Chapter 7: Prelude to Peace

(Bael Castle, Bael Territory, Underworld, Earth, DxD Universe)

It was a spectacular sight seeing a ferocious Hellhound like Cerberus reduced to a playful Puppy playing fetch. My taming of untamable Cerberus, besting of Kokabiel, and Overall ability to lead had netted me an irrefutable Promotion to Ultimate-Class Devil, I had tried to decline, but Neither Sirzechs, Serafall and Ajuka nor the Great King Faction would hear of it. As for Xenovia she'd requested the chance to join my Peerage, which presented me with both a problem and an opportunity. Rooks were Powerhouses, the Devil Castles and Keeps in the Rating Games, Xenovia being the physical threat she is could be a great Rook, of course a Pawn would work too! Kuroka and Le Fay were already proving themselves adept aides in Ravel's Development, if she wished to learn to would her Sword, perhaps Xenovia might prove useful? Or perhaps not, since Ravel lacked Xenovia's physical strength and raw power.

I asked Xenovia to wait a Week in order to be absolutely certain that she wished to become a Devil, and to acquaint herself to her new reality without God. It'd been four days since this letting wait began, and I was passing the time with Cerberus and a Ball while my now Six Year Old Brother Magdaran, watched. Since Devil Pregnancies Lasted six or seven months, the children themselves aged up rather quickly until the onset of Puberty, at which point their Latent Potential would begin to further reveal itself. I'd introduced Magdaran to his Queen Sectas, and Sairaorg's Cannon Peerage excluding Kuisha. Magdaran was beginning to show an increasing interest in surpassing me someday, and began to train accordingly. I trained him myself whenever possible, but often allowed Ravel, Kuisha, and Georg to instruct him in my stead or under my direct supervision.

Another result of my Thrashing of Kokabiel was the increased interest from Akeno, Koneko, Latia, Imogen, Canna, Cora, Lucrezia, Tsubaki, Sona, Asia, Tsubasa, Momo, Reya, Tomoe, Ruroko, and amazingly Rias and Isane. Each one had made the attempt to get closer to me and Akeno, Imogen, Canna, Latia, Cora, Lucrezia, and Rias had been particularly forward in their efforts, while Isane, Asia, Koneko, Sona, Tsubaki, Tsubasa, Momo, Reya, Tomoe, and Ruroko had been more subtle. Imogen had approached Ravel, asking for her to make her her Knight, Cora and Canna had requested to become Her Rooks, but I'd persuaded Ravel to make Canna her first Pawn in order to leave the the option for Xenovia to become hers there.

I briefly let Magdaran throw the Ball for Cerberus, and as Cerberus appeared with ball, our mother and father appeared. ''Araxian, Magdaran, come, we've a Ceremony and Party to attend.'" Says Lord Bael gruffly.

''Just a moment Father, Cerberus, your mission is to keep the Castle safe, you must ensue it's protection, if it comes under attack, you have my permission to go all out on those foolish enough to attack your Families Territory.'' I instruct, and the three heads up of Cerberus; Cer, Ber, and Rus each bowed their heads. And while I acknoledge that their names weren't very creative, you must acknowledge that Magdaran had beaten me to it. ''Okay, I'm ready.'' I say as we step into the waiting Transportation Magic Circle.

(Lucifaad, Underworld Capital, Underworld, Earth)

We arrived at Lucifaad, the Underworld's Capital City since it's creation. A Big Ceremony is held with an even greater party whenever a Devil is promoted to Ultimate-Class Devil, it's particularly big affair when the Devil in question belongs to the upper echelons of the 72 Pillars. The Great King Faction was already present, the Bael Clan founded and led the Faction, but the most prominent Clan's not of the Bael Family were the Belial, Glasya-Labolas, Astaroth, Roygun's Belphegor Faction nd Bedeze's Abaddon Faction, they were all present. Specifically the Clan Heads and their Heirs...Diadora included.

The Little Rapist!

The Cunt of Astaroth!

The Devil among Devil's!

Okay, tirade over, just ignore the bastard!

''My friends we're here to celebrate the ascension of Prince Araxian Bael to an Ultimate-Class Devil. This Young Devil bested Kokabiel, the Fallen Angel Cadre who fought against God and the old Devil King's and survived, lead the Astaroth, Gremory, Phenex, Sitri, Belial Families and Leviathan, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, and Lucifuge Clan Loyalists to victory, and tamed the untamable Cerberus! Truly he is worthy of becoming an Ultimate-Class Devil, and if not, then any who deny him this will be known as the fools they are for their remaining eternity.'' Says Sirzechs as he starts the Promotion ceremony. ''I know hand the speaking to Lord Bael.'' Says Sirzechs, at which point I tune it out to pay attention to Ravel and Magdaran.

It was a good ten minutes before father shut up about purity and pride, and turned it over to me.

''Truthfully? I did not yet wish to become an Ultimate-Class Devil, I wished to defeat ten consecutive Rating Game opponents before I became one, but I now think Kokabiel is the equivalent of my remaining nine opponent's! I never would've been able to isolate him without my Peerage, who I daresay are the Strongest in the Underworld. This may seem arrogant and egotistical, but for me it's simple Logic. I am heralded as the Strongest Youth among Young Devils, therefore I must have the Strongest Peerage among the Young Devil's. I came here not to merely accept this Rank, but put every single one of you on notice. My goal is not Surpass just the Five Great Dragon King's or The likes of Super Devils like Sirzechs and Lord Ajuka put together, but to best Ophis and Great Red, so that I might prove at long last that the Devils of the 72 Pillars are the true Pride and Joy of any Army!'' I say before turning to Ravel. ''However, I also wish to revitalize the 72 Pillars, bring back the Families who while no longer a Force to be reckoned with, are not as extinct as most believe. Through my union with my Beloved Ravel Phenex, we shall bring this about.'' I say sitting down as I hold Ravel's hand tightly in a show of unity and love.

Applause can be heard as I shake several hands. Ravel and I find our way to the Bar, I help myself to Fire Whiskey while Ravel takes some Champagne and begins to chat with Seekvaira Agares and Diehauser Belial.

''Congratulations on your Promotion Prince Araxian. My name is Diadora Astaroth and I have an offer for you.'' Says Diadora, as I begin recording the conversation.

''I'm gonna assume it's regarding the Holy Battle Maiden in my Peerage.'' I state.

''Yes, I'd like to make a trade for her with you.'' Says Diadora Astaroth.

''No, You can take your Offer and burn it. You may act soft-spoken but I know the real you Diadora, and I was planning on outing you during our Rating Game, but I think now is the better option.'' I say, pressing a deadmans switch trigger and dozens of Magic Circle Screens appear, showcasing all of Diadora's atrocities and manipulations, his deals with the Old Satan Faction, his methods of recruiting nuns for his sick Fetish, and his own callous nature. Every eye turns from the screens to Diadora, who's actively trying to murder me.

''You filth! None of you understand my love for them!'' He yells, trying to Claw out My throat. I Knee his nuts before ripping his beating heart from his chest and destroying it.

''Good riddance to him.'' I say as i use a Spell to remove the Bloodstains on my clothes. ''Any one else want to go?'' I demand, before pushing my way to father. ''I need to cool off, redress, I'm going to assume this is not a problem?'' I ask in a low threatening tone.

For possibly the first time ever, father appears terrified by me, and shakily nods his head.

''Good, Someone clean that trash up and then give his body to the vultures.'' I instruct as I turn and begin to Magic Circle away, but pause, and motion for Ravel to Join me. She does so and we depart.

(Dragon Mountain, Mephisto Pheles Territory, Greater Gremory Territory, Underworld)

Ravel and I arrived at Dragon Mountain, specifically Tannin's Mountain, which was part of Mephisto Pheles Territory, which itself sat within the Greater Gremory Territory. Mephisto was long dead, but he was the Bishop to Aunt Venelana, making Tannin Loyal to her and the Gremory-Bael Household.

''If it isn't Araxian Bael, shouldn't you be at your party?'' Asks a Booming Voice, and after a prolonged wing beating, the gargantuan form of the former sixth Dragon King, Blaze Meteor Dragon King Tannin, appears at last.

''Got bloody, killed Diadora after he tried to kill me. Got someone I can fight?'' I ask, as a Miniature Tannin appears.

''So the little Princess wishes to fight? I'll be your opponent!'' Says the Dragon.

''I wanted a Dragon not a Wingless Wyvern, you aren't fit to clean my boots, let alone fight me, even for a spar.'' I say mockingly.

''What was that?! I am Bova, Strongest in this Mountain.'' Retorts the Dragon, and a smirk plays on my lips.

''Ahh yes, Bova Tannin, forgive me, I overstated your worth, your not fit to clean a human babies diapers let alone my boots. Your beothers and father are another story, they're actually great and mighty Dragons.'' I say.

Bova is positively steaming right now, and he quickly strikes at me, but I block it withe a finger.

''It seems you've struck at me, that means your death warranty has expired, time to fight pup!'' I say as I Kick his legs and send him crashing before I attack full-on and begin to rain blow after blow upon him. I am fighting in a controlled frenzy. I use my Touki to enhance my strikes and my Power of Destruction to cover myself in a thin layer of it to cancel out the Fire Breath of Bova. I make sure to remove it when he swipes at me, in order to avoid his unintentional destruction.

As I pummel Bova into submission I can't help but recognize his Dragon's Spirit, which is quite magnificent in how it remains unbroken. I refrain from finishing it.

''We're done here.'' I say walking away.

''Hey! Don't turn your back on me! We're not done!'' Bova growls.

''Your right, our battle might be done for the moment, but I admit that your inability to remain unprovoked aside, your Dragon's Spirit is mightier than even Tannin's. Tannin, Please send Bova to my Clan Residence three days from now, I wish to make him an offer.'' I say, pulling out my remaining Pawn Piece and tossing it to Tannin. ''Consider that your invitation young Bova, it will help to have someone such as you at my side when I conquer the Dragon Kings, Twin Heavenly Dragons, and then Ophis and Great Red.'' I say as Ravel and I depart.

(Araxian Bael's Room, Bael Castle, Bael Territory, Underworld, Earth)

WARNING TINY LEMON HERE:

I sat in my room juggling my single spare Rook Piece, trying to keep a straight face as Kuroka tried to get me to peak. After my fight with Bova I'd gone to bed, woken up three hours ago, finding three beautiful women trying to pleasure me, two of whom had since left, Kuroka however remained. ''Give this Kitten more milk master!?'' Kuroka practically begs as she engulfs my eleven incher in her sizable bust before she begins to grind. I squirm just a fraction, but mostly focus on my Rook Piece, I'd offered Bova a place by my side, I wondered if I would yet choose Xenovia for my Rook or perhaps choose another. I'd narrowed down the list considerably, I had to decide on whether or not I chose Katerea Leviathan, Kunou, Tobio Ikuse, Kuisha Abaddon, Meredith Ordinton, or one of the Dragon Kings. Katerea topped my list right now. If I acquired Katerea, then I acquired valuable prestige and sway, if I took her into my bed and begot a child with her, the Bael Clan would rise even higher than ever before.

If I acquired Tobio Ikuse I got the Canis Lykaon, and the opportunity to bed Suzaku Himejima, who could prove quite useful. Plus, having the Slash/Dog would only prove useful down the line. Plus The additional Longinus would raise my battle profile and status in the Great King Faction.

Acquiring Kunou as both a Servant and Lover would mean a powerful Kitsune Servant, a key leader in Yasaka becoming a greater ally, a connection to the Shinto Pantheon, and children who would be natural Senjutsu Users.

With Kuisha as a Servant and Lover I'd raise the Profile of the Great King Faction and the Clan, but at the cost of her Ties to the Clan. She was on thin ice as it was, she might not have become my servant in the beginning , but a managerial role was not much different to the Extra Demon Clan's.

Meredith Ordinton was the most troubling acquisition, because as useful as Alphecca Tyrant could be, it would take pretty long to get, unless Le Fay got me in touch. If I was able to Reincarnate her, I'd have a valuable Battle Asset with a function akin to the Telos Karma. In addition to a member of the British Royal Family.

Now for the primary issue, a Dragon King, there were five, Tiamat, Midgardsormr, Fafnir, Yu-Lo, and Vritra. Vritra wasn't an option, but the other's were. Fafnir would be useful servant, as would be Yu-Long, Midgardsormr, and Tiamat. Tiamat was the Strongest Dragon King, making her the optimal choice, but she was a Rating Game judge, making her useless in official matches, but perhaps I could sway Yu-Long to my side, as more than just a familiar? All of this had to be considered...oh god!

I was so engrossed in my mental thoughts that only the pleasure overload broke it, I found Kuroka cleaning her fingers and me. ''Yummy.''Was the only words Kuroka uttered before she climbed up to cuddle me. I stroke her tails earning a content purr, before I enjoy her position intertwined with mine.

Before I drifted off i to a deep sleep, I knew who I wished for my Last Rook, the problem laid in their possible and successful acquisition. How would I make it work? And when would it be the best chance to propose the offered recruitment?

Chapter End

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