(Episode 7: Fallen Angels vs Conduits and Holy Men: Part 2)
It would soon be the start of December, as Issei and company continued to go after the fallen angel threat with a renewed aggression, after intercepting and stopping the shipment of abominations from New Marais. Something that as Issei continued to balance his groups' ongoing attacks against the fallen angels, and his aggressive work schedule; Issei after having Aika jailbreak into the tablet he snatched from the semi-truck to learn about where the shipment of abominations came from, he couldn't help but wonder about this New Marais place that continued to come up in Whatsapp conversations.
(Issei's House, December 2nd, 2018, 6:57 Pm)
It would be well into the evening as Issei was working on a Doujinshi stretch goal from last month from his wanting one between Ramundo and Wuya from Xiaolin Showdown. However, even as he worked on it with his usual ferocious pace and care he couldn't help but think about New Marais and what that city could mean going forward.
"Something on your mind, Issei? You seem troubled." Ddraig questioned noticing his partners semi-frazzled state of mind
"Yeah, I'm…I'm ok. Its just that ever since we snagged that iPad a couple days back from that truck full of abominations. I've been wondering about it, and what else is out there in that New Marais place that it kept mentioning." Issei answered back
"What is it about this New Marais that has your attention?" Ddraig questioned the young Conduit
"I dunno, I can't really explain what it is. I just know that other than wanting to see where all of that stuff could lead to; over there. That it just feels like a place that I'm being drawn too. Like that one part of me that's telling me to go there for a reason that I can't recognize or figure out." Issei responded in regards to what he felt toward New Marais
"Perhaps, once the fallen angel scourge has been dealt with. That it would not only do us well to pay New Marais a visit; but be in your best interest to do so as well. After all, I have seen it in your heart that you desire a change of scenery…What better change than a 'vacation' across the world to stop further evils from returning here?" Ddraig suggested to Issei
"That…That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea now that you mention it...Let's be real Ddraig, after everything I've had to put up with from the moment I gained my powers. I can safely say that I will have more than my fair share of home for a while." Issei replied
"The only question is how are we gonna get over there? Since it isn't like Aika, Freed, Asia, or I have a private jet we can borrow on tap." Issei wondered
"Perhaps you and your friend could pool together your resources to buy plane tickets there? After all, from what I understand, you have amassed a small hordes worth of funds to do so." Ddraig replied knowing that from the bond they shared that Issei did have quite the considerable amount of money stashed away
"That is true, I mean I do have rainy day funds for a reason. Plus, it would finally give me a chance to see the world outside of Kuoh like Aika and I have been planning since we both started our Youtube channels." Issei spoke knowing that between his rainy day funds and whatever Aika had stored away that they would be golden to do a round trip to New Marais
Plus, Issei wouldn't be lying if he wasn't invested in the prospect of going abroad and seeing what the states were like firsthand; given that it would mena seeing a much bigger world, fine-ass women from abroad, more opportunities to buy comics and things to nerd out over too his hearts content…So overall the more Issei pondered the idea of a trip to New Marais after Yuuma/Raynare's goons were dealt with, the more he became onboard with the idea overall.
"The only other question is what do about Rias while I'm gone?...Now that she's magically interested in getting to know me better. It is gonna look really weird when I just up and disappear from town." Issei questioned in regards to the busty redhead
"Tell her that you are going on vacation. I'm sure the girl will understand…Besides, why should you be obligated to tell her anything? I doubt she would extend the same courtesy to you, given your social standing at the academy you two attend." Ddraig replied in regards to the most valid excuse Issei could use
"It's called not being an asshole, Ddraig. I made a promise to myself to try and be a better man overall, which means not pulling dick moves on people. At least not as much as possible." Issei told the dragon within himself
"While I can respect the desire to become a better person. Remember that no one is owed your kindness, any and everyone that crosses us; is deserving of our wrath tenfold." Ddraig told Issei
"And I appreciate the advice and all, I really do. But for now, I'll just take things at my own pace for now." Issei said as he returned back to his work
"As you wish, but know that someday sooner or later; there will come the time where you will have to inflict your wrath onto others…For even a righteous man can succumb to his fury in time." Ddraig replied
"Hopefully, that won't be an option for me anytime soon…I hope." Issei said back as he continued working on the task before him
However, whilst Issei was busy working away on his project before him, on the otherside of Kuoh Town was Dohnaseek and Kalawarner at the warehouse of a shoe factory they had 'appropriated' where they had their target stashed away for Issei to come and duel the former of the two.
"Are you absolutely positive that this is going to work, Dohnaseek? The kid is a Conduit and has one of the Longinus Sacred Gears on him. He could damn well kill you, you know." Kalawarner told the sole male of their group
"I know, but I'll be damned if I continue let ouselves get punked out by a kid; who hasn't even had his 1st lay yet. Besides, this could be the 1st actual challenge I can get since we've been here." Dohnaseek spoke keen to test himself against an actual threat
"Just be careful not to do anything to piss the kid off. He's already got more than enough power than he knows what to do with. The last thing we need is for him to get pissed off, and fry your ass into the next century." Kalawarner replied knowing that Issei was a sleeper powerhouse in waiting
"Don't worry your pretty little head, Kala. I'll be just fine, besides I haven't lost a fight to a Sacred Gear wielder since I had that fight against the last wielder of Canis Lykaon back in the 70's…Now that was a RUSH!" Dohnaseek said back with a cocksure grin
"I still can't believe you picked a fight with them at a disco party…J-Just why of all things, would you do that?" Kalawarner said having never understood why he'd do such a thing
"Look, I was high on cocaine at the time and he seemed like a good fight. Besides, he did give me a helluva scar to remember them by...Damn they hit hard for a short fucker." Dohnaseek said while still rubbing at the jagged scars that stretched from his collarbone down to his 2nd to last pair of ribs
"Regardless, try not to get carried away. Raynare wants him in one piece so she can extract his Sacred Gear for later." Kalawarner told Dohnaseek of their leader's plans
"I'll try not to rough the brat up too much...If anything I hope he has some bite in him, otherwise this is going to be a massive disappointment." Dohnaseek replied
"Good…I'm going to make sure that our bait isn't too roughed up, and good luck." Kalawarner said as she walked past Dohnaseek towards the factory in question
'If anyone's going to need luck, it's gonna be this Hyoudou brat. That and I get the honors of finishing what Raynare couldn't.' Dohnaseek said to himself with a savage grin
(Issei's House, 2 days later, December 4th, 2018, 5:25 Pm)
It would be a few days later after Issei who'd gone to Motohama's house to check in with him and maybe play a few games or so, had walked in on the horror-show that was within that included his butchered parents, his house having looked as though a coked out T-rex had stomped through it, and a phone having a recording on it saved just for him. What with the brunette Conduit sitting alongside Aika after he played it for her to listen to, as Dohnaseek challenged him to a 1 on 1 duel for the life of Motohama.
"You can't be serious about following up on this, Issei? This is a trap if I've ever seen one." Aika spoke after the recording finished playing
"Well, it is the best shot I've got, if I wanna rescue Motohama from getting merked…Fuck, of all the times to have something like this happen. Why did it have to be when we're finally starting to give it to 'em." Issei said with an irritated groan
"What did you think was going to happen, Issei? Stuff like this was gonna happen sooner or later, the longer this kept going…Just sucks to suck that it had to be Motohama that gets caught up in this." Aika stated knowing that things like this were a casualty of what they were doing
"I get that, I just hate that are shenanigans got somebody caught up in this. Since this was the last thing I wanted to happen." Issei said remorseful of having gotten someone mixed up in his mess
"So what're you gonna do about it now?" Aika questioned
"I'm gonna meet this Dohnaseek guy for his one-on-one and try to save Motohama. Otherwise, he's more than likely super-fucked if I don't." Issei answered back
"Are you serious? This guy could be packing back-up, and have who knows else ready to jump you. Its too risky." Aika spoke knowing that this was a set-up if she'd ever seen one
"Look, I don't like it any more than you do. But this is Motohama's life at stake, one of my boys and I can't risk letting him die because I wanted to try and get a one up on somebody…As much as I hate that I gotta go in solo, Aika. This is my mess and I gotta clean this shit up and save Motohama if I can." Was Issei's only response but one full of conviction and resolve nonetheless
"I…I legit cannot risk Motohama's life getting ended, because I decided to do this shit dirty. Its gotta be on me to do this whether we like it or not." Issei further spoke knowing that on this one he was gonna be rolling in solo
"...Since I can't change your mind on this one. At least promise me that your going to come out of this in one piece. I cannot have the one person at the academy, that I care about the most get killed; because he wanted to go play superhero. You mean too much to me to go out like that, Issei." Aika said to her fellow pervert in earnest
"Don't worry, Aika. I've got this handled, between my powers and Ddraig. There's no way I'm going to lose." Issei said with all-out confidence that he could take on Dohnaseek
"I'm being serious, Issei! Whatever you have to do to take this Dohnaseek guy out, just do it and get it done. I don't want to see my best friend get killed, because he horsed around too much…So please, promise me you will come back from this alive." Aika spoke biting her lip and looking down in worry
"I legitimately can't imagine doing any of this without you, you know. You are the best friend I've ever had, and we've been through almost everything together since the 3rd grade…I can't have you not be with me; when we are supposed to take on the whole world together. So please, promise me that your going to fight that good fight and come back alive." Aika further spoke feeling her heart would absolutely shatter if Issei died against Dohnaseeek
"...Aika, you have my honest-to-God word that I will make it through all of this alive. I'm going to beat this Dohnaseek guy and make it back in time to play Yugioh with you before you know it. Cross my heart and hope to die." Issei said with a reassuring hand on the bespectacled perverts' shoulder and caring smile on his face
"You better, you goof. I swear if you go out on me like a total scrub. I'm coming up to Heaven and kicking your butt for leaving me down here." Aika said back with a light shove
"Hey, when the big guy upstairs lets me into Heaven. Then I know something ain't right." Issei spoke with his smile widening a bit as his own joke
"...Whatever…Anything I can do while you're taking on this fallen angel jerk?" Aika questioned
"Just keep helping out Freed and Asia on attacks against these rogue exorcist jerks, and that's about it. I'll take care of things on my end, while you guys kick ass on yours." Issei told her
"Gotcha, Issei…Good luck and godspeed against this guy." Aika said as she stood up to grab her winter jacket and head out
"Thanks, Aika. But as long as I have God, Ddraig and my powers with me. Then there's no way I can lose." Issei said back with confidence that his faith, power and newfound ally in Ddraig would carry him to victory
"Keep telling yourself that, Issei. Anyways, I'm gonna bounce before it starts snowing too bad." Aika replied before grabbing her coat off the rack to put on and head
"Alright, catcha later!" Issei said waving goodbye as Aika headed out and closed the front door
"...This is going to be a long week, I can feel it...Fuck me sideways, this is gonna be a problem." Issei said as he used his electromagnetic powers to lock the door
"I just hope to God that I have a chance at beating this guy. Because, I do not need to worry Aika about me going to fight a 1 on 1 deathmatch against a strong as heck fallen angel person." Issei spoke to himself with a cautious and wearisome sigh
"Give yourself more confidence than that, my partner. You carry far greater strength and power in yourself than any of these paltry vultures. So steel your resolve, and go forward to beat this mongrel into submission as I know you can!" Ddraig said to a nervous Issei who could feel his heart in his chest
"That is a whole lot easier said than done, man. I'm about to go up against my first boss-level fight in EVER, and I am more nervous than a Devil standing in front of God himself about it…Fuck me, even my palms are sweating and sparking with lightning and crap." Issei half rambled as he saw small arcs of lightning arc between his sweaty, shaking hands
"Take a few deep breaths, and calm yourself, Issei. You can do this without fail, I know you can. For you are far greater than what you are allowing yourself too be, in this moment…You have come a considerable way from what you once were when you first resolved to wield your powers. So trust in yourself and in the faith you have within to overcome your adversaries. For I know without a shadow of a doubt that you can and will see victory." Ddraig told a nervous Issei
"You really think I've got a winning shot going 1 on 1 against this guy?" Issei questioned the ancient dragon within
"I know with all the strength in my heart that you will. Otherwise, I would not have awoken as I have; when you forced my power into reality. My strength and will, shall always stand alongside you in whatever battles we face together…No matter what challenge you may face, know that you will never face them alone, Issei Hyoudou…On my word, and title as the Dragon of Domination and Red Dragon Emperor; I know that you will overcome this adversary and all adversaries we shall soon face in the days to come. For together we are godlike, for together we are undeniable in our strength, and it is together that we will win!" Ddraig declared with such resolve and boisterous conviction that it made Issei's heart beat in his chest not with worrisome nerves but with courageous resolve
For the Red Dragon Emperor would be lying if he didn't think that Issei couldn't come out on top, in fact, he knew it would be a disservice to say otherwise when he felt a storm's worth of power within his partner which was so strong and so vast in its destructive might. That even Tiamat herself would be cowed by the inner reserves of strength that still lay within himself, which combined with his determination to be a better man and unwavering faith in the long since dead Biblical God to give him further strength…Ddraig knew that Issei would prevail in the end.
"Well, when you give an epic speech like that. I guess I can't really say anything else other than…let's do this." Issei said as he clenched his sweating lightning-covered palms into determined fists
"That is the spirit, I want to hear, Issei. You are an unstoppable force of nature, and a man of faith that cannot be stopped. Hence why, it is time you act like it, and face this challenge with all the resolve you have in your heart." Ddraig told Issei whose fists clenched harder from those words
"And I couldn't agree more. On the big man upstairs, I'm going to beat this man and save my boy!" Issei said with renewed spirits
'So with my partners' fighting spirit renewed, victory is ours for the taking.' Ddraig remarked to himself as he felt the Conduits' fighting spirit explode with confidence and resolve
(The next night, December 5th, 2018, 7:43 Pm, Downtown Kuoh Town)
On that next night, Issei in an electrified manhole cover to fly upon towards the location that Dohnaseek had messaged him to come towards should he want to fight for Motohama's life. The Boosted Gear wielder having his metal bat in hand, dressed up in winter gear as he walked into the abandoned shoe factory in question ready to face the threat at large.
"Are you ready for this, Issei?" Ddraig asked Issei who choked down whatever nerves he had as he approached the building
"Maybe, maybe not. But it's do or die time regardless, so let's get it done and get it done right." Issei answered back as he pushed the door open to see Dohnaseek standing on one of the rafters above awaiting him with an eager grin
"And here I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up. Kudos for having to balls to face me like a man." Dohnaseek spoke as Issei continued to walk forward
"Where is Motohama?" Was Issei's only response
"Don't worry, he's safe and sound…for now. I am a man of my word, after all!" Dohnaseek said gesturing to Motohama who was hanging tied up in chains bloodied, beaten and unconscious
"What the hell did you do to him?!" Issei demanded of Dohnaseek, his body beginning to crack with lightning
"Relax, he's still breathing. That being said if you didn't come alone as requested, he won't be for much longer." Dohnaseek said as he conjured a battleaxe made of sapphire light in his right hand
"I came by myself as requested…I'll be a betting man, and guess that you did the same?" Issei questioned as he looked all around himself for any hidden threats
"Of course, I did! I promised a one-on-one duel, and I am going to get it! Besides, what fun would it be if I had others getting in the way." Dohnaseek said as he hefted his battleaxe while Issei's bat crackled with electrical might
"If that's that then, then let's get this over with already." Issei said as he held his bat aloft
"You and I are on the same page boy, let's do the man dance and get things started!" Dohnaseek spoke brandishing all 8 of his wings as he glowed with azure light
Without a further word said between both combatants, both warriors launched at each other like two runaway freight trains; Issei pushed off the ground using a blast of electrical force to propel him towards Dohnaseek; while the fallen angel simply flew after Issei like a hawk diving down to capture its prey in its talons. The two collided with such force that the reverberating shockwave shattered all of the windows in the area as the weapon made of light and Issei electrified baseball bat clashed against one another with great force, as both locked onto one another with Issei a look of determination and Dohnaseek a look of absolute joy at finding a worth opponent.
Both struggled against the other before the build-up in energies sent them flying from one another, but not before Issei used his Lightning Hook to grab onto one of the rafters behind Dohnaseek, and use it as a means to slingshot himself into Dohnaseek for a gut-check with his bat. However, Dohnaseek was able to counter it on the backswing of his battleaxe to deflect the swing towards his kidneys and send Issei away from him, but not before sending a plethora of light tomahawks to come crashing into his quarry.
To counter this Issei fired off a widespread blast of electricity that not only blocked the constructs headed his way, but reflected them right back to Dohnaseek who was forced to quickly bat them out of his way with quick swings of his battleaxe. It was through these swings that Issei was more than able to use another application of his Lightning Hook to grab a conveyor belt adjacent to him and with a quick heave launched it towards him like it was a softball of all things.
Something that managed to catch the focused fallen angel off guard and plow into him like a runaway forklift, pinning him to a nearby wall, as well as briefly disorienting him as Issei fired 3 Cannon-Bolt's in quick succession at his opposition. The 1st smashed him and the conveyor belt through the brick wall before the last two split the conveyor belt that had previously pinned him to the wall, and violently shocked him as he was sent tumbling across the snow-covered ground.
Dohnaseek quick on his feet was able to fly out of the way from Issei caving his head in with his metal bat, the electrified weapon leaving a small crater where the fallen angels head once was; before said fallen angel charged at him again with a massive overhand that Issei was barely able to block by a hairsbreadth. The two then clashed as arcs of electricity and bursts of azure light erupted with each clash of their weapons, Issei by contrast to the heavy power-attacks and bounding counters launched by Dohnaseek, struck at the fallen angel with lightning-quick swings of his bat, that combined with unhinged parries and overhand swings made him seem almost cartoonishly feral in his attacks.
Something that Dohnaseek respected as Issei was more than willing to trade with him at close range, even though he had to dodge bolts of lightning fired at him, every time Issei countered one of his attacks with his free-hand; Issei was caught by another of swings to his chest and stomach that bloodied his winter jacket. But even still as he was caught with a slash across his cheek he was able to retaliate with a whip-like swing of his back that knocked out Dohnaseek's wisdom teeth and molars, before the two locked weapons with one another; all the while Issei began charging electrical power into his bat.
"Color me impressed, you actually aren't half bad. Hell, you'd make for a half-decent warrior, if you fought with some actual grit!" Dohnaseek said as he and Issei struggled against each other in a stalemate that caused the ground to crumble beneath them
"Thanks, but I still have one trick up my sleeve that you haven't seen yet." Issei replied as he charged more and more power into his bat
"What's that…Sonuvabitch, you have the Boosted Gear." Dohnaseek said as Issei summoned it
"Yup, as I stashed a little bit of power just in case. So have it with a little surprise." Issei replied as he then put a good deal of strength into heabutting Dohnaseek away from him
All before unleashing a near point-blank Smash Rocket against the Fallen Angel which was increased by a shout of Boost and as such was hit by a doubled-up electrical attack that sent him flying, as he struggled to hold back the attack that drove him away from Issei with the fury of a rampaging elephant. The fallen angel having to summon a 2nd light weapon in order to have a better chance of stopping it, as the rocket albeit slowing a decent bit with that added weapon hand still continued to drive him back, before eventually detonating in an explosion of electrical energy.
The raucous explosion shook the area as though an aerial bombardment had just streaked across the area, with Dohnaseek emerging from the explosion smoking with a considerable amount of electrical burns across his body; blowing away his trenchcoat and leaving his button-up shirt and khakis' in smoldering tatters. But despite that he held his light weapons aloft as Issei dashed after him as though he were a living lightning bolt, and Dohnaseek flying towards him with both light battleaxes in his hands ready to engage once more with the Boosted Gear wielder.
Both clashing against one another in what seemed like a battle of attrition as Issei and Dohnaseek battle it out, whilst Issei was doing everything he could to deflect the attacks that came after him; like a constantly moving avalanche of heavy-handed blows to his body. However, due to Dohnaseek's greater proficiency in combat he was able to land more attacks and counter Issei's own as blood began to streak across the snow-covered ground, yet Issei was fine with giving as long as he could one back as his electrified bat would manage to find purchase on Dohnaseek's stomach, legs and wings; while he stockpiled Boosts.
Yet as Issei blocked twin overhand swings meant to decapitate him with his metal bat that creaked and cracked under the strain of blocking, he grinned as his playing defensive against the constant stream of attacks had paid off. Given that in the moment Dohnaseek looked down he saw that multiple orbs of electrical energy were stuck to his thighs, pelvis and abdomen as Issei with a snap of his fingers on his free hand detonated the electrical sticky bombs he had been placing throughout the course of their exchange.
The result was multiple explosions going off at once that sent Dohnaseek skidding across the ground, as Issei used an Explosion to explosively enhance his speed from a 3X Boost; causing him to break the sound barrier as he rocketed towards Dohnaseek. From there he unleashed a salvo of punishing strikes to the fallen angels' chest with such force that not only electrical shockwaves erupted from each point of impact, but also that the sheer force that he swung with caused his metal baseball bat to crack more and more apart with each powerful swing.
Said near omnidirectional salvo lasting for what was a brief period of time; looking like multiple lightning strikes erupting around Dohnaseek who was unable to react to each one that hit him with bone-breaking force as each attack came with the force of what felt like a 10-ton hammer to the face. The final strike being an almighty blow to the liver that hit with such force that the baseball bat exploded into metal shards, as an accompanying bolt of lightning erupted from the point of impact; shattering all of Dohnaseek's floating ribs and causing him to spit out a gout of blood.
Issei all the while gathering the last bit of his Explosion into a powerful Artillery Bolt that cut a large gash on the side of Dohnaseek's chest, as he was sent back to the abandoned shoe factory, the force causing the adjacent side he landed on's wall to be blown apart and nearly collapse in on itself. Yet Dohnaseek despite it all stood up with a blood-filled grin from his broken if not shattered ribs, which alongside his legs smoking from the cascade of electrical burns that left him shaking from the absurd amount of amperage that was pumped into him still held a joyous smile on his face.
"You know, we don't gotta do this whole death match. Just let my friend go, and I will let this fuckery slide…Hell, just get the fuck out of my home and we can just let this whole bullshit be over." Issei spoke hoping that after having dealt enough damage that Dohnaseek would be complicit to listening to reason
"No can do. I came here to fight a warrior's fight, and until one of us dies; I'm seeing this through till the end. Besides, even if I lose I intend on making sure you leave out of here with a warrior's heart." Dohnaseek replied
"What the hell are you talking about?" Issei questioned as he got into a boxing stance
"You have all this power, plus that of a legendary Sacred Gear. Yet you still don't have the guts to pull the trigger and massacre your enemy on sight. Hell, you have enough in you to end this immediately, yet because of your worried about getting your punk-ass friend hurt if you go all out. Your still being a chicken-shit about fighting all out." Dohnaseek answered back
"How did you…" Issei wondered as Dohnaseek conjured a pair of light cestsus on either fist
"You may have beaten all of my soldiers up till now. But even I can tell that you're still soft in that heart of yours, regardless. Which is why it disgusts me that you don't unleash that full power of yours to end this as quick as possible. The life at that perverted little shit be damned…That's why even if I lose, I'll make sure your coming out of this a warrior with enough piss and vinegar in you to kill anyone who gets in your way from the jump." Dohnaseek told him before launching after him as Issei used a Shock-Wall to block the oncoming Superman-punch
"And why would you care?! Why the hell would you care about me acting like a warrior?!" Issei questioned in confusion
"You wield enough power to conquer anything in your path, and yet you still have nerves about a fight before you like a cowed little bitch. Damn that, I refuse to let anyone in my path act like a nervous soft shit!...That's why I'm going to do something that will fix that right up." Dohnaseek answered back as he began to push Issei back
"So come on, and hit me with everything you've got!" Dohnaseek said before with a double-axe handle he struck hard enough to disrupt Issei's concentration
From there Issei and Dohnaseek began to exchange shots with each other, with Issei going for pure volume with a continuous stream of jabs, hooks and crosses like the pounding of a thunderstorm; where as Dohnaseek was going for pure power with each gut-busting uppercut, overhand and ram-rod jab to the body of his own. The two despite blood splattering across the ground that shook with the force of their rather brutal exchange fought with the ferocity of wild beasts, as Issei gritted his teeth and began putting more power into each punch that he could get across without getting immediately countered to end the fight as quickly as possible.
All the while Dohnaseek was attacking with such power that he nearly began to walk down Issei, who did his best to evade the power punches that crashed into him like a roided out water-buffalo, as he continued to grind it out against the fallen angel who despite tanking his combinations with great fervor, found himself weakening all the same. Given that the accumulated damage was getting to him as he fought on substantially damaged legs, that struggled to support his larger frame as Issei fought harder and hard to nail him with stronger and stronger punches.
What with Issei weaving out of the way from an overhand right that nearly caught him on the jaw, but in exchange for landing a small flurry of punches to Dohnaseek's busted ribs; he was forced to endure a ferocious uppercut to the kidneys that borderline took the wind out of his sails. Yet as he stomached a piston-like jab to the face that knocked a molar out of his skull, he stamped his foot into the ground in defiance; before retaliating with a hard right hook to the side, before subsequently switching to Southpaw and landing a hook-cross-hook combination to the body that caused Dohnaseek to nearly stumble to his knees.
From there Issei continued to land blisteringly quick combinations with more and more power that he could throw against the fallen angel, his will to end the fight and save Motohama from death; caused at random moments not only holy energy to leak forth from his body, but also his fists to turn ebony black and strike with such force they sounded like cannons before returning to normal. All the while Dohnaseek with a bloody smile continued to block and counter with his own power punches, knocking Issei back with heavy uppercuts to his ribs that broke from the shots that lacked volume but made up for it in the force generated from them.
Yet as Issei once more was caught with a heavy jab to the stomach, which was followed through with a thudding uppercut to the sternum, an overhand right to the jaw, and then another uppercut to the kidneys, Issei used the opportunity that Dohnaseek overcommitted to another uppercut aimed at his liver to quickly dodge out of the way. From there he aimed a short yet strong left hook to the liver of his own, as he then unleashed a jaw-breaking shovel hook with as much speed as he could muster; sending out blood-covered teeth and saliva flying out of Dohnaseek's mouth.
From thereon Issei internally shouted at Ddraig as Issei then after stockpiling Boosts during the short yet vicious exchange, unleashed them all in a furious explosion as he then covered his fists in so much electricity that they seemed little more than compressed sphere of lightning. All before unloading on Dohnaseek with everything he got in a lightning-quick barrage of punches that came with such aggression and force, that the assault broke Dohnaseek's hands as he tried to block and counter them; the sound of bones shattering being audibly heard as Issei unloaded as much as he humanly could onto him.
Dohnaseek was forced to be left a target to Issei's punches that came with such strength that not only did each blow illuminate his skeleton from the sheer force of lightning pumped into him, but each blow reducing his bones to naught but shattered dust within, and his internal organs rupturing from what felt like lightning bolts from the heavens striking him down. All the while as Issei punched as speeds that he didn't think were possible as he practically collapsed Dohnaseek's ribcage, spine, skull, and internal organs into dust and mush; he felt his fingers dislocate from the sheer speed and force he struck at.
All before ending it with a punctuating right hook that sent Dohnaseek skidding for dozens if not a full hundred feet, as Issei was left with his body aching from having to unleash so much power; alongside the blood that continued to leak out his body from the accumulated wounds he sustained. Meanwhile, Dohnaseek lay on death's door with his consciousness fading, and his insides pummeled into a bloody pulp, but nonetheless, as he lay in absolute agonizing pain he held a bloody smile at having died a warriors' death.
'Well, shit kid. You actually managed to send me off into the afterlife with a warriors' death. Thanks a ton, you little shit. And godspeed against Raynare, you're gonna need it.' Dohnaseek said to himself as he felt his vision blur into that pitch-black of oblivion as a spectral-looking clock appeared above his chest that began to countdown
"Holy shit…I actually pulled off…I mean I'm pretty fucked, but I still pulled off the victory!" Issei said although clutching at his sore busted ribs
"Indeed, well done against our adversary. I had full confidence that you would come out on top." Ddraig replied as Issei began to walk/hobble towards the factory were Motohama was kept captive
"Thanks, now let's go get Motohama and get this shit over with…I'm ready to call this a night." Issei said back ready to end things
However, as Issei continued to hobble towards the abandoned factory; Dohnaseek's heart began to beat it's last dying beat the spectral clock on his chest ticked away…4…3…2…1; before dissipating in a flash of brilliant azure. Wherein in the moment that that spectral clock reached zero multiple runes appeared all over the abandoned shoe factory, before glowing a bright but harsh sapphire as Issei in sensing the build-up of energy went to try and grab Motohama before the worst could happen.
But before he could build up enough speed to grab Issei or use a Lightning Hook to snatch him from harms way, the building exploded into brilliant blue light, the shockwave knocking him away as he was forced to put up a Shock Wall to shield himself from the blast that sent him flying a full 30 feet. The brunette conduit landed harshly on his back as he felt his body aching even more furiously as he stumbled to his feet to look for his friends body, as the building while not on fire was still smoking from the incredibly concussive blast.
What with Issei in the moments it took for him to collect himself immediately went towards using his Lightning Hook which he quickly boosted to, help dig through the smouldering rubble as much as possible in hopes that somehow by the grace of God that somehow Motohama miraculously survived. The act of digging through it to potentially save his perverse friend taking minutes that felt like hours upon hours, as Issei dug like his life depended on it, with sweat, grime and blood covering his brow as he dog and launched rubble aside.
After nearly 3 long minutes of digging, had he soon found the bruised if not outright destroyed face of his friend, the Boosted Gear wielder quickly in a frenzy pulling out his friend from the rubble…or rather what remained of the bespectacled pervert. Given that all that was left was a hunk of his corpse that from the skull down to the midst of his sternum, was a sundered lump of meat and bone that was once Motohama Abarai; his body having been blown to bits by the explosion.
The only thing left for Issei to do as he sat there holding the corpse of what was once his friend, was to lay there in the deafening silence to reflect upon Dohnaseek's final words, in doing what he saw fit to turn him into a warrior in the taking of his friend's life in his final moments…As such after sitting beside him for minutes that began to near a solid hour, Issei who had not a tear on his face but his body shaking with grief, fury, and hate at the sudden ripping of a friends' life; knew that in this moment that things had to end and end swiftly with Raynare before any more lives of those around him became subject to more of what would come from his war against her.
(The next day later, 12:25 Pm, The Vatican, Rome, December 6th, 2018)
The next day on the otherside of the world in Rome was Vasco Strada; the once Violence of Heaven was finishing up some paperwork to be approved for Exorcists on duty that were both wanting time off for the upcoming holiday, as well as applications to become Brave Saints for the various high-ranking Seraphs. Did he receive a knock at the door that he welcomed from none other than Irina Shidou, a young lady who as a friend of his grandson's he took a shine too as someone always welcome at his doorstep.
"Ah, Irina, what can I do for you on this fine day?" Vasco asked the young lady
"Sorry in advance if I bothered you, but I was wondering if you approved my vacation days yet?" Irina questioned the hulking cardinal
"As a matter of fact, I just finished approving your time off for the holidays. So you are more than free to enjoy them when you are ready." Vasco told a now excited Irina
"Thank you, Father Vasco, this means so much too me! Finally, I can see Issei again!" Were the words of a joyful-sounding Irina
"Oh, you plan to visit my grandson. That is very good to know, tell me if you wouldn't mind. Do you have anything in mind, when you plan to see him in a few weeks?" Vasco questioned the pigtailed exorcist
"Actually, I plan for it to be a surprise…I know it has been…years since I've seen Issei from when we were kids. But I think that this would be a great time to see him again, and maybe get to know him better from where we left off." Irina said with hope in her voice and in her eyes as well
"While I am sure that it will be a touching reunion. Do remember that it has been years since the two of you have seen each other. Which is why, while your reunion may be as big of a surprise as you plan it to be. That there will also be a fair amount of catching up to do…My grandson has change quite a bit over the years." Vasco told Irina in regards to how much things have changed between both her and Issei
"I know, but I still hope that during my time visiting him. That maybe our friendship can start over again, and hopefully see where things go from there." Irina said in simply wanting to restart her friendship with Issei and see where things proceeded from there
"I just hope that he still recognizes me after all this time." Irina said knowing that with how long she and Issei had been away from each other that she definitely looked 'different'
"I have no doubt that that will give Issei something to think about. But nonetheless, I am positive that you two will have a splendid time getting to know each once more." Vasco replied with a smile full of warmth that came from his decades as a holy man that have counseled many in his time
"Thank you, Father…Also, there is one more question that I have wanted to ask you…Or two questions that I have been wanting to ask you for a long time now?" Irina asked as Vasco stopped doing his paperwork to pay her full attention
"By all means ask away. There is nothing to hide here, and I am as I always have been an open book." Vasco said back his hulking frame leaning onto the table
"Well, I was wondering how come you never went onto be a Brave Saint like Father Dulio and Sister Griselda? You are one of the strongest exorcists we have, and yet you turn down the chance to be a super angel all the time…Why is that?" Irina questioned in having wondered why the elderly but nonetheless powerhouse exorcist always refused the chance at becoming an angel
"That is because I like having my freedom, young lady. Being an angel doesn't quite give me all that." Vasco told Irina
"Personally, I think it is a bit overrated if you ask me. Sure I get a pair of fancy angel wings and a nifty halo. But other than that, I don't really see all the hullabaloo over becoming one; that everyone puts so much weight on." Vasco further spoke never really seeing the ordeal of becoming an angel to be all the hype that others puffed it up to be
"But isn't becoming an angel under the seraphim, or even the Archangels supposed to be a great honor?" Irina questioned in confusion
"Don't get me wrong, young lady. Becoming a Brave Saint under any of the seraphs or someone as esteemed as Lord Michael or Lord Raphael; is something to be proud of…However, it is merely a change of guard and in my personal opinion something that limits you more often than it does give you freedoms." Vasco answered back
"How does becoming an angel like Lord Michael or Father Dulio more limiting than being a regular exorcist?" Irina questioned
"That is because when someone becomes a pure angel. They are then held to a much, much higher standard than any regular person. Given that they are forbidden from indulging or engaging in vices, that we take often for granted…As tell me, Irina. Do you know why the chances of a half-pure-angel child are much lower than a child who is half fallen angel?" Vasco asked the pigtailed exorcist
"No, I don't. That isn't something they cover all that well in our classes." Irina answered back
"That is because things such as sexual relations are considered so much of a lustful act, that it has caused a considerable number to fall. Considering that even love can be turned into lust, even when under the most pure-hearted of constraints…Granted a process is being created by Heaven's Research and Development division to fix this, so that the rate of angels becoming fallen when expressing their love to others does not ause them to fall. It has been a length process that has disheartened many who wish to start families of their own." Vasco told Irina
"...Even though an angel takes a vow of chastity and purity, in service towards Heaven and it's host. The desire for love, pleasures of the flesh, and even that of having romantic partnership with another, as well as the desire to have a family; are ones that overcome even vows as strong as that. And as such is a strong reason for why so many fall. For their are even those that see even the purification process that can be undergone to have this despite having a fair success rate, is an unfair one given how limiting it is. Therefore, their are many I have counseled in years past that have actually regretted becoming an angel; due to it imposing such strict limitations upon their personal life." Vasco further explained to Irina who had a very much surprised and flabbergasted look on her face
"I-I didn't know that it was so serious Father…Why isn't this made more known to more exorcists ahead of time?" Irina questioned the elderly behemoth
"That is because many have either not cared or seen it as a worthy sacrifice, in service to Heaven and its divine host. Then there is also the factor that if told of how limiting it truly is to become an angel of the lord above…That many would not choose to becomeone so fervently, and is something I cannot blame them for when it imposes such harsh restrictions on ones life.." Vasco answered back
For Vasco had in his many years if not decades of service had taken to counseling many angels who actually regretted their decisions to reincarnate into one; after having realized that meant giving up not only starting a family, or at the very least severely limiting their chances of having one. But also the fact that overtime so grew resentful of the fact that it even felt as though they couldn't express themselves as freely as they once did as humans; lest they fall from grace and be branded a traitor to the faith for falling.
"Is that the reason why you refused Lady Gabriel's and Lord Michael's calls to become a Brave Saint?" Irina questioned as Vasco gave a unabashed nod
"Yes, it is…Understand that my love for the lord is equaled only to my love for my family. I would do just about anything for them, and to protect them Irina…In fact, during my younger years as an exorcist I was a far more wrathful and unforgiving man. And I killed many who were deserving and many who were not in the name of my faith, and to protect my family. The amount of dead men behind me, so I could start my family is staggering and to be honest…horrifying." Vasco told her of how in his younger days he was a much different man than the more composed individual he was
"My wrath back then and my love for my wife God rest her soul, and want to start a family. Were so great at the time that, I even dared to spit in the face of Lord Raphael when it meant my vows as an angel would not allow me to have a family…While it was incredibly disrespectful of me at the time, I cannot say that I regret the actions of doing so." Vasco further spoke in vivid memory of how in his younger days that his personality very much matched his moniker as the Violence of Heaven
"I can't believe you did that to Lord Raphael. That…That seems so unlike you Father, since you're so nice most of the time." Irina said shocked to hear that the usually gentle giant would do such a thing
"These were during different times Irina, and as I said I was a much different man back then. However, starting a family with your beloved, raising children and even caring for your grandchild certainly changes a man." Vasco replied as his gaze went over to the picture frames he had of his daughter and grandson that sat on his desk
"...So if that answers your questions about why I never signed onto become an angel. Then there's your answer, young lady…Being an angel is not all its cracked up to be. I will take joint pains and having a bad back any day, than sacrificing any part of who I am as a man; any day of the given week. Vasco further spoke reiterating his earlier points on the matter
"Thank you for clearing that up for me, Father Vasco. It means a lot that you were willing to share this with me." Irina thanked the elderly behemoth of a cardinal
"Not a problem at all, dear. It is the least I can do, to inform talented exorcists such as yourself…I would rather not see young men and women, who have their entire lives ahead of you make such hasty decisions." Vasco replied happy to have helped
"Now then, what was that other question you wanted to ask me?" Vasco queried
"I think I'll save that for later. Right now, I would just like to return to my room and start packing for my vacation in a few weeks." Irina said feeling as though she could save that one for later
"Very well, then. I hope you enjoy your holidays in Kuoh Town, and don't get into too much trouble with my grandson. I know you kids like to have your fun and all." Vasco said with a lighthearted chuckle
"Don't worry, Father Vasco. Issei and I won't get into any trouble…at least I hope not." Said a semi-bashful Irina before she soon exited Vasco's office
'That reminds me, I really should get Issei something for Christmas; since it is coming up in a few weeks time…But what to get the boy..hmmm?' Vasco pondered to himself as he returned to completing his round of paperwork for the day
So with the threat of the fallen angels escalating as one of the Perverted Trio falls in in the aftermath of Issei's slaying of Dohnaseek, things are looking to ramp up as both sides in Kuoh decide to ramp things up in their battle against one another. The question is who will prevail before the New Year is rang in for the battle for Kuoh Town's soul?...Find out in the all-new episodes of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, that takes care of that, as I hoped you guys enjoyed this 2nd part in the Fallen Angel arc as things are taking quite the turn for everyone, as we have our 1st real casualty in Issei and company's fight against Raynare's group, and let me tell you guys something…As of still and what's to come, anyone can still get it as a reminder, so just remember that if you're still expecting everyone to come out in one piece at the end of this arc.
That being said, thank you everyone and my deepest gratitudes towards everyone who has continued to stick around for this long as we are now 7 episodes deep into the story. Because there is still quite a bit to cover, and oh boy do things ramp up from here. However, again thanks for the support and I hope that this story will continue to spread out further so everyone can enjoy what ever nonsense I cook up.
So without further adieu, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, as we go through Part 3 of the Fallen Angel arc. So stay tuned for that good stuff.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: Prayer by Disturbed
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
UnsanMusho: As you can see we are very much ramping things up from the last chapter, since I wholeheartedly meant it when it when I said that things were gonna start amping up from the standard Fallen Angel arc.
God of Wind 200: Glad you like the story so far, and that's understandable about not knowing about the INfamous series, but it is something worth checking out. Because, in my personal opinion it is heavily underrated.
Gilgamesh50 (Chapter 2): To be fair this does take place years after INfamous 2 and about a year after INfamous Second Son, so the thing of Conduits being out and about in the world would be common knowledge by now. Actually, Aika does have a supernatural connection its just something that I haven't revealed quite yet as to what it is quite yet. But also this is Kuoh Town, a place where the supernatural in its' nonsense does run rampant, so it's pretty expectant that sooner or later you'll have encounters with them.