-= Issei's inner world. =-
Issei was kneeling in front of a giant scarlet dragon and bitterly shed tears, sprinkling salty liquid on his skin.
He lost. Lost to that bastard Fenex, failing to keep his promise to Rias-senpai. And now her breasts and honor will belong to another...
The guy hid his eyes with his hand and growled faintly, condemning himself, his weakness, his stupidity and the futility of his being.
He couldn't do anything to this fried chicken! Yes, they managed to take out all of Riser's figures, with the exception of his sister, but... she gave Issei the opportunity to challenge her brother. She just didn't believe that an ordinary pawn could defeat the King.
And it turned out to be true.
No matter how many pawns there were in Issei, but he remained a weakling that he could not use his mechanism correctly. Riser told him that no matter how "Dragon" the guy was, he was not a match for Phoenix. None of the previous owners of the Welsh Red managed to bring the glove to the level of "God killers".
And Issei is a direct proof of that.
"You'll never get stronger at this rate," growled Ddraig slowly, a loyal friend of Issei, who sometimes gave excellent advice and taught the guy life. – You are a paranormal being with the power of a dragon. So stop embarrassing me, or the "White" will just laugh at us!
- But I can't do anything, Ddraig... – the guy whispered, clenching his fists white. "The bastard Riser was right, I'm a jerk! I'm a weakling for not being able to protect the dignity of Rias-senpai!
- Fool, do I remind you how much Fenex uses its power, and how much do you use it? Of course, you will lose to him, purely from combat experience! How can I load the memory of battles and the correct use of my power into your empty brain, do you think you managed to squeeze the maximum out of the gain with such ease and at the same time not injure yourself because of your genius? No. I'm helping you, because we're partners, but that's not enough! You have no desire, no desire to win!
- N-but... I wanted to! I wanted to beat Riser more than my life! The guy exclaimed, jumping to his feet.
- This is not the desire, – the dragon sighed heavily, looking at the stupid expression on the guy's face, – you wanted to defeat him, but you didn't want to kill him. And even if I wanted to, then... your strength, your rage grows from another place. Not from death and murder, but from another negative emotion.
- ...? – the pervert stared at his teacher uncomprehendingly.
- Out of lust, bro. Your rage grows out of lust.
- You... Are you saying I should have coveted Riser? Issei grimaced.
The dragon stared unblinkingly at his partner for a couple of moments, then wearily exhaled a cloud of steam and covered his eyes with his paw, starting to shake his head dejectedly.
- Hey, that's not funny! Well, big deal, I didn't understand! Issei blushed, realizing that he had said something stupid. However, not for the first time.
- You envy Riser, you envy that he has a harem, – said Ddraig slowly, listlessly removing his paw from his eyes, – you envy that Rias will be his... not yours.
The pervert clenched his fists to a crunch, agreeing with the words of the ancient monster.
- Do you understand what I'm getting at? You must want to take away everything that belongs to him! Or to make sure that you manage to get it all on your own, no... Even more, you should want more, bro! Remember, you and I are connected. Our souls are connected. Everything that is not alien to me is not alien to you, and vice versa. Dragon Rage and dragon wishlist are the most powerful in the world, draw the first from the second!
"I... I understand," the pervert replied seriously, a black flame of rage slowly emerging inside his soul, "I will make Rias–senpai mine. Even if I have to destroy this Fenex and bathe in his blood! I WILL BECOME THE KING OF THE HAREM!
The bestial roar of a dragon, emanating from the body of Issei, who burst into flames, passed through the inner world of the guy.
- Here! With such a desire, you will be able to defeat the "White"... Ddraig said approvingly, looking at his partner. – But so far it's not enough. Yes, you lost, but you can also learn a lesson from defeat. If you are not dead, then you can turn defeat into your strength. Of course, provided you win the next fight. Lose and then win. Then keep winning. If you can, you'll meet him one day.
- What are you talking about?.. Issei said, stifling the anger that flared up.
"You'll find out about it yourself pretty soon. Therefore, become as strong as possible before that day. I am ready to share my power with you at any moment, but remember this... great power requires great sacrifices. I'll give you exactly as much as you donate to me. And then you can teach a lesson to everyone who laughs at the existence of Dragons!
Someone's measured applause went through the space, giving a distant echo of thunder.
The dragon frowned and shifted his gaze to the left, where a very familiar brown-haired man in a white robe was walking.
Issei looked blankly from the stranger to the partner and vice versa, continuing to stupidly clap his eyes.
- Hello, Issei-kun, Ddraig-kun, I'm sorry that I came to visit without an invitation, – the man said, correcting the only uncombed curl that had fallen over his eye.
- You... why did you come here again? Ddraig narrowed his eyes, hovering defensively over his partner.
- Uh, who is this dude? Issei pointed his finger at the man with the blade threaded through his belt. "Wait, you said he came here again?! It's, like, my inner world, all things... why are there only men in my inner world?!
- Shut up, – the dragon growled seriously, forcing the guy to swallow from the look of crimson eyes.
- I came to see how my precious hero is doing, – the man stopped a few steps away from the dragon, placing his right hand on the blade. – And also... I came to help him.
- What are you talking about? Issei asked again, pulling himself together. "And who are you?"
- Don't you recognize it? – Aizen answered the question with a question, looking condescendingly at the guy. "I am your God, Issei-kun.
- You're mine... God?.. Issei's temples ached, and he fell to his knees, clutching his head and growling softly.
- Partner!
- Don't worry, he's fine, – the man smiled with the corners of his lips, watching the sluggish attempts of the pervert to get back to his feet. "Issei–kun, I've come to help you a little... when you wake up, you'll find a gift under your pillow. A little toy that will help you win. Consider it a thank you for taking care of Eva-chan.
- So you're Biblical?! Issei finally managed to get to his feet and stare in shock at the strange man, who continued to smile good–naturedly.
"You want what belongs to you, don't you, Issei-kun?" – Aizen ignored the question of his toy, slowly turning back, waving his snow-white haori.
- Are you talking about Rias-senpai?
"Hurry up, Issei-kun, you don't want to be late, do you?"
With these words, the man slowly faded into thin air, finally turning and looking Issei in the eyes, causing him to shudder from the chilling gaze.
"He's very dangerous, partner," Ddraig said seriously, looking at the place where God had just stood, "be careful with him.
- Have you talked to him yet?
- There were a couple of times... just know that he needs you for something. He's the one who helped you wake me up.
- Yes, there was something like that... Issei whispered, wincing at the aching temples and vague images floating in his mind. – It seems like he's not bad, since he helps me, right? And Eva-chan is such a cutie and he thanked me for taking care of Eva! Can we assume that the father has agreed to the wedding of his daughter, heh-heh-heh?!
"He didn't thank you,– said Ddraig, squinting at his host's vulgar smile. – Ah, however, it doesn't matter. It's time to wake up, partner, you've already recovered!
Issei opened his eyes listlessly and shook his head, driving the drowsiness out of it. The whole body still ached mercilessly, but the pervert ignored the pain, remembering the words of the Dreig and clenching his fists to a crunch.
The words of the Biblical God flew through his head, after which the guy immediately jumped out of bed and lifted the pillow, looking around... gun. A silver pistol with a note.
"Issei-kun, use it wisely. With this you will be able to defeat your enemy, but you will only have one chance. P.S.: Your God."
Issei carefully picked up a rather heavy pistol, looking with interest at crosses and some symbols of faith. The guy felt that the gun was blowing... light, as from Mikhail.
And the letter also said that he had only one chance. One shot or what?
The letter, written in a neat handwriting, trembled and slowly faded into a golden glow, leaving no trace.
The subtle hearing of the pervert, trained on the mother, who often came in at the most inopportune moment without knocking, after which she burned the guy's porn and mercilessly burned the holy scriptures, caught movement outside the door.
The guy immediately hid the gun in the only place where no one could find a fairly voluminous weapon and where no one, to the great regret of the pervert, would get into his pants.
It was uncomfortable and the trunk bulged quite noticeably, but the guy didn't pay attention to it.
- I see you're awake?
A tall, buxom woman with silver hair entered the room–Greifia, the Queen of Sazex. She was wearing a blue and white maid costume. He emphasized her big, beautiful, rounded ones well... eyes.
The guy swallowed and pushed thoughts about boobs aside, now there were more important questions:
- Greifiya-san, what's with the game?! Rias-senpai lost?! Issei didn't know how it ended, but he remembered that Rias was exhausted. The guy doubted that a full-strength Riser would be able to lose, although the hope for the opposite did not die.
"Youth,– Greifia muttered in a barely audible voice, squinting at Issei's bulging fly, then continued: –Riser-sama won the match. Mrs. Rias gave up. At the moment, a gala evening is being held in honor of the engagement of Mrs. Rias and Riser-sama in a special banquet hall prepared by the house of Gremory.
- Damn it! Issei clenched his fists white and growled softly, awakening his rage.
Greifia smiled and pointedly slowly took out a letter from an invisible pocket, starting the game of Sazex:
- I see that you are... are you angry?
-= The banquet hall of the House of Gremory. =-
- Neo, you dance beautifully! Mizuki exclaimed cheerfully, waving her tails.
In the huge ornate hall, many couples were circling, both demons and fallen with a couple of angels.
It seemed like how enemies could be here, in this place, and even have fun? But just two days ago, after the rating game, Sazex organized a meeting of the Lords and announced the signing of a truce with the angels and the fallen.
No one knows what the demon lords talked about for three hours on end, but they agreed and just yesterday the angels, the fallen and the demons officially signed a truce. It's just that something like a civil war has begun for the fallen, but the newfound allies promised to help.
And so, in honor of his sister's wedding and the signing of the truce, Lucifer invited all willing angels and fallen to attend his "modest reception".
Of course, not everyone agreed with the new policy of the young lord, but most of the demons were in solidarity that the time of wars had come to an end, as, in due time, the place of the old lords was taken by new ones, having staged a coup.
Also, Sazex invited representatives of other mythologies to him, showing by this action that they are peaceful and ready to hold normal negotiations for the first time in many centuries and, if both sides agree, make peace.
Of course, everything was much more complicated, but Mizuki was not prepared for the position of head in vain, especially since her grandfather officially made her a representative from Ayakashi, after two hours of persuasion from the loving Kitsune.
If she hadn't put pressure on old Kitsune with her childish techniques, such as "puppy gaze", the girl would have languished in the human world, and not in the Underworld.
In general, the young ayakashi understood something about political games.
"You too, Mizuki-chan," the guy replied, looking into the eyes of the blushing girl.
- Listen, Neo... I still haven't told you what... I love-!.. – the girl was interrupted by a tactful cough from the left side.
"Excuse me, Mizuki, can I borrow Neo for a dance?"
"Grrr, Sona, how are you at the wrong time," Kitsune muttered in a barely audible voice, slowly turning her head in the direction of her rival. – Of course, Sona! Anything for you!
Sitri ignored the sarcasm in her friend's voice and imperiously grabbed the brown-haired guy by the arm, then led him to a corner of the hall where the least people would stare at them.
The girl waited for the start of a new waltz, then grabbed the guy's hand and immediately began to lead him in one of the most difficult and ancient Viennese waltzes, which the girl had been studying for months, but Neo easily continued all the movements, masterfully complementing his partner.
"You can dance," Sona said slowly, raising a thin eyebrow questioningly. – From where?
- Have you learned? – the guy answered questioningly, as if asking a demoness
- How versatile you are, – the girl replied, without looking up from the dark pools of Neo's eyes, – it already surprises.
- The longer you live, the more you realize that anything can be useful in life. Like, for example, our dance with you. Who knew that one day I would dance with the devil in the moonlight?
- And how did you just find the time?
- Time is a very changeable thing, – the guy calmly replied, leaning forward a little and gently tilting his partner, meeting her gaze, – isn't it true, Sona-chan?
The girl said nothing, shifting her gaze to Mori's warm smile, which seemed like a ghost constantly followed the guy, very rarely leaving his face.
- You know, I saw a chess table nearby, do you want to play?
- Chess? Now? – the girl was distracted for a moment, looking at the approving, disapproving, and sometimes mocking glances of the demons. Still, Serafoll wasn't around right now and no one was hiding Neo's aura.
A few minutes later, the two reasonable ones were already sitting opposite each other, making the first moves with pawns.
- Amazing, isn't it? – Neo decided to start a conversation by leaning on his arm. – So many different intelligences gathered in one place, and only a few days ago they were enemies. How changeable the mind of beings can be, isn't it, Sona-chan?
"No, that's what it was all about," the girl replied, moving the elephant. – Moreover, the most gathered here... fallen and angels, let's say, are open to conversation. Well, and the leaders of each of the factions. Almost all leaders.
- But still, just give them a reason, and they will bite each other's throats, – Neo continued, adjusting his glasses. – Isn't it sad?
- Too little time has passed, so everyone is tense. Give them a few hours and many of them will make friends.
"You're too naive, Sona-chan, don't regret it because of this," Neo shook his head, causing Sitri to roll her eyes and barely audibly snort.
She didn't consider herself naive. And if she did, it was the last thing.
- Let's change the subject, – the guy moved the queen, taking Sona's horse with her, – have you already prepared a speech for Rias-chan? Will you wish her all the best or, on the contrary, will you silently support her in a difficult moment?
- I... – Sona shook her head negatively, – no. I still haven't decided what I'm going to tell her. Most likely, I'll just wish her luck and endurance, she'll need it. It may sound silly, but she will understand that I am saying this in all seriousness. And you, Neo, what will you wish her?
- Survive, probably? Morey stroked his chin thoughtfully, causing his girlfriend to raise an eyebrow questioningly.
- I doubt that she is in danger, – Sona was slightly embarrassed by her thoughts and added: – Although in a sense, yes...
- To lose honor for some is worse than death, – the guy nodded, giving his tower to a dark-haired rival. – Listen, Sona-chan, can't your parents marry you off without your knowledge, like Rias-chan?
- No, – the girl put a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled triumphantly, – I will marry only someone who is smarter than me. I made a condition that only the one who won me in chess could become my husband.
- Ho, and they agreed?
"Yes," Sona nodded importantly, "most likely, they did not hope that I would be able to defeat all the demons who were wooing. They decided to put me in my place.
– And you disappointed them, – Neo nodded understandingly.- reasonable people always disappoint other reasonable people, destroying their plans, ideas or desires. This is our nature. By the way, check on you, Sona-chan.
Sona looked at the figures. Their location somewhat resembled a star, but the wrong one...
The girl beat the pawn that so brazenly put it to the king check, after which she frowned, watching the smooth movement of the hand of her strongest opponent, who moved the knight and...
"Another check, Sona-chan," Neo smiled without taking his eyes off Sitri's shocked purple eyes, "and checkmate. Does it mean that you belong to me now?
- When will you have time...
- PREEZIIDEEENT! – Sonu was interrupted by someone shouting too loudly, breaking the melody and the noise of voices.
- One person has just defeated a demon, – the guy continued, tilting his head sideways and flashing a snow–white smile, - do you think another person will be able to repeat his feat?
"Fellow demons of the upper class gathered here! The President's older brother, Satan-sama! My name is Hedo Issei, I study at the Kyo Academy! I came here to pick up the President, Rias Gremori-sama!
Sona adjusted her glasses with a trembling hand, looking again at the arrangement of the figures resembling a five-pointed star.
She was defeated...