(Episode 13: Meeting with the Devils)
It would be at the end of January as things were going as well as they could, what with Issei still in good spirits after his night with the two fallen angels and his training going rather well with furthering his combat abilities and his growing proficiency with his holy power. Wherein by contrast Rias was now adjusting to her new Queen whom like Issei and Asia was a Conduit, that her brother had kept in reserves after reviving her from a disaster in the U.S some 15 years prior, and as such had let Rias bring her onto her peerage as Akeno's replacement...the experience being surreal to say the least.
(January 30th, 2019, Gremory Estate, 7:25 Pm)
It was nearly 7:30 in the evening as Rias who had finished her training regime that she'd increased since recent events was currently recuperating in her room…at least until she heard a knock at her door that she welcomed in.
"Hey, I figured that I would come and check on you, and make sure you're doing ok." Said Rias's new Queen
"On the one hand, I have had another successful training session. So that is a large plus for me, but on the otherhand I wish I could say the same for the rest of my peerage." Rias replied as the woman in question set the tray of snacks and drinks on Rias's nightstand
"Do you want to talk about it? I may have signed on to work for you, but that doesn't mean I am not without compassion." Rias's new Queen spoke as she took a seat across from Rias who was still in her leggings and tank top along with bloodstained knuckles, arms, elbows and knees
"I would appreciate it, although. If you would not mind, I would appreciate an ice-pack or two…I overdid it today, and my hands are paying the price for it." Rias replied gesturing to her scraped and bloodied knuckles and elbows
"What the hell did you do to yourself? It looks like you tried to punch through concrete." Rias's new Queen questioned as she conjured forth small ice blocks in hand before grabbing some towels to wrap them in
"Concrete, no. A small mountain, yes." Was Rias's only reply as the woman wrapped the makeshift ice packs onto Rias's hands and elbows
"What were you doing hitting a literal mountain?" Rias's new Queen questioned
"I have been trying to increase my physical strength; in addition to the control and lethality of my household's ability...I need to do something to make my powers more worthwhile after what has happened." Rias answered back as her queen finished putting the makeshift ice packs on her hands and arms
"But at the very least, I managed to finally shatter it. Although, at the expense of not being able to feel my hands right now." Rias added glad that her physicality was albeit with some assistance of her P.O.D was able to crush mountains
"Hey, that's great and kudos for you being a powerhouse; with a chest size that would make most women feel jealous. But you have to take it easy sometimes. Otherwise, you are going to do more harm to yourself than good." Rias's new Queen spoke as she finished wrapping up her arms and went to do so with her bloodied knees as well
"I appreciate the concern, Miss Kuo. I really do, but I have to be stronger for what is left of my peerage." Rias replied as she looked at the face of her new Queen, Lucy Kuo for the 1st time since she joined
"Between Akeno dying, Koneko in such bad condition that the doctors say that even with Phenex tears she's bordering on being a vegetable. Then Kiba's needing prosthetics after losing his arms to that monster of a woman. Not to mention Gasper being a mess after having to tell him what happened…I cannot afford to slack off or take it easy when that is what caused everything to begin with." Rias further spoke in feeling that it was her duty to push herself so that tragedies that befell her peerage would never happen again
"Take it from someone who has had to go the past 17 going on 18 years; living with regrets of what could have been. That pushing yourself for the sake of someone can only get you so far…Especially, when you are literally breaking yourself to do it." Lucy said her heart going out to Rias for what she was having to go through
"My brother told me a few things of what you went through before you died. So I have some understanding of what you have dealt with." Rias said back as Lucy's icy blue eyes looked at her with compassionate understanding
"Then depending on how much you've known. Then that means you know that I have spent years trying to atone for my mistakes. More importantly, what I should have done for people like me." Lucy said having had more than her fair share of regrets ever since her revival as a Devil
"Believe it or not, one of the people I am trying to bring onto my peerage is a Conduit…More importantly, he is one of the people that I have failed to protect; and one of the reasons why I am trying my best to grow stronger." Rias replied in reference to Issei
"Really, and what is he like?" Lucy asked curious about this mystery Conduit
"He is one of the kindest people I have ever met, from what I have seen in the short time I have started to know him. He is hard-working, diligent, more of a gentleman than what you think at first glance, a huge heart that always makes you feel welcome, and something about him that inspires you to be a better person…I am sure that there are a thousand other things I could say that could speak to who he is, but to put it simply; he is a really great guy." Rias answered back unknowingly finding herself swooning over the Conduit in question with a wistful smile over said artful lecher
"He somehow managed to calm me down long enough to not act in blind rage against our shared enemy. I honestly don't know how he did it, but somehow he managed to sit with me and comfort me when I needed it…Without him giving me counsel, I probably would have done something that would have had the fallen angels coming down on us and making things worse." Rias further spoke knowing that in her anger she would have done something rash and regrettable
"It sounds to me that you might have a crush on him, with the way you're talking about him." Lucy said as Rias looked down at hearing that as she felt a heat rise to her cheeks
"Don't get me wrong, he is a really good guy, and he's handsome as well. But, as much as I would hope that he would return my feelings, it would be rather difficult to do so. Since we can't even touch each other at the moment, at least not without burns happening in the process." Rias replied knowing that until Issei and her could share a physical touch that a closer relationship wasn't in the cards.
"And what if you are able to touch him without getting hurt? What then?" Lucy questioned
"Then if he would like, I will spend all the time that I possibly can to make up for what I should have done in saving him. He deserves that much after he allowed me to fight alongside him, and his friends to avenge Akeno…So if Lucifer-willing that he would have me, I would give him all that I could to show him that I am truly sorry for my failures to save him when he needed most." Rias answered back knowing that when and if she gained that chance that she would give Issei her heart and what he did from there was up to him
"If that is what you want to do, then I will support you in that decision, Rias." Lucy said knowing that in decisions like these that the best she could do was offer her support and even comfort if things went south
"Thank you Miss. Kuo. I appreciate it." Rias replied thankful of her new Queen's support
"Not a problem at all. But I do have to ask about what you are going to do with Koneko? The medics said that with how much punishment she took, that at best she may never speak or walk again, alongside other complications if she wakes up, and at worst will remain a vegetable for the rest of her life." Lucy queried regarding Rias's ever looming decision regarding Koneko
Considering that from what those sent by Sirzechs to investigate the scene from the ruined cathedral, Raynare had used a set of time-dilation runes to extend her torture/interrogation of Koneko from a week and some change to a month and a half of constant torture and suffering. As such with how much damage was dealt, on top of being starved out for that time; was in severely dire straights in either the positive and worst-case scenarios.
"On one hand, I don't want her to suffer anymore, as what happened to her was a tragedy that I wished never to have happened to her. But on the otherhand, I-I don't want to let her go…Either way, with what I do it will break my heart to do what I have to for her sake." Rias answered back feeling her heart shatter once again regarding either decision she would have to make
"...I may not be able to give you the 'correct' answer, on what to do with Koneko. But what I do know is that; when the time comes to make that decision. That you will make the best one when it counts." Lucy said knowing that from what she had heard of Rias from Sirzechs; that when it came to her servants, that she would make the best calls imaginable for them
"Thank you for your belief in my ability to do that. I-I just want to keep my servants in one piece, it…it is the only thing I want right now; more than anything in the Underworld." Rias said back
"Your brother told me that you have the capacity to be a great leader. That is why until I am proven otherwise, you will have my trust and my skills at your disposal." Lucy told the red-haired woman as she put a comforting hand on her new leader's shoulder
"Besides, from what I have seen so far. You seem like an incredible young lady with the whole world ahead of her…So whatever you will have of me to help you get whatever it is that you want. I will do my very best to make it happen. It is the least I can do to pay forward the kindness that your brother did for me, when he gave me a literal 2nd chance at life." Lucy further spoke seeing an immeasurable amount of potential in Rias as a leader and capable young woman
"Your support and advice, have truly been appreciated. I hope that you will be around for a long time, to help me through whatever may come next. For I have the sneaking suspicion, that this is not the last of my adversities that I will have to face for the foreseeable future." Rias responded hopeful that Lucy would prove valuable as the newest member to her rather sundered peerage
"I will do the best that I can, Rias. In the meantime, why don't we enjoy some snacks? I made mochi for us, it has taken awhile to get down correctly…Having to control ice powers, even now when cooking is still difficult." Lucy said back as she conjured a small ice construct in the shape of a penguin to bring the tray of mochi ice cream and tequila shots to them
"I'm sure that it will have turned out great nonetheless…To my new Queen, long may she reign." Rias said with a small smile towards the cryrokinetic Conduit
"And long may my impulsively reckless King reign." Lucy replied as the two enjoyed the rather peaceful night in all its quiet moments together
(Issei's House, 3:10 Pm, 4 days later, February 3rd, 2019)
On the otherside of things, Issei was training alongside his mother in the control of his holy power' which was progressing rather well to the surprise of his mother who while he had a sluggish start with it at first; had in the past few weeks managed to gain an almost lightning-quick understanding of controlling it.
"I have to say, Issei. You are doing a lot better than what you were when we first started." Miki said as Issei continued to hold the aura of holy energy for the past 42 minutes
"Thanks, as once I figured out how to make it start flowing halfway decently. I just had to work on making it consistent was all, then slam-bam in a can; it became light-work from there…Honestly, I'm still kicking myself in the pants for not figuring out how to do this quicker." Issei replied as the aura he kept up was no longer a sloppy warbling mess but instead more akin to a Super Saiyan's except smoother and more flowing
"Do you want to share with the class how you figured it out?" Miki questioned
"Sure why not, just promise not to think I'm a total schnook, alright?" Issei requested
"Honey, there is no way in where how you explain it, will make me think your a schnook. Now tell me how you have been able to make this work so well." Miki answered back
"Well, I figured it out after playing Yugioh with Aika. Since I figured that since Yugioh is all about using the mechanics of it to control, and adapt your playing style to bring out the best in your deck. I figured why not pull a Hail Mary, and use that same line of thinking for my holy powers." Issei spoke in his explanation so far
"So I started thinking of my way to control it, like using Synchro, Fusion, and Xyz to make it all happen…Treating myself as the summoning component to make it happen, my willpower as the tuner or overlay units, and my holy power to come together to create the end result being the monster; or in this case my desired outcome to have it manifest in what I want. Then low and behold everything just started clicking from thereon." Issei explained
"And for when I wanted to make it go into stuff like this, and trying to shape it into other stuff. I just thought of how I would make my artwork and my animations, and I apply that process into shaping it into another doodle or commission piece I'd make. Then from there I was able to do stuff like this…even if its still a bit shaky." Issei further spoke as with a modest deal of effort shaped his aura into a rough approximation of a dragons' head
"So let me get this straight, you used a childrens' card came, and your passion for making art; to get a handle on your power?" Miki asked back as Issei nodded as he made the construct in his hands let out a thunderous albeit warbling roar
"Pretty much, mom. It may not be anything fancy, or super dramatic. But all I do know is that I was able to get it done once I used those as my focusing methods to lock-in and get it done." Issei told his mother
Since it surprised even him that once he started applying those methods in order to control that vast amount of holy energy within him, that everything began to click into place and become much easier to start controlling. Granted he couldn't do anything over the top with it just yet, as he could with his electrical power, but with how he approached it with his new lens of viewing it as another artistry tool like he would with his Conduit powers, he could see himself being able to make physical contact with Rias and people like her without accidentally melting their flesh off in another month or two.
"I will give you credit where it is due, Issei. You certainly pulled this off faster than what I thought you would. I swear your damn near a natural talent!" Miki said with pride in her son
"Hey, I have my friends to thank for helping me put two and two together. If it weren't for them, then I wouldn't be able to get this far." Issei replied knowing that without the aid of his friends, that he would be nowhere near as proficient as he was now
"You sure have made a nice little friend group for yourself…I wish I had made friends that committed; when I was your age." Miki said as Issei eventually dispelled the aura of holy energy around him
"I'm guessing that it had something to do with Grandpa?" Issei guessed
"Let's just say that when you have someone that is known as the Violence of Heaven. That it is pretty hard to make friends growing up. Especially when your father is a nearly 7-foot-tall mountain of a man, that is built like the Incredible Hulk and could make Mike Tyson look like a five-year-old with how hard he hits." Miki replied having found it hard to keep friends around when her father was a behemoth of a man who crack concrete with a 'love tap'
"Yeah, Grandpa might be a great guy and all, but he's a super scary man. Heck, even I know better than to badmouth or try and say anything slick around him." Issei said in agreement knowing that even with all of his power his grandfather could still whoop him
"Believe me, Issei. Your grandfather may be in his golden years. But he's still a menace when he wants to be…there's a reason why I never did any stupid shit when I was your age, and he was the main reason." Miki said knowing that when hr father was not only one of the strongest exorcists around but was a master at wielding Haki that getting away with anything was next to impossible
"Grandpa told me of what it was like when he was growing up, and how it was to raise you…All of it makes a lot more sense now that I know you guys are super exorcists." Issei spoke now realizing how tough things were for the Violence of Heaven in his younger years now that he knew the truth
"That's my father, and your grandfather alright. Say what you want about him, but the man was and still is a real-life superhero. Between him being a war veteran, full-time exorcist, and coming home to raise me. He was and still is a phenomenal man, God bless his heart." Miki replied having grown up to look at her father as her Superman of all things
"I know it mom, and it's part of the reason why; I didn't think you guys would go all this way for me. Since other than my powers, their really isn't any all that…" Issei said before he was bonked on the head by his mother
"What was that for?!" Issei wondered as he rubbed his head
"That was for trying to talk down on yourself, mister. I don't know about you, but I am not about to stand here and let you make yourself lesser than you are." Miki told him in absolute refusal to let anyone or anything make her child believe he was lesser
"Mom, I appreciate it, it's just that I dunno…Even with all of my powers and everything I can do, or have yet to do that I'm still me. Hell, a good chunk of the time it kind of feels like I don't even deserve most of what I've got." Issei said as after his experiences in the aftermath of Dohnaseek he wouldn't be lying if his guilt didn't carry over into feeling like an imposter of himself lately
"Look, Issei. I know that you may feel this way after everything that's gone on. But, you are more than deserving of what you have accomplish, both with and without your powers. You are still the same talented young man, I gave birth to almost 18 years ago, and I will never stop being proud of you." Miki said to her only begotten son
"So, whatever it is that has you down about yourself like this. I want you to know, that no matter what that I'm proud of you, your grandfather is proud of you, and I bet even your friends and Ddraig here is proud of you too. Isn't that right?" Miki added
"Your mother is correct. You have come quite a long way since first gaining your powers, Issei. Therefore, I will say this as someone who cares about the continued wellbeing of my partner. Have some pride in yourself and be as boastful as you want, for you are more than enough deserving to do so." Ddraig chimed in knowing that his partner was talented and strong enough to feel pride in abundance
"So you see, Issei. No matter what, you are worth more than just about everything, and if no one can see that in you. Then shame on 'em for not seeing how great you are as a young man." Miki said as Issei let a smile cross his face at those words of encouragement
"I guess when you the both of you put it like that, then I can't really argue, now can I?!." Issei said back with a small bit of laughter
"That's the spirit, Issei. Now come on, we have dinner to get prepped for, and a lot to make since your friend along with Freed and Asia are joining us." Miki said as she cracked her knuckles
"Alright, let's get it cracking, Mom!" Issei replied in excitement to always cook alongside his mother
'I swear my son/partner is an odd one.' Were the thoughts of Ddraig and Miki as Issei entered the house to get started on dinner
(2 days later, February 5th, 2019, 4:08 Pm, O.R.C Room)
Meanwhile, the day in question wherein the meeting with the Devils was to be had, what with Issei, Aika, and Asia going in order to meet with Rias and Sona on the matters of joining their side, as Asia had tried to convince Freed to come, but the Saint of Slaughter declined in not wanting to sit around and play nice with shitty Devils when he didn't have to.
"Did we seriously have to come back here to meet with you two? No offense, but I figured that once we gout our G.E.D's that we wouldn't have to come back to this shit-show anymore." Aika questioned not enjoying the fact that she had to be in Kuoh Academy once again
"I apologize that it isn't anywhere else. However, considering what we wanted to discuss with all of you, we figured that this would be the best place to have it. It is the one place where no one would suspect 2 Devils, Conduits, and a wielder of the Vritra Sacred Gears to meet, and discuss matters." Rias answered back knowing that all things considered Aika and Issei had all the reason and more to not want to come back to Kuoh Academy
"And are you sure that this place doesn't have anyone spying on us? Since after the whole fallen angel scare, I would rather not take any chances that someone's listening in on us." Issei questioned
"That is a more than understandable concern to have. That is why in the immediate aftermath of that unfortunate event, I had the entirety of this room warded against magic that would allow people to scry on us. So there is nothing to worry about." Rias answered back
"If that is the case, then I would suggest that you do something about that surveillance rune; that someone has placed upon you." Ddraig chimed in
"What surveilance rune?" Rias questioned
"I may not be a master of arcane magic, but even I know a surveillance rune when I see it and someone has placed it upon you. Granted it is under quite a few layers of magic, but it is still there nonetheless." Ddraig added as a surprised-looking Rias had her eyes widen
"I'm going to take a wild guess, and say you didn't consent to being bugged?" Issei questioned
"No, I did not. But I believe, I know who did this to me and I am going to have words with them soon enough." Rias answered back seething knowing who the culprits were
'It's bad enough that mother is already forcing this marriage with Riser onto me, and having Grayfia go along with it. But to have them put a literal tracking beacon on me of all things, this is a new low.' Rias said fuming with so much anger that she crushed the armrest she was using into sawdust out of sheer anger
"Sona, remind me to request a visit with my brother. Given that I doubt that he would have allowed something like this to happen. Especially, when I know why they would have one put on me." Rias said her hands crackling with demonic energy in having
"Noted. However, I feel as though we should return to the matters at hand. At least before you break more furniture." Sona spoke as she could see that Rias's growing anger was causing her to snap the other armrest in two
"Right, right…Apologies, for letting my temper slip. It is just that personal matters have caught up to me, and my figuring it out who would have done this to me…Had made me rather furious, but I would rather not let that ruin what is supposed to be a pleasant meeting." Rias said before taking a deep breath to compose herself
"Now then, as you three already know, we are Devils…But what we would like from the three of you; is for you to join our peerages. Or at the very least join our side as allies." Rias further spoke in hopes that things could go towards gaining a set of potentially new servants
"That's going to have to be a hard pass from me. Nothing personal to you Rias, but it is completely personal to you Sona." Issei told the two Devil heiresses
"Yeah, I'm no one's bottom bitch. So I'm going to have to take a pass on that as well. Especially, after this one here tried to make me go to detention." Aika told them as she looked squarely at Sona
"As a still faithful believer in the lord, I am afraid I cannot join your peerages. In addition for personal reasons as well, that have left a sour taste in my mouth due to one of your kind being the reason I am in exile." Asia said to both Devils in not being a fan of them all things considered
"You did nearly give Tsubaki a concussion, after repeatedly assaulting her with a metal viola. So I think that is very much warranted." Sona replied
"It isn't my fault that she wouldn't tell me the reason why, you wanted to see me. Plus, I just don't like you, since all you've done is be a bitch that thinks she's hot-shot because she's over the Student Council." Aika retorted
"I am not a bitch, take that back right now!" Sona demanded incensed at being called such
"Why should I? Since this is coming from the person who went on a detention-giving spree, because Issei's friends wouldn't tell you what he does, or his personal info…So if that doesn't qualify as a bitch, who thinks she can do whatever she wants to people when she doesn't get her way. I don't know what does." Aika shot back
"Yeeaahhh, I ain't gonna lie, Sona. You shot yourself in the foot with me joining you, when you decided to press my friends about me…Did you really think that even if you were in a position to have me in your peerage, that I would let something like that slide?" Issei questioned with narrowed eyes in memory of said spree
"Because I'm gonna tell you this right now. I may be a full-blown degenerate, but I for one am not gonna serve someone who thinks its cool to go on power trips like that when she doesn't get her way. So understand that, I will never, ever, ever join your side whatsoever. Since if you do stuff like this when someone just doesn't want to meet with you in person, then I'd hate to be the person that joins your peerage and tells you no on something you want them to do." Issei further spoke on his reasoning why he wouldn't join Sona
"Same here, because you really should remember that shit like that is gonna come fuck you up. As I say this in the most disrespectful way possible. If Issei and I were on your peerage, and you acted the way you did; when you were handing out detentions. Just because we didn't want to meet with you, because you said so…Then we would've seen you outside and stomped the shit out of you…I mean I would, and Issei would've recorded it for shits and giggles but the point still stands." Aika told the surprised Sitri heiress who was stunned to hear this
"She isn't wrong you know. Because between the both of us, I'm the nice one, as why do you think no one dicks with Aika too much. Hell, I'm pretty sure even the Kendo Club knows not to start shit with her, since she's the queen of getting it back in blood." Issei spoke knowing full well that his friend was the queen of black air force energy when she wanted to be
"You know it." Was Aika's sole response as she and Issei high-fived each other
"When they put it like that, you can't really blame them for feeling that way towards you." Rias said getting a very much irritated glare from Sona
"Are..Are you actually siding with them, Rias?" Sona questioned
"To be fair, Sona. You are not the best person when it comes to being emotionally intelligent. You are a great tactician and one of the smartest people I know. But your people/social skills are very lackluster… Maybe spend a little less time being strict for no reason, and a little more time knowing the people around you." Was Rias's unabashed answer
"...Touche, Rias." Said Sona in knowing that as much as she wanted to argue back that Rias did present a fair point
"However, despite knowing that you two feel that violently towards me. I do have to ask, where does that leave Hyoudou and the rest of your group in terms of your standing towards us?" Sona asked turning her bespectacled gaze towards Issei
"That's pretty easy to answer. As long as you guys aren't assholes to me and my friends, then we should be kosher." Was Issei's response
"Really, that's it?!" Were both Rias and Sona's responses
"Yeah, pretty much. Since no one here is asking for anything all that big. Just let us do our thing, and you do yours and we're all good…That cool with you guys?" Issei said looking at both his companions
"I do not have a problem with this. If they do not cause harm to us, then I see no reason why we cannot co-exist in peace." Was Asia's response
"Hey, I live by the 'Don't start nothing, won't be anything' code of ethics. So as long as they keep in line with that, then I'm all good." Aika said
"Then there you guys have it. So long as you guys don't do anything to mess with us, then we are all good." Issei told both Devil heiresses
"That is certainly a reliever. I will take a stance of neutrality over potential enemies any day of the week." Sona said while still heavily annoyed if not angered that she couldn't gain powerful assets to her side she would take neutrality nonetheless as a consolation prize
"However, I do have to ask Miss. Argento. To further explain the reasons behind why she holds a possible grudge against our kind?...I would at least like to know more of the reasoning behind it." Rias inquired as Asia gave a deep wearisome sigh
"I will tell you so that the two of you will at least proceed with caution, with future encounters against this man…or monster rather." Asia answered back
"The reason why, is because of a Devil named Diodora Astaroth. Who wounded himself, near my abbey in order to have me heal him; which in turn for doing so caused my exile and excommunication from the church. However, as Father Freed had informed me, and later to my horrible discovery used this all as a ruse to haveme become part of his collection of holy maidens to 'break in', as the correct term…Since I have refused, and still continue to refuse to join him since my excommunication; I have been hunted by those he has collected to capture me, and turn me towards him as the one who got away." Asia told them in the 'condensed' version of her tale
"So as my condition to keep neutrality and peace between us. Under no circumstances, do I want him to be informed of my presence here in Kuoh Town. I would rather not have him sick his forces onto me, and my new friends so I can become part of his collection. I much prefer not having someone force themselves upon me, and doing whatever despicable and horrible things to my body and mind." Asia further spoke
"I have had my suspicions for quite a while about Diodora, but to hear it confirmed firsthand is nothing it not disturbing, to say the least." Sona said having always gotten bad feelings from the Astaroth heir
"Considering, that you are an ally of Issei's and by extension an ally of mine. You have my word that we will keep your time and location here a secret with utmost discretion…Isn't that right, Sona?" Rias swore to the former holy maiden before turning toward her fellow overseer
"Of course, it is the least we can do after everything that has happened; during your stay here." Sona replied in agreement with her fellow heiress
"Great! Then, if nothing else, I think that just about settles everything we have to say to the two of you." Issei said as he began to rise from his seat
"Come on guys, let's get out of here. The nearest pizzeria is about a few blocks and I wanna grab a pie or two, before we head home." Issei said as his two companions nodded
"Wait! Before you leave, I would like to say a few things to you in private." Rias replied/requested
"Alright, sure, but it is just the two of us and nobody else right?" Issei questioned
"Yes, just a few moments of your time is all I want, and nothing more." Rias answered back as she motioned Sona to leave
"Ok then, if that's the case. You two go on right ahead, and I'll meet you at the house…I'll send a text your way if anything happens, Aika." Issei told his fellow pervert
"You fuckin' better, come on Asia, let's bounce." Aika said as she and Asia took their leave while Sona teleported away
"So what did you want to talk about, Rias? Since you haven't really said anything to me, since the battle against Raynare and some bits afterward to clear everything up about the other fallen angels." Issei asked of the red-haired Devil before him
"First, things first. I wanted to apologize for letting any of this happen in the first place. It is my fault that you had to del with this in the first place." Rias answered back
"Pretty sure, that its her and the other fallen angels boss's fault when you get down to it. Since if he had done his damn job as a leader, and properly vetted them and make sure that none of them were gonna pull any ulterior nonsense. Then I have no doubt that things would have gone WAAAAYYYY differently." Issei told her knowing full well that at the root of this that Azazel was to blame
"Believe me, I know full well that their leader had his hand to play in this. My anger towards that man has not waned in the slightest." Rias said her fists clenched knowing that he alongside Raynare were responsible for the death of Akeno and the cripling of Kiba and Koneko
"However, I am still to blame for all of this. Namely, your death, Issei." Rias said with a look of guilt and shame coming over her
"You know that you're gonna have to elaborate on that one, Rias. Since I don't get how you of all people could be responsible for it." Issei replied wondering how she of all people could have been
"Very well, just know that I am truly sorry for what had happened, and that if I could take it all back. That I would do so in an instant." Rias told Issei as she took a deep breath to compose herself
From there she had told Issei of how she had known of the fallen angel threat beforehand, but in her underestimating the severity of it, had intended to take care of it eventually in thinking that she could handle a paltry group of fallen angels before they could cause any harm. Howeer, by the time she had tried to do so it was too late as Issei had already been stricken down by Raynare who at the time was stronger than Rias. and had in her slothfulness and arrogance in thinking she could handle it at her leisure had played her part in Issei's death.
Something that she regretted to this day, at the fact that her own ego had caused someone's death and that had she been on top of it, or called for help quicker that she could have prevented Issei's unjust death at Raynare's hands/
"So, that's how it all happened?" Issei questioned for clarification
"Yes, because I was careless and had felt that I could take care of the issue before it got out of hand. I was responsible for your death, when had I been more proactive, I could have prevented and saved you in the process. On top of you not having to fight, a fight that you had no business in being apart of, and for that I am so, so sorry for." Rias told him
"Huh, to be honest. I was thinking that this was gonna be a lot more sinister when you said you had a hand in it. Like on some Aizen from Bleach type of shit. But this…this is honestly just a fuck-up you did because like everyone does, and like I did you underestimated a threat…Just like I did, and since we all fuck up, I can't really hold that against you." Issei replied shocking Rias at how calm he was being about all of this
"Y-You're not mad about this?!" Rias asked in shocked surprise
"No, not really. What happened was an honest mistake, as everyone messes up from time to time. Hell, I did and it cost me someone too. So trust me when I say that, yeah it sucks that I died because of it. But on the plus side, I gained cool superpowers from it, made new friends in Asia and Freed, and basically get to be a superhero and prevent my hometown from getting caught in a supernatural world war. So other than a few negatives that came out of it, this was otherwise a net positive since its given me the chance to come out of this and try to be a better man." Issei answered back in having long since found a positive out of all of this
"So if anything, you helped jumpstart my path towards being a better man…So in some weirdly fucked up way, thank you I guess." Issei said knowing that even with how fucked it sounded that he did owe some of this to Rias
"B-But how can you be so positive about any of this? It was my recklessness and laziness that had you killed! Why are you not even the slightest bit angry with me?!" Rias wondered as she couldn't see how Issei could remain so high-spirited despite all what happened
"It is like what I literally just said, Rias. What happened with you was an honest mistake, as no one is perfect 100% of the time. Sooner or later, we are all bound to make mistakes from time to time. Which is perfectly fine, just as long as you try to come back better from those mistakes then it is all good." Issei replied knowing and seeing in Rias that this was truly in earnest and honest-to-God mistake
"Besides, my anger is directed toward her boss; who I choose to hold accountable for this. Since it is on his shoulders that this all happened on, and as such if anyone is to blame for all of this it is him. Plus, I do see that you are trying your best to be better, and that is what counts to me the most out of all of this. As I would be much more furious with you, if you didn't make the effort ot be better than what you are trying to do now…So because of that, while I can't really say water under the bridge, I will say that I don't hold it against you." Issei restated to her regarding his feelings on the matter as well as the fact that he was just happy to see her try and self-improve from all of this
"You have made it really hard to make this apology you know…Honestly, I would feel better if you were just the slightest bit angry at me." Rias replied with a small chuckle at how Issei just noped what she thought was going to be a dressing-down
"Look, we have both been through too much crap lately. So I think I can say that we just keep doing things as we've been doing, and just I wouldn't say friends but. Be people who will be in each others' corners, and stuff like that." Issei said back
"You truly are too good of a man for this place, Issei Hyoudou." Was the only thing she could say after having Issei's positive attitude toward the situation pull the rug out from under her
"Hey, that's what I'm trying to be, and it all starts by doing my best to do right by other people...Otherwise, how else are things going to get better?" Issei said to her
"And I appreciate that I really do." Rias replied
"Well, I would hug you since you look like you've been through hell lately. But my holy powers and stuff…well I'd rather not risk burning you." Issei spoke
"I think I will take the risk, if you don't mind?" Rias said back shocking Issei at the response
"Are you sure? Because I'm pretty sure that you might super burns from it." Issei told her
"I have been training more than enough to handle almost anything, Issei. So I think that my powera will be enough to cancel out the effects from your own…Besides, I would really, really appreciate that hug with how much I have had to deal with." Rias said back
"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you, Ris." Issei said as he focused as hard as he could to keep his holy powers in from hurting Rias
From there Rias went into hug Issei which the Conduit returned as with it being a combination of Issei focusing all his efforts on not burning Rias's flesh off on contact, and Rias raising her demonic powers to a high enough level to create a negating buffer to Issei's own energies. The two were able to share in a hug with one another that had despite their focus on not hurting each other, that the embrace between them was rather comforting after all they'd gone through…even as the floor around them began to crack from the buildup in pressure.
"Are you ok?" Was Issei's concerned question
"Yes, I'm fine. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be." Rias said back having not felt any pain during their hug
"I'll consider that a good thing. On the other hand, after I get back from my trip in about a month or so. We'll be able to do stuff like this without me having to focus super hard." Issei told her
"Where are you going to go next month?" Rias questioned
"It's sort of a personal thing. Sorry, but I have to do this as something that's been on my mind for awhile. So I won't be back from this until July or June more than likely." Issei informed her
"I see. If that's the case, then I wish you the best, Issei." Rias said to him
"Same to you, too, Rias." Issei said
"But anyways, I'm gonna go. I'll see you later, Rias." Issei further spoke before he grabbed his winter coat and headed out to catch up with Aika and Asia
'Wherever it is you are going, good luck Issei.' Rias said to herself as she watched the Conduit leave
(3 days later, New Marais, Louisiana, 1:45 Pm, February 8th, 2019)
Meanwhile, in New Marais, Marcinda was currently on a Facetime call with her father discussing the next phase of their plans in the aftermath of Raynare's impending execution date.
"I do have to ask what our next plan of motion is going forward, father? After all, I've had my fun in New Marais for all it is worth. But even I have to know where do we go from here." Marcinda asked her father
"For the time being, I am having our men go forward to retrieve the rest of the Excalibur pieces. Between that and the other ventures I have in the works, we are being kept rather productive." Kokabiel answered back
"And how is that little chestnut going? The last that I remember is that Uncle Michael's faction still has Mimic, Destruction, Nightmare, and Rapidly, and the Pendragon brats have Ruler. Both of which are not going to be easy to retrieve." Marcinda wondered in regards to the famed holy sword
"Luckily, for us our men are en route to procure Rapidly and Nightmare for us. However, regarding Excalibur Ruler; that brings me to the assignment I have for you." Kokabiel said gaining his daughter's attention
"Let me guess, you want me to hunt down the Pendragon brats and take it from them?" Marcinda surmised with a mildly amused tone of voice
"Correct. My men have pinned down their location to Wales of all places. When you are ready, you are to head there at your earliest convenience and retrieve it for me." Kokabiel told his daughter
"Now here is my other question regarding that. Do you want them dead or alive? Because depending on how you want this done, will determine how much I will have to restrain myself." Marcinda questioned her gaze calculating and menacing in determining just how much she would have to show restraint
"If they oppose you, then kill them. They mean nothing to the greater goal of what we are trying to accomplish. Besides, we have no use for them in our plans going forwards. So dispose of their corpses as you will once you are done." Kokabiel instructed of the fallen angel of a Conduit who had a slight but insidiously cruel smile spread across her face
"Good to know, father. I have been meaning to get a workout in for quite some time, and slaying a boy pretending to be King will be all too much fun." Marcinda said happy to get at least a light workout in by obliterating both Pendragons off the map
"As long as you retrieve the Excalibur fragment, I care not what you do in the aftermath, just get it done. The faster that we have all fragments assembled, the better." Kokabiel told her
"Don't worry, unlike Raynare. My success rate is second to none…Speaking of my fuck-up for a big sister, what exactly are we going to do about her? She pretty much botched the one job we had her do, and doing another try at having things pop off; is going to be 10 times harder to accomplish." Marcinda wondered
Considering that with Raynare's failed attempt at taking over Kuoh Town, that any repeated attempt was going to be vastly more difficult; what with the 4 Great Satans knowing that future threats like that were going to be a likelihood of happening again meant that security was going to be increased.
"Believe me, I know... It was a calculated risk all things considered. This is why, any repeated attempts are going to be nothing if not vastly harder to deal with. Hence why, we won't be going for another attempt at doing so. Not when all eyes will be on us for the time being, as even if I were to do it myself; the chances of Sirzechs and Serafall showing up to intercede; would make it a nightmare to attempt." Kokabiel spoke knowing that it would be tantamount to a suicide mission to do so
"Therefore, if we do attempt to do so. It will not be in Kuoh Town of all places, as that place is no longer a viable target…At least, not directly." Kokabiel said as an idea came to mind
"What exactly do you have planned?" Marcinda wondered
"Let's just say that your sister still has use for us yet. All we need to do is put a convincing fake in place of her execution. Once that happens, we can give her a few upgrades and have her act as a distraction while we hit those Devls closer to home. After all, make a large enough noise and we can swoop in and give them a large enough black eye that it will hit them so, so much worse than simply killing off the sisters of the Satans." Kokabiel said as a broad grin came to mind
"Just how big of a black eye are we talking?" Marcinda questioned
"Enough that even Sirzechs himself won't be able to ignore without fail. And then we can use any attempt at a peace treaty, to really put the screws to them…All we have to do is play the waiting game, and make it so that everything we do from hereon; will cause maximum pain with the greatest efficiency." Kokabiel answered back
"I'm down for it and then some…So I guess this means that we can reach out to the Khaos Brigade to help make sure that things pop off for further damage when we grab Raynare for her being our distraction. Since even if we do power her up, she's going to need reinforcements to back her up." Marcinda mentioned knowing full well that even with battalions of rogue exorcists that her elder sister would still need bigger and badder firepower
"Undoubtedly so. However, I will advise you if possible to get rid of some of the more troublesome elements of the Old Satan Faction when we do strike. As much as they are affiliated with the Khaos Brigade, they are a liability nonetheless that I would rather not deal with if necessary. They are relics of a bygone era that should have been extinguished long ago with their ancestors." Kokabiel replied
"Don't worry, I'm already ahead of you regarding those egotistical jerks. Just point in their direction, and I will make sure that there will not be a heart left beating when I am finished." Marcinda said back as flames and even the small of magma flickered to life around her
"I will expect nothing else except pure annihilation from you. After all, you are by far and wide one of my greatest successes…If anything you are an example of what Barquiel's tramp for a daughter should have been from the start." Kokabiel said seeing Marcinda as his pride and joy above all
"But instead, he chose to let her live with that Gremory girl and become a useless whore…At the very least, Raynare did a fantastic job of ridding the world of a useless wretch." Kokabiel added that finding the silver lining in Akeno's murder at Raynare's hands to be a solid plus all things considered
"I won't argue with you about that. She must have been a sorry-ass excuse if Raynare could just destroy her with negative difficulty. Although, I will say kudos to Sirzechs little sister and the 4 she teamed up with to kick the shit out of her…Even you have to admit that they had to be something else to absolutely eviscerate her in the way they did." Marcinda spoke
"That I will not deny, Marcinda. It truly seems as though this generation is churning forth some truly spectacular talent…Now let's see if they can survive a true war for once." Kokabiel replied
"If they can do that to my sister and not go all out; while beating her ass. Then I am pretty sure this year and all of what's to come is going to be a ton of fun." Marcinda said back eager to see more of what this generation of warriors were capable of
"I have no doubt that we will in due time. However, until that time arrives, you have your orders, Marcinda. And as per usual, I expect nothing but the best from you." Kokabiel told her as the fallen angels' smile only widened to a malicious degree
"Don't worry, I'll knock it out of the park." Marcinda said before hanging up the call
"2019, I hope you're ready. Because we are gonna turn this whole world upside down." Marcinda added as a malicious aura scarlet red surrounded her as she couldn't help but feel almost giddy at the destruction to come in the months to follow
'Now then, Azazel. Let's see how long your fragile peace lasts when I make the Underworld bleed, as I should have all the centuries ago…For it is high time that I finish what I started, and what you were to weak to continue.' Kokabiel said to himself with a malevolent grin promising nothing but mayhem and carnage abound
So with the revealing of Rias's new Queen alongside the long-awaited meet-up with our intrepid heroes and the sisters of the Satans, we also see Kokabiel's plans for a repeat invasion of Kuoh Town taking a far more destructive turn, as he furthers his machinations for conquest. How will everything withstand as the rogue cadre and his daughter prepare to unleash bedlam on the world?... Find out in the all new installments of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, that'll do it for this one, as I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter and the events within it considering that as you all have now seen. The Excalibur Arc and subsequent Peace Treaty arc, is gonna a whole lot differently than in canon…since if you thought how the Fallen Angel arc went out was intense. Then get ready for those two, because the kiddy gloves are gonna start coming off when they hit; so be ready for for all those upcoming shenanigans, since we are just winding up!
Otherwise, I thank you guys again for all of your continued support, since writing this story has been a ton of fun so far to write and having you guys along for the ride has been nothing if not fantastic. Which is why, I hope you guys will stick around for more, because I am going to screw with canon so much in the upcoming chapters and I am so excited for it!
That being said, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with our next chapter being the last for Part 1 as everyone gets ready to head out for New Marais among other things, so stay tuned for all of that stuff down the pipeline. Also, I wanna give some love and shout out my friends Kourtney Uzu Yato who has a killer Naruto story called The She Devil, as well as my friend Nomadic Chaos coming back from Hiatus who has a Naruto X Ben 10 crossover out called the Alien Soldier that's pretty good that y'all should check out as well.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: The Devil you Know by Anthrax
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous Chapter.
Skull Flame: Oh trust me, Freed tried to do so to them many a time; but there's only so much you can do when your having to protect your newly found superpowered ice Nun from danger on all ends. And glad you liked that tidbit with Ddraig's prior partner, given that its a shame we don't get developments on who were the previous owners of the Boosted Gear before Issei other than what we see in canon, and as such I like to add to that history, as someone who likes to give a bit more OOMPH to a world. And glad you liked the lemon with Issei becoming a MAYUN, as I figured why not use them since they had such a decently sized role in the Fallen Angel arc. Also, Koneko's future will be playing into Rias's development going forward, given that her fate is something she has to deal with going forward as a King.
UnsanMusho: As you can see, I do still have plans for her in the works. Given that it is a -10,000,000% chance she ever joins Issei's side, as she is too much of an unrepentant monster to do so or even seek forgiveness for her actions. And as you can see, Issei gave his answer regarding how he feels in joining the Devils, since as a man who values his faith; becoming a Devil didn't make the most applicable sense for him.
SolSparda: Well, there is that reason for why Issei shows so much restraint. Because the guy is very much self-aware of his capacity for destruction and pure annihilation. Which is why he is constantly mindful of being in control of himself at all times. Given that the last thing he wants to do is truly let go, and cause innocent lives to be lost in the process.