The Metamorphosis of The Dragon

by OneTrueGeekIAm

Issei came upon a realisation, after events happened. Realising his current self, he seeks to better who he is. But, darker aspects of Issei have entered the light. And that'll change everything in the Supernatural World— And the Supernatural shall fear him. The entirety of it. [does/will not follow canon.]

1. Chapter 1

AN: THIS IS NOT A BETRAYAL FIC! ABSOLUTELY NOT! NANA

But in all seriousness! I'm writing this DxD Story because I was inspired to do so by other authors.

Still though, it was quuuuuuuite some time since I last saw the DxD anime, though I recently read the manga. So some things I might remember wrong.

But I do possess a decent amount of knowledge of the lightnovels, though.

Who knows? Maybe this is a semi-au?

Some more details down at the end, palioses.

- TITLE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

"Talking." -

(Thoughts.) -

[Ddraig Talking.]

[Ddraig thinking/inwardly communicating]

.

---

.

"Ahhh!" - Ise released a relaxed sigh as he entered the hot bathtub, some bubbles were in it. He always like those, those bubbles. They were pleasant.

Pop!

Ise chuckled as he popped one of the bubbles. Childish, he knew. But was it amusing to do? Hell yes!

Still though, there was a reason he was alone this time, the rest of the girls, yes, every single one of them had things to attend to. Things they needed to do alone.

Well, they had recently sealed Trihexa and all. No doubt there'd be some things each one of them had to do.

"Never thought it would be so… nice to have some alone time." - Make no mistake, Ise loved every single one of them. From Rias to Koneko to Ravel. The whole bunch of them - "And those boobies~!" - Ah! Of course, their oppais as well! Those… ooooh~

But still, some time alone did him some good. It was nice, not having to worry or concern himself with the girls for a couple of hours. Oddly relaxing.

Little did he now, that while in 'oppai' land, he was making squeezing gestures with his eyes closed, drooling down from the mouth to the chin.

The sound of someone attempting to open the door pulled him out of it, luckily, though strangely, he had locked the door.

"Ahhh!"

Strange, Issei thought, he didn't recognize that voice, though it was female, that he could hear.

"Damn house! When did Hinami get something like this?" - The woman murmured, and left. Issei had heard it due to his enhanced hearing.

"Hinami? Mom?" - Ise murmured to himself, questioning why this woman, whose voice he did not recognize while it felt familiar, talked about his mother with such familiarity. Weird enough, that he felt some gut feeling. Nothing strange nor foreboding. Just… an odd one.

The Red Dragon Emperor, after a minute, decided to just get out of the ginormous tub, water dripping off of his lean and muscular frame. Trained and honed to the best of his abilities, under the guidance of all of his teachers.

Bare feet touched the clean white tiles, he went over to one of his towels. Cleaning himself, he shook his head while drying his brown hair. The brunette cleaned himself, humming a tune.

He cleaned himself up, put on some clothes. A white polo shirt, some tan brown shorts along with some socks. No need to put on some shoes, it was his home, after all.

"HmhMmmh!" - Issei walked the familiar path of his home, walking across the floor and hallways that costed a lot. Luckily Rias' family took care of it, though he did have have some bitter feelings. But eh, Rias' parents told her she was quite spoiled. He walked down the stairs, thinking about several things. As he got to the doorway of the living room, he heard a voice. The same voice from before. That woman. He was about to walk in, 'till he heard her talking.

"I have to say, sis, the upgrades you guys got are great! Still though, where's the brat? Away, right?"

Ise raised an eyebrow at that, deciding to just stay hidden, if for a second longer. He had heard worse, though the 'sis' comment made him curious. He almost remembered something. His aunt? Or just a close friend of hers?

"Thanks," - The voice of his mother was heard, friendly and something else. - "And Ise? He's probably around here, somewhere." - She chuckled a bit, - "Hehe. And my husband's out and about."

Oh, yeah, Dad was gone for awhile, too.

"Dang, I would've like to see him again. Buuuuut, how about you and me go out. Sis and sister together, since it'd been a couple of years since we'd gone out together!" - His aunt spoke, voice giddy and excited.

Issei listened more intently, - (Nice! Mom hasn't been out all that much with anyone that I can remember! Especially with my aunt, I haven't seen her in a long time!) - He was satisfied and happy with that.

"Still, I think it's good luck that the brat isn't here yet. I don't need to hear him scream about tits again, it's annoying and creepy as all hell." - His aunt stated, annoyance in her tone as she spoke about him. Issei was quite dumbfounded at that, sure, he knew that people didn't appreciate oppai like him, and he'd gotten a lot of flack for that. But he would've thought his aunt would have spoken about him in a kinder manner.

His mother chuckled at that, though nothing negative radiated from her voice, she sounded a bit tired. - "Well, I won't deny Ise's… less than appropriate behaviour, he's a.. decent son." - She almost sounded like she was questioning something.

Wow… This…

Issei decided to listen further, the conversation his mother and his aunt, who he had not seen for years, would talk about.

"Suuuure, sis," - His aunt stated sarcastically, but now that she was talking about him, she didn't plan on stopping soon. - "Still, to go to Kuoh Academy? I heard it was a school for girls, and smart people. I don't think he's all that capable. If his behaviour is anything to go by."

Something edged into his mother's voice, - "Sure, while Issei might not be all that smart, he did manage to get in on his own accord. Even if it was only just barely. Now, weren't we supposed to go out?"

The disappointment that came from his mother's voice.. it stung. Even if she semi-praised him at the end, it was his mother, after all, of course he took it more than usual. Even if he knew, deep down, that that disappointment was earned. It landed him in thought, though he still listened in.

"Sure, still, I'm sorry I didn't manage to convince to convince the rest to start to start talking to you all again." - His aunt sounded apologetic. Though Issei listened further… this. This started him on the path of thought about himself. Though, not yet. - "But your kid is the reason why. You know that, right?"

"..."

His mother did not respond.

It worried him.

"They, mom and dad, everyone on the streets, family or not, want nothing to do with you guys anymore. No one. Harsh? Yes, but it's the truth."

No words were said.

His aunt continued talking, - "Maybe you should… I dunno?" - An awkward silence hung between the two women. - "Send him away?"

"...N-... No, I told our mother no, just like everyone else. Now. Let's just go out."

They left. Both made small talk as they, while not noticing Issei. Issei listened intently, immense guilt and bitterness were his feelings. Though, the bitterness was not directed at his mother or aunt. More towards his … actions.

The talk between his mother and aunt brought him into thought.

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he was in thought. - "Have I…?"

He did not finish what he was about to murmur to himself. Shaking his head, his thoughtful mood did not vanish. He went to the kitchen, fully home alone now. He grabbed some food. Issei took a seat at the expensive table on his, or more his master's, home. He ate, 'till he decided to check up on someone.

(Ddraig, you there?)

[...Grgwgr...Zggr..]

(Still sleeping,) - Issei thought, - (Damn.. I really wanna talk right now. Still, I guess Ddraig's deserved.)

Despite that, it was a day off at school. So, that meant the day to himself!

Not like he was in any mood for that. Still though, what to do? He'd done all of the mandatory crap. Soooo?

"Maybe a walk." - Issei murmured to himself, - "Yeah, a walk. Maybe that'll help."

Issei nodded to himself, considering it was pretty good weather. Warm and all, he decided to go without his jacket.

.

---

.

Honey-brown eyes looked at at the city of Kuoh surrounding him, walking along the sidewalk.

The sun was shining through the leaves of the tree he was under. He walked forwards, people were out and about. But, predominantly students from Kuoh Academy. Considering he was now walking alone, without Ddraig, and the earlier conversation between his mother and aunt he was quite quiet. Hands in his pocket while deep in thought.

The conversation replayed in his mind. Over and over again. Each time, the guilt increased. - (Am I… Am I really a problem..?) - His thought almost somberly, thoughts on a one track mind. - (Do people really not wanna associate with Mom and Dad.. because of me?)

Issei held his mouth shut. Still, as he walked, people started talking. Perhaps it was because of his mood. Or the talk earlier. Or the fact that he was alone now. But he heard the people. The students. Parents. All of them, talking about him.

"Eeeeww! Look at him! He's out again! Quick, we should leave!"

Nothing he hadn't heard before. But it got to him, little by little. Driving him to further contemplation.

"Arrggh! It's that perv again! Sis, let's leave, kay?"

"Fuck! He's here, let's go, quick. Who knows if he gonna follow us to.. to…We need to go."

"Sheesh," - Issei murmured, - "The comments just keep coming. Not like I'd actually do something like that."

Not like you haven't earned it.

Another thought betrayed it. Betrayed his own. Yet, he knew that thought of his was right. Issei knew, maybe for longer, shorter, or just now, that it was own fault. - "Aghhh.." - He sighed as he rubbed his temple. - "I'm… I'm such a…" - He murmured once more.

[Such a what, partner?]

(Ddraig! You're up now?)

[No, I'm flying under the ocean.]

"W..wha…?" - Issei murmured, - (Still, Ddraig, what's up?)

[That's not the problem, problem is? Something's troubling you, what is it?]

Issei looked up, the blue sky with white clouds. - (Ddraig.. am I… Am I a problem?)

Ddraig did not answer the question like Issei wanted, he answered the question with a question. - [What brought this on?]

(It's just.. I just heard a conversation between my Mom and Aunt, that I'm the reason why my extended family doesn't want to talk to us.. To my Mom and Dad.)

[Hm? Odd, I've never heard you speak like that. But a problem, partner, why do you view yourself as a problem? How are you a problem?]

"I... Uh…" - Issei murmured, then he started to talk the best manner he could. - (I feel.. I feel shit, buddy, guilty as a motherfucker. A lot so. Like I've been holding them back. That the only reason they put up with me is out of obligation and love. And the fact that it's 'cause of me that everybody.. 'hates' them.)

[...I see now.]

He does?

[It seems you've stumbled, through coincidence, a fraction of the truth.]

Issei stopped, people giving him odd looks as he was pulling off, to them, random facial expressions. Now, a curious one was on his face.

(What truth?)

[That you're… actually, partner. I need you to do something for me.]

Sure, why wouldn't he? He trusted Ddraig.

[Go out, somewhere, find an enemy to face, preferable more than 1, and see what happens. Or, if that doesn't work, find something else to do. Go on an adventure, by yourself.]

"Huh, why?"

Issei asked aloud, what was the point? He didn't get it, what was the point? He didn't like fighting if he could help it.

Still… it was Ddraig. He owed the big Red Dragon a lot. A, damn lot.

So, - "...Okay.. I trust you.."

Inside the Sacred Gear, Ddraig made an expression;

What seemed to be a wry smile was on his lips.

.

---

.

Issei flew in the Underworld, wings shown. The purple sky, along with the lakes. Taking in the sights, he, obviously, had gotten used to them. This place. But now? Since Ddraig had a ton of experience, Issei followed his directions. Ddraig and his previous hosts had, on occasion, traveled into the underworld and explored some of it.

As Issei stopped mid flight, he decided to just hover there; there was a humongous patch of, what Issei presumed to be, desert. It had all the looks to account for it. Dry, pale sand. Along with some of the occasional cactus-like things. Not like he'd know. He'd only been here with Rias and the others. So, he hadn't really, freely explored Underworld without anyone watching over him.

Still… He hadn't told them. Rias and the others. At Ddraig's request, which took the dragon 1,2 hours, straight, to convince him. 'Sides, what would the harm be? It wasn't like he was going to do anything bad. The girls would still be busy, since they said so themselves, that it could take multiple hours, Issei would do what his partner asked, all in a short time. Nobody would notice.

As Issei was flying in the sky, he looked around. Not noticing anything in the weird part of the underworld. - "Ddraig, I don't see anything. Do you?" - He spoke aloud, since they were so high in the air it was unlikely anyone would hear them.

[That's something you have to figure out, me, though? I see something interesting.]

Issei made a confused expression at Ddraig, at the Sacred Gear, of course. - "You sure?"

[Partner, try to go down. Focus your eyes. If that won't work? You can always go down onto the ground. Who knows? Perhaps we'd find something interesting?]

Issei said nothing, but eventually nodded. Sighing while doing so, - "Fine, but I think it's almost time for me to be back soon." - Issei landed on the ground.

He hid his wings, having gone back to the simple look. He still wore the same attire he wore on that walk a couple hours back. - "Aggh! Welp, where to go?"

[...]

"...Okay then," - Issei looked around, spreading his arms as he yelled his next words, - "HERE I COME! WEIRD UNDERWORLD DESERT!"

And he took a couple of steps forward. Going a random direction!

He walked for a bit, the sand coming against his booths. It took a couple of minutes before he started to, quickly, be bored.

This took 10 minutes to achieve, - "I'm bored. Real bored, Ddraig. It's nothing but desert and some rocks."

[Then fly..]

Issei murmured something as he walked, but, in the corner of his eye he noticed something. - "A mansion? In the middle of nowhere? Huh?"

Issei walked further, both him and Ddraig curious. Though Issei more confused than anything. Why the hell was there an mansion

The mansion was big as a motherfucker. Right there, a good distance away. In the middle of a random, isolated part in the Underworld. The weird thing, though, was how it looked. The rotten wooded seemed as purposeful and useless. As finely made as horribly built. The wood of the mansion was brown, the glasses stained and clear, at the same time though in different places in the glass. The doors were as shittily made, even for Isse, who had never cared for such things. And as finely made as well.

[Well, Partner, it seems we have something to do now. Since there are no enemies. At least, that I could sense. You should go in.]

"Go into some mansion in the middle of nowhere? A weird ass one? Okay, I'll do that." - Issei responded, his voice quite annoyed. He walked a bit, till he reached the front steps of the mansion. His shoes went onto the floorboards. Honey-brown colored eyes looked around him. Seeing nothing on the big porch of the building.

He went to the door, before he was immediately hit with a smell. - "Damn! Smell's dull as shit over here!"

Creeeeeek! Craaang!

He walked into the odd mansion, looking around. Despite the enormously contrasting appearance. This inside was the same as the smell. Dull. It all same painfully perfect. - "Sheesh," - Issei responded, despite how it looked, it didn't seem as if anyone actually lived here. - "Place seems bland as all, Ddraig,"

[I noticed..]

"I mean, seriously, weird looking on the outside. Smell's bland and the inside boring, immensely so." - Issei complained as he looked around. The room was bland, so much so that it's unnerving. - "Seriously, it's kind of unnerving." - He murmured the last part. The inside seemed

The brunette saw the pale, bland blue wallpaper that did not differ from shade to lighting. Something, that even for someone like Issei, who did not possess high intelligence or thoughtfulness, made him see how odd and not.. right it was.

His footsteps echoed among the odd mansion as he looked around, - "Hello? Is anyone here?"

…

…

Issei did a mock frustrated look to himself and Ddraig, - "You serious? No beauties anywhere here? Breasts?"

…

"Okaayyy~," - Issei said nonchalantly, - "Guess I'm looking around, then." - With that he took of. There were three doorways with the same odd look. Discolored and all. There was nothing to indicate that there was anyone there though, so Issei decided to choose a random one to explore. He went to the left in the empty room that had no decor in it. Going through the doorway, he saw something odd.

C-R-EEEEEE-K

The kinda shit that belonged, more or less, in a horror movie. - "Damn.. This looks bad." - He saw the state it was. Unlike the other room, this one had a more unsettling vibe than a dull one. The room he was now in now was a dark brown hallway. No windows or anything else. Incredibly dark, a sole lightsource beside him illuminating the damned thing ever so slightly. Strange thing, though, was that Issei, even with his enhanced eyesight could barely see in the damned thing. Chipped wood was what the walls were made of, Issei almost swore he could see some small insects between the walls. - "Ew,"

Inwardly, though not surprised, Ddraig was disappointed with his partner's uncomfortableness in the room. Sure, it might've looked unsettling, but that didn't mean his partner should be unsettled or put off.

Issei, quickly realising something, decided to do the smart thing.

Leave.

Like hell he was going to stay in a creepy hallway! He turned around, but noticed one damning thing.

There was no doorway anymore.

"So, there's no normal way out anymore…" - Issei then looked further, a sole lightsource beside him that illuminated a small bit of the location. - "Well, I'm getting out through the walls, then." - Issei went and touched the wall, testing to see how strong it was. It didn't feel strong to him.

[Partner, wait! You need to dodge!]

"Huh? I don't see anythin-ARGH!"

Runes suddenly appeared on the walls, runes Issei did not see coming! Magic blasted out of it! Fire and Ice coming at him! Lightning coursed around his form as he screamed in pain!

BZZZZRRRKKKKTTT! KZZZZRAT! CTSLING!

"ARhGGh! AhHhHH!" - Issei screamed in an agonizing pain, nothing protecting him from the sudden blast of magic. No time to reacts anymore besides screaming in pain, but, he could also not summon his Balance Breaker once again. - "GRGRHHWH!"

Agonizing.

[Shit! Shit!] - Ddraig cursed in his head. - [Issei, keep it together! You need to summon Balance Breaker!]

Burn wounds started to come onto his shoulders. electricity coursing around him. His strong Reincarnated-Devil Physiology came in and gave him a good resistance to it. Considering it wasn't Holy nor Dragon Slaying it didn't critically injure him in any way, though he was getting there.. Still hurts a crap ton, though.

"D-Grg-Ddraig… Little.. hard… to do..." - Issei grunted on his knees. Goddamn! That hurt! Hurt a fuck ton!

[Partner! Listen to me!] - Ddraig roared to him, fury from his words. Something, that not even Issei expected him to sound like like at this moment, surprised him. - [Issei! Focus! You need to activate Balance Breaker, right now! Otherwise, you might not be getting out.]

Issei gritted his teeth, as the magic rained down on his, the pain never stoped. He swore his eyes grew heavy, an odd feeling overcoming him.

But, he pulled through.

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]

Ddraig's powerful voice came out. The powerful armor came over him. Issei sneered and growled. The armor lessened the magic and gave Issei some more breathing room, - (Ddraig! Any ideas? I'm hurting like a bitch over here!)

Ddraig murmured, then decided to do the simple things, one of the ways to remove runes was through overloading it with even greater magic.

Too bad Issei had shit reserves of it.

So, Ddraig thought of only one thing. Considering he was a dragon with a great deal of pride. Issei, his partner who is his host, he would never allow them to flee from such a cowardly magic attack!

It was beneath them!

Thusly, Ddraig responded, - [Dodge for a bit. The magic is powerful, sure, but it isn't all that strong. Destroy the walls for some light to shine through.] - Ddraig then continued to talk mentally with Issei, - [Or, you could just go into the Darkness in the hallway. Though, the since every bit of the walls of the hallway possess those runes. I can feel it.]

Considering the barrage, Issei decided to go one way. And, since the magic started going through his armor, he decided to find a we-

"...Huh?" - Issei questioned in his Balance Breaker.

It just… stopped?

Issei looked at the walls, the runes were now gone. Not there anymore. - "Huh..? Yeah.. You better have given up!"

Ddraig's thoughts were different, however. - [So.. It seems that it's out of magical power, the trap that is. But still, partner, I feel magic in the walls. Reinforcement, perhaps? Anyway, if you can't break through the wall, maybe you should explore further?] - The Dragon urged a bit.

"..." - Issei did not respond, though, inwardly, he was questioning whether he should go further. Go along with Ddraig's urging or to go back home. Besides, his wounds were nowhere near fatal or crippling.

[Are you going to run away?] - Was the Red Dragon's curious question. Though, there was another thing behind his tone of voice.

Something behind that annoyed Issei immensely. His lips tightened and his brow furrowed. - (I'm not 'afraid', partner.) - He told his Partner, annoyance in his voice. - (So don't think I'm like that, scaly pussy that you are!) - He retorted, though the insult was obviously not meant.

[Grrwww!] - Ddraig mock growled, then snarked back. - [I'll believe it when I see it… Besides, you should leave your Balance Breaker, now. Save it for something else, if it comes...]

He did so, and Issei smiled through the injuries. He'd gotten through worse! This was nothin' - "Alright then, creepy hallway, I'm comin'!"

Issei shined a light into the darkness of the hallway, grinning as he walked into it.

...

"And if you've got some beautiful breasts you're hiding, I'm touchin' them!"

[Dangit, not again…]

.

---

.

Issei walked through the corridor. Ddraig noted his Partner was oddly quiet. No remarks or talking.

Issei's footsteps echoed softly through out the hallway, sole green light illuminating the damp hallways. The smell was starting to get to him. Having enhanced senses and all does have some non-beneficiary things to go with it. Besides the comment about breasts, Issei did not talk. Merely, one thing was on his face… contemplation. The brunette was thinking..

His fault..?

He walked into another hallway, seeing a room a head. The doorway there showed it.

It is his fault. He knew that.

He touched the door, the wood of it felt comfortable against his skin.

He was the problem, not them. Not his parents.

He pulled the door open, hand touching the golden knob that had a peculiar emblem on it. A four petal flower.

He should've curbed his behavior, but it was how he was. Was that so bad?

Ddraig noticed his partner's thoughts, the origin of it and all. Not like the Dragon denied Issei's thoughts. There was a truth in there. That it was his fault. As horrible as that may sound. And Ddraig was aware of it. The truth. - [He lacks control and discipline..] - Ddraig kept his thoughts hidden from Issei. But his weaknesses and lack of the previous two things could change at this opportunity… but Ddraig planned on changing that by showing him something.

"Hm?" - Issei hummed for a moment as he opened the door, the carvings on it didn't really interest him all that much. He opened the door, still in his thoughts, that, strangely, were devoid of anything lecherous. He remembered the times when he was a child to his teenage years.

(I'm really… It's my fault… I should'v-

KAKLING!

As soon as Issei walked in the next room via the door, the wooden floor underneath him opened up! Revealing a big trap and a deep hole covered in darkness! A seemingly bottomless abyss!

Luckily Issei noticed it this time! And jumped over it!

"Haha!" - Issei grinned like a buffoon as he landed safely, he then proclaimed his next words with pride, - "Suck it, creepy mansion! I~ noticed~ it~!…" - He then did a little shuffle dance. - "Heh! Yeah! Hah! Suuuuckkk~ IT~!" - He was happy that he managed to one-up the booby-trapped mansion.

[Hehehe..] - Ddraig chuckled at his partner's antics, it was funny to see, yes, but all that proper, no. Luckily, Ddraig thought, no one was there to see it.

After having his fun, Issei turned around. Seeing a.. - "Huh…?"

Brown eyes looked around the new room he was in. It was something, that Issei would imagine, you would find in your recently abandoned mansion. The room's walls were decorated with wine-red wallpaper. Black flowers were stamped all across it. The floor was a solid, one piece made of wood. It had clearly not been taken care of for a while. Portraits hung against' the wall, showing varying degree of people. It gave Issei and Ddraig a decent idea of the place. The portraits contained people with their names, titles and from when they were born 'till they died.

Issei looked at the beautiful portraits, mouth agape and drooling at the sight of a busty, beauty that was the painting. The gorgeous woman had fairly long, straight flaxen hair, dark-blue colored eyes, and a quite pale, yet slightly fair complexion. She wore her bangs short and swooping off to the right side of her face. Despite having lightly colored hair, her eyebrows were noticeably darker than the rest of her hair. She wore, from what he saw in the picture, a seductive black turtleneck dress that had intricate gold patterns decorating the front torso half of the dress and also the ends of the dress.

"Wow...Those.. Those are some beautiful breasts! So big!" - He drooled, stars in his eyes. Could you blame him?! Those breasts were big E-Cups! Gorgeous and perfectly round! The slith in the dress revealed a fair amount of cleavage.

[Partner…]

Issei shook himself out of his stupor, listening to Ddraig now. - (Hm? Yeah, Ddraig, what's up?)

[...Why are you doing this again?]

Huh? What did Ddraig mean?

[..This.. this behaviour that you admitted you were troubled by… due to what you, vaguely, only know it costed...]

"..."

The brunette was silent at that. Back in his thoughts-

[I sense something! Behind you!]

- !?

Immediately whirling around he got into a fighting stance! Eyes narrowed. Fights tightened, stance resembled that of an MMA Fighter.

Courtesy of Koneko.

He looked around, though not as strong, Issei, too, felt a magic presence. As he looked around he heard something, an odd mix of gears shifting and metal clanking against pipes. It came all around him. LIke a vague echo in a tunnel you're in.

"Who's there?!" - Issei growled.

Cling… Clang…

Footsteps came in front of him, the air rippled like a rock thrown in the water. The air made way for a man that appeared. A tall, handsome, middle-aged man with Ruby-Red Eyes, a youthful face, and slicked-back grey hair. He wore a wine-red Victorian outfit with a white cravat, a large red jewel around his neck, and glasses over his eyes.

A deep power emanated from him, like a cage ready to burst open to reveal some terrifying beast.

"..." - Issei was ready for anything. His full attention focused on what was now in front of him.

The man chuckled, and then spoke charmingly. - "Hm? Hello there, my boy. How are you?" - Blue eyes noticed his appearance. The dried up blood and the almost non-existent damage done to him. Though the damage was still there. But the man was also quite pleased to see him not even care all that much about it, because it didn't hurt. - "Despite that, I see you are doing.. decent."

"... Who are you?" - Issei demanded.

"... " - The man was silent for a moment, then spoke with the same tone of voice. - "You come into my home? Then, question me for my identity?"

So, the Mansion belong to him.

"...?" - Issei noticed that, - "Uhh…" - Was his awkward response, he scratched his head. - "My bad?"

Wait a minute!

"Eh! Wait?! What about the runes from before?!" - Issei questioned, lips pursed as he looked for an answer.

"*Sigh* Really? Why wouldn't I defend my property in such a manner?" - He asked sarcastically.

[Beware of him, partner, you and I felt it, right?]

(Yeah, I did. Good to know you did, too.) - Issei told Ddraig.

"Sure, I guess that's understandable. Anyway, I have a question- Two to be exact. 'Why is this Mansion here, along with you?' and 'Why is everything here… like it is?'"

"...What's it to you," - The man took a couple of steps further. - "You still haven't answered my question- Who. Are. You."

- Ominous power flowed from the man.

Issei did not back down. Staring into the man's Ruby-Red Eyes. A little show from the man would not make Issei back down. Still, though, Ddraig decided to inform him of something. Teach him, would be the proper sentence.

[Partner, think about what you're going to do next, okay? We don't know much about him, and I do not recognize him. What may benefit us, though, is that he, presumably, has no solid answer to who we are.]

Issei stood silent, - "...

No."

Issei did not like it that he had to endure the rune trap and the trapdoor.

It kinda hurt.

"...Forget it," - The man said. Shrugging. Though a layer of anger was underneath the now stoic voice. - "I'll go first, then, okay? Then you go."

Issei nodded, - "Sure... seems.. fair." - It was agreed then.

"Hehe, good. The reason this house was here was for a living space," - Was he serious? - "And for some other things of mine, it was mainly meant for me and my daughter. I believe that was her you were leering at before. The portrait of her, to be specific."

Oh…

That hottie was his daughter!?

Issei's jaw just dropped!

And he showed it, too.

The man looked at Issei with a more irritated expression than before. Like he was looking at an commoner walking cross the street, though only for a second before it was replaced with another look of his previous expression..

Issei removed his flabbergasted expression, going straight back to business as soon as he noticed the man's look. But the damage was already done.

"E-Ehh? Go on!" - Issei awkwardly urged it further.

[Partner! Stop this foolishness and get a hold of yourself!] - Ddraig growled, aggressively he had spoken.

Issei tried to look serious, which was hard, considering he did not have much experience acting like that. Sure, there were times. Asia's supposed 'death' and a couple other times. - (You… you're right, Ddraig, I'm… I'm sorry.)

Ddraig nodded at that, he understood it. But in moments like this? It was foolishness of the highest order! Issei needed to understand that there was a time and place for everything! Some moments did not require such things! The brunette needed to learn that some control and discipline!

How long before it backfires dramatically?

"And as to why it is booby-trapped? To protect her, of course. And to protect what belongs to me. The magic is there for such a reason, get it?"

(Ddraig?)

[Yes?]

(Should I give my actual name?)

[That's up to you. But take the consequences into consideration, okay..?]

(..Sure.) - Issei took the little information in. Understanding it. - "Anyway- I'm Issei, Issei Hyoudou!"

Ruby-red eyes widened, then narrowed. - "Ah.." - He lowered his head, biting his lips. A certain.. look on his face. A dark one at that. He looked up, charming tone back. - "Hm? So you're the Titty Dragon? Guess that explains the leering." - The white haired man then looked at him. The edges of his lips tugged upwards.

Issei looked at the expression with seriousness. No more playing. He ignored the vague insult. - "So? Now what? A mansion like this? Looking like this? In the middle of a weird desert-like place? Whose choice was this?"

A touch of melancholy was displayed into his ruby-red eyes. Issei saw this, for just a split second. Before it disappeared, - "My daughter wanted it like this.."

The tone which he used, made Issei realise something bad, bad that happened. - "..Oh… Where is she, by the way? Is she…?"

"...She's alive," - Ah, that's good. - "But in no condition to be walking around." - That's bad.

Issei showed his concern, openly. - "Why?" - He asked, - "What's going on with her?"

Once again, Issei stuck his nose in other's business.

A good and bad trait, depending on the situation.

"She's… She's not doing so well," - He trailed the conversation off. Urging Issei to question further.

"How so?" - He asked in a concerned manner. The father did not respond, only looking into Issei's eyes with a dull emotion he could not tell. - "Can I see her?.. can that happen? Can I see her?"

"..." - The Father looked up, - "Sure… sure you can… Follow me."

The Father gestured to Issei, strangely enough, the father's face was hidden. Dark emotion displayed? Glee? Something else?

Anyway, Issei did not see it. Only curiosity at what the father's expression was. He followed him into a door, the father carefully leading him.

Through odd hallways that seemed straight out of a horror movie to ones that came straight out of a children's movie. Eventually, they approached a door. A finely made wooden one with intricate carvings within it. For the rest, there was nothing Issei nor Ddraig could recognize that would point to it being special. Eh, guess that's the way she liked it.

Issei waited 'till the father decided to open the door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The Father knocked on the door, gaining a response.

"Father? Is that you?" - A feminine, beautiful voice was heard. Her tone soft and, somehow, dazzling.

"Yes, my Dear," - The Father's voice was calm and steady, though another emotion, that Issei couldn't place, was underneath it. - "I.. have a guest."

"..." - No answer. Though Issei heard something, something else.. - "Huh?"

"..." - The father was silent, he looked at Issei, - "I'm sorry, I'll go in first, ease her into it, okay?"

"Sure," - Issei responded with a smile and thumbs up. Naive yet happy look on his face.

"Thanks," - The father stated.

Cree-eee-eek!

The door opened and closed so quickly Issei couldn't see it! The father was gone and all he heard was murmuring and talk muffled by the surprisingly thick wall.

[Partner.]

(Ddraig?)

[Be careful, no matter what.]

(Sure, Ddraig.) - Issei told the Dragon. Though very confused! Sure, he understood why Ddraig would like to be wary. But Issei did not understand. The daughter, from what he assumed, was very ill, or something like that, and the father was just acting protective.

[I know they may seem trustworthy, but still- Be. On. Guard. You never know what's coming…] - Ddraig warned, his voice carrying a dangerous and warning tone. He was not kidding. He was deadly serious. - [I don't trust the man. His energy is.. odd.. for certain. Odd and foreboding.]

- ?

Issei listened, for sure, but he still wasn't on guard. His good faith still there. He wanted to help these people

Cree-ee-eek!

The door opened, the father standing in the doorway. His taller and buffer build made it harder to see into the room. Issei listened as the father told him the next words, the edges of his lips tugged upwards in, what seemed like, an inviting smile.

"We talked for a bit, she agreed to see you."

That made Issei smile.

"Still though, she's pretty shy and unconfident. Take it easy with her, will you?" - Was told to him in a semi-quiet voice.

Issei looked him with a resolute expression, - "Of course!" - He smiled. He had experience like this when it came to Asia. So, he kinda knew how to approach this.

He hoped so, at least.

The father nodded, - "I trust I can leave the two of you, then," - He looked into Issei's brown eyes. - "Right?"

Issei nodded, - "Yes!"

The Father nodded, walking past Issei. The Brunette did not look back, simply going past him and walking into the door.

The room Issei saw was a nice shade of navy-blue mixed with greyish white aesthetic adding to it. The room's size was so that it would me more comforting and welcoming than the rest of the odd mansion. Three chairs were seated in front of a big wooden table at the left side of the room. The table having on it all kinds of things, mostly sketches and books about biology and architecture. There was a comfortable looking bed that had an odd, yet smooth transition between colors ranging from blue to red.

As Issei stepped into the room, the chandelier casting down it's light upon him and the room. He saw the gorgeous woman, who sat on her bed. A stoic, yet, somehow, gentle expression on her face. The odd combination of the two made it hard to discern her true emotions.

Issei waved to her, approaching her with a friendly smile. Though, he was astonished by her appearance. Every bit as beautiful as the painting. Though, frighteningly pale, it would've given her an almost doll-like appearance.

Though her physical features made sure that never happened, she still looked like a beauty from a tower.

"You're Issei, no?" - She asked him politely. - "Father told me you wanted to talk, right?"

Issei responded in a friendly and warm manner. His eyes shining with good will. - "Yeah, that's me. I heard about you from your father. So, I kind of wanted to meet you, is that okay with you."

He maintained eye contact, still looking into her eyes and nowhere else. There was a time and a place for his usual perversity. And he restrained himself, immensely, with herculean effort, from doing anything brash.

Ddraig approved. Though, - [That woman... is she?] - He kept his thoughts hidden from Issei, not being sure yet.

"Hmmm," - The woman hummed softly, her hair, which was paler than the painting, glittered in the light. - "In that case, what do you wish to converse about?" - Her tone was soft and almost shy, it was a unique voice, if that was anything to go off.

"... How are you?"

"I… I can ask the same of you, can I not?" - She voice, almost looking at him. Her lips and more remained closed. So closed that he barely saw anything of her pearly yet pale white teeth. - "Considering your physical appearance.. is not quite well."

"Hahaha," - Issei laughed, scratching the back of his head. - "Yeah, guess so. But, don't worry! I'm fine!" - He gave two thumbs up with a smile.

"...I see. I shall trust your judgement, then." - She spoke softly. - "And, about my well being.. I'm…"

...

Issei waited for her to continue to finish her sentence. But it never came, no answer or anything like that. She merely looked vacant now. - "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine!" - He attempted to, pathetically, reassure her. - "We can talk about something else, like...uhhh," - He looked around the room, - "Architecture! Your Dad said you designed this place, why like this? Why s-"

"So odd? Out of the norm?"

Issei nodded at that. Looking at her face with calmness. It carried warmth and reasuredness.

She looked up, hair overshadowing her face. A twinkle of something in her eye. - "Heh, It's...It's a story. It's…"

"Art?"

"Ahhh…? I don't know if I would call it that… It's… communication? A way I...speak?.." - She sounded awkward. She rubbed her chin in an awkward manner. Somehow adding to her immense beauty. A stunning thing to see someone of her physical appearance talk in such a manner. - "It's…how I see things.."

Issei looked at her, having listened to the her intently. The manner in which she talked was soft and factual to him… It was soft and melodious, even when she talked in her unique manner of speech.

(Don't ruin it! Don't ruin it! Don't ruin the moment!) - He repeated to himself in a mantra, urging himself to keep his cool. She looked so lonely, after all, her body language and how she talked was what made him concerned for her. - "..."

She looked at him, beautiful eyes looking at his face before looking away. Issei assumed shyness. - "Ah, sorry, I must've rambled again, right?"

"No-no! It's no problem, seeing you talk like that, about something you care about, fills my heart with reassurance." - He told her warmly, friendly smile still on her face. She seemed nice to be around, even with her oddly unique personality. Issei looked around him, testing the waters. - "Anyhow, I saw the painting from earlier,"

She raised an eyebrow, no words coming from her closed mouth. - "...?"

"Oh!" - He murmured awkwardly, - "It was a beautiful painting, you were in it. I saw it earlier. It's definitely you that makes it beautiful," - That came out awkwardly, yet, still, quite smoothly…. Hopefully...

She gave him a smile that showed no teeth. It was quite a sight to behold, - "Uhmm~.." - She blushed prettily, - "T-Thank you… that is.. Thank you, Issei," - She touched her cheek with her dainty left hand, pink blush coming in. It made her look pretty, really pretty, - "Ahhh~ Sorry, it's just… Uhmm? I'm a little.."

"You're a little flustered?"

She nodded while running a hand through her soft hair, - "Y-yes, my apologies. It is just the.. the fact that almost nobody has complimented me in such a manner before…" - She looked absolutely adorable.

Issei blushed while scratching his cheek, - "Ehh~? Wow…" - He then thought, - (She looks really pretty like that.)

"I-If you don't mind me asking, why no windows, though?" - Issei asked as he took a step forward, curious and gently expression on his face.

She looked away, finding the wall oddly nice to look at, - "It's because..because I.."

A faint trail of black-ish red liquid came running from her eyes. She immediately wiped her eyes with her sleeves, a certain look of horror on her face.

Issei noticed this, a look of concern dawning upon his face, - "What's that!? Are you okay?!"

"It's..I…" - She looked down, a foreboding feeling overcame Issei, - "...My.. body.." - She whispered. - (Not now... I don't want to be like...them…)

She looked at him again, her ruby-red eyes shined for a moment, she looked a lot more sickly and pale, despite the fact she still maintained a gentle soft looking beauty, - "Nothing.. It's nothing..."

"...Okay," - He said warmly, - (Maybe, if I can get closer to her, I can see what's going on with her. Maybe even be able to fix it?) - He looked at her body for a moment, - (Maybe a disease or something?) - If Asia wasn't busy with something, maybe he could see if Asia could help her?

"Uhm…? Do you…. Would you want to… Do you want to do something, together?" - She asked, - "Is that… Okay, Issei..?"

He looked at her face, it looked hopeless, yet, with a touch of longing, - "...Sure… I'd like to do that with you." - A face full of warmth was what she got, seeing it made her blush beautifully - "What do you want to do?"

"I can show you around, if you'd like that…" - She was so shy! It was absolutely adorable! - "But I can't go around sunlight, I-...

- ?!

"Uhhh! Ahhh!?" - She seemed to panic for a moment, standing up, almost falling, but still shaking her head from left to right. - "P-please, Issei, forget I said that. Okay!? I don't want to trouble you with anything!"

Issei raised his hands, coming towards her with a calming look. - "It's… We can talk about this later, if you would be comfortable with it. Do you want to start?"

She walked closer, her slightly smaller height coming below his. Blue met ruby-red. Her hand slowly made her way to his, - "Sure.. Issei.."

She touched his hand.

He blushed.

"I..I trust you, Issei… There's something about you that makes me believ- no.. Know you're a good person" - She voiced softly.

"T-thanks…"

Issei looked cute like that. Even with that clothing state of his, it allowed some of his muscles to be seen.

"...S-shall I lead the way?"

.

---

.

They walked and talked around the house, avoiding any rooms that had any sunlight or windows in them. She talked about it, the rooms. Her tastes and all of it.

Right now, they were in a room that had several artsy things in it. The walls were sculpted out into unique shapes of all kinds. Statue's and weird shapes.

(I see there's a lot of passion put into this,) - He looked at her, she, enthusiastically, talked about her passion. About her opinion of art.

They talked and talked for hours, Issei growing closer to her. The way she talked about what she loved and her art made him look at her with growing respect and warmth. She was such a nice girl. A really nice girl.

"Uhhmmm.. So, w-what do you think?" - She asked him shyly, - "Is it…?"

"It's… It looks good. I can see that it carries a lot of your passion," - Was his warm response, - "And since it carries that part of you, as well, it's bound to be beautiful." - He spoke the truth, before realising something, - (Am I flirting?! Rias is bound to be upset 'cause of that!)

Issei looked at the golden-haired beauty, - "Ahhh~..." - She murmured, - "T-Thank you, Issei." - She then whispered

Seeing her like that made him blush a bit, - "...It was the truth, though…"

Hearing that made her eyes slowly widen, breathing in. She merely blushed cutely.

(SO ADORABLE!) - He gushed inside his head, - "...Cute…"

She blushed adorably more.

"A-hh… anyway…"

"Hm?" - A sudden hum was heard.

Issei and his companion turned around. Facing her father standing in the doorway.

"I see the two of you are getting along well," - The blue eyed man spoke, - "But, my girl, I thought I told you to not leave your room unless I allow it, did I not?"

Issei looked him in the eye, a certain gleam in it. If this father is like those other guys he encountered, then he'd be in for one heck of a surprise, - "What do you mean with that?"

…

"What is there not to understand," - He raised an eyebrow, - "I said she could not be out and about on her own, regardless if it was with you, Issei."

"Why shouldn't she..?"

…

She intervened, - "I'm sorry, father. I simply wanted to show him what I've made…."

He sighed, - "It's fine, my girl. Please, just tell me next time. I worry about you…"

She smiled at him, a smile full of daughterly affection and love. - "Don't worry! I'm going to be fine, I trusted that to you!"

Huh? What she just said back there? What does she mean with that?

Issei became worried about her. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she allowed to go outside? See the sunlight? And that liquid that dripped from her face?

"..." - Issei said nothing, 'till she spoke.

"I'm sorry, Issei, I actually wasn't allowed to- Actually," - She looked at her father, pleading look in her eyes - "Can I…?" - She asked

"I'm sorry, but, no.." - Was his apologetic answer, Issei still glared at the father. Why not?! - "Perhaps Issei would like to see you again the next day, it's almost that time, you know?"

She looked crushed, absolutely saddened. Like someone took her puppy. Hell, she was…

(She's crying?! That bastard!) - Issei glared at the father with so much anger that it nearly radiated off of him.

"I'm.. S-sorry, Issei… Can we see each other l-later..?" - She asked him tearfully, it was like seeing Asia cry. It absolutely broke his heart to see someone like that cry.

He gave her a smile full of warmth and reassurance , - "Of course we will. I'll be there. Hell, maybe we can talk further in your room." - He, for a moment looked at the father, a glare on his face that spoke of 'I dare you!'.

She left the room…

KABLAM!

… "What the hell did you mean back there?!"

Issei held the father to the wall! Restraining him against it!

"Grgg!" - He grunted, - "C-calm down! Let me explain!"

….

"...Fine! But your answer better be good!"

Letting the father go, Issei merely looked at him. Clearly demanding the answer be quick.

"She's… She's ill. Immensely so. Any contact with sunlight would worsen her condition immensely so," - H-his voice… It was just so… filled with pain. It made him… - "Anyway… Her body is rejecting the changes the illness is bringing upon her. But it is not working. If this continues any longer then… the result shall be horrible…" - He talked further, - "And I've been trying everything I can. But it's already gone further than what a Phenex Tear could even handle!"

Issei's face was filled with worry and concern for her! - "H-how?!"

"I presume it's because it's changing her body in a slow manner. And that any negative side-effects are considered natural for the body, like menstruation for a woman, for example." - He spoke, - "It's considered natural by the body, and thus the Phenex Tears, or any other magic that I could use...And I fear…

That her time is running out soon…"

"..." - Was what he said. - "...I...I'm going to see her."

.

---

.

Cree-ee-eek!

Issei opened the door, seeing her lying on the bed, but wide awake. Her beautiful eyes were wide open, she saw him and spoke - "Issei?! I thought… I thought you were going to leave!" - Some more of that liquid trailed down.

Issei gave her a reassuring smile, - "Yeah, you shouldn't worry, to be honest- I wanted to talk to you again. You're a great person to be around, you know that?"

She blushed again, poking the tips of her fingers together.

"How are you doing?" - He asked. - "I have the feeling that you're.. not doing well."

"Umm...Haha…" - She gave a self-deprecating laugh, - "I see… so you've deduced it… or did Father tell you? He… I… I'm sorry…."

Sorry?

"Huh?! What are you sorry about? You did nothing wrong. " - He assured her, - "But.. I know about your…"

"*Sob*" - She..she was crying. - "I'm so -s-sorry, Issei.. I didn't want to annoy you w-with thing l-like t-thi.. *Sob*..."

"I -just...I don't want to be stuck here anymore…. I want to live… live happily without this.. illness! I want to eat great food again! I want to travel! I want to see the world! I want to surround myself with people that care about me again! I just…. I just want to live happily again…" - The way she said those words… - "B-...But look at me! I'm so useless! A burden to my father! I...It-t's my F-fault..."

His heart tore. He felt like horrible for this! He felt like it was his fault!

"No! No you're not! None of this is your fault!" - He desperately tried to reassure her! It wasn't her fault! - "You did nothing wrong!" - He went over to her and touched her shoulders - "You're a great person! Even if we knew each other for such a little time! I can tell- no. I know you deserve a great future! So, don't worry about anything! You will be fine, I swear it!"

She looked at him tearfully, - "T..Thank you!"

She hugged him.

He wrapped his arms around her body.

And they stayed like that.

Though both only knew each other only for a day, Issei felt like he'd just made a close friend. And maybe, someday, something more.

.

---

.

Issei walked over to the father. Whom he knew was in a special room in the basement.

'You can talk to her. But, if you need to see me, I'll be in the basement. I need to talk to you.'

It took him little time to find it, having learned the way, somewhat, thanks to her.

He opened a door, seeing darkness going down like a cascading waterfall. His footsteps were quick as he quickly made his way downwards.

"Guess this is the basement. It's creepy as hell."

He walked downwards, eyes quickly seeing through the darkness.

Lights were there, yes, but somewhat dim. Books were organized in an all around fashion. Tables and everything were there. Along with some laboratory items.

Shortly said? It was a library mixed with a laboratory!

A certain man sat there, reading a book that read 'The strength of Vamp-

He didn't have time to read it since the man put it down, giving Issei a sad but worried smile. It seemed like he didn't have all that much of an animosity anymore at this moment.

"Hyoudo-

"What can I do?"

"Heh?!"

Issei looked at him with narrowed eyes, - "You heard me. What. Can. I. Do. To. Help."

"You… want to help?"

"Yes," - Issei spoke with deadly seriousness'. No time for immaturity now. - "Your daughter, what can I do to help her?"

He stood up, looking at Issei with a stoic expression, though something behind his eyes that made it glow ominously. - "I think there is something that can help her."

"Why haven't you used that?!"

"Because it's protected. Immensely. The barbaric brutes that are there guard a substance, or relic, that contains the cure." - He spoke further, - "The place is heavily protected by, what I presume to be, some odd type of species."

"Huh? What kind of species are they?"

"I know. But I think that they broke off from either off them a long time ago and made their way here, in the Underworld."

"Where are they?"

"They're in the same region as here. Though a considerable distance away. I've tried to talk peacefully to them, but," - He gestured his neck, where Issei now noticed was a sharp and thick scar, It looked like it was received. - "You can see what they had done. They're incredibly powerful as well. Hostile to any outsiders."

That didn't surprise Issei, - "Are you coming with me?"

He looked truly apologetic, - "I'm sorry, but I can't.. She needs me. And, I've heard what you've done.. I know you're strong. Stronger than me, perhaps. But, what I do know is that you can beat a lot of odds… But I… I know I can't… No matter what I try to do… I know that I still fail.. no matter what traps I make to keep her safe… how much I try to keep her safe and healthy.. I still…."

It seems that it came to his Daughter, It was all business,

(I can't help but respect that.) - He admitted inwardly, but back to business. He knew she needed help, quickly. - "Where, exactly, are they? What does the cure look like?"

The father shrugged his shoulder, losing his sad look. Regaining it with a determined one. - "It's a small cylindrical object that contains a dull-white fluid, from what I've gathered it's a small thing that is part of their history, and thusly, very well protected. But, I have to warn you, they're incredibly stealthy and their base of operations is underground. From what I've managed to gather, mostly through experience, they use surprise attacks along with gorilla warfare tactics."

Issei gazed at him with a look that spoke of determination! - "That won't be a problem. I promise you, your Daughter will be fine!"

"She...I don't know if I can thank you enough… But, you can't go out there without any clothing!" - He gestured to Issei's torn clothes, which he still wore. - "You can use some of my old ones, is that alright with you..?"

Issei nodded and said, - "Sure, I can't go out looking like this, can I?"

Issei followed the Father's lead, - "Just make sure it isn't neon-colored, okay?"

He nodded, after this Issei would get the directions to help his daughter.

.

---

.

Issei had arrived at the location, wearing a new set of attire- It was some old fashioned, yet somewhat modernised travel clothing that offered moderate protection. A dark purple hooded jacket, a dark crimson shirt and black pants with devil inspired military-style combat/travel boots.

Nonetheless, this region of the underworld was quite isolated and contained few places that people lived in. And, considering the region did not contain anything of value, not at all watched over by anybody. Meaning, most people here had free right to do whatever, 'till the bosses in the underworld decided something else.

He remembered the explanation from the girl he was trying to save.

This region was covered in waters and rainforests, but for unknown reasons, it became a hot desert like region. The whole region was covered in harsh deserts, and only a small part of its northern part could sustain intelligent life, due to it being connected to everything else AKA The rest of the Underworld. The landscape was covered with sand dunes, mountains, and canyons, which made the region very annoying to live in. Why no one had done something about it? He did not know.

But, living here was not impossible. Evident by the Father-Daughter pair.

Anyway, currently he was near a small piece of rocks that were there, somewhere in the distance some rocky canyon was there.

(And that's where they are!) - He thought, he was told that they'd be around here. In one of these things.

'But you best beware for any traps! They prefer to fight from the shadows, but, still, they are quite formidable in open combat!'

That sucked, though, he most certainly did not like fighting Assassin-type people. But, he'd manage. Like he always does.

It didn't take long before he arrived at said canyon. 'Du'rma', is what it was called, if he remembered correctly.

"It's damn dark in here!" - He cursed towards himself, narrowing his eyes he thought the following,

(Thank god for my eyesight!)

Devil's had naturally great eyesight! Even in the dark.

Luckily there was a way he could traverse down without hurting himself in any manner. There was a shaky ground that helped him go down.

His eyes quickly adjusted to the new darkness in the canyon. - (So, it should be around here.)

He looked around the darkness, searching around for.. well..

anything to indicate something's here! Something that would help him along that path to help that woman!

Eventually, he ended up near a rocky wall. He felt it, but..

"Damnit! Nothing!"

[Partner, I sense magic.]

"Huh? What kind?"

[Passive magic, like the ones at the Fathers' mansion. But, I don't think that they have any of those offensive qualities. Perhaps an illusion spell? Anyway, it's right in front of you.]

"Illusion, huh? Feels so..real. So obviously done by a master." - Issei murmured, Ddraig grunted in agreement - (Ummm, Ddraig, how do I remove an illusion spell? Normally, the rest did this!) - He referred to ORC and the other people he worked with.

Ddraig released a sigh, - [Partner, you really need to strengthen yourself with knowledge! Even the slightest bit of it can aid you! Save your life, even!]

"..." - Issei said nothing, merely remaining quiet. A part of him knew Ddraig was right, but, in his mind, he was more of a physical fighter…

But, Ddraig was right! He knew that! So, for him, and for the future…

(You're right, Ddraig! When we get back home, I'm gonna study my ass off!) - Issei vowed to the Dragon, his partner!

Ddraig smiled at this, sure, things weren't going as he originally planned, but this would benefit Issei, too.

[Very well, most illusions, provided they aren't casted by a master, are quite easy to cast away. You either put so much raw power into it that it's forced to break, you slowly dismantle it by loosening the 'rope' that strengthens it. Or, the one who casted it removes it. Anyway, those are the ones off of the top of my head that I can name.]

(Thanks, Ddraig.) - He was thankful towards the dragon. - "Now… to break it…"

Well, it was obvious what kind of way he would.

He was gonna overload it with power!

[Well, I forgot to mention, if it's connected to other types of things, for example, another set of runes. It can most likely trigger a response, and thus alarm them of you!]

Well, going in sneakily was never his style!

Issei smirked as he held out his hand, overloading it with power! More and more power!

[Boost x2!] [Boost x2!] [Boost x2!]

[Transfer!]

And it just casually faded away. No explosion or anything like that

"Hah! See that, Ddraig, I did it!" - Issei spoke with a grin. Pride exuded from his words.

[Hmm. Could be better, a lot better.]

Issei lost his grin.

[But! Still good for a beginner! You can always learn more!]

Issei smiled at the encouragement of Ddraig, promising, once again, to learn more when all of this was over!

He will grow stronger!

Now, he walked into the now visible pathway. It was dark and damp, torches lit the way into a small hallway, that, quite clearly, led the way to a ginormous room.

As Issei walked further, his footsteps changed from walking on rock to walking on stone. Solid stone. Like a foundation. Good, that meant people were here! Issei smiled at that. It only took him a moment to reach the inside of the place he was in.

And what he saw, well…?

It left him slack jawed!

"Wow! Look at this, Ddraig! I never knew there were places like this around!"

[Yes, partner. I see it, too. Quite stunning…. for some cave dwellers.]

Issei chuckled at the remark

The walls and floor were incredibly well made and quite pleasing to the eye. Some of the floor transitioned into the solid, yet made from rock, ground made from blackish-grey metal.

Issei's footsteps were almost silent as they clacked against the metal, with him looking around.

Stairs that went downwards into further darkness, which he had just recently left, met him yet again. - "Here we go again…."

As Issei went further down into the darkness. More and more. 'Till he saw something. A large green, toxic looking lake. And the lake was titanic! Even for being underground, it was incredibly big! Small circular pieces of stone remained in the ground of the previously mentioned lake. All connected to one another thanks to small pathways.

Issei almost went in, but he suddenly stopped.

(It feels so… dark here… An energy that feels… ominous…)

You can call Issei stupid, but he wasn't as stupid enough as to make the same mistake twice!

Good to know he learned, Ddraig thought towards himself.

Issei stayed there, remembering the warnings about how they operated.

"HELLO?! ANYBODY THERE?!"

"Yes… we are here…."

The female voices, all around him gave him chills. But, Issei spoke…

'I just want to live happily again.'

"Could you guys, I dunno, come out? I need to talk. It's urgent." - He spoke seriously, a girl's life was on the line after all.

…

…

"No respon-?

"Why are you here?"

Footsteps came from the empty darkness, eyes glowed in the dark. Yet, Issei could not see them. So, he spoke.

"I'm here for a small cylindrical object," - Issei spoke loud enough so that they would heal him, - "I don't know the name, but it's supposed to be able to heal and restore almost anything! Someone needs it, though. And, I'm wondering if I can borrow it…?"

"Borrow it?"

Issei looked at a certain corner. A woman walking from it. Her skin was incredibly pale, like, super pale! A consistent tone of ash grey skin that was natural. Black, subtle, tribal-like tattoos on her body that contrasted greatly against her skin. She had ash-grey hair that was tied into a bun. Swords, made from an odd grey metal, were on her hips.

Issei looked at her, she walked forward- Calmly, gracefully, like an assassin. That's how she walked. It was off-putting.

"Uhmm…. Uh…? Hi…? I needed to talk…." - Issei said in a frail attempt to be confident. Yeah, blame him. He's surrounded by master assassins all around him!

"..."

"I… need that thing I said earlier. Can I bo-

"No."

At that response, Issei looked at her in a surprised manner. - "No?! What do you mean?! A girl's life is on the line! She could die at any moment without it!"

"... It does not have the function that you think it does… and we are not giving away something that belongs to us..."

His anger started growing as Issei remembered the words spoken to him earlier.

'Those people.. those things… They lie and manipulate. It doesn't matter what they do. These female-dominated groups use their own family and men as brutes and slaves.'

Issei looked at her, still trying to- "I'm sorry, but I don't believe you. And I promise to give it back. But, that woman needs my help."

"And we said 'no.'. Now, leave and never speak a word of this place... "

Issei did not do as commanded. Merely standing there. His anger growing! How could they?! Someone needed help and here they are, acting like arrogant assholes!

He now looked at them, friendly demeanor gone. - "No. Now, I'm taking it! And don't try to stop me!"

In the darkness, more and more people came out.

More than 200 hundred people. All quite armed.

[Partner… Assassin's….Be aware, and don't hold back! Though their energy may not be powerful, it's more subtle and off-putting than most I've encountered….]

"Look...I'm not leaving until I have it." - Issei spoke.

All of them narrowed their eyes, - "Very well then." - They all spoke in a creepy even and united voice.

Issei growled at this, knowing what was about to come, but he didn't want this. It was just like he said. How they truly were. He looked around him, preparing himself for a fight. He noticed the men and the women, how they were dressed lesser like the one who he just spoke to. What the man told him was that it was to demean them. To make these people think that they are worth nothing.

Issei's eyes flashed green.

Anger overcoming him. The more he thought about it, the more vile they were. He didn't really focus on her father's words. But, eh, that didn't mean he didn't remember it!

Issei looked around 'till.

TSLING!

"ARGH!" - He grunted with his teeth, suddenly being stabbed from behind. A small dagger in his shoulder, he bled as the other ones. The assassins in this tribe-like society noticed this and began attacking him!

A variety of swords came near him. Issei threw the the guy who stabbed him over his shoulder and quickly dashed away with incredible speed!

[Boosted Gear!]

[Boost x1!]

"The boosted gear holder, hmm?"

The other ones attacked him! All at once. The bigger ones tried to place him in a hold as he struggled to get out! He kicked behind him with full force!

KRACK!

Bones broke as Issei landed a kick! But it didn't do all that much as more and more came out and attacked him. One grabbed his arm and stabbed it with a dagger!

They all began fighting Issei, piling on top of him!

"ARGH! Stop hitting and stabbing me!"

[Boost x6!]

"You're the one that broke in and demanded what was ours!"

Issei forced them all of, like a whirlwind that did so.

He saw the small little shadows coming from the tents. Grabbing some nearby rocks and knives as they shakily held their ground, a considerable distance away!

As another one came behind him, lunging at Issei! He turned around, but, the currently distracted Issei was taken advantage of, a throwing knife landing in his calf!

With pain and adrenaline coursing through him, he kicked the idiot who stabbed him away.

Crack!

Breaking a few bones in the process!

Quickly, he turned around to face another ash-skinned armored warrior lunging at him with a curved ebony blade.

With the same adrenaline fueling his need to survive he punched without restraint.

TNKCHHH!

Punching off the man's head. Blood ended up everywhere… brain mush fell all round them in a blood bath. The pieces of skull dripped everywhere.

Issei saw this, as did everyone else.

He looked horrified as the crimson stained his hand. Looking at it with a horrified gaze.

"I…."

Tears flowed from his brown eyes.

A pain clenched his heart. Regret and self-loathing filling him...

"I didn't mean to do that! I didn't mean to!"

Issei cried out..

Issei sobbed in the middle of the battle.

"You'll die slowly for that…"

One of the female warriors held her hand out, a dark purple aura enveloped her hands. It blasted the area where he stood, making a small crater inside the cave!

KABOOM!

Issei was thrown upwards, tears still in his eyes.

"Please! I said I didn't mean to!"

A titan of a man came barreling towards him!

"Why?!"

Issei catched him and held him up, and with a loud-

- KRRUUTT!

Punched straight through him. A hole appeared in the man's torso, all vital organs gone and now a bloodied mess on the ground.

Issei saw what he'd done. His breathing became ragged, everything became woozy.

"*Sob* Why?! *Sob* Why are you making me do this?!"

More and more came.

A swarm of warriors, ranging from 14 year olds to the veterans dashed towards him. Faces filled with anger.

Oh, god! Oh, god! Oh, god! Oh, god!

Everything felt so weird!

Without thinking, acting on instinct and, what felt like, his first ever panic attack. He used an attack without thinking!

[Boost x9!]

[Flame Blaze!]

SWOOOOOOSSSHHHH!

The fire came all over them! Burning them all alive! Within seconds they were all ash! Their screams vanished withins seconds...

"I didn't want t- *Sob* to hurt anyone!"

One lunged at him from above, Issei lifted the boosted gear and-

[Dragon Shot!]

VZAAAT!

SQUELCH!

He blasted her legs off.

The brunette sobbed further…

Another one tried to stab him-

- SQUELCH!

He tore his arms off.

"Stop it… please…. stop attacking me!"

The woman from earlier glared at him! - "You insane manchild! Look at what you've done!"

Most of the floor was now stained with crimson, like water from a waterfall, it seemed never ending.

Issei looked at her…

"You wanted it? Well here, have it…"

It was thrown, Issei saw it, saw what would help her, and almost catched it, but?

KRAK-KA-KOOOMM!

"AAAAAHHHHHH!"

Issei was blasted into the rocky wall!

The cylindrical object rolled on the ground.

"You think you can face against the queen of the tribe? Against Arya The Chosen? Against me?"

Grunts and hisses came, out of the darkness and smoke were a flashing set of green eyes.

"You…." - Issei growled, crawling out of the mess of rocks.

He clawed his way out of rubble.

Claw...Scratch

Cuts and all across his body, with some blood. Tears welled up in his eyes again, but they were slowly alit with fury…

"All I wanted t-to d-do was help her, but you… n-no.." - Issei face turned into a snarl, tears still welled up inside his eyes. He scratched his chest, drawing blood from the deep cut. Like a vicious animal had clawed him on his chest.

Why he did it? Self loathing? To prove a point?

Neither knew.

Green met grey orbs.

The woman, presumed to be Arya, looked at him with snarling fury and hatred. Only she was there. It seemed that he'd killed quite a lot. Where the rest were?

In the shadows, probably.

"You, boy you're dead meat!"

Issei moved on instinct, dodging another blast of magic. Or whatever that dark purple stuff was.

Krzaaattttt!

Issei moved out of the way, narrowing his eyes.

[P-...Partn- F- cus o… Thi...Scale-...Mail….]

Issei could barely make out what Ddraig said. - (Is something interfering with our communication link? This place, maybe-

Krakooooom!

But, Issei fought through it…

After all,

'Uhm…? Do you…. Would you want to… Do you want to do something, together?'

Issei always found himself the strongest when he was fighting for someone.

[Boosted Gear: Scale Mail!]

Clad in his scale male armor Issei prepared himself for a tough fight!

Arya snarled at him, - "Stupid little boy, fighting all alone!"

"Grww!"

She dashed forwards, but, a dark purple aura overcome her and she-

- Vanished into the dark.

"Heh? Where are you?!"

Several purple crystal-like flowers appeared all around him

KABOOOOOM!

"OW!"

"Stupid little boy! Is that Longinus the only thing that makes you strong?"

From the dark ethereal knives were thrown, Issei dodged most of it but some landed in his body. He barely made a sound.

(Fine!) - He thought, - (Since I can't see you, I… I just have to force you out of your hiding spots!)

[Boost x10!]

[Dragon Shot!]

KABOOM!

He then did it to all hiding spots he thought she could be in.

[Dragon Shot!] [Dragon Shot!] [Dragon Shot!]

KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!

He shot and shot again. The cave rumbled.

"You fool, do you realise what you are doing?!"

Arya jumped out, Issei stopped and met her attack. But, they were now in a standstill. Arya smirked darkly at at one thing- being the incredibly nimble and fast one, she grabbed two curved daggers that glowed.

He punched at an incredible speed.

She nimbly moved out of the way and slashed at his armor, making a small dent.

"Look at you, boy, only being able to stand toe to toe with truly powerful beings! Without that thing, you don't have an ounce of strength! You're nothing without it! Killing innocent family of mine!"

"Shut up! Don't you remember?! It just happened! You m-made me d-do this!"

Slash! Slash! Kratch!

Crack! [Dragon Shot!] Zkrrrt! [Flame Blaze!]

"Hahaha! You know it's true! You're nothing without it!-

Crack!

He landed a devastating blow.

"Shut up!"

-Go ahead! You're a horrible hand to hand combatant! You came in here without any kind of tact! You're an Idiot! Hell, you're reserves are one of the lowest I have ever sensed! Stupid little idiot!"

"Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!"

CRACKOOOOM! [DRAGON SHOT!]

Then, they fought. Issei continuously boosting and fighting, the brunette's attacks becoming devastating.

And then-

-It devastated the entire cave,

KABOOOOOOMMMM!

.

---

.

"Hm… It's been a couple of hours," - The purple coated man murmured in his basement, - "Ah… A shame that he's dea-

"You s-shouldn't be so quick t-to write me off…" - Issei said, nose bloodied and cuts present on his skin. Scale Mail gone

A deeply surprised look appeared on his face, - "Issei? How are you here? I thought you were dead? I heard rocks crumbling down! I thought you were under that!"

Issei smiled unnaturally, blood dripping from his mouth. - "Hehehe… They tried to trap me in there. In that cave-thing they call home. But, I took them all down, too. They're all dead. Each and e-every single one of them. I saw it all…Hehehe..."

"Did you get it?"

Issei chuckled and went into a pocket that remained undamaged, he then handed the object. - "There, that's s-supposed to be it. R-right...? I managed to grab it at just the last second..."

He smiled, - "Yes… yes… this is it…" - He thought further, - (Everything we ever wanted…)

"I don't know how much I can thank you for this, Hyoudou. You… have been extraordinarily helpful. Do you require aid with those wounds?"

"Don't worry about it, can I… Can I see her first. I-I'll deal with it myself."

"It would be better if you healed first…. I insist. You don't look so well…"

It was the truth, Issei was pale as shit and covered with cuts and blood.

"Fine…."

.

---

.

Issei had fallen asleep. His wounds were cleaned and he rested. Laying down on something. Something incredibly soft. Almost like a person. The pillows were nice, too. Soft and fluffy. Almost like Akeno and Rias' breasts.

He woke up, - (Wait a minute!)

A soft, gentle hand trailed through his hair.

"Issei," - A soft voice asked, - "Are you okay?"

Looking back, he saw her. The one whom he had accidentally killed for.

"Y-you, are you okay?" - Issei got up immediately.

She smiled in an angelical manner, - "Y-yes, I am!" - Her voice was happier now. - "And… I… I cannot thank you enough! Y-you….You saved me!...I…."

Soft hands touched his face in a gentle manner.

(Ddraig!)

[Yes? I'm here now. It seems she fixed you up. And, that's she's doing okay.]

(Ddraig, I...Can we talk after this. When I'm back home?)

Ddraig noticed this, - [Sure, partner.]

"Issei, what-

"It's nothing," - He said, - "So, you're going to be alright?"

Her smile became somewhat off-putting. Darker, even.

"Yes, Issei, thanks to you… I'm going to be fine," - She held her face closer, so close that they almost touched noses. His lips to hers almost eerily close.

He felt weird, all of a sudden. - (Here eyes are so… pretty….)

She stroked his cheek, their foreheads touching. - "Issei.." - Her voice, so soft and comforting in this time of crisis for him. - "What happened.. You can talk to me about this, you know."

Issei said nothing, but…

"T-they made me d-do it…"

"Do what?"

"T-they made me hurt them, k-kill t-t-them… I didn't want to. But they m-made me do it. They didn't stop. They were mad about everything t-they made me do."

Seeing his reaction, she gently stroked his hair. - "Oh, Issei." - He chuckled with sobs. - "It's okay. You did nothing wrong…."

She held him close, - "Shhh. Shhh. It's okay. It's okay…"

His shaking lessened.

And they stayed like that.

.

---

.

In the end, she and Issei talked for hours. Each time he felt himself growing closer to her. He really liked her. Like really really liked her.

But, in the end, there he was again. He wanted to see her again.

The father-daughter duo gave Issei a device. Inviting Issei to come again sometime later.

His response?

'Of course I will! I'll see you again!'

He got a vehement blush from her after that.

But, Issei still wore his earlier attire. The attire that he wore to the c-cave tribe. But fixed up again.

"..."

He was on his way home, talking to Ddraig.

It'd been quite some time, ad he had no doubt that the girls would get mad about his appearance.

[Does it still bother you, Issei?] - Ddraig asked calmly. Breaking the silence on Issei's walk.

(Yeah?) - Was his emotionless response.

[Why are you like this? Was killing those cave-dwellers really that much of a deal to you? Why did you even cry?] - Was his blunt question, no tact or sympathy in his voice. More or less, it was a harsh tone to speak with.

(You're right on the mark, Partner.)

[But why are you like this?]

(Because I just killed people! Who knows how many people w-were in t-there?!)

[So? Is that a problem? Partner, what did they do when you came in?]

He scowled, - "Yeah… I… I just wanted to help her…. but they all g-ganged up on me and tried to k-kill me..."

[Issei. It's not your fault. it's theirs.]

(Huh?!) - Was his shocked reply, - (What the hell do you mean?!)

[Remember: When you came in, what did they do? Refuse you. Even when your goal was just. They refused you. Ignorant and dismissive. But? You stood your ground! Those deaths you caused might have been accidental, but no less justified! They were the ones who attacked you first! They guaranteed death that way! Remember, Issei- You are not the bad guy here, they were! You merely acted as a Dragon should! Doing what you believe is right!]

Ddraig responded like a Dragon would. Like he would.

He supported his partner to the end,

- yes. Of course he would

But Ddraig was still a Dragon.

He'd still act like one.

However, in this time of emotional weakness, Ddraig's words gained an impact on Issei's psyche for a lifetime.

"..." - He stopped in his tracks. Ddraig's speech replaying in his mind.

He just did what he thought was right….

Why..?

Why should he feel guilty….?

(I'll think more about this later…)

Bzrrrt! Bzzzrrt!

(Heh? So soon?)

Issei took it up, a small little device, magic? Thingie-Magingy that he did not know how worked.

The moment he took it up he was greeted with…

...with screams

'Issei! ISSEI!'

Her voice cried out to him!

What was wrong?! He was just there?!

"What's wrong?!"

'P-please! You have to come back!'

Krkkkt! Krkkkt!

"Wait! What's going on?! Can you answer?!"

He threw it onto the ground with an anger-filled look - "Damnit!"

"Ddraig!"

[Yes?!]

(We have to go!)

[Fine, but be on guard!]

.

---

.

Issei flew fast, at blinding speeds. The odd mansion once again in his sight.

BOOM!

Quickly barging through the walls he ended up inside.

He saw her,

"A-Are you alri-GlrgK!-

Their silhouettes were present in the shadow. A dark smile on their lips.

Issei spit out blood as he was forced onto his knees.

"Don't worry about it, Issei… We just infused the air with Dragon-Slaying particles. Like the ones you can find in Dragon-Slaying swords... Or something like that. I don't really know. " - She smiled eerily, her ruby red eyes glinted. The same ones that he had found so pretty earlier. - "All I know is that it hurts you."

The same woman whom had comforted him earlier.

"Awww~" - Her voice turned into a flirty one, - "Is my cute little Issei huuuuurrrrttt~?"

Her father laughed, - "Hahahahaha! I never knew there could be such a sight to see! You, here, in pain and puking your own guts out…"

"*Cough!* *Cough!* Blrgh!"

Then…?

Then it was lights out for Issei.

.

---

.

Grunting in some dungeon-like place, Issei said nothing. The woman, whose life he. supposedly 'saved' in front of him.

A dark violet mist was connected to his chest and arm. Seemingly, somewhat successfully,

[Issei...Their pulling me away…]

(I know, buddy…) - He sounded saddened, yet stoic beyond belief. - (I'm sorry… You were right…. )

[You know what they're doing, right? We need to put a stop to this. No way in hell am I going to belong to some Vampire-Wannabe.]

Issei chuckled internally, upsetting the woman in front of him. Who-

SMACK!

A large red handprint came across Issei's face. - "Grww…." - He growled darkly at that.

"Now, sweetheart~ Do I have your attention?" - Her sultry voice rang out. A far cry from the one he had heard earlier. - "Hahaha! That look on your face, are you angry~? Why? Father I were nothing but good to you~."

Ddraig roared with rage! - [HOW FUCKING DARE SHE!?]

Issei snarled, - "Really? 'Cause binding me to a chair in a torture chamber is so good of you!"

Soft hands held his face. Now that he saw it clearly, she seemed healthier. Stronger even.

Well, he kinda knew what caused that.

It was the object he had retrieved earlier. What was inside the thing probably caused it. His assumption, at least.

She laughed again, full smile showing.

Vampire fangs showed.

(Issei… you fucking idiot…) - He insulted himself. - (Another lesson to learn: Don't accept things all willy-nilly. There were enough clues to see the truth.)

"Anywayyyyy~" - They were alone here… - "Considering you're gonna lose the only thing that makes you special, The Boosted Gear…. how does it feel?"

Issei said nothing, merely sitting there. Bound on the chair.

Normally, he would've been able to break out of things like this.

But, apparently it was enchanted. Strong enough to hold him down and stop him from summoning his Longinus or escaping.

"Hm? You've been here for quite some time." - They touched foreheads once more. But nothing like the fake thing they had last time. Her dark smile took pleasure in his current state. - "Still barely a response, though~ C'mon~ I'm quite surprised, you know. Now that it'll go to my Father, leaving you behind and alone."

He just sat there. Giving her a cold look.

She saw a twinkle in his eye, - "Hm? You don't know what I mean ~ ? Well it's quite simple," - She talked further, - "The only thing that makes you special is that Longinus you have~ You know that, right?"

[Don't listen to the wench, Issei. Keep holding on.] - As long as Issei held on. That thing that was pulling The Boosted Gear Longinus away from his soul.

"..."

"The only reason why that lady, The Switch Princess, actually cares about you is that Longinus…" - Her whispers were audible to him. - "Just like all of those people you surround yourself with." - She laughed. - "That Priestess, the cat-girl, the Angel… all of them."

It took its effect on him.

She saw it.

And relished in it.

"..."

[Don't. Listen. To. Her. She's trying to lessen your will. Doing so would remove me from you quicker.]

"..."

"Take that angel of yours for example… why would she, an angel, be close with you. A devil? No reason other than the fact that you have The Boosted Gear. That's all you are. All you'll ever be, Idiot."

A small green light emanated from his eyes.

"Why….why do this?"

"Because I want to… Because father and I wanted to do so. Since you came across this mansion, that wasn't even ours!" - The beauty laughed angelically. - "I just made up all of that on the spot! And you believed me! You really are a naive idiot. I've read all about it. Seen it, even. Hell, you even are a crybaby! You don't even know my name and you did all of… this. Hahaha. But, I suppose I have to thank you~ Thanks to you getting that thing for me, I've become I quite stronger due to its contents."

She then held his face, with one last look on her beautiful face…

"Here…. I'll give you a kiss as thank you~"

Forcefully holding the immensely weakened Issei-

- She forcefully kissed him.

- !?

She winked at him in a sultry manner, - "See you when you're dead~"

Issei was left alone now.

(Ddraig? You still there?)

[Yes… I am, but I feel myself being pulled away from you. I...I'm sorry…]

(...Why?)

[I wanted you to come down somewhere to show you what the average individual in the supernatural world thinks of you… What I thought they thought of you….]

(That I'm a joke?)

[...Yes…. I never wanted to hurt you, just so you know…. I wanted you to improve upon yourself.]

(Yeah...I...for what it's worth, Ddraig, I'm sorry. For all the stupid shit that I've done. Getting us to be called the...Breast Dragon… I've had a lot of time to think since we left home and I...When we get out of this; no more stupid shit from me. I'll improve myself. Improve myself in a way that would make both you and I proud of what I will become. What I'll evolve to! I'll BE A DRAGON!)

Ddraig grinned at that, pride exuding from him due to his partner's words.

(Now, Ddraig. Time to get out of this place, got any ideas?)

['Course I do. Now, listen carefully.]

.

---

.

She went back up to her father, hugging him as that happened.

"Ah, my dear, I've taken it that you've had your fun?" - The blue eyed man questioned his vampiric daughter.

Eh, what could he say?

Both wanted more power.

"Hmh!" - She nodded happily.

"Ahh! That's good, anyway, soon, the Longinus shall be mine. And you, my dear daughter, were excellent. Even I didn't expect him to succumb to you so soon, the way that you manipulated that fool! Hah! Grand!"

She blushed beautifully, - "Thank you~, Father."

"Anyway, while the process is going on I have invited some allies of mine ove-

CHA-BOOOOOM!

A man barged out, dark smirk on his lips. - "...I'm BaaaAaaack~"

Issei looked at their shocked expressions, - "Aw? Miss me?!" - He snarled angrily!

While she looked shocked the father looked outraged - "W-w-

He was quickly interrupted by Issei, who said the following.

"DRAGON SHOT!"

[DRAGON SHOT!]

Both narrowly dodged!

"How about you try fighting us without that thing?"

Issei smiled darkly. - "Gladly~"

He unsummoned the Boosted Gear and went solo, not before one thing happened~

[Promotion: Queen!]

The brunette spoke - "Now...This'll be fun~"

Issei stood there, unarmed. Gesturing for them to come at him.

The first one to attack him was the Father, with the daughter staying in the background.

"Fine then! I'll take the Boosted Gear from your dead corpse! Then, those buddies of yours are dead, too."

Issei blocked the attack and launched a powerful kick.

"Hah! You're dead meat,"

The father landed on his backside, the brunette walked over to him, grabbing him by his collar. The father heard the the rasp of material ripping.

KRACK!

A quick kick landed on Issei. His focus disrupted as the old man kicked him in the stomach. He grunted.

The brunette's arms flied up, blocking a hit.

The blows landed on the two, now green eyes narrowed with renewed focus.

He fought, his fists as fierce and destructive like a tornado. Faster than a speeding bullet. More physical strength than a locomotive. The Vampire Woman and The Dragon wannabe father will all get their due.

He held up a hand, blocking another high kick with a smirk.

Issei grinned, - "Is that it? I'm quite experienced, ya know?"

When they simultaneously attacked Issei jumped upwards.

"No more playing~"

CRACKAKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMM!

The entire building was destroyed.

Rubble make like a mist, Issei didn't see them any of them-

"Got ya!"

He saw their silhouettes, but they were-

Running away?!

Both ran away!

"Oh hell no!"

He dashed over towards them, almost faster than a speeding bullet.

"No-GRGL!"

The insides of the father were now sprayed across the ground. A pretty shade of crimson that did not frighten Issei anymore.

SPRLGGG!

"Heh? Would you like at that? He's dead," - Issei chuckled darkly, - "Well, I guess the blood and guts was a dead giveaway, Ha!"

The daughter saw it and…. - "F-Father…."

Issei looked at the daugther, something different in his eyes now. Dark amusement. It was good to see the bitch suffer.

Well, guess he knew why the old fucker wanted the Boosted Gear. He was too weak too get strong himself. Like, seriously!

Issei approached the beauty, - "Now, mocking me and manipulating me..torturing me for a couple of days like that. Removing my life force for your own gain.. What. To. Do. With. You?"

She quacked, - "P-please, Issei-sama.. My father… He… He forced me to hurt you like that! I never-

SMACK!

In an instant Issei was in front of her.

He then got an idea.

"Considering you're in the shadows, don't you think you need to get some sunlight?"

He grabbed her with his greatly enhanced strength, - "See you up there."

KABOOM!

ZWOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The speed at which they went off into the sky with created a sonic boom!

"TIME TO SEE THE SUN!"

Issei dragged her with him so much that a small red fire started to surround them,- "Now, get a good look, okay?"

She screamed - "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!"

Eventually, she turned into ash.

Issei smiled, - "Ddraig?"

[Yes?]

"Time to go home…"

.

---

.

Issei walked home with a bland expression on his face, - (Ddraig, I... Kinda don't feel all that well…)

A small trail of blood came from his lips, he noticed it immediately. He wiped it.

"I kinda feel nauseous, sickly, even. Like I could puke at any moment. And also quite lightweight."

[I feel it too, Issei. Perhaps it's The Boosted Gear still mending the somewhat broken connection towards you. Anyway, you don't have to worry too much about that: In a couple of minutes everything involving The Boosted Gear will be alright. What you're feeling, that, I do not know. Perhaps something to do with that ritual thing that they used on you? I don't know for sure yet.]

He's been feeling like that ever since he left that mansion and killed those two.

[Partner, are you alright?]

(Kinda decent, why?)

[Killing those two, I thought you would have a bigger reaction.]

Issei's eyes glowed green with rage, - (Hm? I know I'm not the bad guy here, they were! I merely acted as a Dragon should! Doing what I believe is right for myself! So, no. They deserved it. Just like that Astaroth prick that's dead. I won't feel a thing but hatred for them.)

Ddraig said nothing. Merely contemplating Issei's words.

But, he still agreed with Issei.

(Forgetting about those two fuckers for now, Ddraig, without the Boosted Gear, how am I?)

Ddraig was silent before speaking in a cold, yet matter of fact tone. - [The truth? Miserable. Pathetic, even. You rely too much on the the Boosted Gear. Your hand to hand is mostly based on experience, with the foundation being the bare basics of martial arts that that cat girl and sword boy taught you. Your reserves are the lowest I've ever seen. Your Magic skills are non-existent. Your perversity allows you to be easily taken advantage of. Your naivety must be removed as well. Martial Arts is shit. Anything with a weapon is not your forte.]

Issei narrowed his eyes at this. - "Damn…"

[Don't worry, partner. You promised to fix these things, did you not? To be like a true dragon? Any of the faults I mentioned can be fixed with training and discipline. You can train your body and mine. Hone your skills. Learn swordplay. I'll help, too.]

(Thanks, Ddraig. You are one of the best people I know. Right away I'll go to the library. Learn everything there is to learn! And all I mentioned before, too! I'll broaden my horizons. Maybe visit Kyoto soon. Learn somethings there.)

He approached his door, opening it while saying one last thing. Still though, he started feeling worse. But he ignored it.

Still, Rias and Akeno were probably worried as all living hell about him.

.

---

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AN: The story won't follow canon at all.

BE PREPARED FOR A MORE DARKER AND MATURE ISSEI!

Oh, yeah. It won't be an ORC centered story.

It's an Issei story. One where the ORC will gradually fade away into the background allowing for more characters of my choice to stay in the harem.

Issei is going to be quite darker later on. AKA: The next couple of chapters

Anyway, please review.

PS: I'm always open to criticisms