Firstly, thanks for the feedback on the omake. I wondered if anyone would have cared for it at all, but it seems most of you enjoyed it. With this in mind, I wouldn't mind doing them again for my other stories, or this one again, if I feel like they would be appropriate/worthwhile to read. There is a longer explanatory note for the chapter and what stories I'll update next at the bottom, but for now, enjoy the chapter.
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 20 – Dragons Bite Back
Issei awoke with a determined gaze. It was time, the meeting was today. Issei had all but decided on his course of action and at this stage, he wasn't going to change it, without something serious happening. The school day passed by quickly, Issei was passively aware of everything going around him, but ignored it all for the most part, letting it all wash over him. Eventually, Issei returned to his battle ready, alert state, when he was face-to-face with the door, which would lead him into the room, currently holding the three faction leaders. The others had just gone in ahead of him, as Issei asked for a moment. Taking a deep breath, Issei grasped the door handle and entered. The room was large enough, there was a round table in the centre, around which Azazel, Michael, Serafall and Sirzechs sat. Behind each of the faction leaders, stood their respective followers, Vali behind Azazel, Irina behind Michael and Grayfia behind Sirzechs. Issei recognised everyone in the room, but raised an eyebrow in surprise, when he saw a familiar fallen angel off to Vali's left.
'Dohnaseek, funny running into you again.' Commented Issei in surprise, as he fully entered the room, standing away from Rias and Sona and their respective peerages, in front of Raynare and Xenovia who were standing, somewhat awkwardly in-between the devil group and fallen angel group near the centre of the room, along with Ravel, Xuelan and Karlamine standing behind them.
'Yes, it seems Kokabiel had defected. As I was ignorant of this fact, I have been pardoned for my actions.' Replied Dohnaseek somewhat sourly, as he glanced at Issei, before his gaze shifted to Raynare, who smirked at him and waved, causing him to huff.
'Vali, good to see you again.' Said Issei with a nod, which Vali returned.
'Of course, it is always amusing seeing you, rival.' Replied Vali with a smirk.
'Nice seeing you again too Grayfia, glad that for once we aren't in my bedroom.' Said Issei with a smirk.
Aside from Rias, all of the devils had wide eyes at this statement, all the while Grayfia merely gave him a glare.
'Yes, circumstances have been odd the last two times we met.' Commented Grayfia, getting Rias to raise her eyebrow in surprise.
'Glad to see you are well also, Irina.' Said Issei with a smile, to his childhood friend, who merely returned his smile, but didn't respond.
'And of course, nice seeing you all again, Sirzechs, Azazel, Serafall and of course, you too, Michael.' Said Issei, shocking everyone in the room, except Michael.
'Indeed, I believe your heart has given you your answer.' Said Michael with a kind smile, to which Issei smirked.
'Well, we will see soon enough I suppose.' Said Issei genially.
After a short lull, Sirzechs begun the meeting, by first, stating that everyone was aware of God's demise, to which everyone nodded, after which, he had Rias explain the Kokabiel situation on her end.
'I see, thank you for that Rias.' Said Sirzechs calmly.
'I believe Raynare and Dohnaseek's part in this event can be presented now.' Said Sirzechs.
'Well, to sum things up quickly, before Issei and Kokabiel had their fight, I confronted the group consisting of Raynare, Issei and the blond girl over there, before the other fallen and I proceeded to battle, until this one over here knocked me out.' Said Dohnaseek quickly, as he gestured to both Asia and Vali in turn.
'And don't forget if he hadn't, you wouldn't be here.' Added Raynare, getting Dohnaseek to growl, before turning his head away.
'I see, thank you for that, lastly, Issei, if you wouldn't mind filling us in on your battle with Kokabiel.' Said Sirzechs in the same calm tone.
'Very well then. In the beginning, before Raynare and Dohnaseek left, I had donned my Balance Breaker form. Shortly after which, Kokabiel allowed me to boost repeatedly, before he and I engaged in battle. Eventually, I gathered enough power until we were equal in strength and we both launched particularly powerful attacks at each other, before I was forced out of my form, due to it resetting from the strain of battle. Afterwards, Irina appeared and engaged Kokabiel for a while, until he revealed the knowledge of God perishing, during the war. The information proved enough to stun Irina, and after a brief verbal exchange, between Kokabiel and I, Irina was mortally, almost fatally, wounded by Kokabiel, which prompted me to enter an incomplete Juggernaut Drive. My memories at this stage are somewhat blurry, but from what I recall afterwards, I savagely decimated Kokabiel ripping out all of his wings, before we both launched extremely powerful attacks at each other, during which, I lost an eye. From there, I remember nothing.' Concluded Issei.
Raynare and Rias, along with Rias' peerage, glanced at Issei questioningly at this, before someone else spoke.
'Indeed, afterwards, I, on Azazel's orders, subdued Kokabiel and gathered all the respective groups of fighters and regrouped them, before leaving with Kokabiel, Dohnaseek and Freed.' Added Vali coolly.
'I see, now Azazel, what do you have to say for yourself?' Questioned Sirzechs firmly.
'It was not my doing at all, Kokabiel was acting wholly independent of me. You heard it yourselves, I even sent Vali himself to subdue him, once I learned of the situation.' Said Azazel, getting Issei to mentally snort.
"Yeah, sure, after you vaguely clued me in on the situation." Thought Issei.
'So you claim that you had no knowledge, at all, of this situation?' Questioned Michael curiously.
'That is what I said, surely you don't think I wanted to have Kokabiel start another war?' Questioned Azazel.
'Well, in the past few decades you have been gathering Sacred Gear wielders. All of us were especially anxious, once you recruited the White Dragon Emperor himself.' Said Sirzechs, gesturing to Vali.
'Indeed, it is quite suspicious.' Added Michael.
'Yare, yare, is my credibility really that low?' Questioned Azazel.
'Well, most recent problems have been instigated by fallen angels and your actions have been rather suspicious.' Pointed out Sirzechs.
'If there is so much suspicion around me, surely sharing the results of my research on Sacred Gears should engender some trust? After all, that is all l have been doing.' Suggested Azazel.
'I suppose that would help your standing, in the eyes of many.' Commented Michael.
'Fine, fine, let's just cut to the chase and declare peace already, that is why we are all here, isn't it?' Questioned Azazel, getting the younger devils to look at him in surprise, while the older, more powerful members of the meeting, merely looked at him curiously.
'Hmm, I didn't expect you of all people to be the one to make the suggestion, however that is indeed why we are all here.' Said Sirzechs with a nod.
'Very well, I assume you have no objections either, Michael?' Questioned Azazel.
'Indeed, the angels wish for peace as well.' Said Michael, before briefly glancing over to Issei.
'Very well, lastly, the special powers, White Dragon Emperor, Red Dragon Emperor, those with the powers to challenge this peace, what do you desire?' Questioned Azazel.
'I don't mind either way. As long as there are strong opponents for me to face, there can be peace for all I care.' Commented Vali, earning a nod from Azazel.
'As I expected, from a battle maniac such as yourself.' Commented Azazel with a laugh.
'And you Red Dragon Emperor?' Asked Michael.
There was a semi-long pause, as Issei had momentarily closed his eyes, causing the tension in the room to increase slightly. Issei opened his slightly mismatched eyes, before giving his response.
'As long as those I care about are safe, I don't mind either way, if peace is the best way to go about this, then I'll vote for peace.' Said Issei, getting Michael to smile.
'Well said.' Said Michael with a nod.
'Very well, with that, let there be peace among our factions.' Said Sirzechs, removing all the tension from the room.
'However.' Begun Issei, getting the tension to return and draw the gaze of everyone in the room towards him.
'In the interest of this new peace and comradery, there are some things I believe I should tell all of you, in addition, I have some requests, from each faction.' Said Issei, getting the four leaders to frown slightly.
'Yes, I didn't mention it during your account, however, it seems as though you possess two eyes, which is odd, since you said Kokabiel destroyed one of yours.' Commented Sirzechs, with a slightly narrowed gaze.
'As expected of you. I am sure all of you noticed that as well. I had a reason in doing so, as it will be part of my explanation.' Said Issei, getting a nod from the four leaders.
'Well Issei, what is this information you have for us?' Questioned Michael.
'Information about a certain terrorist organisation which, will no doubt, seek to oppose this newfound peace: Khaos Brigade.' Said Issei.
'I see and how did you attain this information, may I ask, Issei?' Asked Sirzechs.
'Well Sirzechs, I had an informant among the group, a spy.' Said Issei, getting surprised looks from many.
"Not like I really needed one, Ophis would tell me anything if I asked." Thought Issei with a smirk.
'Oh, an informant who managed to infiltrate a criminal organisation. Who exactly would this person be?' Questioned Azazel curiously.
'Well, why don't I just reveal her to you all now?' Questioned Issei rhetorically, as he snapped his fingers and a magic circle appeared next to him.
The collective powers in the room tensed somewhat, as their defensive perimeter was breached, but didn't panic, as Issei had in fact brought this about. However, many of the devils in the room adopted wary stances, once the figure was revealed. The figure of SS-Class Stray Devil: Kuroka. Some of the devils started to gather their power, before everyone in the room, barring the faction leaders, Grayfia and Vali, were brought to their knees by an intense surge of power.
'No one is to try and lay a hand on Kuroka, she is my informant and anyone who tries anything against her will deal with me, am I understood?' Said Issei, in a bone-chilling cold voice, which caused many in the room to shudder in fear.
'Really Issei, did you need to do it like this, a warning would have helped.' Commented Sirzechs sounding amused.
'I needed to make myself clear, plus, I kind of have a flair for theatrics.' Said Issei with a shrug, as he allowed the pressure to dissipate from the room.
'In any case, in return for my information, from the devil faction, I would like my informant to be pardoned of all her crimes and be a free devil once again, to serve under me. In addition to this, I would also like what research the devils possess on the Evil Piece system.' Said Issei.
'I see, you certainly know how to make a request Issei, don't you?' Questioned Sirzechs rhetorically.
'Ah, it might be a poor time to interject, however, I would also like information on the Evil Piece system as well. With the loss of God, no new angels can be created and in the interest of peace, the angels would appreciate such information.' Added Michael.
'I see, Issei, I will grant you your two requests and will also share our research on Evil Pieces, with both the angels and the fallen angels.' Said Sirzechs surprising many.
'I support Sirzechs on this matter.' Chimed in Serafall, after a brief glance was shared between the two.
'Excellent, in that case, I would be happy to have Kuroka share her information with all of you.' Said Issei, gesturing for Kuroka to step forward.
'Hi everyone, hi Shirone, nice seeing you again.' Begun Kuroka playfully, as she waved to her sister, getting Koneko to blush at the attention that was forced on her suddenly.
'Now to business.' Said Kuroka seriously.
'Khaos Brigade is composed of many different factions, each with a separate goal between them. Some of the factions that make it up include the Hero faction, which contains many descendants of past Heroes and the Old Satan faction, made up of the previous generations Demon Lords.' Said Kuroka, getting shocked looks from many in the room.
'This is quite troubling.' Commented Michael, before Sirzechs sighed in dismay.
'Indeed.' Said Sirzechs in agreement.
'What else do you know about this group?' Questioned Azazel.
Kuroka glanced to Issei who nodded.
'I would be pleased to tell you their goals, if you do me two favours as well, Azazel.' Said Issei.
'Rather ballsy of you to ask for things in return for information like this, let me guess, you want information on True Longinus correct?' Queried Azazel, getting gasps from many in the room.
'True Longinus, but why?' Questioned Serafall curiously.
'The leader of the Hero faction and one of their strongest warriors, a descendant of the legendary warrior, Cao Cao, with whom he shares the same name, is the current wielder of True Longinus.' Revealed Issei.
'I see, that explains it and the second request?' Asked Azazel.
'I would like the Grigori to train Gasper Vladi in controlling his Sacred Gear, Forbidden Balor View.' Said Issei, getting a gasp of surprise from Rias.
'Hmm, I have no problem with that, it would be a good opportunity to study it.' Acquiesced Azazel.
'In that case, I can now say that each faction in Khaos Brigade possess their own agenda, the Old Satan faction for instance, seeks to usurper the current Satans and take over the underworld. However, the ultimate goal of Khaos Brigade's leader, is to defeat Great Red.' Said Issei, shocking nearly everyone in the room.
'That is quite a goal, no wonder such powerful people are working together. Great Red is certainly not to be trifled with.' Said Azazel, as he stroked his chin.
'Indeed, I suppose you can tell us more Issei?' Questioned Michael.
'I can, however there are two things I would like from you as well Michael.' Said Issei.
'Very well then, what is it you desire Issei?' Questioned Michael.
Issei went to respond, before another magical circle appeared in the corner of the room, getting everyone gathered to tense once again. A bespectacled woman with a curvaceous body and rather revealing clothing was revealed. The woman paused briefly, when she noticed something was wrong.
'Wait, why is the vampire here?' Questioned the woman in shock, before chuckling was heard in the room.
'Hehehehehe hahahaha hehehe oh you poor thing, you never thought your plans might have been already known, did you?' Questioned Issei, as his hair currently shadowed his eyes.
'Hehehehe oh, how I've waited for this moment for a long time now, you stupid old hag, I can't wait to get my pound of flesh from you, hehehehe Katerea Leviathan!' Said Issei, as he looked up with an almost maniacal gleam in his eyes, before appearing right in front of the new arrival, after which, he launched an immense blast of energy at the Satan, destroying most of the meeting room and sending her outside, where magicians were currently waging battle, against the collective forces of the three factions gathered.
'*sigh* Issei, couldn't you hold it in for a bit longer?' Questioned Kuroka.
Issei merely licked his lips in excitement.
'I believe the meeting will be postponed for now.' Commented Sirzechs with a smile.
'Hmm, I suppose so, I do have more information, but Issei himself knows more than me, in any case.' Said Kuroka, before making her way outside, following after Issei.
'I guess we should follow?' Questioned Azazel rhetorically, as everyone else vacated the now crumbling room and made their way outside.
'Vali, I don't suppose you'd mind dealing with the magicians?' Asked Azazel.
'Why not, I already know Issei will be the victor.' Said Vali with a smirk, before his Sacred Gear appeared, in the form of two wings, and he ascended into the sky, before entering his Balance Breaker form, after which, he started to decimate the attacking forces.
'Does he honestly think that kid will be able to beat a Satan? He could barely beat me when I had two wings, without his Sacred Gear.' Questioned Dohnaseek.
Kuroka laughed at this getting everyone's attention.
'What's so funny?' Questioned Dohnaseek.
'What's funny, is you think you were ever a match for Issei. Even I wouldn't want to fight him. The only way I could win, would be to flash him.' Said Kuroka, getting a few disbelieving looks and a few blushes.
'Really now? It was my understanding that Issei, was not yet at a level, that would cause even you, SS-Class Kuroka, to be unable to beat him.' Said Sirzechs curiously.
'Well if this was a few weeks ago, he would need to use his Balance Breaker to beat me, but he would still succeed in the end.' Said Kuroka, shocking many.
'Really, I always knew the kid was hiding something, but you make it sound like he has been limiting himself severely.' Said Azazel.
'See for yourself, have any of you ever seen Issei fly off the handle like that.' Said Kuroka, gesturing to the destroyed room they had just came from.
'I see. He has yet to let go of his grudge against this particular woman.' Commented Michael, surprising everyone, even Kuroka.
'How did you know that Mr. Angel, nya?' Asked Kuroka playfully.
'I have been watching Issei ever since he gave up his heart. You are a good sister, Kuroka, to do what you did.' Said Michael kindly.
'Nya, I'm touched, to hear such praise from an archangel, however, the idea that you've been watching Issei and everything he does, creeps me out somewhat.' Teased Kuroka.
'Hmm, I suppose that means the devils were the last to take notice of Issei, how disappointing on our part.' Commented Sirzechs.
'Well, in any case, I'm sure Issei won't mind showing you some of his true power in this fight now.' Said Kuroka, drawing everyone's attention to the battle.
-line break-
'Hahaha, oh you don't know how long I've waited for this day, little Katerea.' Said Issei, as his eyes quivered in excitement.
'Hmph, as I seem to recall, you are not a challenge to me anymore. I could crush you without trying.' Mocked Katerea haughtily.
'Oh, you poor stupid thing, I guess you don't know, do you?' Questioned Issei mockingly.
'Know what?' Snarled Katerea in anger.
'Your precious little seal, the one you needed to work together with Cao Cao with to subdue me, hehehe, it broke a few weeks ago.' Said Issei, getting Katerea to take a small step back.
'No, that's impossible, it was specifically crafted to block any, and all dragons! There is no way you could have broken it!' Shouted Katerea, slightly fearful.
-line break-
'Lord Michael, do you know about this seal they are talking about?' Questioned Irina curiously, as they listened on.
'Indeed, however, in the interest of redeeming herself in your eyes, why don't you tell them all about it, Kuroka?' Responded Michael.
'Hmm, that's fine with me. Well, as you all may have guessed by now, Issei has a little grudge against the Leviathan over there and Cao Cao. This is because when Issei was out and about, the Hero Faction approached Issei at some point and tried to get him to join Khaos Brigade. Obviously, Cao Cao didn't agree with Issei refusing the offer and they attacked him. Issei managed to escape without serious injury, and this interested Cao Cao, Issei being able to repel so many powerful warriors that is. Katerea over there, came up with the idea to seal Issei's power, so they could kill him off easily. Long story short, Cao Cao fought with Issei until he showed an opening, after which, Katerea planted her nasty seal on him, which severely weakened Issei, and he was only barely able to escape with his life.' Explained Kuroka.
'So wait, you mean to tell me, he fought Kokabiel while he was sealed?' Asked Azazel.
'Yup, that is the only reason he would need anything more than Balance Breaker, to decimate a weak opponent such as Kokabiel.' Said Kuroka, as she gazed at Issei lustfully, tails swishing behind her.
'You consider Kokabiel weak?' Questioned Rias in shock.
'Of course, nya. Even I could have taken him, don't think of yourself as strong red, I choose Issei to help me bring back the Nekomata and I am not going to pick a weak mate.' Said Kuroka.
'What?' Shouted Raynare, Rias, Ravel, and Irina, while Akeno merely giggled.
'You see Irina, I told you before that Issei was being seduced by devils, I might have been wrong about which ones, but the point still remains.' Said Xenovia to Irina.
'No, I don't believe it, Issei wouldn't give in like that.' Cried Irina in denial.
'Nya, well he does resist a lot, but I'm sure I can wear him down soon enough, even more so if I can now stay around him, without being hunted by devils. That's a real pain you know.' Said Kuroka playfully.
'Hmm you're not kidding. His will is a major pain to deal with, why can't he just let loose already.' Added Raynare, drawing a look of surprise from Kuroka.
'Hmm.' Said Kuroka, as she studied Raynare who merely stared her down.
'Not bad, but you'll need to be better than that to claim my Issei.' Said Kuroka.
'Your Issei, you wish, he's mine.' Said Raynare.
'Not to detract from this… fascinating conversation, but just how much of his power did this seal supress.' Asked Dohnaseek dryly.
'Ah that's simple, when he was being supressed, he was at ten percent of his full power.' Said Kuroka, getting many looks of shock.
'He is that strong?' Asked Karlamine in surprise.
'In his base form at least, nya.' Said Kuroka with a painful wink.
'So that means with one boost at his full power, he would have been twenty times stronger than he was initially, that's insane!' Shouted Dohnaseek.
'Mou, you must have misunderstood, I mean that Issei, when he was sealed and in Balance Breaker form, is equal to ten percent of his power as he is now, without Balance Breaker, nya.' Said Kuroka cheerfully.
'T-that's outrageous!' Shouted Rias in shock.
'Like I said, I picked the strongest mate possible. Besides, Vali is only interested in fighting, Issei on the other hand has a ginormous breast fetish, so it works out for me this way in the end.' Explained Kuroka.
Both Koneko and Ravel looked down at this, before locking eyes. Ravel smirked, while she hadn't gotten to sit on Issei's lap yet, she was definitely ahead of Koneko in the breast department.
'Hmm, that's good for you, Irina, Issei no doubt finds your breasts attractive, so you are not out of the race, in comparison to those three.' Said Xenovia gesturing to Akeno, Rias and Kuroka.
'Ufufufu, if that is the case, I suppose I win this little contest.' Said Akeno, drawing the stares of Ravel, Koneko, Raynare, Kuroka, Irina, Xenovia and Rias.
'Hmm, not bad, hybrid girl, I suppose you do have the biggest here.' Complimented Kuroka teasingly.
'Don't call me a hybrid you. Besides, you are one yourself anyway.' Said Akeno icily.
'Nya? Did I hit a sore spot?' Teased Kuroka.
'Hmph, hardly. Issei sat me down and told me just how much he cares for me, and how he doesn't care about my hybrid status.' Replied Akeno happily.
'Hmm, I didn't think it was possible with his attitude, but it seems Issei over there managed to form a harem of his own, without even trying… I'm so proud of him.' Said Azazel, to his fellow faction leaders.
'Hmm, I suppose, however, unlike you, Azazel, he seems to have self-control.' Commented Michael with a smile.
'To see such banter, between the two leaders of the two angel factions, how quaint.' Added Sirzechs.
'Is anyone even paying attention to Issei anymore?' Questioned Serafall curiously.
'Well, it appears that the two are just talking right now, in any case.' Commented Grayfia stoically.
'Ne, Grayfia, why were you in the Red Dragon's bedroom anyway? Should Sirzechs be worried?' Questioned Serafall cheerfully.
'Hardly, I merely arrived in time to see him resist Lady Rias' advances and at a later date, give him a magic circle to interrupt Lady Rias' engagement.' Explained Grayfia.
'Ho, to resist my darling Rias, he must have more self-control than I could have ever imagined.' Said Sirzechs.
'Wait, when did you try to seduce Issei?' Questioned Irina to Rias.
'I wasn't trying to seduce him, I just wanted him to take my virginity.' Said Rias quietly, getting a few jaws to drop.
'Irina, I'm telling you now, you need to claim Issei for yourself as soon as possible, before you lose him.' Advised Xenovia.
'Hmm, were you topless at the time?' Questioned Kuroka curiously.
'No, I hadn't gotten to that point yet.' Admitted Rias truthfully.
'Ha, that's why then, like I said, Issei is a sucker for breasts, but clothed ones barely faze him.' Explained Kuroka.
'Hmm, now that I remember it, he did stand still and let me try to kill him when I flashed him.' Said Raynare thoughtfully, drawing a few surprised gazes.
'What? Don't look at me like that, I was assigned to kill him, well watch him actually.' Said Raynare sheepishly.
'Hmm, smart move, Issei will normally humour you for a minute if you flash him, although, you're lucky you didn't kill him, or I would have come after you. What did you do to him exactly?' Asked Kuroka firmly.
'Uh, shoved a light spear through his heart.' Said Raynare somewhat hesitantly, feeling some killer intent being directed at her.
'You are really lucky little fallen, count your blessings.' Said Kuroka with a narrowed gaze.
'Besides, it isn't like a shot to the heart would kill Issei anyway, not after what happened to him when we were kids. He'd just regenerate.' Chimed in Irina.
'Wait, you mean I could stab him in the heart, and he would just shrug it off?' Questioned Dohnaseek in shock.
'Yup, all because Issei gave up his heart for me.' Said Irina, getting a few jealous gazes.
'Hmm, it seems I was wrong Irina. It looks like you are in the lead here then.' Said Xenovia, causing Irina to squirm slightly, as more jealous gazes were directed at her.
Luckily, Irina was saved, when a massive explosion brought the attention back to the fight.
-line break-
'What's the matter, Katerea, did you really think a seal would hold me back forever?' Questioned Issei mockingly, as Katerea took another step back in fear, as Issei took a step forward.
'There is no way! You would have needed someone as strong as I to remove that seal!' Shouted Katerea in denial.
'Well, actually, I know a lot of people stronger than you, little Katerea, but that being said, it isn't like I spread around the knowledge that I was weakened.' Quipped Issei with a smirk.
'Then how? I spent weeks developing that seal, there is no way you could have broken it!' Ranted Katerea in annoyance.
'Ah, now I feel bad for you, especially since the seal was broken by accident too, hahaha.' Laughed Issei.
'I-Impossible.' Stuttered Katerea.
'Yeah, that's what entering Juggernaut Drive will do for you. Too bad for you, Leviathan, especially since now, I can easily break out of it if you try it again, not like you will ever get the chance to.' Said Issei, as he took another step forward.
'It isn't like it matters anyway, I can beat you into the ground now, even without Juggernaut Drive, or even Balance Breaker, the Boosted Gear in its basic state, is enough for me to crush you now anyway.' Mocked Issei, as he held his arms out to the side in a taunting gesture.
'Then why don't you prove it, scum? I bet you are just bluffing.' Snarled Katerea in anger.
'Hmm, very well then, I'll face you with just the Boosted Gear, just so you can have a chance.' Said Issei mockingly, as his Sacred Gear materialised on his left hand.
'Ha, then die!' Shouted Katerea, as she launched a blast of explosive power at Issei, causing his form to be enveloped in demonic energy, before it exploded, kicking up dust everywhere.
'Hahaha, there, now you are dead, so much for your boasts, Red Dragon Emperor!' Laughed Katerea.
'Hmm, not bad, that actually stung quite a bit, you've been training.' Said a voice from within the smoke, causing Katerea to freeze.
As the dust cleared, Issei was revealed. His shirt was destroyed and he had a few burn marks along his chest and arms, along with a small gash on his forehead.
'It seems I really did underestimate you, how fortunate for you, however, while surprising, your power still won't be enough to beat me.' Said Issei, before a boost sounded from his gauntlet.
Katerea took a step back, before Issei burst towards her and launched a right uppercut, which raised her into the air, after which, he spun, and delivered a reverse roundhouse, which sent her flying into the school, decimating one of the classrooms.
'Bastard!' Shouted Katerea, as she burst from the building, slightly scuffed up and bleeding slightly from her mouth.
'Oho, you're more durable than I thought too, that's good, that means I'll be able to have a decent fight against you.' Commented Issei.
'Take this!' Shouted Katerea, as she launched a blast of energy at Issei.
Issei merely raised his gauntlet in front of him and smacked the attack into the sky. Katerea roared and launched repeated attacks at Issei, who merely dodged, or batted aside the attacks.
'Come now, is that really the best you can do? Even when I am only restricted to using my Boosted Gear!' Shouted Issei, before laughing uproariously.
-line break-
'What? Why is he only using the Boosted Gear against her?' Questioned Rias in shock.
Everyone turned to Kuroka, who chuckled for a moment before sighing.
'That's Issei for you. No doubt, he taunted her and proclaimed that he would only use his Boosted Gear to beat her.' Said Kuroka with a smile.
'What? But, that's dangerous.' Said Rias in shock.
'Well, Issei might be strong, but he does have a bit of an ego, not to mention, sometimes he is just downright stupid and a little forgetful.' Explained Kuroka.
'What? He gave me so much crap about a warrior needing a sound mind and sound body!' Shouted Raynare indignantly.
'Don't get me wrong, he isn't an idiot, he just has his moments. I mean, surely you've at least once seen him forget something incredibly important?' Queried Kuroka.
'Hmm, now that you mention, it he downright forgot to ask me when the extraction of Asia's Sacred Gear was going to take place, even then, it took him about three days to actually ask me how they did that and what would happen to Asia as a result. Uh, sorry about that by the way Asia.' Said Raynare.
'It is ok Raynare. I've come to understand that what has happened, is in the past, and I can't really blame Issei anyway, he is my first friend after all.' Said Asia happily.
'See, Issei isn't some kind of super genius. I mean, he is smart, don't get me wrong, but he has his moments of ignorance every now and again.' Said Kuroka.
'Yet you are telling me, he was able to orchestrate a spy within Khaos Brigade, and be able to extract favours from the three Faction Leaders, all the while, being able to know the plans of an invasion, during a highly secure meeting and plan for it accordingly.' Commented Sona disbelievingly.
'Yep, that's Issei for you.' Said Kuroka fondly.
-line break-
'Hahaha, come on little devil, show me what you've got!' Laughed Issei, as he launched a Dragon Shot at Katerea, who only narrowly avoided it.
'*huff* I'll show you!' Shouted Katerea, as she gathered a massive ball of demonic energy over her head, after which, a large magic circle appeared over it, as she brought her arms down and launched a cannon of dark energy at Issei.
Issei boosted once again, before two balls of energy appeared in front of his fists. Issei then slammed his fists into the balls of energy.
'Twin Dragon Shot!' Shouted Issei, as a wave of red energy shot from between his hands and clashed with Katerea's attack, causing the two attacks to explode.
Katerea roared in anger at seeing her attack blocked.
'How? How can you stand against me without even using your Balance Breaker? How damn it?' Shouted Katerea in rage.
'Simple. You. Are. Weak. Little Leviathan.' Mocked Issei, causing Katerea to roar in anger once again.
'I'll show you weak.' Growled Katerea, as a magic circle appeared over her hand, and multiple black snakes burst from it, which enveloped her form, causing her to briefly glow purple, before they were absorbed.
Issei's eyes narrowed at this.
'Now take this!' Shouted Katerea, as two magical circles appeared in front of her, overlapping each other, before a monstrous burst of black energy shot at Issei.
'Hahaha, perish, worm.' Laughed Katerea, whole heartedly assured that she had just killed Issei.
'Hehehehe HAHAHAHA OH MY GOD, this is hilarious, HAHAHA STUPID DEVIL!' Laughed Issei manically, from within the smoke.
'Impossible, how are you alive!' Shouted Katerea in fear.
'Hehehehe, you didn't do your research, did you?' Questioned Issei, with a mad grin on his face as the smoke cleared.
'What do you mean?' Shouted Katerea nervously.
'That little power boost, did you really think it would hurt me? Me! Of all people! HAHAHA, I received an even stronger form of that power boost you just used ages ago. Do you really think you could hurt me, with power that my friend gave you?' Asked Issei in hysterics, even hunching over slightly, as he tried to control his laughter.
'Impossible, how could you have gotten that power?' Questioned Katerea in fear.
'Not only did I receive it, but I can even take it from you hehehe.' Laughed Issei, as he raised his left arm and the black snakes, which had previously been absorbed into Katerea's body, burst from her and were sucked into Issei, who glowed an ominous crimson.
'N-no, this isn't possible.' Muttered Katerea in shock, as she felt her power boost leave her.
'Oh, but it is. You are so in over your head, little devil, that you don't realise just how screwed you really are.' Said Issei, relishing the look of fear and panic that had taken over Katerea's visage.
'No, this isn't the end, I'll show you!' Declared Katerea angrily, as she activated a magic circle, which caused an explosion to occur far away.
Issei looked in the direction of the explosion and momentarily panicked, it was his house which had just blown up.
Katerea laughed haughtily.
'There, your parents have been killed, what will you do now?' Shouted Katerea, malice oozing from her words.
Issei dropped his head, allowing his hair to shadow his eyes. A massive burst of power erupted from Issei, causing many of the magicians to faint and stop breathing momentarily.
"Ho, that girl has done it now, Issei will destroy her, I've never felt so much anger and hate from him before." Commented Vali in interest, internally.
'Kuroka, can you please sense my parents for me? Please.' Requested Issei quietly, his voice easily heard, as everyone had gone silent when he released his immense power.
Kuroka quickly gathered her power and tapped into her Senjutsu, sensing all life forces in Kuoh.
'It is ok Issei, they weren't there; they are fine.' Said Kuroka, causing Issei to release a breath, he had been unknowingly holding in.
'Katerea, I was going to give you a swift death at the end… but for your little stunt just now… I'm going to make you suffer, bitch!' Shouted Issei madly, as he entered his Balance Breaker state, donning the iconic red armour at last.
Issei shot like a bullet at Katerea and launched a knee into her gut, which would have sent her flying, had Issei not quickly grabbed her head and slammed it against his knee, shattering her nose, before he launched a wicked uppercut, sending her flying. Katerea was in a world of pain, eyes shut in agony, before she opened them in fear, as a horrifying figure flew over her. Issei delivered a brutal axe kick into Katerea's midsection, which sent her slamming into the ground, causing a crater to form under her, kicking up a dust cloud in the process. Issei then shot from the sky, right through the dust cloud, causing it to clear, and dropped a knee into Katerea's already abused midsection, causing her to cough up blood and spittle from the impact.
Katerea moaned pitifully in pain, as Issei gripped her neck tightly in his right hand and raised her to eye level. Issei then slammed his armour-clad head into Katerea's, causing her nose to spew even more blood, while also sending her glasses crumbling to the ground.
'Any last words, wench?' Questioned Issei in a deep voice.
'I'm not going to die empty handed, I'll take you with me!' Shouted Katerea in rage, as multiple fleshy arms burst from her form and wrapped around Issei's right arm.
'I might die, but I'll take you with me.' Said Katerea, as more hands burst from her and wrapped around Issei's right leg as well.
Issei threw her to the ground, before looking at his right limbs.
'Hmph, how interesting. Although, let me show you just how outclassed you truly are, devil.' Said Issei, as he raised his left arm to the side and tore through dimensions.
Issei's hand eventually emerged from the tear in space and revealed a double-edged sword, bathed in a golden glow, that sent chills down the spines of all the gathered devils.
'T-that's.' Stuttered Katerea in fear.
'Yes, this blade is Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven, or, if you'd prefer, the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the Grass-Cutting Sword. A Holy Sword which rivals the power of Excalibur and Durandal, not forged by God like the others, but rather, taken from the body of the eight headed Evil Dragon: Yamata no Orochi, the Venom Blood Dragon.' Said Issei, getting locks of shock and awe from those present.
'Truthfully, I don't like to bring it out, as it likes to ignore me, annoyingly, since half of Yamata no Orochi's soul is sealed into it. It won't listen to me generally, not wanting to bow to the power of another dragon.' Said Issei, to which the sword glowed even brighter, making it appear to be nothing more than a glowing cylinder, the swords features being obscured by the light.
'However, I'm sure it will do what I want it to now.' Said Issei with a smirk, before he outstretched his right arm and to the shock of everyone, brought the legendary blade down on it, severing it from the rest of his body, before he quickly sliced of his right leg as well, both of which started to dissolve out of existence.
Everyone gathered stared at Issei in shock, not believing he would cut off half of his limbs like that. Issei then casually tore through the dimensions again and deposited the rebellious blade, before closing the tear in space.
'Y-you're insane!' Shouted Katerea.
'HAHAHA, maybe, or maybe I'm just that much more powerful than you.' Said Issei, as bones, veins, arteries and muscle burst from Issei's shoulder and pelvis, before skin wrapped around them, shortly after which, the Boosted Gear Scale Mail covered them once again.
Katerea looked at him in fear, shock and awe.
'Ah, that's the expression I wanted to see, the feeling of utter hopelessness, knowing you were never a match for me. You were doomed the moment you came up with this pathetic plan of yours, and now, you will die, without even taking a single part of me with you.' Said Issei, as a small ball of flames burst into life in his right hand, with lightning coursing through it and shooting out from it at random intervals.
'Now die, Lightning Flame Destruction Wave!' Said Issei, as he clenched his right fist and punched in Katerea's direction, releasing a wave of fire and lightning that spanned five metres in diameter.
Katerea couldn't even scream, her entire being was annihilated in an instant. The attack ploughed right on, even after annihilating Katerea, and dug a sizeable trench into the ground, before slamming into the barrier around Kuoh Academy, after which Issei opened his fist, allowing the attack to dissipate.
With that, the life of Katerea Leviathan, had ended.
Boom! Nice chapter, don't you think? In this chapter, I threw a lot of reveals and by extension, explanations for past problems/inconsistences from the beginning of the story.
Why did I say Issei was strong, but gave a power rating lower than Dohnaseek's really early on? Because that is how he was at the time: severely limited.
Why did Issei forget about Asia and let her die? Because he IS largely human, who do make mistakes/do stupid things.
Why Issei hated devils a lot? Katerea Leviathan, in addition to Kuroka's King.
(Although this one wasn't asked) How could Issei use attacks imbued with holy power into his attacks? He has the Kusanagi.
Also, it seems I have a habit of ending my chapters with character deaths… I didn't notice it until now, but since I wrote two chapters close together, this and my update for TTONU, I noticed I do it quite a bit. I mean with Itachi's death, Sasori's death, Katerea's death now, Sora's death for my Bleach story (even if he technically was already dead) and Mikoto's sort of death… I do it quite a bit…
In any case, after this, I will update my Pokémon, or Bleach story tomorrow, still haven't decided yet… in any case, both will be updated within the next two, or three days, I'm just not sure of which one I will do first.
Until next time.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.