Issei could feel himself falling through water, sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss. Opening his eyes, he could see the fading light of the sun above him. Suddenly, flashes of pain struck his heart, causing him to flinch as memories began to flood into his mind.
"Am I…dead?" The boy couldn't help but think. This had to be some sort of purgatory. Infinite darkness all around him, where time would-
SMACK
"Oof!" The pervert grunted in pain as he suddenly dropped to the bottom. "O-Ow…goddammit…" He then grumbled as he picked himself off the ground. He soon felt something smack him on the back of the head.
Issei soon turned around and stepped forward to face whoever hit him, however there was a burst of light from underneath his feet, blinding him as bats flew from the ground, revealing the stained glass underneath the darkness.
When the bats flew away, Issei could see what he was standing on. It was a circular red stained glass pillar, depicting…himself. He was in his winter uniform, with a red gauntlet on his left hand and key-like weapon in his right. The background depicts the skyline of Kuoh Town in twilight. The borders of the pillar were of pawn pieces. In the circles behind the depiction of Issei were that of his friends; Matsuda, Motohama, Makoto and strangely enough Rias Gremory.
"Yeah, this is definitely purgatory…" Issei breathed out.
"You are weak."
Issei jumped a little and looked around. He swore he just heard someone say something, its deep voice causing a rumble in his chest. "What the hell?"
"If it weren't for the interference of others, you wouldn't be here…"
"I…What?" Issei was severely confused. Suddenly, three weapons appeared in flashes of red light around him.
"I can ensure that does not happen again."
Suddenly, one of the weapons shot straight at him, blade first. Issei flinched, raising his arms to somehow protect himself. However, instead of stabbing him, the sword was gently placed in his hand.
"The power of the warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction."
Issei stared at the sword for what seemed like an hour. It felt…perfect for him. He then looked up and saw the staff coming towards him. After hesitating a little, he caught the staff without much trouble with his other hand.
"The power of the mystic. Inner strength. A staff of wonder and ruin."
Simply holding the staff flooded his mind with information he didn't entirely understand. It was vast, yet it made him scared. He was ready to put the staff down when the shield magnetically attached to his back.
"The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel both enemy and ally."
The shield felt sturdy, like it wouldn't bend even under the most powerful of forces. However, the description of it made him uncomfortable. To reject both his friends and enemies wasn't worth it.
"These all rest within you, waiting for something to bring them to light. Tell me…what power do you seek the most?"
"Uhh…" Was the most intelligent answer Ise could think of at this moment. "I…guess the sword then. It's the only weapon you gave me."
The entity sighed. "Not even a little more thought?"
"...Um, no. Always wanted to own a sword."
Whatever this entity was doing, Ise knew he was rolling his eyes. "Invincible courage it is. Next, a few lessons."
"Huh?" Ise got out before feeling the glass crack underneath his feet. "Hey, wait, nonononono!" He then panicked as he tried to run, only the glass to give way, sending him deeper into the darkness.
He was fully expecting to be falling forever or ending up as a big red splat at the bottom, but he woke up and found himself on another pillar similar to the first one, except this one predominantly used white as the main color. "I thought I was going to die…"
"This is merely a dream, boy. Death is not possible here. However, this is an opportunity to teach you how to fight."
"Ahh!" Ise yelped as he felt a rush of energy flood his veins. Only a second later, his left arm began glowing red before the sword from before was summoned into his hand. "W-Whoa!"
"I have given you the power to defend yourself. Now follow my teachings so you may use it well."
"O-Okay." Issei responded before getting into a rough fighting stance, holding his sword in one hand.
"Allow me to give you a target. Here." The entity soon got out, summoning a dark creature in front of the boy.
"What is that?" Issei stepped back a little. It was strangely cute, but he had this feeling it could rip his heart out if given the chance.
"A mere Shadow. Now strike it down."
Issei nodded before charging straight at the creature, jumping up and slamming his sword into it…which missed, as the Shadow simply sank into the ground and rematerialised elsewhere. "What!?"
"Hm…I have seen children swing swords with more grace than you. Focus. Keep your gaze locked onto your target. Never lose sight of it."
Ise nodded, taking the advice to heart and focused on the Shadow. Charging at it once again, he swung his sword. Again, the Shadow avoided the attack, but the pervert was ready now and kept his eye on the creature. Once it reappeared, he went over and slashed its head off. "There we go!" He cheered.
"That's better, but there is more to fighting than simply attacking. You must learn to be defensive."
Suddenly orbs of darkness appeared around him. With no escape, Issei simply held his sword with both hands and got ready.
"Guard!"
Issei instantly raised his sword, blocking the ball of darkness which pushed him backwards a little.
"Dodge."
Suddenly, all the orbs shot straight for him! Issei knew there was no chance could guard them all. "Hup!" He grunted out as he rolled out of the way just in time.
"Why do humans insist on rolling to dodge?" The entity grumbled. "Now…your most important lesson…[Boost]."
"Boost?"
"Your body in the waking world will not be able to handle this power for very long, but here you may use it however much you like." the entity said. "Simply shout [Boost] as many times as you wantand feel your strength increase."
"Um…okay?" Issei muttered as he glanced at his hand. "Uh…[Boost]?"
There was an instant effect on him as his knees buckled a little.
"Whoa!" Issei exclaimed. His muscles tensed, his vision sharpened, and his weight felt lower. "[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]"
More and more power flooded his body.
"What the shit!?" The pervert got out, dancing and jumping around from all the power he now had. "This feels…awesome!"
"Your strength has now increased by a factor of two with every shout." The entity sounded slightly amused by the boy's little antics. "However, do not remain in this Boosted state for long. Your body will not be able to handle the power after a period of time, which becomes shorter the more [Boosts] you have."
"Sure, whatever you say!" Issei wasn't exactly paying attention.
He wondered if he had other powers.
He wondered if he also had x-ray vision.
"Alright, I've done all your lessons!" Issei called out into the vast darkness. "Who are you!?"
Suddenly, the ground began to shake, causing Ise to lose his footing. Was something…climbing up here!?
It was right then that giant red claws appeared over the edge of the pillar, digging into it yet leaving no cracks or scratches in the glass.
Issei's eyes widened, his jaw dropping as he beheld the massive behemoth in front of him. The being was a dragon that he could see now. It looked fearsome, with bright red scales, glowing green reptilian eyes, and massive wings. It looked at the gaping boy, seemingly taking amusement in his reaction.
"I am what everyone fears. Angels, Devils, Fallen, Human. My flames can burn the land asunder and turn even gods to ashes. I have many names; The Red Dragon, the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch, Red Dragon Emperor, and Red Dragon Emperor of Domination. However, you will not have to remember them all." The red dragon declared before leaning his head close to the tiny human. "I am Ddraig."
"...Hello." Issei squeaked. "You're…a dragon."
"...Yes. I am." Ddraig deadpanned. "Out of all people, I had to be trapped in your arm…"
"You're in my arm?" Ise exclaimed. "W-When did this happen?"
"The very moment you were conceived."
"A-Aw, ew!" Ise cringed as the mental image (unfortunately) burned into his brain. "Did my mom and dad do something while they did it?"
"No. You possess my Sacred Gear, like countless others have." Ddraig explained before frowning. It was time. "Now…for your exam."
"I have to take an exam now!? Aw come ooooonnnn!" Issei began to complain, only to scream as he found himself beginning to float away from the platform and into the darkness above.
Makoto had expected to see the pearly white gates of Heaven when she would open her eyes. Maybe see the very street she and Issei had died at as a ghost. She was even expecting nothing but darkness, the hollow void of death.
But when she opened her eyes, she saw water.
She felt like she was sinking down into the ocean, but for some reason she could breathe. She was gently set down on her feet.
"This…This is…" She began to mumble as she stepped forward. From there, she was blinded by light…and felt birds brushing up against her, causing her to flail around to get these dumb doves away from her.
Upon finally being able to see, she stared in awe at what she saw.
She was on a blue stained glass pillar with herself on it. She was in her winter uniform, with a yellow gauntlet on her right hand and key-like weapon in her left. The background depicts the skyline of Kuoh Town with the rising sun in the distance. The borders of the pillar were of cards. In the circles behind the depiction of Makoto were that of her friends; Murayama, Katase, Issei and oddly Mancer Poiel.
"Where…am I?" Makoto got out.
"Do you not know? This is your heart."
Makoto jumped and looked around. "What the!? Who was that!?"
"I'm very sorry to have scared you, but this is of dire importance."
Makoto continued looking around, even over the edge of the platform, before giving up. "I…I'm listening." She responded.
"You are not strong enough for the trials ahead. Allow me to give you the tools needed to conquer such ordeals."
At that moment, Makoto felt a surge of energy rush through her. "O-Okay!" She shivered, unaware of her right arm beginning to glow a bright gold.
"I shall offer you a weapon to use for your training. Please select one of these, and it shall shape your path going forward."
And with that, three weapons appeared in front of her; a sword, a shield, and a staff.
Her eyes instantly drifted towards the staff. It looked a little goofy, with the head of it looking like a mouse, but she decided to grab it anyway. It just…felt right.
"A wonderful decision." The voice in her head praised.
Makoto nodded as she felt the weight of the staff and took a few swings of it. This would do nicely. "Can I meet you now? I'm…a little overwhelmed here."
Suddenly, Makoto could see off in the distance, a second pillar appearing out of thin air. She soon noticed a bridge made out of stained glass appear before her. Hesitant, Makoto took her first steps on the bridge. Once she found that it held, she continued to walk along the bridge. Once she finally reached the pillar, she looked back and saw that the bridge and previous pillar had vanished.
Swallowing some saliva, she continued onwards to the center of the pillar. "Please don't be some eldritch horror with a really sexy voice…" She mentally hoped.
Makoto then felt the ground shake, and her eyes widened as golden claws appeared over the surface of the pillar. Makoto's eyes widened as she beheld what was climbing the pillar.
It was a huge dragon. It had massive wings, and a body that seemed to be made of bright golden scales. Its bright blue eyes, however, had a sort of warmth to them. It was like a mother's eyes.
"I am Y Ddraig Aur, or Aur for short. It is a pleasure to finally speak with you, Makoto Dokeshi."
Makoto made some sort of noise in response.
"Ah, I see you are speechless. Please calm down, I will not hurt you."
If this was truly a dream she was having, she would've peed her bed by now.
"Makoto, please breathe."
And with that, she did and felt a little better. Still freaked out, but better.
"Thank you." Aur smiled. "You have a very strong light, Makoto, and you'll need to keep it burning strong against the forces of darkness."
With a flap of their wings, about thirteen creatures of darkness spawned around Makoto, scaring the girl and forcing her to raise her staff.
"These creatures will not kill you, but they will hurt you. Defend yourself."
With that, the creatures all attacked at the same time! Makoto's body moved out of the way, rolling out of danger and allowing her to execute her counterattack.
Once she got solid footing, she leapt into a sprint and bashed away three of the Shadows, taking them out. She then guarded against another of the creatures that tried to get her from behind before destroying it, right before running up to one and kicking it off the pillar like a football.
Aur studied Makoto's movements as she dealt with the Shadows. She was overcommitting to her swings, improper balance, and wasted energy on large gestures. That would need correcting, but she was killing the creatures efficiently. She had a nice foundation, it just needed to be built up.
With the last of the monsters gone, Makoto turned to Aur and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. That…That shouldn't have been as exhilarating as it was.
"It seems you've already got the basics covered. We shall move onto your Sacred Gear."
"Sacred Gear?" Makoto repeated before staring at her glowing arm.
"A gift from God that allows humans to perform feats they normally cannot do." Aur explained. "You have mine; Sacred Addition. With it, it will allow you to add to your own power using the power of your allies and foes alike."
"I…see." Makoto got out. "I think I get it."
She didn't get it.
"Well, maybe a demonstration is in order." Aur stated before lowering their head down to Makoto's level. "Use [Addition] on me and add my power to your own. Simply touch me and focus."
Makoto nodded before approaching the dragon and placing her glowing hand on its scales. "Here goes nothing. [Addition]!"
Instantly, she felt a jolt of electricity run from her arm and down her spine. It didn't hurt at all, it was actually quite pleasant.
"Well done! You have added a Thunder element to your power. Now strike down this creature with it!" Aur praised before creating an image of a Shadow for Makoto to kill.
Makoto nodded before raising her staff over her head. "Thunder!"
ZAP
A lightning from seemingly nowhere struck the Shadow, destroying it instantly.
"A nice display of magical power! Remember, you may also use [Addition] on allies and add to their power as well."
"I…I think I'm getting this." Makoto said as she clenched and unclenched her hand as the power faded away. "But uh…can I use something else? I'm kind of regretting not using the sword…"
"Ah, but your heart was drawn to the staff first. No matter, this is all a dream. You won't be using it for much longer."
"Why couldn't any of those weapons be a gun…?" Makoto couldn't help but think. "Is there any reason why you're teaching me this, Aur?"
"I have not known anyone with your destiny to have a quiet and peaceful life. Consider this my payment to you."
Makoto looked even more confused. "You…You don't have to pay me anything." She then muttered.
"Now, it is time you put my teachings to the test." Aur stated, getting the glasses-wearing girl's attention.
"Test? I have to fight something? Someone?" Makoto began to sweat at the idea.
"Do not worry. You will not be alone."
"You're coming with?"
"I am always with you…but sadly, not for this test."
Makoto felt a sense of dread rush through her. "...Is this going to hurt?" She had to ask.
"Most likely."
Before Makoto could even protest, she was shot up into the darkness to face whatever was waiting for her.
Issei gasped for air as he shot out of the water and landed roughly on the ground. "Stop…dragging me…to weird…places…" He panted out while picking himself off the ground.
However, his eyes widened as he saw where he ended up.
There was nothing out in the distance other than the blue sky and the clear water…that he was currently standing on without much trouble.
"What the hell now…?" Ise grumbled.
"WAH!" He suddenly heard a scream and a splash. He turned and saw Makoto picking herself up. It had suddenly hit him that they were both in their school uniforms right now.
"Makoto!" Issei called out as he ran up to her.
"Huh? Ise!" Makoto gasped as she wiped the water off her glasses. "What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?" the pervert asked, looking a little confused. "You don't show up in my dreams these days."
Makoto was wondering that too. She read that lucid dreams were- wait, what was that last part. "...What do you mean by these days?"
"Uhh…" Issei began to sweat as he stepped away, only for the water underneath their feet to ripple. "Whoa!"
Rising from the water below was a massive, muscular, humanoid made out of water. Its legs are rather short and its feet are very thin and curl upward. Its arms are quite long, and it has two relatively small, twisted wings on its back. There is a large, heart-shaped hole in the Heartless's abdominal area, which penetrates straight through from the front to the back. Its head is covered in dozens of twisted, black tentacles. Only its small, glowing yellow eyes are visible.
A name echoed through their minds.
Darkside
"What…is that!?" Issei exclaimed as the two scrambled away from the giant monster.
"...Our test." Makoto whimpered as her right arm began to glow. Looking down at it, she braced her heart and summoned her staff, while Issei did the same with his sword. She only barely glanced at him to see his left arm glowing as well.
Instantly, the Darkside pulled back its arm and punched it into the ground, creating a shockwave that knocked the two back.
"AH!" Ise and Makoto screamed as they tumbled across the ground before somehow getting onto their feet.
"W-We seriously have to beat that thing!?" Makoto exclaimed.
"Y-Yeah." Ise could only respond. "Come on, it's not going to kill itself!" He then called as he charged forward, silently hoping it would though.
"Ise, this isn't- he's going to get himself killed." Makoto tried to warn, only to give up halfway through and follow his lead. In all honesty, she was not expecting to win this but it wouldn't stop her from trying!
However, before they could even touch the thing, the Darkside pulled an orb of darkness from the ground and raised it into the air.
"Aw crap! RUN!" Ise shouted out as they began dodging the rain of dark orbs.
"This is insane!" The glasses-wearing girl thought as she rolled out of the way of an orb. She then saw the Darkside preparing its next attack, shooting two sets of homing projectiles at them. Makoto closed her eyes and held her staff up, blocking the dark energy and bouncing it back into the monster's face.
"There we go!" Issei cheered as he ran over to the giant, climbed up its arm and stabbed it in the face, leaving the sword in its head as he grabbed onto the tentacles to keep himself on.
"ISE!?" Makoto exclaimed
"WHY! WON'T! YOU! DIE!" Ise roared, punctuating every word with a punch in the eye before kicking off its face while grabbing his sword, falling to the ground and landing on his feet.
Unfazed, the Darkside attacked once again, punching the ground and forcing the two away.
"A-Argh…" Ise groaned as he held his head, dizzy from the attack.
After tumbling across the ground and spitting up some water, Makoto knew that simply punching the damn thing wouldn't do much. Thinking fast, she ran at the monster with her glowing arm out.
"What the hell are you doing!?" Ise exclaimed.
"Something stupid!" Makoto responded as she leapt onto the monster's arm and wrapped her body around it.
She could feel her skirt ride up, her panties instantly drenched in the water the giant was composed of. Still, she ignored it and dug her glowing hand into the Darkside's skin.
"[Addition!]" Makoto shouted out, feeling power wash over her. "[Addition!] [Addition!]"
Feeling that she had enough power, she was about to jump off when the Darkside started waving its arm around, throwing her off.
"I got you!" Issei called out as he rushed over to catch her, only to end up being her human cushion as she slammed into him. "A-Ahh…ow…"
"I appreciate…the effort…" Makoto groaned as she picked herself off of Ise. She then focused on the monster and channeled all the power she gathered from it into her staff, streams of water swirling around it.
She only had one shot at this.
"WATERGA!" Makoto commanded, casting a powerful torrent of water into the giant's face, causing it to stumble.
"Whoa!" Issei got out, his eyes wide as he scrambled to his feet. "That was awesome!"
"Y-Yeah…oh god…" the glasses-wearing girl panted out. That attack really took a lot out of her, she needed a breather.
"Ow!" Ise winced as he held the back of his head.
Why does it feel like a slap his mother would give him when he jerked off in the living room?
He shook it off and charged at the stunned monster, not wanting to waste the opportunity.
"Come on! [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]" Issei shouted out as more and more power surged through his body. Once he felt like he was ready, he used the increased power to leap up to the giant's head."EAT THIS!" He declared before smashing his fist into the Darkside's face.
"When could he do that…?" Makoto mentally wondered as Ise fell back to the water, landing flat on his back. "Ouch." She then winced. That had to hurt.
"Ow…" Issei groaned as he used his sword to pick himself up.
"Ise, Ise! Get moving!" Makoto warned as he dragged him to his feet, just as the Darkside started rearing back its fist. "Oh no!"
"JUMP!" The boy called out before the two leapt over the shockwave created by the punch into the water. "Okay, didn't think that would work!"
"It's on its last legs! Come on, one more push!" Makoto encouraged, gripping onto her staff as hard as she could.
"Right! Let's go!" Issei responded before the two charged straight at the monster.
The Darkside pulled out some more dark energy to rain on the two, but Issei and Makoto dodged it by splitting up and attacking each of its hands.
Soon enough, they had to roll away to get away from the homing darkness attacks and guarded against them to reflect back at the enemy.
Once again, the Darkside tried to reach into the ground for more darkness, but it had lowered its head close to the ground.
"MAKOTO!" Issei called out as he ran at the Darkside's head.
"I KNOW!" Makoto responded as she flipped her staff around and charged as well.
"YOU'RE FINISHED!" Ise and Makoto yelled before stabbing the Darkside in the head at the same time.
With their weapons now lodged into its brain, it forced the two of them to kick off its face and land back onto the water below.
Panting, they both stared at their handiwork. While the Darkside was still kneeling, it wasn't moving an inch. "We…killed it?" Ise whispered in disbelief.
"We…We killed it!" Makoto cheered as she pumped her fist. Meanwhile, her friend gave her a smile. They definitely earned…that… "Oh shit!"
The reason why Issei suddenly swore was because the Darkside didn't simply fade from existence. Instead, its body collapsed, causing a giant wave to form that washed the two away.
"MAKOTO!" Issei managed to get out, only for the waves to overtake him.
"AAHH!" Makoto screamed before another wave caused her to sink into the water.
Deeper and deeper, with only her heartbeat to keep her from panicking, she relaxed and let herself fall. She needed the rest.
"You have done well. You are ready for what fate has in store for you." Aur's voice echoed within her mind. "Now it is time for you to wake up, onii-chan."
"Huh?"
"Wake up, onii-chan! You'll be late for school!"
"Hah!?" Makoto shot up from her bed, panting and sweating a little.
"Onii-chan, you lazy bum! Wake up and make me breakfast!"
Makoto sighed and turned off her alarm. It was a gift from Issei for her birthday last year.
She then paused. Wait, she was in her room?
Makoto got off her bed and looked around. She didn't remember making it home last night. She didn't remember dumping her bag on her desk, when it usually was on the floor. And she definitely didn't remember stripping down to her underwear.
"Ugh, did I completely wipe out on the way home?" She mumbled to herself. But…she swore that what had happened after work was real. The black cloaked man, the devices…the pain…the golden light…
She unconsciously rubbed her lower spine, feeling a ghost of…something that was there.
Did last night really happen?
What was with that weird dream?
And did she really have a dragon in her right arm?
"Was any of that for real…or not?" Makoto wondered as she grabbed her glasses and opened a window, letting the bright sun shine inside her room. However, instead wincing and grumbling to herself like she usually did, she felt…rejuvenated?
Hm, maybe she had a good night's sleep last night.
Smiling to herself, she remembered that it was a school day today, meaning she had to get dressed, eat some breakfast and head to Ise's house before walking to school with him.
She couldn't wait to tell him her dream.