Life 1 - Aftermath
Okay just some clarification on the events in the previous chapter, and I guess a point I want to make. Diabolos Dragon God, Infinity Blaster and Ddraig's manifestation are all canon abilities Issei gets in the later stages of the original light novel (aka prior to the events of The True High School DxD) for those who are fans of the anime but haven't read the LN the start point of this would be the equivalent of like season 12 or 13 give or take.
The battle in total lasted 3 weeks, the final clash between Issei and Nero taking 4 days bringing us to the tail end of February, oh and Ddraig was manifested by Issei for around 2 hours seeing as I forgot to mention him vanishing in the previous chapter. Last thing on the battle, Nero the name comes from essentially bible maths and I wasn't the one to come up with it by any means, the name Nero Caesar can be converted to 666 through Aramaic and Hebrew numerology so yeah that's where the name came from, the description comes from DxD vol 21 and I chose the other wings relatively at random. Oh and if nobody realised the location of the battle was the Midway Atoll.
I won't be getting into Issei's dragon powers until they are revealed but I will say a couple of things, 1 - he is around as powerful as Ddraig and Albion when they were sealed, 2 - he may be that powerful but he has little to no control over his new powers. Without further adieu here is Dragon of Infinite Hope Vol. 0 - Life 1.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
['Sacred Gear speaking in mind']
["Sacred Gear speaking out loud"]
Spell/Ability
Highschool DXD belongs to Ichiei Ishibumi, Fujimi Shobo and TNK I'm just telling my own story in his world.
February 25th 20XX - Azazel's Office - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory] {Azazel POV}
Azazel sat at his desk with his head resting in his hand, he'd just finished dictating his report on the battle with Nero, as Iadnah celebrated outside the walls of the Grigori few inside were in such a mood. The mood inside was far more sombre, many were mourning the deaths of friends, comrades, family and loved ones as just as many lay up in the medical bays recovering from their injuries. Azazel turned his head and looked at one of the many monitors as he had kept doing all day. The display showed one of the private rooms they had converted for the wounded but this one held his student. It was a sorry sight, Issei was lying unconscious in the bed with countless wires, tubes and needles connected to his body like some kind of science experiment. He'd spotted a few people come and go to check on the boy, most notably his parents and Vali but now the only ones in the room with Issei were his childhood friend, Irina Shidou and the Gremory Knight Kiba Yuuto who seemed to have tasked himself with protecting his best friend.
Azazel: "I hope you can forgive us Ise, you kids should never have been there" his voice heavy as he sighed and stretched before standing.
Shemhazai: "You know the boy would never blame you?" a voice behind Azazel asked in a calm, almost practised tone.
Azazel: "Just because he won't doesn't mean I don't Shemhazai, those kids should never have been fighting the beast. Hell, it definitely shouldn't have been down to Issei to beat it!" he practically yelled at his vice-governor before sighing. "When this is all over I'm stepping down, we both know you're better at the job than I am" he finished as he stood and began to leave the room as Shemhazai watched his friend in surprise.
Making his way through the halls of the Grigori he decided he best check up on Issei and the other two, after what they went through. As he made his way towards the room Issei was staying in he began to wonder where the rest of the peerage was, they had been evacuated weeks ago and he knew Sirzechs would have told his little sister what was going on.
Meanwhile - Issei's Room - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory]
{Irina POV}
The room was filled with the constant beeping of the medical equipment that was hooked up to Issei, the room itself was rather elegant with deep scarlet walls and black detailing. Irina couldn't take her eyes off the unconscious form of one Issei Hyoudou, her boyfriend lay there unconscious. Kiba was there sitting near the door when she asked him earlier he told her that he "wouldn't let anyone harm his best friend" as if it was obvious which if she was honest it kind of was. They'd been there almost a day at this point and there had been a slew of visitors, most of the cadres had stopped by on their way past, likely to report to Azazel though Baraquiel stayed for a while. Vali had stopped by briefly and put down some kind of card he said was from Arthur and Le Fay as they had to take care of some family business. Lord and Lady Gremory had come by fairly early along with Issei's parents who left barely ten minutes ago. Apparently there were quite a few who were giving reports or sorting out family business before visiting though she couldn't help but wonder where the other girls were, if something had happened she'd have been told right?
Irina was brought out of her thoughts as she heard the door open, seeing Kiba relax before she saw Azazel walking through the door followed by Gasper and Valerie.
Azazel: "Vigilant as ever I see Kiba, you almost gave Armaros a heart attack earlier" his tone was jovial but it was clear his heart wasn't in the joke as he looked at Issei. Walking towards the bed Azazel started reading over the chart.
Gasper: "Is Issei-Sempai going to be okay?" his voice was shaky and nervous, it reminded Irina of how Issei described the dhampir when he first met him which made her smile softly as Valerie held him close.
Irina: "He's out of the woods Gasper-kun but he might not wake up for a while, he used his dragon-deification and summoned Ddraig somehow and all of that was before things got really crazy." her voice was soft, almost as if she was trying not to wake Issei, if she was honest that's exactly what she was doing.
Kiba: "Have either of you seen the girls? I'm surprised we haven't seen them yet" his tone sounded confused though Irina was glad he asked as she couldn't quite bring herself to.
Gasper: "I don't think so, but we haven't been over to the house… I wanted to see Issei-senpai before we left for Romania"
Azazel: "Well if you see them before you go let them know he's here and alive. I'm sure Sirzechs or Grayfia have already told them but just in case. "
Gasper: "Of course Sensei"
Gasper and Valerie spent a couple of minutes telling Issei how they were going to Romania so that Gasper could get stronger with his vampire side and how he hoped Issei would be proud of him. Just before they left Irina decided to speak.
Irina: "You know he already is proud of you Gasper-kun" she said with a smile as Kiba nodded.
Kiba: "He really is Gasper-kun, sometimes I think he sees you more as a little brother than his kōhai" laughing slightly as he spoke and shook his head but not without catching the smile on Gasper's face as the dhampir duo left.
After they left the trio in the room fell into a somewhat comfortable silence, Kiba picking up a book he was reading and Irina falling into prayer as Azazel started adjusting the machines Issei was hooked up to. Constantly checking back at the chart as he adjusted the parameters and added another IV to Issei's arm.
Azazel: "Hey Ddraig you there?"
Silence was all that greeted the governor, causing him to sigh and look at Irina and Kiba almost as if debating what to say. It was getting late at this point as Irina put her head on Issei's chest, careful to avoid the tubes and wires of the equipment.
Azazel: "He's probably going to be like this for a few weeks, why don't we find you both a bed if you want to stay with him… I'm sure I can work something out for school and your duties."
Getting a nod from Kiba but a shake of the head from Irina as she began to fall asleep half in the chair and half on Issei's chest, with a sigh the fallen put a blanket over the angel and left with Kiba for the night.
Meanwhile - Devil Council Chamber - Lucifaad - Underworld [Satan Territory] {Sirzechs POV}
Deep within the citadel of Lucifaad the Devil council sat in an ornate chamber, seventy one thrones formed a semi circle around a single much grander throne, elevated above them all on a stage were another four thrones, far more ornate than those above. Mixed among the thrones were forty covered with white shrouds bearing the crests of their clans while the elder's of each clan sat in the meeting. The Maou had completed their report on the battle hours ago and the council was arguing how best to reward those who battled, or rather how to reward one particular individual.
Sirzechs couldn't help but sigh at the familiar scene before him, the last time the council had spoken about Issei they had stopped him and the other Maou from promoting him to high class forcing a compromise for mid-class, somethings would never change it seemed.
Marquis Orias: "He is a mere reincarnate doing his duty! He was not the commander, while I applaud him for killing the beast I doubt his contributions did more than shorten the battle."
Prince Sitri: "Many pure-bloods were evacuated from the battle long before he defeated the beast, we must look at this objectively, not blinded by our hubris."
Marquis Amon: "With the beast sealed what do we need that dragon for anyway? I say we eliminate it before it becomes a threat to the underworld!"
The bickering in the chamber stopped as all turned to face the elder of the Amon clan, you could hear a pin drop as the elder suggested killing the Red Dragon Emperor. Srizechs was struggling to restrain himself when the silence was interrupted by an unexpected source.
Zekram: "You would suggest the execution of a man who has saved the underworld not just from Trihexa, but from an attack from the old satan faction during a rating game, the demonic beast riot, helped reclaim the city of Agreas, not to mention his other achievements on the battlefield outside of the underworld?" the voice of the first great king was cold and without emotion, giving nothing away though the Maou could see his fist clenched on the arm of his throne from their vantage.
Marquis Amon: "As you said Great King, the dragon has many achievements and could easily inspire rebellion among the lower classes"
What followed would change the underworld forever as the oldest known living devil began to speak his mind.
Zekram: "Marquis Amon you are a fool! Half a millenia ago I sat in this chamber with four corrupt devils in the seats behind me. I thought of how to strengthen and protect our people and lands, leading to those who sit behind me now taking their places. I have and will continue to support strengthening the pure blood children of the remaining pillars but I am not so naive as to ignore the exceptional in our ranks… No matter where they come from." As he paused, the first Great King looked around the chamber, particularly at the elders of the Agares, Gremory, Astaroth, Sitri and Glasya-Labolas clans before he continued. "I propose that Issei Hyoudou and Vali Lucifer be promoted to the rank of Special Class above the ultimate class and be granted the rank of Emperor, below that of Great-King. In addition, based on the reports of the Maou I name the Seikryuutei Issei Hyoudou, betrothed of the heiress of the House of Gremory to be the fourth known Superdevil."
Sirzechs couldn't believe his ears, he was sure the council was going to stop Issei being made high class nevermind this, he couldn't help but wonder how Issei won over the oldest living devil.
Sirzechs: 'I don't know how you did it but I'm proud of you little brother.'
None of them could guess just how much this decision would affect the underworld.
February 26th 20XX - Issei's Room - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory] {Irina POV}
As Irina woke up she could feel her neck stiff and hear the constant beeping of medical equipment, blinking a few times she started to remember where she was and looked up towards Issei's face. There was no change from yesterday and he seemed as if he was simply sleeping, she couldn't help but wonder what he was dreaming of as she began to get lost in her thoughts. As Irina was lost in her daydream she jumped hearing the door open to admit a trio of blondes, Kiba she expected to see as he made his way to where he sat yesterday by the door, looking at the other two she recognised Ravel, Issei's manager, and gave her a small smile while she didn't recognise the third at all, he was a tall blonde dressed in noble robes with kind looking blue eyes he looked similar to Ravel but she knew this wasn't Riser and wasn't sure if she had any other siblings.
?: "Well I'm pleased to see the rumours of the Sekiryutei-kun's death are once again unfounded, I assume the others will be returning soon?" his voice was calm and collected though it seemed to hold some curiosity… or was it confusion.
Irina: "Azazel said he would be like this for a few weeks, he's pretty much healed but he's completely exhausted it seems. Sorry I don't recognise you, are you one of Ravel's family?" The man nodded as she explained Issei's condition though her question made him laugh softly.
?: "Ah we've never met, I'm Ruval Phenex, heir of the Phenex clan and elder brother to Ravel-chan here. Truth be told I was hoping to congratulate the Sekiryuutei here but it seems that will have to wait. " his voice held a small amount of disappointment before he continued. "You never said, will Rias-chan and the others be returning soon? I'm sure they must be beside themselves with worry."
Irina: "Oh I'm Shidou Irina, Ise's childhood friend and Ace of Michael-sama, it's nice to meet you Ruval-san." Irina smiled slightly at Ruvul who inclined his head before she shared a look with Kiba, "As for the others… well honestly we don't know you might need to ask Azazel-sensei but I haven't seen them since they were evacuated" Her words causing Ravel to look a the angel in what seemed like shock, not that Ruvul was much better, he remembered the state they were in during the demonic beast riots and assumed it would be impossible to keep them away.
Kiba: "They seemed worried when they were evacuated but something seemed off the whole time since we got back. I came as soon as Azazel-sensei came and told us Issei was here but honestly I didn't look at the girls and rushed here "
Silence hung in the air from what Kiba said, Azazel froze in the open doorway as he heard something was definitely off for the girls to act this way but none of them could figure out what it was.
Ravel: "There has to be something wrong, they all love Issei-samma… don't they?" her question caused Irina, Kiba and Azazel to raise their eyebrows as they looked at her. The doubt in her voice at the end made them worry for what they hoped was no reason.
Ruval "You're right Imouto, something must be wrong especially for Rias-chan to not be here, perhaps there are issues in her territory they have to deal with much like we do in our own."
Azazel: "I take it that the Phenex territory is still recovering from the attacks Ruval?" Azazel made himself known as he looked at the Phenex heir, he had heard about the failed Abaddon insurrection while they were fighting Nero.
Ruval: "Yes, Bedeze had his men attack the production of Phenex tears while he attacked the Bael. If you're wondering why Sairaorg hasn't visited yet that is also why he and his peerage have quite the job ahead of them fixing things at home" The others nodded almost as if they had expected as much but Irina in particular was clearly still distracted by what Ravel had said.
The group soon descended into relatively idle chatter with Ruval updating Azazel on the events in the devil territories while he was fighting Nero and Irina explaining what happened in the battle after Riser was evacuated so she had a full picture of the events.
Ravel: "So Issei-samma is now one of the worlds strongest beings?" her voice clearly displayed her shock at how Issei had been the one to defeat Trihexa.
Ruval: "No Imouto that isn't how the list works, if it was then both Ajuka-samma and the entirety of the Belial clan would be near the top whereas Ajuka-sama is ranked seventh with Sirzechs-sama and no member of the Belial clan has ever come close to the top twenty." Ruval interrupted to correct his sister before continuing. "The list is more a measure of destructive power, magical reserves and physical might combined not like the rankings of the rating games, though I believe Seikryuutei-kun here has probably made his way into the top ten" he finished and looked towards Azazel for confirmation.
Azazel: "Officially, he's ranked seventeenth with Vali, Uriel and Horus but the changes he underwent in the recent battle… Well me and Michael think he's probably around the same strength as Ddraig and Albion when they were sealed or he will be when he can control it." His proclamation causing the occupants of the room to stare at him with wide eyes, even Ruval was shocked thinking it would be at least a couple of centuries until the Seikryuutei would enter the top ten,
Irina: "So Ise-kun is the fourth strongest being?" her voice was unsure and almost afraid at what would come after Issei if he truly was that strong.
Azazel: "It's not quite that simple right now but in essence he likely is, his body was made from the flesh of Great Red and Ophis so it's not like he's lacking in magical reserves like most people assume he is, his destructive physical strength I don't think any of us doubt. The problem is he doesn't really have that power if he can't control it, not until he can master that dragon form anyway" Azazel had drifted off into thought as he finished seeming to begin planning something but he seemed reluctant to continue.
February 28th 20XX - Issei's Room - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory] {Irina POV}
Over the past couple of days several people had come by to visit, most of Vali's team had left a few minutes ago after apologising again on behalf of Arthur and Le-Fay something about an errant member of the family but they didn't know much. The visitors had included several more important people within the factions, Gabriel had come by yesterday apologising on Michael's behalf for not being able to visit as Heaven was still in disarray. Grayfia had also come by with Millicas who wanted to see that Ise was alive with his own eyes, the most surprising visitor had been Shiva, Azazel said that he had insisted on seeing Ise for some reason and seemed to smile when he opened his third eye. As she sighed and looked at Issei she noticed the edges of his hair had turned a honey blonde similar to Azazel, it seemed to be happening before her eyes as Irina watched the blonde streaks grow until the final inch and a half of his hair was now a deep honey blonde.
Irina: "Azazel-sensi!" Irina yelled so loud Kiba had to cover his ears before leaving to look for Azazel he hadn't noticed Issei's hair yet but decided it was best to get the Governor before Irina did something to get him here faster.
Unknown - Issei's Mindscape {Issei POV}
Darkness, the never ending darkness of the void, swam around as Issei tried to move but found himself unable. Slowly he managed to crane his neck to one side taking what felt like an eternity to try and get a bearing of his surroundings yet nothing came of it, all he could see was the darkness of the abyss.
Issei: 'Am I dead?'
As the thought ran through his mind he could hear a deep chuckle coming from somewhere to his left, slowly craning his neck to face the sound the blackness was finally broken by brilliant red flames.
?: "If you're dead then this is a first for me partner" the voice was familiar yet he couldn't place it, it brought to mind images of a large red dragon.
Issei: "Partner… Wait hold on…" his voice seemed deeper than before and more regal than he remembered, why did he sound different? Looking through the flames he could make out a large dragon with bright red scales… 'Red… an Imperial red deeper than blood, a colour of both danger and power… a red dragon… no THE red dragon…'
Red Dragon: "You're getting there partner, after what you've just done I can be patient but you best not forget me again!" the regal voice of the dragon echoed through Issei's mind as things slowly began to fall back into place.
Issei: "Ddraig? The last thing I remember is tossing Nero into that crater"
Ddraig "You passed out, for how long I don't know not that I've been awake much longer"
Issei: "So we're not dead?" Issei let out a small chuckle as he slowly moved to face Ddraig properly, his tail resting on the back of his left leg… wait tail when did he get a tail.
Ddraig: "I see you're beginning to realise you're still in your true form, as proud of you as I am this is what is stopping you from awakening. Now for the hard part, you need to learn to control your aura before you awaken or you will probably destroy whatever building you're in… if we're lucky."
Issei let out a groan as he began to listen to the ancient dragon. He didn't know how long it took but eventually something began to click, he didn't need to force his aura to obey like Ddraig did, for some reason things were making more sense to Issei than before, Ddraig's aura was of domination so he had to make it submit… but his was of hope.
Ddraig: "That's right partner, it seems along with awakening your aura you seem to have grown a brain" chuckling as he saw the golden aura of hope settle around his host.
Issei: "Well you don't force hope down you encourage it and let it grow right" his voice sounding more relaxed yet he seemed to have matured along with the awakening of his aura.
Ddraig: "I… guess, it isn't like me and Albion ever discussed how we gained control of our auras but yours is more similar to Great Red's than my own. Now partner you are far more powerful than you were before but I have to warn you, if you try and use your dragon abilities until you can turn back into your true form at will you could end up in a much worse state than you are now"
Issei: "Thanks Ddraig… You know I wonder what Tannin-ossan will think when he sees me as a dragon" both of them letting out a loud laugh as Issei and Ddraig both decided it would be best to play a joke on whoever was in the room.
February 28th 20XX - Issei's Room - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory] {Issei POV}
Issei could sense a holy presence in the room but was surprised to notice there was nobody else… Maybe something was going on? He could also sense a fallen and a devil coming closer but not quite in the room yet. Slowly he began to count down from five in his head.
5
Issei could tell from the scent the holy presence was Irina, but he wasn't sure exactly who was coming closer.
4
Mentally Issei was practically praying that Irina wouldn't notice he was awake yet, faking sleep was easy when they were kids but he wasn't so sure now.
3
Issei could now smell the scents of the people getting closer, it was Kiba and Azazel… If he was honest he'd been hoping it was Rias and Akeno.
2
Manifesting the boosted gear with his arm under the blanket he hoped that Irina wouldn't notice, hopefully something had her distracted.
1
And now it was time… ["BOOST!"]. When he opened his eyes he saw Irina jump out of her chair in shock as she glared at him.
Irina: "Issei-kun, how could you do that to me!" yelling before throwing herself at the boy as he laughed.
Meanwhile - Hallway - Grigori Headquarters - Iadnah - Underworld [Grigori Territory] {Azazel POV}
As Azazel and Kiba were walking down the hallway he was confused why Kiba had run to him, Irina yelling for him wasn't normal either so what the hell had happened he hadn't noticed anything on the monitors. As they got closer Azazel could sense something was different in the room but was unsure of what it was until a loud noise echoed through the hall.
["BOOST!"]
Running the last few metres Azazel couldn't help but laugh as he heard Irina and saw the scene in front of him while Kiba fondly shook his head.
Azazel: "Welcome back to the land of the living Kid".
AN: Okay so lots going on and a few POVs going on here, just to clarify as I write in 3rd person when I say POV it's basically telling you who's internal monologue you're hearing. Also this is probably one of if not the only time I'll be jumping around quite this much. I don't like it but it saves me a lot of time later on and lets me do a little foreshadowing. You'll notice I didn't cover many of the girl's POV and left what they're doing in the dark, well there's a reason for that you'll find out next chapter. Just wanna explain some things here as well but this is more a reference guide so people don't yell at me about wing numbers or anything.
Demonic Titles/ Ranks - Okay so I'm actually breaking canon a little here and going with a more traditional feudal model here. Also I'm getting these ranks from the Ars Goetia just like the author did and sorry anime fans Gremory is Duke not Marquis that was a mistake in the anime. Also an interesting one here Sona actually outranks Rias based on this so that's gonna come up. Also yes as you rank up you get more wings. The names in brackets are current examples canon to this story, not necessarily the LN.
Maou (Lucifer, Leviathan, Belzebub, Asmodeus)
Great King (Bael)
New - Emperor (New - Hyoudou)
King (Paimon)
Arch-Duke (Agares) / Prince (Sitri)
Duke (Gremory)
Marquis (Amon)
Earl (Furfur)
Knight (Furcas)
President (Glasya-Labolas)
Satan Class / Super Devil - 12 wings (Issei Hyoudou)
Special Class - 10 wings (Vali Lucifer)
Ultimate Class - 8 wings (Diehauser Belial)
High Class - 6 wings (Rias Gremory)
Middle Class - 4 wings (Genshirou Saji)
Low Class - 2 wings (New Reincarnates)
Angelic Titles/ Ranks - I'm gonna do my best here but the definitions provided by St. Thomas Aquinas really don't help here so I'm honestly making this up from the DxD canon as best I can.
Great Seraph - 12 wings (Michael)
Seraph - 12 wings (Metatron)
Archangel - 10 Wings (Dulio Gesualdo)
Ultimate Class - 8 wings (Irina Shidou)
High Class - 6 wings (Griselda Quarta)
Middle Class - 4 wings (No named examples in canon)
Low Class - 2 wings (New Reincarnates)
Grigori Titles/ Ranks - Similar deal here to angels so bear with me.
Fallen Seraph (There are 3 of these only 1 shown in DxD) - 12 wings (Azazel)
Governor / Vice-Governor - 10 wings (Shemhazai)
Cadre - 10 Wings (Penemue)
Ultimate Class - 8 wings (No named examples in canon)
High Class - 6 wings (No named examples in canon)
Middle Class - 4 wings (No named examples in canon)
Low Class - 2 wings (Weaker Mostly Non Combat Members)
Dragon Titles/ Ranks - These are the same things for dragons and wing count in this case means nothing, this purely depends on the Dragon in question not their rank.
Dragon God - Great Red & Ophis
Heavenly Dragon - Albion, Ddraig, Issei
Dragon King - Fafnir, Miðgarðsormr/Jörmungandr, Tannin, Tiamat, Vritra, Yu-Long
High Class Dragon - Alivian, Bova Tannin
Mid Class Dragon - Grendel Clones
Low Class Dragon - Rassei
Evil Dragons - Okay so there is a gap here because while it is a designation it is not a rank, so I'm gonna do this a little differently.
Infernal Dragon - Chrom Cruach
Evil Dragon King* / Dragon Tyrant - Apophis, Aži Dahāka ,Niðhöggr, Vritra*
High Class Evil Dragon - Grendel, Ladon
Mid Class Evil Dragon - Yamata no Orochi
Low Class Evil Dragon - Mass Produced Evil Dragons
*Evil Dragon King refers explicitly to Vritra as he was both a Dragon King and an Evil Dragon
Okay now that's done this was a hard one to write, honestly my head with this is at a point further ahead in the story once the events really get going. Please read and review and guess at what Issei has instead of a peerage. N.b. he will still have a peerage but he's not allowed to participate in the Rating Game like the Maou so it's fairly unimportant.