Natsu Dragneel In Dxd - Volume 1 Chapter 22 Freakin' Majestic

“Okay Gasper, you ready!?”

“Um, uh, I think so Please don’t do this too hard, please. I’m still scared.”

“You got this Gasper-san!” Asia cheered along the side lines of the gym court. The group of Devils was residing in the school gym with the volley ball net being cast in the middle. Issei was on a stool holding a volleyball as he stood above the net. Koneko was guarding the door while Xenovia did the same for the other exits. Saji had his ownSacred Gear Absorption Lineattached to Gasper’s head to reduce his power output and Gasper well he was in drag- I mean, the girl’s gym clothes. That’s it. And sadly, it fitted him very well.

“Gasper, get ready! Here it comes!” Issei threw the ball over the net towards Gasper when suddenly, he was gone again for the 5th time.

“Gosh dang. We’ll never progress at this rate if he just keeps running away.” Issei sighed tiredly.

“Look who I found.” Koneko said, dragging Gasper along with her.

“Wahh, it was scary seeing that fast ball come at me!”

“I tossed it!”

“Come on, Gasper-san. You can’t keep running away.” Asia explained, trying to calm the scared boy.

“Hey Saji, could you take more power away from him. I think he still has too much.” Issei said looking towards his friends at the sidelines.

“Yeah, sure,” Saji complied, sucking more power away from Gasper through hisAbsorption Line, “You know, this is becoming great practice for me. I never thought I could improve my skills like this in such a short time.”

“Well, don’t get used to it. I think that it’s almost time to close up shop. We’ve been at this for hours,” Issei explained putting his hand on his chin, “Although, I still don’t get why Azazel would help us out like that. And what’s with the blood stuff too? It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

“Ah, yeah, I hate blood too! It makes me uncomfortable.” Gasper whined aloud. He scrunched up into a ball while rocking back and forth which confused everyone in the vicinity.

“Why the hell don’t you like blood? You’re a Vampire aren’t cha?” Saji asked perplexed at this weird Vampire kid.

“I just don’t like it is all!” Gasper answered back with his head in between his legs.

“Honestly,” Koneko started, “You’re the worst Vampire ever.”

“Why do you have to be so mean, Koneko!?” Gasper cried loudly again.

“God, all this noise is giving me a headache.” Xenovia said rubbing her temple.

With Natsu, 30 minutes Later:

“Natsu, when I said to hurry and let’s go, I meant right now! I didn’t know you were going to stay in there bawling your eyes out!” Igneel screamed in his son’s head.

‘Shut up dad! It’s not my fault I got all emotional- it’s yours!’Natsu shot back, screaming back at his father in his head.

“Now you’re just making up excuses.” Igneel said plainly causing Natsu to gain a tick mark.

‘We’ll discuss this later, I smell someone coming.’Natsu immediately cut his father’s voice from his mind and focussed on the person he smelled coming towards his position at fast speeds. ‘Wait there’s two. One is Issei and the other is probably someone I just meant. I can’t put my finger on it but I’m sure I smelled this scent before.’

So, Natsu continued his path down the hall, deducing that the people were going to cross his path anyway. Then, before he could take his turn at the end of the hall, he saw Gasper zoom by him with Issei not far behind.

“What the hell?” Natsu asked before seeing Issei come towards him.

“Oh, Natsu, you were here? Anyway, we gotta get Gasper back- he got scared and then ran off. Could you help me track him?” Issei pleaded while Natsu just shrugged his shoulders.

“Sure, I got nothin’ better to do. Although, I think I should add that he’s headed towards his room. I think I smell him there now.” Natsu informed as he leads the way to their new destination. It took a minute or two to get where they wanted to go but eventually they got to Gasper’s room.

Trying to pull the door open, Issei found that it would budge an inch, “What is up with this door? It won’t open for some reason.”

“Hold up, let me try,” Natsu proceeded to put his hands on the nobs and tugged at the door a few times before completely giving up, “Oh, damn.”

“What’s up?” Issei asked curiously.

“Uh, this seems to have aMagical Sealon it again. Of course, I can just burn it off, but it would be a hassle to have this place burn to the ground. I mean, why is this place only made of wood, it’s stupid-”

“Natsu! Stop getting off topic. We gotta do something to get this thing unlocked or Rias would- Oh, President!” Issei said like something just hit him(not literally). Quickly getting out his phone, he dialed a number as it began to ring.

“So you’re gonna call her? Not a bad idea for someone with only a girl’s body on their mind.” Natsu said with a small smirk.

“Yeah, well someone with a brain filled with fighting and burning things wouldn’t have come up with this.” Before Natsu could yell something back at him, the phone made a “click” sound before Rias’ voice could be heard through the device.

“Hello? Issei, right? What is it?”

“Oh, President! I just called to inform you that Gasper has locked himself in his room. I was wondering if you could come help us with this.” Issei said, explaining the situation to her as what they heard was a loud sigh.

“Okay, I’m coming. And please tell Natsu not to do anything stupid- like try to burn the seal.”

“Hey, I heard that!”

“Wait, you knew there was a seal?” Issei asked surprised.

“Yes, but just wait. I’ll be there in a few seconds.”

“A few seconds?” Issei asked dumbly.

“What does that mean-” Natsu was cut off when there was suddenly a bright red light flashed in front of him causing him to fall back in surprise, “Son of Dragon!” Natsu called out irritated.

“Oh President, you’re here already!?” Issei said, stunned at the convenience ofMagic Circles.

“Princess you owe me a big dinner after this” Natsu said a bit irritated under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t listen and proceeded towards the door.

“Gasper, darling, please don’t lock yourself in that room. We’re here to help you. I only want to give the best to my precious Bishop.” Rias tried to calm the crying Gasper but to no avail. Not only did he not reply, but his screaming got louder.

“Sorry, prez. I didn’t want it to come to this.” Issei said sulking a bit.

“No, don’t worry. I know you guys were trying your best to help him. He’s just naturally like this.” Rias said to both boys.

“Eh, what do you mean ‘naturally’? No one can be this naturally irritated by the outside world.” Natsu inquired, feeling very confused at the moment. ‘Probably something that happened when he was young.’

“Well, considering his background, this was eventually inevitable. You see, Gasper’s Father is a well-renowned Vampire throughout the community from a well-known and high-up family. But he married a mere human woman which turned to the worst for him. Vampires are even more strict about their homogeneous state than Devils are and since he was a hybrid, Gasper was discriminated by everyone. The Vampires hated him for his impure blood, and the Humans feared and envied his power.”

“No way, it seems Asia and Gasper both have such a similar background before all this.” Issei deduced in wonder.

“Yes, you’re right. And like both of them, we know they’ll never use that power for something bad. Their hearts are too kind for that,” Rias said, looking at the ground in shame, “But what kind of King am I, to let all this anxiety and fear come crashing on one of my pieces?”

“Hey, don’t say that. Come on, me and Issei got this. We’ll turn his fangy-frown upside down!” Natsu said cheerfully, trying to left Rias’ spirits up.

“Yeah, this is the first time I could have a junior under my wing! I can’t call myself a senpai if I let Gasper go through this alone.” Issei agreed with Natsu as Rias smiled brightly.

“You guys are right. I can’t help Gasper like this if I’m also the one sulking. I wish you both good luck.” Rias said before going off in a glow of red light.

“So,” Natsu said suddenly, “You wanna wait, or something?”

That’s when Issei dropped to the ground and crossed his legs, “That’s right! I won’t move from this spot until you get your ass outta there!” Issei screamed at Gasper through his door.

“Yeah, what he said!” Natsu yelled enthusiastically before walking away.

“What the- I thought you were going to do it with me!?” Issei screamed shocked at Natsu’s actions.

“Well, I’m hungry. I’m not going to stay here all night without a snack of some sorts. You want anything- there should be a vending machine in the school.” Natsu informed Issei of his ventures before he nodded in agreement.

“If that’s the case, get me a few snicker bars, some ketchup ch.i.p.s and a mountain dew with Cheetos. I might need them for a bathroom break.” Issei said, going along with Natsu’s plans.

“Yep, got it. See ya in a few.” Natsu waved before going off down the hallway.

4 Hours Later:

“What the hell! This is stupid! Let me burn the seal already!” Natsu fumed, getting impatient after those long hours.

“Woah, Natsu! Calm down! It’s gonna take a bit longer to have him get out.” Issei quickly grabbed Natsu’s wrists and held him down for a few seconds until he stopped twitching. Then, comes the ignited silence. The boys’ bodies were littered with wrappers from all the junk they ate with some being scatter along the hall. A number of times Natsu went back and forth from there and the school was uncountable, and he was pretty sure that he found some new passageways around the campus.

The silence continued a bit longer before Natsu ended it with a question, “Do you know where the girls went after everything that happened before?”

“Uh, Asia said something about having everyone over at my house to discuss a way to help Gasper with his problems.” Issei answered putting a Cheeto in his mouth.

“Really? Wow, they must be devoted to making Gasper come over his fears.” Natsu said, impressed at the girl’s determination.

“What are you talking about? We’re staying here until Gasper actually decides to get out. I call that real devotion.” Issei said, countering Natsu’s claim while he meekly agreed.

Then, once again, silence ensued, surrounding the atmosphere with its awkward grip. But, during that time, the boys weren’t just diddling around but actually coming up with ways to communicate with the little Vampire that was currently as silent as them. Of course, their mind labor wasn’t turning out so useful for them as they both figured out for themselves that Gasper was what one would say isquirky.

‘Not to say it’s a bad thing’Issei thought.

‘But the kid has a bad way of communicating.’Natsu thought as well. ‘Although, no one can blame him.’

‘Having such a traumatizing past must’ve messed him up in the head a little. And for it to go to that much of an extent’

‘It’s unfair to him as a person. A living being. No one should have to go through that.’

Being the one to take charge in this front, Issei leaned against the wall and put his hands behind his head, “Hey, Gasper, I don’t know if you can hear me or not, but are you scared? I mean of yourSacred Gearand stuff. And probably us as well.” Issei asked before looking gloomy, “You know, I have a scary thing inside me too. Its suppose to be one of the strongest Dragons out there and that I’m eventually gonna have to fight another person with the same power to the death. But even with all these troubles and fears that I face, I refuse to let that minor thing stop me from protecting and doing the things I love.”

“But” Gasper started with his voice beginning to shake, “Aren’t you scared of what might happen in the future if you do use the power? Don’t you have any doubts that something bad will happen to you if you keep using it?”

“Listen, Gasper,” Natsu said sighing, “I just had a stern talkin’ from my dad about doubt. And he said something that seemed true to my eyes. “Life’s biggest problems have the simplest solutions, all you have to do is find them”, that’s what he said to me. And right now, I think that applies to you.”

“Then, what’s the solution to my problem?” Gasper asked hopefully.

“It’s easy! All ya have to do is go out there and take what yours! You might have to take baby steps in your case but you’ll get there eventually.” Natsu said gleefully, hoping Gasper heard him through the doors.

“R-really!? You mean it!”

“Yeah, and if you come out, we’ll help you through it, no problem!” Issei said, trying to persuade the boy. It seemed to work because both teens saw him slowly open the door and sit cross-legged in between them.

“So what do we do now?” He asked uncertainly.

“Uh, you wanna drink my blood? It’d be faster to control your powers if Azazel is right about what he said.” Natsu suggested sheepishly. Natsu wasn’t sure if he was comfortable was with someone drinking his blood- he didn’t know the side-effects of a Vampire drinking your blood if there was any.

“Whaa! No, not blood! I hate the stuff! It takes all I got to drink from the transfusions I get from time to time. It just doesn’t sit well with me is all” Gasper said putting his head down and hugging his teddy bear he had tighter.

“Wow, you’re a really bad Vampire.” Natsu said plainly.

“I know” Gasper said sighing.

“Hey, don’t give your hopes up! If you won’t drink blood to increase your control, then you can partner with me and continue your training! In the end, when we combine our powers, I can give you a boost to freeze all the girls in the school so I can grope all their wonderful assets!” Issei said pervertedly with drool slightly coming off his mouth.

“No no, Gasper, stick with me and you can freeze all the restaurants in town and eat all the food you want without paying. It’s foolproof!” Natsu said, suggesting that Gasper joined his side.

“You know that’s considered theft, right? Gasper should stay with me.” Issei said dismissing Natsu’s ideas.

“Well, what you’re doing is accounted as ****, molesting, taking a hostage, and taking advantage of. So you can go to jail for that, including Gasper!” Natsu shot back with fury.

“Well, I’m sure one of those won’t even count in the court of law!”

“I’m pretty sure that you both would get arrested.” Gasper said sweat dropping at their argument. Who the hell argues about who would get more jail time with the crimes they might commit.

But their silly quarrel got stopped when they all saw Kiba walking out of aMagic Circle.

“Oh, Kiba, you’re here!” Natsu said with a smile, “Now, if had to go to jail for a crime, would it be for molesting or theft?”

“Um, I think I would choose theft.” Kiba answered, unsure of how it actually impacted anything.

“Hahaha, told you stealing was better than ****!”

“What did I get myself into” Kiba asked himself under his breath.

“Yo Kiba, here’s a skittle pack for answering it correctly.” Natsu tossed him a pack of the rainbow candy while Kiba caught it and thanked him. But then, to their surprise, the boys saw the girls walk down the hallway towards them.

“Uh, what are they doing at this late hour?” Issei asked curiously. It took a while but they all eventually met in front of Gasper’s door, but Asia had a disgusted look on her face.

“Why is this hallway such a mess? We just had the club building cleaned not too long ago.” Asia said holding her nose, trying to keep the smell of processed foods from meeting her sense of smell.

“Let’s just migrate to Gasper’s room,” Xenovia suggested, “Is that okay with you?” She asked, looking down at him while Gasper nodded shyly. So, with the group walking in Gasper’s room, Issei began to speak.

“So why are you guys here? Did something happen?”

“Oh, well, Xenovia-san came up with a wonderful idea to help Gasper!” Asia said excitedly.

Laughing a bit, Xenovia responded, “Well, I wouldn’t have gotten the idea if Asia hadn’t input her opinion. So, Gasper’s fear is meeting things head-on or face-to-face. And the solution I came up with is this!” Quickly dashing towards Gasper, Xenovia took out something brown and put it over Gasper’s head.

“What the hell did you just do?” Natsu asked dumbly, staring weirdly at Gasper’s new look.

He had a brown bag over his head with little eye holes too.

“Uh, I-I don’t feel nervous. T-this is amazing! I can talk to you all without having to go in my box!” Gasper yelled excitedly at this revelation while Xenovia grinned triumphantly.

“Asia said something about being fine to talk with people when they can’t see her face. So when I related it to Gasper, I remembered I had these,” Xenovia pulled out three small colorful packages from her pocket and showed them to everyone, “And thought about putting something over his head.”

“Get those damned things outta here!” Natsu yelled, quickly grabbing the items in her hand and burning them.

In the sudden silence that followed, Gasper spoke through the bag, “Hey, now that I’m able to talk to people normally like this, do you guys think I can become a well-known Vampire?”

‘I don’t think that’s the case if you’re like that.’Issei thought deadpanning.

“Yeah, why not Gasper. Anyway, Imma go to bed now.” Natsu, in an uncharacteristically way, sluggishly and slowly walking towards Gasper’s bed with a tired tone before instantly beginning to snore and mumble in his sleep, “Dragons Igneel Beat Pervert up scary Erza and Princess beat Issei up again”

“Even when the bastard’s asleep, he still is annoying.” Issei said impassively.

“I heard that Pervert!” Natsu yelled angrily, suddenly getting up from his lying position but just as quickly went back to sleep.

“He freaking woke up just to pick a fight!?”

In the Morning, With Issei, Asia and Natsu:

“Man, I wish gasper could come with us to school.” Issei said sighing at the end.

“I’m sure he’ll be able to eventually.” Asia said with a small smile, trying to encourage Issei. The three were walking down the hallway going to their homeroom as it was the beginning of school.

“I’m so damn tired. Gasper’s bed was so uncomfortable.” Natsu whined, rubbing his sore back. His attention was brought to something else, however, when he saw Rias and Akeno. He assumed the other two saw them as well because they were walking towards them.

“Hey, Princess! You back from your little meeting?” Natsu greeted cheerfully.

“Yes, although sadly I ‘have another one coming up shortly. But Akeno has something she wants to talk to you about.” Rias informed while Akeno took the stage.

“Well, you see, I need Natsu-kun and Issei-kun to come with me after school for something important. I’ll fill you in with the details later.” Akeno explained joyfully with a smile.

“Huh, you want us?” issei asked, pointing towards himself.

“Oh, I hope it’s some kind of mission!” Natsu yelled enthusiastically, jumping up and down.

“Yes, it’s something like that.” Akeno said giggling at Natsu behavior.

After School at a Shrine Entrance:

“So what’re we doin’?” Natsu asked Akeno as the three of them walked up the tall mountain of stairs.

“You guys have to meet someone. He’s very important.” Akeno answered plainly. She was wearing a robe with the top being white and the bottom being red.

“Can I fight him?”

“No,” Akeno said sternly before smiling back at Natsu, “He’s one of the peacekeepers and we don’t want to make a bad impression.” As she said this, the group made it to the top of the stairs that showed a giant shrine with two poles to the sides.

“Uh, I think we should stop here. It’s like asking for death for a Devil.” Issei said frightened, remembering the last time he entered holy territory.

“Don’t worry. This territory is neutral for this reason. It’s safe to come inside.” Akeno said leading them inside. To Issei’s surprise, he didn’t feel any pain at all.

‘I guess she was right.’

“Hold on guys, I think he’s here.” Akeno warned.

“Who’s here?” Natsu asked puzzled. That was until he saw the sky around them turning to a bright gold, as the middle of it all was shining the brightest, slightly showing a male dressed in white descending towards them.

“Hello, you must be Issei Hyoudou and Natsu Dragneel. I have heard a great deal about you.” The man said showing his wings as the light slowly died down.

“Holy crap! That guy has some f.u.c.k.i.n.g majestic golden wings over there!” Natsu yelled in shock, stunned at the beauty of the feathers that reflected the sun’s light gold.

“Holycrap is right! This guy’s a-” Issei was interrupted when the male began to introduce himself.

“I am Michael, chief and head of the Angels. Nice to meet you.” He said calmly.

“An Angel!?”