Chapter 3: Explanations
Issei and his friends went home after what had transpired. The brown haired teen was still hesitant to explain the current circumstances to his family. He stared at the front door of his house before going in.
"I'm home."
"Welcome home, Issei." A female voice said. A woman in her forties, but looked to be in her thirties, appeared from the kitchen. She had her long dark brown hair tied back in a pony tail and was dressed in a simple white t-shirt, jeans, and an apron. A ladle and fork were in her hands.
"Hai, Megumi-san." Issei smiled back as he took his shoes off.
"Issei, how many times do we have to say it?" She scolded lightly. "You can call me Okaa-san and Keisuke, Otou-san."
"Maybe. But I prefer it this way." As he made his way inside, a middle aged man with neatly combed hair wearing a suit was seen reading the newspaper.
"Oh Issei, you're back. " The man smiled as he looked up.
"Sorry I took so long Keisuke-san." The brown haired teen apologized.
"Don't worry about, why don't have a seat?"
"Sure. Is Yuri home yet?" He asked as he pulled up a chair.
"She is. She's just doing some homework."
Issei just nodded in response. But the silent reply told Megumi something was off, as Issei wasn't this quiet usually.
"Is there something the matter Issei-kun?" She asked worriedly.
"Well…I have something to tell you all." Issei's expression turned solemn, alerting the two that it was serious.
A little bit later, a teenage girl around Issei's age came downstairs. She had a slim figure and wore casual house clothes. Her dark hair fell freely down her shoulders. This was Yuri Nago, Megumi's and Keisuke's daughter. Ever since Issei was adopted into the family, the two had a normal brother and sister relationship, despite not sharing blood.
"Oh, hey Issei…You're home late." She commented as she saw him.
"Yeah…I'm going to get to that in a second." He said.
Soon, the family of four was seated around the kitchen table. The young male had a serious disposition etched on his face.
"What is bothering you Issei? You know you can tell us anything." Megumi replied.
After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Issei responded. "…Alright. But you may not like this news. It went like this, beginning after school today…" The brown haired teen told of the events that had taken past that point. It included the encounter with four Fallen Angels, Masao and Ryuga arriving to support him in battle, and him taking a fatal attack for his best friends. He also re told what Ryuga explained to him what took place when he blacked out; that he was reincarnated into a Devil and no longer human. This final tidbit of information surprised all three. After finishing his tale, he was met with silence from his family. He nodded as if expecting this outcome.
"I perfectly understand if you do not wish for me to stay any longer, given that I am not a human anymore. I'll pack up my things and leave." The teen slowly got up from his seat to leave.
Nago got up, and punched Issei across the cheek. The brown haired teen fell out of his seat and landed on the wooden floor. "Ow!"
"That was for being reckless. But I am just relieved that you are still alive." Keisuke said honestly.
"But why?...I'm not even a human anymore." He countered
"It doesn't matter. Even if you are a Devil, you are still a part of this family." Megumi insisted.
"That's right. We won't just abandon you just because you aren't human." Yuri voiced out.
"But…but…" Issei tired to come up with another excuse, but Keisuke cut him off.
"No buts. When I took you in, I was well aware of the dangers you would be facing. But I wouldn't have done so if I knew you couldn't handle it. You showed me that you had the resolve and proved your strength of being capable. So it doesn't matter if you are a human, Devil, or whatever…You are still my son and student, and we all care for you greatly. Do you understand?"
"…Yes…and everyone…thank you." Issei smiled genuinely, some tears of joy leaked from his eyes.
"Come on Issei, man up! You shouldn't cry." Yuri said jokingly.
"I'm not crying! I'm just sweating through my eyes!" He shouted back. But the family of four just laughed.
Meanwhile…
The two Fangire heirs made their way to an open field that was a little bit away from town. In the middle of the field, they had arrived at their home, which was Castle Doran in disguise as a large mansion to others. But from their point of view, the Large Dragon was sleeping.
After going through the front door, they saw three figures on the couch: one female and two males, all appearing to be in their 2nd or 1st year of high school or 3rd year middle school.
"Welcome back Ryuga…Masao." The girl said the latter's name in slight distaste. Her black hair was short and set in a choppy fashion. She possessed a toned and developed frame, as the results from training. She wore her school uniform with a black jacket over her top and black and white striped stockings. A silver wolf pendant was around her neck. Incidentally, she attends the same school as the two Fangires, also being in the same year.
"Mou…Rika-chan. Why are you so cold to me?" Masao mock pouted.
"Because you are an idiot." She replied bluntly. The quarter-Fangire dropped his head in exasperation. Ryuga just patted his cousin on the back to console him in a half-heartedly manner.
"What took you guys so long?" the young boy asked. His short black hair was swept to the side with a single lock of hair in between his eyes. He had a middle school uniform on. He was a splitting image of a certain green Mazoku. He was also average height for his age, but appeared slightly younger than his real age of 15.
"We had…an issue to take care of." Ryuga chose to avoid giving a direct answer.
"Welcome…home…" The other boy said. His black hair fell down to his neck. He was a 1st year student and wore the school uniform of Kuoh Academy, but had the sleeves rolled up. He was incredibly muscular, which seemed to fit his tall frame. His features were a carbon copy of a certain purple Mazoku.
While they were conversing, someone else entered the room with tea. The two heirs turned around and came across a close family member.
"Oba-chan." Both teens greeted their grandmother. Even though she was centuries old, she doesn't look a day older than twenty. She wore a simple black blouse, shorts, and a black eye patch over her eye.
"You two are home late. Did something happen?" She asked kindly. The former queen set the tea on the table and poured some into cups. Ryuga and Masao kindly took theirs.
"You could say that. We need to talk to Papa and Oji-san about it." Masao said as he took a sip.
As if on cue, another two more people walked into the room. Both appeared to be in their twenties, despite living for decades longer due to their Fangire blood. The first one wore a single black glove on his hand like Ryuga. His short black hair swept to the side and his eyes held benevolence. He wore black pants, black boots and a red dress shirt. Over the red shirt was a long sleeved black long coat with chains wrapped around the waist and right shoulder. Set on his left shoulder was a black pauldron that had a piece of red fabric was draped on the front and back sides, extending from the piece of armor, falling to the legs. This was Taiga Nobori, the current King of Fangires, CEO and founder of Development and Pioneer, Kamen Rider Dark Kiva, and Ryuga's father.
The man next to him had short brown hair combed neatly and fell to his neck, which had a white scarf wrapped around it. He also wore a simple white shirt and jeans. This man is Wataru Kurenai, the brother to the current King of Fangires, Masao's father, and the previous Kamen Rider Kiva.
"Oh Masao, Ryuga you're back." Wataru greeted.
"Hai, Papa." Masao smiled.
"Was there something the matter before? You just left the house and came back late." Taiga inquired. He became worried when his son and nephew just stormed out of the house when they felt a barrier form in the city.
"Otou-sama, may Masao and I talk with you and Oji-san for a moment?" Ryuga asked his face serious.
The King and his brother could automatically tell that it was a private matter upon studying his disposition, so they nodded in response.
They moved to the next room over. The elder Fangires were seated on one end of the table, and the heirs of the opposite end. From above, three bat-like creatures flew in, as well as one Sagark and a golden blur zipping through.
The first three creatures had the same body type, being slightly larger than a fist, and a face that makes up their body. The first one was red and black with yellow eyes and a yellow gem on his forehead. This is Kivat-bat the 2nd, Taiga's partner.
Next to him was another Kivat-bat, but he was colored a golden yellow and black. His eyes were red and a green gem was on his forehead. This is Kivat-bat the 3rd, Wataru's partner. And the third one was Masao's partner, Kivat-bat the 4th.
The golden blur slowed down, showing that it was a small golden wyvern. This was the Demon Imperial Dragon Tatsulot, another partner of Wataru.
"Pyun Pyun~ Hi you two!" the gold dragon fluttered in the air.
"Kivat, Tatsulot, why are you guys here?" Ryuga questioned.
Sagark rested on Ryuga's head while the other four landed on the arms of the chairs. "This is as much of a concern of ours as it is theirs." Kivat II answered.
"That's right. Don't forget this is Devil territory. We need to be cautious." Kivat III said.
"Hai~! Tou-san!" Kivat IV replied.
After getting small talk out of the way, Taiga turned to face the two. "What exactly happened earlier? I want full details."
After taking a deep breath Masao and Ryuga told their tale, about how they made brief contact with the Devils in charge of the territory in the execution of Rogue Fangires, as well as the incident with the Fallen Angels this afternoon. They also recalled of how they were blinded, and Issei took an attack that was meant for them only to end up critically wounded. The Devil in charge of Kuoh healed him, in exchange for reincarnating him into a Devil and for answers about their cause.
"Eh? Issei-kun became a Devil?" Wataru questioned in surprise.
"Yeah. It's our fault. If only we weren't blindsided." Masao clenched his fist in regret.
"No, you shouldn't blame yourselves. You made the correct choice in saving his life."
"And so the Devil who rules this territory wishes answers from you and your friends?" Wataru asked.
"That's right. I'm sorry that we weren't able to keep ourselves a secret from them." The heir apologized.
"No need." Taiga consoled his son. "We were going to have to interact with them sooner or later. We couldn't avoid them forever."
"Nii-san, are you saying that…?"
"Yes. Ryuga…I will need you to act as a representative to the Fangire race along with Masao during your meeting. I also want you two to be diplomatic and explain our cause. If what you said was true, and the Rogues are targeting Devils as well as humans, then they may view Angels and Fallen Angels to be prey as well. If that's the case, it would be for the best if you formed peaceful relations with them as representatives. The last thing we need is a war between our races."
(Cue in Individual System by Tetra Fang)
The sequence begins with a close up of the red symbol on IXA's chest plate before zooming out and showing various angles of IXA as the instrumental began.
[Michi no sonzai tomerarenai] Issei was walking down a wide and blank road as the sun was setting, unaware of his destination.
[Kono shunkan mo mata] He looked to the sunset, the light reminding him of the tragedy that took place in the past as it flashed through his mind. A Young Issei was running towards his parents and grasped their hands, only to shatter into glass particles.
[Tsuminaki koe ga kesarete yuku] (People waiting for)] An image of Issei and his birth family appears on the screen, but shatters a moment after. Leaving the child Issei to pick up the pieces, but they too disintegrated to smaller fragments on contact.
[Itami to ikari soshite chikai] A grown up Issei gazed into the image, but got up and turned away, his fists clenched tightly.[Fusawashii no wa dare?] He then slung the IXA belt around his waist and begun to transform[Unmei wo matsu shiroi senshi] (Just you Ready to go)] Issei, as IXA, attacked a Fangire using his IXA Calibur Neo, but then changed to his IXA Blaze and opened fired. He destroyed his opponent using his Broken Fang Finisher.
[Erabareshimono dake ga te ni suru ] The scene changes to various shifting images of a cemetery before it stopped on the brown haired teen.
[Power rekishi wo tsunaide] Issei was standing in front of his parents' graves, with IXA belt and Knuckle in his hands as it rained heavily, drenching his clothing and hair. But tears also fell in the camouflage of the raindrops.
[Reach for the sky] Suddenly the rain stopped, as rays of sunlight peeked through the dense clouds.
[Akogareta] Masao and Ryuga placed a supporting hand on Issei's shoulders, telling him that he is not alone.
[(Fly so high Touch the sky)] The two teens pointed behind them to show the evidence to support their statement.[Aoi sora e to todoku koto shinjite Reach for the sky] Issei turned his head, now facing his friends and family. The wielder of IXA smiled and nodded before they all walked away from the pair of gravestones, where a bundle of flowers sat at the base of each one.
[Todoku made (Fly so high Touch the sky)] He turned around to face the slabs of stone one more time before turning and walking straight toward his companions, a relieved smile placed on his face.
[Subete wo gisei ni shite mo ii] The setting quickly changed as Issei, Masao, and Ryuga were surrounded by Fangires. And performed each of their transformation sequences and engaged into battle.
[Who can control, White Justice, the Individual-System?] The three Kamen Riders were on their motorcycles riding through the streets before they stopped in front of Kuoh Academy, where their fellow club mates and friends were waving and calling out to them. Issei looked at the IXA Knuckle in his hand before facing up the blue sky, wondering if his parents were watching over him.
The Next Day at school.
Issei, Ryuga, and Masao were waiting in the classroom. Earlier that day, Rias came up to them and said she would be sending someone to get them. The meeting started some temporary rumors between how the three of them knew Rias. It was also because the three are unofficially nicknamed 'Princes' at school.
Ryuga was the Humble Prince, as it was known he was the son of the Development and Pioneer's CEO, but is not willing to lord his status over everyone.
Masao was the Black Prince, as he flirts with girls most of the time. But despite that aspect of his personality, he's a kind and honest person. He also claims that "All humans are music" and that he should protect that music, a philosophy he inherited from his grandfather. His skill in playing the violin was without a doubt the best in Kuoh. He is very well known because of this talent, one he inherited from his father and grandfather.
And Issei was the White Prince, given his sense of justice. He was deemed this name after he had beaten up the Perverted Duo Matsuda and Motohama for peeking in the girl's locker room.
"I wonder who she's sending." Masao said.
"Who knows? Probably one of her friends from the other night." Issei replied.
"Alright guys. Remember, we have to be diplomatic and professional…that includes you too Masao." Ryuga reminded.
"Oi…why did you just say that to me in particular? I already know, remember? I was there with you last night."
"Yeah, but you have a habit of showing off at times." Issei said in amusement. Masao frowned in an agitated manner.
"Excuse me…" The three teens turned to the person speaking. It was Kiba Yuuto, another of Kuoh's unofficial 'Princes'. "Rias-senpai wanted me to get you three." He said politely. Already knowing what this meant, Issei, Ryuga, and Masao stood up and followed the blonde teen.
Soon after, they came across the old school building, which the trio believed no one even used. Shrugging, they continued to follow Yuuto into the structure, and kept walking until they stood in front of a door on the second floor. The blonde teen opened the door and entered.
"Buchou, I brought them." He called.
"Good job." The red head's voice sounded, but wasn't seen. Yuuto turned to face the three.
"Feel free to take a seat, Buchou will be with you shortly," he smiled.
Accepting the invitation, Issei, Ryuga, and Masao entered the room. Immediately they saw the room's…uniqueness. There were Occult related papers and items everywhere. The lighting was somewhat dim, but was brighter due to the setting sun peeking through the windows.
When Ryuga walked in, he noticed a familiar face.
"Oh, hi Koneko-chan." He waved. The white haired girl quietly waved back. The young heir has met with the girl before. It started during one lunch break where her lunch had fallen onto the ground after the Perverted Duo accidentally knocked it out of her hands while fleeing from the kendo club. He gave her half of his lunch and they soon made a friendly relation through small talk. Ever since then, they've been meeting together for lunch everyday.
"Akeno-senpai…looking lovely today as usual." Masao complimented with a grin to the black haired 3rd year. Akeno listened to Masao practicing the violin one time. The two became acquainted with one another. She is now the audience whenever her kouhai practices playing the instrument.
"Ara, how kind of you to say that Masao-kun." She smiled at her kouhai.
Issei noticed the sound of running water. At the far end of the room he saw the shower. He was also able to see the shadow of a feminine figure inside.
'Just why is there a shower in an old classroom?' Issei mentally questioned. The sound of running water stopped, signifying that the shower was shut off.
"Buchou, take this." Akeno said as she handed a bundle of clothes to the person behind the shower curtain.
"Thank you Akeno." A hand reached out and took the bundle. It appeared that she was changing.
"I question the fact she has a shower and just changes in an open space that is not a bathroom." The brown haired teen muttered quietly. Ever since he was taken in by Keisuke, he was taught a sense of morals.
Soon after, the curtain opened up to reveal Rias Gremory in her school uniform.
"I'm sorry. I didn't get the chance to shower last night because I was busy. So I took one now."
"Ah…is that so?" Issei sweat dropped. His thoughts were still focused on the fact of the shower in the room.
After Rias-senpai confirms that they all knew of each other well, she starts talking.
"Looks like everyone is here. Hyoudou Issei-kun. No, let me call you Ise."
"Yes?"
"We, the Occult Research Club, welcome you."
"Yes…."
"As a Devil." She smiled as She, Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko showed their black wings.
"…I was already expecting this." Issei commented. His friends nodded in agreement.
"What? We don't get greetings?" Masao asked.
In response, Ryuga elbowed him in the ribs, trying to remind him of how to act.
Soon, everyone was seated on a sofa surrounding the table in the center as Akeno made tea for the three new comers.
"Here's your tea." She passed out cups to Issei, Ryuga, and Masao.
"Ah, thank you."
After staring into the colored liquid, the three Kamen Riders drank it slowly. But their taste buds a great amount of flavor
"It tastes good."
"Yeah Akeno-senpai. Its flavor is as radiant as the sun and serene as the moon, just like you." Masao voiced his opinion. While others would view this as flirting using overdone compliments, the dark haired teen spoke of what he believed to be true.
"Ara ara. Thank you very much." Akeno seemed to have taken the words to heart as she started to laugh happily.
"Akeno, you sit over here as well."
"Yes, Buchou."
Akeno then moved over and sat next to Rias.
The atmosphere turned serious as Rias had begun her interrogation for answers.
"Now, I'm sure you know why I called you here?"
"Yes. You wanted us to hold our end of the bargain of saving me by telling you what we know, right?" Issei asked for clarification.
"Yes, for my first question…Just what are you three? How were you able to change forms like that?"
"We have different methods to suit up. But for your first question, we are Kamen Riders."
"Ara…catchy name." Akeno commented.
"Okay. But what were those monsters from the other night? I didn't even notice that they even entered our territory," Rias said, slightly frustrated from being unaware of the monsters.
"To answer that, are you aware of the 13 Demon Races, or Mazoku clans?" Ryuga asked for clarification.
"The Mazoku?" Rias questioned but seemed to have recognized the name. Apparently, so has her peerage, as looks of revelation dawned on their faces.
"Yes, and by your tone of voice and faces, I'm going to assume you've heard of them."
"I..believe so. They are the 13 clans that are often known as the strongest breed of monsters. They are made up of the Kivats, the Fangires, the Wolfens, the Mermens, the Frankens, the Dorans, the Sagarks, the Goblins, the Gigants, the Mermaids, the Ghosts, the Hobbits, and the Legendorgas.
"So you do know about them." Masao said. "But do you all know that Humanity is unofficially counted as the 14th clan?"
"But, how can humans be part of the 13 demon clans, even unofficially?" Yuuto asked.
"You would be surprised how far Humanity can evolve. I'd advise not to underestimate them." Issei answered with a polite yet serious tone.
The Devils were surprised by his answer. Even though humanity is amazing, they are still pretty weak compared to the other mythological races such as Devils, Yokai, Angels, Fallen Angels, monsters, etc. Rias decided to get more clarification.
"So are you saying that members of one of the 13 clans were the ones from the other night?"
"Yes, more specifically you came into contact with the rogue Fangires, who are rebelling against the current King's decree of not using humans as food." Ryuga answered.
"But if they are against of not using humans, why would they attack us?" Koneko asked.
"Apparently, they discovered that member of the Three Factions: Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils, have an exponentially greater amount of vitality than humans. So they would seek and attack any of them just to receive a larger meal." Ryuga explained.
"So, you are saying that…" Akeno began.
"Yeah. They would've sucked up your life energy until you had none left. You all would've been reduced to glass husks. However, due to your extended lives, the process would've taken much longer; approximately around several minutes or so. Usual circumstances with humans are a matter of seconds." Masao finished for her. His expression was serious as he said this. The Gremory group, even Rias and Akeno, paled upon realizing how close they had been to dying the other day.
"It would be unwise to underestimate opponents such as them." Issei said.
They all nodded in understanding.
Rias chose to explain what she and her friends knew. "So far…we learned about the 13 Demon Clans years ago, but the three factions, haven't made much contact with them in centuries. It was mainly because none of us wanted to be pulled into their politics, given their history. Take the Legendorgas for example; that and also because the clans were often exclusive of other races."
"…I see. But from what I had learned, there was one Devil who had battled with the previous Fangire King about two centuries ago and ended in a draw. This particular fight changed the perspective of some devils as they viewed the Fangires to be their equals in strength and ability. I don't mean to be rude, but tell me how you are unable to know Fangires after that event?" It was Ryuga's turn to ask. He has been told of the event with the Devils and King from his grandmother, Maya.
A sudden memory that had faded suddenly sprang back up in Rias's mind. Her older brother told her of a battle he had about 200 years ago. He went into great detail, depicting how he and his opponent struggled to emerge victorious. But the part that he was drawn to the most was when he told of the ending.
About 200 years ago, the previous king had fought against him when they crossed paths, wanting to see who was superior. The King had used the power of Dark Kiva for this battle, and nearly resorted to using a last resort tactic.
Story Start…
Both men were locked in a fist fight. Neither one was giving the other time to recover. On the left of the battle field was a red haired young man with bright green eyes. He was Sirzechs Lucifer.
The figure opposite of him wore a black body suit with red armor plating on the sides of his thighs, torso, forearms, and shoulders. His legs were encased with the same red armor with silver edging, and silver plates covered his kneecaps. His wrists held silver cuffs connected to the armor plating. His chest plate was black, with bat wing shaped plates over his pectorals. Three green gems were lined up with his center and were surrounded in thin rings of silver. A black cape grew out of the back of the armor.
Kivat II hung upside down on the buckle of his belt. A set of blue, green, and purple fuestles were on the left side of his belt, while a set of black, gold, and bronze ones were on the right side. Each fuestle was mostly colored gold with their respective coloring made into a certain shape on the end of the device.
His helmet was red with a silver mouth plate and black bat-like wings on the top of the head. The visor resembled bat wings as well, only in a bluish-green color. On the forehead was a silver crescent pointed upward with a green gem in the center.
But despite the armored form, there is no mistake that this man was King, leader of the Checkmate Four. This form was Kamen Rider Dark Kiva.
"It's time…to end this."
Dark Kiva inserted the black and gold fuestle into Kivat II's mouth, and tapped it once, then twice, but at a slower movement. But before he could tap it a third time, his hand missed and he fell onto his knees in exhaustion.
Sirzechs wasn't doing much better as he tried to support himself from falling over.
It was no surprise they felt fatigued, they had been fighting for a week straight. It wasn't long until they both succumbed to exhaustion and passed out.
A while later, after regaining consciousness, both beings came to respect one another after the fight, even the Devils' perspective of the Mazoku clan had changed to accepting them as equals. Ajuka Beelzebub even based his Evil Piece system off of the Ruling Fangire powers: The Checkmate Four.
Story End…
"Besides, the old King from that time was defeated and killed years ago." Issei continued.
"Did a Devil accomplish this?" Rias questioned. Her group just sweat dropped at the incorrect answer while the Kamen Riders shook their head in response to her ignorance.
Sighing, Issei repeated himself, "Do you remember what I had said about humans being an unofficial 14th part of the 13 clans?"
"I admit, humans are intelligent beings and their capability to adapt and progress is quite marvelous, but that doesn't necessarily mean humans are still capable of being equal to the Mazoku." She countered.
"Do you even know who defeated the previous king?" Issei questioned back.
"…Wasn't it a… Devil?" she guessed. Issei, Ryuga, especially Masao, shook their heads in negativity.
"No, but I would have to tell you this, the old Fangires didn't even know who defeated King, heck, Bishop only knew due his closeness to King." The wielder of Kiva said, closing his eyes.
"What was it?"
Masao opened his eyes at the red haired girl, showing pride in his words. "The one who defeated King was human, not just any human, but the lover of the previous Queen and one of the Beta testers of IXA; my Grandfather: Otoya Kurenai, who managed to kill King, even to die shortly after that."
"What? But how could a human defeat the one being that was on par with one of the strongest Devils?"
"Buchou…" Akeno got her attention. "Do you remember that Lucifer-sama told us that there was undeniable proof that a human had bested the King?"
Upon her words, Rias remembered what her brother told her.
He had not heard of King for a long time since their battle. But that was until about 44 years ago, where he had learned that the previous Fangire King was defeated by a Human, who had used the powers of Dark Kiva against him. Rias's brother was quite surprised when he had heard of the news, but came to accept it once he heard that his former opponent had gotten way out of hand.
"That…was what happened?" Rias asked sheepishly. Incidentally, she forgot all about this once she had taken an interest in Japan.
"Yes. Honestly, I'm surprised that the Devil in charge of this territory had forgotten important events such as these." Issei mused.
Rias then asked one question that was on her mind.
"How are you all able to know of this exactly?"
"Well…" Ryuga took off the black glove from his left hand, revealing a mark that was on the back of his hand and palm. It looked to be a black king chess piece with wings, an open eye at the head which had snakes arching over it; a single red rose and two green leaves at the base. In the center of it were scratched on words that read: King. "For me…It's because I am the son of the King, and one of the two Princes."
"And for me…." Masao said, "I am the other Prince, the son of the current King's brother to be exact. But I only have a quarter of Fangire blood."
Despite giving his honest introduction, the Devils were still skeptical about it.
"I'm sorry, but I find that difficult to believe. If what you say is true, how are you able to prove it?"
"Well, I may not have a cool mark like Ryuga, but all who are a part of the King's lineages can turn into Kiva. Let me demonstrate…Kivat!" Masao called out to his partner. Not a moment later, an orange bat came in through the open window.
"Hey Masao!" he said happily. "What's up?"
"Let's transform. I need to prove something to our audience."
"Okay~ let's party!" Kivat IV flew over to Masao's hand.
"Gabu!" He bit on it, allowing the belt to form.
The black haired teen held the orange bat in his hand before pointing him forward.
"Henshin!"
As the transformation was completed, any doubt of Masao's claim vanished from their mind.
"Ara…So he was telling the truth. I must admit, that armor is rather dashing." Akeno smiled.
"Really? Well, I do look good as Kiva." Masao bragged. He even did a few poses to make a point. But his cousin grabbed him by the shoulder to stop him.
"I think that's enough showing off." Ryuga reprimanded.
"Aw…you're no fun." Nevertheless, Masao undid his transformation. Kivat IV flew back home saying 'bye-bye!'
"As for me…it's because I am a warrior of the Wonderful Blue Sky organization who fights with these Rogue Fangires on a regular basis. I also learned more about them from my friends here." He gestured to Masao and Ryuga. "However, I was drawn into this world from an incident a long time ago…" Issei's eyes turned sorrowful as he remembered the events over a decade ago.
"…What event was this exactly?" Rias, despite getting the feeling that he was recalling a memory best left forgotten, wished to know the answer.
"I'm sorry. But I don't feel comfortable with talking about this topic yet, Rias-Senpai." The brown haired teen avoided answering. The crimson haired girl nodded in understanding.
"Anyway…I'm sure you wanted to see us besides our explanations. You must want to tell me more about being a Devil, correct?" Issei continued.
Rias face took a more serious disposition as the subject shifted.
"Indeed. I would like to discuss more with Issei about what happened yesterday; about why those Fallen Angels attacked you."
"They said they were assigned to kill him because of a Sacred Gear. Do you know what that means?" Ryuga inquired.
"Allow me to explain." Yuuto began. "Sacred Gear is an irregular power that is bestowed to certain humans. For example, most of the people whose names are recorded in history are said to be possessors of a Sacred Gear. They used the power of their Sacred Gear to record their name in history."
After Yuuto, Akeno continued the explanation. "Presently, there are people who possess Sacred Gears within their bodies. You know those people who play an important role worldwide? Most of those people possess a Sacred Gear."
Rias then finished after her. "Most of the Sacred Gears have functions that are only usable in the human society. But there are exceptional Sacred Gears that are a threat to us, the Devils, and Fallen Angels. Ise, I would like you to summon your Sacred Gear. From what I understand, you were able to awaken to it before you died."
Issei's mind flashed back to the red gauntlet that appeared in his hand. But he believed to have been hallucinating from blood loss. "I believe so. But I'm not sure if that was the case, or I was seeing things from blood loss."
"Actually, we can vouch for you that something did appear on your arm, Issei." Masao said. Ryuga nodded in agreement.
"In this place, which is filled with demonic power, you will be able to summon your Sacred Gear more easily." Rias explained. "Just focus on how you summoned it the last time and it will appear."
Issei did as he was instructed. He concentrated on his left arm, where he had seen the red gauntlet appear. He tried to remember the feeling of how he summoned it last time. The brown haired teen thought back and realized it might've appeared due to his resolve of wanting to keep living. He instead focused on the feeling of resolve and its image.
His left arm had begun to glow.
As the light flared up briefly and died down, the same red gauntlet that the Kamen Riders saw the day before had appeared on Issei's arm.
"Is this…?"
"Yes. That's a Sacred Gear. And it belongs to you. Once it appears, you can use it anywhere and anytime as you will." Rias clarified his thoughts.
"Amazing…" Issei started to inspect the gauntlet by turning it over and over on his arm.
"The Fallen Angel, Amano Yuuma, saw your Sacred Gear as a threat and therefore killed you."
"Yeah. That's what she said before." Issei recalled. "Even though I got the news of how I came back to life from my friends, how exactly did it come to be?"
"You called me when you were on the verge of death. I was summoned through this paper." Rias then pulled out a single piece of stationery that was half the size of a piece of printer paper.
It's a leaflet with a weird magic circle and a catchphrase that reads, "We will grant your wish!"
It was the exact same piece of paper Issei had obtained yesterday.
"This is one of the leaflets we give out. This magic circle is used to summon us Devils. These days there aren't many people who would draw this circle to summon us. So we give these leaflets to people who look like they would summon Devils. This magic-circle is safe and easy to use. That day, one of our familiars was disguised as a human and was handing them out in the business district. You got it at that time, Ise. After you were attacked by the Fallen Angel, you called me while you were on the verge of death. You wished so hard that it summoned me. Usually my servants like Akeno and the others would be the ones to be summoned."
"When I was summoned and saw you, I knew right away that you were a Sacred Gear possessor and that you were attacked by a Fallen Angel. But there was a problem. Ise, you were on the brink of death. Not just Devils, but humans also die if impaled by a Fallen Angels spear of light. Ise, you were in that kind of condition. So I decided to save your life."
'Save my life? So that's how it was done? But what about those Chess Pieces that were mentioned?' he thought.
"Although, as a Devil. Ise, you were reborn as a Devil of mine, Rias Gremory's servant. As my servant Devil." She smiled
At that moment, wings sprout from the backs of everyone around Issei, save for Ryuga and Masao.
They were different from the black wings of Fallen Angels; the wings had the similarity to bat wings.
Looking over his shoulder, Issei was able to see the same black wings protruding from his back.
"Whoa, you look so cool, guys." Masao grinned in awe.
"I'd have to agree." Ryuga said.
"Let's introduce everyone anew. Yuuto." The blonde teen smiles after Rias called his name.
"My name is Kiba Yuuto. As you already know, I'm a second year like you, Hyoudou Issei-kun. As well as you too, Nobori-kun and Kurenai-kun. Umm, I'm a Devil too. Nice to meet you."
"…First year. …Toujou Koneko. Pleased to make your acquaintance. …I'm a Devil too." Koneko bowed her head.
"My name is Himejima Akeno, and I'm in third year. I'm also the vice-president of this Occult Research Club. Nice to meet you. Even though I'm like this, I'm also a Devil. Ufufu." Akeno bows her head politely.
Rias waves her crimson hair and says it very directly.
"And I'm their master as well as being a Devil from the House of Gremory, Rias Gremory. My house holds the rank of a Duke. Let's get along from now on, Ise."
"Yes. I feel the same." The brown haired teen responded in a polite manner.
"Well then. I think that takes care of introductions and explanations."
"We almost forgot Rias-senpai." Masao begun, catching her attention.
"Yes?"
"Is it alright if we join the Club along with Issei? It would allow us to get to know you all better. While we Fangires have knowledge of the Three Factions, we don't know everything. It would also allow both races to know one another better as we are the Heirs and you are the heir to one of the remaining Devil families." Ryuga explained in a well thought out manner.
After giving the subject some thought, Rias came to a conclusion. "…Alright. It would be nice to have the two of you to join. Welcome aboard." She smiled happily.
To Be Continued…
Next Time…On A Devil's Saga: Reach for the Skies:
Chapter 4: Contracts and a Meeting.