Waking up is one of the toughest battles Humanity has ever fought and continues to fight today. To have the motivation, courage, willpower, and strength to remove themselves from their peaceful slumber for another day of their lives. Truly, humans have become the epitome of determination.
To wake up is to face reality. The harshness that the world has to offer. Yet, they continue to live on, even against Beasts of the Unknown, even against Nature's Wrath, and even against the Will of the Gods.
Humanity continues to fight to their last breath, and no other God, Beast, or Entity will stand in their way to prosperity.
But...
That was mostly all in the past.
Where Humanity once stood as one against all odds thrown at them, now, most simply go about their lives in bliss and ignorance of the workings of the world they live in.
Most, because there are a few who continue the preparations for the inevitable.
A few who continue to challenge the Supernatural for their rightful place in the world.
A few who simply wish to discover their limits and the limits of Humanity.
A few who simply wish to live a peaceful life with their loved ones and out of harm's way.
—
Kuoh Town: April 2, XXXX
3rd POV
Last month flew by in a flash. It almost felt like it never was a break in the first place. If you were like a certain someone, you would've felt the dread that came with waking up and realizing the days of freedom were over.
Issei didn't want to wake up.
Why?
Simple, because school started today.
It was such a simple thing, wake up, go to a prison-like building, stay in for most of the day, then leave for a night of rest. Details were left out, obviously, but the simpler the terms the easier it was to see how tedious and boring it was to do this every day of the week.
Aside from Sundays of course.
But that didn't make it seem less annoying and frustrating. The fact that the first day of school was on a Monday didn't help either.
Trying to hide from the sun that assaulted him through his window, Issei all but buried himself in his bed. It was a useless effort, because his mother called out to him not a second later from downstairs.
"Issei! Get down here, you're not going to be late on the first day!"
Issei groaned before tossing his covers to the side and reluctantly got out of bed. The night of sleep was negated by the training he had asked from Ddraig in his dreamscape. Even though it didn't help him physically, it was nice to train his mind in the ways of battle.
Ddraig had advised him to rest since school was coming up, but Issei had convinced him by saying that their time would be limited now because of school. Though displeased, Ddraig found no reason to deny him any further than that. Which led to countless nights of training in his dreamscape whenever he slept.
Issei: "Damn, my head hurts..."
He walked out of his room and towards the bathroom while rubbing his forehead to ease the pain. It was only once he was inside and brushing his teeth, when Ddraig decided to speak to him.
Ddraig: "Can't say I told you so...oh wait? I had told you so!"
Issei mentally clicked his tongue and continued to rinse his mouth.
Ddraig: "What did you expect? It's training...in your dreamscape! Of course, it would cause mental repercussions!"
Issei spit the waste out of his mouth before glaring at the back of his left hand.
Issei: "Can you calm down?! All I said was that my head hurts!"
He made sure not to speak too loudly. He didn't want his parents to think he was mentally insane. Ddraig, merely scoffed at his response.
Ddraig: "Mhmm, what about yesterday? The day before that? And the day before that?"
Memories played in Issei's head of the first time he tried training with the Dragon in his mind. His screams filling the void that surrounded him, the throbbing pain of his head, and the aching of his heart beating too quickly. Issei remembered how he woke up screaming and how his parents frantically rushed in to check on him. Their looks of panic didn't help since he had to make a lame excuse of "I stubbed my toe." which fortunately they believed.
Issei: "Alright, alright. You were right! Maybe I shouldn't have rushed for more training the last few days."
Issei reluctantly agreed with his partner, to which Ddraig mentally praised him for.
Ddraig: "Good, now get going already."
He didn't wait for a response and immediately cut the connection between them, much to Issei's ire.
Issei: "Sheesh, what are you, my second dad?"
He grumbled under his breath as he made his way downstairs fully dressed in the Kuoh Academy uniform. He didn't like the dress-shirt, or any dress-shirts to be honest, due to the fact that the collar was always too tight around his neck. So, he simply unbuttoned it and wore a red shirt underneath it. The pants were of the material that shrunk if you didn't laundry it a certain way, so it wasn't up to his tastes either.
His dad was already eating at the table when he walked into the kitchen. Walking to his usual seat, Issei placed his school bag on the chair next to himself and sat down. His dad put down the newspaper he had and looked at him, his face turned to a look of amusement.
Gorou: "Look at my boy, all dressed and ready to go! I see you've got yourself a sense of fashion going!~"
Gorou teased him while he tried to hide his chuckling. Issei gave him a flat look before sighing while eating some eggs.
Issei: "It's not my fault the uniforms are so uncomfortable. Plus, we both know I look like shit in this outfit."
His dad pushed his glasses up and grinned while chuckling out loud. Taking a sip of his coffee, he gave Issei an amused stare.
Gorou: "You said it, not me~"
A tick-mark formed on Issei's forehead as his eye twitched in annoyance.
Issei: "Eat your food already, old man!"
He exclaimed while pointing his fork at him. That was before a hand smacked him in the back of his head. He hissed and turned to his mother who was looking at him unamused.
Miki: "What did I say about disrespecting your father like that?"
Issei: "To let you do it?"
His mother's frown turned to a smile as she nodded and gave him a kiss on the forehead. She then turned away and walked into the kitchen, while his dad simply chuckled before going back to reading.
—
The rest of the morning was gone by the time Issei finished his meal. His dad had left to work at his office on the other side of town while his mom went to get ready for the daycare. He, himself, left after his mom did and with a good ten minutes to walk to school.
Issei took his time since he wasn't particularly excited for the start of school, and calmly walked down the sidewalk to Kuoh Academy. He basked himself in the warm sun that simply made him want to fall asleep again. He held himself back though, wouldn't want to be kidnapped or ran over for sleeping on the sidewalk.
Issei lazily glanced at the other students nearby accompanying the same sidewalk he was on.
The others were wearing the same uniform as him walking in groups but Issei ignored them as he decided to simply think about who would be in his class. He hoped he would have all of his friends there, but he knew it was wishful thinking. Sometimes he wondered if the school intentionally likes to split groups of friends every year.
Not seeing the point in thinking about it any longer, he sighed and walked faster. It was at this point that he crossed the bridge and made it to the entrance of his school.
Kuoh Academy.
The school never ceased to amaze him with its size, especially last year when he was a freshman. It was understandable since it was the only high school in their town, but it still would've cost a ton to build it.
Not wanting to be late, Issei snapped out of his trance and continued walking towards the school building. Just as he took a step past the gate entrance, he felt as if he passed through an invisible wall.
If Ddraig didn't tell him it was a protection barrier last year when he first unlocked Boosted Gear, Issei would've thought it was a trap or sealing magic. Luckily, Ddraig explained it to him before he did anything stupid while at school.
Another thing that the barrier did, aside from warding off outside attacks, was conceal the presence of any supernatural entity within it from the outside world.
Issei didn't get it at first since he suspected that if he could feel it then wouldn't everyone else?
Ddraig had quickly stomped on that line of thought by mentioning how over the generations, most humans had gradually lost their ability perceive the supernatural. With evolution of sciences and technology, Humanity had started to brush aside the supernatural explanations for things for more logical conclusions.
For example, instead of a supernatural Beast causing havoc on a city or town, the average day human would see it as a tornado or earthquake.
Instead of Gods battling it out in the sea and causing chaos, the humans of today would simply see it as a tsunami or hurricane.
So, for the most part, humans had become desensitized by the supernatural. Though Ddraig did mention how in his last host, there had been mentions of a human mage association out in the Western Hemisphere.
Issei didn't care about that at the moment since he wouldn't ever travel to the Western side of the world, but made sure to keep that information in mind.
Ddraig: "The number of Devils has increased."
Issei almost jumped out of fright when Ddraig's voice suddenly rang in his head without warning.
Ddraig: "Calm yourself, Issei. It's simply just me."
Issei quickly stepped to the side and pressed his back on the nearby tree. He then pulled his phone out and placed it on his ear to look like he was on a call.
Issei: "How about you warn me next time! You scared the shit out of me!"
Ddraig: "Then we need to fix that, you can't be scared of every little thing."
Issei: "Wow! Okay, screw you then!"
Ddraig decided to ignore that and mentally noted for later to make his training more severe as punishment.
Ddraig: "A total of 13 Devils."
Ddraig's serious tone, as he noted the amount, caused Issei to stop his charade and focus.
Issei: "More than double from last year..."
He hummed in thought as he glanced around the surrounding area. Issei didn't know if he as being watched or not, but it wouldn't hurt to be cautious.
His eyes passed by many groups of people, barely any that he knew or associated with. None seemed to be keeping an eye on him or trying to keep him in their sights. Seeing that he was in the clear, Issei turned back to look at the school.
Issei: "So? What's the plan, other than trying to lay low?"
He asked his partner as he himself didn't know what to do about the situation. Last year there were only five Devils that went to their school. Luckily for Issei, he only had one or two interactions with them. Now they seemed to have multiplied and from the direction of their demonic auras, they seemed to be scattered across the school.
Ddraig: "Absolutely nothing. If you want to avoid suspicion, I advise you to act as normal as possible. Even if they confront you."
Ddraig simply stated, and Issei couldn't rebuke his calm tone since what he said was true. He didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb, especially when it involved supernatural beings. Issei barely knew what they were capable of and from the stories Ddraig told him of the Gods and Deities, he preferred not finding out ever.
Issei: "Got it. So, same shit, different day?"
Ddraig: "If you want to simplify it, then yes. But don't be surprised if they figure it out, your aura has increased and is far more easier to detect due to your training. Once again, can't say I hadn't told you so, your actions have consequences and I believe this is one of them."
Issei clicked his tongue before cutting the connection with the Dragon. He walked out from under the tree while putting his phone up and made his way inside the building. Once he found out what his homeroom was after checking the notice board inside, Issei made his way up the stairs to the second floor and walked to the J-Hallway.
There were still some strays wondering the halls. By the look in their faces they were completely lost, not that he could blame them since the school was WAY too big to navigate. Luckily, the teachers and faculty found it reasonable to give students some leeway even if they were ten minutes late to class.
Issei found his class relatively quickly since it was J-04, one of the closest classes to the stairs. Walking inside he was greeted by the small and constant chattering that filled the room. Some looked up in his direction before waving a "Hello" at him and turning back to their conversations, while others ignored him completely. Issei didn't pay them any mind and quickly scanned the room for familiar faces.
It was when his eyes looked at the back of the class that caused him to release a sigh of relief. There, gathered around a desk, were Matsuda, Motohama, and Aika talking to each other. Closing the door behind him, Issei quickly made his way towards them and got their attention, with Matsuda being the first to notice him.
Matsuda: "Well look who it is!"
He exclaimed, causing Aika and Motohama to turn and look. When they noticed him walking their way, they smiled and waved.
Motohama: "Nice to see almost the whole gang here!"
He said as he pushed his glasses up making it somehow shine. Issei still didn't know how he did that, maybe it was some magic that he unconsciously emits whenever he does it. Either way, Issei smiled as he took an empty seat near them.
Issei: "Is Irina going to be in our class?"
Aika shook her head apologetically.
Aika: "Nah, I texted her just a few minutes ago and she told me she's on the R-Hallway."
Matsuda: "Damn really? That's like on the other side of school."
They all were disheartened that their friend wouldn't be in their class this year, but decided to get ready for home-room. All four friends gathered around in the corner of the classroom and talked for the rest of the morning.
After a few minutes, the bell rang and almost all chatter ceased. Almost all, since Issei's group were still speaking to one another.
Issei: "Hey, I wonder who's going to be our homeroom teacher this year."
Motohama: "Same. I just hope it's not Ms. Hojiwa."
Aika frowned as memories flashed in her mind of multiple stacks of Literature homework filling her backpack. She then shivered as she remembered the numerous restless nights trying to finish them.
Aika: "Y-yeah...let's just hope she's teaching on the other side of school this time."
"Agreed."
All four of them nodded their head in agreement as the entire class waited for their teacher to arrive. It was about another five minutes before the sound of the door to the classroom at the front being opened caught their attention. A middle aged round man entered the class with a frown on his face. The sight of him caused almost the entire class to want to bash their heads on their desk.
Motohama: "Fuck it's Mr. Kazuto."
He whispered under his breathe. Although Motohama was trying to major in engineering for a career, even he grew to hate math with the way Mr. Kazuto taught their class last year.
Matsuda: "I think this is even worse than Ms. Hojiwa..."
Issei groaned as he rested his head on his desk in despair, this was followed by the rest of class groaning as well. Mr. Kazuto's frown worsened as he knew exactly why they were groaning.
Kazuto: "Be quiet! Homeroom is now in session!"
The groaning stopped as the class simply slumped in despair. Having math as the first class in the morning was one thing, having Mr. Kazuto be the one teaching it was an entirely different thing. Nonetheless, the class continued on as he did the roll call.
After he had gone over the entire list, he then ordered everyone to stand made everyone remember a rumor about having Mr. Kazuto as a homeroom teacher. That he did something so horrendous that it would break friendships. Something horrendous that just by having him as your homeroom teacher, the entire school pitied you. Something so vile and cruel that many wondered if he was a demon in disguise.
Mr. Kazuto licked his lips as he cleared his throat and glared at the lined up students against the wall. They all stared back at him with the color draining off their faces. The looks of despair and realization was present on all of their faces.
Aika, Motohama, Matsuda, and Issei all looked at one another and all hugged each other as if the end of the world was upon them. It was then when Mr. Kazuto spoke in the most sinister voice the entire class had ever heard.
"Let's go down the list for assigned seats."
—
Hours Later
Issei collapsed his head on his desk as he almost passed out from overheating. This was all due to the location of where his desk was located at. His seat was all the way at the back and closest to the window. Although the view was great, it was not worth having the sun constantly blast its rays on him in the middle of class.
He lifted his head and glanced around the room. Issei noticed he wasn't the only one struggling from the heat as the entire row of students in front of him were sweating and fanning themselves. This was only in the middle of Spring, Issei dared not think of what it would be like during the Summer.
His eyes then wandered to Aika's location where she was laughing with while talking to a group of people. He assumed them to be her friends, but Aika always had a way to make new friends off the bat so he wasn't sure. Issei then noticed Matsuda and Motohama talking to one another, but since they were nowhere near him, he couldn't join in.
Having nothing better to do, Issei simply decided to look over his schedule once more. Unfortunately, he had Statistics, Literature, and Chemistry all on one day with one elective for last period. His schedule for the next day was more relaxed as it only involved History, PE, Culinary Arts, and the same elective he had for today.
Issei was confused since not only did he have the same elective class for both days, but because it was also a Mythology class. Something completely new and foreign to him since he never heard of a school having a class on Mythology. A few more things that bothered him was the fact that the wasn't a name for a teacher to teach the class, and the class was M-084 which was upstairs on the third floor.
Aside from Culinary, Chemistry, and PE, Issei didn't understand why he needed to move to a different classroom for a class about Mythology. It wasn't like Chemistry where you work with substances or Culinary where you cook. All of this just gave Issei a bad feeling the more he thought of it. The fact that Ddraig had remained eerily quiet the entire time and that it was his next class too wasn't helping.
As the bell rang and dismissed everyone to their next class, Issei quickly waved goodbye to Aika, Motohama, and Matsuda then made his way upstairs to the third floor. As he climbed the steps, his instincts gradually continued to grow and warn him of an impending danger. His footsteps slowed as he mentally called out to his partner, only to receive silence.
Just as he was about to become frustrated, the sound of Irina calling out to him pulled Issei from his thoughts.
Irina: "Issseeeiiii!"
Issei turned and saw Irina running towards him as she waved her arm with a smile. He pushed his previous thoughts to the back of his mind and waved back at her.
Issei: "Hey Irina! What brings you here?"
Irina walked past the other students and made it so she was side by side with him. She smiled at him before showing him her schedule.
Irina: "Nothing, just going to my class! M-084, Mythology!"
Issei's eyes widened as he grabbed her schedule and checked it over. Irina frowned from the rude gesture but it quickly went away when she saw Issei's schedule in his hand.
Irina: "YOINK!"
She cheerfully said as she snatched the paper out of his hand. Issei paid it no mind as he did a double-take on her schedule.
Irina: "OOOOOO! We have the same next class together!"
She exclaimed as she looked back up at Issei with an excited look. That seemed to have snapped Issei from his shock before he smiled back at her.
Issei: "Hehe, yeah I guess it does. Glad that as least I'll have someone I know in this class!"
Irina nodded her head in agreement as they both walked down the hallway. With their slow pace, the other students had mostly left which left them mostly alone. Issei was increasingly growing worried as he felt a bad premonition with each step he took.
To take his mind off if, he decided to make small talk.
Issei: "I wonder who our teacher is."
Irina: "Hmmm, me too. I noticed that it didn't tell us who was teaching us this class."
Irina got a thoughtful look on her face as she glanced at Issei's schedule still in her hands. Issei didn't bother trying to get it back since he already memorized which classes he had, and he also had a picture in his phone just in case.
As they walked, it was now that Issei suddenly realized why his instincts were flaring over and over. The dark and demonic presences within the school were now concentrated in one spot of the school. That said spot was coming closer and closer the more they walked down the M-Hallway.
M-080.
Issei gulped the saliva that built in his mouth as his eyes scanned the surroundings. He instinctively got closer to Irina in a protective manner as he became more alert.
M-081.
Unbeknownst to him, however, Irina had also sensed the presences of the Devils within the school. She didn't pay them much mind since her Father explained the situation regarding the supernatural in Kuoh. Nonetheless, she stayed vigilant whenever she was even fifty feet from one of them.
M-082.
Irina: "Keep calm! Just keep calm! As long as you don't start anything then nothing will happen...I hope."
Irina glanced at Issei from the corner of her eyes. She mentally grimaced as she pondered the possibilities of things going south. She then tightened her grip on her Holy Sword Mimic that was attached to her finger in its ring form. Irina then stepped closer to Issei in a protective manner similar to him, neither seemed to mind as they mentally focused on the presences ahead.
Irina: "Be strong Irina! For Issei!"
M-083.
She noticed the small draconic presence that Issei emitted. Though from the amount, she could make a guess that he had a Sacred Gear and it wasn't awakened yet. But that still only made her more worried for her childhood friend since if she could sense it, then so could they. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to become a slave for demonic entities. Irina made a small prayer in her mind as she prayed to the Lord for Issei's safety.
M-84.
Both them stood in front of their classroom door. Neither moved to open it as they simply stared at it. On the other side of the door, the demonic auras being emitted by the beings inside leaked through. Issei mentally grimaced as his earlier theory was correct and braced himself for any possible conflict. Irina on the other hand tried to calm herself before grabbing the handle of the door and opening it.
Ddraig: "I told you so..."
Issei almost jumped at his sudden voice and was about to yell at him for not responding earlier. But just as quickly as Ddraig made the mental connection, it was cut off. Issei clicked his tongue but quickly walked in the room when he noticed Irina walking in first.
Walking in, Issei and Irina quickly took in account be number of students in the room. Excluding themselves, a total of thirteen people were present, all of which were Devils.
In the front few rows were the members of the Student Council. The Student Council President, Shitori Souna, was sitting and speaking with her Vice President Shinra Tsubaki. Both of which had black hair and glasses. Only differences were their hair length and personalities.
And possibly their body type...but Issei made sure to keep that to himself.
The other members were also near the front, but were discussing amongst each other in a different conversation with Genshirou Saji, the only male member, being the loudest.
Irina and Issei only knew them due to last year when Issei had to help Irina be enrolled here by going to the Student Council for help.
Off in the middle of the classroom were two Upperclassmen talking to each other. One had long crimson hair while the other had raven black hair, both were talking animatedly with one another while laughing and giggling. Both of them were beautiful, something almost the entire school agreed on, but then again, that can be said about almost anyone within this school since everyone had their charm and preferences. There wasn't a competition for something so petty and disgusting like that here, rather it was simply a fact and nothing more.
Issei was vaguely familiar with who they were, not because of their beauty, but because he remembered them asking him to join their Manga Club last year, to which he politely declined since he wanted to go home rather than stay at school any longer.
Issei: "If I remember correctly, those two are...Himejima Akeno and Gushina Rina? At least I think that's who they are..."
Moving his eyes away from them, Issei noticed two people sitting away from everyone else. He didn't want to judge them based on their size but regardless the both of them looked to be freshmen. One had white hair while the other had palish-blonde hair that was barely noticeable under their hood they had over their head.
Irina cooed as she stared at them as she found them cute. That was until she remembered that they were Devils and quickly prayed for forgiveness in her head for her small slip up.
The girl with white hair noticed their gaze and gave a small glare, though it was hard to notice with her stoic look. Seeing that they were caught staring, Issei looked away before his eyes landed on the person sitting in the back of the class.
The guy had his blazer open and the top buttons to his dress shirt uniform open as it gave way to the top of his chest. He had his feet atop of his desk and was leaning on his chair with his hands behind his back. His eyes were closed as his golden blonde hair covered his face as he tilted his head to the ceiling. Issei couldn't help but think of him as the clichè delinquent in an anime.
When Issei finally finished analyzing everyone in the room, he realized just how quiet it became and soon found everyone staring at him and Irina. Issei started to sweat under their gazes and awkwardly coughed into his fist and looked at Irina for help. Irina, herself, was simply waving a hello at them.
Irina: "Hello!"
She spoke with enthusiasm and a little hesitantly. Some waved back like Rina, Akeno, Souna, and Tsubaki, while the rest went back to their conversations and ignored them.
Seeing no reason to keep standing, Issei walked towards an empty desk with Irina following him. They sat beside each other near the back and middle of the classroom and waited for the class to start. It was hard at first but little by little Irina and Issei were becoming less guarded against the Devils that surrounded them. It didn't seem to had been a trap like Issei had thought, they genuinely seemed to be simple high school students. Though Issei did notice several them glancing at Irina as if they were wary of her for some reason.
Moments later, the bell rang for the beginning of the last period of the day. Their teacher didn't seem to be here yet so everyone continued to talk amongst each other. Issei and Irina spoke with each other but that all stopped when Issei heard Ddraig speak in his head.
Ddraig: "This presence!"
Issei suddenly became alert and concentrated on trying to find the presence Ddraig was talking about. He was finding it difficult with the Devil auras masking it but after a little harder on concentrating, he felt it.
Issei: "It feels warm...and calming..."
He felt himself relax as he slumped on his desk a bit. Irina noticed his odd behavior before she too did the same after sending it. The same couldn't be said for the others in the classroom as all the Devils suddenly stiffened and straightened in their seats. Even the delinquent fellow in the back woke up from his nap and frantically tried to keep himself steady from the sudden appearance of the presence.
Irina: "Ooooohhh this feels so good! Makes me feel...so safe."
Irina mentally basked in the feeling of this aura that suddenly seemed to be getting closer and closer to them.
Souna: "W-What?! W-Where do this come from?! Was there a scheduled meeting supposed to be taking place?"
Souna glanced at Tsubaki questioningly but only received a shake of her head that told her that she didn't know either.
Souna: "No, calm yourself. It's highly unlikely that anyone of the three factions would try to cause an all out war.
Rina herself was ready to cast magic as her palms grew sweaty underneath her desk. She tightly gripped her skirt as she tried to calm herself.
Rina: "It's okay! Just calm down! Surely whoever this is, is merely visiting to check the Church right?"
Rina tried to convince herself that her school life wasn't going to end just when it had started. She couldn't afford to be brought back to that place. But the possibility of something else happening that could possibly force her to go back home was in her mind causing doubt to be more prominent.
Rina:"Oh who am I kidding! Who in the name of Lucifer with that amount of power would ever come out here to check up on a Church?!"
Akeno watched as her friend griped her head in despair and simply frowned. She felt the presence that was slowly making its way here and judged that it would advantageous to be prepared. Akeno quickly summoned a few talismans into her sleeves.
The magic emitted from summoning them caused almost the whole class to tense and prepare themselves as well. Issei and Irina were one flinch away from running out of the room from the sudden change in atmosphere.
Though all of that changed when the presence suddenly disappeared as if it never existed in the first place. This caused a few to sigh in relief while others grew confused.
Suddenly, the door at the front of the classroom opened and in walked a man with beautiful long milky white hair that flowed to his waist. He wore a black and white suit that complimented his hair along with his flawless face. The man, who they presumed to be their teacher, looked to be about his mid to late twenties.
The man walked inside before closing the door and stopped to the chalkboard. He then turned and his dull violet eyes gazed at the students within the room. The man seemingly scanned the room and looked directly at everyone's eyes causing them to either flinch or cower. Even the stoic girl from earlier showed some emotion when he faced her direction. He didn't even exude any aura or power, the man's presence was that of any normal human, and yet he felt so intimidating to them whenever they looked into his eyes. Finally, his eyes landed on Issei's.
Issei felt all the color and warmth within his body disintegrate as he stared into those lifeless eyes. A chill went up his spine as he momentarily lost the ability to breathe as they simply stare at each other. The man's stoic face never changed as he stared, and Issei felt as if he was drowning in the voids of those orbs of violet.
That was until the man suddenly broke eye contact and turned his blackboard. He picked up the chalk and started writing on the board. Once finished, he turned back around and put his arms behind his back.
Man: "Hello."
His voice was just as emotionless as his face. Everyone gave him their full attention as they watched his every move.
Man: "My name is Y/n L/n, and I am your Mythology Teacher."
The class of 13 Devils, a Dragon Host, and Exorcist of the Church was silent. No one dared spoke a word as they stared at him as if he were an eldritch entity. Their teacher, Y/n, didn't even seem to care as he started to shuffle through the binder he seemingly pulled from nowhere.
Y/n: "Let us begin roll call."
Issei zoned out as he was suddenly pulled into his dreamscape by Ddraig. His body in the real world simply stared into the distance. Due to the sudden action, Issei was alarmed when the crimson flames surrounding him roared to life and then spiraled around one another to form the figure of a dragon.
Issei: "God damn you, Ddraig! Learn to warn me whenever you do that!"
Ddraig merely snorted in amusement for some reason, causing Issei to grow confused.
Issei: "What's so funny?"
Ddraig: "N-Nothing *cough* *cough* Enough! Let us get to the matter at hand here."
Issei: "Riiight...So, how do you know this guy? A friend of yours? Pretty sure you know him if your earlier comment was anything to go by."
Ddraig grunted in displeasure as he didn't want to tell his host everything just yet. Issei still wasn't ready in his opinion, and the fact that someone like Y/n had already made their presence known was causing the Dragon of Domination to worry just a bit.
Ddraig: "...More of an old acquaintance than a friend...or if to put it in human terms, business-partners."
Issei: "I'm not even going to question what that business is about."
Ddraig: "And it should stay that way."
Issei: "Either way, you still haven't told me how you know this guy. He's our teacher and yet whenever I look him in the eye, I get a feeling of dread and hopelessness."
Issei shivered as he remembered the feeling of looking him in the eye. Ddraig paid his host no mind as he tried to come up with a way to diverge from that certain topic. He had to come up with a way to get his host's interest while also making it so no suspicion was placed on him. Ddraig thought of many different things and topics to discuss that could be vital or informative.
Then in a moment of pure genius, Ddraig came up with the most efficient and concrete plan: Kick him out and let future Ddraig deal with it.
Ddraig: *Yawwwnnn* "I'm tired..."
Issei: "What? How? You sleep all the time and only wake up when ever you feel like it...makes you look sound like a parasite."
Ddraig didn't say anything for a while and simply stared down at Issei. After a few seconds, Ddraig, somehow, smacked his slips and sniffled his noise before acting as if that entire interaction didn't happen.
Ddraig: "Anyways...Get out."
Issei made a confused noise as he looked at the dragon before he was suddenly fading away to the real world.
Issei: "Oi! Oi! Oi! What the heck do you think you are doing you overgrown lizard?!"
Ddraig ignored him and simply feigned a yawn before laying his head down.
Ddraig: "About your teacher...Can't say I didn't told you so..."
Was the last thing Issei heard.
Issei: "OH SCREW YO—"
Issei blinked his eyes as his vision cleared up in the real world. He rubbed his eyes with his fingers before looking up. Issei had to use everything within his power to not jump from his seat as Y/n stood in front of his desk and towered over him.
Issei froze in fear and surprise as he slowly looked up at Y/n who was staring at him. The situation only made Issei want to shrink back into his seat even more than he already was.
Y/n: "Are you Hyoudou Issei?"
He stoically asked him. Issei didn't say anything but merely nodded his head slightly. The entire class watched from the sideline and even Irina was backed away a bit from the two of them.
Issei: 'Don't just scoot away! Help me!'
He mentally screamed at his classmates, even if they were Devils they should have the decency to help a fellow student out, right?! His thoughts were put to a halt when he suddenly felt something hit the top of his head. Issei rubbed his head as he hissed in pain and looked up at Y/n holding a rolled up magazine he pulled from somewhere.
Y/n: "Pay attention. I almost marked you absent."
He smoothly said before turning to the front and walking back to the board. The intense tension in the classroom seemingly disappeared after that interaction as everyone simply sweat dropped and sighed in relief.
Y/n finished roll call with Vladi Gasper being the last person being called on. He/She was the freshmen with the hoodie that covered his/her entire figure. Issei didn't know whether they were male or female since they were small and had a quiet voice that made him think that they could be either one.
Y/n then handed out a journals for them to write their notes before opening his binder and addressing the class.
Y/n: "Let us begin with our first lesson."
—
After School
Issei ran home alone since Irina needed to be home early and his other friends were busy with things with their family. Issei didn't know what to think regarding the situation about the class full of Devils and their mysterious Teacher. He didn't know what to think of the guy and the last conversation with him before leaving class didn't give Issei a positive outlook on him either.
Flashback
Y/n: "I'll see you soon Hyoudou Issei."
Y/n suddenly spoke before Issei could leave with Irina. Issei turned to look at his teacher who was currently writing in a book with a feather, both of which Issei never saw him have before.
Issei: "Uuuuuhhh...yeah...see you tomorrow, Y/n-sensei."
Issei awkwardly spoke back as he realized he was no alone with him. The sun shined through the window as it was starting to set, causing a ray of light to hit Issei in the eye and made him notice the book Y/n was holding. Y/n continued to write in his book that was seemingly made of gold and silver while the feather in his hand was of the purest white. Not once did he look up from his book as he addressed him again.
Y/n: "I believe we will meet far sooner than tomorrow."
Issei was going to ask what he meant, but Ddraig suddenly pulled him from his thoughts.
Ddraig: 'Issei, it would be in your best interest to head home now.'
That alone made Issei worry about what could possibly be happening at home. Neither of the two mentioned anything about his parents, but nonetheless, the implications of something bad happening made him worry. And so, without another word, Issei ran out of the school and towards his house.
Flashback End
Issei ran faster towards his home, and would've boosted his legs to go faster if Ddraig hadn't stopped him. Either way, if anyone were to see him, they would've seen his speeding silhouette as a blur with how fast he was going. His training was paying off, but at the moment he couldn't care less about that.
Issei: 'Please be alright! Please be alright!'
Issei pleaded as he sped through the neighborhood. His speed only increase when he sensed the similar presence from earlier in the day right where his house should be. He grew more alarmed and bolted right through the door when once he was close.
The loud sound of the door slamming open caused Issei's mom to scream in surprise while his father quickly ran to the hallway to see who was breaking into their home.
Issei: "Mom! Dad!"
Issei yelled for them as he ran towards his dad and searched for his mom. He sighed in relief when he found both of them unharmed and alright. Though the feeling of relief was not the same for his parents as they looked at their son and the door he almost tore off its hinges.
Miki: "Issei! What is wrong?! Are you hurt?!"
His mother all but dragged him into the living room protectively and searched his body for any wounds. Gorou went to the closet and fetched his handgun that he kept hidden for safety measures and stayed on the lookout in the hallway.
Gorou: "Son?! Who's after you? How many? Are they armed?"
His father seriously spoke out as he aimed his firearm at the entrance, not once did his eyes leave the opening. Issei panicked for an excuse since he was only worried for his parents but now they were worried for him. His savior came in the form of Ddraig giving him some information from the news a few weeks days back.
Issei: "S-Sorry! I was just worried about the recent rise of Yakuza incidents..."
He sheepishly said as he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. His parents both sighed in relief before his mother hugged him and started to scold him for scaring them like that. Gorou simply clicked his tongue since the gang members in town were indeed getting up to no good. He put the handgun back in its place after he closed and locked the door.
Miki: "Scaring me like that young man! Do you want to give me a heart attack?!"
His mother yelled before smacking him on the head. Issei grunted but didn't feel pain since his pain tolerance was increasing from the training. But regardless he made the show of being reprimanded.
Issei: "Sorry, sorry. I'll make sure to call you guys instead of running here..."
Miki nodded her head before turning to enter the kitchen.
Miki: "Good! Oh! And by the way. We have a few guests, make sure to keep a watch over them for me, will you?"
That statement caused Issei to suddenly notice the two people exuding that aura that he felt within his house. He slowly turned his head and realized the two children sitting on the couch staring at him.
Miki: "I found them lost around outside the daycare, they said their parent was going to come pick them up in a few hours so instead of leaving them outside there, I took them in and left a note to this address."
Issei's breath was lost and he couldn't even process what his mother had said. His mind was racing as he glanced at the two occupants in front of him. The two children seemed like twins, both of which had snow-white hair and skin along with a suit and dress respectively. They both had mismatched eyes, the male twin had a light blue left eye while his right one was violet. The female twin was similar except they were switched.
Issei flinched when he felt the familiarity of those violet eyes. And since that feeling of familiarity wasn't from long ago, he quickly pieced in the pieces of the puzzle.
Issei: 'Are these his kids? Is he coming here? Was that what Y/n-sensei meant?'
Questions piled up and up in his mind. Ddraig silently observed the situation but found no way to stop this meeting from happening. It was too late and just like with his other hosts, there was no way to run or hide once they were found and noticed.
Gorou: "Don't keep standing there, go introduce yourself Issei. The little boy is So-kun while the little girl is Ari-chan. At least that's how they introduced themselves to me."
His father patted his shoulder before heading into the kitchen with his mother. Issei stood still before slowly making his way and taking a seat across from them on the other couch. They followed his movement and it gave Issei the creeps. After a second of silence, Issei decided to speak.
Issei: "U-U-Um... my name is—"
He was quickly interrupted by the female twin.
Little girl: "We know who you are, Hyoudou Issei."
Issei managed to hide his surprise by gritting his teeth. Of course, by their aura they emitted, he could tell they were of supernatural origin. So it made sense to treat them as such and not be fooled by their childish appearances.
Little boy: "Or would you prefer we call you the Red Dragon Emperor."
Little girl: "Host and wielder of Ddraig the Welsh Dragon of Domination."
Issei instantly made it across the room with his Boosted Gear summoned and aimed at the back of their heads.
Issei: "Who are you?"
He spoke coldly as he was not taking the chance of his parents being in harms way. Issei wouldn't actually start a fight here in his home, but he needed answers and he needed them now. Neither of the twins bothered to turn to him as they looked at him from the corner of their eyes.
Little girl: "It would be wise of you to sit down Red Dragon Emperor."
Little boy: "To start a fight with us is something we doubt you want."
Suddenly, in a blur, both of the twins disappeared from their seats and had him pinned on the ground with blades of light keeping his neck in a scissor-like trap. They both smiled down at him but it didn't reach their eyes as they were cold and empty.
Just as suddenly as they pinned him down, they quickly released their hold on him and sat back down. Issei got up and made his Boosted Gear go away, though warily he kept his distance from them. After taking a seat, Issei finally was able to think straight and it finally clicked on who he was dealing with.
Little girl: "Allow is to properly introduce ourselves."
Little boy: "I am Sostà"
Sostà said as he bowed his head and smiled.
Little girl: "And I am Aristerà."
She then gave a similar bow as well as smiling at him.
Sostà/Aristerà: "And we are the Ambassadors of Heaven."
They both grinned at Issei in amusement as he had a look at bafflement and was the final piece that Issei needed to finally realize who he was dealing with and who his teacher actually was. The sudden renovation of the Church a few weeks back, the aura that emitted a feeling of warmth and security, the imposing and intimidating presence that caused the Devils to stiffen, and the blades of light that they had made just now, all pointed to one conclusion.
There were Angels in Kuoh now.
Ddraig: "Once again...this unwarranted attention is what I was warning you about. Can't say I hadn't told you so...I've said that too many times today. *sigh*"
Issei was too dumbfounded to respond back or reprimand him for saying that phrase again. Instead he stared at the two smiling children who only seemed to smile wider as time went on.
At the end, there was only one thing Issei could say as he finally processed everything.
Issei: "Fuck."
—
