And we are back! The Khaos Brigade strikes to ruin another peace summit. This battle will have lots of inspiration from Dunedan cuz he makes such amazing arcs. Now on to replies.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Haha I knew you'd think that but no the idea of two Fallen Angel's paired together has been done already by Dunedan. No, you'll be quite surprised who I pair with her.
Thor x Rose fan: Well you know what they say a woman's touch can calm a man's rage. Of course, their love for each other will continue to grow until they declare their love for one another.
Optimus470: That's right, they may be followers of God but have committed many crimes in his name. An excuse if you ask me.
Doomqwer: Hmm it sounds like you don't like Devils much. The information about King Pieces was a highly kept secret and Devils, even if their your allies, still are prone to keeping secrets for the greater good.
ArguableReader: Yeah about her S&M side, it's brought up from time to time but we only see it twice once in the second OVA and the other…doing it to her dad in the novels…that's not right. We never see Issei do it with her in canon so I'm sure she wouldn't force her lover to do BDSM if they didn't like it.
Valtazar: An Einherjar? You forget Henrietta is an Einherjar too so he has two Einherjar, Andreas and Henrietta but you will have to see what happens in this chapter.
Sovereign: Ah yes, Mortis Sabnock, I haven't forgotten about him. I have big plans for future chapters.
Alpha Mallus: I'm glad you caught onto that but that isn't just related to God of War. It's in the real mythology.
Lockdown: People love seeing Heracles beat XD but no I will not copy roots of hope or God of War. Thor isn't even a student at Kuoh and if he was he'd be a third year going onto college. Plus seeing Sairaorg beat him was fun.
Shooter: Vali would do such a thing oh yes. The prideful bastard wants to pick a fight with strong people.
Dark Knight: hahaha so true brother! Good thing mama Freya was there to stop her but I'm sure he could have rejected her easily.
With that on to the battle…
"I take it this was the threat you were talking about, Azazel?" Sirzechs asked joining Sigrun to observe the battle, their forces looked to be holding their own but who knows how many magicians were attacking.
"Correct. They call themselves the Khaos Brigade and they've come to ruin another peace summit."
"They didn't have magicians attacking Olympus. This has to be another group within the organization." Rossweisse said before wincing as she watched an Exorcist get blasted off his feet by a powerful spell that left a fist-sized hole in his chest.
"From what my agents and the Allfather's ravens have gathered they are a terrorist group complied of people who do not agree to peace. They, as the name says, want to spread chaos around the world. No wonder Eris said she was better off being among them. She is a Goddess of Chaos."
At the door entrance, Rias watched over Asia mending her servant's wounds, what exactly happened in the old school building? Why attack her Bishop and Rook and what happened to the Einherjar that was with them? Did…he fall in battle? When half the wounds were healed on Koneko she managed to regain some strength to look around to find both Sona and her master's Peerage surrounding her obscuring the black-haired Youkai who stared in silence at the little girl. Although the wounds were being healed by the former nun, the image of Koneko bruised and bleeding would forever stick in Kuroka's mind.
"Koneko, what happened? Why did those magicians attack you?" Rias asked rapidly.
"They…wanted Gasper. They attacked without warning. Andreas saved us. H-he stayed behind to let us escape."
Rias' brow furrowed, the Khaos Brigade was after her Bishop. They wanted the power of Balor to use for their wicked machinations. She refused to let such a cruel fate befall Gasper she would not let a single hair be touched upon his head.
"Rias," Sirzechs said still watching the fight, "I know your thinking the same as I am. This organization wants Gasper for his powers and will not show him any kindness. It's time to do your duty as his king to protect him no matter what happens."
"Sona, you help Rias as well. Her Bishop must not get captured." Serafall added watching a magician be beaten by an Angel and Devil tag teaming her, "Sirzechs, the battle is at a stalemate right now. Neither side is gaining an advantage. Once we join the battle we will win."
"They're pulling back." Said Rossweisse watching the Khaos Brigade retreat to a safe distance causing pausing in the battle. Bodies on both sides strewn the schoolyard turning, each corpse lying in a pool of blood making it look like islands in the ocean. "They must be preparing for another attack. Do we know who leads these magicians?"
"Yes we do," Sirzechs said eyes narrowing as he pointed to the sky.
High above the spellcasting humans, but below the teleportation spell that recently appeared with more Magicians appearing through it, floated three beings, from their backs were twelve devil wings, as they slowly descended towards them their appearance was easier to make out. The first was a bespectacled woman with purple eyes and brown hair tied into a bun, standing where the wall of the new school building had once resided. She was tall with a figure that would have made Odin jealous and Issei blush. Her dress was so low-cut it boggled the mind how her impressive assets did not spill out for all to see, the attire of devils was a mystery to Freyja even then. The devil leader held a deceptively average-looking wooden scepter with a pulsating blood-red and magenta gem perched atop it clearly amplifying her already enormous power many times over.
Beside her was an admittedly handsome older man adorned in foreboding black armor and fur-shouldered black cloak flowing behind. He had respectably-lengthy brown hair matching his eyes though the right was often covered by its tangled nature. He appeared the calmest of the three, though the killing intent was obvious.
Lastly, the third had a pale-grey complexion and wore a black and red tunic of high quality, no doubt the attire of a high borne who sought to show off that fact wherever he went. His hair was immaculately styled into a black ponytail nearly hiding his pointed ears which contrasted with his deep violet eyes. Almost in perfect counter to the other man, his face was warped in anger and frustration without subtlety.
Azazel whistled, "Well, well, well. I did not expect to see those three again."
"Who are they?" Henrietta asked.
"Katerea Leviathan, Shalba Beelzebub, and Creuserey Asmodeus. They are the descendants of the Satan families. They have come for Gasper and our lives." Sirzechs explained taking note of one Satan missing.
The three Satan's combined their powers to unleash an enormous beam of magic at the conference room. Sirzechs, Azazel, and Micheal combined their own powers to erect a powerful magic bubble around them all. Concrete, wood, and glass were disintegrated into nothing by the spell's power but had no effect on the defense the faction leaders put up. When the smoke faded the three satans now floated before them.
"Much better. Perhaps now you can hear us." Sneered Creuserey looking over the gathered leaders, "An alliance with our sworn enemies and outsiders. How revolting!"
"To think they'd stoop to such levels isn't just revolting Creuserey, it's laughable." Katerea said, "Nevertheless this alliance will be crushed beneath us!"
"And when it does we shall take back what rightfully belongs to us." Finished Shalba, studying each individual in the room,
Tension filled the air as the Faction leaders stared down the old Satan descendants. To think the Old Satan Faction would dare attack the peace summit was unimaginable and foolish too. They were no match for Sirzechs…right?
"Your alliance cannot hope to stand against the might of the true rulers of hell." Asmodeus boasted, "Once we kill you all will-"
"Enough mincing words!" Thor cried, stepping forward to stand beside Sirzechs, "We know why you're here. You've come for the boy!"
Katerea laughed once more, "Well well, so the rumors ARE true. Look here Creuserey, Shalba. We are in the presence of the God of Thunder, we are honored." She gave a mock bow to the Aesir then smirked, "Oh but I forgot, your not the real God of Thunder. You are just a thing cooked up in a laboratory run by Heaven's human followers. You are no God of Thunder, your a freak!"
Rage flashed in Thor's eyes, say it again bitch…say it again and I'll show you what I can do!
"You mistake Katerea's words. We know all about you Lord of Thunder," Said Shalba calmly, "Eris told us everything. How you are the reincarnation of the original son of the Allfather and cannot even wield Mjolnir. If you had then we would be in serious trouble. Unfortunately, you are not among the top ten yet. All you know is how to swing an axe and shoot bolts of thunder"
"Don't get cocky, Shalba. My power has doubled since I met Eris."
Katerea chuckled amusingly, "Double has it? Good. Twice the pride doubles the fall!"
"What I'd like to know…" Micheal said, "Is how you knew of this meeting. You could only know unless there was a spy among us. Who have you placed among our ranks?"
"One whom you thought to have trusted," Shalba said cryptically
"Katerea-chan, you were better than this!" Serafall shouted desperately, her eyes looking truly sorrowful towards the woman she had known as a child.
"You dare to ask me such a thing?" She glared with a purely hateful gaze at her, the smile Serafall had once known completely gone. "You played me for a fool when we were young, setting it up to take my position as soon as the opportunity came, robbing me of that role which was rightfully mine!"
"I didn't!" The new Leviathan's normal cheerful and boisterous aura was cracking. It is true she was chosen as the next Leviathan over Katerea, but she had never sought it in spite of her. It was just the way the winds of fate had blown, casting the two childhood friends far apart. "I…"
"Do not worry," Katerea sneered. "I will kill you today, retake the title for myself and together the three of us will reform the doctrine and laws of Hell."
"Enough talk! Let's do what we came here to do, Shalba!" Asmodeus's descendant snapped powering up seals in his hands.
Rossweisse jumped forward runes from before her own hands, ready to protect the Allmother and her son from harm. As did Irina, Xenovia, Henrietta, and Azrael to their respective leaders, If they wanted the Faction leader's heads they'd have to go through them first!
Shalba raised a brow, "What's this!? Using children as soldiers? I expected no less from you Sirzechs but for you to hide behind them Micheal makes you just as low as us. Then again Heaven is always making humans do their dirty work for them. It's no wonder so many have lost faith in Christianity."
Neither Lucifer nor Micheal reacted to the insults thrown their way, these children were brave to face the old Satans but this was not a fight they could win.
"You know. It looks to me that your surprise attack didn't work. We have Forbidden Balor's view and you have seemed some extraordinary magicians in that first brawl." Said Azazel observing the situation, "Plus we have the Heavenly Dragons and two Gods."
"You are right." Said Shalba unfazed by the Governor-General's words, "If we didn't have an ally to give us more power. Observe."
They followed Shalba's pointing finger wondering what or who else the Old Satans brought to the battle. From out of the forest stepped a woman in her early twenties with hair as black as night reaching to the middle of her back. She would be called beautiful if her skin wasn't the color of ash with lidded green eyes holding a wicked look in them, her crimson robe was tattered at the hem and sleeves with a large hole exposing her left shoulder. In her right hand was a long staff made of ash with multiple tree branches emitting from the top like a broken crown.
"No!" Azrael gasped from beside his father, "Not her!"
"Who is she?"
"That, Issei," Said Rias darkly, "Is a woman you don't want in your harem. She is a necromancer, a sorcerer who summons the dead. She in particular is the most powerful. So powerful in fact they call her The Lich Queen."
Everyone watched the woman move across the corpse-filled schoolyard before stopping in the center between the two armies. She looked among the dead and then raised her staff before slamming it into the ground, beneath every corpse an emerald green magic seal appeared and a bright light consumed them for a minute. As soon as it faded there came a cry of horror within the Exorcist ranks, grabbing the warrior's ankle was an Angel with a gaping hole in its head staring up at him with glowing green eyes before blasting the Church warrior's head away with a spear of light. One by one Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils, Exorcists, and Magicians who died in the first assault were coming back to life. No, not to life, for they were already dead, rather their corpses were reanimated.
Next, the Lich Queen tapped her staff three times creating three enormous summoning circles before her. Marching out like an army came monsters of the Greek, Norse, Shinto, Egyptian, and Celtic Faction. From the Sphinxes and Cyclops to the Banshees and Draugrs they came, and they were all dead. Some had flesh hanging off the body while others had chunks missing exposing bones but all had the same glowing green eyes.
"You fiend!" Micheal yelled to the Lich Queen, his eyes showing much sorrow, "Let the dead rest! Using them as soldiers are unforgivable!"
"How did you get the Lich Queen to come over to your side?" Sirzechs demanded, his own disgusting showing at seeing the soldiers of the 20th legion, their best force, turned into undead warriors for the Old Satan Faction.
Creuserey since arriving had been doing nothing but scowling until the question was asked, a nasty smile spreading across his lips, "The Asmodeus clan always had close ties to necromancers, Sirzechs, or have you forgotten that in your years of peace?"
"Of course not. I just did not expect you to have connections to the Lich Queen."
"Well, now you do and you can remember that while I kill you false Satan!"
Before the battle could begin, however, the soft click of heels could be heard approaching and soon Freya stepped forward, her feathered cape fluttering with each step taken. She passed her son and stood face to face with the Old Satan leaders, her expression calm as always.
"Pride. Greed. Envy. Lust. Wrath. Gluttony. The so-called seven deadly sins. I have met many who hold your same sins but you three cling to pride like a baby with its rattle. Pride has been the undoing of many people both good and bad. Your pride shall be your downfall, descendants of the original Satans."
"Our downfall is it? You speak nonsense wench! Our pride gives us strength as does the power given to us!" Creuserey yelled, releasing a burst of power to show what he meant. Indeed, his strength had not tripled since the last time Sirzechs confronted him. Where had he and his fellow Satan's obtained such power? Yet even with such power displayed the Goddess of Love did not flinch, she stood tall like a tree at the onset of a coming storm.
"Fools." Freya said as she raised her hands, hundreds upon hundreds of runes forming in front and behind her, her face wrapping into intense focus and fury, the sight of seeing such a calm and beautiful woman display such power scared the younger generation, "Your pride shall be your downfall! You stand before the Queen of the Valkyries! Allmother of the Aesir and Vanir! And you are-"
Vanishing Dragon: Divine Dividing, Balance Breaker!
Vali had called forth his armor, the power radiating from it was felt all throughout the barrier. If the White Dragon was going to join the fray then this battle would be over in minutes. That thought died away as he rocketed forward not at the Satan's but Freya, his fist slamming into her face, followed by the white dragon's voice booming the word "Divide" over and over. Five times it was said and the Goddess of Love was sent stumbling backward before gravity sent her falling to the floor, arms spread like an eagle.
"MOTHER!"
Thor was by her side in an instant, catching her before she could hit the ground. Thor's face was white with horror at what he witnessed. Vali had attacked his mother, Vali, the agent of Azazel, the White Dragon Emperor, had drained his mother's power and hit her. Vali…was the spy the Old Satans talked about which must mean Bikou and Kuroka are in league with him. She felt cold to the touch, her energy was low, so low he feared lifting her would end her life, and her eyes, which had held power now wide with shock and understanding of who told the Old Satans of the peace summit.
"Thor…" was all she could whisper before slipping into consciousness in his arms.
The alliance starred in stark horror at Freya's sudden attack, Havarti and Akeno readied spells to cast at Vali while Azrael prepared a spear of light at the Youkai.
"Bastards." He growled, "That's what you've been doing. Sending information to the Old Satans. How long have you been with the Khaos Brigade, Vali?"
"Long enough to get what I need, though I would be lying if I didn't say how much more interesting things looked on their side as well," the White Dragon Emperor announced as he floated before them, wings spread wide.
"The Vanishing Dragon shouldn't be able to halve us," Sirzechs called out above. "Those with sufficient strength can resist its effects."
"You are most correct Sirzechs Lucifer, however, I imagine facing ones as powerful as the Old Satan Faction and the Lich Queen's undead army will put quite a tax on your powers won't it?" He motioned towards the battle where the undead continued carving their way through the allied defense, every soldier who died would rise again to join the undead.
"So you will divide us as we fight and make it an easy win for them? What a disappointing plan." Azazel spoke as he stepped forward to join Sirzechs, Serafall, and Micheal.
"It is theirs," Vali admitted.
"Why would you join such monsters?" Sigrun asked, eyeing the White Dragon Emperor with contempt. "They seek to subjugate humanity!"
"I have need of information only the Khaos Brigade can provide on someone, and I do not associate myself with humanity despite my mixed lineage."
"Mixed lineage?" The Emerald Valkyries' eyes widened as four pairs of devil wings emerged from Vali's back to join his grand white and blue dragon ones. "But, only a human can be born with a Sacred Gear!"
"I am half-human, my name is Vali Lucifer, descendant of the previous Lucifer Satan and my human mother."
Akeno stiffened, yet another being with a mixed heritage this time a Devil, a descendant of the Lucifer clan of all people!
Vali's faceguard vanished to show a deep frown was upon his face as he looked on at Issei, "So far I've been greatly disappointed by my rival. We are destined to fight but the way you are now you will be easy. Like breaking a toothpick. However…" His eyes flicked to Thor who still cradled his unconscious mother, "You will be a fine opponent to face. Of course, our fight will have to wait until-"
"You hurt my mom."
"What did you say?"
Thor looked up, a cold fury was his blue eyes as he glared at Vali, thunder danced around his fingers as each word came forth like the element he commanded, "You. Hurt. My. Mom."
The air seemed to drop below zero as more thunderbolts and lightning spread up his arms. Irina froze with terror, she had witnessed the God of Thunder's wrath before now she would see it again up close. She felt herself take a step back before feeling the soft hand of Micheal give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"The Queen of the Valkyries was a threat that had to be dealt with first. Sirzechs is powerful but a Goddess as strong as her was more important. I was expecting more from her. I thought she'd-"
BOOM!
Thunder roared and lightning flashed as Vali Lucifer was sent flying from the room, blood spewing from his nose as electricity danced around his body. Thor Odinson's right arm was extended and his eyes were ablaze with the intent to kill. This prideful half-breed son of a bitch hurt his mother and insulted her, he didn't care one bit if Vali was stronger he was going to rip him apart!
"Rossweisse. Sigrun. Protect the Allmother." Thor ordered.
Neither Valkyrie needed to be told, with the Queen of the Valkyries knocked out their primary duty was to protect her at all costs.
Bending his knees Thor lept after Vali like a bolt of thunder the same moment Kuroka and Bikou fled outside with Azrael and Havarti giving chase, the Dwarf unaware of Akeno's protests, while at the same time the old Satans blitzed towards the Faction leaders, their opponents rose from the barrier to confront them. Azazel unfurled his twelve black feathered wings, scarcely deflecting an augmented blast from Katerea before ducking in closer for his preferred fist-fight. Serafall's devil wings emitted an aura that pressed against the Asmodeus heir, her suit jacket being blown away was his own upper tunic. Lastly, Michael's golden radiance clashed with the former Beelzebub, Heaven and Hell meeting on opposing sides as they had in the Great War. The schoolyard brawl had begun!
"Rias," Sirzechs called his sister, "I told you before that Gasper must be protected at all costs but the situation has changed. If the tide is to turn in our favor we must stop the Lich Queen. You, and Sona, with your Peerages, must aid our coalition. If we are to turn the tide in our favor then you must stop the spells of both Katerea and the Lich Queen. Grayfia and I must stay to hold the barrier."
"But-"
"Gasper will be safe with us. Our duty is to protect our queen but your Bishop shall not be harmed either." Rossweisse reassured with a quick glance to her Queen and the Dhampir.
"Thank you," Rias said then addressed the Einherjar, "Ms. Berg, will you help us?"
"I'd like to but you seem to forget we are short one Einherjar." The buxom teacher said with a concerned expression, "What about Andreas? We must investigate the old school building and bring him back alive… or dead. If he has fallen he must be given a proper funeral for his bravery."
Rias nodded solemnly, the Greek Einherjar had given Koneko and Gasper the time to escape the Khaos Brigade. She couldn't abandon him for his heroic deed, "Kiba go with her."
"No, I will go."
"Koneko-"
"He saved me and Gasper. I have to make sure he's alive. It's the least I can do and…he needs to see his little sister…"
Rias stared at her Rook, she didn't know how he became a warrior of Asgard but Koneko's comment about him having a little sister piqued her interest. He couldn't have known about Koneko's past she never revealed it to anyone but had the mention of a little sister made her feel sympathy for him? Whatever happened in the old school building would have to wait for later, Andreas had to be rescued.
"Very well but I'm not sending you alone with Mr. Berg. Vandill..."
"When I was in Asgard I did not know Andreas much personally but if he's alive and after we win this battle I'll make sure to form a strong bond of friendship for saving Koneko."
"Then go my servants! Bring him back to us! Bring him to safety!"
"Uhm President what should I do?" Issei asked, he wanted to help his friends but knew with Vali here he had to fight him, it was destined for the Heavenly Dragons to fight but the prideful bastard had gone and pissed off Thor and now would going to face him instead. If Vali had done that to his own mother he would have reacted the same way.
"If you want my advice I say help the God of Thunder. You may not be on the same level as they are but you may stand a better chance against my rival with help."
"He's right, Issei. As much as I don't want you to face him the Heavenly Dragons are rivals and one must win. You have to beat Vali and help Thor." Said Rias before closing the distance and staring into his eyes, fear swirled within her seafoam orbs, "Please be careful."
"Of course, president!" Said Issei donning his armor and blasting off to aid Thor.
"I never thought we'd be in the heat of another full-scale battle. One that is ten times worse." Serafall's sister said aloud before addressing the Exorcist who had not taken action yet, "What will you do?"
"We must help, Nero. If he still lives…" Xenovia said looking out at the horde of undead wondering if he was able to survive the first wave of those monstrosities.
"Then please allow us to assist you. We are allies now." Kiba said, Sword of Betrayer drawn and ready for battle. Sona's own Knights by his side.
One by one each Devil of the Gremory and Sitir group jumped into the fray until only Asia, the Valkyries, and Peerage Kings stayed within to guard Freya and Gasper, Tsubaki and Akeno taking charge on the frontlines. Sona, being the genius she was, began forming tactics within her head on how to best slow the enemy's advance while at the same time figuring out how to get close to the Lich Queen. The Minotaurs, Cyclopses, Youkais, Draugr, Banshees, and Orc's wouldn't be a problem, it was the Sphinxes that troubled her the most. The six great beasts were tearing apart their defense like they were nothing and adding to the undead. The more who died and joined the battle the weaker their defenses will be.
If Lucifer or his queen could deal with the army we could win but they must maintain the barrier and the Queen of Asgard is knocked out. There has to be a way to stop the Lich Queen…and I think it may work if timed properly…
Rossweisse meanwhile watched Thor fly straight towards Vali, none standing his way. What the White Dragon Emperor did was unforgivable, how dare he attack the queen without warning but at least she was only unconscious and not dead for if she had died and Odin hear of it she was certain he'd unleash all of Asgard and Vanaheim to punish Vali and even he, proclaiming himself to be the strongest White Dragon, was no match against all the Aesir and Vanir. She was certain Thor could hold his own against Vali but ever since the battle against Kokabiel he had been losing his temper more often and it was concerning to see, Freya told him he lashed out at Micheal at the meeting yesterday and did the same again before the attack and now at Vali, of course, Vali deserved it but Micheal did not. However, Thor apologized for his rudeness because she calmed him…could she perhaps be the ice to his fire? Could she perhaps have a chance with Thor Odinson?
In the next of the Norms, please weave the Fates in Thor's favor... Please let him win this battle…let him come back to me safely
Outside…
Vali spread his wings to stop himself and touched his face and felt blood flowing from his nose. That was incredible…the God of Thunder had moved so fast that he had no time to react, was that the full power of Odin's son, or perhaps he was unprepared for it? Either way, it didn't matter, he had a worthy opponent to face now, Thor Odinson would satisfy his lust for battle but first, he had to crush his rival then he could focus on the Aesir. Donning his helmet he scanned the battlefield and saw Thor come straight at him with murder in his eyes, far behind was his rival. It was pathetic to see the gap in power between his rival and Thor, a shame had to be such with a boy who only thrived on woman's breasts. Oh well…after killing him he'd ensure to make Thor his new rival unless a more worthy possessor of Ddraig came along to fight him.
Have a care partner, I know you want to fight him but I think attacking the Queen of the Valkyries was unwise. He may have the Allfather seek out your own mother and-
"I refuse to allow him to touch my mother!" Vali hissed to Albion, "I'm the White Dragon Emperor. I have the strength to face God's!"
Albion sighed, of all the hosts he was given to Vali Lucifer was the most prideful, and, as Freya said, it would be his downfall.
Thor was seeing red as he zoomed towards Vali, his rage uncontrollable, the desire to tear Vali apart fueled his power. All this time he thought Vali to be an agent from Grigori with a punk attitude looking for a fight instead turns out to be not only a traitor but a hybrid Devil descendent of Lucifer. However, as shocking as the revelation was and the power Vali wielded Thor did not care one bit, he was going to put this bastard down one way or another. He drew closer and closer to Vali ready to fight the dragon, he pulled his arm back gathering thunder within his fist to fire at point-blank range to catch Vali by surprise. The distance was halfway closed before Bikou, riding a cloud and wielding a staff, appeared between Thor and Vali, a sly grin etched upon his handsome face.
"Sorry Lord of Thunder, but you'll have to wait your turn. The Red Dragon is at the top of his list so I'll be your opponent."
"Make sure you don't kill him, Bikou. I still want to test myself against him."
The monkey youkai winked at his leader before putting all his focus on Thor. Like Vali, Bikou loved to fight, and seeing Odin's son manage to hit Vali and send him flying stirred his blood. He would obey Vali's command to not kill the God of Thunder but that wouldn't mean he would just rough him up to the point of near death, maybe even knock him out if he was lucky.
The Monkey King pointed his staff at Thor and the pole began to extend toward its opponent rapidly. Thor, however, was ready, twisting his body he dodged the object and began running along it as fast as his legs could carry him before leaping high through the air, Jarnbjorn summoned from his pocket dimension to his hands, thunder crackling around it as he swung it in a powerful downwards arc. As fast as the pole extended it retracted in time to let Bikou fly out of the way to make Thor miss him completely and watch Vali zip past the two toward Issei. Rage boiled inside Thor, he spun in the air and hurled his weapon at Vali but again Bikou was before him, slapping the great axe away with his pole, his cheeky grin infuriating Thor even more.
"You know I've faced many powerful foes but a God has not been one of them. Let alone one said to be among the Top Ten. The old man, the First Sun Wukong, is said to be on par with a God. I guess that means Youkai can fight God's. So tell me, God of Thunder, ready to battle the Monkey King?"
He waited for Thor to reply but none came even after Jarnbjorn returned to the Aesir's hand. Bikou shrugged as he twirled his weapon, the God of Thunder wasn't much of a talker it seems meaning this fight will be pretty boring. Bikou sored forward on his magic cloud, excitement pumping through him as he exchanged swings, blocks, and parries with Odin's son, his extendable pole matching the axe blow for blow. No matter how angry Thor was he would not let him interfere with Vali's battle.
Not far from the God and Youkai Issei burst towards Vali like a missile knowing full well he was no match but this guy had to get beaten, not just because they were rivals destined to fight but he hurt Thor's mom. His blood boiled at the thought of Vali going after his parents, only cowards do that sort of stuff. Hopefully that bracelet Azazel gave him yesterday will help.
Out of his left gauntlet came the Ascalon, the holy dragon-slayer sword all he had that could harm Vali; the problem however was he had little experience with it even with Kiba and Sigrun giving him a quick tutorial on how to properly use it. The violet-haired warrior maiden was quite teasing, always calling him sweetie in front of the other girls to get a reaction out of them and it certainly worked with Rias and Asia prompting Akeno to join the tease. She wasn't just a teaser, beneath that was a warrior with much wisdom under her belt and had given Issei some the night before the meeting.
Yesterday night
"So that's the legendary sword Ascalon huh? That's quite a kingly gift for you, Issei."
The Red Dragon Emperor and his master had just returned from the meeting with Michael and heard the good news about Henrietta helping Gasper. It warmed Issei's heart to see others willing to help the Bishop. They talked about what happened and when the topic moved to the sword Sigrun asked to look at it. Now here it was on full display for the Emerald Valkyrie to examine.
"Hmmm… fine craftsmanship with great power within it. You should have some advantage against Vali."
"So I really have to fight him?"
"The Red and White have always been rivals, Issei. You must be very careful when facing him." Said Rias.
"She's right. However, you will need to practice your skills with a blade first. Rias, if you will allow Kiba and I to give a quick tutor…"
"Of course. My Pawn needs to practice more now than he has Ascalon."
"Indeed." Sigrun turned her eyes back to Issei, amber staring into brown, "Listen very carefully to what I'm about to tell you. Don't try to look at my breasts. This is serious."
"Y-yes, Sigrun?" He asked, trying not to look at her impressive bust in the suit.
"The power of your weapon, and any weapon, comes from your heart, but only when tempered by your mind." She touched his chest before moving to press her finger gently against the side of his head, "By the discipline, the self control of the one who wields it. That is where the true strength of a warrior lies. You must never forget that."
Issei felt goosebumps on his body, her hand was so soft but her words were wise beyond her years. Nodding with satisfaction the Emerald Valkyrie led the way to help teach him swordsmanship.
Present
The power of Ascalon comes from my heart, but only when my mind is clear. If Ascalon is to help me I have to be calm.
That's right partner, listen to the Valkyrie's words," Boomed the Red Dragon Emperor's words in his host mind, "They will help you grow stronger!"
That's right! I will use my power to protect my friends!
The two Dragons closed the distance and Issei made the first move. Twisting his body he swung fast and hard, the blade grazing his rival's left arm, despite the minute touch, Vali's armor crumpled beneath it to draw a bit of blood. Remember another lesson from Kiba, Issei jabbed Vali and nearly scored a hit on his wing had he not pulled back immediately.
"Yes!" Hissed Sigrun, glad to see the pervert was using her teaching for good use.
"Incredible," Shalba marveled at Issei's growth, having pinned Michael to the ground with arrows. "How your God could miss such a potential of his creations only exemplifies his short-sightedness."
"My Lord," Michael grunted beneath his foe, his faltering radiance rising to shatter the demonic arrows. "Saw many things and was stronger than you know, yet unlike you and your brethren was fully aware he was not omniscient. None of us are."
Shalba jumped back immediately shielding his face from the light but letting one eye peep through his fingers to be ready for the Archangel's next move. His instincts were right to do so as Micheal came forward, hand raised with a miniature nova of holy energy coming at him. Before the attack could hit a swarm of previously unseen bees gathered between them, taking the hit at the expense of all their lives. These ones were significantly larger than the normal breed, a demonic aura of strength emanating from them supplied by their master to shield their master from harm. As he prepared to counterattack he noticed several Angels surrounding him all hurtling javelins or halos to buy time for their leader to heal himself.
Such a nuisance! He thought before unleashing a wave of demonic power that shattered every attack and hurtled the Angels away, some, unfortunately, flying into the waiting maw of Sphinxes, their teeth crushing bone and flesh into nothing leaving blood and limbs stuck between teeth or falling to the ground, or into the undead army were they joined their numbers.
"Thank you, my brothers and sisters. I shall avenge you." Michael muttered as he made the sign of the cross while healing his wound, it was a slow pace but enough to stop the bleeding. He didn't remember Shalba having this much power the last time he met him. This borrowed power must be the reason. Grimacing, he formed a great battle axe of light and charged his foe.
"It was you wasn't it!" Serafall roared, battering the stressed defenses of the Asmodeus devil. "Katerea-chan wasn't like this…YOU blackened her heart!"
"I opened her eyes to our right," Creuserey countered. "Only we TRUE Satans can rule as was deemed in the beginning. Your machinations for her post were obvious once we analyzed…."
She did not allow him to finish, with a look that would have horrified all who knew her, the new Leviathan held a hand directly into his face. Her family's emblem appeared within it as a mass of demonic power dwarfing anything she had summoned that day slammed into Asmodeus, blasting him through the ground as fissures appeared from the force. Despite the impressive display, Serafall huffed subtly, she had remained on the offensive but it was taxing, a fact not missed by the White Dragon Emperor in the distance…
Azrael and Havarti had pursued Kuroka through the battlefield all the way to the school's front entrance where the battle wasn't taking place thus allowing the three to be free of interruption. Through the chase Azrael told Havarti everything his father knew about Kuroka, the Youkai was a Nekoshou, a Nekomata variant with the ability to master Youjutsu and Senjutsu, and a Stray Devil with Ultimate-class power that allowed her to keep herself from losing control, unlike other Strays. How and why she became a Stray however was unknown to all, even Azazel, nevertheless, she was part of Vali's team and had been part of Grigori until revealing her allegiance to the Brigade. Regardless, the Angel and Dwarf would do their best to stop her.
"And here I was hoping to get the God or Dragon to chase me." Sighed the Youkai, "Instead I have a black-winged angel and a half-sized man. Oh well, I do hope you'll at least try to entertain me."
"Do you mean in battle or bed?"
Azrael nearly tripped at what the Dwarf just asked, Kuroka's brow raised slightly.
"Definitely not the second one. Especially with one so short."
Havarti was not fazed by the insult but rather grinned, "Can't judge a man on his size until after sleeping with him."
This time Kuroko's mischievous grin spread across her lips as she raised her hands, "Well, well, you are bold to say such a thing. If you survive this fight I may take you up on that offer."
This time Havarti laughed as he too readied for battle, "Oh I had no intention of sleeping with you, Kuroka. My heart belongs to someone else."
No more words were exchanged as Azrael hurled dozens of light spears at Kuroka who merely blocked them with a barrier that held firm against the bombardment. Light magic was effective against her but with the power, she had neither Dwarf nor Fallen Angel will be able to touch her. Behind her, an octagon-shaped glyph appeared covered with intricate designs to nearly rival Rossweisse's calculations. Eight spheres of blue-white light formed within it, which the Havarti stared at like a student studying for class.
"Hmmm. So that's Sage Arts…and it's a mix of Youkai and Devil magic too. Fascinating."
"You guessed that by looking at it?" Azrael asked.
"When you research as much as I have you recognize certain magic. Now…shall we play with the kitty?"
On the battlefield
"Behind you!"
Irina's warning to the Devil was heard just in time to allow the Draugr to be cut down. In all her experiences fighting the forces of evil, she never expected to be on the frontline of a battlefield and all around was chaos; the living and the dead dying all around, blood making the ground slippery, the screaming and shouting mixed with the clashing of weapons and explosions of magic was…
hell on earth…
She shuddered as she saw an Exorcist cry for help as he was overwhelmed by the undead, their hands crawling all around as they bit and stabbed him as if he was a turkey fresh out of the oven. Irina wanted to help but the poor warrior had been too far away, the sight of such a gruesome death wanted to make her vomit. Gritting her teeth she turned away and scanned the battlefield for Xenovia and Kiba, the three being separated as soon as they joined. She knew they could take care of themselves, Kiba with his Balance Breaker and Xenovia with Durandal. Nevertheless, if they stick together they have a better chance of surviving.
"Push forward! Don't let them through! Show these demons the power of God!"
Violet orbs widened at recognizing the voice, searching frantically she finally spotted the mop of blue hair swinging the massive blue and gold sword a few feet away. Durandal's most recent kill was a Troll that went crashing into a Minotaur crushing it to death before beheading a Banshee about to screech and getting into a sword lock with a Draugr. Racing towards her partner, Irina raised her sword crying, "Mimic!" And the Katana expanded in length, weaving through the battle, piercing undead as it made its way to the foe Xenovia was dueling. The blue-haired Exorcist showed a look of surprise for a second before realizing it was Irina.
"I'm glad to see you're still alive!" She called standing back to back with Excalibur Mimics wielder.
"As am I. What happened to Gremory's Knight?"
"I don't know. I lost him in the confusion, separated by one of the Sphinxes. They're killing everything in their way, "We kill them, we gain the advantage."
"Why didn't we do that before!?" Asked Irina, had they focused on the Sphinxes first then they could push the dead back.
"No point debating now. Let's- look out!"
Irina dodged just in time as a glowing fist hit where she had been seconds before. Regaining her footing she turned on the spot to face the new attacker and felt her heart drop into her stomach. Standing before was an Exorcist with torn robes, a chunk of his neck missing, and glowing green eyes. Irina exchanged looks with Xenovia, neither wanted to fight this particular undead Exorcist but had no choice, they were now the bodyguards of Micheal and their duty was to protect him from the undead, even if it was a former follower of God. They raised their swords and readied themselves against the charging corpse of Nero Raimondi.
And so poor Nero has become a zombie, I personally didn't like many of these new shin characters introduced so I decided to kill him off and show not everyone gets a second chance at life.
Special thanks to Dunedan for the inspiration to have all three old satans appear with a new villain to give them a boost in manpower.
We all want Thor to kill Vali for what he did but he's gotta get past the Monkey King and help Issei. Meanwhile, the Gremory Rooks are off to either save or return the corpse of Andreas. So many characters in this battle I will be separating it into multiple chapters. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one and have a happy Halloween.
