×Chapter 207×Fluctuating Morale

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*Dxd World*

*Human World*

*Japan*

*Tokyo International Airport*

*10:35am*

(The Day)

Haile, Nalisa and Clernet were now outside the airport at the side of the road standing with their luggage, Haile had a smile on his face as he breathed in deeply.

."Haaa, this is it, home sweet home, nothing like the smell of technology and trees perfectly blended."Haile said with a smile as he sucked in a large gust of air like a vacuum.

Nalisa nodded her head gently, she was standing slightly behind Haile donned in her maid outfit, she was back to being his maid by choice.

."I'll admit, it doesn't seem too bad, infact I would say the air here is filled with more natural energy than in that america place, my power is even recovering faster."Clernet said appearing a bit impressed, she glanced around, everything was so unique.

Haile nodded."Yeah, that's because Japan is a hotspot for supernatural creatures and now that I think about, almost every world altering supernatural event had taken place here."He said as he pulled on his chin.

."Japan must have some pretty strong people then, I can't wait."Clernet said with a twinkle in her eyes, she licked her lips as an intense smile appeared on her face but not for long.

Haile and Nalisa glanced at each other, Haile chuckled feeling awkward on the world's behalf."Well, Clernet, you are already at the pinnacle of this world, like only four people can fight you now."He said, this was his home now, they truly needed a rank up.

."What, you're fucking kidding right, I'm not even at 0.1%, are you sure, if that's true then this is truly a backwater world, even my door guard would be a Tyrant here."Clernet spoke bluntly as she placed her hands on her waist, she then looked at Haile who is her master now and cleared her throat.

Haile shook his head."Rub it in more why don't you, *sigh* but don't worry about it too much, soon everyone left will be strong."He said calmly with an odd light in his eyes.

Nalisa clenched her fist, she also has to go back in training.'This time, it's going to be different, I have to gain more power, to protect them, to protect him.'She thought, all her training before in the past was for the purpose of recovering her sight.

But she believed it will be useful, her training before was about technique and control, it helped to build a foundation for her, so when she becomes stronger she will always be on top.

After playing with her master that one time she knows that her knowledge and skill in magic far exceeds him or anyone else that she'd come across for that matter, it must be something impressive, just maybe.

."Alright, let's get going, before going back to Kuoh Town I want to stop by Kyoto so we'll take the bullet train."Haile said as he started walking in the direction of the inner city.

Nalisa and Clernet obediently followed behind him continuing their journey, quickly they had boarded the train and was off to Kyoto and scheduled to reach in two hours.

Though it's safe to say that Haile didn't really think this one through alot or at all for that matter but their journey continued.

Just a bit away from where they left a car was parked, in this car was two men dressed in black suits and dark shades, they pressed to their ears and spoke a few words before driving off.

~~

*Secret Base*

In the deep underground that stretched for miles and miles a hidden base was built, pristine walls and beautifully decorated halls, it was like a place fit for a God and his Goddesses.

Dimly lit by some candles 10 large stone pillars casted a shadow onto the walls beside it, upon these pillars layed majesty thrones worthy of a ruler, but the owners of them except one were standing infront bowing to a particular direction.

Just below these 10 pillars were 33 smaller ones each with a figure atop who were all kneeling in the same direction showing signs of great reverence.

.""Raise your heads, today is a day of great news, the one true God is returning so prepare for him a banquet"".

.""Yes"".

Down below on a platform were four beings standing in the shadows, just their silhouettes alone carried unspeakable charisma and charm, the darkness of the room only stood to fuel their mystery sending out signals of Godhood.

As the flames flickered with their movements it revealed them, Sona, Rias, Akeno and Tsubaki, the four best friends, that could only mean that the people before them were the members of their organization, Luminous Era.

Looking at the core members of Luminous, something was different, even though the 10 great Popes had not changed much in terms of temperament but the 33 stars of domination below them, they ment through a monumental development.

They somehow felt more organized and powerful, even more together than ever before, that might have something to do with the technique that Haile gave them before, the 33 Dominating Star Fields.

The 9 popes held up from bowing and sat on their thrones, as usual Ciaa was at the center as the number 1, in all this time nothing changed.

."~Oh how nice, soon we will finally get to see our master for the first time, he must be so sexy, just delicious~."Imoia said with a creepy smile as her pitch black dull eyes created a darkness-like mist behind her.

Of course Jono wouldn't let this pass over."*Hmpm* Imoia I suggest you hide, if the lord sees you then he'd call in the apocalypse."He said with a smirk on his large face, his muscles rippled as he chuckled.

Imoia's eyes narrowed as she heard him, she stood up smacking her umbrella on her palm."~Jono, Jono, I would hate to have to punish you for being a big rude gorilla."She said coldly but the creepy smile remained on her face.

."Alright children please behave yourself infront of the Goddesses."Larfred spoke calmly as he twisted his mustache with his fingers, he shook his head.

Sona down below sighed silently."Larfred don't worry your head, it seems that they just need a bit more discipline."She said pushing up her glasses, a smirk appeared on her face.

Both Jono and Imoia went pale at those words, Imoia quickly sat down up straight now looking like a proper noble lady which she was, but sweat pooled down her face like rain.

."~Ara, Sona you traumatized them, look how cute they are."Akeno said with her hand covering mouth, her eyes creased with a smile.

Sona smiled also."Rather than traumatize, I prefer the term well taught, oh by the way Tsubaki how did you know that Haile would be returning today?."She asked her curious at that.

."He said we had one month to prepare so I just assumed, also I guessed that he may return via the airport so I placed some men to watch there so I can see through the reflection."Tsubaki said touching her glasses.

Sona paused for a moment before nodding."I see, smart move."She said, Tsubaki use to be her assistant so of course she would be extremely smart as well.

."Mm do you think Haile remembered to bring me a souvenir?."Rias asked as she tapped her chin in thought, she looked excited almost like a child.

Akeno chuckled at this and Sona shook her head."Weren't you obsessed with Japan, wasn't that all you could think about."She said exasperated.

."What, just because I only like Japanese things doesn't mean I can't appreciate good things overall, even though as you said the best things are made in Japan."Rias said smugly as she fold her arms.

Sona rolled her eyes."I didn't even say that, also Rias, you're not even Japanese so why are you so smug for."She said rubbing her forehead.

."*Gasp* how dare you Sona, it's not in the blood or the color, it's the spirit!."Rias said righteously as she puffed up her breast with a jiggle."Like the great will of fire, my Japanese spirit burns brighter than anyone's."

This time even Akeno hid behind her hands as she peeked through her fingers, Tsubaki smiled awkwardly."Um, Rias maybe you might want to take a break from those cartoo- uh I mean animes."She said seeing everyone so troubled.

."What, a break, anime is not simply something to watch, it's a lifestyle, to quit is to give up on life and die a miserable, ugly death."Rias said calmly as she backed them facing to the wall, she clenched her fist tightly.

As she talked all the 10 popes and the 33 stars watched on with silent curiosity, they were a bit confused on what was going on except, Pope Alavalanch, the 7th Pope.

She was the strangest of the 10 Popes, she appeared in her teens or early 20s, her appearance was that of a sickly scientist and her long white and black covered some of her face as her deep blue eyes twinkled peering at Rias.

.""Kakakakka!"".

Suddenly an odd laugher rung from the lips of Alavalanch as she chuckled with a smile, coupled with the dark circles around her eyes it created a sinister temperment around her.

As this terrifying sound entered everyone's ears it instantly gains their attention, Alavalanch smirked as she reached into her white coat and pulled out a DVD like disk.

*Shine*!!!

*Gasp*!!!

Rias instantly dropped to her knees as she stared at the disk, her eyes layed wide open in disbelief."N-no way, it can't be, impossible, this is impossible!."She said almost freaking out.

."My venerable Goddess, I say to you is it really kakakaka, within my slimy hands is the original DVD, the only copy in the world right now of High school of the dead season 2, 4 episodes the creator made before he died."Alavalanch spoke with pride, she waved the DVD around in her hand gently.

Rias eyes followed it's movements as though hypnotized, Sona behind her palmed her face feeling sorry for herself."All my hard work up in smoke, after trying so hard to make our image untouchable, agh I give up."She said breathing a sigh of defeat.

."Ara, Rias is enjoying life Sona, maybe you should learn from example, we have an eternity why so serious all the time, I think it's fine, if they act up MhMm, just leave it to me~."Akeno said as her eyes glowed with a sadistic light, she traced her lips gently with her finger looking at the popes.

8 of the popes felt a chill in their spines at her gaze, Alavalanch was distracted and Inanuma was as calm and cool as always, he rarely got flustered, even when he was on deaths door.

Rias realized what she was doing and got up from the ground."*Ahem* apologies for the unsightly appearance, my good servant Alavalanch, how would you like to grace your wonderful Master with this gift."She asked with a bright smile on her face.

."Rias I don't think you should..."Sona said letting it trail off speaking the rest with her eyes.

Rias rolled her eyes."Of course I would take advantage of her, *ahem* I mean wouldn't, Alavalanch, what do you want in exchange, pick any one thing."She said folding her arms casually.

."I want the saliva of God."Alavalanch said without hesitation, she didn't even stutter once.

Rias, Sona, Tsubaki and Akeno were all surprised at that, the popes on the other hand were shocked and scared at what she said, Ciaa almost got a heartattack.

."Alavalanch what are you saying, please take that back, tell the Goddesses you were joking, that's not funny."Ciaa spoke with a pale expression, she felt a heavy weight in her stomach.

Alavalanch didn't say anything she gazed at Rias with anticipation, Rias placed her hand on her chin."You want to kiss my man huh, pretty bold of you, but you're cute so I guess it'll work."She said nodding her head.

."Kakakaka Goddess you misunderstand, I do not want to kiss the God, I want the Gods saliva, I am researching the power of Gods and ways to help us with it."Alavalanch said plainly with her odd smile, she didn't care who she offended with that statement.

.""Alavalanch you are going too far now"".

The 9th Pope, Hansha stood up, he gazed at Alavalanch seriously."I advise you to stop now while you are ahead, don't take it too far."He said as his warriors presence engulfed the pillars of the Popes.

Alavalanch broke her gaze with Rias and glanced at Hansha."You are strong, but I am 7th, you cannot defeat me, unfortunately."She said with a bored tone before looking back at Rias.

."You!."Hansha clenched his fist, he took a step forward before feeling his body being locked in place, he turned his head with struggle to Rias.

Rias had taken a step forward and her entire body was lit ablaze with a red aura carrying a hint of absolute destruction."Pope Hansha, I appreciate your word but I have this, Alavalanch, I cannot give that to you, but tell me, why do you want this?."She asked now serious as her eyes narrowed.

Akeno squint her eyes at Rias, she knew what she plans to do, Sona also closed her eyes and waited, Tsubaki simply looked on calmly.

."My Goddess, I simply wish to research, I love to reseach on things I find interesting, I even experiment with it on myself, that is what I love, I don't wish for anything else."Alavalanch said with a fanatical glow in her eyes but it was of the purist emotions, truth.

Rias gazed at her face a bit before eventually smiling in relief."I see, you are speaking the truth, alright, I can do something for you, I will give you a drop of my own blood, do with it what you will, but make sure that you use it only to benefit the organization, understood?."She said placing that one rule.

."Yes, I understand my Goddess."Alavalanch said bowing her head gently.

Ciaa sat back in her chair fanning her sweating face, she sighed in relief almost like she was the one under all that pressure, after all she was the leader of the popes so she felt responsible.

Sona rubbed her chin in thought."Alright, I'll play along as well, you can borrow a drop of mine, show me some good results and I'll forgive your little act of disrespect."She said pushing up her glasses reflecting the glare.

."Kakaka yes Goddess Sona, I'll be sure to give good results for Luminous."Alavalanch said as she smiled deviously, though she was speaking the truth, she was just excited.

Alavalanch glanced at Hansha before instantly looking away but that look had already done the damage, it was the I still won look, but Hansha was helpless and couldn't do or say anything.

."Alright, Pope Ciaa you can continue from here, we are going to meet God, remember what I told you, the fight is taking place today so be ready, don't disappoint me."Sona said calmly as she looked at the Popes individually, she then glanced at Rias, Akeno and Tsubaki before nodding.

Tsubaki, Akeno and Rias was about to make their way as well till Alavalanch stopped Rias and gave her the DVD which she was grateful for.

Upon their departure Ciaa patted her chest then looked over to Alavalanch a bit upset."Alav, try not to do anything so dangerous again, you could've gotten yourself hurt or worst."She said to her.

."Mm."Alavalanch nodded her head, she was very happy now so she didn't really care, it worked so why worry is her thoughts.

Ciaa regulated her breathing for a little bit before catching back her breath and calming down fully."Alright, this is our first great mission as a hidden hand in the world of magic and monsters, before we begin anyone has any questions."She said calmly as she proped her head on her hand.

To her question old lady Saint raised her hand shakily, funnily enough her hands were shaking less than they were before it almost seemed like a habitual thing now as she stopped for small intervals.

."Yes Pope Saint, you have something to say?."Ciaa sat up a bit with intrigue, Saint rarely says anything so it must be mildly important at the very least.

Saint looked up as she remembered a past she had, it was a core memory of hers, in her hand was a gun and on her face a smile, surrounding her was a multitude of soldiers walking through the flames she created, ready to take her life away.

."Ciaa my dear, what are we fighting for."Saint asked that simple question, she gazed right at Ciaa as she did.

Ciaa felt a chill at that, even some of the other popes were stumped and a bit doubtful, but really what are they fighting for, what is their goal, what is the purpose for the amount of lives they will be reaping.

The entire hall was in a moment a pure silence, if one listened closely they might even be able to hear the beating of hearts, and all those hearts were focused on Ciaa, the uncrowded leaded of the Luminous Era hidden hand.

Ciaa felt a great deal of pressure, she sighed."What are we fighting for, to be honest I don't really know, all I do know is that this place, it is to be our home, a place where we can come and be our true authentic selves."

.""I know many of us in this room have grown accustomed to living false lives just to fit the image that was set on us by our own enemies, but in this place we all have a chance to be a leading forefather and foremother of the very world itself"".

.""And all this is possible how, through the grace of the great God himself, he allowed us this opportunity, he also allowed us who were once lost with nowhere to call home to have a place to call our own"".

.""Even without us the war will go on, we will be attacked from all sides like dogs, should we sit down and do nothing, No, we have to fight back, if not for ourselves but at least for him, our master, the God King"".

."What we fight for is meaningless, WHO we fight for, it's him, them our master and his Goddesses."Ciaa said as she closed her eyes after her speech, she honestly just said what was on her mind, it didn't really have a purpose.

The other Popes glanced amongst each other before Larfred took the lead and begin clapping his hand, he even wipe a small tear gently from his eyes.

With him as the catalyst a cheering roar erupted throughout the hall, the 33 stars of domination roared out as they lift their hands to the ceiling making themselves glow appearing like actually stars in the night.

At this point all the Popes had smiles on their faces, even the odd Alavalanch and Imoia cherished this moment along with the other's.

Ciaa looked at Saint who nodded her head with a grandmotherly smile."I understand, you will definitely make a fine leader Ciaa my dear, it's only a matter of time."She said resting in her throne.

.""Alright now we should get back to the war, we currently have a 5.5 million man army at our disposal, each of them can hold their own to a low Satan class as said by the Goddesses, with a small few holding the peak of that class"".

.""What I'm going to do to make it easier on us, I'm dividing the army into 10 divisions, 550k each, The Ciaa Division, Inanuma Division, Jono Division, Imoia Division, Larfred Division, Neon Division, Alavalanch Division, Crissy Division, Hansha Division and Saint Division"".

Ciaa came to her senses and looked at everyone."Any of you have any objections to the responsibility, say it now so I may proceed."She said as she gazed amount them.

The Popes remained confident and silent though Crissy was a bit fidgety, she was just a normal woman not long ago, with aspirations to settle down with whoever loved her and have children just like most normal people, now she is here, it is still kinda hard to wrap her head around it.

."Good, so moving on, each of the Divisions will have 3 of the stars backing it and the last three cast a formation around the entire army, you know what to do, with the hints given by the Goddesses we will focus on defence, so it's the spear tactics, defence, see opening attack with fullpower defence again"".

~~

*First Heaven*

In the heavens, it appeared as everything a human could hope it would be, singing angels walking on clouds, a golden sun lighting the atmosphere with a luxurious blend and an army in the sky ready to cast judgment on the sinners.

Down below sitting on some white chairs were a few familiar faces, one Arch Angel Michael, he was currently holding the last meeting before everything goes to shit.

Behind him standing was a face Xenovia would very much recognize, Irina, her once very best friend who remained with the very angels that owned the church that caused her suffering.

Sitting across from Michael was Arch Angel Uriel(Appearance not available) and Arch Angel Raphael(Appearance not available), they were three of the four Arch angels.

."Michael, did you manage to contact the other guy about joining our brave Saints and helping us in this war?."The Arch Raphael asked calmly as he sat with his eyes closed and arms fold.

Michael sighed lightly."Unfortunately, I have not, he continues to refuse us, so it appears we have to make do with what we have at the moment."He said calmly as his everlasting smile remained.

."Mm, I see, I suppose then, really the only thing we truly have to focus on is saving as many beings as possible, our allies should be able to take care of the rest."Raphael spoke softly as he accepted that answers.

Uriel's shoulders slumped slightly."To think the day would come when we have to rely on some devils and other Gods, I wonder what father would say."The Arch angel said(I honestly don't know if it's a male or female in dxd)

."I also wonder that Uriel, honestly I don't know what father would have said, I also wouldn't claim to know, all I know is that this is currently the only way our father's legacy has a chance to continue on, when we die the faith dies along with us, so you know."Michael said still smiling as he gazed off into the distance remembering his father.

Uriel and Raphael remained silent at this, it does make sense so they can't fault him for that, he did it not out of selfishness but for the continued existence of the Angelic race.

."Oh yeah Michael what of that man you dealt with in the underworld, what was his name Hail or something, is he still bothering you?."Uriel asked raising an eyebrow, Uriel remembered Michael mentioning something like that.

At this moment Michael's smile faltered slightly as he instantly experienced a headache, he pat his forehead.'Oh no, I forgot about that, what do I do.'He thought to himself with increasing panic, he got caught up in so many other things as the leader than it slipped his mind.

."Michael, what's wrong?."Raphael gazed at Michael with confusion and doubt, he scratched his head lightly.

Michael noticed where he was at and composed himself."It's not important, I just remembered something, oh Raphael can you do me a favor can you look through the list of souls and find me an old lady named, uh, named um."He tapped his chin gently as his face paled.

Poor Michael almost experienced a mental breakdown and an existential crisis thinking he had forgotten the name, but he somehow forgot that Haile had yet to tell him cause even he didn't know.

~~~~

*Dxd World*

*Human World*

*Japan*

*Kyoto*

After an exciting ride in the bullet train Haile, Clernet and Nalisa were now walking through the streets of Kyoto heading for the shrines under his direction.

."Where exactly are we going Haile, we've been walking for a long time now, Nalisa said this is now your home so what are we doing here."Clernet asked impatiently, but she did enjoy the scenery around her, the culture was interesting though almost everyone she saw looked similar to each other.

Haile had a great smile on his face as he walked along."I told you I would be stopping a few places first, I have some people to see first."He said as the images of his little Kunou and Yasaka appeared in his mind.

He of course wasn't showing himself to her yet after what happened before but he will just go and take a look at how she's doing, he just hoped he hadn't hurt her too much before.

."Hmm, some people, ohhh."Clernet's eyes widened in her own realization, she place her hand over her mouth being cheeky."I see, a secret family hidden from your own women, how cruel of you."

Nalisa rolled her eyes."As if master has to keep such secrets, he would just openly say it, wouldn't you master."She said confidently.

."Uh yeah *Ahem* sure I would Nalisa, totally."Haile said clearing his throat, he totally have not once hid any of his women from each other, absolutely not.

Nalisa looked at Clernet smugly and Clernet just shrugged with exasperation."You are already so weird, I don't know if I'm prepare to meet whatever women he has left."She said feeling a headache incoming...