Chapter 6: Aggressive Negotiations
(Occult Research Clubroom, Kuoh Academy, Kuoh Town, Japan, Earth, DxD Universe)
''The answer's no.'' I say.
The Exorcists look perplexed so I elaborate, by opening my shirt.
''I've been run through, carved up, and beaten by Excalibur Nightmare, which is now in my possession, and no I won't be returning it to the Church, make the threats and see if I care, far as I'm concerned you can take your Mimicry, Destruction, and Durandal and stick them up Griselda Quarta's soon to be feathery hole. I am well aware of your situation, I know you were sent here to retrieve the Blades, but Nightmare won't be returned. Now then, since you two beauties are in possession of Holy Swords, Knowledge of my station, and Excalibur's, and since I am the Town's Governor, that makes you two my subordinates.'' I say, keeping my eyes on Irina.
''But even so, we're God's Faithful.'' Says Irina.
''How can the prettiest Exorcist be so naïve? Gods been sleeping since the Great War. But that's beside the point, See I won't let you run around my town, with Holy Swords, Exorcist Skills, and Such Beauty. Since your here! and as the towns Governing authority, you have to answer to me, fail that I have grounds to deal with you.'' I say, pausing to massage my temples.
''Apologies, I've been waiting six months for Koka-Cunt to make his move, He sent two Holy Sword Wielders after me I suspect, brothers in fact. I recruited the first, the second is still at large. Let me get another formality clear before you Lady Xenovia decide to call me a Seducer and Lurer of Holy Maidens. What do you know of Diadora Astaroth?'' I ask.
''Not much, has a passing interest in the Church, second cousin to The Devil King Beelzebub.'' Says Xenovia, and I shake my head.
''He's a monster, a literal Devil among Devil's, he seduces Nuns and Holy Battle Maidens alike, when it is leaked by him that they were seen with him, they're excommunicated and he takes them in. He then rapes, breaks, and tortures them. He once purposely injured himself in order to do the same to Asia Argento. But the Grigori got to her. Koka-Cunts faction specifically, he cut a deal with the Faction in order to reap his sadistic pleasure with Asia. I had planned to intervene, but my idiot cousin over there disobeyed my orders and took matters into her own hands. I am willing to offer support for your mission. I suggest a divide and conquer mission. There are four Peerages here, making it logical to make use of them, with a few Longinus present.'' I say, shocking everybody.
''Araxian, I know about Isane, but who else?'' Asks Rias.
''Most of my Peerage possess a Longinus, My dear Lavinia is the Ice Princess of Absolute Demise, and Georg in addition to being the Descendant of Johan Georg Faust is a user of Dimension Lost, in addition if we were to go about counting our exorcist friends here, then there are Four Excalibur's present. See one of my Rooks and Pawns are the heirs of the Pendragon Family, Arthur and Le Fay. Arthur wields Excalibur Ruler and Caliburn. Le Fay is an excellent Magician and Witch.'' I say in praise. ''Oh and before you try and go blabbing about the Longinus Rias, I had Georg, Lavinia, Kuroka, Le Fay create a special magical binding that prevents you from blabbing to Sirzechs or anybody without my express permission, not even Ajuka with his formula could release you or the others from it, chiefly because it's compromised of so many complex spells of different Magical Origin that in trying to unravel it he'd have his mind transported to the Dimensional Gap.'' I say, quite proud of Le Fay in particular, who's knowledge of various forms proved delightfully useful.
''Sona, this Seal is bonded to you as well.'' Says Tsubaki, noticing the Magic Circle Seal present on her mistress, herself and the remaining Peerage members excluding Araxian's.
''Yes, though Sona's is considerably older and more advanced, which extends to her Peerage. See I knew that when Koka-Cunt made his opening moves he'd likely steal the Excalibur's, hoping Michael, Gabriel, Uriel nor the other Seraphs would come after him in Retaliation since God does in fact sleep as we speak. He hasn't awoken since the Great War. But the point is that I knew that I'd have to create a preventative method when my Peerage did an early reveal. I certainly didn't expect him to come after me. The device his bitch used to blow my Forge? It was infused with Holy Steel and Holy Silver Particles. So when I fired it up, the infusion both blinded me temporarily and stunned me. The Holy aspects proceeded to dull my senses, while the Holy Energy Infused Particles reacted violently to the Demonic Furnace and produced a small cataclysm of opposing Powers, thus creating a cascade of energy that caused a brief shutdown of my nervous system and induced a Holy-Demonic numbing of my muscles.'' I say.
''That seems a little technical for my brother doesn't it?'' Asks Siegfried.
''My point precisely, Freed is equal parts sociopathic as he is crazy, but his insanity doesn't make him any less smart. However in saying that, one must recognize that such a device is beyond both his interest and skill. The Grigori have the lowest numbers, but their Technological Superiority is Transcendent compared to the Devil and Angelic Races. It was likely explored but inevitably forgotten by Azazel. Koka-Cunt would likely have taken it and given it to his chief scientists.'' I say.
''Any Ideas as to whom we pair up with whom?'' Asks Xenovia.
''Akeno, Kuroka, Cora, Momo, and Tsubasa will cover the Northern part of Kuoh. Sona, Imogen, Koneko, Ravel and myself will focus on central Kuoh. Irina, Reya, Tomoe, and Ruroko will work the outskirts. Isane, Xenovia, Saji, Arthur, and Le Fay, will work Southern Kuoh. Rias, Georg, Leonardo, Kuisha, and Tsubaki will handle Eastern Kuoh. Everyone else will handle Western Kuoh. If you encounter Freed burn the leaflet that you've been given by Latia, it will summon everyone there. I'm keeping Canna, Corin, Asia, Valerie, and Lucrezia here in order to defend the home front.'' I say, before a call is brought to my attention.
''Huh, looks like someone's calling me out.'' I muse.
(Kuoh Outskirts)
I leant against the wall twirling a Pentecostal Coin between my fingers as I awaited my summoner. It could possibly be a trap, so I had my Groups move out, my group waited back in Kuoh Academy ready for anything. I noticed a presence but the distinctive lack of malice was quite disturbing more than an actual presence of Malice. Senjutsu and Power Sensory allowed me to notice the righteousness in the presence.
''Lemme guess, Hero Faction? Or is it Cao Cao himself?'' I call out.
''I'm impressed, you've done you homework.'' Says a figure stepping out, revealing himself to be Cao Cao, with Heracles, Perseus, and Marsillo behind him.
''Can I assume this is about the preemptive recruiting I've done? Or is this perhaps the latest assassination attempt in a growing list? No matter, I just want to know one thing? How much is Indra Paying you?'' I ask.
''Your misinformed, while Indra does indeed employs us, he recognizes you for the Genius you are, thus he wishes no ill will between him and you. Instead he offers the chance to negotiate.'' Says Cao Cao.
''Very well, There's a thing you ought to know, the Khaos Brigade? Very soon a coup will be launched, Ophis will be kicked out, cloned, and the True Leader will be revealed. You should know of him at least, his name is Rizevim Livan Lucifer, Grandfather to Vali, Son of Lucifer and Lilith, and a royal pain in my ass. Supply me with information about his activities and everything in between, and I'll only interfere with a single mission of yours on my own and do so willingly and knowingly.'' I say, pulling a short Katana from behind my back and tossing it to Cao Cao's feet. ''That little beauty was one of the last Swords I forged on my Old Forge, it's been imbued with many attributes, Power of Destruction, Dragon-Killing Attributes, and A Triad of Magical Protection, consider that the Acknowledgement of our Agreement.'' I say, turning as I sense a battle, Freed has struck at Irina I imagine.
''Go, you've business to attend to.'' Says Cao Cao.
I pause briefly, turning to face Cao Cao.
''When the True War is over, let's fight head to head, Your True Longinus against My Peerage of the Longinus! I admit that I am eager to see my Regulus Nemea against your Holy Spear.'' I say before departing.
Cao Cao watches As Araxian departs, a smile playing on his lips as he examines the short sword left behind.
''Remarkable craftsmanship, I sense Norse Magic, Holy Spirit Magic, and Demonic Fairy Magic within this Blade. It seems that the reports were accurate, Araxian Bael is an Ingenious Sword Smith.'' Cao Cao notes, quite impressed with the Blade itself. He gives a few testing swings as the Sword begins to adapt to him. ''Remarkable Craftsmanship indeed.'' Says Cao Cao.
(Irina's Location)
I'd arrived at Irina's location to find her being healed by Asia. ''I was afraid this would happen, Mimicry is gone, and we're down a powerful Exorcist. It seems we've no choice now, Georg make the call, I want the team here soon as possible.'' I say, detecting a presence. ''Freed, no point hiding anymore same to you Koka-Cunt, so lets skip the bullshit and just get to the School to fight.'' I yell.
''You are smarter than the average Devil boy.'' Says Kokabiel.
''Yes, I am,'' I say, pausing before a smug smirk crosses my face. ''How about a wager feather-head? I Beat your pets into submission, you have to fight me in a handicap. Araxian Bael vs Kokabiel, Devil Prince against Fallen Angel Cunt, Alpha vs Omega, to find out which Race is truly stronger?'' I say in challenge.
''A fight with the Strongest Devil amongst Young Devils? Normally I would decline, since the fighting prowess among the Devil Nobles has diminished, but the chance to fight an Old Soul? I won't be passing that up. Your on boy! But what sort of Handicap?'' Asks Kokabiel.
''Simple really, you and me full power in our own little arena, no prying eyes, no witnesses, no interference. Your Bitches vs my Two Trump Cards.'' I say, pulling up a Magic Circle and Summoning Gram.
''See you there!'' Says Kokabiel grinning.
We stood around the Barrier that the Sitri Peerage had brought up, Kuroka was infusing it with her Senjutsu, while Georg and Lavinia were each applying additional layers to it. I sat in a meditation position, condensing my Demonic Power, along with my Touki, Power of Destruction, and syncing it together with my Chi Flow. Isane Hyoudou sat beside me.
''How can you be so calm?'' Asks Isane.
''Bring Ddraig out, best he hears this too.'' I say as the Boosted Gear appears.
''[What? Why do I need to hear this?]'' Says Ddraig's disembodied voice.
''If we don't beat him, Albion will. You may not sense him Red One, but he's out there, with his Strongest host yet. Belzard and Elsha don't even come close to his current host. Surprised? Bet you are, I make it a point to investigate future opponents Ddraig, that includes You, Albion, Vali, and Isane. After all, if I am to reach the realms of the Gods, then I must best first Tannin, then the Five Great Dragon King's, then the Twin Heavenly Dragons, and finally Great Red and Ophis. Ddraig, when we fight, use everything.'' I instruct.
''[I sense an Old Soul inside you, that's only happened once before to my knowledge.]'' Says Ddraig.
''Hardly surprising.'' I say as I stand before calling forth my Second Demonic Sword that I created. ''Here, this is my Second Demonic Sword that I ever Forged, I've been making adjustments to it, it has five abilities to it, My own Power of Destruction, the Worthlessness ability of the Belial Family, the Crack ability of the Belphegor Clan, the Power of The Hole of the Abaddon Clan, and the Power of Time of the Agares Family. It's been imbued with Anti-Fallen Angel Power, meaning it's the perfect enemy to Fallen Angels. I call this blade Cleria's Cleaver.'' I tell Isane as she takes hold of the blade.
I turn towards Ravel.
''Ravel, you are to stay here, I want for you to use your magic to help with the Barrier, Le Fay will need the Extra help since Kuroka will be needed beside me. Send word to Lord Zekram, extend my apologies, for I have no choice but to fully reveal the Longinus in order to survive.'' I say as I Walk towards Sona and Rias. ''I need to be honest, there's little chance of winning if we don't go all out, so I figure I ought to be upfront. I have been ordered to hide information on my Longinus servants, so after Today I have to erase your memories of the events regarding them. I'll tell you now to save time and start planning. Lavinia uses Absolute Demise, Georg uses Dimension Lost, Leonardo uses Annihilation Maker, Valerie has the Sephiroth Graal, and I myself have Regulus Nemea. Kokabiel will summon Cerberus, Regulus, myself, Leonardo, Kuisha, Arthur, and Kuroka will take down the Cerberus, once done I'll be fighting Kokabiel in my True Form.'' I say, weaving my Magic into my Words in order to make those who hear them forget them post battle.
''I see that should help contain the battle.'' Says Sona, nodding thoughtfully.
''Indeed, Georg, weave Dimension Lost into the Barrier,'' I instruct, before turning to Asia. ''Asia, could you use Twilight Healing on the Barrier? If we can enhance it with the Sacred Gear it should lessen the strain of maintaining it.'' I ask.
''I'll try.'' Says Asia resolutely.
''That's all I ask. Rias, we ought to have three people in reserve, I suggest Kiba, Regulus, and Xenovia.'' I say.
''Understood.'' Says Rias.
''Alright, we know why we're here and what we need to do. So let's get it done!'' I declare, walking towards the School, Gram over my shoulder as I layer myself in protection spells.
I walked towards Koka-Cunts Bitches before summoning Excalibur Nightmare and picking it up before I cast Amalgamation Magic on it and Gram, thus fusing it into an incomplete state. ''This Is Gram Nightmare, the imperfect fusion of Excalibur Nightmare and the Demonic Emperor Sword Gram! By it's promise to become complete I shall not only defeat you but tame you too!'' I declare as the Crimson-Orange shine of Gram is replaced by a Holy Amber Light with Orange and Red wisps inside it I drag the Blade towards Cerberus as it snarls at me and goes to charge I level my Blade at it's center head before Pointing a finger towards Koka-Cunts Chair. A small beam erupts from my finger and destroys the chair.
Arthur and Kuroka bind the Hounds in Chains of Norse Origin before tossing me Collbrande. I place it in each head before applying my own Will onto the Hounds of Hades.
''I am your master now! Return to the Underworld, guard the Bael Clan Castle.'' I instruct, as the Cerberus's heads bow in acknowledgement. As soon as he leaves I turn to take over the Next Pup, but A Holy Fireball is set upon it.
''Enough Games! I wat that fight Devil Boy!'' Shouts Kokabiel.
''Fine, fine, Georg, Dimension Create, I'll summon Regulus. Deal with these fuckers and then wipe their memories of our abilities, Sitri and Gremory Group too! Lavinia, you and Imogen command the Group, Ruval and Diehauser will be here soon enough with reinforcements.'' I say turning to my girls. ''I love you.'' I say as Dimension Create envelopes myself and Koka-Cunt.
(Dimension Create)
Kokabiel and I stood in the Dimension Create That was Georg's Balance Breaker. Kokabiel eyed me in eager anticipation for the coming fight against me and Regulus. ''It's time, My Lion King of Nemea, Regulus, I call you forth for Battle!'' I declare as Regulus appears in his human form before transforming into his Lion Form. ''It's time to make our first debut my friend, Let's not hold anything back! Regulus!'' I shout, and Regs nods before leaping towards me as I'm engulfed in the Nemean Lion Armor.
''Regulus Ray Leather Rex! Regulus Nemea Balance Breaker!'' I Shout becoming the form showed in DxD Hero's endgame episodes.
''That's an impressive amount of pressure your giving off, but you have more to give yes?'' Asks Koka-Cunt.
''Indeed.'' I say as I use my Demonic Power to feed the Armor instead of my Life-Force, before wrapping my Armor into my True Forms Aura and Power. I proceed to Condense my Touki and Power of Destruction around my Fists, Forearms, Elbows, Feet, Shins, and Knees before Grasping the incomplete Gram Nightmare in one hand, before using two hands. ''Alright, I'm yours for Forty Five Minutes, after that our fight is over.'' I say, and Koka-Cunt looks ready to pop from excitement. He launches a hundred and a half Light Spears at us, but I swat half of them aside before redirecting the other half back at him, using Regulus Hole, an ability he and I created by combining Our Power with Kuisha's Power of the Hole.
The Light Spears have shifted from being Holy Light Spears to being Unholy Light Spears, a side affect of our Vast Demonic Power and Strength. While Kokabiel shields himself with his own hands I charge towards him and land a glancing blow against his Forearms using Gram Nightmare. Kokabiel pushes back showcasing an impressive level of physical endurance to be able to take a blow from not only a Sword that was Half an Excalibur, but was also Half of Gram, the Dragon-Slaying Demonic Emperor Sword, and still force me back. But the greatest impression was the punch he landed to my jaw as he pushed my blade back. I spit a tooth and some blood before wiping my mouth, using Demonic Power to stop the bleeding.
''Not a lot of people make me bleed in a straight up fight, oh Freed ran me through sure, but he'd used a Holy Silver and Holy Steel Particles to blind my senses and stagger me. Your the first person in twelve years who managed to do that in a no trick or street fight. I think it's time to discard Gram Nightmare and settle this like the Irish in the Dublin Streets, with our fists.'' I say as I toss Gram Nightmare into the Pocket Dimension, before charging Kokabiel.
Our blows are either met and pushed back, or met and redirected. The force of our blows making their targets sends shock waves that slowly warp the Dimension Create Field. I begin to pump more and more Touki and Power of Destruction into my blows before using a feint to punch, before bringing a reverse Pele Kick onto his head. Actually, you know in the WWE 2K games where you can do that backflip kick counter to when your caught by the opposing superstar? Picture the rotation in that, but reversed, with the finish being like the Leg Drop used by the Fourth Raikage in Naruto, do that and you know what I did. On top of that, the attack didn't so much hit his head as it did his shoulder.
An audible Crack can be heard at the impact. Kokabiel winces slightly, before putting his limp shoulder back into it's socket. While he's doing that I attack him, my blows pummeling him as I rain blow after blow after blow onto him. I barely notice Dimension Create straining against the pressure and the impact of the blows.
''[Master, the Time is almost up, we've ten minutes left.]'' Regulus informs.
''Best make this count then."' I reply summoning The Chaos Karma Dragon Gear and removing the armor around me left forearm I seal the Gauntlet into everything below the elbow. ''Behold the merger of the Regulus Nemea Longinus and the Artificial Sacred Gear, Chaos Karma Dragon Gear,'' I say as the Golden armor begins to transform on the left side. The armor turns draconic as the left side is half a Blue Scale Mail and the other half of me is Regulus Nemea. ''This Regulus Chaos Karma Nemea, and I am The Blue Lion Emperor of Dragons!'' I shout before charging Kokabiel in a full impact tackle.
The Dimension Create snaps under strain as we hit dirt and each other.
''Impressive, even after both groups lost there Master, your still formidable.'' Says Kokabiel as he pauses realising his slip up.
''What do you mean; Both Groups lost their Master?'' Demands Xenovia.
''Whoops! That wasn't supposed to just slip out like that.'' Says Kokabiel.
''Answer my Question right now!''Demands Xenovia as Kokabiel begins to laugh his fucking ass off.
''Hahahahahaha! I guess that if I am trying to start a war then there's no point in hiding it any longer! So then I might as well tell you the brutal truth...In the previous Three-Way War God was actually killed along with the Four Great Devil King's!'' Says Kokabiel.
''No way! God's dead?'' Xenovia says in shock
''He's what? God has been dead!? How is that possible? You're lying! I've never heard anything about that!'' Shouts Rias.
''Back then, the Devils lost all their Kings and most of their High-Level Devils. The Angels and the Fallen Angels lost almost everyone, except for their leaders. Pure Angels could not increase their numbers, and purebred Devils are just as rare, aren't they?'' Asks Koka-Cunt.
''It's not true. It can't be.'' Says Asia.
''All sides have been ruined to the point where they have to rely on Humans to survive. Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils, the leaders of the three Factions had to seal away this information. That way the God fearing Humans will keep on fearing.'' Says Kokabiel as Xenovia falls to her hands and knees with her body shaking uncontrollably in complete and utter shock from what she's hearing.
''Lies! They're lies! It's not true!'' Says A denial-ridden Xenovia.
''Now try to remember, I couldn't care less about any of that. What drives me crazy is the fact that after God, and those Devil Kings died, IT WAS DECIDED TO STOP THE WAR! WHY WOULD THEY DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN THE MIDDLE OF WINNING?! HOW DARE THEY TRY TO KEEP ME FROM SQUASHING MY ENEMIES JUST WHEN IT WAS GETTING FUN?! WE WOULD HAVE WON! EVEN THAT BASTARD AZAZEL DECLARED THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER WAR! WHAT THE FUCK?!'' Koka-Cunt screams.
''God doesn't exist anymore? Then, where is the love that has been given to us coming from?'' Asks Asia.
''Heh, Michael has been holding his own so far. He's the one who's been keeping the Angels and Humans together in God's stead.'' Kokabiel says in reply.
''The Archangel Michael is acting as God's agent? That means, all our prayers...'' Says Xenovia
''As long as the System works, prayers and exorcisms will ensure to a certain extent. I'm sure someone has been listening.'' Says Kokabiel right as Asia faints and Koneko catches her before she falls to the ground.
''Asia.'' Isane cries out.
''It's natural. A natural reaction. I'm surprised I could still think right now.'' Says Xenovia.
''Well, I suppose knowing a number of believers in God has drastically dropped properly doesn't even help anything, does it? But without anyone to manage the balance between good and evil, it's no wonder something contradictory like the Holy-Devil Sword would appear. Which means the war must continue. And I'll keep it going by taking your heads if I have to!'' Declares Kokabiel as I fire a blast of energy at his head, just as the Barrier shatters.
''He's here, the White Dragon is here.'' I say softly.
I let my Transformation vanish and drop to my knees. I breathe heavy and hard.
''[Master, are you well?]'' Questions Regulus in concern.
''Even using Demonic Power as a Substitute for the Life Energy leaves me drained and pained. We will have to master it further as well as increase our own Demonic Power Further in addition to our Stamina.'' I say tiredly, before nodding at Georg, Lavinia, Kuroka, and Ravel who'd apparently snuck into the barrier to start wiping memories.
''[I must admit that the Dragon Gear while not a True Sacred Gear, was a welcome Boost, it weakened the strain placed upon your body and mind, thus allowing me to regulate your power consumption.]'' Says Regulus, making me smile.
''Go home Regs, before Sona see's you.'' I say giving an affectionate scratch behind the ears as he disappears.
I feel a hand on my shoulder, and see Ravel beside me.
''Need a hand?'' Asks Ravel.
Shaking my head I wrap an arm around her neck and weakly pull her towards me into a kiss.
''Kiss seems more appropriate.'' I say to the Blushing Blonde Bird.
''Lord Bael? I need to speak with you.'' Says Xenovia.
''Hehe, this ought to be a good one.'' I say smirking.
Chapter End
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