The rising sun woke him up. He noticed Kuroka's sleeping face on his shoulder as he moved her slender hand off his stomach and pushed himself up. He caught Kuroka's head and brushed trough her silky hair.
He looked up to the rising sun. It was bright yellow. Blindingly so.
He was happy. The wind softly blew trough the leaves, creating a kind ruffling sound that he enjoyed.
But even with the beautiful view and the girl of his life in his hands he still wasn't able to calm down. He was on the edge.
''Nyaaaa~'' – Kuroka yawned, as she woke up. She snuggled up closer to Issei. They were now leaning against a tree. Next to them was an empty bottle and a small fire, that had burnt out sometime in the night.
''Good morning.'' – He said, with a smile.
''..You are smiling.'' – She said, as a wide smile appeared on her drowsy face. –''A true smile. Not the fake ones.''
''The reason for my smile is talking to me, you know.'' – He chuckled, as Kuroka got into his lap. He began playing with her hair.
''..You're going away for a while, aren't you?'' – She asked.
''Yeah. To the underworld. Rias is organizing everything. I'm guessing it will take a few weeks, or even months.''
''..'' – Kuroka didn't respond.
Issei, in a playful way, pushed Kuroka's head into his chest.
''Don't be like this, it won't be that long. Besides, you will be able to visit, most likely.''
''Mouuu~'' – She made a cute sound, and after it Issei felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Kuroka let go, and he understood she had bitten into it.
''A primary contact seal. You touch it, and I know it's safe to teleport.'' – She explained, as she got up from Issei's lap. She was wearing Issei's shirt while Issei was left with a tank top.
She walked up to the edge of the cliff they had stayed on.
''..If only this would last a bit longer.'' – Her voice had a rather sad expression to it.
''Too bad it won't.'' – Issei said, as he walked over next to her after packing the bag.
They stood there for a while longer, watching the sun rise.
When they heard the first laughter of people, Issei jangled the car keys as he began to talk. – ''Want to drive?''
Kuroka only chuckled, as she took the keys from Issei's hand.
Issei was slouched against the moving train's window. His head rested against the glass as he looked outside with a dull expression.
..The view, however was quite exquisite..to say the least. A red sky and unending mountains, as they were hanging midair.
They were in underworld, or as it's known better – hell. A few seats from him was Xenovia and Koneko. Rias, Akeno, Kiba and Gasper was in the front cabin.
''..Why so dull?'' – He was asked Azazel who was sitting across from him. He was dressed in an expensive looking suit, that was a lot different looking than Issei's black pants and white shirt that had one of the sleeves rolled up and two of the top buttons open.
Issei responded without looking at him. –''I like the blue sky. This one just gets me depressed as hell.''
''..I figured you would say so.''
''Why?'' - Issei looked at the smirking Azazel.
''You strike as the kind that likes scenery. The blue sky, the ocean, the beautiful and powerful mountains. Solitude and all that jazz..'' – He said, as he crossed his legs.
''..You're not far off.'' - Issei closed his eyes as he smirked back. –''How far are we from the Gremory household?''
''..Shouldn't you know better than me?'' – Azazel smirked even wider. –''After all, you've been here.''
''Issei.'' – Xenovia interuppted dully. –''You've been here?''
''..Once before.'' – Issei looked at her. –''..It's not really important.''
''What about the guards?'' – Azazel interjected once again. –''..And her family? They were there when you visited her.''
Issei looked outside the window. –''..It's going to be an awkward moment..I guess.'' – Suddenly, The waterfalls and forest became rared and rared, until it stopped, as a massive road and a neat looking trees appeared. It seemed as if they were planted..and then Issei understood. –''Besides, we'll see what happens when we get there. See-'' – Issei pointed out the window. Both Azazel and Xenovia looked out of it. A giant castle appeared before them.
''Ah yeah. This is their house.'' Azazel commented.
''..Isn't that a bit too much?'' –Xenovia did as well.
The wide driveway leading up to the Castle was decorated. A few minutes later, the train slowly stopped. They moved and climbed out of it, with Issei being the last to climb out. Issei blinked as he noticed the crowd that had gathered outside of the Castle.
Maids, butlers and in the front – A women that didn't look a day older than 20. She looked like Rias. A man with long red hair and a stylish beard in a white suit stood with his arms in his pockets. He had a smile on his face.
He extended his arms in a hugging gesture as Rias came closer to him. He hugged her and welcomed her back.
Issei didn't look at them. The scene made him uncomfortable. Suddenly, Rias's mother showed a scared expression, as she raised her arm towards Issei who was standing a bit away from the group.
''Wait, Milicas!'' – She shouted.
Issei was too deep in thought to react in any kind of way. His body, on years of honed battle experience moved on his own as he leaned downwards.
A red ball of energy blasted by his shoulder, scraping off skin and leaving an open bleeding wound.
''That's what you get for attacking Rias!'' – He heard a young voice behind him. He turned around and looked downwards. It was a small boy. He had red hair and red eyes. He looked mad...well, as mad as a cute little kid could.
''...You..'' – Issei muttered.
Suddenly, he was pulled by his ear by the women who looked like an older Rias.
''I'm sorry. This is Milicias. He is the son of Sirzechs.'' – The women looked downwards at the struggling boy. –''I'm Venelana Gremory. The mother of Rias, your master. You must be..''
''Issei Hyoudou.'' – He said, with a rather serious expression on his face.
''..Is your injury..'' – Venelana didn't get to finish before Issei shrugged her off by raising his arm.
''I'm fine, Miss Gremory. I deserved that.'' – He said, but heard loud laughter. –''Besides, it's just a scratch..''
The aforementioned man appeared before him and slapped him on the shoulder.
''I like that, kid!'' – He said with a smirk. –''Your previously white shirt is now red, but you call it a scratch. A nice way to be a man.''
Issei looked downwards only to notice the soaked shirt. He didn't realize the cut was so deep. He shrugged, not being able to respond.
''I'm Lord Gremory.'' – He said, as he extended his hand. Issei shook his hand.
''A nice firm grip.'' He smiled.'' C'mon. Let's get you inside and cleaned up.''
He gestured, as they moved forwards.
He stood there, puzzled for a second, only then he followed them.
Some time had passed. Issei changed his shirt. The maids had given him a new one, just his size and it somehow felt expensive in his hands..but he didn't question it. Issei didn't let Koneko to heal the wound even though she wanted to. He simply wrapped his shoulder in bandages.
Now, Isse was sitting by a giant table, eating dinner. Issei had a rather complex look on his face as the family talked, laughed and shared stories. Sometimes they even webbed in him.
He simply couldn't understand.
Venelana exhaled with a small sigh.-''Issei.''
''Yes, ma'am?'' – He answer, in a polite manner. Rias was rather puzzled by the way he was acting.
''Why do you show such a complicated expression?'' – She asked, as she swirled the wine in her glass.
''..I don't understand.'' – He spoke, after a while of silence. –''How can you be so casual about all of this?''
''About what?'' – She chuckled. –''About the fact that you attacked us?''
''Yes. About that.'' – Issei looked her into the eyes.
''Simple.'' – She spoke and looked at Milicas. –''You have payed off your debts more than once. I mean, look, you never did any real harm to us or Rias...''
''But you did protect her. From Kokabiel, Khaos Brigade and Cao Cao.'' - Lord Gremory added, with his arms crossed on his chest.
''..But those were just coincidences. I protected myself, protecting her as a result..''
''Doesn't matter to me. You protected her. That is all that counts for me.'' – He waved Issei off. Venelana nodded with a smile, almost as if trying to assure Issei.
He dodged their eyes, and looking at the desk he simply shrugged his shoulders. –''..You are too kind.''
Milicas had an difficult look on his face. He didn't want to admit Issei had done good as well.
Issei simply felt out of place in such a castle. The giant table was shiny and expensive. The chairs they sat on were ornamented with jewels, and so was the high hanging chandelier. The paintings on the wall were old and beautiful.
This was different from the eating in silence outside and eating in the never-ending mumbling and laughing in the barracks.
It was uncomfortable.
He looked around. Rias, Akeno and Kiba was of course eating without batting an eye. Elegantly, of course, but they still talked and laughed. Kiba and Koneko made some small talk as well. Xenovia didn't pay any attention to the surrounding...and the only one was left was Gasper. He of course was scared and shaking a bit, but he was trying his hardest.
Ever since the attack on school he was trying to change.
Issei was trying to act as elegant as he could, but everyone could tell he wasn't used to it.
It was later that day. They had went around the city, exploring and sight-seeing. Issei noticed that the Gremory name was a lot more popular than he expected.
Now, they had arrived underground. Issei was wearing an expensive dark suit, dark leather shoes and a white shirt without the tie. Kiba was wearing a white suit with a black tie. The girls were wearing elegant dresses. The more busty girls had V-cuts while the flatter ones didn't have such low cut ones.
''..Listen. Should anything happen..don't start a fight.'' – Rias looked at Issei. –''This event is very important. We don't want to show us off in a bad light.''
Issei wanted to say that Rias didn't need to be so obvious, but he simply stayed silent.
As they stepped out of an elevator, a man in a suit bowed.
''Ah, Gremory-sama. Right this way.'' – He said, as he gestured behind him.
They nodded and continued, until Rias stopped when she noticed a tall, muscular man.
''Sairaorg!'' – Rias exclaimed, with joy in her voice.
''Rias!'' – He smiled, as he turned around. –''Been a long time, hasn't it?''
Issei looked at him from behind of the group. The man strong. Psychically and mentally. Isse was easily able to tell how trained he was. It was possible, that he wouldn't be able to match up to him.
''It has.'' – Rias responded.-''How have you been?''
''I've been good.-''He responded, as he gestured to the front. They began moving. –''How about you?''
''Same.'' – Rias suddenly spoke up. –''I almost forgat. This is Sairaorg. A cousin, from my mothers side.''
''Indeed. I am Sairaorg Bael. The heir to the Bael family.''- He said, with a smile. He wasn't arrogant, he was simply confident.
He shook hands with Kiba and then he actually went out of his way towards Issei.
Issei stared at his extended hand for a moment. He then looked up into Sairaorg's purple eyes. Issei raised his hand and shook it.
''..I'm Issei Hyoudou. A pawn.'' – He simply stated.
Sairaorgs eyes narrowed as he pressed gripped Issei's hand harder...and then he let go, without saying a word.
They moved forwards, into the main area...in which, there was an uproar happening. The whole floor shook, and Rias opened the main doors.
A smashed up banquet appeared in front of their eyes. Two people were arguing.
''..I said meeting up before the real banquet was a bad idea..but of course, nobody listened.'' – Sairaorg sighed.
"Zephyrdol, can you not help starting a fight at a place like this? Do you want to die? Do you really want to die? Even if I kill you, I won't be blamed by the people on top." – A rather beautiful women spoke to the other, delinquent looking devil.
"Hah! I'll say it again, bitch! I said that I'd teach you in one shot in a private room with great trouble! The Agares' onee-san really doesn't like being without her guards, now does she? Heh, is that why you're still a virgin who hasn't let a man come near her till now!? Geez, all the women of families of the Maous stink of virgins and are unbearable! That's why I said that I'd do a formal opening ceremony for you!" – The delinquent looking devil showed a humping motion towards her.
The hall was silent, when suddenly Issei began to laugh. The green haired devil turned around and looked at Issei. He had a tattoo on his face. His eyes narrowed as he clicked his tongue.
''Did you find something funny?'' – He asked, in a delinquent tone.
''..Ah, no. Sorry.'' – Issei raised his hands with an aloof smile on his face. –''I didn't mean to..''
He didn't get to finish the sentence, as Zephyrdol lunged at him. –''Wipe that grin off your face!''
Issei slid his left foot back and his right forwards, as his right arm stopped the attacking devil in his tracks.
The devil only grasped for breath, as he was stuck between Issei's shoulder and forearm.
But only for a split second.
The devil flipped backwards from the force. Issei's arm was now under his neck as he was flung across the room, the flight ending in the opposite wall.
He spit out a bit of blood and looked back at Issei who was staring him down. By now Koneko and Kiba was running towards Issei as the delinquent devil's peerage stared him down.
''Someone stop this nonsense!'' – A women screamed.
Koneko stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Issei's face. The usual poker face or the aloof smile was gone. Issei's lips had stretched into a madman's smile, showing his teeth and his eyes were narrow slits.
''This is bad, Kiba!'' – Koneko exclaimed.
''Huh?'' – He responded, still moving towards Issei, who surprised everyone by suddenly rushing towards Zephyrdol.
Kiba recognized the expression on his face. It reminded him of the time they attacked Kokabiel's hideout. It expressed coldness and didn't show any remorse.
''Crap! He's going for the kill!''
Issei quickly dashed around the people who tried to stop him – he didn't care who they were. Zephyrdol regained his bearings and slipped into a battlestance, but that didn't help much when his vision was obstructed by a dark object. A second later he understood it was a suit's jacket. He moved his eyes to the side, trying to figure out witch side Issei would attack, but instead he was kicked in the face trough the jacket.
Blood splattered from his nose, along with a sound of breaking a bone. Issei meanwhile stopped and simply leaned down. A second later he recovered his stance as he looked down onto the devil who was clutching his nose.
Issei was spinning an object on his finger.
''That's-!'' – Koneko screamed as Issei made the last push towards Zephyrdol with the knife in his palm.
But she didn't get to finish her sentence as a red ball of devil magic flashed forwards Issei.
His joints froze up for a second, as they were getting two signals – one to move forwards – the command Issei himself wanted to fulfill, and the other his consciousness was making – to push back.
As his body locked into flee or die mode, he jumped back. The magic attack flashed just before his face, taking a strand of white hair with it. It completely destroyed the wall behind them.
It was literally gone. Without a trace. Issei's eyes locked onto the attacker.
It was Rias who has holding her hand up.
''Issei, stop!'' – She shouted. –''This is not you-''
Her voice stopped as Issei's head flipped around. Sairaorg was right there.
In that milisecond, Issei's eyes met Sairaorg's. In that moment, Sairaorg's eyes showed only one emotion – disgust.
In that flash Issei was smashed into the air. His body smashed against a wall, but the motion didn't stop there. The wall shattered, as Issei disappeared in the rubble.
''Sairaorg!'' – Rias exclaimed in shock. –''I got him under control, you didn't need to step in like that!''
''Calm down.'' – Sairaorg spoke in a calm tone. –''I didn't kill him. Just put him out for a while-''
He stopped when he heard something crack.
The dust of the rubble was pushed out of the way as Issei stepped trough it. He stopped and cracked his nose again. The blood was spilling down his face and under his chin, making the color of his shirt bloom into crimson.
''..Sorry, I guess?'' – He said, as he turned to the crowd that was slowly forming. –''I'm bad at controlling my anger...especially if it's after someone has attacked me. I'll see myself out.''
Saiaorg was bewildered as Rias chased after Issei. Just as she was about to grab his arm, he turned his head towards her and whispered.
''Trust me, this is better. I know your image is important. Say you'll punish me later or something, I don't care.''
''..Fine.'' – She nodded with a calm face. –''But well talk later.''
Issei made eye contact to show he understood and stormed off. The rest of the peerage were left wondering. Koneko wanted to chase after him, but understood how important the New Devil meeting was.
Issei was slouched against a table in a bar a kilometer or two from the meeting place. The whole place a had a grim atmosphere and smelled of smoke and alcohol. He found it funny in a twisted way, how he felt more comfortable in the bar than anywhere else he had been to in that day.
His face had a tint of blue and purple as one of his eyes was swollen shut, but it was covered by a white eyepatch. He felt dizzy, but it was possible from two reasons – aneurysm from the attack or he simply had misjudged the strength of the ordered alcohol.
''A rough day, huh?'' – The women who was behind the counter commented as she slouched over it in a way similar to his own. He lifted his head and looked at her. She had blond hair that was curly at the ends. The front of her hair was pushed to one side, covering one of her deep dark colored eyes.
''You could say that.'' – He responded, as he looked a bit lower than her face. She had a slender figure and ample breasts, but they were nothing if compared to Kuroka or Akeno. She was wearing a white shirt that had the top buttons unbuttoned and the black vest on top of it was simply hanging off her shoulders.
''..A slow day for you, I presume?'' – He made small talk, as he took a sip of his bourbon.
''I don't think it would be possible to be more obvious when checking someone out as you did with me.'' – She smirked towards Issei. She reminded Issei of a cat when she smiled. –''Besides, it's not a slow day. It's Tuesday, 2PM. Do you think anyone else except small kids who want alcohol come here? Well, except you.''
Issei chuckled. –''I'm not the exception here, cute bartender.''
''So you are below 21?'' – She asked with raised eyebrows.
Issei chuckled again. He was a 17 year old who looked over 21, even with his short frame. ''Maybe.''
''..I'm Keith by the way.'' – She raised her hand.
''..Ddraig.'' – He shook her hand gently. She had black nail polish.
''So, whats up?'' – She asked, as she leaned back for a bottle.
''..'' – He looked at her trough his one eye.
''What? You think someone is going to hear you except me? Look around, this place is empty.''
''Why would you care about me?'' – Issei asked as he span the squared glass in his palm.
She opened the bottle of bourbon and poured herself a glass. She threw in two or three cubes of ice, as she spoke. –''It's interesting. You look interesting. I like interesting. Besides, they say that talking about things help a lot.''
''..Where should I start?''
''Something simple. You can tell me why you are beaten up.''
''Fine. But how about this – I answer a question and you do as well. We'll trade.'' – Issei smiled at her but she simply let out a small chuckle.
''Fine.'' – She said, as she raised her glass, and so did Issei.
With a quiet clang, they both downed the drinks. A small blush appeared on Keith's face almost immediately.
''I was punched in the face by high class devil.''
''Oh really? '' -She smiled. ''What did you do?''
''Well, I kind of almost killed another high class devil.''
Instead of being serious, sad or angry, she blurted into laughter.
''Let me guess. He attacked you first, and then when you was about to beat his head in, another stronger devil stepped in?''
''A good guess.'' – Issei brushed his palm trough his hair. –''My turn now. From what family are you?''
''So, you assumed I was from a family just from the way I look?'' – She twirled her with her finger. –''Well, you wasn't too far off. I'm from the extra devils.''
''So, the ones that served under the king?''
''If by king you mean Satan, then yes.'' - She stopped playing with her hair and looked Issei in the eye. –''..But this isn't the reason why you are here drinking. What is it exactly, that's bothering you?''
''You are good.'' – Issei rested his head against his palm. –''Too good.''
''C'mon, do tell.'' – She poked Issei with her womenly finger.
''..The kindness I was given wasn't cheap nor common. For a long time I had to earn it trough sweat and blood.''
Keith's eyes narrowed a bit as she looked past Issei. Then after a few seconds, her eyes focused on Issei's body.
He simply observed Keith.
''But now, that my location and lifestyle has changed, the kindness and happiness around me makes me uncomfortable. Disgusted even. It doesn't feel real.''
''I figured you for one of those guys.'' – She said, with a rather specific sound to her voice. –''Plus, there is something roaring inside of you right now.''
''One of those guys?'' – He asked, with an aloof tone to his voice.
''The ones who have seen some stuff. The ones who have done some stuff.'' – She smirked at him with narrow eyes. –''You know. Killed, destroyed, lost love ones and rampaged.''
Issei looked at his glass. It was empty, for the exception of 3 small ice cubes that were slowly melting away.
''I have.'' – Issei chuckled. –''Still do.''
She leaned closer to Issei. Issei couldn't help but feel her intoxicating smell. Alluring, even. She didn't smell the same way she looked. She looked innocent but something was off.
''..I want to hear more.'' – She whispered.
''I'll ask you something instead.'' – Issei smirked back to her. –''What's your oppinion on the new Satan? On the fact that you have to slave away to authority just because of your birth family?''
Her eyebrows furrowed on the spot. She clicked her tongue. –''I hate it, of course. The thought of slaving away for them makes me sick.''
Issei smirked deeper. His back straightened as Keith flinched a bit.
''..I have to go...'' – He leaned past her and grabbed a notebook with a pen clipped on it. –''You seem bored..and you like interesting things. You actually seemed excited when I confirmed that I'm one of those guys and not scared..so an offer.''
He scribbled down a phone number.
''Who are you, exactly?'' - She asked, with a smile.
''A mercenary. Well, that, and a leader of a rather conspicuous terrorist group.'' – He said. –''Oh, and a devil of Gremory.''
''..Why are you offering me, of all people?'' – she asked, without being able to hide the smile that lit up her face.
''You were right. Talking helped a bit. Even if I didn't get any straight answers.'' – Issei said, as he got up from the chair. The alcohol was enough to make him feel warm, but it wasn't enough to kill his motor function.
''..It seems like you think of your dislike of this comfy, nice and overall dull situation as a bad thing..but I don't think it is.'' – She closed on of her eyes and tilted her head sideways. –''After all the interesting stuff you've been trough it wouldn't be possible for you to like it.''
''..'' – Issei stayed silent as he kept looked at Keith.
''And about Gremory- They are very kind as a whole..but I find them disgusting. The kindness that always is spilling out of their pores is just useless.'' - Keith said, as she began to wipe the glasses with a white towel. -''It's as they say – the more of it is, the less it's valuable.''
''touche.'' – Issei said, as he turned around. -''..Well, I also asked you to join because you are very good at hiding your power.''
He made a half-salute to her and began to walk away.
''..If I'm ever bored, I'll call.'' – She said, with a hint of excitement to her voice.
''..Just don't do it exquisitely for me, I'm married.'' – He said, half-jokingly.
''Would it bother her?'' – She said in a promiscuous voice.
''If she could join in, I guess not.'' – Issei chuckled and opened the bar's door. He took another look around the place. It was truly empty.
''..I might take you on that offer.'' – She said, with a hint of a blush. –''..Come by sometime, if you are ever here.''
''I will.'' – He said, and with that he walked out, leaving a smirking bartender behind him.
He looked around. Devils were walking around, but the streets weren't that crowded. He snapped his fingers and in that second, a white wolf appeared out of nowhere. He looked bigger than before.
He tilted his head sideways and moved his ears towards Issei. He patted his head.
''..Echo, did you catch the scent of the Gremory Household?''
He barked in approval.
''Can you lead me there?''
He barked again.
''Let's go then.'' – The wolf turned around. –''..But not too fast.''
The night. Issei looked at the full moon from the outdoor bathing Onsen. The onsen it self was made of exquisite and beautiful porcelain. Even the tiles underwater screamed ''expensive''. Issei was leaning against the corner of the onsen, sunken in too his chest. The vapor from hot water was reaching for the sky.
Of course, he couldn't sleep. The memories haunted him ever since that day...only because he broke out on a day that had a full moon.
The backside of his head was glued to the tiles on top of the onsen's corner edge as his mouth was slightly open, making small fumes as he took slow breaths.
The outside temperature at night was chilling.
Issei sighed and sunk into the water. The familiar feeling of drag overcame him after a few seconds, as he stayed floating underwater, looking at the crippled image of the moon that the water was recreating.
The hot water didn't hurt his eyes, but he just felt...relaxed. As if the water was healing his wounds.
All of the noises were drowned out by the ambient sound of the water. He spent a few moments underwater, simply floating, as he saw a wavy form standing outside on the edge.
Issei submerged. He blinked a few times as his vision cleared. Only then, when he took a deep breath, he understood how long he had been under the water.
It was Azazel. He took of his Yukata and got into the water. Issei meanwhile looked at the moon again. He disappeared below the water for a bit, and as he appeared, he started to hum.
''..Yo Azazel.'' – Issei simply spoke.
''Yo.'' – Azazel rested against the side of the bath. He put his arms over the edge's in a relaxed manner. –''I heard you made quite the mess.''
''...''
''You know, attacking the next head of one of the 72 pillar families is one thing, even if he attacked you first, but actually trying to gut him...you are crazy...and you have balls.''
Azazel sighed softly. –''Why?''
Issei chuckled silently. He waited a bit, as if trying to decide what to say. –''..I'm the most screwed up person in the world. I just wanted to kill the bastard.''
''Well, many people want to do that, just you actually tried to..''- Azazel looked sideways with a grin.
''..It's good that Rias stopped me.'' – Issei commented.
''Did she make your face blue and broke your nose?''
Issei snickered. –''Nah. Sairaorg did.'' –As he said that, he touched his nose. He moved it a bit, and it cracked.
He swore a bit, as he held his fingers in front of his nostrils, waiting for blood, but it didn't spill.
''..About Sairaorg. Your first real rating game will be against him and his peerage.'' – Azazel simple stated the fact. –''Rias didn't tell you because she wanted to talk about it tomorrow.''
''Ahahahaha..'' – Issei laughed, in a depressed tone. –''We're fucked.''
''..Indeed, kid.'' – Azazel nodded. –''But that's where I come in. I made special training programs for all of you.''
''..What about mine?'' –Issei asked.
''I'll keep it a secret.'' – Azazel winked, in a playful manner.
''..Fine.'' – Issei grunted back at him. –''..But one thing. I want Koneko to be with me.''
''Of course. When she found out about me making the programs, it was the first thing she asked.''
A small smirk appeared in Issei's face.
''..The thing about Rias's peerage is this – she took a lot of interesting people. For example, Akeno is hiding things, just like Koneko was.'' – Azazel sighed as he said that.
''..Akeno is a half- fallen angel.''- Issei stated simply.
Azazel looked at Issei with wide eyes, that turned into slits. –''..Just how much knowledge does your boss have?''
''..A bit of everything, I suppose.'' – Issei snickered. –''..Akeno needs to unlock her power.''
''Yes. I'll do everything in my power to help her...but the problem's root is in her hatred of us and her father.''
''..It wasn't her damn father's fault.'' – Issei's voice turned cold –''..It was just a unfortunate accident.''
''..If it was your family could you be so objective?'' – Azazel asked, as he calmly observed Issei's reaction.
''It's simple. I would have killed the ones who did the killing, I wouldn't blame the one who couldn't protect. Especially because he wasn't there.'' – Issei smirked towards Azazel –''It's actually quite juvenile, if you ask me. This way of thinking.''
''Ara, ara..'' –Azazel sighed softly. –''I'll talk with Rias and let her know that it's crucial for the rating game. ''
After that, silence filled the onsen. A silence, that wasn't uncomfortable.
''Kid?'' – Azazel began.
Issei looked at him.
''..Your boss is Maria, right?'' – Azazel spoke.
Issei almost lost his bearing and made emotions, but he took control and remembered everything Margit had taught him. He narrowed his eyes for a moment and then spit out in an angry tone.
''What the hell are on Azazel?'' – He furrowed his eyebrows. –''I want the bitch dead.''
He waved his hand. –''Sorry, sorry. Don't get so mad. I just thought it would be an amazing twist of events, as you'd say.''
''..play out the scene, I'm curious.'' – Issei said, in a rather silent voice.
''You see..Imagine you need to get into the Gremory family for some reason..but you can't just ask, so what do you do? Exactly, make a deal about something. It was finding Maria this time...but imagine if you know where she is, no, better yet you work for her – leading Sirzechs on a wild goose chase while you get time to fulfill your objective..whatever should it be.''
''Clever..'' – Issei said, as he smiled. –''..but just the thought of her makes my blood boil...''
As he said that, his hand, that he had pulled into a fist began to shake in anger.
Azazel sighed. –''Too bad, it was a nice fit.
He sighed another time and looked upwards. Some time passed, as he got out of them onsen.
''..I'm sleepy.'' – He said, as he put on his yukata. –''I'm off.''
''See you tomorrow.'' – Issei showed him the usual half-salute.
''Yeah.'' – Azazel turned his back on Issei and walked away. His footsteps created echo even after he was long out of Issei's sight.
When he was truly gone, Issei clutched his face. His body twitched as he drove his palm downwards over his own face, uncovering his face. It was stretched into a giant grin, as he bursted out in laughter.
''HahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA''- Issei inhaled deeply as his voice turned cold –''Azazel...you are too smart.''
Azazel simply guessed what had happened, if Issei was any less skilled at hiding emotions, he would have got in some trouble. But, everything was alright as long as his medical records were hidden. He decided to always be on guard around Azazel.
''Hahahaha~'''- He laughed again, now much quieter as he dived into the water.
It was early morning, that Issei, dressed in a yukata, was moving towards the room that had been given to him in the Gremory Household.
He looked at the door. The small piece of string that was stuck to the door and the doorframe was now in two parts.
It was possible that the ones entering his room was maids, but the 3 years of looking behind his back on every turn had made him paranoid. He silently opened the door.
..And instead of an attacker, it was Rias. She had her back turned to Issei as she was looking at Issei's bags.
''Rias.'' – He said, as he had silently moved towards her.
''-Ahh!''- She twitched on the sound of Issei's voice. She quickly span around, and her eyes calmed down when she noticed who exactly it was. –''..You scared me.''
''I noticed that.'' – Issei stated blankly.
''..I see you haven't unpacked at all.'' – Rias stated.
''I didn't see a reason to.'' – Issei shrugged.
''..It's to feel more comfortable. More at home, as to say.'' – She smiled gently for a second, and the smile disappeared. –''..What happened to you at the gathering of young devils?''
''..Sorry. I lost control. It won't happen again.'' – Issei said, as he leaned against a table in the overly-expensive looking room.
Rias crossed her arms.-''But it will happen again.''
''...'' – Issei stayed silent, but after a while he sighed. –''..Most likely.''
''Issei.'' – Rias said, as she moved closer. –''..You have been trough so much. The strain on your emotions, body, and psyche has been too hard for years..'''
She had a really innocent look on her face. Her intentions were pure.
''...''
''..You can't expect to be fine after everything...Maybe..if you'd let me..I would find help for you...''
She extended her hand towards Issei's face, who slapped it away.
Issei looked her in the eyes, easily seeing the shock hidden in them. –''I'm fine the way I am, Rias. I don't need help.''
''..You aren't fine. If you were fine, you wouldn't randomly try to kill a person who was simply arrogant. You didn't listen to anyone, or actually acknowledge us – you simply raged on and stopped it when you were literally knocked out of it. If that's fine, then what's..-'' – Rias's speach was stopped when Issei glared at her.
It was as if the room's temperture was lowered by half.
''..What do you want me to say?That I'm mental? That I'm fucked up beyond healing? That there are times I just snap and try to kill people? That I've been stressed out so much my hair turned white? '' – He made a clicking noise with his tongue. –''Even though I'm like that, I can manage. I'm fine.''
''Manage? Is manage good enough for you?'' – Rias chuckled in a serene tone. –''You shouldn't be in pain.-''
''LIFE IS PAIN!''- Issei shouted at her. On reflex, she backed off. –''Every time I think about the comrades I've lost, I can still feel them. It won't stop hurting, because I can never forget! I will never forget all of them, who died because of me – either was it to save me, from my bad judgement, or anything else – I WILL ALWAYS BE IN PAIN.''
''..Issei..'' – Rias recovered, as she clutched her hands. –''I..I..just want to help you, but I have no idea how...''
''You can't help me.'' – Issei lowered his voice. –''..just leave me alone, Rias.''
She stood there, staring at Issei for a while.
''..if you say so.'' – Rias showed him the saddest smile he had ever seen in his life.
She walked out of the room. Seconds passes, as the clock ticked.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Issei grabbed the object closest in his reach. In his case, it was a vase. It shattered loudly against the clock.
''SHUT THE FUCK UP!'' – He shouted, as he kicked the desk in front of him. It was pushed into the air, stopping the flight against the closest wall. –''FUCK YOUR KINDNESS!''
''Trying to fix me...'' – Issei sighed, as he looked at mess he had made. –''..you don't know jack shit about the real world...''
He stopped mid rant, as he noticed the mirror that was in his room. Issei slowly walked up to it.
A violent vertigo hit him. It felt as if his guts had been turned inside out for a second, and it disappeared.
He looked at himself. The mirror looked back.
His face still had the blueish tint and the damaged eye was bloodshot.
In the corner of his eye, Issei noticed something red. He turned his head around quickly. No one was there.
He looked back at the mirror. His usual poker face, and he noticed red hair behind him. He span around, ready to shout at Rias, but no one was there.
He froze. The red hair wasn't crimson red.
It was blood red.
He tilted his head, slowly, towards the mirror.
And there she was, standing behind Issei. Her blood red hair, her narrow, blood red eyes and the self-satisfied smile she always had. She wrapped her hands around Issei's shoulders, as she rested her chin on his shoulder.
''..Oh, I don't have to lean down anymore. Have you grown in height, kid?'' – She asked, in her usual, relaxed voice. It was soothing to Issei's ears.
''I have grown an inch or two.'' –Issei stated as his eyes didn't budge from the women hanging on his shoulders.
''..What's with the expression? Something bothering you?''
''..Why are you here?''
''What do you mean?'' – She tilted her head sideways.
''What I mean is..you are dead, Margit.''
''Huh?'' – She squinted one of her eyes. –''I'm not. I've always been with you. Don't you remember?''
Issei stared at her reflection in the mirror. She released Issei's shoulders and stepped in front of him. She leaned against the ivory desk supporting the mirror. Her captivating eyes were only focused on Issei.
''..That's not possible.'' - Issei's voice cracked.
''It is. I've been watching you.'' – She smiled. –''Ever since that day, it had become even harder and harder for you.''
''...'' – Issei stared blankly at her as he wasn't able to understand what was happening.
''C'mon.''- She said, as she pushed herself onto Issei and hugged him. –''..Don't show such a sad face.''
Issei felt her. It was just like before. Her firm body that gave off the usual peppermint scent. He was confused, but he hugged her back.
''..You've been suffering too much..'' – She said, in a whisper. –''I'm alive and your journey is at an end.''
She pulled back from the hug and sat on the desk in front of him. She swept her blood red hair to the side, as she looked away from Issei.
''..It's the end of the line.'' – She spoke up. –''..so you can stop.''
''..stop what?'' – Issei asked, with a slight smile.
''..existing.'' – She finished her sentence, as she span around a red karambit knife.
Issei froze. Something was off.
''Ah..I remembered.'' – Issei chuckled. –''Margit taught me how to be a real man...to never give up, to never back down, to always have a back up plan, and if that back up plan fails – to have another...''
The ''Margit'', that sat on the desk stared blanky at him.
''..She would always say that I should never give up, even if my face is in the dirt, even if it seems impossible...'' – Issei looked ''Margit'' in the eyes as he smiled sadly. –''..You are not my teacher...you are not Margit.''
''Then what am I, Issei?'' – She asked, without an expression on her face.
''..My delusion.'' – He showed her an aloof smile. –''I'm hallucinating.''
He looked at himself in the mirror, as Margit stepped back from the table holding it. He pulled his arm back.
With a loud clang, the mirror shattered.
He turned around, leaned against the table and slid down to the floor.
''..There's a reason I dislike to talk about myself...'' – He muttered as he gripped his bleeding hand. It had began to shake.
Time flowed in slow motion as Kuroka rushed trough the hall. She had heard that they had recovered a single person from the Suicide Squad.
A trail of blood and shouting doctors had surrounded the room. She pushed them away as she ran into the room. It was the one people used for emergency operations. The white UV light blinded her for a second, and only then did she notice the beeping sound of ECG.
The wires were pushed onto the body over the blood that was everywhere. Kuroka slowly, with shaking legs came closer. She glanced at the face. It was red. The red hair was clinging to his face. His eyes, lost all of their shine stared blankly upwards. Their were dull brown and unresponsive.
''Issei!''- She screamed.
Kuroka clutched her face. The only thing that Issei was wearing were tattered shorts, but it didn't matter- he was covered in blood from head to toe.
The doctors pushed her aside, as they spoke.
''Pushing morphine.'' – One of them said, as they injected him with a syringe.
Suddenly, the monitor began to beep louder and faster.
''Tachycardia!''
Suddenly Issei began to cough. It was blood that began to pour from his noise and ears.
''He's suffocating! Intubate, now!'' – One of the other doctors shouted as another once leaned closely to Issei's face to suck out the blood with the correct equipment.
''..BP is droping!''
Suddenly Issei a word or acknowledgement, the ECG machine became louder. And louder.
''HE'S CRASHING!''
The arrhythmical beating became a long, unending beep.
''CARDIAC ARREST!'' – Another doctor screamed, trying to outshout the unending beep.''HE'S IN V-FIB! GET THE PADDLES, QUICKLY!''
''No, no, NO!''- Kuroka screamed. She was frozen in place. She couldn't move. She could only watch.
The low sound of electric current became louder as one of the doctors loaded the paddles.
''Clear!''
The paddles ended against his chest. The electricity charged and he shook from the impact. The doctors and Kuroka looked at the monitor.
It was still flat-lining.
''No response! Hit him again!''
''Clear!''
The current hit him again.
''..No change. Again!''
Issei shook as the electricity cursed trough him.
BEEEEEEP.
The never-ending beep didn't end.
''Goddamit! He's not responding!'' – one of the doctors tried to wipe off the sweat from his forehead, but instead he only got blood on his face.-''There's so much blood! He's lost a lot, push blood!''
''CLEAR!''
Again. He didn't respond.
Suddenly, Gilgamesh crashed into the room. He looked at Kuroka with wide eyes, and then at the doctors, only then hearing the unending beep.
''DON'T YOU DARE DIE ON ME, ISSEI! DDRAIG!''
''Shit!'' – The doctor shouted, at the other seemingly given up doctors. –''DON'T GIVE UP. WE CAN SAVE HIM!''
''CLEAR!''
This time Issei didn't even move from the electricity.
''PUSH DRUGS, ANY DRUGS!'' – The doctor shouted, as he began to massage Isse's chest.
''Kuroka!'' – Gilgamesh grabbed her by the shoulders. –''HELP HIM, FOR FUCKS SAKE!''
She snapped out of it and ran over to hands, shaking, outreached for his chest. She put them on as a green light appeared. She used her everything to try and help, but she saw Issei's blue lips.
With tears flowing down her eyes, she screamed. –''DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!''
Gilgamesh pushed her off, as one of the other doctors prepared the paddles again.
''CLEAR!''
The doctor pushed the paddles on and they let out the electric shock that made Issei twitch again. This time – harder.
Suddenly, the beep stopped.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
..and a regular beep appeared.
''HE'S BACK!''- The doctors looked at the heart-rate monitor. –''Sinus rhythm! Give him oxygen, NOW!''
''Is he going to be alright?'' – Gilgamesh asked one of the doctors who was covered in blood. Issei's blood.
''..Can't say now. He was already unresponsive when we got him, but now after this long of time without a heartbeat...''
The doctor trailer off in silence, still trying to help the other doctors.
Kuroka turned her head around, noticing the white light at the end. By it, stood Maria.
''You could have helped sooner.''
She froze in fear. She couldn't, couldn't speak. Time froze, as she fell.
Fell into nowhere.
''Issei!''- She screamed, as her arms and legs twitched.
Her heart was almost crashing trough her chest as she clutched to her side. That side of the bed was empty.
Only then did she realize she was having a nightmare. A nightmare from her past.
''Haahhhh...hahhhh...hahhhhh..'' – Her breath was shallow and fast. Her hair stuck to her face as it was completely drenched in sweat. She got out of bed and walked over to the window with shaky legs. She pulled back the curtains, and opened the window.
A chilly, but comfortable draft of wind hit her.
She took a deep breath as she glanced at the moon.
''..You aren't the only one who can't sleep on a full moon, Issei.''
After a while, she span around and got into the bed. She curled into a ball and clutched the necklace given by Issei in her hand.
''..I miss you.''
Yo. 8k words and what not. Been busy with school and some other jazz, over now.
This is chapter 20. I currently have over 200 alerts and closing in on 200 follows. Thank you for your support, everyone. It means a lot for me.
..and I'm sorry for the wait.
Aevun - It is a reference that fit with my character. I'm a fan of TG.
YuukiAsuna-Chan You will most definitely see more of her. ^^
Tune in next time for training. A lot of it. And most likely - talks.
If you didn't understand something, or want to know something, or simply wan to drop by - leave a review of a PM.
It's late at night and I'm pushing it out just for you - for you to not wait another day, so there might be some errors here and there. Excuse those..
As always, see you next times, friends.