I'll go see Valia. Now." Jack states. Everyone looks at Jack with surprised expressions.

"I understand how you feel, Jack. But, that's impossible." Rossweisse says.

"Why? Because she's in the Khaos Brigade?" Jack questions. "You don't think I know that? But if it's our only option, then what're we waiting for?"

Rias stands next to him. "Jack's right. I refuse to stand by and wait for Esdeath to make her move against us with Issei in play."

"Our very way of life is under constant siege by those terrorists in the Khaos Brigade." Sirzechs sighs. "The Underworld was attacked again yesterday. The casualties from this most recent assault are still being tallied. Families and friends from every corner of the realm are left grieving for the departed tonight. We can't associate ourselves with such filth. Collusion with Khaos Brigade to save the Devil King's sister's beloved? The people would stand against me."

"If the people heard about our collaboration with Valia Lucifer, in no time at all, the people would riot and who knows what else could happen?" Ajuka points out. "This decision could affect the stability of the Underworld."

"Then I shall go."

Everyone turns and sees Erakhan standing in the doorway in his human form.

"Who are you?" Azazel asks.

Anaria shakily walks to him in disbelief. She places her hand on his cheek. "E-Erakhan?" Everyone's eyes widen in shock.

Erakhan holds her hand against his face. "It's me...my love." Anaria cries as she hugs her husband, happy to see him again.

Sirzechs and Ajuka bowed, seeing the Dragon of Darkness stand before them. "Lord Erakhan."

Erakhan departs from hugging his wife and stood in front of the holograms. "Devil King Sirzechs. Lord Beelzebub. I apologize for startling you all. It's been a while since I've been in human form once again."

Rias kneels to him. "Lord Erakhan...it's an honor."

Erakhan smiles. "Please stand, my dear. All of you, stand. I did not come to be worshipped. I came to rescue my son."

Rias then realizes something. "Lord Erakhan, you were inside Issei's Sacred Gear. How did you separate yourself from it?"

"When I sensed something off about the Rias that came and spoke to Issei, I felt a type of surge inside her. One that didn't resemble you, young one." Erakhan explains. "I was hoping the time would never come when I would have to separate myself from Issei, but now that Esdeath has returned...there's no doubt in my mind that she plans to use the Dreadnought Overdrive."

"The what?" Asia questions.

Erakhan exhales. "It is a forbidden form that I hoped Issei would never come to use. This form is more deadly and destructive than you can possibly imagine. The Dreadnought Overdrive is FAR more powerful than that of the Juggernaut Drive. This form can bend time and space and sucks it all into energy. Once at full power...Issei could wipe out all life on a massive universal scale. Nothing in any realm, planet, or plain of existence would survive."

"So then what are we waiting for?!" Jack snaps. "Teleport us there and let's stop Esdeath!"

"Infinite my powers are, but being able to sift between dimensions is out of my depth." Erakhan sighs. "The first time I did it, I was lucky it didn't cost me my life. And if I did it again it would most assuredly do so. I shall need the assistance of the Apocalypse Sisters and the White Dragon Empress."

Sirzechs looks down. "Lord Erakhan...I do wish to help you rescue your son. But my hands are tied. I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do."

"Then don't." Erakhan says. "He's my son. And I don't plan to lose him a second time to that psychotic witch."

Anaria stood beside him. "I will go with you."

Erakhan shakes his head. "I am sorry, Anaria. But I won't risk losing you."

Rias steps up. "Then we'll go with you."

"No." Erakhan says firmly. "This isn't up for debate, young one."

"You're right. It isn't. That's why we're going." Rias snaps. "He may be your son but he's also the love of my life. He saved me from Riser."

Akeno stands beside her. "Issei helped me overcome my past."

Kiba stood beside Akeno. "He showed me that revenge doesn't bring me peace."

Asia stood beside Kiba. "He saved me from the Fallen Angels."

Koneko stood beside Asia. "He helped me to accept what I am."

Gasper stood beside Koneko. "Issei taught me how to be brave and not scared of everything."

Xenovia stood beside Gasper. "He made me realize that not all devils are bad."

Jack stood beside Xenovia. "He's my brother and has helped more times than I can count."

Erakhan looks at all of the children and laughs. "Issei made the right choice befriending all of you. Lord Sirzechs, we shall take our leave."

"Please look after my sister and her peerage." Sirzechs says.

Erakhan nods. "You have my word."

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Erakhan, Rias, Jack, and Koneko were standing outside the wreckage of the club house, waiting for Kuroka to show.

"Do you really think she's gonna show up?" Jack asks Koneko.

Koneko nods. "If I call for her, she'll come. There's no doubt about it."

"First you tell me to piss off, then you call for me." They all turn and see Kuroka standing there.

"Is somebody a little indecisive?" Kuroka smirks.

"Not quite." Koneko replies.

Rias steps forward. "Kuroka, we need to speak to Valia and Issei's sisters. Now."

"Aw, it's adorable when a little bitch like you tries to be forceful." Kuroka giggles. "Okay, I'll consider helping you out."

"Awesome!" Jack says.

Kuroka holds up her hand. "I'll agree on one condition: Shirone has to come back with me. I've tried to get her back before. Besides, what other bargaining chip are you bringing to the negotiation?"

Erakhan then appears in front of her, black aura faintly glowing around him. "You will summon Valia here now. The bargaining chip will be your life."

Kuroka scoffs. "And why should I listen to you?"

"Because as a concerned father worried for his son's well-being, I'll kill and destroy everything in my way that poses as an obstacle towards rescuing my son." Erakhan growls.

Kuroka then felt shivers go up her spine. "You're Lord Erakhan?"

Erakhan nods. "Not bad for a half-brained kitty. Now then, Valia or your life? Which will it be?"

A magic circle appears behind her and Valia, Iraka, Mayana, Arthur, and Bikou appear.

Rias crossed her arms. "Why am I not surprised? I assume you were listening the whole time?"

Mayana giggles. "It's always better to look and listen from a safe yet interesting view point."

"Look, you know we wouldn't ask you for help unless it was important." Jack says. "The only way we can get to the Dimensional Gap is with your help."

Valia cocks a brow. "And if we refuse?"

"Then I obliterate all of you and force Orphis to do it myself." Erakhan answers.

Valia walks forward and looks up and down at Erakhan. "I can see where Issei gets his sense of determination. Iraka, your insights?"

Iraka shrugs. "If we don't help them, then we don't have to worry about Issei getting in the way of any plans we have in the future. However, if we don't, me and Mayana will never get the chance to earn Issei's forgiveness. Plus, you and Kuroka will never get the chance to mate with him."

Rias grits her teeth. "There is no way I'm letting either of you get your filthy hands on him!"

Erakhan puts his hand out in front of Rias. "Easy."

Valia then nods. "Point made. Arthur?"

Arthur steps forward and pulls out a sword. "The holy royal sword, Colbrand. Passed to the heirs of the Pendragon name. It bestows the power to rule, and cuts a path between dimensions."

Jack lowers his guard. "So, like are you really gonna take us out there?"

"We'll take you to the Dimensional Gap." Valia nods.

"However we can't promise you'll survive long enough to return." Mayana adds.

Erakhan makes a fist. "I'll make sure they are kept safe from harm. Now then, if you would please, Arthur Pendragon?"

The rest of the ORC teleports to their location and prep for departure.

"Take a moment to prepare yourselves." Arthur advises. "The trip is fraught with danger."

"I will ensure that they don't encounter that danger." Erakhan says. "I know the Gap better than anyone, considering I've lived there for hundreds of thousands of years."

Arthur then stabs Colbrand into the ground, making the area yellow.

"Now then..." Arthur turns and slashes his sword, making a large opening that sucks them all in, vanishing from the area.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Arthur leads them through the portal, where they then see they're inside the Dimensional Gap.

The group then looks around, surprised by the coloring of the Gap.

"I think it's safe to say we've arrived." Koneko says.

Erakhan takes in a long breath. "Despite the circumstances, it feels good to be back home."

Rias looks at Arthur. "So, how are we supposed to find Issei?"

"It's about conviction." Arthur explains. "The strength of the Gap always flows. But not for the weak of heart. Make sure to steel your hearts against its forces."

"Our hearts?" Jack questions.

"But what does that mean?" Akeno asks.

"Were I to explain further, my warning would be meaningless." Arthur states. "This is the extent of the help I can offer. Ta ta." Arthur then disappears through a black portal, leaving the group.

Erakhan sniffs the air. "They're close. I can smell them."

Issei then appears out of nowhere and stares at them all.

"There he is!" Jack says.

Rias rushes forward towards him. "Issei!"

"Wait, wait! Something isn't right-" Erakhan's suspicions were confirmed when Issei raised his and blew Rias back, having Akeno and Kiba catch her.

"It can't be..." Asia says quietly.

"Is he some kind of imposter?" Gasper cries.

"I'm sorry to say, it isn't." Erakhan replies. "That is indeed Issei."

"That's impossible." Jack says. "Don't be ridiculous! The real Issei would never attack Rias!"

"Issei..." Rias gasps.

Issei sends an even bigger blastwave then blows them all back.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The group turns and sees Esdeath appear next to Issei, sitting on some kind of throne.

"Release my son at once, Esdeath!" Erakhan demands.

"I believe you mean MY son." Esdeath corrects. "Issei is no longer yours, I'm sorry to say...not."

Rias grits her teeth and surrounds herself in her red aura.

"You are going to suffer for what you've done!" Rias declares, fuming. "Torturing him as a child, scarring him mentally and physically, and now brainwashing him to do your bidding! You will feel every ounce of anger I have, Esdeath! SEE WHY I AM CALLED THE RUIN PRINCESS!"

The blast Rias made zooms right at Esdeath. The blue-haired just smirks as it nears her and makes a humognous explosion.

When the dust clears, they see Issei standing in front of Esdeath with his hand outstretched.

"My son..." Erakhan breathes.

Esdeath holds her hand over her mouth, as she yawns. "I'm getting bored. Issei, dear?" Issei looks back at her.

"Kill them all." Esdeath then disappears as Issei then summons his Demonic Slayer Armor and charges at them.

Issei aims to hit Jack first but Erakhan catches his fist. "Issei, please listen! She's using you! You must break free from her hold!"

Issei ignores him and kicks him in the stomach before throwing him upward. Jack summons his gauntlet and aims his fist at him.

"Don't make me do this, Issei!" Jack pleads.

Issei growls like some kind of beast before charging at Jack. The Red Dragon Emperor closes his eyes as he then fires his dragon shot at him.

The shot hits Issei head-on, covering him in smoke. Once it clears, Issei then rushes forward and punches Jack in the gut, making him cough blood and get blown away.

"Jack!" Asia cries.

Kiba and Xenovia summon their swords and slash at Issei, making him hold their swords by the blades with his two upper arms.

"Issei! Snap out of it!" Kiba yells.

"Please, fight whatever is controlling you!" Xenovia shouted before Issei yanks them forward and back-smacks them with his lower fists.

Erakhan catches them and floats down back to the rest of the ORC. "Stay close to me!" Erakhan waves his hand and makes a large black barrier around them. Issei charges and strikes the barrier, making it blow him back.

"This barrier will hold him back until we can find a way to free his mind." Erakhan states.

Issei then stares at Rias. Suddenly he then holds his head, as if he'd been hit with something.

"What's happening to him?" Akeno asks.

~Maybe...~ Koneko thinks. "Issei! Remember us!" Issei grunts as he then turns his head towards Koneko.

Koneko continues, "You helped me overcome my fear being afraid of the power I possessed! You promised to protect me and help me and you haven't broken that promise since!"

Asia then took the floor. "I was lost. But you came and rescued me and took me into your home. I will always appreciate everything you've done for me. You're the best brother I never had."

Issei's armor breaks and hold his head with both arms.

"If you hadn't become my big brother and shown me how to be strong, I'd probably still be crying in my coffin and never would've come out again." Gasper says. "You taught me how to be a hero!"

Kiba clenches his fist. "When I was blind in my persistence for revenge, you were there to back me up, even when I didn't think I needed help. You continued to have my back despite everything that I did. It's why I consider you my closest friend!"

"When I was still a member of the church, after you slapped me, all I saw was a monster that needed to be killed." Xenovia states. "But now, I see you as one of the most kindest and caring people I've come to know and love! It's why I believe in you and love you!"

"When mom and dad brought you home, I thought I was gonna be fighting to be the source of attention having a sibling in my family." Jack says. "But you turned out to be someone that just wanted a REAL brother and friend! We've had each other's backs and never gave up on the other!"

Akeno then spread her fallen angel wings, the red coloring that Issei added to them began to glow. "You showed me how to overcome my hatred for my father and my heritage. You helped to accept that being what I am, doesn't define WHO I am! Please, Issei! Remember our voices! Our faces!"

"COME BACK TO US!" Rias yells.

Issei removes his hands from his head and everyone sees that he's crying.

"(Gasp) Issei?" Akeno says.

Issei reaches out his hand. "Ri...as..."

Rias flies forward. "Issei! I'm here!" Issei smiles before grunting in pain, making Rias stop. "Issei?" Issei grits his teeth as he then screams and disappears as two humongous eyes stare down at Rias and everyone else.

"Oh no..." Erakhan says with widened eyes.

Suddenly the field dissipated and everyone looked up in shock at what was before them.

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Everyone covered their ears from the intensity of Issei's roar.

"W-What is t-that?" Gasper stutters in horror.

"What I'd hoped we would've been able to make in time and stop. But we're too late." Erakhan states. "That...is the Dreadnought Overdrive."

Rias holds the necklace that Issei gave her. "Issei...I refuse to believe that you've given up. I know that you're in there."

Rias then began to glow in black aura.

"And I know that you'd never hurt us willingly." Rias continued. "So, please. Don't be the monster that you fear everyone thinks you are. COME BACK TO ME!"

Erakhan and the ORC shield their eyes as they then see Rias had transformed herself.

"Rias...how?" Erakhan says dumbstruck beyond belief.

"Rias, you look like you've changed into Issei's Balance Breaker!" Gasper says.

Rias looked at her hands. "How did this...?"

Erakhan sees the charm still around her necklace, glowing. "The necklace...THAT'S IT! Issei must've given you a piece of his Balance Breaker! The charm must be a shard from his armor!"

Erakhan turns to Jack. "Jack Hyoudou. Get everyone back home! Me and Rias will take care of this!"

Jack shakes his head. "No way! We came here to-"

Erakhan makes a portal behind them that starts to suck them in. "I wasn't asking!" Asia screams as she gets sucked in, first.

"Asia!" Xenovia flies after her along with Gasper, then Koneko, Kiba, and Akeno. Jack looks back at Erakhan. "Please...bring my brother back home."

"I promise." Erakhan nods. "NOW GO!" Jack nods and jumps through just as the portal disappears.

Erakhan turns back to Rias. "Daughter of Gremory, are you prepared to fight in order to save my son?"

Rias turns to him shocked. "You mean we'll have to fight him?! No! I won't hurt him!"

Erakhan sighs. "There's no other choice." Erakhan then surrounds himself in black energy as he then transforms into his dragon side.

Rias looks down in sadness. ~Issei...I love you.~

Erakhan and Rias ready themselves as Issei then lets out another roar.

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!"