DxD: Ascension - Redux

Chapter 27: The God of Mischief

This chapter marks the end of Volume V: Ragnarok.

Meeting room, Gremory Manor (BGM: Destiny 2 - Battle Stations)

"Odin's headed back up north," Azazel informed everyone present. "He's off to retrieve Mjolnir. Says we'll need it in the coming battle. And while Ajuka was able to get Loki away at the party, he'll only be restrained for a day or so, and he's gonna be pissed when he gets back."
Rias's eyes widened. "One day? That's it?"
"Yep. That's the power of a god. And when he busts out, we won't have any choice but to fight him head-on. Won't be easy either."
"Right. Because if the devil kings attacked Loki outright, it could result in another war, and that's exactly what we're all here to avoid."
"That, and it would play right into Loki's hands. Zach?"
Zach nodded. He was recovering well from Kuroka's poison, but still obviously weighed down. "Right. Loki's goal is to bring about Ragnarok, which is basically Norse mythology's version of the Biblical Apocalypse. And the Khaos Brigade wants general, well... chaos. A war like that would only further their goals. It would be the beginning of the end. Nothing- and no one- would survive that."
Akeno thought for a moment. "If Loki escapes before Mjolnir arrives, we're screwed. We should see what Sirzechs has to say."
Azazel took out his phone. "I'll contact all the other leaders and gather them here. Might take some time, though. Rest up and we'll send for you once everyone's arrived."

Sirzechs was stunned by the young heroes' idea as presented by Rias. "You want to act as a diversion for Loki?"
"I hope you understand that I can only teleport about ten people at a time," Ajuka Beelzebub informed her. "And even with some rest, I'll only be able to send another one or two later on. You won't be able to count on reinforcements."
Rias nodded. "I'm willing to accept the risk."
"You're not the only volunteer, y'know," Serafall said proudly.
The door to the meeting room opened slowly. Sona entered the room, flanked by Saji and Tsubaki. "The three of us would like to offer our services as well. If that's alright."
"Not like there's time to object anyway," Azazel reminded them. "And we've already decided on two people that'll be going."
"You have?"
"Yes." Michael gestured to a certain young woman standing behind him. "Irina will be joining you."
"I will be attending as well on behalf of Asgard," Rossweisse added.
"Well, if we're all in agreement..." Sirzechs looked around to see if anyone objected to the plan. "Then you should all go and get ready. Zach has been stationed at Loki's location since this morning, so he'll also be joining you. Make sure your chosen fighters are all prepared for what's to come."

Outside the mansion, a little while later...

Sona and her two guards, Rias's entire peerage save for Asia and Gasper, and Irina stood atop a green magic circle.
Rias gave Asia and Gasper a quick hug. "I'm sorry we can't bring you with us, but it's just too dangerous. You'll be safer here with the defenders."
"Of course." Asia nodded. "And Issei, please make sure you come back safe, okay?"
Issei smiled. "Don't worry about me. Just focus on having fun with the other devils, cool?"
"Cool!"
Irina looked at Xenovia, who was standing right next to her. "Xenovia, isn't this just like old times?"
"Yeah, kind of. It may sound odd coming from a devil, but try to be careful."
"I was gonna say the same thing to you!"
"I guess I should reintroduce myself," a new voice decided. A certain Valkyrie walked toward the team, dressed in the standard-issue Valkyrie battle armor: a black leotard and matching thigh-high stockings, a white breastplate with gold accents, similarly designed gauntlets, boots, hip guards, and wing-shaped hair clips. "I'm the Valkyrie Rossweisse. I guess I should've expected things to get out of hand. I was traveling with Odin, after all."
Sirzechs walked out to see the group off with Grayfia and Ajuka. "It's time. Grayfia?"
Grayfia nodded. She held out a pouch with three small vials. "These are phoenix tears. We'd give you more, but this was all we could get on such short notice."
Rias took the pouch. "Thank you. Since we won't have Asia to heal us, these will come in handy."
"Just be careful. Keep your guard up," Sirzechs advised. "You're fighting a god. Anything can happen."
Koneko tugged on Issei's sleeve. "Hey, blue-balls. If I were scared, what would you say?"
Issei put a hand on her shoulder. "That you're going to be just fine. You're not alone anymore, Koneko. I'll be right there to protect you if anything goes wrong. We all will." He seemed to become aware of Koneko's obvious blush. "B-besides, Zach will be there, and he's pretty much a god himself, so we'll be alright! Yeah!"
Akeno giggled. "My, my, Issei. With smooth talking like that, the poor girl won't be able to deny her feelings much longer."
"Hey, we're just friends! Chill out!"
"Will you protect me too? I'll be counting on that resolve of yours to get me through this fight."
"I- uh, I won't let you down."
"Alright, off you go." Ajuka waved his hand, and the team teleported to the barren valley where they'd be fighting Loki.