Well, here it is, the much awaited monster chapter that I promised all of you. Also, as I promised, the alternate ending to this story is included as well. I hope you enjoy it and am really looking forward to your feedback, especially as I have a big reveal in this chapter, that a few of you almost figured out.
Well, that's enough out of me, enjoy the chapter! A chapter that not only goes on record as my longest chapter ever, but actually breaks the five-digit threshold, 10K+ words!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 19 – Brink of Death
Cao Cao stared at Issei in shock, momentarily taken aback by his transformation, but he quickly regained himself.
'Georg, I will leave the rest to you. It may still be possible to use Samael, but be cautious. After a hit like that, there is no telling what state the Ultimate Dragon Slayer is in.' Instructed Cao Cao, getting a nod from his subordinate.
'Samael won't be an issue. The holy power of heaven is eating away at his body. I am not just a common angel after all. If you don't want that thing to die, you better get rid of it quickly, but that won't matter anyway, as I'm going to take you down here and now, Cao Cao!' Said Issei, before rushing the human.
'Balance Breaker!' Shouted Cao Cao.
Issei charged Cao Cao, Ascalon gripped tightly, right hand above the left, before swinging it down on Cao Cao, who was shrouded in a glow of light.
As Issei swung, an orb of light struck his blade. Issei struggled against the orb for a moment, before being repulsed and blown back. Flipping in mid-air, Issei landed in a crouch, looking at Ascalon with a scrutinising glance.
'What did you do just now?' Asked Issei.
'Oh, it seems Ascalon survived the first ability of my Balance Breaker.' Commented Cao Cao in surprise.
'It almost didn't if I didn't reinforce it… what was that?' Questioned Issei, narrowing his eyes as he did so.
'My first ability, it is the ability to destroy weapons, Chatsuka Ratana. Those who can oppose this ability are quite strong.' Explained Cao Cao, tapping the spear on his shoulder.
'Now then, let's try something a little different. Itsutei Ratana.' Said Cao Cao, bringing another orb to the forefront, before launching it at Rias and Akeno.
'Burst!' Exclaimed Cao Cao, before the two could react, causing the orb to emit a light that enveloped the duo.
'How do you like Itsutei Ratana? It can completely seal the unique power women have temporarily. Of course, if you are strong enough, you can cancel this out as well.' Explained Cao Cao, before a fist was launched into his stomach, causing him to cough out spittle and blood.
'I'm sorry, was I boring you? Your fight is with me!' Shouted Issei, before Cao Cao was launched back.
A screech was heard in the space, causing Issei to quickly turn around. Samael's tongue was now coming towards him. Issei raised his sword and prepared to defend, only for Cao Cao to quickly spear him in the shoulder, piercing through his armour, causing his grip to falter. Deciding to avoid the attack rather than block it, Issei leapt to the left, causing the spear to rip through his right shoulder painfully.
'Vali! Come with me!' Exclaimed Azazel, rushing to meet the human, as his experimental Balance Breaker formed over his body.
'Geez, I wanted to fight him by myself.' Complained Vali, but headed towards Cao Cao nonetheless.
'Stupid freak.' Growled Issei, turning his gaze on Samael and focusing his powers to Ascalon.
'This will finish you off, Holy Nova!' Shouted Issei, as he swung his blade downwards, releasing a ball of fire and light energy the size of a basketball at Samael.
Georg quickly leapt into action, forming numerous magical barriers to try and block the attack, only for Le Fay and Kuroka to attack him with magical blasts of their own, forcing him back. As the attack struck the Dragon-Eater, another ear-piercing wail was heard. The room heated up considerably, as the remnants of the attack spread through the air, additionally causing a chill to run down the spines of every devil gathered currently. When the smoke surrounding Samael had cleared, the creature looked mildly charred, but otherwise no worse for wear. As the room prepared to counter the next offensive, the magic circle under Samael flickered out and the Dragon-Eater disappeared.
'Cao Cao, Samael has been recalled.' Said Georg nervously.
'I see, things are not going well for us now are they… very well, since defeating Ophis currently is not possible, we will just see to it that the rest of you can't interfere ever again.' Said Cao Cao, before using the magic contained in his right eye, turning Azazel's legs to stone, before ruthlessly stabbing him in the gut, destroying his fake Sacred Gear, developed around Fafnir's powers, causing him to cough out blood as he fell to the floor, slowly bleeding out.
'You are a worthy foe, Governor of the Fallen Angels, but it only takes one fight to learn how to deal with you and your artificial Sacred Gear.' Mocked Cao Cao.
'Azazael! Damn you Cao Cao!' Shouted Vali enraged, launching an especially large blast of demonic powers towards Cao Cao.
'How careless of you, Vali. Mala Ratana.' Said Cao Cao, causing another sphere to move in front of him.
'Your demonic power is enormous. If I get hit I will die. Guarding against it is too hard, however, with the right use of my Balance Breaker, I can turn things to my advantage.' Said Cao Cao, as the sphere in front of him formed a whirlwind, which absorbed the attack completely.
Suddenly, the whirlwind disappeared and a new whirlwind was formed in front of Koneko. The devil was paralysed with fear, as the massive attack bore down on her.
'Idiot! Why aren't you moving Shirone?' Cried Kuroka, before leaping in front of the attack.
A massive explosion was heard, echoing throughout the lobby. When the smoke cleared though, instead of a wounded Nekoshou, an angry dragon was revealed.
'That's twice now you've tried to attack my friends, Cao Cao.' Said Issei coldly.
'Big sister… Issei.' Mumbled Koneko in shock, at this recent turn of events.
'If you want to be weak Koneko that's fine, but don't bring others down with you. Get stronger or stay out of the way.' Said Issei harshly, before shooting off at Cao Cao again.
'Nya, that Issei. Are you okay, Shirone?' Asked Kuroka softly.
'Why… why did the two of you save me?' Asked Koneko quietly.
'You are my sister.' Said Kuroka simply, causing the younger girl to look at her in shock.
'And Issei?' Asked Koneko.
'That is more complicated, don't dwell on it.' Said Kuroka.
'Big sister… I want to be strong, please help me.' Requested Koneko.
'Of course I will, that is what a big sister is for.' Said Kuroka.
'As touching as this is, you've let down your guard.' Said Georg, as multiple magical circles appeared in front of him, before a blast of magic was launched at the two.
'Durandal!' Exclaimed Xenovia, slashing her Holy Sword downwards, releasing a wave of holy energy at the oncoming attack.
'Cao Cao, now!' Called Georg, only for an orb from Cao Cao's Balance Breaker to absorb Xenovia's attack and redirect it at the charging Vali, who took the attack head on.
'There, now with one dragon out of the way, I can deal with you.' Said Cao Cao, looking towards the angry Red Dragon Emperor.
'That won't keep Vali down.' Said Issei confidently.
'No, but this will. Atsusa Ratana.' Said Cao Cao as one of his orbs touched him, causing him to disappear this time, allowing him to reappear above the downed Vali.
'I won't kill you of course, no, your growth is too fascinating for that, but I will stop you for now. You should be able to survive this, don't disappoint me.' Said Cao Cao, before plunging True Longinus into Vali's right leg causing him to grunt in pain.
Yuuto took the chance, when Cao Cao had his sword plunged into Vali's leg, to rush Cao Cao with a Holy-Demonic sword, but alas, Cao Cao quickly raised his spear and blocked the attack. Irina then rushed to attack as well, helping support Yuuto's slashes, while Xenovia focused on keeping Georg occupied, with assistance from Kuroka. Asia finally snapped into action and made her way over to the downed Azazel and Vali, attempting to heal them.
Ravel stayed back with Rias and Akeno, who were hopelessly watching the fight play out, with Koneko in a similar state.
'You are both talented users of a blade, but you are both still growing, meaning, I can beat you both easily.' Said Cao Cao, only to be tackled by Issei.
'Did you forget about me?' Asked Issei, before slamming Cao Cao through a wall.
The wall was obliterated, leaving only dust to cloud the scene.
'*cough* I must say *cough* this human body of mine, trained as it may be, was not built to be able to withstand too many attacks like that. I did not come here for a death match though and staying any longer will lead to the end of one of us, Issei Hyoudou. We will meet again, but not today. Georg, let us both leave, leave them for the Grim Reapers.' Said Cao Cao, standing up and wiping the blood off his mouth.
'Are you sure that is wise? Hades won't appreciate us leading his men into a battle where their victory is slim.' Asked Georg.
'Hades? So that bastard is working with you two!' Spat Azazel, now healed.
'Indeed. I daresay he is quite interested in gaining a foothold of power and would do anything to achieve it. I have no reason to follow his wishes though, I am not dead yet. Good luck getting out of here alive, I dare say you'll need it. Farewell for now.' Said Cao Cao, before he and Georg disappeared.
-line break-
After the battle, the group of assorted warriors had gathered in the middle of the fake hotel, constructed by Georg. The area was slowly weakening, proof that he and Cao Cao had really left. Asia had finished healing Vali and Azazel and the group was now planning out how to escape from this dimension. As Cao Cao had said, swarms of Grim Reapers, all clad in dark cloaks and scythes with various trinkets decorating them, had appeared, hovering around the hotel.
Kuroka and Koneko sat together with Le Fay. The two former members of Khaos Brigade were focusing on how to escape the barrier. Vali stood off by himself, looking out a window towards the Grim Reapers below. The members of Rias Gremory's peerage, barring Koneko, were gathered around Azazel, who was discussing their escape plan. Lastly, Irina, Xenovia and Ravel, were playing cards with Ophis, to pass the time.
'Exactly why are you brooding now? You won.' Asked Raynare, sitting to Issei's left, as he looked out the window to his right, from his seated position, right arm resting against the windowsill.
'I didn't win. He escaped.' Said Issei quietly, so none of the others would hear him.
'Hellooo! He ran away after you got one hit on him. That is a loss in every sense of the word. Sure, he is alive, but that hardly counts as winning.' Said Raynare.
'So I guess you lost then.' Retorted Issei.
'I'm going to let that slide just this once.' Said Raynare, with pursed lips.
'Partner, you are being entirely unreasonable. You protected your friends. Even more than that, you repelled Samael himself, a being even Albion and I fear. You should be proud.' Said Ddraig.
'Exactly, you won. You are strong. You are just being unreasonable now.' Added Raynare.
Issei didn't respond to the words of the two and merely continued to glance out the window.
'If I'm not becoming strong enough to defeat all my enemies, as well as protect all my friends, what is the point?' Asked Issei.
'What is the point? What are you on about? Did you forget your dream of a harem? Have you given up on breasts?' Asked Raynare in shock.
'Of course not!' Snapped Issei, confusing the rest of the room, who only caught his outburst at the end and not what was said before.
Issei blushed slightly in embarrassment, before turning his gaze back out the window.
"If I am going to have a harem, I need to be able to protect it." Thought Issei.
'You did!' Exclaimed Raynare in frustration.
"No, I only delayed the threat coming to them. To protect them, I need to beat everyone who wants to harm them." Thought Issei.
'Then you will never be able to protect them. They will get hurt eventually. You can't stop that. The only thing you can really do, is make sure you are there for them when they really need it. Most of them are fighters too after all. They aren't just going to stand by on the sidelines, with all of this stuff going on.' Said Raynare.
'She is right, partner. Your harem is by no means weak. While there will always be someone stronger than them and stronger than you too, it is important that you do not obsess over them. The last time you obsessed over someone…' Said Ddraig, trailing off at the end.
'Yeah, the first time you obsessed over someone, you nearly killed yourself, or did you forget about me already? I don't know how you could have, considering I'm right in front of you every day, but you are a special kind of idiot, so I suppose it is possible. Then there is the last time you obsessed over someone… I doubt you've forgotten about that either.' Sighed Raynare.
'Red Dragon, why are you sitting alone?' Asked Ophis, causing Issei to look away from the mirror and notice the apathetic girl.
'Ophis, are you okay?' Asked Issei reflexively.
'I am infinite.' Answered Ophis, causing Issei to smile slightly in amusement.
'Right, so what is it?' Asked Issei.
'Why are you sitting alone?' Repeated Ophis.
'I just needed some time to think.' Replied Issei.
'Think? About what?' Inquired Ophis, tilting her head to the side.
'It's nothing.' Said Issei, standing up and walking towards the others.
'You were thinking about the Dimensional Gap?' Questioned Ophis, tilting her head to the other side.
'Huh?' Replied Issei in confusion, stopping in his tracks.
'You said nothing. The Dimensional Gap is nothing. There is only me, Great Red and nothing.' Elaborated Ophis.
'Oh, I was just… *sigh* I was just thinking about how I need to be stronger.' Confessed Issei, sitting back down by the window.
'Why do you need to be stronger? You said before that you wanted to grow emotionally? Is this what you meant?' Asked Ophis, with a hint of curiosity working its way into her tone.
'No… not exactly… I want to get stronger, to protect the people I care about.' Said Issei.
'Who do you care about?' Asked Ophis.
'Whoa, now there is a loaded question if I've ever heard one.' Commented Raynare in amusement.
'My friends and family.' Answered Issei.
'Who are your friends?' Asked Ophis.
'Well, there is Irina, Xenovia, Ravel, Kuroka… and the rest.' Said Issei, who started by listing off the names of those close to him, before rushing his words to end his sentence abruptly.
'You did protect those four.' Stated Ophis, tilting her head to the other side once again.
'Well, I guess, but what if Cao Cao was fighting seriously?' Retorted Issei.
'Are you scared of Cao Cao?' Asked Ophis.
'No.' Replied Issei quickly.
'Then why do you need to be stronger? Are you not strong enough?' Asked Ophis again.
'It's… complicated.' Said Issei, feeling out of his depth in the conversation.
'Why? You want to protect people and you protected them. Why do you need to be stronger if you can do what you want to do? I want to get strong people together to get rid of Great Red because I am not strong enough to kick him out of my home.' Continued Ophis.
'This is different. If you get rid of Great Red, it is done, over. I won't ever be able to stop protecting the people I care about.' Explained Issei.
'They are strong too, right?' Asked Ophis.
'Yeah, I guess so.' Admitted Issei.
'They why do you need to protect them?' Asked Ophis.
'I don't need to; I want to… it's human nature to want to protect those close to you, even if they don't really need it.' Elaborated Issei.
'Human nature is still weird to me. You are not even human anymore.' Said Ophis.
'Yeah, it is weird… come on, let's go to the others and see what their plan for getting out of here is.' Said Issei, standing up once again and leading the apathetic dragon-girl to the others.
'Ah, so nice of you to join us, you're right on time anyway. There are three magical receivers blocking us from leaving here, we need to destroy them to destabilise the barrier.' Explained Azazel.
'I can destroy them.' Said Ophis, before lifting a tiny hand up, in the direction of the receiver on the roof.
'Wait, don't!' Cried Azazel, causing the Dragon God to look at him.
'Why?' Asked Ophis, still not lowering her hand.
'There is no telling what kind of effect Samael had on you, your powers might be unstable.' Explained Azazel.
Ophis gave a small grunt, before looking upwards. In the next moment, a concussive blast of energy shot out from Ophis' hand and launched the others away, the closest ones cradling their ears in pain.
'Yes. My powers are unstable.' Confirmed Ophis, before letting her hand drop.
'Yes, well, in any case, we can send two people out of here thanks to Le Fay and Kuroka's combined magical abilities, but it will only work once. Irina, I suggest you go, Michael and Sirzechs need to be informed of the situation.' Said Azazel, getting an uneasy nod from Irina, as they all got back to their feet.
'What about Ravel though?' Asked Irina.
'Ravel, can we procced without the mindset of needing to protect you?' Asked Azazel.
Before Ravel could respond, Issei interjected.
'You should send a devil though, if only to help convince the higher-ups in the devil community, about what is really happening.' Said Issei.
'It'll be fine, Issei, the devils will be informed by their own soon enough, but we need to act fast. The angels are united under the command of Michael, while the devils are, sadly, not united. For this reason, Michael will be able to deal with the situation faster than Sirzechs can, while also being able to inform him.' Explained Azazel.
'Fine, fine, but I'm not going.' Said Issei.
'Of course not, you will be part of our vanguard, we can't let you go. Xenovia, it would be best for you to go. You won over many devils in your fight against Sairaorg and despite your capitulation, your word will help.' Said Azazel.
'I understand. I would have preferred to stay and fight though.' Commented Xenovia, getting a small nod from Azazel.
'Whenever you are ready.' Said Azazel, causing Le Fay and Kuroka to spring into action and prepare their escape plan.
'The plan is to take out the two receivers on the roof and hall first, then we will make our way to the carpark, towards the third one.' Explained Azazel.
'Leave it to me then.' Said Issei, before his armour formed over him again.
'Twin Holy Nova...' Said Issei, forming two spheres of holy destructive power in front of his palms, which were angled towards separate receivers.
'Wave!' Finished Issei, launching two destructive beams of energy through the fake hotel.
'Two receivers were destroyed. We are ready to leave as well.' Le Fay informed the others.
'Go then, Irina, Xenovia, we need to prepare at once.' Said Azazel, getting two nods, from the two angels.
'Right, let's go, Xenovia.' Said Irina, getting a nod from her former partner, before Le Fay and Kuroka helped the two escape the barrier.
'We can't do that again, as we suspected. The barrier has just automatically strengthened itself, so that method won't work again.' Revealed Le Fay, getting a grim nod from the leader of the Grigori.
'Right, let's get moving then. Issei, can you do another attack like that in the direction of the carpark?' Asked Azazel.
'Easily, just give me a moment.' Said Issei, as he was engulfed in the reddish-black miasma of energy, that made up his unique brand of Senjutsu.
'Holy Nova Wave!' Cried Issei, launching another blistering, bright orange blast of energy, through the artificial construct.
'Now, rush the Grim Reapers while they are scattered!' Exclaimed Azazael, as the group charged out of the building, through the large gaping hole Issei had created, before engaging the scythe wielders.
It seemed that the Grim Reapers would be formidable based on their sheer numbers alone, numbering in the thousands, however, one fighter on the side of the collective allies, proved to be able to take out dozens of Grim Reapers at a time. It may have also been due to the Gremory group regaining some of their morale, due to fighting alongside Issei once again.
'Well, it seems that we have been betrayed as well.' Said an ominous voice, echoing around the carpark, before a distortion in the field appeared, out of which, a new hooded figure entered the battlefield.
The hood quickly fell from the figure, revealing his face. Well, face was not entirely correct, as the figure was wearing a mask, similar to one worn by a clown. His aura was nothing to laugh at though, easily surpassing that of all the other reapers, in terms of sheer darkness and his scythe was very black as well, almost appearing to be darkness itself.
'You are…' Gasped Azazel, only for the figure to bow.
'This is my first time seeing you, Governor of the Fallen Angels. I am one of the Grim Reapers that serves under Master Hades. My name is Pluto.' Said the figure.
'The Ultimate-level Grim Reaper Pluto… to send a Grim Reaper that appears even in legend… that skeleton-geezer sure did something unexpected.' Commented Azazael, with a bitter smile.
'You who have allied with the boss of the terrorists, Ophis and tried to break the alliance between the allied factions. That will result in your death. For you who has been talking about alliances to do such a thing.' Said Pluto, causing Azazel to scowl.
'So it is like that, is it? How far ahead have you been planning?' Asked Azazael, his eyes boring holes into the masked figures visage.
'Not far enough it seems, since this barrier is not being maintained anymore. It seems our mutual acquaintances have left this battle between us. It will of course bode ill for them for doing so. Master Hades does not appreciate betrayal. However, they at least partially fulfilled their duties. I will be taking Ophis now.' Said Pluto, before disappearing in a burst of speed that was almost invisible.
Azazel just barely managed to intercept the Grim Reaper's scythe, with the spear of his artificial Sacred Gear.
'I took a bit of damage thanks to Cao Cao, as did my artificial Sacred Gear, but not using it will be dangerous I guess.' Said Azazel, before he quickly equipped his armour onto himself.
As his twelve black wings shot out of his back, Azazel pushed Pluto into the sky.
'Azazel!' Exclaimed Issei.
'Issei, deal with the barrier, I will be his opponent!' Said Azazel, before continuing his battle against the Grim Reaper.
The rest of the Grim Reapers swarmed the group, hoping to take them out, only to find their advance quickly rebuffed. Even without Ophis' help, the group easily tore through the hooded figures, with Issei and Vali leading the charge. Eventually, the group made their way to the device, which was just barely maintaining the barrier, while Azazel kept Pluto occupied. Just before any attempt could be made to destroy it though, a sound like breaking glass was heard. The sound of a hole being created in a dimension. A hole opened in the sky and a man wearing armour and a cape appeared.
'It has been a while, Red Dragon Emperor. And Vali.' Said the man, glaring at Issei, before swivelling his glare to Vali.
'Shalba Beelzebub.' Said Azazel, re-joining the group.
'What happened to Pluto?' Asked Issei.
'He slipped away from here when Shalba showed up.' Griped Azazel.
'Hmm, where are Siegfried and Georg?' Questioned Shalba.
'Georg left hours ago, only his barrier remained. As for Siegfried, he never showed up here at all.' Said Vali.
'How odd… and after I went to all the trouble of capturing this boy, to show my intent for war with them.' Said Shalba, dropping a boy he had hidden within his cape to the ground.
'In any case, I can still carry out my original goal in coming here today.' Said Shalba, as he descended from the sky, a small magic circle forming within his hand, which he put closer towards the boy.
The boy started to scream loudly in pain, while his shadow seemed to expand.
'Annihilation Maker is a very splendid and idealistic ability. I kidnapped this boy, the wielder of Annihilation Maker, by monitoring the movements of the Hero-faction and kidnapped him when the time was right. Now, I will have him create it! A monster that can eliminate the current devils of the underworld.' Laughed Shalba, over the screams of pain coming from the boy.
A monster of titanic proportions started to grow from the boy's shadow. A head that was too big to be real. A torso that dwarfed them all. Arms that made tree trunks look like splinters and legs that could compete with skyscrapers. The monstrosity created was even larger than Great Red, sending a chill of nervousness down the backs of the allies. While this was going on, many smaller shadows were also forming, numbering in the hundreds. Suddenly, a large magic circle appeared under all of them. It was a transportation circle.
'I'm planning to transport these monsters to the Underworld, to wreak havoc!' Laughed Shalba.
'Stop them!' Shouted Azazel.
The group attacked the monsters to no avail. While some of the smaller monsters were hurt and even destroyed outright, the behemoth was barely scratched.
With one last flare of light, the monsters disappeared.
'Bastard!' Spat Azazel.
'Haha, why do you even care for those devils, fallen angel. I will bring about the destruction of the Underworld with my monsters. No one will be spared. You, Red Dragon Emperor, all those children who cheer for you, they will all die painful deaths! Curse and despair as I destroy all hope!' Shouted Shalba, his eyes completely awash with madness.
'Now though, I will take the other thing I came here for.' Said Shalba, pointing his hand towards Ophis as he did so.
A spiral of demonic energy wrapped around Ophis and bound her.
'Ha, just like the information I gathered said, the current Ophis has unstable powers, even I can capture her now!' Cackled Shalba in amusement.
'The barrier is at its limit. Right now we can escape. I will activate the magic-circle, then all of us can leave this place!' Cried Kuroka.
The group of assembled supernatural beings all gathered around Kuroka, all except for Issei.
'Issei, what are you waiting for?' Asked Azazel.
'I will rescue Ophis and deal with Shalba.' Declared Issei.
'By yourself? At least have Vali stay and help you.' Said Azazel.
'No. Vali, you saw that thing right. There are only a handful of people who can stop that thing and you are one of them. I will deal with things here and you guys can deal with those monsters and Grim Reapers, just in case they try something.' Said Issei.
'Hyoudou, when the space destabilises, make sure you are in your Balance Breaker armour. It will be the only thing that will keep you alive in that place.' Warned Vali.
'Got it.' Nodded Issei.
'Issei! I will open the dragon-gate afterwards to summon you and Ophis! You are okay with that right?' Suggested Azazel.
'No, I will come back myself. Focus on the bad guys. Oh, and hold on to this guy, he might be useful.' Said Issei, picking up the boy Shalba had brought with him, before throwing him to the others.
'Now go!' Ordered Issei.
The group heeded Issei's words and left after that, leaving Issei alone with Shalba and Ophis, in a dimension that was slowly crumbling.
'You? You are my opponent?' Sneered Shalba.
'Don't worry, I'll make this quick.' Taunted Issei, causing Shalba to grit his teeth in outrage.
'Impudent brat. You are a failure of a Heavenly Dragon. To think you believe you can defeat me… just how much do you dragons have to look down on me?' Snarled Shalba.
'What is your reason for coming after me? Ophis? Is that it, you want more power?' Asked Shalba.
'Of course I want Ophis and of course I want power. The reason I'm coming after you though, for the chance to kick your sorry ass!' Declared Issei.
'You defeat me? There aren't enough miracles in the world for something like that to happen.' Scoffed Shalba.
'You want to kill children… devils… your own people. What kind of idiot does that?' Asked Issei.
'My people? Those devils grew up under the authority of fake Satans! They are lower than bugs! Even if I let them grow up to adulthood, they wouldn't show me, the true Satan, the respect I deserve. So devils like them should all disappear.' Spat Shalba in rage.
'Who would show you respect, you are pathetic! Borrowing and stealing the powers of others just to stay relevant. You aren't even beneath me; you are so far below me that I can't even see you.' Taunted Issei.
'I will make you kneel!' Shouted Shalba in anger, before pointing his hands towards Issei.
A wave of bees shot from a distortion in front of Shalba's hands and encircled Issei.
'Boost.' Screamed Issei and the Boosted Gear in sync.
The bees were vaporised by Issei's increased aura, surprising Shalba. Shalba had no time to react though, as a gauntlet was soon buried in his gut, causing him to cough up blood.
'You low life!' Roared Shalba in anger, as he leapt backwards to create space between them, before creating numerous magic circles, all of which released different elemental attacks.
Fire, water, lightning, ice and more. All of them rushed Issei, but to him, they were crawling towards him.
'You aren't even a good warm up!' Called Issei, before shooting through the attacks and burying his fist into Shalba's face, shattering his nose on contact and launching him back a few metres, as the multitude of attacks Shalba had launched at him, exploded behind him.
Shalba cursed repeatedly, as he tried to stem the flow of blood from his face, causing Issei to look at him in boredom.
'Really? After all that talk, is this it?' Asked Issei, shoulders sagging slightly.
'What?' Hissed Shalba, as the veins in his face and neck strained to bursting point.
'You said you were a Satan, but your power is barely a match for most High-Class devils. You say dragons look down on you, but you can't even see them. You're just a dog barking at the sun. You think you can handle Ophis. You think you can beat Vali, me? You're out of your mind.' Commented Issei.
Shalba laughed at this, confusing Issei.
'You talk a lot! A mere rotten dragon! A former human! Garbage! Trash! Who are you to make a fool out of a Satan such as myself?' Roared Shalba, before launching more demonic attacks at Issei.
Instead of dodging, Issei stood there and took all the hits, swiping his hand to the side when the attacks had finished to remove the smoke, revealing himself unharmed.
'You can't even scratch me! If I wanted to, one attack, with one attack, I could utterly destroy you. If I use my light powers I would eradicate your very existence.' Said Issei, causing Shalba to grind his teeth madly.
'You shitty Heavenly Dragon! How about this!' Growled Shalba.
Shalba sprinkled, what appeared to be blood, over a magic circle within his hand. Aiming the magic circle at Issei, Shalba laughed.
'If you are so confident, then take this!' Roared Shalba, launching an arrow from the magic circle.
Issei stood there impassively, awaiting the arrow, preparing to tank the attack again.
'No! Move, you idiot!' Shouted Raynare, confusing Issei, which caused him to shift slightly to face the apparition, only for a dull thud to sound out from his chest.
Issei coughed and was surprised to feel blood splash onto his face, within the helmet of his Balance Breaker.
'Surprised? That arrow was covered with the blood of Samael! I was planning on saving that for Vali, just in case… but for me to use it against garbage like you… no matter now. With this, the tables have turned. If you had a strong aptitude for demonic-powers like Vali, then you could have endured it a bit. But for someone like you, who seems to have no talent in demonic powers, then you will die.' Said Shalba smugly, only to scowl, as Issei laughed.
'Wait. Demonic powers… haha… haha… you mean you don't know?' Asked Issei, even as he coughed again, filling his helmet up with more blood.
'Know what?' Asked Shalba.
'I'm not a devil anymore.' Said Issei, taking amusement when Shalba's face showed shock.
'Impossible! How are you even alive then?' Asked Shalba.
'You really are stupid. I said light powers. I could destroy you with my light powers. What devil has power over light?' Laughed Issei.
'Impossible!' Shouted Shalba.
'Nah, just improbable. I almost didn't survive, but I did and I became your polar opposite, an angel.' Said Issei, releasing his ten crimson and two gold wings behind him.
'You! An angel! Don't make me laugh!' Hissed Shalba.
'Here, catch.' Said Issei in amusement, forming a light spear in his left hand.
Shalba's eyes widened in disbelief, right before the spear was buried into his right shoulder.
'Guah!' Cried Shalba in pure agony, as he felt the light burn his very insides.
'Ophis! Ophis! Give me that snake one more time! Then I shall attain the power that is beyond the previous Satan! I need that snake to beat this man!' Exclaimed Shalba, rushing to the still bound Ophis.
'Right now I am unstable. I can't make the snake that increases strength.' Said Ophis, causing Shalba's face to contort with despair.
'At least face your end with some dignity. You are losing to not only a dragon, but an angel, one who even now, is being poisoned by Samael's curse, but can still outmatch you easily. I'll admit, devils haven't been my favourite set of creatures recently, but going after kids is unacceptable. For such a pathetic reason too. Your magic is weak. Your body is weak. Your mind is weak. You are weak, Shalba Beelzebub. Now die!' Said Issei, gathering another Holy Nova with some difficulty.
'Hehe… haha... fuhaha! Either way, you will also die from Samael's curse! Red Dragon Emperor!' Laughed Shalba madly.
'Not really. You were right, I have no aptitude for demonic-powers. That is true. However, I funnily enough, have a pretty good grasp over light magic and Senjutsu, so even now, you will die without taking me down with you. Goodbye, cowardly Satan with no pride. Holy Nova!' Said Issei, before launching the quickly expanding, dark orange ball of death at Shalba, who screamed as it enveloped him, before he was eradicated completely.
Issei then made his way over to Ophis and cut the magical rope binding her.
'Red Dragon, you are hurt. Why did you help me?' Asked Ophis.
'Ophis… you and I are alike. We both want something, but aren't sure how to get it and try a lot of things to try and succeed. Even if I couldn't show you what love is, I like to think that I at least showed you what friendship is.' Said Issei, before coughing again, causing him to retract his helmet, causing a cupful of blood to splash out, with some still trickling down the sides of his mouth.
'Friendship?' Asked Ophis.
'Yeah, everything we did, talking with each other, sharing our thoughts, that's what friends do.' Said Issei.
'Friends?' Asked Ophis.
'Yeah. Don't you want to be my friend?' Asked Issei.
'Friend? What's the benefit if I become that?' Asked Ophis.
'We can talk with each other about things.' Said Issei.
'I see. That sounds fun.' Said Ophis.
'Okay, in that case, we better get out of here, the place is falling apart.' Said Issei, before feeling a wave of dizziness wash over him, causing him to drop to his knees.
Issei focused all the light energy he could to his wound, purging at least some of the poison, allowing him to stand up again.
'Why the hell did you let that attack hit you? You could have easily dodged it!' Ranted Raynare.
'I didn't know you cared that much about me.' Mumbled Issei in amusement, causing Ophis to tilt her head questioningly.
'Hey Ophis, you want to know a secret?' Asked Issei.
'A secret?' Questioned Ophis.
'It is something you don't tell a lot of people, or even anyone.' Said Issei.
'Tell me.' Said Ophis.
'I can see and hear a ghost in my head. No one else can see her, but there is a fallen angel right next to me now, yelling at me.' Laughed Issei, before coughing up more blood.
Ophis looked to both sides of Issei and saw nothing.
'Should I get rid of it?' Asked Ophis.
'Nah, your powers are still unstable, remember. Besides, it doesn't really matter, they can't do anything.' Said Issei, with a wry grin.
'Come on Ophis, we better get out of here.' Said Issei, getting a nod from the small girl.
Issei focused and tried to open the gate to heaven, only to fail.
'Oh man, we might have a problem.' Muttered Issei.
'Partner! Keep it together, focus. I'll help you as much as I can.' Said Ddraig.
'Ddraig? You're okay.' Said Issei weakly, a small smile appearing on his face.
'That arrow knocked me out for a moment, but I'm here now. Together, let us try and open the gate together.' Said Ddraig.
The two focused and tried to open the gate again, only to fail.
'Damn it! I really shouldn't have used up so much power in those fights, without getting healed at some point.' Grumbled Issei, falling onto his behind.
'You stupid idiot! What were you thinking?' Shouted Raynare.
'Shhh, leave me to pass out in peace.' Said Issei sleepily.
'Red Dragon, are you okay?' Asked Ophis.
'Yeah… I just need a bit of time to deal with that damn curse. I think it hit my lung too.' Huffed Issei.
'Partner, stay with me! You are containing it somewhat, but if you fall asleep or pass out now, it will spread. Focus!' Exclaimed Ddraig in worry.
'Don't worry Ddraig, it'll be fine.' Said Issei, his eyes starting to drop.
'I won't let you die! If you die, I'll die too!' Shouted Raynare.
'You're already dead. Besides, I'm not going to die here anyway, relax, both of you, I'm just taking a little rest.' Said Issei, who was barely keeping himself seated upright.
'You better appreciate this.' Said Raynare, before dissolving into a multitude of black and red particles, which converged on Issei's wound.
'Whoa, Ddraig, am I starting to hallucinate? What just happened?' Asked Issei.
'I don't know, partner, but whatever that was, it seems to be containing the poison... for now at least.' Said Ddraig.
'That's good, I guess…' Muttered Issei, before letting his back hit the floor.
'Red Dragon… Ddraig… the curse has spread through most of his body.' Said Ophis.
'I know. He won't die though. He always keeps getting back up. He has survived worse than this.' Said Ddraig, about the sleeping Issei.
'Ophis, do you want to talk about him, our friend?' Asked Ddraig.
'Yes, tell me about him. Was he a good Red Dragon Emperor?' Agreed Ophis, sitting beside Issei's left hand.
'He was the best, the best Red Dragon Emperor I've ever had.' Said Ddraig.
-line break-
Issei sat up and found himself in an empty expanse of white, yellow and orange. It took his eyes a moment to adjust, but when they did, he focused on something that stood out of place heavily.
'Haha, I can't believe that even after all this time, you still weren't able to move past me. It's kind of sad really, but I guess even I'm a little flattered that I had that much of an impact on you.' Said Raynare.
'Raynare? You sound different.' Commented Issei.
'That's because I'm the real thing, not that fake entity your little addled brain put together.' Said Raynare, with a smirk.
'Oh, so what now, are you here to mock me while I'm hovering between life and death? That's nice.' Scoffed Issei, sitting himself down on the floor.
'Well, that was the original idea. I mean, I hate devils. Sure, you might be an angel now, something I still don't believe, but to me, you will always be that weak little devil, crying over a poor nun, in the middle of a church, praying and pleading.' Said Raynare, walking up to Issei, until she was standing right in front of him.
Issei looked up and saw Raynare smirk down at him.
'Enjoying the view from down there?' Teased Raynare.
'I've seen worse. I've seen better too though; you aren't that special.' Sighed Issei, only for Raynare to squat down to his level.
'Really? At the end of your life, you could see anyone you wanted, friends, family, but instead, you are seeing me, why is that, ne, Issei?' Asked Raynare, switching to her more innocent voice towards the end.
'Can't you just leave me alone? You are dead. Aren't you supposed to cease from existence, that's what happens to fallen angels that die, right?' Hissed Issei.
'Well, that's not entirely true. Fallen angels are beings of sin, not evil, but sin. Of course, if there is someone near us at the time of our death, who has enough of a connection with us… well, there is a little trick we can pull to live on.' Confessed Raynare in glee, enjoying Issei's shocked expression.
'That's right, since you couldn't really forget about me, not then in the church and not even now, a part of my soul has been inside you this whole time. I know everything about you, all your deepest fears and greatest hopes. That fake of me you saw, a part of me was in that too. Of course, that isn't the reason you saw me, true, you could have seen anyone, even with me inside you, but you saw me. Did you ever stop to think how that version of me your mind created, managed to know things that you didn't? That was a little gift from me. An angel's voice, info about Azazel. You didn't really think your brain could make those things up.' Said Raynare, with a grin, before pressing her index finger to his forehead.
'I was right here, all this time.' Finished Raynare happily.
Issei pushed the fallen angel's hand away from his forehead and stood up, backing away from her, much to her amusement.
'You stay the hell away from me!' Roared Issei.
'Really? That's what you want to go with?' Laughed Raynare, as she stood to her feet again.
'I hate you. You are a murderer, a cruel scheming murder!' Shouted Issei.
'I might be a murderer, but so are you. That weak little devil you just vaporised wasn't exactly dust. As for scheming, well, I am scheming, I can't deny that, but so are those others. The devil who just happened to be there to revive you when I killed you. Her brother who used you to break his little sister's engagement. That devil who wanted to add little Asia to his collection. How about that other boy with the Divine Dividing, who turned on Azazel? Let's not forget that redhead's cousin, who wanted to use you to look better when he beat you. I could go on… but I think I made my point. Even your little angel was scheming, after all, they couldn't let the Red Dragon slip away from them, now could they?' Said Raynare, advancing on Issei.
'What do you want from me? Do you get off on torturing me while I'm barely hanging on to life? Haven't you messed up my life enough? All of this, devils, dragons, angels, none of it would have ever happened, if it wasn't for you, Raynare!' Spat Issei.
'Maybe, maybe not. I mean, I am important to you, I think we both know that much now… however, there is no guarantee that you wouldn't have been made a devil by her later on down the road. Maybe even those humans would have tried to recruit you for your Sacred Gear, who is to say.' Said Raynare, now standing right in front of Issei.
'Either way though, I already got what I wanted long ago, or did you forget? Now you are almost giving it to me a second time. If only you had just stayed down the first time.' Sighed Raynare.
'Will you die for me… I did…' Said Issei.
'You did, but then you got back up and ending up getting me killed. Oh well. It won't really happen though. You did get stronger, strong enough that you will survive this. I should know after all. Remember, I've been with you through it all.' Said Raynare.
'I really did love you, you know.' Mumbled Issei, getting Raynare to quirk an eyebrow.
'What is your point?' Asked Raynare curiously.
'I loved you… I would have done anything for you, even gone against Rias. You were my girlfriend. I sold my porn collection to pay for our date, even if you mocked me for it. I didn't look at any other girl for those few days I had you… you could have easily manipulated me against the other factions and I wouldn't have even given it a second thought… but you were too damn stupid to see all of that. You ended my life on a whim and threw me into all of this. I was just a horny teenager and you forced me to become a monster, someone who can annihilate a Satan without a second thought.' Admitted Issei.
'I know. Truth be told, it wasn't the worst thing in the world, being your girlfriend.' Said Raynare, lifting her hand up, to show Issei the bracelet he gave her on their first and only date.
'But you can't change the past. What's done is done.' Said Raynare, shrugging her shoulders.
'You know… I would have done it.' Muttered Issei, confusing Raynare.
'Done what?' Asked Raynare in confusion.
'Died for you. Not by letting you kill me, I mean I would have risked my life to keep you safe. Just like I risked my life to keep Rias safe. Just like I will risk my life to keep Gabriel safe. I might not have been very strong then, but my love for you was.' Said Issei.
'You still aren't going to let me go, are you?' Commented Raynare in amusement.
Issei didn't respond to Raynare's question, causing her to smirk.
'That's fine, because I'm pretty much stuck with you until you really die. Well, it's about time for you to leave here now anyway.' Said Raynare, taking a step back and looking upwards.
'What did that other you do? Before I passed out.' Asked Issei.
'I simply helped reduce the severity of the poison. Samael is part fallen angel after all.' Answered Raynare.
'What? Why? If that Raynare was part of you, why would you want to save me?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'I told you, didn't I? I've been inside your little mind all this time, I've seen, felt and heard everything you've done since that day.' Said Raynare in amusement.
'Despite it all though, you managed to achieve what you wanted to back then, but couldn't pull off, even if you tried your hardest.' Continued Raynare.
'What is that?' Asked Issei, as Raynare closed the distance between them again.
'You made me fall in love with you.' Whispered Raynare, before pressing her lips against Issei's.
-line break-
'Gabriel, Issei isn't back yet, what should we do?' Asked Irina.
'Well, I believe there is something we may be able to do to help Issei return to us. If we can gather three angels with strong feelings of love for him, we can utilise a special technique called Trinity Recall, to bring him back.' Said Gabriel.
'Well then let's do it. With Xenovia's help, I'm sure the three of us can do it.' Cheered Irina.
'No, sadly, I do not have the strong feelings of love required for this task. I only love Issei as I love all angels currently. I'm sorry.' Confessed Gabriel.
Irina's shoulders sagged at this, before she quickly perked back up again.
'Murayama! She might have only just become an angel, but I'm sure she loves Issei!' Exclaimed Irina.
'Well, it is worth a try I suppose, I will make the preparations for the ritual, please gather Xenovia and Murayama, then come to the sixth level of heaven when you do. We will need Michael's help for this.' Said Gabriel.
-line break-
It was hardly five minutes after that, that Irina had returned with Xenovia and Murayama.
'Irina, is this important, the Underworld is still fighting against those things.' Said Xenovia.
'What's going on?' Asked Murayama.
'Just come with me, I'll explain later.' Said Irina, as she dragged the two confused girls with her.
'Welcome back Irina. Hello Xenovia and Murayama, it is nice to see you.' Said Gabriel.
'Of course Lady Gabriel, it is an honour, but what exactly are we doing here?' Asked Xenovia, with a small bow.
'We are going to bring Issei back. It's been almost a full day now and he should be back by now. Something has to be wrong, so we will help him come back.' Explained Irina.
'Yes, Irina is right, if not a little enthusiastic.' Said Michael, with a smile, causing Irina to blush slightly.
'Now, Xenovia, Murayama, you two and Irina need to focus on your love for Issei. There is no telling if this will work, as the three angels used to perform this ritual, have never been reincarnated angels before, but you three are the best option to ensure success in this endeavour.' Said Michael, getting a nod from the three girls.
'Very well then, come stand here around this altar.' Said Michael, gesturing to a small two metre by two metre raised platform, adorned with gold around the edges and motifs of doves.
The girls walked towards the altar and took positions around it, with Irina at the base, Xenovia and Murayama at the sides and Michael at the head of the altar.
'Now, close your eyes and think of your love for Issei, I will do the rest.' Instructed Michael.
The girls closed their eyes and focused. Michael released his wings and his halo appeared on his head, as he held his hands together in prayer. A gold light started to spread out from the middle of the altar, slowly expanding, until the entire altar was bathed in a luminous golden glow, before seemingly shattering and scattering through the air.
'Well, this is most unexpected.' Said Michael, causing the three girls to open their eyes.
There on the platform, was Issei in his Balance Breaker armour, as they had sought. The surprise though, came from the black winged fallen angel, resting atop his form.
-line break-
End of canon chapter
-line break-
Abhorrently long, as I promised. Now, also as I promised, the alternate ending.
Before you read it though, you need to know a few things. Had I gone with this route, Issei would not, I repeat, would not have seen the apparition of Raynare everywhere he went, raising his doubts out loud and commenting on things. In other words, what I want you all to take away from this, is aside from the hearing of Raynare's 'Will you die for me?' line, Issei never spoke with, or confronted Raynare at any point and that the last time he saw her, was when she died.
Now, picking off from where things diverge.
'You shitty Heavenly Dragon! How about this!' Growled Shalba.
Shalba sprinkled, what appeared to be blood, over a magic circle within his hand. Aiming the magic circle at Issei, Shalba laughed.
'If you are so confident, then take this!' Roared Shalba, launching an arrow from the magic circle.
Issei stood there impassively, awaiting the arrow, preparing to tank the attack again. As the arrow reached Issei, he made no move to dodge it, fully assured in his victory, so he was quite surprised, when he felt the arrow pierce through his armour. Issei coughed up a wad of blood and looked down, only to see the arrow lodged into where his heart would be.
'You fool! That was an arrow imbued with blood from Samael. I had saved that arrow for Vali, just in case… but for me to use it on garbage like you… I'm embarrassed.' Laughed Shalba.
'Shit, I got careless. Still, even if you got a good hit on me, I'm not letting you leave here.' Growled Issei, causing Shalba to flinch, as Issei advanced on him.
'No! How are you alive? How are you still moving?' Asked Shalba in fear.
'Ophis! Ophis! Give me that snake one more time! Then I shall attain the power that is beyond the previous Satan! I need that snake to beat this man!' Exclaimed Shalba, rushing to the still bound Ophis.
'Right now I am unstable. I can't make the snake that increases strength.' Said Ophis, causing Shalba's face to contort with despair.
'At least die with some dignity.' Said Issei, gathering another Holy Nova, with a great deal of difficulty.
'Hehe… haha... fuhaha! Either way, you will also die from Samael's curse! Red Dragon Emperor!' Laughed Shalba madly.
'That may be, but at least I'll get the satisfaction of stopping you here and now. Holy Nova.' Said Issei, releasing his attack and annihilating the madly laughing devil.
Issei made his way to Ophis and cut the magical rope binding her.
'Red Dragon, you are hurt. Why did you help me?' Asked Ophis.
'Because, you don't deserve to be used by people like this. People who only want you for power.' Said Issei, dropping to his knees.
'Hey Ophis… want to be friends?' Asked Issei.
'Friend? What's the benefit if I become that?' Asked Ophis.
'We can talk with each other about things.' Said Issei.
'I see. That sounds fun.' Said Ophis.
'Okay, in that case, we better get out of here.' Said Issei, as he made to stand up, before coughing up another wad of blood.
Issei then retracted his helmet, causing blood to gush everywhere.
'Partner, hang on.' Said Ddraig.
'Ddraig… I'm sorry… I put you though so much trouble. I know I changed towards the end, but I still caused you a lot of grief.' Said Issei, falling onto his back, blacking out soon after.
'Ddraig, the poison is spreading though this person's entire body.' Said Ophis.
'I know that Ophis, but this person won't die here. He always keeps getting back up. He has survived worse than this.' Said Ddraig.
'Ddraig, this person isn't moving.' Said Ophis.
'Yeah.' Agreed Ddraig.
'Ddraig, are you crying?' Asked Ophis.
'Yeah.' Said Ddraig.
'Ophis, do you want to talk about him, our friend?' Asked Ddraig.
'Yes, tell me about him. Was he a good Red Dragon Emperor?' Agreed Ophis, sitting beside Issei's left hand.
'He was the best, the best Red Dragon Emperor I've ever had.' Said Ddraig.
-line break-
Issei sat up and found himself in an empty expanse of white, yellows and orange. It took his eyes a moment to adjust, but when they did, he focused on something that stood out of place heavily.
'Haha, I can't believe that even after all this time, you still weren't able to move past me. It's kind of sad really, but I guess even I'm a little flattered that I had that much of an impact on you.' Said Raynare.
'You! What are you doing here?' Asked Issei, quickly getting to his feet.
'Come on, Issei. I know you aren't the smartest guy around, but even you can figure out what you seeing me here means.' Said Raynare.
'I'm dead.' Said Issei, sitting back down.
'Dying, actually, but yeah, you'll be dead soon.' Agreed Raynare, walking over to Issei.
'Well go on then, get it over with.' Said Issei, with a wave of his hand.
'Get what over with?' Asked Raynare.
'What? You mean you aren't here to taunt me before I die?' Retorted Issei.
'Now why would I do that?' Asked Raynare teasingly, squatting down to Issei's height.
'Well, I did get you killed.' Said Issei.
'Yeah, but that red haired bitch was the one who did it, not you, Issei.' Said Raynare, switching her voice to her more innocent one towards the end.
'What do you want then?' Asked Issei tiredly.
'I just wanted to see you, after all, I've spent all this time in your mind, so I decided to do you a little favour, since you can't seem to forget about me.' Said Raynare, with a smirk.
'What? What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'Well, fallen angels are beings of sin, not evil, but sin. If there is someone near us at the time of our death, who has enough of a connection with us… well, there is a little trick we can pull to live on.' Confessed Raynare in glee, enjoying Issei's shocked expression.
'So you mean… all this time…' Stammered Issei.
'That's right, I've been right here.' Said Raynare, poking Issei's forehead with her index finger.
'I hate you.' Said Issei bitterly.
'You can say that all you want; we both know the truth.' Teased Raynare.
'Did you even care… when you killed me?' Asked Issei.
'A little bit, actually. Not enough to stop me from doing it of course, but I did enjoy the time we spent together.' Admitted Raynare.
'I really loved you… you know.' Whispered Issei.
'I know.' Said Raynare, shifting so she was sitting in front of Issei on her knees.
'Even now… I still love you.' Said Issei.
'I know.' Said Raynare again.
Issei didn't say anything after that, keeping his gaze on his lap, while Raynare knelt in front of him.
'Hey, Issei, will you do something for me?' Asked Raynare.
'What?' Asked Issei, lifting his gaze to meet Raynare's.
'Will you die for me?' Asked Raynare.
'Always.' Said Issei, before Raynare kissed him.
-line break-
End of non-canon chapter
-line break-
So there you have it. I originally planned for Issei to actually die at this point in the story and that was going to be the end. However, thanks to the new ideas I got for the story, it will continue.
In any case, if you are wondering about the differences between the two endings, it all comes down to the fact that in the alternate ending, Issei is seeing Raynare for the first time since her death and is releasing all his pent up emotions, while in the canon ending, he already dealt with his issues regarding her somewhat.
As for the change in Raynare, that is due to the fact that in both endings, she managed to see how Issei really felt over the past few weeks/months and came to understand him better. The differences in what she says, is due to the fact that Issei is dying in one ending, leading her to be gentler, while in the canon one, she is more mischievous, as he will survive, but also acknowledges his doubts.
Also, to clear things up regarding what Raynare was. In season 3 of the anime, where we saw Raynare talk to Issei when he was in Juggernaut Drive, that is where I got the idea of a soul fragment. The idea also drew a little bit on Harry Potter and the idea that killing someone splits your soul. I decided to modify both of these and pool them together, to create the idea that as a fallen angel, if another being with strong emotional feelings for the fallen angel is around, the fallen angel can latch on to their soul at the time of their death, like a parasite. The idea, was that after a few decades, the fallen angel would have regained enough power to be resurrected.
I actually told a few of you about this idea in advance and some of you even went on to make stories of your own using the idea, which I enjoyed reading as well.
Well, there it is, a secret that I've been keeping for over a year finally revealed!
If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them, but at the end of the day, I really hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Until next time.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.