Chapter 12: Whispers of the fallen angel
(Issei POV)
"Is this town called Lilith always this lively?"
"Not really. Usually the people of the Underworld get on with their daily lives as always. However, the townsfolk are just excited for Rias's return from the human world.
"Oh? So she's like a celebrity here."
"Well…Being the sister of one of the Yondai Maou, yes."
Wow! Even down here my beloved is famous. It's no wonder she'd gotten used to the unwanted attention of us students of Kuoh Academy.
"And if I remember correctly, Rias even has her own magazine article series: 'Princess Rias's special' if I'm not mistaken."
Just how popular is this woman? Is this why she wanted to live in Japan? To escape all this unneeded paparazzi? Perhaps it won't matter anyway since Rias's idol aura will accompany her wherever she goes.
"So Akeno, you've been friends with Rias since…. forever?"
Akeno-san turned her gaze towards the sky as if recalling the past.
"It happened when I ran away from home, after my mother was killed…..."
Oh crap. That again. Maybe I shouldn't have asked her. But she resumed nonetheless.
"I was wondering in the woods for shelter since it was raining at the moment. I remembered seeking refuge in a small, abandoned hut just beside our clan tree that we use for offerings. Because of my drenched clothes, my body temperature began to drop. I felt my limbs turning numb as the cold passes through my shivering body, hypothermia if you will."
"My goodness! What happen after that?"
"I thought that was my calling…until a crimson aura pierced through the drizzling droplets from the sky. It was then I met the girl who found me, who rescued me, and became my best friend."
"Wow…. she must have been your age when she met you."
"Of course. We're both 3rd years after all. Rias said she was visiting my clan shrine and saw me soaking wet. Taking pity on me, she asked for my company and we travelled to the underworld together. Lord and Lady Gremory took me in as their adoptive daughter since I refused to mention about my father at the moment. From that day on, I've never left her side no matter what, and of course, became her queen and vice-president of the ORC."
"And sometime after that, I met you. And the rest of the club members."
"Ufufu! That's right. I remember the 1st time Rias introduced you to us. My goodness you were shy."
"Hahah…. I guess I was."
Suddenly, Akeno-san put on a sad face as she laid eyes on me.
"When I heard from Rias about your pass, I couldn't hold my tears…. For you, and your family… to think that only one of you would live….Sniff….. It's just….so sad…."
I hurried myself and hold her tight, hoping to relieve my sobbing senpai.
"Ssshhh…. there there…. Both kaa-san and I are fine now. Thanks to Sirzechs-sama."
"Sniff…..Ise…."
"Yes my dear?"
"Whatever happens, promise me you won't leave me. I couldn't imagine a world without you."
"To be honest, this is a promise I can't keep."
"….."
Akeno-san's expression then became horrified and dark. But not before I made my declaration.
"But I'll do my best to stay with you forever. You, Rias, everyone. I may die one day, but that doesn't mean I won't struggle to stay alive for your sake."
With that, my senpai had more tears flowing and tackled me to the floor, ignoring the passing townsfolk.
"Oh Ise…. Thank you! You don't know how much that means to me. I love you."
CHUP!
A sudden kiss!? At not the light version. It has tongue and saliva included. As we broke away to avoid suffocation, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of her glistering, violet orbs of sight.
"Well, to return the favour, I love you too my dear Akeno. Both you and Rias are indeed the most important girls in my life …. Well, apart from kaa-san."
"Ufufu! You always couldn't resist a joke. Come, I have somewhere to show you."
We got up and dusted ourselves clean before I was dragged away by an excited Akeno-san. Where is this mysterious place she's referring to?
(Timeskip)
"Here we are."
We arrived at what seems to be a huge lake dominated by lilies and other aquatic plants. I guess this is some sort of recreational park for devils. We found a spot by a massive tree just inches away from the lake. Although there're other devils in the park, we're satisfied with the secluded scenery and lay down on the soft grass.
"Rias and I used to talk about our life here. We often exchange our thoughts of our futures, and our possible love lives. Who would've thought we'd both share the same man. Ufufu!"
"Yeah…. Life works in mysterious ways. To think that my friendship with Rias isn't due to fate…. Yet it somehow works."
"Ara? You mean you weren't satisfied with your life before joining us?"
"Well I don't hate it, but I always thought my purpose is much bigger than just a regular teenager. Well, I guess if our life was one big anime, I would be the MC."
"Ufufu! And I'll be your romantic partner."
"Sorry, but that title belongs to Rias."
"Muuu….. Mood killer."
With a cute pout, Akeno-san started to playfully hit my chest at my disagreement.
"Ow ow ow! Ok ok, I was kidding. You'd be one of my gals."
"That's better…"
I'm glad that's settled. I won't want our date to end with a displeased Akeno-san. Sigh…..I guess I should just shut up and enjoy this calm and quiet moment before….
RRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGGG!
"What was that?"
"Ara? Sorry Ise, I need to answer this. Hello?"
Said my senpai as she picked her call.
"WHAT?!...Ok, we'll be right there."
"What happened? Who was that?"
"It's Koneko-chan…..She's been hospitalized….."
