Act.4. Scotch and Bourbon Part 1: Summer Days
July 23, 15:30 pm Occult Research Club room.
2 weeks passed since the Stray incident and there was still no sign of Issei, nowhere to be found. Nothing, like he never existed. No signature or a direct link to his Evil Pieces could help in locating his whereabouts. It was clearly that he didn't want to be found despite the wishes of others. He still won't come back. Even though i left him alone for 2 weeks hoping he would return,it's just wishful thinking on my side.
Even if i tried to reach out to him,he would just reject me with even more diligence than ever. But still this feeling of wanting to see him - what's wrong with me? I'd still ponder on why i let that happen. Maybe because i was a Devil and had to uphold the tradition of Traitors must Die! But still it made me feel good about it... But that gaze,that fierce passion in his eyes made me rethink on myself for a moment. Did i actually wanted to be like the rest of Devil society, to be ruthless and think of my peerage as slaves? I never wanted that,not even for a second as long as i was a King. And yet i made him suffer even more just to please my ego and show off my status. I'm really just like them after all... I can't deny the blood flowing into my veins... But i should make a difference about it.
As i was submerged in deep thought the door opened only for Kiba to show up. He was feeling rather neutral but deep down I'm sure he was affected as well - he had suffered before as well as a subject to some project. I did find him on the snow bleeding and barely alive on that night. I think it was in Germany but I'm not sure. Never mind that, he's here for a reason.
" Good day President, i brought you some coffee to cheer up. " he smiled to try to cheer me up but still he must have done it because of consideration. I don't know whats on his mind but it's clear he's been down because of the Stray accident. I'd better be careful not to spike up his repressed feelings.
"Thank you Yuuto. I appreciate the thought but what about you? How are you feeling? "
" Honestly, i feel awful because of what happened. Despite having experienced the horrors myself, i let another one experience it again. I can't forgive myself for acting like that,it's not right. Even though we're devils there is a line that we must not cross,after all i still wonder how much humanity i have left in me. " he tightened his arms and his expression became serious and remorseful. He was a victim as well, he was sensitive to matters like that.
" It's my fault, i made you do it without even considering his mental state. I'm the one to blame for his alienation from us. He is probably alone and suffering, i don't even believe he'll come back at all. After everything we did to him... I wonder what it's like to be a human...i was never one myself but still... Even though i was born a devil, i still search for the meaning of what is that... What makes you human... I really envy you..."
" That is a question i cannot answer. Everyone at least once in their life has pondered on this eternal question like " why was i born?", " just what makes us human when we're doing inhuman acts of cruelty with silly justifications to hide our ugly side ".
"It's not just you President, everyone has thoughts on these matters beyond our reach. But never stop searching, who knows... You might find it one day, even if it's fake or nonexistent... As long as you're content with it- it doesn't matter where you were born or what you are. Because it's the inside that matters... "
I'm really glad that i have people like Yuuto around me. I think I'll be able to fulfill my dreams if I'm surrounded by people of such exquisite understanding. Who knows, i might achieve even more...
"Kiba, we have work to do. Did you find anything on Issei - family register,business, reports. Any useful data is essential because i can't let Sona beat it to us. This is something we must reign above - so any luck with it?"
As he readjusted his position, he took a seat and elaborated on what he found. " Nothing in particular, just that his family was a ordinary one, both parents were corporate workers and lived a normal life. No other relatives could be traced to them. I tried asking around people about him but got no response . Just nothing. No reports or any data suggesting his activities and life pre his reincarnated. It must have been erased - no records of it exist. But i did find a medical examination board from a hospital - but it didn't say much aside he suffered from severe depression and panic attacks. But nothing else... " his tone was quite disheartening. If anything i could sense a deep dissatisfaction from him. You shouldn't feel down because you did your best,you know.
" Do you think he's home currently? "
" I doubt so. If i were him,gladly I'm not i wouldn't even stay there. I'd run away far enough for no one to find me until i feel I'm ready to be. It's a baseless assumption that he would be home if not a really stupid reason. "
" Call the others. We'll go on a search - i can't let him become a Stray due to my horrendous mistake. I won't allow it. Do you understand Yuuto?"
"Yes, President. Everything will be done in a few hours. So please wait patiently for the call. If you would excuse me,i would like to take a breather now. I'm still a bit awkward from what happened. " he stood up and shoved his chair in its place. I'd say he was quite agitated and in good condition despite the situation. So is that what they call not losing hope? I guess so...i still have a lot to learn. But till then... Let's have some fun ourselves.
" Have you noticed anything entering the barrier i put up over the city? Has anything snuck in in these past weeks? Or any angels that tried to enter?"
" The barrier picked up a small signal. It wasn't a demonic one or a Angel. .. It's a human... A servant of the church to be exact. I don't know how she got in but if she did, she's a dangerous existence to us Devils.I don't know if it's a exorcist or some paladin sent to slaughter us. " he showed signs of uneasiness in his voice. It was vibrating with doubt as much as i could tell. There was a unexpected contempt in his eyes, with his eyebrows twitching violently. He hated those affiliated with the church and it's branches. It was personal and traced back to Germany 5 years go. He still hasn't forgiven them for what they did. I don't even know how could he even forget what happened there.
" Let's assess the danger this church servant poses and see if she's in some use to us. She might be useful like him...if not let's eradicate her existence from the face of the earth.. "
It brings me back to those times before Yuuto entered my was 6 years ago. Back when i had another Pawn in my possession, i miss those days. It was just like yesterday... Until i lost him that night due to my carelessness... I'll never forget it,i won't make the same mistake... But until then, it's time to get things going... It's going to be fun...
XXXXXX
The same day,22:16 pm
A hard knocking was heard on the large,metal door separating the corridor from the interior and the sound was getting stronger. As the old barman opened the door to his surprise - Azazel had arrived again for a drink, but this time with him was company.
" Good evening gentlemen, how is your day going? " he courteously asked the figures sitting on the table opposite of the exit. It was a rather large table for 3 people to have but it surely had a lax atmosphere around it.
" Good evening to you too, Azazel. And who's this charming lady behind your back? " was the response of the ever so laid back doctor MonBlanc. He was leisurely drinking a red martini garnered with a lemon slice on top.
" Oh,her? She's just a kid i take care off. A troublemaker if you will. Come on now,introduce yourself to these fine gentlemen. Don't be shy" he urged the young girl behind him to be courteous. She was pretty stressed from the aura they exuded but nevertheless stood in front of Azazel and declared nonchalantly - " It's Vali,nice to meet you too." She was really enthusiastic all of a sudden and aimed at the doctor with a white gauntlet clad punch.
He didn't even turn back, he just stood there and continued drinking his martini without any care that he was being assaulted so suddenly. The clang of metal filled the air as if a avalanche had fallen. She was surprised - the doctor had blocked and deflected her fist with just a small scalpel in his left arm and had even severed a few tendons in her hand all up to the shoulder area. And he was still drinking on top of it.
" This isn't a place to fight little miss Vali. I'm not in a mood for some reason so you better leave it at just that. If you want something - come sit and have a drink with us. " he didn't even react much to her attack . He was rather bored with her attempt to harm him. If not it might have been his unwillingness to beat her pretty face and rip apart the bar- it was the only place where he could indulge in his own waters like a shark. It was something like a home for him to return to.
" Ah,sorry for her rude behavior. She's prone to challenge powerful beings for which i owe you an apology. I haven't been able to restrain her impulsiveness. Please forgive me." Azazel was a bit embarrassed by her actions and he tried to get a grip on Vali. But she was pretty hard to control these days as she still didn't know her rival or what he was underneath the armor and it made her impatient and erratic at times.
" There is no problem to be concerned with. Youngsters these days are so lively... It reminds me of my youth back when i was living in Ireland. Those were good days before everything fell apart..." Arthur had approached the table Chesare was sitting on and with a simple gesture invited the two new clients to share their table. But still his expression expressed sadness and nostalgia, he was intent on keeping it under wraps but it would occasionally resurface along with the memories he had of his homeland.
The bar changed its scenery to a beautiful velvet room with black curtains and violet lamps lightened the place up, creating a beautiful yet melancholy atmosphere all over the place. The florescent lampshades poured their lights onto the bar plate with a dazzling glitter that was like from a fairy tale for children. Every chair became a comfy black sofa, garnered with purple cushions of silk that glistened in the light like snowflakes. This time it was a representation of tranquility.
Everything was going as usual. There were other customers there who were busy with their own conversations and the soothing music of the Sugar plum Fairy was seeping into the air.
" What shall you drink today,sir? And what would the young lady like to have? "
" An Irish Scotch double and for her a small margarita please. And come back - i want to talk to you about something. " Azazel expressed his interest on the matter as he had yet to hear anything from Issei since he left that night suddenly. He was close to finding the snake in his group but couldn't do anything about the young nun he met as she was already in the hands of the Fallen and if he did- it would cause a mutiny over the fact to pass her to a devil.
" So this is the first time we meet. Please forgive me for my rudeness as i didn't introduce myself properly. I am Chesare MonBlanc and it's a pleasure to meet you. And this is Castor Zeble here." he pointed towards the man sitting next to him. It was a tall man of African descent with a massive body frame and with harsh but masculine features. He had no hair and wore a simple dark suit with a african amulet and silver dogtags.
" Likewise. I've heard good things about you from Arthur. You're a doctor right? In what sphere are you specialized in?"
" I'd say in a lot as a matter of fact. You're here under a alias, is that correct?
So what brings you here today? " Chesare made a surprised look and his eyes were focused on the young girl sitting besides Azazel. He offered a cigarette to both but only Azazel took the invitation. He took out his silver skull shaped lighter and assisted the doctor in lighting up his cigarette.
" Mostly work... I go by Adolf K. Mayer and act as a professor at Issei's school for the meantime. And on your other question - Issei's disappearance. Arthur has told you the details so i just want to help the young lad and your work. I know what you people are and why you were chosen - i wish to survive as well and not just me. " Azazel finished his speech as he puffed smoke from his mouth and stretched his arm to Vali. She was sitting quietly and didn't participate much in the discussion. She was just there for company and to be able to see a glimpse of the Red Dragon Emperor's face but wasn't given this opportunity.
" I understand. I'm worried too about him and his involvement in the Gremory's clan affairs. It's just too convenient for him to end up there. There's a good reason she took a hold of him and it makes my blood boil because he's nothing more than a tool to her and her cause. Those pieces that returned him to the living - i tried to remove them but he would die if we forcibly extract them."
"* Hey doc, am i alright?"
"Um yes,yes. You're fine... "
" Then why are you making that face then?. Just be honest, i don't want any wish wash, i want the truth and nothing else. Don't sugar coat it.. " he jumped on his feet with diligence but he was losing hope. He wasn't afraid of the ugly truth, he wanted it no matter what.
" I'll be honest with you Issei- I can't remove them! I can't! If i try to forcibly remove them you'll die from triggering a failsafe function that will kill you on spot. I don't know if you'll survive that... What if you lose your power suddenly in the middle of the operation? Have you thought about that?"
" I have thought so many times about it... I've waited for death to take me ... I wouldn't have any problem if that is the road i must follow... Even i can't stand it..."
" I may not be able to remove them yet but i can do something about it. Just trust me on this one. Ok?
Just do it*"
" That is truly troublesome. If only i were faster, this wouldn't have happened... " Azazel cried out again in anguish over his failure. His right hand was shaking as he gripped one of the soft pillows behind him. He was upset..
" For now, let's just wait for him to return. He's way smarter and collected than you give him credit for. If he's away,he's probably doing something of importance. So in his stead,let's just plan ahead and wait for him to come back stronger than ever. " It was the first time Castor spoke in this conversation. His voice showed no doubt but firm conviction in his beliefs. It wouldn't be expected of a man of his stature to have such a soothing voice for he was, despite his intimidating appearance, a gentle soul that had suffered through the terror of war.
" Has anyone of you tried to contact Issei in any way possible? " voiced out his opinion Azazel. He had dropped the laid back attitude only to be replaced by a more befitting one of a Governor. His eyes showed seriousness as his previously lively tone had turned to a more monotonous one with his gaze cold as ice. " Even though he wanted to be alone,don't you think it's time we took the initiative to bring him back on his feet? "
" He called me to send him some pills but didn't say anything. "
" Well of course he wouldn't. He doesn't want to be a nuisance to you. But he has to plant his legs firmly into the ground and stand up. Otherwise it wouldn't be fun to defeat him,wouldn't it?" Vali couldn't contain herself from expressing her opinion on the matter. She wanted to defeat her rival fair and square to finally prove the supremacy of the Vanishing Dragon over the Welsh. Though battle hungry she had enough patience and understanding to let him grow stronger and beat him in a fair fight. Even if it meant killing Rias Gremory but she wasn't sure if it would work due to her limited knowledge on their relationship.
" But what if she's not a problem to him? What if she was actually concerned about him? It's not out of the picture, you know. As long as she's not a threat, she'll live. But if she's not good then I'll have to take action..." - Castor was as passionate as always when speaking of his student. He knew the despair, known as the battlefield better than anyone else so did everything in his power to guide him away from making the wrong choices he made. His tone intensified as it even made Vali more engrossed into this matter.
" For now let's just keep waiting. Trying to force things would only make them worsen overall. I'd say that the approach of understanding your enemy is the path we must take. And - barely had Arthur finished his sentence a vibrating sensation coming from his pocket interrupted his speech.
" Could it be Issei? Pick up the phone Arthur! "
Calmly reaching towards his pockets, Arthur took out a leather case phone and checked the number. It was Issei's. He brought it up to his right ear after calling back the secret number Issei used for communicating with his fellow club members. " It's me. I just called to tell you I'm at Cecilia's place and to make sure you're okay. How's the doctor doing?, his voice was rather peaceful and full of calmness and not a shred of mental torment was woven in his words, " Tell him and the others that I'll be back tomorrow. I've found some interesting stuff you might be interested in. "
" Everyone was worried about you. Atleast tell me where you're going, it's not right to just leave without a trace like that. There's this girl who called for you, i ran into her while walking around in the park. I think her name was Sona or something like that. Well we were about to- and Vali grabbed the phone suddenly. She made the shush sign and started talking with a demanding voice over the speaker.
" Get your ass right here so i can finally defeat you, Red Dragon Emperor's current host. Do you know how many times i had to chase you through the globe only to find you already left. So get on your feet and wipe of that crappy excuse of being alone. " she was enthralled into speaking wisdom to get through his skull only to receive...
" What the f- Don't tell me you're the white one that I've been seeing a lot recently. And to think it was really a girl- thank you god for this most delightful surprise. " Issei's happiness would probably flow like a river through the phone if it could. Judging by his intonation, it could likely be concluded that his wish was heard by the gods.
" This is certainly most interesting. Maybe they'd make a good couple. Hey professor Mayer, do you think it would be interesting what offspring they'd produce if they got together. I'm certainly looking forward to that." Chesare made a happy grin that would put to shame even the greatest toothpaste commercial produced. His smile radiated like the sun and was only matched by the overpowering approval of Azazel's expression. He had thought of the same but hadn't voiced this to the rest. That way he could have more things to research and more Sacred Gears to create.
Vali's face reddened a bit as she stopped talking to direct her eyes straight towards her legal guardian. She was flustered a bit by this bold proposal but nonetheless ended the call- she completed what she wanted.
And for a second she thought - "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... No,wait... If Albion was awake and heard that he'd eat me alive. Just why am i thinking of hooking up with my rival when i have to defeat him?! Fuck you damn old man and your stupid research ploys." She went back to her seat and returned the phone she took from the old barman and apologized politely despite her ego.
" So, should we wait for him? Oh,i almost forgot about something - i met the nun i believe you're informed by yours truly. She entered the city 2 days ago and is nowhere to be found... " Azazel was a bit interested in this matter as his sources were always correct. If anything - he had a sharp mind. He did teach humanity warfare and vanity for which he was imprisoned in Dudael.
" Are you sure she's not in the hands of those Fallen Angels around. They are under your command after all. Or she's in the hands of a 3rd party? "
" Most likely."
" She's probably after something here. It's swarming with the supernatural so it's a given . I've noticed a barrier erected over all of the town to keep out any unwanted intruders from entering. That nun shouldn't have been able to pass through unless she was let in by the creator of this barrier. " Arthur locked his brows and crossed his legs in a lax position. He was a bit baffled by this barrier and it was easy to notice his change in demeanor. What lurked through his mind wasn't easy to guess...
" But it seems we're not affected by it. Only powerful and high level beings can pass through it as they wish, the maker doesn't seem to be experienced in making barriers. It looks really complex on first glance but it is far from being such, it's rather crude and hastily made. If they wanted to keep up us in,they've failed miserably. " Castor clasped together his hands and leaned forward. He elaborated on it - he was walking around the park before he got here. Something irked his instincts and goosebumps rose up from his skin. He could feel this presence trying to shove him out like a dirty kitten on a rainy day but it was futile for he was just slightly ticked off and pushed only a few millimeters.
" But have you thought that let's say... What if this barrier isn't just to keep people out but to hide them from the rest of the world? Isn't it a safe haven for persecuted devils and individuals to outrun the authorities and Angels?. It rejects Angels and weak Fallen but not us. But you say she passed and you lost her tracks - she's definitely something. If you did your job better, we wouldn't even be in this position in the first place. " Vali pouted at her stupid old man smacking him on the shoulders. She wore a smug grin while teasingly wincing her eyelashes. She appeared to have a somewhat boisterous straight personage to counter Azazel's laid back and collected persona. They defined each other pretty well judging by their quirks.
23:56 pm
" Well we'll be going now. I've got work to do so I'll be in touch with you. Thank you for the time and goodnight gentlemen. "
Vali stood up and followed, but before that she grabbed the hems of her black dress and with the grace of a aristocratic maiden gave a lovely smile as goodbye.
Azazel waved back and took Vali with him by the hand or lest she would cause some trouble and get her ass handed to her by them. He clearly knew that should she go against anyone of them,she'll die a horrible gruesome death. He knew her intentions of trying to get a match with one atleast, judging by her warm smile. She gave that to people she liked - strong enough to fight her and pose a challenge to the might of the Vanishing Dragon. And the door shut close.
" I'll be going ahead as well. I got a call from the hospital - an emergency meeting of the board of directors. So see ya later. " and he left soon as he finished his drink. The door shut close and he went out.
" Well, that leaves just the two of us then. I'm wondering... should we take down that barrier or just leave it be? It doesn't concern us but I'm pondering on it. I don't know what it will cause. What do you think? " Castor was the only one left from the merry company. He traced the metal chain of his dogtags with his fingers and gripped them tightly. They were full of memories, his time and experience as a soldier was soaked into these pieces of metal denoting rank and identity.
" Well... I don't know. If we take it down it would alert the angels and it would cause a bloodbath all over the place. Civilians might be dragged in this so i believe that we should leave it be for a while. " Arthur grabbed the empty bottles and glass cups and straight to the bar plate.
" Yeah, you're right. There's no point in revealing our existence to the world. It's too early, not yet. But there will be a time in the future when we will have to fight for the continued existence of humanity and this world. We still have time before the Apocalypse starts... But it's not in our power to guess exactly when it will start... And i feel it will happen soon...
" Seconded. And we'll still need to fully awaken and understand the powers granted onto our newest members. Time is of the essence my humble friend, we must persevere over this incoming threat. Not just for ourselves but for the rest of humanity. So we have to be prepared, some of us might die. Just like in the great Flood, where a maiden with a pure, compassionate heart sacrificed her life in saving a part of humanity on Noah's Arc. So we'll have to be this arc for humanity to survive the Apocalypse before the final Day arrives. Are you prepared to risk your life for this, Major Castor Zeble of Cape Town? "
" I am. But for the rest i don't have the authority to guarantee - even in the cruelest of times, a traitor is always born. Just like the son of God was betrayed by one of his own for 30 silver pieces... " Castor sighed heavily. With all of this ambivalence of the future, anyone would be anxious for what the future holds in for them. He was showing signs of fatigue and was barely hanging from falling asleep - he wasn't good with alcohol and his work was tiring, even more than Hilda's. Let it be known she was the drunkard of the group with the least tolerance to alcohol.
Arthur finished with cleaning the cups behind the bar plate," But things are different nowadays. And we have allies, for now, we're better than anyone in what we do. And you're falling asleep - you should go home now. ", and with a mighty push, he lifted over the former soldier - current mercenary and opened a large door directly onto the wall with a flick of his index finger. He threw off the heavy man right into his room and returned back to his work place. The door dissappeared into the nothingness and he continued with his work. It sure was handy to use it as a gateway to other places.
"* I'll go outside tomorrow afternoon, it's going to be a sunny day so a light stroll through the park won't hurt a bit. Well i better get back to work, there are other people here waiting *" as he took a step forward, his phone violently vibrated in his pocket and he had to answer, even if it meant for the clients to wait a min. He picked up the phone and checked who called. No info listed on his call register like there was no such thing as a missed phone call. It was off,he waited a bit for the next call and as suddenly as it started vibrating he picked it up with the speed of light and pressed it to his ear.
" Who is this? How did you get this private number? "
Nothing was said on the other side. It was static... He repeated his questions once again to no avail. But just as he was about to hang up, he heard something.
" I need your help with something important. Pick a time and day to meet. I'm not a foe,in fact we're most likely allies so I'll ask for your assistance in something. Remember that pentagram you analyzed a while ago?" the voice was husky and whispered like it was being followed by something to make it sound like that.
" Yes, i do. It was of demonic origin but i couldn't trace it back to its maker. Pretty neat work with the craft but who are you? What do you want? "
" As i said - i need your help. Let's meet up on the 30th of July. I'll give you the rest these days. I gotta hang up,they'll notice me... Till then."
And the conversation ended abruptly...
XXXXXX
24th July, Mar del Plata beach, Before Sunset
We are always stuck in a neverending circle of revenge, retribution and death. It's just our nature - we kill and kill other beings just to continue our own survival even for a little bit,even if it means devouring the lives of others and destroying things just for it to be useful for us. The same is with relationships - you fall prey to the "bond " you have with others, you become a usable tool or a overdependant fool who can't even imagine not relying on others to get what they want. Human bonds are truly like a drug- once you get hooked on it,you'll have a hard time getting off. That's what you're required to do- fall prey to the need to socialize and be part of the flock or to fail miserably and be excluded from it,leading to be ostracized and rejected from the world of human communication.
It is surely a vile world - but you may believe you have a choice between 2 options, it's what you are being deceived to put your trust in. In the first place you never really had much of a choice in what you're dragged in,you don't even have the luxury of deciding what will happen to you as it is beyond your reach. But what will you do when you have nothing but 2 choices and both are not even choices?
We're stuck in this endless cage ... We can't escape from it no matter what...
Some are content with being in a cage,deluding themselves with a false sense of happiness and safety and to believe nothing bad would happen to them. But it's just wishful thinking - no matter what belief you may hold,it's just superficial - everything can happen and get worse really fast and with out a reason.
The past is just the past as most would say but is it really so? No matter what you think or try to do- no matter how much you would divulge in denial over events that have already transpired, you couldn't change the outcome. So it's pointless to ponder on it. The past is full of regret and the future is uncertain, full of anxiety that makes you either wish to die from either reason . So the present is the only time we have as every moment will turn into the past...
Even now i don't feel safe at all... Believing that being a part of society,being a slave to the demands of this system would grant you security and protection is delusional. In this cold world you're alone even amongst people, friendship and bonds aren't gonna last forever so it's useless to expect a happy ending. It's a cage you can't escape from...
XXXXXX
" Hey, you're spacing out again. Are you okay?"
" I'm fine. I was just caught up in dealing with these thoughts. Sorry... "
" Don't worry about it. It happens. What's on your mind Issei?" Cecilia twirled her hair with her fingers while drinking some coffee she bought from a nearby convenience store. Her dark brown hair swirled by the current of the summer breeze.
" Nothing much. Just thoughts on society and life. " Issei calmly raised his shoulders while staring at the vast mass of water before them. They were sitting on a lone coast that no one visited.
The sun was soon going to set down, it was around that time of day where a lot of confessions were handled in this coast,far away from the eyes of the crowd. It was a rather soothing view to the soul,the sky was bathed in the shades of yellow, orange and red. Pinkish spots could be seen bursting through the clouds illuminating the goldenlike sand of the beach with it's tiniest specs of sand glistening by the warm rays of the July sun. It was just so peaceful, so beautiful one could gaze and see the everlasting beauty of nature and think about life. Swimmers could be seen in the distance, kids playing and thousands of beautiful girls walking on the scorching sand in their flip flops while having fun.
" By the way, aren't you feeling hot in that undershirt? It's 38 degrees so you must be dying of heat,right? Plus it's weird to go to the beach with that thing on..." Cecilia directed her gaze onto the black fabric wrapped around his upper body. Her curiosity was boundless and despite probably knowing why he did,she would still ask just to rile him up a bit.
" It's hot alright but i can't help it. I can't even go to the beach to- not having finished his sentence, he was abruptly interrupted by the ever so teasing brunette.
" To ogle at girls in swimsuits, right? " she was awfully jolly while making that remark. Her smile was what you could say the epitome of sly cheerfulness. " While you're standing here with a beautiful lady like me. So gluttonous you are!" she burst into laughter while still trying to hold the big sister act she had tried to keep up.
" I already saw enough today. So many girls but they're not for me. I don't have a chance with anyone of those,I'm at the bottom of the desirability scale... I belong in the sewers if i actually had a place to belong. And i can't exactly go to the beach with this scarred body" his eyes twitched at first but then he just yielded to the bitter truth and leaned backwards onto the green towel under the umbrella.
Cecilia leaned over to the beach bag she carried. It was opposite of her direction, just next to the young man so she had to arch over him to get could see through the white shirt she wore over her black and blue stripped swimsuit as she reached the handbag and took out a small bottle of water. But she noticed his eyes locked on her chest and gave off a pleased expression with a silent heheh glare.
"* What the fuck are you? Enjoying my reactions like some middleschooler stuck to the tv. What are you? Umaru or something? *"
" You know, i actually enjoyed the time we spent these past 2 weeks together. I'd never thought you'd actually come see me", her tone changed from her usual one as she lifted up the sunglasses covering her face for him to see her dazzling emerald green eyes," I know I'm an awful person who just annoyed you a lot with my BS and antics. It's just that i don't really have people who would just spend time and come to see me just for the sake of seeing me. Yeah,i know I'm a lousy bitch who can't get a boyfriend for some reason. It's probably pitiful of me to ask you to come to the beach together given your situation.. "
"* Hey, don't you go spewing realizations like that. You'll mess up my head and heart you know. I might fall for you if this keeps up. I'm seriously going to get fucked up by this situation... *"
" I don't think there's something wrong with you. Even though i really find it annoying as hell and everything, it's not so bad when you think about it. To be alone is better for the heart - no one will trample your feelings and crush your heart with fake pleasantries and sophistry. At first it may seem bad for a while, but as time passes by, a second by second with the arms of the clock, you'll fully comprehend that being a loner is the most comfortable thing in the world. There is no friendship, it's just superficial bonding over shared interests and hobbies into it's core. Or rather a way to get together and tend to each others wounds and reaffirm yourself that it's real..."
" Like hell it would be. You're just saying that to make me feel a bit better but you suck at comforting someone. It's painful being alone and unwanted - don't you just feel like that once in a while. Not being able to share the tears and joy together, just being like a sign to be passed in the eyes of be just seen as an nothing more than a distant memory, no rather to be unable to leave a impression on anyone in your life. Just why are we so miserable like that? Why do we have to suffer so much, being unable to change how we are? To be alone... "
She had quickly turned from the teasing big sister to her genuine self- the fragile and emotional girl known as Cecilia Elizade. The echoing sound of distress and melancholy expression of her's shone on her pretty face as she was struggling to hold in what she felt.
"* Many times had she relapsed into emotional outbursts, someone had to act as an emotional trash bin for her to press her feelings upon. I wasn't really expecting to see this emotional side of her at a time like this, even with the corners of her eyes reddening she was still beautiful no matter what. But even so i was stunned by her words, i was paralyzed. I didn't even know how to comfort someone as there wasn't anyone to comfort me... Why am i even thinking about that? Sometimes i wonder... How did i turn out so emotionally distant that I'd question myself.?*"
" It's beyond our reach, we're just going around life like a car that never stops. I still believe that we're meant to be like that as it is in our nature to suffer. It might be crude but we are born to suffer through life as it could be said that living is suffering, suffering is being alive. So we are defined by our suffering as it's just what makes us human. Therefore we are bound to suffer due to our desires, causing us turmoil as we just can't deny our nature and desire as that is what makes us. We exist to suffer again and again just for the sake of living... "
" You seriously suck at times like these! No wonder you're a damn shitty virgin.
That's what i hate in you- you can't even imagine a happy moment in this life. It's not so black and white as you see it... It's more than that... Why can't you just try to see it?" she gripped his leg with both arms and her posture changed. It was spelling disillusionment from his response as even a idiot would notice she just wanted to be accepted. Comforted,gripped tightly and never to let go.
But he was at a loss of words. His face froze in place with the confused look on it stretching out wide. What was going through his mind, nobody knew. Or rather couldn't clearly think of as no regret or anxiety was present, just awkwardness and confusion.
" Sorry... " he averted his eyes to the left in a attempt to look away so their eyes wouldn't meet. His arms trembled as he dropped his wrists onto the soft fabric below them. He didn't want to see her like that,he couldn't even do what was expected of him in this moment.
"* I have to do something about it. I don't want to see this view again. I don't care if she hits me or something, i have to do it even when i don't know how to do it right *" He turned around slowly with his eyes locked to the ground and with a simple move of his arms- she was in his gentle embrace. Her eyes widened in confusion as he had never done so before, he was totally inept at human communication and relationships. They didn't speak,it was just the sound of the splashing waves filling up the silence that had taken place in this moment of embrace. It was getting closer to sunset as the reddish sky casted shadows onto the rocks, deeply rooted in the golden sand across the coast. Just like from a fairy tale, the scenery slowly changed with the red- pinkish clouds soaring into the color bathed sky with the horizon blurring the lines between them...
" * now..i did it. I don't care if she hates me, i couldn't stand this sadness of her's. Maybe i shouldn't have done it...*" he tried releasing his grip on her with his arms slowly moving away from her back only to be stopped midway.
" Let's... Let's just stay like this for a while... " Cecilia's arms twitched around him and with the strength of a giant, she grasped his sides tightly with no intention to let go. She pressed her face on his shoulders like a little puppy waiting to be caressed.
"* This is really awkward. I don't believe i could think of anything pervy at this moment. Despite this situation being like a dream i don't even have the desire to take advantage of this. I just wanna go home already, she'll bust my ribs if i she doesn't let go of me soon. I don't wanna die like Clementine in the hug of a Overlord *"
" Could you let go... I feel awkward really... "
" Sorry... ", she bit her lips in the rush of removing her hands off his sides and taking distance from him, " I didn't want to cause you embarrassment, i know how you are under pressure. I didn't want you to see me like this", she wiped off her eyes with the handkerchief Issei handed her. She was still close... Really close.
Something in her told Issei what to expect, it was her gentle expression that made him go closer despite his awkwardness. It was still weird but he couldn't stop...
" Wait! Wait! I didn't mean it this way. " she tilted her head back with the speed of light. Her arms were crossed expressing her brazen rejection of intimacy in this spur of the moment.
He leaned back awkwardly, he was unsure what to do with this. But he knew he had acted rashly - maybe it was the desire to reenact the iconic kiss under the umbrella scene in the games he played. But it was surely a wrong choice if this was a romcom game of the standard, leading to one of the premature endings of the VN.
He closed his eyes to hide his embarrassment and went back to his spot to get away before the wrong choice took effect. It was surely gone already...
" You know what,fuck it!" a pair of slender arms pushed him down on the towel with the umbrella covering the fabric in shadows as it tilted a bit.
"* What the hell!? *" Before he had finished his usual way of addressing weird stuff, he was already lying down under the umbrella with the girl who rejected him a minute ago on top of him. He could clearly see the glistening lips of his female companion pressing on his face with her eyes closed as they made contact...
XXXXXX
"*That was really awkward... *" with his cheeks reddened, Issei was walking down the coast alone with the waves hitting his bare feet. The view had changed to a marvelous piece of art painted by the hands of mother nature- it was at moments like this that you'd stand back and watch the skies while thinking about yourself and everything. The seagulls were soaring in the air without a care in the world while most of the people who were far away had started packing their stuff. So it was soon to be deserted leaving him the only one there.
"* Dying here wouldn't be so bad, would it? To lie down here... Damn you stupid sun,i got mushy all of a sudden. This is why i hate going out.. It's probably time i got back - Sona will beat the shit out of me if i don't call her soon. But i don't plan to go back to that girl any time. Even if i get targeted as a Stray... But i need to know, i want to know, because being in the dark is terrifying.*"
And just as he was deep in thought, his phone rang again... Quickly taking out the annoying gadget, he checked out his notification - nothing!
He was sure that it rang a minute ago. It was weird, really weird. As it was a phone tampered with magic to guarantee that it couldn't be traced or being a means of eavesdropping. It could only mean one thing - something has breached past that wall.
Nothing happened in the past 5 minutes... It was just peaceful and yet still, something inside told him it was just unsettling. It was unnatural for it to be so normal - it was only one thing possible - the calm before the storm.
To take some rest, Issei went over to a nearby rock and sat down - his back hurt from earlier and not even his natural regeneration rate could deplete fatigue at such a rate. It was time for his pills.
"* These are the last ones,I'm running out fast. I'll go back today. *"
Dog barking was heard in the distance. It switched to howling like someone died or a apparition had resurfaced to terrorize people. But something in it's howl was clearly different than usual, it was the utmost contempt one could have for something, the bane of their existence. And he knew what it was - dogs acted like that in the presence of demons. Dogs were known to be used by demons for possession, reconnaissance or curses made from the tails and ashes of 3 different dogs,sacrificed on a oltar with blood runes. And could smell and see when one was nearby just like a cat did.
This signature was familiar: his Evil Pieces heated up from the inside out to signify the arrival of a Gremory clan member.
"Just show yourself already. I know you're there so come out anyway. No point in peeping when i know you're there. " the sound of metal,monotonous speech filled the space around him causing a slight echoing reverb to stretch out in every direction. The voice of someone who didn't have an ounce of emotion left intact.
Calmly stepped ahead Rias Gremory with her regal posture, belying her royal birth, her stare looked distressed and in a somewhat awkward way- 2 weeks had passed after all so she was nervous and jumpy when she met his eyes.
She was garbed in a summer buttoned up white dress with a straw hat, decorated with a white ribbon and wore sandals. Her presence was accompanied by the sound of splashing waves, her teleportation cicle evaporating into thin air.
He looked tired, sitting on the rock but nonetheless rather peaceful in total contrast from 2 weeks ago. Rias kept her distance from him due to the cross dangling on his neck, otherwise she'll suffer from it in close proximity. He didn't move, he just kept staring with blank eyes at the unending horizon which made her feel guilty, rather perplexed on the fact that he didn't acknowledge her the least. She was nothing more than a shadow in his eyes...
" Took you long enough, eh? Not that i mind. You did leave at peace for 14 days, i am grateful for that...But i don't have any desire to be your play toy like the rest... So don't expect me to hop back like some rabbit to its mama so easily. As i said before - you have nothing to offer me for me to return back! I don't wanna see anyone of your servants... Especially her."
" Well... " Rias nervously tried to answer and justify her actions. It was really rare for her to drop her mask in front of anyone. While usually boastful and a bit arrogant at most, she was the opposite now- meek and everything in her screamed of her intention to beg and plead him to come back.
" Well?" he didn't turn back at all. He was giving her the cold shoulder treatment while still maintaining the air of calmness.
" I'm sorry for everything... I didn't have to go through such lengths... I'm sorry... "
"Oh? You are sorry? It won't be be fixed with just a little sorry, you know. And drop the nice girl act! It disgusts me - you won't win me over with sweet talk and begging. " he had seen through her like a glass box. It didn't work if she thought it would, " You don't even know what it's like... So don't go thinking you know a damn about me. You may know me but you don't have any idea who i am."
He turned his face around. The sun rays illuminated his face just enough for her to see the side of his face. There it was again, this pressuring aura she had witnessed on their first meeting that day. He had a creepy smile across his face that would intimidate anyone under normal circumstances. If not, the scales and the wiggling movement under his skin was sure to creep out anyone who saw it. Rias stood there frightened, she didn't have the strength to mutter a single syllable. The roles had changed, she was the inferior while he the superior at this moment. Despite trying to run away she couldn't budge a finger nor to turn away. Instinctively blinking, she tried to erase what she saw in her mind to no avail... It was etched in her core without any hope to forget it...
" You alright? You were about to say something, weren't you? " he spitefully asked the disturbed girl. No smile was present on his face, just the usual face she had grown to love.
" I-i don't know what to say... Could you please come back home.?" she stuttered, violently shaking behind his back.
" I won't forgive you that easily. Count on it."
After she calmed down she gave a proposal he couldn't refuse.
" So as you're saying, if i reach High Class under your peerage i could get my own Evil Pieces and peerage? Let me think about it."
"* I could use those in my plan for Operation Harem Time while still being under her "rule". If i can reach High Class i could use that to gather intel and find the killer. 2 rabbits with one shot.*"
" I accept your proposal... But. "
"But?"
" I'll just do it to pay you back and nothing else. I won't do things like stealing souls and when im needed somewhere I'll leave. And don't drag anyone i know into this."
She nodded in agreement. Tears started flowing down her cheeks as he could hear the beat of her heart pulsing and immediately Rias closed on him and embraced him, catching him totally unprepared. She even burned herself from his cross as devils hated religious objects.
" Now, now don't cry please. You'll make me feel uncomfortable. It's alright, it's ok. " despite his dislike for her, he tried to console her. She was his type appearance wise but as a person she was too far away from him. The difference in personality was large like a gaping hole,incompatible with his world view and persona. Despite the awkward atmosphere and not knowing what to do exactly he still tried his best.
She whispered gently to his ear- " Don't go off like that to somewhere i can't reach you. Stay with me, Issei... ", she pressed her upper body on his back tightly grasping his chest.
He was paralyzed and probably aroused...
" I just wanted to know you the same way as Sona does. I am your King, i want us to be close just as you are with her. Don't leave me...i don't want to lose you like i lost my previous Pawn."
"You won't... So could you let go now. I'm not used to this type of closeness. "
"Oh,sorry. I didn't know that. I tried many times to call Sona but she was away for 9 days,i think she should arrive today. " she released her grip on him and took a step to the right.
" You've probably checked out everything about me, i suppose. It's what i would do so it's safe to assume you have as well. " his tone became serious, it was livelier than before. She finally caught his interest. Till now he had mostly ignored her or acted rebelious.
" There's almost zero information about you. The only thing i have is a medical carton from a nearby hospital. You're like a ghost, it's like everything was erased from the face of the Earth. Just who the hell are you, Issei? If that is your real name?"
" It's private. It's too early for you to know. But you'll hear about it when it's time. " finally on his feet something in him had changed. Rias could feel it. And he started walking away.
The sun was about to set down, the shadows grew larger by the minute. She mustered the courage to catch up to him and ran. Her hands dug into his shirt gently and both stopped. Even the seagulls had stopped their joyful clattering just to make room for them.
It was getting darker and darker,the pinkish purple flares of the sun were glistening with a magnanimous luster as their rays were slowly subsiding on the horizon. A wave suddenly pushed the two over so in that moment they were lying down onto the wet sand with their feet full of sand.
"* I feel nostalgic... What is this long forgotten feeling that's creeping into my soul and mind? Is it love at first sign? No way, ain't happening so why do i feel so drawn to her? Just why?*"
" We should get back now. People are waiting "
He tried to stand up only to be stopped. " You fool... Do you not like me?"
Perplexed by her bold statement he froze. She was on top of him with her arms on his sides. He couldn't resist her seductive gaze anymore. Lowering herself, she came closer... He did the same - both getting closer as the sun finally set down and night came.
And thus the sun rose down... And the night took place. ..
XXXXXX
25th July, Rome,Italy 23:59 pm , Pope Residence
" We must go your Highness, the car is waiting. "
" I'll be right there in a minute, please wait for me a bit"
It was night time already, the clock about to hit midnight. It was a rather normal day for the pope with a stary sky to gaze into from his spacious room. And it was occasional for the figurehead of the Vatican to go to meetings for the future of Christianity. Exorcism included...
There were rumors of the current pope's rise to power fluctuating between a myriad of conspiracies and far fetched theories concerning the sudden death of the previous head of the church, Pope Francis I.
The current one was said to have been with minimal chances of succeeding the position as the Cardinal of Finland was leading in the majority votes. Some took it as a sign from God, others believed in counterfeit being involved. But nevertheless he was chosen, deceit or not...
" Rudgard,is the car ready? "
" It is sir. It's waiting outside. Shall we go then?" he was a young man attending to the current pope after being chosen from a large amount of candidates despite his rank,he was trained as professional bodyguard and house attendant.
Rudgard carried down the luggage downstairs with his benefactor tailing right behind him. And so they were on the street with a car waiting for them. The young servant placed the luggage in the trunk at took the driver's seat after helping the pope enter the spacious backside. And they took off...
A few minutes had passed since they left the residence, until they reached a crossroad.
"Keep driving and don't stop. We're in a hurry. " the old man commanded. A man with a strict schedule and a clean consciousness - that's what the current pope was like. Or so it was believed.
Rudgard switched his eyes towards the front mirror and saw 2 figures, clothed in dark garbs and shadows. Fear took a hold of him tightly, he was like paralyzed until the Vatican leader reassured him nothing was there and to lift up the sound isolated,black window block to give him some privacy.
" Good day, Your Highness. How is your day going? " an unidentifiable voice spoke. It couldn't be defined whether it was a woman or a man but it was apparent that the pope knew who it was.
" I-im fine. And how are you? " he tried to keep his cool and referred his guest with respect, hesitantly asking how was the day.
The second figure remained silent, watching through the windows for any threat that might arise and jeopardize this meeting.
" It's a lovely night,isn't it? I hope you haven't forgotten our deal, have you? "
" I did what you wanted. How much more would i have to do. Isn't it enough already?" the old man locked his arms in frustration to this blackmail. What went through his head that moment couldn't be exactly defined due to his sour expression.
" Enough, until you payed off your debt to me. Don't you forget how you succeeded the title of pope from the previous one. It was due to my influence you managed to win over the cardinal of Finland, Hannes the Lion. If it wasn't for my little assistance, your dream of leading the Vatican would have never happened. Such irony, people believe you're a serene and holy man while you are but a measly man who cheated to get there... Such irony,indeed. "
" What more do you want me to? Wasn't it enough that the Twilight Maiden was excommunicated and sent in exile and now more? I did what you wanted so just let me go already."
" Send the wielder of Durandal and her fellow Holy Sword accomplice- your highest level Executors to Kuoh,Japan. We need to retrieve the stolen Excalibur fragments from those Fallen no matter the cost. Do you understand that, Jorge? "
" I understand well. I'll make the arrangements soon. " with a rather displeased grimace he personally called a unknown number and gave the official start of the mission to retrieve the stolen property and to fulfill their other objective - Bring down the barrier and decimate every criminal who has sinned and plagued innocent people.
" So anything else? " he turned to the right but there was no one. Just him sitting in the back all alone. Like no one was there.
"* I don't wish to send out Xenovia there,i can't even think of what might happen to her. I raised her since the day i took her in from the orphanage, not just her, Asia as well. I hope she's ok ,there in that demon infested nest,God protect her from any peril that may befall that city. Amen.*"
Meanwhile in Kuoh, Japan...
Issei rose up from his bed and slouching, tried to jump out of the bed and straight to the computer to check out the news. On the first try he failed miserably but on the second he finally reached it. He took a seat and started scrolling down for anything unusual until his phone rang and dropped off from the edge of the table. He had to kneel down to grab it from the corner it lodged in, luckily with no damage as he had grown to like the black E1, it was a present from Arthur for God's sake.
No message, no call registered. It had happened yet again with no apparent cause or some defect. It was perfectly fine - everything worked with out a hunch so just why did it happen?
He placed it to the side and continued scrolling, not before having went to the kitchen for some coffee, atleast that he enjoyed. Sweet and scorching...
He was engrossed into reading articles on various sites and watching some anime before going to school... Until it caught his intention. A message was delivered to him and at first he didn't wish to open it, it wouldn't go away so he followed and clicked on it, it wasn't a virus as a hacker friend made it hard enough to be hacked and installed some special rootkits on it.
-DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?
That appeared on the monitor with a Y/N button and some text under each.
He tried to shut it down to no avail. His phone rang again - a message notification. It said:
- If you want to know, click Y. You'll get what you seek but it's not something you will like. If you do,it will change everything.
- Click N and you'll return to your somewhat normal life in a cage. You'll forget about that this ever happened and you will continue as you are.
- Choose Wisely. It might change something, change the world.
And Sona called - Issei, are you on the computer? " her voice sounded worrisome.
" Yes i am. What is it StuCo President? "
" You got that message as well, haven't you? What to do?"
" I'm conflicted about this... I don't know if i should choose Yes or No..." he hesitantly explained this. It was a time to make a choice that could change the status quo in a second.
" Just follow your heart. Let's wait a bit and click the same thing, okay?"
"* Something in me was telling me it wasn't safe,it was something i didn't want to know, yet i wanted. To find out and regret or to let it go and regret even more. Just what was it,what was pulling me to return to the old days i miss so much? But they'll never come back, it's delusional to think i could get back what i lost... Yet i want to know. Not to be left in the dark. It's now or never! *"
" Let's click Y on the count of 3. 1...2...3!" the hitting sound of the keyboard filled the space around. He even heard Sona's keyboard through the phone. The screen blanked out for a second and finally what was inside the message showed up.
" Oh dear God... Sona, you have to see this…"
XXXXXXX
