Chapter 1
"Hey, did you hear that we would be getting a transfer student here today?" One of the girls of Kuoh Academy asked her friends, and they nodded in response.
"I did!"
"I heard he attended Middle School here before he went to the States to spend some more time with his family."
"I hope it's a cute boy and not a pervert!"
The girls nodded in agreement as they could use another Kiba or Saji since the two were what they called Bishouen Boyfriend material, while many of the other boys were either perverts or just boring in their eyes.
The boys, on the other hand, were annoyed as they were expecting another pretty boy to show up and enter their school to take the ladies again like Kiba and Saji.
While the students talked among themselves, they needed to take notice that the new student would be a unique person. They were shocked to see that a motorcycle was pulling up to the front of the school with two passengers at the entrance. The first passenger got off and took off their helmet to reveal that they were a butler who seemed to look almost like a girl if it hadn't been for the very flat chest and how they spoke in a monotone voice.
The butler was a mature young man with mid-back length black hair that rested on his right shoulder with bangs covering his left eye, copper-brown eyes, and a slim figure. He seemed to wear a black office uniform and seemed to have a deadpanned face.
"Master Hyoudou, we have arrived." The butler said as the boy got off his bike and smiled at his butler.
"Thank you, Youko, but you didn't have to come with me on the first day. I'm capable of taking care of myself, and didn't I tell you to call me Issei?" Issei Hyoudou said as he spoke to the newly named Youko; he kept his deadpanned face up and replied.
"I am aware of that, Master Hyoudou, but your parents want you to be safe, so that is why I was recruited to be your bodyguard and butler," Youko said as Issei sighed once more but nodded as the duo walked towards the school.
The duo let the bike rest at the entrance before the many students were in awe of the duo. The girls were swooning over the butler and bodyguard while the guys were jealous of the butler more than the other guy, which made Issei sigh in relief as Youko went a bit faster and opened the door for Issei.
"Youko, I know you are trained to be an excellent butler and bodyguard, but isn't this too much? It's school, not military school." Issei said as Youko just looked at Issei for a moment, making the boy sigh as he walked in before Youko followed behind with the school, surprised by their act as the students inside were surprised by both Youko and Issei before they arrived at their homeroom.
The students were in awe of Youko and Issei before the teacher let them introduce themselves.
Issei let Youko go first as he nodded and wrote his name on the board.
"My name is Youko Honda. I was born in Japan but was raised in the USA, where I joined the military, but that was before I became a personal bodyguard for Issei Hyoudou. I do not like talking to people who I don't know or care about, so leave me alone unless you have something important to tell me." Youko said as Issei sighed as he knew of the butler's personality.
'She can easily destroy an entire alien mercenary group on her own, and yet she has the tact of a bull in a China shop when it comes to social interactions.' Issei thought before he was asked to do his introduction.
"Ah my name is Issei Hyoudou. I was born and raised in Japan until I was around ten and moved to the USA to become more educated in not just the world but also to improve my social skills. I look forward to learning with you all." Issei said with a bow as the students were amazed by the duo dynamic before Issei took a seat next to the window while Youko walked towards the desk next to Issei and glared at the girl sitting in it.
"Move. Now." Youko said in a cold tone while the girl shivered in fear but nodded as she left the desk before Youko sat in it and leaned back a bit while the students could tell that the two were very different.
"Well then, let's get started then." The teacher said as the school day began while the students saw the difference in the two new faces as Issei was a very kind and caring person while Youko seemed not to trust people and stayed close to Issei as the butler seemed to be warmer around Issei.
All in all, this new school year will be an interesting one.
Eventually, lunchtime came as. Youko and Issei headed to the rooftop for some privacy as they sat and began to enjoy their lunches.
"You know you don't have to keep pretending to be a boy, Youko. We have dated for two years now, and I'm used to your cold behavior." Issei said as Youko sighed while she let her guard down and snuggled next to Issei with a faint smile on her lips.
Youko Honda was actually a girl who became Issei's partner when he became part of the Plumbers in the States after moving there. The two had a strong relationship and could tell when something was bothering them. Youko was Issei's partner and his first girlfriend when Issei turned sixteen, and the two became close through thick and thin. They helped each other as Youko could have been more pleasant while Issei was, and so they balanced each other out with their personalities.
"I am aware, Issei, but you do know that your parents were concerned since you have not only the Ultimatrix but also the Boosted Gear," Youko said as Issei looked at his left arm and saw the crimson-red gauntlet with the emerald-colored dial on top of the gem.
"Yeah. You are not wrong. After the whole battle with Dagon and Vilgax, I was honestly worried that Azmuth would take the Ultimatrix. I know he may call it an inferior version of the Omnitrix, but this has been with me for a long time, and I really made a connection with the aliens inside of the watch." Issei said as the dial glowed a bit as if it was happy to hear it.
"Heh. I'm sure you and the others agree, ain't that right, Ddraig." Issei said as he touched the dial and smiled at the warmth radiating from said gauntlet.
Youko smiled as she enjoyed being near Issei since he had a warmth that drew her towards him, and seeing Issei struggle with his power made the Plumber want to help him when he was at the highest levels of pride but at his lowest when he felt defeated.
Issei and Youko stayed close as two people were eyeing both of them before Sona narrowed her eyes at Issei in particular.
"Issei Hyoudou. He has a Sacred Gear but also a strange device known as the Ultimatrix. Interesting. I'll have to inform Rias that I'll be taking my chance to offer him a position among my peers. I do still need a Pawn to fill the spot." Sona said as she looked at her remaining pieces and recalled Rias's progress on her peerage.
"As much as I care about Rias, she is too soft on her peers and doesn't seem to care about training," Sona said as she knew Rias was a kind person, but that pride she had would result in her downfall. Sona said as she then made preparations to learn more about Issei so she could invite him to join the Student Council and her peerage.
Meanwhile, Rias Gremory was squealing as she recognized who he was.
"No way. Issei Hyoudou?! The Hero of the States and the Red Dragon Emperor?!" Rias squealed as she pulled out a book and smiled at the pictures of the many aliens in crimson armor.
"I knew that the two had to be connected, but I never would've thought that Boosted Gear and the Hero were the same person. Amazing!" Rias shouted as she never revealed this to anyone, not even her brother, but she was a closet fan of the infamous Hero of Omnitrix and the Red Dragon Emperor.
I could ask him to join my peerage. If I can get him to help me deal with him, then I'll be able to not only gain my freedom but also to help my team get stronger." Rias cheered as she began to ponder how to get Issei to join her peerage, knowing Sona would probably be making her move to claim Issei in her peerage.
The Devil Kings shall clash for the Hero of the Universe.
The school day it was continued with Issei and Youko being bombarded by many questions when classes were done for the day.
"Would you go out with us, Youko?"
"Please punish me, Youko-sama!"
"Let me get you something to drink!"
Youko sighed as she was used to the crazy fans that she had to deal with back in the Plumbers before Issei came in to save her.
"My apologies, but Youko doesn't like socializing much, so could you give him some breathing room?" Issei asked politely, but his tone suggested they heeded his warning. As the girls nodded, Youko was able to breathe easier until Matsuda and Motohama were bombarding Issei.
"Hello. My name is Matsuda."
"And I am Motohama."
"And we are the Perverted Duo!" The two said as the girls looked at them with disgust before Issei was surprised and clapped his hands.
"Impressive introduction. I'm glad to meet you two." Issei said as the girls were shocked that Issei didn't seem appalled at their title. Youko chuckled at their surprise.
"It should come as a surprise to you, but Issei is a bit of a pervert, but he keeps it under control," Youko said as the girls were surprised by this before Issei began to chat with the two as if they were friends for a long time until Issei denied the offer to join their ranks but was open to being their friend, making the two very happy that they had a fellow friend and comrade.
"Hahaha! I never thought I'd find people who were like me back in the States. I look forward to a great year with you two." Issei said as the Perverted Duo was so happy until the day ended with Issei and Youko heading back to their home. They got on the motorcycle and started driving back home with Youko holding onto Issei.
"I must say. Not a bad first day if I do say so myself." Issei said as Youko replied to him.
"The only nice parts were when the annoying fanatics didn't bother me. They really annoy me because of how troublesome they are when trying to get my attention. Like a puppy wagging its tails when it sees its master." Youko said as Issei chuckled at Youko before they approached the apartment complex that they were staying at while in Kuoh Town.
"Oh? Are you guys new to the complex?" A woman asked as she smiled at the two of them.
Issei was surprised by her kindness before greeting her.
"Nice to see you as well. My name is Issei Hyoudou. This is Youko. We live on the second floor." Issei said as Youko nodded her way while the woman smiled and replied.
"My name is Yuuma Amano. Pleased to meet you both." Yuuma said as Issei and Youko nodded in response before they left. Yuuma as she watched them leave to the second floor until Yuuma knew they wouldn't see her.
Her eyes then narrowed as she walked to leave the complex.
'So that is my target, huh? Issei Hyoudou. He seems to be an ordinary guy, so why would Azazel want me to try and recruit him to join the Grigori? He must have a strong Sacred Gear; otherwise, it would be pointless to try and recruit a weakling.' Yuuma said as she left the apartment complex. Issei and Youko entered their apartment to see that the room was already well furnished.
Issei smiled as he looked at the fridge and saw that it was already stocked with perishables and non-perishables.
"Good. We'll be good on food for a while; however, I do wonder if we will be able to deal with the supernatural beings here in the town." Issei said as Youko nodded in response as she set her bag down and stretched her arms. Issei then closed the fridge and headed to the bookcase in the living room. He then pulled one of the books as the bookcase separated to reveal a large computer before Issei sat in the chair.
"Are you going to do a scan of the supernatural in the town?" Youko asked as she looked at Issei, who nodded in response before a face appeared on the screen.
"Hey, Alpha. It's good to see you again. Did you enjoy mapping out Kuoh Town while in the bike rack?" Issei asked as Alpha nodded and replied.
{I did. It was very informative since it allowed me to scan the whole town to have its area mapped in my database while I was in park mode. The area provides good places to deal with aliens and supernatural beings, but only the latter are here instead of the former.} Alpha said as he created a map on the screen that shows the locations of supernatural beings.
"Can you create a profile for them? Their strengths, weaknesses, and all that?" Youko asked as Alpha replied to her.
{But of course.} Alpha said as he began to pull up a profile on the supernatural beings.
{First Group: The Gremory Peerage.
King: Rias Gremory. Heiress of the Gremory Household and wields the Power of Destruction.
Rank: High Class.
Skills: Magic.
Weaknesses: Pride. Holy Weapons. She lacks physical training and makes no effort to help her peers become stronger.
Threat Level: E-
Queen: Akeno Himejima. Daughter of Fallen Angel Baraquiel.
Rank: Low Class.
Skills: Magic and Holy Lightning.
Weaknesses: Holy / Light-based abilities and weaponry. Akeno is a sadist and will sometimes take her time when fighting her foes.
Threat Level: E.
Knight: Yuuto Kiba.
Rank: Low Class.
Skill: Amateur Level Swordsmanship.
Sacred Gear: Blade Blacksmith: Allows the user to create swords with Devil powers.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry. Weak to stronger opponents. He wears no armor for defense and relies solely on speed. Has no combat skills without weapons.
Threat Level: E
Rook: Koneko Toujou.
Rank: Low Class
Skill: Amateur Level Hand to Hand Combat.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry. Weak to stronger and faster opponents. She wears no armor for defense and relies solely on strength.
Threat Level: E-
Bishop: Gasper Vladi.
Rank: Low Class
Skill: None.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry. Cowardly and has no confidence or control of Sacred Gear.
Threat Level: F
Second Group: The Sitri Peerage.
King: Sona Sitri
Rank: High Class.
Skill: Water Manipulation and Magic. Genius Intellect
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry.
Threat Level: D
Queen: Tsubaki Shinra.
Rank: Low Class.
Skill: Reversal Magic. Queen Piece Empowerment. Naginata Master.
Sacred Gear: Mirror Alice: A mirror that, if destroyed, reflects double the damage on the attacker but cannot be summoned twice in a row without a cool-down period.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry. Limited time to use Sacred Gear.
Threat Level: D
Knight: Tomoe Meguri.
Rank: Low Class
Skill: Expert Swordswoman.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry.
Threat Level: D-
Bishop: Reya Kusaka
Rank: Low Class.
Skills: Magic Talent for spying and communication.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry.
Threat Level: D-
Bishop: Momo Hanakai
Rank: Low Class
Skills: Barrier Magic.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry.
Threat Level: D-
Rook: Tsubasa Yura.
Rank: Low Class.
Skills: Master at Hand to Hand Combatant.
Weaknesses: Holy/Light-based abilities and weaponry.
Threat Level: D
The Fallen Angels are extremely weak due to them being two-winged Fallen Angels and have no extraordinary skills or abilities. They are hardly considered a threat to you or Lady Youko.}
"So the Sitri Peerage are the ones we have to worry about the most, huh? That's surprising since I thought the Gremory peerage would be a larger threat than the Sitri group." Issei said as Youko nodded in agreement with Issei before a voice startled them both.
"Most people would think that because of the infamous 'Power of Destruction,' but really, that power is nothing but a watered-down version of what true Destruction is. The only person who has been able to bring out the true power of that watered-down magic is Venelana Gremory and her son Sirzechs Lucifer." The voice said as the duo turned to see a woman appear behind the two of them with a dark pink portal behind her being as she smiled at them both.
"And we both have seen what true Destruction means, haven't we, Issei?" The woman asked as Issei nodded and admired the woman before him.
She wore a magenta coat with purple at the ends. Underneath, she wore purple long-heeled boots with black straps around them. She wore her magical bag around her waist. The woman also wore her long silver hair in a low ponytail and had light purple and pinkish eyes, along with purple lipstick. She also wore two earrings on each ear.
"It's good to see you again, Hope, or do you prefer Charmcaster still?" Issei asked as Charmcaster smiled at Issei as she floated towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck before taking his lips and smiling at him.
"I like it when you call me Hope, but Charmcaster doesn't bother me," Charmcaster said as the witch sat on his lap and smiled at him before looking at the screen and the profile of the Devils and Fallen before chuckling at them.
"It's no surprise that the Gremory group is weaker than the Sitri peerage due to their lack of skills. The Gremory group does have strong fighters, but they lack the skills and experience to fight, unlike the Sitri Peerage, who have more experience and are better fighters despite them not having the powers of the Gremory group." Charmcaster said as Issei nodded in response while hugging the witch before they got off the chair, with Issei asking her what she was doing there.
"Well, when I heard you were in Kuoh Town, I did some digging to see if there were any supernatural beings here, and I was right. I'm hoping I can assist you in dealing with them should they prove to be difficult or try to force you to join their ranks. It always annoyed me how persistent they can be when trying to get others to join their ranks." Charmcaster said as Issei nodded in response as he had dealt with the supernatural as well and was slightly annoyed by them.
"You are not wrong, but I don't judge a book by its cover alone. I want to get to know the Devils first before I make the call, but still, it's better to be safe than sorry. If the threat level Alpha just showed us was true, then they're good for dealing with foot soldiers of the HighBreed Invasion who came here instead of the HighBreed Generals." Issei said as he recalled that battle. Charmcaster sighed while resting Issei's head on her shoulder as they sat on the couch.
"I know that battle was intense. I was honestly worried about what would happen if we had lost, but thanks to that gamble you did, the HighBreed left, and many lives were saved." Charmcaster said as Issei sighed but nodded before recalling the other villains they faced, such as the Forever Knights, Agregor, Vilgax, and Dagon, as well as many mercenaries and such.
"Still, now that there is no real threat, I can hopefully enjoy a peaceful high school year here," Issei said as Charmcaster giggled at Issei's wish before flicking his nose.
"You and I both know that is wishful thinking. You are going to get pulled into another faction battle whether you like it or not." Charmcaster said as Issei chuckled but nodded as he knew his luck when it came to staying out of trouble.
"Well, when that time comes, it's hero time," Issei said as the Boosted Ultimatrix glowed as it responded to Issei and was excited about what awaited them.
Scene.
Issei is physically strong enough to handle Raynare and low-class devils, as well as a few Middle-Class Devils. Still, for higher, more powerful beings such as Kokabiel and Vali, Issei will need to use his transformations and powers.
Now, as for the Sekirei DXD, here's a sneak peek of the first chapter. Let me know if both this one and the Sekirei should Live! Or Die!
It was a cool evening as a train was unloading its last few individuals off said train for the night. Only a few people were on the train, but one person definitely stood out from the passengers.
That person was a tall man with short dark brown hair that had red tints at the end of it while his eyes were a dark brown but seemed to be cold as if he was telling people to leave him alone.
His attire looked similar to that of a delinquent of sorts as he wore a long, black, high-collared, and tattered cloak with shoulder plates; around his waist was a simple belt. The man also wore loose-fitting dark pants, along with some simple boots that were good for fighting.
The man was carrying a duffel bag of sorts while leaving the train station as he looked at the name of the town he was in.
"Shinto Teito. It seems nicer than my old town, that's for sure." The man said as he looked at his left arm and saw that it was covered in crimson scales.
"You'd be surprised what happened to me after the war in these past few months, Ddraig. Heh. You'd probably ask me if I knew what I was doing." The man chuckled as he recalled what his old friend would say to him until he decided to head to his new destination.
"I need a drink."
Within Shinto Teito.
"Man, that hit the spot!" Kazehana said as she wiped her mouth after drinking the bottle of sake. Kagari sighed at the Wind Sekirei.
"Why are you like this sometimes, Kazehana? You know you can't keep drinking so much, or else your liver will explode." Kagari said as Kazehana smiled with a tiny blush before speaking to him.
"Well, it's the best way to drown one's sorrows, and what better way to feel alive than drink until you collapse?" Kazehana said as Kagari sighed before the door to the bar was opened. The man walked into the bar and sat down a bit far from the woman.
Kagari and Kazehana were surprised by his appearance before Kagari went over to him and asked.
"Good evening, sir. What can I get you?"
"Water."
Kagari nodded and went to fill up the glass while Kazehana couldn't help but feel turned on by the look in his eyes before she waved at him.
"Hi there, handsome. What's a guy like you doing here alone?" Kazehana asked as she sauntered over to him and pressed her chest on his left arm but was shocked to see no reaction from him.
"Get your tits off me, skank. I'm not in the mood for your games." The man said as Kazehana felt offended by the remark before speaking to him.
"And what makes you think I am one?"
"You act like you'd sleep with any guy if they buy you a drink and promise you a good time. Just piss off. I don't feel like sleeping with a slut." The man said as Kazehana began to clench her fists in rage. Kagari gave the man his glass of water before the man drank it in one gulp.
"I've seen your type, lady, and let me tell you, I'm not impressed." The man said as he turned to look at Kazehana, whose eyes widened as she looked at them.
As a Sekirei, their species can look into the souls of others and see their emotional pain, so when Kazehana looked into those eyes, she saw the same emotion she felt when her feelings weren't returned to her by the man she loved.
Sadness.
Kazehana unclenched her fists as she sat next to him and sighed. "I'm actually a virgin, believe it or not. I act like that because we're alike. Broken-hearted by someone we loved."
The man was shocked by this as he chuckled as he spoke to her.
"Heh. Well, if you like me, then you must've had some therapy to deal with since I had a messed up brain because of the bullshit I had to deal with. It got worse when I was betrayed by the woman I loved, who not only cheated on me but also berated me while making out and fucking with her boyfriend."
The man clenched his left fist tightly as he looked at his naked ring finger and sighed. "Would you believe me if I told you that we were engaged to be married?"
Kazehana and Kagari were surprised by this before the man nodded. "It's true. Want to hear my story?"
Kazehana nodded and listened to how the man began to regale his tale of how he was just a normal, perverted, but honest boy who desired to have a harem to treat as the Queens of his world with love, respect, and affection. The man said his name was Issei Hyoudou and how he was killed and betrayed by the first girl who said she loved him and left a scar on his heart. Then he spoke about how he was able to heal thanks to his friends and learning to be open and love again. Still, all that resulted in Issei being betrayed by the woman Issei wished to propose to, his ex-girlfriend Rias Gremory. Still, sadly, the dagger stabbed his heart again when he saw that Rias was already at the restaurant with another man, whom she met at her college and seemed to be very close since Issei followed them to a love hotel where the two made love and Rias said she would dump Issei.
It hurt, but when Issei went to see his other girlfriends, he saw that each of them cheated on him and betrayed the promise they made to each other.
The twisting of the dagger was so painful that Issei nearly turned into a dragon and went on a rampage. Still, he was able to control himself as he decided that they didn't love him anymore or wanted him, so he decided to leave his old town for college and make a new life for himself.
"Which brings me to here. I'm here to restart my life from zero. Heh. So let me know what you think. Am I crazy or just some depressed fool?" Issei asked as he drank another glass of water before Kazehana reached out for his left hand and took it.
"No." Issei then looked at Kazehana as she spoke to him. "You did nothing wrong. You are telling the truth, and you are not a bad man."
Kazehana said as Issei chuckled at him. "Yeah, right. Apparently, I must've fucked up somehow because my life changed forever and went to hell, so tell me how I'm not a bad man when the people I loved betrayed me after I sacrificed my body! My soul! My heart! MY LIFE!" Issei roared as Kazehana and Kagari were shocked by his aura and strength due to the dent he placed on the counter.
Issei stopped himself as he looked at the counter and, took some money out and placed it on the counter. "I'm sorry. This amount should be enough to fix it. I'll be leaving now."
Issei said as he was about to leave until a hand caught him. "Hey, Issei. Mind escorting a girl home?"
Issei blinked at the girl before he sighed at his kind heart telling him to help her.
"Fine," Issei said as he carried Kazehana to the Izumo Inn, thanks to her directions, and was greeted by a woman at the entrance smiling at them.
"Oh, hello there. Thank you for bringing Kazehana here. My name is Miya Asama. It's nice to see you." Miya said as Issei introduced himself and placed the drunk woman on the couch. Miya offered to have Issei stay for the night.
"No, No. I don't want to trouble you at all, Asama-san."
"Nonsense. It's really cold out tonight, and it's impossible to find a room this late. Please stay the night." Miya said as Issei tried to argue back, but his stomach growled as Miya giggled at his flustered expression.
"I..suppose I can stay for the night."
"Wonderful. I believe you'll love it here." Miya said as Issei followed her to the kitchen and asked if he could help her, but Miya just directed Issei to the kitchen table. She heated some leftover soup and gave it to Issei.
Little did Issei know that tonight would be the start of a new beginning in life.
Issei then thanked Miya for the room as he sighed as he heard her leave him be. Issei then looked at a full moon and felt a sense of nostalgia form in his heart as he recalled that night that changed his fate.
"Who would've thought that the Goddess of Love would save me when I was truly at my lowest point?"
Issei said as he closed his eyes and recalled the day he nearly took his life after his heart was destroyed into pieces by their words and actions.
Flashback. A Few Months Ago.
Issei's heart broke as he refused to go on a rampage, so instead, he decided to destroy an entire mountain away from civilization to release his rage. He then roared in rage and sorrow after feeling his heartbreak from the knife twisting his heart.
'Is this how they really feel about me? They never loved me and just pretended to care about me. Xenovia and Koneko, I believe, but Irina and Asia, too? After all we've been through together?' Issei yelled in his head as he looked at his left arm and cried again as he roared once more while pondering what he did to deserve being alone and if this was his fate.
Issei stayed on that mountain for the night until a voice spoke to him from a person he wasn't expecting to see.
The Greek Goddess of Love: Aphrodite.
"Issei Hyoudou. I'm here to stop you from taking your life." Aphrodite said as she walked towards Issei. He kept his head down and spoke to her.
"What's the point? The war is over. I lost the Boosted Gear due to Ddraig and the past users sacrificing their lives for me. My mind was finally doing better, and I was feeling happy, but now." Issei said as he clenched his fists before glaring at Aphrodite. "Now, when I wanted to propose to the woman who saved my life and the one who I loved decided to betray me by cheating on me and lying to my face for months! My other girlfriends lied and cheated on me, and all for what? Replacing me after what I did for them? The time we spent together, the memories we shared, and all the dates meant nothing to them?"
Aphrodite approached Issei as he kept talking. "Was this my fate, huh? Was I destined to be alone and be another pawn in the game of power!? What is the point of living anymore when I lost my title and my partner, as well as the ones I loved?" Issei yelled as Aphrodite kept walking towards him until she took him into her arms and gently rubbed his back.
"You did nothing wrong, Issei. They are the ones who chose to betray you. You have nothing to fear, for I do not see you for the Boosted Gear. I see you as someone who's in pain from having been betrayed twice by the women he loved and cared for so much that seeing their betrayal pushed you this far." Aphrodite said as she clenched her fists while keeping Issei close to her.
"I won't let you kill yourself. If you need a reason to live, then I'll give you a reason!" Aphrodite shouted as Issei's eyes widened with tears still in his eyes before he looked up at her as Aphrodite spoke to him.
"Do not close your heart off from everyone. Some people still care about you and would cry if you died. Some will appear to fill and fix your broken heart, but promise me that you won't kill yourself and let this pain keep you from being happy."
"I-I'll t-try, but how?" Issei asked. Aphrodite said nothing at first. She then kissed the top of his head before hugging him close as a mother would a child.
"Live. Live your own life Issei Hyoudou. Don't live as Issei Hyoudou, the Red Dragon Emperor, or Pawn of Gremory. Live as yourself and learn to love again. The ones who still love you are out there, and some will fill the hole in your heart. Trust me when I say many love you, Issei. So please keep this promise." Aphrodite said as Issei clenched his fist as he struggled to keep their words away before nodding.
"Okay. I promise I'll live."
And it was on that day that the broken man who was once a pillar of strength and inspiration was now a person who thought he had nothing left to live for, but it was the words of a Goddess who was able to save him from ending his life.
End Flashback
"I made a promise, and I'll try. I'll try to live for myself," Issei said as he relaxed his body on the futon before closing his eyes, not knowing that his life would always involve the supernatural in some way.
Tonight is the night that a game shall begin, with many birds being released into the city.
"And now it's time for the game to begin. Let's see how the Gods Will favors the Destined Ones of the Ashikabi." Minaka said as he stood on top of a clock tower as the bell rang to signal that it was now midnight and the start of a new era.
Let me know what you think in the reviews, or PM me. I'll try to answer any questions due to how annoying fanfic is lately due to the lack of emails.
