Draconis: OK, let's see if I can't get this out faster than the last two chapters
Kenshin: Fifth of vodka says you can't.
Draconis: You're on.
Issei: Seriously? You two are betting booze?
Draconis: Don't judge me.
Rias: Issei? What are you doing here, shouldn't you be at the test site?
Draconis: Yeah man, mosey on out. Now to address guest reviews. From Abel, he liked the scenes with Kenshin and the spirits. Glad to hear it, seeing as it took up the bulk of the last chapter.
Salamander: You say that like it's a bad thing.
Draconis: Don't mean it to be, and from Thorvasio, He liked the lemon and limes in general and he wants to know what Tamamo's relationship with Kenshin is like.
Tamamo: Oh? Well I'll leave it to you to explain that in story more in depth later Draconis, but I've known Kenshin about as long as Sheena-Chan has if that helps clarify it.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 47
Assault of the Hero.
Draconis: Begin.
(start)
Kenshin, Rias, the members of their peerages not taking the test got situated in the hotel room. Kenshin cleared his throat. "Rias, can I have a word over here alone?" He said gesturing toward the hallway.
"Hm?" Rias said following him outside. "What is it?"
"I need to fill you in on somethings and I figured now would be the right time to do it." Kenshin said leaning against the wall.
"OK, what's going on?" Rias asked.
"First off, Azazel and I are going to take Ophis to your brother and see if we can't hammer something out. I'm sure Sirzechs would be thrilled to try and come to an accord with Ophis." Kenshin said.
"Alright, that is a good idea, but why are you going? It seems like something Azazel could handle alone." Rias asked.
"I have my own business to address with Sirzechs." Kenshin said. "Which brings me to my second thing to fill you in on...after the exams my peerage and I are headed to Makai. The Youkai homeworld."
"The same one that's embroiled in a civil war?" Rias asked. "Why?"
"Well I am kind of holding one of the Rebellion's chief officers here." Kenshin said.
"Then couldn't you let Tamamo-San return home?" Rias asked.
"Sure, but it's the man on the other side of the civil war that makes me want to head there myself." Kenshin said. "The Sixteenth King of Demons."
"Hm...I see..." Rias said. "You have mentioned him before and Yukari said that he played a part in the destruction of your clans and the war that followed..."
"Yeah, if I can give a hand to them, and check that off my to do list. I don't see why I should hesitate." Kenshin said.
"Yes, but...didn't you also say he has a sword that negates your regeneration?" Rias asked, worry in her eyes.
"Don't be concerned about that. I'm ready for him, and I'll have this." Kenshin said holding up Kuroi Jigoku.
"You had that before and it..." Rias was cut off.
"Before I came here, I didn't know what it did." Kenshin said. "Now I do. Trust me, being aware of things like that makes a huge difference."
"I see...well at least let..." Kenshin shook his head. "Why not?" Rias asked.
"What if you're needed here?" Kenshin asked. "Plus Issei's gaining a lot of importance in the Underworld, like I am, so wouldn't it be a sign of weakness if both of us left?"
"I know...but..." Rias said bowing her head. "It's just...and it's selfish of me, but...you'd be gone for awhile...and I'd...I'd be lonely."
Kenshin sighed and smiled. "I never said I wouldn't keep in touch." He said.
"Promise you will?" Rias asked looking into his eyes.
"Of course." Kenshin said cupping her cheek and kissing her lips softly.
"Mm..." Rias moaned into him.
Kenshin pulled back and smiled. "Better?"
"Much." Rias said.
(break)
With the Examinees.
Akeno and Kiba had just finished explaining where they were in the Underworld. "So because of Diodora, the Astaroths lost some influence?" Issei said.
"I heard about that. Some dude was thirsty as hell for holy women?" Evangeline said.
"That's basically the gist of it." Issei laughed. "I kicked his ass."
"I believe it." Evangeline said. "What with the Gauntlet of Brokenness there." She said, letting out a humored snort.
"Does it mean anything that it takes ten seconds per boost unless I'm in the Balance Breaker?" Issei sweatdropped.
"Do you know how many people would kill to have your power?" Evangeline countered.
"She has a point Issei. If Ragnarok, myself or even the Dark Goddess herself had that power, the Divine War woulda been child's play." Tamamo said waving herself with her fan.
"I-I guess..." Issei said.
"Issei-kun, there is something I want to tell you before we take this test." Kiba said.
"What is it?" Issei asked.
"I'm glad I met you, you and Kenshin-kun both." Kiba said.
"...You really have become a natural at saying creepy things, you know that?" Issei said with an exasperated expression.
"Oh come on Issei, he just wants to express his gratitude and friendship to you." Tamamo laughed.
"Or he wants to profess it in other ways." Evangeline said wiggling her eyebrows with a smirk.
"Ergh..." Issei groaned.
"Nah, according to Kenshin, a couple of days ago the Student Council Vice President was wreathed in his scent, mixed with her own." Tamamo said. "If anything, he's doing things like that with her."
"Eeeh? !" Issei and Kiba said.
"Oh my..." Akeno said cupping her cheek while giggling. "Yuuto-kun I didn't know you had it in you."
"So pretty boy's tapping the underboss of the school you go to huh?" Evangeline snickered.
"Hahaha, way to go Kiba!" Issei laughed slapping Kiba on the back.
"B-But I-Issei-kun..." Kiba said. "Oh whatever..." He sighed.
Later, inside the written test room Issei, Akeno, Kiba, Tamamo and Evangeline walked into the room to find it to be similar to how a college classroom looked.
"Hm, this reminds me of the Mahora University classrooms." Evangeline mentally noted.
"So this is what higher learning for humans looks like." Tamamo thought.
"Huh, this looks like one of the classrooms I was in when I looked into going to Kunou University...wait...Kunou? I wonder if it and the fox girl we met in Kyoto are related." Issei thought.
As they sat down at their assigned seats they couldn't help overhearing the whispers."Are those the servants from the Gremory and Kuroshi families? The Shinso Mage, The Holy Demonic Swordsman, Sekiryuutei, The Ancestral Youkai and the Holy Lightning Priestess? Shit no wonder there were so many cameras outside."
Issei puts on a front, but Kiba shakes his head at him. "I don't think you need to act tough here. Just act natural." Kiba said.
"Yeah, don't waste your energy." Evangeline said, a lollipop in her mouth that had been soaked in blood.
(break)
"...What...was that...?" Evangeline said with an exasperated expression.
"I assume you're referring to the question about Magical Levi-tan? Yeah I didn't get it either." Tamamo said.
"My first thought was, 'How the fuck should I know?'" Issei said with a tired laugh.
"I almost wrote that, I shit you not." Evangeline laughed.
"Hahahahaha!" Issei laughed.
"So it's almost time for the practical huh?" Kiba said.
"Yeah, supposedly we'll draw lots and fight someone." Evangeline said. "I wonder, will I be fighting one of you?"
"Who knows...ufufufufu..." Akeno giggled.
The group was called to the practical test area and drew their lots. Issei drew four, Kiba drew 26, Akeno drew 32. "Alright, the ones who drew one and two will fight then three and four and so on and so forth."
"Eh? Damn I won't have much time to get ready." Issei said.
The two marked one and two had their match, then Issei walked forward. "Ahem, could the one with lot three come forward. Lot three."
"Yeah Yeah, I'm coming." A familiar voice said. "That fight was just so boring I fell asleep."
"E-Eh?" Issei said seeing Evangeline walking forward. "E-Evangeline-San is my opponent?"
Evangeline wore a white button up shirt and a black skirt and stocking combo. "Is that a problem?" She said with a calm smirk.
"U-Uhm..." Issei said.
Back at the hotel Xenovia looked over at Kenshin who was looking over notes on something. "Looks like Issei has his work cut out for him."
Kenshin glanced up at the T.V. "Yup...should be interesting." He said.
"...What are you looking at?" Xenovia asked looking at his notes.
"Hm?" Kenshin said. "Oh, this? It's just notes I've compiled on an all out assault technique I've been working on."
"An all out assault technique, but...Senpai isn't most of what you do all out assault?" Koneko asked.
"Yes, but this is a combination technique to be used on a powerful opponent by my peerage and I. Thing is I'm still having trouble putting it together..." Kenshin said. "I still need someone to begin the attack and a couple of more people to keep it going."
"Who would end it out?" Xenovia asked.
"The entire attack's meant to cover me while I charge up the Quadruple Giga, or some other manner of finishing move. After Chachamaru rains down lasers, I would be finished and ready to take out the target...if he or she's not already dead by the time I get to them."
"Let me see it." Miyuki said hanging over his shoulder.
Back with Evangeline and Issei. The former had just went into his Balance Breaker, but he hesitated to attack. "Hmm? Something wrong?" Evangeline asked with a coy smile.
"Aren't you gonna put on that Magia Erebea technique?" Issei asked. "You let me go into my Balance Breaker?"
"Don't need it." Evangeline said. "Even in my weakest condition, I can easily play with you to death as much as I want. Not coming though? Hmh, I guess I'll take the initiative then." Evangeline said flicking her finger toward Issei.
"? !" Issei's right arm suddenly jerked and moved upward. "What...the hell? !" Evangeline then flicked her left hand away from Issei and he suddenly lost his footing, going into a tumble.
"Aggh? !" Issei gasped in pain as he was forced onto his knees and bent over backwards, laying over his feet.
"Hmhmhm..." Evangeline laughed to herself.
Issei looked at his right hand which was struggling to move. "Kuh...? ! Strings? !" He shouts.
"Exactly." Evangeline said walking over to him. "My skill as a user of Doll magic. If I had enough room I could command an army of three hundred...a weapon isn't worth all that much if you can be stopped from using it. If this wasn't a match, we'd be done here...or rather if we were actual enemies, I'd just leave you here."
"Krh!" Issei growled and broke the strings before swinging his fist at Evangeline's head. She lined her arm with mana and blocked the strike with a fan. "!"
"Sorry Oppai Dragon, but that won't work." Evangeline said moving to the side and poking the fan into his shoulder, putting him on his back with a push.
Issei got back to his feet and charged her only to have his attack diverted and sent flying the other direction. "Ddraig! Boosters!" He thought.
"On it." Ddraig said.
The boosters activated, but he didn't move. "? !" Issei looked down to see strings around his right ankle. He looked back up to see Evangeline in his face, ramming an open palm into his face. He found himself restrained again by her strings.
Evangeline unfolded her fan and started waving herself. "Some strings, mana, and an iron battle fan, that's all it takes to neutralize you. Oh, and a mastery in the Japanese Martial Art, Aikido."
"Hrn? !" Issei said.
Back at the hotel Rias and her peerage stared at the screen in amazement while Kenshin and his had generally no reaction. "Kenshin, I knew your bishop was strong, but to be able to neutralize Issei like that." Rias said.
"Yup, Eva-Chan's got more cards up her sleeves than even I know about." Kenshin said.
"Besides. Evangeline maybe weaker that Issei when he starts boosting." Kazumi added.
"But still." Yukari and Miyuki said.
"Living for several centuries before becoming a devil." Chachamaru added.
"Isn't just for show you know." Hikari said.
"Uuu, she's scary." Irina shivered.
Back at the exam area. Tamamo applauded. "Nice going Evangeline."
"Yup." Evangeline said.
"Krh...hey Eva-Chan. Strings are technically cloth right?" Issei asked.
"...Yeah?" Evangeline said.
"Alright then." Issei twisted his hand and grabbed the strings. "Dress Break!"
"...?" Evangeline looked herself over and saw her clothes had been destroyed as well as her strings. "Hrm..." She said.
"Uuwhohoohoo!" Issei gushed. "Such a sexy body you got there, Eva-Chan!"
"Well, I guess we'll call the match here." Evangeline said snapping her fingers, putting a black dress on. "I don't feel like showing any more of my power."
"Seriously?" Issei asked.
"Yeah, I don't feel like giving people holes in my defense to try and exploit." Evangeline shrugged and turned away. "Don't be discouraged, you could get me to take you seriously if we were somewhere else."
"Yeah Yeah." Issei said dropping out of his Balance Breaker.
The test soon ended and they warped back to the hotel then they went to a nearby restaurant. "So they had you fight the left over guy?" Kenshin asked Issei.
"Yeah, apparently someone couldn't make it and there was an uneven number, and seeing as the examiners couldn't gauge me properly they had me fight the left over ice magic user. Weren't you watching?" Issei asked.
"No, Drinky the Raven over here sent me out on a beer run before the end of the practicals." Kenshin said gesturing his thumb toward Azazel.
"Huh, I see." Issei said. "How much has he had to drink?" Issei asked.
"I have no idea..." Kenshin grunted.
"Ah come on Kenshin, I'm not drunk." Azazel said.
"Whatever you say Drinky." Kenshin said. "You were saying something about Sacred Gears before Kiba over here went and embarrassed Issei again?"
"I was just talking about how Issei needs more stamina to access his True Queen form of his Triana transformations." Azazel said.
Kenshin glanced over and saw Koneko and Ravel eating together. "I can eat it without you reaching for it." Koneko said with an annoyed look.
"I'm not looking over you because I want to, Kenshin-Sama would be sad if he hears you're not eating right." Ravel said.
"...I understand, I'll accept it." Koneko said.
"Heheh." Kenshin let out a quiet chuckle. "They're getting along better, good." He glanced further and saw Ophis staring at them while eating pasta. He waved calmly. He looked over further and saw Le Fay and Kuroka both in disguise near her. Ophis could get away with walking around as she was, because the only ones who knew what she looked like was Kenshin, Rias and their peerages, Azazel as well as Serafall, Grayfia and Sirzechs. Le Fay could to, but Kenshin figured she didn't want Kuroka to feel alone, or something like that.
"Hm...Hey Sensei, in the match against Sairaorg-San, Regulus turned into a giant lion from a smaller form." Issei said. "What was that about?"
"It's called for every thing else other than the Dragon of the Elements and the Heavenly Dragons, Breakdown the Beast, or Beast of Domination." Azazel said.
"What is it with Sacred Gears and Domination?" Kenshin snorted.
"Y'know, I've wondered that very same thing, and have yet to find an answer." Azazel laughed. "But, A Sacred Gear like Regulus using it alone is fine, but if Sairaorg were to make use of it, he'd start to lose life, just like you or Issei in the Juggernaut Drive. Anyway, apparently the Great King Faction was telling Sairaorg to keep it secret."
"Isn't that a violation?" Issei asked.
"I think it is." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, because he was trying to use their support to become a Satan, he complied, that is until he fought you Kenshin. He couldn't have beaten you without Regulus' help, he figured that before the fight and knew it as the fight dragged on." Azazel said. "Then the same became true when he fought Issei."
"So I assume the Great King Faction's got a figurative microscope up their ass just like I do then? Excellent." Kenshin said.
"You really don't like Lord Bael do you Kenshin?" Issei asked.
"Issei, if he wasn't the highest head on the council, I'd have already broke my foot off in his ass just on principle." Kenshin snorted.
"Dude is kind of a dick." Evangeline said.
"Kind of? He badgered me for comforting Rias when Hades scared the hell out of her before her match against Sairaorg." Kenshin snorted.
"Seriously? Isn't she his niece?" Issei asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"What a scumbag!" Issei said.
"Issei, it's fine. My Uncle and I have never really been on speaking terms." Rias said taking a sip of her tea. "As such, when Kenshin told me he and my uncle argued. I wasn't really that surprised by it."
"OK...if you say so." Issei said before turning back to Azazel. "I remember you telling us about the True Longinus, does it have something inside it like the Boosted Gear, Divine Dividing do?"
"Yeah I recall you saying something about a technique called Truth Idea." Kenshin said. "If we run into him again we'll have to be prepared."
"There isn't a creature in that spear, it's something more powerful...the will of the 'God from the Bible'" Azazel said.
Everyone except Kenshin,Yukari, Evangeline Chachamaru and Hikari widened their eyes. "Of God himself." Xenovia asked.
"Yawn, what else is new?" Kenshin asked.
"You're not nervous Kenshin?" Azazel asked.
"You're not either Yukari-Chan?" Akeno asked.
"Wouldn't be the first time we've faced something with that kind of mojo." Kenshin and Yukari said.
"You act like we haven't faced Gods before." Evangeline said.
"?" Azazel narrowed his eyes in thought before Hikari poked him on the arm.
"I'll explain later." She whispered. Azazel nodded.
The rest of the time at the diner went normally with Asia saying she wanted to get better and asking Azazel about a possible Balance Breaker for Twilight Healing and Azazel telling her to stay close to Issei and train with her dragon Rassei.
"..." Kenshin looked around. "Son of a bitch."
"What?" Rias asked.
"You felt that too Kenshin?" Issei said with narrowed eyes.
"Well the fact that this diner just emptied out is a dead giveaway." Yukari said.
"Arya-rya...looks like Vali has been ignored-nya. Looks like 'Bingo' came here." Kuroka said walking toward them with her ears and tails out, wearing her usual attire.
"Everyone." Kenshin said. "Prepare for battle, we've been caught inside the Longinus Dimension Lost, those of you who went to Kyoto, know what this means."
"Where should we go then?" Koneko asked.
"...To the hotel." Kenshin and Issei said. They glanced at each other.
"I wouldn't forget that feeling, I did have the damn thing run through me." Issei said. Kenshin nodded.
The Gremory and Kuroshi groups walk to the hotel with Irina, Kuroka, Le Fay and Ophis. "Kenshin." He turned his head to Rias. "What can we expect?"
"Just as Azazel said, the True Longinus has the Will of God inside it, so it would be wise for you to stay back." Kenshin said. "I handled him once, I can do it again and Issei's stronger than he was back then so...yeah..."
"...Kenshin..." Tamamo said in a low voice sitting on this shoulder.
"What is it?" Kenshin whispered.
"...I don't know what it is, but I feel a familiar youki signature the closer we get to the hotel." Tamamo said.
"...You think it might be Luka?" Kenshin asked.
"If he's that frightful of losing his freedom to you, he might have already taken Forbesii up on his offer." Tamamo whispered.
"...I see." Kenshin muttered. "Well I'll deal with him when the time comes."
When the group arrived at the hotel, they found it to be as completely empty as the town, that is until a fireball roared by aimed at Irina and Asia. Ophis moved in front and blocked it easily. "Thanks!" Irina said.
"..." Ophis nodded impassively.
"Kind of underhanded for a hero don't you think?" Kenshin asked, turning toward the lobby couch where Cao Cao was seated, with Georg not too far away.
"When dealing with beings like you, I have to take every advantage I can get." Cao Cao stated blithely.
"Right, how's the eye by the way, Oh! That's right I cut it out, damn man I'm sorry." Kenshin said crossing his arms with a smirk.
Instead of getting upset Cao Cao calmly laughed. "It's quite alright, replacements are easier to come by than you think. Of course you would know about that wouldn't you?"
"Too true." Kenshin said.
"Nonetheless, it is nice to see the number one and two youth devil teams side by side like this. Your respective fights against the Bael were excellent, though it would have been nice if the entire Kuroshi Peerage had been allowed to fight." Cao Cao said.
"Should I feel honored by being complimented by the leader of a branch of a terrorist organization? It's a complicated feeling to be sure." Rias said.
"Why not? You are romantically involved with a former terrorist organization leader already." Cao Cao said with a shrug.
"Kenshin did what he needed to, to protect peace and survive." Rias countered.
"They had a plan in place to wipe out all life in his homeworld should another war break out." Cao Cao countered back.
"That was a fail safe numb nuts and aside from that, the mana of Mundus Magicus was wearing thin at the time, if it ran out everyone on that planet would have been dumped onto an atmosphereless Mars and died a horrible death that way." Kenshin rolled his eyes. "Ignoring how you even know some of Rikudou's business, what brings you here?"
"Simply put, I've come for her." Cao Cao said pointing at Ophis.
"Figured." Kenshin said. "Had to be you or that other dick bag."
"Other? Hm...I see, you know about him then." Cao Cao said.
"Nyahahaha..." Kuroka laughed walking forward. "This is quite a shock, we expected you to pursue Vali."
"I figured Vali would bring Ophis here, knowing he couldn't help cover her and fight to the fullest extent of his abilities at the same time." Cao Cao said.
"Well I guess we should have expected it. Ophis-Sama has been interested in both The Dragon of the Elements, Lust Dragon-San, and the Sekiryuutei, Oppai Dragon-San and Vali also got a hold of some information that someone was after Ophis-Sama from the shadows, so we deiced to try and lure them out." Le Fay said as Fenrir appeared at her side.
"Why is the Hero Faction after Ophis? ! Aren't they on the same side? !" Issei said with Rias nodding in agreement.
"Not anymore, I guess when you told me you were being fired, you weren't lying Ophis." Kenshin said.
"I rarely do." Ophis said.
"Hrn!" Cao Cao said appearing right in front of Ophis and ramming his spear through her stomach.
"..." Kenshin turned to him and stared while everyone else looked on in shock. "You really think that toothpick is gonna hurt someone on her level?"
"I did not." Cao Cao said as he retracted his spear and dodged a slash at the neck from Kenshin who had assumed his Balance Breaker. "You see, Sekiryuutei, that is the power of Infinite. Even with the Ultimate Longinus it is impossible to kill her."
"The what the hell do you need her power for?" Tamamo asked. "I assume that's why you're doing this? You need the power of Infinity, but you know the source won't cooperate."
Suddenly a teleportation circle appeared below Le Fay, Kuroka and Fenrir. "Hm? !" Cao Cao said. "When did you?"
"We connected it while you were getting into a war of words with the Elemental Dragon-nya." Kuroka said.
The circle underneath Fenrir glew brightly and suddenly the wolf was replaced with Vali! "Vali? !" Issei and Miyuki said.
"Hmph, I was wondering when you'd get here Vali." Azazel and Kenshin said.
"I called Vali-Sama here by switching his location with Fenrir-Chan!" Le Fay said drawing a circle with her rod.
"You knew I was coming Kenshin?" Vali asked.
"I figured when you were attacked by anyone not named Cao Cao, you'd figure a way to come to where he was." Kenshin said. "It feels like something you'd do anyway."
"Yes, well anyway I'm having Fenrir fight the other Hero Faction group in my place with Bikou and Arthur and others. I made sure I had insurance in case Cao Cao didn't show." Vali said.
"You owe me for protection costs. I don't work for free." Kenshin said.
"You shall be paid, don't worry." Vali shrugged. "That said, Cao Cao, don't you think it's a little...presumptuous to come here with only Georg, when faced with all these numbers?"
"So there's teleportation methods like that? Huh, I guess there are more than the ways I know to teleport." Issei thought.
"No, I'm quite sure this is all we need." Cao Cao said with a smirk.
"Just for that, I'm taking the other eye this time." Kenshin said unsheathing Kuroi Jigoku.
"You're confident Cao Cao. Do you have the so called Dragon Eater as your trump card then? I'm guessing it's a Sacred Gear user versed in Dragon Slaying or a new Longinus?" Vali said.
Cao Cao shook his head. "That's not it at all, Dragon Eater is the codename we gave to the being that existed already, not created by us, but by the God of the Bible."
Georg finally stepped forward. "Is it finally time Cao Cao?"
"Yes Georg, Vali is here, Ophis is here, the Sekiryuutei is here and last but not least, the Dragon of the Elements is here. The Infinite Dragon God, the two Heavenly Dragons and a dragon who rivals, if not completely dwarfs their power. Open the jar from Hell." Cao Cao said.
"Roger that, the time to devour Infinity has come." Georg said as a massive magic circle appeared under his feet.
The air suddenly grew cold and the air heavy. Anyone who had dragon in them felt a chill run through their bodies.
"Th-This presence is...An overwhelming evil intent only directed at a dragon." Ddraig said.
"...Partner...get ready..." Yuurei said, his voice completely serious.
"Oh, you care?" Salamander said.
"It's a big problem for me if he gets himself killed." Yuurei said.
"I know..." Kenshin said narrowing his eyes into a scowl.
A large Asian style dragon crucified to a cross appeared, but it's upper body was that of a Fallen Angel while the lower was that of a dragon's. It opened it's mouth and let out a creepy voice.
"Th...This guy is...to bring such a thing out...you've undone the seal of Cocytus? !" Azazel shouts.
"It's says that it is the poison of God, the evil intentions of God, a forbidden being that made the people in Eden eat the fruit of knowledge. The first crime that was judged by the dead God from the Bible and still continues to be in effect, the Dragon Eater, Samael. The angel that received the curse of God who hated dragons and snakes, yes...the dragon whose very existence was stricken from the record." Cao Cao said.
"A-Azazel, what the...hell is that? !" Hikari asked.
"The one who turned into a snake and made Adam and Eve eat the fruit of knowledge is that. That action brought the fury of the 'God from the Bible'. So God started to hate snakes and dragons to the extreme. That's the reason why dragons are depicted as evil in many of the texts from the Church. He is a being that was made of the evil intentions of God, because of God's hate, a being who received many kinds of poisons and curses on his body. Naturally it is impossible for God, who is sacred, to have evil intentions. That's why it has intense poison. Not only can it extinguish dragons but it can affect other things besides dragons, so it was sealed in the depths of Cocytus. The curse it received from God is the ultimate dragon slayer. That alone makes him an existence that is a brutal dragon slayer!" Azazel explained.
"A fallen angel, snake, dragon that was hated by God? God's poison? God's evil intent?" Issei murmured.
"What is that bony old Olympian God thinking? ! Did he? !" Azazel was cut off as Cao Cao laughed.
"We negotiated with Hades of Olympus to make this happen." Cao Cao said.
"Tch, you can always count on gods of death to be dicks." Kenshin said.
"So it's like that Azazel-Dono, Vali, Kenshin, and Sekiryuutei, the curse he has will devour and kill dragons, he can kill dragons for certain, it's not on the same level as the dragon slayer swords. They can't even be compared to him, Ascalon is like toothpick to him Hyoudou Issei."
"You, are you planning to use that to...? !" Azazel said. Cao Cao smirked.
"Devour her." Cao Cao said.
"? !" Kenshin turned to find a tentacle shooting past him and latched onto a black cube just big enough to fit a person where Ophis was standing. "Shit!" He moved to cut it when Yuurei chimed in.
"It's useless, you need to attack the source with something powerful." Yuurei said. "Attacking it as you are now will only cause you to lose your sword."
"Fine." Kenshin said. "Yukari, Miyuki, Evangeline, Tamamo, cover me." He jumped behind them.
"?" Rias looked back at him before turning to Kiba. "Yuuto, cut it!" She ordered.
"Right!" Kiba said slashing his sword at the tentacle, but pulled away with only half his sword. "What? !"
"Half Dimension!" Vali called out, activating his Sacred Gear, but it had no effect on Samael's tongue. "How about this then? !" He shouts attacking the block with his demonic power.
"Then the power of destruction!" Rias shouts throwing her magic at it to no avail.
Samael's tongue started to expand. "Wait, he did say he just needed her power, right? ! Then that's what he's taking!" Issei thought.
"Welsh Dragon! Balance Breaker!"
As Issei moved Azazel stopped him. " Issei, don't try to take that on, he's your ultimate natural enemy! Even Ophis can't get out of it!"
"Even if you say that, something bad will happen if Ophis' is caught by them right? !" Issei said.
"I couldn't agree more!" Kenshin said flying above them, his sword wreathed in the elements. "I'll kill the bastard before he has a chance!"
"Wait, with that technique it should be possible!" Azazel thought.
"Take it out Kenshin!" Issei shouts.
"Hmph...you're on." Cao Cao said.
"Quadruple Giga!" Kenshin shouts slashing his blade at Samael.
The sound of sword hitting sword resounded before a brilliant explosion was heard. Kenshin was sent barreling backward and caught his bearings. When the dust settled, Samael was still there, but there was a massive hole in the wall to his right.
"Kenshin, what happened? ! You missed!" Issei said.
"I know that Issei!" Kenshin snapped before getting up and turning toward Cao Cao who had a newcomer with him, a man with ashy tanned skin and long silver hair wearing a black sweater and matching pants stood, wielding a glowing white sword.
"! !" Tamamo's eyes widened in anger. "YOU! !"
"Hmhmhmhm...well hello there Tamamo-San, it's been a bit since I last saw you."
"...Krh!" Yukari scowled. "Kenshin, it's him!"
"I know Yukari. The same man from twenty years ago in our world." Kenshin said. "You look different than when I last saw you in person, JuuRokudaime Maou of Makai, Forbesii."
"? !"
"What the hell is the King of Makai doing here? !" Azazel shouts.
"Aren't we on good terms with the Youkai Faction? !" Rias asked.
"Hmhmhmhm...you must mean with the Demon Queen." Forbesii chuckled softly. "The homeworld of demon kind is currently embroiled in civil war. I have no such engagements with you or your kind."
"Wait, can we really beat this guy? ! He was able to tank Kenshin's Quadruple Giga!" Issei shouts.
"I wasn't able to 'tank' it as you say. I merely changed the trajectory of Kenshin's swing, making it's veer off course...then there's my sword to consider." Forbesii said lifting up his blade.
"..? !" Azazel's eyes landed on it, wide with shock.
"Azazel-Sensei, what is it? You look like you saw a ghost." Issei said.
"No...Th-th...that sword...that's impossible." Azazel said. "That's impossible! It's been lost for ages!"
"?" Kenshin glanced back at the frantic Fallen Angel leader.
"Hmhm...I suppose I can't fault you for being alarmed, Governor General-San. After all, this is the personal weapon of the Almighty himself, made from his own physical grace." Forbesii said with a soulless smirk.
"How are you using that, it should be roasting your arm!" Azazel shouts. "It was lost after the Great War, we all just assumed it faded with him!"
"Krh..." Kenshin growled. "Enough! Evangeline, you, Yukari, Miyuki and everyone else work with Rias and her group to send Samael's ass packing! Tamamo you're with me!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way..." Tamamo growled.
"So my opponents are Samael, Two high level Longinus possessors and the lost Sword of God...I have no complaints." Vali said.
"Sorry, but Tamamo and I will be taking Forbesii." Kenshin said. "Azazel, I know you're worked up, but when I said I've fought shit with the level of mojo that the True Longinus has, this is what I meant, and they could really use your help getting rid of Samael."
"R-Right." Azazel said with a nod as he put on Fafnir's armor and moved toward the Kuroshi and Gremory groups.
"Very well then, Kuroka, Le Fay, let's move." Vali said. "Leave the Sword of God to Kenshin for now."
Kenshin hardened his gaze at Forbesii. "I saw you talking to Luka, you know our souls are whole now right?" Kenshin asked.
"I do." Forbesii said. "But...I've always thought that the most demoralizing way to plant a mole...was to do it with the betrayal that absolutely nobody would expect." Forbesii smirked.
"..." Kenshin gripped Kuroi Jigoku's hilt tightly. "Today, I will avenge my father, who you poisoned that fateful night, twenty years ago at the end of the Schismatic War!"
"You can try." Forbesii said.
"Grrhh! !" Kenshin growled and dove at him, Kuroi Jigoku meeting the Tsurugi no Kami.
"Twenty years ago all you could make me do was retreat, and you think now you can do better?" Forbesii said. "Well it's better than your partner there did."
"Shut up!" Tamamo shouts bearing down on him with her nails turned to claws. "Dance of Death!"
"Haa..." Forbesii sighed as he blocked all of her claw swipes. He slashed the Tsurugi no Kami at her neck only to miss as Tamamo was yanked back by Kenshin who was holding a black strand of magic. "Good reaction Kenshin-kun." He applauded.
"Tamamo, I get that you're mad, I understand, but you gotta chill." Kenshin said. "You're attacking in anger and it's leaving you wide open."
"I know..." Tamamo sighed as she stood up.
"But at the same time, I'm not saying don't be angry." Kenshin said. "From what you told me, this bastard's been ruining Makai for quite some time."
"Channel the anger. Yes." Tamamo said. "Thank you for snapping me out of it Kenshin."
"Yes." Kenshin said.
"Let's see if you can." Forbesii said raising his sword again.
"..." Kenshin stared at him. "Something's wrong..." He thought. "Kuroi Jigoku...it's suppressing the Tsurugi no Kami's aura, but...not all the way...what is going on?"
Meanwhile with Issei and the others Cao Cao blocked their path. "Sorry, but this deal between us and the Greek God of Death is one time only, so I won't let you interfere." Cao Cao said before holding his spear at the ready. "Balance Breaker..."
"!"
Several orbs appeared in front of Cao Cao. "This is my True Longinus' Balance Breaker Polar Night Longinus Chakravartin. Though it is still incomplete."
"? ! A subspecies Balance Breaker on that Sacred Gear? ! Are you trying to say that you are the ideal ruler? Damn it not even I know what those things do!" Azazel cursed.
"Careful, those orbs each have an ability of their own." Vali advised.
"Seven abilities? !" Issei said.
Cao Cao grabs one of the orbs. "One of the Seven Treasures, Cakka Ratana!"
"? !" Everyone turns toward Xenovia whose Ex Durandal was destroyed.
"? ! My Ex Durandal!" Xenovia said in shock.
"Sorry, but I can't have you wielding that blade, aside from Kenshin Kuroshi's Quadruple Giga, that is one of the few things that can derail my plan. Cakka Ratana's ability is to destroy weapons. You couldn't oppose this ability unless you were quite powerful. Just like, this one..."
Suddenly Xenovia hit the floor in a growing puddle of her own blood. "? ! Asia heal now!" Rias ordered.
"Shit." Kenshin growled, holding back Forbesii.
"Something wrong, Kuroshi Kenshin?" Forbesii asked.
"Now Tamamo!" Kenshin shouts, wrapping his tails around Forbesii's wrists.
"Right!" Tamamo shouts, already having assumed her true form. "Nine Tails Funeral Pyre!"
A massive spiraling column of fire roared toward Forbesii's back. "A little help here Cao Cao-San." Forbesii said.
"Mani Ratana." Cao Cao said as a whirlwind appeared behind Forbesii and absorbed the attack before vanishing.
"What? !" Kenshin and Tamamo said before Forbesii forced Kenshin's tails off and carved off his left arm.
"Hrgh? !" Kenshin jumped back as Tamamo appeared next to him.
"Are you OK?" Tamamo asked.
"I'll live..." Kenshin said he stood up.
"You know that arm won't be coming back so easily." Forbesii said with an impassive smile.
"Trust me Forbesii, I'm well aware." Kenshin scowled. "I'll just have to make due with...? !" His eyes widened as the whirlwind from before appeared behind Hikari and Miyuki. "Mom, Miyuki, BEHIND YOU! !"
"? !" Hikari and Miyuki's eyes widened as they saw Tamamo's absorbed attack rushing toward them. "Miyuki get behind me!" Hikari said holding her shield at the ready.
"Hmn...I'm afraid not." Cao Cao said. "Cakka Ratana."
Hikari's shield was destroyed. "No!" Kenshin said moving to protect them when Forbesii cut in and blocked him
"I'm afraid not Kenshin." Forbesii said.
Hikari turned around and held her youngest daughter tightly as she braced for impact. However it never came. "...?" She glanced back behind her to find Tamamo shakily standing behind her, her back heavily burned.
"...Heh...you really...think I was gonna let my attack do in one of my allies...?" Tamamo asked as she fell to her knees, dropping out of her true form before she passed out.
"Tamamo, hey! Tamamo!" Hikari said.
"She's fine Hikari, just banged up." Evangeline said.
"Kuroka-Chan!" Le Fay said charging up an attack.
"Right-nya!" Kuroka said doing the same while moving toward Samael.
"I don't think so." Cao Cao said sending one of the orbs in front of her. "Atsusa Ratana."
"? !" Kuroka and Le Fay vanished and reappeared behind Asia and Xenovia.
"Shit!" Issei said rushing in between the four with his Sonic Knight form. He crossed his arms and was blasted by their combined attack before he could switch to Rook.
"You'll pay for that!" Rias shouts as she, Akeno and Yukari each start charging up an attack.
"Itsutei Ratana." Cao Cao said simply as one of the treasures glows brightly. Yet he was still struck by one attack. "What? !"
"I don't know what you did, but it didn't work on me." Yukari said walking forward.
"Hmn...Itsutei Ratana blocks the unique abilities of women, but those with a certain level of power can nullify it. I guess this is what Forbesii-San meant by be wary of you." Cao Cao said.
"Issei-San!" Asia said seeing Issei looking battered, bruised and bleeding in front of her.
"No, don't. I'll live. Xenovia needs your help more than I do." Issei said.
"I'll take care of him." Asia looked over seeing Sextum with her hands on Issei's stomach which was bleeding moderately. "Don't worry. He'll pull through."
"Yes, thank you Sextum-San." Asia said.
"Of course." Sextum said.
"You, how did you get in here?" Cao Cao asked. "I didn't invite you in."
"One of my deceased friends had an ability resembling that of this Sacred Gear, so I figured out how to break through." Sextum said.
"Vali! Let's go!" Azazel shouts.
"Geez...I just want to fight him alone." Vali griped as he and Azazel rushed Cao Cao, both attacking him at once.
"Heh, a dual attack from the Fallen Angel Leader and the Hakuryuukou. I can rise higher if I overcome this!" Cao Cao said.
"Grhh..." Kenshin growled as he was slowly being shoved back by Forbesii.
"I can see it in your face Kenshin, you're confused as to how I'm overpowering you." Forbesii said. "The simple fact is...I've got stronger things in my body than you have in yours." He twisted his sword to the left and slashed outward, sending Kenshin through a wall.
"Krgh!" Kenshin grunted as he pushed a piece of wood through his stomach out through his back. "Dammit! How is he as strong as me? ! I should at least have the upperhand in physicality."
"He has elemental magic in his body." Yuurei said.
"WHAT? !" Kenshin, Sylph, Salamander, Undine and Gnome all shout.
"He's had our power before, but we've since rescinded our contracts with him and took it away!" Salamander said.
"So how is he still using it! Surely he can use elemental magic alone, but that shouldn't be enough to overpower Kenshin!" Undine said.
"You said before that this guy was a homunculus right?" Yuurei asked.
"Yeah?" Kenshin thought.
"Then that leaves two possibilities. Either he's put pure elemental magic in his core..."
"Impossible, without our permission, pure elemental magic would destroy him." Salamander said.
"Then that leaves the other possibility. He's found a way to homunculize the four of you, and gained their permit." Yuurei said.
"!" Kenshin scowled. "Fuck...a fake elemental master..."
He heard shouting, followed by cries of pain from Azazel and Kuroka then a cry of rage from Vali, followed by another cry of pain. "No...Dammit..." He seethed. "We're getting lambasted here...!"
"You should be helping with Cao Cao, Forbesii can wait for another time." Yuurei said. "You're not ready to fight that blade yet."
"Fine..." Kenshin said. He rushed out and broke for Cao Cao who was busy with Kiba. However Forbesii moved between them and slammed his sword to the ground and ripped it back up, sending sharp spires of earth into Kenshin's body. "Guh!" He crashed into the floor. "Haa..haa...haa...what...the hell...? !"
Forbesii crouched down, setting his sword to the side and grabbed Kenshin's hair. "You see Kenshin, there is more than one way to gain elemental powers like you have."
"So you made fake spirits is that it?" Kenshin scowled.
"Oh? You've already figured out, well that saves me the time to explain." Forbesii said. "Nonetheless, we will meet again Kenshin. Sayonara for now." Forbesii said as he stood up and walked away. "I'm finished here Cao Cao, I'll be in contact with the rest of the brigade." Forbesii said as he disappeared.
"Very well." Cao Cao said. "Georg are you finished?"
"I could only gouge out three fourths of her power before time ran out." Georg said.
"Fine, send him back, we'll make due with this." Cao Cao said as Georg commanded Samael to release Ophis who looked fine, but...
"My power has been taken, was this your goal?" Ophis said.
"That's right. We plan to take this power and make a new Infinity Dragon God." Cao Cao said.
"And Forbesii?" Kenshin said as Yukari helped him up. "What is it Cao Cao? You figured you couldn't beat me, so you went and grabbed someone who you know I'd be itching to kill?"
"Actually, Forbesii-San asked for this detail himself." Cao Cao said. "I was just planning to come at you myself. He didn't really show what he could do, but he neutralized you all the same. I guess the lost Tsurugi no Kami really is a game changer. It cancels out your ability to heal and the Holy Canceler isn't AS effective against it as it would be against Angels and Fallen Angels."
"Krh..." Kenshin growled. "Tell me something Cao Cao."
"Hm?" Cao Cao said.
"Do you really believe, that the Super Devil in charge of the Old Satan faction will let you just do as you want, eventually you, him and Forbesii will all butt heads." Kenshin said.
Cao Cao turned around, dropping from his Balance Breaker. "When the times comes, I'll destroy them too."
"..." Kenshin stared at his back.
"Cao Cao, I'll prepare the transfer spell, but there's something you need to see." Georg said handing Cao Cao a piece of paper.
"...?" Cao Cao took it and looked it over. "...That bastard. It didn't take him long to screw us. Well, I guess this is to be expected from a Demon King. He told the Old Satan where we were and sent him to us. Well they did cooperate with us long enough."
Georg disappeared as Cao Cao turned to the two devil groups. "I've sent Georg outside to prepare the transfer spell. Now I would like to play a game with you all, Kuroshis, Gremorys, and of course Vali's team. Soon a group of Grim Reapers will arrive on Hades' orders to capture the weakened Ophis. I will also have Siegfried from my team participate in it as well. To win, you must escape from here with Ophis safely. No one knows what will happen when Hades captures Ophis. Do challenge it. I'd like the Two Heavenly Dragons to survive, but I've zero intention to enforce it to the Reapers or my comrades. I think it's more suitable to fight those who overcome a crisis and I'm sure Forbesii-San would hate to lose his new nemesis."
Cao Cao disappeared. "That...bastard." Kenshin growled. "Come on everyone, we need to make a plan."
"Right." Various voices said as they got up and walked toward their room to set up a defense. Kenshin glanced at Evangeline.
"Why weren't you fighting?" Kenshin asked. "You and Chachamaru."
"Chachamaru determined that neither of us would have been able to attack Samael or defeat that Cao Cao guy." Evangeline said. "So we defended the ones who had their power robbed and went down in case he wanted to try to kill them." She lifted her arm. "I've even got the wound to prove it."
Chachamaru added. "The only things that could have destroyed Samael where the Juggernaut Drive, the True Longinus' Truth Idea, and the Tsurugi no Kami. As well as your Quadruple Giga."
Kenshin nodded. "Alright. I trust your judgment."
(break)
Later.
Kiba and Kazumi came back to the hotel room they had moved to. "He was telling the truth." Kazumi said casting away her Sacred Gear. "There's a large amount of those Reaper guys out in the parking lot."
"That bastard Hades is actually going through with this!" Azazel spat.
"Calm down Azazel, anger isn't going to get us anywhere." Hikari said.
"How is everyone, other than the injured?" Kiba asked.
"Well, Issei, Xenovia and Azazel are good to go. Kuroka's fine, but exhausted, being looked after by her sister and Ravel, Vali's been healed, but his curse wasn't able to be removed." Yukari said.
"Sextum-Chan, is there away for you to get us out of here the same way you got in?" Akeno asked.
"I'm afraid not." Sextum said. "It took half my power to get me in, that's why I didn't fight, and before you ask, no. Teaching you how would take more time than we have available."
"How's Kenshin-kun?" Kiba asked.
"I'm fine." Kenshin called over from the window. "I'm just working the holy magic out of my wound."
"Let me help." Rias said.
"No. This is God class holy magic. I don't know what it could do to you." Kenshin said shaking his head.
"Rias, leave him be. Kenshin will be fine." Yukari said.
"..." Sextum walked over to Kenshin. "I'm not a devil so this shouldn't be a big deal." She sent her magic through Kenshin's body and suddenly a white light began pouring out of Kenshin's wound. He grabbed a flask and filled it with the light before tossing it to Azazel.
"Here. If we get out of here, analyze that for me and see if there's any way I can even the stakes against the Tsurugi no Kami." Kenshin said.
"Right." Azazel said, pocketing it. "But first things first. We gotta jailbreak this place."
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "Thanks Sextum, you can stop now...Hrrgh!" He grunted and a new arm shot out of his wound.
"Uughh..." Sextum shivered.
"So, Le Fay, you said something about a report labeling you guys as Khaos Brigade traitors?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes. The official report states that Ophis was rescued by the Hero Faction." Le Fay nodded.
"Hn, so you've all been burned as part of a Khaos Brigade black flag operation." Kenshin said. "Well then, I guess you guys are stuck with us."
"What did you guys do anyway?" Issei asked.
"Well we did all kinds of things. It started with locating Great Red-San, from there we searched for extinct civilizations. The lost technology on the Mu Continent and the sunken continent of Atlantis. We also researched parallel universes and the anecdote and creatures whose status, either dead or alive is unknown, sometimes we help out the Brigade with their terrorism."
"..." Everyone stared at her like she grew a second head. "Uhm...gee...well...I guess you guys get around a lot then, huh?" Kenshin asked. "I have no idea how to react to this!" Kenshin thought.
"We also look around for other Longinus possessors. By the way Azazel-San, is the wielder of Canis Lykaon doing alright at the Grigori?" Le Fay asked.
Azazel looked up at the ceiling. "Slash Dog's doing fine. He still wants to tear Vali a new one."
"Geez, Cao Cao's got the strongest Longinus, who has the second strongest?" Issei asked.
"Dulio Gesualdo, wielder of Zenith Tempest." Azazel said. "Last I checked he's the Brave Saints' Joker. How's he doing these days Irina?"
"Dulio-Sama? I hear he wanders around looking for delicious food to eat." Irina said.
"?" Evangeline glanced curiously at her. "Isn't Gluttony a deadly sin?"
"He doesn't just ram it down until he can't eat anymore." Irina huffed. "He's Heaven's strongest exorcist."
"So, he's on our side then? Because of the alliance?" Issei asked.
"I'd imagine so." Irina nodded.
"If he wasn't we'd have to worry, he's sent out regularly on fights against high class devils and really evil monsters." Xenovia said.
"Yeah, there are thirteen Lonignus possessors. True Longinus, Sephiroth Graal, Boosted Gear, Divine Dividing, Regulus Nemea, Innovate Clear, Absolute Demise, Dimension Lost, Zenith Tempest, Incinerate Anthem, Annihilation Maker, Canis Lykaon and Telos Karma." Azazel said. "Also we have the unofficial Longnius, The Four Elements of Creation and Destruction."
"Unofficial?" Kenshin and Yukari asked.
"Ragnarok could kill gods with his power, he just chose not to, trust me the gods and buddhas were very wary of him during the war." Azazel said. "So, unofficial it is. Also, I have found that the current Longinus possessors are all hard to predict, for example, we have an oppai brain(Issei), a battle maniac(Vali ), and a battle maniac with nymphomaniac tendencies." Azazel was smacked in the head by a coin. "What? ! It's true with your lust problems!" He shouted at Kenshin.
"Piss off you mad scientist!" Kenshin snapped. At this moment Ophis walked down the stairs. "? You're back quick." Kenshin said.
"Weakened though I am, I am still the Infinity Dragon God, and I retrieved all the power I ejected from my body into the Dimensional Gap, at a place only I could find it." Ophis said. "All in all I'd say I'm twice as strong as the Heavenly Dragons in their prime."
"So slightly above Ragnarok in his?" Tamamo asked.
"Tamamo? You're up too?" Yukari asked.
"Yes, but I won't be able to go into my true form again for quite some time. It's taken quite a lot of damage." Tamamo said with a furrowed brow.
"I'm sorry." Hikari said bowing toward her.
"It's OK, even Kenshin in his Balance Breaker would have been taken down by that attack." Tamamo said.
"Still...I used to be a hero in the war on Mundus Magicus." Hikari said with a bitter tone.
Kenshin walked upstairs as everyone talked. He knocked on one of the doors. "C-Come in!"
Kenshin walked into the room to see Vali laying flat on the floor with Miyuki at his side. "How is he?"
"He's managing, but he's in a lot of pain." Miyuki said.
"I see." Kenshin nodded. "Oi, Vali you awake?"
"Of course I am, I can't sleep like this." Vali said with a slight strain in his voice.
"We need to think about bailing soon, are you gonna be able to walk or do I have to carry your ass out of here?" Kenshin asked.
"I'll live, even if it is Samael's curse, I won't be done in by it." Vali said.
"I can carry him." Miyuki said.
"Very well." Kenshin nodded. "Is that alright with you?"
"I have no arguments." Vali said. "However, I'd like to speak with you alone."
"I'll stand outside." Miyuki said, getting up to leave.
Kenshin sat down next to him. "Vali, is the Super Devil, Rizevim Rivan Lucifer related to you?"
"How did you find out that name?" Vali asked.
"Ophis told me." Kenshin said. "I just wanna know if he's related to you in any way, if you'd like to keep the rest to yourself, feel free to do so."
"..." Vali stared at the ceiling. "My grandfather and the son of Lucifer himself."
"Well that explains the being a Super Devil." Kenshin said.
"Now...let me ask you something." Vali said.
"What?" Kenshin said.
"Why were you holding back against the King of Makai earlier?" Vali asked.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "It wasn't intentional...hell I don't even know if I consciously did it myself, but...remember when you went into your Juggernaut Drive to fight Fenrir?" Vali nodded. "Why did you have Kuroka transport you two to an alternate space? Couldn't you have just fought the wolf where we were?"
"...I think I understand." Vali said. "It was a pretty closed environment, and with everything that was happening, you were probably distracted by everyone going down."
"Also, Forbesii is stronger than you think...and my sword wasn't able to cancel out all of his sword's holy magic, as well as...he found a way to make replacement spirits." Kenshin said.
"...That's not good." Vali said.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"I think you need to find a way to unlock your Touki in order to tip the scales in your favor again, because it felt like that man was also restraining himself." Vali said.
"Lovely." Kenshin said. "So, Vali...what's this I hear about you dreaming of my little sister?"
"...I'm not gonna dignify that question with a response." Vali grunted. "My private matters are mine."
"Hahaha. Alright alright." Kenshin said. He leaned against the wall next to him. "Hey Vali."
"Hm?" Vali said.
"You ever feel like your next battle's gonna be your last?" Kenshin asked.
"Every time." Vali said. "You feel that way now?"
"Kind of. I've been dead twice, so you could say I've developed a sort of sixth sense on when I'm coming precariously close to death." Kenshin said.
"Hmph, if you get yourself killed before we've had a chance to have it out for real, I'll resurrect you somehow, just so I send you to your grave myself." Vali said with a weak smirk.
"Hahahahaha." Kenshin laughed. "Well, let's go you battling dragon, you." Kenshin picked Vali up by the arm and lifted him up, slinging Vali's arm over his shoulders.
The door opened and Miyuki turned seeing Kenshin and Vali walking out. "Onii-Chan? He should be-"
"We need to think about how to get out of here soon, it'll be easier to move him if he's already standing." Kenshin said.
"OK, I'll take him from here." Miyuki nodded and slung his other arm over her shoulders.
Kenshin nodded and let her carry him and walked ahead. "Sorry about this." Vali said.
"It's alright, I mean it's not like you're heavy." Miyuki said.
"...I suppose." Vali said.
Kenshin snickered at this interaction as they walked back into the main room. "Vali? Should you be walking right now?" Azazel asked.
"It's OK, I'll be helping him move." Miyuki said. "We can't just leave him here." Azazel nodded.
"What have we figured out?" Kenshin asked.
"Le Fay can get two people out of here while Sextum can leave with them and alert Onii-Sama and Heaven as to what's going on. We decided on Irina and Xenovia." Rias said.
"Why not Ravel? She's..." Kenshin was cut off.
"She volunteered to stay back." Akeno said.
"..." Kenshin nodded. "Very well." He turned to Xenovia. "Isn't that Excalibur Ruler? Doesn't Arthur need that?" He said seeing the sword Xenovia was holding.
"Actually we don't need it at all anymore." Vali said.
"Yeah, big brother wanted it passed on." Le Fay said.
"Ah." Kenshin nodded. "Well he knows more about it than I do." He looked over and saw Koneko running with Ravel giving chase. "Alright, hammer out the rest of the strategy, we need to move soon."
(break)
Later.
Everyone was gathered in the main room. "Ok, first things first. We need to know what it is we're going up against here." Kenshin said.
"Cao Cao said something about one of the old Satans. You think it might be their leader?" Yukari asked.
Ophis and Vali shook their heads. "No, he wouldn't come this far for something simple as picking up a weakened me/Ophis." Vali continued. "If anything, I'm guessing it's Shalba."
"Shalba? Didn't Issei kill him when he went berserk in the Juggernaut Drive?" Azazel asked.
"No, he barely survived and was healed by the Hero Faction." Vali said.
"Lovely." Kenshin drawled. "OK, so we're dealing with Reapers...Siegfried and Shalba so far. Any word on if the Sixteenth Demon King is in this equation? If he is we need to prepare for him too."
"I don't feel him, but he could also be concealing his presence." Tamamo said.
"How does he conceal the Tsurugi no Kami then?" Kiba asked.
"He has a specialized weapon box that he places it into." Tamamo said. "It's warded up to the gills to prevent it's aura from getting out. He places the blade there when he's not using it."
"Seeing as it's just a piece of his power, it is possible." Azazel said. "Damn, I still can't believe it though, the Sword of God has been in existence with him dead this whole time..."
"About that." Kenshin said. "Maybe it's best if we don't tell Michael about that right away."
"Eh? Why?" Irina asked. "It's the weapon of the Almighty himself, Michael-Sama should know about it."
"No, I agree with Kenshin here." Azazel said. "If Michael hears of that blade's existence, he will tear ass after it, leaving Heaven vulnerable."
"But I can't not tell him about it if he asks if that's everything there is to know. I'd be lying, bearing false witness and I'll fall!" Irina argued.
"I know." Kenshin said. "Xenovia, when they ask, answer for her."
"I'm not sure that will work." Irina said as her wings unconsciously came out.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "Hm...Xenovia, Irina. When you two were traveling together before coming to Kuoh, did you ever practice kissing?" He asked while throwing a blank stencil over Irina's mouth to silence her.
"We did, quite a few times in fact." Xenovia answered.
"! !" Irina's face went bright pink as she froze on the spot.
"Oh really?" Kenshin asked as Issei's mind went blank from the images put into his head.
"Oh ho?" Azazel said.
"My my..." Evangeline and Akeno both said.
"Actually that is a lie, we never did." Xenovia said.
"Oh? And Irina just let it be told in front of her, tsk tsk tsk." Kenshin said. "Now Irina, look at your wings."
"?" Irina looked at her still white wings.
"See? You're fine, besides if you confess to him later about it and explain your reasoning, I'm sure he'll understand." Kenshin said as he pumped magic into the stencil and removed it.
"Fine, but if I fall I'm coming after you!" Irina huffed.
"Heheheh, I'll be waiting." Kenshin said. "Alright, lastly while Kuroka and Le Fay are searching for the machines that are powering this thing. Do we know if Hades himself has come with his reapers?" Kenshin asked.
"No." Azazel said. "That's all I can say. I can assume that he isn't, because of Ophis being weakened, maybe he'd think reapers alone would cut it, but I don't really know."
"Be ready for him anyway." Kenshin said.
"We've determined how many devices there are." Le Fay said.
"Great, how many?" Issei asked.
"Three-nya...One in the parking lot and two at the bottom and top of the hotel." Kuroka said.
"..." Kenshin, Azazel, Rias and Vali narrowed their eyes. "Are they mocking us? Two so close by?" Rias asked.
"Well, we can't assume they aren't without heavy guard." Azazel said.
"Azazel-San is right. There are Reapers spread out on every floor except the two we're occupying." Le Fay said.
"Hm..." Kenshin said. "What do they look like? So we know what were looking for?"
Le Fay handed a picture to Vali. "Hn, it's a statue of Uroboros, it seems they're also mocking you Ophis."
"I see that." Ophis said.
Rias turned to Azazel. "Let's do it like we've planned."
"Sounds good...geez you sure did think of a wacky plan Rias. Kenshin your future wife understands you and Issei better than almost anyone else you know."
"Awesome, what's the plan." Kenshin said.
Yukari walked over and whispered in his ear. "Hm? Oh? Ah huh...yeah I can do that." Kenshin said. "Nice plan Rias. Issei we're gonna need you in the Balance Breaker. We'll move in five."
"Right, thanks for filling me in Akeno-San, Chief that is an amazing plan you thought of!" Issei grinned.
Rias nodded. "Alright, everyone get ready."
Kenshin assumed his Balance Breaker, and was approached by Kuroka. "Hm?" Kenshin said.
"I have no doubt we'll make it out of here, so can I ask you something?" Kuroka said in a low tone.
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"Has Shirone...shown any signs of forgiving me?" Kuroka asked.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes in thought. "I'm sorry, but I can't say."
"Oh..." Kuroka said turning away.
"Look, seeing as we might be spending more time with your group, just keep at it. She'll come around eventually." Kenshin said.
"Thanks, and could you continue caring for her like you have been?" Kuroka asked.
"Of course." Kenshin said.
"By the way. Vali mentioned something to you about unlocking your Touki earlier right?" Kuroka asked.
"Uh...yeah?" Kenshin said. "I guess he told you?"
"Yes-nya. The thing is, it's already unlocked." Kuroka said.
"Huh? But I don't feel any different." Kenshin said.
"It's one thing to unlock it, it's another to become proficient in using it in battle-nyan. Right now it wouldn't be compatible with your Sacred Gear at all." Kuroka said.
"I see, thanks for the tip." Kenshin said.
"Think of it as part of my thanks for caring for Shirone." Kuroka said as she walked away.
Kenshin nodded and looked over seeing Rias standing, looking out the window. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Something eating you?"
"No." Rias said. "It's just...this game's pretty much rigged, so that we won't get out without suffering casualties."
"Don't think like that." Kenshin said. "The second you think like that in battle, you've already lost."
"I know." Rias said with a sigh. "But..."
"What?" Kenshin asked.
Rias turned to him and held him tightly in her arms. "...Kenshin, promise me that I'll be able to hold you again, just like this..."
"..." Kenshin embraced her back. "It's a promise."
"Kenshin...it should go without saying, but I want to be with you forever." Rias said.
"If I have anything to say about it, you will be." Kenshin said. "Now come on." He pulled away and smiled. "We have an alternate dimension to jailbreak."
"Right." Rias said.
Later. Kenshin and Issei were standing in a hallway with Koneko in between them. Kenshin clenched and unclenched his fist while Issei stood ready.
"Kenshin-Senpai, Issei-Senpai. There, and over there." Koneko said pointing at the ceiling and floor at certain spots.
"Alright Issei, which one do you want?" Kenshin asked.
"Give me the top." Issei said.
"Alright, then I'll be Death from Above...to...Death...dammit that sounded so much better in my head." Kenshin muttered.
"Koneko-Chan had an argument with Ravel earlier, but looked refreshed because of it. From what Kuroka told me she still bears a grudge against her sister. I kinda can't blame Koneko-Chan, but at the same time..." Issei thought.
"Koneko." Kenshin said.
"Yes?" Koneko said, moving to go into the same room as the other were in, to prepare to strike.
"I know that you went through painful experiences because of what Kuroka did to her master and that she was forced to abandon you." Kenshin said. "But still she is your sister, and your only family...it's up to you if you want to forgive her, but..."
"I know, I still bear a grudge toward her, but...I'm thinking of trusting her for now, until we leave here anyway.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "Do as you wish."
"Yes, I got stronger because of you and Issei-Senpai, Gya-kun did too, and I want to get even stronger than this." Koneko said.
"Well you can, even I got stronger, hell even strong enough to match him." Issei said gesturing to Kenshin.
Koneko nodded and turned toward Kenshin. "...I love you Senpai, Even with Chief ahead of me, even with Akeno-Senpai and Yukari-Senpai ahead of me, I'll catch up to them...that's why..." Koneko stared right into his eyes. "Please make me your lover when I get bigger."
"Y-You say that to him here? !" Just about Everyone shouted.
"...Eh..heheheh..." Kenshin chuckled nervously. "If you do indeed get bigger, then...absolutely."
"Understood, I will become an ideal woman for Senpai." Koneko said.
"Haa, just become a bigger, better version of yourself. That's good enough for me." Kenshin sighed as Koneko went into the room with the others.
"The magic formula is complete!" Le Fay said.
"Then get out of here and Xenovia!" Kenshin said.
"Yes?" Xenovia said.
"Give 'em hell." Kenshin said with a smirk.
"Yes!" Xenovia said with a nod.
"Stay safe you three!" Issei said.
"Can do!" Le Fay and Irina said.
"Alright everyone, get ready to breach!" Kenshin said as the four elements began spiraling around his fist.
"Promote to Welsh Blaster Bishop!" Issei announced.
"Change Fang Blast!"
"Alright you four, when I release your power, make it cover as much area as possible." Kenshin thought.
"We got this Kenshin, don't worry." Salamander said.
"Let's do this Ddraig, use the power to obliterate those reapers and the device in one swoop!" Issei said.
"You got it!" Ddraig shouts.
A moment passed and Kenshin turned to Issei. "Alright, Issei I'm ready!"
"Same here!" Issei said.
"Good, then let's go!" Kenshin said cocking his fist back.
"Go Dragon Blaster! !" Issei shouts.
"Four Elements Fist! Elemental Spica!" Kenshin shouts punching through the floor.
The two attacks roared in their respective directions. Le Fay's voice comes through communication circles. "The Devices on the Roof and Floor have both been obliterated with the Reapers around them. Now we'll be leaving."
Le Fay, Irina, Sextum and Xenovia vanished. Kenshin cracked his neck and smirked opening communications with everyone. "Ladies, Gentlemen...Let's go laugh in the face of death."
(Chapter end)
Draconis: That will be one bottle of vodka Kenshin.
Kenshin: Meh. (hands Draconis a bottle of high end vodka)
Issei: Kind of a weird place to stop don't you think?
Draconis: Have to stop somewhere.
Forbesii: Well well Kenshin, seems I'm better than you. Hmhmhm...
Kenshin: (Scowls) Let me get your ass alone and we'll see whose laughing.
Draconis: Anyway, See you all next chapter.
Draconis678 out.