AN: Considering that the first chapter is something that I was testing as a story concept, I'm surprised by the sudden response to it. More favorites than I had anticipated for a something I wouldn't consider one-shot material. Thanks guys!


Lovedash - Yes, he's a dragon; no, he's not a god. Opposite may be a little misleading. I don't want to give it away just yet though

wilsonstien - glad you liked it, I plan to go pretty far with this

Kirinthor - Thanks for the support!

Blue Tansa – Thanks for the like, I plan to do so

Grey Kouken – Thanks for the encouragement!


Disclaimer: See 1st Chapter.


"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"When-"

"Issei," sighed Ryuu Hyoudou. "Asking me any variations of the same question after only a few seconds will not change my answer."

Issei had actually planned to ask whether or not he could take a break. After his father had come home from one of his trips, he had at first shown great surprise upon discovering that the family room was a charred wreck. A sheepish Issei had been rather nervous but his fears were dispelled when Ryuu, roaring with laughter, scooped his son up in a bear hug and danced around with glee. Early the next morning, Ryuu had quite literally pulled Issei out of bed as the family began what Issei believed was punishment: a long walk into the mountains surrounding Kuoh. While the hiking trail itself was not too strenuous, the pace an excited Ryuu set only made Issei wish he could curl up back into bed.

Looking to his mother for support, and finding none, Issei sighed and kept walking. If this was chastisement for the damage done to Ryuu's precious recliner, then there would be no mercy, even from her.

Eventually, they reached a rather large clearing. Surrounded by forest and mountains, Kuoh was out of sight. As he walked into the clearing, Issei felt a twinge of discomfort that lasted only a second, but did not go unnoticed by his parents, who only smiled at each other in pride.

"Ok, son. We're here. Now, do you know why we came all the way out here?" Ryuu asked.

"So no one can ever find my body?" At this, Ryuu sweatdropped and Hikari facepalmed.

"No, nothing like that! We're here to avoid detection."

"From the police?"

"Well… Yes and no. It's a bit more complicated than that", Ryuu answered.

"This is about what happened yesterday, Issei. Now, don't start with me", Hikari admonished as Issei fearfully turned toward her. "I already told you, I'm not mad, it's not your fault, and too be honest, from what I've heard from your father this first occurrence was not nearly as bad as it could have been."

Before Issei's emotional state continued on the rollercoaster ride, Ryuu moved to prevent his son from reaching any more unfounded conclusions and simply said, "I'm a dragon."

That got Issei's attention. He wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at this. Ryuu was known around the neighborhood for the pranks he pulled around the house. It would be just like him to make fun of the situation so that everyone could laugh and feel better. But he said it so seriously that Issei found it hard to doubt him.

"You don't understand, I get it. I know how this must sound right now, so how about I show you instead", his father grinned.

Issei could only gape at what came next. Ryuu's body began to grow, expanding to fit the greater size of the clearing. First scales grew, then claws. As he grew, his clothes seemed to recede into his body. His eyes changed shape and began to glow an eerie yellow. Horns appeared, then spikes along his back, followed by wings, great terrible wings, and of all things, a tail.

In the span of a few seconds, Ryuu's human form had been replaced with that of a massive white Western Dragon nearing 30 meters in length.

"So, Issei, do you believe me now?" He mutely nodded before his eyes widened even further and he whirled towards his mother.

Sensing his panic, Hikari was quick to reassure him. "No, I am not a dragon. I am as you've always known me."

"Then I'm…"

"A hybrid. Half-dragon and half-human. Normally, nestlings such as yourself would not be able to breathe fire for several years after birth." Ryuu boomed. "I had thought that due to your mixed heritage it would be even later, but I am pleasantly surprised to have been proven wrong."

Dumbfounded, Issei could only nod in response. To be fair, his entire world had just been turned on its head. "So what does that make me? A freak? A mistake?"

"NO! YOU ARE MY SON AND HEIR!" Ryuu roared and tore at the ground, tail whipping back and forth in rage. "TO EVEN CONSIDER YOURSELF AS ANYTHING LESS-"

"Ryuu." One word, calmly spoken, was all that was needed to soothe and tame the great beast. Hikari then turned to her distraught son and embraced him. "Issei, you are not a freak. You are a blessing, one that we both shall cherish for as long as we live. Until yesterday, you believed yourself to be a normal human. Today, you learned that you are so much more than that. So long as you train your abilities with your father, then no human shall see or think of you as any different."

"Your appearance is that of a human. Many dragons find such a guise convenient to remain in their human world and avoid relocating to the underworld. To many other races, you may be judged as a hybrid, but dragons do not overly concern themselves with pedigree. You smell like a dragon, you now breathe fire like a dragon, to any other you come across you ARE a dragon. Let no one tell you otherwise."

Hikari's embrace and gentle words accompanied by Ryuu's sheer confidence seemed a lifeline for Issei to cling to. He was not a freak. He was special. He was loved. And that was all he needed.

"It was high time we showed you, your display of firepower only accelerated my timetable. From now on, we shall train here, so that you may learn to control your abilities and master them. This place has been heavily warded against prying eyes of humans or any others that may be watching. You must learn to conceal yourself until I am certain you can protect yourself should the need arise." Ryuu ordered.

Issei nodded his assent, then frowned in confusion. Other races?


That day was a turning point for Issei. Every other day after that, he would follow Ryuu on the hike to the clearing, eager and excited to learn more about this new world. As he worked his body to become stronger, Ryuu simultaneously demanded equal progress with his mind. While he trained, Ryuu taught him about the history and culture of dragons. He learned of proper etiquette, how to hold himself in the company of other dragons and avoid meaning disrespect, which would often lead to a fight. He was lectured on how to read the body language of a dragon; from subtle wing twitches to tail motion, and understand how many older dragons that kept to themselves used it as a warning.

While combat and physical training were exciting in their own right, Issei was awestruck at a hidden dragon art, that of sealing. While dragons did set a high standard and stereotype for collecting and hoarding items of interest, what had always caught Issei's attention was that stories were never clear on where these hoards were kept. Ryuu had laughed and showed him runic arrays could be engraved in dragonhide much like human tattoos, only visible when actively in use and much more useful. Ryuu did his best to explain how it worked, how items could be stored inside of and summoned from his scales after passing through the arrays on his hands, but the theory was too much for a child. While the specifics of the arrays were beyond his comprehension, understanding is not always needed for use. After the array was neatly engraved and concealed on his hands, Issei's room became much cleaner after many errant toys found themselves locked away.

Inevitably, the time came for the birds and the bees' discussion. Issei had found himself exhausted by his completed tasks but somehow found the strength to run home at speeds nearing a human world record. Ryuu had reminisced on his younger days as a player and had been rather descriptive of mating in both human and dragon terms. Courting, dating, wing dances, feats of strength, and explicit references and suggestions overwhelmed his young mind. Immediately, he promised, as only a child can, not to be a pervert like his father. Needless to say, it was a very cowed Ryuu that avoided such talk like the plague after Issei's incessant babbling and fear made itself known to a now irate Hikari.

While Issei's dragon training continued with his father, his mother picked up his schooling. After removing him from public school to avoid fallout of any potential outbursts, she homeschooled him. Teaching much of the same material and even more. While math, grammar, and science were very important, she felt it was even more critical to teach history and not the kind found in schools these days. Hikari did not mince words nor hold back. She taught about each of the pantheons and different races. She instructed him about the current agreements and treaties between each religious sect that preserved a fragile peace that the world enjoyed today.

While much of it was rather plain, cut and dry, there were many stories that Issei enjoyed immensely. The story of the Dragon King Midgardsormr and how Thor tried to lift him from the sea. How the Church from a dead dragon's fang and claws forged the Holy Sword Ascalon. How Saint George the first dragonslayer used said blade to end the misery of an enraged dragon. It was as if every fairy tale, bedtime story, or nursery rhyme was now made clear for what it really was: a collection of real time events as explained by humans and their knack for storytelling. Even more surreal, as a dragon, he was now a part of that world, of monsters and men.


Regardless of supernatural circumstances, some things in life go on. The need to eat remains. The need to get groceries remains. However, when factoring the appetites of an adult dragon and a rapidly growing demi-drake, those needs are much greater in priority.

Hikari had brought Issei, now 6 years old, with her to get said groceries. Normally, he would be with Ryuu, training at this time, but Ryuu was away in the underworld, exchanging scales for precious metals. While wandering the aisles, eyeing several snacks with longing and not paying attention to his surroundings, he was greatly surprised when he walked into someone by accident. Months of training had conditioned him into preventing himself from falling, as that only made his father's exercises more difficult. He grabbed the other person's hand to steady himself, only to find that he was already falling and that his actions only served to bring the stranger down on top of him.

Eyes shut and groaning from the fall, he stopped once the person atop him did the same. At that point his senses, honed over the last few months, began assaulting him with impressions. The small hand he held was too dainty to be a boy's. The weight of the small body was nearly negligible. A small person, a child his age, maybe younger. Lastly, the smell. Lavender and… something else he had never smelled before. Not unpleasant, far from it, just different, something he couldn't identify mixed with human. Whoever this person was had ties to the supernatural, was around his age, but most obvious to him, was a girl. Ears burning in embarrassment, he opened his eyes to see violet orbs peering into his own.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention!" Issei hurried to apologize.

"It's… it's alright. I'm sure you didn't mean to."

Years from now, Issei would happily look back at this moment and appreciate both his honesty and lack of thought. At the current time, his embarrassment only grew as he blurted the first thing that came to mind, "Your eyes are pretty."

It was the girl's turn to turn bright red.

"Issei? Issei! What are you doing!?"

"Hikari?"

"Shuri?"

After he discovered his heritage, he also learned that while a caring and protective mother, Hikari had a temper that if properly weaponized could win wars through intimidation alone. Any thoughts of lastly first impressions were replaced by overwhelming fear that his mother was angry. Those thoughts were then replaced by confusion, then hope that maybe if his mother knew this girl's mother, then he wouldn't be in greater trouble.

The two women joyfully embraced, then stepped back to look upon the other.

"Well, well you actually did it. Became a shrine maiden," said Hikari.

The other woman, dressed in miko attire, nodded, smiling, "I did, though technically I am without a shrine. Some family issues left unresolved."

Still taken aback at the fact that the women knew each other, Issei rose to his feet, and then helped the girl to hers. Dressed in similar clothing, she looked to be a carbon copy of her mother and equally as confused to their parent's interactions.

"Issei, where are you manners." The words were delivered with a sweet smile but the subtle intent behind them radiated swift judgment should he forget.

"I'm am truly sorry for the trouble I caused." He said, bowing to the pair. "My name is Issei Hyoudou. I ask for your forgiveness."

"Oh my, such a well mannered young man." The woman smiled teasingly. "My name is Shuri Himejima. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"M-my name is Akeno Himejima. It's a pleasure to meet you, though there is no need to be sorry. I-I was wandering too." The girl, Akeno, had yet to stop blushing from Issei's absent-minded comment.

"Hmm. Issei, take this. Should be enough for the two of you to ride on the merry-go-round a few times. Go on, while Shuri and I catch up. If that's alright with you, Shuri?"

"Of course. Go on, Akeno. Have some fun!"

The twinkle in her eyes and teasing voice should have been a warning. While Issei was smarter than most his age, he was woefully inept when it came to the fairer sex. Akeno however, had seen the look, heard the tone of approval, smiled and since she still hadn't let go of his hand, pulled him off towards the kids' attraction.

"I know that look, I saw it too many times in school when you decided to play matchmaker. Care to tell me why my son seems to be another pawn in whatever game you play?"

"Oh, I'm sure you're overreacting. It's been ages since I've played those games." Shuri smiled, then looked rather thoughtful. "Although, if he's your son, then I'm sure he's the perfect gentleman."

"You know me all too well. Now, let's find a coffee shop. I'm going to need the strength to monitor a hyperactive dragon and learn what you've been doing these past few years… Shuri?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you say dragon?"


"Come on, Mom, Dad! Hurry up!"

In human form, Ryuu stood at 6'4", towering over his wife. Hikari, who was 100% human, stood at 5'3". After years of marriage, he had learned to walk at the same pace she did. Issei had no such training nor current inclination to do so. All he could think about was seeing Akeno again.

After they had gone on the ride, Issei had discretely summoned some spare change from his arrays. The only scales he had were on his still growing wings, so storage space was limited. However, storing pocket change was simple. He had bought ice cream for the two of them, after which they had sat down on a bench outside the shop their parents were currently in. They had talked, their likes, dislikes, mutual interests. All the while, both were unaware of how their parents were spying on them. Agreeing that they'd like to let them spend more time together, Hikari and Shuri promised to range a meeting in the near future. The first of which was at the Himejima household. Since their home was within walking distance, they had chosen to do so, hence the source of Issei's frustration.

"Slow down, son. She'll still be there in a few minutes more."

"Odd, that wasn't what you thought when you and I started dating, there were times I thought you practically lived on my doorstep" Hikari laughed.

"Issei's still just a kid." Ryuu huffed, "Sure, it's nice that he has a friend his age, but it's not like they'll bond, right? That's years away from happening, even if they are compatible."

"Don't let that stop him, he breathed fire years in advance. Besides, you remember how Shuri helped push me towards you. She hasn't changed a bit; she'll work her magic somehow on our boy. Though I will be very annoyed if she tries to force anything on him."


"Well, this is a surprise. I don't think I've ever seen Akeno this excited to see someone."

"Ufufu, Baraqiel, are you jealous that someone may have stolen your daughter's heart?"

Baraqiel of the Grigori, had seen many wonders of the world in his time as an Angel, Fallen or not. Yet he could never prepare himself for how quickly the human woman that had held his heart could reduce him to stuttering astonishment with but a few words. Taking a few moments to compose himself, he brusquely replied, "That remains to be seen."

"Do try not to scare the boy. Akeno may never forgive you for driving away someone who may not hold her heritage against her."

"What do you mean?"

"Issei and Akeno are more alike than you realize. That's all I can say for now."

His curiosity piqued, Baraqiel noticed his daughter bolting from the window to the door, shouting Issei's name all the while. The two immediately disappeared through the side yard to the back where Akeno usually spent her time playing. A man and a woman approached, presumably the boy's parents. He knew Hikari by reputation, but knew nothing of this Ryuu. While he was cordial and polite to Shuri's childhood friend, he momentarily stiffened when he was introduced to a dragon.

One can't hide oneself from an experienced dragon. His scent would identify him as a Fallen Angel. A dragon's keen hearing would detect an increase in heartbeat, as well as the shifting of bones as he moved to strike or defend. They could literally taste fear, and it would not surprise him in the least if the light in his blood glowed due to a dragon's enhanced vision.

Baraqiel had fallen with Azazel and leading members of the Grigori for their love of human women. He was quite old yet a highly capable combatant. He had seen the Heavenly Dragons clash and lived to tell the tale. He'd never forget the feeling of helplessness against a physically and magically superior creature. Even if by chance he was older than this drake, he was outclassed. Which made it all the more surprising when Ryuu bowed and thanked him for his hospitality.

Reeling from this, he bowed and uttered his own greeting. As his wife led the two into the kitchen for refreshments, Baraqiel had to wonder. He had heard rumors of dragons bonding before from Azazel. While he knew little about it, the only thing he could confirm was that it required mutual attraction to begin formation. As he stepped to a window to observe the children, he had to smile in spite of himself. Akeno was on the swing set, while Issei was pushing her. She looked so happy in that moment, while Issei's joy was met with equal caution. He treated her as if she was made of glass and a careless touch would break her. Grunting his approval, he turned to meet with the adults.

'My daughter. If this is your path, then you've chosen well.'


"Issei?"

"Yes, Akeno?"

"Do you think I'm pretty? You said so before."

Again, Issei was flustered but could only answer honestly. "Yes, I think you're pretty."

"Even if I'm… different?"

"Akeno is Akeno. It doesn't matter if you think you're different."

Akeno was at a loss for what to do. Her previous friends had abandoned her for being part Fallen Angel. It had been a lonely life, knowing that everyone she grew to care about would leave her because of what she was. Issei was different.

"Issei, can you turn around."

"Um, ok? I still don't understand."

She unfurled her black wings, "You can look now."

Issei turned back and his eyes widened. "You… you have wings?"

"I know you just hate me." Akeno turned away in shame, tears tracing lines down her cheeks. Why did she show him, now he would leave like the others! She took a risk, now he'd leave her alone. She sobbed silently, until she felt a touch on her left wing.

"Soft. Not scaly and rigid like mine but soft."

She heard a noise of bones cracking and leathery skin sliding against skin. As he removed his hand, she turned to see that Issei had wings of his own!

They were white, bat-like yet streamlined as if built for speed. No feathers like hers, but dull scales glinted faintly. The skin between the visible bones was semi-translucent, the joints cracking as the wings flexed and stretched.

"I still have a lot of growing to do so I can't fly just yet. But for whatever it's worth, I think yours are nicer. Dad says that my scales will get shinier as I get older so-"

Issei's rambling was cut off as Akeno threw herself against him, pressing her lips against his. Thankfully, Issei had enough sense to know what this was and at least made an attempt to kiss her back. It wasn't perfect but in his defense, he had never done this before.

Their kiss lasted for a minute before they both pulled back for air. Whether from shock or oxygen deprivation, Issei seemed incapable of forming coherent words. While he stuttered, an equally red Akeno kissed him again, a chaste one this time, and smiled.

"You say the sweetest things, you know that? I'm glad that you were my first. Did you enjoy it?"

Issei, now speechless due to shock, moved his lips but said nothing.

Akeno smiled, "I'll take that as a yes then."

From the kitchen the adults were treated to an interesting view. Akeno had revealed her wings, and then Issei unfurled his. Issei had tried to talk, but Akeno would have none of it, seemingly trying to kiss the life out him.

"Ufufu, my plan is no longer necessary," Shuri laughed. "When's the wedding?"

"Not for a long while" growled Baraqiel and Hikari in unison.

"What about you, Ryuu? Surely you must have some opinion on the matter?"

"Baraqiel, I won't mince words. I know who you are, and you know what I am. You know that most dragons are wild and free-spirited. All I can do is raise him the best I can and support him when the time comes. His choices are his own, so long as they care for each other, I won't intervene."


One year later…

"Again."

Baraqiel stood across from Issei in the clearing, light sword in hand. Ryuu in dragon form, while relaxed, watched closely. For all the training Issei had done, Ryuu's training was geared for him to become stronger as fast as possible without hurting his growth. Unfortunately, he had been terribly remiss in terms of efficiency, something Baraqiel was now helping to remediate. When it had become clear that Issei's growth was limited due to his youth, it was Baraqiel that came up with a new plan. Igniting his own aura and shaping it into weaponry, similar in theory as to how the Angels and Fallen Angels do with their light. So far, there had been no success. All the last week's efforts resulted in several explosions worthy of a New Year's celebration.

"Alright, alright, it's not that easy!"

"If you think yourself worthy of any relationship with my daughter then prove it to me!" The easiest way to get results with any drake is to make him mad. While Baraqiel had no proof that Akeno and Issei had kissed since that faithful day, he suspected it was still happening albeit infrequently. Hikari would never let something interfere with her son's training, while Shuri enjoyed teasing Akeno by chaperoning their visits and depriving her of time alone with him. Regardless, the jibe was effective. With a cry of rage, Issei darted towards Baraqiel, who merely sidestepped before striking his shoulder with the back of his blade.

Dragonhide is naturally resistant to most types of magic. Light was no different. Even though Issei was only half dragon, the spear could not break his skin. That did not mean it didn't hurt. With a hiss of pain, Issei fell to the ground, nursing his stinging skin.

"I did not think you would be so easily defeated. You still can't do it? You're weak, reckless, impulsive, and have no business with my daughter."

Baraqiel did have reservations about using his daughter as motivation. He'd have to be blind to see that the children were best of friends. However, Ryuu convinced him that it would help tremendously as she was his only real friend. He himself would use similar insults when it came to teaching Issei how to fly once he was strong enough. It was perhaps kinder than throwing him off a mountain as Ryuu's sire did.

Regardless of the quality of the insults, Issei was truly angry now. Baraqiel felt a pulse of familiar energy and jumped back before Issei erupted in a pillar of white fire. Maybe he had gone too far?

When the flames dispersed, Issei was holding a sword in his hand. Crude in shape, foolish to use if made of any metal, but this was dragonfire in its purest form. Ryuu's attention was on the blade, as was Baraqiel's as he felt a twinge of fear. He knew that flame. Every Angel did. That flame burned Sodom and Gomorrah. A similar flame led the Israelites through the deserts between Egypt and the Promised Land. The mot famous case is that of a fire sword still burning today, turning away all who seek entrance to the Garden of Eden.

Holy Fire.

"I have seen cities burn, kingdoms rise and fall, men fancy themselves as gods. But this, this is beyond belief." Whispered Baraqiel.

"Holy Fire. To my knowledge only those directly involved the shaping of the world could conjure it. God, Indra, perhaps Ouranos and Gaia. I thought I would never see it, but…" Ryuu's voice trailed off as Issei's concentration wavered and the sword dispersed.

"Issei. Again." The two men whispered.

Another sword, burning white, appeared, and then vanished.

Several more followed and disappeared in short order.

"Issei, breathe fire as you naturally do." Ryuu's voice was awestruck and a bit fearful.

Issei, pale with exhaustion, turned to the rock wall used as a backdrop for his flames. When he first breathed fire, it was mostly embers mixed with extreme heat. After a time, he was able to focus tight spirals of red flame for short periods of time, flames that turned the stones cherry-red. Now, white flames spat forth in a focused stream. The wall stood for a moment, two, three, four, before exploding from the heat.

"We tell no one of this. NOBODY! Not even Hikari and the others" Ryuu rumbled in a voice Issei had never heard him use. "If word of this were to get out…"

"The Grigori, the Church, the Devils, and many others would want him dead or conscripted as a living weapon, each for their own reasons. Fear not, you have my word I shall not reveal his secret to anyone." Baraqiel promised without hesitation.

"Issei, this is your secret to keep. I cannot enforce your silence. I only ask that you be cautious. If your natural fire has gained this holy attribute, then anyone who sees it is in danger."

"Yes, father", was the meek response. In his many hearts, Ryuu knew that this was a curse rather than a blessing. To ask a drake to conceal his flame was inconceivable in his nest days. Now, his only son was burdened to keep this gift hidden from the world.


Four months later...

Akeno was intently studying a chessboard, unwilling to concede defeat. She, Hikari and Shuri were the only ones present at the Hyoudou residence. Baraqiel was away on Grigori business, while Ryuu had interrupted the game with last minute training before an extended meeting among high-level dragons. There was a rather pleasant mood in the house. Akeno's eighth birthday had been the week before, and she was still glowing in happiness.

It had been a quiet celebration, but the happiest for the girl. After the presents were put away and the grown ups began talking, of which grownups do little else, Issei had grabbed her hand and pulled her upstairs. Asking her to close her eyes and turn around, she felt his hands running through her hair before she felt his lips on hers. She opened her eyes in shock; he had never initiated a kiss between the two before. Feeling something in her hair, she noticed something new as he held up a mirror. Akeno's favorite ribbon had been snatched by the wind a few days previously. Now, he had tied a clumsy knot with a length of new orange ribbon. Smiling, she untied and redid the knot, leaving her long hair tied in a ponytail that trailed down her back. It was their good fortune that the grownups were busy, as both would have been embarrassed if caught as Akeno gave him their most passionate kiss yet.

The memory of that night still brought heat to her cheeks. Fallen Angels were good at getting what they wanted, and she wanted Issei. Sure, she was eight years old but Issei was everything she could ever ask for. Selfless, caring, compassionate and loyal. Issei had told her at his last birthday what it meant for a dragon to bond. While he didn't know exactly how to finalize it, something that Ryuu had yet to tell him, he confided in her that he knew there was a bond beginning to form. She was surprised yet pleased by it. Her Issei. Hers and no one else's. She rather liked that, just like he got flustered when she told him she was already his.

"Akeno? You've been rather quiet lately. Has Issei beaten you?" her mother teased.

Drawn from her musings, she frowned. How Issei was so good at chess escaped her. She knew he wasn't cheating, he was too noble for that, but still, how did he do it? Left with only her King, a Knight, a Bishop, and a Rook, her options were limited as he still had more than half his pieces still in play. Even worse, most were Pawns promoted to Queen. In her mind, the game may be in a point of order, but there was nothing to stop her from planning ahead.

A knock on the front door drew everyone's attention. Akeno tilted her head sideways. Ryuu was quite literally a creature of habit; he didn't deviate from his sessions without good reason. So if the boys were out playing, who was at the door?

The closest to the entrance, Hikari set down the tray of cookies fresh from the oven. Wiping her hands on her apron, she moved to open the door. "Odd, we weren't expecting you so soon!" she called out.


Ryuu rocked back and growled. Issei had become quite creative when it came to using his dragonfire and aura manipulation. Alternating between concentrated breath attacks, conjured holy fire weapons or extending then igniting his aura for a precise explosive blast. Sadly, his magical core wasn't suited for many other types of magic, but those he could use, he was already close to mastering. All that was left was for him to grow into his power.

"Getting tired old man," taunted the demi-drake. "I could've sworn that you're shaking."

Ryuu sighed. "Clearly, your mother's lessons have yet to take hold. Your mouth is still running five times faster than your common sense." Extending and coiling his tail around a massive tree, he uprooted it and flung it at his grinning son.

Laughing, Issei rolled under the trunk, sprang back up and unfurled and straightened his wings and extended his hands behind him. While he had yet to fly anymore than short distances, he had no problems gliding. He really only needed his wings to control his trajectory for what he had in mind. Extending his aura, imagining a cone of energy emanating from each hand, he then ignited it. With a drawn out rumble reminiscent of a rocket launch, Issei catapulted himself at max speed towards his father. In theory, it was a finishing blow, but in his excitement, Issei had forgotten that while in dragon form, Ryuu was much larger and heavier than he had appeared.

Ryuu did get knocked back from the sheer force of the impact. Issei felt like he had just been used as a cannon ball against a particularly stubborn monument. Considering his speed and draconic stubbornness, his comparison wasn't wrong.

Ryuu couldn't help himself and burst out laughing, "A good blow! Crazy, but a good blow nevertheless! Tell me, just when and where did you think of that?"

"About 40 meters that way and about half a minute ago." Issei deadpanned, still nursing his injuries.

"Well, it's fortunate that you adjusted your angle to hit with your shoulder rather than your head. If you hadn't, we might not be having this conversation until a week from now. If that had happened, I'd end up lying in a hospital bed beside you after your mother was finished with me."

Father and son stared at each other, and then began laughing uncontrollably. Ryuu had centuries of combat experience, while Issei had nearly 2 years of training. Yet neither could save themselves from an honorary she-dragon whose child had been hurt via his own foolishness.

"Well, I guess we should cut this spar short. Before we end up in more trouble. We'll continue this…" Ryuu's voice trailed off.

Issei immediately knew something was wrong. His father had never allowed his speech to end prematurely, unless Hikari interrupted him. That he would allow, but what was wrong now? Issei got his answer very quickly.

"THE WARDS! HIKARI!" Ryuu bellowed, spreading his wings forcefully. Ryuu never flew around Kuoh, preferring to walk in his human form. His sheer size would be easy to spot, even at night and would lead to all kinds of trouble. Before he could take off, he flinched and brought a massive claw to his chest, then let out a deafening screech as he crashed to the ground.

This was a day of firsts for Issei. He had seen his father act very strangely, ways no dragon would, unless… unless their mate was dead or dying. Instinctively, he turned to run home, to see that it wasn't true, when a piercing pain ripped through his skull. Noises, images, thoughts that couldn't possibly be his own.

Fear. Mother. Sword. Pain. Loss. Laughter. Burning. MOTHER! Gone. GONE. GONE. GONE!

AKENO!

Then nothing. Something was wrong. She was missing. He was alone! ALONE!

Issei began to scream as well.


Himejima clansmen are trained from childhood to be the perfect soldier. Feeling no fear, no pain. Operating at the discretion of the patriarch, one was expected to live and die to uphold codes of honor that brought glory and honor to the Shinto gods. Defense of the region was the utmost priority, whether the threat was foreign or domestic.

Shuri Himejima and her half-breed child were a threat. By tainting the clan, Shuri and her daughter were banished from all controlled shrines. The old head of the clan believed this a just and suitable punishment. He had died a month ago. Now, after the lines of succession had been clarified and re-established, the new head of the clan disagreed with the old. As a younger man, he had fancied Shuri Himejima. He saw her love of the Fallen Angel as a personal transgression. If he could not have her, then no one ever should. She would die in fear and in great agony.

If any of the Himejima soldiers in Kuoh that night disagreed with their orders, they said nothing. Not a word. If any traitorous thoughts were to be had, their honor prevented them from speaking out. They were soldiers of the clan. No fear, no pain. It was a shame that the innocent woman was a collateral victim, an even greater shame that the half-breed had escaped, crying, bleeding, and clawing her way to freedom. Many were silently impressed at her will to live. They kept those thoughts to themselves. Steeling themselves to track and hunt her down, their thoughts were overwhelmed by what came next.

The official statement released to the public was that a supersonic aircraft broke the sound barrier in close proximity to the town. The noise shattered nearly every window, deafening and disorienting everyone for the next few hours. Ruptures in the gas lines caused by the unchecked vibrations were the official cause of the fires that followed. Few were left unscathed, though the only bodies found were not identified to be residents.

Himejima clansmen are trained from childhood to be the perfect soldier. Feeling no fear, no pain. Operating at the discretion of the patriarch, one was expected to live and die to uphold codes of honor that brought glory and honor to the Shinto gods. Defense of the region was the utmost priority, whether the threat was foreign or domestic. The clansmen in the town never read the report. They had heard stories but never could fathom the reality. There was no aircraft. The roar was that of an enraged, Evil Dragon. It's terrible wings like a hurricane, beating down the seconds to their demise. Himejima clansmen feel no pain. Yet they knew, deep down, that the screams of the dragon promised pain beyond imagining. Himejima clansmen feel no fear. Yet, each man knew what was coming. And they were afraid.


AN: Well... that was a thing. Please leave a review, let me know what you thought. Can't really improve unless I get feedback. To quote a great author on this site, "Read. Review. Moo."