In Another Life: Lover of a Seraph

by DXD2k3

[I'M BACK] What if Vali never existed? What if the Two Heavenly Dragons belonged to Issei Hyoudou only? What if Issei Hyoudou never became a devil and instead became an angel? What if he wasn't in love with Rias Gremory but instead was in love with the most beautiful woman in heaven? [Irresistible Issei, Kind Issei, Smart Issei, OP Issei] {Issei x Gabriel}

8. Chapter 8

(A/N)

LINE BREAK

Issei was in his room, groaning from the pain he felt. They finally returned to heaven. He was so happy he would have kissed the pavement road if not for the angels that were watching him in concern. Currently, he was sitting on top of his bed, looking at the mirror in front of him. He had his wings out, they were fluttering gently. He was holding one, a wound was present in each of his wings. Raphael tried to heal them but the magic was too high for even him but Raphael told him not to worry since it will eventually heal in its own in about two days.

The Two Heavenly Dragons awakened on their way to heaven. Draig and Albion kept crying like girls in relief, to everyone's amusement. Issei smiled at the memory. The past few hours, the angels came and visited him, asking him of his condition. He told them he was fine. But the angels and he himself knew that he was far from being fine.

'But I must try my best to recover. If I act weak and fragile, they'll be worried and bothered…I don't want that.' Issei thought to himself in determination.

Dulio and Griselda cooked him chocolate chip cookies for him to munch on. Issei was of course, thankful. Well, to Dulio…no. 'It's seems like he was trying to poison me than to cheer me up.' Issei thought to himself as he frowned at the horrible taste.

Azazel went his separate way, wishing him luck. Uriel and Azazel talked for a bit before he flew away to his Grigori headquarters. Raphael offered to heal him but he rejected the offer, kindly. He told Raphael Issei will need it more. The angels looked reluctant as Azazel flew away, his wings were unbalanced and he kept going to the right. Issei reminisced at this, he wanted to thank the man again. He got shot by little death rays and got blasted by an extremely powerful blast just because he was trying to save Issei who was technically an enemy.

Issei remembered the reason why Azazel helped him in the first place, 'Maybe peace is achievable after all.' He said to himself.

A knock made him suddenly throw the cookie in surprise. He had no shirt on. His defined abs were free for all to see and the only thing he was wearing was his boxers. The door opened to reveal Gabriel, smiling. "Hello there." She greeted. She stopped herself from laughing as she looked at Issei's boxers, it had swords and hearts on it. Issei blushed in embarrassment, "What?" He asked, embarrassed. She laughed even more as Issei's face became red and his hair was disheveled, but she admitted to herself that Issei looked cute.

"Really, Issei? Hearts?" She asked teasingly. She sat down the edge of Issei's bed, opposite to the embarrassed Issei. Her whitish blonde hair was in a ponytail, with a few strands in front of her face, making her look even more beautiful. She was wearing a shirt…that belonged to Issei.

"It has swords!" He said defensively, making Gabriel giggle. Issei's heart fluttered. All throughout his torture, he fought and kept struggling against Kokabiel, despite the intense pain. The pain somehow lessened every time he thought of her gorgeous face. Seeing her know, it took a great amount of self-control not to lunge himself towards her. He noticed something, 'Isn't that…my shirt?'

Issei raised his eyebrow questioningly, which Gabriel thought was cute, "Why are you wearing my shirt?" He asked. Gabriel smiled at this and stood up. The shirt reached her lower knees.

"Umm…" She thought cutely, "Because it looks girly?" She answered teasingly. Issei growled, "Hey! That was Uriel-sama's gift to me." He complained before an idea entered his head. He smiled darkly, jumping towards Gabriel who anticipated and sidestepped out of the way, giggling. Issei laughed at this and began chasing Gabriel who skipped and dodged him while giggling.

After a few minutes, Issei gave up. He jumped to his bed, ignoring the laughing Gabriel. "Tired?" She asked.

"Well, getting tortured for hours is tiring work." Issei answered sarcastically before his eyes widened. His tongue slipped.

Issei looked at Gabriel who looked down. She walked towards his bed before she sat beside him. Gabriel wrapped her arms around him, burying her face to his muscled chest. Issei instantly felt guilty, he scolded himself for making his princess sad. "Gabriel?" He asked warmly, pulling her into a hug, "I'm so sorry,"

"No." She replied flatly. "No, I should be the one sorry." She continued flatly.

Issei's heart broke. 'Stupid Isse! Stupid Issei!' He screamed at himself.

"Issei?" She asked. Issei removed himself from his self-scolding and looked down Gabriel to see Gabriel, teary-eyed, looking at him. Issei couldn't help but notice that Gabriel looked even more beautiful in his shirt.

"Yes, Gabby?" He asked sweetly, smiling kindly at her. Gabriel buried her head to his chest again.

"I'm sorry! Because of me you got taken. Then you got tortured." She said, sobbing, "You were forced to drink lava. Your joints were broken. You were put to endless water torture. You were stabbed multiple times. You were put to mental torture. You were tied then stretched painfully, almost ripping your body in half. I was glad when Kokabiel didn't force you too." She began breathe frantically, her eyes wide at the thought of her Issei being…you know.

Issei hugged her, effectively shushing her. "Oh, Gabriel." He began, "I want you to know that I would gladly and willingly go through every torture method…just so you aren't the one going to be tortured." Gabriel looked at him, wide-eyed. The sky was dark now.

Gabriel was going to say something when Issei smiled, covering her mouth gently, "While I was being tortured, you will expect me to be sad and angry, no? But I was feeling the total opposite." He looked out the window, to the silver moon, smiling. "I was happy and relieved, I was glad! I was so glad it was me that got taken than you." He said, tapping Gabriel's nose, making her blush.

"I was pleased even! Because me being tortured is better than you being tortured." His face suddenly hardened, his eyes glaring, "I couldn't bear the thought of you being put through what I was put through. I might even fall…because of the anger I will probably feel if you got captured. I would break the necks of every fallen angel that dared to touch you, wait…no." He smiled darkly, "I wouldn't give them such an easy ending. Oho no. I would rip their wings, then I'll break their fingers, painfully rip their arms and legs away from their body. The I'll feed their heads to the wolves." He ended, gritting his teeth. Despite the violent statement, Gabriel's heart fluttered.

A soft hand cupped Issei's face, Issei looked down to see Gabriel's beautiful face which was illuminated by the silver moon, "Now, now. I don't want you to fall just because you got angry at the thought of me being tortured." She said softly. He noticed that his wings were indeed flashing quickly from white to black.

Gabriel giggled, although she was blushing. She was touched by Issei belligerence at the mere thought of her getting hurt and tortured. There was this feeling in her heart that she couldn't identify. We all know that its love but our dear angel here doesn't know that yet.

Issei smiled at her, "My beautiful princess." He muttered to her, making her blush even more. Gabriel was going to say something when the door opened. It was the three seraph.

Michael, who opened the door, stared wide-eyed at the sight of his sister lying on Issei's lap. He looked up, 'The lights are off?!' He asked frantically to himself, before fainting. Raphael and Uriel sidestep, letting their brother fall. The two looked at the sight again, before simultaneously doing a thumbs up.

The screams of the two seraphs were heard throughout the Heavens and the Floating Islands. Griselda, who was in the floating island training, was standing on a knocked out and crying Dulio. Her silver hair was in a braid. "Ah, Uriel and Raphael. They will never learn, won't they?" She shook her head in pity as the screams of the two seraphs ascended into an even higher pitch.

Dulio was also in a leather armor but it won't really change anything if you're against Griselda. His hair was disheveled and he was sweating excessively, trying very hard to stay alive. He managed to muster something. Griselda looked at him, "What is it, Dulio?"

"Your sword!" He pointed, Griselda's eyes widened as she saw her sword was trying to stab Dulio's skin. Luckily, an angel's skin can't be penetrated by a normal sword easily, but still it hurts. Griselda laughed sheepishly, "Sorry."

Dulio choked a sob, "Are you trying to kill me?" He suddenly looked reluctant as Griselda smiled at him sweetly. Just because her smile is sweet doesn't mean she's being sweet. Issei and Dulio learned that the hard way.

"Of course, not." She said, before pointing the tip of her training sword at Dulio's throat, "I'm just toughening you up."

"THIS IS NOT CALLED TOUGHENING. YOU'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!" Dulio's voice resounded throughout the heavens, joining the screaming of the two seraphs.

Issei shook his head in content, smiling. Michael regained consciousness, before his eyes widened as he saw Uriel and Raphael with bandages wrapped all around their bodies. He laughed at this.

Gabriel and Issei joined in. When Michael looked at Issei with concern, "Are you OK now, Issei?"

Issei smiled at Michael, "Of course. I'm feeling better!" He answered cheerily.

Michael smiled back, "Good. You're going to attend school tomorrow then."

Issei's eyes widened, before his face morphed into one of pain. "I mean, ow. Ow. Ow. My body hurts." He tried to lie but his wings flashed black. Issei looked at his wings murderously, "Damn you." He whispered at his wings.

Michael shook his head while smiling, "Lying won't do you any good so stand up and wear clothes, damn it. I swear if Gabriel falls, I'll ground you forever. After that, join me. I made pizza." He said before exiting the room, leaving a blushing Gabriel and a red Issei. They looked at each other, before laughing.

Issei wore a white identical shirt Gabriel did, but he wore jeans. Issei helped the injured seraphs up and sat them on their respective chairs. Griselda arrived with a complaining Dulio who was cracking his shoulders. Issei gave Dulio a sympathetic look. They all sat down, waiting for Michael's pizza.

It took few more minutes before Michael appeared holding two extra-large or family size pizzas. Peperoni and Hawaiian to be specific. He also added a large bowl of meatball spaghetti. The room went silent, with everyone staring at the food like a predator gives to its prey. Now, you'd expect a seraph, who just studied cooking recently, cooks standard food. But no, not even five minutes has passed and all that's left is a slice of pizza and a meatball. Michael was frowning, "What? You didn't leave some for me." He whined like a child.

Nobody paid attention to the whining seraph. Everyone besides Michael were smiling, satisfied. "Now, go to your rooms, you two. You have to go to school tomorrow. Issei here, told me he's all better now."

Issei frowned, "My body hurts." His wings flashed black.

Michael stared at him expectantly, "Fine." He said. Michael smiled at this, "If you turn your frown upside down, I'll let you eat the vanilla ice cream I bought just for you."

Issei brightened up instantly, his eyes were shining like that of a child, "Here, I'm smiling!" The angels laughed as Issei devoured his vanilla ice cream happily. Michael clapped his hands twice and the dishes disappeared. "Good night, everyone." He said with a warm smile before turning around and walking to his room, probably to continue his plans.

Dulio cheered up when he remembered that he will get to see a certain ex-nun tomorrow and ran to his room, muttering a goodnight to everyone. Uriel and Raphael greeted the remaining three also and struggled to their room. Griselda, pitying them, helped them. Leaving Gabriel and Issei alone.

Issei started getting nervous as the room went silent. To break the ice, Issei offered his ice cream to Gabriel, "Want some?" He asked.

Gabriel started laughing, "That's the best you can say?" She asked teasingly. She thought Issei who had ice cream stains on the side of his mouth looked adorably cute.

She shook her head before smiling at Issei, "Good night, my sweet prince." She said, not waiting for Issei to reply and flew off to train, probably.

Issei stood up at this, holding his bucket of ice cream to his chest, "Good night, my princess." He said, before taking another spoonful of ice cream, walking to his room.

LINE BREAK

Gabriel hurriedly walked outside. She saw her brothers, Griselda and Dulio waiting for her. They were all in a circle, leaving a small space for her to fill in. Michael saw her and alerted the others, "So, how did it go?"

Gabriel bit her lower lip, "Well, awkward…I guess?"

"No, not that." Michael scolded, annoyed. "I mean, your observation of Issei in dinner. He looked fine, don't you think?" He asked, hopeful. But the faces on the other angels' faces didn't give him any comfort or hope at all.

The others looked at each other reluctantly. They all knew Issei, he was too good. He probably was holding it in, not wanting to bother or worry or obligate the others, they all knew this. They made Issei grow up to be a good, kind and brave angel. Being good is well, good. But too much of anything is a bad thing and that's what happened to Issei. He is too good. "Sorry, Michael. But he is far from being good." Griselda answered, sighing.

Michael sighed at this, covered his face in frustration, "Damn that Kokabiel." He said in a very angry voice, he flipped the vase nearby. It fell to the ground and broke to many pieces. The angels winced as Michael shouted out his frustration and anger.

Michael suddenly looked crestfallen and depressed, "No, this is all my fault. If only I watched over him like I always do, this wouldn't have happened." He said in a crazy like voice.

Gabriel glared at this and slapped him. Hard. "Get a hold of yourself, Onii-sama. If we were to be like this, then we won't be much help to Issei." She said firmly.

Michael stared at the ground for a while, processing what Gabriel just said. "But Gabriel-"

"No buts. Let's get a hold of ourselves and think of a plan to help Issei. We all know him, he will hold it in as much as he can, if he does that the possibility of going crazy is very high. Also, he will suffer from that, and I think we all don't want that. So instead of blaming ourselves or someone, instead of cursing that bastard Kokabiel, let's do our best to make Issei let out all that sadness."

The angels looked at Gabriel, agreeing with her. They're eyes were burning in determination; they will save Issei. They all loved Issei, in one way or another. To Dulio and Griselda, a sibling. To Michael, Uriel, and Raphael, a son. And to Gabriel, she probably won't admit but as a lover. "Alright, then. Let's do our best." Michael said with a teary smile.

LINE BREAK

In Issei's mindscape.

Issei fell down the familiar dark abyss he always falls into when he is going to talk to dragons. Issei observed the surroundings, noticing something different. The dark abyss turned white and he fell down a grass plain. He landed perfectly, alarmed.

He started looking around frantically. The place was amazing; it can outmatch Eden itself in beauty. It was literally a peaceful, relaxing paradise. He was near a tree, the only tree in the plain. The wind was blowing peacefully, making the long grass dance with the air. There were these…white petals of light that were floating peacefully throughout the whole plain. The skies were sunset orange, moderate clouds. Issei slowly lowered his guard and sat down under the tree. The grass was soft, and there was this smell that was so pleasant Issei could have stayed there forever. The Two Heavenly Dragons were nowhere to be seen. "What is happening?"

Right after he said that, he suddenly felt something rub him at the back. Issei quickly turned around to see the tree he leaned unto turn into a wooden cross, a bloodied one. Issei slowly walked back, wide-eyed at the sight of the tall wooden cross when he stumbled. He saw the place has changed, the grass was all dried up, the skies were blood red, and the wind was gone. And it was silent, creepily silent.

The shadow the cross casted slowly turned into…Griselda. But this Griselda had a very sinister looking grin on her face. Her eyes were glinting dangerously. Her white dress was covered in blood and she was holding a bloody knife. Her six pure white wings were now black and were dripping with blood. Issei slowly walked back when he hit something hard.

He rubbed the back of his head. He opened of his eyes to see that the object he hit wasn't an object but a man. He slowly looked up to see Dulio. This Dulio had his blonde hair grow long and reach his shoulder, they had dried blood on them. He looked exactly like Griselda, psychotic and terrifying. They were both staring at him dangerously.

"Issei, Issei." Griselda said in an overly cheery tone, "Why did you leave us, Issei? Don't you know that that's bad?"

"That's right, Issei. You made Griselda and I sad, and now we are gonna make you pay." Dulio said with a menacing smile.

LINE BREAK

Fort Mnex was reduced to a pile of rubble. The whole replica of Kuoh was in ruins. Dust adored the whole island, the dead remains of the fallen angels. A man walked through the rubble of Fort Mnex. "Stupid angels. They thought they already killed me." He said scornfully, "Oh, I'm not that easy to kill." He stopped in front of where the great fort once stood.

"Interesting." He muttered, looking at the gray sky, "According to my calculations, what I ordered Kokabiel to do should have reduced Issei to a shell of who he once was but he already recovered."

He remembered the happy atmosphere the dining angels had. Yes, he infiltrated heaven, easily. A magic circle appeared in front of him, "I see…Looks like it won't take long until another seal breaks."

"Although for Issei to be able to blast my golem away despite his injuries is remarkable." He admitted to himself. He didn't leave the spot where he was standing on. "Although that golem of mine was my weakest, still pretty impressive."

Something moved below the rubble. "Kokabiel! Show yourself, you stupid excuse of a servant." The man shouted. His voice resounded throughout the whole island. The winds reacted with his voice and the island shook lightly. Instantly, a large rock was pushed off to reveal Kokabiel, bleeding. Kokabiel instantly bowed to his knees, "I'm sorry, master."

"Sorry? You're sorry?" The man said, his voice edgy. He breathed deeply, "Fine. I'll give you one, final chance. I want you to solve this problem within this month." He said, turning around, "Or else, I'll show you a fate worse than death." He chuckled, "A fate worse than death indeed."

Kokabiel gulped, "Yes master."

"Now, be gone! Get out of my sight! You pathetic showoff." Kokabiel's eyes widened in terror as his master's eyes glowed red. He gulped, flying away quickly. He didn't want to be left in an island with that master of his. He pressed the wounds that were present at the side of his stomach. But despite the pain, he would rather endure what he was feeling than to be left alone with that man.

The man laughed like a madman. "That's right. You better run, you ugly rabbit."

LINE BREAK

Extreme pain and burning was filling his throat. "Issei!" A voice shouted. "Wake up!" The scorching hot liquid slowly made its way down his larynx. At the same time, he felt something hard bang his head continuously Something was choking him, strangling him roughly. He felt something stab continuously on his stomach. Someone was bending his fingers backward. He tried to scream, but found out he can't as the only thing that came out were gurgling. He can't breathe, he felt water fill his nose. Someone suddenly broke both his elbows. He tried to scream but still, he can't.

'Partner! Wake up!'

He tried to open his eyes when he felt electricity surged throughout his body. He was shaking roughly. 'Issei, wake up this instant!'

"Ahhhh!" Issei suddenly sat back up. He looked around to see a terrified and worried Dulio. Both his arms were glowing blue and green respectively. He was sweating buckets. He was looking at his familiar olive green walls. Michael must have transferred them back to their house while they were sleeping. Issei couldn't help but feel relieved at the sight of his messy room.

"Issei, thank goodness you're awake. I was getting nervous. You looked like you were getting possessed by a thousand demons. Seriously, my life being an exorcist, I know what I am talking about." Dulio said, handing Issei a wet towel. Issei saw through Dulio's eyes a concerned brother. He smiled at this, "Hey. Mornin."

Dulio looked at him and smiled sarcastically, "Good morning." He said, rolling his eyes. "You know; you don't have to hide your pain. We're here for you." He said, smiling. He opened the curtains of Issei using the wind. Issei shrieked at the sudden brightness.

"Partner, you are lucky you're awake. Albion was going to fill you with energy." Draig said, trying to sound laid back but failing. He didn't want Issei to know that he was terrified but Issei found this obvious and smiled as he knew how scared Draig was for him.

"You are lucky indeed." Albion said coldly, before he cried, "Issei! I thought you were going to leave us!" Issei laughed at this. These dragons need to put a little bit of faith in him.

"Geez, don't just cross me just like that." Issei said before looking out the window, the sun was shining brightly, "It takes a lot harder than that to be able to kill me." He was smiling, that dream with Dulio and Griselda was not real. Issei felt happiness fill him.

Issei looked around to see Dulio looking at himself in the mirror, brushing his hair. Issei nodded his head in approval. He didn't want the others to worry about him so much. "Excited to see Asia, aren't we?"

Dulio blushed, "Of course I am." Before looking at Issei accusingly, "You have no idea how hard it was to make Griselda-san pleased without you helping me." Issei laughed at this, "Well, onee-san tends to become too rough sometimes." He learned that the hard way.

Dulio looked at Issei like he was stupid, "Too rough? Just too rough!?" He began to pace frantically to and fro, "She was trying to kill me. I know she loves both of us like her little brothers but still…she bashed me with a shield! Bashed a shield on my face! Then she stepped on me. And accidentally stabbed me with a sword, good thing it was a normal one with now special enchantments. " He exclaimed, motioning to his face, "I don't know what I'll do if I become ugly just because my sister wanted me to be her sparring buddy."

After that, Issei comforted Dulio. The latter offered to make breakfast since he was already dressed and ready to go to hell…school.

Issei turned the shower on, feeling the cold water flow down his body. Memories started flashing in his head. Drowning. Boiling water. Icy cold water. Drowning. 'Partner, forget about those.' Draig said seriously. Issei sighed, he started applying shampoo on his white blonde hair. He cherished the smell of the shampoo, "Sorry, Draig. I just can't help but remember."

Only the dripping of water filled the bathroom, before Draig sighed deeply, "I guess it can't be helped, partner. Getting tortured and almost raped is not something you just forget instantly, no? Although I think I have a medicine to that."

"YOU?" Albion asked dangerously.

"Hehe…" Draig chuckled nervously, "I mean ALBION. Albion found a medicine that can possibly solve your problem." Issei smiled at this, washing of the shampoo.

"What is it now?" He asked. He expected some kind of 'legendary' herb or a spell that can only be found in the ruined castle of Camelot, in the room of Merlin the Great. He was wrong.

"Nothing like that, Issei." Albion said, amused, "Have you ever heard of the kiss of true love?" Issei stopped chuckling. "Yes?" He answered, suspicious.

"Well, a kiss from your princess might just wash all those bad memories away." Issei blushed at this, "Albion! What have you been eating?"

Albion and Draig just laughed at him, to Issei's annoyance. He scrubbed his soap covered body. After he washed the soap off, he brushed his teeth. He putted on the Kuoh uniform rather quickly, having been used to this by now. He didn't bother combing his hair since it weirdly always appears good on him, messy or groomed. He looked at himself in the mirror, forcing a reluctant smile. "Partner, I'll be sleeping for now. I spent my energy returning yours. Albion will look after you for now, I know he's boring but I am exhausted." Draig said, chuckling tiredly.

"Hey!" Albion yelled in protest, making Issei give a genuine smile and Draig to chuckle even more. "Good night." Draig muttered weakly before the green glow on Issei's arm disappeared.

Issei shook his head. The dragons always did everything, even act like fools just to brighten up his mood when he was feeling gloomy. He felt better now, jumping gracefully the high flight of stairs and rolling.

Dulio was eating the scrambled egg he made. "Take your time, Issei. We woke up rather early compared to the other days." He said, before taking a big bite on his bread. Issei joined him, taking the whole plate of scrambled egg, to Dulio's anger. Issei rolled his eyes at the growling Dulio, devouring the surprisingly good scrambled egg.

"Let's go." Dulio said, putting on his leather shoes. He was seated in front of the door, his leather bag at his side. Issei nodded in agreement, drinking the whole glass of water in one gulp before joining Dulio in putting shoes on. Issei opened the door, breathing in the fresh air. He happily looked up the skies, seeing the birds fly. The plants of Dulio were shining, looks like Dulio just watered them. Issei waited for Dulio in front of their gate. Apparently, Dulio was having a hard time putting his shoes on.

Issei saw the other students starting to some out of their houses, joining their friends in walking towards Kuoh Academy. Issei relished the ordinary but peaceful sight of students happily chatting and walking to Kuoh. "You ready?" Dulio asked him. Issei smiled and nodded I response. Once they joined the group of students, they noticeably started whispering to each other and started glancing suspiciously at Issei and Dulio. Instantly, Issei's mood fell, remembering why he called school hell.

"Hey, did you see the…date…beautiful lady…Issei…restaurant…" Those were the words Dulio and Issei heard from the students with their enhanced hearing. "What is it now?" Issei asked gloomily, these students just won't stop spreading new and gossips about every little thing he does. Eventually, the group grew and grew until they looked like they were going to a rally. On the way, Saji was exiting his house. Dulio and Issei smiled at a familiar face. They stopped walking and waved at Saji who was locking his door and putting his keys in his pocket.

"Hey, Saji." Issei greeted the walking Saji. Saji smiled back, "Hello, Issei." He greeted back happily, before looking down. The busy expression on his face made Issei and Dulio look at each other. He was reciting something. "Saji, what are you muttering about?" A curious Dulio asked.

Saji chuckled, "Not being rude or anything but since when did we become close?" Saji asked. Dulio looked offended, knowing the meaning of the statement. But Issei didn't understand this and patted Saji roughly on the back, while smiling unaware of the strength of his pats, "Since you introduced yourself. Why, don't you want to become friends?" He asked. Saji shook his head, "Of course I do. But I have to assure that I won't mess up my presentation in the student council." He said seriously, before he smiled dreamily and rather lecherously up the sky, "I have to impress Kaichou." He said in determination, his eyes shining.

Saji frowned when Issei and Dulio looked at him questioningly. "I have to impress Kaichou." He repeated. Still, Issei and Dulio have no idea. "Geez, you guys. You two are too innocent and tense." He said, sighing. Issei tilted his head in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Saji looked at him like Issei should be knowing something, "If I impress Kaichou, her thoughts of me will elevate." He said happily, the trio stopped. Issei and Dulio looked at him expectantly, "If her thoughts of me elevate, our relationship will improve. Then after that, I will ask her to be her boyfriend which by then, she already likes me back. If were a couple, I can grope her magneficent body!" He said, his eyes shining and blood trickled down his nose.

Issei and Dulio looked at him, Saji looked horrified, "You mean…you don't want to grope a girl's body!?" Saji asked, he was as pale as ghost. He slowly walked back, staring at Issei and Dulio in horror and pity. "Oh my. You two sure are missing out on something magnificent." Saji explained, twirling gracefully, "Don't worry, my lost children. I, Saji Genshirou, treasurer of the student council, promise to guide these poor boys to the right path." Saji said cinematically.

"I will teach you the wonders of this world. I will become your salvation; I will show you everything you need to see. I will tell you everything you have to do. I will teach you, the ways of a teenage boy!" Saji screamed, his eyes shining in determination. Issei and Dulio clapped, still not knowing what's happening.

Issei cleared his throat, "Saji? Not to ruin the moment but, look." Issei pointed in front of them, the group of students were so far away from them. Saji was going to say something when the bell rang. Saji froze. Issei and Dulio started walkeing, before stopping to look at the frozen Saji. "Saji? Let's go."

Saji remained unmoving. Issei looked at Dulio who shrugged. After a minute, Saji finally regained his self and his face morphed into one of horror and terror. His eyes started to water and his mouth was opening and closing. "Saji?" Dulio asked, concerned. Issei looked around, making sure there were no mages in sight.

"I'm dead. I am sorry children, but I may not live to see tomorrow. It will do you good if you find another teacher that will guide you to the right path." Saji said, emptily staring at the ground.

Dulio looked annoyed, "Stop calling us children!" He whined. Issei started walking, leaving the two alone.

"What's the matter with you two?" Issei turned around, looking at the frozen Saji. "Sona-kaichou will kill me. I was supposed to be the first to present my speech."

Issei shook his head, "We can still make it, we're only one minute late, so far. If you don't get yourself together, maybe two no three." Dulio tugged Saji by his collar and dragged him to school. He didn't make any protest or struggled, he kept staring at the ground emptily. Dulio caught up with Issei, "Devils are weird." Issei said to Dulio who nodded in wonder.

Issei, Dulio, and the crying Saji reached the front of Kuoh Academy. He looked at the front of Kuoh, he actually felt happy and relieved. When he was taken by Kokabiel to Fort Mnex, he saw Kuoh Academy, the post apocalypse one. To say that he was horrified was an understatement. Even though it may not show, Issei actually grew attached to the peaceful, simple school. Seeing the post apocalypse one, he developed some kind of feeling to guard and protect the school even though he considered it hell. 'Issei, you're messed up. You call this place hell yet you want to protect it.' Albion said in Issei's mind. Issei just chuckled in response.

The familiar wave that washes over the angel duo every time they enter the presence of a lot of devils. By now, the both of them were used to the wave. Dulio's grip tightened as Saji began to struggle, "I don't want to see Sona-kaichou! She'll punish me. I know you two are angels any you don't want to lie but for the sake of mine, lie that I died in a car accident!"

Issei shook his head, "That won't work, even if we agreed to lie. Although it will hurt, it won't be enough to kill the host of one of the Great Dragon Kings." Saji glared at him, "Then think of a better lie, smarty pants."

Dulio and Issei headed for the Student Council Room. Saji struggled a lot harder, but he can't overpower Dulio who was happily striding towards the Student Council Room. He made the mistake to mention that Asia was in the Student Council Room since she accidentally entered a restricted area. Honestly, Issei was disappointed at the student council since they didn't pardon Asia. They knew Asia was a newcomer and was not accustomed to things like that.

After an awkward time with a teacher who saw them dragging a struggling and emotional Saji, they finally arrived in front of the student council room, the door that looked different compared to the other doors in the school. Issei knocked three times on the door. Saji straightened up, deciding not to embarrass himself further.

He glared at Dulio, fixing his collar, "I won't need your help, thank you very much."

The door was opened by Tsubaki Shinra, the vice president of the student council. "Yes?" She asked before smiling shyly as she laid her eyes upon the smiling Issei. Saji loss his confidence and shrieked, hiding behind Dulio. Tsubaki noticed him and her face changed from a shy smile to a scary glare.

She crossed her arms, "Tell me, Saji? Why are you late? Shouldn't we be the role models the students are going to imitate?" Issei noticed the tone Tsubaki was giving Saji was similar to that of Griselda's when she interrogates the angel duo.

"Sorry." Saji muttered weakly, hiding behind Dulio who was getting annoyed by Saji.

Tsubaki shook her head in disappointment. She stepped aside, motioning Issei, Dulio and Saji to enter. She gave Saji a scary look before closing the door softly and seating down her chair, right next to Sona. Issei noticed that the room was changed. It became a bit darker than the last time they came here. The table was glass and the chairs were made of cold steel.

He looked at Sona who was staring at them intently. She leaned her chin on her hand, humming. Issei could tell that she was trying to scare Saji even more, and it seems that it was working. The student council didn't mind them and kept writing on some documents. Beside Sona was Asia who was standing, obviously surprised at the sight of the angel duo.

"It is nice of you to drop by here, Issei." She said coolly. Issei smiled, she was trying to intimidate him. Shaking his head in amusement, 'One thing you should know about her is that she is merely acting and is actually crazy for you.' Albion said in his mind.

'I know that.' Issei answered mentally. With his enhanced vision, he noticed a light blush on Sona's face.

Sona cleared her throat, turning towards Saji. "You have some explaining to do." Saji muffled a cry as he nervously walked to his seat, before looking down not meeting the gaze of Sona.

"What did you come for, hm Issei?" She asked sweetly. She was twirling her hair with her index finger.

Dulio rolled his eyes in annoyance. He was once again…ignored. "I merely accompanied a friend. He said he is dead? Don't know why. As far as I know, devils are not undead." Issei mulled. "Anyways, we're late ourselves so bye." He turned around and waved, Dulio behind him the whole time.

Issei closed the door slowly, Dulio waiting for him. "Geez, those guys are snobs. They only talk to you." Then he shook his head, "I can't even talk to Asia." He added glumly. Issei patted his back in sympathy.

They walked to their classroom. Of course the two were nervous, they have no good reason of why they're late. Issei looked at Dulio who nodded, signaling his ready. "Here goes nothing." Issei opened the door. It was Math currently. Their classmates looked at them. Their math teacher stopped writing and also looked at them. Issei felt their stares.

Their math teacher looked at them scornfully, he laid he's reference on the table. Issei and Dulio looked down as they got a scolding, but Griselda's was a lot worse so they weren't complaining. After the scene, class eventually ended. "Let's go." Dulio said. Issei noticed that their classmates were staring at them, "What? You planning another ambush?" Issei asked, rolling his eyes. The class started whispering suspiciously while looking at Issei.

"Let's go." Dulio said, getting annoyed at Issei. He wanted to see the beautiful devil that appeared in his dream last night.

Issei sighed. They always watched his every move. Some even spread rumors and gossips.

"What the hell is wrong with them? It's getting annoying." Issei asked Dulio. They were walking to the Occult Research Clubroom. As they walked through the corridors, the students were oddly whispering to each other.

Dulio chuckled at Issei, "That's what you get for being too handsome."

When Dulio saw the ORC door, he sprinted and entered it without knocking. Issei took a deep breath, "Off he goes then." Issei didn't bother to enter the clubroom. He looked out the window, looking down the students who were playing volleyball.

He breathed in a deep breath. He was staring at the sky peacefully when it flashed from the post apocalypse one. Issei slowly staggered back, falling to his butt. He suddenly wanted to grasp his chest as it felt like it was being forced open. His eyes widened in realization, this happens when he has those nightmares, but he was awake? How is this possible? "No…" He muttered. Through his eyes, the whole corridor began breaking. The atmosphere turned cold and the skies became dark. Screaming was heard, asking for help and screaming monsters. "What the hell?" He croaked.

He felt his sweat trickle down the side of his face. He was breathing quickly. He stood up. The walls had cracks on them, roots of tress adored the corridor. Issei looked at the corridor Dulio and Issei walked through, it was straight out of a horror movie. The dead bodies of students were there, some of the roots were run through by the bodies. "What is happening?" He asked.

'Issei, snap out of it. You are hyperventilating.' Albion said firmly. He's voice was laced with authority but you will sense the fear in his voice, fear for Issei.

'What you are seeing is not true. Issei, I said snap out of it.' Now, Albion's voice was faint. Issei couldn't understand why but Albion's voice was faint even though Albion was inside him. Issei tripped and fell backwards, hitting his back on the wall. He looked at the body to see it belonged to Saji. Issei let out a scream, "No, no. Saji?" Issei asked frantically. He turned around to see Rias and Akeno staring at him emptily, there were huge stab wounds on their stomachs.

Issei ran. He just ran to nowhere in particular. There were stairs right next to the ORC clubroom. Issei fell down the stairs, uninjured. He didn't process what happened and kept saying no. Issei ran out of the staircase. He was outside, at the back of the school. The area didn't have any people around. But still, Issei saw dead bodies. They were all looking at him emptily. The sky was gray, and the trees were dead. The grass was all dried up and the pavement was cracked. Blood stains were all around him, he paused. He looked at his hands to see that it was covered in blood.

His whole world began spinning. He resisted the urge to puke. It was incredibly cold now, he felt like he was in the North Pole yet there was no ice. A very cold breeze started blowing on him. His body felt heavy and his head hurts, he felt like his eyes were about to bulge of his head. "Issei?" A voice he despised and feared the most asked. He turned around to see the ugly bastard Kokabiel. Issei stuttered, "No, please." Issei said. He started walking backwards, his eyes wide in fear. Kokabiel was looking at him with malice. He was holding the heads of Griselda, Michael, Raphael and Uriel.

"Let's return home. I still didn't get to try something with you." Kokabiel said lecherously. The words haunted him. Issei turned around getting ready to sprint when he saw Dulio…crucified on a tall wooden cross just in front of the tennis court.

Kokabiel started laughing maniacally. The laughter resounded throughout the whole area. "No." Issei muttered. Kokabiel's laughter filled his ears. Dulio was barely alive. His body was all bloodied up and he was staring at Issei emptily. The wooden cross made a shadow that covered him. The area below the cross had a puddle of blood.

"Issei?" Dulio asked, wheezing. Blood trickled down the side of his mouth. "Help me." Issei swiftly ran to the cross. Ignoring the splashing of blood. He can't let his brother die.

"Dulio!" He shouted in desperation. The rusty smell of blood filled his nose. He felt his lower pants get wet of blood. His shoes squished. "Hang on."

Issei was about to reach Dulio when a spear was run through his stomach, the spear splashed some of the blood on Issei's shocked, terrified face. Blood gushed out of Dulio's mouth. His eyes were wide open in shock. "You failed me." He wheezed in his last dying breath before his head lowered, dead. The sky rumbled from above. The area became dark and lightning struck, revealing the outline of Kokabiel's body behind the cross. Gabriel was kneeling beside him. Lightning struck again to reveal Gabriel had Ascalon stabbed at her chest. "NO!" He screamed. "Gabriel! No, what? How the hell did this happen?"

'Issei! I said snap out of it!' Albion's loud, angry, and scared voice resounded the whole area.

Kokabiel laughed at him, "You did this, Issei. You. You. And you."

"NO!"

"I-I killed her? No, I would never! Not her." Issei whimpered, collapsing down his knees.

"But you did, Issei. You killed her. She begged you to spare her but no…you stabbed her straight to the heart while laughing. You have made me proud, Issei."

"I would rather kill myself that kill her. Not her, please…" He sobbed brokenly.

"Not her…"

'Wake up, Issei!' Albion screamed.

Then Issei saw black.

LINE BREAK

Dulio hugged the surprised Asia. "Hello, Dulio-kun." Asia greeted. He took a look back to see Issei looking through the window with a peaceful smile on his face. Dulio smiled at this, he decided to leave Issei alone and closed the door.

"Good morning, Dulio. Won't Issei enter?" A smiling Rias with glasses asked. She was seated on the very end of the room, holding a paper and pen. Akeno was pouring Rias tea, a gloomy expression on her face. Kiba and Koneko were seated on the couches, playing chess with serious expressions on their faces.

Dulio smiled back at Rias, "Let's just let him be." A knowing tone on his voice. Rias nodded at this and went back to writing something. Asia pulled out of his hug. "Where is Issei-oniichan?" Issei adopted Asia as his unofficial sister last week, to Dulio's shock and surprise. It feels weird courting the little sister of the boy you consider your brother.

"Well, he's just outside. Don't worry. He'll just come inside when he wants to."

Asia nodded in response. She ran clumsily to her bag and took out her cellphone. She returned to Dulio and showed a picture. Dulio's eyes widened. It was Gabriel and Issei hugging. "You didn't tell me Issei-oniichan had a girlfriend?" She asked. At this, Asia caught everyone's attention.

"A girlfriend?!" Rias asked, surprise and a bit disappointment in her voice. She ran towards them, looking at the cellphone. Akeno, Kiba and Koneko followed suite. Dulio was rubbing the back of his head. "Well, this is certainly a surprise."

Dulio noticed that Rias, Akeno, and Koneko had disappointed expressions on their faces. Asia showed another picture of Issei feeding Gabriel who was smiling playfully. The next one was Issei wrapping a scarf around her neck with a blush, Gabriel also had a cute blushing and surprised expression on her face. "She's so pretty." Asia admired, swiping to see the next picture. "I saw this in a post."

The devils and Dulio tilted their head in question, "You don't know? The whole school was talking about it!" Asia said, she was implying the they should have known.

Dulio nodded in understanding, "So that must have been why the students were acting extra weird this time."

Rias was looking at the pictures, a red aura she was emitting, "She is so pretty." She complemented. But it sounded like she was more jealous and annoyed than complementing. Dulio rubbed his head as Koneko and Akeno released the same jealous aura Rias was emitting, 'Damn, Issei. You have a lot of admirers here. I'm sure Uriel-sama will be proud.'

"Do you know this lady, Dulio?" Rias asked, her lips in a thin line.

Dulio chuckled nervously, "Yes?"

"Who is she?" Asia asked, excited. Kiba was chuckling nervously as Rias, Akeno and Koneko were releasing jealous auras. Dulio gulped as the girls looked at him questioningly, "Uh…That's Gabriel...sama?"

Rias, Akeno and Koneko's mood dampened and sat down the couches depressingly. They knew who Gabriel is of course, the most beautiful girl in the heavens. Also she is the most powerful girl in heaven also. Of course the most beautiful female takes the most handsome man. "So Issei-san is dating one of the seraphs of heaven? The most beautiful and also the strongest girl in heaven?" Kiba asked. Dulio chuckled nervously pointing at the three female devils in front of Kiba. Kiba slowly turned towards Rias to see her glaring at him. Kiba smiled nervously, standing up and walking behind Dulio.

"Well, no." At this, the three female devils jumped and joy. Their deadly auras replaced by sparkles.

"We're not too late, buchou!" Koneko said to Rias who smiled.

Kiba and Dulio sweatdropped. "Although, Issei is madly in love with Gabriel. And Uriel-sama told me Gabriel loves Issei back, she just doesn't want to recognize this yet." Dulio informed. Rias stared at him with determination in her eyes, "We don't care! As long as they're still not dating, it's not too late!"

"She's so pretty." Asia muttered, jealous of Gabriel's beauty. "As to be expected from one of the seraphs of heaven!" She announced cutely.

Kiba looked around, "Where's Issei-san?" Everyone looked at Dulio who shrugged.

"Well, he's outside. I'll call h-" Suddenly, something extremely, and I mean an extremely powerful wave washed over them. Dulio was forced to lean on the wall. He felt like he wanted to puke. His body felt like it's being crushed then stretched then crushed again. He never felt anything like this, even he can't produce an energy as intense as this. He saw Asia faint and fall down the ground. Kiba caught a fainting Koneko before covering his mouth to prevent himself from puking. Akeno was brought down to her knees, holding her head and screaming. Dulio couldn't blame her, if was like an axe was splitting their head in half. Rias was leaning on the wall, breathing deeply trying to relax, unlike the other devils…Rias received less of the sensation. Being born with strong power has its advantages after all. Dulio also received the least of the sensation since he is the most powerful in the room.

'Issei.' Dulio thought in worry. Not that he's worried Issei can faint, it would be impossible for him to faint. Dulio is worried since this can be an attack to get Issei. He ignored the sensations he was feeling and opened the door. His eyes widened when he saw all the human students and some student council members lying on the ground. They were on top of each other and were scattered everywhere. His eyes widened as he noticed Issei gone.

LINE BREAK

Gabriel was disguised as a white dove. All angels had animal forms. Michael is a pure white wolf, while Raphael is a white bull. Uriel has a white and gray tiger as an animal form. She had a dove form since her father gave her that. Doves were her favorite animal since it was her father's favorite animal form also.

She just has a gut feeling that her Issei wasn't fine. Her brother, Michael, transported bit Dulio and Issei back to their house down on earth while they were sleeping last night. Gabriel arrived at the very front of school. Disguising herself as an animal bought back memories when her father was still alive and she was still the messenger of her father. She was used to the "Hey look, a dove!" thing that happens from time to time. She was also used to the other birds who try to flirt with her thinking that she is really a bird.

"Where could my Issei be?" She asked herself, looking at the front of their school before blushing as she registered what she just said. The sun was shining brightly and the wind was pleasantly gentle. The dried leaves were rustling peacefuly, creating a peaceful, serene sound.

She couldn't help but be pleased at the laughing of the students who were playing volleyball. She also looked at some of the students couples in some silent areas, seeing some of the little cherubs flying on top of them, firing their dangerous arrows of love. A single cherub approached her, she knew this one. This was Philip. He had curly blonde hair and green eyes. He also had the cute smile cherubs usually possess. "Hello, Lady Gabriel." He greeted in a cute, squeaky voice. All the cherubs had the tendency to address angels with lady and lord.

"Oh, stop it, Philip. You know I don't like you calling me that." She complained. The fluttering cherub sat next to the white dove, "You know, only Issei and you Gabriel, hate being addressed like that."

Despite being disguised in her dove form; the cherub knows that Gabriel blushed. They always know when there is love or there is hate, although they prefer to sense love rather than hate and Gabriel's love just elevated significantly when she heard the name of her Issei. The cherub decided to keep silent as Gabriel stuttered, "What? I don't like him. How did he even enter the conversation? Of course I don't like him, silly." She said, but her voice told the opposite. Also, the dove's feathers were flashing black and white.

The cherub giggled, "Hihi. You are totally lying, Lady Gabriel." He jumped off the high wall and fluttered, "And who told you I was implying that you like him? You were the one that implied that you like him." He said teasingly before piercing the hearts of a couple with deadly accuracy. He flew off, not waiting for Gabriel to retort.

Gabriel felt her face become hot. 'Damn it. What's wrong with me?' She asked herself. Then she looked at Philip who was firing his arrows of loves rapidly and accurately deadly. She admired the cherub. Imagine if those arrows weren't the arrows of love. A single cherub would probably be able to kill or massacre an entire army in a matter of minutes. She watched the cherubs do their work for a while before she snapped out of her trance, 'Right! I came here for Issei.' She said to herself, flying away.

She can always sense when a devil is nearby and with the intensity of devilish energy she was feeling, she knew that there were plenty of devils inside the school. There were some students on the rooftop skipping classes. Now normally, she would turn to a teacher and scold the students but she just has this uneasy feeling that Issei wasn't fine.

She kept looking around with her enhanced vision when she saw Issei…talking to himself. She decided not to show her presence and land on the railing of the tennis court. She listened to what Issei was saying.

"NO!"

"What's happening?"

"Dulio!"

Her heart broke at the terrified expression on Issei's face. But she resisted the urge to turn back as she needed to know what is happening.

"Gabriel!"

Now she was shocked. The way he shouted her name felt like a stake was impaled to her heart.

"No, what? How the hell did this happened?"

She resisted the urge to cry as Issei sounded so broken.

"NO!"

"I killed her? No, I would never. Not her."

Gabriel was alarmed. What exactly is Issei seeing. But she felt a tear trickle down her cheek as Issei whimpered brokenly.

"I would rather kill myself than kill her. Not her, please…"

"Not her…"

Gabriel wiped her tears off as Issei cried, a devastated and desperate expression on his face. He sounded like he was begging, desperately at that. She had never seen Issei like this before. He looked like he lost everything suddenly. Then a white glow shot out from his mouth and he fainted. She glided down, turning to her human form and seating down beside Issei. She laid Issei's head on her lap. She was stroking his face, wiping his tears away. "What happened?" She asked, involuntarily making her tears fall down his face.

"Gabriel?" Albion asked. Gabriel played with Issei's white blonde hair.

"Albion? What just happened?"

She heard the dragon sigh, "Gabriel, this is the effect of torture. You think Kokabiel tortured Issei physically only? He also tortured him emotionally and mentally. Somebody also casted a spell on him. Somebody, extremely powerful casted a spell of fear and nightmares. This spell is even higher than forbidden level, it's called "Qntal Tormentorum", even your father, despite his powers, or even Shiva wouldn't be able to cast this spell even if they teamed up with Ophis and each other. Basically, this spell illustrates your deepest, darkest fears." His voice broke, "But there is a twist. This spell mixes in your most hated person and all the people you love the most and creates a very terrifying, violent, sick and twisted scenario." He started crying, "This scenario will change every time, each making a unique scene. But it still doesn't end there, soon…it will affect his emotional and even physical health, killing him slowly and painfully."

Gabriel's face morphed into horror. In other words, Issei had the ultimate unlimited nightmare maker inside him, and also a time bomb. "W-what did he see?" She asked, her voice trembling.

"I don't think you would want to-"

"Albion, please. What did he see?"

Albion remained silent for a few moments, contemplating. Before he sighed, "Fine. He saw everyone in school dead, the school destroyed. Then he got out to see the world destroyed and Kokabiel back, holding the heads of Michael, Uriel, Raphael and Griselda, attempting to do what he almost did to him. Then he saw Dulio crucified, he failed to save Dulio so Dulio blamed him." He croaked, "But the one that made him and led him to his breaking point was you. You are the person he loves most. He saw you kneeling, almost dead. Ascalon was impaled on your chest. He asked Kokabiel how this happened and Kokabiel said it was him. If I hadn't filled him with energy until his stamina broke and he had to faint, he would have gone crazy or worse, kill himself."

Gabriel started crying. She didn't want to live in a world without Issei. She doesn't know why but she doesn't want to. "Who would make such a spell?" She asked. Albion didn't bother to answer as Gabriel stroked Issei's hair.

"You know, when this boy was taken, Draig and I considered killing him. It's better than he endures the torture and return broken. But he was against this, he said that would make everyone sad, and he didn't want everyone to be sad, especially you. Then Kokabiel revealed that he liked the boy and wanted to do…unspeakable things to him." Albion said, anger evident in his voice, "I, once again, offered in killing him. But no, he went against it. I argued with him, he didn't understand what Kokabiel was implying. I explained it to him. And Draig and I felt his fear."

Albion breathed out deeply, "Ever since he was a child, he only felt fear once or twice, and that fear wasn't even that high. But after I explained what Kokabiel planned to do to him, he was so afraid, Gabriel. Afraid. I offered to end his life again, but he didn't want this. I asked him if he was crazy, and you know what he said?" Albion asked, "He said, No, that would be selfish of me. And he said that with a smile, a warm but sad smile."

"You don't know how relieved I am when Azazel freed Issei. I was so glad, even Draig felt my joy. I wanted to scream in joy, to dance even. If only I had my body, I would rip those bastards apart." Albion said in anger. Gabriel stared at Issei sleeping face. He had a peaceful smile on but there were remnants of tears out of the corner of his eyes.

"You love him, don't you?" Gabriel asked, smiling.

"Of course, I love him! He is like a son to me. He is like the son I never had. My past hosts were all battle maniacs, even the most peaceful of them. When they found out they were my host, they became obsessed with fighting. Only a few I considered as my friends. Issei was the first of my hosts to bond closely and treat as my very own son. He unlocked me when he was a child, I grew attached to him, proud of him. When he saved you, I was proud of him. When he rejected my offer to kill him, I was proud of him. And when he returned and endured the emotional trauma, I am proud of him once again."

"Endured?" Gabriel asked.

"He endured it. Don't tell me you expected him to return like the normal Issei? Normally, even an angel should have been broken and fell. But he endured it all. Yes, he got broken. But did he fall? No he didn't. Do you know why? Because of you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. You became his anchor, along with us, when he was starting to change. He kept thinking of you when the female fallen angels started seducing him. You became his remaining strand of hope out of all that madness. You are that important to him. And that is what makes you the most dangerous weapon the enemy can use. And so they used you. Kokabiel threatened to destroy the silver cross you gave him. He broke instantly. He got his hand broken just to protect the silver cross."

"And he got extra punishments."

"Extra?"

"You know, just enter his memories."

Gabriel's vision suddenly blackened.

Flashback

Gabriel arrived at Issei's memories. She was in a dark room. She looked around to see Issei, blood flowing down through his bodies. His hands were shackled above his head and a knife was left stabbed to his right shoulder. He had blood trickling down his mouth and his shirt was removed from him. His lips were cracked. He had stab wounds and deep slashes all over his chest. A blazing hot fork was lying just below him, it had blood on its prongs, implying that it was used as a torture tool also. A two-ton boulder was tied to both his feet each.

Gabriel covered her mouth in shock. Tears instantly flooded her eyes. "Stop crying. There is no point. This has already happened." Albion said in ear. She turned around to see a silver ball of light floating right beside her ear.

Issei began laughing, "Why the hell are you laughing, partner? Have you lost your mind?" Draig asked.

"No, I'm just glad. I'm really glad they got me." Issei said. "I couldn't imagine if Gabriel was in my place. I will never forgive myself if this happened to her. If I fall just so I could get angry, so be it. So I am glad it was me that got taken."

Gabriel felt the memory change. This time they are inside a torture chamber. Issei's muffled screams could be heard. She saw countless other torture chambers performing different torture methods on Issei. She forced her eyes to close. "Gabriel. Stop crying. There is nothing you can do to change the past."

The Issei in front of her, probably the original Issei, was chained to the wall. Kokabiel was with this eight winged fallen angels that looked like they had high positions. "Now watch as my method turns an angel into a fallen one." He said with a dramatic voice that made Gabriel want to strangle the guy.

Now countless torture machines were brought to the room but Issei's wings didn't flash black even once. The eight winged fallen angels began to look bored and disappointed. Kokabiel was getting annoyed. "Kokabiel, looks like we won't be funding your projects." The old man said. Kokabiel walked towards them, "Don't worry, just wait. This guy is just so stubborn. Gabriel is his last strand of hope. I have crossed out the others. But this fool is just so stupid to see that Gabriel is just using him."

Gabriel glared, "I am not using my Issei." She said angrily.

"She is not using me! Say whatever you want but I know Gabriel is looking for me and she will kill you and-" Kokabiel punched Issei square on the jaw. Issei spitted his blood on Kokabiel.

Kokabiel glared and tugged at Issei's hair aggressively, "You listen here, kid. She is nothing but a pathetic angel who uses other angels to fight her battles." Issei headbutted Kokabiel who staggered back.

He stood up angrily, "Oh, you're going to get it. I am going to make you try the electric chair later."

Kokabiel walked back to his 'Investors', "Stupid fool thinks that angel slut loves him."

"She is not a slut!" Issei shouted angrily, pulling his chains aggressively. Kokabiel took a nearby knife and stabbed it roughly to Issei's stomach, "What did I say? I said she is a goddamned slut!"

"She is not!" Issei broke one of his chains and grabbed Kokabiel's neck roughly. Then he hurled Kokabiel down the ground, the sound of Kokabiel's bones breaking was heard across the whole room. The other fallen angels rushed towards Issei and slammed his body to the wall. Kokabiel wiped his mouth, glaring at Issei before grabbing the knife and twisting it painfully. Then he took it out and stabbed back continuously for a good minute before he punched Issei to sleep.

"Kids these days." Kokabiel said.

The memory changed to a different torture room. Issei was seated in an electric chair and was being electrocuted. His wings were pinned down and being stepped on continuously by fallen angels. Kokabiel was in front of him, "Damn you kid!" He screamed before punching Issei on the face, "Because of you, I lost the investors." He said before sending another punch.

Issei smiled at him, his teeth covered in blood, "Isn't that supposed to be a reason for celebration?" He asked. Kokabiel glanced at him angrily before holding him by the collar and punching the smile out of Issei's face but he kept smiling.

"Now, Issei. Since I like you, I'll give you a choice. I have prepared a special lava mixture that had healing abilities. Later, when Azazel arrives, I will make you drink it down you throat. If you say Gabriel's a slut and a good for nothing whore, I will pour the lave down your wings instead, better than your throat, eh?" Kokabiel asked, sounding like he got this.

Issei laughed, "You fool. You bastard. You actually think I will betray her. No, I would rather DIE!" He said glaring defiantly. Kokabiel grinned at this, "Wonderful."

Kokabiel grabbed an intricate looking knife covered I a green liquid, "Now, this is my favorite torture item. This is made from the teeth of the legendary shark, Megalodon. Then it is covered in poison, but not just any poison…It's the poison of a basilisk." Kokabiel then tugged at Issei's hair and shoved the knife through Issei's stomach.

"If you scream, it would pleasure me greatly." Kokabiel said darkly.

Issei muffled his cries and kept glaring defiantly at Kokabiel. "You probably are the most loyal angel I have ever met." Kokabiel said before slamming the blade on Issei's calf. The memory faded.

Flashback end

Gabriel opened her eyes to see that she had fainted on top of Issei's chest, drooling. She blushed, wiping of the drool before remembering what she just saw. Flashes of the memory started to appear in her head.

Gabriel had tears in her eyes. Issei endured all that just so Kokabiel doesn't call her a slut? 'Baka..' She thought but she couldn't help but be touched and smile at Issei's sleeping face.

"Gabriel? Issei won't tell you this. But please, help him."

"How?"

"Issei is too kind. He will say he is fine but he is far from being fine, very far." Albion said, sighing. "Last night, the spell has hit for the first time. He had a dream about Dulio and Griselda. Today, this dream about you. I am not sure if he can still remain sane if this hits again one more time. He will probably keep it in until he finally goes insane."

Gabriel sighed at this, that definitely sounds like Issei.

"Also, he is suffering in acting like he is fine cause when he sees a knife for example, he remembers what Kokabiel did to him using that. Every little thing triggers some kind of memory from Issei's torture."

"Gabriel, I must warn you. I created a barrier that protected both you and Issei but a very powerful wave suddenly washed over the whole school."

Gabriel looked around, alarmed. "Don't worry. It is a harmless spell. It only makes both your physical and mental energy to deplete, making you unable to fight back, but so far, I haven't sense any distress. Also, this doesn't have any permanent damage just in case it washes over you. While you were in Issei's memories, a very powerful presence entered my range but it didn't do anything besides making the wave. It's gone now."

"Are you sure it's gone?"

"Yep. It left in a portal that appeared right above us. It looked like a dark black Pegasus?" Albion informed, unsure with the last statement. Gabriel sighed in relief. If she was unable to fight, how was she going to defend Issei?

"Anyways, please do your best to make Issei forget the horrible thing that happened to him." Albion said, sighing. "You may be the only one who will be able to heal Issei completely." Gabriel couldn't help but blush at this.

But also, she was filled with determination. She will do her best in making Issei recover from the horrifying incident. The wind became pleasantly strong this time. Her white blonde hair which was in her signature twin tails were swaying with the breeze. She couldn't help but smile at Issei's peaceful expression. "Oh, I almost forgot to prepare something for tonight. I'm just going to prepare a surprise for my Issei."

She made a magic circle and has gone away, leaving Issei to sleep peacefully.

LINE BREAK

The Pegasus arrived in a floating island. The island looked like it was floating in an empty void. At the very middle was a huge and tall tower. The Pegasus galloped fly to the huge hole on the very top of the tower. The man or Kokabiel's master was busy doing something on the table. The interior of the tower was a lot more cozy looking than its exterior. It looked like the lair a wizard would probably have. There was a fireplace burning, on top of it was a pot cooking something that is not supposed to be cooked. There were many posters and scriptures pasted on the wall. Bizarre looking runes were written in a large paper that was posted near the bed that looked like it was made from the fur of a large bear. There was a large shelf full of scary-looking tomes and books. A special stand was in the very middle of the room, on top of it was a book that was whispering in a language very ancient, runes were literally floating out of it and fading and the pages were turning by itself.

Beside the bed was a stack of books. They were also creepily whispering random things. The ceiling was like the inside of a cone. Writings adored the whole ceiling, glowing in eerie red. The man was still wearing the elegant looking robe. He also was still wearing his pointy wizard hat. His face still cannot be seen since it was covered by his robe. Only his eyes were able to be seen, and it wasn't a pleasant sight. They were glowing red, dangerous blood red.

The man turned around, ignoring the Pegasus. He flipped through a book, tracing the odd writings before he gasped in satisfaction as he found what he was looking for and started doing what he was doing on the table. He opened the bag hanged on a stander and took out a dark green leaf. He added the leaf with a happy hum inside the conical flask (search it up if you don't know what this is).

The Pegasus neighed, making the man turn around and acknowledge its presence.

"I see. So the spell worked, wonderful." Then he tilted his head, "What? Issei is still not going crazy? But that spell is…well Issei is extraordinarily strong for the pathetic creations called angels."

The horse neighed louder this time, "Oh, don't worry. They won't be able to break the spell, only a kiss from Issei's beloved will be able to break that and that is very unlikely to happen."

"Oh, so Kokabiel is planning a frontal assault to Issei? Don't worry, he won't succeed. Even though Kokabiel is strong, he is not strong enough to stand toe to toe against Issei. Oh, he won't even stand a chance." The Pegasus shook its head in protest and neighed loudly, "Now, now. No need for that kind of language? I have made a very sophisticated calculation and I am sure Issei will be able to uhmm…progress!" He said, his moves becoming weird and like that of a madman.

The Pegasus slammed its hooves down to the wooden floor, clearly annoyed by the man. "Atata." The man wagged his fingers at the Pegasus, "You'll wake up the monsters I imprisoned under us." The Pegasus sarcastically neighed before flying down the tower and entering a small shack just beside the tower.

LINE BREAK

Issei vowed never to faint again. He woke up to see first grass. He knows officially know what grass taste like, it is certainly something you wouldn't want to eat. He spitted out the blades of grass, cringing at the flavor. 'Finally, Issei. One day, you'll be the one to kill me with worry and fear for you.' Albion's relieved, fatherly voice said. Issei smiled sheepishly, "Sorry Albion."

Albion sighed, 'Well, you got tortured painfully by those bastard fallen angels so I couldn't blame you for suddenly having hallucinations like that. You know, if only I had my body, I will kill those fallen angels slowly and definitely painfully for torturing you.' Issei laughed at this. He looked at his watch to see only five minutes has passed.

"I better enter. Wouldn't want to worry Dulio." Issei said to both himself and Albion. 'And you want to worry me?' Albion asked. Issei ignored him and started walking.

He let out a sigh of relief. He was glad it was all just a silly dream. He entered the staircase, smiling as the walls were back to normal, the plain, old and boring grey. He started climbing the stairs when a panicking Dulio was swiftly and skillfully jumping down the stairs, skipping a step or two. It was supposed to look epic only if Dulio wasn't looking up.

"He-" Issei tried to greet Dulio but Dulio slammed down on him hard. They both fell down the staircase.

"Ow." Issei muttered flatly. Dulio was doing the same thing, rubbing the back of his head.

Dulio opened his eyes then hugged him, "Issei!" He said in relief. "I thought you were taken. You suddenly were gone."

Issei laughed at this, "Taken? That won't happen again. Why do you look so tired?"

Dulio looked at him, dumbfounded. "You didn't feel it?"

"Feel what?"

"The wave that suddenly washed over the whole school. It caused us headaches and heavy fatigue suddenly."

"You mean, the whole school?"

"Yes, the devils and even the humans were affected. The humans fainted and some of the devils did. Rias, Akeno, and Kiba were barely able to stand, actually they can't stand. I was able to walk outside, although barely, to see you gone. You made me so nervous."

Issei shook his head while smiling, "Don't worry about me so much."

Dulio looked uneasy, "Are you ok? Seriously, are you ok?"

"Of course I am." Issei said, forcing a smile. Dulio knows Issei very much that he can tell if Issei's smile was a fake one or not, and he knows that this was definitely a forced, fake one.

Issei looked at Dulio's uneasy face and knew exactly what he was thinking. Even Issei admitted to himself that saying that statement and smiling feels…weird. 'It's ok not to hold it in.' Albion said, and for a moment, Issei considered opening up to the man he considered his brother. But ever so unselfish he was and decided not to. 'No, Albion. They will only get saddened by this. It is stupid to cry.'

'No, crying is actually good, Issei. Letting out all that sadness in your heart is better than keeping it to yourself.'

Issei didn't answer and left Dulio. Dulio sighed at this, 'And I thought he was finally going to let it all out.' Dulio sighed again before catching up to Issei.

"Anyways, Issei. Now I know why the students are acting extra weird today." Dulio said, smiling as he tried to think about what would Issei's expression will be.

At this, Issei perked up, "So what is the reason?"

Before Dulio could answer, Issei was sent falling down the ground. Asia was on top of him, hugging him tightly, "Onii-chan!" She squealed.

Issei laughed, "Asia." He said while patting Asia on the head. Dulio pouted, 'I was just about to tell him why.'

Issei stood up to be greeted by Kiba. Rias and Akeno gave him an extra long hug, to Issei's wonder. Koneko greeted Issei, not bothering to stand up, although she had a slight tinge on her cheeks. They all settled down the room. They all sat down except for Issei. He remained leaning on the wall.

They mostly talked about what happened to the underworld last week. To everyone's joy, Rias has successfully escaped the marriage forced to her. "Thank you, Dulio. Issei." She said with teary eyes.

A comfortable silence enveloped the room for a while. It was broken by Asia, "Onii-chan, you didn't tell us that you had a date last week!"

Issei suddenly loosed his balance and fell. "A date?" He asked, "I-I don't have a date! I-I certainly didn't g-go on a date with Gabriel." He said, stuttering. He was wondering how they knew.

Dulio sighed at this, 'For someone who keeps a secret, he's very bad at lying. Couldn't blame him, he was raised as an angel.'

Asia smiled at this and stuck her tongue out, "Ah. Ah ah." She scolded cutely, "No lying. I have hard evidence that you got on a date with someone." Asia comically showed the picture of Issei feeding Gabriel steak. Issei squeaked and blushed, "T-That's magic." He accused. The devils watched on, amused with how Issei is moving and failing to lie. They were used to the confident, easy-going Issei that this embarrassed and timid Issei is new to them. Although, Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were more mulling than watching.

"How do you know this?" Issei asked, surrendering.

Asia looked dumbfounded, "Are you kidding? The whole school knows!"

Issei became as pale as ghost, "The…The…The whole school!?" Issei asked, his mouth reached the ground.

Issei and Dulio exited the clubroom. Issei was still shocked, "What? How did that happen? The whole school knows?" Issei asked Dulio.

"Well, if a couple was super attractive and are natural eye-catchers, and they decided to stare to each other's eyes in the middle of a bustling street well…yeah." Dulio replied in an obvious manner.

Now that Issei knew why the students were extra weird, it got a little bit harder not to scream and run when they walked through the students. They entered the room to see their classmates looking at each other's cellphones, probably talking about the pictures of Issei and Gabriel, the "mystery" girl.

"No wonder Issei-kun doesn't even give us a glance, his girlfriend is so pretty." A girl, Issei believes Kiryuu was her name, whispered to Murayama who was emitting a jealous aura. Come to think of it, all the girls were emitting a jealous aura.

Katase looked sad, "Look at how Issei-kun wraps the scarf around her." Giving an angry emphasis on the word, her, "He looks so happy, she looks so happy, they look so perfect." She concluded sadly.

Even the boys were joining in, "That's one extra beautiful girl. If she enrolls to Kuoh Academy, she could easily usurp Rias-sama's throne."

"Damn it, that guy. He has a gorgeous angel to be his girlfriend." Matsuda said, jealousy in his voice. Dulio almost laughed at this, 'If only you knew that this girl was really an angel.'

Issei cleared his throat, surprising the class. They all returned quickly to their sits, looking as stiff as ever. They were looking straight to the board, like statues. Issei and Dulio shrugged at this and sat down their chairs. Issei just smiled and looked at his watch, it was 4:00 pm. He knew it wouldn't last long since they would probably either get bored, tired in remaining like statues, or an unexpected occurrence. And he was right.

"OH MY GOSH! Look!" A girl near the windows suddenly squealed and jumped up and down. She was pointing out the window. The whole class went to the window to see what she pointing too. Of course, since Dulio and Issei were much faster than a regular human, they reached it first.

Issei rubbed his eyes, not believing what he was seeing. It was his Gabriel, wearing a long white cotton dress with long sleeves. It had these trimmings that were going around it. She was also wearing a floppy straw hat that went well with her beautiful white blonde hair that were untied and flowing to her lower back. She looked like a model, the most beautiful at that. She just got out a golden and white carriage that you will probably see in princess movies. It was being pulled by two white horses and being driven by Azazel? The sun just emphasized her beauty as she walked elegantly out of the carriage.

Issei would have been happy to die, not because he was embarrassed, it was because he was so happy in seeing his beautiful princess. He noticed that his classmates were quickly and violently flashing their cellphones, the sound of photos taking filled the air. He also noticed that even the other classrooms had students going crazy and taking pictures. Someone opened their sliding door roughly.

"Issei, Gabriel wants to speak with you." Their math teacher said in a flat voice. Dulio and Issei instantly knew that this was Raphael's doing, he possibly casted a hypnotizing spell. He was walking towards Issei like a zombie. He handed him a bag, "Dress up, be quick."

Issei nodded at this and quickly got down the stairs. He ran forwards, as quickly as he can and entered the carriage. The whistling and the squealing of the girls were now getting louder. Issei blushed as he saw Gabriel, beautiful as ever.

They silently had a secret agreement to talk inside. Issei was awed at the beautiful inside of the carriage. It was straight out from a princess movie indeed. They sat opposite to each other.

Issei blushed as Gabriel smiled at him. "What are you doing here?" Issei asked.

Gabriel looked offended, "Why? You didn't want to see me?" She asked, about to cry.

Issei's eyes widened at this, he neared the corner of the seat and held his arms out, "No, that's not what I me-"

The carriage suddenly jumped, Issei was sent flying towards Gabriel. Their foreheads collided and their noses touched the tip of each other. Gabriel can smell the breath of Issei, smelled like spearmint. They were staring at each other's eyes intensely.

They both had slight blushes on their cheeks. Issei quickly backtracked, stuttering an apology, "S-Sorry." He said, his face hot. Gabriel fluttered her eyes softly at him, "Don't worry, Ise-kun." She said with a cute emphasis on Ise-kun.

Issei's eyes narrowed. Gabriel was enjoying teasing him. He looked down to see the bag the hypnotized math teacher gave him and an idea popped to his head. He suddenly messed his hair up purposely before looking up, smiling devilishly at Gabriel.

Now this time, it was Gabriel's turn to blush. Issei was staring at her with messy hair that somehow looked good on him. His eyes were looking at her confidently and his smile was that of a devil, a handsome devil at that. She felt her heart thump almost painfully against her ribcage. She resisted the urge to fan herself. She knows that look, she gulped. Her Issei probably has a plan to get her back.

Issei smiled as he saw the flushed expression on Gabriel's face. His plan was working, 'Time to go to step two.' He thought.

Gabriel's eyes widened when Issei slowly removed his black coat. She was living a scene right out of the movies. She always rolled her eyes at the girl who always gets flustered when a man removes his clothes slowly in movies, but know she knew the feeling. Issei was smiling charmingly at her, enjoying her flushed expression, and somehow she loved it. Issei's coat was now removed and he was moving unto the polo. He winked at her as he removed his tie provocatively. He threw his tie to the side of the carriage.

Gabriel crossed her legs and pursed her lips as Issei moved on the polo. Her wings must be flashing black to white if she had them open right now. Issei unbuttoned his polo, slowly showing bit by bit his swimmer's body. She was getting very uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time. The polo was completely removed and Issei was obviously flexing his body. He leaned on his seat and for one moment, sunrise suddenly entered the carriage and Gabriel's mouth dropped, Issei looked so perfect.

"I see your enjoying the view, Gabriel-chan." Issei said in an innocent voice, but he put some special emphasis on Gabriel-chan.

Gabriel glared at him halfheartedly, "You teaser!" She accused, although her blush didn't give her much help.

Issei opened the bag to see a white short sleeve button down slim summer dress shirt (Search up the entire description., starting from short and ending in shirt. You will see a black polo and a white polo, Issei is wearing the white one.) He put it on, having a hard time. It was very tight, the outline of what's under his shirt visible. He cursed, this was probably Uriel's doing. He was about to curse again when he saw the goggling Gabriel and he smiled, not a teasing one but a genuine one this time.

Gabriel was still gawking at the perfectly sculpted body when a finger gently held her by the chin and closed her mouth. She blushed in embarrassment, swatting the hand away before she looked up to see Issei smiling at her, a sweet, loving, and heart-warming smile. She blushed even more, 'No, smile a teasing one!' Gabriel thought frantically, 'If you smile like that, I'll just blush even more!'

Well, Gabriel wasn't so lucky as Issei cupped her face gently, "I could stare at your beautiful face all day and not get tired of it." He said innocently and sweetly.

Gabriel swore that she has never blushed so hard before. The way Issei smiled at her, the way he gently cupped her face, and the way he said those sweet words were just so…romantic. "Now, now, lovebirds. Do that sweet talk later. I am getting distracted here." Azazel's teasing voice was heard.

Both of them blushed in embarrassment, "Right. Azazel-sama is the one driving the carriage." Issei said.

He sat near his princess, blushing at the warmth that Gabriel produced. The latter also blushed as Issei sat beside her. "So, where are we going anyways?" Issei asked.

"Well…" Gabriel began with a cheeky smile, "We never did get the chance to end our date properly, no?"

"It was your first date, and it was also my first date so we can't just let it end…like that."

Issei didn't mind the second statement and instead nodded her head in agreement, "Well, I suppose I couldn't possibly let my princess's firs date to end like that."

"Baka, I'm doing this for you." She said glaring before blushing as she realized what she just said.

"For me?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you, I guess?"

"Damn, you two went from seduction to awkwardness." Azazel blurted out. Both of them blushed and simultaneously shouted, "Shut up!" Azazel just chuckled.

LINE BREAK

(A/N) I posted the next part since this chapter was getting too long? Guys! Please review!