AUTHOR'S NOTE: 06\28\2019
Good evening my estimated readers, some of you may have known this story by his previous title Ghoul to DXD, it is the first original story I've ever posted online since I've discovered the amazing world of fanfiction. at first I just started this as a one-shot idea that had been running through my mind for quite a while, though in all honesty, really didn't know where to take... as the majority of beginners to what writing stories is referred, even though the idea was there, the execution was sloppy and over all, very amateur-like. Combined with the fact of having zero experience as a writer and English being my second, almost never used (until recently) language, I ended up creating a story that although had potential, just ended up falling short, the plot was inconsistent and poorly executed, the characters bland and rushed and don't even get me started on the grammar. ( I was even called, 'Illiterate chimp' at one point and looking back on it I really was) all of this ultimately discourage me into even salvaging what little I had left, I gave up... and a few months after, while watching the fourth season of Hs DXD, having finished the witcher game trilogy and as well read the books, re reading my all time favourite manga Rosario + Vampire for the fifth time and watching my favourite movie saga. " the lord of the rings " the plot of my abandoned failed attempt at writing a story was suddenly revealed... the characters, plots and arcs all came rushing through my mind as an ( pardon my vulgar language) heavenly climax from the gods.
Not too long after, I started working on it, my laughable 900 words one-shot was fully changed for the complete and insightful introduction that it is today.. the response was positive and one by one I started changing the chapters into the story that I really wanted to tell and it went well for a while... until i hit the biggest writer's block I've ever had, therefore, the reason of my long hiatus.
The main cause for this, being that while updating the chapters I would try to salvage as much of the original material as possible and without noticing... all their major flaws, the result being a potpourri between new fresh ideas and old flaws. now after almost half a year... reading various works from various sources and further improving my knowledge in the English language and expanding upon my plain vocabulary. I'm ready to start fresh and give this story another try.
That is the main reason of this rewrite, and no, I'm not saying that I'm perfect... there are definitely some chapters that still need work, nor than I am creating a masterpiece... and certainly not, that I've mastered the English language, (By the way if any beta reader is checking this story out, finds it interesting and would like to lend me a hand, I'll be more than grateful) it only means that now I have the tools to create a story that I can be satisfied with.
And the first step for that... is to clear some rising doubts that new readers may found.
First of all, I am aware a lot of people dislike Rias Gremory and Issei being part of her peerage, even though it could be for various ( and sometimes stupid) reasons, that is why a lot of "treason" stories have been so popular over the years But I would be lying if I say I dislike her when in fact, she is one of my favorite characters from the show. But I do have to agree that I dislike certain behaviors and 'plot lines' that are given to her character.
My story is an adult one and as such... I can't have whinny princesses being useless half of the time.
So, the first thing I want to get out of the way is that my Rias is vastly different from the show... maybe not so much at the beginning but she is definitely going through some major changes as the story progresses. In fact, a lot of characters will be slightly OC and you may encounter a lot of characters that you didn't expect to see.
My Issei is also very different than canon Issei even more so that anyone in the Story. I want to CREATE a character from scratch, one with solid ideals and real reasons behind his decisions, not just some Badass asshole that is a chick magnet and is OP because 'reasons'. To clear things up this story is set BEFORE canon, that is why issei is a child, know that characters such as Raynare or Sirzechs are supernatural beings and as such have been alive for hundreds of years and can live thousands if not killed, that is the main reason for the age difference between Issei and the rest of the initial cast, at least until we reach the canon timeline where much will be already revealed.
So when the time comes that this story will reach that point. You will already be familiar with the protagonist, understand how he thinks and most importantly WHO he is and WHERE he comes from.
The third major question that I know is coming is, "but will there be lemons? UwU~", So I prefer if we tackled the matter beforehand, Yes there will be lemons and since I'm not purists of some sort, they could get quite heavy from time to time that is why if you don't enjoy this type or content or are -18, you can feel free to skip them. For the rest of you.. horny little fellas. (no offense, I say it with love) don't expect them right away... this is not porn with plot... it's plot with porn... (catch the difference? lol I can't write this with a straight face), so don't expect a magical one chapter harem... the lemons are based on relationships that will develop as the story progresses...
Which takes me to the last point. This is a SLOW and LONG story. So, you all be warned, if you are looking for a story with an OP Issei that can obliterate the universe with one finger DBZ style, a LARGE harem of girls he can't even count down. (and probably doesn't care to do so) that only live to serve him and don't have a mind of their own... I'm looking at you yagaminguyen! just kidding I love your work :), and a plot that advances faster than a man runs after hearing the pregnancy test results.
I'm sorry my friend but this is NOT your story.
with this... boring and incredibly long note... i welcome you into the story of MY Issei hyoudou, his hardships, his romances.. and all his crazy adventures...
Blood, love and war
Chapter One: an unpleasant beginning.
" Loneliness is a good feeling when we create it ourselves
but it's the worst when given by others ".
The dim light of the pale moon broke through the thick bars of the small window. Barely pushing the shadows that surrounded the room with the hesitant touch of its shine. shyly illuminating the pale, scrawny figure that laid chained against the cold mouldy wall, thanks to the heavy rotting metal trapping the thin arms from free movement courtesy of the cuffs that linked his bloody wrists to the rough texture of the concrete through the black rusted chains around them, and the massive ball attached to his left bruised ankle.
Said figure was furrowing his face in discomfort at the contact of the light against his soft but battered skin.
Heavy long eyelashes opened slowly revealing the beautiful honey-like golden eyes that hid behind them. probably one of the most gorgeous pair of eyes you could find, if it wasn't for the opaque colour and the lack of shine in them, making them look like those of a lifeless doll while gazing at the ground with a lost look.
'wake up... it's time to wake up, Issei...'
Pov
Numb, numb and heavy.
those were the perfect words to describe how I felt at the moment... like a huge pressure was washing over me, preventing me from moving, and draining my energy...
'where am I?... did I make it?'. were the thoughts in my head.
It a took a moment for my brain to start working, and my blurry vision to clear up. Just to be met with the greyish cold floor of the dark room. Said room which was covered with cracked and grimy old tiles that I assume, were once an intense white colour, similar to those of a hospital. But, that time and the lack of care, had replaced it over the years. turning the once clear colour into a corroded grey that mixed with a combination of dust, blood and other dry fluids. Emitted a strong and unpleasant odour. one that awakened bad memories in my mind. All of this, made the once clear and pleasant colour an ugly and almost unrecognizable one.
I raised my sight and found that the walls and the rest of the room were in the same neglected state.
oh, the sweet irony~.
I couldn't help, but let out a chuckle when comparing myself to an old piece of broken pottery, that although inanimate and so different than me. was a constant reminder of what my life had been these last couple of years. in which both the white tile and I had deteriorated to a point where not even the best labourer around could fix, at least not without having to remove and replace all of it first.
Once my vision cleared up completely. I could finally appreciate the complete sight surrounding me but had to immediately squint my eyes as soon as the light that illuminated my face made contact with my eyes, slightly blinding me.
Once my eyes adjusted to the newfound clearness I found myself basking in the afterglow of its sweet caress, the only one I had known since he brought me here. the feeling was so comforting, that I couldn't help but follow it to the small window from where it came from. that small window covered in thick and black bars that in many occasions had been my only connection to the world I so desperately wanted to be a part of. Even though slowly, my memories of it had become but a blurry fantasy of a life to which I did not longer belong.
That small window that brought the comforting touch of that dim light. Which had been on many occasions, the only company I had on my coldest and loneliest nights, washing away my profound sadness and my unbearable pain. giving me the strength and courage I need it to endure this hell one more day.
to keep holding on... Just ONE more day.
Until the jealous moon called it back. taking away my light and with it. all my hopes and dreams.
and although it had helped me many times... this night wouldn't one of them.
Finally realizing where I was. My eyes began to widen in horror and my body became cold. A single drop of sweat made its way through my cold cheek as the place I was in was finally recalled in my memory... with the cruel realization that indeed, I hadn't made it.
. .
. .
*knock! knock!*.
. .
. .
The hard sound brought the brown haired boy to reality. Making him widen his eyes in terror at the sound of the opening metal door. His pulse began racing frantically while fear gripped tightly his heart, his body trembling uncontrollably at all the sudden emotions invading him.
"Well, well, well... but if it isn't the best kid the world~." The gruff voice resonated across the room as the boy looked in fear at the smiling expression of his abuser.
A man with short blond hair and a scar on the right side of his face. The long black coat covering most of his body did nothing to hide his massive build, he was wearing set of black pants along with a pair of white formal shoes that were stained grey, courtesy all the dust from outside the small room they kept him in.
The man took a firm step forward immediately making the boy back off in fear. Avoiding eye contact at all cost. With a disappointed expression, the blonde put a hand over his mouth and shook his head in disapproval.
His big and rough hand moved to his chest, taking out a black label cigar from the inside of his thick coat. Cutting the edge of it with a silver cigar cutter he moved towards a small table that was just beside the heavy door. with the cigar between his right middle and ring fingers, he traced the various objects until he reached a small alcohol burner. a small spark flying as the tip of the cigar made contact with the flame.
"Listen mutt..." he said calmly as he brought the cigar to his mouth inhaling deeply before letting out a puff of smoke. "I don't like doing this! I really don't. trust me! I would rather be laying on my butt all day than to see your whiny ugly ass face. no offence... but! unfortunately for you... I am a businessman. And I like all my things to be in order" he said while rubbing his nape casually as he walked towards the trembling boy.
"so you can imagine my surprise when the guards told me that one of my things in fact!... wasn't... *step* where...*step* its meant...*halt* to be." he said emphasizing each word with each step he took until he was towering over the scrawny figure. dropping the cigar to the ground he took one last step forward the cigar crumbling under his weight, his rough hand lifting the boy's chin gently.
"we've talked about this before... I thought we had an agreement. didn't we?, I speak... you listen. I order... you obey. as simple as that! if everyone follows the rules there would be no reason to have this kind of conversations. But no! you just have to be against me all the time! doing everything your way and pissing me off non stop... I just don't get it" he said tightening his grip making a single tear fall from the golden eyes as the boy started shaking in fear still avoiding the blond's piercing look.
"look at me..." he said seriously earning no response from the shaking boy who then received a harsh slap across the face leaving a bright mark on his cheek.
"I said look at me!" he growled making the brown haired boy meet his gaze with a mix of hate\fear. Tightening the grip on his chin the blonde said with anger in his voice.
"now. I want an explanation, and you better have one or you won't like what I'll do"
The boy stood frozen in front of the big man, now his body was trembling much harder than before 'No... please no! not again please.' thought the boy with panic. he knew he needed a smart answer to explain to the man why his favourite 'toy' tried to run away again from his, "warm and loving home".
"So would you care to try to explain to me ...WHY THE HELL DID YOU TRIED TO ESCAPE AGAIN!?" exploded in rage the man that was now gripping with strength the boy's face, "ANSWER ME NOW!".
"We-well, today it's my birthday... so ... I-I wanted to see the ... I just... " the boy shut his eyes hard trying to compose himself "I wanted to s-see the sakura tree... I remembered that.. that it grows at this time of the year ... and I just ..." the man smiled and slowly removed his hand from the boys face while bringing it to his trying to contain his growing laughter.
"ha... ha,ha...ha... hahahaha!" the man laughed uncontrollably, confusing the nervous boy, could it be that he was in a good mood and was going to spare him? for a moment it would have seemed that was the case, but he could not have been more wrong.
All he felt was a huge pressure on his chest as he crashed into the wall, making him grip tightly on it as he desperately tried to catch his breath.
"You... you really threw it out of the park today kid, you wanted to see the what? a tree?." his face turned into a frown while he trembled with rage "a tree? you tried to escape just to see a fucking tree?! what kind of bullshit is that?! are you fucking kidding me?! that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of shit!" the boy's eyes filled with terror at seeing the man stand and grab a large knife from the table that was placed near the entrance of the small room. the same one that contained various torture tools. And then with a look of anger and disgust began to walk towards the small child Who was trembling uncontrollably and breathing heavily. " I-I'm sorry... please! I was gonna come back! I swea-!."
*punch*
The man then picked the boy by his hair and turn him around, smashing his face against the wall of the room.
"If you are gonna lie at least do it well, huh! not that I expect too much from a filthy street rat like you!. let's try this one more time... why did you run away?" he growled in his ear while he cut the back of his torn shirt exposing the battered and scarred pale skin. "well? what stupid excuse are you gonna use now?!" he said pulling his hair making golden crying eyes look at him in anger.
knowing it didn't matter anymore the only thing the boy could do was whimper "you know I don't have one... I just wanted the get away from you! fucking bastard!" he yelled now sobbing in hatred. making the blonde stab his shoulder with the sharp knife in anger while he ripped the rest of his rags with his free hand.
"that's what I wanted to hear! hell yeah! the little toy still has some fight in him uh?! give him a fucking prize! oh, don't worry little one, you said it was your birthday isn't! well, I'm going to give you a VERY special gift!" the blonde yelled said while smiling wickedly.
Pulling the knife from the bony shoulder, a gush of blood spilling from it. he smashed his head against the concrete once more embedding it in the wall and slashing his back with the knife making a deep long cut, adjusting his grip on the messed up hair before trusting the knife back on his shoulder as the only thing the boy could do was cry in pain.
"tell me?! do you hate me?! do you hate me, uh?!" he laughed with a crazy look in his eyes while he twisted the blade harshly, "yes!" the boy screamed in pain and anger, "say it! say it mutt!" he screamed in pleasure saliva now falling from his mouth. " I hate you! I hate you! I fucking hate you!" forgetting the pain the only thing the boy now felt was an uncontainable anger as he kept trying to shove the massive man away who just kept him in place by twisting the knife and smashing his cheek against the wall peeling away the skin, leaving a blood stain in the rough material as the blood blurred his vision." give it to me! c'mon! get out! get out you fucking monster!" the blonde then felt how the boy started to shake violently trying to get free, and he actually had to strengthen his grip despise the boy's smaller size, "I'll kill you! I will fucking kill you and eat your guts you damned bastard! I'll fucking kill you!" as he screamed a strange mark started to erupt from his neck and slowly making his way to his face, the boy's fangs started to grow as well as his nails became claws and he tried to claw the blonde. "yes! do it! let it out!"
keeping him still by the head the blonde realised his grip on the knife and went for his pocket to take out a syringe and puncturing the boy\beast neck and smiling widely at the blackish red blood that started filling the syringe, but before he could finish the boy stopped moving the mark fading away, his nails and teeth returning to normal as he passed out an empty look replacing his furious gaze. The blonde watched in horror as normal crimson blood began filling the syringe corrupting the blackish one.
letting the boy's body fall down, he crushed the syringe falling to his knees...
" no, no, no, no, no, no!" he kept yelling gripping his head in frustration... "I was so close this time..." he whispered he turned his gaze when he heard a soft groan coming from the boy who was starting to wake up a disoriented look on his face like if he didn't know what was happening.
the blonde's scared look changing to one of anger. before the child could react, the big man took the knife with force and pulled it from his shoulder. A long gush of blood following it, grabbing him by his head he slammed him against the broken tiles breaking them in the process a loud sound came from his skull while blood stained the dirty floor. Gripping the handle of the sharp knife he started slashing wildly on the back of the small child making blood to leak out every time he made a cut while the boy screamed in agony from the intense pain coming from his back, tears fell from his honey-like golden eyes, after a few moments the blonde grew tired and recovered his composure. When the man finally calmed down he got close to his ear and whispered sweetly "very good~. You did very good~... I don't know why you wanna go... when we can have this much fun every day~" then he let out a small laugh as he stood up kicking the boy in the ribs before proceeding to fix his now messy hair.
"Well boy, Unfortunately. Our little session is over... as I said, I'm a businessman. Gotta put other things in order" fixing his coat as he made his way to the metal door letting the bleeding brown haired boy laying on the cold hard ground of his perpetual cell, and as the small child started to faint from the pain and blood loss, the last thing he heard was the man's footsteps and the words he let out while closing the door.
The same words his mother told hi before they took her from him.
"happy birthday Ise, let's play again shall we~".