Chapter 14
Issei's eyes danced around the dinner table as he observed each girl intently. Almost as if he had some sort of X-ray vision, their clothes seemed to disappear and exposing their nude bodies to him, even if it was only his imagination. The source of your magic is your imagination. Akeno's words during their training rang through his head, his face reddening as he continued to look around at them. Forming a clear image is essential.
I can totally agree with that~! Issei chuckled to himself, unable to keep the gross smile off of his face. Like Koneko-chan said, my specialty is being a pervert. So I'll just keep visualizing the girls and their tits!
"You're making a gross face, you know that?" Josuke pulled him from his thoughts with a chuckle from his side, currently biting into his mashed potatoes.
"It looks lewd." Koneko added, narrowing her eyes in suspicion at the brunette.
"I-I don't know what you mean!" Issei nervously laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
"How did you feel about your training today?" Rias asked this time with a hopeful smile. "Did you learn anything?"
Issei's good mood fell at that, slightly frowning in shame. "Yeah, that I'm the weakest here." He admitted, his gaze falling to the table.
"Yes, without a doubt." Rias bluntly agreed, Issei noticing his best friend wince slightly from her words. "But Asia's healing ability and your Boosted Gear are both valuable resources to us during the game. At least, during your time here, you should be able to learn how to defend yourselves and not drag others down."
"G-got it…" Issei agreed weakly, turning his gaze over to Asia. I hadn't thought about it at first, but it's my fault that she's involved in all this. He realized, eyes softening before hardening with conviction. If anything, I'll become stronger so I can protect her in all this. Asia suddenly felt his eyes on her, cheeks reddening as he continued to stare at her.
"Well, since we're done eating now, I think it'd be a good time for us to take a bath." Rias suddenly declared, standing from the table and leaning on it.
"A bath?!" Issei suddenly blurted without hesitation, hearing his best friend sighing in disappointment from the side but giving it no thought.
"You don't have to get excited just at the mention of it, dude…" Okuyasu muttered with a sweat drop, blown away by his outburst.
"Oh, Issei. Were you planning on peeking on us?" Rias teased, the brunette flinching like he'd already been caught. "I don't mind if you join us as well. What do you say, Asia? Would you mind your beloved joining us?"
"Eh?!" Asia yelped, her face becoming beet red as she suddenly found the floor to be more interesting to look at. Without a word, she actually nodded in acceptance, Issei grinning wider as this seemed to actually be coming true.
"S-seriously?! You lucky bastard…" Okuyasu whined, tears pouring down his cheeks as he planted his head in the table to hide his grief. Josuke only rolled his eyes as he continued to eat, deciding not to speak up about it at this point.
"Akeno, what do you say?" Rias asked, turning to her Queen this time and smiling. "Would you be alright if he joined us?"
Akeno tilted her head in thought for a moment as a serene smile crossed her lips, giggling in excitement as she held a hand to her cheek. "Well, I don't see any problem… that is, if you can convince Josuke-kun to join us as well."
Issei heard the taller teen start to choke, glancing over to see him with a spoon in his mouth and pounding his chest to get out what got caught in there. He gave Josuke a moment to catch his breath before grinning hopefully. "Now, Josuke…"
"No." Josuke quickly shot it down, his cheeks red as he kept his eyes away from the others. Okuyasu suddenly grabbed his shirt, eyes still pouring with tears.
"You bastard! Be a man and accept when a hot chick invites you to a bath!" The punk growled, shaking his fellow Stand user in aggravation.
"Come on, Josuke-kun. It could be fun~! I've always wanted to wash a man's back." Akeno admitted with a giggle. Josuke's eye twitched before he threw Okuyasu's hands away from him and groaned.
"No, thanks." He rejected, immediately causing Issei to deflate.
"I guess it's a no then." Rias giggled this time, shaking her head as Issei flopped onto the ground in defeat. "Too bad."
"I wouldn't have let you come anyway." Koneko declared with a glare. "And if you peek, I'll hate you."
Not long after did the teens all move to the bath, the boys and girls side separated by a thick wall. The pools were large, each side big enough to be their own hot spring. The girls quickly undressed and made their way into the waters. Asia and Koneko both sat in the shower side, scrubbing away at their bodies while Rias and Akeno lounged by the pool.
"I'm so glad we have this here. Hopefully it'll alleviate any fatigue from today's training, if only a bit." Rias breathed out laxly, glancing down at her queen who smiled in return.
"Without a doubt, I believe it will." Akeno agreed, resting against the rock wall of the bath. Asia watched the two for a moment, her eyes falling to their large assets before gazing down at her own. By comparison, she truly was outmatched in that regard. She could only sigh in defeat, scrubbing her arm tiredly.
"Don't be greedy." Koneko suddenly spoke, causing the blonde to turn to her in question. She then realized that she was indeed bigger in size than the white haired girl, who seemed a bit envious despite her attempt at being stoic.
"W-well…" Asia trailed off, unsure how to respond to her words. On the other side of the wall, the boys were also trying to relax in the hot pools of the spring. All except Issei, who was currently leaning against the wall focusing with all of his might in hopes to make it disappear before his eyes. Unfortunately for him, it remained standing and in his way.
"I can't believe they had an entire hotspring in this place. Talk about luxurious." Josuke sighed contently as he put his arms up on the rock wall.
"She is from a noble family or somethin', right? I guess it's even more surprising to see it for myself, though…" Okuyasu admitted, looking around the bath curiously.
"The Gremory family owns many properties across the world, this mansion being among them." Kiba explained with a small smile as he dried his hair with a towel. He glanced back at Issei and sighed, shaking his head. "Issei-kun, you know it's pointless to-"
"Shut up! This is training too!" Issei retorted without skipping a beat, returning to his staring contest with the wall.
"Are you trying to become clairvoyant?" Kiba asked almost seriously, unsure how to feel about his attempt to fight a wall.
"Ignore him. He's going to keep at it until his head explodes." Josuke rolled his eyes as he tried to relax.
"As shameful as he is, there's somethin' you gotta admire about his determination to peek…" Okuyasu suggested thoughtfully, watching the brunette in mild amazement.
"Okuyasu-san. There is something I'd like to ask you while I can." Kiba suddenly spoke, turning the punk's attention to him. "I know this might be a personal question, but it does pertain to the coming event. Have you considered joining president's peerage?"
Josuke and Issei suddenly became more interested, the pervert turning away from the wall to look back at Okuyasu. The punk was understandably taken back by the question, a bead of sweat dripping down his brow. He looked around, unsure how to answer and seeing if anyone could offer one for him. Sadly, no one gave him any ideas. He gulped after a moment, realizing he would have to answer this one alone.
"I… I'm not that smart, you know?" Okuyasu finally spoke before glancing up at the blond and meeting his eyes. "I always had my bro to answer shit like this for me. But before I met you guys, that… Myrcella chick asked me to join her peerage." He explained, his brow furrowing in anger for a brief moment just at the mention of her name. "My big bro wasn't there to answer for me, and I didn't know what to say… so I just followed my gut and said no."
"Do you consider president to be the same as her?" Kiba asked, his tone soft and almost hurt by the implication. He revered Rias highly after all. Picking up on this, Okuyasu quickly waved his arms.
"N-no, that's not what I'm sayin'!" He quickly dismissed. "You guys are really cool… I can tell. Myrcella, I just couldn't trust her. Somethin' always felt off with her that kinda scared me…" He explained further, his eyes falling to the pool. "Turns out I was right… but that's not what I was gettin' at. It's what happened after that…"
Okuyasu watched as the silver haired Devil departed from their home, taking a deep breath in relief as her presence finally left the worn down house. "She's pretty damn intense…" He muttered, rubbing the back of his head. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, turning around at heading up the stairs.
"Well, that was a bit of a surprise." He heard from the top, looking up to see his brother Keicho standing there leaning against the wall.
"B-big bro?" Okuyasu muttered in question, unsure of what he was talking about.
"I didn't think you had it in you to turn down Myrcella like that." Keicho declared, his eyes critically watching his younger brother. "I figured you'd be enraptured by her beauty or her offers of a long life. Why did you say no?"
Okuyasu blinked for a moment before scratching the side of his head shyly. "I-I dunno… gut just didn't feel right. I don't really trust her I guess…" he answered, unsure if his brother would accept such words.
Keicho watched him silently for a long moment, only serving to make Okuyasu feel a bit anxious. But finally, he chuckled. "Here I thought all hope for you was lost."
"Wh-what?" Okuyasu mumbled in question, unsure what he meant.
"Listen here, Okuyasu. If you had accepted her offer and become a Devil, all hope for you growing as a man and mentally would be lost." Keicho explained, pushing off the wall and standing tall as he gazed down at his brother. "You would forever be at the whim of that woman and would make no attempts to improve yourself. She would keep you under her thumb and use you only for her own agenda."
"Y-you think so?" Okuyasu replied dumbly, a finger to his chin as he tried to understand what his brother was getting at.
"Of course. Perhaps one day once you've improved yourself, you'll be ready to become a Devil if you so wish it." Keicho nodded before walking toward his own room. "Until then, it's better for you to be your own man." He suddenly stopped for a moment, glancing back at the punk for a moment before scoffing. "Hmph. That's probably the first time I've ever felt a bit of pride for you."
"What?" Okuyasu gawked, though his brother didn't speak further, only retreating further into the hallway toward his own room. The punk looked down, feeling a bit happy. Happier than he'd been in a long time.
"That was the first time my bro ever said he was… proud of me…" Okuyasu explained, his story of that day now over. His hands gripped until his knuckles were white, struggling to think of his brother without thinking about the moment he was taken. "So I thought that… maybe, until I think I'm really ready, that I'd be my own man. If not for me, then for my big bro. So that I can grow on my own…" He then looked up at Kiba, his brow softening a bit. "I really wanna help you guys out, but I wasn't sure how I could. I thought maybe if I came up here, it would be enough… I'm sorry if it isn't…"
The three other men watched him, a newfound understanding within all of them of the punk and his motivations. Kiba sighed before shaking his head and giving a small smile. "Your support through this time is very welcome, Okuyasu-san. We all appreciate it, even if you're unable to participate."
"N-no problem…" Okuyasu chuckled bashfully, rubbing the back of his head. Issei and Josuke smiled at the him, happy to hear the reason for themselves.
"Long ago, there was a great war between the Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels waged a horrific war that seemed to last for ages."
It had been several days into their training time, and things seemed to be progressing, even if a bit slowly. Josuke and Okuyasu had spent their time working on Jotaro's advised techniques while everyone else had been busy working with Issei and Asia on their development. Now, they were taking a moment to go over the history of the Rating Games and their purpose in the hierarchy of Devils. Aside from Okuyasu, who was dozing off as she spoke, the newest members of her peerage and Josuke listened intently to the tale.
"When the war finally came to the end, no side was declared the victor. All had suffered great losses, and so it ended in a ceasefire, though not to be confused with a treaty." The crimson haired Devil continued, her eyes focused mainly on those unaware of its origin. "Devils, despite their nigh eternal lifespans, breed at an incredibly slow rate. After the war, our species was pushed to the brink of extinction. Those from the noble families, once called the Seventy Two Pillars, were mostly wiped out. The only remaining families were that of house Gremory, my own, house Sitri, Sona's family, and house Phenex. That is why Devils began to make humans into their servants. That is why the Rating Games came into being."
"This gave new Devils and their masters a chance to display their abilities. Currently, one's performance during a Rating Game can influence both a Devil's rank and position among the nobles." Rias took a quick breath, a bit winded by the long winded explanation. She smiled and relaxed her cheeks. "We can take a break, now. You've all been working quite hard."
"I'll make us some tea." Akeno volunteered, standing up and departing toward the kitchen.
"Ah, I'll help you!" Asia offered, standing up to follow the queen.
"Hey, Asia." Issei called out, stopping the blonde for a moment. "About last night… sorry." He apologized sheepishly, Asia immediately blushing and shaking her head.
"I-it was no problem at all, really! You were doing very well on-" She tried to encourage until the brunette shushed her, shaking his head.
"L-let's keep it a secret for now until I've got it down, okay? It's not really usable yet." Issei reasoned, to which Asia quickly understood and nodded.
"I'll help you as much as possible to keep strengthening your ultimate move, okay?" Asia volunteered happily.
"Ultimate move?" Josuke repeated,elbowing Okuyasu awake as he spoke, looking between the two suspiciously. "What are you guys working on?"
"Wh-what'd I miss?" Okuyasu mumbled, drool dripping from the edge of his mouth.
"Sorry, but it's a secret~!" Asia giggled, putting a finger to her lips. Josuke narrowed his eyes at Issei, the brunette chuckling awkwardly as he tried to avert his eyes away from his best friend.
"What's this about a secret, Issei?" Josuke asked, wrapping an arm around his neck and glaring at him. "What happened to telling each other everything?"
"I-I will tell you, eventually! I-I'm just not sure how well this move is actually going to work out…" Issei quickly explained, shaking his head. "I want to be sure it works before anything."
Josuke eyed him suspiciously for a long moment before sighing, releasing Issei from his hold and nodding. "Alright, do what you have to."
"I hate to interrupt the lovers quarrel, but I have something to ask of you Asia." Rias giggled, ignoring the exasperated grunts from the two best friends as she looked to her bishop.
"M-me, president?" Asia asked with uncertainty.
"You were a nun once, after all. Would you mind explaining to us what those from the church would do if they encountered a Devil?" Rias inquired, Asia tilting her head in wonder before nodding in acceptance.
"Let me retrieve a few things first." the former nun said before running off to her room.
"You think that she might know something that can help?" Josuke asked, glancing at Rias curiously.
"It doesn't hurt to hear what our natural enemies were able to use against us. Perhaps it will come in handy." Rias suggested with a shrug. "There is no harm in it."
The blonde soon returned with a bible in hand and a small bottle of water with a band across the middle, a cross etched into the designs. She placed the items on a small table and stood in front of the group where Rias once was, waiting for Akeno to return before speaking. "Okay, so normally those in the church who deal with Devils carry two items of note. The first item would be holy water." Asia explained, holding up the bottle for the others to see. "Devil's like you all should not touch it."
"Uh, what happens if we do?" Issei asked curiously.
"Something very bad!"
"An ambiguous answer like that makes it a bit scarier than it should be…" Issei sighed as a sweat drop formed on his head.
"Asia, don't forget that you're a Devil as well." Rias reminded her, quickly making the former nun wince.
"Poor girl…" Josuke sighed, seeing her struggle in beliefs.
"R-right, I forget sometimes…" Asia mumbled a bit miserably before setting the bottle down and grabbing the good book. "The second item is the Bible. I've read it ever since childhood…" she declared, her smile quickly faltering as she hugged it close to her chest. "But every time I try and read just a single line, I feel a splitting pain in my head!" She cries out.
"Yes, as expected of a Devil." Rias confirmed further with a small smirk.
"Because you are a Devil." Kiba added this time.
"A Devil." Koneko followed suit.
"It does do quite a bit of damage to us, after all." Akeno giggled with her hand on her cheek.
"B-b-but there's this passage that is very enlightening!" Asia tried to reason, quickly opening the bible up. The moment she peeked at the words, she flinched in pain. "A-ah! It hurts!"
"O-oi, are you okay?" Okuyasu blinked in shock. "Didn't you just say it would hurt you?"
"You really shouldn't be hurting yourself just to read a verse." Josuke suggested, watching the blonde with a raised brow.
"I-I know, but I can't help but feel sinful for being unable to read it!" Asia admitted sadly, holding her hands together. "Oh lord, please forgive me for being incapable of reading your word…" the moment she said this, she made another attempt to peek into the book, only to be met with the same pain. "I-I can't take it!"
"Oi, Asia! What did we just-" Josuke attempted to stop her, only for the former nun to make another attempt.
"Ow!"
"Will you stop trying to-"
"It hurts, it hurts!"
"P-please… stop…" Josuke weakly reached out with one hand, the other over his mouth as he tried to contain his laughter. At this point his pity turned into amusement, having a difficult time keeping it to himself.
"I-I must at least try once more!" Asia cried out, once again met with the same pain in her head.
"Asia does seem more like the nun type than a Devil…" Okuyasu hummed in thought, glancing at the others next to him. "How'd she join you guys?"
"It's a long tale." Kiba answered with a small smile. "Perhaps it's best to hear it from her."
"Fight hard, Josuke…" Issei sighed, realizing that Asia's show was sadly not an act to make the others laugh. But even watching the sad display before him, he couldn't help but envy the blonde a bit for her natural talent with magic. One thing had become clear over their training to him. Even Asia is more talented than I am…
"A-Asia-chan, please, that's enough…" Josuke breathlessly spoke, hunched over next to her and holding her shoulder gently. "You're just hurting yourself… and by extension, my stomach...:"
Asia stared down at the bible in her arms longingly, a dismayed frown deepening in her features before she nodded silently and set it back down on the table. Josuke's aching stomach started to ease up, the taller teen watching her with a bit of sympathy. He spared a glance at the bible for a moment before releasing a sigh. "Hey, prez. Does hearing someone speak the gospel hurt Devils?"
"It depends on the words used in the verse, I suppose. Such as if it's some form of prayer speaking directly to him." Rias explained, raising a curious brow. "Why do you ask?"
Josuke held his chin in thought for a moment before sparing Asia a goofy grin. "Well, I guess that settles it, then. Asia-chan, if you ever think you want to hear something in the bible, I'll read it for you to hear."
Asia's face immediately lit up at that, her lips curling up into a giddy smile. "Y-you really mean that? Even before bed?!"
"Sure, if that's what you want. But if you're at Issei's house or I'm not around, I'm sure we can get you some recordings to listen to as well that could work for you." Josuke suggested thoughtfully. Asia's bottom lip trembled for a moment before she let out a happy squeal, jumping forward and hugging the tall teen tightly around his waist.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Asia rattled off in appreciation, eyes misting from the joy she felt upon hearing that.
"Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal." Josuke chuckled bashfully, rubbing the back of his head.
"Hey, now. Don't get too friendly…" Issei mumbled, though he obviously knew that Josuke wasn't trying to do anything with Asia in such a way. Said blonde sniffled a bit, looking up at the tall teen with appreciation.
"Come on, now. You don't have to cry over it." Josuke chuckled, rubbing the top of Asia's head. "You can thank me once I start reading for you, okay?"
"Okay!" Asia beamed, hugging him a bit tighter before releasing Josuke and grinning up at him. Josuke chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"My, you're such a good big brother~!" Akeno giggled, causing Josuke to tense a bit.
"Big brother? I don't know about…"
"It's fitting." Koneko suggested this time, a small amused smirk on her lips as well.
"Big brother?" Asia muttered to herself, the words rolling off the tongue quite easily when she thought of Josuke now. The tall teen wasn't sure what to say in response, though honestly it seemed to make him a bit happy and bashful.
"Come on guys, stop it…" He chuckled with a rather embarrassed smile.
"Alright, that's enough teasing Josuke." Rias giggled this time before heading toward the door. "I think we should get back to some training."
"Ah, prez, mind if we do a quick test? I wanted to try something with my Stand." Josuke quickly informed, the crimson haired Devil raising a brow in question before nodding.
"Alright, what did you have in mind?"
"Josuke, this is a little crazier than what I expected."
The group had moved outside to the main field of the mansion, Rias standing ten meters across from Josuke as he rolled his shoulders. He looked rather nervous, and for good reason. His idea was incredibly risky, and most would not suggest such an attempt. "I-I just have to be sure. It'll definitely help me in the long run if it works."
"And if it doesn't, you could be seriously injured or worse." Rias informed him further.
"Too bad it's not like The Hand. I could at least erase it." Okuyasu hummed thoughtfully, watching the current training with intrigue.
"Josuke, this is pretty nuts. Stop this before it's too late." Issei tried to further reason with his best friend.
"The power of Destruction is no joke, Josuke-kun. The risk of facing it head on is incredibly high." Kiba added as well. Josuke took a visible gulp but nodded still.
"I-it's just a risk I'll have to take. Let's do it." Josuke reaffirmed. Rias glanced worriedly at her peerage before sighing. "Asia, be ready at a moment's notice."
"Y-yes, president." Asia agreed, concern lacing her voice.
"Ready." Josuke called out, Crazy Diamond appearing in front of him with it's arms raised, ready to strike. The tall teen had sweat rolling down his temple and was biting his bottom lip anxiously, but was standing prepared regardless. Rias took a deep breath before holding up her hand, a red magic circle materializing in front of her. "Destroy!" She called out as she launched a moderately sized black ball of energy. Issei bit his lip in worry, Asia digging her face into his shirt in fear as it launched forward toward the tall teen. Josuke narrowed his eyes as his Stand gripped it's fists before it finally was close enough for him to intercept.
"Now!" Josuke growled, and in a flash Crazy Diamond reared its arm back and threw a punch at the ball of demonic energy. DORA! It roared, and much to Josuke's delight and everyone else's surprise, the Stand harmlessly deflected the attack, knocking it into the ground and causing it to explode away from Josuke. It was silent among the teens before Josuke started to laugh, starting out a bit strained before becoming full of mirth as he turned a goofy grin to the others. "It worked!"
Everyone, even Rias, stared dumbfounded at the Stand user. Finally Issei, Okuyasu and Asia started to cheer in relief and excitement, the three hugging one another as their friend was not only okay, but his his theory proven correct.
"To think that a Stand could deflect even my power of Destruction…" Rias muttered before smiling hopefully. "You truly are impressive, Josuke-kun."
"I'm just as amazed as you guys are, believe me." Josuke laughed in response before a determined grin found its way on his features. "One more time, but stronger!" He called out, confidence now radiating from him. Before Rias could prepare another attack though, it was Akeno who stepped forward.
"Mind if I take a shot this time? I'm very curious to see everything it can do~!" The raven haired Devil suggested, holding up a hand, electricity sparking in her palm.
"That's not a bad idea. It would be good to see if different types of energy attacks would act differently when up against his Stand." Rias agreed, stepping to the side and allowing Akeno to take her place. "But attack continuously, not with a single charged attack. I'd like to see if he can keep it up."
"Uh… I don't know how I feel about this…" Josuke admitted, a bead of sweat rolling down his brow as he watched Akeno begin to charge. Not because he didn't think it would work, but more because Akeno was a sadist and might try a little harder than he'd like to hurt him.
"I'm sure you'll be just fine~! Now get ready!" Akeno warned, only a moment later launching a torrent of lightning from her hands at the Stand user. Josuke ground his teeth anxiously, quickly summoning his Stand forward.
DORARARARARA~! It growled once again, this time launching a fist rush so that he could continue to disperse the attack as it approached. The electricity met the same fate as Rias' power of Destruction, being deflected to the side even as it continued to attack. The electrical currents bounced around Josuke and off the ground, but never once hitting him. Finally Akeno ceased her attack, Josuke coming out of it unscathed. The tall teen took a breath of relief as he smiled once more. "This is great! I didn't get hit at all!"
"Yes, how good for you…" Akeno hummed, disappointment evident in her voice as she pouted and held her cheek in her hand.
"Don't sound too disheartened about it…" Josuke muttered with a sweat drop on the back of his head.
"Either way, that was quite amazing, Josuke-kun." Kiba praised as the peerage approached him now. "To think that you could deflect both president and Akeno-sempai's attacks is incredible."
"You're pretty cool." Koneko gave a rare smile of respect. "You'd be a lot of help."
"I should try an' do that too! It looked really awesome!" Okuyasu exclaimed with a dumb grin.
"So you didn't feel any pressure or pain during either attacks? I figured it might tax your ability if only a bit." Rias inquired thoughtfully, crossing her arms under her chest.
"No, not really. I feel just fine actu-agh!" Josuke began until he suddenly felt himself being shocked rather painfully, letting out a yelp. He stood for a moment longer before letting out a smokey cough and falling to the ground. Everyone blinked, confused at what had exactly happened before everyone turned slowly to Akeno. The Priestess of Thunder stood there giggling with red cheeks, holding them between her hands and wiggling in excitement.
"Akeno!" Rias scoldingly shouted, fully aware of the raven haired Devil's attack.
"I'm so sorry, but I couldn't resist~!" Akeno shamelessly giggled, a rather lewd smile on her features. "I just wanted to hear him scream a bit once."
"Wh-why would you wanna do that?!" Okuyasu exclaimed in confusion before Issei set a hand on his shoulder and gave a sympathetic frown.
"Akeno-sempai's a huge sadist." He explained simply enough, glancing back at his still crispy best friend. "Poor Josuke…"
'S-seriously?! You guys are really weird…" Okuyasu muttered fearfully, taking a small step away from Akeno as if he were afraid he might be her next victim.
"G-goddamn it, Akeno…" Josuke quietly cursed out from the ground, still having trouble getting up.
"H-here, I'll heal you up!" Asia quickly jumped to his aid, her Sacred Gear shining to life in her hands as she began to heal him.
"See? Asia-chan will make you all better. It's not so bad." Akeno giggled without remorse, licking her lips. "Besides, that was a rather cute scream…"
"Please stop talking…" Josuke groaned out as he started to push off the ground. Issei leaned down and helped him up, swinging his arm over his shoulder.
"You really are amazing." Issei chuckled with a small smile. Despite his words, Josuke could hear a bit of dissatisfaction in his voice. The tall teen raised a brow, knowing that it wasn't disdain for him. The reason quickly came to Josuke, remembering the words his best friend spoke only days before when they first started training.
I'm the weakest one here.
"Hey. Are you alright?" Josuke asked with a bit of concern. Issei blinked at the question before putting up a strong front and smiling.
"What are you asking me that for? You're the one who got crisped by Akeno-sempai." Issei teased with a chuckle. Josuke watched him for a moment longer before nodding silently, patting his shoulder and pushing off of him. "Thanks, I can walk now. Thank you, Asia-chan." He said, nodding to the blonde. He glanced at Rias who was currently scolding Akeno to the side, making him sigh as he approached her now.
"Akeno, please apologize to Josuke for what happened." Rias told her as she noticed him walk up.
"Fine…" Akeno sighed dejectedly, turning to Josuke only for him to hold up a hand.
"It's fine, Akeno-chan. I don't think any apology from you would be very genuine at this point." He laughed with a bit of strain, the raven haired Devil putting a finger to her chin.
"Well, if it makes you feel better I didn't do it out of anger toward you. It was quite the opposite~!"Akeno giggled with a wink before leaving the two behind. Rias and Josuke watched her leave with a sweat drop on their foreheads before they both released a breath.
"Sorry about that, Josuke-kun." Rias apologized again, crossing her arms. "I didn't think she'd attack just for fun…"
"Honestly we should expect it more from a sadist…" Josuke muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "But it's fine. I wanted to make a suggestion with Issei, though. How far do you think he's progressed now with his training?"
Rias tilted her head in question, but nonetheless nodded. "I'm listening."
"You might think you should give him a bit more time to see what he can do, but I think he's worked pretty hard." Josuke reasoned, having seen Issei's determination day after day as they closed in on the Rating Game. He had returned to the mansion dead tired, and Josuke had come upon him several times in the mornings working through the night. It was obvious he was doing everything within his power to improve. "Maybe you could let him see that. As he is right now, I think he's losing confidence. You said it so yourself before all this, right?"
Rias was silent for a moment, listening to his words intently. She turned away from Josuke and held her chin before finally humming. "One more day. One more day to prepare and rest, and I'll be sure to give him the confidence he needs. Right now, with just a bit more help, he could improve more than you think."
Josuke opened his mouth to protest but couldn't reasonably argue. "Okay, if you think it's what's best." He conceded, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I don't know how Devils can improve so quickly, so I'll trust you know what's best."
"Thank you. Speaking of which, it's time to return to his training." Rias declared, turning away from Josuke and back to her peerage before clapping her hands together. "Alright, everyone! Back to our normal schedule! Issei, I want you to get working on your aerobics again!"
"Y-yes, ma'am!" Issei nearly whined but quickly did as he was ordered, jogging in place before taking off. Josuke watched as the brunette passed by, a little unsure what some standard exercises could do for his demonic energy. But again, he had to remind himself that he still had no clue how Devils increased their power. So for now, he gave his hopes to his club president. After all, he still had his own problems to sort out.
"'For I know that I have plans for you,' declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Josuke spoke, reciting a verse of Asia's choosing. It was the night before the final day of training, and as promised Josuke had begun reading to Asia when she asked it of him. She had been helping Issei each night until now, the brunette deciding to give her rest. Seeing that she had a chance to hear it now, she sought out the tall teen's help in hearing the word.
"It's so good to hear God's word again." Asia sighed contently, tucking herself in her bed with a broad smile. "Thank you, Josuke-kun. It means a lot to me that you would do this."
"It's no big deal, really. I know it must be hard for you." Josuke dismissed, placing her bible back on the table. "You used to read this all the time, right?"
Asia nodded tiredly, her features becoming a bit solemn and thoughtful. "That used to be my favorite verse… When I was cast out of the church, I would read it every day." She leaned over and grabbed the book gently, bringing it to her chest. "It always gave me comfort knowing that God was going to give me a good future. With friends that truly cared for me."
Josuke listened sympathetically, gaze falling to the floor. "I'm surprised you can say that after… everything that happened. That you… you know, still love God."
"... I know that it's strange to, as a Devil, still praise God, but… I think that, perhaps, this was the future he gave me. To be with you all." Asia released a sheepish giggle, scratching the back of her head. "As odd as becoming a Devil being his plan might sound, I'm… just so happy with you all. I can't profess to know what God thinks, but I suppose that 'he works in mysterious ways' is still accurate."
Josuke only watched Asia in silence before releasing a deep breath and nodding. "I definitely can't argue with that. Maybe you're right. Well, Asia-chan, why don't you get some sleep? Tomorrow's going to be a long day." He started to stand up, only stopping when the blonde reached out and tucked on his sleeve.
"I think that God brought you to us for a reason, too." Asia spoke quietly, looking up at Josuke with hopeful eyes. "Whether it's to stay human or become a Devil, I don't know. But don't feel bad with whatever you choose, okay? We all know how much you care." She said, giving a kind smile. Josuke's eyes softened at her words, unsure what he could return to the blonde in response. The best he could muster was, "Thanks, Asia-chan. Good night."
He tried to pull away once again, but still found Asia's hand firmly gripping his sleeve. He blinked for a moment before raising a brow at Asia. "What's wrong?"
Asia's eyes were hidden by her hair, her cheeks a bit red. "Um… would you mind if I…" she hesitantly spoke, peeking out behind her blonde locks. "If I uh…"
"Come on, just say it. You don't have to act so formal." Josuke chuckled, turning back to her.
"If I… called you Josuke-nii-chan?"
Josuke felt his heart skip a beat for a moment, his breath hitching as Asia now stared up at him with adorable puppy eyes. "Wh-what?"
"A-ah, I'm so sorry! I hope that doesn't sound too embarrassing!" Asia squeaked, hiding her face under the blanket. "I-it's just that when Akeno-sempai and the others called you my big brother, it… it felt really good." She admitted, peering out from the covers with only her eyes. "You always look out and watch over me. Different than how Issei does… It makes me happy to know that I have someone like a big brother."
Josuke didn't know what to say, taken back and rather touched by Asia's words. In fact he could almost feel tears filling his eyes. B-be a man, she just asked you to be her big brother… He pushed back his tears and ran an arm over his eyes before releasing a small chuckle, grinning kindly at the blonde.
"Alright, you can if you want." He agreed, reaching out and rubbing the top of her head. "But nii-chan sounds kinda long. So why don't you just call me Josuke-nii instead? Make it easier for you."
Asia beamed with happiness, bursting out of the sheets and wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. "Okay, Josuke-nii!" The tall teen felt his heart take another hit when she called him that, struggling to keep his manly exterior as he patted her on the back.
"A-alright, alright. You can call me that all you want tomorrow, okay? Now get some rest." Josuke told her, holding Asia's shoulders and pushing her back onto the bed. The blonde continued to smile and nodded, wrapping the sheets around her again before lying back in the bed.
"Okay! Good night, Josuke-nii!" She bid farewell before letting out a small sound. "Oh, before you go! I'd like you to have something!" She sat up and dug into the drawer next to her bed, pulling out a small box and holding it up to the taller teen.
"Wh-whoa Asia-chan, you can't just call me your big brother then-" Josuke started to panic before the blonde quickly shook her head.
"Th-that's not what this is! Don't get that idea!" She quickly dismissed before opening the box. Inside was a sterling silver crucifix adorned with a long chain. "I would like you to have this as a token of my appreciation. I can… no longer wear it anymore, as it harms Devils just like holy water and reading the word." She admitted before smiling again. "But perhaps it will help bring you protection and peace of mind instead."
Josuke hesitated for a moment before gingerly taking the rosary from Asia's box and holding it in his hand. "I can't take this from you…"
"It's okay, really. I want you to have it in hopes that it will bless you." Asia declared with a kind smile. "Please accept it."
Josuke took a moment to stare down at the crucifix before silently putting it around his neck, adorning the necklace. "I know how much this means to you, so I'll wear it proudly."
"I'm glad to hear it." Asia giggled before lying back down in her bed. "I think I'm ready to go to bed now. Good night, Josuke-nii."
"Good night, Asia-chan." Josuke chuckled, patting her on the head before walking out the door and closing it gently behind him. Once he was out, he knelt over and held his chest in his hand. "Oh, my heart… took too many hits…" He breathed out before pushing back up to start walking. He moved down the hallway toward his own room, wanting to get some rest himself. Though with the final day approaching, he found it hard to rest. His own timeline was approaching and it was not going to be easy either way.
He walked through the hall on the edge of the mansion, the moon's light shining through like a star. He only cast a brief glance out at the night for a moment, but it was enough to catch sight of two figures. He stopped in his tracks as the silhouettes became clear to him: Rias was resting on the outside balcony against one of the pillars while Issei stood only a few feet away, the two apparently in their own deep conversation. He took a moment to watch them, considering listening for a moment before dismissing the idea, thinking it was best to leave them alone to their own talk. But before he left, he could make out some of what was being said.
"I want to be viewed as Rias, not just as the heir to the Gremory family."
Josuke found himself stopping for a moment, turning his head to listen more closely.
"Because of who I am and the family I come from, I am only ever viewed by others as Rias Gremory of house Gremory and not as just… Rias. Me." The crimson haired Devil further explained, pushing off the ground and standing in the moonlight.
"Do you hate… being in your family?" Issei asked curiously, watching his master with a bit of awe.
"No, I don't. In fact I'm quite proud to be apart of my family." Rias dismissed, shaking her head. "But even so, I still have my small dream. To fall in love with a man who sees me as just Rias, and not as Rias Gremory. It's a bit selfish and complicates certain feelings within me, but… I still desire it above anything. It's why I want to win this." She turned her gaze back to her servant, green orbs shining with conviction. "I want a chance to achieve my dream. To meet a man as myself and be loved for me."
Silence fell again as Rias' words hung in the air, Issei and apparently Josuke both taking a moment to process her words. The tall teen could only frown at his own selfishness, knowing that because he wasn't willing to give up his own life, Rias would lose hers. But the fear of regret hung inside him, living a life that wasn't by his choosing but out of obligation to a friend. Would he be okay with that? Rias herself was fighting for a chance to be seen as her own woman. It was now a bit more evident as to why Rias felt that they had the same idea. Perhaps she was right. Still makes me feel pretty selfish…
"I-I'd love you for you!"
Josuke found himself blinking before glancing back outside, knowing those words came from Issei.
"I don't really know anything about the Gremory family or how the Devil world works, but to me… Rias is Rias! I-I mean… I-I'd love you for who you are, and I don't know anything about all that complicated stuff! I… I care about you!" Issei proclaimed proudly, speaking his mind without holding back.
…. What a romantic… Josuke had to admit, he was impressed by Issei's small speech. He wasn't sure if it was a true confession with the way he had worded it, but it definitely put his feelings out there. Rias was also stunned silent, her cheeks red. Josuke didn't feel comfortable listening further, deciding to leave with that. While Issei's mind was unclouded on what he was going to do, Josuke didn't feel so sure. The tall teen stopped in front of his room, taking a moment to assess whether he truly wished to return there. After a moment, he decided to take a walk instead.
Josuke wasn't sure what possessed him to walk into the forest, pacing much farther than he had planned. He only wanted to go outside for a breath of fresh air. But the moment Josuke set foot outside, the restless feeling came back. He couldn't stop walking, his legs carrying him past the tree line and further into the forest on the ridge of the mansion. Finally the tall teen's legs stopped as he arrived to a clearing, a small pool of a pond stretching over twenty meters in front of him. Josuke found his way to a chopped wood stump, plopping down on it and staring out at the water.
Whatever choice you make, do it with a clear conscience.
He gripped his head in frustration, hunching over in his lap.
But you have a choice. I know you want to help, but… I can't let you help like this.
Josuke's teeth grinded in frustration, sweat dripping down his forehead. Josuke wished he had asked Issei's opinion, wanting more advice on his current predicament. But the brunette had been too busy with his own training, and Josuke didn't want to trouble him with the question. Perhaps he was also afraid of what answer he might give as well. Either way, it was still ultimately his choice.
"Damn it!" Josuke cursed in resentment, picking up a rock and throwing it into the pond. "Why does this shit have to be so hard?!"
"You seem quite troubled."
Josuke almost tripped on his own feet when he heard someone speak behind him. He quickly whipped around, eyes landing on a man who he was unfamiliar with, though looked very familiar. He was a man who looked to be in his late twenties, possibly thirties, and was quite handsome. His skin was a fair white and his eyes piercing green orbs that shone in the moonlight. His attire was that of a classical nature, looking almost victorian in style with a black vest over a gray tunic. His most notable feature was his crimson red hair that reached down his shoulders.
"Y-you…" Josuke muttered, eyes now wide in shock. "Look just like Rias…"
"Excuse our intrusion, Josuke-sama." A more familiar voice spoke, walking out from behind the red haired stranger came Grayfia who wore her usual stoney visage. "But my husband heard of your dilemma and wished to speak with you personally."
"Husband?" Josuke repeated and it immediately clicked in. "A-ah, you're Rias' older brother, right?"
"That's correct. You may call me Sirzechs-san if it is comfortable enough for you." Sirzechs spoke with a calm smile, bowing politely. "It's an honor to meet one of your bloodline."
"A-ah, right. It's nice to meet you too, sir." Josuke bowed back before watching him carefully. "But you said that… you can help me with my dilemma?"
"That's right. I have something that will make it a bit easier for you to choose." The Crimson haired Maou declared, holding up a transparent Knight piece in his hand. "Would you mind if we spoke for a while? I know it's late, but I think you'll want to hear this."
Josuke could only raise a brow, unsure of what the Maou had to offer. But with no reason to object, the tall teen nodded.
"It's almost time…" Issei muttered to himself, glancing at the clock by his bed. The final training day at the mansion had come and gone, and much to the brunette's delight he had advanced far more than he ever suspected. Rias had given him the confidence to see that he was actually one of the team's greatest assets. He boosted over twelve times, far beyond what he was originally capable of, and even blew away the tip of a mountain. It had given him the morale boost he truly needed, and felt more confident than ever in their chances in the Rating Game. Only one thing had been missing that would have made the final day perfect.
"But still no sign of Josuke…" Issei muttered, eyes drifting to the floor with a bit solemnly. It was true, the tall teen had disappeared without a word, the others unable to find him. He had become increasingly worried once they returned home to find he was not back at his house either, but Rias had told him not to worry. She suspected that this was the result of his final choice. She wanted to find Josuke as well, reassure him that his choice was nothing to be ashamed of. But regardless of how she felt, Rias had to keep her focus on the Rating Game to come.
"Issei?" The soft voice of Asia pulled Issei away from his thoughts, glancing at the door to see the blonde peeking in at him. "Is it okay to come in?"
"Of course, go ahead." Issei encouraged, only raising a brow once he saw that she was now wearing her standard nun outfit, though without her rosary and mantle. "That outfit…"
"Rias said that I should fight in what I'm most comfortable in." Asia explained, turning her gaze away as he cheeks became red. "I thought it over and over and despite my current status I still can't help but be most comfortable in this…"
"Ah, I see…" Issei hummed in understanding before giving a small smile. "It does suit you more than anything. Don't get me wrong, you look great in whatever you wear, but that look is still the most fitting for you."
"Thank you, it means a lot." Asia giggled bashfully, slowly walking over to his bed. "Would you mind if I… sit with you until it's time to go?"
Issei gave a quick nod and scooted over in his bed. "Feel free. I'd like that, actually."
"Thank you, again." Asia smiled before taking a seat. Without asking, she quickly wrapped her arms around his, leaning into the brunette with a fearful look, doing her best to keep from trembling. "I-I'm sorry. It's just that… looking forward to the oncoming battle makes me nervous."
Issei gave a sympathetic frown, reaching over and gently gripping her hand. "Don't worry, it's the same for me. I had to stay here for the night or I'd be even more worried, too." He admitted. Silence fell upon them for a moment, Asia tightening her hold on his arm.
"I-is it okay if I stay with you until we leave?"
"Of course. It'll make me feel better too."
…
…
"Issei-san?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think Josuke-nii will come?"
Issei's eyes widened for a moment before he frowning in thought. It was a question he had been fighting with in his own head throughout the final hours until the fight. It had seemed strange that Josuke would just run off without a word, as he had never done so before. Issei knew Josuke as a man to face his problems head on, even if they made him nervous. Finally he gave the strongest grin he could to comfort the blonde. "Definitely. He always comes through for us, right?"
"Right…" Asia nodded quietly, a small smile of her own gracing her lips. "He's always looking out for us."
"Right…"
...
"Asia-chan… did you call Josuke 'Josuke-nii?"
The time had finally come to gather together, the stroke of midnight approaching slowly. Rias and her peerage awaited Grayfia for the final confirmation of the beginning of the Rating Game. Josuke was still nowhere in sight, but Okuyasu had come at least to give his support. While Issei could feel the tension of the upcoming battle, he was a bit surprised to see that the others were a bit more relaxed, even Rias was merely sipping on a cup of tea. Talk about nerves of steel. I'm over here all jittery but everyone else seems cool as an icecube.
Issei was pulled away from his musings when he heard the door open, glancing to the side to see Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra walk in, both in school uniform and stoic expressions as usual.
"Ah, Sona. Good to see you. Is everything ready for the broadcast?" Rias inquired, turning in her chair to look directly at her childhood friend.
"That's correct. Once it has begun, the Maou and the involved households will be able to spectate without problem." Sona confirmed, glancing around the room. "Are you ready for your match?"
"As ready as I can be, same for my peerage." Rias affirmed with a small smirk. "I'll try to make things interesting for everyone watching."
"Yeah, get out there and kick their asses!" Okuyasu cheered them on with a goofy grin. "Teach that flamin' bastard what for!"
"We'll do our best, Okuyasu-san. Thank you for taking the time to be there for us through this." Kiba said in appreciation.
Sona took another look over the room before releasing a sigh. "So I take it that he did not accept?"
Rias frowned slightly, easily guessing who she was talking about. "It was Josuke's choice to begin with. I hold no anger over his decision."
"Maybe so, but I figured he'd at least show up to support us." Issei spoke suddenly, biting his bottom lip. "I just… don't understand why he wouldn't…" He began to vent, but stopped when he noticed a light shine from the floor, glancing behind the couch to see a white magic circle appear.
"It's time." Rias spoke, taking a deep breath before standing up and waiting patiently for the Strongest Queen to appear before them. The entire peerage stood, turning to the magic circle expectantly. Much to their shock, Grayfia was not alone when she began to materialize.
Next to her stood none other than Josuke, who gave a rather confident grin.
"Hey, everyone. Sorry I disappeared on you like that. So, are we all ready to get this game started?"
To be continued…
Oh ho ho~! Looks like we're finally about to get started on the Rating Game! I cannot tell you how much I wanted to get to this point, taking some time to wonder if I should just skip over the training all together XD Of course I wasn't going to, so instead I tried to fill the training segment with as much character moments as I could as to make it more enjoyable and delve into several people more this time.
I hope you all enjoyed, as I said before this chapter was shaping up to be much longer than I had wanted so I chopped it in half. The oncoming battle should be just as long, and I may plan to make it over 20 thousand words long like I did with the battle against Raynare, but if you guys think I should split it up give me your thoughts.
Alright, so that's the end of the chapter! What has Sirzechs done to make things easier for Josuke to decide? Guess you'll have to find out once this all finally begins, until next time everyone!