Draconis: Hrm... (looks over at Kenshin and Yukari) How to play this.
Heinrich: Forget them for a moment, what the hell happened to me? !
Draconis: That's actually the first thing I'm covering in this chapter.
Heinrich: Oh, alright then. I just want a proper sendoff.
Draconis: You'll get it.
Yukari: Enough talk...let us at these fuckers.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 113
Yama's Deadly Trickery.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
At the same time as Yukari and Kenshin's battle against RyuuTaisho.
"Haaaa!" Heinrich roared as he slashed Angel Halo down at Yama. "Earth Rumbling Decapitation!"
"!" Yama raised the handle of his scythe to block it as Heinrich drove him backward. "Hahahaha. I gotta hand it to ya Hein, you've certainly got a lot of spunk and determination for someone who WANTS to die!"
"Hrgh..." Heinrich scowled. "I won't die unless I drag your ass down with me!"
Yama smirked as the three sixes appeared on his eyelids and forehead. "Well then...I'll hold you to that."
"Then come on!" Heinrich shouted as he rushed Yama.
"Heh!" Yama turned his scythe downward and slashed upward as Heinrich lunged toward. "Reaper Slice!"
"!" Heinrich immediately diverted his own slash and blocked Yama's attack.
"Hahaha! Reaper Blast!" Yama shouted extending his hand toward Heinrich, expelling a gray energy at him.
"G-Grrhhh!" Heinrich surrounded himself in the elements as he was blasted back.
"Oh? That has to be a lot more tiring without the spirits. How many times can you do that before my curse of Death takes you." Yama smirked.
"I will do it as many times as I need to, you monster. No matter how many times I have to do it." Heinrich growled.
"Heh, well come on then!" Yama smirked.
Heinrich rushed and slashed. "Lightning Sword Flash!" He shouted, slicing through Yama.
"Aagh!" Yama gasped out...before his image disappeared.
"Huh? !" Heinrich said before the blade of Yama's scythe ripped through his back and out of his stomach. "Krh? !" He looked back.
"Heheheheh. Sorry Heiny-boya, but this old man is a master of illusion magic." Yama said before ripping his scythe out of Heinrich's torso.
"K-Kkkhhh..." Heinrich growled as he turned and slashed Angel Halo at his neck.
"Ahaha~! That's more death aura for you. I gotta ask, how does it feel?" Yama asked with a gleeful tone. "Everyone I've used it on has either been immune, died too quickly or I had to kill too quickly."
"Y-You insane bastard." Heinrich growled, holding his hand over his stomach.
"Hahahaha!" Yama cackled.
"Hhhhrrrrggghhh!" Heinrich growled, rushing Yama.
"Bloodstorm Revolution!" Yama shouted, creating a sphere of slashes that Heinrich tried to block as the Shinigami rose in the air.
"A-Aaagghh!" Heinrich cried out before growling at Yama. "Ninefold Rakshasa!"
"Heh...I was able to track my brothers movements with the elements...you think this bothers me? !" Yama said blocking each and everyone of Heinrich's slashes.
"Tch!" Heinrich was thrown back and rushed Yama again, his eyes filled with rage.
"Unholy Maelstrom!" Yama shouted slashing his scythe downed creating a twisting, blading twister of water to slash into Heinrich.
"You...bastard!" Heinrich growled after he landed.
"Did you not expect me to share at least some of the elemental powers my brother possessed? I just combined them with my own ki!" Yama said with a smirk as he held his hand outward. "Explosion!"
"!" Heinrich's eyes widened as he was engulfed in an exploding fire.
"Hmn? !" Yama's eyes widened as the fire twisted around above Heinrich's hand as he fired it back at him.
"Take it BACK!" Heinrich roared. "Daystar!"
"!" Yama dodged out of the way only to look up. "!"
"Heavenly Demon Revival!" Heinrich yelled as he slashed down at Yama, cutting into his torso as he was sent rocketing to the ground.
"Krh!" Yama smirked as he held his hand over his torso.
"YAMA! !" Heinrich roared as he roared toward the Shinigami, slashing past him. "Flash Kill! Tornado!"
"Uuuaaaggghhh!" Yama screamed out as he was engulfed in a torrent of twisting wind fueled blades.
"Hrrrhh...Hrrrhh..." Heinrich grabbed his stomach which was still bleeding. "No...Not yet!" He said as the elements surrounded his right fist as he flung Angel Halo away. "Please Kenshin, that blade is yours now!" He thought as he slammed his fist into Yama's chest.
"Guah? !" Yama coughed out before a hand reached forward and gripped Heinrich by the neck. Too bad...your time is up." Yama said as his wounds healed with a smirk.
"Tch...I knew it'd come to this, that's why I flung Angel Halo to Kenshin...go ahead...kill me you fucking coward." Heinrich said with a smirk.
"A coward am I?" Yama asked as he stabbed his hand into Heinrich's chest.
"Guah? !" Heinrich gasped out. "You...will never get...what you desire...Kenshin and his lover will kill you."
"Hrmn!" Yama took his hand back out, gripping a beating organ. Heinrich realized it was his heart. Yama smirked. "We'll see..." He said as he crushed Heinrich's heart in his hand.
Heinrich's corpse fell to the ground. His last conscious thought being. "This...isn't the end...Kenshin...I leave everything to you..."
Yama reached down into his body, a white aura around his hand as he searched around inside Heinrich. "Odd...no soul. Either Kenshin or I have to send him off...and I wasn't going to do that...hrmn...I see." He would have mused upon these thoughts more, but a massive explosion caught his eyes and he looked over to see Kenshin and Yukari finishing their fight against RyuuTaisho. Seeing Angel Halo land behind the explosion. "Hrm...interesting." Yama said as he started to approach the ending battle, scythe in hand.
(break)
With Issei, Asia, Xenovia, Irina and Raynare.
"Haaaaaaa!" Raynare charged forward only to have her red light spear broken by Rizevim's fist and she was slugged backward.
"Haaaa!" Xenovia charged forward. "I just need to land one hit!" She said occasionally transforming Ex Durandal into Excalibur Mimic's whip form. However this didn't matter to Rizevim as he casually grabbed the whip and yanked her forward.
"? !" Xenovia's eyes widened in shock. "Uh, ahhhh...!" She gasped out as Rizevim kicked her in the stomach.
"Xenovia! How dare you! !" Irina cried out as an intense holy aura surrounded Hauteclere. However as Irina slashed it downward at Rizevim, however, he reached his hand forward and Hauteclere's power was no more."
"To be honest...Irina-Chan was it? Your technique isn't bad, I mean you and that blue haired nee-chan expended too much energy defeating the Yamata no Orochi. Still...even then if you hadn't done that, it still would have been enough." Rizevim yanked Hauteclere from Irina's grasp and stabbed his hand into her abdomen.
"Hahahahahaha!" Rizevim laughed as he kicked Irina in the same direction he had kicked Xenovia.
"How did it come to this?" Touji said.
Issei growled after hearing this. "Damn it! Fuck his Sacred Gear Canceling ability...Just let me get back up and kick his ass!" Issei thought.
"I'M DONE!"
"Hm?" Rizevim looked over, seeing Miyuki with her right arm coated in the elements. "What are you done with, Kenshin's imouto?" Rizevim asked with a cocky smirk.
"I'm done hearing you talk!" Miyuki growled. "I'm done with you hurting my friends...and I'm done with your existence hurting Vali and my family...I may not be in love with him anymore, but I'll be damned if I let the cause of all his suffering continue to live!" Miyuki shouted as she punched forward. "Perfected Crimson Dragon's Fist!"
"Oh my!" Rizevim shouted as he was engulfed by said blast.
"Haa...haaa..." Miyuki panted, holding her arm. "It didn't break...I'm OK!"
Issei gasped, looking behind Miyuki. "Haaa!" Issei charged forward reequiping his Scale Mail.
His fist impacted Rizevim's cheek as his armor disappeared. Miyuki turned in shock. "I-Issei? !"
"Oh my, you're intercepting my strike for her? I didn't realize you liked flat chested girls." Rizevim said as he slugged Issei away.
"Rizevim!" Miyuki shouted. "I'll be your opponent!"
"Hahahahaha." Rizevim laughed with a smirk. "Come on then! I'll present your corpse to your former flame!"
"Huh? !" Miyuki said as a pair of golden dragon legs landed around her.
"Asia-Chan, I'm here to protect you."
"A dragon king stands in my way? Innnnnteresting! Do you need to play a game with me?" Rizevim asked.
Issei through blurred vision saw Rizevim approach Miyuki, Asia and Fafnir. "N...No...I...have to get up!" Issei thought as he struggled to lift his body upward. "Aaggh!" He gasped out as he collapsed. He glanced over seeing both Kenshin and Yukari standing still. "What are you two doing? ! We need help here!" Issei looked down, seeing Yukari holding RyuuTaisho in her arms. "Oh...I see..." Issei thought as he barely kept his consciousness
"Fafnir, if you're going to protect Asia, then fine. I'll go on ahead!" Miyuki said before a giant golden dragon hand cut her off.
"No...Asia-Chan doesn't wish to see you die." Fafnir said before taking Rizevim's magic attacks.
"Fafnir for fuck's sake let me through! You're taking too much damage!" Miyuki yelled as Asia got up and ran intending to act as a target herself, but Fafnir's tail blocked her path.
"Fafnir-San! Please escape! If you keep going like this...you'll...!" Asia cried out.
"Never mind this old dragon...he needs to protect Asia-Chan and her friends." Fafnir said.
"Hmhmhm...hahahahaha! Truly commendable! For the sake of protecting your female master, this mighty Dragon King would disregard himself! But that's not to say I'll be lenient! In fact this is interesting, so I'll attack even harder!"
"Guah!" Fafnir spewed blood as he was injured to the point even Asia couldn't heal him.
"Stop! Run! Please!" Asia cried out.
"Seriously Fafnir, don't kill yourself over us!" Miyuki yelled.
"To protect, Asia-Chan." Fafnir said.
"!" Asia and Miyuki both gasped. "Why, do you have to go so far for me?" Asia cried out.
"The girl who smiled at me, Asia-Chan was the first...so that's what I need to protect, to stand in front of Asia." Fafnir said as his lips dripped blood. "This dragon, only had a strong and large boddy and was more powerful than other dragons. Before he knew it, he had become a Dragon King. He doesn't have the pride of other dragons. But, to be able to protect that is definitely, the pride of this Dragon King."
"Please stop...! You don't have to stand in front of us anymore!" Asia said as she and Miyuki shoved aside Fafnir's tail.
"Enough! Please stop! Why do you have to go so far with these things? !" Asia shouted.
"Seriously! What the fuck is the point of all this? !" Miyuki yelled. "You cause such mayhem, have Yama resurrect our family to fight against us...for WHAT? !"
"It's simply because I'm the son of Lucifer. If I don't do bad things then I'll just be a fake, right?" Rizevim said.
"I, and my friends are a big family, we just want a peaceful life! Doing such horrible things will just create hatred, and cause people to get hurt!" Asia said.
"All our family has wanted was peace. I won't let you disturb that!" Miyuki said.
"You won't let me?" Rizevim said, an amused tone in his voice. "OK...that's fine, it's true. I have to do horrible things. I have to be hated. I have to cause people to get hurt...So what about it?"
"? !" Miyuki's eyes widened as she saw Rizevim appear in front of Asia and backhand her to the ground.
"? !" Issei's, Irina's and Xenovia's eyes all widened. However Miyuki rushed forward. "HOW DARE YOU! !" Miyuki angrily shouted, slugging Rizevim across the face with her element covered fist.
"How dare I, how dare you? !" Rizevim yelled grabbing Miyuki by the throat. "You think you'll get away with punching me? ! Who do you think you are? !"
(clench!)
"Hnn? !" Rizevim glanced to his left, his eyes wide with surprise as a hand grasped his arm, squeezing it to the point of pain.
"Take...your fucking hands off my sister's neck."
"Kenshin? !" Issei, Irina and Xenovia all shouted as Rizevim dropped Miyuki.
"Stay down, all of you." Kenshin said. "This bitch made mother fucker is mine."
Fafnir appeared over Asia and extended his claws to pull Miyuki over to him. "I won't let these two be harmed."
"Thank you Fafnir." Kenshin said.
(break)
With Hikari
"!" Hikari gasped looking back, seeing RyuuTaisho fall, being caught by Yukari. "Evangeline! I'm sorry but I-"
"Just go!" Evangeline yelled.
Hikari nodded and rushed over. "Go Yukari!" Hikari said holding RyuuTaisho up.
"R-Right!" Yukari said.
"..." Kenshin was silent as Yama came forward.
"Hey..." RyuuTaisho said with a tired smile.
"F-Father..." Hikari said with a morose smile.
"Hey, don't give me that look." RyuuTaisho said cupping Hikari's cheek. "Haa..." He sighed and smiled. "I'm happy to have seen you, grown into a beautiful woman, like Aki and I thought you would be."
"...Hmn." Hikari smiled and hugged RyuuTaisho. "Thanks father.
"Hmn..." RyuuTaisho hugged Hikari back. "Hmn. I'm happy to have had this moment, do you want me to tell Ryuushin anything?"
"Not much...just enjoy your afterlife...because I'll enjoy my life." Hikari said kissing RyuuTaisho on the cheek.
"Hmn." RyuuTaisho smiled. "I'll see to it that Ryuushin gets the message in exchange...tell those two...to enjoy the future for us." He said, sighing his last breath.
"..." Hikari reached forward and closed RyuuTaisho's eyes before looking up at her son and daughter.
Yama smirked. "So did you two enjoy the party favors I prepared?"
"..." Kenshin said nothing
"Yama, you sick bastard...!" Yukari growled.
"Aw, is that any way to talk to the one who taught you illusion magic?" Yama said coyly.
"When he forces me and my brother to relive the worst night of our lives then fuck yeah it is! !" Yukari shouted.
"Hmmm?" Yama ignored Yukari and looked at Kenshin. "Kenshin, you're being awfully quiet. You should also know there's a sword behind you."
"?" Kenshin glanced back, seeing Angel Halo stabbed in the ground from Heinrich's throw and walked over to it grabbing it's hilt. "I see...Heinrich...I accept this parting gift."
"Well, it doesn't matter either way if you have that sword." Yama said. "You're both about to die anyway." He said as he reeled his scythe back. "Darkness Rush!"
A large blast of dark magic rushed toward Kenshin, Yukari, and Hikari, only for Kenshin to appear in front of it. Silently slashing upward, cutting the blast in two. "? !" Yukari and Hikari both looked at Kenshin. "Kenshin..."
Kenshin's bangs overshadowed his right eye. "Yukari." Kenshin said. "You take Yama. You're the best opponent for him." He grabbed Yukari's wrist. "Here, I'm transferring something to you."
"Embrace!"
"!" Yukari's eyes widened as an unfamiliar feeling entered her, causing her to let out a gasp. "Kenshin...is this...?"
"Yes. I've given you my mana, given to me by Ophis." Kenshin said, gripping Angel Halo tightly before he disappeared.
"I see...Kenshin, you've given me that." Yukari said.
"Hahahahaha." Yama laughed. "Kenshin takes off and leaves me with a downgrade? !"
"A downgrade you say?" Yukari said as her eyes shined with an eerie jade glow. "Let's just see about that, you bastard!"
"? !" Yama's eyes widened as Yukari appeared in front of him and knocked him backward with Ryuuga.
"..." Yukari slashed Kazeken down at him. "Kamikazekiri!"
"Nnngh!" Yama growled as he was blown backward again.
"..." Yukari stared forward before shouting. "YOU THINK THAT'S ALL I GOT? ! THINK AGAIN!"
"Krrrhhh!" Yama growled as he was engulfed by a Katensho.
"Haaaaaaa!" Yukari roared.
(break)
With Kenshin.
"Are you sure you want to do this Kenshin?" Rizevim asked with a cruel smirk as Kenshin gazed at him neutrally.
"Kenshin...don't..." Issei groaned out.
"Stay out of this Issei." Kenshin said, his bangs still covering his right eye before turning to Rizevim, remaining silent.
"Aren't you all burnt out from fighting your grandpa?" Rizevim asked.
"..." Kenshin scowled deeply but still said nothing.
"Alright then..." Rizevim said.
Kenshin stared as Lilith, Ophis' spawn appeared between them. "..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "Just like you Rizevim...hiding behind someone else."
"What was that?" Rizevim asked.
"You heard me, you coward." Kenshin said, a neutral tone in his voice.
"Onii-Chan, why are you just pissing him off?" Miyuki thought.
"Krrrh..." Rizevim growled before smirking. "Lilith...kill him."
"Lilith...please don't stand in my way." Kenshin said tossing a chocolate bar to his left.
"!" Lilith dove for it, forgetting Rizevim's order.
"Lilith, What the fuck? ! Again? !" Rizevim shouted before being punched backward by Kenshin.
"Seems you still got a morale issue." Kenshin commented.
"!" Rizevim's eyes widened as Kenshin appeared in front of him, slugging him backward.
"? !" Issei's and Miyuki's eyes widened in shock.
As Fafnir chased Rizevim, Kenshin said. "Rizevim! Did you ask Yama to resurrect my fallen family? !" Kenshin shouted.
Rizevim while putting up defensive barriers smirked. "Hmhmhmhm." Rizevim chuckled. "Yama suggested it to me and I said yes. I told him it'd be great mental warfare."
"..." Kenshin walked forward, his eyes fully widened, his right eye still covered. "Then...come and face their wrath."
"Heh..." Rizevim landed a distance away from Kenshin. Fafnir dove down and tried to bite Rizevim only for an unfamiliar barrier to block his path.
"?" Kenshin glanced at Lilith who looked back indifferently. "To be fair, you did only request that I don't get in YOUR way."
"Fair enough. Though realize I can't save you if he decides to get violent." Kenshin said.
"That's fine. I don't need your help." Lilith said.
Kenshin released his own aura, blasting Rizevim with Serene Conqueror. "Hahahahahaha! What is this? ! To make me feel such pressure! Hey! Why are both your eyes gold now? !"
"..." Kenshin's scowl deepened. "You should know, your fuckbuddy Yama is experiencing similar straits from Yukari right now."
"Oh please. I'm not worried! Compared to you she's just a lowly evil piece." Rizevim laughed.
"..." Kenshin growled. "Don't ever discount the person I trust my back to."
"Ha! You trust your back to a lowly knight? !" Rizevim laughed again before choking. "Kulh? !"
"I told you...not to discount her!" Kenshin roared, punching Rizevim backward
"Onii-Chan?" Miyuki said with wide eyes.
"Hrm!" Kenshin grunted as Fafnir dove toward Rizevim, biting through Lilith's barriers. Rizevim also extended his hand toward Fafnir and launched a large, expanding ball of magic. Undeterred Fafnir crashed into it, but he didn't come out.
"? !" Kenshin looked over, seeing Fafnir appear a distance away. "Shundou? ! No...an illusion, a feint!" He said with wide eyes, before pumping his fist upward. "You fucking go Fafnir!"
Rizevim turned, seeing Fafnir behind him and created a defensive barrier. "Hoo! How deceptive...!?" Rizevim's eyes widened as Fafnir slashed him from his left shoulder downwards!
"EAT THIS BASTARD! !" Kenshin roared, cutting Rizevim from his right shoulder downward before turning to Fafnir. "Don't get yourself killed!"
"Unacceptable! The guy who made Asia cry, I won't let him go lightly." Fafnir shouted.
"Hrmn!" Kenshin growled, forming a handsign as a hand of earth yanked Fafnir to the ground.
"Why...you...! !" Fafnir growled.
"Listen to reason you fool! If you die that would only make Asia cry more! !" Kenshin yelled.
"? !" Fafnir's eyes widened, and widened further as Asia crashed into his right cheek. "Asia-Chan?"
"Fafnir-San, please don't die for me...Please...! I want you to live alongside me!" Asia cried out.
"V-Very well." Fafnir said before roaring at Kenshin. "YOU BETTER NOT LET ME DOWN DRAGON OF THE ELEMENTS! !"
"Please! Who do you take me for? !" Kenshin roared back as he rushed Rizevim. "Let me show you how this technique is really supposed to work!" He said cocking his fist back, covered in the elements, the orbs of his Balance Breaker shooting out of his body and fusing into his arm, he punched Rizevim in the chest. "First Strike!" Kenshin yelled sending Rizevim rocketing backward. He appeared behind Rizevim, punching him in the small of the back. "Second Strike!"
"Aaagghhh!" Rizevim growled as he took said damage.
Kenshin appeared in front of Rizevim, making the son of Lucifer's eyes widen. "Third Strike!" Kenshin roared as he punched Rizevim in the stomach, sending him roaring toward the ground.
"Hrggh? !" Rizevim glanced behind him to see Kenshin with his leg reeled back.
"FOURTH STRIKE! !" Kenshin yelled.
"A-Aaaghh!" Rizevim cried out.
Kenshin leaped off a platform made of his own mana. "FIFTH STRIKE! !"
"Guuaaaaaaahhh!" Rizevim roared out as he was sent crashing to the ground.
"Hrmn!" Kenshin growled, as Rizevim exploded in a brilliant flash of the elements, landing with his back turned to the son of Lucifer. "Take that, you mother fucker!" Kenshin said before looking back at Miyuki. "Sorry...I didn't want to teach you the technique in full until I buffed out the kinks in it. That said that did hurt a bit, but I can handle it."
"..." Miyuki shook her head and smiled. "It's OK. I know you'll teach me the whole thing when it's ready."
"!" Xenovia looked up. "Kenshin look out!"
Without looking back Kenshin reached up with his free hand and caught Rizevim's wrist, turning his head toward him. "Nice try." Kenshin said.
"W-What the?" Issei said.
"I was told that in this form only Sirzechs and Ajuka had more raw power than me." Kenshin said, his gilded irises boring into Rizevim's. "If you're better than Sirzechs...why cower yourself away at the edge of the Underworld? You're the son of Lucifer himself...tell me...is the reason you sought out Heinrich, Shin Tatsu, my father...and finally me...because of the fact that Ragnarok killed your father and the Original Satans?"
"...!" Rizevim's eyes narrowed into a scowl. "How dare you bring that up you brat."
"How dare you have my fallen kin resurrected to fuck with me?" Kenshin shot back.
"Hrrrgghh!" Rizevim growled, slugging Kenshin across the face.
"..." Kenshin backed away and smirked. "That's more like it."
"What the hell? ! Yama said you're supposed to be a seething ball of rage in this form!" Rizevim shouted.
"And I saw where that got me against Ialda." Kenshin said. "Trust me Rizevim, I'm fucking pissed right now, but I find it's better to control a storm than to let it rage." He said slamming his fist into Rizevim's stomach, before slashing down at him with Angel Halo.
"Hrmn!" Rizevim met it with a sword of mana. "Uhyahyahya! I thought this was a sword of sealing! I guess not."
"Tamamo told me about this blade. It seals ones form after defeat into their weakest state. I guess Heinrich found other ways of using it." Kenshin said as they slashed their blades outward. "Hrrgh? !" Kenshin was blinded by the flash of light that resulted and Rizevim rammed his sword through Kenshin's stomach.
"You wanted me to take this more seriously, so fine, here I come Kenshin-Chan!" Rizevim ran forward, driving Kenshin back.
"Kenshin? !" Issei said.
"Onii-Chan!/ Onii-Sama!" Miyuki and Asia shouted in worry.
"You think you're more powerful than me? !" Rizevim said.
"G-Grh? !" Kenshin growled as he felt a familiar poison enter his system. "This is...? !" Kenshin said, looking down, seeing a physical dagger stabbed into his upper abdomen.
"Yeees...see we...we'll say appropriated some of Samael's blood from the Hero Faction after they were sent to Hades and the Underworld Prison respectively." Rizevim said.
"Grh!" Kenshin growled. "Tch, sorry Koneko, but I need to draw this out myself and seeing as my healing factor is pretty much negated here..." He thought using Senjutsu "Uullgh." Kenshin retched, puking up the black substance.
"You're not looking so good there Kenshin." Rizevim smirked.
"Tch, for someone whose supposed to be a Super Devil...you sure have no problem using the weapons of a coward." Kenshin said with a snarl.
Rizevim smirked. "Oh come on, Kenshin, we're in a war...all is fair."
"If that's the case." Kenshin said raising his leg, kicking Rizevim right in the jewels.
"Ooouuhhh? !" Rizevim jumped back holding his crotch. "You're one to talk about cowardly moves!" Rizevim shouted.
Kenshin smirked before spitting out more of the black substance that was Samael's curse. "Like you said, all's fair in war bitch!" He said before a green aura surrounded him. "? !" He looked back, seeing Asia extending her hands toward him. "Asia, stop! I don't need healing!"
"You do though Onii-Chan! Even I can see how nixed your healing factor is here!" Miyuki said.
"No, he's right...he doesn't need healing." Rizevim said as he rushed Asia, blowing past Kenshin.
"No!" Kenshin said as he rushed behind Rizevim.
"I WON'T LET YOU!" Fafnir roared, biting off Rizevim's arm, spitting it toward him.
Kenshin appeared in front of Rizevim and drilled his left elbow into Rizevim's face. "Sorry Fafnir! He caught me with my pants down."
"Well that's what you have allies for." Fafnir huffed as Kenshin knocked Rizevim backward. "No matter how strong you are, if you are overwhelmed, your power is worthless."
"Seriously...stop trying to do everything by yourself." Kenshin looked over seeing Issei on his feet, in his Cardinal Crimson Promotion.
"Heh, forgive me, it's a hard habit to break bro." Kenshin said.
Issei grinned behind his helmet. "Well I get that Kenshin, but still, we all want to help you, and you to help us."
"Heh, I get that, still realize there are moments I'll act on my own, to save the ones I love." Kenshin said.
"Eh?" Issei said glancing over at Kenshin.
"Relax Oppai Brain. Asia is like Irina to me. I love her as a sister, platonically. If need be I'll even walk her down the aisle to you." Kenshin said.
"!" Asia blushed at this. "The thought of marrying Issei-San...!"
"Ha, alright, now let's focus on this bastard." Issei laughed.
"Right...sure you're ready for this Issei?"
"Fafnir's anger at Asia being attacked seemed to unlock something in my Boosted Gear. Don't wait up. I maybe weaker than you right now, but I can still do damage." Issei said.
"Then come at me with him Issei!" Kenshin said as he rushed Rizevim.
"Right!" Issei shouted.
Rizevim picked up his arm and used a Phoenix Tear to reattach it. "A dragon who can only attempt to equal me...and another who's power is useless against me...come on then!"
(break)
With Yukari.
"Hrrrggh!" Yukari growled. "Eighteenfold Rakshasa!"
"A-Aaaggh!" Yama growled out in pain.
"Eat this!" Yukari roared, her jade eyes glowing maliciously. "Dual Katensho!"
"Aaaagghhh!" Yama yelled out as he was driven to the ground by Yukari's attack.
"Something's not right here...despite Yama's soul being cut in half by Ragnarok...he should still be stronger than this." Yukari thought.
Yama got back up and readied his scythe. "You think I'm done yet girl? Think again!"
"No, I don't think you ever started." Yukari said. "For all your bluster, I've been kicking the hell out of you. You haven't even used one illusion on me. What the hell gives?"
Yama dusted himself off. "Alright Yukari, you got me...but...you're mistaken in that I haven't been using an illusion on you...or rather...me."
"!" Yukari's eyes widened as Yama appeared behind...well...Yama, but widened further as the first Yama's image changed into Heinrich, who had a dead...literal dead look in his eyes. "You...sick bastard!"
"Like I said to Kenshin when I attacked him back in that Japanese town. The dearly departed are mine to command." Yama said with a smirk. "What you see in front of you is my Corpse Puppetry! I don't exactly have to revive them to control them you see, but the abilities do work well together!"
"!" Yukari dodged as the scythe Heinrich was holding became a sword that sliced at her neck. She returned the slash in kind and was blocked by Heinrich's blade.
"Yaaahhaaa!" Yama yelled, slashing his scythe down at Yukari.
"What? !" Yukari said as she kicked Heinrich back and blocked Yama's slash.
"You're able to control him and attack at the same time?" Yukari growled. '
"Heh!" Yama extended his hand outward and curled his pinky, middle finger and thumb.
"!" Yukari knocked Yama's scythe away and jumped back as Heinrich came slashing downward, using Heavenly Demon Revival. "Tch!" Yukari raised Kazeken to block and pointed Ryuuga at Heinrich. "Sorry about this old man, but I gotta destroy your body!" Yukari thought.
As if to answer her thoughts, Heinrich's head tilted forward a few times, as if accepting her thought. Yama appeared in front of her and slashed his scythe across her stomach. "Ulgh? !" Yukari gasped out blood.
"You know for Kenshin sharing his Demigod power with you...you hold yourself back...why is that?" Yama asked.
"Why are you so cocky? !" Yukari said.
"Oh Yukari, I might not be as strong as you right now, no." Yama said "But that doesn't mean you or Kenshin can kill me."
"What the hell are you on about?" Yukari snarled.
"Because...only death can kill death." Yama said with a smirk. "Not Life, Light, Darkness, Being, Nothingness, hell not even Dreams and Reality can eliminate Death."
"Wait...so...does that make...?" Yukari thought before Heinrich appeared in front of her.
"Ninefold Rakshasa!" Yama said moving his hands to perform the necessary movements.
"G-Grrhhh!" Yukari growled as she was driven back
"Stop...holding...back..."
"? !" Yukari gasped as Heinrich spoke as they traded blows, Yama needing both hands to continue his assault. "Oi...Heinrich, what do you mean? !" Yukari said. "I'm not...!"
"You are...don't...let him...play mind games with you...it's how he killed Ragnarok...it's how he got me put down by Ilias." Heinrich said. "I've only got a few moments of life left in this body, but my soul is in Angel Halo. If nothing but death can kill death...then enlist the help of someone who has death."
"!" Yukari's eyes widened. "Is he telling me to enlist Rias' help because she's Co-Primordial of Death? !" Yukari thought.
"Haaa!" Yama commanded Heinrich to slash Yukari away.
"Yama, you sick fuck!" Yukari growled, her deep, jade eyes shining as she dove toward Heinrich, holding both Kazeken and Ryuuga together. "Heavenly Demon Revival!" She shouted, slashing down at Heinrich, who was commanded to block with his blade.
"..." Heinrich was silent, but his body struggled against the power of Yukari's Demigod State.
Suddenly the elements wrapped around Yukari's blade. "Eat this! Quadruple Giga!" She yelled cleaving Heinrich in half, but still keeping the elements intact after slicing through him and his blade and rushed Yama. "Haaaaaa!"
"Heh!" Yama smirked.
"Take you...and your deathly powers to HELL!" Yukari roared as she slashed down at his raised scythe.
"Rrrraaagggh!" Yama shouted as he was driven back by the power of the elements.
"Haa...haa..haa...man...this power is so intense." Yukari said as the jade glow from her eyes faded. "It's gone...but I feel like I can still pull it out if I absolutely need to...thanks Kenshin-nii." Yukari said with a smile.
"Heheheheheh..."
"? !" Yukari looked up with wide eyes.
"I wasn't lying about that tidbit about only those with death are able to kill me." Yama smirked. "Fortunately for you, I have a message to deliver, though I will commend you, your...Demigoddess State was quite powerful, I wouldn't have been able to fool you with illusions even if I wanted to." Yama said. "Sayonara for now Yukari."
"Damn you!" Yukari said before she collapsed. "Damn it...Kenshin, how do you bare this power, one time you lost your memories, the next time you needed all of our help to defeat Ialda." She said as she laid on her back, panting. She saw an Evil Dragon charging her and rose up, slashing Kazeken at it, beheading it, before falling back on her back. "Gah...This isn't good, that was all the power I had." Yukari said. "!" She gasped as multiple Evil Dragons rushed toward her.
"Yukari!"
"? !" Yukari's eyes widened as Granberia dove over her and eliminated the Evil Dragons with Vaporizing Rebellion Sword.
"Granberia...what are...you doing here?" Yukari asked.
"We...finished putting your kinsmen to rest." Granberia said with a regretful look.
"I see..." Yukari said. "Don't give me that look...they aren't suffering anymore." She said with a tired smile.
"Sorry. The only family I've had up till now was Salamander, the other knights and Alipheese-Sama...I just can't imagine what it feels like for you right now." Granberia said.
"Well thank you...for lessening the burden on us both...c-can you take me to Asia...I kinda can't walk right now...too tired." Yukari said.
"Of course." Granberia said before looking up and seeing Heinrich's corpse. "What happened to him?"
"Yama killed him, then used his corpse to fight me...the sick fuck..." Yukari said as she was lifted onto Granberia's back.
"Hrm..." Granberia frowned deeply. "Agreed."
(break)
At the same time
With Issei and Kenshin.
Kenshin's blade met Rizevim's who smirked back at Kenshin. "Really? Are you holding back because of them? How pathetic."
"Heh." Kenshin smirked back. "Issei, if you wanna strut your stuff now's the time!"
"Right!" Issei said flying over Kenshin and punching at Rizevim, aiming right for his face.
"Fool..." Rizevim smirked, paying more attention to Kenshin as Fafnir battled Lilith.
"You're ruining my treat." Lilith said blandly.
"Like I care! You and the one you allow to control you are hurting Asia-Chan!" Fafnir shouted.
"..." Lilith went silent at this, a perturbed look on her face.
Rizevim looked up at Issei. "Don't you ever learn Sekiryuutei? ! Attacking me with a Sacred Gear based attack is useless!"
"We'll see about that!" Issei roared as his fist slammed dead center into Rizevim's face, driving him back.
"? !" Kenshin looked over at Issei as he walked up next to him. "Wait...your Scale Mail it's gone, but the Boosted Gear is still there!"
"Yeah I know." Issei said pumping his fist up
"Hell the fuck yeah!" Kenshin said smacking his fist against the side of Issei's as they both approached Rizevim.
"G-Grruhhh... How is this...? " Rizevim said touching his face, his nose was broken and he was bleeding. Iseei reached over and grabbed Rizevim by his hair.
"Hey Rizevim...I know this is unfamiliar to you, because you're such a coward." Kenshin smirked. "But, you've just stepped into the deepest of shit."
(Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! ! Transfer!"
"Perfected Crimson Dragon's Fist! Single Strike!"
Both Issei's and Kenshin's fists slammed into Rizevim's face. "Penetrate! !" The Boosted Gear resounded
"W-What...the hell? ! Kenshin ignoring my Sacred Gear Canceler I'm used to but you? !" Rizevim said with wide eyes as he rose up his upper body, while shivering.
"This is one of Ddraig's abilities when he was alive, 'Penetrate'. The power of my attack was transmitted directly to your body." Issei said.
"Dude, Issei that sounds fucking awesome!" Kenshin smirked widely. "If I ever figure out how to call this form out at will, I wanna train with you against it!"
"G-Ghhh...using the power of 'Penetrate' to bypass my Sacred Gear Canceler...? How is that possible! My Sacred Gear Canceler...no mater what Sacred Gear, no matter what divine instrument, all of them...All of them...! Should become ineffective. It's already confusing enough that the Dragon of the Elements can harm me with his!"
Kenshin crossed his arms as he let Issei lay into Rizevim alone for a bit. "I think I have your answer...Penetrate doesn't come from the Boosted Gear, it comes from Ddraig himself. The Boosted Gear is the Sacred Gear, but Ddraig is just a dragon, stuffed into a Sacred Gear sure, but a dragon nonetheless. Boost, Transfer, Penetrate, these all come from Ddraig, and are merely transmitted through the Boosted Gear sure, but as you can see Issei's dragonified his arms and legs, you're taking damage from a dragon, not a Sacred Gear...as for me..." He held out his four Sacred Gear cards that he made materialize, staying in the Demigod State. "These were not made through divinity, but rather through the four spirits themselves, four spirits birthed by Ragnarok's and the Dark Goddess' union and mutual trust...despite their labeling, they aren't Sacred at all, they aren't divine. As such, your Sacred Gear Canceler means nothing to an elementalist."
"Wuarrrggghhh? !" Rizevim said
"I've gotta keep going! He attacked Asia, he attacked everyone!" Issei thought as he charged the downed Rizevim. "How's this...this...and this and this!" Issei shouted as he began to assault Rizevim with punches and kicks as Kenshin joined in with punches and slashes from Angel Halo.
"How's it fucking feel? Not only me, but a normal Dragon and an normal Sacred Gear whipping the dog shit out of you? !" Kenshin yelled.
"I needed the Longinus Smasher to beat Euclid, but now I have the Penetrate ability, which will defeat you!" Issei said.
Rizevim stepped back as did Issei. Kenshin took this as his sign to charge Rizevim only for Rizevim to meet Kenshin's blade with his own. "So that's how it was! It was like that wasn't it! That's it, the endless dream of someone...! That is, Vali...that's why you're so keen! That's how you feel!"
"Son of Lucifer. You think you're his enemy? Even the God of the Bible revered their power, even if he hated it because of Samael, whether it's me, or the Hakuryuukou, Fafnir, or the Dragon of the Elements you can't underestimate us, I could if I wanted have destroyed the world a few times over with just brute strength, bur I haven't done so, because compared to you, my life if more enjoyable like this."
Issei then spoke up. "I made up my mind a long time ago! Whether you're Lucifer's son, or a god, I'll beat you all! I need to be together with Asia, Irina and everyone else to live a fun happy life!"
Kenshin smirked. "I agree with him on that. I will revive the family that was taken away from me no matter what! I ain't dyin' anytime soon!
"Issei, Kenshin!"
"Issei-kun! Kenshin-kun!"
Kenshin and Issei glanced back to see Rias, Kiba, the rest of both their peerages and even Cao Cao and Jeanne had rushed toward toward them.
"Kenshin...it is done." Tamamo said with her eyes closed. "Your family rests once more. We even disposed of the bodies to prevent Yama from reviving them again."
"I see...thank you, everyone." Kenshin said with his eyes closed.
"The dragons have been dealt with as well." Evangeline said appearing behind Kenshin, to the left.
Hikari appeared to his right and handed him two scrolls. "Here...it's their bodies."
Mana took aim at Rizevim from a distance while Alma winked curiously at Kenshin. "Kenshin-Chan, why are you in that state again?"
"Yama..." Kenshin stated.
"Yo, we caught up as well." Dulio said.
"OK, but why is Crom with you?" Issei asked.
"Hahahahaha! So everyone's here. Then I'll say...alas, the manufactured Grendel and Ladon-Sama were defeated? How scary, the breakthrough of DxD!"
"Come on Rizevim, there's only one of you and a bunch of us...and correct me if I'm wrong, but do I hear choruses of angels flying in?" Dulio said.
"...Hohoho, how dare you two declare your lewd intentions here in Heaven, truly the Sekiryuutei and the Dragon of the Elements."
Kenshin deadpanned. "Michael you've known about my intentions to reform my clans since we all formed this friggin' alliance."
"True, true." Michael said.
"Michael-Sama? !" Irina said, a surprised tone in her voice.
"Sorry, I was late the issue with the seal in Heaven has been resolved. They were manipulating Heaven's various gates, we believe they are using the forbidden technique of Azi Dahaka. Without affecting the system, we tried to resolve the issue, but my comrade who helped me, at the highest level, Seventh Heaven made a high level of protection, so that even if even I no longer exist, evil forces will not be able to invade." Michael said before turning to face Rizevim. "You're next, long time not see, we met during the last war right? Seeing as you're the son of my former brother, will you please cooperate, but then again you seem to already be beaten." Michael said. "But then again, I should show no mercy."
Michael raised his hand toward the sky and in mid air, appeared a massive spear of light. "If any devil was hit by it, their lives would be in immediate danger." Issei thought as Michael threw his hand down
"Nether Strike!"
A pillar of fire erupted just as Michael's spear was about to strike Rizevim and knocked it off course. Kenshin's eyes widened as Yama appeared next to Rizevim.
"Making full use of our limited time pact are we Rizevim?" Yama asked.
"I can't help it, Kenshin can attack me and now the Sekiryuutei can do so, as well." Rizevim said.
"Well that's unfortunate." Yama said before glancing at Michael. "Come on Michy-Chan, we were allies for years, did you think I didn't study how you fight."
"? !" Kenshin and Michael's eyes widened at this.
Kenshin's eyes widened further. "Yukari!" He thought glancing to his left. "Her mana...it's faint, but stable...and Granberia's with her..."
"Aaah don't worry Kenshin." Yama laughed. "I just left dear sweet Yukari tuckered out before coming over here. She'll live."
"Why didn't you kill her? I thought you liked causing people grief." Rizevim said.
"Heh, I do, but I also decide when I kill people, so shut your mouth." Yama said.
"You cheeky bastard." Rizevim said with a gruff.
Yama ignored him and stepped forward. "Yo! Angels of Heaven! Your former ally has something to say!"
"!" Michael shot a spear of light at Yama who took it head on, before appearing at a different location with Rizevim.
"After the Three Factions War...there was a power struggle in the Underworld, but what you might not know is that Ragnarok and I were asked to meet with God after the fact...where he challenged us to a fight...and that's how he died! Ragnarok killed him!"
"? ! !"
Everyone was shaken except Michael, Kenshin and Irina.
"W-What? Ragnarok Kuroshi killed God?" The angel's murmured.
"Kenshin's ancestor was responsible for God's death?" Asia and Xenovia both said in shock.
"Ragnarok Kuroshi killed our father! Kill his reincarnation!" The Angels chorused.
"Tch!" Kenshin growled, prepared to defend himself when his Demigod State suddenly cut out. "Unngh? !" Kenshin fell to a knee.
"Kenshin? !" Issei said trying to move in front of Kenshin only for Kenshin to push him away.
"Stay out of this...there's no need for you to die with me too." Kenshin said as he stood back up.
"Heheheh." Yama smirked as the angels outside of Michael and Irina charged Kenshin.
However a circle of Enochian symbols surrounded Kenshin like a barrier, all the angels paused as Gabriel appeared in front of Kenshin with a scowl, holding her horn. "Anyone who wants to attack him answers to me."
"Gabriel-Sama, what are you doing? !" The angels yelled.
"There is a good reason for why Ragnarok destroyed Father's body, even if there wasn't, this man is Kenshin Kuroshi, not Ragnarok Kuroshi! You would judge him for the crimes of his ancestor? !" Gabriel shouted.
All the angels felt admonished at Gabriel's scolding, the barrier faded and Gabriel turned and knelt in front of Kenshin. "Are you OK?" She asked with a smile.
"Yeah." Kenshin nodded with a smile. "Thanks for the save Gabriel."
"Mmhm!" Gabriel's smile widened as she nodded and flew upward. "Michael and I will explain everything to you, please be patient!" She announced before landing where Kenshin was.
Yama shrugged at this. "Oh well...I was hoping to use the chorus of Heaven's power against Kenshin but Gabriel ruined that."
Kenshin stood up. "You left a part out Yama, you were there, you were fighting too, and getting your ass handed to you. Oh, and another thing. You and Ragnarok didn't actually win the fight like say you did. God threw the fight, he let you win."
"Hmmn? And how would you know that Kenshin?" Yama said.
"Because Father showed him the memory of the fight." Michael said landing next to Gabriel before turning to the other angels. "That's right, brothers, sisters, faithful Brave Saints. The Heavenly Father still lives. He resides in his sword."
"But...why would he let Ragnarok destroy his body."
"Because he was cursed by Trihexa before he sealed the beast." Kenshin said.
"And that's how I got it!" Yama laughed.
"..." Kenshin glared. "You're just fucking with us...that's been your ploy this whole time."
"Heheh, yeah, kinda like that lie I fed Yukari about only Death can kill me." Yama chuckled. "She and Heinrich both bought it, hook line and sinker. Really threw her off her game at detecting my illusions." Yama sighed. "Anyway Rizevim, you get what you wanted to come here for?"
"Sure did, though I have to say I really underestimated you all. Guess it's because it's been a few thousand years since I got up and actually did anything...My shoulders are sore." He said scratching his head before sighing, giving off a callous look. "The fun ends here. I...no as the son of Lucifer, you are the enemies of my dreams."
"!" Kenshin's and Issei's eyes widened at the pressure exuding from Rizevim. His body, the look of guilty pleasure on his face. Kenshin walked past Michael and Gabriel. "Issei, take Rizevim, Yama's ass belongs to me!"
"Yeah!" Issei said. "So what. If you're taking us serious now, you've already committed evil deeds, and will the deeds committed now change the future? If so, come down here and we'll end this shit right now!"
"Are you sure you want that Kenshin? You're worse at detecting illusions than Yukari and I fooled her." Yama said with a smirk. "That's not even counting that your Demigod form has run out."
"I don't give a fuck. Rias is behind me and I won't allow you to have her...though...I have a question...why the hell did you steal my sword, Kuroi Jigoku?" Kenshin said.
"Hahahaha, you'll receive the answer to that soon enough..." Yama said before standing up straight. "Anyway Rizevim, you ready to bail?"
"Yes." Rizevim said before taking out an object.
"? !" Michael's eyes widened. "Th-That's-? !"
"Yes, the fruits of Wisdom and Life!" Rizevim said
"Wait, are those the same fruits written about in the Bible? !" Issei thought.
"But the trees should no longer be bearing fruit!" Irina said.
"Hmn, that's right...it is no longer bearing fruit, but if it was preserved, then that's another matter." Rizevim smiled. "My mother Lilith, the same Lilith who was recorded in the Bible. In the past when she was human she lived in the Garden of Eden, the very place we stand in now and was known as Eve, Adam's first wife. When I was just a babe...I often heard my mother Lilith say...'I am carrying God, I have hidden the fruit of wisdom and the fruit of life somewhere, she was rather conceited. But what was the truth? I tried to find it...it existed. Although they had long withered, the energy within them was lost."
"So, you'll use the holy grail to restore them? Where in Heaven were they hidden? It's impossible that I never detected them after all these countless years." Michael said
"Simple, because they were in Purgatory, hidden in the secret passage to Hades." Rizevim said.
"Wait...then there was no reason to attack Heaven if what you were looking for was in Purgatory!" Issei said.
"Hahahaha, that was kind of at my egging, though Rizevim was eager to at least come take a look." Yama said
"Are you kidding me...?" Kenshin and Issei muttered. "You two really came here...and ended so many lives..." Issei said.
"Resurrected my kinsmen...had me kill them AGAIN..."
"ALL BECAUSE OF A WHIM? ! !" Kenshin and Issei roared venomously.
Lilith stood between Rizevim and Yama, facing Issei and Kenshin. "Rizevim...I will protect."
"I had fun though children lose interest once they take a step back." Rizevim said as a magic circle glew beneath his, Yama's and Lilith's feet. "These old timers are leaving now. I had fun. Hyoudou Issei, Kenshin Kuroshi, till we meet again."
"Krh..." Kenshin and Issei growled, knowing Lilith would block any attack they tried. Instead Kenshin noticed the complicated expression on Lilith's face. "Lilith!"
"..." Lilith stared at Kenshin.
"Remember what I said!" Kenshin reminded. "It's why you didn't obey Rizevim after I threw you that candy earlier!"
Rizevim ignored what Kenshin said and turned to Crom Cruach who stepped forward. "Crom?"
"..." Crom shook his head.
"Fine then, that's alright." Rizevim said returning the gesture.
"Rizevim, the one to defeat you will not be me, it will be Vali. That fact won't change." Issei said with a scowl.
"Yama, why did you steal Kuroi Jigoku? !" Kenshin said while Rizevim smirked at Issei.
"I needed it to find something...or rather...someone." Yama said as he, Rizevim and Lilith all disappeared.
"Nngh..." Kenshin fell to his knee again. Michael and Gabriel helped him up. He shook their hands off and stepped forward. "Holy Angels! I am deeply sorry for the loss of the Almighty, but understand it's what he wanted! If he hadn't been afflicted with the Curse of Corruption he'd still be here today! "Please understand that!"
A dark skinned bald man wearing a black suit stepped forward. "We have no reason to not believe our brother Michael and sister Gabriel. Do not worry. We angels accept your apology. Though I can't speak for all of us."
Michael smiled. "Thank you Uriel."
"Well, if any of them want to challenge me in the future, they're more than welcome." Kenshin said to Uriel. "Just issue a date so we can both prepare, that way it will be fair for both sides. I will accept challenges on Ragnarok's behalf."
"Very well, we'll talk it over." Uriel said
Kenshin fell to his knee once again. "Kenshin, was that wise?" Michael asked.
"Michael, despite you and Gabriel telling them the truth, they'll still want something to take their anger out on, or their pent up anger may cause them to fall. If you'll let me, I'll let them vent their aggressions out on me if they need to." Kenshin said.
Gabriel smiled and actually went as far as to hug Kenshin. "You're a good man Kenshin."
Kenshin smiled back and wrapped an arm around her, hugging back. "Thanks Gabriel. I try, hey can we get Touji-San sent back to Fifth Heaven for his treatment?"
"Right!" Gabriel smiled. "My Brave Saints! Please take Shidou Touji-San back to Fifth Heaven to finish his treatment!"
"Hai!"
"C-Can I come with?" Irina asked.
"Of course, go be with your father Irina-Chan." Gabriel said with a sweet smile.
"..." Irina nodded but still looked to Michael.
"Hmn." Michael smiled back with his eyes closed. "I'll allow it Miss Shidou, go be by your father's side."
"Yes!" Irina said as she ran alongside the angels carrying her father to Fifth Heaven.
(break)
Later
"Cao Cao." Michael approached the holy spear wielder. "We appreciate your help here in Heaven." He turned to Jeanne. "Your help is appreciated as well Joan of Arc."
Jeanne bowed forward respectfully while Cao Cao spoke up. "I didn't imagine I'd be able to enter Heaven, Nevertheless, every time I do something it's because of information from Hades."
"Wait...what?" Issei said. "Hades provided us with information?"
"I call bullshit." Kenshin scowled. "He hates Angels of all kinds and Devils."
"He thought it would make it fair, or he was just having fun, who knows." Cao Cao said. "By the way the dose of Samael's blood Rizevim stabbed you with was a light dose, you should be fine now."
"Well I'll still have my body cleansed in the mean time." Kenshin said.
"..." Michael closed his eyes. "You were the one chosen by the holy spear, as long as you are not an enemy, I will not act hostile."
"My, as the current regent of Heaven you're certainly kind to accept the wielder of the spear that stabbed Jesus." Cao Cao said.
"Maybe not a good look to say that?" Kenshin muttered as Cao Cao turned to leave.
Issei chased after him. "Are you an ally or still a member of the Khaos Brigade?"
Cao Cao looked up at the sky. "I am currently part of Indra's Vanguard alongside Sun Wukong the First, but both he and I were involved in matters that can't be made public, but know that I currently have no intentions of harming you."
Kenshin pointed Angel Halo at his back. "Know that I will be there when those harmful intentions do rise."
Cao Cao smiled. "I know you will, I look forward to our next battle Dragon of the Elements."
Kenshin smiled back. "I do as well, but maybe not make it to the death yeah? I'd hate to lose a recently gained drinking buddy."
"Hahahaha." Cao Cao chuckled. "Very well, I merely want to test my strength, I just always thought that if I was fighting them and they couldn't handle my power, then it was their own fault for challenging me."
"Hey, sort of the same here. If people wanted to fight me, I'd test them out, the only people I killed were targets." Kenshin said.
"Understandable. Even I don't want blood on my hands if I can help it." Cao Cao said.
Rias stepped forward. "You've done so many bad things, yet Indra keeps you around." She said. "I don't get what he's thinking...do I need to list the several breaches of the treaty."
Cao Cao shrugged. "I'm just with Indra because he saved my life on a whim. I think in my present position I can't really relate to my past ambitions and dreams, which is certainly strange as I was once a member of the Khaos Brigade."
"It seems you don't know what it means to reflect on the sins of your past." Everyone looked over to see Yukari being carried by Granberia.
"You said, reflect. From my viewpoint, should I be reflecting on fighting against creatures? Swear myself to revenge? Is a fight between humans and creatures justice or evil? Currently I am simply powerless, satisfied and unable to answer any questions, an ethereal empty shell." Cao Cao said.
"What about the other Sacred Gear users?" Yukari asked.
"Georg and Leonardo? They're still with Hades, Georg is researching the magic of the grim reapers. He was sent to a magician who was famous when he was alive and got stuck into the research of magic. He and Leonardo who just seems to like the atmosphere there have no intentions of coming back to this side unless I absolutely need them."
"He...likes the atmosphere in the Realm of the Dead?" Hikari said.
"Dude, that's like one of the closest spots to the Impure World." Kenshin said.
"That's...sad." Miyuki said. "Isn't he like the youngest of your group?"
"Well you must remember that he has the ability to create monsters. Can you imagine what happened to him when this ability awakened before I found him?" Cao Cao asked.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "I understand now."
"Only I wanted to linger in this world, so I came back. If you want to punish me for what happened in the past...as I understand it, my actions led to Kenshin Kuroshi's and Hyoudou Issei's deaths. If you want to punish me, feel free to try, but I have no intention of dying easily." Cao Cao said.
"What's the reason for you coming back, if not for revenge or atonement?" Issei asked.
"Mainly, I wish to discover the reason I was born with this spear." Cao Cao said. "The search for myself. Something that you would not do. In the end I wished to discover myself, and that led me to the result I have here."
"This guy's just talking nonsense at this point!" Issei thought.
"I see." Kenshin nodded.
"He gets it? !" Issei thought.
"For a long time I was accumulating power...not really knowing why, other than to protect my family and friends." Kenshin said. "It wasn't until I met Negi, Rias, my boy Issei here and everyone else and they and my family pulled me from my despair that I knew why. So what result did you arrive at Cao Cao?" Kenshin asked.
"Hm...my dream has already been destroyed by the Sekiryuutei once, so I suppose my next dream will be to defeat him." Cao Cao said turning to Issei. "I think if I defeat you, I'll be able to fully revive."
"Oh how nice Issei, you've got yourself another fight happy boyfriend." Kenshin chided.
"Oh don't think you're out of this either Kenshin Kuroshi." Cao Cao said pointing the True Longinus at him. "We still haven't had a proper duel."
"Heh." Kenshin smirked. "You want me? I ain't a hard guy to find."
"Hmn." Cao Cao turned to leave again. "Yes, but still, let's meet up every so often for drinks, come on Jeanne."
"See ya Jeanne-Chan." Miyuki waved.
"See you later Miyuki-Chan." Jeanne waved back before following Cao Cao.
"Huh, you're already friends with her?" Kenshin said looking over at Miyuki.
"Yeah, she's nice." Miyuki smiled.
"OK, just be careful, if I have to fight Cao Cao, Jeanne's likely to be fighting us as well." Kenshin said.
"Oh I know, we talked about that in Ostia." Miyuki said waving him off. "She said she looks forward to testing herself against us."
"Oh." Kenshin chuckled. "I see, well then it goes without saying I trust your judgment."
"Hmhm~!" Miyuki giggled as Kenshin hugged her with one arm.
"Hey Irina...Lately I'm seriously starting to get worried about the number of men who are targeting Issei and Kenshin." Xenovia said.
"Well, I guess it would be fruitless to count them on my hands." Irina said.
"Irina, I'm serious." Xenovia groaned.
"I mean...Rizevim, Yama, Forbesii, Euclid, Cao Cao, Heracles when he gets out of jail, Sairaorg just to test his strength, Lord Bael, if only for me." Kenshin said. "Do I need to go on?"
"Well a few are in jail, the others are passionately inviting us. Is that bad?" Issei said.
"!" Kenshin didn't reply as Crom Cruach moved in front of them.
"You two...are you dragons or a devil and a youkai?" Crom asked.
"I don't know..." Issei said.
"Hrmn...I am all three." Kenshin grunted.
"...My dream is to see where we dragons end up." Crom said before grabbing Issei and Kenshin by the face. "Are you the answer I'm looking for?"
"No, I don't know." Issei said.
"Depends on the answer you're looking for. If you're looking for a pot and alcohol addicted mess that loves to fight, yet hates war, then I'm your guy." Kenshin said.
"Is that so? Then fight with me once." Crom said.
"Right now?" Kenshin and Issei both said.
"No?" Crom asked.
"Well, we just got out of big battles ourselves, and I'm sure you're not at 100% after fighting Dulio." Kenshin said.
"Just let us rest for awhile, is that acceptable?" Issei asked.
Crom grunted and turned away. "I suppose you're right, I'll be going."
"He actually agreed? !" Issei thought.
"Hold on, are you returning to Qlippoth?" Kenshin asked.
"No, since Heinrich is gone I've lost interest. He was the only one I enjoyed fighting in that whole organization. I might as well give myself a change. I'm already used to the human world." Crom said as he spread his wings and flew away.
Michael appeared behind Irina. "Irina, well played, eliminating the Yamata no Orochi. You are indeed my ace."
Irina smiled with a blush, but a thought came to her mind. "Michael-Sama, this question is a bit overdue, but I feel it bares asking."
"What is it?" Michael asked.
"...Why did you choose me to be your Ace." Irina asked.
"I have to agree myself." Kenshin said. "In poker, the Ace can be the strongest or the weakest card depending on whether you're going for a Straight and in blackjack it's value can be either 1 or 11 given how close you are to 21. I think Irina-nee's thought about that as well as receiving the honor of being the first Brave Saint."
Michael closed his eyes and smiled. "In the human world, when you open a box of a deck of cards, what is the first card you see?"
"The Ace of Spades." Koneko, who had been standing with Rias answered. Michael closed his eyes, going into thought.
"That's right. My idea was that the person who got reincarnated first should embody what an Angel is." Michael said. "Someone who represents the 'Brave Saints' Angel Irina, you have a pure heart, honest and sincere, and you are a devout believer from the bottom of your heart. You also get along with anyone, I just thought, if anyone it's you who is most suited to representing us."
"I agree." Kenshin said making Irina look at him. 'Irina-nee, you're sweet and sincere, you're always trying to help people, you have the purest heart I've ever seen among humans."
Michael smiled. "If you would please from now on continue to hold up the image of the 'Royal Users'
"Of course I will do my best to show my loyalty! Amen!" Irina said with a tearful smile
"Whoa buddy!" Kenshin said catching Issei who fell forward. "You good?"
"Yeah. Just tired." Issei said.
"Yeah, so is someone else." Kenshin glowered, seeing Dulio on the ground sleeping if the snot balloon was anything to go by. "Still the fact that he got out of a fight with Crom Cruach unscathed is very impressive."
"Heh, he maybe on the lazy side, but he deserves his place as our leader." Issei said.
"Yeah I suppose so." Kenshin said. "Want me to lay you down?"
"Sure." Issei said.
"Alright you perverted bastard here ya go." Kenshin said making Issei chuckle as the former laid him on his back. "Just give yourself a bit."
"Yeah." Issei said. "Hey Kenshin?"
"Yeah?" Kenshin said.
"The power of Penetrate, you think it could be transmitted to others?" Issei asked.
"Hrm, that's an interesting concept, a defense piercing ability." Kenshin said. "Miyuki would have a field day on that."
"Well, I was also wondering, would it be able to be used on the System?" Issei asked.
"Issei, now's probably not the time for that." Kenshin said.
"No no, I mean, so that maybe Michael-Sama could make his own system in it's place." Issei said. "So more angels can be born alongside of made."
"..." Kenshin went into thought.
"I mean, even you can see that Heaven is having the worst luck making more angels." Issei said.
"I think I see what you're getting at, but to do that you'd have to be stronger than God." Kenshin said shaking his head. "That'd be a long way off, my Demigod State included. It's just raw power. Anyone with great technique could still kick my ass."
"I know, I just feel sorry for them ya know?" Issei asked.
"Yeah, they certainly do deserve to be able to repopulate alongside us Devils." Kenshin smiled.
Gabriel raised her head with a bright smile. "How is everyone? !"
Issei laid on the ground, his hand still on Kenshin's arm. "Wait, could we...use the Penetrate ability this way?" Issei thought.
"Transfer, Transfer"
"? !" Kenshin's eyes widened as all the female's be they angels, devils or Fallen Angels had all their clothes become transparent to his eyes.
Kenshin looked over at Mana. "Holy crap! The tanned skin and the raven black hair work so damn well, damn Mana I at least know one of the reasons Serizawa was attracted to you." Kenshin said. "You're an exotic beauty."
Issei thought."Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, Asia, Irina, Yukari, Miyuki, Granberia-San's, Hikari-San's, Evangeline-San's Chachamaru-San's the list goes on and on!"
"Why is this happening? !" Kenshin thought, everywhere he was looking he was seeing nudity. "I mean I'm not complaining, but this sounds like something Issei would pull!"
"Kenshin? Is everything OK?" Xenovia asked, leaning over, seeing him blush.
"U-Uh yeah! Just a little overheated from the battle." Kenshin said waving himself with his hand for effect.
"Do you need help cooling off?" Hikari asked, moving into his field of vision.
"N-No, it'll go away on it's own." Kenshin said. Issei grabbed Kenshin's face by the chin and turned him toward where he was looking. "!" Kenshin's eyes widened and his blush darkened. "Oh...my...god..."
In front of him was Gabriel, who looked down at him concerned. "Kenshin, are you OK?"
"Y-Yeah, h-honestly I'm just feeling a little too overheated. I'll be fine." Kenshin said trying to keep his eyes on her face, but this ultimately failed as his eyes drifted downward. Apparently Gabriel was not only Heaven's most beautiful woman, but also apparently a rather sexy one too. While Issei was focused on how perfect he thought her breasts were, Kenshin drank in her figure. "Her long legs, wide yet toned hips..." Kenshin thought.
"Hey Partner, why not get her to turn around?" Yuurei asked.
"Hey Gabriel, I think someone is coming up behind you." Kenshin said without thinking.
"Huh?" Gabriel did a one eighty.
"Kenshin you glorious bastard!" Issei thought.
"Man, don't ya just wanna bury your face in that heart shaped pillow of an ass?" Yuurei chided.
"Yuurei shut the hell up!" Kenshin thought.
Alarms went off and the Enochian Barrier surrounded Issei and Kenshin due to proximity. "..." Kenshin looked down at Issei. "You did this on purpose. Why'd you give me the ability too?"
"I-I didn't mean to?" Issei said as everyone shared an uneasy laugh.
"Senpai/Issei, you really are a big pervert. When we get home we need to have a reflection meeting." Koneko and Erubetie both said.
"Yes, Koneko-Sama, Erubetie-Sama." Issei said.
"Whew..." Kenshin thought, relieved that neither of them, nor Heaven caught his and Yuurei's thoughts.
(break)
Days later.
"Merry Christmas!" Everyone chorused raising their glasses.
After the battle in Heaven, they had all left, Irina's father had made a full recovery, but followed Kenshin's advice about staying in Heaven for the time being. At the same time Uriel, the weaponskeeper of Heaven gave Kenshin a list of angels who wanted to fight him. He said he'd face them on Saturdays as that was one of his days off and the Angels could still honor the Sabbath, this party consisted of all three peerages of Kenshin, Rias and Sona.
During this party. Rias also spoke up. "I'd also like to say Akeno and I have decided who will replace us as Chief and Vice Chief. I've chose Asia to replace me."
"R-Rias-Onee-Sama? !" Asia said.
"And I've chose Kiba-kun as my replacement." Akeno said.
"Asia? Really?" Miyuki asked with a curious look.
"The reason I chose Asia, was because I felt that she will most likely be the person to renew the Occult Research Club. I think she can take the club activities into a different direction...imagining what would happen is interesting." Rias explained as Miyuki nodded.
"OK, that's fair." Miyuki smiled.
"I chose Kiba-kun, simply for the fact that both the Chief and Vice Chief have been female for this past generation." Akeno said. "There's several reasons for that, but I feel Kiba-kun will be a male role model for the school and Kenshin-kun's already running for Student Council Vice President."
"Eh, Kiba's a better role model anyway!" Kenshin said making everyone laugh.
"I'm gonna beat you Kenshin!" Saji said.
"Oh ho? You mean that in an actual fight?" Kenshin chuckled.
"Hahahaha, I just mean I've been here longer. They're more familiar with me." Saji laughed.
"True!" Kenshin laughed back.
After it was announced that Asia and Kiba would replace Rias and Akeno, much to Asia's chagrin. Yukari pulled Kenshin outside. It was snowing lightly.
"Yukari?" Kenshin asked.
"When you shared your Demigod powers with me. It seemed to have lasted half as long for both of us." Yukari said. "Why did you do that?"
"...Because...I wanted to protect you." Kenshin said.
Yukari smiled, glancing away. "Damn it..." She muttered.
"What is it Yukari?" Kenshin asked.
"Kenshin, I...I don't want to be this sweet little princess that you have to protect. I can feel it, I can go into the Demigod State too now!" Yukari yelled.
Kenshin came over and hugged Yukari tightly. "I don't see you like that...I'll never see you like that Yukari, but understand that you are someone I have to protect no matter what." Kenshin said.
"And you're someone I have to protect with all MY heart and soul, no matter what!" Yukari shouted out.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened a bit before narrowing. "We met after our birth, I was your first kiss...Yukari...what made you fall for me?"
"..." Yukari blushed, but buried her face in Kenshin's chest. "You were always there."
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
Yukari looked up with a tearful smile. "You were always there when I needed you. When Dad saved me from Hottan, anytime..." She glanced away. "Even when I didn't want you to be."
Kenshin smiled back. "I'd do it again every single time."
"Even though it caused us both a lot of pain?" Yukari asked.
"The pain was worth it." Kenshin said wrapping his arm around Yukari, pulling her in close with a smile"Yukari, I seem to remember you asking me in your dreams to impregnate you first." Kenshin said with a smile.
"! !" Yukari's eyes widened with a blush as she knocked Kenshin on his back and started beating on Kenshin's chest and stomach, which only made Kenshin chuckle at bit. "You baka! I want your baby sure, but I don't want it used against me!"
"Oh, so it's true..." Kenhin said.
"Aah?" Yukari said with a blush.
"Yukari." Kenshin smiled. "Tamamo warned us this would be the last chance we'd be able to have children in our situation, we'd have to dissuade them from doing it themselves."
Yukari embraced Kenshin tightly. "I know, but I don't care, and I'm sure Miyuki doesn't either." Yukari said.
"I see..." Kenshin smiled as he returned Yukari's embrace just as tightly. "I love you too, Yukari." Kenshin said before grinning. "Tell Miyuki this too, but...come at me whenever you want. I don't care."
"Mmhmhmhm." Yukari smiled and kissed him on the lips. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kenshin and Yukari got to their feet. "Did Mom give you RyuuTaisho's last message?" Kenshin asked.
"Enjoy the future for us." Yukari said with a smile, but gained a curious look. "Kenshin...what made you fall in love with me?"
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled at her. "Coincidentally? The same reason. You were always there for me, even when I didn't want you to be."
"..." Yukari let out a laugh. "God, we are ridiculously co-dependent on each other."
"Heh." Kenshin smiled. "I think in our particular situation it fits."
"Yeah." Yukari said brushing her hair to the side.
"You grew your hair out longer. I've been meaning to comment on it since you got here, it's down to the mid back now." Kenshin said.
"Yeah. I just felt like trying it out." Yukari said with a giggle. "How do you like it?"
"I love it, but I love anyway you look Yukari." Kenshin said.
"I know you do, but sometimes I'll just try things out." Yukari said.
"I know." Kenshin said cupping her cheek. "...Thank you, for always being there for me."
Yukari cupped her hand over his with a smile. "Like you said...I'd do it again every single time...because you were there for me too."
"..." Kenshin smiled and leaned down, kissing Yukari on the lips.
"!" Yukari's eyes widened for a moment but quickly melted into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Kenshin's neck, deepening the kiss.
Kenshin wrapped his arms around Yukari's waist and lifted her up off the ground, surprising her pleasantly.
"Mmmh!" Yukari moaned into Kenshin's mouth.
Kenshin set her down and smiled, looking into her eyes. "I love you, Yukari."
"Hmhmhm." Yukari giggled with a blush. "I love you too, ya overprotective baka."
"Oi! Why do I get called an idiot? !" Kenshin balked.
"Because you are." Yukari said petting Kenshin's cheek as she walked by him, before turning with a winking smile, her tongue sticking out "But you're our idiot."
"Haa!" The two looked over seeing Issei and Irina attacking Azazel who was dressed as Santa.
"Hahahahahaha." Kenshin laughed. "Azazel was in a wish granting mood I see!"
"What do you mean?" Yukari asked.
"I listened in and found out that Issei and Irina had a childhood promise to attack Santa and steal all his presents." Kenshin chuckled.
"Oh my god." Yukari giggled. "That's adorable!"
"Come on...my darling Yukari, let's go rest." Kenshin said holding his hand out.
"!" Yukari let out a gasp, but smiled widely, grabbing his hand. "As long as it's with you, my dear Kenshin."
(chapter end)
Draconis: This technically ISN'T the end of Volume 18. I still have one small part to cover.
Yukari: (Snuggling up to Kenshin.) Thanks for that last scene.
Kenshin: (hugging Yukari) It's been awhile.
Draconis: Of course.
Miyuki: Hey I won't let you get ahead of me Onee-Chan! (dives for Kenshin)
Yukari: OH come on, let me have him this one time after what's happened!
Miyuki: I understand what's happened, but I'm not going to be left out!
Kenshin: Yukari! Miyuki! Calm down!
Yukari and Miyuki: Eep!
Kenshin: Miyuki, you'll get your turn, but right now is meant for Onee-Chan.
Miyuki: (pouts) Mou, Ok.
Kenshin: (kisses Miyuki on the cheek) Please be patient OK?
Draconis:(Watches Miyuki walk away cupping her cheek) Wow, felt like I was writing a chapter there. Anyway, next time I truly wrap up Volume 18. See you all then.
Draconis678 out.