Sorry I've been away for a month. I was busy with school and work, so I couldn't spend as much time as I wanted to on this chapter. I also did some thinking and to throw another twist into the plot, I've shifted gears again. Hopefully you'll enjoy it.

Also, I was notified of about an issue that someone noticed with the Peerage. Kuroka isn't Vali's Bishop, she's her Queen, as mentioned in Chapter 19. This is Vali's Peerage lineup for complete clarification.

Vali's Peerage:

King – Vali

Queen – Kuroka

Bishop 1 – Lefay

Bishop 2 – Elaine

Knight 1 – Arthur

Knight 2 – Lianshi

Rook 1 – Bikou

Rook 2 – Vacant

Pawns 1-8 - Issei


Chapter 23: Sweet Treachery

Issei felt fortunate but also unhappy at the same time. He felt fortunate because this time, there didn't seem to be an Avitur attack incoming. Still, he wasn't happy that he had to fight already. To add to his dismay, he had to sit with Lefay on her broom, given how he couldn't fly. He looked around him and sighed.

Vali, Kuroka, Sairaorg, and his peerage were flying with their wings. Bikou was using his staff to magically extend itself, riding atop it with Lianshi. Then, there was Izalana, who was flying…without wings

"What?!" Issei exclaimed.

"Magic. Can't fight dragons very well if we can't hit them in the air." Izalana shrugged.

"Issei, why are you even surprised anymore?" Kuroka raised a brow.

'Hey, I was just a normal guy until at least half a year ago." Issei defensively replied.

"And now you're just as crazy as the world you live in now." Vali chuckled.

Everyone immediately shut up when they arrived at their destination. The source of the dragon's cry came from a cave that went underground. The forest around it was covered in snow, with the cave blasted by frost. Looking at the entrance, it was cracked and battered quite forcefully Clearly, a fight took place here.

Issei paused. He smelled the air. It was a putrid scent that reminded him of a nostalgic smell. It was so familiar, like metal mixed with other unpleasant scents. He felt an uneasy chill as an uncomfortable spark went off in his head.

"Get ready." Vali said.

The entire group was accustomed to this smell and knew that something was here. It was the smell of blood. Blood had been spilled here and it could be their own next.

"Kuisha, come with me. The rest of you, stay here and watch the entrance." Sairaorg ordered.

"The same to you all. Arthur, Lefay, and Bikou are to come down." Vali said to her own peerage.

As that group descended, Issei waited outside. He felt uneasy. Something was down here and it just felt so wrong. Every fiber of his being was telling him to get down there and see what was wrong. It really frustrated him sometimes.

'Relax. You need to learn to adjust to it. Don't let Bahamut's urges get the better of you.' Rexis explained.

'I don't understand it. If Bahamut is sealed, then how come he's so active? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of sealing him?' Issei asked.

'I'll try to put it as simply as I can. It's like being asleep but you're still able to toss and turn when there's noise or something's touching you. In this case, it's Bahamut's urges and emotions that do the tossing and turning and it leaks out of the seal, onto you as impulses. It's like pouring things through a small crack in a wall.'

'I see, but how do I stop it?'

'It depends on you. When it happened to me, I did my best to keep my emotions in check. I tried to rationalize that it was Bahamut who felt those emotions and that they weren't mine. You need to be able to differentiate what is and isn't from you. You need to be able to keep yourself separate from Bahamut.' Rexis advised.

Issei was interrupted when he noticed that the wind in the area had picked up. It had been snowing gently here but all of a sudden, it picked up and became more of a storm. It had gotten so bad that everyone was forced to get inside the cave and make some fires to stay warm.

'That's not the product of a storm.' Rexis warned.

Looking into the distance, Issei felt the gusts of wind grow stronger with each pulse. Then, a sound that was mightier than a lion and more piercing than a hawk hit his ears.

"Dragon." Issei concluded.

"Dragons." Kuisha corrected him.

Materializing their weapons, Issei raised a hand to stop them.

"Wait, we need to be careful about this."

"Yeah, careful not to become lunch." Kuroka snarked.

"Remember, the Dragon Slayers and the Dragons are dancing around the idea of war. If we just start attacking, we might make things worse." Issei reminded everyone.

"He's right. Hold for now." Kuisha ordered.

Landing in front of them, were 3 Western dragons, all each blue, red, or grey. They sniffed everyone and narrowed their eyes.

"It reeks of blood here…dragon's blood." The Blue Dragon noted.

"It wasn't us, we've only just arrived." Issei knew where they were going with this. He had to say something.

"And how can we be so sure, human?" The Red Dragon asked.

"This is a post placed here by the border of our land. How can we be so sure that you haven't done anything to the dragons stationed here?" The Blue Dragon followed up.

True, they didn't have any proof. If anything, there was plenty reason for the dragons to believe that they had caused the havoc here. Issei had to think of something quickly.

"We heard the cries of dragons and came to investigate. I am from the Alliance. My comrades and I came here to help deal with the Khaos Brigade, a rogue terrorist group. We had reason to believe that they may have come here." Issei explained.

"We remember the olden times to when the Pantheons waged war and when Heaven and Hell fought. This was all your doing in the first place. Why is it that your war has touched these isolated lands? Why is it that your pantheon always sparks war?" The Blue Dragon scoffed.

"You should know we have no reason to harm your people. We only came here to find our own enemies." Issei said.

"If that is the case, then you will step aside and allow us to see for ourselves if you mean no harm." The Blue Dragon stepped forward.

There was no choice but to step aside. They'd have looked guilty if they tried to stop the dragons. However, if the dragons were looking for war, then they'd simply accuse the Dragon Slayers or even the Alliance for spilling dragon blood. They couldn't do a thing.

Forced to step aside, the Blue Dragon walked into the entrance. Issei prepared himself for a fight at any moment. Things could go in any direction right now.

Soon enough, everyone looked to the cave, where the Blue Dragon and the others were returning from.

"The dragons here were killed, but it wasn't their doing." The Blue Dragon growled.

"What?"

"No blade or human magic did it. What killed them was unique, unlike any magic that either races have. No bite or claw marks. The wounds that they bore were impossible to make with weapons. It was as if something rapidly destroyed them, cell by cell like acid." The Blue Dragon noted.

"And how do we know that this isn't some trick?" The Grey Dragon asked.

"The magic that killed our brethren was unlike anything that we've seen before. However, the Elders may know what caused it. For now, we will depart, but know this…if this was indeed the product of human trickery, understand that we will begin war immediately." The Blue Dragon turned towards Izalana before taking flight with his companions.

"Well, that was a lot quieter than expected." Issei exhaled out of relief.

"Come on, we need to get back before something else happens." Izalana urged.


When they returned to the Castle, Izalana reported to the King. Since the Peerages were merely there to serve as backup, they were largely removed from the politics of the situation. Issei didn't mind. He never liked politics anyways. He was only concerned about the orders.

Soon, they were brought into the Throne Room to have an audience with the King, who still kept his mistrusting glare.

"My daughter has informed me of what happened and what you found. As per our agreement, you are free to take your own actions when the Khaos Brigade attacks and are free to roam the premises in that time. However, I will be issuing a new order. I would like to request your aid in something." King Vorda looked at Izalana with a bit of exasperation.

"My daughter has also told me that you now know the reason for our tension with the dragons."

Vali merely nodded.

"I will admit that it was my idea to use you as bait and I will claim full responsibility for it. However, now that it's come to this, I now request that you aid in the destruction of the horn that would summon Razwyrmr from the alternate dimension."

Vali and Sairaorg looked at each other, weighing their options. They were quiet for a several long moments, but Vorda was patient enough to wait. Issei was a bit cross with the King. He had way too much audacity to use people and then ask for said people's help.

"We will contact our superiors. Until then, our answer will have to wait." Vali replied.

Vorda closed his eyes, nodding.

"Very well. You may go now." He waved them off.


When they were in a quieter place, Issei decided to talk to Vali.

"What did you guys find down there?" He asked.

"Dragon corpses. Some of them were torn apart, but the way the wounds were made, didn't match up to what we'd guessed. There were no teeth marks, claw marks, or any evidence that it was a dragon that killed them. All the same, the cut wounds they had weren't clean like how a blade would do it. Instead, it was as if something shredded away at their flesh, like acid…no…like the atoms of their bodies were removed." Vali tried to explain.

"And you think the Khaos Brigade might've done it?" Lefay asked.

"Who knows. The Hero Faction is full of people who have Sacred Gears and they all do different things. However, it could be something else. The feeling that I had down there, was like the feeling that I had when that serpent attacked the Pendragon Compound."

"So, what do we do?" Lianshi asked.

"We wait, like usual. Our political power doesn't hold as much weight here and the Dragon Slayers aren't fond of us, clearly. Izalana has given the 'all-clear' about roaming the city. Apparently, the traitors have been caught but it'll be some time until they can get any information out of them." Vali replied.

So, free time came again. Issei took to touring the area since he had nothing else to do. As he did, he came across the Training Grounds. It was a large patch of sand on the grounds that had benches and racks of training equipment out in the open. There, he saw Izalana training. He was impressed with her fighting style. It was like watching a graceful dance that was deadly and precise, but so rapid that he had a bit of a hard time tracking her movements. With one attack, no less than 3 strikes were delivered. It was different from the other Dragon Slayers, now that he thought about it. The other Dragon Slayers hit hard like trucks with forceful attacks that struck a wide area, while Izalana struck precise spots quickly many times. Just as easily, she could switch to the other common style.

With some observance, Issei could tell that she'd been fighting for a long time. The way she reflexively moved, the way she could just pivot, as if to avoid being hit, and the targets she aimed for were all vitals. It was like she was moving based on instinct.

"You know, it's rude to spy on people." She called out to him, obviously.

"Sorry, but I didn't want to break your concentration." Issei sheepishly came out of the shadows.

"You know, spying upon the Royal Family is punishable with a life sentence of imprisonment." Izalana wiped her sweat with a towel.

"I see." Issei nervously stopped in his tracks.

Izalana chuckled.

"Relax, we're not like royalty from tv shows. I won't have you executed for no reason or have your life ruined."

"Right…" Issei said with great doubt.

"So, what do you know about the Khaos Brigade? My father has told me about the general idea, but can't say we know enough to do much." Izalana asked.

She patted the spot next to her on a bench. Sitting down, Issei replied.

"I honestly don't know the exact details either. Mainly, it just seems like a ragtag bunch of people who disagree with the idea of mythologies coming together for peace. Some people want their worlds to remain separate and others want conflict for the hell of it. Then, there are others who want to take advantage of the chaos and are merely using the Khaos Brigade for their own ends. Altogether, they're a terrorist organization that're fighting for their own goals and are willing to do whatever they want to accomplish it."

"I heard there are different factions within it." Izalana said.

"Yeah. So far, I've met 2 of them: the Hero Faction and the Old Satan Faction. The Hero Faction haven't made their intentions clear, but I'd call them the robbers of their gang. They've gone around different places to steal weapons and magical items. No idea what they want with the stuff they steal. As for the Old Satan Faction, I'd label them as delusional supremacists. They think they're the supreme race and don't care for anything else. I don't even think they have any sort off real plans." Issei explained.

"Are they strong?"

"Yes. As far as I know, at least. I mean, I don't know if they're on the level of gods, but they're definitely not to be underestimated."

"I see. So, how'd you get caught up in all this, then? As far as I can tell, you're a human, aren't you?" Izalana asked.

"How'd you figure that out?"

"Your aura is really different. It's not like an angel's or devils or a mythical beast. It's human, like mines. I mean, when you spend so much time hunting monsters and dragons, you kind of pick up that skill."

Issei had no reason to lie.

"Yeah, I'm a human. It's a long story."

"I've got time." Izalana nudged him.

(Breath of the Wild OST – Mipha Theme. Play Song.)

"Well, I was just an everyday teenage boy. I went to school, did homework, and came home. Rinse and repeat. Then, one day, I got attacked by people who found out about my abilities but I was saved by Vali. She took me into her care and had her family protect my own. Things happened one after another and eventually, I ended up following my friends on their adventure and now I'm here." Issei vaguely answered.

"And why do you stay?"

"It's because I want to help them. I want to be there in case they need help, even if only a little. I grew up a pretty lonesome kid. My parents were often away due to work and the people that I did know, weren't exactly the friends that I'd walk down the road of life with. These people, however, they're the ones who stuck their necks out for each other and were willing to do the same for me. So, for however long I'm around, I'm going to try and help them in whatever way I can. Besides, now that I'm not so limited in capabilities, I just want to help people, really. At least, until something changes for me." Issei shrugged.

"Sounds a bit whimsical but also pretty altruistic." Izalana laughed.

"Well, that's how us idealists are. We're all kind of crazy." Issei chuckled.

"I think it's cool. Being a princess and all that, I grew up feeling isolated. I was trained from childhood to be able to fight giant monsters and dragons. My dad always apologized to me, despite how he presents himself to strangers. He takes a lot of warming up to and he keeps his tender side for people he's close with." Izalana gave a knowing look. She'd already guessed that the group already had a disdainful opinion of her father. She didn't blame them for that.

"A lot of people treated me like I'd have them drawn and quarantined if they didn't address me properly like royalty. I kind of hated that. I wanted to be with people who saw me as Izalana, not a Dragon Slayer or a Princess. Soon enough, that changed, thanks to continuous interaction with the people. I had to prove that I felt the same way they did and that I wanted to feel equal with them. So, I understand how you feel, wanting to protect the people who'd changed your life for the better. I think it's awesome that you've got people like that in your life too. We all need people to support us in any way in our lives. My people encourage me to keep going because just seeing them smile, is plenty reason enough." Izalana smiled.

"I guess we're both a little crazy, huh?" Issei joined in her laughter.

Watching from the side, Vali and Sairaorg were watching with their peerages.

"I didn't know those two were getting a thing going…" Kuroka noted.

"Is he a stud? Or is it their chemistry?" Coriana asked.

"I think it's just that he's so nice and easy to talk to." Vali answered.

"Now that I think about it, Issei's gotten really jacked since we last saw him. I mean, you can start seeing his six-pack if he just wears a t-shirt and nothing over it." Bikou mused.

"His face isn't too far above average, though." Kuisha countered.

"He's plenty cute, but, yeah, there are a lot of handsomer guys." Coriana admitted.

"Vali, you trained him. You've been sneaking glances at him, haven't you?" Kuroka teased.

"I have not." Vali sighed in exasperation.

"Shhhh! They might hear us." Lianshi hushed them all.

"Yes, I can." Issei called out.

(Breath of the Wild OST – Mipha Theme. End Song.)

Everyone jumped.

"So, what's the plan now?" Issei looked at Vali.

"We'll join with the Dragon Slayers. My grandfather has ordered us with destroying any methods that would let Rayzwormr return. However, the Khaos Brigade will remain our highest priority. If they appear, then we need to apprehend as many as we can." Vali answered.

"Got it." Issei nodded.

"My father has also told us that the Dragons have called for a diplomatic meeting. It's going to be tomorrow morning, so we've got to be ready. We don't know the specific reason as to why they suddenly want to talk, but it's not a chance we can ignore. We could put off war for several more generations if things go right. The last time our kingdom had a war with dragons, we got reduced to the Steel Age."

Issei couldn't help but feel tense. All this talk about war, old grudges, and revenge got him thinking. He utterly detested the idea of war; a massive battle that claimed thousands of lives simply because no one could shelve their pride and cooperate and have faith. If one thought about it, war only happened because the ones in charge just couldn't find a solution and always wanted more or they didn't want to be placed underneath another power. It was always about more resources or more power and authority. To be a part of an event that could trigger all this wasn't pleasant to him. Still, he had his orders and to be frank, he wanted to be able to help prevent it if possible. He had no idea how he'd do it, but he'd improv if it came down to it.


Later that night, Issei decided to go and get dinner in town. He wasn't required to attend the dinner that was being provided in the Dining Hall, so why stay? Things were already kind of awkward, so he figured he'd go somewhere more comfortable.

As he ate some food he bought from a stand, he felt a peculiar feeling nearby. It was an odd and unsettling sensation for him. However, he knew what it meant. Something hostile or something that he considered a negative existence, was nearby. It was kind of like a sixth sense for danger.

Issei paused as he sat down on a bench. Sitting next to him, was someone that he didn't expect.

"Good evening."

"Cao Cao." Issei responded.

"I'm glad to see that you're polite. I expected you to immediately attack me. I'll admit, I wouldn't prefer for things to get to that point. I'm not exactly fond of mass casualties." Cao Cao smirked.

"I wanted to ask you a few things before we get to that. Also, your faction never seemed to have anything against that before." Issei retorted.

"I can't always be there to enforce my rules. Some of my bunch are rowdy." Cao Cao shrugged.

"So, what's your motive?"

"What do you think it is?" Cao Cao asked.

"If I had a guess, I'd have said it."

"I see you're not in a playful mood today." Cao Cao sighed.

"I reserve it for my friends."

"Well, I'm sure you have an idea. It's for peace and security for humanity."

"That simple?" Issei raised a brow.

"It's simple but complicated. Tell me, when gods and demons fight, who's always in the line of fire?" Cao Cao asked.

Issei didn't answer. It would've just given him satisfaction.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Sasuke's Ninja Way. Play Song.)

"Humans. Humans are weak and helpless compared to the weakest mythical entity. They're slow, frail, and vulnerable. Without extreme science, magic, and weapons, we can't hope to last long against the beasts around us. We deserve to live just as much as any other race and yet, when those freaks have their wars, they always impact us and we die by the millions. Those times are here again and I will ensure that it doesn't come to that again. What I do, I do for our kind, who are unable and unaware to help themselves."

Cao Cao looked at Issei.

"Tell me, doesn't it strike you as odd that so many things have happened so conveniently to you? The Fallen Angels knew where to target you. The Lucifer Heiress magically appeared out of nowhere to save you after your powers were revealed. Her people took you in, promising to protect you while painting it to look like other religions would love nothing more than to kill you. You're being used, Issei. Think about it. You were living an ordinary life, and now, suddenly, everyone is gravitating towards you because of some coincidence. Now, you're being sent around as part of an envoy to other places, where it becomes known that you're the Host of Bahamut. The Fallen Angels monitor you and then the Devils recruit you and now you're serving them, with dozens of laws binding you if you don't want a fight with the world."

Issei didn't respond, only annoyed by all of Cao Cao's prompts.

"Why did you come to me? Aren't you doing the same thing?"

"What's happened to you, has also happened to everyone within the Hero Faction. We, the descendants of heroes from the past, have been tricked, controlled, and used by gods, ghosts, demons, and beasts. The reason why the Hero Faction was formed, was so that we can finally get rid of the fears and dangers towards humans. We're going to get rid of the eyes always watching us in the sky and the monsters under the bed." Cao Cao explained.

"And you want me, one of the monsters, to help you?" Issei glared at him.

"I never called you a monster, now. I consider you one of us. What I'm offering you, is to be free from the chains that are binding you. I'm sure you've noticed it. When the gods and demons and angels look at you, you see fear in their eyes, don't you? Fear will cause a lot of things, most commonly, it spurs people to remove the source of it. Like killing a bug that scares you."

"Like how a human would." Issei finished for him.

Cao Cao nodded.

"Touché. The difference is that it's not catastrophic and most of all, what the pantheons do is so much crueler and tyrannical. They had us licking their heels since the stone age and have done nothing for us. We've always had to look to ourselves to survive and when we spoke up, we'd get stomped on again and again."

"Yet, look at you. Instead of doing things right, you go around using other people, taking what you wish, and harm whoever you want. Why would I side with people like you? Most of all, you're working alongside the Satan Faction, whom you clearly don't have rosy relationship with. That means treachery is on your agenda. That's all the proof I need to say 'no' to you." Issei stood up.

Cao Cao sighed while standing up.

"Well, I'll keep my offer open to you, Issei. It's not too late, unless you make it that way. For now, I'll be taking my leave. I didn't come to fight today. I just wanted to meet the man whom so many people are gossiping about lately. Still, if a fight comes, don't think you can win against me as you are now. Just a friendly warning." Cao Cao smirked as he turned to walk away.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Sasuke's Ninja Way. End Song.)

Issei knew he couldn't attack him in the open right now. It'd cause more issues than he'd be willing to count and surely, Cao Cao knew that as well. That was only the beginning. He knew that if Cao Cao was leader of his own faction, he had to be dangerous enough to have made it that way.

As much as he hated it, Issei had to admit that Cao Cao had a point. His logic was sound and connected perfectly.


When Issei decided to return to the castle, he found Vali wandering the streets. He felt the urge to talk to her but held his tongue. If he talked to her about this, then quite possibly, it'd cause a landslide. Was it worth it? To ask a question that could cause an unpleasant end or lay his worries to rest? Or…was he playing into the enemy's hands? Tearing a rift between him and those close to him, was that it?

Bringing himself back to the present, he observed Vali and Sairaorg. He didn't want to interrupt them since they looked like they were having fun. If there was one thing Issei wasn't, he wasn't a party-pooper.

'Oh…' Issei nodded in amusement at what had just happened.

Vali and Sairaorg reached for the same item at a shop, only to touch hands.

'Oh, that's sweet.' Issei chuckled.

The two immediately blushed and turned away from each other like bashful little kids.

'Huh, now that I think about it…do those two even know that one has a crush on the other? I mean…it's really evident…Man if this were a story and I wrote this, I'd slap myself for this.' Issei sighed.

Why were the two so slow? Issei sighed. It was like watching an angsty teen romance drama. Issei facepalmed. It literally hurt to just watch them like this.

Still, Issei decided not to interfere with this one. Vali and Sairaorg were grown and had the maturity of adults…kind of. They could come to their own conclusions without him.

As Issei walked in the other direction, the others were killing time at the shops.

"So, Vali, I've been meaning to ask you about something…" Sairaorg started.

"Of course." Vali smiled as she looked at a bracelet.

"Are you and Issei…" Sairaorg trailed off awkwardly.

Vali looked at him quizzically.

"Are we what?"

"Are you two close, like…dating-close?" He finished.

Vali blushed a bit, clearing her throat.

"No, we're not. Issei's, well…I consider him my best friend now." Vali answered after some careful thought.

"I thought that was Kuroka."

"I can see why it'd seem like that, but Kuroka's more like a sister, family. Issei's like that confidant that I can talk with and listen to but I don't see him romantically. Why?"

Sairaorg kept his mouth shut to control his expression. It was obviously because he was interested in her. Vali, on the other hand, hoped he wasn't misunderstanding anything.

"Nothing, it just seemed like you two were really that close. You two talk to each other a lot and seem so happy together." He earnestly said.

Vali chuckled.

"Well, even though he's nosy, a goofball, and eccentric, he's reliable, patient, kind, and always ready to help. I'm very lucky to have him as my best friend."

Sairaorg took some comfort in that. If Vali did have feelings for Issei, then he'd have been willing to step aside. Issei seemed like a great guy, so he was sure Vali had attraction towards him.

Luckily, she didn't, as far as they both knew.


Soon enough, it was time for the meeting between the Dragons and Dragon Slayers.

Meeting at the border between the Dragon Slayers and the Dragons, King Vorda met with what seemed to be the opposing leader. He was a massive silver dragon with green eyes. His form was that of a Western dragon, with pieces of metal spikes adorning his scales like plates.

"I appreciate you coming here, King Vorda. I am Vrydlain, leader of the Dragons of Draczal. I understand that you've completely read my message?"

Vorda nodded.

"Yes, I have. I have also come to a conclusion."

Opening his pocket, he produced a magical grey and black horn. It was shaped like a horn with a dragon coiling around it, making a second tube.

"Is that what I think it is?" The Blue Dragon from before gasped.

"This is the horn that can summon Rayzwormr. I understand that this is what you've called us here for."

Vrydlain only nodded.

"You understand what we want, then? Or do you intend to blow that horn? Either way, the outcome falls on your compliance."

"Is that what you want?" Vorda asked.

"What?"

"The only options that you've given is the destruction of Rayzwormr or war between dragons and humans. Yet, you can't think of other ways?"

"Is that really your place to say? Your ancestors have kept that bargaining chip within your grasp. Our kind was suppressed by your forebearers. With the threat of a weapon made to kill dragons, we were forced to the corners of the world, slain, enslaved, or hid. Even Tannin resigned his biology for our kind's survival. It should've never been that way." Vrydlain scoffed in disgust.

"Yes, I understand…I understand that it was the fault of my people. Rayzwormr should've never been made. However, even you should know that we all failed to destroy it. Admit it, even if we brought it back, you wouldn't be able to destroy the creature. It's too powerful, too rampant, and too risky to even be here for a minute." Vorda regretfully shook his head.

"Then what should be done, then? That abomination is an afront to my people and the possibility of its use is always present. A dragon's dead soul and corpse fused to armor and chained to a tormented existence. Do you humans have no pity for those that aren't of the same species?"

Vorda went silent. Human history had proved the dragon's point quite strongly.

"All that we ask, is to put the creature out of its misery and to rid our people of the stained mark upon our history while securing our survival. Most of all, our ancestors have seen its power first-hand. We cannot allow it to remain any longer than it has. Talk of the Khaos Brigade has reached our lands. They're after that horn and they cannot be allowed to have it." Vrydlain stamped his foot into the ground.

"That's why I accepted your deal to come here today. Instead of running the risk of summoning Rayzwormr back into this world…how about we destroy the horn instead? This way, we don't make an irreversible mistake and Rayzwormr stays far from anyone's reach." Vorda raised the horn.

Vrydlain stared at the horn, his eyes fixed upon it and his voice silent. It was so quiet that it was as if time was frozen still. This one decision would impact both sides for generations to come.

"Is it really that hard?" Issei muttered.

He couldn't stop himself before saying all that. For one spike of a moment, Bahamut's emotions lurched and forced a reaction out of him. If he were to be completely honest, these two leaders were wasting time. Both sides wanted the same thing, yet, their methods differed, and suspicion made them doubt. It was starting to irritate both Issei and Bahamut.

"What?" Vrydlain turned toward him.

'Well, the one time I choose to mutter, everyone suddenly hears me…How BS is that? Well, might as well bite the bullet.' Issei growled.

"Both sides don't want war, correct?" He looked at both sides.

The silent looks he got already told him enough.

"If you don't want war, then why do you both hesitate? Isn't peace the only option left? Neither of you want the return of Rayzwormr. Neither of you want to fight and have your people die. You want the same thing. It's just the catalyst that's different."

"And what would a child know of this? What would a child like you know of having so many lives weigh on your own two shoulders?" Vorda asked.

"If you both know so much more, then why is it that you can't make a decision?"

Vrydlain and Vorda didn't open their mouths. Issei, despite having no political experience and being far removed from these sorts of situations, did have a point. The results were clear, the reasons were clear, and the intentions were clear. They only needed to act now.

"Tell me, boy…why does this concern you so much?" Vrydlain leaned closer towards Issei. He was so close that he could devour Issei at any moment.

Vali got ready to move. Before she could stop him from talking, things had already started spiraling out of control. The others tensed up, but eased when he merely took a whiff of Issei's scent. Vrydlain's eyes narrowed as he made an understanding nod.

"So…you're the next host?" His tone changed to a quieter, nostalgic one.

Issei nodded.

"I understand now. Of course, his soul would cause you to react. I have known many hosts of Bahamut from the past, boy, and…I'm sure you've seen glimpses of the past and how terrible war is, even if you haven't experienced it." Vrydlain said.

True, Issei never experienced war, but just watching those flashbacks and recollections, it made him have no desire for it. It was that terrible.

"Even if Bahamut is not awake, his spirit can still sense what happens around him. His level of divinity rivals that of an immortal's. In the past, Bahamut took up the duty of overseeing the world's progression and keeping it in line. I'm sure if he still lived, then he'd have intervened. If he were awake and unblinded right now, then perhaps, he'd have spoken too."

"What are you all talking about?" Vorda asked, growing a bit irritated from being left out of the loop.

"It's not a matter that a human would be well-aware of. All humans were destroyed by Bahamut during the First Calamity. Since the first and till the last, the Hosts of Bahamut were surely hosts to the greatest engine of destruction in our galaxy, but…their hearts were always strong and in the right place. There are yet more secrets that are unknown and I don't know everything. However…"

Vrydlain leaned closer to Issei again.

"I am very, very old and I know one thing for sure. Bahamut and fate, itself, have always been closely intertwined. It was the fate of the old galaxy to be destroyed so a newer, more enlightened one could arise. It was the fate of myth to fade into stories so that humanity could grow and for magic to grow humble. Bahamut played the catalyst to all that. If the Host of Bahamut was fated to be here…then perhaps…his words or rather, the will of Bahamut, will guide us to a necessary future.."

Vorda glared at Issei, trying to apply Vrydlain's words to him.

"So, what is your verdict?" A green dragon asked.

"Regardless…Rayzwormr cannot return but I understand the reasoning for the Horn's use being avoided. I shall agree to the terms that are set. We will destroy the horn and by proxy, the beast will remain far from anyone's hands." Vrydlain decided.

"Lord Vrydlain, is that truly wise? How can we trust these humans?"

"Perhaps and perhaps not, Hrythming. However, we cannot see into the future. As I said, I am a very old dragon and I have no taste for war, not anymore. I would rather settle for this than wage another conflict. That would only prove Bahamut's rage right. Besides, war was only threatened because of suspicion. If the Dragon Slayers proved treacherous and held an agenda, then I would've waged conflict to head that off. Still, I have another question for the boy."

Hrythming growled.

"But what of all of our kind that they slaughtered? Are we to just let them go free?"

"Yes, but we've done the same. Both sides have inflicted heavy losses on one another. Now isn't the time to feel self-righteous or justified." Vrydlain growled at him to settle down.

Issei was surprised that things were so easy. Then again, it wasn't like he'd done anything. It was through Bahamut's reputation that things even turned in this direction. Perhaps the ancient wyrm could do some good after all, even if indirectly.

Vrydlain looked back at Issei.

"Tell me boy, when you are around these people, do you feel rage? Do you feel the nefariousness in the air? Is there a darkness that simply gives you the urge to lash out?"

Issei was stunned. Vrydlain was aware of triggers for Bahamut's temper and the fact that he could sense maliciousness and negativity. Issei shook his head.

"Then so be it. I will have faith in that old dragon's instincts."

"If that's the case, then you will be sorely disappointed." A new voice said.

Vali froze. She knew that voice. It was impossible. Looking around, she couldn't spot where it was coming from, but it sounded close. Instantly, a massive magic circle appeared underneath everyone, covering a vast vicinity.

Vrydlain and Vorda sprang into action, creating a barrier. Showering the area in intense light, the ground shattered as a gigantic explosion erupted. Vali cursed as she knew exactly who it was now. That magic was familiar to her all too well. It belonged to the person that she hated the most.

"Rintilr." She said.

Appearing from a magic circle, a tall slim man stared down at the group. He had short silver hair with green eyes. His attire consisted of a red long-sleeved shirt with silver rims. His pants were black and draped over him was a long indigo cloak.

"Hello, my daughter."

Everyone was thrown for a bit of a loop when they heard this revelation. The devils glared at him with unparalleled ire and disgust. Vali, however, looked at him with a mixture of hostility and trauma. It was as if the very sight of him triggered conditioning.

"Is that your father?" Issei asked.

"Yes, even though he's supposed to be dead." Vali admitted weakly.

"Sirzechs' attacks were powerful, but they weren't enough. My own father tried to finish me off, but his eyes weren't as good as they used to be. Peace made everyone dull. Through my own bloodline and inherent power, I survived. Sadly, it took too long to recover to full strength, but I figured I'd come out for something as big as this."

Snapping his fingers, hundreds of magic circles appeared in the sky. From them, came countless devils, possibly extremist ones.

"Take it." He ordered them, looking right at Rayzwormr's Horn.

Issei was ready to fight, but when he turned to the side, he saw that Vali was too focused on her father to concentrate. He wasn't sure what was exactly going on in her mind right now, but he had to get her to snap out of it.

"Vali, what's wrong?" He called over.

"N-Nothing." Vali's head jerked.

Issei dodged to the side as a rain of magic bolts flew at him. He looked around, to see where Vorda was. If anyone had Rayzwormr's horn, then it had to be him. Issei had to protect him from the Khaos Brigade.

Before he could, he was cut off by Rintilr. Issei backed up as he took measure of his power. It was unsettling, to say the least, and it was to be expected. As the grandson of Lucifer, Rintilr was above any opponent he'd fought thus far, perhaps rivaling Kokabiel.

"So, this is the boy." Rintilr smirked, as if whispering to himself.

Suddenly, materializing to life from thin air, was a woman. She had long caramel-brown hair that covered one side of her face. She had a slim and voluptuous body that wore a long turquoise dress that had a split in the front of the knees. Necklaces and gems decorated her form and attire, making her resemble a noblewoman.

Vali gasped when she saw her. Her evident intimidation faded away as soon as she laid eyes on her.

"Mother?"

"What do you think, Ileana? Is he a match for our daughter?" Rintilr asked as Ileana embraced him.

"He looks a bit plain to me. He's developing muscle, but not much else is going for him. His aura, on the other hand, is a different story. He might match, if not surpass Vali one day." Ileana dismissed him.

"Perhaps. Now, I think it's time we did some family bonding, don't you think, Dear?" Rintilr held Ileana close.

"Mother, what're you doing here? What happened to you?! Why're you with him?!" Vali pleaded.

"I left with your father, of course. When your grandfather tried to execute your father, I took him and fled. I couldn't just let my husband die." Ileana scoffed.

Vali flinched. What was going on? Nothing was making sense. Her memories and past didn't seem to connect. She felt her feet lose feeling as she tried to take it all in. Her mother was abused and mistreated by him. Why would she save him? Was it some sort of conditioning? Mental Illness? Stockholm Syndrome?

"Oh, dear, it looks like someone is confused." Ileana feigned sympathy.

"Your father and I were always in on it. You see, we have a mission, and you were a weapon that could've helped. All those times that I cared for you, patched you up and fed you, it was because I wanted your trust. If your father abused you, it allowed you to trust me more. I'm sure if time went on, you'd have been the attack dog that moved at the snap of my fingers. Shame that your grandfather found out and we had to take the long way around." Ileana shrugged.

"But…you were going catatonic." Vali trembled.

"It was all an act, child. It's called acting and lying, perhaps you've heard of it?"

"But, why?"

"Oh, do you really think we'd tell you our plans, just like that? I mean, come on, this isn't a work of fiction. This is reality, and the reality is…" Rintilr scoffed with disgust.

(Date A Live OST – Furious Anger. Play Song.)

"We never loved you. You were just born from a wild night, that's all. Still, you suited our purposes and we took steps to make things as smooth as possible with whatever we could gain. The plan with you fell short, so here we are, taking a much more effective weapon that'll be easier to use than you could ever be." Ileana said.

Issei felt disgusted. Vali's so-called parents were trying to break her spirit. The way they were doing it was even worse. Vali clearly had a strong relationship with her parents before things changed on them, before her father changed. They sounded happy and cherished each other. For that image in her mind to be shattered and perverted, it must've traumatized her. To boot, now her mother, whom had been the only one who'd ever cared about her during those times, was now confessing that she never did love her. Everything positive from Vali's early childhood, was just done to condition and manipulate her. Everything that she had considered good about her life with her parents, was also a lie.

Vali tried to maintain her composure but that was failing miserably. She couldn't stop her lip from quivering. She sunk to her knees as she forced herself to look away from her parents. Her mind began tormenting her as she recalled all those positive fragments of her past. Specifically, she remembered everything her mother would say to her.

'It's okay, Daddy's just a little upset with Mommy. Don't blame yourself.'

'Did Daddy hurt you again? Come here, Mommy will patch you up.'

'I made your favorite dinner. Don't tell Daddy, though.'

'You're the most important person to Mommy.'

Vali mumbled.

"But all those times, you held me to sleep. All those times when you'd protect me from Rintilr. Even when you were bruised and beaten, you'd bandage my cuts and comfort me…" She sniffled.

Vali trembled with the most hurt expression on her face. Her eyes with wide with shock, tears pouring down her face, and her lips quivering. Vali looked at her mother with the most anguished look possible for anyone. This was the most devastated Issei had ever seen her.

"You mean…the whole time…everything…lies…" She mumbled.

"Yep. What did you expect? We're devils. We didn't earn our reputation by doing nothing. Really, dear, you should already have expected this." Rintilr retorted.

(Date A Live OST – Furious Anger. End Song.)

(Team Four Star - Day of Fate ~Spirit VS Spirit~ (Unmei No Hi English Cover). Play Song.)

"That's enough." Issei cut him off before he could utter another word.

"Hm? Does this puppy even know how to bite yet?" Ileana wondered.

Issesi sneered, glaring coldly at the source of his resentment. This time, his growing rage was not from Bahamut, it was from within himself.

"This puppy is a dragon and it's hungry for retribution." Issei answered.

He thought back to what Vali had told to him before. All of the pain, betrayal, panic, and sorrow caused for what? For control and wanton destruction and supremacy? It was disgusting.

Now, Issei understood why Vali was the way she was. The reasons for her strong uncertainty and fear of officially expressing how she felt and communicating it properly the way she wanted to. Her crybaby tendencies, her fear of losing people, lastly, her fear of getting closer to Sairaorg…It all sprang from her abuse from her father and the hidden abuse from her mother. Her parents were the source of all her woes that haunted her character. It confused her emotions that plagued her till now.

Issei felt more unparalleled anger than ever before. Here was Vali, who was kneeling on the ground, crying her eyes out silently as she realized the best parts of her time with her parents was a twisted lie. It hurt him and enraged him to see her like this.

"I thought…I really thought you loved me…" Vali whimpered as she tried to absorb and move past this. Despite knowing she was on the battlefield, she couldn't keep it together.

Suddenly, the snow, air, and earth below were blasted away with a terrifying blue light. Manifesting around him, was the aura of Bahamut, matching the size and overwhelming presence that it had the night Issei killed Kokabiel. It glared at Ileana and Rintilr with crimson eyes, them being the source of its manifestation. It growled like thunder, catching everyone's attention on the battlefield, stopping everyone dead in their tracks.

'Though his power is chaotic and his mind warped, Bahamut's purpose hasn't changed: the eradication of the scum of the earth. If you ever act upon righteous fury, then Bahamut will give you power, no matter what.' Rexis had told him before.

'If what Rexis said is true, then there shouldn't be a problem with using Bahamut to tear them apart for their sins.' Issei thought to himself.

Feeling the overwhelming power welling within himself, Issei didn't care if his opponent outclassed him or not. He didn't care if they were Vali's parents. That only made things worse. They made his dearest friend cry and started a war, that was all the reason he needed to bring them down.

He stepped forward, causing the air to tremble with each step. As he closed the distance slowly, the smirks upon Vali's parent's faces faded. They began to inch back, feeling his power escalating rapidly. Cold sweat began trickling down the sides of their faces as their feet went frigid from the might radiating closer and closer. Still, they held their ground, still gauging how much of a threat Issei was. They felt he was indeed strong, but wasn't enough to threaten them completely. But why? Why did they still feel that primordial intimidation? That 'fight-or-flight' instinct in all lifeforms? What did they have to fear?

"You dared torment and toy with life, because of such superficial labels. You hurt the person that should've been one of the most dear with you. You lied, deceived, and now, you're causing war for the most unbelievable reasons, killing thousands upon thousands in the process…" Issei said quietly.

With another sudden burst, Issei flew into the air, appearing right in front of his enemies, illuminating the sky and white snow with navy light.

"What is he?" Rintilr wondered.

"I am the Host of Bahamut, the Ancient Wyrm of Calamity. I've been your target for a long time now." Issei explained.

Rintilr and Ileana had troubled looks upon their faces as they realized the depths of his reputation and legacy. The only thing they didn't know was how far his strength went. Was he worthy of scorn or terror?

"I'm going to make you wish you'd never even come back. When I'm done with you, you'll have learned how to pray." Issei swore in defense of his closest friend as the shadow of Bahamut loomed around him, facing down Rintilr and Ileana.

(Team Four Star - Day of Fate ~Spirit VS Spirit~ (Unmei No Hi English Cover). End Song.)


[A/N: I was going to recommend listening to the Japanese Version but then I remembered the cover done by Team Four Star. I honestly loved it way more than the original so I chose to go with it. That, and when I was trying to find music to suggest, I found that the lyrics fit perfectly with the scene, so I decided to pick it. If you haven't watched the DBZ Abridged, then I highly recommend it if you like parodies. And, no, I'm not being paid to say all this, lol. I just genuinely think it's great and deserves attention.]

On another note, I decided to bring in Vali's parents because I decided to look at the story from a different perspective. Arthur, Bikou, and Kuroka sorta had their own time to shine since they had their own demons to face. Lefay didn't have many problems, or at least, doesn't have any yet. So, I took a look at Issei and Vali. Issei's the MC, so he's always going to be the main focus when it really does matter. As for Vali, her background wasn't touched on much, if at all, in the original fanfic, so this time, I wanted to expand on her even more, even if just a bit. That, and it mixed things up, since I don't think Vali's mother gets much exposure in DxD Fanfics.

Anyways, sorry for the long wait. As I said, I was busy with Real Life, but I've managed to free up some time to write. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'll get you new chapters ASAP.