Bartender Dragon Chapter 7! We're doing the last bits of setup for the Kokabiel arc, next chapter things will already be swinging! Politely ignore my new author's name, it is temporary, Grayfia is still my Top Waifu of all time. I hope you guys enjoy this. Welp, time for guest reviews.

Nice
Thank you. Issei in my story is 24 years old.

Jehu
Actually, I picked the nickname from Code Geass, but it would make sense that people would recognize it from One Piece which is more known.

I OWN NOTHING! I'M BUT A HOBO THAT SNEAKS INTO THE LIBRARY AND WAISTS TIME WRITING THIS INSTEAD OF WATCHING PORN!

"Hello there." - regular talking
"I am with you, partner." - sacred gears talking
"I can win I feel great!" - inner thoughts

This chapter was beta read by Marethyu. Thank you for your awesome work!

It was a tragedy. Three of the Excaliburs were stolen, numerous priests, nuns, and exorcists were slaughtered. The chain of command was in shambles, but the priority was clear to everyone. Trace the culprits and disperse divine justice among them. The only thing troubling was the destination.

Japan. The country where so much tragedy occurred. Where a Seraph was almost killed. None of the Church leaders liked to think about it. To make matters that much worse, they narrowed down the location to the small town that belonged to the devils.

Luckily there were two brave exorcists, who were willing to set foot on that unholy soil. They were given a day to pack, and for saying their goodbyes, before meeting in the Vatican to receive special blessings for their journey, before taking flight towards the land of the rising sun. Once there, they would arrange lodgings for themselves and contact the owners of the city.

But the meeting between Seraphs was not called to discuss Excaliburs. No, they were called in to discuss existence that almost fell down one of them.

"I'm not sure I follow, Michael. You wish us to do nothing?"

The leader of Heaven gave a nod while watching with concern towards Uriel, who was clutching Gabriel's hand for support. Other seraphs were not unsympathetic to their brother's hardship, yet they also believed that the situation called for action.

"Red Dragon Emperor's emergence is as shocking to me as it is to you, but I was notified by informants that the Shinto faction has already staked their claim for him."

Each of the seraphs contemplated the news. Shinto faction was powerful, but even before the Red Trial, their influence was diminishing. After it, they lost a lot of territory and resources making reparations to the victims and were still paying livelihood to some of the orphans.

Michael was about to dismiss his brothers, and have words with his sister when Uriel managed to compose himself enough to ask one question.

"I-is he the same one… Could he not be a new one?"

"I'm afraid not. The moderate amount of abilities he showcased during the Rating Game pretty much confirms it. Sekiryuutei of the Bloodsoaked Shield walks among us again."

Issei sneezed loudly and received many blessings from the patrons. He thanked the evening crowd, before focusing on polishing the mug once more. It was quite crowded, and there were a lot of newcomers.

Probably his still leaking dragon essence at fault. Dragons, or all creatures of power really, attracted friends, foes, and all in-between. Even those who could not sense it felt a pull towards the Happy Dragon. And many of them promised to return, so at least it was good for the business.

There were a few supernaturals who entered, no doubt seeking the dragon, but they all left without finding anything, thanks to some small application of senjutsu, allowing him to disperse the gathered energies evenly across the room. There was also a big deterrent in the room, a tough-looking fallen angel, wearing a biker suit.

"I can't believe you're a member of Hells Angels."

"No no, you misunderstand. I'm the founder."

"Of course you are."

Issei ignored the shit-eating grin that Azazel was wearing while downing another shot glass of some oriental liqueur. Not as good as the sake, but enough to give him that buzz.

The young barman tried not to pout like a child. After he first made it across the Atlantic and spent good 4 years in the states, he became mildly infatuated with the club. Sadly, he was nowhere near skilled (or old) enough to join the infamous bikers, nor did he possess an appropriate vehicle at the time.

Still, he had to admit, seeing Zaz riding his bike in that garb was almost as awesome as if he was a member himself.

"I take it you tried to join?"

"Yup. But the bike I had at the time was nowhere near to their standards. In the end, it was just another dream I had to leave behind."

Azazel winced at those words, spoken with a hint of bitterness.

"You wanna talk about it?"

A deep sigh came from the young bartender. He quickly poured himself a shot of what Zaz was drinking and downing it with practiced ease. Not that it did anything.

"Fuck you Ddraig."

"You were the one scared that Ama would poison your food. Now you reap the rewards."

"I don't want to talk about it… But maybe I should."

He didn't even know where to start.

"When did you awaken the Sacred Gear?"

As good of a place as any.

"I was about 8-ish years old. Ironically enough, me and my friend- Me and him were playing knights and dragons. His sister was supposed to be a princess, but she never acted like one, that tomboy.

Anyway, he was stronger than me, even though we were the same age. The knight was about to kill the dragon. But then the dragon bared its claws."

The first form of Boosted Gear was simple. It could easily be mistaken for Twice Critical. It covered only the back of his hand and was a lot less… spiky.

"His sister was all over the 'cool new toy'. And I felt the rush of Boost. That day the dragon won, and then carried the princess off on his shoulders to get crackers and juice. Though, when the Reset came, the kickback was mean."

Zaz smiled as he listened, and tried to imagine the simple wonder of children, playing around with something that could under the right circumstances slay gods. He also suspected that the friend Issei mentioned was Georgie, that Haruto told them about.

"Knight was never the same again. Always more vicious. I never noticed it as a kid, but looking back on it now, it seems so obvious. The Shidous tried their best to keep me hidden, and it worked for about a month before my parents were contacted by the Himejima clan."

Now that made Azazel uncomfortable. He knew of Himejima's well, and if it wasn't for him and Shemhazai, Baraquiel would go on a rampage, trying his hardest to eliminate them, root and stem. Not that his anger was not justified, but Grigori could hardly afford to go to war with the Shinto faction who just revealed that Sekiryuutei was-

"Son of a bitch!"

Everything ok, Zaz?"

Issei suddenly found himself being pulled over the counter. or at least, the Fallen tried too. His body was still being pumped full of draconic essence, and as such, his strength was multiplied significantly. it took all his care to not shatter glasses left and right.

Now, Azazel was no slouch when it came to strength, and if he and Issei were to measure up right now, he would likely come out on top. The bartender's shirt on the other hand was made from everyday material and was not anywhere near durable enough for a supernatural tug of war.

RIP

Issei was now standing behind his bar, with the upper portion of his shirt ripped off, showing off his wide pectoral muscles and a hint of his abs, making the few ladies that were still hoping to score a date with him much more determined.

And Azazel was feeling quite stupid. He was left to re-think the situation, while Issei went back to change, also refusing his offer to buy him a new shirt, citing he did not want to look like a pimp. His fashion sense was not that bad, right?

Abandoning that train of thought, he began pondering. The year Shinto began making big moves was the same year the Sekiyruutei pledged his allegiance to them. Same year Baraquiel's family was targeted, and his wife was assassinated.

It all happened around a month before the Red Dragon Emperor first took the field and drove a few devils out of some tow up in Hokkaido. Also, why would they send their biggest gun just to hunt down a rogue from one of the clans? He really was drunk if he was rushing to conclusions.

Issei came back, and he clearly wanted an explanation. Zaz sighed. This was not gonna be a fun talk.

"What do you know about Baraquiel?"

"You mean in general or…"

"The other one."

"Not much, except what you told me. He is a widower and has an estranged daughter that's living in this town. I didn't ask him about it, just like you recommended."

"His wife was Shuri Himejima. She was killed by her clan around 13 years ago."

Issei pondered for a second, before paling significantly. He came to the same conclusion the Fallen did.

"I-"

"I know it wasn't you. Why would they send YOU after one banished daughter? What I wish to know was why they went after her in the first place?"

The dragon emperor did not want to remember those days. But try as he might, Zaz would not leave him alone. He also liked Baraquiel, the few times he came over. He seemed like a kindred spirit. Now he knew why. And if left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"It was to tie off all the loose ends. While acquiring me was a welcomed surprise, they've been planning the Purge for a good decade at that point. A whole generation, raised for war against people who thought they could make Japan their own."

The Fallen leader gave a somber nod of thanks. He also refrained from any more drinks in what little time he had left at the bar. He was gonna have a talk with his oldest friend tonight, and he needed to be sober for it. it would not make it right by a long shot, but maybe he could finally stop blaming himself.

Koneko was not happy. And it showed, by her angry (and adorable) pout.

"Can't make me."

"I am not trying to make you do anything! I just want you to meet the expert nii-san found and… Talk to him, I guess."

"No."

"Please, Koneko! I know it's selfish of me, trying to rush you like that. And I swear, if you're still against it after the talk, I won't make you go anymore. Just… give it a shot. Please?"

Koneko looked at her King with suspicion. She met one of the so-called experts once. But all they kept trying to do was make her draw out her Ki, or have her meditate for hours on end. It produced no results, which frustrated them, and made them try more… forceful methods.

No one liked to have their chakra paths invaded under the pretense of 'removing blocks'. She was a goddamn Nekoshu! She would know full well if her paths were blocked in any way! In the end, those attempts ended with a thoroughly agitated Koneko, and broken bones on the side of the 'expert'.

But… she knew Rias was only trying to help. As she always did. Akeno. Kiba. Ga-kun. Herself. Even Asia. They all were lost. Hopeless. And she found them all, gave them a new life, a purpose, and took care of them as if they were family. So, was it really in her right to refuse?

In her mind flashed the hazel-gold eyes, teaming with power, and showing the unstable mind behind them. And she went rigid, unknowingly releasing her tail and ears.

Rias saw her Rook go still and knew full well what happened. She was by her side in a moment, hugging her gently to her tender bosom, and stroking her white hair, making it a point to avoid the adorable cat hears.

It took a couple of minutes for Koneko to start moving again, and the first thing she did was cling to the redhead with all her might. Rias felt the Rook strength encompass her, but refused to show any discomfort. This was the least she could do for her adorable servant.

"This man… Can he help?"

"He doesn't know. He can't make any promises. But he will try his best."

Rias felt a shallow nod against her breasts. It was all she would get, but it was enough. And as she and Koneko spend another minute cuddling, the Nekoshu promised herself she would try. Not just for herself, not to forget her sister. But for Rias.

"So-tan!" not unlike Koneko, Sona too was engulfed in a bountiful bosom. The difference was that where Koneko found said bosom warm and safe, Sona felt like she would suffocate. How in the world did her Sister, one of the loudest, flashiest of devils manage to get a drop on her?!

Finally being released from the fleshy prison (heaven), Sona had to take a moment to compose herself, and to peer her murderous gaze upon the present members of her peerage, Her only saving grace was that Saji wasn't present yet, otherwise, she would have to use some drastic measures.

"Sister, I hope you have a good reason to disturb us."

"I do, I really do So-tan."

"Well? Out with it."

"Nope. You first have to say I'm the best and that you love me."

Sona blushed heavily. It's not like she had any problems admitting she loved her sister. They were family! But to say so out loud, in front of her peerage?

"I refuse."

"Very well. I'll just tell my friend that your pawn doesn't want to train with a dragon."

Wait, what?

"B-but how! No other dragon is willing to train devils than Tannin-sama and he is unavailable!"

"Let's just say I found something a tiny tiny bit better than the old lizard."

Sona… She was split. On one hand, she wanted Sanji to grow stronger. He needed more than just the Sacred gear manifesting to really come into his own. But his magic reserves weren't the best, so try as he might, magic was not gonna help him a lot.

But to train under a dragon…

"You are the best, and I love you."

"You'll have to be louder than that, So-tan."

"You are the best, and I love you."

"You love who?"

Oh, she was doing this on purpose. She could already see Momo trying to hide a snicker, while Tsubaki was openly amused.

"You are the best, and I love you, sister."

Sera kept looking at her, eyes almost closed and a sweet smile on her face. She did not say it right. She missed something. What could it be? Oh. OH! Sona hid her eyes behind her hands but still spoke loud and clear.

"You are the best, and I love you, m-magical girl Revia-tan"

"YAY!"

Sera danced across the student council room, making sparkles along the way, and making every single devil present applaud. For Sona to speak such words, this truly could only be achieved by a Magical girl.

Even Sona, who was still hiding her face, couldn't help but smile behind her hands. While she would get teased mercilessly by her Queen, to see her sister so happy, it made it almost worth it. And with Saji being promised a dragon as a trainer, well… Maybe she could say to her sister that she loved her, at least a little bit more often.

"Any leads on the dragon brat?"

Tsukuyomi watched his brother as he furiously paced back and forth. He knew Susanoo just itched to go out there himself and scour the entire nation to find the Sekiryuutei himself.

"None of the clans found anything yet, though there was a report of weak traces of draconic energy found at a bar in one of the Devil towns."

"Even with 10 years of stagnancy, my Issei would not go soft to be called weak."

Both men turned towards the voice and almost had to look away immediately, such was the shine of their sister. Amaterasu was a picture-perfect Japanese beauty, with dark hair, pale skin, and her figure hidden in a beautiful kimono that seemed to be radiating sunlight itself. And any time she was in a good mood, such as now, her inner shine projected outwards, making even her fellow deities squint their eyes while trying to gaze upon her.

"Why do you keep this foolish hope, sister?"

"No hope is foolish. In time, Ise will return to my side, where he belongs."

Tsukuyomi hid his pain behind the mask. It has been centuries, and yet his wife would still not forgive him. But that was fine. He had yet to forgive himself.

"What of the yokai?"

"They are following what few orders I managed to pass them. To the letter. No supernatural can enter Kyoto, and none can leave without the Kyuubi knowing. It's more or less in lockdown."

"She won't shelter him, you know that."

"But she won't capture him either. How could Inari fail so badly, at making his own wife loyal?"

"Don't disrespect the dead, brother. Inari was a splendid servant to our cause. Yet, even he knew better when it came to the matters of the heart."

Red Dragon's treasure they called her. None would dispute their union. If only things turned out differently…

Amaterasu, clearly unhappy, steered the conversation another way.

"He still has not opened my gift, so we can still wait. Sooner or later, desperation will drive him back to us." Back to me.

Susanoo scoffed at her fantasies. She was still as infatuated with the boy as the day they met. No one could quite figure out what it was. Maybe it was a dragon thing? Was she drawn in by his inner fire? All anyone could be sure of was that after their introduction, the goddess of the Sun paid special attention to the Red Dragon.

Rias teleported her Rook to a meadow, outside the town. It was agreed by both parties that the first meeting should be on neutral grounds. If there were to be any follow-up meeting, then they would be orchestrated at the expert's home, where the flow of natural energies was better suited for beginners.

Koneko tried not to be insulted by this. Despite not touching that particular set of skills for years, she was still naturally built for it. She was not a complete beginner!

She cautiously approached the middle of the meadow. While she certainly did not see anyone, there was someone with her on that clearing. She used what senses she had, and then faced the direction of where natural energies swirled more intensely than elsewhere. And slowly the illusion fell.

"Surprised."

In front of her, seated comfortably was one Issei Hyoudo. To simply imagine the man as something other than a simple cafe owner was difficult. No one marked him down as anything else but human, with potential yokai ancestry. But when his smell reached her, that put her on edge.

"Dragon."

"Indeed, miss Toujou. Though I'd hardly qualify as one right now."

She looked at him curiously. Other than his smell, she could scarcely feel him as anything other than a human. It must have shown on her face since he politely invited her to sit down.

"Now, you're curious what we're doing today, right? Well, nothing honestly."

That threw her off guard.

"Forcing Ki around your body is never good. And since meditation did not help you in the past, I presume it's not because of any spiritual blocks. No, the problem is most definitely inside your head. Now, I am no professional, but as a bartender who wants to earn, people skills are a must. So we will sit here, we will talk about anything you want or nothing at all."

She nodded. And so they sat. She knew he was doing something since energies were still swirling around him. Probably inner balance, keeping his Ki, life force, and whatever made him a dragon in balance.

About half an hour had passed, and even Koneko began feeling uncomfortable with the silence. As if sensing her increasing discomfort, Issei did something new. Various parts of his body began to glow a deep crimson. Koneko had to think for a bit before she recognized it as reinforcement. He reinforced his head, neck, and shoulders, his torso, his legs than his arms, and back to head.

She could feel a lot of leakages, but as he repeated the action more and more, it lessened significantly. But one time one of the leaks swirled towards her, and as she was opening her senses, she unknowingly interacted with it, learning a bit about Hyoudou Issei.

She first felt hot. This person had an inner flame, a powerful one at that. It also felt solid, like a wall, unyielding and tall. And right before the last wisps dissipated, being absorbed by nature, she felt… sorrow? Regret?

She opened her eyes and found him staring at her. Maybe that particular leak wasn't completely accidental.

"It was a test."

"Yes. To see where your senses lied, and for someone who used them regularly, they seem pretty good. You recognized what I was doing?"

"Balance. Reinforcement."

"That's right. Balancing energies in your body is pretty much part of the basics, so every practitioner knows how to do it. Reinforcement on the other hand is a specialty of mine, and one not found often, as most yokai seek to avoid combat and mislead their enemies through illusions. Not to say they don't know the basics. But I pushed the skill more than a great majority ever did."

She had to admit, something like that appealed to her ever so slightly. Being a Rook, she was already exceptionally strong and durable. But to become even more so…

"My other specialty is the intake and conversion of natural energies."

She knew that skill well. It was hard to master, yet essential if one wished to study more esoteric arts, that required more Ki than they had to give.

"Though admittedly I do cheat with it sometimes, but that cheat sadly applies to me only. Anyways, since you seem comfortable enough with your senses, we're gonna do another test. I will separate certain emotions from the world around us, and project them around you. What I want you to do is try to discern which ones they are without taking any of them in."

Koneko reluctantly nodded. While in the past using natural energies from the surroundings was quite common and simple, these days the world has become so tainted, it took a skilled practitioner to not get taken over and drown in the pain and hate. Still, if she just had to sense them and does not take them in it should all be fine.

Mr. Hyoudou once again took to meditation, and she slowly felt him intake some of the natural Ki around them. But against her guess, he showed no struggle in combating the hateful emotions and expelling them from his body. But not all of them.

Her senses open, she felt something wash over her. it felt heavy and almost wet. it covered her like a blanket and hung over her like a rain cloud.

"Sadness."

He gave a nod, before sending another one, though it took a bit longer. She understood why as a scorching feeling settled inside her chest, making her clench her fist.

"Fury." a highly diluted one. If she were to be exposed to the unrestrained fury of nature, she would without a doubt fall into a murderous rampage.

"Very good. It wasn't too much was it?"

She shook her head. He closed his eyes again, and she waited patiently, her senses open.

He was gone! Kiba was gone, Akeno was gone! Rias was gone! Her sister was gone!

She was alone
she was alone
she was alone
shewasaloneshewasaloneshewasaloneshewasalone

Panic seized her. She could hear voices calling! it was the devils! They were after her! They wanted to punish her for something Kuro-nee did! She had to run! She had to find Kuro! She was alonealonealonealoneal-

Peace.

It overwhelmed her, almost drowning her. Suddenly she felt like she was submerged in a sea of cotton. Everything felt warm and dull. But slowly but surely the cotton moved and she began to hear, smell and see clearer.

Mr. Hyoudou did not move or try to reach out to her. Rias must have warned him that her first instinct upon being grabbed was to punch. Hard.

"I apologize. I did not think to dilute loneliness the same as I did fury. I shall endeavor to be more careful."

"You're lonely."

This caught him off guard. She apparently could discern where he pulled the emotions from? He was impressed.

"I was, yes. Not anymore. Yet emotions like that tend to linger inside you. I found a good way to banish those is some chocolate cake."

Her ears perked. She didn't even realize she released her nekoshou features out in the open.

"Now, I don't have it on me, but I may or may not have cloaked a picnic basket in some basic illusions. We saw how intuned you are with your senses. Now let's put them to the test in something more practical."

Konkeko sprung up and started looking around the meadow for the most likely place a basket could be. He probably hid it somewhere near the edge, otherwise, it would have been too easy! She sprinted towards the edge of the clearing. She liked her instructor a lot more now.

Little did he know that the picnic basket was behind Issei, being hidden by his buff frame.

A phone rang inside the house. Miki looked at her husband, but he was much too invested in his newspaper. Maybe teaching him to read English has been a mistake. Oh well. She got up from her tanning chair, but as she walked inside, she knew for sure she felt her husband's lustful eyes on her rear.

Pointedly ignoring it and the shivers it caused her, she answered the phone ever so cheerfully. What was there to not be happy about? She and her husband were living the dream.

"Hyoudou household how may I help you?"

"Aunt Miki!"

"Irina dear! What a surprise! How have you been?"

"I've been fine, but what about you? Mom said you're living in Hawaii now!"

"I am! My son Issei, you remember him don't you, got us a house on the islands. We were reluctant at first, but once we went to see it, I just fell in love."

"I remember Ise-kun, it's just like him to do something cool like that!"

"I do have the best son. What about your family? Your brother, he's the same age as my son, right? How's he doing."

"Ahh…"

Miki's mother's sense started to tingle. She said something she shouldn't have.

"Is everything alright, Irina?"

"Georgie he… he passed away. 10 years ago already."

Miki felt terrible. She knew that Irina's brother was adopted, but the girl still grew up with him, and they were very close. She apologized profusely for bringing up such a painful memory, and Irina assured her it was fine, it happened a long time ago.

"Anyway, I didn't call just to talk. I was wondering… Dad said you didn't sell your old house in Kuoh, and my friend and I just so happen to be traveling there. If it's not too much trouble…"

"Oh, no way dearie. You and your friend can stay as long as you want. Issei is taking care of the house anyway, so you only have to pick up the key from him."

"Ise-kun doesn't live there?"

"No. For some reason, he got hung up on the idea of living outside of town and built himself a shack in the woods. He still comes by almost daily though. Says it's more convenient to park at the house and walk to his bar."

"Ise-kun has a bar?"

"I know right? Oh, you should check it out. He looks so handsome in the uniform. If he's not at the house when you two arrive, don't wait, just look for him at Happy Dragon. he works there almost every day."

"We will. Thank you so much aunt Miki!"

"No problem dear. Tell your parents I said hello."

Miki hung up and started dialing up her son's number to tell him that Irina was coming when she felt the knots holding her swimsuits in place become undone, and a pair of familiar pair of lustful hands grab her by the hips. She would tell him tomorrow, it should not be hard to remember. Right?

What am I to you? Am I a joke? Your Knight? Or your Brother? Well, that's chapter 7. It was a ride, especially that phone call, which was more of a last-minute add-on, but I like it so we're keeping it! Things are not fun where I'm living, but we manage, we persevere and we keep moving forward one day at a time. I hope you guys do too. Also, I promised Tsubaki, but there just wasn't any budget left, I'm sorry! READ. REVIEW. Let me know what YOU think, and we'll read each other next time. NPGamer out.

PEACE

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