Chapter 1
Here is my rewritten version of the Archbishop of Remnant; since I went off track with that one, I started over and made a new chapter with a new revised version of this story, but it'll solely be RWBY and DXD.
Also, I have adopted the Red Dragon of Remnant, and it took some time to get a reply, but I finally got it.
Get ready since this will be much more fun than the last one.
In a small town, at a park, laid a teenage boy who was laying in his own blood as he looked at the evening sky and thought what he did wrong and what could he have done to deserve a fate like this.
The boy was Issei Hyoudou. A pervert of the highest order but he had a golden heart as well. Something that is supposed to be impossible. A paradox. Yet Hyoudou Issei did it anyway. He was one of the most perverted but kind souls in existence.
At the present moment, Hyoudou Issei was at the end of his date with Yuuma Amano. It was his first date and he poured his heart and soul into it to make it a perfect date. The date was beautiful and perfect in his eyes as he took Yuuma Amano with him to a nice movie, lunch, even the arcade, and a special jewelry shop that he bought a special bracelet that he gave to her as a gift.
So if the date was so good, how did he end up in a situation like this?
Let's rewind the clock shall we.
Flashback
"It sure was fun today."
As they walked to the fountain, she held his hand which made him warm and happy that she accepted him. For the first time, Issei thought that he had a shot at having a girlfriend, a real girlfriend.
"Hey, Ise-kun."
"What is it, Yuuma-chan?"
She stands in front of the fountain and he was taken away by her beauty as the sunset had made her glow as if she was in a painting. He wished he could take a picture of it but didn't as he wanted to hear her request.
"There is something I want to do to celebrate our first date. Can you listen to my wish?"
Issei mentally freaked out as he checked everything for the moment. 'The smell of my breath! Check! Mentally prepared! Check! My heart is beating so fast~!'
"W-What is the w-wish you want?"
It was then that he made such a dumb mistake after coming so far…
She closed her eyes and smiled as she spoke clearly to him.
"Could you die for me?"
FLAP!
Black wings appeared from her back. She then starts to flap her wings. The black feathers float in the air and then drop down to his feet.
'What is that? For sure , Yuuma-chan is cute like an angel, but… An Angel? No, there's no way that can be true. Is it some kind of act?'
His beautiful girlfriend was currently flapping her wings while the sun sets behind her. It looked like a scene from a fantasy story he read in the library.
"It was fun. The short time I spent with you. It was like playing house with a little child."
Yuuma-chan's voice was so very cold. Her tone is like an adult's. Her mouth is forming a cold, cruel smile.
"Oh and just to clarify something. My name isn't Yumma. My true name is Raynare and now it's time for you to die."
Raynare prepared her light spear and hurls it at Issei who was still standing in shock. Unable to comprehend what was happening.
SHINK!
Issei felt pain was he looked at his heart that had a red spear sticking inside of him. He fell on his back and couldn't do or say anything as the woman he loved walked towards him and grabbed the spear before ripping it out of his heart which made him bleed more all over the ground.
Raynare smiled as she then raised her spear and stabbed his heart again before summoning more spears as she started to stab the arms. Then the legs. Then his stomach. Then his groin. And finally she held a spear at his head and smiled cruelly.
"If you have anyone to blame, then blame God for putting the Sacred Gear in your soul."
Issei didn't understand what she was talking about nor did he care. He stopped caring after he felt so many emotions in his soul but the ones he felt the strongest were Rage and Sadness.
Rage for being used like some puppet on his strings. Angry at himself for being such a naive fool thinking there was someone who could love him. Angry for not even seeing the signs that she was a complete stranger to him. Angry for falling for her silver tongue and her honeyed words so easily. Angry for being killed by a power he had no knowledge of existing within him. And finally Angry that the woman crushed his heart and didn't give a care about his feelings.
And Sadness. Sadness for being rejected and tossed aside like he was a piece of trash. Sad for his parents since he could see his parents crying as he knew his mother would be devastated and his father would be sad but still stay strong for his mother. Sadness for not being able to see Rin again. Sadness for not being able to live his life to the fullest and also for not being able to achieve his dream of being a Harem King.
'I'm sorry Mom. I'm sorry Dad. Forgive me for being such a worthless disgrace of a son.'
The woman then flew away from the bloodied body as she left black feathers behind her path. Now in another universe, this would be the day where young Issei would be betrayed and the start of his new life as a reincarnated Devil bound to his master.
But this time, things had changed.
The sunset eventually died off and all that was left was a starry night with the moonlight shining down on Issei as if the moon heard his cry.
'Do not worry. The Night shall comfort you in your darkest hours. The Sun may leave those in the shadows but the Moon will always offer light and guide those lost souls to Hope.'
Issei didn't know if it was the blood loss but hearing the voice of a woman speak to him in a comforting tone was like a warm blanket being wrapped around him as he felt his eyes slowly close.
Only to see endless darkness.
Gasp!
Issei's eyes shot open and he gulped in the biggest breath he ever had. His eyes bounced around but couldn't land on anything in particular. The boy saw nothing around him. He felt nothing, nor could he hear anything. There were no signs of life, or even material for that matter. There was just...nothing surrounding him, let alone anyone. There was only the endless abyss with him just floating around inside of it. An empty void of black mass and he couldn't be sure if it was because there wasn't any light specifically where he was...or if there wasn't any to begin with.
Slowly, it dawned on him. He had died not too long ago. He tried to reach for that piece of paper but was unsure if he had actually reached it or not. But judging by the fact he wasn't anywhere familiar and he couldn't feel anything, the slip was obviously fake and he died or he simply fell short.
The teen looked down to see his clothes mended. He guessed he got to keep his clothes in the afterlife. Good, if he was to go wherever after death was, he'd rather not be forced to wear that white tunic all those paintings depicted of Heaven. Nor would he rather be nude and in chains like similar paintings depicted Hell.
In a moment of curiosity, Issei decided to lift his shirt. His eyes widened at what he saw, making him gulp a dry wad of air. There was a large scar on his chest. It looked like it was mended too but it would never fully heal. Neither would the image he had of Yuuma or that monster she seemed to mask underneath. There was a tingling, unpleasant sensation from the scar and he pulled his shirt back down. Out of sight out of mind, right?
...
...
...
So he really was dead... How would people react to his death? Would they truly mourn for him? Or would they cheer that the stain on life actually died? His parents always talked as if they regretted having such a perverted son. Everyone at school essentially avoided him like the plague. Girls knew of him no matter where he went and were disgusted by him. It wouldn't be too far fetched that people would dance on his grave rather than pray. He shouldn't expect flowers either.
It was best he focused on what lied ahead. So he took a shaky breath, unsure if it was nerves or the sadden reality that struck him. But as he exhaled, he once again took in the black around him.
"So this is my afterlife then..." He mumbled to himself.
The brunette then reached out, as if he was trying to find anything solid but his hands kept grabbing air. He tried to step forward but it felt like there wasn't a floor beneath his feet. They just danced back and forth beneath him. It didn't feel like he was moving forwards or backwards either. Neither did it feel like he was falling or rising. So where exactly was he?
"You are in limbo, my son." A voice spoke up. It was strong and very masculine, booming throughout the void.
"W-What? W-Who are you? Who's there?" Issei asked, caught off guard by the abrupt addition of another.
"Who am I? I've gone by many names over vast lifetimes. I've had many forms and have done many things upon this rock. I have even appeared as male, female, animal, and plant before many of your kind."
Issei's eyes widened and he felt his left hand twitch. He quickly noticed how there was a confliction of anger and fear radiating within him. It was a part of him but at the same time separate. But it knew this new arrival and, somehow, Issei knew too.
"Y-You're...God." He muttered in awe.
In response to his answer, a bright white light filled the void and brightened the area surrounding the teenager. It didn't hurt his eyes despite staring directly at it. There was no "heat" radiating off it, yet it seemed to provide a cloak of warmth and comfort that enraptured the boy.
As the light faded, it revealed a figure. An old man, easily surpassing Issei's age five times over. He was balding at the top, snow white hair on the sides, long snow white beard, a little too muscular for His age, and dressed in an exquisite and expensive-looking white tunic.
"For a child of Japanese descent to know of me. That is very good and makes things much easier."
Issei couldn't help being in awe at the power radiating from the being before him. He still found his mouth functioning and words flowed without much thought. "Yeah, my old friend, Irina, was a strong follower of the Christian religion. She made sure I knew of your work too."
"Ah, yes, Irina Shidou. Very good, very good. I can cut to the chase without explaining who I am. You have died, Issei Hyoudou."
This confused the boy and his eyebrows knitted to reflect that. "But didn't you say that I didn't die?"
God merely stroked His beard, unaffected by the question, or He just didn't show it. "Yes, you would be both right and wrong. You died, but you aren't dead."
Issei blinked twice. "That makes no sense...your Holiness."
"To a mere mortal no. But to us gods, it is a thing we've come to know of and prepare for."
"Wait, gods? As in more than one?"
"Yes, but don't worry about such things. We have much to discuss and little time to discuss them."
Issei shut his mouth. If what God was saying was true, he was somehow still alive. He was dead, but wasn't dead. Didn't that mean he was alive, and not alive? Whatever that meant, it was obvious He wasn't here to idly chat. Especially if the urgency in his tone was anything to go off of.
"Now, to start off, the world you have known, my dear Ise, has ended."
There was a long pause. God was surprisingly patient as he watched the multitude of emotions dance across the boy's face. Confusion, disbelief, anger, sadness, back to confusion, then shock.
"W-What!? Wait a minute! Ended!? What do you mean it ended!?"
God nodded His head, understanding of the child's outburst. "I am afraid your world has, in every sense of the word, ended, my child. Chaos was brought forth, many lives were lost, many beings were awakened and enraged, and it was only a matter of time before the world you knew was simply obliterated from reality. Without you, it was only a matter of time before such rifts of reality were torn open and the world was driven to its demise."
"What!? But how!? What would I have done that kept the world together!?"
"More than you could have ever imagined. All for the people you love, and tits. Lots and lots of tits." God had spoken with an insurmountable amount of pride. For the first sentence. The rest, however...
Issei couldn't believe the words coming from the God's mouth. God, the one and only, well not so much one and only anymore. But still! He was the Almighty. Afterall, he survived the destruction of his world.
"I really saved my world simply for tits?"
"And for the life of your family, friends, and the people you swore to protect. Several times, actually. It was awe inspiring but mentally scarring. Thank me that I'm a god or I'd have been embarrassed for you with all the boob squishing, nipple poking, tit sucking, and gods know what else. But I've seen such things too many times that I've become somewhat...used to it. Still, tits of all things. I gave them to women on a whim and yet it has continuously created very powerful men through many ages, timelines, and universes. So many heroes, so many villains, all for two mounds of flesh. Haah, I don't know whether to pat myself on the back or kick it."
A heavy blush of shame and embarrassment colored his entire face. He actually had God questioning his own decisions way back when he first created man. He wasn't the only one but he was the one God stood to speak out to after so many centuries of silence.
Still, Issei didn't think that his obsession of boobs would actually save the world. Let alone multiple times. Maybe his grandpa was on to something after all. Even more so still, it WAS a pair of boobs that killed him as well. So they could be his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
"Back to the topic at hand," God spoke up. Issei turned his attention back to the old man. "As the world was coming to its end, the system I created, the system that held the very fabrications of the world, the reality you knew, was destroyed in the process. With it, many unspeakable things happened across the world." God looked away. His eyes were clouded with pain and regret. Guilt and sorrow. He was mourning, that which He created was no more. All because what He created destroyed what He created. Due to selfishness, greed, envy, and sadistic satisfaction. It was crazy for Issei to imagine what He went through and still have the strength to carry on. How could anyone cope after having to watch, what was essentially his own children, kill each other.
"Many died, many went insane, many wept, and many felt just angry. All before the world you once knew was completely wiped. And who do you think that was all pointed at, Ise?" The boy didn't answer but the being already knew that he knew. "They didn't blame each other. No, no, they were too smart for their own good. Too righteous to blame one another for going to war with one another. No, they blamed me, Issei. They blamed the god who abandoned them. Who left them to their free will to create and destroy as they wished."
"..."
"I didn't give my angels free will. They succumbed to corruption and fell, one by one. My most trusted became the devil and waged war against me because I chose humans over angels. The other Pantheons stayed away, dragons did as they wished and were hunted, my own children, your kind...they fought amongst one another. Devils, angels, fallen, and beasts hunted them and they continue to fight each other as well as the other species too. I created them with free will and it led to them just fighting, no matter who it was. And it led to them being hated and sought after for childish games, unifying the supernatural against them to play childish games. So I created the Sacred Gears, to give humans a chance to live how they wished. To try and hold that freedom I dreamed of. And look how that turned out. My greatest project, my greatest achievement, the very things and people I loved...turned against one another and eventually killed everything I created. Every. Little. Thing."
The teen noticed something appear in the old man's hands. A doll, burned and blackened. He watched the god rub the doll affectionately over and over, as if it was his own daughter that once held the plush toy. And, in one way or another, it was. He was mourning.
He then remembered God's words and how they reminded him of Yuuma and her final words to him. "Wait, Yuuma, my girlfriend-"
"She was no such thing, Issei." The toy disappeared and the being turned back to the boy. His eyes were hard, no longer carrying the sadness from a few moments ago. "She was a fallen angel sent to kill you and another. She tricked you, gained your trust, toyed with you, wrapped you around her finger, and ended you."
Issei swallowed a lump in his throat. The words rang in his head but he pushed them out in favor of a bigger question. "What happened to her?"
God sighed, exhaustion marring His face. "She was stripped of her powers for disobeying direct orders from her leader. Her wings were ripped off, her magic sealed, and she was reduced to a mere human. She was punished by becoming that which she hated, used, and abused. Fitting in my opinion."
Issei felt his blood run ice cold. Had he really been that important? She was essentially stripped of who she was as a person. Yuuma or not, to be stripped of something that defined her. Issei couldn't imagine the thought of losing all of which she had when she was born. Losing her wings, her powers, essentially becoming like him. He hated feeling useless so he couldn't fathom being useful to becoming nothing.
"But as I have stated, we shouldn't worry about that world. Your world is gone, stripped from the face of reality. Many gods have fled, others dead amongst those of that world. It is gone."
"What of the other gods in my world? The ones who ran. Surely even they-"
God raised His hand. "Wherever they have gone, I do not know. There are millions, billions, even trillions of other worlds. The odds of finding them are extremely slim due to the fact the world they once inhabited no longer exists. Now, they hope to find others, to rebuild, to try and find a new life. And we still have much to discuss about the next steps for you, Issei."
"Ah, yes, I'm sorry to ask so many questions." Issei bowed his head and the old man nodded in acceptance.
"Now, the reason you are here is due to the troubles another world faces. Very similar to what yours had gone through, in fact." Issei looked perplexed but God continued to clarify. "You see, this world has been plagued by creatures known as Grimm. The Grimm have hunted and killed humans, not as a need to feed but merely out of instinct and order."
"Order? How is any of that order?"
"Have humans ever seen eye to eye in your world?"
Issei paused and gained a troubled look. It was an easy answer. "No. I wouldn't say so. We still have...Yes. I will admit that we've had wars and problems amongst one another despite our desire for peace and justice."
"This world shares similar issues. The Grimm were created by one of the gods who ruled it, in an attempt to bring mankind together. It was the common ploy of creating a common enemy to unite the people. It did not and humanity continues to fight amongst itself over the same trivial matters your kind had."
"Wait, this world wasn't created by you?" Issei asked.
"No, it wasn't. There are many primordial gods such as I who have created worlds and have taken their attempts at creating humanity. This one is still relatively new, made by two gods."
"Two!?"
"Yes, twin brothers actually." God answered with a head nod. "Similar to me, they spoke and communicated with the humans in the beginning. However, they were much closer and face to face with humanity. They gifted them magic, knowledge, and wisdom when asked. Until an incident drove the two sides apart."
God had a reminiscing look. He remembered something from his past. His lips thinned, the wrinkles on his forehead creased, and his eyebrows furrowed deeply. It was obvious to Issei that it wasn't a pleasant memory.
"Humanity eventually turned on the brothers. The two made mistake after mistake and it led to humanity's distrust in them. And instead of realizing where they went wrong, blamed the human's, killed a majority of them, and left the world in shatters." God stroked His beard and showed a hint of emotion, disdain. "They cowered before their duties and left. Leaving humanity to fend for itself. And every day their chances grow slimmer and slimmer to survive. For they still fight amongst each other and the Grimm continue to hunt and continue to kill."
"Didn't you do such a thing when you caused the worldwide flood? Grimm aside, you took out a majority of life on Earth. And when humans turned on you, and killed your son, you stopped communicating with them directly."
God turned to the brunette. His old, pale blue eyes narrowed in a piercing glare, aimed through the boy. It made Issei want to take back what he said and crawl into a hole to try and hide. But with there being only the black of the abyss, he was left to float under the powerful gaze of a god who could easily kill him. Or leave him dead-dead. However being dead and not dead worked.
Eventually, God relented and sighed. "Yes, that is true. Your knowledge seems quite adverse in my religion."
"My friend made sure of that," Issei stated dryly. He remembered the constant Bible studies Irina put him through. He wished to have some of his childhood back but was also thankful for the information now that it was actually paying dividends. Who knew that he would actually be able to talk to God about his history.
"You'd be correct in your words, Issei. I abandoned my people, killed them countless times, never once intervening to create peace nor find a compromise. I left them to their own devices and it created wars, mass homicides, even genocide in some cases. And, now, complete and utter annihilation. All for what? Power, money, fame, just because they could? This is the biggest mistake I've made so far. With so many leading up to it. I couldn't even create angels without the ability to create and cause war. I inadvertently created devils and vile humans with no shred of humanity within them. I am indeed a failure of a god if what I sought for never even had a chance."
Now Issei felt bad. Had he really just made God depressed? Irina might have killed him for that if he was still alive.
The dark cloud forming over His head was an obvious indication that He was ashamed of His mistakes. After all, he created such a world, created life, created beauty. But He also created that same life that grew corrupted, that grew envious, that grew angry, jealous, disgusted, vile, and evil. It wasn't His fault per say but to watch what He loved destroy each other and wipe all that He created from reality, God wouldn't blame anyone but himself. In His mind, it was His carelessness, lack of effort, and hope that things would work themselves out that caused this.
Issei felt sorry for God. He wondered if it was a sin to take pity on the supreme being. Despite all that was depicted of Him in the Bible, God didn't seem as jealous and unforgiving as depicted. Then again, He lost everything He worked for. So maybe it was the freshness of such a thing that left the old man so distraught. Then again, Issei didn't know exactly how time worked wherever he was.
Still, time was against him, if God's words rang true. "Hey, hey, mistakes happen. I'm to assume this is why you're intervening with the twin gods?"
The cloud disappeared and God seemed to take a calming breath. He straightened back to full height and the fog in his eyes cleared. Issei's attempt to take his mind off of Earth seemed to have worked.
"Yes, yes, you are indeed correct. I wish for these two not to make the same mistakes as I. And for their world to not succumb to the chaos as yours had."
Issei nodded his head. So God really could be sympathetic and forgiving. "I see. But that doesn't explain why you need me."
The old man stepped towards the boy. Issei stiffened but held his ground, keeping his eyes locked on the god's. Not like he could actually move though.
God raised one lone finger and tapped the brunette's chest
Flash!
A bright purple flash appeared on his chest as he looked behind his back to see he was now wearing a cloak of shadows and in his hands was a sword that seemed to also be a blade forged in darkness.
"You see the Sacred Gear you have is one that was created by a dragon named Luna. She was known as the Dragon of the Night due to her nature in guiding lost souls who were lost in the night, caring and gentle like the moon, but she was despised by many due to people fearing the night when all Luna sought was companionship and love. Sadly she was killed by the people in fear that she would harm them and placed her soul and power into a Sacred Gear. The Night Reflection or what it's original name was Iraoi no Hoyo: Embrace of Shade. The cloak allows to control and become one with the shadows as well as the ability to also 'Disassemble' light in order to allow your identity to be hidden. However the world you shall enter will allow you to see the full extent of this Sacred Gear."
He looked at God and asked. "So your saying that I can use this power and help this world your sending me to?"
"Yes but there's a catch. You must gain her trust and pass a trail she will give you. Should you pass them you may use her power to its fullest. I took every precaution to make sure my children could protect themselves from any threat. Including ones like myself..."
The grim tone the being used made Issei wary. Had such a situation already transpired? Where a human had to kill a god? Issei didn't know if he had it in him to kill anyone, let alone a being as powerful as a god. The sheer thought that he could achieve such a feat, it scared him. But, it also excited him at the sheer thought he had that kind of potential. To become that strong. Strong enough to rival what he considered practically immortal.
Well, used to. Not anymore since God just told him gods could die. And at the hands of a human.
Issei clenched and unclenched his fist around the sword. He could become that strong. With such a weapon, his doubt subsided just a fraction. He didn't know he had such a badass gear at his disposal. He could actually understand a fear of wanting him dead if he could essentially become a god.
...
...
His world was gone due to him being weak but God was giving him another chance. Another opportunity to save another world. Could he do it? He didn't know. But he wasn't brought here to doubt and question. God believed in him, so he had to too. For the sake of this new world. He obviously had the capacity to do so or God wouldn't have brought him back-ish.
Heh, it sounded like he was the protagonist of one of those isekai anime. Or even a main character in a video game. He wondered if there was a princess to save. Or a possible harem to form. Maybe they will all have big boobs too. And if he saved one, she would let him squeeze and suck on her milk makers.
Crack!
A shiver ran down the boy's spine and he went stiff as a board. Images of Raynare clouded his mind and he shook his head at the thought of that malicious grin. The spear in her hands leaving and impaling him once more. The scar began to burn and his hands shook.
No no no, she was dead. Yes, she was dead. He, on the other hand, was somehow still alive and would be going to a new world. One he would save. He couldn't allow his past to haunt him. Not when so many lives would depend on him. Meaning he had to keep a level head.
Issei willed himself to stop shaking and drew his hand into a fist of resolved determination. He looked up at God, meeting those icy blue eyes with renowned vigor. "So what will I do once I bring everyone together?"
God smiled for the first time. It wasn't like His rueful smiles or sadden ones of remorse. This one was true and shined like a thousand suns. It was one of pride, pride in Issei. Pride that he was taking the initiative with a strong foot forward. There was no hesitation, for the moment.
"That, my dear boy, is for you to decide."
This made the Shadow Emperor falter. "E-Eh? Me?"
The Lord nodded His head. "Yes. I have given you the gist of this new world but I do not know of everything myself. And, unfortunately, I won't be able to find out."
"What? You aren't coming?"
"No, my child. I shall be going off to find the brothers."
"But didn't you say it was near impossible to find other gods?"
"If their world is destroyed. If what they created is still intact, I can trace their source of power to wherever it is they have fled to."
"...So I'll be on my own?"
"Not completely," God replied. Issei looked back to see a knowing smirk on the god's face. "Normally I am not allowed to but, due to the absence of the brothers, I have already made contact with someone from this world."
"What? Who?"
"His name is Ozpin. He is the headmaster of the school you'll be attending." There was a groan from the brunette at the thought of still having to go to school. God could only chuckle. "This isn't your normal school, Issei."
"Oh yeah, how's that?" He mumbled out, looking very uninterested.
"This is a school that trains you to become a huntsman. That which travels the world, keeping humanity safe." This made the boy perk up and he watched as a glimmer of curiosity surfaced in his eyes. "As I've stated, this world is plagued by corrupt creatures known as Grimm. The Grimm hunt and kill humanity. So, humanity created its own force to defend against the threat, the huntsman. They are trained fighters, warriors, some even soldiers, all with the skill to take down the Grimm and any other threats against the human race."
The last part caught Issei's attention. The Lord spoke as if there was more to defend against than just the Grimm. Then he remembered His words about the similarities between worlds and realized what He implied.
"So, I would have to fight humans as well?"
God's lips thinned and he nodded. "Unfortunately. And there are other threats that you will find out about soon enough."
Issei closed his eyes and took another breath. He had a lot on his plate it seemed and the more they spoke the more he felt he would become overwhelmed. It was already a lot, and he was still coming to terms that his world had been destroyed.
His parents. His friends. The people he would have saved if he wasn't so weak. It was still a raw mark but it seemed he didn't even have time to properly mourn.
All he could do now was prevent it from happening to this new world. There would be adjusting and a lot of learning. Plus he had to train, heavily, if he was to even have a chance. He had new lives to save, a second chance to become the hero he was destined to be.
Even without God, he would have to grow strong enough to save these people. Somehow.
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"As I've stated, my knowledge of this world is limited. Ozpin will fill you in on everything else that you would need to know and assure your enrollment into the school. There, you'll be trained and prepare for the inevitable. However, I will advise this..."
Issei's eyes narrowed. The seriousness in God's voice had increased. Judging by the tension, Issei could tell this was more of a warning than mere advice.
"Do not trust anyone blindly. Not even Ozpin..."
This caught Issei off guard. "But you-"
"He was merely the easiest to talk to due to some...interesting events I came to discover about him. I don't fully trust him, and neither should you. Find out everything you can about this world and find your own conclusion. Do not let anyone make it for you."
"I- yes, I understand."
"Good. You won't have me at your side, Ise. I'll talk to you when I can but I must put a lot of focus into finding the brothers." God came forward and placed a strong hand on the Sekiryuutei's shoulder. "I believe in you, Issei. You may not have been able to save your world, but you can save this one. I know it."
Issei looked up and met the Lord's gaze. It was firm, reassuring, and confident. To have such a being believe in him so strongly, Issei felt that he could really do it. He had to believe in himself. To make up for his blunder.
This was his redemption. He didn't have the chance to be the hero of his world. But he'd be damned if he didn't save this one. He knew no one, had no family, no friends, but people were counting on him. Even if they didn't know it.
And he wouldn't let them down.
After taking another deep inhale. Issei clenched his armored hand into a fist. The green gem glowed brightly, feeding off his flux of emotions, responding in kind. He never felt more ready, adrenaline fueling through him.
The teen released a sigh. "Okay, I'm ready."
"I know you are, my son. Safe travels and...good luck."
Within the GrimmLands of Remnant.
Within the Tower that once belonged to the Brother of Darkness, was now being used by a being who many labeled as a Goddess due to her incredible magic, the fear she placed into her foes, and how no one in all of Remnant was able to defeat her.
Not even the great Wizard Ozma could defeat the Witch of Grimm.
The Witch was standing outside of the her palace as she looked into the Grimm Pools watching the many, many new Grimm come out and bow in respect of their Queen who gave them solitude and leadership. The Witch rubbed the head of one of the Grimm before feeling something amiss in the magic that still resides in the air of Remnant. Even after the Brother Gods left the world in disarray, she was still able to draw upon magic from the land and after becoming the Witch, she was able to do so much more with the gift she was given with.
She was no longer the princess who waited for her knight to come save her in the tower. She was a strong capable leader who was not to be underestimated in terms of power and strategy.
"This feeling. It feels like...a being of darkness has dropped into Remnant. A new Grimm that I was unaware of?" The Witch pondered as she walked back to her palace and sat in her throne room before calling one of her Seekers, which specializes in spying and infiltration, as the Seeker pinpointed the Forever Forest that was close to one of the best Hunter Academies in all of Vale.
"Beacon Academy? Was this Grimm asleep in the ruins of the Forever Forest?" The Witch pondered as she continued to try and locate the dark energy she felt in earlier until she heard the scuttling of a set of legs that was apart of one of her comrades.
"Hello Salem. How are you this fine afternoon?" The voice asked curiously before Salem looked up from her Seeker to face the woman who was a powerful ally to her cause but extremely powerful due to being one of the Ancient Grimm that served as one of the Leaders of the Grimm until the Brother Gods abandoned Remnant and left both the Grimm and humans alone for many years.
She was a human woman who had the body of a spider.
Her human half was a woman who had an extremely pale and flawless complexion, making it appear like she's almost constructed entirely out of porcelain. She has a curvy figure, with very large breasts, a thin waist and wide hips. Her facial features comprised of long dark black hair, worn in an upwards manner with two long strands that frame either side of her face, and eyes that have both completely grey irises and pupils, each containing a black spider web pattern.
The clothing her human half wore consisted of a long black sleeveless dress; however, this dress was incredibly long, in that it completely concealed the abdomen of her spider bald, while ending at her eight legs that were walking towards the duo. A narrow black band encircled her neck featuring a small spider emblem that lied at its front and eight extensions that protrude outwards upon the back, with four emerging from either side. Spider web netting branches the gap between the band and the dress, extending downwards from the aforementioned spider emblem. Two large "sleeves", separated entirely from the dress, are worn on her arms, ending just after her elbows. Each of these "sleeves" also displayed four protrusions, appearing at the ends of the significant amount of overhanging fabric. She also wore two spider earrings that hung downward from her ears. She also enjoyed carrying a rather large black folding fan that was garnished with a spider web pattern.
Arachne the Spider Queen. One of the Ancient Grimm who had the power to shape-shift to an extent. But unlike the Witch, Arachne wasn't immortal. She was amongst the oldest beings in Remnant, more specifically one of the first Faunus, a Grimm Spider-Faunus to be exact.
Her shape shifting powers allowed her to shift between two fixed forms. The typical form associated with her name, a female human waist up attached to a spider, and her original one of a smoking hot woman with her only abnormal feature being six tiny clusters of spider-eyes on her forehead above her normal ones, forming a pair of triangles.
She had a very intimate knowledge about Aura applied through her own deadly style of martial arts, referred to as The Demon Spider's Sting, (which would more or less be an adaption of the Fist of the North Star). Causing stuff to explode from the inside out through Aura-infused strikes to pressure points. She was one of the five Ancient Grimm who led a personal army of their own. Out of the five she excelled in trapping and hunting her prey, interrogation and torture, also a deadly strategist who was able to manipulate both people and Faunus alike as if they were mere puppets on strings.
"I am well Arachne. I felt a strange presence in the air and so I am in the process of locating it in the Forever Forest. What are you doing here? Do you have some information that I should know about?" Salem asked as Arachne walked over to Salem and looked into the Seeker before smiling at the image with a toothy smile.
"Ohhhh. I feel it the magic flowing from the source. My spiders in the forest tell me that who or whatever it is, has an aura similar to us Grimm. Truly such a dark aura that this one has. It's a surprise that it doesn't feel like it's a Grimm otherwise I would've felt a connection to it but it feels...human." Arachne said with a shocked face as Salem finally found the source to be a boy that seems to be walking through the forest as if he was lost. Salem then used her eyes to see the boys aura and could see that it was black as the shadows.
"Incredible. A human who has such a dark aura. He could possibly a child born from the Brother of Darkness, himself. This changes things should the Wizard come into contact with him." Salem pondered the results of a child of the Brother Gods working with the Wizard, all of them resulted in her army being crushed under their might.
Arachne looked at the boy while Salem was trying to think of ways to stop the two until the spider spoke to the witch.
"He's not a descendant of my God. He doesn't have the same aura or scent as a God. His scent is human. Granted his aura is dark similar to creature of the shadow but the scent is that of a human. Which means that either he has an extremely powerful dark semblance or he could have an affinity for Shadow Magic but not realize it." Arachne calculated as she tried to make out his face but something prevented either of them seeing the humans face as it appeared blurry.
Salem dismissed the Seeker before speaking to Arachne. "Have your spiders watch him, 24/7. If possible, bring some of his blood. It could help us prove what he really is but I believe you have something you wished to tell me, correct?" Salem asked as Arachne nodded before she spoke to her about the information her spiders gathered for her.
"I've been hearing some rumors about an another ancient Grimm that mysteriously began to awaken at Mountain Glenn. Most people say it's the very same Grimm that was the reason that the whole city was destroyed but I'm betting it's an extremely powerful old friend of mine." Arachne said as Salem pondered this information before getting up from her seat.
"Very well. The two of us shall investigate this Grimm and see if the rumors are true. Watts and Hazel are still in the palace and are continuing the tasks I've given them. Shall we get going?" Salem asked the Spider Queen, as Arachne smiled in joy in hopes of seeing an old friend again.
"Of course. Let's go!"
Meanwhile in the Forever Forest.
Issei was walking around the forest that he landed in, hoping to find this Academy where he would, hopefully, find Ozpin and get into his school so that he would prepare to face the trials of the world so that he could unite humanity.
Unite all of humanity.
That's easier said than done.
From what Issei recalled in his conversation with the God, the Faunus and Humans aren't exactly the biggest fans of each other so trying to unite them will be very difficult but he wouldn't back down from this. Not now. Not ever.
'I just wish I actually landed at the school instead of being stuck here in this forest that has those large dogs.' Issei said in his mind as he looked at the shadow cloak he was wearing and still found comfort in the cloaks power. It felt warm as he felt it keep his body from overheating or losing any body heat as well.
He was a bit curious about the abilities he had with his Sacred Gear so he decided to test it by focusing on the cloak on his body before he felt the cloak slowly take on the form of armor that kept his midsection of his body protected as well as his arms. Issei then saw the sword from earlier in his hand before he looked at a few trees and decided to cut a few down.
"Hyah!" Issei shouted as he swung his sword and cut down up to ten trees with a single swing which shocked the boy at the swords power until he looked to see some light from the sun above shine down and hit the armor he had on until he heard in his mind screaming similar to the sounds of people dying. He moved back from the light into the darkness where the screaming subsided as the armor shifted back together.
Issei panted heavily until he took note of this.
"So the armor is shadows and the shadows hate the light which is why they were screaming like a banshee. It makes sense since darkness hates the light. Still if I'm able to manipulate shadows then doesn't that mean…." Issei pondered aloud until he looked at the Beowolf pack.
"Oh shit," Issei said as he readied himself with his sword. The Beowolves had noticed his scent before they walked towards Issei as he stood in the middle of the clearing with his sword at the ready but what surprised him was that as soon as he saw the Beowolf pack leave the cover of the bushes, they all circled him as if they were observing the boy rather than attacking him.
'Do they not see me as a threat?' Issei asked himself as he looked at one of the Beowolfves walking towards Issei before its next move, which surprised the Black Dragon Emperor. It seemed to be the leader of the pack due to the many scratches on its mask and how it seemed to be the strongest one out of them all.
The Alpha then bowed to the boy, as did the others surrounding them.
"Uh…..Thank you? Can you help me find Beacon Academy? I'm lost in this forest." Issei asked as the Beowolf in front of him raised its head before nodding at him as the rest of the small pack of six Beowolves led him through the forest until they ended at the abandoned arena of sorts with a massive bridge before him.
Issei looked up at the cliffside and saw that the school was behind the cliff until he looked at the Alpha Beowolf, who was next to Issei while the rest of the pack was behind the duo before Issei spoke to him.
"So….I take it that Beacon is up there past the cliffside?" Issei asked as the Alpha Beowolf nodded until Issei looked at the ruined arena; he let out a deep sigh before turning to the Grimm and rubbed its head affectionally as if it was a massive puppy instead of a terrifying monster.
"…Thank you. You know, you're a big sweet guy. Wait, are you a boy or a girl?" Issei asked as the Grimm tilted its head, confused at the question before Issei waved it off. "Never mind. I guess I'll see you later then?" Issei asked as the Alpha Beowolf nodded before it went back to his pack and left him at the bridge as they all reentered the forest.
Issei then looked at the bridge to check its stability before looking over the ledge and gulping loudly at how deep the bottom was.
"Okay. Note to self: Do not fall." Issei said as he walked towards the arena, unbeknownst to the Grimm that was in slumber.
'……'
Issei was walking on the bridge as he looked at his sword and willed it away before noticing that the arena seemed to have carvings on the wall depicting the story that God told Issei about the Brothers of Light and Darkness.
"So before Beacon Academy was built, this forest was a hunting ground for the king's most skilled warriors to test their mettle against the Grimm and for the people's entertainment. However, there seemed to be one that stood out from the others." Issei said aloud as he looked at the wall carvings until he saw the image of a knight with bull horns that wore knight's armor and wielded a longsword in his hand.
The carvings then showed the knight, the king, and the rest of the army as they charged at the Brother Gods until he saw that the rest of the story on the wall was destroyed by something. The massive size of the hole amazed and worried Issei since he wondered if the one that caused the gap that was still there until he decided to on getting to the school.
"Okay. Now how do I get up there?" Issei asked himself as he looked up the cliffside to see the clouds cover the sky; he looked around the middle of the arena for anything to aid him until his cloak appeared and forcibly moved him out of the way of a massive object that landed where he was standing before as the cloak stopped at the wall for Issei to stand up to see an enormous knight of sorts that was standing a few feet away from the bone like sword that was embedded where he stood earlier until the knight walked towards the sword and pulled it out of the stone with ease until Issei could tell this was no ordinary knight.
The Knights' armor was similar to that of a Grimm. Bone armor covered his arms, legs, chest, and face. The longsword was thin but was still incredibly durable; however, what shocked Issei the most was the helmet that donned red marks for the eyes and mouth as well as the horns on its head.
'If the cloak didn't pull me away at the last second. I'd be dead by now.' Issei said mentally as he looked at the Knight tilt its head curiously at the boy before it held its sword out to challenge the boy which Issei knew he had to make a choice.
'This Grimm is challenging me? If I say no and try to run then I'm dead but if I face him I'll definitely die for sure. I don't know what I can do with this Sacred Gear. How can I even fight this thing?' Issei questioned himself as he was worried about the massive black aura radiating from the knight until the sword appeared in his hands before the cloak began to cover his own body and formed into armor.
[Stand your ground. You are not alone. I shall help you in his battle.] A voice said in his mind in a strong commanding tone that made Issei freeze but stood his ground as he saw the knight charge at him and clash with Issei's sword. The shockwave pushed Issei back a bit but he stopped as he saw his armor was helping him stand his ground against the knight.
The knight then began to continue his assault by repeatedly striking the sword faster and faster with each one but to make it worse was that each strike was getting heavier than the last one which was unfortunate for the boy since he could only defend himself against the assault.
'D-Damn it! This guys fast. Unless I can speed up or strengthen my attacks I'm not going to last long.' Issei cursed as he felt his armor being chipped and beaten by the powerful attacks from the knights sword until Issei used a burst of strength to push the knight away to get some breathing room.
But it was all in vain...
The knight regained its footing quickly and charged straight at Issei before Issei felt a strange force pull him into the wall as he closed his eyes to wait for the end.
...
...
...
"Huh? I'm not dead?" Issei pondered why he felt no pain as he looked at his surroundings to see that he was in the arena but this time it seemed to be in wonderful condition with many people cheering in the stadium as a tall man stood in the middle of the arena with his sword raised high into the air but what caught his attention were the horns he had on his head.
A pair of bull horns specifically.
Issei recognized it from the knight he was fighting with but he seemed to be alive and not covered in the Grimm armor he saw him in. The scene continued as a woman charged at the man and leaped into his arms which made the man laugh as he caught her before he spun her around a little eliciting the two of them to laugh at the joy they felt until they scene changed to the man and woman being married at a church with a King smiling proudly at the two of them which made Issei realize that the woman the knight was marrying was actually a princess.
The married couple smiled at each other before kissing and leaving the church happily and ready to start their new life together. Issei couldn't help but feel happy for the two of them as well since he could see the love and respect they have for each other.
It kind of made him feel a bit envious of the knight but he pushed that feeling away since he was happy for the knight but then... The scene changed to something very dark.
The church vanished as the Knight was with his wife and a small girl before he kissed them both a tearful goodbye which made Issei's heart crack a bit as he saw the sadness in the woman's eyes as well as the little girl who didn't want him to go but they knew it was his duty to the kingdom.
'I'm sorry Solaria but I-' The knight was saying until a finger hushed his sentence as the princess now named Solaria smiled with tears in her eyes as she nodded and hugged her husband as she replied to him with understanding in her tone.
'I understand my love but please promise me that you will return Ri. Our little Charlotte still needs her stubborn father to look after her.' Solaria said to Ri who chuckled at his wife before kissing her one last time before he bent down and hugged little Charlotte with the King behind him on a war horse awaiting his knight.
Ri then went to his king and mounted his steed before waving to his family as he headed out with his king.
'I'm sorry Ri for taking you away from them but...' The King said as he looked down in shame before Taurus patted his king on the back.
'My lord. I said I would serve to protect this land from all danger and if that means providing a wonderful future for my daughter then I shall do everything in my power to protect my people and my family so we may all live to see the future.' Ri said as the scene changed to a large battlefield where Issei was watching pure unbridled chaos happen all around him.
Issei looked to see Ri, his king, and an army of soldiers fight an army of Grimm as they followed a woman who seemed to be using magic to destroy large numbers of the Grimm until Ri roared loudly in rage as he turned into a massive Minotaur of sorts before charging through all of the remaining Grimm army.
The sheer power in the roar shook Issei's body as he was amazed by the knights power until the army began to charge at two powerful dragons who were calm as if they were waiting for them.
One dragon was shining brightly like the sun as his body was very long and serpentine, like that of a real-world Eastern traditional dragon. He possessed a long mane of golden hair that ran down his body, forming a plume at the tip of his tail as well as rather extensive facial hair that became two feathery tipped whiskers. His eyes appeared to emanate a pure, white glow as if he was of purity and hope.
Meanwhile the other one was the complete opposite as it was more wicked and dark then the other dragon beside him.
He appeared as a large, real-world Western traditional, four-legged dragon with two wings whose membranes were frayed and dotted with multiple holes in them, and even more ornately spiraled horns. His overall body was skeletal, with a face like a skull with empty eye sockets, and a row of bone-like spines that run the length of his body.
Issei couldn't help but feel a strong pull towards this one as of his Sacred Gear was reacting to the dragons Aura until the dragons used a powerful blast of magic that made the scene change to the kingdom where Ri stood but as the Grimm Knight holding the body of his wife and child in his arms before looking at the moon and howling in rage for the Gods and what they have done to his home, his family, and his very being.
Issei then saw the scene become dark as multiple voices bombarded his mind until he heard the cries of the Knight in his mind.
'It hurts! It hurts!'
'Why? Why have you done this to me?!'
'No...My king. My love. My...little Charlotte.'
'Why must I suffer? What have I done to deserve this pain?'
However the most terrifying one that Issei heard from the voices was the voice of a scared boy.
'Please...Help...Me...'
Issei then opened his eyes once more as he saw that he was back in the arena with the Knight being held back by the cloak and chained to the ground but the Grimm seemed to be calm as it looked at Issei's body until Issei willed the chains to release the knight.
The knight stood up with its sword at his side before Issei held his sword at the ready as he nodded at the knight.
"I will help you, Ri." He said surprising the knight as Ri sheathed his sword and got on all fours before he became a more corrupt version of a mutated bull as he roared into the air that send dust and stones back but Issei clenched his sword tighter in his hands as his eyes temporarily glowed purple before he felt the shadows all around him connect to his cloak as the sword began to glow purple and become something new.
The sword became a one-edged sword with pieces of stone that seemed to make it much larger than it was originally.
(For appearances sake, look up Date a Live Tohka Inverse Form. It's her weapons Final Form.)
Issei lifted the sword into the air as he felt the power skyrocket into the sky as the bull charged at Issei but he kept his cool and his eyes had conviction in them as he whispered to Ri's red eyes.
"Rest in Peace. Ri. The greatest knight in all of Vale."
The sword was swung.
It was said that there was a massive explosion of power from the cliffside that was able to destroy the entire arena and cause much damage to the cliff.
Issei could feel himself fall to his knees in exhaustion from the burst of power as he looked at the sword vanishing from his hands. Issei heard a massive thud as he looked at Ri's body disintegrating into ash and dust but didn't seem to mind as the helmet fell to reveal the once great knights scarred face with his left eye being colorless and his short white hair being dirty and messy from not taking care of it for many years.
The knight let out a single tear from his remaining eyes as he said one sentence to the boy as he passed on.
'Thank you...Thank you for saving me...' Ri said in a broken but happy voice as his body vanished from the face of Remnant. Issei couldn't help but let a small smile come forward on his face as he felt happy he was able to help someone before he felt his eyes grow tired and almost fall to see footsteps approaching his body.
Until darkness consumed him.
Mountain Glenn
Salem left a portal as she walked with Arachne next to her as they wandered the ruins of the city that once housed so many people before Arachne stopped at a pillar before feeling it as she connected to the spiders that she sent earlier into the area.
"It's here. An old friend of mine." Arachne said as she then led Salem into a deep cave underneath the city as she saw the pictures on the wall showing a massive monstrous Grimm that attacked the civilians right underneath their very home with massive tentacles and destroyed their homes with its immense strength and size.
Arachne then found a large picture on the wall that showed a monstrous being that Salem couldn't help but admire.
The picture showed a gigantic round pool with water running down in several directions from it. And in the middle of the pool was the biggest Grimm she had ever seen in her entire life.
The massive monster resembled an octopus. It's main body was massive, almost taking up the entire pool. The Grimm's body was covered by the bone plating that all Grimm had in a shape similar to that of a human skull, except this one had three rows of spikes on it. One row went down the middle of it's face, while the two other rows were on the sides of it's face. The beast also had multiple eyes, six in total, with the biggest ones being located where a human's eyes would be, and the two smaller eyes were above the big ones. The Grimm's tentacles, were massive and long which was how it attacked the residents of the city when people still lived there and it most likely used them to get around the temple to catch prey and bring to main body as food.
"Amazing. This is one of the legendary Ancient Grimm?" Salem asked Arachne as she snickered to herself and nodded. "Oh yes. This is one of my closest friends since she was an incredibly powerful Grimm that ruled a part of the ocean until she decided to enter this city and torment the civilians that lived here. She's still alive. Probably by the one she consumed when she dragged them here." Arachne said as she opened a secret door that was in the wall as she then walked down the stairs to see a massive pool that was holding the massive Grimm.
Salem touched the water which made the Grimm open its many eyes at the two as it began to speak to them both until Arachne smiled and nodded.
"It's a pleasure to see you as well my old friend Scylla." Arachne said as she sat next to the pool. "We have so much to catch up on. Tell me. How do you feel about creating a world for our kind?" She asked with a smile on her face as she was looking forward to gathering the others.
The massive Grimm known as Scylla groaned as she transformed into a humanoid version like Arachne but she was tall with a modest bust that was covered with a black dress that covered her body while her face became that of a royal queen as long silky dark magenta colored hair flowed in the wind. Her legs were an array of tentacles that showed her Grimm heritage as she opened her eyes to reveal that they were red as well. The only part of her that seemed to retain any of the bone that Grimm had was her odd hat that she had on her head.
(For reference look up MGE Kraken.)
Scylla was among the strongest of her aquatic kind as she was able to drown many ships and destroy many civilizations with her water magic and tremendous strength in her size and tentacles. Her ink was so toxic and powerful that she could turn it into a smoke of sorts that could cover an entire city in a smokey darkness for a few days. She was skilled in weather phenomenons and loved to sing since she heard how humans and other creatures were drawn by the beauty of song so she always looked forward to having an audience in her presence.
Scylla looked at Arachne and Salem before smiling at the two of them.
"Ah so you are the famous Witch I've heard about. A pleasure to finally meet you Salem. And of course you as well Arachne. Have you seen any of the Original Ancients besides me? I was hoping to find the other members of our old group like Blaze the Ice Dragon or Luna the Moon Wolf but no luck." Scylla said with a disappointed tone before Arachne sadly shook her head.
"Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any of them. I fear they may be in hiding from the humans or possibly killed but even I have my own limitations on my spider spies. For now at least, I'm working with Salem in hopes of making a new world for us Grimm to live in now that the Brothers have left us alone. Which means we can claim out rightful place in the world as its rulers while the humans bow to our superior strength. Which is why we're here. Care to help us recreate the world in our image?" Arachne asked as Scylla smiled at the idea of joining her friend and having some more fun with the stupid but entertaining humans.
"I accept. Scylla, the Leviathan shall join you."
Issei shot up. The first feeling was shock. The second was pain. So he was still alive. Injured, sore, a little hungry, mouth dry as sand, but alive. And judging by the white room and bandages on him, he was in the nurse's office that the scary lady spoke of before he passed out.
[You did very well for your first time in using me. I must admit that I was worried about your using that much power but, taking down a corrupted Knight with no training whatsoever is truly a wonderful accomplishment. Now be ready. It appears that this Ozpin is coming to speak with you.] The voice said as Ozpin entered the room with a cup of coffee.
Issei wasn't surprised. Somehow he had felt the man's presence before laying eyes on him. Almost as if he sensed it. "I take it that you are Ozpin?"
"Professor Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy." Ozpin took a sip from his mug. "You seem to be quite calm. You're initial shock all but vanished."
"Yeah, well, I can't really explain it either. So you're the one God spoke of." Issei turned to meet the man. He had a very mature look. Grey hair, glasses that seemed more for looks than actual vision aid. And an eerie and ominous air about him. God did warn him not to trust this man at face value and the feeling in his gut told him the same. "How did you find me?"
"Your arrival wasn't exactly subtle. It was a miracle we found you before every Grimm and huntsman came to see what caused such a commotion."
Issei rose a lone brow at this before asking Ozpin. "I take it my origin is not something you want getting out?" He asked, putting on his best poker face.
Ozpin closed his eyes and took a long inhale. Issei could see the years of endless exhaustion and stress appear and disappear in his face. There was also a weird tension in his shoulders, bags under his eyes, and he seemed to be overly relaxed despite all the clues that would depict he wasn't. He was hiding something and trying his damndest to keep it hidden. This man must have been fighting for a long time. Should Issei expect the same for himself?
The headmaster exhaled. "For now, yes. The situation is very complicated and has been kept under wraps. If the people knew..."
"Wait, the people don't know of the threat!?"
"If you mean the Grimm, they do. A plague like that isn't something that can be kept hidden." Ozpin then leaned forward, placing both hands on his mug as he looked dead into the boy's eyes. "It is what's behind the Grimm that must be kept secret."
The brunette stared back into the older man's eyes. There was a look of utmost seriousness in them. Warning of a danger. A danger far greater than what the Black Dragon Emperor realized. Something itch at the back of his mind, triggering his senses that whatever the threat was wasn't something he should stay idle about. It was a sense he knew but didn't know how he knew. It was...foreboding but to what he didn't know.
"I see." Issei said as he leaned back in his bed. "So what is the plan for now? I may have killed that Grimm but I'm far from ready to save the world..." He looked down at his bandages, picturing the scars that would lie underneath. Some would heal, but some also wouldn't. Constant reminders that he had to get stronger if he was to have any chance at saving these people.
"You have a good head on your shoulders." Ozpin stood, stepping over to the teen. The click of a cane against the floor was the only sound until it stopped just short of the bed. "However, you'll need to rest and recover first. A process which we will accelerate now."
Issei became skeptical when the old man said that so he had to know. "How?"
Ozpin took another step closer to the bed. He placed down his mug and placed his cane to the side. The grey haired male then moved over to the brunette.
"Umm..."
"Issei, do you know of aura?"
This confused the boy as he shook his head. "No? What is it?"
"Aura is the manifestation of one's soul. It is something that aids us in the fight against the Grimm. It can be used as a shield to protect us and it can even be used as a weapon to defeat them. The specific abilities and strengths differ from individual to individual but it all helps in the end. It even has the power to speed up recovery times. Scratches and bruises can heal within minutes. Bones can mend and repair within hours or days. I've even seen it used to bring someone back from the grave."
Issei had to admit, that sounded pretty cool. "Huh, aura seems pretty badass."
"Yes, I would agree. It is "badass", as you say." Ozpin grinned, looking down at the boy. "Now, tell me, do you have a soul?"
This made Issei knit his brow. The man's tone and expression seemed playfully, like he was joking with him. The question however, also carried a serious undertone. "I would assume so."
"Well, believe it or not, you have an Aura." Ozpin replied as Issei shot up at this information.
"What!? Really!"
And instantly regretted that decision. His sore body and wounds sent a wave of pain throughout his body. It was dull but carried an edge underneath. He let out a grunt, that he promised to the end of time was the most manliest grunt a man could make, and returned to his original position.
"You're quite eager, I can respect that. But don't move so much when your aura hasn't even been unlocked yet." Ozpin closed his eyes as his hands took a firm hold on the boy. One fell to his shoulder while the other rested on top of his head, the palm resting against his forehead. It wasn't uncomfortable but just enough to keep him still so long as Issei didn't try to move too much. "I must admit, you have an accelerated healing factor than most civilians, possibly a gift from your world."
Issei's eyes caught the purple shimmer of his cloak in the licks of light that broke through the curtains. Yes, it was because of the Sacred Gear that he was alive. "If you master your aura, you may be able to take any vast amount of damage and still be raring to go. Yes, I can feel a deep pool of aura within you. The deepest I've ever seen. You truly are gifted."
"Um...thanks," Issei awkwardly replied. He didn't know how to take the compliment. It was weird seeing as he was speaking so highly of his soul.
"Before we continue, you should put your weapon in a dormant state," the older male spoke up, motioning to the gauntlet. Issei blinked twice before focusing back in. "If you are as your god says, that piece must carry a great amount of power. Power that many would kill to have. The cloak itself can be passed off as your huntsman weapon but the powers within it must be kept under wraps. And I'd rather it not interfere in the ritual."
Issei casted a glance back once more at the gear. He then remembered Yuuma's warning of the Sacred Gear as well. It was the reason she had killed him. Had he not had it, none of this would be happening. He would be living his life as normal. Unknowing of his worlds imminent demise. And unknowing of the world he came to stand on today.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. Ozpin was right. He shouldn't reveal its powers to the world. The knowledge could drive someone to come after him again before he could get strong. He didn't want a repeat of Raynare, especially with the end results that could come about due to his failure. Issei didn't want to fail before he could start. Not a second time.
The brunette knew he was repeating himself but he had to. To keep himself going. For the sake of the people of this world. To redeem himself for failing his own friends and family. There wouldn't be a third chance.
For now, he would have to get strong on his own. Until he could master his power and defeat anyone who threatened him. Plus he didn't want to lose out on the chance at a potential force field from his very own soul! It was like some kickass build-your-own-sword type deal from another anime he watched growing up.
"Right... I should...should probably hide it." Issei said as he willed the cloak away from existence much to Luna displeasure as she didn't like what Ozpin was saying and worried about her hosts safety.
"Now, let's begin. The faster you heal, the faster we can begin your training."
"Yes! Whatever you say, Headmaster!" Issei nodded enthusiastically. Any chance at training, he would jump at. He wanted to get stronger, he wanted to protect the people. After fighting the Grimm first hand, he realized how big of a wall he had to climb. The sooner he got started, the better.
"Alright then, lets begin." Ozpin returned his hands to their original position. He closed his eyes and started to focus. Issei followed suit, taking deep breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart. He was excited, eager, antsy, and any other similar feelings he couldn't name at the moment. The teen didn't know why but the chance to be a hero, it excited him. Not as much as boobs but a close second. Nothing could defeat a mice helping of big tits. Still, being a hero was close.
It was probably from all the stories he had read with Irina. The stories of heroes, evil monsters, oh, and not to mention the smoking hot princesses who always fell for the hero. Hell, some had multiple women fawning over them.
No! Focus! He had to save the people first and foremost. He was to be a protector, a savior. Plus...women weren't exactly on his mind. Not after...
"I'll always remember our date, Issei. I did have a wonderful time fooling you."
"I will cherish this. A souvenir in your memory."
Yeah... The people, those who couldn't fend for themselves. They had to come first. If only he could enjoy tits without the idea of women using him or trying to kill him...
As Issei finished his thoughts, Ozpin began.
"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death. I release your soul and by my shoulder protect thee."
Issei then felt something click inside of him as he felt something cloak his body but as he looked at his body it was a mixture of black and purple much to his surprise until he looked at Ozpin who nodded in reply.
"That's good. Now that your Aura is awakened we can begin your training once your injuries are healed. I do however have one question that I would like to ask you. Before I came into the room, I heard you speaking to someone but there were no nurses in the room. To whom did you speak to?" Ozpin words sent worry into Issei as he wanted to tell Ozpin that he had a spirit in his Sacred Gear but a quick reminder told him something very crucial he had almost forgotten.
"Do not trust anyone blindly. Not even Ozpin."
God's words rang in his head again. Was this one of those moments where he withheld such thoughts? He still had little understanding and could be wrong on his suspicions.
"I...I'm not sure who. All I know is that it was a voice in my head. That's all I know. Now can we start training? I don't want to be stuck in bed all day." Issei said as he tried to get up but even with Aura, Ozpin was able still able to push him back down into the bed.
"Forget it. Why are you so adamant to train?" Ozpin asked, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly.
Issei's face contorted into a grim expression. The vision of his friends, his mother, his father, all of the students and teachers at Kuoh, being slaughtered, burned, and killed by God knows what, plaguing his mind. He clenched the sheets into tight fists until his knuckles turned white.
"God didn't tell you about our world, did he?" Issei took painfully slow breaths to calm himself. It seemed there was some bitterness to the reminder his world was gone. But it was that bitterness that could create good. He just had to stay focused.
"He didn't share much. Just that you were being sent here with a power that could help us." Ozpin sat back in his chair, resting his arms on his thighs had he leaned forward.
"You weren't skeptical about it?" Issei asked, eyes focused on the ceiling.
"I have been fighting this fight for a long time. I have been lied to, backstabbed, betrayed, sold out, and many other renditions of the word. Your god had a look of utter exhaustion on his face. It was filled with great loss and mourning, as if he lost everything near and dear to him. If I was to doubt him while in such a state of depression, I wouldn't be able to call myself a man."
"I see. Well you should understand why I wouldn't want to let Him down."
"That doesn't warrant you trying to kill yourself."
"Doesn't mean you can stop me. I have to get stronger, at all costs."
"Those are dangerous words." Ozpin narrowed his eyes.
"Dangerous ain't the half of it. Believe me I have felt pain and it was the worst kind anyone would want to go through." Issei said as he glared back at Ozpin.
The two stared at each other down for a few long seconds. It almost seemed like the boat would tip before it could leave the docks. But the older male eventually sighed in defeat. It seemed he really had a tough one on his hands. Not to say it was bad but it would definitely be a handful. And, unfortunately, this wasn't something he could dump on Glynda and go enjoy a cup of coffee. However, it was that type of strength and will that they would need to win this war.
Haah... Ozpin swore, he was getting too damn old for this...
The headmaster turned and grabbed his cane that he had set by his chair. "Very well then. The moment you've recovered we'll begin training. But I won't accept less than a hundred and ten percent. Is that clear?"
The boy's eyes lit up and a big smile split across his face.
"Yes sir!"
Ozpin tapped the cane against the ground and opened the door. "Good. Now get some rest. I could really use another cup of coffee" he stated, the last sentence spoken to himself. And with that, the door shut.
Issei mentally fist pumped, seeing as he physically couldn't at the moment. Things may finally be looking up for him. He had a master to train him and with his partner and aura, he would become a kickass huntsman in no time. He would become the hero of this world and defeat whatever evil lay on the other side. Those Grimm won't stand a chance once he hit the battlefield. Maybe his luck was turning around.
Issei felt the exhaustion working its way through him. Sleep slowly began to seep in and, this time, he gave in without a fight. But as his conscience slowly gave way, he wondered what kind of training he would go through. He hoped it was something cool that involved swords and guns!
Yeah, things were definitely looking up now.
Issei looked up to see that he was in a massive landscape that took on the form of a massive Japanese temple that he found himself in but behind him was a balcony which he went out to see a small civilization where the people smiled and were happy under the moon that was shining from above the party that was happening down below.
He looked at a hill to see a tall beauty that was classified as a foreign woman. (Look up Tohka Inverse Form. That's Luna's human form.) She was sitting under a cherry blossom tree while smiling down below at the people as Issei walked down to her spot before the woman turned around and smiled at him.
"Hello Issei. We have much to discuss but I should introduce myself first." The woman said as she revealed a pair of black dragon wings that glistened like purple diamonds as she flew into the sky.
"I am Luna. The Black Dragon of Night and the one Vritra blessed to be a Dragon King. It's a pleasure to meet you my partner." Luna said as Issei was in awe of her beauty and power but didn't seem afraid of the wings until she flew down to Issei and held out a hand towards him.
"Come with me. The moonlight is perfect for a beautiful night in the sky." Luna said as Issei was nervous about this until he saw the kind and warm smile that made Issei comfortable enough to take her hand as he was lifted up and held in her arms as they flew into the sky together.
Issei was amazed by the glimmering stars in the sky as he looked down into the city and the lights made him forget about the training, the loss of his home, and the battle. He felt...at peace here in the city that reminded him of home.
Luna and Issei flew together for a couple of minutes longer until they landed at a small garden where a multitude of purple roses were grown in the garden. Issei looked at them in amazement since they were more beautiful in the night until Luna called out for him to sit next to her at a small table where she was pouring some tea for the both of them.
"Drink this. It's a special tea that relieves stress. It'll help with what we have to discuss. My Black Dragon." Luna said as she smiled at the boy before enjoying his company, as they began to discuss their plans for the future.
"It's time I teach you how to truly bring out the full power of your Sacred Gear. Together we can show them why the night is truly more beautiful and stronger than the light."
Scene!
Now in this rewrite I wanted to let Issei unlock his Aura early due to the his Sacred Gear's spirit being cautious and her wanting to help Issei become stronger so she'll be able to help him unlock the true potential of his Scared Gear.
Now the cloak I got from my other fanfic the Might of the Magus but I added weaknesses to it such as the light and fire rendering it weak and how he can manipulate the shadows into armor and such as well as the sword that Issei will use as his main weapon and the cloak to use for his magic.
Now as for the teams I'm tempted to do one of two.
One is to mix and match the members of Team RWBY along with Ren, Nora, and Pyrrha to make new and more interesting teams.
For Issei I was thinking that he could be paired with either Pyrrha or Blake while Yang joins the team. For the other team it would be Ruby, Ren, Nora, and Weiss forming Team Rainbow or RRNW.
OR!
Make an OC team for him. Not like the ones I did in the first version but just three in general.
Also I'd like to thank SacreKoopa and Spiral the Gamer for their help in making this happen so please check out their stories. They work very hard on them. Especially the Awakening of the Sapphire Dragon.
Let me know in the reviews.
BYE!!
Next updates will be Dragons Will, Fiendish Godslayer, the Yugioh DXD idea, and Body Swap Madness which will be hilarious due to the idea I have in mind.