Chapter 10. Project Bible. Part I
Kuoh City or Town is one of cities located in the northern province of Japan. The city itself is not that large, boasting a modest population of 300,000 people, but it was considered a beautiful and quiet place for families to go hiking due to it location that surrounded by one or two mountains or to have a picnic in forest near it.
Or should I say... Was...
The majestic buildings and city that surround them all. The glory and tall buildings, the strong steel, cement and iron that stood firmly. Crumble under the heat of blazing flames that burn them all
The landscape, wide, firm, and immovable no longer there. They torn apart, crack and crater was everywhere, splitting the houses, buildings, and everything from each other. If there someone who saw Kuoh City condition from very high position they would see the landscape itself cracked, almost like children dip their tiny finger to fragile surface of sand
'How... How could this happen?'
She can do nothing but stare at the horror that present itself in front of her. As she looking down to the city, her city, her territory, the calm and collected face she always wear melt into mixture of anguish, terror and horror
Even if she's in sky and not even close to the center part of the city, but she can hear it. She can hear it. She can hear them. She can hear them very clear
She can hear people call for help, begging to be saved and their desire to survive, to live and to see the next sunrise along with their family. Only for those begging snuffed out by flame that eat them as if they were nothing but ant
She can hear people comforting each other, trying to find small shed of light in this very dark moment, hoping for miracle to come and help them. Only for those hope swallowed by darkness that come from hole of the earth that split beneath them, plunging them into darkness
They pray. They cry. They scream. They beg. They even offer their souls. Anything. As long they all can survive and see the next day
But they never got answered. It's not Devil, Angel, Gods, or monster that come to them, but wrath of nature itself. The earth open it body, swallowing them whole and crush them into pulp of gore inside it. The fire burn and eat them like they were made from oil, reducing their flesh and bones into nothing but black objects and ash.
How could this happen?
This morning everything was fine. It was peaceful and there nothing wrong with it. Other than the Church that patroling recently in her area to find their stolen holy swords from five days ago, but even so there nothing bad happen between them, true there small conflict between Kiba and them but that's it, and for their own safety as well she and Rias also send one or two of their Peerage to keep an eye to the exorcist from far. There nothing big happen afterward, even their Peerage inform them the Church did not make move at all to them, in fact there seems inner conflict between them and no improvement in their search for the missing Excalibur
Then suddenly this night, earthquake come from out nowhere and wreaking havoc in the central area of Kuoh, it spread to the whole town like a plague, rampaging in city, tearing and splitting apart their territory like a volcano that erupted with wrath of Gods itself
There no warning, no alarm, no alert. Not even trigger or poke in their Boundary Field! Somehow it just happen! The earth beneath them opened cracked and tore apart, then from it they come
Devil worse nightmare
Angels
So many of them. They burst out from the crack of the earth, from beneath the city and soar upward like majestic creature that take the sky. Their numbers obviously surpass even hundreds, it will be safe to say that they reach thousand or even more. They all almost like a stars in the black sky, their majestic holy and light aura brighten the darkness, illuminating everything around them, turning night to day just by their mere presence.
But it didn't end there
"Sona! Sona! Sona!"
The Student Council president snapped from her shock as she feel her body being shaken roughly. Her eyes that unfocused and dazed narrowed to her friend that hold her shoulders, and like hers, there terror and horror in those blue-greenish eyes
"Sona! Listen! Listen to me! You with me?! You with me?!" Rias breath was anything but calm, she was truly frantic and panic now
"R-Rias... I..."
"We have to evacuate now or hide somewhere! This place is no longer safe! Look around! The Angels is everywhere!" Rias gestured to the sky with frantic eyes "I know! I know! I also in shock! But right now, we have to hide! That's our main priority!"
Sona gulped, her mind that panic and filled with nausea forced to calm down. She's right. Her friend is right. There no point to panicking now, their priority is to survive, to take cover. This numerous Angels that come out of sudden... They clearly not come here with intent for peace seeing they now flipped up this entire city
"Let's go back to Kuoh, there emergency basement below that we can use." Sona suggested as she calmed down
"Right."
Both Devils waste no time to fly down, they did it as stealthy and as fast as possible, didn't want to make the Angels notice their presence.
"Have you contacted my sister and Rias brother Tsubaki?" Sona asked to her Queen
"We did but..." Tsubaki bit her lip in frustrate manner "Somehow our connection got cut, we can't contact Underworld, there appear to be barrier covering this city that preventing us from contacting anyone."
"Akeno." Rias called and shoot her friend look
The Queen only can shake her head in negative manner "I already try, but I ended no better than Tsubaki."
Sona gritted her teeth in anger, fist clenched as she stare at the sky that dark and illuminated by light of Angels presence from far away
"Then, how about Yuuto and Koneko?" Rias asked again
"Buchou, I can't contact them either." Akeno answered with concern and sad voice "Like Tsubaki said, it seems our connection really got cut off, we can't contact anyone, be it inside or outside."
Hearing that Rias bit her lower lip, her eyes reflect nothing but geniune fear and concern now as she stared at the burning city. Yuuto and Koneko... By Satan, she really worried about them! Please don't let them die!
"Just what the hell is going on in here?!" Sona cursed as she clench her fist. Does something goes wrong with the searching of Holy Swords? And now the Angels decide to invade?! This can be dubbed as declaration of war! Bringing whole army to here and ravaging this city like this
"Something that beyond your comprehension, lesser being."
A strong and firm voice come from above them, sending chilling sensation to their spines in instant. For moment they all feel their hearts stop beating and before they can turn their heads upward, something slammed not far from their position
It was light. A pure pillar of light, Holy, and Divine even. Coming down from the sky as if Heaven itself open the gate so the being can descend down to the mortal plane. And yet what make it more beauty is that pillar of light almost like a water that flowing down, smooth, soft, and there no any flaw in it descend.
And from the pillar of Holy light, come out angel
He clad in outfit that cover his appearance. Armor. Pauldron. Greaves. Gauntlet. Helmet. Silver is their color, pure silver that glowing even in darkness itself. Golden halo ring hovering above his head, showing his nature as Angel. Holy Light and Divine energy themselves radiate from his mere presence, enough to make the Devils feel terror grasp their heart and the very earth beneath his feet groaned and cracked in protest from his pressure
But that not what make this Angel more terrifying in the Devils eyes
It was his wings, the one behind him
There were twelve of them. They sprout out from his back, extended elegantly in majestic manner like Phoenix that flap it mighty wings. Their color is orange with mixture of white, it as if the wings made from Divine and Holy flame itself
'Seraph!'
That was what the Devils thought the moment they saw him. There no doubt, this Angel is Seraph... And that is more than enough to terrify them to the core
Seraph is dubbed as the strongest of God's soldiers, the mightiest of Heaven's children. They were creature of power, capable to stand up to Maou's of the Underworld themselves.
And just by basking in his presence, Sona and Rias know it won't be exaggeration to call this Seraph as God's Mightiest Warrior
"The God himself has decide to create new World, be honored for you has chance to witness this event with your own eyes." The Angel declared as he stand in his full glory in front of the Devils
This did nothing but make the Devils that paled become more white. God? The God himself come down from Heaven?!
The Angel glowing fiery eyes peered at the Devils that shaking in where they stand, none of them able to show calm face, not in his presence, he radiate power that make them now wish to flee in terror. As matter of fact right now they feel their skins got burned by the large amount of light he radiate! It almost as if standing directly in front of burning building! They didn't dare to protest or make sound though, fearing the Angel will burn them if they talk carelessly
"Imperius dear, please lower your power, you going to kill them if you not careful."
Another voice come in, but unlike the last one, this time it feminine, soft, gentle, and melodic, like a lullaby that soothing
Another pillar of Holy Light descend from the sky, slammed to the ground not far behind the first Angel, and from it too, come out another Angel
If the first Angel is Strongest Warrior then this one can be said as the Most Beautiful
No... Beautiful is only a second rate word compared to this Angel appearance
She not clad in armor like her companion. Instead she clad in white dress. White sleeveless dress that reveal some part of her ample chest, pink smooth and silky syal wrapped around her hands and hip. Her eyes is bright blue like gem, as matter of fact it won't be exaggeration if people call them gem because they really look like that. Her long, smooth, and somewhat a bit untamed pale blonde hair reached down almost to her legs. Her ears a bit pointy almost like elfs or fay creature but it did nothing other than imbue her beauty further. She also wear pair of bracelet on her wrists, followed by some kind of crimson colored orb as necklace and just like her Angel companion, there golden halo hovering above her head
And she also have twelve wings, but unlike the male who fiery and blazing, this one is pure radiance gold, it as if those wings made from Holy Light of God itself
Giving her status as Seraph, Sona and Rias won't be surprised if they did
"Ilias." Imperius grunted in stoic voice
"Ahh, it's really good to stretch yourself like that." Ilias said as she stretch her arms, flexing her limbs and muscle "Now, Imperius, lower your energy! Remember what Father said, Gremory and Sitri group must be unharmed."
"This already very low Ilias, I barely produce any now as matter of fact."
"I don't care, regardless how low is it, Father order to not harm them is absolute! Are you going to go against his words?"
Imperius hearing that scowled under his mask. Blasphemy! There's no way he going to go against God word! He live to serve him! To bring down those who dare to harm or disrespect him!
Wordlessly he lower the energy he radiate further, making the light around him dimmed slightly, allowing the Devils who hold their breath gasp for air
Ilias stare at the group of Devils who trying to regain their composure, after they did she give them benevolent smile "Good evening to you, Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri. I am Ilias, Archangel of Wisdom. And this is my brother, Imperius, Archangel of Valor. Sorry for the intrusion, we didn't mean any harm to any of you, only to this city."
The mentioned Devils share glance to each other, question gnawing in their minds. Archangel of Valor and Wisdom? Imperius and Ilias? They didn't recognize their names, there no even record about these Archangel or Seraph in Bible
A new Seraph? One that created by God perhaps? It's not impossible seeing he's a God
"I won't make any pleasantries and straight to the point." Sona stated, trying her best to sound calm as she said it aloud "Is this declaration of War?" She asked "Is Heaven trying to restart the Great War?"
"Great War?" Ilias spoke in confusion before realization dawned to her "Oh dear, it seems there's misunderstanding in here."
"Misunderstanding?!" Rias spat, eyes flashed with anger "Misunderstanding you say?! You all come here, to our territory, destroying our land! Killing our Peerage?!" Crimson aura start to leak from her body, all her fear gone as she thought of Yuuto and Koneko "This is no longer misunderstanding! This is declaration of War!"
"It is misunderstanding young lady." Ilias replied nonchalantly "First, there no declaration of War, we never intent to. Second, your peerage is alive." She informed, prompting both King to freeze in shock.
The Archangel snap her fingers together, light then gather not far away in front of Rias and Sona before it flashed, prompting both Kings to cover their eyes for moment, and when it died, it reveal their Peerage
"Yuuto! Koneko!"
"Rugal! Momo! Tsubasa! Reya!"
Both Kings immediately went to their Peerage, each of them checking their condition and much to their relieve, they found them still breathing and alive
"Don't worry, they only unconscious, they got hit by our power during the outburst but I already remove all Holy and Light element inside them so they not poisoned and will be fine." Ilias told the Kings in reassuring voice
The Devils stare at both Angels with wary expression, even hearing that it still not change their situation still dire
"And third." Ilias continued "This isn't your territory."
This make both Devils stiffened, Rias particularly as her eyes narrowed "Not our territory? What do you mean by that?"
"It mean you're not the one who ruling this city." Imperius said mockingly, you can tell he even sneering under his helmet "Our God is the one who own this place."
"God?" Sona eyebrow quirked "Excuse me as far we recall this city is our territory. We even have the legal document and contract about this place and we own it."
"Contract and document is useless if you make proposition with the one who never own this place." Ilias rebuked simply
"What do you mean by that?!"
"It mean your contract and document is not mean anything." Imperius said in insulting tone "All you do is forging contract with someone who never own this place without the real owner permission."
This give nothing but dread sensation to the Devils stomach. What they truly mean by that? The document and the contract is legal! Signed by representation of Shinto's faction herself, Yasaka the Nine Tails and Priestess of Amaterasu!
Are those document fake? Does Shinto faction deceive them? Are they betrayed?! Or is it trick from Heaven's side? But the last one sound a bit off seeing there only small chance Angel lying to them
They are Angel after all, telling the half truth or not answering? Yes that clearly big possibility but lying?
"Then why you come down now?" Sona asked "If that's true then why not interfere since the beginning?"
"Why should we interfere?" Ilias asked back in nonchalant voice, her benevolent smile remain there and unchanging "You Devils did a good job nurturing this place and taking care of it. So why should we burden ourselves if there someone willing to work for us?"
Both Rias and Sona eyes flashed with slight anger, understanding dawned on their minds "So you were using us?!" Rias hissed "That was very sly and low of you, even if you were Angel."
"Now, now you can't place blame on us now." Ilias defended herself "We didn't do anything wrong after all, we not the one who's in fault in here."
"The fault lay to your kin mistake and simple mind." Imperius jeered "Your leader did not check this place properly after all, had he did then this will never happen in first place."
"Beside, our Father will give compensation for what happen." Ilias said in reassuring voice "Like I said moment ago, we never intent to harm any of you, only this city. Don't worry after we done, we will fix this place back, and if you wish to we will resurrect all the Humans that died as well. We even going to give extra payment for you two."
Both Devils freeze at the deal that offered to them. Not just because about the gift, but also the second reason, resurrect all Human that died
"How's that even possible?" Sona asked in shock "God can revive dead men?!"
"Of course he can, he's a God!" Imperius said vehemently, seeming very offended by the Devil idea that his God can't do such thing! "God can create life with just blink of eye or breathing! Unlike your kin who corrupt Human and twisted their soul, God make them into better and stronger!"
The idea was very absurd to Rias and Sona. While it was in fact, certainly possible that God able to resurrect someone died and saving them, but it never crossed in their minds. If he could then the winner of the Great War surely would be Heaven! And not end in there, there many more questions that lingering in their minds, such as why God did not help Yuuto when he was child? If he can revive people then why he didn't do that to help him? Or other that have similar fate like him?
"I see you two still doesn't understand what in our God mind." Imperius let out snort from his breath "Of course you will never understand him. He's a God, he's being that superior to you, you are merely ant that trampled beneath his feet. And an ant will never be able to predict what God thinking."
Both Devils bristled at the insult, but they know better to stay silent and keep their mouth shut. They aware if they try to insult God or bad mouthing the entity it will be end of them, just hearing how Imperius seems talking about the God is clear that the Archangel of Valor really devoted to him
"Imperius stop ridiculing them!" Ilias meanwhile appear to be quite disagree with how her fellow Angel behave "Seriously they didn't do anything, they can be said as the victim as matter of fact, why you show such offensive nature?"
Imperius regarded his sister with eyes that glowing and seems about to burst any moment "They exist." He said in matter of fact voice, making the Devils flinched at the statement
In response of that Ilias only can sigh, hand drifted upward and rubbing her temple "Seriously Imperius. I know Father create you like this but can you at least tend it down a bit?" She asked in resigned voice
"I just stating fact, and no. Unlike you or Lucifana, God create me to become His Spear, the one who bring down those who dare to betray or oppose him and judge whose worthy for him." Imperius declared firmly
"You exaggerating your role." Ilias deadpanned "His Spear, the one who bring down those who dare to betray or oppose him? Yes, but judge whose worthy for him? No. I think it more like mine or Lucifana job."
Giving the status of Lucifana as Archangel of Faith and hers as Archangel of Wisdom, then it clearly obvious that they are the one who closest to judge thos whose worthy to their Father. With Faith related to Believe and Trust while Wisdom related to Intelligence and Strategic
The Archangel of Valor seems wanting to say something even his face can't be seen due to his helmet, however Ilias sure he about to retort back but after registering her words he decide to stay silent
Suddenly the earth start to shake once more, the ground beneath them start to giving up as they teared apart. The Angels and the Devils waste no time to extend their wings and began to float in order to not influenced by the gravity of the ground as they trying their best to keep their balance -the Angels though seems looking nonchalant and easy while the Devils a bit harder since they have to carry their fallen friends as well
"What is it this time?!" Rias asked with groan
"It seems, the second wave has come." Imperius noted as he stare at dark light that shoot upward to the sky from the earth. His fist clenched as his fiery eyes glow brighter for moment "Are you sure Lucifana and Gavreel is enough?"
Ilias eyebrow narrowed at that, face scrunched to slight frown "Are you doubting our brother and sister Imperius?"
"I did not doubt their faith to our God." Imperius replied "I know both of them loyal to him, however Diablo is something that I didn't trust." He declared
Hearing the name of the Devil brought twitch to Ilias lip, her eyes also gain disapproval light slightly "I see... I know what you mean, Diablo-chan can be a bit troubling."
"Hmph. The only reason I did not cut her down before she even born is because God said so." Imperius remarked with slight disgust "Perhaps that monster could be for some use if God create her." He grumbled darkly
"Don't worry Imperius, Lucifana and Gavreel is powerful." Ilias reassured her brother as her eyes peered to the destruction beneath her, her gaze lingering to each of dark and malevolent pillar that shoot out to the sky as if trying to pierce the Heaven itself.
Then she smiled, beautiful, heart warming, kind, benevolent, and charming smile
"This... After all..." She spread her arms wide, gesturing to the whole dead, destruction, mayhem, chaos and ruin to the city with angelic smile
"Is Age of our Father."
Ten days ago
"You seems in good mood..." Narberal commented as she stared at Issei "Is there something happen?"
Contrary of how people in good mood express themselves, Issei was calm and stoic. The young man face didn't show anyt emotions, it was blank like always
"I, make a discovery." Issei declared, his voice blank like always but there something gleaming in his eyes
"Discovery?" Narberal asked with blink before she allow small grimace crossed her face 'Oh boy, not another one.' Whenever Issei have epiphany or discover something, it always related to cute but deadly or thing that related to Lovecraft in some way, and whichever it was obviously it's not good "You not going to create another troublesome things aren't you?"
"No." Issei shake his head negatively, making the Nature Spirit feel slight amount of relieve "I, finally discover how to make Soul of my creation anchored to this planet."
Narberal blinked, then her face turned to one of awe and shock "You do?!" She gasped "How?!"
Soul...
Nothing much known about it actually. As matter of fact, Soul is the biggest Mystery in the World. It was the first thing that unrealistic, can't be created through any sciences method, even Grigori advanced technology can't. Only Gods and Divine being that capable to create such Miracles, God of Bible is the God that known to be very good in Soul, creating the first Humans and able to raise the dead one despite there another Gods who related to that aspect
And because of that, it also one of things that Issei easily can create. Because there no specific explanation or very detailed information about Soul, it was pure Mystery, one that remain unsolved fully for majority of the World for millennia.
So to create Soul for Issei is simple... He just need his Imagination run wild and let the Mystery of the World empower it
Sadly it's not that simple. Apparently Issei Soul creation is rejected by the World, and thus when he create Souls, they become incomplete, cripple, a failure, a mockery of what Souls supposed to be. Annihilation Maker maybe able to overrule the World in term of physical and made what Issei imagine into real, but Soul is another things.
Even Narberal herself in first place is not sentient being, she gain emotions and knowledge because of time and her relation to Nature that allow herself to at least get a glimpse of how living things supposed to be
But now... Issei manage to find way to anchor the Souls of his creation to the World... This is clearly very big feat! One that not simple! This is only things that could be accomplished by a Gods!
"Thanks to Grigori technology and this."
Issei responsed by opening his palm, allowing Narberal to see what in his hand
It was piece from chess game... A crimson colored Pawn
But it not ordinary Pawn... It was Evil Piece... One that belong to Rias Gremory, how Issei stole it Narberal didn't know but she sure the Gremory Heiress not even aware she loss one of her piece
"Ajuka Beelzebub greatest Creation, one that able to defy Death itself and able to twist Souls, turning them into exactly like his kind." Issei stated, for once his blank expression gone, smirk adorning his face and his lone visible gold eye glowing eerily "And also Grigori Technology that capable to extract Soul from living being."
"... You talking about Sacred Gear extraction." Narberal remarked and visibly blanched as she recall what Issei went through
"Yes, Sacred Gear is part of Soul after all. When person born and have Sacred Gear, it blend and fusing with their Soul. That's why people die when their Sacred Gear extracted." Issei explained to his Creation "When Soul dead, they left from this World but to do that it must went through the World, there process from it before the Soul reach Purgatory to be judged."
Narberal mind processing the information in quick, and she understood what Issei trying to imply "So that's why Evil Pieces able to bring people from dead. It drag the dead Soul back to living before they pass to Purgatory."
"Correct, however the Soul that dragged back is weak, it already pass away after all -albeit it still stronger than one I create since the World did not reject it. And to fix that, Ajuka give few touch to Evil Piece that allow them to alter the Soul, turning the dead into Devil."
"... There more explanation about this isn't it? You only summarize it."
"Yes." Issei nodded "But I'm not in mood to explain complicated things now, I make a notes of the explanation in my room and you can read it if you want." He said
"O...kay..." She didn't know how to response that actually. Issei brilliant and brain already can be said as inhumane, if he admit it complicated then it must be something that can give Gods themselves headache "Continue then."
"By studying the process of how to drag back the dead Soul before went to Purgatory and extract one, I manage to found the code and elements that could be used so the World accept Souls of my creation." Issei declared, his smirk now already blooming to full grin
Narberal hold her breath in that instant. There no more doubt in her mind now, she know well what Issei mean and what he actually accomplish. And she's very sure that Issei not lying to her, not when he look like this, when he look so happy like this
His body maybe nowhere near level of God, heck! Narberal sure Issei can't beat experienced High-class Devil in battle in fight!
But his ability to create living being... Issei already on same term with Gods in that aspect
"B-But the World..." Narberal finally found her voice once again after silent for moment "The World can change, it can reject Souls that made by your specifically."
"It can." Issei admitted "If... Gaia have power in here." He paused in 'if' to add the dramatic effect and he chuckle, a honest and genuine laugh, one that Narberal never heard for very long time "But unlike His World, Gaia in here is weak. Many being still lurking around, many pantheon still exist. Gaia may have power over the core of this World, but her 'body' already peeled and invaded by too many faction 'System'. If she want to defend her system then she have to do drastic measure, one that going to flip up the majority of the pantheon, and unfortunately she didn't have that power."
With Gaia close to powerless and only can do few things, there nothing she can do to stop his 'Soul' from anchored to the World. True she still can reject foreign power like what she did to Kolazar but that was fine, at least now he have more space to Create, this discovery is truthfully a diamond mine!
"Issei-kun..." Narberal murmured, her face was filled with hesitation and something that indecipherable. But that expression only exist for few seconds before genuine, sincere and beautiful smile bloom from her face "Congratulation! You finally did it!"
"Yes..." Issei whispered in low voice but enough for Narberal to hear, his grin curled down to smile, a gentle one "Yes, I finally did it... I got closer to reach my Dream, my Goal."
Narberal face soured hearing that. His Goal and his Dream... She still remember the day when Issei declare his dream, his real dream. A beautiful dream, one that wish to expose the beauty of the World to other, sharing the joy it held and bask in it with them
Now... Now it nothing but a pale and twisted form of his real dream...
"The Project Bible..." She speak in hesitate voice "You no longer need the sacrifice right? You already can create Soul that able to be used as power source."
"I'm afraid that is something I can't undo."
"What?! But why?!"
"You know well why, their souls already very mature, years being nurtured and feed. While I can create Souls but I can't create one that strong and rivaling them in instant." Issei replied simply "Time is still unbeatable..." Yet, he left that unsaid
Narberal feel her heart clenched hearing that. Project Bible is one of Issei biggest project that need large amount of sacrifice, the numbers of people that gonna died surpassing thousands and probably reach hundred!
There no turning back the moment this Project launched. All Supernatural entity will instantly aware of their presence, it was the button that going to flip up the whole World, there's no way all pantheon won't do anything with such large numbers that die
If she want to stop Issei... It must be now... There no better timing than now...
"You going to stop me?" Issei asked at her, as if knowing what she thinking and he give her smile, it not smile of mockery or insult but sincere one, as if he very happy that his creation trying to stop his plan
"You know this is insane Issei..." She not use honorific in his name is mean she very serious now, and that somehow only amuse Issei further judging by his smile that widened "There other way, this have to stop. Hundred of thousands-"
"689.144 precisely." Issei detailed
"Going to die! More than half of million!" Narberal was yelling by this point, her eyes that always hold kindness for once filled with sternness and there inhumane gleam in there "You can't just do this! Issei, this is madness! If you want to build better World there another way that-"
"There's no other way without taking very big risk." Issei cut her, his lone visible eye bore to her "Do you think why I hide and agree to that Vampire offer in first place? Do you remember what that woman said when I'm in her grasp?"
Narberal feel the breath in her throat freeze at that.
She perfectly remember... She remember anything about that wretched creature. How could she not? That! That disgusting and sick creature! She was the reason Issei turned to this kind of person! There no creature that she despise other than that wench!
"The World going to hunt me." Issei said in monotone "They won't tolerate Annihilation Maker, the data from Grigori that I get from Kokabiel confirm that." There history record about his predecessor and what happened to them, he had read them keenly, albeit the information is not much but he know at least what happen to them
Betrayed. Hunted. Murdered. Manipulated.
There is no happy ending for them... Not ever since incident in Cactuar Island happen...
"I... I... Issei..."
Narberal lost words as she remember what actually going on in here
There no normal and peaceful life for Issei... There never was... The moment he have Annihilation Maker inside him, the whole World already on hunt for his head... Even if he did good things, but that won't change anything...
Majority of the existence in the World reject him
So why should he care about them?
"I going to bring change to this World." Issei stated "Hundred of thousands is only small numbers compared to billions, not even reaching 1% of it." He then stood from his seat, noticing that the Nature Spirit don't have anything else to say, walking toward the door and leaving
Narberal slumped in her seat, her palm meet her face, her mind overwhelmed by everything. How could this happen?
She want to stop Issei... She want to see the boy that smile and admire the beauty of the World and wish to share it with other. She want to see the boy who hard headed and give her his food, worrying about her instead of himself
She want to save lives of innocent that going to be sacrificed by Issei... It was her nature as creature that created for kindness and love for feeling such impulse after all. But what she want more is to stop Issei because she know the past Issei rather die than seeing himself growing into like the one who just in front of her...
The door suddenly open once again, getting Narberal attention and snap her from her stupor, she saw their guest or 'ally' entering the room
The Fallen Angel eyes roaming around the room for few seconds before fell to her who look quite hazard, his face set to solemn expression then he spoke
"I come here because my 'Damsel in Distress' sense is tingling." He said gravely
...
...
...
...
Narberal very tempted to summon her plant and strangle the Fallen Angel, even if she knew it would be useless but the temptation was quite strong
Sensing her glare, Kokabiel allow chuckle come out from his mouth "Don't look at me like that Ms Narberal, I only trying to help."
"And you do very good job at it." She retorted dryly
"At least it make you not sad anymore."
... He's right, it did make her mind shifted from Issei, and it make her feel slight better... Not she going to admit it aloud to him though so she only settle to sigh
It has been almost a month ever since Kokabiel appear in this city and in contact with them. He usually not often staying in Kuoh, always gone and do his own things, Issei said that the Fallen Angel did that so the one who track him loss. Of course he knew it was inevitable for them to find him, the Church has their way to track Excalibur after all however it doesn't mean they can't be delayed
Sometime he going to come to them and spending his time in here. He mostly went to Issei and trying to get the young man to show expression, apparently the Fallen Angel found Issei emotionless trait as challenge that he should triumph so the boy become lively
It was... Hard for her to explain what she felt about Kokabiel
On one hand, Narberal found his presence to be comforting and enjoyable. Seeing Issei got riled up and annoyed like that, the Fallen Angel really did a good job in trying to make Issei show expression -albeit it negative one mostly- and Narberal glad that the young man can... Feel more after being lifeless for so long
And the best part Issei can't do anything to stop him because he knew Kokabiel is very dangerous and more than capable to defend himself, add the fact he also not intimidated by him and the Fallen Angel also still needed
But on another hand, Kokabiel apparently not only set his eyes to Issei but to her as well. And by any Gods! He is annoying beyond measure! She still remember at one time when she enter her room back only to find everything has been flipped with rose and heart shaped flowers everywhere!
With the Fallen Angel in middle of it... Naked...
Yeah... It safe to say she use all the plants in house and near area to spit acids that capable to melt diamond easily at him and trying to flood him with it
Then there another when she watch tv and find somehow all the channel in there show soap opera about big sister with little brother complex that almost like her current relationship with Issei!
For once Narberal did not like it when Issei smile in amusement.
So yes... Kokabiel presence is one of things that Narberal found very annoying and yet also needed and amusing at same time... She had been wondering does Issei also felt like that regarding Kokabiel
"What do you want Kokabiel?" Narberal asked in slight resigned voice
"I come here because my 'Damsell in Distress' tingling dear." Kokabiel answered easily "As gentleman I can't stand the sight of lady that-"
"If you know I'm in distress now then you also know I'm not in mood for joking." Narberal cut him with glare
"Nonsense!" He replied with slight heat in his voice "There always time for joke and amusement! The World already dark! There's no need to make it more gloomy! A joke in here and there is what this kind of place needed!"
Technically his retort did have some merit, but Narberal is really not in mood, if she want to stop Issei or at least things like that she need a plan, and very good damn one too seeing Issei is really smart and sharp person
'But should I? If I stop this project... Issei will be defenseless... And...'
She shake that thought away, now is not the time, she have Fallen Angel to kick out after all
"Just tell me why you here?" She asked once again in tone that close to begging. Close, like hell she going to beg to him!
Apparently Kokabiel seems decide it enough to make empty joke as he answer her question "I'm looking for Issei to inform him something, however I want to make some tea and take small snack first before go meet him."
'He obviously did this to annoy him.' Narberal deadpanned. There's no way Issei didn't know Kokabiel coming, that must by why he lef since the Fallen Angel probably come to talk with him. However the Nature Spirit sure that Kokabiel deliberately come here taking his time just to irk her creator
"What exactly you want to talk about?" She asked as she watched the Fallen Angel making tea while take some cookie to eat
"It about the Church." Kokabiel answered while popping the sweet to his mouth
"Are they coming here soon?" Narberal asked with narrowed eyes
"Yes, they would, maybe in next one or two days." Kokabiel confirmed
Time... She run out of time... If she want to stop Issei, obviously she must be hurry! This did nothing but make it harder for her! She really need to come to decision soon
"Surely it not just that? You can use familiar or messenger to inform Issei about this if it only about this."
"Well... That not completely true, teasing both of you actually why I come here as well!" He replied happily
... Of course he did... Why she expect more from guy like him?! Really, this guy! Ugh!
"Alas, but you're correct, it not only that." Kokabiel added with chuckle "I also want to give him these." He pull folder from his tuxedo before toss it to nearby table "The information about the exorcists that going to come to this city."
Then he sneak his hand back to his pocket before took out a... Lantern? How is that even fit in there?! Followed it was an amulet and glasses
"How do you fit those in your pocket?" Narberal asked in bewildered voice as she see Kokabiel placed his things in table
In response Kokabiel quirking his eyebrow "You have seen someone who can create little cute bunny that can tear apart Devil neck with it dull teeth and you found this strange?"
"Point." Narberal sighed "What are those?" She asked as she gesturing to the lantern, amulet and glasses
Now she see them closer... They not ordinary items... That lantern... Now Narberal see it closer, there fire inside it... And not normal fire, it color was black, dark, almost like abyss. As she concentrate further, she feel the nature of the dark flame and it make her shudder slightly
Destruction. Darkness. Cursed
It's not normal flame obviously just by looking at it color, but it far more than that
"Notice it aren't you?" Kokabiel chuckled as he raise the lantern and the dark fire inside it flicker briefly "This... These." He placed the lantern to table back and gestured to the amulet and cape as well "They are not normal items. They are Sacred Gears."
"Sacred Gears?" Narberal repeated, her eyes drifted from one object to another "What for are they?"
"A gift to Issei from me." Kokabiel answered with smile "He allow me to hack his data briefly and this far also proved to be very amusing companion, so I decide to give him something."
Narberal eyes narrowed. Truthfully the Nature Spirit until now still not trusting the Fallen Angel. Narberal aware that Kokabiel have hidden intention, even Issei also aware of that.
He clearly very dangerous entity, both in power and mind and need to be handled very carefully, they actually in disadvantage against the Fallen Angel now. The only reason why Issei accepting Kokabiel and allow him to have large amount of freedom is because the man knew that the Fallen Angel holding them
And before Project Bible finish, Issei has no intention nor power to oppose him... Not without alerting the whole World about his existence, something that he didn't want to, not yet at least
"And what are they?" Narberal asked, gesturing to the Sacred Gears in table "Their abilities I mean."
Kokabiel smiled as he raise the lantern, somehow looking proud at the Sacred Gear he holding "This, this is Blaze Black Flare. Sacred Gear that allow the user to possess cursed and flame of darkness, this is flame that going to stay burn for three days three night even if it in middle of rain
"And this amulet, is Shadow Prison. It possessing ability that capable to imprison someone, encasing and seal their very existence, I had seen user of this Sacred Gear seal some High-class Devil in past
"And this glasses, is Delete Field. This is Sacred Gear that capable to reduce someone power, making them weaker. There limitation of course, but in capable hands... Well, let just say I had seen some Fallen Angel get himself beaten easily by normal Human.
"But alas, I knew these things actually not needed by Issei. He can create something better than this, however their abilities is not the reason why I give them to him, no." Kokabiel eyes shone with mirth "They all Sacred Gears that contain Vritra's Soul pieces. And I believe, you have the last piece with you."
Narberal stiffened hearing that. Realization dawning to her as she understand what Kokabiel intent to give to Issei. He did not give Issei a weapons, no, he want Issei to resurrect the Vritra, the Prison Dragon
They indeed have the last piece of Vritra... Absorption Line, Sacred Gear that used to belong to Genshirou Saji, a boy at Issei age, it just extracted from him months ago when Jack deliver her information about Fallen Angel and method to extract Sacred Gear. Albeit in crude manner but the result still same, the Sacred Gear extracted
Narberal feel pang in her chest, the poor boy. Because he got Issei attention... He was kidnapped then put into coma and have any record about his existence erased. Right now his parent even under Issei control and never realize that they have son, their distance family also got brainwashed
'More reason that Issei need to be stopped... If he succeed in resurrecting Vritra...'
Dragon King... A monster that have raw power to rival even God, there reason why their very existence is feared and the Devils accept Tannin the former one with open arms and even promote him to High-class Devil only in a day. His power simply too tremendous and insulting for someone at his status after all
And they also did not want to make the Dragon angry
With Issei now already possessing knowledge about life and Souls almost to level of God, there's no way resurrecting Vritra would be impossible. As matter of fact, Narberal sure Issei will revive the Dragon King at same time when Project Bible finished
There silence between them as Kokabiel now focused back to his drink while Narberal drown in her own mind. The Nature Spirit then decide to put that thought away for now, she focused to another object that rest in table
She eyeing the folder that contain information about the church for a second before she decide to look at it. She pick the folder, unfolding it while Kokabiel watching her while sipping his tea
The face of the Nature Spirit is calm, stoic and calculating as she read about the first exorcist, Xenovia Quarta, wielder of Excalibur Destruction, a girl about Issei age and have quite record causing property damage... Giving her sword it can't be blamed though
She then flip the document, sliding to the next document only for freeze when read the name of the exorcist
'This is...'
She close the document quickly with 'snap' voice, her eyes instantly roamed to the ceiling above and she click her finger together
Then they come out
The meeting room, where they currently in is quite large, it was designed to hold many people after all. From behind painting, under table, walls, suddenly green tentacles shoot out, their appearance were smooth, nothing that broken or damaged, it almost like fish jump out from lake, creating ripple in the surface of solid object
They all spread to every direction, faster than bullet and blink of eye they jammed to every corner of the walls and black liquid come out from them, splattering to the ground like rain.
"KRRARKKK!"
Shriek of pains and suffering come out from all green vines that stab the wall. It almost like watching hologram that slowly make appearance, where supposed to be only naked wall now there some... Creature that look like mixture between of chameleon and squid, with eyes that too many for it body hovering in there, pierced to death by vines that Narberal summoned
The Nature Spirit then tap her foot once to the floor and the room moved, literally. Kokabiel really feel that the whole room twitched, barely and very short but it did.
But the change not end in there
When the Fallen Angel enter Issei Hyoudou house, he always sense countless creature that watching over him. Whatever he did in the house, there always eyes and ears folllowing him, even if the numbers now lessened but the quality of those follower is surpass any other creatures and they surely have ability that make them stand among their peers.
But now? Not anymore...
He didn't feel those creature that always tailing him, didn't feel the dark presence of the house. Heck, he can't even feel outisde World! Everything was blanketed and covered by dense and thick Nature Energy, it as if he no longer in middle of city but in some kind of forest filled with wild and untamed living being!
"This house under your control?" Kokabiel quirked his eyebrow in amusement
"Yes." She answered swiftly, her eyes keep dilating to around the rooms, shifting from one thing to another in wary manner as if everything around her is deadly beast. And giving Issei power, that actually not paranoid, everything around her could be possibly is some kind of monster
"You want to talk with me privately then?" Kokabiel asked as he looking around the room as well "I wonder how Issei going to respond to this, surely he aware of what you did now."
"The moment I kill Charmeleon Issei already know that I attempt to do something." Narberal said easily, eyes still gazing around "And I'm sure instead angry he will be amused."
"Is that so..." The Fallen Angel rub his chin, face gaining thoughtful expression as if he just get told something important
Narberal finally done looking around, as if finding she was safe and secure now from Issei eyes or ears. She turned to Kokabiel, pulling up the data about the exorcist she read and place it in table "Kokabiel, I want to know everything about this girl."
The leader of Grigori take a look at the document, picking it up from table "Irina Shidou?" He read the name aloud, blue eyes observing the picture of the smiling girl "I have my suspicion that this girl have some relation with Issei judging by her family history."
"... Yes." Narberal eyebrow quirked slightly at the information. She perfectly aware that Irina Shidou family must be related to Church seeing they were Christian according to Issei and her father also show him some cool sword, there even picture of it and not just normal sword, but real Holy Sword "Yes, Issei have relationship with her, and I want you to tell me everything about it."
Kokabiel eyes remain locked to the document he read as he responded to her "Why? I going to tell Issei about this later, you can come with me and hear it. I don't want to talk about same thing twice." He replied "Beside, I sure Issei going to tell you if you ask him."
"On contrary I don't want you to tell Issei about her." Narberal stated. No, ordered "You can tell him about the other two, but she out from list."
Kokabiel eyes finally left from the data he hold, shifting to her and Narberal feel her breath for almost a second hitched in her lung but she cover it so fast that she sure the Fallen Angel not caught it
Those blue eyes no longer same. No longer have mischief, joke, and amusement, but deep calculating, cold, and glint of something that sinister. It almost look like Issei's, and once again it not Kokabiel who joking and laugh happily with them standing in front of her
But Kokabiel the Angel of Stars
"And pray tell, my dear Nabe..." He almost purred as he looking at her with smirk in his face "Why would I do that?" He place the document to table before slowly stood, walking slowly and closing the distance between them "I'm man of my words, and I already agree to Issei that I will help him. I intent to become his alliy and help his succeed Project Bible, and what you told me. No, order me to, is betrayal. Something that I did not like and I tolerate in my brigade."
"Isn't it hypocrite of you?" Narberal narrowed her eyes to him and they glowing with crimson eerie light for moment "You hate betrayal but what you currently do now?"
"I hate betrayal." Kokabiel admitted with nod, not even denying it "But that doesn't mean I won't commit it." He stated, smiling in bemusement "I'm not kind or good creature, I never said I was after all, I am Fallen Angel and have my name recorded in Bible for reason... Make it many reasons. However if I commit treachery or betraying someone, at least I should have some benefit from it." He extend his hands and give her questioning look "And what benefit I get from this?"
Narberal face was stoic, eyes also cold and gleaming with eerie blood colored light. She know well what her position currently, she is really in not place to demand something from Kokabiel
"And what you want Angel of Stars?"
She have nothing to offer for him, and he knew it as well. So it best to ask him what he want, playing his game for now for her own gain. She need this after all, she need Irina Shidou. She's the only one who can save Issei now, even if only give him small ray of light but that was more than enough
In deep of abyss, even flicker of light would be very appreciated
I want to apologize to all fans, be it from this story or the other for not updating. I'm currently busy, and I mean really busy, I already finish my study and now become assistant for doctor in hospital, and by God I have very small time to write fanfiction
And it not helping that my imagination and idea started to degraded, no thanks for taking care patient and sometime handling dead body! God, it was... A bit morbid actually, I had seen cadaver when still studying and even see fresh one but seeing someone that died in front of you...
It was... Disturbing, really...
Anyway, let move on from this topic and went to story
Sooo, we finally enter Project Bible arc! Yes! I really looking forward in this arc actually! When I begin write this story, this arc actually what I imagine the most! Wohoo! Things will be interesting I assure you, especially when reaching the climax
Things already pretty chaotic after all, with Kuoh City destroyed and Issei army rising up... Yeah, like Issei said, the World going to change
And to all of you who found Issei 'Seraph' familiar. Yes! You got that right actually. Ilias and Lucifana, is from Monster Girl Quest! Their appearance exactly same! Except for the extra wings of course
And yes, that is Imperius from Diablo! And Diablo also going to be used as well! What can I say? Imperius is badass and Diablo Leia form also very cool! Wouldn't you agree?! XD
And Gavreel... Well, his appearance will be based on something too, you guys free to guess it for now
And we also learned what happened to Saji and why he never mentioned. In this city, where Issei control them, there's no way he going to let the Devil have something good. He already take Saji even before Sona and Rias aware of him. I know many of you disappointed I kill Saji so fast, but what you must know is, Issei is that kind of person
He's cold, apathetic, ruthless and brutal. That's how he work, to him Saji is only stranger, and we all know how... Dark Issei is. Maybe I should write DarkIssei rather than grey in summary
Anyway, expect another character death in future, unlike in canon where only bad guy death, in here there will be few characters that death. Heck, when Kuoh Town flipped up in beginning, Kiyome Abe and most of Kuoh Academy students death!
Well this is it for now. Next chapter will be more detail about Project Bible and Irina come to Kuoh! Stay tune and keep reading if you wish to find out more! I hope you love this chapter! Please Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD