Hey guys MT here!
I survived the hurricane! Damage was mostly trees and plants with some minor roof damage. Scariest part was that the wind ripped one of the shutters on my bedroom window off. It scared the crap out of me.
Well, anyways, I'm sorry for the lateness. After the hurricane, I didn't have power for a week and most of my time was spent rebuilding our gardens and clearing out fallen trees. I finally managed to finish this chapter but I feel like some parts were kinda rushed since I wanted to hurry up and finish it. T_T
Anyways, I'll talk more at the end, ENJOY!
Volume 4
Life.0
Ise POV
"Nhh…"
I opened my eyes and groaned, clutching my head in pain. Ugh. I guess I still can't handle using Reality Smasher very well.
"Huh? Where am I?" I glanced around to find myself in a large room that reminded me of one of the rooms in the Gremory Castle. I heard the sound of a TV and walked past the entryway towards it. There was a TV turned on and playing some part of the news, confused, I turned to see who was watching and found Akeno. "Akeno?"
She didn't react to my voice so I walked over to her. She looked…broken? Akeno looked as though her mind had broken and she was just staring, blankly, at the TV screen. Once I was close enough, I put my hand on her shoulder to try and shake her out of her trance. When I touched her, though, my hand went right through her.
"Eh?"
What the hell is this?!
Am I dead? No, wait, things seem different here!
"This is Amy of the Devil News station here live in the Underworld as monsters of the Hero Faction attack the capital city of Lilith. Things have gotten quite out of hand here but all peerage members of all Maou are currently working hard to protect everyone. Azazel-sama, do you have anything to say?"
The reporter said…the Hero Faction?
"Am I…looking at the timeline…I left behind?"
I…I can't believe this timeline even still exists. I thought it would have disappeared. Wait…I remember hearing about something one time. In science, my teacher mentioned that there was a theory that every time something happens a new universe is made. I think it was called the…many-universe theory?
I could see Azazel-sensei appear on the TV with the pretty reporter and he looked really serious.
"Yes, I do. The Hero Faction won't win so easily here in the capital city. With all the Maou's forces fighting then we should- What is that?!"
I looked at sensei, worried. In the middle of speaking, his face suddenly turned pale and he spun around. There was something black flying in the background. I thought it might be one of the monsters, but apparently not.
"Azazel-sama, what…what is that thing?"
"I…I don't know. I don't- Whatever it is, it's strong. Unbelievably strong. Get out of here now. I'll hold it off."
"Wait, it disappeared!"
"It wh- AH!"
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!-"
With the reporters scream, the footage was cut off and there was only static on the TV now. I stared at the TV in shock and absolute horror. Whatever that thing was, I'm pretty sure it just…No way…
With the reporters scream, the footage was cut off and there was only static on the TV now. I stared at the TV in shock and absolute horror. Whatever that thing was, I'm pretty sure it just…No way…
I glanced back at Akeno who had tears streaming down her face.
"Ise-kun…why…did you die…?"
I clenched my teeth in frustration. So I was considered dead in this timeline? Tch! How could I just leave everyone crying and sad. I'm going to work even harder to make sure no one else suffers like this in this new timeline.
"Akeno! Rias! Everyone! I promise to protect you all!"
I woke up with a start and I quickly sat up and looked around. I was back in my room now and I was shirtless.
"A dream…?" I said to myself. I turned when I heard soft snores around me and saw Asia and Rias at both of my sides, sleeping soundly naked. I smiled because this was just like before. I laid back down and held both of their heads, pulling them into my chest. "I promise, I'll protect you both, and everyone else."
"Mnnnh…Ise-san…" mumbled Asia as she snuggled into my chest.
"Ise~! I know it's the weekend but how long do you plan to sleep?" shouted Mom from downstairs. I sighed and sat up again before glancing at the clock. So it's already 10, huh?
"Nmh," said Rias, cutely, as she woke up. I smiled at her when she looked up and me and her eyes widened. "Issei! You're finally awake."
"Eh~? What's going on?" said a sleepy Asia. "Ah! Ise-san, you're awake!"
Asia hugged me, tightly, while Rias smiled.
"I'm surprised. I thought you'd still be asleep. You passed out after releasing that strange attack," said Rias, now looking worried.
"Ah, yeah. It's one that drains me very badly. I still have a headache but I feel fine. I guess you had to use a Phoenix Tear on me?" I asked, curious.
"Yes, Asia also healed you as well. Onii-sama thought you would be fine but I didn't think you'd wake up after only a good night's rest," said Rias.
"Ah, well, I'm glad at least. The meeting is tonight isn't it?" I asked.
"Yes, it is. Onii-sama wanted both of us as well as a few others to come along. Since you've had contact with Azazel and Michael, he thought it might be nice for you to see them again," said Rias, smiling again.
"Ise! Are you up? Please wake up Rias and Asia as well!" shouted Mom again.
"We're up!" I shouted, annoyed.
"Ara, I guess we should get ready them. We don't want Mother to get mad," said Rias as she got up.
"Ah! I have to help Mother with breakfast today!" shouted Asia, hurriedly putting her pajamas back on.
I wonder what kind of day today will be like?
Later…
"Are you sure about this, Issei? You really don't have to," said Rias, looking troubled.
"It's fine, Buchou. I want to help out my junior to improve both for him and for our group," I said, smiling. I looked over and found Gasper fidgeting in his girl's uniform. Valerie let out a little 'Ufufu' at the sight of him and I sighed. Honestly, Gya-suke, you need to be a little manlier you know.
"Um…Issei-senpai, what do you want me to do exactly?" asked Gasper, nervously.
"Ah, well for one thing, you can't control your Sacred Gear properly right?" I began. Gasper nodded and I smiled. "Then let's start with that. The meeting is late tonight so we've got plenty of time to work."
"O-Ok," said Gasper.
"Now," I said while pulling out a dodgeball. "Stand over there by that tree and I will throw the ball at you. You can freeze time pretty well but you can't focus it on just one thing. Let's try using this ball as an example of what you want to freeze."
"E-Eh?! Issei-senpai is going to throw that at me?" asked Gasper, looking scared.
"Good luck, Gasper~," said Valerie from next to me. Gasper made a complicated expression before hesitantly walking to where I told him to go. Once there, he looked over at the ball and then at me before nodding.
Dammit Gasper, with those tears in your eyes it makes me feel like I'm doing something bad! I haven't even thrown it yet so just relax~~!
"Ready…set…go!" I said as I threw the ball. Gasper stared straight at the ball as it flew towards his face. Right before it was going to hit him, Gasper froze time, failing. I smiled as I watched him move out of the ball's path and hide behind the tree before he restarted time.
"Eh? Where did Gasper-kun go?" said Asia from off to the side. I walked over to the tree and found Gasper hiding while clutching his head in fear.
"Senpai~…" moaned Gasper as he looked up at me with tears in his eyes. I smiled before lightly karate chopping him on the head.
"Yup, you failed," I said, smiling at him. Gasper looked at me…confused? I guess that's the best way to describe the way he looked. He had that familiarity in his eyes like he knew me but wasn't quite there. Maybe Gasper will remember soon?
It's been a few hours since we started training Gasper and Rias had left to work on some preparations with Sona-kaichou. Kiba went with her as well as Xenovia.
"Come on, Gasper, once more," I said, confident he would get it soon. Before, Gasper could already occasionally stop the ball before the meeting so I hope he can do it again.
I threw the ball again and Gasper just barely managed to stop only it before it hit his face. His eyes were glowing purple and I smiled before glancing around. Everyone looked surprised and impressed.
"Ara, good job Gasper-kun. You finally did it," said Akeno, smiling.
"Gasper-kun did it! Good job!" said Asia.
"Ufufu, Gasper is progressing so quickly," said Valerie, smiling.
"Good job, Gasper. Now, try to hold it there," I said, hoping her could.
"A-Ahhhhh…I don't think I-," said Gasper before suddenly losing his control. He shut his eyes as this connection was broken and the ball's momentum continued until it hit him right in the face. I looked at the scene with surprise and then Gasper, who was now on the floor, began sniffling.
"Gasper, are you alright?" I said as I walked over to him.
"U-Uwaaah! Issei-senpai, I don't want to do this kind of training! I don't like things that hurt!" cried Gasper, tears flowing. A vein popped out in my forward because I was actually worried about this crybaby and I clenched my fist before knocking him across the head.
"STOP CRYING YOU BABY~~~!" I shouted as I hit him. Gasper stopped crying and looked up at me in surprise while clutching his head. "Gasper! You're a boy so you shouldn't act like this! On top of that, you're a man of the Gremory so you really can't act like this! We men of the Gremory have to be tough and strong so we can protect the girls! Do you think you can protect Valerie while being like this?!"
I realized after I shouted all that that I might've gone a bit far since Gasper was all frozen up. I didn't get a chance to say anything, though, since Gasper's eyes suddenly dimmed and we both received a massive headache.
"Ise-sama? Gasper?" asked Valerie, concerned.
"I think Gya-suke just recovered his memories," said Koneko-chan who had been silently eating snacks for the last few minutes.
"S-Senpai? W-What's going on?" asked Gasper, confused but clearly remembering everything from before.
"Ah, well it's good to see you back to normal, Gasper," I said, smiling. "I'll explain why we're back in time later. Now that you have your memories back, you should remember how to use your Sacred Gear properly now, right?"
"Eh? Yes, but why…?" said Gasper, still a little confused.
"Just act like you normally would around Rias since she still doesn't remember. Everyone else here besides Valerie has remembered the time before. Valerie and Yumi don't really have anything to remember so they won't be remembering anything. Ah, I shouldn't call her by name out loud yet," I said, before hearing Kiba's voice.
"I don't know why they moved up the time either, Yuuto," said Rias, answering Kiba's question which I hadn't heard.
"Ara, Rias, what's going on?" asked Akeno.
"Onii-sama told me that they moved up the time since they finished setting up to activate the barrier earlier than expected. He thinks it's because people from the Fallen Angel's side and Heaven helped speed up the process more than we thought they would. The meeting is going to happen just after sunset instead of closer to midnight," said Rias, calmly.
"Eh? So soon? That's only in a couple hours…" said Asia.
"Yes, so we don't have much time. I'm sorry, Gasper. We'll have to cut your training short," said Rias. "How has it gone, Issei? I know you only had a few hours."
"Ah, well, it went well. Gya-suke was already able to stop the ball, though it was only once and only for a few seconds," I explained.
"So soon? He's progressing quickly. I guess Issei's tough love worked him harder," said Rias, giggling a bit. "Well, anyways, Akeno, we'll need to prepare a few things before the meeting."
"What would that be?" asked Akeno, curious.
"I'd like for Gasper to stay in the clubroom. That's the first thing. It would be bad if his powers suddenly activated. Valerie and Koneko, would you mind keeping him company?" asked Rias.
"Yes, Buchou."
"I wouldn't mind," said Koneko-chan and Valerie, respectively.
"We should also clean up the clubroom in case Onii-sama or the other leaders wants to pass by. Since they all know Issei except Serafall-sama they might be interested in talking to him somewhere after the meeting," continued Rias while she was going into thought.
"Ara, lots to clean then," said Akeno before turning to me. "We'll see you in a bit then, Ise. Don't do too mu-!"
Akeno suddenly cut off mid-word and Koneko-chan and I were suddenly on alert, Koneko-chan even releasing her ears and tail.
"Akeno?" I asked, tears suddenly streaming down her face.
"Eh? W-Why am I?" said Akeno, flustered. She looked clearly surprised by what was happening and all of us were tense. I walked over to Akeno and hugged her into my chest while she clutched my shirt.
After a few minutes, Akeno seemed to calm down so we moved into the clubroom, Rias looking stressed.
"Akeno, what happened?" asked Rias.
"I'm…not quite sure," said Akeno, who was sitting next to me on the couch. "I just meant to tell Ise a quick goodbye and I was suddenly filled with all of these strange emotions. They passed after a moment but they were so intense. That must have been why I was crying but…why?"
"Ise-senpai, you felt it, too, right?" asked Koneko-chan, her ears and tail hidden again.
"Yes, and I don't know what it was either," I said.
"Care to share?" asked Rias, sounding annoyed.
"Ah, sorry Buchou. Koneko-chan and I both felt something strange in Akeno's touki," I said, surprising Rias and several of the others.
"But, Akeno-san can't control her ki like Ise-san and Koneko-chan, right?" asked Asia.
"Touki is ki that is in all living things. It exists and can be affected whether or not you can control it. It's how I can use my ki on others even if they don't know how to use ki," explained Koneko-chan.
"Yeah. Right as Akeno stopped speaking I felt something in her touki that felt like…a powerful surge? I guess that would be the best way to describe it. It was very, very intense. I don't think it was something natural but no one around could have done that to her. Even I'm not good enough at ki control to cause a wave like that," I said, causing everyone to look more confused.
"What kind of emotions did Akeno-fukubuchou feel? Maybe that could give us some kind of connection," suggested Xenovia.
"When I saw Ise's face I felt many emotions at once. Relief, sadness, happiness, all of them were almost heart-breaking. Like someone seeing their deceased loved ones again. I don't know what could have brought it on," said Akeno, still confused.
"I don't really understand either. You've never had a reaction like this. I think we should ask Azazel-sensei about it after the meeting. He knows us well so he might have an idea," I said, concerned.
"Well, for now I think it would be best for you to stay here with the others, Akeno. Asia, can you please help me finish the preparations?" asked Rias, receiving a nod from Asia. As she passed Akeno, she placed her hand on Akeno's shoulder. "Please rest up, Akeno. I don't know what is going on but I hope you'll feel better soon."
"Thank you, Rias," said Akeno, smiling at her. Rias returned the smile and left with Asia. Once the two were gone, I sat and thought, deeply, about what Akeno said. I remembered the dream I had had last night. The one that seemed too real. I wonder if these two things are connected?
This was it. Rias, Kiba, Asia, Xenovia, and I approached the door to the meeting room. I could feel the anticipation as the three leaders, who I had all interacted with, were in the room, ready to start negotiations. I hoped no one would say anything to make Rias angrier with me than she already was with all the things I've kept from her.
Knock Knock
Rias knocked her hand on the door before taking a breath.
"Excuse us," said Rias as she opened the door. She walked in first and I followed closely behind her. Rias was walking stiffer than she usually did and I guess it was from nervousness.
At the large, round table by the windows sat Sirzechs-sama, Serafall-sama, Michael-san, and Azazel-sensei. Irina was at Michael-san's right while Sona-kaichou and Tsubaki-senpai stood against the wall behind our Maou. Vali was also there, standing a bit behind Azazel-sensei.
Irina didn't look happy to see Xenovia and she frowned and turned her head when Xenovia looked at her.
"Let me introduce them – She is my younger sister, Rias, and her household members. They were the ones who participated in stopping Kokabiel's assault. I have been told that all of you have met the one right next to Rias," said Sirzechs-sama.
"Yes, hello again Hyoudou-kun. Good work all of you with dealing with Kokabiel," said Michael-san, smiling.
"Sorry about the trouble it caused you guys," said sensei, nonchalantly. Even when he should be seriously apologizing, this guy shows so little interest.
"Now then, I believe it's time for this meeting to start," said Sirzechs-sama. Rias took that as a signal and all of us moved to the wall where Sona-kaichou and her Queen were. We stood against the wall, silent.
"Rias-chan~! Do you mind giving us all the details about the incident?" asked Serafall-sama in her upbeat voice.
"Yes," replied Rias before walking forward.
She explained everything that had happened, all of the leaders looking like they were listening diligently to her words.
"Those are all the facts that I, Rias Gremory, and my household members can state regarding the incident."
"I, Sona Sitri, attest to the fact that the report they have submitted is valid and true."
"Thank you, Rias-chan, Sona-chan," said Serafall-sama.
"Ara, Hyoudou-kun has gotten quite good at using his angelic powers, hasn't he?" said Michael-san, smiling brightly.
"I would like to ask the opinion of the Fallen Angel's Governor General, with regards to Rias' report," said Sirzechs-sama.
"I don't really need to say anything. It was an independent course of action by him anyway. After I picked him up, I punished him with Eternal Freezing, so he won't be bothering anyone anymore," explained Azazel-sensei.
"So, you state that you had nothing to do with it?" asked Sirzechs-sama.
"I simply allowed him to do what he wanted until his objective became clear. I planned to use him as an example for what not to do. My plan worked out well since he didn't anticipate I would infiltrate the city as well," said Azazel-sensei.
"The main issue here is the motive for the actions he took. I've hear that he feels quite unsatisfied with you in general, is that correct?" asked Michael-san.
"Yeah, he's still sore about the fact that the Great War ended so half-assed. He's always been a war freak. I'm not interested in war anymore. I'm too busy with my research to even find war interesting. Well, either ways, we all have our own issues at hand, right?" asked Azazel-sensei.
"That's not what we're talking about," said Serafall-sama, sounding annoyed.
"Bah, let's just stop all this bothersome talk. We should just declare peace already so we can move on," said sensei.
"Eh?" said Rias in a hushed voice. She seemed surprised and I tried to act like it too.
"The original purpose for this meeting…it was for that, right?" asked Azazel-sensei, grinning at the other leaders.
"The original Maou and God are no longer around, so since the ones who were the center of the war are gone, that should mean something for us. That's what you mean, correct?" asked Sirzechs-sama.
"Yes. Which is why I'd like to hear the ideas of these two powerful beings who are not directly associated with the three main powers, but can potentially affect the entire world with their capabilities," said Azazel-sensei before grinning. "The Red Dragon Emperor. The White Dragon Emperor. What do you think?"
"Is Azazel playing favorites by bringing up his two students?" asked Sirzechs-sama, smiling.
"Arara, to think Azazel is playing favorites with his precious students," said Michael-san, sounding like he was teasing sensei.
"Whether they're my students or not is irrelevant. They're both at a level far beyond most of our underlings. And their growth has just begun. I think their input is important, so I ask again, what do you two think?" asked Azazel-sensei, glancing at me and then at Vali.
"I'm fine as long as I can find someone strong enough to face me. I'm sure some of those god-class being have gotten bored, sitting on their precious thrones," said Vali, that passionate glint in his eye.
"Heh, even without a war, there are plenty of strong guys out there. You won't have any problems," said Azazel-sensei before turning back to me.
"I wasn't really expecting this kind of question," I lied while scratching my cheek. "Well, I guess if I had to say, I'd prefer peace. If it's peace then I would be able to focus on my goal of becoming Harem King without bothersome distractions."
"That is true. Issei-kun wouldn't be able to conquer many girls and marry my sister if there was a war going on," said Sirzechs-sama, sounding like he completely understood my thoughts.
"O-Onii-sama~…" groaned Rias, blushing in embarrassment. Ah~, Rias you look so cute when you act like that~!
"Ah, Michael-san, while I have your attention, could I please make a request?" I asked, seriously.
"As long as it isn't anything too grandiose, I wouldn't mind. What is it, Hyoudou-kun?" asked Michael-san, looking curious.
"Asia and Xenovia, they were devout believers of God and still are. I was hoping you would be able to allow them to pray again," I asked.
"Those two?" asked Michael-san as he looked past me to Asia and Xenovia. "Ah, I remember now. Asia Argento, one who possesses Twilight Healing and was exiled after healing a devil and Xenovia Quarta who was banished after learning of God's death. I offer my greatest apologies to the suffering you both had to endure. Due to the nature of the System, it is necessary to eliminate anything that could corrupt the faith that keeps the System continuing onward. I will, with some tinkering, be able to allow you both to pray again, if you would like it."
"Y-Yes! Thank you, Michael-sama!" said Asia, happily.
"Thank you as well, Michal-sama," said Xenovia, smiling.
"I appreciate your help with this, Michael-san," I said, smiling at him.
"It is no problem, Hyoudou-kun. I am grateful that, even though they suffered because of their faith, those two still hold strong belief. I look forward to hearing their prayers," said Michael-san, happily.
Before further talks could continue, I felt a surge of power and magic suddenly cover the school despite being inside a barrier. I glanced around to find Sona-kaichou and Tsubaki-senpai frozen in place and sighed. So, Gasper was captured again? Well, he doesn't have the best offense and he just regained his memories.
"What's going on?" asked Rias, surprised.
"It seems that time is frozen," said Azazel-sensei.
"And only us with higher capabilities were unaffected," said Sirzechs-sama.
"The faction leaders, we with the power of dragons, the two Holy-sword wielders, that one who has reached Balance Breaker state and was protected by his Holy-Demonic powers, as well as those in contact with each other," said Vali, calmly.
I glanced back to find that Asia wasn't affected due to being protected by Durandal because she was touching Xenovia. Rias was touching me so she was also alright.
"What could it be, Michael-sama?" asked Irina before looking around, suspiciously.
Boom!
We looked outside after hearing the loud explosion and found people appearing using hundreds of magic circles. The people began to shoot beams of magic at the building we were in but it was being blocked by powerful protective magic cast over the building.
"Geez! All these magicians are here and they left me, the Magical Girl, out of it!" shouted Serafall-sama, pouting.
"That aside, what is this strange power?" asked Michael-san, sounding concerned.
"They must have captured the half-vampire boy from the Gremory's group. His Sacred Gear can stop time so they must be forcibly activating it. After all, it isn't strong enough to do all this for more than a minute," said Azazel-sensei.
"We had three people with Gasper. Akeno and Koneko…Valerie as well. How dare these terrorists threaten and take advantage of my servants," said Rias, her eyes glowing a bit.
"We'll have to hurry and deal with this. If they are forcefully activating his Sacred Gear then even we will begin to be affected," said Sirzechs-sama.
"It's because of his mutation piece," I said, simply.
"Yes. Just like your five mutation pieces, Gasper's piece will also allow him to become incredibly strong. We'll have to move quickly," said Rias, glaring at the enemy forces.
"I don't feel Gasper's touki at the old school building anymore but they might be blocking me. What do you want to do, Buchou?" I asked, curious.
"I think we should go anyways. Onii-sama, I will use Castling to get there quickly," said Rias, calmly.
"I'm uncomfortable with allowing you to go there alone, Rias," said Sirzechs-sama, concerned.
"With Sirzechs-sama's abilities, you should be able to allow another to go with her," said Grayfia-san, who I hadn't noticed. She appeared from the corner of the room, silently.
"That is true…Issei-kun, would you mind?" asked Sirzechs-sama.
"Yes! I would be honored. I also want to get revenge on the enemy for threatening my precious comrades," I said, simply.
"I think I'll enjoy wiping out the enemy outside, then," said Vali, releasing his Divine Dividing dragon wings.
"That's a good idea. Go and get a little exercise," said Azazel-sensei, waving Vali off.
Vali was gone in a moment, already outside fighting the magicians.
"Let's go and find Gasper, Buchou!" I said, seriously. Rias smiled and nodded before grabbing hold of my hand.
"Issei-kun, I'm counting on you to protect Rias," said Sirzechs-sama.
"Yes, sir!" I said, giving a thumbs up.
"We'll be back soon," said Rias, confidently before a large red magic circle appeared on the ground. We both disappeared from the room instantly and I wondered how things would change this time around.
So? What did you guys think?
It was shorter than I wanted but I really want to plan out how I want the rest to go before I write more.
Please, please let me know what you guys think, especially about the foreshadowing at the beginning.
Until next time, which will be before mid-October, byeee :D