Chapter 1: A Human Touch
In a dirty alleyway, there were all kinds of trash, garbage bags full of rotten food, old broken appliances, and discarded objects of various sizes all in the alley. There was a low groaning noise coming from the alley. A figure slowly raised up, it looked to be a young teenager, with brown messy hair, wearing a red shirt, over it was a white button-up shirt that was opened up, while also wearing black jeans and white shoes. Though all his clothes were dirty, not from the trash, but were stained in so much blood that he looked like he came from a murder. Though his eyes were all red and puffy from non-stop crying.
"What..happen to me," Issei muttered out loud, the stranger looked around at his surroundings, showing a face of pure confusion.
"Where am I?" he asked aloud to himself.
But as soon as he tried to get up he felt off balance, Wobbling onto his feet Issei looked towards his left arm to find it was missing.
Issei had no expression of fear or surprise, but expected his fate, the way it is. Slowly he kept walking out of the alleyway. Issei believed he was a failure to everyone he knew. So not a big surprise that he was left with nothing. Tears were leaking out of his eyes.
"This is what I deserve, I'm nothing but a loser." He said.
"Well I better see where I am," he said in a forced sad voice like even speaking was too much for him. He broke into pieces. How he kept going was beyond anything of a miracle. Every part of him screamed just to lay down and die. Every thought that went into his mind was like pins of self-hate, Every feeling that went past his heart was like an endless void. A black hole of pure anger swallowing him alive.
Slowly he limped out of the exit of the alleyway, as the blinding light of the outside clouded his vision. With one more step, he was out of the alleyway, his vision slowly returned to him as finally Issei could see his surroundings. He was in an empty city street: empty as in no people, no cars, not even the sign of any trash. Issei looked towards the vacant streets with worried looks, even the building windows looked like there was nothing going on in them. The weather was cloudy and gray, covering the sky and drowning out any blue up above. Issei kept his breath calm and walked down the empty street.
Issei kept walking further into the city and found it was quiet: so quiet that Issei could hear his own heartbeat, every step he took was like a loud bang that echoed throughout the city. All the buildings were locked and the doors had a bright white paint color to them: like he was looking into a flashlight.
Issei walked for hours with no people in sight. He felt like this was his hell, that he deserved this, he was a loser that had nothing going for him. He only got lucky in fights, he had nothing redeeming about himself, Issei thinking these insufferable thoughts.
Issei kept walking around the city as the seconds become minutes, as the minutes became hours. Issei constantly puts himself down in self-hate. Even time didn't feel like it passed.
"Hello" Issei yelled in a panicked voice.
"Please is anyone here?" He called out in the empty city, only for his echo to return to him.
"Please someone!" Issei cried in horrible pain screeching, only for the echoes to return to him. His breath slowed down and wavered, he felt the harsh self-hate whisper in the back of his head.
"ANYONE PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE." Yelling louder only gets more echoes back.
Issei hated what he was doing trying to save himself from this hellish fate but that hope started to fade quickly. Issei kept trying to call for something, and the feeling of despair started to spread in his heart, Issei's legs buckled as his knees hit the ground. His breath slowly fades, it was then Issei realized what was happening, Issei couldn't breathe: for he was having a panic attack.
"HELP IS- THERE- ANYONE- HERE! I NEED HELP- I CAN'T -BREATHE!" Issei cried in as tears poured through his eyes as his panic attack slowly took over.
Whispers of past trauma whispered in the back of his mind, as he fell to the ground tear poured from his eyes.
"Will you die for me?"
"You're the worst."
"Issei is horrible."
"You are very bad"
"Will you be my mighty pawn?"
Issei was crying in pure agony as he lay on the ground clutching his chest, his hand shook, his ear ringed, and his vision darkened. Issei could only panic more in his situation. Issei's thoughts were now a chaotic storm of mental confusion. He couldn't move from his spot as his muscles tightened from the intense stress.
"I didn't mean to lose Rais, I didn't mean it, just give me another chance please someone help me, help me." Issei cried in soft whispers. Issei lay on the ground: if one were to look at him, you would think he's dead.
Issei thought he was going to be left in his state of mind forever, while this empty city would be his prison for all of eternity. Issei thought a broke person like himself diverse all this with one last empty whisper.
"I'm nothing but a dirty perverted loser, I'm nothing."
Issei was so lost in his panic attack that his senses became dulled to his surroundings as all sound, feel, touch and hearing became null. While he was choking on his own breath.
His eyes slowly drifted to unconsciousness starting at the empty street ahead.
A loud bang rang through the city. Issei was so deep in despair that he couldn't even be bothered to put his attention on his surroundings. Then another thud this time closer and the loud bang started to multiply and became very roaring. Within seconds the banging roared through the empty space. The closer the sound got the more you could hear what the noise was. It sounded like heavy metal slamming against concrete. Issei couldn't notice still having a panic attack.
Seconds later the slamming of metal stopped and Issei was finally coming out of his daze, slowly catching his breath, while regaining his senses. Issei held himself up with his single arm. Holding his head down in shame thinking he had suffered a panic attack.
It took Issei a couple of seconds to realize that the spot where he lay suddenly had a lot shadier than before.
"What is this place?" A deep dark voice boomed behind Issei, The voice made him stay in his place and every word that was said screamed fight or flight to Issei. He slowly turned his head around. To see a giant, hulking armored being standing right behind him. It stood seven feet tall covered shoulder to toe in slick dark blue armor with sharp dark gold trimming the edges of the armor, while the abdomen was covered by a bone rib cage. A bright white skull wore on the chest plate with red bat wings on the side of the skull, A tattered scarlet cape that flew behind it, skulls that still had blood on them had been stuck to the giant shoulder plates, while a horrible loath cloth was hung at the body made of human skin over the armor. The worst was the gauntlets that had sharp metal tips with dual claws sticking out on their forearms.
Issei slowly looked up to find a furious face staring at him. Issei saw the slim face of the woman, her skin was pale white, her lips cracked champ, long oily black hair that was so black it was like tar, her eyes are what drew your attention her sclera was pitch black like night, while the iris was bright purple, but all it was supported by her razor-sharp teeth, while she gritted her teeth.
Her whole appearance screamed alpha predator that this person was more than human. Beautiful but dangerous, Issei's whole body told him to run, to get away from her. Though instinct told him to run, Issei got what he wished for.
To not be alone.
"My patience runs thin boy." Her voice this time was very strong yet had a hint of softness, but that softness was like bait for its prey. Issei slowly stands up under the gaze of this mighty amazon woman. Though Issei was not in his right mind this was a very beautiful woman and Issei couldn't help but admire that.
Issei looked up at the woman, with a nervous face, he tried to put on a confident face but her gaze could look right through it. Issei hyped himself up to give a cool response.
"M-my N-n-name I-i-i-ss I-Iiissei hyoudou." Issei stuttered.
"Oh my god, what was that?" Issei cursed mentally, I mean this is what you get when almost every girl in your life belittles you. Then in a flash, Issei found himself lifted off the ground by the front of his shirt, she was staring at him with an annoyed look on her face.
"I didn't ask what your name is, boy, I asked what this place is." She asked in a growl, that sounded. Issei couldn't do anything at the mercy of the giant. Issei felt another panic attack coming on. With pain being the overwhelming factor Issei found himself accepting his fate. In a flash, Issei spoke from his broken heart speaking in a quiet voice.
"I don't know where we are, I woke up here, I don't know where I am." Issei cried as his emotion stirred up. The giant didn't look pleased and held tighter on his clothes. Issei looked her in the eyes and with one final ple he had in himself to speak all he could.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you what this place is, all I know is that one second I'm on earth the next this place, So I'm sorry I can't help you, but if killing me makes you feel better then.." Issei paused what he said and decided to finish what he said.
"Then you would be doing me a favor," Issei said without any remorse for himself, then Issei looked the giant in the eyes, probably expecting a shameful gaze but when he looked up, the giant held a gentle stare that said I understand you, from one look spoke thousands of words. Issei was so shaken by the gaze it snapped him out of the coming panic attack. Issei then was put down gently on the ground.
The two stared at each other, but the giant broke the silence with a long deep sigh.
"Well if you don't know what this place is then fine." the giant said in a begrudging tone.
"But I will take you to my sisters, Maybe they can get more answers than my way." the giant said. Issei was a bit shaken but stood his ground.
Issei had a shy smile on his face and the idea of meeting more people did make him happy even though he was going to be interrogated, he was at least happy he wasn't alone. Issei looked towards the giant and sighed with relief.
"Okay well, I'll guess I'll go with you," Issei said with a happy sigh. The giant sorted at the comment.
"Don't push your luck boy, even if you didn't I wouldn't have let you run off so easily, I am Konard Curze, The Night Hunter," Konrad said in a proud yet announced threatening tone towards Issei.
Though Issei knew it was a threat, he couldn't talk back, especially in his situation how he could, with his mental state right now. He couldn't fight back not without his boosted gear which is long gone. He had nothing so he mentally told himself to shut up and roll with it. One thing about the threat did make him smile, which did not escape Konard's attention.
"Why are you smiling?" Konrad asked in a skeptical tone of voice.
"I know your name now Konard, it's a cool name," Issei said in a gentle voice.
Konrad looked at Issei confusedly at what kind of slang this was. Issei realized that maybe the word cool wasn't the best choice.
"Cool mean-" Issei tried to say.
"I know what it means, but why do you compliment me? Do you not see what's in front of you?" Konrad said with a raised eyebrow.
"I-ii-i um yay I don't know I mean your beautifully- I mean Um," Issei said, stumbling over his words. Konrad only looked at him the same way before.
"You are a strange person," Konrad said in a dull tone. "But I grow tired of standing in this place and letting us move."
Konrad started to walk off with issei falling behind. Only two problems: despite Konard size, she was moving very fast and Issei with only one arm was very off balance and could only really walk slowly so he didn't fall.
Konrad turned her head around to see he was falling behind. With a begrudging growl Konard walks back to Issei, she stands in his way with a raised eyebrow. Issei slowly looked back up at her.
"Sorry I recently lost my arm-wow!" Issei couldn't finish his statement when Konard picked him up and slung him up on her shoulders. Issei had the air knocked out of him when he landed on her armored shoulder.
"If you're going to talk on the way, make it little, but seeing your state I doubt there will be any conversation," Konrad told him in a cold tone of voice.
Issei was looking behind her, but even he could feel her smirking. He could only painfully groan at the answer that Konard gave.
"Good answer." She said,
Issei then was held by one of her clawed gauntlets as she blitzed like an animal, Issei held onto her shoulder tight, though he did have to be careful of the sharp metal edges, but did find a safe grip on Konrad's metal armor.
Issei could only look behind but he could tell she was moving as fast as a car, but agile like a cat. He turned his head to see where the heading was. Only to find there was more empty street, but the buildings got more and taller. Some reached the clouds, and many of the skyscrapers were jolted out of the ground. Hell, the buildings are sticking out of the sky floating in the air. Issei swore this place was crazy and he even went to hell.
Issei looked towards Konrad. Surely she had to use a lot of energy to move, but when he turned towards her, to cheek on her well-being. Issei saw Konrad didn't even break a sweat; she looked like this was a normal walk: even though she was running at speeds that would be considered a vehicle.
"If you keep staring, I'm going to have to take those eyes, boy." She said without breaking her eye concat ahead. Issei immediately turned away.
"Sorry," Issei said with a quick hush, realizing she wanted him to be quiet. Issei remained silent and regained his lost breath. Issei couldn't help but smile at the speeds they were going. It was insane. More Hours passed but Konrad ran through this place like it was nothing. She even took a shortcut to alleyways, but that wasn't as crazy when she climbed one skyscraper and slid down the other side like it was a wet floor. Issei didn't panic at all, surprisingly, he found himself a limited peace, maybe it was him but the idea of running up crazy heights and falling was oddly relaxing. Konrad landed on the ground with a mighty thud, as the floor beneath them cracked.
After a couple more hours the sun was setting or the light was setting: because even though there was light, the gray clouds tend to block out all of the sky: so it was hard to tell what time of day it was. Issei felt like this city was going on forever, hoping for something new. Issei's hope was answered by a beautiful tree that was covered in stunning yellow leaves, with a white tree stalk.
Then another tree appeared until Issei turned his head to see a lush yellow forest. There was something about the forest that invoked a feeling of safety, the city oddly felt more cold trapping him. Issei had a smile creeping on his face. Konrad stopped and drop Issei off her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
He landed on the ground with a mighty thud, he felt worse in his life but he was fine. Issei kept on smiling but slowly got to his feet. Why did he keep smiling? Maybe it was the hope of not being alone or the forest could have been another factor. Konrad turned and looked at him, pointing straight.
"Our camp is over there," Konrad commanded.
"Um okay, I'll just walk there," Issei said.
Issei limped towards where she pointed, still trying to find his balance. It was hard because he didn't know what to do for his limpy. While limpy towards the camp Konrad followed behind. Issei did feel a bit nervous when there was a giant following close behind, though as time passed, Issei felt very calm, maybe it was the surroundings or he put his trust In Konrad whatever it is he'd just go with the flow.
"Is my footing wrong or is my arm supposed to be more back." He thought in frustration.
"You're thinking too much about balancing your weight, just go with your body movement and you'll be fine," Konrad growled in annoyance.
Issei breathed while limping, taking Konrad's words and letting his body try to balance himself out, with taking the next steps he'd found some new balance letting his body take over. He was still limping but it was barely noticeable now.
"I'll have to get used to that," Issei said in relief, finally having some control.
More time passed, but it wasn't all that bad, and being out of the city was nice. This forest was very noisy with birds crimping, water running, and wind blowing in the trees. Issei turned towards Konrad.
"Thank you for telling me how to walk correctly." He said to Konrad.
She kept a strong face, But Issei noticed there was a tiny crack of anger.
"Keep moving," she said in her usual growl. He kept moving but this time put a little more hustle into it.
"So it's you and your sisters, how many are there? Like maybe two, three" Issei asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Will ask the questioning boy, now keep walking." She responded her eyes didn't even look at him but were glued to the direction she pointed. Issei lowered his head and kept walking; it looked like Konrad had stopped the friendliness, he only hoped maybe he could survive but death would be his only saving grace for himself he thought in a depressing manner.
The two then found themself at the entrance of a glade of cut stumps. All the cut-down trees were stacked in a neat fashion, with what looked like perceived lines. Konrad groaned, causing Issei to turn towards her with a confused look. He could see she was very annoyed. Issei wonders why.
"Your finale back Konrad." A very monotone yet feminine voice called out.
The two turned towards the wood pile to see another eight-foot-tall giant, who had bright yellow metallic armor that covered her entire body, with so many little cravings and symbols on the armor made it look like she was wearing art, Though the two metal eagles heads sticking out on her shoulders gave the armor a medieval gothic look: well that and the metal golden wing dorn behind her back. Her majesty's red cape flew behind her. Held by her side was a giant red, what only could be a mix of chainsaw and sword, on her other side was a giant gothic gun. Slowly he looked up until she met her eyes. Her skin was creamy white to match her strong amber eyes, her hair was that of an aged white, a bun tied behind her head, and with all that she was stunning. Issei could only say one thing.
"I bet she looks beautiful without that armor." Issei thought. He hated that he only thought of himself like a dumb dog chasing cars. Sad but not true.
"Woah!" Issei said in a hushed whisper, her gaze switched to him: if looks could kill then her eyes were like spears shooting right through you. Konrad sighed and waved toward Issei.
"This is why I took so long," Konrad growled in an annoyed tone, the new giant kneeled down to him and stared at him with a studying look. Issei lost his breath again.
"A human, hello my name is Rogal Dorn. Are you a resident of this planet," she asked in a straight tone.
Issei was blushing red: Issei was not trying to be rude and even though these two were giants they were still very beautiful.
"U-mm N-No I'm not, I'm lost here too, I'm Issei," Issei said in an awkward tone, Rogal didn't break eye contact but looked more into Issei.
"Where are you from?" Rogal asked.
"I'm from Earth-" Issei tried to say but was interrupted by Rogal.
"Do you mean Terra? Earth is an uncommon name for it in the imperium." Rogal corrected.
"I'm sorry, we call it to earth where I'm from," Issei answered.
Issei was a bit confused even with all the other angels, demons, and other gods called the world earth. Though all the other supernatural beings thought they were better than humans. Issei went silent for a while until he felt a giant metal glove touch his stub where his appendage used to be.
"Why do you not have a cyber prosthetic? It would be more efficient." Rogal asked.
"He said he lost it recently," Konrad told Rogal in a smug tone of voice. Rogal looked at Issei with a stern look from before.
"This is unfortunate, what was the last thing you remember before you came here?" Rogal asked.
"I-i-i-i don't remember, I was on a walk in the park now I'm here," Issei said lying about what his attention was at the park.
"A park in terra, so you are a noble, correct," Rogal asked, still her eyes unmoving, unflinching, and unwavering. Issei was more confused every time Rogal brought up her topics trying to figure out who Issei was.
"Look, I'm sorry but I don't know how I got here," Issei said in a panicked voice. Rogal slowly stepped up and then looked toward the sky. She took a long deep sigh, then turned her attention to Konrad.
"Well he's our only lead to why we were here, we need Mangus," Konrad said.
"I'm guessing you were on the assumption that Mangus would be here as well since you left a month ago when we went scouting after Angron left," Rogal said as she said in an annoyed tone.
"Well if she isn't here then where is Mangus, Rogal!" Konrad asked while saying Rogal's last name with a hint of poisonous anger.
"I don't know where our sister went but the majority put me in charge of making a base camp and fortifying it," Rogal said in a strong stoic tone, as she stepped up to Konrad, staring her down. "Keep your rash behavior in check Konrad, we have been stranded here for months without any sign of rescue so stay here and make use of your labor."
Konrad Slowly turned away and walked away from Rogal with a feral growl like she was some sort of animal. As she walked away from the she looked at Rogal with a mad glare.
"Make sure that this one stays with you at the camp and doesn't run away." Konrad barked at Rogal.
Rogal looked at Konrad with a firm look, her face had a solid expression of calmness and stood firm to her ground.
"Konrad I remind you that, you run off selfishly on your own and left us to screech for Angron ourselves," Rogal said in a stern tone of voice.
Konrad didn't like Royal comments and walked off into the woods, Issei only had to blink to see Konrad had vanished from his sight, she moved fast and easily disappeared into the dark forest. Issei had to rub his eyes to make sure his vision wasn't playing tricks on him.
"Boy," Rogal said, breaking Issei out of his confusion. Issei turned around to see Rogal pick up two of the cut-down trees, setting them down on their side and across each other. She sat on one of the logs, her eyes never leaving Issei.
"Though Konrad left your integration it is far from over." Rogal said in an emotionless order "Now rest boy, you and I have much to discuss tomorrow."
Rogal suggested as the light from the sky died down and became night. Issei looked at the dark cloudy sky and advanced darkness settled in. Issei couldn't argue with any of this he was stranded but desperately refused to be alone, he felt he was asking for so much he thought this was the best he could get. Nothing could be done. Issei accepted his fate.
He walked over to the other log and slowly slumped on the ground trying to make himself comfortable on the ground which was actually very soft, the short grass wasn't even scratchy, Issei laid on his back and looked up into the night sky.
"Thank you," Issei said while not breaking contact with the sky. Rogal looked towards the boy.
"Your temps of gratitude to try and sway me from suspicions of you will not work," Rogal told Issei to deny him friendly talk, but Issei wasn't bothered, in fact, he expected the harshness like it was nothing.
"Still thank you," Issei said with a weak smile.
This only caused Rogal to be more suspicious of him. Issei only laid there with no care in the world.
"What are you even thanking me for, you do understand I'm watching so that you don't escape because I don't believe your story and yet you still thank me, Why?" Rogal asked.
"I just didn't want to be alone, I know you're keeping an eye on me, but I'm not alone, hell if you want that's the best way you can torcher information out of me, just leave me alone," Issei said in a quiet, sad tone. A strange silence took over the two and a few moments later Rogal broke it.
"Konrad was right, you're strange," Rogal stated in a calm tone with only curiosity.
Issei said nothing and finally felt his eyes close as he fell asleep. Leaving a curious Rogal staring at Issei.
This is the edit-it version also Chapter 2 will be out next week Monday so stay tuned, also this is pre-heresy. Thank you for any review. have a nice day
