(Episode 5: Recruitments and Ambushes)
The month of November while chilling was both a tense yet productive one all things considered on the end of our intrepid heroes, given that with their newfound allies and continued mastery of their abilities; they felt themselves ready to take on Raynare's army with a vengeance in order to defend their home. All the while Rias and Sona felt that with the impending winter break closing in and with it their timeframe to convince Aika and Issei to join their sides if not their peerages, was waning they felt that now was their time to act.
(Kuoh Town, 10:14 Pm, 8 miles outside of Kuoh Town, November 12th, 2018)
It would be a chilly November night as our quartet of Issei, Aika, Asia and Freed were lying in waiting to ambush the newest shipment of would be stray exorcists coming to join Raynare's growing army.
"Is everyone good to go?" Issei asked to his companions
"Just say the word, and I will make myself every last one of these fuckers' problem...Finally some action tonight!" Freed answered with Clarent already in hand ready to strike
"Just say the word, Issei, and we can get this party started." Aika said
"All we need is your signal and we may begin intercepting them...May the Lord give us the strength to end this as quickly as possible." Asia replied as frost and sheer cold covered her hands
"Then let's get it done, already. We're burning moonlight." Issei said back as he held his steel bat that crackled with electricity
On the other side of things, while the group Stray Exorcists were closing in on their destination on the starlit road ahead of them, they were enjoying the rather peaceful drive when out of nowhere the road, large gnarled pillars of ice erupted from the ground beneath their trucks. Causing them to flip into the air and flip over multiple times, either kiling those within outright as those behind them crashed into each other unable to step on their breaks quickly enough to prevent or broke/shattered bones from the force of the multiple vehicles crashing into each other at high-speeds.
The handful that did manage to stop in time were subject to the smile pile-up of crushed in armored trucks and cars smoking before them, with the heavy footfalls of Stray Exorcists either wielding light swords, axes and spears, as well as light guns that ranged from pistols, shotguns, and rifles that they had aimed at the dark moonless night around them. All of them spreading out around the perimeter to see just what in God's name had come out of the ground to attack them out of nowhere, with all of them ready at a moments' notice to strike at the as of yet unknown threat.
However, none of them expected for one of the armored trucks to suddenly begin to move as electricity wrapped around it like a fisherman's hook; before it was then promptly chcucked at one of the groups with the force of a whip lashing across a mans' back. What with half of them being barely able to dodge it by a hairsbreadth from the sheer force and speed it was launched, while those that were caught by it had their bones shattered on impact or flattened outright as the electrified projectile continued for nearly a hundred yards.
Yet the surviving half didn't have any better luck given that a multitude of tendrils would soon grab them by their legs and quickly drag them off into the night, with an almighty quickness…their screams turning into withered gasps as their life-force and vitality were drained from their bodies, leaving them as withered husks by the time they vanished into the darkness. This left the remaining 3 groups to gather up and try to make the rest of the way on foot with their weapons at the ready, should anything else from the darkened pitch of the night come after them.
"Alright, let's keep this going with maximum efficiency everyone. We need to keep this shit going with maximum pain!" Issei spoke as they tailed after the huddled together group of stray Exorcists
"Already on it, Issei!" Aika replied over the radio as she continued to swing into action
All the while the stray exorcists that were huddled together continued their match towards Kuoh Town in silence and trepidation of what could come from the shadows next to attack them, as all eyes were constantly darting back and forth; while their weapons were raised and aimed at whatever could come out of the darkened night…Minutes that felt as though they were the most sluggish hours imaginable from each careful made step towards their destination passed, as hearts thudded in their chest and sweat beaded down their faces as they continued their seeming death march towards the town.
However, it was in the stark almost mind-numbing silence of the march grew even moreso when faster than they could react Freed appeared to those on the southwestern flank of the mob of rogue exorcists, and with the swiftness of a hawk divebombing their prey turned several of them into mincemeat before the sounds of their heads and severed limbs could hit the ground. Hence why, by the time anyone had turned to look at what had happened Freed had already sped back into the darkness, wherein in his place came 4 separate bolts of lightning to punch through 14 of the rogue holy men with such ease that they may as well have been made of melted cheese.
Those looking around at the sudden yet swift murder of their fellow men before they looked around to see a icicle the size of a grown man's leg pierce through a blonde stray exorcists' chest, the woman in question wordles coughing up a few gouts of blood before slumping to the ground from her perforated heart. All the while those who were armed with guns had them raised at the darkness to try and see where the attacks had come from, only to briefly catch the flash of lightning that illuminated the right side of the road, as a bolt of lightning with the strength of an artillery shell it came barreling out of nowhere.
The power of the attack being such that it eviscerated nearly a quarter of those who did not scatter out of the way the moment they heard the crack of lightning in the distance, this served as enough of a distraction for Asia to send out a beam of pure cold out at their adversaries; freezing 6 of the stunned rogue exorcists solid in a single stroke. As such in their panic, half of the rogue exorcists remaining decided to head towards the sight of where the lightning came from in order to snuff out the potential threat for good; while the remaining half decided to make a mad dash towards Kuoh.
However, the half that tried to head towards where Issei had last blasted them with lightning were subject to Aika using the darkness as cover to unleash a tidal waves worth of cursed flame to wash over them, causing only the flash of violet and black to be seen as they were incinerated in seconds. The surprise conflagration of otherworldly fire leaving charred but incredibly warped and misshapen skeletons in her wake; that looked straight out of a nightmarish funhouse's reflection.
Yet as those that tried to make a mad dash for Kuoh tried to escape from the unseen threats around them, Asia using her cryokinesis; created multiple pillars of ice to corral and cut off their routes of escape until they were trapped in a ever encroaching ring of gnarled spires of ice and permafrost. Wherein Issei after catching up had used multiple bolts of lightning to trap and enclose them in an electrified cage of ice, leaving them subject to Issei and Aika shooting concentrated bolts of flame and lightning to destroy the guns they possessed.
"Alright, Freed. We've destroyed their guns, you're cleared to let them have it." Issei said over the walkie-talkie
"Say fucking less! Let's fucking go!" Freed shouted at the top of his lungs as he sped off like a cheetah on crack
"Is he always like that, Asia? Not that I'm complaining, I just did not think he could fight like that." Issei asked as they watched Freed jump into action with near-reckless abandon against the larger numbers
"Yes, however, he is more than formidable enough to make up the difference in numbers. Even if he is overzealous in his desire for bloodshed at times." Asia answered back as they watched Freed basically turn into a human wheat thresher with how efficiently he was running through him
"I'm pretty sure he's making that pretty clear, with him running through them like crazy…Jesus H Christ this is insane." Issei spoke not being able to look away from the site at hand
"This is nothing if I am to be quite honest. If I were to be quite fair, this is the equivalent to a warmup for him." Asia replied unphased by Freed's love for ultraviolence at this point
"It sounds like you're speaking from experience...Should I even want to know how much of a body count this man has?" Aika said as Freed was hacking and slashing like a madman as he dragged back a rogue exorcist into the bloodbath who was screaming for mercy
"After, 3 years of traveling with Father Freed, you eventually become desensitized to what he does to people. At this point, I am unmoved by most of what he does at this point." Asia said back fully desensitized from years of seeing Freed pop off at their opposition for so long
"And you're still sane after all that? I gotta say your something else if that's the case." Aika asked with a raised brow
"Whoever said I was still sane? I just happen to manage what I deal with better than others in my situation." Asia asked back
"You make a pretty great point...Also, they should really call this man the king of headshots, because holy shit that man had zero chance!" Aika said as Freed decapitated the final rogue exorcist
"Hey! I'm done with these blasphemous bitches over here! You guys wanna help me loot 'em for gear?!" Freed requested as Issei eventually deactivated the lightning on the frigid pillars
"We might as well, since there isn't anything stopping us." Issei replied as he headed over to hopefully upgrade his arsenal
"Are you gonna get in on that? Seems like a waste not to get free weapons." Aika questioned as Asia with a stomp of her foot caused all the ice as far as the eye could see to recede into the ground
"I am rather fine with my powers; all things considered." Asia answered back
"Again, fair point." Aika said as they watched Issei and Freed go to work looting the corpses on the road
(2 days later, Kuoh Academy, 9:45 Am, November 14th, 2018)
Meanwhile, the following Wednesday morning came with a swiftness as Issei was working on a personal project for his art class; wherein given that he was the star of the arts side of things that Issei was given more free reign to create and do as he pleased.
'Just a little bit more and I will have finished the waifu herself Saber of Red.' Issei said to himself as he was finishing up his sculpture of one of his favorite Fate servants in Nero Claudius
"Issei, it seems as though you have a guest that wants to see you." The Art Teacher told Issei who took his headphones off to hear his teacher
"Who is it, Mr. Tanaka? Is it something important, because if not I'd like to finish up…Getting the dress is always the biggest bitch to deal with." Issei said as he was continuing to paint the dress of his sculpture
"See for yourself." Mr. Tanaka replied
"Alright, who is…Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Issei said with his expression immediately turning sour upon seeing Kiba Yuuto of all people enter in
"What does he want? D-Doesn't he have a swarm of girls to go swoon over him somewhere else?" Issei asked irritated that the 'Prince of Kuoh' was bothering him in his happy place in the academy
"Apparently, he wants to talk to you about something concerning the Occult Research Club. Something about Rias Gremory wanting to talk to you…I don't know why it's such a big deal, but I do not have the energy or patience to care." Mr. Tanaka spoke knowing that it was too early in the day to bother with petty nonsense between students
"If its' involving Rias Gremory then I gotta hear this…Ayo, pretty boy! Get your ass over here, and tell me what's so important that Rias wants to me!" Issei called over to the blonde bishounen
"I would prefer it if we had this conversation in private. However, Rias prefers it if I escorted you to the O.R.C room to meet with her in person." Kiba said once he walked over to Issei's work-station
"So let me get this straight, instead of coming to see herself. Rias sent one of her butt-monkeys to do it and…all for what to interrupt me during one of my favorite classes. For some random meeting..I think I'll pass on that since I don't know what it is she wants to talk to me about, and Rias of all people wanting to see ME, is way too suspect for it not to be a set-up from someone." Issei replied much to the shock of many whom while focused on their end-of-the-year projects were still surprised too see someone decline an offer like that
"As I have to be getting punked or something...I swear to God above if this is some practical joke you and the Kendo club whipped up it will be your ass." Issei further spoke knowing that those in the Kendo Club would do something like this
"I-I'm surprised that you would turn down an offer like this? A lot of people would give a fair amount for something such as this...Furhtermore, I am insulted that you would insinuate that I would do such a thing. I am many things, but someone who would pull a practical joke at someone's expense is not one of them." Kiba said surprised at Issei's immediate decline
"Fair point, and you can't blame me for being a bit paranoid with my reputation around here...Still, unless you're gonna tell me what is so special about her wanting to meet with me. Then I'll pass on this 'once and a lifetime' meeting with her. Besides, it isn't like I'm worth anything to her than a cheap couple of laughs from one of Kuoh's greatest perverts." Issei replied all the while not breaking contact from his sculpture that he continued painting
"So how about you tell Rias to come and talk to me like a regular person, and we see where it leads from there. Since I'm a lot of things, but I'm not some charity case she can just order up at her convenience." Issei further spoke feeling actually insulted that he was thought that little of
"I can assure you that this is not what you think, as she has a good reason for wanting to meet with you. So please, I insist that you come along with me to meet her." Kiba replied as he put a hand on Issei's shoulder to motion him to come with him
"Then why isn't she here instead of you? Better yet, what does she have that's so important that she gets a free pass to send you to do her dirty work?" Issei questioned back
"That is a very good point, Issei?...Despite her standing as one of the most affable in the student body, Mrs. Gremory is still a student. So I feel as though she should have at least informed me; as a teacher of why she wants one of my students." Mr. Tanaka questioned as well while Kiba's face began to quickly take on a pained expression the longer he touched Issei
'This is not going as well as I thought.' Kiba said to himself seeing the situation quickly turning south
"Well, what is it you bishounen bonehead? Because, I want a good reason on why I should go with you to this mystery meeting. When I have a end-of-the-year project to finish?" Issei asked back
"Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to tell you that now. As Rias has instructed me to escort you back so that you can be filled in as to why in person." Kiba answered back began to grind his teeth in pain that felt like someone was pouring boiling hot battery acid all over his body as unbeknownst to him his shirt sleeve began to stain red
"Then sucks to suck, but I'm not coming and that's the end of it." Issei said as he was growing fed up with Kiba's distracting/intefering with his favorite class
"But I have to insist that…that you come with me to see…her." Kiba groaned out in pain as he felt his hand and arm rise with immense pain
"And I told you I don't care now, leave and...What the fuck is wrong with your arm?!" Issei yelled out as Kiba soon fell over to the ground clutching at his sleeve that seemed to hiss and smoke
What with Kiba's hand and arm after having touched him for an extended period of time had caused the blonde bishounen to let go and fall to the ground clutching it, as it was bleeding from what looked like 2nd-degree burns of what looked like prolonged exposure to sulfuric acid, from the extent of how badly chemically burned it was. Hence why Mr. Tanaka quickly yelled for a student to assist him in rushing Kiba to the infirmary given that from his right hand up to his tricep was covered in the caustic burns, as a stunned Issei whose eyes had during the time Kiba made contact with him turned bright lime green; was wondering what the hell just happened.
So after the mystery burns that Kiba received out of nowhere and class being called off, as Kiba was rushed to the infirmary to be checked upon…the day eventually shifted into Aika and Issei at lunch discussing how things went into their separate class periods.
"Let me get this straight. After Kiba tried and failed to get you to go to a mystery meeting to see Rias. He touched you for under a minute and then got 2nd degree burns?" Aika said almost dumbfounded by what she was hearing
"Yup! That's pretty much it, as I cannot make this up, Aika. It looked like someone dunked his arm, in a whole case full of acid. The shit was wild!" Issei said as the two were split between eating their lunch and shuffling their decks for another game of Yugioh
"So what, is this your powers evolving or something?" Aika questioned
"I doubt that what's going on, since I have lightning powers, and I'm pretty sure lightning doesn't give people acid burns...Unless, I can somehow spit battery acid at people; then your guess is as good as mine." Issei answered back
"Maybe we can ask Asia and Freed if they know what's going on with you? If anyone is going to know about your powers, then its them." Aika suggested
"Fair point…Anyways, are we still on for tonight? We still have a crap-ton of rogue exorcists to get rid of." Issei asked
"Maybe. I got detention for the rest of the week." Aika answered back
"What the heck did you do to get that much detention?!" Issei asked his fellow pervert in arms
"You know about the Student Council V.P right?" Aika asked back
"Yeah, how could I not, she looks like a stacked librarian...I swear even she knows she looks like she belongs on the cover of a doujinshi; where she's getting taken to pound-town in a libary...Or someone's naughty-looking teacher." Issei answered back regarding one of the 4 Great Beauties of Kuoh
"Apparently, that bitch like Kiba came up to me on some bullshit about Sona wanting to meet with me. I told her no, because unless Sona herself comes up to meet me; then tough titties. We got into an argument about Sona not being shit, and I wound up beating her ass with my steel viola…So now I've got detention." Aika said as Issei could only stare blankly at her for what had happened
"In my defense, she wouldn't stop pressing me during our practice time, and I took it personally." Was Aika's solemn defense
"I-I'm not gonna even argue with you about your temper issues. The only thing I will ask is if you're joining us for the ambush tonight?" Issei questioned
"Of course, I am, I mean who's gonna check me on it? Besides, if Sona has a problem with me, or wants to see me in person. Then she can come and meet me just like everyone else." Aika said as she finished shuffling her deck
"Fair point, so are you ready to get your butt kicked in Yugioh again?" Issei asked while Aika took a bite of her chicken nuggets
"Bring it. This time around, I'm flattening you with my new deck!" Aika said with a grin on her face as they began to duel it out
(8 hours later, East-End Kuoh Town, 9:24 Pm)
Meanwhile, as the day wore on into the night as our quartet had divided up into teams of 2 to begin their ambush on a patrolling group of rogue exorcists, with Issei and Asia acting as a pair and Aika and Freed as another.
"So if I am to understand this correctly. One of your classmates touched your shoulder, and within not even a single minute they were acidically burned?" Asia asked her fellow Conduit
"That's pretty much the condensed version of it…Weird thing is, this didn't even feel like my regular powers at all. It felt like it was something that was…greater than what I am and made me feel this…this righteous rage when he touched me. If that makes any sense?" Issei replied in the best way of how to describe what he felt when Kiba had touched him
"Hmmm, I think I have an idea of what may be going on regarding that…May, I see your hands?" Asia requested of the taller brunette
"Sure, just good luck with whatever your gonna do." Issei said to Asia as he placed both hands in her palms
From there Asia concentrated and began to use her Observation Haki to sense what exactly was this energy within Issei, as she went about separating the power that was intrinsic to his Conduit powers, and the draconic power of his Sacred Gear to find what it was within Issei that caused the incident…Only to her immediate surprise to be an immense amount of holy energy within him, so much so that it took her aback by the sheer amount of it; that she would compare to the strength and potency of a Ultimate-Class Exorcist or Angel.
Yet what had her realize why as she spent more time analyzing it was the fact that despite the incredible amount he controlled, it was very much untamed and erratic like a beast of burden that was yet to be tamed into submission.
'How he has been able to evade detection with this much raw strength is unbelievable.' Asia remarked to herself over the immensity of how much holy energy was within him
"So, what did you find out?" Issei asked as Asia eventually opened up her eyes
"What I found, was that you possess holy energy inside of you, Issei. An incredible amount of it if I am too be completely honest." Asia answered back too Issei's surprise
"Wait a minute, so I've basically have the power of God and anime on my side then?" Issei half-joked
"To put it simply, yes…although not in that fashion. But too put it simply, you have one of the largest reserves of holy energy I have ever sensed in someone…It is also surprising that you were not raised to become an exorcist with how much you possess at your disposal. You would have made the case for one of the top 10 strongest by raw power alone." Asia replied regarding the vast amount of holy energy at Issei's disposal
"This means that by the account of how this Kiba person was harmed from touching you, that he must be a Devil. After all, holy energy is incredibly toxic to Devils and unholy creatures." Asia further added causing Issei to put two and two together
'Wait, a minute. So if Kiba is a Devil and Rias ordered him to come fetch me, does that mean she's some big boss Devil too? Since that would explain all the bad vibes I've been getting every time I even look at Rias.' Issei wondered to himself regarding why Kiba was so adamant that Rias met him in private
"Are you ok, Issei?" Asia questioned
"I'm fine, Asia. Just coming to terms with a few things is all." Issei answered back
"That is more than understandable. If you would like, I can ask Father Freed to mentor you in controlling your holy energy; now that we know of it." Asia told him
"I'll take him up on that later, but for now…Let's worry about what we've got going on. Since we've finally got our company coming up ahead." Issei replied before gesturing up to the modest-sized group of rogue exorcists up ahead
"Are you ready to get started?" Issei asked as he brought out his steel baseball bat
"I am ready as always, Issei. Just say the word and we can begin?" Asia replied whilst turning her hands into curved ice claws marked with permafrost
Once their targets were in clearer view, Issei signaled her to fly above so they could begin their sneak attack against them; with Issei using an manhole cover he kept in his pack as a makeshift hoverboard to fly into the night the moment he electrified it, while Asia jumped into the air and her legs became a phantasmal trail of frigid winds and whirling ice. The two racing towards their opposition with lethal intentions as Issei started things off by soaring a few more dozen feet into the air, before letting himself fall like an electrified asteroid; gathering more and more power as he descended toward them.
Hence the very instant he made contact against one of them with his steel bat did they not only implode from the sheer concussive force built up from his fall, but it was also the fact that everyone was blasted back 35 feet from the shockwave that followed. Sending them crashing into brick walls, cars and other miscellaneous objects with bone-cracking force, as Issei then nailed one of the rogue exorcists with a high-powered lightning bolt that flash-fried an rogue exorcist on contact.
All the while, Asia came from out of the ether like a phantom of winter to impale two of them through the chest with each of her gnarled looking ice claws, both puncturing through their vital organs and freezing them simultaneously; before disengaging and flying off and away into the starry night before anyone could see where she went. It was during this time that Issei decided to gather a warbling mass of electrical energy in his hands before firing what he aptly dubbed the Restraint Blast, firing out a widespread shockwave of electrical power that slammed several rogue exoricists against a brick wall, binding their arms, legs, neck and chest with electrical 'restraints'.
All before using his Lightning Hook to grab a motorcycle and throw it at a pair of rogue exorcist so hard, that not only did it cause said vehicle to virtually fold in half, but also to impact against them with spine-shattering force; if their bodies snapping in half like beef jerky wasn't an indicator. But by that same time Asia was in the air launching fist-sized chunks of hail and icicles with the speed of a machine gun at a pair of rogue exorcists who were firing at her with their light guns, much to little if any effect given the sheer distance between them.
Something that allowed for her to launch a veritable air strike of frozen wrath against them, breaking bones and freezing enemies on contact with how much power she was putting into her barrages; in wanting to end the engagement as quickly as possible. Which combined with Issei firing off bolts of lightning like a human thunderstorm, or caving in skulls and shattering ribs with the greatest of ease with his steel bat; had the ambush they'd set up become a quick, brutal, but nonetheless efficient massacre in its own right.
Hence why within the span of barely 3 minutes did Issei and Asia eviscerate the patrolling squad of rogue exorcists with deadly efficiency, what with Issei having used his lightning powers to violently electrocute those he'd bound with his restraint blast until they'd stopped shuddering and seizing.
"Huh, that honestly went a whole lot better than what I thought...I was actually expecting, well..a fight." Issei spoke
"I am simply glad that we were able to end the battle as quickly as possible. The less that we have to drag this out, the better." Asia said back relieved to have finished the fight so quickly
"Same here, I'm not really all that much of a fighter. But if it means keeping my home safe for the time being, then I'm happy to do it." Issei said before checking his phone as a text message popped up
"Aaaannnnddd, it looks like Aika and Freed took care of things on their end as well. So we're just chilling for the night." Issei added after reading the text message from Aika
"That is great news…now what do we do?" Asia asked
"We can just meet back at my place, and you and Freed can crash there for the rest of the week or so...That is if you guys want to?" Issei told Asia who had a look of surprise on their face
"Really?" Asia asked once again
"Mmmhmm, you two are already helping us out, so I don't see a problem with doing it. Besides it probably beats staying in whatever musty hotel you guys stay at." Issei answered back not seeing a reason why he shouldn't do that
"...Thank you, Issei. But you do know that you do not have to do this? We do not wish to be a burden if possible." Asia said to Issei who despite everything looked rather blase about it
"Look, I'm just a guy trying to be a good man of faith like his grandpa. Plus, it wouldn't sit well in my heart to not help people; who are doing me a kindness by helping me protect my home. That's why for the next week or so, you two are guests my house." Issei replied as he put his phone away
"Besides, as a man of God trying his best to be a better man. It wouldn't make much sense if I didn't at least try to help people if I can make it happen." Issei further spoke
"Thank you, Issei Hyoudou. You truly are a kind, charitable man…I sincerely hope the Lord blesses you and your friend in the future." Asia replied with a thankful smile
"And thank you for helping me too…short blonde lady who dresses like they belong at a Slipknot concert." Issei asked as he looked at Asia whose fashion sense could be described as if a Slipknot fan had a pastel goth aesthetic
"In my defense, my current attire has grown on me since my excommunication. If anything I feel more free wearing this, than in my clerical clothing." Asia answered back feeling more of an actual person in this than what she once wore as a holy maiden
"Hey, I'm not knockin' it all. If anything I'm here for it!" Issei said rather liking Asia's chosen aesthetic
"Thank you…Now let us rendezvous with your friend and Father Freed. I would like to do so before more of the fallen angels' soldiers come." Asia replied as she once more turned her legs into the phantasmal tail of cold, permafrost and ice
"Say less, Asia. Let's do it!" Issei said back as he electrified his manhole cover to take flight once more alongside the ex-nun
(The next evening later, O.R.C Room, 5:45 Pm, November 15th, 2018)
That following evening Rias and Sona were figuring out what to do; given the matter of their failed recruitment attempt with Issei and Aika.
"This…This could have gone much better." Sona said still wondering how things had gone so south
"I knew that things were going to be difficult. But to have Kiba wind up with burns that severe from touching Hyoudou, and Kiryuu nearly giving my Queen a concussion as well as a broken nose…I'd say things have become vastly more arduous than what I had anticipated." Sona further spoke
"Even I could have told you that, Sona. This isn't a game of chess where you can navigate every move possible, and counter and account for everything. There are just some things that you cannot plan for…Issei and Aika being one of them." Rias spoke
"Then what do you purpose that we do, Rias? We have barely a month left before winter break begins, and once that happens our chances to recruit them decrease drastically." Sona quizzically responded
"On my part, I will have Kiba be sent away to recover. Considering that those burns are rather serious, and I would rather not risk any further harm with the threat off these rogue exorcists running about our territory." Rias told Sona what was the 1st and primary concern was
"After that, I am going to see to it myself that I meet with Issei in person…After what Kiba had told me of his refusal to come see me with Kiba as an escort. I see now that I have to take a more direct approach." Rias further spoke more than happy to do so
"Are you sure that is a wise decision, Rias? You witnessed to the fact that even touching Hyoudou is a potential detriment to your health, when it happened to Kiba. As such knowing how 'physical' you love to get with others, this may be a larger risk to yourself than it is worth." Sona brought up in knowing Rias's penchant for being physically affectionate or intimate with others
"While I appreciate your concern, Sona. I should be able to handle myself just fine. I can still keep my distance while doing what is needed…I am not some frail heiress that needs to be looked after." Rias said albeit with a bit of an unintentional edge in her voice
"Fair enough. I just do not want anything to happen to you is all. I would rather not let one of the few friends that I do have get harmed." Sona replied her voice softening if somewhat when it came to Rias's safety
"And I appreciate that, but I am more than capable enough to avoid harm when it comes my way. I am not some fragile princess after all." Rias said back with utmost confidence that she could handle anything in her way
"Very well, then…But if I may ask, how are you going to approach doing so? Even with the research you have done to better understand, Hyodou. This will still be something of an uphill battle regardless, given that beyond how he acts at the academy; that he is surprisingly private about his social life." Sona queried
Considering that she had even tried to grill Issei's lecherous associates in Matsuda and Motohama for info regarding what Issei does in his off time or for social recreation, but to her surprise and even respect that the two perverts refused to budge regarding Issei's social life outside of the academy. Stating that they were not going to rat on Issei in regards to his private life, as it went against both what they had as friends and the bro-code to do that to one of their fellow perverts in arms; even when she tried to make up a reason to give them detention until winter break; that they still refused to budge and not give up a lick of info regarding Issei.
"I'm going to take a wild guess that you tried to find out, and failed?" Rias asked seeing the irritated expression on her friends' face
"Let's just say that it is much harder to pry information on the subject, out of his associates than what I realized." Sona tersely answered back
"When they say bird of a feather stick together, the saying really holds true when it comes to the loyalty between perverts. You have to admit that it is something special to see between friends." Rias said having to admire the solidarity that Issei had with what few friends were in his life
"I would find it admirable; if it weren't for the fact that gaining potentially 2 powerful assets to our peerages; wasn't on the table. Honestly, it is both respectable and frustrating that we are nowhere near closer to getting them on our side." Sona replied still frustrated at having been so vehemently denied important information
"...Regardless, I wish you the best of luck, Rias. I can't help but feel you are going to need it." Sona said to her redheaded counterpart
"Thank you, Sona. I appreciate that." Rias responded
"Of course…That being said, what are we to do about the threat of the rogue exorcists in our territory? While Hyoudou, Kiryuu, and their 2 new 'allies' have fended off the threat for the time being. I feel as though we would be remiss if we did not take charge on the matter." Sona questioned in regards to the threat brought about by Raynare's army
"We will of course assist them. They are defending they're home, and as overseers of Kuoh Town it would be a disservice if we did not pitch in." Was Rias's immediate response
"I refuse to let those fallen angels make a mockery of us in our own territory. It was bad enough when they killed Issei right under my nose before I could do a thing about it. But now that they have the gall to invade my domain…I refuse to let this go unanswered!" Rias further said with a mixture of anger, protectiveness…and even guilt for letting things progress to this point
"While I am more than supportive of taking our stand against these intruders. I do have to ask something, Rias." Sona spoke as she took a moment to take off her glasses to clean them
"What is it?" Rias asked
"I can understand that this is motivated by wanting to stop the fallen angels, from doing Lucifer knows what to our territory…But is this also a move to put to rest the guilt you feel about letting Hyoudou get killed by that fallen angel?" Sona questioned causing Rias to look down at the floor as her bravado and determination began to deflate into regret and even shame
"...Rias, you have to understand that despite being an overseer of this territory, that even for all of your power and prodigious potential. That you cannot save everyone in Kuoh Town from the threats that happen…That some people are just marked for an unavoidable death, no matter how much power we have at our disposal." Sona added as she continued to clean her glasses
"But I should have been there to stop him from getting killed, Sona! Instead of waiting around and hoping for the best, I should have been there to help him, to protect him as one of my charges in our territory! How can I call myself a proud heiress of House Gremory, if I can't even do something as simple as saving a life in my own domain?!" Rias almost shouted back her conscience having eaten at her severely for allowing something like that to happen under her watch and as such allow for greater evil to be invited
"Rias, you have to understand that you cannot protect everyone in OUR territory. It is something that just isn't logically feasible." Sona replied but Rias would her none of it as her expression was of resolve and guilt for what happened
"Then to hell what is feasible, Sona! All I need; is more power to ensure that what happened with Issei and these fallen angels never happens again. My pride and my conscience will not allow for something so egregious to happen under my nose again. Not when I should be more than able to deal with it, and end it before it becomes a problem as it has now!" Rias said back in absolute refusal of this as the deep crimson of her demonic power began to surge to the point of visibility
"That is why, I am committing myself towards being stronger, Sona. Not just for the sake of our territory's safety, but so that I can make sure that what the fallen angels are doing now; cannot be repeated under my watch...I cannot allow anything more to happen under my watch, not while I still draw breath." Rias told her fellow heiress as to her truest intentions of why she was training harder than ever
"And what will you do once you have achieved that level of power, Rias? What then?" Sona questioned
"Then I will be able to make sure that I am able to prevent tragedies like this again. As long as I am able to have the strength to do that, and be recognized as a legitimate heir to my household; then I do not care what I have to do to reach that level of power." Rias answered back a level of resolve and dark determinatioin set within her eyes
"All things considered, Rias. While that is incredibly admirable of you, I do wish that you will not go overboard with this desire for strength…Rarely does it turn out well for those that are so focused on obtaining it." Sona replied looking up at her with her magenta eyes with concern
"You worry too much, Sona. I will be perfectly fine, as long as I have my cute servants behind me. Then I will persevere through anything." Rias said back
"And what will you do should anything happen to them?...Death does not care for who it takes in the end." Sona questioned
"Then should something as horrible as that happen to any of them, while I am their king. Then I will do everything possible to avenge them, and obliterate whoever dared to take them from me." Rias answered with all the protective fury of a mother grizzly bear
"...Very well then, if that is the case. Then good luck to you are your training, Rias." Sona said as she finished cleaning her glasses and put them back on
"I appreciate the sentiment, Sona. However, I won't need luck as far as I am concerned." Rias replied with a confident smile on her face
"There is that trademark Gremory charisma as always…however, one last thing before I leave." Sona spoke
"Once the threat of the fallen angels has been dealt with, and you somehow manage to convince Hyoudou to join your side…How do you plan to approach that relationship? For he is so vastly different from those you have taken in to your heart and home." Sona questioned
"I honestly do not know, Sona. All, I do know is that if he decides to join me; that I will not only give to him everything that I am able too. But that I will in addition do everything possible to make up for not being able to prevent him from dying that day…It is the least I can do for having failed him and this town as one of its overseers." Rias answered back
"If you can accomplish it then good, if not…Then do not stress over it too much, as at the end of the day you cannot force him to be with you." Sona said before leaving via teleportation circle
'I just hope that he can forgive me for not being there…Lucifer, I really have failed as an overseer if I cannot prevent something as simple as a group of fallen angels and their henchman from invading my territory haven't I?' Rias said to herself as all she could do was ponder and hope to herself that things with Issei would work out for the better
With our now quartet having assembled to begin battling against the forces of Raynare's army, as well as failed attempts from Rias and Sona to recruit our superpowered perverts. We now see Rias's newest and even unexpected motivations behind wanting Issei in her peerage, as she resolves to grow stronger for the future to come. However, how will she and our intrepid heroes fair against the black-winged threats to come? Well, stay tuned and find out in the new installments of; The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as I hoped you enjoyed all of what has happened in this chapter seeing as how things are gonna start heating up from here on, as just so you guys know things are gonna hurt for everyone in Kuoh Town going forward…But beyond that I hope that everyone continues to enjoy what has been going on in the story thus far as your continued support means a lot, as I am excited to continue telling this story and all of what comes from it and hope that all of you will stick around for the wild ride ahead of us.
Hence why without much else in mind, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with the next time we come back we begin the Fallen Angel arc in full effect, and oh boy are we gonna start popping off soon, so stay tuned because fuckery is abound.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: Blotter by Stone Sour
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: Yeah, as in story Freed and Asia have been traveling together being a pair of menaces to society for 3 years, so if Asia didn't pick up on some quirks from being with Freed both for better and for worse as you'll see down the line; then it wouldn't make sense. Also, yeah Freed is actually cultured in this version of events since he may be a bloodthirsty Exorcist but the man can appreciate X-men and stuff like that. Also, yeah Asia actually likes to dress up in gothic clothing as think of her clothing style as a cross between pastel goth and gothic lolita for her casual wear and such, and normal attire. Also, yeah Rias due to when you think about it being significantly more emotionally intelligent than Sona would recognize that Issei and Aika getting recruited onto their sides would be much more difficult given that whereas Sona only really sees them as assets, Rias is able to recognize their wants and what they like as people and as such is planning accordingly on how she can try and warm them over. Also, it isn't that they aren't deterred by him being Vasco's grandson so much as they are trying to play it carefully as possible, since its a matter of even they know that if they aren't then their plans go tits up incredibly quickly.
Guest: Yeah, as in a world of the supernatural, it makes sense that stuff you'd see in Pathfinder and D&D would pop up; alongside the stuff you'd see in DXD. Plus Asia being this way comes from the fact that she realizes that violence is inevitable given her status as an excommunicated witch in the view of her former faction, as such she sees it that "If they will not leave me be in my unjust exile, then I will fight and defend accordingly in order to have my peace of mind and safety"
Obsidian Nova Arc: Yeah, as trust me its great that he got the good news when he did; considering that from here on in the Fallen Angel arc next chapter things are gonna get intense for Issei in terms of what he has to deal with, hell when you think about it he's even more stressed out since he can't really go around trying to score with Rias or anyone like that since if he does then as we saw with Kiba...not so fun times will occur. Also, yeah Freed and Asia dang sure hit the jackpot with Issei and Aika, since to them as long as your helping out and aren't a dick; then they don't really give much of a fuck who you are and what you do.
Famous Fox: Thank you for thinking what I've got so far is that good, as I really wanted to give INfamous some love since its a very underrated series that doesn't get as much love as it should in my opinion. Also, Issei will eventually be able to use Holy Lightning, but that being said it will take some time for it to happen; given that as we've seen Issei needs to first get a grasp on controlling all that holy energy he has on him. Given that as we've seen while he has a lot of it, his control of it is lackluster if he's burning people on contact so expect for him to go through him trying to get it under control so its at least manageable for him to use in his everyday life.
curlyboy01: Glad you like what I've been cooking with the story so far, since I plan on changing up a good chunk with how things go in the upcoming arc. Also, I do plan on Issei getting the Amp once he and everyone go to New Marais, as there will be an in-story reason as to why he gets it btw.