Chapter 25 Asia Argento
I don't own DxD I'm just using the characters
NORMAL POV.
(Issei's room)
"So Asia what's bothering you" Issei said calmly. Issei had to admit that this was an awkward situation. After all usually his night visits tended to involve sex. Of course Asia wasn't on the menu. Partially due to her past he felt that she was one of those who deserved to stay pure.
Asia sat on the chair at Issei's desk before calmly explaining what happened. "The other day I ran into the devil that I saved three years ago. It brought back some tough memories for me" Asia said timidly.
"I see. By the way Asia I don't know that much about what happened to you. Would you mind explaining it to me" Issei asked calmly. He knew a bit of her story but he wanted to know the full deal.
"Okay then" Asia said timidly. This was a painful time for Asia so she had to gather herself. "I didn't remember my parents but for as long as I could remember I was part of the church. Thanks to Twiilight healing I was eventually made a Holy maiden despite my young age. People would come from all around the world to see me and be healed by me"
"I see. That must've been tough" Issei commented calmly. Dealing with people's expectations at a young age is a difficult thing. Something he knew quite a bit about.
"No it was wonderful. God gave me a gift and all I wanted to do was share it with other people. As the years passed I was glad that my gift could help others. Then that fateful day happened."
'The day Diodora arrived at the church' Issei thought to himself. "You said you healed that young devil. The question I'm wondering is where were you when that happened?"
"I lived in a small home that was walking distance from the church and I usually had somebody escort me. That day I ran into the devil as I was on my way in. Usually somebody walked with me but that day he was late. I didn't want to miss the service so I walked alone"
"Partner that means" Ddraig gasped as he whispered into his mind.
'That's right. Diodora planned it perfectly. My guess is Diodora attacked the guard knowing that he would get injured and Asia could heal her when he ran into her' Issei replied. He had to begrudgingly admit the young man was extremely clever. However he had to reply to the young nun. "I see so then you healed him and the church found out"
"That's right but I didn't know he was a devil" Asia said as she began to sob. "Just for doing my job, they kicked me out. I was called a witch and lost everything". Issei grabbed onto Asia and held her tightly. He knew she must've been horrified to think that God betrayed her so easily.
"Hey Asia after you left the church what happened next." Issei said calmly. He knew how Diodora got to her but now he had to figure out the next piece.
"Well for a few days I wandered around trying to find a new place to live and eventually I was helped by a kind man who let me live with him"
"Wait a minute what was that man's name" Issei wondered. He had an idea of who it could be but if it was true then he got it all wrong.
"His name was Kojiro Hoshi. He was a Japanese man who moved into the city near the church and I lived with him for free.
'I thought so. Sensei you really are something else' Issei thought to himself. It was clear to Issei that Kokabiel was the one who watched over Asia. Considering that Kokabiel left the Order around the same time. He must've heard what happened and intended to have her join the Order since she was wrongly accused.
"The first few months he always stayed by my side. When I finally told him what happened everything changed. He stopped staying at home. Sometimes he would come back home and he was exhausted. Other times, I wouldn't see him for months and he'd show up tired and then after a few days leave again"
'You have got to be kidding me. That's what did it' Issei groaned internally. He realized the dangerous truth. It was Asia's expulsion from the church that first clued Kokabiel into something being wrong. He must've figured out what happened. "So why'd you come to japan"
"Well one day when Mr. Hoshi came back he told me about a friend of his who was going to go to a church in Japan. That maybe I could help him start it up again. I was skeptical but I wanted a chance to serve God again and well you know the rest." Asia said with a hint of melancholy.
Issei could barely contain himself since the story was so incredible. Kokabiel discovered what happened and likely used the Order to investigate what happened to her. In the process he must've discovered the Khaos Brigade and decided to go into hiding. I imagine that had he not done so Asia would've joined the Order and been under their protection. "I'm sorry for what happened to you Asia." Issei said sternly. Of course Asia had no idea that she was tricked by that devil and Issei planned to keep it that way.
"It's okay. I'm just glad you listened to me. Now I'd like to get some sleep" Asia said timidly.
"Sounds good Asia. How about you take my bed. I'll sleep back at the base" Issei said as he got up.
"Okay" Asia said as she got into the bed. Waiting until she was asleep, Issei returned to the base but he wasn't getting any sleep after learning what happened to her.
"So you didn't sleep with her I'm not surprised" Irina retorted as she sat at his bedside.
"No I couldn't do that, her story was one of those that you just don't get over" Issei said with a rare look of depression on his face.
"So you do have a heart. Well get to sleep because starting tomorrow you guys have to practice. The festival awaits." Irina teased.
"Yea yea now get going" Issei groaned.
"Jerk" Irina retorted before leaving. With Asia's story now complete his focus could return to his next task. Ending Diodora's life in the most painful way possible.
(Asia P.O.V)
When I opened my eyes I looked around and I was nervous for a second until I remembered that I had spent the night in Issei's room. Realizing morning had come and Issei hadn't returned was nerve racking until I noticed a flash in my room. "What's going on" I said nervously.
"Geez you need to learn to relax Asia" Irina Shido said with a smile as she appeared in my room in our school uniform. Irina brought me to Issei because I wanted to know what to do about Diodora Astaroth and his feelings for me. After our talk Issei told me to stay in his room and relax while he went to the base.
"So what are you doing here Irina" I asked nervously.
"Well I came to make some breakfast before we go to class and to check on you" Irina said happily. I obliged and quickly got in the shower and got ready.
(NORMAL P.O.V)
While Irina and Asia walked to class Issei was back at the base dealing with an irritating problem. He was certain Rias would use Kuroka to try to get Bikou to squeal about what the Order knew. It was a smart play but one Issei could predict.
"Ahh what a night" Bikou said as he arrived in the dining room to get some breakfast. Just as Issei predicted he had the familiar aura of somebody who had sex. Whether he did that intentionally Issei didn't know but he also didn't ask.
"So have any fun pillow talk Bikou" Issei said with a smirk on his face.
Bikou was nervous for a moment when he saw Issei's face and his smirk. "Yea she wanted to talk about the Asia situation and even though she had some good tricks I managed to avoid talking about it" Bikou said with a bit of regret.
"Good" Issei said smiling. As long as Rias was naïve to the truth, Issei could use her to his advantage.
"Huh" Bikou replied in confusion. He figured that Issei would be angry but in fact he was smiling.
"Bikou I want you to contact Kuroka and tell her to meet me at the rooftop. Tell her I wish to discuss something with her" Issei ordered.
"Alright I'm confused" Bikou said calmly.
"Basically Issei is going to turn the situation to his advantage" Vali replied having walked in earlier.
"Pretty much. Kuroka may not be involved in the Order as much but I'm sure I can convince her to do something for me" Issei said smirking. He was glad that Vali could read him as usual.
"Got it Issei" Bikou said calmly.
(Scene Skip)
Lunchtime came and for Issei it was one of the most interesting lunch sessions he's had in a while. After all usually his business meetings involved having sex with one of his harem members. However now he was actually having business.
"Hello there Issei" Kuroka said with a sultry voice as she appeared in front of her former leader. To Issei's surprise Kuroka was actually wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform of course without her ears and tail. He had to admit it looked incredible on her.
"Hello Kuroka. I'm glad you could meet with me" Issei said diplomatically. They were there for business and he knew it.
"So what do you want to talk to me about Lord Draconis" Kuroka said sarcastically. She knew exactly why she was summoned hence why she used Draconis instead of Issei.
"Take this Kuroka. It has all the information you'll need about Asia Argento. I trust you to be smart about what you do it" Issei shouted handing Kuroka a flash drive.
"Thank you sir. By the way, how does the uniform look on me" Kuroka teased before doing a flirty twirl revealing her black panties
"It looks fantastic. Bikou will love it" Issei replied dismissing her flirtations. After all Kuroka was with Bikou and Issei didn't want to interfere in their relationship.
"Fine then" Kuroka pouted as she left.
"Well time to head back" Issei said as he walked back to class. With his work finished for now Issei could relax.
(Kuroka P.O.V)
After retrieving the information that Issei gave me I made my way back to the apartment I share with Shirone. When I joined Rias's peerage one of the first things I did was moved in with my sister so I could reconnect with her. One of the reasons I joined the Order in the first place was with this goal in mind and now I had it. Once I got home I went straight to my laptop and put in the flash drive. It took me a few minutes to finish reading everything and I was stunned. "Unbelievable" I said in shock. I couldn't believe that Diodora Astaroth was such a monster. There was no doubt in my mind that he would try something when he got a chance. No doubt that's why Issei hadn't done anything yet. He was waiting for Diodora to show his true colors and destroy him. Sure it was risky but Issei was as calculating as it got. I had a little bit of time until I had to go over to the ORC so I decided to go see Bikou for a little bit of fun yet again. Maybe try a little cosplay.
(Normal P.O.V)
"So Azazel are they ready" Issei asked the fallen angel leader who had been watching Rias's peerage train. Issei had just finished his traditional afternoon romp with Irina and had a meeting with Azazel at the base.
"Ready for what? We both know that Diodora is going to attack during the rating game" Azazel scoffed as he looked at me with a deadpanned expression.
"True. Though I'm curious what he'll try under the circumstances" I mused.
"Hmm I think I know what he'll do" Azazel said with a smile on his face.
"Oh do tell!" Issei replied with intrigue. After hearing Azazel's explanation Issei had a savage grin on his face.
"Well if we didn't know it was coming that would be brutal. Then again his plan is bound to fail" Issei said smiling.
"You mean because now that Kuroka knows what's coming she'll do something to protect Asia" Azazel replied.
"Exactly. There's nothing to worry about. Now if this meeting's done I have to get some dinner before yet another meeting"
"And by business meeting you mean fuck one of your hare," Azazel retorted.
"Hey I do what I gotta do" Issei shrugged before walking away. He really didn't care for most of the crap in his life.
(Scene Skip)
"Issei why are you being so cold to Asia" Murayama asked as the pair lay in bed after another night together.
"What makes you think I'm being cold? I've told you many times I despise school and the only reason I haven't dropped out is because of Sirzechs. I'll do the three-legged race but as far as I'm concerned the less I deal with the school the better" Issei said as he kissed the girl softly on the cheek.
"Considering that Kuoh is the reason that I'm sharing your bed right now that's pretty harsh. Plus Asia needs you now more than ever" Murayama replied. She may not have known ALL the details behind Diodora's interest in her but Murayama did know that Asia needed him right now.
"Fine fine so I'll practice with her tomorrow morning are you happy" Issei huffed.
"Yes I am. Now let's get some rest." Murayama snickered as the pair cuddled once again.
(Scene Skip)
As he promised, Issei and Asia were out training early morning. The pair was accompanied by a smiling Irina who had taken to walking with the Holy maiden in the morning. Issei figured that Irina had done so to protect Asia in case Diodora arrived again. Apparently he had been sending letters to her via Rias and recently tried to trade bishops a trade Rias instantly turned down.
"So Asia, are you doing okay? I'm not going too fast for you am I" Issei said in as fake a kind voice as he could find.
"No I'm doing fine thank you Issei" Asia replied timidly. The maiden had many questions going through her head. Why had Issei changed after all this time? Why was he so tense recently?"
"Not bad. You guys will probably be the favorite" Irina said with a happy smile.
"Duh. All I need to do is to is grab Asia and run myself" Issei snorted.
"Geez Issei that's enough" Irina said angrily.
"What it's true" Issei retorted.
"Guys let's stop for right now" Asia said timidly seeing that the pair were about to start arguing.
"Fine then I'll see you in class everybody" Issei groaned as he made his way to school.
"Geez Issei why are you so hard-headed" Irina complained.
"Irina what's wrong" Asia said worriedly.
"I'm angry at Issei because he's treating you so coldly. I mean he was the one who arranged everything with Rias" Irina pouted.
"What did you say!?" Asia gasped showing more emotion then before.
'Crap I messed up' Irina thought to herself. Well the secrets out and she had to say something, "Here's the deal Asia. Issei made an arrangement with Raynare and Rias to protect you. Plus a lot of what's going on was arranged by his girls as a way to deter Diodora. Including of course you guys working together in the festival. Plus Issei needs to relax and he can do so with you." Irina explained. "By the way Kiryuu is not involved she's just a willing pawn" Irina made sure to confirm.
"I see" Asia said sadly.
"Don't worry about it. If you want to talk to him again do so during lunch" Irina said smiling.
"Okay" Asia cheered up
Unfortunately for Asia Issei didn't show up at class. In fact, Issei was currently clad in his balance breaker flying towards a location only known to him.
"Partner are you sure this is wise. I know right now you're dealing with a lot of frustration and I'm sure there are others who can help you"
"Yes I know Ddraig there are. However Azazel and the others aren't the right fits for this. There's only one person who can help me." Issei said sternly. A few minutes later he found the place he was looking for, a quaint town in northern Japan. Nothing special just a place one goes when they want to be alone. Issei quickly landed and dispelled his balance breaker and wearing a black shirt and jeans began looking for the person he knew was living in the village because it would suit his purpose. After talking to a few villages he finally found a small house at the edge of the village. To no surprise of his own the door opened quickly and Issei smiled for a moment.
"Hmph so what do you want brat" the person said sternly. The person was a little over 6 feet tall with tan skin and dark black hair. The dark black eyes stared at him.
"I thought we could talk. The last time I saw you was when you gave me the information about Diodora" Issei said smiling.
"I can't believe you sought me out boy" the person sneered once again.
"Yea yea so can I come in sensei?" Issei asked calmly. That's right the person Issei had come to see was his old teacher. The ex-fallen angel Kokabiel.
DUN DUN DUNN. So Issei's coming to visit Kokabiel. What in the world is going on and why is Kokabiel alive and living in northern japan. Well you'll find out next time.