(Episode 8: Fallen Angels vs Conduits and Holy Men: Part 3)
The chilling month of December was quickly turned into a somber affair in the aftermath of Motohama's death, that had broken Issei's heart at the fact that one of his own were now resting in Heaven…Something that was barely helped by the fact that there was barely enough of him left for a closed-casket funeral, as the date for it alongside his parents who were murdered by the now deceased Dohnaseek approached as quickly as the snow fell across Kuoh Town.
The only thing that managed to keep him from spiraling into a rage-fuelled depression was his focus on his craft, and the more intense than ever focus of bringing Raynare to justice for her part in this torrid affair; that had spiraled out of hand.
(December 9th, 2018, Issei's House, 2:25 Pm)
It would be a bit after 2 in the afternoon as Issei was with the assistance of one of Riser's servants that he lent to him to help with his cosplay commission named Yubelluna; were hard at work for a cosplay for a Renaissance-style Wonder Woman costume.
"Thanks again for helping me out, Miss Yubelluna. After the past couple of days, I could use the help." Issei said his voice much more somber as he was still reeling from the death of Motohama
"Of course. Any friend of Master Riser's, is someone who I am more than happy to assist. Especially, when they are so handsome as well." Yubelluna said back with a flirtatious wink as she worked on finishing the corset portion of the costume
"Thank you, and I appreciate the compliment…But with everything else going on, I-I'm not really in the best place right now." Issei responded his mind still a tightly wound ball of emotions
"...Yes, Master Riser did inform me of what happened with your friend…My condolences for what happened, I know that this must be a hard time for you." Yubelluna spoke as she continued working on the corset while Issei was sewing on the sleeves of the attire
"Again, thanks…Its just a lot to deal with right now. One moment I go from being on top of the world, then the next I'm having to get ready for my friends' upcoming funeral." Issei replied as he continued to work on the costume before him
"So if I can keep it a buck with you. I feel lower than I ever have in well…ever." Issei somberly added
Since the newly made Red Dragon Emperor while having still enjoyed the powers and everything that came with it, as they allowed him to endeavor to become a better man overall/ the gut-punch that was his inability to save Motohama from being blown to bits was as fresh and painful as taking a Mike Tyson uppercut to the liver. Given that the guilt and hate he had within himself that rose by the day, burned inside himself as Dohnaseek's lasting 'gift' to make him a warrior worked, as now that he was in one of the lowest points of his life; Issei was now dealing with the fact that in order to never let another innocent life be taken that he truly had to become a warrior as well as a better man.
"It's a major part of why after his funeral, I'm taking a break from doing commissions and all that noise…It just doesn't feel right doing them when one of my friends died right in front of me." Issei added om not feeling as though his heart could be into any of his commissioned artwork until he took time the to grieve
"While this may sound corny, as my master would say. Things will get better in time, it may take weeks, months, or even years. However, Master Riser, and from what he has told me of you, knows that you will pull through this. After all, he thinks of you as a great man if I am to be fully transparent with you." Yubelluna told Issei as she tried her best to console the Red Dragon Emperor
"He does?...I didn't think he thought all that much of me, besides someone who does great doujinshi's for him from time to time…That and kickass paintings if I want to toot my own horn." Issei said with hints of personal pride bleeding through his otherwise somber-sounding voice
"He truly does. In fact, he has expressed it many times that you are his best if not close to being his only friend." Yubelluna replied as she finished embroidering the Wonder Woman symbol onto the corset
"Now that's something, I never thought I'd hear. You would think that someone like him would have a whole entourage of people to be with him…Consider me one helluva lucky duck then." Issei said as he finished sewing on the sleeves of the outfit in its entirety
"While that is true that when he goes out to social gatherings, clubs, and other events of that nature. More often than not, he keeps to himself when it doesn't pertain to his career in the diplomacy corps." Yubelluna replied
"But more and I do mean much more than that, he is someone who I know values everything that he has around him. It is why I and the other servants who work for him, are incredibly appreciative of him as a person…That man would go over and above for us and others in a heartbeat." Yubelluna further spoke regarding the charitable heart behind the playboy persona of her master
"Glad to hear that, but I don't really know where you're going with this, Miss. Yubelluna?" Issei said semi-confused by the point the incredibly busty woman was trying to make
"...Sorry, it is honestly times like these that I wish Isabela were here…She is much better at these things than I am, despite how she acts…However, the point I am trying to make is that people such as my master and those around you; are here for you should you need them. While I cannot imagine the pain you are going through, I do know that you are not lacking in loved ones who would do anything to shoulder the pain in your heart alongside you…So the best I can say is, do not feel as though you are alone in your time of grieving, Master Issei, as even in times that you are going through you are surrounded by love." Yubelluna said back one part cursing how awkward she must have sounded and one part doing her best to console her masters' friend
"I think I have a pretty good idea where you might be going with this. Also, don't put too much stress on yourself about trying to make me feel better. Not everyone is built for that kind of that." Issei said giving the woman a friendly pat on the shoulder for the attempt
"Of course, it is the least I can do for one of my master's friends. Especially, when they have a good heart such as yours." Yubelluna replied with a warm smile
"Thanks, that…that means a lot from a gorgeous babe like yourself." Issei sheepishly said to the busty Phenex Queen
"Careful, flattery will get you everywhere young man." Yubelluna replied with a light chuckle and a sultry wink that nearly made Issei blush
"I hope…A-Anyways, let's take a small lunch break. Lucky for us, I had lunch in the oven while we worked, as I figured it couldn't hurt to have something going while we were working...That is if your hungry?" Issei told his assistant
"That is very sweet of you, I would love to have whatever you made for us to eat." Yubelluna said as Issei went to the kitchen to pull out his lasagna for them to eat
However, as the hours of the day wore on whilst Issei and Yubelluna shared lunch together and worked on completing cosplay commissions before Issei took his hiatus from doing so, it would be well into the wintry night for Asia and Aika. Of whom after seeing a house being attacked by Raynare's squad of rogue exorcists decided to intervene and luckily for them were able to save the children that one Reya Kusaka was babysitting, and get said children to hide in their rooms while the trio reduced to duo were fending off the assailing in question.
Seeing as how in order to save one of the children, and their who had returned from working a night shift; was forced to take a holy-powered RPG rocket to the face; leaving her in critical condition if her blown apart right leg and arm at the elbow and knee respectively were any indicator, as Asia put up an ice wall to shield the window from the machine gun and rifle-fire. Whilst Aika was busy using the flames of her Black Blaze Flare to create cursed flame molotov cocktails that she would launch through the opening in said ice wall, whilst Asia was using her Twilight Healing to heal the very much wounded Sitri bishop who was sporting harsh 2nd degree burns from the literal holy explosive.
"Asia, how's she looking?!" Aika asked as she made another molotov to lob at the opposition
"She's stable enough, but I won't be able to heal her completely until we get rid of them!" Asia yelled out Aika reflexively ducked as another grenade was lobbed; whilst the rogue exorcists were busy trying to break into the house
"That's good, but is she gonna be good enough to keep everyone holed up somewhere? Because as fine as I am throwing molotov's at these jerks, I am going to run out sooner or later." Aika questioned
"That depends…Do you have enough strength to create a barrier to protect everyone here, while we deal with the threat outside?" Asia questioned Reya whilst she lobbed a molotov cocktail
"Y-Yes…I should be healed enough to keep them safe…T-Thank you, for your help. I'm…sorry that you were dragged into this." Reya answered back apologizing to the former holy maiden who healed her large gut wound as best she could after hurriedly removing the shrapnel within
"Good…Now no matter what happens, do not open this door until either Aika or myself say that it is clear. Understood?" Asia instructed Reya who nodded
"Alright, Aika. We are clear to engage!" Asia told her companion who grinned as she lobbed her last cursed molotov
"Bitchin', let's do this shit!" Aika said as Asia turned her hands into sharp ice claws
From there the duo rushed down the stairs towards the front door where Asia had previously barricaded it with a 2 foot thick wall of ice, which after Aika had summoned her Sacred Gear into the waking world; the holy maiden then pressed forward with her clawed hands and on contact the ice wall exploded into a spray of thick icicles. The shotgun-like spray striking down the handful who were not caught ablaze by Aika's cursed flames, as those in attendance were then on guard as they then saw 10 tendrils appear quicker than they could blink and wrap around any living person they could reach before dragging them toward Aika.
The bespectacled pervert using them as living meat shields while she drained them as the gathered squad of rogue exorcists opened fire on them, as Asia launched covered in frost, frigid winds and ice like some terrifying spirit of winter; before impaling the closest rogue exorcist in her line of sight with her claws. The female exorcist unable to scream out for help as her lungs and vocal cords were flash-frozen, before Asia with a stomp of her foot caused the surrounding snow to rise forward and form large gnarled hands that began to bludgeon and freeze anything they could punch in a 15 foot radius of each other, breaking bones and freezing flesh contact.
The constructs made of condensed ice and snow served as a great distraction as they flailed about to grab and crush any target in sight, all the while Aika was striking out with her tendrils; using them to either launch forward to land fiery flying knees and dropkicks that punched through flesh as though it were made of sopping wet cardboard. Then there was her cracking said tendrils like whips before using them to sever limbs, like a hacksaw would cut through rotting tree bark, wrapping around necks to snap them with impunity, or whipping them in deadly arcs to slice through and burn her opponents into burning dismembered messes.
Soon enough the rogue exorcists were now finding themselves on the backfoot, as Aika and Asia made sure to run through them with little expense now that both were no longer confined to playing defensive to keep both Reya and those inside the house safe; given that Asia had immediately reformed the ice-wall the moment she and Aika had made their counter-offensive. Furthermore, the former holy maiden in seeing one of the rogue exorcists scramble to get into one of their armored vehicles and load up their gattling gun to fire at Aika, who was busy dealing with a handful of rogue exorcists, the former holy maiden launched a beam of pure cold energy at the artillery in question.
Said beam striking her would've been shooter right between the eyes; flash-freezing him, the gattling gun in question, and the vehicle into a solid block of ice; that almost cartoonishly began to slide down the slick street. Meanwhile, Aika tired of seeing rogue exorcists scrambling to their vehicles to get heavier-duty weaponry to deal with them and kill the Devil in question; conjured a fireball of pitch-black and violet the size of a small car that she sent flying towards the closed armored truck…the result was it and nearly every armored vehicle being consumed in a concussive fireball that shoot the area.
"...Aika, be careful of where you are firing. You could have caught me in the explosion." Asia said as she sliced off the face of 4 rogue exorcists who tried to surround her in a flash of permafrost and frigid winds
"Sorry, Asia. I'm just trying to make sure that these jerks stay down when we put them down." Aika replied as she cracked her Absorption Line Tendril to split in half a trio of approaching rogue exorcists
"Besides, we've got these jerks on the ropes. So I say that its worth it." Aika further spoke as she wrapped a flurry of tendrils around the necks of fleeing rogue exorcists to stop them in their tracks
"Fair…However, I would appreciate it, if you used a bit more caution when doing so." Asia replied flinching as she watched the rogue exorcists' become drained of their vitality that was absorbed into Aika
"Fair 'nuff. Anyways, let's finish this. We can't let these guys get away and report back to their bosses." Aika replied as she hooked her tendrils into the ground and slingshotted herself into the nearest group of rogue exorcists
From there, the assault turned massacre against the squad of rogue exorcists continued as neither Aika or Asia spared any expense in making sure that their opposition were turned into a past-tense with a ruthless efficiency and aggression behind their attack. Given that the ground around them became choked with ash, blood, metal and ruined corpses, as Asia and Aika were throughout the nearly 3 minutes that this all began were making sure that no one was going to escape or get through them.
Anyone they spotted attempting to escape the carnage were ran through by Asia's claws of frigid ice, which were able to use the surrounding snow and ice to create clawed hands and mouths full of sharpened 'teeth' to clamp onto the arms and weapons of those who would fire or attack her, and crush them into a bloody pulp. Which left them open for Asia to impale them with her claws or Aika to cut them down with her whip-like tendrils or incinerate them outright with streams of cursed flame that if they didn't burn them to death on impact, caused them to erupt into royal-violet colored tumors that seemed to crush their innards, limbs, and skulls before imploding from the rapid-fire growth.
The two managed to dispatch their targets with an ease that surprised even them given how Aika was using her supernatural strength; in tandem with her Absorption Line tendrils and Black Blaze Flare to spear through her targets like a fiery cannonball of death; shattering bones and melting away flesh with little if any difficulty. All the while Asia used her flight capabilities to zip through her adversaries and slash and impale them with great ease, whilst launching shards of ice to further freeze them into macabre ice statues.
Eventually after a total of 4 minutes 20 seconds of pure carnage, flame, and wintry vengeance did Asia and Aika finish with their assault; standing in a front yard full of corpses that littered the lawn and armored vechicles that burned with cursed flame in the midst of the winter night.
"That was definitely something…you good, Asia?" Aika questioned as Asia flew over toward her
"Yes, I will be fine. My clothes and coat will need washing, but otherwise I will be fine." Asia answered back regarding her bloodstained clothing
"Well, with that out of the way. I think it'll be a good idea if we head in and tell everybody inside; that the coast is clear." Aika said while the former holy maiden retracted her ice claws back to their normal state
"I agree. I would rather not keep them waiting any longer, now that the threat has been dealt with." Asia said as she followed Aika inside
'On the plus side, the student council is gonna owe me a big one for this.' Aika said to herself knowing that they were gonna owe her one for saving Reya's life
(The next day, Kuoh Academy, 3:14 Pm, December 10th, 2018)
Meanwhile, as the next day came with a swiftness; Issei was talking with Matsuda on where the Perveted Trio now duo would go from here without one of their own to do sheanigans with, given that with Motohama's death their lecherous antics had come to an absolute halt.
"So your really getting out of here this spring?" Issei questioned Matsuda
"Yeah, man. After, my fight in March. I'm gonna go pro full-time and move to the states." Matsuda answered back
"I just can't stay in this place now that Motohama is gone…Fuck man, there wasn't even enough of him to bury. On top of that, how do I stay here any longer when everyone is damn near celebrating his death like they won the lottery." Matsuda further added unable to stomach being in Kuoh for much longer when they celebrated his friends' death so jubiliantly
"Trust me, I'm not too happy about it either. Everyday, I'm here is another day that I can't fucking stomach." Issei spoke in complete agreement with the aspiring middleweight pugilist
"To be real with ya, I'm surprised you haven't said fuck it to this place too. You and I both know, this place hasn't been kind to you either. Especially after what's happened with the main man Motohama." Matsuda replied as they walked towards Matsuda's car
"I promised my gramps that I'd stick out until I earned my G.E.D, and I am a man of my word. So until I get it all taken of, I'm riding this one out." Issei told the bald boxer on how he was handling the situation
'That and I'm trying to save you, and the town from getting fucked with even more by my evil ex-girlfriend.' Issei said to himself regarding Yuuma/Raynare
"You really are a better man than me. Since I would've been like 'bump that shit, I'm outta this bitch'. Because no promise is worth being in this shithole for any longer than I have to be." Matsuda replied as Issei nodded in agreement with the bald pugilist
"Hey, I'm gonna make my Grandpa proud of me as a man. Which means, I gotta tough this stuff out until I get my golden ticket. After that's done, then just about everybody else in this place and lick the harriest part of my balls for all I care." Issei said back knowing that once he got what he needed he wasn't returning here for shit
"Hey man, good luck with that…I'm gonna go home and rest up before I gotta train for my fight soon." Matsuda told Issei as he hopped into his cadillac
"Alright, man. I'll catch you later, and godspeed on knocking that sonuvabitch out in a few months." Issei said as his pugilist for a friend started up his car
"Ain't nothing but to do it…See you later too, my guy." Issei said as Matsuda drove off and away
"Now the only thing that's left to do is spend the day at my house with Rias…What can possibly go wrong." Issei said to himself as he walked over too his car
"Are you sure it is a good idea to bring her to our home? It could be a trap waiting to happen, given what she is." Ddraig questioned apprehensive of the Gremory heiress
"Look, I'm not gonna judge her intentions based off what she is. A lot of people already do that here with me, because and I will admit, am a perv. However, I'm not gonna be a dick about it…So I'm gonna give her the fair one like I promised, and see how everything goes." Issei answered back in refusal to count or be mean too Rias solely because of her being a Devil
"Besides, as the good book says. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, and since I will more than admit to being a sinner at heart. I refuse to cast that stone at Rias, and blow her off…Besides, Grandpa Vasco would kill me for not having manners towards a pretty lady like her." Issei added
"Very well, then. Just know that should anything happen. I have your back." Ddraig spoke ready and waiting to strike should something go awry
"And I appreciate it Ddraig. But I have this one covered." Issei replied with a thankful nod
"That being said, we shall be speaking later. As I sense her coming your way right now." Ddraig said back as Issei saw Rias approaching
'Ok how is it that she makes wearing a winter coat, and jeans look sexy?' Issei wondered to himself as he saw the curvaceous redhead approach
"Sorry, for not showing up sooner. I had to take care of a few things with the Occult Reseach Club...I hope you understand." Rias apologized
"Hey, you are completely fine. Plus I understand that you're super busy most of the time, so it's all good." Issei said with a nonchalant wave as he went around to open up his car door for Rias
"Anyways, ladies first and sorry if my car isn't all that. But at least it gets me from point A to point ; in one piece." Issei spoke as both himself and Rias got into his car
"Oh no this is fine, if anything I actually like it. It's actually a lot less obnoxious than what the other boys at the academy have." Rias said back
"Thank you…But anyways, let's head over to my place…and buckle up by the way." Issei told her before flooring it
To say that on the way towards Issei's rather modest-looking home was a bit of a rush, was a complete understatement seeing as how the brunette Conduit drove like he was in a Fast & the Furious movie; which with how fast and dynamic he drove lke an absolute madman; made her heart rush and her head nearly spin. Yet even with all of that they arrived at Issei's household in one piece albeit with Rias needing a few moments to collect herself after feeling like she was in a high-speed car chase, she entered into Issei's home alongside the Red Dragon Emperor.
Wherein the place while modest and rather warm welcoming was also more akin to a seamstress/art studio given that with Issei's aggressive work schedule with his commissions, Youtube channel and etc; that he decorated and kept it to reflect his work habits; being a balance between chaos and orderly fashion. That being said Issei had Rias make herself at home while he got lunch for them ready, and as such left Rias to wander the young Conduits' household, as he got everything started; which she did as she took off her winter clothing and shoes.
As Rias couldn't help but feel a bit of discomfort due to the crosses and such that he kept within his house, feel surprised that Issei's house felt nothing like she would have imagined; given that instead of porno mags, hentai doujinshi's and body pillows and such; were art supplies, large calendars dating future commissions. Alongside rooms that were turned into dedicated workstations for him to use, and supply closets that he kept things for his workshops in as well as mannequins to hang up his unfinished cosplay commissions in by the almost dozens; had Rias see as to why Issei was failing given that he was this busy for his passion in artwork and animation.
However, before she could reach his bedroom; Issei had called Rias in telling her that their food was just about done, and so in wanting to be a polite houseguest and respect his boundaries turned away from his bedroom and joined Issei to have dinner. Which was medium well Ribeye steaks, spinach, sweet potatoes, and homemade waffle fries, which further surprised Rias that he made it all given that while she knew of him being a prodigious artist/animator…a very skilled cook wasn't up there in the cards.
"So in addition to being an incredibly skilled artist, having a successful animation channel on Youtube, and creating well-made cosplay outfits. You are a great cook as well?" Rias said as she finished her ribeye and waffle fries
"You certainly are full of surprises, Issei…I may have to ask if you can cook for me more often." Rias added in delight of Issei's cooking
"Hey, when you have someone as great as my mom and Grandpa Vasco. You learn how to be a pretty bang-up cook…Besides, my stuff isn't all that great. Its good, but not 5 star good." Was Issei's semi-deflective response
"I don't see why you are so modest. Your food tastes wonderful, if I were you I would take much more pride in it. As you really outdid yourself." Rias said as she began to eat the last bites of her sweet potatoes
"That is honestly incredibly sweet of you to say…To be honest, I never would have figured in a million years, that Rias Gremory of all people would want to be near me. God fearing even wanting to have dinner with me, huh, my guardian angel must really be looking out for me; to have this happen." Issei replied having never figured in a million years that something like this would happen
"I wouldn't be so hard on yourself, Issei. If anything I think I could get used to spending time around you." Rias said back
"R-Really?..Sorry, I just still have trouble seeing why one of the most beautiful and popular girls at the academy would want to spend time with me…ME, the legendary good-for-nothing pervert of Kuoh Academy. Honestly, I would say you're punching way, way down when there's a hundreds of other guys better than me." Issei spoke still finding it hard to see why other than his powers that Rias would take interest in him as a person
"That is because, unlike the other boys at the academy. You have something that they do not." Rias replied
"What would that be?" Issei questioned wondering what other than his powers he could have to measure up to the other guys at the acade,y
"That no matter what, you are unafraid to be yourself. Compare that to the other boys; who spend all of their time pretending to be bigger than what they are, and preening and puffing themselves up like peacocks. And it sours your opinion of a lot of them." Rias answered
"But not you, Issei. You always act as you are no matter what, that no matter who or what anyone say or does; that you still act as the same person you are inside…To be quite honest, I am actually a bit envious of you in that regard." Rias further added causing Issei to drop his knife and fork at hearing those words
"...Rias Gremory of all people being envious of me?! Now I have just about heard it all." Issei spoke absolutely flabbergasted to hear those words come from her
"It is something, I never thought that I would hear myself say either. However, it is the honest truth." Rias replied
"But why be envious of me? Your Rias freakin' Gremory, one of the 4 Great Beauties of Kuoh, the Princess of the Academy who can do just about everything, has the looks, money, prestige and admiration of just about everyone. Meanwhile, I'm just some good-for-nothing pervert from the states, that doesn't even know his real dad, can draw hentai and cartoons really well, is a geek and a half, and ain't all that much to look at." Issei said seeing too much contrast between himself and Rias to see why she'd envy him
"And it is because of those things, both negative and positive that have people look at you as a real person…Meanwhile, no one looks at me for…me and instead, all I am is just a prize for everyone to lust after." Rias said back as she looked at her reflection in the silverware
"Don't get me wrong, I am proud of who I am. But I just wish that instead of everyone looking at me, as an object to be desired, a prize to be won, or something that people have to drop everything so that they can have a chance at 'winning me' just for the prestige of have Rias Gremory as arm candy. I just wish that someone would look at me, as a person who feels and cares for others just as everyone else does." Rias further spoke her usually sure-of-herself features morphing more along the lines of somberness
"But what about all the schnooks in the Occult Research Club? Hell, I'm pretty sure that Kiba looks at you the way you want." Issei said getting a soft bit of chuckling from Rias
"Don't get me wrong, I care about all of them and appreciate them for standing by my side for years. However, they are more like family to me than anything else…What I want is for there to be someone who won't just look at me and say there's Rias Gremory one of the 4 Great Kuoh Beauties, or there goes Rias of House Gremory the darling child of her family…I want someone to look at me in earnest, and want to know me as a real person for who I am beyond the smoke and mirrors of what everyone sees at the academy." Rias replied
"That…That is why I envy you, Issei. Because you are able to go both in and out of the academy, and have people see you as who you are. Even if its your friends who are beside you at nearly all times, or your detractors, they still see you as who you are every day…I just wish I had something like that is all." Rias further spoke her demeanor and expression became more somber and even melancholic
Given that while Rias did care for her peerage as family and appreciated them in all their support and comfort, she still desired for that one person who would look at her as a real person and not just something to be had or possessed….That at the end of the day she would find that one person who be they in a platonic sense or even romantic, want to be with her and would see her as a person regardless of status, prestige or anything of the like; hence her envy at what Issei had both in a negative and positive light.
In seeing Rias's expression become something almost opposite to what he normally would see, and being able to pick up on the sadness within her aquamarine orbs; the brunette Conduit stretched a hand out to comfort her; wanting to do so as his heart broke for her to hear her say such things…However, as his hand was mere centimeters from doing so he quickly pulled back at the last moment; in fear of his touch doing what it did to Kiba in melting through his flesh like a red-hot ball of iron through an ice-cube.
'I know I'm gonna sound like a total asshat if I say this. But screw it, if she can take the 1st couple steps towards meeting me halfway and not being a dick about being in my home. Then I can meet her halfway back.' Issei said to himself before taking a deep breath
"...Look, I may not know you all that well. But if you really are looking for somebody that's gonna look at you like a real person. Then I'm fine with doing that for you." Issei spoke to Rias who looked up at him
"Wait, Really?!" Rias said surprised
"Yeah, and I know that I can't give you all the excitement, glitz, and glamour like some of the other guys at the academy can. But I can be the guy who will not only see you for you, but make sure that you have someone who can level with you always. That I can be the guy who you know you can pal around with, whenever you want. But most of all, I will be that person who will be there with you till the end of the line, and make sure that you will have that person who will treat you as you deserve to be treated…Just as who you are now, and now as who everyone thinks of you to be." Issei replied in as sincere and genuine a voice he could while also hoping that he didn't come off as super cringe as well
"T-Thank you, Issei that means a lot more to me than what you think." Rias said back while legitimately being thrown off-kilter by the sincerity of Issei's words
"Hey, I wouldn't be much of a stand-up guy if I didn't give people the fair one. Besides, since you actually went out of your way to come here in person, talk with me like an actual peson, and have dinner with me…So the least I can do is…I don't know if friends with be the word, but I am happy to see where things go since I'm now gonna be in you corner from here on." Issei said to Rias as her expression morphed from its dour-looking state to usual cheerful and unwaveringly confident one
"I'm pretty sure I can think of a few things, we could do." Rias replied with a flirtatious smile
"Careful, Rias. I just may take you up on one of your offers, someday." Issei said back
"I hope you will, Issei… There are a lot of 'fun' things that I would love to do with you in the future." Rias said as Issei couldn't help but feel his heart beat faster
"Maybe, I could have a few costumes commissioned sometime, and model for you sometime. I do have a few ideas that I am sure you would love." Rias further spoke as it took all of Issei's willpower not to crush his class as his mind wandered to Rias in sexy cosplay outfits
'Bring it back, Issei…Even though she would look hot as hell in a Power Girl outfit, or a Raven costume, or as Juri from Street Fight…God forbid she dresses up as Livewire, ohhh Big J in Heaven that'd be something.' Issei said to himself as he struggled not to let his more lecherous thoughts run rampant in-front of his house guest
"I'll take you up on that down the line…But for now, how about we have some dessert? I have brownies in the oven if you have room." Issei said shifting subjects to prevent the downunder from rising up
"How did you know that I loved brownies?!" Rias said with delight
"Lucky guess…Anyways, I'll be right back. Just let me take them out of the oven, and I'll be back with you in a moment." Issei replied as he took his and Rias's finished plates to put them in the sink to be cleaned for later
From there after Issei grabbed the tray of fresh fudge brownies that he shared with Rias; the two spent the rest of the day and well into the evening and beginning hours of the night hanging out and watching Looney Toons and Tom and Jery with one another, and sharing a few laughs at the outlandish antics on-screen. The red-headed heiress eventually left in seeing it was getting dark out, and so after returning the hospitality form Issei by helping him clean up after the dinner and dessert; she eventually set off back to her home; whilst Issei after making sure that everything was cleaned off plopped himself on the couch in contentment of what happened.
"Man…this actually went a whole lot better than what I thought…Maybe, being whatever is gonna happen between us won't be all that bad." Issei said to himself with a small smile
'Who would have thought that this would have gone beyond my expectations…Even if he doesn't become a part of my peerage. That having Issei in my company wouldn't be such a bad thing after all…If anything he seems and looks like just the type I've always wanted in someone.' Rias spoke to herself in high hopes for when she would make the move to convince Issei to join her side
(2 days later, East-End Kuoh Town, December 12th, 2018, 10:24 Pm)
However, within a few short days after Rias had visited with Issei; the Red Dragon Emperor and former holy man in Freed were currently intercepting a group of rogue exorcists whom were transporting an especially large shipment from New Marais; something that was from the logs Issei read the tablet marked as the Juggernaut.
"Are you ready for this, Issei? Whatever this Juggernaut shit is, its gonna be some fucking bullshit." Freed spoke as Issei summoned his Boosted Gear gauntlets
"Yeah, I'm gonna be fine. Besides, if I can come out on top against a high-powered fallen angel. Then I'm pretty sure we can make light work out of these schmucks." Issei said back while pounding his gauntlets together that cracked with lightning
"If you fucking say so. By the way, are you sure you don't want something else; when we go head to head with these fuckers?" Freed questioned Issei who from out of the hammerspace of his Boosted Gear summoned a manhole cover
"I'm pretty sure that I've got this. Besides, I'm not all that bad with just my bare hands." Issei said as he kicked his manhole cover to his right hand like it was a skateboard
"Now come come on, let's go rock these guys in their shit already! I'm through waiting for the action to get started!" Issei spoke as he got a running start and before hopping onto his manhole cover to use as an electrified hoverboard
"I'll give the kid credit, he's definitely got some guts in 'em." Freed said activating Clarent's power to grant him ethereal wings of light to fly with
From there the conduit and former holy man flew and surged forwards with Iseei nodding to Freed for them to flank either side of the armored transport, as Issei used a shockwave of electrical power to blast the majority of the armored cars away with the ease a angry toddler would kick over a pile of legos. The Conduit having put enough force into it that caused a majority of the armored vehicles to crush inwards on impact with the brick walls and concrete as they flipped over, leaving disoriented rouge exorcists; who shambled and staggered their way out of their vehicles.
Only for in that very moment to have Freed descend from the starry winter night like an angel of death, and decapitate, eviscerate, or bisect them with such ferocious efficiency; that by the time one would blink they were already in pieces. All the while on Issei's side as he was launching lightning bolts to snipe any rogue exorcist that came shambling out or came ready to attack with their blessed firearms and light weapons on sight, or use his Lightning Hook to reel them in for barrages of electrified hooks and crosses to the body that broke bones and charred flesh on impact.
The duo being more able to run roughshod against them, betweeen Issei using his Lightning Hook to send groups of rogue exorcists reeling in towards Freed who was all too happy to cut them down with Clarent; leaving dismembered limbs and corpses in his wake. Whilst Issei was using the Boosts from his Sacred Gear to allow him to gather electricity at a far more rapid pace than he ever could on his lonesome, in order to rapid fire lightning bolts at his enemies, using the amped up recharing rate to fire off Cannon-Bolts like nobody's business.
Yet it was throughout this high-speed massacre that one of the rogue exorcists managed to get to the containment unit where the Juggernaut was being housed, and shakily after being electrocuted by Issei managed to enter in the code to release it from its bonds to aid them against the threat…All before they had their skull promptly caved in by Issei using a blast of electromagnetic power to hurl a motorcycle at them at such speeds that it left a man-sized hole in the containment unit in question.
What with the night itself being constantly lit up by the flashes of lightning and holy energy for the next nearly 2 minutes before, Issei and Freed stood breathing semi-lightly from having eviscerated the transport group in its entirety. The two then high-fived after a job well done before they soon heard the rapid rumbling and shaking of the containment unit/trailer that had multiple dents within it, as something began to tear and punch its way towards them.
"Hey Freed, you ready for whatever this thing is gonna be?" Issei questioned as Freed held a bloodthirsty grin on his face
"I've been ready, for this shit for a fat minute…Better yet, I'm gonna give it something to remember and take things a bit seriously." Freed answered back as he concentrated for a brief moment before the platinum blade of Clarent turned ebony black
"I-Is that Haki?...What in the One Piece bullshit is this?" Issei questioned recognizing that from one of his favorite anime
"Oh yeah, Haki is a real thing my dude…I can teach you how to use it some time, if you want?" Freed offered as they had to dodge the large metal doors being launched towards them
"That sounds awesome, man. By the way, here's a Boost for your troubles." Issei replied as he sent a Boost into Freed to boost his speed
"Holy shit that feels awesome, LET'S FUCKING GO!" Wailed an amped up Freed who rushed after the nearly 10-foot-tall behemoth
The Juggernaut in question was a 9-and-a-half-foot tall behemoth of muscle that had it's otherwise tanned skin; turned a shade of verdant green with a carapace-like armor of tree bark, as its build resembled a cross between a old-timey power lifter and the Incredible Hulk. What with its hands being root-like claws that looked as sharp as industrial strength steel blade, Its face a dark forest green with pupiless eyes the color of autumn leaves that was covered in a helmet-like carapace of hardened wood and plant mater like the rest of its body, before it let out a unearthly roar to meet Freed's charge.
However, the Juggernaut in question didn't account for Issei to fire off a Restraint Blast to send it not only into a nearby minivan with enough force to cave it inwards but also keep it bound as Freed began to unleash his Sinner's Pincushion against the creature. Which had it letting out unearthly bellows of pain as Freed's arm became a blur of movement as it carapace was cracked apart from the relentless onslaught of Armament Haki-infused stabs to the stomach like a madman possessed.
Yet Freed was quickly forced to dodge out of the way as the Juggernaut exploded into a plethora of gnarled brambles and wooden stakes to break out of the electrified bindings, and to get Freed away from it as well; before launching one its arms outwards towards him that stretched outwards like it was Mr. Fantastic. Said limb exploded into multiple wooden spines that Freed was able to block and deflect from coming his way, while Issei used this an opportunity to launch several Sticky Grenades at said thorny limb, before power-sliding out of the way as the creature punched a considerably sized hole in a wall behind him.
But in the moment it retracted its arm back like a whip, did Issei detonate the bombs of electrical energy causing it to actually be dropped onto its knees and skid back quite a bit from the small chunk of it's flesh that bled… chlorophyll of all things as it glared at Issei for wounding it so. However, Issei was quick as he could through a Delay Grenade down its throat as it began charging after him in a blind rage both its fists covered in hardened plant matter and wood that turned them into heavy-duty cestus.
But luckily for Issei, Freed was quick to intercept the charge by landing a heavy cleave into its side cutting through dense muscle with minor difficulty, but nothing that he wasn't used to before leaping onto its back and began slashing and hacking into its back. Which served as a distraction enough for Issei to begin firing off Cannon Bolt's off in rapid succession at the creatures' chest with more and more power behind each bolt fired, sending the creature back more and more from the sheer force behind it.
Before, Issei launched an especially powerful one that sent it flying 30 feet into the air with Freed jumping off of it and landing a quick overhand slash to take off its nose and a hefty chunk of its upper jaw. However, Issei made sure that its descent would be a highly unpleasant one as he snapped his fingers and a muffled THHOOOMM was heard as he activated his Delay Grenade, causing the behemoth be sent further to ground with such force that you could hear the concrete beneath crater and implode.
"Nice shots their Issei, but I don't think that's gonna keep it the hell down." Freed said to Issei who was busy gathering up energy for another attack
"Thanks, but I don't think we're out of the woods just yet. Besides, I've got a little something that should keep this idiot busy." Issei said before firing off his newest Rocket at a nearby wall
"No offense, Issei. But your supposed to hit the fucking thing we're fighting!" Freed replied gesturing at the wounded Juggernaut
"Oh trust me, it's gonna hit it alright. Just give it a few more moments, and it'll do its thing in no time." Issei said as his Pinball Rocket bounced off the brick wall and growling larger as it did so
'I swear if this is some bullshit, I'm kicking him in the nuts for this.' Freed said to himself as he watched the attack do its intended purpose
From there Freed watched as the electrified missile bounced off of cars, walls, and any other object with electricity running through it, and grew bright and larger with the energy it absorbed, as it bounced about off anything in sight like a pinball of electrical might. Before it soon met its mark against the slightly disoriented Juggernaut who had parts of its chest blown open from the Delay Grenade shot into its mouth, along with a scorched throat and shredded lower jaw.
However, before it could begin to ram into the duo again it was met with a large Hummer sized missile of electrical energy that crashed into it with such force that it was flung back into the crater it made, with a near deafening KRRAAAKKOOOOMM as an explosive burst of electricity erupted from the point of impact that shook the area so much that it caused nearby cars to bounce several feet into the air. What with Issei motioning for Freed to come along with him as he held his manhole cover that was electrified to the point of arcing electricity like a sawblade of lightning, as the two dashed into action against the Juggernaut in question.
The Juggenaut in question had sustained borderline 3rd degree burns upon the entirety of its body, as it couldn't even blink or move before Issei used his Lightning Hook to launch his manhole cover like a slingshot bullet into the left kneecap of the behemoth; impaling itself halfway into bone and muscle before it was yanked out. What with Issei using it like the worlds' deadliest yo-yo to impale it repeatedly impaling it with what was essentially an electriied buzzsaw that punched through its thickened bone and flesh like tissue paper, as Issei did it was such speed and relentlessness that it almost looked like lightning strikes with each blow.
Hence why, in the time it took Freed to reach the Juggenaut it was surrounded in a growing pool of neon green liquid as Issei was tearing into it from mid-range, as such Freed in seeing Issei weakening the creature to the point that an ever-growing gaping hole the size of a watermelon had began to form in it's chest; decided to charge forwards and finish it off. As such while Issei was keeping it at bay from mid-range and firing Artillery Bolts off to force it to stay back like a lion tamer would crack their whip, to keep a beast at bay, Freed dashed forward with such speeds that he kicked up a gust of wind mighty enough to nearly knock over small cars.
The former holy man then at the apex of his dash jumped into the air and with the cry of Saint Punisher descended down with a powerful overhand swing covered in Haki and Holy energy from his sword that had him crashing into the plant-like behemoth. The end result being him bisecting it as though it were made of rotting fruit and his blade a chainsaw as from skull to pelvis was it split in twain; leaving vertically bisected halves in the street beside him.
"...For something called the Juggernaut. It definitely went down like a bitch." Freed said as he used the holy energy of his sword to fry off the blood that stained it
"On the plus side, we dealt with this as quickly as possible. The last thing I needed was this thing getting out into the public, and causing more problems for us to deal with." Issei replied as he walked up to fry the remains with his lightning until it was naught but ash
"So what the fuck do we do now?" Freed questioned as Issei in the span of seconds turned the creature to ashes
"Regroup with Asia and Aika, and plan for something big I'm wanting to do in a week or so." Issei answered back as after he finished frying the creature put his manhole cover into the Boosted Gear's hammerspace
"What the fuck do you got in mind?" Freed asked as the two began to walk off into the wintry night
"Something that's gonna put all this to an end…Since it is about high time we took the fight to my ex-girlfriends' front door." Issei answered back as Freed grinned maniacally at those words
"Oh, now you've got my interest." Freed replied with a savage grin
However, as the duo continued to head off into the night; Koneko who had surveiled the whole scene in reluctant respect for the useless pervert and the holy man that gave her chills, had began to turn on heel and report back to Rias…Unfortunately, before she could a bright pink shortsword impaled her from behind; hitting her between the lungs as a small hand covered her mouth so she couldn't scream for help as the weapon twisted further into her back as it stabbed into 5 more times until she stopped struggling.
Once she did as the caustic light energy had both perforated her insides and corroded them with a case of light poisoning, the figure hoisted the bloodied Koneko onto her shoulder and flew into the air revealing herself to be Mittelt who had a disgusted and repulsed look on her face from having to do the deed.
'Raynare better know what she's doing. Because, going after one of Gremory's servants like this; is playing with wildfire.' Said a nervous Mittelt who made sure to avoid any serious damage to Koneko so she wouldn't bleed out on the way back
"Nothing personal, kid. But it's you're ass or mine and Kalawarner's for not doing this, and I gotta choose my friends first." Mittelt further spoke with a look of guilt and reluctance on her face before continuing to fly towards the cathedral
(The following evening, 6:30 Pm, Issei's House, December 13th, 2018)
That being said on the next evening, Issei and his group were at his house planning and preparing for what Issei had informed them would be their full-fledged assault on Raynare and her groups' base of operations; knowing full well that enough had been enough and as such taking the fight to them at this juncture was their best bet to end things once and for all.
"Are you sure that you're ready for this Issei?...Don't get me wrong, I will fight whatever with you to the end. But going head to head with these guy on their own doorstep, sounds like a pretty big move." Aika said knowing that this was going to be a tall order regardless of how you sliced it
"Its a move that we need to make regardless, Aika. Since we've all seen that the longer we let this go on. Then the more reinforcements that Yuuma is gonna pull in from this New Marais place…I don't know about you, but I'd rather cut the cord on this before it gets too serious." Issei replied knowing they had to act and act quickly before things worsened
"So if anyone has any good ideas; on how we can take the fight to them. Then I am all ears." Issei further spoke
"First things first, we need to know where their base of operations is at. If we don't know where all of their shit is being coordinated from. Then doing this big ass assault against them won't work." Freed said knowing that that was top priority at the moment
"I think I know where their base of operations is at, Father Freed. If anything its something that had me thanking the lord that I realized it when I did." Asia spoke causing everyone's attention to turn toward her
"Really?! Where the fuck is it then?" Freed questioned
"Its location is somewhere that has been in front of us this entire time…Honestly, I'm surprised we didn't think of it beforehand when it has been staring at us the entire time." Asia answered back as she quickly made an incredibly detailed construct
"Wait a minute, I know that place…I used to go to church there before it burned down a while back." Issei spoke recognizing the cathedral now made of ice and frost laying on the floor
"Yes, as the location of their headquarters is in this town's cathedral…or rather what once was its cathedral. After all, what better place for a fallen angel or group of them to make their home; than in a former place of worship? The fact that they did so, and hid from us in plain sight is actually rather clever when you think about it." Asia said in recognizing that their enemy was right in front of them all along
"Sonuvabitch! Of course, they'd hide there!...As much as I want to be pissed that these fuckers have been under our noses the whole time. I really can't if they've been just chilling, and we haven't figured it out until now." Freed said both hating and respecting them for hiding in basically plain sight
"Well, now that we know where they are. The only thing that we have to do going forward is hit them as hard as possible. Because, they may have a numbers advantage on us, but we have more than enough firepower to even the odds." Aika replied knowing that collectively all 4 of them had enough gas in the tank to take out just about everyone
"Hold up, Aika. Before we go guns blazing and kill everybody in there. I do want to bring up that not all of Yuuma's 'friends' are on her side." Issei said back
"Oh yeah, that Kalawarner chick and her friend…I'm guessing you want them off-limits?" Aika replied knowing where Issei was going with this
"Yes, I do. She and her friend were coerced into being a part of this crap from the jump. So as far as I'm concerned they are victims in this, not conspirators who did this for shits and giggles…That's why, when we encounter them I do not want them harmed." Issei said back in seeing Kalawarner and her friend Mittelt as innocent in all of this
"You sure you want to do that, Issei? For all you know, this could be a setup." Freed said skeptically
"If this was a setup, then why go through the trouble of warning me about her in the first place? Why not kill me and finish what Yuuma started when she put one in my heart almost 3 months ago. And moreover, how come she hasn't interfered or got on any of us when she was well within her right to do so at anytime since we've been messing things up for them?" Issei countered to the white-haired former exorcist
"...Look, I'm not trying to be a dick about this. I'm just saying that in defense of Kalawarner and her friend, that they are victims in this. Since I saw it in Kalawarner, and know that she wants no part in any of this crap. So as far as I'm concerned, they do not deserve to get messed up for Yuuma's actions." Issei further elaborated on his stance regarding the two fallen angels
Considering that in his heart of hearts, Issei felt that Kalwarner and Mittelt were innocent parties in all of this that were being forced and forced hard into complying with Yuuma/Raynare's sinister wishes, as such Issei's conscience compelled him to make sure that they were safe and kept out of harms' way in all of this.
"If that's how you feel about all of this, then I will support you on it. I just want to make sure you aren't being played." Freed spoke in not wanting the powerhouse that had grown on him the past few weeks to get made of fool of
"Don't worry, Freed I know what I'm doing…Plus, if worst comes to worst, then I'll handle it myself." Was Issei's only answer
"Good. Anyways, what the hell else are we going to do about this place? Because, if we are going to do this and do it right. Then we need to make sure that everything goes our way accordingly." Freed spoke knowing that they needed to nail everything perfectly in order to get this job done and done right
"I say we do reconnaissance on the place for the next week. Get a full layout of what its like, where the entrances and exits are, and all of the weak-points of it to make sure that we can storm the place with ease." Aika suggested
"That's a pretty damn good idea! But who's gonna do it is the real question?" Issei questioned
"Aika and I can do it…Both of our abilities work well together in stealth missions. Not to mention that with it being winter, my powers will further increase the odds of our not being seen by the enemy." Asia answered back volunteering herself for the mission
"How about it, Aika? You up for doing some ninja business?" Issei asked his fellow pervert
"You should know by now, that I am always down for ninja shenanigans. Let's do it, Asia!" Aika said ready to engage in stealth-based shenanigans
"Well, I think that calls it for plans so far. We meet back in the living room tomorrow, to better discuss how we're gonna do our first siege mission…Then by Christmas, we should have this fallen angel situation taken care of." Issei said as the group adjourned
"...Actually, Freed. Do you mind if I ask your help with something?" Issei requested of Freed whilst Aika and Asia headed upstairs
"Sure what do you want my help with?" Freed asked
"I was wondering if you could help me control all this holy power I got in me? I know I got a fuck-ton of it, but I have no idea how the hell I'm supposed to control it…The last thing I wanna do is mess something up when I actually try to use it. So if you could help a guy out, that would be great." Issei requested of the pugnacious former exorcist
"Sure…I don't have anything else going on in my free time. So why the fuck not." Freed said with a shrug of his shoulders
"Thanks a ton, man. I really appreciate it." Issei replied thankful for Freed's help
"Not a problem at all. Besides, menaces like us gotta stick together. So I'll help you the best I can, but I can't promise I'll make you a master at controlling the shit." Freed told Issei
"I'm not trying to be a master at it all. All I'm trying to do is make sure that I don't blow something up, because I try to use the stuff and things go haywire." Issei repsonded
"Fine by me…Anyway, I'm gonna watch Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue until I go the hell to sleep. You up for it?" Freed told Issei
Sure why not? I'll make snacks and you get everything up and running." Issei replied as the two went their ways for a Power Rangers night
"Gotcha, covered Issei. I'll get it all set up for us in the meantime." Freed said as he hopped on the couch to turn on said show
'I just hope to the big man upstairs that we can pull this off. The last thing I want is for Grandpa to come here in the middle of me fighting it out against my killer ex-girlfriend.' Issei said to himself in hopes that he could put a swift end to it all before his grandfather came
"Better yet, how in the heck am I gonna explain to him about my Conduit powers…Dear God in Heaven help me." Issei replied as he went into the kitchen to get started on snacks
So with plans for a final attack against Raynare and her forces in the works, alongside Issei having made his first step towards becoming something potentially more with Rias. Wherein will things go from here as Raynare has forced Mittelt into taking Koneko as a hostage? Find out next time, where all of this is headed too in the new episodes of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, that does it for this one, as I hope you guys enjoyed Part 3 to the Fallen Angel arc and everything that's going on it, as I told you guys that no one was gonna be safe in this story. So…expect more of the 'anyone can get it' policy from hereon, since I can't promise whose gonna make it out of this arc alive from hereon.
That being said, I am incredibly appreciative of your guys's support and thank you all for sticking with me 8 parts into the story as we are more than likely approaching the tailend of the Fallen Angel arc. And as such any further support in helping to get this story out there as well as reviews/suggestions on what you like and would like to happen in the story are always welcome.
But with that all being said and out of the way, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with the next episode being Part 4 of the Fallen Angel arc and oh man am I excited for what's gonna happen with what I've got cooking (cue evil laughter)!
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: Here we Are Juggernaut by Coheed and Cambria
Now then onto some of the previous reviews from the last chapter.
Skull Flame: Oh trust me, we'll being seeing a lot more of Marcinda in the story given that she's a different breed of menace than what Raynare was, so expect for her to start racking up a body count in future installments as a fair warning to anyone that has favorite characters that she might go headhunting for. Also, yeah Dohnaseek was that battle-crazy that he was more than willing to make sure that when he fights that even if he loses, that someone will become a warrior whether they like it or not from his actions...In regards to Rias as you've seen in this chapter she is actually taking the steps to want to be involved in a relationship with Issei considering that she actually does like him back in a way, given that his general personality is something that she finds very much attractive to her from a personal standpoint. Furthermore, to put it in perspective with Raphael and Vasco it was during a time where Vasco was a younger man when being told during his time as a Nazi Hunter when being offered the chance to become a Brave Saint under Raphael that he would have to give up his family, and all the drawbacks that came with being a pure angel when wanting to become a family man with Issei's Grandmother that he spat in his face over the idea of giving up his family and not being able to have children with the love of his life at the time; that he said screw that and never bother me with that again. Furthermore, yeah Matsuda is an accomplished up and coming middleweight boxer who if I had to describe it takes the Philly-Shell defense of James Toney, the punching power of George Foreman, the speed of Evander Holyfield, the aggression and pressure of Julio Ceasar Chavez and the ring IQ of Marvin Hagler to be a downright menace as a boxer if that gives you an idea.
SpartanKing J: Yeah, as sorry to do it you like that Motohama but with things ramping up; it was bound to happen that sooner or later causalities were gonna happen as both sides start trying to take it to the other more aggressively. As the thing is that I'm glad you like what I established as Issei's heart is never really going to truly be that of a hardcore warrior, as at his core he's just a nerdy animator/artist/cosplay maker that got roped into nonsense that he's just doing his best to navigate his way through. Furthermore, there will be other electrical based attacks that Issei will develop down the line other than his Conduit based techniques; its just gonna take some time since he's still coming into his own with powers that he's had for nearly 3 months within the context of the story. Also, Delsin is still around and I do have a plan to bring him and the other Second Son protags' into the story to eventually meet with Issei's crew.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Yeah, as I told y'all that things were gonna start getting hectic in regards to the events of the story overall. Because, I'm taking off the gloves and hitting people with some fuckery as from hereon things are gonna be staying on this type of timing as you'll see in the next chapter. Also, trust me, Issei will be getting a win for himself eventually...just that right now they gotta take care of Raynare and the rest of her death army of rogue exorcists.
God of WInd 200: That's all good, and thanks for clearing things up, and yes I did and I loved it...as finally people can stop sleeping on Cole Macgrath being awesome!