I own nothing. Big thanks to MyriadSilver for helping me with my shitty dialogue.

I look around the abandoned warehouse, from the rusting metal supports that had turned an orange-brown colour to the rotting wooden crates covered in a thick layer of dust, it isn't exactly in pristine condition. Abandoned, forgotten….and absolutely perfect for storing my zombies. Leaving them in the sewers might've worked for one night but it certainly isn't going to cut it for a more long-term location. A night in the sewers also exacerbated the already horrible smell though thankfully it seems the magic reanimating the corpses also at least slowed the rate of decay or I would be left with an even worse smell. Still, the combination of the sickeningly sweet smell of the corpses and the disgusting stink of sewage fused to make a truly horrifying smell. Like seriously, this shit could knock out a gorilla.

I quickly command my zombies to crawl into the crates, sneaking them across town even at the cusp of dawn was hard enough, no point having them follow me around everywhere. Honestly, Raise Undead sounded cool but the zombies are so difficult to make use of without attracting attention from everything supernatural in the whole town. They also reserve a shitton of mana, two zombies alone took over half of my available mana! These were low level zombies as well, if I tried to make somebody like Raynare a zombie, it would take almost double of all my mana…which was kind of bullshit.

Well, your INT stat isn't exactly high, and humans aren't really known for their high magic affinity either.

I should probably be insulted by the fact my INT isn't that high but getting Boosted Gear put me in a good enough mood that I'll ignore that. Even if the SP cost is so ridiculous on it that I can only afford to maintain one Boost for ten seconds. Still, ten seconds of double one of my stats is more than enough to tip a close fight entirely in my favour if timed right.

I quickly look over the wooden crates to make sure neither of the zombies are poking out, the last thing I need are rumours about zombies that would undoubtedly attract attention from the city's supervisors. I specifically chose this warehouse because it's out of the way and looks like it has been undisturbed for months at least, but it was best to make sure anyway. After looking over the crates, I close the rusted steel doors, wincing at the loud screeching as the doors closed.

Checking my phone, I let out a frustrated sigh as I see another text message from Raynare. Like seriously it's only been a day since my check-in with her, what does she want me to do now? Skimming through the message, it seems like I have to collect some nun at the edge of town today. Wait what? Isn't that nun, Asia? There's supposed to be five days until canon starts, six if you count today. Did I seriously cause that much deviance from the plot already…ok, dumb question I killed the goddamn protagonist, of course the plot has deviated, still this was one change I didn't expect to happen. I wonder why Asia was brought to Kuoh early. Raynare is going to pay for treating me like a goddamn errand boy one day, but for now I'll go along with her orders…I'm really not strong enough to fight her on this for now. Doesn't mean I have to like doing her tasks though.

I irately make my way to the opposite end of town, heading to the arranged meeting place. I shiver a bit in the chilly spring morning. Raynare's text message directs me to a somewhat quiet side street, a small distance from the train station. The few small shops located here are closed, and there are less than a dozen people milling the street. I could see why Raynare chose for me to meet Asia here. A blonde foreign nun would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention in Japan, so it was smart to choose a more isolated spot. There is only one problem though, where the fuck is Asia? There is no sign of her easily distinct long blonde hair or her nun habit on the almost empty street. Checking my phone, I confirm that it's already been ten minutes since the arranged meeting time. I let out a sigh of frustration as I realise that I'm going to have to go look for her. I take one last quick stroll through the street just in case I somehow missed her distinctive appearance before deciding to check the area around here, I doubt she would've moved far from here and this is Japan, so it's incredibly unlikely she would've just been randomly kidnapped off the street unless something supernatural was involved.

It takes a couple of minutes of trawling through the streets but eventually I find her next to some old lady at the side of a nearby street. Her hands are outstretched towards the old woman, a silver ring on her finger emanating a gentle emerald glow. The woman seems to relax as light washes over her, as if some great burden has been removed from her. I sigh, why am I not surprised that this is what she's been wasting her and more importantly my time on. While she's focusing on healing the woman, I take a quick peek at Asia's stats.

Asia Argento

LV25

Race-Human

SP- 220

MP- 430

STR- 21

END- 22

DEX- 23

INT- 43

WIS- 20

CHA- 56

Huh, her stats are fairly in line with what I expected, her CHA and INT are a bit higher than I expected but considering she's supposed to have some magical talent and she is pretty cute, it makes sense.

"Asia," I call out.

Hearing her name called out, she turns her head around, her blond hair in a flurry around her. Seeing her face for the first time, I'm reminded of a cute puppy. From her bright green eyes, wide and innocent to her shy demeanour, you could easily see her upbringing in the church, secluded from the cruelty of the world. She was the model nun, full of virtue and innocence. A virtue I would love to see corrupted, an innocence I would love to despoil. It was too bad that I couldn- wait, why couldn't I corrupt her? She's Asia for God's sake! Literally one of the most naïve people in the world, if I couldn't manipulate her, I would be just as dumb as the original Freed…. which I wasn't!

…. Debatable

Ok, that was just uncalled for, it's not like corrupting Asia is a bad idea, with Twilight Healing she's an excellent support meaning there's even a practical element to it, not just me enjoying the idea of corrupting a beacon of innocence.

You do remember that Raynare wants to steal her Sacred Gear right? The same Raynare you had a panic attack over?

Don't worry about it, all I have to do is get the devils to attack her or grow strong enough to defeat her myself. It'll be fine…

You're very confident all of a sudden…whatever, just don't die.

"Emmm…excuse me?"

I snap out of my thoughts as Asia is looking at me with a confused face. Fuck, I've been completely zoned out.

"Raynare sent me to collect you, Asia. You weren't at the agreed upon meeting place, so I came out to look for you."

Asia's face turns red in embarrassment before she stutters out a reply.

"I- I'm sorry but it was a force of habit. This old lady here hurt her back in a fall and I couldn't just sit back and watch her in pain…"

I roll my eyes inwardly before putting on a kind demeanour, this is Asia after all, can't be talking about murder and all that business in front of her, yet.

"No worries I understand...That was your Sacred Gear Twilight Healing, correct?"

A small smile crosses her face.

"Yes! It's the wonderful power granted to me by God. It's only natural for me to share His kindness around."

"Say Asia, do you go out of the church often? We could spend some time and go around the town if you'd like to, we still have some time before Raynare expects us."

Asia stares at her feet shyly.

"Oh, you don't have to...I've never really gone out of the church. The church always took care of the things I needed, and Father Gallo took good care of me. I-I wouldn't want to waste your valuable time..."

I force a wide smile on my face to reassure her before replying.

"It's fine, I have plenty of time and showing you some of the fun stuff outside of the church is the least I can do! By the way, my name is Freed Sellzen. Raynare told me that your name's Asia Argento, correct?"

Asia gives a reluctant nod in reply. I bite back a sigh, isn't she a bit too shy, what the fuck? I put on a facade of enthusiasm before 'excitedly' dragging her off to the shops. This is going to be incredibly boring…still worth it for a chance to corrupt an innocent nun like Asia though.

I sit at my table, admiring Asia's pretty face and long beautiful hair as she obliviously gushes over how delicious her burger was and how she had never heard of such an amazing food before coming here. Honestly, the church really did a number on her when they kept her cloistered away as their Holy Maiden. Not that I mind, it just makes it easier for me to slowly corrupt her. I was self-aware enough to know that my cold red eyes don't exactly inspire trust and that my 'nice guy' act is actually pretty bad. Despite that, Asia is more than naïve enough to fall for it. I'm not going to lie, having a cute girl gush over how amazing her day with me was, well let's just say I enjoyed going around with Asia way more than I thought I would. Still wasn't going to stop me from corrupting her though.

I sit there listening as she puts her burger down before tearfully telling the story of how she became a Holy Maiden due to her healing powers but later she healed a devil resulting in her excommunication from the Church.

"…and so, I was branded a heretic because I had the power to even heal devils. B-but I never stopped praying to God, expressing my gratitude." Asia finished.

"...It must have been hard on you, to be abandoned by all that you knew and loved, due to a single mistake. Don't you ever feel angry at the Church for abandoning you?" I ask in reply.

There was a moment of hesitation before she replied, "N-no of course not, I understand the outcry of me healing a devil…it's a sin after all."

"It's okay to feel angry y'know. You're only human after all. You were tricked, deceived into healing a devil and the Church simply tossed you aside at the first sign of controversy. God preaches about forgiveness and understanding yet the Church threw you away because of a simple mistake." I say.

"I- I just, I know it's wrong to feel angry and that this all follows God's plan but- but I just can't shake off the disappointment and anger…all I wanted to do was help people, so why, WHY was I abandoned?", Asia's voice gradually grew louder before finishing off with a whimper.

Stepping forward, I pull Asia in a hug. At least, this is what I think a 'kind' person would do in this situation. It seems to have work as Asia sobs into my chest, whimpering about how her excommunication was. I awkwardly pat her head in an attempt to comfort her.

"It's okay now, I'll always be here for you.", I murmur softly in response.

I'm almost cringing at my own cheesiness here, but Asia seems to lap it up. She slowly calms down; her eyes are red from crying. As she calms down, I notice the sun is already close to setting, it's probably time to bring Asia to Raynare before she starts thinking something is wrong.

"It's getting late, I'll bring you to the church now.", I say.

As we make our way to the church, I think through how the fuck am I actually going to make this work. The first step to make Asia trust me seems to be completed, she certainly seems to be attached to me. Second step is to find a way to get rid of Raynare before she completes the ritual to extract Asia's Sacred Gear. I'm not Rias, I don't have an Evil Piece to reincarnate her if she dies. Running isn't really an option either here cause the Grigori would not doubt try to track down a valuable Sacred Gear like Twilight Healing if the user just randomly goes missing. I'm thinking of just causing enough trouble and blaming the Fallen for it so that Rias or Sona will be forced to deal with them as the overseers in the city. It wouldn't even be a lie since I am part of the Grigori technically! The problem is how to avoid being caught in the crossfire. I only have a few days to decide since no doubt Raynare will want to get the ritual done soon, the power-hungry bitch.

As the sun sinks below the horizon, we finally reach the church. The dark silhouette of the tall building was contrasted by the blood-red sky. I make my way to the large mahogany doors, their hinges creaking as I open them. Entering the church, Asia trailing close by, I find myself once again in the abandoned church hall. Standing in front of the crumbling cross is Raynare, a pair of dark wings spread wide from her back. I take another look at her stats page to remind me of what I decided to go against in order to ensure Asia becoming an ally… I don't regret it though. Asia would be quite useful with her support skills and more importantly if I ever want to get strong, I can't spend my time cowering from everything remotely risky. Only with great risks come great rewards as the saying goes.

"Asia, come here.", she commands.

Asia looks at me hesitatingly before approaching Raynare when I give her an encouraging nod. Raynare leads Asia into a small living quarters on the left side of the church before returning to the hall. A smug smirk is present on her face as her dark amethyst eyes glint cruelly in the light of the setting sun.

"The girl will die in two days' time, until then you can do what you wish for her. Rape her, have her help you out in your 'excursions' for all I care. However, she must stay alive. Understood?", she said.

What a cold-hearted bitch, not like I'm much better though. I nod to show I understood before making my way out of the church. Only two days huh? It's not much time to get rid of the Fallen if I want to keep Asia alive. I'll have to go on a killing spree or something to force the devils to deal with it. Targeting a Peerage member or God forbid one of the heiresses themselves was out of the question though. The Satans would investigate it and come chasing me and that would be the end of my life.

I make my way through the dimly lit streets of Kuoh back to my tiny rundown apartment. Opening the door, I get myself ready for a good night of sleep…

…Only to find myself in a hellscape of fire. The only thing I could see is fire, yet despite the stifling heat I am still alive. From the fierce flames emerges a colossal figure, a scaled dragon which dwarfs even buildings in size. His scales are as red as rubies, and brighter still. His long neck interspersed with large golden spikes led to his emerald eyes which glare at me menacingly. All dragons are intimidating but he is even more so. His every movement practically emanates power. He is Domination made form, Escalation incarnate. He is more than a dragon, he is the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch. The dragon who was feared worldwide for his tremendous power that could kill even gods and Satans. The air around him shimmers from the immense heat that rolls off him in waves.

Wait what the fuck? I can't check his stats or even his level. System, you there? Status? Traits!? Skills!? System? SYSTEM!?

Ddraig's emerald eyes glare at me, glowing with unrestrained rage. "Your attempts to communicate with your ally are futile, mortal. This is my mindscape. Weakened and sealed I may be, my mind is still impenetrable to the machinations of the likes of you.

A wisp of fire bursts out of his nostrils,"You butchered my host in cold blood and plundered my Boosted Gear through some esoteric methods. I thought of simply cutting you off from using my more potent abilities, combined with the weakened connection, Boosted Gear would be merely an elevated Twice Critical rather than the true might of a Heavenly Dragon, but I'll allow you to explain the reasoning for the actions you took. Make it quick, my patience is limited."

Never had I had so much mood whiplash in such a short time before. From the primal fear at the anger in his voice, to relief after I realised that this was simply a mindscape, the worst he could do is to weaken Boosted Gear which would be bad but at least I wouldn't fucking die. As my heartbeat calms down, I realise that convincing him isn't the fool's errand it seems at first appearances. Ddraig barely knew Issei before I killed him, so unlike in canon he hasn't seen Issei's 'good' side or so the show claims anyway. I doubt that useless fucker has any positives. Unlike Issei, I have ambition and access to endless worlds that a bored dragon stuck in a Sacred Gear would likely love. What the hell was Ddraig talking about when he said weakened connection though.

"Weakened connection?", I question

"Whatever means you used to extract the Sacred Gear was flawed. Our connection is by far, the weakest of all my hosts. Even if you convince me to aid you, you will find it difficult to use the Boosted Gear. What took others mere months of training, you will be forced to earn through gruelling work. Normally I can augment my hosts by replacing parts of their body with draconic counterparts but that is far beyond our current connection."

Huh, did the System fuck up or something? Knowing that even with Ddraig's co-operation, Boosted Gear wouldn't be as strong as in canon was a bummer, but Boosted Gear was still well worth at least an attempt to persuade Ddraig.

"Come on, let's be honest here. Your previous host was a perverted teenager who would have failed to use your power correctly anyway. I have access to an uncountable number of worlds out there. Didn't your fight with Albion begin because both of you desired a worthy opponent? Out there, numerous beings exist that are equal or greater than he in his power. Entire worlds to dominate. I will conquer it all."

"You, you're actually telling the truth? Or at least believe you are. Entire worlds full of challenges….", I could clearly hear the excitement creeping into his tone, "Still I have met my fair share of delusional and homicidal hosts. Even if you're telling the truth, your nature is akin to that of an Evil Dragons', carnage and destruction is all you seek."

Despite his refusal, I could easily hear the hesitation and longing in his voice. Ddraig is a fucking Heavenly Dragon whose rampage across the battlefield was so fierce that the Biblical Factions had to collaborate to seal him and Albion off. I doubt he is attached enough to the ethics of the situation to truly abandon such an amazing opportunity. All he needs is a push…

"So what? Isn't the nature of dragons to pursue their ambitions? I have the potential to become your greatest host. Through me, I can extend your glory to countless worlds. I promise you, if you cooperate with me, the title of the Red Dragon Emperor will be feared and renowned in every world I venture to."

His great green eyes blink for a second as he considers my proposition before he lets out a booming laugh. "It seems, my centuries of imprisonment has dulled my ambition. Very well mortal, no Partner, we have a deal. Be warned however, our weak connection means I cannot do much to aid you. With time, this connection will strengthen and I will be capable of augmenting your body with draconic parts."

"So, it's a deal then partner," I smile.

As we finish the conversation, fire washes over the conversation, shrouding the world that I now know as Ddraig's mindscape.

(Rias)

In front of a mundane terrace house a crimson magic circle appears, its glow brightening up the dark night. Appearing from the circle, a beautiful red-haired girl steps out, quickly followed by her dark-haired companion. Taking a step into the house, the duo are met with a gruesome scene straight from a horror movie. Bloodstains cover the kitchen floor, the blood already drying. The head of a boy Rias recognises as Issei Hyoudou rolls on the kitchen floor, a horrified expression etched into his face. The mutilated corpse of a woman sits, head lowered, in the corner of the room. Looking around, Rias finds Issei's body, splattered with blood, nearby.

"There's no sign of the father, Akeno what do you think? A particularly vicious homicide or was there supernatural involvement?", Rias questions.

Akeno opens her mouth to reply before noticing something at the corner of her eye. Her violet eyes harden as she recognizes the object. A black feather. One from a race that she was intimately familiar with. The Fallen.

"President," she murmurs softly, "There's a black feather here. The Fallen are involved."

Rias' eyes turn cold, "Those Grigori are really pushing their luck, this turn is under our supervision, yet they killed a Sacred Gear wielder on our own turf. From our own school no less."

Rias seems to have an internal debate for a second, before her back straightens as she walks up to Issei's dead body. She levitates the head towards the neck of the corpse before, from her pocket, taking out an ornate chess piece seemingly made from red crystal. An Evil Piece, an artifact capable of resurrecting the dead boy as a devil.

"You're really going to use an Evil Piece on him, President? Even if it's only a pawn piece, you will need the help you can get for that.", Akeno questions hesitatingly.

"If the Fallen are after him then he must hold some kind of value. Remember we had a suspicion that Hyoudou was a Sacred Gear wielder, this all but confirms that. My resurrection of him will not only secure a Sacred Gear wielder on our side but we will also gain knowledge of the movements of the fallen. It's a twofold plan, there's no way it can go wrong," she answers confidently.

Taking out a pawn piece, she places it on his chest. She moves to put another, before freezing as the room is illuminated in a red glow.

"Only one pawn piece," she mutters hesitatingly.

As the red light dims down, Issei's wounds slowly knit close, new flesh forming to connect his formerly separated head to the rest of his body. He gasps, breathing in air, his eyes shooting open before closing again. This time though, his chest rose up and down indicating that he was merely unconscious. On the outside he looks no different than he was before his nightmarish death, now however he was a Reincarnated Devil, a species that originated from the Underworld. A new chance at life, at the cost of his freedom. A worthy price, some would say.

"I'll explain things to him when he wakes up, you can go back to the clubhouse now Akeno. My poor adorable servant, he'll need some comforting after losing both of his parents in one night…", Rias says gently.

"If you're sure President," Akeno replies before disappearing through a magic circle.

Pretty short chapter, a lot of dialogue which is like my weakest point lol. I'm not especially happy with this chapter to be honest but I can't be bothered to rewrite it. Hope you enjoy anyway. Once again thanks MyriadSilver for looking over it. Check out his fics, they're really good.