Chapter 27
Kokabiel was laughing like a lunatic, as he rained down another hail of spears and light blasts onto the Juggernaut Drive.
A minute earlier, the Red Dragon Emperor had used its famous Longinus Smasher to obliterate half his army. It would have done the same to the barrier and town if the elder Nekoshou hadn't used a teleportation spell to send it somewhere else. After which, he watched Rias Gremory's Queen leave them. Obviously, he went off to save the one kidnapped by Diadora.
Last time he truly enjoyed a fight was against the previous wielder of Durandal - Vasco Strada - and he lost. This time however he would not be defeated. He would slay the Red Dragon Emperor's host and be known as the most powerful Fallen Angel to exist.
`Yes,´ he thought gleefully. They would tell stories of him.
How he beat the mighty Red Dragon Emperor's Juggernaut Drive and killed the sisters of Lucifer and Leviathan. As well as Beelzebub's snot nose brat of a brother.
He would be praised as a hero.
`Kokabiel the Conqueror.´
`Kokabiel the Devil Killer.´
`Kokabiel the Dragon Slayer.´
And Hazael… he would be the coward who stood aside and did nothing to assist his fellow Fallen brethren.
The son of Baraqiel had done nothing since arriving on the battlefield. He floated some distance away, calmly watching the battle unfold.
`That fool!´ Kokabiel spat mentally. He only wanted to see the Angels burn! Well as soon as he killed this dragon and conquered Hell, then he could put all his resources into aiding Hazael in his conquest of retaking Heaven. Not to realize Hazael´s childish `dream´ of course, but for his own purposes.
Killing the Seraphim's was a great idea, but making Heaven a paradise for everyone to thrive in without rules? Sure, rules are important but conquering Heaven in the name of freedom sounded very foolish. Taking it to for the knowledge and weapons they hold was a much greater objective. And he would do exactly that.
Right after he killed the Red Dragon Emperor and his allies.
He watched as another Fallen was ripped to pieces by a meaningless frontal assault to the dragon. Many of the weaker Fallen were starting to waver in their attack on the beast. Their attacks where doing nothing to it. No wounds where seen on the Juggernaut, not even a scratch.
He called forth a spear ten times as big as him and hurled it at the Juggernaut. It slammed into it but, like all other attacks, it did nothing. In fact, the spear never reached it. The monster was holding it back with its hands!
With a roar of defiance, the dragon clucked the spear and with a might spin, threw it right back at Kokabiel. However, being the owner of the spell, the Cadre threw his hand forward and halted the weapon before snapping his fingers to split it into a thousand tiny spears that he sent flying back at the Red Dragon Emperor.
But like before, they only aggravated it.
If normal spells wouldn't work on it, then maybe…
No — that was only for a last resort! He could do this! He would slay the Red Dragon Emperor with his own magic!
"Restrain it!" he ordered his fellow Cadre.
What remained of the Fallen reluctantly looked to their leader, unsure if such an order was possible. That beast was shrugging off their attacks and killing their comrades.
"Did you not hear me?" the pale Fallen leader asked, a hint of anger in his tone at not having his orders followed, "I said—"
"No!"
Kokabiel whirled around at the defiant voice, eyes glaring at the Fallen Angel who spoke it. A young single winged Fallen who, while shaking in fear, was glaring right back at him.
"What. Did. You. Say?" Each word dripping with anger.
"No! I'm not going to throw away my life! Do you see that we can't stop that monster you've unleashed!? Because of you killing Raynare we are losing manpower bit by bit."
Whatever was going to be said next never came from the soldier's mouth...
... For his mouth, along with his entire head, no longer existed after the swift spell Kokabiel cast upon him. The Cadre's actions caused many fallen to back away in fear.
"I will not tolerate anyone else saying that! Killing the Red Dragon Emperor will deal a crushing blow to the enemy!" Kokabiel roared with fury at having his orders disobeyed and hear someone blame him for causing the Juggernaut Drive to activate. "You chose to join me in this war! You chose to volunteer for this attack! Nobody is leaving until we kill all these brats and the dragon!"
"And this is why you are the most hated, as well as weakest, Cadre in Grigori."
Kokabiel turns his sights to Hazael, who had said that.
"If you had planned this better, you could have easily won the battle with minimal or even no casualties. Instead you needlessly send men and women to their doom and killing your own followers just for talking back. The way I see it; they are right. The Juggernaut Drive currently is a monster we - even I - cannot defeat."
"B-b-but Hazael-sama! You fought Sirzechs Lucifer!" a four winged Fallen protested to her superior.
"I did." Hazael nodded. "But even I'm not strong enough to kill Issei Hyoudou as is now. His power is far greater than that of my own. Besides, we don't have any way of killing him and the alliance with then Old Satans was only to bolster their numbers to try retaking the Underworld for themselves - not help you kill Gremory."
Many Fallen Angels agreed with Hazael's words. The Old Satan Faction didn't send any reinforcements to them when they were told about the Juggernaut Drive activating. Not one Devil came to aid them. Diadora only came to take the nun with the Twilight Healing. And even if he had come to help, he'd have been useless. Even with Ophis snake, the Astaroth Heir was an ant compared to everyone else here.
Kokabiel looked livid. His whole plan was falling apart. His own men where turning on him. Even Hazael, whom he released from prison.
And worse, he was called the weakest leader of Grigori. Screw the Red Dragon Emperor! He would— ...
"Agh!"
Kokabiel gagged when Hazael's hand shot forward and tightly gripped around his neck. The magic that had been forming in his hand dispersed.
"Did you really think killing me would solve your problems? I'm stronger than you in everything Kokabiel. Body, mind, soul, combat, and tactics. I will not allow you to throw anymore Fallen Angel's lives away in your suicidal attacks."
His grip tightened before spreading his wings to full length and turning his attention to the Devils on the school roof. Hazael cleared his throat and spoke loudly for all to hear.
"Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri! You have fought valiantly! Both of you worthy of being siblings to Maou's with powers that someday will surpass theirs! As of now I am the Governor General of Grigori! Those who still wish for war shall follow me to it! No, it will not be against the Devil's or our fellow Fallen! It is against our Angel counterparts, who have sat in their cradle of power, watching humans, Devil's, Fallen Angels, Youkai, monsters, and gods, kill one another! They call themselves the Protectors of Christianity, yet they do nothing to help the weak and those who suffer! It's time to change that! Come my fellow Fallen, let us break through Heaven's gates and slay the Seraphim!"
The speech made by the new Governor General was answered by cheers of excitement. One by one Fallen Angels began teleporting out of Kuoh, till only Hazael and Kokabiel remained. The later was filled with rage at his subordinates abandoning him.
"Kokabiel - you always were a fool. Your desire for war has led you where you are now."
He paused to looked at Akeno, wishing she was by his side. He had hoped his to get to know his sister to try and form a sibling relationship with her. But she would rather fight against him. It truly was sad she didn't see things his way. He didn't want to kill her, but she made her choice.
"I hope they remember you." Baraqiel's son said to Kokabiel who continued to glare hatefully at him.
Then with a mighty throw he sent Kokabiel spiraling down to the ground in front of the Red Dragon Emperor, before teleporting out of them. Leaving the red eyed Cadre all alone.
Despite his desire to spout a thousand curses at Hazael, Kokabiel had a bigger problem to deal with, and it just so happened to be staring down at him.
Without a second thought, he called another spear forward and stab it into the dragon's head with all his strength. His attack however did nothing. Even at this close of a range he still couldn't harm the beast!
The dragon looked directly at him, a deep growl emitting from its mouth.
In that moment, Kokabiel felt an emotion thought not possible to him.
Fear.
Quickly swashing the fear away, he summoned a sword of light to try and stab one of the eyes. Instead of his attack simply doing nothing, the dragon responded this time by smacking it aside - along with Kokabiel himself.
He was sent skipping across the ground like a stone on water, leaving deep craters from each impact until rolling to a stop.
"Such power! Just one slap and most of my ribs and wings are broken!" he thought as he struggled to get himself him to fight. His retaliation was ceased when the dragon was upon him in seconds. Pinning him under one of it's feet!
Like before, the chest opened, and green energy began concentrating around with the Boosted Gear declaring it's charge up.
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!"
He tried to push pry himself free from the dragon, but it had him immobilized. Each second, he wasted trying to get free was one closer to death!
He had to find a way to get this damn dragon off him! He needed a weapon—
…
A weapon…
Realization hit him like a ton of bricks as a sinister smile formed upon his bloody face. He did have a weapon which could harm the dragon. He said he would only use it as a last resort and now was that time.
At the roof top the Devils watched the battle. Everything that occurred was one twist after another. They didn't except Hazael to betray Kokabiel and leave him to die at the hands of Issei. But this was good for them. With Kokabiel about to die, they had one less opponent to worry about... and could hopefully end this war before it escalated.
However, the smile the pale faced Cadre wore while about to be obliterated meant he had something up his sleeve. And it was shown, in the shape of… a large dagger?
What was a steel weapon supposed to do against the armor of the Juggernaut? Everything he threw at it till now didn't do a thing, so what could this do?
They watched as he swung his arm toward the foot pinning him and, to everyone's surprise, the dagger dug into the heel of the dragon... which emitting a roar of pain from it. Causing it to release its grip to allow Kokabiel to escape into the air before the dragon could fire it's second Longinus Smasher.
How is that possible? Nothing else used against Issei could stop him!?
Unless…
"Is that a dragon slaying weapon?" Kuroka asked aloud with narrowed eyes.
"If it is, I've never heard of a dagger being one," Irina answered with a shake of her head. Her fear of losing Issei still filling her mind.
Out of everyone amongst the survivors, she was filled with the most fear for Issei. He was after all her childhood friend. Seeing him become that monster over the death of his girlfriend broke her heart. But what if he couldn't come back to them? Or worse…
Kokabiel kills him!
Speaking of him, the Cadre laughed with satisfaction at last being able to hurt Issei.
"Kokabiel! What is that weapon you have!?" Rias yelled, demanding answers.
Though he kept his eyes on the dragon, he answered the girl's question.
"They say only dragon slaying swords can kill a dragon, but we - Grigori - have something much more powerful! And it is a gift from our beloved dead God! He gave the Fallen Angel's a weapon able to kill anything! Samael's Curse!"
Samael's Curse!?
That's right! They had forgotten about the hybrid Fallen Angel Dragon sealed in Cocytus! The bigger question was, how had Kokabiel obtained Samael's Curse?
It seemed Kokabiel knew what they were thinking and answered with a gleeful expression.
"When I became Governor General, I was considering releasing him with Hazael to bolster our strength and use him to kill the Red and White Dragon Emperors. But I had a better idea; instead of having him kill the Heavenly Dragons, I can do it myself. And it was done by dipping this blade in his blood!"
Kokabiel raised the dagger high for all the see. It shimmered in the light reflecting off the barrier. It looked like a normal dagger. But know with the knowledge of what it possessed made it a dangerous weapon.
"Samael's Curse kills anything it encounters, but it's most effective against Dragons. And the best part is that it can't be healed easily. Your friend is dying Gremory. The Juggernaut Drive has been draining his life force and with Samael's Curse, I'll just be speeding up the process!"
With those words, Kokabiel zoomed toward the Dragon appearing right in front of it grinning like a mad man and begin a series of cuts and stabs all over the dragon while laughing hysterically as it screamed in pain. Blood coating the dagger.
"Die Red Dragon Emperor!"
He stabbed the dagger into the Juggernaut's neck and twisted it roughly.
Everyone looked on in horror at the sight of watching their friend getting beaten by the Cadre. They had thought Kokabiel would die at unleashing the monster, but it was the opposite; the monster would be slain, as would they if nobody came to save them.
"Issei!"
Irina tried to rush to her friend's aid but was held back by her fellow Exorcists.
"Irina it's no use! Hyoudou's gone! We can't save him!" Rika said.
"Let me go! I need to save him! He's still in their somewhere! I know he is! Issei! Issei please hear me!" Irina screamed as tears flowed from her violet eyes as she tried desperately to break from of their grasp! She already lost the Lord in Heaven, she couldn't sit by and lose her childhood friend she loved!
But, like everyone else, all she could was watch and wait and see who the victory of this bloody battle would be.
"Buchou."
Rias spun around at the tiny voice that came from behind. "Koneko, you're back!" She exclaimed when seeing her Rook. "What happened? Did you find Asia?!"
Koneko nodded, "We found Diadora's location and was blocked by his peerage. Sairaorg-san came to assist us."
Green eyes widened at her Rook's report. Sairaorg? Her battle loving cousin saw them? If he was there, then Diadora stood no chance.
Hopefully rescuing Asia would be swift. They needed her back as soon as possible to mend their injuries.
The Juggernaut was bleeding all over, it was struggling to stand. As explained, Samael's curse was proving effective in harming it.
Kokabiel's laughter died but his smile stated plastered on his face. This was it, he would slay the dragon and be hailed as a hero!
He raised the blade and thrusted it towards the head to deliver the killing blow!
Kokabiel thought he had won.
However, the dragon - though dying - would not go down easily…
The Juggernaut opened its gaping maw and lunged at the maniacal Fallen, taking him by surprise. At such a close range neither could dodge, but there was still something Kokabiel was able to do - switch weapon hands.
At the last second, before their attacks collided, Kokabiel threw the cursed dagger to his left hand and stabbed the Juggernaut´s head, just split seconds before it roughly bit into him! Its mouth swallowing the Cadre's head and shoulders. What remained of Kokabiel twitched, before collapsing to the floor.
As for the dragon, it dropped the eaten part of the Fallen Angel from its mouth, his deformed face set in a grim determined look with the desire to win. It reared its head back and released a roar of triumph.
"He did it," Kiba said in awe, "he killed Kokabiel."
Suddenly the battered Juggernaut turned its sight on them.
"Great now he's coming for us," Kuroka said.
"He - he's going to eat us!" Gasper screamed as he hid behind Koneko.
Rias stepped forward and charged her magic, a look of regret on her face. She didn't wanna hurt Issei, but she knew that was no longer Issei. His rage over Raynare's death and Kokabiel's insults had consumed him and transformed him into the Juggernaut Drive.
The damage done by Samael's Curse however was far worse than she thought, while watching it slowly advanced towards them. It was covered in wounds and left a large trail of blood with each move.
On its twelfth step it went crashing to the floor with a roar of pain.
It was in that moment Irina managed to break free of being restrained and ran as fast as she could toward the Juggernaut, ignoring her friends cries to stop. She dropped to her knees in front of Issei, teary eyes staring at him. Watching it — him — breath heavily.
Shaky hands reached out and touched the head, caressing it gently.
"Issei… can you hear me? It's Irina you're childhood friend! Please Issei, you must come back to us. Come back to me! I've lost so much today… I can't lose anything else! I can't lose my best friend!"
But the Juggernaut Drive didn't seem to hear her. It kept looking ahead as its heavy breaths became slower and slower each second.
"Issei! Please don't go! Please stay! I need you! I… I love you!"
She did love him. First as a friend and once seeing him again as something more. Even though she started having romantic feelings, she couldn't bring herself to perform the sinful act of stealing Issei away from Raynare. It would cause drama and break Issei's heart. She wanted him happy. But she also wanted to be happy with him.
When Raynare died, she had hoped to be the one to comfort him and cure his pain. Instead, she watched with horrified eyes Issei became a monster and now she was watching him die from Samael's Curse.
It shouldn't have been this way…
Everything had gone all wrong. They failed to retrieve the stolen Excalibur's, lost the two they were given, and failed to capture Valper, who also managed to escape!
But that wasn't the worse of to happen today.
The worst for the Church girl was that the Lord she had put all her faith and belief in, was in fact dead!
All her life she believed the father of the Angels and creator of Sacred Gears had been watching over her. Guiding her destiny, where in fact, all this time, he was dead. It was all a lie. A lie by the people her family served for years. A lie to still make her believe in their faith.
And what had faith done for her today!?
Nothing…
Nothing but failure and death.
So, lost in thoughts she didn't realize the green within the dragon's eyes had gone out and its breath stopped. It laid motionless now, which meant…
"N-no… no…! NO! NO! ISSEI! ISSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEI!"
Her screams of sorrow pulled at the survivor's hearts.
They won the battle. Kokabiel was dead along with a large portion of his army.
But no cheers of victory where heard. No feeling of relief was shared amongst them. Their triumph over evil today was so…hollow.
And why shouldn't it? Aside the many dead Fallen Angels allied with them, four people the survivors knew personally died protecting Kuoh.
Sona Sitri's Rook and Bishop Yura Tsubasa and Momo Hanakai.
The Fallen Angel Raynare.
And the wielder of the Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou.
Rias and Kiba were lucky to have survived this ordeal. If not, that would have made six.
Painful as it was for Sona to reflect on, four was better than six.
She and Rias would have to report to their siblings of what occurred here and who had died.
"Come Irina… we should return to the Vatican and tell them what has happened," Rika said, her tone calm but filled with exhaustion.
But Irina did not move. She stayed where she laid upon the corpse of Issei Hyoudou, silently crying over his death.
Before Rika could tell her again, a hand fell upon her shoulder. Looking back, she saw Akeno, wearing a sad expression and shaking her head to which Rika nodded in understanding.
It was best to give the girl some time before departing.
"All my life I've been lied to," Irina said in an empty tone. Something neither Exorcist ever heard from her. "I thought God was still with us. But he isn't. The Church said the Lord was watching over us. Protecting us. But instead I learn today that I've been lied too. All of us have be deceived by our leaders to believe God was still amongst us in Heaven. Perhaps that explains why the Church has been so vile through the years. The Crusades… the massacres of ancient civilizations… without God to guide us we have lost our way and more importantly… our faith."
More tears rolled down her shadowed eyes, while gripped her teeth tightly. Her hands shook violently while Issei's blood dripped onto them. "I have lost my faith…."
Xenovia was on the verge of tears. She'd never seen her usual cheery partner so broken. Hearing of God's death and losing her friend the same day really took its toll on her.
She watched her take the dagger from the now deceased Issei. She couldn't see her eyes, but was sure they looked hollow, just like her tone.
Perhaps she wanted the weapon as a remind for Issei, or to use it on Samael, if she ever found him.
"Irina…"
Suddenly, before anyone could say or do anything, the brunette's hands moved
When Asumoto came back from the Underworld with Asia, the school room was empty. Not a single person he knew was where he last saw them. What happened? Where did everyone—...
Suddenly a scream reached his ears.
That sounded like Xenovia!
Rushing to the edge of the building, he lookd over to see the school yard in ruins. All around cracks and craters littered the ground with blood and corpses. Amongst the corpse he saw was Kokabiel, his head and shoulders severed from his body. Lying a few feet away was…
"Issei-kun!" screamed Asia in horror, which was followed by another name who caused Asumoto to freeze. "Irina-chan!"
Following her gaze was the Red Dragon Emperor, lying in a puddle of blood covered in wounds and upon it's head, with a dagger through her throat, was Irina Shidou.
Oh no…
Asumoto was amongst his friends in seconds. Ignoring their surprise gasps at his return as he knelt beside Irina. He checked from signs of life, but… he could feel none.
There was no pulse, breathing, or heartbeat.
His silver eyes widened what he just saw.
He looked back to his gathered friends, hoping for answers.
It was Xenovia who gave them.
"Issei… he killed Kokabiel. But… but died of wounds by the dagger Irina used. It was coated in Samael's blood. His curse and life draining energy from the Juggernaut Drive killed Issei. And…" She choked on a sob that threatened to escape her lips, "and Irina… she took her life!"
"Why…" Asked Asumoto, shocked at the news heard. `Why… why would she do it!?´ he thought.
"She lost her childhood friends whom she loved Asumoto-san," Rika answered while comforting the blue haired Holy Swords wielder. "She couldn't handle the truth of God being death nor seeing the boy she loved die in front of her."
"We… we could still save them."
All eyes turned to Rias upon hearing those words. Rika's narrowing in disgust.
"Are you suggesting you turn them into your servants!?" she spat angrily. "You would defile their lives by making them your slaves!? To gain more power!?"
"No!" Rias retorted, not liking that Rika would think such a thing. "I—"
"Rias."
Her eyes flickered to her Queen who shook his head disapprovingly. "You promised."
"Asumoto—..."
"Not everyone wants to live as a Devil," he interrupted. "You even promised you wouldn't resurrect people without permission. One was a follower of the Catholic way, before losing her faith and the other… I don't even think Issei can come back after losing his soul to the Juggernaut Drive. Even if he was brought back he may still be the same monster he was turned into. Please Rias, let them rest in peace. They deserve that much."
Rias bit her lip. Despite her desire to save these two, Asumoto was correct. Irina would hate being a Devil and Issei could possibly be deranged after Raynare's death and what happened afterwards. With a heavy heart she nodded slowly. "You're right Asumoto. But at least let us give them proper burial."
"A Christian Burial," Rika added.
"Only Irina," said Asumoto, "Issei… the way he is now… we can't have something buried in this town. Khaos Brigade or some other Faction may know of its location and try to steal the corpse to resurrect it. Or worse, make a clone. And… despite the idea. We must erase all the human's memories of Issei in this town. Including his family and any relatives of his."
Everyone gasped at his suggestion. Erasing his parent's memories of their son!? That… that was…
"No Asumoto, that's going to far!" Rias protested. "How could you suggest something like that?"
"It's better for them to not know that their son turned into monster and was killed in battle," retorted Asumoto calmly, "In fact; it isn't just his parents minds we must wipe of Issei and the others who died. We must erase everyone's mind. Every human student in the school, all their parents who someone had ever mentioned Issei and his friends to, the teachers, the Hyoudou´s neighbors, employees of the town and state who were responsible for their administration. Official information and archives must be changed, citizen registers, even their tax files."
Everyone stared at Asumoto like he had just gone insane.
"Asumoto... you... you're suggesting we wipe an entire town's memory of Issei Hyoudou? That would take days or months even to do!" Rias protested in shock.
"Not for Satans and Cadres," Asumoto countered, "Isn't is said Sona's sister can level all of Japan? If she can do that, then one Satan or even the Governor General, could wipe Kuoh Town's memory of Issei Hyoudou. Speaking of Sona, I believe she should decide since she did lose two servants."
At the Sitri's name being mentioned, she stepped forward. Her expression neutral.
"Despite my disagreement to the decision Asumoto has given. It must be done. The humans cannot know of what has happened here. Everyone who has known Issei Hyoudou, along with Raynare, Yura, and Momo, must have their memories wiped of them. I think Asumoto has forgotten to mention that if it was said they disappeared, search parties would be formed to try finding them. And I doubt Issei's parents would want to live with the fact that they lost their son."
A long silence fell upon the group, everyone looking at one another.
"Otherwise the state would notice sooner or later that a teenager had simply disappeared, and nobody can even remember him. That would be many times worse than Issei just disappearing and not be heard of again."
That was true. No parent could ever forget losing their son, either in war, kidnapping, or even sickness.
Sona looked to Rias, her friend giving a look of betrayal at siding with her Queen's choice. "I am sorry, Rias. But it must be done."
Silently nodding, she stepped toward Issei and raise her had to obliterate him into nothingness. She hadn't known the boy very long, but from the time spent with him she saw he was a good kid. Though a big pervert, he was still very kind and caring to everyone. His parents raised him well.
Her emotions stirred at having to erase their memories of their only child. She was glad she only knew hypnotizing magic. Erasing one's memory of someone they love was something she couldn't bring herself to do. Perhaps Akeno or Raynare's group could do the deed. Hopefully those three were safe in Kyoto.
Once her magic was fully charged, and Irina's body moved away. Rias release her Destruction, obliterating the corpse of the wielder of the Red Dragon Emperor.
It was done. Issei Hyoudou, possessor of the Boosted Gear, was gone. Now that he was dead, what would happen to Ddraig now? Would he be forced into a new host, or would he, along with the Boosted Gear, be lost forever after this incident? She really hoped that if he was given a new host, it wouldn't be someone within the ranks of Khaos Brigade or a maniac like Kokabiel.
A long silence filled the air. The only sounds being the sobs of Xenovia, Asia, and Gasper.
"So," Sona said to break the silence as she directed her attention to Rika. "What will you do now?"
Rika, who had been reflecting on the events of last few weeks turned to the Sitri heir, her face morphing into a sour expression. "Return to the Vatican and get answers from the higher ups, as well as scorn them for not taking this problem seriously. I told Father Dulio that they shouldn't have sent those Holy Swords with us. Now we've lost them all. The only fragment remaining is Ruler, but that one was lost long ago and hasn't been found yet.
Now that Valper has all the fragments, he could easily reform the weapon. However, knowing him, he may try to find Ruler, or worse."
"What could be worse?"
"Attacking the Pendragon family to obtain the Caliburn, the strongest Holy Sword."
Neither where certain but they could have sworn they heard Asumoto snort in disagreement at that sentence about Caliburn.
"If he succeeds, he will have created a sword so powerful no one can stand against him. Not even a god.
Rika was right. Caliburn wasn't in the possession of the Church. It was with the descendants of legendary king of England, Arthur Pendragon. And if Valper had plans to try and steal it…
Her thoughts where interrupted by a familiar red magic circle with a rose on it appear. Out of it came Lucifer, ready to do battle... which however had ended minutes ago.
"Brother!" exclaimed Rias at the sight of her brother appearing.
The Satan looked around the courtyard of the Academy, seeing death and destruction everywhere, until falling upon his sister and Sona with their peerages and two corpses he recognized; Kokabiel's, who looked to have been cut in half, and the Exorcist Irina Shidou. He also saw Kiba was missing his right arm and that the Red Dragon Emperor and his Fallen girlfriend weren't among them.
There were a lot questions that needed answering. First however...
"Rias! Your safe!" he yelled with relied that his baby sister was alive.
"What happened? Sairaorg contacted me saying Diadora kidnapped Asia-chan and that Kokabiel was attacking Kuoh!"
"Diadora betrayed us. He was spying for the Khaos Brigade and kidnapped Asia to take as his slave. I sent Asumoto to save her and kill him, which he succeeded in."
"I did, but only in rescuing Asia. It was not I who killed Diadora, but Asia."
"What!?" the collective gasped came from everyone as they turned to the former nun, who hide behind Asumoto.
Surprised as he was to hear Asia-chan killed Diadora, he was even more so to hear Ajuka's brother joined Khaos Brigade. That explained how they were able to pull off their surprise attack. One more troubling thing to report to those who survived the battle.
"I see Kokabiel is dead. Who killed him? And where is Issei?"
At the mention of the boy she just obliterated, Rias looked away from her brother. "He's dead."
"What?"
"Raynare gave her life to protect him and... it broke him. He activated the Juggernaut Drive and went on a rampaging. Worse, is that while he killed Kokabiel. Kokabiel killed him with a dagger infused with Samael's Curse. And... and Irina Shidou committed suicide because she lost Issei!"
"So, I said we destroy his corpse to prevent it from being found and used by Khaos Brigade and wipe the towns memory of Issei and the others who died," continued Asumoto while comforting his master. "Among the dead are Sona's servants Yura and Momo. Those four, along with Irina must be forgotten by this town, specifically Issei. It will break his parents to know what happened to their son."
It took Sirzechs all of five seconds to understand everything and nodded soberly.
This was most troublesome. The Red Dragon Emperor host was dead. Along with two reincarnated Devils. And apparently there was a lot more that needed answering, since he couldn't find any Excalibur amongst them.
"Rias, I want you to tell me everything that happened. Anyone who wishes to add anything may do so," the Strongest Satan said.
With a shaky break, Rias started from when Vali warned them about Kokabiel attacking.
It was a long and thoroughly detailed story from everyone's perspective and when it was finished, Sirzechs felt the urge to sit and have his wife give a massage.
So much had occurred in Kuoh in the span of two hours…
Everything Sirzechs heard shocked him. But what stood out the most for the Strongest Satan was: Valper gaining all the Excalibur's and how he used Kokabiel to achieve them for his group called "The Order" and escaping. Diadora revealing his true colors as a traitor and assassinating his own fellow Maou Falbium. Kokabiel triggering Issei to become the Juggernaut Drive. Hazael betraying Kokabiel by taking over Grigori and leaving him to die and wage his war against Heaven. A dagger with Samael's Curse. Issei, Kokabiel, and Irina dying, and the agreement to wipe Kuoh town's memory of those who died in the battle.
And all this happened without him knowing. How could he have not known of it? Why didn't he go to Kuoh instead of staying and protecting the Underworld? His baby sister had been in danger and nearly died!
Her Knight lost an arm even!
The only achievements made today was killing the man who caused this whole situation, Kiba achieving his Balance Breaker, and Diadora being killed.
Ok, a massage wouldn't be enough relief. He was going to need a hot bath with his wife after all this.
But duty came first, and, along with those who survived, would need to hold an emergency meeting to decide what to do next.
"What happened in the Underworld Sirzechs? Your family's manor was in ruins."
"What!?" Rias shrieked in horror at hearing her home at been attacked. "What—..."
"Your families alright Rias," Asumoto reassured, "Lord and Lady Gremory, along with Grayfia and Millicas are all safe. But…I can't say the same for most of the house staff…"
He frowned gloomily at remembering the sight of so many dead maids and butlers littering the houses.
"This group Valper's affiliated with thought." Sirzechs said with a hand cupping his chin. "Who are they?"
"Your guess is as good as ours," Rika answered with a shrug.
"Well… Sona, Rias, you and your Queens will have to attend an emergency meeting. It will be held tomorrow. Today… we must recover and figure out who's still alive within the Underworld."
Rias clucked her arms as more sadness filled her.
The Underworld… her home… how bad was it? Which nobles were killed in the battle? Had any of the Old Satans died?"
"Sirzechs-sama," Akeno said, a twinge of concern in her voice, "is… my father…"
"He's fine. Along with your cousin. Slash Dog is truly one to fear." Sirzechs sent a reassuring smile her way. "Much has happened in the Underworld and while I'd like to tell you everything I must return. However, I will say this; we beat back the Old Satans at a high price thought.
There is a bright side however, Creuserey Asmodeus was killed in battle against Ajuka, Slash Dog captured the White Dragon Emperor, and Katerea Leviathan lost her left hand to Azazel before escaping. Now I must return to the Underworld and tell what has happened here. Like I said Rias, you and Sona are to attend an emergency meeting and report what has happened here. See you soon little sister."
"Wait! What about Asumoto's plan?" Rias questioned.
"I'm approving it. I know you don't like it Rias, but it's the only way to prevent humanity from discovering our existence. I'll ask Azazel and the other Cadre's to do it. Farwell for now Rias."
With that the Strongest Satan returned to the Underworld.
A long silence filled the air as everyone processed what Sirzechs had said. They won the battle in the Underworld, Asmodeus descendent was killed and the White Dragon Emperor captured. Both where major blows to Khaos Brigade. While both sides lost their Heavenly Dragon, their where still beings way stronger then both.
Suddenly Kuroka yawned loudly while stretching her limbs which caused her breasts to bounce, "Maaaaaaaan what a day! I don't know about you all, but I feel I could sleep for days!"
"How can you say something like that!?" roared Xenovia at the Nekoshou. "We just lost so many good people today and all you can think about is a nap!?"
Kuroka gaze the bluenette a bored expression. "Honey, the only people I care for are still standing next me. So… I have nothing to grieve over."
Everyone frowned at Kuroka's words. She was lazy, honest, and blunt, but saying that wasn't necessary."
"Wow. Just for that, Kuroka, you're staying at your sister's home tonight. And if you try to seduce me to make you stay at my place. I'll stop buying you catnip."
Kuroka whined loudly at Asumoto's threat.
"But she is right. We all need a long nap after this battle. Kuroka, would you remove the barrier, and apologize for your words. First we gotta clean all this up."
After assisting the Devils in repairing the school and a pouty apology to Xenovia, Kuroka released the barrier.
The moment it disappeared, the teens were met with the breezy winds of night and twinkling of stars in the sky. The moon was fully visible for all to see. It's light casting long shadows along the ground.
The night was so beautiful, but their hearts were filled with remorse.
"Gremory."
It was the leader of the remaining Fallen Angels that fought with them - Axel - if Rias remembered right.
"I see its finally over," the blue haired Fallen said with a sigh of relief. "Kokabiel is dead, but so are your friends," he said, taking notice of the absence of Issei and Irina's corpse being carried by Xenovia. "I am sorry. But that is the price of victory. Not everyone survives."
"I know," Rias said. "Thank you again Axel. To all of you. For helping us win this battle."
The remaining Fallen, numbering around ten to thirteen smiled in return at the Devil's words.
"Tomorrow will be quite busy. We will need the Fallen to erase the whole town's mind of Issei and the others who died."
"Erase a whole town's memory of people? Hmm that could be done by our leaders, at least those who remain. I shall speak with Lord Azazel once I see him and tell of what has happened. Farewell Rias Gremory, I hope to work alongside you once more someday."
Then the Fallen Angels returned to their base to rest and look back on today's event, leaving only the Devil's and priestess.
"Well, it's time we all get some sleep," Rias said, turning to her friends and smiling proudly at them all. "I'm so proud of you all, my adorable servants. However," Her eyes flickered to Kiba, "you still need to be punished mister."
"Excuses me? I think you're the one who needs punishing."
Everyone paused in their walk and look to Asumoto. A scowl was on his bruised face.
Oh boy…thought everyone as they backed away from the samurai and pureblood, awaiting to hear Asumoto lecture his master.
"I think you all forgot to mention something to Sirzechs; Rias ruining our plan." Asumoto's eyes narrowed more as he glared disappointedly at his master
"What the hell where you thinking? Did you really forget the plan? It was for Gasper and Issei to tag team Kokabiel. Issei transfers maxed out power to Gasper who freezes time to allow us to turn the tables and defeat Kokabiel. Instead you chose to throw it away and, in your arrogance, believe you can kill him and take all the glory for yourself! It didn't matter who'd finish Kokabiel! We were not having a competition! We were in a life and death situation! It's because of you all of this happened! It's your fault that Issei is dead!"
Rias swung her hand out to slap him for saying such a thing. However, her action was stopped by her wrist being grabbed roughly by Asumoto who applied pressure.
"Do not touch me," he growled. "Deny what I say but you are responsible for Issei's death. And you are hardly in the position to punish someone for lack of discipline, when you yourself can't even follow the agreed plan and put everyone in danger with your stupid stunt you pulled. Kiba disobeyed orders yes, but he has received his punishment in the loss of his arm. You're actions today will not go unheard."
He released her arm and before going home, gave one last parting word for her. "When you promised to resurrect people before they are murdered, like Issei was going to be before the Fallen chose to recruit him, you had gained my trust. But after today, that trust is being tested now, because you have set a bad example as a team player and a leader."
End
And so ends the battle along with many lives.
Yura, Momo, Kokabiel, Diadora, Shemhazai, Raynare, Armaros, Penemue, Irina, and Issei.
So far ten named characters have bit the dust. The next chapter will be the aftermath and revealing who also died in the war.
Till then see you next time.