Chapter 8 The Real Opponent
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.
Despite the fact he was with his much more desirable client in Gregori, Issei's focus was on everything else happening in his life instead of what they were doing. For the last few days, Xenovia and Irina had been staying with Murayama and as far as she knew, the two girls simply left in the morning to find clues and came back empty handed. Issei couldn't help but wonder what they'd do if they actually found somebody but apparently they had it covered. According to Murayama, Xenovia and Irina were using two of the church's fragments as their weapons. Xenovia's was the massive sword on her back and it was known as Excalibur Destruction. Irina's fragment was Excalibur Mimic and as its name suggested it could transform into anything. Irina had been using it as a bracelet which explained why Murayama held it during their reunion hug since he was still a devil and it was a powerful holy relic.
"Are you ready for another game or are you just going to stare into the void." Gregori teased breaking him from his musing. The pair had just finished a rousing game of Smash Brothers but Issei's distraction was clear with him making plenty of sloppy mistakes leading him to lose.
"Sorry it's just been a long day." Issei groaned in annoyance. More like long week but he didn't want to discuss it with a client.
"Why don't we talk about it?" Gregori smiled warmly.
Issei was going to reply, but all of the sudden he sensed a magic circle appear inside the house. "What the hell" Issei gasped as he ran out of the room. Unseen by him was the annoyed scowl on Gregori's face before he followed behind. Issei barely managed to run into the living room as the magic circle faded to reveal a young girl with a slim body, shoulder-length blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was wearing a dress that reminded Issei of something that a sorceress would wear with a huge blue hat with a black bow and yellow stars and matching cape with pink flowers and a white interior. The new guest quickly noticed Issei and blushed since she knew that she messed up.
"Umm, hello there." The girl said bashfully.
Issei frowned instantly at the girl's appearance but instead of resorting to violence decided to take a more peaceful approach, "Care to explain why you just showed up in the middle of Gregori's house since I'm pretty sure you didn't open the front door." Issei teased.
"Um… well…" the girl started to say before Gregori walked into the room.
"Damn it Le Fay, this is why I told you guys not to teleport in randomly." Gregori yelled out.
The realization that Gregori knew the girl was a big one and one that turned Issei's focus towards his client, "Who are you Gregori?" Issei frowned as he turned towards his new friend.
'Gregori' looked towards Issei with a solemn expression before revealing 6 sets of wings that were black with long feathers. "My real name is Azazel and I am actually the leader of the Fallen Angels." Gregori explained.
"So Ddraig care to explain why you didn't tell me that Gregori was the leader of the Fallen Angels." Issei said with a hint of annoyance. There was no way that his sacred gear didn't realize who he was and the fact he hid it was an annoyance to be sure.
A green circle appeared on his left hand and from there the Dragon Emperor spoke, "Because, I didn't know what would cause him to reach out to us. When he revealed himself I would address that issue then"
"And I was going to reveal myself in due time but Le Fay here ruined the fun." the now revealed Azazel deadpanned.
"My bad" the now revealed Le Fay said bashfully.
Since there was nothing he could do Issei figured he'd just relax, "Mind making me some tea? I could use it after all this" Issei suggested having grown fond of the drink recently.
"Sure" Azazel smiled since that was resolved relatively easily.
After the tea break was over it was time for business and Azazel along with Le Fay were sitting down in Azazel's parlor, a simple room with a couch and a group of chairs along with a large oak table. Adoring the walls were various paintings that were ancient in nature. "I imagine you're wondering why I'm here in Kuoh." Azazel frowned.
Issei paused for a moment to actually consider that question before smiling, "With Rias Gremory gone, you wanted to know what the new leader was like. Ravel was a mystery to everyone and what better way to go about it than make a contract with one of her servants. You'd also be able to figure out why the agent you sent to kill me failed." Issei replied.
Azazel whistled happily before replying, "That was a heck of a deduction but you've made two mistakes." Azazel smiled.
"Two mistakes?" Issei said with a raised eyebrow. If there was just one mistake that would make sense but two means that he misread the situation big time.
"The first mistake you made was that you assumed Raynare, or Yuuma as you knew her, was sent to kill you. She was told to observe you and that's about it. Somebody else may have told her to kill you but that wasn't me." Azazel smiled.
Issei nodded in understanding, but he filed that away for that later, "So what's the second mistake." Issei questioned.
"You assumed I moved here recently. I've actually been living in Kuoh ever since Rias took control." Azazel smiled.
Issei's eyes widened at the statement before he remembered something else that concerned him, "That explains why that group fled to Kuoh. They knew you would offer them protection from Rias." Issei frowned.
"What group" Azazel said with an annoyed glare his eyes narrowing towards Issei.
'This can't be good' Issei thought to himself concern growing on his face. If Azazel didn't know about the theft of the Excalibur as the leader of the Fallen Angels it meant he had a major problem.
"Umm actually that's why I'm here. My brother received word that a group of Fallen Angels stole three of the fragments of the Holy Sword Excalibur from their hiding spots and fled to Kuoh." Le Fay said bashfully causing the normally calm expression on Azazel's face to vanish and a look of pure rage to appear on his face.
"Damn you Kokabiel, I can't believe you'd go this far." Azazel cursed causing Le Fay's eyes to widen.
"Did you just say Kokabiel… as in THAT Kokabiel?" Le Fay gasped.
"Yes, I said that Kokabiel Le Fay." Azazel groaned knowing things were about to get extremely annoying.
"Who's Kokabiel?" Issei wondered.
"Let's just say that things just became very interesting for your girl Ravel." Azazel replied causing Issei's eyes to widen.
(Scene Skip)
After leaving Azazel's house, Issei's made two calls immediately. His first call was to Ravel to tell her that he had information the group desperately needed and to gather everyone at the clubroom. His second call was to Murayama to drag said church girls and Katase over to the clubroom. Based on what Azazel told him their situation was much more dangerous.
When he arrived at the clubroom, Issei was pleased to see that everyone besides the church girls were already there, "What did you learn Issei?" Ravel wondered.
"I'd like to wait for the church girls to get here since repeating myself would just be a pain." Issei replied. Ravel nodded and the group relaxed for about twenty minutes until the door opened again revealing the church girls along with Murayama and Katase.
"Why are we here devil?" Xenovia said angrily as she turned towards Ravel. Xenovia clearly held a grudge for what happened before and it showed.
"I don't know, this information comes from my pawn." Ravel frowned and now everyone's focus was on Issei.
"I called you here because I came across information that is extremely relevant to your hunt for the Excalibur." Issei revealed causing Irina's eyes to widen, but Ravel's eyes to narrow.
"What did you find out Issei?" Irina wondered with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Their hunt had thus far been unsuccessful and they needed something.
Issei took a deep breath before saying, "The theft of the blades was not the work of some rogue fallen angels and exorcists. It is the plot of a man named Kokabiel, one of the cadres of the fallen angels." Issei explained and the room was silent.
"Forgive me for the confusion Issei, but did you just say that this was the work of Kokabiel?" Xuelan said in almost shock.
"That's right." Issei frowned.
Xuelan turned towards Lady Ravel immediately, "We need to contact Riser immediately. Kokabiel is far too powerful for any of us here." Xuelan said sternly.
"Absolutely not/Hell no" Ravel and Issei said at the same time.
"Umm are we missing something?" Irina said nervously noticing the instant denial from Ravel and Issei. Clearly this Riser person was a problem.
Issei and Ravel looked towards each other before Issei nodded in understanding, "My brother is the type who would accept your help, but then ask for you servitude in exchange. The reason I'm even speaking to you instead of Rias Gremory is due to the extreme lengths she went in order to get away from him." Ravel admitted.
Irina couldn't help but notice the annoyance on Issei's face, "How extreme are we talking?" Irina said nervously afraid to anger her childhood friend more.
"Issei was about to go on a date with a disguised Fallen Angel, but instead of warning Issei about it she had her familiar give him a contract circle." Ravel said with an icy tone.
"I see" Xenovia said coldly and the usually calm Irina gripped her hands in a clear attempt to hold back her rage. The girls knew about contract circles and quickly realized that Rias planned to allow the Fallen to kill Issei and with the circle as a conduit appear by his side in order to make him her servant.
"The point is that Riser would likely ask for one of you and I'd rather allow Kokabiel to kill us all then be safe and have Irina in his clutches." Issei said icily himself recalling Rias's attack on him.
"I see" Irina blushed heavily at Issei's words but Xenovia dismissed them completely.
"We have God on our side. Even against Kokabiel we will find a way." Xenovia said firmly.
"Are you freaking serious? You just heard us tell you how dangerous he was and you're going to ignore it." Katase said angrily but Murayama put her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"That's enough Katase. Warriors like these two are taught that God will protect them from everything. It's what the church does" Murayama explained with a bit of mirth.
"I take it you understand why we feel the way we do." Xenovia said calmly.
"Yes I do, but I still hate it." Murayama replied frankly.
"God may protect you but my offer for assistance still stands. If Kokabiel is involved our best hope is to work together." Ravel revealed bringing everyone's focus back on the matter at hand.
Xenovia was confident but one look at her partner told her that Irina wasn't as convinced, "If you're so concerned we can work together. However, I don't intend to get along with you devils at all."
"That's fine with me. We'll reconvene tomorrow after school to make a new plan." Ravel nodded.
"Agreed" Xenovia confirmed and that brought an end to the impromptu meeting.
(Scene Skip)
Once the kendo girls left with Xenovia and Irina, Issei was brought to a private area by Ravel who confirmed that his 'source' was Gregori since he was on a contract with him at the time. Issei was forced to reveal that Gregori was actually the leader of the Fallen Angels in Azazel. Ravel was furious that she allowed him to contact Issei but seeing as how he hadn't shown any signs of doing anything, she let it go. Kokabiel was a much bigger problem and Azazel hadn't done anything dangerous as of yet.
A sour Issei left Kuoh and instead of returning home decided to take a detour to the park that he played at as a child in order to calm himself down. "Partner are you alright?" Ddraig said calmly as Issei approached the old park.
"Not at all Ddraig" Issei admitted as he saw the playground he enjoyed as a kid. The sandbox and swing set hadn't changed and neither had the various play areas. Luckily for him it was late so the kids wouldn't be around which gave him a private moment without anybody to interfere. Issei sat on the swings for a little bit in order to calm himself since things had changed big time in only a day. He was brought from his musing when he saw his childhood friend walk into the park as well.
"Great minds think alike huh Issei." Irina said solemnly as she walked towards him. Irina was wearing a pink shirt that seemed a bit too small and some brown khaki pants along with tennis shoes. Unlike before, she had Excalibur Mimic on her wrist and her cross on her neck so she couldn't be close to him like before.
"What are you doing here Irina especially alone?" Issei chuckled.
"I wanted to have a bit of nostalgia considering what we're up against and I'm not alone. Murayama's dad is waiting in his car with Murayama Katase and Xenovia." Irina smiled. While they were driving up Irina noticed Issei sitting on the swings and was about to tell them to leave but Murayama encouraged her to talk to him anyway. Xenovia said that she didn't really care since her statement only applied to her which was her partner's way of saying go speak to him if that's what you want so she did and there they were.
"I see" Issei smiled.
Irina decided to sit down choosing to sit on the swing next to Issei to make sure that the Holy power wouldn't damage him as they spoke, "Where did it all go wrong Issei?" Irina asked.
"That's an open-ended question if ever there was one." Issei replied with a chuckle.
"The world is a horrible place and there are very few truly good people in the world. It just sucks" Irina replied bitterly.
"Yes but that's how the world works. I imagine you've dealt with that plenty in your time as an exorcist" Issei smiled.
"And that's the problem Issei. If I spent all my time fighting devils or fallen that would be one thing but it isn't. I've had times where I've fought against what I would think are very good people INCLUDING some exorcists. These are people who once loved God but now I was forced to kill them because they strayed from that path" Irina complained.
"Yes but the world isn't fair. I take it you recognized the blonde girl with the nun outfit on when we were in the clubroom." Issei smiled referring to Asia.
"Yes I did. I know all about Witch Asia Argento, but didn't speak on it because I knew it would be foolish."
"It's not quite as simple as she healed a devil Irina. Asia was sitting in her compound minding her own business when she saw somebody appear in front of her injured. She had no clue where the man came from and she did what she was always taught to do, heal him. She had no idea the man in question was a devil and when the man spread his wings and flew away she was horrified."
Irina's eyes widened since that was a game changer "So Asia was setup by somebody." Irina frowned since that's the only conclusion that could be made. The compound Asia stayed in was massive and for a devil to sneak in and find the only person who can heal him was nearly impossible unless it was planned that way.
"That's right. The world is a dark place and sometimes life sucks. But people like you have to protect it. People like me play a role as well, but only to a certain degree." Issei chuckled.
Irina chuckled herself since she did know that devils took care of strays when they could which was some form of protection but not much. "Yes but now what. We both know that Kokabiel is too powerful for any of us and if we had to fight him, we'd be dead in a heartbeat." Irina frowned. Xenovia and Irina were outmatched and if you pressed them both girls would admit this was a fool's errand but they had to exude confidence or it would be a sign of weakness.
"Yes but if we work together we might be able to win." Issei smiled wanting to give his old friend some hope.
'Partner we both know if Kokabiel wanted to he could destroy all of us in a heartbeat.' Ddraig said coldly.
'I'm trying to be a good friend right now Ddraig.' Issei replied mentally.
Irina smiled at the response and decided to have one more moment with her childhood friend since they would be in short supply. Getting up from her swing, Irina quickly moved over to Issei's swing and sat on his knees with her arms extended behind her back so Issei wasn't exposed to the Holy power of her blade. "I'd like that very much Issei." Irina smiled
"This is quite the position Irina." Issei teased. The Excalibur was just far enough that Issei didn't get any damage
"Yes and it'll have to do for now since I don't want you getting hurt by my Holy power." Irina said happily.
"Well I think I'll be fine, BOOSTED GEAR" Issei chuckled before his sacred gear appeared on his left hand. Issei liked the position but he wanted a little more. Using his gauntlet clad left hand Issei reached for Irina's left arm and moved it until he grabbed the bracelet with the boosted gear. His right arm went to Irina's side and stayed there allowing him to hold his childhood friend. Since the cross's power was minor the pair could be a little closer without him in danger.
"Issei!" Irina blushed heavily not expecting him to do that.
"I'd pull you in closer but ya know." Issei chuckled. The Excalibur fragment was dealt with by his boosted gear but the cross was a different matter.
Irina smiled before coming up with an idea, "Then let me do something about that" Irina said happily before getting off her childhood friend. Irina then focused her left hand turning her fragment back to a sword quickly before transforming it into a jewelry box. Now she could take the cross off and put it in said box before putting it on the floor.
"Clever" Issei smiled appreciating the ingenuity.
A smiling Irina got on top of Issei again but this time she wrapped her legs around Issei's waist and pressed her breasts against his chest a much closer and much more intimate position, "Now where were we." Irina smiled.
"I think I was about to do this." Issei smiled before leaning in and kissing Irina on the lips with Irina responding in kind. The once inseparable childhood friends made out on a swing set they had played on many times as kids. Right now all that mattered was that the feelings they both had for one another hadn't vanished in their time apart and all was right with the world. Starting the next day, they would focus on the mission and Kokabiel, but for just a moment nothing else mattered besides the two of them.
(Scene Skip)
Issei made his way towards the ORC with Murayama and Katase next to him and a smile on his face. The church duo was already in the clubroom having been brought by Murayama's father earlier in the day a "So Mury did you and Irina talk after I left." Issei smiled. On their way back, Irina revealed that she knew about his relationship with Murayama and she was worried that he wasn't being fair to her.
Murayama blushed since she and Irina did talk and specifically about how she was going to handle her feelings for Issei. "We did and came to an understanding" Murayama smiled. Since Irina was no longer a part of his life she wanted Murayama, and to a lesser extent Katase, to watch over Issei for her.
"That's good. It's nice to have my girls working together." Issei smiled before pulling the kendo duo close to him.
"Can we focus on the real problem? Like the guys who are going to be coming at us" Katase said with a hint of embarrassment.
"Yes but that's only when we arrive." Issei chuckled before letting go of the girls.
"Fine" Katase pouted mostly due to Issei letting go of her. They arrived at the clubroom to find everyone was there but just as Ravel was about to get the meeting started a magic circle appeared in the room.
"Were you expecting somebody Lady Ravel?" Issei said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes I was and it appears he's here now." Ravel said calmly. The circle faded to reveal Kiba Yuuto in the Kuoh uniform.
"Hello everyone it's been a long time." Kiba said calmly to the shock of his former teammates and the annoyance of Issei.
"Ufufufu it's been a while Kiba." Akeno smiled.
"Yes it has Akeno. Lady Rias got a call from Sona and when I learned it involved Excalibur I volunteered immediately. Rias was hesitant but figured I was a better alternative to Riser." Kiba explained calmly.
'That explains it' Issei said mentally with a look of pure annoyance on his face.
"Umm am I missing something. Why does Issei look like he's going to strangle the new guy?" Irina whispered to Murayama
"I'll tell you later Irina." Murayama replied.
"I understand this might be a personal issue for you Kiba, but make sure you stay in line. I'm not as gentle as Rias and if you act out you will be punished" Ravel said with a stern warning.
"Of course Lady Ravel and if I step out of line I'm sure that Issei will make sure to discipline me." Kiba said with an impassive smile.
"With pleasure" Issei growled. Any excuse he could make to tear the boy apart would be most appreciated.
Ravel noticed Issei's expression and made a mental note to talk to her pawn, "At any rate, we're going to split up into groups. Kiba, I want you to go with Akeno Koneko and Asia and make group 1. Issei, you Xuelan and Katase will make group 2. You girls from the church can join whoever you wish." Ravel said calmly.
"I'll go with Issei." Irina insisted knowing she could spend more time with her childhood friend and because she could tell he was angry and an angry Issei was a dangerous one.
"I'll join you Irina. I know you have feelings for that devil but I want to make sure he doesn't take advantage of you." Xenovia said bluntly.
"Xenovia!" Irina blushed.
Murayama twitched at the interaction particularly since she had to watch the two makeout the day before, "If you don't mind I'm going to head back to practice. Katase I do expect you to be ready for our match this weekend." Murayama scolded slightly before leaving. Now it was time to go on the attack and things were about to get very interesting.
"Yeah yeah" Katase replied with a scoff of her own as Murayama left.
Once Murayama was gone, Ravel turned to the group that was left, "Good luck everyone" Ravel said calmly dismissing the group. Group 1 left fairly quickly but as the second group prepared to leave Issei stood pat, "Issei what's going on." Irina said nervously.
"Just wait a bit. I want to discuss something with Lady Ravel before we leave." Issei said with a scowl on his face.
"Alright" Irina replied and she Xenovia Katase and Xuelan left the room though Issei did notice Xuelan looking at him funny.
Once the four girls were gone and Issei and Ravel were alone, the Phenex heiress looked at Issei and smiled, "Let me guess Issei, you're wondering why I put the former Gremory peerage together for this scout mission." Ravel said with a smile.
"That's right. You know damn well that having them together could be disastrous for you if Kiba decides to rebel." Issei frowned. Akeno seemed to go along with everything, but he still didn't have a read on Koneko. To Issei this was reckless.
"I'm aware Issei. I'm doing this to test them and see just how loyal they really are to me." Ravel smiled.
"Is that so" Issei said with a frown since this was a dangerous move.
"That's right. What better way to test their loyalty then to put them together when they're against a foe that even an immortal Phenex cannot overcome." Ravel smiled viciously.
Issei's eyes widened since Ravel was practically daring them to try something, "This is reckless but I'm going to trust you on this one Ravel." Issei admonished as though he was the master.
"We'll see how reckless it is in the end Issei." Ravel smiled before Issei left to join the others. Ravel knew the risks involved and it was the type of risk that she had to take if she was going to be taken seriously. Their opponent was a cadre and even if it meant dealing with a traitorous element she would do so in order to protect her new home.
That's it for Chapter 8 everybody and things are getting fun. Next time the groups are out in full and while Issei and his group are focused on the mission, there's plenty of tension in the other group.