(Chapter 3: Commissions and Holy Men Incoming)
It would be quite a bit later into the month of October as Issei alongside with help with Aika were continuing to train with the formers' electrical powers which yielded varying degrees of success. All the while both were continuing to balance things on their respective passions with Issei for his art and animation, and Aika for her music which was proving to be a challenge for the creation of her Yugioh-based concept album, but one that was more than welcome as an escape from their school lives and the pure suck that came with it.
(Hyoudou Residence, Kuoh Town, 3:58 Pm, October 25th, 2018)
It was a cloudy Thursday afternoon as Issei was working on editing his newest video for his animation channel when he suddenly got a request for a Skype call from one of his frequent clients over the years.
"Hey, Riser. How've you been lately? It has been a bit of a hot minute since we last talked" Issei asked as the blonde appeared on the screen
"I have been doing rather well. Granted I have been having a few issues with my family forcing me into this arranged marriage. But otherwise, everything is great as always." Riser answered back
"That sucks, man…Honestly, I don't know why they're roping you into this when you're a grown-ass man. I mean seriously, your what... 25 going on 26 and you're getting married off to a girl my age?... Even I know that is absolutely fucked." Issei spoke with pure disgust over the situation
"Trust me, I am not a fan of it either and neither is my 'fiance'. However, both of our parents insist upon it despite both of us wanting otherwise…Why they insist on doing this when it's clear that this is a timebomb waiting to happen I will never know." Riser replied with his head in his hands over the dilemma at hand
"Especially, when I'm the villain for trying to make the most out of a bad situation...Honestly, I can't even blame her when I'm practically presented as the guy who is taking away her freedom to be who she wants to...I know that I would be the same way, if I were in her shoes and had my entire life ahead of me; only to have it put on hold for an arranged marriage." Riser added in hatred of being made the bad guy for persisting they at least 'try' to get along
"I cannot stress the pure amount of suck that is your situation. Have you tried anything to get out of it at least, since you're a whole grown-up and I'd think that with wherever you are. That they should have laws for this kind of thing." Issei replied
"You would think so, but with how bad both sides want this. It's a matter of I either do this or I get outright disinherited and kicked out of my family…So as much as I want to try and get out of it somehow, I can't without losing so much more." Riser spoke knowing that he was stuck in a rock in a hard place
With it being no matter how Riser sliced it, that any which way that he tried to get out of it by his own means would wind up with his parents disinheriting him and the threat of banishment from their household on the spot for not following through on their plans to unite their house with House Gremory…So as much as Riser hated it he was forced to go along with it or suffer the consequences of his parents' raptorial demands regarding his arranged marriage to Rias…something they made clear repeatedly to the young man in private.
"Well, I'm sorry about your circumstances though…Since things are going really shitty for you lately, I'm letting you have this one on the house." Issei told the Phenex in question
"Issei, you don't have to do that. I would prefer it is you let me pay you as per our normal agreement." Riser replied not wanting Issei to do something like this out of pity/charity
"Dude, you seem like your going through the ringer enough as is…Minus the whole having a harem of super-hot babes with you. Between this, your alwys getting compared to your brothers all the time, and having to work in that diplomacy corps from wherever you're at. I'd say you deserve something nice done for you." Issei said back going with his gut feeling to do this one of his more high-paying clients
"...How about a compromise then, I will buy it from you for half price since you are feeling so charitable today." Riser suggested to the brunette
"Alright, fine. But if there's anything I can do to help you out, then let me know…Since between you and one of my other clients I do for commissions, your one of the rare few that I like." Issei said to the blonde Devil in accepting the compromise
"Likewise with you…Hmmph, to be honest with you. I am still surprised you haven't gone full-time with your artwork. With how high-quality they are you could make a small fortune if you did." Riser replied
"It is funny that you mention it. Since as of next year once I get everything squared away, I plan on moving to Kyoto to set up shop to do everything I do full-time." Issei informed Riser
"Really? Then congratulations to you." Riser responded
"Thanks, and on a side note, with how everything has been going for me since things took off in April. I've also taken up commissions for cosplay outfits if any of your friends or co-workers are interested?" Issei said to Riser who looked surprised at this
"On top of everything else you already do? You make costumes as well?" Riser questioned as Issei nodded proudly
"Mmmhmmm. I've been doing it for a long time actually. It started out as learning how to sew up my clothes since I didn't want to buy school uniforms when I could make my own custom ones. Then after I learned I'm blessed with sewing and costume making, just like I am with artwork and animation. I figured why not start making cosplay outfits for money." Issei answered back as he went to his storage closet to pull out one he'd recently finished working on
"Here's one for a Sinestro Corps Power Rangers outfit I made for another one of them. It took me staying up over the whole weekend to finish all the little details on it. But, I'm happy that everything turned out great!" Issei added as he showed off what looked like a cross between a Sinestro Corps outfit if it were made into a futuristic Power Rangers outfit
"...That is incredibly well made, and you did this all in a single weekend?" Riser asked almost stunned with the level of detail that went into it
"Well, a solid week to week and a half. Since when you have a ton of 5-hour energies and Monster to keep you up till dawn. Then you be surprised what you can accomplish when your motivated…Granted I bombed an algebra quiz because of it, but it was totally worth it." Issei answered back at the amount of caffiene he semi-regularly downed to get a commission completed when needed
"You certainly have a…'God-given' talent that's for sure. Honestly, it is impressive that you are able to juggle everything alongside your school life." Riser remarked
"Who said I'm juggling anything? Oh no, I'm probably fucked with how much I've been neglecting my studies in order to hard focus on everything. But I'm not complaining since, I'd rather put all my energy into this than being in a dusty ol' classroom." Issei said back
"Plus, I'd rather be putting my focus onto this and make money off doing what I like. Than stay in a place where I'm considered worse than the dog-crap on someone's shoes." Issei added
Since as far as the lightning-manipulating brunette was concerned, why would he spend time or give energy to anything that he wasn't invested in, when he could devote his energies towards something that he got a absolute joy from and could make money from to boot.
"I can't say I blame you. But that being said, I have to get going. I have to prepare to help my boss with an upcoming meeting next week." Riser told Issei as he noticed the time
'Then again it isn't as though I can tell him that I'm helping Lady Serafall in regards to a meeting with the Norse…At the very least I will get to see how stunning those valkyries are.' Riser said with a lecherous grin that Issei recognized all too well
"I think I'll let you go, since as a fellow man of 'culture', I recognize a smile like that anywhere. So good luck at this meeting and hope you score a babe that's stacked like a brick house." Issei replied as Riser's smile widened
"Don't worry, I will do my best. After all, I am a magnificent bastard as they say." Riser said back
"Also, another thing before I go…If you would like, i can have one of my servants come to your house in order to assist you with your cosplay-making operations. After all, with how much high-quality work you provide for me both with the fantastic posters you have made for me and some of my other servants who are otaku's themselves as you would say….Alongside some of the more…cultured pieces you have done for me. Then I feel that the least I could do is pay it forward and help you out." Riser offered to Issei
"Hmmm, I'll think about it and get back to you on that in a couple weeks...That sound fair to you?" Issei said back
"That is more than reasonable, given that this is something you can't agree to so readily." Riser replied more than understanding that Issei would need time to thank about the offer
"Thanks man, I appreciate it. Anyways, I'll see you later and good luck with everything." Issei said back
"You too, Issei. Also I will have Isabela pick up the commissioned piece tomorrow; if that is fine?" Riser told Issei regarding his Rook picking up the finished art piece
"Sure, I don't see why not. Have her stop by at 4:30 tomorrow, and I'll have everything good to go." Issei said to the blonde Devil
"Excellent, now goodbye." Riser said as he hung up the call
"...Now that I'm all caught up on commissions for the week, I can finally relax for a change...and I think I know just what to relax to" Issei said to himself as he flipped on the T.V in his room to watch some Looney Tunes and chill for the rest of the day
(2 days later, October 27th, 2018, Nara, Japan, 8:40 Pm)
Meanwhile, Asia and Freed were fending off Diodora's servants that had tried to kidnap the former and deliver her to their master, but the combination of Asia instinctively freezing one into a block of ice saved her in the nick of time.
"Well, look at it this way, Asia. We're about another week or so out from Kuoh, so that's a fucking plus." Freed spoke as he used Clarent to deflect a blast of demonic energy from one of Diodora's Bishops
"Yes, but on the otherhand we are having to deal with Diodora's slaves trying to capture me…This is going to be a long night." Asia replied wearily as her ice barriers continued to tank the assault
"Not really, Asia. Remember the part about us both being strong as shit? This is gonna be fucking light-work!" Freed reminded Asia
"Fair point…Glacial Tempest!" Asia replied before channeling cold energy and frigid winds between her palms
All before in the time it took to snap one's fingers, did a widespread cone of arctic winds and bone-freezing cold race towards the Devils' in question; as Diodora's knights, bishop, and Queen managed to evade the frigid attack albeit barely. However, the sole Rook and two pawns were caught in the midst of it were unable to withstand the bitter chill of the attack, and as a result were frozen so solidly that the moment they crashed to the ground they shattered into frozen chunks of flesh.
Yet as the servants of Diodora tried to regroup, Asia and Freed launched into the air with the latter using the power of Clarent to conjure forth wings of azure colored holy energy to fly with and Asia's frozen half a swirling gale of frost and high-speed winds that propelled her into air. What with Asia throwing out her hands and out of them large chunks of hail came racing out in a shotgun-like spray that while the Knights were able to evade due to their great speed, and Diodora's Queen teleporting out of the way; the Bishop wasn't so lucky as they impacted her with bone-cracking force one after the other.
However, before Diodora's Queen could try to assist Freed used Clarent to slice off her arm in a wickedly fast overhand chop, the holy sword cutting clean through flesh and bone as though it were made of rotting wood before a chainsaw, as the limb severed at the mid-bicep clattered to the streets below. The Knights tried to intercede on behalf of their leader who was met with Clarent being used like a baseball bat and being used to crush her ribs and send her into the streets below with such force that it caused the roof of a building to implode.
They were met with Asia rocketing towards them with a grizzly bear-shaped mass of ice and snow that was charging after them with nothing but lethal intent to maul and chill them into mangled frigid corpses; causing them to take evasive actions against the semi-sentient construct of bitter cold. All the while Asia then turned her attention to the still recovering Bishop who had to deal with using shields made of demonic power to fend off Freed's dogged pressure of aggressive overhand slashes and bisecting cleaves that shattered the shields one after the other, and left deep slashes that carved through bone and muscle on contact.
…So in wanting to end things quickly, Asia turned her hands into meter-long claws made of chillingly cold ice and rushed towards the struggling Bishop with such speeds that even the Knights would've been green with envy. All before impaling her through the back as she was busy blocking a strike that would've impaled her through the liver, as what blood she would've coughed out was flash frozen in her mouth as she turned to look towards Asia…who unfortunately wouldn't be able to say a dying word as Freed quickly beheaded her in an instant.
"You know fucking I had her, Asia?" Freed told the cryokinetic nun
"I know, Father Freed. But by that same token, you do have tendencies to play with your opponents from time to time…The very last thing we need is to let these Devils gain any ground against us, when we could dispatch of them as quickly as possible." Asia said as she quickly froze the Devil into a frigid statue that was non-plussedly dispatched off to the wayside
"You never let me have any fun." Freed sulked in response
"To be fair, I do let you enjoy yourself from time to time. It is just that when it is someone who wishes to capture me for their own ends. I take the matter very seriously." Asia replied as she raised a hand to conjure forth a mass of ice and frost to block a barrage of demonic energy bullets
"Fair. Anyways, let's deal with Queen bitch and take care of those other two idiots next. I'm getting really tired of her doing a bootleg Vegeta impression." Freed spoke back knowing that Asia's ice-construct was more of a distraction than anything else from the power put behind it
"Agreed." Asia replied as she snapped her clawed fingers
From there the ice wall then turned into a wolf's head the size of a large minivan and raced towards Diodora's Queen who summoned a large magical circle to fire off a torrent of demonic flames against the surging construct of bitter cold…Which worked in decreasing its size at an ever-gradual rate as it raced towards her like a honey badger on crack… unfortunately it wasn't enough to fully dissipate it as the construct managed to tear and bite into her with it's frigid fangs sinking into her midsection; the sound of flesh tearing and subsequently freezing heard through the October night.
The Queen in question tried to scramble and melt her way out of the construct with her good hand, yet her remaining limb was severed once Asia fired a large spiral-shaped icicle to drill through it and sever it at the elbow; leaving only a frigid stump of bloody red in its place. Yet Freed wasn't far behind as coming from below the former exorcist used Clarent to slice through her in a flash of azure; staining himself in slush-like crimson and gore as the twin halves of said Devil soon fell to the ground in a half-frozen heap.
However, both Conduit and former Exorcist looked onwards to see that Diodora's remaining Knights had soon defeated the bear construct granted their attires were torn to ribbons with slash and bite marks from the construct's attacks; but nonetheless had their weapons raised and ready to take them down and bring Asia to their master no matter the cost…So without further delay both Freed and Asia raced towards them with great speed, wasting no time as streaks of frigid wind and azure dotted the sky as Diodora's knights raced towards them in equal swiftness.
However, Asia instead of engaging the glaive-wielding knight of Diodora in close quarters as anticipated had instead thrust her clawed hands out in a sort of dive-tackle and allowed them to rapidly enlarge and encase her opponent of to her neck in a thick 2 thick block of ice. Causing the Devil in question to rapidly plummet to the ground below unable to move thanks to the thick amounts of ice and permafrost that covered their body, allowing Asia to focus on Freed who was going to town against the battleaxe-wielding maiden before him.
Said battleaxe wielding Knight was finding themselves on the backfoot against Freed who was attacking like a human wheat-thresher with his 2-handed falchion of a holy sword that in tandem with his highly-aggressive sequences and battering-ram counter-strikes that flayed the flesh off her arms and stomach; had her on the unwilling backfoot. Seeing as how all in under a solid minute he had turned her into a bloody mess of sliced and caustically burnt flesh from her paultry defenses being ran roughshod, of his nonstop barrages of slashes and overhand attacks.
Evident when a parried strike from her battleaxe had Freed swiftly carve into her with a horizontal swing of his blade from collarbone to kidney, as she coughed a heavy gout of blood from the attack that had her vision go dark for a few scant moments. Yet it was all the time needed for Asia to fly towards her like some wintry phantasm and with an almost gentle touch of her hands resting upon her temples, Asia channeled her powers to course through and into her target for as painful an end to this massaacre of a charade as possible.
Which had their body become flash frozen and so covered in permafrost and ice that by the time she opened her mouth to scream she was frozen down to her very bone marrow…before Freed took this as a chance to swing Clarent with such force that she was shattered into dozens of chunks of frozen flesh. From there they descended down towards the location of the last of Diodora's servants…something that didn't take too long given that they were in clerical clothes with their body and weapon frozen up to their clavicle in ice.
"Thanks for the assist, Asia." Freed spoke as Asia turned her frost-covered hands to normal
"Not a problem at all, Father Freed. Now could you please…and nevermind." Asia requested before Freed already was at work hacking their face into pieces
"Oh shit…were you going to keep them alive for info? My bad, if you were. I figured we were going with the whole take no prisoners type energy." Freed asked realizing that once more he'd jumped the gun
"No, it is quite alright. Besides, I doubt she would have told us anything given how most Devils are devoted to their masters. Especially those under Diodora's thumb as we have come to find out firsthand." Asia said with regret etched in her voice
"It is still a pity that we cannot save them, as I would like to hope that one of them would be willing to join against that monster...At least we could send them to the Lord on high to rest from their horrible service to that man." Asia added
"Asia, that man brainwashes, violates, and does who knows what to those poor girls. So much that they'd suck his fucking cock and toss that fuckers' shitty salad in half a second if they asked him to…So as much as I'd like to hold out hope that their would be one that would help us out. I really doubt there are any in his 'collection' that he keeps." Freed told Asia knowing from his research into Devils and their society especially from his 'contact' in the Underworld that Diodora was one hell of a sick fuck
"I know, I just can't help but hold hope in my heart…That maybe just maybe there is still a chance at helping them return to our faith and receive proper help." Asia said with a solemn yet sorrowful look from having to keep killing so many since being excommunicated
"Asia, you and I both know that the chances of that happening; are as good as you getting a full apology from the clergy." Freed said as he withdrew his bloodied holy sword from the deceased Devils' caved in face
"So the best we can do now is buck up and keep moving forward. Otherwise, we're fucked so many ways to the Sabbath that it isn't even funny…So let's do ourselves a favor, head back to the motel, clean up and get so shut eye for the night, alright." Freed further spoke as he put a comforting hand on Asia's shoulder
"Ok, Father. I'd very much appreciate that." Asia said as she walked away with the taller exorcist before both took to the skies
'Dear Lord, please let this bloodshed stop one day. I don't know how much longer my heart can bear having to kill for my own survival. In your name, I pray, amen.' Asia silently prayed to herself as she and Freed flew back to the motel they were staying at
(Hyoudou Household, Kuoh Town, The next evening later, 6:30 Pm, October 29th, 2018)
Meanwhile, it would be the next evening later as Issei was finishing making his dinner for the night when he heard the doorbell ring and went to answer it to see one of his favored clients there standing at the front door with his trademark cocksure grin on his face.
"I'm not too late for picking up my costume am I?" Said the young mans' voice as he met Issei with an equally happy smile
"Of course, not. I've had it ready for you all week…by the way, apologies in advance if I smell like food. I just finished cooking dinner for today." Issei told him as he welcomed the young man inside
"That being said, and lucky for you, I made enough to share if you're hungry. I just need to plate it and we'll be good to go if you have the time to stay." Issei further told his silver-haired visitor
"...Screw it, I have the time. Besides, the old man can wait a couple more hours before I head back." The young man spoke as he continued to enter into Issei's house
"Great to hear, Vali. I'll get the plates ready and we can get eating." Issei told the White Dragon Emperor
From there Issei and Vali were devouring their meals of ribeye steaks, hash-browns, spinach, and sweet potatoes, all the while talking over things from comics, new movies coming out, and Vali's gushing over new M.M.A fights that were coming out later on next month. Something that while Issei wasn't a fighting aficionado as his silver-haired client/friend was, he had to admit that through osmosis that he'd gained an interest in combat sports that had overtime started to bleed its way into some of his animation videos and artwork.
"Thanks again for getting this done on short notice…I would have ordered it much faster, but something came up at work and it slipped my mind until the last minute." Vali said to the superpowered brunette
"Hey, it is all good man. I understand that your job is pretty hectic from what you've told me. So I can sort of put two and two together that whatever you were up to was pretty intense." Issei replied knowing a pretty good general idea of what Vali did for a living
"Besides, you came here as soon as you did for your order. So it's water under the bridge, my guy." Issei added in seeing this as all good in his book
"I appreciate the understanding. With everything going on, I really will be glad when I finally can go to this convention in a few weeks time that I have been planning for…As much as I love what I do, I will be glad to have some time to myself." Vali replied
"Good for you, and if you don't mind my asking. Where are you gonna for that con, after this?" Issei questioned
"To one that's called the Louisville Supercon, in the States. Apparently, the guest list is supposed to be incredibly stacked this year, and I am not going to miss it for the world…Even moreso when my hero the original Green Ranger is going to be there." Vali said with barely contained excitement over meeting one of his childhood heroes
"Well, I hope you get to meet 'em in person while you're there. Since I've seen some interviews of him online, and he's a pretty cool guy." Issei said back regarding the legendary Power Ranger in question
"I hope so, as watching him when I was a kid was one of the few bright spots I had growing up." Vali spoke with a rare nostalgia in his voice
Given that with his harsh upbringing under his envious father and malevolent grandfather, that the one of the only good things he had to look forward to was when his mother would show him VHS tapes of Power Rangers and other action-based cartoons. As such in watching these and seeing the original recipe Green Ranger go through his journey as one of the best there was in his opinon and someone who he respected in fiction as a formidable warrior, that Vali idolized the man and as such sought to gain strength so that he could one day be as legendary as the fictional hero.
"In fact, you could say that he is a large part of what I do and what I strive to be...The legacy as well as the character he has played, are nothing if not inspiring." Vali added in idolizing said Power Ranger from the time he was a little boy till now
"Considering how much you love that and anything DC comics related. I can't say I blame you, well that and the guy is one of the greatest Power Rangers of all time." Issei said back
"I would say he is the greatest Power Ranger of all time, his legacy is something that you cannot understate. As I dare you to name anyone that is better than if not his equal?" Vali dared the brunette artist
"Alright, I got one, and while he isn't as much of a god-tier legend. I'd say that he's up there as one of the people that comes the closest to being his equal." Issei spoke
"I'll bite, who is your pick for being Tommy Oliver's equal then?" Vali asked
"That would be the man himself, Wes Collins. Since you cannot tell me that him going from some airheaded rich kid, to a badass Red Ranger wasn't awesome as hell. I mean by the end of the series, we saw him do one of the most epic team-ups with the Quantum Ranger that kicked so much ass! So other than Carter Grayson who is one of the few Rangers that is just a MAYUN, in general then Wes Collins is in my top picks for best rangers." Issei answered back in regards to the Time Force Ranger being one of his absolute favorites
"As much as I would like to argue about him being an equal to the greatest of all time. I honestly can't, when I think about it…Seeing him go through that level of growth and become an admirable warrior, and co-leader is something incredible and as such can't refute his being on equal footing with him." Vali spoke in agreement with the brunette
"Glad you see it that way, Vali." Issei said back
"...Also, one other thing I want to ask you, and this may be a bit forward to ask you…But what exactly is it that you do for a living?" Issei inquired
"What brought this on, Issei?" Vali asked as he finished his plate of food alongside Issei
"I dunno really, its just that it's one of those things I've been wondering for awhile now. So I figured it couldn't hurt to ask, since you are one of my favorite clients to do pieces for…and to be honest one of the only ones that I like enough to call a friend." Issei answered back having wondered for awhile what Vali's profession was
"It's sort of hard to explain, Issei. Especially, since it isn't one of those things I can do when there are 'prying eyes' around. So as much as I would like to tell you what I do for a living, it isn't something I can do so easily…Even if we are in the privacy of your home." Vali told Issei
'Besides, the last thing I need is letting the Satan's disgustingly weak sisters' meddling where they shouldn't. I'd rather not have the one person I respect enough to call my friend, be roped into their petty machinations.' Vali said to himself hating it if Issei allowed himself to become subservient to someone that weak
"...Fair point, and I won't pry about your personal business if you don't want me too. I just figured that I'd ask is all, since as long as we've known each other over the past 2 years; since I've started my artwork hussle. I've never gotten the chance to know more about you…Just figured it couldn't hurt to know more about a friend is all." Issei said to Vali who let out a solemn exhale
"It's' fine. But if we ever do meet up outside of this dump you call a town…no offense. Then I will not mind telling you more of what I do…It is just that at the moment I can't for safety reasons." Vali replied
"Like I said, I won't pry any further if you don't want me to." Issei said back in knowing when and went not too respect someone's privacy
"Thank you, anyways I should get going. I still have a decent amount of preparing to do for next month." Vali told the superpowered brunette
"Alright, well, I'll catch you later then. Plus, don't be a stranger to call me if you need any last-minute adjustments to your outfit." Issei replied as Vali rose from his seat and began to carefully pack up his costume into his backpack
"I will be sure to do that, but until then farewell, Issei." Vali said back as he soon enough zipped his pack and left Issei's abode
So whilst Issei would from then on proceed to clean up after the dinner he made for himself and Vali, the latter of the two was headed back to Grigori HQ via the wings of his Divine Dividing, with a content smile upon his face.
"...So, I take it you were able to sense the astounding amount of power that is lurking within him?" Albion's voice asked his partner as they continued their flight
"Of course I did, Albion. You have to be either a fool or a blind man not to notice the incredible amount of power within Issei." Vali answered back
"Indeed, and on top of that, I also felt the presence of Ddraig within him…He may lie dormant within the boy, but there is no mistaking that he is this generations' Red Dragon Emperor." Albion spoke knowing the traces of his archrivals' power no matter how far buried it was
"Which begs the question of what you are going to do going forwards? Given that, even you with your Haki was able to sense him as a wielder of the Boosted Gear from a mile away, despite it being suppressed within him." Albion added knowing full well Vali could sense the dormant power of his arch-rival within the Conduit from miles away if he wanted too
"For the time being, I'm not going to do anything." Was Vali's only answer
"Really?! I had thought that you would have been all over the prospect of being able to fight your rival." Albion responded
"Understand that while I am ecstatic to know that my rival is also, one of the few people I truly call a friend. I also want him to be at peak power and efficiency the day that I do decide to fight against him. Therefore, I have decided to wait until he has not only grown more powerful, but until he has also awakened his Balance Breaker as well. That way I can have a challenge worthy of my time and title as the strongest White Dragon Emperor." Vali informed the Vanishing Dragon of his decision regarding his choice to fight Issei
"While I am confident in your battle prowess, mastery in Haki and over the Divine Dividing. I would also be liable to say that your friend could potentially surpass you in strength." Albion spoke knowing the possible potential could prove to be greater if not equal to Vali
"...And that is what makes it so exciting. The thought of the one person that I respect growing as strong if not stronger than me as my long-awaited rival…Now that enough plenty to give me chills and excitement rushing down my spine." Vali replied with nothing but sheer excitement rushing through his body
"Very well, then. But don't say I didn't warn you when he gives you more than you bargained for." Albion told Vali as he continued his flight
"Believe me, Albion. I'm counting on it!" Was Vali's excited reply as he continued to fly
Yet it was by that same token as Issei was finishing clean-up that he felt something in him start to burn, which at first he thought was the dishwater being too hot as he began to rinse off the last few pots and pans he used. However, it was too his surprise as he lifted his hands out of the water was the fact that they now had nearly 4 inch claws from his now beet-red hands, as he felt like something akin to flames was burning in his chest…a burning that hadn't stopped since Vali arrived and only intensified since he left.
However, as he was about to file his newly clawed hands down with a metallic nail file that he grabbed via using Lightning Hook to do so, he soon heard deep thundering voice within his head that seemed to come from all around him.
"Ummm, either I put to much Cayenne pepper in my steak, or I'm tripping balls right now." Issei said feeling non-plussed about hearing a random voice in his head
"It is neither of those things, Issei Hyoudou. In fact, I have been meaning to talk to you since your revival at the hands of the black-winged wench that murdered you a month ago…It is only after your meeting with the one that you call Vali, that my dormancy has begun to end and I can now make contact with you." The mysterious voice spoke back as Issei felt the heat in his hands grow from scalding to borderline blistering in its intensity
"And who the heck are you supposed to be?" Issei questioned as he soon saw a heptagonal emerald form on the back of both of his hands
"I am Ddraig, the Dragon of Domination, the Welsh Dragon Emperor, and the spirit of your Sacred Gear." The now-named Ddraig spoke to a still weirded-out Issei
"I'm sorry, a what now?!" Issei asked in confusion as a draconic eye appeared from within said jewel
"I believe that you should take a seat somewhere. There is much to discuss, and a rather intensive amount to get into." Ddraig answered back
'What the hell is my life even right now.' Issei wondered as he wandered to the kitchen table to hear what Ddraig had to say
(5 hours later, Kuoh Town, 12:13 Am, Halloween, 2018)
Meanwhile, it would be much later into the night as Asia and Freed were moving into their hotel room after finally getting to their destination in Kuoh Town.
"Well, Asia we finally made it. Granted it ain't much of what I thought this place would be, but it is what is." Freed said as he set his suitcase down next to his bed as Asia plopped down hers to relax
"I still cannot believe that the Conduit we are looking for lives here. How someone can live in a place infested with so many foul creatures, I do not know." Asia replied feeling herself shiver from the concentrated amount of sinister energy in Kuoh
"When you allow the sister of 2 of the Devils' leaders to run the place like their personal playground…Then a fucking cesspool of monsters, stray Devils and Exorcists is what you'll get." Freed said back
"To be honest, I'm surprised that we haven't run into any evil dragons yet. You would think at least one or two of those fuckers would be lurking around, with how cursed this shithole is." Freed added getting all-around bad vibes from the place in general
"Father Freed, it isn't all bad when you look at it. It still is a rather pleasant-looking town, perhaps we could stay for a bit, after we make contact with the Conduit." Asia suggested
"That sounds like a good idea in practice. However, we still have to be careful around not only the 2 little shits that run this place. There's also 4 strong as hell fallen angels running around, all of them with a small battalions' worth of stray exorcists with them…I know you sensed it too when we entered here." Freed spoke to the blonde former nun who nodded in agreement
"I have, and it is honestly worrying that there are that many gathered in one place. What do you think they could be planning, Father?" Asia queried
"Whatever it is, I don't like it. Since nothing good can come out of having that many fuckers, under fallen angels that strong. Then we have to get in contact with this Conduit A.S.A.P, and warn him quick that there's some fuckery going on. Otherwise, I have a bad feeling that this place is going to go to shit and fast." Freed answered back knowing that with whatever was brewing it was gonna be bad
"Then if that is the case, then why haven't the Devils who are over this town; done something about it? D-Do they not care what happens to this place and its people?" Asia asked worriedly for the lives of those in Kuoh Town
"I can't really fucking say if they give a shit or not. All I do know is that we gotta stop this shit, before it gets out of hand." Freed answered back resolutely
'Otherwise, if we don't. Then we not only lose out on a fucking powerhouse to join up with us. But then we gotta worry about those 2 siscons having a hissy fit, and fucking shit up.' Freed said to himself dreading the worst-case scenario of what could happen
Meanwhile, in the abandoned cathedral that had been repaired enough to house not only the fallen angels led by Raynare to house the growing forces of their Stray Exorcist army to not only take the Sacred Gear that the once thought dead Hyoudou had…but also on the additional orders of Raynare's father take Kuoh for themselves. Something that while the battle-lusted maniac Dohnaseek was all for, Kalawarner and Miltelt were unwilling participants in considering that all they wanted was to get in and get out, not be apart of a take-over and battle that would spell disaster if everything went as Raynare planned.
"I'm telling you Miltelt, this is absolute madness. It was one thing to scout out and possibly recruit the kid if we could. Maybe even take whatever Sacred Gear he had, and add it to Lord Azazel's collection…But this, this is going way too far." Kalawarner spoke as the soft teal glow of her silencing wards illuminated the room
"Kokabiel's orders be damned, I did not sign up to start shit with the little sisters of 2 of the Great Satans. Raynare's ego be damned, this is a suicide mission and I for one am not trying to restart the Great War again. All beause SHE wants to make her dear 'ol daddy proud." Kalawarner added furious they were being coerced into things
"What can we do? Raynare's stronger than both of us, and she has Dohnaseek the only guy here who's on your level on her side. On top of a literal army to back up whatever she says. The chances of us being able to do anything against her are pretty low." Mittelt said to the taller between them
"Add to it that she inherited a good chunk of that madmans' power, and would be near suicide to fight them head to head…Which is why we won't." Kalawarner replied as an idea soon formed into her head
"What are you going on about, Kala?" Mittelt asked
"What, I'm talking about is that we try to get a message or warning out to the Hyoudou boy. Given that, he is our best bet at stopping this suicide plan that Raynare has us going through. As let's be real, those two little brats are good for your standard High-Class Devil. But against Raynare, they would be butchered in minutes and their wouldn't be anything they could do about it." Kalawarner answered back knowing that Issei was their best option at the moment
"Are you sure that betting on that kid is gonna work? I mean don't get me wrong, I've done some scouting for Raynare to see if he's a threat, and I've had lie to her to undersell it. Since even I have to admit it was a bitch move to do him in like that, when the kid has never had even so much as a whiff of pussy before." Mittelt spoke before taking a moment to compose her next line of thought
"That he is pretty strong, and I'm talking about possibly Ultimate-class level of power on just his raw strength alone. Not to mention that friend of his who has those Vritra Sacred Gears on her is a bit of a monster herself…That being said, it feels like a dick move to throw 2 kids to the wolves like that." Mittelt further spoke knowing that while they were strong Raynare was a natural-born killer with power behind her too
"Then it will have to be do or die, for them. Given that until something comes along to weaken Raynare's forces and hell even take Dohnaseek out of the picture. Then there isn't much we can do to give them a leg up except warn them." Kalawarner spoke knowing that for the moment this was their best bet
"...Alright, if that's how it is. Then who's going to be the lucky person to tell them that 'Hey, you two are the only thing that stands between a fallen seraphim's daughter trying to kill you, conquer your town and everyone it' without getting caught in the act." Mittelt questioned
"I'll go. I am skilled with enough magic that I can trick Raynare into thinking I've gone on a run to recruit more to our side. That way I can inform the Hyoudou boy of what's going on, and hopefully he can do something on his end to stop this." Kalawarner answered back knowing that her skill with magic afforded her much more of a chance to do this than Mittelt's skill with stealth and being unseen would
"I don't like this, I really don't. But if it means not having Raynare fuck up our mission any further than what it already is. Then I'll go for it, just be safe out there alright." Mittelt said in a rare moment of concern for the buxom fallen angel
"Don't worry, little sis. I have it in the bag." Karawarner said with an assured smile whilst Mittelt's face went from concerned to annoyed
"Just for once can you not make a short joke about me?" Mittelt angrily asked the blue-haired fallen angel
"Never! Not when it is too much fun too bully you, Mittelt…Grow a couple inches, and perhaps a cup-size or two and then we'll talk." Was Kalawarner's reply
"Hey, not everyone can have massive fucking udders for tits you know. Some of us are stuck being short-stacks for the rest of lives." Mittelt said while looking at her smaller but still decently sized C-cups
"Oh come on, I'm only messing with you...Now come on, we better get some rest. We have a long week ahead of us, if we want to do this right." Kalawarner added before with a snap of her fingers the silencing ward was turned off for the time being
"...I just want this over with already. Why did we even agree to come on this stupid mission to begin with, I'll never fucking know" Mittelt whined as she and Kalawarner headed to their room
"So do I, but for now we just have to grin and bear it." Kalawarner said as the two trudged along
'Godspeed, Hyoudou. You're going to need it.' Kalawarner remarked to herself
So with Freed and Asia having now arrived in Kuoh Town to have Issei join their side as they continue on the run, from whatever dangers may come, and Issei having met with two remarkable clients of his own for his commissions. We now see that the danger of Raynare continues to mount as an impending battle for Kuoh Town soon begins…How will things persevere with Issei being caught in the middle of a fight for the safety of his home? Well, stay tuned for the following installments of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor to find out!
Alright, that'll do it for this one, as I hoped you guys enjoyed the events of this chapter and what its set going forward; given that now a lot of things are gearing up for some stuff I can't wait to get into for the future to come. Hence why I thank everyone who supports the story thus far with every favorite, follow, and review given, and as such hope you will continue to follow it and share it out for what's to come!
That being said this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with the next chapter having Issei meet with Freed and Asia among other things, so stay tuned for that.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: A Place for my Head by Linkin Park
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Glad you like the story so far, and yeah it honestly surprised me too how much people underestimate the power of Vritra; given how say what you want but when you really get to brass taxes on being creative with the abilities his Sacred Gears provide; you can do some really busted combinations with them. Also, trust me, Aika hasn't even come close towards tapping into half the shenanigans she can pull off with what she has with the Absorption Line and Black Blaze Flare alone.
Guest (Chapters 1-2): Glad you like my expanding on the DXD world overall, also same thing in regards to Aika and Issei's friendship. Considering that its an underrated relationship that I don't think gets enough love in DXD stories, and I aim to fix that.
yogaratw607: I may add Lemons into the story, depending on if I can get it to flow naturally into what I'm writing. Because I'd rather not shoehorn them in just cause it DXD and such, so the mileage for lemony goodness will vary. Also, a maybe on a harem as a small one sure, but a large one is out of the question because I am not gonna keep track of so many people in aharem and have it detract from the overall story at large. Plus, Aika and Issei's relationship is gonna stay platonic as I think it'll be a good thing to have a female friend who just stays as a friend. Also, I do have a plan for Issei to gain a weapon for himself, and one that will make sense narratively for what I'm going for down the line so he will have a weapon nonetheless, and depending on how things go I will give him another power, but that again will be depending on how things unfold going forward in the story.