First off I just want to apologize, I just moved to a new city and just bought my first house so I haven't had as much time as I wanted to type I have a big test coming up and I have been preparing for that. I do want to though I am not done posting and I don't plan on rushing the story or dropping it completely. So all I ask is please be patient with me this story isn't going anywhere and neither am I.
Chapter 29 The Leaders Summit Part 3: The Start of Something New
Tonight would be the night of the Leaders summit and everyone was busy none more than Rias.
She woke up early that morning much earlier than she would have wanted, Sirzechs needed her help with setting up a meeting.
First, she needs to send Issei and Irina to a shrine with Akeno to accept some gifts from Michael, Grayfia would also be coming to pick up her and Kiba.
Apparently, Sirzechs and Ajuka wanted to take a look at his new sword, thankfully she had help from Sona but even she was going to get swamped.
There was also the matter of her bishop locked behind a door, Sirzechs said she could release him but she had no time to coddle or train him.
Unfortunately, all of this had to be done before the Leaders Summit tonight, so here she was up bright and early at the school with everyone else.
Issei yawned at the mysterious double door with numerous locks on it, "President why are we here the sun is not even up," it was very early around four in the morning.
"The time has come to release the bishop," Rias said this earlier but that didn't explain why all of them had to be here this early.
Akeno chuckles looking at everyone's exhausted faces, "who is this legendary bishop and why is he locked up," asked Mittelt rubbing her exhausted eyes.
"The bishop has a powerful sacred gear and it's hard for the bishop to control it," Mittelt raised an eyebrow, "powerful, what was the sacred gear?"
Rias just smirked, "once you see him I'll let you take a guess," Rias then chanted a spell as the locks clicked and disappeared along with the chains as they rattled to the ground and disappeared.
The peerage plus Mittelt and Irina walked inside, it was dark very dark but since they were devils it wasn't that dark for them to see.
Next to the bed was a box with crying coming out of it, "is that crying," questioned Asia looking around the room.
"Gasper it's me Rias," said Rias in a soothing voice, "you're allowed to leave now."
"No the outside world is scary," screamed Gasper from inside the box, "why is he in a box," asked Mittelt to Koneko.
"He is scared of the outside world due to his sacred gear and some other previous trauma," "interesting," the box was closed so no one could see Gasper.
The box started shaking like a salter shaker, Rias then hunched over the box opening it up revealing a girl with fanged teeth and white hair.
Mittelt whispered vampire in surprise under her breath, Issei then jumped into the sky in excitement, "fuck yea another hot girl."
Everyone who knew Gasper's true sexuality started to chuckle, "what's so funny," asked Xenovia, "Gasper is actually a boy," said Akeno holding back her laughter.
The ones in the room that did not know Gasper looked at Gasper in surprise, "wait she is actually a he," said Issei hunching his shoulders in defeat.
Suddenly the entire room went gray no one was moving all except Mittelt, at first she didn't notice everyone stop just the room go grey.
She then turned her attention to a figure crawling under the bed, to the other side, and to the opposite corner of the room.
"Hey what's going on," Mittelt yelped in surprise it was Issei, she was so absorbed in everything that was going she forgot he was here.
The world then turned back to normal, "I'm sorry please don't make me leave," Rias sighed, "did he just teleport," asked Irina looking in surprise at the corner Gasper was in.
"No," Rias said after brushing off her knees, "Gasper's sacred gear is Forbidden Balor View which has the ability to freeze time."
"Oh, yea I heard about that sacred gear. Never seen it in person before, apparently, it can stop the flow of time of anyone the wielder looks at," said Mittelt.
"I like having you around Mittelt thanks to you it saves me time on having to explain things. It's a strong sacred gear but when Gasper gets worked up he unintentionally activates it."
Rias and Akeno approached Gasper, "Rias defiantly has some powerful sacred gears on her side," said Mittelt with a whistle.
"You could say that again," commented Irina, "you are a bit of a monster yourself Mittelt," said Xenovia.
"Rias I didn't mean to freeze time please don't hurt me," "Gasper I am not mad," Rias started patting the boy on the head, and after much convincing and dragging the petrified boy by the collar they regrouped back at the ORC.
Rias would have stayed with the group but she and Sona had too much to do before the day ended, so before she left she teleported to the underworld.
She brought Kiba with her and Sona brought Tsubaki with her while Rias also tasked Akeno with taking Issei to the shrine outside of time to get a gift some Michael.
"This shouldn't take long but while I'm gone could the rest of you train Gasper," "how would like us to train him," asked Xenovia.
"I don't want his sacred gear going off at random during the meeting so I want you to help him get it under control."
After that Rias left with Kiba, Sona, and Tsubaki to the underworld, Akeno, Issei, and Irina left for the shrine, and everyone else was left alone with Gasper while he hid in a box.
"So how are we supposed to train him," asked Mittelt rubbing the back of her head and staring at the box the boy was hiding in. Xenovia left out a prayer to marry and reached out into a pocket dimension pulling our Durandel.
"I have some ideas," "ummm…Xenovia I don't think that's a good idea," said Asia with unease in her voice.
"What's wrong Asia why do you… what the hell are you doing," Xenia walked passed Mittelt without a word.
"Gasper if you wanna live I suggest you run or freeze time," Gasper jumped out of the box darting out of the room, but Xenovia's sword did not stop its descent.
Luckily for the boy, he jumped out in time Mittelt watched this all happen in silence as Gasper shut the door to the room.
Xenovia's sword came down the box slicing the box in half along with the floor and walls.
Koneko sat on the couch and started eating some candy, "no blood seems he got away," "thank you Koneko I saw he ran out the door," "is this really the best way to train him," asked Asia as Xenovia darted toward the door after Gasper.
Mittelt shrugged and walked toward the table where Koneko was eating chocolate, "can I get one of those," in response Koneko smacked her hand.
"Stingy little cat," Millet rubbed her hand, being smacked by a little girl who should shatter stone her pinky made her hand feel like it was about to shatter.
The old school building room then shook and seconds later they heard Gasper's voice scream, "stop, I don't wanna die," "if you freeze time you won't."
"Guys I really think we should do something," said Asia with a lot more urgency in her voice pointing down the hallway.
Koneko sighed and reached into her pocket, using her forethought when Rias told her about they would go the get Gasper. With a mischievous smirk, she pulled out a piece of garlic, "it's fine Asia I have my own ways of training Gasper."
Transition to the Shrine
Both Irina and Issei were confused about why they were going to a shine to meet the leader of the angels.
"I can't believe I am about to meet Michael but why would he want to give me a gift I turned my back on the Lord's teachings," said Irina rubbing sweet off her forehead while walking up the long steps.
Issei was feeling fine thanks to his training from Anos having him run up and down a mountain, Akeno was also fine she may not look it but she is very in shape.
"Hey, Akeno did Rias say what this gift was supposed to be," Akeno shook her head, "I'm just as in the dark as you guys, sorry."
"Maybe he is giving you a reward for your faith," Irina smiled but then it turned to a frown, "but devils are supposed to be the enemy and I betrayed the church. So I am the last person who deserves a reward."
Irina was correct devils are the enemies of the Church and Heaven but times are changing and there is a new enemy and it isn't the devils.
The trio finally reach the top of the steps and entered the shrine, "now what I do think we can go further," said Issei.
"It is fine we should be allowed to enter," and proving she was right Akeno took the first steps forward and passed into the shrine.
Noticing that Akeno wasn't in any pain Issei followed behind along with Irina, "so now what?"
"So this is Red Dragon Emperor," said a voice from above, all three looked up as a golden light appeared above them.
Irina instantly dropped to a knee, "you must be Issei Hyoudou. I am Michael it is a pleasure to meet you," Akeno noticed something off about the Archangel almost immediately he had fourteen wings.
"Please raise your head, my child," Irina slowly raised her, "I want to apologize, Lord Michael, I know," Michael raised his hand.
"Be at ease child you are not in trouble. I do believe I said I was bringing gifts," but for the life of her, Irina couldn't understand why she was receiving a gift.
"How about we go inside and speak first," Michael gestured toward the building and the three walked past him inside and followed behind them.
Inside Michael stood while the three sat on the on mats on the floor, the room was then engulfed in a golden light and died down to reveal a sword that sent a cold chill down his back.
"Hey Ddraig the hell was that it is freaking me out," Ddraig let out a yawn inside Issei's mind, "holly shit it is Ascalon."
Issei was about to ask Ddraig what an Ascalon was but Michael spoke, "behold young Pervert," "for fuck sake pervert really," said Issei screaming in his mind.
"This is Ascalon or otherwise known as Dragon Slayer," Irina stared at the sword in surprise, it was not every day you got to see one of the strongest swords in existence."
Michael could see the surprise and caution on the boy's face so decided to ease as much as he could, "fear not young pervert," "again with the pervert," "this is a gift, I recently received one myself and as an act of repaying that great gift back I thought it best to give one of my own to you."
"For real that must have been some gift," Irina and Akeno both nodded in agreement, "but why me of all people."
"These are troubling times and if we are to make peace it is time to start sharing our strengths so we all prosper," the sword floated toward Issei.
"Using your sacred gear you should be able to integrate it into it and use it," Issei nodded and summoned his sacred gear and mentally asked Ddraig if was it possible, and when he confirmed it was Issei took it and successfully integrated it into his sacred hear.
"Does anything feel off," Issei opened and closed his fist nothing felt so he shook his head no, "no I feel fine. Thank you for the gift."
Michael and turned his attention toward Irina, "it has come to my attention that even after learning about the Father's death your faith hasn't shaken."
Irina nodded in confirmation starting to understand what could possibly be about to be rewarded.
Michael extended his palm toward Irina as the angelic magic spell Anos shows him floated toward Irina. The spell floated in front of her illuminating her face, "Irina how would you like to become an angel?"
Transition to the Underworld
After arriving in the Underworld Rias, Kiba, Sona, and Tsubaki were taken directly to Sirzechs office.
Inside awaited Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Anos accompanied by Rin, "Anos what are you doing," said Rias after walking inside.
Anos looked at her from the couch he was sitting on to the door, "I wanted to see the sword too and since there is a lot to do before the meeting I was asked to help in any way I can."
"So that means I am your boss," said Rias as a crooked smile started to form, Anos stood matching her crooked, "there isn't a being alive that bosses me around."
Anos and Rias were nearly standing face to face and other occupancies in the room could nothing but sigh and pinch the bridge of their noses and sigh.
"There is much to do so can you both put your dicks away," "brothers right Anos sit down and be quiet I don't have time for you," Rias walked passed Anos and sat on the couch.
Kiba followed behind bowing as he passed Anos who in turn acknowledged with a nod Anos, in turn, couldn't remove the smirk from his face this was too amusing.
Sona sat down next to Rias without saying another word to Anos and deliberately tried to not look in his direction on the couch she wasn't mad she just didn't know how to interact with him.
Tsubaki knew what was happening and deemed it wasn't the right time to say anything.
"Kiba could I take a look at this holy-devil sword," "yes my King," Kiba summed the sword it split the room in a black and white light.
Sirzechs stood and walked to Kiba and Kiba in turn handed the sword to Sirzechs.
Ajuka how as standing in the corner took out a notepad and started writing down notes of everything observed.
Immediately after grabbing the handle steam, his started to burn due to the holy attribute but something else made his eyes widen.
"Is everything all right sir your hand is burning," asked Kiba confused as to why Sirzechs was still holding the blade when it was burning him.
This level of holy magic would never actually be enough to cause him actual pain but the thing that had him lost in his thoughts was that the sword was draining his magic.
It was draining a severely small amount but he could notice it, "yes I'm fine it's just that the sword draining my magic."
Kiba dropped to a knee after feeling he had caused harm to Sirzechs, "apologies I didn't know that was going to happen."
Sirzechs pulled the young knight to his feet and patted his shoulder, "it's fine the drain was minuscule," Kiba would have asked about his hand but there wasn't even a scar from where the steam was coming.
Anos eyes twinkled at the blade, he could see Sirzechs magic in the blade but more specifically the power of destruction and it doubled unsurprisingly.
He saw how with every connected swing it had with the fused Excalibur's the holy power in the sword doubled.
He was about to draw another silent assessment when it was immediately proved right, the power of the blade from Sirzechs slowly started to shrink.
"Sirzech's create a ball of destruction and let Kiba swing at it," Sirzechs as Anos requested and created a golf ball-sized power of destruction, and Kiba's blade disintegrated after coming into contact with the power of destruction.
This is what everyone figured was going to happen but it didn't, the sword cut right through the ball absorbing it into the blade.
Everyone had a shock on their face but then the blade did something even more surprising, the devil side of the blade into a color similar to the power of destruction, and the holy side turned a golden red.
Ajuka was standing next to Kiba in the blink of an eye, "how did you do that, how is the blade able to turn the power of destruction into its previous incarnation the holy power of destruction."
"Ajuka get out the boy's face please," Ajuka was touching foreheads with Kiba with a perverted look on his face, "oh uhh yea sorry, but I still want answers."
"I uhh don't know sir it just kind of does it but may have to do with the fact that it is made from my sword of reflection," Kiba manifested the katana and handed it to Ajuka, he read both sides mentally, "so that blade is the balance breaker of this blade, that is a strong balance breaker."
Ajuka imagined the potential of the blade if Kiba grew even stronger and mastered the power of the blade.
It could reach the ranks of the upper their sacred gears like Longinus.
Ajuka looks back at the holy devil sword which had reverted back to its original form, "seems the magic in the blade dispersed but one thing puzzles me the amount of magic taken from Sirzechs doesn't match the amount that was in the blade why?"
Fortunately, that was an answer Kiba knew, "well when Issei transferred his power to me I think there was some draconic mixed in?"
Ajuka wanted to squeal like a schoolgirl if what he was assessing was true but on the outside, his expression was very calm, "I think your sword took some of the attributes from the boosted gear."
Kiba looked more intensely at his holy devil sword with more interest, "my sword is really that strong?"
"Could you do me a favor, I want to study your sword in more detail," "sure but it will start draining your magic if you touch it," Kiba then created another sword in his opposite hand.
Ajuka extended his hand then the sword it floated out of Kiba's hand and was encased in a sphere of magic.
A magic circle appeared in front of Ajuka's right eye, "thanks," abruptly teleported away since he only came to analyze the sword in more detail. Sirzechs then looked toward Grayfia, "can you bring the folder," "as you wish," Grayfia walked toward the desk and grabbed a folder then handing to Sirzechs.
She also picked up three similar folders and handed them to Anos, Rias, and Sona, "this folder identifies everyone who will be in attendance at the meeting."
Serafall Sirzechs and other members of the devil council, Azazel and other high-ranking cadres, Yasaka and other Yokai officials, and the Four Great Seraphs.
Also, each faction will be bringing their own private army for security purposes as far as Sona and Rias knew.
"This is a lot brother and you want us to do what exactly? Sona and I can't possibly keep track of this many people," Sona nodded in agreement, "I don't expect you to but you and Sona will act as proctors plus this is why Anos is here."
Both girls looked at Anos and he nodded at them in response, "it says each faction will be bringing their own private army. Is there a chance there a battle might break out?"
Rias had the same question but Sona was able to ask first, "yes with this much security believe that there may be a possible ambush from the Old Satan Faction."
"I thought you destroyed them in the civil war and if they are back why not hold off the meeting?"
"We always assessed that they may have survived the final battle and we want to use this stage as a way to eliminate them and capture their leaders."
"I don't like that you are putting our peerages in danger," "if everything goes as planned all your peerage will be doing is helping evacuate the members of the devil council not in actual combat. While you leave the rest to us."
"So this also means I can use Anos however I want right," Rias winked at Anos and he winked in response with a smirk.
"Yes, and he will also be there to testify about his involvement in the matter."
A few minutes later Sirzechs dismissed them so they could get everything ready for the meeting that night, after arriving back at the ORC Anos wanted to talk to Sona but she abruptly left to get started with preparations.
So he decided he would just talk to her another time, "so what do you need from me Rias," "uhhh…for now could you go check up on how they are handling Gasper's training. I'm kind of worried that it isn't going well and report back and by then I should have organized my thoughts but then."
Anos then left the ORC with Rin and on the way out he could hear Rias give Kiba some task to get started on.
"Anos that female devil known as Sona holds some animosity toward you," Anos raised an intrigued eyebrow, "honestly I am surprised you even know her name but yea I have been picking up on that for a few days now."
"I do not believe it to be anger or rage but something else," "really well when you figure it out let me know," "I guess I can make time in between my observations and looking into your memories."
Anos glanced at the Dragon god in maid uniform rubbing her chin in thought with a thoughtful look on her face.
The duo walks outside witnessing Gasper being chased around the with Xenovia chasing him with her Durandel saying if you wanna live freeze me.
The thing is he was but the sword she was holding was negating Gasper's ability to freeze the girl, though neither one knew this.
Anos looked across the yard seeing Mittelt, Asia, and Koneko just watching but looking at him when he walked out the door.
"I see Gasper's training is going well," "no this muscle head won't stop chasing the boy around with that sword long enough for us to try something else," yelled Mittelt.
"I mean we did try Koneko's way but it yielded the same results," commented Asia, "actually with my method there would have been fewer holes in the ground," said Koneko.
"Hmmm," Anos rubbed his chin in thought, since Gasper was turned into a devil he actually never really interacted with the young boy.
Because of how nervous he was around him and Gasper did tend to avoid him but since he was able to function alone and fulfill contracts it never came up to him to deal with his anxiety.
Anos then extended his hand toward the ground turning it into quicksand and the moment Xenovia stepped on that spot her body fell forward and she went face-first into the ground.
Gasper took this opportunity to hide behind a tree, "obviously that isn't working how about you try something different."
Xenovia corrected herself and pulled her foot out of the ground, "was that you Lord Anos, that. Kind of hurt you could have just said stop."
"That was more fun," "can I go back to my box it is scary out here," Anos snapped his finger and a box appeared next to Gasper, "uhhh…thank you."
"So why are you here exactly," "Rias asked me to check up on Gasper's progress but it seems she was right to worry," just when Anos was about to offer some advice Akeno, Issei, and Irina returned.
"Hey, guys you won't believe it," Irina pinched his arm and whispered something only audible to them in his ear and he nodded scratching his cheek with a nervous smirk.
"What did Michael give you," "he uhh…," instead of answering Issei just pulled out the boosted gear and then in a burst of light showed them Ascalon.
Anos could easily tell at a glance at Irina's arm that she didn't accept Michael's offer and could do nothing but wonder why mentally.
Everyone was surprised but unfortunately, they did not have time to admire Issei's gift since Gasper's training was not going well.
"So what are we gonna do with Gasper nothing is working," "what have you tried," asked Issei, "besides chasing him garlic and a holy sword nothing and have wasted about two hours," said Koneko.
Anos could cast a spell to eliminate his anxiety for a while but it would just be a stop-gap solution and wouldn't solve the problem in the long run.
"Master can you let me handle this and tell President to not worry and leave it all to me," announced Issei shoving his thumb into his chest.
"Oh, really, and what do you have in mind exactly," "not a clue but I will figure it out trust me," Anos stared at Issei for a few seconds then nodded in acceptance.
"Okay I am leaving this to you Issei don't fail me or you're gonna die in our next training session," "yes master…" Issei then blinked as he thought over what Anos just said.
"Did he say die am I going to die if I fail," "wait matter what was that," but when Anos words were processed he was already walking back inside the ORC with Akeno following behind.
"I hope this idea of yours is good or your life is in danger bud," said Mittelt with a mischievous smirk, "that look doesn't inspire confidence Mittelt," "good."
"Shut up Mittelt," said Koneko pushing Mittelt out of the way, "what did you have in mind, we won't intentionally let you die," "aww…thanks Koneko that is so nice," "if you died Asia would be devastated," "ahh so your doing this for Asia."
Anos arrived back upstairs with Akeno, "so how is Gasper's training going," "Issei is handling it," there was a pause and Rias dropped the papers on the desk.
"Anos I thought you said you were going to handle it. I'll just…" "sit down and trust your peerage members and you focus on doing your job, now what else do you need."
Rias sighed, "fine you're right. Okay, next can you go and look for a place where we can hold all these people? Sirzechs wanted it in the ORC but I feel it may be too small."
Anos nodded and left with Rin, "the demon kind of errands," mumbled Rin, "was that a joke," "yes how was it," "better and are you feeling all right," "I am immune to any form of sickness."
"That's not what I meant," "I see so that was a joke it didn't seem funny," "I'm starting to think you are messing with me at this point."
Rin tilts her head at Anos with a blank expression and he just waves her off as they enter the gymnasium, "this seems like it could be big enough," "this is also the other room in this school," "oh yea the auditorium. Yea, that might actually be bigger."
The duo then make their way to the auditorium and it's nearly double the size of the gym, "yea this can work but with a little space magic I can make it slightly larger."
Anos then calls Ajuka, "wassup how can I help you, "I plan on using some space magic to make the auditorium larger," "yea…yea, I understand just say I whipped up a spell or something."
"Cool," Anos ended the communication circle, a magic circle appeared below his feet as the stage grew in size.
The walls expanded as he created more seats for people to sit in, and balconies appeared on both sides of the walls.
"What do you think," Rin looked around the room and said one word, "simple," Anos rubbed his chin, "simple…I guess I can make it more lavish."
A diamond chandelier grew from the ceiling as the chairs turned to wooden throne chairs that were painted gold with leather white cushion chairs.
A red carpet rolled from the entrance to the auditorium to the stage, instead of a desk on the table it turned into a white marble round table.
Lavish chairs that matched each faction surrounded the table, for Yasaka her chair was golden that nine fox tails on the back.
For the Fallen there were twelve jet black wings for Azazel's chair, the angels had twelve white wings, and for the Devils twelve jet black bat wings.
"Now what do you think," "fine," "good," on the way back to the ORC they caught a glimpse of everyone helping Gasper and for some reason, he had a bag over his head as they threw volleyballs at him and was able to freeze some of them.
"So did you find a spot on the campus," asked Rias as Akeno handed him a cup of tea, "yes thanks to Ajuka we were able to refurnish the entire auditorium."
Refinish she was basically asking him with her eyes since he was only gone for like at most thirty minutes, so he took her and Akeno to the new and improved auditorium.
"Rias these chairs are heavenly," said Akeno sinking into one of the chairs, "I guess this is fine I was planning on asking brother if he could help us remodel the gym but thanks you saved us some time."
Transition to Kyoto
Yasaka stood in her changing room surrounded by cat girls that were helping her find an outfit for the meeting in the next three hours.
Yasaka was sitting in a chair as the girls pulled out numerous outfits for her to choose from.
"How about this one my lady," the girl was holding a black Kimono, Yasaka shook her head no, "fortunately I am not going to a funeral. This is a peace treaty I need to look happy about that but also formal."
The cat girl bows and goes into the closet as another cat girl walks out with another Kimono.
"How about this my Lady," her kimono was solid white with golden designs on it, "not bad put that one to the side."
"Yes my lady," the cat girl nods and walks to hang the Kimono on the side, a knock sounds on the door, "who is it," "Zeno my Lady," "come in, the rest of you leave us," the four cat girls nod and walk to the door as a cat man in black armor with a claymore strapped to his back walks in, "hello my lady."
Zeno waits for the girls to leave then continues, "our forces are ready and a detachment of royal guards will be your escort and of course, I will be a part4 of that detachment."
"What about the elders that will be attending," "the sisters of Devil King Sirzechs and Serafall peerages will be in charge of organizing the evacuations when the fighting starts."
Yasaka rubbed her chin in thought, "I don't really like the idea of leaving the lives of the elders in the hands of children," "I understand your concern but Serafall assured me that would have the situation well under control and she has detached two hundred of her own soldiers to help them."
"Well, I guess that alleviates some of my concerns. But is it right to turn an entire school into a battleground?"
Zeno shrugs, he had his own reservations about waging war at a school but at this point vocalizing it did not matter when they were mere hours from leaving for said meeting.
"From the attack plan provided by the Devils and Fallen, it actually appears if we follow it exactly then there is no chance we could lose."
Yasaka nodded she remembered the attack plan and it was very detailed, "true but usually plans like these only need a monkey wrench to be thrown into them to be thrown into disarray."
Kuoh
It was hard, exhausting, and even troubling at times but Rias and Sona were able to get everything ready before the Faction leaders arrived.
Akeno can I get a massage and some tea, "yes," said Akeno with a chuckle and a bow, "Anos thanks, you actually made this a lot easier than I thought."
Sona coughed into hand giving Rias a sideways glance, "I believe I also played a role in getting the school ready," "oh yea sorry but thanks for your help too."
They gathered back together back in the ORC after getting everything ready and were taking a short break an hour before it was time for people to start arriving.
The members of Rias peerage had finally finished Gasper's training and last she heard it was actually going well so there was nothing left for her to worry about when it concerned him.
The members of Sona's peerage were chilling in the student council's office except for Saji who had gotten himself involved in helping train Gasper.
"I don't think it was too troubling," said Anos sitting up straight on the couch with his hands crossed, "has anything ever been hard for you in your life brother?"
"Actually listening to you try and tell me what to do was actually kind of hard," Rias flicked him off in response as Akeno placed a cup of tea in front of her and began to ease the tension in her body by giving her a massage.
"Wells that's rude," "for you it is well deserved," "if that's the case then my room is off limits to your drowsiness," stress formed on Akeno's face as the spot in Rias back as she was working on just got stiffer.
"Please Anos don't stress Rias out when I am trying to work out the knots in her back," "yea sure," Sona glanced at her watch, it was about time for her to leave, "this was entertaining but it is about that time."
Sona stood from the couch and gave them all a nod, "hey Sona when this is all over can you wanna talk," said Anos, "I will contact you when I am free."
Sona then left with Tsubaki, Anos looked at Rias, "she hates me doesn't she?" "You do understand how she feels about you right," Anos just nodded, "out of everyone she has liked you the longest." Rin then spoke into Anos's mind, "I understand now, it is what people call love and guilt that I am sensing from the young devil."
The first to arrive was the security teams from each faction, which were being coordinated by Sona.
The devils were to guard the surrounding area outside the auditorium, the Yokai would guard the interior, and the Fallen and Angels would be charged with guarding the sky.
"I can't believe we are taking orders from a devil better less a child," said an Angel standing at attention along with his peers as Sona stood behind a podium talking.
"Shut it unless you want to get in trouble," said another Angel soldier standing to his right.
The Angel just rolled his eyes, "I am just saying Father tasked us with slaying these things and yet we gotta play nice with them. This goes against everything Father taught us," the other Angel couldn't disagree since he too agreed with him.
"I can't believe we have to play nice with those white-winged bastards and who the hell even asked for a treaty? I sure don't want one, one of those fuckers up there killed my brother in a random skirmish," said a devil soldier leaving on a tree with a spear in his hand.
He was surrounded by his squad of three other devils.
"If I was in charge I would use this opportunity to assassinate them all and finally win the war," said another soldier, "cut the chit-chat," the soldiers stood at attention after hearing their squad captain's voice.
They all look to the left and see him approaching, "sorry sir, we were just uhhh…" the captain just shook his head and kept walking.
"Hey isn't that," "yea it is my elder brother," said a Fallen Angel floating in the sky next to his wingman.
Both of them were looking at a group of Angels and one of them happened to be his older brother.
"You going to be good," "yes as long as the dick doesn't say anything to me we are square. The bastards the reason why I was kicked out of heaven and good riddance the Golden City was burning my eyes."
"Can you sense all the animosity outside, sir," a raccoon yokai stood in a hallway with his superior who was also a raccoon type but looked much stronger and older with a white beard.
"Yes I can feel their hatred toward each other too," the superior stroked his beard, "I don't see how a peace treaty will be reached when they despise each other this much."
It was finally time for the meeting that will change the course of the three factions and the Yokai, the first to arrive were the Devils.
Sirzechs and Serafall teleported along with Grayfia on his right, behind him were his peerage, behind them were members of devil councils, behind them were the high-ranking nobles and they were followed detachment of elite soldiers.
Following behind them were Michael and Gabriel along with high-ranking Angels and a few of them were Seraphs but Raphael and Uriel were absent.
Behind the group of Angels were members of the church, the Arch-Bishop of one of the three big Cathedrals was present along with some nuns and priests.
They were all being followed by the most elite soldiers of the church known as the Holy Knights or Paladins.
They wore white and gold armor from head to toe with diamond swords that held a golden aura.
Their armor could withstand attacks from ultimate-class devils and was feared for their combat abilities.
Next was the Fallen, Baraqiel stood next to Azazel, behind them was Vali with his hands in his pockets and among everyone here, Azazel looked the most relaxed with his hands behind his head with a smirk on his face.
Behind him were some of his fellow Cadres including Parisa, omg all the groups that arrived his precession was the smallest.
Finally was the Yokai, Yasaka arrived with the second smallest group, it was her, Zeno, and some Yokai elders.
Yasaka sniffed the air and narrowed her eyes glancing around the area to pinpoint the primal draconic magic she was sensing, "is everything all right," asked Zeno.
"I don't know I sent powerful magic being masked by an illusion."
Zeno tensed up at the prospect of a dragon hiding amongst the congregation, "can you tell from where, I will have my men keep a closer eye on them."
Yasaka looked around with a gentile smile while trying to determine where the masked Draconic power was coming from.
"I can't determine who it is. Whoever it is they are hiding themselves well amongst this mixed group of supernaturals."
Anos stood behind the stage with Rin and Issei while he sat in a chair waiting for his name to be called for him to give his testimony of the events from his perspective.
Currently, Sona and Rias were explaining the events from their separate perspective, Mittelt and the rest of Sona and Rias peerage sat on a balcony.
After they were both finished Sona called Anos to the stage, he walked from behind the stage but gestured for Rin to wait off stage.
The auditorium erupts into soft whispers, "did you know that Anos defeated Kokabiel," said a Devil Nobel, 'this is the first I am hearing of this but it can't be true he is only a high-class devil," responded another Devil Nobel.
"Lord Bale did you know about this," Zekram just shook his head no, "he was able to defeat a cadre. He defiantly isn't high-class but among the ultimate classes," he thought mentally.
Zekram then stood drawing the attention of devils nearby, "King Lucifer if I may? How was your brother a simple high-class devil able to defeat Kokabiel?"
Sirzechs looked at Serafall and nodded at him, "well we planned on announcing this at a later time but I'd say there is nothing wrong with doing it now."
Sirzechs then stood, "let it be known in heaven and hell as of this night Anos Gremory second born of the house of Gremory has been promoted to Ultimate-Class Devil for defeating Kokabiel in single combat."
There was silence for what felt like an eternity but actually lasted no more than five seconds, then there was laughter from the Fallen Angels section.
"You want us to believe that brat fought Kokabiel one on one and won be for real," "what would you expect from lying devils just to make themselves look good," said Another Fallen.
Sirzechs looked in the direction that he heard the voices but he wasn't the one who spoke, "actually he bested Parisa as well," said Azazel.
At that revelation, even the most of Angels had shocked looks on their faces, "ser.." "are you calling me a liar," said Azazel with a raised eyebrow, the Fallen Angel lowered his head, "no sir."
Anos smirked then walked to the center of the stage, he looked at Sirzechs and winked at him.
"I understand it would be hard to believe but how about a demonstration of the power I have thanks to my training."
Asia watched with anticipation as to how Lord Anos would demonstrate his power, "just look at his expression he loves doing this sort of thing," said Mittelt.
"What do you mean," asked Asia, Kiba chuckled, "Lord Anos loves flaunting his strength at people."
Kiba's laughter stopped as a strong magical pressure fell over the auditorium, even though Mittelt felt Anos's true power before feeling the aura of an ultimate Class Devil put her sense on the alert.
Back on the stage Anos's demeanor was calm his eyes were closed but he was surrounded by a red aura.
Demonstrating his excellent control over his magic his aura did not even crack the floor, a certain atmosphere of respect resonated throughout the room.
Anos then sucked back in his aura like blowing out a torch, "this proves I have the power but if anyone wants to test my power I don't mind proving it."
The devil Nobels who didn't much like Anos popularity narrowed their eyes at him eager to wipe that smirk off his face.
Before the hostility in the room could escalate Sirzechs spoke, "thank you Anos I am sure there are many that will take you up on this offer but please tell us about what happened once you arrived at Kuoh."
Anos nodded and took the folder Rias was holding and continued reading from where she left off.
The document did not contain every minute detail of the battle but it held enough of the details to complete the story.
"I want to formally apologize to my subordinates. Kokabiel is freezing in Cocytus and the others will be excited without question if they try something like that again," said Azazel.
Yasaka frowned at that, "so you are saying the perpetrators are still alive," "some were made examples but I can't execute them all we already lost some after the altercation."
Yasaka didn't like Azazel's carefree attitude about the matter, "if it wasn't for them people would have died. There are Yokai and humans that reside here and if any of them died we would probably be speaking on a battlefield."
Azazel sighed, "I understand what you are saying but if a large population of your people rebelled and a portion of them died and the rest returned would you execute the rest knowing the rest of your people were on their last legs."
If Azazel had a surefire way of increasing his people's population then he would have executed the traitors without a second thought.
"Well, when you put it like that I guess I would have made the same choice. I am just saying it seems they are getting off light," Azazel chuckled, "trust me they defiantly are getting off light.
Anos walked off the stage with Rias and Sona since their part of the meeting was over.
Serafall snapped her finger and a document appeared on the table, it was a document signifying their peace treaty.
"Before we move to the next agenda I believe there are a few elephants in the room," said Azazel receiving confirmation nods from everyone at the table.
First Azazel introduced Vali as the White Dragon Emperor, of course, the rest of the Three Factions knew Issei was Red Dragon Emperor.
The Red and White Dragons are rivals and destined to fight for all eternity, so it had to be known what their plans are for the future and if peace is what they wanted.
Vali said he wanted to fight someone as strong as him but deemed he didn't need to start a war to do that.
The same question was then posed to Issei although it took him a minute to get his thoughts in order but thanks to some wordplay from Azazel, Issei understood and agreed to peace.
"I just might kill the boy," "both you and Azazel are annoying," Issei froze on stage feeling an awful familiar sensation run down his back.
With that out of the way, Yasaka brought what has numerous Pantheon scared, "some of you may have noticed that the different Pantheon's of our world are acting strangely and are preparing themselves for war."
None of the audience knew what she was talking about, "there's has been talk of war and the reason why none of you have been told is because almost every god from every pantheon believes all of you are the cause."
Yasaka then explained in detail everything she knew and was at liberty to tell them, her explanation was met with mixed emotions.
Some laughed it off, some took offense, some in denial, and others were petrified, "what proof do you have that this Shadow even exists."
"I have seen it, well to be more exact it's Shadow," the congregation's moods nearly all shifted to doubt and annoyance at having their time wasted.
"So you saying this is all based on a hunch," yelled a devil, "no it is based on prophecies taken from numerous Pantheons."
Yasaka locked eyes with many as she scanned the auditorium she inhaled then exhaled deeply, "I can by to look on some of your faces that most of you don't believe me but the gods believe this Shadow is hiding amongst the Three Factions and they will be holding their holding own meeting in the future to figure out how to deal with the situation.
Also, let me put this out there war has been brought up."
The room went silent whether this Shadow was real or not the gods believed they were a threat and that put this into perspective for everyone present.
"I am here not to declare war or threaten you by any means," Yasaka tried to ease the thick atmosphere by making her voice a little softer, "I am here to let you know that all of you need to show the world that you are not their enemy."
Yasaka turned to look at the leaders of the Three Factions, "I know that you all don't want war and strive for peace most of all but most of the world hasn't forgotten the great war."
"Trust me war isn't even on the list of things I want," said Azazel, "I lost many brothers and sisters plus Father and I don't want to lose anything else," said Michael.
"The devils have already lost enough thanks to the civil war and not that we are at peace I don't want to jeopardize that," said Serafall with a nod of her head.
Yasaka walked back to her seat from the podium and took a while Serafall stood, "I think there been enough talk Ladies and Gentleman but is everyone ready to sign the treaty?"
They collectively nodded, a pen manifested in her hand and she signed the dotted line when she was done her signature appeared on each of the copies that the leaders had.
Next Sirzechs followed by Michael and Azazel; Yasaka did not sign since she was only there as an ambassador.
Once they all signed as if on cue the entire building begins to shake as Yokai guards rush into the auditorium, "enemy attack, enemy devil forces are attacking."
Sirzechs extends his hand to the crowd before panic could begin, "remain calm we are prepared for this," he then looks at Rias.
Rias and Sona run onto the stage stumbling slightly as the building shakes again, there was a separate barrier protecting everyone inside the auditorium but it wouldn't hold for long.
Asia would stick Rias and heal any injured and Koneko would continue to protect Gasper in his room.
"Everyone if you would please look underneath your seats, you will find a pamphlet with your evacuation route," explained Rias.
Behind each of the separate group's sections.
Issei and Saji were standing in front of a separate room with a magic circle that would teleport a certain amount of Fallen at a given time, Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina would be escorting the church into a serrate room like the Fallen and Sona's peerage would be evacuating the devils and Yokai since they were the largest group and smallest groups into their own separate rooms.
"Hey old man do I have to sit in here and help with the evacuation," Azazel shrugged at Vali, "you should be more honest with your feelings. If you want to go play around go ahead."
Azazel then looked at the Cadres awaiting orders and among them was Parisa, "what are you all looking at, get out there," "sir," the Fallen then flew out the door with Vali.
Sona then looked to Yasaka, "Lady Yasaka we are beginning your people's evacuation, would you please take your way to that corner."
Sona then pointed to where Saji and two of her knights were standing, "thank you but I will be staying. I can't leave when my people are out there fighting."
Sona didn't argue since there was a chance she would have decided that, "understood…we will continue to evacuate the rest of the elders."
While Rias and Sona organized the evacuation, Anos couldn't just sit around doing nothing since he was just promoted to ultimate class but he wasn't really involved in the evacuation plan.
"Do you plan to just cower behind the stage or do you plan to help," Anos glanced at RIn then back at everything happening on the stage, "your jokes are getting better but yea eventually."
Rin said nothing more but a smirk did form on her face, Anos glanced at Asia as a new idea formed in his head.
"I am starting to notice this look that the Fallen talks about," "it isn't anything reckless but will be very beneficial to everyone."
"What's this about more reckless ideas," said Mittelt having made her way down from the podium.
"You will see," Anos then made his way to Rias as she answered questions and directed people to the emergency exits, "Rias may I borrow Asia," "I was just about to send her to medics to help heal the injured. Why do you need her?" "To do exactly that but in a different way," Rias didn't have time for Anos cryptic way of speaking.
"Anos unless you have a legitimate reason why Asia should go with you I need you to evacuate with the rest of the noble devils," "I am about to level up Asia's sacred gear to heal motile people at once from a distance."
Hearing this Rias diverted her full attention to Anos with a skeptical gaze, "you can waste time continuing to ask me questions or trust that I know what I am doing."
Rias sighed, "you have ten minutes if there are no results of this speed training take her straight to the medical bay."
Anos then looked at Asia extending his hand, "how about it Asia," "I guess it is fine as long as I am helping out," Anos smirked I like that attitude.
Azazel then abruptly popped his head into the frame, "you can rest easy little Gremory I will accompany these guys as extra security," Azazel had his arm around Anos neck with a sly smirk on his face.
"I guess that is more reassuring Lord Azazel but you are supposed to," Azazel just waved her off then pointed with his thumb toward Yasaka, "since Yasaka is staying I can spare some time plus Baraqueil is a capable Fallen so he can manage for a little while."
Akeno scoffed earning a glance from Azazel but decided to ignore it, Yasaka just sighed as Azazel just managed to find a way to goof off while they were in the midst of a full-scale battle, "I guess I am taking over Azazel's position," "sorry about my brother but yes will lead your forces from the southern side and repeal the enemy attack."
Yasaka looked again and happened to look at Rin standing off to side and she unconsciously took a step back, "this is the draconic aura I have been sensing," she then looked back to Sirzechs, "King Lucifer who is that made she is giving off a powerful draconic power. I can tell that it was being masked, who is she."
Sirzechs looked at Rin, "yes that is my brothers private maid Rin. And you would correct she is half dragon half devil. But she is a very calm person so is no reason to distrust her, my brother seems to trust her." "I see," said Yasaka but mentally she thought that the maid seemed a lot more powerful than what anyone probably knew.
The building was still shaking which meant the enemy hadn't made it inside yet, "seems they haven't broken through yet which is good for us since the evacuees are still in the midst of leaving," said Serafall looking at the large crowd that was growing smaller by the second.
Serafall was tasked with leading the western side of the school, Sirzechs would lead the forces on the northern side, Yasaka would lead the force on the eastern side, and Michael would lead their forces from the southern side.
Baraqueil was in charge of areal defense from above the school, the first stage of the plan was holding off the attack long enough for the delegates to evacuate.
And once that was completed the second stage of the plan their counterattack would begin but for now, they need to keep the enemy away from the school.
The four leaders nodded and teleported to their areas of responsibility, meanwhile, Vali was having a less-than-fun time killing the cannon fodder in the sky.
In all honesty, he was waiting for the signal to start the real fun, "it's time Vali," hearing Anos say those words made a sadistic smile for on his face.
Gasper and Koneko were safe at the old school building and thanks to the training from Anos any intruders that tried to get to their location got turned around in the illusions she cast in hallways.
For those who were competent enough to get through illusions were beaten by her clones, and if by chance they could make it through them she personally took care of them.
Koneko walked back into the room after one such mage lucidly made it through barely conscious and was thrown out the window unconscious.
"Is everything all right out there," said Gasper playing a game in the corner, "yea just need to take out the trash."
Gasper looked up from the game with a tilt of his head, "but you didn't walk out with that bag and I'm sure it would take longer for you to walk to the dumpster and back."
"You are worrying too much about the details," Koneko just waved him off, "just play your game, and I…I…I..I," Koneko turned to look at the door as one of her illusions was dispelled.
"I…what," said Gasper looking at the nervous look in her eyes. Koneko started to tremble another of her illusions was dispelled just as easily and the aura of the person that was eradicating them was awfully too familiar since she was her sister.
"Gasper we need to leave now," barked Koneko in a much louder voice than Gasper ever heard her speak before.
"Koneko you are scaring me," "Gasper this isn't the time," Koneko then lunged at Gasper throwing him over her shoulder then jumping out the window.
"Wait Koneko," said Gasper startled after being hoisted over Koneko's shoulder, the aura Koneko was sensing stopped its approach and then turned 40 degrees in her direction.
The walls then erupted from the second floor blasting Koneko and Gasper off course from the spot on the ground they were originally going to land.
From the hole eleven shadows moved in their direction, "do what you want to the boy but if a single one of you touches the girl, it will be the final mistake you make in your life."
"Whatever you have completed your end of the deal," said one of the assailants, "hey Gasper how confident are you in a fight," not hearing a Gasper Koneko turned around and saw the boy frozen in fear, "great I guess that training was for nothing."
The dust cleared and Koneko saw the last person she ever wanted to see her sister Kuroka, "hey there Shrione long time no see, how about being a good little sister and come quietly.
Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina wished that they were helping another group since none of them really liked the church well except for Irina but she did find it awkward. Irina leaned on the wall silently thinking about the offer Michael gave her.
Flash Back
"I don't need your answer now but if you decide to accept," Michael then pushed the three-dimensional spell closer toward her.
Irina opened her palm and it levitated onto her open palm, she looked at Issei, "I uhh don't know I don't want to stop being friends with Issei."
Michael smiled, "as long as this treaty doesn't fall through then you won't have to worry about that,"
End Flash Back
Irina opening and closing her hand still imagining the unativated spell residing inside her.
"Hey, Irina you good," asked Xenovia, Irina jumped coming back hitting her head on the wall and snapping back into reality after realizing Xenovia was up in her face.
"Uhh yea I am fine," Xenovia hummed, "you have been acting strange and I don't know why."
"Just look at them goofing around," "yea I know right, whose idea was it to have a bunch of kids keep us safe," said a nun, one of the walls exploded as two enemy devil soldiers walked in with spears.
"Looks like we hit the ja," one of the soldier's heads hit the ground and not a second later the other was split into down the middle.
Kiba sheathes his sword and bows to the members of the church, "please hurry it seems the enemy had broken through."
They couldn't move any faster due to there being a limited number of people who would fit in the teleportation circle.
Although Kiba sounded calm inside he was he was worried, even though they were on guard duty the enemy wasn't supposed to make it inside the barrier.
Kiba looked outside and he could even recognize the school, "so this is war," Kiba turned away from the hole in the hall, "Xenovia stay alert we don't know how many will show up next."
A devastating chill ran up Kiba's and Xenovia's backs it was the chill alerting them to the presence of a mighty holy sword. Kiba turned back around and looked toward the ground and saw a boy with blonde hair with glasses walking toward them.
Kiba looked to his hip and saw him holding the hilt of a sword that radiated a holy power before Kiba ponder any further the boy disappeared in a blur.
Kiba immediately created a sword, but he was too slow as he was sent flying through the ceiling, Xenovia has already had her sword drawn, "Irina protect the church members Kiba needs my help."
The boy sidestepped out of the way grabbed Xenovia's left hand that wasn't holding the sword and threw her out the opening, "is that Arthur," said a nun, "then the sword on his hip is Excalibur Ruler."
Back Inside Rias, Sona, Akeno, and Tsubaki were having their own two problems, "you two are the sisters of the devil kings correct," "come on Bikou of course they are she has red and the other look just as stiff as we heard."
Bikou scratched the back of his head with a slight chuckle while sitting on a cloud, "I was honestly just trying to make conversation."
Rias was puzzled by the barrier up there shouldn't have been a way for anyone to break in, "who are you," Bikou opened his mouth to speak but the girl sitting on a broom spoke up first.
"Ooh I'm devilish Le Fay…no that's lame, I am the world-class sorcerous Le Fay Pendragon," Le Fay then hung upside down from her broom with her arms crossed, "no none of those sound villainous enough."
Rias glanced at Sona and she looked equally confused, "I'm Bikou and we have been ordered to assassinate you," Rias narrowed her eyes.
She also didn't waste any time hurling a ball of destruction at Le Fay since it seemed she wasn't paying attention. Ley Fay waved her hand and the ball of destruction went flying in the opposite direction, "that was so rude I wasn't even ready."
Ley Fay then swung right side, "before we get started just one more thing," Le Fay then snapped her finger and a piece of paper appeared in front of Rias. She blushed at a drawing of Anos without a shirt on, "what the hell is this you pervert," barked Rias waving the paper at Le Fay.
"Im no pervert I just want him to sign it so I can frame it on my wall," "I told you it would sound perverted," Le Fay rolled her eyes, "most girls my age like boy bands but just like sexy men."
Two things went through Sona's mind first this girl was strong evident by how easily she redirected Rias attack and for more personal reasons she didn't like this girl.
End Chapter: Again apologies for the late uploads, I'm not dropping this Fan Fic.