Chapter 4: Stunning Transformation, Rage of the Crimson Dragon Emperor.
A/N: First a thank you to those wonderful reviews, pm's etc… Glad to see my story is getting such great feedback. As to a couple question raised about using Rizevim, well from what I've see of that Old Satan pain in the ass he does make for an excellent choice to royal screw up things for Issei…especially on an occasion like this one. Considered others but this suited and as for new additions…well you'll have to read on and see.
Rizevim Livan Lucifer, son to the previous, and original, Devil-King Lucifer. Until recently an all but forgotten name but since his return he has truly embodied the organization he took over, Chaos Brigade.
A man firmly etched into what he felt should be the true nature of being a Devil. To be evil, nasty, wicked, ruthless and just seek to cause chaos.
He was also fond of saying that as a devil it was his duty to kill anyone that he did not like.
"Rizevim…Lucifer"
This was muttered by a few of the gathered group.
They knew the situation was bad.
Issei also could make sense why. Despite being paralyzed and numb from head to toe his mind was still working and could see everything transpire.
Shit…can't move, not even a finger. My eyes are barely able to move even. How did he get here? I'd heard the homes of the great devil families had strong magical protection…but this asshole…he's different he's like Sirzechs or Ajuka Beelzebub a guy counted as being a super devil…that's why everyone's spooked…
Issei tried to look down at Rias, to give even a look to boost her. Yet she had her head turned and he could just make out angry tears in her eyes as her hands were gripping the spear that had him impaled to the wall.
"Rizevim, how dare you enter my home, attack my family" Lord Gremory said with anger in his voice. Something that sounded very odd to those who had not seen such before.
Even now they could see the aura around him surge. Even Venerana had her own crimson aura, the same as her daughters as it was a trait of the Bael clan bloodline.
Issei's friends as well we're also showing their anger at this man. Likely for his assault on Issei.
Rizevim stood up from his seat, then bowed at the waist in an over the top kind of way.
"Lord and Lady Gremory, a pleasure. Oh and the Breast Dragon Emperor's friends or cabal of concubines I should say" he said with a little chuckle
This only incensed the group further as Kiba silently signaled with his eyes to Xenovia and Koneko.
In a flash the knights were gone, both of them endowed with speed. While Koneko, the tank Rook, charged the elder devil from the front.
"Oh my, how bold, the pretty enough to be a girl knight"
Rizevim said as he jumped up onto the table, stretched out his hand and caught Kiba by the wrist of his right hand stopping his swing from the left, putting him off balance.
"The dull and boring butch, but other girl knight"
He caught Xenovia by the throat having shot out his right hand to catch her on his other flank.
"Along with the Gremory's pet pussy"
He kicked out with his foot. The speed and force catching Koneko by surprised as he meet her frontal assault with his own, but overpowered, and sent her flying. Followed by throwing both Kiba and Xenovia so they landed in a crumpled pile the right of where Lord and Lady Gremory were shielding Millicas.
Kiba! Xenovia! Koneko! Issei shouted in his mind as he felt his anger burn.
"An overly energetic start. I didn't even have time to finish setting things up" Rizevim said as he put a hand into the pocket of his robes.
He drew out a small glass vial. Then tossed it high into the air, where it shattered among Rias and the others and within seconds a blackish purple mist formed from the liquid contents. Likely soon as it was exposed to air it turned to this mist.
Everyone was caught off guard by that but even though the mist expanded and began spread throughout the hall.
Nothing appeared to happen.
"What was that meant for?" Rias asked
Rizevim smiled "Hardly want to spoil the surprise. So I have a question, is this the first time your Dragon boyfriend has been nailed?..No wait that isn't right I should be asked you that since you'd be the one getting nailed. Heheh, guess that wasn't a good enough joke"
He still laughed at his own twisted humor.
"I'll make you pay for hurting my Ise" she said and took a step forward letting her aura explode.
At her left and right sides Akeno and Venerana joined her.
"Rias, focus" Venerana said
"No one hurts Ise without suffering" Akeno said with fury in her eyes
Meanwhile Asia had moved over to Kiba, Koneko, and Xenovia. Already calling up the power of her twilight healing. They did not look like serious blows but Rizevim was a master at combat and did some damage.
Gasper was shaking as he stayed with her. Still he did not cry or whine but kept his eyes on the enemy devil. Likely awaiting a chance to use his Forbidden Balor View to freeze Rizevim.
Rizevim meanwhile was watching with increasing delight. He started to slowly walk along the table towards them making no apparent moves to defend himself.
No sooner were the three angry women about to unleash their powers did they suddenly stop gasping out in pain falling to their knees. Their aura's dispersed and they started to cough.
"Venerana, Rias!" Lord Gremory said stunned at seeing them fall.
They were not the only ones.
Asia also gasped out in surprise as the light around her hands suddenly vanished as she fell over to her side coughing and holding her chest.
Asia!...dammit what's going on!
"Asia are you ok!" Gasper asked as he knelt over her
Suddenly Rizevim was behind him. He had reached the end of the table as he watched the three ladies collapse then in flash was at the half vampire's back.
Gasper sensed the presence at Issei saw his aura ignite but for his powers of transformation into a swarm of bats.
However like the others he started then was halted and collapsed. He however collapsed and was out cold as he hit the ground.
Gasper!
Kiba, Xenovia, and Koneko all tried to stand as they saw Asia and Gasper fall but they also appeared to be coughing and before they could stop him Rizevim lashed out and put them down each with a single strike
Dammit, dammit, dammit…leave them alone you fucking piece of shit!
Rizevim then turned and after a quick amused glance at Issei still stuck, he turned his gaze on Lord Gremory with Millicas behind clutching his leg looking fearful but staying quiet.
"What did you do to my wife and the others!?" Lord Gremory asked as his own aura was building. Clearly he was thinking as he did not charge but was obviously enraged now.
"Well I suppose I can say now" Rizevim said as he eyed the others who were still conscious and all coughing.
Most of them clutching their chest and looked in pain or curling into a ball as a result of that pain.
"To put it simply, I doped them up" Rizevim said chuckling
"A poison my good Lord Gremory, a poisonous mist. The little pussy's older, cat-slut, sister had a similar concoction. Very effective on devils and spirits at least for slowing them down. However my own had to be even better. You see you can't just poison devils of a certain rank, no, no you need a subtle touch. So a poison that only really kicks in once that devil's powers are ignited and their aura's come into play"
Lord Gremory gasped his eyes widened as he himself was already preparing to attack. As if on cue his aura dispersed and he fell to his knees as Millicas tried to help him stay up
"Grandfather..what's wrong?" the young boy asked.
Shit shit shit…I gotta do something….leave them alone you asshole!
Rizevim laughed again as he approached.
As he did his leg was grabbed. Looking down he saw it was Akeno as she tried to stop him.
"You bastard" she mumbled
"Bitch"
Rizevim said lightly then stuck her with the back of his hand with resounding force and knocking her out as well as away from him.
!...Akeno grrrrr ngh I'm gonna kill this fucker!
"As I was saying. It wasn't an easy poison to make. Truth be told it was a combination of luck as well as clever thinking. A drop or two of Samael's blood really helped but that is harder to get then almost anything else. Yes soon as you breathed the mist you were infected. Once you all starting getting pissy and call your devil powers you make it active. Now you are all about as weak as normal mortals and likely to die soon. I'm fine having taken then antidote earlier" he said carrying on as he slowly walked up to Lord Gremory
Then with a tap from his foot knocked the Gremory head over.
Millicas was eyeing the man with fear but also anger.
Yet instead Rizevim just ignored him
He then turned and walked towards Rias
No…you stay away from her! Ddraig help me!
[ngh! I'm trying partner]
Ddraig answered clearly sounding enraged as well.
"Such a lovely girl. The Red Dragon does have good taste"
Rizevim knelt down and grabbed Rias by the top of her crimson hair.
Rias yelped in pain as she was hauled up by that luxurious mane
"Ise" she said weakly as she turned her eyes, now flowing with tears from the pain of the poison, onto her man.
Rizevim followed her eyes.
"Enjoying the show? I am sure you are wondering why? Well this will make for a good amount of chaos, win or lose" he said.
Holding Rias in front, to display her to Issei
His hand appeared in front of her and closed in
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! DON"T YOU FUCKING TOUCH MY RIAS…
Issei felt something in his gut. Then as Rizevim's hand was about to close on Rias breast, Issei exploded
A fire ignited in his belly. He felt his power surge, awakening his body and burning away the numbness.
His right hand, now awake, gripped the spear suddenly.
"Don't you touch my Rias!" he shouted suddenly.
"What?" Rizevim said stopping his attempted touching of Rias and watched
With a rage and pain filled cry Issei hauled on the spear. Pulling with all he hand then pushing away from the wall with his body. The spear dislodged from the wall and was pulled out of him.
"You bastard!...You fucking piece of shit bastard I won't let you!" He roared as his aura surged around him like a blazing fire of red light.
[Welsh Dragon, Balance Breaker!]
Came the cry from his boosted gear gauntlet as the aura around his body turned to his armor. Covering him from head to toe in the Balance Breaker of the Boosted Gear, scale mail. Red plate armor with the motif of a dragon, a sharp look over all. The helm like that of the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig's own face, even a tail that sprouted at the middle of the back. Green jewels on both hands, shoulder, knees and one on the chest all shining brightly. The wings that came with the armor spread wide scattering the mist around him, they worked in tandem with the jets that were also on the back of his armor.
In essence he looked like a small Red Dragon in this form.
[Boost!]
The others on the floor still barely awake saw Issei explode, free himself, and then activate his balance breaker. It was at that point they all lost consciousness.
"No one touches my Rias' boobs they are a gift from the heavens…I won't let some piece of shit like you ever touch them!" he shouted in rage at Rizevim
[Boost!]
"Gift from the heavens, now that is a good joke Dragon boy. She is a devil you know so saying that is kind of like an insult" Rizevim said chuckling with delight.
"I am surprised you freed yourself, I thought Samael's poison was like a curse to dragons" he continued
"Don't try to distract me douchebag" Issei shouted
[Boost!]
Still this was tricky. He had Rias in his grip. She didn't look like she was doing well.
[Partner, time to try out what you practiced this mourning]
Ddraig said in a lower tone.
Issei then saw it. Rizevim had Rias slightly to the side so he could keep his focus on him. That was his opening.
"Rias, stay still"
Issei make the part of his helmet that covered his mouth retract.
"Careful dragon boy, don't want to hurt your little crimson concubine" Rizevim said with an evil giggle in his words.
Issei breathed in deeply, filling his lungs then ignited that fire in his belly. Having boosted a number of times already he knew what to expect and that he would need precision.
Rizevim eyed him curiously then before he could see it coming a steam of flames, only a couple fingers wide was shot from Issei's mouth. The son of Lucifer saw it coming for his head and it was fast. So fast that he only partially dodged it taking a graze under the eye along his cheek and leaving a serious burn distorting his face.
"Ah!" he said with a shout of pain as his grip on Rias was released by reflex and she was dropped.
Issei leapt forward. With his right arm he caught her and held her closely
"Ddraig!" he shouted as he threw his left fist at Rizevim's body.
[Penetrate!]
His fist slammed into Rizevim's chest. Then the evil devil was sent flying with a choked gasp, he hit the far glass wall and shattered nearly all of it from floor to ceiling.
Ah shit…sorry Lord and Lady Gremory
He thought to himself but this was not the time to worry.
That had been his only move. Having practiced more precise breathes of fire he knew he could aim a shot to catch Rizevim off guard. Then he hit him with the one he could not block with his ability known as Sacred Gear canceller that allowed him to nullify almost all Sacred Gear abilities or Sacred Gear-enchanted powers just by touch. However an ability of Ddraig's, an original one from Ddraig's time as a living dragon, called penetrate allowed Issei to bypass all defense with his physical attacks. Combined with the number of times he boosted and his own strength he knew it would be enough to get Rias back.
"Ise" came his beloved's weak voice
Issei looked down as he cradled her in his right arm. She was weakly trying to lift her own arm to touch him. She was deathly pale, and her face was that of someone weakened but in pain. Breathing faintly she soon lost consciousness.
"Rias….hold on…please" Issei said as he looked around and saw all the others were in the same shape.
The only exception was Millicas.
"Big Brother Ise…can you help them?" he asked like trying to stay calm. He was still a child and had fears as one but he was also a child of Gremory not one to lose wits easily.
Issei also realized this mist was still present. He then looked ahead and saw the glass wall missing where he had sent Rizevim flying.
"Millicas, stay down and don't worry I'm going to fix this" he said
He started to make his wings flap hard and fast generating a wind current in the dining hall. However the intent was not to fly as he knelt down to grip the table and avoided going airborne while still flapping.
In less than a minute the force from his wings had pushed the mist outside. With only one opening the air current he created forced it to the only direction open. Soon as the hall was clear Issei breathed in again and once more let lose a blaze of fire, this time not holding back as it was a full sized stream.
It did the job evaporating the mist cloud until nothing remained.
Looking down he saw though that Rias was still out cold
"Dammit this isn't good…Ddraig what can I do?"
[I'm not sure partner, only reason you're still standing is thanks to your power and aura as a dragon, not to mention your body from Great Red, the wound from that spear even was temporarily closed after activating balance breaker. You still like that of a humanoid dragon so poisons aren't a thing that would work on you. Samael's curse, even only a couple drops worth, did slow us but because your soul survived your body being destroyed, even with a new body you've built an immunity to it…as for the others well once they tried to fight the poison became active. They are already infected and we don't have any ability to heal…wait…if we share our aura and power it should sustain them]
Issei's eyes went wide. He knew what to do.
A voice from outside shook him from his thoughts
"Well done dragon boy. I see you've gotten to be a better fire breather. Maybe you should consider joining a circus act" Rizevim shouted.
From outside Issei saw him stand and dust himself off. He had sent him flying a good distance, maybe thirty meters or more. He still had an ugly burn on his face even partially melting his skin to which he was touching.
"A shame this face always did please me, but I suppose I can see to that later. For now though let's see you protect them all from this dragon!" he called out manically.
Issei saw him raise his hand and a ball of devil magical power gathered in his palm. He was going to attack and Issei couldn't carry everyone
"Ddraig! Do it now!" he shouted as Rizevim fired his attack.
Rias opened her eyes and the first thing she noticed was the she was outside, and that the sky of the underworld had an ugly blackish green color to it. It was then she realized she had seen that before.
It was the color of the barrier the evil dragon Ladon used.
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]
She heard the sound of the boosted gear boost effect, multiple times.
Feeling her body waken more she now recalled the last thing before passing out was being in Issei's arms as he got her back from Rizevim before the poison had overwhelmed her.
She sat up suddenly and saw it. A small dragon shaped creature was latched onto her shoulder, its tail coiled around her arm with a green jewel on its chest that shined brightly. She also saw the red aura of the Red Dragon Emperor had enveloped her.
"These are Ise's red Dividing Wyvern Fairies" she said.
An ability Issei had developed from the Dividing gear power which he took from Vali. It allowed him to create small dragon like creatures about the size if his hand, however these ones were bigger maybe the length of her arm almost. They originally came out white and could divide or reflect attacks but a second change made them red to use Ddraig's boost and transfer power.
Looking around her she could not believe the sight. She and the rest of her peerage along with her parents were all laying in a tight group outside of the Gremory mansion. She then noticed Millicas was with them and standing. He also had a fairy on his shoulder. He had his hands raised and was creating a smaller barrier around them all.
"Rias?" someone called
It was Akeno who was also sitting up, she had large bruise and some swelling on the side of her face where Rizevim hit her.
The others all were stirring. Each of them had their own fairy which explained the multiple boosts she had heard.
"What happened?" Lord Gremory asked sitting up
"Millicas?" Venerana asked seeing her Grandson was the only one standing and was using his devil powers to erect a barrier around them.
"Grandmother, Grandfather, and Big Sister Rias. I'm so glad everyone is okay. Big Brother Issei said he would make you all wake up"
"Ise?" Rias asked
It was then they heard it
[Penetrate!]
Followed by the sound of a blow striking someone and a grunt of one being struck.
They all looked out from the barrier Millicas had up and saw Issei was battling with Rizevim. He had his scale mail armor on, which was the last thing most of them recalled seeing before passing out, and now they wake up outside the dining hall and a short distance from the mansion, Millicas keeping a barrier up around them, Issei's wyvern fairies attached to them all and Issei himself fighting Rizevim.
"What happened?" Rias asked
"Big Brother Ise protected everyone. He summoned his wyverns and said they would help fight the poison and then asked me to make a barrier so he could fight" Millicas explained calmly
He was his father's son and seeing things improve kept a cool and composed face, likely helped by the fact that the older brother he admired was fighting so hard.
Rias and the others all looked to the wyverns attached to them.
"I still don't understand fully" Kiba said
"How did we get outside?" Xenovia asked
"Weren't we all poisoned?" Asia asked
[Allow me to explain, Issei is busy fighting and the young Gremory needs to focus on his barrier]
It was Ddraig's voice coming from the jewels of the wyverns
"Ddraig? Yes please explain"
"Ddraig, do it now!"
As Rizevim launched his attack the jewels on Issei's body all shined and from then small orbs of red light were shed. A total of ten which then turned to his Red Wyvern Fairies. His efforts to work on honing this ability had also paid off, and also born from his desire to protect everyone as they were bigger then what he had made before.
With a command from his mind each of the wyverns attached to one of the fallen group, as well as Millicas and in a surprising display of strength from the small dragons they all lifted the out cold members of the group along with Millicas. Issei flew with them, going ahead to smash the ceiling so they might escape the attack Rizevim sent which stuck the dining hall as they escaped it. The result being it was completely destroyed and part of the wall that wasn't glass as well.
"Look at that like fireflies in the sky" Rizevim said laughing.
Issei sighed in relief then he guided his airborne troops to carry everyone to the ground a short distance from the mansion. They landed in a tight group.
"Thanks Big Brother" Millicas said but still looked to his grandparents and Rias with concern.
"It's ok Millicas I'll protect them" Issei said as he extended his left hand out towards the others.
[Transfer!]
At the activation of the Boosted Gear Gift Issei transferred some of his power to each of the wyverns. At once they all light up. They would have done this individually but Issei needed to start this now. The light from his dragon aura spread covering each person with a fairy attached to them.
"Millicas they should wake up soon. I need you to watch over everyone and put up a barrier if you can. I'll take care of this asshole!" Issei said his anger now present since he knew the danger to Rias and the others was stalled for now.
"I understand"
Issei then walked away from the group as he did he heard the sound of Ddraig's voice announcing Boost from each wyvern and knew his idea had worked. It was going to cost him some of his base power but he had no choice as he saw it.
It was then he noticed that a foul aura could be felt all around. He recognized it as that of the Evil Dragon Ladon's barrier. Looking around he saw a massive barrier was erected all around the Gremory mansion. It was clearly Rizevim's work and a means to trap them all.
"The color could be better but not bad eh? Almost didn't make it in time given the ridiculous amount of security this territory has. Still studying Ladon's barrier and even having him create one for me to activate here and now was worth it. Soon as it went up I knew the alarm bells would start to ring, about the same time as my breaking into this area. Still the plan is working well, didn't stop the Gremory mansions emergency system that magically transports all servants to a safe spot, but at least I get those I wanted to be present" Rizevim said seeing Issei noticed the massive barrier around the mansion and most of the grounds around it as well.
"What plan?" Issei asked
"Dear dragon pup you should know me by now. My plan is chaos. Well that and a little of "kill those you don't like" philosophy. I'm here to see the Red Dragon Emperor fall" he said with an ill-humored grin.
"Good luck douche nozzle. I'm gonna wipe that grin of your face and kick your ass!" Issei said.
Issei activated his jets to work in tandem with his wings thus increasing his speed
"Promotion to, Queen!" he called out to give him the powers of the queen piece.
Rizevim spread his arms and bowed again welcoming his assault.
[That's all that's happened since you all passed out. It has been about five minute's total]
Ddraig had just finished explaining all that occurred to the group after they lost consciousness due to the poison
"I get it now. Oh Ise, you shared some of your power to keep us all alive" Rias said as she watched her love fight Rizevim.
[Yes. You are all still infected with the poison he released and when you called your powers the poison was made active. The boy never did so his is inert and since receiving some of the dragon's power it's been eradicated. However the rest of you cannot join this fight if you spend the transferred power you will not survive]
The group all exchanged looks of regretful frustration. True they were glad for Ise's actions but to left so weak by such a subtle trap was difficult for them.
"I believe in my Ise. He won't let us down" Rias said
At that Issei's friends, along with Rias parents all were consoled by her words.
"Yeah. In fact with what he pulled I bet Ise is in prime fighting shape"
"He won't lose"
"Kick that d-bag's ass Ise"
"Unable to fight is not a comforting thing, but I have faith in him"
"To be fair Rias, he is now our Ise"
"Well said darling, he is after all becoming a pride of the family"
Came the words of support from Kiba, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Lord Gremory and Venerana.
Together they all watched on, putting their faith in Issei to fight for them.
However the fight was clearly proving difficult for Issei. With Rizevim's ability to cancel out his sacred gear, if he wasn't careful even a single touch might deactivate his armor. The man was also an expert, but fortunately Issei was always best at hand to hand combat. He just timed right for his counters and made use of Ddraig's penetrate ability.
Fortunately the wyverns don't take much of his stamina to maintain and thus he could keep them active. Yet he knew this fight was not in his favor only having a couple of his abilities to make use of against this man.
Still I'm not going to lose!
After another short exchange Rizevim called out his wings and, after a leap, got some distance.
"Impressive Dragon boy, you're fist fighting skills have grown. However I am being selfish. It's time to let the pets have their fun" he said
"Let me guess, your little bodyguard?" Issei asked.
"No, no Lilith won't be joining. I choose others just for you. Enjoy!" he said with a smile and snapped his fingers.
The light from a summoning circle came up to his left and as Issei turned sensing another presence he was struck, hard and also got the smell of something that was the worst stench ever. Whatever 'pet' Rizevim had called hit him before he could react fast enough and sent him flying before striking the ground hard. He had the wind knocked out of him and tasted blood in his mouth as he rolled and ended up stopping just on the outside of the barrier that Millicas had up.
"Ise! Are you ok?" he heard someone call.
"A-Okay don't worry about me Rias" he said after he spat out a mouthful of blood, that had been forced up, out through his helm.
Wait…that was Rias
"Rias!" he said as he lifted his head up from looking at the ground.
There she was, standing up and looking as beautiful as always in his mind. He already saw the color had come back to her face and was looking much better. He then saw everyone else was more or less on their feet. Asia was kneeling with Gasper, likely they were offering silent support.
"Everyone…oh thank goodness you're all ok" Issei said relieved.
"It's all thanks to you" Kiba said in reply
They all smiled at him.
Issei pushed himself up to look at them all again.
"I'm sorry everyone, it was the best I could do. Ddraig says as long as my wyverns stick to you, you'll hold out but I'll end this" he said as he turned around
"What the hell is that?!"
Before him was a horrific looking monster. It had the body of a serpentine like creature. Yet it stood on four powerful looking legs. All of them with claws, but webbed. A massive tail that was likely what it stuck Issei with. Overall this thing was big. Length wise Issei guessed the body was perhaps ten or so meters and when the heads rose it reached up about the same. The body was big but still had a serpentine like look overall.
Nine heads on very long and snake like necks all glared at him. The necks were all slithering around and about like a bunch of snakes. The ugly yellow colored eyes all staring at him.
This is…that thing from my dream…the monster that was going to hurt Rias.
[Issei. This isn't good that thing is a hydra]
Ddraig spoke from the jewels on Issei's armor but his voice could also be heard from the ten wyverns attached to the others behind him.
"Hydra?" most of them spoke together.
"I remember reading about it the first time we went familiar hunting. Rias thought it would be a good choice for me. I don't get it the one in the book looked like a snake with nine heads and the one from the sports day was just like in the book." Issei said aloud
[That's a descendant. You're looking at the first, or rather from the original bloodline. Likely one of the first to be born from the one that guy Hercules killed. This thing is tougher than the ones today. His poisonous fangs aren't a threat to us but even so its body is all but immortal]
"Shit…what do I do then?" Issei asked
[The body is immortal, but only one of the heads is the source of that, the only weak spot is the mortal head. Whichever one that is you have to cut it off and this thing will die. Watch out though, the other Eight heads are just as troublesome 'when one falls, two shall arise' that is what they say about the original Hydra]
"You mean if I cut off the wrong head…" Issei said as he was trying to make sense of the monster.
It was hard to look at it. All of the heads were slithering around, varying from circular to other movements and it was making him a little dizzy.
"Ise, can you hear me?" A voice said in his hear.
Issei looked over and saw a small communication circle by his head. He also recognized the voice
"Sirzechs is that you?" he asked
"Yes. I'm glad we finally got through. The other devil kings and I were alerted to a disturbance from magical protection in the Gremory territory and found a barrier blocking out path around the mansion. We detected your power signature radiating through and have managed to open a communication circle. Can you tell me what is going on?" Sirzechs asked
Hearing that voice reassured Issei somewhat, knowing that just outside this barrier back up was nearby
However before he could reply the Hydra roared and charged
"Uhh Big brother, gimme a second" Issei said as he saw the monster charge
[Issei, use fire. It won't kill this thing but Hydra's aren't fond of it]
Not needing anything more than that from Ddraig for now Issei breathed in as deep as he could. Putting what he had into increasing the power of his inner fire he bellowed out a huge stream and engulfed the Hydra.
It was then he noticed something, eight heads moved to form a protective sphere like wall.
The hydra howled out, a cry multiplied by all those heads, and backed off as it snapped at whatever parts of the body were still on fire. Already Issei could see its hide regenerating.
Not wanting to forget him, he cast a glance to Rizevim and was shocked to see the man had just landed on the ground after summoning the Hydra and not moved. Crossing his arms, he was enjoying the show from the looks of things.
"Ise, are you alright?"
Issei saw the circle was still open.
"Yeah sorry…I'll need to make this quick. It's Rizevim he broke in here. He's the one who put up this barrier, says it's similar to that Ladon's barrier. He hit the others with some kinda poison that had them all down if they used their powers after inhaling it. Ddraig says it won't work on me but everyone else was down" Issei explained
"Are there any casualties?" Sirzechs asked
"No.. Everyone's safe I called out my wyvern fairies and transferred some of my dragon power to them. It's keeping everyone alive but it won't last forever…Millicas is fine he never tried to fight so when he got my power the poison in him was burnt out" Issei said adding the last knowing Sirzechs would be worried.
There was a pause before a reply came "I understand, well done Ise" It was a reply of a man who was a devil king. However Issei did hear a hint of relief.
"Rizevim summoned a hydra….Ddraig says it's an original one" Issei then added finishing.
"I understand. The other Devil kings are working on a way to send myself and Grayfia inside. We are connected to this place so we can be forced in. Issei, consider this an order from Devil King Lucifer. Hold them off until reinforcement arrive" Sirzechs said ending with a commanding tone
"Yes sir. I won't let anyone get hurt…and I have something important to talk to Lord and Lady Gremory about…so I'm going to win" Issei said with a voice full of energy.
"Thank you"
The circle vanished
"Ise?"
Issei heard Rias call to him
"It's alright Rias…Sirzechs is here. He's trying to break through the barrier with the other king's help. He just ordered me to hold the line" Issei explained.
Rias was still a moment then smiled at him and nodded.
[Issei, I hate having to say this…but the original hydra line is actually a sort of cousin to that of dragons. The dragon slayer would be handy against this overgrown worm]
"Why didn't you say so before?" Issei asked confused
[That thing likes to think of itself as like a dragon but no stinking slimy snake is a dragon so it's a matter of pride…still if it helps you stomp it then I'll admit the truth…one last thing, Rias Gremory is too weak for you to make use of her breasts for those power ups. For now it's all on us]
"Thanks partner….Ascalon!"
Issei shouted
[Blade!]
At his call the command for Ascalon, the dragon slayer, holy sword, extended from his left wrist
"Alright you shit smelling worm. You're not getting past me!" Issei shouted as he charged.
By now the Hydra's body had fully regenerated. It roared and met his charge.
Again Issei saw it.
Wait a minute….one, two….. eight?...Eight heads are doing all that moving and wiggling making it hard to look without getting dizzy…..!
So they met and Issei leapt high, followed by the hydras many heads. Fortunately with his wings mixing aerial and ground combat was easy. He dodged the first two, blocked two more with blows from his right hand and left leg. However his guard was opened slightly and as fifth attacking head moved in opening a mouth filled with fangs.
Slice!
The sound of a blade slicing through flesh. Issei countered by cutting off that head.
It hit the ground with a dull thud. The other heads all howled. However the monster didn't go down. Instead he saw what looked like a new head sprouting out from the neck.
[Partner, watch out for the head you cut off]
Issei felt it coming from his left. He turned just in time to see the hydra head, now with a snake's body that it must have grown after being cut off from the main body, charge him.
It closed the distance and bit down on him.
Issei roared in pain at the pressure of the bite
"Ise!" Rias shouted
However Issei's armor had withstood the fangs, Issei replied by thrusting Ascalon into the skull of this snake hydra and it died almost instantly. The body itself soon began to crumble
"Oh yuck….that thing tried to eat me…now my armor reeks of this thing" Issei said
[Well be glad its bite wasn't strong enough. We also proven that heads cut off are a lot less powerful. Still this it bad. He could wear us down]
"Yeah…but I think I figured something out"
[What?]
"If you watch it, I count only eight heads doing all those movements. Makes it kinda hard to look straight on, but why only eight…my guess the mortal head is at the center keeping in the back. Kinda like the king in chess, letting the immortal heads do the work" Issei explained
[Heh, sharp eyes partner. Then again Dragons are known for sharp senses and battle instincts. That does make sense though, harder to notice the one head to cut off. Also makes it harder to get in there]
It was then the hydra lowered all of its heads, now Issei counted nine. All of them lowered and opened their mouths. Lumps along the necks began to move upwards.
Next thing Issei knew he was fighting the urge to vomit as dozens of snake hydras were being expelled from each mouth.
"Shit…that is beyond gross. What's it doing?" Issei asked
[Spawning. Kind of like reproduction but not fully. They can create smaller snake like versions…lots of them. Fortunately they are weaker but like I said…this thing isn't dumb it's using numbers to its advantage]
At once the 'swarm' of hydra snakes moved on him. Each of them was maybe each about three to four meters in length about as thick as hit arm. Issei counted perhaps few dozen of them.
"Now my pet, feast on the others" Rizevim called
At once the Hydra heads stopped spawning and rose up it then turns its nine gazes on Rias. It turned and started to charge towards them.
"No you don't!" Issei shouted but as he was about to leap two of the snake hydra's looped around his legs and held him down. The others came slithering all atop each other, trying to entangle him.
"Dammit! Get off me!" Issei shouted as he saw the Hydra was nearing Rias and the others.
It's like my dream….I saw…NO!
Reacting on instinct Issei breathed in deeply then, exposing his mouth again, breathed out and let loose yet another breath of fire. Aiming it down the blast expanded at is hit the ground engulfing himself and all the snake hydra spawns around him. They were reduced to ashes in only a few seconds.
Fortunately his armor, as well as his own built up resistance to fire attacks prevented any real damage.
Not wasting a second he leapt forward and ignited his jets so he went slamming forth into the flank of the hydra just as it reached Rias and the others.
The beast snarled as it was knocked aside by Issei's tackle.
"I won't let you, HURT MY FRIENDS!" Issei shouted.
His aura exploded around him
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]
Rang out the calls from the jewels on his armor.
The hydra eyed him a moment then charged
Issei then retracted his wings
"Ddraig, transfer power to Ascalon!" Issei shouted.
[Transfer!]
Issei felt power swarm around the blade as he ran straight at the Hydra. Then he jumped forward. Right into the midst of all those heads with opened around him like a set of gaping jaws ready to devour him.
He was gone from sight as on either side, four heads closed in.
"Ise no!" Rias shouted.
However her fears were quick to be removed
"Eat this you stinking fucker!" Issei's shout could be heard from within.
He had leapt on purpose. Forcing the heads to open wide as to attack his flanks. However that was their mistake as it also revealed the one head that was mortal. Issei saw it and as the four on either side closed in all ready to take a bite out of him he thrust Ascalon forward and split open the mortal head from top to the base of the neck.
The other heads stopped, inches from devouring him and all howled out as the body collapsed. Issei cut two more heads off to clear himself from the monster as it thrashed about dying.
Issei landed just in front of Rias and the others, he was panting heavily from using a chunk of power to kill the Hydra.
"Ise" Rias said behind him.
Issei raises his right hand then gave her a thumbs up.
"All good Rias…." He said as he was taking deep breathes to steady himself.
Then they heard someone clapping
It was Rizevim
"Well done Red Dragon. I must say you did well with the younger one" he said
Issei and the others all gasped
"Oh yes, the first Hydra spawned two true children" he held up two fingers
"You just managed to kill the weaker second born" he said as he snapped his fingers again
Another summoning circle appeared and yet another Hydra was summoned. This one however was slightly longer and bigger. It also had a much meaner look to it.
"Shit….not good" Issei said quietly
At another snap of Rizevim's fingers this older hydra lowered its heads and did a 'spawning' like the first.
However this one did so at a much faster rate. Within a matter of seconds Issei counted a hundred snake hydra's all hissing and hungry for him.
"Feast away!" Rizevim called dramatically
As one the swarm all slithered forward, the main hydra staying back.
Still panting, Issei took one more deep breath to find his center. Then he made a ready stance, lifting his left hand up with Ascalon still out, holding his ground.
"Millicas, drop your barrier" Issei said
Millicas looked at him curiously then did as asked.
As soon as he did, each of the fairies spread their wings and lifted the others off from the ground. They were not fast but could be able to support them for a short time.
"What are you doing!?" Rias shouted at him.
"Keeping all of you safe" Issei said
Then without another word he charged the swarm. They had numbers but Issei had his devotion.
He slashes, kicked, stomped, punched, and used all he could. Against Ascalon they were turned to ash from its bite. The others were simply crushed by his blows and by his aura as it continued to rage on around him.
However there were far too many for him. Most of them swarmed around and began to slither together into a single mass. One that was raising itself upwards towards Rias and the others.
Oh no!
Then another aura appeared. A crimson black one.
It shot out from under the 'pillar' of snake hydras and engulfed them. They were turned to dust in all but the blink of an eye. However the attack did not stop there. It swirled down and around Issei attacking all the snake hydras around him.
When the dust cleared….
Sirzechs and Grayfia were standing just under the others hovering above them.
"Brother! Grayfia!" Rias said happily
"Father, Mother" Millicas called with delight
Issei could only smile inside his armor as he called his wings back out and flew the short distance over to the newly arrived pair. He also commanded his wyverns to bring the others back down among them.
Sirzechs smiled at them all then looked to Issei as he was the last to join
"Ise, my brother, you have done.. Well there are no words good enough to surmise" he said his voice overflowing with praise as he reached down and took his son's hand.
Grayfia also gave him a rare look of absolute admiration.
Panting again he could just nod.
"Ah the Devil king Lucifer, and the Ultimate Queen. Welcome, welcome to the party. I was wondering when you might break through this barrier. I'll assume Ajuka cracked the frequency to send you both in?" Rizevim asked from his watch point nearby.
"Grayfia" Sirzechs said
Grayfia nodded and took Millicas by the hand to stand with the others. At once she handed everyone a small vial which she took from the pockets of her maid outfit.
"Drink this everyone. Azazel and Lord Beelzebub assured this will purge the poison with in you all. Ise you can dismiss your Wyvern's once they drink the antidote" she said
As everyone took a vial without question or hesitation, as per the seriousness of the situation, Issei dismissed his wyvern's they each vanished in a small flash of red light.
"You must stay out of this battle however. Your powers will take a short time to replenish" Sirzechs said
Issei then turned to face Rizevim and the second Hydra.
"Ise. Can I leave that beast to you? I shall deal with Rizevim while Grayfia keeps the others safe"
"Yeah…count on it" Issei said getting his second wind.
Rizevim laughed
"Now what are you all whispering there. I see you brought along an antidote for my poisonous mist. Ah well it was only a means to amuse and see how much oomph the Red Dagon could pump out. Now I think however a little more push is needed so see him really get it up. So then enough appetizers"
He put both his hands together and the group could sense whatever he was about to summon forth took more power.
"Time for the main course!" he said delighted
A larger summoning circle was formed. The light was very bright that almost all of them had to shield their eyes.
When they were able to see again all of them were shocked.
"What the hell!" Issei shouted
Before them…was Issei in juggernaut drive, or rather his Juggernaut drive form.
No…..how is that here!?
It looked just like when Issei had transformed into Juggernaut drive in his first encounter with Shalba Beelzebub. However unlike the normal colors the entire form was black. The only light being the purple colored jewels where Issei's green ones would be, as well as purple glowing eyes in the head.
"How?" Sirzechs said regaining his composure quicker than the rest.
"Is this an illusion or fake?" Rias asked aloud
"Tut, tut. Seeing such a marvel and calling it a fake or illusion. Do you hear that my friend?" Rizevim asked the Juggernaut by him
The thing didn't speak.
"Proof is needed then. Very well….fetch her"
Rizevim pointed at Rias.
Issei gasped.
In a flash the juggernaut moved like a blur. None of them had time to react.
It had darted forward after releasing massive demonic energy, stooping before then and swooping Rias up in its hand then vanished back to its starting spot. In that time they all felt the overwhelming aura about it.
Issei felt something familiar and also something sickening about it. However at the moment all that was second to the fact Rias was in that things clutches
"Rias!" Issei shouted
Even Rias was shocked by this. Taken completely off guard. Sirzechs as well he had raised his hand to launch an attack but there in lay the problem. He knew there was a risk to hitting Rias, and also Rizevim would likely intervene.
"Well done my friend. Now then let's see what happens now…crush her" he said ending with an unusually dark and evil tone.
At once the Juggernaut began to close its large clawed fingers around Rias middle. She screamed out in pain.
"YOU BASTARD!" Issei shouted
He leapt forward and pushed his left arm out
"Ddraig!" he shouted letting his mind transmit the image
[Yeah!]
Ascalon extended from his left arm again. Yet this time it was fired like a bullet from a gun. The speed and force was so great that, even at this distance, it took only a second before the holy dragon slaying sword buried itself right to the hilt into the shoulder of the Juggernaut.
The dark monster howled in rage as by reflex of the blow its grip loosened.
Issei put all he had into his jets and wings and became like a red comet as he shot across, with a follow up kick to the gut of the juggernaut knocking it back, caught Rias in his arms and used the momentum of the kick to propel himself backwards to the others.
He hadn't summoned much of his power save for firing Ascalon as he knew if it became to explosive it would even hurt Rias on contact with him.
Rias was coughing from the brief crushing but looked alright.
"Rias...I'm so sorry" Issei said as they landed back with the others
She just shook her head "you got me" she mumbled meaning to say that Issei saved her.
Even so Issei felt something…deep within. Something was stirring, something was about to awaken.
"Rias"
"Lady Rias"
Came the calls of the others.
"DAMN YOU RED DRAGON…DAMN YOU!" came an enraged and unhinged sounding voice.
It came from the black Juggernaut.
"That voice…." Issei said in disbelief
"How?….Shalba Beelzebub?" Sirzechs asked.
"Indeed" Rizevim said to them.
The group all then felt a pulse around them….it came from Issei.
"Ise?" Rias asked.
Gently Issei handed Rias over to Grayfia who quickly understood his actions. Then for some reason Issei created another wyvern and had it perch on Rias' shoulder.
"That's enough….I've had it" Issei mumbled
His fists clenched hard that there was a scraping of his claws digging into the palms of his armor.
"You bastard Rizevim…you hurt my friends….ruined a day I wanted to do something very important….and Shalba…I don't know why you are here but you…tried to hurt, no…you tried to KILL MY RIASSSSSS!"
He started in a low tone but the last was a rage filled roar.
At that moment his aura was like a volcanic explosion. It shot up like a pillar until it hit the roof of the barrier with enough force to cause a loud bang.
"Ise!" Rias said in shock.
Everyone else was looking at him with a mix of shock and apprehension. Most of them felt something familiar about this level of power.
"I WON'T FORGIVE THIS…NO ONE HURTS MY RIAS!" Issei shouted looking upward
From the jewels on his armor
[A new awakening is about to begin….]
"Ddraig!"
[Yeah! I'm with you partner. I'm plenty pissed myself here, let's beat this poser's punk ass down]
Still with a mighty, overwhelmingly, raging aura about him Issei started to walk forwards.
It was with sure and purposeful steps.
The others merely watched on. Even Sirzechs and Grayfia were left surprised.
Issei then lifted his left hand upwards closer to his head.
He then began a chant.
"I, who shall awaken anew"
"I am the heavenly dragon who forsakes the path of domination for those I love"
"Befriending the infinite, and the dream, I carry their blessings within"
"I shall become the Crimson heavenly dragon who seeks to protect"
"And shall drown my enemy in the wake of righteous fury"
"CRIMSON EMPEROR JUGGERNAUT OVERDRIVE!"
None of them could stop him, after the first line however they saw something was different. Issei was giving off a powerful aura with a bright light, before they had to look away they saw the color turn darker then red.
It turned to pure Crimson.
A pair of shining green eyes could be seen inside that Crimson aura.
A/N: Not really much I think needs to be said here. Wow this took a lot out of me. We come now to the point of inspiration that started me on this project so naturally I gave in to desire and went mad crazy on the typing haha XD. Well that and it's a sort of birthday gift for a friend. Now then I look forward to what you all think of this…and wonder what you think is to come.
Stay Tuned