The Fallen Dragon (DxD)

Chapter 6: After Math

Exiting his team's presence, Issei ambled down the dimly lit corridor, his mind consumed by the memory of his recent assignment: breaking Sairaorg.

His thoughts echoed with confusion, "When that notification popped up, I didn't question it or hesitate. I just did it as if it were instinctive." He glanced down at his right hand, stained crimson with blood, a sight that filled him with unease.

"What's happening to me?" he wondered, staring at the bloodied evidence on his hands, his thoughts a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.

[Ability Used: Rift]

Driven by an inexplicable urge, Issei opened a rift in space, stepping into it, and in an instant, he vanished from the Underworld, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a sense of foreboding.

X

The following day dawned at the Gremory Estate, and the atmosphere within was heavy with the aftermath of the night before. The members of ORC and Team Gremory had spent a sleepless night haunted by the horrifying actions of Issei during the rating match. At the epicentre of the chaos, Rias felt the weight of it all, her cousin's brutalisation at the hands of the man she loved etched deeply into her soul.

Around the dining table, a solemn gathering took place, including Rias's parents, Sirzechs, Grayfia, and their young son. An oppressive silence hung over them; nothing had been exchanged beyond polite greetings since they had all taken their seats. The previous day's events had scarred them all, casting a shadow over the usually lively atmosphere of the Gremory Estate. Even young Millicas, who had once regarded Issei as an older brother figure, now bore a heavy sadness in his eyes, mourning the loss of the friend he once knew.

To alleviate the tension, Sirzechs spoke up, his voice laced with forced cheerfulness, "So, how was everyone's night?"

Though his response was a lie, Kiba mustered a feeble smile, "It was fine," he replied, not wanting to add to the already awkward atmosphere.

In the midst of the heavy silence, Rias absentmindedly swirled her spoon through the untouched porridge. Her thoughts were a tempest of self-reflection, each choice of the past week replaying in her mind like a relentless storm. "I take the blame; his suffering is on me," she muttered bitterly. "Had I not made those decisions, he wouldn't be in this state, and we'd still be together right now."

Akeno, noticing Rias's inner turmoil, gently grasped her hand, offering a silent comfort. In response, Rias managed a small, grateful smile, appreciating the gesture of understanding and support.

The minutes stretched on as they mechanically ate their food, lacking any real appetite but compelled to maintain the facade of normalcy for the sake of everyone else around the table. Each bite was heavy with the unspoken burden they shared, a reminder of the shattered relationships and the painful reality they now face.

Amid the tension, Azazel strolled in through the doors, his demeanour cheerful and nonchalant.

"Hey there, folks! How's the morning treating you? Any mischief on the agenda?" Azazel inquired, his tone casual.

Hearing Azazel's voice, Rias shot up from her seat, her hands slamming onto the table. Her eyes were filled with intensity, tears streaming down her face.

"Azazel! You assured me he was fine! But considering what he did yesterday, does he appear 'okay' to you?" Rias exclaimed, her voice crackling with emotion.