Update:I now know how the fight will go down, as since both sides were about even on how the fight should go down, I went with a middle ground which, looking back, is probably the best option. Just in case you were wondering this story will be updated next week, sorry, no new chapter this time, but if you want to read a new chapter written by me, check out my new Naruto story which I put up yesterday. Another thing which may disappoint you all is the next two chapters will be rather short (around 4000 words,) but the two after them will be epic in terms of story and importance, not to say the next two aren't important, in fact one of them is hugely important due to what it sets up but they will be shorter than my normal chapter length. Also, I managed to catch all 718 Pokémon on my Pokémon Y game yesterday… so yeah just putting that out there as it is pretty cool. New chapter next week so stay tuned :D
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan
Now, as of this chapter the Excalibur arc begins, although, like I said, I am doing lots of things differently, most notably would be Issei and what he does in this arc.
Now speaking of things Issei does, I want to ask you all a question, a mini poll of sorts since I already have a poll on my profile concerning another story and also because I want a quick response.
The question is this: Do you want the Excalibur arc to finish off in a manner similar to canon (Kokabiel fight at the school and all) then followed by a big twist, OR, do you want the big twist worked in a way that the entire fight at the school doesn't happen? In other words, would you like a nice long fight at the school with Kokabiel and a bunch of other characters having their own personal battles and growth, or a very quick death for Kokabiel (keep in mind this will shorten the chapter somewhat)?
Now, aside from that, the reviews seemed to slow last chapter and surprisingly (I really mean this, I am not begging for reviews) so too has my writing for this story. I think this is because my muse wanted me to start my third Naruto story, so I have only had half my focus on this story. For this reason, I will now update this story every two weeks and alternate between it and my new Naruto story which will be up around this time next week. In addition to this (more bad news), I am planning on taking a break from this story altogether at the end of the Excalibur arc. I feel as though I need to take a break from DxD for a while and work on my much neglected DBZ fic.
That being said however, every review, favourite, and follow I get, does wonders for my writing ability, honestly, I have seen this said before and it is 100% true: Reviews (and favourites and follows for me personally) are the lifeblood of fan-fiction writers. For this reason, if I do get a significant amount of reviews, favourites and follows over the next 4 chapters (that is how many chapters are left in my Excalibur arc after this one) I will try to push on through the fourth light novel, or if you don't read the light novels, the end of season 2 of the anime.
Also as a point of interest I will refer to characters by their first name for the most part. What this means is Genshirou Saji will be mainly referred to as Genshirou, not Saji while Aika Kiryuu will be referred to as Aika instead of Kiryuu sorry if that confuses any of you.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 6 – New Acquaintances and Old Friends
When Issei walked to school, he usually garnered his fair share of stares, Raynare and Asia appealed to two large crowds and seeing both with Issei got lots of people talking and discussing possible relationships between the three. Some ventured Issei was building a harem while some of the more lecherous suggested the idea that Raynare and Asia were in fact together and Issei was being used as a front. Understandably, when Issei showed up with two more girls who were just as appealing as the aforementioned two, whispers broke out instantly, eventually growing into a cacophony of sound.
'I knew this would happen.' Muttered Issei with a sigh, as he rubbed his right temple in exasperation.
Karlamine was clad in the standard uniform for girls, but her skirt was obscenely short reaching only a quarter down her thighs while Xuelan was also wearing the girls' uniform, but her skirt reached just past mid-thigh, however it was a size smaller than it should have been and very tight on her, hiding the fact that she lacked undergarments.
'Just wait for your two friends to find out.' Said Raynare with a smile, already picturing the ridiculous accusations that were soon to follow.
'Don't remind me please.' Whined Issei.
'ISSEI HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US!' Shouted two male voices.
'Ugh, you just had to bring them up.' Said Issei to Raynare, who was smiling happily.
'Issei, why are you walking around with FOUR girls while Matsuda and I can't even get one?' Questioned Motohama angrily.
'Yeah, why don't you share with us?' Asked Matsuda in a similar tone.
'Oh for the love of *sigh* ok this should settle things.' Muttered Issei, before striking the two with a clothesline that sent them flying.
'They aren't toys to share!' Shouted Issei, before moving on with the four girls following him.
'Darn, why does Issei get a harem and we get nothing?' Questioned Motohama.
'You guys are creepy, that's why.' Commented a passing Murayama.
'Plus you guys are perverted beasts.' Added Katase, leaving a teary duo of perverts behind.
-line break-
'You've been causing quite a stir today, haven't you Issei.' Said Rias, inwardly happy that Issei was suffering in some form after what he did to her.
'Yeah, yeah, honestly, this school is filled with people who love to gossip on baseless accusations and complete crap.' Said Issei slightly annoyed.
'Oh, so you aren't building a harem, how sad.' Said Rias.
'Why you want to join in too?' Said Issei, getting Rias to stammer.
'You mean… with all four of them… you?' Questioned Rias flabbergasted.
'Yep is that a problem?' Asked Issei with a smirk.
'A-are you using protection?' Asked Rias.
'What the hell are you talking about, why do I need protection from these four?' Said Issei, pointing at Raynare and Karlamine, who were watching the scene with amusement, while Asia seemed confused and Xuelan seemed bored.
'Wait, what did you mean then when you asked me if I wanted to join?' Asked Rias in confusion.
'Living at my house of course, although, there isn't any more room anyway.' Said Issei with a laugh.
'Ara, not even for me?' Said a voice that appeared behind Issei, making him jump slightly.
'A-Akeno when did you get here?' Questioned Issei in surprise.
'Oh, are you changing the subject because of last night?' Asked Akeno in a sad voice.
'What happened last night?' Asked five different voices in varying intensity, while Koneko continued eating a biscuit, while Kiba merely smiled at the scene.
'N-nothing, why are you all looking at me like that?' Questioned Issei defensively.
'Oh, I was with Issei in his bedroom last night, that's all.' Answered Akeno with a smile.
'I knew you were perverted.' Said Raynare.
'This coming from someone whose mind is always in the gutter.' Deadpanned Issei.
'So what happened last night then huh?' Probed Raynare.
'Nothing, Akeno came by yesterday when I was looking for that stupid summoning circle and I asked her if she could get Xuelan and Karlamine enrolled.' Said Issei defensively.
Akeno leaned over the couch and hugged Issei from behind, pushing the back of his head into her cleavage.
'I don't think that is all that happened, but if you want, I guess I can keep it a secret.' Whispered Akeno, getting Issei to blush slightly.
As Raynare and Rias noticed the blush, they were about to comment on it before someone knocked on the door of the clubroom. After a brief pause, the Student Council entered, which was largely made up of girls with only a single boy, the new receptionist if Issei remembered right.
'Student President?' Said Issei in confusion.
'Oh, so you didn't mention us to Mr. Hyoudou, Rias, I'm surprised, I thought you would have told him about the other group of devils at this school.' Said the Student President Sona Sitri.
Sona was the third most popular girl in the school and the most popular among girls and gave off a very strict and scary aura.
'Aw, Sona, we were getting to something good.' Whined Rias, before Issei took this moment to move well and truly away from the previous topic of conversation.
'Thank you Sona-senpai, knowing that you were a devil long ago it is only now I made the connection. Thank you for seeing to the enrolment of Raynare, Asia, Karlamine and Xuelan. Also, please call me Issei… Mr Hyoudou makes me feel old, just like when Grayfia called me Lord Hyoudou… I'm only seventeen after all.' Said Issei, as he stood up and gave a small bow.
'Very well, you are welcome, Issei.' Said Sona coldly, but that might have just been due to her strict personality.
'Yeah, it is thanks to us working in the day that you guys have a peaceful school life. It won't be bad for you to remember that, you know? By the way, I am Genshirou Saji and I'm President's pawn.' Said the only male of the Student Council.
'Um.' Said Issei at the forceful introduction, unsure what to make of it.
'You know, I consumed four pawn pieces; I won't lose to someone like you.' Said Genshirou.
'Uh.' Said Issei once again, not knowing how to respond.
'Please stop this foolishness Saji, Issei is not even a devil and was the one who defeated the third son of the House of Phoenix, with relative ease I might add.' Said Sona, in a tone tinged with the slightest amount of annoyance.
'This guy beat Riser and he isn't even a devil! What are you then?' Asked Genshirou in shock.
'You know, just your average everyday badass.' Replied Issei jokingly.
'Saji, we came here to introduce ourselves to the recent additions of the Occult Research Club, not to antagonise, Hyoudou, or rather Issei.' Said Sona.
The four girls behind Issei stepped up and introduced themselves. As Genshirou went to shake their hands, Issei grabbed his first and almost shattered his hands.
'Yes, we are all pleased to meet you and introduce ourselves to you.' Said Issei with a smile, closing his eyes.
'To think you are building up a harem and hogging all the new girls. I hope divine punishment falls on you, I wish lightning strikes you on your way home.' Said Genshirou, in a tone that was equal parts anger, envy and annoyance.
'I suppose the only lightning that would strike me would be Akeno's then, although I appreciate you not giving her any ideas.' Said Issei, as he removed his hand.
'Oh, but if you let me, I'll promise you'll enjoy it.' Said Akeno, as she licked her finger, causing Genshirou to back off slightly.
'No thanks, I'm fine.' Said Issei, with a smile identical to Akeno's.
'Two sadists sure do make an interesting atmosphere.' Commented Raynare, dispelling some of the tension in the room.
'In any case, we just came to introduce ourselves. I love this school. I also think that the work of the Student Council is worth the effort. That's why I will not forgive those that ruin the peaceful life of this school. Whether they are human, fallen angel or devils. That applies to you, the people in here, and also Rias.' Said Sona offhandedly.
'We understand Sona-senpai we appreciate it, thank you once again.' Said Issei with another bow, which Asia, Raynare, Karlamine and Xuelan copied, after which the Student Council left.
'So… what happened last night?' Asked Rias, bringing the old topic of conversation back up, before Issei left for the bathroom.
-line break-
When Issei came back he heard Rias telling Asia about familiars while the rest of them had their familiars with them.
'Do you think we can come too?' Asked Issei.
'Well, I'm not sure, the forest is primarily for devils to receive their familiars, I'm not sure if fallen angels or humans can go to it.' Said Rias thoughtfully.
'Well you said only devils can get familiars, but what if we just go there for fun and let Asia be the only one to get a familiar?' Asked Issei.
'I suppose there wouldn't be any harm in it.' Said Rias reluctantly.
'Out of curiosity do you two have familiars?' Asked Issei to Xuelan and Karlamine.
'No, Riser never took the time to let his peerage get familiars.' Responded Karlamine, with a shake of her head.
'Can they get familiars?' Asked Issei.
'Technically I suppose they can, it is uncommon for devils not part of a peerage to get familiars, but not unheard of.' Replied Rias.
'Alright then, let's go.' Said Issei enthusiastically.
As the group walked over to the magic circle, they tried to teleport, but it didn't work.
'*sigh* I was afraid of this, it seems only devils can visit the familiar forest by magic circle, sorry about this.' Said Rias.
'That's alright I suppose, it would have been cool to see a load of familiars, but it isn't the end of the world, see you guys when you get back.' Said Issei with a sigh, as he and Raynare stepped off the magic circle, before the rest teleported.
-line break-
'So what do you feel like doing now?' Asked Issei, as he and Raynare aimlessly walked around.
'Nothing really I suppose, there isn't much to do around here anyway.' Said Raynare, with Issei nodding in agreement.
'I suppose, with all the supernatural activity I haven't noticed it that much, but you're right *sigh* want to go to the arcade?' Suggested Issei.
'Not really.' Replied Raynare.
'Well what did you do for fun back when you weren't bound to me?' Asked Issei, as they sat down on a bench near a park.
'Honestly, not much. I mean aside from carrying out my orders I didn't have much else to do, if you don't want to research Scared Gears, being a fallen angel can be pretty boring.' Said Raynare.
'Well, what do you think you'd enjoy?' Asked Issei.
'Well, most of the things I think I'd enjoy would be sexual activities.' Said Raynare honestly.
'Really, is that all fallen angels think about?' Asked Issei in curiosity, with a bit of exasperation leaking into his tone.
'Pretty much, after all, most if not all fallen angels were angels at some point and we fell due to worldly desires, the most common being lust. Since your entire life is more or less defined by why you fell, most fallen angels are interested in sexual things, of course, there are others interested in other worldly desires, lust for battle, lust for information but the most common reason is simple lust.' Explained Raynare.
'So… have you ever done anything?' Asked Issei vaguely.
'Not personally, I was more interested in trying to prove my worth to Azazel.' Said Raynare with a smile.
'Wouldn't that mean your most prominent desire is lust for acceptance? I mean, if you were trying to prove your worth to get Azazel's attention, doesn't that mean you wanted him to accept you?' Questioned Issei.
'I… suppose… man, as far as fallen angel desires go, that is pretty lame.' Said Raynare.
'I don't think that at all, in fact, I think it is the most human and understandable one of all. Everyone wants to be accepted by someone, even those who say they don't. People can't live without the acceptance of others, whether it is the acceptance of family members, lovers, friends or even random strangers. I guess we are weird that way.' Said Issei thoughtfully.
'So does that mean you accept me?' Asked Raynare shyly.
'Of course, your one of my closest friends. Quite frankly, I like you better than most of Rias' peerage because you are easier to relate to. Sure, you tried to kill me, but I can forget about that, I mean, let's face it, you were pretty dumb back then.' Said Issei happily.
'You can't just say that!' Said Raynare angrily.
'Say what?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'You can't just give someone a massive compliment and then insult them in the next sentence.' Huffed Raynare with a small blush, which intensified when Issei pulled her against him.
'Aw why not? You will always be my not so bright light ray.' Said Issei.
'Light ray?' Said Raynare in confusion.
'Yep you used a light spear to pierce my heart and your name is Raynare, that's why you will always be my little light ray.' Said Issei, getting a bigger blush from Raynare who buried her face in his shoulder, to avoid him seeing her embarrassed face.
'I'm really glad you didn't die when I speared you, to think I almost missed out on meeting someone as weird as you.' Mumbled Raynare.
Issei kissed the top of Raynare's head getting, her to look up at him, eyes swimming with contentment.
'I'm glad you tried to kill me too.' Said Issei with a wink and a wide grin.
Raynare just buried her head back into Issei's shoulder and gave a sigh of happiness as he held her close, the two staying there for almost an hour, just sitting there enjoying each other's company in a comfortable silence, as they watched people go about their everyday lives.
-line break-
After a while, Raynare dozed off, so Issei took her home so she could rest, carrying her bridal style, her head still buried in his shoulder the whole way. Issei; noticing that Rias and the rest of the devils he knew weren't back yet, decided to go for a walk. As Issei walked around, he started to feel a strong holy aura get closer and closer to his area. Deciding to investigate the source he followed it. Eventually Issei found the source to be coming from two cloaked figures, one of which carried a massive, bandaged lump with her. Issei decided to tail them to see where they were going, after a short amount of time the one with the lump suddenly slammed it into the ground and spoke.
'We know you are following us, what do you hope to gain by doing so, dragon.' Said the figure in a distinctly feminine, but also slightly deep voice.
'Nothing really, just making sure you two aren't up to anything. It is uncommon for two holy people to simply come by here for no reason, even more given this is a devil stronghold with a great deal of fallen angels in it.' Said Issei, to the backs of the two figures, who as of yet, had not turned around.
He walked up to them stopping, only a metre away, just enough space to prepare himself if they got hostile.
'We have a mission to carry out; if you intend to stop us, we can settle this matter now.' Said the figure again, as she turned her head back, revealing some blue hair with a green bang in the middle of her fringe and a pair of dark yellow eyes.
'I didn't come here to stop you, I was just curious, although now I am even more interested since I recognise one of you now.' Said Issei, a small smile starting to appear on his face.
'I have never met you before.' Said the blue haired figure.
'Indeed you haven't, but your friend has, haven't you Irina.' Said Issei, a larger smile plastered over his face.
The second figure turned around, looking at Issei for the first time, revealing some light brown hair. As the figure turned fully, a pair of violet eyes looked at Issei.
'Issei?' Questioned Irina.
'You bet.' Said Issei which caused Irina to jump at Issei, causing her hood to fall back revealing twin side ponytails, each held with a blue scrunchie, and hug him, something which Issei reciprocated.
'I missed you so much Irina, but I never forgot you.' Mumbled Issei.
'I'm glad, I never forgot you either.' Said Irina happily.
Issei pulled back a little and pulled out the locket Irina gave him so long ago.
'See I wore this every day, but it also made me sad.' Said Issei.
'Why?' Questioned Irina, with almost childlike curiosity.
'Because I never gave you anything in return.' Said Issei a little sadly.
'That's okay, you gave up your heart for me and I could never ask you for anything else.' Said Irina happily.
'Who are you exactly?' Asked the other figure tactlessly.
'Mou, Xenovia, why do you have to be so blunt? This is Issei my best childhood friend, we played together all the time and he saved my life when two devils tried to kidnap me.' Said Irina.
'Hi I'm Issei Hyoudou.' Said Issei putting a hand out.
'I am Xenovia.' Said Xenovia, as she grasped Issei's hand and shook it.
'Nice to meet you. Is there any reason you two were heading this way?' Asked Issei.
'Yes, we were looking for the stronghold of the devil that has this town as her territory.' Stated Xenovia flatly.
'Ah I see, in that case I'll take you to Kuoh, although Rias isn't there right now, however you should most likely also ask Sona first.' Said Issei.
'How are you so familiar with the devils of this area, have you made a pact with them, are you on their side?' Questioned Xenovia rapidly.
'Well answering in that order, they go to the same school as me, I haven't made a pact with them, but I have helped them out and they have helped me, and I am on no one's side, I am on my side.' Said Issei.
'Your side?' Asked Xenovia.
'Yes, I don't mind either of the three factions and am fine with things as they are, but anyone who tries to harm me, my family or my friends is an enemy, regardless of who they are.' Said Issei.
Xenovia nodded to this seemingly in thought.
'So, Issei, can you help us get to the devil stronghold?' Asked Irina.
'Sure, but like I said, Rias isn't here right now so you will probably need to come back later. Follow me.' Said Issei as he led Irina and Xenovia to Kuoh Academy, where Tsubaki Shinra, the Vice-President of the Student Council was waiting, expecting them it seemed.
'You certainly keep interesting company Red Dragon Emperor.' Said Tsubaki.
'Are you the devil in charge of this area?' Questioned Xenovia.
'No, but if it is an audience with the Gremory princess which you seek, then I can help you arrange such a meeting, follow me.' Said Tsubaki, before walking off.
'So I'll leave you guys for now, feel free to come by if you want, we still live in the same place so Irina should know where to go, bye.' Said Issei, as he walked off in the opposite direction of Tsubaki with a wave.
'Bye Issei, we will come visit you soon.' Said Irina, before her and Xenovia followed after Tsubaki.
'So, Xenovia, what do you think about Issei, pretty cool right?' Asked Irina.
'He seems quite powerful, although I felt the lingering presence of a fallen angel on him, and he seems well acquainted with devils.' Said Xenovia, with a hint of suspicion in her tone.
'Issei wouldn't team up with the other factions, why would he?' Retorted Irina.
'Power, money, followers, women; there are many things men want, and the fallen angels and devils are perfectly capable of supplying them, they are creatures who indulge in their desires.' Said Xenovia, as she glanced at Tsubaki's back as she led them into the main building.
'Why would Issei need power, you said he is quite powerful already? What would he need money for anyway, or followers?' Said Irina.
'What about women, all men want women?' Questioned Xenovia.
'W-well if Issei needs women he can have me a-and he knows that anyway.' Said Irina, with a furious blush.
'Oh Lord, please forgive my sinful heart, amen.' Said Irina quietly, before Xenovia and Irina were led into a room where Sona was sitting, calmly staring at them.
-line break-
'Man, I never thought Irina would have come back here. Still, they had one powerful sword with them… I wonder what could warrant them needing to come by with such firepower.' Said Issei aloud as he walked home.
"I wonder… could this be what Azazel was hinting at." Thought Issei and before he knew it, he was staring at his front door.
Entering the house, Issei noticed his dad was reading the newspaper while his mum was washing up. After a quick greeting, Issei headed up to his room before taking off his school uniform and lying down on his bed.
"What could he have meant? Surely he couldn't have been hinting at them since he said darkness would set upon the land. Maybe some devils… or maybe some fallen angels are up to something and he was giving me a warning. Although, if he knew that some fallen angels were up to something wouldn't he stop them?" Thought Issei, trying to understand the meaning of Azazel's words in relation to what had happened recently.
-line break-
The next day
-line break-
'Hello my name is Ravel Phoenix, nice to meet you.' Said a blonde-haired girl whose hair was styled into two drill-like side ponytail curls.
'… a strange development.' Muttered Koneko, in response to the newest member of her class.
-line break-
"Why does maths have to be so boring." Thought Issei, as he continued to listen to their teacher go on about differential polynomials.
"I mean he isn't even trying to make this interesting." Thought Issei with a sigh, as he looked out the window.
'I wish something interesting would happen soon.' Said Issei, before stiffening slightly.
"Did I just jinx myself? Nah it is probably nothing." Said Issei double jinxing himself.
-line break-
'I would like to join the Occult Research Club?' Ravel requested.
'Is there any particular reason as to why? Last time I was near a Phoenix we didn't end on amicable terms.' Said Rias with a stern expression.
'The House of Phoenix decided this would be a good way to show there are no hard feelings as a result of how the engagement ended. Furthermore, it was decided that I be sent here as a show of good faith and join the Occult Research Club, as a way to strengthen the bonds between the two houses which have no doubt been strained.' Explained Ravel with an official tone.
'Very well, I suppose that is a good reason, in that case, Ravel Phoenix, welcome to the Occult Research Club.' Said Rias.
'Thank you.' Said Ravel with a small curtsey.
As everyone waited for the next guests to arrive, Issei noticed Ravel kept sending him discreet glances confusing him.
'Uh, is something the matter?' Asked Issei from near the window, to Ravel who was standing near the couch.
'No it is nothing.' Said Ravel, as she quickly averted her gaze and looked down slightly.
"Odd." Thought Issei, before a knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts.
'You may enter.' Said Rias, already feeling the holy aura of the two people that were behind the door.
'Hello, I am Xenovia, thank you for seeing us heir of Gremory.' Said Xenovia.
'Yeah thanks, hi-ya Issei.' Said Irina happily.
'Hey Irina.' Said Issei, with a small smile at seeing his bubbly childhood friend again.
'Oh, do you two know each other?' Asked Rias, with a slightly suspicious gaze.
'Yup, tell them Issei.' Said Irina cheerfully.
'Well you remember how I told you two strays tried to kill me and kidnap my friend.' Said Issei, getting a small wince from Rias who nodded.
'Well, meet my friend, Irina Shidou.' Said Issei, to which Irina smiled politely.
'Nice to meet you.' Said Irina.
'Very well, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, can we get down to business?' Asked Xenovia bluntly.
'I suppose, now what is it exactly that requires the church to send two of its own here?' Asked Rias.
'Recently the Excalibur swords held by the Catholic Church's Headquarters, the Vatican, Protestant Church, and Eastern Orthodox Church were stolen.' Said Xenovia.
'Why does that bring you here?' Asked Rias seriously.
'Both the Catholic and Protestant Church as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church possessed two Excaliburs each. One from each of these churches was stolen, while the other swords of the Catholic and Protestant church are currently wielded by Irina and me, with the last being under heavy security. The ones who stole these swords escaped here to Japan and brought them to this town.' Said Xenovia, causing Rias' eyes to widen slightly.
'It seems my area is full of incidents, so who stole the Excaliburs?' Questioned Rias.
'The people who stole them were the Grigori.' Said Xenovia getting a gasp from Raynare.
'That can't be right, the Grigori would never do something like this knowing it could possibly spark another war.' Said Raynare defending her faction.
'Who are you exactly to know of the Grigori's motives?' Questioned Xenovia suspiciously.
'I am a fallen angel, so of course I know a little on the Grigori.' Stated Raynare matter-of-factly.
'Is that so, in that case, perhaps we should take you and interrogate you for information.' Suggested Xenovia, as she grabbed the bundle next to her.
'No you won't. Raynare may be a fallen angel but she is no longer affiliated with what they do, she is affiliated with what I do, and you can't touch her.' Said Issei, as he took a step in front of Raynare protectively.
Raynare smiled at this, seeing that Issei valued her as a person and would defend her if she needed it.
'Raynare is also a part of the Occult Research Club and I too won't let you harm her.' Said Rias with a nod.
'I told you they had lured him with women, can't you see, he didn't know you were available and now our enemies, both the fallen angels and devils have bribed him with women.' Said Xenovia to Irina.
'Xenovia! You can't just say things like that so openly! Besides, we don't know that for sure, maybe they have a mutual agreement.' Said Irina with a small blush.
'With women as physically attractive as these? You must accept it, your friend has fallen prey to lust.' Said Xenovia.
'Um, are they ignoring us?' Asked Issei dumbfounded.
'It would seem so.' Replied Rias in a similar manner.
'What are they saying about us being used to turn Issei to the side of our respective factions?' Asked Raynare in annoyance.
'Maybe they think we have seduced Issei and brought him to our respective sides.' Said Akeno with a giggle.
'Uh… what the hell?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'You must accept it Irina, Issei has become possessed by lust and is merely being swayed by the women of other factions.' Said Xenovia, completely ignoring everyone else but Irina.
'It is not true; Issei would never crumble and become a weak beast of sexual desire.' Retorted Irina angrily.
'Believe what you will but the facts speak for themselves.' Said Xenovia, before Issei cut in.
'I'll have you know that I am still a… virgin, furthermore, none of them have tried to… seduce me.' Said Issei, pausing for a moment and remembering the time Akeno popped into his bedroom, and if the slight laugh that escaped her was any indication, she knew he was thinking about it.
'Add to the fact that I have my own interests aside from theirs and am not working for either the devils or the fallen angels.' Said Issei.
'It seems that we can still gain an advantage here then. Irina if you were to.' Started Xenovia, before Irina cut her off.
'That's enough, we didn't come here to try and sway Issei to our sides!' Said Irina in embarrassment, knowing exactly what Xenovia would have suggested with her lack of tact.
'Yes, if you don't mind, I would like to know why you needed to arrange a meeting with me when you know who has taken your Excaliburs.' Said Rias, bringing the attention back to the stolen holy swords.
'Very well then. We have sent a multitude of priests and exorcists to this town, but they kept getting killed, we believe this is because the main culprit behind all of this is Kokabiel, thus our request, no, our order, is to not have devils intrude on this battle.' Said Xenovia, causing Rias' eyes to narrow and her mouth to become a thin line.
'The way you word your request… are you thinking that we might collaborate with the fallen angels to do something with the Excaliburs?' Asked Rias.
'Headquarters does not deem it an impossibility.' Said Xenovia, getting Rias' eyes to glow with anger.
"Well, I suppose I can't blame the people higher up in the church for thinking that Rias' group might team up with the fallen angels… after all…" Thought Issei, as he clenched his fist in remembrance, zoning out the current conversation in the room.
Issei was brought out of his thoughts when he noticed Irina and Xenovia had stood up and made to leave.
'Are you the witch Asia Argento? I never expected to meet you in a place like this.' Said Xenovia.
Asia's small frame seemed to shrink at the mention of the word witch.
'The former holy maiden? You are said to have the power that can also heal devils and fallen angels, right? I heard that you were sent somewhere after getting exiled, but I never thought you became a devil.' Said Irina in surprise.
Asia struggled to say anything, but Irina continued.
'It is ok, I will not tell the higher ups what I saw here today, people who were around "Holy Maiden Asia" will be shocked too if they find out.' Said Irina.
'Still, to become a devil, do you even still believe in God?' Asked Xenovia.
'Xenovia, there's no way that she, who became a devil, still believes in God.' Said Irina.
While Irina and Xenovia discussed the possibility of Asia still believing in God, Issei started to get a bad feeling.
'If that is the case, I should cut you down this instant, if I cut you down in the name of God, even if you have sinned, God will forgive you.' Said Xenovia.
'Once again, no you won't, you don't seem to realise that you are overstepping your current abilities in relation to your actions.' Said Issei, as walked over to Asia, standing in front of her slightly, as he faced Xenovia.
'How so, she is a witch and if I cut her down now, she still has a chance at redemption, do you wish to deny her that?' Asked Xenovia.
'You are blind, Asia never sinned, all she did was spread kindness and help people, she didn't even have any friends due to her being kept isolated so she could heal people.' Said Issei, with a bit of anger seeping into his voice.
'Do you think a holy maiden needs friends? Asia would have not needed friends as long as she had God's love, once she sought friendship she was ruined. Therefore, Asia was never deserving of being a holy maiden in the first place.' Said Xenovia.
'You are quite foolish. You say that her just having God's love would have been sufficient… let me ask you, did the Popes of the Catholic Church have family, did they not have friends? The prophets from the bibles as well as the saints, while they received God's love, did they not also have worldly support from friends and family? Granted, most prophets were ridiculed and ignored by the majority of unbelievers at the time, but did they not have at least one person who believed in them and supported them?' Asked Issei silencing Xenovia.
'You preach that God's love was all she needed, but do you even understand the message God tried to explain through Jesus Christ a man born of human flesh and the spirit of God? His principle teaching was that kindness, not sacrifices of any sort, was what God wanted from humans, yet you seek to cut down an innocent girl, an orphan at that, abandoned as a baby. Asia even now has hurt no one and has been killed herself as a result of the greed of others and yet still doesn't hold any malice or hate and still believes in God. Yet you stand there and pretend to know what is right, you are blind in your righteousness and need a serious reality check.' Finished Issei, surprising many at his words.
Asia smiled slightly at how Issei defended her, internally thanking the Lord for such a good friend. Rias' and her peerage were surprised that Issei was well versed in the bible: Kiba even more so since he had followed most of what Issei said, having been raised in a church for most of his life himself, while Raynare along with Xuelan and Karlamine realised that there was a lot to Issei that they didn't know about, despite living with him, if they had been unaware that he had such knowledge. Ravel was in awe at how Issei conducted himself and how confident he was in his mannerisms, making her really believe that he would never let anything happen to those he cared about. Xenovia was momentarily speechless, finding no fault in what Issei had said, causing her to reconsider her thoughts. Irina meanwhile was shocked; knowing that before she had left for England, Issei knew very little about the church or the bible, prompting her to wonder just what it was exactly that led to him becoming so knowledgeable about both.
'Now, with all this being said I believe you are done here and with that said, I will be leaving now.' Said Issei, before leaving the club room.
The room was entirely silent as the door closed behind Issei, no one moved for at least half a minute, before Rias cleared her throat.
'I believe you have your answer, no devil will interfere in your mission.' Said Rias, earning a nod from Xenovia, before Irina and her left without a word, prompting silence to engulf the room again.
'Kiba, are you alright?' Asked Rias, having noticed Kiba's frustration and anger had been growing throughout the meeting, but had all but disappeared after Issei's monologue.
'Just fine, however, may I be excused?' Said Kiba, with his usual charming smile.
Rias nodded and Kiba left, planning to find Issei, but found that he couldn't sense him anywhere.
'I never knew Issei knew so much about Christianity.' Said Asia in wonderment.
'Ara, it seems Issei is a man of many mysteries.' Said Akeno in agreement.
'Issei really is a unique individual; I wonder if this is why he was still kind to me even though I tried to kill him.' Said Raynare thoughtfully.
'He certainly is an interesting person.' Said Xuelan with Karlamine nodding in agreement.
"He is amazing." Thought Ravel, too embarrassed to voice her thoughts.
'He is complex.' Said Koneko, a statement which everyone in the room agreed with.
If you skipped it go back and read the top note.