(Episode 15: Welcome to New Marais)
It would be a few days after their flight from Kuoh Town to New Marais as well the adjustment of the changing time zones, getting through jetlag, and the layovers; had finally made it to the city in question; where our companions all shared varying states of excitement as they touched down. What with Issei feeling the most excited of all given how he was finally in the place of where his father became a superhero as the Patron Saint of New Marais, and as such was keen on seeing all of what the place had to offer as well as getting his get-back against the plant-manipulating Conduit.
(March 17th, 2019, 11:19 Am, New Marais, Lousiana)
It would be later into the morning as our trio were venturing into New Marais itself, which for Aika and Issei was a welcome shock to the system given how much more expansive the place felt compared to their hometown of Kuoh.
"I gotta say this place is freakin' huge you guys!…I knew it would be big, but I didn't think it'd be this massive!…Now, I know what mom was talking about when she said that 'the world is bigger than just Kuoh Town' and man she wasn't kidding." Issei said feeling almost out of his depth in this new environment
"Hey, look at it this way. Now you get to see what the world is like outside of that shit-town of yours." Freed said back as they drove to Zeke's location
"You got that right, and honestly I am all here for it! I swear I don't know what to hit up first." Issei spoke taking in the sights of the large city around him
"I gotta agree with Issei, this place is something else…By the way, Issei, how much longer till we reach your Uncle Zeke's place?" Aika wondered "We should be there in another 10 to 13 minutes give or take." Issei answered back
"By the way, any idea on how things are gonna go once we meet the guy? This is your godfather we're talking about here." Aika questioned
"No clue at all, but once I do I'm gonna level with him on what's going on with me…minus the whole supernatural business and all that. Being a Conduit is one thing, but fighting against fallen angels, and all that stuff is a whole other can of worms entirely." Issei answered back
"Can't really argue with you there…by then Asia should be up and at 'em." Freed said as he looked over at a conked out Asia "You know, I forget that she isn't really all that much of a morning person." Issei replied as he was surprised to see Asia still sound asleep snoring like a grizzy bear during hibernation
"At this point, I'm surprised she hasn't had a hangover yet. That and the fact that she still has functional kidneys with how much she drinks." Aika added looking over at the blonde ex-nun
"When you have an alcohol tolerance like hers, plus a Sacred Gear that can heal almost anything. Then hangovers really ain't shit to her…Hell, at this point I'm pretty sure she could drink a fucking disterillery and still be alright." Freed told them on how a combination of Twilight Healing and a ironclad tolerance for booze made her practically immune to getting hangovers or drunk for an extended period of time "Fair point/Touche." Were the responses of both perverts
Meanwhile, Zeke Dunbar now in his early 50's had while having gotten himself into better shape since being the former mayor of New Marais, as well as having a few more grays in his hair than what he'd like was currently enjoying the bachelor life that he'd set up for himself, as a well-to-do patron of the town that had been one of its foremost pillars since the aftermath of Cole's death. As such the now middle-aged sidekick to the city's Patron Saint after he'd finished up his breakfast, and getting ready for the day ahead of him was soon met with a knock on the door.
So in being cautious as always with Conduits running about both benevolent in wanting a fresh start for themselves as well those who were leading a much harder life, and looking to take a slice of the city for themselves; grabbed a heavy-duty plasma hand-cannon he made that would put a Conduit down long enough for the authorities to come and grab them. However, when he opened the door ready to fire just in case things went south he was surprised to see not only his godson who was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, black Air-Forces, long-sleeved Spiderman t-shirt, along with a silver rosary around his neck; he knew it was Cole and Miki's kid with his mothers' hair, but his fathers' looks, jawline and now bluish-grey eyes.
"Hey, so I'm Miki Hyoudou and Cole Macgrath's kid, but moreover I'm your godson, Issei…Nice to meet you Uncle Zeke." Issei said with a semi-sheepish laugh as he looked over at his godfather
"I'll say this much, kid. You sure take after your father, heck if we gave you a buzzcut you could almost pass for his twin brother." Zeke said as he holstered his plasma pistol
"Thanks, I guess…Mind if I come in?" Issei asked
"Sure why not, besides, I'm sure you've got a helluva lot of questions. So make yourself right at home." Zeke told the Conduit who walked inside
"So if you don't mind me asking, how exactly did you and my dad know each other? Mom said you and my pops were thick as thieves back in the day." Issei said as he wandered over to a couch in the front room of Zeke's house
"We were best friends and then some when we were growing up together back in Empire City, when the first wave of Conduits cropped up. There wasn't anything we didn't take on together." Zeke said remembering all of the misadventures that came from before and during Cole's time as a bonafide superhero
"Don't get me wrong, we had our fair share of hiccups, and shit that I have spent years making' up for. But overall, your father was a damn good man taken before his time. But if there was one thing I damn sure respected and admired about your old man, it was that no matter what; he stepped up to do whatever he could to help out and be the best man he could." Zeke added in having witnessed Cole go from an ordinary man to a real-life electrical Superman throughout his short but no-less incredible life
"Then it looks like I've got some really big shoes to fill, while I'm here." Issei said knowing that he had one heck of a daunting legacy to live up to "Hey, no one's expecting you to be the second coming of Cole. Trust me, you are a lot better being your own man and all the hell that comes with it." Zeke replied
"I appreciate the kind words, I really do and stuff. It is just that ever since I found out that I've got powers like my super-dad, and a whole lot of other stuff that's happened…Well, its been a lot to adjust to in the last 6 months." Issei spoke in having taken a brief moment to realize how drastically things had changed for him thus far
"Trust me, after helping this place get back on its feet, on top of making sure that a lot of Conduits like yourself can find their footing after getting their powers. I have a pretty good idea on how much things have changed recently." Zeke replied in knowing from experience what Issei may be going through
'Believe me, Uncle Zeke. You don't even know the half of what I've dealt with.' Issei remarked to himself
"But I also know that you didn't just come to New Marais for a change of scenery, or to see your Uncle Zeke…So what else has been going on with you?" Zeke questioned
"...What gave it away?" Issei asked back
"While I'm not excited to me my nephew after all this time, I also know that with your friends coming with you; that this wasn't all that much of a social call. So what's got you coming from the Land of the Rising Sun to my neck of the woods?...Because whatever it is, it's gotta be something as big as Metallica going on farewell tour." Zeke spoke knowing that Issei wasn't here for something
"The thing is that, it is one part me wanting to switch things up and get away from Kuoh for a while. Then the other half is that some weird plant-manipulating Conduit has been messing with my neck of the woods, and I don't know who it is quite yet. But I've gone up against some of their handiwork, and I wanna put an end to it right here and now." Issei told his godfather
"...I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and say that you've had to deal with creepy lookin' plant monsters, and crap like that?" Zeke guessed
"Yeah, actually, since you pretty much nailed it. But my friends and I have managed to get the drop on them before they got active. So that's a plus, but I wanna stop this whatever is going on before it gets out of hand." Issei answered back
"Then you my dear nephew, are looking at a problem that I have been dealing with for the past 3 years." Zeke told his godson
"How bad is this?" Issei questioned
"To put it like this, your dealing with some creeps that are from a dickhead and their band of enviromentalist goons that call themselves the 'Order of Gaia'. Apparently, after everything that I and the rest of New Marais have been doing to fix up the place and do some expansion; they haven't taken it all that well. And have been a pain in the ass to deal with since." Zeke said
"So how bad are we talking here?" Issei asked
"Bad enough that they've turned a good chunk of New Marais into a literal concrete jungle. Hell, we've been lucky enough to make sure their 'kingdom' as they call it doesn't spread any further. But with how strong they've been getting lately, it's been easier said than done…That ain't even counting their head-honcho whose got some strong as shit tricks up their sleeve." Zeke informed his nephew
"That's why, I'm telling you that if you and your friends go after these jokers. Then you better be coming after them with some serious firepower…otherwise things won't end well for you." Zeke added having lost quite a few good men and women to the Order of Gaia and their leader "W
ell, at least I know what I'm gonna have to deal with…Anything else, I'm gonna need to know about Uncle Zeke?" Issei questioned
"Yeah, there's another pair of Conduits out there that's gonna be a problem and a half for you to deal with." Zeke informed his nephew "Whose are they supposed to be?" Issei asked "One of them calls herself Sister Morrigan, and contrary to what she likes to preach to her followers. She is anything but a woman of God." Zeke said back "
Let me guess, she's a Joel Olsteen rip-off?" Issei questioned "Not exactly, but I'll tell you this much she takes the whole fire and brimstone thing to another level. Since she believes that Conduits should take over just because they have powers, and if you don't agree with what she's putting out…Then consider yourself a walking ash-tray, because she is one nasty customer." Zeke answered back regarding the incendiary Conduit in question
"Good to know, good to know. So what's the other one I have watch out for?" Issei questioned "
The other one you have to watch out for and the one you should start with, while your here before going after the Order of Gaia; would be a tough son of a bitch that calls himself Reddick…Trust me he's been nothing but a pain in the ass with him trying to play kingpin of New Marais with his gang." Zeke told his godson
"How bad is he?" Issei questioned
"His men are packing some heavy artillery since he and the rest of them, used to be apart of the D.U.P. But after that fell through once Augustine got exposed. He's been holed up here with a combo of his men, and her people and have been making it everyone's problem to try and establish 'order' here in New Marais. So while I'm sure he won't be too much of a problem for you and your friends, I would still say to not take it easy on 'em." Zeke answered back
"So I got a Poison Ivy knockoff, a literal smoke demon and her supremacist cult to worry about, and a Men in Black turned wannabe crime lord…Not as bad as I thought would be, if I'm to be honest…How does getting this done before Labor Day do it for you?" Issei questioned his godfather who let out an almost belly laugh at hearing that
"Sorry for laughin' like that, Issei. It's just been awhile since I heard anyone sound that gung-ho to get into action…Reminds me of your old man, when he was still alive and kickin'." Zeke spoke still laughing a bit as he loved the level of enthusiasm on display
"Trust me, Uncle Zeke. If there's one thing my friends and I are good at it. It is getting stuff done and quick!" Issei told the former mayor of New Marais with all the confidence in the world "In that case, I think I'll need to give you an overdue birthday present I've been working on, since your mother told me you were visiting." Zeke said to Issei as he went into another room to grab something he'd been holding onto for ages
"Hey, I'm just happy to be here and get to know my godfather is all." Issei replied before Zeke eventually came back with what looked like a shock-baton cattle-prod combo
"Well, I figured that this is still the least I can do. Besides, this was your old mans' weapon that I made some upgrades to. Since your mom told me that the stuff you've been going up against, is on a different level than what Cole used to go up against, I figured that I could beef it up for you…So say hello to the The Amp 2.0" Zeke said as he tossed the almost silverly chrome-looking shock baton to his godson
"Not gonna lie this looks pretty cool, Uncle Zeke." Issei said back as he focused electricity through it and saw it crackle with arcs of brilliant blue lightning "That ain't nothing. Press the button on it to activate the battle mode on it, to really see what it can do." Zeke instructed of Issei who did so and pressed the bottom near the handle
From there the upgraded Amp extended until it was more of a 2 handed weapon that looked like a cross-between its original form and a more lethal-looking battleaxe if the 2 axe blades reminiscent of a heavy-duty firemans' axe and a bearded axe; extending out of either side to make it look like a cattle-prod and battleaxe did the fusion dance. All the while looked more like what you'd see on a baseball-bat or collapsible shovel, as Issei looked at it in awe of the weapons' battle mode as he gave a few carefully done swings of the weapon that felt almost tailor-made for him as small bursts of lightning arced off it before pressing the button again to return it back to normal.
"I-I really don't know what to say…But thanks a ton for giving me this." Was the only thing Issei could say "Hey, your old man did a lot of good with it when he used it. So I know that if your anything like him, you'll do just as much if not even more with it than when he had it." Zeke told his godson
"Don't worry, I'm gonna make damn sure of it, and make dad proud of me." Issei said holding the Amp over his shoulder like he used too with his steel bat
"I don't have a doubt in the world that you will…And if you ever want to talk about anything, I will either be here if you need or at my bar down on 72nd in the Northside of the city." Zeke said to him
"But other than that, have fun while you are your friends are here…Other than some of the crazy stuff going on around here, this place is still a lot of fun, and crap ton too see. So trust me, I've got a good feeling that you'll like it here, Issei." Zeke further spoke to his godson
"Thanks, and I'll take your word for it…Right now, I'm gonna go catch up with everyone at our place, and take it easy for now. Since that jetlag plus the time-zone difference is starting to catch up to me." Issei said with a yawn more reminiscent of the boom of thunder than a normal mans'
"Then I won't keep you too long then, and godspeed and good luck to you. Since you're gonna need it, with 3 ways of hell coming for you, and ooohhhh boy is it gonna be something." Zeke said back as he walked with Issei to the front door
"Trust me, if anyone is gonna have hell coming for them. Its the schnooks that are gonna have to deal with me and my friends…Because those poor idiots won't know what hit 'em, until its' way too late." Issei said as he stepped out the front door "
That's the type of gung-ho, all in balls-out type of spirit, I like to see…You're gonna do pretty alright here, hell if your as good as your mom says you are. You might just wind up being a bigger badass than your old man." Zeke replied as Issei turned back towards him
"Believe me when I say, New Marais hasn't seen anything yet." Issei said before with a running start and leap he took off into the cloudless skies via his Shock Thrusters
'Miki damn sure was right about one thing, that kid is definitely something' else.' Zeke said as he saw his godson take off into the March morning
(Several Hours Later, 5:48 Pm, Satan's Wilds, New Marais, Lousiana)
Meanwhile, Marcinda after returning to New Marais after some R in Argentina; had flown too where her plant-manipulating contact in New Marais was after her men had informed her of the arrival of the intrepid quartet that defeated her elder sister in Raynare.
"Korinne, we need to have a word!" Marcinda called out as she lit RV-sized ball of flame in her hand
"You've got till the count of 6 till I start blowing stuff up…6, 5, 4, 3, 2.." Marcinda began to say before she heard the approaching footsteps of a lumbering creature
"Do you always have to go to such extremes to call for me? I am not that hard to reach, Marcinda." Came the distorted voice of the Order of Gaia's leader
"I prefer not to wait too terribly long, when I have things to do on my itinerary. Besides, I'm sure you can take 5 to 10 minutes out of your crusade to listen to me." Marcinda spoke as she saw what was Korinne soon come into view
'Korrine' being a 10 foot tall cross between an ogre and a heavily armored knight made of vines, roots, brambles, swamp moss and fungus that had the lumbering build and gait of an ogre alongside a hung where a shell like covering of roots and tree bark covered it. All the while its armor was made of hardened bark that functioned as plate mail, compressed swamp moss, vines, and various forms of compost as chainmail, while the oddest thing about it as various roots strung it all together; was the aura of shadowy miasma radiating off them. "Then what do you want? Is it not enough that resources were wasted to aid your pitiable sister?" Korinne questioned their orangish golden eyes staring at the daughter of Kokabiel who extinguished her flames "Simple, my men informed me that the 4 idiots who destroyed your creations; are here in New Marais." Marcinda answered back
"How did they find me, much less track me to this city?!" Korinne questioned surprised at this news
"Apparently, they were able to trace the shipments of what should have been game-changers back here…Now they're here in New Marais headhunting for you." Marcinda further informed the plant-manipulating Conduit "
So if I were you, I would start having you and your 'pets' gear up for war. Because even with the Shadow Prison we gave to you, that's only going to cut it so far against the idiots." Marcinda told them as the leader of the Order of Gaia neared her
"Very well, then. Although, what about the Swamp Witch? My knights have kept her at bay this long, yet even still she proves troublesome." Korinne questioned in regards to the Swamp Witch who was one of the key factors that prevented her territory from expanding further
"If that is the case, I will send a contingent of my men to aid in helping you get rid of her. However, under no circumstances are you to screw with them, and turn them into more of your knights. I prefer them intact and with their flesh, still remaining as flesh and not replaced with moss and chlorophyll." Marcinda told the large Conduit before her
"Very well then, but I still stand by my point that they will be far greater, as a soldier of mine than…" Korinne began to say before a sphere of flame the size of a soccer ball swiftly apparated itself mere centimeters right where her heart would be
"Careful, with those next words of yours Korinne. I may loan you my soldiers, but that does not mean I give you permission of any sort to tamper with them. Which is why the moment you do anything to them, that I did not co-sign on…I will make sure that the 4 who beat my sister are the least of your worries…Are we clear?" Marcinda told the Conduit before her as the sphere of flames grew brighter
"Crystal." Korinne replied with a semblance of a nervous gulp
"Good. Now then, my soldiers will assist in helping you combat this Swamp Witch. Although, as I have warned you beforehand and after we gifted you the Shadow Prison. She is not something to be trifled with, considering that her revival has allowed not only her powers to grow explosively. But the fact that it awakened one of the strongest known Sacred Gears, is a problem in and of itself." Marcinda told her
"As such even with the assistance of my soldiers, be careful…The last thing I need is to have is part of the city on fire, because you've pissed off. Especially, since this place alongside Seattle are one of my favorite places to visit in the States." Marcinda added having grown rather fond of New Marais overall
"That we can both agree upon. Especially after the last time I tried to take her on, and it cost me one of legs." Korinne said back remembering the day she drew the Swamp Witch's ire all too well
"Exactly, my point. If you are to combat her, and these 4 before things get out of hand. Then you will need to be careful, and not act to hastily." Marcinda told Korinne
"You...You may be an exceptionally powerful Conduit, with a powerful dragon type Sacred Gear and having even achieved its Balance Breaker no less. However, you will soon face opposition from not only that witch as well. But also from 2 powerful Conduits, one that wields the remainder of the Vritra Gears, and an exceptionally potent former exorcist…Which is why, if you let your guard down for even a moment, Korinne. Then you are a dead woman walking." Marcinda further spoke knowing that the opposition Korinne faced was nothing to be taken lightly
"Understood, but do not worry, Marcinda. I will make sure that they are dealt with in time…Nothing will stop me from claiming New Marais as my own, and turning it into a paradise of pure greenery." Korinne spoke back with an almost fanatical level of devotion towards her goal
"Just make sure that you do not overrun this place too much. There are a few places that I like here, that I prefer not to be turned into shrubbery." Marcinda said "Understood. However, I have to ask if that was all that you came here for?" Korinne questioned her voice sounding like the rustling of leaves and pouring rain striking tree bark
"I require some of your special seeds for something I have planned, to mind fuck with one of our opposition…You know the kind that will give someone a bit of get up and go, after they have…expired for the lack of a better term." Marcinda answered back
"Why do you require seeds like that?..They do require time to make to utmost potency, given their purpose." Korinne questioned "
Simple, you see. I want to do some Resident Evil levels of nonsense with one of my fathers' associates that deals in necromancy, named Valper Gailei. The man is gifted in those sorts of black magics, and has agreed to help me use magic and your seeds to 'revive' a soon to be dead cat…The results of which, I personally am all here for considering the potential results." Marcinda said with a wicked grin on her face at what she had in store
Considering that she figured with Rias's rooks' health being in dire straights to the point of imminent death or being brain dead, that her soon to be corpse would be easy pickings to take, reanimate with one of Korinne's seeds, and stuff full with a bunch of malevolent souls to do her dirty work.
"Very well, then. I will have your seeds produced by the end of next week…As long as they do not harm the wonders of the world, then it will be yours." Korinne promised
"Good, that should be more than enough time. Pleasure doing business with you." Marinda spoke
"You as well, and good luck with your endeavors, Marcinda. May the odds and the strength of mother nature be ever in your favor." Korinne said as Marcinda spread her pairs of wings that seemed as black as the void of space
"Thank you, Korinne. But with all due respect, with how much power I have, I don't really need luck. Hell, if anyone needs luck on their side, then it is the poor souls that I fight that need it more than I do. It's almost unfair with what I can do to people when I really get invested in a proper fight." Marcinda said with a slight chuckle with how much power she wielded
"So until we meet again, I wish you the best." Marcinda added before taking off into the sky like a spectre of calamatous death and destruction
"Now then, how many more will I need to make, to prepare for my new arrivals?…At least they were kind of enough to give me more than enough time to get everything ready." Korinne wondered as she wandered back into the depths of her territory to prepare for the hell that was coming to her doorstep
(The next day later, New Marais, Louisiana, 2:10 Pm, March 18th, 2019)
Meanwhile, our quartet of intrepid heroes were out for lunch on the town as well as doing a bit of clothes shopping now that spring was right around the corner, as they discussed all of how they were going to tackle the 3 main threats within New Marais.
"Alright, everybody. We've got 3 different flavors of fucked up Conduits to tackle while we're here…How do we wanna do this shit?" Freed questioned everyone as he carried with him buckets of Popeye's for them to eat "I say we go after this Reddick guy and his gang first. Out of everyone there, they seem like the least bit of trouble, and the quickest we can take out from what Uncle Zeke told me about 'em so far." Issei answered back
"On the other side, another target we've got is this Sister Morrigan skank, who from what I've heard from talking to people so far. Is a Conduit extremist mixed with a megapastor. So she'll be just as much of a tough cookie to go after if not more than that Reddick guy…So either one we go after we're gonna have our hands full for a hot minute." Issei further spoke regarding the 2 they should go after first "
I say we go after this Reddick guy…I dunno about you guys, but I'd rather fight some government dickhead trying to be a crime boss. Than worrying about a literal cult leader, with superpowers." Aika spoke being down to fight Reddick over Morrigan
"What about you two?" Issei asked as he munched on a chicken leg
"I would rather we choose this Reddick person over Sister Morrigan…I do not feel comfortable fighting against her, given that she reminds me of some of the more…extreme personalities within the clergy." Asia answered back with discomfort and even resentment in her voice toward wanting to go against Sister Morrigan first
"If its gonna make Asia uncomfortable. Then I'm down for fucking up this Reddick guy first." Freed spoke as he spared a brief look at Asia "Alright then, we're taking care of this Reddick dickhead first. Then Sister Morrigan and then last but not least these Order of Gaia schnooks." Issei said as he listed off the order in which they'd tackle the ongoing threats
"By the way, how are we going to do this, Issei? Because we're in a whole new territory, full of crap. So what's the game plan?" Aika questioned Issei on how they were going to approach this
"Alright, since this is a bigger area this time around, on top of their not being only a lot more opps to deal with. But also us being on their home territory…So splitting up this time around like we did back home is a no-go. So we're doing this all as a group, as far as I'm concerned. The last thing any of us need is to get captured because we went in solo and got caught lacking." Issei answered back in seeing now more than ever was acting as a group key to their success while in New Marais
"Hey, I'm fine with that. Since Asia and I have been in more than enough dogfights to know that going in solo, in enemy territory is never a fun idea…At least most of the time." Freed said with a chuckle
"Yes, just like how that incident in Frankfurt went, when I had to get you out of a den of vampires." Asia chimed in
"In my defense, how was I supposed to know she was a leech?! Especially when she's got a dump-truck ass and looked like a fine-as-fuck version of Shego from Kim Possible!" Freed responded sharply
"Wait, did…did you get caught slipping by a hot goth Shego vampire clone?" Both Aika and Issei asked
"Yes, but in my defense. She was stacked as hell, and offered to give me the Gawk-Gawk Sloptimus Prime 4000 on the spot, alongside her friends…Like you two would pass something that good up?" Freed told them in regards to one of his rare moments of weakness
"Fair point." Both perverts replied knowing full well they'd take the offer too
"Be that as it may, I am in full support of the idea of doing this all as a group. I care for all of you, and would rather not have anything horrible happen if it can be avoided." Asia spoke as she reached for her piece of fried chicken
"Great! And the other thing we're gonna do is from the jump; take the fight to these guys in general. I'm all for doing ambushes as much as the next guy…If we can get away with it. But more to the point, I want to hit these guys as hard as we can and make sure they can't get back up." Issei replied as he began devouring his chicken thigh.
"I learned my lesson from those rogue exorcists we had to deal with, that we gotta be more aggressive when we deal with our enemies. Otherwise, a lot of good god-fearing people are gonna get hurt or killed, and I refuse to let that happen…So the moment we start getting down to brass taxes against these guys, we start giving it to them with fire and brimstone." Issei said in feeling that now more than ever they had to go for the jugular and do so immediately when the opportunity presented itself
"Hey, you won't hear me complaining about it, if anything, I'm down for the total fuckery that comes from splittin' a man in half with Clarent." Freed replied ready for the bullshit "That reminds me, Freed. Since Uncle Zeke is really great at making cool stuff like my new Amp. Maybe I could ask and see it he could make you a kickass gun or something?" Issei brought up
"You know what, that actually doesn't sound like a bad idea…Granted, I'm not as good a shot like my sister, but I can still knock a fucker down with a Glock." Freed spoke much to the surprise of both perverts around him
"Hold on a second, since when did you have a sister?!" Aika asked
"Since forever. We're twins actually…granted we don't really talk that much, since I left the clergy to be Asia's guardian. But other than, we used to be really close, before I did." Freed answered back "What was her name?" Issei asked
"Her name is Lint, and trust me when I say she's one of the clergy's deadliest marksmen. If anything she's about as good with a gun, as I am with a sword if that puts into perspective how fucking deadly she is." Freed answered back knowing his sister while less foul-mouthed was no less a problem when it came to using a gun
"If that's the case, then I'll make a note to avoid her entirely." Aika spoke knowing that this Lint girl was gonna be a problem in that instance
"What about you, Aika? Are you gonna ask my Uncle to make you anything cool?" Issei questioned
"There is one thing, I want to see if he's gonna make for me. But I'll wait until after we deal with this Reddick guy first., before I ask" Aika answered back "Is there anything else, that you think we should do while we're here, Issei? What we do here is your call to make." Asia asked
"Currently, nothing I can really think of that comes to mind. At least other than making sure we keep civilians out of the crossfire as much as possible. Since I'd like to avoid that stuff as much as possible. But other than that, and helping where we can, I say that that just about covers it." Issei answered back on what he wanted to do going forward
"Very well, then. As long as you are doing what you believe is the right thing. Then I will stand by your actions accordingly." Asia said fine with following Issei so long as it was he that was doing the righteous and just decisions
"As long as we're fucking people up, then I really don't give a shit." Freed spoke as he began downing more of his Sprite
"Hey, you should know by now, that I will be down to stand 10 toes deep with you; through whatever bullshit we go through." Aika added as he turned towards Issei
"However, the moment you start going off the rails, and doing fuckshit. That is where I will smack the dogshit out of you, as hard as I can. Because, I'm your best friend, and someone's gotta hold your ass to the holyfire." Aika further spoke as the Conduit in question smiled at that
"If I start going off the rails, Aika. Then feel free to give me the meanest backhand you can. I'm gonna need someone to hold my ass steady so I'm not doing anything too reckless…Who better than you." Issei said thankful of having someone like Aika in his corner "No problem, what are friends like me for?" Aika replied in having absolutely no problems in holding Issei's feet to the fire
"Anyway, here's the kicking ass and new opportunities in New Marais, you guys!" Issei said raising his lemonade up
"To New Marais!" Were the collective cheers of Aika, Freed, Asia, and Issei once again
'I dunno why, but I got a good feeling about this place.' Issei said to himself as he continued to enjoy his day out with his friends before the real work began
(2 days later, March 20th, 2019, Student Council Room, Kuoh Academy, 4:04 Pm)
Meanwhile, as the month of March continued onwards as Rias and Sona were meeting with each other, the atmosphere having grown more positively albeit still a partly somber one given the looming fate of Koneko's condition.
"And your family medics, still have not made any progress in bettering Koneko's condition?" Sona asked whilst Rias should her head dejectedly
"I am afraid not, Sona. As they have told me, time and time again. The damage done to her was so severe; that even with Phenex Tears and multiple surgeries done to heal her. That what has happened to her will be the best she gets." Rias answered back
"Even if she does wake up, she will be so handicapped by her injuries. That having her continuing to live once she does, will seem much more despicable than anything merciful…The alternative of pulling the plug on her doesn't feel any better whatsoever." Rias added in feeling her heart-break further every time she'd visit the still comatose Rook
"I see…if it means anything. My sincerest condolences go out to you, and Koneko. I cannot bear to imagine the level of heartbreak and sorrow you have felt these past 3 months." Sona said offering a comforting hand on Rias's own
"I appreciate it…It is just that having lost what feels like half of my peerage in one night, and having Kiba crippled as well, and Gasper having walled himself away even more than ever. That it feels like everything is falling apart around me, and I can barely do a thing to stop it." Rias said as she sniffled slightly in feeling tears beginning to well up at all of what transpired since December
"At the very least, your new Queen has proven competent in her new role, has she not?" Sona brought up as Rias did her best to wipe away the tears threatening to streak down her face "...She has actually…While I will miss Akeno, as one of closest friends and confidants. That Miss Kuo has been nothing if not kind, in helping me move forward after what has happened…I will give her credit, she is certainly hard-working, dilligent, and makes sure that I have everything together." Rias said almost choking up at the reminder that Akeno was truly gone
"It is almost like having a 2nd Grayfia. Except that with Miss. Kuo she is far easier to talk too, and very, very much less judgemental about what I do." Rias further spoke regarding her new Queen
While no one and Rias would say this without question that no one could ever replace Akeno, and all that she had meant to her; that she would be lying if her new Queen in Lucy Kuo hadn't been growing on her; since she had been appointed as her new Queen. Between her continual shows of compassion, kindness, and being able to present a sense of calm that Rias very needed during this rather 'turbulent' time in her life, that she was in her honest opinion the best replacement for her deceased Queen; with her being able to withstand pressure and large workloads being an added help as well.
"That is a rather good sign if anything…To be quite honest with you, Rias, while I respect Lady Grayfia for her due diligence as your brothers' Queen and the massive undertaking of maintaining his household and co-managing of his peerage. That she is for the lack of a better term…not very personable. Which is ironic coming from me of all people." Sona spoke both in a combination of knowing her own shortcomings when it came to her own emotional intelligence and Grayfia being a near brick wall to talk too
"...I respect and care for Grayfia too, yet her taking her duties so seriously as our family's maid; has made no pun intended, talking to her about personal problems; without their being some level of condescending behind it, or thinking she knows better than I do…Let's just say that that in addition to her recent actions has more or less made it impossible for me to speak with her beyond when I have to address Sirzechs with something important." Rias replied in not having had the best relationship with Grayfia as of late
"I can see, as every time that she is sent to mediate between you and Riser. That the tension between you two is almost tangible…If anything it has become potent enough that even Riser expects you two to get in a shouting match of sorts, with how frayed things are becoming." Sona said back
"Could you truly blame me for feeling that way, Sona? Knowing that someone you have trusted as though they were your own flesh and blood, having practically branded you on the likely behest of your mother. Who by the way is the only one that has been pushing for this nonsensical arranged marriage out of everyone in our family! To make it so that even if I want to have a life outside of being heiress to my household, that I can't even do that; without looking over my shoulder!" Rias raved at the indignity of her situation in tandem with the acidic venom and resentment she felt towards her mother
"I know that I have my responsibilities to my household, and I am trying my best to live up to them. However, I at least deserve my freedom to choose my fates, as everyone else is given the right too. If I cannot even have the luxury of being able to make my own decision without, wondering if they're truly mine. Then what even is the point of being a future leader of my household, if I can't even choose what is mine!" Rias further spoke furiously as in her anger she crushed the empty tea cup in her hands to powder
"While I cannot say I know what you are going through. I will at the very least say that it is wrong of your mother and Grayfia to impose such things upon you. If anything this will only be their undoing in the long term." Sona spoke knowing that in arranged marriages like Rias's that things such as familial relationships always wound up in tatters
"That being said, I would like to put forward a question that has been on my mind for quite some time." Sona said to her friend "By all means, ask away." Rias said as she used her powers to evaporate the dust in her hands
"When and if you do find a way out of your arranged marriage? What then, where do you go forward as a member of your household?" Sona questioned the Gremory heiress "To be quite honest, with you, Sona. That is something that should be so easy to answer, and yet with everything that has happened. It is now simultaneously the most difficult as well." Was Rias's conflicted response to her fellow heiress
"Then elaborate to the best of your ability. I have all the time in the world for a dear friend." Sona said as Rias took a deep breath before continuing "While, I am more than honored to serve as someone who will bring greatness to my household. In addition, to the fact that I would do almost anything to not only preserve it but lift them up even higher. By that same token, I despise the fact that I feel so…limited by it as well. As though even the choices I choose to make and wish to make going forward, are being disregarded, and the future that I want to create is being thrown to the wayside for everyone else's wants but mine." Rias spoke feeling on one hand pride and oy in being a Gremory but at the same time disgust and hate for her destiny being twisted by almost everyone around her
"If I may speak plainly, Rias. What did you think was going to happen? Your mother is a descendant of one of the most powerful, yet even moreso conniving Devils in the Underworld. Surely you had to see coming that she will do anything possible to expand the power base of her household." Sona said to her longtime friend
"Even if it means for a lack of a better term, pimping out her daughter to get what she desires. Your mother may have married your father, but sharing in the Gremory family's trait of abundant empathy and compassion; she has not." Sona added in disgust that was shared by Rias
"I know all about the Bael family, and their constant coveting for power. At least save for Sairaorg who is a wonderful person and training partner all things considered…Still, I had hoped or at least thought that despite my brother and fathers' warnings, that she would have set aside things like that, and let me make my own decisions…I guess with her persisting for this marriage to continue, despite what I have suffered is proof to the contrary." Rias said back wishing now more than ever that she'd listened to her brother and fathers' warnings
"Although there is not much I can offer to help you. Given that I am working towards goals of my own, as well as the fact that with my now being of age. That I am being trained even moreso to handle the Sitri estate and all of our holdings…That if you are ever in need of my counsel going forward, that I will always, always be here should you need it." Sona told Rias who nodded in thankful acceptance
"I appreciate that, Sona. I really do, between Riser, my mother, and going to the States in order to gather my new servants…It is nothing if not an exhausting task to deal with." Rias spoke feeling the weight of her world beginning to crush her at long last
"Yet if there is anyone who can handle the daunting tasks ahead, then it is you. For you are far and in a way stronger than what you give yourself credit for most times. If anything, you are one of the strongest people that I know, Rias." Sona said to her giving the red-haired young woman a smile of hope
"Thank you, Sona. It is nice to hear those things from a friend every now and again." Rias replied
"You are quite welcome, Rias." Sona replied "That being said, once you do recruit these new servants of yours. Where do you intend to go from there? Given that while your peerage will be stronger than ever, there is nonetheless the matter of what you intend to do with all of this power you are gathering?" Sona further questioned
"I do not know just yet. However, what I do know is that I will continue to keep moving forward towards all of my future goals…For that is the only and best course of action that I can do, right now." Rias answered back
"I see…and what of Koneko? What will you do with her in the interim?" Sona asked as Rias despite struggling not to tear up at the looming decision hanging over her she still looked up with a quiet resolve
"I haven't reached that decision just yet, Sona. But what I do know is that it is becoming clearer on what I must do, every single day that passes…I just fear that when the time comes to make that decision, that it will make or break me, as I will have to decide on the livelihood of one of servants, and that above all breaks my heart to do." Rias added regarding the vegetative state of her Rook
While Rias knew that sooner or later she would have to make that decision on letting Koneko go, she just knew that either way she sliced it; that it was going to be something that would break her heart, at the fact that she would more than likely have to bury another one of her precious servants.
"Be that as it may; regarding the course of actions you will take. You will always have a shoulder to cry upon with me. It is the least I can offer you, after the course of recent events." Sona said once more "And again you have my thanks, Sona…Thank you for the tea, I appreciate it." Rias said back before rising from her seat
"However, I have to prepare for my trip soon. It isn't every day that you travel across the world to gather new servants, now is it?" Rias further spoke doing her best to put on a more cheerful front
"No, no it is not. But as always, I wish you the best, and good luck." Sona replied as Rias nodded "If all goes accordingly, I won't need luck." Rias said before teleporting away in a flash of ruby-red
'I certainly do not envy you, Rias. Especially, with how unkind these recent months have been to you.' Sona said to herself as she used her magic to clean up the area around her before tending to her own duties at hand
Now that our intrepid quartet have left Kuoh and made it at long last to New Marais for a new set of adventures, what shall await them and what new sorts of shenanigans shall they soon become apart of? Well, stay tuned and find out on the all-new installments of; The INfamous Dragon Emperor!
Alright, everybody we are in Part 2 of the story and New Marais at long last and oh boy is this gonna be fun to get into! As always, I want to say my thanks to everyone for sticking around this far, as every favorite, follow, and review as been incredibly appreciated thus far, and as such I hope y'all are ready for whatever shenanigans come up from here on because this is gonna be where Issei and company get tested!
So with that being said and me having to gear up for putting everyone through their paces, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time as we hit Part 2 of the story. Since our next installment will, kick off things as our intrepid heroes take on the 1st of New Marais triumvirate of nonsense, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff.
Part 2 Theme Song: Welcome to the Masquerade by Thousand Foot Krutch
Random End Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous Chapter.
Skull Flame: Yup as Mittelt is going to be a recurring main squeeze for our boy, also I figured it would be a nice change of pace than what we normally get to have Venelana and Grayfia being the ones that push things forward. Given that a lot of people forget that Venelana's old man is none other than Zekrom Bael and with Venelana not being as compassionate as others in the Gremory faction, you have cause for her to be a stone-cold bitch, and I'm glad you liked the scene between Matsuda and Issei, as always its nice to have a little something between bros crop up every now and again. Lastly, I told ya that Vasco is literally built different, the man is built like he could rock up to someone in a suit of Terminator armor or damn right box with Kharn or Sigismund lol.
SolSparda36: All I can say is that Issei is definitely gonna have his work cut out for him, that's for sure.