Chapter 3
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
Issei was clashing with Ippon and his massive hammer, which helped him with his durability and how to withstand a large amount of force that almost sent him flying many times. Issei used his fists and magic to fight, and thanks to the weaker demons letting Issei absorb their essence, Issei was able to unlock some new skills in both his Fire and Force magic.
Fire and Force magic was easier for Issei since he could easily use his Fire in the form of fireballs or a steady stream of Fire from either his hands or mouth. He tried to shoot himself in the sky like he was flying but learned that Force magic was more accessible for a task like that instead of Fire magic. Wind was an exciting kind of magic for him to know since he was so used to the weaker spells he had learned from Nahobino's demons before Issei could learn more powerful versions of the attacks he learned from them before even making a few moves of his own.
"Wind Dracostrike!" Issei yelled as he took a deep breath before firing a massive green dragon. Ippon smiled at the attack before blocking it as he could feel its power.
"Not bad. That all you got?" Ippon asked as he was enjoying the kid's company and admired the boy's resolve to get stronger but could tell he was getting better every time they sparred again and again.
"Heh. You wish!" Issei yelled as he held his left hand out and began to gather his Dark magic. "This is a spell I've been working on with Leanan for a while now. Let's see if it paid off." Issei said as he began to fire his spell at Ippon, who was covered in a massive amount of Dark magic before Issei chanted the spell.
"Level Two: TaRaSu," Issei said as Ippon began to feel even weaker until he saw Issei charge at him head-on and raise his left fist before seeing his fist become enveloped in Fire shocked the demon before he thought the fist connected to his face.
Ippon skidded back as he felt the effects of the burn on his face before smirking at the boy. "Hehehe. Excellent. You've improved, and your training with Lady Sidhe and Lady Apsaras has paid off. I think it's time to head out." Ippon said as he put his hammer away, which made Issei smile before he thanked Ippon for his training. Apsaras floated towards him before cradling his head in her hands.
"Don't worry. I'll be quick to heal you." Apsaras said as she began to pour healing magic into his body which made Issei feel relief until Apsaras also used some Water magic to help Issei recover faster by making sure he didn't lose too much blood. "Ippon is correct. After you absorbed some of the other demons, your magic has grown to the point where you can use Medium spells while also creating a good amount of magic reserves within you due to your minimal amount of magic at first."
Issei couldn't help but laugh nervously while he recalled the feeling when he saw that his magic was tiny. While he could use the Weak ranked spells easily, the Medium took a lot out of him, which is why Apsaras helped Issei expand his magic and create a reserve for some extra magic he may need in the future.
"I feel like I'm Sakura from Naruto trying to get stronger. Does this mean your Tsunade?" Issei asked before receiving a light snack on his head before Apsaras replied.
"Do I look like some drunk woman who's a gambler with anger issues?" Apsaras said as Issei felt like he was in a dating game where the wrong choice leads to a bad end if he says the wrong thing.
"...No, you do not," Issei replied before Apsaras smiled and continued her healing session. Issei stood up and felt relieved, thanks to the healing magic. He then looked at the Tokyo Tower before pondering his next move until he nodded and looked back at Apsaras. It's time we get going and find the Mermaids, and we'll need their help to take on Hydra."
Apsaras didn't say anything but nodded as she agreed with him before she went back into the roster until Issei thought back on the past few days of him training with his new demons in his ledger. Issei then let out a whistle as a horse galloped towards Issei, but this wasn't any ordinary horse due to the horse having white hair, greenhorns, and red eyes.
"Hey there, Catastros. Did I make you wait long?" Issei asked as the horse shook its head before the horse lowered itself for Issei to climb on its back. Issei did so and thanked the Bicorn that he was able to take since this Bicorn was different from the others due to the demon being named Catastros, the untamed Bicorn, but the resolve in its eyes made Issei want to try and tame the beast.
Unfortunately, after a hundred failed attempts to ride and fight the beast, Issei eventually passed out from exhaustion, but what happened next surprised him. Catastros walked towards his body and sniffed his head before nudging his left arm. Issei was surprised by this side of the Bicorn until he made a pact with the Bicorn and was able to summon it, but when it was called, it looked like a regular black horse with a strange mask on its head but without the horns and red eyes.
The Bicorn was named Catastros for being a solid and robust horse before it became a Bicorn when it passed away in battle next to its former master. Issei's resolve to tame him and his kindness reminded the Bicorn of its former master, allowing Issei to make a pact.
"Heh. Thanks, Catastros." Issei said thanks as he rode towards the Tokyo Tower but also recalled his conversation with Naho the last time they spoke after he recruited both Leanan Sidhe and Apsaras.
Flashback
"So they're part of your roster now?" Nahobino asked as Issei and her met at a meeting place; she was sitting in a busted-up car but was comfortable enough to relax while Issei was getting some drinks from a nearby vending machine.
"Yep. Both of them are good friends that do argue from time to time, but they can work together when the time is right." Issei said as he got the drinks and walked over to Nahobino before handing her the drink, which she accepted before seeing Issei fiddle with his own.
"Is there something wrong with the drink?" Nahobino asked before Issei, then asked Nahobino a simple question.
"Have you always gone by Nahobino? Didn't you don't have a name? Didn't some of the others go by names?" Issei asked as the Nahobino pondered her reply before speaking to him.
"While it's true that others did wish to go by another name when they regained a small part of their previous life, I did not. When I became a Nahobino, I lost most of my memories of being human, so I'm not sure who or what I was in the past." She said before Issei looked at her blank facial expression like a clean slate, leading to a name popping into his head.
"Naho. Naho Tsuki. Mind if I call you that?" Issei asked as the girl looked at Issei, surprised by the name, before shrugging her shoulders.
"If that helps our relationship, then that's fine. Hah. Hah." Naho said with a dead tone, making Issei worried about her until she looked at Issei confused. "Was that joke not funny?"
Issei hugged Naho gently. "Why would I joke about giving you an actual name? Man, you don't know how to be human again... that worries me greatly."
Naho raised a brow, unsure what to do in this situation, until Issei looked into her eyes and continued. "I'll make it my mission to help you be more…. Human. So why don't we start over? Names Issei Hyoudou. A DemiHuman and the partner of Dagda. And you are?" Issei asked as Naho looked at the hand before shaking it and replying in a slightly lighter tone.
"….Naho Tsuki. Pleased to meet you." The newly named Naho said before they began to talk about the Hot Springs. "To fight Pazuzu, you must learn to use Lightning Spells. They aren't easy to use since most of the spells are very dangerous and can harm only demons who are weak to those kinds of spells. Do you happen to know any from absorbing other demons?" Naho asked as Issei pondered this and replied.
"Mostly the Zio and Mazio, thanks to the Demons I've absorbed into my body. I've gotten a slightly stronger resistance to Lightning. Still, thanks to Apsaras, I've gotten much better going up against Ice magic due to having her freeze my body so I can develop a better resistance against it." Issei explained as he was also talking about the Dracostrike spells he's been forming, which impressed Naho, and when Issei told her about him meeting a male counterpart of her and the spell he gave him known as Gaea Rage.
"Issei. That was the original DemiFiend you met, and if what you're telling me is true, then you will be able to unlock many other abilities that he could use and some of the Nahobino." Naho said as Issei was amazed by this before Naho took him to an open area.
Issei was sure what she would teach him when he saw Naho summon her blade. "Issei. It's time I show you the more Physical abilities that we, as Nahobino, can use. You've become stronger in combat through magic and weapons, but it's time you learn how to fight with that power within you." Naho said as she charged at Issei, ready to push Issei to learn the techniques she wished to show him.
End Flashback
Issei continued to ride on Catastros until the duo stopped as they looked at the Tokyo Tower but didn't see the Hydra, but Issei had a feeling that the Hydra was hidden from sight by an illusion. He looked at the map and saw that the spring he had to go to was across the path of the Tokyo Tower.
"Catastros. I'll go on my own this time. Thanks for the ride, but I don't want you to get hurt. Plus, it's easier to sneak by with one rather than two." Issei said as Catastros wanted to refuse the request but could understand its master's wishes and went back into the roster. Issei was grateful before he went down the path and stayed hidden, thanks to the rocks and shadows scattered in the area until he saw the Hydra resting underneath the tower.
Issei was shocked as he observed its size and shape, utterly different from the stories he had read about in Greek Mythology. Issei was starting to move again to get past the Hydra until he looked to see a pale female figure standing right in front of him.
The female figure smiled at him before punching him with a sickening right hook that sent Issei into the sand. She followed with a whistle as the Hydra woke up to see its partner before hissing at Issei, which worried him greatly until the female picked him up; he was forced to look at the woman's eyes before she threw him a bit far away from the Hydra until Issei grunted as he got up but amazed at the woman's strength.
"W-Who are you, and why isn't the Hydra attacking you? Are you a servant of Lucifer?" Issei asked as the woman smiled at him and replied.
"Well, since I know who you are, it's only fair that I introduce myself. Chiaki Tachibana. The daughter of Lucifer, and I'm well aware of your power. I am willing to offer you a chance to take up my father's offer to join his army, but I already know you'll refuse my offer, so I'll gladly take your life." Chiaki said as she unleashed her aura, which terrified Issei so much that his body froze in fear.
'W-What the heck is she? Does Lucifer have a child?! How in the world is she this strong?' Issei asked himself as Chiaki was getting nearer the DemiFiend while showing her disappointment.
"You could've become part of a beautiful world my father was building—a world where the strong thrive and the beauty is preserved. You like my former friend. I offered him a chance to work with me in the world I wished to make with my father, but he also rejected my offer. For you see, those who are useless and weak do not deserve to live and would be purged from this society. Only strong people may rule, and power is acknowledged as the only thing of value. The weak will forever serve the strong. My Reason was to be safe from ever becoming weak or lower class. While some may call it paranoia and fear, in which I would always have to look over my shoulder and fear being overthrown, my father Lucifer, on the other hand, saw that I wasn't weak and gave me the power to join his side." Chiaki monologued as she moved towards Issei before drawing out a sword. Issei kept trying to escape the girl, but his body wouldn't respond to his mind yelling at him to run.
Chiaki was getting closer to Issei, and just as she was about to cut him down, a voice stopped her.
"I don't think so, Devil Spawn!"
The yell caught Chiaki off guard. She didn't expect to see a volley of arrows pierce her body which made her let out a scream as she was slammed into by a massive demon that looked similar to that a spider but had some strange parts of his body that reminded Issei of a demonic spider that he read about until he looked to see his savior now that the aura of death was gone to see a woman that reminded him of a Goddess.
She had short blond hair, forest green eyes, blue and silver armor, a cape, and a crossbow on her wrist. She was also standing on top of one of the demon spiders before she put two fingers in her mouth and whistled.
"Grab the DemiFiend and roll out!" The woman shouted as one of the demonic spiders nested. Issei grabbed him carefully before getting him out of the area while Chiaki groaned from the arrows until he stopped the Hydra.
"No. Let them go." Chiaki said as she smirked at the retreating form of Artemis before patting the Hydra's many heads as she walked back towards the tower. "This means we can call in a special friend to care for that Goddess. After all, in this world, she isn't as strong as the legends make her out to be."
Elsewhere
"You'll be fine DemiFiend. You're lucky we found you at the tower before that woman almost killed you." Artemis said as she watched Issei get healed up by Angel before thanking the Tsuchigumo that saved him until Artemis began to explain who she was and why she was at Tokyo Tower.
"I was asked by my father to help me eliminate the Hydra. I've been trying to kill that monster, but my arrows can only do so much to it, and my ice attacks do some damage, but its fire attacks nearly killed me many times. Now because that girl is there with the Hydra, that'll complicate things due to that girl being g Lucifer's daughter." As Issei was surprised by this, Artemis said, asking how that girl was Lucifer's daughter before the Goddess replied.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I hardly know much about Chiaki, but I do know she used to be a human before being reborn by Lucifer. Either way, I'm glad to have gotten you out of there, but I have to ask, what brought you here anyway?" Artemis asks as Issei explains his reasons to the Goddess, which amazes her since she is surprised that the DemiFiend wanted to help the mermaids.
"Well, if you want to help the mermaids, I can take you to them. The Tsuchigumo clan are allies of mine. They've assisted me on many hunts, so when I asked them to help me deal with the Hydra, they accepted it, but we've been losing others in our battle due to the Hydra's poison and Fire." Artemis said as she looked at the tower and could still hear the Hydra's roars, which meant death was coming for them all.
Issei was surprised by this before he clenched his fists after seeing the Tsuchigumo clan's injuries before one of them approached Issei and bowed to him.
"It's an honor to meet the new DemiFiend that walks among us Demons. I am the leader of the Tsuchigumo clan. Joro. I was given this name by my father, the former leader of our clan, before he passed away due to the Hydra. Due to his loss, the others have begun to lose hope of stopping the Hydra, but we lack the power and numbers to destroy it." Joro said as Issei looked at the remaining clan members and saw only about ten to fifteen line members left.
"I'm sorry for your losses, but maybe I can help. My friend Naho and I are gathering demons to defeat the Hydra. If you help us, you'll avenge your fallen brethren and save many more lives." Issei said as Joro pondered the proposal before Artemis stepped on him.
"Hold on! What makes you think you have the plan to defeat the Hydra?" Artemis asked as she was surprised by the boy's audaciousness before he held up his left hand and revealed the demons he had within him.
Artemis was surprised by the demons since they appeared stronger than regular demons before noticing the changes in their appearances. She then looked at the boy and could tell he wasn't any ordinary demon. She then decided to see what the boy was made of before joining him.
"We won't help you unless you prove to us your strength. Do you say you wish to help the mermaids and lift the curse off the spring? If you wish to do so, then take Joro and do so. If your plan is successful, I, Artemis, shall join you in your quest to defeat the Hydra and join your team." Artemis said as she outstretched a hand before Issei shook it as he wanted to prove to the Goddess that he could take Pazuzu down and save the mermaids.
Joro then let Issei climb onto his back before the two began to head out to the spring. Artemis watched the duo leave as she pondered over the words that her father had said to her before meeting the Tsuchigumo.
"You want me to try and locate the DemiFiend? But that's impossible. The DemiFiend hasn't been around since Lucifer killed him during the final battle." Artemis said as her father, Zeus, nodded on his throne before replying to his daughter.
"That is true. However, this DemiFiend is different from the previous one since it seems an old friend had chosen someone to be the new DemiFiend," Zeus said as he saw Artemis's shocked expression before Zeus continued speaking to her. "I believe in my Foresight and that this DemiFiend will be able to help us deal with Lucifer and his forces. However, I need you to locate him and assist his team in dealing with the Hydra."
Artemis ponders what her father plans before nodding and standing as she heads out to locate the Hydra and the DemiFiend.
"I do hope you can help us, Issei Hyoudou. Lucifer's reign has lasted too long, and many demons have been killed or tortured because of him." Artemis said as she recalled some of her siblings and friends she made over the years died from the army of Lucifer and the overwhelming power that even made Zeus fear the Devil himself.
Artemis then looked at the tower before narrowing her eyes, loading up an arrow made of ice, and firing at it. Still, as it flew, Chiaki sliced it in half before it hit the Hydra, making Artemis click her tongue in annoyance at the girl's power.
"This'll be more troublesome than I thought."
Issei and Joro were heading to the lake where the mermaids were supposed to be located until they saw a Mermaid trying to swim away from a couple of floating fish-like demons, which made Issei wonder what they were until Dagda answered him.
"They are the Azumi, sometimes referred to as Azumi-no-Isora. They are an ancient tribe of water gods from Japan who excelled in fishing and are well-versed in the way of water. It is said they are the descendants of Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo, the three gods sired by Izanagi after he returned from Yomi, the land of the dead. The deity Azumi is said to be a guardian of the people after which it is named and can control the element of water similarly to its sibling deity, Isora. They are very territorial when others approach their lakes, so they are Neutral types of demons who won't fight unless they have to. The demon Pazuzu probably hired them to kidnap the mermaids." Dagda said as Issei and Joro headed towards the swarm of Azumi, who stopped chasing the mermaid to see the duo approach them.
"Attack them. Bring me their heads!" The leader Azumi said as the others floated towards the duo, which made Issei narrow his eyes at them before he summoned his trident from Daemon. Before he put so much power into his legs and arms, Issei jumped from Joro's back and began to slice the Azumi, who cried as they tried to hit Issei; he was moving too fast for the fish-like demons to catch him.
"Joro! If you don't want to get hurt, then get clear!" Issei shouted as Joro saw the wind begin to pick up until the spider-like demon scattered away from Issei before the Azumi was picked up and trapped in a massive tornado. Issei smiled at this as he leaped into the air and resided himself.
"Here we go," Issei mumbled as he did the signs that Naho showed him earlier when he was learning the technique until he poured all of his power into the trident, making it appear even more extensive than it was before until Issei shouted.
"WRATH-" Issei began as he hefted the trident above his head before narrowing his eyes at the Azumi and throwing it at them. "TEMPEST!"
The trident struck the enemy as the winds and tornado ceased. The leader Azumi stared at his fallen brothers in shock before the essence of his comrades was sent into Issei as he felt his power grow and gain a new ability.
Issei recalled the trident as he spun it a few times before glaring at the leader Azumi and aiming it at him. "If you don't want to die, then I suggest you answer my questions and leave the mermaid alone," Issei said as he glared at the Azumi, who nodded in fear before bowing to Issei, which surprised Joro as he came out of the hiding spot he was in with the mermaid looking at Issei in awe for a moment until it swam over towards him.
Issei and Joro looked at the mermaid before being surprised by her appearance because she was very different from the other mermaids in the Demon World. She was a beautiful woman with the look of a typical mermaid with a human top and fishtail, but she had rare green hair and pointy ears. Along with Aqua colored eyes that said that the mermaid was a timid girl who wasn't used to being around many people.
"Uh. T-Thank you for saving me, Mr. DemiFiend. M-My name is Lilitifa Vepar, and I'm a Devil brought here by Pazuzu." The mermaid, now known as Lilitifa, said that Issei was surprised that someone was from his world and forcibly brought here.
"Hold on. If you're from my world, then why were you brought here? Did Pazuzu forcibly bring you here?" Issei asked as Lilitifa looked down and shook her head before explaining her situation to Issei.
"No. Pazuzu told me my coming here was part of my deal with him. My household fell into economic bankruptcy due to the conflict between the Three Biblical Factions during the Great War and the internal power struggle of the Old Maou Faction and the New Maou Faction, forcing me to move to the HumanHuman world as I couldn't maintain my household and to escape the conflict and live in solitude as I up took residence on a beach in the human world within the territory of the house of Forneus. They were kind and let me stay there, but I couldn't make money and could barely do anything myself." Lilitifa explained as she looked at her new form before sighing to herself for the deal she had made with Pazuzu.
"My depression hurt me so much that I decided to make a deal with a demon named Pazuzu, and he said he would give me a chance to live in a new world where I wouldn't have to be on the run or scrounge around to get some money. I was desperate and accepted the deal, but when I made a deal with Pazuzu, it was the biggest mistake ever since he brought me here and made me into a permanent mermaid so Pazuzu could make me his servant. however, I escaped him but lost my friends captured by the Azumi." Lilitifa cried out as she recalled the many mermaids captured by Pazuzu's army until she felt a hand on her head. Issei looked into her eyes and replied.
"Don't worry, Lilitifa. We plan on saving your friends and ensuring Pazuzu pays for what he did to the other mermaids and you. If you'd like, you can help us get revenge on him and become even stronger than you were before." Issei said as Lilitifa couldn't help but feel his voice's warmth and caring tone despite his facial expressions showing that he wasn't interested in helping her at all.
Lilitifa then took the hand and nodded as she replied to him. "Yes. I accept the opportunity. I'll do all I can to help, but besides teleportation and flight, not very much." Issei still accepted her and welcomed her as part of the team, so when she reappeared after receiving the contract, Lilitifa had red tints at the end of her hair, and her eyes had a new glow about them. Not only that, but her power was different now.
Lilitifa held out a hand and summoned ice which shocked her since she couldn't use some of the mermaid's ice magic. Still, the contract allowed the former Devil mermaid to become a Demonic one instead, which allowed her to use now the infamous move of the mermaids: Stormcaller Song. Issei also kept the leader Azumi, who was attacking her, interrogating him into explaining Pazuzu's reasons for kidnapping the mermaids.
"He wanted the mermaids to deal with the Hydra should it come near the spring. He promised my people and me that we would be able to be semi-immortal since the spring heals all that is within or near the water. The spring was the home of the mermaids. Still, when Pazuzu came, he planned to use the spring's powers to keep them semi-immortal to lure the Hydra near the spring so the mermaids could use their ice powers to defeat the Hydra. In contrast, he would use his power to ensure the poison breath wouldn't hit them, but the mermaids refused since they didn't wish to fight the Hydra and continue swimming in their home." The Azumi explained as Issei narrowed his eyes at the Azumi before asking.
"So they didn't want to disturb the Hydra even though they could fight the Hydra?"
"Correct, but the Mermaids aren't exactly able to do much on land, but in the water, their true power shines with their ice powers. That's why Pazuzu went to find them; however, he believed they were being selfish and keeping the water healing power to themselves, which is why he waged war against them." The Azumi said before Issei pondered as he recalled the legends about Pazuzu.
'A demon from Sumerian civilization, he governs the southwestern wind. He had the face of a lion, a human's body, a bird's wings, an eagle's talons, a scorpion's tail, and a curved horn protruding from his forehead. It is said that the wind he blew from the Persian Gulf spread disease throughout the land. In comparison, he could be invoked against various demons and his most frequent enemy: Lamashtu. She was believed to cause harm to mothers and children, especially newborns. While Pazuzu was regarded as benevolent towards humans despite his demonic nature, Lamashtu was his opposite. She was imagined as a disgraced goddess cast down from heaven because of her homicidal tendencies and cursed with a demonic form by Enlil. I'm unsure if he's a trustworthy demon, but we'll have to see when we confront him.' Issei pondered before looking at the Azumi.
"I'll take you with me, but on one condition, if you betray us, then you die. Is that clear, Azumi?" Issei said as the fish demon nodded in reply.
"Yes. I understand. I swear on my name that I won't betray you. You've shown me mercy, so I'll never betray you." Azumi said as Issei nodded as he held a hand out and made a contract with the demon, which allowed the Azumi to have some red scales and a unique ability to shoot scolding and burning hot water at his enemies.
"Can you take us to Pazuzu? It's the only way to remove the curse he placed on this spring." Issei said as he looked at Azumi and asked. "Hey. I've been meaning to ask you something. Do demons of the same species have different names, or do you all go by the same name?"
"Unfortunately, not many of us have names given our ability to evolve into other demons or fuse into other ones. Sometimes we don't have names, but only a few do." Azumi said as Issei nodded before pondering about the names.
"Hm. In that case, how about I give you a name? It's only fair since it'll keep you separated from the others. How about...Anzu?" Issei asked as the newly named Anzu nodded in reply as he didn't mind the new name. Joro and Lilitifa smiled at their partner, who may sound emotionless, but they could tell that his actions were kind since he could see through the demon and treat them as comrades and friends.
Anzu was happy to be on the team since he led them to the spring location, where Issei saw Pazuzu and signaled for the others to wait as he listened in on Pazuzu speaking to someone.
"I know the mermaid that got away is the one I brought, but I thought she would've been even stronger than the other mermaids. I know she's a good kid, so I told them not to harm her, but I haven't heard back. Maybe we should find the Nahobino and the DemiFiend and see if we can collaborate with them?" Pazuzu said as he spoke to a water orb floating in front of him but glowing as he was scolded by it before the demon sighed and nodded.
"Okay. Okay! I'll make sure that the others don't know." Pazuzu said as the orb went away, which made the demon sigh in relief before Issei told his teammates to hold on as he made his appearance.
"Why hello there!" Issei called out as Pazuzu turned around in fear as he saw the DemiFiend himself walking towards the demon. "Your Pazuzu correct? The one in charge of the spring? If so, then I'd like to propose your services." Issei said as Pazuzu was surprised by this before having an idea.
"Oh really? What did you have in mind?" Pazuzu asked as Issei stopped walking and smiled at the demon.
"I want you to join me in dealing with the Hydra. I've heard that you could use the powers of the spring to make yourself almost immortal, and I believe with your intelligence, the mermaids, and being spring, we can deal with the Hydra and end its reign of terror across the city." Issei said as Pazuzu felt flattered that his intelligence was being seen instead of that woman who bossed him around.
"But of course. I'd be honored to serve you, Hyoudou-sama." Pazuzu said with a bow as Issei smiled and held a hand out for the demon, which Pazuzu shook before his hand started to feel cold.
"Excellent. And do you mind telling me about your other partner in this little operation?" Issei asked as Pazuzu looked down to see his hand frozen until Issei let the ice cover up the rest of the body except the demon's head. "Now I'm going to ask again. Who's your partner? Are they in the lake?"
Pazuzu was frightened by this before Issei headed towards the lake and saw that the mermaids were kept in water-like prison before Issei held a hand out and whispered.
"Mudo." The dark energy headed toward the mermaids until it was dispelled by someone else. Issei stood back as the water began to move, and many water droplets came into the air until they began to take the shape of a figure.
Issei merely observed as he saw Anahita's complete form appear; she looked at Issei with a knowing smile before speaking to him. "You knew full well that I was part of it, didn't you?"
"Not at first, but seeing Pazuzu speaking to a ball of glowing water and the fact that you are a spirit of water makes sense that you would know of the Hydra. Especially Apsaras. You were there when I recruited her, didn't you?" Issei asked as Anahita's eyes narrowed at Issei before nodding.
"How?"
"Apsaras and Nahobino. They told me you could travel in water, so when Apsaras said to me that you two argued about each other's ideals and ways to deal with the Hydra noted to me that you wanted Apsaras to see her flaws in her ideals which is why you asked Pazuzu to be the scapegoat. So the blame would be on him as he gathered up the Azumi, and Nahobino heard about Pazuzu and automatically targeted him. Leaving you alone with the mermaids in the water so your healing magic can bless them." Issei said as Anahita narrowed her eyes; she began to slowly form the water from the spring around her body before starting it into ice.
'A Zoroastrian goddess whose name means "pure." While primarily known as a beautiful deity who rules over rivers and water, she is also the Goddess of health, fertility, safe delivery, livestock production, harvest, wealth, and land expansion. She is often portrayed as an elegant virgin wearing a crown decorated with numerous stars, a golden necklace, and a golden cape and is typically shown holding a water jug. She is also a brave god of war astride, a four-wheeled chariot, toppling demons and tyrants alike. Both her allies and her enemies have been said to have offered their prayers to her.' Issei said as he recalled her stories until seeing her ready herself for battle.
"JORO!" Issei shouted as Anahita felt a bolt of Lightning hit her body, disrupting her attack, as she then looked to see Joro was behind the spring. Before Anahita would fire her holy magic at Joro, Anzu flew out of the water and began to use Scratch Dance on the Goddess, making her yell in pain as she used her holy magic and blasted him into the water.
"Is this the best you have? Is a couple of wannabe demons fighting me? You do know I can heal myself, right?" Anahita asked as she used the spring water to heal herself until the water was blown away by the wind, which surprised her until she saw Pazuzu freed from his ice prison; he glared at Anahita before flying towards her.
"I'm not letting you win, Anahita!" Pazuzu yelled as he wrestled with the Goddess, who was annoyed at the demon for interfering with her plans until she pushed him away and used the water to trap him, causing Pazuzu to suffer from the lack of air.
"Let's see you blow your way out of this," Anahita said as she began to pour holy magic into the sphere; she saw Pazuzu's fear on his face.
"Now die, traitor. Hamaon." Anahita said as Pazuzu yelled in pain, which dissipated the water prison. Still, the demon wasn't done as Lilitifa caught him as took him towards the water, which made Anahita hiss in rage as she was about to attack the mermaid-turned-demon until she felt many eyes on her.
"Now!" Issei yelled as he summoned some of his other demons to attack her, which led to Anzu, Alice, Angel, Nekomata, and Ippon striking her with heavy and deadly physical attacks until Anahita tried to heal herself but was interrupted by Leanan Sidhe as she used her Dark magic to disable the healing move.
"Fireball!" Daemon shouted as he fired his fireballs at Anahita before Pixie came in.
"Zio!" Pixie shouted as she fired her lightning spell at the Goddess until Joro used his Mazio to strike Anahita. It was causing her to feel overwhelmed by the many attacks until she saw Issei summon a fire spell.
"Fire Dracostrike!" Issei shouted as the fire dragon flew at Anahita and burned her so much that the mermaids were freed from prison. Anahita fell and, surprisingly, landed in Issei's arms as the DemiFiend thanked Catastros for his assistance.
"It's over, Anahita. You've lost." Issei said as Anahita passed out in his arms before Lilitifa called him to see that Pazuzu was struggling to stay alive until Angel began to heal him, which made him smile as he thanked the Angel before looking at Issei.
"So, is that job offer still open?" Pazuzu asked as Issei smirked in reply as he felt this would work out with them.
Time Skip: Twenty-Three Days in the Demon World. Twenty-Four Hours in Kuoh Town.
"I thank you for accepting our deal Titania. Issei has informed me that he's been doing well for the past few days. I'm sure you'll be very impressed." Naho said as Titania was floating next to the Nahobino, curious about Issei's abilities and how strong he had become until the two met the DemiFiend in the spring next to Lilitifa, who was still shy but more confident in her abilities and battle skills until the two turned around to see Titania and Naho approach the two of them.
"Naho. Titania. I'm glad you two are well." Issei said as Naho nodded in his direction until Titania was in awe of his stature, showing that he'd been training like crazy since he left the small city until Artemis appeared next to them with Joro.
"We're here to help as well. Hope you don't mind, Naho." Artemis said as Naho pulled Issei in her direction and glared at Artemis.
"Only Issei calls me Naho, so stay away from him." Naho threatened as Artemis clicked her tongue in annoyance at Naho before standing down as she saw Issei shake his head her way.
"Very well then. I'm sure Issei's explained to you that we're ready?"
"Yes. And I assume you have the plan to deal with the Hydra and Chikaki?" Naho asked as Artemis narrowed her eyes and nodded her way.
"Yes. We'll have Issei and his army take care of the Hydra while you and you take care of Chikaki." Artemis said as Issei nodded as he summoned Anahita, draped all around Issei's arms with her hair with tints of emerald green and some crimson red, making Artemis's left eye twitch more as she saw the mocking face on the Goddess's face.
"Indeed. I'll be assisting by healing Issei's body when he's injured, as well as the others." Anahita said as her hands felt his chest before moaning while feeling his developing muscles. Issei didn't stop this until he grabbed her hand as it neared his crotch.
"Enough, Anahita, or I'll ensure I burn you again," Issei said as Anahita moaned in excitement as she loved that side of Issei when he was being serious about either battle, training, or planning.
"Of course Hyoudou-sama." Anahita said as she purred in joy while Naho felt a green feeling in her chest. Artemis glared hatefully at the Goddess before Titania stifled her laugh as she could tell the two were rivals over Issei's attention.
'Ah. To be young and in love all over again.' Titania said as she then saw Issei look towards her and ask.
"Are you sure you are up for this, Titania? We don't have to form a contract." Issei said as Titania wrapped him in a hug before smiling at him.
"Thank you for your concern, but it's fine. I'd be honored to serve and help as much as I can. Especially since I'm hoping I get resistance to Fire since I'll be helping Naho and Artemis deal with Chiaki while you fight the Hydra." Titania said as Issei chuckled in reply before he forged a contract with her that made Titania much more substantial. Naho and Issei looked at each other before they nodded as they prepared for the battle.
The Battle of Tokyo Tower.
Chikaki smiled as she could see them from the tower before sitting on the Hydra's many heads and making a come hither gesture.
"Let's have some fun. I can't wait to see what kind of DemiFiend this Issei Hyoudou is." Chikaki said as she prepared to face her newest challengers.
The curtain falls as the final act takes the stage of the battle!
Artemis from the DLC and Anahita are at the party along with Pazuzu. The final battle is coming, so be prepared for two fights and death necessary for Issei's development and knowing the dangers of being a DemiFiend.
Cue Intro Music: Howling!
Are you satisfied?
Just open your eyes
You can see the light
Across this new borderline
Issei is shown with Naho as they stand in the background while facing the Hydra; they see Chikaki smile as she gets ready to fight them, but behind Issei and Naho are their demons prepared to fight with them against the enemy while Lucifer's shadow is behind Chikaki.
Once we've finished lamenting our defeats, our emotions keep struggling on
Raynare strolls down an alley as she then collapses on the ground, and works as she feels her back as if a part of her is missing; she looks at her ring fingers that slowly healed the pain she was feeling before looking up to see Issei was in front of her and held out a hand for her.
The Fallen was in shock at this before she pulled herself together; she then called out to him to help her until his image disappeared, which made Raynare gasp as the Fallen cried while the rain covered her body to show that she was in pain in more ways than one.
A distant light pulses through the dark of night, the howling of those who believe
Sona looks out the window as she types on the computer before sighing at possibly telling the Hyoudou about the death while Rias berates herself for being a fool for not saving Issei.
Hey! Get low! Hey! Howl aloud! Take action now!
Riser and his team appear as they prepare for battle.
Hey! You're going to be somebody! In a departure to the blue skies!
Dagda appears next to Issei as he helps the boy prepare for training until the original DemiFiend appears and holds a book out for Issei.
The few dreams we have left go higher. Only then will we lose our Fire?
There's no way we'd listen to the liars. Having fun all the while, yeah!
Rias ran forward as she clashed with Ravel with her magic. Yubelluna fought with Akeno as the two traded blows with each other, while Kiba clashed with the Knights of the Phoenix, and as for Koneko, she has her Neko form while fighting the Rooks.
From the time we're born until we die out...
The higher the wall, the more the desire. In our open hearts is a messiah.
Naho and Aika chat while Issei waves at them as he approaches them and prepares to head to the Demon World for more training and recruiting demons.
I want to keep hold of the changing times. I am never giving up, yeah!
We'll overcome the nights that kept us trapped... I'm loudly howling out my soul!
Issei and Naho are in Lucifer's throne room; as they rush towards him, Lucifer smiles at the two as Chiaki, Hydra, Matador, the Four Horsemen, Daisoujou, Hell Biker, and Trumpeter run towards their enemy while their eyes are burning in excitement at fighting the Nahobino and DemiFiend.
Issei and Naho clash with the demons until the two rush towards Lucifer as they prepare their final attack and strike Lucifer as the screen turns white.
The GodSlayer's DemiFiend. Arc 1: The DemiFiend Rises Again.
See you all next time.
Leave a review, like, or hate if you enjoy this story. And, as always, have some options for possible demons you want Issei to see.
Next Update: Wild Card Ashikabi. Lets me know if you have any Sekirei in mind for Issei as he prepares to locate and save the Forest Sekirei.
Ta-Ta!
