Welcome to the new year everyone. First off, the good news regarding my stories… my year is going to be shorter since it is my last year, meaning an even longer break to write before finally becoming a doctor. I will admit, towards the end of last year I was horribly burnt out and it took a while before I could even get a decent rest from all the stress, but I'm recharged and ready to go. How ready you ask? I've already got four more updates on my pat reon for two stories. Better yet, I still have a week now before I go back, so hopefully, I can get up a few more before that. Thank you for your patience and support and I look forward to your continued patience and support. Enjoy! Previously:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Issei, Erza and Moka were led by Umimaru into the familiar forest, where they encountered a shark-man, a rival of Umimaru, who fought with Moka. Upon the shark-man's suggestion, Umimaru led the trio to the den of Tiamat, who was not happy to see them, specifically Ddraig.
Inside Issei's mind, Leviathan approached Raynare again, who had become subdued following an interaction with another being from another dimension, before the original figure they met with appeared again and provided an explanation about Raynare's role and their interest in Leviathan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 9 – Snakes and Dragons
'So Ddraig… are we going to die here?' Asked Issei quietly, as he stared down the blue dragon.
'There is a very real possibility of it… but between the three of you and Umimaru, I think you could manage to at least subdue Tiamat enough to escape.' Said Ddraig, only for Umimaru to settle down on his abdomen, indicating he would not be helping.
'So was I wrong earlier Ddraig, have you in fact not grown a spine?' Reiterated Tiamat, almost sounding disappointed.
Ddraig didn't respond, causing the dragon to growl slightly, before sighing.
'A waste of my time once again, Ddraig. You would think after millennia you would return what you took from me. How annoying!' Grumbled the dragon, before turning away.'I think now would be a good time to make a tactical retreat.' Advised Erza.
'I agree; however, we were brought here for a reason and she does seem strong enough.' Said Moka, sparing a glancing for the lounging Umimaru.
'Well… she seems more annoyed than angry now… but I'm kind of nervous about trying anything when Leviathan isn't responding to me.' Admitted Issei.
'You know that you can't cower behind Leviathan forever.' Stated Moka bluntly.
'Well yeah, but I'm not strong enough for… that yet.' Said Issei, causing Tiamat to turn back to the group.
'Did you just call me "that"?' Asked Tiamat coldly.'Uh sorry Miss Dragon, I didn't mean to offend you!' Apologised Issei hurriedly.
'My name, as I am sure Ddraig has said, is Tiamat. Now unless you want to be burned to a crisp, leave now! I am in no mood for games, especially with Ddraig showing up again and souring my mood.' Warned Tiamat.
'What did he do though?' Asked Issei, causing the Dragon to stare at him.
'He took my treasure for his fight with Albion and when they were both killed, thieves stole my treasure from his grasp and scattered it across the world.' Said Tiamat.
'The fight with Albion again? Come on Ddraig!' Whined Issei in annoyance.
Tiamat seemed to huff in amusement at this.
'Why are you here, boy?' Asked Tiamat.
'Well, I'm not entirely sure, but Umimaru brought us here as we were looking for strong allies. I guess you are the strongest ally we could find here.' Said Issei honestly.
'Strong allies for what exactly?' Asked Tiamat.
'I… I'm not entirely sure.' Admitted Issei, causing Tiamat to look at him as though he was an idiot.
'On that note, you really should speak with Leviathan and understand exactly what your goal is.' Interjected Ddraig, grabbing Tiamat's attention. 'Leviathan? Meaning Serafall Leviathan?' Queried Tiamat. 'No. The original Leviathan.' Said Ddraig. 'And where is this supposed original Leviathan?' Asked Tiamat. 'In my current host's mind.' Explained Ddraig, causing Tiamat to raise her head in surprise. 'Let me speak to him.' Said Tiamat.
'Well I've been trying to pull him out, but he is busy in there.' Admitted Issei, only to start suddenly.
'Finally! I've been trying to get your attention for ages now, what were you doing?' Shouted Issei, before his face turned sour.
'Fine.' Said Issei, before his demeanour changed.
'A dragon Umimaru? Curious decision, but strong undoubtedly.' Commented Leviathan, as he switched with Issei, studying Tiamat.
'You are the original Leviathan?' Asked Tiamat of Leviathan, only for twelve wings to burst from his back.
'Yes, what of it?' Asked Leviathan.
Tiamat's form glowed and seemed to shrink down in size, before she transformed into a beautiful woman with straight, long, pale blue hair and dark blue eyes, garbed in a gold trimmed, blue breastplate, which reached to her navel, with two straps looping around her neck and a blue skirt pulled to the right which reached mid-thigh.
'If you are truly the original Leviathan, then how are you existing in this current time. You would have died shortly after my treasure was stolen, so for you to be here now is highly unlikely.' Spoke Tiamat, in a much smoother, yet colder voice.
'If one tries hard enough, they never really die, but I'm not exactly alive either. I'm on, how would you put this… borrowed time.' Said Leviathan.
'So you are a dead man walking? Hardly something for me to bother myself with.' Concluded Tiamat.
'Perhaps, but I am walking, meaning I can still do what I want, to some extent at least. I can help you as well. Treasure is it? I can help you attain all the treasure you desire if you join me.' Said Leviathan.
'Join you? Strong allies? What business do you have spouting off nonsense?' Said Tiamat.
'The business of becoming the strongest.' Said Leviathan.
'So you are a fool who dreams.' Surmised Tiamat in apathy.
'Only a fool doesn't dream, do you not dream of your treasure?' Retorted Leviathan.
'If we manage to recover your treasure, would you join us?' Offered Leviathan.
'If you manage to succeed, if. Now leave me alone, too many bad memories have been brought up again today.' Said Tiamat, walking away from the group.
Umimaru stood up and moved over to Leviathan, who absentmindedly patted him on the side.
'Interesting choice Umimaru, thank you for your help with things.' Said Leviathan, getting Umimaru to give a small snort of amusement, before walking off.
'So what now?' Asked Moka.
'Now we should head back and get you acquainted with the others. I will take Katerea on a search to find those who are against the current regime and bring them to heel. We can see to the matter of converting people into devils later on. No sense in rushing after all.' Said Leviathan, before the group teleported away, courtesy of Leviathan's magic circle.
-line break-
Katerea, in all her grandeur and esteem, was bored. Things were not supposed to be this way. There was a plan, a plan of action. The original descendants would kick out the imposters and reclaim their land and power… or at least that was the plan. She was to be the vanguard that broke the ground, on which the bodies of the Three Factions would be buried under, before they ascended, or, descended if you think about it, to be the rulers of the Underworld. Unfortunately, this is not how things went and as it stood, Katerea was in the living room lying down on a plush brown leather sofa, staring at the ceiling with no plan and nothing to do. Katerea sighed, before the glow of a magic circle lit up the room. Katerea shifted into a seating position just in time to see Leviathan appear with two others.
'Well Katerea, I can see you are putting your time to good use.' Commented Leviathan, upon seeing his descendant lounging about.
'Well, I don't really have much of an idea about what I should be doing at this moment in time, since my previous plan is no longer relevant.' Admitted Katerea.
'Have you done any training in water manipulation?' Asked Leviathan, getting a small nod from Katerea.
'A little, but after using my type of magic for so long, it is taking more effort to produce minimal results. Quite annoying in fact.' Answered Leviathan.
'I suppose I will need to give you more hands-on training. In the meantime, I actually have something for you to do, but first, I will debrief those here.' Said Leviathan, as the rest of the Leviathan household inhabitants arrived.
'These two are Erza and Moka. They will be joining us from now on. I have met with the current Beelzebub… and have attained Evil Pieces in order to transform you into devils. My current understanding is those of you who are already a distinct, shall we say, species, will become hybrids. Are there any objections to this?' Asked Leviathan.
Orochimaru raised a hand before speaking.
'I would like the chance to examine these pieces, perhaps I will be able to learn more about them and be able to enhance them in some manner.' Requested Orochimaru.
'I do not have any complaints with that, the actual process will be done later, once I have gathered others. Any other questions?' Replied Leviathan.
After a few moments of silence Leviathan nodded, before making his way over to Katerea.
'Now then, take me to what remains of this Old Satan faction. I need to have a discussion with them.' Said Leviathan, surprising Katerea.
'Are you sure? I doubt they will all be so easy to listen to you as I was.' Asked Katerea.
'If I need to make a few examples out of them that is fine, but I don't like the idea of devils combatting other devils with intent to kill and destroy over such meaningless things like titles. Land, power, wealth, that is fine. A title, that is childish.' Said Leviathan, getting a slow nod from Katerea, before she stood.
'Then I suppose we can leave now.' Said Katerea, as she stood next to Leviathan, who nodded in turn.
'Play nice.' Said Leviathan, as he placed his box of Evil Pieces on a black wood coffee table, before he and Katerea disappeared.
Orochimaru walked over to the box and carefully picked it up, before retreating to his room, leaving the two newest arrivals with Cobra and Kinana.
'So are you part of the harem as well?' Asked Erza, getting bewildered looks from Kinana and Cobra while Moka grabbed her forehead in frustration.
'You are the only one in this harem and I don't even think you can call one person a harem.' Said Moka.
-line break-
'Here we are.' Said Katerea, as the group appeared at the edge of a small rocky outcrop.
'So, this is where the remnants of the old rule have come to settle. A rocky desert. I am more and more disappointed the more I learn about what has happened in my absence.' Said Leviathan.
Katerea had nothing to say to this and turned to the side, leading the way towards the encampment below. It was largely underground, with a few buildings on the surface; mostly sentry posts and similar buildings for reconnaissance and surveillance. Katerea and Leviathan reached the ground quickly enough. Those who spotted them gave Katerea respectful nods and bows in some cases, with the majority giving them a wide berth.
'Well, at least you command some respect.' Commented Leviathan.
'Actually, normally everyone would be too afraid to approach me, they likely think I am in a bad mood due to my defeat and are trying to settle me.' Said Katerea.
'Are you?' Asked Leviathan, only for Katerea to twitch as her mouth tightened.
'In a way. My targets are all alive, so I'm dissatisfied… but since you are changing that soon I'm not as bothered as I would have been prior.' Admitted Katerea.
'Katerea, you've returned it seems, with a guest at that.' Said a man, with black hair tied up in a small ponytail.
'Yes, Creuserey. Where is Shalba?' Asked Katerea.
'He is meeting with Rizevim by projection.' Explained Creuserey.
'Rizevim… Lucifer's son? He is alive. I must speak with him.' Said Leviathan, drawing the gaze of Creuserey.
'Katerea, who is this?' Asked Creuserey suspiciously.
'I am the original Leviathan. Katerea, is this Shalba person of roughly the same strength as the two of you?' Replied Leviathan, turning towards Katerea for his question.
'Yes, more or less.' Said Katerea, before Leviathan walked off.
'I'll find him myself then.' Said Leviathan, before walking off.
'Who is that person and why have you brought them here, Katerea?' Asked Creuserey, keeping his gaze on Leviathan.
'That is something we should explain with everyone gathered.' Said Katerea, before following after Leviathan, with Creuserey following.
'If I didn't know any better, I would say that was the current Red Dragon Emperor by appearances, but that can't be right.' Said Creuserey.
Katerea didn't reply, confusing Creuserey.
'Katerea, who is that person?' Asked Creuserey again.
'He is both what he said and what you just said, like I said, it is something that should be explained with everyone gathered.' Said Katerea, causing Creuserey to look at her as though she had grown another head.
-line break-
'I see, is there anything else Shalba.' Asked a holographic figure, speaking to the brown haired, regally dressed man in front of him.
'It really is you, Vim. You got old for a brat.' Said Leviathan, as he entered the room, gaining the attention of the other two.
'Who are you?' Asked Shalba indignantly, only for Leviathan to ignore him.
'My hologram must be defective because it looks like the Red Dragon Emperor just spoke to me.' Said the holograph.
'What?' Exclaimed Shalba, standing to his feet, only for Leviathan to nudge him away and take his seat.
'Such insolence!' Spluttered Shalba, gathering his magic.
'Here, amuse yourself trying to break this barrier.' Said Leviathan, throwing up a five layered elemental shield to stall Shalba.
'Now Vim, I have some matters to discuss with you.' Said Leviathan.
'Why exactly are you calling me Vim, Issei Hyoudou?' Asked Rizevim.
'I remember you being smarter as a child. Lucifer wouldn't stop bragging about your intellect and now you can't even see what is right in front of you. "Here is the son of Lucifer, capable of nullifying the gifts bestowed on mortals by Father. He shall have no equal in battle", sound familiar, Vim.' Recalled Leviathan, causing Rizevim to look at him in suspicion.
'Who are you?' Asked Rizevim.
'I am the original Leviathan and I have come to speak with you on a matter, Leviathan to Lucifer.' Said Leviathan.
'Oh? Let's say I believe you, what do we have to discuss?' Asked Rizevim eagerly, enjoying the conversation.
'Lucifer and I were developing a weapon, one which Lucifer told me you studied in order to come up with your little trick, the weapon with the codename "God-Slayer", I'm sure you remember that.' Said Leviathan, causing Lucifer to cackle.
'Is this even real? I am in an impossible situation where either the Red Dragon Emperor knows of a secret from hundreds of years ago, or the original Leviathan is sitting in front of me as a teenager.' Laughed Rizevim.
This would be the scene Katerea and Creuserey would arrive to, Shalba attacking a constantly reforming multilayered barrier, while a projection of the son of Lucifer was laughing his pants off.
'Tell me, Vim, you're not really wasting all of your time and energy for a title, are you?' Asked Leviathan.
'Well, it was either that or nothing at all. I'm just a bored old man at this point.' Answered Rizevim, after having calmed down.
'Well, would you be interested in helping me in place of your father towards my ultimate goal? I can think of no one else to match his abilities.' Proposed Leviathan.
'Oh, buttering me up won't get me to sign on blindly, I'm not like this new generation of devils who all want fame and recognition.' Said Rizevim, with a smirk.
'I see, well then, given your boredom, how does fighting a being that was a match for your father's father sound?' Proposed Leviathan.
'I'm not even sure if such a thing exists.' Said Rizevim thoughtfully, stroking his beard.
'Well, given you are bored, why not humour me at least?' Suggested Leviathan.
'I suppose it is better than wasting all this effort to reclaim the Underworld. If I really want my title so bad, I would have just gone and fought that monster already.' Commented Rizevim thoughtfully.
'I have already decided for peace between them, it is a distraction I don't need right now and I am on the search to find others to help me. I truly didn't expect you to still be alive after all this time, but I'm glad that you are.' Said Leviathan.
'I am looking forward to this, I need to go do some research it seems, come by and see me when you are ready to work together.' Said Rizevim before disappearing.
Leviathan finally let the barrier fall, letting Shalba stop his futile struggles.
'Peace! With those vermin! Those fake devils! Who are you to decide that?' Spat Shalba.
'One of the original devils, Leviathan.' Said Leviathan, as he extended his wings and exerted his pressure on Shalba.
'Now then, gather the troops, it is time to let them know they are all going back into devil society to integrate. Devils fighting devils for titles, ambition, fools the lot of them. If you had seen a proper fight in your lifetime, you would realise squabbling amongst your own race is disgraceful.' Said Leviathan, as he walked past Shalba.
'Gather everyone in the next hour, I'll go and see about dwellings.' Said Leviathan, before disappearing with a magic circle.
'Well, Creuserey, does that answer your question about who that was?' Asked Katerea, enjoying the shocked looked on Creuserey's face.
-line break-
Leviathan appeared near the estate of the Gremory, having consulted Hyoudou's memories for the location. Knowing that he needed some authority to agree with his decision of mass immigration and not wanting to meet with someone who had discerned the truth of his identity, Leviathan choose to consult Sirzechs, rather than Serafall. That being said, it seemed luck wasn't on his side.
'Oh look who it is Sirzechs, it is Leviathan number two.' Commented Serafall, giving a small giggle.
The two had been conversing in one of the many gardens of the Gremory estate, before a maid had led Leviathan to them. The maid was quite shocked at this bit of news, thinking she had been guiding Issei Hyoudou and quickly left once Sirzechs allowed her too.
'Well then, Issei, what can I do for you?' Asked Sirzechs.
'I did tell you I would bring those angry with the new government back and I've just made arrangements for it. I was hoping you would be able to help with relocating them and integrating them back into society.' Said Leviathan.
'I see. That is definitely more Serafall's area of expertise… so I wonder why you came to see me?' Commented Sirzechs.
'Simply meeting with all the current leaders, nothing personal of course.' Said Leviathan, noting Serafall had yet to say anything and was simply smirking at him, making him wonder if she had said anything to Sirzechs about his identity.
'I see, well I'm sure that is something we can take care of. I also heard you've found a few recruits and picked up a set of Evil Pieces. Seems things are moving quickly with you… almost as though you are in a rush…' Said Sirzechs, trailing off at the end, indicating that he suspected something.
'Simply making up for lost time. Dying will do that to you. On that note, I should be going now.' Said Leviathan, only for Serafall to happily bounce over to Leviathan.
'In that case, we should discuss logistics. I know you're in a hurry, but it should only take a minute. I'll see you later Sirzechs.' Said Serafall, leaving with the other Leviathan.
-line break-
'So, what's new?' Asked Serafall.
'You mean new since the last few hours you saw me, nothing.' Said Leviathan.
'Did you use any of your pieces yet?' Asked Serafall curiously.
'No, I'm planning on having all of them before I do that. I don't like leaving things unfinished.' Answered Leviathan honestly.
'So how much longer do you have left? Trying to bring back all those from the Old Satan faction less than a few days after peace was declared is really bold.' Commented Serafall.
'Surprisingly, less time than I thought, but things seem to be going well with everyone involved.' Said Leviathan.
'Including… you, you know which one…' Said Serafall vaguely.
'Yes, I am also doing well.' Said Leviathan.
'That's good to hear, I would hate for all of my poor Sona's work at the school to go to waste.' Said Serafall.
'Tell me more about this school, why is it so important to you?' Asked Leviathan.
'Because my Sona is working so hard to make it great and I don't know why, but if she is putting all that effort in then she definitely wants to make something of it… and it wouldn't be good if all her classmates started skipping. Oh no, skipping school is very bad.' Lectured Serafall.
'It sounds like you have a lot of faith in her.' Said Leviathan.
'Of course, she's smarter than me after all. You better be careful yourself. I won't tell, but you should stay alert, after all, Issei Hyoudou has quite the reputation.' Said Serafall.
'So it seems I'm coming to learn.' Commented Leviathan.
'Well, I better go and get things ready for all those devils you are going to be bringing back. Not exactly the best kind of presents to give a girl, but I don't mind, it should keep things interesting until we get to spend some proper time together, bye-bye.' Said Serafall, before bouncing out of view cheerfully.
'That devil is certainly interesting.' Muttered Leviathan, before a magic circle appeared near his ear.
'We're ready.' Said Katerea over the link.
'I'll go and find an area to transport you to, preparations are being put underway by your friend.' Said Leviathan, giving a small smirk, as he felt the animosity of his descendant.
'We'll be waiting.' Said Katerea, before cutting the link.
-line break-
'You know, I'm really getting bored wandering around here.' Muttered Issei, as he walked through his mind.
'I mean how much stuff can be in a teenager's head, it's not like I've done that much to this point…' Said Issei, before remembering that he had already died once, almost died two more times after that and went up against someone who could destroy their town with one attack.
'Correction, It's not like I've done much to this point before becoming a devil.' Amended Issei.
'That's actually not true. You should have a look through some of your older memories now with a new perspective.' Commented Ddraig, appearing as a massive green eye, causing Issei to jolt in place.'Ddraig, you scared me! Can't you appear as something smaller, like a mini dragon or something?' Mumbled Issei, only for the eye to break down and become a green dragon, the size of a hawk.
'I do not appreciate the colour scheme.' Muttered Ddraig.'Well what do you want me to do?' Asked Issei.
'This is your mind…' Said Ddraig.
'Oh, right!' Exclaimed Issei, before Ddraig took on his signature red colour, with only his eyes remaining green.
'Wait, what do you mean look through older memories? I doubt there was anything in them.' Said Issei, creasing his brow in a thoughtful expression, as he started walking again.
'For one thing, there was a lot, but there were at least a few things you should take note of. Another reason would be for you to gain some perspective about your goals.' Lectured Ddraig.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'Look, just think to yourself, what did you want to do before you wanted a harem?' Asked Ddraig.
'Hmm, before that I suppose it was being a hero… or at least that is what me and Irina wanted.' Said Issei.
'Before that, what was it that you wanted?' Continued Ddraig.
'What I wanted… hmm, I'm not sure.' Muttered Issei, before a mirror slid into his view.
The mirror showed a young Issei who was staring at a broken fishing rod. Issei stared at the mirror for a second, before it warped away.
'I guess all I wanted was not to make mistakes… kind of a weak goal.' Said Issei disparagingly.
'Only if you see it that way. After all, the other side to not making mistakes, is doing everything right. One of the hardest goals of all.' Commented Ddraig.
'Yeah, considering I've already made so many mistakes.' Agreed Issei.
'Doesn't that mean you should learn from them, so you don't make the same mistakes again? At the very least, you could avoid making the same mistake twice. After all, no one is immune to mistakes, greater beings than either you or I have all made mistakes. Mistakes are a part of life, but it is not learning from them that is the true mistake.' Said Ddraig.'Doesn't that mean that after being destroyed and fighting against Albion so many times you should learn not to keep doing it?' Quipped Issei.
'I don't see that as a mistake though.' Retorted Ddraig, causing Issei to chuckle.'That's fair I suppose, I don't regret my collection that I spent years building up.' Added Issei.
'Well, on that note, what else do you not regret, or better yet, what is it that you don't regret, what have you taken great satisfaction in?' Asked Ddraig.'Well, I mean it was great beating Riser…' Thought Issei.
'Well that's good to hear, considering you had to sacrifice an arm to do it, literally I might add, but what else?' Pressed Ddraig.
'Well, I mean I did like all the stuff I got to do with the girls.' Said Issei, his mind wandering towards the amount of skin he had both seen and touched over the last few months.
'Pull it back a little, what else have you taken satisfaction in?' Said Ddraig.'I mean it was good to help Kiba and Asia, plus Gasper was getting a lot more confident before things changed… but that wasn't really something for me, it was more for them.' Said Issei.
'… This may sound like an odd suggestion partner, but maybe you need another perspective, one I can't give you.' Said Ddraig, causing Issei to stop walking.
'Really? Of all the things you could suggest, how is that a good idea?' Asked Issei.
'Why not have someone play devil's advocate… although I guess they are more of a fallen advocate? It may at least help you get down to what it is you really want.' Suggested Ddraig.'Why not, I'm getting bored of all this walking anyway…' Muttered Issei, turning inwards.
-line break-
Leviathan eventually found himself in a rather desolate area outside of the city. Leviathan paused for a minute and noticed that the area itself seemed to have once been part of the city, but for whatever reason, appeared to have been engulfed in an all-encompassing fire. Upon closer inspection, Leviathan noticed some charred remains, but given that there were still the remains of a few embers burning, it must have been quite a hot fire rather than a long one.
"How odd…" Pondered Leviathan, knowing very few beings could produce fire on this level.
Stopping for a moment to observe the fire, Leviathan felt a mix of holy and demonic energies, causing him to narrow his eyes in suspicion. Very few beings could produce a fire of this level, but with these components… if anything, it was more likely to be an artefact of great power that caused this, not a being. Leviathan heard the sound of groaning and quickly scanned the area, spotting a hint of purple amongst the rubble. Approaching the purple mass, it became clear that it was hair, belonging to a person who was partially buried under some charred debris. Surprisingly, despite the setting, the person didn't appear too unharmed. Unconscious and clearly in pain, but no visible wounds, of course, the possibility of internal wounds wasn't ruled out. Approaching the person, Leviathan first noticed a band covering their left eye, gently rolling them over, the band seemed to cover both eyes and was tied snugly, obscuring their vision.
'Now what would someone be doing all alone in a place like this.' Mumbled Leviathan, searching for any clues to the person's situation.
Aside from having a long chain, with a needle or dagger attached at the tip and being garbed in black and purple leather, nothing else really stood out. The figure seemed to silently stir and instantly seemed to snap their direction towards Leviathan, before a small hiss was heard.
'You should be careful, from appearances you've been through something quite damaging recently and I'm not here to cause you harm.' Said Leviathan.
The figure didn't relax at this, but don't make any other abrupt or threatening gestures.
'I don't suppose you could tell me how you ended up in such a place, destroyed as it is?' Asked Leviathan.
The figure seemed to stiffen, tensing up in reaction to something it perceived as a threat.
'Who are you?' Asked the figure.
'I? I am Leviathan, a devil. You would be?' Asked Leviathan, waiting for the figure to supply him with an answer.
The figure didn't respond, causing Leviathan to continue.
'Well then, you are a being of immense power if you managed to survive what appears to be a rather extreme situation. You exude powers of a lesser deity, but also that of a beast. Lastly, considering you have quite the complex looking seal over your eyes, you most likely possess a very strong ocular ability. That narrows down the list a fair bit now, doesn't it? Anything to add?' Assessed Leviathan.
'What do you want?' Asked the figure, once again refusing to give any personal information.
'What do I want? I want to fulfil my life's goal, but I don't think that is what you were hoping for. What do I want with you? I suppose that is what you meant. Well, I don't want anything from you in particular, I was just passing by and found you, resulting in my curiosity being piqued.' Answered Leviathan.
The figure stood up at this with Leviathan following suit.
'I am a paradox and I shouldn't be here right now.' Said the figure.
'I doubt that, your presence is quite unique, I am sure you are tied to some mythology and they don't tend to follow the rules of universal creation, it is why various deity of the same supposed rank have different levels of power. You appear to sit upon quite a high tier, but not the highest, meaning you can't be the leader of any group, but are possibly a lesser being of divinity, a combination of mortal and deity, or perhaps a spawn of two lesser deity.' Said Leviathan.
'What are you trying to get at?' Asked the figure.
'Well, I am looking for allies to help me defeat a being equal to or perhaps even above the highest tier of power. You, powerful as you are, may be of use to me and in return perhaps, I can help you in some way. You appear lost and confused. Guidance may be helpful to you.' Offered Leviathan.
The figure seemed to mull over their options, feeling suspicious of Leviathan's offer, but sensing no lie in his words.
'I will join you for now at least. I make no promises about helping you fight whatever it is you planning on going up against, I just need some answers.' Said the figure.
'I'm open to an exchange of information, but first, is there something I can call you by?' Agreed Leviathan.
'You can call me, Rider.' Said the figure.