Sorry again for the delayed weekly update. I had a test last Monday and was doing a lot of studying for it and the test didn't go as well as I would have liked, so I needed a few days to recover. Luckily, I decided to use my frustration to write. It's a new idea, but it seemed to work at least, writing a little bit every day, to distract myself from my annoyance towards vague multiple-choice questions…
Anyway, there is a larger note at the bottom explaining a few things, but for now, enjoy the chapter.
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 4 – Damage
Leviathan had been watching Issei interact with Erza for a while now. Initially, Leviathan was annoyed with Issei's absurd perversity, but knowing it would help push his new host, he decided to simply accept it as is. No, what truly confused Leviathan, was whenever Erza seemed to reciprocate any of Issei's perverseness, he seemed cowed, almost reluctant to act the way he wanted to.
'Issei, it is time to get back on track to the original reason we took a break from the training.' Said Leviathan, snapping Issei's attention to him.
'Oh right, the Evil Pieces!' Shouted Issei aloud, causing Leviathan to smack himself in the face.
'What are Evil Pieces?' Asked Erza, as the duo was still seated around the fire Issei had lit.
'Oh. That's right, it makes sense you wouldn't know about them. Well, I was a human once and I was turned into a Devil through the use of Evil Pieces. They are based on chess pieces and are capable of turning any species into a Devil.' Explained Issei.
'I see. Why did you become a Devil though, if you were human? Was it due to the overwhelming desire to build your harem?' Asked Erza, only for Issei to clam up.
'Uh, well, not exactly.' Mumbled Issei, causing Erza to tilt her head at him in confusion.
"There it is again… what is that?" Thought Leviathan.
'What happened?' Pressed Erza, not noting Issei's distress for what it was.
'Er… well, before I go into that, did you see my Sacred Gear? It's what gave me the power to rescue you. Ddraig is the one who helped me, he's a dragon and his soul was sealed into this, the Boosted Gear.' Said Issei, materialising the red gauntlet on his hand.
'I know about them I think… the two dragons who were fighting with each other, during a war long ago. I don't remember the story very well though.' Said Erza.
'Err, Ddraig, what were the two of you fighting for?' Asked Issei in curiosity.
'Simple, Albion and I had a disagreement. Of course, dragons don't settle disagreements like humans, we fight to make the other submit.' Explained Ddraig, the green gem of the Sacred Gear glowing as he did so.
'How interesting, it can talk through the gauntlet.' Commented Erza.
'Er, okay, but what was the disagreement over?' Asked Issei.
'The disagreement was over… it was because Albion… huh… I don't remember any more.' Said Ddraig thoughtfully.
'What? What do you mean you don't remember? That's kind of an important reason as to why you two keep fighting through your wielders!' Exclaimed Issei in shock.
'Well, it was centuries ago… besides, the important point is that we had a disagreement. That's why we fight, the reason isn't that important after all.' Said Ddraig.
Issei was momentarily speechless.
'Ddraig… I know I might be a raging hormonal pervert… but I think I just lost a little respect for you.' Said Issei, in a stunned tone of voice.
'Hmph, well, I wouldn't except a breast loving pervert like you to know anything about pride anyway.' Snorted Ddraig in annoyance.
'So you like breasts?' Asked Erza after a minute.
'Of course! Breasts are the best, hehehe. Big ones are the best of the best though!' Declared Issei.
'I see, are mine big?' Asked Erza contemplatively.
'They're huge!' Exclaimed Issei.
'I see, that's good then. Larger breasts mean more breast tissue to produce milk for my future babies.' Said Erza, freezing Issei at her words.
"Again… what is that… I'm getting to the bottom of this." Thought Leviathan in annoyance.
'Issei, I'm going to send you and our newest acquaintance to another area, prepare yourself.' Warned Leviathan.
"What? Wait!" Thought Issei.
'What is it?' Asked Leviathan patiently.
"What about the pieces? Also, I don't think she is healed enough yet." Said Issei, sparing a thought for the redhead in front of him.
'She is strong enough to survive. As for the pieces, there is still time, and it would be better for you to amass your forces quickly. There is only so long we can keep this façade going, not the least because I will disappear one day and you are a terrible actor and won't be able to imitate me properly, from what I can see. Now, place your hand on the girl and give her a warning, this may be an uncomfortable transition.' Said Leviathan, ignoring the subtle twinge he got from Issei's psyche, when he was told to touch the girl.
As Issei moved to do as he was told, Leviathan was contemplating where to send Issei.
"Somewhere likely to produce strong people who would side with a Devil who is a raging pervert… perhaps sending him to a den of Succubus won't be the best idea… but, on that note… yes, they respect power and even stupidly perverted as he is, even now he has power." Thought Leviathan.
'Prepare yourself.' Warned Leviathan, before a magic circle with the symbol of Leviathan on it appeared under Issei and Erza, and teleported them away.
Their new surroundings appeared quite eerie. There was an ample amount of fog on the horizon and the area itself was very cold. Issei shivered, but it wasn't from the weather, no, there was something else that was radiating an aura quite similar to a Devil's, but twisted somehow, feeling even more unholy.
'There, now then, head into town and search for someone who you think will make a good addition to our forces. In this area, there should be at least one person. In the meantime, there is something I need to investigate in your mind, so I will be unreachable for now until I contact you again. Good luck.' Informed Leviathan, before delving into Issei's mind and leaving his awareness of the outside world behind.
-line break-
A ball of purple energy started to form in Issei's mind, before turning a bright blue. The sphere of energy reformed rapidly, spikes shooting out randomly, until a person was formed. The figure was masculine, as well as quite tall and slim. His hair was a deep blue, and was shaped into a Mohawk at the top, looking as though two waves had crashed in the middle of the figure's head. The figure's eyes were teal, and their face was rather rectangular, with their cheeks appearing hollowed out slightly. The figure wore a black cloak, with blue shark-teeth-like spikes, jutting around the collar. The cloak reached to mid-calf and revealed two dark green boots, that appeared to be made out of the hide of a crocodile, or a similar creature. The man also wore dark blue pants, which flared out over the boots and a long-sleeved, light blue button up shirt, with the top button undone.
'Now then, time to find whatever is messing with Hyoudou's mind. I can't keep having him act so oddly, it makes it hard for me to anticipate his reactions and if he is to succeed where I never could, his mind must be strong.' Said the figure.
'Leviathan, what are you doing so deep in Issei's psyche?' Asked Ddraig, appearing as a massive green eye.
'Ddraig.' Said Leviathan, acknowledging the dragon with a nod.
'Well?' Prompted Ddraig, as Leviathan continued to walk through Issei's mind.
'Something is conflicting with Issei's thoughts and actions. You made the point that his perversity is what gives him his drive, which I was able to accept with some difficulty… however, whenever our newest recruit would reciprocate anything towards Issei, I would feel a sudden jolt in his mind, and he would instantly clam up. Naturally, this is unacceptable, as if his perverseness is what gives him his drive, it cannot be stifled any time it is reciprocated.' Explained Leviathan.
'Hmm, perhaps. Although, be mindful of what you find in partner's mind.' Warned Ddraig, before the eye disappeared.
'Honestly, what could ever be dangerous to me.' Muttered Leviathan, before continuing on.
As Leviathan probed Issei's mind, he glanced at a few memories. One of note, was of when Issei heard about breasts from an old man.
'That explains the obsession at least.' Said Leviathan, before moving on.
Issei's mind was structured very strangely, it was like walking through a hall of mirrors, with memories on each side, starting from his very earliest towards the edge, to his most recent, as he neared the centre. Leviathan watched all the events of Issei's early life in interest, noting very subtle things that Issei no doubt missed. The Holy Sword his childhood friend had. The time Issei very nearly became the slave of a Succubus during some of his absentminded hentai shopping.
'He has always been easily manipulated it seems.' Commented Leviathan, noting Issei only escaped his fate as a slave, thanks to an exorcist coming to investigate a slew of disappearances in the area, which caused the Succubus to back off.
There was another occasion, where Issei unknowingly crossed paths with a sprite, which made him wander into a lake for its amusement.
'Very easily manipulated.' Reaffirmed Leviathan, as he continued to trawl Issei's mind.
Eventually, Leviathan reached the events of this year, noting how Issei's memories were full of delusions in the beginning.
'The desire for a harem truly is strong in this boy.' Muttered Leviathan, before stopping as he reached something odd.
Previously, all the memories appeared on a mirror-like screen, openly showing the events reflected within. Now though, Leviathan was staring at a screen which was black as charcoal and had what appeared to be burns along the edges and cracks at the bottom.
'Odd.' Said Leviathan, before walking up to the mirror and projecting his mind into the memory, by placing his hand on the blackened surface.
-line break-
Leviathan looked around and noted with some distaste, he was in a church.
'Now why would he have been in one of these, of all places?' Muttered Leviathan, before looking up to his left.
There, high in the sky, yet clearly visible to Leviathan, was another man, a Devil, who appeared to be looking at the scene in annoyance.
'Something to remember, I'm sure.' Decided Leviathan, memorising the effeminate boy's features.
'Issei! Please save me!' Cried a woman
The cry brought Leviathan's attention back to the events at hand.
'This Devil is trying to kill me! I love you! I love you so much! That's why, let's defeat this Devil together!' Said the girl, who Leviathan noticed with some amusement, was a Fallen Angel.
'How interesting…' Muttered Leviathan, before a wave of red energy destroyed the girl.
In that moment though, Leviathan felt something tremble.
-line break-
Projecting himself back into Issei's mind, Leviathan noticed another crack had been added to the mirror.
'How odd. Every time that memory is relived… does this mirror crack once more?' Postulated Leviathan, before backtracking to when Issei had first met the Fallen Angel, in the odd hall of mirrors.
Going through all of Issei's memories of the Fallen Angel, Leviathan noticed that some were happy and others were conflicted, but they all led back to that blackened mirror.
'How curious, what could cause a black stain on a person's mind?' Muttered Leviathan in thought, before heading towards the centre of Issei's memory hall of mirrors.
Having always been the most astute out of the four great Devils that had ruled the Underworld, Leviathan was already speculating on what Issei's mind, both layout and the odd memory out, could mean. As he got closer and closer to the centre, Issei's memories fixated more and more on the girls he was interested in, but in each and every mirror, where events occurred that could have furthered their relationship, there was a crack and blackening of the edges of the mirror.
Eventually, Leviathan reached the centre of his host's mind and found something extremely interesting. There, on a simple gold chair, which was raised on a platform, was the very same girl that had appeared in the cracked and blackened mirror, of the memory Leviathan had projected himself into. The girl was asleep, appearing quite peaceful. However, what really got Leviathan's attention, was the black throne-like chair on a platform higher than the one the sleeping girl was on. There, on the raised platform and seated in the black throne, was a woman, who closely resembled the one below her, only appearing more mature and clad in less clothing.
'So, you seem to be the root of the problem.' Said Leviathan, startling the more mature girl.
'Who are you?' Scoffed the Fallen Angel.
'Me? Does it really matter? Well, I suppose it does, considering you should at least know who will eliminate you. I am the original Leviathan, the one who battled with God centuries ago.' Said Leviathan, causing the girl to tremble.
'T-t-that's impossible.' Sutured the girl in fright.
'Now, now, don't forget to introduce yourself, it is only polite.' Admonished Leviathan.
'R-Raynare.' Spoke the Fallen Angel timidly.
'Excellent. I'm glad to see that your lack of modesty didn't carry over into your manners. Now then, would you do me the favour of disappearing? You seem to be causing quite the plight for my host and I can't have you doing that, oh no, no, I need Issei to be at his best if he is to defeat that beast. So, will you die for me?' Asked Leviathan, raising his hand, as a rope of water wrapped around the Fallen Angel.
The Fallen Angel struggled against her magical binding, trying in vain to free herself. The smaller, more innocent version of herself, disintegrated into purple particles of magic, before flowing into her, giving her a small boost in power, but not enough to escape the binding.
Just as Leviathan prepared to end the life of Raynare, a new presence appeared beside him, resting what felt like a hand on his shoulder.
'Can I request you not do that?' Asked the figure, which had just appeared.
'What are you?' Asked Leviathan, turning to face a silvery spectre. It belonged to a man based on its general structure, but it wasn't well defined at all.
'Me, well, I am a being that can transcend dimensions, that should be enough for now.' Said the spectre.
'Very well then. Why do you wish to stop me from ending that girl's life?' Asked Leviathan.
'I'm afraid it isn't as straight forward as you would think. You see, that girl and Issei are intimately linked in nearly every dimension. I can't have you removing her when she still has a role to play in this world, well, if I can help it. True, on some occasions, we have not been able to intervene in time, but this isn't one of those times.' Said the figure.
'W-what do you mean I'm linked to that filthy Devil?' Struggled Raynare, not at all liking what she was hearing.
'Well, my dear, without you, the story of Issei Hyoudou does not occur. In this dimension and in so many others, but not all, you are the one domino which knocks everything into motion. Frankly, if there is no Raynare, there is no Issei Hyoudou, Red Dragon Emperor. True, he does not always become a Devil, but you play a key role in all scenarios.' Said the spectre, stunning Raynare.
'That is all well and good, but Issei has already become a Devil and this girl, is for all intents and purposes, dead to the world, barring this small fragment in his mind. What possible role could she still have in this world?' Asked Leviathan calmly.
'She is still needed for his emotional maturity. You have noticed Issei's hesitance, no?' Asked the spectre, to which Leviathan nodded.
'If Issei cannot deal with her himself, he will never be able to accept the love of others. Truly, you have done quite a bit of damage to the Issei of this world, Fallen Angel Raynare.' Said the spectre, turning to Raynare towards the end.
'I see. Why should I believe you though? I do not think a simple two-winged Fallen Angel could be that important.' Scoffed Leviathan.
'Well, as unlikely as it sounds, it is true, not because she is a, as you said, simple two-winged Fallen Angel, but because she was the first girl to reciprocate Issei's feelings, even if it was all fake. That makes her Issei's first and the set point to which he will advance with any future romantic interests.' Said the figure, causing Raynare to scowl.
'I'm not that filthy Devil's first anything!' Said Raynare, only to feel the length of water encircling her, tighten.
'Need I remind you that I am the original Leviathan, a Devil? Watch your tongue, little girl, as your continued existence is on the edge.' Said Leviathan, before turning back to the spectre.
'Do you not realise that because of her, Issei actually can't reciprocate the feelings of any of the girls interested in him currently. As it stands, there are only two girls he can potentially reciprocate feelings for, his childhood friend, as he had fond memories of her before the Fallen Angel killed him and the newest redhead, as he is yet to actually believe she is reciprocating his feelings seriously. That and the fact that she was tormented by Fallen Angels as well. However, if I leave her to dwell within his mind, his harem will simply not come to fruition, which, as strange as it sounds, isn't good for me.' Continued Leviathan.
'Would you consider not killing her if I tell you me and my associates are the reason you were able to take form in Issei's mind?' Said the spectre, regaining Leviathan's attention.
'Oh, is that so?' Asked Leviathan.
'Indeed. We were watching you, trying to ascertain if you would be a good possible recruit, or if you would side with our enemies. After a bit of observation, we decided to allow you to try and fulfil your goal, given that your goal goes towards one of ours.' Said the spectre.
'So what, you want me to leave this woman to continue to torment Issei's mind?' Asked Leviathan, sparing a disdainful glance at the bound Raynare.
'Oh no, feel free to fix the damage she has had on his mind, but please don't eliminate her soul, she still has a role to play.' Said the spectre, before wavering slightly.
'I see, it seems my powers cannot penetrate too deeply into this dimensional space. Please do heed my warning though. That being said, while her soul needs to remain, feel free to re-educate her. This particular Raynare has numerous flaws, which need to be corrected as it would happen.' Said the wavering spectre, before being snuffed out completely.
'Interesting. You seem to have some marginal importance in the grand scheme of things.' Said Leviathan, turning back to the still bound Fallen Angel.
'However, I think your attitude could use some adjusting.' Finished Leviathan, causing Raynare to pale, as teal eyes bore into her being ominously.
Now, if you read other stories in the DxD archive, you might have found something familiar in this chapter from another story. With permission, I have decided to integrate a character and the group they represent into the background of this story. It isn't a direct crossover or anything like that, more of an incidental thing. The group will have semi-importance to the plot, mostly to do with Leviathan, but once Leviathan disappears, so too will this group.
I liked the concept and decided it would be a good way to give Leviathan some autonomy from Issei, to help create a distinction between their characters, before they integrate, so you can better understand why Issei will be different in the future.
Now, Raynare's appearance. Firstly, it doesn't mean Raynare is in the harem, as even with the way things stand, Raynare has already killed Issei and caused the trauma to his mind, but, since Issei is no longer with the ORC, he will need to deal with his issues somehow and this is how I will implement that.
Also, the future peerage. Thank you very much for all your suggestions. I now have the second knight, yes, there will be a second knight, decided. In fact, considering exactly what Leviathan represents, it really is the most appropriate choice.
I also have four pawns nailed down. Two are from Fairy Tail and girls, while one of the others will be from the same universe as the second knight and is a boy. The fourth pawn is also a boy, but from a different universe to anyone in the peerage so far. Still toying between the possibilities for the other pawns, so I'm still open to suggestions.
Three are heavily water based, so that is something I am looking for, but the fourth was selected for his cunning and manipulativeness, rather than his abilities, to keep things interesting.
Additionally, the harem at this point includes Grayfia, Rossweisse and Serafall. Erza is soon to follow, clearly. Furthermore, most, but not all of the girls in his peerage, will be a part of his harem (Kinana won't be though).
Outside of all of those, I'm once again considering my main three outside the ORC (hey, that rhymes), Irina, Raynare and Kuroka. I know that adding them to this story means they are in the harem for all of my DxD stories, but damn it, I really like their characters and they are all so well contrasting.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.