The Golden Dragon Empress - Chapter 32: The Truth

Natsuki finally gets some of the answers she's been seeking.

 “So, are you going to explain why you were traveling through the Dimensional Gap, or do we have to guess?” Natsuki asked dryly, finally managing to stand once Asia was done healing her. 

Vali smirked at her, his eyes gleaming with amusement and ignoring his own injuries as his Balance Breaker faded away. “What do you know about the dragon who rules the Dimensional Gap?” 

A gasp escaped Rias’ lips while the rest of the Peerage except for Natsuki and Asia, stared at the Hakuryuukou wide eyed. 

“The dragon who rules the Dimensional Gap?” Akeno murmured. “You mean-” 

“Great Red,” Vali finished for her, his smirk widening. “The Apocalypse Dragon, the True Red Dragon God Emperor, and the Dragon of Dreams.” 

Silence fell over the group, and the Pawn could see Odin’s expression darkened at the mention of Great Red from the corner of her eye. 

Natsuki glanced at her friends before looking back at Vali. “That’s cool and all, but am I supposed to know who or what that is?” 

“Natsuki,” Rias groaned, staring at her unimpressed. 

“Hey, you can’t get annoyed at me for not knowing, I was a human until a couple of months ago. So, as my King and the Devil who turned me, it should be your responsibility to make sure I'm not ignorant of this kind of shit,” Natsuki said, shrugging flippantly. 

Rias pinched the bridge of her nose. “That’s… not the point.” 

“Sounds like it should be,” Natsuki muttered. 

Vali chuckled softly. “She’s not wrong.” 

Instantly, a glowing, golden, circular light appeared on the center of Natsuki’s chest, Lux's voice loudly echoing across the ruined temple. “Natsuki, do you remember when the Khaos Brigade attacked your school and you asked me about the Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis?” 

Natsuki nodded her head while seeing the grimace that appeared on Vali’s face at the mention of the dragon God. “You told me that they are one of the most powerful beings in all of existence. A god who represents infinity, chaos, and nothingness.” 

“Great Red is of similar stature; both were born in the Dimensional Gap, primordial beings who exist outside the normal order of the world, standing at the very top of the hierarchy of dragons and gods alike.” Lux continued. “While Ophis embodies infinity and stillness, Great Red embodies dreams and boundless possibility, they are each other’s opposite in every sense of the word.” 

Rias looked between Vali and Natsuki. “But why would you be looking for someone like that?” 

The thought that Vali and the rest of Khaos Brigade were trying to recruit Great red raced through the King’s mind, sending a jolt of dread through her. 

Kuroka loudly sighed. “Now why did you have to ask him that?” 

Vali ignored Kuroka, grinning widely at Rias. “Today, we came here on Ophis' behalf to confirm that the section of the Dimensional Gap that this Rating Game field encompasses truly leads to where Great Red resides. Shalba and Fukiaezume's plans were of no importance to us. But more than that, I want to find him and surpass Great Red.” 

Before anything else could be said, Issei began to moan, his body twitching for a moment as his eyelids fluttered open. 

“Hmm. Huh? What is going on?” Issei's vision was blurry when he opened his eyes, confused when he finally registered Rias’ face above him. 

“Ise!” Rias lifted Issei’s head out of her lap and pressed his head against her chest, hugging him tightly. 

“B-Buchou? W-W-What’s going on? Issei asked, his body felt like he had just run a marathon, and when he looked down, his body looked normal, but his clothes were ripped and torn, covered in dirt and dried blood that was not all his. 

“What’s the last thing that you remember?” Rias asked softly, her fingers trembling slightly as she held him. 

“Uh…” Issei frowned, trying to think, his head throbbing the moment he tried. “I remember… Shalba. And Asia getting stabbed… and then-” 

Issei immediately sat up, nearly hitting Rias’ head with his own. “Asia!” 

“Ise-san, I’m here, I’m right here,” Issei quickly turned around and saw Asia standing behind Rias, her hands clasped nervously in front of her chest. She was wearing someone else’s jacket above her own clothes so he could not see if her wound was gone, but he could see the dried blood along the bottom of her dress. 

“A-Asia-chan?” Issei whispered. 

She nodded, tears forming in her eyes as she smiled at him and the next moment, Issei jumped to his feet and threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly as if afraid that letting go might cause her to disappear. 

“I-I’m so glad… I’m so glad you’re okay!” Issei said, his voice shaking as he held her. 

Asia gently wrapped her arms around him in return. “Ise-san… you’re squeezing a little too hard.” 

“O-Oh! Sorry!” Issei quickly loosened his grip but did let go of her. “I thought you… I thought you…” 

Asia shook her head softly. “Kuroka-san healed me.” 

Issei blinked. “Kuroka-san?” 

“Have you still not noticed us, Sekiryuutei?” Issei lifted his head when he heard Bikou's voice, seeing him, Vali, Kuroka, and Arthur standing nearby. 

What the hell? Why are they here? Issei thought. “What are you guys-” 

“Do you not remember what happened when you entered your Juggernaut Drive?” Natsuki asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him. 

The other Pawn looked like she gone toe to toe with death itself; her clothes torn in several places, dried blood streaked across most of her body, her hair was a tangled mess, and the faint tremor in her stance betraying just how exhausted she really was. 

“It’s not surprising that the boy doesn’t remember,” Odin said, stroking his beard thoughtfully, still floating above everyone. “I’ve seen a few in my time and I personally know that the power of a Juggernaut Drive, even an incomplete one is enough to easily shatter the mind of a Sacred Gear wielder.” 

Issei could not remember a single thing after watching Shalba attack Asia, and the uneasy looks that he was being given made a cold knot form in his stomach. 

Issei looked around the ruined battlefield, seeing the now half-collapsed temple. The massive gouges were carved through the stone, and the air smelled faintly of ozone and blood. 

Did... Did I do this? 

Kiba, who Issei had noticed was no longer wearing his jacket, making Issei realize that the Knight had given it to Asia, quietly explained to Issei what had happened once he activated his Juggernaut Drive, describing how the power of the [Boosted Gear] had taken him over and turned him into something closer to a rampaging dragon than a man. 

Issei slowly clenched his hands, his fingers trembling as a cold wave of guilt crawled up his spine. 

Rias placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes soft as she looked at him. “You shouldn’t blame yourself, Ise, all of this is the fault of Shalba Beelzebub and Khaos Brigade.” 

“A-A-And y-you di-didn’t hurt any of us, Ise-senpai,” Gasper quickly added. 

Issei shook his head. “But I almost did.” 

And that was the part of all this that terrified him the most and made him struggle with not feeling guilty about losing himself to his Juggernaut Drive. 

A loud and deafening boom suddenly rocked the battlefield, and the hole that had been in the sky above them started to grow larger, revealing more of the void beyond it, the Dimensional Gap now bleeding into the sky like a wound. 

“What the hell is going on?!” Natsuki exclaimed, as she and everyone else in her Peerage struggled to keep their balance. 

Vali's grin grew wider as he stared at the expanding fissure. “Look carefully, Sukehiro Natsuki, Hyoudou Issei. That is the one I wanted to see.”

~X~

A massive Western red dragon that looked to be well over a hundred meters long, with a horn on its snout, golden yellow eyes, and two sets of wings coming out of its back eventually came barreling through once the opening of the Dimensional Gap grew large enough. Its arms, legs, and tail were incredibly muscular, each movement from its limbs radiating the overwhelming power of the creature as it flew through the air. 

Natsuki felt her throat go dry, every instinct in her body screaming at her to run as her sensory perception allowed her to feel just how much magical energy radiated from the dragon. 

The Devil was surprised that she and the others could even remain standing in its presence, knowing that the dragon was holding back its true power considerably. 

Vali has to be a fucking idiot to ever think himself capable of becoming that thing’s equal, let alone surpassing it. Natsuki thought. 

Great Red’s presence had managed to completely destroy the barrier that had been encasing the battlefield, the layers of magic shattering under the sheer pressure of the dragon's existence. 

It really is you, the dragon God who is called DxD or Dragon of Dragons. You are the one I must beat if I wish to realize my dream of taking your title and becoming The True White Dragon God Emperor. Vali thought to himself, his body shaking with both excitement and fear. 

Great Red’s eyes eventually passed over them for the briefest of moments, and Vali felt his entire body freeze. In its gaze, Vali saw only indifference, he knew that to the dragon; they were nothing more than insects crawling around beneath it, nothing worth wasting its attention on. 

And to Vali, this indifference was both a crushing humiliation and the most exhilarating challenge he had ever been given. 

But when its gaze found Odin, Great Red flew down to the ground, landing with a thunderous impact that sent a shockwave tearing across the battlefield, the ground splitting beneath its claws as dust and shattered stone erupting outward. 

“Well now,” Odin said, chuckling softly and floating higher in the air so he could properly face the dragon. “It has been quite some time since we last met, Great Red.” 

Great Red grinned, showing off its rows of countless, colossal razor-sharp teeth. “Eh? What’s a fucking bastard like you doing in my domain, Odin? You got tired of sitting on your little throne and came looking for a place to die?” 

“Still as charming as ever, I see,” Odin said dryly. “I assure you, I have no intention of dying today, old friend.” 

Great Red snorted, a blast of hot air rolling across the area like a storm. “I suppose you wouldn’t, that’s too bad though, I know you would give me at least a little bit of entertainment if we fought.” 

“I’m sure you’re more than capable of entertaining yourself with those flying maneuvers you’re always doing.” 

Natsuki felt their presence just a few seconds before she heard a low whistle to her right, followed by Azazel’s usual confident and condescending voice. “Wow, you guys always manage to find yourselves in the most absurd situations. Seriously, it’s almost impressive.” 

Azazel landed behind Issei alongside Tannin, the Fallen Angel was looking at the Devils and the members of Khaos Brigade while the dragon was watching Great Red and Odin speak to each other, neither God acknowledging the two’s arrival. 

“Azazel-sensei, old man Tannin!” Issei shouted, a mix of relief and panic in his voice. “What is that thing?!” 

Azazel scratched the back of his head, glancing up at the massive dragon with a wry smile. “Yeah… about that, that ‘thing’ is Great Red. Try not to piss it off.” 

“That’s not reassuring at all!” Issei shot back. 

“How nostalgic, Great-Red huh?” Tannin muttered, continuing to stare at the other dragon. 

Azazel raised an eyebrow as he turned his head to look at the dragon. “Have you also fought him, Tannin?” 

Tannin shook his head, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. “No, I didn’t. When I was still the sixth Dragon King, and when I was younger and more foolish, I had challenged Great Red, but he didn’t even pay attention to me. No matter what attacks I threw at him, he continued to ignore me, I was nothing more than a bug before him, even now, I am sure that I would not be able to get his attention.” 

So even old man Tannin couldn’t become his opponent? Then that giant dragon, how powerful is it? Issei thought, a cold weight settled in his chest as he realized that there were beings even stronger than the one who he already considered to be incredibly powerful. 

Azazel then turned to face his former protégé, not surprised by his presence. “Vali.” 

“It’s been a while, Azazel. Did you defeat Creuserey Asmodeus?” Vali asked. 

“Yeah, but Sirzechs was the one who took care of him.” Azazel answered, glancing at the ruins of the temple. “And it looks like Shalba Beelzebub was taken care of by Issei in Juggernaut Drive. Who would have thought?” 

Natsuki narrowed her eyes. “How long were you here, listening to us before you decided to reveal yourselves?” 

The Fallen Angel smirked faintly, giving the Devil a lazy shrug. “Long enough, it’s not my fault you didn’t notice that the communicators I had Odin give you started working again.” 

Before Natsuki could say anything else, Rias stepped forward, her expression became tight. “What about Onii-sama? Did Creuserey-” 

“Creuserey was barely a nuisance. Only took one blow for Sirzechs to reduce him to nothingness.” 

Rias let out a breath she did not realize she had been holding, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “…I see.” 

“But that’s not what we should be focusing on right now,” Azazel continued, his tone shifting just a bit as his eyes flickering toward the space above Vali, Kuroka, Bikou, and Arthur. “Ophis, the guys from the Old Satan Faction have either retreated or surrendered. And with most of their leadership now dead, they're basically finished.” 

“Yes, that seems to be the conclusion of this day,” A monotone voice said from above. 

Everyone froze besides Azazel and Tannin froze, their head quickly shot upward to look at the person who just spoke. 

What the fuck is with people suddenly showing up today? Does everyone here just get off on making dramatic entrances? Natsuki thought as she looked at the leader of Khaos Brigade. 

The Ouroboros Dragon had the appearance of a cute little girl with long black hair that fell down to her hips, equally black eyes whose pupils were slit like a reptile’s and pointed ears. She was dressed in a black gothic, lolita styled dress, the frills of which and ribbons on either side of her head, stark against her pale skin and made her small frame look almost fragile. 

“T-That little girl is Ophis?” Issei whispered, finding it hard to reconcile with the notion of a dragon God having such a cute and innocent appearance. 

“Don’t let her appearance fool you, Ise,” Rias said, clenching her fists. “Ophis is said to be a true shapeshifter, able to freely manipulate their body shape and size to assume any form that they choose, regardless of age, race, or gender.” 

“Ophis,” Vali said, his smile falling in the presence of the dragon, unable to muster his previous excitement now that she was there. “I thought you were going to-” 

“You were taking too long, Vali,” Ophis said, looking up at Great Red, meeting his gaze. “And I wanted to see this for myself.” 

Odin and Great Red had stopped their conversation once Ophis arrived and were both now watching Ophis, the air growing still as two primordial beings turned their attention to the third. 

“Great-Red. It has been a while,” Ophis murmured. “And you’re still so noisy.” 

Great Red let out a low, rumbling chuckle, the sound vibrating through the ground beneath them. “And you’re still boring. Still chasing after the same damn thing?” 

“I want my silence back,” Ophis replied, her tone as flat as ever. “But you’re in the way, you're always in the way.” 

“Eh, you’re the one acting like a brat; the Dimensional Gap is large enough for both of us. You would think that the Dragon of Infinity would know that.” 

Ophis stared at Great Red blankly, offering no reaction to his words at first. 

Slowly, Ophis raised her hand and used it to make a finger gun, pointing it at Great Red. “I shall, definitely get my hands on silence again.” 

Great Red scoffed, smiling sharply. “And how are you going to do that?” 

The red dragon then glanced at Vali and his team; a harsh laugh tore from his throat as his golden eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. 

“Have you truly fallen so low?” Great Red asked, his voice dripping with amusement. “You’re relying on them to get what you want? Now I know, you've lost your mind, Ophis!” 

A crushing, and overwhelming pressure emanated from Great Red, exploding outward in a violent surge, driving everyone present toward the ground. 

Ophis was the only one not affected, while Azazel, Tannin, and Odin held their own through sheer power, their auras flaring violently as they resisted the crushing force pressing down on them. 

And just as suddenly as it came, Great Red released his power, his point having been made as he smiled at Ophis again. “You’re just wasting your time, brat.” 

“I would never expect a fool such as yourself to understand,” Ophis said. 

Great Red laughed again, his four wings unfurling outward, and his legs bending forward, preparing to jump. “Better to be a fool than an empty thing like you!” 

Great Red then jumped into the air, flying upward in a single, explosive burst of power, his massive form tearing through the torn sky and disappearing back into the Dimensional Gap. 

“…He just… left?” Issei muttered, still staring at the sky. 

Odin exhaled, lowering himself back toward the ground. “That is his nature. Great Red does not linger where he has no interest.” 

“Yeah,” Azazel said, rolling his shoulders. “If he actually felt like fighting, none of us would be standing here right now.” 

Vali chuckled, still staring at the opening to the Dimensional Gap. He could still feel the overwhelming presence of Great Red lingering in the air, now seared into his very soul like a brand. 

“Uh, are you good, Vali?” Bikou asked his friend. 

“I’ve never felt better,” Vali said as he lowered his gaze from the sky, his smirk softer now but no less intense. 

You never change, do you Vali? Azazel thought to himself before, looking back at Ophis, a dozen Holy Light spears forming behind him. “You know that we can’t allow you stay here, right? Not unless you will abide by Sirzechs’ decree to dissolve the Khaos Brigade.” 

Ophis glanced at Azazel’s smiling face, her own face still expressionless. “Why should I submit when you and your alliance refuse to give this dimensional rift to me and to surrender to her rule?” 

Azazel chuckled, his spears glowing brighter as they hovered behind him. “You don’t get to just take everything for yourself and expect the rest of us to roll over and accept it.” 

“I will go home then,” Ophis said, having no desire to fight. 

“Wait! Ophis!” Tannin shouted, unsatisfied, his voice rising with frustration. “You can’t just walk away after everything you’ve started!” 

Finally taking notice of reincarnated Devil dragon, a creepy, and unnerving smile appeared on Ophis’ face. “Tannin. If you are here, then it seems that the Dragon Kings are gathering once again, this will make things far more interesting than I thought.” 

The air around Ophis vibrated and in an instant, Ophis was gone, her small figure dissolving into nothingness. 

“This day keeps getting weirder and weirder,” Xenovia muttered, and the others could not help but agree with her. 

“We should leave now,” Kuroka whispered to her teammates. 

Arthur nodded his head before using his sword to cut a hole in the air, creating an opening to another dimension. 

“You know, Vali, you and your friends are enemies of the state,” Azazel said, his tone light. 

Vali met his gaze without hesitation, the faint smirk never leaving his face. “Yeah, I’m aware.” 

Azazel huffed out a quiet laugh, the spears of light behind him glowing again. “Then you also know I should probably try to kill you all right here.” 

“Probably,” Vali agreed. 

For a brief moment, the air grew tense again as the hybrid and Fallen Angel stared at each other. 

But just as quickly, Azazel waved his hand dismissively and his Holy Light spears vanished. “Eh, I’m tired, and you’ve already gotten what you came for. So why waste anymore effort?” 

Vali’s smirk widened slightly. “Not quite,” he replied, glancing briefly toward Natsuki and Issei. “But I will.” 

“You and your friends saved mine, so… so I thank you, I thank all of you for that,” Issei said, bowing to the four. 

He could only imagine what it must have been like for the Peerage when he lost himself to his Juggernaut Drive, or for Natsuki when she was fighting Fukiaezume, so he was grateful that Vali, Kuroka, Bikou, and Arthur had shown up when they did and had offered their help. 

“Ise,” Rias said softly, knowing what must have been going through his mind. “You don’t have to-” 

But Issei quickly leaned back, standing upright again and pointing his fist at Vali, narrowing his eyes. “But don’t get the wrong idea, asshole! The next time I see you, I’m going to have already surpassed you, and have no issue with kicking your ass!” 

“Like I thought, you are truly amusing, Hyoudou Issei,” Vali grinned before turning to look at Natsuki. “Are you going to thank me as well, Sukehiro Natsuki?” 

Natsuki stared at Vali blankly. “No.” 

Bikou laughed, clutching his stomach. “Wow, not even a ‘thanks for saving my life’? That’s so cold!” 

Natsuki rolled her eyes. “Me begging you all for help in the first place is more than enough.” 

Vali only chuckled, clearly not bothered in the slightest. “I didn’t expect anything less.” 

He and the others then turned toward the dimensional tear Arthur had created. 

Kuroka stared at Koneko, opening her mouth, but quickly closing it when her sister met her gaze, turning away as she waved lazily over her shoulder. “Try not to die before next time, nya~” 

Arthur gave Kiba and Xenovia a silent nod before stepping through the portal. Kiba and Xenovia looked at each other, remembering what Koneko had told them when Kuroka and Bikou had tried to attack the Young Devils Gathering party, and how Arthur had wanted them to know that he wished to one day face them in battle as fellow Holy Sword wielders.  

“See ya later, Sekiryuutei, little dragon,” Bikou added with a grin, following Arthur and Kuroka. 

Vali was the last to leave, pausing just before stepping through, glancing back at the other two dragon Sacred Gear holders. He smirked at them again, looking forward to the day when Issei and Natsuki would be able to stand before him as true rivals. 

Vali stepped through the tear in space without another word; the portal closed behind him. 

 “I’m officially done with today,” Natsuki muttered, letting out a long breath and dragging a hand through her tangled hair. 

“You and me both,” Issei said weakly, rubbing the back of his head.

~X~

Sirzechs looked down from the balcony of the observation room, watching the Devils below moving through the ruins of the Lucifaad Amphitheater. 

The battle had just ended and now he was waiting for Azazel and Tannin to return with Odin, his sister, and her Peerage. 

“I’ve confirmed that Lord and Lady Astaroth are being brought to us. They had been staying in one of their country houses when they were found,” Sirzechs heard Falbium Asmodeus tiredly say as he entered the room, joining himself, Serafall, and Ajuka Beelzebub. 

“That’s not a good look for them. The elders and the rest of parliament are not going to think this is just a coincidence,” Serafall said, crossing her arms. 

Ajuka leaned back in his seat, running his hand through his green hair and sighing. “And you just know that they are going to assume I had something to do with this as well. This is fucking mess if I've ever seen one.” 

Ajuka cursed the day that his cousin was born, lamenting that Diodora’s actions had turned his name and by extension, his authority into something for the masses to pick apart piece by piece. 

“That’s putting it mildly,” Sirzechs said quietly, his gaze never leaving the ruins. “Ajuka, are you sure that your uncle and aunt were not-” 

Ajuka scoffed, making room on the couch for Falbium to sit down next to him. “They would have never allowed Diodora to use the wealth and resources of House Astaroth to embolden the Old Satan Faction, especially not Xyndrell, not after the war, and not with so much now to lose.” 

Xyndrell Astaroth, the head of the Astaroth Clan, and Diodora’s father, just as many other Devils had lost many that he cared about during the Devil Civil War, including six of his children, two of his sisters and one of his three brothers, Dajaka Astaroth, Ajuka’s father. 

“So, at best your uncle and aunt are just guilty of negligence?” Falbium asked. “They must have been quite blind to have missed all of this given how blatant Diodora was about being the Khaos Brigade's newest lapdog.” 

Serafall placed a finger under her chin, a thoughtful expression forming on her face. “Hmm. Maybe they were hoping that Diodora would regain some sense and change his mind or that they could quietly contain this issue before it became a problem that the rest of the Underworld became aware of.” 

It’s most likely the latter. Ajuka thought, knowing how his family moved in the face of scandal. 

“Either way, the House of Astaroth must be severely punished both for their willful ignorance and in place of their now deceased heir,” Sirzechs added, finally turning around to look at the others, and Ajuka in particular. “I’m sorry, Ajuka.” 

The Beelzebub Maou waved this off. “Don’t apologize, Sirzechs. I cut ties with them all when I took the title of Maou, what happens to them is of no consequence to me.” 

“Eh~” Serafall said, teasingly smiling at Ajuka and playfully poking his cheek. “You don’t have to act so tough in front of us, Ajuka-kun. Real men worry about their families too, you know? If you to shed a few tears, or if you want to go talk to them, we won’t judge you!” 

Ajuka stared at Serafall blankly, slowly pushing her hand away from his face. “Don’t go comparing me to you and Sirzechs, Serafall. If anything, I wish that I could severe our relationship even more so that everyone in Underworld can understand just how much I don’t care about nor am I aligned with them.” 

Serafall pouted, her eyes gleaming with mirth. “Aw, don’t say that, if any member of House Astaroth heard that then-” 

A knock at the door cut the Maou off mid-sentence, and Grayfia's voice drew everyone's attention. “Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, Leviathan-sama, Asmodeus-sama. Rias Ojou-sama, her Peerage, Odin-sama, and Azazel-sama have returned and are awaiting their audience with you.” 

“Please allow them to enter, Grayfia.” Sirzechs said. 

“Yes, Lucifer-sama.” The door opened briefly as Grayfia stepped inside, bowing before turning and guiding the group inside. 

The moment Rias entered, Sirzechs’ expression softened, happy to see that other than their clothing being in disarray, she and the rest of her servants were unharmed. 

“Onii-sama, you’re okay,” Rias said relieved. 

For a long time, the Gremory heiress had been ignoring her brother, still angry at him for purposely manipulating Issei and Natsuki’s lives so that they could become her Pawns. She had always been stubborn and wanted Sirzechs to know that she did not approve of his actions, and certainly not on her behalf. 

But when Azazel had said that her brother had fought Creuserey Asmodeus, one of the leaders of the Old Satan Faction, Rias had for the first time felt scared for her larger-than-life sibling. Facing off against Shalba had been terrifying enough, but the thought of her brother fighting someone even stronger, alone, scared her even more. 

Sirzechs smiled. “Were you worried about me, Ria-tan? You didn’t need to; your Onii-sama wouldn’t let anyone take him away from you! I would never lose to someone like-” 

“Lucifer-sama,” Grayfia said, pinching her husband’s cheek. “You must not forget why we are here.” 

“I haw’net it, Grawfia!” Sirzechs exclaimed. 

Rias sighed, hearing both Serafall and Azazel laughing at the scene, once again embarrassed by the behavior of her brother and sister-in-law. 

Why was I even worried? Rias thought. 

Ajuka turned his head to look at the group. “We need you all to explain what happened while you were trapped in the Rating Game field. And to not leave out a single detail.” 

Woah, is this Diodora’s cousin? The Beelzebub Maou? Issei thought. 

He had only seen Ajuka once from afar during the Young Devils Gathering, but right now Issei could feel an aura around him that made Ajuka seem more menacing than his fellow Maous. 

“Well, I believe that this little story should be told in chronological order. Don’t you agree, Rias-chan?” Azazel asked as he sat down in an empty chair, looking at Rias. 

The King rolled her eyes but stepped forward spoke about how their fight with Diodora and the Astaroth Peerage went. 

“Shalba Beelzebub arrived to kill Diodora once he was no longer useful, alongside a Shinto God of the Stars?” Ajuka asked, leaning forward intently once Rias was done. 

The eyes of the four Maous fell upon Natsuki once Rias said Fukiaezume's name and the Pawn could not stop herself from glaring at them. 

Rias didn’t even need to tell them his full title or what pantheon he belonged to; they knew who Fukiaezume was just from his name. Natsuki clenched her jaw, tired of being kept in the dark. 

“What happened once Diodora Astaroth was killed?” Sirzechs asked, unbothered by the murderous look Natsuki was giving him. 

“Fukiaezume claimed that he had come to... to kill Natsuki. He quickly separated himself and Natsuki from the us, and the rest of us were left to fight Shalba.” Rias answered, her gaze falling to the floor. “Shalba was just too strong for us, nothing we did could slow him down for long, he was toying with us throughout the entirety of the fight. Asia was critically injured by Shalba and that’s when Ise… that’s when he activated his Juggernaut Drive.” 

Rias’ voice had become tight by the end, her fingers curling into her skirt as the memory of Issei losing himself played over in her mind, unable to fully hide the fear that still lingered within her. 

Sirzechs’ brow furrowed. “A full transformation?” 

Azazel shook his head. “No, it was incomplete. Your sister and her friends wouldn’t have been able to bring Issei back with the power of friendship if he had fully succumbed.” 

Sirzechs nodded. “What happened after Ise-kun activated his Juggernaut Drive?” 

“Ise was able to take on Shalba by himself, his Demonic Power growing exponentially before overtaking Shalba entirely. Kuroka, Bikou, and Arthur Pendragon of the Khaos Brigade arrived shortly after, having been sent to us by Natsuki, and when they did, Ise killed Shalba and destroyed the temple in the process. But even with Shalba gone, Ise… Ise wouldn’t stop, he tried to attack he tried to attack all of us, and Kiba, Xenovia, Bikou, and Arthur held him off until Natsuki, Vali, and Fukiaezume arrived.” Rias explained. 

“And you, Natsuki-chan,” Sirzechs turned to look at the Pawn. “What exactly happened between you and Fukiaezume?” 

“I got my ass kicked,” Natsuki said flatly, holding his gaze. 

“Natsuki,” Akeno hissed, gripping her Natsuki’s arm tightly in reprimand. 

Natsuki rolled her eyes, pulling her arm away from Akeno’s hand. “He said he come to deal with me and spoke about how blasphemous and illegal my existence was and how me and Issei couldn't be allowed to live. Vali and the others had been scouting the tear in the Dimensional Gap that had appeared on the field when they came upon us and I had remembered that Kuroka was a master of Senjutsu and that it could be used to heal others, so I asked them for their help. Vali agreed, but mainly because he wanted to fight a God and Kuroka, Arthur, and Bikou went to help my Peerage deal with Shalba and Issei.” 

Ophis’ desire to return to the Dimensional Gap is well known, it makes sense that she would send one of her strongest teams to find an opening that could be used in a surprise attack against Great Red. Sirzechs thought. 

“Vali mentioned that Fukiaezume was a part of a secret group called the Children of the End,” Natsuki continued. “And when Vali and I pissed him off enough, Fukiaezume claimed that he was the fourth son of Amatsu-Mikaboshi, the true ruler of the heavens and that Amaterasu would weep for me once he and his group returned to power and he killed me.” 

The room fell into silence, and when she saw either blank, irritated, or intrigued expressions on the faces of the Maous, Grayfia, Azazel, and Odin, Natsuki laughed bitterly. 

“I can’t even pretend to be surprised,” Natsuki said, her laughter dying off. 

Sirzechs frowned. “Natsuki-chan, what happened-” 

“Odin saved me when Fukiaezume tried to kill me and then I used my [Ethereal Domination] to absorb the excess Demonic Power from Issei’s body,” Natsuki spat. 

Sirzechs stared at Natsuki for a moment before turning to look at Azazel and Odin. Natsuki did not hear what Sirzechs had said to them, her thoughts and feelings spiraling too loudly in her head for anything else to break through. 

“That’s just great,” Ajuka complained, rubbing his forehead. “You just know Ophis and the rest of Khaos Brigade are going to try and take the area again. The openings to the Dimensional Gap located in every part of the world are balanced because Great Red resides in it. If Great Red is killed by Ophis or Vali, or if Ophis was to rule the Dimensional Gap, we don’t know what will happen. Nothing would have happened if this was Ophis of the past, but the current Ophis has stayed in this world for far too long and she has greatly changed.” 

“They can try, but we won’t let them, as long as the space is properly defended, it should work as a deterrent,” Falbium said. “And we will need to need to reconsider where future Rating Games can take place, and this entire tournament due to them being interfered with by the terrorists.” 

“Should we really be focusing on Rating Games right now?” Issei muttered. 

Serafall laughed when she heard this, making Issei flinch, having not expected to be heard. “Well, at the moment, the Khaos Brigade will be too busy with their recent losses to come after us again anytime soon, Issei-kun.” 

Rias frowned. “Can we truly believe that?” 

“At this moment, we are still looking through the Old Satan Faction’s dead and captured forces, interrogating them for any remaining information, but it will take time before we can say anything with certainty,” Sirzechs said. 

“I think you’re overestimating these Devils' intelligence,” Azazel said dryly, leaning back in his chair. “Groups like this tend to crumble fast once the loudest idiots in charge get themselves killed.” 

Azazel’s gaze then shifted from Sirzechs to Issei. “But honestly,” he continued, his tone losing some of its humor, “They weren’t the biggest problem today.” 

Issei’s eyes widened. “S-Sensei?” 

The Fallen stood up, walking over to Issei and placing his arm around his shoulder, smiling lazily at the Devil. “We have to make sure there are no lingering consequences of you forcing yourself into Juggernaut Drive, both mentally and physically.” 

“Uh, how would we do that?” Issei asked, unease creeping into his voice. 

Azazel’s grin became sharper. “We test you.” 

“T-Test me?” 

Ajuka leaned forward slightly, interest piqued. “That would be the most efficient approach. If the Juggernaut Drive has left any lasting effects on his psyche or Sacred Gear, we need to identify them immediately.” 

Serafall nodded, though her usual cheer had dimmed. “If something like that happens again in the middle of a populated area…” 

She did not finish her sentence; no one needed her to, already imagining what the Red Dragon Emperor could do in such a situation. 

Rias’ hands tightened at her sides. “What kind of test?” 

Azazel glanced at her, then back at Issei. “One that pushes you just enough to see where your limits are now, and to see what’s changed.” 

That does not make me feel any more reassured! Issei thought. 

“And it will be best if we start now,” Azazel said before looking at the Maous. “Are we done here or?” 

Sirzechs nodded. “We can finish our discussion at another time.” 

Azazel did not hesitate, beginning to drag Issei out of the room by the collar despite his protests. 

“H-Hey! Wait! I didn’t even agree to this!” Issei shouted, stumbling as he was pulled along. 

“You don’t need to,” Azazel replied lazily. “This is for your own good.” 

“Ise!” Rias called out. “Azazel, you can’t just take him! You still have not told us what you plan to do!” 

“That fool really hasn’t changed, he’s still a research fanatic,” Odin said with a laugh. 

Rias sighed, turning to look at her brother. “Onii-sama, I’m sorry but I have to-” 

Sirzechs chuckled. “No, no, it’s alright, Ria-tan, I know what Azazel is like. Besides, you have already told us everything that you know, you and the rest of your Peerage can go with him. I trust Azazel to know what he’s doing, even if his methods are… unconventional.” 

Rias hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Understood.” 

As the Gremory Peerage was about to leave the observation room, Natsuki stepped forward. “Sirzechs-sama.” 

Sirzechs met Natsuki’s eye, seeing the rage burning behind them. It was not the first time he had ever been given such a look, and he knew that like the others, Natsuki wanted to attack him. 

“Do you need something, Natsuki-chan?” Sirzechs asked gently. 

“You already know what I want,” Natsuki said plainly. “Why bother to keep lying about it when I can practically guess most of it on my own.” 

Sirzechs glanced at his fellow Maous, Falbium shrugged, Serafall nodded her head, and Ajuka stared at him blankly. 

Rias placed her hand on Natsuki’s shoulder, trying to pull her back. “Natsuki you can’t just-” 

“Rias,” Sirzechs said, his voice firm. “Take the rest of your Peerage and leave Natsuki with us.” 

“Onii-sama, I’m not going to leave her here alone,” Rias declared. 

“Respectfully, Sirzechs-sama, but none of us are going to,” Akeno added, her eyes never leaving the Maou. 

Koneko stepped forward next, standing at Natsuki’s side without a word, her eyes fixed on Sirzechs. 

Kiba followed, placing a hand over his chest. “If this concerns one of us, then it concerns all of us.” 

Gasper hesitated for only a moment before nodding quickly, clutching at his sleeve. “W-We’ll stay too…” 

Xenovia crossed her arms. “There is no reason to separate us.” 

Asia looked between Natsuki and Sirzechs before softly adding, “We want to understand as well.” 

Rias tightened her grip even further on Natsuki’s shoulder. “We’re a Peerage, we don’t leave each other behind.” 

Falbium let out a snort. “How cute.” 

Sirzechs looked at each of them in turn, his gaze lingering on Rias before shifting back to Natsuki before sighing. “Very well.” 

Natsuki will more than likely tell them all anyway, so we might as well allow them all to hear this now. Sirzechs thought. “But what we discuss here today cannot leave this room.”

~X~

Natsuki let out another humorless laugh, dragging her hand down her face. “Just say it already.” 

Sirzechs looked at her. “Natsuki-” 

“No,” Natsuki cut him off, her voice sharper now as she looked up at all of them. “I’m so fucking tired of this, you all clearly know something about me, about why Fukiaezume came after me specifically. I almost died, so unless this is just a really elaborate coincidence, you’re all sitting on information that I should’ve had before I got stabbed through the chest five times.” 

Before a man had to die for me. Natsuki thought. 

“As you already know, you were a half human hybrid before you were reincarnated as Devil,” Sirzechs said. “And that your mortal mother belonged to a famous family of Egyptian magicians. But as you also know, we have not told you about the other half of your lineage. It is important for you to-” 

“Bah! Why are you trying to drag this out, Sirzechs?” Odin moaned, rolling his eye. “The girl has already pieced most of it together, there’s no point in dancing around it any longer.” 

The Norse God then turned to look at Natsuki. “Amaterasu, the central sun goddess of Shintoism and supreme ruler of Takamagahara, is your other parent. You’re a demigod, kid.” 

Natsuki had already figured that this was the case, but hearing the confirmation out loud, lifted a weight that had been pressing down on her chest for months. 

“A-A d-demigod?” Rias’ mouth fell open in shock. “B-But demigods a-are… are…” 

When she looked at her Pawn, Rias felt her breath catch, everything she thought she knew about Natsuki suddenly feeling far too small in comparison. 

Kiba’s eyes widened slightly, Xenovia’s expression hardened, and even Akeno’s usual composure faltered as she looked at Natsuki with slight unease. 

“A d-d-d-d-demigod…” Gasper whispered, his body beginning to shake. 

And Koneko said nothing, but her gaze sharpened, studying Natsuki as if seeing her for the first time. 

“What's wrong with Natsuki-san being a demigod?” Asia asked, seeing the shocked and horrified expressions on the faces of her friends. 

“Her existing,” Falbium said dryly. 

“Falbium!” Serafall smacked Falbium’s shoulder before addressing Asia's question. “As you know Gods were once known for siring half mortal children since they first came into being, ones like Heracles, or Theseus, or Sæmingr. They were more than just evidence of their parents’ lust, but could strengthening a God's divine influence on Earth, navigate restrictions that stood against direct divine intervention, and ensure through their existence and worship, that a God's domain did not die. But overtime, each new generation of demigods grew stronger than the last, and became harder to reason with and control, which inevitably led to Zhuan Chen's Folly.” 

“Zhuan Chen's Folly? What is that?” Natsuki asked. 

“Zhuan Chen was the demigod who lived about nine hundred years ago, the son of Fuxi, the first of the Three Sovereigns of Chinese mythology, credited along with his sister and wife Nüwa, with creating humanity,” Ajuka explained, turning to face the balcony. “He, like so many other demigods before him, grew tired of being at the neck and call of the Gods, hated how he and his brethren were expected to fight and die young for their parents’ desires, to take on their burdens and sins. And so Zhuan Chen, went around the world, convincing not just countless demigods, but others who had suffered under the rule of the divine—humans, spirits, monsters, even lesser gods, to rise up alongside him in rebellion.” 

Ajuka’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What followed, was a war that most pantheons would rather pretend never happened. Entire bloodlines were wiped out, shrines and holy lands were burned, and the landscape of power forever changed. The fighting lasted for nearly two hundred years, and the war only ended, when several pantheons came together and erased Zhuan Chen and his rebellion from existence.” 

Sirzechs picked up where Ajuka left off, his tone quieter. “And after the war, the Gods of every major pantheon came together to create the Pact of Equilibrium, swearing to stop having children with mortals so as to prevent something like Zhuan Chen’s Folly from ever happening again. Of course, demigods still exist, but they are rare, extremely so, including yourself, Natsuki, I only know of three living demigods. Almost all are eliminated before they can become a threat, given how easy it is to detect your kind. But Amaterasu has broken the pact-” 

“Which is pretty surprising given how strait laced she is. I've seen plenty of Gods and Goddess who have broken the pact of the centuries, but even before the rebellion, Amaterasu never had a single demigod child, nor was she known to indulge in mortals,” Odin said, staring at Natsuki with cruel amusement, like he was watching the world’s most horrifying car crash. “Your mortal mother must have been quite the woman to get the Sun Goddess to forsake both her oath to her brethren and to her brother husband.” 

The Pawn did not react, her face going completely still as Odin’s words settled over her. 

Odin did not let this stop him, continuing on as gleeful as ever. “And strong to, if she kept you hidden in your little orphanage from everyone who could possibly be looking for you until Sirzechs and Grayfia came upon you. Almost makes you question if Amaterasu and her ilk even knew about your existence or if-” 

“Odin,” Sirzechs glared at the God, his Power of Destruction coating his hands. “That is enough from you.” 

The Norse God smiled at the Maou, tightening his grip on Gungnir. “Oh? It's not every day that the Crimson-Haired Prince of Destruction gets so heated.” 

“What is the Children of the End? And what role do they, Fukiaezume, and Amatsu-Mikaboshi have to do with all of this?” Natsuki asked, her tone as emotionless as her expression, and ignoring the tension between Odin and Sirzechs entirely. 

Ajuka was the one who answered Natsuki's questions. “Amatsu-Mikaboshi is the God of Evil, Chaos, and the Stars within the Shinto Pantheon. He had waged war against the Gods of Takamagahara, believing that he should be King, but was defeated and banished. Although, as I’m sure you can tell, he refused to let such a loss deter him from his goal, that is what the Children of the End is. An organization filled with Amatsu-Mikaboshi’s children and supporters, all working toward the same goal: overturning the current order and placing him on a throne he believes is rightfully his. I do not believe that Fukiaezume came after you for any other reason than to kill you and use your death as a way to unsettle Amaterasu. But we cannot say for certain what him and the Children of the End were planning alongside the Khaos Brigade.” 

“Would it not be the same as what every other faction that is a part of the Khaos Brigade is after?” Falbium asked. “To use the collective strength of their organization for their own benefit.” 

“Not entirely, if Azazel is to be believed,” Serafall said. “Vali told him that Khaos Brigade’s Hero Faction aren’t as invested in their cause, especially their leader.” 

“But still, how can-” 

Natsuki still kept her gaze on the Lucifer Maou and his wife, still not showing any emotion on her face. “Sirzechs-sama, how did you and Grayfia-san come across me?” 

Sirzechs look at his wife, nodding his head. A magic circle appeared beneath Grayfia’s feet and in a flash of light, the Queen's physical appearance had changed. 

Natsuki huffed, a sardonic grin appearing on her face. “You've got to be fucking kidding me.” 

“Natsuki, who is Grayfia’s disguise supposed to be to you?” Rias asked  

“I knew her as Shibuya Kiyomi, the guidance counselor at my junior high school,” Natsuki said, her eyes narrowing at the maid. “You were always telling me I was ‘special’ and that I had a ‘bright future.’” 

“That was not a lie,” Grayfia said calmly, meeting her gaze unflinchingly. 

“Yeah? Funny way of showing it.” Natsuki snorted, laughing humorlessly as she turned to look at Sirzechs. “And you?” 

“Do you remember the homeless old man that you give food and spare change to during your walks to school?” Sirzechs asked. 

Natsuki could remember the man, his name was Shigeru and he had always greeted her with that same easy smile, joking that she was too kind for her own good whenever she stopped to give him or just to talk to him. 

“And that was you?” 

Sirzechs did not respond, not needing to, given how he already had all but admitted the truth, and the silence only served to anger Natsuki even more. 

“You really are siscon, huh? Was protecting Rias really worth all of this?” 

Rias tried to reach for Natsuki. “Natsuki, what are you-” 

“You’re not a fucking idiot, Rias!” Natsuki shouted, ripping her arm away from the King, her eyes glowing gold. “Don’t act like you don’t understand what I mean. Your brother said it himself; all demigods are eliminated before they can become a threat, but of course when you’re involved, all his sense goes out the window. He could have killed me the moment he found out about my existence, or told the Shinto Gods about me, but instead he helped to hide me, so that you could make me into your Pawn the moment I died!” 

Natsuki could still understand why Sirzechs did all of this, she was sure that if she was in his position that she would find it difficult not to do anything similar, but she hated how little control she was now finding out that she truly had over her own life, and just how disposable and inconsequential she felt. 

“And once he decided that he was going to use me, he had to keep me hidden lest the Shinto Pantheon realized his deception,” Natsuki growled before addressing Sirzechs again. “So, what now? Do you expect me to be grateful that you let me live long enough to become useful? Or will you kill me now that I’ve served my purpose and you can have some plausible deniable once the Gods become properly aware of my presence?” 

“That is not what-” 

“Stop fucking lying to me!” Demonic Power exploded from Natsuki’s body, flooding the room in a suffocating wave. 

But when she tried to move toward Sirzechs, she suddenly found herself slammed into the wall behind her, a hand wrapped tightly around her throat, forcing her to stare into a brighter shade of red eyes. 

Grayfia pressed Natsuki harder against the wall, spider cracks forming behind the back of her head. Grayfia’s hold on Natsuki did not falter no matter how much Natsuki struggled; her fingers tightened with mechanical precision.  

To Natsuki it felt as if the woman was restraining a misbehaving child, which only made Natsuki feel even more resentful. The difference between them was absolute 

“L-Let g-go!” Natsuki choked out, clawing at Grayfia’s wrist. 

Grayfia’s expression did not change. “You will not raise your hand against my master, Natsuki-san.” 

“Y-Y-Your m-ma-master's a-a cunt!” Natsuki spat, her face turning red the longer she was being deprived of oxygen. 

Odin let out a snort, a crooked grin spreading across his face when Natsuki said this. 

“That’s enough, Grayfia,” Sirzechs said calmly. “Release her.” 

Grayfia did not hesitate; her grip loosened at once, and she stepped back, allowing Natsuki to drop to the floor. The Pawn collapsed to one knee, coughing violently as she dragged in sharp, desperate breaths, clutching her throat. 

The Gremory Peerage rushed forward the moment Sirzechs’ Queen released their friend, surrounding her, almost acting like a shield between her and the rest of the room. 

“Natsuki!” Akeno placed her hands on Natsuki’s shoulders, trying to steady the trembling Devil. 

“I’m fine,” Natsuki rasped, her voice was raw, her body trembling as she forced herself upright, shrugging Akeno’s hand off once more. Her golden eyes snapped back to Sirzechs, burning with undiluted fury. “Don’t touch me.” 

Sirzechs looked at her with regret and understanding in his eyes. “I was never going to kill you, Natsuki-chan.” 

Natsuki laughed; the sound was hollow and sharp. “Yeah? That’s supposed to mean something?” 

“It should,” Ajuka cut in, his tone flat. “Because if Sirzechs had decided you were a threat, you would not be standing here arguing about it.” 

Natsuki’s jaw tightened as she glared at Ajuka, her nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood, but she said nothing in response. 

Natsuki pushed herself to her feet, shoving her way past the others and started walking toward the door. 

“Natsuki, wait!” Rias called after her. 

Natsuki ignored her King as she pushed the door open and walked out, wanting to be as far away from everyone as she could.

~X~

Odin let out a low chuckle. “Well, that went about as well as could be expected.” 

Ajuka ignored the God, exhaling slowly. “Regardless of intent, the situation has escalated beyond secrecy. If even one member of the Children of the End found her, then we should assume that they all know of her, and that it’s only a matter of time before others do as well.” 

Serafall nodded. “Which means hiding her isn’t really an option anymore…” 

“And that means she’ll have to be prepared,” Falbium added bluntly, glancing back toward the door. 

Rias’ expression hardened at that. “We will handle that. I do not wish to be rude, but Natsuki is my Pawn and my friend, her future is not something for any of you to decide without her consent, or my own.” 

You have all done fucking enough. Rias thought. 

Just when she thought that she could start trusting her brother again, Sirzechs gone and proven why she should not have gotten her hopes up. Sirzechs Lucifer would never change, and she was only now starting to see that. 

Sirzechs gave her a small nod. “For what it is worth, Rias, Natsuki-chan's life was never something I intended to discard. And I hope you can let her know that.” 

Rias’ lips pressed into a thin line, her hands curling at her sides as she met her brother’s gaze. “If you truly mean that, then you should have told her the truth from the beginning.” 

Rias then turned away from her brother. “Come on,” she said to her Peerage. “We’re leaving.” 

Akeno moved first, followed by Koneko, Kiba, Xenovia, Gasper, and Asia, all falling into step behind their King, not one of them sparing the Maous, Odin or Grayfia another glance. 

Peerage left the room; the door closed behind them with a soft click. 

Grayfia stepped beside her husband. “Lucifer-sama.”  

“I know,” Sirzechs murmured, his gaze remaining fixed on the door.