Chapter 22 Issei and the Lightning Phoenix
Issei and Konrad lay in bed both lost in slumber bliss, he was the first to stir as the sun hit his face, He woke up with a loud groan. Konrad easily sat up from the bed and smiled at her love seeing how she lay in the same bed as him. Today was the duel between Fulgrim and him. She wanted to see Issei win and she believed he could, he kept putting the Khan on her feet every training match, and he became stronger. Vulkan weight training had improved Issei's ability and Lorgar's constant support, was groundbreaking. Issei slowly opened his eyes and let out a big yawn. His lips were dry and he wiped away the gunk in his eyes.
"Good morning Konrad," He greeted. He got up and gazed toward Konrad. "Good morning Issei."
"Hey win or lose will you-" Konrad had cut him off.
"I'll still love you Issei, don't worry I believe in you." She carefully rubbed his back, taking the time to enjoy the company, Issei wished he could stay like this forever. Konrad hid in the shade of the room but wished the same, they both could hear footsteps, Lorgar opened the door she blushed seeing how cozy they were.
"Greetings Issei, I trust you are ready today." Lorgar asked.
"Of course, just needed a good cuddling session with my girl." He said. Konrad softly chuckled. Though Lorgar just wanted to make sure he was ready. "Well if you two don't mind I wish for you to get an earlier breakfast, which I happily prepared for you."
Issei found that to be really kind. He wanted to thank Lorgar for all the hard work she had been doing, not to mention making sure he was staying positive.
"Thank's Lorgar, I really appreciate everything you have been doing, all you guys." Lorgar blushed at his word and slyly smiled.
"Well I do like helping people, you said so yourself." Lorgar inquired. He couldn't argue with that. He got up from the bed and Konrad did the same, they got ready and headed down to the mess hall. Konrad wore her helmet, while Lorgar began to draw in her book, Konrad took a quick glance at the pages, noticing a lot of them were illustrations of Issei. If she knew any better she would have said Lorgar was in love with him. Issei did wonder what Fulgrim was doing was she even preparing for the fight or did her prideful attitude hinder her?
Fulgrim soaked in the bath, the lavender petals, she stared at the roof of the bathroom seeing the titled blue ceiling, Lost in her own thoughts thinking of the battle to come. She had watched videos on his phone, read messages, and studied all the information on the phone. Yes, there was a lot of pornographic material, and was there a disturbing amount of it; yes there was. Though it didn't deter me from learning more about him. All the matches and short videos told a lot about him. He was a kind man who fought for his friends, he was awe-inspiring in his rating games but she could see he wore a mask. It was obvious he never confessed his love for the Rias girl. It was strange he was so close to his goal and then he failed. It was all tragic to her.
The poor thing still held his mask and wondered has he ever truly fought for himself. Floating in the pool she closed her eyes.
"Why am I even thinking about this? He is weak and I will beat him. That means I'll have to touch his super soft skin- concentrate, enough after all this I be done with this nonsense, He's just a greedy dragon who can't fight for himself."
While lying there she would make sure not to underestimate him. She would shove that in his face no matter what and prove who she was. Issei will never see what's coming for him. She then glanced at the end of the pool to see the thing she crafted ready for battle. Smiling at her own work, it would surely put Issei down. She did wonder who would be on that field first, maybe Issei would chicken out and won't even show. She swam to the edge of the pool and pulled herself out. All these questions would be answered today. Taking an animal pelt to dry off, her fingers danced across her hair like tempest straining the water out. She would be the last there and see the terror in his cute eyes.
Fuglrim stopped her train of thought but shook it off. The fight was today and she was ready to slay a greedy dragon; she called him that because of how he wouldn't let go of the past. Putting on her ropes she popped her neck.
"Alright let's get the slaughter over with." She said out loud. Maybe she would get lucky and the rest of the sisters could watch Issei fail. Chuckling filled the room while she left the steamy bath.
Issei sat at one of the giant tables, and Konrad, Vulkan, Lorgar, and The Khan sat with him. All of them waiting for some to say something, he was busy eating his breakfast, while the others calmly waited. To be honest, they believed Issei would win, Vulkan felt a bit torn but wanted Issei to win the match. The Khan had dueled with Issei the past days and it always ended with a tie, to be honest, the Khan held back but made sure to push him to his limit. Konrad could see how ready Issei was and made her happy, this would be a great match to take her pomset sister down a peg, though she did respect her; Fulgrim was the first to guide her through the stages of war and tried to be her friend. Konrad could always sense her fear but she understood why. Who wouldn't fear the night hunter?
Issei sat calmly waiting for Fulgrim to approach him. He would like to finish his meal before the duel. The door to the mess hall opened to show Angron herself standing in her pelt clothes. Her eyes caught on Issei and walked over to the table.
"So Issei are you ready for the duel." She asked. Angron could see how composed Issei was, to the untrained eye he was just eating but she could see how ready he was. Issei glanced at him and gave a nod. Angron's eye also caught the blade by his hip. Vulkan had crafted a blade for him.
"I also see Vulkan treated you right, Thank you sister." Angron said. Vulkan slyly looked away. "It was no trouble at all my sister."
"So what time did she say to meet her." The Khan asked. Issei then remembered that she didn't say a time. He shrugged his shoulders not knowing the answer. The Khan's face palmed at Issei's answer. Lorgar of course had a puzzled look.
"She didn't say a time to meet today." Angron asked. Surely her sister said a time otherwise that would be ridiculous. Konrad held in a chuckle knowing the answer.
"Nothing." Issei answered.
"Of course, she didn't." All of the sisters said in sync. Issei smiled at them. The Khan caught now to his smirk wondering what he was up to.
"You know something boy so spill." The Khan said.
"So I thought I could meet her during sunset, you know when the shadows are best," Issei said. Angron was impressed at seeing how Issei was taking advantage of his surrounding. Konrad liked the idea of the home-field advantage as well. Lorgar thought it was genius and wrote it down in her book.
The Khan laughed seeing how this was Fulgrim's fault, not taking in the little things and focusing too much on the big picture.
"Oh, that's too much fun." The Khan said. She really wanted to see her sister lose and how glorious it would be. Enjoying the idea the Khan hoped the battle wouldn't last too long. She did have to do more exploring. Issei than gazed at Angron.
"Hey, don't you have to work?" He asked Angron. "Yes well, Rogal said she didn't require my help anymore, I'm still under house arrest though." She said sadly.
"Unless you are accompanied by one of us." Vulkan said inviting Angron to come with them. The time was soon coming to them, and Issei waited for the perfect time to face his opponent. "I'm not gonna lose this time."
Meanwhile at the training grounds.
It was the morning, and a mile away was the training ground, it was a giant dirt floor, outlined by wooden logs making a training circle. It was giant, while most of the surrounding trees were cut down giving plenty of space for other activities. Furlgim stood on the far edge of the arena. She wore her shiny armor, while a large bag hung over her shoulder. She had worked on these to give her an edge. Any moment he would be here. Any moment now, Fulgrim waited.
After a couple of seconds, she realized her fatal mistake.
"Fuck, I forgot to say the time." Fulgrim said she was not a fan of using such crass language but this was on her.
"I wouldn't worry he'll show." Fulrgim turned around to see Alpharius standing behind her. Fulgrim backed away surprised by her strange sister. Not too many understood Alpharius, always in the corner of the room plotting and never really speaking her mind. Fulgrim simply turned her attention forward, waiting to face Issei. Alpharuis walked to the outside of the field.
"Aw, so you came here to watch me win, against that boy, well ill try and make it exciting to watch. Fulgrim snorted thinking how to end she could end the match. "but I'll doubt he'll put up a fight."
Alpharius chuckled at her sister, earring a half-lid glare. "And what amuses you today Alpharius?" She asked.
Alpharius stabbed her spear into the ground and sat down on a large stump. "I just can't wait to see the fight, that's all." in truth she was there to watch, wanting to know more about Issei, though her other was to go and watch and study the information on the phone Horus found.
"I'm sure he'll be here any moment," Fulgrim said. Though Alpharius could see that when Issei would possibly show up would take a long while.
Fulgrim waited and held her spot, after a couple of hours she still waited, then another hour, then four more hours.
"He'll be here any moment now." She said. It was then another had arrived Fulgrim glanced to her right to see Corvax, out in the open wanting to watch the match.
Another couple of hours passed, and Alpharius soon became bored and looked at the shadows on the ground to tell the time. "Are you sure his coming?"
"Silence Alpharius!" Her voice was on the brink of anger. She waited until the sunset and the shadows were at their sharpest. Fulgrim waited for too long and wonder where the hell was he. Did rethink his choice, Issei would never run especially with all the information he knew about him. The matriarch felt a tinge of fear enter her mind. Alpharius could see the confusion on her face. It entertained her seeing how little there was to do.
"He wouldn't just leave me here in shame, we had a duel, there's no way he could make me look like a fool." She thought. Fulgrim felt a bit embarrassed, there were supposed to duel in glorious combat. She felt her blood boil in rage while her feet dug into the ground. Her teeth were grinding, the elegant matriarch was now replaced with raging women.
"DID I JUST GET STOOD UP BY THE HOTTEST GUY I EVER MET!" Fulgrim thought she then began to rage more. "DAMMIT, I KEEP CALLING HIM HOT! AAAAAAAHAAAA!"
She would have thrown a bloody fit, she stopped when she heard the steps of many approaching her. On the horizon, Konrad, Lorgar, The Khan, Angron, and Vulkan walked and sat on the other side of the ring. Fulgrim was a bit surprised to see so many faces. She faced Angron to see a glare stabbed at her. Fulgrim even had a dirty gaze on The Khan wondering why she was there. Konrad was what scared her; it seemed the two grew close, and perhaps a deep friendship bloomed between them. She didn't see Issei as a coward of her sister, so where was he?
"I'm right here Fulgrim." Issei called out from a distance. Fulgrim could see that he was already wearing his armor. Her eyes latched on the sword on his hip, which was Vulkan's work. His face is open to the elements. His whole demeanor was calm, ready to hit the storm ahead. Fulgrim did the same, not taking any chances with her opponent. Issei could feel the heat in the air that Fulgrim's aura gave off. The second Issei took a step into the ring, that aura stopped, it was a way of Fulgrim wanting to exchange words before the brawl. He glanced up to see Fulgrim having a snicker on her face.
"Well, I'll give credit to stepping in the ring with me boy." Fulgrim unsheathed her blade and held it strongly in her right hand. "Though if you want to concede, you can leave with some of your honor."
"Funny was gonna say the same but less douchey." He retorted. Fulgrim gave no mind to the comeback. Though flexed her finger over the handle of her blade.
"You're still one to hold a grudge over the small things, then again you are young, you don't know the murders you fight for." She said, Angron and Konrad had told Issei of their terrible deeds and he still would fight for them.
"If you're trying to get in my head, then I have a newsflash for you, it's not gonna work." Issei said. He still had to ask about Angrons and Konrad's crimes but he knew of them. He had to face that truth sooner or later. Fulgrim snickers seeing how mature he is acting. "He always thinks of others." Konrad thought.
"So what are the rules, knock you off the ring, hit the person's back-" Issei listened only to be cut off by Fulgrim laughing.
"Oh Issei this is no silly game we fight until one surrender, that is real combat, try not to confuse your silly rating games with real battle," Fulgrim said, Issei gripped his fist in rage. Though still kept his cool. Angron knew that Fulgrim was poking the bear and she didn't know what she got into. His helmet shut over his head.
"Well let's do this Fulgrim," Issei shouted. Before he could make the first step, Fulgrim had a sly grin.
"Before we duel perhaps we can make a wager," Fulgrim said. All of them wanted to know what the wagger was. The matriarchs knew it was a trap a mile away. Though did Issei have the wisdom to tell the false word in her voice?
"Absolutely not!" Issei shouted back. Fulgrim was a bit taken aback after watching hours of past videos on his phone she thought he takes the opportunity, The Khan no in approval seeing how Issei would not fall for any tricks. Corvus and Angron were glad he wouldn't fall for those tricks.
"Why's that Issei, afraid you might lose." She mocked.
"Yes." He answered. Fulgrim scoffed at the answer.
"So you are afraid of this match and that means you already lost." Fulgrim said, though it made sense when fighting you have to throw all those feelings, especially when fighting the strong. Konrad disagreed with her words, fear is what drives people to do the insane and pushes them towards new heights.
"I'm not afraid of you, I'm afraid of losing the duel, but that doesn't I'll take you lightly, your getting all of me in this fight, so let's get this started." He said grabbing his sword by his side. Fulgrim gave a cocky smile.
"Alright, will someone please start us off?" Fulgrim said, wielding her fire blade. Konrad stood up and glanced at the two.
"When I say start, you'll duel," Konrad said. Both had no problem with that and waited, they ready themself wanting to know more to tear into each other. The wind started to pick up, making Fulgrim's hair blow in the wind. While Issei lowered his stance. The time was now for the man from another world to face the Phoenician. Both of the waited for Konrad's word to start the match.
.
.
.
.
"Began!"
Issei and Fulgrim charged at each other both of their blades crashed into each other, the force of the collision made a small shock wave, rushing over the audience. They easily stood their ground and watched the battle unfold.
While their blades halted the other, Fulgrim snickers at Issei. She was oddly impressed that he held back her strength, the video she watched certainly didn't let her down. While Issei gritted his teeth behind his helmet. He remembered one of the Khan techniques and pulled the blade away, slashing under her handle. Fulgrim pulled her hand back before the blade could reach her. She pulled back her right fist and swung downward, Issei backed away in time letting her fist smash into the ground making a crater. Issei bolted at her and struck her armored arm. Fulgrim felt the blade and sliced through her armor, grazing her arm. She punched Issei's stomach so hard it sent him back a couple of feet.
He landed on his feet and could see how she looked at the blood dripping from the cut he made. "You cut me."
Fulgrim wasn't angry or annoyed, she did a usual attack and he avoided it. This fight felt different like there was more weight on her shoulders. He had not fallen in the first strike. She simply turned her attention to Issei, seeing how he was waiting for her, He could have kept fighting but he was waiting for her. Fulgrim smiled, he was fighting just like in those videos.
"You're still the prideful dragon Issei, you're still holding on to that regret." Fulgrim taught. Issei wouldn't let the comment get to him. He slowly steadies himself for another strike. Only Fulgirm didn't move she still marveled at the blood leaking from the metal. She laughed though Issei wasn't thrown off by his ready attack.
"No wonder that Rias girl never fell in love with you." She said. Issei felt his emotion snap and leaps at Fulgrim with his sword aiming at her neck. Angron and Konrad both narrowed their eyes at Fulgrim, she was playing dishonorable and it disgusted a lot of them. Issei charged recklessly but Fulgrim smiled, grabbed Issei by his chest plate, and slammed him down. Issei swiftly gripped her wrist that was forcing with to the ground, then in the last moments, the back of his feet hit the ground and with all his strength toss Fulgrim over his shoulder. She maneuvered to land on her feet, then charged at him at full speed.
"I'll catch him off guard with my speed." Fulgrim thought but with Issei's quick reflexes and days of training with the Khan, that blazing speed they had was no longer a blur to his eyes. Issei blocked her attack with his sword. Issei was pushed back but he would try his absolute best to defeat Fulrgim without his shadow tricks. Issei pushed back Fulgrim back and started to parry more of her attacks. Fulgrim started to get annoyed but smiled knowing she wasn't even going all the way out. She collided blades with him sending him back into the air, while he landed Fulgrim ready her stance and moved so fast an afterimage started to appear behind her; it looked as though she moved slowly but she zoomed at Issei, The attacks were starting to become harder to parry and the slip of his foot, a fast strike shot towards his shoulder, though his armor stopped the blade from stabbing into him, Issei was launched back feeling that possible his shoulder was broken.
Issei stood his ground shrugging off the pain, he could still move it, in fact, it felt like the darkness in his armor was fixing the damage. He couldn't let his emotions run him, he had to be smart or it would cost him dearly; While the wrapped weapon on her back was still a danger to him. Fulgrim knew it was a dirty trick to pull on Issei but the fact remained that he was still an unknown factor, she had taken any chance she could. Konrad and Angron wanted to go up and stop this match but both knew they couldn't, this was his fight and they had to deal with that. Vulkan didn't enjoy the idea though this was a duel; to interfere would be a mockery.
"Oh, what's the matter that struck a nerve, how careless of me." Fulgrim said Issei blocked out her words and held his stance waiting for Fulgrim to make the next move. "Well to be fair you're still a greedy dragon holding on to the past, Oh what a tragedy."
"Do you ever stop talking?" Issei said, Fulgrim smiled and stared at Issei again, her movement was so smooth and loose Issei was almost confused by the attack but quickly saw past it and leaped into the fray, Fulgrim had not accounted for the brash action and Issei got close enough to slash her face, She pulled her head back and barely dogged the attack. She backed away and smirked.
"HA is that all, you're capable of pathetic-" Fulgrim stopped speaking when she noticed a pile of silver hair lying on the ground. She Shackley reached for her own hair, only for her eyes to widen in horror. She gave an audible gasp at her now short-cut hair, now barely reaching her upper neck, it was butchered, while cut unevenly. It took her years to perfect it, Now all those days of hard work, are down the drain. Issei still held his stance in truth the attack was an accident but still would take responsibility.
"You hit my personal spots, I'll hit yours." Issei gave his witty response. Fulgrim was now shaking with rage as her eyes were locked on her hair.
"You-You-You-You" Fulgrim stuttered as her emotions wove up in her. Issei started to feel bad he didn't want to make her cry. The Khan knew how much she cared about the finer thing in her own life, like hair, clothes, and status; though it was silly in the Khan's eyes
"YOU MISERABLE BASTARD, I'LL GUT YOU LIKE THE SWING YOU ARE!" Fulgrim shouted, her eyes blazed with flames and her voice shook Issei's soul. She dashed at Issei, and with blinding speed, a storm of blades was coming at Issei, so he bunked down and waited for the storm to approach. Issei felt like he was in a blender, Fulgrim was dancing around him constantly slashing him, making each hit from the blade smash into him. Issei thinking quickly roundhouse kicked one of her strikes away. She charged again expecting to lead with her sword, and Issei related by slicing downward, Though Fulgrim grabbed the rapped cloth behind her, His eye widen as a sharp stip push Issei back to the ground, pinning him there.
Fulrgim had a spear in her left hand, The base of it was silver, and the tip a sharp gold metal. Issei found the spear trying to punch past his armor but failed. Issei was pinned to the ground As Fulgrim put her weight on the spear keeping Issei down.
"Issei do you see this weapon, I heard that in legends, the spear was the most effective at killing greedy dragons like you." She said with a venomous tone. Issei was slowly trying to push back the spear.
"I'm not a dragon anymore- so why did you keep- bringing it up!" Issei yelled back.
"BECAUSE YOU STILL ACT LIKE ONE, HOLDING ON TO EVERYTHING, HAVE YOU EVEN FOUGHT once for yourself, No cause, No personal tie, only for yourself?" Fulgrim shouted. Issei for once could not answer, yes he had wanted to be the harem king but that dream was for him, that's who he was and he would be the greatest king of them all. Issei found some amount of inner strength and gave a mighty shove at the spear side, pushing it off and tackling Fulgrim to the dirt floor, her sword fell out of her hand but she threw her spear knocking off Issei.
He could feel the weight of his past holding him down and refused to be a slave to his own past. He was Issei and he would make sure Fulgrim knew that. Though those past lashes were still on him.
Fulgrim felt angered by the turn of events, she was a matriarch being made for war and she was being held back by this sad excuse of a warrior, though she felt something deep inside a feeling that she didn't expect, she was happy, she wanted more of this fight. All of the others watched with great interest, Vulkan had never seen her sister pushed this far.
Fulgrim stood up and grab Firebrand off the ground, She crashed blades at Issei forcing silver tongue out of his hands, she tried to force him back with the spear but he caught the weapon and tugged it out of her hand and threw it to the side. She slashed her blade downward, but he narrowly dodged it and realized this was his chance, he quickly picked up his blade and slashed Furlgim across the face, She let out a grunt of pain as he now stood behind her, Fulgrim put a metal hand to her glove as some of the blood got in her eye. Issei in a quick action slammed his fist into her core knocking the air out of her lungs.
Fulgrim still stood but her legs were shaking. Lorgar had stood up and clamped her hand for her sister was brought down by such great technique. Though almost all of them looked at Lorgar with raised eyebrows.
"What you have to admit this is an awesome show would you not." All of the couldn't argue with her words but Angron and Konrad felt unease seeing how Fulgrim was pulling dirty tricks to get an edge pissed them both off.
Fulgrim raised her hand off her face to smack Issei away, though he jumped away before the blow could make contact. His eye widened in shock seeing how her cut was already healed. She smiled seeing the shock on his face.
"Oh does this bring back memories for you doesn't it, In fact, I was insulated by your world's phoenixes, they think they owned the world when in truth, they were simply a lower class like you? They lacked beauty and refused to strive beyond their petty flames." Fulgrim said. Issei was at a loss for words, how did she know this, he wasn't that detailed when he told his story. All the others thought the same told by his body language that she was right. Fulgrim could see his stance staggered a little and smiled.
"How do you know that!" Issei yelled, wondering what they have been telling him, were they lying to him? He felt an ounce of fear enters his heart, but he still has a plan.
"Oh Issei I know of all your rating games, I think I know you better than you know yourself, you greedy dragon, still holding on to that red devil girl," Fulgrim said. Issei lept towards her with his blade in his hand, She easily moved out of the way and strikes him down, nailing him to the ground. Issei gritted his teeth in pain. Corvus wanted to jump into the fray and stop this, Fulgrim was using Issei's fear against him. Konrad wished she could have better prepared him for this.
Fulgrim struck her sword trying to skewer him, with her firebrand. He quickly rolled out of the way. Though was kicked and skidded on the ground. Fulgrim still held a perfect smile. Issei glanced up seeing only a venomous snake striking his heart.
"Well, it's a shame, that girl threw herself at the Riser fellow after you refused to give up, so all your hard work was in vain. How sad, and even in your rating game with her cousin. You are still lost because you hold on to everything, no wonder she couldn't love." Fulgrim said. Issei felt his rage snap as he lashed out wildly, Fulgrim easily predicted his moments.
She slashed his midsection armor, finally cutting it away, showing the clothes underneath. Fulgrim smiled as she quickly danced behind him, cutting his back and removing more of his armor. Held tried to strike back but failed when Fulgrim knocked the sword out of his hand. Sliver Young was stabbed into the ground away from Issei. He looked up in a daze to see Fulgrim moving lightning fast going in for a stabbing motion, Issei, quickly stepped to the side but the blade grazed deep into his right torso side.
Fulgrim swiftly threw a right hook to Issei's helmet knocking it off his head and letting him fall to the ground, Issei weakly stood up, only to be quickly put down by Fulgrim's spear ripping off his left shoulder. tearing off some of his flesh. The force might have destroyed his left arm, yet he still stood.
Angron and Konrad were about to jump in to stop this match, While the Khan had her blade ready, seeing how Fulgrim had been using her own cheap tricks and taunting to make him act out. Before anyone could step on the ring.
"NO ONE IS TO INTERFERE!." Shouted Lorgar getting in their way, all of them were surprised but Lorgar looked them dead in the eyes.
"What is the meaning of this Lorgar, He'-."
"I still believe he can do this!" She yelled back. Angron stood up and gripped Lorgar by the shoulder.
"The fight is over, we have to get him out of there." Angron yelled. Lorgar simply held her ground. "Has he surrendered yet?"
All of them gazed at Lorgar, seeing her point of view. Lorgar slowly pushed away Angron's arms. She then gave a hopeful look into his eyes.
"Issei must see this fight though and I still believe he can win, don't you." Lorgar said. Angron glanced past Lorgar's shoulder, her eyes went wide seeing how Issei was still standing and willing to fight to the end. The Khan was gonna retort to her madness, the Angron sat down gripping her hands nervously. Konrad did the same, wanting to know what would happen, believing her love would win; she even refused to look into the future, that no matter what he would prevail.
"What are you doing?" The Khan asked
"This is Issei's fight, not for us to judge the outcome," Angron said.
"We believe he can win." Konrad calmly said. The others watched how they believed and oddly made them want to hope for the same outcome. Vulkan could see the great effect Issei had on the two and she couldn't risk that. She took a step forward only to feel the hand Konrad grasp hers.
"Vulkan please believe." Konrad said in a weak voice. Vulkan halted and gritted her teeth in furious anger. She took a step back and watched hoping for the best. The Khan had to let this play out now, all of her raw emotion was on the table.
Fulgrim slowly pulled her spear from the ground and glared at him; giving a snarky smile. She could see how hard it was for Issei to stand and how weak he was from the beating he took. His head bleeding and his right face was swollen.
"This is why you wouldn't win because you have never fought for yourself, how does a beast bite with no teeth, how does the eagle fly without its wings, how does a man fight without his soul, surrender or die." She said, pointing her blade at him. Issei felt a smile crack on his face. Fulgrim could see and it bothered her.
"What are you smiling about?" She asked in a harsh tone of voice.
"That's rich coming from you, Miss Perfectionist," Issei said he's breath ragged and angry. Fulrgim rose a curious brow. "What's that supposed to mean."
"You think you're the only one with dirt, HA I know all of your self-image problems while trying to push yourself further for your dear old dad, never once thought of your problems or feeling putting all his expectations, giving you a self-image problem might I add."
"Shut up," Fulgrim said. "At least I was never a slave to whatever false love, you believed." She quickly brought the sword down, but Issei had many tricks up his sleeve. His eyes turned to pitch dark black.
"Hole to the Unkown." Issei was instantly covered in a dome of shadows. Firebrand hit only darkness as the darkness protected Issei. Konrad's eyes widened, that was his perfect defense, though what was Issei planning?
"What?" She asked as her blade hit nothing. Fulgrim slashed again, nothing happened as her blade hit nothing again, she slowly backed away feeling no warp come from it.
Issei sat in the dome shrouded by darkness. He felt like passing out his body had a serious injury and his plan to face her honorable was out the window. He had to trust in the shadows. That was the only place he could go to find his answer. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
He felt himself falling into the void, though he held his eyes close not wanting to spoil the magic, he felt the falling stop, and he reacted by gripping his hands hard, finding pain in his grip. He forced his eyes open to see he was dangling in the black abyss held by thousands of black chains. While his right hand held a sharp stone tight, drawing his blood and leaking into the void without cause or reason. Issei felt so alone in the void as lowered his head down.
"Will you die for me?"
"You're the worst."
"Issei is horrible."
"You are very bad"
"Will you be my mighty pawn?"
"I can't believe your our son."
"Will you die for me!"
"Will you die for me!"
"Will you die for me!"
"Will you die for me!"
"Will you die for me!"
As the voice pondered his ears, Issei gripped the stone harder, cutting deeper into his hand, this is what the curse had done was amplify, but now it was gone and what was left was the truth. He didn't know what to do but he held the stone tighter, causing him more pain.
Angron on the outside could see Issei's defense against Fulgrim was making her angry. Seeing Issei so alone made her want to smash Fulgrim's stupid face, she wanted to lend help. So she would. Her eyes glowed bright yellow but she held her head down so no one would see her. Wanting to not disgrace Issei at all.
"Issei if you can hear us don't give up, we know you can do this." Angron's voice said in the void Issei was snapped out of his daze after hearing her beautiful voice.
"Angron!" Issei cried out. "We all believe in you." She says as her voice slowly fades away. Issei wished to hear her voice more, he wanted to be happy, and he slowly reached to
try and escape. He wanted out, the stone suddenly weighed a ton as the sharp stone dug more into his hand.
He refused to let it go, it was all he had right now so why would he?
He looked at the stone and the chains holding him down and took a deep breath, when all was lost Issei had one thing he could do.
"Trust the shadows," Issei said as he held his head down and closed his eyes. The darkness around him bellowed a million words but all of them said the same thing.
"Drop the stone." Issei felt his heart drop, it was so easy and yet he couldn't. Issei should have thought how easy this should have been but he would not let the stone go. He then remembered the words of a wise man and lowered her head. These were different times and the past was left behind. He needed to fight for himself once and for all.
He took one final breath and let go of the stone. It fell into the abyss forever gone from Issei. He looked at his hand still seeing the cut on the hand. Though he knew one thing, wounds heal, scars fade and love will always find you. The chains broke but he didn't fall; no he floated in the void, and he felt at peace. Nothing was holding him back. His eyes turned into glowing darkness while the void swirled around him.
No longer a void though it became a realm of beauty and untold waves of darkness, he was the outline of reality.
Fulrgrim waited angrily pacing around the dome, her Fire Brand in her right hand and the Dragon Spear in the other. All of the Matriarchs watched wondering what Issei would do. Fulgrim spit yelled and cursed at the dome with no word reaching through. Angron couldn't hear anything she hoped her love was alright. Konrad knew there was no getting Issei out of that dome, it was locked shut. Vulkan was nervous still wanting to just jump in and stop the match. The Khan had never seen her sister at this low, she looked mad and her perfect feature was now tired.
"Is this all you can do boy hide!" Fulgrim said. "That is all you ever are a coward, who can't achieve anything without others so be useful again and be an idiot slave, then no one will ever doubt what you are."
The dome was silent and Fulgrim snickered, she had said no rules about this shadow magic, so he was free to do anything with it but it still didn't change the fact she was pissed off. Fulgrim watched as the color around the area faded away into gray and black.
"I am the shadow of the night. I am what kills the star for rights, I give no mercy to those who shine, for they will meet a terrible demise, I am the space between death and life, I am your void, so give me your light."
Lorgar had a wave of excitement wash over her, she knew those words, Her whole body couldn't stand and she jumped from her sit and started to cheer; like a deranged football fan. Konrad and Angron both knew what was happening and The Khan knew as well what was yet to come to the duel had now become a war. Corvus felt the shadows and color being taken away and it unsettled her, not that this was unnatural; because it did, she was looking at how different parts of how her reality worked, it was comparable to gravity.
"My dark angel has returned," Lorgar said in a hushed whisper like her voice didn't want to be heard without Issei's permission. Fulgrim watched the dome of darkness fade away, leaving only Issei standing only his head down while all the cuts and damage done to him were gone, the armor was now smoother, while on his back were two large pill-like containers, that cover his shoulder blades to his lower back. His helmet was gonna while a calm expression was on his face.
Fulgrim saw this as her chance to strike and jabbed her spear at his head, at lightning-fast speeds.
"Shadowboxing." In nanoseconds, he felt his head being pulled away from the path of the spear. His helmet shut over his head. Fulgrim related by the swing of her sword but Issei dodged that too as he jumped away from her. He could see his blade was near him and reached for it. Fulgrim bolted at Issei her sword tracked on him.
"Fist of Dorn." Before the blade could touch him, he swiftly caught in his gauntlet and threw Fulgrim over her shoulder. Issei soon grabbed his silver tongue sword and leaped into the air to follow Fulgrim. The Matriarch was caught off guard for Issei was a lot faster than before. She brings her fist back her hardest and knocks him back but his blade already smacked her to the ground. Fulgrim back collided with the ground, she glanced up to see Issei diving at her. She rolled out of the way and quickly moved to her feet.
Issei kept striking at her, and Fulgrim kept blocking each of his attacks but that's what she could only do block; Issei's sword skills were much faster now. She gritted her teeth and used all her strength that could push a skyscraper over. Issei was pushed back his heels hooking into the ground slowly the force pushing him back.
Fulgrim saw this as her chance and tossed her spear with great force, she broke the sound barrier. The spear was aimed at Issei with the intent to kill.
Cling!
All of the audience had gasps on their face, even Fulgrim had to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.
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Issei had caught the spear by the blade, he raised his head at Fulgrim and smiled behind his mask. He dropped the weapon from his hands and got into a new stance. The Khan's eyes had widened as that was the stance she had taught him. While his sword was in his right hand, he gestured his hand to approach and felt her rage boil; seeing it as an insult. Fulgrim for the first time in the fight charged recklessly.
Issei took one deep breath and as she took the first step toward him, a great shadow passed over her. Fulgrim stopped moving and could see Issei was nowhere forward of her, she glanced behind her shoulder to see, he was behind her his blade held out in the air like he already made the strike.
Fulgrim was so lost to what had happened, when she moved she felt a massive amount of pain from her abdomen, she slowly looked down to see a giant cut on her stomach, the mighty armor she more cut open like butter. She knelt down coughing up a mist of blood, her eyes glued to the ground. She didn't understand what had happened.
"You're right, I didn't fight for myself from the start but I remember so thank you for that." Issei said as he sheathed his blade in darkness. "Though I don't think you fight for yourself Ethier, it must be hard with all those responsibilities on your shoulder but as much as I want to win this duel, I want to fight the real you as well, not whoever this is."
Fulgrim shut her eyes and gritted her teeth, her wound healed but her ego was damaged beyond repair. She wanted to blame someone for this but all answers lead back to her. All she wanted now was to end this duel, to not be embarrassed while the others watched. Konrad had never seen such a moment; it was so hard to read, while combat experts had felt their jaws drop at how perfectly Issei had made his move.
"Why! Why! Why! I was supposed to be a being of war, to lose is not an option but here she was kneeling to a lower human, A beautiful human being, Damn why do I keep thinking like this, even when I fail, he's still in my mind, Issei was ahead of her because he worked for it."
An epiphany had struck her as her eyes opened to finally see clearly.
"Their eyes are not on me but him."
Fulgrim slowly moved to her feet, this was what she wanted, what she needed, to lose in combat, this was a blessing in disguise. This was her chance to be better.
"I know why I think like this. He reminds me of my home world when I first landed there. Chemos was nothing but a harsh baron rock but give it the right push it can be a beautiful planet. I see he sees imperfections and I know he could be better than even us and so could she even now."
Issei still held his fist up high, the game of swords had ended, and the rest would be tooth and nail. Fulgrim took a deep breath and put on a stoic look.
"He's right I've been fighting with so many eyes, I want to be perfect and even now I thought I was but now I see where I am, all she wanted was to meet her Father's standards but it feels like I have never reached them. Now I want to fight for myself, I want him to shatter me, he can mold me into something better, At first, all I wanted was to shame him but now I want to know him more."
"Issei Hyoudou," Fulrgim said with such respect, Issei was taken back a bit. It was also the first time she used his name. So hearing it was a bit strange. "I know you said no to my wager but hear me out now." She said. Issei had his shadow boxing up ready if this was a trick.
"What is it?" Hearing her out.
"I know you want a harem so if you win, I will join your harem and be a faithful wife to you." Issei had a flabbergasted expression but felt his cheeks blush red. The Khan and Vulkan's jaws dropped in shock. Konrad, Angron, and Lorgar glared daggers at Fulgrim. Angron wanted to shout in rage, Konrad wanted to give a swift kick to her head and Lorgar well she had some deep painful insult inside for her. Issei didn't know what to say.
"Fulgrim I'm flattered but I can't accept, it wouldn't be right." Fulgrim gave a low chuckle, still has his caring and loving nature, and she would gladly teach him to take opportunities.
"I'm sorry Issei, these are the rule I set for myself but if you want to add, your own wagger I'll gladly listen." She said. Issei needs to think if he could win, he could surely fix this situation.
"Fine." Issei said, as soon as he said that he felt a heated glare that could melt his armor, gazing right at him. "but what do you get when you win."
She smiled but it was not out of spite or envy; her emotion was true and she had one thing on her mind.
"Issei if I win, I would like you to be my personal spar panther and you cannot reject my request to duel you any time." Issei didn't like to be the punching bag of the matriarch but he was stronger now and the constant training never sounded too bad.
"Fulgrim seeing how you won't stop these and I accept, then when I win you'll apologize to Angron." She bowed and honored her word.
"Then let us begin." Fulgrim said having her Firebrand out; she was an artist and the sword was her brush, while Issei was her canvas. She charged at Issei again this time not even slashing close to him. He evaded the blade and smashed the Fist of Dorn into her core, she felt the air knocked out of her lungs again, though Matriarch never really needed to breathe. Issei pointed his gauntlet at her.
Shadow shot.
Fulgrim was hit by great force knocking her back further from Issei. She glanced up to Issei was already upon her, He had delivered a thousand devastating punches that dented her perfect armor, bruised her soft skin inside, cracked the jewels of her chest plate, and destroyed centuries of hand-crafted hard work. The Khan expected to see Fulgrim thrash around like a child but she still stood. Though in truth couldn't have cared in the slightest.
"It has been a while seen I've been brought down, I forgot how to stand on the bottom, I forgot how to get my hands dirty." She thought. Fulgrim not brought down by his fist wave of punches, landed a swift punch to Issei, he jumped off before any damage could be done. He then charged again.
Landing the Fist of Dorn across Fulgrim's face she was flung back, Issei rushed at her again and punched her so hard the metal wing on her shoulder was broken off, While Fulgrim was daze he grabbed her by the right leg and swung her to the ground, landing face first to the dirt floor, he then swung over his left shoulder, slamming her back so hard it made a crater from the impact. He continued his brutal attack by repeating his bloody progress.
Slam!
Slam!
Slam!
Slam!
Slam!
Angron and Konrad had laughed at the sense in front of her, Lorgar gave off a happy sigh, seeing her friend fend off her sister was so brave. Vulkan winced because she had never seen such a brutal attack happen to one of them. Alpharius had her jaw opened at the battle, the move was so childish, and yet Fulgrim was losing.
After one more round, he threw her to the side, making her crash into a grove of trees. The bark mashed against her back. She lay motionless while Issei stood from afar.
"Do you surrender?" Fulgrim laughed at his words, she slowly got up as her body healed.
"Great! you're one of those masochists." He said.
"Ha a classic response one-liner, I like those. And surrender? Issei how could you say that, you're pushing me to the limit, we have to keep going." Fulgrim said. Issei could see the warrior's gaze in her eyes, there was no talking out of this.
"Fine, then when I win, you'll tell me how you know all those things about me and you still have to apologize to Angron," Issei said. She smiled and nodded, then madly dashed at him. Issei evaded her blows with Shadow Boxing, Though her movements were starting to get faster, she was unable to land a hit on him. She wanted to keep hitting until her arms were broken.
"Night Hunter Claws!" Issei's hands became sharp and long, while Fulgrim kept trying to strike Issei. The young teen let his body fall forward, he was setting up bait for a surprise attack and Fulgrim had taken it, when Issei was falling forward she raised her blade over her head, She thought this was the killing blow and could end the duel right now, she didn't want to take it, but she is a fool to not take it.
Fulgrim felt her stomach being stabbed, as two long claws impaled her. She tried to stab Issei in this position but he quickly dashed back pulling his claws out of her. Konrad smiled when the duel was over. Vulkan herself knew it was a dishonorable move
Issei turned his back towards her and walked away, Fulgrim charged seeing how he had left his backside open.
"Never turn your back on an opponent!" Fulgrim leaped into the air and suddenly felt a loss of breath, her body had gone numb. While her eyes went half-lid, her muscles lost all strength. She collapsed to the ground in a heap. This was now her nightmare the ultimate challenge was now walking away from her, and the goal to push herself past new heights was fading.
She panicked wondering what had happened to her.
"Sorry about that but you lose so, Tell me how you know about me." Issei said his voice calm. She kept her mouth shut, while she stared off into space. Issei could see no response from her and gently pushed her head with his foot.
"Fulgrim hey you listing." Issei asked. Vulkan had seen enough and spoke up.
"Fulgrim you lost it is time for you to hold your end of the wager." Fulgrim eye glanced at all of them though she didn't care. "I haven't surrendered yet." She said as she felt her hope die out. Issei gave a mad shout into the air.
"Come on just give up, I won, you can rest now, this isn't fun for me," Issei said, he lowed his eyes down in shame, remembering his past battle, trying to think of the joy in any of them. Fulgrim felt her heart shatter into a million pieces, Issei was tired of this match. She gassed up to see his body language tried and uncomfortable. She didn't want him to lose any more joy in fighting, this was a match meant to bring out their best. Fulgrim realized that even though Issei was at his peak, he was alone in his tower of power.
Issei just slowly backed away and made his way out of the ring. Fulgrim had a teary-eyed look. "Issei you can't leave." She whispered, getting her teeth in anguish, Issei felt odd alone and held himself while walking.
She need to stand now, though the poison that flowed through her veins was strong, she tried to move a finger but failed.
"I must move!" She thought.Issei's steps to exit the area echoed in her mind.
"I must stand!"
"I must fight!" Fulgrim tried to move again, forcing her blood to move fast within her own body. She had forced her body beyond her limit, she felt her blood run hot like magma. Her breath was that of hot steam. The cells in her command had become grew at such rapid rates, they split faster than light "I am the Illuminator, the Phoenician, the Prefector of Chemos and by the emperor himself I shall stand to meet him face to face." Fulgrim felt her body heat up with a bright yellow glow. She tried to move her hand, she flexed her fingers. She held in her scream, making only a silent moan of pain. Corvus felt a golden aura shine from the beaten matriarch. Everyone watch as Fulgrim started to crackle with lighting her skin had lit up, with white light. Her sisters watched as the lightning danced across her body. All of them could feel the warp rise, most were speechless seeing their sister transcend into this beautiful form.
Issei stopped as he felt the hair stand, then he turned around to see Fulgrim, her body fixed and ready to fight. She was covered by a cloak of pure yellow lighting, while her short hair glowed with pure white. A new set of eyes appeared on each cheek. While all of her eyes glow with a bright white. This along with two long blades of lighting stuck out of her back. Her finger was sharpened like hawk talons.
Issei had felt the energy of what he could only describe as a god standing, this was the aura he had always feared but now the shell was removed leaving only a god in his eyes. Something in Issei had stir not fear but a desire to fight, it was as if a new challenge was opened to him. He felt no fear and got into a combat stance.
All of them gasped at what had happened, Corvus gasped this was a warp form like hers.
"Issei," Fulgrim whispered her voice tempting him to fight her. No one knew what to do in this situation for safety was out the window. In a flash, Fulgrim grabbed the spear that lay on the ground and jabbed right at Issei in a show of spectacular speed, thankful his Shadow boxing, pulled him out of the way. Fulgrim was close enough to strike Issei with her blade. She ready a killing blow almost everyone cried out for her to stop, but when she plunged her sword it hit nothing.
Issei had moved so fast that he was a blur in the other's eyes, he rocked around the place and threw a right punch at Fulgrim knocking her back. All of them glanced at the dawn sky to see Issei hovering in the air as two large wings sprouted from his back, he had a giant wing span of fifteen feet, and they were bird-like in appearance, though a closer look showed their resemblance to Sanguins wings as well. There were no feathers as the surface appeared to be smooth, on each side a black circle with the Angron world eater symbol was open for all of them to see.
Konrad was amazed by Issei's wings, Corvus felt at peace when she saw his wings and Lorgar did the only thing she could after seeing her sister transform and Issei's new wings, she fainted from excitement. Angron was close standing by ready to go in and stop this match, things were beyond insane. The Khan had rushed to get Mangus' help, while the others also wanted this match to stop.
"If you're not gonna give up, then I'll make you." Issei said.
Fulgrim grinned as she gazed at him, "Oh Issei, we're going to have lots of fun."
"WAIT STOP, PLEASE STOP THIS MINDLESS VIOLENCE." Vulkan shouted as she ran into the battlefield. She held both her hands out wanting both of them to stop, Issei could see the sadness on her face, and he swiftly landed on the ground. He mentally slapped himself for not checking on Fulgrim. His helmet snapped open showing his worried face.
"Vulkan," Fulgrim said her voice was a mix of static and bells ringing. Vulkan knew this was her sister and gently walked over to hug her sister. Fulgrim refused to move but allowed her sister to take care of the action. Fulgrim hugged her back feeling her love and concern for her well-being.
"Sister please let me go, I still must fight." She beckoned. Vulkan looked almost confused. "Sister you are in no condition to fight and Issei as well-"
Fulgrim gently got out of the hug, while Issei still held a worried look. Corvus stepped in front of Fulgrim trying to block the cause of this from her gaze. Angron also blocked her side while Konrad did the same.
"Fulgrim you are in a new state of being and right now, we need you to get back to your original form." Corvus said. Fulgrim paid her no mind and gazed at Angron.
"I'm sorry for calling you such a name from behind your back." She said her voice gentle and sounding a bit envious. Angron was surprised by her words. "You're a lucky girl Angron, having such a strong man to keep you warm on cold nights."
"What?" Angron questioned, Konrad, stepped up and glared daggers at her sister. "Fulgrim this ends or else-"
"Konrad I'm sorry I was scared of you but I still love you, I hope you don't mind if I share Issei with you." Konrad slowly backed away from Fulgrim, unsure what to do with that answer. Fulgrim's mind was so clear and worried free, she had let go of the pressure of her father, the hopes of her legion, and the high expectation that the imperium put on her. The words she spoke were true and kind. Vulkan still had to push back her sister from fighting.
"Fulgrim please you are not right." Vulkan said.
"Yeah, we have to get you checked out, look you have spikes and eyes coming out of you, you look like a living taser." Issei called out getting a heated glance from Vulkan.
"What! Look, it's true." Fulgrim laughed but couldn't help but gaze at Issei's wings, they were so beautiful.
"Oh, my, Issei, your wings there are so majestic." She put her arms out pushing Vulkan far off from her. "I'm sorry everyone but please, the fight is still going on."
"Not while you're in your warp form Fulgrim!" Corvus shouted her jet pack swiftly pulled herself into Fulgrims path.
"Sister, you know what this is." Vulkan asked. Corvus Felt her shoulder lower in stress, the truth was in their face, they needed to know. Issei had felt this had gonna too far, they needed to get Fulgrim's help.
Fulgrim was trying to keep calm but the lighting on her body started to fissile more.
"It's a form that allows you to bring out our inner energy, where closer to the warp more than you think Vulkan, I myself have this ability to change in a form but don't like using it, it tends to bring out the worst in me."
Vulkan had so many questions but all three words when Fulgrim blurred past them and struck Issei, He quickly avoid her and used the shadows to rush past her. Fulgrim smiled as she gazed at her claws. She had almost caught him, it was dangling a cat toy right in front of her.
"Child's play is over Issei, it's time to finally rip into each other." She said. Konrad and Angron guard him against the lightning Phoenix.
"Issei run!" They both said in nuisance. Issei was gonna go against their word but Fulgrim zoomed by them and was already to attack Issei again. Issei dogged again this time feeling her claws drag across his armor. In the heat of the moment ran thinking that she follow him while the others could think of something. His helmet was back on his head. The others couldn't catch up to them and could only watch as the two blurred from their vision. Issei ran as dawn passed the night raised, and a new battle had begun. Konrad tried to use her future-seeing abilities but Fulgrim was too fast to predict. Even if you tried to get in her path, it would have surely ended in disaster.
Vulkan had never seen such speeds and felt her throat go dry. "We need to get the others."
One watched from afar as the solitaire held back her mad laughter. What she had just watched was beyond words, though now it was no wonder why her god wanted to see this boy; he was so interesting to watch.
"I can't wait for the final act."
Well, that's the chapter, also next one comes out Friday. I hope the spear bit was enjoyable, While I did enjoy writing Fulgrim's path to humbleness. I'm also thought the new warp form was amazing. Also, good news everyone I,ve been pulled out from the wrap, Bad news everyone, the high-ranking devils are going to have some serious words with me. He hung from another cage on the ceiling.
Ripple 247: "The devils who found me, told me I committed a crime against the Gremory house, saying that I stole their pawn can you believe it."
One of the two guards hits the cage.
"Quiet you." The guard hit the cage.
Ripple 247: "Well, got out of one prison only to end up in another."
Guard two: "We said quite human."
Ripple 247 crossed his arms seeing how this was going nowhere. Things weren't looking so good for him.
"Well catch you guys later, stay safe, follow, review, and favorite."
Have a good day!
