Here's part 2!
Got a few surprises in here for everyone that's followed the story, I've been taking into account Time Travel and the adverse effects it can have and well...One's gonna appear...
Very long chapter, had my first few fight scenes so bare with me on that.
BTW: Sorry for late update the site was causing alot of problems for me and many other authors concerning the Manage Stories tab, the dreaded Type 1 Error and it delayed the update till now.
Anyway enjoy!
The True Dragon of Dragons
Chapter 3: Akeno, Tournament, Danger Part 2
''Oh! There's the kids!'' the shout of a parent sounded causing the crowded parents to look and see the class coming out off the temple from a different part of the building. They followed Hozu-sensei while some kids smiled and waved at their parents. Parents took pictures and hollered good luck to their kids, but Issei looked to see his mother and father among them who doing the same. It honestly made him feel pretty good about himself and he smiled a bit since this time around his parents were being supportive in something he liked.
Unlike in his first life they saw him as just a good for nothing lecherous fool, it kind of made him feel like a complete idiot for turning out that way the first time.
{I have too agree, I much rather like how you're turning out this time, and even better is that I don't need counseling or medication now!} Ddraig said yelling out in pure joy that he didn't have to suffer that torment any longer! It was just down right painful and it nearly killed him a few times at how bad it was getting. At one point the Dragon was even contemplating suicide just too escape the perverted madness of Issei's first life.
He was so glad his host's perversion was dying away and being replaced with his nearly maniacal joy to do battle. If he had to choose on what he would have wanted his host to be between the two then he would take fighting over perversion anytime of the day. Issei for his part mentally scratched the back of his head and gave the mental equivalent of a pat on Ddraig's snout. 'I really am sorry for putting you through that Ddraig.'
But then as they began to be seated at the arena mound Ddraig's eyes narrowed as it sensed familiar signatures of energy.
{By the way partner, you got eyes watching you...} he said making Issei blink, but taking his friends words to heart he discretely began to look around as he was seated amongst his peers. It was around the time his class was seated that Issei caught onto three pairs of eyes that were watching him from different ares of the field. Looking to the side he saw that the first was Akeno who seemed taken back when she saw him looking back. Quickly she looked away so Issei then looked to the second person he felt watching him and it was a familiar person.
It was a gruff-looking back with black hair and facial hair, he had a muscular build and a fierce expression, but his beady black eyes were boring back at him. The two met eye contact and Issei quickly realized who it was that was standing beside Akeno, it was the same guy that nearly tried to kill him while on his date with Akeno.
It was Baraquiel, Akeno's father...
'And is it me or does he seem like he already hates me?' Issei thought with a twitch in his brow whole Ddraig just laughed at that.
Then Issei looked to the final pair of eyes and he was surprised to find out that the person was pretty close, actually on the other side of the stairway. It was a woman, an extremely beautiful woman that made what was left of Issei's perversion nearly rise up before he quickly crushed it. But there was no denying the woman was incredibly gorgeous, with her curly long blonde hair, radiant blue eyes that seemed to seemed to go on for an eternity. She had one of the most voluptuous bodies Issei had ever seen, and he'd seen many in his first life.
She was dressed in a yellow kimono with a gold obi around her waist while on her feet she wore simple sandals. But the minute his eyes made contact with hers he felt a very familiar source of energy, though nearly all of his power was sealed there was no way he would have missed that familiar source of energy.
'Holy energy, so she's an angel, but what would an angel be doing here and in the territory of a Fallen Angel like Baraquiel?' Issei contemplated on that, Baraquiel was of an equal status in pure power to his former sensei Azazel and the two were close friends. He didn't doubt no one didn't know of Baraquiel and his power over Holy Lightning.
Ddraig decided to cut in on Issei's thoughts. {That's because that woman over there is none other than Gabriel, partner, she is just like Michael, a Seraph and is actually the Strongest Woman in all of Heaven. I've seen the power she's wielded first hand and she's no joke, she may seem beautiful, humble in appearance and personality. But in the Great War she was a force to be reckoned with.}
…
…
You could only imagine the shock Issei felt at that moment when Ddraig said that, he mustered up all the self control he had to not flinch or show the slightest bit of surprise in his eyes. His gaze stayed in contact with Gabriel's before he offered a smile and waved which she soon returned.
'...Ddraig...why is someone like her here?!' he questioned Ddraig who he himself couldn't find a good answer to the question. Because he was equally puzzled as to why such a high ranking angel was here in the mortal world and not making sure Heaven was stabilized. {I'm not sure partner, but just remain inconspicuous if you do that you'll possibly avoid suspicion, but that's not a guarantee.} he said causing Issei to mentally nod before he turned his attention to the front of him.
Soon enough Hozu-sensei stood up and spoke using a microphone, ''Thank you all for coming to this joyous occasion, I trust many of you parents are eager to see your kids fight and show their skill. As their sensei, I know they won't disappoint they have all trained very hard for this so you will definitely see a show you won't forget. Now before we begin, let the Miko of this Shrine, bless us with an honorary Kagura before the Tournament begins.'' with a echoing approval of the gathered parents and locals that have come to see Hozu bowed his head before stepping aside to stand with his class.
Then all murmuring stopped as the doors to the Shrine slid open revealing Shuri who came walking out in her miko dress. But in addition she had a mask covering her face along with two white paper streamers held in hand. All went silent as the Himejima miko came down the stairs with that air of grace ad elegance rare few could match. It was as if she were floating such was her balance that it fooled the eyes of many, Issei was not excluded rom this for he was just as much taken by just her stroll alone.
But then as soon as Shuri reached the middle of the dirt mound with no footwear whatsoever she began the honorary kagura. A ritualistic dance used in both to worship the Kami of Shinto and as a means to be used at any Martial Arts demonstration. So it was with that Issei decided to lean back and watch letting his mind ease and body unwind as Akeno's mother did the dance. The paper streamers seem too come alive from her hands as they spun and twirled with her body as if they were dancing along with her.
Then she started to sing, a song of good fortune and luck for all those that were fortunate enough to hear it. Her voice was soft and carried amongst the gathered people, children to adult all listened and watched the display in fascination and joy.
'This...is truly a beautiful thing, isn't it Ddraig?' thought Issei as he was captivated by the kagura while Ddraig remained quiet watching the proceeding with a sharp gaze.
{...I have to admit it is...}
So mesmerized by the sight Issei didn't see another altercation happening not just a few feet from him.
Baraquiel watched his wife and mother of his child, Shuri proceed on with the ritual kagura with a softened expression. These were one of the reasons why he fell for the mortal woman because of her tenderness, gentle personality and kind soul. Despite their questionable acts at night he loved her dearly and loved her more so for bringing their little girl, Akeno, into the world.
But then his eyes narrowed before his gaze slowly glanced to the side to see a familiar appearance of whom was once an old comrade of his.
Gabriel, who was smiling tenderly as she watched the proceedings without the last bit of hostile intent being aimed at him for his status as a Fallen. It put him on edge more than he would admit, he wouldn't care if they were in some other area, but this was where his beloved wife and daughter lived. The last thing he wanted was a fight to break out between him and Gabriel thus endanger his family.
So mentally he enacted a small telepathy spell and it connected with Gabriel who reacted with only raising a delicate eyebrow.
'Arara, what it is you wish to speak about, Baraquiel?' she was the first to speak which Baraquiel responded with a mental retort. 'Why are you here Gabriel? Has Michael finally decided to end my life? Has he sent you here to end me or have you come to charge the Churches in the area to do it?' he answered back with a fierce scowl, but Gabriel's expression saddened the tiniest bit before returning to normal.
'Rest assured Baraquiel, I am not here to do such a thing nor has Michael showed any intention to end your life. Whether or not you believe me is up to you, but we were all once comrades in arms and we still hold that memory to heart. Does our former history as comrades, brothers and sisters under the Holy Father no longer matter anymore?' she responded causing Baraquiel to scoff.
'It died the moment the Churches began targeting my family, they can attack me all they wish, but they leave my family out of it. It's not very holy of anyone to attack a defenseless woman and innocent child now is it? No Gabriel, clearly Michael cannot fully control his people, and therefore I will kill anyone that intends to hurt my family.' he said in spite causing the woman to inwardly flinch at that bit of information. 'But...you were never one to lie...you're far too sincere to lie and a too clueless for your own good.'
She put the equivalent of a pout while complaining the man, 'Muuu~ I am not clueless!' she retorted only to get a slight scoff from the man. But then his tone went serious as the two watched Shuri nearly finish her dance.
'But seriously, if you are not here to kill me...then why are you here? You rarely ever leave Heaven unless you need to act as Michael's representative or needed for a mission of dire importance.' he said only to get a chuckle from the woman.
'Well you know I can't say much...but let's just say I've found a mortal that has...interested me.' that was all she said before the telepathy spell was broke, but it had a big enough impact on Baraquiel who's eyes widened in shock as they glanced to Gabriel's back before they quickly went forward.
'Could it be...No impossible, Gabriel is the single most beautiful woman in all of heaven and the Strongest too boot. How could a mortal have gained her attention when so many greater figures of status have tried to gain her interest? No no I must be over thinking this...' deciding it was better to not think about it.
But then his mind began to race, would Gabriel really be so interested in a mortal to risk leaving Heaven and come down to Earth? His mind began to run into various suspicions and scenarios that blew what Gabriel said completely out of proportion.
The bottom line that resonated in Baraquiel was solely thus just how far would Gabriel go to sate her interest. And why did his gaze switch to the kids, more specifically, Hyoudou Issei as he thought about it.
''Amazing! Such a wonderful performance, thank you for gracing us with such a dance, Himejima-dono!'' Baraquiel was broken from his thoughts as Hozu spoke out. Shuri merely bowed her head in silence before moving off the mound and went over to him and Akeno.
''Now then, let's begin the Tournament!'' he announced getting a roar of approval from the parents and those that came to watch. Nodding, Hozu turned to a small board being kept on a stand, and currently the board was covered by a white fabric. Grabbing it Hozu pulled it off revealing the order the students would fight in.
''Now, the fights have been selected at random and written down beforehand. We shall start with the Preliminary Half and as you can see the fights have been broken up in order from 1 to the 8 with 2 students facing one another and the winner will reach the semi-prelims. At the Semi-Prelims we will have a total of 8 victors from 16 and those 8 will fight to reach the Final half of the Tournament. The Final half will consist of the Semi-Finals and we will end up with 4 from the 8 after the semi-prelims are finished. The last 4 will fight in the semi's and the two that come out as victors will fight it out in the Final part of this Tournament. Now then let's get on with the Tournament!''
Turning to his students he gave them a wink before reaching toward the board, ''Now we shall start with the first bracket!'' Hozu began to call up those chosen for fights.
Issei just took one look at when his fight would begin and seeing it would be the last fight of other half of the first bracket he decided to just watch the fights proceed. He didn't make much friends with his class because of two reasons that diverted him away from his peers so he didn't really talk with them. The first reason being because he took his training far more seriously and he scared them a bit by how much and how long he trained for at the dojo.
{It may also be due to the fact you punched a hole through a full body punching bag and you look like a man...err boy possessed when training.} Ddraig added in his two cents causing Issei to scratch the side of his face nervously. 'In my defense, that was the day I knew Irina was leaving and I was annoyed. Secondly...well you have a point...' he replied only for Ddraig to speak again with a monotone voice. {Partner, you are in the body of a 6 year old and you punched a HOLE through an adult sized punching bag and made it come off the hook and slam into the wall...ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING!} he yelled out at the end making a mental mini Issei shrink down as he poked his fingers.
So yeah maybe the other kids were petrified of him, it's why he had to hold back a lot o his current strength so he didn't accidentally break his peers bones or seriously injure them.
And the second reason was because of...
{Remember partner, try and keep yourself calm don't let your blood cloud your mind or you may very injure these kids severely.} Ddraig said, reminding him of the other reason he wasn't friends with his other peers. Issei didn't need to say anything besides giving Ddraig a mental nod knowing that reason was something very important to keep in mind.
He didn't want to accidentally kill these kids...
''Last fight of the First bracket, Hyoudou Issei vs Kazenawa Zou, Both of you get into the arena!'' Hozu spoke up causing the crowd to cheer and his parents to yell out his name. Shaken from his thoughts Issei blinked before grinning seemed he was talking longer with Ddraig then he realized. Getting up he walked up to the mound while looking to see the victors so far for this first bracket. It was mostly of children of ages between 8 and 10 which meant there only him and his opponent Zou the last 6 year old's left to fight.
Issei felt eyes baring down on him three pairs of which he knew of, but he didn't turn to look. Instead as he stepped onto the dirt mound his grinning expression turned serious as he stared at his opponent, Zou, who stared back at him. Zou was of his age of 6 and showed a good talent of Martial Arts. He was his height maybe a inch taller then him, he had a fair complexion with loose brown hair and brown eyes. He was dressed in the same uniform as he, but instead of an orange belt he had a yellow and no wristbands.
''Now please remove any footwear and we can begin the match.'' Kicking off his sandals Issei tossed them to the side which Zou followed his example by pulling off his own sandals. Their feet hit the ground and the two got into stance as Hozu began to speak.
''Good, now as a reminder for you two, the rules are fairly simple and easy too follow. But if you break any of them you will be disqualified. There are only two which are the following. No hitting below the belt AKA the groin area. Second, no poking the eyes or biting for that matter. If you are taken out of the arena, give up or don't get back up at the count of ten then you lose, You kids understand?'' the two nodded which Hozu took as the sign to begin.
''Very well, now then...Hajime!'' Hozu stepped back as he began the match and he watched as his two students got ready to fight.
Zou slid into a normal stance he taught at the dojo, but with a slight variation with squaring his feet further and pulling his arms further back. His eyes then went to Issei who once again slid into the same stance he always used and Hozu did admit it was strange on. Issei just turned his body to the side his left was facing Zou, he then spread out his legs so his left leg was slightly bent forward his right leg was stretched out a tad. His left arm was bent and his hand was curled up mostly leaving only his middle, index and thumb fingers bent. His right arm on the other hand was coiled back and bent with a fully clenched fist. He bent his waist forward a tad and turned his head to his opponent showing that he was giving Zou his full and undivided attention.
'Mmm his eyes are pretty serious...show me something interesting, Hyoudou-kun.' was the thoughts of the Seraph Angel who glanced to the match as she patched up the minor wounds for the kids that lost.
'So his name is...Hyoudou Issei?' Akeno thought with a tilt of her head, the name to her confusion rolled off the tip of her tongue as if she known it prior to meeting the boy himself.
It confused her...
Everyone watched with baited breath as the two kids stood still, all was silent for a moment...
Before Zou's patience broke first and charge with a quick dash making Issei's eyes narrow. The boy came in for a jab to his face but Issei blocked it with his forearm and countered with a jab to Zou's cheek. It hit him, but the boy spun around and swung his leg out to sweep Issei off his feet, but he jumped and flipped over Zou. Then once he landed he kicked off the ground and dashed towards Zou's unprotected back.
''Gah!'' he grunted as Issei delivered with a kick to his back which he soon followed up with a punch to his stomach then he swept him off his feet. And before Zou could retaliate he grunted once Issei's foot landed on his chest and about to bring down his fist. Yet at the last minute Zou brought up his left leg and kneed Issei in the back. But again with his incredible flexibility he used the knee as leverage and pushed himself up backwards.
Zou quickly jumped too his feet, but gasped when Issei back flipped and kicked off the ground and was already within inches of his face. His fist came in slamming into abdomen knocking the wind right out of him with bits of saliva dripping from his mouth then the Hyoudou boy followed it up with a strong uppercut. This knocked his opponent off his feet and into the air. But even then Issei surprised them all as he grabbed hold of Zou's feet and began to swing him around.
'''Aaaahhh!'' Zou yelled until Issei hurled him right out of bounds.
''Ah, Kazenawa Zou is out of bounds, the winner is Hyoudou Issei!'' Hozu announced getting an applause from the crowd, but an even louder cheer from Issei's parents who were the most vocal. ''That's my boy! Right there! Haha!'' his father roared in pride as his mother took pictures causing him flush in embarrassment. Scratching the back of his head Issei turned to his fallen peer and walked over to him and in a silent gesture he reached out his hand.
''C'mon let's get you patched up, Zou-san.'' taken by surprise at the gesture Zou looked down for a moment before accepting Issei's hand. ''T-thanks, Hyoudou.'' pulling him up Issei threw the boys arm over his shoulder and helped him towards to the medical corner which surprisingly had the same woman, Gabriel, attending the injured kids.
Gabriel saw him coming and smiled, ''Just place him here, Hyoudou-san.'' she said pointing towards a small bench where the others that were treated sat. Doing so Issei helped Zou to the bench before he started to turn away.
''Thanks for the assist, Hyoudou-san.'' Gabriel's said which made Issei make the mistake to look her way where he gazed into her azure blue eyes for just a single moment before he smiled.
''N-no problem!'' then he left not noticing Gabriel's smile grow as her blue eyes just glowed a deep rich azure, her interest growing into excitement when she saw his eyes. His eyes for that moment were not the usual light brown, but instead the outer rim of his pupil was a blood red and the inside was a light shade of red that was growing darker. It vanished as soon as it came, but Gabriel saw it, and it caused a shiver to go down her back.
'I knew it! I knew it! No mortal could have such a level of ferocity in their eyes like his! Even better I didn't sense any influence from his Sacred Gear nor Ascalon effecting him. That was all him, which means that Hyoudou is more than he appears to be, but the question is what? Hm, you just continue to interest me...'
Completely unknown to what Gabriel was thinking Issei went back to his seat as Hozu went on to the next bracket. His eyes took in to see that only 8 of them were left, but again he saw his fight wouldn't for a little later so he decided to just watch.
That is until he felt someone come up to him...
''H-hey Hyoudou-san.'' a familiar voice spoke up to which he glanced to see standing beside him was Akeno herself. Although once he looked her way she started to fiddle with her clothing. A bit surprised at her appearance, but not unwelcome he offered her a smile, ''Hey Akeno-san, what's up?'' he said suppressing the instinctive reflex to just call her Akeno. It wouldn't do well to call her name with such familiarity with her parents around nor alone for that matter.
''Um I just wanted too say that was a good match and I was wondering if I could sit here and watch you fight?'' she asked causing him to blink for the smallest moment before he looked to her parents and he felt a sweat drop when he saw their varied expressions. Shuri was just smiling pleasantly while her father on the other hand if he could looked like he was ready to pop his head like a balloon. But the nod he got from her mother was all he needed before looking to her, he didn't have a problem with it, he wanted to rebuild his relationships with the friends he once had.
After all they no longer remembered him...
''Sure you can and please call me Issei, ok?...'' he said scooting over a tad he pat the bench which she took while nodding. She could do that, she had to deal with enough formality with her mothers family and thus the two just watched the matches progress all the while Akeno took sneaking toward Issei. He felt them, but just acted as if he didn't see them, but for him he never saw the look she gave him being more and more intense. It was an intense gaze that got stronger each time she looked at him, her purple eyes seem to drink in his appearance and glaze over with the strangest sense of familiarity.
'Why, why does looking at Issei make feel so happy? This is the first day I've met him so why do I feel like crying when I look at him now? It's...weird...' the girl felt her chest tighten more and more each time her gaze lingered on Issei. The thumping of her heart was almost too painful to bear without showing signs of it.
Why...
Why did it feel like she's known him from somewhere before...
Town of Gio-Market Square
This was not his day...
Sirzechs Lucifer sighed mournfully in a dramatic fashion as he sat inside a small cafe where he took another drink of his delightful cappuccino. The Super Devil of legend, renowned all over the underworld as being one of the strongest if not the strongest Satan in history. The man who's name caused even the greatest of demonic dregs in the foulest stygian's pits of hell to hesitate.
Felt like crying...
No he was crying!
''Grafiya is so mean to me, why couldn't they have just sent someone else out here? I wanted to spend time with Ria-tan and kaa-san, but noooo they send me out here? Not fair!'' he exclaimed complaining like a child, he slammed his fist on the counter but careful to not shatter it in two. His state of emotional distress seem to scare the other patrons and customers, but they were too nervous to even approach the man. Considering the fact it was a full grown man acting and complaining like a child, their anxiety was understandable completely.
Sighing Sirzechs laid his head down as he thought about exactly why he was here. Now that he thought about it, there was a very clear and good reason why he was specifically sent personally. He wasn't happy about it mind you, but it was still a serious predicament for both the Gremory Clan and the Bael Clan. His uncle, his mothers brother, Lord Bael contacted his Queen Grafiya about a situation that needed dire attention.
It was about a betrayal within the Bael family which was aided by a number of other devils that had betrayed their noble families in the Underworld. Devils that had grown tired of serving their Kings and resolutely opposed the current generation of Satan's, people that many came to call apart of the old Maou faction which were a pretty big faction that clearly opposed the current maou and all those that ally with them.
But what made it more troublesome was because apart of the group that participated in the coup was a devil from the Gremory Clan itself, a family that was well known for their extraordinary affection for all devils. The Gremory's never discriminated themselves with their servants like many other Clans did which is why they were one of the Noble Clans to be so well viewed by Underworld Society. This devil that betrayed his clan, a clan that took them in as part of the family betrayed them thus an equal amount of wrath had to be unleashed on the traitor.
And he was from both families which made it all the more troublesome seeing as he was from both families by blood, and a Satan his Uncle said it was his responsibility to handle the situation. If not it would cause a political mess of all sorts of trouble and that was just a whole new pile of shit which was something really didn't wanna mess with. So choosing the alternative he hesitantly agreed to come to Earth where the Devil from Gremory and Bael Clan had escaped with an accomplice while the rest were said be handled by his fellow Satans.
'Stupid Uncle, he's just being Lazy!' Sirzechs thought vehemently before he felt a tug on his consciousness and soon a very familiar and scary voice sounded in his mind.
It made him pale considerably...
'You are one to talk, Sirzechs, Lord Bael has specifically chosen you to root out the betrayers and as the Satan hailing from both the Gremory and Bael clan it is your duty to handle the matter.' the voice of his beloved Queen and Wife, Grafiya, nearly made him shit himself right then and there.
'B-but I didn't wanna~! You made me and threatened to hit me with that hellish pan of yours!' he thought with a shiver, ever since they got married Grafiya's found an even stronger and more powerful weapon too abuse him with. A weapon that brought any man to their knees in terror, it was the ultimate tool...
The Frying Pan of Doom!
Why...why was he abused so?!
Grafiya seemed to ignore his words and continued to speak ever so elegant and graceful as always, her tone broke no argument and was curt and to the point. 'Now I must ask, why are you just sitting there while three strays devils, one wielding the Power of Destruction and their Gremory devil that can use a clan technique, a Gremory clan technique to hide their presence from most sensors, running loose?' Sirzechs flinched, but tried and in vain stand his ground which was probably the most foolish thing to do against Grafiya.
'B-but Grafiya-chan~'
'Sirzechs...' right then and there the crimson haired Satan felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight up from his wife's tone. Oh man! Oh man! She was getting angry! And an angry Grafiya was a very very very scary Grafiya!
'Okay okay I'm going honey' drinking down his cappuccino Sirzechs paid for it before walking out with a sigh.
'May as well get it done, faster I do the sooner I can go back home...besides its not like anything bad's gonna happen, right?'
Himejima Shrine
Hyoudou Issei as he looked up at the sky, the sun was started to set and the matches had gone fairly quickly for him, but for the other kids it was dragged out. Either to show off or they were just equally matched. His fights so far had been not all that difficult since his last two opponents had been terrified of him from the stunt he pulled in the dojo. But he supposed the time had was well spent with either talking with Ddraig or speaking and trying to reconnect his relationship with Akeno.
Speaking of Akeno, he glanced her way and felt a frown form on his face, he felt something was wrong with her as he saw her face change expressions every one and awhile. And more than a few times he swore he saw that she seemed to be some type of pain. But it wasn't enough for her to warrant her parents to come over even with her father watching him like a hawk.
But there was another problem, which was with himself, the more he fought the more he felt his blood began to boil and rush through his veins. It was something Ddraig had warned him about, but he couldn't help it. It was just something that had com with him in this second life, something he blamed on his alien heritage. Whether he was fighting for an extended period of time or watching a fight. It made his blood boil, made him want to just jump in headfirst and in the thick of it and just enjoy the thrill of battle.
It had always been there along with his fascination to stare up at the moon at night and his outrageous appetite, a change in himself that wasn't there the first time. The urge to do battle and enjoy it to the fullest was one of the first thins he learned had changed in him when he was younger and since then he had been doing all he could to control the urge. After all, he'd seen the result of what happened when he didn't control it and lt it mix with his annoyance.
His control would slip and result with something that couldn't be done by humans, the punching bag being a prime example, breaking cement blocks and shattering a boulder in the woods with a single punch. And he knew that if someone saw him, a 6 year old do something like that then it would only be a matter of time before he was taken to be studied and experimented on. He was just glad the punching bag incident was thought to be a freak accident due to the hook that held up being rusted and that the bag itself needed to be replaced.
Currently, he was reigning in his blood influence the best he could with what assistance Ddraig could offer, he kept his eyes away from the fighting, but he knew that in his next fight. In the final match he needed to end it quickly.
Which was now...
''And now we move to the Final match of the Tournament!'' His sensei spoke up getting the crowd to roar in approval. Then he turned to the last two fighters, ''Good, now then would the finalists come on up?'' he said making Issei and his eventual opponent begin to stand up. But as soon as Issei did he felt someone tug on his clothes and he turned to Akeno who held a good grip on his shirt.
''Good luck, Issei...'' she said staring up at him and he just gave a smile, ''Thanks Akeno!'' oops he let his familiarity tone slip with Akeno, ah well it wasn't like Baraquiel would attack him or anything. He was after all a child.
Well in body...
Turning around he went on ahead to the arena missing the wide eyed, glazed look he got from Akeno who was staring mindlessly at his back. But to the young girl as Issei walked just that short distance it seemed as if he was walking further and further away and into a field of fog. 'W-what...Issei? W-why are you leaving...w-wait...what?' the young girl looked down clutching her head for a moment as in her mind Issei seemed frozen still, standing in a field of fog.
Completely unaware of Akeno's increasing dilemma Issei got to the arena dirt mound and stood infront of his final opponent with Hozu-sensei standing between them. Hozu spoke to the crowd as he and his opponent eyed one another. ''Alright, it's time for the final match of this Junior Tournament, but before we begin I just want to congratulate all the students that participated you showed excellent skill and talent. Those that lost, remember you can only grow and learn from your losses.'' he said looking to his students that lost who some nodded and others were still depressed about losing.
But then he continued, ''Now then let's welcome the finalists, on my right is Kazuna Gin and on my left is Hyoudou Issei. You two I am proud you may it this far, and know whether you win or lose be proud you made it his far.'' he said whom the two nodded. ''Good, now then...Hajime!'' he said stepping back.
Issei narrowed his eyes as his opponent got into stance, he analyzed his opponent and cursed a bit since Gin was older then him and had the advantage of size. He was a head taller than him and had quite a good amount of skill in the field of Martial Arts, he was his senior by 4 years in fact. But Issei could feel his blood rise too dangerous levels and he knew that needed to end this fight as quickly as possible.
{I don't know what you plan partner, but your blood is getting too high, your eyes are beginning to show signs of it! You need to hurry up} Ddraig said, because this really was no laughing matter. If it got too high and his control slipped then...
He may very well kill Gin by accident by pulverizing his body into a bloody smear on the ground...
Scowling at that Issei sighed before taking a deep breath, looking to Gin he narrowed his eyes and a edge appeared in his eyes that made the older boy flinch.
''Gin...forgive me, but I need to end this quickly...so sorry bout this.'' he said before getting into stance, the same stance used against Zou. But now his muscles were coiled, knees bent like a spring ready to unwind at the slightest flinch. Gin unfortunately did not know what await him and just gave a shaky smirk even if he was shaking at the knees from the look in Issei's eyes. It quite honestly made him feel scared, no petrified even!
''W-what are you talking about, Hyoud-!'' the poor boy couldn't even finish as Issei's body just reacted his feet twitched, legs sprung out with his fist reaching out.
Thwack!
''Guh!'' faster than most could blink Gin was trembling taking shaky steps back from Issei's fist nailing him in the chin with a vicious upper hook. The boy stood still for a few seconds before his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell back completely and utterly unconscious.
It took a minute for the crowd to completely comprehend what just happened, one second the two were preparing to charge, but in the blink of an eye, Issei had crossed the distance with his fist reaching upwards and then Gin fell to the ground unconscious. Many were confused at what just happened as none had even seen Issei move, but there were those that had.
As Hozu who himself was shocked at the display quickly went to check on his fallen student while Issei stood and turned around. ''Oh...my! I-it seems in a fist faster then we could see Hyoudou Issei has completely knocked out his opponent in a single punch, looks we have a winner! Hyoudou Issei has won the Junior Tournament!'' Hozu roared as the crowd stood in stunned silence for a good few seconds before it finally registered with them.
''Ahhh yeah! That's my son!'' his father roared and his mother surprisingly screamed with him ,''Yeah! I knew he would conquer this tournament!'' they shouted as the crowd roared in approval having found the finisher while sudden and completely shocking also very incredible. They didn't even see the kid move from his spot until after Gin hit the ground.
But that wasn't the case for two people who stood stock still at what they had just witnessed, Baraquiel's face was a mix of shock and a tad bit of suspicion as he narrowed his gaze on Issei. He saw it clearly and it baffled him at how a human, a kid at that could move that fast in this day and age and leave an afterimage in his wake.
'That's how fast the kid was, to the untrained eyes to these mortals he moved so fast he left an afterimage of himself where he once was. But in reality he moved so quick that their brain couldn't comprehend it fast enough...No one especially mortals have ever been that fast not even the most trained...what the hell is this boy?!' his hands clenched into fists as his shoulders shook from both the shock and anxiety he felt rush through his body.
Azazel needed to know about this, now!
However Gabriel who was currently attending to the unconscious Gin had seen it as well and unlike Baraquiel she had a smile. No it wasn't a smile, it was a smirk on the normally humble and clueless woman's face. Nothing could wipe this smirk from her face as she replayed what she just seen over and over in head. Her gaze swept from Issei and the slightest of glaze of excitement and thrill flashed in her azure blue eyes.
'Hyoudou-kun may have fooled the eyes of the humans, but I and surely Baraquiel saw it. He moved far to fast for them to perceive and in his wake left an afterimage. Not even some of the fastest demons or angels have shown to have such speed to do what Issei just did! Why...why must you interest me so, Hyoudou Issei? One after another you blow my expectations completely out of the water and do the impossible and completely abnormal. Who would have thought...it would be you too make me feel so excited...so thrilled for someone's potential growth for the first time in so many millenia?' the Seraph angel thought to herself before looking to Issei as he was congratulated by his parents after gaining his new belt and prize money.
'Yes...continue to grow Issei, show me just how far your potential can grow, reveal to me what you truly are through hard work. I know you can do it now, I saw it in your eyes...yes you will shake the three realms with your presence...grow strong, Hyoudou Issei-kun.' she thought as she finished up healing the injured who were soon taken by their parents.
With her work done Gabriel began to walk to the woods only to tilt her head to the side as she sensed a familiar energy in the air. Smiling she went into the woos and vanished in a flash of light. Baraquiel upon seeing this and feeling the same signature narrowed his eyes and turned to his wife, ''Shuri, I must go and check on something, I will be back, okay dear?'' coming to understand it was important from the urgency in her husbands voice Shuri nodded. With her consent Baraquiel quickly walked out of sight before vanishing as well.
With Issei as he was about to leave with his parents he turned to Akeno and her mother and seeing that her father was strangely no where in sight he decided to act. Quickly he ran up to them and smiled up at Shuri, ''Thank you for the Kagura, Shuri-san. It was very beautiful!'' he said bowing his head whilst Shuri's eyebrows raised before raising her hand to her mouth. ''Ufufufu oh thank you, and let me thank you for gifting my Shrine with such skill, Hyoudou-kun.'' her comment of praise made the boy scratch the back of his head with embarrassment.
''You're welcome!'' then he turned to Akeno who had remained silent till now, and then he pat her head to Shuri's slight astonishment, ''And thank you for talking with me Akeno! I had fun during those breaks, maybe we can talk and play again sometime yeah?'' he said with a grin which made Akeno's cheeks turn red, but she gave a smile in return. ''Yup!''
''Hehe alright then! Well I guess I'll see you later then! Bye Shuri-san, Akeno-chan!'' he said before running back to his parents while waving to the two Himejima females. Shuri merely gave a wave in return as did Akeno, but her mother glanced down at hr daughter in a sly manner before smirking, ''Oh I didn't know my daughter got herself a boyfriend and so quickly to! I applaud you my daughter!'' she said causing Akeno to freeze up before she snapped her attention to her mother, her face practically glowing beet red.
''KAA-SAN!'' she yelled only for Shuri to giggle at her daughter's expression, ''Oh don't be embarrassed, he is quite strong and he can protect you, and he see's like he will be a reliable young man. Yup, I approve!'' she said giving a thumbs up only to add to her daughters embarrassment.
''Not funny kaa-san...'' Akeno mumbled with her cheeks glowing a good cherry red.
With Issei as he caught up to his parents he got ruffle of his hair from his father before his mother hugged him,''Oh we're so proud of you son! Tonight we're going out too eat as a celebration!'' his mother said and the thought of food right then made his belly let out a loud growl. He could already feel drool fill his mouth and he nodded his, ''Okay! I'm starving let's go!'' he said racing to the car causing his parents to laugh at his enthusiasm for food.
Town of Gio-Residential Square
Sirzechs Lucifer definitely knew today was not his day not only had he nearly incured the wrath of his wife Grafiya, but trying to find these stray devils was proving to be harder then he first thought. So far he'd been searching high and low scouring the city for them, but it seemed the Gremory betrayer was very adequate in using one of his families techniques to even be able to hide their presence from him. He'd search the outskirts of the city, the woods, the market district, urbal area, and basically nearly every other place he could think of.
He sighed before looking up at the sky, the sun had set and the moon was rising, a good full moon in all its splendor was rising into the sky and for a moment Sirzechs just marveled the moons beauty.
Then he smirked when he felt two presences appear around him, two familiar ones he hadn't felt for a long time. ''Ah, Baraquiel and Gabriel, to what do I owe the pleasure?'' he said turning to look to see both the Fallen Angel and the Seraph Angel standing a few feet from him. His smile was pleasant and his posture didn't change the slightest even with two of the most well renowned figures in the three realms stood before him.
Baraquiel was the first too speak although he glanced at Gabriel before doing so, ''What are you doing here, Sirzechs Lucifer? Why has a Maou of your stature left the Underworld?'' questioning the devil who merely raised an eyebrow before Gabriel spoke in turn.
''Yes, I find myself curious as well, you are well known to never endanger the temporary truce we've had so what has made you come out to Earth?'' she asked making Sirzechs just droop with his shoulders limp. ''Would you believe me if I just said it was a simple stroll? That I just wanted to admire the sights?'' he said with a cheeky grin only to get a twitching expression from Baraquiel and a slight chuckle from Gabriel.
Clearly they just found his attempt to avoid their question annoying/amusing.
''Hmm not really, after all it must be important...'' Gabriel continued getting a hesitant nod from Baraquiel.
Sirzechs just gave another sigh before he massaged his temples, ''Okay okay, I'm here to hunt down a couple of stray devils that have betrayed a number of noble clans, including my own. They escaped the Underworld and were reported to have escaped into this city and I was sent to take care of them personally.'' he said causing the two's eyes to widen in shock. Baraquiel because his family was in danger if stray devils are running loose and Gabriel because her target of interest was in potential danger as well.
Strong as he may be, he was still a child and if these devils were so worrisome to send Sirzechs then it was of dire importance indeed.
''I-I see then have you not found them?'' Baraquiel said only to get a negative shake of the maou's head.
''No I haven't beca-''
Boom!
The sound of an explosion rocked their ears and their eyes widened before they turned to see far from them, back in the woodland parks was where the sound of an explosion went off.
''I think we found them...'' Sirzechs muttered, but then something even greater and more dangerous happened...
''RRRRRROOOOOOAAAARRRR!'' a echoing roar blew across the area, causing a massive shockwave to hit the entire city of Gio. Glass shattered in every building in the city and what unstable buildings were left collapsed under the shockwave. The area where the explosion occurred in exploded in a massive pillar of crimson red energy with bolts of blue lightning dancing around the pillar of the strange energy. The pillar shot up growing wider and taller till it pierced the very sky, the sheer amount of it bore down on the three of them and was causing the very ground beneath them to shake.
No it felt as if the very planet itself was shaking!
But then it appeared, a massive giant garbed in shadow rose up from the woods currently set ablaze, the pillar of crimson energy engulfed the giant figure as if it was welcoming its master. It's eyes snapped open to reveal blood red orbs filled with an insurmountable amount of rage, hatred and sorrow. The giant creature, titan almost in sheer height glared down at them all of Gio with its baleful blood red orbs seeing all things in its path as an obstacle.
''What the hell...is that thing!'' Baraquiel shouted as Sirzechs was frozen from just the shock, but Gabriel's eyes were wide as she saw those eyes look at her. It was then she knew, deep down inside her being, that she recognized those eyes...
It was him!
''Hyoudou!'' the woman quickly flew off just before the two men regained their senses and quickly flew off after Gabriel. Whatever that beast was it needed to be stopped before it destroyed the city of Gio!
Earlier
''Mmmm~ This is soo good~! Thanks for bringing me here mom dad!'' Issei said while shoveling down food after food. Him and his parents had went to a restaurant near the city, it was buitl into the cliffs overlooking the city and served all kinds of food and the best thing was that is an all you can eat Buffet!
Oh this was going to be good!
His mother just laughed while his father just nodded his head, ''You deserve it son, its a well deserved reward for all your hard work.'' she said just as his father continued. ''Like your mom said, you just won your first Tournament even though it's Junior ranked. We are very proud of, Issei.'' he said causing Issei to stop before looking up at his parents.
''Issei?'' his mom called out to him, but he was in his own little world, tears actually began to form in his eyes at what his parents just said. They were proud of him, their voices were sincere, full of pride and love for him. Unlike in his first life all he did was take them for granted and never did anything to make them proud of him. But now...
It was the first time he truly felt loved by his parents, where they were truly proud of and his accomplishment.
''T-thanks...mom...dad!'' he uttered causing them to smile glad to see their son was fine...
But...
{Partner! Issei! Move!} Ddraig screamed within his mind causing Issei to blink in confusion.
'Why? What-' he was interrupted when the ceiling above creaked, then he felt it...
''Oh shit! Mom dad mov-!''
Crash!
Issei's voice was cut silent as the ceiling above crashed open causing it to fall around them, the support beam cracked before it shattered as well. The entire ceiling soon followed causing it too come crashing down on everyone. Crushing all those unlucky enough to be inside the building at the time. Smoke and debris billowed in the air as the screams and moans crushed by the ceiling echoed within the now destroyed building.
Issei's eyes twitched before he opened them only for his eyes to widen at the sight he saw it was all the occupants that were just a second ago dining, talking, eating and laughing. They were all now crushed to death by the fallen ceiling, some having been impaled by falling slabs of wood while others were pulverized beyond comprehension. The image of all the dead people was being burned into his brain, the smell of the blood, gore and spilled and crush organs made him lose himself right there.
Uuuaagh!
He puked up his guts at the sight, the smell was just horrible and his eyes felt hazy, his head felt light, but he had to find his parents! His eyes returned to life, yes his parents he needed to find them! Surely they were quick enough to get out of the falling ceiling! They had to! That hope dashed when he turned to where his table originally was, his eyes widened more and more when he saw his parents hadn't moved, no they didn't even have time to do anything.
He knew it was his parents because their heads had been cut clean off by the sling of the debris snapping and pulling. Their faces filled with shock and terror stared back up at him causing him to tremble, tears pooled in his eyes. He licked his dry lips as his mind tried to comprehend what he was seeing.
''Mom...Dad?'' he muttered, too shocked too unguarded Issei never saw the three skulking figures behind him until it was too late.
{Issei!} Ddraig roared out to his partner, but Issei was too far gone to be reached any longer.
Splurch!
The boy didn't even react when a sickly looking arm resembling a mantid's arm pierced his stomach completely through. No, his body just jumped causing his head to look straight up at where the ceiling once was and it was than his dull light brow eyes were reflecting the full white moon floating above him in the sky. The rest of his body hung limp as the three stray devil gathered around the unresponsive Hyoudou.
''Hehe finally we have you, tasty morsel...'' one of the devils spoke inhaling the scent of Issei's blood which was currently pooling from his lips and the giant wound in his abdomen. ''Yessss, his scent that sweet powerful aroma! I must...feed!'' another stray hissed only for the third devil speak up as he came infront of Issei. And to add further to their incoming demise the apparent leader pulled up the two severed heads of issei's now dead parents and grinned. Black and red power, the Power of Destruction, a trademark ability from the Bael clan glowed from the persons body.
''Awww...are you too shocked to even scream for us? Are these...peoples death that much a shock for?'' he said swinging their heads as if the devil was just swinging around a pair of buckets.
That was the last thing they could or even do as two things happened at that moment that marked their demise in that instant...
1:Issei's left arm instantly glowed a bright golden light revealing an intricate pattern seal running all across his forearm and up to the upper part of his hand. It then shattered like glass and then a massive shockwave erupted from his body which blew the three devils clear away from him. His body then erupted into a pillar of crimson energy which sparked with bolts of blue lightning the energy that came off him was suffocating as it was terrifying as it caused the ground beneath him to be vaporized and it formed an ever growing crater beneath him. The energy became more and more intense evident to the fact that the entire area was shaking, it was as if the entire planet was starting to shake by the release over this power. His body bulged, growing as all that he once was and that of his heritage was unleashed upon his body. His brown hair turned jet black and among other changes, a single brown tail sprouted out of his backside.
It was...a Monkey Tail...
And
2:...Issei was looking up at the full moon and his new tail was reacting...
And than Issei's eyes pulsated into a shade of blood red...
Then all hell broke loose...
Same Time-Himejima Shrine
Akeno Himejima tossed and turned in her bed and she was sweating buckets as in her dream she was seeing the same dream again. A dream of Issei standing in a field of fog with his back turned to her.
'Issei! Wait for me!' she thought trying to run after him, but he just seemed to get farther and farther away from her and no matter how much she tried to move it didn't seem like she was getting any closer. She tried to call out too him but her words fell on deaf ears. Yet she soon stopped when she felt something strange overcome her...
Snap!
The Issei in her dream right then burst into flames with the world around him exploding into a fireball of chaos...
''AAHHHHHHH!'' Akeno's eyes snapped open before she let loose a gut wrenching scream that woke up her mother across the room. But even as Shuri came in and tried to speak and get Akeno to wake up, the young girl kept screaming as memories of her and Issei rolled through her mind. Memories of her time with him, memories she never experienced but instinctively knew was hers assaulted her endlessly.
Soon tears began pooling from her eyes, her voice began to crack and then as the last memory hit her Akeno fell unconscious into the arms of her deathly worried mother.
''Akeno!''
Earth-Unknown Location
A shadowed figure sat prone in a barely lit chamber, the figures head seemed to rise up once it felt the abnormal power spike rise up from the earth. It titled its head as if contemplating on the source and feel of the energy before the figure seemed to nod its head. The figure then let out a sigh then he or she began to stand up causing audible cracks and pops in the persons body showing whoever it was hadn't moved from their position for quite some time.
The figure stepped forth, another step and another step until part of its face revealed a withered wrinkled lower face with green skin, then its eyes which opened to reveal beady black eyes. Full of power and wisdom the likes of which none could perceive.
''Aaahh...the time has come then...'' the person said before he, she or whatever it was vanished without the slightest bit of sound.
The figure just vanished into thin air...
Oh...my...God that was a long chapter, but I think it set the feel for what I'm aiming for. So anyone excited? I sure am, very excited to write the next chapter out! Gonna be fun! Also I feel the need to explain the urgency about Issei's situation concerning his 'Blood' taking over. Taking into account his abnormal strength that can shatter boulders and cement blocks with a single punch and the further his become blood raged, the more his control over his own strength would slip. Therefore if it did slip he may accidentally kill someone AKA those kids which is why he ended the fight quickly. And yes he did, albeit unintentionally, use the Afterimage Technique from Dragonball.
Anyway constructive criticism and nice long reviews are always welcome!
Next Chapter: Chaos Unleashed!
PS: I was thinking of making a new crossover story, a High School DxD x Darksiders story, but I'm just gonna put up a poll on my profile and see if I should make one or continue working on this for a bit.
Anyway Peace!