Firstly, sorry it took so long for this chapter, but I was really unsure about how to proceed. I had a good discussion with one of my patrons (I started a pat reon, so if you can support me, I'd really appreciate it, so I don't need to take a long hiatus. The link to and details describing the situation, are on my profile page) and I now know how I want to proceed.
I will add characters from other media, however, I will integrate them into the currently existing DxD media. I won't say how, since it will be covered in this chapter, however, I am going to change who I add. There will be a few other additions I didn't mention last chapter and I will take out a few from the five I listed previously.
As for Issei, I told you first chapter was him being really OOC and that will be addressed in this chapter as well.
I've also decided not to mess with my harems, so for this story right now, the harem is Serafall, Grayfia and Rossweisse. They are in for sure, but others may be added later.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 2 – Coin
As Katerea and Issei appeared outside a somewhat lavish, five story mansion, Issei started at it unhappily.
'Why is it so small?' Asked Issei, with a small frown.
'Um, downsizing?' Supplied Katerea nervously.
'Katerea, what exactly have you been doing for the past few decades? If your answer is building a mindless grudge against the current Leviathan and as a result, you let our line crumble, I'll be very annoyed.' Said Issei sternly.
'Um… sorry?' Said Katerea questioningly.
'You will be.' Said Issei, with narrowed eyes, causing Katerea to gulp.
As the duo entered the building, Issei looked around curiously.
'Katerea, where is everyone?' Asked Issei, causing Katerea to sweat.
'I'm sure they are just in their rooms busying themselves.' Said Katerea nervously.
Issei flared his power for a moment and waited. As the seconds ticked by, Katerea grew more and more nervous, until finally someone arrived. The person who arrived was a tall man, with very pale skin. He had waist length black hair, with the front strands falling to his shoulders. His face was long and quite thin, with pronounced cheekbones, golden eyes, with slits in his pupils and purple markings around his eyes. He was wearing black pants and a grey tunic, over a black shirt, coupled with a thick purple rope belt, tied in a large knot at the back. He wore open toed black sandals and had his legs bandaged up to mid-calf and to complete his look, wore black and blue tomoe-shaped earrings.
Shortly after the man arrived, two other people appeared as well, a man and a woman. The man was of average height and possessed a slim build and tanned skin. His maroon hair was spiky and styled up, aside from a tuft covering his forehead and two bangs framing his face. He had a scar over his right eye, which was closed, but his left eye revealed a purple pupil, also with a slit, like the other man. He possessed many snake-like features as well, such as having slanted eyes and a rather flat nose. His attire consisted of an elaborate whitish coat, with a purple inner lining and cuffs, intricately decorated by silver-coloured motifs. Studs lined the chest and high collar of the coat and armbands made of metal, were affixed around the middle of his upper arm. Under the coat, the man wore a dark shirt and also sported a pair of crimson leather pants, held up by a studded belt, with similar styled belts circling diagonally around his thighs and simple brown shoes completed the look.
The last person to arrive was a woman, who unlike the other two, appeared relatively normal in comparison. She had a round face and possessed violet hair, which reached her shoulders, along with green eyes. She wore a lime green coloured blouse, with a green neckline and trim, combined with a long white skirt and wore green boots to complete her look. She was rather curvaceous as well, but also held a friendly smile, clashing strangely with the other two, who wore expressions of boredom and apathy respectively.
'Three? You tell me there are three people left in the Leviathan household and none of them are even devils.' Issei said, looking to Katerea in disappointment.
Katerea gave a nervous laugh, which made Issei pinch his nose in frustration.
'I'm getting Evil Pieces then. This is not acceptable.' Declared Issei tiredly, before regaining a calm disposition and looking at the three.
'Although, a creation from Yamata no Orochi's body and a mage imbued with his poison… I'm honestly intrigued. Such a thing should be impossible.' Said Issei curiously.
'I'm surprised you could know that just by looking at us.' Commented the pale man.
'I am the original Leviathan, recognising all serpentine traits and their dominion was… is, one of my unique talents.' Explained Issei, before turning to the woman.
'You however confuse me. You have no serpentine traits, yet I clearly feel… something from you. You feel like a mage as well, but strangely, also like a familiar.' Said Issei intrigued.
'Well, you would be right on both accounts. I was cursed into a serpentine form and served as a familiar, but, once it was broken, I learned magic as well.' Said the woman.
'I don't suppose the two of you would mind explaining, just exactly how you came to possess features of Yamata no Orochi?' Questioned Issei.
'Through alchemy and magic, a piece of his flesh was given consciousness. I am this consciousness. I possess the abilities of Yamata no Orochi, being able to transform into a large eight headed serpent as well, but retain no memories of his life. I am also essentially immortal. As long as a single cell of my being survives, I can regrow from it endlessly. To add to this, I possess a weaker version of the Kusanagi. It rests within me, but I can call it out as I wish. It doesn't not possess a powerful holy aura, but it is damaging due to the poison coating it.' Explained the pale man.
Issei nodded, before turning to the darker skinned man.
'I was a mage as well. She served as my familiar for some time as well.' Said the man, gesturing to the woman at his side.
'One day, a powerful magician came recruiting for strong subjects. I proved to be immensely durable and possessed magic and a constitution that would work well towards achieving the man's goals. I do not know how, but somehow, he procured a sample of Yamata no Orochi's poison and using magic, embedded it into a sphere containing its power, called a lacrima. After that, the lacrima was forceful implanted into me. During the implantation process, I lashed out wildly and brought the man to death's door. He clung to life only long enough, to exclaim I had become the ultimate mage, before dying.
'Very interesting.' Said Issei thoughtfully, before turning to Katerea.
'I'll spare the mountain my wrath, as while not numerous, these three are very valuable and unique. That being said, I expect more from you in the future, Katerea.' Said Issei.
'O-of course.' Stammered Katerea quickly.
'Good. I will go take care of what I must now, so do try to not sully our name anymore. However, before I go, what are your names?' Asked Issei, turning to the three at the end.
'Orochimaru.' Said the pale man apathetically.
'Cobra.' Said the maroon haired man, in an equally bored tone.
'I'm Kinana, nice to meet you.' Said the woman happily.
'I see, I will remember your names. I will also allow you to refer to me as you wish, either as Leviathan or Issei, I look forward to working with the three of you.' Said Issei, before a magic circle appeared under his feet and he disappeared.
'How did I not know of all this?' Asked Katerea, once had left.
'You never asked.' Grunted Cobra.
'That and I find you both petulant and annoying.' Said Orochimaru, before leaving.
'In all fairness, your presence is also not as commanding as Issei's.' Added Kinana, before leaving with Cobra.
-line break-
"Now, time to deal with Hyoudou." Thought Issei, appearing near a small lake in the familiar forest, quite close to where Umimaru dwelled.
Issei closed his eyes and delved into his mind, finding the original Issei Hyoudou and surprisingly, next to him was Ddraig.
'Finally! Now explain what you did to me, body stealer!' Shouted an indignant Issei Hyoudou, who didn't appreciate having his body hijacked.
'Hmm, I won't call myself a body stealer, this is your body after all… I'm more of an extra consciousness.' Said Leviathan.
'What do you mean?' Asked Hyoudou.
'Simply put, you are a person who fit all the prerequisites for my being. The potential for immense growth, a link with serpents, an unwavering drive, and the ability to grow and learn from your mistakes. That, coupled with immense envy, made you my perfect host. Although, your envy is interesting, in that it is envy for men who can attain numerous women… like that Phoenix boy.' Said Leviathan.
'That doesn't explain why I got shoved in here though.' Said Hyoudou in confusion.
'That was because I am more powerful than you and needed to take control. I'd be happy to let you out and even be in control of this body, provided you agree to all my terms. This is your body after all and while I can control it, I'd rather not. You are the one the immense growth factor and unwavering drive, something I always lacked, which no doubt helped lead to my undoing.' Said Leviathan.
'What are your terms then?' Asked Hyoudou in surprise.
'Aside from you agreeing to help me achieve my dream, only the ability to take control when a serious matter comes up. When dealing with high-ranking devils or recruiting people to our cause for instance. While you have ambition, you have little tact and common sense. I will of course help you. Teach you how to best manipulate and influence people, which will help you attain the harem you so deeply desire. Doing so will help me after all, as I do need to repopulate the Leviathan line, especially after the catastrophe Katerea has created. *sigh* I still remember when she was a bright-eyed child who enjoyed reading books and playing with serpents… now she has gotten too involved in titles and politics, quite regrettable.' Said Leviathan.
'That's it?' Asked Hyoudou in shock.
'Of course, what more would I need? There is not a great deal you can actually provide me with, and this is all I desire, my envy has waned greatly during the cycle of reincarnation and I only wish to carry out my goals and see my line prosper. That is why I need you. You still have your drive, whereas mine is lacking for the task I seek to complete.' Explained Leviathan.
'Well, in that case, I suppose I can agree to your terms… as long as you help me get my harem.' Said Hyoudou thoughtfully.
'Easily done. I did have my own before dying, it should be very easy to build up another one.' Said Leviathan dismissively.
'Then you've got yourself a deal!' Said Hyoudou in excitement.
'Excellent, go to Umimaru after this then. You need to train your body up, in order to wield my magic properly. Tell him to give you the wild water training. It will do wonders for you.' Said Leviathan calmly, before Hyoudou disappeared from the mindscape, regaining control of his body.
'That boy is too impulsive for his own good.' Muttered Ddraig, realising Issei hadn't even asked what the goal he had to accomplish was, upon hearing he would get a harem.
'Yes, but I'll make sure to teach him better in the future. I do need to have every advantage I can right now though, in order to get my way.' Admitted Leviathan.
'What exactly is your goal anyway?' Asked Ddraig curiously.
'I want to reign as the strongest serpent. In order to be unchallenged in that regard, I need to topple the best.' Said Leviathan.
'You couldn't possibly mean you wish to face Ophis or Great Red.' Said Ddraig in disbelief.
'Think bigger.' Commented Leviathan, with a smirk.
'You're mad! If you couldn't even defeat God on your own, how could you possibly defeat that thing?' Questioned Ddraig in shock.
'That is why I need a host with drive and an immense growth factor. You are just a lovely bonus Ddraig, but I'm sure you will be just as invaluable as those other two aspects.' Confessed Leviathan.
'There are limits to even my power. In time one can use them to kill a God, but that thing may just be stronger than even that. You'd be a fool to try and defeat it alone.' Said Ddraig.
'True, which is why I have no desire to face it alone. I will see to it that I can gather a few who can assist me in my goal. After all, a four-pronged attack was needed to match God, I can only imagine what needs to be done to beat that thing.' Commented Leviathan.
'I still think this is foolhardy… although my host has already proven unusual, this only adds to that. I may as well enjoy the ride, for if that is your end goal, there is a good chance the destination will lead to death.' Said Ddraig thoughtfully.
'Time will tell Ddraig, time will tell.' Said Leviathan confidently.
'In regard to time, without a vessel chaining you to this body, you will eventually disappear, you do realise that, don't you?' Queried Ddraig.
'Of course, but as Hyoudou is improved to my liking, eventually I will become one with him. It will be the only way to truly use the full extent of my powers. As of now, he can only borrow them and I can only crudely use them through this body, expending much more energy than is necessary. Once we become one though, both problems will be solved.' Admitted Leviathan.
'You seem awfully relaxed at the idea of ceasing to exist.' Commented Ddraig in surprise.
'Well, I have been dead for a while now. Like I said, the cycle of reincarnation changed me. I don't feel the same urges as I did previously, all that remains is the desire to fulfil my goal and restore my name to glory, that's all.' Said Leviathan tiredly.
'However, I wonder why you lied to the others, telling them you had already merged with Issei and become one with him.' Muttered Ddraig.
'Well, as far as they will ever know, that will be the case. I will take control when dealing with them to continue the charade. I need to have freedom in my movements now and they are more likely to do so if they believe I am the merged Issei, rather than the actual mind of the original Leviathan. It would also be unwise of them to let a simple-minded teenager run around with my powers. This was the best way to get me everything I wanted and as a Leviathan, I generally always get what I want.' Said Leviathan, with a smirk.
-line break-
Issei had dutifully made his way to Umimaru's cave, before hearing a soft growl. As the Hydra emerged from the cave, he looked down at Issei with a frown, recognising that the body was the same, but this person wasn't his master.
'U-um, I'm here for the wild water training.' Said Issei nervously.
Issei's apprehension grew when he saw Umimaru give a small smirk. Could Hydras smirk? Umimaru certainly seemed to be and as he opened his many mouths, Issei sweated nervously. Issei saw water building up within the throats of each mouth, swirling rapidly.
"Um, Leviathan guy, what exactly is the wild water training?" Asked Issei nervously.
'Simply put, stay alive against Umimaru, until you learn to control the water yourself.' Supplied Leviathan nonchalantly.
"Stay alive?" Questioned Issei in fear.
'Yes, and I suggest you start running soon.' Said Leviathan.
'WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS?' Shouted Issei tearfully, as he started running, dodging stream after stream of highly pressurised water, which shattered the trees and rocks they struck.
'You didn't think omnipotent control over water came easily did you? It is during life and death experiences, that one's true power is pushed to its limit and new depths are reached.' Explained Leviathan.
Issei simply continued to cry in fear as he ran.
-line break-
It had been a full twenty-four hours since Issei had left and he had yet to return to Kuoh, which had quite the demoralising effect on the members of the Occult Research Club. The group sat in silence in the clubroom, lacking the spark that made them so animated as of late. Asia held a smile, but it seemed somewhat forced, as though she wasn't really happy. Akeno's smile was flawless, but her eyes seemed dulled. Koneko appeared the same as always, but her body seemed to droop ever so slightly. Gasper was hiding in his box, not making a peep or movement. Kiba also was unmoving, although his lips were set in a thin line, not able to fake a smile right now. Xenovia's expression was blank, but her eyes seemed to hold disappointment. Lastly, Rias held a forlorn expression and appeared to be the most affected by Issei's departure.
'Yare, yare, what's with those glum faces?' Asked Azazael, walking into the clubroom and seeing everyone looking so glum.
'Oh, Azazel, what are you doing here?' Asked Rias, failing to keep her lack of enthusiasm from her voice.
'Sirzechs asked me to help you out with your Sacred Gears, I am an expert on them after all. Although, I never signed up for counselling a bunch of moody teenagers.' Said Azazel.
'Well sorry for being moody.' Said Akeno snappily, her smile wavering, as her eyes fixed Azazel with a glare.
'Ah, here I thought you were over hating fallen angels.' Sighed Azazel dramatically.
'Well I was, but that was only because of… him.' Said Akeno in annoyance, trailing off towards the end, as she became sad once again.
'So what? You're all just going to mope about because Issei is gone?' Asked Azazael, causing most of them to flinch.
'You do realise that the Issei you all know and love is still alive, he just isn't the same anymore. It's hardly the end of the world. Granted, you might not see him as often, but he isn't gone.' Said Azazel.
'Well then what exactly do you propose we do?' Asked Rias.
'The same thing you were doing before. The original Satans always did value power, if you all become stronger, he may be interested in you again. After all, considering he is interested in the current Leviathan, as well as the previous contender for the title, the task won't be easy… but it is your best chance.' Explained Azazel.
'In that case, we will all get stronger.' Declared Rias, with the others giving a nod.
"*sigh* Although, I doubt that any of you could ever be as strong as them, so this really is an exercise in futility." Thought Azazel tiredly.
-line break-
'*huff* What kind of *pant* insane training is this?' Gasped Issei, leaning against a tree, with Umimaru staring down at him.
'Training that is designed to push you to your limits of course. There is a very real risk of dying during this training, so you had best stay alert.' Said Leviathan.
'Couldn't you just teach like a normal person?' Muttered Issei.
'I'm not a normal person.' Said Leviathan.
Umimaru stirred, before deciding to go back to his cave, leaving Issei.
'Lucky you, looks like Umimaru has decided that is enough for today.' Said Leviathan appraisingly.
"Yay." Thought Issei dryly.
'In any case, let me take over for now while you rest, I need to do something now.' Said Leviathan.
"Fine." Thought Issei, before entering his mind, leaving Leviathan to take control.
'Now, those strange pieces I removed from myself seem to be able to turn people into devils. I need to get some for myself, although where would that be.' Muttered Leviathan in thought.
'That reminds me, how did you just pull those things out of you? Shouldn't that have killed you?' Asked Ddraig curiously.
"If I wasn't actually a devil, it probably would have. However, seeing as I am one, it had no lasting effect on me. As for how I removed them, I control all water, even that present in my body fluids. Those pieces don't integrate completely, so I was able to extract them, as they were something foreign. I can do the same thing with poisons and other drugs as well." Explained Leviathan.
'That's quite an ability.' Complimented Ddraig.
"If only it didn't have the drawback of being restricted to those with weaker wills than me." Lamented Leviathan.
'I believe then it would be what they call a broken power.' Commented Ddraig.
"And doubling your power endlessly isn't?" Scoffed Leviathan.
"Now, how exactly am I going to get my hands on some Evil Pieces?" Questioned Leviathan.
"I did say I'd check up on that other Leviathan… might as well kill two birds with one stone." Thought Leviathan, before a magic circle appeared under his feet and he disappeared.
So, as you can see, I'm using Orochimaru, Cobra and Kinana. I took out Anko and Renji as their backstories wouldn't mesh too well, with what I have planned. In case you were wondering, yes they will be part of Issei's peerage.
This is what the peerage will be soon:
King: Issei.
Queen: Rossweisse.
Bishops: Cobra and Kinana.
Rook: Orochimaru.
Second Rook: Undecided.
Knight (they will take two pieces): Is decided and will also be from Fairy Tail, three guesses who, since there are really only three candidates. They will probably be introduced next chapter, or the chapter after next.
Pawns: Undecided.
If you have suggestions, I would be open to hearing them and adding a bit of background on why they would fit becoming a Leviathan, or how they would fit into DxD, would also help. While this is a spoiler, the knight from Fairy Tail, will have been a member of the Holy Sword Project, who was pulled away before the end, for reasons I will explain when they are introduced.
You can also suggest DxD characters as well. These next few chapters are mostly just going to be peerage building chapters for Issei, so now is the time for input. I do have someone in mind for the second rook, but they do get used a lot for this kind of thing, so I'm still thinking of others. (hint, they are from R+V).
Pawns… I got nothing. If I only get one good suggestion, I'll just make them consume all eight pieces. Given how far I space updates though, I'll probably figure something out eventually, but once again, suggestions will be valued.
I'd also like to take the time now to say something. I'm sure this doesn't apply to all writers, but for me and I'm sure some others, suggestions from readers are really helpful. I've already had two good discussions this month, which have both given me ideas for different stories, for instance, this one. I really do value input from each and every one of you, as no matter how many reviews, follows, or favourites I get, no matter how highly received my stories are, I'm still learning and a reader first and foremost, which is why I like interacting with my readers.
Well, that's all for now and hopefully next chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.