He had seen many strange things ever since he had been reincarnated as a servant of the House of Gremory.
Monstrous beings that served as a reminder of what could happen to him if he ever abandoned his master, the most powerful Devils in the underworld acting like overgrown children before their more collected servants/family members scolded them for their behavior, though that seemed to be ineffective when it came to Lady Leviathan. And even a human being whose lust could put even a Devil to shame, and was now using his new life to reach the status of harem king.
But never before had been placed in a position where he got to witness the simultaneous deaths of his opponents without having to rely on his own skills.
One minute he was calmly staring down the challenging glares of at least a dozen fallen exorcists, with his trusty white haired comrade at his side, the next he was treated to the sight of a small, rapidly flying object pass through the throats of those who had been cast out by the Church.
While his eye's desperately sought for the one responsible for this unexpected, but nonetheless appreciated intervention, the monotone voice of the white haired rook alerted him that she had already pinpointed their helper's whereabouts.
"You're late".
Following Koneko's line of sight as she stared unwavering at a particularly darkened corner of the chamber, Kiba had to admit he was slightly unnerved by the echoing chuckle that answered the rook's accusation.
"That tends to happen when your hosts do their utmost to keep you as a guest Koneko. But I believe that in this case the saying 'better late than never' applies. Or would you have preferred me to ignore your situation while I made my way upstairs"?
Seeing Koneko smirk at her fellow rook's slightly mocking reply, the blonde knight found his eye's widening in surprise as he caught sight of Dante's appearance.
While he had expected his fellow Devil to be treated unkindly during his brief stay with his enemies, the state of his injuries, not to mention the fact that Dante's body appeared to be partly made of flickering smoke, resulted in an image that made the blonde knight's usually collect composure crack.
"What on earth did they do to you"?
Receiving a grin from the partially non corporeal Devil, though he suspected that the expression was somewhat forced judging by the almost unnoticeable way Dante's eyes twitched in pain from the rather simple expression, Kiba didn't bother to keep himself from flinching as his fellow Devil provided him with a rather blunt answer.
"Oh, about what you'd expect from a psychotic man child and his sadistic supervisor. Light poisoning, beatings, broken bones, and of course the endless boasting how I am an inferior insect that was fortunate enough to be squashed by a superior being. Think that was worse than the actual torture come to think of it".
Unsure he should be more shocked by Dante's dismissive attitude towards his experience, or the methods which their enemies used to try and break his fellow Devil, Kiba was prevented from offering any further comment by the unmistakable sound of combat raging above him.
"Judging from the noise above us, and the fact that the nun is currently displayed like the world's most famous martyr, I assume that the pair of you allowed Hyoudou to try and avenge his dearly departed clergywoman"?
Frowning at his comrade's observation, not because it was inaccurate, but because it possessed a spark of amusement that was almost similar in nature to that rather uncouth priest, Kiba nevertheless found himself nodding in agreement with the still non solid Devil.
"Yes. Rias said that the only way in which Issei could grow as a Devil, as well as an individual, would be to confront the person responsible for the current pain in his life. I don't necessarily agree with this approach since he's still inexperienced and likely to get heavily injured, but I can't deny that getting some closure would be good for him".
Receiving a thoughtful hum from the male rook, Kiba was greatly surprised, and more than a tad worried, by the sudden supportive tone of the shadow controlling Devil.
"I couldn't agree more Kiba. While I sincerely doubt that Hyoudou had entirely pure intentions towards his tragically deceased friend, I cannot deny that the loss of the only pure thing in his life would be a sufficient enough motivator for him to grow a spine. Revenge is a rather powerful incentive, don't you think"?
Once again nodding his head in agreement with his fellow Devil, for his desire to avenge his friends was the primary motivation to keep moving forward, Kiba found himself frowning in concern as Dante's tone quickly gained a more ominous edge.
"In fact, I think I'll join our perverted comrade in punishing those naughty crows. Can't let Hyoudou have all the fun, and I do believe I have a better reason for venting my displeasure on my hosts".
And without bothering to wait for a reply from his shocked looking comrades, Dante quickly disappeared through one of the many cracks that laid across the ceiling.
Knowing that Dante stood a very good chance of getting killed in his injured state, though how their enemies would be able to harm him in his current state he had no clue, the blonde knight flashed a determined look at the equally focused rook.
For despite his less than sociable attitude towards them, though he treated them with more respect than Issei or even their master, Dante was still one of them. And even though they knew the black haired rook would be less than appreciative for their interference, they were not willing to simply stand by and let one of their own get killed.
….
Despite the fact that they were currently losing most, if not all of their human minions, and the fact that they had only managed to successfully obtain the sacred gear of only one of their captives, the two Fallen Angels remained fairly optimistic about their current chances.
For while they held no doubt that the invading Devils would be able to defeat the former exorcists, especially since they had managed to defeat their most skilled, not to mention psychotic minion, the fact remained that the two former servants of God possessed the upper hand.
Though it didn't double the amount of power she already possessed, or bestowed upon her the ability to manipulate the surrounding shadows into whatever it was she desired, Raynare was still rather pleased with her stolen sacred gear.
The ability to heal any wound prove to be a valued resource once the tensions between the Three Factions resulted in the resumption of open warfare, especially since the Fallen Angels, unlike the Devils, lacked the ability to rebuild their much depleted ranks with human converts.
Already she was picturing the pleased expression that would surely be upon her beloved leader's face once she told him of her success, and perhaps she would finally be able to rise to a position that was far more worthy of her talents than her usual observe and retrieve missions.
Dohanseek on the other hand, while still confident in their inevitable victory over the intruding Devils, was displaying far more caution than his obsessing female companion.
For unlike Raynare, the fedora wearing angel possessed no stolen sacred gear to increase his usefulness in a combat situation, meaning that he had to rely on his wits, and the element of surprised in order to prevent his opponents from inflicting any substantial wounds on his person.
To that end, the Fallen Angel had chosen to position himself high up in the dimly lit rafters of the abandoned church, leaving his scantily dressed comrade blissfully unaware of his presence while she continued to lounge upon one of the few undamaged pews, admiring her new ability.
In the end his caution turned out to be the correct one, even if the events turned out to be far different than expected.
For who should disturb the relative peace and quite of the crumbling church than the former human who had been so easily fooled by Raynare's rather competent acting skills.
At first Donhanaseek thought of making his presence known just so he could lay claim to the lowly Devil's Sacred Gear. For although a Twice Critical was a rather disappointing ability compared to abosolute healing or shadow manipulation, it was better than nothing.
However, before he could swoop down and stab the clearly enraged boy from up high, an all too familiar voice broke his concentration.
"You know, lounging about in the roost of the church isn't exactly the right way to go if you're trying to distance yourself from the avian jokes my fallen friend. But then again, I never really pegged you for having a high amount of intelligence, so I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised that you're hiding all the way up here".
Quickly turning around to face the direction where the voice had come from, the Fallen Angel was shocked, and more than a little afraid to see that there was nothing there.
Of course that only served to encourage the congenial voice of his now free victim.
"You'll have to forgive me for my lack of appearance Crow, but since our time together has left me in a rather unfortunate condition, I deemed that it would more appropriate to converse in this form".
Eye's desperately searching for any sign of his former prisoner, Dohanseek barely had time to let out a muffled scream of terror before he found his airways completely blocked by the unseen grip of the Devil.
"You knows it funny. Despite the fact that I only adopted my current state in order to numb the pain you subjected me to, I find my ability to utilize my powers is greatly enhanced while in this form. And since you've made it quite clear the length's you're willing to go to in order to have this power inside of you, I find myself most eager in fulfilling your wish".
Gasping in relief after the invisible grip on his neck had been removed, though he quickly found this to be a brief respite as the bottom part of his face was quickly covered with a tendril of shadow, the Fallen Angel could only give a muffled scream of very real terror as his limbs were once again restrained by the flesh ripping barbs of the Devil's snake like wire.
….
Despite the fact that she had just been provided clear evidence that her former target was no longer the pathetic weakling he had been as a human, Raynare refused to acknowledge the fact that she was beaten.
While her injuries were numerous, far more then she had ever experienced before, she still possessed the Sacred Gear that would allow her to heal any injury, which meant that if she waited for a chance to drop his guard, she could still manage to beat him.
Unfortunately for her however, that option was quickly taken from her as comrades of that disgusting pervert decided to join their rather violent reunion.
Being the arrogant creatures that they were, the Devil's couldn't help but gloat about their victory, taking great pleasure to describe the ways in which they dealt with her servants and comrades. But as the red haired bitch revealed to the assembled group that her servant possessed one of the Sacred Gears that had the power to take out her wrathful father, the Fallen Angel felt something wet hit her arm.
Angling her head to try and get a better look at what it was, Raynare's eyes narrowed in confusion when she caught sight of what it was that hit her.
There was no mistaking that the dark crimson liquid that had stained her arm was blood, but what troubled her greatly was the fact that she could tell it wasn't hers. Bruised she might have been, but her use of Twilight Healing had quickly dealt with any wound that could have resulted in her losing her precious life fluids.
But as she pondered the mystery of whose blood it belong to, another drop hit her hand. And just as she began to lift her head in order to confirm her suspicions, the Fallen Angel let out a very real scream of terror as the shredded body of her fedora wearing ally dropped right in front of her.
…..
Despite sharing the same mixture of surprise and disgust of her peerage at seeing the mutilated body of the Fallen Angel, though she suspected that Akeno also felt a bit of fear considering the mixed blood that ran through her veins, Rias managed to keep her cool as she addressed the one responsible for this brutality.
"You can come out now Dante. Despite the rather grissly proof of your distaste for the Fallen Angels, I can assure you that there is no reason for you to hide. Especially given the state of your body right now".
Though Kiba had warned her about the current state of her rook's body, Rias nevertheless still let out a gasp of horror as Dante slowly materialized in front of her. Most of his limbs were bent in ways they had not been intended to, his face carried heavy bruising, and even though his body was partly composed of shadows, Dante failed to hide the brief twitch of pain that crossed his features every time he moved.
Noticing the look of pity he was receiving from his red haired master, and feeling far less inclined to play the role of a dutiful servant, Dante offered a mocking grin at the full blooded Devil as he proceeded to vent some of his more volatile feelings.
"Such consideration Rias. Especially when this entire mess is largely your fault. Perhaps if you had been a tad more on the ball, the pervert would still have his nun, and I wouldn't have to deal with fact that my entire body feels like its melting from the inside. But your personal assurance is much appreciated".
Knowing that his outburst would probably result in further punishment being inflicted on his body, for he suspected that Rias would be less than pleased to deal with his usual snark, especially when he was in no real condition to stand against an opponent without the element of surprise, Dante was prevented from hearing the red head's reply thanks to the frantic pleading of a certain fallen angel.
"PLEASE LET ME GO! I PROMISE YOU'LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN. I'LL EVEN GIVE YOU THE SACRED GEAR I STOLE FROM THE GI…GRKKK.".
Shaking her head in slight amusement at the predictable outcome of having a defeated and pleading enemy, though in truth she was somewhat grateful to have a moment to process Dante's rather hurtful comment, Rias sighed as she waved her hand at her white haired rook.
"I appreciate the fact that you're not the most patient of Devils Koneko, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to let her go".
Receiving a curt nod from her petite servant, who promptly dropped the chocking angel back to the ground, Rias turned her attention back towards her still semi solid rook.
"Despite what you may think Dante, I had no intention of allowing things to progress as far as they've have. So I hope you can forgive me when I say that I am sorry for letting any harm come to you".
For a moment she was worried that the shadow controlling Devil would reject her offer, for his expression betrayed nothing of what he was thinking internally. However to her great relief, he inclined his head forward to show that her apology was accepted.
"I suppose I can find it within myself to do as you asked. Though I confess I'd find it much easier to forgive you if you somehow managed to help me with my little poisoning problem".
Grateful that she had managed to extract an acceptance to her apology, reluctant though it might have been, Rias nodded her head in gratitude before posing a solution to Dante's current difficulties.
"I believe that is more than doable. I trust that remaining in that…state for the time being isn't too much of a hardship? Because while I know what I need to do to heal you, I'm afraid I can't do it this very moment".
Left unsaid was the fact that she was concerned about how much pain her rook would be in if he became solid again. But luckily for the red haired heiress, Dante was able to pick up on what she meant.
Receiving a single nod from the shadow controlling Devil to show that she was not only correct in her assumption, but also that he appreciated her concern for his well being, Rias turned her attention back towards the sobbing Fallen Angel.
…..
Despite having long since rejected her heritage in favor of embracing her new life, the raven haired queen of Rias Gremory couldn't help the mixed feelings that were coursing through her as she watched the spectacle in front of her.
On one hand, her sadistic side was gaining immense enjoyment at the sight of a previously confident Fallen Angel beg for her pitiful life, as well as the barely conscious bloody lump of flesh that her black haired comrade had used to announce his presence.
But on the other hand, Akeno felt the familiar sense of disgust whenever she was forced to interact with the race HE belonged to, as well as a creeping sense of fear that perhaps her new teammates would hate her because she had crow blood running through her veins.
Both of them had lost their humanity because of the actions of the Fallen Angels, and it was because of those belonging to her former race that they had experienced a pain that they should have never had to endure.
Issei would probably be able to get over this experience relatively quickly once Rias managed to resurrect the blonde nun, though she suspected that he would devote his energies to ensure that nothing could harm her as long as he could help it.
Was kind of endearing in its way, as well as amusing because he would probably have to make a conscious effort to control his perversity. Something that would no doubt be put to test since the nun would probably be clingy to the man who came to her rescue.
Dante on the other hand would probably take much longer to put this behind him, and for good reason. Of course she held on to the hope that he would see her as an individual and not a member of the race that tortured him, but in order for that to happen, she would have to strengthen her tenuous relationship with him.
But such plans would have to be put on hold for the moment. For Rias was doing her cruel good cop routine. And despite the fact it could use some work, it was always interesting to watch.
….
"Good evening Fallen Angel Raynare. I must admit that my original intention was to simply let you leave my territory unharmed, but considering the pain you've inflicted on my adorable servants, I'm afraid that such an option is no longer available to you".
Not bothering to conceal his satisfaction at Raynare's fearful appearance, though he suspected that her current unease had something to do with the barely alive body of her fellow crow, Issei kept his piece as Rias continued to torment his fallen enemy.
"Of course I suppose I can be persuaded to spare you the fate of your comrade. Cause apart from taking advantage of my pawn's nativity, and stealing the sacred gear of his church going friend, you haven't really done anything to deserve a slow agonizing death. Speaking of which, Dante could you do something to put him out of his misery? I sort of need Akeno to be focused right now, and your version of bondage play might get in the way of that".
Turning his attention towards the raven haired beauty, who indeed has a slightly flushed expression on her face as she witnessed Dante's latest display of sadism, Issei fought the urge to cringe as he heard the black haired Devil's reply to his master's suggestion.
"As you wish Rias. Well, you heard the lady. Which we could have spent more time together crow, but I believe that this is where we part ways".
And though such a thing should have been impossible given his own current history with the fallen soldiers of God, Issei couldn't help but feel sorry for the Fallen Angel as Dante proceeded to end the life of his tormentor.
Of course, he rightly suspected that the manner of execution would be something far more brutal if Dante didn't have an audience. But watching the shadow controlling Devil decapitate the Fallen Angel with a wave of his hand was more than enough for the boy who had until recently been unaware of the supernatural world.
"A little more brutal than expected Dante, but I suppose I can't complain. Now, back to the matter at hand. I trust you already know who I am Fallen Angel"?
Though it was difficult to due given his past history with the deceitful girl, Issei managed to keep himself from lashing out at her as she went from gloating of her supposed superiority, to begging for her life.
Only when she tried to appeal to his sense of mercy did he finally break his stony silence.
"Mercy? You want mercy from me Yuman? I would have done anything for you. You were the first girl I had ever met that hadnt treated me like I was a walking disease. But it was all an act wasnt it? You played with my feelings like they were nothing. You killed a girl who had never had anything but a kind word for anyone. And expect me to show you mercy? Think again".
Turning his gaze away from the woman who had betrayed him so viciously, Issei focused his attention on the still body of Asia as his master proceeded to cast her judgment.
"Fallen Angel Raynare. For the crimes you have committed against my servants, I'm afraid that there is only one suitable punishment that I can accept".
Keeping his back turned as he heard the familiar sound of a sphere of destruction being formed, Issei readied himself to hear Raynare's final cry of protest, but that never came as his black haired teammate decided to interfere before the final blow was struck.
"Apologies for getting in the way of your punitive actions Rias, but I do believe that I should have a say in how you decide to punish Raynare".
Eyes widening in disbelief at his comrade's sudden display of mercy, and more than a little enraged that Raynare had a chance to enjoy an additional moment of life when such a courtesy hadn't been extended to Asia, Issei, turned the full weight of his glare towards his shadow controlling teammate.
"And how the hell did you come to that conclusion? Cause from what I remember, I was the one that got killed by her, and it was MY friend who got tortured to death just because she wanted her sacred gear. So please tell me why you should get a say in this".
Receiving a look that clearly stated that his fellow Devil thought little of his intelligence, and doing his best to ignore the look of consideration that had come over his buxom master, Issei grit his teeth as Dante provided him with some reasons that could not be overlooked.
"Well let's see, it's thanks to her failure to listen to my advice that resulted in the loss of both of our humanity's, though I admit she played a more direct role in your demise than mine. And even if she hadn't done anything to me while I was held captive here, she happened to be the leader of the ones responsible for torturing me, so I do believe that I should get SOME say in what her eventual fate should be".
Though he hated to admit it, Issei had to concede that Dante did have some valid arguments to support his case. However that didn't mean that he had to be happy about.
"And don't even try to say that she deserves to be killed for murdering your nun. Or did you forget that our master has the ability to bring someone back from the dead".
Glaring at the rather dismissive manner in which the black haired rook discussed the fate of the innocent nun, though in truth he was rather grateful at the reminder that a chance existed for Asia to be brought back to life, Issei was prevented from offering a reply by the inquisitive sounding voice of his master.
"And what fate would you have me inflict on her Dante? I sincerely doubt that you're in a particularly forgiving mood towards your former captor, but you seem unwilling to send her to her eternal reward. So I'm curious to know what you want to do with her".
Unsure if he was more annoyed at the fact that Rias was considering to spar the hopeful looking Fallen Angel, or the fact that she seemed to be paying more attention to the black haired rook rather than himself, Issei found himself opening his mouth in shock as Dante gave his answer.
"I think it would prove to be rather…cathartic if you entrusted the fallen bitch into my care. She IS the one responsible for my current situation, and despite your seemingly genuine attempts to treat me well, I would have vastly preferred to retain my independence".
Shocked that Dante would still harbor resentment towards their beautiful master for turning him into a Devil, the brown haired pawn turned his attention towards Rias, who was currently wearing a slight frown as she considered her rook's idea.
"Despite your continued displeasure at your situation Dante, though I am somewhat glad that it isn't as intense as it was, I have to ask you if this is the truly the route you want me to take? While I am more than confident that your abilities will enable you to keep her in line, I can't help but think it would be wiser to deal with her in a more permanent fashion".
Nodding his head to show that he fully agreed with Rias's line of thought, Issei shot a glare at the black haired Devil as he came up with a reply that managed to amuse the rest of the Gremory Peerage.
"I assure you Rias it will not be a problem. Unlike Hyoudou, it takes more than a pretty face an a well develop body to get me to lower my guard. Speaking of which, since the pervert is likely going to be an insufferable annoyance until the nun is restored to her former glory, I suppose I should do my part in paying back my debt".
Frowning in confusion at Dante's announcement, something which was shared by everyone except for the girl…no the creature responsible for killing the most innocent person he had ever met, Issei was treated to a sight that looked like it was straight out of a horror porn combo.
Shadowy tendrils wrapping around Raynare's arms and legs to keep her from fleeing, and a particularly vicious looking like tentacle forcing its way down her throat, any other time Issei would be grinning with glee at such a sight. But now he could only feel a sense of disgust, horror, and oddly enough pity as he watched all this happen to Raynare.
As soon as it began, the highly disturbing display was quickly brought to an end as the Fallen Angel's limbs released, and the pair of green glowing rings were withdrawn from the chocking girl's throat.
Doing his best not to shiver in fear at the spectacle he had just witnessed, the brown haired Devil soon found his spirits restored as the rings were placed into the hands of his buxom master, who swiftly proceeded to place them and a chess piece on the body of the innocent nun.
However, while he was overjoyed at the sight of a newly revived Asia, who proceeded to tearfully embrace him in a manner that clearly told him how much he meant to her, the heartwarming moment was brought to an end by the sudden collapse of the shadow controlling Devil.
…
ANNNNNND I THINK I WILL LEAVE IT HERE FOR NOW XD. Hopefully you can forgive the cliff hanger ending lol.
FINALLY finished the first story arc of Highschool DXD...too far longer than expected, but other stories have taken up my time, plus that little thing called life, but glad to have finally gotten this out of the way.
Hopefully everyone doesnt have a problem with Raynare's continued survival, at least for the moment :P...but had envisioned this sort of scene from happening ever since I saw/read the series. And of course...more than a few stories also end up sparing her XD.
As for Dante's reaction upon being rescued, he is currently dealing with a lot of pain right now. He's still dealing with his place within the peerage, but he's getting there. However will say this...This will not be the last time he acts like this. Intend to have a few more violent tantrums XD.
As for Dohanseek...well...he's dead. Hopefully you can forgive me for not being to graphic with the details of his torture. But for those who need more clarification of what happened to him...well let me put it like this...Watch the scene from Silent Hill Movie where Alessa kills Christabella. LOTS of my ideas came from that lol.
Anyways…Hopefully you all enjoyed this, and will begin working on a new chapter soon.
As always…REVIEWS YES….Flames NO XD