War... What is the point of such a thing. Strength, pride? Who needs those sort of things. We are all able to coexist with each other. So why...
This is just pointless bloodshed...
"What are you doing here?"
An angel? She didn't attack me at first sight. That's strange.
"Isn't it obvious from lookin'? Im resting at the moment."
"The night is very beautiful at the moment, isn't it? I like it very much."
An angel is having a conversation with me, a devil. During a war between all factions? How ridiculous...whoever it-
"Huh?..."
I suppose it was the moment I laid my eyes on her, what was it called...right. Love. She was absolutely breathtaking, her beautiful golden hair shined from the moonlight. She was curvy where she needed to be and her face is so pretty it just captivates me.
"Is something wrong?"
I regain my composure.
"N-no. Just lost in thought is all. I mean are you sure you should be talking to your enemy especially with status such as yours."
"Status? Oh my, it seems you know who I am."
"What devil doesn't? The lower ranked devils were told to run away from you. Gabriel, Michael's younger sister."
"To think that the devils are frightened of me, makes me feel a little sad. Although, I also know who you are, I did tell my brothers and sisters to run away from you. Mr. Strongest Devil, or Issei."
"Strongest Devil? I don't think so, that title belongs to someone from one of the families in the 72 Pillars. I'm just a simple devil who just so happens to be liked by Lucifer."
"I see..."
A short but seemingly endless silence was present for but a moment.
"Hey, Gabriel. What do you think of this war?"
It took her but a second to answer. It seems this isn't the first time she was asked this.
"This war, saddens me greatly. Why must there be so much bloodshed? It pains me to send my brothers and sisters to fight only for half to return."
"I believe this war is pointless... We are all able to coexist, this world is enormous for us to fit in."
"Unfortunately, I don't believe that is the case anymore. Each faction, has grown a hatred for one another. Friends, and family have been killed by their enemies. They will no longer want to coexist."
I looked at her face, she showed a sad expression. This was the Gabriel every devil was told to be wary of, yet here she is. She is an angel, my technical enemy, but she is no monster, she has emotions like any other devil I know.
I understand that and was about to agree with what she said. However, a single tear fell from her face. Seeing that pained me greatly...so I...
"Then ill do it."
"Eh?"
I wipe the tears off from her face.
"Ill unify every faction and end this war. There will be no more tears, no more blood, no more pain. Ill make a world where we can all exist, together."
"You...but...that's-"
"Impossible, maybe so but if no one else is gonna do it then I will! That's why-!"
She's staring at me with such hopes, such expectations if I was human I would've thought she was growing feelings for me. I, however, am not besides her love and devotion belongs to god and him alone. Nonetheless I continue...
"Thats why, save your tears. When I unify the factions come find me and smile. With a face as beautiful as yours, you should only ever be happy."
I don't like it when you're sad, I much rather see you happy. Forever. It was a feeling I couldn't explain at the moment.
"How are you going to accomplish this? Every race hates the others."
"That, I believe will mend with time. Besides I got the most beautiful women from heaven talking to me, the scary strongest devil."
I couldn't help but smile with what I'm saying. I feel really naive but why should I care.
"Hee hee~"
Ah, she's laughing. Why is it so soothing? Its kind've embarrassing.
"Then if you say you want to unify the factions, then ill help."
"You...help me?"
"Mm, ill help you, after all I also want this war to end already."
"Than-"
"ISSEI! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
It seems like a certain Lucifuge is looking for me already.
"Looks like its time for me to go. If she finds me with you she'll try to kill you."
She gets scary when she gets overprotective of me.
"See ya, Gabriel-chan."
"Wait!"
I abruptly stop in place.
"Y-yes?"
"Oh, I'm sorry I shouldn't have raised my voice. I don't know what got over me, I just wanted to talk to you for just a bit longer even though I know that is not possible right now."
"Its fine, so, is there something you wanted to tell me?"
Her face was as red as a certain somebodies hair.
"Y-yes. By, see you, do you mean that we will be meeting together again?"
"Of course! After all, I consider you my friend now Gabriel-chan!"
"Really! With just the two of us?"
"Yeah, just us two."
She smiled with a light tinge of color on her face.
"ISSEI!"
"Gabriel-chan, I should really get going. I don't want her to think something bad has happened to me and goes to destroy more of your brothers and sisters."
"I understand. Then, Issei, see you."
"Yup, for sure we will meet again very soon, I promise."
Apparently, I came from nowhere, I was 5 years old when I had stumbled across the Lucifuge household. One of their servants had found me dirty and ragged. I didn't know how to talk, read, or write so they assumed that I was not a high class devil. My now adoptive father, was a nice man, he did not immediately kick me out and instead made me one of their servants. I believe he said he wanted someone of his daughters age to play with her.
Her name was Grayfia, she was 4 years old. One year younger than me. She had pretty silver hair and captivating silver eyes.
"Go on, for now he belongs to you. Play with him for as long as you want." Her father said to her.
She was a shy girl, completely different from present time. I don't know what changed, she was much cuter like this. She was a bit scared of me because she was so shy so she hid behind her father's legs.
I was in no obligation to try and be her friend. None. Yet I...for some reason...
"E..say"
I said, as I only knew my name at the time despite barely knowing how to pronounce it.
"Huh?"
She looks at her father confused, to which he smiles at her.
"E...say"
I point at myself.
"Your name is, Issei?"
I furiously nod my head up and down when she understood what I was getting across.
"Issei...you...me...pray.."
She giggled at my mispronounced play. Nonetheless I held out my hand.
"...play?"
I tilt my head. She was hesitant at first but she had begun to slowly stop hiding behind her father and then took my hand.
And just like that, we formed a strong unbreakable relationship.
10 years later...
During all those years we had together, I was considered genius. I was apparently so excellent at everything I had done that Grayfia's father made me into his real son. I am a technical, Issei Lucifuge but saying that always gives me such a sour taste.
I was 15 and was part of war. I needed, no, was forced to fight the angels, the fallen, and even the devils who wanted a change. During one of those days of war, I met Sirzechs. He explained to me much of what his cause was trying to accomplish, and it lined up with what I desired at the time. So...
I defected.
Grayfia had followed me, due to reasons she has still not explained to me. When I told Sirzechs she is also an ally, he smirked and told me that I was a lucky man. Which confused me...greatly...
It had pained me just leave the family so easily but I agreed more with this side.
Line Break
It is now the present day, I believe I am now 17. I had met Gabriel, 2 years ago. During those years, we had kept our promise and met each other whenever we could in secret. I feel I am beginning to fall for her more and more each day I see her. Today was one of those days and it has just ended.
"Issei?"
"Oh Grayfia! Is something the matter?"
"No, it nothing really. It is just that, you've been looking very happy recently."
"Is that so? Am I inconveniencing you, if so then I will stop."
"N-no, not at all! I much prefer you smiling. It is just..."
"Hmm?"
"I am surprised that you are able to during a time of war."
"I see... However, I believe during hard times such as these it is better to smile than to frown. I mean, I think you look so much cuter if you'd smile more often."
"Eh?"
She looks at me, red on her cheeks for some reason.
"But, if you can't smile because of this war, then you ill make it so that you will. You won't have to fight in this was much longer, because I will end it soon and create a world where you can smile everyday, that's a promise."
She giggled, I haven't heard her laugh in who knows how long.
"To think, that you were once a boy who did not even know how to pronounce his own name. Now that very same boy is able to make speeches easily."
"Well, I couldn't have done it alone, I've had some help along the way."
I smile. However, not for long.
"ENEMY ATTACK!"
"What!? So soon..."
Why? How were they able to locate us so soon?
"Hurry Grayfia! We must hurry!"
I need to minimize the casualties as much as possible.
"...you've become so reliable. A man that I have..."
She seemed to have muttered something.
"Did you say something?"
Her face goes beet red in an instant.
"What? N-no it was nothing!"
"Alright, then we have to go we can't delay any more."
I hope my comrades aren't suffering too much.
"Lucifuge-sama, we are completely outnumbered. Many of our soilders have already..."
A lower class devil informed me.
"How were we found, and... Eh?"
I can see angels and fallen angels helping each other. They're cooperating?
"Grayfia! Go and and rescue any that are still breathing! Then retreat!"
"And you?"
"Ill be with you soon, so go!"
"Understood."
She left. Good.
Shit! Why are they working together? It...
"OUT THE WAY!"
They shot a large beam of holy light in my direction. It skinned my arm as I pushed the devil near me out the way.
"I've located the target! All units begin assault."
Target? Me? How did they find us I know I masked our presence correctly. Unless...
"Gabriel?"
Haha, I see her flying. Why, I thought we...huh? She looks sad.
"Haha, unfortunately, this is a battle that we won't win... Soldier, go and try to regroup with Grayfia, she'll keep you guys safe. And, tell all and any allies you see to retreat."
"But, Lucifuge-sama-"
"NOW!"
"Y-yes!"
He runs off. Good, I must lower the casualties. So I fly towards the battleground.
"Oi! You're objective is right here!"
All the angels and fallen angels take notice of me.
"Are all you sure you can take on the 'Strongest Devil."
I charge all my magic into the tip of my finger, and I fire it at the huge army of crows. I made sure to miss but the pressure from the beam had knocked many out the sky.
"A-ATTACK!"
A random soilder screamed. And thus, all began to attack me. My goal is to stall, I won't kill unless absolutely necessary. I have to let my comrades retreat while they are focused on me.
"Hey! What are you all aiming at, shooting the sky isn't doing anything."
All their attacks are not hitting me, I am able to dodge everything. It is easy I just need to focus... Gabriel? She is not attacking?
"Gah!"
Crap. I let my guard down for just a second. I was hit from behind with a sword. It stings.
"Out the way!"
I punch him right in the chin to knock him out. I need to focus on myself not Gabriel!
"Everyone! RUN!"
A hellstorm of beams was raining from the sky, the magic symbol was from a devil.
"Issei!"
I look towards who yelled.
"Grayfia!? I thought I ordered you to-"
"CHANGE FOCUS!"
"WHA? GRAYFIA!"
I rush to her, they were going to attack her. When I reach her I hug her tightly. I can sense Gabriel, she's going to shoot that holy light again. I just need to get out of-
"Aggh!"
"Issei!"
I took most of the hits. Gabriel's attack is the biggest problem at the moment.
"Issei! I can protect myself so let go!"
"NO!"
She needs to survive, she's the last of the Lucifuge bloodline. I can't betray her father any more than I have, if she dies and I survive I'd be choking on my guilt forever.
"Issei! You could easily eliminate all of them! But you haven't killed a single one! Why!?"
"Well I- gaah!"
She looks so worried and sad as if she would burst into tears any second. Grayfia please, don't show me that kind of face. I prefer you smiling, you deserve to smile
I was hit by more holy magic, it burns.
That's right just because she's charging it doesn't mean the other ones will stop firing. I can't focus, I need to protect Grayfia, but I don't want to hurt Gabriel, I also need to lessen all the casualties. My thoughts are all over the place, I'm scared but can't afford to be scared. Right now my life is less important than all the ones that my hands need to protect.
"Sorry about this, Grayfia!"
I punch her in the gut, hard enough to knock her out but soft enough to not cause any life threatening damage.
"Iss...sei?..."
"Ill see you later."
I muster all my might, spin around and throw her in the direction I had told my devils to run away to.
"...Now then lets continue..."
At this point im too damaged. I'm sure that im gonna...
"Do not attack."
Gabriel?
"Brothers and sisters, that is more than enough. Issei Lucifuge, please surrender. I'm sure even you understand that you will not win."
"I'm sure I cant."
I am only one devil, they have an entire army. It is unfavorable.
"If you understand, then please quietly come with us and ill make sure you'd be put down gently."
She is on the verge of tears, yet is putting on a strong front.
"Sorry, but I refuse! After all I made a promise! Ill end this war with my hands and unify all the factions! I won't drop dead until that goal is accomplished!"
Her eyes widened and she smiled a very sad smile.
Angel and fallen angels burst out laughing as soon as they heard my goal.
They scoffed at me saying it was stupid and impossible. They told me that I was just a devil, trying to do something so uncharacteristic and impossible.
"I will give you one more warning, Issei Lucifuge, surrender."
I smirked.
"I refuse."
"Then-"
She did not get to finish and in a flash...
"FIRE!"
Was all I could hear, time slowed, my eyes widened as my mouth dropped. A huge blast of light was all I could see. It was not directed at me but at the angel who was there.
As I was processing what was happening, I could faintly hear a cry of pain. When the light faded, there was an angel falling to ground, she was severely damaged.
"GABRIEL!"
I finally understood what had happened as I screamed out her name. I immediately rushed to her aid. The fallen angels had betrayed the normal angels.
"Gabriel, Gabriel! Are you okay!"
I had caught her. Is she okay!? What do I do!? How do I help!? This wasn't supposed to happen! This wasn't supposed to happen! No, no, please no!
Her brothers and sisters yelled her name in worry and immediately had their sights aimed at the group who fired.
The angels began to fly to fight their fallen siblings but...
"AGAIN, FIRE!"
"Wha!"
This blast was bigger than the previous one. This is bad, Gabriel won't be able to take another hit. That's undoubtedly made with a bit of holy light, if I'm hit then ill be obliterated. What do I-
"Issei, just...run."
She holds my hand. I can't just leave you if you do that ya idiot.
"Gabriel, I will save you!"
"...I'm sorry...I should've..."
"Be quiet! You're gonna be alright! Ill make sure of that! So stay silent and believe in me!"
I may be slower with a person in my arms but I wouldn't be able to outrun it anyway. My life doesn't matter, Gabriel needs to survive. Futile as it is, I immediately try to out run the big beam.
"Aaaaaagh~"
Even with my speed I am still caught, it burns. I couldn't get Gabriel out of the attack but I think I managed to absorb most of the damage.
"Gah...it sure hurts..."
It seems the blast was strong enough to shoot me to the ground. I can barely lift my arm. I check my pocket, yes it is there. I am lying in a pool of my own blood.
"Gab...riel..."
Where is she, it is difficult to see. Oh there she is, heh, looks like she's still living. Thank God. Ow, that hurt to say.
"Ga...briel...can...you move..."
She shows no motion what so ever. Looks like I have to do it. Oh, I can't feel my legs, I look. Wait, where are my legs...
"Gabri...el..."
I won't let her die. Even if I dont have legs ill reach her, I still have my arms so ill crawl.
"Guh, this hurts..."
I'm not sure how much time she has but I will save her.
"Hey...Gabriel...Thank you..."
Where do devils go when they die? Ive never thought about it, we have such a long lifespan that the thought has never once crossed my mind.
"When I die... I hope I can go to heaven...I want to keep on talking with you...its always so much fun...being near you makes me happy..."
She isn't far but crawling makes the journey seem endless.
"I have an amazing...item...its going to help you feel better..."
Hey, god. Please allow me to be selfish.
"It's called...a Phoenix Tear...its really useful..."
My journey comes to an end. I am finally by her side. She is as beautiful as ever.
"...Gabriel, I'm very sorry for what I'm about to do...ever since I met you I've been so happy...I...I love you...I find it ironic that a devil fell in love with an angel, I guess its technically not allowed, more like its forbidden, huh...but I love you, I really love you, even if it is not acceptable,I can't help it, I love you so much, that's why you are going to live and I'm going to..."
I take the tear and carry the liquid in my mouth. Without any hesitation, I place my lips onto hers and help her drink it.
"Hah... I did it..."
Looks like my time is up, hey god, thanks for not making her fall.
My eyes are growing heavy, I can't hear anything.
Gabriel, I can feel her tears dripping on my face. I'm sorry, did I make you sad? To think you're crying for a devil like me, you're making me fall more in love with you.
What is it like to die? Is there no afterlife for a devil like me. Hey God, if I were human would I be allowed into heaven?
Pitch black. Everywhere I turn, there is nothing. Nothing at all.
Its dark, I'm scared. What is this place?
I can't see anything, I can't feel my limbs but I believe i might still have them.
I can feel myself move but when I do I feel as if I'm just walking in place.
My voice, I can't hear it.
No...
No...
Let me out!
Let me out!
I run and run yet I'm not going anywhere. I scream but nothing is heard.
I can't see. I can't hear. I can't feel!
What did I do!? Why am I here!? I want out! Let me out!
Am I running still or am I standing in place? Now that I think about it, there is no sense of time here. Oh no! No! No! No!
How long!? How long!? It might feel like a few minutes but I can't tell anymore! Hours, years, millenniums!? I need to leave!
Somebody! Anybody, please! Help!
"Do not fret any longer, I am able to hear you. My child."
A voice! I can hear!
"Your voice will not be heard here, my child. Use your thoughts to speak with me."
You can hear me!? Please tell me!
"Yes I am able to hear you."
Thank goodness! I'm so glad! Ive never been so happy in my life.
"Life?"
Yeah, I'm so glad. I feel so alive.
"My child... You have already passed away."
Eh? What do you...that's not...
"It is. Recall, the sacrifice you made."
I can't be dead! What makes you say that!? I can communicate with you just fine, if I were dead then I wouldn't be able to!
"Then, tell me, where is your body?"
What?
"Where is your voice?"
Does that even...
"Do not avoid it. Now, tell me, what do you see?"
I...
"You admit you're already-"
No! I- I'm-
"Accept it, otherwise you'll lose your sanity."
I'm dead? But I can... I'm able to... I'm dead? How? I didn't...
"It is the truth. I'm sorry."
Why...
Me? Dead? But if I'm dead and here then that means you-
"I'm dead, as well."
Is this an afterlife?
"No it is not, but I must apologize for bringing you here. Such an awful place for those who are not prepared."
You killed me?
"I did not, perish the thought."
Then why?
"I wanted to thank you."
For what? I did not do anything. Even if I did, eh? I- I can't remember anything! I cant-
"Please calm down and allow me to finish."
A-alright.
"I wanted to thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for saving my daughter."
Your daughter...
"Oh, it seems you're starting to remember. I owe you a lot for that, so with my remaining power I summoned you here, I'm truly sorry about what you had to endure."
I remember, I was outnumbered and I-
"I also wanted to ask you to do me favor."
A favor?
"Yes, a favor. I would like to ask you-"
Wait, why are you even asking me for favors in the first place. I'm dead... I won't be able to fulfil them.
"I can revive you."
You? Why, what do you gain from doing so? In fact, just who are you? Revival, in the first place isn't that impossible.
"Well, normally it is. Though, it is a simple matter for me."
But-
"I'm afraid I won't be able to answer all of your questions? My power is diminishing the longer we converse. If we do not hurry, I will not have enough power to revive you."
This is so confusing, I don't-
"Issei just know that your goal was accomplished. However, there are many who hate that and want to get rid of it. I want you to protect the peace that was achieved."
Wait! Just wait a minute!
"I managed to find a loving couple who could not conceive a child so you will be their first son. That will be my last miracle ill give to the humans I love so much. Please treat them well."
Who even are you? I- how are you-
"Unfortunately I could not make your body fully human so I had to make your new body with some parts I had stolen from the big bad Great Red."
This place? A...Are you staying here? Answer my questions, don't ignore me!
"You'll be reborn in 3 seconds. It was a pleasure meeting you Issei. If everything went right you'll regain all your memories."
3
"Please protect the world I love so much."
2
What about you!?
"Looks like ill be stuck here, alone, until this seal grows weak, then ill finally pass away."
Pass away. All alone, in this wretched place. That's just...that's just. I won't, I can't allow something like that to happen!
Ill find you, WHEREVER YOU ARE! ILL DEFINITELY SAVE YOU!
It was just instinct but I felt as if he was smiling.
1
"Issei, you are nice person, it seems I am leaving this world in the right hands. Also as an answer to your question from way earlier. Yes, yes you would be allowed into heaven. Now that I recall, I dont believe i told you who I am."
My consciousness was fading.
"I am God. Issei...take care of my daughter you love so much. And... Live a happy long life."
5 years later...
"Geez what a creep!"
Pain. They are causing pain to this body...
"Hey! Say something creep!"
Creep? Who me? That's fine, I don't care.
"Hey! Leave Issei alone!"
"Crap, lets hurry and leave his boyfriend is here!"
Oh they're gone...
"Issei, are you okay? Does it hurt, can you stand?"
"...yeah..."
She shows me sad look.
"Come on..."
She shows me her hand. I take it.
"Issei, ill take you home now."
"...okay..."
Why am I such a failure?