Love and Vengeance

by DeathDoktor

After finding out he is being used and tricked by his friends at the ORC. Issei can't take the betrayal and snaps releasing all the pent up hurt and anger he has. After this little out burst and the betrayal of Ddraig the dormant power of the abyss Issei has had since birth breaks free. The true dragon of all dragons helps Issei on his path of revenge, and Love?

2. Chapter 2 - Silver of hope

Author's note

Hello everyone I would like to thank everyone for following and favoriting this story, I would also like to thank those of you that reviewed they were a real confidence booster for me. I am sorry for

The wait I just finished the last week of my senior year of highschool so things have been hectic with graduation and parties. I would like to inform everyone that from here on the chapters will be a bit long it is just easier on me to write longer chapters because I tend to get lost in the story and don't like to limit myself to a certain length. With all of that said onto chapter 1 enjoy

Disclaimer

I don't own highschool dxd or any other content from another series that may appear in this story

'Action'

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Sacred gear"

[Host talking]

[talking to host]

{Thinking of sacred gear}

{Ddraig talking out loud}

Chapter 1 - sliver of hope

After the fight with Vali and the Chaos Brigade repairs were needed at the school after the large and devastating battle. Issei had used his balance breaker far past his maximum ability thanks to Azazel. It was decided that after the battle the ORC would continue their normal club activities the following day. Upon arriving at the club room all with the exception of Koneko were shocked to see Azazel sitting in the chair at Rias' desk.

"Azazel what the hell? Why are you here don't you have some super secret fallen angel shit going on?"

"Hahaha while you may be right about that but I was presented an opportunity of sorts that I feel will be very interesting"

After hearing this most of the club members gave curiosity towards the leader of the fallen angels, while Rias had different feelings.

"May I ask what you are doing here? At my desk no less."

"Now, now before you go all crimson princess on me just know that your brother is the one who asked me to come here. As a matter of fact as of today I will be the advisor of the Occult research club

Everyone "..."

"What advisor do you mean? I am the president of this club. I didn't agree with any of this, there is no way my brother would hand over my role as leader even if it was to you."

"HAHAHA, now that is the reaction I was waiting for. HAHAHA this is priceless'' 'I know sirzechs said she can have a bit of a superiority complex but I didn't imagine it would be this bad my god'

After 10 minutes of Azazel laughing things finally settled down as a very impatient Rias was waiting for an explanation. By this time the rest of the club members have recovered from there shock and

are now sitting down also waiting to hear why Azazel is the advisor for the club, though more patiently than their king.

"Well first if I am an ADVISOR not the new leader or present. I now see why Sirsechs asked me to take this job, he had mentioned that as a leader you are not so tactical Rias. Sirsechs asked me to

take this job to watch over you all and report back to him the progress that is being made here. Of course I saw is as an excellent opportunity to help the sacred gear wielders of not only the Red

Dragon emperor but also the legendary Balor View"

'Damn I knew there had to be more to the story since both mine and Gasper hold sacred gears' "Hey Azazel when you say help us what exactly do you mean by that?"

[Partener if I had to guess it has to do the lack of planning and tactical advantages that your master lacks. But regarding the sacred gear help that is something that even I am afraid, knowing this one's skill might actually be beneficial but I don't think being a lab rat sounds like a good idea]

[Yeah I kind of got that Ddraig but still though I knew this guy before I actually knew who he really is, honestly not a bad guy if you ask me]

"well Issei that is some that I must discuss with Rias in private"

"Alright everyone you have your contracts to do meet back at the house once you are done with them instead of the club room"

Everyone went to their contracts and summons while Azazel spoke with Rias about a proposition the Sirsechs had planned in order to test the overall skill and stability of the peerage. Issei Was the last to finish his contracts he got home in the later hours but before he was able to make it into the house Azazel stopped him.

"Hey there Issei, would you mind joining me for some late night fishing?"

"Well I don't see why not but let me go and inform the others about it"

"Actually Issei I have already spoken with them about it. Rias and Ankeno said that they are okay with it, actually I bet they think it's a great opportunity for someone in the peerage to learn my true intentions, haha yeah they are still not fully accepting of me being here. So what do you say?"

"You know what yeah yeah I think it would be nice"

"Excellent, come on then"

The two decided to go ahead and walk to their fishing spot, the night was quite and welcoming, bringing forth a lovely sense of relaxation. Along the way the two to chatted back and forth not as

supernatural beings but as friends. Meanwhile at the house Rias has all of the girls and kiba gathered into the living room knowing that Issei is nowhere around.

"What is it Rias you seem more relaxed than usual?"

"Oh it's nothing Akeno i'll tell all of you in a while I need to take a shower, in the meantime Akeno please help the others get there things in order for the trip, please."

"Trip? what trip I was not informed of such thing"

"Oh yes that is right you were not with us before, we are all going to go on a training trip in the underworld something that was put together by Sirzechs and Azazel"

"Ah yes very well then I shall start packing"

While Rias was in the shower Akeno took the time to explain what is happening as well as helping the other pack for the trip. Kiba was already packed since he was the first to finish his contracts he was told earlier than the others. While everything was squared out at the house, Issei and Azazel had made it to the river and began fishing in silence until Azazel was the first to break it.

"You know Issei it's times like these that make me actually wish that I was just human, peacefully living day to life" 'I can really see what you mean Gorou, this is nice'

"Luckily I got to experience that for at least a portion of my life" 'That is a portion I will cherish dearly to myself'

[Partner I don't see how ogling women all day then getting beat for it is living but for you as my host I'm no longer surprised.]

[Oh pipe down Ddraig you'll ruin the atmosphere]

"Hey Azazel can I ask you something?"

"Sure fire away"

"Have you ever loved someone or multiple people, but had something stopping you from actually acting upon those feelings?"

Silence fell over the two again as Azazel was left within his thoughts searching for an answer to Issei's question until a memory of sorts popped up. Bring Azazel back to his senses realising why Issei is asking this question in particular. Over the last few months prior to this evening Issei and Azazel have grown a special bond of sorts, one in which Issei has come to see Azazel as an Uncle that he never had.

"You know Issei. I'm sorry but I don't think I have ever actually been in love before. I mean sure I've had a couple flings her and there but those were only physical. I have always been absorbed in my studies to have a relationship like that ... Although I can probably guess why you are asking me"

After a long moment Issei sighs scratching the back of his head. "Yeah probably, I mean you already know everything i'm sure"

'Man I knew Raynare did a number on him but to be this bad. I always have noticed that even though he is a pervert everything he has done is mild and not that intimate they are always more out of sexual nature' "Well Issei if I had to tell you anything it would let them know how you feel but also give them your explanation of why you need time. I'm sure they will understand, I know the process will be hard but they are good girls. They should be able to help. Besides i'm always here for you"

"Thank you Azazel, I think i'm ready to tell them, see ya later"

After Issei runs off leavin Azazel with his own thoughts again 'Good luck Issei' "Damn well looks like i'm fishing alone again hahaha"

With that Issei ran towards the house pumping himself up for the talk that will change his life. As Issei reaches the front door he can hear the voice of the girls in the living room. After getting distracted he loses some of his momentum so he stays by the door a little longer to rebuild his confidence. While waiting he hears a few comments that perk his interest so he decides to listen a little while longer.

"So are you feeling any better Rias?"

"Yes thank you Akeno, now I believe that I have some explaining to do" all members of the club nods except Koneko.

'The pervert is at the front but something about his aura seems different than usual?' as Koneko is lost in her own thoughts while Rias begins her explanation.

"So what would you guys like to know?"

"Ah yes we were wonder why you are acting different it's almost the same as before you know what happened"

"Yes, yes very perceptive Kiba as a knight should be, and you are correct. It's just he's not around right now so I feel at ease"

"Oh come on Rias he just loves you, I think it's kind of sweet but then again you have your eyes on someone don't you?"

"Oh please Akeno do not kill the mood, at times I wonder why I even resurrected him"

With Issei outside the door he is held in his chest, leaning against the door having some trouble breathing.

[Partner are you okay?]

[Yeah i'm fine Ddraig it's just I found out what Rias really thinks about me]

[Partner I think it would be best if you stopped listening it will only hurt you more]

Issei ignores Ddraigs warning and continues to listen to the conversation.

"Rias do I still have to keep acting around Issei?"

"Yes you do Asia we still need him for his power. Be honest with me Akeno, what do you really think about him?"

"Honestly Rias I have met Strays that i would rather be with than that pervert although he is resilient, he could make a good slave"

"How about you Kiba?"

"To be honest I don't know I mean he did help me but he is really ruining my image not only around the school either, i'm beginning to get just a little fed up"

"How about you two, Koneko and Xenonvia you both have been really quite"

"Well Rias I don't know any of you well enough to make a judgement like that, he may be perverted but he has proven himself to be a good warrior and for that I believe I can still get along with him. I don't have a need for to elaborate a judgement unless of course it is ordered of me

" That I understandable Xenonvia, I did not expect a concrete response from you since your time with us has been short"

Rias looks over at Koneko with a look of curiosity and mild surprise at the look of her servant.

"Koneko, what is your opinion of him? I bet it is close to ours see as you usually physically react after his perverted habits"

-With Issei-

'Dammit, I've been used and betrayed for so long but why? What have I done to deserve this, well might as well here Koneko's opinion' Issei puts ear up to the door once more only to hear a comment

that brought surprise and slight hope back into his heart.

'Issei is still listening to all of this. He must be really upset about the truth, don't worry Ise-senpai I'm still here for you' "No Rias I actually quite like him. I don't think it is nice to be using him in this way, you know the very way you saved a few of us from?"

What Koneko said brought silence of disbelief to the entire room while outside the door Issei was quietly weeping from Koneko's words. After 10 minutes Rias finally spoke up just explaining the same thing that Akeno did although with a little more detail. 2 minutes after Rias stopped explaining Issei came in the front door gasping for breath.

"Oh huff huff ... hey guys.. huff i'm sorry I ran here from the river.

"But Ise why did you run here?"

Nobody but Koneko and Xenovia noticed the way Issei twitched as Rias said the nickname. Koneko being the only one knowing the reason why but both of them choose not to say anything about it for the

sake of Issei.

"Oh haha, Azazel informed me about this trip to the underworld we are going on and told me if i'm not packed that i'll be left behind haha" explained Issei while scratching the back of his head "so I best get packing"

"oh Ise I can help you with that so you get everything you need"

"No no it's okay I got it don't worry thank you tho"

Everyone with the exception of Koneko was shocked that Issei rejected the help that Rias offered him. For the next few hours Issei was training, while buying time until he was sure that everyone was asleep he didn't want to have others in his bed tonight, not after what he heard earlier. Little did Issei know there was a pair of Hazel colored eyes watching him the entire time he was awake, not the

eyes of a predator but the eyes of someone who is concerned.

'He's working himself to hard there has to be something that I can do for him'

After sometime Issei went up to his room, went inside and locked the door, but before he closed the door Koneko had managed to get in. Issie slowly made his way to his bed exhausted and depressed from the day, when he got into his bed he began to slowly and quietly weep. Seeing Issei so broken Koneko couldn't bare the sight anymore and made her presence known.

"huh oh Koneko i'm sorry please could you leave me right now and please don't look at me, I understand everything they said and I can't blame them I mean they..."

Issei was silenced when he felt a pair of small arms wrap around him and pull him close. Koneko had pulled him into a hug. She was not going to let him sit there and finish that sentence.

"shhh...shhh, I know that you were listening by the door and heard what they said, you must be feeling it's okay let it out. While you may be a pervert what has been done to you isn't right"

'sniffle' "thanks Koneko but why help me?"

"It's because I love you, '' Koneko said under her breath while a small blush started to form on her cheeks. Issei heard her words but chose not to say anything as he figured those words were not intended to be heard so Issei played it off as he didn't hear, for Koneko's sake.

"What was that I didn't quite hear you, what did you say"

"Sigh...I said there doesn't have to be a reason for me to help my friend"

After Koneko's words, Issei was once again a crying mess, holding onto Koneko as if his life depended on it. Koneko just sat there slowing petting Issei's head and whispering words of comfort in his ear with an almost happy expression on her face. The crying embrace lasted another 15 minutes until finally Issei quieted down. Koneko looked down once Issei was silent only to see Issei was asleep in her chest with a small smile gracing his lips. Koneko laid down and decided to stay with Issei the rest of the night but would leave early in the morning so Rias doesn't suspect anything.

'This is nice. I wish we could stay like this forever but unfortunately that can't happen at least not yet' throughout the remainder of the night Koneko's mind was racing with thoughts of how her life with Issei would be.

-Time Skip: the next morning-

Once morning came Koneko had already woken up and left for her own room leaving Issei alone, Issei woke up quite harshly to the rays of sunshine that was shining through his window. Today was the day that the club would be going to the underworld to undergo the secret training Azazel was talking about last night. Issei got dressed and went down the stairs to the kitchen to meet with the others

for breakfast like any other day, during this little interaction Issei kept up a mask. Nobody with the exception of the Koneko could detect that Issei knew what was said last night. The strangest thing to Issei was that he had not heard anything from Ddraig all day, he just figured that he was sleeping. Once the morning was done everyone boarded the train to the underworld. Issei sat a little closer to Koneko than he usually would but the others seemed to pay no mind at all.

"Hey Koneko" Issei leaned in a bit closer so that he could tell her someone without the other members hearing. "Thank you for last night, it really helped if there is anything that I can to for you please do not hesitate to ask"

Koneko was busy trying to hold back a blush with how close Issei was to her and his hot breath traveled across her ear. "Oh it was not problem"

The train ride continued and for the duration of the ride Issei and Koneko talked back and forth except for the time it was interrupted by Akeno and Kiba. When the train suddenly stopped Issei was

thrown forward right in front of Koneko he managed to catch himself at the last moment. Koneko had closed her eyes in the moment once it was over she opened her eyes only for her eyes to lock onto

Issei's brown eyes. With there faces so close Koneko could not hold back a blush not since her little "Unheard" confession to Issei the night before, with Issei the situation was no different after what felt like an eternity for the two Rais and Azazel came into the room informing them that this is their stop not nearly as nice of a goodbye she had given Sona and her peerage. Soon after everyone was thrown off the train to the terrain below.

"Ugh what the hell" Issei groaned unknowingly still holding onto Koneko who he had grabbed onto during the fall. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah...thanks" 'He grabbed and protected me from the fall, he knows that I could have landed by myself but he decided what he would help was it instinctive or something else'

While everyone was regaining their bearings from the fall a roar and then a loud thud was heard near the area they had fallen. Once everyone looked up they saw the shadowed figure of a dragon. The dragon clearing had the intent of attacking, so everyone got into a fighting stance.

[Let's go Ddraig...Ddraig?] While the others were starting their assault on the enemy, Issei was left behind in his own confusion of why Ddraig was not listening to Issei.

[Come on Ddraig we need to beat this guy...Ddraig why are you not responding?]

Within Issei's mind silence was heard but he could still feel Ddraig's presence. Issei then concluded that Ddraig was in fact ignoring Issei for some reason.

[Dammit Ddraig come on I need to help them] finally after having enough of Issei's pleading Ddraig released the gauntlet as Issei charged towards the Dragon. [Damn well either way thanks Ddraig now

let's kick some ass]

The fight continues for a few minutes while Rias was nowhere to be seen as Akeno being Queen took over command, the whole group was at a loss until Koneko got hit sending her back into the rocks of

the cliff. Issei watched in horror as a very familiar feeling became to seep into his mind rage, pure rage not only to the dragon who hurt Koneko but to Rias and the others for the things they did

to him, Kokabeil, vali and the rest of the chaos Brigade all of those that have wronged Issei. This was the crack that was slowing growing larger with each passing moment.

[Ddraig I need more power...Dammit Ddraig for god sake listen to me] Issei waited with this feeling continuing to seep into him. Soon Issei became to slowly release this feeling to the area surrounding him.

The dragon continued it's attack as Asia healed Koneko, Kida and Xenovia weren't even making scratches on the dragon's scales, Akeno's lighting was the only to a seemed have an effect no matter how

small it really was. Suddenly all the fighting stopped when a heavy and dark aura was felt coming from the battlefield stopping even the dragon in his assault. All members turned to the source of the Aura only to find Issei standing with a dark look on his face.

"You know what fine if you won't help me then i'll just do it myself" The tone of Issei's voice was chilling causing everyone to feel a chill run up there spine "Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker" was the next thing that was heard but it was not Ddraig's voice that was heard but rather Issei's own voice. In a flash Issei had disappeared and reappeared in front of the dragon sending him a punch, soon after another punch to the maw. The rest watched in not only curiosity but horror as Issei single handedly took on the very same dragon that all of them together could not even wound. As Issei kept attacking the other club members started to notice that the arua the Issei was released was not Ddraigs but his own. The fight between Issei and the unknown Dragon continued until the Dragon found an opening which took Issei by surprise. The attack from the dragon had hit Issei just right to where he lost all balance and fell once Issei fell Koneko ran over to him to see if he was okay shortly after the balance breaker armour dispersed leaving just Issei, after this happened Issei attempted to get up and fight once more only to find a lack of strength and energy causing him to fall. Koneko managed to catch Issei before he hit the ground, the Dragon approached once more but this time instead of attacking he introduced himself and the reason for his actions.

"Hello young devils I am the dragon King, Tanin. I was assigned this little task to prove the strength of Rias's peerage without the presence of their king, I will say you all need serious work wouldn't you say Azazel?" The club members looked up to see Azazel and Rias above them with Rias approaching her Peerage to see they are all uninjuried. "Ddraig it is good to see you again and I see you have quite the host this time"

"hahaha Yes indeed I do, how have you been through all of these years?"

Tanin and Draig spoke with each other through a means of telepathy that way there conversation would remain private. Rias made her way over to Issei and Koneko, once she got there Koneko assured her that she was fine. Rias then turned to Issei.

"Ise how are you feeling? I didn't know that you could be as powerful as you were against Vali without Azazel's help"

"I'm fine Rias just a bit tired, I need to talk with Azazel about something, Koneko a little help please."

All the members present were shocked to see the cold attitude that Issei had towards Rias. Once Issei reached where Azazel was standing with the help of Koneko, Issei pulled Azazel to the side.

"I'm going to need to talk to you about something later please"

"Yeah yeah it's no problem from the way you were fighting it seems something big is bothering you, meet me later tonight after after you all have settled into your quarters"

"Thanks Azazel, I'll see you later then"

With that Issei and Koneko made their way to where the others seemed to be going once Issei and Koneko had managed to catch up with them; they seemed to be at the baths. The girls baths were separated

to that of the boys giving the girls their privacy which was very much welcomed. meanwhile with the boys Kiba and Issei joined Azazel who was already there, Issei sat within walking distance of Azazel as they had a calm conversation much to Kiba's surprise Issei had not once looked up or even mentioned that the girls were just above them, this was not only to Kiba's surprise but also the girls themselves. Normally Issei would be drooling at the thought of seeing all of the girls in their current state of dress. The girls were so in shock any means of a normal conversation had passed. Now they were silent while voices of Issei and Azazel were be heard from the bath below.

-scene change-

After the baths everyone got dressed and headed to the Gremory mansion where they were greeted by Grayfia who was there to welcome them in. Once all members were in the house Issei noticed the maods and butlers all lined up down the hallway welcoming Rias back home, soon after a younger child with the same red hair as Rias and Sirzechs came running down the hallway towards Rias arms wide open for an embrace.

"Hey Rias who's the half pint your younger brother or something?"

"No no Millicas here is the child of my older brother. Now Millicas where are you manors say hello."

"Hello my name is Millicas Gremory, it's a pleasure to meet you all"

While the girls were commenting on how Milicas presented himself, Issei was lost in his own thoughts. 'Wait if Milicas is really Sirzechs kid just who in the hell did he knock up'

The moment after Grayfia responded signaling for everyone to move to the next room, which was led by Milicas running before everyone.

"Rias and her friends are finally here"

"My, my such bad manors Millicas"

As everyone followed Rias into the room they were met with another woman.

'who in the hell is she is gorgeous and has a very pleasant motherly aura around her...wait a minute since when in the hell can I see someone's aura' [Ddraig a little help here...Oh yeah nevermind]

"Issei"

"Yes Rias?"

"Finding a carpet that matched the drapes was a pain please do not drool on it with ogling my mother"

"I was not Ogling, I was only admiring the gorgous woman in front of me while enjoying the warmth of her aura...wait this is your mother?"

Everyone had been shocked with the way Issei was acting all day and right now was no exception. Issei had not only opening admitted to staring at Venelana but also giving her decent compliment towards her,

causing a light blush to appear on the older womans face. The fact that Issei can see her aura was another shocker not only to the peerage but also all those that were present, only high class devils can see a persons aura in detail and Issei was nowhere near that level. Once everyone recovered from their shock formal greeting began.

"Its been far too long it's a pleasure to see you again lady Venelana" With that everyone bowed.

"you sound so different Akeno, it's a pleasure to meet all of your friends, I am Rias' mom Venelana Gremory"

'I did figure she was a milf given her aura but I mean we are in hell so why wouldn't she be hot'

"Ecxuses me dear but are you Issei Hyoudou?"

"Ah Yes ma'm I am it is a pleasure to meet you, but may I ask how do you know my name?"

"I take it upon myself to look into my daughters sutors, it is a mothers job to worry after all"

Rias blushed at the comment, while Issei replayed the comments that he made during his fight with Riser.

"Ah, Oh crap my apoloies, I do not think I made the best first impression with your husband or really anyonelse I have ever meet for that matter" Issei stated with a small bow of respect

"Oh hahaha, please raise your head dear you are perfectly fine dear, in fact my husband didn't do to well himself he should have picked the boy of Rias' choosing in the first place."

"Mother stop"

"well I beileve it's time we all sat down for dinner"

"Rias dear would you show everyone the way"

"Huff, Okay"

-Scene change-

"welcome everyone while you are here please think of this as your home away from home. For those of you who are newcomers I Zeoticus Gremory the current head of the Gremory family as well as Rias' father"

'Well I do believe that proper table manners are neccsessary, looks like those prim and proper skills mom taught me when I was younger will come in handy' Issei begins to eat with absolute perfect

table manners until he noticed that Gasper was not eating and looked scared while Koneko was looking kind of down. 'Koneko what is wrong with you? No matter i'll help you in some way' "Hey gfather what is the matter?" Issei says in a tone that had never been heard from him before it was almost the same tone as that of a father or a mentor.

"Eating in front of all these people and this really big room is really freaking me out and causing the food i'm eating to taste like nothing.."

"Ummm, try closing your eyes and only focusing on the food you are eating, see if that makes a difference okay"

Gasper nods "Okay Issei i'll try" he states while doing what Issei told him to try out. shortly after a smile appears on Gaspers face. "It work, thank you so much Issei"

Issei smiles and continues his eating with a few occausional glances at Koneko urging her to eat, eventually she gives into Issei's sudden hints as the dinner table was silent until someone broke it. "I've been meaning to ask you Issei"

"Uhm yes what is it sir?"

"Tell me how are your parents doing?"

"Oh Great, they said to tell you thank you for the new house, I believe they are going to finish looking around and trying out all of the rooms they have not yet got the chance to see while I am here"

"I am glad that they are in fact enjoying the house but the castle that I originally purposed would have been much nicer"

"Ah so you had proposed a castle rather than the actual design that the house is currently, interesting although I would have to agree with what Rias was going to say. My parents would not have taken very kindly to you forcing your culture upon them, although in all honesty the only one you would have offend would be my mother as my father is quite fond of castles"

"I respect that, although they really could have used those fifty maids"

"Fifty maids? While I do think that would have been a blessing it might have caused my father a bit of trouble with mom, hahaha"

"I told you that many young women would distract Issei from his work"

"And thus my daughter put her foot down yet again, haha"

"Well you win some you lose some"

"Oh and one more thing Issei"

"Yes sir?"

"You are family now Issei I would like for you to call me dad"

"Oh honey you actions are preminture there is an order that things must happ..."

"Oh you two are freaking killing me"

Rias goes to walk off but is stopped by Issei "Now this is a dinner amongst family, they meant no harm Rias please sit back down, now while this subject matter is at hand I would like to address something. Rias should be able to pick a husband of her choosing, if it is not me but you still deem me the honor to call your father then that I shall but that matter is up in the air. I do not know wether the devil society has something similar to the chalice ritual that the Greeks and the Norse have that allows them to bring in outsiders under their family? If so then by all means with gladly take the opportunity, and if not they I will leave that decision in your hands"

"In a simple explanation Issei no we do not, though I am surprised of your knowledge to such things, regardless of the outcome I would be honored if you would still address me as so"

"Very well Sir then that is how I will address you the next time we meet each other, now if I may be excused I have something urgent that I wish to discuss with Azazel. Farewell and goodnight" as

Issei Walked out the room he leans to one of the maids that prepared dinner. "Thank you for the food, it was famoninal you all did very well"

"Oh please sir, there is no need for such a gracious compliment, it is a duty of a maid to make sure things are perfect for our masters"

"haha, there is no need for the modesty if it would not be too much trouble could you inform the koneko, the white haired one to meet me in my room at 10 this evening"

"Yes sir"

"Thank you" ' I figure it would be harder for me to just approach her out in the open like this especially if she is feeling down... well now it's time to find Azazel'

-With Ddraig-

{What in the hell is gremory! Dammit now that my partner knows what is going on he'll surely do something rash}{I know it's not exactly ideal to lie to the boy but he sure must realise that he would be better off being used as of right now rather than going off on his own. Why did I have to get stuck with a partner like this}

-With Issei-

Issei had made it to the back garden of the Gremory mansion after the occasional chat with the maids and workers he met along his way. All were nice and some even offered to guide him on his walk so

that the chance of him getting lost was slimmer than before Issei eventually took the offer from a younger looking girl who appeared to be no older than 12. Issei took the opportunity to talk with her as a pastime, he had learned that she was here with her mother and offered to work in the gardens because of her love for flowers, after a short 10 minute walk Issei was at his desired destination. From them he saw the little girl who he earlier learned was named Lily, off on her way as he waited for Azazel.

"Well thank for guiding me here Lily, I will be fine from here i'm just waiting for a friend"

"Okay bye bye mister I hope to see you again soon"

...sigh..."Well I guess i'll take a seat"

[Partner?]

[Well look who finally decided to show up, of course ignore me until my life is literally in no danger at all]

[Well...look I know what you heard from the germory group but please do not do anything rash, Just live with it as of right now you are no were near capable of making it on your own. My best advice is that you should just forget what you heard and wait things out]

[Wow...You a dragon of all things are telling me that my life would be better if I just bent over backwards for people that don't even like me, live my life as a slave with no sense of myself, yeah real touching Ddraig]... [Just go back to sleep or whatever you were doing prior to this conversation, I have to talk to Azazel]

"Wow very good Issei I could have swore I had masked my process, well either way I am impressed you were able to sense me at all, new skill?"

"Hehe yeah something like that it just sort of happened all of the sudden when meeting Lady Gremory. Also no I did not directly try to sense you I felt your aura when I was talking with Lily, and now I see your I see your aura as well"

{wait a minute, how did he sense him before I did? During our entire talk I could only sense the garden workers and those who were close to the house but not Azazel?}

"Interesting could that be an unheard of ability of the boosted gear?"

"Well honestly I don't think so because somebody hasn't really allowed me access to the boosted gear and now I know why"

"Hmmm I see, I guessing this also is part of the thing you wish to discuss with me?"

...sigh..."Yeah it is, mind if I just talk first? It would be easier on me if I just say everything in one go"

"No no by all means go ahead Issei"

"Alright so do you remember how I left our fishing trip early yesterday, well when I got back to the house I was ready to spill my heart out once and for all. I mean I had the courage, the speech, the patience, just everything I thought, that was going to be my day. When I arrived at the house I could hear the others through the front door they were talking about. Rias was going on about something, and I needed just a few more minutes of hype to make sure I was ready so I decided to eavesdrop awhile. You know what I heard? I heard the way that they all felt about me and I mean the honest truth about

their feelings. They were horrible hell even Asia was on their side. Rias asked everyone individually how they really felt most were along the same lines as Rias. I say most because Xenovia was in the right saying that she could not give an honest opinion about me, saying that it is not right to judge a person without fully knowing them. Then there was Koneko out of everyone she was the only one who had something nice to say about me and about how she felt about me. Let me tell you it was relieving to see that faint glimmer of hope after everything that I heard. I decided that after they were all done speaking I would head inside, so I went into the house, put up a fake mask and told some bs story about how you said I needed to pack soon or I would be left behind. I trained after I packed, I trained until I was sure that everyone was asleep. Long story short Koneko had been watching me the entire time and managed to sneak into my room, I cried in my bed until Koneko came out from her hiding place. I was for sure that I wanted to be left alone, but Koneko thought otherwise and actually took the time to help me while I was a crying mess. I fell asleep within her arms Azazel, the feeling it was so warm I made a vow that I would be there by her side and protect her or help her no matter what the cost, these feelings, they are true feelings not ones born out of lust. I also believe that Ddraig already knew

everything before I found out in fact not only did he try to convince me to forget and forgive them but also during the battle he refused my call for the boosted gear and denied me access to it. That little show of power you saw during the fight against Tanin that was all me, I can't explain it all the negative feelings just felt so right, so welcome I had the strength to force the boosted gear out at will since then there has been several changes about me that I wouldn't have know even possible"

As Issei explained his trouble, Azazel was making use of all this new found information, bringing up theories and possible solutions for Issei. Issei kept explaining while slowly realising a cold and dark arua from him out to the surrounding area, that did not go unnoticed by Azazel. By this point Issei was beginning to tear up from replaying everything he had heard once more.

"Say Issei that power are you feeling it again"

"Now that you mention it yeah I do"

"Okay uhmmmm, well Issei I am afraid I do not have answer for you at the moment about your sudden appearance in power, although I do have a theory that I would like to look into more with the hopes of finding an answer. As for the others and Koneko, well that is something that I would like you to decide whatever you choose you have my support. Although with your new found feelings for Koneko I suggest

that you at least tell her sooner rather than later it would be better on you and her if there was less of a wait, no rush, it just a thought"

"I understand, and please anything you find out would be helpful. I suppose that means you are going to have to leave?"

"Yes unfortunately, I'll just tell everyone that the girgori have discovered something of interest and I am needed in the investigation of it. I will return once I find something"

"Alright well then I guess i'll see you later and hey Azazel thanks for being here for me"

"It's no issue Issei happy to help, goodbye"

'Well now that Azazel is gone I think it is time I address our guest' "Hey Lily you can come out now"

"I'm sorry mister I didn't mean to hear you, I really didn't"

"It's okay Lily, I'm really not mad. I know you didn't do it on purpose" 'Man she really is about to cry, i'm going to go against my better judgement this time'

Issei kneels down and wraps Lily in a gentle hug to ensure her that she didn't do anything wrong. After a few moments Lily calms down enough to talk with Issei again.

"Thanks mister, I only came to see you again to give you this, but you were talking with that powerful man so I thought I should just wait" Lily states as she holds a black and red ring and a pair of matching jet black earrings in her hands. Both bearing a real symbol of a dragon.

'I don't remember having a jewelry like this, but she looks really sure that it's mine, i'll take it and ask Azazel about it when he gets back' "Oh thank you Lily I was worried that I lost it somewhere" Issei then holds a thumbs up to Lily "Also you can please call me Issei, mister makes me feel old hahaha"

"okay Issei, my mom is going to be worried if I don't return soon bye bye"

Issei waves Lily off and heads back to his designated room to wait for Koneko to show up. When Issei arrives he lays down on his bed while staring at the ceiling replaying the day in his mind.

"Hmmm well it's better to rest now and fret on them later. It's still only 7:30. I suppose a little nap won't hurt" With that Issei settles in and drifts off to sleep.

Author's note

And done that is all of chapter 1 I didn't want to drag on too long because the next part works well as the start for the next chapter. I know introduced an OC character by the name of Lily, trust me

There is a major reason for the story on why I added her. You'll just have to wait and find out. Chapter two will start with Issei and Koneko's meeting and move on to the next day of the training, I am debating whether to keep the start of the training the same as the cannon and build from there or go with the second option I start out with. Anyways we'll see, see you all in the next chapter.