"Issei Hyoudou" - Talking
'Issei Hyoudou'- Thought
"Issei Hyoudou" - Communication circle/phone
*Sounds*
[ Issei Hyoudou ] - Heavenly Dragons.
"Issei Hyoudou" - Draconic voice
I let out an exhale of a deep breath, the gentle gust of wind blowing through my hair. The air filled with the sound of nature, birds chirping, the grass, and branches of trees flowing gently in the soft breeze.
The orangish light shone through the leaves of a large tree that stood before me, it's damaged bark holding several slashes within it. The water glistened in the background as the sun began setting over the hilly and forested terrain that surrounded the lake and me.
Sweat ran down my face, and my body ached, as I have been training nonstop since I last checked on Issei. Even if it was my day to keep an eye on him, I know he wouldn't want us to worry. Nor would he want us to sit around all day to keep an eye on him. Instead, he would want us to enjoy our day as we usually would, and train to get stronger.
My muscles relaxed, and I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath. I focused my mind on my target, the tree in front of me. With my mental focus, my sacred gear began to activate within my hands.
.
.
.
"Balance Break!"
With a shout, the Sword of Betrayer formed within my hand. I quickly rose it, shooting open my eyes, peering at my target as I tightly gripped the handle. I dashed forward, swinging the blade ferociously into the thick tree.
With a loud thud that echoed throughout the surrounding forest, my blade slashed into the wood with great force, shaking the entire tree. Bird began to fly away into the orange sky as I hit it.
I stared at the tree, my sword embedded within its thick wood deeply. I exhaled my deep breath, and let go of the handle, allowing myself to fall to the grass beneath me.
I stared up at the sky as I laid in the grass. The fluffy clouds moving over me with a pinkish purple hue from the sunset. Sweat ran from my head down to the ground as I caught my breath.
The sky slowly began to fade from its orange color and turned to that of a dark night sky as the sunset over the horizon. The stars started becoming visible, shining brightly in the dark sky.
"Kiba! Come on back! It's getting late!" I heard Akeno's voice echo from through the trees from the Gremory Manor.
With a few more labored breaths, I sat up from the grass. My sword faded away from within the tree. I walked through the small path that passed through the forest, leading back to the Gremory Manor. As I made my way through, I enjoyed the peaceful silence that nature had to offer.
Eventually, I emerged from the flora that surrounded the path. Akeno came into sight, waving at me with a smile as she sat on the porch. I gave her a small wave back as I exhaustively made my way up the hill to her. Through the open windows, I could smell the scent of fresh food.
"Working hard, I assume?" She asked.
"I'd like to think so, though training with Issei is a lot different then wailing on a tree. It's a lot harder when the target fights back," I chuckled.
"I'd imagine. Why don't you come in, dinner is ready," Akeno gave me a warm smile, stepping to the side.
As she moved to the side to let me in, she stopped and gave me a good look up and down. Her eyes visibly stopped for brief moments on the dirt stains and sweat that coated my body.
"Though, maybe you should take a shower first," Akeno laughed lightly.
"Yeah, I'll be sure to do that," I responded, making sure all the dirt was off my shoes before I entered the building.
As I walked in, I could hear Sona and the others talking in the living room with the TV playing something in the background. I'm honestly still surprised that Sona allowed her and her peerage to miss school for this. I suppose she isn't as cold as she always comes off to be.
I could see them through the open arched doorway, all of them were sitting on the couch or near it talking to one another, all except Xenovia and Irina. Those two showed up earlier today after being expelled from the church for learning that God was dead.
Oddly enough, Xenovia asked to be turned into a devil, which Rias did, turning her into our second Knight. I'm still not sure why she wanted to become a devil, though. Maybe it was desperation. Learning that God was dead and being expelled from the church left her without a purpose in life. Then again, it's not like I bothered to ask.
Irina tho, she didn't wish to transform. From what I understand, the only reason Irina left was that they tried to keep her for her power, all while expelling Xenovia even though they learned the same thing together. She must have got angered that they lied to them about God, and then they expelled Xenovia, but not her, all because of her Booster Gear.
Initially, we weren't going to bring her along as she isn't a part of the peerage, but Xenovia was adamant about coming. She refused to leave her friend's side, regardless of the reason. Though I have a feeling that Rias has some sympathy towards her, as from what I know, she and Issei used to be close.
I passed by, not bothering to move into the living room. I made my way to the sizable bedroom that Issei and I shared like we did last time. As I opened the door, the lights were still off as they were ever since Issei was put in here, leaving the room darkened from everything but the rays of sunlight that shone through the window curtains.
I walked over to grab a pair of clean clothing from my drawer. After I got all of my things, I looked over to Issei, checking on him before leaving. His breathing still hasn't hastened any, so at least he's not in pain right now. Then again, that could be because he isn't moving, but on another note...
Noticeably the sheets were messed up a bit. Hopefully, it was from Issei trying to move and not someone else who checked on him either. Knowing the girls, it could have easily been one of them, despite being told to leave him alone to rest. I can't really blame them. Even I can't shake the worrying thoughts from my mind, and I don't hold and candle to the bond that they share with him.
I left the room, shutting the door quietly behind me as to not disturb him. I make my way through the halls, reaching the lavish bathing room. The Gremory Manor didn't compare to the Phoenix with the amount of gold in its design, but even still, this was definitely a place for a wealthy family.
I closed the door behind me, locking it to keep others from interrupting me. As I set my clean clothing down on the sink counter, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My face was covered in dirt, sweat, bruises, and scratches. Akeno was right. I really did need a shower.
I looked down at my sore hands, the palms of my hands were a red color from the forceful strikes against the tree. Even still, this training isn't near enough if I'm going to try and reach my goal. Issei won't be here for us every time, try as he might.
When Issei transformed and lost his sanity, I realized something. Even if we may be well off on strength compared to the average devil in our class. We are nowhere near strong enough to protect our selves from forces like Kokabiel. Without Issei or the others, we would have died. We might have even died sooner if it wasn't for Xenovia and Irina showing up when they did.
'If I'm going to get stronger... strong enough to help protect everyone. I need to train harder,' I thought to myself as I gazed down at my hands.
I walk out of the shower, dried off, and now in my more casual, clean clothing. I tossed the dirtied clothing with the others that need to be washed and made my way downstairs, where the others were waiting for me in one of the several rooms that spread throughout the Gremory Manor.
As I walked downstairs, I could hear the group from within the dining room, accompanied by the scent of a delicious meal. I looked in the room to see them all with plates of food, talking to each other. As I walked in, I glanced at the Devil King, Sirzechs, at the table next to our peerage. I stumbled slightly, double-taking if I really saw the right person just now as I had no idea he came here. He wasn't here for the last few days.
"Oh, Kiba, glad to see you finally made it," Sirzechs spoke as he noticed me looking at him. His words caused everyone in the room to look over to me.
"Good, we were waiting for you before we started," Rias spoke, waving at me to come and sit at the empty chair next to our peerage.
"My apologies for being late. I didn't realize you guys were waiting on me," I sincerely spoke, giving a small bow to the Devil King.
"I'm here as a concerned friend and family, so there's no need for that," Sirzechs spoke, giving me a smile as he waved off my formal actions.
I stay quiet, not wishing to make any excuses or make it awkward. I simply walk over to the empty seat with a plate in front of it and take my spot next to our peerage.
"Well, with everyone here, why do we start," Sona spoke.
With that said, we all began to eat a delicious meal. The extensive training made this all the more worth it, as it tasted amazing. The girls really were excellent cooks. I doubt I could ever match them in comparison, even if I'm decent at it myself.
"If you don't mind me asking. What brings you here?" I asked, looking at the Devil King across the table.
"I simply wished to check on our friend. I also wanted to talk about everything that's been going on in the Underworld with your fellow peerage members," He responded.
"Speaking of which, how are things going on your end, Sirzechs?" Rias asked her brother, her eyebrows knitted in concern.
"Surprisingly well. The Elder Council was quite understanding with the circumstances that Issei was in, most of them anyway. The ones that opposed him in the start still did, but the others were understanding so long as it didn't happen again. I also managed to work out who will be keeping an eye on Issei for them for his earlier display of power," Sirzechs spoke.
"Oh, who is it?" Rias asked.
"Ravel Phoenix volunteered for it," Sirzechs responded.
"Ravel? That's interesting. Why would the sister of Riser want to be involved with the one her brother lost too?" Akeno asked.
"As of now, she is no longer Riser's Bishop, and she was quite impressed with how you and your peerage handled the rating game against them. The Elder Council was fine with it, as she held no grudges against you for the win, making her an unbiased choice," Sirzechs spoke.
It was definitely an unusual outcome. I figured she would hold some kind of grudge against Issei for beating her brother, but perhaps I was wrong to assume such a thing. Well, I suppose we could ask more of her reasoning when she actually shows up here.
"On a different note. How is Issei's recovery coming along?" Sirzechs inquired.
"Well, it seems to be going smoothly, I think. He's been asleep ever since the transformation. Todays Monday, so that would be three days in a row now. We've been having Asia perform extensive healing sessions with him five times a day with her sacred gear. Kuroka also has been trying to restore and stabilize his lost life force with her Senjutsu magic," Rias spoke, a hint of concern still in her voice even though he was showing good results.
"Is he responding to anything?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yes. Yesterday, Issei was able to respond to our physical touch again, and it seemed as if loud sounds and too much light bothered him. He didn't make any attempt to wake up, but he moved some when we interacted with him," Rias responded.
"That's excellent signs of recovery. Yet, that was just yesterday. If Issei's recovery keeps going like this, he'll be up before soon. That must be thanks to those two that are healing him. Even if dragons are more durable then most creatures, I'm sure it would have taken far longer without them," Sirzechs confidently spoke.
We sat in silence for a few moments as we ate, as the topic was more or less concluded, and no one was really in a talkative mood. As we ate, Sirzechs looked around the room until his gaze landed upon Xenovia and Irina, both of whom have been silent throughout the conversation.
"I've been told that you two arrived earlier this morning. How are you two handling everything? How are you taking to being a devil so far, Xenovia?" Sirzechs asked, turning his attention to the silent former church members.
"Well... I'm not sure why I even asked to become a devil, to be honest. Maybe it was a lack of purpose or just desperation," Xenovia spoke, clear doubt held within her words to if she really made the right choice.
"I understand. Switching sides so suddenly must be challenging to process. Though, I guarantee that you'll enjoy being in Rias's care," Sirzechs reassured the new Knight.
"What about you? I understand you decided against becoming a devil, but how are you handling all of this?" Sirzechs asked directly to Irina.
She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turned her gaze away from the rest of us as she picked at the food in front of her with her fork.
"I'm fine," She mumbled. Even though she said she was fine, the feeling behind her words, as well as her actions, they betrayed what she said.
It was clear to all of us that she was handling the recent events that transpired with her poorly. So instead of probing it any further, Sirzechs gave a small nod and opted to leave the subject alone. Irina has been through a lot recently, so it's not surprising that she isn't handling it well, that fact was understood by everyone at the table.
"So, do you think Issei will recover soon?" Kuroka asked.
"Hopefully. With a bit of luck, and if his recovery keeps going at the pace that it's at, he should be up soon. Though that leaves into the question of how much Asia really did heal," Sirzechs seemed to be in a state of thought after answering her question.
"What do you mean?" Wynter asked.
"Well, he did a lot of damage to himself. So I find it difficult that Asia will be able to heal him completely. It's possible that even after he wakes up, he could be significantly weakened for a while longer," Sirzechs explained.
Irina then stood up from her chair, getting the attention of the room by her actions.
"I appreciate your hospitality, but please excuse me." She spoke, shortly after leaving the room and making her way upstairs to where I could only guess to be the room she and Xenovia are sharing.
Looking back to her plate, a lot of it was still left. We all knew she wasn't handling this well, just from her silence compared to her bubbly personality when we first met her. It's almost as if she's an entirely different person.
"Please excuse me as well." Xenovia spoke, standing from her chair and following Irina up to their room.
With Xenovia and Irina's leave, the air gained a tone of a tense awkwardness to it. I suspect Xenovia left to help Irina. They both may have left, but for vastly different reasons. I'm sure she's handling it far better than her partner.
Even if they were former church members, I'm sure we would all help if we could. None of us knew Irina very well, so even if we wanted to help her, we wouldn't know where to begin. I couldn't imagine continually living with that thought like those two do, always being chased for your power.
We simply sat at the table and finished our meals in silence, left to our own thoughts.
"Well, I best be going. It has been quite busy in the Underworld with everything going on," Sirzechs spoke.
"Feel free to stop by again if you want to check on Issei, and be sure to let us know what's going on down there," Rias said, giving her brother a wave as he stood from his chair.
"I'll be sure to do that. You all take care now," Sirzechs gave us a wave as he left the room. His magic circle shinned a bright crimson from the other room as he was moved back to the Underworld.
The rest of us finished our meals in the continued silence.
After everyone was done, I collected the used plates and silverware and took them to the sink. I rinsed them off, removing any leftover bits of food, then loaded them into the dishwasher while the others went to their rooms. This is the least I could do for them, considering they cooked all this food for us, all while I was outside selfishly training as I please.
As I finished loading up the dishes, I notice that the manor was very quiet. The others must have already gone to their rooms, it is late after all. I left the kitchen and began making my way up the stairs to bed, as my body definitely could use rest after today.
As I made my way to the room I shared with Issei, I passed by the room Xenovia, and Irina was occupying. I wonder if she managed to cheer her up. Earlier today, I could see them interact without being on a mission for the first time, and it was very similar to how our peerage gets along. Those two must have been working together for quite some time to share a bond as they do.
The thoughts of the two ended as I reach the room I was staying in. Slowly, I opened the doors, shutting it behind me just as slowly. I crept my way over to my bed on the opposite side of the room of Issei's and crawl into the covers.
I look over to the window, the curtains glowing within the moonlight that shone through. My eyes closed slowly as darkness sets around me, and my consciousness slowly fades away as I fall asleep.
I slowly opened my eyes. The room was void of light. My muscles were tense as if they haven't moved in days. My shirt was nowhere to be found, yet I still seemed to have pants on at least.
As I try to sit up from the bed, I grit my teeth together. A sore pain shot throughout my entire body when I moved. My throat also felt as if it was now a desert, feeling like I haven't drunk anything for days.
Slowly, I managed to lift myself up, the covers falling from me. I looked around, my surroundings being the same as when we were training for the Rating Game against Riser. My eyes landed on the bed at the opposite side of the room from me, Kiba sleeping from under the blankets.
'Where the hell am I? Am I in the Gremory Manor?' I thought to myself.
I looked over to the clock that hung on the wall. It read 4 A.M., which makes sense if the dim light illuminating the window curtains had anything to say.
I slowly moved myself to the edge of the bed, lifting the covers from my body. My legs touched the ground as I sat on my bed's side, my tail uncoiling from beneath the covers. My head rested in my hands as I tried to remember what happened.
As I reflected on the past events, the realization hit me. I lifted my head up, looking down at my hands. My power... it was significantly weaker than what I remembered. As I focused all my concentration on remembering what happened, glimpses of blurry images began to come to me, yet I could barely make them out.
I vaguely remembered that of crimson red color covering a figure that I held in my arms, the crimson color tainting it and my hands. The color also seemed to move down to the ground, splattering all across from beneath me.
Then, I remember what appeared like a change in scenery, and two silhouettes stood together at a distance from me. One black shape had a green color moving around its body, and the other was glowing a bright crimson red.
The last thing I can recall is a bright light shining in the darkness that surrounded me. Within that light came a beautiful black-haired woman. I couldn't make out her face, or any details, but I could tell she was speaking as she came down to me.
I can't make heads or tails of any of it. These flashes of memory that I'm getting, their so... vague. It doesn't help that my reduced power is distracting me.
[Issei?]
I heard a voice speaking within my head—the voice of a powerful friend.
'Inanis?' I thought within my head.
[I'm relieved that you have awoken. I was worried that this damage would get the better of you for a while there]
'I'm sure you were,' I responded, a small smile forming on my lips.
[How do you feel?] The old dragon asked.
'Feels like someone dragged me through purgatory, and my power is significantly decreased. Is that permanent?' I asked.
[The pain will obviously go away with rest. So should the weakened power. Your aura was severely strained, but with enough rest, it will come back to you. Just avoid pushing yourself too much at the moment] Inanis reassured.
'Good to know. So you mind reminding me what happened that strained me so much?' I asked, relieved that I didn't lose all that power.
[How much do you remember?] Inanis questioned.
'The last thing I remember is when that bastard used that weird illusion thing on me in the forest. After that, it's one big blur,' I responded, trying my best to recall the past events, to no avail.
[Issei... Please try to stay calm about this all]
As Inanis spoke those words, my eyes sharpened, and a feeling of worry set within me. If he's telling me to stay calm about it, whatever happened must truly be bad if it's worthy of the concern from a Heavenly Dragon.
[After you broke free from his illusions, you flew into a rage and gave chase towards the school, where the others were fighting him while you were trapped. However, upon your arrival, Akeno was severely injured, protecting Rias. When you saw them lying together, your sanity snapped, and the curse embedded within the sacred gear, along with your anger forced an uncontrolled Juggernaut Drive]
My eyes went wide. The blurry memories that I vision became clear. I went into Juggernaut Drive and then began rampaging on those around me. Yet, that crimson figure... only two people have that kind of power that I know of.
'Is everyone ok? I didn't hurt them, did I?' I quickly questioned, fearing the worst.
[Thankfully not, or you would have never returned from that state. The White Dragon Emperor, as well as others, showed up to control your rage. They transported you to a separate dimension similar to those that the Rating Games are held, and held you off until your three mates could calm you down.]
So, that means the crimson figure I vaguely remembered must have been Sirzechs, and the one with a green aura must have been Ajuka. Naturally, Grayfia must have been there as well, not to mention Kuroka and the peerage. I'll have to remember to apologize to them for causing such a problem.
Then again, Inanis's explanation raises some intriguing questions himself. Why was the White Dragon Emperor there? Then again, upon further thinking, I doubt he would know that either.
'Is Akeno fine? You said she got hurt,' I questioned.
[Worry about yourself. Her recovery came before your Juggernaut Drive even ended. Aside from the White Dragon Emperor, you sustained far more injuries than any of them did.]
'I'll be fine,' I grunted, lifting myself off the bed.
[Just don't push yourself too hard. If not for yourself, then do it for others. I'm sure they don't want to see you injured like this.]
'I'm just going down to get some water, don't worry so much,' I mentally responded.
[There are many more things to discuss, but that can come at a later time. For now, take it easy and rest]
'Alright,'
I slowly walk over to the door, my hand on my side and the other on the wall, supporting my sore body. Slowly, I opened and closed the door, avoiding making any sound as to not wake Kiba.
I walked into the darkened halls, looking down where it would lead to the kitchen. Though, part of me wanted to run the opposite way and check on the others to see for myself that I didn't hurt them.
I took a deep breath and walked towards the kitchen, pushing down my instinct to check on them. If I disturbed them now in the dead of night, it would only cause them panic and confusion. To trouble them after everything I've already done would be selfish, so I'll let them wake up on their own time before I satisfy my own concerns.
As I walked down the dark and silent halls, my ears picked up on every little creek the floor made beneath me, I couldn't help but think to myself. What day was it? How long have I been asleep? All questions I should have asked Inanis. I can when I get back if I don't find a calendar or something first. I really need something to drink right now.
I entered the large kitchen, the dishwasher holding a full load of clean dishes. Grabbing the glass, I quickly filled it with water and drank it all. I repeated the process a few times, slowly quenching my thirst with each glass I drank until I was satisfied.
After drinking glass after glass, my thirst was finally sated. I put the glass next to the sink once again and began to walk away from the kitchen. That was until the sound of creaking hinges hit my ears, and the coolness of a gentle breeze touched my skin. I turned around, looking at the front door, which was curiously left open with a small crack.
I walk over to the door, looking out the window placed on it. My movement halted, and my eyes widened slightly, as what my gaze landed on was certainly a shock. A girl with long chestnut hair tied into twin tails sitting on the porch of the Gremory Manor. Her gaze is looking up at the shining stars in the dark night sky.
'Irina?' I thought to myself. What is she doing here? They were supposed to return to the church with the holy swords, so why is she still in a devil's territory?
I slowly open the door, allowing the cold night air to move into the manor. As soon as I step outside, her body tensed up slightly as if she was surprised to be caught out here. She then relaxed again, letting out a sigh.
"I know you're worried, but I'm fine. I'll come back to sleep soon, I promise," Irina began to speak, standing up as she began to turn around to face me. As soon as she locked gazes with me, her eyes widened, and it looked as if she saw a ghost. She froze in place and simply stared at me.
"Issei..." she muttered beneath her breaths, her eyes turning glassy.
"Irina? What are you-" My words were interrupted as she quickly tackled me into a hug, causing me to wince in pain as we fell down to the ground.
"I was so worried about you! Are you all right? Thank God you're awake again, I-"
"I'm fine, but please loosen the grip. I'm a bit sore," I managed to speak from her tight grip and rapid words.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I wasn't even thinking!" She quickly shouted, releasing her hug from me.
"It's fine. Just be more careful, I'm still a bit sensitive from the whole thing," I spoke, sitting up from her tackle.
"Even after all of Aisa's and Kuroka's healing? They worked on making you better for hours on end," She questioned.
'They were healing me?' I thought to myself.
"Hey, how long was I out for? What day is it?" I asked.
"You passed out after the whole Juggernaut Drive, which was Friday night. Today's Monday, so about three days," Irina explained.
'Three days?' I thought to myself. How could I have passed out for three days? I've activated the Juggernaut Drive before, sure it was of my own will, and I controlled it for a minute, but it never put that much strain on my body before.
"So, when did you get here?" I asked.
"Xenovia and I arrived early this morning. We were... exiled from the church, and we couldn't think of any other place to go but to you," Irina choked on her words as she said they were exiled.
"Exiled!?"
"Yeah... In the fight with Kokabiel, he said that God... He said he died in the three-way war. When we asked the church, they expelled Xenovia for learning the truth, and then they tried to keep me for my sacred gear. I didn't want Xenovia to get expelled, and I be kept for a power she doesn't have... so I left with her," She seemingly began to choke on her words towards the end, clearly upset at everything.
I was at a loss for words. Even as a child, Irina was the type of person that didn't give up on something. Her family was heavily religious as well. So to think that she would just up and leave. Then again, I can't blame her. Keeping someone for their strength just sat wrong with me.
"That's pathetic," I bluntly spoke, no attempts to hide how I truly felt about things such as that.
She quickly turned her gaze over to me. Her eyes wide and glassy as she stared at me in confusion from what I said. After a few moments, she finally parted her lips.
"What do you mean?"
"The idea of wanting someone just because of their powers. It's pathetic," I responded.
Irina's gaze stayed on me for a while after I spoke. Her face remained with a surprised look, though I could there was more than that to it. She was conflicting with herself, surely unsure if she really made the right choice or not.
Truth be told, I don't blame the church for wanting to keep Irina for her unique powers, even if I hate such an idea. With the power struggle between the three factions, grasping onto any power itself is reasonable. Any faction would have done the same thing. Though, just because others do it doesn't exactly make it right.
Then again... I can't pretend it wasn't the reason I was saved either.
Sirzechs wanted me so I could hopefully help his sister for their forced marriage, which in itself means he wanted me for my strength and nothing more. Even if that was the primary reason, he is a smart man, and he surely knew that taking me in would add power to the devil faction.
We weren't friends at the time. In the end, it was for the potential I had. Nothing more than that.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" She slowly asked, breaking the silence that sat around us.
"What is it?" I turned my attention back to her. Her eyes covered up from the hair, draping over her face as she looked down to the floor between her legs.
"How do you handle that kind of stuff?" She asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I heard that people are naturally attracted to the aura of a dragon, to power. How do you deal with people wanting you for your power? How do you know those close to you aren't just using you?"
.
.
.
I was taken aback by her question. It was seemingly out of nowhere. Outside of Sirzechs and Kuroka, no one tried to get close to me for power. Kuroka initially only wanted me to find her sister due to my reputation. Though, if that is all there was to it now, she would have left as soon as we found Koneko, but she didn't. She stayed with me.
Sirzechs doesn't have to treat me as a friend. He's already got his use out of me after I beat Riser. Back at the after-party for our success, he found information on my family line. He didn't have to look into that for me, but he did anyway.
"I trust them," I simply responded. Though almost as instantly as I replied, she did the same. Her voice sounding as if she was about to break into tears.
"But how can you be sure? How can you prove that your right?"
"...I can't,"
.
.
.
"I've been part of the peerage for a few months now, and they don't treat me like I'm a tool. They treat me like a person, like a friend, even family," I said, lying against the ground.
She didn't respond. So I continued, not even sure that what I was saying was helpful, but I could at least try.
"Some people are going to want you for power, that's how life is going to play out sometimes. You just have to find those who don't want you for your power, because not everyone will,"
She still stayed silent. Maybe she couldn't respond. So, without thinking, I said the first thing that came to mind to try and comfort her.
"So long as you're here, I won't want you for your power, and we can make up for all the time we lost together. Just like I promised back then,"
I looked back to the stars in the sky, and I felt a warm embrace surround me. Looking back down, I saw Irina with her head buried in my shoulder, and her arms wrapped around me. I could feel small drops of water hitting my skin as she held onto me.
"Thank you," She weakly spoke.
I wrapped my arm around her, resting my hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Together we sat there for what felt like hours, the star-filled sky sparkling over us as her sobbing filled the air.
I couldn't help but feel bad for her. Hopefully, she will overcome this and be able to move on. I know I will as much as I can, though I'm not sure how to handle emotional stuff too well, so despite my less than favorable opinion about her, I hope that Xenovia will help as well.
Slowly, she pulled herself away from me, wiping the tears away from her eyes as she stood up from the ground.
"Where are you going?" I asked, watching her as she turned back to the door.
"I'm going back to my room. Stay out her too long, and Xenovia will wake up and come looking for me," She spoke, all small chuckle emitting from between her sniffles.
"Alright, try to get a night of good sleep,"
"I will, and... Thank you for listening to me," She gave a warm smile before going back into the manor.
As she closed the door behind her, I let out a sigh and relaxed on the porch again. I wasn't tired, so I doubt I could get some sleep in, not that I need anymore after sleeping for three days.
"What to do now?" I asked myself.
I emptied my mind of thoughts, and crossed my legs, sitting in a shallow part of the lake near the manor.
I took a deep breath, listening to the nature around me. The birds were chirping in the trees, and the leaves blew in the wind. My black aura began to seep from me, gently flowing around me as I relaxed my body.
My aura caused the water to ripple away from me, slowly pushing the water outwards as I released more of it. Eventually, my aura became so thick around me that the water was completely removed from where I sat.
My eyes opened, and I was left in the dark surroundings of my MindScape within my sacred gear, no longer in the real world.
[Dind't you tell me you were going to take it easy? You need rest, boy.] The deep voice echoed throughout the area, his violet eyes gazing to me from his resting spot.
"I am. Though, while it seems my other powers have been significantly strained, my capabilities for my illusions and shadows seem to be more or less at the same level. Even more so, their increasing, so I wanted to test them," I spoke, taking a deep breath.
[Hmm, that reminds me. I neglected to mention something. While you were under the influence of the Juggernaut Drive, it seems that Kokabiel tried to use the Excalibur Nightmare on you again]
"And?"
[His attempts failed, and you ate the blade along with his arm. Who knows what kind of side effects it could have on you]
"I wish you told me this earlier. Though I guess you did say we would talk more later, or maybe you're just getting old. Displaying some early signs of dementia old dragon?" I slyly asked with a smirk.
Inanis merely grunted and laid his head back down on the ground, closing his shining eyes.
I raised my arm, letting the shadows flow freely from my hand. The shadows pooled in a contorting sphere in front of me, slowly turning from their original shape to that of a human figure. With my other hand, a magic illusion sigil appeared in the palm of my hands. The magic I cast made the morphed shadows disappear entirely.
My mind was overtaken with surprise as the spell completed its goal. This illusion spell was much more efficient than that of anything I could muster before with magic. Typically I would relay on my aura abilities, as I have an insignificant magical reserve that I try to avoid relying on it, saving it only for my inherited magic of Extinction. Yet, this spell hardly affected the reserves at all, only taking the minimum amount of power needed while maintaining it's efficiency.
"So, you want to give me a run down the side effects this could have on me?" I asked, dispelling the illusion, and allowing the shadows to return to me.
[Hard to say. As you've already said, your capabilities for casting illusions could have significantly increased, magic and aura based alike. Though you are a devil, so the side effects could be costly. I've never encountered anything like this. Did you feel any different when you cast your spell?]
"Aside from it being much easier, not really," I spoke.
[Well, then let's hope nothing bad comes of it. With a bit of luck, all that happened was you absorbed the Excalibur Nightmare into the Sacred Gear, and with that, it boosted your illusions, nothing more. On the other side, which is more probable, your devil heritage will react negatively over time with it]
"So much for the wise dragon legends," I joked, a wry smile making it's way to my lips.
[As I said, I've never encountered something like this before. Best I can say is a guess. Perhaps you can mention it to Ajuka sometime, surely he knows more than anyone else would]
"Next time I see Sirzechs, I'll be sure to ask to see him," I spoke, slightly disappointed that he didn't fire back with a joke of his own.
Inanis fell silent, and our conversation ended there, as we can't do anything about it now. I'll just have to wait and make sure to keep an eye out for any changes in it.
I cast a few more illusions, both aura, and magic-based, same results. He was right, both my aura and magical based illusions feats are much easier to form and maintain, and with my limitation in the magical field, this could be a massive bonus for me.
I closed my eyes once more, and then opened them, expecting to find myself in the lake where I was last in the real world. Yet, to my surprise, my surroundings were the same darkness as the MindScape.
'What the hell?' I thought to myself. This was the first time something like this ever happened. Admittingly, when I was first learning about it, I did have some slight difficulties entering the MindScape, but never once was there a problem leaving it.
"Inanis, what's going on?" I asked, only for no response to come from the dragon.
"Inanis?" I looked to where he was last in the dark void of my MindScape, yet he was no longer there.
"Where'd you go? Is this some kind of trick for me calling you old?" I asked, looking around in the dark. Yet, no matter how much I looked, I couldn't find the old dragon.
A sharp gust of wind began to blow through the void, chilling the air. Shortly after, I could feel the presence of an unrecognizable aura nearby. It was overwhelming, just the mere feeling of such mass power sent shivers down my spine. I've never felt anything like it before, not even Sirzechs or Inanis compares to this.
My hands clenched into fists, and they raised up to the defense, ready for whatever was to be thrown at them. My gaze darted around the darkness, analyzing my surroundings for any sign of this new power. I tried to mask the effects that this massive power's pressure was having on me, yet even I couldn't stop my body from shaking.
'What the hell,' I thought to myself. It felt as if the power was coming from everywhere at once, making it impossible to pinpoint a location.
Then, within the sky above me, two violet orbs lit up in the shapes of eyes. I quickly turned my body to face it, my guard ready to defend from anything this thing could throw at me. Slowly, the eyes began to become surrounded by a growing violet aura—the illuminating light revealing a curvy woman's silhouette.
"Who are you?" I shouted into the sky at the figure.
She didn't respond. Rather, she instead opted to slowly raise her hand into the air, pointing a finger down at me.
Realizing what she was doing, I threw my right arm up into the air, manipulating the shadows to form a thick barrier in front of me. Though, I grit my teeth as the sore pain surged through me from acting so hastily with my powers.
Before I could think about any other defense, a pure violet beam, no larger than the finger's width, immediately pierced the barrier as if it wasn't even there. I couldn't even react in time to move to the side, as a searing pain hit my right cheek, barely grazing me as it passed between my arm and face.
In an attempt to move away from the small beam, I fell back to the side, and my concentration was broken, causing my barrier to disappear. The attack moved so fast that I couldn't even see it, and such a small beam caused such searing pain. Yet, such a small beam showed that she was playing, so what would happen if she took this seriously?
I was broken out of my thoughts by the sound of an explosion echoing above me. She dashed through the air above me, moving so fast that she was leaving after images of herself in the wake, easily breaking sound barriers. Then with an instant and a sonic boom echoing from her speed, she appeared right in front of me with such speed that I couldn't even begin to follow her.
Her right arm was raised up, her hand extended with her palm facing me. A sly smile formed on her, and a violet sphere began developing in the palm of her hand mere inches from my face.
Shadows swiftly covered my body. Right before my vision was entirely consumed from the shadows, a bright flash of violet light filled the little sight I had left. Then, the shadows transported me away from her.
As I reappeared, my vision came back as the shadows moved away from me. From the left corner of my vision lit a bright violet light. Looking over to where I once was, my eyes widened in shock to the fate that would have awaited me if I was just a second slower.
From her hand's palm shot a massive, powerful beam of pure violet energy, completely engulfing the area and utterly destroying the ground in front of her where I once sat. It was undoubtedly the same size of attack that I used against Riser, yet it held substantially more energy behind it.
Such an attack was so powerful that it was astonishing to see something of its magnitude be used so effortlessly, and even more so, it was an attack that would have easily killed me.
Even so, such a powerful attack should have concealed my teleportation, especially considering the bright light it caused. I doubt she knows I'm not in there anymore, so I'll take that to my advantage.
I quickly threw my hand up, forming a blast of my Extinction magic within the palm of my hand. I grit my teeth, fully aware that this attack will never be as strong as what I could create thanks to my current condition. Regardless, I pushed all the power I could muster into the sphere.
I released the blast with a mighty roar, shooting a beam of Extinction magic directly towards her. Her violet eyes darted over to me, piercing me with her chilling gaze. She threw her arm up, allowing the blast to slam into the palm of her hand.
The beam slammed into her hand with great force. The initial satisfaction for nailing a dead-on shot quickly faded, and was replaced with the feeling of shock and wide eyes. Rather than being consumed by the beam, it was splitting into multiple directions away from after it hit.
"Damnit!" I muttered under my breath.
While the blast's splitting beams were still covering her vision, I quickly wrapped myself in the shadows once again. Just before the beam ended and she regained her sight on me, I disappeared into the dark shadows, reappearing right behind her, a shadow sword tightly clenched in my hand.
I jumped from behind her and forcefully plunged my sword deep through her back, the blade emerging from her chest right where the heart should be. I refused to stop there, and with a shout, I tightened my grip on the hilt and pushed it even harder. Eventually stabbing her so deeply that my guard reached all the way to her back.
Her head jerked around, looking at me over her shoulder with widened eyes filled with shock and confusion. As soon as her eyes landed on me, I let go of my grip and jumped away, refusing her the chance to get close enough and attack me with a fatal move.
I landed back a reasonable distance away, and a sly smirk formed on my face as I looked at the woman. Her eyes still widened, and her jaw slightly gaped with shock as the sword protruded from her chest.
Though, my confidence was quickly extinguished as she regained her composure, her gaped mouth turning to that of a cheeky smirk. Her narrow violet eyes piercing holes into my being, chills shivering up my spine.
"It has been eons since someone has tried to hurt me like this," She finally spoke. Her voice, while elegant, it echoed with power.
She wrapped her hands around the blade that stuck through her chest, tightly gripping it and slowly pushing on it, moving it out of her back. She didn't make any noise, not showing any signs of pain, merely letting the sword fall out of her back onto the ground. Not even a single drop of blood left the wound, not that it had the chance to, as it closed near instantaneously.
Seeing this, it reminded me of how Riser also regenerated his injuries, as well as the notable weakness of it to the constant burning of my flames. Yet, her regeneration was different from his. Her's was so much faster, it put Riser's ability to shame.
With that in mind, I took a deep breath as she slowly stepped towards me, even if I'm not sure that the flames will work, I have to try. I sparked the oxygen in my lungs alit, and then, with the roar of a dragon, I spewed the torrent of flames outwards at the mysterious woman.
She didn't make an effort to dodge, allowing the flames to completely engulf her within its burning grasp. Instead, I could see her violet eyes piercing the black flames as she continued walking towards me through them.
As I ran out of breath, the flames came to a stop. The fire clung to her body, burning all around her as she walked towards me. Sticking true to their ability, the flames never once stopped burning, yet it doesn't even seem to be affecting her in the slightest.
'What the hell is she?' I thought to myself, slowly backing away as she walked towards me. For the first time in a while, genuine fear began to surge within me.
"Damaged as you may be, you really do have extraordinary potential. Make sure you don't squander it like that foolish dragon. After all, I have great plans for you," She spoke, a small smile appearing on her face as she pointed her finger down to me.
A chill ran up my spine, sending shivers through my body just from her presence and words alone. My mind failed to comprehend what she spoke. Before I could think any further, my vision was consumed in the bright violet light that left her finger. Then, there was nothing but darkness.
.
.
.
My eyes shot open as I gasped for air as I began having a small coughing fit.
[Issei!? I couldn't reach you in the MindScape. What happened?] Inanis asked.
My throat locked up, and I couldn't find myself able to respond. I quickly stood up from the water, stumbling to the lake's shore. As I reached the solid land, I fell to my knees, my breath labored and heavy as I gasped for air.
I paused and focused my mind. My breathing began to slow to that of deeper yet more paced breaths, and the state of fear and panic slowly diminished away.
Inanis patiently waited silently, giving me all the time I needed. He must be aware of what I was trying to do, and thankfully so. With a few moments, my breathing came to a steady pace. I shifted myself from my knees to sitting on the ground.
Slowly, I moved my hand to my cheek, caressing the area I was hit. There was not a mark left there, not a scratch, or even a burn. Yet, the pain was so real, so intense, it felt as if it was still searing on my skin. Even the beam's violet glow as it grazed me seemed as if the were branded in my memory.
[Are you alright?] The deep-voiced dragon asked with concern.
"Yeah, it's just... I haven't faced a near-death experience like that since... I can't even remember,"
[What happened in there?]
I explained everything that happened to him, about him mysteriously disappearing, that powerful being, whoever she is. About the overwhelming power she had, the cold icy fear I felt that sent shivers through my body—every little detail.
A sigh left my lips as I finished explaining.
"Who the hell was that?"
[...]
The dragon fell silent on my question, immediate red flags that he knows something about this, but doesn't want to talk about it. If he truly didn't know anything, he would simply say, "I'm not sure," or something to that effect.
"Inanis, this is serious. I need to know as well," I sternly spoke.
[I'm aware. More than you could understand]
"Then why don't you tell me?" I asked, my eyebrow raised in confusion to his recentness to speak.
[... I will, but not now. She could still be listening.]
I trusted Inanis deeply, so I had no retort to his choice of talking about it later. Though, I couldn't help but have thoughts of who this woman was running through my head. It can't be easy to put one of the three heavenly dragons on their guard.
'Would Sirzechs or one of the other three Maous know who this woman is?' I mentally asked. He only gave a simple response.
[Unlikely]
I couldn't help but be slightly surprised by his brief answer. I've grown accustomed to the old dragon giving lengthy explanations. He must really want to drop the subject.
I didn't say anything more, deciding to humor the dragon by dropping it as he wanted. He said he would tell me later, so I'm sure he will. Besides, not like I can ask for a time if she really is listening. She'll just come back whenever he told me, so I don't have much choice but to comply.
Exhausted, I fell back on the group, looking up at the early morning sky. A sigh left between my parted lips. As I rested on the ground, my ears perked at the shouting voices that broke through the dense forest.
"ISSEI!"
A voice shouted my name, shortly followed by several others calling the same thing. They must have woken up. With me gone, they must know I awoke some time ago. Probably a shock to them, well everyone besides Irina.
[Shouldn't keep them waiting. They were already worried sick about you after all]
"Yeah, your right," I spoke, a creeping uneasy feeling slowly making it's way to me.
"Plus, I bet some of them aren't exactly happy with me right now,"
I muttered that last part mostly to myself. The way I treated Wynter before I gave chase to Kokabiel and how I lied to Akeno and Rias about everything, it's guaranteed that their upset. Even if their happy I'm awake again, I doubt it will keep their other feelings suppressed for long.
Kuroka probably has a bone to pick with me as well. Allowing something so reckless to happen and endanger her sister and me.
'Not that I can blame them. I'll have to talk to them, preferably sometime when we can be alone. ' I thought to myself.
I lifted myself off the ground, brushing off the dirt and grass from my shoulders and back, and began walking back through the trail I took here. I would fly, it would be much quicker, but I'm still sore, so I don't want to risk injuring one of my wings, or both.
As I trudged along the path, my body felt as if it tensed with every step. Knowing they are going to be profoundly upset with me weighs like a ton on me. Even if a part of me wanted to avoid their frustration at me, another part wanted nothing more than to see them. Just to relieve the worry of their well being. Inanis said I didn't hurt them during the rampage, but I'd feel better if I saw them with my own eyes.
Not to mention whatever is going on with that one chick who just tried to kill me in my own mind. Just the thought of her power, it still sends a chill through me.
It's all far more stressful than what I'm used to dealing with.
I shook my head slightly, trying to shake the thoughts and worries about all that, and just put on a smile for them to know I'm ok. Though, no matter how hard I tried, I could never completely ease my nerves.
I could continue hearing them call my name as I walked down the path through the forest, slowly growing louder as I grew closer, up until the point that I could hear them conversing underneath the calls for me.
"You sure you weren't just dreaming?" Xenovia's voice asked. Irina's soon following after.
"I'm positive!"
Just as I was about to emerge from the trees, a thought struck me, causing me to stop in my tracks just before they could see me. At this distance, detecting my aura should be child's play, hell with their level of training, they could have noticed me down by the water.
So why can't they now? It almost undoubtedly has something to do with me straining myself. Not being able to sense me would provide some interesting benefits, though it probably doesn't matter anyway since it hurts to fight right now.
"Issei!" They continued shouting. The entire peerage now visible to me through the trees as they all stood out in the yard, searching and calling out to me. Sona and her Queen and Saji both standing behind them.
As I watched them call for me through the trees, all other thoughts were purged from me, and a warm feeling filled my body. The worry of their well being was lifted from me, as the sight of them being uninjured filled me with warm happiness, relieving the ever-present concern that I had since I awoke.
As I said earlier, to cause trouble for them would be selfish after everything I've done. I'll tell them about what I saw when Inanis is ready to talk to me about it.
I put on a smile and walked out of the shrubbery that guarded me against their sight.
The warmth in my chest grew, and at that moment, it felt as if all I needed in the world was already in my possession.
In the sky far above them, hovered a figure that none could see from bellow. This figure looked like a cute young girl with long black hair down to her hips and black eyes.
Those everlasting black eyes bore down on those who resided in the manor that was surrounded by the greenery of nature—those who were celebrating the recovery of a loved one at this very moment.
'Hmm, so that's the source of power,' the young figure thought to herself.
Although she was looking down at all of them, only one caught her undivided attention, as the others didn't matter—the taller violet-eyed dragon.
"Perhaps he can help reclaim my silence..."
Finally, updated it again. To be straight, I got busy and sorta burnt myself out of writing for a little while, so I took a break.
If you are reading this right now, I thank you for your continued support and reads. I hope you all enjoy it.