I don't own DxD. Ishibumi does.

"We need to move now!" Issei said, slamming his hands on Rias's desk. Big tits or Master be damned. This situation was serious. Now was not the time to be weak. He had made a promise to Asia. A promise to keep her safe and happy. And that promise was currently meeting lots of resistance.

"Issei, while we are moving against them, the situation has changed. Capturing the girl in broad daylight and leaving you alive? For all we know, this could be a trap," Rias said, folding her hands. She hadn't so much as flinched at Issei's outburst.

Issei looked around, seeing if anyone would back his point. His eyes drifted to Shin and he nodded.

"Senpai, if we move now, they might not be expecting us. We just need to alter the plan a little," Shin said.

"That's not what we're worried about Shin. I'm taking a risk here involving my peerage in this invasion and even I was a little uneasy about it when Sophia brought it up. That said, now that the situation has changed, I need to think of their safety first," Rias said.

"..." Shin went quiet. Sophia observed Rias for a few seconds before sighing.

"Then Shin and I will go alone," Issei said. "Sophia-san will come with us too. She's not affiliated with your peerage and with them there, they can keep me alive and we can bring Asia back."

"Absolutely not. Do you not understand Issei? As you are right now, you'll only hinder Shin and Sophia. You don't have the years of experience they do. Not to mention that your action will not reflect on me as your master but you might also get killed. Are you really prepared to die again?" Rias asked with a serious expression on her face.

Issei clenched his fist. "I don't care. Asia is my friend. And I don't care if she's a nun or if she's working for the Fallen. She's in danger and I'm not going to stop until I bring her back!"

Shin felt pride swell up inside his chest at Issei's resolve. The pride was also accompanied by worry. Being headstrong would get Issei in trouble one day. But in this situation, it was understandable. He felt someone tap his shoulder.

He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Sophia nodding at him. Shin turned his gaze to Akeno and nodded. Akeno then walked over and whispered something in Rias's ear. Her eyes widened as she glanced over at the two of them.

Their expressions confirmed all that she needed to know. They were going to go through with this with or without her. And she knew that Issei would jump at the chance as well. They might as well conform to the original plan they had devised.

"Akeno and I need to leave for a bit. There are some matters we need to attend to," Rias said.

"B- Buchou! Wait!" Issei said.

She turned around and placed an index finger on Issei's lips. A soft smile graced her face and silenced Issei's protests. "Ise, there are a couple of things that I need to tell you. You think that Pawns are the weakest pieces right?"

Issei silently nodded, not knowing where she was taking this.

"That right there shows that you don't know how to play chess. Pawns have an ability that no other pieces have. That ability is called [Promotion]."

"Promotion?" Issei asked.

"Just like in real chess," Shin said.

"That's right. Like in real chess, Evil Pieces that are pawns can change into other pieces once they reach the enemy base. Any piece except for the King. Once you step into the location I deem enemy territory, you can perform [Promotion]," Rias said.

"So… I can become a [Rook], [Knight], or even [Queen] like Akeno-senpai?" Issei asked.

"Probably not since you're just a fresh reincarnate but I'm sure that you can with the other classes," Rias explained.

"So… I can…" Issei had small tears running down his face.

"And one more thing. About your Sacred Gear, whenever you use your it, remember," Rias said as she stroked Issei's cheek softly. "Desire is what powers it. Sacred Gears are driven by their user's desire. The stronger your feeling, the stronger your Gear will respond." Rias removed her hand and walked back over to Akeno.

"Buchou," Issei said.

"Remember Issei, in chess, even a [Pawn] can take down a [King]." Rias smiled before vanishing in a flash of red light alongside Akeno.

Shin walked up to Issei and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well?"

"I'm going," Issei said. "Even if I die, I'll go."

"Impossible. I'll be right there with you," Shin said. An incessant bark resounded from Shin's shoulder. "We'll be there with you."

"Thanks, Shin. Ran," Issei said.

"We'll go too," Kiba said, stepping forward.

"Pretty boy?" Issei questioned. He was sure Kiba would've obeyed Rias's orders and stayed here.

"Did you not read between the lines?" Kiba asked.

"Between the lines?" Issei asked.

"Buchou said that 'The Enemy Base is where Pawns can promote'. She's indirectly saying that the abandoned church is the base of the enemies of Rias Gremory. She gave you permission to leave with Faulkner-san and Asterope-san. Just not directly. And as your Peerage mate, I'll do my best to support you," Kiba said.

Issei's smile widened even more. "I…" Issei wiped some tears from his eyes.

"Kind of a crybaby ain'tcha?" Sophia remarked.

"Shut up! I'm just really happy!" Issei said.

"I'll go too," Koneko added.

"Koneko-chan!" Issei said.

"If only to make sure you don't die or get them killed," she said.

Issei's shoulders dropped a little. However, his smile stayed on his face.

"Before we go," Sophia said. "Shouldn't we buff Issei up a little?"

"You're right," Shin said. He closed his eyes and held his hand out. A series of blue watery pixels appeared in front of him. Vivi, I'm going to be remaking something from your memory that you showed me.

"Don't mind me brat. I'm here to make sure you don't get killed," Vivi said.

The pixels swirled before forming a small wristband. The Devils all took a step back as the room became heavy with a foreign energy. Sophia placed her hands behind her head. "Come on, give him the thing so I can give him my blessing."

"What is it?" Issei asked.

"Put this on the hand that doesn't manifest your Sacred Gear," Shin said.

Issei nodded and put it on. "What is it?" he asked.

"A little something to protect you from attacks. If you find an attack coming your way that you can't dodge or block by yourself, just focus on this wrist band and it will do the rest," Shin said.

"My turn!" Sophia pushed Shin aside and flicked Issei on the forehead.

Issei stumbled back, enshrouded in black mist from head to toe. The mist lasted a few seconds before fading. "W- What?"

"In case you do get hit, my Contract will heal you. Just… uh don't get your arm chopped off or die. The blessing won't heal it and this will only last for the night," Sophia said.

"T- Thanks you two," Issei said.

Issei clenched his fist. He was so weak. He needed to get stronger. Issei straightened himself and looked Shin and Sophia in the eye. "When this is over, can we go back to training like usual?"

"Of course, if you're gonna live in this world, you're going to need to know how to stay alive," Shin said.

"Can't let you die jailbait. You're the most entertaining person in this room," Sophia said.

Issei smiled. "Let's go rescue a nun!"

Raynare stood at the base of the cross, looking up at the unconscious nun. She never understood why humans used a cross as a symbol. That man who had their mother's favor died on a cross. She sighed and got rid of the thought.

"Raynare. We're ready," Dohnaseek said.

"Good. But why are you here, Dohnaseek?" Raynare asked, glancing over her shoulder.

"Mittelt is in a panic. You know she's sensitive to energy signatures. There's something coming. Something massive. Bigger than any of the signatures here in this town," Dohnaseek said.

"Is it Lord Azazel?" Raynare asked.

"No, it's Divine," he said.

"Divine?" Raynare turned to fully face him. "What do you mean by Divine?"

"It feels like… Mother. That's what Mittelt said. I doubt she'd come down from Heaven to see her fallen children. I'm just here to tell you this. I don't know if they're here. We might need to evacuate," Dohnaseek said.

"No. We've gotten this far. We need to go through with the ritual. For Lord Azazel," Raynare said.

Yes, this was all for him. That's what Raynare cared about. That was all she cared about. If she brought this artifact back, would he finally pay attention to her? Would he finally love her like she wanted?

The moon was beginning to rise in the sky. One by one street lights began to turn on. The ragtag group of Devils and Contractors observed the church from a distance away. Sophia's eyes glowed a bright shade of red as she scanned the church.

"There are Priests inside. A Fallen Angel in the Church's lower level. It looks like there's a way to get there but I won't know until we get inside," Sophia said. The glow vanished and she glanced over at them.

"You can tell?" Issei asked.

"I can see life signatures with my magic. We're outnumbered but not outclassed," Sophia said.

"Okay, so what next? Anything on that map, pretty boy?" Issei asked.

"There's a dormitory and a sanctuary. The church's sanctuary is most likely where they're at considering they have stray exorcists," Kiba said.

"Why is that?" Issei asked.

"Stray Exorcists perform sinister rituals inside of the Church's sanctuary. The place where God is respected is where they now insult Him," Shin answered.

Issei clenched his fist. So… the entire Church is insane. No, even the God they serve is screwed in the head. To cast away a pure girl like Asia, Issei thought.

"It looks like they're concentrating themselves around the Sanctuary. I can guarantee they're guarding the two signatures under the church," Sophia said.

"What are we waiting for?" Issei asked.

"Nothing. We're waiting for your signal," Shin said.

"Wait… me?" Issei asked.

"This is your mission, Ise-kun. We'll follow your lead from here," Kiba said.

"Alright. Let's go," Issei said.

The group entered the church. Shin noticed Vivi's visible disgust at how the place was ruined. He understood her rage. Vivi was close to the God they worshipped. How close they were, Shin didn't pry but he knew despite Vivi's tendency to call God an asshole, she was close to them.

"What…" Issei's words died in his mouth when they entered the sanctuary.

The pews were lined with at least a dozen people in cloaks. They were all silently whispering prayers of blasphemy to an uncaring God. The crucifix that stood behind the Altar was desecrated. Violated so much so that even Lucifer himself would feel bile coming up his mouth. A man mutilated beyond all measure was crucified on the cross. Profane symbols were etched on his flayed flesh and a crown of thorns cruelly placed on his head.

At the base of the cross, Issei saw someone that made his nostrils flare in rage. "You… You're the shitty priest that helped them take Asia!" Issei said.

"Oh? Devil! I was wondering if you were ever going to show up! How profound! The Divine Providence of God has blessed us with this chance! A chance to cut down these shitty devils and the Fallen Angel and human who sided with them!" the man cackled maniacally. He pulled out a gun and sword from his cloak.

"Where is Asia!?" Issei demanded.

"Oh? Who? Ohhhh! Her! The cursed bitch who has the power to heal devils," he said. "What did you come to rescue her? Figures. A sow who associates with devils is nothing more than a whore destined to burn! But it surprises me that you even care. Miracles really do exist! A Devil with a heart!" The priest laughed, eliciting chuckles from his compatriots.

"I said where is she, shitty priest!" Issei stepped forward. As soon as he did, all the cloaked figures got up from their seats and faced them. Issei halted, rage still present in his face.

"Shitty priest? I have a name you know. It's Freed! Freed shall be the one to purify your souls and send them to that shitty God!" the now-named Freed said.

"Issei," Sophia said. "Remember. Find a way to get down to the basement. That's where the two signatures are. Judging from the fact that they're all gathered near the altar…"

Issei nodded. The altar must be the way down. But he needed a way to breakthrough.

"Issei, we'll give you that opening. You, Kiba, and Koneko get down to the altar and find a way down. Sophia, Ran, and I will hold these guys off," Shin said.

"Are you sure?" Issei asked.

"Doubting me now?" Shin asked.

"Heh. Not a chance," Issei said.

Shin grinned. Watery pixels manifested around his hands and coalesced to form two pistols. The very same pistols Issei witnessed that night. He had seen Shin use that magic multiple times but he could never get over how cool it looked.

"First move wins," Shin announced.

"What?" Freed asked, confused.

Without warning, Shin raised his pistols and fired, hitting two of the exorcists in the head. They dropped to the ground dead, causing the others to charge forward.

"Ran," Shin said.

"Yes, Master." Ran glowed and transformed into her human form. She raised her hand into the air. Swirling pillars of black fire appeared in between the priests, engulfing some of them and scattering the rest. She snapped her fingers and the flames exploded, incinerating the pews and floor.

"Go! Now!" Shin said as he and Sophia charged forward. A black misty scythe manifested in Sophia's hand and sliced a priest in half. The priest's bifurcated corpse disintegrated into black ash.

Issei nodded at Kiba and Koneko. They nodded back and ran through the chaos. A priest appeared in front of Issei with a sword made of light. Issei ducked under the swing and punched the priest in the stomach, causing him to cough up blood and fly into the altar.

Kiba appeared in front of Freed and swung his sword. Freed grinned and raised his light sword to block. Sparks flew between the two as they locked blades.

"Kiba!" Koneko called out.

Kiba nodded and kicked Freed back into the altar. He jumped away as a pew hurtled towards Freed. Freed reacted quickly and sliced the pew in half. "AHAHAHAHA! You two are quite strong! A [Knight] and a [Rook]! But what about the brat?" Freed said. He pointed his gun at Issei and fired.

"Here I go! Sacred Gear! Activate!" Issei cried.

[Boost]

Issei dodged the bullet, rolling to the side. He looked up and saw Freed in front of him. The barrel of the gun pointed at his face. Time slowed as Freed pressed the trigger. Kiba ran forward as fast as he could but he knew he wouldn't make it.

"Bye bye, kid!" Freed said, licking his lips.

Issei grinned. "Promotion, [Rook]!" Issei said. The light bullet bounced off Issei harmlessly. "The traits of the [Rook] are unreal defense and absolute attack power. So eat shit!" Issei said, grabbing Freed by the collar. "Hey Shin! How good are you at skeet shooting!"

"I dabble!" Shin said, dodging a priest's sword. He pistolwhipped the priest before shooting him in the abdomen with the other gun.

"Then shoot!" Issei said, throwing Freed into the air.

Shin turned and fired, hitting Freed in the leg and abdomen. Freed cried out in pain, crashing into the ground.

"GO!" Shin yelled as he rushed to intercept Freed.

Issei and the others nodded, finding the secret of the altar and jumping down the hole.

"Shit! Fuck!" Freed cursed. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and rolled out of the way. His eyes grew wide, seeing the spears of light embedded into the ground before him. The spears were enshrouded in a black mist that slowly ate away at the ground.

"You have good instincts," Sophia said, hovering in the air. Freed's jaw clenched when he saw the two pairs of wings behind her. But more importantly, her telltale white hair.

"You… That white-silver hair… No way… you!" Freed pointed his gun at her.

"Heh, so you figured out who my dad is," Sophia said. "Interesting. But…" Sophia raised her hand, forming a ball of black and violet mist. The ball expanded and turned into a massive scythe. "I can't let you escape rogue."

"Fuck this shit! I'm not dying here to a shitty demon like you!" Freed yelled.

"Guess what?" Freed's eyes widened when he sensed Shin appearing behind him. "You don't really have a choice."

Freed turned only to be uppercut by Shin. He was sent flying into the air where Sophia swung her scythe. However, Freed still had his wits about him. He turned, using his light sword to parry. He growled as he watched his sword dissolve.

"It's over," Shin said, pointing his gun at him.

"No, fuck no! I guess this is what you call a crisis. But no, I'm not dying here." Freed reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ball.

"A flashbang? No!" Shin rushed forward. Freed laughed and threw the ball down, releasing a loud noise coupled with a bright light.

"Mark my words you bitches. I'll be back and I will kill you. After that, I'll eat your hearts," Freed's words echoed through the church.

Shin rubbed his eyes, watching as the world came back into view. He growled. Freed had escaped. Shin glanced over at Sophia, who was struggling to maintain her balance in the air.

"Did he get away?" she asked.

"Yeah, unfortunately. Come on. We need to get to Issei," Shin said.

Sophia landed on the ground next to him and nodded. The ground shook violently. They glanced at each other and ran into the basement. What they were met with was a sea of priests clashing against Koneko and Kiba. Shin spotted Issei clutching the limp body of Asia.

"It's too late," Sophia said, clenching her fists.

"Issei!" Shin ran forward. A priest appeared in front of him and swung his blade. Shin ducked and fired two bullets into his gut. The priest flew back into his friends, which were all sliced into ribbons of disintegrating flesh by Sophia.

"Come on! We need to get your friend out of here! Raynare can wait!" Sophia said. She spread her black wings.

Shin nodded and ran forward. His two pistols spun as he fired into the crowd, scattering the priests. A priest ran up to Shin's side and attempted to slice his head off. His sword was blocked by Sophia's scythe. Sophia pushed him back and sliced his head off.

"Issei!" Shin yelled.

Issei looked up, tears streaming down his face as he clutched the blonde nun. Her breathing was becoming erratic. She didn't have long.

"GO!" Shin yelled. He created a katana and swiped at Raynare. The Fallen Angel jumped back, narrowly avoiding his attack. A cut appeared on her cheek. A green glow appeared in her hand and began to slowly repair the wound.

"Go, Issei. GO! GET HER OUT OF HERE! I'LL HOLD HER OFF!" Shin roared.

Issei nodded and grabbed Asia, sprinting past the priests that were being held off by Kiba, Sophia, and Koneko.

"Is he gone?" Sophia asked, slicing several priests to pieces.

"We're good, why?" Shin asked. He jumped back, standing back to back with Sophia. Raynare hovered above them, grinning like a demon.

"I'm going to wipe out all the priests. I need you to protect Kiba and Koneko," Sophia said.

"Got it," Shin said. "Ran, Kiba, Koneko! On me!"

Kiba and Koneko nodded.

"Sophia!" Raynare hovered in the air, looking down on the four with unbridled arrogance in her eyes.

"What's up you shitty bird?" Sophia said, smiling.

"You're too late! With this, I've acquired supreme power! Power that will gain me the affection of Lord Azazel and Lord Shemhazai! Even you, the daughter of that Angel, cannot defeat me!" Raynare cackled, creating several spears of light.

"Shin!" Sophia yelled.

An orb manifested in front of Shin. He dispelled one of his pistols and channeled magic into the orb. "Perfect Cube!" A violet cube appeared around Shin, Kiba, and Koneko.

Sophia beat her wings, expelling a torrent of black mist that covered the entire room. Raynare's eyes widened as the mist. Shin grimaced as the mist swallowed the tube. Screams of pain and agony could be heard. The four jumped when a priest banged on the barrier, begging to be let in.

"PLEASE! HELP ME! DEAR GOD! SAVE ME!" he wailed as his body began to slowly crumble to ash.

"What a terrifying power," Kiba commented.

"Scary," Koneko added.

"Sophia! Did you get Raynare?" Shin asked.

Sophia's eyes glowed red, scanning her surroundings for Raynare's signature. Her eyes widened when she saw her on the floor above them.

"SHIN! SHE'S WITH ISSEI!" Sophia yelled. She dispelled her mist. Shin dispelled the barrier and took off towards the door with the others following closely behind him.

With Issei before Raynare and the others arrived

Issei arrived at the main sanctuary of the church and gently laid Asia on the pew. Her skin was growing paler by the second.

"It's going to be okay. Asia, everything's going to be okay! We're going to get you help. Shin! Shin when he gets back. He can fix you," Issei said.

"Issei…" Asia said. Her voice was so weak. "I'm so glad. It might not have been for long but… I was so glad I was able to make friends. You and Shin. You two showed me so much…"

"Asia, why are you talking like this?" Issei said, laughing a little. His laugh was hollow and tears poured from his eyes. His tears landed on Asia's cheek, mixing with her own. "There's still lots for you to enjoy! We can work together at Hatch Potch! Go to festivals! See the beach! Karaoke! Amusement parks! Buy all the burgers we want!"

Asia smiled as Issei rattled off all the things he promised to do with her. She was content. She weakly raised her hand and grasped Issei's face. She felt his tears running down her finger. Her vision had long since left her. She could no longer see. But feeling the warmth of Issei's skin before that too was cruelly ripped away from her was enough for her.

"Issei, if I had been born in this town, gone to school with you. It would've been so wonderful. But… I know... " Her voice croaked. "Thank you for being there for me. For curing my loneliness. That's all I could ever ask for."

"Asia?" Issei said, gripping her hand. Her hand no longer grasped his cheek. The warmth from her body was slowly leaving her. He looked at her peaceful sleeping face. Small tears were still present at the edge of her eyes.

"Asia? Come on. Stop joking around. Wake up… Wake up, please," Issei begged. He closed his eyes and began to sob.

"GOD! YOU SHITTY GOD! I KNOW YOU'RE THERE! PLEASE SHE DID NOTHING WRONG! PLEASE BRING HER BACK! SHE JUST WANTED SOME FRIENDS! PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU!" Issei screamed while hugging Asia closely to his chest. He did not notice the pain shooting through his body as he said the holy name.

"WON'T YOU LISTEN BECAUSE I'M A DEMON! IS IT SO WRONG TO BE FRIENDS WITH A DEMON!" Issei yelled. "Please… I'm begging you," his wails devolved into whispers.

"Such an unfortunate child."

Issei looked up at the sound of someone's voice.

He laid his eyes upon what could possibly be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. However, her very presence terrified him. It had called upon his baser instincts and screamed at him to run from this… this Monster. Her white hair shined lightly under the light of the moon. She was tall with rather pale skin. She wore a simple black robe, resembling a priest's outfit that was cut off at her thighs. Underneath, he spotted black biker shorts and she wore boots. Her mismatched eyes, one red and the other a dull shade of blue looked down upon him and Asia uncaringly. Like a God. No, like God.

"Child, you called for me to save her," the woman said. Her voice carried weight with it. Not even Rias could compare.

"Y- You're… God?" Issei stuttered.

The woman said nothing as she gestured for Asia. Issei laid her gently upon the pew.

"An unfortunate consequence of greed," the woman said as she placed her hand on Asia's forehead. "I shall grant you this one prayer, Child of Man."

Her tone sent shivers down Issei's spine.

"She shall be reborn as one of the Heavenly Beings."

And with that, a bright white light engulfed the church.

[]

The Entity

A mysterious being encountered during the battle of the abandoned church. Powerful and nebulous.

She wields vast, insurmountable power akin to that of a God.

Her motives are unknown, completely beyond that of reasoning. She has expressed interest in the Gremory Peerage. Yet her interest is not that of intrigue but rather that of a predator stalking her prey.

Well well well. We're finally arriving to the Finale of the First Arc. See you all in the next chapter.