A/n

Okay to be honest with you readers, this story was okay, but the way it was flowing just didn't sit right with me and so I decided to just go through and take the basic stuff and rewrite this story. Much of it will follow the storyline that I had, but I have added more depth and fluff. Now as before Issei will be a little different *cough* non-pervert *cough* But for those who have watched the anime series in its entirety, he will still have much of the loveable qualities that make him who he is. The cover image for this story is owned by Autlaw and is from his DeviantArt page. I don't own High School DxD or anything from it, only my own character(s) and my musing. Now, enough of me ranting and lecturing on with the story!

[speech] = Ddraig speaking out loud

{speech} = ? talking out loud

{speech} = ? talking to Kira

'thought' = talking Kira/Issei to ?/Ddraig

Chapter 1: Summer's End

Today is the last day of summer break for those that are still confined within the school system. This fact makes no difference to me personally per say as I'm not in that position. The reason is I, Kira Hyato have already completed my time in the school system that my homeland of Japan and other places require a person to complete for one's education already. It's one of the perks of being considered an adult… Well a young adult of 21 that is but still an adult speaking by age. Nevertheless, for my cousin, Issei Hyoudou who has recently turned 15; it means that he heads back home to Japan and his parents in preparation to start school next week. He does get to start his second year in high school. His previous year was in a mixed school where members of different species went; so everyone was a part of the supernatural, meaning Issei wasn't all that different from those around him. Back to my point, starting back to high school is nice and everything, yet summer is just a special time for the both of us.

"This summer has been the best one so far Kira."

I chuckled as I smiled back at him. We may be cousins, and we do bear some resemblance, though we see each other much more like brothers. Where Issei looks like his father or my uncle, I more look like my father. For those who know Issei, if they meet me they mistake me for being Issei quite often. There are differences between the two of us though; they're just subtle ones. Still where Issei has light brown hair; I have more tan shade hair that has the same feel as silk. My hair is longer slightly than Issei and was in a pony tail that goes down to my shoulder blades as is my normal custom hair style. I have grey eyes like my father did and Issei has light brown, still most don't seem to notice the different colors. I'm an inch and a half taller than Issei, yet again most seem to miss the height difference and still mistake me for Issei on occasion. The close resemblance is due to genetics, with Issei's father, who's my uncle looking a good amount like my mother had when she was still alive… Well the fact of the matter was Issei and I have been more brothers than cousins.
Even his parents treat me as if I were their own son. It is comforting in a way as my own parents died when I was really young, like five or six. I mean, I met Issei when we were younger before the training, but that's when I lived in Kyoto with my parents when they were alive. Issei had been just a baby back then, so he didn't know what my parents had been like. I have so few memories of them, yet what I do have are good ones. Still, with my aunt and uncle, it is nice to know I always have a place to stay should I need one.

"Yes I would agree Issei, very fruitful training. This summer has been a blast; I know I had great fun while doing all the stuff we have! Might have gone overboard at times with our sparring matches, but that's okay! That's the reason I'm glad I have the acers of space to work with."

Issei and I had been training in martial arts among other things and so would spar together for 9 years now. It would normally take place during the summer holiday. Issei's parents who were technically my aunt and uncle would let Issei come spend the summer in America, specifically on the western side of the country in Colorado for the last 5 years. My place isn't in the middle of a big city; nope, it is out in the wide open countryside, which works out for me.

I will admit the realtor wasn't very convinced that I, a 15-year-old at the time; could take care of a house, especially one of this size! I mean I have no idea why anyone had built a house like this in the middle of nowhere, but I won't complain for the peace and quiet it has because of this fact! With my situation… let's just say that I don't want to be in a populated area… would draw too much attention to myself.

The house itself was 2 stories and had a grand total of 11109 sq. feet. The house had 5 bedrooms including the master bedroom which I used for myself; 5 bathrooms that does include the master bathroom. 3 of the bathrooms are upstairs; pretty much one for each bedroom on the second floor. The bathroom that wasn't the master bath was next to the guest bedroom of the southern side of the house. Let me start from the front door and give you a bit of an idea what my place is like.

So, around the front door, and that faces in an eastern direction; there were two modest verandas, on either sides of the entry porch. The northern veranda spanned from the porch the north two car garage and the southern veranda was just below 14 feet in length and left a small space to the other two car garage that was on the south side of the place. Just inside the front double door is a small foyer that was open to the second floor of the house. Ahead of the foyer, was the living room area that is 18'8" north to south by 20'8" west to east and is where I tend to host guest and talk with them. The living room area, like the foyer was open on the second floor and so, the center area that the foyer and living room occupied was an open area on both the first and second floor; the only part that wasn't was the walkway that connected the two section of the second floor living spaces.

Back to the center of the first floor, there is a dining area to the south of the foyer, which made half the wall of the dining area, the porch made up the other half. The dining area was 15'8" in length east to west and 13'8" north to south. I didn't use the dining area every day, it was more for when I was trying to impress a client or something around those lines. To the north of the foyer, was the stairway up to the second floor and in an alcove beyond that was the elevator this place had… don't know what the one who had this built put in an elevator, but I haven't had a reason to do anything about it.

Now then, the northern part of the house was where I tended to spend a good portion of my time as it is where my living space and work space is. There was of course, the master Suite, in essence my bedroom; it was in sort of an octagon shape though stretched out along the southeastern and northwestern direction. The room measured 19'4" by 19 feet even overall. My bedroom is located on the northwestern end of the house. A fair sized window was set in the southwestern wall so that I can have some sun light in the room. The master suite is connected to a sitting room which was the most northwestern room in the house on the first floor. That sitting area is a twelve-foot cube; the western and southern walls had two thirds of two being glass walls and the rest being wonderfully insulated walls like the other walls in this room. The door that leads to my bedroom was set in the eastern wall and was a double door made of sturdy European wood.

The door on the southeast wall of my bedroom, led out to the central hub of the northern area of the house. That hub provides access to the master suite, the master bath to the northeast and my work space to the south and the rest of the house from there. The thing I would note, whoever planned and built this house, had a thing for ornate double doors; most of the doors in this place would be considered ornate and were double doors.

Anyway on to the master bath, this room and the rooms that connect to it, take up the northeastern section of the house… and for good reason. The bathroom was slightly larger than the master suite, meaning it's huge! Oh does it come with some really neat stuff… more so after I got it remodeled to what I wanted. Let me start with the custom built, it's the size of a small pool, yet is still a bath that I personally wanted as it's based on the Japanese style bath! The bath is in the center of the bathroom, behind that, in the northeastern end of the room was a walking shower room that is made for multiple people… though it's just me that uses it right now. There is counters and sinks on the north wall and east wall… obvious this room is made for a married couple in mind. The two walk-in closet only proved the point, but I see that as perhaps future plans…

My work space, the other piece that makes up the northern section of the house that's mine was south of my bedroom. The study was 13'10" north to south and 14 feet west to east; the room was shaped basically as an octagon. The west wall had a set of double doors that led outside to the patio and could also let in fresh air that was, oh so helpful, on frustrating days. My desk faced southward where there was a comfortable chair for clients when I have them come here. Outside the eastern wall's double doors, was the southern section of the central hub of the north, which led to the living room and front area.

On to the southern end of the place! There was a slightly raised area south of the foyer and living room that lead to the southern part of the house through two doors, one on the southwestern direction and one that led south directly. The southwestern door led into the space that was made up of three rooms that weren't full separated from one another. Those rooms were the family room or den… whatever one wishes to call it, the kitchen and a small space that can be considered a dinette. The den, was 23 feet by 23 feet in size and had an array of comfortable furniture that were meant for relaxation. The den was on the southwest backside of the house and then the kitchen in this place is in front of the den, was 15'8" east to west by 18'8" north to south to give the idea of the size. Over the years, I have equipped it with some of the nicest appliances, even some that you can't get on the open market… had to pull a few favors to get some of the stuff, but well worth it! The dinette is an alcove on the north end of the den and I rarely use it as I have no interest in taking the relationships I have with ladies further at this time.

I could go into more detail about this wonderful home that I have, but I'll leave that for a later time. Overall I have to say, this house has an amazing view; you could never get in the city! … Well, let's just say that it wasn't cheap to purchase this wonderful place I call home. As an added bonus; there is also a large space behind the house that Issei and I use for our sparring. In other words, it is a sweet house! It fits my needs and wants better than I could have imagined when I first found out about it.

Back to the realtor, he had refused for a while, but I REALLY took a serious liking to the house and wasn't willing to take no as the final answer! So, when I showed him I had the assets to buy the house from him right then and there, he relented. All I'll say on that, back at that time, what I was doing for a job, paid me WELL and leave it at that for the moment. All this means, is Issei and I have a lot of space to work with when we have our sparring matches without having to worry about destruction whether it is collateral or otherwise as this is my property now!

[You weren't the only one who had fun!]

I glanced at Issei's left hand which had a green glowing orb on the top of his hand. Always, I need to remind myself that Ddraig has an… odd sense of humor and fun… one that irks me at times! Not to say that I can't deal with it; just that said sense is grating on my nerves and tends to get him into trouble with… well, the one who he gets in trouble with is sleeping for now, luckily for him. If Ddraig shuts up for a little while, then he may for the first time, make it the whole summer break without being seriously 'disciplined'! That would be a miracle to see from my perspective! I chose to be nice and ignore him so I didn't reply to Ddraig's comment, but just smiled back at Issei.

"Just think about Issei, you're going to be in a new High School this year, with normal people along with it. Granted, I hear that this one that was a girls' academy and is coed now, but that's okay. I don't doubt you'll be able to… uh… adapt and handle the… girls as well as your… condition they set off. You'll have wonderful opportunities to learn with your human peers. A chance at a quiet, normal life. A great opportunity for you indeed!"

I notice that Issei shivered a little at the mention of the girls at his school. This caused a wave of guilt to wash over me… Once again, I regret what I did to him… I firmly believe it was needed for his continual well-being, but I think I might have gone a little too far… with the idea. I would have given a few examples of the opportunities I could see ahead of him. However, Ddraig decided to put in his two cents… and well, that rarely goes well.

[Attending school that just became coed… the ratio of girls to guys with it being mostly girls… OH YEAH!]

Oh for the love of! … I should have known better than to expect, let alone hope for him to keep quiet! Not when the subject involves girls, women and females; it would have him thinking on the dirtier side of things with him being the complete and utter open pervert that he is! I mean, I understand that Ddraig is a pervert and is completely and utterly open about it, and is proud of it… when he should be mortally ashamed of it! Still, does he have to broadcast his terrible interest and horrible habits so loud?! I took a deep calming breath before I replied to Ddraig.

"Hey Ddraig, why don't you say that again? I don't think the homestead 50 miles away heard how much of an openly sick perv you are!"

Ddraig didn't seem to hear my insult though I shouted it at him, as he kept going on! And that was much to Issei's embarrassment and my temporarily contained fury with the scenarios that Ddraig was depicting!

I have always worried about these two working together. I have known for a while that there would come a point when Ddraig's interest and his… addiction would become too much of a problem. I just didn't think that the time was drawing close so fast! Yet, Issei with Ddraig as his partner had proven to be an amazing team. The problem comes in with their differing personalities. It is that difference and… Ddraig's addiction that forced me to condition Issei like I did. It was as Ddraig kept going on that 2 faintly glowing orbs appeared, one on the top of each of my hands and I began to hear a familiar voice in my head.

{(groan)… Grrrr!}

Dearie me, HE doesn't sound happy at all! … Ddraig you just had to go so far that you wake him up and tick him off didn't you?! For the first time in nine years, you ALMOST got through an entire summer training session without ticking him off! I was beginning to seriously think you could have done it… alas… it's not to be! Ddraig was still ranting about the things Issei should do to the girls he would meet at school… and doing so with gusto. I swear… even mention girls and Ddraig could manage to somehow get a conversation to be perverted; talk about having his mind in the gutter. I couldn't miss the cherry red blush that was on Issei's face by now. Yet the voice in my mind continued and brought me back to my dilemma.

{GRRRRAAWWW! WHEN did Ddraig stoop to THIS NEW LOW; to have become so perverted?! He wasn't like this when he was younger! How could he become so sick and go so wrong?! Neither I, nor she let him around anything that could have developed his addiction which made him into this kind of a pervert! I AM SO ASHAMED OF DDRAIG! Even Albion's interest in butts and rears… as low as it is… is better than THIS even if it is only slightly! At least he doesn't announce his addiction openly! Why do I have to have two perverted addicts for offspring?! GRAW!}

Oh my, this is just painful to listen to. Well time to comfort then.

'Now, now, you can't blame yourself dear friend. Even the best of us don't succeed at everything. Some mistakes just are… better at making sure we don't forget them than others are. This perverted addict and I wouldn't doubt his twin brother, are just better at being testaments of the height of failure in their choices… I'm not helping am I?'

In answer I heard the continuing groan and roars at my attempt to console my friend. My friend's name is Bahamut; and he is a dragon in actuality. His body no longer exists anymore. It isn't a story I ask for him to tell. Bahamut's and I are stuck together much like Issei and Ddraig are; just for… reasons very hard to explain for both of us.

Bahamut is what is known as an ethereal dragon and the only ever to exist according to him. His existence is thought to be a myth even among dragon kind by what I have understood from the FEW non-perverted talks I have had with Ddraig. The one or two obscure myths outside draconic race consider Bahamut more a god or deity that has the form of a dragon, and hadn't in actuality been nor is a dragon. As the stories go; he is thought to have created the first dragon, so is called "The Lord and Father of dragons" as a race. With his power of and over ethereal energy, the energy thought to have been used in the making of the universe; he is unrivaled and unequaled to a near absolute. However, as he was a dragon, he still at one time had physical desires; as dragons judge one another by their power, kind of hard to compare to Bahamut. The one exception to Bahamut when it comes to power, the one who can be seen as an equal to him, is Valara the void dragoness. As it is with dragons, they're attracted to those with equal or more power. So Bahamut took Valara as his mate.

Back to the reason he has such a problem with the way Ddraig is acting; Ddraig is Bahamut's direct biological offspring! I was shocked when I learned that bit of information. I have heard the phrase, 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree', but Ddraig certainly makes me question that phrases implications! Granted, Bahamut may be called the "Father of Dragons" and in a way he is, still it is more of a title. Yet, Bahamut has only three biological offspring; Ddraig is one, and his twin brother Albion is another. According to what information I have learned, both of them are hard perverted addicts; just for slightly different things being their target of interest. The third offspring is… one that Bahamut hasn't really talked about. His reason as to why he doesn't, became clear when I met the third child… I still have nightmares about meeting that one! I may not like Ddraig much due to his nature and haven't met his brother so can't say anything with him; but their other sibling is freaking crazy and terrifyingly psychotic! I will leave it at that! The point of the matter is that Bahamut is the male sire of Ddraig and Albion by what I understand. … As a parent, for him to have to listen to his kid show how much a pervert he has become, very likely through his addiction… Then to the extent that Ddraig is a pervert… is really hard, torture even!

[Just think about it Issei, this is your chance to get laid!]

'…'

{…}

'… Ddraig! That's going too far! HE HAS CROSSED THE LINE!'

{Indeed, that statement crosses the line, no more staying silent!}

'I couldn't agree more Bahamut!'

"DDRAIG!"

Issei glanced over at me and flinched. Normally, I'm a nice and considerate person to most people. I am tolerant of many things… to a point! However, when I am pushed, be prepared to take my wrath. My full wrath may sound like nothing to worry about when I talk about it. Yet my full wrath is an unstoppable force! The last time it was felt, parts of the Underworld were decimated!

You see, 2 devils from what the devil's call the "old Maou faction" came thinking they could use me and the power I had in me. They started by trying to talk me into helping them at first. They had ended up kidnapping a friend of mine who wasn't involved in the supernatural world. … The 2 devils tortured her to death…

-Flashback-

I was being held down by at least 10 devils and more of them were ready to take their place should I break free. In total there were probably around 30 devils there. I gazed in horror at the sight of my friend Sora Oharra screaming in pain as she was being tortured by the devils that had come to get me to work for them. She was in tears from the pain. They at first had pinned me down and tried to push something that looked like a kind of chess piece into my chest, but the piece would not go. They went as far as pushing multiple 'chess pieces' into me; they ended up trying putting 15 pieces into my chest and failed. The chess pieces had changed from the color red that they started as to a milky white. The 2 devils became frustrated by this failure and so had resorted to torturing my friend, which they had kidnapped to force me to obey. I kept struggling against those who were holding me down.

"SORA!"

I managed to free my right arm somehow and I stretched it out in a foolish attempt to grab my friend's hand. Tears were streaming down my face that was contorting with desperation as I tried to get free and save my friend. My horror grew quickly as I saw blood flowing out of her. Sora turned to me and I saw her tears had turned into tears of blood. She had stopped screaming and looked at me with sad acceptance.

"Was this my fate? Was I born to die at the hands of devils?"

After Sora had spoken this barely above a whisper, her eyes glazed over. She went limp; falling into the embrace of death. It felt unreal to me, for Sora, my first non-supernatural friend was dead and gone from this world. There was a deep aching pain that came to my heart with having to see Sora die and it wouldn't go away. It took a full minute to process what had just occurred. It was the voice of one of the devils who was leading this group that brought me back to reality.

"The girl has broken. What next? The power the boy has in him is unlike any other. We need it!"

The pain that clawed at my heart with the realization that one of the very few friends I had was now gone forever sunk in. Rage quickly fueled my pain of losing Sora, much like others before now to devils into blinding fury listening to the devils talk about her like she was nothing more than an object. They wanted me for power I had; they killed Sora just for their greed! If only I could use whatever power, they keep mentioning I would shove the power down their throats and make them choke on it! Even in my rage I heard a voice in my mind.

{That's how devils tend to be like young one. They care nothing about anything other than themselves. They see humans as animals or less, usually less. I'm sorry about your friend…}

I hadn't ever heard this voice before. Heck, I don't know whether I was really hearing it or if I was just going crazy. …Well, what do I have to lose?

'Who are you?'

{So, you have finally become able to hear me?! Very interesting; tell me, do you wish to avenge your friend?}

'Yes, I do!'

{Excellent! What are you willing to give me to make that possible?}

What am I willing to give in order to make the ones who had killed my friend pay?

'My life.'

Everything I had and whatever I could after that!

{…?!}

'There a problem with that offer?!'

{No, just unexpected, much different than the other host I have had. I like the offer, it's a deal! Now listen to me and repeat this phrase; Ethereal Gear! Eternal Horizon!}

I felt new found strength course through me. The pain and rage becoming my strength that overcame those who restrained me. Energy exploded around me throwing off those restraining me. I got to my feet and shouted to the night skies.

"ETHEREAL GEAR! ETERNAL HORIZON!"

{Ethereal Dragon! Balance Breaker!}

Seconds after I had shouted the phrase, white gauntlets appeared on my fore arms. The gauntlets on my left and right arms were unlike any I had seen before. The gauntlets' finger coverings were like claws or talons. Two third circular metal armor plate set over my palms that covered them completely along with an extra inch around the palm and fingers. In the middle of the plate over my hands, were a large sky blue gem on each hand, which was a little smaller than my palms. The gauntlets spanned out over my arms and were made of three more interconnecting scale like sections that followed the armor on my hands. Each scale section, had the shape of an arrow or more like dragon scales. Two side plates and a short gold colored blades attached to the armor at my wrist and extended out at 15 degree angles outward from where they were attached. On the fourth scale plate of the gauntlets, there was another large gem set in the center of the section of armor plate and it was also sky blue. At the elbow, which was armored with the same type of metal that the gauntlets were made with, still allowed my elbow to move freely. At my elbow from under it actually, was a wider blade than the ones at the wrist; extended out and was a foot long.

Once the gauntlets appeared, the same kind of scale like armor plating began to appear, seemingly coming from the gauntlet and armoring up to my shoulders. At the shoulders some kind small shields came into existence, about foot long in height and a four inches wide. These shields were a part of the shoulder pads of the armor by connecting on the front and the back of the shoulder armor. Light surrounded my legs and armor made of the same white scale like plating was forming on my legs. There were claw like talons on the foot section. From my ankles interlocking scale plates went up to my knees. There was a diamond piece over my kneecaps and then more interlocking scale plates up to right below my pelvis. The two oval armor plate set on my hips covered my upper thighs.

Next was about three inches of black material of unknown kind between the belt at my hips and the next section of armor at my waist. The biggest gem I have ever seen appear in a flash on the center of my chest right over my heart; and armor began to show up around the gem and the gem like the others was sky blue. The gem was, I would guess at least six inches in diameter. Three circular plates set themselves around the gem with one at the bottom and two on the upper sides, still leaving the gem partially visible. White armor encased me over the majority of the rest of my body, except around my shoulder joints and leg joints.

The two interesting things to note in all of this armor coming out of nowhere and covering me, were the helm of this armor and the part on my back. The helm had a lower draconic like jaw with three razor teeth on either side. There were aqua green eyes in place and I could clearly see through them from inside the helm. From the where my ears were horns or spikes, which were a foot and a half in length. The helm was white like the rest of the armor and fit snuggly on my head. The other unusual parts to this armor were the 'wings'. Metal bone like protrusions from just below the inside of my shoulder blades; when they were stretched out they appeared like the wing bones of a bird or another winged creature. Yet, instead of feathers or leather webbing, blue white energy flowing out from the metal giving the appearance of full wings.

During the process of the armor covering my body, I had been standing ramrod straight. After the process of the armoring was done, I shifted into a slightly hunched position and I glared at the devils with rage and hatred; whereas they were now staring at me in shock and terror. I reared up to my full height and let out an ear rending howl into the night; a howl of pain… of fury and rage… a howl that demanded that vengeance be obtained no matter what!

I rushed forward, the leader of these devils never had the time to react before my right hand went through his chest. He fell to the ground, red liquid flowing out of the hole I made in him. The other devils became scared at seeing what I did to one of them, but I was too enraged to care what these devils thought. They would pay for what they did to Sora and they would pay for what the devils before had done to destroy my life!

Well long story short I massacred the 30 or so devils there. Still that didn't calm my rage and fury. I had little if any control over this new found power and blind from the pain that racked me and the rage I felt. I went down to the underworld and killed as many of the members of this "Old Maou faction" I could find before I was able to stop. It was the first time I had met Bahamut and even used my balance breaker. Nonetheless, I killed hundreds at the very least with it because I couldn't control it at the time. I had gained enough control to stop and leave the underworld, but by that time most of the "Old Maou faction" was dead or had fled.

-Flashback end-

Hence my wrath is bad when unleased! It is also why devils call me the 'white monster' when I use my balance breaker. Thankfully they have no idea that the 'white monster' is a human with gear that has a dragon's soul in it. I haven't used it since then; I haven't seen a reason to do so. Still in this Ddraig had gone too far! Should he keep going; so help me I would use my balance breaker and rip him a new one!

{DDRAIG!}

Ddraig had gone quiet at the bellow from Bahamut. Ddraig is afraid of Bahamut to a degree; because he knows, but isn't willing to admit that Bahamut can easily own him in a fight! Or you could also say that 'daddy can whip Jr. real good'! Issei covered his ears so that he wouldn't hear the impending tirade that Bahamut and I were going to give Ddraig. And deliver we certainly did!

"Ddraig, first and fore most what Issei does during school time is NO concern of yours!"

{Nor are you to manipulate or coheres him into ANY of your PERVERTED WAYS!}

"Lest you forget, if not for your addiction that led to your perverseness, Issei wouldn't be as traumatized as he is, You Dang Boob Addict!"

Yes, Ddraig is without question an absolute addict of boobs, breasts, and any other term you want to use for the idea! It's so horrible to be around such an addict as Ddraig is!

[Don't blame me for the things you did to him! If not for you he would have a girlfriend by now!]

… Well I can't… exactly deny that I'm the one who technically did traumatize Issei, but it was to prevent him from becoming a boob addict type of pervert and all other types of perverts as well! I had to do it for Issei as much as myself, Bahamut and the rest of the world! One absolute boob addict pervert is more than enough, especially as this is Ddraig we're talking about! No need to have two of those kind of perverts together with so much free time in the near future! I shudder at the thought of how Issei could have turned out if I hadn't intervened! There would have been no hope for the boy! I did what I did for his own good as much as Bahamut's and mine own peace of mind! Thankfully Bahamut came to my defense with logic and reason.

{Ddraig, you have forgotten that your addiction and perversions were the reasons those acts were necessary!}

I cleared my throat to get their attention.

"Now… Boys, if you can't settle this by talking it over out here; I always do have the 'other' space ready and available for settling differences of opinions in a more direct way."

[{GOOD! WE SETTLE THIS THERE!}]

I dug around in the bag I had with me and after a minute pulled out a green conical shaped crystal that was 10 inches long and 4 inches wide at the base. I put the flat side down and tapped my right hand to the crystal. Issei who had apparently seen me get the crystal out did the same with his left hand. The crystal began to glow a yellow-green.

"Hey Kira; I have always kind of wondered since I first saw you pull out that crystal, where did you actually get that?"

I looked over at Issei.

"Oh well… It's an interesting and long story, but I would rather not get into it right now as the circumstances that were present when this object came into my possession weren't… the best ones to bring up. I'll say this crystal has been very handy since I have gotten it. You would be amazed what you can use a separate pocket dimension for!"

"I don't want to know what you have done with it."

"It's not what I have done with it that is the issue, rather more what those I have lent this baby to that I wouldn't like to talk about. It's probably better that you don't know what I have cleaned out after letting one of the few I let borrow this. … I wish I had never asked how the place got to the state I found it in for some!"

"… Just stop! I really don't want to know now!"

I laughed nervously.

"Anyways Issei, since those two will very likely be a while at settling their differences; Serras is here, why not go have a talk with her?"

Issei looked at me with a strained look. Not that I don't why Issei feels strain, Serras is… eccentric to put it nicely. But, I can't deny that Serras's ability to be able to tell people's fortunes, is just amazing and uncanny.

"You mean get a reading?"

"Come on Issei. Why not?! Her readings are usually pretty handy and give you a little heads up. Besides, Serras's readings are usually not… that bad!"

I say that tentatively, the reading that Serras did for me when we first met… wasn't the prettiest… well, I have seen a few of the things she said have come to past and they weren't nice at all. Seeing Issei frowned slightly at my suggestion.

"I don't know. Serras is… weird."

"The correct term is eccentric and… that's how Serras is. Trust me, I have known her for longer than you, she's just how she is. With the length of time she has been around, which I wouldn't recommend asking her about; I would be amazed if you weren't a tad weird and a good deal eccentric. I have learned to just accept that, though I hear she used to be worse and that's something I wouldn't like to know or see. I admit though, her… skills of tarot card reading is as amazingly accurate as it is freakily uncanny. Still you'd be surprised how often she is right and it does help to know what could be ahead right?"

Issei seemed to considered my point, before sighing.

"Well… okay."

I snickered after my cousin had answered, remembering the previous conundrum that we had faced.

"Besides… we already know the results of the dispute in there; Bahamut will win the fight!"

"Doesn't he always?!"

I laughed at Issei's answer to my statement.

-Scene change-

Issei and I entered the house through the mudroom and then into the den. From there we headed upstairs, and to the forward bedroom on the south end of the second floor. The second Issei and I entered the room I used for a second office for the times I'm really busy; we focused on the small girl in the middle. The 'girl's' name was Serras; her appearance was that of a little girl of 8 or 9 years old. She has long chalk white hair and was thin overall. She was wearing her normal Japanese shrine priestess outfit that she favors so much. It had a white top that's called a haori and the skirt otherwise known as a hakama that was a deep red. You wouldn't expect much from someone who looked like this, but her appearance is an illusion. She isn't a little girl as she appears. She is known to be one of the best tricksters of all; so you can never go by appearance with her. She has had a long time to learn how to effectively trick others!

The first fact and most important thing about Serras, was she wasn't human but an Yōkai, one of the supernatural creatures you read about in Japanese folklore. Though her appearance wouldn't suggest it; she may look young, yet she is thousands of years old… I really can't say for sure how many thousands but the amount isn't small I think. Why she likes to come around my place as often as she does, I couldn't begin to guess? I, myself may attract her as I am the host for a dragon soul and Bahamut's soul no less and with his power… well, I attract some 'interesting' people to say the least! When you combine that with Issei… we draw some really unusual creatures to us and some of them are the ones you are sure would be nothing but myths! I cleared my throat to get her attention.

"Hello Serras, Issei here was hoping that you could do a tarot reading before he leaves for Japan."

Serras looked over to Issei and smiled.

"Is that so? But of course I can… kue kue kue. I always can make time for the host of a dragon. Please have a seat."

We moved forward and sat down on the floor in front of the low table that Serras was sitting at. As we sat down, she brought out her deck of tarot cards from somewhere from within her white haori… wouldn't ask how she managed to store the cards like that and she began to shuffle them. For tarot card reading that Serras does most of the time, she uses a deck that has only the 22 major arcana that tarot decks have. A normal deck of tarot cards would be made up of 78 cards, the 22 major arcana and the 56 minor; the arcana is the theme of the cards… it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. However, I have observed Serras do card reading enough to know there is something to this idea.

After thoroughly shuffling the deck, she started drawing cards placing them out in specific positions. The first card was in the center of the table placed vertically and then the second card was put on top of the first card horizontally. The third card, Serras placed to the right of the first two, then below the first two cards went the fourth card. The fifth one went on the opposite side, so above the first two cards. The sixth card was place opposite of the third card; the placement of the four cards after the first two formed a diamond shape around the first two cards. Serras then drew 4 additional cards and arranged them in a column on the right side of the other cards she already placed. The four cards place from closest to Serras and then placed one above the previous one placed. There were 10 cards in total on the table, all of them face down.

I don't understand the significance of this set up, but then I don't know much about tarot card reading. The setup is apparently called the 'Celtic cross' and is supposedly set like they are for a broader reading of the future. For myself, I agree with those that are skeptical about such ideas as fortune telling and card reading that started in olden times. It all seems like voodoo and hocus pocus to me. Nonetheless, even with that in mind; all that changed when I met Serras! I still remembered the first card reading that I got from her. I don't exactly remember how she convinced me to get one, I think it was Sora who got me to do it, but I don't know anymore. Anyways, I started believing that there was more to Serras's card reading a couple of days after her reading; when the first event she had mentioned would happen did. The chain of events had ultimately ended with… Sora's death, yet it had shown me to take what Serras says in these readings seriously! You will regret it if you don't as I had come to experience!

Serras began the reading with flipping the card that was on the bottom of the two cards in the center and placed it for us to see. The card that was now facing up was one that had an angel with red wings standing over water and in front of a green backdrop. The angel was holding chalices in both hands and the left hand was pouring water to the chalice in the right hand. The card appeared to be upright facing Serras. By what I have learned, the way the card faces make a difference according to Serras.

"Yes, that would make sense to see the 'Temperance' card. You're balanced and have learned patience at this point ; it will no doubt serve you in the future."

Issei nodded nervously at hearing this. I know that this is serious business for those of us who know Serras, but Issei needs to relax before he gives himself a heart attack from the worry he is feeling! He didn't have much time to worry as Serras then turned over a second card that had been on top of where the first one had been set. Serras took up the next card and quickly grimaced. That wasn't comforting for me to see. Hello trouble, why did you have to come and visit?! You're not wanted here!

"… Interesting and somewhat troubling."

The feeling in my stomach increased slightly at hearing Serras. I glanced at the card and my worry increased. On the card had a picture of a tower, which was on fire and being struck by lightning. There were two people falling from the tower. I had sat in on some of Serras's previous tarot card reading before and I had seen that particular card before. It didn't go well when that card appeared; it normally meant disaster in some shape or form was coming. Serras had placed the card face right side up as it was facing her.

"'The Tower' card, in the upright position. Upheaval and change is coming to you Issei soon, yet it to what kind of outcome will come from that upheaval, I can't tell at this point."

Dearie me… only two cards in and already one card okay and one not okay card. However, I have my reservations until all the cards are facing up; we're only 2 cards in out of 10! There were 10 cards in total to be read, a lot can change in 8 cards. It only takes one card to swing from having a good reading to having problems to worry about! Serras flipped over the card on her right of the diamond; the card had the picture of a man dressed in clothes that a jester would likely wear and the man was standing on a cliff with water under it.

"My… there is a card I wasn't expecting with either of you, at least not towards the beginning of this reading! "The Fool" card; one that for you denotes your innocence that you have come from in your past. You have indeed have come a long way from where you once were and yet will have many different paths ahead of you. There are changes in the future for you Issei that is clear; can't say if it is the near future, but preparation would be wise, kue kue kue."

I was getting a little worried for Issei myself now and for his future. He is technically my cousin, but he is much more like a brother to me and so I do worry about him and his well-being. This reading, it could go either way; good or bad! Granted I have no clue how this 'reading' actually works. But I have seen Serras do it enough of these readings that I know what she says after looking at these cards; she was rarely wrong with these readings! The things she says may not be specific, but the ideas she implies in the general sense are rarely wrong!

That doesn't really change much in this; already knew that I was guiding Issei on a path that went away from innocence to things that are anything but innocent. With being bonded to Ddraig, Issei will be forced to do things he may not like doing, but I have had the same problem with Bahamut. Serras went to the card at the bottom of the diamond and turned it over. The card had a man in robes, standing behind a table. The guy had a rod in hand and a symbol above his head that was the sign for infinity.

"Ah yes, that's what I would expect for you Issei. 'The Magician' card, you have gained power and skill and so become resourceful… I would say that will be helpful in your future."

Okay, I haven't really made up my mind on how I feel about this reading thus far; there are so many things that can tip things for Issei to either go fine or go badly. Kind of wonder if Serras can be anymore vague on this?! The next card was the one at the top of the diamond, which Serras turned over. When the card was overturned, there came a sight that I was shocked and baffled by, and Serras was just as baffled. I had seen the card that had just been revealed. It had 2 people, a man and a woman standing next to one another. There was an angel on a cloud with its wings outstretched. The 2 people were holding hands.

"Oh, my my, now this is the last thing I had expected for you Issei! Kue kue kue. "The Lovers" card in the upright position no less! It would appear you may very well have romance in your future Issei! Lucky you kue kue kue."

I looked over to Issei and the said teen was blushing visibly! I was dumbfounded; I had gone to great lengths to make sure Issei wouldn't become a pervert or an addict like Ddraig was… Okay, I have gone too far in the methods to obtain the said results, but with the dragon he has as a partner… I had no choice! For the sanity of myself and Bahamut as well for the protection of females in general, it had to be done! Unfortunately, such actions had pretty much doomed Issei to have problems around women for a LONG while… or so I had thought! Yet, for him to have love in the future, he had a lot of growing up to do for that to be the case!

Serras went to the card on her left side of the diamond and flipped it over, revealing the picture. The card had four bird like creatures, one in each corner of the picture; all four creatures were surrounded by clouds. In the middle of the picture was two circles that made a wheel that had lines that looked like a compass. Along the bottom right of the circle was a dragon appearing to be holding the wheel; on top was a blue sphinx sitting on the wheel. The card was upright facing Serras.

"Hmm, the 'Wheel of Fortune' card, in the upright position… interesting. A turning point is coming very soon for you Issei… it will be up to you whether it is a good turn or not. Although, I would say that it has potential to be a good destiny for you."

Great, vaguer inference in this reading! Serras was now to the column of 4 cards. The bottom is what she turned over. The card had a picture of a king in a throne; the king had red robes and a sword in his right hand. Said card was facing upright to Serras.

"Indeed, the 'Justice' card, that really does fit you Issei. You have morals of truth and justice. Hold on to those and those who share those view will gather to you doubtless."

Next in the column, the card above and the eighth in this reading was flipped. The picture was that of a black sky background with an orange sun like orb at the top with a crescent moon shaped face in the orb. There were three creatures that I couldn't identify at the bottom of the picture. Serras nodded in understanding she had that we didn't.

"Oh my, be on your guard Issei; there will be those that will cross your path that will try to deceive you. Be watchful and vigilant."

… That wasn't what I want to hear at all! Yes, I know that there will be those who would like to use Issei and the power for their own desires. The second to last card in this reading is up next; so far this reading could go either way by this point. Serras flipped it over. The card had people standing up with their arms out in the motion of shouting. Above them was an angel with a trumpet with a white flag that had a red cross on it. It was facing right side up to Serras.

"The 'Judgement' card, a fitting one for you Issei. Your closely head absolution is of great value and you should keep it with you and not let others dissuade you otherwise."

The overall reading is got me really worried! Still it wasn't all bad, but Issei's future was going to be anything but dull. That was a given as he was the current generation's Red Dragon Emperor. I know wishing for him to have a peaceful life was useless for me to do, but I still had hoped he would have some peace to enjoy. All that's left is one card and as I recall, the last card is the one that indicates the final outcome. Serras drew the card up and looked at the final card and I couldn't read her expression. She places the card down and it had a picture of the earth with a tree on top that had its roots that surrounds the earth. She smiled at seeing the card.

"Well that is what I had hoped for, yet wasn't exactly sure it would be. "The World" card can be a good omen or bad I really can't tell. The end, whatever it will be to this will be big… huge no question about that."

Issei groaned miserably at this. Well, this could have gone better… could have been much worse though. I patted his shoulder trying to console him.

"Well… you knew that the future would be an eventful one… now you know a little more as to how Issei."

Issei got up faintly smiled at me that was clearly forced and left the room. I sighed at Issei leaving before turning back to Serras.

"I'm more worried now about Issei than I was before."

"Kue kue kue, as he is your cousin I wouldn't doubt he'll be okay through it all. I have never done a reading like that one… other than your first one. Let us hope his goes better than yours has thus far, no? I feel that he will be involved in things of the same magnitudes as you are."

If Serras was saying that in the attempt to comfort me… then she failed.

"That's not what I wanted to hear for my cousin who is close as a brother to me. My life hasn't been the nicest or kindest. I want Issei to have a better life than I have had thus far."

I exhaled at that comment. Serras can really be unhelping in calming worries.

"But, if the Tamamo-no-Mae says so I don't know if I should believe it or not sometimes."

Serras spun around with rage on her face and growled at me.

"I TOLD YOU NEVER TO USE THAT OLD NAME THAT A CURSED GROUP OF HUMANS PUT TO ME!"

Serras had leapt to her feet and flames engulfed her body. Her appearance changed within the flames; she grew taller; to the height of a full grown woman. Her face elongated into a mussel that was much like a fox's. Multiple tails with golden fur began to thrash around behind her. Finally, her hair turned golden yellow color and her eyes were also gold and the pupils became slits. Her lips curled up showing sharp fangs. The flames that surrounded her became white and yellow in color as she glared at me. I waved my hands in a calming gesture.

"Fine, fine, I'm sorry; if you say so Serras. I still don't understand why you are so against being referred to that old name that translates to meaning 'the nine tailed fox'!"

Serras calmed down a little, yet didn't answer me right away.

"There are many ugly inferences to the old name. Pompous humans that were in power called me that name to incense fear against me."

There was a bit of an awkward silence. It was then I had an idea that may help Issei.

"Say Serras, are you going back to Japan anytime in the near future?"

She tilted her head at the question.

"I could, I have missed my ancestral home ever so much as of late. It has been centuries since I have been there last."

"Could you do so as a favor to me? I just don't want Issei to end out like me. I don't think he would take being hunted down for things you did as well as I have. Having a crap load of problematic circumstances to deal with is a real hassle."

"Circumstances huh?"

Sighing before giving Serras a look of sternness to say I wasn't going into detail.

"You try having the three biblical factions hunting you down like some kind of monster that they deem needs to die! It took me years to get them off my trail and leave me alone! For goodness sakes; devils still talk about what occurred when a group of devils made me lose it. They call me the 'white monster' because of that; though their version of the story portrays them as complete victims and not the instigators as they were. Now I have other creatures of myth and thing of the supernatural giving my grief on a regular basis!"

"And yet you control a good majority of the financial world, especially in the supernatural part of it. … Very well I will return to Japan and keep a watch on Issei."

"Thanks Serras, I would appreciate that."

-Same day, evening-

I made my way to the guest room that was on the first floor, which was the one that Issei would use during the summer. It was a simple room, sized 13 feet north to south and 16 feet east to west. Issei was gathering his things and putting them into his bag when I came to his room.

"You need any help packing Issei?"

Issei looked over at me and shook his head. I went over to and sat down at the desk that was in the room. Wouldn't doubt that Issei is shaken after what Serras told him during her card reading, but he shouldn't worry about it so much. Or else he might start going along the lines of making the reading a self-fulfilling prophecy and that is just not worth it!

"You know Issei, you shouldn't worry about what Serras says that much. Life happens regardless, so just don't worry yourself about the future too much."

"Easy for you to say."

I sighed at his answer. Does Issei think he is the only one that has troubles and problems? It's not like I live the easy life… no, I have more the opposite, as I tend to play the peace maker for groups that would rather kill each other then get along. Sure it isn't as bad as it once was, but that's due to the huge amount of effort I have put forth to get to where I am in the world of business and just in general.

"Actually no, that's not so easy for me to say Issei; in fact, I rarely can! Keep in mind, that I attract others like you do; usually just more so. Worrying does little, but make things harder Issei, trust me."

Issei was silent at my comment. I tried to think of a way to cheer him up, and then I had an idea.

"Well Issei, if you think your card reading Serras gave you was bad and worrisome; then you should have heard mine… actually you would have been far more scared if you got the one I did, still just saying."

Issei glanced over at me curiously.

"Oh, how bad could it be?"

I thought for a moment of what to tell him. To say my card reading I first got had been bad… would be a monumental understatement! Serras had inadvertently told me of upcoming events that led to Sora's death, and it was that which got me to understand that what Serras said during times like that were serious! And there was still a great deal more to come in my life… those details I won't be going into. Just going to state that I'll likely die of old age. I took on a serious tone and had a quiet voice.

"Overall, throughout my life; I'll have very few that will ever understand what I have gone through. Or how about being chased and hunted for the majority of my life due to the power I have with Bahamut… however long it will be. That is just to name a few things she told me, though not in the same words."

Issei was silent.

"A lesson I have learned; things can always be worse; some days that's harder to see than others. So Issei look, how about this? If you ever feel the need to talk about what happens to you or if Ddraig is dragging you down, as I have no doubt he will."

[Hey!]

"Oh Ddraig… Didn't know you were back; so how was your whipping from your daddy?

[…]

"That's what I thought, still you have been asking for that comment of dragging Issei down, Ddraig."

{Yes, you did! You're an embarrassment!}

'Ah Bahamut, have fun whipping Ddraig into shape dear friend?'

{More than you would think.}

"And your elders have spoken!"

Ddraig was silent and I felt satisfaction at that.

"Back to my offer Issei, if that's the case; then don't hesitate to give me a call and we'll talk. … Just realize that if you call me in the middle of the night… I'll grumble for being woken up at whatever uncivilized hour you call me; so that you have fair warning."

Issei stared at me with shock.

"But aren't you going to be busy with your business and everything?!"

I waved a hand in dismissal.

"I can make the time as needed Issei; everyone else that works with me understands that, and I can get most clients to work with my ever changing schedule. You forget, you're like a little brother to me and family comes first. Plus, it is the reason I have such an amazing secretary working for me; she is a wiz with scheduling among other things."

Issei's mood went up with the offer that I made for him. I have the feeling that I would be having many talks with my cousin in the future.

A/n

That is the first chapter. On the Tarot card reading I did further research on that subject, though I don't know if I am completely accurate, but I think I got it fairly close to accurate. If see a mistake on something just PM me and tell me. If you wish to comment or just simply want to say something about the story; take the time to review or pm me. I ask you to give this idea a chance. Chapter 2 is in the works and is more than halfway written. Please take the time to review!