Omniverse

"I feel...worried for my little darling."

There were times when the 'Above' Entity disliked it when Issei was unintentionally able to make it feel surges of emotion. Whether it was amusement, curiosity, concern, or even affection, the Omniversal Entity never outwardly expressed it.

The entity felt satisfaction as she watched the conclusion of the battle between Issei and Hercules. But her satisfaction quickly converted to concern for Issei as she remembered his apparent hesitation at the beginning of the fight.

"Issei appeared to be troubled in the beginning," The 'Above' Entity began, "That brings an aching worry within my consciousness. And that irritates me."

When she came in contact with Issei for the first time, she made it clear that she was neither his ally nor his enemy. She only intended to see how Issei's actions affected the Universe he dwelled within.

Unconsciously, the 'Above' Entity's form began to alter. Her black hair remained the same, as well as her height. However, her dark-emerald eyes reverted to a soulless black color, and her peach skin brightened to an extreme pale white.

The 'Above' Entity blinked several times as she finally became aware of what had just transpired. She was back in the original form she took when she first met Issei. She lowered her head and blinked again. She then lifted her hands to her face and narrowed her eyes.

"My powers are not aligned with emotions. Perhaps I am feeling a bout of nostalgia for this form."

The 'Above' Entity's body glowed with a bright aura, and in seconds, it manifested into her second and current predominated incarnation.

"The supernatural world is vast in all of its attributes, Issei. You must absolutely be careful. Even though I will not help you..."

The 'Above' Entity puckered out her lips, and put her hand to her mouth. She secretly grew accustomed to the gesture she was currently doing. Closing her dark green eyes, the Omniversal Entity uttered a kissing sound, and flipped her hand out, breathing out a bright manifestation energy in the form of full lips.

The shaped energy then faded away, unable to come in contact with the one who the 'Above' Entity had sent it to.

"I will worry for you." The entity finished, her voice taking on an emotional tone.

Death's Domain

"Hmm. Impressive. Even when he was momentarily stunned beforehand, the son of Amaterasu was able to defeat Hercules."

"Why of course, sister," Death said with an amused smile, "I had no doubts for my Darling's victory. Though his hesitance before he started fighting the Greek God interests me. He didn't appear to be terrified of Hercules, or have a sudden bout of stage fright. I hate to say it, but Darling's actions worry me, and I do not like being worried."

"What do you suppose made him so stunned?' Oblivion asked, just for the sake of doing so.

Death narrowed her eyes, thoughts flowing throughout her vast consciousness. Her night-black eyes then widened as her contemplative frown curled upwards into a cruel smirk. Oblivion noticed this and crossed her arms, her dark-orange eyes glowering at her sibling's apparent amusement.

"So it's finally begun," Death cooed, "The Shinto Goddess of Creation and Death has finally gained enough power to contact her adorable grandson."

"Do not be foolish, Death," Oblivion hissed, "Izanami-no-Mikoto resides within Yomi, the Shinto version of the Underworld. It is impossible for her to have any contact within the world of the living. And besides, Amaterasu and her siblings have no relation at all to Izanami."

Death merely chuckled in amusement at its sibling's words.

"Don't be so naïve. I am aware that Izanami is trapped within Yomi, and I know that Issei has no relation to her. But think about this. You are aware that it is possible for a primordial being or even an entity that predates all, to merge their consciousness with that of the supernatural world."

"Yes, I am aware. What is your point?"

"My point is that Izanami-no-Mikoto is a primordial goddess within the Shinto mythology, sister." Death began, "It is known that she is immensely powerful, if not, one of the strongest entities within the Japanese religion."

"So you are saying that Izanami's consciousness and the literal supernatural world have become one?"

"That's correct. And Izanami has been following Issei since the day he was born, Oblivion. She really is obsessed with Amaterasu's son. Although what her motives are exactly, is unknown to even myself."

"What do you mean?"

"It is obvious that Izanami still harbors hatred for Izanagi for what he had done to her. And since my oh so sweet Darling is a descendant of Izanagi, the Shinto Goddess also harbors hatred for him. However, there are traces of affection as well."

Oblivion narrowed her eyes and uncrossed her arms.

"You speak nonsense, sister. You say Izanami has melded her mind with the supernatural world, and that she hates Issei because of his grandfather. I do not see how she can hold love for Issei."

"It all has to do with what Izanami represents. She is the Goddess of Creation and Death. In a way, what she symbolizes is similar to the Greek Goddess of the Earth, Gaia. It would be characteristic of her if her feelings are mixed."

"Mixed?"

"She loves Issei because of her status as the Shinto of Creation, and yet she hates him because of Izanagi's wrongdoings, and the Death aspect of what she represents. She loves and hates him. It is her hatred that has influenced the events within this world; events that have caused some detriments to Issei."

Oblvion merely stared at its sibling, and huffed as it looked away.

"The son of Amaterasu's family is twisted, to say the least."

"Fufufu." Death chuckled, "Indeed they are. Perhaps Amaterasu is the only sane one in the family."

VIP Stateroom

[The fourth match is about to begin!]

[Odin the Chief God of Norse versus Apollo the Greek God of Music and more.]

"So Odin is facing a Greek God?" Serafall asked, "I wonder how he'll do."

"In either case, it looks like Vali Lucifer was successful in his battle against the Norse God." Gaia said with a smile.

"He's strong," Gabriel commented, "Though I wonder what would happen if Issei-kun and Vali were to fight each other."

"My little Sun is just as strong." Amaterasu said with a hint of motherly pride.

"No wonder he couldn't join my peerage." Rias said, before she could prevent herself from blurting out the rest of her thoughts.

At that instant both Amaterasu and Ophis turned to look at her. Rias deduced by the looks on their faces that she probably should have kept her mouth shut. Although Amaterasu had a calm look on her face, remnants of her powerful solar energy began to manifest around her.

"Rias Gremory," Amaterasu began, her tone taking on a regal and mature tone, "What is your reason for wanting my son to be in your peerage?"

Rias wet her lips, her nervousness clearly showing. She in no way wanted to anger the Sun Goddess, especially since her Solar Energy could actually extinguish her directly. If Issei was already stronger than her and her peerage, then how strong was Amaterasu?

Rias didn't even want to find out that query.

"I-It's just that," Rias stuttered, "He seemed very powerful and looked like a special boy, so I wanted to add him to my peerage."

Amaterasu's expression didn't falter in the slightest, and Ophis' cold expression never changed.

"And what exactly were you planning to do in order to turn him into a Devil?" Amaterasu questioned Rias.

"I was going to use the Evil Pieces-"

"You're forgetting something." Amaterasu interrupted the young Devil.

Rias widened her eyes in response.

"What?"

"You forgot something. Were you going to neglect asking my little Sun if he wanted to become a Devil in the first place?"

"O-of course not! I thought I could convince him to!"

"Convince him? To become a Devil? I don't understand, Rias Gremory. What advantage would my little Sun gain from becoming a part of your peerage?"

The rest of the teenage Devils looked at Rias, unsure if they should even intervene or help the Gremory Devil. Sona wisely kept quiet, as she wasn't the only one who wanted Issei to be in a peerage. That didn't mean she was going to say it out loud like Rias did, lest she incur the wrath of a sun goddess; who suddenly seemed to be possessive over her son.

"Amaterasu." Gaia uttered quietly.

At the call of her name, the Goddess of the Sun allowed the immense power of solar flares to fade away and looked over at the Greek Goddess of the Earth. Gaia sent her old friend an understanding smile. Amaterasu caught sight of her smile, and she willed herself to settle down as she sat down into her chair.

Gaia placed a comforting hand on Amaterasu's shoulder, lessening the Goddess' temper. Inwardly sighing, Amaterasu sent Rias a apologetic glance.

"I apologize for my temper." Amaterasu said gently, much to Rias' surprise.

"I-it's um, no problem." Rias replied.

While Amaterasu and Gaia started to converse amongst themselves, the Occult Research Club and the Student Council were silent. Ophis was eating a buffet of sweets, completely content in her own little world.

"Where did Issei get that sword?"

As soon as those words were uttered out, the residents in the VIP Stateroom immediately quieted down. The words were spoken by Yuuto Kiba, who appeared to be lost in his thoughts.

"What do you mean?" Rias asked.

Kiba turned to look at the Gremory Devil with a serious expression on his face.

"That sword Issei used in his fight against Hercules. That didn't look like the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi at all. Did he get a new sword recently?"

Amaterasu blinked several times at Kiba's words. As far as she was concerned, Issei never mentioned that he had gotten another sword.

"That sword is strong though." said Xenovia, who had not spoken up in a while, "The power rivals that of the Ex-Durandal, or perhaps even more. Even though he used the sword for a brief period of time, I could sense its aura."

"Ufufufu," Akeno giggled in amusement, "So now Issei-kun has two swords. He's certainly become a swordsman like you and Kiba, Xenovia."

"But what kind of sword is it?" Serafall asked.

"No one knows." Sona said with a shrug.

"...Albion."

The members of the VIP Stateroom turned to look at Ophis, who stood next to the once full buffet. The Ouroboros Dragon dusted herself off as she stood up straight. She then looked to the crowd of supernatural creatures.

"The jewel of the Vanishing Dragon, carries the soul of Albion. My Issei absorbed the power of Albion, and in return that power manifested into a blade alongside the Red Dragon Emperor."

"Wait!" Saji exclaimed in disbelief, "So Newby has both Ddraig and Albion?!"

"Add that to his solar energy," Tsubaki said as she crossed her arms, "And he truly is a God."

It was quiet once again until a pair of footsteps acted as the sound of the room. The members turned to see Ophis walking away from them.

"Hey, Ophis!" Saji said, "Where are you going?"

"I, am going to see if there are any sweets left." She answered without missing a beat.

"But you're not allowed to leave the VIP room!"

"I, do not care."

Indra's Room

The Heavenly Emperor sat in his throne, waiting for his next battle to begin. As of now, Odin was fighting Apollo, and it appeared that the former was gaining a slight advantage.

But that didn't matter to him.

Moments later, a portal suddenly opened near him, revealing Georg, Heracles, and Leonardo. Indra smirked at the appearance of the three humans.

"It took you three long enough," He commented dryly, "Did you get the Leviathans like I ordered you to?"

"As a matter of fact we did," Heracles said, "I have to tell you though, that Alpha-Leviathan bitch is really pissed off at us."

"Humph. Forget about her," Indra waved off the discussion, "What's more important is that the Leviathans we have captured will serve as a new power source for myself."

"Power source?" Georg asked, "How on Earth are these power sources?"

"These Leviathans are amorphous and powerful creatures. They can envelop anything like a cover, or even a costume, creating a bond-like symbiosis."

Georg widened his eyes at Indra's words.

"Are you saying that you plan to bond with these creatures?"

Indra didn't respond, choosing to chuckle quietly to himself.

'Beware, Shiva.'

At The Tournament (Food Court)

Attempting to soothe his worries and forget the memories he was suddenly thrusted into, Issei traveled to the food court of the tournament. He hoped that the food would be able to calm his nerves. If not, he didn't know what he was going to do.

Sighing, Issei looked up to see thousands of piles of foods that was enough for twenty Gods and Goddesses. True to that statement, there were already half of them eating at the table. Issei's stomach growled at the sight, and he pat it gently as he stared at the food.

"Issei Hyoudou. Over here."

Issei turned to see Vali signaling him to come over to him. Feeling a bit relieved, Issei eagerly walked over to his friend and rival and sat down next to him.

"Didn't expect to find you here, Vali."

"The feeling's mutual," Vali said as he bit into his food, "Besides, I need to eat before my second match."

"Your battle with Loki seemed to be no problem. While you've gotten stronger, Loki's power remained the same at the time I fought him."

Vali rose an eyebrow in response.

"His power never increased? Humph, then that whole fight was a waste of time."

"It was a long time ago," Issei said, waving his hand in dismissal, "But I'm surprised that Loki never trained for the tournament at all."

"Humph. Then he was all to easy to defeat. That's disappointing." Vali huffed in annoyance, "Anyway, where's that cousin of yours? Because after Odin is done, it's his turn next."

"Yoru's still waiting in the lobby. He's facing Sun Wukong. I gotta tell you Vali, I honestly believe Sun Wukong has an advantage over Yoru."

"You might be right," Vali agreed, "Sun Wukong has over 70 transformations, while Yoru has only two. And plus, that staff of his has powerful properties as well."

"I just hope Yoru doesn't go overboard and try to blow up the place." Issei said as he rubbed his head.

"It all depends on how his mood is." Vali said with a shrug.

Issei sighed and decided to dig in, hoping that the food would soothe his hunger and his nerves.

Issei's Soul Room

Suddenly, the location around him began to darken, and before he knew it, Issei found himself in a pitch black area of darkness. Issei groaned in annoyance, not wanting to go through another flashback.

"What's this? We don't see each other for a long time and the first thing I hear from you is a groan? Humph, you're such a pain in the ass."

Issei widened his eyes at the sound of the voice. It was just like his own, but distorted with a warbling growled echo.

"This isn't exactly the first time you've entered your own soul room. The first time wasn't enjoyable, because of that bony bastard's interference and you bleeding constantly. But I suppose it all worked out in the end."

Very slowly, Issei turned around and his eyes widened further.

He hadn't seen this entity in over six months. The last time he had seen the entity was when the latter had fused with the soul of the God from the Bible. With the soul of the Biblical God now gone, the other entity remained within Issei's soul.

However, the entity had been corrupted, in part due to Hades' attempt to turn Issei into a Grim Reaper. Issei had to destroy his Grim Reaper incarnation, completely cleansing himself from its impurities, which also lead to the entity being destroyed along with it.

However, due to Issei receiving a new body from Great Red's flesh and Ophis' magic, the entity was reborn along with him. He had also regained his sanity, taking his place as a part of Issei's soul once more. The soul that represented his unrestrained anger, instinct, and darkest personality traits.

The soul appeared to be an exact mirror image of Issei, with the exception of having yellow irises, black sclera, a greenish-tongue, and paper-white skin.

"It's you!"

The manifestation of Issei's anger, or as Ddraig rechristened him, Hissei, smirked as he crossed his arms.

"Yo. Long time no see, Issei."

"What are you doing here? I thought you-"

"You thought I was destroyed? Hah! Nice try! I'm a part of you as much as you're a part of me! When you were reborn, so was I!"

Issei didn't even know what to say.

"Why are you here? And why summon me into my soul room at a time like this?"

"Because you're clearly stressed, you idiot," The manifestation quipped, his smirk quickly dissolving, "I was created to hold your anger and what you always hated about yourself."

"But I'm not stres-"

"Don't even lie to me, Issei. If you weren't feeling stressed, I wouldn't have dragged you down to your soul room. Obviously, something's stressing you out."

"Well I..." Issei began, before he paused in his words.

"It's because of those memories of the past, right?"

Issei widened his eyes at his inner self's words.

"How did you know?"

"I'm a part of you as much as you're a part of me. I saw those memories as well."

Suddenly, Issei's soul room began to shake, with the area around them dissolving away. Issei looked around his surroundings, while Hissei stood with his arms crossed.

"What's happening?!" Issei asked his inner self.

"We're flashing back!" Hissei shouted back, "Back to the beginning of Shinto mythology!"

Next time...

Issei, along with his Inner self, are forced to observe the memories of the origins of Japanese Shinto mythology.

P.S.

The appearance and traits of some of the female characters within this story are based on that of other animated female characters:

The 'Above' Entity (First Form) - Yamabuki Otome/Hagoromo Gitsune from Nurarihyon no Mago.

The 'Above' Entity (Second Form) - Ayaka Kagari from Witchcraft Works or Dead Master from Black Rock Shooter.

Death - Otoya Takechi from Akuma no Riddle.

Greek Goddess Gaia - Aki Nijou from Maken-Ki.

Alpha-Leviathan - Seilah from Fairy Tail.

Leiko Hyoudou – Shirase Sakuya from THE iDOLMASTER SHINY COLORS, Aunt Cass from Big Hero 6, Sae Chabashira from Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e, or Chifuyu Orimura from Infinite Stratos.