~Chapter 2: A Devil Dies. An Angel is born~

A new day has come, and Issei couldn't help but feel very perplexed by just what he was going to tell the girl of his dreams. That he has a major crush on her and that he wants him and Rias to be a couple. But this wasn't just any girl. This was Rias Gremory. For Issei the timing had to be just right. Everything had to be perfect. Not a foot out of place.

That day while Rias was away attending a meeting with the other remaining high class Devils of the 72 pillars Issei called an emergency meeting that was being held at his mansion. "So why'd you call us over here Issei? Not that I'm not willing to help out a friend", Kiba asked his attire of a plain white shirt and gym shorts must've meant he was working out before this. "I'm sorry you guys if I was interrupting something important but I have some big news. Today I'm finally going to tell Buchou how I feel."

And then there was silence.

"I'm so happy for you Issei", Gasper spoke first breaking the awkward silence that had formed between the group of friends. Looks of shock still written on their faces. Suddenly one by one they came back. "Well then, make sure you have plenty of confidence, I believe in you Issei", Kiba encouraged. "I hope this doesn't interfere with us having babies", Xenovia wondered aloud while treating herself to a lollipop. Asia blushed while looking at Issei with her innocent puppy eyes. "A-are you really gonna ask her Issei?", Asia asked her voice a bit wavering.

Issei nodded, his eyes lit ablaze with pure conviction. "Yes I'm 100% ready. But I want me asking Buchou and the date to be perfect. Will you guys help me?" Rosswiesse just chuckled. "As if you needed to ask." And the group of friends set out to work.

Akeno and Rosswiesse worked together to pick out Issei a good looking expensive suit, Koneko managed to pull some connections to get Issei reservations at a fancy restaurant downtown. Asia and Gasper helped by telling Issei proper manners and etiquette for this formal dinner. After what seemed like hours upon hours of strenuous practicing and practicing, Issei finally thought he had it down.

Checking his watch for the time it read 8:15. It was time. Akeno had called Rias and made up a story of the two going out to dinner together and naturally Rias agreed. Meanwhile everyone left the house saying they had stuff to do while Issei made his way down to the restaurant. After checking in with his reservation they led the Red Dragon Emperor to a table for two and handed him a menu. The young boy eager for the appearance of his date.

As a waiter came by with water Issei went to have a light sip only to realize joint how much his hands were shaking and his heart pounding. Come on Issei. Don't screw this up. After somehow managing a few sips of water Issei put down the cup and chose to wait for Rias, waiting for her to walk through the front glass doors.

Issei smiled as pervertedly thought of the events that would happen once he got home if this date went as planned. Everyone had somewhere to be and Rias and Issei would have the house all to themselves. It made the young Red Dragon extremely impatient.

It's been nearly half an hour and Rias still had not arrived, and many people were beginning to stare and whisper at Issei, the table occupied by one clearly for two. "Would you like to order now sir?", the waiter asked. Issei shook his head solemnly. "No I think I'm just gonna go." My pride's been damaged enough already.

Issei slowly walked home gazing up at the stars. The bright glittering jewels made the night sky extra beautiful tonight. Once he made it to his family's mansion he opened the door to see all the light's had been turned out and not a single soul in sight. Guess it's just me then, Issei deduced as he loosened his tie and began to unbutton his shirt. But the sound of a strange voice made the Red Dragon Emperor pause.

Could he be hearing things?

But then he heard it again. And it seemed to be coming from upstairs. Walking up the grand wooden staircase he found that the sound came form his room. Quietly creeping down the hall to his bedroom door to find it open just a crack. Without trying to alert his presence he summoned his Red Dragon Gauntlet ready to pound any intruders in his home. But the voice echoed…..and it was Rias…..moaning.

What the hell is she doing in my room? Issei thought.

"How does that feel?", a male voice asked cutting through Rias's moan. Instantly Issei felt something strike him hard in the chest.

"Yes. It feels good", Rias moaned, "give me more."

The male voice chuckled. "Remember how we used to sneak into your father's study and make out. But now we get to go deeper." A shrill cry came from Rias which sounded like someone nearly on the edge. "Faster, faster", Rias moaned sloppily.

Issei felt a wide range of emotions running through him. The most dominant one being rage. Without thinking clearly Issei busted through the door. "What the hell is—", Issei's eyes widened at the sight. Rias was stark naked bending over his desk while a large shirtless and bottomless guy covered up most of the view of Rias's ass. Rias looked startled. "Issei! What are you doing here!?", she asked trying to cover herself.

The man fucking Rias turned to Issei who the Red Dragon Emperor now recognizes as Nicodemus. The high ranking Devil that they saved yesterday. Looking at the sight before him he felt his heart shatter. And with those broken pieces Issei leaped down to the first floor and out the door. The echoing voice of Rias calling out to him. But Issei didn't stop.

He ran and ran until he was deep into the woods, the trees standing tall to block out most of the moonlight. Tears of sorrow flowed from Issei's cheeks.

Why? Why would she do this to me?

It seems like such a simple question. But it was a question that Issei didn't have the answer too.

[I'm sorry you had to see that partner], Ddraig spoke for the first time in a while. But Issei just crumbled to his knees. Rias betrayed him. Rias who he did and gave up everything for. His heart, his mind, his soul, his arm. And that still wasn't enough for her.

And even though he ran away from her now he couldn't leave. For he was bound to her by the Evil Pieces. As long as this devil essence resides in his body he will be forever bound to serve Rias and look at Nicodemus's face everyday knowing that he fucked Rias. Or evade the Crimson Haired Ruin Princess and turn into a mindless stray.

And that's when the idea hit him. What if I remove the pieces from my body?

[Woah, think about this for a moment Issei. The Evil Pieces are how you are alive. It's what brought you from entering the realm of death. Removing the pieces could result in your death.]

Issei sobbed as his tears continued to flow like rivers. "I don't care", he whispered and then he was bathed in a crimson light. It burned. It burned as if someone stabbed him with a light spear and were now slowly taking their time to take it out. But once the pain subsided Issei was happy to find all the Pawn pieces in his hands before letting them fall to the floor.

The world was getting dark and Issei's vision was getting blurry. As Issei's body fell limp Issei slumped to the ground facing the wide luminous moon above. Ddraig. Promise me that you'll always stay.

[I'll always be with your partner. All the way to the very ends of Time and space.]

Issei smiled knowing he still had someone he could trust. And he left the darkness consume him. And he felt…..

Free.

Darkness.

Issei was swimming in it. That's what it felt like. He wouldn't know what it looked like as his eyes were swollen shut. Is this the afterlife. Aren't I supposed to go to Heaven or the Underworld!?"

As Issei drifted away further into the darkness he thought of Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, and Rosswiesse. What would they think of this?

Issei's thoughts were dismissed when a bright light cut through the darkness, the light having such a strong intensity it temporarily blinded him. But this light felt different. Unlike the darkness it felt warm and comforting. Why have you come here you tortured soul?, a voice asked. It was definitely female but it sounded strange and ethereal. From another world.

Why have to traveled here to my realm of death? The voice questioned once more. "My name is Issei Hyoudou. I was betrayed by the one I cared about most, and so I sentenced myself here." Instantly Issei felt soft smooth skin grace his as he opened his eyes. The light was still incredible but he could just barely make out a human face, long flowing hair and angel wings.

I have seen into your past and you've suffered a great deal. But I am not without gratitude as you've filled your heart with such love and benevolence. Issei couldn't help but snort.

Yeah and look what that's got me. Nothing.

How about I propose something?", the strange voice asked.

"And just what is it that you propose?" Issei asked.

I present to you two choices. You can follow the path into the afterlife and die, or serve as one of my Knights. To write your own destiny and to project the very fabric of two realms.

Now Issei had heard many things about the gods but this wasn't one of them. Every god says there doing things for the greater good but it's always for there own personal gain.

Having no other choice and still wanting to make a difference- a purpose, Issei accepted. Issei could've sworn he briefly saw the face of a woman smiling down back in him.

"I accept your offer. I will become your Knight in exchange to write my own destiny!"

And that's when Issei's body began to glow bright white. The figure of the light and floating woman began to fade into nothingness. "Wait! Issei called out. Who are you!?" He screamed.

The goddess turned as she smiled. "I am Etro. The Queen of Nothing and the Goddess of Death." And then everything went stark white.

A/N: Please write reviews about and let me know what you think. Also leaves suggestions for this series as I do look at the reviews. Have a nice day or night.