Okay, I wasn't going to update this for a while, but I felt I needed to, as many people are confused as of last chapter.
The story is not over. I will repeat, the story is not over.
It was going to end last chapter. The key word here being was.
I am continuing the story beyond this point so don't fret, AMH will continue.
I rushed this chapter just for this note, so it is a bit short, but it does set the next few chapters up and the upcoming arc, so think of this chapter as a teaser of sorts.
In any case, I hope you like it.
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 20 – Jaws of Life
Issei had no awareness of anything currently. After his conversation with the real Raynare, his mind had gone blank and he had lost any sense of where he was. He didn't know if he was standing, or lying down. He didn't know if he was alive or dead. Issei knew realistically that he was alive in some capacity, but the fact that he couldn't even move didn't help assuage his worries. A soft wail started to make itself heard and Issei became aware of sound, quickly followed by light, as he located the wail to be coming from a small ball of light. Issei's sense of proprioception kicked in after that, as he felt his body being pulled towards the light. A startled yelp escaped Issei's mouth, allowing him to realise he could speak, followed by an intense heat washing over him. The heat didn't burn Issei though, no, it seemed to be wrapping around him and comforting him. It was very soothing Issei thought, even as he was pulled through the air. As Issei reached the light, everything changed. A strong pain lanced through his chest and his eyes opened in agony, before he coughed up a steady stream of blood.
'Issei!' Exclaimed Irina, causing Issei to whip his head around in the direction of the sound.
In the space of a moment, Issei picked up on the relieved expressions of Murayama, Xenovia and Irina, the happy expression of Gabriel and the curious expression of Michael. Curious? Issei switched his gaze back to the leader of the angels and noticed he indeed seemed to be scrutinising something, but it wasn't Issei.
'Issei, are you okay?' Asked Murayama, bringing Issei's attention back to the angels he himself had reincarnated.
'A little sore, but nothing I can't handle.' Said Issei, giving a small grin.
His words and expressions were not as effective as he would have hoped, as blood was still trickling out of his mouth.
'You're bleeding and injured.' Said Xenovia bluntly.
'Yeah. I've been worse though. Besides, things could have turned out a lot more differently if certain events didn't occur.' Said Issei vaguely.
'You should allow us to heal you first though.' Said Gabriel.
'I'm fine, really. Samael's poison is almost completely out of my system.' Said Issei, causing the two Archangels to look at him in shock.
'Samael's poison! How are you even alive Issei?' Questioned Michael in disbelief.
'Well, it was pretty close… but I had a bit of help.' Said Issei.
'What happened to Ophis?' Interjected Irina.
'Oh, Ophis should be fine, in fact, considering we ended up in the Dimensional Gap, I'm sure she feels right at home.' Said Issei, before remembering something.
'Ophis you say?' Questioned Michael.
'Yeah… I can explain though.' Said Issei.
'Does that mean you can also explain that?' Asked Michael, pointing to Issei's lap.
Issei's eyebrows narrowed in confusion, before realising there was a weight on his legs. Looking down to see exactly what Michael was pointing at, Issei's eyes widened in shock. There on his lap, was the form of the creature that had been haunting him for weeks now. Threadbare leather attire along with pale skin, which was partially covered by long dark hair, made up the form of Issei's first girlfriend in her true form. However, Issei paused for a moment in thought. Michael had pointed at Raynare, meaning he could see her. This led Issei to two conclusions. The first, that Michael had suddenly gained the ability to see an apparition of his mind. That idea was quite a stretch, but it was more likely that Issei's other hypothesis. That somehow, someway, Raynare was alive once again.
Actually, was she even alive. Issei prodded the form on his lap and realised with some surprise that he could in fact touch the person currently resting on him.
"Raynare, what is going on?" Thought Issei, expecting a response from his shadow.
When the body on top of him groaned, Issei thought everything was normal and that his first hypothesis was correct, but he was in for a surprise. The fallen angel stirred, before pushing herself up from Issei's lap. Two violet eyes locked with Issei's brown, causing him to involuntarily smile slightly, but that quickly faded, as he saw no traces of recognition in those captivating dark orbs.
'Who are you?' Asked Raynare groggily, still rousing herself from her nap.
'W-what do you mean, it's me, Issei.' Said Issei in confusion, causing Raynare to look at him funnily.
'I have no idea who you are, but you better tell me what is going on.' Said Raynare, finally sobering up.
Issei felt as though a small blade had been rammed into his chest. No, scratch that, Issei felt as though he had just taken another arrow imbued with Samael's blood.
'Well, fallen angel Raynare, we are not sure ourselves, but we will find out. Gabriel, please contact Azazel, we will most certainly need him to weigh in on things and help us get to the bottom of this.' Said Michael, causing Raynare to whip her gaze to him in shock, quickly swivelling her head to see the other Seraph present, before looking back to the current leader of heaven.
'Of course.' Said Gabriel, before leaving the group.
'Azazel? Why would he listen to you?' Questioned Raynare hotly.
'Well, it seems you have either forgotten, or never learnt of the fact, that the devils, angels and the fallen angels have reached an agreement for peace, not simply the ceasefire we had previously.' Explained Michael patiently, despite Raynare's sceptical look and untrusting body language.
Raynare finally took notice of her position and pushed herself off Issei and took a few steps away from the group, looking at him with untrusting eyes.
'I'm not believing a word you say until I hear this from Lord Azazel himself.' Said Raynare, crossing her arms over her chest.
The next few minutes passed by very slowly for Issei. He was vaguely aware of Michael healing his surface wounds, his body slowly but steadily working away on removing the rest of Samael's curse from his being. Throughout all of this though, Issei couldn't tear his gaze away from Raynare.
"Why can't she remember anything? What happened?" Asked Issei in desperation.
'Michael, what's this I hear from Gabriel about a fallen angel being in heaven, on the sixth level no less?' Asked Azazel, appearing in a small holographic form, held in the palm of Gabriel's right hand, as she re-joined the group.
'Lord Azazel!' Exclaimed Raynare, recognising the voice and form of her idol.
'I see… this is quite interesting. I would like to investigate this more deeply, but in the meantime, how is Issei?' Asked Azazael, confusing Raynare at her leader's interest, in the strange boy she had woken up on.
'I'm fine. So is Ophis. Shalba's dead too. What happened in the Underworld?' Asked Issei.
'That's good to hear. Not to worry about those things, Vali took care of the largest one with Juggernaut Drive and the rest were mopped up by the others. It is strange though. Considering the state the Underworld was in, it was the perfect chance to strike, but Khaos Brigade didn't make a move.' Answered Azazel, before elaborating on what had occurred, or rather, what hadn't.
'In any case, you should all return to the human world now, we can discuss more then. Sirzechs and I just finished dealing with Hades, so he won't be a problem for a while now.' Said Azazel, before his projection faded away.
'Well, it seems there is quite a bit of information we are lacking currently. Gabriel, please watch over things for now, I believe I will return to earth and speak with Azazel and Sirzechs.' Said Michael, getting a nod from Gabriel.
'The rest of you should come as well, that includes you, fallen angel Raynare.' Said Michael, looking over the group.
'Issei, how are you feeling?' Asked Murayama.
'I'm fine, really. Just need a day or two to rest and I'll be back to normal.' Said Issei, with another grin.
Murayama spared a glance for the fallen angel a little bit away from them, before looking back to Issei and noticing his grin didn't reach his eyes.
'If you say so.' Mumbled Murayama.
'Well then, let us depart at once.' Said Michael, before the group made their way to the entrance of heaven.
-line break-
'Azazel, are you sure it was wise to hold the meeting here?' Asked Sirzechs.
'Why not? I'm sure that with all that has happened, coming back to this place won't be any trouble at all.' Said Azazel.
The two leaders were sitting in Issei's apartment living room currently. To Sirzechs left, was the peerage of his little sister, herself included, along with Ravel. To Azazel's right, was Vali's team, including Bikou and Arthur, who had been elsewhere during the battle with Cao Cao. A gate of pristine white appeared in the living room, after which, Michael, Issei, Irina, Xenovia and Murayama emerged. Moments before the gate closed, Raynare exited as well.
'You…' Growled Rias, her magic flaring to life around her, as she spotted, who she blamed, for Issei's desertion.
'Now, now Rias, calm down. We have to get to the bottom of this matter first.' Said Azazel jovially, hoping to release the tension that had been injected into the room.
'Lady… Raynare.' Gasped Asia, before taking a step back in shock, hiding herself somewhat behind Rias.
'Greetings Azazel, Sirzechs, I trust we are secure meeting here?' Asked Michael.
'Indeed, Vali and his team here added a few fortifications over the household and have some interesting news to report as well.' Said Azazel, motioning for Vali to speak.
'The Hero Faction has declared a month of ceasefire between our groups. We were able to secure this by returning one of their own, the boy Leonardo, whose Sacred Gear was used to create those monsters we dealt with.' Said Vali.
'Well, that is some good news I suppose.' Commented Sirzechs.
'Shalba's dead too, so the Old Satan faction is pretty much finished.' Added Issei.
'I see and what of Ophis?' Asked Azazel, only for a black void to appear in the living room.
'Speak of the devil, or in this case dragon I suppose.' Laughed Azazel, as the tiny form of Ophis emerged in the living room.
Her gaze passively swivelled around the group, before landing on Issei.
'You left without me.' Said Ophis, her unblinking gaze boring into Issei's.
'Sorry about that Ophis, but it was more like I was taken. I couldn't really leave myself.' Said Issei, scratching his head in embarrassment.
'Great Red and I fixed you.' Said Ophis, confusing the group, but none more so than Issei.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'Partner, while Samael's curse didn't kill you, it ate away at almost half of your body. It was pure chance that Great Red had been floating by and you landed on him. Ophis then used some of his flesh and imbued it with her own power, to regenerate the parts of your body that disintegrated. You lost both legs, your right arm and a small piece of your torso. Luckily, your head and vital organs weren't damaged, or you would have needed an entirely new body. Even now your body is still adapting to the changes and finding a middle ground. At this point you are half angel half dragon.' Explained Ddraig, much to Issei's shock, appearing as a glowing green gem on Issei's left hand.
'You mean I almost died?' Questioned Issei in shock, sparing a glance for the fallen angel off to the side.
'Yes… you were lucky for the warning you got.' Said Ddraig vaguely, confusing the others, but not Issei.
'Well, looks like you have the luck of the devil, even if you aren't one anymore.' Joked Azazel.
'That does seem to be the case, but there is another matter we need to address.' Said Sirzechs, his gaze locking on to Raynare, who took a step back in nervousness.
'Indeed we do.' Agreed Michael, his gaze also shifting to the female fallen angel's form.
'Well then, fallen angel Raynare, would you care to share the last thing you remember?' Asked Michael.
'W-well, Lord Azazel had just given me an assignment to watch a potential Sacred Gear user… that's the last thing I can remember.' Said Raynare, after Azazel gave her a nod to speak.
'I see. Do you know the identity of the person you were to watch?' Asked Sirzechs, only for Raynare to furrow her eyebrows slightly.
'No.' Said Raynare after a moment.
'Yare, yare, that is quite the problem then. Well, to bring you up to speed, your assignment was to watch that boy over there, Issei Hyoudou, the current Red Dragon Emperor of this generation.' Said Azazel, causing Raynare's eyes to widen in disbelief that the boy she had woken up on moments ago, was a being capable of defeating even the faction leaders before them.
'Although, you have missed a great deal during your… absence.' Said Azazel.
'What happened to me?' Asked Raynare.
'I killed you.' Said Rias ominously, causing the fallen angel to recoil slightly.
'That's impossible, I'm standing right here. You really expect me to believe that you killed me?' Scoffed Raynare, only for her to gain Rias' ire.
'Yes. If you'd like, I'd be happy to do it again.' Said Rias.
'Okay. I think that's enough for now. I will take Raynare back with me and bring her up to speed. Vali, I suppose you are free to do whatever you would like, but feel free to stop by the Grigori. I'm sure after your latest heroic feat, many will not have issue with you.' Said Azazel.
'We'll see.' Said Vali noncommittally, getting a laugh from Azazel.
'As for all of you, the results of the Mid-Class Promotion Test have been finalised. Akeno Himejima and Yuuto Kiba, congratulations, as of now, you are Mid-Class devils.' Said Sirzechs, getting smiles from the Gremory group.
'Issei, I will also be sending you and Dulio to assess whether the actions of the vampires lately are cause for concern. Sirzechs, Azazel, it seems there may be another Longinus in play, specifically the Holy Grail. It is unclear currently if the vampires themselves have been the ones using it, or rather, if Khaos Brigade is using it within their territory, but this must be investigated.' Said Michael.
'The vampires…' Spoke up Gasper, gaining the attention of the three faction leaders.
'Yes Gasper. It would seem your old domain has undergone a period of turmoil. The Tepes faction is currently in power, however, it seems the Carmilla faction has attempted to make contact with us. They will be sending an envoy in the coming weeks.' Said Sirzechs.
'I see. In that case, you and Dulio will remain on standby, Issei. Get your rest though, you have earned it. In the meantime, I will return to heaven and ensure everything is running smoothly. It would also be best for you to come by after a few days, so we can see how you have been affected by Great Red and Ophis' power.' Said Michael, getting a nod from Issei.
'Very well then. That seems like a good as place as any to call this meeting to an end.' Said Azazel, getting nods of agreement.
Azazel left first with Raynare, seeking to diffuse the tension in the room, with Vali and his group leaving shortly after. Michael returned to heaven after that, with Sirzechs returning to hell, leaving the uneasy friends together, along with the Dragon God of Infinity.
'I'm glad you are okay, Issei.' Said Yuuto, speaking on behalf of the group.
'Thanks… congratulations on your promotion, Kiba, Akeno.' Said Issei, getting a nod from Kiba and a smile from Akeno.
'We should leave now and let Issei get some rest.' Said Irina, getting murmurs of agreement from the group.
The devils left first, Ravel leaving last, after sparing Issei one last look, leaving the angels by themselves.
'Issei, if you need anything we'll be downstairs. When you are ready to return back to your house, let us know.' Said Irina.
Xenovia nodded in agreement, before the two headed downstairs.
'Issei, are you sure you are okay… with what happened?' Asked Murayama, resting her hand on Issei's shoulder.
'Yeah, I just need some rest, I'll be back to normal soon.' Said Issei, giving another smile, which Murayama could tell was forced.
Leaning up slightly to give Issei a small kiss, Murayama left soon after.
Ophis made no move to leave, staring up at Issei unblinkingly.
'What now, partner?' Asked Ddraig.
'I don't know, Ddraig… I don't know.' Said Issei, before heading to his bedroom to rest, Ophis following after him.
-line break-
Now, since the chapter was a bit short, I've decided to throw in another Kyuubi's Corner.
The issue today: OOC and when it goes too far.
Now, let's face it, all fanfiction is OOC to some extent, as we are not following exactly what a character does in canon, however, there is a point where things go too far.
Take for instance DxD. Issei is a character with numerous flaws and numerous desirable traits, for instance, the fact that he is a pervert and open lover of breasts, or the fact that he is the Red Dragon Emperor and willing to almost kill himself to save his friends. Now, you can tweak these things, tone down perverseness, add another Sacred Gear, or anything else, but eliminating both is quite a change.
However, if you take out Issei's perverseness and Ddraig, in addition to, say, his attitude to girls, his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and his past history, what is he now? Not Issei.
The character has now become a remodelled OC, using the DxD lore as a base. This is even more prominent, when his hair and eye colour are also changed. The character of the media has been taken and completely reworked.
This is not OOC anymore, this is OC. Original characters are fine, in fact, if used well, they can really enhance a story, take for instance shadowwriter01 and his OCs, which blend into the lore of DxD, but if the main character is the OC and you try and pull it off as the original MC, you are just lying to yourself and readers.
Personally, I hate stories where an OC replaces the MC completely, as I came here to read about the MC. Sure, there are things I want to be different, but the core traits of a character shouldn't be changed. For instance, for HOAD, I made my Issei manipulative and shrewd, something definitely not canon, however, he still has his perverseness, he still has Ddraig, he still has his past with Irina and he is still willing to sacrifice himself for his friends. I can't take these things out, as they are what make Issei, Issei.
As another example, take Naruto. He is loud and brash while also holding Kurama. Sure, you can add other tailed beasts and change his attitude, but if you also take away things like his love of ramen and undying loyalty to his friends, you've replaced the MC with an OC.
This is especially a problem in the less popular archives, say HOTD or R+V, where the MC is unabashedly replaced in all but name for a better story. I will admit to reading a few of these, as both archives, for instance, have less canon material to work with and use, in order to stick to the character's canon behaviour, not to mention less stories overall, but core attributes should not be changed, such as Takashi's firm drive to survive against "them", or Tsukune's caring for his friends.
There is maybe only one situation where the MC can be modified this much and it is only in crossover stories. For instance, say Naruto is thrown into the world of DxD and loses Kurama and his chakra and then becomes jaded because of it. This is story telling. You've taken the canon character and put him/her in an unfamiliar situation, that they must adapt to survive.
Some of the best crossover stories do this and it is completely reasonable because it is a non-canon character in a different world. In the above scenario, Naruto is basically an OC, except we all know about him and his past, thus, making what he does next interesting to us, as we want to see why, how and how much he will change.
Just remember though, there is a line that shouldn't be crossed and that is when the character no longer has any resemblance to their canon counterpart.
Well, that wraps up another Kyuubi's Corner, a somewhat more controversial opinion, but my opinion nonetheless.
In any case, I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
One last thing which is not fanfiction related, if you like MMORPGs, I have a referral link to a game I play on my pat reon account, so if you're bored and want a decent game to play, I spent a good 3 years playing this one in high school, before taking a long break and coming back to it last year.
Lastly, to reiterate the note from the top of the chapter: THIS STORY IS NOT OVER!
It will live!
See you next time.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.