Edited by Argent345
Chapter 1: A Human Touch
In a dirty alleyway, there were all kinds of trash; garbage bags full of rotten food, old broken appliances, and discarded objects of various sizes. There was a low groaning noise coming from a darkened corner of the street. A figure slowly rose from the shadows, a young teenager with messy brown hair, wearing a red shirt, and over it was a white button-up shirt that was opened up, while also sporting black jeans and white shoes. All his clothes were dirty, but not from the trash, and were stained in so much blood that he looked like a murderer. His eyes were all red and puffy from non-stop crying.
"What..happened to me?" Issei muttered out loud. The stranger looked around at his surroundings, showing a face of pure confusion.
"Where am I?" he questioned. But as soon as he tried to get up, he fell. He was off balance, wobbling onto his feet Issei until he looked towards his left arm only to find it was missing.
Issei had an expression of fear and surprise but knew he deserved this fate. Slowly he kept walking, reaching the end of the alleyway. Issei believed he was a failure to everyone he knew. It wasn't a big surprise that he was left with nothing. Tears were leaking out of his eyes.
"This is what I deserve, I'm nothing but a loser," He said.
"Oh god, what happened to me," He wept
Issei's eyes widened in horror. He just said God and it didn't even hurt. That meant he wasn't a devil anymore. He failed as a human and now has failed as a man. He cried out in pain because he didn't even know what had happened to him. How did he become human again? He didn't even feel Ddragi anymore. He felt more alone than he had ever felt in his life. Issei wondered what kind of hell this was. Wait, was he even in hell?
"Well, I better see where I am," he said in a sad, forced tone. Even speaking was too much for him. He was broken, into pieces. How he kept going was beyond any miracle. Every part of him screamed just to lay down and die. Every thought that went into his mind was like pins of self-hate, and every feeling that went past his heart was like an endless void. A black hole of pure anger swallowing him alive.
Slowly, he limped out of the exit of the alleyway as the blinding light of the outside clouded his vision. With one more step, he was out, his vision returning to him as he studied his surroundings. Issei was in an empty city street; empty as in no people, no cars, and no signs of life. Issei looked towards the vacant streets with worried looks, even the building windows seemed devoid of all activity. The weather was cloudy and gray, covering the sky and drowning out any blue up above. Issei kept his breath calm and walked down the empty street.
He kept walking further into the city and found it so quiet that Issei could hear his own heartbeat, every step he took like a loud bang that echoed around him. All the buildings were locked and the doors had a bright white paint color to them like he was looking into a flashlight.
Issei walked for hours with no people in sight. He felt like this was his hell and that he deserved this. He was a loser who had nothing going for him. He only got lucky in fights, he had nothing redeeming about himself. Issei kept thinking these insufferable thoughts. He kept walking around the city as time dragged on. He constantly puts himself down in self-hate. Even time didn't feel like it passed.
"Hello!" Issei yelled in a panicked voice.
"Please is anyone here?" He called out into the empty city, only for his echo to return to him.
"Please, someone!" Issei cried out in horrible pain screeching, only for the echoes to return to him. His breath slowed down and wavered, as he felt the harsh self-hate whispering in the back of his mind.
"ANYONE, PLEASE! I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE ANYMORE!" Yelling louder, only getting more echoes back.
Issei hated what he was doing, trying to save himself from this hellish fate. But that hope started to fade quickly. Issei kept trying to call for something, and the despair spread in his heart. Issei's legs buckled as his knees hit the ground. His breath became a dim whimper. It was then Issei realized what was happening. Issei couldn't breathe: he was having a panic attack.
"HELP IS- THERE- ANYONE- HERE! I NEED HELP- I CAN'T -BREATHE!" Issei cried as tears poured through his eyes and down his cheeks, as his panic attack slowly took over.
Whispers of past trauma scoured his thoughts. He fell to the ground, tears uncontrollably pouring from his eyes.
"Will you die for me?"
"You're the worst,"
"Issei is horrible,"
"You are very bad"
"Will you be my mighty pawn?"
Issei was crying in pure agony, as he was laid back on the ground clutching his chest; his hand trembling out of fear, his ears ringing, and his teeth grating.
Issei's vision darkened, his thoughts were now a chaotic storm of mental confusion. He couldn't move from his spot as his muscles tightened from the intense stress.
"I didn't mean to lose Rias, I didn't mean it, just give me another chance please someone help me, help me," Issei cried in whispers. if one were to glance at him, they would think him dead.
Issei thought he was going to be left in this state of mind forever, while this empty city would be his eternal prison. Issei thought a broken person like himself could never heal, and with one last empty whisper, he spoke.
"I'm nothing but a dirty perverted loser, I'm nothing," Issei cried in mournful anguish.
He was so lost in his panic attack that his senses became dulled to his surroundings, all sound, touch, and hearing had long since become null.
His eyes slowly drifted to unconsciousness staring at the empty streets ahead.
A loud bang rang through the city. Issei was so deep in despair that he couldn't even be bothered to pay his attention to surroundings. Then another thud, this time closer and the loud bang started to multiply and became a roar. Within seconds the banging rippled through the space. The closer the sound got the more he could hear what the noise was. It sounded like heavy metal slamming against concrete. Issei still couldn't notice, his panic attack preventing him.
Seconds later the slamming of metal stopped, and Issei was finally coming out of his daze, slowly catching his breath while regaining his senses. He held himself up with his single arm, head down in shame thinking he had suffered a panic attack.
It took Issei a couple of seconds to realize that the spot where he lay suddenly had a lot more shade than before.
"What is this place?" A deep voice boomed behind Issei, The voice made him stay in his place, and every word that he heard set off his fight or flight instincts.
He slowly turned his head around to see a giant, hulking armored being standing right behind him. It stood eight feet tall, covered shoulder to toe in slick dark blue armor, with sharp dark gold trimming around the edges of its shoulders, while the abdomen was covered by a bone rib cage. A bright white skull is worn on the chest plate with red bat wings on the side of the skull. A tattered scarlet cape flew behind it, adorned with skulls that still had blood on them. They had been stuck to the giant shoulder plates, while a horrible leather cloth hung from her body, made of human skin over the armor. The worst was the gauntlets that had sharp metal tips with dual claws sticking out on their forearms.
Issei slowly looked up to find a furious face staring at him. He saw the slim face of the woman, her skin was ghostly pale, and her lips cracked black. Her long, oily, black hair was the color and texture of tar.
Her eyes are what drew his attention though. Her sclera was pitch black like night, while her irises were bright purple. Her face was highlighted by her razor-sharp teeth, which she was gritting.
Her whole appearance screamed alpha predator, that this person was more than human. Beautiful but dangerous. Issei's whole body told him to run to get away from her. Though his heart told him no; for he had what he wanted.
To not be alone.
"My patience runs thin boy," Her voice this time was strong yet had a hint of softness, but that softness was like bait for its prey. Issei slowly stands up, under the scrutinizing gaze of this mighty woman. Though Issei was not in his right mind, this was a very beautiful woman and Issei couldn't help but admire that.
Issei looked up at the woman with a nervous face. He tried to put on a mask of confidence, but her gaze could pierce right through it. Issei hyped himself up to give a cool response.
"M-my N-n-name I-i-i-ss I-li issei hyoudou," He stuttered.
"Oh my god, what was that?" Issei cursed mentally. I mean this is what you get when almost every girl in your life belittles you. Then in a flash, Issei found himself lifted off the ground by the front of his shirt. She was staring at him with an annoyed expression on her face.
"I didn't ask what your name is, boy, I asked what this place is," She demanded in a growl that sounded angry. Issei couldn't do anything at the mercy of the giant. He felt another panic attack coming on. The pain was too intense, and he found himself accepting his fate. Issei spoke from his broken heart, muttering in a quiet voice.
"I don't know where we are, I woke up here, I don't know where I am," Issei cried as his emotions stirred up. The giant didn't look pleased and held tighter on his clothes. Issei looked her in the eyes and with one final plea, he spoke all he could.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you what this place is, all I know is that one second I'm on earth the next this place so I'm sorry I can't help you, but if killing me makes you feel better, then..," Issei paused what he said and decided to finish what he said," Then you would be doing me a favor," Issei said without any remorse for himself. Issei looked the giant in the eyes, probably expecting a shameful gaze.
The giant held a gentle stare, that said I understand you. Just one look spoke a thousand words. Issei was so shaken by the gaze it snapped him out of the coming panic attack. She released him, placing him gently on the ground.
The two stared at each other, but the giant broke the silence with a long deep sigh.
"Well if you don't know what this place is, then fine," The giant said in a begrudging tone.
"But I will take you to my sisters, maybe they can get more answers that way," the giant said. Issei was a bit shaken but stood his ground.
Issei had a shy smile on his face, as the idea of meeting more people made him happy even though he was going to be interrogated. He was at least happy he wasn't alone.
He looked towards the giant and sighed with relief.
"Okay, well, I guess I'll go with you," Issei said with a happy sigh.
The giant sorted at the comment.
"Don't push your luck boy, even if you didn't want to go I wouldn't have let you run off so easily. I am Konrad Curze the Night Hunter," Konrad announced in a proud yet threatening tone toward Issei.
Though Issei knew it was a threat, he couldn't talk back, especially in his situation how could he with his mental state right now? He couldn't fight back not without his boosted gear. He had nothing so he mentally told himself to shut up and roll with it. One thing about the threat did make him smile, which did not escape Konrad's notice.
"Why are you smiling?" Konrad asked in a skeptical tone of voice.
"I know your name now. Konrad, it's a cool name," Issei said in a gentle voice.
Konrad looked at Issei confused, wondering what kind of slang this was. Issei then realized that maybe the word cool wasn't the best choice.
"Cool mean-" Issei tried to say.
"I know what it means, but why do you compliment me? Do you not see what's in front of you?" Konrad said with a raised eyebrow.
"I-ii-i um yeah I don't know I mean you beautifully- I mean Um," Issei said, stumbling over his words. Konrad only looked at him the same way as before.
"You are a strange person," Konrad said in a dull tone. "But I grow tired of standing in this place. Let us move,"
Konrad started to walk off with Issei falling behind. There were only two problems: despite Konrad's size, she was moving very fast, and Issei having only one arm was off balance and could only walk slowly so he didn't trip over his own feet.
Konrad turned her head around to see he was not keeping up. With a begrudging growl, Konrad walks back to Issei, standing in his way with a raised eyebrow. Issei slowly looked back up at her.
"Sorry, I recently lost my arm-wow!" Issei couldn't finish his statement when Konrad picked him up and slung him up on her shoulders. Issei had the air knocked out of him when he landed beside her head.
"If you're going to talk on the way, make it little, but seeing your state I doubt there will be any conversation," Konrad told him in a cold tone.
Issei was looking behind her but he could feel her smirking at his misfortune. He could only painfully groan at the order that Konrad gave.
"Good answer," She said.
Issei then was held by one of her clawed gauntlets as she blitzed forward like an animal, forcing him to hold onto her shoulder tight, though he did have to be careful of the sharp metal edges. He eventually did find a safe grip on Konrad's metal armor.
Issei could only look behind himself, but he could tell she was moving as fast as a car but was as agile as a tiger. He turned his head to see where their heading was.
He could only spot more empty streets, but the buildings were getting taller and taller. Some reached the clouds, and many of the skyscrapers were titled at odd angles. The buildings are even sticking out of the sky floating in the air. Issei swore this place was crazy and he even went to hell.
Issei looked towards Konrad. Surely she had to use a lot of energy to move, but when he turned towards her, to check on her well-being, Issei saw Konrad didn't even break a sweat. She looked like this was a normal walk: even though she was running at speeds that would be considered a vehicle.
"If you keep staring I'm going to have to take those eyes, boy," She said without breaking her eye contact ahead. Issei immediately turned away.
"Sorry," Issei said with a quick blush, realizing she wanted him to be quiet. Issei remained silent and regained his lost breath. He couldn't help but smile at the speeds they were going. It was insane. Hours passed but Konrad ran through this place like it was nothing. She even took a shortcut through alleyways, but that wasn't as crazy when she climbed one skyscraper and slid down the other side like it was a wet floor. Surprisingly, Issei didn't panic at all, but he found within himself a small amount of peace.
maybe it was him but the idea of running up crazy heights and falling was oddly relaxing. Konrad landed on the ground with a mighty thud, as the floor beneath them cracked.
After a couple more hours the sun was setting. Even though there was light, the stormy gray clouds obscured the sky, so it was hard to tell what time of day it was. Issei felt like this city was going on forever, he was hoping for something new.
His hope was answered by a beautiful tree that was covered in stunning yellow leaves with a white trunk.
Then another tree appeared, and Issei turned his head to see a lush yellow forest. There was something about the forest that invoked a feeling of safety, the city feeling more cold and disturbing, trapping him.
Issei had a smile creeping on his face. Konrad stopped and dropped Issei off her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
He landed on the ground with a mighty thud, he'd suffered worse things in his life but he was fine. Issei kept on smiling but slowly got to his feet.
Why did he keep smiling? Maybe it was the hope of not being alone or the forest could have been another factor. Konrad turned and looked at him, pointing straight ahead.
"Our camp is over there," Konrad commanded.
"Um okay, I'll just walk there," Issei said.
He limped towards where she pointed, still trying to find his balance. It was hard because he didn't know what to do with his limp. Konrad followed behind him as he moved towards their camp. Issei did feel a bit nervous when there was a giant following close behind him, though that thought passed with time. Issei felt very calm. maybe it was the surroundings or he that put his trust In Konrad.
Whatever it is, he'd just go with the flow.
"Is my footing wrong or is my arm supposed to be more back," He thought in frustration.
"You're thinking too much about balancing your weight, just go with your body movement and you'll be fine," Konrad growled in annoyance.
Issei breathed slowly while limping, taking Konrad's words and letting his body try to balance itself out. He slowly adjusted to his disability, but after a short while of practice, his limp was barely noticeable.
"I'll have to get used to that," Issei said in relief, finally having some control.
More time passed, but it wasn't all that bad, and being out of the city was nice. This forest was very noisy with birds chirping, water running, and wind blowing in the trees. Issei turned towards Konrad.
"Thank you for telling me how to walk correctly," He said to Konrad.
She kept a strong face, But Issei noticed there was a tiny crack of anger.
"Keep moving," she said in her usual growl. He kept going, but this time put a little more hustle into it.
"So, it's just you and your sisters, how many are there? Like maybe two, three" Issei asked, trying to start a conversation.
"We will ask the questions boy, now keep walking," She responded. Her eyes didn't even look at him but were glued to the direction she pointed. Issei lowered his head and kept walking; it looked like Konrad had stopped the friendliness. He only hoped maybe he could survive, but death would be his only saving grace for himself he thought depressingly.
The two then found themself at the entrance of a glade of cut stumps. All the cut-down trees were stacked neatly. Konrad groaned, causing Issei to turn towards her with a confused look. He could see she was very annoyed. Issei wonders why.
"You're finally back Konrad," A very monotone yet feminine voice called out.
The two turned towards the wood pile to see another eight-foot-tall giant, who had bright gold metallic armor that covered her entire body, with so many intricate designs and symbols on the armor that made it look like she was wearing art. The two eagle's heads sticking out on her shoulders gave the armor a medieval gothic look: well, that and the metal golden wings that Dorn had behind her back. Her majestic red cape flew behind her. Held by her side was a giant red blade, that could only be described as a mix between a sword and a chainsaw.
On the other side was a giant gun. Slowly she looked up until Issei met her eyes. Her skin was creamy white to match, with strong amber eyes and hair that was in an aged white bun tied behind her head. With all that she was stunning.
Issei could only think one thing.
"I bet she looks beautiful without that armor," Issei thought. He hated that he thought of that, as being nothing more than a dog chasing girls.
"Woah!" Issei said in a hushed whisper, her gaze fully switched to him: if looks could kill then her eyes were like spears shooting right through his head. Konrad sighed and waved toward Issei.
"This is why I took so long," Konrad growled in an annoyed tone. The new giant kneeled to him, studying him. Issei lost his breath again.
"A human. Hello my name is Rogal Dorn. Are you a resident of this planet?" she asked in a straight tone.
Issei was blushing red: He was not trying to be rude, and even though these were two giants they were still very beautiful.
"U-mm N-No I'm not I'm lost here too, I'm Issei," Issei said in an awkward tone. Rogal didn't break eye contact but looked more into Issei's eyes.
"Where are you from?" Rogal asked.
"I'm from Earth-" Issei tried to say but was interrupted by Rogal.
"Do you mean Terra? Earth is an uncommon name for it in the imperium," Rogal corrected.
"I'm sorry we call it Earth where I'm from," Issei answered.
Issei was a bit confused even with all the other angels, demons, and other gods called the world Earth. Though all the other supernatural beings thought they were better than
humans. Issei went silent for a while until he felt a giant metal glove touch his stub where his appendage used to be.
"Why do you not have a cyber prosthetic? It would be more efficient," Rogal asked.
"He said he lost it recently," Konrad told Rogal in a smug tone of voice. Rogal looked at Issei with a stern look from before.
"This is unfortunate, what was the last thing you remember before you came here?" Rogal asked.
"I-i-i-i don't remember, I was on a walk in the park now I'm here," Issei said lying about what his intention was at the park.
"A park in Terra, so you are noblemen, correct," Rogal asked, still her eyes unmoving, unflinching, and unwavering. Issei was more confused every time Rogal brought up her topics trying to figure out who Issei was.
"Look, I'm sorry but I don't know how I got here," Issei said in a panicked voice. Rogal slowly stepped up and then looked toward the sky. She took a long deep sigh and then turned her attention to Konrad.
"Well, he's our only lead to why we were here we need Magnus," Konrad said.
"I'm guessing you were on the assumption that Magnus would be here as well, since you left a month ago when we went scouting after Angron left," Rogal said as she said in an annoyed tone.
"Well if she isn't here then where is Magnus, Rogal!" Konrad asked while saying Rogal's last name with a hint of poisonous anger.
"I don't know where our sister went, but the majority put me in charge of making a base camp and fortifying it," Rogal said in a strong stoic tone, as she stepped up to Konrad, staring her down.
"Keep your rash behavior in check Konrad. We have been stranded here for months without any sign of rescue so stay here and make use of your labour,"
Konrad Slowly turned away and walked away from Rogal with a feral growl like she was some sort of animal. She looked at Rogal with a mad glare.
"Make sure that this one stays with you at the camp and doesn't run away," Konrad barked at Rogal.
Rogal looked at Konrad with a firm look, her face had a solid expression of calmness, and stood firm to her ground.
"Konrad, I remind you that you ran off selfishly on your own and left us to search for Angron ourselves," Rogal said in a stern tone of voice.
Konrad didn't like Rogal comments and walked off into the woods. Issei only had to blink to see Konrad had vanished from his sight, she moved fast and easily disappeared into the dark forest. Issei had to rub his eyes to make sure his vision wasn't playing tricks on him.
"Boy," Rogal said, breaking Issei out of his confusion. Issei turned around to see Rogal pick up two of the logs, setting them down on her side and across from her. She sat on one of the logs, her eyes.
"Though Konrad left your interrogation is far from over," Rogal said emotionlessly. "Now rest boy, you and I have much to discuss tomorrow,"
Rogal commanded. The light from the sky died down and became night. Issei looked at the dark cloudy sky as darkness settled in.
Issei couldn't argue. He was stranded, but desperately refused to be alone. He felt he was asking for so much. he thought this was the best he could get. Nothing could be done. Issei accepted his fate.
He walked over to the other log and slowly slumped on the ground trying to make himself comfortable on the ground, which was very soft. The short grass wasn't even scratchy.
Issei lay on his back and looked up into the night sky.
"Thank you," Issei said, not breaking contact with the night sky. Rogal looked toward the boy.
"Your temps of gratitude to try and sway me from suspicions of you will not work," Rogal told Issei to deny him friendly talk but Issei wasn't bothered in fact, he expected the harshness like it was nothing.
"Still thank you," Issei said with a weak smile.
This only caused Rogal to be more suspicious of him. Issei only lay there with no care in the world.
"What are you even thanking me for, you do understand I'm watching so that you don't escape. because I don't believe your story, and yet you still thank me. Why?" Rogal asked.
"I just didn't want to be alone, I know you're keeping an eye on me, but I'm not alone, hell if you want that's the best way you can torcher information out of me just leave me alone," Issei said in a quiet, sad tone. A strange silence took over the two and a few moments later Rogal broke it.
"Konrad was right, you're strange," Rogal stated in a calm tone with only curiosity.
Issei said nothing and finally felt his eyes close as he fell asleep leaving a curious Rogal staring at Issei.
This is the edit-it version also Chapter 2 will be out next week Monday so stay tuned, also this is pre-heresy. Thank you for your review. Have a nice day Sorry guys just updating this old chapter