DXD World, Kuoh Academy.
The Gremory Peerage was in shambles, Rias hasn't left Ise's Room for about a week. Ise, deep rage in his heart, sometimes stayed with her, the rest he passed it training like a crazy person. Every time he closed his eyes he would recall that scene, straight up from a nightmare!
From that day ,his Rias's tears won't stop as she found it difficult to even go out, she would wake up at night screaming her brother's name. Remembering how powerless he felt at that moment, fury was oozing from him:
'MAREK!!!'
Kiba had the same deep hatred, as he trained as hard as his friend, without a care for their health, still remembering the advice 'that man' gave him:
'DAMMIT DAMMIT How can I protect anyone like that!!'
The girls didn't want to watch the two bring themselves to death, but they were helpless. Sizechs Lucifer died, so did Ajuka Beelzebub…In a single exchange, a single exchange the whole destiny of the Undrworld crumbled.
The rest of them where at the Occult Research Club with Azazel there to tell news about the happenings of the Underworld.
"All the factions are slowly getting prepared. They are aware of the threat represented by Marek Vega. Something well beyond Great Red or Ophis."
Irina had still trouble sleeping just reminiscing about the scene, the escalation of words, from deal partners to Satan Level casualties. Nobody could do a thing, nor the mighty gods neither the Faction Leaders. She still remembered the bitterness Michael had when admitting that he was probably stronger the GOD himself.
Azazel had a bad feeling that has been brewing in his heart:
'Is it really over? By doing this job will we never hear of the ATLAS Empire after that ?'
Suddenly the door opened hastily, Sitri Souna who has taken over the whole devil activity in Rias stead, entered. Her peerage behind her with a terrified expression. That moment, Azazel knew his hunch was right:
'This is far from over, I am afraid'
"Two people with Oriental like clothes suddenly appeared at Kuoh Town. They are heading toward the academy."
Sitri said with a stone cold tone.
Akeno had a dispirited gaze:
"Why do they keep coming here…They already made Rias and Ise like that…
Xenovia cried:
"This is enough! They take us for fools! Even if I have to-
-You will only uselessly die."
Irina responded with a resigned voice:
-But! Irina they-!
-Are you stronger than GOD?"
Irina who saw how powerful Marek actually was, only wanted the storm to pass by. Looking at the dispirited youths, Azazel sighed deeply before hearing an annoyed voice:
"Huh? So you already knew? That makes our presence here pretty useless.
-We still need to deliver the message, tho…"
All the People here, Azazel included finally noticed that two people were standing by the corner of the Room. Azazel was breath taken:
'No way…That strong?! Already...'
Yes, indeed! The Zenkai Boost from the F.L.E.I.J.A made quite the wonders!
Killing intent hovered in the air, as an enraged voice was heard from afar:
"MATSUDA!!! MOTOHAMA!!!"
Two people who just came back from training immediately jumped in rage. Kiba had a cold glare on, Ise had fiery eyes. The two lightly smirked. As the both of them extended their index. One stopped Kiba sword, the other countered his fist.
"Too Weak, way too weak."
"Too Slow, way too slow."
"Control yourself Ise-kun. We are not enemies; we are two parties who are in a deal.
-Keep your personal grudges to you and grow up."
Azazel finally spoke:
"What do you want?"
They both smiled lightly:
"The Second Vizir of the Empire is coming here to talk to you and Serafall and the Heads of the 72 Pillars. We will be escorting them shortly."
The moment he heard 'and the Head of the 72 Pillars' he had an ominous premonition in his heart:
'Why would you summon the Heads of the 72 Pillars? Why talk now? They already got what they wanted! Even if you want to make decision, you will need only Serafall and Grayfia, the defacto inheritor of the Lucifer Faction! Damn it! I can't figure out their intentions anymore!'
He then looked at the Sitri Peerage:
"Behave this time."
Some minutes later at the gate.
A Magnificent pink flower was looking cheerfully at the Gates of the Kuoh Academy:
"At least, this version of Japan looks peaceful.
-Indeed, wars are elsewhere, not between humans."
A handsome youth with a white robe on with purple ornament on it advanced. Their foreign and handsome features attracted the cries of all the people.
"Tch! I Guess in every world, High School girl never change.
-You are still very sour about the scolding you got from Shirley-san, aren't you?
-I..! You know what? Let's not talk about that."
Euphemia lightly smiled:
"Remember for the first part. I take the lead. Could you do that?
-Only if you do a good job.
-Hmph! What's that supposed to mean?!"
The Two Saiyan bowed lightly before them:
""Your Highness, the First and Second Vizir.""
Euphie lightly smiled:
"No need to be this formal with us. You are important assets to the Empire after all."
They both nodded cheerfully:
"Yes, your highness!!
-Lead the way."
Matsuda and Motohama advanced slowly in the direction of the Occult Research Club:
"Such an interesting high school…There is much more girls than boys."
They arrived; Euphie lightly knocked the door. A feminine yet noble voice was heard from the other side:
"Come in."
She opened the door only to find herself exposed to glares form every direction, Lelouch became more alert, already expecting the situation to unfold like that. He immediately scanned the whole situation as he detected the three guys who seem barely able to keep it together:
'The one brimming with anger at Matsuda and Motohama must be Issei Hyoudou .
The one who seem calm but is really just sharpening his sword is probably Kiba Yuuto.
The one behind the noble girl with glasses must be Saji.'
He kept observing everyone with an elegant smile in silence. He lightly nodded to Euphemia. She immediately advanced to the three people leading the group:
"It's an honor to meet you Azazel-sama, Gremory-sama and Sistri-sama. I am Euphemia Li Britania, Second Vizir of the Empire. "
Rias narrowed her tired eyes, Souna nodded respectfully as Azazel smiled lightly:
'What the hell is he plotting again?'
She immediately faced the Gremory princess, approached her almost naturally and took her hands, her eyes brimming with worry and pity:
"Those days must have been hard on you, Gremory-sama. I, too, lost my brother very recently. The pain is unbearable"
Rias looked in her eyes could sense that she was telling the truth. Lelouch who knew she was talking about Clovis felt weird:
'Your brother came back! Why are you still hung up on that?'
"It's your Emperor who did that!"
Issei couldn't swallow his words, but no one stopped him either. Azazel narrowed his eyes waiting for the Vizir's response. Lelouch smiled looking at the Governor:
'You old thing…Already trying to gauge our character. Let's see how that works for you, when my plan is complete.'
Euphemia still had a kind smile on:
"You must be Hyoudou Issei. Maou Lucifer must have meant a lot to you, if you are this angry.
Issei looked down, clenching his fists:
"Last time we talked was before the game. He showed to me a tape of all the kids in the Underworld. He said: 'Don't disappoint them! You are the hope of the Underworld'…He…For me He was a great man who didn't deserve to die!"
Rias had wet eyes. Euphie had a grateful smile on:
"Thank you for sharing this with me. Hyoudou-san. Let me tell you, my own story. In the past, I have committed a Heinous crime, a crime that still haunts me to this day…Realizing the weight of it, I couldn't even live with myself. I was contemplating to end my life. Yet his Majesty gave me another chance. His solution was rather simple but still would take a lot of effort to even think of it. He gave me a chance at repentance and I will always be grateful to him for that…"
Ise looked at her as he could feel the weight behind each of her words:
'She looks like someone who endured a lot.'
"I don't think there should be a good and a bad guy in any story. I believe all tragedies come from people being unable to understand each other. And today I am here because I want to at least arrange this one. But the first step toward coexistence is to let go of grudges, are you able to do that?"
Each word seemed to hit hard, on the spot and move everyone's heart. Lelouch smirked at Azazel reaction:
'Schneizel is right. There is no one more qualified to connect with the heart of others than her!'
She then turned to Azazel as she nodded:
"Governor-sama. I am ready. Let's go visit Leviathan-sama."