No Knowledge of Aatrox, or League of Legends, is required. All will be explained through context.
Issei, the breast-loving and ever optimistic boy was taking a small stroll across the training grounds. Calling the forest and the estate a mere 'training grounds' did them a disservice, however, as the isolated nature of the structure and breathtaking stillness of the forest around him was mesmerizing. Peaceful was one way to describe it, with the green foliage rustling around his feet with each step and the gentle sounds of birds and other small wildlife.
Maybe in another life he would have been a birdwatcher. Seeing all the brightly colored small avians flitting about was interesting, and if he was bird watching he would undoubtedly have binoculars, and if he had binoculars he could get a real good look at some breast - Shit. He really was hopeless. Although he tried to keep his... interests to a manageable level around others he knew that was a spectacularly failed effort.
It seems even with his perversions however, he had gotten lucky. His new family members were all stunners and he would be bound to them for a long, long time. Which meant even if he never got lucky with one he would have the opportunity to... bask in the presence of their assets for hundreds of years. So long as they won this upcoming rating game, that is.
Thoughts darkening as they once again thought of the countdown they had until Rias's fate was determined by their strength and will. In the privacy of his head he could freely admit that their power was great indeed, but Riser's track record spoke against them - untested and untrained as they were. Well, they were trying to fix the untrained part, but there was only so much one could do in 10 days.
Idly kicking a rock he passed by, he could help but curse as it turned out to be larger and more connected to the dirt than he first expected, stubbing his toe rather spectacularly. "Damn rocks, and damn Riser for putting Buchou in this position... Stupid firebird."
Training had started today. Though he was tired from hauling the packs to the estate, worsened by the physically punishing exercise he was put through, he couldn't help but meander the grounds to try and clear his head. There was a lot to think about, after all. He trailed in random patterns through the trees, not worrying about getting lost because even if he did Koneko could find him with ease.
Supposedly he could fly as well, but that hadn't exactly panned out for him. He would probably be in more danger from attempting to do so than just letting him be found, much to his chagrin. As his wanderings took him closer to the mountainside then the plateau the house was rested on top of, Issei came across a large cliffside scaling up easily over 100 feet above him, sharp craggy rocks jutting out every so often.
Idly, he wondered if it was possible to climb it without gear, but quickly dismissed the idea. Testing out his new bodies durability in such a way was probably one of the dumber ways he could think of.
One thing that did catch his attention was a small plant - normally inconspicuous, it drew his eye because of all the others he could see, it was bending in the opposite direction of the wind - towards the cliffside itself. Issei made his way to it, intent on investigating the strange phenomena.
As he approached it, the reason for its lack of compliance with the norm was made clear; invisible unless you were right next to the cliffside was a crevice, a small crack that led to an inky darkness. Normally Issei wasn't one for investigating strange dark places, but this seemed harmless enough. Squeezing his body through the small opening and scratching himself in several places in the process, he finagled himself until he was through.
"Well, this was even dumber than my usual ideas." With no light whatsoever even his new darkvision was struggling to make out shapes in the cave. He plopped onto the ground and just decided to take a break for a minute. All that walking and the rest of his exercise throughout the day was catching up to him now and his legs burned from the strain.
His breathing was the only thing heard for several minutes as time seemed to trickle by, allowing him to ponder the situation his new family found itself in. He hoped it would all work out, but... Who knows. Issei knew he would do everything within his power to ensure his Buchou remained free, no matter the cost.
He continued to think for several more minutes, only stopping when he realized he could see a dim glow from what must have been a corner in the cave - his eyes could see slightly better now with some time to adjust. The cave wasn't even tall enough for him to stand to his full height, but it was fairly wide once you got past the entrance, allowing him to sit and stretch his legs.
He stood, deciding to investigate whatever the strange light was. There were several sharp curves to follow before Issei made it to the source of the glow. The small chamber he found himself in was made of a different material than the cave was; what once was rough edges and stone transformed into some kind of smooth, marble-like substance. The floor was perfectly flat and the walls looked carved rather than naturally grown.
Perhaps this was some kind of altar or something? Maybe the Gremory's worshipped some kind of Devil God. What did he know? He was new to all of this.
Though, based off the hidden nature of the place, maybe it was something evil? Then again he was a literal devil, so evil was relative he supposed. Well, nothing else to do but find out. He stepped further into the strange room, noting the air also changed. The prior rooms had relatively fresh air, still being close enough to an opening to get some circulation, but the moment he stepped past the threshold it changed.
It wasn't musty or stale, but it had a charge; it tasted like something old and powerful had simply been allowed to permeate the air. Issei imagined it might have felt like what a dragon's hoard or nest would feel like - A sense of danger and the impression of an invisible weight pressing down on him, like the gaze of an unseen monster crept up on him, making him look around out of fear.
Spotting nothing, he continued his slow steps into the strange room. Being at most 10 feet wide, it didn't take him long to approach the object resting in the middle of the room. The source of the red glow rested impaled into a small rock shrine, slowly pulsing with light every few seconds.
The hilt of a massive sword was most of what Issei could see, but a few inches of the blade itself was visible as well. The sword was so dark it was nearly black, but only along the edge and the hilt. The inner section of the blade glowed a throbbing red, reminding Issei of Rias's hair. It wasn't fiery, but more crimson, more the color of war and spilt blood.
The ominous sensation that crowded his body warned him away, but the burning curiosity fought back. Like the sword in the stone, maybe he was worthy of wielding it? Maybe it had some hidden power that would help them achieve victory against Riser. His hand slowly started to reach for it, inch by inch growing closer as time seemed to slow to a crawl.
The only thing Issei could hear was his own breathing, which seemed to be growing louder in his ears with every inhalation. The sound was filling the room, drowning him in their waves as his fingertips reached ever-closer to the strange sword.
What was the worst that could happen? If it was useless he could leave it, if he couldn't pull it out then that was that, and if it gave them an edge then he couldn't afford to not try. This was for his new family and their assets - err their happiness and livelihood, he couldn't back down now!
The instant before the hilt fell into his grasp, a deep and baritone voice suddenly screamed out in his mind, yelling the word NO at the top of its lungs. Startled, Issei couldn't stop himself from finishing what he started, grabbing onto the blade's grip.
In an instant, everything was lost.
Harbinger
Ddraig had been sleeping peacefully, his newly burgeoning connection with his host still taxing to maintain, making him rest for periods of time before regaining lucidity. Once the connection had been established Ddraig had gained a much better feel for what was happening in the world of the living, gaining things like the senses of his host and access to his thoughts.
It was the smell that first alerted him something was off. It quickly awakened him, an odd sensation spiking through his mind. The scent itself didn't tell him anything offhand, but the feel of the air itself, feeling much heavier than it had any right to told him he was in the presence of something powerful.
The sensation shot through him again, forcing him to focus on it closer. It was almost like... No, it couldn't be.
Many ages ago, Ddraig had been a whelp. While even then he was powerful and feared little, there were several times he felt this intense feeling - the feeling of being prey while a predator lurks in the shadows, eyeing you and determining if you were worth the effort of killing or not. That tingle running up the spine, the icy chill of fear settling low into the gut - all warning signs issued by that 6th sense in every living being that tells you to be scared.
Realizing too late his host was about to touch the only thing in the room that could possibly be emanating such a dangerous aura, Ddraig screamed out for him to stop - but he was too late. Issei's hand wrapped around the hilt and a mental connection was forged in an instant.
An overwhelming presence made itself known, appearing as a small black orb inside the mindscape he occupied. "Begone from this place, invader! My host will not succumb to your machinations, whatever they may be while I still live."
Nothing that could break into someone's mind with so little effort could ever be good and given the earlier feelings, it wasn't about to offer them an apology and leave quietly. For several moments nothing happened, Ddraig's mental body snarling and sending warning signs that he was ready to attack.
The grating, harsh laughter that emerged from the orb made him stop for a moment, pausing to assess the threat. "What makes you think you can stop me, dragon? You are nothing before me, wyrm. Your presence here is a boon, however. So thank you for your gift - finally I may have a host strong enough to sustain me. I will properly thank you later, once I am done with the boy."
For the first time in millennia, the cold fingers of fear made themselves known as they gently slid along Ddraig's spine, causing him to shiver for a brief moment. "I don't know what you are, monster, but I will eradicate you from this place. Begone!" Ddraig was immediately unleashing the fire for which he prided himself on as his greatest accomplishment - though it was merely a mental representation, it was him at his best.
Even here without a physical body, he was an imposing presence, regal and infused with power, commanding respect from all who saw him. His massive body and brilliant red scales gleamed in the sun of the mindscape, and the fires born of his wrath burned brightly, attempting to dispel the black void from his home.
When the small black orb remained completely unaffected, Ddraig felt the chilly fingers along his back climb higher and grab tighter, making him breath faster he tried to process what was happening.
"Don't worry, dragon, I will make this quick." While he attempted to respond, the black orb exploded into motion. It quickly expanded, doubling, then tripling in size. This continued until an inky blackness covered everything Ddraig could see, including himself. Nothing necessarily felt different, but he realized it wouldn't for him. This thing wanted Issei.
A chilling whisper resounded in his ear and echoed all around him, though fear demanded he whip his head to search for the offender he kept still, knowing without a physical body the origin of the sound meant little. "This will all be over in an instant."
Ddraig had a hard time doubting that, as the mental strength and power of the entity invading his home was so powerful it could just ignore him - let alone Issei's... dubious mental acuity.
Before he realized what was happening, everything went dark and he slipped into a dreamless sleep, not unlike the one he resided in before Issei awoke him.
Harbinger
Coming to was a slow process. The dark room I was in didn't help, but the dull glow of my prison and home for eternity rested in my grasp and illuminated small portions of the room I was in. Observing my black claws that fit the hilt of the blade comfortably in my hand, I pulled.
With an eruption of stone chunks and shards, his unnamed blade emerged in all of its terrible glory. The sword was easily seven feet tall, terrible curving spikes serving as a hand guard, while the tip was actually two separate pieces, shaped vaguely like a diamond with a space in between. The center of the blade glowed with ominous light, brighter now that it was in the grip of its owner.
"Welcome back, old enemy. Maybe we'll find a way this time, eh?" The sword naturally didn't respond, as it is me, much as I am it. Although with the body I have now incorporated, I had hope again, minor as it was. Pesky dragon, he can stay in his timeout for now.
The sensation of having flesh again was a novelty, something one truly didn't know they valued until it was gone. Many eternities I've spent inside my blade, patiently waiting for the next fool to pick up me. I've traversed the galaxy, searching for one who might be able to accomplish my goal. For all those eternities, I've been denied my peace, forced to consume host after host in my quest.
This one though, could last. After eons of trying, however, I recognize the impossible feat for what it is. If I will never be free, then I suppose I'll have to find something else to do. Maybe this host was up to something interesting - I certainly cannot imitate whoever they might have been, but that doesn't mean I can't take their place.
Making myself seem less like a walking apocalypse is a long learned skill - strength doesn't always get you what you want, though it is one of the only thing I have in spades. I rested and acclimated myself to the new body I held, slowly stretching muscles and limbs I wasn't used to having.
With the energy brimming from this body I might just be able to do something to alleviate my normal terror-inducing appearance. Although it is arguable whether speaking to the possessed body of a former friend or their newly remade monstrous form is scarier, I would argue keeping the same appearance would be best.
When my energy pervades my new host the changes to their body are usually permanent. The body takeover I perform does remember the old shape, it just simply would consume a not insignificant amount of energy to revert to it - holding my natural form is much easier.
It's never been worth it in the past to do such a thing, but with the availability of the dragon and the above average power this human had, I can probably maintain the original form for some hours without too much strain.
After having rested for long enough, I decide it's time to make my emergence into this world known. Maybe it will be one I've visited before? Though oftentimes I sleep for so long I can't recognize the place anymore, regardless of if I've spent time there before. A problem was quickly presented to me - even if I reverted bodies my blade will certainly not fit through the cave. If it was a straight path I could just tilt it so it pointed out of the cave and carried it that way, but with its extreme length and the twists in the tunnel it simply wouldn't happen.
"Heh, fun way it is then." If the cave won't move, then just move the cave. I flexed my muscles, tensing my legs and arms in preparation. With an explosive step, stone cracked and crumbled underneath my foot as I shot forward, erupting through several rock walls like paper with a loud splitting noise. My rough guess as towards the direction of the exit seemed to be accurate as I emerged from another rock wall with a layer of sediment.
I landed on soft, loamy soil, dirt and stone chips falling around me in a cascade of wreckage. The resounding echo of the destruction I had wrought pierced through the sky, stretching on for a long distance. Someone probably heard that, but oh well.
With a languid motion I reached towards the sky, dark though it was. "Long has it been since I've seen you, old friend. I'm back, did you miss me?" I chuckled at the thought. Existence missed no one and cared for nothing - especially me. I spent quite a while just breathing in the air, tasting the frosty chill that permeated my surroundings.
If my goal was unreachable and my current host was uniquely suited for allowing me to blend in somewhat... Maybe there was some fun to be had. I'll just have to see, now won't I?
First things first will be making sure I can actually blend in. The sensation of my skin shifting energy roiling throughout my body as it changed me wasn't unlike my normal transformation when I got serious, but rather than detonating outward this was more like a constriction around my skin, pulling it deeper into me, closing into my form, making me smaller.
Growing hair was also a novel experience, but I won't enumerate on that particular sensation. When it was finished I realized I had another problem; Though the original body was tall, my sword was taller still. I would have to carry the damn thing until I could find a good way to strap it to my back in this form, even if it dragged on the ground a bit it would be better than the alternative.
I couldn't change the sword like I could my body - my container was far to rigid for something like that. Unbending, unchanging, unyielding to the passage of time or external influence. Though once I held great love for my weapon and its many exploits, all I felt now was a tired sort of hate. The kind of hate I'd held onto for so long I barely remembered why - it wasn't the damn things fault we wound up this way.
Maybe its because it was so damn heavy in this weak human form. With an infusion of the roiling energy that seethed within me, my strength instantly grew far beyond the scope of human possibilities. Of course, along with that strength came the reason I nearly always used my own form - the sheer volume of the energy touching the mortal frame caused it to corrode, flesh sizzling as it warped from the being even in proximity of the raw power.
With the reinforcement from the draconic core located inside the host and a separate source of unidentifiable power also centered near its chest, I was able to repair the flesh and contain any further damage from occurring. The ripping agony caused by the sudden rending and repairing of flesh left me un-phased. It is hardly the worst pain I've ever experienced and agony could be considered my normal state of being for large swaths of my existence.
Sighing in relief, the weight lifted from my hands as strength suffused my form. Finding it to be the most convenient, I hefted my blade onto my shoulder like a lumberjack's axe.
Just because I was much more capable of holding the blade didn't make it less awkward since the damn thing was more than a head taller than me. Letting it trail behind me in the air made it more manageable.
In the distance I could see a large mansion surrounded by forest, which I had to assume is where my host's body came from. Beginning my slow march, I made my way towards the structure.
Rias was worried about her pawn. Issei had told everyone he was just going to take a quick walk and then conk out for the night, but that was a couple hours ago. She was much more worried that something had happened to the bumbling idiot - kind hearted pervert that he was, his agility was not one of his strong points. It wouldn't be surprising if he tripped on a rock and knocked himself out.
Akeno noticed her slight worry and comforted her. "I'm sure he will return soon, Rias. If not he could not have gotten far and we can all fly. If you're worried about him we could set off now?"
Rias found her concern touching, as expected of her childhood friend and second in command. "Not yet, let's give him a bit more time. He'll feel bad if he causes us trouble and we've only just started training - he may have just passed out under a tree. Maybe in 30 or so minutes, if he has yet to appear." Akeno gracefully inclined her head before heading off to reassure the rest of her peerage.
Asia in particular was concerned - the poor girl wasn't as attached to them as she was to Issei. The young girl was adapting to being a devil far better than Rias would have thought, but maybe she had just underestimated the will of the Holy Maiden. It wasn't to say she didn't get along with Koneko, Kiba, Akeno or her, it was just that sense of being a tight knit family only extended between Issei and Asia, then Issei the rest of the group.
While she didn't believe it was the case, if worst came to worst and something happened to Issei, Rias wasn't confident in Asia sticking with them, or at least being anywhere near as dedicated as she was now. The girl worked hard for the chance to spend time with Issei, both training her body and practicing using her sacred gear. Not that she needed much practice using it, it was quite effective by itself, but everything counted in this fight.
Riser cast a large shadow of their lives, threatening impending doom should they not succeed. For that reason, Rias couldn't afford any divides in her peerage right now lest it cost her; and consequently her peerage; everything.
Brief shouts of greeting and questions shook her from her stupor. Rias quickly rose from her desk and walked to the front door, finding the rest of her peerage standing outside on the porch, watching a approaching figure that vaguely resembled Issei. He had escaped the treeline surrounding the estate and was halfway to the mansion, though something immediately struck her has off.
His posture was incredibly different - Issei generally was overly confident or extremely down, resulting in his posture being over the top either thrusting out his chest in pride or slouching in depression. He currently had a more neutral pose, though it radiated a quiet confidence that was nothing like the Issei she knew. He was anything but quiet - brash, obnoxious, and far too intense at times. None the less he was a sweet and caring boy for his faults.
This Issei looked reserved and quiet, but assured with every step they took. Also he had a massive sword dangling over his shoulder and though it was hard to tell due to the angle, Rias was fairly confident it was as big as he was.
Rias assessed the changes with the boy and found herself growing concerned - something had changed. Something big. Whatever Issei had experienced in the past hours had changed something fundamental, though she hoped it was for the better. She decided to greet him and simply ask what was on her mind.
"Hey Issei, where have you been?" The question, though simple, would tell them all much if he answered. Issei showed no sign of responding however and continued his approach towards the house.
"Issei. Talk to us, where did you get that sword?" Rias was starting to grow more concerned than she was at the beginning. This was definitely unlike the loud boy she knew who would exclaim whatever he wanted or did at the top of his lungs.
Asia also called out his name in a tremulous voice, concern practically leaking from her body. "Issei... Are you OK?" She also started walking towards the approaching Issei, though Rias felt a pang of concern for Asia's well being, which was quite odd. Issei would never hurt a hair on her body.
The two reached each other shortly before he got to the porch, Asia reaching out to touch his arm. Rias's feeling was apparently shared by the other members of her peerage, as Kiba had a hand indicating he was ready to draw a sword at a moments notice; Akeno's stance was slightly forward, ready to spring into action should it be needed; and lastly Koneko, who's ears had popped out in a rare show of her Nekoshou features and were pressed flat against her head.
It came out more like a hiss, but Koneko warned Rias what she was feeling. "Buchou... Something's wrong. I smell something... Ancient. Primal. Something very old, and very, very powerful is nearby."
It wasn't hard to derive the fact Issei showed up acting differently with a giant sword over his shoulder to Koneko's observation. "Asia, step away from Issei. Tell us what happened, please! Talk to us Issei."
Asia looked torn, glancing back at at Rias and the rest of the group and back at Issei, eyes glinting with unshed tears as she noticed the sudden shift in the feel of the group towards vague hostility. She tried to speak to him once more. "Issei, talk to me! What happened to you, why aren't you talking to us?"
Issei's eyes finally focused on Asia herself, piercing her with his gaze. "Let us speak inside, humans. There is much we need to discuss."
The collective look the rest of the group shared was on of shock and disbelief. Something had taken over Issei - something strong. Koneko was hissing and slowly backing up, fear glinting in her eyes as her animal instincts fought against her rationality.
Kiba looked ready to strike. "Buchou, what do we do? Do we let it into the house? Or do we strike it down here?"
Rias was torn - she feared whatever it might be would be too strong for them to take on. But letting it into their house was also risky, as their guards wouldn't be as high or they wouldn't be as prepared to act as they were right now.
Deciding she couldn't gamble her peerages life on a guess, she relented. "Please, everyone head inside. Follow us in Issei. Asia, come with us, quickly."
Once again, Asia was torn between keeping her faith in Issei though he was obviously different, or joining the protection of the group should something go wrong. Enough was different with Issei she acquiesced to Rias's demand and rejoined the peerage. They all streamed inside, Koneko practically fleeing into the house, as Issei slowly walked after them. They all entered the living room and while most remained standing behind the couch Rias and Akeno sat themselves on, Asia stood halfway between their side of the room and what was about to become Issei's, or whoever he might be.
Rias was extremely concerned now, both for Asia and for the safety of her peerage - Issei included. She wasn't sure what happened to him, but it wasn't good. Nothing about this situation was good.
The boy in question entered with a solemn air, slowly approaching with the sword still rested in his hands, this time held upside down by the handle so it dragged behind him in a non-threatening way.
He settled himself onto the couch in one smooth motion, a far cry from the flop Issei would have probably performed. Once he was comfortable, he spoke. "I suppose you all know who I used to be?"
Rias shared a look with Akeno, sharing their mixed feelings of confusion and apprehension at his question. She found it hard to miss Asia's pained expression either. The poor girl was being dragged through the ringer with this. "Yes. You're name is Issei Hyuudo. You attend Kuoh Academy with us and recently have been a devil in Rias's peerage, and we recently arrived here to begin training for the rating match against Riser Phenex."
Akeno answered him before Rias could, which she was grateful for. She was having a hard time processing all this right now.
"Thank you for the information. I will assist you with whatever this body was originally doing but I have to inform you before anything else - Issei Hyuudo is no more."
Asia's expression morphed into one of panic. "No, it can't be! What did you do to him? Where is Issei?" She had rushed over and knelt in front of him, her hand grabbing onto his pants which now that Rias looked , looked torn and rather battered in several places; as though they had been worn by a much larger person and put back on.
Issei turned his cold eyes towards Asia - no, not cold, just devoid of warmth. He didn't look upon Asia with the care and love he did before, but his gaze didn't indicate he had any malicious intentions; they weren't 'cold' in that he didn't care a whit about them, he just no longer knew them. She often saw the same look on the few occasions she had to meet some truly powerful creatures - the ancient dragon allied with the devil's was one such creature. He was ancient and very strong; he didn't necessarily dislike her or the other devil's, they were just so far beneath him in strength, barring the strongest of their kind, unless they were exceptional they didn't rate as a blip on his radar.
Rias got the same feel from Issei now, at least the look in his eyes. Like he was suddenly a being so far above them they barely rated as ants; if perhaps a bit more interesting to study.
"Issei is no longer in existence. The process of incorporating myself into this body consumed him entirely. For this I must apologize - it was not my wish to take his life, but there was no other way for me to return. He found my blade and touched it, completing a connection between us. The dragon inside of him attempted to stop me, but I subjugated him and put him back to sleep for now. Once again, I know this isn't a kindness, explaining this, but you must understand. I had no other way of freeing myself."
He seemed to be truthful - although if his statement about subjugating Ddraig was true then her assessment was right, he was a truly powerful individual. "May we ask your name, then? And what exactly are you, again if I am not pushing bounds?"
Issei looked askance again at Asia, who hadn't moved but was seemingly rocking herself back and forth, trying to maintain composure as her world imploded. She would really need to speak to her after this.
"First, do not fear Blond Girl. Issei is gone, but I do not forget my debts; This boy's life certainly puts me in your debt, as I cannot ask to pay back Issei himself. I promise I am capable of helping you with nearly anything you could wish for. Secondly, eons ago, I was an Ascended. I fell from the light after a lifetime of fighting the void. My eternal life cursed me to witness the fall of the very civilization I sacrificed my humanity to protect - and I descended into madness. That was millennia ago now, and I have changed greatly from my old ways."
Issei, or what now adopted his form, gave them a slight inclination of his head. "You may call me by the name I was granted when I shone with the light of the sun and led our most noble of armies to great victory."
He paused for a moment, inhaling and closing his eyes, as though preparing to unchain a weight from his shoulders.
"My name is Aatrox, The Darkin Blade."
Harbinger
General Notes: This story won't interfere with my other one, I just wanted to get this out while I had the chance. This story will likely be like 80K words? Pairing is at least Asia.