Prologue
[Somewhere on Earth, Great War]
I was waiting for a certain someone. This someone is special to me. This will be the final battle. I only want peace. I don't blame anyone for this war. I guess this war had to come, but I never thought it would start so terrible.
[Heaven, Before the Great War]
As I was sleeping on my throne, I heard Gabriel, who is my lover, that something terrible has happened. She said I should take a look at it. Her blue eyes weren't normal. Even her blonde hair isn't what it seems like. What's going on? As I walked to the crime scene, I saw everyone readying their weapons. Why? I don't like this!
"Gabriel, why is everyone preparing to fight?"
"We've got a declaration of war from the Fallen and the Devils."
"Can't we just use Heaven as refuge for the wounded Devils and Fallen?"
"GOD, WE'RE GOING TO KILL THEM!"
"I'm sorry, Kami-sama, but we have to fight."
"I don't like this one bit."
"You never liked war. Why did you make a system for sinners to fall?"
"It's for my believers, as much as I want to help those Angels, I know Azazel will help them."
"Then why did you choose Azazel?"
"He's a kind man, I told him to do something special. He wanted to be with a beautiful Human. I can't deny that, but she didn't like his purity. I made a loophole for him, but I warned him."
"He didn't listen to that warning?"
"He accepted the terms he would have to go to Hell. It's not like we're not talking anymore, but the last days, I can't seem to get a hold of him. I think this is the reason."
"Kill Azazel and Lucifer!"
"YES!"
"They're really motivated to kill them, I guess the younger ones can't help it."
"No, Kami-sama, but do we go to war?"
As I looked at my Angels, they all started to change. They weren't themselves anymore. I almost felt they're going to fall.
"Gabriel, tell Michael to mobilize everyone who wants to fight."
"Why did you make this choice?"
"I don't want to be alone on this place. I want to be with all of you. I don't want you to fall and hate me for not wanting to fight."
"Alright, Kami-sama."
"Now what happened here?"
What I saw was terrible. I saw an Angel really change into a half-blood Fallen and Devil Hybrid.
"I'm sorry, Kami-sama, the moment you came, I'd change into this horrible being."
"It's alright, Angel. Eh, Fallen Devil."
"Do you forgive me for wanting to kill you right now?"
"I guess that's what you want to tell? The Devils and Fallen are here to kill me?"
"Yes, but you have to die now!"
"I'm very sorry."
I looked away as I terminated the Fallen Devil who wanted to kill me. All I have left of it was its soul. It's in a shape of its most recent identity.
"I really hate this. Michael, you command the forces. I don't want to be directly involved in this. I can't watch people die, I don't care if it's the enemy or one of ours."
"Yes, Kami-sama!"
This war went for a very long time, then Lucifer sent me a letter.
"Dear God,
Why aren't you commanding your forces? Well, that isn't important, but what do you think about a duel to end the war? Me and you? We'll go to Earth. I don't want to see my fellow Devils die a worthless death now. This war will exhaust all of us. As you know the Fallen have already surrendered. Now it will be between you and me.
Lucifer, your former subordinate."
"Michael, tell your forces to retreat. I'm going to Earth."
"Why?"
"There's a way to end this war."
"Alright, how?"
"A duel with Lucifer, the leader of the Maou."
"I guess there's no other way."
"I'm off."
[Earth, Great War]
As I waited, Lucifer arrived with his entourage of Maou. Damn, he still looks the same.
"Sorry, God, but I can only fight you with all the Maou combined."
"I don't care, just fuse each other, I'll wait."
"Thank you. Wait, Leviathan, you can't beat him!"
As I saw a female attack me with a dark spear, I evaded it calmly.
"You think that's all?"
"Of course not, but I don't need to worry. If you want to know, only Lucifer knew how to fight me back in Heaven."
"Yes, but I need your powers to give me a chance."
"We'll win for Hell!"
"YES!"
"Then come join me!"
As they all sent their energy to Lucifer, I saw him as a strong opponent now. His aura is very good.
"This is how we should do it. Let's keep this honourable."
"I wouldn't have it done any other, God."
As we fought and destroyed the area with our power. This battle lasted for a very long time, until we heard a noise, we're half beaten up, but alright.
"Raargh, Albion, I'm stronger!"
"Raargh, screw you, Ddraig!"
"Raargh!"
They both destroyed the whole area.
'Hey, Luce?"
"Yes, we can't fight each other if they're disturbing us."
"Ceasefire?"
"Ceasefire."
There were two Dragons fighting each other in an area near us and if they keep fighting like this, they'll end up killing us.
"Hey Dragons, can you keep the battling a little bit down?"
"Albion, did I hear a tiny Human voice?"
"Maybe."
"Let's kill them before we finish each other!"
"YES!"
"Luce, let's do this shit!"
"There's no other way!"
As we fought Ddraig and Albion, we had to evade their flames and hit them with our magic punches.
This battle also lasted for a long time, I don't know how long it lasted. Fortunately, we won. They were knocked down and unconscious. I had to talk to Lucifer, because what are we going to do?
"So how do we solve these?"
"They're too weak to live as Dragons, but I don't hate them, they're good opponents."
"What do you think about sealing them?"
"The question is how?"
"Just something that looks cool. I want wings."
"Honestly I prefer gloves."
"Why don't we do both?"
"Ddraig gets the glove and Albion the wings?"
"Alright."
We sealed them in a glove and a pair of wings. They were brought to us.
"Now Lucifer, shall we finish our battle with these Sacred Gears?"
"Meh, can't we call them Cursed Gears?"
"The winner gets the right to name his gears and can choose who will receive it, but not his own faction."
"I was actually thinking about giving Humanity some power, you know. The power to become a hero."
"Oh, we agree on that."
"Oh, you wanted to give them to Humans too?"
"Yep."
"Shall we just finish this?"
"Of course."
We headed for each other, we clashed each other. As we both found out, Ddraig will amplify the user's powers and Albion will half the enemy's powers. This fight was a tough battle, but I barely managed to triumph. As I saw Lucifer die, I couldn't help but feel regretful. I wish we could have finished this peacefully.
When I tried to go back for Heaven, I felt no power anymore within me. So I'm this weak now. This sucks, but I'll send the Ddraig and Albion to Humanity. They'll be able to use it for their skirmishes. I'll need to hide, but first I'll give Lucifer and his fellow Maou an honourable send-off. They deserved it after such a good battle.
I never knew Ddraig would find me after a long while.
[Germany, Second World War]
My identity is now Franz Heinrich, a German colonel under general Erwin Rommel. His way of fighting can be seen as pure bravery, not exactly smart, but very chivalrous. Even if we're depicted as the evil force, we'll do what we can for our cause. I'm at his house, just waiting for the result of Erwin's process. The reason for his process is a bit complicated, I don't know the detailed stuff, but I heard there are enemies of Erwin who plotted against him. Then I heard a knock.
"Erwin Rommel!"
"Yes, what is it?"
"We'll give you two choices, an honourable suicide or a dishonourable execution of everyone who's close to you."
What!? This isn't good, I can survive everything! I'm invincible, it can't be known I'm God, not yet!
"I'll choose the suicide. Can Heinrich be my witness?"
"Yes, that's fine."
"Franz, come with me. We're going to a place where I can die peacefully."
"Yes, Erwin!"
I followed Erwin. We spoke, we knew it was his last walk.
"Franz, do you know why I wanted to rush into that fort?"
"Honestly, I didn't care."
"I'll tell you a secret. The white one was rumoured to be there."
"The white one?"
"Its name was Albion, have you heard of the Heavenly Dragons?"
"Yes, I did."
"I found out the British General Montgomery is wielding the Divine Dividing. I could never fight him properly, as you remember Tobruk, right?"
"Yeah, we're the only two who did reach the city. We couldn't take the city, but that wasn't our goal, right?"
"No, it wasn't. I wanted Montgomery. He's the one I was destined to fight."
"We did reach him."
"Yeah, we did. Unfortunately, the Australian fools destroyed our tea party with their reinforcements. We're forced to retreat."
"So are you wielding Ddraig?"
"Yes, I do."
"What is your item called?"
"The Boosted Gear."
"Okay, that's also nice."
"I want to give it to you."
"Why me?"
"You're the only one who followed me faithfully until the end, and this is my end, but I feel you're nowhere near your end. Just promise me this, I'm a hero for Germany. Tell my story if it's needed."
"I'll do that, sir."
"Ddraig, are you awake?"
"What? I'm here, what's happening?"
"I'm going to die, but I want to transfer the Boosted Gear to someone."
"I've never seen someone succeed in that, but you can give it a shot. Just focus, it'll be permanent."
"I'm dying, so it's fine. I, Erwin Rommel, will transfer the Boosted Gear to Franz Heinrich!"
"Nice focus, keep it up!"
As my left arm started to glow, so did Erwin's. After a big crimson flash, I had the Boosted Gear in its weakest form and Erwin's arm was normal. Then he took a cyanide pill and slowly fell to death, but not after he said this.
"Thank you, Franz, for always supporting me in good and bad times. For Germany!"
"Always at your service, Erwin. For Germany!"
I told the two men who sent the execution note Erwin's dead, they can give him the honour he deserves. They did so and I disappeared in the mist right after. We lost the war on the Fatherland, they invaded our glorious country and destroyed it to nothingness. I left Germany and I went to train to understand the Boosted Gear, eh Ddraig.
[Somewhere, after the Second World War]
"So Franz, why do you seem so familiar? I remember you, but you're not Franz. Who are you?"
"If you want to know, I'm the one who sealed you."
"God. So you did survive."
"I did, barely. I went to rest, but nobody knows I'm back. I want to keep it that way."
"I've nothing to say. What do you desire?"
"Peace, just that."
"Lame, really. Normally one would go for domination, but you're God, maybe I should have expected something like that."
"Well, I saw a lot of terrible stuff, but I could only watch."
"Why?"
"If I'm back, people will rely on my powers. I can't constantly exhaust them anymore. I can use a lot now, but not enough to handle the number of people living here."
"So what will you do? Training strength with me?"
"No, I just want to understand you. I want to enjoy the Boosted Gear. I didn't have the time when I fought Lucifer, but now I've got enough time to do it."
"You're one intriguing man."
"Your legend is also very interesting to me."
As we talked on, we trained a bit, we talked to each other. We got stronger, then I decided. We're going to Japan. The Empire of the Rising Sun. I heard of a Devil town, it's named Kuoh. I think I'll go there.
[Kuoh]
Hmm, this town is nice. I heard there's also a prestigious high school called Kuoh Academy. I'll change my appearance to a 17 year old. I'll name myself Hyoudou Issei. A normal guy with normal looks. Wearing a blue-red cross shirt, representing Christianity. I'll take the admittance test. This test isn't easy, I did make it seem easy, but I do understand this is a very good school. I'm actually starting to enjoy this life.
After the test, I went to search for an apartment near the school. Ouch, the price is shockingly high, but I can manage. I do have built up a large capital during my prestige as a German colonel and the interest of that money gained. I can use it to live a good life in Japan. I don't want to rely on Heaven's finances, even if that's way more than all the capital of Earth, but only I can touch that. If they know it's touched, then I have to return to Heaven and sit on the throne. I don't want to burden Heaven or anyone else with my return.
I'm admitted easily into this school. I'm joining the first years. This school year went rather easily. I just had to follow the curriculum and ace the tests.
I expected the second year to be the same. That didn't happen, it started with a black haired girl asking me out.
"Do you want to go on a date with me?"
"I'm sorry. As much as you're beautiful, you're not my type."
"Really?"
"I'm sorry. Still, do you want to be friends?"
"I guess so."
She walked off, and I never saw her again. I don't know who she was, but she was cute. To waste her beauty only for me was too bad. There were more cute guys.
After a few days, we got a new student. Her name was Asia Argento, an Italian nun. When I felt her, she felt divine, but she turned into a Devil. What have I done? I heard she's in the Occult Research Club. I guess I need to ask them. That can be done after the history course. Then I heard something what ticked me off.
"The Siege of Tobruk was heroically won by the Australians, when they sent their reinforcements to beat off those disgusting Germans! All cheer!"
Those cowards! They believed the reinforcements were heroic!? They weren't! They were cowards! They're fools! Did they brainwash them!?
"Oi, Hyoudou-kun!?"
"What?"
"You just deformed a table. What do you have against the Siege of Tobruk? Everyone knows Erwin Rommel was a war criminal!"
"SCREW YOU! Rommel was a war hero. I'm leaving this course. Write me off this course. I don't want to hear any of your nonsense!"
I cursed him off and went outside the classroom. Then Ddraig woke up.
"Dude, that was scary. So you're still sensitive about Erwin, huh?"
"Yeah, I don't want to hear lies about Erwin. I fought the war. He fought the war. Those teachers don't know anything. They're told lies. It's not the heroes who write history, only the winners do."
"You didn't have to destroy a table."
"My anger rose to a new high."
"Why did you join a war, when you seek peace?"
"This war was inevitable. There was a treaty, no. That treaty was a complete lie, the Second World War was inevitable. They blamed us, because we're the biggest party of resistance. Those cowardly French, they were so proud when the Americans came to save their asses."
"Still, why did you join the Second?"
"I had no choice, the sins the Alliance committed were as gruesome as some of the German sins, but only the German massacres were recorded. Even their allies had some horrible massacres, not recorded."
"That's terrible, so it was a conspiracy by the French to punish Germany?"
"Yeah, that's what it was and they still think it was too lenient. We had to pay for their porn!"
"Really?"
"Yeah, they didn't help us when we're in trouble, no they wanted to take our men because a bunch of rich women wanted some strong men as their husband. So they took some from the Fatherland. Erwin never talked with you about this right?"
"No, I saw it happen, but I rather don't remember it. I understand why Germany has gotten such a strong army. They were motivated to break that treaty."
"Not just that, but also the humiliation."
"Let's go to the ORC."
"Right."
As I walked to the old school building, I saw a bunch of Devils spotting me. So they've got their eyes on me. A crimson haired woman walked and started to talk to me. She knew my name.
"Hyoudou Issei, what are you doing here?"
"I'm looking for a girl named Asia Argento."
"Asia isn't here."
"That's too bad."
"So what is the Onee-sama of Kuoh doing here in the Occult Research Club?"
"I'm the president of that club. Now I want to talk about you, how did you destroy a table with holy energy?"
"Huh?"
Oh oops, I just released holy powers.
"Don't play stupid with me, how did you release holy energy during your history class!?"
"Why do you say holy energy? You're a Youkai or something? Demon, Fallen?"
"All wrong, I'm a Devil. Hey, why am I telling this to a Human? You can't be Human, there's no way. How do you suppress such powers? Come with me. Koneko will research you. Also I'll send Asia for you."
"Fine, I'll go with you."
I walked into the Occult Research Club, did I go rusty?
"Don't worry, they won't find out your God property. I'll try to camouflage it."
"Thanks, Ddraig."
As I walked into the cosy room, I saw the other Onee-sama Himejima Akeno, the Prince Kiba Yuuto and the mascot Toujou Koneko.
"Now Koneko, identify Hyoudou Issei."
Then Toujou-san walked to me. She identified me. It was a fast identification.
"He wields a Dragon. A Sacred Gear."
"Now that's interesting. How did he destroy that table then?"
"Dragon Power?"
"Maybe, show your Sacred Gear."
"Tch."
"Come forth, Boosted Gear!"
"Oi, isn't that the Longinus Boosted Gear!?"
As she screamed that, my left arm got covered by two green orbs and scales. My upper arm is barely visible anymore, I even covered the most of that.
"I can't believe how a Human can wield the Boosted Gear that well in such a short time."
"Well, it must be talent. Now do you mind if I want to know about Asia? What's her background from a nun to a Devil?"
"Why does that interest you?"
"It interests me, because I'm studying Angels, Heaven and everything else related on the side. Besides of this life."
Then someone teleported into the clubroom.
"As I arrive, I'm the noble Riser Phenex!"
"Now where did I stumble upon?"
"Hyoudou-kun, let's say Buchou has to get married to someone and that someone is Riser."
"Why?"
"Devils value their purebloods."
"Okay, but does it really have to be done this way? Really through an arrangement?"
"I guess so, but her family pressed it."
"Let's just listen on."
"Now, come with me. Let's get married, Rias!"
"No, I don't want to!"
Then I saw someone else arrive in the clubroom. A silver-haired beauty. Wait a second. It's Grayfia! How do I know her? Gabriel was my lover, but she was one of them, in Heaven she was my only one, but if we talked about everything else, I also loved Grayfia and Gabriel knew the signals, so she knew I loved Grayfia, I'm a cheater, but she didn't mind as she understood love should be given to everyone. Unfortunately, most Angels obviously do not approve a relationship with a Devil. I wouldn't care. If you love, what's the problem?
"Ara ara, Issei-kun makes a funny face with the appearance of Grayfia."
"Ehm, I'm sorry for my indecency."
Then Grayfia looked at me.
"You feel familiar, but I've never seen you before. Hmm, I think we need to talk to each other later."
"How does a Human interest you, Ultimate Queen!?"
"Silence, Riser Phenex!"
"Oh, okay."
"Now how are we going to resolve this? I guess a Rating Game?"
"No, that seems like a bad plan."
"Issei-kun!?"
"If you look at it, this plan is the way Riser wants to do it. As for Riser, you can always marry Rias, your lifespan isn't like only a hundred years, you've got to be patient. The reason for Rias is, she's still at school and not seriously competing with Rating Games."
"How do you know of our records?"
"My gear has the wisdom."
"Hah, what for gear is that?"
"Only the Boosted Gear."
"Now, do you wish to face one of my grunts?"
"No, I don't want to."
"Hah, Mira, attack him!"
"Ugh, don't destroy places."
I stopped her attack mid-air. I wouldn't care to take her down. I just threw her back to the ground. She tried to attack me again, and I stopped her again. This lasted for a few minutes.
"Please stop, this is just a waste of time."
"Fine, I'll listen to you. I'll come back when you're 21, Rias! Be ready till then! The marriage isn't off yet!"
"Well, Hyoudou Issei, that went shockingly easy. Ojou-sama, now can I speak with you and Hyoudou Issei in private?"
"Why him?"
"He knows something."
As I walked with Grayfia and Rias to a private room. I got sealed with Grayfia into a hollow area.
"Ojou-sama, just guard the door. I need to talk with this boy."
"Okay."
As she looked at me, she blushed at me.
"It has been a long time, Kami-sama. I never forgot you, but I missed having a husband so bad, I went to marry Maou Sirzechs, her brother."
"Ah, it has been a long time, Grayfia. I never expected you would recognise me."
"Blame your negotiation skills, you always succeed in them so easily. No matter how stupid your ways are. You can always convince one person to stand down."
"I couldn't convince all the Angels."
"You couldn't without making them fall. War was inevitable."
"I guess so. Still do you love me, Grayfia?"
"I always do, Kami-sama. I couldn't think about you without crying a bit. You've chosen quite a handsome appearance."
"Really? I thought I chose a plain appearance."
"No, you've got your cute points."
Grayfia just kissed me! I blushed as well.
"Now I shall leave to serve Sirzechs-sama, Hyoudou Issei."
"Then I'll see you later, Grayfia."
As she left, the barrier also disappeared.
"Now what did Grayfia say to you?"
"Nothing much."
"Why did she take that much interest in you?"
"I don't know?"
"Meh, I'll talk to Grayfia later."
"Now, I want to know, how does a nun like Asia become a Devil?"
"She was an exiled nun."
"What? How?"
"It's told she healed a Devil."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"That's a terrible reason!"
"You really think? And you're interested in Heaven, no?"
"She's kind enough to heal anyone, no matter what."
Ugh, I feel Jeanne all over again. I wish I could change the system, but I'm still too weak to do that, I need to erase everyone's mind of the crime and make sure the person who's claimed to be heretic become a revered person again. I couldn't do much against the people when Jeanne got burned. I really feel terrible.
[Rouen, France, 1431]
I had to walk through this crap crowd, blergh. All fools and idiots. All I can hear is. "Burn that witch!"
Everyone was against that poor girl, I could only look at her, because the crowd was really pushing me to watch the horrible happening. A poor knight, who got dishonoured by the English and the collaborators from France, is getting brought to her end. She was called a witch, a heretic. All she fought for was the freedom of France. I can't believe some Frenchmen would be against that, now I wouldn't be surprised, filled with idiots and criminals. Even when she was brought into court, she never lost her grace. She had her blonde hair running beautifully, it was shining into my eyes. Her beautiful face never withering. She always believed someone would save her.
The people who were in the court were all against her. I couldn't believe this is a fair battle. This is just a way to humiliate a heroine. She was obviously guilty for crimes against England and Treachery. I thought that was terrible, but her death was the heretic stake. Why? Couldn't she get a honourable death? I can't believe this.
I'm going to watch her die, this has to be a joke right? I saw her sad face, I just looked at her. I couldn't do anything to save her from her humiliation. Her armour was already taken and then she lost her clothes too, she was going to get burned in the nude. I couldn't watch this, even though her body is so beautiful. Divine. I tried to reincarnate her by praying.
"May her prayers become true, if she committed sins, show me what crimes she has done."
"Hey, shut up! Don't pray for a woman, you fool!"
I saw no image, normally I could see an image when someone sinned. So she has committed no sin. I'll save her, no matter what! Even if my return has to be delayed!
"Come forth, my blessings! Save this woman! Jeanne d'Arc, I'll save you from their sins. Come and be free!"
Then I saw the flames engulf her, did I make it in time? I saw a corpse, charred to death. I guess I didn't make it in time. As I walked away, I heard a voice behind me.
"God, are you here to take my soul?"
I stood there shocked, looking at Jeanne, who's alive and well.
"Did you survive that?"
"No, I died, but I woke up somewhere near you. I feel connected to you."
"Jeanne! You're alive!"
"Why are you crying?"
"I've reincarnated you, you're a demi-god now. I could also choose for you to become an Angel, but I can change that later. I think a demi-god is better now."
"A demi-god?"
"A half god and half human."
"Then are you God?"
"Yes, I'm God."
She hugged me immediately.
"I've always wanted to see you. You're going to save France, right?"
"No, I won't."
"Why?"
"You don't need to worry about France. You can help them in the shadows, but stay hidden for at least 40 years, the name Jeanne d'Arc is dead. You need a new name."
"Then I want Rosalie Bonaparte as my cover name."
"That's alright, Rosalie. But keep in mind, I'll always call you Jeanne. I prefer that name."
"I know, but I need to stay hidden. Then I'll see you later, God."
"Yeah."
I could save Jeanne, but I couldn't save her beloved France. I couldn't just erase those people, that's just terrible. I don't make the choice of death unless there's no other way.
[ORC clubroom, Present]
I can only blame my teachings for being so vague. I never thought they would preach about us being the best. True, we are the best, but we won't hate against the other factions. They're just our other sides. If me, Azazel and Lucifer were one person, we'd be the most complete person that ever existed. We had our emotions, wisdom and our sins.
"Rias-senpai, can I speak Asia?"
"Yeah, she's here."
"Hello Asia Argento."
"Hello Hyoudou Issei-san, what do you want to ask?"
"I only want to ask, how is life treating you?"
"Buchou is really nice, she saved me from Raynare's hands, too bad I died though, but I can't blame her."
"Okay, I'll be off."
I walked away and my tears starting flowing down. I couldn't take this. My system is a faulty system. I couldn't burden Michael, Gabriel and the other Seraphs and Archangels to monitor it. I felt a headache, who is praying to me? I don't deserve such prayers. I walked back, cause I could hear a sound that started with God.
"God, cometh here. I want to pray for OW!"
Did she say OW? Why? Why!? I looked through the clubroom window and I saw Asia in pain. She was praying for me? Damn it all! I don't care if Devils can pray to me. If they want to, they can! Wait, I made it that way, I wanted them to pray for Lucifer. That's why I didn't want the Fallen to pray for me, but I guess both of them still need my support. I hope I can do something about it later.
I went outside and looked outside. There was nothing special to happen. I hope my peaceful days will last.
Okay, a new fanfic. A new chapter. Hopefully this will be fun and I'll make it last.
For the skippings, well I've chosen to start from the Excalibur Arc from canon, since God's involvement also canonically starts there.