Looking to the Past, Friendly Competition.
"Issei Hyoudou" - Talking
'Issei Hyoudou'- Thought
"Issei Hyoudou" - Communication circle/phone
*Sounds*
[ Issei Hyoudou ] - Inanis
"Issei Hyoudou" - Draconic voice
My eyelids peeled open to be blinded by the sunlight cracking through the blinds covering the window behind the couch. After realizing where I'm at I shot up only to regret it as my body responded in pain. "ow" I muttered to myself. I slowly sat up to avoid the soreness that thoroughly coated my entire body.
'What the hell happened' I thought to myself as I rubbed my head. [You activated the Voids Embrace partner] Inanis mentally spoke to me. My eyes went wide as I recalled the events of yesterday, even if they are foggy. 'FUCK, I didn't hurt anyone did I' I mentally asked Inanis in a panicked manner, while I didn't lose complete control in that state it was often hard to control and very dangerous to others.
[Relax the others are fine, they were smart enough to stay out of your way] Inanis mentally responded to my panic. I let out a sigh of relief.'
I looked around for any signs of the others, which I couldn't find any until a delightful smell filled my nose. I stared out the window noticing the sky was an orangish color. 'What time is it, how long was I out' I thought to myself. I figured I'd find out from whoever was causing that pleasant smell.
I walked in the kitchen to see Akeno once again wearing my apron that said Kitchens Bitch. Akeno heard me enter and turned to me, her eyes going wide at the sight of me. "Hey, wha-" I was going to ask what happened but got interrupted by Akeno tackling me in a tight embrace.
"For fuck sakes, I thought you would never wake up," Akeno said as she buried her face into me. I winced in pain at the soreness of my body, Akeno quickly let go at hearing me wince. "O-OH I'm so sorry," Akeno said apologizing profusely. I was astonished to see Akeno act like this. "It's fine don't worry about it, you of all people should know I'm tougher than that" I spoke chuckling as I sat up patting her head. She let out a bright smile as I patted her head.
"So uh, what are you doing here exactly," I asked her standing back up slowly with Akeno helping me. "Rias and I were helping by taking care of you until you woke up from what happened yesterday," Akeno said as she turned back continuing to cook.
"Ok, then where is Rias, also what time is it?" I asked looking around for any signs of Rias being here, although I found none saying she was currently here. Although I could pick up a slight fragrance of her scent showing that she indeed was here.
"She went out with Asia to pick up a few things for dinner, and it's around 6:30," Akeno said as she chopped some vegetables. I was surprised to hear the fact that she was with Asia.
"Asia, I thought she died?" I spoke to Akeno. "Well she did, although it's a bit complicated on what happened, we planned on talking everything over during dinner so why don't you just rest, for now, I'm sure you're exhausted," Akeno said as she turned and pulled me back to the living room.
I only let it happen as she sat me back down on the couch and walked back to the kitchen. I mean she was right as I was very very sore for activating the Voids Embrace.
I laid back down on the couch and listened to the TV playing in the background, although I wasn't really listening to it. I was looking through the window at the orange sky thinking about the events of yesterday. I don't remember a whole lot, just enough to give me some context about what happened.
I vaguely remember how I activated Voids Embrace, which still made my draconic instincts burn with anger at the thought. I remember her being killed, and then my vision went black with flashes of people and noises. I remember screaming, lots of screaming. I also prominently remember a large amount of crimson red in the area.
Although this lead to more questions then answers. One is what did I actually do, and another important one is what happened to Asia. If she died then how is she out with Rias shopping like Akeno said. I had come to two conclusions, one was she was revived by Rias as a devil which makes sense, or she was just much more robust then I gave her credit for and managed to survive the ritual, which I chose to believe the former.
I also will have to explain that dangerous power to the others, which won't be very fun, to say the least. A few more minutes of me thinking passed before I heard the door open and new scents enter the room. I turned my head to see Rias and Asia both there with bags in their hands.
Both the girls walked into the kitchen to help with dinner, or at least that's what I assumed. I slowly got up to avoid the pain of my soreness aching throughout my body. I walked my way over to the kitchen, my enhanced sense picking up on their conversation. It was mainly about dinner, but Asia and Rias both asked some questions about my current well being.
"I'm... relatively fine" I spoke as I turned into the kitchen before Akeno could answer. Rias and Asia both perked up in surprise at my appearance. Asia stood there shocked at my appearance, my draconic features emerged.
'Weird I thought for sure she knew' I thought to myself. Rias rushed to me and wrapped me in a tight hug, although not knocking me down like Akeno did it still hurt a little.
"Hey mind loosening that grip a little, I'm pretty damn sore" I spoke as I tensed slightly in pain. Rias loosed up upon my request. She looked up at me with slight tears in her eyes like Akeno's had.
"You good," I asked patting her head. "Yeah, it's just... I was sure you would wake up, but I couldn't help but worry" Rias spoke softly. I chuckled at her cute appearance of worrying for me, although it will take a lot more than that to kill me.
"Don't worry about me" I spoke. Rias slowly let go of me and gave me a warm smile, shortly after returning to helping Akeno. I only assumed she didn't ask anything as Akeno said we would talk about it during dinner.
I started to walk away until they told me it was done, as I doubt they would've let me help them currently, and I don't have any objections to them cooking for me. Before I could walk back to the living room, I felt a tug on the back of my shirt as if something caught onto it. Turning my head, I saw the short blond nun holding on to my shirt while looking at the ground.
This surprised me as it also seemed to surprise the others. "What is it?" I asked Asia, her grip tightened slightly. "I-I wanted to apologize, if it weren't for me you wouldn't have gotten into that situation," Asia said, her hair covering her bright green eyes. I turned to her causing her to lose her grip on my shirt where her arm lowered to her side.
"It's not your fault, I had personal affairs with that group so I would've met them one way or another," I said as I kneeled down bringing myself to her level, my hands gently resting on her shoulders. Her head raised slightly at hearing me, she didn't know about my past or anything like the others, so it makes sense why she doesn't understand.
"I'm just glad I could save them from you when I did, and I will explain more about that during dinner ok" I spoke giving her a warm smile. She nodded slowly as it seems that it will suffice to comfort her for now. I stood up again to walk back to the living room but was once again interrupted.
"Your sore, right?" Asia asked timidly. I nodded in response to which she gave a slight smile too. "T-Then here at the very least let me help you" She spoke, confusing me slightly. Though my confusion ended quite quickly as a green light enveloped us as my body pain slowly started to fade away.
After a few minutes, my body was entirely healed to Akeno's, Rias's and my amazement. I completely forgot she had a healing sacred gear. "Thank you a lot, I feel much better," I said giving her a smile and a slight bow as I walked back to the living room. "And our new sister is already being useful" Akeno teased as they continued cooking.
I was in the living room for a while longer continuing to think about everything. I did the math, and if I am correct, I was out for around 20 hours after that ability activated. I knew Inanis told me it was exhausted but damn. My thoughts were interrupted by my name being called out from the other room. I got up and walked over, no longer aching in soreness thanks to Asia's ability.
Entering the room my eyes were met with a delicious spread of food across the wooden table that was surrounded by the girls in their respective chairs. The aroma of the food filling the air, causing my mouth to water in response.
"Don't worry about overeating, this was made for you so you can regain your strength after how much you exerted yourself yesterday" Akeno spoke as Rias nodded in agreement. I quickly sat down and looked over the food deciding where to start. "Are you sure he can eat that much" Asia asked Akeno in a whispered tone. "You'd be surprised at how much this little dragon can eat" Akeno whispered back giggling.
Asia was taken back upon hearing this, she still couldn't process the fact that I was a dragon. The two girls looked back over to me at the table quickly inhaling the food bit by bit. The girls already ate a little as they made more for me, so they had as much as they needed already.
After a few minutes, the food was completely gone as I ate the last pieces. I leaned back in my chair in pure ecstasy, a burp erupting from my mouth being followed by a puff of smoke.
I sat there for a little bit before the girls finally snapped me out of my euphoric state. "Ok now that I got your attention, we wanted to ask you some questions" Rias spoke as the girls looked at me. "Shoot," I said, obviously being very relaxed. Though how couldn't be, I just ate a ton of food and am in the presence of the girls I love, even if one of my mates are missing. "What was that form you took on?" Rias asked seriously. I sat up sitting in a more serious position as I could've hurt them very badly. "That form was called voids embrace" I spoke, Akeno raising an eyebrow at hearing this. "Well, what does it do in detail," Rias asked, still very serious as she knew that it could be very deadly from what she saw. "Well, Voids Embrace is a form that I take on when in a fit of anger. It gives me a boost in power that puts me at my current peak in power. It's very dangerous as I have a hard time telling who is friends or enemies in that form" I spoke the girls listening intently.
"Does it have any side effects like the Juggernaut Drive does?" Akeno asked me now slightly worried. "None that are severally dangerous, but its a little complicated as to why so give me a little bit to find a way to say this," I said to the girls.
They nodded in agreement as the room went silent as I thought how to explain this. "OK. So the Voids Embrace gives me as much power as I can handle, meaning it only leaves me severally sore and exhausted after its use. The Juggernaut Drive, on the other hand, gives me extreme amounts of power, far more then what I can physically handle which is why it uses my life as fuel" I spoke concluding my explanation to the three.
The girls let out a sigh of relief at hearing that my state was completely fine. "Ok then that's all I really wanted to ask, do you two have anything to ask," Rias asked looking over to Akeno and Asia.
"Hold on, before we ask me anything else I want to know how she is here, did you revive her?" I asked pointing at Asia. "Yes, she is now our healer and clergyman, the Bishop" Rias spoke while giving me a nod.
"And this doesn't bother you, I mean you were a nun," I asked turning my gaze to Asia. "W-Well I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me a little, but they have treated me really nice so I think I will like it, plus I get to see you more now," Asia said, her tone started off nervous and shifted to happy to the end of her sentence.
I put on a smile and rubbed her head turning my attention back to Asia or Akeno for questions. A few moments of silence passed as Akeno didn't have any questions for me. "Um, I have one" Asia spoke timidly as she rose her hand slightly. I turned my attention to her, she inhaled slightly trying to calm her self.
"Um, Raynare said you were a hybrid, and a little bit ago Akeno called you a dragon, a-are you really a dragon," Asia asked me nervously. Her nervous demeanor was quite cute. "That is correct, well I'm three-quarters dragon and one-quarter devil, and I also have a dragon type sacred gear" I spoke as I moved my wings and tail showing her they weren't fake or props. Asia's eyes lit up as if they held stars within them.
"R-Really, and you have a sacred gear too, thats so cool" Asia spoke gleefully like a child. I chuckled at her excitement as I stood up from the table. "Well I'm still pretty physically exhausted, so I think I'm going to go to sleep, you three can sleep wherever if you stay here" I spoke as I let out a vast stretch and proceeded to walk up to my room. I laid my head on my soft pillow shortly after falling asleep.
-Morning-
*Beep Beep Bee-* *Click*
The alarm started ringing an annoying loud tone waking me. I flung my arm at the alarm clock, my hand managing to hit the button shutting it off. I opened my eyes slowly squinting until my eyes adjusted to the light that shinned into the room. I laid there for a while not wanting to get up from the soft bed I was laying on.
Eventually, I decided that I needed to get up and I tried to sit up, emphasis on tried. When I attempted to lift myself, I found that I was unnaturally heavy. Or on closer inspection, something was holding me down. Looking down to the bed sheets that covered me revealed two lumps positioned on my chest. I lifted the covers off of my body revealing Rias and Akeno using my chest as a pillow.
A red tinge made its way across my cheeks slowly. I know this wasn't anything new, and to be honest I should have expected this, but it was still embarrassing. My wings were wrapped around them, which must have happened while I was still asleep.
I moved my arm poking Rias's nose. She stirred slightly in her sleep as she slowly opened her eyes and let out a yawn. "Good morning Issei" She spoke as she laid her head back down. I did the same to Akeno, poking her nose with my other hand. She stirred in her sleep like Rias didn't, except she just knocked my hand away with hers and proceeded to pretend nothing ever happened.
"You guys do realize we have to go to school today yes," I asked the two girls. They both responded with an unpleasant groan obviously not wanting to give up their spots. Eventually, the girls removed themselves from me allowing us all to get up and get ready.
We all had a hardy breakfast and proceeded to walk with us to school. To my surprised Asia was following us. "Uh why are you coming, you don't go to our school," I asked looking down to Asia. "Rias told me to go wait at the club until we could figure out what to do with my living situation" Asia responded looking up to me without her usual nervous stutter.
I was glad to see she was starting to get comfortable around us. I nodded to her as we continued to walk to the school grounds. It took us a few minutes of walking, but we eventually reached the grounds. I should've known this would've happened, but upon entering the grounds with the two most beautiful girls in the school, the others started whispering about us. Not to mention the new beauty Asia who was behind us.
Thankfully they weren't clinging onto me like this morning as the whispers were already bad enough. I couldn't even imagine what they would be saying if they were clinging onto me. Not to even mention that I walked her as a loner for almost 3-4 weeks straight and now I'm walking with them. Rias, Akeno, and Asia could vaguely hear the gossip, but I with my superior senses could clearly hear them.
The girls said things like:
"How is this possible?"
"Who's the cute blonde?"
"You think they are dating?"
"Our queens have found someone!"
"I wish I could be with him."
While the boys were much more, violent.
"You bastard."
"How could you betray us like this"
"And a pretty new girl as well."
"He must be bribing them."
"Die"
I sweatdropped at how extreme some of the students here were. I just pretended they didn't hear them as even if they did try to kill me, which is unlikely, there would be no chance they could. Ignoring them, we all walked down a pathway that leads to the old school building.
Entering the building, we proceeded to the ORC room. Upon entering Kiba and Koneko were already there doing their usual activities. "Glad to see your up and about again" Kiba spoke as he shut his book and greeted me. "Congrats" Koneko spoke monotony as usual. Akeno took Asia to a separate room saying they needed to do something.
I proceeded my way to the couch and flopped down on it. Rias moved behind her desk pulling out papers. I laid there with my eyes closed trying to gain a little more rest before school started, however, I was interrupted by a thought. My eyes shifted to Koneko as her scent was similar to some one else I know.
'Weird, she kinda looks like her too' I thought to myself as I examined Koneko's facial features from the corner of my eyes. My thoughts were interrupted as Asia and Akeno walked out from the separate room. One of my eyebrows raised in confusion as Asia was suited in our female school uniform. "So just a guess, but did you enroll Asia into Kuoh?" I asked turning my gaze to Rias.
"That's right, she will be in the same class as you, so you better take care of our new family member" Rias spoke to me. Before I could respond the school bell went off signaling us to go to class. I lifted myself from the couch and gave the club members a wave as I went to my respective class, as did everyone else.
I made my way to my class through the school halls. Upon entering I quickly made my way to my back window seat, ignoring the chatting of the rest of my class mates. The class was filled with talking as the teachers haven't arrived yet.
"YOU BASTARD" I heard a male voice shout next to me. My eyes shifted to the left viewing an incoming punch from a bald monkey looking guy named Matsuda. I caught the blow and squeezed his hand so tight he started screeching in pain, grabbing the attention of the entire class.
I let go causing him to stumble backwards and fall flat on his ass. "Who the hell do you think you are to be with Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima" Another voice yelled, this one coming from the perverted nerd named Motohama. My eyes sharpened at them causing them to flinch.
"And why does it matter to you who I am involved with?" I asked coldly glaring at them. While they didn't know it, they were under the effects of my aura making them scared of me. The entire class stared at the perverted duo as they sat silently on the ground.
"That's what I thought, now fuck off," I said coldly to them. They took the hint and went back to their seats. The guys in the class were more or less non-caring about what just happened, while the girls were happy with how I treated the perverts. They often called me their Dark Knight as most of the times I catch them peeping on them I either beat them or hand them to the Kendo club members letting them beat the perverts.
Though that didn't matter to me, they were just annoying. Although most of this school was annoying as I didn't need to know any of this, not like I could live a normal life as a dragon, not that I even wanted to.
The class went stone cold quite as the door opened revealing the teacher. She walked up in front of the class and started organizing her papers up, after a short while looking to the class. "Alright students, today we have a new transfer student, please be nice to her" The teacher spoke as the door opened revealing Asia.
She walked in the room and proceeded to the chalk board, where she wrote her name. "H-Hi my name is Asia Argento, but you can call me Asia" She spoke nervously as the eyes of her peers stared into her. Both the girls and the boys were in a trance while looking at her, although be it for very different reasons.
"Please take care of me," Asia said with a small bow. She scanned the room to find me amongst the rest of the students. Once she spotted me, she gave me a warm smile and a little wave which I reciprocated. Our little interaction confused the class, and made the boys irritated that I already "Stole her."
"Well seeing as you seem to know Issei already why don't you take the seat behind him" the teacher suggested which Asia responded happily too. She mad her way to the assigned seat, upon reaching it she pulled out a piece of paper and started writing down notes about whatever the teacher was lecturing about.
Kinda surprising, I mean as far as I know she hasn't ever actually been to a school, she told me she lived her entire life in a church. First time and already a better student than me, though not like I tried. I didn't even listen and still get the questions mostly right.
Shifting my thoughts to more pressing matters, I started to think about that familiar scent Koneko let off. It was strangely similar to a Nekomata stray I was hired to take out. Though it was an under the table job, I had no reason to refuse it. I've completed several personal contracts that weren't publicly known.
The stray was named Kuroka, A Nekomata stray that was forced to kill her master. I didn't kill her due to her circumstances, she was experimented on without her consent due to her master trying to bring out her Nekomata powers. Shortly after the immense success with her, he was going to experiment on her baby sister, but Kuroka killed him before he could.
I provided Kuroka with enough evidence so Kuroka could show the devil council the proof of her innocents, so the stray title was removed, but she still works with an organization that often occupies her time.
Her left over time was either spent visiting me or looking for her baby sister. It's just a hunch, but perhaps Koneko is Kuroka's sister, they have very similar scents, both Nekomatas at least I think, and they look similar. Next time I see her, I'll definitely have to inform her, just in case.
Now that I think of it I've changed a lot since then. I used to live only for revenge, and while that is still a crucial thing to me, I've got friends and loved ones now. Plus I used to be crueler then as well, I'm glad they didn't see me back then. I wasn't called The Reaper for nothing.
-Flash back, 1 year 6 months-
I was standing in a remote abandoned building in the underworld waiting to meet a contractor. The building seemed to be a destroyed palace from the great war, probably from one of the extinct pillars. The room was poorly lit, as the only source of light was the natural light that peered through the holes and windows that littered the building.
The building was primarily made of stone. However, it has been worn down severely. The stones were cracked everywhere parts of the walls and ceiling had holes in them. The room also held several scorch marks littered across the floor. I turned my gaze to a dark hallway that echoed with foot steps.
A shadow scythe formed in my hand. My body was covered by my balance breaker preventing the person from seeing who I was. The man walked from the dark hall revealing himself as the light poured onto his figure.
He was a reasonably well-built man standing at a solid 5,7, comparatively short to my 6,2 in comparison. His hair was a brown color, while his eyes held an amber shade to them. He wore a pompous fancy black outfit with golden laces lining the outlines, his shoulders draped with a beautiful white pelt. He continued walking to me with a confident smirk showing now fear, his strides showed he was an arrogant one.
I turned my body to face him completely. My wings folded behind me as my tail arched into the air. He stopped mere feet away from me letting out a slight cough preparing to speak.
"You must be The Reaper correct?" the contractor spoke, looking me up and down as he examined my appearance. "That's correct" I spoke, my voice changing to a deeper more robotic tone due to my balance breaker.
"Finally, I've been trying to contact you for a while now" He spoke ecstatically as I remained silent. "Ah you don't talk much huh, makes sense since you need to keep your identity hidden, now let's get down to business" The man spoke as he held his hand out forming a green magic circle. The magic circle left his hand, pushing to me while floating parallel to the ground. A holograph appeared on top of the magic circle.
"The girl that appeared is a stray devil said to have killed their master, her name is Kuroka, and her master is my or was my brother" the man spoke as his tone grew angry.
The hologram depicted Kuroka as a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, long black hair with split bangs, and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils. Her attire consists of a black kimono, a yellow, a set of golden beads, and an ornately detailed headband. The kimono features a red interior, and it is open at her shoulders, giving view to her large breasts.
"Any other information I should know" I spoke looking back up to the man. "Yes actually, she is only 5,3 and weighs a small 108 pounds. However, she is also a highly effective user in Senjutsu and Youjutsu" The man spoke. "You'll pay me when I return" I spoke turning around preceding to walk out of the building to start my search for her.
It's been a week since I started my search, as she was very good at covering her tracks. However I was close, very close to finding her. I was walking through a forest that I suspected she ran through recently, following her scent. I stopped as I heard noise up ahead, immediately I assumed the possibility of it being her. It wasn't likely someone was this far out of civilization.
I flapped my wings taking me barely above the trees, flying to the sounds of the explosions. Mid flight a massive dust cloud flew threw the trees as a loud explosion echoed throughout the forest. I quickened my pace, shortly arriving at the scene. I landed on a tree branch silently, using shadows to conceal my presence entirely as if she was able to use Senjutsu she would've detected my life energy.
Looking down I saw a decimated battlefield with several dead bodies in front of a beautiful girl. This girl was Kuroka, my target. I narrowed my eyes as I saw two cat ears atop her head in her black hair as well as two cat tails out the back of her black kimono, which wasn't in the hologram.
'So she's a Nekomata, or a Nekoshou to be more specific, at least that would explain her natural gift for Senjutsu and other similar energies' I thought to myself. The bodies appeared to be that of other bounty hunters. Kuroka also seemed quite tired and injured from the battle, which would make this much more manageable.
"My, you've certainly been hard to track" I spoke scaring Kuroka causing her to jump into a defensive position. She looked around confused as she couldn't identify where the voice was coming from. Her gaze quickly narrowed upon spotting a pool of black shadows.
Her eyes widened in shock as I rose from the pool, revealing my clad in my balance breaker wielding a scythe made from shadows. Kuroka took a step back upon realizing who I was, as almost every stray devil knew who I was.
"Heh, I should've known they would've sent you after me if I killed enough of these fools" Kuroka spoke casually, masking her fear. "I wasn't sent here officially," I said calmly as I started walking to her slowly.
"Huh, oh let me guess, it was that bastard's brother" Kuroka spoke as her face formed a scowl to me. "Can't say," I said simply as I readied, y weapon for a fight.
"Yeah not surprised there. Honestly, it's a bit weird for an assassin to attack straight forward but whatever, guess I won't see you again after all Shirone" Kuroka spoke as she readied her self for a fight, her voice growing sorrowful at the end of her sentence.
This piqued my interest, as she spoke before I'm no ordinary assassin, I don't kill people who aren't worthy of being killed. Also now that I thought about it, I heard about the Gremory family taking in a young orphaned Nekoshou that was going to be killed.
Kuroka formed multiple blue balls of flaming energy around her body in a circular pattern. The flames started spinning at high speeds, so fast that it appeared to be one solid blue burning ring. The flames launched towards me at high speeds. The flames slammed into me, creating a massive explosion of fire, kicking up dust and cracking the ground beneath me.
Kuroka stared at the dust cloud intensely to see the effectiveness of her attack. Her eyes widened when the dust cleared to reveal a solid black dome of swirling shadows around me, ultimately protecting me from the powerful blast. She backed away slowly as she now knew she was outmatched, as that was one of her most potent attacks.
She turned and tried to sprint away while masking her presence with her Senjutsu. Unfortunately for her wispy black chains shot out of the dome, ensnaring her rendering her immobile.
The black dome condensed back into the purple gem imbedded into my chest piece. With one mighty flap of my wings I lifted out of the crater I was placed in, landing right by the immobilized stray devil.
"Damn you, I knew you were good... but I still thought I had a little bit of a chance" Kuroka muttered out in complete humiliation and defeat. "Tell me, why did you kill your master" I spoke coldly, holding no hints of empathy for the Nekomata. Kuroka looked up at me surprised at my question.
"Why, Aren't you going to kill me," Kuroka asked me, looking up at me with suspicious eyes. "I only kill people worthy of being killed, and I think the contractor hid some of the details from me" I spoke.
I knew that Nekoshou are rare creatures, and considering the circumstances of the two events, there was just too much odd constancies for this to be coincident. Perhaps there was more to this then what I was told.
Kuroka hesitated to talk as she was clearly untrusting of me which she should be, I was hired to kill her anyways. Her golden cat-like eyes were filled with curiosity as she stared into the violet glowing gem-like eyes of my balance breaker. "Fine" Kuroka muttered slowly while still looking at me.
I loosened the chains slightly as a reward for her compliance. She was surprised at the action I took, while they still firmly held her in place they weren't so tight that they hurt her. She opened her mouth as she thought of where to begin.
"My master was not a kinda person" She started while looking down to the ground, as I raised an eyebrow in interest. "He did all kinds of things to his servants, he tortured them, experimented on them, raped them. I was one of the ones he experimented on. He tried to amplify my natural abilities to produce an artificial super devil that was under his control" She spoke slowly, showing that it was hard for her to talk about.
"I took the painful experiments to protect my little sister Shirone from his evil actions, but eventually he realized she could have the same powers as I did. So he tried to start experimenting on her saying that because she was younger, they would be more effective. I killed him so he would leave my sister in peace. After that I went on the run, forced to leave my sister behind as I could escape and take her with me" Kuroka spoke, tears building up in her eyes.
"I planned on going back for her once I could and find us a place to stay safe at, as we are orphans and don't actually know our real parents, meaning she would have nowhere to go to alone like that" Kuroka spoke as a tear finally broke past her eyes, rolling down his cheek. She was very sad about losing her sister like that.
"And what proof do you have of this, after all that sort of action to your servants is illegal" I spoke looking down at her with my scythe resting on my shoulder. "I managed to grab his journal, take it if you want to take a look" Kuroka choked out still trying to keep herself from breaking down at the guilt of leaving her sister.
I found the book tucked into a pocket she had. Opening the leather back journal, I started reading the inside of it. What I found inside angered me, gritting my teeth in anger. She wasn't lying about this, it was all true. I knew what it was like to lose loved ones, so I knew what she was going threw, and I was pissed that I helped put someone through what I went through.
I withdrew the chains holding Kuroka's body allowing them to turn back into shadows. Kuroka sat up in shock at my actions as I tossed the journal back on the ground in front of her. "What are you doing," Kuroka asked me in confusion, as she thought this was the end for her.
"I'm going to see the ass that lied to me about this contract" I spoke calmly hiding my anger. "Y-you aren't going to kill me?" Kuroka asked in disbelief, her eyes wide and filled with tears. "No, your innocent and I don't kill those who aren't deserving of death" I spoke while giving her nod.
She sat on the ground in silence as she couldn't find anything to say. "Sometime when you get a chance, perhaps you could set out a contract for me, and then I could help you prove your innocence and get your sister back" I spoke looking to Kuroka through my helmet.
Kuroka looked at me in silence her eyes even wider than before as the barrier holding back her tears finally broke. "Thank you... so much" She spoke as tears flowed down her cheeks as I teleported away.
Back at the place where I formed the contract stood the man who gave it to me, he was frustrated that I haven't shown up yet with news of the event. His lone ranting was interrupted as a pool of shadows formed from the ground, allowing me to rise out in my balance breaker.
"Ah you're here, so how did it go?" The man asked as he was excited to hear the fact that Kuroka was dead. However, he wouldn't be happy when he hears. "Did you know?" I said gravely, intimidating the contractor.
I could practically smell the fear coming from him in waves as he knew what I was talking about. "I thought that you assassins didn't ask questions," He said stuttering as he backed away from me. I raised my hand towards him, black shadow chains shooting out from my arm and rendering him immobile.
I yanked the chain to me causing the man to fly at me as I caught him by the neck with my other arm. "You should know how risky it is to play with fire" I spoke as my hand holding his lit ablaze with black void flames, the flames having a violet center.
The man started screaming in pain as I threw him to the side of the room. Upon landing the man tried to put out the flames while screeching in agony as the blazing flames boiled the skin of his flesh.
"Those are my void flames, they burn for infinity until their target is nothing but ashes, or until I will it" I spoke over the man's screams. The man finally stopped screaming, although that was more due to the fact that he was burnt down to nothing but a skeleton.
I kept the flames going for a few moments longer before finally canceling the roaring fire. Nothing was left of the man, but I pile of ash which quickly scattered across the room as a draft of air flew into the room.
-Flash Back End-
After I spared Kuroka's life, she ended up taking my advice, setting out a contract for me where we met on better terms. After that, we found a way to where we could contact each other regularly. Slowly finding a way to prove her innocents to Sirzechs, which we eventually seceded in.
Its be around half a year that she has been free of the stray title. She ended up joining a group so she could have more resources to find her sister. We would visit each other every once in a while, although her work kept her busy quite often. After a while of this, she ended up as my first mate before I made Akeno and Rias my mate.
'Oh shit, I forgot to tell them I had another mate' I mentally spoke to myself as I panicked at what they would think. Inanis was laughing up a storm at my ignorance. I calmed myself down shortly deciding that I would just tell them whenever I thought it was a good time. After calming myself down, I figured I could just contact Kuroka after the ORC today, if she wasn't to busy to answer that is.
*RING*
The school bell went off shaking me out of my thoughts. I looked around to see my fellow peers standing up as they gathered up their belongings to leave and head home, or other activities like clubs and what not. I stood up and turned to Asia seeing her clumsily trying to grab everything.
Once she got everything together, she got everything along went proceeded to the club room to see the others. We walked down the hallways as people gave us glances as Asia's hair and my height and stature made us stand out pretty obviously.
We entered the ORC room seeing that everyone has arrived before us, as usual. Everyone was doing their routinely activities until we began. Their attention gathered on us, mainly the new member Asia. "Well, how was your first day here Asia" Rias asked as the others listened to how Asia would respond to the question.
"It was enjoyable, I got to sit right behind Issei" She spoke with a cheerful smile as I made my way to my couch. Though this Time I sat down instead of laid down so Asia would be able to relax as well.
"U-Um I don't mean to rush, but have you found a place for me to stay," Asia asked nervously looking to Rias and Akeno. Rias pulled out a piece of paper that had a list written on it. "Well, we have a few options that we thought would be best" Rias spoke.
"One you stay in an apartment we rent for you, two you stay with Akeno or me, or three you can stay with Issei, so long as he is ok with that" Rias spoke listing off all the options on her list, the last option gathering my attention.
I'm kinda surprised she would be ok with another girl staying in the same house as her mate. Asia's gaze moved to me seemingly asking for my approval. "I don't mind so long as you help out around the house, also I'm kinda surprised you two would be ok with this," I said as I looked at the three girls.
"Well I trust you to behave, plus with how much you've been getting hurt lately I thought it would be a good idea to keep a healer around you" Rias spoke as Akeno agreed with her. "So basically you're going to give me a baby sitter" I deadpanned.
"Basically, besides we know you're better than cheating" Akeno spoke with a smile. I let out a sigh and turned to Asia. "As I said before, you can stay if you want as I do have a guest room, but you will help around the house although there really isn't much to do," I said to Asia.
"I'd like to stay with Issei then" She spoke joyfully. Rias gave her a nod and wrote something down on her papers. I'm kinda glad Asia will be staying with me so I can protect her.
Rias, Akeno, Asia, and I were discussing when we would move Asia's stuff to my house, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door of the club room. I searched for their energy and scents and learned that they were all devils as well so I didn't bother hiding my draconic appearance. Akeno walked over to the door and cracked it open to see who it was.
She opened the door revealing Sona along with her peerage behind her. "We have visitors Rias," Akeno said with a smile as she returned to her master's side after shutting the door behind Sona's peerage. "Sona, what may I do for you on this fine evening?" Rias asked as she stood up and walked up to her fellow high-class devil.
"Nothing serious, I just wanted our relatively new members to have an official introduction to each other" Sone spoke as her gaze shifted over to Asia. "Go on Asia introduce yourself" Akeno spoke to our new member. Asia stepped forward nervous under all the attention.
She was comforted slightly as she saw me walk up to her side as I was also relatively new, plus I didn't actually have a proper introduction to the peerage, it was more me putting on a dominant display as I greeted a fellow dragon.
"H-Hello, I'm Asia Argento Rias Gremory's Bishop" Asia spoke shyly as she gave them a slight bow.
"I'm Issei Hyoudou, Rias Gremory's Pawn taking 8 pieces 6 of those being mutation pieces" I spoke casually giving them a wave. Sona's peerage was already aware of this fact due to our already rocky meeting, so they didn't really emote to it, at least not physically.
They still had a hard time processing that someone could actually take up that many pieces. "Alright everyone, introduce yourselves," Sona said raising her tone of voice, prompting the others to line up behind her getting ready to give out their names and pieces. I've already made some estimations on what they were earlier, so let's see if I'm right.
Tsubaki Shinra, Sona's Queen," spoke a taller young bespectacled woman with long straight black hair that extends all the way down to her knees, with split bangs and two brown eyes. She had quite the amount of magic reserves, although not as much as Rias, Akeno, or Sona.
"Momo Hanakai, Sona's Bishop" spoke a beautiful young girl with white hair and blue-green eyes. If what I'm feeling is anything to say about it, I'm pretty sure she has a sacred gear although I'm not sure what kind. Obviously not being anything too extreme.
"Reya Kusaka, Sona's other Bishop" a slim girl with long brown hair that ends in two short braids and matching eyes. A blue head band on her head. This one seemed somewhat normal, although I could be wrong.
"Tomoe Meguri, Sona's Knight," spoke a beautiful girl with shoulder-length, reddish-brown hair and brown eyes. Her hair features swept bangs and a single strand of hair sticking out from the top. Kiba's eyes perked up slightly at seeing another Knight, even though he already knew about her.
"Tsubasa Yura, Sona's Rook" spoke a tall girl with blue, shoulder-length hair and matching eyes. She has the basic appearance of a tomboy and has a bishounen face. She received a glance from Koneko as she seeming glanced her up and down, observing her competition.
"Ruruko Nimura, Sona's Pawn and I only took one piece" spoke a short girl with brown hair in long twin ponytails and green eyes. She wears a pair of green clips in her hair, and she also wears striped green stockings along with her school uniform. She received a little more attention than the others due to her Pawn status. Which she obviously gave me more attention than the others after hearing I was a Pawn.
"Saji Genshirou, Sona's other Pawn but I took 4 pieces" spoke a young man with short blond hair and grey eyes. He wears the Kuoh Academy boys' school uniform, albeit without the blazer and his sleeves are rolled up. He was a young dragon in training as he possessed the Absorption Line, one of Vritra's sacred gears. He was also my rival as a fellow pawn. He obviously took priority as he is also another dragon. I did a little victory dance in my head as I nailed it perfectly, guessing each and every one of their pieces.
"Well now, how's that sacred gear coming along hatchling," I asked as I walked up to Saji surprising most of the people in the room. "Well, thanks to your tips I've progressed much faster then I would've by myself, although I definitely have a ways to go" Saji spoke with a smile as we acted like best friends.
"Hatchling?" Asia spoke confused. Every one in Sona's peerage already knew as to why I called him that as well, they just didn't say anything. "Saji here contains the sacred gear Absorption Line, it's one the Dragon King Vritra's sacred gears," I said smiling as I pointed to Saji. Sons gave a nod of confirmation to the pervious nun.
"But if he isn't an actual dragon by birth, why do you call him a hatchling," Akeno asked curiously, now confusing Soma's peerage as they haven't really thought about it. I scratched my head trying to come up with a way to explain how this worked. "Well that's kinda complicated, I don't really have enough time to explain it right now effectively," I said giving a shrug.
"Perhaps we should have a duel between dragons to see how much you've improved," I said to Saji teasing him. Sona wondered her way over to Rias with a curious look in her eyes. "So do you actually know where he came from, I mean dragons are very rare are they not?" Sona asked Rias as she gave a glance over to me talking to Saji.
"Yes I know, but it would be best if he explains it" She responded to Sona giving her a smile. Sona would've usually asked me straight away, but she didn't know if I would be upset or not. She knew that in legends angering a dragon would always end badly, and that held up in the real world too.
"Issei do you mind if I asked you something" Sona spoke loudly catching the attention of them room. "Shoot," I said calmly pointing finger guns at her in a childish manner. "I was wondering where you were from, dragons are exceeding rare nowadays after all" Sona justified her reasoning for asking the question.
"Sure I dont mind. I was born in this town and am currently living in my parent's old house. My mother was a hybrid of a dragon and a devil while my father was a full blooded dragon as you know. My father was a descendant of the Heavenly Black Dragon of voids, Inanis. However, due to me being his relative, I was able to also gain the sacred gear Void Caster, making me the current generation of the Black Dragon Emperor" I said concluding my story. Sona's peerage was shocked to learn about this. Most of them had their mouths gaped out of amazement.
"So Saji has received tips from a Heavenly Dragon on how to get stronger," Tsubasa asked while pointing to Saji. "Well no, I'm not a Heavenly Dragon, although I am a descendent of one, that doesn't mean I inherit their title" I spoke to the blue haired Rook. The room looked at me slightly confused as their devil culture was similar to a monarch, people born in that blood line were to inherit their title one day.
"So how does it work then," Akeno asked me as she tilted her head. "Well, to put it simply dragons respect power and actions. Which means that your title is based on your power and how well respected your actions are respected in the dragon community" I spoke in a thoughtful tone, as I tried to explain it in a way they would understand.
"So does that mean Saji could one day be a Heavenly Dragon," Ruruko asked excitedly. It was painfully apparent to us that she liked Saji just by seeing how happy to hear what she was hearing. "No," I said bluntly which caused her to puff her cheeks in annoyance. "And why not?" She asked aggravated.
"Saji is a good guy and can do the most amazing deeds in the world, but he would never be able to reach the strength of a heavenly dragon. At most he could reach a dragon kings level, but to even do that he would have to collect all of Vritra's sacred gears and reawake the Dragon King Vritra" I spoke bluntly as it should've been obvious that he wouldn't get strong enough to rival the Biblical God in strength. "So what rank are you," Kiba asked grabbing the attention of the room.
"Well its kinda embarrassing, but I haven't done any feats known to the dragons to earn a title. However, if we were going off of power alone, I would be around Dragon King class as I've beaten Tannin in a fight before" I spoke as I thought about it.
"So what does that equate to in in the devil's system of power ranking?" Sona asked me. "That equals to around somewhere in between Ultimate class and Super Devil" I responded, causing Sona's mouth to gape slightly.
"How do you think you'd do against Sirzechs," Akeno asked. The entire room focused on me intensely at this question. "He'd kick my ass, he has so much experience on me that I don't know if I could do anything seriously effective to him" I spoke which is about what everyone expected.
"What if you just based it on your powers alone," Tsubaki asked, once again focusing all the attention to me. "If we just considered our powers, it would be a good fight, but Sirzechs would still ultimately win either way" I answered. This surprised some of the people in the room, as they expected me to say I would be destroyed instantly.
Although Sirzechs has never really gone all out on me, so I can't really say for sure what would happen. I just know I still have a lot I could improve on.
Sona cleared her throat gathering the attention of the room away from me. "Well I wanted to talk to you about something other than officially introducing out new members together," Sona said looking at Rias's curious expression.
"And what may that be?" Rias asked as she raised an eyebrow. "I wanted to know if you planned on getting your new member's familiars anytime soon," Sona said, surprising Rias and confusing Asia and I. "What's this about familiars," I asked turning to Rias. I wasn't very well versed in Devil culture or knowledge, so this familiar thing was a new concept to me.
"Familiars are supernatural monsters that Devils bind with and are considered a basic requirement. They can be used as assistants to their masters in various tasks, be used for information gathering and relaying messages, as well as perform any other odd jobs that their masters could think of." Rias said as a bat appeared around her for an example. It was kinda cute, to be honest, but I'd want something badass if I am getting one.
"And yes Sona I did plan to get them, familiars, I was planning to mention it to them about getting one next weak before you showed up," Rias said to her friend. "Well, that's a bit of a problem for us as he only takes people once a month," Sona said thoughtfully as she held her hand to her chin, think about how to resolve this.
"Well in that case, why don't we have a friendly contest to sort this out" Rias suggested with a smile. Sona widened her eyes at her friend's response. "A contest?" Sona said with a surprised tone. "Indeed whoever wins gets to take their group first" Rias spoke in a light tone.
"Surely you're not talking about a Rating Game" Sona spoke in disbelief. "Oh, no. We'd never get permission to do something like that" Rias said waving her hand dismissing the idea. "Yes, that is true. Besides now isn't the time to be calling attention to yourself is it, especially with him now" Sona responded rather smugly, pointing at me referencing our relationship, which she somehow learned about.
Rias's happy expression was immediately replaced with one of immense irritation. "Don't go there" Rias quickly snapped back sharply with an annoyed tone, that surprised everyone in her peerage. "I know, we should settle this like true high school students, with sports" Rias spoke with her pleasant tone immediately replacing that irritated mood shift she had. 'Weird' I thought to myself as I wondered what could be troubling her so much to get her to switch moods like that.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea, how about we play tennis tomorrow" Sona suggested to Rias. "Yes that sounds like an excellent idea" Rias responded to her friend. "Well, now that that's taken care of we will be taking our leave," Sona said as she gave a slight wave and smile to her fellow devils, as her peerage turned to exit the door.
"Well I'll see you tomorrow on the court," Rias said giggly like an excited little kid. Rias turned to the rest of us and prepared to speak. "Alright, everyone. The club is dismissed for today, everyone gets plenty of rest as we are going to go to the familiar forest after we beat Sona's team" Rias stated confidently.
"Right!" everyone spoke as we all got our things to leave.
"Issei and Asia could you come here for a second" Rias called to us grabbing our attention. We walked over in front of Rias's desk. "Asia's stuff has been moved into her room, so all you two need to do is set everything up" Rias spoke to us.
"Really already, you guys sure work fast huh," I asked her, causing a giggle to emit from her mouth. "Well, that's one of the practical benefits on magic" Akeno spoke with a smile.
"Well, we better get going as I got to cook for two now," I said scratching the back of my neck. "Come on Asia," I said waving for her to follow me.
Asia and I walked our way home while the chilled air was filled with a comfortable silence. We each held our own thoughts respectively. Asia was probably thinking about how to set up her room, or how she could help out around the house.
I was busy thinking about that familiar forest and whatever this Rating Game is. I've heard of it, but I wasn't too sure on what it was outside of a way for high-class devils with peerages to compete against each other. I wonder if Rias has ever participated in one.
After leaving that thought behind I started thinking about what familiars I could get. As far as I'm aware there isn't a real limit to what you can get so long as they are bondable. Looking back up shaking out of my thoughts, my house came into my vision. We walked our way inside and proceeded to put up our school stuff.
"Ok, they said your things were already moved to your room, so go up there unpack and then come back down here, while you're doing that I will be working on dinner," I said pointing up the stairs where Asia's room is. We walked up the stairs and to her room so I could show her where it is specifically.
The room was littered with boxes filled with Asia's belongings. I turned and walked back down to the kitchen leaving Asia to take care of her room, while I on prepare dinner.
I decided I would cook something relatively light for Asia since this was her first night here, excluding when I was unconscious from exhaustion. Halfway through cooking, I realized this would be an excellent time to contact Kuroka since Asia was still in her room.
I held up my hand as I slowly struggled to create a magic communication circle due to my lack of magical powers. Even if I could use my Power Of Extinction with a decent extent, I also trained and practiced with that magic for literal years before I could use it well, and it's not like I use magic circles often.
The magic circle flickered before stabilizing its color to a solid black and proceeded to float up to my ear. The circle producing a ringing sound until it was answered and a voice came through the magic circle. "Issei is that you, Nya" A beautiful voice spoke through the circle.
"Yeah it's me, how have you been?" I asked casually as I walked into the living room taking a seat. "Better now that you've called, normally you don't call little oh me, Nya" Kuroka spoke in a whiney tone. "Well your always busy with your work, so I don't want to interrupt you," I said shrugging.
"Well since you normally don't call me this must be pretty important, oh have you finally decided to give me some kittens" Kuroka teased with a seductive voice. "No that's not it, but it's essential," I said with a more serious tone. "Alright then spill it, what so important, Nya," Kuroka asked curiously.
"I might have a lead on your sister" I spoke. The communication line went deadly silent as Kuroka processed what I said. "I'll be there soon" Kuroka quickly said hanging up before I could say anything.
If there was ever something she loved more then me or the ideas of making kittens would be her sister. She didn't lie either, as within a few minutes I felt a magic presence approach my house as the living room lit up with a purple transportation circle. The circle's luminosity increased significantly in a burst, shortly after dying back down.
The circle faded away revealing Kuroka in her usual black kimono with her dragon mark out on display. Her dragon mark consisted of changing her old ornately detailed headband to have a dragon skull on it with violet flames in its eyes. Symbolizing her skills with Senjutsu mixing with my void powers. Kuroka's eyes darted around the room looking for me, stopping upon spotting me looking at her from the doorway that leads to the kitchen.
She quickly walked across the room to me, stopping once she reached me. "Tell me everything," Kuroka said seriously gently laying her hands on her shoulders. I took notice of how she dropped her little "Nya" Thing she does, which was a sign that she was taking this very seriously. I nodded as I pulled Kuroka to the living room sitting her on the couch as I sat next to her.
"Ok to start, I should tell you I'm not sure if it's her or not" I spoke giving her an apologetic look. "That doesn't matter, the fact that you found anything is great, I haven't found anything since we started looking," Kuroka said looking downcast as she gazed to the floor, clenching her hands to her kimono in frustration.
"You know that I'm in Rias Gremory peerage right," I asked Kuroka, a slight feeling of gilt appearing as I should have noticed this sooner. "Yeah, you've been in it for a little over 3-4 weeks" Kuroka spoke looking at me curiously as what that had to do anything with it.
"Well, there's a girl in there who goes by the name Koneko" I spoke as Kuroka was confused by why I'm mentioning her. "Well she looks very similar to you, she also has a similar scent to you, and it feels as if she is forcefully repressing something," I said causing Kuroka eyes to widen.
"She is pretty short with a petite frame standing at 4,6 she also has white hair and hazel eyes" I continued. Kuroka covered her mouth as her eyes built up with tears. "T-That sounds exactly like Shirone" Kuroka muttered out between her sobs. I wrapped my arms around her trying to calm her down, letting her cry into my shoulder.
"When do you think I can see her," Kuroka asked me, her voice muffled as she spoke into my shoulder. "I don't know, but we might want to wait a little bit, as much as I hate to say it I don't think she would be happy with you since you had to leave her behind," I said rubbing Kuroka's back. "I-I know, and I feel horrible for it" She muttered out between her gasps.
"I promise you, I will reunite you two" I spoke softly into Kuroka's cat ears. "You promise," Kuroka asked quietly as she looked up to me. I nodded in response to her question. She leaned forward pulling me down to her as she pressed her soft lips onto mine. I was surprised but quickly melted into the kiss. Her lips silky soft as the kiss was filled with emotion and passion.
"Um... Issei" I heard to the side of the room shocking us out of our embrace. Asia was standing at the bottom of the staircase staring at us. Kuroka tilted her head slightly upon seeing her.
"Who is this girl Issei," Kuroka asked turning to me with a confused look. "Issei, you're not cheating on Akeno and Rias.. are you," Asia asked nervously. 'FUCK' I mentally screamed to myself as this situation was going to take a lot of explaining.
"Rias and Akeno, Issei have you gotten more mates without telling me, Nya" Kuroka pouted puffing her cheeks out imitating a child. Asia tilted her head in confusion at hearing Kuroka saying this. "No Asia I didn't cheat on Akeno or Rias, let me try to explain," I said standing up.
"Kuroka and have been mates for a few months now, Rias and Akeno became my mates after Kuroka," I said explaining the situation to her. "So does Rias and Akeno knows about her" Asia asked curiously.
"Uh, well uh... I kinda forgot to tell them" I said scratching the back of my neck. The girls looked at me curiously as to question how I forgot to tell them something so important, Asia looking more like a confused child.
"I honestly planned on telling them tomorrow," I said putting my hands up in surrender like position. Asia seemed to believe me, maybe a bit too easily but I was glad none the less. Kuroka let out a giggle at my situation, I was a little surprised that she wasn't mad, but she did tell me that she doesn't mind me having other mates so long as she got her attention.
"Well I suppose I should be going now, please contact me when the time is right," Kuroka said as she stood up walking to the center of the room. She gave me a warm smile accompanied by a wave as a purple magic circle took her back to where she came from. I turned to Asia as she walked closer to me. "What did she mean by that" Asia questioned me curiously.
"Its best I don't say right now, but you will know eventually. For now, though I need you to keep this a secret from Rias and Akeno until I can tell them ok" I told Asia giving her a smile as I walked into the kitchen which she followed. "Ok" She simply said with a nod and a warm smile.
"So what are we having for dinner," Asia asked looking around for the food I was supposed to make. "Well I haven't actually made it yet because I got distracted, so what do you say about us making it together," I asked as I pulled out some food from the fridge. Asia beamed up happily at hearing this. "I'd love to," She said excitedly. She quickly ran up beside me and started helping me prepare the food.
Asia and I cooked our meal which we quickly ate up. We decided it was time to go to sleep and prepare for tomorrows competition. I laid in my soft bed thinking about tomorrow.
'We're going to wipe the floor with them, no matter what we won't lose' I thought determined as I shut my eyes and fell asleep.
Whelp there is another chapter done, remember to leave suggestions for the story as well as what I could improve on in my writing.
Thank you all very much for the read :D