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"I like you! Please go out with me!"
The words echoed in his mind like a cruel joke, twisting into something venomous now that he knew the truth. His breath came in ragged gasps, the metallic taste of blood thick on his tongue. He pressed a trembling hand to his stomach, trying to stifle the warmth spilling from the wound. His fingers felt slick, his strength fading with each passing second.
'
Damn her... damn her to hell!'
Yūma's smile-so sweet, so deceptive-flashed through his mind. Was it all truly a lie? A well-crafted deception meant to lure him in, to cut him down before he even had a chance to understand why? Did he have something they wanted? Some hidden potential he himself had never even realized?
'
Like hell I'd let something like this take me out!'
His knees buckled, but he refused to fall. Pain flared through his body, sharp and unforgiving, yet his mind was ablaze with something far stronger than agony-defiance.And then-A flash.A sky streaked with crimson, the air heavy with the scent of steel and fire.Swords. Countless swords, stretching as far as the eye could see-some pristine, others rusted with age-embedded in the earth like silent sentinels. The wind howled through the desolate landscape, carrying whispers he couldn't quite understand. The sky overhead flickered between hues of crimson and gold, as if caught between the glow of a setting sun and the embers of a dying fire.
Was he hallucinating?
No.It felt too real. The weight of the air, the distant hum of steel vibrating against steel-these sensations weren't just dreams. They were memories that were somehow woven into his very existence. He could feel the weight of each weapon, the lingering heat of the flames, the distante echoes of battles fought long ago.A sudden pull jolted him back to his body as pain - blinding, searing pain - shot throughout his body like molten iron.His breath hitched as his body arched involuntarily due to the agonizing pressure that happened to wrap around his wound, almost as if an unseen hand was forcing pulling his flesh back together in the most painful way possible.He gritted his teeth as his trembling fingers clawed at the dirt beneath his body. The shape sting of something foreign moving throughout his body sent waves of nausea rolling inside his stomach.Then, he saw it.From the torn edges of his wound, thin stands of steel - no, blades - began to emerge. Tiny splinters of metal twisting and knitting his flesh together like living sutures. The sight alone was enough to make him almost vomit as a shiver ran down his spine.
'What the hell -?!?'
The sensation was almost unbearable, as if someone had taken a set of rusty nails and began driving them deep into his skin. His muscles tensed and his breath came in short, ragged gasps as he felt each individual fragment pull and weave, carving through his flesh, as it worked to seal his wounds shut in the most hellish way possible.His body convulsed. He wanted to scream, to thrash, to do anything to stop it, but his body refused to obey. The process itself was slow and methodical - every second spent flet like an eternity as the small blades stitched him back together, slowly becoming one with his flesh, as if his body had always known it could mend itself this way.Eventually, the pain proved too much to bear. His vision swam, the edges of his world fading into a hazy blur. His limbs, once locked in tense agony, grew heavy, as if weighed down by an invisible force. His breath came in ragged gasps, each one weaker than the last.Is this it?His thoughts grew sluggish, drowning beneath the overwhelming tide of exhaustion. The blades-the impossible, unnatural blades-had done their work, sealing his wounds in a way that defied all reason. Yet, the cost had been steep. His strength had been drained completely, leaving only an aching numbness in its wake.As his body slackened, the pamphlet given to him earlier by that strange woman slipped from his pocket, fluttering to the ground beside him. The moment it touched the earth, the paper shimmered, its once-plain surface glowing with an eerie crimson light. The sigil imprinted upon it pulsed, as if alive, its glow growing stronger with each passing second.Then-A gust of wind swept through the empty park, carrying with it the faint scent of roses.The air crackled, charged with unseen energy. A soft glow bathed the area in warm red light, casting long shadows over the fallen boy. From the heart of the light, a silhouette emerged-graceful, poised, and utterly otherworldly.Long, crimson hair cascaded like silk, catching the light in waves. Eyes the color of the clearest sapphires gazed down at him, filled with curiosity and something far deeper-something that made it seem as though she already knew him, even though they had never met in person.Rias Gremory knelt beside him, her expression unreadable as she studied the unconscious boy before her. "So, I was wrong after all..." she murmured, reaching out. Her fingers barely brushed against his forehead when the glow of the sigil flared, bathing them both in a soft, radiant light.Issei barely registered the sensation before his world finally went dark.
...
 
Was he dead?
 
No. Not dead.
 
But not truly conscious, either.
 
He felt weightless, suspended in a void that wasn't quite empty yet wasn't fully tangible. There was no warmth, no cold-just an endless, drifting sensation, as though he was caught between one world and the next. His body felt distant, unresponsive, yet his mind remained awake, trapped in a strange limbo between awareness and unconsciousness.
 
Then, the silence shattered.
 
A distant clang-steel meeting steel-echoed through the emptiness. Another followed, then another, ringing in rhythmic succession, like the tolling of a great unseen bell. With each impact, something tugged at his senses, pulling him toward a place he knew yet did not remember.
 
And then-
 
Fire.
 
A dry, suffocating heat washed over him, carrying with it the scent of scorched earth and rusted iron. The air itself felt heavy, thick with the weight of countless battles that had long since faded into memory. The void around him peeled away like brittle paper, revealing a vast, desolate wasteland stretching endlessly before him.
 
Swords.
 
They stood in silent vigil, jutting from the cracked and barren earth like grave markers, stretching as far as the eye could see. Some were pristine, their steel gleaming even beneath the oppressive crimson sky, while others lay broken and rusted, their shattered remains half-buried in the dirt, forgotten by time. The ground was dry and lifeless, as if no living thing had ever walked here.
 
Above, the sky churned in endless turmoil. Thick, swirling clouds, tinged in shades of deep red and burning orange, rolled across the horizon. They pulsed with an eerie glow, casting an unearthly light over the field of blades. Towering above it all, massive gears loomed, their slow, deliberate rotations filling the air with a distant, rhythmic hum. They turned endlessly, without purpose, without rest-a monument to something long lost.
 
He had seen this place before.
 
Fleeting glimpses of it had come to him when he drifted in and out of consciousness earlier, buried beneath waves of searing pain. And before that, in his dreams-dreams that never made sense, yet always left behind a lingering unease.
 
But something was different this time.
 
There were no warriors locked in battle, no clashing blades or ringing steel. The figures he had seen before, fighting with unshakable resolve, were nowhere to be found. The battlefield stood empty, save for the countless swords and himself.
 
His eyes narrowed as his gaze landed on the two blades that had always stood at the forefront of his dreams.
 
Kanshou and Bakuya.
 
The married blades.
 
His mind supplied the names effortlessly, as though he had always known them. His feet carried him forward, almost of their own accord, stepping lightly across the cracked, desolate ground. The closer he got, the more he felt it-a pull, a quiet hum in the back of his mind, like an unseen thread linking him to the swords before him.
 
They rested half-buried in the earth, standing side by side, their curved edges gleaming under the endless crimson sky. Despite the wasteland's oppressive heat, no dust or rust marred their surfaces. They remained pristine, untouched by time, as if waiting for him.
 
He reached out.
 
Kanshou, the black blade, felt cool against his fingers as he lifted it free from the ground. Its curved edge was honed to deadly perfection, the dark metal reflecting the crimson sky in a dull, menacing gleam. A faint red hexagonal pattern traced across its surface, almost pulsating with an unseen energy. Near the base, an elegant black and white sigil curved along the metal, seamlessly blending into the bronze guard. The hilt was wrapped in worn black leather, fitting perfectly in his grasp, as though it had always belonged there.
 
Bakuya, the white blade, was its mirror-a flawless twin to its counterpart, yet a stark contrast in appearance. Its curved edge gleamed with a pale, almost ethereal sheen, reminiscent of polished ivory under moonlight. Unlike Kanshou's dark, hexagonal pattern, Bakuya's surface was smooth and pristine, reflecting the dim glow of the wasteland. A single bold black sigil adorned its base, identical in design to its twin, yet inverted in color. The bronze guard and worn leather grip felt just as familiar in his grasp, completing the set in perfect harmony.
 
Together, the twin swords exuded an undeniable presence, a balance between shadow and light, yin and yang-inseparable, incomplete without the other. A pair destined to be wielded as one.
 
His fingers tightened around their hilts, a strange familiarity settling over him, as though he had held them a thousand times before. A memory stirred at the edges of his consciousness, just beyond his grasp.
 
Then, the wind howled.
 
A sharp gust tore through the wasteland, sending a ripple across the sea of blades. The great gears above groaned in protest, their endless rotations slowing, as if time itself was faltering. The crimson sky dimmed, the shifting clouds growing stagnant. The world itself seemed to tremble, something deep beneath the cracked earth stirring in response to his presence.
 
And then, as if answering an unseen command, the ground before him split open.
 
A low rumble echoed across the desolate plain as a pedestal of dark stone rose from the shifting dust, its form ancient and weathered. Atop it sat something unmistakable-a gauntlet.
 
His breath caught in his throat.
 
It was massive, unmistakably designed for a hand far larger than his own. Deep crimson scales lined its surface, glistening like molten embers in the dim light. Black, claw-like accents curled around its structure, giving it a draconic, almost predatory appearance. A singular green jewel pulsed at its center, a heartbeat of power that resonated deep within his chest.
 
He knew what this was.
 
The name came unbidden, slipping into his thoughts like a whisper from something far greater than himself. The Boosted Gear.
 
His fingers twitched, drawn toward the gauntlet as if compelled by an unseen force. The very air around it hummed-power, old and boundless, waiting to be claimed. It was a presence, alive in its own way, as though it knew him, recognized him, even when he himself did not fully understand.

How did he know that?

The thought barely had time to form before doubt slithered in.
 
Hesitation warred with instinct.
 
Was this truly meant for him? Could he even wield something so ancient-so immense?
 
His hand reached out, trembling ever so slightly, fingertips barely grazing the gauntlet's surface-
 
And then, the world shattered.
 
A blinding crimson inferno erupted from the pedestal, raw heat crashing into him like a tidal wave. The wasteland trembled, then crumbled, swords vanishing into dust, the towering gears above grinding to a halt before disintegrating into nothingness.
 
The sky fractured.
 
Reality itself buckled.
 
He barely had time to gasp before the space around him collapsed.
 
The weightless, spiraling abyss swallowed him whole, time and direction ceasing to exist. It was as if he was falling through the void, through something far older than the steel-strewn battlefield, through something far deeper than his own understanding.
 
And then-
 
Heat.
 
Not just warmth, but powerful, searing heat that pressed in from all sides. It wasn't suffocating-it was alive, watching, judging. It wasn't just fire; it was a presence, something vast and ancient that threatened to burn away all that he was and leave nothing but truth behind.
 
And then, a voice-deep, rumbling, and filled with the weight of countless ages.
 
"You have finally come, boy."
 
The words rolled through the space like thunder, vibrating deep in his bones.
 
His heart pounded as his gaze lifted-
 
Two massive emerald eyes stared back.

Ancient. Piercing. Unwavering.

A shadow loomed over him, a being whose presence dwarfed his own, coiled within the fire and darkness._______________________________________________And just like that, I'm back baby! And with a brand spanking new crossover for you lovely readers. Now first of all, I'm very sorry about the month long hiatus I've been on. Kinda suffered a bit of burn out after New Year came and went. But I have good news, I ended up getting some new material to use for fanfics, having become an avid fan of Fate and currently finished UBW and Heavens Feel.

Expect these new stories at
some point
:

Fate/Tensura crossover

Fate/Arifureta crossover

Fate/Final Fantasy XVI

Fate/Fairy Tail crossover

Fate/Percy Jackson and the Olympians crossover

Hellsing/RWBY crossover

Hellsing/DXD crossover

Fate/Marvel crossover (possibly)

Fate/DC crossover (possibly)

Fate/Star Wars crossover (possibly)

Fate/Nier crossover

Halo/Nier crossover

Halo/Star Wars crossover

Crysis/Star Wars crossover

Mass Effect/Crysis crossover

Also, very sorry about how short this chapter was. Couldn't really think of anything to keep it going past 2300 words, hopefully the next chapter will be much longer.

Let me know if you have any suggestions for a Fate crossover
.

Also, what do you think of this story so far? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Y Ddraig Coch..."The words left his lips unbidden, slipping into the stillness like an echo from a past he didn't remember. The name carried a weight he couldn't explain, settling into his chest like something both foreign and familiar.The vast, empty space around him seemed to tighten, the very air thickening under the sheer gravity of the moment. The silence stretched, pressing in from all sides, heavy and expectant-like the world itself was holding its breath.Ddraig's emerald eyes gleamed through the void, twin beacons of raw, ancient power.

"So you do know me. How surprising..."

The dragon's voice rumbled, a deep, rolling thunder that shook the very ground beneath Issei's feet. The force of it reverberated through his bones, settling deep into his core. It wasn't merely heard-it was felt, like the distant tremors of an approaching storm.Issei's breath hitched.He did know this name. The instant his eyes had fallen upon the gauntlet, something deep within him had stirred-an instinctive recognition, primal and absolute. It wasn't a fleeting sense of déjà vu, nor a half-remembered dream. It was something far deeper, embedded in his very soul, as if the knowledge had always been there, simply waiting for him to grasp it.Just like Kanshou and Bakuya.The thought struck him with startling clarity. The same eerie familiarity, the same unshakable certainty-he had felt it before. When his hands had closed around the hilts of the twin swords, there had been no hesitation, no doubt. He had known them, down to the weight in his grip, the balance, the way their curved edges seemed to align perfectly with his intent. They weren't just weapons; they were extensions of himself, blades he had wielded a thousand times in battles that did not exist within his memories.And now, standing before the ancient dragon, gazing upon the crimson gauntlet that pulsed with untold power, that same understanding took root once more.This wasn't a weapon meant for another.It was his.The knowledge settled in his chest like a burning ember, quiet but unwavering. The gauntlet, the swords, the dragon-they were not coincidences. They were pieces of a puzzle he had yet to fully comprehend, fragments of something far greater than himself.But even without all the answers, he knew one thing for certain.He had been here before.

"Now you're starting to understand..."

Ddraig's voice was thick with something that almost sounded like satisfaction, his emerald eyes gleaming as he regarded Issei. The ancient dragon exuded an aura of quiet amusement, as if he had been waiting for this very moment, waiting for Issei to finally see.The heat radiating from Ddraig intensified, not scorching, but encompassing-welcoming."Good," the dragon rumbled, his gaze never wavering. "Then perhaps this conversation will not be as tedious as I feared."
...
 
Issei let out a sharp gasp as he bolted upright, his chest heaving as if he'd surfaced from the depths of a dark, endless ocean. His eyes snapped open, wild and unfocused, heart pounding an erratic rhythm that echoed in his ears.
 
Morning light filtered softly through unfamiliar curtains, bathing the room in a gentle, golden glow. The air was warm and still, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the dreamscape he'd just escaped from.

Where am I?

The last thing he remembered was the vast wasteland of swords, the towering gears, and the piercing emerald gaze of the dragon-Ddraig. The dragon's voice still reverberated in his mind, deep and ancient, filling him with questions and uncertainties. But that world, that presence-it all felt so real. Yet now, he was... here.
 
His breathing slowed, the adrenaline gradually ebbing away, leaving behind a strange sense of disorientation. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, trying to piece together the fragments of memory.
 
That's when he noticed it-warmth beside him, soft and unmistakable.
 
Issei's gaze shifted, and his breath caught in his throat.
 
Scarlet hair spilled across the pillows like a river of silk, glistening in the soft morning light. Each strand shimmered as it caught the golden rays filtering through the curtains, a striking contrast against the crisp white sheets. Porcelain skin, smooth and untouched by imperfection, glowed softly beneath the warm embrace of daylight, her form utterly serene, undisturbed by his sudden awakening.
 
Issei's breath hitched.
 
Why's she here?!
 
His mind reeled as he stared down at the sleeping figure beside him, his heartbeat hammering against his ribs. Rias Gremory-the Rias Gremory-was lying in bed with him. Naked.
 
The realization sent a violent jolt through his system, heat rushing to his face so fast he thought he might combust. His eyes darted to the delicate curve of her shoulders, to the way the thin sheet barely clung to her form, concealing just enough to leave his imagination running wild.
 
He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.

Did something... happen?

His fingers twitched, gripping the sheets as if that might somehow ground him in reality. His memories of the night before were hazy at best-pain, heat, a flash of crimson light, Ddraig's voice echoing in his mind like a distant storm. Then... nothing. He had no recollection of how he'd ended up here, let alone why Rias was with him like this.
 
He needed answers.
 
Slowly, carefully, he inched back, mindful not to disturb her, though his every movement felt unbearably loud in the stillness of his room. His body still ached, a dull soreness spreading through his limbs, but he ignored it. Right now, his biggest concern was figuring out what the hell was going on.
 
Another soft breath escaped her lips, and Issei froze.
 
Rias stirred, her long lashes fluttering ever so slightly before she let out a quiet sigh and shifted beneath the covers. The sheet dipped with her movement, exposing the graceful curve of her back, and Issei immediately snapped his gaze upward, willing himself not to look.
 
His face burned. His thoughts scrambled.
 
This was bad. Really, really bad.
 
What should he do?!?
 
His mind raced, scrambling for some kind of explanation, some way to process the utterly impossible situation he'd woken up to. Had they...? No, that couldn't be right! He'd remember if something like that had happened... wouldn't he?
 
He fought the urge to slap himself, as if pain might somehow force his memories to realign and give him an answer. Instead, all he got was the persistent ache in his body, a dull throbbing that reminded him of just how not normal last night had been.
 
His hands clenched into the sheets.
 
Okay, okay, think! If you just-
 
A soft sigh interrupted his frantic thoughts.
 
Rias stirred, shifting slightly beneath the sheets as her long, crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders. She let out another quiet breath, her body stretching ever so slightly before settling again.
 
Issei held his breath.
 
Please, please let her wake up before his heart exploded from sheer panic.
 
As if answering his silent prayer, she let out a small, sleepy hum, her lashes fluttering. Then, with a slow, elegant motion, her eyes began to open.
 
Deep, sapphire-blue eyes met his.
 
For a moment, there was nothing but silence.
 
Then, a small, sleepy smile curved Rias's lips.
 
"Good morning, Issei," she murmured, her voice still laced with drowsiness. She stretched beneath the sheets, her bare shoulders shifting as she let out a content sigh.
 
Issei, meanwhile, felt like he was about to explode.
 
"M-Morning?!" he croaked, his voice cracking as his brain short-circuited. His entire body was locked in place, every nerve screaming at him to look away, but his eyes refused to obey.
 
Rias blinked at his reaction, then tilted her head slightly, amused. "You seem tense," she noted.
 
Of course he was tense! How could he not be when the most beautiful girl he had ever seen was lying next to him-naked-completely unbothered by the situation?!
 
Rias let out a soft chuckle at his expression, pushing herself up slightly so that the sheets shifted against her skin. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked, her voice gentle.
 
"Wha- I- Why are you here?" Issei finally blurted out, unable to hold back the question any longer. His hands gripped the blanket like a lifeline, his mind a storm of confusion, panic, and-focus, damn it, focus!
 
Rias regarded him for a moment, then smiled. It was warm. Patient.
 
"Because you're mine now, Issei."
 
His breath caught.
 
"Yours?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. Unsure of what he just heard.
 
She nodded. "That's right."
 
Issei's heart thudded in his chest, the weight of her words pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. His mind raced, scrambling to make sense of everything, but it felt like trying to catch smoke with his bare hands.
 
"What do you mean by that...?" he asked, his voice low and uncertain. The words felt foreign on his tongue, like he was afraid of the answer.
 
Rias's smile softened, but there was a knowing gleam in her sapphire-blue eyes, as if she had been expecting the question. She shifted slightly, propping herself up on one elbow, the sheet slipping just enough to make Issei's face burn even hotter. But she didn't seem to notice-or maybe she just didn't care.
 
"I mean exactly what I said, Issei," she replied, her tone calm, almost soothing. "You belong to me now."
 
Issei's stomach twisted into knots. Belong? The word echoed in his mind, rattling around like a loose screw.
 
"I-I don't understand..." he stammered, shaking his head, his voice tinged with panic. "What do you mean I belong to you? I didn't-"
 
"You were dying last night," Rias interrupted gently, but her words carried a weight that silenced him. "And if it weren't for my timely intervention and that strange healing factor of yours, you'd be buried seven feet under by now."
 
Issei blinked, the words hitting him like a freight train. Dying? The memory of the light spear piercing his chest flashed through his mind again-white-hot pain, the sickening sensation of life slipping away. But then... there was something else.
 
That unbearable heat. The blades knitting his flesh back together in a grotesque, unnatural way.
 
He instinctively touched his chest, expecting to feel jagged scars or the tender ache of a fresh wound. But his skin was smooth-untouched. It was as if none of it had ever happened.
 
"Wait... healing factor?" he muttered, his brow furrowing. "I don't... I've never-"
 
Rias's piercing blue eyes studied him closely, as if she were searching for something just beneath the surface of his confusion. "You weren't supposed to survive that spear," she said quietly. "Even with my summoning, I thought I'd be resurrecting you completely. But when I found you, something had already started pulling you back from the brink."
 
Issei's mind reeled. Something pulling me back...? The image of the blades, the merging of flesh and steel, flickered in his mind's eye. Was that me?
 
"But... how?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "What even am I now?"
 
Rias's gaze softened, though her words remained firm. "You're a Devil now, Issei. I reincarnated you with one of my Evil Pieces." She reached out, pressing a cool hand gently over his chest. "But whatever power was already inside you... it's something different. Something I've never seen before."
 
Issei swallowed hard, the realization sinking deeper. Not only had he died, but something ancient-something foreign-had awoken in him even before Rias had saved his life. The memory of the crimson gauntlet and the dragon's emerald eyes flashed in his mind.
 
Ddraig.
 
The name echoed through his thoughts like a heartbeat, constant and undeniable.
 
Rias's hand lingered for a moment longer before she pulled back, giving him space to process. "You belong to me now because I saved you," she continued, her voice softer now, almost tender. "But I think there's more to your story than even I understand."
 
"Well, that's just horrifying..." Issei muttered dryly, rubbing the back of his neck as the weight of everything she'd said settled over him. The idea of being resurrected-and apparently owned-by a devil wasn't exactly how he'd pictured his high school life going. But before he could spiral any further, another, far more immediate thought slammed into him.

Wait a second...

His eyes darted to Rias, still draped across the bed with nothing but the sheets strategically covering her. Her scarlet hair fanned out across the pillow, catching the morning light like a halo of fire, and her porcelain skin practically glowed against the pale fabric.
 
"Hang on a minute," he blurted, his voice cracking slightly. "Why are you in my bed anyway?"
 
Rias arched an elegant brow, clearly amused by his sudden shift in priorities. "Your bed?" she echoed, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "I think you'll find this is my room."
 
Issei blinked, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar space for the first time. The luxurious furnishings, the deep crimson curtains, the ornate chandelier overhead-it was all far too extravagant to be his. His room didn't even have matching bedsheets, let alone velvet drapes.
 
"Wait... what?" he stammered, his brain trying-and failing-to catch up. "You brought me to your room?!"
 
Rias chuckled softly, the sound low and melodic. "Of course. You're part of my household now. It's only natural I keep an eye on my new servant."
 
Issei's face went beet red. Servant?!
 
"But-but why in your bed?" he sputtered, gesturing wildly. "You couldn't have, I don't know, put me on the couch? A futon? Anywhere else?!"
 
Rias tilted her head, feigning innocence. "And let you recover alone? After all, physical closeness helps stabilize demonic energy, especially after a resurrection." Her smirk deepened, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Besides, I didn't hear you complaining last night."
 
Issei's mind stuttered to a halt, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly like a fish out of water. He searched for a witty comeback-anything to bring some sense of normalcy to the situation-but his thoughts were spinning out of control. Rias Gremory, the most admired girl at Kuoh Academy-though, in his heart, Irina still held a special place-wasn't just a distant classmate anymore. She was a devil, a high-ranking one at that, and she had not only saved his life but was now casually sitting beside him, acting as though waking up together was the most ordinary thing in the world.
 
His heart pounded in his chest, each beat louder than the last. The words were on the tip of his tongue, something clever to break the tension, but instead, what came out was-
 
"...but what about my parents? They must be worried sick."
 
The question hung in the air, jarringly mundane compared to the sheer insanity of the situation. For a second, Rias blinked at him, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. Then, her lips curled into an amused smile, as if she found his panic both endearing and entertaining.
 
"Your parents?" she echoed, her voice smooth and calm, as if this was a perfectly normal conversation to be having in their current... circumstances. "Oh, don't worry about them. I've taken care of it."
 
Issei's eyes widened. Taken care of it? That phrase did not sit well with him. His mind immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusions-were his parents okay? Had she brainwashed them? Killed them?
 
"What do you mean 'taken care of it'?" he blurted, his voice rising in pitch. "You didn't-you didn't do anything to them, did you?!"
 
Rias let out a soft, musical laugh, shaking her head, her scarlet hair cascading over her bare shoulders like liquid fire. "Relax, Issei. I simply informed them that you were staying over at a friend's house for the night. A little demonic suggestion goes a long way in smoothing over these... unusual circumstances."
 
Issei gaped at her, trying to process that. "So... you did mess with their heads!" he accused, though the sharp edge of his words was dulled by sheer disbelief.
 
Rias rolled her eyes playfully, propping herself up on one elbow, the sheets slipping ever so slightly down her body in a way that made Issei's brain short-circuit all over again. "It's harmless, Issei. They're perfectly fine. I'm not in the habit of hurting humans unless absolutely necessary."
 
He stared at her for a beat, still trying to wrap his head around everything. The fact that she could so casually manipulate his parents' memories sent a shiver down his spine-but the alternative, explaining all of this to them, wasn't exactly a better option.
 
He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "This is insane. Yesterday I was just a regular guy... and now I'm... what? A devil's servant?"
 
Rias's smile softened, her teasing demeanor fading just a touch as she met his eyes. "You're more than that, Issei. You've been given a second chance. A new life." Her gaze sharpened slightly, her tone taking on a more serious edge. "And whether you realize it or not... you're meant for something far greater than an ordinary life."
 
Issei blinked, her words echoing in his mind like a distant bell. A second chance. A new life. It sounded dramatic-like something out of a manga or one of those fantasy games he used to play-but the way Rias said it, the quiet conviction in her voice, made it feel... real.
 
Her eyes, those deep sapphire pools, bore into his with an intensity that made his chest tighten. Gone was the playful teasing from moments before, replaced by something far more profound. There was a weight behind her words, as if she knew something he didn't. As if she could see a future that was still hidden from him.
 
"You're meant for something far greater than an ordinary life."
 
For some reason, those words struck a chord deep within him. It wasn't just the gravity of what she said-it was the strange sense of familiarity that tugged at the edges of his mind. Like he'd heard something similar before... in a dream, maybe? Or in that strange, sword-filled wasteland his mind kept circling back to.
 
His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear and excitement swirling together in his gut. Part of him wanted to laugh it off, to deny the crazy turn his life had taken. But another part-a quieter, more instinctive part-believed her.
 
"...Greater?" he finally managed, his voice hoarse, as if the word itself was too big to speak aloud. "What does that even mean?"
 
Rias's smile returned, but this time it was tinged with something else-pride, maybe? Or expectation. "It means your life isn't going to be the same, Issei Hyoudou. You've stepped into a world that's far more dangerous, far more extraordinary than you could've ever imagined. And whether you're ready or not, you're part of it now."
 
He swallowed hard, trying to process everything. The devil sitting beside him, the strange power he felt stirring deep within, the image of that crimson gauntlet burned into his memory. He didn't know what his future held, but one thing was clear:
 
There was no going back._______________________________________________And that's it for this chapter! Still a bit short but hey longer than the last one! Now this Rias is a bit different as you can already tell from the fact that she actually stayed with and talked to Issei after she revived him instead of dumping him back on his bed and pretending the event never happened.

Now the next story you'll be seeing is my Fate/Tensura crossover which will have an iteration of Heavens Feel Route Shirou and because of the shit that one went through, yeah... my boys getting himself a harem with Sakura as the main girl. Might also use some
Kuroinu
Girls as well (blame an Archers Promise for the reason why I'm doing it). Certain characters from other timelines will appear as well. Also I'm not limiting myself to weapons from fate or Tensura and this goes for all my stories that have a Shirou Emiya in it (including this story), he'll have access to weapons from any and all franchises that have or heavily utilise unique weapons ranging from but not limited too -

Devil May Cry

Dark Souls

Elden Ring

7 Deadly Sins

Bayonetta

Ninjago

Solo Leveling

Assassin's Creed (say what you will about the later games in the franchise but you have to admit they did make some good looking weapons and that's as much as you'll get me to admit about them)

Any other weapons you want to suggest that come from different fandoms, please do tell me and give me a link so that I can actually see what it looks like
.

Due to Issei having the Boosted Gear and being a reincarnated Devil now, I'm fairly certain Divine and Demonic Weapons are now traceable for him although it's very draining so don't expect him to pull out weapons like Excalibur or Ea without rhyme or reason, he'll pull them out as a finisher move but that's if the situation calls for it. That same rule applies to all weapons inside Unlimited Blade Works and no I'm not basing how strong each weapons is by how big of an explosion it makes.

Extra story's I have planned later down the line include:

Fate/Seven Deadly Sins crossover

Fate/Elden Ring crossover

Fate/Ninjago (I don't think I've seen any Ninjago crossovers)

Fate/One Piece (it's on my to watch list that I will get around to watching at somepoint, so don't expect that one any time soon)

Highschool DXD/Arifureta

And that's pretty much it, if you have any suggestions for a crossover then please do tell me. If I like it, I'll add it to the list.

Now, I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter and I'll see you next time!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As soon as Issei left her room, Rias let out a soft sigh of relief before slumping back onto her bed. The confident, teasing façade she had maintained melted away, leaving only exhaustion in its wake. She closed her eyes briefly, allowing herself a moment to relax as the lingering tension eased from her muscles. It had taken everything she had not to let her fatigue show while he was still there.The truth was, reincarnating him had drained her far more than she’d expected. Transforming a human into a devil was no small feat—but Issei’s case had been… different. More difficult. Even with her power, the process had pushed her to her limits.And yet, despite how taxing it had been, she couldn’t deny the thrill it stirred within her. Something about him—something buried deep—was unlike anything she had ever encountered. He shouldn’t have survived the damage his body had taken. And yet, here he was, alive and adapting faster than any newly reincarnated devil had any right to.Intriguing, she mused, her lips curving into a soft, satisfied smile. What other secrets are you hiding, my darling pawn?~The playful thought sent a shiver of anticipation through her as she reached across the bed, her fingers brushing against the sheets he had used. Without thinking, she drew the fabric close to her face, the faint warmth of his presence still lingering. A slow breath escaped her lips as she inhaled softly, the faint scent of him wrapping around her like a comforting embrace—a reminder that after all this time, Issei Hyoudou was finally hers.No more stolen glances across the school courtyard. No more pretending she wasn’t watching him from afar. The boy who had unknowingly caught her attention—her pawn—was now bound to her in a way no one else could be. And it was all thanks to that reckless Fallen Angel.Her fingers tightened slightly around the sheet as a glimmer of satisfaction curled in her chest. That woman thought she could simply discard him like trash… A mistake Rias would make sure she regretted.Still, the thought of that "Yuma" left a bitter taste in her mouth. It wasn’t just about Issei—this was her territory, and the idea of a rogue Fallen Angel wandering through Kuoh, endangering the humans under her watch, was unacceptable. The fact that she had already taken action against one of her kohai's only made things worse. If Rias didn’t handle this soon, more innocent lives could be lost—and the last thing she wanted was to see another person die because she hesitated.
…
 
The warm water cascaded against his skin, washing away whatever grime and tension that still clung to his body. Steam curled around him, the faint scent of soap filling the air as he worked the lather across his arms and chest. Despite the soothing warmth, his mind refused to settle.
 
Yuma.
 
The name echoed in his thoughts, sharp and painful. The memory came unbidden—the cold, merciless glint in her eyes as she smiled sweetly… right before driving that spear of light into his stomach. His hand moved on its own, fingers ghosting over the spot where the weapon had pierced him. The wound was gone, healed as though it had never been there, but the phantom ache still lingered beneath his skin.
 
A frown crept across his face as he recalled the excruciating pain—the way it had burned through him like wildfire, raw and unyielding—as his body forcibly stitched itself back together. And not with flesh or muscle… but with swords. Blades that had emerged from within, knitting his broken form like jagged steel threads. Just thinking about it sent an involuntary shiver crawling down his spine.
 
It didn’t make sense. None of it did.
 
Ddraig had tried to explain it—or at least, he had tried to start explaining it—but the dragon’s words still rattled around in his head without fully settling. Something about his soul being ‘unusual,’ a merging of powers that wasn’t supposed to exist. Apparently, wielding the Boosted Gear was already a rare enough fate on its own, but whatever had happened to him during his near-death had awakened… something else.
 
Apparently, it was called "Unlimited Blade Works," though even Ddraig didn’t seem entirely sure of what that meant. A Reality Marble, as Ddraig called it—an ability tied not to his body, but to the very core of his soul. A world forged from his thoughts, a reflection of his inner self made manifest. And yet… it wasn’t whole. Not yet.
 
It was still forming.
 
No—that wasn’t right. It was reforming, changing in ways Ddraig claimed were highly unusual. As if the world within him was breaking apart and rebuilding itself to better reflect who he was now. And if the dragon was to be believed, that process had only just begun.
 
The implications were dizzying. Was this a side effect of becoming a devil? Of dying and being reborn? Or was it something else entirely—something that had always been buried deep inside him, just waiting for the right moment to emerge?
 
And yet, despite the confusion swirling in his head, there was a strange sense of familiarity about it all. The blades—their weight, their names—he hadn’t needed to be told what they were. He had known. As if they had always been there, hidden beneath the surface, lingering quietly in the deepest corners of his soul.
 
And now, they were rising.
 
He dragged a hand through his wet hair, water dripping down his face as frustration gnawed at the edges of his thoughts. What did it even mean? Was this just part of being a devil now, some weird quirk of his new existence? Or was it something else entirely—something that had been inside him long before Rias saved his life?
 
No matter how much he tried to wrap his head around it, the answers remained frustratingly out of reach. Every time he thought he was starting to understand, a new question would rear its head, dragging him further down the rabbit hole.
 
With a heavy sigh, he shut off the water and stepped out of the shower, steam curling around him as the cooler air touched his skin. Grabbing a towel, he wrapped it securely around his waist, the soft fabric clinging to his damp form. As much as he wanted to stay under the hot spray, hoping the water might somehow wash away his confusion, he couldn’t hide out in the bathroom forever—especially as a guest in someone else’s home.
 
And what a home it was. The Gremory estate—no, mansion—was on a whole different level from anything he was used to. Just thinking about how easily Rias had swept him into this new world made his head spin. One day, he was an ordinary high schooler. The next, he was a devil serving under the most popular girl at Kuoh Academy. And now? He wasn’t even sure what he was anymore.
 
Issei ran a hand over his chest absentmindedly, fingers brushing against the smooth skin where the spear had pierced him. No scar. No trace. Nothing to prove he had died except the gnawing awareness that he had changed—and there was no going back.
 
He shook his head. No point in overthinking it right now.
Drying himself off quickly, he hung the towel over his shoulders and grabbed a fresh set of clothes that Rias had kindly left for him while he was in the shower. The simple gesture wasn’t lost on him—she really was going out of her way to make sure he was comfortable. Still, as much as he appreciated her kindness, it didn’t change the fact that his entire world had been turned upside down.There were still things he needed to figure out—a lot of things—and standing around brooding wasn’t going to get him any closer to answers. If anything, it would just make the questions louder.With a shake of his head, he slipped into the clothes—a plain black T-shirt and a pair of comfortable workout shorts—and stretched his arms above his head. His muscles ached faintly, a reminder that even with his devil-enhanced healing, the trauma of dying and being reborn wasn’t something his body had entirely forgotten. He needed to move—to work out some of the tension gnawing at him before his thoughts spiraled again.As such, the rest of his morning was spent going through his daily exercises. By the time he finished, the sun had fully risen, casting warm light across the estate. His muscles ached in a way that was both familiar and grounding—at least, it was something normal in the whirlwind of everything else that had changed.With a deep breath, he made his way toward the dining room, the scent of freshly cooked breakfast pulling him along. He expected Rias—after all, it was her house—but what he didn’t expect was to find the entire Occult Research Club gathered around the table.His steps faltered at the doorway.They were all here.He recognized most of them, of course. It was hard not to, given their reputations at Kuoh Academy. But seeing them like this—together, casual and comfortable—was… different.Seated at the head of the table was Rias, her crimson hair glowing softly in the morning light. She exuded the same air of grace and confidence she always did, but there was something warmer now—more relaxed. She glanced up as he entered, offering a smile that was both welcoming and reassuring.To her right sat Akeno Himejima. Even in a casual setting, she was breathtaking—long black hair cascading down her back, her usual serene smile in place. Issei had crossed paths with her a few times in the hallways of Kuoh, and rumors of her being the "ultimate yamato nadeshiko" weren’t an exaggeration. But beneath the gentle exterior, there was something… unsettling. A spark of mischief danced in her violet eyes as she poured tea with delicate precision.And then there was her.Yukō "Mordred" Kiba. The infamous "Knight of Kuoh." He’d heard the stories—everyone had. A rough-edged tomboy with a sharp tongue and an even sharper sword. She leaned back in her chair, one arm draped lazily over the backrest, exuding pure confidence. Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, and her outfit—short denim shorts, a cropped sports top, and a crimson jacket hanging loosely from her shoulders—made her look more like a street brawler than an honor student. Her black combat boots tapped absently against the floor, and when her sharp green eyes locked onto his, a smirk tugged at her lips.“Hey, newbie.” Her voice was low, cocky. “About time you showed up. Thought maybe Rias scared you off.”Issei swallowed, trying to push past the awkwardness settling in his chest. “I, uh—was finishing my workout.”Yukō snorted, leaning forward with a wolfish grin. “Workout, huh? You sure you weren’t hiding from us? Can’t blame you—most guys can’t handle this much awesome in one room.”Before he could come up with a response, a quiet, dispassionate voice cut through the teasing.“You’re being too loud,” said Koneko Tōjō.Issei blinked. He hadn’t even noticed her at first—small, quiet, almost blending into the background. But there she was, sitting at the far end of the table, nibbling methodically on a stack of pancakes. She didn’t look up, but he felt the weight of her observation. Koneko was famous in her own right—Kuoh Academy’s “mascot,” as some called her. Beneath the cute appearance and petite frame, there was an intensity to her—something cold and unreadable.“Spoilsport,” Yukō muttered, but there was no real bite to it.Issei shifted awkwardly, feeling like an outsider intruding on something private. These people weren’t just students—they were something else entirely. He knew that much. And now, by some twist of fate, he was one of them.“Sit down, Issei,” Rias said gently, breaking the tension. “You’re part of the club now. You might as well get to know everyone properly. Although, I guess some introductions are in order? Or rather, reintroductions are needed.”Her voice was warm and inviting—like this was all perfectly normal. Like he wasn’t sitting across from some of the most intimidating people in Kuoh Academy. Despite the calm façade, Issei could feel the subtle weight of her authority in the room, an unspoken reminder that, no matter how casual this breakfast seemed, these people were more than just students. And now, he was one of them.He shifted awkwardly in his seat, eyes flicking across the table as Rias gestured toward the others with a graceful wave of her hand.“Well, you already know me,” she began with a soft smile. “Rias Gremory—your King.” There was a playful lilt in her tone, but beneath it was a quiet seriousness. No matter how kind she was to him, that one fact wasn’t going to change—he belonged to her now.“Right…” Issei nodded slowly, feeling a familiar heat creep up his neck. It still felt weird thinking of someone his age as his ‘master,’ but here he was—no point in denying it.“And to my right,” Rias continued, turning slightly, “is Akeno Himejima, my Queen. You’ve probably seen her around.”“Of course,” Issei blurted before he could stop himself. Who hadn’t? She was considered one of Kuoh's great ladies alongside Rias and Mordred.Akeno chuckled softly, covering her mouth with a delicate hand. “My, my, Issei-kun… You sound like quite the admirer already.” Her voice was smooth as honey, but there was an undeniable teasing edge beneath it.Issei swallowed hard, trying not to let his mind wander too far. Akeno had that kind of presence—the kind that made it impossible to think straight. The graceful way she carried herself, the calm smile that hinted at something darker, and those violet eyes that seemed to see through everything… Yeah, it wasn’t exactly easy to keep his composure.“I… Uh… I guess we’ve crossed paths a few times,” he stammered, scratching the back of his head.“Akeno handles most of the club’s duties alongside me,” Rias explained, clearly amused by his reaction. “You’ll find she’s always willing to lend a hand. Just… be careful what you ask for.”The faintest hint of mischief curled at the edges of Akeno’s smile, and Issei wasn’t sure if that was meant to be reassuring or a warning.“And over there,” Rias continued, her voice smooth as she gestured toward the blonde lounging in her chair, “is Yukō Kiba—my Knight.”“I'd prefer it if you referred to me as Mordred,” the girl corrected, stretching her arms behind her head. “Let’s not forget that, Prez.”
Issei blinked at her boldness. If Akeno’s presence was like velvet—smooth and elegant—then Mordred’s was raw electricity. He’d heard the stories: the "Knight of Kuoh," the strongest swordswoman in school, and the girl no one dared to mess with unless they wanted to leave the kendo room in pieces. Seeing her up close was something else entirely.
“And finally,” Rias gestured to the far end of the table, where a small figure was quietly focused on her breakfast. “Koneko Tōjō—my Rook.”The white-haired girl barely glanced up, her amber eyes briefly meeting Issei’s before returning to the pancakes on her plate. She didn’t say a word.“She’s, uh… quieter than I expected,” Issei muttered under his breath.“That’s just how Koneko is,” Rias explained patiently. “She’s more of a listener than a talker. But don’t let her size fool you—there’s no one tougher.”Issei had heard the rumors about her too—how she’d once lifted a vending machine with one hand and the countless stories of guys getting on her bad side only to regret it immediately. It was strange to reconcile those stories with the quiet girl calmly eating breakfast, but there was definitely something about her presence that hinted at the truth.“I’ll be watching you,” Koneko said softly, her tone flat and unreadable.He nearly choked on his own breath. “Uh… Thanks?”“She’s joking,” Rias assured him—though Issei wasn’t entirely convinced.“Maybe,” Koneko added under her breath.Issei slumped a little lower in his chair, realizing just how out of his depth he really was. Each of them—Akeno, Mordred, and Koneko—felt like they belonged in a whole different world. Strong, confident, and clearly used to this supernatural craziness. And somehow, he was supposed to fit into that?He sighed, running a hand through his hair. His life had already been turned upside down once, and now it felt like it was spinning all over again. But as he tried to wrap his head around everything, something else nagged at him. A detail he couldn’t quite ignore.“Wait,” he said suddenly, sitting up a little straighter. “Why are you referring to them like they’re chess pieces?”Rias blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the question. He caught the subtle flicker of amusement in her expression, but there was something else too—curiosity. Like she hadn’t expected him to catch on so quickly.“So you noticed,” she said, leaning back slightly in her chair. There was an air of approval in her voice, like she was quietly impressed.Issei snorted, rolling his eyes as he reached for the cereal box. “Kind of hard not to, with how obvious it was.” He poured himself a bowl, trying to ignore the feeling of her eyes still on him. “I mean, you called Akeno your Queen, Yukō's, sorry, Mordred's your Knight, and Koneko’s your Rook. What’s next? You gonna tell me there’s a Bishop hiding around here somewhere?”“Smart and observant,” Akeno remarked with a chuckle, her tone playful. “I think I’m starting to like you, Issei-kun.”Issei shifted in his seat, unsure if her words were meant as a compliment or just another way to mess with him. Either way, the heat rising to his face wasn’t doing him any favors. Great, he thought, not even a full day into being a Devil, and I’m already the punchline.Rias, meanwhile, seemed genuinely pleased by his deduction. “To answer your question,” she began, folding her hands together on the table, “it’s not just a theme we picked for fun. Devils like us operate through a system known as the Evil Pieces—a structure based on chess.”“Evil… Pieces?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow.Rias nodded. “Each piece corresponds to a particular role and grants certain abilities. As a King, I’m in charge. The Queen is the most versatile and powerful, capable of balancing offense, defense, and support. The Knights prioritize speed and agility, while Rooks excel in raw power and defense. Bishops—if you’re wondering—are magic specialists. And then there are the Pawns…”She trailed off meaningfully, her gaze settling on him.A sinking feeling pooled in Issei’s stomach. “Wait a minute…” He pointed a spoon at himself. “I’m the Pawn, aren’t I?”“You are,” Rias confirmed, her voice light but firm. “But don’t underestimate the Pawn’s potential. In chess, a Pawn may seem weak at first—but if it reaches the other side of the board…”“It becomes any piece it wants,” Issei finished for her, the realization clicking into place.“Exactly,” Rias said with a smile, her tone warm but carrying an unmistakable weight. “And you, Issei, have that same potential. Pawns may start at the bottom, but they hold the power to surpass all other pieces under the right conditions. With enough determination, even a pawn can reach the other side of the board and become something far greater.”Her words hung in the air, stirring something inside him—a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension. He’d never considered himself special before. If anything, he was painfully average. Yet here she was, telling him he had the power to be something more. It felt… weird. Good, but weird.Issei leaned back in his seat, letting the information roll around in his head. “So… does that mean you’ve got other pawns running around, or was I your first one?” he asked after a moment, trying to wrap his head around the whole chess analogy.Rias shook her head, her crimson hair brushing softly against her shoulders. “No,” she said firmly, her smile softening. “You are and will always be my only pawn.”The certainty in her voice caught him off guard. There was no hesitation, no room for misinterpretation. Just a simple, absolute truth. He blinked at her, confusion flickering across his face. “Wait—what does that even mean? Why only me?”Before he could press further, Rias continued, her tone shifting to something more serious. “You see, depending on how powerful the person I want to reincarnate is, I may need to use one or more pieces to bring them back. Most people only require one, maybe two pieces at most.” She paused, letting that sink in before dropping the bombshell. “But you, my dear pawn, required all eight of my pawn pieces.”Issei’s spoon clattered against the side of his bowl as his brain slammed to a halt. “Wait, what?!” He gawked at her, eyes wide. “All eight? Isn’t that, like… way too much? What makes me so special?”Rias chuckled softly at his reaction, though her gaze remained steady and thoughtful. “That’s the question, isn’t it?” she mused, almost as if she were speaking to herself rather than him. “At first glance, you seemed like a normal human—ordinary in almost every way. But if I were to hazard a guess, then it would have to be because of your Sacred Gear.”Issei stiffened at her words, his mind immediately zeroing in on the thing he’d only recently discovered—the Boosted Gear. Was that it? Was that why she had to use all eight of her pawn pieces to bring him back? The idea made sense… kind of. From what Ddraig had told him, Sacred Gears were rare and powerful, but was his really so extraordinary that it forced someone like Rias Gremory to go all-in on him?He leaned back in his seat, trying to make sense of it all. It wasn’t like he’d done anything special before all of this. Until recently, his biggest worries involved surviving high school and trying (and failing) to get a girlfriend. Nothing about his life suggested he was some powerhouse in the making. And yet, here he was—reincarnated as a devil, sitting across from some of the most popular girls in Kuoh Academy, being told he might possess something so dangerous that it had tipped the scales of the entire reincarnation process.Issei let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “So… what does that mean for me?” he asked, his voice quieter than he intended. “If this Sacred Gear of mine is so special, what happens next?”Rias’ expression softened, but there was a weight behind her words. “For now, nothing changes. You’ll continue attending school like normal and come to the Occult Research Club after classes. In time, we’ll help you understand your power—and how to use it properly.”“I’d appreciate that,” Issei replied, and to his surprise, he meant it. As strange and overwhelming as everything had become, the idea of finally getting answers—of understanding what the hell was happening to him—was a relief. He wasn’t the type to shy away from something once he was in it, and like it or not, he was already neck-deep in the supernatural world.Before he could say anything else, his phone buzzed against his leg. He fished it out of his pocket, a quick glance at the screen revealing a new message from his sister, Miyu.
Where are you? Illya’s worried.
Issei sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. Of course, they’d notice his absence. He was usually home by now—like clockwork—and while Miyu liked to play it cool, Illya wasn’t as good at hiding when something bothered her. She was probably already pacing by the front door, anxiously checking her phone every five minutes. And if Miyu was the one texting him first? Yeah, they were definitely starting to worry.He could picture it perfectly. Illya would be bouncing between frustration and full-on panic, probably convincing herself he’d fallen into a ditch or been kidnapped. Miyu, meanwhile, would be the calm one—on the outside, at least. She always played the logical, composed sister, but Issei knew better. If she was reaching out, then even her patience was starting to wear thin.He quickly typed out a reply:On my way. Don’t let Illya blow a fuse.A response came almost immediately.Too late.He huffed out a quiet laugh despite himself. Yeah, that sounded about right. Illya probably hadn’t stopped talking since he missed his usual check-in, and Miyu—ever the problem-solver—was already managing the situation while keeping her own nerves in check. He knew the two of them could take care of themselves, but that didn’t stop the familiar knot of guilt from forming in his chest. After everything they’d been through together, the last thing he wanted was to make them worry.“Everything alright?” Rias asked, her voice cutting through his thoughts.“Yeah, just my sisters checking in,” he said, slipping the phone back into his pocket. “I usually don’t stay out this late without letting them know. I should probably head home before they send out a search party.”Rias tilted her head slightly, her curiosity evident. “You’re close to them.”Issei shrugged, though there was no mistaking the warmth in his voice. “Yeah, they’re a handful, but… they’re my family. I try to look out for them, you know?”Akeno chuckled softly, her smile taking on a teasing edge. “Aw, how responsible. I wouldn’t have guessed.”Issei leaned back slightly, flashing her a playful grin. “What can I say? I just love surprising people.” His tone was light, but there was an ease creeping into his voice—like he was starting to find his footing around them, even if part of him still felt like an outsider.Akeno’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she rested her chin on her hand. “Hmm, I wonder how many other surprises you’re hiding.” Her words lingered in the air, half a joke, half something else entirely.Issei raised an eyebrow at her, but shook his head with a laugh. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” he shot back, before letting his posture relax. “But seriously, I really do need to head out before they start trying to man a search party for me.”The thought wasn’t even that much of a stretch. If he took too long, Illya would probably start calling every number she could get her hands on—teachers, classmates, maybe even the police—while Miyu calmly drafted a detailed search plan with time-stamped checkpoints and contingency routes. Once those two got going, nothing short of him walking through the door would stop them.As much as he enjoyed the banter here, he didn’t want to imagine the chaos waiting for him if he let their imaginations run wild.With that in mind, he pushed himself up from the table and made his way toward the front door. The click of his footsteps echoed softly through the room as he grabbed his shoes from the neatly arranged rack. He dropped onto the small bench beside it, slipping them on with the ease of habit.He was already planning out the fastest route home—cutting through the park would save a few minutes—when Rias’ voice cut through his thoughts.“Issei.”Her tone was soft but held an unmistakable authority that made him pause mid-step. He glanced up to find her still seated at the table, her crimson hair falling gracefully over her shoulders. That usual air of confidence surrounded her, but there was something else beneath it—something more earnest.“Please come back here in the evening,” she said, her calm expression never wavering. “There’s something I want to show you.”The way she said it made the air feel heavier, like whatever she had planned wasn’t just some casual explanation. Issei’s curiosity flared, but he kept his face neutral. As much as he wanted answers now, he got the sense that this wasn’t something she was willing to rush.“Okay,” he agreed, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of questions still circling in his mind.Rias’ smile softened, the warmth in her expression easing some of the tension he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I promise I’ll fill you in a little more in the evening,” she said, her tone gentler now, almost reassuring. With that, she turned her attention back to her tea, as though the conversation hadn’t just shifted the foundation of his reality.Issei lingered for a second longer, his thoughts still buzzing with everything he had learned—or rather, everything he hadn’t learned. But pressing her for more answers wouldn’t do any good right now. If Rias was willing to explain things later, he could wait… for now.With a small nod, he turned toward the door. “See you guys later,” he called over his shoulder, lifting a hand in a casual wave to the rest of the club.Akeno responded first, her voice smooth and teasing as always. “We’ll be waiting, Issei-kun.”Kō gave him a brief nod, her usual cool, knightly demeanor in place, though there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. “Don’t keep us waiting too long.”Koneko, meanwhile, barely looked up from the small snack she had started nibbling on, but her quiet “Later” was enough to let him know she’d been paying attention.He couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath at how… normal the scene felt, despite the fact that nothing in his life felt remotely normal anymore. Shaking his head, he stepped out the door, letting it swing shut behind him.The warm breeze outside was a sharp contrast to the weight lingering in his chest, as if the air itself was trying to convince him that everything was still normal—that he was still normal. But no matter how much he tried to shake it off, the truth clung to him like a shadow. He wasn’t the same guy he’d been just a few days ago. And there was no going back.With a sigh, he pulled his phone out again to check the time. If he took a couple of shortcuts through the park and cut across the old footbridge, he could probably make it home in ten minutes—maybe six if he pushed himself and threw in a little parkour. His lips quirked at the thought. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d vaulted over fences to shave off a few minutes. And after everything that had happened, burning off some energy didn’t sound like a bad idea.He slid his phone back into his pocket and picked up his pace, feet moving on autopilot as his mind continued to churn. The morning had given him more questions than answers. But he still had more questions he wanted to ask. Sure Ddraig had given him a fair bit of insight into what's happing to him internally before dragon had given him a light summary of what the Factions are.Granted, Ddraig had admitted that his knowledge was slightly outdated and obscure at best. The dragon hadn’t exactly spent his time worrying about the political landscape when he was alive. Fighting and destruction had been more his speed. But even with the gaps in his understanding, the information was still useful. It gave Issei a glimpse of the bigger picture—and just how far out of his depth he really was.Before long, Issei had found himself nearing his family home. The familiar sight of the old Japanese-style manor greeted him as he rounded the corner. The dark, sloping tiled roofs stood out against the afternoon sky, casting long shadows across the outer wall that wrapped protectively around the property. The gentle rustling of leaves and the faint chirping of birds filled the air, making the entire place feel calm—deceptively calm, considering the storm of thoughts still swirling inside his head.Issei let out a slow breath as he approached the front gate, the heavy wooden frame and traditional tiled awning standing tall and sturdy. The faint creak of the wood echoed softly as he slid the gate open, stepping into the courtyard. The earthy scent of the garden greeted him first—fresh soil and the faint sweetness of blooming flowers. Neatly arranged stone pathways cut through the grass, leading toward the main house. Tall bamboo and carefully pruned trees stood in the corners, offering patches of shade.His feet followed the well-worn path toward the veranda, where the sliding shoji doors waited. He kicked off his shoes at the step, the polished wood cool beneath his socked feet as he stepped inside. The air shifted instantly—quieter, softer, filled with the faint aroma of tatami mats and the lingering scent of tea.From here, he could see the heart of the house—the living room where a low table sat neatly in the center, a few cushions still scattered around it from the morning. The kitchen was tucked just behind it, faint clinks and clatters hinting that someone was already up and moving.He took a deep breath before calling out. “I'm home!”A moment of silence. Then—“Issei!”The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall before a blur of white and pink burst from one of the side rooms. Illya. Her silver hair bounced with every step as she rushed toward him, her crimson eyes wide with relief—and just a hint of accusation.“Where were you? You didn’t answer my texts!” Her voice was high-pitched, a mix of worry and frustration as she stopped just short of barreling into him. “I thought something happened!”Issei raised his hands in a placating gesture, trying—and failing—to fight back a smile. “Relax, Illya. I was just… busy. I’m fine, promise.”“Busy?” She pouted, crossing her arms in a huff. “You could’ve at least told us! Miyu already started planning a search party!”“Of course she did,” he muttered, glancing toward the far side of the house. Sure enough, a quiet figure stood in the doorway, her posture as composed as ever. Miyu. Her dark hair fell neatly around her shoulders, and while her face held its usual calm expression, the sharpness in her blue eyes told him she’d been equally concerned.“You were out longer than usual,” she remarked, her tone even. “We calculated three possible routes home, and you didn’t take any of them.”Issei chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. “What can I say? I like to keep you on your toes.”Miyu raised a single eyebrow in response. “That’s not funny.”“Yeah!” Illya huffed, puffing out her cheeks. “If something happens, you tell us, dummy!”Despite their scolding, warmth bloomed in his chest. For all the craziness in his life right now, having them worry about him like this… it wasn’t so bad.“Alright, alright,” he relented, lifting his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll text next time. Happy?”Illya’s face brightened immediately, her pout fading into a brilliant smile. “Good!”Miyu simply gave a small nod, her expression softening ever so slightly. “Welcome home.”“Happy to be back,” Issei replied, his voice warm as he let himself relax in their presence. His gaze swept over the familiar interior, taking in the little details that always made this place feel so... lived-in. The faint scent of freshly brewed tea still lingered in the air, and a half-folded blanket rested on the couch, evidence of Illya’s usual habit of making herself comfortable while watching TV, probably another Magical girl anime in all likelihood. The light outside cast soft shadows through the paper-thin shoji screens, giving the whole house an air of peacefulness he didn’t realize how much he’d missed.He turned his attention back to the girls. “Now then, where are Mom and Dad? Or Liz and Sella, for that matter?”Illya’s face brightened, her usual energy bouncing back in full force. “They took off on another of their field trips, and Liz and Sella went out grocery shopping!” she chirped, practically vibrating with excitement as she circled around him like an overcharged puppy.Issei chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Another field trip, huh? What are they chasing this time—some ancient magical artifact or another mystery that’ll turn the house upside down?”“You know how they are,” Illya giggled, twirling on her heel before stopping right in front of him. “Dad called it 'an important research expedition,' but Mom said it’s just a fancy way of saying ‘I got bored and need an adventure.’” She grinned, clearly amused by their parents' antics.Issei let out a long-suffering sigh, though the corners of his mouth tugged into a fond smile. “Of course, she'd call it that,” he muttered, shaking his head. It was just like their mother to frame everything as a grand adventure, no matter how mundane—or dangerous—it actually was.Still, his brow furrowed slightly as another thought struck him. “But why did Liz and Sella go out grocery shopping? I'm pretty sure we got groceries a couple of days ago.”“Apparently,” Miyu chimed in quietly, her voice as calm and steady as ever, “Sella wanted to make something specific for dinner tonight but realized she didn't have the ingredients. So, she roped Liz into coming with her.” She turned slightly, already making her way back toward her room.Issei chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he imagined the scene. “Yep, that sounds like something Sella would do,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. He could picture it perfectly—Sella meticulously planning out every detail, only to realize too late that she was missing a key ingredient, and Liz reluctantly tagging along to keep her from buying half the store.“She was muttering about ‘maintaining proper household standards’ when they left,” Illya added with a playful roll of her eyes. "Honestly, I think she just needed an excuse to fuss over something."“Yeah, that tracks,” Issei agreed, his smile growing wider. Despite Sella’s usual stern demeanor, he knew her fussing was just her way of caring. And Liz? Well, she probably just wanted an excuse to stir up a little mischief while they were out.Miyu paused at the doorway to her room, glancing back over her shoulder. “They should be back soon," she said softly. "So, you probably won’t have to wait long to hear Sella’s next lecture.”“Oh grrreeaaat…” Issei drawled, exaggerating his tone as he rolled his eyes playfully. “Just what I needed—another reminder that I’m a walking disaster.” Despite his words, there was no real annoyance in his voice, only the easy warmth that came from years of being on the receiving end of Sella’s well-meaning scoldings.With a shrug, he turned on his heel and strolled toward the kitchen. “Well, since my doom is apparently inevitable, how about I whip up a quick snack while we wait? That sound good to you guys?”Illya’s face lit up immediately, her enthusiasm as boundless as ever. “Yes, please! I’m starving!” she declared, already skipping after him. “And don’t even think about holding back—make the good stuff!”Miyu lingered for a moment, watching the two with a faint but genuine smile. For all of Issei’s teasing complaints, it was clear he didn’t mind being home—not really. There was something comforting in how easily he slipped back into their routines, like he belonged there as much as anyone else.“You’re just trying to butter me up so Sella goes easy on me,” Issei accused with mock suspicion as he rummaged through the pantry. “But, lucky for you, I’m a sucker for puppy-dog eyes.”Illya gasped in fake offense, clutching her chest dramatically. “I would never manipulate you like that!” she insisted, though the mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her words. “Besides, I’m doing you a favor. If you keep me happy, I might put in a good word for you.”Issei snorted softly as he grabbed a few ingredients, already mentally piecing together something simple but satisfying. “Yeah, yeah—I'll believe that when I see it.”Miyu’s quiet footsteps padded toward the kitchen as she decided to join them, leaning casually against the doorway. “If you’re going to make something, just don’t leave a mess,” she reminded, her voice calm but firm. “You know how Sella gets.”“Relax, I’ve got it under control,” Issei promised, flashing a grin. “Besides, I’ve faced worse things than Sella—how bad could it be?”Illya snickered, plopping onto one of the stools by the counter. “Famous last words, big brother. Famous last words.”Issei laughed as he pulled out the ingredients, rolling his sleeves up. “Yeah, yeah. I’m a glutton for punishment, I get it. So—how many pancakes do you want?”Illya hummed, tapping a finger against her chin in mock thought. “Mmm… five should do it. With extra syrup, of course.” Her mischievous grin made it clear that she was pushing her luck, but Issei only shook his head in amusement.“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood,” he said, grabbing the flour. “Five pancakes coming up.”Miyu reappeared quietly, leaning against the doorway as she watched the two banter. There was a certain warmth in the air—familiar and comforting. For all the chaos their family brought, moments like these made it worth it.“So, what about you, Miyu?” Issei called out without looking up, already cracking an egg into the bowl. “You want some too?”Miyu hesitated for a brief moment before offering a small nod. “Just two, please.”“Two pancakes, light on the syrup—got it.” Issei flashed a grin over his shoulder. “You’re way easier to please than this one.” He jerked a thumb towards Illya, who stuck her tongue out at him. “It’s not my fault you make the best pancakes in the house. I’m just supporting your talents!” She paused for a moment before glancing back at her brother, “Please don't tell Sella I said that.”“Don't worry, I won't.” Issei promised, as he flipped the first pancake with a practiced motion.The sound of sizzling batter and quiet laughter filled the kitchen. For a while, it felt like everything was as it should be—no mysterious adventures, no lectures, just home.Just as Issei was stacking the third pancake onto a plate, the sound of the front door opening cut through the easy atmosphere, followed by the unmistakable clack of heels.“We’re back,” a familiar, no-nonsense voice called out.“Speak of the devil,” Issei muttered under his breath, sharing an amused glance with Illya.Liz and Sella stepped into the kitchen—Liz balancing a few grocery bags in one hand while Sella adjusted her glasses, her ever-stern expression firmly in place.“I trust you didn’t destroy the kitchen while we were out,” Sella said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scanned the countertop.Issei snorted, lifting a plate piled with golden-brown pancakes. “Nice to see you too. And come on, Sella—I’m not Kiritsugu. The kitchen’s fine, and the food’s better.”Illya laughed at the not-so-subtle jab at their dad, swinging her legs playfully as she lounged on a stool. “Yeah, you should’ve smelled it when he was cooking. I’m pretty sure this beats whatever you two are planning for dinner.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she flashed a teasing grin in Sella’s direction.“I wouldn’t go that far,” Sella muttered, though the crisp, even browning of the pancakes didn’t escape her sharp gaze. She stepped closer, scrutinizing the countertop as if she expected to find some hidden disaster. Finding nothing out of place, her posture eased—just a little. With a soft huff, she accepted the plate Issei handed her. “At least you didn’t make a mess,” she added, her tone begrudgingly approving.“I’m capable of making food without destroying the kitchen, you know,” Issei shot back with mock indignation, folding his arms as he leaned against the counter. “You act like I’m some kind of culinary menace.”Sella scoffed quietly but didn’t argue—her silence alone was proof she had no real complaints. As much as she hated to admit it, Issei’s cooking was far from amateur. She took a bite of the pancake, her expression unreadable at first, but the faintest nod of approval slipped through as she chewed.Meanwhile, Liz moved with her usual calm efficiency, placing the grocery bags on the counter with practiced ease. Her movements were smooth and precise—every gesture unhurried, as if she had all the time in the world. Without a word, she turned her attention to the plate in Issei’s hands, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she examined the pancakes. After a beat of silence, she tilted her head faintly.“It smells… acceptable,” she said in her usual slow, quiet voice—calm, even, and almost indifferent.Illya giggled behind her hand. “That’s Liz-speak for ‘Wow, this is amazing!’”Issei chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I’ll take it. High praise from you two.”Liz, still as composed as ever, picked up a fork and cut into the pancakes with delicate precision. She took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before offering a small, satisfied nod—her version of a glowing review.Sella, on the other hand, took a more measured approach. Though she wouldn’t openly admit it, the pancakes were better than she expected. Fluffy, warm, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet but rich enough to be satisfying. For someone who supposedly didn’t cause trouble, Issei was frustratingly competent when it mattered.Still, she wasn’t about to inflate his ego. “Your technique is… acceptable,” she echoed Liz’s words, though the way she reached for another bite betrayed her approval.“Acceptable, huh?” Issei echoed, raising an eyebrow. “You know, a simple ‘thank you’ wouldn’t hurt.”“You’re not getting a medal for doing the bare minimum,” Sella retorted, though there was no bite behind the words.“Don’t worry, brother,” Illya chimed in brightly, her fork spearing another piece. “I’ll give you all the praise you want—these are awesome!”Issei let out a low laugh, shaking his head at his little sister’s enthusiasm. “I'm glad someone appreciates my hard work.”Illya grinned wide, savoring another bite of the pancake before turning her gaze toward Issei with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Well, since you’re in such a good mood…” she began, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness.Issei’s brow arched in suspicion. “Uh-huh. What do you want?”Illya clapped her hands together, leaning toward him with the kind of practiced innocence that usually meant trouble. “Miyu and I were thinking of going into town to pick up a few things. You know—essentials.”“Essentials?” Issei repeated, not buying it for a second. “Isn’t that code for ‘I want to buy a ton of stuff I don’t actually need’?”She huffed, puffing out her cheeks in mock offense. “Of course not! Besides, we do need a few things for school. Right, Miyu?”At the sound of her name, Miyu peeked her head around the corner from the living room, her expression as calm and unreadable as ever. “Illya said she needed more stationery. I only agreed to come along,” she said plainly, though there was a slight softening to her tone when she added, “It would be… nice if you joined us.”Issei sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. “You two sure know how to corner a guy,” he muttered, though the warmth in Miyu’s voice made it harder to refuse outright.Illya beamed, sensing victory. “Come on, big bro—it’s not like you have anything better to do today! And think about it: with you there, we won’t have to carry everything ourselves.”“Ah, so I’m just a pack mule. Great,” he said dryly, though a small smile tugged at his lips.“You’re our favorite pack mule,” Illya corrected, flashing him a dazzling smile before hopping off her stool. “Pleeeaase? It’ll be fun!”Issei glanced toward Liz and Sella, half-hoping for some backup. Predictably, Sella only folded her arms and raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered by his impending fate. “You’ve managed to keep the house intact while we were gone. Consider this your reward,” she said coolly.Liz, true to form, remained impassive, though she inclined her head ever so slightly. “The exercise will be good for you,” she said in her usual quiet tone.Issei exhaled in defeat, pushing off the counter. “Fine, fine—you win. But if you two blow my entire wallet on snacks again, I’m leaving you to carry the bags yourselves.”“Deal!” Illya cheered, grabbing his wrist before he could change his mind. “Let’s go, Miyu!”Miyu, as composed as ever, merely nodded and trailed behind, though a faint smile lingered on her lips as she followed.As the front door shut behind them, Sella let out a soft sigh, already anticipating whatever chaos their little ‘shopping trip’ might bring. “At least they’re out of the house,” she muttered, turning back to the groceries.Liz, finishing the last of her tea, simply added, “They seem… happy.”_______________________________________________And finished! Surprised that Issei is part of the Emiya family? Yeah, it's a merged universe from Fate so I'd thought I'd go the extra mile and bring over Fate characters over and yes, Yukō is Mordred Pendragon reborn, I thought it fitting with her beef with her dad and Kiba having a bone to pick with Excalibur. You'll fine out more about that when we get to it but as for now I'll summarise a few things.
First this universe was combined with a variation of the epilogue from the Heaven's Feel route. Some time down the line actually, someone fucked with a spell that destabilised their reality, so Zelretch with some help from Gaia merged the decaying timeline with another timeline of a different universe merging together which is why the church will be a bit different to it's DXD version. Some characters from Fate have been reborn while other have been reincarnated.

Differences between being reborn and reincarnated is that one has been manifested inside an identical version of their old bodies with small changes and having their old memories
largely
repressed for the most part save for the rare few dreams while the other is reborn completely with a new look and slightly new personality built on the remnants of the old one.

Heroic Spirits themselves, or rather a copy of their Saint Graph, can also go through with the process or they can go a third way and merge with some to become something akin to a demi-servant like Mash and depending on how compatible they are and how young, the heroic spirit could overwrite the others from as they grow older while completely merging with them. Yukō being one such being.

Can you take a guess as to which Servants or Fate characters have been reincarnated as DXD characters? Extra points if you guess which DXD character they've been reborn as.

Now, as Issei has been reborn from Shirou Emiya his Reality Marble is going to be slightly different due to having lived a life completely different to Shirou and while they do share some personality traits, Issei is still his own person and his UBW will reflect that, I have a rough idea on what it'll look like but I want your guys thoughts on the matter. I'd love to hear your ideas on what his Reality Marble would look like.

With all that said and done, I'll be moving onto a story that I haven't updated in a long while - A Multiversal Playthrough. And as an apology for not updating the story after a long while, I'll be sure to release at least two new chapters for it.

Next chapter will have Issei's encounter with Asia with a few notable changes as you've already seen and then he'll be with Rias when her Peerage goes to hunt down a Stray Devil.

Have a good one!