Two Weeks Later — NightfallThe streets were quiet, bathed in the dim glow of streetlights. The faint hum of crickets filled the air as Issei jogged along the sidewalk, beads of sweat clinging to his forehead. His late-night runs had become a habit lately — a way to clear his mind. He turned down a narrow alley, slowing his pace. The air felt colder here, the shadows seemed darker. Something about this place felt... wrong. "Still playin' hero, huh?" Issei's head snapped toward the voice. Freed stood casually in the alley, his twisted grin stretched wide. Unlike before, he was clean, sharp, and undeniably stronger. His robes were pristine, and the jagged light sword in his grip pulsed with power. "You're alive... and stronger?" Issei muttered, tensing. Freed chuckled darkly. "Yeah, turns out bein' half-dead ain't so bad when you've got... connections." "Who helped you?" Issei demanded. Freed's grin faltered just slightly, and his fingers gripped his new light sword tighter. "I ain't supposed to say much... but let's just say my new boss? Guy's a real piece of work." His face darkened. "He's evil... pure evil." Freed shook his head as if the memory itself unsettled him. "He's the kinda guy who doesn't need to *threaten* you — you just know... say no, and you're done for." "Then why are you here?" Issei asked, voice low. Freed's grin sharpened. "I've got orders... and you're in my way." Before Issei could react, Freed lunged. His light sword crackled, slashing toward Issei's chest. *CLANG!* Boosted Gear flared to life on Issei's arm just in time, red gauntlet clashing against Freed's blade. Sparks danced between them as Freed's mad grin widened. "Still quick on your feet, huh?" Freed sneered, twisting his wrist to break the deadlock. He spun back, then shot forward again, his blade flickering with unnatural energy. Issei ducked low, barely dodging as the blade sliced a lock of his hair. He retaliated with a punch, crimson aura flaring. *Boost!* His strike slammed into Freed's gut, sending the rogue exorcist skidding back. Freed coughed, staggering, but recovered quickly. "Not bad," Freed grunted, wiping blood from his mouth. "But you're gonna need more than that." Before Issei could react, Freed's hand shot forward, a swirling mass of dark matter forming in his palm. "This one's special," Freed sneered. "Courtesy of my new boss!" The black sphere shot forward like a bullet, striking Issei dead center. "Agh!" Issei staggered back, clutching his side as the dark substance clung to his skin. It pulsed unnaturally before sinking into his body, vanishing from sight. "W-What... what did you—?" Freed chuckled darkly as he turned away. "Enjoy the show... partner." His voice trailed off as he disappeared into the shadows. Issei stood frozen, heart pounding. His breathing was shaky, and his vision blurred for a moment before clearing again. "*What... was that?*" Issei slumped against a nearby wall, his breathing still uneven. His muscles ached, and his mind felt clouded — like a dull fog was seeping in. "*What was that...*" he muttered again, wincing as his chest throbbed. *"On it, partner. I'll inform you if I find anything,"* Ddraig's deep voice rumbled within his mind, steady and reassuring. "Thanks..." Issei whispered. His gaze drifted toward the sky — dark clouds rolling in, threatening rain. "*For now... I think I'll lay here for a while...*" His body felt heavy as he let himself slide down the wall, the cold pavement pressing against his back. The dull hum of streetlights buzzed in the distance, mixing with faint echoes of voices far away. His mind wandered — memories surfacing like flickers of light in the darkness. He remembered Rias sitting beside him on the school rooftop, her hair glowing in the evening sun. "*You're more important than you realize, Issei...*" she had told him, her voice soft yet firm. He remembered Asia clinging to his arm, beaming with joy after he promised to take her shopping. "*Thank you, Issei... you're always so kind...*" Xenovia's confident smirk played in his mind, standing proudly after they had won a sparring match. "*You're stronger than you give yourself credit for*" she had said, offering her fist for a friendly bump. Koneko's usual stoic face appeared next, but this time she was smiling — a rare, warm smile after he had brought her her favorite snacks during a tough training day. "*You're not bad... baka,"* she had muttered shyly. And then there was Akeno... her teasing smile and gentle laugh echoing as she patted his head one evening. "*You're adorable when you're flustered*" she had giggled. Those moments felt distant now — like warmth slipping through his fingers. "*They care about me... don't they?*" Issei muttered to himself. Yet as the fog in his mind thickened, doubt began to twist those memories — their smiles seemed insincere... their words suddenly hollow. The image of Raynare's face flickered in his mind, her cold eyes staring back at him. "*I'm just tired... just tired...*" His breathing slowed as he drifted off, the comforting memories now tangled in whispers of uncertainty. Issei's Mind The air was thick, heavy like a storm was brewing just overhead. Issei stood in the middle of Kuoh Academy's courtyard, but something was wrong — the sky was an unnatural shade of crimson, and the once-pristine buildings were cracked and decayed. The air smelled faintly of smoke, and a cold wind bit at his skin. "*This... this isn't right...*" Issei muttered. His voice sounded distant, like an echo lost in the wind. He turned, and there they were — Rias, Asia, Xenovia, Koneko, and Akeno — all standing together. Their faces were dim, their features blurred as if wrapped in shadow. "Rias?" Issei called out, stepping forward. "Is that you?" No response. "Asia?" His voice broke slightly. "What's going on?" Still nothing. Then the shadows seemed to shift, and the figures of his friends twisted — their faces warping into cold, unforgiving scowls. "Did you really think we cared?" Rias' voice came, distant yet sharp. "You were just a pawn," Akeno added, her tone cold and dismissive. "We never needed you," Xenovia's voice sneered. "You're pathetic," Koneko's voice cut through him like a blade. "No..." Issei staggered back, heart pounding. "That's not true... that's not..."Then Asia stepped forward — her face still sweet but her eyes hollow. "You tried so hard... but you were never enough." Her smile was twisted now — forced and unnatural. "Everything you did... was for nothing." Issei shook his head violently. "No! That's not what happened! We're family... we—" "Family?" Rias' voice mocked. "We were never family. You were just a toy... something to use until you were no longer useful." The shadows deepened. The air felt colder, and Issei's body grew heavy as if invisible hands were dragging him downward. "No... no, they wouldn't..." Issei's breath hitched. His vision blurred, and a strange pressure built in his chest — heavy, suffocating. Suddenly, Raynare's figure emerged from the dark, her twisted smile cutting through the shadows. "I told you, didn't I?" she cooed. "I told you they never cared. You're just a joke... a fool they strung along because they knew you were easy to manipulate." Issei's fists clenched, crimson aura flickering faintly around him. "Shut up... you're lying..." "Am I?" Raynare's smile widened. "Think back... remember what you heard. *You know what they really think of you...*" The fog in his mind grew heavier. His breathing slowed, his thoughts twisted and blurred. The warmth of his memories faded, replaced by whispers — cold, poisonous whispers that burrowed deeper into his mind. "You're nothing..." "They never loved you..." "All your pain... was for nothing..." Issei's legs buckled as the pressure inside him swelled — a crushing weight that made his heart race and his body tremble. "*...Maybe they never did...*" the thought crossed his mind, faint but lingering. In the distance, the figures of his friends began to fade into the dark, their twisted voices still echoing in his head. Issei fell to his knees, clutching his chest. His Boosted Gear flickered weakly, Ddraig's voice faint and distant. *"Partner... fight it... don't let it take you..."* But Issei barely heard him. The cold was spreading faster now — crawling beneath his skin and reaching deep into his mind. The whispers grew louder. And this time... He started to believe them. --*Scene Change — Issei's Home (Living Room)* The warm glow of the living room lights bathed the group in a cozy atmosphere. Plates of snacks littered the table, and empty soda cans were scattered around — evidence of a relaxing night. The girls, dressed in casual clothes, lounged comfortably on the couch and floor, enjoying each other's company. "Oh, come on! You can't seriously think I'd lose to *you* in a food challenge!" Xenovia boasted, leaning back with a smug grin. "I don't know…" Akeno giggled behind her hand. "I remember a certain *someone* nearly choking on a rice ball during our training." "*That* was a fluke!" Xenovia shot back, her face turning red. Koneko, snacking quietly with a bowl of sweets in her lap, chimed in with her usual bluntness. "You were making weird noises like a dying cat." The room erupted with laughter. Xenovia groaned, covering her face with her hand. Asia smiled sweetly, her eyes warm as she watched the others. "I'm just glad we can all relax like this... it feels nice." Rias, who had been quietly enjoying her tea, glanced at Asia and smiled. "Yeah... it's been a while since we could just sit back and be ourselves." "Remember that time Issei tried to teach Gasper how to act confident?" Akeno chuckled. "He kept shouting, *'I am the Strongest Vampire!'* over and over... and still tripped over his own cape." "Oh yeah!" Xenovia added, grinning. "Didn't Issei end up giving him that 'cool guy' speech?" Koneko smirked faintly. "He called himself 'The Great Harem King' halfway through." The group burst into laughter again, their voices filling the room with warmth. "I swear," Rias said with a soft smile, "he always knows how to bring people together… even if he's an idiot sometimes." The mood settled slightly as they all quietly reflected on how much Issei meant to them — his energy, his loyalty, his heart. "I wonder what he's up to right now," Asia mused softly, her voice filled with warmth. --*Scene Change — Streets Outside Issei's Home* Issei's footsteps dragged along the wet pavement. His vision was foggy, and his head throbbed like a hammer pounding against his skull. Cold droplets began to fall from the sky, soaking his clothes as rain steadily poured down. His mind twisted between memories and whispers — faint, distorted voices bleeding together. *"They never cared..."* *"You were just a pawn..."* *"All your pain... for nothing..."* His breathing grew heavier, his fists clenched tightly as shadows danced across his vision. In the distance, the faint glow of his home's windows flickered through the rain. The silhouettes of the girls inside moved faintly, their laughter faintly reaching his ears. *Laughing... they're laughing at you...* His steps faltered. "*No... they wouldn't...*" *You know the truth... you heard them... they used you...* His chest tightened, his breath unsteady. Images of twisted memories filled his mind — warped versions of Rias and the others, smirking coldly, whispering about him like he was nothing more than a disposable fool. *"He was just a toy."* *"We used him for what we needed."* *"He's nothing now."* Issei staggered forward, his heart racing. "*...No... no...*" The whispers twisted louder, drowning out his thoughts. His fingers curled into his palm, crimson aura flickering faintly. The silhouettes inside the house shifted — in his mind, their faces distorted, their smiles cruel. *"They're mocking you... laughing at what a fool you are..."* The twisted illusion pushed him further, that toxic doubt burning deeper. "*They used me... they...*" Rain poured heavier now, soaking his hair as a sharp chill pierced the air. His Boosted Gear ignited in a flash of crimson light, the emerald gem glowing violently. "*Balance Breaker!!*" Crimson scales engulfed him, lightning crackling in the air. The very ground shook beneath his feet as his power surged, sparks dancing along the pavement. The house's windows rattled from the pressure. Inside, Rias and the others froze as the intense energy pulsed through the air. "...Issei?" Rias whispered, eyes wide. *Scene Change — Kiba's Apartment* Kiba sat on the edge of the bed, his arm resting loosely around Tsubaki's waist as she nestled against him beneath the sheets. The room was dimly lit, a soft glow flickering from the nearby lamp. "You're restless," Tsubaki murmured, her fingers brushing over his hand. "What's wrong?" Kiba sighed softly, his gaze distant. "I don't know... I've just felt... uneasy lately. Like something's coming... something bad." Tsubaki shifted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're always worrying," she said gently. "But whatever happens... we'll face it together." Kiba smiled faintly, leaning his head against hers. "Yeah... together." But deep down... that unsettling feeling remained. *Scene Change — Outside Tsubaki's Apartment* The cool night air greeted Kiba as he stepped out of Tsubaki's apartment building. The streets were quiet, the faint glow of streetlights barely piercing the dark clouds overhead. Rain continued to drizzle down, the wet pavement shimmering beneath his feet. He adjusted his coat, exhaling deeply. That strange feeling still clung to him — like a shadow just out of sight. *"Why does this feel so... wrong?"* he wondered. Kiba started down the street, his footsteps light yet deliberate. The steady patter of rain filled the silence, yet something about the air felt *off*. His senses sharpened, his hand instinctively drifting toward the hilt of his sword. As he reached the corner of the block, a faint figure stumbled into view — swaying like a puppet barely clinging to its strings. "...Freed?" Kiba muttered, eyes narrowing. Freed Sellzen staggered toward him, his body soaked in rain and streaked with blood. His once-manic grin was gone, replaced by a grimace of pain. Deep gashes lined his arms, and crimson streaks dripped from a wound in his side. "*Damn it...*" Freed coughed, barely staying on his feet. "I... I have to tell them..." Kiba's stance shifted, hand tightening around his sword. "*Tell who?*" Freed's eyes lifted to meet his. For a moment, there was no sign of his usual madness — only desperation and regret. "...Your friends..." Freed rasped. "They're in... serious trouble... He's gonna kill them..." Kiba's breath caught. "Who? Who's going to kill them?" Freed winced, clutching his side as his blood stained the pavement. "I don't know what the hell I was thinking, working for that bastard..." He coughed again, spitting blood to the side. "He used me... just like he's using *him*..." "*Him...*?" Kiba's eyes widened. "...Issei?" Freed's broken grin returned for a brief second — this time filled with bitter irony. "Yeah..." Freed's voice wavered. "That freakshow wanted him twisted... warped... And I—" He staggered forward, nearly collapsing before Kiba caught him. "He's gone off the rails... and if you don't get there soon..." Freed's voice trailed off as his body sagged. Kiba clenched his teeth, lowering Freed carefully to the ground. "Stay here," he ordered, rising quickly. "I'll get you help after I—" "*Forget me...*" Freed's weak voice interrupted. "...Just save them." Without another word, Kiba shot off into the night, his sword gleaming faintly as rain streaked down its blade. His heart pounded in his chest. *"Please... let me get there in time..."* *Scene Change — Rain-Soaked Streets* Kiba's feet pounded against the pavement, splashing through puddles as cold rain lashed against his face. The icy wind bit at his skin, yet he pushed harder, his breath coming in ragged bursts. His heartbeat roared in his ears, drowning out all thought except one: *"Please... let me get there in time."* The streets seemed endless — shadows twisting in the corners of his vision. His instincts screamed that something was wrong — deeply wrong. The oppressive air felt thicker the closer he got to Issei's house, the tension coiling around him like an invisible chain. His grip tightened on his sword, his knuckles pale. *Night King Igris* flickered faintly in response — a subtle hum that barely pierced the rain's relentless drum. *"Issei... please don't do something you'll regret..."* Memories flashed through his mind — the warmth of Issei's laugh, his ridiculous "Harem King" antics, his endless determination to protect those he loved. *"That idiot never knows when to quit..."* Kiba turned a corner, boots skidding slightly on the slick pavement. His eyes locked onto a faint crimson glow flickering in the distance — violent and unstable. The air itself seemed to ripple — each pulse of Issei's aura surging like a heartbeat. The ground trembled faintly beneath his feet. *"His Balance Breaker... but why now?"* The rain intensified, slashing down in sheets. Lightning crackled overhead, illuminating the distorted haze surrounding Issei's house. Crimson energy arced along the walls, causing the windows to shake violently. Kiba's stomach tightened. "*He's out of control...*" He sprinted faster, pushing his legs to their limit. His soaked clothes clung to him, his breath burning in his lungs — but he didn't stop. He couldn't. A sudden flash — an explosion of crimson light — erupted from the house. The windows shattered as Issei's unstable power surged outward, sending a shockwave rippling down the street. The sheer force nearly knocked Kiba off his feet. "*Damn it!*" He forced himself forward, teeth clenched. In the distance, faint voices reached his ears — Rias, Akeno, Koneko... they were still inside. "*Hold on!!*" Kiba shouted, hoping — *praying* — they could hear him. --*Scene Change — Issei's Home (Living Room)* The front door burst open with a thunderous crack, splinters flying across the room. Issei stood in the doorway, rain dripping from his soaked hair. His crimson aura pulsed violently, flickering like a flame whipped by the wind. "...Issei?" Rias' voice was soft, her expression frozen in confusion. "*You...*" Issei's voice trembled, his gaze flicking across the room — at Rias, Akeno, Asia, Koneko, and Xenovia. His vision twisted — their smiles warped into cruel sneers, their eyes filled with malice. *"They're mocking you... they never cared..."* "You..." Issei's hand clenched tightly. The emerald gem on his Boosted Gear glowed ominously, sparks flickering from its core. "Issei, what's wrong?" Asia stepped forward, her voice trembling with concern. "Stay back!" Issei barked, his voice sharp and ragged. His breathing quickened. "Issei, listen to us!" Rias said firmly, stepping closer. "Whatever's happening, we can fix it — together!" "*Together?*" Issei's voice broke, bitter and pained. "You mean like how you all *used* me?" "What?" Koneko blinked, her eyes narrowing. "Issei... what are you talking about?" "You're all liars!" Issei shouted. "I heard everything... you called me a fool... a *toy*... something you could just throw away once you were done!" His aura flared brighter, distorting the air around him. "That's not true!" Rias shouted back. "We would never—" "LIES!!" Issei roared, thrusting his arm forward. A crimson energy blast erupted from his Boosted Gear, shattering the table between them. The shockwave sent Asia tumbling back while the others barely managed to brace themselves. "Issei, stop!" Akeno called out, her voice shaking. "*They're just acting... waiting to strike...*" the curse's whispers seethed in Issei's mind. "*End them before they end you...*" His eyes darkened, faint streaks of black corrupting the glow around his armor. "Come on, Issei!" Xenovia barked, drawing her sword. "Snap out of it!" The girls spread out, trying to circle him without appearing hostile — but the curse twisted their movements in Issei's mind. *"Surrounding you... closing in... finish them first...*" Issei's eyes locked onto Rias. Her expression was desperate, her voice breaking as she pleaded with him. "Issei... please... I love—" "*SHUT UP!!*" Issei howled, his Boosted Gear igniting in a surge of crimson. The scales engulfing his arm spread across his body, wrapping him in sleek red armor. The emerald gem at his chest pulsed erratically. The floor shook violently, hairline cracks splintering outward from where Issei stood. The rain outside intensified, pounding against the walls like drumbeats of war. The girls braced themselves as the unstable energy swirled faster, twisting the air into a suffocating pressure. Then, with a deafening roar, Issei's armor shifted — crimson plating expanding and darkening. Jagged spikes formed along his back and shoulders. His wings grew broader, laced with glowing veins of crimson power. The glow in his emerald gems intensified, bathing the room in blood-red light. *"BOOSTED GEAR TRUE BALANCE BREAKER!!"* The force of his power exploded outward — sending chairs flying and cracking the walls. Rias stumbled back, shielding Asia as crimson sparks scorched the floor. "Oh no..." Akeno whispered, wide-eyed. "That's..." "...His full power," Rias finished, her voice barely audible. Rias lay on her side, blood dripping from a gash on her arm. Koneko's breathing was shallow, her once-bright white flames now flickering dimly. Asia clutched her staff tightly, trembling as tears streaked down her face. "Please..." Asia sobbed. "Please, Issei... stop..." But Issei didn't hear her. His armor flickered wildly, unstable and violent. The curse had wrapped itself fully around his mind — warping his reality. In his eyes, the girls stood over him, blades drawn — their faces twisted in cruel grins. "They want you dead... kill them before they kill you..." The whispers screamed louder. "Dragon Shot!!" A burst of crimson energy tore through the room, engulfing Xenovia. She barely managed to raise Durandal in time — but the force overwhelmed her. She hit the floor hard, her sword clattering beside her unmoving body. One by one, they fell. Akeno. Koneko. Asia. Rias knelt in the corner, her body battered and weak. Blood trickled from her lips as she reached out to him. "...Issei... please..." Issei's eyes locked onto her — empty, cold, and unrecognizing. "You... you betrayed me... you all did..." The crimson light flared again. "BOOST!! "A blast of power engulfed the room, and Rias's scream was swallowed by the storm outside. --*Scene Change — Gasper's Vision* In a distant room, Gasper stirred in his sleep. His fingers twitched, and beads of sweat clung to his face. He saw it — the blood, the destruction... his friends, one by one, falling before Issei's power. "No... no, no, no..." Gasper whimpered, tears trickling down his cheeks. "Please... no... please..." His breathing grew shallow, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "*Kiba... please... save them...*" In his sleep, Gasper's eyes shot open — glowing faintly with magic circles shaped like a clock. The symbols spun rapidly, flashing bright before vanishing. --Scene Change — Outside Issei's HomeKiba sprinted through the storm, his soaked hair clinging to his face. The shattered windows of Issei's home flickered with crimson light, and the air crackled with volatile energy. Through the broken doorway, Kiba saw him — Issei standing amid the wreckage, his armor coated in blood, his aura raging like a storm. "Issei..." Kiba whispered, his voice tight with grief. The cursed warrior turned slowly, emerald eyes now a dull, corrupted glow. Kiba's grip tightened on his sword, his breath sharp as he stared down his best friend. "...I won't let you hurt anyone else."