Not much to say about this chapter. Obviously, it deals with the end of the meeting, with a few twists.
Additionally, I started a new DxD story recently called "A Man's Heart" which takes place during Light Novel 10, specifically the part "A Maiden's Heart" and explores the idea of what would happen to Issei, if the ORC didn't realise why he couldn't confess to Rias in time.
Also, I'm going to try my first M rated lemon in that story next chapter, which will be out tomorrow, between Issei and Kuroka. I read the guidelines and I believe it doesn't breach the rules, but if someone tells me it isn't allowed, I'll take it down and just leave it up on the other site I'm posting on, Journalister, where I've also started my own story, not a fanfiction work, but an actual original story.
I'd love if you guys could have a read of it, as I will post a new chapter of about 1000 words on that every day as well, in addition to my fanfics and would love the feedback. It is called "Everything Has A Price".
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 21 – A Good Hand
As Issei lowered his fist and turned to face the gathered faction members, he saw many of them had shocked expressions. Issei smirked a little at this, before multiple explosions were heard, and the remaining magicians were wiped out. Issei sighed at this, before feeling a massive blast of power strike him.
'Issei!' Cried many of the girls in fear.
'Ah Vali, I wondered when you were going to do this, at least you let me finish my fight with Katerea.' Said Issei conversationally, as he climbed out of the hole he had just been smashed into.
'Vali, what is the meaning of this?' Questioned Azazel.
'Isn't it obvious? I have grown tired of things as they are now and have decided to join Khaos Brigade.' Said Vali, getting looks of shock from those gathered, now clad in his Balance Breaker form.
'Yes, I, Vali Lucifer, am now your enemy.' Said Vali.
'Vali Lucifer?' Questioned Sirzechs.
'Indeed, I myself am a descendant of Lucifer himself and one day I will crush you, Sirzechs.' Said Vali.
'To join Khaos Brigade, why?' Questioned Michael.
'Why else? To fight strong opponents. I don't care for the goals of the petty factions, however, I relish the idea of challenging Great Red.' Said Vali.
'To think, you would betray us for such a petty reason.' Said Azazel.
'Oh please, quit posturing Vali, you're not very good at it.' Said Issei, as he walked over to the group, deactivating his Balance Breaker's helmet, revealing his face.
'What, Issei, what are you talking about, are you aligned with Khaos Brigade as well now?' Questioned Irina in surprise.
'See what you've done now Vali, now they are doubting me, even Irina, my oldest friend, how could you be so careless?' Questioned Issei mockingly.
'Hmph, you ruined it anyway.' Said Vali, as he touched down to the ground, away from the group, deactivating his Balance Breaker helmet as he did so.
'Issei, an explanation would be helpful at this stage.' Said Sirzechs.
'It can't be that hard to figure out. I mean, if Kuroka is being pardoned and allowed to roam free, then who will be my spy in Khaos Brigade?' Questioned Issei.
'You mean to say, that even before the meeting, you had already planned for Kuroka being pardoned and had already set up an extra spy all the while?' Asked Sona, quickly understanding what Issei was hinting at.
'Yup.' Said Issei, popping the "p" with a satisfied grin.
'And you mean to tell me that he can be absent minded?' Questioned Sona to Kuroka.
'Like I said, he has his moments of ignorance, but truth be told, Issei has one of the sneakiest minds I know of.' Said Kuroka with a shrug.
'Well, while this is all well and good, what are we meant to do now?' Questioned Sirzechs, looking at Vali.
'Well, no thanks to Issei here, but just act as though I am your actual enemy, I mean, it isn't like a lot of people can face me in battle anyway. In fact, at least half of the people who can, are standing here right now.' Said Vali.
'I see.' Said Sirzechs, before a figure shattered the barrier and dropped down next to Vali.
'Bikou, why are you here?' Asked Vali, to the young man who had just appeared next to him.
'The battle is about to start between the northern assassins, so they say you should quickly return.' Said Bikou, a man dressed in Chinese armour from the time of the Three Kingdoms.
Bikou then turned his gaze to Issei.
'Ho, I don't know why, but I'm getting a very strong urge to fight you, Red Dragon Emperor.' Said Bikou.
Issei sighed, as he raised he gauntlet clad left hand and cradled the left side of his face.
'Ugh, one of the downsides to this heart of mine, at least you aren't too forceful for a male Youkai, Kuroka is even more of a handful as is.' Said Issei tiredly.
'Hmm, I'm surprised you were a traitor Kuroka, although, I suppose I can understand it somewhat, you are a dying breed and you need a strong mate, kekeke, too bad Vali refuses you, but the Red Dragon Emperor isn't a bad choice either.' Said Bikou with a laugh, before spinning his staff and slamming it into the ground, causing a magic circle to appear under Vali and him.
'Well, it has been fun, see you all next time. Also, Red Dragon Emperor, next time we will definitely fight.' Said Bikou, as he and Vali disappeared.
'Well then, with that out of the way, how about I let you all in on the secret of who is the leader of Khaos Brigade, for a price of course?' Suggested Issei.
'Ophis, is it not?' Asked Azazel.
'Oh man, why'd you have to ruin things like that?' Said Issei sourly.
'Ophis, as in the Infinite Dragon God, that Ophis.' Asked Sirzechs curiously.
'Indeed.' Said Azazel.
'Hmm, well you might have beat me to the punch on the reveal Azazel, but I am sure I hold more info than you.' Said Issei testily.
'Oh is that so? Then by all means, would you like to share?' Asked Azazel.
'Hmm, fine. I did get interrupted in my explanations before, didn't I?' Muttered Issei, before deactivating the rest of his armour.
'Well, I did mention that I lost my eye, my left one to be precise.' Said Issei, as he gestured to his left eye.
'You did, yet you possess two, slightly mismatched eyes right now.' Commented Sirzechs.
'Yes well, the reason for that is simple; my friend created this eye and gave it to me, from their own power.' Said Issei.
'And what does this have to do with the information you possess?' Questioned Azazel curiously.
'That's simple, the friend who created this eye for me… is none other than Ophis herself.' Said Issei stunning everyone.
Michael was the first to recover.
'Her? I see, that little girl you met shortly after Irina left, that was Ophis was it not?' Asked Michael.
'Wow that's scary, I guess you really have been keeping track of me since then, but yes, that was indeed Ophis.' Confirmed Issei.
'Issei, I'm sure you know how suspicious this must look, you being on friendly terms with the leader of Khaos Brigade.' Warned Sirzechs.
'I do, however, I have been thinking and the reason I revealed this to all of you here today, is because I believe I can change Ophis' mind, however, even if Ophis is no longer the figurehead of Khaos Brigade, there is no reason for the other factions to dissolve as well, meaning their threat remains.' Said Issei, once again surprising many.
'You mean to tell us, you hold sway, over one of the two most powerful entities in existence?' Questioned Azazel.
'Of course, she is my friend and friends listen to each other.' Explained Issei simply.
'Why do you refer to Ophis as a she? To my memory, Ophis had the appearance of an old man previously.' Inquired Azazel.
'She is a true shape-shifter and can take any form she wants. She approached me as a little girl, as an old man would have been suspicious, and she has come to like the form, since I became her friend when she was in it.' Explained Issei.
'Ok, now I definitely believe you have some sway over Ophis.' Said Azazel.
'Wait a minute!' Shouted Kuroka suddenly, as she walked up to Issei.
'Do you mean to tell me, that you didn't even need me as a spy in the first place, since you could have just asked Ophis?' Asked Kuroka slightly annoyed.
'Erm kind of, I mean, Ophis doesn't really pay close attention to what the various factions are doing, so I needed someone on the inside to monitor that for me.' Said Issei sheepishly.
Kuroka glared at Issei for a while, before closing her eyes and nodding.
'Fine, in that case, I want ten.' Said Kuroka, confusing everyone except for Issei.
'Aw come on, isn't nine enough? Besides, if you listened to Vali, you would have known already.' Whined Issei.
'Nope, for all of that, it is ten now and that is final.' Declared Kuroka, getting Issei to sigh in resignation.
'Um, ten what exactly?' Asked Raynare curiously.
'Kittens of course, he needs to give me ten kittens now, for making me unnecessarily be his spy.' Declared Kuroka, causing many to look at her in shock.
'Wow, to think you could talk about something like that, in front of some of the most powerful entities in existence.' Said Serafall slightly awed.
'I have no shame, especially when it comes to my race.' Defended Kuroka.
'Yeah, no shame at all, or tact for that matter, how you stayed undercover for so long I have no idea.' Muttered Issei, getting Kuroka to glare at him.
'Don't make me make it eleven.' Warned Kuroka.
'Anyway Issei, I believe there was something you wanted to ask of me, correct?' Asked Michael.
'Yes, two favours as well, the first, is I would like for you to allow Asia to be able to pray without feeling pain.' Said Issei, getting Asia to gasp.
'Hmm, Asia, even knowing that God is no longer with us, will you still continue to pray?' Asked Michael curiously, as he turned to face her.
'Yes, I have been doing so all my life and even though I became a devil, I still wish to pray.' Confessed Asia shyly.
'Then if it is just for one person, I believe I can make an exception.' Said Michael kindly, causing Asia to look at him with a smile and tears in her eyes.
'Thank you Lord Michael and thank you Issei.' Said Asia happily.
'Now Issei, what is the other favour you would like to request?' Asked Michael, turning back to Issei once more.
'As you all saw, I possess a Holy Sword, however, I am not able to control it very well, I would like to request that you allow Xenovia to stay here at Kuoh. I have heard that she is the wielder of Durandal, a blade of the same strength as the Kusanagi. I would appreciate the chance to train with her and hopefully gain greater control over my blade.' Said Issei.
'Hmm, Xenovia, do you have any objections to this?' Asked Michael genially.
'None, Lord Michael.' Replied Xenovia curtly.
'I see, then I have no problem with it.' Said Michael.
'Thank you.' Said Issei with a small bow.
'Oh, seems that the Red Dragon favours you Michael. I don't recall him bowing to us, right Sirzechs?' Jested Azazel.
'It would appear so.' Commented Sirzechs with a smile.
'However, as a reward, not a favour this time, why don't I build you a new house; since it seems your old one has been destroyed and you did take out Katerea Leviathan, which should have been a problem of the devils?' Offered Sirzechs.
'Just like that, no strings attached? No sudden, hey Issei, do this for me, or I'll blackmail you for having the presence of an SS-class criminal in your room?' Questioned Issei, before glaring at Kuroka.
'That was your fault by the way, leaving without erasing your presence.' Said Issei harshly, getting Kuroka to poke her tongue out at him.
'No, no, nothing of the sort, an honest gesture of thanks and good faith is all.' Said Sirzechs with a smile.
'Well, if that's the case I'd have to be a fool to refuse, I accept your generous offer.' Said Issei happily.
'Although, in the interest of this new alliance, would you mind if I take certain liberties with the house, such as putting a floor in for any other meetings, such as this one, should they need to occur in the future?' Questioned Sirzechs, to which Issei narrowed his eyes.
'I want a massive gym built into it.' Replied Issei.
'Also, to help enhance the trust of the newfound alliance, I believe that the members of the three factions that live in this area, should live in this house, if they want to of course.' Added Sirzechs with a smile.
'I want a heated indoor swimming pool as well then.' Said Issei.
'That's fine. In that case, I'll see that it is done by tomorrow.' Said Sirzechs happily.
'Why do I feel like I got the short end of the stick in this deal?' Said Issei aloud.
'Come now, Issei, I'm sure you would enjoy having around a dozen women living in the same house as you.' Said Azazel.
Issei stiffened at this before looking around slightly, his gaze lingering on Akeno, Raynare and Kuroka.
'And I want a lock on my bedroom door damn it!' Shouted Issei.
'Hmm, you could get a lock, but then again, I could still get in anyway.' Said Kuroka.
Issei then glanced at Akeno and Raynare who both smirked.
"Damn you Sirzechs!" Shouted Issei internally.
'Oh, and everyone here knows about your, not so little boob fetish.' Whispered Kuroka into Issei's ear from behind him.
At this point Issei knew he was screwed and did the only logical thing at this stage: he fainted. Right onto Kuroka's bosom.
'Hmm, I wonder if that means I can get started on bringing back the Nekomata race now?' Questioned Kuroka aloud.
'The hell it does!' Shouted Issei, suddenly bursting back into consciousness and jumping away from Kuroka.
'Mou, but you promised.' Pouted Kuroka.
'Yeah, eventually, not now, I'm still in school for crying out loud.' Said Issei.
Kuroka pouted but didn't comment after that.
'However, in the interest of equal trade, I think the angels should give something as well.' Said Michael.
'Hmm, is that so?' Questioned Azazel.
'Yes, with the devils giving us all information on the Evil Pieces, the fallen angels giving us the results of their research on Sacred Gears, I believe we have something to offer in turn.' Said Michael, before a bright light of holy energy appeared in front of him.
Issei cringed at this and took a step back.
'N-no way.' Muttered Issei slightly fearful.
For now, in front of Michael, was the Holy Sword: Ascalon.
'If the devils will have their wielder of Forbidden Balor View trained by the Grigori, then, I suppose the angels must give something to the fallen.' Said Michael.
'Oh, this is most unexpected from you, Michael. To give a fallen angel one of the holy relics fashioned by God himself, that is quite a statement.' Commented Sirzechs.
'Indeed, I never would have imagined such a thing possible.' Added Azazel.
'Times are indeed changing.' Commented Michael, as he levitated the sword over to Azazel.
'My, my, a genuine Holy Sword, I have no idea what to do with it.' Said Azazel cheerfully.
'M-Michael… you mean, you had this all along?' Asked Issei in shock, to which Michael smiled.
'Though I am kind, I did not become the leader of heaven by solely relying on good faith and naivety.' Commented Michael with a smile.
Issei shuddered slightly.
"I underestimated him… all that talk about free will… he came prepared if need be." Thought Issei in awe.
'Hmm, in that case, fallen angel Raynare.' Said Azazel, snapping Issei out of his thoughts.
'Yes.' Said Raynare slightly confused.
'I will entrust you with this blade.' Said Azazel, as he floated Ascalon over to Raynare.
"WHAT?" Screamed Issei in his mind.
'A-are you sure?' Stammered Raynare in shock.
'Indeed, not many in the Grigori are adept sword users, however, from what Dohnaseek told me, you seem to be a fast learner and I believe you are the most suitable person to wield this blade on our behalf.' Said Azazel, as he briefly glanced at Issei, before looking back to Raynare.
"You bastard!" Shouted Issei internally.
'Hah, partner, you really can't fault the leaders of the angels and fallen angels. They most certainly planned for you and only granted you all those requests because they had an ace.' Laughed Ddraig.
"Shut it you, this isn't good for either of us!" Shouted Issei at Ddraig.
'Well, considering the fallen angel, the only real threat the sword will pose to you, will be for your virginity, not your life.' Said Ddraig, clearly amused.
"Hmm, that's a little better I suppose… but ASCALON! Really!" Retorted Issei.
'Also, for the devils, in exchange for the information on their Evil Pieces, I suppose it is only fair that you receive something as well.' Said Michael with a smile, before another bright flash appeared in front of him.
"I don't freaking believe it!" Shouted Issei in shock.
'Although, it is one piece short from the original, the angels would like to entrust the six fused Excaliburs, to the one who suffered the most at the hands of them, Yuuto Kiba.' Said Michael, as the fused blade floated over to Yuuto.
'Naturally of course, it has been modified so that even devils can wield it and should it ever shatter, we would of course repair it.' Said Michael as Yuuto grasped the blade.
The Gremory group felt the large holy aura flowing off the sword and were amazed Kiba could actually wield such a holy weapon.
'Well, I believe all things considered, that we have all made a fair trade here today, and hopefully we can bring an end to the conflict between us all.' Said Michael.
'Spoken like a true angel, you really haven't changed, Michael.' Commented Azazel.
'Nor have you.' Said Michael with a smile, easily seeing through why Azazel had given Ascalon to Raynare.
'Nothing escapes your gaze.' Replied Azazel with a smile.
'In any case, with the meeting concluded now, I believe we should each report back to our respective factions and spread the news.' Said Sirzechs.
With that, peace was declared, between the angels, devils and the fallen angels.