Issei widened his eyes a bit as he closed in on the group of people standing outside. Azazel, who had his arms crossed on his chest simply nodded as he noticed Issei and started to speak.
''Now, that everyone is here, let's get this show on a road, shall we?''
Rias looked at him with a pokerface, which he matched. Issei yawned, as he looked at Azazel who cleared his throat.
''You have 2 months until the fight with Saiaorg.'' – Azazel calmly spoke. –''Why 2 months, you would ask? Because the uppers decided that you are too weak and you deserved the advantage. They pushed back your fight and let the others fight first. To maximize your chances I came up with a training plan. I assume no one minds?''
Silence.
''Good. Rias will be training as usual. I didn't do anything separate for her because she just needs to grow her Destructive powers.'' – He simply shrugged as Rias nodded. –''Oh, but do talk with your brother. He knows the most about your own power.''
Rias nodded again.
''..Ah, Akeno.'' - Azazel's eyes narrowed. –''You need to accept who you are. It's never going to change. You will never become someone else. The only thing your stubbornness is doing is holding you back. The repression of your true power is holding your team back.''
Her face was dyed with a truly bewildered expression.
''..You need to become the Priestess of Lighting, if you guys want to even stand a chance against Saiaorg.''
''...'' – She glared at Azazel who sighed.
''Nevertheless, even if you get angry at me, it doesn't solve anything. Stop acting so childlike.''
Issei simply widened his eyes as he looked at the harsh attitude Azazel was showing.
''Next, Kiba and Xenovia.'' – Azazel looked at them both. Kiba had a rather mean look on his face while Xenovia showed the usual calm expression of her's. –''You will both be training with Kiba's old teacher. Kiba, you will learn how to control that blue flame of yours while Xenovia – you need to learn some technique, raw power doesn't always work in your favor.''
They both nodded.
''Koneko. You have become a lot stronger. You faced your fears and problems head on and defeated them.'' – Azazel smiled at her. –''You are on the right path. If you continue like this, you will become a high level devil in no time.''
''..I wouldn't have done even half the stuff if not for Issei.'' – She responded in an apathetic tone.
''Right, and that is why you will continue training with Issei, even now.'' – Azazel shifted his eyes towards Issei's. He quickly noticed the blue bags under his eyes from the lack of sleep. –''You look like shit.''
''..Sorry.'' – He jawed. –''I couldn't sleep yesterday. Or should I say today?''
''..For you, I prepared something special.'' –Azazel said, as he looked up to the sky, and so did the peerage.
A giant shadow overtook them, as a dragon landed next to them. Issei stiffened a bit, but relaxed when he heard Ddraig speak loudly.
''Ah, Tannin. Been far too long.'' – The low pitched voice spoke.
The dragon tilted his head sideways, as he looked at Issei.
''Ddraig.'' – The dragon began, as his slit eyes focused on Issei's arm. –''..You sound..energetic. Something I would not expect to hear from a dragon who's been stuck inside a sacred gear for two thousand years.''
Tannin's voice was low pitched, but it didn't sound scary or unfriendly. Instead it just sounded like a voice of an old man.
''Let's just say my current host is a bit different than the usual ones.'' – Ddraig paused slightly. –''..The adventure we'we been trough together has awoken me from the half-slumber.''
''I see.'' – Tannin paused. –''I am Tannin.''
''One of the 6 dragon kings, right?'' – Issei asked.
''I was one of them. Now there are 5 dragon kings, and I'm a devil.'' – Tannin responded with a slight snicker.
''..It sounds like an interesting story.'' – Issei responded, as he looked at Tannin. He was feeling surreal. A real life dragon, in the height of a 5 storey building was looking down upon him.
''Hmmhp.'' –Tannin blinked. –''You actually think that such a story would be interesting? If so, I might tell it sometime.''
''That would be nice.'' – Issei smiled slightly, but the expression in his eyes didn't change. They still were narrow and rather blank. –''..So you will be my coach, right?''
''Indeed.'' – The dragon answered, seemingly satisfied with Issei.
''..But that's not all.'' – Azazel smirked. –''I will help as well. Not as much, though.''
''..'' – Issei stared at him.
''Knock off with that look.'' – Azazel threw his arm up in an annoyed gesture. –''Do you actually think I'm that weak?''
Issei held the poker face for a few seconds more, but then smirked at him. –''I'm actually excited, I mean, I get to face off against you. The Azazel of the bible. How many people get the chance to go home and tell the story?''
''Who's saying you will go home?'' – Azazel narrowed his eyes.
Issei's back straightened. –''I am.''
Azazel chuckled. –''That's a good attitude to have. Anyways, let's start, shall we?''
Everyone nodded and began to walk away. Akeno, Rias, Kiba and Xenovia walked together, while Issei and Koneko stayed in the same spot.
''So, where will we train?'' –Issei asked, as he looked downwards unto Koneko, who was blankly staring at the dragon.
''On the mountain, about 15km south of here. Azazel raised his hand as he pointed to a particularly big one.
''There, huh..'' – Issei turned to look at it.
''If you can't fly Issei, Tannin could take you..'' – Azazel began to talk, but was cut short when Issei smiled at him.
''No worries, Azazel.'' – He said, as he cracked his shoulder and raised both legs to his chest, one at a time, of course. –''I'm running there.''
Azazel then glanced at him a second time. Issei was wearing black cargo pants, a hemley shirt and hiking boots. He literally had nothing else with him, while Koneko was dressed in shorts, a sports jacket and simple running shoes. On her shoulder there was a small bag.
Even though she held Issei in high standards, his style of dressing hadn't rubbed off on her. He let out a small chuckle at the sight.
''..You expected something like this, didn't you?'' – He asked.
Issei shrugged. –''I did, well, if you exclude the dragon and all.''
''I see.''- Azazel looked behind Issei. –''You go on your way, Tannin, I will join you soon.''
Azazel jogged after the girls. Issei assumed he was after Akeno.
''Roger.'' – Tannin responded and flexed his wings. –''You kids sure you don't want a lift?''
''I'm sure.'' – Issei responded, and looked at Koneko, who looked back at him with an expression that seemed a bit...angry.
''I'm sure as well.'' – She responded.
''Suit yourself.'' – He said, as he kicked off the ground, raising dust. –''See you there.''
With that he was off, casting a large shadow that shrunk, as he moved further and further away.
Issei let out a soft sigh. –''Shall we go?''
Koneko grabbed his palm and pushed up the sleeve upwards, uncovering the bloody bandages.
''..You're a freaking mess.'' – She said as her arm began to glow and Issei felt the familiar healing sensation. –''The full moon, right?''
Issei nodded and pulled back his arm. –''Thanks.''
They glanced at each other for a second or two.
Issei snapped his fingers and Echo jumped out of non-existance. He jumped around a bit, seemingly very happy. Koneko patted his head.
''Let's go.'' – Koneko said, as she began to run, but was overtaken by Issei in a matter in seconds. He span around his heels and jumped upwards.
''This isn't your everyday jog, Koneko.'' – He said, still midair. –''Try to keep up.''
He landed, but was overtaken by Echo. Isse simply chuckled and ran even faster after him. They both disappeared in the forest in front.
She widened her eyes for a second, but then smiled and began to run. To run, without holding back.
Azazel was done with the talking with Akeno. He didn't know if he succeeded or not, but time will tell. He swiftly snapped his fingers and teleported. He opened his eyes inside a giant Office.
By it's main desk, Sirzechs was shuffling trough papers. He raised his eyes, and so did the maid sitting in a chair beside him.
''Azazel.'' – He acknowledged him.
''Yo.'' – He responded in a relaxed manner. He moved closer to the desk and dropped himself into one of the free chairs.
''..So..straight to business?'' – Sirzechs asked, still looking downwards at the paperwork.
''Well, I would love to have a drink or two, but I assume your wife would mind.'' – Azazel looked at Grayfia. Her eyes simply narrowed. –''..and besides, I have to train Issei.''
''..Business it is.'' – Sirzechs pushed the documents away and took a folder from the bottom of his desk. He span it around and pushed it towards Azazel.
Azazel leaned forwards and picked it up.
''..I spent a lot, but didn't get the same back.'' – Sirzechs simply stated.
Azazel nodded and opened the map.
[MEDICAL RECORDS.]
[ISSEI HYOUDOU.]
[DDRAIG.]
It was good 15, or 20 pages long. Azazel looked over them in a fast manner.
''..broken bones, mental problems, breakdowns, the lost feeling of pain, anger management problems...'' – He spoke to himself, but stopped a few pages before the end. –''..The hell is this?''
''..mm?'' – Sirzechs looked at Azazel. –''..Oh, do you mean the missing pages?''
''Yeah.'' – Azazel nodded. There was a few month gap between the medical reports.
''..The pages actually aren't missing. This is it. The gap starts when disappears on ''that'' mission and continues a few months later. I got one of my guys on search for it, but it hasn't gotten any results..yet.''
Azazel nodded, still looking at the papers. –''We didn't learn anything we didn't already know...but loosing the feeling of pain and his sanity when in extreme stress...this is..''
''..It's complete madness.'' – Grayfia spoke. –''That women..Maria. She created a literal monster.''
''..It's not nice to talk like that about people, ya know.'' - Azazel said, with a rather crooked smile.
''..But she is right. He has a passive juggernaut drive in him. If the Sacred Gear's juggernaut drive doesn't kick in when he needs it, he can use his own...He is wired differently.'' – Sirzechs touched his chin, as he thought about it. –''..But what does this gap in the records mean?''
''..It could mean they didn't write down what happened...'' – Azazel commented, but then he chuckled. –''No. It means that they want what happened hidden. Something important is in the documents. Something, that could change the way we look at him. Something that could incriminate him..''
Sirzechs smiled. –''..But that is the question – what exactly.''
Azazel got up from the chair. –''Find out.''
Before he could teleport away, Sirzechs implored him. –''Hasn't he been acting in a weird way, recently?''
''..Not really.'' – Azazel shrugged, nodded to him and Grayfia and teleported away.
He appeared on a mountain. There was a small waterfall flowing down the side and many different trees surrounding the area. There even were birds, who were chirping...but they fled into the air when the ground shook from impact. Azazel looked to his left and noticed Issei and Koneko fighting with Tannin. Issei was already banged up while Koneko's jacket was ripped.
Issei spun midair and shot out fire from his mouth as Koneko matched his speed and tried to attack at the same time, but they both missed. Issei span around and landed on his feet, sliding a few meters back.
Issei lunged back towards Tannin and kicked him in the side. Tannin didn't even budge an inch. As the dragons claw swiped downwards, Issei jumped up, using his arm mid-attack as a lever.
[BOOST]
A claw appeared on Issei's arm as he lounged towards Tannin's face. He turned and opened his mouth, shooting a ball of energy towards Issei.
The trees and rocks in front of the beam were leveled to the ground. A few meters above it, Issei was floating with his devil wings. The way he was floating was unnatural and awkward.
In that second, a giant stroke of energy was thrown towards Tannin..
..Who just waved his wings. The clutter of magic and energy was sent towards the sky, leaving Koneko in an awe.
''Haha, the old man is stronger than you thought, huh?'' – Azazel laughed.
Tannin made a self-acknowledged hmph sound, while Koneko and Issei looked at Azazel. Issei landed in an awkward manner. He cracked his fingers as he walked over to Azazel.
''What do you think?'''- He asked, with a hint of excitement to his voice.
''It's good.'' – Issei cut his answer short.
''And that's it?'' – He asked Issei again.
''..Well, I really like the place you picked for this training. Almost two months of mountain training...'' – Issei spoke, but stopped halfway trough. –''..Atleast like this you can focus without distractions.''
''Good.'' – Azazel said, with a smile. –''I'll borrow Koneko for a bit, ok?''
Issei nodded and jumped towards Tannin.
''..'' – Koneko glanced at him, without saying a word.
''Let's spar.'' – He said, nonchalantly. –''But don't hold back.''
She looked towards Issei.
''Show the Governor what you're made of.'' – Issei responded to her.
She cracked her neck and got into a battle-stance. Azazel raised his left fist in front of him, bringing his right fist in front of his face.
Without a sound, she lounged towards Azazel. With precise movements she unleashed a few jabs towards Azazels face.
He stepped backwards, dodging them. Koneko rotated her hips as she threw a powerful right punch. Azazel slapped the punch downwards and leaned backwards in that instance – dodging a kick, that flew by his face.
But it didn't there, Koneko pulled trough the attack, and using her hands, pushed off the ground, her other leg swiped trough Azazel's hair. He stepped in and kicked towards her face, but she spun on one hand and dodged it.
In that second she was back up on her feet and roundhouse kicked towards Azazel's side.
He stepped back and dodged, but was thrown backwards and clutched his side in pain. He glanced at Koneko. Her cat ears and two tails were out.
''Senjutsu, huh..'' – Azazel smirked to himself, realizing Koneko had extended her attack's range with her senjutsu powers.
She moved her arm in a circular motion and narrowed her eyes. Her arm went trough a throwing motion, as the ground cracked beneath her.
''Oh!''- Azazel exclaimed, his eyes opening wider. He created a spear of light.
A bolt of electricity shot out towards him, but he didn't even budge – instead he smiled and began to spin the spear. In a second, he had made a shield of light. In that moment, the bolt of lighting combusted on impact with the shield of light, throwing dust, rubble and discharges everywhere.
Koneko leaned in her knees, but it wasn't enough to ready her for the attack. Azazel leaped out of the dust with a punch. Koneko leaned backwards dodging the first strike, but Azazel span around and kicked her in the stomach.
She couldn't dodge again because she was already leaning back.
She flew backwards and slided a few meters on her back.
''You alright, Koneko?'' – Azazel asked, as he scratched his head. –''I didn't mean to be so aggressive.''
''..It's fine.'' – She said, as she got up and lifted up her jacket. –''See.''
On top of her outlined abs there was a red footprint.
Azazel widened his eyes and went over to talk to Issei. Meanwhile Koneko sat down against a tree to rest for a moment.
''..How the hell do you guys train?'' – He asked, slightly bewildered.
''..Well, a bit of muscle training, sparing, endurance and cardio.'' – Issei shook his shoulders. –''Well, I haven't really done any of the ''hell training'' I did with my teacher, but that will change from now on.''
''..''Hell training?'' – Azazel asked with a skeptical look.
''Yeah. Basically, the training of the mind and body. It's more mental, really. To make you doubt yourself.''
''How does that help?''
''Well, they use this method in the SEAL training in America, if I'm not mistaken that is, they weed out the weak ones. The ones who don't have the resolve to push trough all limits of your body.''
''..''
''And in the end, you come out as a stronger man. That doubt turns into strength. Into strength that can't be taken away from you.'' – Issei finished the explanation.
''..And this training, what does it include?'' – Azazel glanced back at Tannin who was blankly looking at the sky.
''Well, sleep and food deprivation, enduring temperatures, pushing your body to utmost limits with strength and endurance training.'' –Issei's eyes wandered for a bit. –''..Ah, those were fun times.''
''..With Margit?'' – Azazel asked.
Issei focused his eyes on his expression. As far as he could tell, the old man was just curious.
''Yes.'' – Issei said, as he turned his back on Azazel. –''There were three things that woman loved – training, reading and..''
Issei turned around again, facing Azazel with a blank expression. –''..fighting.''
Azazel closed his eyes and smiled. When he opened them, he smiled. –''You know, as much as you want to deny it, you and Vali are really similar.''
''..Except for the fact that I trained to get where I am, but he was born with the talent to succeeded.'' – Issei glared at him in annoyance.
''..And yet you won.'' – Azazel raised his arms. –''No need to get so defensive.''
Issei exhaled deeply. –''..Want to spar?''
''Sure.'' – Azazel responded, as he threw away his suit's blazer and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. –''Tannin, play around with Koneko!''
''..No problems.'' – Tannin responded, as Koneko got up.
4 weeks later.
Rias's arms were shaking, but she still raised them. Her hair raised from the magical pressure as she aimed the red ball of destruction.
''Yes. Like that, concentrate on the clutter of energy. Drown out other thoughts. Forget about everything and just concentrate on the idea of destruction. On pure carnage.''
Sirzechs voice was calm and soothing. He wasn't mean or harsh – he wanted only the best for Rias.
''I know you can do it. The power of Gremory flows trough your veins.''
Rias focused. Everything became a blur, but then a seconds of clarity. She unleashed her power. This time, the attack was different. The ball of red energy crashed against a wall a target.
In the ambient silence, the ball extended ten times it's size and swallowed everything that was in it. A bit of a wall, ceiling and the floor. Without a sound, the ball dispersed. The specifically made target was gone without a trace.
Sirzechs put his hand on Rias's shoulder. Her breathing was ragged. –''Good job.''
''..I...did...it.'' – She said, with a hint of happiness to it.
''You did.''
Akeno walked trough the halls with a serious expression on her face. She stopped by one of the doors.
She took a deep breath and hesitated. After a few seconds she exhaled deeply and pushed the doors open.
A man with a manly face and a black beard turned his head. His expression, at first, bewildered, turned into a smile.
With a quick pace he walked over to her.
''Akeno..'' – He said, with an unreadable expression. –''..my daughter.''
''..Baraqiel...'' – She stopped speaking,but then looked him in the eyes. –''..no..father.''
His eyes widened even more. –''..Yes?''
''I want you to train me.'' – She said, without any stammering or doubt. She was ready to learn.
''..Are you sure?" – Baraquiel asked as he looked downwards.
''I'm sure.'' – She responded. –''It was childish of me to run from my power. I have it, and that will never change...and now, I'm in dire need of it.''
''Heh..'' – He laughed a bit. –''I was afraid that this day will never come.''
Akeno stood in silence.
''Of course, I will help you.'' – He said, as he gave her a warm smile. –''You don't need to tell my why, because I already know.''
''..From Azazel?'' – She asked, with an ambiguous tone.
''You could say that, yes.''
Kiba was meditating, and so was Xenovia. She was sweating quite heavily, while Kiba wasn't at all. He was perfectly calm. Nothing in the world could make him angry. He had avenged his old friends, his old family – his greatest demon was slain, by his own hands.
In the journey he met Issei. Issei, for Kiba, was someone dangerous. Now, of course, he trusted him, but even till this moment Issei was a wildcard in a fight. He had many different moves and fighting equipment...but that wasn't the only reason of such a view of Issei.
When Issei fought, he had a certain way of doing it – a rather wild, yet calculated movement, and razor sharp set of moves with whom he attacked – but Issei himself was the changing factor.
If he was angry he could take down an army trough sheer force alone, but if something was wrong he wasn't even able to dodge an attack from a 12 year old.
Kiba snapped out of his concentration.
''Kiba.'' – His teacher simply said his name.
''..Sorry, sensei.'' – Kiba opened his eyes.
''There's something on your mind and it's bugging you, correct?''
''..Yes.'' – He responded in a strict manner.
''Very well.'' – His teacher said, as he stopped and turned his back to Kiba. –''Get up.''
Kiba got up and rearranged his kimono's belt. He glanced downwards, where next to him was Xenovia.
''She's getting the hang of it.'' –Kiba spoke.
His teacher nodded and they moved forward. Trough the garden, just by the main house, they stepped inside the training room. It was a giant hall made just sparring.
''Ready yourself, Kiba.'' – The man walked over the room, stopping good 20 or 30 meters away from him. He held a simple steel sword.
Kiba nodded and created a sword by his side. It was an english type sword. It's handle was longer than usual.
In his mind, Issei's face flashed. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind. Only one word was kept in his mind.
''Calm''
In that second, his blade enveloped in a bright blue flame. He raised it above his head and unleashed it as he swung it to the front.
The wave of blue light crashed towards his teacher who simply span his sword around and stabbed it into the floor. The barrier protected him, but set on fire everything behind him.
Kiba stepped to the front and lunged at his teacher.
He was calm. He wasn't angry when fighting, nor was he wild. He was calculated. He knew his moves, he knew what to do.
Like a true knight, he was unmovable.
Heavy rain. The rain that seeped into every pour and made you cold to your bones. Darkness had enveloped everything. Moon or stars – there were none of them. Complete darkness, thick as a mist.
Something was up with her vision. It was blurry and she couldn't focus, even with her devil's perk of being able to see in the dark.
Koneko was leaning up against a tree, as she clutched her side. She was shaking from the cold. She tried to calm her breathing, but that failed.
Every time she inhaled she felt a stabbing sensation. She had broken 2, or maybe 3 ribs. She enveloped her hand in the familiar eerie glow and began to heal her side.
On reflex, she jumped to the side. The tree,that she was leaning against a second ago, shattered to million pieces. She rolled to the front, sliding trough the wet and sticky dirt. As she jumped up, she fired a bolt of fire towards the attacker.
It hit a tree behind him and set it on fire, uncovering the attacker.
Of course, it was Issei. He was bleeding from his ear and nose. His shirt was long gone, even in the first week of the training. His overly-long hair was sticking to his face. He cracked his fingers back in their place and ran towards Koneko without making a sound.
Her vision focused on Issei's feet, her senjutsu powers recognizing the small amount of energy being forced out of his feet.
Koneko leaned in and caught Issei's fist, and used her other hand to let out a bolt of lighting just in front of Issei. He flipped around, lounging himself into the air, as the attack flew right beneath him. As he landed Koneo used her knee to attack, but was too slow for it to work.
Issei caught her knee mid-attack and pushed her backwards. The force made her loose her balance, and as that happened, Issei punched her in the side.
''Aahhh!'' – She let out a muffled scream as she hit the ground.
..But there was zero time for pain. She felt two or three painful drops of rain on her face before the rain was stopped by something in front of her.
Without doubting herself, or opening her eyes she rolled away to the left, as Issei's boot crashed into the ground right beside her.
She shouted as she fired a cluster of energy towards Issei.
He wasn't able to dodge it and was blown away, thrown into a bunch of trees behind him.
It was pure instinct. Her vision was fuzzy, she was bleeding and hurting, her legs felt as if they were full of iron and she hadn't slept in about 32 hours. Just 4 more, until sunrise, and she would be safe.
She quickly jumped up and began to heal her side as she fell back, away from Issei who was already getting up.
His arm was bleeding from a branch that had impaled his arm. He ripped it out and wrapped his belt around the wound.
''Ahh...'' – He sighed as he moved the arm around. –''...Pins and needles, pins and needles..it's been far too long since it's hurt this much.''
His eyes focused to the front as he jumped up the side of the mountain, without using the boosted gear.
...
Azazel walked trough the wet grass, the early dawn sun was making his eyes hurt. Even hell's sun was just as annoying to him as human world's. He whistled for a second, noticing the carnage.
Destruction, shattered trees, rocks, patches of ripped grass and completely cracked ground in most places.
He stopped and heard the cracking sound of a fire. He slowly walked over to the source of said sound. A smile rose to his face when he noticed the fire itself.
Issei and Koneko were sitting by the fire. Koneko was wrapped in a blanket and resting her head in Issei's lap.
They both appeared to be sleeping.
Azazel walked closer but stepped on a branch.
A single eye landed on him in that second.
''..Yo Azazel.'' – Issei said, when he realized it was him.
Azazel nodded and sat down by the fire. –''So, how have you been?''
''..My head hurts.'' – He responded as he yawned. –''..but all in all, Tannin really helped me with the balance breaker.''
''I knew he would.'' Azazel smiled. -''How was Koneko with that hell training of yours?''
''She pulled trough. She fared well with the stress.'' – Issei looked down on her sleeping body. –''Although she'll be out for a long time.''
''How long have you not slept?'' – Azazel asked
''Should be about 48 hours.'' – Issei responded nonchalantly. –''And no, you don't need to go, I don't plan on sleeping.''
''Alright.'' – Azazel responded and conjured a coffee thermos and two mugs. –''Your thoughts on her?''
''She's ready. There's nothing more that I can do. She now knows her limits and how to overcome them. She is ready mentally and physically. The only thing she now needs is senjutsu study and development and everything will fall into place. With time, she could even overcome Kuroka.''
Azazel nodded, but his eyes had a curious glow. –''Kuroka.'' – He said.
Issei chuckled. –''I knew you would ask. What do you want to know?''
''Oh!'' – Azazel was confused. –''You'll answer my questions so easily?''
''I owe you some for the training and some other things..I don't see the point to try to dodge the questions...so, ask on.''
Azazel poured a mug for himself, and a mug for Issei. Issei took the mug and wrapped his hands around it.
''..Even though Kuroka is a S class criminal, not much is known about her. Tell me about her.''
Issei was silent at first, but then he spoke up. –''Kuroka has a mask.''
His single sentence was followed by a silence, as she stared at the fire.
''..She makes everyone believe that she is an airhead, a cat-like airhead. She even uses the –nyaa sound cats make. That's not the real her. She's serious, in all honesty. Stoic, even.''
Azazel took a sip from his mug, and so did Issei.
''You speak of her very...dearly. Were you two close?'' – Azazel asked, not taking his eyes off Issei, judging his every little movement.
''We...were close, in a odd way.'' – Issei yawned. –''You're going to misunderstand, but we even slept together for many nights. Not in a sexual way, just simply together, feeling each others warmth.''
''..that's..interesting.'' – Azazel responded, with a smug smile.
''I don't know..I guess it was a way to cope.''
Silence, once again, as the wood crackled in the fire.
''..Do you know where she is now?'' - Azazel asked.
''No.'' – Issei responded. –''..Ahh..no more questions.''
''If you say so.'' – Azazel responded. –''Oh..how's your dog been?''
''It's a wolf, Azazel.'' – Issei threw back. –''And Echo is doing quite fine,he was playing around with Tannin earlier, he's probably around here somewhere. He really likes the forest and it's freedom.''
''..Same as you then.''
Issei nodded and took a sip of the coffee.
Somewhere in Japan.
The man was dressed in a suit. He swiftly exited the coffee shop with an envelope in his coat's hidden pocket. The evenings wind ruffled his hair as he looked around. No one was in sight. No one suspicious that is.
He took a step. Then another one. He tripped. The control over his own body was cut off like the strings of a doll as his body hit the ground. He turned his head sideways, spending the last amount of power he had.
As the darkness closed in on his eyes, he only noticed the stoic face of the women who had knocked him out, in some way. Her black hair swayed in the wind, uncovering her narrow hazel eyes. He only noted, that her eyes were rather feline looking.
...
He took a deep breath, as if waking up from drowning. His heart was trying to jump out of his chest.
He couldn't see. He tried to move his arms and legs, but he couldn't. He was tied to something, most likely a chair.
His vision was starting to return, when he heard the eerie screech of rusty doors. He blinked, trying to regain his vision, but that failed..until he was hit in the face.
He violently shook to one side, and then after the second hit, to the other.
Another hit to his face and his vision was returned. He blinked, looking at the blurry person in front of him. The buzzing sound in his hears disappeared as he heard the person's cheerful voice.
''Wakey wakey, darling.'' – She said, as she grabbed the man's face. –''Did you sleep well?''
He noticed her ice cold skin, her straw yellow hair that was hanging on both sides, tied by neat looking bows. Her green eyes were narrow and she had a lustful smile. He noticed the scar that was running around her neck.
He understood, then and there, in that moment.
''Maria..'' – He spit out. –''So..that kid..that fucking kid.'' – He could barely speak – it was as if his power was being sucked out of his bones.
She grabbed into his face, her sharp nails tearing his cheeks. –''Ah, yes, indeed. I am Maria.'' – She responded, sounding quite annoyed. –''..And you are Urjii, right? One of Sirzechs lapdogs, are you not?Oh, and if you'll look at my scar again I will rip your fucking face off, you understand?''
He didn't respond, just kept staring her in the eyes. She let go of his face and backed off. She span around herself as she began to talk. –''Listen. Do you know why you are here?''
Urjii wouldn't answer, even if Maria had given him enough time do it.
''Because you are too nosy. You searched, asked and looked for the documents of my little Issei everywhere, and –to my surprise – did find them...'' – She pulled the letter out of his pocket and span it around in her hand before setting it on fire with magic. –''..Well, not that it matter anymore. The one who stole the documents is hanging out over there.'' – She pointed her hand to the right side.
Urjii slowly tilted his head to the side. The man he had gotten the envelope from was hanging from the ceiling a few meters from him. He was torn apart in the middle of his stomach. His legs were limply hanging from his body, facing different directions. There was a a river of blood beneath him, as he slowly spun. A moment later, Urjii noticed the glassy eyes.
He violently shook his wide shoulders as he tried to rip himself free, but the chains held him down. Red marks already had appeared on his skin, under the chains.
''Ah!'' – Maria touched her forehead in a cute manner. –''Silly me, I forgot to tell you. Kuroka-chan used one of her senjutsu tricks to drain you and make you weak...so just bear with me, ok?~''
''You...bitch..'' – He said, but was hit in the head by her knee. Even though she was wearing a cute, black dress with frills, she was as dexterous as ever. His vision blurred as he began to bleed from the head.
''Ahh~...'' – She sighed, cutely. –''As you are going to die next, I will tell you the exact reason of me killing you. You see, Issei-chan, although very cute and even though he's become strong now, he's dumb. For every step he takes, I have to take two backwards to cover up for him. He blabs and blabs about things like his teacher did, and well, it isn't that bad, that he does so, but it's bad when it detriments the mission.''
She slapped Urjii a bit. –''Oy, listen when I speak, mongrol.'' – The cute tone returned a second later. –''The medical files contain a lot of stuff you guys can't know. Well, now you'll never know, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what you do know...Issei blabbed about being in a coma, but well, you don't know what kind of problems there were when he finally woke up...And yes, I blabbed, but that doesn't matter anymore, does it?''
Maria smiled, as Urjii growled. –''Shut the FUCK UP!''
''..Ah sorry, I really like to talk, you know? But...it's enough of talking from me...now...you talk.'' –In a split second, a knife was pushed trough Urjii's hand. He grunted in pain.
Maria pushed the knife sideways, cracking bones. –''Now...Urjiii-chan...how much does Sirzechs know? Does he know about Issei medication? About the problems? About his teacher? About he plan? ABOUT ANYTHING? HEEEEEEEEEEEY? URJIIIIIIIIIII...LETS TALK, SHALL WE?~'' – Her eyes widened and became bloodshot, as another knife shattered Urjii's other arm.
A third knife ran down his face, tearing open his eye and his cheek. Blood splattered on to Maria's face as Urjii screamed, but she just licked it and let out a girly chuckle.
''..Heeyyyyyyyyyyy...'' – She leaned in, closer to his ear, as she whispered. –''Give...me moooreeee~~''
Knifes appeared in both of her hands. She held knifes between her fingers and was about to cut him when the doors opened again. Kuroka looked at her with narrow eyes and sighed.
''Ah..Kuroka-chan.'' –She said, as she looked back at her. –''..I was just..umm..having a little fun.''
Kuroka was wearing black, skin-tight pants and a black cardigan. The dark room almost hid her, as only her hazel eyes glowed as she looked at Urjii.
She touched Urjii's head and he stopped breathing so raggedly.
''..What do you know?'' – She asked.
A monotone voice responded. –''About the missions, the war.''
''What about Margit, Issei's mission?''
''We know little about Margit and what mission?'' – Urjii responded with a daft expression.
''Issei's purpose.''
''That's what Sirzechs was trying to find out.''
''Did you give any information about the documents you received earlier? Did Sirzechs know you found a source on the documents?''
''No. I didn't get the chance to report to him.''
''Good.'' – Kuroka responded, and with the same stoic expression, she touched his head again. –''Rest, you fool.''
Maria dropped her knives and touched Urjii. She shook his head, but he didn't respond. His eyes were staring at a single point. –''Ara...you broke him.'' - She said, in a sad tone. A tone that would hear from a child who had his toy broken.
Kuroka looked downwards to Maria. –''C'mon, let's go. Stop playing around with a brain dead person.''
Kuroka exited the garage first and Maria second, but before she did, she snapped her fingers and created a fire. When they both were a few tens of meters away, the building was already burning like a fireplace on a Christmas eve.
Kuroka stared at it with a nonchalant expression for a little bit, and then teleported away, taking Maria with her.
Ayyy yo. Been some time. Sorry I'm lazy and kind of depressed.
I just can't enough energy for writing. It's never the right mood and other stuff...plus..school is really bothering me.
Anyways, enough about me. Training, training and training.
The last scene, with Maria is rather brutal..i think? Well, anyways, Maria is brutal, so that's just what you would expect..
As always, thank you for reading and leave a review if you enjoyed it.
Karlos1234ify - Issei is mentally damaged, there is a lot to come.
BejeweldSteam4 - Issei is a wildcard. He could be stronger, he could be weaker. If he rampages he gains raw power, if he calculates, he becomes more precise, but looses the edge...it's rather complicated, but I think you'll enjoy what I'll show about the fight. And Rias knew Issei would dodge. If it was a weak shot there's a possibility Issei would just take it on and attack without a care, but when his own body, his mind makes him dodge it - he has to.
YuukiAsuna-Chan - Well, Issei fought Saiaorg in Volume 10, in books this would only be volume 5 right now...plus, Issei gained a huuuge power boost in that same chapter. And yes, this Issei would beat original Issei into ground. Well, at least the Issei that was till volume 16..I don't know about current original Issei.
jonesy757 -You aren't stupid, Issei's purpose is shadowy and untold. It's an unreliable narration on his goal - there are some points here and there, but It's not spelled out. Try to figure it out as time goes on ;)
Love times2 - I changed it to M. Don't worry and thanks for the warning. Ah, thanks for reading.