The next day Issei got up and went to the locker room to prepare for initiation. As he looked around to see the other students his eyes were drawn to a red-haired girl with a ponytail. He saw her turn her head and she had green eyes similar to Rias and for a moment he almost couldn't tell the difference. The girl seemed to notice his gaze and waved to him with a smile, snapping him out of it. He blushed in embarrassment while rubbing his head. He decided he should probably say something so there isn't a misunderstanding. He walked up to her, and she slightly tilted her head in curiosity. "Hey. Sorry for staring. You just looked like someone I know, so I was contemplating if you were the same person."
"Who did you think I was?"
"My fiancée. She has red hair like you but has blue eyes. Red hair is a rare hair color so you can imagine it caught my attention."
"True. I'm surprised someone my age is engaged. What's the story behind that?"
"Well, it's a bit long and involved. Maybe we should meet up after initiation and I'll tell you about it."
"I look forward to it. I'm Pyrrha, by the way. Pyrrha Nikos."
"I'm Issei. Hyoudou Issei, but most people call me Ise."
"It's nice to meet you Issei." Pyrrha extended a hand to shake which Issei took with a smile.
"Nice to meet you too. Y'know, your outfit reminds me of an old tale from back home."
"Oh? What kind of tale?"
"A tale of warriors called Spartans who fought with shields and either swords or lances. An army of 300 managed to save their kingdom by stalling an army of thousands for two days. Even though they all fell eventually, their sacrifice was what eventually tipped the balance in their favor and their country was ultimately victorious."
"It's somewhat sad that they died, but at least their sacrifice wasn't in vain."
"Yes. Their leader, Leonidas, was remembered as one of the greatest commanders in history and a proud warrior."
"I don't remember such a tale, but I would be very interested in reading it one day."
"The actual tale isn't as glamorous as I'm making it out to be, but it is an inspirational story. Speaking of stories–" Issei looked around at the others in the locker room. "There are quite a few people who look like people from stories I read once."
"Oh? Who else?"
Issei pointed at Ruby. "Ruby over there looks like the girl from the story, "Little Red Riding Hood"." He then pointed at Jaune who looked lost. "His name is Jaune Arc, which is similar to a Saint who was named Joan of Arc. She was a young girl who believed she heard the voice of God to defend her home from invaders who started a war that had lasted 100 years." He then pointed to Yang. "Yang looks like a girl from the story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"."
"You know a lot of stories."
"Well, I grew up hearing some of them, and others I learned about over time as I came across them."
The two were having a nice chat when Weiss came up to them. She gave Issei a small glare that clearly told him to get lost, while Issei just raised an eyebrow at her. "So Pyrrha, have you given any thought to who's team you'd like to be on? I'm sure everyone is eager to unite with such a strong and well-known individual such as yourself," asked Weiss.
Pyrrha tilted her head with a hum. "I'm not quite sure. I was planning on letting the chips fall where they may," she said airily.
"Well, I was thinking we could be on a team together."
"Well that sounds grand."
"Great!" said Weiss as she seemed to go into quiet scheming. Issei gave her a look that made him think this girl couldn't be serious. He looked over a Pyrrha who seemed not to be bothered.
"You know what else is great? Me, Jaune Arc, nice to meet you," said Jaune suddenly inserting himself into the conversation. Issei had to hold back a laugh at his clumsy entrance.
"Uhg, you again," said Weiss, clearly peeved at Jaune's interruption.
"Nice to meet you Jaune," said Pyrrha.
Jaune seemed to ignore her and push her out of the way. Issei managed to hold back his groan, a little disappointed in Jaune's actions, as well as the fact he's clearly hitting on someone who wasn't interested. Jaune tried his best to impress Weiss, which only made her more exasperated. "So I've heard rumors about teams. I thought you and me would make a good one, what do you say?"
"Actually, I think teams are made up of four students each, so–" Pyrrha tried to explain but was cut off by Jaune again.
"Well hot stuff, play your cards right and maybe you can join up with the winning team."
This time Issei couldn't hold back his laughter and could only muffle it by covering his mouth. The three looked at him and he managed to regain some control. "Oh, don't mind me. Please, continue," said Issei with an amused smile.
Jaune felt like he was suddenly doing something wrong but couldn't tell what. Weiss was fed up with this farce and tried to put Jaune in his place. "Jaune, is it? Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
"Not the slightest, Snow Angel." Issei snorted at the nickname, earning an angry glare from Weiss.
"This is Pyrrha!"
"Hello again," said Pyrrha with a smile and wave.
"Never heard of her," said Jaune confused.
"She's won the Mistral Regional Tournament four years in a row, a new record!" explained Weiss. Issei cocked an eyebrow, impressed with her apparent skill.
"The what?" asked Jaune, still not getting it.
"She's on the front of Marshmallow Pete's Flake box!" said Weiss exasperated.
Jaune seemed to finally register who she was. "That's you?! They only do that for star athletes and cartoon characters!" Issei couldn't stop himself from facepalming.
"Yeah, it was pretty cool. Sadly, the cereal isn't very good for you," said Pyrrha, seemingly used to these kinds of conversations.
Weiss was annoyed but seemed to regain some calm as Jaune now understood who he was talking to. "So, after hearing all that, do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?"
Jaune looked down dejectedly. "No, I guess not. Sorry."
Pyrrha put a hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Actually Jaune, I think you would make a great leader."
That seemed to pick his spirits back up. "D'oh, stop it."
"Please, stop it. This kind of behavior shouldn't be encouraged," jabbed Weiss.
"It's not all bad," Issei said, finally inserting himself into the conversation. "Although he needs to learn the difference between cockiness and confidence," he said, giving Jaune a wry smile. Jaune looked lost, not understanding what Issei was trying to say, but before the conversation could continue an announcement came over the intercom.
"Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation. Again, all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation immediately."
Weiss immediately left, not wanting to be near Jaune anymore. Pyrrha also moved to leave. "It was nice meeting you," she said as she passed Jaune. "And you as well," she said, waving to Issei who waved back with a smile.
Jaune looked at the girls leaving and looked dejected again. "I don't understand. I thought girls liked confident guys."
"They do. Like I said before, you need to understand the difference between confidence and cockiness," said Issei.
"Calling her Snow Angel at the start wasn't the best idea either," added Yang, who had been watching from the side as well with Ruby.
"C'mon Jaune. Let's go," said Ruby as she led him out, followed by Yang and Issei.
Later at the cliffs all the students were standing on top of metal pads that made Issei curious. Are these trap doors or something? thought Issei.
Issei's attention was brought out of his thoughts as Ozpin addressed the group. "For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
Glynda spoke next. "Now I'm sure many of you have heard the rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to end the confusion. Each of you will be given teams, today."
"That's not sudden or anything," thought Issei sarcastically.
[These people do seem very whimsical with their actions] commented Ddraig in Issei's mind.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon–" continued Ozpin. "So it would be in your best interest to pair with someone whom you can work well with." Issei could hear Ruby nervously taking in this information and couldn't help but look over to see her strained expression. "That being said, the first person you make eye-contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
Issei looked at Ozpin in slight disbelief. What the heck?! Ozpin is giving me all sorts of mixed signals here! Issei thought. He also heard Ddraig laughing inside the Gear.
"What?!" yelled Ruby surprised, snapping Issei out of it.
"After you've partnered up, head to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition on the way there. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die," said Ozpin.
"No pressure or anything," said Issei sarcastically.
Ozpin looked at him and saw that Issei wasn't particularly bothered by his words. He just seemed amused. A slight smile made it to his face before he returned to his stoic expression. "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will guard that item as well as your standing, and will grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
"Yeah, uhm, sir?" asked Jaune while raising his hand.
"Good, now take your positions," said Ozpin, ignoring Jaune.
Issei couldn't help but snort again, starting to get Ozpin's humor. Although Issei wasn't sure what he was supposed to do until he saw everyone crouch down as if ready to jump. Wait, are these launch pads? thought Issei as he finally figured it out.
[I can't tell if these guys are crazy or not] said Ddraig amused.
Issei finally got his answer as one of the students was launched off the cliff. Issei watched him fly and couldn't help but laugh. "Y'know, that actually looks kinda fun."
Jaune tried again. "Uhm, sir? I've got a, um, question?" Ozpin looked at Jaune. "So this landing strategy thing, what is it?" As Jaune was talking a few more students were launched. "You're like, dropping us off or something, right?"
"No, you will be falling," clarified Ozpin as he took a sip of his coffee. As he did someone else was launched,
"Oh, I see. Did you, like, hand out parachutes for us or something?"
A few more students were launched. "No, you will be using your own landing strategy," said Ozpin.
Jaune fidgeted nervously. "So what is this landing strade–" Jaune didn't get to finish as he was finally launched. He was screaming and flailing as he spun in the air.
Issei couldn't help but give Ozpin a wry look. "You look like you enjoyed that a bit too much." That was all he got to say before he was launched off the cliff as well.
Ozpin smiled as he took another sip of his coffee. "I love this job," he said quietly to himself.
As Issei was flung into the air, he released his wings so that he could glide comfortably through the air. He looked around to see how everyone else was doing and spotted Ruby flying like a missile and hitting an innocent bird. "Birdie no!" He heard Ruby yell.
Issei smirked and tried to look around more. He saw Yang propel herself forward with her gauntlets and was soon out of sight. Issei soon heard the familiar sound of Jaune screaming as he fell. He was going to go help him, but he heard a gunshot, and something flew past him quickly, nearly hitting him. The object hit Jaune, catching him by his hoodie, and dragging him away until Issei heard a thud in the distance. "Thank you!" shouted Jaune in the distance, letting Issei know he was ok.
"I'm sorry!" yelled a familiar voice from behind Issei. He looked and saw Pyrrha on a nearby tree branch. The two saw each other and Issei gave her a thumbs up before he continued flying away.
Eventually Issei landed somewhere in the forest. He looked around to see if anyone was nearby. He started walking as he tried to figure out what to do. "It will be difficult to operate here if I have a partner."
[True. Your only chance is probably Ruby or Jaune, although Jaune seems to be taken by the spartan] said Ddraig.
"Yeah. I might be able to make it work with Yang as well, but that's a maybe at the moment. I wish the others were here."
[Wait, partner. Can't you summon your peerage? Since you're the king and are connected to the others, you should be able to call them, right?]
Issei stared blankly for a second before facepalming. "How could I forget that?! But will it even work in another world?"
[Why not? It works with summoning them from the human world to the Underworld, which are different planes of existence technically, so it shouldn't be different here. Unless those guys are blocking us.]
"I didn't think of that. Those guys could be keeping us from getting back, or keeping them from coming after me. Well, I guess there's only one way to find out."
On the cliff, Ozpin was watching Issei through the scroll. He was interested to see what he would do when he thought he was alone. Glynda had been keeping an eye on the others but was also curious about Issei. "Hmmm, seems he's trying to do something," said Ozpin.
Glynda looked over his shoulder as they watched Issei move to a slightly open space. He extended his hand out in front of him and focused. A large magic circle appeared in front of him on the ground and this immediately caught both teachers' attention. "Impossible! This is—"
"Magic…" finished Ozpin. His hunch was correct, and Issei was the one Roman had mentioned before. But the magic Issei was using was nothing he had ever seen before. He was now intensely focused on what was about to happen.
(DxD Universe)
It had been a few hours since Issei had been taken. Rias' leg had been healed by Asia and they were all currently in the Underworld with Ajuka. Rias' peerage, Issei's peerage, and his team for the Azazel cup, along with Ophis and Lilith were all there and currently trying to locate Issei. Ajuka was trying to trace where they could have gone but wasn't having any luck. "Unfortunately, the ones who took Issei seemed to have covered their tracks well. I've checked with every one of our allies and they said that they haven't seen or felt anything abnormal in their realms, so he must have been taken somewhere we don't know about. But the only place that leaves is a realm beyond the Dimensional Gap."
"But there are countless dimensions there, and there's no way to know which one he was taken to!" said Rias, who was trying her best to not have a mental breakdown.
The others were equally concerned, not knowing what kind of trouble Issie could possibly be going through, especially since his powers were sealed when they took him. Roygun narrowed her eyes seriously. "Where could these people have come from? Such powerful people should have been known about beforehand. And why attack now?"
Nobody had an answer to the question. Nova, who was in his tiny dragon form growled in irritation. "Damnit! If only I was there, I could have helped protect the boss!" he said angrily.
Before the group could continue their downward spiral, magic circles appeared under some of their feet. Rias' eyes widened. "This is—"
"A summoning circle," said Ajuka. "This is the type of a king summoning their peerage."
The ones being summoned were Issei's peerage, along with Roygun and Bova. "Issei-san is calling us," said Asia. This seemed to give the group some form of relief but before they had a chance to come up with some kind of plan the summoned group disappeared.
Ajuka immediately went to work. "I'll try and track them. Maybe this way we can find out where Issei is."
Some hope returned to the remaining group's eyes. Rias looked at the spot where the others just were. "Please be safe, Issei, everyone."
Issei was concentrating, hoping he could reach the others. After a moment there was a bright light and standing in the magic circle was not only his peerage, but Roygun and Bova who pledged their servitude to him. Issei was happy that it seemed to work. "Guys!"
The group looked and saw Issei. As soon as they did, the girls (minus Benia and Roygun) tackle-hugged him while crying in relief. "Issei-san!" "Issei!" "Ise!" "Issei-sama!" "Issei!" Came five different calls from the girls who hugged him.
Issei managed to keep himself upright as he hugged them back. "It's good to see you all too! I'm glad I was able to contact you somehow."
"What happened?" asked Roygun.
Everyone separated from Issei as he was about to explain, when they heard growling from behind them. They all turned to see a pack of beowolves surrounding them. "Wolfmen?!" said Xenovia while summoning Ex-Durandal.
"Beowolves. They're one of the creatures of Grimm," said Issei.
"Grimm?" asked Ravel.
"I'll explain later, all you need to know right now is that they're soulless monsters whose only goal is to destroy the living," explained Issei as he readied to fight as well. Everyone got the memo and prepared for battle. Bova was about to transform but Issei stopped him. "Bova, don't change right now. There are others in the forest and if they see you they'll think you're another monster. Just stay with Asia and protect her."
"You got it boss," responded Bova, a little disappointed.
Ozpin and Glynda watched as Issei's group tore through the grimm like they were nothing. It was clear to both of them that they weren't using Dust or Semblances, so they could only conclude these new people were using magic too. "This could be a problem, Headmaster," said Glynda.
"Hmmm…" responded Ozpin as he was focused completely on Issei and his group. He was very familiar with magic but had never seen anything as powerful as what was being used against the beowolves. The beowolves charged at the group but despite their speed they were no match for Issei and his peerage. They had a few close calls because of the number of wolves but they made it through with next to no injuries. After the battle ended Ozpin came to a decision. "We need to talk to them once they return from initiation."
"Sir, do you think they will just show up here? Don't you think he will think it's too suspicious?"
"Perhaps, but Issei, despite having his secrets, has been cooperative since he arrived, and I have a feeling that he will be willing to explain. But we shall see…"
Everyone was winding down as they watched the grimm dissolve into black smoke. Everyone looked to Issei, hoping for answers. "So, what is going on?" asked Roygun.
"Before I start, I'm in the middle of a mission right now. We can talk and walk but that battle disoriented me. I need to figure out which way is north again. Gimme a sec," Issei said and used his wings to fly above the forest. He looked around and saw the cliffs in the distance and nodded. He landed back with the group. "Alright, so the cliffs where I came from are that way so we should be going in the opposite direction."
Everyone nodded and as they walked Issei began to explain where they were and what had happened to him. They were surprised that Issei had been gone for several days when it had only been a few hours for them. They learned about Remnant from what Issei had learned and what Issei was doing in this forest. "So the reason you thought to summon us was because you didn't want to partner with the people here?" asked Rossweisse.
"Well, it's not like I was completely against it. It would just make things harder if I didn't run into Ruby. With you guys around, it would help deter people from trying to join up with me, although I'm definitely going to have to explain this somehow to Ozpin," said Issei.
"This world seems dangerous. Even if the monsters were weak, their numbers were problematic," said Roygun.
"It would be helpful if we had more people," said Ravel.
Xenovia seemed to have an idea. "In that case, why don't I summon my peerage too? Adding Kuroka and Ruruko would be really helpful," she said while creating a magic circle.
"Wait Xenovia! Don't act rashly," said Roygun, but she was too late as Xenovia's summoning finished.
Kuroka and Ruruko were looking around confused until they saw the group. The minute Kuroka saw Issei she pounced on him. "Issei! You're ok!"
"Hey Kuroka. Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry I worried you all," he said while patting her back.
"Nya, it's fine. You can make it up to me in bed~," she said seductively.
"Save it for later. Xenovia, you should have waited. Even though we were able to come here there's no guarantee that we can go back," said Roygun.
Xenovia made a surprised expression, not thinking of this. Rossweisse tried to create a magic circle to go back home but it shattered, surprising everyone. "Well, that confirms it. We're stuck here. Seems transportation spells are only one way here."
"We should refrain from summoning the others until we find a way back. We can't afford to leave our home defenseless," said Ravel.
"Right. Also, I should mention that magic doesn't exist here so you guys should be discreet with using it. Weapons won't bother people so just carry those with you," said Issei.
"Nya~ I don't have any weapons though. What am I supposed to do?"
"If you really have to use magic you can, but you're going to have to try and be discreet about it. There is a mineral here called Dust that is basically magic in rocks and mineral deposits. The people of this world use it similarly to magic as well as ammunition for weapons, but it's more limited. If you can, just make an excuse about it being Dust. But for now, Ravel, Ingvild, Kuroka, and Asia should stick together and leave the fighting to the rest of us. Bova, can you use your flames even while small?"
"It shouldn't be a problem."
"Then stick with them and burn any grimm that comes close."
"You're the boss," said Bova with a nod.
Issei nodded. "Alright, let's go. We have to make it to the ruins before heading back. Be on the lookout for both grimm and the other students," ordered Issei, with everyone nodding and following him.
Happy Halloween everyone! I had this chapter done for a while and was gonna save it for when this story got voted for again, but today also happens to be Ruby Rose's birthday. So I figured in celebration of the holiday and the character's birthday I would upload the chapter early. Now to the chapter. While this chapter started off normally for the show, it's when we reach the forest where the setup begins. I decided that at least for the first part, the DxD characters that will be involved in this story will be Issei's/Xenovia's peerage. The others will be added to the story eventually, but I thought it would be interesting with this group of characters. Roygun and Bova were also added because I wanted to try my hand with them as well and play around with Issei being in charge, without the influence of Rias or any other supernatural figurehead affecting his decisions. Roygun will be more of a guide for him, but ultimately Issei will be in charge. I want to know what you all think of this setup. I look forward to the comments as always. : )