PLEASE READ: A general reminder that I do not answer questions about pairings posted in reviews. If you want to know so badly, then send me a PM so that I don't have to spoil it or make this easily predictable for everyone else. Review so I can hear your opinion and respond in kind, but I won't answer questions like that in this section, until his love life is resolved. If I did, then this story would get boringly predictable real fast.
Aryan810101 – Thanks! Will try to crank these out as fast as possible
Redripper666 – Thanks, though if you choose to do so, you may be waiting a long time
Nega Kris –Glad to see your passionate about this subject, but keep in mind, this is my first story and I'm only going to write what I'm comfortable with. I will take this pretty far, but only at my own pace. As for romantic options, see first the 'PLEASE READ' comment
DraigTrueEmperor9 – Um, I don't recall her just letting Issei get killed. Lot of fanfics where that's the case, but in reality she came once summoned via his dying wish before making the decision to reincarnate him. She kept an eye on his potential but didn't act on it in time. With the exceptions of Kiba, Gasper, Issei, and Asia, Rias gave each of her peerage the choice to join her peerage, so I'd say she and many young high-class devils prefer willing servants to enforced slavery. As for whether he will have a harem, we'll see.
NAFNAF509 – Thanks again for the continued support!
Blackshadow999 – Thanks! Glad to have you aboard! To answer your question, yes, Kuroka will return like she does in canon. As for the other, Sirzechs has competition for title of Crimson Satan
SatanPie –Great Red, Ophis, Sirzechs, Ajuka, Indra, Shiva, Trihexa, the Dragon Kings, Odin, Zeus, Hades, Pluto, Ares, etc. I said that he's equal to canon Vali. So no, he's not naturally top 10 material. I'd say, without using Juggernaut Drive, he's equivalent or just superior to an ultimate class devil.
Punitor567 – Thanks for the support! As for Silver, it's partly the hair. Remember, canon perversity was a cause for the birth of the Oppai Dragon. In contrast, I'm trying to build a consistent reputation that puts him in good light in both mortal and supernatural worlds.
ShredX01 – Your wish is granted :)
DragonMaster128 – Same argument I gave DraigTrueEmperor9, so I don't share your views about Rias. Thanks anyway!
Kirinthor – Thanks! Glad you approve!
NoName(r)69 – Ask in PMs about his romantic future. I've made that clear.
ZenithTempest – Thank you for the compliments! However, I have to say this: Ask in PMs about his romantic future. Until he's firmly set on one course or another, I can't shift on this. From you, I expect one.
gta2001 – Thank you! As for the harem, see first comment or read through what I've told everyone else.
DatGuitarGirl – Glad to see that my unanticipated absence hasn't diminished your enthusiasm. Thanks again!
Bleach2121XX – You're absolutely right.
Sasuke75249 – I'm not sure how to answer that, other than keep reading.
The Ultimate Balance Chaos – Wow, nice to see my story's interesting enough for someone to rush and catch up. Thanks!
reader of the fly – Yes, then no. Read up on previous notes and replies for more details. Hope you enjoy this!
Talonsen – Read up on previous replies for hints and details. As for Kuroka, expect quite the difference from the light novel. I'm planning on throwing twists on each one that make it harder to predict, but don't expect Kuroka to die anytime soon.
JMK2 – See first comment about romance. All I'm asking is for a few more chapters of suspense before I really get serious with his love life. Besides that, thanks for the love and support!
CrimiK - Thanks! I've outlined that fight already, the hype is real!
Disclaimer: See 1st Chapter
" " – Speech
' ' – Thoughts
( ) – Albion, mental
( ) – Albion, speaking
Just a reminder that this is a DxD story that is also rated M. It wouldn't be DxD otherwise. You have been warned.
Chapter 8: Only God Forgives
There were many differences between his old cell and his new home, Issei thought. For one, the comfort of the bed. A Tartarus-issued bunk was about as welcome as the rest of the standard inventory. Just like the food, clothes, and general atmosphere, it left much to be desired. But this, this bed was amazing. It felt like he could lie there for an eternity as he sank into it.
Another pointed difference was the temperature. His fire kept him warm and all, but it was nice to have the consistent warmth that his new home had. Tartarus' 'weather' patterns varied depending on how much the wardens wanted the inmates to suffer. There had been times where the heat had been sucked out of the air, leaving a shivering Kuroka clinging to him for his warmth. The cold had actually affected him, causing him to become unresponsive and sluggish thereby making a convincing argument that he may in fact be cold-blooded. Other times, the heat skyrocketed to near boiling. The skyrocketing temperature didn't bother him at all, but when the Nekomata shed her sole garment in an attempt to cool off… well, there are many interpretations of 'hot and bothered'.
There were other changes, but they were trivial to his comfort right now. However, despite all the differences, there was one constant, besides the snarky dragon hitchhiking inside him. There was a warm body pressed against his.
Lazily cracking one eye open, Issei took note that the hair obscuring most of his sight was not dark as midnight but red as blood. Inwardly he groaned. It was one thing when Kuroka and Akeno had climbed into bed with him. However, since he wasn't currently recovering from any injuries, then why on earth would Rias join him?
He tried to carefully extricate himself from her grasp, but she only tightened her grip around his waist even more. Rias' hair was covering most of her torso but still left quite a bit… exposed. Issei blushed furiously. Of all the things he'd done, he wasn't quite sure what he'd done to deserve this or if he should really complain about it. In the end though, despite all his self-discipline, the teenage male won out against the gentleman.
Rias was currently using his shoulder as a pillow, letting her hair fan out over his arm. Interestingly enough, said arm, by his own volition or movement while he was asleep, had moved to encompass her, leaving his hand just above her hip.
Cue incoming nosebleed.
'Ok, I'm either dreaming, in Heaven, or in Hell. This kind of thing just doesn't happen, does it?'
For once, the Vanishing Dragon was silent, lending credence to the dream theory. Additionally, this was too pleasurable for Hell and being Devils denied them entry to Heaven. So this was a dream, a very strange dream, or real life where he would have much to answer for.
Deciding to try and somehow alleviate his guilt, he tried to at the very least get his hand out of what should rightly be considered off-limits. That movement caused Rias to stir ever so slightly, arching slightly away and back into his arm. In that same motion, she revealed to him quite the sight. Full, round breasts that gently swelled to round nipples set on aerolas the size of silver dollars. The valley between them was phenomenal; his gaze drawn to them as his eyes traveled down her seductive figure. To his surprise, she was unknowingly giving him a full-frontal view.
'Wow, whaddya know', Issei mused as his gaze trailed between her legs. 'She's a natural red-head.' Almost immediately, he violently shook his head, shutting his eyes. 'What the hell, man! Get a hold of yourself. This is neither the time nor place, and besides, you're courting Akeno now! What would she say?'
His actions only served to agitate Rias' sleep even more. With a light moan, her eyes fluttered open as she began to wake. Damn, even half-conscious, she was a sight to behold.
"Oh, good morning, Issei."
Assuming this was still a dream, Issei tried to play this off casually. Well, as casually as one could expect from him. "Good morning to you as well. Though I feel obligated to ask, just why are you in bed with me?"
"Would you believe that the past few nights I've had trouble sleeping on my own? I guess after two weeks of intensive healing, I'm accustomed to sleeping with you now."
Well, for a dream, this was pretty damn convincing.
"Okay? Then why exactly are you undressed? I don't remember being injured recently. Do you do this with the rest of your servants?"
With a smile, Rias gently moved his silver hair aside to get a better view of his face. "Well, you can't expect me to fall asleep unless I'm completely naked. As for the others, Kiba is too much of a gentleman while Koneko prefers solitude. However, while growing up, Akeno and I slept together quite often. We sometimes still do."
Well, then. That was a mental image he had no qualms picturing. However, considering this was his dream, that said image did not project into reality filled him with dismay. "This isn't a dream by any chance?"
"Not at all."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." Lifting herself upright, Rias pulled her legs under her so that she hid her womanhood from sight but left her breasts to bounce while brazenly on display as she tossed her hair back. "Want me to prove it?"
"…Is there really any good way to answer that?" Now suspicious that this was real life, Issei wasn't sure how to proceed. "I don't like my odds of living should this actually be real."
"Don't worry, I wouldn't hurt one of my cute servants."
"True, but Koneko might. To say nothing of what Akeno might do." Last night's exorcism had shown him just how much pleasure she would get from punishing him.
"Well then, since you don't want me to, then I'll keep myself… to myself." Spinning in place so that she faced the side of the bed, she scooted forward ever so slightly. Again, the simplest motions caused her impressive bust to work wonders, further convincing him that he was awake. He wasn't sure he could fabricate that in a dream.
"Well, seeing that we're both awake, we might as well get ready for our day", Rias had retrieved her clothing and was now dressed in lacy underwear and her long white socks. Impossibly, hiding her skin was somehow just as alluring as going completely bare, if not more so. "I'll expect you at the clubhouse in an hour."
"Guh…"
"I'm glad you're so agreeable." As she finished dressing in her school uniform, Rias turned back to him. "Please hurry, we don't have all day." With that, she turned away again and walked through a Gremory circle.
For a moment, Issei could only lay there, dumbfounded at what had just happened. Rias Gremory, his rightful master, had somehow snuck into his bed without his knowledge or consent, completely nude, sweet-talked him, dressed, and then left like nothing had ever happened between them.
His pride as both apex predator and teenage male was at stake now.
As if on cue, a faint snorting echoed through his mental link as Albion stirred. (…Huh, wha… whas going on?)
'Where've you been?'
(I must sleep sometime. As entertaining as your life is, I rest now and then. Now, you're sitting there idly. Did I miss something?)
'Nothing… absolutely nothing at all.'
After a long, cold shower, Issei had made a meager lunch then sealed it into his array. Simply bread, meat and cheese, the light fare would be enough between contracts, if he was as busy as Kiba had forewarned. Following that, he had dressed in his preferred casual wear before remembering to add the Kuoh shirt and jacket to the mix. Finding himself decently presentable, he then made his way to the clubhouse, where he found Rias and Akeno waiting.
"Ah, good, you're here." The girls spoke in unison before glancing suspiciously at the other. Their eyes met and seemed to convey some intent and conversation before they broke off to face him completely.
Rias motioned to the red glyphs glowing on the floor. "If you'll stand there, we can attune your body and demonic power to the symbols we inscribe on our pamphlets. From there, we can work through various requests until we get a better feel for what kind of work is your specialty."
"Specialty?"
"Rias works with exorcisms, dark magic, and things that only high-class devils have the power to deal with under normal circumstances", Akeno explained. "My clients are usually the wealthy CEOs, or the wife of one, and attempt to ease their stress level. Kiba does the same for housewives and the like, while Koneko is favored as a mascot or cosplayer."
"So… I'm basically going to be doing various jobs until something clicks." Sighing, Issei strolled over to the center of the glyphs. "Let's get this over with."
Once there, Akeno lifter her hands. The glyphs lifted at the same time, moving over him as if scanning him. After a twinge of discomfort, Issei rubbed the spot between where his wings normally were as he tried to fight off the beginnings of a headache. "So, what 's the verdict?"
Akeno frowned; the look didn't suit her at all. "Well, to put it bluntly, as far as demonic power goes… you suck."
"Hey!"
"Sorry, it's just… I had thought that the traces on your own wings were just a sign that your new set had merged with the old. I guess the reality is that you're so incompatible with demonic power that you can't even manifest the standard devil's wings."
"I'm fine with that, seeing as I'd only need this set." 'And my Light Wings', he thought. "What does that mean in terms of contracts?"
"Well, you have enough power to make the jump through the portals. You just… won't be in the best condition after the round trip there and back."
"You've lost me."
Rias took over for her flustered Queen. "Our transport circles work as gates between us and the client summoning us. It's how we can tell who is being summoned, where, and when, it's all a matter of which 'door' someone is knocking at, so to speak." She paused as she tried to formulate the least-insulting response and comparison. "They're also like vehicles, in a sense. To use them, you need to meet the minimum threshold of demonic power. That's why it'll be harder for you, since you just have the bare minimum needed to get by."
"I got through the others no problem, why is this any different?"
"We were in a group then, and the power requirements were met by our combined energy. You'll be on your own for your regular jobs."
With a groan, Issei remembered the discomfort brought on by the shopping excursion. And that was only one trip! He would have to suffer multiple times a day and to a greater magnitude?
"If it makes you feel any better, the contracts themselves shouldn't be difficult. You're recently reincarnated, the system won't give you anything you can't handle on your own, with some exceptions."
"That really doesn't."
"Well, look on the bright side. You'll… get to meet new people." Rias' smile was strained; it was painfully obvious that she knew what was in store for him.
"Do I have to do this?"
"Oh, don't be like that Issei", Akeno crooned. "I'll be sure to take care of your stress as well when you get back." With a smile and flick of her wrists, the circle flashed before Issei could respond. In an instant, the demidrake flashed out of existence as he was sent on his way.
"Now then." All traces of humor immediately left Akeno's voice as she turned to face her King. "Is there any reason you'd like to share for why you sounded so pleased to see Issei?"
"Do you really need one?"
"Considering he's my oldest friend, yes, I think I do."
"If you haven't noticed, he's my servant. You know I care for all of you."
"But for him especially?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I-", Rias' voice trialed off as she realized that she may have given herself away in this debate.
"Oh, do go on. Please, tell me, what were you doing with my Issei?"
"Your Issei? Last I checked he was my Pawn!"
"Oh my", Akeno smirked. "I thought last night was fun, but I may enjoy this even more!" While she said this, a beatific smile upon her face, telltale sparks began falling from her fingertips. "Last chance."
"Must we do this? And we've been getting along so well too." Rias was stern but there was some teasing in her tone as well. Red energy coalesced around her hands as well. "I guess there's nothing for it."
(Never, never again. I'm glad you did not make a contract with that… thing.)
'Ugh, same. Is there any way to forget that?'
(Not that I know of. Swear that we never speak of this again. Such combination of Red and White is unnatural. That one's request even more so.)
'Done. I barely even remember what a magical girl is, why would a bodybuilder want to become one?'
(Don't bring him up again. I may cry.) Already, the sounds of sobs were crossing through their link.
'Alright, alright.' Activating the sigil on the flier, Issei braced himself with trepidation. 'Here we go again.'
The feeling of being compressed through a straw then stretched to impossible lengths made him nauseous. It was a miracle he didn't hurl in transit. After appearing in the Occult Research Clubroom, Issei dizzily shuffled to one of the couches and collapsed on it. 'Time for a nap.' He drifted off, not realizing that the furniture smelled somewhat singed or that magic was detonating all around him.
It felt almost immediately later that he was being shaken awake. He glared at Koneko and then blinked. The room was a mess; scorch marks over the wall, furniture upheaved and smoking, papers from Rias' desk everywhere. The room looked like a warzone.
"Err, what happened?"
"I don't know. I was hoping you would."
Having finished with her obligatory amount of conversation, Koneko moved to what appeared to be half of the other couch. After righting it, she demurely sat down, uncaring that the other half was nowhere to be seen.
A glow signified Kiba's return from a job. The princeling looked around before frowning. "What on earth?"
"We don't know."
Moments later, Rias and Akeno entered through the main door. Though Rias' hair was a bit disheveled and Akeno's ribbon was missing, letting her hair down, nothing seemed out of the ordinary to Issei.
"Oh, hello everyone", Rias' smile wasn't forced, calming Issei down a little. "How were the first contracts of the day?"
"It went well, thank you."
"Adequate."
All eyes turned to Issei, who squirmed under the attention. "Ah… not so great."
Rias moved to her desk and seemingly picked a paper at random. Her eyes narrowed as she read the contents of the page, but she laughed once she was finished, "Well, I suppose that was to be expected from that particular request."
(SHE KNOWS!)
Issei sweatdropped, "Yeah, let's rule out that style of jobs. Are there any others not so… interesting?"
"You want the boring jobs?"
"Boring I can handle. It's the interesting requests I don't want any part of." Suddenly, two very soft things pressed against his back as Akeno's arms encircled his waist.
"Oh, did Issei not have a good first time? Is there any way I can help to make you feel better?"
The double meaning, as well as intimate contact, nearly made Issei spontaneously combust. Considering how he'd incinerate everyone present instantly, it was best for him to find some… constructive outlet to avoid such an outburst. "No! No, that… won't be necessary." He turned to Rias, who for some reason was frowning. "Just give me another request and I'll try again."
The rest of the day was spent completing several jobs, some of them enjoyable, others nearly as strange as the cross-dressing Magical Girl request. Those were usually a toss-up to whether he actually made the contract. Others seemed specifically tailored for his specialties. One was building demolition, something he finished in record time; another required him to carefully solder several connections for a maintenance company, restoring power to an entire district.
Late that night, Issei transported to his last job. After spending the now normal few minutes bent over, gasping for breath and trying to re-acquaint himself with solid ground, he stood and looked at his next workplace. Surprisingly, he had been teleported to outside the intended destination, as opposed to immediately meeting his client. Strange.
Shrugging, Issei shook his head and moved to the front door of the modest home. No sooner had he pushed it open did his heightened senses place him on high alert. Memories of blood and pain caused him to react on instinct, alerting him to that something was very wrong with this place.
He moved further into the residence, nothing out of the ordinary. After traversing through a short hallway, Issei found himself in a dimly lit living room. On the wall opposite him was a fresh corpse. Crucified upside down like the traitor Judas Iscariot, the unfortunate human had been severely mutilated, apparently before his or her demise. The body's condition prevented him from identifying the victim's gender.
Issei took one step forward before a slight breeze brushed against the back of his neck. Painfully taught instincts took over, and he rolled forward and over the couch before him, twisting to face the disturbance upon his recovery. He looked up to see an older teen facing him. Dressed in a clerical robe, the white-haired man had a manic look in his red eyes. In one hand, a shining blade of an artificial light-sword finished its horizontal arc, right where his neck had been moments before. In his left, was a handgun, detailed with metal inlay and filigree. Considering the other boy's choice of weaponry, Issei was willing to bet that it was loaded with some light based ammunition. In short, this was an exorcist.
A rather short one to be exact. He was less than a foot shorter than Issei, and apparently had to stand on his toes for the blade to reach where he had been.
"So, what are you supposed to be?" Issei asked. "Are you my client or his killer?"
"HAhaHAha, a devil with humor!" The exorcist pirouetted into a curtsy, grasping his cloak like a dress in a mockery of what was a formal greeting. "I am the legendary Freed Sellzen! Perhaps you have heard of me, shitty devil!"
"Um… Actually, I haven't."
To Issei's amusement, Freed's face fell and he facefaulted to the floor. "I… I can't believe it! I've killed countless devils, how have you not heard of me!"
"I'm kinda new to this devil thing. But I think I can do one thing right. Kicking your ass!" With that, Issei darted forward before Freed could get back up. Beating someone when they're down may be dirty, but now wasn't the time to fight fair.
Flipping over the furniture in his way, Issei delivered an axe kick straight to where Freed's head had been, breaking through the floorboards. The exorcist in question had rolled away at the last minute before springing to his feet. "Yes, YES! I can't wait to see how many pieces I can slice you into!" With that, he reactivated his sword and stepped forward, swinging it erratically.
Ducking under the blade's arc, Issei's eyes widened as he had brought himself face to barrel with the raised gun. Throwing himself to the side, he did his best to dodge before a searing pain erupted in his side. The bullet had broken his skin and was embedded in his side. Gritting his teeth, he ignored both the warmth and renewed scent of blood; it was far from deadly and nowhere near the worst he had suffered through. "You'll have to do better than that!"
"Huh? That's new, so exciting! A devil that can shrug off light rounds!" With a cry of ecstasy, Freed began firing at will. "I'm gonna set a world record as to how many bullets I can fill a devil with before they die!"
(This one's sanity is very questionable right now. That or he is very fervent in his sacred responsibilities to end you. How's your side?)
'Stings, but I've had worse. I suppose it was to much to ask for my immunity to light to carry over as a devil.'
(Indeed. You have terrible luck.)
Now that he wasn't at point-blank range, Issei was able to evade the bullets much easier now. Aside from a few times where the shots barely grazed him, he was unscathed and could continue to evade indefinitely. However, he couldn't make any headway in this state.
'Using my fire or Longinus would be extreme overkill in this situation. I can do this!'
(Do not let your pride get the best of you. I advise that you end this quickly before it gets out of hand.)
'Tch, I got this, watch me!'
With two long strides to build momentum, Issei vaulted over a coffee table and flipped it on its side. Using it as temporary cover, he was satisfied that none of the bullets fired penetrated through the lacquered wood.
(Redwood? Very expensive. I approve of its destruction in combat.)
'We seriously need to work on that. Can't have you freaking out on me in the middle of a fight.'
(Nonsense. Just keep the red stuff inside you and we'll do fine.)
'Crazy old man.' With a grunt of exertion, Issei forced the table back away from him and into the crazed exorcist. With a cry, Freed toppled over in a heap of robes and splinters. Issei quickly followed, landing feet first on the downed man. Curling his hand into a fist, he was about to hammer the breathing corpse in the head. Raising his arm, he cocked it and swung. Right before he crushed Freed's skull, he froze as a voice, fearful and inquisitive, interrupted.
"Issei? Is that you?"
Asia stood there in the hallway, obviously frightened and confused.
'Well, shit.'
"Issei. Father Freed. What is going on?"
Freed smirked, heedless of the fist barely an inch from shattering his cranium. "Oh, don't worry, my dear! I'm just about to kill this filthy devil!"
The girl gasped, both hands covering her mouth in fright and shock. "Mister Issei? A devil?"
"YOU KNOW EACH OTHER!?" Both males shouted before glaring at each other. "DON"T COPY ME!"
With that, the two began brawling like schoolboys, rolling on the floor and exchanging insults as they railed against each other. Forfeiting any sense of both decorum and combat style, both were doing their best to simply pummel the other into submission.
(Years of practice, reduced to scuffling on the floor? I'm going to cry.)
Ignoring the Heavenly Dragon, Issei maneuvered the rolling pair so that he was just above Freed. The psychopath merely grinned, "Oh, you like being on top then! Get a load of my glorious weapon!" Too late, Issei looked down to see Freed's gun pressed against his waist.
'Fuck.'
Freed wasted no time in emptying his magazine into the devil above before pushing Issei's form off of him. The dragon hissed as he was forcefully shoved down against the floor. Issei tried to stand but found that he could not. It seemed that while little actual damage had been done, the amount of Light in his abdomen, combined with his previous jump through a circle was debilitating. He felt sick even contemplating which way was up.
"Father Freed, please! Even though Mister Issei is a devil, this is cruel! What has he done to deserve this?"
"Done? Done, you say? Well my pretty, take a look at that poor schumck hanging there!" With a scream, Asia now noticed the gutted corpse on display. "Your buddy here was about to work for that bastard right there! I'm doing the world a favor by killing filthy devils and removing those who associate with them! HaHAhaHA! The best part, the Grigori let me do as I please!"
'So he's a Stray then. They're coming out of the woodwork this weekend.'
Asia was leaning onto the closest wall, trying not to cry. "Issei… is it true?"
It was like an iron punch to the gut to ruin her hopes, but for some reason, he could not lie to her. "Yes, Asia. I'm a devil."
"See! He admits it! Now, step aside, girl. It's time to kill this shitty devil. I think I'll start by… what are you doing?" Asia had stepped in front of Freed and spread her arms as to shield Issei from harm.
"Please, sir! He may be a devil, but I know mister Issei has a kind heart! Please, don't hurt him! Please, let him go!"
(A little late for that, but thanks for the save, sweetheart.)
The fake priest appeared very confused. "Hey, hey. Are you serious, Asia? Do you know what you're asking?"
"I can't stand it anymore. You can't kill people just because they are entranced by Devils and you can't kill devils. It's wrong!"
"Well then." Freed was silent, face downcast for a few moments. Eyes obscured by his hair, Issei could not fathom what was going on inside the man's head.
All of a sudden, Freed whipped his head back up, a horrific glee in his eyes. "This changes things!" Before Issei could react, Freed backhanded Asia with his pistol hand. The petite girl spun before the priest grabbed her from behind, forcing her back into his chest. With the gun pointed to her temple, Asia froze, her cheek reddening in the dim light.
"You bastard!" This one was getting on his last nerve. "What the hell is wrong with you!"
"Oh, so many things! There is so much just plain wrong with me that makes me perfect for the Grigori's dirty work! However, seeing that you're taking your sweet damn time to die, I think I'll take the time to enjoy the fringe benefits of being a priest!"
With a flick, the light-sword was extinguished. Holstering it at his belt, Freed moved his now free hand to Asia's chest. "Let's see what the pricks at the Vatican sent me, eh!" With a loud rip, he grabbed the center of her robe and wrenched it away, tearing cloth and exposing Asia's breasts. "Oooh, deary me, this is a wondrous harvest! Hallelujah in the highest!" With a perverse giggle, Freed began groping and unashamedly handling the poor girl. Squeezing, rubbing, doing everything in his power and more to violate Asia's body as she weakly protested, all too conscious of the barrel pressed to her forehead.
"You sick freak!" With a tremendous effort, Issei swallowed his revulsion and leapt up, trying to land one good blow on the exorcist. Preferably the face, most definitely the face. This course of action proved to be useless, as Freed merely sidestepped the blow, pulling Asia with him. Sword in hand once more, the beam of Light swung downwards to bisect him.
If the blade continued on its path, it was likely that it could have cleaved him in two. Fate seemed to turn in his favor for once that day.
Several things happened, so close together and so fast that it seemed like it all happened simultaneously. First, a Gremory circle formed in midair, adding a rosy tint to the room. Second, a new sword blocked Freed's downward stroke. Its owner leapt from the glyphs and forced Freed to backpedal as Kiba began his relentless attack. Kiba's speed, combined with his obviously superior skill, forced Freed to through Asia aside to use his gun in conjunction with his blade.
"Well, you're a pretty one! Can I fuck you up too?"
Kiba sweatdropped. "For a priest, that's quite a mouth you have." Without warning, he pressed his attack. "I hope you don't mind if I shut it for you."
Issei sensed more than felt two presences at his sides. Gentle hands caught him below his shoulders and lifted him to a standing position. Koneko was on his left, while Akeno was on his right. Once he was standing, Koneko moved away, grabbing pieces of furniture to throw at the frenzied lunatic.
"We came as soon as we could," Akeno breathed into his ear, her voice heavy with relief. "Their barrier kept us out for a time."
"No problem, you're here now," he smiled weakly. "Just patch me up, and I'll be back in the fight."
"I don't think so." Rias now appeared, the circle vanishing. "You're part in this is over until we can properly attend your your wounds."
"Mere scratches."
"That's for me to decide. And I've decided to punish this one for daring to lay a hand on one of my cute servants."
'Cute? Should I be offended?'
(Dragons are supposed to be awe-inspiring, fear inducing, but cute! If Red here keeps this up, I fear our reputation as dragons will fall.)
Rias' words had not gone unnoticed. "Oh, if it isn't a red-haired bitch and her lively harem! You've got good taste in servants, miss Gremory. I wonder how they'll look when I bend them over and take them for myself!"
With a cry of rage, Rias let forth several blasts, her power of Destruction wreaking havoc in the confined space. She was careful to not hit Kiba or Koneko, though several blasts landed very close to the still prone Asia.
Koneko paused from hurling debris at the priest and sniffed the air. Issei did the same. "Fallen Angels are on their way."
"HaHAhaHAha, reinforcements for me and punishment for you!"
Rias calmed down, though it was visible to all how much it was force of will to remain that way. "Time to go."
Kiba disengaged his blade from Freed's, flipping back to land with the others in the corner. The priest tried to follow but was cut off when a coffee table twice Koneko's size was hurled at him by the tiny Rook.
Rias waved her hand and another series of glyphs surged into existence. Before they all passed through, Issei remembered something. "Wait! We can't leave yet! We need to take Asia with us!"
The group turned back to see Asia lying on her front, tearfully gazing at Issei. "It's alright Issei! I'll be alright."
"Like hell! We need to take her with us!"
"I'm sorry, Issei." Rias truly did sound remorseful. "Our transport sigils only work on those of the Gremory household, we couldn't bring her with us even if we tried."
"NO! I CAN TAKE HER! SHE CAN STILL COME!" Issei extended a hand towards Asia, glyphs taking form as his array was activated.
"It's… it's alright, mister Issei." Asia's small voice and tearful face tore at his heart. "Let's see each other soon."
His cry of rage was lost in a crimson swirl as the Gremory peerage vanished.
"Hold still." Rias and Akeno had both their arms wrapped around him, trying to achieve as much skin contact as possible. Both had divested themselves of clothing, whereas Issei had refused to remove his pants. While under normal circumstances, Issei would have panicked under such intimate contact, but ever since arriving at the clubhouse, he had moved like a machine. Seeing but not truly seeing, moving as directed, and yet to utter a single word.
Slowly but surely, the slight wounds closed and vanished without leaving any scars. "There," Rias sighed. "All done." The two girls then collected their clothes and began dressing. Issei barely nodded as he left to give them some privacy. Entering the main room, he found Kiba and Koneko waiting.
"Patched up?" Kiba asked. Nodding to him, Issei sat down next to him. "Well, that's good. I have to say I'm impressed. Those Light rounds would have crippled any devil, yet here you are, like nothing happened."
"The convict can take a beating." Koneko paused from her snack, frowning in thought. "There are worse traits to have."
(Pleasant ray of sunshine, this one.)
"Regardless," Rias said as she entered, "that was a difficult situation; something I'm glad we were able to weather relatively unscathed. Though I've been meaning to ask, who was that girl? It seemed like you knew her."
"Her name is Asia Argento. I met her yesterday, before we went after Vizer."
"She lived at that residence?"
"No, she's new to the town, but works at an abandoned church."
"She's with the church!" Rias quickly moved to the side of the couch so she could get closer to him. "Issei, I need you to listen. No matter how you feel about it, if she's with the Grigori, then meeting her again is out of the question."
"What? Why?"
"We're in a critical state right now. The Great War may have ended, officially that is, but small skirmishes like this have worn away at all sides. It may only take one more to start another war, one we can't afford right now."
Issei growled, low and menacing. It was a chilling reminder that even though he appeared human, he was still something much, much more than he seemed. "What you ask, even if it's for the sake of uneasy peace, is not something I'm sure I can abide by."
"YOU MUST!" Rias shouted. "WE CAN'T BE DRAGGED INTO ANOTHER WAR! NOT FOR ASSOCIATING WITH THE ENEMY! I WON'T…" Her voice trailed off. Her proximity to him throughout her tirade now offered her a terrifying view; Issei's canine teeth had lengthened and sharpened, not needle-like such as Gasper's but that of a carnivorous beast. His eyes had narrowed, pupils thinning into snake-like slits. While nothing else about him changed physically, the temperature in the room was rising to uncomfortable levels.
"You won't? Very well then. Don't do anything. But I'm not going to sit by and watch while Asia is mistreated, even if it could start a war." His voice, calm and level, commanded no argument. "Treason? I call this the right thing to do." Turning his thoughts inward, he called out to Albion. 'Can we force a jump in my condition?'
(Just the one. Where to?)
'The apartment.' His next words were out loud. "I need some shut-eye. I'll see you at school tomorrow." He blurred, then vanished, leaving the three surprised devils in his wake.
"Well then." Akeno said from the door. "I guess we now know how he left Tartarus." She moved over to the other couch to sit by Koneko. Turning her gaze to Rias, she sighed. "I know what you're thinking. Ask."
"Will he still help me? If there's a game?" Rias was quiet, now understanding that she had not made any great strides to acquire the trust of her only Pawn. If anything, their relationship had only gotten worse.
"Well, did he give his word?" A nod. "Then there's nothing to fear about that. Issei is many things, but he always made it a point to keep his promises. However, after that…" She shrugged. "Who can tell?"
"That was badly handled." Kiba now spoke up. "I can't say I fault him for caring, even if her allegiance is to another faction."
"Kiba!" Rias seemed genuinely surprised that her Knight was defending Issei's sentiments. "It's not like I want to be the bad guy here, but I can't do anything. Not now. Besides, even if she is being mistreated, Asia is in the Grigori's care."
"And in whose care did you find me?" The others now understood. Kiba had the history to relate to Asia in more ways than any present. "I'm not saying that Issei is unbiased, nor do I exactly support actions that would start a war, but I'm certain, that in his mind, he's doing the right thing. And unless, I'm mistaken, I'm not the only one who agrees with him."
Rias looked around incredulously. Akeno was squirming uncomfortably, obviously at unease and unwilling to firmly take sides. Koneko was frowning, her past resonating somewhat in this case. That, or she was upset at Issei for melting her ice cream with his hotheaded stance. In any case, Rias knew she was in the minority here. Deep down, she also believed that Issei was right, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. Not now, not when her future hung by so slight a thread already. "Alright then. What shall we do?"
The school day went by in a blur of the demidrake. Issei was paying only token acknowledgement to his peers, barely anymore so to the faculty. The perverted duo had tried to corner him, but he would have none of it. Leaving them where they lay, it perhaps was for the best that there had been no witnesses this time. They were still breathing, at the very least.
The end of school couldn't come soon enough. As he packed his stuff away in his bag, Issei contemplated meeting the others at the clubhouse, but decided against it. He wasn't exactly in the mood to deal with the others right now. Instead, he went for a walk.
For a while, he walked aimlessly, no real destination in mind. After a while though, he decided that one place held interest for him, the park where he had first met Asia two days prior.
Arriving at the park, he was disappointed to find it empty. Considering there were several hours of daylight left, there should be people her, right? Thinking little of it, he set his case down and shrugged off his formal shirt and jacket before storing the whole lot in his array. Now with his range of motion fully restored, he sat down on a bench across from the fountain Albion disliked so much, spreading his arms out on the back of the seat. He nearly dozed off, before a hopeful voice spoke up.
"Issei?"
Instantly, he focused in on the source. There was Asia, her outfit restored, face free of tears, and wearing a radiant smile.
"Asia! He leapt up. "Are you alright? Are you hurt in any way?"
"N-no! No," she seemed surprised by his level of concern. "I'm alright. Lady Raynare forbade mister Freed from going any further. He let me go after that."
"Raynare?"
"Oh, you haven't met her, I forgot. She's the leader of the Fallen Angels in the nearby church."
"I see. I… I guess you have some questions for me, huh?"
"Um, well yes, but…"
Issei smiled, "Don't worry about offending me. Light may hurt me, but I don't think you will."
"Oh, okay then. If it's not too much, how did you become a devil?"
Issei then spent the next few minutes explaining how he had been killed, then resurrected. He told her about his childhood and of his kidnapping by the two Fallen Angels, Dumah and Simiel. He informed her about his time in Tartarus, but only the bare minimum. He would not be the one to tell her the horrors of the pit.
"…And that's my life story I guess. Wish there was more, it's incredibly boring as is."
"I thought it was a nice story."
"Thanks, I guess." Issei scratched the back of his head. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up with the Grigori?"
"That's… a longer story."
"I'm going nowhere in a hurry."
After a moment's hesitation, Asia then told her own story. She was an orphan who had been raised by the church since she was a baby. One day, she discovered her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing. It's healing capabilities were beyond any blessing or prayer the church had at their disposal. Short of treatment from an Angel, she was the most gifted healer they had. Asia had been praised as the Holy Maiden, raised by mortal men to be on the level of a Saint and adored by all.
All of that changed one day. Asia had healed an injured devil, and the humans who had previously praised her deeds and kindness condemned her as an irredeemable, heretical witch. The only reason she was still alive was for the good deeds she had done in the past in the church's name. Leaving the Vatican was the hardest thing she had ever done; it had been her home all her life and she had never left it for long or ventured too far.
Salvation had seemingly come from the Grigori. Promises made to continue to serve God, even without support of the church. Taking advantage of her innocence and naiveté, the Fallen Angels had taken her under their wings. That decision had leaded her to Kuoh; the rest of it, Issei already knew.
"Wow." Issei breathed, stunned. "Forget what I've been through, I don't think I'd have the strength to keep going after all that."
"God has always been looking out for me. I knew that I had to repay his loving kindness, so I joined Father Fr… I joined Freed to spread His word." As she said this, tears began to trail down her cheeks.
"Please, don't cry. That's one of the rules."
"Rules?"
"Dragons are unashamedly vulnerable to tearful maidens," he grinned. Using his array, he summoned a handkerchief and handed it to her. "We're rather hopeless like that, so please don't cry."
"Is that a real rule?" She took the offered kerchief.
"Nah. Made it up right now. But seriously, please don't cry. It wasn't your fault; if anything, blame those who wanted to use you for their own ends."
"I-I see." Determination glinted in her eyes. "Then I've made my choice!"
"Huh?"
"I will leave the Grigori!"
(Somehow, I don't think it's that simple.) Almost immediately, the legendary dragon's words came true.
"My, my", a sultry voice spoke out. "That is an audacious choice." Next to the fountain was a Fallen Angel. She was seemed to be around their same age. Her dark violet eyes glowed with malice, long black hair flowing in the same wind that carried several dark feathers. Her clothing, if one can call it that, resembled black, leather straps wrapped around and under her breasts. Spiked shoulder pads completed her top, while three thin straps held a thong together for her only lower attire. To complete the ensemble, dark gloves and boots ran to her elbows and thighs.
Asia gasped. "Lady Raynare!"
'So this is the leader of the local Fallen. Just my luck.'
"So, Asia. You really want to leave? Of course, but there's something I need from you first."
"Whatever you want, you're not getting it!" Issei growled. "Why should Asia simply give you anything; all you've done is take advantage of her."
"Guilty as charged", the Fallen didn't even try to deny it. "As for you, who do you think you are to stop us, devil."
'Us?'
The air grew cold as two more Fallen appeared. One was a man in a fedora and trench coat. The other was a dark haired woman in a revealing suit and short skirt.
"Kalawarner, take the girl back and prep her for the ceremony. Dohnaseek, entertain our guest."
The man conjured a Light spear and hurled it at Issei, forcing him to throw himself aside. Unfortunately, this left Asia defenseless. The spear dissipated, and Kalawarner grabbed the young girl by the shoulders, wrapped her wings around her and vanished.
"Damn you!" Issei was beyond caring now. Freed may have gotten the drop on him before, but now two crows were trying to annoy someone he cared about.
They made a dragon angry.
Letting his teeth sharpen and eyes change to slits, Issei roared as his white wings burst from his back. Clenching his hands into fists, he rocketed towards the Fallen who had attacked him.
Fear crossed both their faces, though it was Raynare who uttered what both were thinking. "You're that dragon! Impossible, that hag Artemis already dealt with you!" Those words saved their lives; if only too stave off his flames for now. They knew that Artemis had killed him; therefore he needed them alive so that he could learn what they knew. No Longinus, no flames. He needed them intact.
Issei swung and jabbed, both blows that Dohnaseek barely evaded. Flying back, he collided with Raynare who had conjured a Light spear of her own. Together, they cast their bolts toward him. Issei merely snorted and rolled in midair, allowing both shafts to pass by harmlessly.
Issei pressed the offensive, angling his body and tilting his wings for maximum velocity upon impact as he hurtled toward his prey. The two were panicking now; they knew they were outmatched. Raynare threw herself aside, leaving her partner to take the blow instead. He had to admit, Dohnaseek could take a punch. By dissipating his wings, Dohnaseek fell like a stone, softening the blow and retaining consciousness. Spreading his wings to catch himself, he shouted to Raynare. "This is insane, we need that Sacred Gear! We can't hold our own otherwise!"
"I agree! The barrier is already in place, let's get out now!" Both wrapped themselves in their wings and disappeared, leaving black feathers to float in their wake.
"God. Fucking. DAMMIT!" He screamed. "COME BACK HERE!"
(Calm down, Issei. Now is not the time.)
'Not the time! Don't fucking tell me this is not the time!'
(Focus. Asia is young and innocent, much like our hatchlings. I do not want her hurt either. However, in your current state, you may do more harm to yourself. They mentioned a barrier, they may be reinforcing it now. Unless you've become a magical prodigy overnight then you'll have difficulty taking it down.)
'Then what! What do I do?!'
(Talk to your fellow devils. Ask for their help.)
'I don't need their help!'
(Do not let your pride and arrogance get the better of you or you will fail just like when you fought that crazed priest. The numbers are against you, and you will tire before taking down that shield.)
'Fine… I'll ask. But even if they don't help, I am coming right back.'
(And none can fault you for trying.)
Issei turned away and extended his wings to gain altitude. Once he had reached the desired height, he rolled to the side and allowed gravity to add to his speed. 'Hold on Asia, I'm coming for you!'
As he neared the school, he smiled. He had payed token appreciation for his classes that day, but a quote that they had read was wonderfully appropriate in this instance.
If I cannot reach Heaven, then I shall raise Hell.
AN: Hope you liked it! Lemme know what you think! And in case you skipped my first note, a gentle reminder that I will not answer pairing questions in the review section.