Chapter 13 Showdown

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.

(Kuoh Academy)

As the retreating group approached the edge of the barrier there was a collective silence that nobody was interested in breaking. The revelation about God's death was bad enough but the fact that they left Issei to fight Kokabiel alone was one that many of them didn't like. As they reached the outside, they were quickly met by Sona who flew down to greet them, "Is everything alright?" Sona asked calmly.

"Not at all." Ravel admitted. Between leaving Issei to fight along and God's death it was a rotten situation and one that was no doubt going to get worse before all was said and done.

"What happened?" Sona said nervously before quickly realizing that one person was missing.

"Do you want the short version or the long version because no matter which one I tell you, both suck" Ravel said with a bitter chuckle.

"Let's go with" Sona started to say before a new voice interfered. One that Sona and the other members of the group certainly didn't expect.

"Where is he?" Momo Hanakai yelled as she flew down from her spot nearby.

"Momo!" Sona said in shock not expecting this.

"Where is Issei!?" Momo yelled out catching the group off guard.

"Calm down Momo. Now isn't the time for this." Murayama spoke up further shocking the group since the two never interacted with one another.

"But Mury" Momo continued before Ravel interrupted.

"Clearly I'm missing something. Why is Momo so interested in Issei?" Ravel wondered.

"Because she went to the same elementary school as Issei and me." Murayama revealed catching the group off guard.

"Explain" Sona said in confusion. She knew about Momo's interest in Issei but never asked why.

"I went to the same elementary school as Issei Irina and Murayama but only for the last 3 years. People used to pick on me because of my white hair but Issei and Irina would get in their way. Before long I was part of their inner circle" Momo admitted with a fond smile.

"Holy crap! You're White Flower aren't you?" Irina said in shock.

"Yes I am Irina. It's been a long time" Momo smiled glad that she was recognized by somebody.

"I can't believe you're here also and I can't believe you became so pretty." Irina smiled her mood changing due to the revelation.

"What's this about White flower." Sona wondered in confusion.

Irina blushed slightly since this was going to be awkward, "In elementary school Issei and I were practically inseparable and pretty much nobody was able to get in the way which is why it was an inner circle of sorts. Murayama was the first one to ever break the inner circle and Momo was the second. Issei used to call her White flower because of her hair and because her last name meant flowers."

"That's kinda cute actually." Ravel admitted before Sona's cough interrupted them.

"We can discuss Momo's memories with Issei later, but how about we focus on the real matter at hand. Where is Issei and what happened" Sona huffed.

Ravel was about to respond when she was interrupted by a shout from the Vice president, "Sona. We need your help, there was a massive surge of power inside and we're having trouble maintaining the barrier."

Sona looked at a bashful Ravel and realized that the discussion would have to wait, "Anybody who can help maintain the barrier do so. The rest of you just stay and wait. Clearly things are about to get interesting." Sona said with a hint of annoyance.

"Right" Ravel sweatdropped before turning towards the group still on the ground, "Xuelan, Akeno help me with this barrier. The rest of you just relax. This has been a crazy day." Ravel frowned before sprouting her wings and flying up to help Sona Xuelan and Akeno leaving the rest to think about everything that happened.

A smiling Katase stood next to Murayama and couldn't help but ask a fun question, "So when are you going to tell Issei about Momo." Katase wondered.

"We'll see what happens after this is said and done." Murayama frowned. She didn't want to say it out loud, but there was no way that Irina and Xenovia learning about God's death was going to end well for them. When Issei realized that fact, which he would sooner or later, he would be extraordinarily pissed. In hindsight, it was probably a good thing he killed Kiba now because if he realized what Kiba's mistake had cost Irina. Nothing would've saved him from Issei's wrath.

(Inside the Barrier)

As Issei powered up Kokabiel could only look on in amusement. "Well now, a lot really has changed since our last meeting boy. What did you do?" Kokabiel wondered.

"Trained really hard." Issei smirked as his power continued to rise.

"Well whatever you did boy, it worked because you actually seem like a challenge now" Kokabiel smirked as he fired a light spear at Issei's face.

"BOOSTED GEAR" Issei shouted before grabbing the spear with his now gauntlet clad hand. A simple snap was all it took to destroy said spear leaving Kokabiel thoroughly amused.

"You have gotten stronger. Don't tell me you gave yourself up to your sacred gear." Kokabiel wondered.

"Nope. Like I said I just trained really freaking hard." Issei smiled.

BOOST

"I see. Well let's see you what you can DO!" Kokabiel smiled before vanishing in an impressive show of speed.

Issei smiled before spinning around and blocking Kokabiel's attack with an outward block. "Not bad huh Kokabiel."

"Not at all" Kokabiel smirked before priming a Holy Spear. Unfortunately for him, Issei vanished in his own show of speed before he could fire aiming to attack him from behind. Kokabiel spun to his left and tossed the blade forcing Issei to quickly dodge the attack. The explosion behind him was an impressive one.

BOOST

"So Kokabiel now that we're all alone mind answering a question for me?" Issei mused. He wasn't going to win easily but he needed to stall for a little time

"I know you're stalling in order to give yourself time to get more boosts in. Seeing as how you aren't quaking in fear like last time, I'll take the bait." Kokabiel smirked. This was a battle worth having and he would wait if he had to.

Issei internally cursed that Kokabiel was allowing him to do this but he continued, "Why did you work with a little slime like Valper. If you honestly wanted to, you could've killed us that day and caused the result you wanted or at the very least lured Rias back to the area." Issei mused. Heck, if he had gone after Sona instead of them it would've done the same thing.

BOOST

"You're smarter than I thought boy, but if you want the answers you seek, you'll have to beat me." Kokabiel smiled.

Issei groaned in annoyance but realized he would have to continue the battle. 'Hopefully the girls can hold onto the barrier. This is about to get nuts.' Issei thought to himself.

BOOST

"You wanted the Red Dragon Emperor Kokabiel, you got it now." Issei to the Gravity training, Issei's power had grown greatly in the last few days and thanks to his boosted gear his strength was about to explode.

EXPLOSION

(Outside)

The explosion of power shook the barrier team and considering there were only two people inside it certainly caused problems, "Ravel what the hell is going on in there. That last surge was incredible." Sona yelled in shock. It didn't' take much to figure out that Issei was still inside with Kokabiel and the fact both were exuding as much power as they did was shocking.

"I guess Issei's gotten stronger." Ravel said calmly wanting to hide his involvement with Azazel.

"Is Issei okay" Momo said nervously.

"He's fine Momo. Just focus on the barrier. Issei will be out soon enough." Akeno said calmly.

"Right" Momo replied before focusing back on efforts. As the girls focused on the barrier, Murayama was focused on something else.

'This won't end well.' Murayama thought to herself. Her musing was interrupted by a much calmer Irina.

"A penny for your thoughts Murayama. I know you're worried about Issei but there's nothing we can do." Irina smiled.

Murayama looked towards the smiling Irina and frowned, "I'm not worried about Issei, he's going to do what he has to do. I'm far more worried about you" Murayama said calmly.

Irina paused for a moment before her eyes widened, "I see" Irina replied silently and she just stood with Murayama for a little bit. The fallout from this incident would be massive and both girls knew it.

(Inside)

Kokabiel looked at Issei with a massive grin at the explosion of power. "Incredible. This power is unreal" Kokabiel said happily.

"I would've hoped that you were at least a little scared." Issei groaned before vanishing in a show of speed.

"Not bad boy" Kokabiel replied before blocking Issei's attempted axe kick. Issei pushed away quickly and couldn't help but groan in annoyance.

"All this training for nothing" Issei cursed.

"All your time with Azazel should've made you realize that we cadre are a different breed boy. You should've known better than to challenge me alone." Kokabiel smiled before charging a stunned Issei again.

"How-" Issei started to say before Kokabiel slammed him in the gut with a punch sending him flying.

"Give me some credit boy. Your power skyrocketed in few days and there are only a few people in this world capable of helping you with such a feat. Azazel is the only one you could've gotten easy access to" Kokabiel smiled.

Issei got up slowly wiping the bit of blood around his mouth, "So Azazel helped me. That doesn't matter right now." Issei smiled.

"Ahh but it does since it's related to the answers you seek." Kokabiel smiled.

Issei frowned before charging Kokabiel again but Kokabiel vanished in another show of speed. Kokabiel slammed him in the gut again before hitting him with a roundhouse kick. Issei was sent flying again but this time with devastating results.

RESET

Issei mentally cursed at the power reset. Now whatever chance he had was gone since Kokabiel wasn't going to let him power up again. "So it was all for nothing" Issei cursed. Despite everything he did to become strong and protect Ravel and the others, it was clear that it wasn't enough.

"Hah! You must be joking boy. You're against a man who fought in the Great War against God and the Original devil kings. You were never going to win against me with your level of strength." Kokabiel smirked as he walked towards a prone Issei.

"Heh just kill me. I lost and I doubt anything I do will change things" Issei groaned.

"What a shame that you've given up. I was even going to let you try again." Kokabiel taunted finally ready to finish things off, but as he prepared the finishing blow, he was forced to stop by a white pillar that broke through the barrier and fell right in front of Issei destroying the barrier and sending the girls flying.

"What the" Issei groaned as he got to his feet.

"How pathetic. I can't believe my rival is so weak." A muffled voice said in a pure white armor.

"Fuck you dude." Issei grunted in pain.

"It would seem the White dragon has appeared." Kokabiel smiled.

"Yes and that's enough of you Kokabiel. Now be a good cadre and come back because Azazel wants to have a word with you. And you know that I'm much more dangerous than my rival" the voice continued.

"Bah. I knew he was watching and waiting. That's just like that man" Kokabiel cursed as he got out his wings and flew away.

"Damn and I was hoping he would actually fight so I can show my rival how it's done." The voice smiled before flying away also.

"Just get out of here asshole." Issei grunted before collapsing from exhaustion. He lost his battle and he knew it. He could take solace in the fact that Kiba was dead but that was it. His big battle was a loss and he was disgusted with himself at how easily he was taken down. He didn't have long to pout because the Phenex peerage Murayama and Momo rushed towards Issei with the church girls behind.

"Issei are you okay" Ravel said nervously.

"He doesn't look okay and where's Kokabiel." Momo said nervously her concern for Issei obvious to everyone.

"I saw Kokabiel along with a figure in white flying away. It's safe to say this battle is over." Sona smiled bitterly having just arrived. She wanted answers but now was the time to focus on recovery.

"Yeah. Let's reconvene later since a lot's happened tonight." Ravel frowned. This was going to be a headache to explain and Issei's current state wasn't helping matters.

"Alright" Sona nodded aware there was a lot to do.

"What about Issei?" Momo asked nervously.

"He's fine Momo. If anything he's just tired right now from using all that power. I don't know how Issei did it but he did." Sona smiled.

"That's right now let's get going. Kokabiel has seemingly been dealt with as for Issei here. He just needs a little rest." Ravel insisted before transforming into her older self, grabbing Issei, and slinging him over her shoulder.

"Couldn't you be a little gentler?" Irina winced seeing the rough treatment.

"No. He was an idiot who fought a cadre that we all knew was powerful by himself. He's lucky Kokabiel didn't kill him." Ravel huffed.

"Good point" Irina sweatdropped.

"If you feel bad, how about you help him recover." Ravel smiled deviously. Issei may have been foolish in doing what he did but it was obvious to Ravel why he did it. Irina and Xenovia were in no position to fight after the news of God's death and to be completely honest neither was she. Had they fought against Kokabiel he would've picked them apart and then there might really be a problem. Issei deserved a little reward for that.

"Let me help" Momo insisted.

"Fine by me girls just follow me to his house" Ravel smiled with a collapsed Issei over her

(Issei's Mindscape)

While he was unconscious Issei sat in his mindscape with the full form of Ddraig in front of him. He had to admit that his partner's true size was astounding and he wondered how a creature like him was ever defeated. Of course he was focused on his own defeat. "I can't believe I lost." Issei cursed.

"I can. Kokabiel is a creature listed in the bible and that has existed for millennia. Consider yourself flattered that he used some actual power on you in the first place." Ddraig lectured.

"Yeah but"

"Listen to me carefully. You're a human who only entered this world a little while ago. You were NEVER going to truly beat him unless you used power that was far beyond you." Ddraig reminded him.

"I thought the fact that he was holding back would allow me to at least do something." Issei admitted.

"Perhaps but then again you should be flattered. Kokabiel realized you might actually kill him and showed more of his strength. To your credit I think you were stronger than he realized."

"Yeah but what I don't get is if he was as powerful as you claim. Why did he give up so easily to that other guy?"

Ddraig paused for a bit before replying, "That young man mentioned Azazel which leads me to believe that your rival is working for him. Even a man like Kokabiel knows that getting him involved would be bad for everyone. He may seem like a mild mannered man but Azazel has still led the Fallen Angels for a long time. Kokabiel is not foolish enough to truly anger him."

Issei couldn't help but acknowledge Azazel's role but couldn't ignore something else. "What do you mean my rival." Issei wondered.

"That young man was the White Dragon Emperor. He wields what could be called the partner gear to yours in Divine Dividing. With his power he can reduce anything he wants in half every 10 seconds and the form you saw was his Balance Breaker the second stage of your sacred gear. Even Kokabiel wouldn't be able to stop him if he truly knows how to use his power"

"So I guess my next goal is Balance breaker huh?" Issei chuckled.

"Yes, but you have other matters to focus on. Now that Kokabiel is done your girl's mission is complete. I doubt they'll just wait for you to recover and I'm sure you want to say goodbye." Ddraig smiled.

"Yeah I do and I think I'm fully recovered." Issei smiled as he left the mindscape at last.

(Issei's room)

As Issei returned to the conscious world, he felt an extraordinary weight all around him and he couldn't figure out why. When he opened his eyes the answer became clear. On top of him was a completely naked Murayama with her breasts pressed against his chest. To his left was Irina with her breasts wrapped around his arms and like Murayama she was naked. To his right was Momo Hanakai of the student council with her body pressed against him while being completely naked 'I clearly missed something while I was unconscious. What the hell is Momo doing here and why is she naked. For that matter why are Irina and Murayama naked and surrounding me also' Issei thought to himself. Normally he'd love such a scene, but he had questions that needed to be answered.

"Looks like you're finally awake you bonehead." Murayama smirked from above him.

"Yeah but do mind explaining what's going on?" Issei wondered.

"You fainted after using all of that insane power against Kokabiel, Ravel brought you home and stripped you naked in order to do the devils actual way of healing instead of using Phenex tears. Apparently, it involves pressing our naked bodies against you to transmit energy hence why we're naked" Murayama said with a slight blush. She wasn't going to say that Ravel suggested that only Irina do it but Momo insisted on having an actual devil join in and she decided to go along for the ride.

"The only devil I see is Momo and I have no idea why she's here. You and Irina I get but not her." Issei admitted.

"So you forgot her as well huh Issei" a now awake Irina smiled.

"Huh" Issei said in confusion. Was he supposed to know Momo from somewhere besides school?

"I'll give you a hint you stupid idiot. White Flower" Irina smirked.

It took Issei a minute or so to think about what that hint meant, but when he did his eyes widened and the significance of what was going on, "So the inner circle is reunited at last." Issei smiled.

"That's right asshole. I can't believe you forgot me and Murayama after only a few years away. Clearly you had Irina on the brain for a long time." the now awake Momo teased.

"Yes I did forget you, and I feel bad about it, but now isn't the time to talk about reunions. I'm pretty sure Irina and Xenovia will be returning to the church soon." Issei said reluctantly. If he could stay like this for a few hours he'd be okay with it, but Irina needed to get back.

The three girls looked at each other and smiled before Murayama spoke up, "If you're refusing 3 naked girls then Kokabiel must've really done a number on you Issei." Murayama teased before getting off the bed and walking over to his desk where he noticed two Kuoh uniforms and a white robe were lying down. Murayama took one of the sets of uniforms and began getting dressed.

"Yep but somehow that feels more like the Issei we knew back in the day instead of the Issei you girls know now." Irina smiled before sliding off the bed and like Murayama making her way over to the bed. Unlike Murayama, Irina simply grabbed the white robe and wrapped it around her body.

"Well if you insist we go then we'll go." Momo smiled before following the other girls to Issei's desk and grabbing the final Kuoh uniform. As the girls got dressed Issei was mentally kicking himself for not enjoying the meal in front of him but he also knew that it was the right thing to do. When the three girls left Issei couldn't help but smile since it meant that Irina had two new friends to talk to and he had something to look forward to once this settled down. After all, Momo was attractive in her own way and Issei was pretty sure he could get her naked on another date.

'You realize that you could've had a foursome if you actually pushed them.'

"Yeah but at the same time I don't think any of them were in the mood for it." Issei replied. When he opened his eyes, he checked his clock and realized that he'd been out for at least five hours. If the girls were healing him that whole time, they were exhausted. As much as he would've enjoyed sleeping with them, they needed to get some rest.

(Scene Skip)

After leaving Issei's room Momo and Murayama went over to the guest room that housed Irina and Xenovia for the last few days. Irina was now dressed in her church uniform again and she had a solemn look on her face. As for her partner, Xenovia was currently over at Ravel's since she requested to speak with her just after she laid down Issei. "Momo Murayama, I want you girls to look after Issei in my steed oh and Xenovia also since she's going to probably be a devil" Irina said solemnly. She knew that her partner hadn't taken God's death well and figured Xenovia would stay with Ravel since it would be easier than the other options available to her.

"We'll look after her, but I'm surprised that you aren't staying behind also. We just reunited and I doubt Issei would complain" Momo questioned.

"One of us has to deliver the report." Irina admitted bashfully.

"Well alright but considering the circumstances I doubt it's a report that will end well for you as you well know." Murayama frowned. Asia was excommunicated from the church and that was for healing a devil unintentionally. Learning that God was dead was FAR worse and it was very possible that they might kill Irina.

"It won't but I'm sure between my dad and your dad I'll only have to settle for excommunication. The fact Xenovia returned Excalibur Destruction doesn't hurt our situation either." Irina said bitterly as she looked towards a container that contained not only her and Xenovia's fragments but the ones that were taken from Freed who annoyingly enough escaped everyone's grasp in the confusion.

"Well I hope so for your sake and for Issei's. I doubt he'll take the news well when he does realize it." Murayama smiled bitterly.

"Yeah but that's how it is sometimes in our world." Irina chuckled.

"Goodbye Iri. I'm glad that I got to spend time with you guys for a little bit" Momo smiled bitterly.

"Goodbye White Flower, Mury." Irina smiled as she embraced the two girls that were two of her oldest friends. This mission changed everything for her and as she prepared to return to the church Irina knew her life was about to take a turn just as dramatic as the one that separated her from them in the first place.

That's it for Chapter 13 and admittedly I wanted to try something a little different on this one which is why I had Kokabiel beat Issei anyway. Next chapter Issei's reeling after the battle with Kokabiel and nobody is sure how to help him.