Hello.
So, the last time I updated this story was in October. Since then I have posted two new stories of my own mind, updated Nosferatu Arc, and posted 2 chapters of my very first commissioned fanfic. All while working, nay struggling to get a job. Even now as I work on the online courses for Texas Teachers Certification, I am still submitting applications wherever I can. On top of that, family members have been hospitalized and the month of fasting recently happened. Plus, as I am living rent free with my family, I can't really give them too much lip when they ask me to take care of stuff like cleaning and yardwork, for two houses! Yeah, the current house we live in and the old one, the one that I spent over 20 years of my life growing up and living in, that we are still trying to sell/rent out, for over a year! So please forgive me for taking all this time but do understand that while you might dislike me for not getting around to this faster, I absolutely loathe myself for taking so freaking long despite already having the major events of this arc planned out
So, I've made a few changes to my pa_tr_eon. For one thing, the Tier 4 pledge has been reduced to $10 with each commissioned chapter coming out whenever I can instead of monthly like I thought I could do. However, while this is a bit of a backstep, I have a few new rewards for patrons of all levels.
Guaranteed OC submissions! Basically, all my patrons from Tier 1 and up get access to my Excel sheet where I work on my OC's and keep track of them. With this access, they can put in any OC they think of along with the fanfic they want it and I'll definitely use it! Character and monster ideas that are sent via reviews or PM's are more along the lines of "maybe".
So that's a little something, for those who are interested.
To get to my page and become a patron, please copy and paste this pa_tr_eo_n_._com_/_Co_mpo_scre_ator is into your bar and get rid of the underscores.
I do not own the Kamen Rider franchise or High School DXD.
Things such as chants and data on the magic rings were obtained through Kamen Rider wiki, High school DXD wiki, and English translations of High School DxD volumes 1-25. I do however claim ownership to original spell and transformation rings as well as original techniques.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
Sacred Gear and WizarDriver/Handauthor sounds
[Ddraig talking to Issei alone]
[Ddraig talking aloud to others and audience]
Magic ka!? maji de!? maji da! Show Time
Wizard II twirls around with his magic circle swirling in that background with Ddraig breathing fire over the circle forming the title
Maru de tsuki to taiyou
Rias stares up at a red moon, cut to Rias and Issei staring at each other
Kasanaru toki no shougeki!
A quick cut of Koneko throwing a punch
Dare datte kiseki shinjitemitai
We have Kiba readying his sword
Akeno in miko outfit casting preparing to cast her lightening
Kitto hitsuyou fukaketsu no
We get a quick picture of Asia in her nun garb.
We have Raynare and Kalawarner clasping their hand together and posing.
Energy kokoro no tame
We have Issei and Rias reaching out to each other with the Occult members and familiars going about their lives before the scene cracked.
Yume to yosou ii imi de uragitte kureru mono
We have a montage of Issei with purple cracks all over him with Wizard I reaching out to help him.
3, 2, 1 SHOW TIME!
Magic Time torikku janai
Issei henshins with Boosted Gear on
Mahō hirō hanpanee ze! (Maruto halleuya!)
Spinning around while showing off the Flame ring
Kioku no rūto mogurikonde
The PlaMonsters appear and move or fly out of magic circles
kibō sukuidasou
In a fast montage he transforms to all his styles beginning with Flame we have Rias using her Power of Destruction, with Water we have Asia using Twilight Healing, with Hurricane Kiba is shown creating a sword, with Land Koneko throws a giant rock, and Volt Akeno summons lightning.
Show time! (Boost)
Wizard II boosts himself with Boosted Gear
Life is showtime tobikiri no
Wizard is shown going into an underworld
Unmei no life mucha shite mo (Maruto halleuya!)
Wizard II rides the Machine Winger then connects it to Ddraig
Kinōkyōashita mirai
The Occult club is messing around with echii fan service scenes like panty shots
subete no namida o
Issei crying over his parents grave then we have him turn due to Haruto's hand on him though Haruto's face would be kept in shadows.
Show Time!
Issei and Rias on the Machine Winger, cuts to him giving Rias an Engage Ring
Hōseki ni kaete yaru ze
Issei henshins into all his styles settling on Flame.
Magic ka!? maji de!? maji da! Show Time
All of the Occult Club and familiar pose together with Wizard II in the Wizard pose and equipped with Boosted Gear.
Chapter 16: And so, the pieces begin to move
In a secluded area with no cameras or people, a teleportation circle appeared on the ground and from the light emerged Rias and her peerage minus Issei of course. Once the circle was gone, they took off running.
"Remind me why we didn't just teleport to the site where the Phantom showed up?" Kiba asked while holding Asia's hand to help her keep up with the rest of them.
"Because," Rias raid in a sigh of exasperation. "According to Issei and Agent Rinko, if we really want to keep devils and other races a secret, teleporting straight there will just draw attention to us and create more chances for the secret to be exposed."
"It is hard to erase memories of multiple people while fighting off the enemy." Kiba admitted, "and tracking them down afterwards adds too much risk. Kind of amazing that the Riders have only been considered urban legends."
"I heard that they've been caught on live TV before." Koneko added as they cut through some trees. "Wouldn't want that to happen to us."
"So, we could be tricked into exposing ourselves?" Asia asked, fearing the consequences.
"Not just that." Akeno added, taking note that they could now hear people screaming and running. "Considering there are Fallen working with the Phantoms and this Foundation X that Issei won't talk to us about, we can never be too careful that there might be a trap for us devils." The incident with the Vulture Phantom came to hers and Rias's minds.
"Either way." Rias nodded, "If we aren't cautious, we could end up in big trouble, especially with the government of the Underworld."
The screaming sounds were getting louder and soon they were out of the trees and into a park area and Issei was already there getting off his bike facing down the Phantom and his Ghouls, and they were definitely an interesting bunch.
The Phantom was certainly unique. Each limb looked like they had once been red wax candles before being partially melted to form. Even the head looked like the top of a candle with the black neck and skull that elongated backwards. The other distinguishing feature were the orange claws, teeth, and lines running up the bones that looked almost like LED lights. With the obvious fire theme, it was no surprise that the Ghouls had skin so black and veins/markings so red they looked like walking piles of magma.
Issei saw Rias and gave her a nod before turning to the Phantom, distracting it from the civilians still in the area while also trying to locate the Gate.
"This is a bit of a new one." He called out. "Never thought I'd meet a Beauty and the Beast character reject."
Understanding that as their cue, Rias, Akeno, and Asia got to work helping bystanders get out of there with the older girls simultaneously preparing a barrier spell to keep anyone from coming in and, hopefully, the Phantom from escaping. As for Kiba and Koneko, they moved to stand next to Issei, preparing their sword and gloves respectively.
"And I never thought I'd hear such a lame joke." The Phantom taunted back with its raspy voice like someone has spent their entire life smoking. "I thought the younger generation were supposed to have great sense of humor." The Ghouls practically jeered at Issei and co. at this statement.
"Nice burn candlestick." Issei sarcastically replied as he rolled his eyes. "Where's the Gate?"
"Who knows." The monster replied, practically smirking. "Maybe I'm not after some lousy Gate. Maybe I just want a shot at you."
"There's always some hot head who thinks they can do things themselves." Kiba chuckled.
"Literally." Koneko agreed as she cracked her knuckles.
"Then let's cool him off." Issei grinned putting on his Water ring.
"Henshin!"
Water; Please!
Sui, Sui, Sui, Sui, Sui, Sui!
Now wearing the Water Style armor, Wizard II pushed back the coattails and raised up his left hand.
"Sa, Showtime da." With that he charged forward, Kiba and Koneko right with him.
"Get them." The Phantom ordered his Ghouls. They hissed and pulled out a variety of weapons, all of them as hot and burnt as their own skin, before charging forward.
With his speed, Kiba was the first to meet the Ghouls. He blocked the first few attacks with a sword that sucked the flames out of the weapons, attacking and countering with the second blade that was made of pure water. Despite their burning attacks, their bodies were actually quite sturdy reducing the damage from each blow despite their effectiveness.
With Koneko, she was lucky to be wearing gloves with enhanced durability and resistance from all elements, so her hands were protected as she delivered several hard punches. Unfortunately, she did not have the same level of protection elsewhere. Making use of her height, Koneko weaved between the Ghouls, easily ducking the swings of their rams and spears, deflecting the more acute stabs with her fists. The moment there was an opening, she delivered a punch that would crack its skin and send the Ghoul flying back into its comrades. However, due to their durability, it still took a few full powered punches to destroy one.
As for Issei, the Water armor had the lowest attack power, with each strike weakened due to the enemy's defense. However, by utilizing the style's flexibility, he was able to dodge every attack and land his hits at critical spots. On top of that, thanks to the elemental attribute, every punch and kick became surrounded by a layer of water moments before impact, neutralizing the heat coming off the Ghouls' bodies and even slowing down their movements. Once enough of them had been weakened, a roundhouse kick surrounded by a jet of water finished them off, giving Issei the chance to reach the Phantom and get the real fight started.
"Congratulations." The Phantom clapped mockingly. "You've made it to the great Vlameter, the bringer of your doom."
"Corny as hell." Issei scoffed, getting into his stance.
"We'll see who's laughing once I barbeque your corpse." Vlameter growled, the orange markings on his body becoming brighter as heat radiated off him to the point the air itself was rippling, reminding Issei of some of the scorching days in America.
It was certainly hot enough. It was so intense, any water that manifested around his limbs evaporated by the time the attack landed, causing Issei to feel the full sting of the Phantom's burning skin. When Vlameter fought back with punches, kicks, and slashes of his own, Issei was force to dodge as trying to deflect and counter did more harm than good.
Even after jumping back for distance, he could still feel the burning sensation, even on the skin under his armor.
"Guess this is as good as time as any to give that another try." Issei mumbled to himself as he clenched his left fist, the complete Boosted Gear appearing over it in a flash of green light.
Boost!
Hearing the sound of something approaching him rapidly, Issei jumped to the side, barely dodging the ball of fire that was half as big as he was. Facing his opponent, Issei noticed the burning markings seemed to have dimmed a bit. After dodging another one that as just as large as the previous one, Issei noticed it happen again. Just maybe…
Boost!
Time to test that theory.
Explosion!
Feeling the power surge in his body and the gem lit up, he charged forward, flipping over the smaller fireballs sent his way, jumping even higher than he normally could. Landing behind the Phantom, Issei spun around with punch with more water gathering around his fist than before and it felt much denser. When the blow landed, there was a huge explosion of steam that sent him flying back, flipping around once before landing on his feet.
Reset!
Feeling the strain and drain on his body, Issei could not stop himself from grunting as he stood back up, focusing all his attention on the bastard, waiting for the steam to clear. When it had, Issei could not help release a chuckle loud enough for the Kaijin to hear.
"Guess you've got a limited fuel supply." Wizard II taunted, pointing with the Boosted Gear towards Vlameter, specifically the various markings around the body that significantly dimmed while the shoulder that Issei punched had a large crack in it.
However, the monster was unperturbed.
"Maybe," the smirk was audible in its retort. "But are you sure you can keep up those kinds of attacks without getting yourself real hurt." Even the Phantom could see that Issei was damaged from the attack itself and the use of the BG.
"Why don't we find out." Issei smirked, getting into a proper stance as his sacred gear gave off a bright glow.
Boost!
Issei prepared to dodge the next attack, only for a giant flame twice his size come out of nowhere and strike Vlameter.
Going back a few minutes…
"That's everyone!" Akeno called out to Rias.
"Good!" Rias replied, facing out towards the edge of the park. The entire time they were evacuating civilians, Rias and Akeno had been placing magic circles around the area, creating a border in advance. They hadn't gotten far with Asia's training in her strengths and powers as a devil, much less to the point where she could help cast and support a barrier concealment spell, so it was up to the two more experienced devils. Rias held out her hands and a red magic circle formed in front of it. Akeno did the same and soon after a series of them appeared around the area. Slowly, a glass like structure began to form, building itself up from the ground up, reaching the top and forming a dome. To the outside world, the park area was now empty. But to those on the inside, well let's just say it was hard to miss the sky going form blue to red and purple sludge.
And the entire time this was being executed, neither of the girls noticed a snake keeping a very, very close eye on their actions.
By the time the barrier was complete and Rias and Akeno turned back to the fight, Issei was dodging the large fireballs.
"Looks like it's time for us to step in." Rias grinned, energy gathering in her hands as Akeno followed suit, both of them taking positions in front of Asia. However, they were interrupted by a magic circle that appeared next to them followed by Grayfia and Riser with his entire peerage. Before any questions could be asked, the silver haired woman explained immediately.
"Lord Riser was about to follow you immediately after your departure. I convinced him to wait until you had secured the area." Rias wasn't even going to question how Grayfia knew they had completed the barrier or teleported them inside.
"We're not finished Rias!" Riser growled as he stalked forward, only stopping when Grayfia game him a warning look.
"And I told you that there are more urgent matters!" rias shouted back. "Namely dealing with that Phantom!" She said pointing to Vlameter just as the steam was clearing from Issei's boosted attack.
"You dare waste the great Riser's time on some weak stray devil!" The blonde shouted, his peerage nodding and scowling in agreement. Before Rias could get a syllable in, Riser used both hands to create a large ball of fire. "I'll show you fools how it's done!" He declared throwing it at the monster.
The impact and explosion grabbed everyone's attention, including the remaining Ghouls giving Kiba and Koneko the chance to finish them off.
"Pathetic." Riser scoffed, turning back to Rias. "Looks like being in this disgusting human world has made you soft Rias. So why don't you be a good girl and-"
"YOU IDIOT!" Issei yelled out so loud all of them could hear it. "I FUCKING HAD HIM AND YOU HAD TO INTERFERE!"
"That was the pawn?" Riser mumbled, before yelling back. "Is that anyway to treat the great Riser who just did you job for you?"
"You mean making things worse!" Wizard II yelled back, pointing at the flames that were…not burning anything. Instead, they were being sucked in, absorbed by something in the epicenter.
"Th-that's not possible…" Riser stuttered as the flames soon vanished completely, revealing Vlameter looking better than ever.
Not only was he completely healed up, the damage Issei dealt before completely gone, but it looked like he was completely reenergized. His markings weren't just glowing brightly, they were radiating heat and power, flames literally coating the Phantoms body, hugging it like a suit or something.
"Thanks for the refill bro." The Phantom called out to Riser. "And right on schedule too." He brought his hands up, showing the Ghoul Stones that were literally on fire because of his burning hand, then clasped his palms together still holding the stones. "Why don't I return the favor?"
All the flames running around his body converged onto his hands, disappearing between its fingers. Soon he pulled his hands apart to reveal a compressed molten ball that seemed to be pulsing erratically, as if it was barely contained.
"Take cover!" Issei called out, quickly moving in front of Kiba and Koneko, grabbing a spell ring and going for a quick use of the Boosted Gear.
Boost!
Explosion!
Defend; Please!
Clenching his teeth as the strange sensation caused by the increase in power, Issei directed it towards his spell, creating a dome of water that covered the three of them the best he could. The Phantom threw the ball molten energy into the air, making him worry that it might not be enough. Luckily, Kiba stepped in to add some extra protection.
"Sword Birth!" He cried out, slamming his swords into the ground. Soon the trio were surrounded by water and ice type swords.
At the same time, Grayfia stepped in front of Rias and Riser, her action causing them and their peerage to move back a bit, and extended both hands forward, a magic circle appearing in front of her that quickly expanded into a giant wall that reached the roof of the barrier. And just in time as the energy reached the apex of its ascent, and exploded into a shower of meteors, all of them aiming for the devils.
"Great job you moron!" Wizard II yelled at Riser over the sound of the incoming attack. "You taught him Draco Meteor!"
That's when they started to land, each one blowing up on impact creating a small crater. Kiba's barrier of swords weathered several dozen hits before being reduced to metallic dust. Issei's own water barrier started to take attacks head one while managing to deflect some to the side. As for Grayfia, her defense spell held strong against the bombardment, with no signs of weakening.
That, however, was when things got crazy.
Some of the falling projectiles weren't just exploding balls of rock and fire.
There were also exploding Ghouls!
They were few, but each one left a crater 5 times bigger than all the others, you know they exploded there.
One landed right on top of Issei's water barrier, looking like the enhanced Ghouls from before except much redder like they came right out of the fire, and looked him in the eye. Right before its body bulged out, then exploded, practically destroying the barrier and knocking the three of them back. It was only thanks to Koneko they were not sent flying, using her strength as a Rook to hold Kiba and Issei and place while digging her own feet in as they were pushed back a few yards by the explosion.
Some of those same Ghouls landed near Grayfia's barrier and moved towards it. However, he older devil easily created another barrier to push them away minimizing the damage. Once the bombardment stopped, she dropped the wall but kept her hand raised just in case.
Soon the smoke cleared and revealed what might as well have been a mind field, with Vlameter standing there, smug as ever. Meanwhile Issei, Kiba, and Koneko were blown back several yards and breathing heavily.
"Now that I'm all warmed up," The Phantom said, cracking its neck just for show. "How about we get the real fight started?" He turned towards Riser. "Unless the bird brain over there wants to feed me again so we can play more flaming dodgeball."
"How dare he." Riser growled. "Isabella, go show this fool what happens when you mess with the Phenex family!"
"Understood." Spoke a member of his peerage, a woman wearing combat-esque clothing that were cut off in such a way that her navel and cleavage were expose and a half-face mask. With a half bow she launched herself forward, jumping into the battlefield.
"As for the rest of you-" before Riser could say anything else, Grayfia cut him off.
"Will stay right where you are." She ordered in a tone that left no room for argument. "All of you." She directed those words to Riser specifically, along with a very powerful glare. "You have already escalated the situation, and the actions of your Rook might make things worse.
"Then let me-" Rias began.
"That creature absorbed the flames of the Phenex family." Grayfia cut her off, turning to face her. "Until we know that it has not absorbed any special properties, I can't allow you to engage the enemy." The statement and its cold logic made Rias grit her teeth.
"Then at least stop that girl!" Akeno cried out, pointing down to Isabella who was getting closer to the Phantom.
"To do so would require my active intervention in the battle, and that would violate a standing order from both Lord Sirzechs and Lord Gremory." Grayfia replied evenly, turning to face the fight.
"Brother and father?" Rias questioned.
"If I were to ever encounter a Kamen Rider, I am to observe their actions in and out of combat and report back to them as early as possible."
'That means the both of them are already aware of the existence of Kamen Riders!' Rias and Akeno realized.
"Wait," Riser mumbled, getting a worried look in his eyes that was mirrored by one of the younger girls in his peerage, and Rias almost missed it. "Are you telling me," he turned back towards the battle, specifically where Issei and co were getting back on their feet. "That pawn is actually a Kamen Rider."
For a moment, his entire expression was one of pure fear. Realizing this, he tried to cover it up, but not fast enough.
"A-anyway. It does not matter. Isabella doesn't need fire to beat this pathetic creature."
"I doubt it will be so simple." Grayfia said, eyes narrowed.
Meanwhile…
As they were getting ready, Issei confirmed the plan with Kiba and Koneko.
"I go in with Ice, Water, and Anti-fire swords. Anything to reduce his heat." The knight nodded, preparing two swords in hand already.
"I toss boulders at red and ugly to keep him from getting close." Koneko grunted as the pulled off some loose bits of her scorched clothes to keep them from getting in the way, her normally passive expression now twisted into one that said "pissed off".
"And I'll charge up as much as possible," Issei nodded, the Boosted Gear lighting up with the first charge. "Go for a finisher, and if that's not enough, rinse and repeat."
The three nodded to each other and got ready to move.
Boost!
Only to be interrupted again.
"Foul beast!" Isabella shouted out once she was close enough, drawing the attention of the combatants. "As the Rook of Riser Phenex, I will punish you for your insult against our master." She declared getting into a fighting stance.
"Seriously!" Issei shouted in exasperation. "Are you all bird brains or something!"
Boost!
"And this thing is still going! Isn't there a pause button here!
Isabella charged in, her fists in front of her face ready to block and strike as needed. However, Vlameter did not even try to attack or move out of the way, just stood there and braced himself. She made the first move delivering a left hook straight to the Phantom's torso that hit true.
But it was her last move.
"What the…" she began, confused that her attack seemed to do nothing when she had expected it to send the creature flying. Then her arms started feeling heavy, followed by her whole body. Soon she fell to the ground on her knees. "What's happening to me!"
"Thanks for the snack." The Phantom grinned, making her look up to see that it once again had extra flames around its body, though not as much as before. "With you here, I can stay topped up for quite a while."
"But how!" Cried out the blonde drill haired girl from Riser's peerage. "She didn't use any of her flames!"
"But her mana is a fire type." Vlameter cheered, shocking all the others. "And that's just as good, if not better!"
"Damn it!" Issei spit out.
"Well what are you waiting for Wiz-kid?" The Phantom said turning back to the Kuoh students, putting a foot on Isabella's head at the same time, forcing it into the ground. "Let's see how long you can last."
"This is bad." Kiba snarled. "With her there it will take even more effort to neutralize his fire power."
"Any suggestions?" Koneko asked turning to Issei. For a few seconds, he was silent.
"I've got one." He said, some hesitation in his voice as he reached for a ring. "Same plan as before, except I want Kiba here to use a few fire swords in the mix."
"What?!" The knight nearly shouted out, turning to face the mage. "Won't that make things worse?"
"Do it before he figures out the plan you moron!" Issei hissed as he pulled out the Flame Ring. "I'm more than willing to get Yami out here to get the job done if you don't have the balls for it."
"Fine." Kiba grunted, turning back to the Phantom. "Let's hope this works." With that he shot forward using all the speed of his Evil Piece to get right in the monster's face. The Phantom produced his own twin swords of rock and fire, clashing with Kiba at a near even level. The blonde pretty boy was still able to get in a few hits for each parry, mixing it up between ice and fire, keeping the net result a 0.
The moment, Kiba had dashed off, Issei turned to Koneko.
"Go ahead and throw shit at him. Keep him distracted and attention off of me." Koneko nodded and grabbed the largest chunk of nearby debris, which happened to be as big as her.
"Just don't take too long." With that, she chucked it like a fastball. Kiba's speed and senses made it easy for him to dodge right out of the way as it smashed into Vlameter's face. He got pissed off, and Kiba got more strikes in.
As soon as Koneko started throwing like she was TP-ing a frat house, Issei got to work on his part of the plan, nearly praying for his theory to be right as he moved to switch armors.
However, the Boosted Gear was proving to be a problem. It still had a few boosts stored in it, and it would not dematerialize, even temporarily. This posed a problem as he needed his left hand, or at least the left middle finger, to switch between forms.
"Guess I've got no choice." He muttered to himself, closing his eyes in concentration.
Reset!
He stumbled a bit as the forced reset of the Sacred Gear took its toll on him, but at least now he could dismiss it for the few seconds needed to change into Flame Style (Flame; Please! Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii!), summoning the gauntlet again as soon as he could (Boost!).
Unable to just stand back and build up power, Wizard II pulled out his gun and shot at the Phantom using the skills trained into him to make the bullets curve around Kiba. As he kept this up, he circled around, changing up the angle of his bullets while also getting a better view of the Phantom. It was kind of impressive that despite the attacks from Kiba and Koneko it still held its position, it's foot still pressing down on Isabella's head. Speaking of which, she was definitely weaker than before as the force she exerted trying to push herself up had lessened. Yet, Issei noticed, it seemed that Vlameter's strength remained consistent the entire time. That was enough to give him the confidence to carry the plan out all the way through.
It had been 1 and a half minutes since entering the Flame style and firing up the Boosted Gear.
90 seconds…9 boosts…a multiplier of 512.
Perhaps it was just enough.
Explosion!
C'mon Slash; Shake Hands!
"Keep him pinned Kiba!"
Flame; Slash Strike!
As Kiba created several swords and stabbed them in the ground around the Phantom to keep it in place, Issei charged forward, swinging a sword with fire so intense the flames were blue, the air and ground were practically melting, even his ow hands were being burnt underneath the armor. Even the normal chant of Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii, Hii! was warped, as if the flames were pushing the weapon to its very limits.
"No!" Vlameter cried out, realizing what was about to happen. It tried to flee, but Kiba's swords blocked its escape route and forced it to stop stepping on Isabella.
"Grab her and duck!" Issei cried out, prompting the blonde to jump towards the Rook, getting only a short distance away before Issei's burning blade made contact with the Kaijin.
It's body automatically started absorbing the fire, but it just could not stop! Flames were appearing all over its body and getting more and more intense but the power of the Issei's attack was so intense that it was hard to tell that any of it had been absorbed at all.
And it was clearly more than his body could handle.
"Looks like you didn't last that long." Wizard II grinned, throwing the Phantom's words right back at him.
"DAMN YOU!"
The resulting explosion was so powerful it engulfed Issei with the smoke covering Kiba and Isabella for a while. By the time it cleared, he was out of his armor, hands and knees on the ground smoke coming from his hands while the other two were getting back on their feet.
"Issei!" Asia and Rias cried out running for straight for him, Akeno right behind them. Neither of them bothered to check with Grayfia if it was alright, not that she tried to anyway.
"Looks like it's over." She spoke aloud. "Interesting."
"Issei, what just happened!" Rias asked, grabbing the boy's face and making him look her in the eye while Asia brought forth Twilight Healing and got to work. He coughed a few times before managing to respond.
"I figured out that he had a limit to how much fire mana he could hold. That firework display wasn't just to attack us, it was to discharge excess energy safely."
"Now I get it." Kiba grunted, getting to his feet all the way. "That's why you had me use fire swords. To make it easier to blow his top." He released a few coughs himself. "Clever."
Isabella took a bit longer to recover to energy drained from her. By the time she managed to stand upright, Riser and the rest of his peerage had made their way down and were standing right behind her.
Riser gave the Rook a glare that made her flinch and turn away. He turned to face Issei who was now on his back receiving healing magic from all three devils. A snarl formed on his face and his hands twitched erratically. However, Grayfia stepped in front of him, her expression making it clear that there would be consequences if he did something stupid. With no other choice, he huffed and turned away.
"I'll give you 10 days Rias." He said over his shoulder. "Make the most of it to prepare for our wedding." He said in his usual arrogant manner, only this time it had an edge of uncertainty in it. He gave one last look towards Issei as did the small blonde girl from earlier before a magic circle appeared beneath him and his peerage sending them away.
'What was that about?' Rias wondered before focusing back on patching up Issei's body. All while Grayfia watched and examined.
Moments later at the office of Lawyer…
Lawyer sat at his desk, sitting still as if waiting for something. Soon the white snake slithered its way up and headed for his arm. It pushed its head into his skin which gave way for the reptile to move in, the rest of its body following. Once all of it was in, the Lawyer took a moment before speaking up.
"The trap is set." He said, his shadow covered head tilting up to look at the man standing in front of his desk.
"Of course." His guest said, twirling his curly blue hair, a twisted grin on his already twisted face. "It was my plan after all." He turned and started walking towards the door, his white business suit standing out in the shadows of the room. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to make preparations."
"I do hope things work out." Lawyer spoke up. "Third times the charm, right?"
His words made the other man stop.
"What was that?"
"Well it's just that after the debacle with Ogre Phantom and the failure of the Manhattan Project, you're on thin ice with the Foundation." The tight grin could be heard in its voice. "I believe the phrase is, 'three strikes, you're out'."
The man clicked his tongue in frustration and opened the door slamming it on his way out.
"Hitman." Lawyer said, the mysterious Phantom stepping out of pure darkness in response to the calls. "Please keep an eye on Mr. Shinji. He's the kind of arrogant fool who tries to cover up his mistakes by shifting the blame. I'd rather make sure he gets what he deserves."
Okay.
First, allow me to address a few reviews, which I have not done for a while. Not going to call out anyone specifically, just be general about it. Of course, those who posted certain reviews will know I am talking to them.
Regarding the time in between sections, I was under the impression that a month had passed between the Asia Arc and the Riser Arc in DxD cannon. If this is incorrect or if I have contradicted this in my own writing, please provide proof and I will rectify this.
I'm trying to not limit myself to naming phantoms based on mythical creatures as that would eventually cause overlap. Plus, the phantoms were Fallen-born, so I figured make them a bit different, especially since they were both going to die in that chapter.
Regarding Chimera, while I do agree he is not artificial like Carbuncle, I do think he was made intentionally to be sealed and used in the Beast belt, so I guess the rider is the artificial one here? My point is that ancient civilizations had ways of making Phantoms and using them to create wizards that differed from the Sabbath.
QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT
I will be changing up how I do things on pa_tre_on. From now on, instead of a Tier 2 poll with all the new ideas, the first poll will have just two choices: "New Story" and "Update". If "New Story" wins, another Tier 2 poll will open up with all my unwritten ideas/prompts. If "Update" wins, a Tier 1 poll with all my ongoing stories goes up.
For now, the next two chapters I post will both be updates to currently running stories. Since lately it was one new story after another, I thought I'd ask my patrons how many updates they would like before going to this new format. And they voted for two new chapters. Not new stories, but chapters.
However, I will keep the new ideas I have here in the AN for all to see since I know most of you don't check my pa_tr_eon.
An Old Arc: RWBY- Everyone talks about Jaune Arc, heir to the prestigious Arc family, but few dare to explore the man who inspired him. How about we take a look at his grandfather, the one and only Arthur Arc. See the life he lived, the way he viewed the world, the choices he made and how they shaped the world of Remnant. Slight AU as Remnant's history will be different.
Tootsuki Serves Another World: Shokugeki no Soma/Isekai Shokudou-After retaking Tootsuki, it's time for Soma and his gang to take a break. However, this break will be spent doing Dojima a favor as he helps a certain restaurant expand. These chefs are certainly up to the challenge, but it will still make them crazy. One-Shot, maybe Two.
Jaune Serves Another World: RWBY/Isekai Shokudou-Jaune has a secret job and all his friends want to know what it is. Why does he leave Friday night and return Sunday morning, why does he refuse to talk about his job and who is Aletta! (that's mostly Phyrra asking) One-shot, maybe two.
Dragons in Remnant: High School DxD/RWBY- When the leaders of the Pantheons sealed themselves away with 666, the beast had other plans. Vali and Issei managed to keep it from escaping but fell deep into the Dimension Gap. Issei manages to get them to world once broken by a great power that they are personally familiar with. Can this world survive the strongest Dragon Emperors in all of history? Only if they are very careful and quiet. That means you Vali!
Kamen Riders Issei: DxD/Kamen Rider- A series of One-Shots featuring Issei Hyoudou as different Kamen Riders.
Arc's Poke-Legacy: RWBY/Pokémon- While Grimm are a threat, the Pokémon that inhabit the world are seen as friends of mankind. Together they fight to keep the Light alive. However, the name of the Arc family is tainted by the acts of one of their ancestors, yet all of them wear the name and emblem with pride, including Jaune.
Cursed Hunger: RWBY/Toriko- The Arc family is cursed. Their strength and bravery comes at a price, they must regularly eat Grimm. Join one Jaune Arc as he enrolls at Beacon not just to fight, but to pick up new ways to satisfy his hunger.
Gourmet Huntsman: RWBY/Toriko- The world of Remnant is in the middle of a Gourmet Age, where everything is edible or can be cooked. Meaning that Huntsman fight more than just Grimm. So welcome to Beacon where you learn more than just fighting monsters.
Kin of Asmodeus: DxD- 75% Smut 25% Plot Now for the Special item! Who here remembers an old One-Shot of mine called…Descendant of Asmodeus! Well guess what, it's time for a full-blown story! Guaranteed lemon in almost every chapter!
Fairies meet the Oppai Dragon: DxD/Fairy Tail- When Acnologia first attacked, Tenrou Island did not simply disappear, but ended up in the Dimensional Gap. If it hadn't been for a certain pervert riding on the back of a gigantic red dragon, they would have taken 7 years to wake up back home. How does this one meeting change the fate of our Mages, who which ones will fall for the Harem King's charm!
Dragons Cross into the Other World: DxD/Gate- Of all the worlds to invade, not only did Falmart invade the one full of beings beyond comprehension, but they chose the one day where a certain young man was spending time with his parents. The empire has brought upon the wrath of true Emperors, and their Gods might not save them.
And for those who might have missed it, here is a new DxD/Pokémon crossover idea!
The Honest Man's Daycare: Pokémon/DxD- One-shot. maybe Two. After journeying across the world on Pokémon adventures, how does one settle down. One option is to run a daycare for Pokémon. After all, a Dragon's nest can be the safest place on the planet. (summary needs work I know)
For those of wondering, no my idea of Issei on a Pokémon journey is not cancelled. Just put on hold. When Sword and Shield was announced and it was revealed that the Galar region was Pokémon's England, I decided to wait for that to come out before making real plans for that story. This way I might be able to better involve Ddraig in Issei's story. However, I still wanted to do some sort of DxD/Pokémon story, or at least have it as an option. So, I dug into my brain and found this old idea and decided to put it on the table. If it gets voted and I get to write it, I hope to use it as a test to see how readers respond to this sort of story and some practice of a slightly different kind of Issei and the actions and interactions of Pokémon.
That's it for now. Please Favorite, Follow, and Review. But most of all, thank you for reading!