Normal: Dialogue, Narrations
Italics: Thoughts
Bold: A/N, Quotes, Reality change
Bold + Italics: Songs lyrics, Voice on speaker
Bold + Underline: Dimension change information
[] + Bold: Recording, Chat logs, Small Timeskips and Flashbacks
(A/N: All the images or gifs or videos used do not belong to me, they belong to the respective owners)
A few days later,
Academy of Technology, 12:30 AM
Issei and Invictus were in the Academy of Technology as they were in their classes, they were done for their class at the time, the teacher had left a while back, the duo left the class and were walking towards the gate outside and heading to the cafeteria, as Issei asked
"Say, I wanted to ask, Grimm were aggressive right?" Invictus looked at and nodded, as he spoke
"Yes, eons ago we were mindless beasts under the command of the God of Darkness, but the Ancient Grimm decided enough is enough and fled the lands. Where they ended up was that of Arcadia. The Ancient Grimm built a Settlement and it's species grew, they weren't the mindless creatures made by the God of Darkness, but their own person. The Grimm started gaining sentience and became just like you, Issei. The 4 Founders discovered us and was met with hostiles at first, but in the end, we were able to create an alliance with the people of Arcadia, thus making the Grimm, a part of their Kingdom, or Empire now, and I believe the rest is history." Issei nodded in understanding as Invictus then spoke with a saddened tone.
"Unfortunately, the Grimm in the Four Kingdoms are still primitive beasts, monsters if you may. Although they are quite weak and easy to be killed...the armor I wear is just to show I have a physical appearance...my real appearance is just what I can describe to be a spirit of darkness in physical form..." Issei nodded remembering Invictus showing his true self to both Issei and Nyx, he understood that his true self would horrify any outsiders, but Issei and Nyx were not phased by what they had seen, much to Invictus's surprise.
"Speaking of which, I have noticed one thing, why do Arcadians hate the Four Kingdoms so much, like....there are very few people originally from the Four Kingdoms?" Issei remembered as An and her family were one of the few that hailed from the Four Kingdoms, this included a certain Rose he had coincidentally met during his time while walking around the city with Nyx and Invictus.
"It is because of many factors Ise, one of the first is the rampant corruption that is present throughout the four kingdoms, then we have the Huntsmen and Huntresses that act more or less like mercenaries than heroes. And finally, the White Fang..." Issei was surprised by this, as he asked
"The White Fang?" Issei asked, he heard of that organisation, but whenever he asked anyone, he always was told that they are animals and not Faunus. They never told him anything afterwards, as they always refused to talk about the White Fang. All he knew was that they were a terrorist group.
"They were initially a Faunus Group that desired equality in the Four Kingdoms, but as time passed, they turned more into militancy, and their views became radical. They no longer wanted equality, but wanted revenge. Worse, they eventually became a terrorist group that now destroys even those that peacefully coexist, we see them as nothing more than wild animals...and let's just say the Arcadian Faunus hate them the most..." Invictus explained to Issei, who seemed to understand the situation. He now understood why nobody wanted to talk to Issei about them, they hated them even more.
"I see now....that is why there is such intense hatred for the Four Kingdoms..." Invictus nodded in agreement, he knew that even the Grimm Kingdom is not a big fan of the Four Kingdoms, however there was someone whom they hate even more than they do for the Four Kingdoms.
It was the False Goddess, Salem.
"Speaking of which, do you know how Arcadia was even brought into existence?" Issei nodded as he responded to Invictus's question.
"Yes, yes I do, they were created by the Four Founders, Anastasia, Apricity, Aurelia and Aurora Arc, they made Arcadia, and they were the reason why this kingdom even exists today." Invictus nodded as he continued.
"I see...so you are well versed with this place and its historical culture..." Invictus and Issei were heading to the cafeteria, when someone teleported right in front of them, the duo recognised the person to be the Empress herself.
"Hello, Issei...Invictus..." Juniper greeted the two, as both bowed in front of her, Juniper then spoke with a sigh.
"How many times, have I told you, you needn't bow in front of me, Issei?" Issei realised this and rubbed his head, as Juniper looked at Invictus and spoke,
"You must be Invictus right? It is finally nice to meet you in person..." Invictus respectfully responded to the Empress.
"Indeed, it is Empress Arc.." Juniper nodded with a smile, as she looked at Issei and spoke.
"Anyways....do you have a moment?" Issei and Invictus were both surprised, she wondered what the Empress wanted with Issei, as he asked
"What is the matter, Empress?" Juniper's expression soon changed into a worried one as she looked at Issei and spoke.
"The Elder Arcs would want to have a word with you..." Invictus and Issei looked at Juniper in shock, they never thought that the Elder Arcs would like to talk with Issei. But they did not understand why they wanted to talk with Issei. They had no choice but to talk with the Elder Arcs.
Opening Start
A loading screen is shown from 0% to 100%
[This heart gives the smallest glow, I think that I can see it show ,Your eyes have a spark, you know, Open them and see me go]
Issei is seen looking at the Arcadian capital in awe, with seeing the Academies fight'.
The Arc Siblings show their fighting skills.
With Issei, Nyx and Invictus showing his skills assisting the Original 15 in their mission.
[This world never knew my game, Hope I have a chance to stay]
A scene of Issei's past is shown, where everyone mocks him.
He wonders if it is worth saving these people, anymore.
[These arms, are worn, and never fading, The cold air is never waiting]
Issei walks the scenes of Kuoh, saddened by how his past was ruined, taken away by his brother.
He grits his teeth in anger, as he punches an image of his family.
[Had me going, my friend, I'm so blind, I can't stand ,Left alone with your hand,I think that I can see your eyes]
Issei is seen talking and training alongside a White Haired Woman, wielding a Katana.
For the first time, he felt a bond with someone, as a silhouette of the Big 3 is shown, with Invictus beside him along with Nyx and Ophis.
[And the past can show you, All the life we've been through]
A memory of his asking to be trained by Azazel is shown, as he ignores him.
He tried to ask Grayfia for training but she rejected him, he was persistent only for someone to threaten him with death.
[Lost and gone and frozen but I'm just..,I'm always running]
Issei gritted his teeth, shattering his memories, as he runs to Arcadia with his new family.
The settlements of Arcadia is shown, with different cities being shown. Issei and Nyx walk across them with awe in their eyes.
The scene changes to Persephone and Hades studying in their respective Academies, learning more.
Issei is seen having a friendship with the members of the Original 15 along with Nyx and Invictus, with a silhouette of the Shadow being shown.
[My eyes have a sparkle too, Hope that I can see this through]
Issei is seen clashing with Jaune, both having smirks on their faces.
As a blonde haired woman and Nyx cheer on the two combatants. Invictus and the others of the Original 15 watch with interest.
[My thoughts, belong, and are ever changing, Remind me on what I'm losing]
Issei looks at Arcadia, here is loved and cared, while there he is hated, in his old world.
He knew that a world that did not appreciate him, doesn't deserve him.
[These feelings in my head, I push them off instead, Of running one way, Just to come on back again]
Issei tries to remembers his past feelings for the girls, before they fade away. He soon encounters a version of Ingvild that is different than his Ingvild.
[Within this circle, Beyond my clouded mind, A new forgotten life, Can I hear that voice again]
Issei is pushed forward by the Big Three, allowing him to move on from his past.
Juniper and his family see in happiness, seeing his smile that was not present for a very long time.
Nicolas has a smirk as several men and people with weapons are seen as his target was the Arc Family.
His desire to rule is shown, as Juniper has a look of horror and despair.
[There's blue in the fire, There's red in your face, My motives are laced with gold, I'm moving, and moving]
Issei helps Juniper and encourages her in this tough time. He also gives hope to the Arc Family, knowing their sadness and despair.
Issei and his family work against Nicolas, gritting his teeth remembering about Dai.
[There's colors in the skyline, That flow into space, The feeling of floating on my own]
Issei faces off against several of the Black Arms, mercilessly killing them, as Great Red and Ophis decimate many of the Black Arms.
Invictus, Nyx, Hades and his family join the fight.
[No one in this place, I don't belong here]
Issei rejects Nicolas's offer of joining him, angering the man even more, as he fights against two Members of the Arc Family.
He watches in horror as Juniper shares the same expression upon hearing Nicolas's intentions
The Arc Siblings fight against the traitors of the Arc Clan, while a Red Haired woman has a sinister look on his face.
The Big Three along with Issei fight off against the last of the Nicolas's forces.
As Juniper and Nicolas clash against each other, with Issei assisting her as well. Both having a smile on the horizon, as they end the fight.
[Had me going, my friend, I'm so blind, I can't stand, Left alone with your hand]
Issei shook his head, shocking and surprising the Arc Council, who wanted him to be the Emperor. Even Juniper is stunned by this answer of Issei.
[I think that I can see your eyes, And the past can show you]
Issei and Juniper, along with their families watch the horizon of the Arcadia, now that things are getting better, having a smile on their faces.
[All the life we've been through, Lost and gone and frozen but I'm just.., I'm always running]
Issei and Juniper have a loving smile on their faces, as a wedding hall is shown.
The scene changes to a Issei with a different appearance being shown, along with his and the Arc Family standing behind him.
Opening End
Arc Council Rooms, 1:30 PM
Issei, Juniper and Invictus were heading to the council rooms, where Issei is slated to meet the Council members. Issei then asked
"Empress, but the classes-" Juniper cuts him off and responds
"You will be given the attendance as well as the notes needed, so you two needn't worry about that, okay?" Issei and Invictus nodded in understanding, while they wondered what the council wanted to talk to the boy about.
Soon enough, they reached the council room, where Issei finally met the two council members that wanted to meet them, Juniper then introduced them to Issei.
"Meet my father Issei, Liam Arc and one of my relatives, Julius Arc..." Issei looked at them, and along with Invictus, he bowed before the two men, with which Liam spoke
"No need to bow in front of me, Hyoudou, please raise your head up..." Liam soon looked at Invictus and responded, "You too Invictus..." The duo nodded as Juniper soon closed the door behind them, as Issei asked
"Why did you close the door?" Before Juniper could answer, Liam spoke with a tone full of seriousness.
"It is because word of our discussion must not go out from this room..." Issei gulped, although he did not disagree with the Father of the Empress, as Julius spoke
"We wish to talk about Soulium, before you judge us, we are not going to do anything, we just have a few questions, I hope you don't mind answering us..." Issei looked at Juniper who nodded, she wanted Issei to trust them, since this was her father she was talking about. Issei responded
"I don't mind....so what do you wish to know?" Liam then spoke in response
"The weapon, Judgement of Shamash was created by Soulium, right?" Issei nodded as Liam spoke, "Do you plan to improve on the weapon as well?"
"Yes, yes I do, the weapon I developed is a prototype, and I want to increase it's fire power allowing it to go even beyond the heat of the sun as well." Liam nodded in agreement, as Julius spoke
"I see....Issei, may we call you that?" Issei nodded as he responded with a smile.
"Yes, I would love that..." Julius then continued.
"Right, Issei, you see, we were having a discussion on Soulium and we were amazed by what is capable of, but....we also fear that people that are our enemies can use the alloy against us, they may use it for malevolent purposes, we know that you have no such intentions, but we are just worried on what will happen..."
"Indeed, Julius is right, we additionally want to know ourselves, on what you need to do..." Issei took a deep breath and spoke with a sad tone.
"Truth is, my only goal...it is to start a new life here, I do not wish to talk about my old life anymore because of umm, well....'circumstances'. Truth be told, I just want to move on, that is all..." Issei's tone seemed truthful enough, with Invictus sensing the sadness from his body, being a Grimm allowed him to sense negative emotion.
He sensed anger and sadness from Issei, but he wondered why did he have so much anger and sadness. What exactly happened to Issei such that he would be having such level of negative information.
"I see....but I fear that may be harder than you realise Issei..." Julius spoke with a solemn tone, making the two wonder what they meant. Issei looked at Juniper trying to understand, but all he could receive was a look of sadness and worry.
"What do you mean?" Issei asked looking at Julius as he spoke
"You see, what I am going to say....let's just say that someone else knows about Soulium as well, someone that once tried to gain more power in Arcadia..." Issei could sense the anger in Julius's voice, he looked at Liam who also had a similar expression, making him wonder and worry who was that someone that tried to do this.
Juniper then explains to Issei.
"He is Vlad Arc, he was once one of us....until his betrayal..." Juniper's tone also had anger inside of it. The mere mention of his name made the three Arcs grit their teeth in anger remembering on how he fought against his own family for power, while Issei were confused by this. He had no idea, why they were so angry with him. Invictus was angry remembering the exile, usually exiles are not talked about in Arcadia, since they did not want to invoke any worry in the masses. There was silence for a while, after which Issei asked
"Your highness, who is this Vlad and why did he betray you?" Issei asked with confusion in his voice to which, Liam spoke
"He was once one of us, I think you are familiar with the Black Arms, right?" Issei shook his head and responded
"No, I do not...not much..." Liam took a deep breath and spoke with a sorrowed tone.
"They are a terrorist organisation, Issei. Created by Vlad's family when Bianca was born, they once served Arcadia, eliminating Supernatural threats but Vlad...he wanted more power and manipulated the family into giving him the power. Thus leading to a conflict between the Arcs, in his defeat, what's left of the Black Arms were exiled same goes for Vlad." Liam explained as Issei frowned, noticing some similarities between his younger brother Dai, towards Vlad. He looked at Liam who had an angered look on his face.
"Furthermore, we additionally fear, that he would use Soulium for his own purposes....he knows about it Issei...." Issei was shocked by this, with Invictus being fearful. Invictus was especially worried for his friend.
Liam and Julius looked at Issei, the boy was only turning 20 years old, and they had no intention of pressuring him in any way. But they were worried on what is going to happen with Issei, since he may potentially be Vlad's target.
"Additionally, he would do anything to gain your power Issei, even going after Hades and his family or worse, Nyx..." Issei was now angry, he was not going to let them hurt his family no matter what. Ddraig also shared similar emotions as well, they were not going to let them hurt Nyx or Hades and his family, although they had faith they could handle them, hopefully.
"But why are you telling us this? Like this information was to be hidden from the public right?" Liam shook in agreement as he spoke
"We don't talk about him, the public knows about his crimes and his current state, usually only those that have done grave crimes are sent to the Outlands to serve their punishment, if they are exiled. There they have no support or connection from anyone in Arcadia. They are treated as criminals and disgraces, like they should be, and as for the Outlands, it is a dangerous place, where not even the strongest survive..." Issei nodded accepting this information, he made sure that Nyx and his family were not to be harmed in any way, he will crush anyone that tried to hurt or attack his new family, no matter what happens.
"Your highness, no matter what happens, I will not let Vlad or his Black Arms, get their hands on Soulium, he may know about this, but my family, they will be fine, you needn't worry about them getting their hands on them.." The Boosted Gear activated on Issei's arm, as Ddraig spoke with agreement.
"I agree with Issei, you have my word, neither Issei or me will let Vlad or those Black Arms get their hands on our tech, no matter what happens..." Liam and Julius seemed satisfied, they were aware of Ddraig that was in his Sacred Gear. While Juniper smiled, knowing Issei could be a valuable ally of Arcadia. She had faith in him, since she heard from both Willow and An that Issei was an eager and a good student.
"I see....well then, you two, I would advise you to take care of yourself....since Vlad has been recently gathering more of the Black Arms to his side...you must be careful..." Issei and Invictus nodded, as Julius and Liam both got up, but just as they were about to leave, Issei asked
"Umm, can you two wait for a moment?" Liam and Julius looked at the boy and asked
"Is something the matter, Issei?" Issei then spoke to the two men, "Can I at least tell my family about this? They shouldn't be in the dark about what happened..." Julius nodded in understanding as he spoke
"You should, but no one else...alright?" Issei and Invictus nodded in agreement, the two men soon left, with Juniper speaking with concern.
"That went well...I hope you two are alright..." Issei and Invictus nodded in agreement as Invictus spoke
"Indeed your highness, we are alright....is it alright, if we head back to our dorms for the day?" Juniper nodded in agreement as she teleported them back to their dorms, Invictus was sent to his dorm, where the two friends parted their ways.
*Scene Change*
Issei's dorm, 9:30
Issei was gathered among Nyx and Ophis who were in his dorm, while Great Red, Hades, Macaria and Melinoë were in holograms, they were talking from their dorms. Issei had told them about what Liam, Julius and Juniper had told them about, they were worried about the Black Arms, as Hades then asked
"So this Vlad Arc you speak of? Is he coming after us as well?" Issei nodded as he spoke
"Yes, I fear so, I was warned by the Arc Council about them, I highly doubt they will attack us since Arcadia is well protected....for now, at least....but sooner or later, they will be making a come back, they have been gathering forces...and will strike when we least expect it..." Persephone then added.
"This might be a problem...." Issei agreed to Persephone's words, as he spoke
"That is why I am concerned and worried for you guys, I am not going to lie, when I came here, I thought we would be having a new start to our lives, but I guess I was wrong..." Ophis approached him and kept her hand on Issei.
"No, no place is perfect Issei, whether it be Earth or Arcadia, you should know that Issei..." Ophis assured him to which he gave her a nod, and Hades spoke with a smile.
"I think you are forgetting something Issei, I am the strongest Greek God, some humans won't threaten us and get away with it...we will show them that we are not to be messed with..." Hades spoke with an assuring tone, as he continued, "I am happy that you worry for us, but don't think that when you came here was a mistake, if anything it is more of a blessing, think on how things have turned out for you.." Hades's words made Issei realise that he was being a bit overprotective, but it seemed this was in his nature, to become overprotective for those that he cared for.
"Hades is right, and I am the strongest being in our old world, there is no way some puny humans can attack and destroy us, we will be fine, and if I am not enough, my new Dragons friends are more than happy to pulverize those morons if they tried anything..." Great Red roared in agreement, as many sweat-dropped at the big dragon's antics.
"Baka Red..." Ophis muttered to which Great Red responded
"You are one to talk, you introverted lazy dragon, you always avoid talking to Dragons, and just eat your chocolate..." Ophis had a cloud of depression forming on top of her head, as Issei comforted her, she must still be nervous talking to other people, this was especially true after the Hero Faction harmed her or at least attempted to harm her.
What's worse was that Issei was not killed by the Khaos Brigade, or even by the Hero Faction, but it was his own brother, who wanted him eliminated due to him being a nuisance, he knew that even if Issei is dead, nobody would come for him, no parents, no loved ones, no one would come for him. However, despite this, he still defended those that backstabbed him.
Oh what a fool he was, Issei actually regretted helping them, no, he regretted ever considering helping them. The breaking point was when Ingvild also betrayed him.
"Anyways, you needn't worry about us, Ise-chan, we can hold our own against some humans who wants us to use us as hostages..." Melinoë spoke with an assuring tone, she smiled seeing that despite them being gods, he was protective and cared for them regardless.
"I see....I guess I was being too much worried....you will be fine..." Issei muttered, as Hades then spoke
"But even then, you should be careful, the Arcs are right about Soulium being used against Arcadia, it is something powerful. Additionally, you should also be careful that those factions and worse your clan doesn't get their hands on your creation..." Issei nodded on Hades's words. He was shunned by his own clan, due to him not having high magical prowess or a sacred gear.
Issei remembered his past, a part of his past where his own parents rejected him from a very young age. Due to him lacking magic prowess, unlike his younger siblings. The reason was that the Hyoudou Family was not just a regular family, it was a family, or more or less clan of High Magic Wielding Mages that were known to have a high reputation in that family.
This caused many to hate, love or respect them. As a result, Issei's father Gorou Hyoudou, made sure that only the strongest wielded the Hyoudou name, and those that didn't, they disowned but were not barbaric enough to abandon them. Issei was neglected by both his parents due to this. This made him a prey to many of his siblings injustices.
However, there was one that loved him regardless of what he was. It was his grandfather Juzo Hyoudou, an excellent skilled magician on par with even a Ultimate Class Devil, and potentially he could even give a Satan Class Devil a fight for their life, although he would lose. Additionally he did not even have a Sacred Gear. However, Juzo died when Issei was just a mere four years old.
When he died, Issei's life became hell, his parents neglected and ignored him, his siblings harassed and abused him. Even those that he became friends with, turned on him. He did not have magic until he was 17 years old, he was a late bloomer, and it turned out, he was the one that possessed his Grandfather's prowess in magic.
From that he learned Memory Read, a magic spell that he can use to read someone's memory without them even the victim detecting this, this was how he learnt basic level magic without even letting anyone else know, additionally he also did this to conceal his best friend, and he knew that if the factions knew about this, they would take Ddraig away from him, and he was not going to let that happen.
He read the memories of Mephistopheles, Grayfia, Le Fay and Lavinia to name a few without them even knowing, gaining their knowledge and magic, he even saw an interesting section of memories belonging to both Grayfia and Le Fay. He was a bit curious, but he chose not to see any further when he was warned by Ddraig that he was seeing something that belonged to their 'private' life.
Back to present time, he was with a family that genuinely loved him for who he was, a place that cherishes and values his abilities, even if he is a prodigy and cared for his well being, that alone was a place for him.
To Issei and his family, Arcadia was his new home.
"You are right Hades, I won't let those bastards get my stuff no matter what they do...." Issei's cold tone, made the residents of the room understand that he was not messing around, if they tried any funny business, he will destroy them no matter where they are, or what they do.
"I also agree, I refuse to see my relationship with the Olympians, they don't care for Ise-chan, and so I could care less for what happens to them, if they mess with Arcadia, they mess with us as well..." Persephone's words were agreed by their daughters. Hades also agreed to this, he stopped seeing the Olympians as his relatives a long time ago, and hated for what they have become. They weren't there when his wife died, so why should he be there for him.
"Anyways, just be careful, all of you....I don't want to see any of you getting hurt..." Hades spoke with a gentle yet stern tone, as the others understood this. He soon said his goodbyes, before the rest followed suit, and they disconnected their calls, leaving Issei, Ophis and Nyx alone.
"Issei, there is something I want to do, it's time..." Issei looked at her and asked
"Time for what?" Ophis changed into a more serious tone, as she spoke
"Your body seems to be ready, thanks to the training An and Willow have done with you, you should be able to access the Full Power of Diabolos Dragon...." Issei widened his eyes, as he remembered the first time he used it, he was almost put into a comatose state, and was in that state for weeks.
"But are you sure, that my body can handle it?" Ophis nodded as she spoke
"Indeed, your magic level has increased significantly, and with the Judgement of Shamash and the fact that you only were a bit fazed when the heat struck you in your face. Additionally, I don't wish to regulate control of that form of yours..." Ophis declared to which Issei nodded, as he spoke
"So what should I do?" Issei spoke seriously to which Ophis only gave a small smile, and held his hand, she soon transferred a little of her power to Issei, once this was done. Ophis spoke with a cheerful tone.
"Alright it is done, now you wouldn't need me to chant alongside you when you access Diabolos Dragon, but there is a power that has been unlocked inside of you...a stronger form for Diabolos Dragon..." Ophis explained to Issei, who nodded with a tone full of gratitude.
"Thank you, Ophis!" Ophis smiled in response, as she soon spoke
"Well, I gotta go to the Dragon Kingdom, so see you tomorrow, Issei..." Ophis spoke with a smile, before she teleported out of the Window. She soon reached a different location of Arcadia, where someone contacted her, and spoke
"So you aren't going to tell him, how you feel?" Ophis shook her head and spoke
"No Baka-Red, he is still hurting, I don't think it is right for me to confess at a time like this. After that Ingvild hurt him, I don't think he is ready for a relationship as of now..." Great Red sighed as he spoke
"Very well....I am not going to force you, and I guess you are right, he needs someone that can heal is broken heart...and I think Nyx is perfect for it..." Ophis nodded, maybe she can confess at a different time. She soon teleported back to the Dragon Kingdom.
Back with Issei, he took a deep breath, and settled down, what happened today blew his mind, he was worried for Vlad coming for him and his family. However, he decided to not show that to Nyx for them to not be worried.
"So what now...?" Issei looked at Nyx, as she spoke.
"I am worried, a bit....what should we do?" Issei looked at her and spoke
"We can only wait...so far there has been no trace of the Black Arms or anything as a matter of fact, so we can only hope that they don't come...until then, we get ready for whatever comes, after all I have a feeling that they will soon attack, since Vlad has been gathering followers..." Issei's serious tone made Nyx nod in agreement, she will protect herself from Vlad or his allies no matter what happens.
*Scene Break*
(A/N: Bang that's it for this chapter, the next chapter should show some additional views from the Factions side of things as well)
(A/N(2): Vlad and Nicolas will be starting to get aggressive as the story progresses)
(A/N(3): Massive thanks to Darkdecade97 for helping me with the story, and by providing me descriptions and images of characters )
Please let me know in the comments on how to improve and I will catch y'all later
Peace!!!
Ending