Chapter 27 The Melancholy of Asia Argento

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes

(Asia P.O.V)

(Gremory Apartments)

My name is Asia Argento and I'm currently a second-year student at Kuoh Academy as well as a devil under the watch of Rias Gremory. "Asia hurry up. We don't want to be late for class." My friend Xenovia said from outside my door. I was currently living in an apartment complex owned by my Devil Master but it wasn't always this way. Up until a year ago, I was the Holy Maiden Asia Argento living in a compound in Italy. Every day I met with people who had travelled from all over the world just to be healed by me using my sacred gear. I was a very special existence to the church and I was pretty sure I'd be a Saint before too long. Then that fateful day happened, the day that changed me forever.

(Flashback)

There I was minding my own business sitting just outside the room that had become my life for the past few years when I began to hear explosions, "What's going on." I asked nervously wondering what had happened.

One of the nuns assigned to me, walked over and said, "It's nothing Lady Argento. Return to your room." I acknowledged that and walked back into my room wondering what would happen next. I heard explosion after explosion and eventually I went outside and although I could see smoke, I still had no idea what was going on.

All the sudden, a young man with torn up priest's clothes appeared out of nowhere. He had dark green hair but that was all I could see because my focus was on the massive wound on his stomach, "Help me please. A devil has attacked the compound and he gave me this wound" The man muttered.

"Right" I replied quickly running over to help him. I was shocked that a devil managed to invade the compound but if he needed help I would do so. I quickly put my hands over his scar and using my sacred gear went about the process of healing him.

"That can't be." a male voice said running towards me.

"Give me a second and he'll be healed." I replied with his wound fully closing and leaving a scar before.

"But that's impossible he's" the male voice repeated before he was interrupted by the young man below me.

"Thank you very much Asia." the person said in a cold voice that gave me chills. All the sudden a pair of devil wings sprouted from his sides and he flew away leaving me in shock.

"A devil" I gasped realizing that I had used one of God's Gifts to heal a devil and not only that but if his story was true, HE was the one who had attacked the compound. As I looked towards the man from before I could see the look of horror on his face and I knew that trouble was coming my way.

"W-W-W-WITCH!" the man shouted and he ran away before I could say anything else.

"But I didn't know" I said solemnly unsure of what else I could do. I had healed a devil with Holy power and I had been seen. I didn't know much but given that he called me a witch I knew that my life had changed for the worst. Not even three days after that incident I was kicked out of the church for being a heretic.

(Flashback End)

"Okay" I replied as I grabbed my bags and walked out of the apartment. That day was one that I'll never forget and even now I occasionally think back to that day. I don't tell anybody about it because it's a personal matter and one I kept a secret up until now.

(Scene Skip)

I made my way to class with some of the people who are part of my new life. The first was Yumi Kiba a knight in the Gremory peerage like mine. The second was Karlamine, another knight of the Gremory. The third was Ingvild Leviathan, another devil heiress who had somehow become a pawn of my new master. The last two people with me were Irina Shidou and Xenovia Quarta. They were exorcists who came to Kuoh for a mission involving the Holy Sword Excalibur, but due to learning about the death of God they were essentially kicked out. "Hey Asia, I'm gonna try to talk to Issei again today. I'm sorry he's being such an ass." Irina said bashfully.

The Issei she was talking about, was Issei Hyoudou. He was basically human outside of being the Host of the Red Dragon Emperor but he seemed to have influence over a lot of people in my new life. My master Rias was in love with him despite the way he treated her. Irina Xenovia Yumi Karlamine and Ingvild were also his lovers and he treated them much differently from my master. He and I didn't really interact much unless it was with his other girls so I only knew a bit about him otherwise.

"Don't worry about it too much." I replied. Issei always seemed like the type who knew way more than he let on, and I'm positive this was one of those times. We were made partners for the three-legged race for our school's athletic festival recently and while he didn't freak out it was clear he wasn't happy with the selection. Ever since then, he'd been staying away from not only our club, but the kendo club that was practically his servants and offered no explanation for it.

"Alright" Irina replied and we walked to class. What was going on.

(Scene Skip)

The first few periods of class went by quickly, and now it was time for gym. For the last week, we'd been given gym as a free period to work on the athletic festival. I was standing with Irina Xenovia Karlamine Yumi and Ingvild dressed in the white shirt and blue bloomers that were our school's gym uniform simply using the time to relax. "Looks like he's playing soccer again." Irina frowned as she looked over to the field. Since the students could could do whatever they want the guys that weren't working on the athletic festival had taken to soccer. A bunch of people were watching from our class including Katase and Murayama. All the sudden I notice Issei score as the crowd erupts and Issei walked over to Katase before kissing her on the cheek while completely ignoring Murayama yet again much to her chagrin.

"Looks like Mury's still in the doghouse" Xenovia frowned.

Clearly, he was punishing Murayama for choosing me as his partner and that bothered me far more then I wanted to admit. "What does he have against me?" I wondered out loud accidentally.

"Nothing Asia. I don't get why Issei is that way but I'm going to find out." Irina replied which made me smile since she was closest to the others.

"Why don't we race around for a bit, girls? We can worry about grumpy old Issei later" Karlamine suggested.

"Fine by me" Xenovia smiled. I was glad that my friends were getting along with me, but I still had to wonder what was going on.

(Scene Skip)

When class was over for the day everyone got up to go to their various clubs and it was no different for us. Well sort of. The class all turned towards Issei and a very simple question remained. Would he go to the kendo club that was his in every sense of the word or would he go to the ORC who might as well be considering his influence there. "Irina I'm heading home. If you want to stop by for dinner, that's fine." Issei revealed as he began to walk away.

"Fine" Irina replied clearly still angry. It looks like he chose neither and it was far from the first time.

"Issei" I called out hoping that I could get him to say something. Surprisingly he stopped before turning towards me

"What is it Asia" Issei said flatly.

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked nervously. I had to know what was going on and if so, what I could do about it.

Issei simply looked back and said calmly, "No you haven't. If anything, it's the opposite." Issei replied with a hint of annoyance before leaving.

"Well that was strange" Karlamine replied. It was one of the few things he had said all week and I agreed.

"Yes it was." I said calmly wondering what he meant. I needed answers and I needed them soon or my new life may fall apart.

(Scene Skip)

The next morning, I made my way to class with the girls but halfway through Irina stopped. "Is everything okay" I said nervously.

"No. No it's not" Irina frowned as a single figure approached us.

"That's" Yumi said in shock. The person in front of us was a young man with Dark green hair in a bowl cut wearing some fancy clothes. I didn't recognize him but it was obvious that he did.

"What are you doing here Diodora" Irina said angrily.

"Who are you" the man named Diodora sneered back. I don't get it, why was Irina so angry and why was he so defiant.

"Answer my question Diodora Astaroth. What are you doing here in the human world?" Irina said angrily yet again.

"That's none of your business." The person replied. This didn't make sense and I didn't like it.

"What's going on?" I spoke up.

"Nothing Asia. Why don't we take another way?" Irina insisted trying to move us away from him. Something was wrong.

"What's going on is that I came to see you Asia." Diodora smiled.

"Me but" I started to say but I was interrupted yet again.

"If you wanted to see Asia there are much better ways then surprising her like this. For the brother of a Maou you don't have very good manners do you Diodora" Valerie said out of nowhere. Valerie was Valerie Lucifer, another high-class devil in addition to being Issei's lover.

I saw one look on that man's face and I realized something was off. He was absolutely furious and his expression had darkened to a terrifying degree, "Very well then. I'll see you another time." Diodora frowned before leaving.

As he left, I noticed Irina quickly calm herself down. "What's going on" I said nervously.

Irina and Valerie stared at each other before coming to an agreement, "It's nothing Asia" Valerie said hurriedly.

"Yeah" Irina assured but I wasn't convinced. They were hiding something from me and I wouldn't have been surprised if it was related to Issei's issue with me.

(Scene Skip)

The end of the day had arrived, and I was calm as we prepared to leave. "Is it safe to assume you're not coming over for dinner Irina." Issei spoke up.

"Yeah" Irina replied coldly.

"Oh well" Issei replied before making his way home. Seeing calm look Issei's face and the looks of sorrow an anger on Murayama and Irina's faces I realized that this was too much. I had to do something.

"Issei wait!" I said nervously. Something was wrong and I was tired of waiting to see what everyone else did.

"What is it" Issei replied calmly.

"I'd like to talk with you later. Is that okay" I said hopefully. Issei simply looked at me calmly before sighing.

"Very well. We'll talk tonight." Issei replied before turning to leave.

"Thank you" I said happily. Now I could get my answers at last.

(Scene Skip)

When I asked Issei to talk I knew that it wouldn't be over the phone. In fact, I fully expected him to come over to my room. I was wearing a simple light green nightgown with white frills. It was around ten PM when a magic circle appeared in my room. Sure enough, Issei came out but he was wearing a black tracksuit and pants. "You wanted to talk Asia. So here I am." Issei said warmly which was a surprise.

"What did I do to you?" I asked with sorrow. Normally I wasn't this emotional but seeing him be this gentle when he was so harsh before caught up with me.

"Huh" Issei replied in confusion.

"Ever since Murayama made us partners in the three-legged race you've been angry at her and seemingly Irina as well. You haven't been to the ORC either and I know the reason involves me."

Issei simply chuckled at my response, "You really are too pure for this world." Issei smiled.

I didn't like that response because he was clearly hiding something from me and then I remember something; a way that I could get what I wanted even if it was embarrassing, "If I hire you, will you tell me why?"

Issei looked at me like I was crazy, "Can you repeat that?" Issei said almost bewildered.

"I want to hire you Issei. Tell me why you're so angry and I'll give you any price you want in exchange." I said firmly.

Issei smiled before walking over to me and I could feel his heated gaze all over me, "Are you sure about that Asia. You realize what you just said." Issei chuckled as he put his right hand on my face.

Instead of being nervous at what I suggested, I was firm. "Yes I do. Something is wrong and if I have to give myself up to find out what then I will" I replied.

Issei looked at me in shock but that shock turned to amusement, "Very well Asia. Your price will be to tell me if a person named Diodora Astaroth ever approaches you." Issei replied to my confusion.

"Wait you know him too." I gasped.

"What do you mean too" Issei's eyes narrowed and now I knew something was wrong.

"He approached us as we walked to class. He seemed to recognize me from somewhere." I replied nervously.

"I see" Issei replied as his expression turned ice cold. I could tell he was angry about something.

"Well since I've hired you, tell me. Who is he and why does he know me?" I asked wanting answers.

Issei had an odd expression on his face before he took a deep breath, "You're going to want to sit down for this one." Issei frowned.

I followed his instructions and sat on my bed, "Okay so who is he?" I asked.

"Diodora Astaroth is the devil that you healed that fateful day and the reason that you got kicked out of the church" Issei answered causing me to freeze up in shock.

I couldn't believe it. He was the one who got me kicked out. He ruined my life and now he wants to see me, "Why would he do that?" I asked in shock.

"That doesn't matter right now." Issei replied sternly. The way he shut my question down told me he knew something but the question was what.

"Tell me please! Consider it my request as your client" I said firmly. He ruined my life and if he knew why I needed answers.

Issei sighed before taking a deep breath, "Diodora has a nun fetish. Every single member of his peerage is an ex nun that he got kicked out of the church using methods like the one he used with you. He found these nuns again and manipulated them into becoming his servants. In your case he worked with the fallen angels to bring you to Kuoh. They wanted your gear and he wanted you. I wasn't there for that whole mess so I don't know what happened that night, but I do know that once it was said and done you were with Rias and the fallen were gone"

I frowned as I recalled that day, "Rias and her group got to me just before the ritual to take my gear was complete. They saved me and killed Lady Raynare." I revealed.

"I see and Rias asked you to become her servant after that"

"Yes and I accepted" I replied.

"Alright. Well let's leave it at this. Diodora is NOT a good person and if you see him go the other way." Issei said firmly.

"Okay" I replied glad that I got some answers. After that, Issei got up from his spot and left via his magic circle leaving me with plenty of thoughts.

(Scene Skip)

The next morning, I was walking with the girls once again, "So Asia. How did your 'talk' with Issei go." Karlamine asked me as we walked to class.

"It went well." I replied.

"Well good for you. I guess welcome to the club." Karlamine smiled before patting me on the back.

"Karlamine it wasn't that type of talk." Irina deadpanned and when I realized what she suggested I started to blush.

"Yeah… I just asked him about why he's been so distant to you guys." I replied trying to keep the true contents of our meeting secret.

"He told you about Diodora didn't he?" Irina said with an odd glance causing the others to freeze which was a very bad sign.

I took another deep breath, "Yes he did. Am I the only one who doesn't know?" I said with a slight bit of anger building up.

"Wait a minute. What's going on" Karlamine said in confusion. I calmed down since that meant not everyone knew what was going on.

"Short version is, Diodora makes your former master look like a gentle kitten and he was after Asia. The long version can wait until later." Irina insisted.

"No, you guys are hiding something and since it involves my friend, I want answers." Karlamine insisted.

"Give me a second" Irina frowned before reaching for her phone and calling somebody. 'Hey Rias… do you have a few minutes to talk… it's time to tell them… we're ten minutes away but we can't use our magic yet… got it.'

"So we're going to the ORC." Xenovia said calmly.

"Yep" Irina nodded.

"Then let's go" Karlamine said firmly. This was going to be a long day.

(Scene Skip)

When we got to school, we immediately went over to the ORC clubroom in order to talk. As we walked in, I noticed that Valerie was there along with the whole Gremory peerage and finally Issei himself. Something felt off about him though, "Care to tell me why you're a CLONE Issei" Irina said angrily.

"Last night, I told Murayama that her punishment was over and this morning she wanted to make up for lost time." Issei's clone smiled.

Irina smacked her head in annoyance, "As long as you're here I guess it's fine." Irina huffed.

"How about we talk about the more important issue. Namely Diodora and what to do about him." Valerie said calmly.

"I'm confused. I met Diodora a few times when I was with Lord Riser. He seemed like a decent person." Karlamine said curiously.

"Appearances can be deceiving Karlamine. I assume Irina told you the short version, so I'll handle the long one. When Asia was still with the church, Diodora Astaroth set her up to be kicked out of the church by attacking the compound she was staying at and managed to get to her with grave injuries fully expecting her to heal them. Unaware of his true nature, Asia did so and when others arrived, he revealed his devil heritage and escaped using the shock that Asia managed to heal a devil to escape punishment. Afterwards, Asia was kicked out of the church for her crime and became known as 'The Witch'. This all happened around a year ago" Valerie revealed.

"That's awful." Karlamine said in shock.

"But it only gets worse from there." Valerie spoke up. "Half a year ago somebody came to Asia as a member of the church and revealed that there was a chance for her to be redeemed. The person claimed that if Asia could help rebuild this church which had lost followers she would be allowed back."

"But isn't that the church the fallen angels were using. I remember Lord Riser mentioning he sensed fallen angels in the town at the church, but he figured Rias would get to them eventually and never bothered" Karlamine spoke up.

"That's exactly right. The person who came to Asia was working with the Fallen and the group made a deal with Diodora so each of them could get what they wanted. The Fallen wanted Asia's ability to heal. A fallen with the ability to heal wounds at the level Asia can, would be a major asset to the Grigori. As for Diodora, he wanted Asia as a servant and was going to use the fact she was dead to make it far easier. Who knows what would've happened from there?" Valerie revealed.

"Regardless of what would have happened, he's coming for Asia again." Irina spoke up.

"But he won't be able to get her since she's a member of Lady Rias's peerage." Karlamine said firmly.

"Yes and no" Issei's clone said with a frown causing everyone to focus on him.

"What do you mean yes and no." Karlamine said angrily.

"Thanks to us knowing about his nature, Diodora is handcuffed slightly. If we weren't aware of what he was, Diodora could suggest a trade of pieces." Issei suggested. I was positive that Rias wouldn't' do that so I was safe in that regards.

"Which I would refuse. Asia is my precious servant and I wouldn't just let her go." Rias insisted proving my point.

"That's fine but that was one of his legal ways. Considering that he's worked with Fallen angels before and who knows what I'm sure he knows a few illegal ways to get to her." That thought bothered me far more then I care to admit.

"I'd never let that happen!" Rias insisted which made me smile.

"I'd hope so" Issei's clone smiled.

"Anyway, we gotta get to class since homeroom is starting soon." Valerie frowned.

"Yep. We'll discuss more later. I assume the real Issei will be here this afternoon."

"Can't say." The clone shrugged before vanishing. Admittedly it was a lot to take in for me considering how connected to everything I was.

(Scene Skip)

We returned to the ORC after class and when we arrived, Rias was staring at a single letter on the table, "Let me guess, Diodora" Irina scowled causing me to finch.

"Yep. He sent it during the day and I didn't read it."

"Just burn it. That letter speaks to what Issei was saying." Irina frowned.

"I was but I wanted to tell you about it first." Rias said calmly before burning the letter.

"So now what. We just wait for things to happen." Irina frowned.

"Sadly I agree, unless you have any other ideas Issei." Rias asked as everyone turned to Issei for guidance.

"I do. Irina's mother once told me that inside every person there are three sides. A warrior, a noble, and a beast. I say it's time to bring out Asia's warrior side like we did with Gasper"

"I see. He's going to target Asia somehow, but right now she's too weak. If we make her stronger, Diodora won't do as much damage when he does attack" Karlamine smiled.

"Exactly." Issei confirmed.

"I'll call Le Fay. Between her and Akeno, I'm sure we can come up with a battle style that suits her." Valerie smiled.

"Let's do it" I said happily. Everyone around me was so strong and now it was time for me to be stronger. I always felt helpless because I couldn't do a thing but also because I needed something to bring to the table outside of my sacred gear. This would be a perfect chance to do so.

It took us a few minutes, but Le Fay appeared along with Kuroka to my surprise. Le Fay was in a Kuoh uniform with Kuroka keeping her usual clothes. "I heard you wanna become stronger. Well we're going to help." Le Fay smiled.

"That's right Nyaa. Le Fay will be teaching you offensive magic while I'll be teaching you more defensive and support things."

"Thanks to your sacred gear we know you have tons of magical power and control. Now the question is what type of magic do you want to learn?"

"I don't know. I've usually been okay staying on the sidelines." I replied. Being able to heal was all that matters but if I needed to be stronger I would.

Valerie Kuroka and Le Fay frowned before Issei had a suggestion, "Since Asia's not really the attacking type what if we have her specialize in earth magic."

"That's perfect. It gives Asia a solid defense along with a decent bit of attack power. She'll be perfect for it." Valerie smiled.

"Then I guess I choose earth." I smiled.

"Well in that case let's get started." Le Fay smiled. I was ready and now I was going to take my next step.

(Scene Skip)

With training over, it was time to go home but instead of going back to my own apartment I asked Irina if I could stay over with her and she said yes. She and Xenovia lived next door to Issei so I knew we'd be safe if something happened. I stayed in Xenovia's room which seemed to reflect her nature with very little fanfare outside of a desk and her twin bed along with a dresser and closet. "Hey Asia, are you sure you want to stay with us." Xenovia wondered as she helped me get ready.

"Yes, I don't feel safe in that apartment and maybe if I stay with you, I can avoid Diodora." I admitted. The fact he was able to find me scared me more than I cared to admit and I would do what I can.

"Alright" Xenovia frowned before she left.

I didn't speak to the girls until dinner was made and we sat together as we discussed the day. "So Asia, how does it feel to be training for battle." Irina smiled.

"Fine but I have a question for you." I asked calmly. I got the feeling they were hiding something else that was big and I wanted to do know what.

"Of course" Irina replied.

"Does what happened between Issei and Murayama have to do with Diodora." I asked calmly.

Irina choked on what she was drinking before looking at me. I gave her my best glare knowing that I needed to realize the truth and clearly Irina relented, "Issei was very angry with Murayama because he felt that she intentionally chose you to be his partner."

"Did she" I asked even though it was very much a rhetorical question.

"Yes she did and while I can't speak for the others. I'm positive that they didn't try to become Issei's partner for a similar reason.

"What reason is that" I wondered.

Irina sighed before continuing, "We wanted Issei to care about you Asia. If you were his partner, he'd spend time with you and get close to you. We wanted him to be invested in protecting you." Irina admitted.

"From Diodora right" I said nervously.

"Yes. He's a dangerous guy Asia and because of him things are only going to get crazier from here. Having Issei invested in you means there's a better chance that you'll be safe" Irina said calmly.

"Okay" I replied.

"Well enough of that. Why don't you get some sleep?" Irina said happily. I'm glad that they told me but I'm curious what Issei is really thinking.

(Scene Skip)

Two days passed from the conversation with Irina and fortunately for me, we haven't had any encounters with Diodora since then. Issei was with the kendo club today but as we arrived at the ORC, I could see a look of annoyance on Rias's face with Valerie significantly bothered. "Is everything okay" Irina said nervously.

"Yes but please sit down everyone." Rias said calmly. I could tell that there was a look of real nervousness on her face. When we all sat down it was time for the announcement. "I've just received word on the next round of the rating game tournaments."

"What's the plan."

"Sona is going to face off against Sairoarg with Valerie facing off against Seekvaira. Which means that I'll be facing off with Diodora Astaroth." Rias explained and my heart sank.

"Are you guys CRAZY!" Irina exclaimed in disbelief.

"It isn't my idea. I wish Azazel were here so I could get angry at him but it's not his call either. In truth it was inevitable that we'd fight" Rias sighed. I wondered what was going through my master's mind but I certainly wasn't comfortable with it.

"Well let's get you ready Rias because this is going to be very interesting." Valerie sighed.

That's it for Chapter 27 and a unique take on Asia's life. Next time, it's Issei perspective on the current situation