DxD: Ascension - Redux

This chapter marks the end of Volume VII: Hero. Enjoy!

BGM: Destiny 2 - Battle Stations (loop from start to 1:14)

Azazel gathered the team in Zach's suite. "Alright, here's the deal." He spread out a map of Kyoto on the table. A large red circle surrounded the castle. "I've mobilized what troops I can around Nijō Castle. Everyone else is organized around Kyoto Station. The Hero Faction hasn't made a move yet, but there have been some disturbances in the local energy flow."
"What do you mean by disturbances?" Kiba asked.
"Historically, Kyoto is a city built on balance. It was designed using very sacred principles. As a result, there are various 'power spots' scattered around the city. However, the chi from those spots has been mostly redirected to the castle. We don't know what's going to happen, but it's obviously nothing good. So here's the plan. The Sitri family are on standby. I need all of you guarding the city. Make sure they don't have troops around town and protect civilians if needed. The Gremory family, Irina, and Zach are our main offensive force. You'll be headed to Nijō Castle. Saving Lady Yasaka is your top priority tonight. We have no idea what Cao Cao is capable of, so I won't be sending you out alone. I've called in an old associate of mine who's good with these kinds of situations."
"Who is it?" Zach asked, shifting in his seat. "Someone we've already met?"
"No. I'd rather not spoil the surprise, but you'll know when you see them. Just hold your ground until they arrive. So I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we have some phoenix tears. The bad news is that there are only two vials. Each group gets one, so use it wisely. And one more thing. Saji, I want you to go with the Gremory family. Your Dragon King form might prove useful tonight. I need you there to support Issei. And Issei, that means you're responsible for bringing Saji back if he goes out of control. Got it?"
Issei nodded. "Understood. I've got his back."
Saji nodded as well. "And I've got his. We'll show 'em not to mess with the strongest dragons around!"
"Great. I think that's everything, then. Once you're finished preparing, head to your designated locations immediately. I'll be supervising the battle from here, but I can't go with you, so be careful. I won't have you dying on my watch. I want everyone back home safe. Protect Kyoto and each other. Got it?"
Everyone nodded.
"Excellent. Then get out there."

Kuoh (End BGM)

The rest of the ORC relaxed after a difficult fight. "That was hard," Gasper moaned. "How did a member of the Old Satan Faction get in?"
"I can't imagine them getting past the new security," Akeno agreed. "It should be nearly impenetrable. Rias? Everything okay?"
Rias flinched. "I just feel a little uneasy..."
"More bad guys?" Koneko got to her feet.
"No, I think it's... I think it's about Issei."
"Well, of course. He's in Kyoto with a bunch of cute, innocent girls and you're stuck all the way back here," Akeno taunted her.
"No, it's not that. It's just... never mind."

Kyoto, at the hotel

Issei sat in the lobby, waiting for the rest of the team to be ready to go.
"Issei, come here a minute," Azazel called as he entered.
"What's up?"
"Do you recognize this?" Azazel held up a small crimson gem. "We found it just outside the hotel."
It can't be...
"Huh? What is it, Ddraig?"
That's what was in the box, Ddraig said. Your potential.
"No way! Where's it been all this time?!"
Azazel shrugged. "Most likely jumping around Kyoto trying to make its way back to you. What does it do, Ddraig?"
No idea. But it's the key to Issei reaching his true power.
"Great, just another thing to worry about," Rossweisse groaned. "Not like we have enough on our- mmph!" She clamped her hand over her mouth and raced to the nearest restroom.
Azazel sighed. "That's the third time in as many hours. How is there anything left?" He noticed Issei staring blankly. "Something wrong?"