly escaped his eyes, "Who told you it was alright to grow up on me?" He asks the rhetorical question in his head, happy to see his little sister growing into a fine young woman.

With the preparations done and everyone ready, Marco grabs a scalpel and ignites a blue flame around it.

Ravel stands back giving everyone optimal working space. All she could do now was wait.

End

Jesus Christ this took me longer than expected. So what did everyone think about it?

Damn so Nigel isn't out of the woods yet? (Why am I ask?) But yeah he's really fucked up. But Nigel is the MC let's talk about a new character.

Taking a trip back in time: as I was looking through different sites to find out more About the Phenex clan, it kept showing that Lord and Lady Phenex had three sons. Yet the second son just remained nameless. I figured, there was a particular reason he remained nameless. And like that I decided to have my fun with it, low and behold Marco the Phoenix became Marco Phenex. Second son and shame (According to Raiser and his Father) of the Phenex clan. How do people feel about this. Let me know.

Also I'm realizing I need to get back to some action and soon. If anyone was feeling the same way, don't even worry, we'll be getting some next chapter.

I currently can't think of anything else to say.

Fav Follow, if not thanks for stopping by anyway.