×Chapter 216×Ruler Of The Second Heaven:Successor

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*Dxd World*

*Human World*

*Japan*

*Kyoto*

*Youkai Kingdom*(Yasaka Palace)

*Dojo*

*Kacha*

.""*Hello Haile, what the hell is going on right now, what's happening, is this what you were talking about, why you left America?!?!"".

Hazel's voice echoed through the phone, even though it was not on speaker no one present was an ordinary person, so they all heard it clearly and many frowned hearing another woman's voice.

"Um..Hello this is Nalisa, Haile he..well he isn't here right now."Nalisa said awkwardly as she glanced around at Hera and the other's with a nervous smile.

.""*Huh?*"".

Rias rolled her eyes."Can't he stop, damn could one man possibly be so horny, at this point he's just collecting characters."She said exasperated as she shook her head.

."~I guess we'll just have to put him on a leash won't we~."Akeno said licking her lips sensually as she did the soul sucking motion being very clear in what she meant.

.""*Wh-who was that???*"".

Hazel's voiced rung through the phone again, this time with a pensive tone, Nalisa cleared her throat."*Ahem* Hazel I'll call you back in a few hours, things are complicated at the moment, don't worry nothing is going to happen to you or the other's."She said hanging up escaping the awkward situation.

."~So there's more, oh my~."Akeno said with a closed eye smile as her hand covered her mouth."Seems we'll have more competition in the future."

Sona sighed."Let's forget about all that for now, we have to deal with this situation first, it's safe to assume we are not welcomed anymore in the supernatural world and Shiva may have already deducted that Haile may be involved in whatever future war he was rambling about."She said looking at everyone.

."Yes he did, that's why he allowed Ajuka to use that attack, that bastard thought he was slick but I saw him move to stop Ajuka but halt his hand letting it happen."Hera said coldly, behind her was a timid Huo trying to make herself as small as possible.

Sona nodded as well."Yeah I noticed also, I was initially keeping an eye on him because I heard stories of him being able to truly see into the future, even though Haile is Haile I still wanted to be sure."She said pushing her glasses getting serious.

."It's time to move, Hera please place your strongest barrier around Yasaka's kingdom to protect it, Akeno I'd like you to go find Aika and Tsubaki you could look for Xenovia and Guhna in the Pantheon."Sona said being careful with her tone to not sound ordering or overbearing."Right now telepathy type communications is not exactly the safest with Haile gone so we have to be cautious."

They nodded not bothered by it in the least, so Sona continued."Oh Akeno while you're looking for Aika look out for Melody as well, Rias and I will go to the underworld, our parents, not to mention the vampire Gasper and Koneko are still there, anything could happen in a moment of anger."She said seriously not willing to take chances with her parent's lives.

."Seems like a sound plan, I'll take care of here then, you all can go ahead."Hera said confidently, she then turned to Clernet."And you, are you just going to take up space, make yourself useful."

Clernet took a deep breath as her teeth clenched down tightly."...you really grate my nerves you know that."She forced out before closing her eyes and calming herself, she raised her hand putting everyone on guard then she snapped....her fingers.

*Om*!!!

Hera glanced up and squint her eyes into a crease, she then looked straight at Clernet with a serious gaze, almost as though accessing her now as a true threat, true opposition.

."Ask me when you want to leave."Clernet said with a smirk as she closed her eyes, her tone overbearing with mockery.

The other's frown at her obvious jab but now was not the time for infighting, Sona shook her head."Clernet we'll leave now."She said summoning a teleportation circle under her and Rias's feet.

Akeno and Tsubaki got ready as well, then with a snap of Clernet's fingers the barrier she created around the kingdom allowed for them to exit and reenter at will.

."Thank you, everyone we'll be back, Nalisa...good luck."Sona said with an exasperated smiled, then she and Rias disappeared in the teleportation magic circle.

Nalisa sighed as she glanced at Hera and Clernet eying each other with sharp lightning like energy flashing between them.

~~

*Underworld*

In the underworld it was a sight to be seen, what was once a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous devil world was now, at the very least this part, a flaming wasteland.

Stretching across the Grimory territory, fire and destruction raged on like a violent dragon was causing havoc, maybe because one such dragon was indeed causing havoc, a dragon made from holy swords, on its forehead was an Infinity symbol.

In the sky a multitude of figures were standing appearing like God's bring wrath to a wretched land, these were the people of the Khaos Brigade.

Most notable amongst this group were Creuserey Asmodeus and the other, Shalba Beelzebub, they were the "last" remaining original successors to the thrones of the Devil Kings.

Standing by their sides were some equally and maybe even stronger beings, such as Arthor Pendragon a member of the Hero Faction and also one of Asia's teachers.

Besides him is Heracles another of Asia's teachers in her time in the Khaos Brigade and Jeanne, the creator of the holy sword dragon causing its untold destruction, with her sacred gear Bladesmith, she brought forth her Balance Breaker:Holy Dragon Of Judgment.

."~Aw why exactly are we out here again, all the horny devil's are just dying, no one is fighting back~."Jeanne said looking down at the fires that swept the land, partially caused by her.

Shalba Beelzebub glanced back at her."Shut it human, *hmpm* I've no reasonable clue why you humans would have to come with us to take care of the underworld."He said his tone dripping with arrogance.

."Of course because you need us, have you forgotten who I am, I am Heracles, descendant of the legendary hero, Heracles of myth."Heracles said, just his presence alone gave of an intense might worthy of his background.

Since becoming one of Asia's teachers and seeing how easily she surpassed him he had gone back in training intensely, he wouldn't be able to live it down if he is weaker than his student.

."Hmm, not my intention to interrupt but I believe we should be leaving now, I just received word from HQ, a change of plans have occurred."Arthur Pendragon said elegantly as he drew his sword from it's sheath, with a single swing a dimension gap appeared.

Creuserey Asmodeus made a low hum as he gazed upon the burning underworld just for a moment more."Let us return, for this cannot be the day the devil race falls."He said as he turned walking through the gap first.

With the other's soon following the torn gap closed leaving the screams of the burning devil's, maybe it was meant to be a contradiction but it was indeed ironic.

On another side of the underworld there was already a shelter set up to help the injured people, it was commission by of course the Grimory household's Lord and Lady.

It was such a weird and coincidental way how the Grimory was attacked, it just so happened to be when almost every single strong person was not there and now the underworld was the weakest it's ever been.

Serafall, gone with the other girls, Sirzechs occupied and only on his way back now, Ajuka Beelzebub, nuclear like self-destruction, Falbium Asmodeus, killed by Ajuka.

All four Satans not there and the only ones capable of doing something definitive about this situation, Zakram Bael and the current Lord Bael not able to react in time.

So the entire Grimory territory was completely undefended from all sides so when the Khaos Brigade attacked even by only 5 people fueled by Ophis's power no less, it was quick to crumble with the guards only able to do so much.

So many died, the already small population of the devil's only continued to dwindle, amongst devil territory the Grimory was also unfortunately the most populous out of any other territory.

Hundreds of thousands of devil's dead, old, young in-between, massacred, poor, rich, wealthy, erased from existence.

In the shelter Venelana stood with a heartbreaking expression, tears trailed down her cheeks as hundreds of devil's layed on stretchers before her, doctors running back and forth with many dying left and right.

All around her destruction but her skin was somehow spotless, clear like a sunny blue sky, not an imperfection of even dust or gravel.

Walking up behind her from the shadow was her "husband", Zeoticus, he stopped just behind her, his face was scratched and dirty, his clothes were filled with holes and his body was bruised.

Venelana felt his presence but remained silent, one hand on her beautiful sparkling necklace, her eyes filled with trauma having stared death right in the face, yet here she was.

."It's...over..isn't it..."Venelana said softly as she stared ahead, she didn't know what she felt, she wasn't scared or sad or even particularly regretful, she just felt nothing, like pieces were missing yet she could do without them.

Zeoticus hummed in agreement, his eyes bloodshot red, stained from his own tears and lost."..The Grimory household...is over, Sirzechs..a Lucifer, Rias.. no longer even a devil and our last hope....dead."He said plainly with indifference.

Venelana remained silent again but her eyes were drenched in melancholy, her hand squeezed her necklace tightly, Zeoticus noticed this movement.

."..Did that save you?."Zeoticus asked Irked, his fist clenched.

With a small nod Venelana turned around slowly to face Zeoticus, she locked eyes with him, her gaze was soft but reserved and his had become alienated and hateful.

."Venelana...for you to be happy from now on is the worst thing that will every happen to me, you don't deserve happiness, love, forgiveness, nothing.."Zeoticus said plainly, it was a wonder of how one heart could hold so much animosity.

Venelana made no change in expression, she simply glanced down."...*Deep Breath* I know..but the world is not fair, so..I will never face retribution."She said looking back up to him, this time her eyes were filled with compassion and warmth.

."..yes, it is so..you are indeed..a true devil woman."Zeoticus said becoming calm, he raised his hand and point his palm towards her face, his eyes weren't chaotic or unbalanced, his emotions were pure.

Venelana smiled softly caressing her gem."I cannot apologize enough for what I have done to you, so I won't anymore, If you can kill me then I won't resist...Zeoticus."She said as she turned around, her back facing him now.

Zeoticus held his hand out to her, so badly he just wanted to kill her here and now, the pain in his heart was just too much to bare, he wanted nothing more than to just latch out and strike...but.

He eventually lowered his hand after a few minutes, he just couldn't do it, this woman, whom he loved so much, that was her power over him and why she was so evil, Zeoticus gazed at her back with blurring eyes from the tears he didn't even know he still had.

Then just like that he turned and left, leaving only twelve words..

.""Goodbye Venelana, you are the person I hate most of all"".

Venelana made no reaction, she simply continued staring at the people, regret was the last thing on her mind at this moment, she felt like she did the right thing, if not then it will only be her retribution.

*ShhHshh*!!!

Suddenly a teleportation magic circle appeared infront of Venelana, she gazed at it curiously then her fatigued son Sirzechs walked out and for the first time a wave of guilt hit her.

The only ones she really felt guilty towards were her children, she wondered how he will react when he finds out, she tightly clutched the gem.

."Mother.."Sirzechs said as he stumbled towards her, looking around his heart dropped futher, he had hoped to all the previous devil kings that it was not true.

His eyes scanned the area looking for a specific silhouette, then his eyes rest on his mother again."Mother, please tell me, tell me it's not true."He with a hopeful expression but deep within even he knew he grasping at invisible rails.

Venelana's heart burned with hurt and guilt, she grabbed her necklace with two hands, but her silence spoke louder than words, Sirzechs fell to his knees and his arms fell flat by his two sides.

.".....why....why...why...what did I do..all I wanted was peace in the underworld, creating a place that we all could be happy, a world free of evil and filled with joy, so..why must mine be taken."Sirzechs said in a desolate tone, a red aura of destruction surrounded his body."Is peace too much to ask for, is it really."

Venelana held out her hand to her son but hesitation, has she the right to comfort him at this moment, Sirzechs gazed up at his mother then something caught his attention, he instantly zoned in on the necklace around his mother's neck.

."..That necklace, he gave you that didn't he."Sirzechs said with a cold gaze like ice, he stood up staring daggers at it."Throw it away, destroy it now!."

Venelana recoiled in surprised."W-what do you mean, t-this was an engagement gift for Rias from sir Haile, why should I throw it away?."She asked backing off a little bit.

."A gift..gift...THAT MAN IS PURE EVIL, YOU WOULD COLLUDE WITH THE MURDERER OF YOUR OWN GRANDSON, ALL THIS IS HIS FAULT, IT'S ALL HIS FAULT, RIAS ALREADY BETRAYED US, WILL YOU DO IT TOO!!!."Sirzechs lashed out as he jumped at her, but he only held her shoulders tightly and shook her violently.

Venelana pulled away bewildered."What's gotten into you Zechs, how could any of this be sir Haile's fault, why would he even do any of this!?."She asked with a displeased expression.

."Wh- mother don't you believe me, you would believe that lying bastard over your own son, wait..is he controlling your mind, like he controlled my Ria!?!?."Sirzechs said hysterically as a chilling chaos settled in his eyes.

Backing away Venelana was perplexed."T-that's nonsense, i-it will be ok Zechs, I'm here for you, please just calm down."She said stopping her back away then advanced towards him, he was still her son after all, she wrapped her arms around him embracing him.

Sirzechs tried to resist but his eyes widened, he instantaneously felt a warmth spread in his chest and his knees became weak, for some beings, there just isn't anything greater than a mother's love, one of them is Sirzechs.

."My beautiful son, it will be ok, I'm sorry I wasn't able to save poor little Millicas, there was just nothing I could, I'm so sorry, you have every right to right to be angry."Venelana said with a soft gentle tone, tears welled up in her eyes again, she was indeed truly sorry.

Sirzechs could only silently weep in his mother's arms like a baby.

~~

*Chinese Pantheon*

*Jade Emperor Palace*

In a place filled with milky white and rainbow clouds, hymns and instruments of beautiful sound could be heard, Goddesses singing melodies reminiscent of legends of the Heavenly Way.

A magnificent palace floating in the sky, higher than the birds could fly, it was ancient and immortal, untouched by filth and grime, the power that surrounded it would make even the mightiest Gods feel unworthy.

And below on the ground appearing like mortals yet feeling and being divine, a multitude of Godly entities knelt in worship and praise singing along to the songs of the Goddesses.

The palace, it was the place where only the greatest of Taoist Gods could venture and where only it's Ruler could come and go at will, this was the Jade Emperor's Palace, once the home of the one and only, Primordial God Jade Emperor.

Now it was the home of his son, it's current ruler and by it's current resolution and clarity of majesty he was doing a pretty decent job, he was the Taoist God Of Power And Victory, Jade Emperor Yùzi.

After returning home he was still enraged and grumpy from his massive lost so he decided to throw a small banquet, just him and his most powerful subordinates, the rulers of the 36 heavens, being served by an array of other beautiful Goddess .

In the main hall there was an extremely long table where they all sat, it was lined with food and drinks, songs being sung by Goddess rung in the back ground, beauties dancing took breaths away.

.""Hahahaha, wonderful wonderful, I'm glad that his majesty has returned unharmed, may I make a toast to this!"".

A loud and burly man stood up as he spoke with a bolstering laugher, he was a handsome man with autumn leaf hair and matching eyes, this man was Tian Di, the ruler of the 1th heaven and God of Seasons, War and change.

His radiant golden robes emanate authority, while his eyes reflected joy and compassion, standing tall, he exuded strength and warmth, captivating all who behold him.

Everyone smiled as they raised their cups filled to the brim with Jiû even Yùzi that was so arrogant and rude to Haile, he smiled quite tenderly as he down his cup with the other's.

*Clink*

."Ahaa, that hit the spot!."Tian Di exclaimed as he sat down breathing a satisfied sigh."Nothing like a shot of good Jiû, Li Baihua you have my thanks."

A beautiful woman at the table bowed as she cupped her hands with grace."I am most humbled by your praise Lord Tian Di, have as much as you like."She said calmly and respectfully.

Li Baihua is a radiant and captivating deity known for her intoxicating beauty and association with wine, with flowing locks of grapevine tendrils which adorned her head and an aura that exuded joyful revelry, she embodied the essence of wine's allure and celebration.

She was the Goddess of Wine, Beauty, Celebration, Harvest and Success, a magnificent deity in her own right, also ruler of the 9th heaven.

."I will, very much so."Tian Di said with a smile as a servant poured more Jiû in his cup, he nodded at her gratefully.

Beside Tian Di sat an old man, his face was hollow like times unknown, a wise and venerable old man who has traversed the sands of time with his weathered countenance and gentle gaze.

With his long flowing white beard and hair cascading down his shoulders, he carried the weight of ancient wisdom and stories untold, the lines etched upon his face told tales of hardships, joys, and a life fully lived.

He was the God of Ancient Wisdom, Serenity, Meditation, Time, Teaching, Reflection, Patience, Compassion, Ancestry, Healing, Divination, Generosity, Spirituality, Hormony, Solitude and Aging.

Also the ruler of the 2nd heaven, Zhi Lao."Hmm, young Yùzi, I couldn't help but notice the absolute absence of that girl, Huo Nushen."He said with serenity but an affectionate smile graced his old face.

Standing behind him was a person in a full hooded robe, they wince slightly seeing his compassionate smile, it was like ptsd for this person, maybe recalling some training the oldman put them through.

Yùzi who was drinking almost spat out his Jiû as his face turned shades of blue and green, he grit his teeth being reminded of that embarrassing incident."That damn bastard."He said through clenched jaws.

*Crack*

*Shatter*

The cup Yùzi was holding broke under his strength falling across the floor and some on the table, he looked up seeing only confused gazes on him so he composed himself.

."*Ahem* You knew about the small incident I ran into while in the summit with Shiva and those other beings, but just before that I fought in a duel with another God."Yùzi said gripping his fist, he was ashamed but he had no choice."I...I was defeated by that person this time, I just didn't have the time to go all out."

Silence enveloped the hall as everyone without exception was stunned at this sudden revelation, Yùzi could dig a hole at this point but he went on.

."One of the conditions of the bet was that should I win I would get one of his women but if I were to lose, He would get Huo..."Yùzi said looking shades of yellow now, he appeared sickly and disheveled just talking about it.

Tian Di hummed a breath."It was very noble of you your majesty, sticking to such a deal but we the Gods of the 36 heavens must never abandon a member of our own."He said with a fire in his eyes, his words conveyed his meaning.

."Truth, we must find a way to win back young Huo, but if I may who was it that bested ,you, I find it hard to be convinced that anyone less than the likes of Thor would prevail against you in a duel."Zhi Lao said pulling his beard, no one in the older generation should he petty enough to challenge Yùzi to a duel.

Yùzi grit his teeth even more."It was some clown calling himself a Supreme Wing God King, he is a young God who created his own pantheon from scratch."He said still praising him a bit as it was indeed impressive.

."Hmm, a young God not already tied to a Pantheon, capable of besting you, this intrigues me, could you describe him for me young Yùzi."Zhi Lao asked curiously feeling interested.

Everyone was interested as well, Yùzi almost felt Irked but he suppressed it."Um, he had a hair that somehow appeared both purple and brown, his eyes were gold, impressive build like a fighter God, dark skin and admittedly good looking."He said thinking back."I think his name was.."

.""Haile!?!?"".

The name sound out but not from the mouth of Yuzi, everyone lazer focused on the hooded person standing behind Zhi Lao who spoke, it sounded like a young man, filled with youth.

."And who are you supposed to be and how do you know that name."Yùzi questioned with a frown, he zoned in on this strange person, he already felt him odd but didn't mention it before out of respect for Zhi Lao.

Zhi Lao glanced behind himself as he shook his head."Young one, haven't I taught you to always maintain serenity and silence, you promised you would if I brought you here."He said with a sigh, the hot blooded youth.

."This would be the first time you are meeting him young Yùzi, I found this one wandering our realm and took him under my wing, he is very talented, so I decided to name him my successor."Zhi Lao said calmly."Introduce yourself."

The hooded young man cupped his fist and bowed, pulling off his hood he revealed his face, a handsome young man with long wild blonde hair to his back and grey eyes, he had a characteristic mole under his left eye.

."I am Kiba, successor to master Zhi Lao ruler of the 2nd heaven and, Haile, he is a person I would call my brother and somewhat of a benefactor having given me my sword of freedom where I forged a path I can call my own."Kiba said as a gentle smile appeared on his face."So I afraid, that anyone who stands against him, is my enemy