We find Issei sleeping He was in the void and he found Ddraig Rika with both ember and jewels who looked as lively as ever with each other
Issei: (tired) What the hell happened I was fine one minute then the next I was out.
He stood in front of them and Rika wrapped herself around him and just held him, he gently patted her head
Ddraig: your body was overloaded with jewels ophis and the clone known as Lilith both infusing their power in you just overloaded it, it wasn't ready you should be fine when you wake up later but looking at the state of things I don't think its likely you'll wake up after you wake up after this
Issei: noted, I can start part two of my plan, but jewels how do you feel being free?
Jewels: oh I feel great I was stuck for so long powering that lab. Now being free like this feels nice I might want to stay longer it's nice here
Issei: take your time man I won't judge when you're ready then you can go
Jewels: thank you Mr. dragon
Issei: it's no problem now then what am I going to do with ophis and Lilith sure they are alright to be around but that much power in one place is dangerous for everyone don't you think?
Ddraig: hmmm given how smoothly tonight went I think your plan to hit them when they least expect it was a good thing but they might release another demon sooner than we think you killed 3 they might bring out another to kill off the rest
Rika: but if they can't help you then what?
Issei:im not sure, they spent a week studying my new body they should have figured something out, I get you mean well but this is going to have to be sorted now, do we know where they going to drop it next regardless?
Ember: last I remember was Kyoto seems to start spiking in that evil magic they using and the cursed energy is fine
Rika: there isn't anyone who can still use these abilities like Issei can so we won't need to worry about it I can see Sukana was with you for a while he built your body up well with me now you can use the techniques at will without much drain
Issei: Yeah he trained me for two years and gave me his power I figured it out about 5 months later when I came back to the temple for some rest and they were gone but I might need to go save my girlfriend and stepdaughter sooner than I think plus I think its good time to see them as well
Ddraig: we can keep monitoring and with jewels, we can use him as an antenna to see if he can find the spike faster than we can so you can get there fast.
Issei: sounds like a plan, what do you say jewels you down to help out abit
Jewls: sure it sounds like fun
Issei: don't have too much fun yea
He regained consciousness and felt that ophis and Lilith were sleeping around him, he sat up and picked them up then opened a portal to the underworld he found himself in the gremory living room he laid down on the couch and went back to sleep
Issei(tired) " this better not bite me in the ass, it's in their hands now"
With the group
They were standing in the garden In front of Asia's grave along with Gasper and le fay, they were sad that they didn't survive the attack but they all went up against things they didn't have an understanding of and suffered a dreadful fate
Rias looked at the pieces in her hands that used to belong to both of them and Arthur was sad that his sister died so was the rest of team vali, they were so behind with what was going on it was completely out of their hands now
Rias: so what now?
Xenovia: perhaps it's time to think of replacements
Rossweisse: a bit too soon don't you think?
Irina: I agree
Xenovia: no it's not we made the mistake and they suffered from our actions we are the ones to take responsibility, if we left Issei alone like he planned then im sure they would still be alive but isn't the case and we couldn't even revive them
Rias: she has a point but so soon maybe that can happen later let's just try and enjoy the rest of the day
Micheal: that would be best, Irina-Chan feel free to stay here for a bit and update me if something comes up
She nodded and he left with the other angels
Azazel: I need to go to have a training session with team vali
Koruka: I think I want to stay and skip this session if you don't mind
Biko: don't worry about it we will see you later
They all said their goodbyes and went into the gremory house when they walked to the living room they were surprised to see millicas and another little girl awake around Issei sleeping on the couch
Akeno: are we seeing things?
Ophis: no, it's the real deal this was part of the plan to begin with get my power back and come to you all for help, he forced himself to come back because the plan would work if you all involved...
Lilith: Lilith is worried about him hes been super tired since he helped Lilith get away from the bad people
They came closer and touched his body and no one could physically touch him the barrier was wider than the first time this happened
They watched as a large black creature came out of his chest and screamed at them
Rika: LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU HURT HIM ENOUGH I WONT LET ANY OF YOU TOUCH HIM
She went back into his body and things calmed down
Ophis: your lucky he told her not to kill you all
Issei: (sleeping) hmmm...
He rolled around and had his back face them he used his tail to support his back a bit and went back to sleep
Rias: is there anything we can do to help him?
Ophis: unless you're a master at sage arts I don't think so
Koruka: were you with? when he kidnapped me?
Rossweisse: Yeah do you have an answer for us? it's something we've been trying to figure out
Ophis: he got her to use sage arts to try and heal him but it was a useless attempt she was terrified of him, so he erased the encounter and left her here
Akeno came to him and tried to rub his head the barrier was still clear, but she still tried to stoke his head
Akeno: I'm just happy it's him
Ophis: hes been asleep for more than a day now I would suggest letting him rest he's been awake for two years straight
She stood up and laid on Issei and disappeared into him so did Lilith leaving him just to sleep
Rossweisse: Do you think it would be a safe option to move him?
Rias: we can try
They all lifted his body and took him to a room and informed everyone that hes there but hes asleep
After a few hours, they all met back up and looked at him sleeping in the bed
Sirzehcs: so he was just here on the couch?
Rias: Yeah, ophis stated hes been up for two years straight
Irina: we had koneko and koruka check his cracks are far beyond what they can fix or handle
They nodded in unison but the tension in the room was thick it could be felt
Rossweisse: we are conflicted about asking yasaka right now, we are not sure how she will take it
Azazel: I don't think we have a choice if the cracks are as bad as they said they are why not use this opportunity to help him
They nodded and called yasaka and informed her of what was going on in seconds she was here with kouno they walked to the bed and shed tears seeing him in this state
Yasaka: (tearing up) How long has been like this?
Rias: a few hours he's been sleeping since this morning
Yasaka: we need to heal him and repair his soul
Ravel: you want us to leave? Or
Yasaka: he's past bedroom arts this is going to need to be a group effort to rekindle his soul it's continuously cracking a this point we could lose him at any second
Irina: what do you need us to do?
Yasaka: those close to him sit around him in a circle
Rias, Akeno Irina Xenovia, koneko, Rossweisse, ravel, Sirzechs, Grayfia, Azazel, vali, kuroka and Millicas Kouno and herself sat around him
Vali: im not sure if this will work but as a rival I need to make sure hes alive im the only one who gets to kill him
Yasaka: now all hold hands and keep a clear head
They nodded and within seconds they were pulled into his mindscape and saw the horrible state his mindscape is it was on constant fire with no light it was just darkness all around them
Koruka: it's worse than we thought
Koneko: don't step on the big cracks it might make it worse
Yasaka: we need to find his subconscious self and encourage him to be strong
Ddriag: that won't be easy
Rika: why are they here...
They looked up and saw a large dragon and rika came close to them
Rias: we are here to help we promise we won't hurt him as his last friend we want to help
Rika: this started with you and your selfishness
A memory flashed into all their heads and it was the day they all hurt him the most they could feel his frustrations and heartbreak it hit them hard
When they came back to their senses they looked around and the mind scape started breaking more
Ddriag: as much as she has a point there might not be anything you can do even ember and jewels are at the core right now trying to stabilize it but as you can see it's not helping much but they are keeping it at bay for now
Ravel: can you take us there?
Ddraig: by all means
He lowered his head and they climbed on and flew through his mindscape and saw his memories good and bad
Akeno: I don't like this....
Yasaka: it comes with depletion of the soul the other memories hes had little to no hope left on such as his perverted nature probably long past and whats left is what still haunting him
Azazel: is there a way to bring them back
Yasaka: naturally, they will all come back as his soul is healed but it's the opposite if we don't make it in time
???: I wonder what the future holds for me.
They stooped because it was isseis voice
They looked further and saw him laying looking at the stars
Issei: I wonder what life has in store for me, I have nothing to show what I've done in my life, hell I haven't even gotten a girlfriend yet, man the day that happens ill never let her go, if that fails then I guess im by my self forever then, sure sounds sad but I'm giving up I don't even have friends that like me, man if I could go back id change a few things
They carried on moving and another memory came past them
Issei: well guess whose back thinking place, I found someone that I could call my girlfriend she's got long red hair and the most beautiful blue eyes, I know nothing will happen between us she seems like the type of girl that will hurt me if she had to end things with me, mom and dad haven't changed much, still no friends...
Ddraig: I think we getting closer to one
Rias: one what?
Yasaka: when the soul breaks like his is he spits into multiple parts that make up his whole
They got closer and found issei laying on the ground
Kouno ran to him but he didn't even take note of her
Kouno: (worried) come on at least respond
Issei: what's there to say ive reached my end alone and miserable I'm so tired of trying to keep the peace that I now agree with Valis' grandfather to kill off everyone and then there won't be any issues to handle, I mean I couldn't even keep some of my loved ones and allies alive...
Sirzechs walked up to him grabbed him by the shirt and forced him to look at him
Sirzehcs: get your mind out of the gutter, life will give us obstacles like this its our job to make sure we get through them, you're the damn red dragon Emporer now show us your fangs
The body started to glow bright and disapread from Sirzech's grasp
Sirzechs: what was that?
Yasaka: that was getting through to him you seemed to activate something that triggered a reaction to him look the cracks are going away
They watched a decent amount completely disappear and the area looked healthier
Irina: what's next?
Ddraig: not sure let's go
They took off again and flew past some memories that disturbed them
Issei: hehe feels nice
They watched as he cut his arm with a blade
They carried on flying around
Issei: what the point anymore she hurt me
They stopped and looked and saw a memory of issei just looking around
Rias: issei?
The copy looked at them and had an angry face
Issei: oh look it's you how fun want to hurt me more you did more than enough don't you think, ive heard enough of everyone, im just done
It came to them as a shock thinking they mended and apologised for that but this was still hurtful, as it walked away Ddraig grabbed him with his tail and brought him closer
Rossweisse: I think this is anger?
Issei: No shit, let me go Ddraig im done let me die you know what goes through my head im tired Id rather die at this point
Akeno: what about us?
Issei: what about you? I haven't spoken to any of you for nearly 3 years straight and when you start getting into other people's business you all beat me and experimented on me for a week and that white-haired ass hat over there beat even lower when weakened, I'm glad I nearly put him on his death bed he couldn't handle the power I have now
They watched as this one instead of glowing turned back and turned into ash and more cracks formed, the world around them started shaking
Irina: I don't think we handled that one properly...
they were forced out of his mind space
Yasaka: it didn't work his mind forced us out.
Irina: then what can we do to help him
Yasaka: we got a point that would help him that might wake him up but he needs to relax you saw some very strong thoughts, we will return when he is awake, farewell for now
Both mother and daughter had a broken-hearted face, She and kouno got off the bed and left back to Kyoto
Sirzechs: All alright look monitor him and keep us updated, please
The girls nodded and the others left
Ravel: what now
Xenovia: im not sure
Akeno: the last time something like this happened Asia used her twilight healing and brought him back but that isn't the case any more
Rias: I think the last thing we can do now is wait and see if he wakes up
After a few hours issei mentally woke up and ddriag caught him up with what happened, he heard the girls sitting around him making small talk with one another in the room hes in
Xenovia: so Irina how has work been
Irina: it's been alright I got my 3rd pair of wings now
Rias: congratulations that's a big step for you
Irian: I know it's just I wish I didn't need to work as I do sometimes
akeno: what do you mean
Irina: you see after Issei died I lost the one thing keeping me from really making the full step to making me a high ranking angle, I missed him so much but I couldn't help it I missed his presence in my life he had that one thing that was irreplaceable, we gave each other our hearts and they can never go back he has my heart and I have his but lately it doesn't feel that why
Rias: I feel the same when I thought I made progress with winning his love back that anger clone of him struck a nerve I believe hes still angry with us even more so with what everyone else did
ravel: I get what you mean
Rossweisse: since hes made his appearance like this a few years ago I wonder how much burden hes taken off our hands
She tried to take his hand and to their surprise, she was able to grab it
Akeno tried to touch his cheek and she was able to touch him this time around
Akeno: you think that figure is letting us through?
Rias: not sure
Koneko: but even though hes been gone for so long im 100% certain hes been protecting us
Irina: I've spoken to lord Michael about it and he believes that may be the case he's been taking a burden off all of us since we all met him and even now he continues to do so
Koneko: but if he's not going to wake up after this I'm happy with the moments I had with him
Irina: so will I, I know the rest of you agree with that statement hes made such an impression on all of us if these are his final moments then im happy that we got to spend them with him
Koruka: good and bad I can see the impression hes had on all of you I wish I got to know him better but now that this may be his end I'd love to hear stories about him
Issei: fucking hell you all are depressed
Rias: issei how long have you been a wake
Issei: awhile...
He sat up and rubbed his eyes as he sat up they heard his joins all crack, Then looked at the two loli dragons appearing in front of him still asleep
Issei: ill sort out Lilith later
He waved his hand over them and they went into the gear
Rias: hey issei is her name Lilith? My brother said it has a meaning but could also just be a coincidence
Issei: from what she says, yes, is there any food I'm hungry?
he held his head in discomfort and rubbed his eyes
Rias: come with us we can show you where some food is
He kept quiet and walked with them to the dining room the helpers around the house brought him a lot of food and he just ate in silence soon Venelana zeotics with Grayfia and millicas came to the dining room to find all of them watching him eat
Issei: what is it? You look like you're seeing a ghost
Rossweisse: because we are, we thought you were dead for so long it's still taking abit to see you alive.
Ravel: you do know about 3 hours ago you were dying but we brought you back
Issei: I know... would have been better, I'm tired...
Zeotics: how come
Issei: no matter the strength, power, ability, courage or even the resolve to be better do better achieve the end goal, someone or something stronger comes along and it's a never-ending cycle I technically experienced death twice in my life when Rias first turned me into a devil and the second time was it opened my eyes, seeing the other side its something that makes you realizes that its pointless, look how many people had the boosted gear before me, I'm just a cog in the system that had run its course and a new one needs to be picked
*slap*
Rias(tearing up) shut your mouth your not a cog in the system you said it your self you surpassed the best users of the gear, you've done things one can only dream of, and I have no place to say this but we need you you make our lives better just by being it that goes for all of us including Asia and gasper even le fay
Akeno:(tearing up) You were right their deaths were on us we didn't plan or think things through we didn't know the full extent of the situation and made it difficult for you
Xenovia: they are right we are so out of the game it's laughable you got stronger in every which way or form
Irina:(tearing up) Even Micheal suggested that since we had such an easy time sorting out the other problems we think you handled the big things for us
Issei: I did I needed to get information and I did...
He stood up and shook some scales off
That landed on the ground
Issei: here take these
He handed them each a scale as the girls held it in their hands, they looked at him confused
Issei: for each of you the red ones let you know where I am black ones know if I'm in danger and the white ones are for alerting me hold it and channel your magic into it and then you'll be able to figure it out
He then opened his wings and started stretching them out
Rias: why are you giving us this
Issei: I need to go and find the next demon, one can level a city if used right and since I just killed 3 of them a few days ago they going to bring one out to just get back at me, so I need to handle it before they think they ahead, with the last curse user being my self I have an advantage to goo things done
Irina: what happens after this?
He looked at her he could tell her heart wanted him to stay with them but he couldn't. not now
Issei: I don't know maybe ill settle back down like I was before all this
He then went to the window and looked out
Issei: be safe alright use all 3 to call me when you need help
He then jumped from the window and took off made a portal and left them again
They looked at the scales they each had
ravel: I think let's make these like bracelets
Akeno: (smiling) I like that idea *sniff*
Irina used her magic on the red one and she looked at them
Irina: he's back in the overworld around Japan
Xenovia: that works well don't you think?
koruka: what do I do with mine he gave them to me as well I don't know him as you guys do
Rias: he probably gave them to you as a way to say sorry for you know grabbing you like that plus also if we are not around then you could also help those that you wish to get him to help
koruka: I see....
They then made the scales into bracelets and once they were done they all tried to find him and did
They were happy Irina was over the moon because hes back in their lives like she wanted, sure there would be some hurdles to handle she was confident that it would all be sorted
With issei
As he flew through the portal, he landed back in Japan and landed in Kyoto infornt of Yasakas temple
The guards felt his presence, and all came to be ready to attack him they blocked him from even going any further
Issei: is this how you treat a friend?
He saw yasaka and kouno come out of the temple he could see it she didn't want to believe it neither did kouno tears threatened to burst through their eyes but they stood strong
Yasaka: (holding back tears) your awake, why did you come here?
Issei: to see my family
Yaksaka and kouno ran to him and grabbed him and even wrapped their tails around him
Issei: im back babe it is me, im not going away again
Yasaka: please don't, *tearing up* don't hurt us again we watched you die
Issei: well I have a few things to explain but it is me if you have doubts
He covered himself with the dragon scales and they gasped even the guards started to shed a few tears seeing that he came back
Issei: look I've been on a mission since then and the demons they brought out using my curse I've been killing them and the next one is coming here, and I know it seems like I only came back now but I made a promise to protect you both and everyone living here and I intend to keep the promise
Kouno couldn't handle it and crying her heart put into his chest she held him tight not wanting to let go he then let yasaka down who was trying her hardest to not let him see her cry but she couldn't help it
Issei then brought both into a hug, and she broke down as well he held them close and let them cry he then turned back to the guards
Issei: men get your people together I need you all to do something.
Guards: yes red dragon emperor
Issei: oh I have a new title now it's the Fire Dragon of hell
Guard one: that is a very nice name issei.
Issei: thanks now quick I need you guys ready.
They nodded and ran to get their men together
Yasaka: (crying) I missed you so much.
Issei: it's alright I'm here now it's going to take a lot more than that to kill me
Kouno: (crying)why didn't you come back sooner
Issei: it was for safety I didn't want anyone to be hurt by my presence
he carried them back inside the temple and he just held them
ophis: issei where are we
Lilith: Lilith likes this place
Issei: relax you two I'll explain later
Yasaka: we need to fix these cracks I don't want you dying
she traced one of the cracks she saw with her finger and showed a concerned look
Issei: I was saved by someone else and a friend called Ember she's been saving me for a few years now she took Ddraig and me to Great Red who made me fully a dragon
Yasaka: hmmm I can feel your new presence it started as fear but now it's turning into safety
Issei: good, after this I will leave again there are too many of these demons still around for me to settle back down but afterwards ill come back and stay the others know this too
Kouno: (crying) my daddy is staying.
She held him tighter and he stroked her head and relaxed her
They stayed like this for a bit longer then they let him go and took in his new features he looked the same with small differences
Yasaka: I like the black hair
Issei: Yeah great red didn't know what my hair looked like, so he just made it to what suited me the best even someone else named Rika loves it
They saw hands come out from him and hug him then went away again
Kouno: you look cool
Issei: thank you
Yasaka: so why is ophis with you I think it said her name is Lilith
Issei: well ophis had her power stolen and then they used it to make Lilith
they came and sat on his lap kouno got upset and sat on his lap with them
issei: Lilith can you tell me something?
Lilith: okay...
Issei: what did they do to you before I got you
Lilith: they used to do tests on Lilith and they hurt Lilith because Lilith didn't want to fight for them
She started to look sad almost like she wanted to cry
Issei: it's okay to cry if you want no one here will be mean to you
Lilith: what's cry?
Issei: remember when yasaka over there and kouno had water falling from their eyes
She nodded
Issei: that is called crying they were happy to see me when they thought I was dead, crying is something that happens when you feel a lot of emotions and you can't explain it
She slowly started to cry thinking about it and how it made her feel and she held him
Issei: let it out they can't touch you anymore I'll protect you alright onii-chan issei is here for you
She held him tight and after a few minutes she had a small smile on her face he rubbed her head and she enjoyed the feeling
Issei: okay now it's late you three should sleep
Ophis: But I'm not tired
Issei: please sleep I don't want you tired when the demon shows up I want you both to be ready
Ohis: fine but I want cookies.
Lilith: What is that
Kouno: oh they like sweets that make you feel nice
Lilith: Lilith wants that
Issei: I'll get you some but sleep first
All 3 okay
He put them to sleep and they were out in seconds
He left them in the room and then looked at yasaka
Issei: not yet
He walked with her, and she held his hand then they made it to the guards that gathered outside those that were told about his arrival looked shocked to see him here from the dead.
Issei: listen up we have a huge monster coming here any day now I want you to all start evacuating the people and get them somewhere safe for a bit try and not to let them freak out it will only cause chaos for everyone alright?
Guards: yes sir
Issei: now go and remember if the demon comes don't worry about it I'm here and I'll get it away your only priority is to get the people to safety
They nodded and started moving people.
Yasaka: I love it when you take charge
Issei: I need to my love I can't take any faults
Yasaka: (light blush) Issei do you um
Issei: *smiling* sure.
He took the side of her face and brought her in for a kiss and they went inside here issei had one of the best sleeps he's had in 3 years even after sleeping with yasaka she saw that he needs a session of bedroom arts and it worked she managed to relax him enough to have him docile enough
She warped him in her tails, and he held her in his sleep and he held her close she could feel his soul come to peace and she felt the love he had for her in his heart that he had for her and the others
The next morning, he woke up and found yasaka watching him in his sleep
Issei: morning my love
Yasaka: hmm it is a good morning my legs are still like jelly you got bigger down there lover
Issei: huh you rode the dragon and lived.
Yasaka: the others are going to be in for a hand full
Issei(chuckles) let's get dressed before they come running in
He got dressed and so did yasaka while she was getting dressed in her yukata he kissed her neck sending shockwaves through her body
Yasaka:(blushing) Don't tease me like that
Issei: I promise that I'm going to abuse this whenever we together
Yaksaka: just promise me that you going to be safe
Issei: I promise
They left the room and found kouno giving cookies to ophis and Lilith and they were eating to their heart's content.
Issei: morning you three
Kouno ran to him and hugged him he picked her up and kissed her on the forehead and she giggled
Lilith then came to him
Issei: you also want to be carried?
She gently nodded while eating a cookie
He picked her up and she smiled again he then set her on his shoulder, and she looked content
Issei: ophis you okay
She nodded and continued to eat the cookies
Issei: well the power is surging so I need to be ready it comes though any second now
Yaksaka: what power my love?
Issei: this is what im feeling
he touched her, and she could feel the power around them it felt like it was already here and it was about to attack them
Yaksaka: this is such a horrible feeling
Issei: which is why I'm handling it it's a good thing you can't feel it I wouldn't want you to feel it
He shook off more scales and then handed them to yasaka and kouno looked at them confused
Issei: keep these with you they will always show if im alive where I am and call me when you need some help
They took the scales and smiled at him
Issei: ill call the others to come here it's definite that it's going to show up here
Yasaka nodded and then he made the red scales glow to signal them after a few minutes a few magic circles appeared and Rias and the others all appeared
Rias: (worried) what's wrong
They saw them all sitting and having some tea
Issei: sit, the demon is coming and I want you all to protect the yokai and the people in the surrounding area
Vali: no way in hell am I letting you get all the glory for that kill
Issei: not like you can hurt them but don't be a burden
Sirzechs: do you know when it's going to come
Issei: watch the magic in the surrounding area you can already feel it it's taking longer than normal they going to make it blitz and go wild when they realize Lilith and jewls are gone
Xenovia: jewls?
Issei: the lightning elemental I picked up he's a friend of Ember so he's chilling with me till he figures out what he wants to do, it's why I passed out yesterday
Jewls peaked his face out and looked at them then went away
Issei: why do you guys always want to look when your name is said and then get shy....fair enough
Ravel: what was that about
Issei: They can't handle seeing people's faces they feel like they going to be experimented on if too many people know about them so the fewer people that see them the better
They all had a bit of a chuckle and then sat down and waited for the demon to arrive
chapter end