Chapter 9 Underworld

"Hou? So you are going back to the Underworld at Summer Holiday huh?" Asked Issei

"Yes Issei-kun. I was wondering though, what is your plan?" Asked Rias

"Nothing much. Probably just spending time at Ero… I mean, training I guess, hahaha…" Issei immediately change after seeing his Faction members look

"Oh, then that's good. Would you go with me to Underworld as well? Your members too if you like." Said Azazel

"I was wondering when are you going to voice out." Said Scathach

"As expected of God Slayer." Said Azazel chuckled

"So why do you want me to go?" Asked Issei

"There's someone want to meet you there… or more precisely, Ddraig." Said Azazel pointing at Issei hand

"Ddraig?" Asked Issei

"I could think of one person. But couldn't hurt to try." Said Ddraig

"Wait… then what about Jeanne? I'm pretty sure if she going there, won't we cause quite a commotion?" Asked Issei

"Don't worry. Sirzechs already took care of it. You only need to be at the train station." Said Azazel

"… Since when a train can go to the Underworld?" Asked Alice

"You will have to find out." Said Azazel

(Tomorrow)

"I can't believe it. We actually riding a train to go to the Underworld." Said Alice speechless

"Surprise? I'm sure if you are interested, Ajuka can lend you the blueprint if you asked." Said Azazel smiling

"… No. I think I'll pass." Said Alice

"To think the Devil world had advanced to this level…" Said Jeanne looking around

"At least this is better at my time." Said Scathach chugging down a beer can

"Ahahaha…" Said MHX as she looking away from Mordred glaring

"You two… please don't fight this time." Said Issei tired as ever since the day of summoning MHX, he and the others had to stop three fights attempted in two days. Alice was quite annoyed that her reading time was interrupted because of that too.

His eyes then land at Koneko as he feels like she does not look happy at all ever since they rode this train. Wonder why though?

Unknown to him, his Archer call shine up a little.

They arrive back to Rias home and as expected, a line up of maids standing there welcoming her back. After that, Grayfia welcomes them and a little kid running at Rias as he said: "Welcome back Auntie Rias!"

"I'm back Millicas!" Said Rias hugging her

"Auntie?" Asked Alice

"Allow me to introduce you all. This is my brother Sirzechs son, which make him my nephew." Said Rias

"Really? Never thought you are an adult type princess." Said Scathach smirking

"Ahem… well anyway, you all don't have to be nervous at all. Even though he's my brother son, he's still my family and also the next in line heir after me." Said Rias coughing to hide the blush

"Good to know princess." Said Mordred

"Rias-sama. The diner has been ready." Said Grayfia

"Ah yes. Issei-kun, how about getting something to eat first and then visit the Welsh Dragon acquaintance after that?" Asked Rias

"I guess…" Said Issei shrugging

(Dining Room)

The people in the room now enjoying the meal, it was then Lord Gremory said: "Sekiryuutei-san…"

"No need for that. Just call me Issei. Formality never my thing anyway." Said Issei

"Ah yes. Then Hyoudou-san, how is your parent?" Asked Lord Gremory

"They are fine. They were just resuming their tour at summer holiday." Said Issei

"Ah… that's good. Though I would love to have a drink with your father again." Said Lord Gremory smiling

"I'll let him know…" Said Issei

"Ahaha… I thank you for that." Said Lord Gremory laughing

It was then Rias mother, Velelana said: "Then Issei-kun, do you mind if I asking you a question?"

"Yes. What is it?" Asked Issei

"How long have you and my daughter had been dating?" Asked Velelana

Issei choked at his food as he drinking the water. He then said: "Wait… dating?!"

"Hou? Master… care to explain?" Asked Alice looking at Issei with a cold look

"I don't know. I have no idea why this conversation was created in the first place!" Said Issei waving his hand

"Really?" Asked Scathach still looking suspicious. But so does everyone else in his Faction.

"Oh dear… I think I'm starting to see the picture now." Said Velelana as she putting her hand on her cheek. She then turns to Rias and said: "Rias. I think you need to be more aggressive in this battle."

"Mom! We aren't like that!" Said Rias looking down blushing

Took a while to explain to his members, but he finally managed to escape the impossible situation. As Rias and her peerage meeting the other young heir or heiress, Issei, and his members are led by Azazel to meet Ddraig acquaintance.

(Rias)

"Long time no see Rias." Said Sairaorg shaking her hand

"Good to see you again Sairaorg." Said Rias

"So… where is the Sekiryuutei Faction? I heard that they are with you." Said Sairaorg looking around

"Issei-kun? He and his members are meeting with the Welsh Dragon acquaintance." Said Rias

"Ah, I see… that's too bad. I would love to have a spar with them. Especially Scathach and Mordred." Said Sairaorg scratching his head

"I see…" Said Rias as she could only smile as she then said: "But what are you doing outside?"

"Oh that… I don't want to be involved with the mess." Said Sairaorg

"Mess?" Asked Rias as the door the being blown away

"Haiz… there they go again. Zephyrdor and Seekvaira." Said Sairaorg

"Zephyrdor? That troublemaker again…" Said Rias

They then enter to find the said two arguings. So in the end, Sairaorg had to interfere by sending Zephyrdor flying.

(Issei)

"So it really was you… Tannin." Said Ddraig

"It has been a long time and I already heard your vessel making quite a storm there." Said Tannin

"Kukuku… I assure you Tannin, this… will be just the start." Said Ddraig laughing

"I see… then what is his level now?" Asked Tannin looks at Issei

"My Partner can use Balance Breaker no problem now. The only thing he had to do is Juggernaut Drive." Said Ddraig

"Wait… what?! I thought you said that will make the user go insane?" Asked Issei looks at his right hand

"While that's true, but you are no ordinary human Partner. You may achieve something similar but different from Juggernaut Drive if you can use it." Said Ddraig

"Then I suggest you hurry up. Even though it was imperfect, but Vali can use Juggernaut Drive. At the battle before, he was about to use it then was interrupted. But since I don't know how unique you're ability is, so I don't know how would the battle turn out." Said Azazel

"Huh? So the current Vanishing Dragon can use Juggernaut Drive? Then you better find out a way to counter that. In every battle, the one who had achieved 'Juggernaut Drive' first always win." Said Tannin

"Wait… seriously?" Asked Issei surprise

"Huh… then we better start training then Master." Said Scathach as she appeared with Gae Bolg on her hand

"… I don't get a chance to say 'no', do I?" Asked Issei

"You think?" Asked Mordred with Clarent

"Very well then… come at me!" Said Issei as he using 'Balance Breaker'.

After many hours, Issei dropped down exhausted as 'Balance Breaker' deactivate.

"You have done well to survive long." Said Tannin sitting down resting

"Why are you entering this training in the first place?" Asked Issei pointing at Tannin

"I felt bored watching you train so I decide to join in." Said Tannin

"Join in he said…" Said Issei chuckling dryly

"At least you gain some experience Master." Said Scathach

"You can be stronger so why are you complaining, Master?" Asked Mordred

"Are you trying to kill me or something?" Asked Issei deadpanned

"Well then, how about we head back? You don't mind that we use this place to train right?" Asked Alice looks at Tannin

"Of course. I have no problem at all. At least I could join in." Said Tannin

"Then we will intrude you from now on." Said Jeanne

"Oi…" Said Issei

When they return, Issei saw Rias is now walking around impatiently. Issei then said: "Oi Rias what's wrong?"

"Issei-kun? Ah, forgive me for worrying you. It's Koneko." Said Rias

"What's wrong with her?" Asked Issei

"She had been overworked herself. Even when Azazel give her the training schedule, she keeps on pushing herself too hard." Said Rias

"I see… Asia, can you heal her?" Asked Issei

"Yes, Issei-san." Said Asia

"Thank you for that. I'll show you her room." Said Rias

After the two gone, Issei turns to his members and said: "So what are you going to do now?"

"I guess I'll train her Master." Said Mordred grabbing Xenovia

"Eh?" Asked Xenovia surprise

"Okay… then I'll see you later then." Said Issei

"Wait… Issei. Don't leave me with her…" Cried out Xenovia as she was dragged away by Mordred

"Was that a good idea Master?" Asked Jeanne

"Well… if she busy training Xenovia instead of glaring at MHX all the time, that would be great. But yeah… how about you go with them, Jeanne? Teach her something… and make sure Xenovia came back in one piece." Said Issei lightly laugh

"Haiz… Of course Master." Said Jeanne as she chases after the two

"Then what about you Master?" Asked Alice

"Well… I don't know much. Maybe I should ask Rias what is the deal with her?" Said Issei

As Asia healing Koneko, Rias and Issei sitting down and talk.

"As expected of you to catch that Issei-kun." Said Rias

"Okay spill. What's happened to that little cat?" Asked Scathach

"Cat?" Asked Issei

"She's a Nekomata, right? I could sense her." Said Scathach

"Yes. And she belongs to the strongest Nekomata race, the Nekoshou. They have strong ability to use Senjutsu and dark art." Said Rias

"Hou? And how did you managed to acquire her?" Asked Alice

"Yeah… from what I know, there's no way other Devil won't pass over such a powerful Youkai." Said MHX putting her hand on her short pocket

"Yes. Before she's with me, she still with her older sister. The two Nekoshou after losing their parent and only have each other left, later on, was taken in by the Devil. But after reincarnating to a Devil, the older one hidden power suddenly grow stronger one day. And then unable to control it, she slaughtered her Master and his servants and disappeared. After that, she was deemed as SS rank Stray Devil as she killed all of her pursuits." Said Rias

"… Wow." Said Scathach

"I never thought that girl could have such a dark past." Said Alice looked grim

"Poor Koneko." Said MHX

"… What happened next?" Asked Issei fearing for his theory

"… The devils fearing her sister also going berserk as well so they tried to dispose of her..."

SLAM CRACK. The table broke with Issei Booster Gear emerge out. He doesn't know that his Archer card also shines up as well.

"E-Easy Issei-kun. My brother put a stop to that as he took her in. And then he passes her to me so I could teach her laughter and meaning of life." Said Rias holding her hand up quickly

"The nerve of those bastards. I swear I'll guts them if I see them again." Said Issei angry

"Strangely, I feel the same need too." Said MHX

"Princess… are you sure that her sister is like you said?" Asked Scathach

"What's wrong Scathach?" Asked Alice

"I'm sorry… I only heard this from my brother so I don't know if it's true or not." Said Rias

"Wait… are you suggesting…?" Said Issei slowly

"No need to worry Master. That was only a guess." Said Scathach rubbing his head

"I guess so…" Said Issei looking down

"… Well… how about all of you go to the ball tonight? I'm sure that thanks to Asia-chan, Koneko should be okay." Said Rias trying to bring the mood up

"Ball?" Asked Alice

"Yes. We'll also have a meeting with the representative of Asgard, Lord Odin." Said Rias

"Hou? The one eye old fox huh?" Asked Scathach grinning

"Please don't pick a fight with the big guy of Asgard." Said Issei

"You are no fun Master." Said Scathach pouting

(At the ball)

As Rias and Sona greeting each other, Issei and the girls with Jeanne dragging Mordred out of the… 'stress' relief session with Xenovia as they looking around. Many guests start to approach him and the girls as they dispelled thanks to Rias and Sona. And one of them come out said:

"I-It's been a long time… Sekiryuutei"

"Huh… aren't you… the fried chicken sister?" Asked Issei looks at her

"That's rude! I'm Ravel Phenex. Honestly… you can manage a Faction but you can't remember my name?" Sighed out Ravel

"To be fair, the only time we met is at the wedding which my Master crashed it." Said Alice

"It's you three the one who crashed it." Said Ravel pointing at Issei, Scathach and Alice. "Anyway, thanks to that, my brother seems to lose his confidence and always brooding around in his room."

"You are worried about him?" Asked Jeanne

"Hardly. It was because he was too arrogant thinking his natural ability will help him in every game." Said Ravel waving her hand

"… That was harsh." Said MHX sweatdrops

"Are you sure since you are part of his Peerage?" Asked Mordred

"No no… I'm part of my mother Peerage because of 'trade'." Said Ravel

"Trade?" Asked Issei

"Oh right… you don't know. Rating Game rule that King can trade their pieces as long as it was the same type." Said Ravel

"Hah…" Said Issei

"B-By the way Sekiryuutei…" "Just call me Issei. I don't like this honorific thing at all." Said Issei cut her off

"R-Really?!" Said Ravel

"Yeah… I don't see any problem." Said Issei confuse that why is she so happy

His members could only facepalm at that.

"Then I should call you Issei-sama then." Said Ravel

"I said I don't like an honorific, didn't I?" Asked Issei sweatdrops

"No! It's important since you are the leader of a Faction now!" Said Ravel

"Okay okay…" Said Issei rising his hand up

After that, Ravel was called by her father as she going to greet her father guest. Scathach then tapping Issei shoulder as she said: "Master… we have company."

"And it seems our Nekoshou know as well." Said Alice looking outside of the balcony as Koneko ran out following a cat with Rias following her

"Good. That means I can get out of this boring party." Said Mordred as she jumps down

"Could she just use the stair instead?" Asked Jeanne palming her face

"Stair is for normal people. And we are not…" Said Scathach jump out as well

"I don't think anyone here hardly one at all…" Said MHX as she follows

"Well? What are we waiting for Master?" Asked Alice as she goes as well

"Haiz… Jeanne. You, Asia and Xenovia stay here. I'll go check it out." Said Issei "Oh and Jeanne…" as he waves his hand at her as she got close

"Look out for Asia. I don't like that Astaroth Devil smiles at all." Said Issei

"Of course Master." Said Jeanne

(In the forest)

Rias is now standing in front of Koneko as the two are down due to Kuroka poison mist as she said: "You are not going to take Koneko. She is my family!"

"Oh, princess… I wasn't asking. I could just take her away by killing you!" Said Kuroka as she charges in grinning

Kuroka then suddenly kick aside as she skids back.

"Who are you?! Why are you getting in my way?" Asked Kuroka angry

"Sorry about that. But my Master order is to make you step away from Koneko." Said MHX as she brings out SecretCalibur

"Oh? Aren't you part of Sekiryuutei Faction?! Then that mean…" Said Bikou as he looks around

"It's been quite some time Monkey boy. How is that battle maniac?" Asked Issei stepping out with his members

"I knew you would be here! Hey, let's fight!" Said Bikou brings out his Bo Staff

"You didn't answer my question at all…" Said Issei deadpanned

"Forget it Master. This idiot is also a battle maniac too. Let me handle him." Said Scathach twirling her spear

"Oh yeah! I get to fight a God Slayer! Here I go!" Said Bikou charges at Scathach as they going at fast speed

"So you are the Sekiryuutei Faction huh? Well unfortunately for you, how about giving Koneko to me?" Asked Kuroka

"Hell no! You abandoned her and she was almost killed by the Devil! Why would I give her back to you?" Asked Issei standing in front of Rias and Koneko

"Ara… I admit you are impressive. But in the end, you are just a human. You don't have the right to interfere with the family business." Said Kuroka

"Then I'll make it my damn business!" Said Issei brings out Booster Gear

"Last chance. Get lost before I decide to stop playing nice." Said Alice as the tree surrounding starts to crack due to pressure

"Oh dear. That's scary. But why are you protecting her? You don't even part of Gremory Peerage?" Asked Kuroka

"So? That doesn't mean I'll leave her to you. Because of your action, Koneko was nearly sentenced to death. DEATH! BECAUSE OF YOU! So you think I'll give her to you? Hell, the fuck… NO!" Said Issei angry

"Issei-senpai…" Said Koneko

"I see… then you will have to die then!" Said Kuroka as her power rise up

"No. It is you who will die." Said a voice as Issei Archer card light up brightly

The light died down and appeared out was a Female archer with a bow. But the most surprising part is two cat ears and a tail matching her yellow hair.

"Even if thou art a pervert, but thou art a good person. My name is Atalanta. From here on, my bow is at your command." Said Atalanta holding her bow up aiming at Kuroka

"EH?! A-A-Atalanta?! Apollo and Artemis champion?!" Said Rias shocked

"Yossha! Another Boss level!" Said Bikou laughing happy

"Focus on your battle first monkey boy!" Said Scathach as she mule kick him strike to the ground

"Owowowow… As expected of God Slayer. But this is starting to be more fun!" Said Bikou holding his staff up

"Alright. You have your fun Scathach. I'm next." Said Mordred as she cracking her neck holding Clarent up

"Aw come on. Why can the both of you come at me?!" Said Bikou

"That would be too boring monkey!" Said Mordred speeds up and strikes Bikou as he being push back

"Right… then do you think you can take her on Atalanta?" Asked Issei

"Of course Master. No prey has ever escaped the Chaste Huntress, and none shall today." Said Atalanta glaring at Kuroka

"Don't be too overconfident." Said Kuroka using her Sage art to blasting magic bolt at Atalanta.

… Or they would be if not for Atalanta shot them all off.

"Slow…" Said Atalanta

"Grr! Die!" Said Kuroka concentrating all her Sage Art to a magic bolt and shoot

Atalanta just releases her arrow as her arrow easily destroy the bolt and heading to Kuroka. Kuroka head exploded at the contact. Or it would be…

"You did it!" Said Rias

"No. She's a sly one alright." Said Atalanta as appeared out were many Kuroka

"Haha… that was a good shot. But it won't do if you can't find me." Said Kuroka

"It's illusion. Nee-san can use it quite well." Said Koneko

"I see…" Said Issei uncaring

"Eh? Why are you so calm Issei-kun? How can Atalanta find the real one?" Asked Rias

"Simple… I don't have to." Said Atalanta as she holding her bow up "This is my offering to the two God. Phoebus Catastrophe!"

The arrow flying up to the sky as a medium size magic circle appear catching the attention of the one at the ball

"Wait… is she going to…" Said Rias as she realized

And then, it was like the sky was weeping as many arrows raining down on to the forest destroying everything on sight.

After the 'catastrophe' over, Mordred came out as she said: "Oi Atalanta. Could you be careful with that?!"

"Ah… Mordred. Still barbaric as always huh?" Asked Atalanta

"What did you say?" Asked Mordred glaring

"Ahem… girls, the fight." Said Issei

Kuroka limping out as she holding her bleeding side as she said: "T-That's impossible! Tauropolos should still be at Greek Pantheon."

"Take a guess…" Said Scathach grinning

Bikou going out of the trashed field as he said: "Oi Kuroka. Maybe we should leave."

"No. I'm bringing Shirone and that's final." Said Kuroka wincing

"Kuroka… we are outmatched and we still have the others waiting for their turn at us." Said Bikou motions to the others

"But…" Said Kuroka

"Alright. That's enough out of you." Said a voice as a tear appear in space

The male then walking out as Mordred saw the blade on his hip as she pointing her sword at him and said: "Oi… who are you and how did you have that?"

"As expected of Mordred Pendragon. To be able to recognize it immediately." Said the boy grinning

"Answer me! Where did you get Caliburn and that… 'disgrace'? I thought I destroy them all." Said Mordred angry

"As much as I would love to have a duel with the Mordred Pendragon and also the twin Excalibur user as well, I'm afraid I have to escort these two back." Said the boy looking at the said two

"Yeah… I guess we are done." Said Bikou

"Tch…" Kuroka clicking her tongue

"… Just control those two better." Said Alice

"I will inform Vali about this matter. So until we meet again… Sekiryuutei Faction." Said the boy as he disappeared with Kuroka and Bikou

"Tch… wasting my time." Said Mordred putting Clarent away

"I'm surprised you didn't chase after them." Said Scathach

"And get chewed out by Master later? No thanks." Said Mordred

"But still… this is a problem." Said Alice has her hand on her chin

"What do you mean?" Asked Issei

"How are we going to explain the Greek Champion in front of us now?" Asked Alice as all eyes turn to Atalanta

"I don't get it. Why?" asked Issei

"Partner. The Greek is quite protective toward their hero and artifact. If they found out you have the Chaste Huntress with Tauropolos with her as your Servant, Artemis and Apollo will hunt you down at the end of the Earth." Said Ddraig

"… Crud." That is one word that Issei could only muster out.

Done. Another chapter and Atalanta first appearance. And about Berserker and Rider Anti-Army NP request, there's no need anymore since I have a new plot. But keep on voting for the Servants list, please.

Saber: Musashi (She might appear at School Festival or the Field Trip I guess)

Lancer: Scathach

Archer: Atalanta

Rider:

Caster: Alice (Newton)

Assassin: Mysterious Heroine X

Berserker:

Ruler: Jeanne D Arc

Avenger: Mordred

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