Ashes2Ace signing back in with the latest update to The Legacy of the Forgotten Daughter.
Starting with some good news, we have hit a total of 750 visitors for the fanfic.
Thank you, everyone, for the love and support you guys have been giving me. *pops open a soda can while typing this to celebrate the benchmark. :)*
We are closing in on the 50 favorites for the story, hope to reach by the next few chapters, your support has been crucial. :)
So without wasting much of your time, let's head straight into the newest chapter to The Destiny of the Forgotten Daughter.
{Boost} Ddraig speaking aloud
{Boost} Ddraig mentally speaking to Issei
"Hello" Characters speaking
'Hello' Characters thinking
Chapter IV: The Ace of Spades
"According to the reports we received from Italy last week, there has been a sudden spike in fallen activities around Florence, Naples, and Syracuse."
"Please position our operatives in the mentioned cities, Paladin Sierra. In fact, please do me a favor and ask Saint, Dulio Gesualdo to look into the cases."
"As you wish, Lord Michael. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Indeed Paladin Sierra, please inform my dear brothers Raphael and Uriel to meet me before you leave heaven."
The paladin bowed to the person in front of him as he turned around and left the hall.
Michael smiled at the retreating figure of the paladin as he walked up to the device near the end of the hall before inputting some codes opening a pathway to a different room.
"Nice to see you, Brother."
The leader of Heaven smiled as he was greeted by his sister, Gabriel.
"Greeting to you as well, sister. How have you been?"
"I had a great day, I spend most of my time training my new brave saints with healing magic alongside my Eight, Cynthia."
"It's pleasing to hear that the next generation of heaven is in perfect hands."
Michael spoke with a polite smile as Gabriel just nodded before the two were interrupted as the gates opened to reveal Uriel and Raphael, the remaining two arch-angels.
"You summoned for us, Brother?"
Raphael asked as Michael nodded gesturing the two to take a seat next to Gabriel as he pulled up a chair for himself.
"So what is this meeting about?"
Uriel asked as he took an apple from the basket on top of the table before taking a soft bite.
"I just received word from my Queen Asia Argento that she and my Ace, Issei have arrived at Kuoh town and taken residence at Issei's old home."
"Wait, isn't he supposed to be accompanying your Seven, Ilja Valgovich for the mission in Romania?"
"I suggest you stop sleeping during meetings Uriel, the Red Dragon Emperor, and Michael's Seven have already completed their tenure at Romania as of last week."
Raphael chuckled at his brother as Uriel gave him a sheepish grin.
"I am sorry, it's just that Saint Dulio came up to me with some delicious schnitzel from Leipzig, and I couldn't resist them, so I kind of ate a lot which in return made me drowsy."
"You know that Gluttony and Sloth are primary sins, right Uriel?"
Michael frowned as Uriel shook his head.
"Don't worry big brother, I know when to control myself."
"Good, I wouldn't want one of the archangels to fall from grace just because he couldn't control his hunger."
Michael spoke with a smile on his face as returned his attention to the topic he was speaking about a few moments ago.
"As I was saying, my Ace and Queen have positioned themselves at Kuoh town and will be joining as third-year and second-year students respectively, at Kuoh Academy!"
"Isn't that the same school where Sirzechs' and Serefalls' younger sisters go to?"
"Yes indeed, this could be a great way to foster peace between our factions!"
Gabriel smiled as she was one of the many people that were tired of the ongoing tension between the two factions.
"Or it could turn out to be a disaster, one wrong move from any side could lead to serious repercussions.
"Aww, do not be such a pessimist Raphael, I truly believe that Michael's Ace and Queen can handle the situation!"
Michael smiled at the praise of his brave saints as he turned to his siblings with a serious expression.
"Now then, I just got news from the paladin stationed at the Vatican that three of the six Excalibur's in our possession were recently stolen by an unknown group of fallen angels!"
"Did you get in contact with Azazel about the situation?"
"Not yet, I just received the news, though it would be an ideal time to get an explanation!"
Michael spoke as he created a holographic magic circle at the top of the table, which flickered for a while before it morphed into a man in his late thirties dressed in a suit with black hair and golden bangs.
"Aha, it's my siblings from heaven, what's the occasion?"
The figure spoke in a jolly voice as he signed a few documents in front of me.
"I have some bad news for you, Azazel. A group of unidentified fallen angels stole three Excalibur's from the churches in the Vatican two nights ago!"
The man now identified as Azazel frowned as he pressed his palm against his forehead.
"Your action makes me believe that you know the people responsible for the act, Azazel."
"You wound me with the accusations, Raphael but I do have an inkling where this is headed. You see Kokabiel and his sub-ordinates have gone rogue as of two weeks from now!"
"Two weeks, and you didn't think it was important to notify any of us!"
Raphael frowned as he shot Azazel an angry look.
"Well, I don't think I need to inform heaven about Grigori's inside news unless it directly concerns them."
"So you suspect it was Kokabiel and his group that was responsible for the theft of Excalibur?"
Gabriel spoke with a worried expression on her face, Kokabiel since his birth was obsessed with wars, if he was actually involved, it could be really bad for all the factions involved.
"As I said earlier, I do have an inkling since Kokabiel has been reportedly interested in the Excalibur's and the holy sword project for the last few months."
"This cannot be a coincidence, do you have any intel on Kokabiel's last position?"
"I think I do but none of you will like where this is heading!"
"I think it has already passed that point Azazel, do not waste any of our time with unnecessary assumptions."
"Fair enough Raphael, according to one of my operatives Kokabiel was last traced in Kuoh, Japan!"
The archangels frowned at the mention of the location as Gabriel gave Azazel a worried look.
"How sure are you about the news Azazel?"
"I hope you guys keep it confidential but my daughter has been acting undercover as one of Kokabiel's sub-ordinates!"
"You sent little Raynare on such a dangerous mission?"
Gabriel shot Azazel an annoyed look as the fallen angel leader shrugged in response.
"She ain't that little anymore, and don't worry I'd kill Kokabiel myself before he even lays a hand on my daughter."
"Thank you for the information Azazel, we will get in touch with you very soon if anything comes up."
"Before you guys leave Michael, I just had a question."
"Feel free to ask anything you want Azazel."
Michael smiled as Azazel looked at him with a grin on his face.
"You believe you Ace can take on Kokabiel on his own, huh?"
Michael and the other archangels looked at Azazel in shock before Michael gave him a calm smile.
"He isn't known as 'The Strongest Ace' for no reason!"
[SCENE BREAK]
"Sia, have you seen my blazer?"
Issei shouted from his room as he went through his wardrobe trying to find his blazer.
As instructed by his King, Issei had filled the enrollment papers to get himself and Asia into the Kuoh Academy.
"You cannot do a single thing without my help, eh senpai!"
Asia walked into the room as she gently shoved Issei aside pulling out a grey blazer from one of the hangers inside the wardrobe.
"It's the first day of school, and I do not want to be late because you couldn't find your uniform, senpai."
"Come on Sia, you're taking this too seriously, it's just supposed to be a cover for us so we can get in contact with the devils!"
"Listen to me mister, I take everything seriously, now quickly get ready. The breakfast is getting cold."
Asia puffed her cheeks as she shot Issei a glare and walked out of the room.
{The girl's got you whipped, hatchling.}
A deep voice chuckled as Issei looked at his forearm which had a glowing green gem on top of it.
"It's not my fault that she's a fuckin dragon tamer and I feel like obeying her commands, Ddraig."
Issei spoke as the voice let out a chuckle.
{And yet I never see you complain about it hatching. Believe it or not, the girl wears the pant in your relationship.}
"If we are done discussing my personal affairs, can you try to contain my draconian aura, for the time being, I do not want the devils to sense me out."
{It's too late for that kid, I believe the white-haired girl who crashed into you yesterday has already figured it out.}
"Well at least if they ask me about it, I can just mention my heritage, it's better if I keep you a secret for the time being."
Issei spoke as he finished putting on his uniform before checking himself out in the mirror.
{Your choice hatchling, but I believe it wouldn't take the devils to put two and two together to figure out who you are, you're kinda famous kid.}
Issei sighed as he registered the dragons' words before walking out of the room as he joined Asia at the dining table.
"What took you so long?"
"I was just talking to Ddraig about some things."
Issei spoke as Asia served him with Steamed rice, Miso soup, and grilled fish.
"You didn't have to cook all this you know, we could have gone with cereals and milk."
Issei spoke as he grabbed himself a spoon.
"You should thank me for making all this senpai, stop complaining and eat."
Asia grumbled as she looked at Issei.
"So what did you and Ddraig talk about?"
" .ing important."
Issei spoke with his mouth full of rice as Asia bonked him with a spoon.
"Ouch, why do you have to hit me!"
"Do not speak with your mouth full senpai, please act like a proper ace, Lord Michael would be disappointed if he saw you act like this."
Asia spoke with a stern face as Issei nodded before finishing his food.
"I wish Michael-sama sent Nero or Aliyah on this mission, can't you act a bit normal."
Issei joked as Asia quickly leaned over pulling his cheeks.
"I'll act normal once you start acting like you're supposed to, senpai."
{As much as I'm enjoying your lover's quarrel, I believe you two are supposed to leave for school for now.}
Ddraig interrupted the two as his voice echoed through the room.
Asia blushed at being called out before she stood up grabbing her backpack.
"I'm leaving, I do not want to form a bad impression on the first day of school!"
"Yeah, yeah I'm coming."
Issei sighed as he followed Asia out of the apartment as the two walked in the direction of Kuoh Academy.
"So what intel do we have on the devils that are attending the academy?"
Issei spoke as Asia turned her attention towards him.
"Well, from what we were informed, Rias Gremory, the heiress to the House of Gremory and the sister of Devil King Sirzechs Lucifer attends the school alongside Sona Sitri known by her alias Souna Shitori, the heiress to House of Sitri and the sister of Devil King Serefall Leviathan are both third years at the academy."
Asia briefed Issei as the boy just shook his head pulling out his headphone from his backpack.
"What is that for?"
Asia spoke pointing at the headphones.
"Oh, this is just to block the noise, from my prior experience kids here go crazy over transfer students."
Asia just gave Issei a blank look causing the boy to facepalm.
"Now what?"
"Oh nothing senpai, it's just that please do not cause any ruckus on the first day, and please behave yourself during class. I'll see you at lunch."
Asia spoke with a smile as the two reached the gates of Kuoh Academy.
"It looks empty."
Issei chuckled as Asia turned at him with a stoic face.
"We are late by ten minutes, see ya during lunch."
The girl spoke as she leaned up kissing Issei on the cheek before leaving him standing on the premises as she left for her class.
"She just had to do that, now I can't even get my brain to function properly."
Issei chuckled to himself as he walked in the direction of his class.
"It's supposed to be somewhere around here, ah there it is class 3-1."
Issei spoke to himself as he knocked on the door in front of him.
Seconds later a black-haired woman in her early thirties opened the door as she looked at Issei.
"How can I help you?"
"Hey, Sorry for being late. I'm the new transfer student, I was supposed to be here earlier but got stuck as it is my first day."
Issei spoke with a smile on his face as the woman nodded.
"It's okay, I'm your homeroom teacher, Akio Shibata. Please come in."
The teacher smiled at Issei as she opened the door for him.
"Class, Please welcome our new transfer student, can you introduce yourself to the class."
The teacher spoke as Issei looked at her with a smile before turning towards the rest of the class.
"Sure, My name is Issei. I am Japanese but have studied abroad in the Vatican for the last twelve years. Please take care of me."
Issei spoke as he bowed causing most of the girls to look at him with hearts in their eyes.
"Class do you have any questions for Issei-san?"
The teacher spoke as a couple of students raised their hands.
"Yes, Kiyoko-san."
"Ano, are you single by any chance?"
The girl named Kiyoko spoke with a blush on her face as she looked at Issei.
"I'm sorry, but I'm currently taken for."
Issei spoke with a calm voice as he gave the girl a smile, who dejectedly sat back down on her seat.
"Sayuri-san, what you want to ask Issei-san?"
"Ooh, nothing I had the same question!"
The girl chuckled as she sat back down as the teacher turned towards Issei.
"Please take a seat next to Himejima-san, and do not be late from tomorrow."
The teacher spoke pointing towards the empty seat next to Akeno, as Issei gave the teacher a short bow and walked up to his seat.
"Hey, I'm Issei."
"Glad to meet you Issei-san, I'm Akeno Himejima. Pleasure meeting you."
Akeno spoke with a cute smile as Issei nodded before both turned their attention towards the teacher.
'So he's the representative from heaven that was supposed to arrive today, he looks kinda cute, too bad he's taken.'
Akeno thought to herself as she stole a few glances at Issei.
Meanwhile, Issei was having a mental conversation with himself as well.
'She's the queen of Rias Gremory if I remember correctly. Well, she looks polite. I hope her king is like her as well.'
Issei smiled to himself as his thoughts then shifted to a certain dragon tamer.
[SCENE BREAK]
Issei sighed as he walked out of his classroom, the homeroom and the first few classes had sucked the life out of him.
"I can't believe I'm spending my time acting a high schooler when I could have been spending time with the rest at Vatican training."
Issei mumbled to himself as he walked ahead towards the cafeteria.
"You should be careful where you speak Issei-san, there are people who would take a different meaning to your words."
Issei froze as he turned around to see Akeno Himejima, the queen of Rias Gremory looking at him with a slight smirk on her face.
"Ah!, My apologizes Himejima-san, It's just I am not quite used to this type of lifestyle nor people listening to me talk to myself."
Issei gave Akeno a grin who returned it with a smile on her face.
"Well, it's not every day that you meet someone from the church of Vatican, you mind if I tag alongside you for lunch."
"Not at all, but I think the students here wouldn't take too kindly to that."
Issei spoke as he looked at the male populace of Kuoh Academy giving him jealous and angry glares for talking so freely to one of the Great Ladies of Kuoh on his very first day.
"Don't tell me those views are bothering you Issei-san!"
Akeno smiled as she walked up next to Issei who gave her a confused look.
"Not at all, do you behind if a friend of mine tags along. We were supposed to meet at lunch."
"It will be a pleasure to meet this friend of yours!"
Akeno smiled as the two walked up to the cafeteria.
"You're late, senpai!"
Asia spoke as she stood at the entrance of the cafeteria waiting for Issei.
"And you didn't tell me you were bringing a friend alongside you."
She turned her attention to Akeno who was standing right next to Issei.
"I'm sorry for interrupting you two, I'm Akeno Himejima, a third-year here at Kuoh, it's a pleasure meeting you."
"It's fine Himejima-senpai, I was just expecting him to be alone and, the pleasure's all mine. I'm Asia Argento, I joined Kuoh today through the transfer student program, I'm a second year."
Asia smiled as he looked at Akeno as the three then walked up to an empty table.
"So if you don't mind me asking what are two of the Vatican's most reputed exorcists doing here at Kuoh Academy?"
Akeno spoke in a low tone voice as she subtly created an anti-noise barrier around the three.
"That's a neat trick!"
Issei chuckled as Akeno gave him a nod.
"We cannot have normal students listening to our conversations now, it will be a hassle to erase memories."
Akeno chuckled as Issei and Asia gave her a nod in agreement.
"So my question stands, what are two of Vatican's most reputed exorcists doing here, not that we don't mind your company but I do believe there must be a reason behind it!"
"You are astute with your observations, and I didn't know I was this famous even at the Underworld."
"It's not every day that a single exorcist takes out more than fifty rogue devils all by himself, Issei-san!"
"Fair enough, well as you might already know our factions are at a stalemate, and the higher-ups at Heaven and Vatican decided to send us as representatives."
Issei spoke as Akeno looked on, from what she had heard about Issei, he didn't seem like a serious exorcist and was quite open to talking to unlike the few from his side.
"Is there anything on my face?"
Issei spoke a bit rattled by Akeno's stare.
"No, not at all, it's just I expected you to be a lot more serious and kind of reserved. I mean they call you 'The Strongest Ace', so I thought you'd be a little.."
"Stuck up!?, I can understand where you're coming from, well I do not care much about that title and being strong, I just want to enjoy my life, do fun stuff, fight opponents, and relax!"
Issei spoke with a smile as he completed Akeno's sentence who looked on with an amused expression at his reply.
"That's really an interesting uptake, so how has Kuoh been treating you both?"
Akeno spoke as she looked at Asia and Issei.
"Well it's been a nice change of atmosphere from the Vatican, I have never been to Japan so it's a new experience, senpai on the other hand is a local from Kuoh, he used to live here in his childhood."
Asia spoke as Akeno looked at Issei with a surprised face.
"I would have never expected one of the strongest exorcists to be a fellow Japanese, how did you join the church?"
Akeno spoke with a hint of interest in her voice.
"To be very honest, I come from a family that didn't believe in Christianity, I still don't!"
Issei chuckled as Asia glared at him for his comment but he just shrugged her looks off before continuing with his explanation.
"When I was six, my neighbors decided to shift to the Vatican and since I lived alone with my dad, who spends most of his time away due to some work, he decided to send me to the Vatican as well."
"What about your mother, Issei-san?"
"My father raised me since my birth, my mother couldn't be with me as it would bring me some unwanted attention. I haven't talked to her for half a decade or so!"
Issei spoke with a melancholic expression on his face as Akeno gave a sad sigh.
"I'm sorry for bringing that up, so how did someone with no belief in the teachings of the church become an exorcist, you even became Archangel Michael's Ace three years back, right!?"
"Hmm, well even if I do not have similar beliefs as many of the exorcists, I have to qualms with what they do and since I was trained at the Vatican for most of my life, being an exorcist was the most expected outcome."
Akeno nodded at the explanation as Issei continued to narrate about his position as the Ace of Archangel Michael.
"I think the higher-ups at both Heaven and the Vatican were impressed with my work as an exorcist, while there were some objections from people who believed reincarnating me would send the wrong message, Lord Michael had some sort of feeling I'd fit well with the other brave saints."
Akeno smiled as Issei finished with his explanation, while Asia looked at him with a hint of pride in her eyes.
"It was really nice talking to you, Issei-san, Argento-san. I hope we can maintain the same later today, I'd like to extend an invitation to the Occult Research Club on behalf of my King, Rias Gremory."
"Very well, Himejima-senpai, Thank you for the invitation, we will make sure to be there."
Asia replied with a smile as Issei looked at her with a surprised face.
Akeno smiled as she stood up and gave the exorcists a curt bow.
"I'll take my leave first, see you in class Issei-san."
"Aren't we supposed to observe them for a while before we establish a meeting with them, I didn't expect you to take up her offer Asia."
"Yes!, but it would sound rude on our behalf if he outright declined the invitation, and one more thing senpai, Please do not openly speak about your lack of beliefs in the church's teachings. It sets a negative message."
"I will keep that in mind."
Issei spoke with an amused expression as Asia gave him a slight huff before pinching his cheeks.
"Ouuu, Ouch it huwts, Siia-chan!"
Issei groaned with his cheeks pulled as Asia stood up and gave him an amused grin before she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left him alone, as the students in the cafeteria stared at him.
'She just had to do that now, there goes my silent school life.'
Issei internally groaned as his thoughts lingered on the peck before he rubbed his cheek.
"I guess that's how it is."
It took me a while to get done with this chapter, I wanted to update it last night, but I fell asleep with my laptop open.
I hope you guys have been enjoying the story till now, I will try to post regularly since it's all lockdown again with the resurgence of the pandemic.
Stay and your homes, and only step out if necessary, and use a mask for fuck's sake!
So this chapter was more like an introductory chapter to Issei and to start the Excalibur arc.
About Issei being the Ace, I think it suit's him more than being a Joker, I think Dulio is perfect for that role.
Thanks for reading The Destiny of the Forgotten Daughter, please show your love and let me know how you feel about the story with the reviews. I will try to get the next chapter out by the upcoming Wednesday or Thursday.
Till then, Peace
Ashes2Ace signing off, JaNe.
I wanted to do a character preview this week but I feel kinda of burned out on the character sketches. I promise to upload one with the next update.