To begin with, I have excellent news. Next year, I won't have to stay rural. I will be able to work/study in the hospitals in the city, which means I can commute from home, but more importantly, have easy access to my home computer. This means I will not need to take a hiatus for a few years, irrespective of my pat reon (spaced or FF removes it) account.
In addition to this, in order to give back to all of you, I am considering purchasing a small laptop to write chapters with at Uni, even though I haven't reached the monetary goal for it yet, on my pat reon account.
If you would like to support me on pat reon, I would still very much appreciate it, as it is the reason I am able to focus on writing and it does help me with some uni expenses, but it is no longer a necessity. I've been working off scholarships for over ten years now, over my high school and Uni studies and I will continue to do so (hopefully, assuming I still receive them) and since I am now going to be able to live at home, I won't have to pay for rent, food, utilities etc.
I would just like to take this time to thank all of my patrons for their invaluable support during this year. I really appreciate it.
Lastly, there is a small note at the end of the chapter this time, but it is important, so please read it.
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 5 – Creatures of the Night
Unbeknownst to the events currently happening deep within his mind, Issei was walking around with Erza, trying to figure out exactly where Leviathan had teleported them.
'It feels colder than it looks… almost unnatural.' Commented Erza.
'Really? It feels… well, sort of calming to me… maybe it's a Devil thing.' Muttered Issei, getting a glance from Erza.
'Actually, I've been meaning to ask about that. What did becoming a Devil do to you? Are you no longer allowed to set foot in a church?' Asked Erza curiously.
'Well, technically no, but it depends on the church. With the treaty though, maybe Devils will be able to soon. Although, you do become weak to Holy objects; water, swords, prayer, the bible, things like that. Sunlight is also a bit of an annoyance.' Said Issei thoughtfully.
'I see. Is that perhaps why we are here then? There is a distinct lack of sunlight. I'm actually confused as to how we are seeing right now, given there doesn't seem to be any source of light nearby.' Postulated Erza.
'Hmm, lack of sunlight… hmm, maybe… yeah, maybe this is where Vampires live then.' Hummed Issei.
'That is an odd conclusion to reach. Why Vampires?' Asked Erza.
'Well, actually, a Devil I knew was a half Vampire and he hated the sun and outdoors, even though he was a day-walker. Since this looks like a place where he would be right at home, I just figured it must be the home of Vampires.' Explained Issei.
As the duo continued to walk, they noticed the fog seemed to be easing.
'So, those lights, are they possibly from a town inhabited by Vampires?' Asked Erza, noticing a few soft orange glows, scattered on their horizon.
'Maybe, let's check it out.' Suggested Issei, to which Erza nodded.
As the two walked closer to the settlement, the atmosphere seemed to artificially become chiller. With each step, things became colder and more ominous.
"Ddraig, what is going on?" Thought Issei.
'Hmm, well, if I'd have to guess, this feels similar to that time one of my wielders was an exorcist and was hunting down Vampires.' Commented Ddraig.
"What do you mean, Gasper never felt like this?" Questioned Issei, even as a chill went down his spine.
'Well, I would hardly call that Devil a proper Vampire. Don't forget that he was only half Vampire as well. Full blooded Vampires feel much more… undead.' Answered Ddraig.
"How do you feel undead?" Thought Issei in confusion, only to still, as he started to hear voices.
'You didn't really think we would just let everything you did slide, did you?' Spoke a chilling voice.
'No, but that's why I've been trying to make up for everything I did in the past.' Spoke another voice sounding fairly cold as well, but somewhat more regretful.
'We were tormented by you for years, do you really think you can make up for that?' Added another voice, sounding significantly angrier than the other two.
'Look, I know I wasn't the nicest person around, but we are Vampires for crying out loud, being cold is a part of us, surely you should have been able to take it.' Retorted the regretful voice, sounding slightly more exasperated now.
'That's easy for you to say, when you are leaps and bounds stronger than all of us!' Shouted the angrier voice.
As Issei and Erza neared the voices, the fog started to clear slightly, revealing three figures. One was of a man, while the other two belonged to women.
'Look, I made some mistakes, but I'm not going to sit here and listen to you whinge. I am stronger than both of you and if you want to keep hindering my efforts, of trying to make up for my past, I'll make you know your place.' Said one of the women, turning dark towards the end.
'Argh, there it is again, that annoying superiority complex of yours! We are stronger than before; we'll beat you if it comes to a fight!' Growled the other woman, with the man nodding in agreement.
'So that's what this is all about… it isn't because of how I acted in the past, it's because I'm stronger than you and you can't accept it, isn't it?' Said the first woman.
'Screw you, Moka, we'll beat you here today!' Roared the other woman.
Issei and Erza had finally gotten close enough to see the three, who had been arguing. On one side, was a tall man with thin facial features and black messy hair. He was clad in suit pants and a collared, long-sleeved, white shirt. Next to him, was a woman, who was quite developed for her stature. She was a head shorter than the man and wore a blue skirt, with a red top that was sleeveless. Her hair was a light brown and tied into two braids. Opposite the two, was another woman, this one looking even more developed than the other. She was taller than her female counterpart and her delicate facial features looked almost too perfect to be human. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back in waves, with the very tips appearing a bright pink. She was wearing a green blazer and a tanned stripped skirt, along with simple black shoes and black socks, which reached to just below her knees, along with a choker around her neck. Her eyes were strangely red though and had slit pupils. In fact, now that Issei took the time to study them closer, the three of them all shared a few common features, that of red eyes and slit pupils.
'I'm trying to change, to be a kinder person, but if you want to push this issue, I won't stand by quietly.' Said the more voluptuous woman.
The other woman roared, before rushing her female counterpart, only for a foot to snap her neck to the side, with quite some force, sending her flying.
'You're still as rash and irritable as ever.' Sighed the silver haired beauty, to which the brunette growled in anger.
At that moment, the man rushed the silver haired woman, swinging a right fist at her face, only to find his attack was easily dodged, by his dainty target, who swayed away and backwards slightly from the attack.
'As for you, you're still just as shrewd as you always were, but also just as weak. Know you place!' Exclaimed the woman, before kicking the man in his ribs, sending him crashing to the ground near his partner.
'Now, go away, before I actually take you seriously.' Said the silver haired woman, causing the brunette to growl, as the man stood up.
'Fine. Mark my words though, there will be repercussions for this.' Said the man, before raising his partner to her feet and forcing her to leave with him.
'There, now that that is dealt with, are you two going to come out from there?' Asked the woman, turning towards where Issei and Erza were hiding, behind a few sturdy oaks.
'We're not here to start any trouble.' Said Issei, placating the other woman, who slightly lowered her guard.
'What are you doing her then?' Asked the woman.
'Yes, what are we doing here?' Asked Erza.
'Er…' Muttered Issei, drawing a blank on how to respond.
'It astounds me sometimes, partner, how absentminded you can be. Why are you here?' Muttered Ddraig.
'We are here because we are searching for strong people to join us.' Said Issei, in a stroke of brilliance.
'Join you, for what?' Asked the woman, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
'For the harem, right?' Asked Erza, getting Issei to splutter and the unknown woman to raise an eyebrow in surprise.
'No, not for the harem!' Shouted Issei in embarrassment.
'Why not, she is rather attractive as well, do you not find her desirable?' Pressed Erza, causing Issei to cry internally.
"Ddraig help!" Exclaimed Issei, only for the sound of deep chuckles to reach his ears.
'Who are you two?' Asked the pale woman.
'I am Erza Scarlet, a former member, of a derivative of the Holy Sword project.' Said Erza, getting the other woman to tense slightly.
'Holy Swords? Do you have a Holy Sword?' Asked the red eyed girl, as she raised her guard again.
'No, I don't. He does.' Said Erza, pointing to Issei, getting the pair of red eyes boring into her, to swivel to the perverted brunette.
'I'm not here for a fight, really.' Said Issei nervously, wholly uncomfortable with the glare he was receiving.
'Who are you? You never answered.' Asked the silver haired girl.
'I'm Issei Hyoudou.' Said Issei.
'A Devil and wielder of the Boosted Gear.' Added Erza, getting the other girl's eyes to widen and Issei to look at her in shock.
'Why would you tell her that?' Asked Issei.
'I'm sorry, was that supposed to be a secret? Please hit me.' Said Erza, causing Issei to sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose is frustration.
"What is with this girl?" Shouted Issei internally.
'The Red Dragon Emperor, really?' Asked the silver haired girl, sounding more interested than alarmed at this piece of information, confusing Issei.
'Uh yeah, why?' Asked Issei bewildered.
'Would you care for a spar then?' Asked the girl, sounding more and more interested by the second.
'Why?' Asked Issei.
'I haven't been able to have a good fight in some time now, even more so since I've been trying not to antagonise the others so much… it isn't that bad, being nicer, but I still have my pride. I am the strongest Vampire here, so I can't find a challenge anymore.' Admitted the girl.
"What is it with silver haired people and fighting?" Thought Issei, remembering his destined rival.
'What is in it for him?' Asked Erza, bringing Issei's attention back to the current moment.
'You said you were looking for strong people to recruit. In that case, look no further, as in this entire area, there is no one stronger than me. If you can best me, I'd be honoured to fight alongside you, that is, if you are not all talk.' Said the girl, her tone turning dark towards the end as well.
'You must join the harem as well then.' Said Erza simply, getting Issei to look at her in shock.
'What are you trying to do?' Asked Issei in shock.
'I told you; I would help you form your harem and protect it and your interests.' Explained Erza simply.
'Fine, if he can actually beat me, then he should be worthy enough for me.' Said the girl.
'Uh… can I at least know your name then?' Asked Issei, feeling that he had no control in the matter.
'Moka Akashiya, strongest vampire in Romania.' Said the silver haired girl.
'Very well then, since this is a spar, I shall watch over the match and say when to stop.' Said Erza.
'I'm sorry, but why are you bossing me around?' Asked Moka, with a thin smile.
'I am just ensuring order and a good fight.' Defended Erza.
'All right, let's do this then, Ddraig!' Exclaimed Issei, before his gauntlet appeared on his left arm and announced the first boost.
'I see, so that's how it works.' Commented Moka curiously, noticing the rise in Issei's power, before frowning slightly.
'You're still weak though.' Said Moka.
'Well sorry for being weak, I was only human a few months ago and didn't even know I had a Sacred Gear!' Defended Issei hotly.
'I see. It seems this will be just as disappointing as always then.' Sighed Moka, lowering her guard.
'Oh yeah!' Roared Issei, before rushing the girl.
Moka watched on in amusement as the boy slowly ran at her, even after a second boost was announced from his gauntlet, doubling his speed. To Moka, Issei was still moving ridiculously slow. Pulling her right leg back, Moka prepared to punt Issei in the face, only for him to slide under her. Issei just barely grazed Moka's skirt with his hand, before grinning triumphantly, as another boost kicked in.
'Partner, you're only at three boosts right now and I can tell you in full certainty, she is still much stronger than you. Think very carefully about what you do next.' Warned Ddraig.
"It isn't even a question Ddraig, oppai is life." Thought Issei.
'So, you have some skill, but do you really think you are a match for me?' Taunted Moka.
'Just wait, Dress… Break!' Exclaimed Issei, before the Vampire's clothes exploded.
An expanse of pale creamy skin was bared to Issei's eyes and he couldn't help but drool. Moka blinked at suddenly being stripped, before she scowled slightly and her energy rose around her, hiding her from view, before revealing her wearing a new set of attire.
She wore a sleeveless white dress, which wrapped tightly around her figure, reaching mid-thigh, before it split. Her arms and legs were covered in black steel, with white cross designs along them and white steel pauldrons on her shoulders. Her shoes had also become low heeled black shoes. To complete the look, two bat-like wings emerged from her back.
'You just forced me to transform into my battle form… I hope you are ready, because now, I will make you know your place.' Growled Moka.
'Partner, if you know what is good for you, do not let her hit you. You need at least two more boosts to be able to survive one of her kicks in this form.' Said Ddraig.
A near miss from a roundhouse kick caused Issei to backpedal quickly, before the brunet shot off to the side in a run.
'Why are you running away, fight me, coward!' Roared Moka in annoyance.
'I'll fight you when one of your kicks won't kill me on impact!' Shouted back Issei, before dodging another punt.
The silver haired Vampire growled at the evasiveness of her opponent. Every time Moka threw a kick, Issei seemed to just dodge the attack, sliding away from it.
'How are you avoiding all of these kicks, you're moving much slower than me?' Asked Moka, even as she tried to drop an axe kick on Issei, only for him to roll away from the attack.
'When you've been hunted down by a Nine Headed Hydra for sport, you'll learn to dodge everything!' Answered Issei, as he picked himself up, before another boost was heard.
'You can now survive a direct hit, partner.' Informed Ddraig.
'All right, in that case, Ascalon!' Shouted Issei, before his Holy Sword jutted out of his gauntlet.
Moka stopped her attacks at this, feeling the power of the blade.
'So, you had something like this with you as well. I guess I really do need to take you seriously.' Commented Moka.
'That's right. I will be the Harem King! No one will beat me!' Proclaimed Issei, only for a small foot to sink into his gut.
'Yes, well, before that, know your place!' Shouted Moka, before her side kick launched the brunette tumbling away.
'There, it is over.' Said Moka in satisfaction, only to be confused when she heard chuckling.
'You think that's it? One hit and I'm finished? Don't mess around, I've taken much stronger attacks than that. I was almost fried to a crisp once. It will take more than that to put me down!' Roared Issei, standing up defiantly, as another boost sounded from his gauntlet, even as blood trickled from the sides of his mouth.
'Partner, now is your best chance to attack!' Said Ddraig.
'Okay! Dragon Shot!' Said Issei, gathering his power into a small ball of red energy.
'As if that will beat me.' Laughed Moka, only for her eyes to widen, when Issei punched the small ball and a wave of red energy rushed her, overwhelming her.
'Reset.' Echoed the gauntlet.
Issei dropped to his knees after that attack, feeling thoroughly drained.
As the dust from his attack started to clear, Issei looked on in anticipation, his breath coming out in short pants, as he coughed out a bit more blood.
'I have to admit, I'm impressed.' Came the voice of Moka, from within the dust.
'To think, that one attack was capable of taking away such a large amount of my armour, I guess I underestimated you after all.' Continued Moka, as she approached Issei.
As Moka exited the dust cloud, Issei could see all the steel covering her form had been destroyed. Her dress was mostly unharmed though, but looked a bit ruffled.
'If it wasn't for that cheap trick you used at the start, I might have even respected you after that.' Finished Moka, coming to stand in front of the kneeling Issei.
'Yeah… well, if this was a real fight, I would have just… made your body explode from within, even if I haven't got the targeting down yet properly.' Huffed Issei.
'Hmm, so you mean you were holding back? Now why don't I believe that?' Asked Moka teasingly, even as Issei weakly glared at her.
'It was a good fight, but I'm afraid I won't be joining you, come back in a year or two and maybe then you'll be able to beat me, but I'm stronger now.' Laughed Moka, before helping the brunet up.
'Thanks.' Mumbled Issei, as the silver haired girl held him steady for a moment.
'In all seriousness though, don't ever try something like that on me again. Now, for my reward.' Said Moka, before biting into Issei's neck.
Issei's eyes widened in shock and a slight amount of pain, as the Vampire sucked his blood.
'Mmm, that was delicious. Even if you are not an excellent fighter, you are an excellent snack.' Purred Moka, licking her lips hungrily.
'What the hell? You bit me! Does that mean I'm going to become a Vampire now? It was already bad enough being in the sun when I became a Devil, but if I become a Devil and a Vampire like Gasper, I might never be able to go to a beach again!' Whined Issei comically.
Moka raised a delicate eyebrow at this.
'You know someone who is a Devil and a Vampire? How is that possible?' Asked Moka sharply.
'Oh Gasper, Gasper was a half-Vampire, half-human, before he was turned into a Devil, that's why.' Answered Issei nervously.
'I see… and no, you won't become a Vampire, that requires me injecting my blood into you.' Said Moka.
'Well, I guess that is the end.' Said Erza, walking over to the duo.
'Yeah.' Agreed Issei.
'Is there somewhere we can rest for a bit? That really did take a lot out of me.' Asked Issei.
"Still not as bad as the Wild Water training." Thought Issei to himself.
'I suppose since you did give me a somewhat decent fight, I can entertain you for a bit, follow me.' Said Moka, turning on her heel, expecting the others to follow.
'Are you sure it is a good idea to follow a Vampire, into an area full of Vampires? What's that expression, like lambs to a slaughter?' Asked Erza.
'Er, I think we'll be fine… I hope.' Said Issei uncertainly, before following after the Vampire.
The two followed the silver and pink haired girl, as she led them closer and closer to the lights they had seen in the distance, before veering off to the right, confusing the duo.
'Um, isn't that the town?' Asked Issei.
'Yes.' Answered Moka curtly.
'Why are we walking away from it then?' Asked Issei.
'Simple, I don't live in that town, my family and I live on the outskirts of the town in our mansion.' Replied Moka.
"A mansion?" Thought Issei in confusion, before seeing a large outline on the horizon, which slowly came into focus.
'That thing is huge! It's even bigger than Leviathan's mansion!' Exclaimed Issei in shock, as a twelve-story mansion came into view.
'Yes. Sometimes I wonder if it is overkill, considering there are less than half a dozen of us who actually live in there, but at least we all have ample space.' Commented Moka.
The trio walked up to the large wrought iron gates in front of them, which Moka easily pushed open, despite their overwhelming size and no doubt weight as well. Walking up to the building itself, Moka opened the door, pushing it open easily, once again, ignoring just how large and heavy it must have been.
"It's like watching Koneko carry that massive bag up the mountain." Thought Issei in awe.
'Now, please take care to follow me and don't get lost, my sisters are not as hospitable as me and you might find yourself lacking a limb or two, if you irritate some of them.' Said Moka, unnerving Issei.
The silver haired beauty led the two up a long set of stairs, which were draped in rich velvet carpet. Reaching the third level of the mansion, Moka led them down a long hallway, before turning and stopping in front of a door.
'You can rest in here, my room is across from this one so if you need something, you will know where to find me. Do try not to wander though.' Said Moka, before opening the door, revealing a fairly lavish guestroom to the duo, before turning on her heel and walking across to the door behind them, entering her room, with the door shutting softly behind her.
Erza helped Issei over to the bed, before closing the door behind them.
'That was interesting.' Commented Erza.
'Yeah… I wonder what was up with those other two, that were trying to start a fight with Moka.' Hummed Issei.
'I have no clue, but what matters now is getting rest. You will need to fight Moka again tomorrow, in order to recruit her.' Said Erza, with a nod.
'Recruit, I could barely survive against her… *sigh* I'm just not strong enough yet. I bet if I had Balance Breaker I could do it. What do you think, Ddraig?' Asked Issei, looking at his left hand.
'The Vampire is indeed strong, but in the same way you beat Riser, you can beat her as well.' Said Ddraig, appearing as a green glow on Issei's hand.
'Well yeah, but I wanted to hurt Riser for what he did. I don't really like the idea of slinging Boosted Holy Water at Moka… or making her explode from the inside.' Sighed Issei.
'You did bring out a Holy Sword against her though.' Pointed out Erza.
'That was more for intimidation than anything. I need to stop her advance somehow and I figured that would buy me some time.' Defended Issei.
'Yes and then while boasting about your dreams, she struck, and you were almost taken out.' Muttered Ddraig.
'Whatever. If I can't beat people without killing them, then that will just be something I need to deal with. I can't recruit people if they are dead, and I don't want Leviathan getting angry with me.' Whispered Issei.
'You did kill quite a few Fallen Angels though.' Pointed out Ddraig, only for Issei to clench his jaw.
"That was different." Thought Issei.
'In any case, get some rest. I will watch over you.' Declared Erza.
'You need rest more than me though.' Refuted Issei.
'Nonsense, I am fine.' Said Erza, before toppling over, eyes closed.
Luckily for Erza, she landed on the bed. Issei quickly stood up and carried her over to the head of the bed, with some difficulty, before tucking her under the covers. Issei sat down on the floor, at the foot of the bed, resting his back against the wooden fixture.
'Ddraig, what do I need to do to get Balance Breaker?' Asked Issei quietly.
'It depends on you, partner. In the past, my hosts would usually awaken them during times of stress or emotional turmoil. Sometimes, it was when they were facing overwhelming odds and needed an extra boost. Ultimately though, it comes down to the wielder.' Explained Ddraig.
Issei thought on this for a moment, before a familiar voice spoke up.
'Hyoudou, come in here for a moment, there is something you need to see.' Said Leviathan.
"Where the hell have you been? You send me off to some random place and then disappear! I thought you were going to help me!" Ranted Issei in his mind.
'Oh believe me, I have and will continue to do so. Now then, come in here, before I pull you in here.' Said Leviathan calmly.
Issei grumbled to himself, before closing his eyes and entering his mind, his head slumping to his chest in the real world as he did so. With his awareness of the world gone, Issei didn't hear the door to his room opening. A pair of red slitted eyes watched the Red Dragon Emperor in silence, before walking over to a closet and grabbing a blanket.
'Vampires have excellent hearing you know. The walls are also quite thin here. I'll give you a second chance tomorrow. If you can impress me with more than your words, maybe I will join you, but you'll have to work for it.' Said Moka, as she draped the blanket over Issei's slumped form, before leaving the room, the door closing silently behind her.
So as you can no doubt tell by now, Moka will be the second Rook, but Issei will have to work for it.
On the note of Moka, I started rereading the R+V manga and watching the anime for the first time… and well… I have an idea for an R+V story… I haven't started yet, simply adding it to my ideas document, containing all my ideas for other stories I'd like to do, but have not yet started and I would just like to take this time to gauge if there is any interest in me one day writing a Rosario + Vampire fanfiction.
Thanks for reading.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.