Chapter 3- Fear and Agony

After seeing Rias Gremory's unmistakable red hair flowing in the wind Issei reluctantly flew down to confront her, he needed to ask her why she didn't take him with even though he already knew the answer.

Meeting Room 5 Minutes before Issei's Arrival at the grounds

"Sirzechs, how long have we held power for?" Asked Falbium.

"A strange question, what do you mean?" Asked Sirzechs.

"I am asking a simple question. I wanted to make sure you can see the connection that Issei has the power now to threaten this balance." Finished Falbium as he rose from his chair.

"I see what you are trying to do say…Where are you going?" Asked Sirzechs who now rose from his seat.

"I have business to attend to…" Falbium was cut off when suddenly an ebony mist enveloped the room. It smelled of death. Everyone in the room began a violent fit of coughing, the ebony mist slowly began to collect itself in the center of the room and when the mist was gone a knight clad in black armor stood in the center of the room.

"Death…." Whispered Sirzechs.

"It…can't…be…" Stammered a stunned Azazel.

"What do you think you are doing here?!" Chief Michael's tone was one of anger.

The knight's visor was a deep blood red color, the knight slowly faced the great powers and began by answering Chief Michael's question.

"I bear a message…" The voice of the knight was raspy and cold.

"What reason do you have to interfere with our affairs?" Asked Chief Michael.

"Simple, the apocalypse in coming. I am simply here to be a part of it, as my title says." Finished the knight, his voice still cold but less raspy.

"Death, not death itself but simply one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. You have no right to interfere with our affairs." Azazel's tone was firm.

"You lack the power to stop me. Besides you are only worried about that boy, what was his name, yes. Issei." The knight let out a slow chuckle.

"What does Issei have to do with this?" Asked Sirzechs.

The knight raised his hand and projected an image in the room. The table vanished, the sky appeared in the room. The sky was black and lightning flashed, thunder rolled and roared. A rancid stench entered the nostrils of all the leaders, they recoiled. Fire consumed the ground and the world, above them the leaders could see a red flash, a massive red flash through the sky. A roar echoed and Ddraig appeared in the sky. As Ddraig launched a fireball the vision disappeared and the knight spoke.

"This is the future of the red dragon emperor. I only came to warn you. One last thing, something I did not foresee myself, Treachery's Sculptor will be brought before you. When it is, I hope you will be prepared." Death finished and disappeared as a cloud of ebony mist laced with the stench of death fell out into the room and then vanished into the nothingness. No one said a word for a long moment, pondering what was seen. They all thought it could be a fake however it felt too real and it seemed like a real possibility.

"Sirzechs, I think Issei is a part of this…" Said Chief Michael.

"We will have to ask him ourselves. I will contact my sister." Finished Sirzechs, his eyes glowed red with ruin.

Estate Grounds-Present time

Issei slowly descended and landed behind Rias. He discarded his balance breaker and called out to Rias. No response.

"Rias, why…" Issei stopped when he sensed something. Issei quickly summoned his balance breaker and whispered something, Issei suddenly vanished. one second later he was in the air much farther away, a large smoldering crater was in the ground where Issei stood not one second ago. His rage slowly began to fill up within his body. His eyes trained on the crater in the ground. He began to snarl like a feral beast. Underneath his armor his mouth foamed and he quickly plummeted to the ground so fast that no one could even tell Issei avoided the hit. He stood in the crater his armor glowed a deep red color and his dragon wings came from his back.

About 50 meters away all the great powers stood hoping their combined attack was enough to incapacitate Issei.

"I think this was a really bad idea." Said Serafall.

"This just doesn't seem right." Added Azazel.

"I know, but we need him to be weakened, if he really is a part of that group he could…" Sirzechs was cut off.

"Could do what?" Snarled Issei.

"Issei, we just needed to…" Serafall was quickly cut off when Issei charged forward more than willing to confront the great powers. When he saw Rias standing behind Sirzechs, cowering. She was afraid of him, Issei did all this so he could be strong for Rias but it simply made her fearful.

Issei saw this and suddenly stopped before he engaged them. All his anger subsided and he felt exhausted. That move was very draining, Gorz taught it to him. Issei suddenly felt weak and powerless and then remembered the rules of using that move. He fell to the ground and his balance breaker disappeared.

Issei's House- 2 ½ months ago

Issei was laying in his bed, thinking about how powerful he had become. Thinking about the people that have been killed in Kuoh. He only wanted to protect Rias, protect those he cared about and now he had the power to do so. However, he couldn't control his newfound power and he knew it. Issei's dreams were filled with images of him losing control and killing those he loved. "Why, what is wrong with me?" Issei asked, not expecting an answer.

"Hey kid, how are you doing?" Asked a familiar kind voice.

"Hey Gorz, what do you want?" Issei turned his head away from Gorz and didn't feel like talking.

"Just checking on you, I also have some good news." Gorz spoke with enthusiasm and excitement. The opposite of Issei.

"What, did you get some new weapons or something?" Issei spoke sarcastically.

"Not exactly." Gorz then turned on the lights in Issei's room, which caused Issei to angrily activate his balance breaker and charge at Gorz. Issei was punched in the face and fell back down.

"Boy, if you think you can fight me like you are now you are a fool." Gorz's voice was cold.

Issei disheartened deactivated his balance breaker and walked over to his nightstand and before he could take a swig of alcohol Gorz launched a throwing knife at the bottle.

"I already told you, alcohol wont held you escape your demons." Issei loudly groaned, let out a heavy sigh and then fell back into his bed. Gorz shook his head and sighed.

"Kid, c'mon for Christ sake…" Gorz walked over to Issei and ordered him to get dressed.

Issei reluctantly got dressed and followed Gorz out of the house. It was midday and school wouldn't be let out for a few hours so Issei thought it would be fine to go with him so long as he was back by the time his friends got back home.

Gorz lit a cigarette and motioned for Issei to follow closer to him.

"Still not going to school huh?" Asked Gorz. Issei didn't respond. "Well I guess that's ok, we are going to work on a move that will help keep you alive." Gorz then activated a magic circle and it transported Issei and Gorz to a wide-open field, the purple sky told Issei they were somewhere in the underworld.

"Alright kid, I want you to come at me with all you got. I want you to use your dragon shot as powerful as you can." Gorz stood still in a relaxed position. Issei summoned his balance breaker and released an attack similar to 'Longinus Smasher'. When the smoke cleared Gorz was standing right where he was before. Issei was dumbfounded.

"Now, it's time for this old man to teach you a thing or two!" Gorz said happily, Issei let out a slight smile underneath his helmet.

Present Day-Unknown location, Underworld

Issei awoke from his dreamscape and was in a small damp room. He was laying on a bed that was bolted to the wall. A small wooden table and wooden chair were in the center of the small room. A bucket sat in one of the corners. One single dim light barely illuminated the room. As well as a candle on the table, next to the candle was a plate with food and a glass with a drink sat on the small table. At the front of the room was a metal door with bars at eye level. Issei didn't want to try anything. He walked over to the chair and table sat down and began to eat. "So, what am I in prison for being too powerful?" Issei said aloud to himself. After he finished his food he went back to his bed and laid down, his mind began to move. Before he could fall asleep he heard knocking at the door and Rias walked in.

"Rias, why?" Issei faced away from her, Rias looked down at the ground and began to speak slowly and deliberately.

"Issei, we just wanted to make sure you are ok. Issei, are you a member of the 'Pursuers of Peace'?" Rias asked cautiously.

Issei got up and faced Rias, his brown pupils had been replaced by green orbs. "No…" Before Issei could continue Rias let out a sigh of relief but quickly realized Issei wasn't done talking and apologized for cutting him off. "Rias, I did it for you, everything. I just wanted you to know that. I am not sure if things will ever go back to the way they were before." Issei finished and Rias began again.

"Issei, who killed all those people in Kuoh?" Rias asked hesitantly. Rias had been debriefed by Azazel regarding power gained through sacrifice.

"I did it for you…" Issei spoke in riddles.

"What did you do Issei!?" Rias raised her voice.

"It was for everyone…" Issei summoned his balance breaker.

"ISSEI WHY!" Rias screamed and Issei lodged his arm into her chest, he pulled out her heart and she watched as he burned it, Issei then became engulfed in flames and incinerated himself. Rias opened her eyes and pulled her hand away from the door to Issei's room.

Issei heard Rias scream outside the door and quickly activated his balance breaker destroying the magical barrier placed in the room, outside he saw Rias she was on her knee's clutching her head in what looked like pain. Issei saw this as a chance to help her.

"President, are you ok?" Issei reached for her but Rias slapped his dragon arm away in disgust, she got up and ran away, tears in her eyes.

Issei fell to the floor and his armor disappeared he clenched his fists and slammed them into the floor, creating a small crater underneath each fist. Tears filled his eyes, as well as anger.

"Why?! Why?!" Issei screamed out and buried his head into the floor and cried out in agony. "Every fucking thing I touch turns to shit!" Issei snarled. Issei rose and spoke out loud, his voice cracking. "I gave her my fucking life, why is she slowly killing me?" Issei stopped crying and stood up. A group of guards were already on their way and Issei simply held his hands up. He expected a beating but Sirzechs appeared between Issei and the guards.

"Leave us." Sirzechs stared down the guards and they all dispersed.

"Issei, how did you get this power? That is all we want to know, Rias and all your friends are at risk right now because of that group. I am sure you know who they are." Sirzechs finished and started at Issei, awaiting his answer.

"Well, I guess I just wanted to protect those who I care about." Issei's eyes glowed green.

"The dragon within you is taking over, I hope you know that." Sirzechs spoke coldly. "You are not worthy of my sister." Sirzechs turned away from Issei.

"Perhaps, but you lack the power needed to control me, I can tell. Is that why you are afraid of me? Because you can't control me?" Issei pleaded, he needed an answer.

"Issei, do you want this world to be consumed?" Sirzechs continued walking away, Issei pondered it for a second.

"No." Issei said quietly.

"Very well, Issei I hope you are ready for the storm that is coming." Sirzechs summoned a magic circle and left.

"I guess this is goodbye, Rias I am sorry. I wish I could've made things right and said the words I needed to get out, but my time is running out." Issei spoke softly and the pain in his voice bounced off the cold walls. A magic circle appeared below Issei and he vanished.

ORC Clubroom-5 hours after Issei's Disappearance

Rias had gathered the members of the ORC to update everyone on Issei.

"Everyone, as you know Issei left us 5 hours ago. He disappeared without a trace and no one is sure where he is." Rias's voice cracked and a few tears fell down her pretty little face.

A bright golden light appeared in the room, it was Irina. She had tears in her eyes and hugged Rias.

"Rias, I am sorry. I heard what happened, we just got word…Issei….Issei…He's gone insane!" She broke down and cried into Rias's shoulders. Irina was barely making coherent sentences. "He…the staff…. he killed…" The rest of the ORC shed tears and all missed Issei, the old Issei.

High Heaven-Meeting room

Issei had infiltrated Heaven using some of his new power. He wanted to interrupt a meeting regarding the power of the staff Gorz stole. The meeting would be at the end of a long corridor. Issei made his entrance by destroying anyone who got in his way, A seraph took several angels and fled to the far room, they closed the door and Issei sensed a barrier go up, he wasn't happy. Issei's armor glowed blood red, and an aura surrounded him burning anything that got too close. Issei stood outside the meeting room where he could sense the presence of the seraph and several powerful angels. They had barricaded the door and he could hear their prayers. "Well, phase 3 will commence without interference." Issei blasted down the door and barrier, the angels cowered in fear in the corner of the room. The seraph stood in defiance to Issei, Issei charged forward with such a ferocity Chief Michael felt it and quickly went to intervene. But it was too late, Issei dug his claws into the chest of the seraph and tore the poor thing in half, Issei snarled in approval and satisfaction. Before he could kill the angels, Chief Michael appeared and Issei wasn't happy about the interruption. Chief Michael sent a massive blast of light at Issei which knocked Issei back but it angered him more than anything. But Issei had a schedule to keep. His power was waning and he needed to recharge. Issei let out a massive blast of energy and vanished. Chief Michael was left to clean up the mess, he contacted Sirzechs immediately about the development.

Kuoh- Apartment Building

Issei was again wiped out after his long day, his heart felt ripped out of his chest the one who holds it gone forever. The apartment he was in was paid for by Gorz. He sipped on some whiskey and laid back down in his new bed. His eyes were dull and dark. Issei closed his eyes and attempted to sleep.

Underworld- 2 ½ months ago

Issei and Gorz were training in a large open field, trees encircled them but this massive clearing was perfect for sparring.

"So, Issei. Are you ready to give everything up?" Gorz asked Issei as they sparred.

Issei deflected a blow from Gorz's sword and spoke.

"If it means she will stay safe then I will do anything." Issei spoke with grit and determination.

"Very well, then accept this gift." Gorz stopped attacking and withdrew a small burlap bag from his trench coat pocket. Issei deactivated his balance breaker and took the bag from Gorz. It felt very heavy for something so small.

"Don't open it unless everything you have is about to fall, when the moons light falters and the sun's rays become tainted then, and only then will you be able to use it." Gorz finished and Issei put it in his pocket.

"So, what is it?" Asked Issei confused.

"Unfortunately, I can't tell you, I can only say that much otherwise it will become useless if I tell you too much." Gorz sighed and lit a cigarette. "Listen kid, what you are doing is noble, but heed this. You will only end up like me if you survive, you know that, don't you?" Gorz turned too Issei.

"I know, but I don't think it would've worked anyways. I was just a normal human before I found out I had Ddraig. It would've only ended this way." Issei sighed and laid down on the grass.

"If that is what you think then perhaps this is all for the best. We won't be around much longer kid, I hope you know that." Gorz blew out a large cloud of smoke and sat next to Issei.

"I know, I wouldn't have it any other way." Issei let out a chuckle.

Kuoh Academy-Present Day

Irina was wandering the school grounds, reminiscing on all the good times she had with Issei. She missed him so much, she wondered why everyone was so afraid of Issei. He still loved everyone and cared for them. Why was everyone so afraid, the fear would only torment Issei even more.

"Issei, people care about you. I hope you know, we will save you." Irina spoke a loud and headed back into the ORC building.

Issei's House- 5 hours later

Rias was tossing and turning in her bed thinking about Issei, and how to fix him. Irina was staying her now as Chief Michael didn't want her to see what Issei did or hear about it.

"Issei, if you really will always protect me and everyone else, then this should get your attention…" Rias stood up and summoned her power of ruin in her hand. She left her room and headed towards Irina's room. Irina had been given a spare bedroom and was extremely grateful. She had a small room and a queen-sized bed, there were a few unpacked boxes in the room and she was praying for Issei, suddenly the door to her room blew open, and Rias stood at the foot of the door. She laughed and looked at Irina like a rabid dog.

"Well Issei, this should definitely get your attention." Rias was giggling and giddy with the hope that Issei would appear.

Irina screamed in horror.

Kuoh-Issei's Apartment

Issei awoke from his drunken stupor quite quickly. "FUCK!" Issei yelled out and gritted his teeth. "God dammit is this what you want you fucking knights!"

Why did this chapter take so long? I don't know. I hope the next one will be better.