New chapter guys, yay! Read and Enjoy
Chapter 26
Asumoto stood froze like a statue, fear rising within his body.
The unimaginable was occurring before the samurai. He had seen pictures of what Issei was about to become, read many times in the books about Sacred Gears and dragons. His lips parting to say the chant he'd hope to never hear.
His words synchronized with the Ddraig's booming voice. His friends being the only ones able to hear him.
"Am the Heavenly Dragon who has stolen the principles of domination from God!"
The vortex surrounding Issei began to consume him. With only his silhouette being visible through the red energy and Raynare's body vanished from existence.
"I laugh at the "infinite","
His body started to change in shape and size. Hands turned into claws, wings, if they be called wings, sprouted from his back, as did a tail."
"and I grieve at the "dream"…"
"I shall become the Red Dragon of Domination"
A rumbling growl escaped his lips.
"And I shall sink you…"
"…to the depths of the crimson purgatory!"
The energy dispersed and what stood before them was not Issei Hyoudou, but a large red monstrous dragon!
The allies paled at the sight. The power radiating off it rivaled that of the Maou's.
"W-what happened to Issei!?" Irina gasped, horrified at what her best friend had become.
"He is no longer Issei."
Everyone turned to Asumoto.
"He has become a monster that none of us can reach. Raynare's death has changed him. His anger has consumed him. And because of that, it activated Boosted Gear's most powerful form -... and it´s most dangerous one."
"Juggernaut Drive," whispered Rias, "the monster even the now dead God from the Bible feared."
Her eyes flickered to Kokabiel. His minions were terrified at the sight of such a being appearing before them, but not him. He was staring in awe before his usual sadistic smile appeared upon his pale face. And, like always, he laughed. Laughed like a lunatic.
"Kokabiel!" Asumoto shouted, unrighteous fury in his tone. "You fool! You fucking fool! Do you realize you've doomed us all!?"
"Doomed us!?" Kokabiel cackled as he spread his wings to full length. "Doomed us!? No Queen of Gremory! I have been given what I desire! A true challenge! A chance to slay the Red Dragon Emperor!"
A challenge? Thought Asumoto in disbelief at the Cadre's words. Did he not see the monstrosity that Issei turned into!? He was asking for a death sentence! Nothing else.
Kokabiel raised his hand that summoned a thousand spears to come raining down on the Juggernaut. His subordinate's doings the same. Spears, axes, magic blast, and holy bullet flew toward the beast.
"We have to get out of here," Kuroka said, quickly regaining her composure. There was no time to stand around like fools. They had to get as far away from here as possible. Or at least out of range of the Juggernaut Drive. "That thing your friend has become will not recognize us. To him, everyone is an enemy."
As soon as she said that the beast let loose a loud roar! Sending shockwaves through the area, uprooting the land, obliterating every attack aimed at it, and sending a tornado of heated air and energy in all directions.
Only Kokabiel managed to hold against the winds.
Asumoto spread his wings and managed to catch the still unconscious form of Asia.
"Uuuhhh."
She was waking up! When she learned of what happened to Issei…
"I-Ise-kun…"
Emerald eyes fluttered open. Asia blinked to clear her vision and looked around in confusion. What happened? The last thing to be remembered was that God had—
Her thoughts halted abruptly.
God was dead…
She had been on the ground too. So why was she up in the air being held by…
"Asumoto-san?" she gasped in surprise before noticing the large red monster. "W-what is that?"
Asumoto pursed his lips together. A twinge of pain pulling at his heart. Asia would probably know who that if not told but…
"That's Issei." Another gasp came from the nun, but he continued. "Raynare died protecting him. Her death consumed him and triggered the activation of Juggernaut Drive. The beast you are seeing down there."
Horror filled Asia's eyes at what she heard. Raynare-chan was dead, she fully realized sad and horrified... and it caused Ise-kun to become….
"T-that thing is Ise-kun?"
She watched as the dragon easily battered away another barrage of attacks by the Fallen Angels, before setting its sights on the Exorcists. Their faces pale with fear that they were going to be devoured by the Juggernaut Drive!
It began to advance towards the humans before having its path blocked by a massive wall of light erected by Kokabiel.
With a wave of his hand, the wall of light changed into dozen spears that harmlessly bounced off the armored beast. Another wave of the Cadre's hand and two portals opened on each side of the Red Dragon Emperor. A Cerberus came jumping out of each one and grabbed the dragon by the arms and wings, trying to rip it apart!
Asia saw Kokabiel quickly called forth a sword of light and charged the beast with the intent to skewing it through the head! He was going to kill Issei-kun! They had to—
If it was even possible. Her eyes widened more. Her terror intensifying at what she was seeing.
An enormous shockwave of magic erupted from the beast - Issei, Juggernaut, whatever they were calling it - freeing it from the dog's teeth and swinging for Kokabiel, who managed to dodge at the very last second. The edge of his tattered robes getting ripped off.
It may have missed Kokabiel, but it still had two other targets. Turning its head to one of the Cerberus, it spread its ugly wings and flew at it. Going into the open maw of the center head.
Asia felt her stomach churn when the Juggernaut came bursting from it's stomach, ending the monster's life in an instant. It's blood covering the dragon, with only it's green eyes visible through it. She watched it attack the second one, ripping into it's flesh with teeth and claws, like a tiger catching its prey!
"Asumoto-senpai…" Asia choked, "that can't really can't be Issei can it?"
But no reply came from her senior. If he didn't reply that meant only one thing…
Issei had become a monster!
But… but that couldn't be… Ise-kun…
And Raynare-chan, she was gone. Asia didn´t want to believe it. But that's what Asumoto said. One of her friends was dead and the other had turned into... this...
Realizing Asumoto wasn't holding her tightly, she managed to pry herself free and fly as fast as her wings could take her.
"Asia no!"
But she ignored him. Her teary eyes set on the monster-no-on Issei! Issei would never become that… that beast! He was so kind and pure hearted! He had to be in there somewhere… he just had to be!
Ise-kun!"
Behind her, Asumoto was flying as fast as he could before—
"Asia, look out!"
His warning wasn't heard by the girl. Leaving him to watch as Diadora came swooping in. Snatching the girl in his arms. His expression lit with victory at the chance to finally have his prize.
"At last you're mine Asia-chan. Don't worry." He leaned in at his captive, his smiling turning evil. "I'll take good care of you~"
Then he turned to Asumoto who came flying straight at him. Rage filling his eyes.
"Thank you for letting my precious Asia go Asumoto-kun. I'll make sure to reward you for this, if you survive that is Hehehe."
"Bastard!"
Asumoto doubled his speed. He couldn't let this traitor, this bastard, get away with Asia! They had already lost too many good people today! They were not about to lose Asia!
"Oh, I don't think so."
A teleportation circle appeared beneath Diadora, Asia trying to get herself free from the man's grip, but he was too strong.
"I won't let you take what is mine you—uh!"
His words were cut short when the samurai appeared before him!
Silver stared into yellow. His fist was tightly gripping him by the collar of his robes. He would not let this—
There was a bang! And Asumoto was sent flying to the dirt! He looked back to see a pretty blonde with a hand outstretched, the Astaroth symbol he held within it.
It was his Queen!
Before Asumoto could recover and attack the pair vanished. Asia's screams echoing through the air.
Silver eyes stared at where Asia had previously been. She was gone. Taken by that traitor Diadora Astaroth.
He found himself starring at the spot for a few moments...
... until he realized that someone was calling his name:
"Asumoto!"
He turned to find Rias waving to him, with the others gathered around Kuroka's transportation spell. He moved as best he could toward his friends while the wounds all over his body ached with each step taken. Till at least he reached them with Rias and Akeno's help.
Kuroka cast her spell just as another attack From the Fallen, a very large spear, impacted against the Juggernaut Drive.
When they reappeared atop the school roof they saw the shockwave of the blast reaching where they stood seconds before. They really had to thank Kuroka for bringing them here before that reached them.
"Where's Asia?" Rias asked upon noticing her Bishop not among them.
"Diadora took her."
All eyes shifted to Asumoto when he said that. Nobody was deaf, they heard was he said but know Diadora kidnapped Asia…
"Diadora …" Demonic energy began to flow off her, eyes alit with anger. "How dare he take one of my servants! He will pay for what he's done!" Diadora - he had sold them out to Kokabiel and nearly got them all killed. It was him who had informed him about Azazel´s plan to switch Kuoh for a Rating Game area... And now he had kidnapped one of her Servants. In this moment she wanted nothing more than to kill him with her own hands.
"Buchou," Kiba said, placing his hand on her shoulder, "we are all upset at this, but we can't leave Kuoh unprotected. Especially now with what has happened to Isse-kun," the one-armed blonde said, while turning his gaze back to the dragon as it advanced upon the Fallen, who continued to bombard it with spells that they seem to not realize was having no effect on it.
It just like the military confronting Godzilla.
"He's right, Rias," Sona added. "You can still save Asia-chan. However, if we are to rescue her, it must be done by a tiny group."
"I'll go."
Sona's violet orbs flickered to Asumoto, his fist clenched in rage. Her quired brow was enough to show her question as to why he should go.
"I should have been faster in stopping Asia and…" As much as he wanted to tell them how much he wanted to kill the heir he instead chose to save it for the traitor himself. "Do we even know where he is? He could have traveled back to Khaos Brigade's headquarters for all we know."
"I do."
Asumoto saw Koneko look to him Tail swishing back and forth. She had seen the whole thing happen but couldn't help due to her sprained ankle. Now, however, she would.
"Ohhh? Is Shirone gonna use her Senjutsu to find that creep? Nya?" Kuroka asked with witty smirk.
Koneko shook her head before reaching for her senpai's hand. What she pulled from it was a piece of cloth.
Cloth that just so happened come from Diadora's robes!
"Of course!" Rias realized. "You can track him through his scent! Good job Koneko!"
Glad to have her King praise her, Koneko focused her attention on the garment, sniffing it a couple times to know his scent. It reeked of sex! He probably forced himself onto his servants.
Pervert.
"I'll lead you to him," the white-haired sage said.
"But you're coming straight back here, Koneko. Only Asumoto will deal with Diadora," Rias said in a commanding tone, eyes turning to her Queen. "Asumoto, you have your orders; find Asia, rescue her, and kill Diadora."
She could have sworn a flash of excitement crossed her Queen's face at being ordered to kill the Astaroth's heir. However, it become one of serious concern.
"Are you sure? We may need him alive for questioning."
But Rias smiled. "You have a way with words Asumoto. I'm sure you'll be able to pry information out of him before you slay that traitor. Now—"
Another explosion rocked the landscape. Forcing the allies to turn their attention back to the battle. The Juggernaut was upon the Exorcist, its claws shredding through the humans like tissue paper! Blood splattering everywhere!
Those who were running where cut down by their Fallen superiors.
"Those fiends… killing their own men who only wish to save themselves," said one of the Fallen Cadre loyal to Azazel with a shake of his head.
"Kokabiel has doomed them all for what he did," Rika said, quickly looking to Hazael. Since arriving, the only action Akeno's brother did was remove Kiba's arm. After that he had stayed back and observe the fighting. Even with the appears of Juggernaut Drive, he still refused to partake in the fight to kill it.
Even if he had... could Hazael even kill the Juggernaut Drive? Powerful as he was, this monster had the powerful to kill a Satan and Gods. So, no… it was highly doubtful he would defeat it, even with Kokabiel's help.
Seeing that Asumoto was still here she called to him. "You should go save Asia-chan. The faster you get to her the faster she can come back to us before that villain Diadora dose something wicked to her."
Asumoto nodded and prepared to teleport him and Koneko to the first place he'd know where Diadora was.
"I will. But when I come back, we will speak about your decision to use Issei´s transfer ability for yourself, instead of Gaspar like it was planned, Rias," he said now sternly. "Maybe all of this here could have been prevented if it hadn´t been for you."
"I know. I am sorry," Rias answered regretfully. She didn't know this would happen. She was sure her powers amplified by the Boosted Gear would allow her to kill, or at the very least, wound Kokabiel. If they won this war, if they survived this battle. Then she, Rias Gremory, would have to do something she'd thought to never do.
Train herself to get stronger.
"Wait!"
The Devil's turned in time to see Akeno approach. A talisman was in hand.
"I know you're a Devil Asu-kun but take this to protect you in facing Diadora. I sensed an unusual about of power coursing through him."
Asumoto looked at the talisman. An unusual power flowed through him huh? Perhaps he was given an extra boost in power by the Old Satans. Diadora could get all the power he wants but…
"No talisman will be necessary for the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six, Akeno-chan. Besides you'll need it more than I do," he said while pushing the talisman back to Akeno.
"Uh guys!"
Asumoto turned his attention to Irina when she said that, finger pointed at the Juggernaut. It had slaughtered all the rogue exorcist and now focused upon the crows that surrounded it. The beast roared as magic began concentrating on it's chest, which opened wide to show a bright glow. within it.
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
His eyes widened while sharing a look with Akeno and Rias. The trio knew that attack was going to destroy the barrier! Along with a portion of the city if they didn't stop it!
They weren't the only once to realize this. The Fallen Angels prepared to scatter to avoid what was about to come but all suddenly froze in their tracks!
"W-what's going on!?"
"I can't move!"
The sudden freezing of the Fallen surprised the Devils until realize why, or rather, who stopped them.
"Way to go Gasper-kun!" Akeno said cheerfully while sending a proud smile his way.
The dhampir's eyes were glowing brightly as he focused them on the horde of Fallen. He was told his powers would be used to turn the tide of the battle and now was the time!
For his friends!
For Issei-san!
Their praises for the little Bishop where shorted lived however. They still had to find a way to keep whatever the Juggernaut was about to unleash from destroying the barrier. Everyone was too exhausted from fighting to cast any sort of magic to stop the monster. All they could do was watch and wait.
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
The green glow grew brighter and brighter until it shown as bright as the sun!
"Longinus Smasher!"
A large green beam came shooting out of the chest of the Juggernaut, obliterating everything it's it path! Nothing remained of the Fallen consumed by it!
The beam flew closer and closer to the barrier. The Devils waiting fearfully for the barrier to—...
Whoosh!
A burst of magic erupted from Kuroka like a volcano! Hands clapped together, and eyes narrowed in concentration. It didn't take a genius to know what she was doing. The Nekoshou was trying to use what remaining magic she had to keep the barrier form shattering!
Could she even do such a thing!? Everyone thought, hoping it would work.
"Look!" Xenovia shouted.
Everyone looked to the sky to see Kuroka's symbol appear with a solid black dot in the center! The Longinus Smasher hit the symbol with the force of a freight train and was…
What was it doing?
It didn't destroy the spell. Instead it seemed to be going into the magic symbol. Had she…opened a teleportation circle to teleport it away to another part of the world or… another dimension?
They all watched in awe as the last of the blast slipped into the transportation circle before it dissolved, followed by its spell caster collapsing to the ground - panting and sweaty heavily.
Asumoto was at her side but quickly shoved away. Golden eyes glaring behind black bangs. "Don't waste your time on me Asumoto! Go! Save your friend!"
Understanding he had wasted enough time standing around, he grabbed ahold of Koneko's shoulder and teleported him to where he assumed Diadora would be — the Underworld!
"What did you just do?" Akeno asked the question everyone was wondering while helping the elder cat girl to a sitting position.
"It was a risk… but…. I…. used the last of my magic warp the space… in front of that attack to…to send it to somewhere…... else," Kuroka answered through heavy breaths.
Space warping!? That was said to be a very rare ability and knowing Kuroka could do it…
"Why didn't you use it before?" Sona asked, interested that she knew how to perform something like that.
"For one, I haven't mastered it. And it can only work on things moving in one direction. So that crow we're fighting could easily dodge it."
There was a pause amongst them until one of the Fallen spoke up.
"Those of us that remain will set a perimeter around the barrier to make sure nobody gets in or out. And divert any humans away from here."
"Thank you for your help in this battle. We appreciate it," Rias said with a bow.
"No need to thank us Gremory. We wanna stop this war as much as you do." Then he turned to Akeno. "Akeno, daughter of Baraqiel, if we survive this. I shall tell stories of your bravery to those who remain of Grigori."
With that he and the remaining Fallen Angels teleported outside to the barrier.
More silent fell amongst them and then...
"I think it's obvious to everyone that this war will mark the end of the Fallen Angels as a species."
Somber nods of agreement where shared with Kuroka's words. Everyone knew the Fallen Angels were on the verge of extinction and now with this war happening, with so many fighting each other, it was clear that whichever side won the war, only a handful of Fallen Angels would remain.
Sure, an Angel may fall occasionally but one Angel out of a thousand wouldn't be enough to make Grigori the superpower it once was within the supernatural world.
They attention was redrawn back to the battle, or rather rampage, of the Juggernaut as it buried its fangs into another Fallen. So far, the battle had been the same thing for thirty minutes; Fallen Angels attack and no damage sustained to the beast before it knocked another Fallen out of the sky.
With how things were going, they would not last. Their leader was a maniac with no care for caution whatsoever. Would Kokabiel realize the error of his ways before he himself became victim to Issei's wrath? Would he be abandoned by his followers?
Most likely.
He had thrown them into the fray like cattle for slaughter. He probably forced many of these Fallen to join him in his war.
And what of Hazael? Would he help his fellow Cadre? Or would he usurp power once Kokabiel bit the dust and try to attack Heaven?
Only time would tell.
The first place he thought of going to in the Underworld was the Gremory manor, since he knew that place by heart. When the light from the teleportation circle cleared, he had to suppress a gasp of shock.
The entry room was a mess. Windows, doors, walls, and the grand chandelier were broken. Scorch marks of magic attacks littered the walls. And the servants... dead servants, men and woman lay everywhere.
Asumoto knew Hell had been under attack but didn't expect it to be this chaotic. The Gremory territory was in the deeper parts of Devil land. To see the attackers, reach all the way to Rias home showed the enemy was-...
"Asumoto-kun! Koneko-chan!"
A voice caught the two Devils by surprise. Turning around they saw Venelana come rushing towards them, her husband and Grayfia following close behind.
Before either could say a word, they were scooped up into the arms of the brunette.
"You're ok! Thank Maou your safe! What happened to you both? You look like you've just come from a battle."
"Kokabiel decided to pay us a visit. It had been a battle. The members of our peerage are fine though. Well mostly..."
"What happened? Is Rias ok!? Is she..."
Asumoto shook his head. "The possessor of the Red Dragon Emperor has turned into the Juggernaut Drive after his girlfriend died at Kokabiel's hands. And... Diadora took Asia."
The three adults looked to Asumoto when he said that... Beelzebub's brother... stole Rias Bishop!?
"He's betrayed us, Lord and Lady Gremory," Asumoto continued, "he was a spy for the Old Satans. He was the one to let the enemy slip this far into the Underworld. He was the one who listened in on our plans and relayed them to the enemy."
"And now he's taken Asia-chan..." Venelana said. Her shock over one of their own betraying them turned to rage. Her daughter was in danger, the Underworld was being besieged, and now they discovered a traitor was in their midst.
"Lady Gremory, I don't have much time. I must go save Asia-chan. But I must know what happened here?"
"We were attacked by a legion of Fallen and Old Satan supporters," Grayfia answered. "As you can see we repelled them, but at a high price."
"Grayfia, you must go and ensure Rias is out of harm's way." Zeoticus said.
"I'm sorry Lord Gremory, but my orders from Lord Lucifer where to ensure the protection of you and Lady Gremory, along with my son."
"You don't have to worry. She's a strong woman Lord Gremory and surrounded by many powerful allies, including Kuroka and Akeno, and Sona," added Asumoto. "But I mustn't linger. I have to...ugh!"
He winced at the pain coursing through his body, when stepping away from Rias mother.
"If you're going to face Diadora you'll need help boy."
"No, I'm fine, Lord Gremory," Asumoto reassured. His painful expression said otherwise. He couldn't let these wounds stop him from saving Asia from that traitor.
"Wait a moment."
Grayfia was beside him in seconds. Hand upon his shoulder that was now glowing silvery.
Asumoto could feel his energy recovering.
"It isn't much, but it'll keep the wounds from reopening. Now go save your friend. I will keep watch over the manor."
With a silent farewell to the purebloods. Asumoto set off with Koneko leading the way
The Nekoshou´s nostrils filled with the stench of blood and death. But she refused to let it distract her from Astaroth's scent.
It was faint at the Gremory manor, but the further they followed, the stronger it became. It wasn't just Diadora they were getting closer too, but the battle as well.
In the distance they could see smoke from fires burning the earth rising into the sky... that was filled with lights from spells. As they drew closer they could see the silhouettes of Fallen Angels and Devils, fighting one another. Spells, weapons, and fists were exchanged by both sides.
Asumoto motioned for Koneko to try avoiding any battles as best they could. They were here to save Asia, not help in the defense of the Underworld.
"Asumoto-senpai."
"Hm?"
"Are you sure you can handle him yourself?"
"As much as I'd like to have you at my side fighting that filth. You must return to Rias once you find Diadora's location."
"I know, but you're wounded and only at half strength."
"So are you. We've all been fighting our hardest against Kokabiel and his goons. You're lucky you didn't fight that warmonger personally. He's no pushover, even I had to go all out against him. Astaroth however shouldn't be too big of a problem."
"His peerage—"
"Will fall at my hands."
Koneko frowned at her senpai. She could tell Asumoto was trying keep her out of harm´s way.
Why was he doing that? Yes, she was a kid, but she wanted to help him. Just like he had helped her, as he had helped to reunite her with Kuroka-onee-san.
She wasn't useless nor weak. So, he shouldn´t treat her like that. Her Senjutsu training had made her stronger than she was before. She would be a great help in the battle against Diadora.
"Ugh."
She looked to her senpai, pain flashing across his face. The wounds may have closed, but they still hurt, and she could sense his energy slowly leaving. By the time they reach Diadora he would be unable to battle him or his Peerage.
Well… if she couldn't help in the fight, then she could at least heal him.
Flying closer to him, she took hold of his hand.
"Koneko what are you—"
He stopped when a sense of relief washed over him. Ah — she was pouring Chakra into him to reenergize him for the coming battle. He really had to thank his kohai, by buying her favorite sweets.
An explosion in the distance caught their attention. They turned in time to see someone - a Fallen - get blasted out of the sky by a Devil. From the crest on the magic seal they seem to be part of… was that Glasya-Labolas or Belial? They had only seen it for a second before it disappeared. Whoever that was, hopefully they'd survive this fight.
Asumoto squeezed Koneko's shoulder, telling her they should hurry before Diadora dose something vile to Asia.
On and on they went, passing more fights and some ruined sections of cities. Truly the Old Satan Faction and Grigori where determined to crush the new regime. Could the New Satan faction hold against such overwhelming numbers?
Of course, they could!
The Old Satans could throw whatever they could at the Underworld, but in the end, it would be in vain. They had the numbers and the White Dragon Emperor, but they were going against some of the strongest people Asumoto knew. Azazel, Baraqiel, the Four Great Satans, multiple clan leaders and their heirs, and Akeno's cousin - the strongest human he had ever met.
"We are here."
Asumoto's eyes turned to where Koneko was looking.
A large stone palace stood high upon a hill with an entrance building like a Pantheon of Greece, a place he had to go visit someday.
Asumoto's first tightened. At last, he would finally save Asia, and more importantly, kill the Devil he reviled most out of all the purebloods he knew— Diadora.
The duo touched down at the top of the steps. No way where they going to waste energy by walking up those.
"Alright Koneko, you know your orders. Now get back to Rias and—"
He stopped upon realizing Koneko wasn't looking at him — but past him.
Turning to see what she was staring at, he saw many robed beings blocking their path. It was the slimy traitor's peerage. He recognized them from when Diadora appeared in the human world.
Standing before them was his Queen that blasted him out of the sky.
"Asumoto - the Strongest Queen of the Rook Six! You will go no further!"
He was not going to waste time on words with this girl, nor would let them stand in his way! Redrawing his swords, he prepared to cut them down, when someone came crashing in front of him. A cloud of dust obscuring the new comes appearance. When it cleared both parties where surprised by who stood between them.
"Sairaorg!?"
Sairaorg Bael, heir of the Bael family, and cousin to Rias Gremory stood before them with arms across over his buff chest. His outfit had dirt and blood spots, but not a single cut or tear could be seen anywhere on him or clothing.
The sight of the strongest youth made the Astaroth peerage back away a little in fear. With him on the field there was no way they could win.
"Well. Well. Well. What is Diadora-san's peerage doing standing before my cousin's Queen and Rook? From what I can see it appears as if you are about to fight."
"Sairaorg? What are you doing here? Did you follow us?" Asumoto asked the brunette.
The son of Lord Bael kept his eyes focused on the Astaroth peerage but answered Asumoto's question. "I did. When I saw you and Koneko-chan here, I was beginning to wonder if Rias came back to join in the defense. Instead I see this; you about to face off against the Diadora's Peerage. Why is that?"
"Rias isn't here. She's in the human world fighting Kokabiel. As for why I'm here. It's because Diadora is a traitor. He gave information to Grigori and has just kidnapped Asia. I'm here to get her back and kill the traitor."
Sairaorg didn't turn nor react to the former human's words, but Koneko could sense the shock wash over him like a bucket of cold water before changing to anger.
"So… not only is my cousin fighting a maniac that I myself would have liked to test my skills against… but the heir of the Astaroth clan has switched sides?" A scowl formed on the youth's face as he uncrossed his arms. "Asumoto-san. I leave the rescuing to you. I shall handle his lackies and guard this entrance. None shall pass me!"
Asumoto smiled. "Thank you Sairaorg. You're help is much appreciated." Then he turned to Koneko. "You as well Koneko-chan. Now get back to Rias and tell her what's happened here."
Then he charged forward, not waiting to see if Koneko left. Sairaorg zoomed, passing him and sending the Astaroth peerage flying in all directions. That was easy! With his path cleared, Asumoto burst through the doors into a hallway.
`Typical purebloods. Always stealing designs from other mythologies. How they became one of the leading superpowers I'll never know.' Asumoto thought as he looked around.
The whole interior was made of marble white stone with a long red carpet, that led to a throne where his target sat upon casually. Hanging above him was Asia, who by the looks of it, was unharmed. Good - at least he didn't need to apply healing magic to her.
There was no point in trying to hide his presence. The commotion outside and crashing through the doors was enough for the blonde Pureblood to know he had company.
"Ah — Asumoto! Welcome! Welcome!" Diadora greeted with his fake polite smile. "Have you come to save Asia on behave of your master?"
Asumoto said nothing as he advanced forward.
"Oh? Not in the mood to talk eh? Are you angry that I took what belongs to—..."
"Why did you take Asia? What right do you have to her? I recall hearing from Rias that you are the Devil who caused Asia to be excommunicated from the Church."
A sick smile crept upon Diadora's face at the question. "Oh that? Well, I should first say that it was indeed I who had Asia-chan exiled from the Church. That way it would be easier to take her as mine. But those crows beat me to her and took her the town Rias resides in. I had planned to "save" her from that Fallen bitch she was with. But lo and behold. I find out a few weeks later that Asia-chan is Rias new servant. She said something about the crow's trading Asia to her for the Red Dragon Emperor. Now that she was a Devil, I had the desire to take her, but I knew back then wasn't the time. I simply had to wait till Kokabiel had his war to make my move."
"Why didn't you just do it the moment you had Asia kicked from the church? The way I see it, you had many opportunities to take her. Why did you wait until now to do so?"
"More important matters came up during those times."
"Like falling in league with Khaos Brigade."
Diadora nodded. "You are smart, for a reincarnated devil. I suppose you're wondering why I joined them. Well I might as well tell you since you'll die anyway."
There was a pause before he continued, his smile twisting into a more sadistic form.
"For power! Power to eradicate my enemies! To destroy all those weak Purebloods who believe peace is the only way! We were once feared lords of the Underworld! Killing whoever we want, when we want! We made our enemies tremble at our power! Power that I - Diadora Astaroth, heir of the Astaroth family - shall use to crush you! And why do I want Asia? It's not for her Sacred Gear! I want her, so I can break her! Like all the other nuns I've collected!" His voice rose in volume while laughing manically. "That's right, low class! I kidnap nuns from the church and make them mine! My precious slaves after breaking them! Oh, I can't wait to hear Asia-chan screams! Maybe I'll keep you alive, so you can watch me destroy her!"
When his laughter subsided he gleefully stared down Asumoto, who looked unfazed by the rich boy's words.
"Well, servant!? What do you have to say that!? Are you scared of what you've heard? Are you angry that I'm going to take Asia's virginity before you can!? Hehehe!"
A long silent fell on the room as Diadora waited for a reply from the samurai.
"You talk too much."
Diadora scowled while raising his hands to unleash a barrage of magic bullets at the swordsman!
Asumoto blocked the bullets without any problems. First with a magic circle he created in front of himself, that stopped most of the barrage... and the last few that managed to pass it, with his blade itself.
"Did you honestly think an attack like that would work?" he asked.
Diadora now stepped away from his throne. He was glaring at Asumoto for a moment, until his smile returned to his face.
"Probably not," he said. "They don´t call you the strongest Queen of the Rook Six for nothing as it looked like. But honestly, I would have expected you to block this even more easily. Tell me Asumoto-san - honestly - you have been in a long battle today, haven´t you? You have been injured obviously? How are you doing? Are you much weaker than normally?" he asked with fake concern.
"Why the hell would I answer something like that? Even if I am, I'm still stronger than you. You Pureblood prick."
"Is that arrogance I hear from you?" Diadora sneered while preparing another attack.
"No. It's the truth!"
Asumoto lunged at Diadora, sword ready to cut him cut. The Astaroth heir however, was prepared from the obvious head on attack and dodged to the left. Only his robes where sliced by the blade. He may have missed his target, but this gave him the opportunity to free Asia. Quickly turning his attention to her, he cut the bonds holding her up then went after Diadora. The fall may or may not hurt the nun, but he couldn't worry about that. Diadora was more important.
He closed the distance on the heir and struck again! His attack hitting a magic circle. In his other hand he saw a sword form, posed to strike him. Asumoto turned his body to dodge the thrust. Grabbing his short sword by a reverse grip he drew it from the scabbard, blocking another strike by Diadora long before it reached him.
"Now this, is what I was hoping to see from you. Come on! Show me your swordsmanship!"
Pushing the blonde away, he began a barrage of slashes that were either blocked or parried. Sparks flew between the blades and shield. Which Asumoto thought shouldn´t be, since steel and magic couldn't do such a thing. Parring a slash aimed from his unprotected leg, he kicked Diadora away to gain distance, before closing it with a slash by his long sword.
Before he could land an attack, the shield changed to a spell in seconds! Forcing Asumoto to dodge the magic bullets at the last second! A few grazed his side but they wouldn't hinder him in his attack.
Diadora however, didn't let up in his attack. He began followed Asumoto's path by casting more and more magic bullets, with some almost hitting him. The sword in his other hand was throw and with a quick snap of the finger, changed into multiple blades!
The green swords imbedded themselves into the floor in front of Asumoto before exploding on impact sending the samurai rolling. He jumped back to his feet, only to see a wave of conjured swords come flying toward him. With nowhere to dodge, he was forced to parry and block the attack. He felt some blades cut against his skin but powered through the pain.
He hated to admit it, but the traitor was right. Asumoto had been through a long battle against Kokabiel and only received a tiny boost of energy by Koneko. If he was at full strength, he'd have crushed the blonde in one move.
"Is this all you can do, samurai? Dodge and attack? I was expecting something like what you did against Riser and his Peerage."
"Well why don't we take this to a forest and see how well you do against me there," Asumoto suggested with a smirk.
Parrying the last sword, he attacked again. Quickly closing the distance between him and Diadora. His swords narrowly taking the Purebloods head off, if it wasn't for the last-minute barrier placed between them.
Before he could get around the barrier, a surge of power erupted from his opponent. It was followed by a powerful magic blast that Asumoto was unable to dodge. He was sent flying through the air, what remained of his armor obliterated by the energy. And what was even worse... the wakizashi slipped out of his grasp, landing on the ground... too far for him to retrieve.
He was slammed against the floor, surprised by the sudden boost of power that came from the Astaroth heir.
"What was that about being stronger?" mocked Diadora as he laughed at the downed samurai.
Asumoto struggled to get himself up, glaring defiantly at the rich brat. Where and how did he get that power from!? Was it the Old Satans?
"That look of surprise before being blasted was priceless. I wonder how you'll react to how I obtained said power? This power… this incredible might you just witnessed was gifted to me by Ophis! ... the leader of Khoas Brigade!"
Asumoto rose to his feet. Lips pressed together in a thin line. So, the leader of Khaos Brigade gave him power huh?
"What a disappointment you are Diadora," Asumoto said. "You can't defeat me without help from the Infinite Dragon God. Truly, you are a cowardly weakling."
Asumoto activated his Knight trait and zoomed out of the way of his enemy´s next attack. He may have lost his armor but wouldn't stop fighting until he died!
Diadora sent another wave of conjured swords from the wall after him, eyes bulging with rage at the insult. "Impudent fool! You dare insult the great Diadora Astaroth!?"
"If you mean great as in having the bulgiest eyes ever when angry than yes. You win that title," the samurai continued to mock him.
"Shut your mouth!"
Asumoto dodged a wave of pure magic by spreading his wings and fly toward the ceiling. He spun around and, using it as a springboard, launched himself at Diadora. He closed the distance and swung his blade.
However, he had prepared forward it. Another blast of magic was sent Asumoto's way.
Silver eyes briefly widen at the attack. With the speed he was going at he couldn't dodge it. There was no choice; he would have to take it full for... or the least hold it back best he could. He switched to the Rook swung his blade with as much force as he could muster while at the same time, channeling demonic energy into them.
Channeling magic into his blades had been an advice Kiba and Rias suggested for him to do to deliver more power behind an attack. But he had never once considering doing it. That had been long ago when he was first reincarnated. Now he would take that advice and put it to good use against Diadora's attack.
He gathered all the strength he still had left to block it. He felt himself getting pushed back from the force of the blast, as it clashed with his enhanced blade... until the blast broke on his sword and the rest of the energy bounced off into another direction. As Asumoto returned his attention to his front however, he realized that Diadora was not longer standing where he had been before. Instead he had side-stepped him and was now attacking him from the side.
He tried to counter but was too slow to dodge the bullets that crashed into him and sent him stumbling back before falling to the floor. Blood flowed from new wounds created by the bullets. His body was in excruciating pain and what energy he still had was slipping away rapidly. He didn't wanna admit it, but he lost.
And Diadora was gloating about it like always.
"And so, the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six falls. Defeated by a Pureblood, as it should be. I must admit, it is unfortunate that I must kill you Asumoto. If you had seen things our way, you could have been a great asset."
"Your way? Your way by what I have seen so far is betrayal, war, bloodshed and slavery. Selling out your brother and your own family, attacking the Underworld, killing civilians, kidnapping innocent nuns and turning them into your sex-slaves. And all while talking about "conquest" and "greatness", while you are nothing but a weak coward having to rely on other being's powers to achieve victory. I hate you. I despise you. You are the definition of a walking piece of shit. In fact, the moment I met you was when I wanted to kill you."
Diadora smirked smugly as he raised a hand to cast more magic bullets at the reincarnated Devil. If Asumoto´s insults had made him angry, he didn´t show it.
"It would seem you won't get that chance. I think I'll blow off your legs first. Then your arms. Don´t worry, I won´t kill you... right now. You need to pay first for insulting a High-Class Devil like this. Then, when you'll be nothing but a walking corpse, forced to watch as I kill everyone you love. Especially that half-breed whore."
"I'd like to see you say that to her face. Maybe you'll receive the full force of her lightning."
"Hardly." Scoffed Diadora as his magic began charging up. "I'll make sure people will remember you. Because I will make sure your death is so horrifying that they talk about it for centuries. Now, like I said - let us start with your legs." He lowered his hands, aiming downwards. "You can scream if you want Asumoto-san. You don´t need to be ashamed about it. Because this here will really hur... Ahg." Suddenly Diadora froze and let out a surprised loud gasp.
He turned around, looking at something - someone standing behind him.
"A-Asia," Asumoto said. Neither he or Diadora had noticed her waking up and coming closer.
But Asumoto now also noticed something else. Asia was holding his short sword in her hands, that he had lost earlier in the fight... and she had stabbed it into Diadora´s back.
The nun's expression was a mixture of hate and regret. Asumoto knew she didn't want to do it. But it had to be done. Diadora was a vile person and if she didn't kill him, Asumoto himself would have died... and many other people with him.
Her surprise attack was fatal. Even a Devil couldn't live from being stabbed through the heart.
"Y-you…" Diadora struggled to turn around and strike Asia, only to be answered by feeling the blade get pushed deeper into him and roughly twisted. He screamed at the pain coursing through his body. It was too much.
"With all that power it seems you left your back exposed and couldn't sense Asia approaching. For someone who was given the Infinite Dragon God's power, you used it very poorly," Asumoto said with a satisfied smirk at seeing the Pureblood collapse to the floor, dying in his own blood. He had hoped to be the one to kill him himself. But it was good as it was. He was glad that Asia was saved.
Asia...
"Are you alright?" he asked her. "Did he hurt you?" Asumoto felt even weaker as he had thought. His entire body was hurting. But he managed to stand on his legs.
"Asumoto," she said. "Thank you. You came for me."
"Of course, I did."
"Are you okay?" she asked him. "He nearly killed you."
"It isn´t so bad. It is not nearly as bad like after the Rating Game. Believe me, I will be fine."
Asia didn't say anything. Instead looking to the corpse of Diadora. His blood continuing to flow out the opening made by the short sword still stuck in him. From Asumoto's perspective she looked as if she was about to cry as well as vomit. He knew why. She had just killed for the first time. Seeing people die was one thing but doing it with your own hands was something else.
In time, she would hopefully overcome this experience.
But for now, she would need support.
"Are you alright?"
Asia nodded weakly. Her body started shaking. It was a sign saying she wasn't alright.
With a pitiful expression, he embraced Asia in a gentle hug - which she accepted by clinging onto him tightly. The sobs she emitted muffled by her face being buried into his chest.
"I know it hurts Asia, but you must accept this. You killed someone and honestly, it was the right choice. Diadora was a vile being who caused the death of countless people, ruined your life as a nun, kidnapped you, and betrayed the New Satan Faction for his selfish ideas."
"I... I didn't want to kill him!" Asia sobbed "I - I panicked and acted without thinking!"
"But it had to be done," Asumoto replied while rubbing the blondes back to sooth her crying. "If you didn't kill Diadora, he would've killed me instead and most likely many other people and he would have forced you into slavery... " He interrupted for a second to let her think about what this would have meant. "... or, if I still managed to defeat him somehow, I would have been the one to kill him. Rias ordered me to do so. Even if I captured him, he would have been sentenced to death for his actions."
He wasn't wrong. If he had captured the Astaroth's heir, he'd have been interrogated for information before being put to death. Perhaps taking him alive would have been a better option, he thought.
How long had Diadora been in league with Khaos Brigade, he wondered? He wasn't sure, but it sounded like it had been about a year or maybe just a few months. If so that mean he must have had vital information that could've help tip the balance in their favor.
But Kokabiel said he was spy, and spies normally weren't given special privileges. Perhaps he only joined a couple months ago.
'Hmmm should have asked those questions since he thought I would die,' he said to himself.
Before he could say anything else he winced, which Asia immediately noticed.
"You're still bleeding!" exclaimed the nun, putting the actions from before to the back of her mind and getting to work on healing Asumoto's wounds. The least she could do after all the trouble he went through to save her was patch up his injuries.
"Asia—"
"No! You need help! I couldn't save Raynare-chan, but I will save yours!" she called out.
Remembering the Fallen sacrificing herself to save Issei brought fresh tears to her eyes.
Back when she had first met Raynare, she had been a cold, arrogant and vile woman. She had desired power, for reasons that Asia never really understood. After her banishment from the Church, she had become Raynare´s servant. But she had always treated her coldly, like she was just a tool.
After her encounter with Asumoto however, she had changed. She was nicer. Always greeting her with a smile and showing her things what girls her age do. They had become friends, spending time together. She even assisted Rias-san in helping her find an apartment to live in. As well as teach her life skills, such as cooking and cleaning.
But now she was dead, and Asia would never see her again. And maybe Issei would never return to normal as well. It felt as if she had been stabbed as she thought about it. Her first two-real friends...
She didn´t want to lose any other person she cared about ever again. Not like this... she would do anything she could do to prevent it.
These thoughts were going through her mind as she healed Asumoto´s wounds.
"Unbelievable."
The duo looked back to see Sairaorg standing there, arms crossed.
"I'd have thought you'd be the one to end Diadora's life Asumoto. But instead it is you, Asia Argento."
"Maybe capturing him would have been better. He could have had information." Asumoto nodded while sharing his thoughts form before.
"He may have. But so may his Peerage," the heir of the Bael said.
When Asumoto heard this, he finally noticed someone was lying unconscious next to strongest youth. Focusing on the body, he realized it was Diadora's Queen.
"I thought it might be useful to keep them alive to see if he can get information from them, as well as help them. I heard what Diadora said about kidnapping nuns. I never knew he was that vile," Sairaorg said with a shake of his head. "The Astaroth family will not like to hear this. They may have their privileges taken from them."
They may? There was no question of that. Even if they had no knowledge of his actions, the Astaroth family would still be in trouble for it. Diadora had joined Khaos Brigade, acting as a spy for them, and kidnapped nuns since who knows when, risking a conflict with the Church again and again just for his sick pleasure.
"Well," said Asumoto after a long silence, "It's best you tell someone of this and get those girls restrained and secured in a safe place so they—"
His sentence was cut off by a deafening explosion sounding nearby. The battle must be spreading towards here.
Sairaorg nodded and picked up Diadora's Queen. Before heading out to gather the rest and contact someone from the Beal or Gremory family for assistance in gathering the prisoners, he turned back to the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six.
"Asumoto-kun - you fought bravely today. Fighting Kokabiel and Diadora in one day, it takes great strength to perform something like that."
"The battle's not over yet my friend. Kokabiel is still at Kuoh and Grigori hasn't been repelled from the Underworld yet. But I sense that will change very soon."
"Farewell Asumoto-kun. When this war is won, I hope that someday we can trade fists."
Asumoto couldn't hold the chuckle back as while preparing a teleportation circle back to Kuoh Academy. "Sairaorg, if I accept that challenge, make sure you go easy on me. You'll squash me like a bug."
His chuckle became a laugh that was shared with Sairaorg. Soon the light enveloped him and Asia, and they were on their way back to Kuoh.
End
And that's a wrap for another chapter. This chapter is being split because it was getting way too long. The first half being Asumoto and the second, which will be the conclusion of the battle, be back at Kuoh.
Hope you've enjoyed this chapter, if you liked it remember to leave a comment.