(Dsiclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD or Shin Megumi Tensei IV: Apocalypse. They both belong to their respective owners. I just own this idea and nothing more. Please enjoy.)
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
On Screen Action
Talking/Thoughts
Highschool DxD watches Highscool DxD: Issei's Apocalypse
(Unknown Location)
If one were say there were things worse than the devils of old, the Faction of Devils would have probably laughed. If one were to say that there were beings stronger than God himself, the Faction of Angels would have probably laughed at them too. If one were to say that humans had the power to take down Gods and Demons, the Faction of Fallen Angels would have definitely laughed.
Yet here they were, Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels all in one room together, stripped of their powers so one would not kill the other, not that they would have considering that all Three Factions wanted nothing more than peace. But it was better safe than sorry.
It was here that Rias Gremory, her Peerage minus her Pawn, her brother and his maid, her rival/friend, Sona Stri, her Peerage, Sona's sister, the Fallen Angle Azazel, the Angel Michael, her Pawn's childhood friend, Irina Shidou, and many more like her cousin, Sairaorg Bael, and the Hakuryuukou(White Dragon Emperor), Vali Lucifer.
Now, what were these supernatural beings all doing together in one room that greatly resembled a movie theater? Why, they were watching the adventures of Rias' missing Pawn, Issei Hyoudou aka the Sekiryuutei(Red Dragon Emperor) aka self-proclaimed Harem King aka the Oppai loving pervert . To understand what I mean, allow me to explain.
It was during the fight between him and Vali where he provoked Issei to fight him. Just where it seemed Issei had the advantage over Vali, the Descendant of Lucifer chose to bust out his Sacred Gear, the Divine Dividing's trump card: The Juggernaut Drive. Being alerted by Ddraig, the dragon that slumbers in Issei's Sacred Gear, the Boosted Gear, Issei went to finish Vali off before he could finish the verse needed to use the Juggernaut Drive. But that's when it happened. In a flash of light, Issei was gone, not a trace of him left.
Rias thought the worse, that Vali must have done something and killed him, but the White Dragon Emperor denied her accusation, saying that he did nothing before Bikou, descendant of Son Wukong appeared and the two left. After that was a hard time for Rias and her peerage. First off, Issei was reported missing to cover up any supernatural involvement. Rias tried her best to help Issei's grieving parents who kept saying that they should have treated him better. Of course, she was no better. It was only thanks to her brother and Sona that she and the rest of her peerage weren't a broken mess today. Azazel then later surprised them by telling them that had had enrolled in Kuoh Academy is its new Chemistry Teacher and adviser of the Occult Club.
Months had passed since then and Azazel had taken Rias and her Peerage to the Underworld to make them stronger and they later gained a new member to the 'family' in the form of Rossweisse, a Valkyrie that worked for Odin but later got fired after they stopped Loki who had appeared to during a gathering to stop a pact. It was then where Rias' Peerage got to meet her cousin, Sairaorg who had helped them stop Loki. Everything was pretty normal(or as normal as a supernatural being can get) after that when in a flash of light, they all found themselves in this movie theater-like room and a fight almost broke out when Rias and everyone saw Vali and his team when it was discovered that their powers had been stripped away from them by a mysterious hooded man(shouts out to Tobuscus). They were suspicious of him, of course, but one sentence drew their entire attention.
"Do you wish to know what has become of Issei Hyoudou?"
The chance to know what has become of Issei, the boy who had was deeply loved by Rias and her peerage(minus Rossweisse who didn't know the boy) got their immediate attention as well as Vali who wanted to know what happened to his rival. So taking a seat with various treats to keep their stomachs at bay, they were introduced to the world that Issei had found himself in and learned many things.
They learned that in this world, there was no Fallen Angel Faction and that the Angels of Heaven and the creations of God were at war with the Demon Lord Lucifer and his army of Demons.
Demons. Not Devils. They were about to be shown the vast difference between them.
'The Angels of Heaven are at war with Lucifer and his demons, it's the Great War all over again.' Sirzechs thought as he and the others continued to watch.
'To think that this world has their own Lucifer.' Vali thought as the minute Lucifer was mentioned did this world have his full attention. 'And this Flynn human has the best chance of stopping him? Interesting.'
"A world where God isn't dead and Fallen Angels aren't a Faction. I can barely believe it.' Azazel thought as he wondered just what kind of world did the oppai loving idiot get himself sent to.
'Merkabah, God's Chariot.' Michael thought as the very name distressed him. Was the state of the world Issei was sent to in such a state that God's Chariot was summoned? 'Following orders directly from God…Why does distress me so?'
'Ise…' Rias thought worriedly as she and everyone watched the boy on the screen. He's changed since she's last seen him.
The boy Issei wore green cargo pants with various straps to hold his gun and cartridges, faded brown kneepads, grey colored boots, a brown jacket with various badges and symbols over a white dress, and a pair of red lens goggles around his neck. (Basically, Nanashi's initial design but without the glasses and cap.) He also had a cast over his left arm which the others guessed was to hide his Boosted Gear since he had no one to help him scatter his dragon powers.
'Ise-san…' Asia didn't know if it was the fact that she had a crush on the boy, but she thought that Issei had gotten a bit more handsome since last time.
'He's still a pervert.' Koneko thought as whoever the hooded man was allowed them to know what Issei was thinking. Perverted comments about his new friend, Asahi, told her that not much has changed with the boy. Though it seems Issei had mellowed out a little as his thoughts were different than his usual comments. As much as she hated to admit it, she had missed his perverted comments.
The group consisting Issei, Asahi, Nikkari, and Manabu all arrived at the demon infested park. As they were walking, Nikkari had glanced over to Issei and Asahi before he stops and closes his eyes in thought. Then, he spoke.
Nikkari: I suppose it's time you two learn some basics, at the very least.
Issei: Huh? What do you mean?
Nikkari motions the group to stop before he turns to the two and explains.
Nikkari: Out here's demon territory. As you know, they'll attack on sight.
Issei: Oh I know…
Suddenly, memories of blood and the sound of running appeared before Issei shook his head, getting rid of the memories.
"What was that?" Gasper, hiding in his box despite the fact that everyone was sitting, asked.
"If I had to guess, those must have been the kid's memories." Azazel guessed. "Looks like the kid didn't have good experiences in the past."
That just made Rias and the rest of her Peerage minus Rossweisse worried as they turned back to the screen.
Nikkari: You may only be cadets, but I think it's time you learned to defend yourselves. Asahi more than you, Issei.
At that did Asahi glance at the gun at Issei's side and the sword handing behind his waist. Issei just smiles sheepishly.
Manbu: Whoa, aren't you skipping a few steps? They don't even have their own phones.
Nikkari: Sure, you're only considered a Hunter when you can wield demons. And that means having a phone with the Demon Summoning Program installed.
The Demon Summoning Program. An App that had suddenly appeared one day that allowed people to use their phones and summon actual demons to help them fight. They all thought such a thing was impossible until they saw Manabu use his phone to send a demon of his away. Azazel had instantly become interested in said program.
Nikkari: I'm not telling them to go look for trouble—not without smartphones. But they should be able to hold their own if shit hits the fan. Besides, with war about to erupt, we can use all the help we can get. Plus, Asahi's got Issei with her.
Asahi: Yeah, yeah, keep reminding me that Ise here has fought demons by himself and survived.
'Ise himself had said that he only knew this Asahi girl for a year and yet their close enough that he allows her to call her Ise.' Rias thought as a small feeling of jealousy was stirring within her as well as the other girls who loved Issei as much as her.
Manabu: Still you can't just send 'em into the wild without phones.
Nikkari: If you're so worried, accompany them.
Manabu: Whoa, whoa, whoa, what now?
Issei: I have to agree, what now?
Nikkari: You're skilled enough, Manabu, to show them the ropes, plus you can keep an eye on them.
Manabu: Oh brother…
Issei and Asahi shared a look, not too enthusiastic that Manabu, the man who keeps reminding them about not having Phones thus not being able to summon demons thus not being able to become full-fledged Hunters, was going with them. Nikkari sees this and turns to face them.
Nikkari: Consider this a broad overview in the basics of battle. Combat 101. The demons out here aren't that strong so it's about as ideal as conditions can get for you. Manabu will provide more details once you've approached an enemy.
Manabu: Alright, I'll teach you. Ya boy's got your backs, so feel free to go all out.
Asahi: I'd rather have Ise here teach me how to fight.
Manabu: No complaining. Now come on, there's only so much a guy in a cast can teach you anyway.
Issei: Hey!
With that said, Issei, Asahi, and Manabu left Nikkari who told them to come see him once they were done scourging for food. As the three walked around, they kept an eye on their surrounding while keeping a hand on their weapons in case any demons should try and surprise attack them. After a while, Manabu stops both teens and points over to a demon not too far from them.
The demon is a Katakirawa, a being that looked like a grey colored pig with a scar over its right eye and its right ear was missing. Not to mention that the pig demon was floating.
"So that's a demon?" Vali raised an eyebrow before scoffing. "Not very impressive."
"Yeah, I kind of expected something more intimidating." Bikou said. "No doubt it's probably just a small fry."
"You're probably right." Azazel agreed with the yokai as he flipped through a book the hooded man had given him which contained info on certain demons. He soon found the demon Issei and the group were about to face and read out loud to everyone. "That thing's called a Katakirawa, the spirit of a baby pig with one ear and no shadow. It's said that they could steal a person's soul by running through their legs."
"Uh…What does it mean by running through their legs?" Kiba asked as everyone instinctively crossed their legs.
"Hell if I know. All it says here is that they appear alone or in groups and that to avoid death when facing one, cross your legs." Azazel read off.
"Well, then it's a good thing we're already crossing our legs." Michael couldn't help but commented.
Slowly and quietly, Issei draws his sword and flips it around to hold it right before turning to Asahi who raised up a basic m1911 pistol.
Issei: I'm gonna charge at it while you shoot from afar. Got it?
Asahi: Got it!
Manabu: Alright you two, show me what you're made of.
With plan in mind, Issei bursts from their hiding, alerting the demon who sees him and charges only to soon get struck by bullets from afar. Once Issei was close enough, Asahi stops firing as Issei jumps and comes down upon the demon pig with a stab right through its back and out through its stomach. The demon squeals in pain before it drops dead in a pool of its own blood.
"Ara, ara, Ise-kun made quick work of that demon." Akeno commented.
"I almost feel bad for it." Asia said as it was said that the demon was the spirit of a one eared baby pig.
"Judging from the state of how things were before this Flynn arrived in Tokyo, it was kill or be killed for these people." Grayfia said.
Manabu: Hey, that wasn't half bad. Think you can do it again?
Issei: I don't think so. I know we can do it again!
Asahi: Yeah!
Manabu: Well here's a little tip from me. When battling demons, you gotta figure out their weaknesses. Finding them and exploiting them will tip the favor to your side. It's what all the best Hunters do!
Asahi: Got it! Let's go, Ise!
Issei: Right!
And so, with Manabu watching over them, both Issei and Asahi continued to fight demons. As Rias and the others watch, they caught how good Issei was doing despite the fact that one of his arms was unusable.
"He's definitely gotten stronger since our last encounter." Vali said, smirking. He liked his opponents to be strong and that went double for his rival.
"Indeed. I wonder what the kid can do with his Booster Gear now?" Azazel commented.
Asahi: I think that's enough for now. Shall we get going? Nikkari's waiting for us by the fountain.
Issei: Sure, I think this is enough.
With training out of the way, the three made their way back to Nikkari who was indeed waiting for them by the fountain. He looks at both issei and Asahi and nods approvingly.
Nikkari: Alright, now we can get back to the task at hand. Let's find a place populated by demons.
Asahi: Got it. So, Ise, was fighting hard for you? I mean, one of your arms is in a cast.
Issei: Nah, I was fine. You did pretty good yourself.
Asahi: Ah, nah. All I did was support you. You really held your own out there.
Issei simply smiles as his thoughts were…
Issei: Ha! And Matsuda and Motohana said I could never impress a girl! Serves you two right!
Everyone sweat drops at Issei's thoughts while Konenko goes and comments, "Baka(Idiot)."
Manabu: What the—!?
Issei was snapped out of his thoughts before anyone had realized, they were surrounded by demons! Among the demons were ones that were shaped like starfishes with an eye at the center while others were what looked to be a mix of heads mashed together.
"Where did they come from!?" Irina cried out in alarm as she and the others that cared for Issei grew worried.
"These demons aren't on the same level as those Katakirawas." Azazel said as he flips through the book and informs every one of the demons that were surrounding Issei and his friends. "The ones that look like star fishes are called Decarabia, one of 72 demons of the Goetia, and is a keeper of minerals and herbal lore."
"What about the other ones?" Xenovia asked.
"They're called Legion. They're a conglomeration of evil spirits that experienced similar pains. The evil spirits see other spirits suffering similar troubles as part of themselves. As they gather, the boundary between the self and others breaks down, and they truly become one entity. They're name comes from the Roman military term for an army unit of 3,000 to 6,000 men."
"They're…revolting." Rosseweisse commented, disgusted by how the Legions looked.
Manabu: Shit, we're surrounded!
Nikkari: Why're there so many!?
Suddenly, a demon amongst the ones surrounding the group appears, approaching the group. This demon was different form the rest. It's skin was chocolate brown, it's upper body was that of a man, it's legs were that of a peacock as the feathers behind it tested to that, and its head that a mule. Upon closer look, the demon had purple lipstick on, its hair was orange, and it had cross-shaped earrings.
"Azazel, what is that thing?" Sairaorg asked, his senses honed from many battles alerting him that this demon was bad news despite the make up on the demon's face.
Before Azazel could flip through the book, Sairaorg's question was answered.
Adramelech: I am Adramelech, loyal servant and sworn knight of the Demon Lord Lucifer.
Knowing the demon's name, Azazel flipped through the book and quickly found the demon along with its info. What he saw made him pale with worry for Issei.
"Adramelech is the chancellor of Hell and supervisor of Lucifer's wardrobe. It has the body of a mule and the plumage of a peacock. It was worshipped by the Ayssrians who sometimes offered children to him as a sacrifice."
"What!?" Everyone looked at him in surprise before looking back at Adramelech on the screen.
"Oh this is not good." Regulus, Sairaorg's Pawn, commented as everyone agreed with him.
Adramelech: There's been talk of Merkabah's descent from the Sky Tower. We came to see. Of course, after such a long and arduous journey, my soldiers and I find our stomachs howling with hunger. Ah, but I digress. Words is you humans have started feasting on the flesh of demons.
"They've been eating demons!?" Saji exclaimed in surprise as others shared his surprise.
"In a world like that, I don't think the humans have a choice to be picky with what they eat." Kuroka, Koneko's big sister, said.
Adramelech: I can't say I disapprove. It's just a law of nature that the strong rule over the weak. It's a dog-eat-dog world after all.
"Unbelievable…" Sona couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Adramelech then looks over his shoulder to the other demons and they all let out noises of agreement. Smiling, Adamelech turns back to the group and what he says brings chills down everyone's spine.
Adramelech: Besides, you don't expect us to wage war while famished, now do you?
'Fuck.' Everyone thought.
Nikkari: Get ready, here they come!
Issei: Right!
Quickly getting their weapons ready, Adramelech and his demon soldiers soon attack.
(BGM: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse OST: Boss Battle)
"What the-!? What's with the music?" Saji asked when music suddenly started playing.
"I think we've got bigger problems than worrying about random music right now." Kiba said as everyone's eyes were glued to the screen.
Adramelech: A world governed by the strong. This is the world Lord Lucifer seeks to create. Which means weaklings like you will be food for the strong.
And so, the battle began. Acting quickly, Issei pulls out his gun, a Desert Eagle, and fires at the approaching demons. To Issei's frustration, the bullets do little damage as soon, actual fire comes his way. Issei quickly drops and rolls out of the way as the fire strikes the ground next to him, sending debris flying. Getting back up, he unloads more rounds before he puts his gun away and unsheathes his sword, slashing one of the many faces of a Legion before he flips his sword around to wield it in reverse and stabs the sword through another one of the many faces, pushing it to the ground. Issei then stomps on the demon before he goes and grabs his gun out again and unloads rounds at the Legion at close range. After the tenth round did the demon finally die.
Asahi: Ise! Look out!
Issei turns to see what she meant only to be blasted back when fire explode beside him, the shockwave of it sending him flying back and crashes into one of the park benches, filling Issei's back with sharp wood as one leaves a bloody scar across his cheek. Thanks to being a devil, Issei was able to bare the pain as he slowly gets up while Asahi runs over to him.
Asahi: Ise! Are you okay!?
Issei: I'm fine. What about-?
Manabu: Watch out!
Both issei and Asahi quickly turn to see Manabu use his very body to protect them from a wave of fire that would have no doubt killed them. Just by looking at the burning body of Manabu, it was obvious that he was dead.
Asahi: No!
Issei: Manabu!
"Shit!" Saji cursed as he slammed his fists down.
Meanwhile, Michael silently prayed for the man to find peace in the afterlife.
Adramelech: Might've left that one in the oven too long. Hmhmhm…Boy, you should see the looks on your faces.
"That…bastard!" Sairaorg cursed, already hating the demon with a passion.
Gritting his teeth, Nikkari slips past the demons and attacks Adramelech, but to his horror, his sword breaks upon contact.
"Oh no…" Xenovia muttered, already knowing the fate of Nikkari. A broken sword was never a good sign.
Adramelech: What in the world? I bet that blunt butter knife couldn't even cut through paper.
Adramelech looks down at the broken sword before he looks back up at Nikkari and knocks back the Hunter with a devastating attack that has the man bleeding form the head. Despite his injuries, Nikkari manages to stay conscious and alive.
Adramelech: Hmm, quite the fighter, aren't we?
Adramelech looks down to see a knife Nikkari had managed to burry just before he was knocked back. Despite this fact, the demon casually yanks it out of his chest and spares it a curious look as his wound slowly closes.
Adramelech: Ugh, so old. This won't do. Nostalgic value is such a waste. One must constantly strike to embrace the new, the future. And chaos is what will bring it.
After saying his piece did Adramelech crush the knife in his hand in a surprising show of strength.
Nikkari: Dammit! You monster!
Adramelech: You all must fund this so unfair. In truth, it's no different than you consuming the flesh of demons. It's merely…a law a nature.
Sensing danger, Nikkari turns to where Issei and Asahi were.
Nikkari: You two, run! Forget about the food and head back to the Association!
Issei: We can't just leave you!
Nikkari: Just run, dammit!
"I don't want someone like Nikkari to die, but I have to agree with him. Run, Ise!" Rias pleaded. It was obvious that this demon was out of everyone's league.
"Damn, if only we could be there to help!" Saji cursed.
Kiba thought the same thing as he jumps up to his feet and starts shouting out. "Hey! You rought us here to see this! Why can't you simply send us there to help!" The Knight of Rias got no answer. He growled angrily. "Dammit!"
Adramelech: No, no, that won't do either. I don't much care for giving chase.
Suddenly, Adramelech unleashes his fire at Issei and Asahi. Quickly without thinking, Nikkari leaps in front of the attack and takes it.
Nikkari: GRAAAAAGH!
Issei: Nikkari!
As both Issei and Asahi look down at the burnt body of Nikkair, he looks over to them and mutters his last words.
Nikkari: I'm sorry…I dragged you both into this…
Issei: Nikkari…
Asahi: This can't be happening…!
"Oh Nikkari…" Irina mutters as she, Asia, and Xenovia pray for Nikkari to find peace. Despite knowing him for a short time and not personally, everyone knew he was a good man, looking after Issei and Asahi like the responsible adult he was.
"The Church spoke of the evils of the Devils…" Xenovi began before looking back up at Adramelech on the screen. "But it's these demons that need divine judgment!"
Michael didn't say anything, but he silently agreed with the reincarnated devil.
Asahi turns and sees the demons approaching them. Quickly, she helps Issei up to his feet.
Asahi: We have to run, Issei! Run!
Issei: We can't.
To prove what Issei said, the two found themselves surrounded.
Asahi: What're we going to do!?
Issei: What can we do? We're completely surrounded!
As Issei and Asahi look around themselves to see if they could find a way to escape, Issei glances down at his left arm hiding within a cast. He glances at Asahi behind him who's face is covered in worry before he looks around them again.
Issei: I don't have any other choice. Nikkari…Manabu…I'm sorry I never told you about this…
With mind made up, Issei turns to Asahi.
Issei: Asahi!
Asahi: What is it?
Issei: I'm about to show you something I should have since we first met. And I need you to promise me not to freak out.
Asahi: Huh? What are you-?
Issei's eyes widen when he sees coming from behind Asahi was a fireball. Pushing Ashi behind him, he goes up, moves his arm out of its sling and held it up before him. The fire hits him and Asahi cries out shock and worry, but her worries are dashed when the flames disperse and Issei is revealed to be fine. Her eyes then widen when she sees his left arm.
Ddraig: It's about time you use me, aibou.
Issei: Yeah, well, I didn't want to freak everyone out.
Clenching his fist, Issei stares down the demons with his Boosted Gear ready to be used.
Asahi: Issei? Wha-? What's with your arm?
Issei: I'll explain later, I promise. Right now, we need to focus on surviving. Ddraig!
[BOOST!]
[TRANSFER!]
Feeling empowered, Issei pulls out his gun and transfers the Boost to it before he starts shooting, getting pained cries from the demons much to Adramelech's surprise. The demons in response fought back by firing more fire at him, but Issei goes and picks Asahi up, getting a surprised cry from her as she was held up bridal style before Issei's devil wings sport form his back, pushing the wooden splinter off his back before leaping into the air, dodging the fire as he flies for a while before landing back down.
Asahi: You have wings! Ise, are you…
Issei: I said I'll explain later. Right now, you need to run back to the Association.
"What!? Don't tell me he's gonna stay and fight!?" Serafall said as she knew that the number of demons would overpower Issei.
"Looks like my rival has gotten a bit more bold." Vali commented.
"Don't compare him to you!" Rias shouted at the Hakuryuuku.
Asahi: But what about you!?
Issei looks back, looking past the demons and to the burnt husks of Nikkari and Manbu.
Issei: I need to go and get Nikkari and Manabu.
"He doesn't want them to be eaten." Michae said, seeing what Issei was doing. If he had run, he would have left Nikkari and Manabu's body behind to be eaten by the demons.
"He wants to give them a proper burial." Azazel said.
Asahi: Ise, wait!
Asahi goes to stop the reincarnated devil, but she is too late when Issei charges towards the masses of demons as his Boosted gear does its work.
[BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!]
Feeling empowered again, Issei draws his sword and leaps into the fray. His sword cuts a Decarabia in two with one strike before he goes and stabs another right in the eye before throwing the starfish body away. He turns and punches one of the faces of a Legion, his fist digging right through it before he removes his fist and turns to kick another Legion away. He ducks under a fireball before he throws his sword right at another Decarabia before he goes to run for it, punching and kick any demons that get in his way. He reaches to his sword and pulls it out, spinning around the slice a Legion in two before he looks to his right to see Nikkari and Manabu's bodies.
Issei: Alright, I'll grab them and get the fuck out of here! As long as the Boosted Gear keeps boosting me, I can escape!
"Please do!" Gasper said, not wanting to see more death. He especially didn't want to see Issei die.
"He's gotten very strong." Akeno noted.
"That he has." Tsubaki, Sona's Queen, nodded in agreement.
Issei runs to the nearest body, Manabu's, but just when he was arms lengths away, he was blasted away by a wave of fire. With his clothes on fire, Issei rolls around to put them out before he looks back up to come face to face with Adramelech.
Adramelech: Now this is a surprise. I never expected to run into a Devil.
Issei's eyes widen in surprise.
Issei: You know what I am?
Adramelech: Why of course. Though it is a surprise. I thought your kind was wiped out millenniums ago?
Everyone in the theater widen their eyes to the size of saucers once they heard that information. Devils were extinct in that world?
"Oh god…" Xenovia said.
"But that would make…" Asia began.
"Ise-senpai's the only Devil in that world." Koneko finished.
Adramelech: Oh well. Guess I'll just take care of the leftovers now.
Issei: Grr, don't think I'll go down that-!
(BGM End)
"The music stopped." Saji noted as feeling of dread filled his stomach.
Suddenly, Issei's eyes widen. His arms fall to his side and his body becomes heavy. For some reason, his chest felt really warm.
Issei: Eh?
Everyone in the room pales as they what was going on.
"No…" Rias breathes out as she refuses to believe what just happened.
"It can't be…" Akeno breathes out in disbelief.
"Oh gods no…" Xenovia and Asia shared the same thoughts.
Over with Asahi, her hands cover her mouth as her eyes widen in shock and disbelief.
Asahi: This can't be happening…Ise…?
Issei: Asahi? Why does she look so surprised?
Issei blinks in confusion before goes to check why his chest was so warm. His wet meets something wet and he looks down and saw his Boosted Gear covered in more red. It was his blood. It took his a second to realize that it was his blood.
Issei: Wha…? But…the Boosted Gear…should have…
Ddraig: Aibou!
Asahi: Ise!
Issei felt his balance beginning to collapse as the voices around him grow distant. He glances over Adramelech to find that his right hand is covered in blood, his blood. Realizing what the demon had down, Issei no longer felt any control over his body as the last thing he sees as Asahi running over to him in tears.
Asahi: Nooooooooooooooooooo!
And then, he saw red before everything turned black.
"NO! ISE!" Rias screamed as well as others too.
"Damn…" Sirzechs looks down, feeling absolutely helpless and powerless. He looks over to see Rias and her peerage crying along with Irina as the tears don't seem to be stopping. Rosseweisse along with Sona and her peerage and Azazel went over to them to lend a shoulder to cry on though Saji wasn't much help as he was a crying mess as well.
"Grayfia."
"Yes?" Grayfia looked at her husband/King.
"Prepare a funeral for Issei Hyoudou when we get back home."
"Understood."
Michael looked down. While he may not have known the boy the best, the loss of life was still saddening.
Vali glances over to Kuroka who was looking at a crying Koneko.
"Aren't you going to lend a shoulder to your sister?" Vali asked.
"I'm…not sure if she would want me to." Kuroka said, looking down.
"Uh, guys?" Bikou suddenly spoke up as he pointed back to the screen. "What's that?"
Those that were crying looked up and they're eyes widen in surprise. Up on the screen was Issei, waking back up.
"It's Ise!" Akeno exclaimed.
"He's alive!" Koneko smiled.
"Yes!" Saji cheered as well as the others.
"Oh, thank you, thank you…" Rias buried her face in her hands, thanking whoever would listen to her. She was a Devil so she couldn't thank god.
"Hold on. Something's not right." Azazel said, making everyone look back up to the screen.
Groaning, Issei slowly comes to and when he does, the first thing he sees are what appear to be blood red clouds. Surprised at this, Issei gets up startled and found himself in an open area in an otherworldly place.
Issei: Where…Where am I?
Ddraig: I have no idea.
Issei: Ddrag!?
Issei raises his left arm and is surprised to see the Boosted Gear.
Issei: Where are we?
Ddraig: If I knew that, I would have told you. What I can say is that wherever this place is, there's no up, only down.
Issei: What do you…?
Just as Issei was about to question the Dragon in his arm, he looks behind him and sees that there was no path going up. Turning back around, the path laid out before him only went down.
Issei: Am I on my way to hell? Well, I mean, I am a devil so I guess that makes sense.
With no other choice, Issei proceeds to go down.
"Something tells me that our Sekiryuutei isn't going to the Underworld." Serafall said.
"Indeed. Just what is this place?" Azazel wondered.
As Issei keeps going down, suddenly, he hears a voice.
Voice: Can you hear me…?
"What the!? Who was that!?" Gasper asked, hiding in his box.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Sairaorg commented.
Issei: Whoa! What the-? Did you say something Ddraig?
Ddraig: That wasn't me. That was someone else. Stay on guard, aibou.
Nodding, Issei proceeds to go down further, his steps filled with caution this time. As he continues down, he sees what appears to be a light in the distance.
Issei: I know the saying goes 'don't go towards the light' but I don't think I have a choice in the matter. Sigh, what I wouldn't give to look at Buchou's oppai's again.
Despite the fact that it was well known that Issei was a pervert, Rias couldn't help but blush when she was mentioned. On the other hand, she was happy that Issei was thinking about her.
"Pervert." Koneko commented.
After a while, Issei finally comes towards the place where the Pillar of light was at. Looking up, it seems to go up and past the blood red clouds.
Issei: What is this place?
Voice: Can you hear me…?
"There it is again!" Saji exclaimed.
"Who is that?" Rosseweisse wondered.
"I think we're about to find out." Irina said.
Issei: Who's there!?
Voice: Heh.
(BGM: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse OST: Dagda's Theme)
Appearing before Issei was a being no one has ever seen before. The being at the stature of a man and was clad in dark-grey, earth-like armor that had several golden orbs adorning his shoulders, thighs, calves, and chest. Around his waist is a golden belt that covered his mid ailing as around his neck was a tattered black scarf. His head had orange hair that covered his scalp and lower face as the upper portion of his head was covered in a dark grey iron mask that displayed his green eyes. The mask had a small segment that divided the lower half of his face dead center, revealing his skeletal jaw. His arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes bore down at Issei who stepped back in surprise.
"Who the hell is that?" Bikou thought out loud.
"Whoever he is, he's strong." Vali said as he griped his arms as just by looking into the mysterious beings eyes that he was powerful. Maybe even more than the strongest people in here.
Mysterious being: About time someone with some sense showed up.
Issei: Wh-Who are you?
Mysterious being: Heh, a bit rude to being asking someone for their name before introducing himself, but whatever. I am Dagda.
Ddraig: Dagda? As in the supreme god of Celtic mythology?
Dagda: Bingo.
"That's a god!?" Rias and the others exclaim in surprise.
"Why is a god appearing before Issei?" Akeno wondered
Dagda: Welcome to Yomotsu-Hirasaka, scenic road to the underworld.
"Yomotsu-Hirasaka!?" Azazel exclaim in surprise.
"The slope that leads to the entrance of Yomotsu-kuni, the underworld in Japanese mythology?" Sirzechs said, also surprised.
"Why would a god be in a place such as that?" Michael wondered.
Dagda: Hate to break it you, kid—you're dead.
Silence filled Yomotsu-Hirasaka.
The room itself was also filled with silence before Asia of all people-er, devils broke it.
"Issei-san's…dead?" Asia said.
"The fact that he's in Yomotsu-Hirasaka should have probably told us that." Sirzechs said. "Seems we were only getting our hopes up."
At that did those that cared for Issei hand their heads.
Finally, after more moments of silence, Issei spoke.
Issei: I'm…I'm d-dead?
Dagda: That's right. And that friend of yours is next in line.
Issei: Asahi!
Dagda: I'll say this. You've accomplished nothing in the practically short span of your life, and that's saying something considering you're a devil.
Issei: Ouch. Harsh much?
"That was pretty harsh." Saji commented.
"Isn't Dagda's name supposed to mean 'the good god'?" Sona asked, having read about said god once.
"Well, yes, but I think that just means that he's good as in good at everything, as opposed to being morally good." Azazel said as he raised up the info book. "Even says it right here."
Issei didn't know if he was seeing things, but he could have sworn Dagda's eyes danced for a moment.
The others caught this look too and an uneasy feeling in their stomach told them that something was about to happen.
Dagda: But together, we can change that.
Issei: Wait, together?
"What does he mean by together?" Gasper asked, having a bad feeling about this.
"I think we're about to find out." Sairaorg said.
Dagda: That's right. You see, I'm here to offer you a deal. Work for me and I'll return you to life.
Issei: …Eh?
Issei stared wide eyed at the being before him. He…could return him to life!?
"He has the power to bring Issei-senpai back to life?" Gasper exclaimed in surprise.
"He is a god so that kind of power must be at his disposal." Rosseweisse said.
"But he said he has to work for him in return." Grayfia pointed out.
"Something tells me this isn't going be like how Devils reincarnate using the Peerage system." Michael said.
Issei: You…You can bring me back to life?
Dagda: That's right.
Ddraig: Hold it, aibou. I don't trust this guy.
Isssei: You and me both.
Issei has seen enough anime and read enough manage to know what happens when someone makes a deal with an otherworldly being.
Issei: How do I know I can trust you?
Dagda: You can't. In the end, it's your call. If you do accept my offer, however, all I need is your name. So what's it gonna be, kid?
Issei went deep into thought. Should he accept Dagda's offer? This so called god was shading as hell. But the fact remains is Asahi was still back in the real world, fighting or running for her life. Not only that…
Issei: I still need to find a way back to Buchou and the others.
"I don't want him to accept the deal." Irina voiced her opinion.
"But the fact remains is Dagda's his only chance of coming back alive." Kuroko said.
"Not to mention he's trying to find a way back home." Azazel said.
"Looks like my rival doesn't have any other choice." Vali said.
"Ise…" Rias stared worriedly at the boy she loved.
Issei: My name…is Issei Hyoudou. And I accept your deal.
Dagda gave Issei lipless grin.
Dagda: Excellent. Now, a little something for you…
Dagda extends out his left hand and Issei looks at it before raising his Boosted Gear hand and shook it. But the minute his hand grasped Dagda's, his body felt hot and a surge of power flowed through him.
Issei: Wha-? What is this?
Ddraig: This power…
"He got power-up?" Saji said, honestly surprised.
"Well, he is working for Dagda in return for coming back to life." Serafall said.
Vali smirked. If his rival was getting stronger by the minute like this, then their fight with each other will be glorious. He couldn't wait.
Dagda: And now, a little something for me.
'Uh oh…' Everyone thought.
Dagda: You're now my own personal Godslayer.
Issei: G-Godslayer?
"Godslayer?" Michael said in confusion and surprise.
"Wait, so does that mean the kid can slay gods now?" Bikou asked.
"That can't be. A slight power up doesn't just make one have the ability to slay gods." Sona said.
"But Sona-chan, he's the Sekiryuutei, remember?" Serafall said, reminding her little sister that Issei had one of many Sacred Gears that could kill God.
Sona flinched at being reminded by her sister of all devils.
Issei: What do you mean by that?
Dagda: It means, from this moment forward you're nothing but a puppet. My puppet.
Issei: Uh…Can I take back what I said?
Dagda: Nope. Too late, kid.
"Well, fuck." Kiba commented for pretty much everyone.
Ddraig: I can't say I didn't tell you so, aibou.
Dagda: Just know, obedience isn't optional. Keep that in mind.
Suddenly, Issei's whole started to burn up as if he was being set on fire from the inside. Issei tried to hold it in, but the pain was becoming too much and soon, he screamed as his whole vision faded into whiteness.
"Ise!" Rias cried out in worry as well as others.
The scene changes to show Issei's dead body lying on the ground in a pool of its own blood. Suddenly, the body was surrounded by a green colored aura soon, both his clothes and his body were healed. All the blood vanished and the scar on Issei's face turned green. Finally, after the body was healed did the eyes open up, revealing neon green eyes instead of Issei's brown eyes.
Issei: Wha…?
Slowly, Issei picked himself back up, shaking his head of any dizziness. He rubbed his eyes with his left hand which was covered in green markings…wait.
Issei: Huh? What the hell!?
Before his eyes, the Boosted Gear that should be covering his left arm since he had no one to help scatter his dragon powers was nowhere to be seen. On his left hand were green markings, covering the top of his fingers and nails. At the center of his back hand is what he assumed to be a four-leaf clover of some sort. And since his sleeve was rolled, he saw that the markings extended down his forearm and stopped halfway towards the elbow.
"The Boosted Gear, it's gone!" Xenovia said in surprise.
"Where did it go?" Asia asked.
"Well, he did die so maybe Ddraig moved on." Bikou said as it was common knowledge that the Heavenly Dragons would always move on to find new hosts after their last one died.
"But he was with him in Yomotsu-Hirasaka." Kiba pointed out.
Before anyone else could say anymore…
Issei: The Boosted Gear…Where is it? Ddraig?
Ddraig: Right here, aibou.
In a flash of green light, the Boosted Gear appeared over Issei's left arm.
"He can summon it again?" Akeno noted in surprise.
"But how?" Rias wondered until she realized it must have been, "Dagda. He must have done something."
Issei: What the-?
Using his will, Issei banished the Boosted Gear before summoning it back up again.
Issei: What's going on? I thought I gave you my arm?
Ddraig: It must have been Dagda.
Issei: So that wasn't a dream…Wait! Where's Asahi!?
Issei looks around frantically and soon spots Asahi, surrounded by demons.
Asahi: I…I have to fight!
Leaping out of the way of a fireball, Asahi snatches Nikkari's phone from his burnt husk and tried to use it. To her shock and horror, it was locked.
Asahi: Shit, shit, shit! App's locked! I can't summon any demons!
Issei: Asahi!
Just as Issei was about to go and run, a voice spoke up.
Dagda's voice: This is how you humans summon demons? With those…machines?
"Wait, that was Dagda!" Saji pointed out.
"But where is he?" Rias wondered.
Issei: Dagda? But, I don't see him?
Dagda: Down here. In your little dragon arm.
Issei freezes up in surprise before he slowly looks down at his Boosted Gear. The gem in the center light up and when it does, he hears Dagda's voice.
Dagda: Gotta say, this is some impressive arm you got here.
"He's…inside the Boosted Gear…" Rias said as she and everyone stared in disbelief.
"That's…That's impossible!" Michael said, his calm expression shaken. "Sacred gears were made by the Lord! How did he get inside of it!?"
Issei: You're…You're inside the Boosted Gear!?
Dagda: Is this what this thing's called? Gotta say, kind of roomy in here.
Ddraig: How the heck are you in here!?
Dagda: Ha, please. As god of knowledge, slipping into something like this is but a simple task.
Ddraig: That's not what I meant. I was killed and made into this thing by the God of my world. You shouldn't be able to come in here.
Dagda: If your God made this himself, then he must not be that tough.
Everyone blinked in surprise as Dagda just insulted THE God.
"How dare he!" Xenovia and Irina both exclaimed in anger.
"He dares insult the Great Lord?" Michael said as a flash of anger appears on his face for the first time.
"Well, this guy's really ballsy." Bikou commented.
Dagda: Anyway, remember that broken phone you had on you? Well, I took that 'Demon Summoning Program' and, how should I put this, 'installed' it into this Boosted Gear.
Issei: Wait, do you mean…
Dagda: Yes. You can now summon demons, just as your friend there tried—and failed—to do. In fact, I've done you a favor and got you one for free.
Issei: Wait, I have a demon in there? Ddraig, there's a demon in there?
Ddraig: There is and it is the strangest thing I have ever seen.
"And now there's a demon inside of the Boosted Gear too." Tsubaki said.
"Will that affect him in some way?" Saji asked.
"We'll have to wait and see." Sona said as they paid attention back to the screen, eating their snacks as they were getting a little hungry.
Dagda: Enough talk. Dukes up, kid. Didn't bring you back to life to keep dying at the hands of some scrub.
Issei silently agreed with Dagda and ran towards Asahi and the demons. Stomping his feet down, he cried out in surprise when he leaps into the air, surprised because he didn't have his wings out, before he comes down and lands right between Asahi and the demons. Not wanting to look like an idiot that had no idea what was going on, he faced the demons.
Issei: Get away from Asahi!
Asahi: Ise…? You're alive!
As Asahi looks at Issei in disbelief, Adramelech speaks up.
Adramelech: Well, that's odd. Could've sworn I left you corpse-like a moment ago.
Issei: Would you believe me if I said I came back from the dead?
Adramelech: Maybe, but it won't matter. I'll just kill you again.
Waving his and, Adramelech sends demons at Issei. Issei goes to reach for his weapons, but realizes that he had dropped them when he had been killed earlier. With nothing, but the Boosted Gear, he raises his hands and prepares to fight. Thought that didn't mean he was weaponless.
Issei: Ddraig! Ascalon!
[BLADE!]
Raising his hand up, the blade of the dragon slaying sword, Ascalon, appears from the Boosted Gear and Issei waste no time stabbing the blade right through the eye of a Decarabia. He ducks under a fireball and runs up to another Decarabia, slicing it in half before turning and punching at a Legion, the blade of Ascalon stabbing right through one of its many faces before Issei kicked it away.
Daga: Oi, kid. Did you forget already? I said you can now command demons.
Issei: Oh yeah, that's right. What demon did you get me?
Dagda: It's called Centaur.
Issei: Centaur? As in the man horse?
Dagda: Just hurry up and summon it!
Issei: O-Okay. Come…Centaur!
Raising his Boosted Gear into the air, a bright green light shines from the gem before suddenly, a figure emerges from it and it yells out.
?: Bufu!
One of Adramelech's demons cried out in pain before it became frozen in ice and shattered like glass. Looking in surprise, Issei came face to face with the demon, Centaur.
The being that stood before Issei was not the man-horse hybrid he had expected to see. Instead, standing before him was a demon with aqua green skin that seemed to harden as if the flesh itself was armor. Rather than possessing hands, the demon had four feet, all hooves as if it were four legged despite the fact that its upper limbs were clearly arms. The demon also had two heads, both resembling horses with horns, bearing light brown manes and a swishing tail along with a golden chain around its neck.
Everyone in the room gave the demon Centaur a weird look, not knowing how to feel.
"That's…a centaur?" Kiba said.
"I pictured Centaur's to be…different." Irina said.
Azazel, meanwhile, flipped through the book until he found info on Centaur. "A half-man, half-horse creature of Greek lore. The top half is human and the bottom half is a horse. They are often depicted as wise and noble mentors of heroes. A common theory about their origin is that a non-riding culture saw men from another civilization mounted on horses and thought them to be half-horse. Well, it's not like we didn't know that already. Still, this Centaur matches the word demonic."
"Indeed." Grayfia agreed.
Issei: This…is a Centaur?
Ddraig: Told you it looked weird.
Centaur: Hrnff! Greetings, Son of Man reincarnated as a Devil. I am the Yoma Centaur. I have been summoned from the Expanse in order to aid you in battle. Hrnff!
Issei: Uh…Glad to have you here?
Adramelech: He can summon demons now? Hmm, interesting…Agilao.
"Agi-what!?" Everyone said.
Waving his hand, Adramelech sends an even bigger fire at Issei. Quickly, Centaur gets in front of him and takes the attack.
Issei: Centaur!
Centaur: Hrnff! Do not worry, stay focused on the battle!
Issei: Hold on, I'll lend you a hand! Ddraig!
[BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!]
[TRANSFER!]
Issei places his hand on the back of Centaur and a green aura surrounds the demon.
Adramelech: What's this?
Centaur: Hrnff! This power…Mabufu!
Adramelech: What!?
Spreading its limbs out, the Centaur lets out a wave of ice, killing many demons that surrounded Issei and Asahi as the girl cried out in surprise by the cold wave. Once the Centaur finished his attack, Adramelech and some of his demons were all that were left.
"Alright! Issei-senpai can win this!" Gasper cheered from his box.
"From how surprised and hurt Adramelech looks, ice is his weakness." Azazel noted. "That Dagda was smart to get that Centaur for Issei."
"Still, the magic of this world something else." Tsubaki commented, pushing her glasses up.
"Indeed." Akeno said.
Issei: I'm not done yet, you bastard! Dragon Shot!
Issei jumps over the Centaur as a ball of red energy is gather at the palm of his Boosted Gear before he sends it at Adramelech who takes the attack head on, stumbling back in surprise as he waved the smoke away. He stars at Issei and notes the aura around him.
Adramelech: Hm…I sense the seething rage of a god behind that newfound power of yours.
Issei: You goddamn right!
Adramelech: Hmm…Seems I've lost my appetite. Think I'll take my leave now.
"It's trying to run!" Saji shouted.
"Coward!" Rias declared.
Issei: You're not going anywhere, you bastard!
[BOOST!]
Boosted, Issei goes to stop Adramelech and the rest of his demons from running, but Adramelech unleashes a wave of fire that pushes Issei back. Not only that, but the extra power he had from his boost had disappeared.
Issei: What's going on? My boost disappeared. It's the same when he killed me last time too. Does he have some sort of skill that nullifies power-ups?
In his thoughts, Issei realizes he was letting Adramelech get away. But by the time he gets back up, Adramelech and his demons are gone.
Issei: Fuck! He got away!
The sound of something dropping made Issei turn to see Asahi on ker knees, emotionally exhausted. Quickly, he goes to her side.
Issei: Asahi! Are you alright!?
Asahi: I…I…
Without thinking, Asahi throws herself onto Issei, sobbing uncontrollably onto his shoulder.
Asahi: I was so scared, Ise! Nikkari…Manabu…!
Issei: It's okay…It's okay…
As Issei comfort Asahi, he looks at the remains of Nikkari and Manabu. They're bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
"I think I'm gonna be sick a little." Saji said, looking a bit green. He wasn't the only one's looking a bit sick as Asia and Gasper too looked green.
"This is the world Ise's trapped in." Rias said. She closes her eyes and prays for Issei's safety.
And…done. So yeah, did this because this was on my mind for a bit and I was bored. And I've run into a few problems so I won't be able to update my stories as fast as I promised. Sorry. But anyway, I hoped you enjoyed this idea. This has been Ashbel Longhart, signing out.