Alright guys, sorry for the delay. Last chapter of Red Dragon Of Golden Light was 20,000 words….again. That shit just keeps happening. I swear I think that will become the norm for that story. Anyway, now we're getting into the next arc. Gonna be a lot of comedic downtime before something starts happening. Ya know, comedy story.
But I notice that there are those of you who've been wanting to see Issei in a serious fight or at least facing a serious threat. Well, here comes our friend Kokabiel.
Oh yeah. And the exorcist duo I guess.
-Scene-
"So I'll be living together with you from now on. Please take care of me, Okaa-sama, Outo-sama."
Rias bowed her head as she finished her introduction.
It was an early morning at the Hyoudou Residence. It had been 2 weeks since the Raiser incident. It was just like any normal morning, until suddenly, Rias Gremory showed up outside of the house with a ton of boxes.
"Sigh"
The one who sighed heavily while rubbing her forehead, was obviously Raynare. The residents were gathered along in the living room. Rias was introducing herself to Issei's parents, who were basically just numb to this announcement at this point. Most of the girls were not very bothered. Somehow they had a sense of comfort that eased their nerves. As if the events of the various nights before satisfied them enough to feel comfortable with this sort of development.
"Um...I see…."
Issei's parents were just sitting in their seats with a sweatdrop on their foreheads.
"Well….we don't mind but….our house is quite crowded now."
Mama Hyoudou admitted that with an awkward expression.
"Oh you don't have to worry about that Okaa-sama. I will have it taken care of."
"Taken care of?"
"Yes."
Mama Hyoudou sweatdropped again.
"Ah...I see...alright….um….welcome...then."
Rias bowed.
"Yes. Thank you, Okaa-sama, Outo-sama."
SNORE
Issei was sitting in the loveseat. Asleep.
-DxD-
"...Uuu…"
It was the next morning. Very early morning. Around 5AM. The one stirring awake in Issei's bed, was Raynare. She noticed that the boy she slept on top of was now sitting up. Because of that her head was on his crotch area, which didn't really bother her. Asia was on Issei's left side sleeping like a baby. The last one still peeved her a bit, which was the Rias sleeping on his right.
"What's wrong babe?"
She sat up and asked him curiously. He was just staring at nothing.
"People have been here all morning."
"Hm?"
Raynare tilted her head at his statement.
"Whaddya mean babe?"
He pointed forward. Mainly at nothing. But as Raynare followed his finger and looked around the room, she realized.
"What the-?!"
This was a brand new house.
"Mm...Ise?"
Rias sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"Rias! What the Hell happened to our house?!"
"Hm?"
Rias realized as she opened her eyes fully.
"Ah. I had the house renovated. It was a bit too cramped for the people we had in here, so I decided to bring some workers from my family to take care of it."
Raynare frowned at her princess like attitude.
"Yeah, well, thanks for doing it without our permission."
"Your welcome."
"Tch."
Raynare clicked her tongue at Rias's smug response.
"Whatever….!"
Raynare suddenly had an idea. She snickered deviously.
"Well, I guess we should just go back to sleep then~"
Rias raised a brow at Raynare's odd tone but shrugged it off. They all lied down to sleep. Rias closed her eyes….but after a few seconds she heard an odd sound.
...Slurp….
"?"
She opened her eyes to see Issei looking down at his blanket. There was something moving from under it.
Whoosh!
Rias shot up and pulled the covers off of him.
"?!"
What she was met with was Raynare, down near Issei's waist, with something poking at her cheek from inside her mouth. She merely raised a brow at Rias.
"WHA-?!"
Rias emotions clashed onto her face, turning it as red as her hair from both unbelievable embarrassment and pure rage.
"W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU DOOOOOOOOOOOOIIIINNNNNNGGGG?!"
Raynare lifted herself with drool coming out of her mouth.
"Satisfying my man. Obviously."
OOOOHHHHHHHMMMM!
Rias's aura blasted powerfully.
"YYYYYOOOOOOOUUU—! HOW DARE YOU—! YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY ISSSEEEEEEE?!"
Raynare stood on the bed with a smirk and spawned a light spear.
"You're Ise?! HA! Yeah right! You're not his woman and he ain't your man! I'll have you know that I've already taken him in every one of my holes! You barely kissed him once! Even Asia's had him inside! Haha!"
Rias aura exploded even more.
"W-WWWWWWWWWWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
"Yep! Same with Mitlet and Kala! And we've been doing it since just before you got here! In fact, we're almost out of condoms! Unlike devils the birth rates of a Fallen Angel are fairly normal, though less likely than a human's. I wonder what would happen if we did it without huh?!"
Rias's aura kept rising and rising. It even started destroying the bed.
"YOU—! I WON'T LET YOU! I SHOULD HAVE DESTROYED YOU-! FROM THE BEGINNING!"
Considering that the room was now large, Raynare extended her wings and made distance between her and the bed. All with a smirk on her face. Rias extended her wings and followed. With that, their aerial battle started.
BON BON BON!
PTZZZZZ! PTZZZZZ!
"Awwwww! What's wrong widdle Pwincess? Are you sad that you got beat out by a virgin nun and some dirty old Fallen Angels, huh?!"
"DISAPPEAR YOU ACCURSED CROW!"
BON BON BON BON BON!
PTZZZZZ! PTTZZAAA!
As the various demonic blasts and light spears collided and exploded, Asia stirred from next to the deadpan Issei.
"...Mm...Ise-san?.."
Issei simply turned around and brought Asia into his chest, who hugged him back as they fell asleep together.
The two women's battle in the air continued— but not for long.
Slam!
The door slammed open. The girls whipped their heads to the entrance in anger, but immediately lost their attitudes. They froze.
"Giiirls~"
It was the smiling Mama Hyoudou.
-[?!]-
The girls quickly descended from the air and retracted their wings in shock.
"M-MAMA!?" "OKAA-SAMA!?"
"Good morning girls~"
They were in shock. She had seen! Rias immediately took damage control and attempted to use her powers of manipulation.
"Okaa-sama….What you are seeing now is just a dream..."
"Mmm~? I'm wide awake sweety~"
"?!"
Rias was shocked to realize that her powers were not working. It couldn't have been simply because of her signature smile keeping her eyes closed. At the very least, Rias's voice still should have worked. But for some reason her smile remained on her face. That same creepy, ominous smile.
"Say girls~...Today is not a school day right~?"
They didn't know what to say. They were still in shock. Rias answered hesitantly.
"...N-No...It is not, O-Okaa-sama…"
Mama Hyoudou nodded her head.
"Mhmm~ and we all know that Mito-chan, Kala-chan, and Papa work very hard yes?"
They glanced at each other and answered together, hesitantly.
" "..Y-Yes..." "
She nodded again.
"Mhmm~ And we all know that my lovely babies had hard work yesterday, riiiiight~?"
They answered hesitantly again.
" "Y-Yes….." "
She retains her ominous smile and tilts her head eerily.
"Then…...why is it that you are causing a ruckus when my babies are sleeping?..."
-[?!]-
They felt an unbelievable chill. It was almost as if the body of Mama Hyoudou was releasing an overpowering and ominous aura that oppressed everything around, despite being human. This was a power like no other. The power of the "mother".
Thud!
They both fell to their knees and bowed their heads.
" "G-GOMENASAI! MAMA!" "
As soon as they apologized—
"Ara, Ara~ It's alright sweethearts~ luckily no one has woken up so it's no big deal~"
The pressure immediately alleviated itself.
"Alright girls, go back to sleep~ no more fightiiiing~ Neh?"
Dakun
She opened and slowly closed the door behind her, her smile creeping through until it shut.
"Neeeeeeeeh~?..."
They nodded.
Dakun…
It finally shut.
…..
"...Rias…."
"...Yes?..."
"...I…..Yo-..."
"...Yes…"
-DxD-
Ding-Dong~
[Pardon the intrusion]
"Why are these people walking into our house?"
Mitlet asked as she watched the entirety of the ORC announced their presence and entered their newly renovated home.
It was now around 10AM and for some reason the ORC was walking into their home. She was lucky that today she didn't have work, but now she was just confused as to why the club members were intruding her home and possibly going to ruin her day off. Kalawarner and Issei's father still had work, but unlike Issei's father, Kalawarner could work from home by using her tablet and personal laptop she was carrying around the house. She also happened to be confused as to why the group was entering while she worked on her laptop in the living room.
Raynare deadpanned and Issei was simply watching TV with Asia.
"The clubroom is currently under maintenance. So I've decided that this would be the next best place for our group to gather."
Mitlet grumbled.
"Alright but you guys better not ruin my day off. I don't get a lot of these so don't spoil it."
"Oh don't worry Mito. I'll make sure my underlings don't bother you."
"Hmph. Fine."
Mitlet turned to walk to the couch with Issei. She quickly turned to point at Rias.
"Also, don't call me that. Damn redhead."
She went off towards the sofa. She sat on the couch and laid her head in Issei's lap to rest. Issei simply stroked her hair. Rias shrugged.
"Aaah~ there are our lovely guests. Here you are children. Some snacks for you to eat. Ah, Ah! That's right!"
Mama Hyoudou placed a tray with snacks on the table in front of the couch and brought out multiple thick booklets with pictures in them.
"These are some scrapbooks of Issei's early childhood. Here, come, come! Look at these! This was when he was just entering primary school~"
She began opening scrapbooks and placing them on the table for the group to view. The group gathered together to peep without hesitation.
"Little Ise!...Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood, Ise from childhood."
"Me too Buchou-san! I understand Buchou's feelings very well!"
Rias and Asia were staring down at the cute pictures of the dopey child in his underwear with stars in their eyes. Albeit, those pictures were inexplicably of him at the public park for some reason but whatever.
"T-This..This is!.."
"Ryu-sama…."
Mitlet and Kalawarner were staring at the pictures with almost a sense of discovery. As if what they were witnessing was something they hadn't imagined before.
"Ise as a sweet, innocent, little boy?...Dammit!"
Raynare slammed her fist on the table and bit her thumb.
"If only I had met him sooner in life I would have been able to spoil and violate him all I want!..."
Mitlet twitched.
"Hah?! The hell's that supposed to mean?! Moreover, aren't you able to do that right now?!"
Raynare shook her head.
"You don't understand Mitlet. It's not the same. Think about it. Wouldn't you have liked to be able to raise Ise as a child yourself?"
"Wh— That's—"
Mitlet's mind drifted off as she imagined a scenario.
"Nee-san! Bath!"
"Oh what's this? You want a bath? Ara, did you get this dirty from just playing at the park right now? What a troublesome child you are. Alright. Let's go. Into the bath~!"
"Yaaay~!"
—.
She averted her gaze.
"N….No…"
Kalawarner continued being captivated by the pictures.
"...Spoil…"
As the group continued looking through the pictures, Kiba Yuuto stopped flipping through the booklet in his hands and froze.
"Issei-kun…"
He called to Issei who was still on the couch. He brought the booklet to him, while everyone continued their viewings, and pointed out a picture.
"This….do you remember this?"
He pointed at the picture with Issei and another brown haired tomboy.
"Ah, that's me and my friend Rin. She was my first girl friend. Actually, Rin was my first friend."
Kiba shook his head. He pointed at something specific within the picture.
"This."
He was pointing at a sword.
"Ah that. That's Rin's Tou-san's sword. It's a holy sword. He was an exorcist probably. I picked it up one time and that's when I first heard Ddraig talk."
"An exorcist...and a holy sword…"
Kiba glared at the picture.
"Holy sword…"
-DxD-
"Alright, alright."
"Nice catch, Raynare!"
It was a different day. The ORC was currently at school, practicing for their ball tournament. That's right, during this time of year, Kuoh holds a "Club's tournament". It's a tournament in which the clubs of the school compete against each other in various sports. Right now, they are practicing in baseball by having Rias bat baseballs into the air and taking turns catching them. Raynare had just caught hers.
"Okay! Next is Asia! Here I go!"
"Hu- Hu- Huuaaa!"
The baseball Asia was meant to catch ended up passing through her legs.
"Catch it properly!"
"H-Haaaaai!"
Asia ran to catch the ball that was rolling away while Rias moved onto the next person.
"Next, Yuuto! Here I go!"
Padin!
Rias hit the ball high into the sky.
"Ah, if it's that Kiba-kun it should be alright."
Raynare cracked her neck lazily. But just as the baseball descended.
Bonk!
The ball bounced off of Kiba's head.
"Ah….Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
"Yuuto, what's wrong? You've been acting rather strange lately. It is not like you."
Kiba leaned down to pick up the ball.
"I'm sorry."
Rias sighed.
"It's fine. Let's take a small break."
Rias walked to a bench and took a seat. She randomly brought out a book to read. Raynare approached Issei with a soft drink purchased from a vending machine, popped it, and gave it to him.
Tka!
"Here you go baby. Drink up."
Issei drank from the can while looking off somewhere away from the group. Akeno approached the two from behind.
"Neh, you two. Did you know? Rias has begun reading a love manual you know? Ufufufu."
Raynare looked at Rias who was sitting and reading said manual. [Love: for dummies] or something like that. Raynare scoffed.
"Heh. Good for her. She'll need all the help she can get. Right babe?"
Issei answered without turning to them.
"Love isn't taught or learned. You feel it in your heart. You go with flow. If it's real it will come naturally, without prior experience. She only reads it because she is already in love. If not then it would be a worthless book. But even so it is an unnecessary product."
….
They both stood there silently. Raynare broke the silence.
"W-Wow babe….That's….a really well thought out opinion….did someone teach you that?"
He answered again without turning.
"Yeah. Ray did."
"What? But I never said tha—"
A blush slowly burned onto her face with the realization.
"Hmph. Everyday I keep thinking I can't love you more than I do, and every time you prove me wrong."
She hugged onto him from behind and nuzzled her head into his neck.
"Oh how you've changed me. And to think it makes me so happy. How embarrassing."
She stated while smiling. Asia suddenly popped out from behind.
"Ah! Raynare-san and Ise-san are getting closer without me! No fair! I also want to be closer to Ise-san!"
Asia pouted, but Raynare stretched out her arm.
"Come on then~"
"E-Eh?"
Raynare held out her arm for Asia to take. Asia took it hesitantly and Raynare pulled her in to hold Issei gently from behind together. Asia was shocked to say the least. She was expecting a more competitive response, but was instead warmly welcomed. She was unbelievably happy, to say the least.
"Ara, Ara. What a warm scene."
"Hey! Break is over! Stop being so close to Ise!"
Issei continued drinking his drink while Rias yelled in the background. The place he was looking off to— the silent Kiba Yuuto.
-DxD-
"Kaaaiichooooou! Fight on!"
A sunny day. Many students were gathered outside the tennis courts fences, cheering for their respective side. It was the match of Gremory vs Sitri! Or at least the tennis version between Rias and Sona. I'd say the boring version. Hopefully we get to the real one soon. Oh sorry. Moving on.
"Ufufufu. How nice for us to be able to see a battle between High-Class Devils in this sort of place."
Akeno held onto her cheek while observing the tennis match. Saji was cheering while waving a huge flag around. The rest of the ORC was standing beside Akeno, also observing closely.
"Here I go, Sona!"
"Bring it on, Rias!"
Raynare nudged Issei who was next to her.
"Hey babe, Mama doesn't know about the supernatural, right?"
Issei tilted his head.
"Mm. No why?"
"Well, she didn't freak out when me and Rias were using our powers."
Issei scratched his head.
"Mm. That's because she's already seen me do a lot of weird stuff with my powers so she probably just doesn't question it anymore."
Raynare sweatdropped.
"Eh….What have you made her see?..."
He turned away. The match continued.
"Take this, Shitori spin ball!"
"Well, have a taste of the Gremory counter!"
[15-30!]
Raynare sweatdropped.
"They're using demonic power infused techniques…"
Rias wiped her brow.
"Hmph. As expected of my rival, Sona."
"Ufufu. I hope you haven't forgotten our promise of the loser treating the winner to Udon with all of the toppings at Konishiya."
"Yeah! I will definitely win this! I have 108 styles of Madoukyuu you know?"
"I will accept it. Anything that comes within my Shitori zone will be sent back!"
In the end, the fierce battle between Rias and Sona ended in a draw since both rackets broke.
[All those participating in the club matches are requested to assemble at the main camp of the tournament.]
—.
The scene has transitioned to the inside of the school gymnasium. The ORC were dressed in their jerseys and preparing for their game.
"It seems that the game set was dodgeball. Let's win it! Put some spirit into it!"
[Yes!]
The group answered enthusiastically.
"Everyone! Let's become one by wearing this!"
Asia handed out headbands for the group to put on.
"Ara, Asia. How nicely made."
"T-Thank you!"
Issei handed a headband to Kiba.
"Can you focus on winning?"
Kiba took the headband.
"Ah. Yeah..thanks…"
He looked down at the headband.
"...Right….winning is what's important huh.."
—.
The match had started.
"Aim at Hyoudou!"
"Yeah! Everyone aim at him! He's the monster of the team! There's no way we can win with him on the team! And we can't hit the two precious Onee-sama!"
"We can't hit Kiba or the girls will murder us!"
"Just aim at Hyoudou! Consider him the only target!"
Many dodgeballs were being launched towards Issei. Of course, he still caught them with practically no effort and threw them back at ridiculous speeds with even less effort.
"Good job, Ise!"
"Nice shot babe!"
Just as most of the balls were sent back by Issei, there was one guy who ended up throwing his ball to the vacant Kiba.
"Aaah! Resent me all you want, die you damn handsome boy!"
"Ah. Kiba—"
Issei placed a hand on Kiba's shoulder, and the ball flew straight at Issei's crotch.
"Ah."
Just as it made contact—
POP!
It just popped.
…
…
…
….
"Is that guy really human?!"
—.
Slap!
"Did that wake you up?"
Kiba had just received a slap in the face from Rias. The same vacant expression still rested on his face. The rain was dropping lightly around the outside of the gym where the ORC was currently at.
"We were able to win the match, but in that arena while were supposed to be working together as one, your heart was somewhere else. What is the matter?"
He did not answer for a few seconds. He lifted his head with a fake smile.
"I apologize for the tournament. It seems I wasn't feeling well….Is it fine now? The ball tournament is over."
He turned to walk off.
"I am a bit tired so please allow me to take a break from club activities."
A hand landed on his shoulder.
"Kiba is acting oddly."
It was Issei. Kiba removed his hand while smiling.
"It doesn't concern you."
He continued to walk.
"We are comrades."
He stopped.
"Comrades…."
He turned a bit.
"You are too high on emotions. Issei-kun, I remembered something essential at this place. The essential thing I was fighting for."
Issei tilted his head.
"Rias-senpai?"
"No…"
He placed his fist onto his chest and relayed a dark expression.
"Revenge. To destroy the holy sword, Excalibur. That is why I fight."
With that, he walked off.
-DxD-
The rain continued pouring down from the sky. Kiba Yuuto walked silently through the rain. His mind befuddled with the conflict of comradery over vengeance.
"We're comrades."
Just as he took another step—
ZIN!
-[!]-
He spawned a demonic sword to counter the blade that was drawn near his face.
"Yahooo~! Been a while pretty boy~!"
He knocked the attacker away.
"Aw What? Not feeling too well? I'm so happy I'm gonna shed some tears after reuniting with you!"
"Freed Sellzen!"
That's right. The one who had attacked Kiba was Freed Sellzen, The "Mad priest". But he was not alone. He was accompanied by another man with glasses in similar robes.
"So you've betrayed us, Freed!"
"Haaah?! I never said I was on your side shitty devil~! I'm just here to settle the score ya know?"
"—! That sword!"
Freed pointed to his sword and cackled.
"Nyahahaha! Let's check which is stronger between my Excalibur and your demonic sword shall we?"
Freed jumped to Kiba and they clashed swords.
D-ZIN!
But just as they were pushing against each other, Freed leaned in.
"Run, you fool."
"Wha-?"
Freed had a serious expression as he whispered. He moved his eyes to the man behind him. Kiba followed his gaze. There was something resting on his waist.
'Another 2 Excalibur?!'
-DxD-
"Holy sword project?"
It was back at the Hyoudou Residence. After the ball tournament the group returned home and asked Rias of what exactly Kiba was referring to. They sat together in Issei's room on the bed while she explained.
"Yes, Asia. Till some years back, a project existed to raise children who could wield Excalibur. Yuuto is a survivor of that project."
She said as she drank from her tea. Asia tilted her head.
"The church had that sort of project?...this is my first time hearing this."
"Holy swords are weapons that pose a serious threat to Devils. However, I have heard that of those able to wield them only about one of those few appear every few decades. Yuuto is one of those adapted to wield holy swords, Excalibur in particular."
"So then, is Kiba-san able to wield holy swords?"
"No. Kiba wasn't able to adapt to holy swords. The testing facility labeled those who couldn't adapt to the swords as 'defects' and had them disposed."
Asia covered her mouth in shock.
"D-Disposed...you can't mean?….that isn't an acceptable act by those who serve God…"
Raynare clicked her tongue and bit her lip.
"Che. As if they cared about ethics. I had heard about that event happening in the past, but I was always skeptical. Damn sick bastards."
"That church bunch calls us Devils evil existences, but I believe the ill will of humans is quite evil.."
"Hmph. Those fuckers have always been nothing but damn hypocrites."
"...When I reincarnated Yuuto, that boy was swearing revenge even when he was in critical condition. Because his talents were being abused for the holy swords since he was born, I wanted him to make use of his talents as a Devil instead. It would have been a waste of his talent for swords if he was just obsessed over holy swords. But that boy wasn't able to forget the holy swords, those who worked with the holy swords, or the people of the church."
Raynare crossed her arms.
"Hm. So that's why he was acting that way back at school. I see. I thought his eyes looked familiar. I've seen a lot of people with the thirst for vengeance."
Rias sighed while resting her arm on the table.
"Anyway, I will watch over him for the time being. Right now he has his mind filled with the feeling he has towards the church and holy swords….It would be great if he could return to his usual self."
"Do we know the cause of this?"
Issei brought out a scrapbook to Raynare's question.
"This."
They looked down at the picture he was pointing at. The one with the sword.
"Ise, do you know anyone in your family who works in the church?"
He shook his head.
"No. That's Rin. An old friend. It was Rin's Tou-san's sword. He was an exorcist."
Asia peered at the sword curiously.
"Is that a real holy sword Buchou?"
She nodded her head as she picked up the scrapbook.
"Yes. It isn't as great as Excalibur, but it certainly is the real thing. I had heard that my predecessor in this town had vanished, but if I remember correctly…."
She sighed. She promptly shut the scrapbook and began undressing.
"Well, let's just go to sleep for today."
Raynare deadpanned like usual.
"Why're you getting naked?"
"Hm? You know that I can't sleep unless I'm naked right? Besides, you sleep naked as well don't you?"
"Yeah, but that's so my baby can feel my body up all he wants."
Rias got a little irritated with her answer but continued.
"See? I'll just do the same. Why would you be the only one who's allowed to be like that with him?"
"Uh, I'm his girlfriend?"
Rias twitched harshly. Raynare scoffed.
"Ah, my bad. I guess I worded that oddly. I meant: He's my boyfriend."
A visible tick mark appeared on Rias's head.
"I-I-I-If Buchou-san is getting naked— then I will too!"
Asia began undressing herself. Raynare's deadpan returned.
"Asia you don't need to try and compete with her. Ise already had sex with you. You're way ahead in the game."
"E-Eh? Is that so?"
Rias shook with rage in the background the more their conversation continued on.
"Obviously. Right now, it's me, you, Kalawarner, and Mitlet. That's the hierarchy."
"Why is Kala-san before Mitlet-san?"
"Because Kalawarner has done kinky play with him. She's revealed her M fetish and used it to do S&M play, problem is that babe isn't good being an S cuz he isn't very kinky, let alone expressive. Mitlet is all Vanilla so she hasn't done much, ironically."
Asia tilted her head.
"B-But, there isn't stuff that I have done with Ise-san like Kala-san?"
"Yeah, but Asia is the one out of all of us that asks for it most you know? Even above me, you always ask for it more than anyone else. Not to mention, you are always open to trying any positions I tell him to put you in. In fact, you're open to a lot of things. You're flexible. Literally and figuratively. Despite what you seem like, you can be quite the sensual girl when you get into it, Asia."
Asia's face became red.
"N-No! That's—! I am not a d-dirty girl!"
"Oh come on Asia. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Babe likes it. Right babe?"
"Ray is flexible like a gymnast."
"Heh. You're damn right I am~"
Rias finally exploded.
"Ah! Mou! I can't take it anymore! You—! All of you! It's not fair! Why is it only me that is left out?! It's not fair! Ise should be mine! It's not fair!"
Raynare sighed.
"Geez. What a spoiled little brat. How annoying. Babe. Take care of it. Go ahead and relieve Rias so she'll shut up."
Issei appeared next to Rias.
"E-Eh? R-R-Relieve?"
"Ah, she's annoying so don't hold back on her."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"E-Eh? Wha—wait-hold on—Ise-what is—What are you—Ah! Wait! Ah! Ah! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhnnnn~!"
-DxD-
It was another day. Issei, Asia, Rias, and Raynare were walking home together after school.
"..I still can't believe you t-took advantage of me...Ise..Raynare…"
"What the Hell are you talking about? You were the one who asked for it. And I'm not the one who raped you, Ise was. Also, it isnt rape if you like it."
Rias went tomato faced.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-You were s-sucking on my b-b-breasts!"
"Yeah, I was trying to keep it interesting."
"You—! Even though we're both women you—!"
Their conversation didn't continue as they felt a presence in their home. Chills ran up their spines.
" "Exorcists!?" "
They bolted towards the house and burst through the doors. The stumbled upon the people they were looking for in the living room.
"Ara, Raynare-chan, Rias-chan. Welcome back~"
Mama Hyoudou casually greeted them. She was sitting on the couch with Kalawarner and Mitlet on either side of her. They were keeping their gaze dead set on the two on the opposite couch, a subtle hostility present in their eyes. The two women exorcists. One of them waved to Issei.
"Good afternoon, Ise-kun~"
"Ah. It's Rin."
She brightened up.
"Aaaah! You remembered me~!"
"Yeah. You still have the same smell."
She pouted.
"Mou! That's bad to say to a girl Ise-kun! Ah! But it's also nice that you remembered my scent that much!"
She spun around with sparkles around her.
"Ise...who is this?"
Rias asked with suspicion.
"Ah, this is Rin. She was my first friend ever."
"Haaaai~ Irina Shidou-desu~!"
She made a peace sign as she announced herself.
"Irina. It's about time we head back."
The blue haired girl interrupted their interaction.
"Ah, you're right! Alright. Let's head home then."
They began making their way out as Mama Hyoudou called out to them.
"Ah, you're welcome to stay longer you know?"
"Thanks Baa-san, but we gotta get going now. We'll make sure to come back again though! See you later Ise-kun!"
As they turned to exit the home, the blue haired girl with a giant sheath under her arm, glanced back.
"I'm ready anytime."
With that, they were gone. The group quickly huddled together away from Mama Hyoudou.
"For the girls to meet in the daytime and have a conversation like that...with the Devils who run this town. In other words, they wish to negotiate with me."
"But why?"
"To confront us and not make any attack whatsoever….it's almost like they've pledged to God. The clergy relying on us Devils, it's like their backs are against the wall. A priest that paid a visit to this town was murdered it seems, and I wonder if they're under considerable pressure..."
Little did they expect for their meeting to be the next day.
—.
"The other day, three of the holy swords Excalibur were stolen while in storage, from under church care."
Irina Shidou explained. The ORC + Mitlet and Kalawarner were gathered in the clubroom with the two exorcists sitting on the couch in front of them. Kiba was glaring intensely at them. Mitlet questioned curiously.
"Excalibur….just how many of those are there?"
"The true Excalibur was broken in battle long ago. Its current form…"
The blue haired girl named Xenovia unsheathed her large blade.
"From the broken pieces of Excalibur, 7 new blades were created using alchemy— this is one of them. Excalibur Destruction."
Irina stood and pulled on a string wrapped around her arm.
"And mine is— Excalibur mimic! It's really convenient that it can change form freely~"
Rias finally asked them.
"...So what's your business?"
Xenovia answered.
"The Catholic Church was in possession of two Excaliburs including mine. The Protestant Church also had two. Also in the Eastern Orthodox Church there were two as well. The last one went missing in the previous war between God, devils, and fallen-angels. One Excalibur was stolen from each Church. The ones that stole them escaped to Japan, and brought them to this town."
"Looks like my territory is full of incidents. So who are the ones that stole the Excaliburs?"
"The ones that stole them were the Grigori."
Rias and the Fallen Angel trio widened their eyes in surprise at the answer.
"The holy-swords were taken by the fallen-angel organisation? It's not a matter of mistake. But certainly it would be the fallen-angels when it comes to stealing them. For the devils working at the top, holy-swords does not give them much interest."
"We know the main culprit who stole the Excaliburs. One of the leaders of Grigori, Kokabiel."
-[!?]-
"Kokabiel… One of the leaders of the fallen-angels that survived the previous wars since ancient times… I never expected to hear the name of the one that appears in the Bible."
Rias was nervous at the mentioning of the name. But the Fallen Angel trio was still in shock. They began connecting the dots in their heads.
"We sent priests, exorcists, to this town secretly but they kept getting killed."
Raynare bit her lip.
"Out of all people it was Kokabiel. Of course…"
Irina pointed at the Fallen Angel trio with a suspicious face.
"Speaking of which, Rias Gremory, why has there been Fallen Angels around your group?"
Rias looked back.
"Ah, them. Don't worry. They are rogues. They are my allies alone."
Raynare nodded while crossing her arms.
"That's right. We're just a group of rogues. We aren't associated with Grigori any longer. We aren't a part of the Fallen Angels side anymore in general."
"Hm...is that so?.."
They still seemed skeptical, but Xenovia continued.
"Our request… No. Our order is to not to have any devils intrude in the battle between us and the fallen-angels for the Excaliburs. In other words, we came here to tell you not to interfere with this incident."
Rias eyes changed after hearing the way Xenovia talked.
"Such manner of speech. Is it restraint? Are you thinking that we might collaborate with those fallen-angels? Perhaps that we might team up with them to do something with Excalibur?"
"The headquarters think that it might not be impossible. And now that you have Fallen Angels standing behind you..."
Rias felt a dent in her pride.
"The higher-ups don't trust devils and fallen-angels. We were ordered as [If the holy-swords are taken away from God's side then the devils would also be happy right? The fallen-angels would also profit from it. For those reasons it won't be weird for them to form an alliance.] That's why we are giving you a warning. If you form an alliance with the fallen-angel Kokabiel then we will eliminate you all. Even if you're the little sister of the Maou, by our boss."
Xenovia said it casually without caring about Rias's glare.
"…If you know that I am the sister of a Maou, then it means that you have lots of connections with the higher-ups in the Church. Then I will say it. We will not form an alliance with the fallen-angels. Never. In the name of the Gremory house. I will not do something that would tarnish the name of our Maou!"
It had become a contentious situation for both sides. But Xenovia laughed.
"Fu. Hearing that is good enough. I had to warn you just in case that Kokabiel is hiding himself in this town along with the three Excaliburs. If something were to happen I would be the one to be hated by the bunch in the Church headquarters. Well, we won't ask for cooperation. If you were to form an alliance with God's side temporally, then it would affect the balance of the three factions. Especially if it's the little sister of a Maou."
"Where is the person the Orthodox Church dispatched?"
Xenovia answered Rias's question.
"They have that person put on hold for this case. They are planning to protect the last Excalibur if Irina and I fail."
"So it's just the two of you? You are going to retrieve the Excaliburs from the leader of the fallen-angel with just the two of you? How reckless. Are you trying to die?"
Rias said it with an amazed voice. But Shidou Irina and Xenovia said it with straight eyes.
"Yes."
"I have the same view as Irina, but if it's possible I don't want to die."
"…You came here to Japan prepared to die? The belief in your teaching is extreme like always."
"Don't talk ill of our beliefs, Rias Gremory. Right, Xenovia?"
"Right. Also the Church decided that it would be better to eliminate all of the Excaliburs rather than letting them get used by the fallen-angels. Our minimum objective is to get the Excaliburs away from the fallen-angels. To accomplish that, it's okay for us to die. The only way to fight against the Excaliburs are Excaliburs."
So they said. The two foolish ladies were well prepared to die.
"Is it possible with only the two of you?"
"Well, we won't die in vain."
Xenovia said fearlessly to Rias's question.
"You seem confident. Do you have a secret weapon?"
"Maybe. I will leave it to your imagination."
"…"
After that, the two of them just stared at each other and the conversation stopped. Shidou Irina and Xenovia looked at each other and stood up.
"Then we will take our leave now. Let's go Irina."
"So you won't drink your tea? I can prepare a snack for you."
"I don't need it."
Xenovia declined Rias's offer with her hand.
"I'm sorry. See you."
Shidou Irina also apologised with her hand. They didn't try to accept Rias's offer, and the two of them tried to leave. Then both of them looked in the same direction. It was Asia.
"When I saw you in Hyoudou Issei's house I thought that maybe it was you. Are you the "Witch" Asia Argento? I never expected to meet you in a place like this."
Xenovia said. Asia's body shook after she was called "Witch". Irina seemed like she noticed as well and stared at Asia.
"Are you the rumored "witch"? The former holy-maiden? You are said to have the power that can also heal devils and fallen angels, right? I heard that you were sent somewhere after getting exiled, but I never thought you became a devil."
"…Ummmmm…I...I am not a Devil…"
"Oh is that so? But still, to associate with not only Devils, but even rogue Fallen Angels…."
Asia didn't know how to react to Irina and Xenovia.
"It's okay. I won't tell the higher ups what I saw here, so rest assured. People who were around the "Holy-maiden Asia" will also get shocked as well."
Asia made a perplexed expression at Irina's words.
"But to associate with the Devils. The one who was called a "Holy-maiden". You fell to the lowest place you could. Do you still believe in our God?"
"Xenovia. There's no way that she, who is here, still believes in God."
Shidou Irina said it with an amazed face.
"No, I can smell the "belief" from her. It might be an abstract way of saying it. But I'm sensitive to these things. There are people who betray the teachings and still have guilt within them because they couldn't forget the teachings. I can feel something similar coming from her."
Xenovia said it with sharp eyes and Irina stared at Asia even more with interested eyes.
"Is that true? Asia-san, you still believe in God even if you have gone to the devils?"
Asia replied to that question with a sad expression.
"…I just can't put it aside. I believed in it for my whole life…"
Hearing that, Xenovia took her sword out from the cloth and pointed it at Asia.
"Is that so? Then you should be cut down by us this instant. If it's now, I can cut you in the name of God. Even if you have sinned, our God will forgive you—"
ZIN!
Something shot past Xenovia's face and cut her cheek. It landed in the wall across the room. A pink light spear.
"Don't. Touch. Her."
The Fallen Angel trio was already standing in front of Asia with their light spears in hand and glared viciously at Xenovia.
"If you come close to Asia, I will extinguish you. You called Asia a "Witch" didn't you?.."
"Yes I have. Right now she is a being at least fit to be called a "Witch"."
Mitlet burst out in anger.
"Don't fuck around! Not even a single person helped her when she needed help or even became her friend! Those who can't understand Asia's kindness are a bunch of shitheads!"
"Do you think the "Holy-maiden" needed friends? What's important is the charity to others. The "Holy-maidens" are finished when they seek friendship and love from others. She could have continued to live with the love from God. So Asia Argento didn't have the right to be a "Holy-maiden" from the beginning."
Xenovia said the ridiculous fact as if it was an obvious thing. Mitlet continued shouting at her.
"So you guys selfishly made her into a "Holy-maiden" and abandon her because she's different from those who seek her? Those of you from the church who believe that you are righteous just because you follow that damned God….you're nothing but maggots! None of you know what she went through! What God!? What love!? That God didn't do jack shit when Asia was in a dangerous situation!"
But Xenovia answered calmly.
"God loved her. If nothing happened then it means that she didn't believe in him enough, or her belief was fake."
Creak...
Before the Fallen Angel trio could burst out, someone stepped between them and Xenovia. It was Issei.
He was staring down at Xenovia with a blank stare that sent a light chill up her spine. He spoke calmly and directly.
—.
"Your God is dead."
ZIN!
CHADUN!
Xenovia had moved to slice Issei's neck— but the Excalibur was easily caught in Issei's right palm without removing his gaze from her. He shook his head eerily.
"Your toy will break."
"Wha-?!"
Xenovia jumped back in shock. She stared down at Excalibur Destruction.
"How— How did you—"
"Family. Friend. Comrade. Asia is ours. If you try to lay a hand on her, you are an enemy."
He stated it as a matter of factly. Xenovia sharpened her eyes at his provocation.
"Is that a declaration to us…all of those in the Church? Something big coming out from a single devil. Gremory. I think you didn't educate him enough?"
Issei shook his head.
"I am no Devil. I am human."
Xenovia narrowed her eyes.
"Impossible. No human can stop an Excalibur with their bare hands, let alone Destruction. Unless you have a legendary power or Sacred Gear of some sort…"
"Doesn't matter. If you put that toy near Asia I will break it."
"Ise, sto…"
Rias tried to deescalate the situation, but Kiba stood behind the two exorcists.
"That's good timing. I will be your opponent."
Kiba was carrying his sword, and there was an enormous aura of intent to kill coming out of his body.
"Who are you?"
Kiba smirked at Xenovia's question.
"I'm your senpai. Though I apparently was a [failure]."
That instant a countless number of demonic-swords appeared in the club room.
-DxD-
The group in the clubroom relocated. They were standing at the place where they were practicing for the ball tournament. Kiba was standing a bit away from Issei. Shidou Irina and Xenovia were standing in front of them. Enveloping them and their surroundings was a barrier made from red aura. The other members were looking at them from outside the barrier.
"Then let's start."
Irina and Xenovia took their white robe off and were wearing black battle purpose clothes. Xenovia took the cloth off her weapon and revealed her Excalibur. The Excalibur that Shidou Irina had also turned into the shape of a katana.
While the Fallen Angel trio was arguing with the two holy-sword wielders, Kiba came in and it got worse. Then Xenovia made a suggestion.
"It might be interesting to test the strength of Rias Gremory's servants. Also, I'm interested in the strength of the so called senpai."
Xenovia accepted Kiba's challenge. She also added that this battle wouldn't be reported to the Church. Apparently they understood their position a little bit, so they made it so that it wouldn't be a problem if it was not a fight for life. The location was the place they practiced for the ball tournament near the old school building. To avoid unnecessary damage and getting noticed by others, Akeno put up a barrier for them.
Originally, it was every one of the girls from the Fallen Angel trio that wanted to fight instead of Issei, but he prohibited them. They would most certainly not hold back when it came down to it after all. A good decision. The rest of the group spoke from outside the barrier.
"Even if it's just a match, be cautious of the holy-swords!"
"Teach those little shitty sluts a lesson Ryuchin!"
Mitlet loudly voiced her opinion. Kiba had activated his Sacred gear and there were several demonic-swords around him.
"…Are you laughing?"
Kiba was laughing. He held a smile that made the atmosphere around him cold. There wasn't any trace of the refreshing smile he usually wears.
"Yeah. The thing I wanted to defeat and destroy appeared right in front of me. I'm happy. Fufufu, I had even heard that by being close to a devil and a dragon, "powers" would gather. But for me to encounter it this early."
"…[Sword Birth], huh. The possessor can create any demonic-sword they imagine in their head. It's unique among the Demonic-sword related Sacred Gears… I heard that there was a "subject" that avoided from being disposed by the "Holy-sword Project"… Is that you?"
Kiba didn't answer Xenovia's question. He just directed his killing intent towards her. Even though killing was prohibited.
"Hyoudou Issei-kun."
The one standing in front of Issei was Shidou Irina.
"When I met the boy that I haven't seen for so long, and he ended up associating with the devils…I was shocked."
She seemed really depressed at the revelation.
"I'm not gonna fight Rin. If I do, Rin will quickly die without a sound."
He said something quite chilling in hindsight, but Irina looked at him with a pitiful face. More like there was a single drop of tear falling down her cheek.
"A pitiful Hyoudou Issei-kun. No, I will call you Ise-kun since I knew you since a long time ago. And what trick has destiny played on us! I went to England because I found out that I can use holy-swords, and I thought that I could be a representative of God! Aaah, this also must be a trial that God has given me! The land that I haven't been back in for so long! A harsh destiny where my childhood friend has become an ally to the devils! The way time moves is harsh! But by moving forward, I will turn into someone with the true belief towards God! Now Ise-kun! I will give judgment to you with this Excalibur! Amen!"
Even though Irina was shedding tears, she seemed really eager to do it and pointed her sword at him. But then she decided to ask about earlier.
"Neh, Ise-kun. What Sacred Gear do you have? Surely there's no way you couldn't have one since you stopped Excalibur Destruction with your hand. So you have one right?"
"Yeah."
Issei spawned his Boosted Gear.
Shiin!
The green light died down and the Boosted Gear rested on Issei's arm. They both seemed shocked after seeing his Sacred Gear.
"…Longinus."
"Is that a [Boosted Gear]? I never thought that I would meet the person possessed by the Welsh Dragon in a far eastern country like this…"
Both of them raised their eyebrows.
"You will hurt yourself if your attention is on Ise-kun!"
CLASH!
Kiba went on slashing towards Xenovia. The holy-sword and demonic-sword made sparks. Xenovia smirked after blocking Kiba's strike.
"Sacred Gear [Sword Rebirth] and [Boosted Gear]. And also the [Twilight Healing] that Asia Argento has. All of them are Sacred Gear that are said to be a heresy to us. Maybe it was natural for you to turn into a devil."
"My power is also the power made by my comrades' hatred, who were killed while filled with regret! I will beat those with Excalibur with this power, and I will destroy that Excalibur!"
Kiba vowed the revenge of the test subjects that were killed by that project.
"Here I come, Ise-kun!"
Irina launched herself towards Issei who did not react.
"Ei!"
She went to slice down Issei's chest but—
DIN!
The sword bounced off his chest, causing her to tip back.
"Eh?"
Issei put his finger up against her chest and very lightly pushed. She slid across the ground on her back for 3 meters.
Skiiiiiiiid!
She laid on the ground on her back with her legs in the air.
"….…Eh?"
It took her a few seconds.
"...Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhh?!"
Kiba created a demonic-sword where he stood and held it. He now had two swords and went towards Xenovia.
"Burn! And freeze! [Flare Brand] and [Freeze Mist]!"
One of the demonic-swords created a whirl of flames while the other one made a cold air and silver frost. Kiba is a [Knight]. [Knights] traits are their speed. He was attacking with high speed. But Xenovia was evading Kiba's attack, which came from all directions, with the minimum movements.
"The [Knights] swift move. And flame and ice demonic swords. But you are too naïve!"
KACHING!
A single swing of Xenovia's turned Kiba's two demonic swords to dust. Kiba became speechless because his demonic-swords were destroyed with a single swing.
"My sword is a mass of destruction. There's nothing it can't destroy."
Xenovia swirled around her sword. She then pointed it upwards then thrust it into the ground.
Suddenly the place where they were standing on shook and the ground was rumbling. Irina lost her balance and kneeled on the ground. There were clouds of dust in the surroundings.
There was a big hole at the place where Xenovia had placed her sword.
"This is my Excalibur. It can destroy anything that comes its way. It's not called "Excalibur" for nothing."
Kiba made a bitter expression when he saw that.
"…Such a destructive power when it isn't a real Excalibur. So destroying all 7 swords will be a difficult path."
His eyes hadn't lost the colour of hatred yet. He was still dead set on breaking the seven swords regardless.
"Cough, Cough! Geez! I'm all covered in dirt because you destroyed the ground, Xenovia!"
Irina wiped the dirt off her clothes while complaining.
"Okay then! Let's try this again!"
Irina jumped to attack Issei again, but every one of her strikes was blocked by two of Issei's fingers on his naked hand.
DIN DIN DIN DIN DIN DIN DIN DIN!
"WHA—HOW?! HOW ARE YOU—?!"
"Freeza did it."
"Huh?"
"Ah, sorry. I wanted to say 'Goku did it', but I wasn't sure if you'd get the joke if I didn't reference it first."
"I seriously don't—"
"Ki-ko-ho."
Shove!
He pushed her away again.
"Kyaah!"
Skiiiiiiid!
[—]
"Haaaaaaaaaa!"
Kiba raised his spirit up and tried to make something in his hand. It turned into the shape of a sword, but—
"The destructive power of that holy-sword or the destructive power of my demonic-sword! We will see which one is stronger!"
What appeared in Kiba's hand was a gigantic sword. Kiba held it with both hands while releasing an ominous aura. It's was more than two meters. Kiba then swung it with force. The slash reached Xenovia, but she made a sigh as if she was really disappointed.
"It's a shame. You made the wrong decision."
GACHIN!
A violent sound of metal. A large fragment of the sword went up in the air. It was Kiba's sword that broke. Xenovia's Excalibur easily destroyed Kiba's demonic sword.
"Your weapon is the variety of the sword you can create and your speed. You would need a lot of strength to swing a gigantic sword like that, and you will lose the speed that you are proud of. Are you seeking a destructive power? From your fighting style, it's something unnecessary. Don't you even know that?"
BANG!
The pommel of the holy-sword hit deep into Kiba's stomach. It was a simple move like that yet it created a shockwave. It meant that even a single attack with a pommel has destructive power.
"Gaha!"
Kiba fell onto the ground after he vomited from his mouth.
"Even if it's not a hit with the blade, that hit just now will be enough to stop you from standing for a while."
Xenovia glared at Kiba once, and turned around.
"…Wa…wait!"
Kiba reached his hands towards her, but everyone here knew that the match was over. Akeno unsealed the barrier. The red aura that covered the area disappeared. The battle was over.
"Senpai, I suggest you fight with coolness the next time we fight. Rias Gremory, I trust you with the talk from earlier. Also, you should train your servants a bit more. There's a limit for polishing their battling style."
Kiba glared at Xenovia with hatred. Xenovia then looked at Issei.
"I will tell you one thing. [Vanishing dragon] has already awakened. You will meet him eventually, but in your current state I wonder who would win? Nevertheless, it has long been awakened."
Issei snapped his fingers at her with a blank face.
"Well he sure ain't sleeping!"
Snap!
...
"...What?"
"Ah, sorry. I was trying to do a punchline, but there was no ba dum tss. Was it funny?"
"...let's go Irina…"
Xenovia just said that and left after picking her stuff.
"Wait for me Xenovia! Then it's like that Ise-kun. Tell me whenever you want to get judged. If I can even do it….Amen."
Shidou Irina held her cross and winked at Issei. She then left the scene. The battle was over indeed.
"Are you okay?"
Asia asked Issei as she approached with the Fallen Angel trio.
"Yeah. It didn't hurt."
Mitlet crossed her arms with a frown.
"Hmph. You should've murdered those cunts."
Raynare placed a hand on her shoulder.
"That's enough Mitlet. They're gone now. Calm down."
"Hmph!"
She pouted angrily and looked away. Asia turned and bowed to them.
"T-Thank you for protecting me! Especially Mitlet-san...your words were very touching…"
Mitlet blushed lightly while averting her gaze.
"Hmph...Obviously...stupid…"
"Hold on! Yuuto!"
They heard Rias's voice. When they looked, there was Kiba who seemed like he was trying to leave and an angry Rias.
"I won't forgive you if you leave me! You are the [Knight] of the Gremory group. I will also be troubled if you turn into an "exiled". Wait this instant!"
"…I was able to run away from there, thanks to my comrades. That's why I have to put their regrets into my demonic-swords…"
After saying that Kiba walked away.
"Yuuto…Why…?"
They could only watch in silence as Kiba disappeared.
[Partner?]
'Ddraig. Kokabiel is in the bible?'
[Yes, Partner. He is one who appears in the bible. Why do you ask?]
'I want to make sure I know what to ask him.'
[Hm?]
—.
Somehow, there was a dark shadow cast on one half of Issei's face, leaving only a green glowing light to shine through that simple darkness.
End
Wooh! How was that? A bit of a longer chapter than usual. I've said it before, but this arc is going to have a bit of a more serious tone. I know there are those of you who wanted to see some serious stuff and I think that this arc fits well with that. Of course, there is still comedy all throughout in certain places, but I do want there to be a feeling of tension or intrigue during the serious moments. Hope you guys like it. I also think the longer chapters may become a trend. At least in this arc. Certain things will be shorter, like the fight between Irina and Issei, since she doesn't stand a chance. But other events will have different outcomes obviously. And I think the fight between Kokabiel and Issei should be the highlight of this arc. The first real fight.
So yeah, tell me what you guys thought, like always. What do you think Issei will do when it comes to Kiba? Why is Freed working with the other side? Who was the man working alongside Freed? Where is Donasheek? What will Issei do about Kokabiel? What will happen in their showdown? Who or what type of person is the Vanishing Dragon? What is Issei going to ask Kokabiel?
Read, Rate, Review go crazy.
Stay frosty.