Chapter 7

Issei was smiling while looking over the newspaper that was showing the latest news in the Underworld, and boy, was he smiling so wide that others at the club began to be a bit afraid of Issei's new face, especially since his new group of friends seemed to be impressed as Issei explained the news to them.

"So you're saying that the lower clans are contacting the Sitri Heiress to help her dream become a reality?" Vali asked before Issei nodded.

"Of course. The problem was that since the council refused to offer Sona money to help start the school's construction process and gather possible staff, it made sense that the lower clans would be able to assist her after I said I was going to support her dream and assist; however, I can." Issei said that since this was a wonderful play, he learned from his sensei and third father figure, who was like him.

Sona Sitri was shocked when a check with a massive amount of money was sent to her from an anonymous donor that prohibited the money from being used for anything other than her dream to make it a reality.

This shocked Sona before she learned who sent her the money, which resulted in Sona crying tears of joy while hugging Issei and kissing his face which surprised the student council, school staff, and even the students to see the normally stoic President break down into tears and hug the new Issei Hyoudou.

Kuroka whistled in amazement while Dimaria was snickering at the impact that Issei and Vali had made on the world since they came back. Dimaria was enjoying herself since she loved to fight strong opponents, which resulted in Dimaria clashing with Kiba, Saji, and the other members of the Devil Peerages. She was a bit disappointed since she expected more from the Devils than what Issei told her about them.

Erza then entered the room with a tired but happy expression on her face as she approached Issei, who was sitting on the couch. She lay on the couch and placed her head on his lap.

"Long day?"

"Mhm."

"Brandish had her fun with you?"

"Mhm."

"Mentally exhausted after having to put up with the student body and their shock when you revealed you were my wife?"

"Mhm. Mmm." Ezra muttered before Issei began to give her the lap pillow session and even rubbed her head to alleviate her headache, which made Erza mumble in joy as she loved Issei's touches of affection and how he tended to her pain and seemed to know what she needed with very few words.

This was due to the fact that Erza and Issei bonded and went on so many adventures together that they got along with each other that they hardly needed to speak when it came to normal things like being exhausted or needing encouragement.

"Aw. Like husband, like wife." Kuroka said with a teasing grin before Issei replied.

"I prefer a happy wife, a happy life. Isn't that right, Vali?" Issei asked, which made Vali groan before yelling at him.

"And who said we were married?!"

"Well, not officially, but you were basically the wife in our relationship."

"We never even dated!" Vali yelled with a red face before Dimaria saw the chance to mess with her boyfriend and took it.

"Oh? Then what about the time your 'alter ego' went on that date with Issei?"

"It was a mission to gather information!"

"Oh really? And that kiss on the cheek, as well as the flirtations?"

"T-They were part of my cover, okay?!" Vali stuttered, which made his girls snicker at his reaction before Issei pulled Vali to his shoulder, rested his head on it, and then patted his head.

"There, there. It's okay, Vali. You're in a safe place, and you can be yourself." Issei said with Vali mumbling to himself before settling into Issei's shoulder, which made the girls snicker at the sight while Vali and Ezra looked at each other for a moment before they nodded and rested on Issei.

Kiba and Gasper were surprised by this, as well as Koneko and Akeno before the Knight decided to ask Dimaria about Issei's relationship with Vali since it was obvious from day one that Issei and Erza were lovers. In contrast, Vali and Issei's relationship was an odd one.

"So, what exactly is Issei's relationship with Vali? The two act like they're a couple." Kiba asked before Dimaria snickered and replied.

"You're not the only one. Their relationship is platonic, though they act like they're already married since the two lived together in the same apartment back in our world." Dimaria said while recalling meeting Issei and Vali at their apartment, which led to some awkward but hilarious moments that she stumbled upon, like Issei and Vali when they were on their couch and watching a show that made Vali cry tears of happiness into Issei's shoulder.

Who would've thought that Vali would have a weakness for romance shows?

"They do mess with each other, Issei more than Vali, but they're good friends who have been through a lot together. In fact, it was thanks to each other that they grew close to each other, so yes, while Issei will tease Vali most of the time, it's all in good fun." Dimaria said until the door of the clubroom opened up to reveal it was Azazel coming in.

"Hiya! I came here because I wanted to discuss with Issei." Azazel said before turning to Issei on the couch, who didn't seem to notice Azazel came in until Issei looked up and waved at Azazel.

"Yo. How's it going, Azazel-Sensei?"

Azazel bit his tongue, holding back any joke before coughing into a fist and speaking to him.

"Well, I came here because a letter came for you from the Familiar Forest. Adjuka received it but was busy at the moment, so he asked me to deliver it to you." Azazel said before handing the letter to Issei, who opened it with some magic before reading the letter aloud.

Dear Issei Hyoudou,

The chaotic balance of the realms seems to have shifted, and the ripples of your actions have reached my domain. As the Karma Dragon, Tiamat, I am keenly aware of the energy disturbances caused by your recent endeavors and their impact on the Underworld and beyond.

You have shown remarkable strength and wisdom in your actions, aligning yourself with influential allies and making significant moves to alter the course of many lives, including the support you've extended to Sona Sitri's noble dream. Such actions do not go unnoticed, especially by beings like myself who dwell in the intricacies of karma and destiny.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. The balance you are striving to maintain and the goals you seek to achieve must be pursued with caution and foresight. Your journey is fraught with challenges that will test not only your strength but also your resolve and integrity. The bonds you form and the choices you make will ripple across the realms, influencing the fates of countless beings.

In light of this, I extend a warning and an offer to you. The warning is simple: be mindful of the delicate balance that governs our world. Every action, no matter how well-intentioned, has consequences. Tread carefully and ensure that your actions do not tip the scales toward chaos.

As for my offer, I propose a meeting in the Familiar Forest where we can discuss matters further. There are insights and wisdom I can share that may aid you in your journey. Additionally, there are forces at play that you may not yet fully comprehend, and understanding them could prove crucial in the trials ahead.

Should you choose to accept this invitation, I will be waiting at the heart of the Familiar Forest. Bring those you trust, for this will be a meeting that concerns not just you but all those who are intertwined in the destiny you are forging.

Until then, Issei Hyoudou, may your path be guided by wisdom and your actions be tempered by the understanding of the intricate web of fate.

Sincerely,

Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon

P.S. I heard about Ddraig and wish to discuss the arrangement I had with Ddraig and his partner.

Issei and the others were surprised by this message until Vali spoke to him.

"It sounds like a challenge."

"Yep."

"And you're still going to go see her, aren't you?"

"Uh-huh."

Vali and Issei said to each other until Vali sighed and let Issei up, except for Erza, who didn't want to move from a comfortable position until Issei picked her up by the head and kissed her forehead, making Erza smile before the Knight got up from Issei's lap before Issei opened up a portal to the Familiar Forest.

"See you guys later. Don't do something I would do." Issei said with a cheeky grin until he left, which made Vali sigh along with Ezra before Kuroka asked a question.

"So, do you miss your husband already?"

Vali groaned as he hid his face in a couch pillow. At the same time, Ezra blushed a bit and turned away from the question, which only served to answer Kuroka's question, much to her and Dimaria's amusement. At the same time, Kiba and Gasper were surprised to see how much Issei and Vali had changed before Gasper looked at his chest and reflection while pondering how it would feel to be in either Erza or Vali's position on his Issei-Senpai.

It was no surprise that Gasper enjoyed Issei's company the most, and at first, it was the admiration of his Senpai sure. Still, after the three months that Issei was gone, the little vampire had a lot of time to explore his feelings and eventually learned that his feelings developed into love.

The one who took him out of his box and helped him become a member of the ORC. Love for the man who defended him from harm and always never gave up despite all odds against them, like a hero in Gasper's manga that Issei lent to him a few times.

Gasper honestly saw Issei the same way Eri saw Lemillion in the comics and wished to stand by Issei's side, so Gasper trained his hardest to use the full potential of his powers, but he still wanted to look amazing in the eyes of his Senpai to show he wasn't going to be the same coward anymore.

This is why Issei's praise that day after the Bael Vs. Gremory battle made Gasper's day, which also led to Issei telling him about his adventures in Earthland and even made Gasper more amazed at his Senpai.

Gasper then decided to give Issei a special treat by not only dressing up in cosplay but also bringing out the seduction tactics that he learned from the magazines he 'borrowed' from Rias and Akeno, along with some free advice from some of Azazel's associates.

Gasper enjoyed showing off his feminine qualities and features in cosplay that Issei really enjoyed, such as Gothic attire a few anime girls he could pull off, heck he even went for a couple of outfits in his Female alter ego thanks to some advice from Vali, since he was very surprised to see that Vali had skills in makeup and dressing up as a woman.

But it still wasn't enough for Gasper since Ravel, Erza, and Brandish came into the fold, and his cosplay could only do so much less time to hang out with him, which meant Gasper had to get creative when Issei was able to make time for him.

Issei really enjoyed hanging out with Gasper and cared for him, but Gasper wanted to be seen as someone who held a piece of his heart, so he was working on his ultimate plan to ask Issei on a date.

All he needed to do was get into his character, which meant with Azazel's gender swap gun, an outfit he borrowed from Vali, but also a little bit of magic and imagination.

Gasper knew that the Gender Swap brought out a person's other self in their opposite gender, which is why Gasper was fascinated with his other side. So, after practicing his makeup, dressing up, and more in his alter ego, he decided to begin Operation Vampiric Charm!

Plus, Ravel helped out a bit since she knew Gasper's interest in her husband, so she gave him some pointers to see if they wanted to end the date with some fun at a special hotel in either the Underworld or the human world.

Gasper would have his plan beginning once Issei returns from his challenge with Tiamat, and then he'll begin to put his plan into motion.

Gasper smiled as he looked at the selfie he took with the underwear and dress that he chose for Issei to show his true self. His skills were sharpened and ready to mark his place in Issei's heart.

Now, back to Issei.

Issei appeared in the Familiar Forest and cracked his neck a few times until he looked up at the massive cave to see that a woman was standing there as if she was waiting the whole time.

"So you accepted my invite after all. I'm glad that you're not a coward. Come to my cave, and we'll discuss more inside." Tiamat said as she walked back into her cave, which made Issei sigh, knowing she was trying to lure him inside a familiar place so that Tiamat could attack him.

"She's just like Ddraig described her," Issei said to himself, recalling his chat with Ddraig about his ex-girlfriend.

Flashback.

"So, care to tell me more about your little lover's quarrel?" Issei inquired of Ddraig as he was walking towards the forest near the guild so Issei could do some solo training with his Dragon Slayer abilities without Natsu since he was focusing more on his Takeover power.

[Don't call it a lover's quarrel! The thought alone makes me shiver! Well, long story short, I borrowed some of her treasures. But before I could return them or even hide them in a secure place, the fight between Albion and I started. And after my sealing, those treasures were stolen and scattered around the world.]

"I see...I say she'd well within her right to be angry and want to kill you. After all, it is you who's constantly reminding me how much their treasure means to a dragon." Issei said while recalling how many dragons both in Earthland and home seemed to be similar when it came to being protective about their treasures.

[You're supposed to be my partner!]

"And a good friend points out your mistakes before others can help them grow," Issei said with a smirk, making Ddraig grumble in the Sacred Gear.

[Shut up. I'm going to sleep, but don't wake me up, even if that Moon Dragon kills you!]

"As you wish, the oh-so-great heavenly dragon." Ddraig scoffed at Issei's sarcastic remark and succumbed to deep sleep, making Issei smirk at his partner before walking more toward a dragon that had been tailing him ever since he caught her attention.

A Yandere in the form of a Moon Dragon.

End Flashback

'This is it then.' Issei was finally at his destination. The cave's entrance was larger than anything he'd ever seen. 'For fuck's sake...is it 50 meters high? 100? And that width...'

Issei shook his head to clear the thoughts before he took a step forward. Then another. And another.

With every step, the eerie atmosphere he was feeling grew more ominous, as if he was walking to greet death. He gulped a bit and steeled his heart, releasing a bit of his aura in the process. And as soon as he did that, a humongous roar vertebrated from within the cave. He smiled nervously and began walking again.

"Yep. That got Tiamat to come out of her hiding spot after going back in." Issei said as the entrance of the cave was no longer visible, Issei had to stop. Not because he reached the end but because the end was reaching him.

A blue western dragon with celestial blue scales that captivated Issei came flying and sent him hurling out of the cave. Issei landed 20 meters from the entrance on the ground.

"I guess that counts as a greeting?" Issei blurted out, clearly mocking dragon tradition.

The azure dragon was floating above his head in the sky, looking down with furious eyes.

"Red Dragon Emperor, you dare invade my home!? You must have some guts to walk to your death too willingly." Her voice sent shockwaves hurling through the forest as she prepared a fire breath to launch at Issei.

He dodged at the last second and flew up to meet the attacker at eye level. Looking down, the place where he was lying had been disintegrated.

'She really was trying to end it with one attack. This won't be easy.' Issei looked into her eyes and began speaking.

"Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat, I didn't come here to fight! I know you're angry at Ddraig, and rightfully so. But he's-!" Issei's speech was interrupted by another fire breath aimed right at his face, which he dodged. He grits his teeth together and releases the full brunt of his aura in response, along with a glare that sends shivers down Tiamat's spine.

'W-What's this glare...and that aura...it isn't just Ddraig's...there's something else mixed in it. To think he could make me tremble.' Tiamat smiled. She was expecting this to be a small scuffle, but it looked like she wouldn't be bored after all.

"A possessor of Ddraig that doesn't want to fight? I won't fall for your petty tricks, human. You better dawn your armor because the next attack will have my full force." Tiamat shouted as she flapped her wings in an attempt to intimidate the boy. But he did something that she had never expected.

Issei dropped his guard and his aura at the same time, closing his eyes. When he opened them, the intense glare was no longer to be seen, replaced by an understanding and pleading expression.

"I said I didn't come here to fight, Tiamat. And I'll stick by my words. But it looks like I can't convince you, that's why..." Issei took a deep breath before continuing.

"You can attack me all you want. I won't defend or dodge. Release it. Release all your anger on me, all of it! And when you're satisfied, then you will listen to what I have to say." Issei said before Tiamat flared her aura in a rampage. She was infuriated.

To think that a fledging would challenge her in such a manner would underestimate her in such a manner. Tiamat was going to mutilate him.

"You'll swallow those words, little boy." Her eyes turned red, and she began her assault. She was starting with a flick of her tail that sent Issei to a nearby mountain.

'Damn, that really hurt.' Issei stood up slowly and dusted his clothes off, which were now torn in certain places. He was interrupted by Tiamat, who slammed into him and burst through the other side of the mountain, with Issei in front of her, taking all of the impact.

She prepared a fire breath and fired it from top of him, sending him down into the earth in the form of a blazing meteor. A few seconds later, he stood back on his feet.

{Master. Why aren't you using your weapons or powers at all? If you use them, then you'll win.} Ophiuchus asked with much concern for her Master until Issei replied to her.

'There's more that Tiamat is holding in than just a busted-up treasure. Tiamat and Ddriag were actually more than just friends or associates.' Issei said while his scales prevented much harm to his body.

'What's going on...he really isn't defending himself or dodging my attacks. But then...why isn't he hurt? Is it a trick?' Tiamat flew down and picked the boy up. She then flew to a couple of thousand meters in the air and dropped Issei, firing another fire breath at him.

This time, the place where Issei landed was dented down to almost 30 meters towards the center of the earth. But after a deep breath, he stood back up again. His shirt was almost gone, showing off his chiseled veteran chest. And he still hadn't received a single wound.

"That the best you got?" Issei asked with a smirk which made Tiamat pissed off before she continued her assault, and Issei looked content with the outcome.

'Tiamat. I'm sorry for Ddraig. I know he meant a lot to you, and I let him die because of my weakness, so let me take it all. All of your anger and pain.' Issei said as he succumbed to her attacks.

Three Hours Later.

Tiamat was on all fours in her human form, panting from exhaustion. She had been constantly attacking Issei with all her arsenal. But even the strongest Dragon King could only extract a small blood trail from the boy's mouth after all that.

Issei wiped his mouth and stood on his feet, looking at Tiamat with the same expression he had when they started.

Dragons had the stamina to fight for days, weeks on end, but Tiamat had been tormenting Issei without a missed beat; she was furious and embarrassed with the fact that the boy still hadn't defended, dodged, or attacked. And being the only one attacking, she was bound to be tired.

Tiamat was too tired even to fight anymore, which gave Issei the chance to approach her and speak.

"Will you listen to me now, or do you still want to continue?" In the state that Tiamat was, Issei could've easily flared his aura and made her submit to him, but that would've defeated his purpose in coming here.

He secretly admired the appearance of the female dragon that was trying to kill him. Tiamat's human form was a beautiful woman with straight, long, pale blue hair and dark blue eyes. Her navy blue one-piece skirt had especially captured Issei's gaze. It did nothing to hide the curves of this busty dragon.

"This isn't...over yet..." Tiamat said as she slowly sat up before speaking. "But I'll hear what you have to say, boy." Tiamat collected herself and stood to look him in the eye.

'Finally...' Issei sighed and changed his expression to one that of a determined warrior.

"I get why you're pissed at me because of what happened to Ddraig, but Ddraig told me the whole story. How you two were more than friends. You loved him, and he loved you, which is why it hurt you more when Ddraig lost his body and life to become a Sacred Gear." Issei said, which made Tiamat freeze in shock before Issei continued.

"Not a day goes by that I blame myself for Ddraig's decision to give his life, as well as the others before me, to help me defeat the Armageddon Dragon. He told me that should I ever meet you, I pass along his message." Issei said before pulling out a letter from his storage and opening it to read it aloud.

Dear Tiamat,

I write this letter with a heavy heart and an even heavier sense of regret. The treasures I borrowed from you were not just mere objects; they were symbols of trust and affection that I failed to honor. Our bond was more than just one between two powerful beings; it was a relationship built on mutual respect and love.

I know my actions led to a series of events that resulted in not only the loss of your treasures but also the pain of losing a part of your heart. I can never undo the past, but I hope you can find it within yourself to forgive me. I have watched over Issei, and he possesses a strength and compassion that I believe can help mend the rift between us.

Tiamat, you were always more than just an ally; you were my confidante, my partner. I hope one day you can see past my mistakes and remember the good times we shared. Issei is a good man, and I trust him with my legacy. Perhaps he can help you find peace as well.

With all my heart,

Ddraig

As Issei finished reading the letter, he noticed tears forming in Tiamat's eyes. A somber and reflective demeanor replaced the fierce aura she had earlier. She looked at Issei, her voice softer and more vulnerable.

"I... I didn't know he felt that way. I thought he had abandoned me, left me to suffer alone." Tiamat's voice trembled as she spoke. "I see now that I was wrong."

Issei stepped closer, offering a comforting presence. "Ddraig never stopped caring for you, Tiamat. He wanted you to know that his actions, though misguided, were never meant to hurt you. He cherished every moment with you."

Tiamat nodded, wiping away her tears. "Thank you, Issei. For bringing me his words and for enduring my anger. I see now that you are not my enemy."

Issei smiled warmly. "We're allies, Tiamat. And maybe, someday, we can be friends too. I came here not to fight but to extend a hand of friendship and to honor Ddraig's wish."

Tiamat sighed, feeling the weight of her anger and sorrow lift. "I accept your hand, Issei. And I will listen to what you have to say about the threat to our world and the path you are forging."

Issei nodded, feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. "Let's discuss how we can work together to maintain the balance and ensure that the future we build is one we'll all be able to make."

Issei said before smiling and helping Tiamat to her feet and taking her back to her cave while smiling that a certain Moon Dragon didn't interfere.

'Thank you for trusting me, Selene. I know it must now have been easy for you, but thank you for not giving in to your rage.' Issei said, aware that another dragon was watching them with a smile, but her fists were clenched so tightly due to seeing her beloved get pummeled like a rag doll, even though Issei was more than capable of defending himself.

Selene's human form was that of a buxom and a voluptuous woman with her long blonde hair extending to her hips. For attire, Selene dons a loose kimono with fur lining on the top while also having flower designs all over it, as well as zigzag lines on its edges. The back of her kimono has another layer of cloth with no intricate designs. Her head is covered by a hood adorned with an upward crescent moon with a gem on top, as well as a pair of wings on each side. She also has a pair of socks and is wearing wooden sandals.

However, Selene was also a Yandere who was protective of Issei even though Issei was more than capable of handling himself in a fight.

'That little slut. If it weren't for the fact that I promised Issei not to interfere, then I would've torn that bitch to shreds for harming my beloved Issei! Grr...' Selene growled in her mind while watching Issei chat with Tiamat for another hour until the two ended their chat, and Issei began to head out until he went into the bamboo part of the forest and stopped where Selene was hiding.

"Glad to know you can hold in your bloodlust. I was worried you'd go crazy and attack Tiamat." Issei said before Selene grabbed Issei and took him into a portal, which led to Selene's world and her bed before she began rubbing herself all over Issei, which is what Issei expected due to her Yandere possessive side that wanted him to wear her scent whenever it was just the two of them.

Issei informed the others of Selene's side of her and told them how to calm her down if he wasn't around. Plus, he had confidence in the girls and their skills to deal with Selene, given all that they were able to face back in Earthland, and if push came to shove, then Issei would intervene.

Selene rubbed herself on Issei for a good ten minutes before stopping, which Issei could tell was a good sign, before patting her on the head.

"Don't worry. I know you are protective of me, especially since you saw the most likely outcome in the future of the war with Cao Cao. We already know of Cao Cao's new power and what he's doing with the others in his army. We could use your help, Selene." Issei said before Selene looked at Issei and puffed her cheeks a bit to show she was pouting.

"I won't force you to join, you know that."

"Mm."

"Yes, I know you're still mad about our last fight with me beating you, but to be fair, it was a close one."

"Hmph."

"Come on, Selene. There's no need to pout."

"Mm."

"...If I let you snuggle me for a good hour, then are we good?" Issei asked before Selene seemed to brighten up, which led to her snuggling with Issei in her bed. Issei was glad he told the others that he and Tiamat were still talking.

Issei sighed as he submitted to the affectionate but possessive Moon Dragon. She used Issei as her favorite body pillow.

Scene!

Now, I know some were expecting Issei to fight Tiamat, but I wanted to show Issei's intentions since he and Ddraig talked a lot about Ddraig's past. What he did back when he had a body was that, of course, he would tell Issei about his relationship with Tiamat since I thought there was more to their relationship than a treasure that Ddraig destroyed.

As for Selene, she's a light version of a Yandere since she's very possessive and wants a lot of time with Issei but knows that Issei has others who he holds dear in his heart, which leads to her wanting all of Issei's heart. However, he couldn't since it wouldn't be fair to the other girls, whom he loved with his heart.

And as for Gasper, hehe, let's say that the little Damphir will begin to make her move. Heheh.

See you all next time, Ta-Ta!~