Author's Note - I read a story with a premise like this awhile ago and I thought I'd give it a shot. Inspired by a view different anime, I just got kind of bored and thought I'd give it a shot. Hope you guys like it and feel free to critique. Happy New Years everybody.
1Issei was tormented by that dream. He hadn't the faintest idea who the people in his dream were, but it felt so real. It felt like he was there himself, in that large office. He felt the fear, the dread…it was like all of those emotions packed together into a single fist that slammed against his heart.
He saw a large open office, nice decoration with a couch and a coffee table. A big desk and some banners hanging around the wall. Normally it would have looked quite nice, but the office was torn apart and in shambled. Gathered around the the office laying on its side for cover, were seven individuals. Issei had never seen any of them before, or so he hoped, but they all wore similar outfits to one another. It sort of reminded Issei of the clothes Asia wore when he first met her.
"This is happening a lot faster than I had hoped," said the boy in the center. He seemed tall and had an aura about him that commanded attention. He had long white hair that he tied back into a tail, and fiery orange eyes that looked like the sun. Like the other six, he wore a white robe tied at the neck with a brown sash, and had an emblem carved onto the back of the robe.
"You all know what to do," said the boy. "Lay low, stay safe. We'll meet again."
There was a bright flash of light and Issei heard a loud slam.
He wasn't in bed…he was in class. In front of him, Miss Takahashi glared at him with contempt in her eyes.
"You know Hyoudou," said Miss Takahashi. "I get that you're tired, but if you had at least told me instead of sleeping in my class…"
"S-Sorry Miss Takahashi," said Issei.
"Now class," Miss Takahashi walked back to the front of the class. "Can anyone tell me more about the history of Japanese Reforms?"
Issei scratched his head. That stupid dream again…it felt so real. It almost felt like he was there himself, able to smell the burning of the fires and the wind against his skin. Now that he's back in reality, he didn't know which was which at the moment.
"Issei-San," Asia whispered. "Are you alright?"
Issei nodded, reluctantly. The small but adorable girl had a worried look about her but nodded knowing that he was okay. He was thankful that she didn't pry because all said and done, he didn't know much about it himself. He'd been having the same dream for a week and not much he could tell from it. He had wanted to ask Rias about the whole thing, but he didn't want to come off as a crazy idiot.
After class ended, Asia and Issei headed for the Occult Research Clubroom. While Kuoh Academy was definitely a big school with more than enough funds for them to have a clubroom in the school building itself, their clubroom was located at the back of the school, nestled away into the trees. A small but furbished lodge set with in-house showers and even a kitchen. It seems that they were the last ones to arrive…and it wasn't an atmosphere they wanted to walk in on.
"Ara," said Himejima Akeno. "Looks like you two made it after all."
"What's…happening here?" asked Issei.
Within the clubroom's office, Sona Sitri sat at one end of the couch facing Rias Gremory, the club president. Issei had heard and seen a lot of Sona Sitri, the Student Body President of Kuoh Academy, and all of them weren't very nice things. He had no idea that she and Rias were friends.
"Oh? Are these your two newest members?" asked Sona. "A pleasure to meet you both. I'm the Student Body President, Sona Sitri."
"A pleasure," Issei gulped. "My name is Hyoudou Issei, and this is Asia Argento."
"I wish our meeting could have been under better circumstances," said Sona, setting down her tea. "But I'm afraid this is a rather serious matter."
"Issei, Asia," said Rias. "Come. We have much to discuss."
Issei and Asia joined up with the other members of Rias's Peerage; Kiba Yuuto and Toujou Koneko.
"I'm afraid there's been an uprising within the Holy Church," said Sona.
Rias seemed visibly alarmed. "An uprising?"
"A week ago," Sona explained. "The Paladin, the Holy Church's top ranked exorcist, lead a coup d'etat and murdered one of the High Chancellors of the Church. The Paladin and his followers, six total, then escaped from Church custody and have been deemed S-Class fugitives."
There was a silence in the room, and tension so sharp it could have been cut with a butter knife.
"Why would…the Paladin rebel against his own people?" asked Kiba. "That doesn't make any sense."
"I don't fully grasp the situation myself either," said Sona. "But it's true. The Paladin and his six generals are currently on the run, their current positions are completely unknown. Alerts have been sent to the major factions and the order to shoot on sight has been issued. This seems serious."
"My brother knows about this I assume?" asked Rias.
Her brother? Issei didn't know that Rias had a brother. He wondered what kind of man he would be…
"So what do we do?" asked Issei.
"We don't do anything," said Rias. "As of right now we don't have any information. We hardly know anything about the Paladin or his generals. And if we act rashly, we could get ourselves in some serious trouble."
"In any case," said Sona. "I just wanted to warn you, that's all. My sister was the first to find out about this whole thing, and I quickly learned it myself. Surely your brother will inform you soon."
"Thank you Sona," said Rias. "I appreciate the heads up."
"But of course," Sona got up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I came here rather suddenly. I'm sure the others are curious about it."
"Of course, I understand," said Rias.
They watched as Sona exited the building and the doors closing behind her.
"Everyone be on guard and on the lookout, okay?" asked Rias. "I don't want this to shake everybody up, but just be careful."
"Y-Yes…" said Issei.
…
The rest of the school day, Issei felt like he was on edge. It wasn't a coincidence, him having his dream for a week and in the same amount of time, the Paladin of the Holy Church rebelling. He couldn't really explain why, but he knew that they were related somehow.
"Are you sure you're alright Issei-San?" Asia asked. "You've been acting weird all day."
Issei sighed. "Honestly, I'm just tired. I feel like I'm going out of my mind."
"Well do you wanna go grab some food?" asked Asia. "Maybe that will wake you up a bit."
"Sure thing," Issei smiled.
The two ventured into the city, towards the commercial district. Tons of shops and restaurants were advertising and promoting themselves. It was during this time of day that Kuoh's city life flourished. More and more people were coming into the city for tours, which meant more and more businesses would make profit. That usually meant that they'd be selling more and more stuff…delicious stuff.
"Hey Asia," said Issei. "Do you know the Paladin? You were in the church right?"
"Hmm," said Asia. "I've heard about him, but I've never actually met him before. He operates out of Vatican City, but I've never been there."
"Do you know what he looks like?" asked Issei.
Asia shook her head. "I've never met him or seen any pictures either…I'm sorry."
Issei smiled. "What are you apologizing for? Sorry I was just curious, that's all."
They finally arrived at Issei's favorite ramen shop, only to be met with a surprise. Issei practically froze when he saw who was standing in front of the shop, with a confused expression.
"Issei-San?" asked Asia, poking her head to the side and seeing the man standing in front of the shop.
He was tall, much taller than Issei had realized. He had long silvery white hair tied into a tail that draped down his back. Fair and supple skin that glistened off the sunlight, and fiery orange eyes…like two suns packed into small orbs. He wore a loose fitted white dress shirt and cargo pants, tucked into a pair of brown boots. It was an odd mix of formal and combat…
As Issei and Asia walked towards him, he heard the sound of a stomach growling like the sound of an animal.
"So…hungry…" the boy's face told it all.
"W-Would you…like to eat with us?" Issei asked, knowing that he might regret it.
The boy turned to face them, and Issei was sure of it now. This was the boy that Issei had seen in his dreams.
"I…No, I couldn't possibly ask for such a thing," said the boy, with a faint trace of an English accent.
"It's really no bother," said Issei. "My friend and I were about to come in anyway. We could use the company."
The boy reluctantly accepted their offer, and they were seated for a table of three inside the shop.
"I'm Hyoudou Issei, this is Asia Argento," said Issei. "We're high school students at Kuoh Academy."
"High school students?" asked the boy. "I see…so we're in Kuoh."
"You didn't know?" asked Asia.
"I'm afraid I don't really remember much these days," said the boy. "I sort of just woke up here last week, and I've been trying to remember as much as I can. So far I can only remember my name."
"You have amnesia?" asked Issei.
"Unfortunately," the boy sighed. "My name is Ozora Toshiro. And that's about all I can remember really."
Ozora Toshiro…what an odd name. He was Japanese, and yet he spoke with an English accent that told Issei otherwise.
"So you don't know how you got to Kuoh?" asked Issei.
Toshiro shook his head."Not a single clue."
The waitress came back with their ramen, and the look in Toshiro's eyes were that of a kid in a candy store. Upon taking a sip of the broth and a bite of the noodles, his face melted with delight.
"This…" he gulped. "This is the best thing I've ever consumed."
Issei couldn't help but smile at his childish delight from simply eating ramen. It reminded him of the first time he had taken Asia out to eat and see the things she had never experienced before. It somehow brought him joy knowing that those memories were his…and saddened him that Toshiro couldn't remember.
"So you really don't remember anything else?" asked Asia.
Toshiro gulped down the bowl and shook his head. "I woke up a few miles outside the city and wandered in. I've been wandering the streets trying to remember anything, literally anything, but I haven't remembered a thing except my name. It's like…that part of my memory is just gone."
"I wish there was more we can do to help Ozora-San," said Asia.
Toshiro smiled. "This meal was more than enough, don't worry. I don't know how I'll be able to repay you…" He ruffled through his pockets, until he pulled out a silver pocketwatch. "How's this?"
"Oh no, this looks way more expensive than a ramen meal," said Issei. "We couldn't possibly-"
"You've helped me in my time of need," Toshiro placed the pocketwatch in Issei's hand, closing it. "Consider it a token of friendship."
The three of them finished their meal and left the restaurant. It was already sundown, much quicker than Issei had thought.
"What will you do now?" asked Asia.
"Well I have a bit of money," said Toshiro. "I was hoping to find a motel to stay at until I figure something out."
Issei smiled. "There's a small motel just around the corner. Take a left down the street and you should hit it. Rosebloom Motels."
Toshiro's eyes lit up. "I can't thank you both enough, Issei, Asia."
"Please don't mention it," said Issei. "I hope we see each other again soon."
Issei and Asia waved as Toshiro left. He took a look at the pocketwatch Toshiro had left them. It was made of silver, with not a single scratch on it. On the face of the pocketwatch was an emblem…
"That's the symbol of the church," said Asia. "The fleur-de-lis."
"How am I able to hold it?" asked Issei. "I thought holy objects were supposed to burn us…"
"Maybe Toshiro-San isn't much of a religious person," said Asia.
"Yeah…I guess," said Issei, tampering with the watch. "It doesn't seem like it'll open. It's been sealed shut."
"Why would he have a pocketwatch he can't use?" asked Asia.
"Who knows," said Issei. "He doesn't seem like a normal guy, does he."
"Come on," said Asia. "We'd better get back before your parents start to worry."
…
It was almost 2 in the morning, and for once Issei wasn't having that weird dream, when his cellphone rang with an urgent message from Rias. He was half asleep when he and Asia were told to get dressed and meet up with Rias and the others…at an abandoned church nonetheless. The streets were completely empty, the city vacant of any noise except for their footsteps as they walked through the city. It was relatively easy to sneak out of their house, seeing as his parents were sound asleep as any normal person would be right now.
"What did Rias say?" asked Asia, yawning halfway through her sentence. "Is it really that urgent?"
"Apparently there's been a breach in the city," said Issei, rubbing his eyes. "Rias and the others think that it might be one of the generals who escaped with the Paladin. Sona's sister is already there to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"I wonder what her sister is like," said Asia. "Sona seems like a very diligent woman, maybe her sister's like that too."
"Maybe…"
The two of them rounded the corner and was met with quite the party. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko stood outside of the church with one of the members of the Student Council, Tsubaki Shinra, and a face that Issei had never seen before. She was much shorter than the others were, a girl with a babyish face and long dark hair tied into pigtails. She wore a forest green business suit with a black skirt and stockings.
"Yahallo!" said the small girl with a hand raised. "You two must be Rias's new friends. I'm Serafall Leviathan, the magical girl Devil King. Pleasure to meet you!"
"D-Devil King?" asked Asia.
"This is Lady Leviathan," Akeno explained. "One of the Four Devil Kings that rule the Underworld. She's sort of our boss, one of them anyway. She's also Sona's older sister."
This was Sona's sister? She seemed nothing like Sona…she was much cheerier and…and cute.
"What are we dealing with?" asked Issei.
"Some of our guards sensed a powerful magic pressure that entered the city not too long ago today," said Rias. "They kept low and tracked it to this old church, if it is the generals…"
"It'd make sense that they come to a church," said Serafall. "But this place has been abandoned for a very long time. There shouldn't be anything here for them."
Issei's left arm suddenly began to throb. It was like when he had fought against Raynare…an intense and throbbing pain echoing in his arm. It was almost as if something was fighting to get out of him. But there was also something else…there was this weird feeling. It was like something was weighing on his chest, and squeezing down on him second by second.
"You feel that, don't you?" asked Rias. "It's powerful…like nothing we've faced."
"If it really is one of the generals," said Serafall. "We're dealing with people who were trained by the church and expert killers who were had chosen by the Paladin to be in his personal unit. This isn't your run of the mill Stray Devil or even a Fallen Angel…everybody be careful."
Issei gulped as everyone took positions and began to walk inside. Serafall opened the doors as the dust flew off the hinges. The inside of the church wasn't any better than the outside. The lights were completely broken and the seats were covered with drapes but the podium at the front of the church was uncovered. Dust covered every crevice of the church and the wooden doors and walls were beginning to break and fall apart.
"Akeno?" asked Rias.
"On it." The black haired girl held up a hand and formed a ball of light in her hand. Multiple more formed and spread out to cover the corners of the church, lighting the entire place up. It was then that Issei could see it.
Standing at the front of the church, right in front of the podium, was a figure in a white cloak. Issei was frozen as he saw the cloak, it was the same cloak as the one in his dream. A long white cloak that covered the figure's whole body, tied at the neck with a brown sash and had a symbol engraved on the of it. This specific was was the the Japanese kanji for the number 2, enclosed in a black diamond. A large hood covered their face, but the feeling on Issei's chest was much greater than outside.
"I am Serafall Leviathan, Devil King of the Underworld," said Serafall. "You've trespassed onto Devil territory. Identify yourself!"
A pair of hands that wore black finger-less gloves pulled back the large hood, revealing the face of a boy in his late teens to early twenties. He had fairly long crimson hair that framed his face with bangs and intimidating crimson eyes. He had tanned skin and a tattoo under his left eye, it seemed like a spiral coming from the edge of his eye.
"You don't understand what's happening here Devil King," said the boy. "Don't make me do anything I might regret."
"Who…are…you," Serafall asked a second time.
The boy pulled the cloak over his shoulder and revealed the armor he was wearing underneath. Leather armor with a steel chest plate, with what seemed like bracelets around his wrist. What scared Issei the most were the pistols strapped to the sides of his legs.
"Lieutenant of squad one of the Church's exorcists," said the boy. "Arashikage Ryusei. And I'm sorry, but I can't let you kill me here today."
"You're out of your mind if you think we're giving you a choice here Ryusei-Kun," said Serafall. "Stand down, you're under arrest for the murder of High Chancellor Genryusai."
It happened in a flash. Serafall unleashed an attack made of ice, pillars of ice shot from the ground and launched towards Ryusei. The boy pulled out the twin pistols strapped to his side and blew the ice away with a hail of bullets and jumped towards Serafall.
"Attack!" cried Rias.
Everybody jumped into action. It was a solid 7 against 1, and yet somehow Ryusei was perfectly fighting against all of them. A close combat style of fighting that involved using guns. It was as if Issei was watching something from a movie.
Kiba jumped towards Ryusei and manifested a sword, however Ryusei blocked it with one of his pistols and the other pressing against his stomach. With a loud bang, he fired his pistol.
"Kiba!" cried Rias.
"They're not bullets, don't worry," Serafall landed besides them. "They're compressed magic made from his own magic pressure."
"How is he fighting all of us at once?" asked Issei.
"Oh trust me," said Serafall. "If I wanted him dead, he'd be dead. But that would mean taking this whole city with him and I don't feel like committing mass homicide tonight."
Ryusei sped past the entire group and made it outside. Everybody followed him out, but something was wrong here. The throbbing in Issei's arm intensified so much he could hardly move it.
"Alright you idiot," said Ryusei. "If you're here, I could really use some help right about now."
"Surround him!" Serafall ordered.
In a split second, the entire group encircled Ryusei and had him trapped. Akeno seemed like she was about to ready up and intense attack, however a knife was shot and landed right in front of Ryusei. It was a kunai…a tri-tipped kunai with strange symbols carved onto the handle. Like a flash, a figure manifested as a second figure appeared behind Ryusei. It was another boy, around Ryusei's age, but this one with short blue hair and matching eyes. He wore the same white cloak but was carrying a katana.
"Took you long enough," said Ryusei.
"Well excuse me for traveling halfway across the world in a few second," the boy sighed. "And did you have to piss off one of the Devil Kings? We were supposed to lay low!"
"Can you just shut up and take us out?" asked Ryusei.
As quickly as he had appeared, he vanished just as quickly with Ryusei. Everyone was left speechless and confused as all that was left…was the kunai.
"What…What just happened?" asked Kiba.
"We let him escape," said Koneko.
"No," said Serafall. "Now we know that there's two of them in Kuoh. Tsubaki, put out an alert for two of the Divine Generals. If two of them are here…"
"The Paladin must be in Kuoh as well," said Rias.
"Everyone on high alert," said Serafall. "The Paladin is in Kuoh. Consider him armed and extremely dangerous."
Issei gulped.
