DxD Spawn of the Dragon

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DxD: Spawn of the Dragon

Chapter 8: A dragon meets a Foxy Mama!

-Sirzechs Lucifer-

In a lavishly decorated office Sirzechs Lucifer sat alone, his usually composed demeanor marred by a furrowed brow and tightly clasped hands. The argument with his father, Zeoticus, replayed in his mind like a storm he couldn't escape. The conversation had spiraled out of control, escalating to the point where Sirzechs had nearly crossed a line no child should.

Only Venelana, his mother, had managed to diffuse the tension with her sharp words and commanding presence forcing both men to retreat before it escalated to the point of no return because Sirzechs was confident that if push came to shove he'd have put down his father like a dog. 

Even now, her final words echoed in his mind. "Sirzechs Gremory, listen here and listen good, I'll deal with your father and this arrangement that he made, but don't think for a moment that you're without fault in all of this, so leave for now."

Beyond that he learned from Grayfia that Emrys decided to end the pact and was soon going to get back with Rias, but after hearing the dragon's reasons he couldn't argue with his logic and even without it he'd still have chosen Rias over Grayfia, which complicated his plans and his personal life because now his wife wouldn't talk to him beyond the minimum and soon Rias would be out of his reach soon. He took a calculated risk, but man was he bad at math.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. The strained dynamics of his life weighed heavily on him, but they were secondary to the intricate web of schemes he was weaving.

Turning his focus to the report in his hands, his eyes scanned the details concerning Kuoh. He always paid special attention to this particular daily report and as he read it a certain line caught his attention. It detailed the newest addition and pawn of Rias' peerage, Issei Hyoudou, the boy who caused the initial split between Rias and Emrys was the wielder of the Boosted Gear.

The Red Dragon Emperor, he mused, a sinister smirk creeping across his lips as another plan came to mind. He was already halfway up shit creek without a paddle to use and would fully be submerged if Rias found out about his proposal to Emrys, but considering the fact that his adorable little sister hadn't barged into his office demanding an explanation he still had a chance.

The gears in his mind turned as everything began to take shape. The presence of another dragon presented the perfect opportunity. Sirzechs' eyes glimmered with malice. If he could pit Issei and Emrys against each other, the ensuing battle would not only eliminate a problem but also allow him to secure Rias for himself in the chaos.

Later that night, Sirzechs appeared silently outside the Hyoudou residence, his power cloaking him in an aura of invincibility from the barrier as he wanted to ensure no one knew he was here.

He extended a hand and focused, his magic going through the walls of the modest home and muddling the minds of Issei's parents as the couple, now under his control, beckoned for Issei to come downstairs, before ordering them to go to sleep.

Unlocking the door with a simple spell he sat down and waited in the living room. When Issei arrived, dressed in his casual sleepwear, the teen froze at the sight of him sitting calmly in the living room. Sirzechs knew he made for an intimidating sight, draped in his signature black and crimson cloak, but he offered the boy a polite smile hiding the sinister glint in his eyes.

"You must be Issei Hyoudou," Sirzechs said, his voice smooth and disarming. "I've heard much about you."

Issei scratched the back of his head nervously. "Y-Yeah, that's me. And you are...?" He stuttered out and it was amusing seeing the Red Dragon Emperor show him more fear than even some devils.

"I am Sirzechs Lucifer," he said, his tone carefully measured. "Rias' older brother." He explained hoping to defuse the fear that the teen was likely experiencing.

Issei immediately tensed, the boy's thoughts most likely racing and Sirzechs was unsure if it was his overwhelming aura which he was keeping to a minimum or maybe it was the fact that the Satan Lucifer himself was sitting in his home.

He was unsure, but chuckled softly, sensing Issei's apprehension, "Relax, I'm not here to harm you. In fact, I came because I've heard something extraordinary about you." His gaze dropped to Issei's left arm as the gauntlet that materialized the faint green glow of the Boosted Gear casting an eerie light.

"The Boosted Gear," Sirzechs said, his voice tinged with admiration for the God-Killing Artifact, "One of the Twelve Longinus and perhaps the most fearsome of them all. You've been blessed by the Biblical God to be this generation's Red Dragon Emperor." He felt a slight tingle at the mention of the Biblical God, but enjoyed the way Issei flinched, finding it amusing.

Issei blinking away the pain looked down at his gauntlet seemingly in conversation with Ddraig the dragon having yet to speak, "Y-Yeah, I guess. I mean, it's still new to me, but I'll work hard to use it properly!" The teen replied with a smile.

Sirzechs smiled, leaning forward slightly, "That's good to hear. You see, Issei, fate has a strange way of aligning things. As it so happens there's another dragon in Kuoh causing problems for my sister. A dangerous one and if you truly care for Rias and want to protect her. I have a request?"

Issei's eyes widened, a spark of determination igniting in his chest. "I'll do anything for Rias!" The wielder of the Boosted Gear replied and it annoyed him seeing another man pining after Rias, but with how adorable she was he couldn't hold it against the teen.

"Good then you must train, harder than you ever have to stand up to him because the longer you take the stronger he gets." He said while nodding in approval, but beneath his composed exterior, his thoughts turned darker.

'If I can fuel his obsession with Rias, he'll do exactly what I want.' Sirzechs thought a smile working its way onto his face.

"Then if that's how you feel then there's something else you should know," his tone growing more serious, "This dragon is a direct threat to Rias, not just to her safety but to her future. If you don't act, he may take her away from you."

The words hit Issei like a thunderbolt as the teens fists clenched hard enough to turn them white. Issei's mind filled with images of himself standing tall before Rias, protecting her from all harm like some white knight.

"I won't let that happen!" The pawn of Rias shouted with a look of determination that honestly impressed even himself because most beings would be hesitant to fight a dragon and Sirzechs didn't know if it was because the teen was ignorant or brave.

Nevertheless Sirzechs' smile widened imperceptibly, a flicker of satisfaction flashing in his eyes as he stood and placed a hand on Issei's shoulder, "Then train, Issei. Train with every ounce of strength you have and when the time comes, defeat the evil dragon and claim your rightful place beside Rias." He stated tempted to use a hypnosis spell on the teen, but held off unsure if it would affect his growth as this particular sacred gear relied on emotions more then others.

As Sirzechs turned to leave, his plan solidified in his mind. The battle between Emrys and Issei would be inevitable, a clash of dragons driven by pride and purpose. And when it was over, he would dispose of the survivor, ensuring that no one stood in his way. It would be even better if he could get the Issei so attached to Rias that he uses the infamous Juggernaut Drive, so he wouldn't have to move a finger.

For a fleeting moment, he glanced back at Issei, who was now staring at his gauntlet with renewed determination, his voice whispering to himself about becoming the "Harem King." Which made Sirzechs want to go back and smack the teen upside the head for daring to even dream of a harem when Rias alone would be enough. 

'Let the Red Dragon Emperor and his spawn destroy each other. Rias will belong to me in the end.' Sirzechs' smile turned cold as he vanished into the night. 

-Issei Hyoudou-

As the moonlight shone through his window Issei could only lay sprawled on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were a whirlpool, revolving around Sirzechs' visit. The Satan's words about protecting Rias by defeating the evil dragon, and claiming his rightful place beside her replayed in his head like a motivational anthem. Yet something gnawed at the back of his mind, something he couldn't quite put his finger on, but he ignored it as the memory of Rias naked appeared in his mind.

With a sigh, he turned over ignoring his erection and willed himself to sleep, but when his eyes closed it wasn't darkness that greeted him with rest. Instead, Issei found himself surrounded by an inferno of crimson flame. The heat was overwhelming making him feel as if he was in the middle of a volcano making him scream in agony.

As minutes passed and he continued to scream he paused because he realized that he wasn't burning.

"W-What the heck is this?!" He yelped, stumbling back to his feet as the flames continued to roar, but they parted to reveal a massive silhouette that transformed into a giant red western dragon. Its scales shimmered like rubies as its emerald eyes glowed. The dragon stood tall, wings folded regally, as it watched him with a bemused expression.

Issei however, didn't comprehend that as he screamed and bolted, his legs pumping as he fled into the endless expanse of fire and after what felt like an eternity of running, he finally took a chance to glance back not hearing anything, only to see the dragon still looming behind him, as if he hadn't moved an inch.

"Pathetic," the dragon rumbled in disgust, its deep voice reverberating through the fiery landscape and sending vibrations through Issei, "I have been bound to many hosts over the centuries, but you... you might be the most disappointing yet. Truly pathetic."

Issei had come to a halt, breathing heavily, "Y-You're not going to eat me, are you?! I don't taste very good and I don't have much meat on me, so you'll probably waste more energy eating me then you would get by digesting me."

The dragon sighed, the gust of wind blowing from its nose nearly knocking him off balance, "If I wanted to eat you, foolish boy, you'd already be in my stomach, but I don't want to be infected by whatever caused you to be such a degenerate."

Issei gulped, his fear giving way to tentative curiosity. "W-Who... what are you?" He was more curious than insulted at the words of the dragon considering even he considered himself a pervert.

The dragon lowered its body bringing its glowing eyes level with Issei and for a split-second he feared that despite the dragon's previous words it was still going to chomp him in half, "I am Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor. I am the dragon sealed within the Boosted Gear that now resides on your arm."

At those words, Issei's memory sparked, Rias mentioned that the Boosted Gear was his sacred gear that made him this generation's Red Dragon Emperor.

Realization dawned, and the fear in his eyes melted into unrestrained excitement, "W-Wait a second! You're the source of my power?! A freaking dragon?! That's so cool!" Issei shouted in delight.

Ddraig went to respond, but Issei leapt into the air, doing a little victory dance muttering, "I've got a dragon! A DRAGON! I'm the luckiest guy ever!"

The massive dragon groaned, placing a clawed hand over his snout. "Stop embarrassing yourself, partner. If we were anywhere else except your mindscape I would have sealed myself for a hundred years to simply get over this humiliation." 

Issei froze, blinking, "Oh, right. Sorry." He said and the words of Ddraig brought him back from paradise. He now had a super strong massive dragon as his power and was surrounded by a bevy of beauties, soon he'd have a harem.

For now it was time to pay attention, so Issei straightened up his posture and tried to look serious, though he could feel his grin stretched from ear to ear which he couldn't help.

"Listen carefully," Ddraig commanded, his tone brooking no argument, "If we are to work together, I need to know, what is your dream? Your purpose? What is the motivation that drives you forward?" He asked and the question made him pause.

Issei scratched his head, thinking hard as images of Rias, Akeno, and Koneko danced in his mind, each of them dressed in alluring harem-girl attire. With one fanning him another kissing his neck and the third feeding him grapes, so without hesitation he pumped a fist into the air, "I want to be the Harem King!" Issei shouted proudly.

Ddraig blinked, his massive tail twitched rapidly as if he was holding back from doing something, then the dragon sighed deeply, a plume of smoke escaping his nostrils. "Of course," he muttered, exasperation lacing his tone, "Of all the ambitions a host could have, I am cursed to be bound to one like you."

"I-I mean, it's a great dream, right?" Issei asked, looking sheepish because while he knew aspiring to have a harem of beauties wasn't the noblest of goals, it wasn't the worst he could have aspired to fight a bunch of strong people like some brain dead idiot.

The dragon seemingly ignored him before continuing, "I will lend you my strength, but only under one condition." Ddraig put forth his conditions staring Issei down and the boob-loving pervert felt as if Ddraig was staring into his very soul.

"Anything!" Issei said eagerly, hoping to get on the dragon's good side.

"You must help me locate my descendant."

Issei's eyes widened. "You've got kids?"

"In a manner of speaking," Ddraig replied cryptically. "Will you agree?" He asked and Issei didn't need a second thought.

"Of course! I'll do it!" He exclaimed thinking Ddraig just wanted a heartfelt family reunion, like in the movies and just finding a baby dragon was a low price to pay for the cooperation of a Heavenly Dragon and if he was lucky maybe he could tame Ddraig's son.

Ddraig nodded, satisfied, "Then from this moment onward, we are partners, but don't think for a moment that this will be easy. Training begins now." The dragon stated while taking a deep breath.

"Training? What kind of—" Issei blinked, confused, but before he could finish, Ddraig exhaled a stream of scalding crimson flames directly at him. Issei screamed and bolted again, the dragon's laughter booming behind him.

"Rule one, partner!" Ddraig roared, chasing after him. "The Red Dragon Emperor must learn to endure the flames because you cannot wield power if you fear it!"

"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!" Issei shrieked, dodging another burst of flames that he felt wouldn't have even left ash remaining.

"Stop running and embrace it!" Ddraig roared in amusement, continuing to chase Issei.

"NEVER!" He responded, speeding up even more as he felt the fire around him get slightly cooler, but he didn't pay it much attention as a fire breathing dragon was on his ass.

And so, the crimson purgatory echoed with the chaotic sounds of Issei's panicked screams and Ddraig's thunderous laughter, the ancient dragon grinning in anticipation of molding his hapless new partner into a true Red Dragon Emperor.

-Emrys-

In the serene garden that was Yasaka's backyard, Emrys laid on his back, the soft hum of Kyoto's natural ecosystem surrounding him.

He had started the morning in a lotus position, attempting to meditate as Yasaka had instructed for hours, but his efforts seemed fruitless and on top of being confined to his human form left Emrys feeling irritable beyond belief. The seemingly simple task felt like an impossibility.

Taking a deep breath, he muttered, "How do people sit like this for hours?" before letting out a heavy sigh and flopping onto the soft grass.

Nearby Kunou chatted animatedly with Asia, the preteens' nine golden tails swishing like hyper as she noticed Emrys' irritation and bounced over, her cheerful smile as radiant as the garden he was in.

"Would you like something to drink, Emrys-sama?" she offered sweetly her tails coiling and swaying as if vying for his attention.

Feeling a bit parched, Emrys accepted with a nod, taking a water. After draining half the bottle in a few swigs, he poured the rest over his head, relishing the cool sensation against his skin as he tried to wash off the frustration that was building at his constant failure. 

"Thanks, Kunou," he said, his eyes closed as he tried to refocus his thoughts, but when no response came, he cracked one eye open in curiosity and Kunou just stood there, her wide golden eyes dilated as her entire focus was on him with a look he couldn't quite place at first, but he felt a shiver of discomfort crept up his spine as he realized she was ogling him.

'Seriously? She's just a kid...right?' He thought and cleared his throat loudly, snapping Kunou out of her reverie. The fox girl blushed furiously and stammered out an apology, but Emrys waved it off.

"It's no big deal," he said, drying his clothes with a quick spell. He knew some supernatural beings mature differently, though the thought didn't make the situation less awkward as after gaining the memories of the other Emrys his morality changed slightly no matter what he wanted to think.

As Kunou skipped back to Asia, Emrys sat up again in a lotus position, his mind returning to what Yasaka tasked of him and despite Yasaka's advice on being able to feel the natural energy around him and being places in the most naturally saturated place in Japan Emrys was struggling to grasp the concept.

At times like this he wished he was born a yokai to have a natural talent in senjutsu, but then he wouldn't be a kick ass dragon. But the thought stuck in his mind as he glanced at Kunou, Nine-tailed foxes were nearly extinct as they have a low fertility rate, but they made up for it in nearly infinite vitality and an unparalleled talent in senjutsu and even as at teen Kunou's innate connection to the natural energy in Kyoto undeniable as she was Yasaka's successor to manage the leylines. Swallowing his pride, he decided to ask for help.

"Kunou," he called, gesturing her over, "I need some advice. I'm missing something here… and I don't know what it is."

Kunou tilted her head, her expression playful. "Hmm it's always the toughest making the initial connection, but I can show you better then I can tell you, but I need to make physical contact to help you sense natural energy! Do you mind?" She asked tilting her head as her fears flopped over.

He could tell that she was trying to act cute and raised an eyebrow but nodded feeling he needed the help, "Alright let's try it."

Expecting her to place a hand on his shoulder as he sat down and closed his eyes, but instead he felt the distinct weight of Kunou's body as she plopped herself onto his lap cuddling up against him and Emrys eyes flew open as he stiffened in shock, unsure of how to respond.

"Kunou..." he said, trying to sound stern as she looked up at him innocently, her tails swishing behind her, brushing against his sides.

Emrys knew Kunou's intent and also knew rejection would likely sour their relationship, so he forced himself to relax and he told himself repeatedly to focus.

Closing his eyes again he tried to feel the natural energy Yasaka explained and while at first, the constant distraction of Kunou's movements, her tails brushing his arms and legs, made it nearly impossible to concentrate. Gradually he started to feel a faint pulse of energy humming in the air.

It was supposed to be subtle and elusive, but Kunou was pulling so much natural energy towards them that it was drowning his senses as now he couldn't do anything, but feel Natural energy. He was a bit envious of the ease at which the teen was manipulating the energy of the Earth, but it made his life easier so he memorized the feeling.

Hours passed as he grew more accustomed to sensing the energy with Kunou gradually sending energy away as he got better at awning the energy and when he finally opened his eyes, he let out a satisfied sigh.

"Thanks, Kunou," he gently patted her head, "Now get up, it's time for a break." He said and Kunou pouted but allowed him to lift her off his lap, her cheeks tinged with pink as Kunou scampered off to join a jealous looking Asia. After thirty minutes passed Yasaka returned, her buxom form framed by the setting sun.

"How's the training coming along?" she asked, a smile gracing her lips as she glanced around before looking at Kunou with a cheshire grin.

"I'm getting the hang of it," he said and Yasaka looked surprised at his words, "but I wanted to talk to you first." Emrys finished, his tone serious motioning her over away from the two chatting blondes.

He explained the situation, Kunou's behavior and his concerns over Kunou's attempts to seduce him, and how uncomfortable it made him feel.

Yasaka laughed warmly, her tails flicking with amusement, "Did it work?" She asked playfully in a way that made it hard for him to picture her as the leader of an entire faction, but recalling Serafall's antics Yasaka's playfulness didn't seem too bad.

While she circled him Emrys tried to gauge her reaction, but while he was focusing on her form he got a glimpse… No, Yasaka allowed him to get a glimpse at the sheer amount of natural energy channeling through her and if he thought Kunou was drowning him earlier then Yasaka would drown all of Kyoto. She was nearly on par with him when it came to sheer power reserves and that was unsealed which was still months away.

And caught off guard Emrys hesitated before muttering, "Her seduction failed spectacularly, maybe in a couple years I'd be more tempted, but for my training she was very helpful."

Yasaka laughed and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'll talk to my darling Kunou about her failed seduction attempts, but for now let's see how far you progressed with her help. Now sit back down and do it again because the sooner you're able to draw on natural energy the sooner you'll be able to unlock Touki."

Emrys complied and sat down in the middle of the garden again and his mind shifted back into energy sensing mode he started grasping at it he was startled again when Yasaka seated herself in his lap, much like her daughter had earlier.

"Yasaka—" he started irritated as he was about to grasp natural energy for the first time without outside assistance, but she cut him off with a mischievous grin, shushing him with a finger on his lips.

"Consider this your lesson on adaptability. If you can stay focused now with such a charming fox in your lap then you can focus in any situation." She said grinding herself into his lap in a way that reminded him of Grayfia.

And before he could protest Yasaka leaned in and sealed his lips with hers, brushing against his in a soft, tantalizing kiss that left him breathless. Pulling back she whispered, "And while you're far from an expert now that you're able to sense natural energy the next step is to focus on drawing it towards yourself. So focus because tonight..." Her grin turned predatory, "You won't be getting any sleep."

Emrys paused as his mind whirled the image of a naked Yasaka appearing in his mind and considering her teasing nature and kiss he was likely to get some action later on tonight, but he closed his eyes and steeled himself. If he could endure this, he could endure anything and he would enjoy himself later because right now he needed to focus on training.

After dinner, Emrys was satisfied with the progress he was making as Yasaka estimated that by the end of the week be able to draw on natural energy enough to shift his focus on awakening Touki and he was hoping that learning the art of the yokai would accelerate his unsealing.

Drying himself off Emrys prepared himself, Yasaka's earlier promise echoing in his mind and he was a bit pent-up since his night with Grayfia he was expecting an exciting night as he stood in nothing but a towel, waiting in the guest room. But instead of being joined by an equally naked Yasaka like he expected, Emrys was greeted by a swift strike that sent him flying through the door.

"What the fuck?!" he roared in rage grasping at his towel that nearly fell off as he scrambled to his feet.

Yasaka appeared in a flicker standing in the garden, her tails swaying menacingly, "Another lesson," she called, her voice calm but firm. "An enemy can strike at any time, especially when you let your guard down, so always be prepared."

Before he could retort with an insult she lunged, tossing him across the yard with a flick of her tails and making him lose his towel leaving his buck-naked, "And didn't I tell you? You aren't getting any sleep tonight, so be prepared to go all night because I love men with stamina." She said licking her lips.

Groaning, Emrys pushed himself up, realizing this was going to be a very long night, he nearly boosted himself, but held back remembering Tiamat's advice before he left. Looking down at his little dragon he sighed in relief that the cold didn't make it shrink much.

-Issei Hyoudou-

After a few days Issei found himself dragging his feet as he walked to the Occult Research Club. His body ached in places he didn't know he had from the relentless cycle of training, missions, and schoolwork.

With a loud groan, he rubbed his sore shoulders, "Man, I can't keep up with this anymore. First morning exercise, then eight hours of school followed by training with Rias and the rest of the peerage and finally homework. I'm getting run ragged by everyone and you're not helping Ddraig! You're running me into the ground even harder than everything else and that's while I'm supposed to be sleeping! This is insane!"

Ddraig's voice echoed in his mind, deep and unimpressed, "Stop whining like a little bitch, partner. You're the weakest Red Dragon Emperor in history and if you ever want to become the Harem King like you dream of, you'll need to work harder. Much harder and if you haven't noticed you've gotten significantly stronger within the past few days. The boosted gear works off emotions, so the stronger you feel the need to grow stronger and the harder you train the quicker you'll improve."

"Geez, thanks for the encouragement, partner." Issei muttered sarcastically, earning a huff from the dragon, but he knew that Ddraig was trying to help him deep down and really appreciated the effort from everyone to improve his strength.

By the time school ended and Issei trudged over to the Occult Research Club room, his body felt like lead from the exhaustion weighing on him, but Issei knew that he needed to continue to push through the pain, because what doesn't kill him would only make him stronger and the memory of being stabbed by a hot chick in spandex made him not want to experience such pain ever again. He barely had time to sit down and rest before Rias called everyone to attention.

"There won't be any training today," She started and he felt a surge of relief flooded Issei but it left just as quickly, "We have a mission tonight," Rias announced her voice commanding as she began outlining the details, but Issei found his mind wandering almost immediately.

The thought of a mission excited him as the last time he went on a mission he saw a stray devil shoot laser from her nipples and he wondered what he was going to see this time. As his eyes drifted to Rias without him realizing it, Issei began to imagine Rias in a bunny girl outfit. His face flushing as blood started to leak from his nose and a goofy grin worked its way onto his face.

Ddraig's voice cut through his daydream. "Is she truly the one you want to claim, partner?"

Issei nearly jumped out of his seat at the unexpected interruption to his daydreaming, "What?! Uh, yeah, I guess so," he whispered back mentally.

"Then stop gawking and focus," Ddraig growled. "She is the heiress to the House of Gremory ranked Duke and hasn't shown any romantic interest in you, so you'll need to tone down your perversion and get serious because she has standards beyond just status that being the wielder of the Boosted Gear can grant. Now let me talk to her. I need to ask something."

"Fine, fine," Issei muttered before raising his hand, "Uh, President? I actually wanted to mention something I finally spoke to Ddraig."

Rias' eyes lit up in a way he found enchanting, "That's wonderful, Issei! Congratulations on your progress."

"Yeah, thanks. But, uh... he says he wants to talk to you." Issei replied wanting to know if she had time to talk with the dragon as they had a mission.

Her surprise shifted into excitement, "Really?! I'd be honored to speak with Ddraig, the Legendary Red Dragon Emperor."

Issei nodded and summoned his Boosted Gear, the crimson gauntlet appeared on his arm, glowing faintly as Ddraig's voice reverberated through the room.

-Rias Gremory-

"Rias Gremory," Ddraig began, his tone neutral but probing. "Tell me has there recently been a dragon in Kuoh?" 

Rias tilted her head, confused but answering honestly, "Yes my boyfriend is a dragon who has been staying in Kuoh for the past couple of years and left for training." she explained not wanting to admit that Emrys left her as they were going to get back together. 

The words seemingly hit Issei like a punch to the gut as her pawn flinched, but quickly tried to mask his reaction and while she felt bad for rejecting Issei she couldn't have any more misunderstanding with Emrys and wanted to ensure that Issei knew she was taken. He would have women throwing themselves at him in the near future, so hopefully he would let the notion of her being with him go by then.

"Interesting," Ddraig said, his deep baritone voice echoing, "What's his name?"

"Emrys Welsh," Rias replied with pride as the image of the tall tanned adonis appeared in her mind.

"His age?" Ddraig asked and at this point she was confused as to why such a legendary dragon who hadn't been seen since in decades was so curious about her beloved.

"Eighteen. Why are you asking about him?" She asked not giving out more information as she was becoming skeptical

Ddraig ignored the question and pressed further. "Do you know his parents?" And while she wasn't as smart as Sona and didn't want to answer the question, Rias felt as if she was putting together a theory in her mind.

"He doesn't know his father, but his mother is Dragon King Tiamat. Do you know her?" She asked probing for information herself, but she was met with complete silence as then without warning the Boosted Gear vanished, leaving everyone bewildered even the wielder of it himself.

"Issei?" Rias asked, frowning. "What happened?" She asked in suspicion at the reaction of the dragon.

"I-I don't know," Issei stammered, just as confused and his reaction seemed genuine enough, so Rias decided to address it later, returning to the mission briefing. "This mission will give us some much needed combat experience against beings that won't show mercy, so we'll be hunting a rogue group of fallen angels. In the report there are only four low class fallen angels along with a handful of rogue exorcists."

The mention of fallen angels made Issei flinch. Memories of the day he was nearly killed flooded his mind, but he swallowed his fear.

Akeno, standing beside Rias, smiled with a sadistic edge, sparks of electricity flickering around her fingers.

Rias continued, "This will be a difficult mission for some of you, but I'm confident we can handle it. Prepare yourselves."

-Issei Hyoudou-

As the peerage readied for the mission, Issei couldn't help but question Ddraig. 'Hey man why did you suddenly vanish back there?' He asked in his mind.

"Avoid Emrys at all costs." Ddraig hesitated but finally answered in a way that didn't answer his question.

"What? Why?" He asked more confused than before.

"Tiamat," Ddraig growled, his tone uneasy and as Issei was about to complain the dragon continued, "I... borrowed some treasure from her once and during my fight with Albion it broke and initially she hunted down and killed every wielder of the Boosted Gear. Eventually she stopped going out of her way to hunt my wielders, but none of my hosts that came across her doesn't survive."

"You're kidding, right? How strong is she?" Issei asked while rapidly paling at the notion of getting killed again.

"Even the strongest Red Dragon Emperor couldn't match her," Ddraig admitted and that thought didn't make him feel any better because the Boosted Gear was supposed to be a God-Killing weapon and if even among hundreds of wielders couldn't match her then Tiamat was someone he wouldn't want to be on the same continent on.

"So... if you fought her in your prime would you lose?" Issei asked, wondering how strong Ddraig was at his peak.

"Nah, I'd win," he said confidently and quickly added, "but that's not the point! Stay away from her and Emrys until you can rank within the top ten." Ddraig said before completely shutting himself off again. Leaving Issei wonder what the fuck was the 'Top Ten'.

Later, the peerage arrived at the outskirts of the city, standing on a road that led to the abandoned church and Rias gave her final instructions with the group splitting up. Kiba, Koneko, and himself walked up to the building's front entrance while Rias and Akeno guarded the perimeter to ensure no one escaped.

"Leave the boosting to me and focus on not dying. And if I tell you to do something, do it no questions asked because I won't have my wielder die to some two bit nobody fodder in an abandoned church." Ddraig stated and Issei nodded, thanking his partner mentally as it gave him one less thing to worry about.

The trio arrived at the front door and Koneko kicked down the heavy wooden doors, sending them flying. Issei made a mental note to never get on her bad side as the team quickly encountered a group of rogue exorcists coming up from a hidden door below the altar.

Koneko, not one to stay idle, charged ahead grabbing a pew in each hand and spun in a circle turning into a blender of violence. From above, a white blur descended, aiming for her and before the words could come out of his mouth Kiba blurred forward, summoning a sword from thin air and intercepted the blur, clashing with what seemed like an exorcist mid-air.

Issei hesitated this being the first time he'd participated in live combat, but focused on supporting Koneko as Kiba's battle was too fast for him to help reliably. Having changed a few boosts he launched a Dragon Shot into the crowd of exorcists, giving Koneko an opening to finish them off. The white haired girl was ruthless and seeing the lifeless and broken bodies made Issei's stomach churn, but he swallowed the bile threatening to spill from his mouth.

"Should we help Kiba?" he asked, looking over to see the blonde knight blurring around as he clashed constantly with the white haired exorcist who seemed leagues above the fodder he and Koneko dispatched.

"He'll be fine," Koneko replied, leading the way deeper into the church. At the end of the passage, they found two fallen angels who introduced themselves as Dohnaseek and Mittelt.

Initially he was anxious as Rias said there were four fallen angels and he knew one of them was Yumma the very girl who betrayed him and stabbed him. The thought of confronting her sent him a wave of despair and while it rattled Issei, Ddraig quickly snapped him out of it, "There's only the two no one else, now touch Koneko's shoulder quickly!"

Issei obeyed without a second thought fully trusting his partner, feeling another surge of power course through him like the multiple before and before he could enjoy the intoxicating feeling of the boost Ddraig provided the dragon transferred it to Koneko.

She let out a quiet moan even as her fists glowed with raw strength and without a word she launched herself forward at a speed that rivaled Kiba launching the fallen angels into the wall, leaving them unconscious. Issei was almost certain that he heard a crack that wasn't due to the stone breaking, but as Koneko dusted her hands off and walked towards the broken bodies of the fallen angels he wasn't willing to ask.

"Thanks for the boost," Koneko said with a nod while dragging the bodies outside with him following behind as he found it frightening or amusing at the contant thuds that the heads of the fallen angels made as they walked up the stairs leading back into the church.

Once up top he noticed that Kiba was resting on a broken pew alone, but the body of the really fast exorcist was nowhere to be seen and he asked what happened.

"He ran away when he realized that he stood no chance of winning." Kiba said with a frustrated look on his face at letting the enemy escape, but just holding his own was really impressive to Issei and being able to drive someone of the caliber off was even more impressive.

Eventually they regrouped with Rias and Issei was in shock, not at the scars littering the area surrounding the church, but the pit of earth that was simply gone unsure of what could even cause such a thing, but his unasked question was answer when Koneko tossed the two bodies of the unconscious fallen angels high in the air and Rias erased the fallen angels before they could even touch the floor with a massive crimson and black orb of energy.

There was nothing left, not even dust and the thought of that being Yumma made his heart break, because despite the betrayal she caused she was still his first ever girlfriend and not being able to at least have some form of closure, frustrated him, but he knew if was probably for the best if he didn't deal with the fallen angel again as he wouldn't be able to face her.

"That's the Power of Destruction, a trait of the Bael clan that embodies the concept of erasure. Now you did well today, partner rest up. You have the night off. " Ddraig's deep voice echoed in his mind and still shaken, Issei nodded silently knowing after tonight he would need the rest because tomorrow he would continue with his grueling training regime.

AN: Not the most detailed chapter with Issei, but I wanted to show the slight difference from cannon where he never confronts Raynare because Asia never got held hostage by the Fallen Angels. Hope y'all enjoy and if you notice any inconsistencies or have any advice let me know and like always I hope you enjoy and have a great day.

Also I'm debating on having Emrys get into a stint with Yasaka, but am undecided, so for now I'm having her as a playful personality and I'll be putting a poll up for it soon, so let me know.

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