(Episode 9: Fallen Angels vs Conduits and Holy Men: Part 4)
The month of December would continue onwards as our intrepid quartet of 'heroes' were now doing reconnaissance for what would be their assault on St. Marie's Cathedral, where they were making sure that everything would be fully cleared when they went and ended the threat of Raynare once and for all. Something that Issei was all too keen on in regards to getting his get-back against the leader of the threat for having killed him…that day in question still making his heart pound with an almost painful cadence as his mind unilaterally focused on taking her down as quickly possible.
Meanwhile, Rias could only worry as she sent out Akeno and Kiba to search for Koneko whom still had not reported or said anything of note since she went to scout out for Issei and more of his continued growth; which had the Gremory heiress worried to near death over what could be happening to her Rook.
(December 18th, 2018, Issei's House, 7:05 Pm)
It would be 5 after 7 in the evening as our quartet of unlikely heroes were going over everything they'd found regarding St. Marie's Cathedral and their impending assault upon it.
"So how are we looking on our assault on the place?" Freed questioned
"As it stands while we do have multiple points of entry to go through. Our best bet is to sneak in through the cathedral's back entrance through its basement level. It is that place that is the least guarded by the fallen angels' soldiers." Asia answered back
"From there it will be a matter of fighting our way towards the threat in question. Something that should not be a problem, as long as we hold nothing in reserve against our enemies." Asia further spoke
"More or less its going to be an all-out slugfest until we reach Issei's psycho ex-girlfriend?" Aika added
"Exactly, and on our way towards her we will have to be on guard against any traps within…Unfortunately, we were not able to sneak inside of the cathedral too extensively. The fact that their leader was extremely riled up as of late due to our continued victories." Asia said back
"Sorry, guys. As much as we wanted to risk it for the biscuit, and do a deeper dive of the place to look around for traps and shit. I didn't want to risk pissing off their leader and then fuckery happen because we got caught lacking, so sorry that we didn't come up with anyway to disarm traps and stuff." Aika said in apologies towards the group, but that being said she didn't want to risk it with hers and Asia's lives at stake
"It's fine, Aika. You did the best that you guys good could, so it isn't a total loss." Issei said taking whatever win they could get
"Yeah, but we did see something else while we were there…Also, thank you Freed for scoring us those rogue exorcist uniforms. Since this would not have worked out half as well without them." Aika thanked the former exorcist
"Don't get me wrong, it took Issei and I a while to fix them up so that they would be good as new. But its' still damn good to see they did their job." Freed replied
"I will take sewing them back together any day of the week, over getting those blood stains out. People always forget that getting blood out of cheap material; is a pain in the ass to deal with." Issei spoke hating to have to clean out blood-stains on any type of clothing
"Sorry about that, Issei. But they were the best that I could find on short notice, that didn't have holes in them from Asia's ice attacks or your lightning." Freed said back to the Boosted Gear wielder
"No it's fine, I just hate that our enemies can splurge on all these advanced light weapons. Yet they can't spend the few extra bits of pocket money for some clothing that doesn't look like it came from a thrift store?...Now that is what is infuriating." Issei spoke hating that these rogue exorcists could afford high-end assault weapons but not shoddy looking attire
"Other than Issei getting angry about that…We did see something that caught me for a loop, that I managed to overhear." Aika replied
"What did you guys see?" Issei questioned
"For starters Asia and I saw Koneko Toujou of all people strung up on a crucifix; getting the shit beat out of her, and some other fucked shit that looked like she got the Saw treatment. I know I don't like Koneko as much as the next guy, but the really let her have it, if beating her with a barbed-wired crucifix and using a fire-hose full of holy-water on her till her skin's red a cherry tells you guys anything…Turns out from what Asia told me after we got out of their that she's a Devil…Which makes sense if those jacked-up wings and fucked up cat ears are anything to go by." Aika answered back
"How bad was it?...Since if what Aika said is anything to go by, then I doubt she's gonna look pretty." Issei questioned
"Bad enough that it looked like she went a few rounds or so with the inquisitors from the church…It was…not a pretty sight whatsoever. Honestly, if we do manage to rescue her, she will have an extensive list of injuries to recover from. It is honestly horrific what they are doing to her. May God help her, as I-I honest fear for her life should we rescue her; that she won't die within a few hours' time without proper treatment." Asia answered back not wanting to go into too much detail over how badly Koneko had been tortured by Raynare and the other rogue exorcists she had on hand
"The best case I can say is that she will be able to walk again if we are able to save her. The bad news is, that she is being bled dry for every ounce of information they have on Rias Gremory, and Raynare has not taken it easy on her at all." Asia further spoke with a level of disgust at the level of cruelty inflicted upon the Gremory Rook
"That…That is very concerning." Issei said pinching the bridge of his nose
"What do you want to do about it then, Issei?" Freed questioned
"As much as I do not like her, considering that she was one of the main people jumping for joy when Motohama died. I still cannot in good conscience leave someone in a place where their getting tortured. Even if I owe her a supercharged kick in the pussy for celebrating the death of one of my friends...Which means we save Koneko and try and get her help." Issei answered back knowing that as a man of faith, he could not leave someone behind to get tortured to death
"Other than having to see a Devil get fucked up. What the hell else did you two see or hear?" Freed questioned
"Apparently, Koneko is being used as bait to draw out Rias and her people. So that Raynare or whatever her name is can take them out, and sell Rias to the highest bidder. Then after that go for Sona and her group and do the same thing." Aika answered back
"How did you do that without them finding out, that you were listening in?" Issei questioned as Aika manifested her Absorption Line and a tendril came out of it
"Well, I've been finagling with my powers for the longest; and figured what else could they do if I pushed their limits. So I did some experimenting, this past month and now I can use my tendrils to basically wire-tap anything I have them attach too." Aika replied as the barbed end of the tendril inflated and widened into a conical-like sucker
"From there, it was a matter of being real sneaky and having Asia cover for me while I did it. Then presto I was able to listen in and get the scoop on what they were doing." Aika informed the group of how she did so
With Aika always being one who wanted to progress in whatever she had her disposal, be it her proficiency with music and as a vocalist, or her superpowers granted to her by her Sacred Gears; Aika was one who pursued mastery in whatever took her interest. As such with her having trained herself to be more capable when it came to pulling off stealth/ninja-based shenanigans, she wanted to apply that same mentality to her abilities with her Sacred Gear and thus after many hours of practice/trial and error; said ability was created.
"I'm not gonna lie that is one helluva power-up. Good shit, for being our eyes and ears." Freed told Aika who let a smug smile cross her face
"What can I say? I'm just that good." Aika said proud of herself
"All that out of the way, I think that we've got a decent set-up for our game-plan. Sneak in through the basement, be as quick as possible when we take on a target, disarm any traps in there as quick as possible. Then once we get to psycho ex-girlfriend, unleash hell on her and take it from there after we beat her." Issei spoke knowing that as of now they had a decent plan of attack that while basic would do enough to get it done
"Any idea on what your going to do, when you take her out?...This is your vengeance quest Issei?" Aika asked her longtime friend on how he wanted this dealt with when it came to Raynare
"I really don't know, Aika. All I do know is that when the time comes to fight her, I'll be more than ready to get my get-back against her. After that, I dunno on what's gonna happen from there." Issei said back with a shrug of his shoulders
"All I fuckin' know is that your gonna have all of there to help rock her shit!...Hell, with all four of us; there's no way that skank stands a chance." Freed said with a pugnacious grin on his face
"That's for sure, and one last thing before wwe call this team meeting quits before the assault…Thank you to well…everyone for helping me do this. I wouldn't be able to come this far, or get this close to getting justice for my death; without the 3 of you to back me up." Issei spoke thankful to everyone for their involvement in helping him fight against Raynare and her forces
"Hey, your a pretty cool kid and I'm always here for helping people get their vengeance on any sorry ass fuck-nugget. So I'm just happy to be here, and be a fucking menace to whoever." Freed spoke his vicious grin ever present
"I am simply happy to have met not only a fellow Conduit; but a follower of Christ as well. Who has not only given us shelter, but has proven to be a trustworthy ally and even someone I can call a friend. To that, I will say that I am happy to return the favor by helping you to gain justice for what had happened to you…It is the very least I can do to repay your kindness." Asia replied thankful and happy to have met Issei who was charitable and kind enough to allow her and Freed to crash at his house
"You should already know, that I was going to help you from the start. There was no way I was going to let my best friend; go into this shit-show alone. So whatever nonsense comes your way, I'll be right there with you to fight it, Issei." Aika told Issei in being in it for the long-haul
"While I have not known you as long as your companions have. My strength and counsel shall always be at your call…We are partners in all that we accomplish together, and as such whatever you need to destroy this wretched whore, I will provide it to the best of my ability." Ddraig chimed in as a tear-filled smile began to spread across Issei's face
"Damn, you guys really got me tearing up right now!" Issei said having not expected the heart-felt replies
"But what I do know is that together, we are unstoppable; and that no matter what tricks Raynare pulls out of her fat ass. That we'll come out on top, and put that pain on her. So in the name of my Lord, this Friday, we go in and put an end to all of this!" Issei further spoke his eyes turning electric blue with determination and resolve to defeat Raynare once and for all
"Hell fuckin' yeah/ Let's do it, Issei/ In the name of the Lord we shall not fail/That wench won't know what hit her!" Were the collective responses from Freed, Aika, Asia, and Ddraig as they all looked towards Issei with a look of equal resolve
'Man, my friend group is awesome.' Issei remarked to himself as he felt passion and resolve swell within
(O.R.C Room, 2 days later, December 20th, 2018, 4:08 Pm)
Meanwhile, on the following Thursday a frustrated and worrisome Rias was pacing in the O.R.C Room after recieving the bothersome letter and recording that Raynare sent to her about ever wanting to see Koneko again, and as such was a furious and teary-eyed wreck as Sona was trying her best to talk her down from playing into the fallen angels' hands.
"You cannot be serious about this, Sona? Koneko's life is at stake, and I have to do something about it!" Rias said furious with the idea of leaving one of her servants at the mercy of an enemy
"The alternative is letting you walk into an obvious trap. I know you want to save Koneko, but she is not worth you risking your…" Sona tried to say before a stomp of Rias's foot and an accompanying wave of demonic energy shattered the windows around them in the club room
"Don't you dare finish that sentence! Koneko is more than worth saving, no matter the cost; I will never abandon my servants. Not when they are being tortured, by those bastards!" Rias shot bak her voice nearly cracking from how enraged she was
"I have already let one tragedy happen in this town, I will not let another happen under my watch…Not when I have the power to prevent it!" Rias added in refusal to let Koneko continue to suffer
For as far as the Gremory heiress was concerned she was tired of letting things happen to her and around her; from not being strong enough to not outright refuse her 'marriage' to Riser, to being too late to prevent Issei's death and the fallen angels running roughshod in her town, to now having one of her precious servants get kidnapped and tortured…She was fed up and DONE, and as such decided that she was going to take matters into her own hands against the fallen angels, and deal with it personally as she should have done from the start; instead of letting it grow to this extent.
"Rias, I am just trying to keep you safe. I know you want to save Koneko, and believe me I understand your concerns for her safety. But, please think of what you are going up against to do so. They have a small army's worth of rogue exorcists at their disposal, and if what my servants have reported are true; their leader is a Cadre-class Fallen Angel…To face something of that caliber alongside whatever other allies is bordering on suicide." Sona said to a still unphased Rias whose eyes glowed bright scarlet
"And what makes you think I haven't trained to progress to a point I can handle a Cadre, Sona?" Rias questioned her fellow heiress with dark determination burning her eyes
"I told you, that I have been training intensively to make myself not only worthy enough to recruit Issei to my side. But to prove my power as someone worthy of being a successor to my household, and overseer of Kuoh Town. So trust me when I say that I can handle myself fine should something happen." Rias further added as she released more of her demonic power that made the room actually begin to shake
"Just how strong have you trained yourself to become?" Sona questioned
"As it stands from what my teacher has told me, I have now reached the level of an Ultimate-Class threat…Granted it isn't as high as I would like, but it should still serve to be more than enough for what I will face." Rias answered back surrounded by a fearsome aura of crimson
"U-Ultimate Class, after 3 months of training? That is nearly unreal." Sona replied almost flabbergasted that Rias was able to reach that level of power after only training for 3 months
"As it turns out Sona, I have always had the potential to reach this level of power. All I needed to do was tap into it, and realize the greatness of what I already am." Rias spoke with a rare seriousness in her voice
"If that is the case, then I feel much better about your chances…Nonetheless, it is still suicide for you to go by yourself to rescue Koneko. At the very least take someone with you to do this." Sona said back
"I will take Akeno and Kiba alongside me for the mission…They may not be as strong as I am, but they should still be strong enough to assist with rescuing Koneko." Rias said to her counterpart in Sona
"I would also take Gasper along with me for the rescue mission, but I would rather not risk his safety when his powers as well as his Sacred Gear are not stable. The last thing I need is for Gasper to panic in the middle of things, and risk everyone's lives." Rias further added knowing that Gasper would be more of a hindrance than a boon in rescuing Koneko and ending the fallen angel threat
"Very well…But if I may offer, I would like to give you the aid of some of my servants to help you. I feel that the extra bit of strength should aid you, in your rescue." Sona suggested as Rias shook her head
"While I do appreciate the offer, Sona. I will have to decline, as much as it would help me and my servants…I will not endanger your servants to rescue one of mine. I don't think I could live with myself if I let something happen to them." Rias said to her longtime ally in knowing that it would be best for her if she went with her own servants than to risk it and have Sona's own servants go alongside her
"As sad it is to see that I cannot aid you directly, I would still like to know if I can aid you in any other way possible?" Sona questioned
"Yes there is, protect the academy while I am gone, and keep your servants ready should anything happen while I rescue Koneko. There is still the possibility that the fallen angels could send their soldiers here as a surprise attack, should anything happen to me; in order to capture you. So stay here and out of sight, and should things get too dire, then grab Gasper and teleport to the Underworld immediately. The last thing I would want is for something to happen to you as well." Rias answered back
"I will be sure to do so…Look at you, Rias, you're actually starting to sound like a true leader...I never thought that I would see the day." Sona said semi-cheekily as Rias gave a small smile
"Now if only I could have acted like one earlier, then perhaps this entire mess could have been prevented; before it got this far." Rias spoke looking down for a brief moment
"However, I cannot dwell on what could have been, but rather what should be…That is why I am going to spend tonight and the rest of tomorrow evening on making sure that I am prepared to save Koneko." Rias added knowing that she couldn't dwell on past events that were already out of her hands
"Then I wish you the best, Rias…good luck." Sona spoke as Rias nodded
"Thank you, but hopefully I can save Koneko and cause enough of a distraction to have Kiba and Akeno get her out of there in time." Rias replied
"And what if you can't…what if the enemy is stronger than you expected?" Sona questioned
"Then I will have to resort to my ace in the hole, and use the King's Piece I keep for rainy days...That would give me a strong enough increase to deal with my enemies should it come to that." Rias informed a surprised Sona
"A King's Piece, how did you acquire one of those?!" Sona asked knowing how hard it was to acquire one of them
"Let's just say that Grandmother Runeas gives very good presents, and leave it at that." Was Rias's quick response to Sona's question
"...Very well, then. I will leave you towards planning your rescue of Koneko. I wish you the best and be careful." Sona replied
"I will, and thank you for everything Sona. You have been and always were a great friend." Rias said before teleporting off to her home to plan on how to save Koneko
'Just hold on for a little bit longer, Koneko. I'm coming.' Rias said to herself as she vanished away to prepare for the night to come
(The next night, December 21st, 2018, 9:45 Pm, St. Marie's Cathedral)
Meanwhile, the day at hand to enact their assault against the fallen angels as our quartet of intrepid heroes had arrived a block away from the cathedral where their enemies lay in wait.
"Is everyone ready?" Issei questioned as he summoned his Boosted Gear gauntlets
"I'm locked and loaded to get this party fucking started!" Freed said with Clarent in hand ready to strike
"Just say the word, and we can send these assholes and your bitch girlfriend to the upper room a second time." Aika spoke summing her Absorption Line into the front
"Whenever you are ready to begin, Issei. I will follow your lead and aid however possible." Was Asia's response to her fellow Conduit
"Good, but before we begin. I wanna say a prayer to the man upstairs first…You never know it things can go south, and I wanna at least have the big guy watching over us when we get stuff poppin'." Issei said to everyone around him
"Hey, if you wanna say prayer to hype us up let's do it." Aika spoke
"I have no problem with you saying a prayer to the lord/ By all means get it fucking started." Were Asia and Freed's responses
"Awesome, now let's join hands and pray." Issei said as the quartet took each others hands
"Dear lord, as we are gathered this night to strike down the evils that Raynare has inflicted upon me and my home, and to defeat her followers before they commit further acts. We call upon your name and your awesome power to help us defeat our enemies, so that I may keep my home safe and protect those within. I ask that you make our attacks strike true, and our power be unyielding as we fight to defend your children. In your name we pray, amen." Issei spoke as he said his prayer
"Amen." Were the collective responses of his compatriots
"Great, now let's finish this once and for all." Issei said as he pounded his large gauntlets together
From there our quartet quickly headed off towards the entry point where there assault would begin, with Asia quick to fire off a flurry of ice shards at the group protecting the entry way; before Aika and Issei flash incinerated them with a fireball and lightning-bolt respectively; in that very instant, turning them into piles of ash before they even hit the ground. After that Asia used her Absorption Line Tendrils to wrap around her compatriots as tethers so as to absorb any sound they would emit as Issei used his powers of electromagnetisim to basically jail-break the locks open on the basement door.
Once that was done and they snuck inside, the quartet nodded to each other as before splitting off as Issei and Asia headed to go and search for Koneko while Freed and Aika would clear them a path towards Raynare and her group; with the condition being that once they found Koneko and stored her inside the hammerspace inside Issei's Boosted Gear that they would regroup as quickly as possible. After that was discussed and done with the quartet went their separate ways with Asia using her Observation Haki to quickly locate where Koneko was at, with Issei being quick to dispatch any rogue exorcist patrolling a hallway they rounded their way through.
EIther with a standard bolt of lightning or an Artillery Bolt that would clear them by the handful, as Asia used her brand of Haki to search for Koneko like a bloodhound who had caught the scent of their prey; which to the former holy maiden was rather weak given the injuries she has sustained from over a week of continuous torture. However, after few scant minutes of searching for Koneko in the winding corridors of the large abandoned cathedral; did the duo eventually close in on a room where Koneko hung bound in chains and on a pair of blessed meathooks stained with dried blood.
A pair of rogue exorcists in seeing the duo of Conduits open the door reached for their sidearms to open fire, but the quick use of Issei's Lightning Hook to snatch the submachine guns away from them, and Asia launching Bowie Knife sized ice shards into their jugular veins and skulls was enough to stop them in their tracks. As Issei used his lightning power to lift Koneko who had passed out from the pain of being tortured by holy torture implements, to lift her off the meathooks and unbind her from the chains as he opened the hammerspace of his Sacred Gear to place her inside for safekeeping until the debacle was over and done with.
The sight of the petite's rook's flesh having large sections of it flayed off, as well as her cat ears sliced open, and her knees broken from Raynare's fits of rage at being denied information if the odd angles they were twisted at were an indicator, her face swollen to near unrecognizable degrees from heavy bruising and broken facial bones, as well as her fingernails having been pried open; on top of the multiple acidic burns from having boiling holy water sprayed at her with what looked like a fire-hose. Among other injuries that made Issei almost vomit on the spot as he finished transferring her body that looked more like a heavily bruised husk of reddish-purple muscle and hair than a person; into the Sacred Gear's pocket space, had him both revolt at the sight and steel himself further to defeat Raynare for her cruelty.
"You were right, Asia. She looked a helluva lot worse than I thought." Issei spoke as he finished stuffing Koneko broken and bloodied form into his Sacred Gear's pocket space
"I tried to warn you that it was a horrid sight, but I felt that it was necessary for you to see it yourself...I regret that we couldn't have saved her quicker, but unfortunately without exposing Aika or myself...We were forced to leave her in 'that' condition." Asia replied as Issei took a moment to collect his nerves after the sight
"Thanks, but now that that's settled. Let's go meet up with Freed and Aika." Issei said back as he and Asia began to rush out of the premise while radioing Aika
"Hey, Aika. We got Koneko and we're headed your way, how're things going on your end?" Issei asked over the walkie-talkie
"So far so good on our end, but I don't know if their doing target practice or something on the other end of this place. But there's some explosions and shit going on, so be careful when you come up." Aika answered back much to Issei's confusion
"So what there's other people joining in on the fun?" Issei questioned back
"I guess so, but all I know is that it means less heat on our end to get to your psycho ex-girlfriend." Aika answered back
"Fair enough, I guess we'll meet you upstairs in a moment then...Fuck me, I'm not gonna sleep for a while after this shit." Issei replied as he and Asia continued on their way
From there it didn't take the duo of Conduits to regroup with Freed and Aika who had been busy at work clearing them a path to follow it the withered husks for bodies, and dismembered corpses were anything to go by…Once the duo eventually met up with Freed and Aika the latter of whom had just finished incinerating a small handful of patrolling guards, did the quartet thenn look towards each other and begin running rampant like a plague throughout any poor soul who was unfortunate enough to cross their path.
What with it being thanks to Freed and Aika running roughshod through them through the combination of the former's wholesale eviscerating and dismemberment of all in his line of sight and Aika sticking to the shadows and snapping necks and sneakily incinerating any who her tendrils wrapped around or cracked against; were swarming every which way. Leaving it to be virtual child's play for the quartet to find no shortage of rogue exorcists' on their end, and basically do whatever they want with them in regards to killing them on sight.
Be it Issei laying into them at close range with his electrified gauntlets that broke bone on contact and struck with enough lightning to make their skeletons visible on contact, or launch lightning bolts that would leave them with heavy-duty burns on contact. Then there was Aika who used Issei's electrical assault or Freed's frenzied barrage of swords swipes and biscecting cleaves; that acted as his impressive defense as well as a terrifying offense to reflect bullet-fire back to sender; to then crack her tendrils like fiery whips and incinerate any rogue exorcist on contact.
Or more insidiously sneakily send them slithering across the ground to constrict against any unsuspecting adversary in question, like a massive python and absorb them of their vitality with such quickness than in a matter of seconds they were rendered withered husks. All the while Asia acted as a wintry spirit of vengeance having turned her hands into deadly ice claws to rend flesh, and freeze any in her warpath on the spot, or send out beams of pure cold to flash freeze enemies by the several, or send constructs made of compacted ice and snow such as wolves and bears to maul the rogue exorcists wherever they appeared.
The sight as the quartet worked in harmony to not only devastate every living thing in their warpath, but also use their powers in tandem with each other to cover each others' flanks, as they tore their way through to Raynare's location was nothing if not awe-inspiring. Given that no matter what was fired at them or who tried to strike them down, that someone was in proximity to immediately intercept an attack and strike down whoever would dare attack their ally with brutal efficiency.
With minutes passing at an almost unnervingly quick pace, as our quartet rampaged and ripped through the premise with elemental fury, and unyielding viciousness as corpses that were violently electrocuted, flash-frozen in place, dessciated into withered corpses or burned to charred masses of flesh and bone, or dismembered and disemboweled; were left in their wake. All the while as they unilaterally worked together the sole thought on their minds was making sure that when they got to Raynare that they would not stop until they put the fallen angel, who was at the root of this out of commission for good.
Hence why, as they reached the topmost floor of the area did where Asia's Observation pinged Raynare who was actually engaged already in combat, with three signatures wherein one had just fallen in combat causing one to surge in anger as another was fending for their life was felt. What with Issei using a shockwave of electrical energy to blast down the door to enter into the fray and too his dismay and shock, saw something he never thought he'd see in a million years.
Which was an infuriated Rias who had what looked like an armored figure made of crimson and black energy fighting alongside her against Raynare who wielded dual broadsword made of light to battle against her, as Kiba did his best to keep up and assist Rias in however he could by conjuring demon swords to corral and protect Rias against the continous onslaught of attacks. Yet what caught their attention was Akeno who was clutching her stomach as she wore a bloodied Miko outfit, and minus an arm and had several large wounds from being stabbed shot off a bolt of otherworldly lightning at Raynare; who batted away.
As such Raynare who grew irritated of the half-breed's constantly pestering her with lightning decided to end the threat immeidately, what with her landing a full body roundhouse kick to stun Kiba in his tracks; before with a flourish of her broadswords severed both of his arms at the elbow, and subsequently knee him into the ceiling above. Before turning both her broadswords into a large maul of light to smack Rias away fom her as her apparition come to shield her from most of the impact that had sent her into an adjacent pieu that were destroyed, as she dashed towards a weakened Akeno.
WIth both stunned in silence as they watched faster than what than they could believe, and Issei could use his Lightning Hook to snatch Akeno out of harms' way with; was impaled by Raynare's bare hands that reached nearly elbow-deep where her liver and small intenstine were, before with a terrifying display of strength ripped her vertically in half. Sending both halves of the Rias's Queen flying to either side of the pieu, before Raynare turned her bloodied form towards Issei and his companions; the Red Dragon Emperor question glaring daggers at his once ex-girlfriend who bore a number of wounds mainly from Rias's P.O.D as all 10 of her wings were on full display; as black as pitch.
'Ddraig, do we got enough Boosts ready to sneak her for the hurricane?' Issei asked as the last Boost he was storing up sounded off
"Indeed, fire it when ready, partner." Ddraig responded
"Well, well, if it isn't Issei. I heard you got better after the present I left you on our date…You aren't still mad that I didn't give you the finish you wanted are you?" Raynare asked in a mix of coy sarcasm mixed with cruel sadism
"I am not in the mood for your games. All I want right now is to beat you, and end this nightmare once and for all." Issei answered back
"And how do you plan on doing that? You may have awakened that fantastic-looking Longinus on you, and collected a new set of friends. But that won't help you beat me at all, especially when I have the Gremory princess here to deal with and deliver to my father." Raynare replied while out of the corner of Issei's eye he saw Mittelt and Kalawarner began to sneak around Raynare while giving him a look of wanting to help
"Are you sure about that, because with a pissed-off Rias here plus my friends. Its looking like it to me…So I'd say that my chances of kicking your ass are pretty good." Issei retorted as he sensed Rias stand up and soon lock eyes on the remains of Akeno and Kiba
"There may be 5 of you here to attempt to beat me. But I am not only a Cadre of Grigori, but the daughter of the strongest fallen angel to exist. So I doubt that you or any of your little friends can beat me at all." Raynare responded
"Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that, Yuuma." Issei said with a smug grin as Kalawarner began to quickly cast a spell whilst Mittelt readied herself on stand-by to act
"And why is that?" Raynare said before feeling herself briefly go stock still
"Because I have people that like me a helluva lot more than they like you." Issei said with a wink
"What are you…why the hell can't I move?" Raynare questioned before seeing herself wrapped in bright green chains of arcane energy
"Kalawarner what the fuck are you doing?!" Raynare demanded
"Something I should have done a long time ago, with you and your delusional ass…Hit her now Issei!" Kalawarner shouted as Raynare tried to struggle out of her bonds
"Gotcha, and everyone get back; this is gonna be a big one! Ionic Hurricane!" Shouted Issei as the announcement of Explosion sounded off
From there as he focused the 4 Boosts he accumulated into two separate parts to launch his attack; 3 being into quickening the speed to summon the needed power to utilize the attack and the remaining one to increase the power of it. As he summoned what was true to its name a colossal tornado of high-speed winds, electricity and ionized power that slammed into Raynare faster than she could try to fully break out of her binds and the attack tore open the area that all combatants in the area stood in.
As Kalwarner had to then put barriers around Issei and his compatriots, Rias, Kiba, as well as Mittelt and herself to shield them from the destructive force of Issei's attack that ripped into Raynare as the nearly 11 stories tall hurricane-like mass of wind, lightning and ionic energy tore into the wintry streets below. Sucking in and electrifying anything in sight into it's maw as it bounced and electrocuted Raynare around as it destroyed multiple city blocks in its wake as Raynare struggled to dispel the attack she was caught inside of.
All the while Issei nearly went to a knee as he had Ddraig boost the rate at which he absorbed electricity around him in order to recover his reserves power; knowing that he would need every ounce available to go up against Raynare and quickly put an end to things. Whilst Kalawarner after sensing the attack go a safe enough distance floated everyone down to ground level, and dispelled her barriers allowing for Rias to go over to her deceased servant in Akeno and her wounded and bloodied one in Kiba.
"That bought us some time, but I doubt its gonna be enough to keep her down for long." Issei said as he continued to regain his reserves of power
"So what do we now, Issei?" Aika questioned
"For now, we keep bringing the fight to her. Kalawarner, can you and your friend get Rias's people away from here?" Issei asked as he summoned the unconscious form of Koneko to hand-off to Kalawarner who quickly placed her in a bubble-like barrier
"Don't worry, Issei. We can get these two far, far out of harms' way." Kalawarner replied
"Good…Get somewhere safe like the Acdaemy and hold up there until we finish this." Issei told the spellcasting fallen angel
"Got it, come on Mittelt. Let's get it out of here." Kalawarner said back as she put a bubble-like barrier around Kiba as well
"Good luck, and kick the living shit out of her for me. That cunt is living nightmare." Mittelt told the brunette Conduit who nodded
"Don't worry, we've got this covered, now go!." Issei said before both fallen angels flew off and away
"You should be fully charged once more, Issei." Ddraig told Issei as a burst of smoke appeared from both Gauntlets to signify he was done recharging
"Good…Rias, if you want to join up and help us beat the living hell out of Raynare. You are more than welcome too, otherwise this is going to get really ugly." Issei said to the fuming Rias whose eyes glowed brilliant scarlet in anger
"All I want is to make her pay for what she did to Akeno, and my servants. If you can give me a shot at her, then I will be more than happy to join you." Rias said back struggling to keep her composure in the face of having witnessed Koneko's tortured form, Akeno being torn in half, and Kiba losing both arms
"Trust me, we'll make sure you get your shot in…For now, we need to get this fight going to her." Issei said as he summoned his manhole cover to take flight on
From there the quintet all took off towards Raynare to end this once for all, the act of doing so not being too hard to do when the path of destruction caused by Issei's Ionic Hurricane spanned for nearly 10 city blocks before ending it destructive rampage to leave a trail of ruin in its wake. Wherein they had found Raynare whose clothes were left in tatters, her body pockmarked by a large smattering of electrical burns that marred her once beautiful face with ruinous ones, as well as 3 if not 4 out of her 10 wings being shattered and hanging at awkward angles from the concussive force of the attacks as well as numerous bloody scrapes and bruises across her form.
However, she wouldn't have much time to ruminate on how she was caught by Issei's attack when a blast of P.O.D energy and stream of cursed flames from Aika came barreling towards her, forcing the Cadre-Class fallen angel to summon forth a maul made of light energy in order to try and return the combined attacks to sender. Yet she was forced to also conjure up a tower shield of the same energy as well to prevent a large dire wolf made of compacted snow, ice and cold energy from tearing into her remaining side, as well as the ground began to crack beneath her from the sheer pressure of stalemating both attacks.
That being said she was not exempt from Issei and Freed rushing in like bats out of hell to attack her while was caught in the middle of said attacks, what with Issei coming in to deliver a lightning-fast Superman punch to the liver that nearly brought Raynare to her knees. All before a Haki-infused Saint Punisher struck her in the back causing her to drop concentration on her constructs enough for Aika, Asia, and Rias's attacks to collide in on her as Issei and Freed jumped back as the combination of attacks.
The raucous explosion shook the newly made battleground as Rias came hurtling forward with both of her hands covered in P.O.D energy as Aika slingshotted herself towards Raynare as a comet of cursed flames, but the fallen angel in question re-summoned her light maul and used it to swat away the fiery comet that was Aika to the side. However, she was unable to do the same to Rias as a use of Lightning Hook from Issei to launch a motorcycle he saw in his line of sight at Raynare's head; distracting her long enough for Rias to use her gathered energies to summon forth an armored clawed fist the size of a large pickup truck to uppercut Raynare in the chest.
The accompanying shockwave was so strong that it shook the surrounding buildings in a 40-foot radius to their very foundations, sending Raynare rocketing into the starry night sky wherein Issei began lobbing Artillery Bolts at Raynare like an absolute madman. To which Raynare was able to deflect despite the plethora of them coming after her at the pace of a machine-gun fired, yet these were distractions for Freed to come up behind her and use Sinner's Pincushion to fervently shank her not in the back, but turn her ruined and unruined wings into a bloody mess.
Which the fallen angel in question tried to guard against but the binding of her legs by a blast of ice and cold energy from Asia, and Issei's use of his Restraint Blast to further bind her prevented that as Freed finished his sequence of ferocious stabs with a furious overhand swing that cleaved a bloody gash across her back. However, instead of meeting the ground in her crash landing, multiple Absorption Line tendrils wrapped around her and began to quickly drain her of her strength, as Aika had one hell of a time throwing her into anything she could; be it buildings, concrete or cars it did not matter.
Raynare in her anger of being thrashed about by a fucking monkey of all things used a large portion of the strength she had at her disposal to burst free from her binds, and begin rocketing towards Aika with lethal intentions as a large trident of light formed in her hands that she hucked at Aika. However, Asia was quick to use the surrounding ice and snow in concert with Issei using a Shock Wall to create a barrier to have the projectile bounce off and harmlessly from Aika, yet that was a diversion for her real target in Rias who she came towards with a vengeance.
However, her attempt to kill Rias by beheading her with a light glaive was soundly interrupted by Issei reacting by precious milliseconds to Boost his own speed and reaction time to an explosive degree to catch the blade of the light weapon that was mere centimeters from his eyes. All the while as he used his newfound enhanced speed to drive his fist thriceover into Raynare's skull, breaking her nose like it was made of cheap pottery and turning it into a void of snot, shattered cartilage, and blood; Rias unleashed a beam P.O.D energy at point-blank that sent Raynare hurtling through the December night.
"You ok there, Rias?" Issei asked as he charged up energy for a Smash Rocket
"I will be fine, Issei. But let's finish this." Rias answered back as she concentrated energy
"You heard her guys, let's keep the pressure going!" Issei yelled to his compatriots as Aika slugshot herself after Raynare and Freed flew alongside her
"Pinball Rocket/Annihilation Balista!" Were the simultaneous shouts from Issei and Rias
From Isseih is attack bounced chaotically around the area gathering energy whilst Rias quickly fired off true to her attacks' name a ballista bolt-shaped construct of pure destructive energy, that eventually combined with Issei's Pinball Rocket to create an electrified arrow-like mass of demonic energy that bounced and warbled towards Raynare's descending form. Meanwhile, a bald, naked, and heavily burnt Raynare who was missing chunks of flesh as well as her wings managed to stop herself as she flew frantically back towards the fight in a blind rage; in refusal to let these monkeys and some spoiled brats make mockeries out of her.
Unfortunately, in her rage at being ganged up upon and beaten by such 'lesser' beings did one of her eyes explode in gore and flame as Aika had managed to sneak up behind Raynare and crack one of her fiery tendrils across her face to take out her right eye; causing Raynare to screech in pain from her now missing eye…All before attempting to rocket herself after Aika who quickly swung away and gave a short chase from the fallen angel who attempted to impale her with a barrage of light arrows, that as she swung away deflected with walls of cursed flame to absorb the attacks as she evaded them and led Raynare on a goose chase across the south-end of Kuoh Town.
However, it was in her rage-fuelled chase to kill Aika that she found herself blindsided by Freed using a Saint Punisher to cleave into her right side; the greatly wounded Cadre using the light glaive she had prior conjured to parry the attack from landing cleanly against her, but at the expense of a sizable chunk of her right flank and chunks of her wings being shorn away. Leaving her to crash land to the ground as Freed grabbed her by the face and drug it down the side of a brick wall; grinding away the flesh of her face as they descended downwards; before throwing her towards Asia and Aika; who had turned her hands into her signature ice-claws and Aika her whip-like tendrils.
The bespectacled pervert bounced Raynare against the walls with her tendrils that drained more and more of the Cadre-class fallen angels strength with each crack of her tendrils, before grabbing her by the neck and arms with said tendrils and reeling her towards Asia. The former holy maiden despite her passive/often stoic attitude ripped into Raynare's midsection with all the strength she could to deal great damage to the cruel fallen angel, and as a result tearing her stomach into a bloody mess of frozen flesh that chilled Raynare into her internal organs.
All before rearing her fists behind her for what seemed like a clawed double-punch to her sternum; only to fire both ice claws together as a conjoined fist of ice and permafrost that was twice Raynare's own size that plowed into her with bone-breaking force. Before Freed as soon as she was within his sights sent her further flying with a Judgement Cutter; the blade-shaped mass increasing her skidding across the ground so hard that she was bouncing off the concrete at near subsonic speeds.
However, before she could right herself she found herself crashing into the P.O.D augmented Smash Rocket that smashed into her back with such force that a small-nuke-like explosion had errupted into the December night. The sheer force behind it forced the quintet to take cover as it rocked the area to the point that all those in attendance could feel the vibrations alone in their very bones, as everything within half a kilometer was erased out of existence.
Except for Raynare whose wings had been for a better term deleted out of existence, her heavily burnt back charred down to the bone; her right arm blown away at the shoulder, multiple burns all over her body that went to the soft muscle, the bones in both her lower legs shattered. Her skull sustaining multiple fractures as the vision in her remaining eye made everything a blur as she couldn't even react to Rias and Issei speeding out of nowhere with both fists covered in P.O.D energy and electricity respectively to unleash their own flurry of attacks against her.
The duo unleashed a blistering assault of punches on either side that both electrocuted her with great force to the point you could see her skeleton with each blow, as well as bones being shattered by the power of Rias's own punches while Issei's left bloody brusies on her chest. Both unleashing a double uppercut that sent her into the air, before Aika slammed her into the ground and Freed coming in with immense speed for a slice to disarm her of her remaining arm; before Asia used a blast of ice and cold to pin a barely conscious Raynare to the ground.
The last thing she saw before her consciousness faded was Issei and Rias coming towards her for the finishing blows with Issei landing an electrified punch that caused her kidneys and liver to rupture, and Rias a brutal hook kick to her face that snapped her jaw in half and forced her skull into the ground…What with the daughter of Kokabiel having been forced into a painful unconsciousness or it not near death for the moment, as all those in attendance as Asia froze the sundered mess of ruined flesh over in a nearly 3 meters thick block of ice to make sure no final moments shenanigans could be had; were able to sigh in relief as Raynare was finally defeated.
"Thank you, sweet merciful God, that this is all over…" Issei breathed out in sheer relief of besting Raynare in its totality
"I told your ass we could do it, and we were worried for nothing!" Freed said with a broad as sword grin
"Yeah…Yeah, we did alright…Are you gonna be ok, Rias?" Issei asked as he looked towards the Gremory Princess who was coming off her high of bloodthirst and anger
"I will be ok…However, as much as I would like to join you in your celebrations. I'm afraid that I must go…I have the burial of Akeno to prepare for after all." Rias answered back as the reality that her Queen and longest-time friend had been brutally murdered hit her like a freight train
"Hey, go do what you need to do…If you need someone to talk too, or a shoulder to cry on. I am hear if you need it." Issei offered to Rias who let a small but melancholic smile cross her face
"I appreciate that very much, Issei, and thank you for helping me to at least avenge her." Rias spoke
"No problem...Also, please do not hold it against Kalawarner and Mitelt for doing what they did under Raynare...They were just as much victims in this as I was, and hell they did what they could to help out against her...Without Kalawarner helping me, none of this would have been possible. So I am asking you this, as someone who knows when people deserve a second chance. Give them that much consideration, as I know in my heart of hearts that if they had the option, that they never would have signed on for any of this of their own volition...That much I ask of you, Rias." Issei said to Rias who looked at him with tear-streaked eyes before taking a chilling breath before looking at him as she spread her wings
"And you are this willing to stick your neck out for those 2 fallen angels? Even after they let your home, nearly fall to ruin?" RIas questioned once more her tear-streaked eyes almost burning ruby-red in grief and fresh anger
"I am, because they were forced into circumstances they had no control of. And I know in my heart that they are good people, all they need is the chance for redemption, Rias. Because, unlike Raynare, they did the best they could to make sure my home and your home as well didn't go to hell in a handbasket. That they did the best they could just liike anyone else to make sure that we could have a fighting chance...So I am asking you, as someone who believes in the best in everyone...give them that second chance, as they are worth it, that much I am sure of as someone who was given their own 2nd chance when they didn't deserve it, and look how I turned out so far." Issei answered back with all of the sincerity and genuine kindness he had in his heart knowing that Kalawarner and Mittelt were despite being fallen angels deserving at their shot at a 2nd chance as much as anyone given their circumstances under Raynare
"Because, you speak so highly of them, Issei. I will spare them, but I will not forgive them. Not when I have lost so much tonight, and have much more to deal with. I am both too angry and too tired to deal with anything else, besides getting treatment for my servants." Rias said knowing that if Issei after everything that had happened was willing to vouch for their mercy then she could let them go even though her rage compelled her to do otherwise
"Thank you, Rias, I appreciate it. I just want to make sure that they get their chance to be better. Since its a chance that just about anyone deserves when you get down too it." Issei spoke thankful that the lives of the fallen angels were spared
"You are welcome. But know that if they do anything of this caliber again, that I will obliterate them on sight...For now, I have other issues to attend to, so farewell for now." Was Rias's almost robotic response before flying away
"So what the hell do we do with a literal frozen angel popsicle?" Aika wondered
"Keep it in storage and talk to Kalawarner about what to do from there…Other than that, I'm gonna go home and take a hard sleep. Because holy hell was this a night." Issei spoke as he felt more tired than ever
'But at least I got my getback against my crazy ex-girlfriend. Thank the big man upstairs for carrying us through…You sure are an awesome God for that.' Were Issei's thoughts as the now quartet took this time to rest and drink in the glory of their victory
(Several Hours later, Vatican, Rome, 12:01 Pm, December 22nd, 2018)
Meanwhile, over in Rome; Vasco was currently having brunch with his daughter and fellow exorcist Miki about their impending visit to see Issei, as well as the time to finally tell Issei of his father…or rather the truth of his actual father and potentially having him join as an exorcist.
"I can't believe we're having this talk…Honestly, I never thought we would be discussing either of these things for another couple of years." Miki said as she drank the last of her bourbon in one gulp
"To be fair, this was going to happen whether we wanted it too or not. Issei is a fine young man, but even still he deserves to know the truth of what we do for a living. As well as have the choice to take himself to higher places if he so desires." Vasco said back as he began cutting into the last stack of pancakes
"Besides, Miki. Give the boy some credit, he has a stronger heart and will than you give him credit for." Vasco added knowing his grandson like himself was made of sterner stuff
"Dad, I am not trying to count Issei out of anything. If anything I'm trying to not put a target on my son and your grandchilds' back. That is the last thing that I want to do." Miki spoke whilst munch on some blood sausage
"I'm pretty sure that ship sailed a long time ago. After all considering that he comes from our blood, that man in New Marais you had him by, on top of what more he is further capable of. He has had a target painted on his back since the day he was born…We have done everything we can to keep him away from the spotlight of what we deal with on a daily basis. However, he is turning into a young man, and because of that he has to be ready for what's ahead of him." Vasco told his daughter
For the Violence of Heaven knew that as Issei went further and further into life and graduated from adolescence into adulthood in the years to come, that with the the power his lineages provided for him as well as his relation to himself and his daughter; that Issei whether they liked it or not was marked from birth to be apart of their world.
"...I hate it when you're right, dad, I really do...I really wish I could get one on you for once." Miki said back knowing that no matter what she wanted to argue that her father was right
"I do not like it either. Yet the truth that I speak is irrefutable, and as such we must tell him the truth and offer him the option of whether he wants to become an Exorcist or not." Vasco said to his daughter
"And what if he refuses to become like us? What do we do then?" Miki questioned
"If that is the case, then we at the very least offer him the training, and the tools to grow strong enough to better handle the threats of the world at large. This way even if he cannot join us in our crusade against the evils of this world, then he is at least capable of defending himself from whatever may come." Vasco answered back as to where they would go from there should Issei refuse
"That, I am glad for…Although, it is going to be really weird to explain to Issei what we do for a living…It was a lot easier when I told him, I travel overseas to do deals for a Fortune 500 company. Not as one of the world's strongest exorcists." Miki said as she and her father continued to eat their meals
"To be fair you have more than earned your strength and reputation as one of the Lords' strongest soldiers. To this day, I still hear Lord Uriel and Lady Gabriel asking me if you've changed your mind about becoming a Brave Saint." Vasco replied regarding his daughters' strength
"And it is and will continue to be the same answer I gave them when they first asked…Its not going to happen, I care too much about you and my little boy, to ditch that and become an angel." Miki said as she at the last forkful of her sausages
"Don't get me wrong, I'm still honored that they think that highly of me. But with how much I am your daughter, I'd give it a year or two before I'd fall…I did inherit your wrath and capacity for violence after all." Miki further spoke knowing that she had too much of her father in her to consider transitioning into becoming a Brave Saint
"That is something I am glad you are able to recognize in yourself, Miki. Too many have jumped at the chance to become a Brave Saint without recognizing in themselves, how strong their vices are and how much they can be corrupted by them as a angel under the archangels…Becoming an angel isn't a simple end all be all too the vices we have within us all." Vasco replied having seen many a Exorcist turned Brave Saint fall from Grace because they did not have the previous mental nor emotional fortitude to control their vices and emotions upon becoming angels
"Exactly! Heck, I'm in my 40's going on 50 pretty soon and I still have anger issues to this day…They aren't as bad as they used to be, but they're there." Miki said back in full acknowledgement of her anger issues
"That is why we have around-the-clock anger-management, and counseling provided. It would not do us well to have our soldiers flying off the handle, because we did not given the resources needed to temper their anger and other…less than positive thoughts and feelings." Vasco spoke knowing it was a good idea when he pushed for having such things implemented
"And I appreciate it a whole heck of a lot, pops. Otherwise, I would've punched a hole through those dickheads that exiled that poor Argento girl…How was she supposed to know that healing a Devil wasn't allowed? If anything she was doing her diligence as a God-fearing Christian, to help those in need. So I can't really blame her for doing the right thing." Miki replied still seethingly pissed that the Argento girl got shafted like that for healing someone no matter who they were
"...I share your feeling too at the injustice dealt to her. However, with it being an order from on high; there was not much we could do about it." Vasco said back in disgust
"It is honestly one of the many reasons why I am glad I retired. The sickening gall of them trying to save face, still makes me want to vomit." Vasco added having despised his factions' excommunication of Asia to 'save face' as it were
"All I know is that if I ever see that poor girl, I'm giving her something for her troubles. Since she deserves it for getting the raw end of things like that." Miki spoke as her heart as both a person and mother broke for Asia in general
"I will give her my regards if I see her in person as well…But that being said, and to shift the topic to less anger-inducing subjects. Do you have Issei's Christmas present ready?" Vasco asked his daughter
"Don't worry, I remembered to get him something this time around…I still think its bogus that they pulled me away from being with him on Christmas last year. They could have had anyone else handle that Evil Dragon problem, but Nooooooo, they had to bother me when I requested it off." Miki answered back in irritation of how her holiday had gotten shafted
"In their defense, Miki. It was a spawn of Grendel terrorizing one of our convents, and an especially powerful one at that…So considering you were the closest one there, I cannot exactly blame them for calling you in." Vasco replied
" Yes, but they could have waited before I was about to board my flight to Kuoh…First-class tickets, and especially round-trip ones aren't cheap." Miki said back still sore about the whole debacle to this day
"On the plus side, you saved many lives as well that day. So it was not a complete loss." Vasco spoke trying to cheer his daughter up
"Yeeeaaaahhh, and the party those people threw was pretty great…Still, I just hope that I won't have to deal with any of that again. Considering that, since Issei is finally old enough. I have to tell him about his birth father as well…Something I was really hoping I could get around this year." Miki replied with a heavy sigh
"Like it or not, Miki. You NEED to tell him now rather than later. The issue will only grow uglier, the longer you choose to delay it. So it is better to get this out of the way now, rather than later." Vasco told his daughter knowing that issues such as these needed to be handled and handled with care
"Doesn't mean I don't like it any less." Was Miki's response
"Regardless, he deserves to know the truth. It is the least deserves." Vasco said to his daughter
"I know…Anyways, I'm gonna go and finish packing for our flight tomorrow. Thanks for taking me out to brunch, dad. I really appreciate it." Miki said back to her father
"It isn't a problem at all. Besides, what kind of father would I be if I didn't treat my daughter to a nice meal every now and again." Vasco spoke with a warm fatherly smile
"Now get going, Miki. The last thing we need is to have to rush to the airport, because you forgot to pack correctly this time." Vasco further spoke as the two exorcists began to pay for their meals
Once they did so; the two shared a small but nonetheless loving hug between each other as they departed on their ways for their trip to Kuoh Town, but as they left the one thing on Miki and Vasco's minds was how Issei would not only take the news of them being exorcists, but incredibly powerful and renowned exorcists as well. But also how Issei would take news of whom his true father was and whom he was before that tragic day in New Marais where his life was so unfortunately snuffed out, as they walked through the streets of Italy to prepare for their impending flight.
'Issei my boy/my son, I hope you understand and be ready for what I have to tell you.' These were the thoughts of Vasco and Miki as they continued on their ways
And so with the threat of the fallen angels having been averted at long last, regarding Raynare's would-have-been conquest of Kuoh Town; the town of our Red Dragon Emperor remains safe for another day, but not without cost, as now Vasco and Issei's mother head to Kuoh as well to inform the young Conduit both of the truth in who they are, and of Issei's father. How will everything proceed from hereon in the wake of Rias now having to mourn the death of one of her most trusted servants? Find out in the all new episodes of, The INFamous Dragon Emperor!
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
Skull Flame: Yup, Vasco was a Nazi Hunter back in the day as he had to do something in the interim after WW2, and turns out he was a pretty damn good one at that. Also, I'm glad you liked the scenes with Rias and Issei considering that if it wasn't for Issei meeting her halfway in getting to know her then his play of getting Rias would not have worked whatsoever; given that it was only from his making that effort and out of genuine kindness that Kalawarner and Mittelt are getting spared; otherwise they would have gotten atomized on the spot plain and simple. Also, as you can see with Koneko and now Akeno; Raynare decided that if she's gonna go down swinging then she's gonna make sure that she's gonna hurt Rias regardless of whether she wins or loses, as she is that level of spiteful! Also, yeah the majority of the students and especially the Kendo Club were jumping for joy over it, and as such you can't really blame Matsuda for saying 'fuck this shit, I'm out' when their practically ready to throw a party over it! Lastly, Marcinda is going headhunting considering that Kokabiel trained her to basically be his sides equivalent to Sirzechs with the combination of heer fallen angel powers and Conduit abilties...so yeah Kokabiel has a Heavy-Hitter on his side with her, and oh boy is she gonna be a Lvl 99 Menace with what I have planned!
Obsidian Nova Arc: Most of the time she's pretty accurate its just that at this point; Aika says 'screw it we gotta get this shit done and quick' in regards to her speedrunning her kills like that. And speaking of Khaos Brigade, they'll get involved in the story earlier than normal thanks to things getting shaken up so much.
WarThorn: Don't worry, I plan on giving The Amp when Issei gets it a suitable upgrade to bring it up to snuff; that way it'll combine its O.G look with my love of fantasy weapons especially axes and warhammers; which in my opinion are heavily underrated.
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we close out the Fallen Angel arc, as oh boy did we end off on a rather I wanna say intense note for this one, but as I told y'all things were gonna change like nobodies business for my version of the Fallen Angel arc. That being said I hope you all enjoyed what went on here, and appreciate your guys's continued support as every favorite, follow, and review on what you like and what more you want to see helps the story immensely, as now we enter into 10 solid chapters of the story. And as such am so excited to share more of what I have cooking for what's to come.
That being said, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, what with next time being Vasco, Miki and even Irina coming to Kuoh Town and some of the events to come of that. So stay tuned for the next episode in the books.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: Defend/Avenge by Anthrax