And here it is! Chapter 4! This took me longer than I wanted but I've been feeling sick lately and with school starting up again, I didn't have the time to give this thing. As for a schedule, I'll try and make sure that I have at least a chapter once a week. Maybe two if I feel daring that day. I also plan on having more of the BlazBlue universe coming in eventually down the line, so look forward to that. and without further adieu, I give you, CHAPTER 4

" What do you three want exactly?" Issei asked the three girls who came out of the shadows, never looking at them, still cradling his parent's corpses, rocking back in forth. "If you have nothing to say, then leave. I don't want to deal with you right now..." Issei stood up before turning to look at the people behind him. His eyes were bloodshot and teary, though he never cried. Issei was surprised to say the least but his only visible reaction was an eyebrow raise at who he saw. "{ Listen kid, don't pick another fight. We both spent too much dealing with that bitch.}" "[Agreed, Partner. You deserve some rest.]" 'Got it. Thank you.' Issei, Terumi, and Ddraig conversed for a second before Issei returned his attention to the people in front of him, Sona Sitri, Rias Gremory, and Koneko Toujou.

"So, do you want something? If not then I'm leaving." Issei put his parent into a pair of bags that had blown across the fountain area, hiding them from prying eyes as he walked towards his bike. Before he could leave on his bike, Rias spoke up after being stuck in shock when she saw him slaughter the fallen angel. "What are you?" Issei paused for a second, thinking before he smiled. "I'm... Ouroboros." Issei grinned as he bolted away on his bike, leaving Rias and her associates still processing what the fuck just happened.

It took Issei a couple of minutes to reach his house, he made sure he wasn't followed by taking the very long way. As Issei parked his bike in the garage, Terumi said something. "{ 'I'm Ouroboros'? What the fuck was that? }" "WHAT?! It's a coping mechanism! I deflect anything serious with random bullshit then leave! Surprisingly, it is incredibly effective, also, Ouroboros is a cool name." "[ It is indeed a cool name, but you could have chosen something else, maybe what you actually are? You know, The Sekiryuutei?]" As the three argued out loud in his head, Issei continuously made his way to his backyard. Once he entered it, he went to the back right corner of the small area and started digging with his sacred gear.

"{[What are you doing?]}" Ddraig and Terumi said in unison. "I can't give them a proper burial, but this is better than letting them rot, right?" Issei spoke in a low and sad tone. He placed his parent in the holes he made for them and filled them back up with the dirt he removed. After filling the holes back up, he picked up some loose stick around them and placed them in a cross formation, using them as make-shift gravestones. " I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you again before this... I'm ashamed that I was too scared to face you. Please... forgive me."

For the first time in Issei's life, he had properly cried. He sobbed and wailed at the loss of his parents. Before this, he had never cried without wanting to, or in other words, for no purpose. He would often cry in order for an act to seem authentic, usually when he was a child and didn't get what he wanted, or didn't want someone else to do something. But these... these were real tears, tears one sheds after immense pain, suffering, despair. Issei wallowed for a while, before finally attempting to go to bed. Whether he was mourning or not, he knew his parents would still want him to graduate and have a good life, not bathe in his own tears. Issei woke earlier than usual, his alarm clock usually woke him up just a bit before he had to walk to school, but woke up an hour before. He remembers everything that happened yesterday in excruciating detail, much to his displeasure. Nevertheless, he continued his morning routine. He took a much-needed shower, ate a healthy breakfast, exercised a bit, doing basic sets of push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, burpees, and a small run around his block. As time passed he still had the look as if his world had been completely shattered, but carried on like a shadow of himself. Eventually, it had come time for school. He grabbed his school things and set off. All who say his face was shocked that he could make such a face. The bright and helpful young boy they knew for years was now a shell of a man, nothing more than an echo of who he once was. They didn't know what happened but knew it wasn't good, they all had a feeling what it was, but no one dared to say it when he was around earshot. Issei arrived at school and walked through the gate.

He was expecting a girl to shout at him, calling the attention of all, but no one spoke. He looked around and though no one spoke, their attention was to him. They saw how disheveled he looked. How much he had lost in an amount of time unknown to them. The boy that many girls fawned over, the boy that many men cursed at, was, effectively dead. He was pale, his eyes were red, his hair was unkempt even though he took a shower, his clothes weren't tucked in or at least at the bare minimum level of presentable. Issei looked back down and continued to class, as he passed he paid no mind to his friends, and even though Murayama and Katase hated Mastuda and Motohama for their actions of a perverse nature, they all agreed that they needed to talk to him about what was wrong, but before they could, Aika Kiryuu got to him first. They all panicked knowing how much she could worsen the mood he was in with her idiocy. " Hey, Hyodou, are you ok? You seem kinda out of it, did something happen?"

Much to the groups' surprise, Issei's face lifted a bit as he spoke to her " Hmm? Oh... yeah, I haven't been in the best of moods lately. Nothing to worry yourself over, thanks for asking though Aika..." Issei smiled for a split second before returning back to his sad face and sat down in his seat. From there the "Cheer Issei Up Group" went over to him. "Hey dude, you alright? You look like you went through hell... then died and went through it again." Motohama got looks from the other three after he spoke like he said something stupid, which they thought he did. Issei looked at his friends and wondered why Murayama and Katase weren't at the other two's throats. "[ Most likely because you look dead, Partner.]" "{Yeah kid! You look like shit! Didn't think to look in the mirror this mornin' didja?}" Both Ddraig and Terumi said with the same response. Issei rolled his eyes at Terumi's remark but spoke to his friends. "Yeah...yeah, I'm fine, I'm just a bit out of wares today, thanks for the concern though, I appreciate it..." Issei smiled again before asking them something. " So, what's up? Did you guys need anything?" Panicking, the boys look to the girls and then Katase speaks. "Y-Yeah! Actually... We were wondering if you wanted to hang out with us tomorrow after school...?" Issei looked at Katase with an eyebrow raised while she looked frantically and the other three standing with her, they all looked like they were trying to keep a very bad secret, but doing terribly.
"Yeah! All of us! Since we don't really hang out all too often anymore, we thought it'd be nice to all go out and have some fun!" Matsuda reinforced the idea Katase had which got an approving look from her. "Since when did you all get so friendly? I thought you two hated their guts?" Issei turned to the girls with a sarcastic and genuinely intrigued voice, knowing that even if it was for his sake, they would still actively avoid the boys. "W-Well,-" Before Katase could finish, the bell to start class rang, signaling everyone to go to their seats. As the clock ticked and time passed, everyone in class snuck peaks at Issei, wondering what happened to make him look like this.

After class ended the "CUIG"(Cheer Up Issei Group) attempted to make their way to Issei when something else happened that no one expected. "Is Issei Hyodou here? I'm looking for him. Issei turned to see who called his name, much to everyone's surprise, it was Yuuto Kiba, the "Prince of Kuoh" much different to Issei's epithet of "Saint of Kuoh". "Who's asking?" Issei stood and walked over to Kiba, he had a smirk on his face as he answered Issei. "Rias Gremory requests your presence." Immediately, as soon as he got his smile, he lost it after hearing her name. "Well? Take me to her." Without missing a beat he told Kiba to take him to her, with a cold tone and soul-piercing slit yellow eyes. Kiba was startled as he nodded and guided Issei to the old school building. Once inside, Issei could notice several things. Though this place had been old and abandoned, there were no signs of it. No cobwebs, no dust, no broken floor tiles, no broken windows, and no signs of any insect of any kind. He continued to notice these things in incredible detail as he and Kiba walked into the second floor of the building before coming up to a large set of double doors. *Knock* *Knock* "It's Kiba, I have Issei Hyodou with me." "Come in" Kiba opened the door after the voice said he could. As they walked in, he make a quick look around the room. There were runes and carvings etched into the walls and ceiling, and a single giant circle in the back center of the room. There were 8 people in the room. Rias and her peerage, and Sona Sitri with hers.

When he turned his attention to the others in the room, he asked a question. " So what is it you want from me exactly? I have things to do." Issei spoke with a sarcastic and uncaring voice, much to the annoyance of everyone but Rias, Sona, and Koneko since he has the power to back up his attitude. "Yesterday, after the 'Incident' we had some questions for you, but you left before we could ask. but while we're on the topic, what did you mean when you said you were 'Ouroboros'? "{SEE?! SHE AGREES! WHAT THE FUCK?}" Terumi screamed at the top of his lungs in pure and utter confusion which made Issei flinch at the volume, this confused the others in the room. 'Be quiet dude, I'm in the middle of something here.' "What I am is not of great importance, so why are you so intent on finding out?" Issei's voice was hard and cold, though it still kept the same sarcastic and confident tone when he first spoke. "I won't stop you from trying to pry, but don't get the idea that I will tell you anything, you know what I can do, and you know what I can act like. So don't bother trying anything." Koneko flinched quite visibly after he spoke. She sensed the malevolent aura of something coming from deep within him, she didn't know what it was, but she knew it wasn't good. Though Koneko flinched, everyone else was just staring at Issei, who they believed couldn't be so cold and uncaring, knowing his reputation.

"Y-yes, well..." Rias was going to say something before pausing to speak again, and when she was, Sona took over. " , we already assume you know of the supernatural world, yes?" Issei nodded. "Good. My name is Sona Sitri, I am a devil, and the girls you see to my left are my peerage members. This is my queen, Tsubaki Shinra." at the mention of her name, Tsubaki bowed towards Issei. "Next to her is Tomoe Meguri, My knight." Tomoe also bowed. "And finally, Reya Kusaka, one of my bishops." And of course, she too bowed. Though Issei noticed that she was flustered and was looking away from him. 'Possible stalker noted.' Once Sona finished, Rias stood and began. "My name is Rias Gremory, I too, am a devil. To my right is Akeno Himejima, my queen. Yuuto Kiba, my knight. And Koneko Toujou, my rook." Once Rias finished, they all bowed towards Issei. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you all." Issei finally bowed back at them when they all finished their introductions.

"The reason we have brought you here today is because we would like you to either join my or Sona's peerage." Rias spoke, trying to get to the point as fast as she could so she could get an answer. When Rias finished talking, Reya blushed at the thought of being around Issei more. He noticed this. 'Yeah, stalker.' "Is there any particular reason why either of you want me in your peerage? Depending on your answer, it will affect mine." Rias and Sona paused, thinking of the right things to say to get him on either side. " I want to be able to protect those in my territory, and help advance the supernatural world to a time of peace." Rias spoke up once, still looking down at her desk. "I also need all the help i can get with a personal issue..." "What is this 'issue'?" She looked pained to have to say it out loud. "I... have a wedding next month. I need all the help I can get to call it off. I was hoping that having someone as strong as you, could help in a rating game against him..." Issei paused, thinking of her troubles before she spoke again. "Please, Hyodou, I really need your help..." Rias mad a puppy face when she spoke her last sentence. "What about you, Madam President?" Issei wasted no time in trying to get Sona's side of the story, getting a good view on both sides before making his decision.

"I want to make a school where all factions and pantheons can exist in peace. No hostility, no violence, only cooperation, and respect. I also require more intellectual minds to help with my duties as Student Council President, even I can't do it with just these three next to me." Sona turned to her peerage, smirking as the girls glared at her. "I see... I see..." Issei contemplated his choices while Akeno brought him some tea to help him decide. " Thank you, Lady Himejima." Akeno smiled and nodded while she returned to her position at Rias's side. 'What do you two think?' "[I like Lady Sitri's proposal. I believe that if we help her, we could actually achieve a peaceful end with the other factions, though Lady Rias said that is her primary goal.]" 'What about you, Terumi?' "{Honestly? I don't care. It doesn't involve me, my name, or question my power. I only care about making people submit, but if that is what we're going off of. I think the redhead could work. She said she want to protect her 'territory' right? You could keep doing what you were doing in the first place, and she also needs help kicking the ass of that pompous prick who she's supposed to get married to. I say we side with her for now, then get something else in return!}" "[ I concur with Terumi, we could help lady Gremory with her issue in return for something.]" 'So go with Rias? Ok, I can get behind that.' The three had finished debating and settled with Rias but with a catch. "I have made my decision." Rias and Sona, along with their respective peerages, were waiting in anticipation for his answer.

" I will help Lady Gremory in her endeavor with her marriage, BUT once that is over, I will join with Madam President. I will also request something of you after it is over, is that something we can agree on?" Sona nodded, knowing that in the end, she would get Issei in her peerage and that Rias would be rid of her engagement problem. Rias paused for a bit, thinking of what she could do. 'If I say no then he will just join Sona's and I'll be stuck with that asshole Riser! I have no choice...' "*Sigh* Yes, I agree to your terms. What is it that you want from me?" "I will tell you when our agreement is over, Lady Rias. Until then, Je vous dis au revoir, bonne nuit. Je vous verrai tous demain." ( I bid all goodbye, have a nice night. I will see you all tomorrow)

Issei proceeded to the door until he was stopped by Reya. " Uhm... That was French right? Why do you know French, if I can ask?" Reya still had a light blush on her face while she asked Issei. " I know a lot of languages. French, Spanish, Italian, German, and a couple of hieroglyphic ones like Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Arabic. I like being able to communicate to people, help decrease the amount of confusion both parties have." As Issei finally left the building, having settled his business there, both Sona and Reya's eyes were sparkling. 'Wow... So cool!' That is what both of them thought as Issei left.

"{ Is that REALLY the reason you know so many languages?}" " Not entirely, I just like speaking different languages around people. Makes them confused as they try to figure out what I say. I also like to arm myself with a wide variety of insults and swears. It helps provoke people when I need it." Issei and Terumi conversed for a while when suddenly, someone bumped into Issei. " OOF. Ow..." Issei looked down and he saw a young girl wearing church garbs. Issei reached his hand down to help her up. "Oh! Sorry, are you ok?" Issei helped her up to her feet. "Sì, sto bene..." (Yes, I'm alright...) 'Ah, she speaks Italian. See Terumi? This is why it works to know languages.' Terumi grinned and Terumi rolled his eyes. "Are you ok? You're not from around here, I can tell." "Oh! Yes! I'm surprised that you speak Italian. What's your name?" "I'm Issei Hyodou, what about you?"

A gust of wind blew by, knocking her hood off her head, revealing long blonde hair and green eyes. "My name is Asia Argento. Nice to meet you!"

Chapter end

So that was that, the beginning of the Asia arc. This took me a while to do because I've been kinda down in the dumps lately but I think I can get another one done by tomorrow, or at least Monday morning. Also some changes to a harem for Issei.

Though he won't have much for one, Issei will have a couple of people vying for his attention. He will make Kiba have a sexual realization, eventually. Irina might be in it but I'm still debating it. Sona, Tomoe, and Reya will be in it because I don't see much of Sona and her friends and I like their characters. Koneko definitely. Asia and Gasper is an absolute NO still, they are too precious to be in a harem and will instead be found family for Issei, as will the other devils not in the harem. I might add Mitelt and Kalawarner, maybe Dohnaseek since I like him and wished he was around a bit more since he was introduced as a character that I actually find very appealing in the anime, or just make him an adoptive father, with Kalawarner as a mother figure. I'm thinking over either having Ravel as another harem member or in the same league as Asia and Gasper, disowning her brother for how he treats women, including her in favor of a brother like Issei.

I'll make a more concrete decision in a while