The faint beeping of a heart monitor could be heard in the room as Issei opened his eyes. His vision was blurred and the room was quite bright, however after a few moments his vision returned and he noticed that he was inside a white room on what seemed to be a hospital bed.
Issei attempted to move to get up but found that he was shackled to the bed by ankle, wrist and a torso restraint, allowing only his head to move freely.
This did not set well with him, being contained like this was making Issei feel very uncomfortable, while he didn't show it visually, inside his mind was screaming to get out.
Before he could begin to think of a plan to escape, the door to the room opened and a tall man with crimson hair wearing a black suit walked in.
"Ah, I see you're awake Issei, my name is Sirzechs" he spoke in a gentle tone.
Issei remained silent, sizing the man up and deducing that he possessed great power, far superior to Riser's and his own.
"Not much of a talker? That wasn't always the case now was it?" Sirzechs probed.
Again Issei remained silent.
Sirzechs grew a little more frustrated at the fact that the boy had changed so much so quickly from the stories he'd been told by his dear sister Rias. The old Issei was someone that he preferred since he was kind and cared for his friends, this new Issei had already retired one of his own team mates and suicide attacked Riser while Asia was in the vicinity, granted she had been on Riser's side at the time but still.
"What happened to you, where has the old Issei who cared for his friends gone?" asked Sirzechs.
Issei remained quiet for a moment before giving his answer.
"That Issei is gone, you can thank Ophis the infinite dragon god for that" Issei answered.
"W-WHAT!? what does Ophis have to do with your change?" Sirzechs demanded, initially surprised at the mention of the leader of the Khaos Brigade but quickly growing curious as to how Ophis had change the boy in front of him so much.
"I was dying, Asia had gone berserk as i'm sure you know and she blasted through my heart before she left with Riser. I woke up in a black void where I was tormented by visions of the people I called friends telling me I wasn't good enough, eventually something just snapped... that is when I met Ophis. She said my soul had unfinished business and gave me some of her power so I could return, however her power influenced my soul and that caused the changes you see now as well as robbing me of most of my emotions apart from rage" Issei explained with a neutral expression.
Sirzechs couldn't help feel bad for the boy after hearing his story, but the fact remained that he had killed a high ranking devil and critically injured Kiba and Asia who were barely breathing by the time they could receive medical attention. The old Issei was gone but maybe not forever as hearing that the reason Issei changed was because of Ophis' power sparked an idea that if they could find a way to remove the amount of power Ophis had given, the old Issei may yet be able to return.
However it would take months maybe even years for the magic Ophis used to be identified since they would need to know what they were removing and what the best approach would be. Fortunately time wasn't a issue since devils lived much longer than humans but they would have to place special precautions around Issei until his former self returned as his new form came with many unknowns.
"Issei... If we managed to remove Ophis' power, then theoretically we could revert you back to how you were before, I believe-" Sirzechs stated before he was interrupted by Issei.
"I refuse" Issei stated simply.
This shocked Sirzechs as he thought Issei would be happy to return to his former self, it was also unfortunate because if Issei wouldn't go through with this idea and remained how he was, the underworld would not be happy with him and he would have to be incarcerated.
"Why?" Sirzechs asked firmly, making it clear he wasn't happy with the boy's decision.
"Because I now see the truth, devils are not good, they simply were cowards in the great war and decided to withdraw before losing anymore high ranking devils, devils are just are as devious and despicable as angels. The so called traitors that you and the angels have outcasted in the form of fallen angels are the most moral out of all of you, how ironic... With the power Ophis has given me I will purge this world of angel and devils as they have been nothing but a nuisance for other religions by fighting each other" Issei declared with a serious look.
"Oh really? Surely you must know that power isn't enough to beat even an ultimate class devil, let alone one of the four maou such as me" Sirzechs boasted, now not caring about befriending and returning Issei to how he was since he'd made his stance in the supernatural very clear.
"Maybe not, but I have ways of becoming stronger" Issei replied simply.
Knowing that the conversation was going nowhere and Issei was set on his decision to oppose devils, Sirzechs decided to end the talking and ordered the guards outside Issei's room to escort him to the dungeon cell that had been prepared for just such an occasion as this.
The guards came into the room and affixed wrist and ankles cuffs to Issei before removing the bed restraints and leading him out the door.
Issei was lead down a grey, empty corridor, down a set of step that looked like they'd seen better days and through a large double wooden door into a large circular room, lit only by chandeliers and candles. Multiple cells with a bed, toilet and sink lined the edges of the rooms.
The guards opened a cell and tossed Issei inside before closing the door and flipping a switch which caused Issei to immediately collapse onto one knee.
"Excellent, the special power dampeners work on even a dragon god's power" one guard remarked before they both turned and left the room.
Issei struggled to his bed and collapsed onto it. With the power that Ophis had given him sealed away, his soul was beginning to deteriorate, if he didn't get out of here soon then he'd return to that void.
He searched frantically around the cell for anything that could help, the bed, the sink, the toilet, he even tried to pull the bars apart but in the end all that's he'd done was used up precious energy. Issei flopped onto the bed, unable to move, his thoughts a blurr, he made one last desperate move.
"Ddraig..." Issei called out weakly.
(Partner!) came the dragon's exasperated reply (I've been trying to reach you since the end of your battle, what happened?) Ddraig asked.
"W.. we ended up being scooped out of the arena by Sirzechs, he told me that our attack killed Riser and injured Asia and Kiba" Issei muttered as clear as he could.
(I see, it's regrettable that the attack hurt Asia but unavoidable since she wasn't moving from Riser's side, however I do think you were out of line when you punched Kiba) The dragon replied, scolding Issei for his rash action.
Issei thought back to attacking the knight for a brief moment, his judgment blurred slightly but eventually remained firm, he'd been justified.
Ddraig sensed this and sighed, he regretted not being able to help with Asia more, as a result of that, Issei had been changed and now refused to go back. However, while he missed the old Issei, Ddraig was forever loyal to his host and would assist him until death.
(I can sense your vitals are dropping, without the power Ophis gave you to save your soul your body will shut down) The dragon regretfully informed Issei.
"That's why I called you... I want you to turn me into a dragon" Issei weakly stated.
(Are you sure partner, once you do this there's no going back) Ddraig warned the boy.
"I'm about to die Ddraig, there's no other options for me. Besides, I need to get out of here to see Raynare and try to help Asia" Issei replied.
(I'm surprised, I thought you lost your emotions when you changed, however it appears you still hold a place for those two in your heart) Ddraig pondered aloud.
"Don't hold your breath, I only want to right my wrongs with Asia so she can be happy again, Raynare I only want to say goodbye to" Issei replied blankly.
Ddraig knew there was more to this than Issei was letting on but decided that Issei needed time to choose what he'd do, so he accepted the dying Issei's request.
(This is going to hurt partner) Ddraig warned his host.
"I'm sure I can take i-" Issei started calmly before the process began and he screamed his lungs off before collapsing unconscious.
A few hours later, Issei awoke with a headache and burning muscles.
"Ddraig?" Issei called out.
(Ah you're awake, the transformation went smoothly, your vitals are stable and your current status is half dragon, half devil)
"That's good news, i suppose the next plan should be getting out of this dungeon, and back to the human world, that way I can seclude myself in my apartment until I can come up with a concrete plan of the future" Issei told Ddraig in a calculative voice.
(I agree, however it appears that escaping this place will be quite difficult due to the power dampener around the dungeon, all your abilities have been cut off, even the boosted gear, the only way we can communicate is through a telepathic link) Ddraig informed his partner.
"There's also the problem that Rias' pawn pieces are still inside of me, can I remove them and be a full dragon?" Issei asked Ddraig.
(Unfortunately i'm afraid not, I do not possess enough energy to fully transform you into a dragon, maybe once we get out of here and Ophis' power returns you might stand a chance but I would advise against it) Ddraig warned Issei.
"But Rias can use these pieces to track me, once we break out they'll be right on our trail, we won't stand a chance!" Issei exclaimed as her punched the stone wall which cracked at his fury, he was frustrated at the lack of options.
(There is currently no way to remove your pieces, however there is someone who may be able to provide the power I lack after this transformation) Ddraig informed his host.
Usually the proud welsh dragon wouldn't dream of asking for this person's help but Issei was becoming restless and would inevitably make a reckless move that would cost him dearly while those pieces would be used to track him, besides, this would give them more time to plan.
"Who?" Issei briskly asked.
(My rival, the vanishing dragon) Ddraig shortly replied.
Issei's eyes widened for a moment as he remembered the story of the two heavenly rival dragons, if Ddraig was willing to go to his rival and sacrifice his pride to help him...
This realisation lit a fire in Issei's cold heart that began to melt to ice that has encased it. If his partner would go this far for him, then Issei was going to make sure that he didn't waste the dragon's sacrifice. With a swift motion, Issei drew the sword that he hadn't for some time, his angelic weapon.
"Rrrgh" Issei grunted as the holy energy of the weapon poisoned his devil nature, thankfully his dragon nature was nullifying the damage somewhat but it was still fatal if held for too long, however he didn't need much time.
(PARTNER, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU-) Ddraig began to yell before being cut off by Issei.
"Ddraig I can't hold this for long, I need you boost this sword, it's immune to the effects of the power dampeners because devils never found a way to properly seal the holy power from angels, theoretically that means you should be able to boost the sword itself" Issei responded, struggling to keep his grip on the sword.
Ddraig saw the grit and determination in Issei's eyes and smiled, he knew the old Issei was still in there.
(BOOST X10) Ddraig announced.
"WE NEED MORE!" Issei yelled.
(BOOST X20) Ddraig shouted.
"KEEP GOING!" Issei bellowed.
(BOOST X50) Ddraig roared.
"RRRRRGGGHHHHHHH" Issei screamed as he lifted the sword and sliced downwards, blasting open the wall sending rubble and debris flying past which smashed down the cell door and blocked up the main entrance to the dungeon.
It was storming violently outside, lightning streaked across the sky and the rain hammered through the hole into Issei. There was no land in sight and it was a long drop straight down into the ocean, it wasn't long before the explosion of power that had broken the wall was noticed.
"What the hell is going on in there!?" shouted a familiar voice.
Issei recognised the voice, it belonged to Sirzechs, he was one of the four maou of the underworld, that rubble wasn't going to hold him for long. However the aftermath of holding the boosted holy sword for so long had left Issei with deep wounds in the palms of both his hands which effectively stopped him from using them.
At that moment red power of destruction broke through the rubble and Sirzechs appeared in golden armor.
"Issei Hyoudou, stand down or I will be forced to eliminate you and I really don't want to do that" Sirzechs told the boy which surprised Issei a little.
"Why the hell do you care if I die?" Issei angrily shot back.
"Because my sister and her peerage care about you, they're all worried about you after you changed in the rating game, even Kiba doesn't hold any grudge against you. I'm sorry about how I came across in your recovery room but I was being watched closely by the Phoenix family who were scorned by their son's death and pressured me into acting cold and locking you up or else they'd cause an outrage" Sirzechs informed Issei.
Issei processed this information for a moment, never leaving the edge of the hole, the rain still whipping at him. He could understand that Sirzechs had been forced into locking him up and acting how he did and it was heart warming to hear that almost of the peerage blamed him for what happened, however one member did, Asia's betrayal was his fault and after he'd killed Riser and injured her at the end of the game because he let his anger consume him... Issei couldn't bring himself to go back, not yet.
"I'm sorry... I can't" Issei regretfully told Sirzechs with a tear in his left eye.
"Issei, don't do this" Sirzechs pleaded the boy
Holding the sword and excessively boosting had drained his stamina but Issei had made up his mind, he backed up to the edge of the hole in the wall.
"Please tell Raynare that i'm sorry and that I love her" Issei calmly stated before allowing himself to fall backwards, the wind whipped his body and the rain soaked his clothes, he heard one voice in his mind, the one who had saved him all those years ago.
"Not yet"
With that, Issei plunged into the storming water.
And that's a wrap.
Hello again everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter because I know I bloody didn't.
Midway through writing this I honestly considered just stopping the whole thing since i'd had the plot planned out but a few decisions I made in earlier chapters cut that vision off from being a possibility and I felt as though i'd written myself into a corner.
However this was when my very own angel gave me the inspiration I so desperately needed and allowed me to find a way to get the story back on track to what I envisioned, so it may be a bumpy ride but were all gonna get to the station in one piece.
I'd like to give a special thank you to a user by the name of Tohka Yatogami for being my angel and allowing this little train ride to get back on track, I owe you one ;)
As always, thank you everyone who reads, reviews and follows me and this fic, until next time,
BK out :)