Chapter 5: Assault on the church building and rebirth
Finally, the weekend was here, and Issei couldn't be happier as he now had some time to relax, save for having to do some club activities—hand out fliers to humans though that after he was free to do what he liked. On a Sunday afternoon, he used a magic circle to teleport to the courtyard of the Gremory estate. Upon arriving, he looked around to see the mansion as majestic as ever. He remembered the times when he would visit Rias, and he would run around playing. After taking in the scenery, Issei walked to the front door, where he was met by a silver-haired woman with red eyes in a blue and white French maid outfit. This woman was no ordinary person, as she was the Head Maid to the Gremory House, The Strongest Queen in the Rating game, and Sirzechs-sama's wife.
He greeted her with a respectful bow, "Grayfia-san. It is nice to see you again."
She gave a light smile to the young brunette, "you as well, Issei-san. My, you certainly have grown up since the last time I saw you," she said in a warm voice. Then added, "thank you again for having Sirzechs-sama and Millicas over for dinner and for coming today. Millicas has been needing a playmate for some time now."
"It is no problem," Issei replied. "Did Sirzechs-sama bring you some leftovers, as he said he would?"
"He did, and your cooking was very delicious." She led him inside. "By the time he got home, Millicas went straight to sleep."
"Speaking of which," Issei saw a small, excited crimson-haired boy came running from down the hall whilst a smiling Sirzechs just walked. "Someone seems especially happy today," he caught the small boy and playfully threw him into the air before bringing him down.
"I'm glad you could come, Issei. There's something I want to show you," an excited Millicas bounced on his feet. Grayfia put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a stern look.
Sirzechs is the fun parent, while his mother is the strict one, given his position in the Devil community. "That is poor behavior. You know better," gently chiding her son. Though she was glad that he would be able to act like a normal child, as being a High-class Devil, he had to present himself in a certain way that represented the best of the Gremory family.
"Sorry, Mom," replied Millicas, who was still grinning.
Sirzechs rubbed his son's hair, "he's been waiting for you to come," looking at Issei as he knelt down so he was at eye level.
"Is that so?" Issei coolly asked. The little boy eagerly nodded. "Did you have any sweets or candy in the last twenty-four hours?"
Grayfia interjected when her son was about to reply. "No, he hasn't. The only one who knows where Sirzechs-sama's candy stash is me, as I had it moved."
". . .Mother of the year," Issei commented. "All right, so what do you want to show me?" Millicas grabbed his hand and dragged him into another section of the estate, while Sirzechs held a brief chuckle but was cut short by Grayfia, who pinched his cheek.
"Need I remind you that there is a meeting you will need to attend?" Letting his cheek go. Off the record, she was opposed to who her sister-in-law was engaged to, just as much as he was.
Sirzechs happy attitude was quickly replaced by one of seriousness, "you're right. I better get going," he kissed Grayfia on the forehead and took his leave. His parents were to meet him at Phenex castle, and hopefully, both parties would accept his proposition.
In the Gremory mansion's training area, Issei and Millicas stood a couple of feet away from one another. Issei's lips formed a smile when the young Gremory boy started to release his demonic aura. The same crimson aura he had seen Rias and Sirzechs use. He, in turn, materialized his boosted gear and took a fighting stance.
Millicas then started things by throwing a blast of destruction; however, Issei dodged it by rolling to the right. The Gremory boy then, through a barrage of several balls of destruction, caused Issei to take to the air. What caught his attention was that the eight-year-olds control of the Power of Destruction was greater than Buchou's. Though, to be fair, he hadn't seen all of what she could do with her abilities, but Millicas was showing exceptional power and control over his abilities. . . His powers seemed remarkably high for someone so young. Moreover, he was able to guide and fire his attacks like a shotgun which impressed the teenager. Issei assumed that since he was Sirzechs-sama and Grayfia-san's son, he must have inherited more power from them. That would explain why he had more power than what any child should have at his age. A member of a high-class Devil family, no less.
While he showed impressive offensive skills; Issei decided to test his defensive abilities. Charging up his power, he sent a few low to mid-powered dragon shots. He only wanted to evaluate and see how powerful Millicas was; that's why he was holding back. The boy created a magic shield to defend himself, but it was instantly destroyed. Deciding to test him further, Issei sent a barrage of attacks: elemental, demonic, and draconic. The child's dodging and magical defenses were commendable, though Issei had seen better and noticed that he was not using the Power of Destruction to shield himself. How interesting. Millicas may have been good when it came to attacking, but his defensive skills needed work. The members of the Gremory household were indeed a headstrong and stubborn family. They were always ready to attack. That said, they did show exceptional skills when it came to defense.
After an hour or so, Issei finally called for an end. Millicas collapsed to his knees, panting and sweating. Safe to say he was out of gas. "Impressive. Most impressive," a clapping Issei walked toward the tired child. "Your demonic powers are strong for someone so young." He held out a hand.
Millicas took the offered hand and was lifted back to his feet. "Whenever father has free time, we would play, and I get the chance to showcase my abilities. Hopefully, one day I will be as strong as him."
"Well, you will have time for that later," rubbing the boy's crimson hair. "However, you will need to improve your defensive skills first. Remember, defense is just as important as offense. The trick is knowing when and how to use them." He wrapped his tail around the boy, throwing him into the air before catching him. "I always like having a tail. It's so helpful."
Little Millicas laughed as he was repeatedly thrown into the air. The final time Issei brought him down before him. "Hey, I have an idea. Do you want to visit Dragon Mountain and pick out some apples? After that, we can head into town."
"Yeah!" Millicas exclaimed, bouncing on his feet.
"All right, but you need to change into some casual clothes and ask Grayfia-san. If she agrees, then we can go."
Millicas happily ran out of the room and went to go find his mother, with Issei following behind. It didn't take long for them to find Grayfia, who was in her office organizing some files for Sirzechs. Sanding behind the door, the older boy respectfully knocked on the door and waited for a response. "Come in." Millicas opened the door after hearing his mom's voice. "Millicas, Issei-san. Is there something you need?"
Seeing as she was busy, Issei answered. "May I have your permission to take Millicas to Dragon Mountain to pick some Dragon Apples and later go into town? I give you my word that I will look after him."
Grayfia thought for a couple minutes. It might be nice for her son to leave the mansion for a while. Plus, Issei-san would be there to protect him. "You will watch him at all times?"
"I will."
"All right, but have him back by dinner, and don't give him any sweets, as it will ruin his appetite."
"Thanks, mom," Millicas bolted out of the room. Meanwhile, Issei went to the front entrance to wait while he got changed.
Ten minutes later, Millicas came running down the hall with his mother in tow, walking behind him. "You ready to go?" The excited child nodded his head at the question. Issei then looked at the boy's mother. "I will have him back later, and you have my promise: No candy."
"Thank you, Issei," Grayfia bowed and watched as they exited the mansion.
When they reached the fountain at the center of the mansion's front garden, Issei put a hand on Millicas's shoulder. "Ready to go in style?" He asked with a knowing smirk on his face.
"You mean it?" Millicas hoped Issei was going to do what he think he was.
"Let's go. Balance Breaker! (Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!) Red Demonic aura surged around Issei, covering his entire body. A second later, it disappeared and revealed the armor of the Red Dragon Emperor. Before Millicas stood Issei in his complete Balance Breaker. The Boosted Gear's Scale Mail. Issei then picked Millicas up, threw him on his shoulders, and took off into the air. "Better hang on tight because we're about to pick up a lot of speed." (Jets). Issei's red dragon wings were quickly exchanged for the jets in his back. Then in an instant, the speed he was flying at had drastically increased, and the wind blew heavily across Millicas' face.
Since Dragon Mountain was so close to the Gremory territory, it didn't take them long to reach the area. Millicas waved his hand over at the Dragons they flew over. This was the first time he had been so close to so many Dragons, let alone their territory. Hidden behind his dragon helmet was a large smile on Issei's face, as he felt so happy to be back. The place had been his home for years when he was a child and where he trained. He quickly descended into a nearby forest where the fruit they were searching for grew. Deactivating his Balance Breaker, he crouched down so Millicas could hop off of him.
"Now, remember Millicas. Dragon Apples are considered precious to many of the Dragons living here, so we can only take a basket full. Whatever you do, stick close to me, and don't wander off. There are bound to be some Dragon scientists around." They needed to be careful because Dragon Apples used to grow in the human world, but many crops were destroyed thanks to the environmental shift. Now they can only be grown in the underworld. However, thanks to one of his mentors, the Dragons race avoided extinction since the fruit was made available in his territory, and the researchers have been working on a way to make the apples artificial. Already they have made substantial progress. Opening a pocket dimension, he pulled out two straw baskets, giving one to the Millicas.
"I understand," Millicas followed behind. Walking deeper into the forest, they eventually arrived at a handful of tree-filled Dragon Apples. "Looks like we found some," Millicas pointed to the apples.
"Seems we did. Hope you are hungry for a snack because these things are delicious," he cut a few apples down from their branches using a little fire magic. Millicas and Issei caught them in their baskets and took one out to eat. "Bon Appetit," Issei took a bite out of his apple.
"These are really good," commented Millicas. Unlike regular apples, these had a lot more flavor to them.
". . .Told you. Like I said, we can take a basket full. But that's it."
As time passed, Issei eventually took Millicas back to the Gremory Estate when it almost came time for dinner. Needless to say, the Gremory boy had enjoyed himself immensely, to which Sirzechs was very grateful. His son told him everything he and Issei did today. In the end, Sirzechs laughed and reached out to ruffle his son's hair.
"Head inside and get washed up for dinner. I need to talk to Issei before he leaves." Millicas hugged Issei goodbye and thanked him before heading inside. When the door closed, Sirzechs gave a smile of gratitude, "thank you again, Issei. Millicas needed to get out for the day."
"It was my pleasure, and like I promised Grayfia-san, he had no sweets." Sirzechs nodded in appreciation. "However, I do recommend that he get some friends his own age."
"I will definitely take that into consideration," Sirzechs chuckled. "Would you like to stay for dinner? I'm sure mother and father would be more than happy to see you again."
"Wish I could, but I have to meet Buchou and the others in the club room. But please send Lord and Lay Gremory my best."
"I will."
"Thank you," Issei bowed respectfully at the Maou, then used a magic circle to teleport away.
(0^0)
He appeared in the club room where the others have been waiting for him. "Sorry for being late, everyone. I was at the Gremory mansion. Did I miss anything?"
"Not at all, Issei-kun," Kiba smiled and closed the book he was reading. "You are actually on time since Buchou and Akeno-san have yet to appear, though they should be here before long."
With a grunt, he sat beside Koneko-chan, who ate her snack silently. "So, did anything happen while I was gone?"
"I received a new contract," Koneko said in a monotone voice. "He didn't seem like a creep with a fetish for short girls, though it's still too early to tell." Issei and Kiba knew she was talking about Morwisawa-san.
"What about you, Kiba? Anything new with you?"
"No. It's business as usual. Answering summons requests from my clients. . ." He would have said more, but the two wooden doors opened, with Buchou, Asia-san, and Akeno-san came in.
". . .Good, you're all here. That means we can get started," Rias surveyed the area, then went to stand in front of her desk, with Akeno standing right beside her and Asia taking a seat next to Kiba. "As you all know, there are rogue Fallen Angels and stray Exorcists led by Freed Sellzen. Originally, there were four Fallen Angels, but thanks to Issei getting rid of two of them and providing intel on their base of operations and what they were planning." She winked at the brunette teen. "Even though they lost two of their heavy hitters, we should still be careful and ready for whatever they might have in store for us. Because they have infiltrated my territory and won't leave without a fight, as such, it is our job to take care of them by any means necessary."
She explained the strategy she came up with and told everyone about their duties. The plan was simple but efficient. Rias and Akeno would take on the remaining Fallen Angels, while Issei, Koneko, Kiba, and Asia would handle Freed and the stray Exorcists that came with him. If there were any complications, then they were to call for backup. When Rias was done, Kiba, Issei, Asia, and Koneko used a magic circle to teleport to one church area while Rias and Akeno teleported to a different area.
Hiding amongst the trees, Issei could sense that the enemies were indeed inside. All of them. The four examined the church for a couple minutes to determine if anyone would either go in or try to leave. Luckily, no one did. "Issei-kun, Koneko-chan, are you guys ready?" Kiba asked.
Koneko's only response was cracking her knuckles. Issei simply nodded, then turned around to see a nervous Asia. The poor blond girl was shaking like a leaf under the night sky, and he could probably guess why. Then placed a hand on her head, "it will be all right, Asia. We will look after you." Her anxiety slowly started to vanish into a small smile. Issei was truly a magnificent person. He made her happy and feel safe.
"Count on it," Kiba said and pulled out a map from his pocket. "Here is what we are looking at. . ." He pointed at each room but emphasized the sanctuary's importance. "This is likely where all of the stray exorcists are."
"Stray exorcists like to be in packs, and the church's sanctuary is like a haven to them." When Asia asked why he explained. "It is a place they used to respect as a holy place, and by doing something, they reject God there and like to use dangerous rituals to insult him. Because they loved God, because they were rejected by God, they purposefully cast evil spells under the sanctuary to act as a representation of their hatred."
"I never knew. . ." Asia said.
Issei then picked up where Kiba left off. "The sanctuary is behind the entrance. We could go straight in, but the problem is finding the door to the basement once we get into the sanctuary and if we can defeat all the exorcists in there. In other words, we will need to be careful."
"Agreed," Kiba hardened his gaze. "Besides. . . Fallen Angels are not exactly my favorite things in this world. Truthfully, I hate them."
"Is that right?" Issei enquired. Koneko apparently got tired of waiting and moved to the door. "What are you doing?"
"It's not like they don't know we're here," she then kicked the door open.
As they entered th church, there was the altar, several long chairs, and the candles and lanterns were lit to provide a bit of light. And the statue of the person holding the cross had been destroyed. In all, the place was creepy. "Be on your guard." Issei narrowed his eyes at a dark corner and could see someone standing there.
One of the people he loathed emerged from the shadows and started clapping. "Would you look what the cat dragged in? Three shitty Devils and he shitty former nun, Asia Argento!" Their faces twisted with disgust and fear. The latter was Asia's. Moving to stand before the altar, the happy psychopathic exorcist licked his lips. "I'm so glad you all could make it! Especially you, Dragon-Devil abomination. You and I have some business to finish up after our last get-together failed to go as planned."
"You mean when I kicked your sorry ass in that house," a dark smile crossed Issei's lips as Freed glared menacingly at him. "Personally, I'm surprised you are back to full strength after the beatdown I gave you."
Freed's glare became more menacing before it shifted into a dark smile, "well, I have my good friends to thank for that. As for last time, you caught me off guard, and I made mistakes. I assure you the outcome this time will not be the same as last. Perhaps after I dispose of you and your Devil friends, I'll get to have my alone time with little Asia there! And maybe she'll finally learn her place!" His sadistic smile terrified her.
Issei stood protectively in front of the scared Asia. "You will have to get through us first."
"I can live with that," his sadistic side became more noticeable. "Here's the thing, I pride myself on the fact that I never have to battle any Devil more than once. . . And yet here you are, alive rubbing it in. Once I see a Devil, I chop them up and dance on their remains. That's what gives me joy. But you Devils have ruined my joy and therefore have tarnished my stellar reputation! That is something I can no longer allow! The only payment I'll accept is your death! Yes, death to all of you Devil scums!"
He was a real psychopath. He relished in the fact of killing. Did it just for the thrill of it. For the first time in a while, Issei felt like he would be sick. Freed's face shifted from happy to rage as he took out his gun and sword.
(Boost) The boosted gear appeared on Issei's left arm as Kiba drew his sword, and Koneko took a combat stance. "Where are your buddies? Did they flee with their tails between their legs, or are they in the basement?"
"Oh, I'm more than enough for you, my friend. But rest assured, they're still in the church. You see the altar," turning his head, "theirs a hidden staircase under it that leads to the basement. That's where the others are; they are most eager to see me chop up you Devils."
"Here," Koneko lifted up a long chair and threw it at Freed. The psychotic exorcist sliced it in half with his sword.
"Your pretty strong for a runt, aren't you?!"
"Suck it." She narrowed her eyes and began throwing more chairs at Freed, to which he did a little dance to avoid them and proceeded to use his sword to slice them up.
Faster than what normal humans could see, Kiba dashed forward and immediately crossed blades with Freed. As the two continued trading slashes, both attacking and defending, Issei had the opportunity to analyze his friend's fighting style a bit more. The times they sparred with one another, Issei found that Kiba was a technique fighter, and despite being a knight, his defensive skills were actually good. But were limited, as he lacked creativity. The same could be said for his attacks, for they lacked power, and their patterns were predictable due to his mindset. It didn't matter how fast someone was because if their moves are too narrow, then their opponents could turn the tables and gain an advantage.
Kiba and Freed continued what they were doing until they stopped in the middle of a deadlock. "You're pretty fast and strong!"
"You're pretty good yourself, blondie. . . But that only makes me want to kill you even more!" Freed brought his gun up till it was only an inch away from Kiba's face. Kiba quickly leaned back to avoid a bullet to the head and backflipped away.
"Well, if you're going to get serious, then I might have to up my game as well," said Kiba, who charged in to meet Freed's sword with his. Then out of nowhere, his sword became black and started to eat away at the sword of light.
"Hey, what the hell is this?!" A confused Freed demanded as his sword of light was being devoured by Kiba's sword.
"The Holy Eraser. It's a sword of darkness that devours light." Kiba smirked.
In no time flat, Freed was eventually pushed back with his light sword completely devoured thanks to Kiba's sacred gear. Issei then shot a fireball at Freed, who narrowly dodged it; however, he wasn't finished as he intended for the exorcist to avoid his attack. With incredible speed, Issei rushed forward and delivered a hard punch to Freed's abdomen knocking the wind out of him. This was followed up by a series of combos that sent Freed back, reeling in pain.
"I've had enough of this! You're dead Devil!" Freed brought up his gun and started firing bullets at Issei. The brunette rushed forward, using magic shields to block the bullets. (Boost) His powers were doubled as he neared his opponent.
"You make me sick!" Issei roared, throwing a powerful punch to Freed's face with his left fist, and sent him flying into the podium, which was destroyed upon impact. "There's more where that came from too."
"My word, that hurt like hell! You bastard!" Freed stood up and retrieved two swords of light from his jacket. "Don't get cocky with me," launching himself back into action. Though was sent back thanks to a long chair being thrown at him courtesy of Koneko. "That hurt."
". . .You know what? I'll retreat for now. Yes, that sounds like a good idea," Freed managed to duck under a slash from Kiba's sword and jumped back to land in front of the destroyed cross. "Another time, Devils," he took out a small flash grenade, threw it at his feet, creating a blinding white light, and vanished.
"Coward!" Koneko clicked her tongue.
"Forget him. We have other things to handle. Koneko-chan, you and Asia stay up here. Kiba, your with me. Let's take care of these exorcists once and for all."
"I'm with you, my friend," Kiba flashed Issei a smile. He was right to tell Koneko-chan and Asia-san to remain behind. In the possibility that something should happen, then Koneko-chan could protect and get Asia-san out of danger.
Together they walked down the staircase where the exorcists were.
(0^0)
Meanwhile, outside of the church, Rias and Akeno were up against the two remaining Fallen Angels, Mittelt and Kalawarna, and eight exorcists. Mittelt was the petite, blue-eyed, twin-tailed blonde-haired girl on the right. Her outfit was that of a gothic lolita consisting of a black dress with white frills, a large black bow on the front, a green jewel embedded on the collar, white thigh-high socks, and black shoes. She also wore a large black bow on top of her hair. The other Kalawarna was a tall, buxom woman with yellow eyes and long, navy blue hair that obscured her right eye. She wore a maroon trench coat-like top with a wide collar, a matching miniskirt, and black-heeled shoes. Out of the two, the former was the most vocal and outgoing. The exorcists wore black trench coats, dark grey hats, and ski masks to conceal their faces.
". . . There's no escape now. Do the math. We outnumber you and the rest of your pathetic group of wannabe Devils. But, of course, we have some business to settle with that friend of yours, the one with the brown hair."
Kalawarna then added, "he took out Raynare and Dohnaseek and meddled in our affairs in this town for the last time. Once he is out of the way, we'll make short work of the rest of you and claim our prize."
Rias grinned. "Are you sure? Take my advice, and don't underestimate Issei, as he is more than what he appears to be," she said confidently. "Isn't that right, Akeno?"
"Why yes." Akeno placed a hand on the side of her face, "Issei-kun is very strong and defeated two Fallen Angels without breaking a sweat. They like this trash here are pretty weak, all things considered."
"You dare call us weak," Mittelt glared angrily. "Oh, I hate Devils so much. They're so arrogant, and it makes me want to punch them in the face," she said while stomping her foot. Her expression then changed into a dark superior smile, "do not underestimate us, let alone me. I may be small, but I can promise you this: I can do quite a significant amount of damage."
"Enough of this. You will pay for your interference with your lives," Kalawarna jumped into the air, spreading her Fallen Angel wings. This was followed by Mittelt, and the two got ready to fight. The exorcists sheathed their hidden swords of light from their coats.
The smile on Rias's face didn't falter. "Akeno. . ."
"Of course," Akeno raised her hand into the sky and immediately summoned a roaring thundercloud. She was then struck with yellow lightning that changed her out of her school attire for a shrine maiden's uniform. Then cast multiple magic circles and created a barrier.
"Uh-oh, this could be trouble," Mittelt no longer seemed so confident.
"Capturing my prey in a cage gets me so hot," Akeno's sadistic side was showing as her fingers crackled with lightning.
"So this was your plan from the beginning." Kalawarna surmised, scowling angrily at them.
"Yep. And I'm going to take a whole lot pleasure our watching you all writhe in agony. . . Hope you're into S&M."
"Your sick!" Mittelt cried and created a pink spear of light, while Kalawarna created a yellow.
"Time to get to work!" Rias started to release her demonic aura. Something that obviously unsettled the Fallen Angels and exorcists.
(0^0)
In the church basement, Issei and Kiba were engaged in a battle with the twelve remaining exorcists and were managing to hold their own. The exorcists were unprepared for the Devils and losing momentum, as their numbers were being brought down.
"Issei-kun! How are you holding up?" Kiba asked, slashing his sword down at an exorcist after he dropped his sword.
". . .Pretty good here," Issei delivered a powerful kick that knocked an exorcist into his friends. He then boosted his power three more times. (Boost) (Boost) (Boost). "Kiba, get down!" He yelled, firing a Dragon Explosion at a group approaching him from behind. The ball of demonic energy missed Kiba, who hit the dirt and exploded, taking out six of the exorcists.
"Thanks," Kiba dashed forward to help his friend finish the three remaining exorcists. They wasted no words in dealing with their opponents. The last exorcist was put through a wall from the combined attacks of Issei and Kiba. Kiba's eyes then went wide, "wait! There were only twelve exorcists here. . . according to our intel, there were supposed to be twenty. Where are the other eight?"
"Buchou and Akeno-san are probably—" Issei was cut off when he heard a familiar scream. "Asia!" He immediately took off, running up the stairs back to the altar, with Kiba quickly following behind.
When he reached the top, a pink light spear was stuck inside Asia, and she lay on the ground in a pool of blood. "I did it! I killed this useless former nun," a battered and bleeding Mittelt cheered. Three exorcists lay dead on the ground. When Mittelt saw that Issei and Kiba had arrived, she began to gloat, "well, well, well. If it isn't the Devil bastard that killed my friends Raynare and Dohnaseek. I assume you think we are even sense this little bitch is dead. But that is not the case as—"
"Koneko-chan, get Asia out of the way!" The anger inside Issei spiked to new levels. His power was increasing with every second as the green jewel on his boosted gear was beeping rapidly. This Fallen Angel will not be leaving the church alive.
"Hey, I was gloating, you rude boy," Mittelt screamed. Issei only walked forward with his brown eyes set ablaze. "Oh, are you angry? Well, no need to grieve, as you will soon be joining her in the afterlife." She then summoned a spear and threw it. Issei deflected it like it was nothing. "What, how did you?!"
Faster than what she could see, Issei punched her dead in the face with his left hand, then delivered another with his right before wrapping his hands around her neck. "W-Wait. . .pl-please. I'm sorry," she struggled to say as he tightened his grip over her neck, making it hard for her to breathe.
"Infiltrating this town was your first mistake. Attempting to steal Asia's sacred gear was your second. But killing her was crossing the line. Prepare to face the music!" The cold-dark edge in his voice sent shivers down her spine as she struggled to breathe. The girl was absolutely terrified. Issei then threw her hard against the wall. He heard some loud cracking and thought that some of her bones must have been broken upon contact, not that he cared.
As Koneko-chan and Kiba dragged Asia's dead body away, Issei descended upon a disgruntled Mittelt and began pummeling her. The poor goth girl had no idea her actions would result in something like this, as the person before her was angry. With every strike, she felt his rage.
"Goodbye!" Sucking in to fill his lungs with air (Transfer). He then released a decent amount of dragon fire that scorched Mittelt's entire body. The girl's screams of agony disappeared as she was reduced to ash. "Fallen Angel trash!"
Turning around, he saw that Rias and Akeno-san had entered the sanctuary. The crimson-haired girl put a hand on his shoulder while Akeno stood with Kiba and Koneko around Asia. Sensing his anger and sadness, Rias said. "All is not lost. I can revive Asia-san."
"Do it without delay," he requested.
Walking towards Asia, she pulled out a bishop chess piece from her pocket. "This is my last Bishop piece. Originally, I had two but used one on another and intended to save it for someone important. Because Asia-san was able to heal and restore people, that makes her the perfect candidate to be a Bishop in my household. Plus, I've grown quite fond of her."
She created a ritual circle, placed Asia in the center, and put the Bishop piece on her chest. "In the name of Rias Gremory, I command thee, Asia Argento, to become my servant and once more return thy soul to this land and become a Devil." The ritual circle glowed crimson as Rias chanted. "Rejoice! As thou shall lead a new life with great joy as my Bishop!" With that, the Bishop piece entered and resonated with Asia's body.
After a minute, she began to stir; Asia had been revived as a Devil. Opening her eyes, Issei knelt beside her as she sat up. "Welcome back, Asia," he gave her a relieved smile. She, in turn, gave a big smile and hugged him with her arms around his neck.
"I never thought I'd get the chance to be with you again, Issei-san." Issei wrapped an arm around her.
"From here on out, you are her protector. . . You may not be a part of my peerage, but I consider you one of us. So in a way that makes you her senior Devil," Rias explained.
Issei accepted the responsibility of looking after Asia. He pulled back and held out a hand. "What do you say we go home now?"
Asia happily took his hand, and he helped her up.
(0^0)
After what happened at the church, Issei contacted Sirzechs-sama and Azazel-sama and reported that the remaining Fallen Angels and stray exorcist, except for Freed Sellzen, had all been subdued. The two appreciated his report on the matter and promised to do their best to locate Freed. Early the next morning, Issei was woken up by the sound of his alarm clock, dressed, and went downstairs to make breakfast. Once done, he gathered his things, left his house, and hopped on his bike, where he rode to school. For whatever reason, Rias requested that Asia sleep in the Occult Research Club last night and that he come in early, as she had a surprise. Truthfully, he had something he wanted to discuss with her as well.
The ride to school was quick; after parking his motorcycle, he went to the club room. Opening the door, he found Buchou sitting on a sofa, drinking tea. "Good morning," he said, announcing his presence.
"Good morning, Issei. Thanks for coming in so early. How are you feeling?" She put her cup of tea down.
"I didn't receive any injuries yesterday, so I'm fine," he replied. "Anyway, I would like to discuss something with you."
"Oh, and what would that be?" Drinking some more of her tea while wondering what was on his mind.
Taking a deep breath, "having thought long and hard about this, I have come to a decision: If you still want me to be a part of your peerage, then I will happily accept." Rias's eyes immediately snapped open.
"You mean it? You really mean it?" Her blue-green eyes twinkled with the hope that he wasn't kidding.
Issei answered. "That's if you will have me."
Rias put her cup to the side and launched herself at Issei, grabbing him in a big hug. "Yes. Thank you! I would like nothing more than to have you as a member of my peerage!" She then pulled back. "Are you sure this is what you want? Is Ddraig okay with the decision?"
"He is. The level of loyalty and love you've shown to others have greatly impressed us. And this is where I belong," confirming the decision he made with Ddraig.
Rias then surprised him by kissing his forehead. "That was a good luck charm," she then went to stand behind and wrapped her arms around him. "What piece would you like? I have a knight, a rook, and eight pawn pieces."
"Hmm. . ." Issei thought for a second and decided on which piece would best help him. "I will take your pawn pieces. Fair warning, you will need to use all of them and convert some to mutation pieces."
"Then, I will have to be tough and won't be able to coddle you so much. Become the strongest pawn in existence." Rias proclaimed.
Issei then kissed her hand. "I will. I will grow stronger to protect you and everyone else! That's a promise!"
She smiled at the promise he made and removed her arms from around his chest. "Well, you will have a lot of work to do. But for now, I'm going to have to stop coddling you, or the other member of my peerage will get jealous."
"Jealous?" He turned around to see a teary-eyed Asia standing next to the door leading to another room.
"I-Issei-san. . ." Asia's timid nature started to show. "I-I see. Since she is so beautiful, it would make sense that you've fallen in love with her. She would probably do things I wouldn't." Asia then started shaking her head, "no, no, I shouldn't be thinking of things like that. Dear Lord, please forgive my sins and. . ." she stopped midsentence after receiving a sharp stab to her head.
"My head hurts," she complained.
Issei and Rias sighed. The latter then explained, "that is to be expected. You need to remember that since you're a Devil now, you'll receive a mild shock to the brain whenever you pray."
"Is that so? I became a Devil. . . So I can't face God anymore," sadness was laced in her voice.
"Do you regret it?"
"No. Not at all. Whatever form I take, I will be happy as long as I get to be with Issei-san," her mood instantly brightened up and cheerful.
"Excellent. Then from today onward, you will be working as my servant," Rias placed her hands on her hips.
"Yes, I'll do my best!"
"By the way, Asia. Why are you wearing our school's uniform?" Issei asked, taking in her new appearance.
"Does it look good on me?" She twirled around to give him a look at the her clothes.
"You look great. That uniform suits you well," he smiled at her.
Rias then said, "glad you like it because Asia-san is now enrolled at the Academy and will be in your class from now on."
"How did that happen?" Issei questioned.
"My father is on the school board, so enrolling her was no problem," came Rias.
Soon the others came into the room, and after exchanging hellos, Akeno brought in a cake to celebrate the arrival of a new member of the Gremory peerage. Before any more words could be said, Rias announced, "this is actually a double celebration. A couple minutes ago, Issei came in, declaring he'd be happy to be my pawn. So, before we celebrate, let me fully integrate him into our family."
She took out all of her eight pawn pieces and, similar to what she did to make Asia a member performed a ritual, but to her surprise, the pieces were not strong enough to make him a part of her group. Trying again, she turned three of them into mutation pieces; when that didn't work, she turned another piece into a mutation. It, too, was rejected. So trying again, she had six pawn pieces turned into mutation pieces, and this time they accepted him.
"Wow, Issei-kun, that's really incredible. A total of eight pawn pieces, with six of them being mutation pieces. I'm sure glad you're one of us now," Kiba said as Akeno patted her kouhai on the back.
"Welcome, aboard, Issei-kun. You to Asia-chan," Akeno looked at them with a big smile.
The smile on Issei's face momentarily vanished when he sensed something outside. Looking out of the corner of his right eye, he noticed a phoenix bird hidden in the trees, watching them. Why would a phoenix be spying on them? Why was it hiding in the trees? And most importantly: Who sent it? These questions plagued his mind. Turning his attention back to the here and now, he decided to join in with the celebration.
A/N: Issei kept his promise and went to the Gremory Estate to spend time with Millicas. The boy already considered him a big brother, and children his age need playmates.
Asia had to be revived since Mittelt killed her and is now Rias's Bishop. In addition, to her growing numbers, Issei has also agreed to join as her pawn.
Next Chapter: Obtaining a familiar