Chapter 9 Enemy on Two Fronts

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.

The former Gremory Team of Kiba Akeno Koneko and Asia walked through Kuoh with various thoughts on their mind. For Akeno it was the thought of their current mission and trying to protect their home from the Fallen Angels wrath. For Koneko it was about Kiba's return and why it was allowed and for Kiba it was about seeing his old teammates and dealing with a dark part of his past. The awkward silence was clear to everyone and it was horrible. "So how are you guys." Kiba said calmly finally breaking the silence.

"Fine." Koneko replied nonchalantly.

"Ufufufu. Considering what you did I'm actually surprised you're still alive Kiba. I guess that charm of yours was good for something" Akeno teased. The reality was that people were executed for less and Kiba should consider himself very lucky.

Kiba couldn't help but agree with the comment since he did catch a massive break. "Rias told Lady Phenex that I was good around the house and that saved me. I'm essentially Lady Phenex's butler but that is what it is" Kiba replied bashfully.

"I see Ufufufu" Akeno chuckled as the group continued.

"Umm how is Lady Rias" Asia asked nervously finally speaking up.

"She's hanging in there." Kiba replied. Rather ironically Riser hasn't done much if anything to her so far and Rias is a bit helpless. Considering her original fear it is a bit ironic but Kiba wasn't going to complain.

"Ufufufu let's focus on the mission. We need to stop these guys." Akeno smiled.

"Yes, and I'm glad I can get my revenge on that sword." Kiba said coldly. Kiba had a very rotten history with the Holy Sword Excalibur and when he was sent to the Phenex he was certain he'd lose his chance at revenge. When he heard about what happened, he begged Lady Phenex to let him join and he was incredibly lucky when she agreed.

"Well let's get hunting" Akeno smiled as the group kept walking. What they were unaware of was that the hint they needed was sitting in casual clothes nearby.

"The boss might wanna hear about this." a young man smiled. He had short white hair and gleaming red eyes. His name was Freed Sellzen and he was working with Kokabiel. This was actually his second time in Kuoh since he was part of the team with Raynare. He managed to escape during Ravel's slaughter which was turning out to be a lucky coincidence.

(Issei's group)

Issei Xuelan Irina and Xenovia moved through the other side of Kuoh and while Irina and Xenovia were focused on finding Freed, Issei was focused on the blonde knight. 'What is Ravel thinking? There's no telling what Kiba would and could plan.' Issei thought to himself. To say that he didn't trust Kiba was an understatement and he still held quite a grudge over what happened to him.

"Issei are you okay" Irina said nervously. She knew Issei very well and something was bothering him.

"Yeah I'm fine." Issei lied hiding his annoyance. Irina had enough on her plate and this would only make it worse.

"You shouldn't lie to her Issei" Xuelan said with a frown.

"Huh!" Irina gasped not expecting that. She knew something was off and that Issei was lying but there was absolutely nobody who could call him out on it. Well besides her.

"This isn't the time Xuelan" Issei chided. This was between him and Kiba and he didn't need Irina involved.

"Yes it is. She clearly cares about you even after your time apart. Understanding your history with Kiba wouldn't hurt." Xuelan replied.

'What history' Irina thought to herself before moving in front of Issei and giving him a look that he couldn't resist in their younger years.

"Fine I'll tell you but you have to promise you won't let it bother you." Issei replied bitterly. The look still worked

'You mean like it's clearly bothering you.' Irina frowned. "I won't let it bother me Issei so what happened." Irina replied and the group stopped so Issei could explain the truth.

"Remember how Ravel told you that Rias gave me a contract circle right before my date with a Fallen Angel." Issei smiled bitterly.

"Yes" Irina replied with venom in her voice.

"When that failed miserably and I ignored her various attempts to facility a meeting she sent her loyal knight to attack me and kill me."

"That knight was Kiba wasn't it" Irina growled her free hand balling into a fist yet again.

"That's right and before you even think of killing him don't. That pleasure will belong to me." Issei smiled viciously.

"But" Irina protested before Issei put a finger on her lips.

"No but's Irina. Kiba is playing the good soldier so killing him now would be stupid. If he messes up I'm killing him personally" Issei smiled before kissing her on the cheek.

"Okay" Irina blushed.

"If that's the case I'm surprised you kept your cool when you saw him Red Dragon." Xenovia replied. If somebody had wronged her like that it would be a problem.

"I kept my cool because as I said Kiba is playing the good soldier. Trust me if he does something stupid he will pay heavy price" Issei smiled viciously. A part of him was actually hoping he'd try something so he has an excuse to kill Kiba. However, Irina didn't need to know that.

"I see" Irina replied. Even after all these years she could see the gears turning in his head. Issei wanted Kiba to mess up badly and when he did, he would exact his revenge. She only hoped that it wasn't after something else horrible happened.

(Scene Skip)

Issei Hyoudou sat on his bed wondering what would happen next. Unfortunately for the group, they couldn't find a trace of Kokabiel. "So now what" Issei wondered as he sat in the room. This was a stalemate and he hated not being able to go on the attack.

"Now we wait partner. You're going to want to relax right now." Ddraig suggested calmly.

"Sounds good" Issei smiled as he hopped under the covers and prepared to go to sleep. Unfortunately for him, a magic circle appeared in his room. To his surprise, Irina and Katase appeared.

"Thank you Katase" Irina said bashfully.

"Whatever" Katase replied before leaving via her magic circle. Clearly Irina asked Katase to bring him here and she did.

"Well isn't this a surprise, I wonder what your partner would think." Issei chuckled as he got a good look at Irina. His childhood friend was wearing a blue button-down top with matching pants that fit her rather nicely. Her cross was gone and there was no band which meant that she clearly had something fun planned.

"She would tell me that I need to gather my resolve." Irina replied. Walking over to the bed, Irina crawled into the covers on Issei's left side and snuggled into him.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what brought you here?" Issei wondered.

Irina sighed knowing that what she was thinking was a heavy topic, "I'm nervous because it feels like the church sent us to die. I know that I'm supposed to serve God, but it feels like I'm being made into a sacrificial pawn." Irina said solemnly.

Issei wanted to disagree with Irina badly but he really couldn't. The church had to have some idea about who was behind the theft and if they knew a cadre was involved they should've sent older and more experienced warriors. Sending Irina because of him might be flattering, but it was leading her to her doom. "I don't know what to tell you Iri. All I know is that we're gonna do the best we can." Issei replied before leaning over and pecking Irina on the lips causing the young woman to blush yet again.

"Issei" Irina pouted as a blush formed on her face.

"I get it you're worried but I'll be there for you and I'll do everything I can to protect you despite the fact that I'm a devil." Issei smiled before pecking Irina on the cheek.

The second kiss was enough for Irina and she wanted more. Irina crawled on top of Issei towering over him but before she could kiss him again another magic circle appeared causing Irina to pull way, 'What now' Irina thought angrily. To the surprise of both Issei and Irina, Ravel Phenex appeared as her younger self.

"Your timing sucks Lady Ravel." Issei smiled as the young woman quickly realized Issei wasn't alone. Irina of course spun back around aware that any Issei time she wanted wouldn't be happening.

"Sorry… but I wanted to discuss something with you." Ravel blushed well aware that she goofed.

"Let me guess; He's blonde, uses a blade, and for some reason he's back with us." Issei smiled.

Ravel frowned that Issei was so perceptive but also because he was okay discussing this with the girl from the church next to him. Then again Issei was always weird, "I think Kiba's going to use the attack on Kokabiel as an excuse to attack you." Ravel said calmly.

"Makes sense" Issei nodded as though it was a big deal. Irina looked at him like he was crazy until she remembered their conversation from earlier.

Ravel sweatdropped at how nonchalant Issei was, "And you're not worried why" Ravel said with a hint of annoyance.

"Because Kiba couldn't kill me before and I'm much stronger now." Issei smiled viciously. His plan to kill Kiba was very much in play.

"Okay but be careful." Ravel replied nervously before leaving them alone.

With Ravel now gone, Irina was focused more on what Ravel had said during the conversation instead of the fact she was interrupted, "Issei please promise me that you'll be careful." Irina said nervously.

Issei was incredibly pleased that Irina was concerned but he had a plan in place for Kiba, "You just focus on what you have to do Irina and I'll do the same. Now let's cuddle." Issei smiled.

Irina pouted at Issei's nonchalance but realized that Issei had it under control. "Alright" Irina sighed realizing she wouldn't get through to her stubborn childhood friend and simply nuzzled into his chest and called it a night.

(Town of Kuoh)

Kiba Yuuto would admit that he was playing a dangerous game at the moment, but frankly he had no choice. Walking through the forests of Kuoh, he made his way towards an abandoned amphitheater with a smile on his face. "This is all I can do for her." Kiba frowned aware that what he was doing was reckless and some would argue treasonous. Due to his sacred gear and history with Holy Swords, Kiba was well aware of what it felt like when one was nearby. Thanks to that he noticed that somebody with a holy sword was around them earlier. That person had followed them briefly but chose not to attack them no doubt due to a numbers disadvantage. Kiba figured that he could track the signature of the blade and he walked around hoping to catch the same signal. He eventually did and followed the source to his current location. "I know you're here priest. I've come to chat." Kiba shouted.

The bushes ruffled and out walked the Freed in his priest clothes with a smile on his face, "Well well well. So what does the little devil want from me." Freed smiled back. He had an odd feeling that somebody noticed him and followed the group but luckily they couldn't figure out that he was following them.

"I want to make a deal with you. One that could benefit you very well." Kiba smiled.

Freed didn't trust the man but figured why not, "What's the deal." Freed wondered.

"I give you the locations of the other two Excalibur fragments you're hunting for and in exchange you agree to spare who I want." Kiba smiled.

Freed smiled beautifully since this was exactly what he wanted, "Alright you have a deal. So who do you want alive." Freed smiled. He just wanted a chance to kill and with the full power of Excalibur he could do that. He didn't mind sparing a few people if it meant getting a good fight.

Kiba smiled as he began to explain what he wanted Freed to do. He might not be able to save his master but he could at least get some revenge on the man who sent her to her current fate.

(Scene Skip)

A smiling Issei Hyoudou opened his eyes and couldn't help but look at the sight of his childhood friend sleeping with him. "Irina, wake up. I gotta get to school." Issei chuckled appreciating the sight of Irina next to him.

"Five more minutes." Irina mumbled.

"Wake up Irina" Issei smirked before kissing her on the cheek again. This caused Irina to shoot up in shock.

"I-I-I-Issei!" Irina gasped having forgotten about what happened.

"Hello sleepyhead. I need to get you back to Murayama's house since technically you're supposed to be over there." Issei smiled.

Irina was tomato red as she realized that she stayed the night, "Okay" Irina smiled.

"Cool" Irina started to say before a magic circle appeared in the room. Out of the circle popped a small dragon about ten inches long and 2 feet high with a green body with a red tail and a tuft of hair below his mouth.

"What is it Dojo" Issei frowned. This dragon was Issei's familiar Dojo a dragon that happened to be the cousin of Yu-Long the dragon king. He got Dojo during a trip to the familiar forest right after Katase joined. He was lucky to get the dragon as a familiar and his ability to change size came it great handy for spying/

(AN: For those who might have figured it out Issei's familiar is Dojo from Xaolin Showdown. Figured it would be a fun little change. And no I won't use the Shen Gong Wu)

"Remember that blonde kid that you didn't trust. Well I tailed him and it looks like he made contact with some priest guy with silver hair. I think he's working with the Fallen Angels because he reeked of blood"

"Oh hell" Irina groaned which caught the two off guard.

"Something you'd like to share." Issei said with a bit of mirth.

"I think the person Dojo is talking about is a former exorcist named Freed Sellzen. To say he's unpleasant would be an understatement.

Issei's eyes narrowed in fury but he managed to hold it together, "So what did they talk about."

"Kiba told him where your girl here and her partner were staying so he can go after their fragments. He only asked that he attack during school so that human girl was spared"

"I see." Issei said with a cold look on his eyes.

"What do you want to do boss?" Dojo asked curiously.

"I'm going to have a little chat with Kiba. I assume you can find him" Issei said calmly as he tried to move towards his closet to get dressed. Tried being the operative word since Irina grabbed him by the hand before he could even leave the bed.

"Issei I know you're pissed and I am too. Right now we need to warn Murayama. F" Irina reminded him. She was trembling with rage also but they had to be smart.

"Got it" Issei smiled as he got off the bed and grabbed Irina in his arms before activating a magic circle so he could go to Murayama's house directly.

Fortunately or unfortunately for Issei, his arrival in Murayama's room coincided with Murayama's shower for the morning so Issei got a good look at a mostly naked Murayama with a pair of pink underwear around her ankles. Awkward silence ensued for a moment before Murayama spoke.

"Issei you'd better have a damn good reason for teleporting into my room when you could've texted me." Murayama groaned in annoyance. She was used to Issei seeing her naked so it wasn't as bad as it could've been but it was still awkward as hell.

"How about somebody coming to attack your home." Issei replied calmly his rage subsiding at the sight in front of him.

Murayama was absolutely livid but she took a deep breath to calm herself, "I hate you so much right now Issei. Just go downstairs and wait for me to get everyone" Murayama said calmly.

(Scene Skip)

In what had to be one of Issei's most awkward breakfasts in a long time he was sitting in Murayama's dining room with Murayama Katase Irina Xenovia and her father. Her father was dressed in a simple kimono while Murayama and a now awake Katase were dressed in their uniforms with Issei still in his pajamas. Irina and Xenovia were dressed in their white robes with a blue church battle suit underneath Irina having changed into her clothes while Murayama got Katase and her father "Okay Issei. So tell me what you found out." Murayama asked calmly

I didn't trust Kiba so I sent my familiar Dojo to follow him. Dojo saw Kiba meeting with a guy Irina revealed was named Freed. He told Freed that Irina and Xenovia were staying with you and convinced Freed to go there while you were at school to get the blades."

"Then he's making a major mistake. If the little brat thinks he can defeat me, he's got another thing coming" Murayama's father Tohdoh said with a smile. He was a stern man with tan skin and brown hair that framed his face nicely. (AN: he's based off of Tohdoh from Code Geass).

"Are you sure Dad?" Murayama said nervously.

"Honey before I retired I was one of the strongest exorcists in the church and only Irina's father and Vasco Strada were stronger. This brat has no idea who he's up against. Now go to school and I'll deal with Freed" Tohdoh smiled.

"What about a weapon?" Xenovia wondered.

"I'll simply take Excalibur Destruction. I used it myself on a few missions before I retired." Tohdoh smiled.

"Of course" Xenovia replied handing over her blade.

"If that's all I need to get ready for school myself" Issei replied before excusing himself.

"Next time simply let my daughter know you're coming first. I know she likes you but a young man popping up out of nowhere in your bedroom is a bad way to start your morning" Tohdoh replied with a cheeky smile.

"Dad" Murayama pouted not expecting that.

"Of course sir." Issei replied with a smile of his own. His morning was off to an interesting start and he liked it that way.

(Scene Skip)

Despite the wild morning, class went by fairly easily for Issei and now it was time to go to the ORC. Walking with him were Murayama and Katase with everyone completely calm since Freed's plan was ruined. After Issei left Murayama's home he called Ravel and told her what happened. Ravel was furious but instead of letting Issei do it left it to Xuelan. His annoyance was calmed when Ravel said she'd let the girls stay at the ORC while Murayama's father took care of Freed.

"So what's going to happen to Kiba?" Katase admitted. Ravel did seem pretty pissed during class and there was no doubt that the blonde would be punished badly.

"I wouldn't worry about it. If anything it's a shame that I can't just kill him myself." Issei sighed.

"Really" Murayama deadpanned before her phone rang. Murayama noticed the number and smiled as she put the phone to her ear. The group watched with amusement as Murayama's expression turned from a smile to a frown. The only words she said were "Okay daddy, love you." before hanging up.

"What happened" Katase wondered.

"Freed came and when he realized who he was up against fled like a coward. I'm actually pretty disappointed to be honest" Murayama pouted.

"Oh well. I guess that means we get to finish him ourselves." Issei said nonchalantly.

"Nothing we can do for now." Katase pouted slightly.

"Yep and that's fine. As long as everyone's okay I'm good." Issei said joyfully as they made their way to the ORC. When they arrived they noticed everyone was there besides Kiba.

"Before you say anything, Kiba was captured by Xuelan and taken back to my mother's for punishment." Ravel said calmly.

"And how is he being punished." Issei wondered hoping that Kiba's pain would be sufficient to get rid of his annoyance.

"My mother has a sadistic side that rivals our queen and Kiba is learning to be on the receiving end if you know what I mean." Ravel smiled knowing Issei would get the reference.

(AN: Basically Kiba's anal virginity is being taken by Lady Phenex. Spankings are just too easy for betrayal)

Issei smiled viciously at the brutal punishment. The fact Irina Murayama and Katase were beet red meant that they knew as well which was certainly amusing. "That's fine. I assume Rias had nothing to do with it." Issei wondered.

"That's right. Rias was equally as annoyed as we were." Ravel replied.

"Well that's good. I guess now we can focus on the real problem which is how will Freed react." Issei admitted.

"Agreed and it's why I think it would be best that Irina and Xenovia stay with you until the mission ends." Ravel insisted. She wanted to make them stay in the apartments Rias used to own but Irina asked if they could stay with Issei instead.

"Fine by me" Issei replied not thinking of it as a big deal. Having Irina over would be great and it's not like his family didn't know her well.

"Good. Now let's figure out what to do next." Ravel said calmly

(Unknown Area)

Freed Sellzan was not a happy man at all. His plan to attack and steal the blades had failed miserably. "That little fucking devil. He sent me into a fucking trap." Freed cursed. The fact that the home belonged to Tohdoh Kirishima the third strongest exorcist in the church was something he didn't expect. The worst part was he had one of the Excalibur which meant Freed was doomed. He was no fool and the old man would tear him apart in a one-on-one fight so he fled. Right now he was recovering in an old abandoned warehouse area that was being used to house him and the man in charge of the mission along with their additional helper.

"Poor Freed and your plan was so good." A voice chuckled.

"Spare me boss. Still at least we know that the old bastard is here." Freed cursed.

"Yes but considering he didn't follow you, we're okay." The voice cackled again.

"Fuck, I'll just kill that little blonde bastard later. Damn him for screwing me over." Freed groaned in annoyance.

"Yes but we won't be waiting for long" the voice cackled again causing Freed to smile widely.

"So you mean" Freed said in an almost giddy voice.

"Yes Freed. It's time I pay the devils a visit." The voice said once more before the shadow's revealed a man with pale skin, piercing red eyes, long black hair that flowed down his face, and large pointy ears. He was wearing a very detailed black robe. This was Kokabiel, the cadre of the Fallen Angels and the man who was ready to change the world.

"I'll go tell the old man. It's about time we have some real fun." Freed said happily. Now it was time to get going and Freed was ready for battle. The devils may have tricked him this time, but soon he would have his revenge.

That's it for Chapter 9 everybody and things are getting fun. Next time Kokabiel pays the devils a visit and reveals his ultimate plan.