~Fighting Fire with Fire~
Later that day, Death reached the volcanic realm where the Charred Council reside, stomping his way into the chamber and facing the ancient entities themselves. The three heads remained silent as Death climbed the stairs before standing in front of the entities for them to plainly see.
"Report, pale rider! What did you discover on Earth?!" The middle head boomed its question, with the flames bursting from its eyes and mouth as usual.
"It would appear that the legions of Hell have indeed infiltrated the Third Kingdom, along with the fallen angels." Death said.
"And the devils, from what the Watcher reported to us." The second, horned head said.
"Something you didn't bother to inform the horsemen about. How long did you plan to keep this information from us?!" Death asked angrily as he pointed at the heads.
"Be silent, horseman! You forget your place!" The middle head threatened.
"Apparently the pale rider forgot whom he serves." The third, narrow head said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Death frowned angrily beneath his mask.
"The Watcher informed us of you fraternizing with the devils. You may as well be friends with the demons of Hell." The second, horned head said.
"They are a means to an end, nothing more. If you are to believe that reject's word over mine, you might as well send him instead." Death pointed out.
"The Reaper makes a point. He is maybe defiant, but he is certainly not a liar." The third, narrow head said.
"You still didn't answer my question. Why didn't you inform us of the devils beforehand? Are there any other powers formed on Earth you neglected to inform us about?" Death asked.
"They are but minor factions, nothing that the horsemen can't deal with individually. Your primary concern is to enforce our judgment on the demons of the Dark Kingdom and the angels of the White City, who dare to infiltrate the Kingdom of Man and defy the pact that was made eons ago." The middle head said.
"If this keeps up, then you realize it will be a repeat of the Great War, perhaps on a greater scale. See to it that it doesn't happen, rider of death." The second, horned head said.
After they had their say, the flames on their eyes and mouth dissipated, meaning that he was dismissed as he turned around and stomped his way outside.
As Death exited the portal from the heart of the world, he left the cave and stood on the plateau with folded arms overlooking the cloudy horizon, with shades of white illuminating the clouds from the distance, a sign of a blotted sun. Even the world like this one has day and night cycle.
"Tough round, is it?" A familiar voice said from behind Death. The pale rider glanced behind him to find his brother War, youngest of the Four stomping next to him.
"Basically." Death said simply before returning his attention towards the cloudy horizon.
"What's with the talk of your association with these 'devils'? Who are they?" War asked curiously.
"A new faction forged after the Great War on Earth. Apparently their society is far different from the demons of Hell." Death explained, not entirely believing in what Rias, Sirzechs and Zeoticus had told him.
"And my guess is that you hired their services for your mission." War said as he looked towards the horizon.
"It's more like a new management rather than hiring their services. Unlike the demons, they rely on humans to swell their ranks, transforming them into one of their kind." Death explained.
"And yet you let them live?" War said, now starting to be a bit angry for Death of all people to allow such a thing to continue unopposed.
"For the time being. They proved they are not in league with the demons, and their abilities may prove useful to me to hunt down the dregs of Hell on Earth, along with the angels who surely hide in the city where I made camp." Death frowned slightly.
Though War wanted to scold his brother for not executing them then and there for their actions, Death did some pretty unorthodox strategies in the past, some which disgusted him due to their differing personalities and tactical minds, so there is not much to say now, considering they were usually effective.
"So they are merely a means to an end." War stated.
"Precisely." Death said, glancing at War before returning his gaze towards the horizon.
"In that case, shouldn't you return to Earth?" War asked.
"No, I think I'll linger here a little longer. I'm in no rush to return to Earth." Death said casually in unusually calm tone.
"How do you know those devils won't threaten the humans in your absence?" War asked curiously as he raised his eyebrow slightly beneath his red hood.
"I know the fact that they value their lives. And if they do fall out of line, then they would be doing me a favor." Death said. The two horsemen stood in the same spot for a few minutes more before they both departed.
Back on Earth in the afternoon in the ORC building, the gang finished with Asia's celebration as they scooped up the dishes from the table from eating sliced pieces of cake. Kiba and Koneko went home in the Underworld, while Asia waited outside the building, which left only Issei, Rias and Akeno.
As for the two senior devils, they were greatly impressed and amazed at Issei, Akeno more so after what he did last night. They never would have thought that behind such a fragile exterior hid a man who stood up to Death himself, just to bring a friend back to life.
"Man, that cake was so delicious, you practically nailed the taste." Issei smiled at Akeno, while the queen giggled cutely with closed eyes at the comment.
"Thank you Issei." Akeno smiled before she opened her eyes, her gaze connecting with Issei's for a few moments.
"Huh? What's wrong Akeno?" Issei asked in slight confusion, but Akeno continued to smile at Issei.
"Who would have thought behind such a sweet and kind boy was a fearless warrior?" Akeno smiled. Even though the flashbacks of that night were painful, looking back now, she remembers them from different perspective.
"You are simply a definition of manliness Issei, there's no denying it at this point. I mean, you stared Death himself in the face without any concern for your life. Even when he beat you down time and time again you still got back on your feet. Not even a severed arm stopped you from defying the horseman. There are no words to describe your courage. You truly are amazing Issei." Akeno smiled blissfully as she looked in his eyes. Even though Rias and Akeno hated men, generalizing that they are all the same, merely wanting to be with them for their looks and what not, Akeno had to admit she started to take a liking to Issei, especially after putting his life on the line to bring someone as Asia back.
As for Issei, even though he greatly appreciated the praise he received from Akeno, he knew deep down that wasn't true. He was on the verge of passing out in fear by even looking at Death's orange, piercing, chilling eyes that practically screamed death, which justifies the name he gave himself. But in those moments, it was fortunate for his mind that rage greatly dampened fear.
"Come on, that's total exaggeration Akeno. I was scared shitless of that guy, I thought my heart was gonna explode from the inside out before he did anything. I'm probably crazy, but I'm far from brave." Issei said nervously as he rubbed his left shoulder, still feeling the chill of his arm being sliced not so long ago, before his face suddenly went serious as he looked down on the floor. "Besides, Asia didn't deserve to die the way she did. I knew it was a gamble, I knew he would wipe the floor with me if i were to stand against him. But I didn't care back then. All I knew is that I had to somehow convince him to let Rias bring Asia back. I guess I was just lucky that my plan didn't backfire." He said, but his eyes went slightly wide in surprise as Akeno rested her hand on his cheek.
"And to do something like that takes a real man." Akeno smiled.
"Am I interrupting something?" Rias frowned slightly with folded arms. Issei was caught off guard with her sudden appearance, but Akeno was undeterred as she merely smiled at her friend.
"No, we just finished cleaning up." Akeno smiled sweetly.
"Good, then it's time to go home." Rias closed her eyes in slight irritation as she walked further inside the room in the open area.
"Is it me or does Rias seem a little angry?" Issei whispered in Akeno's ear.
"Don't worry sweetie, my guess is that she is feeling under the weather after last night. Honestly, I can't blame her." Akeno smiled.
"Yeah, good point." Issei said as he looked back at Rias, impatiently waiting for Akeno to come near her.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Akeno winked at Issei before she walked towards Rias.
"Yeah, sure thing." Issei said nervously before he remembered something. "Oh shit, Asia is waiting for me outside. See ya!" He then darted outside, while Rias conjured a signature magic circle beneath them.
In truth, a lot of things were rushing through Rias' mind. First the whole battle with the demons and Issei's near execution from last night, then the whole event that was recently brought to her attention. And now, she felt a slight sting in her heart after seeing Akeno placing her hand rather affectionately on Issei's cheek. She had no idea why though, but the anger within her made her shrug it off as she used the magic circle to teleport themselves back to the underworld.
After the two devils teleported back home, Issei and Asia each made their way to their homes, with Issei accompanying Asia along the way.
"Umm… Issei?" Asia asked timidly.
"What is it Asia?" Issei asked, curious by her recent, rather reserved behavior.
"I've been meaning to ask you something for a while." Asia said.
"Go ahead." Issei said.
"That man… from last night… was it really him?" Asia asked in low, timid and slightly frightened voice, which made Issei gasped slightly in shock that she was slowly realizing the truth. "At first I thought he was just a vigilante with dark powers, a tough guy who hid his true emotions behind a mask. But is he…" Asia said worryingly as her eyes connected with Issei's. "Is he really Death, the pale rider?"
From childhood, she learned many things related to the Bible. In fact, her favorite activity before she became a devil was reading the Bible, learning many ways of the Church in the process. But one day, she reached the chapter describing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the harbingers of death and destruction. There wasn't much of a description for the Four Horsemen as humans were extremely limited with the knowledge of the four, but they did knew their names, War, Fury, Strife and Death. As for their appearances, no human ever saw their true selves and lived, which is why they illustrated their own depictions for their appearances, like a hooded grim reaper for Death for example. But after seeing the pale rider in person last night and contemplating on those thoughts for a whole day, she knew there was no doubt in her mind of his existence, including the other three horsemen.
"Yes. He's Death alright, apparently the most powerful of the four." Issei said seriously. Asia gasped at that as her eyes went wide in shock. "I wanted to tell you of his true identity a lot sooner, but we had such a great time back then that I didn't want to bring that subject to you and made you sadder than you already were." Issei then smiled as he looked at Asia again. "But don't worry, we're not his target, those demon assholes were, so there's nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure Issei?" Asia asked, her voice filled with desired hope.
"I'm positive. I mean, he helped us beat those guys like it was a walk in the park, you should've seen him fight. And besides, we wouldn't be standing right now if he wanted to kill us, right?" Issei smiled reassuringly. Even though Asia still had a few doubts in Issei's words about Death, she decided to let it go as she smiled and nodded silently. "So yeah, he's not going to hurt us because we're not a threat to innocent people, so don't worry."
"That's good to hear. I'm so relieved." Asia smiled brightly.
"I'm glad." Issei smiled as the two of them continued to walk.
Issei felt really bad for lying to her again, as the serious expression on his face shows moments later. He couldn't bear to tell her that Death is in fact using the devils to further his own goals, not caring in the slightest whether they live or die, considering they are not humans. It's probably for the best, the last thing he wants for the girl is to live in fear for her very life until he is done in his quest and spares them by some miracle.
Soon enough, the two young devils reached Issei's house.
"Thank you for escorting me Issei." Asia smiled.
"Sure anytime." Issei smiled before he looked at her blankly. "Are you sure you don't want me to keep you company all the way?"
"Yes. I just need to be alone for a while, so I'll see you tomorrow." Asia smiled.
"Okay then. Bye Asia." Issei smiled as he headed inside the house.
"Bye." Asia smiled as she departed to her own home.
Issei couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. He had this feeling in the gut that Asia knows somehow the truth of Death's intentions, which made him feel even worse for lying to her back there. That would explain why she wanted to be all alone, something that he doesn't prefer with the demons skulking about. But it would seem that Asia didn't asked, but told him to leave her alone for the day, even though she never said it in words. In the end, all the thinking will make his brain explode and he decided to just drop it, hoping that some porn magazines will make his lecherous mind relax a bit.
But while Issei entered his home, a well-built man with long, white hair folded his arms as he observed the two devils with great interest.
"So it's them." The man said before he turned sideways and departed.
The next day during the school hour, Issei was slightly surprised to find that Asia enrolled in Kuoh Academy. He immediately guessed that this was Rias' doing, since she probably pulled a few strings to place Asia in the same class as him. As for Issei's classmates, they were thrilled to meet her with mixed reactions. Girls admired her beauty and polite personality, while the boys immediately measured her body up, most notably Matsuda and Motohama. Fortunately for Asia, Issei was there to prevent the flock of perverts from jumping on her on the first day. Talk about irony, considering he's among the trio of the worst perverts in the entire academy. But Asia was the only exception, due to how innocent and pure of heart and soul she is, and he doesn't want to corrupt someone like her with lecherous topic and ruin it all for her.
The rest of the day went by normally. But while Issei and Asia made their way to the club, they were stopped by a well-built man, who folded his arms while having a serious look on his face. The man had white, long hair with blue eyes and handsome face, wearing dark gray pants, golden boots, wyellow belt and zipped crimson jacket with a hoodie. He also has what looks like a greatsword strapped to his back.
"Issei Hyoudou?" The man finally asked.
"Umm, yes? Who the hell are you?" Issei asked curiously. But the man ignored the boy as his attention turned towards the blonde girl, who clutched onto Issei's arm in slight fear.
"Your name. It's Asia Argento?" The man asked the girl.
"Yes… sir." Asia nodded timidly.
"Wait, how do you know our names? Are you some kind of creepy stalker or something?" Issei frowned in frustration.
"You two are the devils, am I right?" The man asked seriously, making Issei and Asia gasp slightly in shock at the out of the blue statement.
"What the… how does he know we're the devils?" Issei thought in surprise.
By the look on his face, he seems to be all business. And somehow he knows they are the devils, talk about creepy. Issei has no idea where to go from this point, but he had a feeling that it's for the best that he remains honest and answer his questions truthfully, especially considering that sword of his is apparently not just for show.
"Lead me to your master. Now." The man ordered.
Issei couldn't explain it, but for some reason he's having a nauseating feeling in his gut from the man. It's almost as if Death was standing in front of him and not this guy. But considering he's fully aware of the devils, no doubt about the other factions as well, he decided to just walk in front of him, with Asia still holding is hand.
"Let's go Asia, Rias and the others are probably waiting for us." Issei said, with Asia nodding silently as she followed him, along with the well-built stranger behind them.
Ten minutes later, the two devils and a stranger arrived near the old school building.
"This is the place?" The man asked.
"Yes. This is it, the Occult Research Club meeting spot." Issei said cautiously. The man took a few steps forward as he examined the building. Now that he was in front of him, Issei took a closer look at this sword.
"Is that Future Trunks' sword from Dragon Ball Z? I guess he's his biggest fan or something." Issei thought, snorting a bit to prevent himself from laughing out loud. Mean looking as he is, he's clearly not embarrassed to show off his dedication towards the most popular show of all time. But his thoughts were interrupted when the man continued his way inside the building.
"Hey, wait for us!" Issei shouted as he quickly caught up with the stranger, with Asia quickly following suit. But Issei came to a screeching halt as the stranger's eyes glowed blue with a dead serious look on his face, making Issei and Asia flinch in fear.
Inside the building, Rias, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko were doing their daily activities as usual, but they were interrupted when Issei and Asia opened the doors.
"Oh, hey guys." Akeno smiled.
"Took you long enough." Rias smiled as well, but their smiles disappeared when Issei and Asia looked… frightened for some reason.
"Issei? What's wrong, why do you look so scared?" Rias asked curiously.
"You too Asia, what's the matter?" Kiba asked as he approached the four devils, along with Koneko.
"Rias, I think we have an unexpected visitor." Issei laughed nervously as he scratched his chin.
"Unexpected visitor? Who?" Rias asked curiously.
But the entire group's attention turned towards the orange glow coming from the hallway. The orange glow quickly dissipated and soon stomps followed, louder and louder with every step.
"Is that Death? He's back already?" Akeno asked Rias curiously.
"No, I don't think that's Death. Be ready everyone." Rias said seriously as the devils, except Asia and Issei, were on guard at the intruder stomping his way to the living room.
Rias's eyes went slightly wide as large, seemingly armored hand covered in red lines clutched the doorway. The devils then noticed a very bulky silhouette slowly making his way inside, with only his blue eyes glowing in the shadows, along with what looks like a crescent moon turned downwards centered on its forehead, with a straight line in the middle from its forehead to almost reaching his nose.
All of the devils, even Issei and Asia, gasped in shock and surprise as the silhouette finally revealed itself. The figure appeared to be a very bulky man with oversized greatsword on his back, having a red hood covering his head except for the face, his bulky body almost completely covered in intriguing pieces of armor. But most noticeable thing about this warrior is his left hand that looks like a large, armored gauntlet with red lines, with an engraved skull in the center.
"Who… who are you? Why are you here?" Rias asked seriously as she composed herself, only slightly.
"I am War, rider of the red horse." The bulky man now known as War said. Rias and Akeno gasped loudly as their eyes went wide in utter shock and horror.
"War?!" Rias and Akeno shouted in unison.
"Wait a minute guys. Is he another horseman?" Issei asked, completely perplexed at the sudden switch of scenery.
"Yes. This is Death's brother War, said to be the most honorable of the Four Horsemen." Rias explained seriously.
"Man, that dude looks so fucking hardcore." Issei said to himself, completely amazed to see how badass War looks. Death looked completely badass himself in his wargear, so he can't decide which one looked more awesome. After a few moments, Rias quickly composed herself and looked at War, who had a slightly angry look on his face.
"May we ask why you are here… War? Where is Death?" Rias asked in cautious, yet curious tone.
"My brother has matters to attend to in the Underworld. He placed me in charge to keep an eye on you devils from doing anything that would threaten the Kingdom of Man." War explained strictly.
"Oh come on! Even after beating an army of demons, he still doesn't trust us?!" Issei complained loudly in frustration.
"He trusts no one, boy." War said in his usually calm and collected tone, at least outside of the battlefield, as he turned towards the windows.
"Yup, he's definitely Death's brother alright." Rias said to himself.
"And admittedly a lot more handsome than Death." Akeno whispered in Rias' ear.
"True that." Rias said in low voice for only Akeno to hear.
"I heard from Death that you fought impressively well against the demons. But, that is merely a prelude of things to come." War said seriously as he looked at the devils while standing sideways.
"What do you mean?" Akeno asked curiously.
"You know the answer, devil. If the demons of Hell and the fallen angels have yet again taken root in the Third Kingdom, then the angels of the White City are certainly in hiding. If this charades continues its course, then it will soon escalate into an all-out war that will doom mankind." War said.
"The Endwar." Rias said seriously.
"Precisely." War said as he approached the devils a few steps forward. "But unlike the demons, the angels are more proficient in stealth and are hard to trace. They may not be a threat to the humans like the demons, but they violated the law by encroaching in the Kingdom of Man in the first place."
"Why are you telling us this?" Rias asked curiously.
"I'm telling you because you will need to increase your efforts in your reconnaissance. So enjoy the respite of this day, for tomorrow you continue in your search." War said seriously with a slightly angry expression on his face. From War's gaze alone, it was enough to send chills down the devils' spines, especially Issei and Asia, with the blonde devil hiding behind Issei out of fear. He is maybe far more good looking for Rias and Akeno, but he can be just as dangerous as Death, if not more.
Several hours later after midnight, War was the only person left in the school building, deciding to make it his base of operations, considering Death did the same. And while on that subject, he couldn't help but have a flashback of how he got into all this in the first place.
"You are sending me to Earth?" War asked his older brother.
"Yes." Death said simply.
"And what about your statement from before? That my anger management issue is a liability in this line of work." War said, not happy from that statement he heard the first time from Death himself.
"I still hold onto that statement because it's true. But, I need someone to keep an eye on those devils while I'm gone." Death said. Usually he would leave Dust to babysit the devils, but he will need him to find certain someone he needs information from.
"Why don't you just execute them and be done with it?" War asked curiously.
"Because they are of more worth to me alive, they won't serve me any better as shambling ghouls." Death said strictly. War stayed silent for a moment, having nothing to say to that one. "I need to find out what other powers formed on Earth over the centuries, I doubt these devils are the only faction to be discovered. That is why I need you to continue the hunt in Kuoh Town until I return." Death then made a few steps closer to his brother. "Assuming you won't lose control and go rampant on the humans again." He said coldly as he frowned slightly beneath his mask.
"You don't need to worry, Death. I learned the hard way the meaning of wisdom." War said in dead serious voice as he clenched his left, armored gauntlet.
"Good. Because if you do run wild again, I will have your head." Death threatened coldly as he mounted Despair and rode forth to the Underworld. But even after those words, War merely smirked at his threat as he departed on his own steed, Ruin.
Even now as the flashback ended, War smirked at those words. He knew Death was bluffing for threatening to take his life, but he would be a fool not to take his words seriously. He may not kill him, but he would definitely slice another arm or a leg to prove his point. Even though his very being thirsts for battle or a challenging duel, that day made him realize that calm mind is just as valuable tool as his faithful weapon Chaoseater, at least outside of combat. Looking back then, he would laugh at himself for thinking this way, but now he accepts that fact.
However, his thoughts were interrupted when suddenly, a crimson glow emanated from his left side. War was immediately on guard as he readied himself to draw his blade, thinking that it might be an ambush. But turns out it was Rias Gremory, making him stand upright as his nerves eased a bit. But it did brought some questions. Why is she here this late in night? Much like Death, War has no need of sleep, food or drink, but it is odd to find her appearing in this hour. Not only that, she had a rather sad look on her face, much to his confusion.
"Why are you here Gremory?" War asked curiously. A few moments of silence followed after his question, with grave silence permeating the dark room they are in.
"I never thought I'd say this to a horseman, but…" Rias finally said as she looked down before her eyes connected to War's. "I need you to take my virginity. And I need you to take it now!"
"…"War stayed silent for a few moments, blinking a few times as his brain was trying to process this utterly bizarre, out of the blue request. "You ask of me to do what?" He asked, genuinely dumbstruck from her blunt question.
Over the eons, he never heard anyone pleading him for something like this, not even once. And yet here she is, a devil blatantly asking him to take away her virginity. Sure there were plenty of demon succubi and other feminine creatures across Creation who tried to seduce the horsemen in the past, and failed miserably at that, but none of them were so blunt as to literally ask them to take their virginity away from the get go. If Death was to hear of this, that a devil that he coerced into working for him so bluntly asking him to have sex with, he would probably snicker like an idiot, while Strife would roll on the floor, roaring in laughter if they were to hear this devil asking War of all people to have a sexual intercourse with, Death being the worst in that case. Either way, its… downright insanity by all accounts to ask the Horseman of the Apocalypse of such a thing, except for Fury due to being the only female among the Four.
"I know it sounds ridiculous. If it was Death, I wouldn't have even thought of coming here, but…"
"What makes you think that I would go along with this ridiculous request?" War interrupted Rias in frustration. "Is this some sort of joke?"
"I wish it was, but it isn't." Rias said in nervous and frightened tone before she looked at War. "If I lose my virginity, then I will finally be free, especially if they hear that…"
"Save it." War interrupted again in frustration as he turned towards the window. "I care little for your personal issues. You're wasting my time, so leave." He warned.
"Please. I know I'm probably asking too much, but…"
War gritted his teeth as he had enough of this pointless and embarrassing prattle as he drew his Chaoseater and pinned the tip of the blade on her chin, making her flinch and gasp in shock and horror.
"Find someone else to spread your legs for, devil. As for me, I'd rather throw myself into the abyss than to do anything with your kind." War said angrily, the tip of the blade pinning harder on her chin, making her gasp loudly as her fears were increasing every second.
She knew this was a bad idea, she should have listened to her better judgment and not come here in the first place. But she knew if the devils heard that the Horseman of the Apocalypse took her virginity, then she would have been free for sure. However, it would seem that War would have none of it. In truth, she didn't want things to go this way either, she wanted her first time to be more romantic, not something to do in a hurry. Probably because of that reason why War is now pointing his blade at her and not his crotch.
But in those moments, suddenly another magic circle formed near them, this time glowing in bright, silvery light. Then a figure formed from the magic circle, who was soon revealed to be someone Rias recognized as Grayfia.
"You can't be serious Rias. Him? Really? Have you lost your mind? Why would you come here of all places and…"
Grayfia stopped in her outrage as she saw it wasn't Death standing in front of her. It was someone else entirely, having a massive, demonic-looking greatsword that is apparently pointed at Rias. But when the bulky person saw Grayfia, he sheathed his weapon on his back, much to Rias' immense relief.
"What? Who are you? You are not Death." Grayfia asked in serious, all business tone.
"I am War, Death's brother." War said simply, while Grayfia's eyes went slightly wide in surprise.
"War? Rider of the Red Horse?" Grayfia asked, with War silently nodding in response. "Two horsemen on Earth? This is a lot more serious than we originally thought." Grayfia thought as she frowned seriously.
"I apologize if she said anything to offend you, horseman." Grayfia bowed in respect, but War yet again said nothing as he merely nodded. "We will take our leave. Now." She said seriously as she looked at Rias. She didn't need to tell Rias twice as she walked at a fast pace towards Grayfia. The maid bowed again in respect before both the devils disappeared from sight.
"What the hell just happened?" War asked himself in slight disbelief. But War quickly shook those thoughts from his head as he turned towards the window again. "If this is Death's some kind of sick way of a joke, then he completely lost his mind." He groaned in frustration.
After a few moments, he sighed to relax his nerves as he continued to stare through the window at the starry sky. Was this really the reason why Death sent him to Earth? To pull some kind of prank? Whatever it is, he's not laughing. Now he wished the new day would just shine already and forget about this awkward night.
Several hours later, the sun finally rose high in the sky. However, War was not present as after that awkward encounter with Rias, he decided to do a little recon across the city himself and root out demons and angels alike. During that time, he dispatched several demons, but angels were well hidden as not even he could find them. He was now starting to understand why Death kept the devils alive. Demons might be foolish to take them on, but the angels are not that stupid as they remain firmly hidden away from their sight. However that doesn't mean it's impossible to find them, as they proved that fact wrong many times over the eons.
Half an hour later, feeling satisfied for killing an adequate amount of demons over the night, War returned to the club house, donning his human disguise during the day, so he wouldn't scare the humans as he was warned by Vulgrim that they are easily terrified of the supernatural. As War entered the room, Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Grayfia were currently present, and all four recognized the rider through his disguise.
"Greetings War." Grayfia bowed in respect, while the rider stayed silent as he approached the three devils.
"And who are you? Death made no mention of you in Rias' gathering." War asked curiously.
"My name is Grayfia Lucifuge, a servant of the house of Gremory. I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, but after last night's… incident it was for the best to depart immediately." Grayfia said as she turned her angry glare at Rias, with the redhead princess huffing in frustration as she looked away.
"What brings you here, Grayfia?" War asked.
"There are important matters that I had to discuss with Lady Rias and her queen Akeno. For further information, the other three devils need to be present." Grayfia said.
Almost on cue, the double doors leading to the living room started to open.
"Speaking of which…" Akeno smiled as Issei, Asia and Kiba entered the room. But War did not care as he went to the windows and leaned on the wall between the windows, folding his arms and having a completely disinterested look on his face.
"Hey guys." Issei greeted the group.
But the three of them were slightly surprised to find Rias, Akeno and unknown lady standing around the desk, having a very serious conversation by the looks of it, which confirmed Kiba's claims he told Issei and Asia of before. But what concerned Issei the most is Rias' very angry, yet sad expression on her face.
"Man, someone woke on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Issei thought in slight fear.
"Good, everyone is here." Rias said in frustration as she stood up from the desk.
But before she could speak her mind, suddenly a large, orange magic circle formed near the doors that illuminated the entire room. Then violent, magical flames erupted from the circle, threatening to set the building ablaze, but it quickly shrunk in size as War noticed a figure standing within. After the flames died down, a blonde man in red suit stood in front of the room, having a rather cocky smirk on his face.
"Phenex." Kiba said seriously. War glanced at the swordsman for a moment before he returned his attention to the blonde man.
"And Riser has arrived in the human realm. I've come all this way to see you, my beloved Rias." The man smirked, but Rias silently gave him a furious glare that she wished it would slice him into thousand pieces. War was also aggravated by the man, but for other reasons.
"The Council destroyed all passages to the Third Kingdom for nothing. It would seem that these devils can teleport to Earth on a whim." War thought angrily.
"Okay, who is this douche?" Issei asked bluntly. The unknown man glared at him for a second before he decided to ignore his remark.
"This gentleman is Lord Riser Phenex. He is a pureblooded devil of noble birth, third heir in line of the house of Phoenix." Grayfia explained.
"And that means what?" Issei said, not impressed at all. He's a noble, big deal.
"He is also Lady Rias' fiancé." Grayfia said in serious tone, and this time Issei was really shocked and surprised.
"Rias' what?! You're joking, right?!" Issei exclaimed in disbelief. He couldn't believe that this prick is Rias' fiancé of all people.
"I am not. Lady Rias has been engaged to Lord Riser for quite some time now." Grayfia explained further in same calm, but serious tone.
"Wait, they're getting married?!" Issei exclaimed, still in shock at the predicament.
"I don't give a damn about this whole engagement thing." War said as he walked towards Riser with an angry look on his face, still donning his disguise. "What I want to know is who gave you permission to trespass in the Kingdom of Man." He said angrily as he glared at Riser, feeling slightly livid at how come the Council didn't said a word of the devils skulking about in human realm unsanctioned. Unfortunately for the Phoenix heir, he has no idea who he truly is as he cracked up a bit, finding his statement to be absurdly funny.
"And who is this, darling? Looks to me like a low class devil that you forgot to put on a leash." Riser said smugly before he gave the newcomer a cocky smirk. "Step aside, underling. Learn your place in front of the noble."
Everyone in the group, including Grayfia, started to fear that War will explode in rage and decimate Riser on the spot. Admittedly, that would have been a feast for the eyes, but if the fight were to escalate outside, then it could spell major trouble.
"Riser, what are you doing, are you mad?! Knock it off, right now!" Rias shouted in anger and fear.
"It would be wise to heed her words, devil. Either return to the Underworld or I will execute you where you stand." War warned as he clenched his fists.
Riser growled slightly at his threat while glaring daggers at this unknown, cocky bastard whom Rias clearly forgot to keep in line. But after a few moments of intense staredown, Riser started to crack up loudly, but War continued to glare at Riser with same, angry expression, though inwardly wondering if he missed something funny.
"You certainly have a big mouth to talk to an esteemed noble like myself in that manner. But I'm afraid I can't do that." Riser's smirk then turned into a dead serious expression. "Riser bears the reputation of the house of Phoenix. Besmirching out good name is unacceptable."
"Riser, I said knock it off!" Rias shouted angrily, Riser clearly has no idea whatsoever who he's messing with.
"Riser is not going anywhere without you, Rias. You will return to the Underworld with me, or I will incinerate everyone in this room, including this cocky pu…"
War had enough as he grabbed Riser by the throat with barely any effort, his iron grip threatening to snap his neck in a single motion. Everyone in the room gasped in shock as War seemingly snapped. Especially Riser, he certainly didn't expect for this lowly devil to be so strong, far stronger than he would have imagined. Even Grayfia started to grow nervous, with her usual, serious expression replaced with that of worry and fear, something that is extremely rare in her case.
Without uttering a word, War punched Riser in the gut, sending him flying and smashing onto a wall, with the entire section of the wall, along with the double doors crumbing by the sheer force of the collision. Riser fell down on the ground while coughing up a chunk of blood. That punch shattered everything except his head, arms and legs.
Rias had to admit that she took immense joy in pain that War inflicted on Riser. Unfortunately, her inward celebration was short lived as she knew fully well of the special ability that the members of the house of Phenex share: Immortality, more specifically regeneration, something that the red horseman doesn't know yet.
"B… Bastard." Riser gritted his teeth as the unknown, gray haired man walked towards him.
But anger and rage that filled his entire being quickly turned to horror as the flames started to form around the man as well. First it was a large, armored gauntlet that was revealed, followed by his boots and then the rest of his body. War finally shed his disguise, his blue eyes beneath his hood locked at Risers as the rider stopped in front of the devil, not uttering a word. It was in those moments of horror that the Phenex noble recognized the bulky warrior. He was War, The Lord of Battles, The Crimson Slayer, A Horseman of the Apocalypse. He is one of the Four that his father told him and his sister about, someone to never trifle with. Apparently in his arrogance, he made a mistake that might very well cost him his life for aggravating the rider.
War used his gauntlet to grab Riser's head hard, making him scream in pain as he tried to fruitlessly squirm from his iron grip, feeling like his skull was about to be pulverized into gory mush if War is to apply extra pressure in his grip. The rider then turned sideways as he smashed Riser on the other section of the wall, leaving him pinned and knocking him unconscious, then backing up a step or two. If it wasn't for his regeneration and a good amount of devil energy, Riser would have been dead right now, but fortunately for him, it was quickly starting to kick in as his skull was slowly regenerating, thus easing the pain. Then he silently drew his faithful blade, ready to kill the nobleman.
"Horseman." Grayfia suddenly said, making the rider glance at the gray-haired woman. "I apologize for meddling, but if you are to strike down Lord Riser on the spot, then you will disrupt the peace between the devil houses."
"How does that concern me?" War asked curiously as he pinned the blade on the floor.
"This whole arrangement was made for the sole purpose of maintaining the devil bloodline pure." Grayfia explained.
"I've already made it clear, my husband will be my choice." Rias said angrily. Grayfia glanced at Rias for a second before she returned her attention to the red rider. War noticed resentment in Rias' voice. Apparently this engagement was made against her will. Even so, that still doesn't answer his question on how he fits in this situation.
"There are those in the Underworld who would use the disruption of peace as a leverage to elevate themselves to higher ups of the devil hierarchy, specifically those who intend to downgrade the devil society back to the barbaric ways of the demons of Hell. Especially considering the fact that Lady Rias is the sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, the king of the devils." Then Grayfia frowned slightly more. "In other words, the Dark Kingdom would have a significant advantage that might very well threaten the Kingdom of Man, and by extension the Balance."
Everyone in the room gasped slightly in shock, each with different reactions except for War and Riser, the latter who is starting to regain consciousness. Rias, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko from this new information that Grayfia revealed, and Issei and Asia for the fact that Rias is the sister of the devil king.
"Wait a minute. She's the sister of the Lucifer, the king of the entire Underworld?!" Issei asked in complete shock, no wonder why Rias is as powerful as she is.
"Yes. After the Great War between the angels, fallen angels and the demons, the devils you know now divided from the Dark Kingdom to form their own society. Sirzechs Lucifer is one of many devil kings who ruled their people over the centuries." Kiba explained.
"Wow, I didn't know." Issei said with blank expression before he looked back at the red rider.
As for War, since Grayfia put it that way, he was slowly beginning to understand. If he was to strike him down and forcefully end the engagement in turn, then it would eventually lead to public disorder, and the dregs of Hell would no doubt use that opportunity to swell their ranks and possibly conquer the entire Underworld. He honestly couldn't care less for that part, but the part that slightly concerned him was that it would indeed imperil the Balance. By what Death told him, these devils are formidable, and if the other likeminded renegades were to join forces with the demons, they would pose a serious threat to the angels of the White City, humanity more so, as they would no doubt try to consolidate their rule on Earth.
"Then what do you propose, devil?" War asked the gray-haired maid.
"My master anticipated this type of conflict between Lady Rias and Lord Riser, so he assigned the last resort should communications result in failure. And that is what we devils call a Rating Game." Grayfia explained seriously.
"A Rating Game? I never heard of such a thing." War said curiously.
"It is basically a battle between two devils and their servants to determine the outcome of the dispute the individual devils have, case in point with Lady Rias and Lord Riser. It is through Rating Game where most disputes between the nobles are settled without having an impact on civil order." Grayfia explained seriously, while War remained silent for a few moments in deep thought. All things considered, this could be a good opportunity to force all the devils on Earth back into the Underworld, because he seriously doubts that Death's devil pets are the only ones who traveled to Earth. And if it means going through this 'Rating Game' that Grayfia mentioned, he might as well get it over with.
As for Grayfia, she knows fully well that only the devils are allowed to participate in the Rating Game, but the Four Horsemen are beings of the highest authority, the enforcers of the Charred Council and protectors of the Balance. Even if she were to refuse his participation in the Rating Game, it wouldn't stop them from carrying out their judgment. Besides, no devil would dare to speak against their participation, so this was the best option she could think of without spreading chaos and risking a civil war.
"Very well. I will fight Riser in single combat. If I win, all the devils in the Kingdom of Man will return to the Underworld where they belong and never set foot on Earth again." War said seriously, making every devil except Issei and Asia gasp slightly in shock. "Fear not, you devils will remain until Death says otherwise, considering he has use for you." He said as he looked at Rias and her devil servants.
"I have no interest in this cesspool that is called the human realm, so fighting me is pointless. As for you horseman, you have no place to meddle in the affairs of the devil nobles." Riser growled angrily.
"I wasn't asking, devil." War said in low, dead serious voice, slightly gripping his sword further, which made the devil noble flinch in fear before War looked at him again. "As for you, you lost your say in the matter the moment you set foot in the human world to begin with, without any consent. Now, begone!" He threatened sharply.
Riser flinched in fear again, gritting his teeth slightly as he tried to suppress the fear within him at the very sight of the horseman. He probably dug his own grave by provoking the red rider. As much of a boon his regeneration is, it immensely boosted his ego and his sister warned him it would kill him someday. Turns out she wasn't wrong. Seeing that the situation is going badly for him, he reluctantly started to walk towards the rubble where the doors were. Without a moment of hesitation, he teleported back to the Underworld in magical flames, quickly dissipating afterwards.
After recovering from the immense shock that followed when War smashed Riser onto a wall, reducing it to rubble, while Issei was listening intently to their conversation, he saw an opportunity presenting itself in front of him. It was as clear as day that Rias hates every fiber of Riser's being. And from the looks of things, War has no intention whatsoever to fight for Rias and help her break the engagement, but to further his own ends. If all those countless hours he spent watching his favorite show is of any indication, he could turn the horseman's dedication in Rias' favor, hopefully without losing his head in the process. Besides, Rias has the best set of double D's in school, besides Akeno, so he has to do something before that rooster of a noble takes her away, otherwise motorboating her gazangas will only be a pipe dream.
"Hey, uhh… War?" Issei asked as he approached Grayfia and War.
"Issei, what are you think you're doing?" Rias asked seriously, a little worried that he might do something reckless like he did against Death. The other devils also turned their attention to Issei in equal surprise.
"Why wait for the day after the Rating Game when you can fight Riser at that time?" Issei smiled, while Rias and Akeno raised their eyebrows in confusion and curiosity as to what he was up to.
"What do you mean?" War asked.
"Well, here are my thoughts. Like you said, Death has use for us for hunting down fallen angels and all that. He wouldn't be too happy if Riser takes Rias away if he wins the game, right?" Issei smiled.
In truth, War was a terrifying sight to behold, but at least War doesn't have eyes that shatter all hope upon contact like Death's eyes, so looking at the red horseman was an easier task by a fair margin. However, it still puts him on edge as this is still Death's brother he is talking to, who knows how he might react to things, hopefully far more differently than the pale rider if his plan is to go to Rias' favor.
"I don't follow your reasoning." War said in disinterested tone.
"If you really want to fight lord deuchenuzzel, then you can do it on the day when Rias gets to fight him. Not only will you get what you want, but you will also break their engagement peacefully. It's basically a win-win for all of us." Issei smiled.
Grayfia picked up on Issei's plan and it was thought out very well in her opinion. Issei's suggestion would make Grayfia crack a smile, but she wouldn't dare to do that in front of War, so he wouldn't suspect anything.
"I agree with the boy's suggestion." Grayfia nodded seriously. "The process of planning another Rating Game would take months after the previous Rating Game was concluded. And by that time, multiple unexpected events can occur, especially with the presence of two of the Four Horsemen on Earth." She said.
She knew there will be a price to pay if War was to claim victory, but Rias having a miserable existence in this forced marriage seem like a fate worse than death, something that she would gladly spare her of. Besides, if they were to stop the horsemen in their agenda, they would fail miserably and it would only end in their deaths, even with the Four Devil Kings combining their powers.
War stood silent as he looked at Issei and other devils suspiciously. He could clearly see that they are trying to manipulate this situation to their favor. Usually he would be very mad because he prefers to swing his sword rather than play mind games, that's usually Death's cup of tea. But considering their end goal in this 'Rating Game' is merely to break off the engagement so Rias could find another spouse to have alone time with, he doesn't see the harm in the act in the long run, nor will it have any effect on the Balance. At least he thinks so.
The other devils waited anxiously in grave silence that permeated the room they are in, hoping that War would take the bait and fight by Rias' side in the Rating Game. Having a horseman in their team would drastically improve her chances, if not guaranteeing their victory against Riser. That is, if the rider even bothers to join their team, albeit temporarily.
"So we might as well get it over with sooner." War said before he let out a deep sigh of frustration and reluctance. It may not be his style to meddle in the affairs of the devils, or any race in the universe for that matter, but he really doesn't have the patience to wait for the next Rating Game. By that time, demons, angels and fallen angels would further entrench themselves in the Kingdom of Man, something that he needs to prevent.
"Very well Grayfia." War sighed slightly before he turned sideways and looked into her eyes. "Make the arrangements."
"Wait, so that means you are going to fight with us?" Issei smiled brightly.
"To further my own goal. Absolving your mistress of her forced marriage is nothing but an insignificant bonus." War said as he stomped his way outside the building, going to inform Death of this recent arrangement.
"He is a pervert, but he's also impressively shrewd." Akeno smiled gently as she whispered in Rias' ear.
"Impressive indeed." Rias smiled gently as she locked her eyes at Issei.
First it was his courageous show against Death in attempt to revive Asia (or stupid, probably both in his case) and now by some divine miracle he managed to convince the Horseman of the Apocalypse himself to join their team. She was practically stunned, speechless, touched, every pleasant word she could think of for what Issei did for her just now. She never would have thought Issei would turn out to be such a blessing for her and her peerage.
As for War, it wouldn't be the first time he had to undertake a fool's errand, but at least he doesn't have to bring a damn dish like Death did to a certain Maker some millennia ago. Even helping a lowly devil is a lot better than something as pointless as that. 'Sentimental value', what a joke.
Meanwhile, far away in the Underworld, Death rode on his phantom steed in search of a certain archangel who might give him more information of all the creatures that roam the Earth of late, and the Underworld for that matter. That certain someone is the steward of the Underworld himself, Azrael. He of all people will have the answers he is looking for, unless he decided to slack in his job, which is highly unlikely for a bookworm like him.
Soon enough, after much searching from above and below, the Reaper stood on the plateau overlooking the great fortress of Stormkeep, with the Crimson Spire itself looming at the very center of the fortress. It may not be as grandiose as the White City, but it is still a magnificent sight to behold. The storms occasionally thundered in the distance, hence the name of the fortress, but the angels posted there pay no heed to it. It was quite a daunting task to find it, considering Azrael is known for his illusionary magics. He wouldn't be surprised if so, for this whole area was once a bloody battleground of angels and demons and an important strategic location for the two great powers. Both sides try to claim this crucial site for their own, but the angels were victorious in the end, with Azrael residing within this mighty fortress ever since, overlooking all of the activities in the Underworld due to it being a realm in close proximity to the Third Kingdom, which could explain the devils' ability to teleport there at a whim.
Twenty minutes later, Death slowly rode towards the fortress gates, with the two angel soldiers standing guard, equipped with standard lances with attached gun barrel in the middle.
"Hold, horseman! What business brings you to Stormkeep?" One of the guards asked strictly.
"I am here to speak with Archangel Azrael. My business is my own." Death said in his usual, cold tone. The two guards looked at each other in thought for a few seconds whether to let the horseman enter or not.
Within the top of the spire overlooking the lands as far as the eye can see, Azrael stood watch and looked down below at the green, soul-like silhouette of a phantom steed he recognized before it arrived at its gates.
"The Reaper, here?" Azrael asked himself curiously.
"Lord Azrael. The pale rider is standing at our gates, his intention to speak with you. Does he have your permission to enter the fortress?" The guard said through a small, orb-shaped communicator with a stone angel decorating the orb, a device which angels often use both in and out of the battlefield.
"Permission granted, soldier. Let him in." Azrael said as he continued to look down at the gates.
"Yes, sir." The guard nodded as he then turned sideways and looked up at the two more guards above. "Open the gates!" He shouted, while the guards above nodded as the gate slowly opened wide.
The guards on the ground returned to their posts while Death dismounted and walked towards the massive spire on foot. Two more angels accompanied the rider on his way to Azrael, so he wouldn't cause any trouble like the last time, when he and his brother War battled Abaddon in the lower levels of the White City itself during Death's quest to interrogate a rogue Maker Belisatra. As the rider continued his way to the Spire, he received a lot of disapproving glares from the angels around him, but he couldn't care less for a bunch of grumpy angels. But at the same time he can't blame them, Death was not really the friendliest of types among the Horsemen.
As he got closer and closer, he noticed that the Crimson Spire itself was as magnificent as the fortress itself. The massive structure was immaculately built, with its colors starting from the whitish gold from the bottom changing to darker yellow, then orange and then to crimson red as Death looked all the way to the top, which also makes the Spire a grim monument to the angels who died in those brutal battles. He silently honored their deaths, but he didn't linger on those thoughts for long as he quickly returned to the task at hand.
After almost an hour trudging to the top of the spire, he finally reached the doors leading to Azrael's chambers. The guards opened the doors and Death entered, with Dust flying inside and perching on one of the angel banners pinned on the pillars of the chamber. The guards entered the room as well, standing at the two opposite ends of the door archway, while Death stood in the middle of the room, silently staring at the Archangel himself.
"Leave us." Azrael commanded in his usual, deep voice, calm and filled with wisdom. The guards nodded as they left the room, closing the doors behind them and locking them to give the two some privacy. After Death and Azrael stared at each other for a few moments, Azrael stood up from his seat and made his way to the balcony.
"What brings you here Death? I haven't committed any crime that would warrant your claim on my soul." Azrael asked curiously.
"Your soul will remain in it's body for the time being steward." Death said casually as he walked towards the archangel.
"Then for what purpose would the Council send you here?" Azrael said curiously.
"I came here on my own accord, in need of information." Death said before he stood next to Azrael.
"What kind of information?" Azrael asked as Death stomped his way next to him.
"I recently discovered the existence of the demon subfaction called the Devils. What can you tell me about them?" Death asked curiously.
"I am aware of your association with the devils. And you need not worry, they are not a threat to the humans, as i assume you consider them to be so." Azrael said seriously.
"I doubt it." Death said coldly.
"And in other times, your doubts would be all the incentive the angels need to destroy the devils. But in recent centuries, the devils have proven to be quite the allies against the demons." Azrael said seriously.
"Angels allied with the devils? You might as well make friends with the demons themselves Azrael." Death said in slight disbelief as he let out a rasped chuckle.
"They are far different from the demons of Hell, despite retaining some of their... 'traits' for the lack of better word. As you may have noticed, their entire society, along with their architecture, is very similar to those of the humans. In fact, their appearances also strongly resemble that of a human, with their devil wings and impressive powers being one of the exceptions." Azrael explained as he looked at the horizon before he glanced towards Death. "I assume you have noticed this while making your stay with Rias Gremory."
"You know of that devil girl?" Death said as he glanced at the archangel and raised his eyebrow curiously beneath his mask.
"The princess of annihilation and the sister of the Devil King himself is hardly unknown, rider. She was the one who was sent to the human realm so she could associate with the other humans in their academies. And it seems that she is blending in well, if I dare say so myself." Azrael smiled slightly.
"You do realize that all are forbidden to set foot in the Third Kingdom, unless they intend to start a premature Endwar?" Death said as a matter of factly.
"That is true, they have broken the law by venturing into the human realm. Even so, before you arrived, Rias Gremory and her servants destroyed all those who would harm the humans in any way." Azrael said seriously.
"By enslaving the humans? That is hardly making them any different from the demons." Death said venomously at that fact.
"Their methods are questionable, but none of the devils ever forcibly enslaved the humans to their will, at least to my knowledge thus far. All the humans who knew about their existence offered their services and their souls willingly. Some out of greed, some out of vengeance or simply the means to gain power." Azrael then smiled gently, much to Death's slight confusion. "But I bore witness to the noble souls who traded their freedom to protect those they love, their friends and family. You know of whom I speak of."
"Issei Hyoudou." Death said simply as he had flashbacks of him charging at the Phantom Champion in rage and the time when he stood up against Death multiple times just so Asia could be brought back to life.
"Indeed. He was maybe forcefully drawn into Rias Gremory's service, but nonetheless he fights for them with his very life. Even against Death himself." Azrael smiled slightly, while Death huffed in annoyance as he looked towards the horizon. "You may have every right to execute them due to defying the law of keeping away from the human realm, but they have proven to be powerful and valuable allies in times of turmoil. And it is because of these facts that you spared them and enlisted them to your cause, correct?"
"I only hired them to lure out the infiltrators for me. You know they would not dare to show themselves with me around." Death said strictly.
"True." Azrael said simply.
"Speaking of which…" Death said as he turned towards Azrael, much to the archangel's concern. "I heard reports that there are angels hiding among the humans as well. You will order them to abandon their hideouts and return to the White City or whatever outpost they crawled out of. And that is not a request."
"It shall be so. But you have to know that some amongst the angels don't follow my orders. Some of them stationed on Earth serve the Hellguard." Azrael pointed out.
"The Hellguard? Abaddon sent his angels as well? Has everyone forgotten the massacre that was the Great War centuries ago or are you two the conspirators I'm looking for?" Death said coldly. Azrael frowned slightly as he did not take Death's accusation lightly, but he kept his mouth shut as he let that remark slide before he looked towards the horizon.
"We haven't forgotten about that day, Death. When the Four Horsemen rode on Earth to exterminate the three warring sides, along with two mighty dragons who wrought unimaginable chaos." Azrael said before looked at Death. "But the angels were not the first to infiltrate the denizens of Earth. The demons were the first to do so, followed by the fallen angels. It was only natural for the White City to send its forces to prevent them in their atrocities. This time around, there is a fourth force that also traveled to the human realm."
"The Devils." Death said simply.
"Yes. As you have discovered, they are a peaceful faction, and as I said, formidable allies even to the angels of the White City." Azrael smiled gently.
"Just because the Gremory family is 'peaceful', it doesn't mean the devils as a faction are as well, archangel! You out of several 'wise' beings across Creation should know better than that, especially when it considers the beings descending from the Dark Kingdom!" Death said angrily as he pointed at the archangel.
"Quite the contrary." Azrael said seriously before he glanced at the rider. "This is not something that i say lightly, horseman. I've been keeping an eye on the devils long after their faction came to be. While it is true that some of the devils wish to return to the fold of the legions of Hell through treachery, lies, deceit and manipulation, most of the devils seek to live their days in peace, tired of the conflict between the two kingdoms that rages since the dawn of time. If they were all even close to being like their progenitors, we would not even consider to fight by their side, let alone ally ourselves with them in the first place." He then looked towards the horizon again. "Keep a sharp eye on them if you wish, but consider to at least tolerate the devils and spare the lives of the Gremory devils under your employ."
"I'll decide that when the time comes." Death said coldly before he looked at Azrael. "And why are you so concerned for their lives? Have you finally grown sentimental, even for the devils?" He asked in sarcastic tone, something that Azrael noticed as he chuckled a bit.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not." Azrael smiled before his face went serious again. "Now, anything else you need to know?"
"First inform me of the other powers that formed on Earth over the centuries." Death said.
"There are none Death." Azrael nodded seriously to the rider before he looked towards the horizon. "At least not those that would challenge humanity's rule."
"I don't follow." Death said in slightly confused tone.
"Although humanity as a species continues to be a dominant race on Earth, there are supernatural powers that dwell in a different plain of existence or another world altogether, formed out of humanity's collective faith that gave way to the rise and fall of many pantheons across the world over the centuries. And it's because of these deities that countless hybrids and creatures were formed in the lands from where they reside, altering their human followers in varying magnitudes. Some are simple physical enhancements, and some are changes beyond recognition. The vampires, werewolves and witches in Europe, centaurs, satyrs and minotaurs of Greece, the draugr, revenants and huldra of the Norse mythology, and many other examples of creatures manifested from the gods themselves or the human followers altered by their powers."
"All of these deities are formed solely from humanity's faith?" Death asked curiously at an almost impossible to believe topic.
"Indeed. And with their arrival, it was not uncommon that the demigods would follow them, a union of a mortal and a god. Although many pantheons prefer not to interfere with the affairs of the Third Kingdom, there are some who would even make children with mortal women. And that lead to the birth of many demigods, some heroes and some villains." Azrael said seriously.
"As long as these 'deities' don't jeopardize humanity's evolution to ready themselves for angels and demons in the Endwar, then they are not my concern. Though i might consider investigating these pantheons after this whole crisis is over with." Death said seriously before he glanced from the horizon to the archangel. "Now, tell me what you know of the other creatures that roam the Underworld."
"The majority of the Underworld is ruled by the Devil society, but we have several angel outposts spread throughout the realm to keep an eye on them as a precaution. Then there is a realm of the fallen angels. Most of them made several attempts to subjugate humanity over the centuries, all of them failed." Azrael explained.
"Yes, I had a misfortune to kill the wretches on Earth." Death said, remembering how he killed the three fallen angels after Raynare killed Issei, followed by the memory of killing a human follower of the fallen ones. He was maybe forbidden to kill the humans, but that doesn't apply to those who serve the dark powers like the demons and the fallen angels.
"The dragons you killed on Earth are not the only ones who existed. There are many of their kind, mostly residing in the mountain simply known as the Dragon Mountain, nestled in the Gremory devils' territory." Azrael said, gesturing to his right before he looked at Death again. "And then there is another, lower part of the Underworld which I assume you are familiar with. It is the place the Greeks on Earth call Hades, the realm named after the Greek god Hades, one among the pantheon of the Gods of Olympus."
"Yes, a place which is ridiculously called the Realm of the Dead. Huh, the Lord of Bones is not going to be pleased with the other powers trying to mimic the Kingdom of the Dead." Death said in dry, humorless tone.
"You ventured there before." Azrael said simply, well aware of Death's sojourn to that part of the Underworld from more than a century ago.
"I did, on a quest to kill a rogue demon who turned out to be the angel. I assume Abaddon told you of that." Death said, while Azrael nodded silently in confirmation. "I first had to obtain a weapon to battle the angel on Earth and it required me to venture to River Styx and slay the beast that dwelled there. Before I killed the angel, some dark power, some… corruption overtook her and drove her mad." Azrael listened intently what Death said and pondered on it. Over the centuries, he wondered what kind of dark power formed on Earth at that time. But what it is, he didn't know exactly as all he had were speculations.
"In any case, it is currently not a threat to humanity and the Balance." Death turned around and made his way outside, having all the information he needed from the archangel.
"But it might be in the future." Azrael said as he turned sideways and looked at the rider who suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"If so, I will be ready." Death said grimly after a few moments of silence. Then he made his way to the doors, on his way back to Earth.
A/N: You may notice that i make several Dragon Ball Z references in this story and you may or may not know why, but here's the gist of it. In season one of Highschool DXD, Issei and that guy with glasses, what's his name, make reference about the DBZ several times in one episode: Kogu-Goku, Dragon Boy Z-Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Yell-Dragon Fist etc. I mean, it wont have any effect whatsoever on the story itself, i just removed that ridiculous concept and replaced it with the actual series, because why not? :D
-The Deck Master Well, i planned for that, but since Darksiders 3 will be released who knows when in 2018, ill just continue the story as it is. Besides, you may notice i added War, so let's see how the story will go from here :)
-Gamelover41592 Thank a lot, i particularly enjoyed writing the battle scene :)
-Wacko12 How strong he is? Well, it's hard to tell really. if we are to take his fight against Samael and Absalom in Darksiders 2, and that is without the power of the Seals, then he is stronger than the four Devil Kings combined. That's as far as i can estimate his strength without making him too OP.
-The Lone Swordswolf Yeah, in long chapters like that, i tend to skip some repeated words when i check on grammar mistakes or rewrite certain scenes. But thanks for the suggestion :) Yeah, Raynare got desperate when she saw the pale rider in action, that costed her dearly.
That part was difficult to come up with. I wanted to bring back Asia without making Death fall out of character, but turns out i found the solution. Issei may be a major pervert, but he adores Asia to the point of even going Juggernaut Drive when she presumably died, so going up against Death for someone like Asia is not a surprise for Issei :D
P.S. Well, you got your wish granted for Azrael, now as for other Darksiders characters, we shall see as the story goes.
P.P.S. Abbadon is alive, yes and the Makers are still here in the story, though it remains to be seen will they have a part to play. As for Corruption, that also remains to be seen.
Thank you all for the reviews, faves and follows so far and ill see you in the next chapter :)