(Episode 11: A Good Deal of Downtime)
It would soon be the start of the New Year and with it, Issei continued to spend time with his folks and Irina; the former of which had him undergoing their training regime, which while intensive was nothing he couldn't handle after months of fighting against rogue exorcists, stray Devils and the fallen angel threat. That being also said, his downtime much too his surprise had him having to introduce his folks in his Grandfather and mother to Asia and Freed, which too his surprise went much more pleasantly than he thought, given that the two of them were the wayward holy mens' biggest supporters, so with crisis averted he was able to relatively relax on his winter break.
(January 3rd, 2019, Issei's House, 8:25 Am)
It would be nearly half-past 8 in the morning as Miki who was staying in for the day; whilst her father and Issei were doing a morning run throughout downtown Kuoh Town; was currently having her morning coffee whilst waiting on a Skype call from one Zeke Dunbar.
'I swear if Zeke doesn't answer, then by the grace of the Lord himself; I will come to New Marais personally to put my foot up his arse.' Miki said to herself as she waited for him to answer the call
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes after all this time. It's been a while since I've heard from you. Came the voice of one Zeke Dunbar
"I figured I would give you a call, since it's pretty important this time around, and I do mean VERY important." Miki said to the middle-aged bar owner
"How important are we talking here? Because between me making New Marais a safe-haven for Conduits, and 'working with' our good pal Nix to fight off to Poison Ivy knockoff whose been causing a mess here. I feel like have to ask, how big this is." Zeke questioned the brunette exorcist
"How about how Cole and I's son finally came into his powers, after I thought that he was gonna be in the clear. Then on top of that, is wanting to take a field trip to New Marais in a few months? Does that sound important?" Miki asked back as Zeke did a spit-take at hearing that tidbit of info
"That kid has what now?!" Said a surprised Zeke
"You heard me loud and clear, Zeke. My son and your godson, mind you, has come into his Conduit powers and spoiler alert. He's got the same powers as Cole when he was alive." Miki informed the former mayor of New Marais
"So Cole Jr. there is a 2nd generation lightning rod? Well ain't that something for the history books." Zeke said surprised to see that his deceased friends' son had inheirited his powers
"Trust me, Zeke. He's a powerhouse just like Cole, hell he's taking out entire buildings with his powers and he's barely had them for 4 months!...Scary thing is he's doing this when he's hardly putting in effort most of the time." Miki replied having seen it firsthand during her training with Issei that her son wasn't lacking in firepower
"He's that strong already?!" Zeke asked understandably startled by this information
"I swear to the lord above that I'm telling the truth. Do you really think I would lie about something like this when it comes to my baby boy?" Miki answered back
"If that's the case, then I will take your word for it. Just anybody before Cole went out like he did, knows you wouldn't ever put anything on God unless your were 1,000 percent serious about something. Hell, I'm pretty sure Nix found that out when she tried busting your chops about having Cole's kid." Zeke said remembering that event all too well
"I didn't think I would ever see a pregnant woman try to get sturdy with a Conduit before. But to mine and Cole's surprise you handed her her ass on a silver platter." Zeke added still remembering the day in question
"I might have been a month pregnant when I broke it to Cole and everyone. But I will not be bitched out by some swamp witch…Papa didn't raise no punk." Miki replied
Since even when pregnant she knew for a fact that she could still kick anybody's ass from New Marais to Seattle, given that she put on an absolute masterclass in whooping ass against the napalm-manipulating Conduit who she got in one helluva guillotine after hitting her with more body shots than a coked out Sugar Ray Leonard.
"Trust me, Miki. I don't think anyone's forgotten about the pain you put on Nix back then. Hell, I can't believe you kicked her ass not once, not twice, but 4 separate times." Zeke said
"All of them by knockout too. You can thank my dad for teaching me how to box." Miki said back proud that if things came down too it she could handle herself in hand to hand
"I'm not gonna argue with a female George Foreman." Zeke responded getting a chuckle from Miki and himself a bit
"...But what does, your son want to come to New Marais for anyways? I mean other than knowing more about Cole, which I'm happy to tell him about if he wants. Does he have anything else he wants to do while he's here?" Zeke questioned knowing that his best friends' son was going to probably start gunning for information on his father
"To be honest, that is something that he's still figuring out. But between you and me, I think it is going to do him a world of good to get out of Kuoh for a bit…Don't get me wrong this has been a decent place to have him grow up in. But even I know that a change of scenery is going to do him a massive favor." Miki said knowing that Issei's staying over in New Marais for a spell would do him some good
"If he and his friends are looking for a place to stay. I've got a place over on the west side they can stay at for a couple of months." Zeke told the female exorcist
"I didn't know you had a 2nd house there...Since when were you this loaded?" Miki said surprised by this information
"Hey, when you own a successful bar, are the former right-hand man to the Patron Saint of New Marais, and this towns' former mayor. You tend to build a nest egg or two." Zeke said with a brilliant white smile
"Besides, after we fixed up the place from the Beast attack all those years back. Things are a good chunk of change better than what they used to be." Zeke added having built up his finances after taking part in the rebuilding of New Marais and his time as mayor
"In that case, I'm sure Issei and his friends are going to love it there. Especially, since the last time I heard; other than your 'plant' problems you have been dealing with lately. That things have been turning out pretty well." Miki said having heard otherwise positive things regarding the city of New Marais
"After, Cole kicked the bucket to kill the Beast. I felt like I had to do right by him one more time, and get this city back up on its feet…It hasn't been easy making sure everyone gets back on track, rebuilding things better than new, and making it a safe-haven for Conduits. It sure has been a wild ride these past almost what…17, 18 years now, since he died…God I miss him." Zeke said as he took a large gulp of bourbon in memory of his fallen friend
"I miss him too, Zeke. He was a great man who was gone too soon." Miki replied in taking a drink of her coffee in solidarity to her lover's memory
"But he damn sure ain't forgotten, I'll make sure of that while I'm still alive and kickin'." Zeke said back knowing that it was his duty to uphole Cole's memory for as long as possible
"And I'm sure he would be proud of everything you've done over there...You really have done good Zeke, I know that Cole would be proud of you if he were still alive." Miki said knowing that Zeke had gone over and above to better the city he once governed
"I sure hope so, I know he may have forgiven me for all the dead wrong I did in Empire City. But I haven't forgiven myself when I was a rat bastard to him, when he needed someone in his corner…I just hope that when he's looking down on his main man from Heaven above, that he at least knows I'm doing right by him." Zeke replied knowing that he had a considerable amount to atone for
"Trust me, when I say that he probably knows and is proud of you and then some." Miki said back
"...Still, I hope you're ready to see your godson in a couple of months. He's got Cole's heart and his charms, and my everything else." Miki further spoke as Zeke flashed her a grin
"If that's the case, then he's gonna be a helluva lady-killer once he gets here. Hell, I may have to start beating these girls off him if he has any of his dear ol' daddy's luck with the ladies." Zeke joked getting a hearty laugh from the Violence of Heaven's daughter
"Trust me, if he gets lucky with anything, then he will be over the moon about it, Zeke…Just try and make sure that Nix doesn't get ahold of him anytime soon. If she finds out who Issei is the son of, then she will eat him alive." Miki replied
"I'll do the best I can for the kid, but I can't really guarantee anything. Since there's only so much I can do, and Nix has gotten a crap-ton stronger since the blast." Zeke said back regarding the sizable power-boost the Swamp Witch gained after the death of the Beast
"At least it is going to be something…Anyway, I will see you later. I have to get breakfast ready pretty soon." Miki told the gunslinging former mayor
"Alright, then I'll see you and my godkid later…It's going to be something else when I talk to the kid that's for sure." Zeke spoke
"Trust me, you'll love him. Now, go on somewhere. I'm sure you got things to get up to too, with your next election coming up pretty soon." Miki said back
"Don't remind me…and here I thought going for a 2nd term this time around would be a walk in the park." Zeke replied before hanging up the call to get a good nights' rest
"Well, Issei, I hope you're ready when you decide to go to New Marais. Because, I don't have a doubt in my mind that you and your friend will have your hands full." Miki said to herself before going to get started on breakfast once Issei and her father returned from their morning run
(2 days later, January 5th, 2019, East-End Kuoh Town, 2:12 Pm)
Meanwhile, Vasco would be out having lunch with Issei and Asia; the latter between the 2 Conduits wanting to meet with the Violence of Heaven in person after having heard of his being one of her few defenders; with Issei acting as moral support.
"I never would have pegged you for much of a drinker, Sister Asia." Vasco remarked at an unphased Asia drinking her 4th tequila shot in a row
"Considering all of the adventures I have had with Father Freed, I have built up a substantial alcohol tolerance...If anything this barely phases me anymore." Asia replied as she downed it in one single gulp like it was a glass of Sunny D
"J-Just how strong is your alcohol tolerance by the way?" Issei asked curious as to how she wasn't even the slightest bit buzzed yet after going onto her 4th and 5th shot
"That is an easy answer. My excommunication and time with Father Freed left me to discover a few things about myself. My powers and love of gothic fashion being one of them, and the other being my ability to withstand large amounts of alcohol…The fact that I can drink an entire keg of whiskey and only feel somewhat inebriated should serve as a decent indicator." Asia answered back
"Honestly, it isn't all that bad. At this point it all feels like I'm drinking soda with how much I have consumed over the years." Asia further spoke as she munched on her pizza
'So Asia is basically an alcoholic ex-nun…Huh, I guess those would explain all the liquor bottles in the trash.' Issei remarked to himself as she downed both Tequila shots as if they were flavored water
"While I am not one to comment on your drinking habits. I will say that it is nice to see that you are in good health…And once again on behalf of the church, even though they will not admit to it. I am so very sorry you were wrongfully excommunicated." Vasco said as the waiter brought them their second serving of extra-large meat lovers pizza
"I appreciate the apology, Father Vasco, I really do. However, I'm afraid that after so many years on the run with Father Freed. That it is a case of too little too late." Asia replied her tone while lacking any malice or venom was moreso numb in its response
"I am sorry to hear that. If it is any consolation, I tried as hard as I could to push back against the order. However, this was something that exceeded even my own authority to override." Vasco said back catching Issei off-guard
"So what, the Pope basically hard-noped you trying to give Asia an all-clear?" Issei questioned in confusion
"Try the angels in Heaven, overriding my order to at the very least reconsider something as extreme as excommunication. Something that even still I think was a massive overreaction to what she did for that Devil." Vasco answered
"...To be more specific, the Great Seraphims themselves. Lord Michael, Lady Gabriel, Lord Uriel, and Lord Raphael. They were part of the reason why your excommunication could not have been overridden, or evaded in its entirety." Vasco further explained catching surprising even Asia at the response
"I had an idea that the order came from high-up if even sister Miki and yourself could not override it. But to hear that the archangels on high wanted me excommunicated…this…this is very troubling." Asia said at a loss for words to hear that even the angels took part in wanting her gone
"Grandpa, this is super fucked, you know that right? Asia didn't even do anything that bad, if anything she did the right thing by helping out someone in need…Isn't that what we're supposed to do as followers of Christ?" Issei replied downright flabbergasted that even angels would banish Asia for doing something completely harmless
"Despite her doing the right, she healed a Devil. And for reasons that even the Angels above will not tell me, in tandem with Asia's at the time status as a holy maiden. She had to be banished and excommunicated. But from what they did tell me, it was for the good of the church and our side as a whole that she be banished." Vasco said having despised the order that even he saw an extreme
"And if it were not for the grace of God, sending Father Freed into my life; I would have been dead even with my Conduit powers…He may be a bit chaotic, but without him to protect me and encourage me to grow stronger…I wouldn't have made it this far." Asia spoke in the highest regards to Freed having been her guardian for all these years while she ate her pizza
For the ice/cold manipulating Conduit owed the often times bloodthirsty former exorcist her life, for having protected, guarded, and befriended her in her time both as the former Holy Maiden and as the Ice Witch of Exile that her former religion had labeled her; her life. As after 3 long years nearing 4 since her excommunication she had come to see Freed for all his faults as not only her guardian and protector, but also as her friend and the closest thing to a big brother she could have ever hoped for.
"And I owe that young man a great deal of gratitude as well. Honestly, it is things like these that are the reason why I am so glad; I retired. There are just some things that the side I once fought for has done that sickens me to my stomach." Vasco said thankful that Asia had someone looking out for her
"He really is a good man at heart, even if he does act like an ass most of the time...His heart is far bigger than any of the 'saints' at the clergy or in the Catholic Church in my opinion. Barring you and Sister Miki of course." Asia replied happy to have met Freed in her life
"Just as your grandson is a wonderful man who has allowed us to stay at his home, when we came here…He really is a great man." Asia added as she spared a look towards Issei who was in mid-bite
"...It wasn't that big of an issue for me…Plus, you guys helped me with my fallen angel problem, so as far as I'm concerned; you guys are always welcome in my home." Issei said as he finished his slice of pizza
"I still cannot believe you battle against battalions' worth of rogue exorcists, and Cadre-class fallen angels. That is far, far more than what any green exorcist worth their salt would ever encounter." Vasco replied still impressed that Issei came out on top
"When you have superpowers, and a bunch of good people to help you out. Then it all becomes lightwork…at least for the most part." Issei said knowing that their struggle against Raynare and her legions was no joke
"Still, it is to be commended that you faired so well against something of that caliber. All with minimal casualties no less." Vasco spoke with pride at Issei's victory
"Yeah…minimal casualties." Issei said back with his mind flashing back to Motohama's exploded corpse
"But nonetheless, I am proud of you Issei. You have certainly grown into a strong young man." Vasco spoke as their pizza dwindled further and further into scraps
"Now if only I could get a better grip on my holy powers, that would be just fantastic." Issei replied
"Give it time, Issei. We've barely started your training only a week prior…I have no doubt that by the time you go to New Marais your control of it will be greatly improved." Vasco told his somewhat dejected grandson
"Thanks, I appreciate it, Gramps." Issei said back
"But in the meantime, I'd like to enjoy my day out with my Grandpa and my superpowered friend." Issei said to the extremely powerful holy men beside him
"That sounds wonderful right now." Asia spoke happy to change dreary subjects
"Agreed, and thank you for looking out for my grandson, Asia Argento. You have my eternal gratitude." Vasco said to the smaller blonde as they continued to eat
"Of course, Father Vasco. Anything for a friend." Asia replied as the trio continued to eat their pizza
(The next evening, January 6th, 2019, Issei's House, 7:20 Pm)
On that following evening however, after Issei had finished another round of training with his mother and grandfather; he was playing a game o against Freed and Aika in which he somehow managed to win against them.
"How in the living fuck are you this good at Yugioh?! It doesn't make any fucking sense how you beat us two to one!" Freed wondered exasperated as to how Issei was able to masterfully counter them
"Get used to it, Freed. One minute you can beat 'em in a duel, and then another you realize you're getting your cheeks clapped by him worse than Alura Jenson in a gangbang. It's honestly bullshit if you asked me." Aika chimed in knowing that Issei's ability to counter and play around you was unreal
"What can I say except that I'm good? Also, it isn't my fault that Speedroids are just that good." Issei said back with a smug smile
"If you guys wanna do a round 2, then we can get it started. Just so you know, it isn't gonna be my fault when I beat you guys again. Hell, we can make it interesting and make it that the loser has to do chores for the next month, but if I lose I will cook whatever you guys want for the next 2…How does that sound?" Issei asked as he brought out his new D/D/D deck
"Sounds fine by me…oh man am I about to make you eat it." Freed said as he brought out his Blackwing deck and Aika her Red Dragon Archfiends
"You sure about that, because I can and will obliterate you both with the greatest of ease. So I hope you two are ready." Issei replied as his predatory grin only widened as everyone shuffled their decks
"I know that look, and this is gonna get absolutely fucked." Aika said back knowing that look on Issei's face anywhere
"Why do you say that? He's just smiling like a lunatic, it can't be that bad?" Freed questioned as Issei's grin only widened as he drew his opening hand
"Simple, because he only gets that look when he's about to rock me in my shit in a duel…So if you have an absolutely cracked hand, then you'd better hope you don't brick." Aika answered back
"She's not wrong you know, because oh boy am I about to break in my new deck, and not have to do chores for a fat minute!" Issei said with a sinister-sounding laugh
"Whatever, I'll go first…just don't get pissy when your making my shit!" Freed replied
'I'm about to ruin this mans' whole career.' Issei said to himself
From there the free-for-all duel began with a bang and while Freed and Aika started strong, as Issei kept them at bay initially with his first wave of D/D/D monsters; it was when his 2nd wave came about as he was able to bring back High Flame King Ghenghis and another one of his Level 8 Fusions to XYZ into Kali Yuga; was where it all went downhill from there. As after that Issei began bringing in High Gust King Alexander and Wave Oblivion King Ceasar to the fray that things took a turn for the worse; what with the former being a 6K beater and Freed's Obsidian Hawk Joe being equipped to the latter after destroying his Swamp King.
From there, Issei made it a damn near massacre given that with Issei's Pendulum summoning allowing him to constantly rebuild his board, and help him to Fusion summon High King Ghenghis once more that it was all but wraps from there. As Freed could only stand shocked that Issei was able to essentially play them like a fiddle for the whole 38 minutes that they dueled against each other, before delivering an absolute masterclass of a butt-kicking.
"I tried to warn you, Freed. Issei is a menace at this game when he wants to be." Aika told the former exorcist who could only sit there shocked whilst Issei look on with nothing but pride
"Like I told you, I am just that good at this game, if there are 3 things that I'm good at. It is making killer artwork, cooking, and Yugioh." Issei said with the smugest grin possible on his face
"So I hope you like being on clean-up duty, Freed. Since I straight demolished you!" Issei further spoke with the 1st jubilant grin he's had since defeating Raynare and her forces
"As much as I want to bitch and moan about losing, a deal is a deal. So good shit, Issei." Freed said as he and Issei fist-bumped
"Glad you're a good sport about it, Freed. Plus, it just feels nice that after everything we've had to deal with; that we can just chill for a bit…At least until we head out to New Marais." Issei replied
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. When exactly are we gonna head out to New Marais?" Aika questioned
"I figured we'd go out once we tie up a few things here." Issei answered back
"What other crap do we have to deal with?" Aika asked
"Let's see, there's Motohama's funeral we have to go to in 2 weeks. Making sure my holy powers are under control enough; that I don't wind up burning people on contact. Then there's the whole thing with Kalawarner and her posse coming here to talk to us about that whole hot mess with my psycho ex-girlfriend. On top of Rias having messaged me, and wanting to talk to me and anyone I wanna bring with about joining up with her or some shit like that…So to say that there's a whole itineraries worth of stuff to do would be undercutting it." Issei listed off as to what further events had to be dealt with before going to New Marais
"Now here's my question. Are you really gonna join up with a bunch of shitty Devils?" Freed questioned
"Didn't plan on it, but I figured that I could at least hear out what they want…Rias did give us the assist against my crazy-ass ex. So I at least owe her that much, Freed." Issei responded
"Hey, as long as you aren't signing on to be their fuckmothering patsy. Then I don't care what you do." Freed said to the electrokinetic Conduit
"I may like Rias more than what I used to, since she's actually gone out of her way to know me better. I'm not gonna sign onto anything until I know what exactly is going on." Issei said having read too much Warhammer 40K and played enough of the Witcher to know that you didn't go into anything blind
"That's good at least…So who do you want to go with you?" Aika questioned
"Whoever wants to I guess. Since as much as I like Rias, I'm not gonna in on something like this alone…That and Sona gives me the creeps." Issei answered back
"Can't really fault you for that. I swear half the time I see her, it always feels like she's working some kind of angle. Hell with how she acts half the time, and what we can do; I bet you anything she looks at us like were chess pieces or something.." Aika said not really trusting Sona as far as she could throw her
"Then I guess you're coming with me, then…Freed, you and Asia wanna come with me too?" Issei questioned the former exorcist
"I'll check with Asia before I do. She has a…history with Devils." Freed spoke knowing that Asia had no lost love for Devils in any capacity
"That's fair, I can't really blame her not coming if she doesn't want to." Issei replied knowing that until Asia was ready that he shouldn't pry in her business
"Anyways, what the fuck are we going to do about these black-winged bastards, coming here in what a week, two weeks?" Freed questioned
"Kalwarner said that she and her boss were going to be coming here by the end of the month at the latest. So that gives us a decent amount of time to play with, before they get here." Issei told his companions
"At least with them, I know that its going to be halfway decent. Since if it weren't for Kalawarner, we would've probably been super fucked." Issei further spoke knowing that without her help things would've been a lot rougher
"Hey, you won't see me turning my nose up at them. All I do know is that they owe you an apology, Issei. After all, the fucked up shit they let happen because they didn't do a good enough vetting process; the bare-bones minimum they can do is apologize for getting you killed, getting Motohama killed, and letting a psycho and her army of rogue exorcists and plant monsters nearly fuck up our home." Aika said to Issei whose jubilant demeanor form his victory waned in memory of recent events
"Oh trust me, Aika. If I don't get the apology that I'm owed after everything that happened. Then my foot will be planted so far up Kalwarner's bosses' ass, that he'll be a living lightning rod for the next year or two." Issei swore as he knew good and God-given well that the least they could do was say they were sorry for what happened
"As long you get something good out of this, Issei. Then I am more than fine with whatever happens." Aika said to her longtime friend
"Same here, Aika…So anyone wanna do anything else right now?" Issei questioned
"I could go for watching Yugioh: Dark Side of Dimensions right now." Freed piped up
"Alright, say less. I'll get snacks ready and you get it on deck for us to watch, after we clean up." Issei said as the trio in question began cleaning up their decks off the table
'I just hope that there won't be any mess going once Kalawarner's boss gets here. Otherwise, and I swear to Big G upstairs I will rain down a thunderstorms' worth of pain on that asshole for sending Raynare to my doorstep.' Issei swore as everyone got ready for their movie night in question
(4 days later, Orlando, Florida, 8:40 Pm, January 10th, 2019)
On the otherside of things Vali was on his nightly flight around the city of Orlando enjoying the otherwise cool January night, after getting the news that he and Albion would be accompanying Azazel and those 2 fallen angels from their venture in Kuoh to his friends Issei's home, and he couldn't be any the happier.
"So how does it feel knowing that in a few short weeks, we will be seeing our rival once again? I never would've thought that Ddraig and his partner would be hiding in plain sight this entire time." Albion asked as Vali flew through the night
"Considering that he's awakened his Sacred Gear, and has grown considerably with his powers. I would say that I couldn't be any happier. In fact, this will actually see how much further, Issei has to go before we can fight each other." Vali answered back in restrained excitement regarding his rival/best friend
'Not to mention, I am just ecstatic to see a good friend again as well.' Vali internally added to himself
"I would expect nothing else from you. However, should our rival decline Azazel's offer to join Grigori; what will you do from there?" Albion asked him once more
"Simple, I will continue on as normal. Whatever Issei decides is for him to decide alone…Besides, I already warned the old man that it is going to be an incredibly hard sell to have Issei join us." Vali replied knowing that at the end of the day Issei was well within his rights to refuse
"That is something that you and I can both agree upon. How he thought that having that war-waging fool's daughter go on a mission such as this, is beyond me. Even moreso when we add to the fact that she is loyal to her father first, and Grigori second. The writing on the wall that this would end in catastrophe was clear as day." Albion spoke having seen it from day 1 that Raynare's loyalties would always be towards Kokabiel before Azazel or Grigori became a thought
"Because of her, my best friend nearly died, Barquiel's daughter is in literal pieces, and we nearly had a war restart once again. Even I can't defend the old man on this one, when he should've known better than to send someone as dangerous and temperamental as her." Vali responded
"Even if things went to shit, I wouldn't mind fighting in a war to test myself against the strongest this world, and worlds' beyond have to offer. However, I would rather that not happen. Seeing as how it would drag my mother and my half-siblings into it, and that is something I cannot allow!" Vali added in sharp refusal to let his family that he cared for get caught in the middle of it all
"It is nice to see that even in your hunger for strong opponents. That you retain some sense of nobility and care for those around you." Albion said happy to see that Vali's path for continual power and strong opponents did not override his care for his loved ones
"Why would it change when I desire a strong opponent, Albion? They are in fact a major component to why I train so hard, to why I search for strong opponents to face…So that once I do have enough power to defeat my rotten grandfather for what he did, that I can actually see my mothers' face again, and actually spend time with my half-brothers and sisters without worrying for their safety." Vali said back regarding his mother and half-siblings
For as much as Vali wished and desired to be with his mother again, and share in the joy of having brothers and sisters as he'd always wanted since his tumultuous childhood, the White Dragon Emperor knew he could not do so at this time or any future point in time. Vali knew that as long as Rizevim Livan Lucifer continued to draw breath in the world, that he would never be free to do so without that monster of a man finding a way to use them against him, and as such use them as a means to inflict further despair and pain onto his life.
"I will admit that it is an unfortunate truth, that even without your father to bring ruin and pain into your life. That you are still not free to have what you wish in life…Why Azazel has not had Lucifer's wretched spawn hunted down and brought to heel is beyond me." Albion spoke having always lived confused as to why Azazel never did the deed of killing Rizevin with how much of a threat he was
"You are asking the wrong person, Albion. I have asked myself that question so many times, that I have made myself sick over how angry its made me." Vali replied knowing that the more he dwelled upon it, the angrier it would make him
"...So, I decided that instead of asking a question that I would receive an infuriating answer too. That I would instead focus on becoming stronger and bettering myself for what is to come. This way when the day comes that I am finally strong enough to kill Rizevim, I can do so with no regrets on what I could or should have done to prepare." Vali added
"And know that you will have my support and power when that day comes. I would not be a good partner to you; if I did not offer you every advantage against him possible." Albion said back
"Believe me, I know, Albion. That is why I have been focusing my attentions toward mastering the Juggernaut Drive and turning it into a strength greater than what I could ever wield…The moment that happens, and I will have that monster dead to rights at long last." Vali said with a determined look on his face at soon having the power to best his grandfather
"I will admit, Vali. You are growing surprisingly close to that goal in mind. All we need is just that one X-factor to give us what we need. Then soon enough that power will be ours." Albion replied
"Perhaps, Issei could serve as that X-factor in time. After all, he has already grown strong enough to challenge a Cadre like Raynare after 4 measly months of coming into his powers. Just think of how much he will eb able to push me once he truly comes into his own…I think I may have figured out how I'll get there, Albion!" Vali said back to the Vanishing Dragon before a lightbulb went off in his head
"Just what do you have planned, Vali?" Albion questioned
"Something that will make Issei and I grow to greater heights than before. However, I will save that particular chestnut, once we reach Kuoh Town in a few weeks time. I can't go about spoiling my new idea just yet." Vali answered back with a wide grin on how he could achieve his idea in record time
"If you are this confident in your genius plan, that will get us the power needed to eviscerate your putrid excuse of a grandfather. Then I am more than perfectly fine with waiting until you run this by our rival…I swear that you are both my favorite of all those who I have been partnered with thus far, and one of the most odd to say the least." Albion spoke as Vali let a wide grin cross his face
"I know, and its wonderful isn't it…Now then, if you don't mind I'm going to grab something to eat first. Then head back to base and begin watching this Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight series; that Issei recommended I watch." Vali said as he dove downwards to head towards one of his favorite pizzerias
"Very well, then. Have fun watching your Kamen Rider, just say the word should something happen in the meantime." Albion spoke before dozing off for a power nap
'At the very least, I get to have a night to myself, a 2 liter of Sprite and a Pepperoni pizza or two to crush…This is going to be a good night indeed.' Vali said to himself as he continued onwards for his food-run
So with everyone enjoying their bit of downtime in the aftermath of Raynare's would-be conquest of Kuoh Town, we now see our favorite Red Dragon Emperor having to prepare for the imminent meetings with the Fallen Angels as well as with Rias and Sona to set thing straight…How everything will proceed from thereon as he begins to soon prepare for his trip to New Marais? Find out on the new episodes of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, everyone that'll take care of this chapter and the bit of downtime everyone got to enjoy after having to deal with the events of the Fallen Angel arc, which I hoped you guys liked. That being said, I want to say thanks for everyone sticking around so far as I did not expect for this story to remain as popular as it has been this far, but nonetheless my appreciation for the continued support remains as high as ever...Also, as a heads up my updates are gonna be a bit slower considering that with the site crapping itself, I will be holding off on updates a bit until it gets sorted; because I'd rather not go through them and it just craps on itself.
So without further delay and a many thanks for your support, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time; with our next chapter having our intrepid heroes get a visit from Grigori, so stay tuned for that.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: I'll be Good to you by Bobby Brown
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
SolSparda36: And hey that is fully fine, as this is really all a reflection and consequence of her not getting them stronger when she should've, and as such is coming to terms and realization that her inactions have consequences. Hence why going forward she is taking the fullest initiative to help all future servants and current ones grow alongside her, as to her it is a matter of 'never again will I let my own inaction cause such costly mistakes to my servants to happen again.'
Skull Flame: Considering how much she got absolutely fucked by everything, Koneko being as critical as she is is the most logical way I could write her current predicament without it feeling like a total asspull. Oh yeah, Baraquiel will be planning on going after Kokabiel and Marcinda, but should that happen Marcinda will be counting for it all things considered as a heads-up for their impending potential battle. Also, yes Kiba will be having mechanical prosthetics since his original pair of arms got crushed in the cathedral fight and as such were rendered unusable to be reattached. Finally, you are correct in Sirzechs having mentioned a new Queen to replace Akeno...but whom that will be I will be keeping a surprise until she comes up in the story.
SpartanKingJ: Yeah, Baraquiel really got the raw end of things with not being able to be there for both Shuri and Akeno, and as such his vengeance training arc is gonna be coming soon enough. Also, with Kuroka I will be getting into her over the course of the next Part of the story that will be coming up soon; considering that news of Koneko's fate and what it will be is gonna hit her like a truck. Plus, I do plan on Issei's rivalry with Nero to be a friendly rivalry considering that in my opinion he would be hyped to meet and start a rivalry with Issei, so expect for them to have a bromance sort of rivalry if I can swing things that way down the line.
UnsanMusho: To be fair something like this regarding the state of Rias's peerage is probably something that Sirzechs would try to keep airtight as possible, and the fact that it wouldn't reach Riser immediately considering that its been about a week to 2 weeks since it happened and as such it wouldn't reach him that quickly. Not to mention that Riser is actively pushing against the engagement as a heads-up. Also, Sona is doing a few things behind the scenes to amp herself up so she isn't left behind by Rias going in on her training...Also, I will be leaving Koneko's fate a surprise for the upcoming chapters that I don't wanna spoil.