The group retreated to the safety of Kuoh as they got Touji to a medical facility the church had set up. Asia had dealt with the physical damage caused by the fang ripping into his shoulder but there was poison in his body that was doing damage that Asia couldn't repair.
Team DxD had gathered in the medical facility as Irina was sitting down in a chair as she was tearing herself up from the fact that she wasn't able to protect her father. "I failed him. He was so proud of me when I became an angel, but I couldn't protect him." Irina was talking to herself as Asia took a seat next to her. She grabbed Irina's hand and did what she could to calm her down.
Xenovia was on the other side of the room with Issei watching on. "It's best that Asia spoke to her. I would have yelled at her."
Xenovia was different compared to the other girls in how she handled things. Even tho she and Irina shared their time together working in the service of the church, Xenovia had come to find out that it was best for someone else to do the delicate work when necessary.
"I'm sorry for not being around when needed." Issei turned to see Azazel and Rias walking towards them. "I heard all the details and currently the church is discussing how to counter this Qlippoth attack and how to concoct an antidote for him." Azazel said as he disappeared off into one of the rooms as Issei and Rias discussed a few things about what happened in the fight.
A few minutes later the door that they were next to open up as out came a doctor and the Queen of Hearts Griselda. "We believe the poison inside of Chief Shidou belongs to an evil dragon."
The boosted gear appeared on Issei's hand as Ddraig spoke so everyone could hear. [So it is the poison of Yamata no Orochi. His poison was known to be very lethal but not on the level of Samael's. You don't have much time to cure him as he will most likely die in a few days as the poison will taint his soul. I don't know how many spell casters are even able to cure him in this age.]
"Yes, we have feared as much due to the previous cases." Griselda said to them "And because of that we plan on transporting Chief Shidou to heaven for treatment. The medical corps of Heaven should be able to create an antidote in time even if it is the poison of Tamata no Orochi. But there is one other thing…"
"That being?" Issei asked not wanting the suspense.
"He wishes to speak to you before he leaves." Griselda and the Doctor stepped aside allowing them to enter as everyone went in.
Irina was the first one inside as ran over and hugged him "I'm sorry, even tho I was chosen by Michael and became an Angel I wasn't able to protect you."
Touji hugged the poor girl "It will be alright Irina this isn't your fault. And whatever you do please stop thinking I'm about to die, Heaven will be taking care of me so don't worry about it." They saw that he was hooked up to an array of machines as he looked at the rest of them "About the man who attacked us earlier. His name is Yaegaki Masomi he was a skilled warrior of the church and was a subordinate of mine previously."
"When you say previously what is he currently." Rias asked as it seemed as he was the only one who knew anything about this man.
"He's a walking dead man as he was executed by the church." That alone shocked everyone it proved that he was brought back to this world with the powers of the holy grail. "Are you aware of the other priests that have been attacked beforehand?" Everyone shook their heads "This is his doing then. He has more than enough motive to conduct an operation like that. All of those he attacked was my former operatives."
Touji only made the plot thicken as Rias spoke up "Truthful House Bael is currently being attacked right now. There are no victims of the House Bael itself but those close to the current Head and great King's faction are being attacked. And those who have been attacked are already dead."
"The Church and Devils being attacked simultaneously" Kiba muttered to himself.
"This is no coincidence." Touji brought them back "He made contact with me and that implies that he is involved with everything. He has more than enough reason."
"Forgive me then but what happened to this town?" Rias asked "I was told the Devil in charge previously was a relative of Hosue Bael somebody in charge from my mother's family. And I was only told that the devil was relieved of duty after an incident with the church."
"So that's what you were told." Touji looked at Issei "What about you Issei."
"After I unlocked the boosted gear and went to Olympus to train I came back here. I noticed that there were only two supernatural beings in the city for a long time. Considering this is Japan that was extremely odd but I never thought anything of it until now."
"I see, the two of you were kept in the dark then. I take it your father or your brother told you the story then?" He asked Rias.
"I doubt my father knows. He's not somebody who would hide something like that from me. My brother is another story, however. There's currently a messenger waiting for us from House Bael to take everyone to the Gremory Estate. I get the feeling that they will be revealing the details of what happened here. Secrets can only be kept for so long and this one is about to get loose."
"I see then. If the Great King wishes to tell you then you should hear it from him. But let me tell you something he will most likely hold back. Yaegaki fell in love with a devil… a High-Class Devil who was in charge of Kuoh back then. She was from the Belial branch family." Touji was trying his best not to cry but he was failing horribly at it. "Her name was Cleria Belial and we tore them apart from each other."
That was all the time they had as they needed to get him to Heaven and everyone needed to return home. Everyone returned home as they made has to travel to the Gremory estate as they chose to leave Ravel behind as her as they thought it was best to bring only those who were there.
As they were walking through the estate Issei asked with a low voice "Rias you ever heard the name Cleria Belial?"
She shook her head "No I was told very little. There were also only so many written documents that I received. It seems we have entered a torrent of lies."
Belial was a name Issei was familiar with as he knew it all too well from the Rating game Champion Diehauser. But none of what was happening had a remotely neutral vibe. That's when they came up to a door as Rias knocked on it "Father, I have arrived." She announced herself as they heard Zeoticus tell them to enter.
Sitting on the furniture they saw Zeoticus along with an older man dressed in a Nobel attire. Sporting black hair and purple eyes he gives off an atmosphere of dignity around him. "Hello, Princess Rias." The older man greeted her.
Zeoctius looked at his daughter "Rias you must greet him. This is the first head of House Bael."
Rias along with the rest were shocked to see that the first head of Bael would speak to them. "My name is Zekrum Bael. If you have read the Bible or anything related to it my name is in it." He fully introduced himself as she sat there and looked at them. "Princess Rias, what is that you wish to hear from me? I assume it's regarding out the previous ruler of that town?"
Rias nodded getting her head back in order "Yes, the newest enemy assisting Qlippoth said he would take his revenge on Heaven and Bael."
Zekrum nodded knowing all too well what she was referring to. "Let's see where do we start then…"
"Please... My… father was involved in it. And now he's is the target of the terrorist."
Zekram looked at Irina as he understood who she was in an instant "That would make you an Angel, so you are talking about the Church exorcist Shidou?"
"Yes that's my father Touji, mine is Irina Shidou."
"So this is fate then. So much has happened in these past few years. Tell princess do you know the connection between that land and us?"
Rias nodded as she had already been informed about that "Yes currently the Gremory family governs it but in the past, it was shared between Bael and Gremory Houses."
"Most of what you rule over right now was once Bael lands. But for the most part, it was used as an area appropriated to children of nobles for some time to gain experience. She was among those who used it." Zekram spoke softly to them as his story began. "Cleria's reign was going smoothly compared to other Devils ruling over towns. But you could call it a series of coincidences Cleria started a relationship with a human. I'm not going to blame her for that, devils and humans have been in relationships since ancient times. The problem was he was from the church."
"Back then a meeting between Devils and members of the Church was only on the battlefield, and a romance was unheard of. It would have been allowed if she corrupted him and made him into a sex object, but the romance was taboo until recently.
"So this Cleria and the warrior of the church were?"
"We couldn't allow such a thing." Zekram shook his head "We tried to split them apart on both sides. But they had developed a serious relationship. Cleria wasn't in it for pleasure but the long haul. So we decided to split them up with force and the church agreed with us. It was the only time were united with the church to protect rules."
"So you killed them." Rias asked making sure if that was the full intention.
"That wasn't the plan but it ended that way. We tried to convincer her but the church was getting hasty. We don't know who struck first as the tempers were already high but both sides fixed the other's problems."
Issei looked down at Asia as he saw that she was full of mixed feelings. The others were fairing no better as they only listened to the story and didn't have much to say. Zeoticus scratch his chin as he spoke up "This is the first I have heard of this. I never imagined that such an incident would have taken place in my daughter's territory. We were at fault for leaving the territory in the house of Bael's hands till Rias was of age. But something like this I would have wanted to be brought up to me."
"I apologize for the events that happened and handing her a blood-soaked land. But unfortunately, if we didn't find a successor quickly there would be plenty of suspicions."
"And a talented youth was the best idea? My daughter is the sister of the Maou Lucifer and carries the blood of House Bael. She was no doubt worthy of covering up such an atrocity."
Zekram made a small smile "Even if the truth were to come out now, the tower of achievements from the talented yours would negate it. They turned it into a land of peace among the Three Great Powers. In the end, it is enough of an achievement to cover the past."
Rias shook her head as she spoke up "I understand the politics involved in a matter such as this." She was trying to keep as calm as possible.
"But why hide it?" Zekram asked taking the next words out of her mouth "Why not tell you the truth? Why even hid it from Lord Gremory? Something along those lines? Simply, I told Sirzechs about it. If he didn't inform you two then that was his choice. Whether it was out of his love towards you or didn't want to add any hardships on you."
"Think of what could have happened if this happened earlier and the truth got out. So many more could have been hurt. We could have prevented casualties on both sides." Rias said as she was reinvigorated with her resolve.
Zekram laughed at that "So young. Sairaorg and Rizevim are the same. Thinking that you need a reason to act." His focus turned towards Issei "Red Dragon Emperor."
"Yes?" Issei responded as he raised an eyebrow at the fact that he was called upon.
"How about you become a Maou in the future?" Zekram asked getting even more of a rise out of him "With your popularity having you in that position would be interesting."
"Why me?" He asked wanting to see where Zekram would take this.
"With your popularity it's possible. It's something even Sairaorg can aim for."
Issei didn't like the way that sounded. "Sairaorg is your next Heir correct?"
Zekram nodded at that "He is the next heir. But we are planning on making his younger brother the next head. Sairaorg will become the temporary head while we plan for him becoming a Maou or something along the lines after obtaining achievements." He made his next point clear to everyone "The one who leads the Bael family will be the one with the Power of Destruction, just as it was in the past and even now."
"A two-for-one deal then, House and sham power. Puppets till the end."
"Ise." Rias called out to him trying to silence him before he said anything stupid.
Zekram shook his head at Rias "It's quite okay Princess, that's how it works. The status of Maou is nothing more than a Symbol. After the Great War and the deaths of the Original Maou, the Maou clans didn't support the people it was the House of the Great King Bael. Sirzechs and Ajuka were ideal to fill the role as Symbol's and they knew it quite well. Anyways I want your generation to be the centerpiece of our society. Unlike Rizivm I've never seen the need to be evil, being evil doesn't keep our people alive. But some nobles will believe that they are superior to everyone including servants and commoners." He paused for a moment to collect himself "It seems I started to ramble about the current events as I came to inform you of the past. I will leave this problem in Kuoh town up to Team DxD. There are too many people observing how we will be moving. Careless actions are ill-advised so your actions are paramount." He told them as he stood up getting ready to leave "I shall take my leave now."
Zeoticus got up following after him "I'll send you off."
Zekrum waves him off as if that isn't necessary. "Retrieval of Agreas will be a massive win for your team and would help." He told them as he left the room.
They sat in silence as Rias spoke softly "What is started by the Great King will be solved by those who carry the blood of the Great King. I guess that's why I was chosen as the successor of Kuoh."
Issei waved his hand as if he was fanning away steam from food. "Believe what you want, but we were just lied to."
Everyone turned to look at him even Zeoticus was surprised to hear that. "How so? It's the world of the Great King." Zeoticus asked him.
A large smile grew across Issei's face "Pure Blooded Devils are touted as the best thing since the invention of the sundial. I got plenty of shit in the media for killing one let alone the fact that he was a terrorist and a descendent of Belzebub. So why would they want this Cleria Belial dead of all things?"
"That a little far fetched don't you think Issei?" Akeno asked him.
"If the history I've read is even correct then no, not it isn't." Issei shook his head. "I've done some reading before I became a devil and even some after it. Looking from the outside is interesting."
"What are you getting at?" Zeoticus asked as he wasn't sure what Issei was mentioning.
"You're more than old enough to remember the last war. And the History books say that when the Devil Civil War was in the cleanup stages, old Zekrum Bael lead a task force to mop up the OSF forces. But conveniently none of the people were killed and none of the children of descendants of the satans were killed for fighting in the war, unlike the first and seconds. 500 years later I ended up having to Kill Shalaba while Azazel killed Katerea and Sirzechs dealt with Creuserey."
"I was never involved in that so I can't vouch for it. However, I do understand what you are saying. But I believe it would be best to handle the matter at hand first." Zeoticus informed them as they still had other things for the day.
They returned home to a group of people wondering what the outcome was as they were told everything that the First Bael told them. "This all took place before the peace treaty so incidents like this happened more often than you would like to admit. But there should have been more trust placed in you Rias. But don't blame Sirzechs due to the dual ownership of the area this was probably all he could give you."
"I know." Rias nodded "It's a nice place and I've had plenty of good times here. But even with the sins of the past, I don't blame him for it."
It took some time after that as they scheduled a time to visit the Hospital ward of Heaven. But the following day the group made their way back up to Heaven to have a chat with Touji again. The Hospital was similar to the ones found on earth but they had plenty of wacky things that were miles ahead of anything the humans had. The first major thing to stand out was a floating bed that they saw when they entered Touji rooms. Rias informed him of what they learned from Zekrum as Irina was helping him so he could be in a better position to speak to them. "We did everything we could to convince Yaegaki. Back then and even somewhat now we thought that a romance between a Devil and a member of the church was off-limits. That fact that she was from the Belial family didn't help as if anything went wrong would be the barer of him."
"The Rating Game Champion Deihauser Belial…" Rias knew all too well who he was talking about "It's said that his power rivals the Maou's"
Touji nodded at that "If we failed we were convinced Emperor Belial would show himself. But we learned that the Devils had the same opinion on the problem as we did, that's when we were approached by the Bael faction. We agreed on quiet cooperation." He looked at Irina "Sweety daddy has done unforgivable things and my hands are tainted. It's hard for me to even call myself a father to you an Angel of all things. I'm sorry for everything Irina, this is why we moved away to England and I separated from Issei. I'm really sorry for it all."
Irina shook her head "I understand that you chose your only option. I was once a warrior of the church so I understand. We're still family even with this sin."
"This is still a tragedy even if both factions had their reasons for it." Rias said "But if he's using powers from Qlippoth and acting as a terrorist then we will have to deal with this problem. Something like him will only cause more tragedy's if we don't stop him."
Touji pointed at the suitcase next to the bed as Irina picked it up and handed it to her dad. "Truth be told I didn't return to Kuoh just to deal with the Christmas Project. There's something else I wanted to give you." He pointed at the suitcase as there was a faint golden glow as she opened it up revealing a sword sitting there letting out a holy aura.
Irina had her mouth hanging open staring at the blade "But this is…"
"The wielder of Durandal was the Paladin Roland. The sword Oliver de Vienne best friend of Roland, as well as his childhood friend, and his sword was Hauteclere. The sword is said to be touchable by those with pure hearts. It has a trait to purify those who are cut by it. And it was determined that you are the most qualified for it. The sword has laid dormant for a long time, but it became active recently as it's looking for its wielder. That's you are you who is a partner to Xenovia who wields Durandal."
Irina grabbed ahold of the blade and lifted it out of the suitcase as Irina and Xenovia made eye contact with each other. "Irina, Stop Yaegaki with Hauteclere. Purify his soul so that he may rest instead of life in despair."
"I will." Irina reassured him as she found a place to stash the sword.
"Before you all leave Issei can I talk to you… alone."
Issei nodded as everyone left the room leaving just the two of them. "I would normally put up a silencing spell. But as this is a hospital I doubt that's a good idea."
"No, it's not" Touji shook his head "Issei, Irina cant ever live the normal life of a girl after she became an Angel. It doesn't help that she Michael's ace of all people. She can't ever be a normal girl again. But she was finally able to allow an exception where should be a normal girl around you."
Touji grabbed Issei's hand "Issei I beg you take care of Irina. She's been exposed to the way of the church ever since she was a child. She's lacking knowledge that other girls would have by now. You're the only one with who I could trust her with." Issei scratched the back of his head as Issei was wondering if he wanted to spill the beans. "This problem with Yaegaki has caused even more issues for you."
"I have to deal with a rabid group of girls who are all fighting for my affection. Irina is no different and I treat her just like all of the other girls who are important to me." Issei couldn't bring himself to tell her father that they used to room that night it was just a little too early.
"Thank you that's all I ask of you." Touji said with a smile on his face and beginning to cry.
Issei walked out of the room as he saw Irina sitting there waiting for him. "Can I talk to you?" Issei nodded as she got up and he followed her. They made their way up on top of one of the buildings as they overlooked a city in the clouds. "Do you remember when we talked earlier about how Rias wanted to know more?"
"Yeah about our childhood right?"
"Ever since coming back to Kuoh, I started to get along with everyone in the group, even Ophis."
"You are somewhat of a busy bee when it comes to that. You seem to get along with anyone in general."
"You say that…" Hearing that Issei looked down at her as she looking on the gloomy side "But I always worry myself. Will I get along with others is always a question I ask myself. I still have to take my job as Michael's ace into consideration. But I always questioned myself on what would have happened if Xenovia and I had swapped places back then. Would I be a devil? Would I be different from how I am now, or could I even get along with all the devils?"
Issei wrapped his arm around her holding her trying something to wash away some of her insecurities. "Even now your a devil and I'm an angel. It doesn't change the fact that you are my childhood friend." Irina looked up at him "If Rias and I were in danger who would you save?"
He shook his head as he gave her a small karate chop to the top of her head. "I'll save all of my girls. That's why I have to get stronger all the time. I may not enjoy fighting but it's what I have to do to get what I want."
He felt her head hit him as she shirt was getting wet. "That wasn't fair…" He heard her muffled words between her crying. "I knew what you were gonna say...but I just wanted to hear it." Issei wrapped his arms around her holding her.
"Would our relationship even change if nothing changed?"
"No… and you know that's not fair." She continued.
"That was the point because nothing is going to tear us apart."
It took a while for Irina to rebound as Rias Akeno and Irina left to go speak with Griselda as the rest of them were in a grassy field of First Heaven. They were watching Asia doing summoning magic with her newest summons. Out came four black dragons that looked familiar to her. "Anselmus Cyril Gregorios and Simeon. Please behave while you're in Heaven. The Angels want to look at you and they aren't going to hurt you."
The dragons agreed to with her as they either nodded their heads or made noises as the Angels started to look over the dragons. "It's crazy that even tho they are mass-produced she can still control them." Xenovia said as everyone watched on.
"How is she able to do that?" Murayama asked.
Issei waved his hands about "A little bit of magic a lot of luck and dragon tamer abilities."
"What?" Katase asked.
"Asia is special." Issei told them "You ever wonder why I take so much care of Asia?"
"I assumed it was because you like her." Murayama pointed out the obvious one.
"Aside from that given part. Asia has stupid luck with dragons. She's a dragon tamer and that allowed her to make a pact with the Dragon King Fafnir her familiar the baby sprite dragon Rassei and now these four dragons."
"Okay, but what does that have to do with you?" Katase pointed out.
Issei held up his arm and showed off the Boosted Gear "Due to Ddraig residing inside of this, I am technically part dragon mostly now. As she has the same effect on me as say a cat and catnip. Sometimes I just want to hold her to satisfy that urge of being around her."
"Does catnip even work on Koneko or her sister?" Katase asked once again
"Hell if I know, but we did get one of those toys once with a feather on it." Issei said as Koneko was glaring at him "She chased it around like a cat. She got a fish doll also once she held onto that while eating."
"You'll pay for that," Koneko said to Issei for revealing her secrets. "But I hear that Asia's name is spreading in the Dragon world as the girl who made a pact with Fafnir."
Kiba nodded "I heard that Azazel said that the same thing is happening because she was able to tame evil dragons. As of now, she's the only person who isn't a god who has tamed one."
"I'm kinda envious of you Asia." Xenovia said to her as her face turned red.
"It's u-u-um not that hard. Have you tried to learn a spell to make a pack with a dragon?" Asia tried to cheer Xenovia up.
"I'm not talking about that. More about how everyone loves you, Asia. Makes me want to be in your place sometimes."
"Thanks for that" Xenovia smiled at her "But with the election coming up I think I need to focus on that."
"Speaking of the elections." Issei got her attention "I heard Saji was gonna run for Vice President. He feels as he is more of a helper to the leader than the leader. And Momo is going to be running against you. You know Sona's bishop with the white hair."
"Yes, there are many other students who want to run as well. I will have to fight against them." Xenovia said, "How will the student council function if someone who isn't a devil wins?"
"I've heard that Rias and Sona have some things in mind in case that happens. So the elections this year are going to be interesting, to say the least." Kiba finished off.
"Hey, Kiba Koneko I forgot to ask with everything go on but what happened with your Magician pacts?" Issei asked them as it had been so busy that the little things passed over his head.
"I took a short pact." Kiba answered him.
"I did the same and so did Akeno. Rias Asia Xenovia Gaspy and Rossweisse haven't decided." Koneko followed up after Kiba.
"What are yours like?"
"I have a boy, he skipped grades and is still in grade school. But he's well gifted for his age." It never failed that Kiba was going to track down a boy for his magician but I guess to him it didn't matter too much.
"I made mine with a girl, same age as me and outgoing." Koneko told him with her signature monotone voice.
"That's good." Issei said as they felt the whole place violently shake from an earthquake. It was a rapid shake as they heard everything move all at once followed by the ground feeling like they were on a boat. Everyone got up as the Symbols of Angels appeared in the sky. "Since when does the sky get earthquakes," Issei said as they saw a few angels coming towards them.
"Were being attacked by Qlippoth." They were quickly informed, "Follow us."
It took a few minutes but everyone who came up to Heaven was in a command room on the first floor. They were gathered around a table that was projecting a holographic representation of each level of heaven. "Currently fighting is happening on the Second, Third, and Fourth floors." One of Angels said to them as each of the floors turned red as they were pointed at "And the ingress point is here." The angle pointed at the map "Third Heaven the resting places of the souls."
Video feeds of the fighting going on from the other floors were being streamed to them "I see Ladon, Walburga, and even Crom Cruach in that video. So how did Qlippoth even get into Heaven? It's not like you can just force your way in here from the underworld." Issei asked them.
{They most likely came in from the Realm of the Dead.} They heard Azazel's voice over a coms relay that was hooked up.
"How is it where you are?" Rias asked him.
{Oh not as bad, but the entrance to Heaven is blocked right now so reinforcements are impossible. I take you haven't figured out what's stopping it?}
"No." Griselda stepped up and answered it "The Seraphs are looking for the root of the cause but have their hands full with the influx of evil and what might happen to Seventh Heaven. As for right now, the elevator system is offline."
"This is the second time Hades has been involved in terrorism. But I guess me saying that you should have killed him was going too far." Issei raised a stink about it last time and he was going to do it again.
"Reports just in!" They heard a female angel call in "The door of Purgatory in Third heaven has been destroyed."
Issei heard that chance "Well Azazel what do you think? I can't be the only one who thinks that HADES IS FUCKING EVIL."
"Um that's not all" The Angel called out "We also have a report that Apophis has been revived as well."
"Legends say Apophis is a Dragon that had a strong relationship with the Realm of the Dead. But I wonder what his goal is then." Rias was thinking out loud.
"Apophis hates Ra, sun and moon things. That alone has to be enough for cooperation." Griselda said to her.
We got some info from Euclid. He told us that Evil Dragons that were resurrected and that Rizevim couldn't manipulate them are Crom Cruach Azi Dahaka and Apophis. So he is letting them make deals."
"What kind of deals?"
{Who knows, Euclid only said 'I will release you if you take my conditions' Cryptic I know but those dragons will most likely make pacts with other gods. My guess is Apophis made one with Hades and Rizevim is going to use that deal to strike at Heaven.}
"So what's his goal in heaven then?" Xenovia asked. "Is he after the system on Seventh Heaven?"
{It's not easy to get into Seventh. Only Seraphs can enter it and anybody else who does is teleported out. It's a powerful teleportation spell that throws you out. But Michael should be strengthening the higher floors.
"Do you have experience with the teleportation?" Issei asked him.
{Yeah it threw me into the Ténéré. I heard another angel got thrown into the ocean. I just wanted to take a peek at the sacred gear system but he was always so stingy.}
"So what's his plan of attack then?" Griselda asked Azazel
{He's lacking in manpower to take down the Seraphs. Third Heaven is a possibility same for Fourth even Second where the prisoners of the Tower of babel are.}
"What about Fifth where the Brave Saint cards are?" Irina asked.
{Unlikely he does not need them. What about the Tree of Life and Tree of Wisdom on Third and Fourth Heaven?}
"Neither one of those trees has bore fruit in a long time. Lady Gabriel told me they stopped producing fruit after the lord passed away." Griselda answered his questions as there was a long pause.
"Did we get disconnected?" Issei asked
{Qlippoth is what happens when you peel the layers back seeing the other side. That's why they are based on that name. If they had one of the Fruits, unsealing Trihexa would be much easier of a task for them to accomplish. Maybe even use it as a negotiation chip with gods from the other layer.}
There was new video footage that came up as they saw Yaegaki walking in Fifth Heaven. "Not good. Yaegaki is in Fifth Heaven."
"Nooo." Irina screamed out.
"We need to move out." Rias shouted to everyone "We need to clear a path, cooperate with the Angels and defeat any Evil Dragons in our path as we climb up." Rias looked at Irina "We will make sure that you get up there in time."
{Once we get the gate open we will send reinforcements} They heard Azazel's voice as they were leaving to begin a one-of-a-kind battle in Heaven.
Climbing the old fashion way was the only method of travel available to them with the elevator system offline. But the closest gate was the one to second heaven the eternal prison. While it was a prison shrowded in darkness it wasn't hard for them to see but fortunately, they were devils and negated that problem. They got there they saw a massive amount of evil dragons roaming about as the Angels were regrouping for a renew offensive as Griselda took charge. Issei snapped his fingers "Kiryuu fire for effect."
Kiryuu summoned her bow and pulled the bowstring back as an arrow formed as she pointed it to the sky and let go sending an arrow in the air. She ripped off a few more arrows as they reached the parabolic arc and began to descend. On the descent, the arrows split apart into smaller arrows as she created a wall of arrows that pierce the evil dragons where ever they could. As the last arrow hit the ground small explosions started going off as the arrows were exploding tearing holes into the dragon's flesh.
"Squads form up! Begin Straight flush formation and take down these dragons." Griselda shouted taking control of the Angels as they went to begin the counterattack.
To think another Dragon was here. They saw a tree walking towards them. But it seems I get to play with the Red Dragon this time. The aura around his body formed up as his eyes glowed red as a barrier around the group. I want to play with you for a while.
Kiba and Xenovia drew their swords and cut down the barrier but it repaired itself immediately preventing them from progressing. "We need to make quick work of him." Irina said frantically to them.
"Then we need to destroy him and the barrier at the same time." Rias said as she held her hands out as they started to glow and forming a ball of her power.
Dont think so. Ladon formed a barrier around Rias's hands encapsulating her powers.
Issei opened his mouth as a golden light landed between them and Ladon "I see you're still only using power?" The light faded away as the barrier was shattered as Lance of Longinus was sitting between them.
So now the Holy Spear user is here.
They looked up and saw Cao Cao in his Chinese clothes and an eyepatch over his right eye. "Why are you here Cao Cao?" Issei shouted.
"I thought I would join the hunt for an Evil Dragon. I came here the same way they did through the gate of Purgatory."
So the one who is famous for his use of the strongest Longinus wants to fight.
"Issei take Asia Xenovia and Irina ahead, we can handle this." Rias told him.
He reached down and grabbed ahold of Asia lifting her as they were going to make a quick getaway. Cao Cao descended to the group as Issei looked at him "I hope you don't plan on losing to Ladon after making an entrance like that."
The Lance reformed in his hands as he twirled it around "I lost because of myself. I have learned that I don't need Medusa's eye or the Chaos Break. All I need is my Spear and my pride and a Human. And I will never let my guard down when fighting a Dragon again."
Issei had a small chuckle hearing that "Then I'll leave this floor to all of you. I have other things to deal with." He said to them as the three of them ran off to the next floor.
After Issei left Cao Cao and Ladon started to fight, the devils were doing whatever they could to help thin the herd of evil dragons. In conjunction with the Angel squad, they were slaughtering them at an impressive rate. "Akeno!" Rias called out it rained lightning striking targets around her.
There is always more to this spear wielder. A dragon gate appeared next to Ladon as it lit up green. Out of gates climbed massive black scaled dragons that resembled Grendel. There wasn't just one but three of them as they somehow were able to recreate a Grendel-like dragon without his soul.
"How? His soul has been sealed away." Rias was shocked to see that something of that caliber was even possible.
"Rias Gremory" Cao Cao called out to her "It's now 4 dragons all with barriers around them."
"Yes I can see that, and ordinary attacks aren't effective against his barriers." Rias told him.
Cao Cao smiled to hear that "You not very confident in these chances for having a title of Ruin Princess."
"Well, when your opponent is only legendary figures it's not so easy. Sometimes it's not easy to be confident about everything."
"You don't sound like Issei Hyoudou's partner. Trying being more confident like he is." Cao Cao pointed his spear at Ladon "I'll open his barrier you deal with the rest."
Rias was thoroughly confused at this point as well a suspicious. "Are you helping me or is Indra getting something out of this? Maybe you're looking down on me?"
"Oh No no no. Now and then it was respect, even as enemies you are feared. Some people do not want to mess with you because of the wrath that will be incurred." Rias looked at Cao Cao trying to figure out his exact motive as he didn't look as if he was lying. "But before us is something that a Hero needs to deal with."
Rias sighed hearing that "Kiba are you still able to run?"
"Most definitely." He answered her.
"Good. This may be a mass-produced dragon resembling Grendel. But its flames will still turn things to ash and it needs to be dealt with."
Out from a magic circle next to Kiba's hand, a Handel popped out as he tugged on it unsheathing Gram. Kiba made quick work as he forged a holy sword around Gram encapsulating it. "That's an interesting approach." Cao Cao noted "No matter what situation you're in you have come up with some plan. Do your skills match the Gremory name?"
Kiba looked at Cao Cao as if he was wondering what he was talking about. One thing that was for sure was that Cao Cao saw Kiba merge the two blades. How he was going to use them was up to anyone's guess let alone their effectiveness.
Cao Cao twirled his spear getting ready for an assault. "I will charge him, don't let him get away."
"You seem sure of yourself to reveal a weakness." Kiba said to Cao Cao.
"An interesting proposition to say the least." Around Cao Cao, seven golden orbs appeared as his Balance Breaker was activated. Everyone was ready for the real battle to begin as the three Grendel clones got in front of Ladon forming a defensive line.
Rosseweisse and Akeno began raining down magic on them as Kiryuu followed their moves raining arrows at them as all them. The whole elemental spectrum and even explosions began softening them up. Koneko made the first contact as she punched the first Grendel clone in the right side hip sending it sliding backward slightly as the sound of the impact rang out. "They are much weaker than the real Grendel!" She shouted out.
Kiba was hot on her heels following her discovery as he got in front of the second one and started to slash at it in all directions possible. Large cuts appeared over its body as purple blood was oozing out of the cracks as it was groaning in pain.
Katase and Muyrayama thought they would imitate Kiba's attack pattern. As they went for the third Grendel and began slashing away. Their attacks weren't as effective as Kiba was due to Gram. But they were causing damage to it. Akeno saw their work as she raised her arm out extending out her fallen angel wings and a massive bolt of Holy Lightning struck it sending it to its knees. Its body was sizzling as the scales were overheating making it easier for the two girls to start.
Out from Gasper came his demonic beasts as they ran towards the second and third Grendels as they climbed on to them. They started to kick and punch the fake dragon and their sharp claws tore into the skin of the Grendels. The constant attacks were wearing on the dragons as the beasts started to rip off the semi-hardened scales. Blood was pouring out as the girls took advantage of the new weak spots as Grendels did all they could to kill them before they would be killed.
Kiba was having his own fun as his cuts were draining away at the First Grendel's power weakening him from Gram's Dragon Slaying element. Rias however held her hand out as she powered up some of her power of destruction around the size of a basketball and threw it at the second Grendel. The ball ripped through the air slamming into his chest plate incinerating it with little effort as it punched out the backside of its body and toppled over. Her Power of Destruction proved valuable in the vampire attacks as a destructive power. She moved on to assist Katase and Murayama with their target doing something similar as Kiba finished his target off by stabbing it in the heart with Gram.
"Very well then." Cao Cao said seeing the three Grendels were now down as Ladon was the main target. He ran towards Ladon as barriers were erected causing him to dart around looking for a new path. He sent his orbs out as a preemptive strike. But as they got closer Ladon created barriers around the orbs trying to eliminate them from the fight. Some of the orbs were boxed in for mear moments as they smashed through the barrier and most of them disappeared before the barrier could be finished. "What's a matter Ladon? I'm only a human and If you can't catch me…" Ladon's eyes glowed as a barrier was erected in front of them preventing Cao Cao from getting any closer. "What a shame." Cao Cao kept taunting him as he swung his spear up as they heard glass breaking. He continued on his quest to reach Ladon as the orbs were inching closer and closer every second.
It got to the point where only one orb got close enough as it threw Ladon into the air. A massive tree was in the air looking down at them "Even now I still have a barrier." Ladon said to Cao Cao.
"That may be so, but you still have a weakness."
"Now!" Rias shouted as she threw a ball of her power of destruction up at Ladon. Everyone quickly followed as Kiba swung his sword around letting off waves of energy as Holy Lightning and sharp icicles all flew at the bottom of Ladon.
The attacks were about the reach Ladon as Cao Cao tapped the tip of his spear on the ground creating a massive hole. Not moments later the explosions went off not in the air but from the hole. "How?" They heard Ladon's voice coming from below them.
"Rias Gremory your enemy is here." Cao Cao looked down in the hole at Ladon as "Your barriers take time to materialize" Next to Cao Cao was one of his golden orbs "But as long as it's not instant construction I can teleport anything I want. As long as there is a gap you are killable." Rias stood over the hole looking down at it as she was charging up her Extinguishing star. "But can you survive that?" His spear pointed at the attack.
Rias threw it down into the hole. "Perrish Ladon." She said as the sound of wood cracking and ripping apart was heard.
"DAMN YOU!" Landon's voice was drowned out as her attack was ripping him to shreds.
"Koneko! Get ready!." Rias called out as she was getting everything ready to seal ladon away.
Koneko got her Senjutsu magic working as she had another jewel provided by Issei in cases like this as she began sealing Ladon inside of it. His soul was sucked inside of the green jewel trapping it forever. "This wasn't as fun as a fight with Vali or Issei. But a fight with no limits…" Rias saw Cao Cao looking into the sky as he was talking to himself.
Meanwhile, up a floor on third heaven, Issei Asia Xenovia and Irina had met up with Griselda as they ran into a problem. "Hello… I'm here for you." They heard a girly voice as they saw a witch in a gothic lolita dress.
"Figures Walburga would be here." Issei said looking at her as there was a man in a black suit next to her.
"I also brought Crom here today." She introduced him as he stood there silently watching "And today we are going to be your opponents.
"Looks as if we have no choice." Xenovia readied Ex-Durandal as Irina did the same getting ready to fight.
"Well, what do we have here." They heard a familiar voice as they saw Dulio landed next to Issei as he retracted his wings.
Walburga was interested in this. "Oh wow, your that joker thingy I've heard about. Did you come here to fight the big bad evil dragons?" She asked Dulio
"There's not much of that battle left if that's what you're asking." He answered her as he pointed off into the distance. There were massive thunder clouds raining lightning down and Ice covering the ground and that was just what was visible. Who knows what other untold destruction was even further beyond.
Walburga rocked her legs back and forth "Oh my, even more than I imagined."
"This is Heaven and peace must be maintained. After their lives on earth, the souls of believers come here so they can rest." A silver staff appeared in his hands as he swung it down so the tip of it was near the ground and the rest of it was behind him as his 10 wings shot out of his back "I cannot allow you to advance any further in here. You have already caused enough pain and suffering as my brothers and sisters don't need any more inflicted on them."
Purple flames surrounded Walburga as her eyes lit up as massive pillars of flames erupted around her and moved towards Dulio. He paid them no mind as they got closer and closer as the wall of flames was frozen solid. "Your services are needed elsewhere. As an angel, it is our duty to protect heaven. I will find a way to defeat them."
"I wish to fight the red dragon." Crom Cruach said as he got up close and personal and swung a punch at them as everyone scattered.
"Figures." Issei said as the chant was reciting in his head. He was dodging Crom's attacks as there was a burst of crimson light. His body felt different it felt lighter in the armor.
[About that, the Longinus Smasher isn't back at full power yet. But when you used you broke through some barriers as well.]
Issei was dodging Crom's attacks as the force of him missing was doing damage to the armor making it crack in some places. Issei would counter with a punch but it wasn't much as his attacks were negated by Crom's natural resilience. Xenovia and Irina tried to support him but Crom swatted them away like flies. Issei had to backed peddled for a second after Crom dealt with the girls and fired off a Dragon shot. The blast was soaring through the air as it was going to make a clean hit to Crom's right eye but it was blocked by a wall of purple flames.
Issei was mad that his well-placed attack was blocked not by the dragon. But Crom himself was livid as his focus was turned to Walburga. "Do not get in my way."
She laughed at Crom's words "Don't be mad, I'm just helping."
Crom's focus was 100% shifted off Issei and onto Walburga at this point "I don't do complicated battles."
"Wait really?" Dulio asked as he was throwing ice around at Walburga to counteract her fire. "Do you have problems with after her left?"
Crom shook his head "I'm leaving…" He said as he walked away "It's not my problem if they don't send back a body."
"Oh, you have to be joking. Now is not the time to be all moody. It's not even that time of the month."
"If your dead then I can fight against the Red Dragon and the Joker in peace."
Walburga shook her head hearing that "Grendel is fine, multi heads is fine, apo is fine but you can't ever get along. It's like your hard-headed and just as hard to understand."
Issei held his hand out as he started to charge a dragon shot and pointed it at Walburga and fired it off. She put up a wall of flames as Dulio followed up with a few icicles as they hit her flames shredding them apart. "I have yet to use my Balance breaker… but today isn't the day so I'll be leaving." Walburga bragged as she was getting ready to retreat.
"So it looks as if Sona's assessment is correct. If she doesn't have 100% control she will run away."
"That's fine," Dulio said as he snapped his fingers. Thunderclouds appeared over her "Here a departing gift." The cloud opened up letting out a thunderbolt. She quickly threw her umbrella up in the air to use it as a lightning rod as it attracted the bolt. But icicle rained down on here puncturing her umbrella and sliced into her dress. The umbrella exploded as she vanished leaving no trace of her on the battlefield.
"Well now that the flame cross wielder is gone, the evil dragon is more of a danger. I take it as your not leaving?" Dulio asked Crom.
Crom didn't give any indication of what he was going to do. "The two of you is a rare combination. With strong opponents in front of me, I have no reason to retreat."
"Is that so?" Dulio saw where this was going "What if it's just me? Would that satisfy your battle?"
Crom looked at Dulio thinking about it. "You plan on letting the Red Dragon go ahead and take his place. With the lack of openings in your combat style that would be acceptable."
"You know I'm banned from using my Balance Breaker in heaven. But considering the fact, I think Lord Michael will allow it under this urgent matter." Dulio looked over at the group as he looked at Asia. "When we get some free time Asia I would like to take you to the institution where you grew up. All of your friends are invited to come along." Asia covered her mouth hearing that as it looked as if she was going to cry. "It will be my treat as you were once a member of the church, I still see you as my sisters. But for now, go your needed else were. I will deal with Crom Cruach as Leader of team DxD.
"Don't die…" Issei said as he picks up Asia as they ran off to the next floor.
It took a few minutes of climbing stairs but when they reached the top they came up to a massive garden that was much different from the reason of Heaven. It was nothing but bright colors and a massive tree. But that was a temporary stopping point for them as they needed to get to the fifth floor. As they ran across the grass fields, they saw two figures one of them with a sword. "Daddy?" Irina called out as she saw Touji standing there across from Yaegaki.
"Funny how my revenge will be in a place called paradise." Yaegaki grabbed Touji hair as he stumbled around as if he wasn't fully recovered. "Don't you think that a believer's wish to die in Eden is poetic?"
"Just kill me Yaegaki if that will dissolve your grudge.
Irina's shoulders sank hearing that "You can't be serious." She shouted at her father.
"If my life can save his soul then it's a worthy trade. We all regret what we had to do."
"I LOVED HER AND SHE LOVED ME AS WELL! WE UNDERSTOOD OUR DIFFERENCES!" He shouted out as out of the blade eight dragon heads came out. He swung the blade as the aura from the dragon heads appeared to cut a large hole in the ground. He got ready to put the sword to Touji's head as the heads reared back getting ready to do something.
Issei lunged towards them as one of the heads turned around and opened its mouth to eat Touji. Issei was able to punch one of the dragon heads and topple it over as Irina and Xenovia followed up with a cross attack chopping off the most dangerous head. Issei got under Yaegaki and grabbed a hold of Touji and dragged him out from harms away. As Issei took him away from the fight he looked down at Touji "Just watch the fight from here."
"Issei" Touji grabbed onto Issei's arm. "Please stop him."
"That's the plan," Issei told him as the Cannons came out from his back he got closer to the Dragon heads. The one head had regenerated as they turned towards Issei belching flames out of their mouths. "Crimson Blaster" His command charged the cannons for a counter attack as they let loose. The two intercepted and canceled each other out with a fiery explosion.
Xenovia moved back in to attack the dragon heads "Nothing you do were will right the wrong. There will only be more pain and suffering."
Irina pulled out her new blade Hauteclaire as she spoke to it "Hauteclaire if you see me as your master. Then please give me the strength to save my father and everyone around."
Xenovia held up Durandal as Irina did the same as the two blades started resonating holy power from each other. They started emitting more and more light and power as it created a pillar of blinding light.
Issei saw the swords as if they looked for something else as Ascalon shot out of the Gauntlet. "Alright, I can play musketeers." Issei said to them as he held Ascalon up with Ex-Durandal and Hauteclere.
"Please Lord I beg of the…" He heard Asia pray as Fafnir climbed out of the dragon gate next to her.
They pushed the blades down as the pillar of light toppled over crushing the dragons and Yaegaki. As the energy dissipated and Issei stashed Ascalon away as they saw the destroyed sword next to him. [Yamata no Orochi's powers have… It's hard to say but the sword might be clear of his power. Only time will tell about that.]
Issei moved over to Yaegaki to see if he was still alive. He was breathing and still conscious. He crouched down next to Yaegaki "I understand everything Yaegaki. I too love a pure-blooded devil. But she took me in and accepted me, which lead me to a nun, an exorcist, and an angel as well."
"Somebody…" Yaegaki spoke quietly as that was all he could muster. "Will try to come for them. But you have to…"
"Protect them." Issei finished his words "I'm aware but your world and my world are much different.
"Then you understand." He said as of next to Yaegaki they saw a ghost of a woman kneeling next to him. He smiled as blood exploded out of his mouth as his chest exploded as there was laughing heard in the distance.
Issei looked over at the source of the unpleasant yet familiar voice. He saw a silver-haired man who was well past his prime standing there laughing at him. "Why wouldn't Rizevim be here. And then you killed this poor bastard after we did all the hard work."
"Grouchy is well. You need to unwind and relax." Rizevim taunted him.
Issei stood up getting ready for whatever was to come. "I would love to relax. But I have your dumb ass wanting to blow up the world. So until you fuck off and die I can't do that."
"Wonder what crawled up your ass and died." Rizevim laughed, "Not as if it's a big deal."
"You know I understand why Vali hate's you so much. Maybe it would be better off if I killed you before he did." Issei said as the crimson aura was pouring off of his armor.
"How Fierce of you. That look reminds me of Vali." Rizevim stretched out his fingers inviting him to attack.
Issei took that acknowledgment as he rushed towards Rizevim and threw a punch at him. Right before Rizevim was about to get him he reached out and touched Issei's armor and made it dissipate in an instant right before his fist made contact with Rizevim's chest.
"Did you forget that your sacred gear is useless against me? Or are you too stupid to remember?" Rizevim taunted him as he swung his right fist at Issei hitting him in the abdomen sending Issei backward.
Issei wiped a little bit of blood off his mouth "Maybe I should call that Lucifer's fist." Rizevim disappeared as Issei put up a crossguard to protect himself "Lucifer Kick" He kicked Issei's guard, sending him toppling over. "I'm the son of Lucifer, and even without my Sacred Gear Canceller I reign supreme."
Xenovia and Irina rushed in to back Issei put as they swung their blades at Rizevim. "Wait!" Issei yelled out.
But it was too late as Rizevim grabbed the blades and held them between his fingers. "A little devil girl and an angel. Never thought I would see something like that attack me. But you don't have enough power to damage me." His hands radiate a black aura as he flicked them away as they were sent flying.
Asia did what she could as she sent a healing aura to Xenovia and Irina. 'Can we do it Ddraig?' [It might be a one-shot if you do it.]
Hearing that Boosted gear appeared on Issei's hand as it ramped up his energy output as fast as he could. "Now you're going to attack me without your armor? That's all you have besides being the lowest of lows, a shitty low-class pawn."
Issei ran towards Rizevim as everything was prepared. In the right hand, Issei had a dragon shot prepared in the clutches of his fist. He ran at him getting ready to swing at Rizevim's right side ribs as he was dissipating the sacred gear energy. But it was too late as there was that odd silence before the storm as Issei's fist connected as it sounded like a bomb went off shortly after.
Rizevim was hit but he still managed to kick Issei away sending him backward and in a good amount of pain. How a good portion of Rizevim's robes was missing as parts of flesh was torn back showing plenty of blood. "Well, la de da." He approached Asia "Do you want to play?" He asked her not enthused with what just happened.
As he got closer Fafnir got in front of Asia guarding her. "I'm here to protect Asia."
"Even a Dragon King would stand in my way. Then you will play my game." Rizevim held his left hand up as he started to pelt Fafnir with magic bullets. Fafnir was taking direct hits to his scales as some of them were breaking and bleeding. He was wrapped around Asia so nothing would touch her as She put her hands on his body and was healing him. Rizevim ramped up the amount of magic as he kept shooting at her.
But Fafnir had no choice; there was no retreat, only defense as his body was smoking from all the attacks he was being pelted with. "Fafnir please escape." Asia called out to him as it sounded as if she was crying.
"I only need to protect." Fafnir's only words were to her.
Rizevim's laughter filled the area "How commendable of you Dragon King, protecting your female master. To think that you would disregard yourself for her. But do not think I'll go easy on you, in fact, I'll make it even more painful." He ramped up attacks as he doubled down on the barrage.
"Why!" Asia cried out as her healing was doing little to nothing at this point.
"To protect the little girl who smiled at me, that's why. That's something I'm willing to defend." Fafnir was bleeding from everywhere even out of his mouth as he continued to endure the assault. "Other dragons were larger and more powerful. But I became a dragon king and didn't have the pride others did."
"Fafnir," Asia said as she was wiping the tears from her eyes as she got out from behind Fafnir. "You don't have to protect me." She told him as she moved in front of Fafnir.
Rizevim stopped his attack as he saw the little blonde girl standing in front of Fafnir. "What? You dare stand in front of me? I guess you deserve some form of praise."
"Please stop, this is already too far." She tried to reason with him and unfortunately it was a lost cause.
"It goes as far as I want, I'm the son of Satan. I get what I want." Rizevim told her as Issei was getting up off the ground.
"I just want to live a peaceful life with my friends and family. Horrible things like this only create hatred and pain." She tried to reason with crazy.
"Yes, that's how it works. I do horrible things and I will be hated and that causes people to hate me. Your point is?" Rizevim raised his hand and swung it at her as the cracking noise of skin-on-skin contact knocked her over. As Asia fell to the ground Xenovia and Irina were reenergized. Rizevim saw that "Oh? Was she important?" He held his hand as if he was going to attack Asia just like he did to Fafnir.
The air in the air went from a warm brisk day to a deathly chill. Issei saw the source of it as raw draconic energy was radiating off Fafnir. His battered and bloody body was nothing at this point as he was giving Rizevim the most soul-consuming glare. "You are not allowed to touch Asia."
The pressure Fafnir was emit was only getting higher. "So you live up to your title of Dragon King after all. Being able to generate that kind of power with the shape your bo…"
Rizevim did not finish his train of thought as Fafnir was airborne with fangs and claws visible as he was diving towards Rizevim. "You made Asia cry…. You will pay for it."
As Fafnir was diving down Rizevim stepped back as a small child appeared at his feet. Lilith appeared as she created a staggered wall of barriers. They didn't last long as he ripped and tore through the barriers using everything at his disposal. As Fafnir got to the end of the barrier stack Lilith dropped the remaining barriers as she swung her hand to smack Fafnir.
It connected but it did nothing as Fafnir retaliated by swinging his arm across her sending her flying. She rolled across the grass unharmed but the job was done. Fafnir was in striking range of Rizevim as he let loose a massive fireball. Rizevim dodged a large portion of it and cast a spell to reduce the size so he would avoid the rest of it. But it was a simple ruse as Fafnir wasn't in front of him anymore. He got above Rizevim and opened his mouth up as it didn't rain fire, but swords, spears, and all sorts of weapons.
Rizevim got to quick work deflecting the weapons back to Fafnir. What was Fafnir's attack was now Rizevim's as he dropped to the ground and rushed Rizevim. Each step Fafnir took tore up the ground as he was in what Dragons called an Outrage mode. From the weakest of dragons to the strongest it was something to fear. And while many wondered if holders of dragon-based Sacred Gears could do it. But Issei knew full well that raw power increases were displayed was it. Fafnir had gone savage on Rizevim doing whatever he could to hit him. Lilith however saw what was happening as she pointed at Issei as Rizevim was retreating with his right arm detached as he was trying to reattach it "This dragon smells familiar."
"That is Ophis's friend. The original Dragon god friend can't exist."
[Fafnir has bought enough time for another chance. This power should allow you to use that.] Issei heard Ddraig as he knew what to do.
Issei walked towards Rizevim as he donned his standard red armor. "We've gone over this before." Rizevim laughed as he was reattaching some of the flesh on his side. "Anything to do with a sacred gear is USELESS."
'What do you think Ddraig? 4 maybe 5 times?' [At most] That was good enough for Issei as he advanced towards Rizevim and threw a punch towards his face. Rizevim reached out as his armor dissipated thanks to his sacred gear canceler but the gauntlet remained as his fists were still in motion. His fist made contact with Rizevim's right eye as he thought nothing of it. [PENETRATE]
Rizevim was quick to recoil back as he toppled over and laid on the ground as he put his hand over his eye. "Impossible!" Rizevim shouted as Issei kicked him in the ribs as once again the penetrate call was heard as he coughed up some blood.
Issei was quick to take out his phone as he took a picture of the shambles Rizevim was in. "Ddraig had many abilities when he was alive. Boost being his most common one followed by Transfer and Penetrate. But there's one more and I doubt I have to use it on you." Rizevim struggled to get off the ground as his body was shaking
"The power of Penetrate… bypassing my Sacred Gear Canceller… that's not possible. It's a Sacred Gear Canceller it cancels everything. They all should be ineffective." Rizevim tried to reason with himself.
Issei only laughed at Rizevim's plight as his arms and legs got thick as scales replaced his skin. "What's the matter, old man?" Issei taunted him as he began punching and kicking Rizevim while he was on the ground. While Issei let into him there they heard the sound of bones cracking with some of the punches. "Can't fight on a fair level?"
Rizevim stumbled to his feet holding himself together as he started to laugh while Issei thought he might have hit him a little too hard in the head. "So that's how it is." Rizevim said as Issei took a few more pictures "And endless dream…..why you and Vali feel that way."
[Brat of Lucifer.] Ddraig's voice was heard echoing through the floor of Heaven. [You think you are his enemy? God of the Bible revered our powers, the power of Dragons. Doesn't matter if it's me or the White Dragon Emperor or Fafnir you never underestimate a dragon. This world you seem so bent to take over I could have destroyed it with brute force… alone. But you are nothing and I decided not to.]
"Ddraig told me once that Angels and Devils ruined his fun," Issei told Rizevim as he was trying to make himself look presentable as he was wiping blood off his face. "Three factions and Two dragons were at war. But you Rizevim you will not ruin my fun. It doesn't matter if you are the son of Lucifer or a god I have no problem beating them so I can enjoy my life."
"Ise!" "Issei!" He heard the calls of Rias and Kiba from behind him as he turned around as saw the others along with Cao Cao.
"Looks as if he caught up before it everything ended." Dulio was heard as he landed next to everyone.
"So the gang is all here." Rizevim said as he looked at everyone seeing the conditions they were in "How scary that team DxD was able to defeat the new Grendel and Ladon."
"To think the Red Dragon would speak like that in Heaven of all things." They heard Michael's voice coming from above as they saw him descend from the Sky.
"Lord Michael?" Irina said seeing the head of Angel descend.
"It took some time but the issue with the seals in heave have been resolved. We believe they were using a technique of Azi Dahaka to manipulate the gates. But none of that matters now as we have adjusted and refined the seals to prevent such attacks again and others like it." Michael's focus shifted to Rizevim "Long time no see Rizevim last we met was in the war was it not? But as you are you have invaded Heaven's territory. You can cooperate as it looks as you are already beaten." He raised his right arm as he created a massive light spear above him as a barrier around all the devils was erected. "But there will be no mercy."
Michael tossed the comical large spear at Rizevim as it blew up setting off a massive explosion as Rizevim tanked it. They heard laughing coming from Rizevim as explosions were going off all around them as it was scaring the land. Around the land, twelve black pillars appeared as Rizevim lept out from the explosion as they saw the familiar twelve jet black wings behind him. "Looks as if I underestimated you, It's been two thousand years since my last fight." Rizevim looked around at everyone "The fun ends here however, I the son of Lucifer declare all of you all the enemy of my dreams." He said to everyone on the floor. His body was different as he let off a new more heavy pressure compared to the old and frail power he gave off beforehand.
"Your about a few months late dip shit!" Issei shouted at him "Are you just now serious with your plans to change the future or were you just jerking us off the whole time?" Issei's choice of words didn't sit well with others around him. "How about you get down here so I can kill you already."
Rizevim thought about it for a moment "Pass." He reached into his robes and pulled out an object.
"Impossible that's…" Michael was surprised to see what he was holding.
"The Fruit of wisdom and fruit of life." He held the fruits out.
"How the tree can no longer bear any fruit!" Irina shouted seeing the fruits.
"The tree no longer bears fruit but fruit being preserved is another thing altogether." He said as he smiled at them. "My mother is Lilith who is recorded in the Bible. When she lived in the Garden of Eden she was known as Adam's first wife. And she used to tell me when I was young about how she did the fruits way somewhere. I didn't know if it was the truth until I found them. But their powers were gone….."
"You used the Holy Grail to restore its powers. But where were they?" Michael asked him "There was no sign of them in heaven. "
"Buried deep in the depths of purgatory. Right near the passage to Hades." Rizevim told them as Lilith moved in front of him. "But I've had enough for today. Hyoudou Issei until we meet again think harder." The two of them disappeared lowering the threat level down to something manageable.
With everything calm, the medical corps got Irina's father back up to fifth heaven so they could get back to work on his treatment. Michael however made his way to Cao Cao "I appreciate your help in Heaven."
"I never thought I would enter heaven as I have sinned. But I must say that I got here due to information from Hades." Cao Cao said getting a rise out of everyone.
"Is Hades having fun or is he being useful?" Rias asked hearing that as she had many questions running in her brain.
"Hades is evil, anything he does is going to benefit himself several times over compared to whoever he helps." Issei said.
"Be that as it may, Cao Cao you were chosen by the Holy Spear. As long as you are not hostile to us you are not an enemy." Michael told him.
"Oh? So this is the same spear that stabbed Jesus." Cao Cao caught onto Michaels's words rather quickly. He turned to leave and started to walk away "See you sometime later."
"Cao Cao" Issei called out "What gives? Are you still with the Khaos Brigade?" Issei had to ask as all of this was out of place.
"I'm no longer part of the Khaos Brigade." Cao Cao said as he looked up towards the sky. "Currently I'm part of Indra's vanguard. As the last vanguard was Son Wukong and I was behind him. I'm responsible for inside matters that I can't speak of. And currently, I have no intention of harming you."
"After everything that you have done Indra keeps you around and by his side of all things." Rias said to him as he only shrugged.
"Don't bother telling me. Indra saved my life just like…" Cao Cao snapped his fingers. "And that's why I'm where I am now."
"Sounds as if you have yet to reflect on why." Kiba said getting Cao Cao's attention.
"And what should I reflect about? About how I was fighting creatures. Or get revenge on the evils and bring them to justice? As I am now, I'm powerless and quite okay with how the questions are being laid out."
Rias got in between the two of them "What of the other Sacred Gear holders that you had with you?"
"George and Leonardo? They are stuck with Hades. Both of them are researching magic that the grim reapers use. Turns out being a famous magician heritage is keeping him busy and he likes it there." Cao Cao moved his spear to his shoulder "I however linger around doing whatever I want while doing what I'm asked of."
"Trust has to go a long way, Cao Cao. If you're not here to atone are you here for revenge then?" Issei asked him.
"More of a self-reflection. I need to live my life to find out why I was born with the spear." Issei scratches his head hearing that "It's not something I would expect you to do, but it's something that I have to do. Search for what has to lead me here and why I was given what I have so far."
"What happens after that?" Kiba asked, still somewhat skeptical of any answer that Cao Cao could provide.
"Well, my dreams were already shattered by the Red Dragon Emperor along with my eye." Cao Cao pointed at Issei "My new dream is to defeat you Hyoudou Issei." Issei rolled his eyes hearing that, yet another person who wants to fight him for a dick measuring contest. "I'll be taking my leave now. Indra ordered me to attack the evil dragons and assist you."
As Cao Cao started to leave Rias called out to him wanting one final question. "Wait, if Indra ordered you to fight me would you?"
"It's an order. All I will say is the next time I fight I would have Medusa's eye or Samael, I'll only have my power."
Issei heard Xenovia talking in the background "Irina lately there's been plenty of men targeting Issei." Irina started to count with her hands the number of people. "I'm serious about it.'
"I heard that." Issei said as Xenovia shot up as she got caught.
It took a few minutes but after Cao Cao left Crom Cruach crawled up from one of the lower floors and approached Issei "Tell me are you a Dragon? Or a Devil?"
Issei crossed his arms as he thought about it "I'm not sure. Ask the Apocalypse he would know more."
Crom leaned over looking down at Issei "I wish to see where Dragons will end up. And you might be the answer I'm looking for?"
"I don't know, am I?" Issei asked as he wasn't too sure what to expect.
"Fight me then." Crom said as Issei was surprised to be asked something like that.
"Right now? No. Maybe when the world isn't looking to be imploding from stupidity."
Crom turned around hearing an answer "I'll be going then…."
Issei had to blink in disbelief as Crom the evil Dragon accepted an answer from him. "Are you going back to Rizevim and the Qlippoth?" Issei was quick to ask him.
"No… I've lost interest in his plans. Might find something else to do." Crom said as he spread his wings and took off into the air and went into the distance.
Michael didn't say anything as they watched Crom leave. "Lord Michael" Irina asked getting his attention "I know it been a while but Why did you choose me to be your ace?"
"Oh yes, this question. I was wondering when you inquire about that." He put his hands together "When you open a new deck of cards in the human world what is the first card you see?"
"The Ace of Spades." Koneko said answering Michael before everyone could answer.
"Exactly, My idea was the person who should be the Ace of Spades is a representative of what the Brave Saints strive to be. Irina you have shown all of that, you have a pure heart, honest and sincere, you're a devout believer and you are able to get along with anyone you meet. That's why I chose you to be not just my representative but a representative for the Brave Saints as a whole." Irina had tears in her eyes as Micheal spoke about her "So if you would please continue to uphold that idea for all others."
"I will Lord Micheal." Irina said as she nodded while trying to wipe the tears away.
A break was well deserved as fatigue was setting in for everyone. Dulio was already asleep on the ground as most of the others were already sitting down trying to rest up. Issei was no better, unlocking new skills always required a huge amount of power. Being able to use the principles of the technique earlier is different from the real thing the first time.
"Everyone, Michael. How are all of you." They heard the soft voice of Gabriel coming towards them as Issei perked up to look at her as her breasts jiggle every so often as she walked. The bra could only do so much as those monsters that massive.
Issei shrugged his shoulders thinking about it "Only got one left." He said to himself as he moved his right hand up to the side of his head. [Penetrate] Issei's vision changed as he saw all the girls in front of him. His vision was so precise now that it penetrated the fabric leaving a faint outline of the bras. But it left him with a perfect view of skin as he could see anything and everything he could imagine. Rias and Xenovia's were in full view as if they had no clothes on. Even Asia and Irina's breasts were there for him to see. But his eyes flicked over to Gabriel as he saw anything and everything. They were perfect balance and not a single imperfection insight. It only got better from there as the color of her skin and the size of her nipples was shown to him and only him.
Issei was lost in his own world not aware of his surroundings. There were angelic symbols around Issei as everyone's focus turned to him. Katase and Murayama made a team effort and kicked him while he was down "Why do you have to be such a pervert." They yelled at him as their feet connected.
"We should talk about this when we get home." Issei heard from Koneko as he keeled over on the ground.
Michael was the only one who laughed seeing the scene "I was wondering when that was going to happen."
Fafnir wasn't dead but heavily injured and Asia did all she could to heal him but it would take time to heal the wounds he suffered. But it took a few days but everything was patched up with heaven as the student council members along with everyone else as well as Kuroka and Le Fay were at the Christmas party in the Hyoudou house. "Everyone!" Rias called out to the party. "We've worked so hard lately, but Akeno and I have something to announce."
"It might be Christmas but Rias and I have decided to do this now." Akeno smiled at the group
"We're going to announce who will be the next President and Vice President of the Occult Research club." Rias said as everyone but Sona was surprised to hear something like that.
"For the last three years as president, I've taken steps to ensure that the next generation is possible. I wish that the next president and its members will remember that with flexibility the Occult Research Club will become better." Rias said as she cleared her throat "The Next President is Asia, and Vice President is Kiba." Asia's eyes were as wide as dinner plates hearing that as she spoke up "I chose Asia because I felt that she is the one who could bring that flexibility and bring life to the club."
As Rias finished Akeno spoke up after her "I chose Kiba because the duo of leadership has been all-female. And having Kiba as the vice president I hope will bring a larger role model for the school. It was hard to choose between Ise or Kiba but considering how everything is going, we thought it would be best for Kiba to take to the leadership role. Issei will already have hard enough times with everything that is to come."
"Do the two of you accept this role?" Rias asked them.
"I don't have a problem with it." Kiba said with ease.
Asia however "I Ummm maybe Koneko or Ravel would be better. It's umm not uh."
"It will be okay Asia." Issei said as she calmed down
"This is a good opportunity for you Asia something like this is a once in a lifetime chance." Xenovia said as she put her hand on Asia's shoulder trying to calm her down.
All the others looked at Asia with some form of acceptance as it calmed Asia down somewhat "I accept then. Next year I'll be the new president." Clapping and cheering from everyone acknowledged her as the next head.
"Well, this should be interesting." Issei heard from the Sitri side through everything.
"So about that tea party." Sona said to Rias as the four older girls were chatting amongst themselves.
"You make it sound like we are so old." Rias said to Sona as she saw Koneko and Kiba come up to her.
"How do I address you now?" Koneko asked Rias as she crouched down to Koneko's height.
"Asia may be the new President but I will always be your sister. Rias or some form of sister is fine whatever's comfortable. Nothing changes the fact that we will always be family." Rias held her arms out as Koneko moved over to her looking for that affection reassurance.
The party continued on as there was plenty of food but Issei had to run out a get something from the store as Irina tagged along with him. As they were walking back it started to snow as it got colder. "A real white Christmas," Issei said as he looked up and saw that snow was falling everywhere in the town.
"Hey, Ise." Irina called out to him as she looked over to her. Her head was right next to his as she planted her lips on his.
Her face was as red as it could be "A kiss from an Angel, on a white Christmas no less. I can say I wasn't expecting that and I thoroughly enjoyed it." He told her with a smile on his face.
"That's my second time, the first time was a while ago."
"Knowing me I think I would remember the first one."
"It's because we were kids…. And you came over to my house and slept there. And that's when I stole your first kiss." Irina said as her face was as red as Rias' hair.
"Oh good for you kids. Relationships are great." They heard Azazel as they looked up and saw him in a Santa Claus outfit sitting in a sleigh with presents for everyone.
"You know Irina it's not too late to do that." Issei said to her as they were eyeballing Azazel.
Hearing that Azazel laughed "You know Touju told me about your promise to fight Santa. And I just happen to have a bag full of presents and they could be yours" He taunted them as he hoisted the bag up showing it off.
The two of them looked at each other and knew all too well what was about to happen as Azazel took a stance ready to fight back. The two of them rushed at Azazel trying to beat him. "Your generation should enjoy as much as you can. This is an amazing experience for all of us as all the factions can have fun together."
"Okay, then let's have fun then." Issei said as the three of them were going to take it up a notch and throw more power around.
"I will fight then." They heard Ophis out of nowhere as she was wearing a small Santa outfit instead of her normal gothic lolita outfit.
"That's a little unfair if Ophis fights." Azazel complained as she was getting ready to assist them.
"That's perfect! Now we will get all the presents" He said as we were going to accomplish their dream.