Chapter 16
Koneko violently swung the ORC's wooden doors open, and without wasting a step she quickly entered the building. Following closely behind was a nervous Asia, and Issei brought up the rear looking rather bored.
"Buchou. I brought Asia, and the Pervert." Koneko said as she lead the two up to Rias who was sitting at her desk, an ironically devilish smile on her face. Once Koneko had finished her task, she took a seat on he nearby sofa.
"Asia Argento, Issei Hyoudou." Issei and Asia exchanged looks at Rias' awkwardly formal greeting. "I'm sorry for the sudden summon, but there is something I wanted to talk to the two of you about."
"Look…." Issei decided to speak up. "I'm sorry alright. Those Judo Girls tricked me, I didn't mean to I promise. If anything, I'm the one who was violated here." Issei crosses his arms as an embarrassed blush formed across his face.
Rias eyes perked up. "Wait! What do you mean the Judo Girls tricked you? Why the hell would you feel violated!?"
"AHEM!" Akeno interrupted. "Rias, maybe you should cut to the chase."
"Right!" Rias quickly collected herself. "Issei We'll talk about this later. Anyway, the reason I asked the two of you come here is because I Rias of the House of Gremory humbling ask the two of you to join my peerage and become devils." Rias said with a confident smile.
"D-D-Devils?!" Asia jumped in shock as Issei rolled his eyes. "You want me?"
"Yes Asia-san, I want you to join us. I value both you and Issei greatly and want both of you to be part of my family." Rias then turned to Issei with pleading eyes. "Issei, I know that you've already refused, but I hope that the time we've spent on friendly terms has helped to change your mind. I want you to know that I'm deeply sorry for the complications we've faced in our past, and know that even if you refuse we'll continue to be friends."
Issei remained silent as he crossed his arms and refused to make eye contact with Rias.
"Wait you refused to join Rias-senpai's peerage. Can you tell me why." Asia asked wanting to know all of the details before making such an important life choice.
Issei forehead crinkled and his expression stiffened as if he was revisiting painful memories. "I….. Can't remember." Issei said as his thinking face faded. "But it was probably something important, cause I like Rias so why else would I say no."
"So does that mean you've changed your mind?" Rias said excitedly.
"Nope." Issei deadpanned. "Sorry, but at this point it's a matter of principle. I already said no and now I'm sticking to that decision, but I don't see any reason Asia shouldn't join."
"Haaaaaahhhhhh…" Rias relented with a sigh. "I guess that's something. So Asia-san. What do you say?"
Asia immediately began tense up as attention began to build on her. "I uh. Ummm." Asia quickly bowed her in respect for the. "I'm sorry Rias-senpai, but could you please give me time to think this decision over?" Asia said quickly in a panic.
"Of course Asia-san. I don't want to pressure you into making such an important decision, take all the time you need." Rias said calmly, allowing Asia to relax. "In fact maybe the two of you should go home, so that Asia can think this through." Rias then stood up from her desk and began to show her two juniors to the door.
As they reached the door, Rias quickly tapped Issei on the shoulder. "Listen Issei, I know that tomorrow is Saturday, but I need you to meet me here tomorrow. There's something I need your help with."
Issei lifted an eyebrow. "Ummmmm… I don't-"
"Great!" Rias interrupted with a bright smile. "See ya then." The Red haired devil quickly slammed the door, not giving Issei time to retort.
Asia and Issei once again exchanged confused looks.
"Let's just go home…"
(Issei's House)
"Welcome home." Tiamat called out from the living room as the two entered the house. The Dragon King was lazily spread across the coach watching television.
"Rough day?" Issei snipped sarcastically.
"Not really." Tiamat was very straightforward as if she didn't pick up on Issei's tone. "What about you two."
""Weeeellllllll…."" Issei and Asia said simultaneously.
"Let's just say it's been a long day." Issei finished as he plopped down next to Tiamat. "So Asia, have you thought at all about this whole devil thing."
"Ummmm….. I'm still not sure. It's such a big change from everything I've known before. Back in the church, I never fit in. I didn't have any friends and I think a lot of people hated me, but I still had my faith. You are my friend and Rias and her peerage are very nice, but it feels like if I join them then I'm betraying everything I've ever known." Asia explained in a serious yet knowledgeable tone.
"Yeah I guess going from the church to becoming a devil is a pretty big jump. I do think you should consider Rias' offer, maybe a drastic change is just the thing you need." Issei looked down at his hands, and his eyes saddened. "Change is the truest test a man will ever face, that's what my grandfather told me. When life throws the worst at you, it's the way you move on and deal with the situation is what matters the most." That's when Issei realized the attention that he had gathered. "But that's just my two since. Would you look at the time, I better start cooking dinner. Who wants fried chicken?" With that Issei stood up and awkwardly made his to the kitchen.
"So the red haired devil girl asked you to join her peerage?" Tiamat said suddenly, causing Asia to jump.
"Ahhh! I uh…. Yes that's right." Asia eventually was able to answer. "But I have no idea what I should do."
"You're in a pretty good situation you know. From what I hear a devil is almost nothing but positives. Your life span increases to a point of near immortality, you gain a whole slew of magical powers like teleportation and fancy wings, and you eventually you'll be able blast o have your own peerage who will do anything you say." Tiamat then closes up to Asia's ear and began to whisper. "You may even be able to Issei one of your servants." This caused Asia's spine to shiver.
"Really the only downside is that you'd be a servant to someone for a few hundred years, but I hear the Gremory's are pretty lienant with their servants so that's pretty good for you." Tiamat smirked as she fell back into her seat. "So what do you think."
"Well…. It's not that the offer isn't tempting, but I'm still not sure about this. It's just such a huge change I don't know if I should." Asia fidgeted and mumbled causing Tiamat to frown.
"Well. If you truly feel that becoming a devil is the wrong choice for you, then I must ask you to leave hear and stay away from Issei." Tiamats words were like daggers and they caused Asia to wince slightly, before looking up with hurt and confused eyes. "It's really nothing personal Asia-san, but if you insist on remaining human then you mustn't be allowed to get any closer with Issei."
"If you wish to remain a mortal than you can't be with Issei who is not." Tiamat's serious eyes kept Asia from responding as she continued her rant. "I will not allow Issei to experience the heartbreak of losing someone close to him to the torture of an inevitable death. You couldn't imagine the pain that can cause a person." The way Tiamat spoke, it was almost as if she had experienced it first hand.
"I-I… I'm sorry, I had no idea, but can you please give me some time. I'm still not sure what I should do, but I don't want to leave yet." Asia pleaded with the Dragon King.
Tiamat sat quietly and thought Asia's request over. "Fine. But I urge you to make your decision quickly."
"Dinners ready!" Issei called out from the kitchen.
"For everyone's sake." Tiamat finished as she left the living room, followed by a nervous Asia.
(Next day at the ORC)
"Ugh…." Issei groaned as he walked up to the door of the old school building. He then opened the door with a slam that notified everyone in the club of his arrival. "Alright let's do this, so I can go home."
"Issei, you're late." Rias had already prepared their magic circle and was waiting impatiently on the boy.
"I thought you devils worked best at night, it's barely dusk." Issei complained.
"Just get in the circle and let's go." Rias commanded and Issei hesitantly did so. "You're not a devil so you should probably hold onto me." Rias then slipped her arm under Issei's shoulder and pulled him in close, burring his arm into her Issei's arm causing him to blush. "Wow Issei-kun does have a weekness. I'll have to keep that in mind."
Suddenly Rias' magic circle flashed a bright red and the two had vanished.
(Job location)
With a second flash of red light the two teenagers reappeared in a strange room, full of samurai themed decorations.
"Uhhuhhuhh…" Issei shivered as he left the circle. "That was super weird. I think I'm walking home." Issei then looked around the room and a grim expression formed across his face. "Oh great, a samurai otaku…."
"Issei be nice!" Rias scolded. "Everyone has passions, you should respect that. I mean it's obvious you're a big fan of shonen mangas."
"H-How did you know that?" Issei's eyes grew with shock, before he quickly calmed himself down. "You're right. It just reminds me of my grandfather, and that brought up some bad memories." Rias tried to place a sympathetic hand on the boys shoulder, but Issei shrugged it off. "Hey look." Issei changed the subject as he made his way over to a full set of samurai armor. "This is some pretty nice armor, it almost seems real."
"Why, thank you."
The suit of armor began to speak and move, causing Issei to jump. "Ahhh!" Issei fell back onto his butt, causing Rias to chuckle slightly.
"A-Are you the devils?" The samurai asked nervously. Her voice was very high and definitely feminine, you could also here tones of shyness.
"I am." Rias stepped up and made with the introductions. "My name is Rias Gremory. This is Issei Hyoudou, he's a Dragon not a Devil."
The armored lady was confused at first but then came to a conclusion of her own. "Ohhh….. So he's your pet." Issei busted a blood vessel as Rias chuckled
"HELL NO!" Issei yelled, startling the girl who began to swing her sword in his direction to defend herself. "Hey watch it!" Issei said as he dodged the blade. "I'm sorry for scaring you, but I'm nobody's pet."
Rias then grabbed Issei by the shirt and moved him behind her. "I'm sorry that Issei startled voice." Rias' calming voice was able to stop the woman from flailing her blade. "Anyway, How can we help you."
"Oh yes, my request." The armored woman bowed apologetically for wasting time. "My name is Susan, but please call me Susan-san. I called you here today for an unbelievably dangerous task." Issei's ears perked up at this.
"I regret to inform the two of you, but I-I…." Susan dropped to her knees in disgrace. "I left my notebook in my classroom this afternoon!"
Rias and Issei quickly exchanged looks.
"Are you serious?"
"Susan-san, that's awful."
Issei gave Rias a dirty look as she made her way to comfort the armored girl. "Don't worry I promise you Issei and I will do everything in our power to retrieve this notebook."
"Really." The blonde curls coming out from behind Susan's helmet began to perk up.
"Of course. Just tell us where it is and we'll retrieve it." Rias' smile immediately helped Susan to feel better, even Issei's mood was improved.
"It's at my university a few blocks from here." Susan said as she returned to her feet.
"Well That should be a sinch for you Issei. Just use Balance Breaker." As Rias said this, a drop of sweat formed on Issei's forehead. "It's already night, so you should be able to jet down there and back in a few seconds." As Rias continued more and more sweat beads formed on Issei's face.
"Hehehehe…." Issei chuckled awkwardly, before his face lit up as if he got an idea. "Well you see, using the Balance Breaker like that would be a total waste. Not only that it would also be disgraceful to Ddraig if I used his power on mere errands." Rias raised an eyebrow at Issei's excuses. "So you see, no Balance Breaker tonight. But don't worry, I'll get your notebook myself."
Susan was quick to interject. "Oh no, Dragon-kun. I couldn't possibly ask you to go by yourself. I'll go with you, plus I know where the notebook is so I have to go."
Issei looked up at the armored woman, with the frightening samurai mask. "Oh….Yay!"
(30 minutes later)
"Arigato, Devil-san, Dragon-kun. I got my journal back and it's all thanks to you two." Susan bowed, notebook firmly in her grasp.
"Well Issei, How was it." Rias said jokingly.
Issei glared at the red haired devil. "Sore wa hidokatta." This caused Rias to chuckle. "Anyway, let's just go home."
"Wait…" Rias walked over to Susan, looking rather concerned. "Susan-san, we completed your task, but I can still sense anxiety in you. Is there something bothering you."
"Oh Devil-san, I'm sorry for worrying you." Susan grabbed hold of both of Rias' hands and began to relay her plight. "My Hāto aches for the one I love, but unfortunately my shyness keeps me from telling him how I feel."
"Dude that sucks." Issei interrupted. "Well this was fun. Rias I think I'm gonna walk home."
"Issei wait!" Rias grabbed the boy by the hand and pulled him in for a quick pow-wow. "We have to help her out with this."
"Listen Rias I understand, but if I don't feed Tiamat soon she might eat Asia." Issei's eyes looked very serious as if he wasn't joking. Issei eventually relented after receiving a death glare from the young devil. "Fine, I'll help."
Rias then turned to face Susan with a smile. "Good news Susan-san we're gonna help you to confess your feelings."
"Really?" Susan's mask seemed to sparkle in delight.
"Yep, and Issei here is one of the only guys I know that have actually had a girlfriend." Rias said putting the reluctant boy front and center. "So he should be a big help. Issei why don't you tell Susan-san how you and Raynare-chan got together."
"Oh that." Issei seemed a bit caught off guard. "Well really she just asked me to be her boyfriend, and she was really pretty and seemed nice, and there was just something about her that was intriguing."
"So she just asked you." Rias paused for a second, before her face flushed a bit red. "In that case-"
"Yeah, I'm never gonna make that mistake again." Issei interrupted with a dismissive wave. "Yeah you should really get to know someone before you try and start any type of relationship, and that goes for anyone. Anyway Rias were you saying something."
"Uhhhh, no not really….."
"Yeah, sorry Susan-san. I guess that wasn't very helpful." Issei took a second to think up a new plan. "I got it!" Issei slammed his fist into his open palm. "If you get nervous talking to the guy, you should just write him a letter."
"A retto…." Susan thought about the idea.
"Bro I'm not that guy, but that's kinda racist." Issei said seriously, but got ignored.
"Dragon-kun that's brilliant! I'll write a letter." Susan leapt in excitement as she rushed over to grab pen and paper.
"That was a pretty good idea." Rias commented as Susan was hard at work. "How did you think of it."
"When I was younger I used to write angry letters to my grandfather, and threw them away. It wasn't productive but it helped relieve stress." Issei explained causing Rias to look at him with concerned, yet intrigued eyes.
"One of these days I wanna hear all about your past." Rias asked with a smirk.
Issei smiled back at the girl. "That would be nice…. OH GOD!"
Susan had her letter tied to the end of an arrow and prepared to fire it. "I'm ready."
(Later)
Rias, Issei and Susan all stood in a nearby park as the morning light set the mood.
Issei quickly looked at his smartphone to find multiple unanswered calls from Tiamat, causing Issei's spine to crawl in fear. "That's it, I'm dead."
"Issei, ssshhhhhh…." Rias' gaze was firmly placed on Susan as both of them waited in anticipation. "This is gonna be so romantic."
"If he shows." The cynical Issei was ignored once again, until he heard a CLANK sound.
All eyes had shifted to a moving suit of armor, that presumably contained Susan's crush. Protruding from the armored man's head was the end of the arrow containing Susan's letter.
"Well…." Issei wasn't the least bit surprised by the turn of events. "Well he got the letter…. And he showed up, but I'm still not sure his is gonna turn out romantic."
"Susan-san." The armored man said in his demanding voice, sounding almost threatening. "I received your letter." He pointed to the arrow on his head as Susan's knees began to shake. "My darling, you have pierced my heart as well as helmet."
"Oh Horii-kun!" Susan began to run towards the armored man.
"Susan-san!" The two lovers embraced in the middle of the park. Leaving Issei and Rias to bask in the warmth of the moment.
"I gotta admit this is pretty nice." Issei said quietly not wanting to interrupt the scene at hand.
"Yeah… It is." Rias slowly grabbed Issei by the hand , causing him to blush.
"Wh-What are you…." Issei stuttered as a red light began to glow from beneath him.
"Time to go." Rias smiled and the glow intensified.
"Wait. NO!" Issei screamed as he and Rias disappeared in a bright red light.
(ORC)
"Hahhh haahhhh hahhh….." Issei panted as he was released from Rias' magic circle. "I think… I think I'm gonna barf."
"Thanks for coming tonight Issei, it was nice having company. Maybe we should make this a regular thing." Rias smiled as she took a seat at her desk.
"Yeah, I don't know about that." Issei said as he plopped down on one of the couches to rest and settle his stomach.
"So what do you think." Rias asked vaguely.
Issei popped open one of his eyes. "About what?"
"About love. About finding the person you're meant for, like Susan-san." Rias said as she looked down at her fumbling hands.
Issei took a second to think before answering. "Well if you're gonna do it, that's how it should be done. Natural, honest, and sincere. Nothing forced, no pressure. Just to people letting each other know that they care about them. That's how I'd want to do it."
Rias wasn't expecting something so genuine from the battle manic Issei, his sincerity made Rias blush slightly. "Y-Yeah me too…."
(Author's Notes)
So this story was a bit more serious and took a lot from the source material, but I would still consider it filler. There will be one more of these filler chapters before I start the Riser arch and next chapter will be almost completely original material so I hope you're excited for that. Till then, Bye!