To be frank, I really never thought I'd write again. Not because of any negative reason. Simply because life just started to take hold. And as I came back for a bit of nostalgia, I decided to make time and give this another shot.

Albeit with some changes and tweaks to the original vision.

So, if you're willing, let's give it another run.

"Shit!"

The brunette hissed his distress as he jumped to the left, dodging the incoming claw strike from the Grimm, landing unceremoniously on his side. Adrenaline fueled him as he rolled over, narrowly avoiding the follow-up pounce from the beast, tossing up smoke to mask his vision.

The Grimm was wolf-like, its fur black as the very abyss he had come from, with eyes as red as blood. It stood on four legs with razor sharp claws primed for ripping and tearing. Armor-like bones were scattered across its body and sharp protrusions were littered across, making it hard for Issei to attempt at landing a blow to retaliate.

It used its entire body in the fight, making use of each and every limb, point, tooth, and claw to try and kill the teen. He had to find a way to get away or defeat the damn thing but no opportunity presented itself for him either.

'Damn. How could God screw up the teleportation this bad...' Issei thought to himself as he rose his gauntlet hand to deflect another claw strike. The force behind the charge brought him down, the beast following behind on top of him. Issei landed hard on his back, realising a pained grunt, but he held strong and braced his armored hand with the other. The Grimm leaned over, trying to bite his face off, the brunette keeping his feet on its chest to keep it from getting any closer. The disgusting stench and feel of saliva dripping onto his face didn't help but he didn't have time to complain.

[Boost!]

The call came and Issei couldn't have been happier for it. His strength had just doubled and the pressure of keeping the beast from lunching on him was easier to maintain. In fact, with the wolf Grimm leaning on him, and his increased strength, Issei gave a good kick with his legs upwards. The results were a flying beast over his head, crashing into a nearby tree, toppling it on top of the monster.

Issei rolled over onto his stomach and lifted himself up. His clothes were dirty, tattered, and stained with blood, both fresh and dry. The few tatters with open skin had claw marks across, none severe but bleeding still. A little blood also dripped down his chin, courtesy of him biting down on his tongue when the beast drove him into a tree of his own earlier, and the gash over his left eye.

"You're a… r-real pain in… pain in the ass..." Issei growled, panting heavily. He glared at the wolf before him as it pulled itself out from under and shook off its daze. It, too, glared back at him, its eyes glowing a dangerous red that seemed heightened by the horror scene-like night that surrounded them.

Seriously God, what the fuck?

[Boost!]

That was number three. Issei felt another surge of power and felt the pain numb just a bit more. He slowed his breathing, trying to calm his rapidly pounding heart. The adrenaline was still pumping and his hands were shaking but he had to keep it together.

It was weird though. He didn't feel fear coursing through him, no. Issei wasn't afraid of the creature. Whether it was the knowledge of his duty, and his need to swallow that fear, or the fact his adrenaline and instinct to survive numbed it, he didn't care for which it was. Currently, fear would only get him killed, and he had no desire to die a second time.

Besides, this monster didn't come close to the one who killed him in his old world.

The wolf growled before it charged once again. Issei watched it, closing the distance with a slight hobble to its right front leg. It moved slower and was trying to keep weight off it. An injury inflicted from the tree toppling over it.

Good, that meant Issei could find an opening. He just had to wait.

The Grimm stood on its hind legs once it was upon the boy. It's left paw came in a swipe that he slid under, rushing to move to its right side. It tried to follow but stumbled as it placed too much weight on the limb and fell forward. Issei was on top of it in a second.

[Boost!]

Good, if what he had in mind was going to work he'd need all the strength he could muster.

The brunette landed an uppercut to the beast's jaw. It stumbled but didn't fall. He threw a hook, fracturing its skeletal helm. He threw a kick underneath the right paw, landing to its exposed chest and underbelly. The Grimm was sent flying and tore through another tree before slamming into the one just behind it.

Issei rushed forward to the fallen trunk of the tree.

'Please be strong enough. Please be strong enough,' he thought frantically as he rose his armored fist. He brought it down with as much force as he mustered and, to his utter shock, the tree splintered like paper. "Haha, no way!"

Issei was ecstatic. He actually had the power to punch through a tree! And that's just with him starting off. Kinda like Goku!

A growl brought him back to reality and he remembered where he was. Turning back, he lifted the splintered remains of the trunk. The Grimm was starting to get its bearings together once more but he'd rather not go through another pass with the beast.

Issei charged forward, holding the splintered end towards the beast. He didn't know what kind of luck he had as the Grimm stood on its hind legs and released a howl. It didn't impede him as he drove the trunk into the beast's open underbelly and shoved it back into the tree. It screeched in pain but Issei paid no heed. He had to kill this thing.

It roared in pain and scratched at the trunk, trying to reach the brunette. Issei dug his heels in, pushing with all his might as the sharp points dug deeper, forcing howls of pain from the beast as it continued to drag its claws across the wood, pulling splinters and chunks of bark. Instead of blood, a black mist emitted from it but he couldn't focus on it, trying to keep the Grimm from breaking free.

The teen could still feel his hands shaking. There was still a gnawing feeling in the back of his mind. He was killing another living creature. It hadn't dawned on him until this very moment, but he was actually killing this creature. Evil or not, it was still an animal that lived and...maybe breathed? Whatever, it moved, it fought, it was somewhat alive. And he was taking that life.

But this was what he had to do. At the end of the day, these things threatened and killed people. One way or another, he would have to kill them. God told him that they would keep coming and they would keep killing. This is what he had to do.

Or, at least, that's what he had to keep telling himself.

The monster kept clawing and screeching in pain. The strategy seemed good but it obviously wasn't quick and nowhere near painless. He still had to find help and he would rather not have to fight another of these things. Issei had to end the fight fast or he may find himself in more trouble.

The boy looked down at the Boosted Gear, the gem glistening despite the lack of light. He took note of the sharp clawed tips. He looked back at the Grimm. It was still fighting, still clawing, biting at the air to try and reach him. The trunk was going to split from the lack of strength in its center as it ripped and tore more and more chunks of bark. Issei looked between the claw and the Grimm once more.

Crack!

The trunk gave way and split into two halves with a torrent of splinters and chunks of wood flying everywhere. Issei was already pressing forward and carried the tension in his legs into a new momentum as he surged forward. The beast was falling but, before its paws could hit the ground, Issei was in front of it. For a moment, glowing red met a more ominous glowing green. It was only a mere second before Issei dug his gauntlet through the Grimm's chest, right where its heart should have been, gauntlet piercing through the other side.

His guess of its vital point was accurate when it fell forward, collapsing over him, and its body falling limp on its new mount. It was dead.

To his surprise, the Grimm began to disintegrate before his eyes. Black particles, almost like a mist, covered the beasts body from head to toe before vanishing as if it was never there. No traces. No blood, no limbs, no claws, not even a single bone. Nothing.

These creatures really were different. It was like they were add-ons straight out of a video game. Except they didn't drop loot. But it made for one hell of a level up. And even more of an experience booster. However, this was real life and not a video game. He had one life and many people were counting on him. Not NPCs. Real people. As much as he wanted to relish in his first win, Issei knew it was just a stepping stone. One of many he would have to fight for. One of many he would need to take, and one of many he would continue to take.

A flash of black feathers filled his vision. His fist tightened and his blood began to boil. TRUST no one, God told him. FIND his own answers. Those words, still lingering in his ears. It was still a lot to take in and he was thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire.

He wouldn't be weak again... He wouldn't die without cause again... He wouldn't fail the world a second time…

Rustle!

"...!"

Issei turned to see a bush shaking violently.

Rustle! Rustle!

"..!?"

Two more at both sides began to mimic the first.

Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!

It wasn't long before the entire brush was shaking. And it didn't take but a few more seconds before the sources made themselves visible.

Six more wolf-like Grimm appeared. All as large and as dangerous as the first. Issei clicked his teeth as the final moments played back in his mind. All of those howls of pain and agony. It wasn't just for that, it was to call for help. So these things traveled in packs. Great, just fucking great.

Issei was barely able to handle one. Six was like someone turning up the difficulty level to impossible. He was still injured and there were no signs of any kind of backup arriving. If he even had any to begin with. This Ozpin guy was a headmaster, what reason would he have to be in the woods?

How could this situation get any worse?

[Reset!]

Suddenly, all the strength left him as soon as the word boomed throughout the clearing. His legs turned to jelly and immediately gave out as he collapsed to the ground. His hands could barely move but were just in time to break his fall. The impossible difficulty was yanked up another notch. Now he was outnumbered and out of energy.

He just had to ask, huh? The dumb cliche from those cartoons bit him in the ass. He was just starting and the world was already hellbent on killing him. Maybe he was cursed.

The monsters charged forward, all focused on him. Fangs bared and the lust for blood lighting their eyes in the night. Issei shut his eyes, cursing himself for being weak.

The Grimm were upon him in seconds. The closest one pounced, claws ready to tear into him. He shut his eyes and prepared for the inevitable pain to follow.

…

…

But it never came. No pain. No biting. No ripping. No shredding. There was an itch on his ass cheek but nothing life altering.

Issei decided to spare a glance. Maybe the Grimm decided he wasn't worth it. But no, that wasn't the case. The moment he could see clearly, his eyes bulged to full size dinner plates.

One of the wolves was directly in front of him, its claws literally inches away from his eyes. It was going to gouge his eyes out? That was so not cool. At least he tried to end their brethren quickly. But it seemed they wanted him to suffer and writhe in pain as they killed him. Yeah, dying definitely wasn't an option.

Still, why were they just...wait, they're floating.

"Honestly, I can never understand how Ozpin does these things," a new voice entered the fray. Someone was actually here!? Was he saved!?

The brunette got to watch as a purple glow enveloped the wolves before collapsing inward on them, crushing them until there was literally nothing. Once again, no blood, no spill, and not even the dark mist this time.

Issei dragged his hands under him. The strain on his exhausted body was already hard enough, yet he had to come face to face with the person who just saved him. They mentioned Ozpin, so it must have been an ally. And a strong one at that with how easily she disposed of those Grimm.

An audible grunt escaped him as he drugged himself around. Just enough to see who the person was. Black was starting to seep in around him, his body begging to shut down. It was a sheer will of the mind that was still keeping him awake.

Something reinforced when he failed to reach that paper back in his world. A failure he took to heart, and a will he would mold into steel.

"You shouldn't strain yourself, child. Any more and you'll just make more work for the nurses," the voice chastised. It was feminine and very firm. Actually, it was quite stern.

Suddenly, a weightless feeling took over as Issei felt himself lifted from the ground. He would have been amazed if it wasn't for his exhaustion and the sharp green eyes he came face to face with. For such a bright and lively color, they were as cold as ice.

Issei could actually feel his body stiffening but it seemed that was the last straw. It was but a moment later that his body gave out and completely shut down. He fell limp, the world falling to darkness and the woman's voice becoming no more than muffled incoherence.

-XOXOXOXOX-

Issei shot up. The first feeling was shock. The second was pain. So he was still alive. Injured, sore, a little hungry, mouth dry as sand, but alive. And judging by the white room and bandages on him, he was in the nurse's office that the scary lady spoke of before he passed out.

"I must say, taking down a Beowolf with no training whatsoever," Ozpin spoke up from the boy's side. He was in a chair, a cup of coffee in hand.

Issei wasn't surprised. Somehow he had felt the man's presence before laying eyes on him. Almost as if he sensed it. "I take it that you are Ozpin?"

"Professor Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy." Ozpin took a sip from his mug. "You seem to be quite calm. Your initial shock all but vanished."

"Yeah, well, I can't really explain it either. So you're the one God spoke of." Issei turned to meet the man. He had a very mature look. Grey hair, glasses that seemed more for looks than actual vision aid. And an eerie and ominous air about him. God did warn him not to trust this man at face value and the feeling in his gut told him the same. "How did you find me?"

"Your arrival wasn't exactly subtle. It was a miracle we found you before every Grimm, huntsman, or curious fellow came to see what caused such a commotion."

Issei rose a lone brow. He said it was a miracle, meaning he spoke of saving him before he was devoured, which was unlikely because the scary lady said that Ozpin already knew. So that left the second option.

"I take it my origin is not something you want getting out?" He asked, putting on his best poker face.

Ozpin closed his eyes and took a long inhale. Issei could see the years of endless exhaustion and stress appear and disappear in his face. There was also a weird tension in his shoulders, bags under his eyes, and he seemed to be overly relaxed despite all the clues that would depict he wasn't. He was hiding something and trying his damndest to keep it hidden. This man must have been fighting for a long time. Should Issei expect the same for himself?

The headmaster exhaled. "For now, yes. The situation is very complicated and has been kept under wraps. If the people knew..."

"Wait, the people don't know of the threat!?"

"If you mean the Grimm, they do. A plague like that isn't something that can be kept hidden." Ozpin then leaned forward, placing both hands on his mug as he looked dead into the boy's eyes. "It is what's behind the Grimm that must be kept secret."

The brunette stared back into the older man's eyes. There was a look of utmost seriousness in them. Warning of a danger. A danger far greater than what the Sekiryuutei realized. Something itch at the back of his mind, triggering his senses that whatever the threat was wasn't something he should stay idle about. It was a sense he knew but didn't know how he knew. It was...foreboding but to what he didn't know.

"I see." The Sekiryuutei leaned back in his bed. "So what is the plan for now? I may have killed that Grimm but I'm far from ready to save the world..."

Issei looked down at his bandages, picturing the scars that would lie underneath. Some would heal, but some also wouldn't. Constant reminders that he had to get stronger if he was to have any chance at saving these people.

"You have a good head on your shoulders."

"Yeah, well, dying does a good job of forcing that on you."

"So it does." Ozpin stood, stepping over to the teen. The click of a cane against the floor was the only sound until it stopped just short of the bed. "However, for now, you'll need to rest and recover first. No need to push you when your body is broken and needs to heal first. A process which we will accelerate now."

Issei became skeptical. "How?"

Ozpin took another step closer to the bed. He placed down his mug and placed his cane to the side. The gray haired male then moved over to the brunette.

"Umm..."

"Issei, do you know about aura?"

This confused the boy. "No? What is it?"

"Aura is the manifestation of one's soul. It is something that aids us in the fight against the Grimm. It can be used as a shield to protect us and it can even be used as a weapon to defeat them. The specific abilities and strengths differ from individual to individual but it all helps in the end. It even has the power to speed up recovery times. Scratches and bruises can heal within minutes. Bones can mend and repair within hours or days. I've even seen it used to bring someone back from the brink of death."

Issei had to admit, that sounded pretty cool. "Huh, aura seems pretty badass."

"Yes, I would agree. It is "badass", as you say." Ozpin grinned, looking down at the boy. "Now, tell me, do you have a soul?"

This made Issei knit his brow. The man's tone and expression seemed playfully, like he was joking with him. The question however, also carried a serious undertone. "I would assume so."

"Well, believe it or not, you have an aura," Ozpin replied.

"What!? Really!" Issei shot up and instantly regretted that decision. His sore body and wounds sent a wave of pain throughout his body. It was dull but carried an edge underneath. He let out a grunt, that he promised to the end of time was the most manliest grunt a man could make, and returned to his original position.

"You're quite eager, I can respect that. But don't move so much when your aura hasn't even been unlocked yet." Ozpin closed his eyes as his hands took a firm hold on the boy. One fell to his shoulder while the other rested on top of his head, the palm resting against his forehead. It wasn't uncomfortable but just enough to keep him still so long as Issei didn't try to move too much. "I must admit, you have an accelerated healing factor than most civilians, possibly a gift from your world."

Issei's eyes caught the red shimmer of his Boosted Gear in the licks of light that broke through the curtains. Yes, it was because of the gear that he was alive. "If you master your aura, you may be able to take any vast amount of damage and still be raring to go. Yes, I can feel a deep pool of aura within you. The deepest I've ever seen. You truly are gifted."

"Um… thanks," Issei awkwardly replied. He didn't know how to take the compliment. It was weird seeing as he was speaking so highly of his soul.

"Before we continue, you should put your weapon in a dormant state," the older male spoke up, motioning to the gauntlet. Issei blinked twice before focusing back in. "If you are as your god says, that piece must carry a great amount of power. Power that many would kill to have. The gauntlet itself can be passed off as your huntsman weapon but the powers within it must be kept under wraps. And I'd rather it not interfere in the ritual."

Issei casted a glance back once more at the gear. He then remembered Yuuma's warning of the Sacred Gear as well. It was the reason she had killed him. Had he not had it, none of this would be happening. He would be living his life as normal. Unknowing of his world's imminent demise. And unknowing of the world he came to stand on today.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. Ozpin was right. He shouldn't reveal its powers to the world. The knowledge could drive someone to come after him again before he could get strong. He didn't want a repeat of Yuuma, especially with the end results that could come about due to his failure. Issei didn't want to fail before he could start. Not a second time.

The brunette knew he was repeating himself but he had to. To keep himself going. For the sake of the people of this world. To redeem himself for failing his own friends and family. There wouldn't be a third chance.

For now, he would have to get strong on his own. Until he could master the Boosted Gear and defeat anyone who threatened him. Plus he didn't want to lose out on the chance at a potential force field from his very own soul! It was like some kickass build-your-own-sword type deal from another anime he watched growing up.

"Right... I should… should probably hide it," he muttered, unsure.

"Yes. I would rather not have multiple reports from teachers of you bringing weapons to class without permission either."

"Ehehe, yeah, that would be bad."

There was an odd, long pause. So long that Ozpin actually removed his hands to look at the boy. Issei looked back, his eye twitching as he tried different hand signs to try and get rid of the gear. So they stared at each other for about five more seconds before it became painfully obvious.

"...You don't know how to, do you?"

Issei wanted to lie but lying would have only dug a deeper grave. So he hung his head and gave a defeated "no".

Ozpin took a quick inhale and exhale. "I'd say you should simply be able to will it away. It is a part of you and appears when you call, correct?"

Issei blinked a few times. His reasoning, albeit far fetched, made some kind of sense. Plus, it was better than what his plan B was. Using a crowbar to try and pry it off was a terrible idea.

"Sure, let's go with your idea," Issei replied. He then turned to the gear and closed his eyes. He could feel its flow of power and its connection to him. The power that flowed from it seemed vast and endless but was flowing through a narrow channel with a gate. He dared try to open it but realized that wasn't the best idea for the current situation. He needed it to go away for now so he could get his aura.

Maybe he should try silencing it, as if it was a thought in his head. After a few seconds, a familiar green flash brightened the room before vanishing and, with it, the Boosted Gear was gone as well.

"Haha, I did it!" Issei cheered.

"Well done indeed," Ozpin praised with an added head nod of approval. "Now, let's begin. The faster you heal, the faster we can begin your training."

"Yes! Whatever you say, Headmaster!" Issei nodded enthusiastically. Any chance at training, he would jump at. He wanted to get stronger, he wanted to protect the people. After fighting the Grimm first hand, he realized how big of a wall he had to climb. The sooner he got started, the better.

"Alright then, lets begin." Ozpin returned his hands to their original position. He closed his eyes and started to focus. Issei followed suit, taking deep breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart. He was excited, eager, antsy, and any other similar feelings he couldn't name at the moment. The teen didn't know why but the chance to be a hero, it excited him. Not as much as boobs but a close second. Nothing could defeat a nice helping of big ol' tits. Still, being a hero was close.

It was probably from all the stories he had read with Irina. The stories of heroes, evil monsters, oh, and not to mention the smoking hot princesses who always fell for the hero. Hell, some had multiple women fawning over them.

No! Focus! He had to save the people first and foremost. He was to be a protector, a savior. Plus… women weren't exactly on his mind. Not after…

"I'll always remember our date, Issei. I did have a wonderful time fooling you."

"I will cherish this. A souvenir in your memory."

Yeah... The people, those who couldn't fend for themselves. They had to come first. If only he could enjoy tits without the idea of women using him or trying to kill him…

As Issei finished his thoughts, Ozpin began.

"For it is in determination that we achieve success. Through this, we become a paragon of light and humanity. To rise above that which is the darkness. Infinite in death and unbound by-."

"Ugaaaaaa!"

Ozpin's eyes shot open and he stumbled back. He gasped as he watched Issei begin to writhe and turn in his bed violently. The boy's eyes were wide and his mouth was wide open as he let out an agonizing scream. His hands clawed at the sheets and edge of the bed. His feet kicked back and forth fiercely, tearing the cover off of him and tossing it to the floor.

Eventually, Issei rolled himself off of the bed, landing onto the floor. Hard. Medical equipment and glass fell, shattering against the tile floors, shards skidding across the room. Issei didn't care, he clawed, searching for the non existent object that would cease his suffering. All he could reach was a glass shard and the offering was tempting but for only half a second.

It had been as if he had been set on fire. This pain... This pain was far worse than what Yuuma had done to him. It was as if his whole body had been set on fire and was burning him from the inside out. He clawed at his flesh to try and rid himself of the burning sensation but it did little to alleviate it. He merely scratched at himself, his skin turning red from the stress of his nails raking across it.

"It hurts! It hurts! It hurts! Damn it, it hurts!" He cried out. "Gah, why does it hurt!"

Ozpin rushed around the bed to his side. Nurses had also rushed in from the door.

"This isn't supposed to happen! Why!? Why didn't it work!?" The headmaster asked aloud.

Issei couldn't hear him. He barely noticed the nurses pick him up and lay him back into the bed, holding him down as he continued to writhe in agony. All he could hear was his own screaming. All he could feel was the intense suffering of his blood, feeling as if it had been replaced with molten lava. Why was it so painful!?

[Guooooooooooooooooh!]

That was when the brunette noticed something. There was another voice also leaking out with agony. It was deep, powerful, and its pain sounded just as bad as his. Issei threw his eyes around the room but saw no one, only the nurses trying to figure out what was wrong with him and Ozpin standing back with a fearful and lost look on his face. So where was the other voice coming from?

Minutes passed, although it felt more like hours to the teen, and eventually the pain began to subside. His screams had fallen hoarse, his throat raw, but the pain finally gave way. Issei fell back onto the pillow covered in sweat and completely exhausted. His breathing was ragged and he couldn't move his entire body. His eyes still moved around but he couldn't even turn his head.

"Issei! Issei! What happened!?" Ozpin was at his side immediately. One of the nurses held him back, making sure he didn't touch Issei, but the headmaster stared him dead in the eye.

"I… I dont… I don't know..." He finally got out. It hurt to talk and he winced at every word until he blurted everything out. His eyes felt dry and painful but each blink was even more so, so he kept them open as long as he could, wincing with each necessary blink.

Ozpin stared at him longer, hoping for more. But nothing came. Issei laid there as the nurse not holding the grey haired man back moved to aid him. She placed a damp towel on his forehead and provided him with a bottle of cold water. He drank eagerly, never feeling so thirsty in his entire life. It was like a gift from God with how heavenly it tasted. He chugged it down until there was nothing but air and he tried to drink that too until the nurse pulled it away.

Ozpin had taken a step back to try and ponder things. He had never seen such a reaction like that before. No one had ever reacted negatively to having their aura unlocked. Some merely say they feel a tingling sensation but to see such a level of pain, it was unheard of. And it threw a wrench into his plans.

As Ozpin tried to figure out what went wrong, the nurses double and triple checked the boy over. They made sure that none of his wounds had reopened and took note of the raw skin from where he scratched and clawed. They took care to rub a little ointment on it before finally taking a step back and breathing a sigh of relief. Though they stayed near, just in case.

Issei was still trying to figure out where the other screaming had come from. The person sounded like they were directly in his ear but he couldn't see anyone. It was almost like it was a voice in his head but the person sounded like someone completely different, completely separate from his body but also not at the same time. Why was it so damn confusing!? Was he imagining things? Nothing could ever be easy for him! He was cursed to forever lose and have to start from the bottom. He wanted to be an anime protagonist but even they had some good luck to help them in the beginning. Where was his!?

"Issei..." The Sekiryuutei turned to the headmaster. "What happened?" He asked again.

"I don't know..." Issei repeated. He found it a little easier to talk but it still hurt a bit at the back of his throat.

"Nothing at all? Nothing that could cause such a reaction?"

Issei thought to the second voice. He didn't see anyone else screaming and the only other people in the room were too concerned with him and showed no signs of pain. Then, he thought of the Boosted Gear. The ominous and sort of ancient power it gave off. Was there something more to it? Something that could connect to the other voice? Was it also possible that it was the reason he couldn't unlock his aura? There were too many what-ifs to know for sure and Issei lacked the current brain capacity to do so. He was still in pain and neither the nurses, nor Ozpin, were giving him time and space to think.

"Do not trust anyone blindly. Not even Ozpin."

God's words rang in his head again. Was this one of those moments where he withheld such thoughts? He still had little understanding and could be wrong on his suspicions. He didn't know if the Boosted Gear was the issue. Nor did he know if the second voice had any connection to it either.

It was probably better to say nothing until he had something more concrete.

Issei bit the inside of his cheek. It seemed he had much more digging to do. He wished God gave him a beginner's guide to this thing. Out of the frying pan and into the fire never made more sense than now.

Issei noticed Ozpin was still waiting on an answer. "I don't know what happened. You were doing the ritual and, all of a sudden, I was in pain. No warning or anything. I'm sorry..."

"No, no, it's my fault. I rushed things and got a bit overzealous." Ozpin was quick to take blame. Something that made Issei feel a little guilty. The headmaster seemed genuinely apologetic and Issei was keeping secrets from him. The man seemed smart enough, it was possible that he could figure out the problem. But Issei still felt something was off about Ozpin. It didn't make him relax around the man, nor trust him until Issei could grasp the situation himself. It would be best if he stayed on his own.

"Marie, Bell, can you give us a moment? Please."

The nurses looked to Issei for confirmation that he was okay. The young man nodded, assuring them that he would be fine for now. They were reluctant but left without a word.

Issei couldn't believe women were so nice when they didn't know he was such a pervert. Maybe he really should tone it back if it brought out such a caring nature in the opposite gender.

"I do apologize for putting you through such a thing," Ozpin spoke up, breaking the teen's train of thoughts.

"It's… nothing," Issei slowly replied. He attempted to clear his throat but it gave him a light sting of pain in return.

"I fail to believe that. If such a thing is to cause you this much pain, we may have to postpone your training..."

"No!" Issei shouted, trying to sit up in his bed and failing miserably. All he did was throw a hand over and knock the magazines sitting on the table to the floor. "...S-Sorry."

"Forget it. Why are you so adamant to train?" Ozpin asked, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly.

Issei's face contorted into a grim expression. The vision of his friends, his mother, his father, all of the students and teachers at Kuoh, being slaughtered, burned, and killed by God knows what, plaguing his mind. He clenched the sheets into tight fists until his knuckles turned white.

"God didn't tell you about our world, did he?" Issei took painfully slow breaths to calm himself. It seemed there was some bitterness to the reminder his world was gone. But it was that bitterness that could create good. He just had to stay focused.

"He did not share much. I was told that you were being sent here with a power that could help us. A power that could rival the gods, if nurtured. That was about it." Ozpin leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs.

"You weren't skeptical about it?" Issei asked, eyes focused on the ceiling.

There was a sigh as the older man rolled his head. "Of course I was at first. I have walked this planet countless times. Seen history written and been a part of the moments before even that. And only twice have I felt the sheer pressure that only an outer being could hold."

"I see. Is one of those experiences the reason why you know so much? Why you have been fighting so long?"

"In a way, yes."

"Well you should understand why I don't want to let Him down then."

"I do. And I can also understand that you yourself are doing it because you find some guilt within yourself as if you were the sole cause of it."

"But I have to get stronger, at all costs."

"Those are dangerous words." Ozpin narrowed his eyes. "Words that have turned people into worse monsters than the Grimm we fight."

"Dangerous ain't the half of it." Issei did the same. "I have to do this. With or without you, Ozpin."

The two stared each other down for a few long seconds. It almost seemed like the boat would tip before it could leave the docks. But the older male eventually sighed in defeat. It seemed he really had a tough one on his hands. Not to say it was bad but it would definitely be a handful. And, unfortunately, this wasn't something he could dump on Glynda and go enjoy a cup of coffee. However, it was that type of strength and will that they would need to win this war.

Haah... Ozpin swore, he was getting too damn old for this…

The headmaster turned and grabbed his cane that he had set by his chair. "Alright, fine. The moment you've recovered we'll begin training. But I won't accept less than a hundred and ten percent. Is that clear?"

The boy's eyes lit up and a big smile split across his face.

"Yes sir!"

Ozpin tapped the cane against the ground and opened the door. "Good. Now get some rest. I could really use another cup of coffee" he stated, the last sentence spoken to himself. And with that, the door shut.

Issei mentally fist pumped, seeing as he physically couldn't at the moment. Things may finally be looking up for him. He had a master to train him and, even without aura, he would become a kickass huntsman in no time. He would become the hero of this world and defeat whatever evil lay on the other side. Those Grimm won't stand a chance once he hits the battlefield. Maybe his luck was turning around.

Issei felt the exhaustion working its way through him. Sleep slowly began to seep in and, this time, he gave in without a fight. But as his conscience slowly gave way, he wondered what kind of training he would go through. He hoped it was something cool that involved swords and guns! Oh, maybe even lasers!

Yeah, things were definitely looking up now.