Hello everybody.
This chapter will end the first arc (is that the right word?). Took me sometime but considering that it is around three times as long I think that is alright. I had big problems with the fights that will appear since I did not know how to write them interesting. I still have no idea how but whatever.
I also would like to ask you if you could read the end bit please since there is something semi important for the next chapter.
Well I wish you fun with reading.
Next day… in front of Kuoh Academy
"Hey Akeno-san, why are we at my school? I thought that we will meet with the supervisor?" Asks Issei as he and Akeno make their way toward the main building.
Akeno only chuckles at that before telling him: "Ah but Issei we are on the way to meet them" To Issei it was quite obviously that Akeno leaves him in dark but couldn´t figure out why.
"Okay but why are we meeting them here? Wait are they part of the school staff?"
"Maybe. You will out soon. We are almost there." Akeno answers with a amused smile.
Issei decides in that moment not to search for more answer since he obviously will not get clear ones and will end up with even more questions.
After a bit of walking Akeno stops in front of a particular room. One that every student of the high school division knows about but only a few saw from the inside. That room is the… student council room.
"No way! One of them is the supervisor? I can´t believe it!" Issei exclaims not sure how to prosses the new information. At Issei´s exclamation and surprise Akeno laugh out loud.
"Yeah yeah at me all you want…" Issei slightly grumbles but also has small smile. ´Her laughter sounds beautiful´ Issei secretly thought to himself.
"Joke as side. We should go and tell the supervisor that we are here." Akeno says to Issei after having calmed down and knocks at the door.
"Please come in" came a voice from the inside.
As they enter Issei sees all the member of the council in it. Before he could do anymore observation Akeno starts to speaks: "Hello Souna Shitori or should I call you Sona Sitri? Anyways my name Akeno Himejima from the Grigori." As she finish to speak she gives a bow toward Sona. Something Issei quickly imitates.
"I welcome you, Himejima-san, Hyoudou-san. Either is fine with me. Now, I was not aware that Hyoudou-san is a member of the Grigori. Why is that he is in my territory without my knowledge." Sona demands to know with a cold tone that sends a chill down Issei´s spine.
"Ah there seem to be a misunderstanding here." Akeno starts to answer before someone else yells at her.
"A misunderstanding?! How could that be a misunderstanding that you guys have a member here that probably spies on us!" angrily shouts Saji Genshirou, a member of the council.
"Saji-san that is enough. If this is truly a misunderstanding then I want to know how it happened." Sona says to her Pawn who apologizes to Sona but not Akeno which angers Issei.
"As I was saying, this is a misunderstanding. Issei-kun is not a member of the Grigori."
"Then why is he here?" Sona asks Akeno while looking at Issei with a hint of doubt.
"Well it has to do with my mission so I think it is better to start with that. My mission was to investigate a group of fallen angels who stopped any form of contact with the Grigori."
"It was your mission? What happened?" Another member asks. This time it was Tomoe Meguri.
"Yes, I will come to that point in a moment. Anyways, they were in the area of the town and after searching for them we came to the conclusion that they are in this city. So I was sent to look for them. The reason I do not see it as my mission anymore is that when I arrived here I witness one of the missing fallen angels attacking Issei-kun here. What was really surprising was that Issei-kun was able to evade all of the attacks and I am quite sure he would have won if he had a weapon."
At that all but the calmest member of the student council exclaim both in surprise and shock: "What!?" In their mind it should be impossible for a mere human to have a chance to win against someone or thing mythical. That is why they go hunting for stray devils. Issei meanwhile starts to get slightly embarrassed at Akeno proclamation.
"To answer what now my mission is. It is the capture and return of the rouge fallen angels. As to why Issei is here I ask him for his help as he had proven to be able to look after himself in a fight and seems to a target. Now then would it be alright if we act in your territory Miss Sitri?"
After being quiet for a while Sona starts to give answer: "I will allow you to act in my territory however there are some conditions I have. The first is that you report anything you find. Second I and my peerage have the right to step in should we see the need. Third you and Hyoudou-san will help us with stray devil hunts. There are some others I have but those are compensations for what is going on. Something you, Miss Himejima, would not be able to discuss, correct?"
"That would be correct Miss Sitri. I will get in contact with my superiors so that we can talk about the compensations. And the named conditions are more than acceptable. If you do not mind we would take our leave."
"Yes, you may take your leave. Have a good day." Sona says as Issei and Akeno say their goodbyes and leave.
They walk is quiet until they reach the school gate Akeno turns and regards the school again before saying: "Well that went well."
"Did you expect the meeting to go?" Issei asks curiously.
"Well… the meeting was close to a perfect outcome for us. Many thing could have gone worse. For the start our unnotified appearance."
"Wait I thought you made a appointment with them?" Issei interrupts Akeno.
"No I didn´t. It slipped my mind yesterday with all that happened ehehee..." Akeno answers with slightly embarrassed chuckle at the end.
"Haaa okay whatever. What else could have gone wrong?"
"They could not have believed me when I said that you are not a part of the Grigori. It would have been not the first time that one of the fractions used such a tactic. Then there are their conditions which could have been much worse. They demand for compensations may have been a bit too direct and for some people rude but it is not unreasonable. And of course Miss Sitri could have simple not given permission to act. Some of those could have let to us fighting against them."
Issei can´t help but stay silent at that. He may not know much about negotiation but even he knows that they were lucky.
"Now Issei. Since we now have the permission to act in the city we can now search the city. Since the fallen angels will most likely not act during the day we should split up to look for potential hideout that we then search through together at night. Any objections?"
Upon Issei denying any objections Akeno and Issei split up.
Sometimes later… (Issei POV)
´After searching some of the populated areas in case the fallen angels were there. I came up with nothing. I know I should not be impatient about this but I cannot help but worry. Afterall if I am a target what about mum and dad? Dad could probably defend himself but the same could not be said about mom. No it is better the fallen angels are taken down as fast as possible.´
As those thoughts run through my mind I did not pay attention to my surrounding and walk into someone. As I look at the person I am stunned because of the cuteness that I see. The person I walked into is a golden blond haired girl with emerald green eyes. She looks like she is a year younger then me. What however stands out the most are her clothes. She wears what is most likely a nun attire. All this combined and she looks like what I would imaging an angel to look like.
It takes me a bit before I get myself back together and start to apologies: "Ah sorry . I should have paid more attention on my surrounding. Here let me help you up."
"Thank you and do not apologize. I too should have paid more attention but luckily nothing happened so everything is alright." The girl says with a innocent voice and bright smile.
"Maybe you are right but still… I would feel like an asshole if do not at least apologize. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Ah well…" She starts with a slight blush on her face. My mind could only think of: ´Cuteness overload´
"C-could you tell me where the church is?" She finally manage to say and continues with: "I-I am new in town and have lost my way." As she says that I notice her luggage which seems to have open in our collision.
´Church? Do we even have a church? Wait is she referring the old church? Isn´t it abandoned? Hm she is probably going to reopen it."
"I will do something better. I will show you where it is. But we should first gather your things. Oh my name is Hyoudou Issei by the way."
"Thank you Hyoudou. My name Is Asia Argento."
And like that we gather her things and make our way toward the old church. On the way there we talk a bit about many topics like what she is doing here. I was correct in my assumption. Or how school is like. She was for some reason really interested in that. I wonder why?
As the church comes view something happens which makes me conflicted. Akeno-san has written me so that we can meet back up. While I know I should go and do that I do not want leave Asia-chan alone.
I seem to have shown my inner on my face because Asia-chan says: "Hyoudou it is alright if you need to leave. I can already see the church and should be able to go there alone. I thank you for help. If you like an-and have time would you want to visit f-for some tea? Y-you do not n-need to that of course but…"
I really need to suppress the need to pat her head in that moment. How can someone be so cute?
"I would to do that sometimes. And thank you for your understanding. I wish you a good evening. Bye."
And with that I leave. As I go to meet up with Akeno-san I get a stray thought: ´Would fallen angels reside in a church?´
A bit later…
"Hey Akeno-san. How was your search?"
"I did not walk into trouble however I only managed to find four potential spots. How about you?"
"Well I did maybe find a spot? I wasn´t near it and saw it just from the distance but maybe they are in the old church. However someone lives there so I am not sure. Other then that nothing on my side."
"Hm alright. How about we check out my first and then yours? That way we can do some surveillance of the church tomorrow to make sure."
"Well I have school tomorrow so we would need to do it after that but I think it´s a good plan."
The next day…
´Finally the period is over. Man am I tired.´
After looking through the places Akeno-san found we came up with nothing. It was a complete waste of time… Well not really since I could spend time with Akeno-san. ´It is nice not be looked at as a simple pervert or athletic star.´ As a consequence of spending most of the time out is that I could not sleep for long.
"Hey Issei, want to go and watch some porn?" Matsuda brings me out of my thoughts as he and Motohama make their way toward me.
"I´m sorry guys but I cannot. I have something to do." I say as we make our way toward the school gate.
"Eh what is more important than porn?" Asks Motohama.
Before I answer the three of us notice a gathering of student at the gate.
As we come closer we start to hear whispering: "Do you know who she is?" "No but she is definite hot." "Any idea why she is here?" "I wish I look so good." "Oh man she is the definition of Yamato Nadeshiko."
At the last comment both Motohama and Matsuda got extremely excited. "Did you hear that guys? A real Yamato Nadeshiko." "Yeah man. We really need to see her."
While I am also curious I am not as excited as those two after I know Akeno-san. She could probably put most Yamato Nadeshiko in her shadow. ….. Wait a minute it couldn´t be her, right. Why would she be here?
As I start to think about the possibility we make our way to the front of the gathering. And what we see is what I assumed. The Yamato Nadeshiko is indeed Akeno-san.
"Wow. Look Matsuda, Issei they are real. Yamato Nadeshiko are really real." Motohama says to us.
Upon probably hearing my name Akeno-san turns in our direction and upon seeing smiles. For almost all this smile seem to be bright and full of joy. For me however it isn´t. Something I found out in the time Akeno-san and I spent together is that while kind and polite she is also extremely mischievous. She likes to put others in embarrassing or troublesome situation and watch them try to get out of it. So when I saw that smile I knew I am in trouble.
"Ah Issei-kun there you are. I was waiting for you." As she yells that she runs toward me and gives me a tight hug. Purposefully pressing her big breast against my body. I really do not know if I should be extremely happy or fearful at this situation because as she does that I feel a huge amount of bloodlust.
"Issei you bastard how the hell do you know her?" Both Matsuda and Motohama yell.
As I thought about what to say as to not worsen my situation. ´If that would be even possible´ I think to myself but then I see something which scares me. Akeno´s eyes turn unnatural innocent: "Ise, you didn´t tell them about me? I thought that you would considering that we live together. Am I an embarrassment for you, Ise?"
I stand corrected. If I thought the amount of bloodlust was huge before, now it is ten times as strong. I was to call Arondight and fight my way out when my guardian angel appears or should I say guardian devil?
"What is going on here?" Shitori-kaichou yells and everyone immediately stop their bloodlust. "Hm Miss Himejima, what are you doing here? Are you the reason for this… racket?"
"Ah Miss Sit… Shitori. Why I have no idea what you mean? I am just here to meet up with Ise-kun. But since you are also here I would like to talk with you about something." Akeno-san and let me go in order to turn toward Shitori-kaichou.
"Hm alright. Everyone please go home or to your club activities." And with that gathering slowly disappear. Most still give me death glares especially Matsuda and Motohama. As I tried to sneak away Akeno-san turns back and starts to hug me again.
"Where do you think you are going? We still have something to do after this." Akeno-san says sultry voice.
I was really happy that everyone already went away.
"Ahem. Let us go to the student council room." Shitori-kaichou tells us.
Later…
At the end Akeno-san only told Shitori-kaichou about what we know, where we search next and also about the compensation. I have not really paid attention. Both because I did not really care and because I am tired. After the talk was offer Akeno-san and I went to the church. We decided to only do the church today since I am so tired. It is something I am grateful for.
At the moment we near the church when I ask Akeno: "So how do we want to do it? Guns blazing or sneaky or simply go in?"
"I think we should knock. After all you said someone lives there and if the fallen angels aren´t there we would have been unnecessary rude."
"Ah right I forgot…" At the end of the sentence I yawn and Akeno-san looks worried at me.
"Are you sure you want to do it today? We can still do it tomorrow. We really shouldn´t had look through all the spots in the same night. You are after all human and need your sleep."
"No! No it is alright. I can do it. Beside it is just the church today." I say determinedly. To be honest I understand why Akeno-san is worried and maybe she is right and we should wait. But my pride won´t let me quit. There is also that feeling of worry in my body. As if I wait something irreversible would happen.
Before we knock at the door I take a deep breath and then we enter.
The inside looks as I would have expected but also not. While the banks and structure look like a well maintained church there was one thing which destroys that image. All holy symbols with the exception of the altar are destroyed.
At the altar stand a young man with who has white hair and red eyes. He wears typical clerical clothing. If one ask me he looks like what I would say is a typical priest.
"Oi oi oi, who are you fuckers?" ´And he there goes that impression´ I think to myself as the "priest" talks.
"Well that confirms where the fallen angels are." Akeno-san says. "Ise let me introduce you to Freed Sellzen. The most insane stray exorcist there is and one of the known member of the people we looking for."
"Ah I see my reputation precedes me. What can I say bitches love me." This Freed guy says before taking out two objects out of his mantle. A gun and a staff that turns out to be lightsaber. ´Okay I want one.´ I cannot help but think. "Now then the boss lady said to kill anyone who may interfere with the ritual. So die." And with that he charges at us.
I am unable to call out Arondight before Freed would reach me. Luckily I am not alone. Before he could reach me Akeno-san forces him away with lightning. This gives me enough time. With Arondight I charge at him and do a fury of attacks which he either parries or evades.
Freed leaps back and shoots his gun at me. I manage to evade all shoots. This may have seemed like a advantage for Freed however the distant between us gives Akeno-san the chance to unleash a storm of lightning strikes. Surprisingly he manage to evade most strikes. Most but not all.
"AHHHHHH. FUCK you bitch!" Freed screams. "Why the fuck do I need to play gatekeeper while does shits are down there doing that shitty ritual on that little church bitch."
´What the hell is he talking about? Who is he talking about? The fallen angels? But is the other person? Wait… Could he mean?´ Before I could continue to think about it Freed starts to attack again.
This time he choose to stay close to me as to give Akeno-san an opportunity to attack him from the distance. Normally this make his gun as good as useless but his fighting is so unorthodox that he can still make use of it. That however does not mean that it works.
I need to evade more but Akeno-san and me still have the advantage and Freed seems to know that. He becomes more and more desperate.
"Okay I have enough with you guys. I was only here because the boss guy told me be but I have enough." Freed yells as takes something out of his mantle and throws on the ground.
The next thing I could see is white. After a bit I am able to see again. The first thing I notice is that Freed is no where to be seen. After that I turn to Akeno-san to see if she is alright.
"Are you alright Akeno-san?"
"Yes I am fine. It seems that Freed run away. I hope he didn´t notify others of our presences. Now then let us start our search."
So we search the whole building but didn´t found anybody else.
"One would think that a ritual would be kind of flashy and noticeable. But we searched the whole church and haven´t found even a feather." I say to Akeno-san as we went back toward the altar.
"While you are correct that rituals are often quite noticeable we did look everywhere." Akeno-san tells me which confuse me since we search every room. "Tell me Ise. Do you notice something strange about this altar?"
´Hm something strange about the altar… There is nothing strange about it as far as I can tell.´ "No Akeno-san. I don´t see something about it." I tell her my thoughts.
"You are correct. There is nothing strange as far as we can see. However here is another question for you. Why destroy every even remotely holy symbol but the altar?"
I could give no answer for that. Seeing that Akeno-san goes to the altar and inspect it.
"Hey Ise, come here. I need your help moving the altar."
As we move it a hiding staircase is revealed.
"Ara we can be pretty sure that down there will be the ritual. Ise from this moment we need to see everyone down there as an enemy." Akeno-san says with serious voice. Instead of answering I call upon Arondight.
At the bottom of the stairs is a cave like structure with a ceiling height of 5m. In it are a group of hooded individuals and on the far end of it is a podium. What is on it both scare me and enrage me. On it are both Raynare and Asia however Asia is not standing but chained on a strange cross and wearing only some rags.
"ASIA!"
….. Absolute silence.
"Well there goes our potential surprise attack. Oh well no sense in cry about spoiled milk."
"What the hell are you two doing here? Where is Freed?" Raynare demands.
Instead of answering I charge toward the podium. The hooded group take out their weapon and start to charge as well but before either me or them could each other the hooded group was attack by lightning.
"Ara ara you should really learn a bit patience. However I like them a bit more wild."
"Akeno-san…"
"What are you waiting for? I will… try to get know these fine gentlemen a bit" At that I get a light flashback toward earlier today and shiver goes down my spine but I didn´t let it hold me off for long. As I begin my charge again I hear screams from behind me.
As I reach the top of the podium Raynare starts to talk: "I have no idea why you are here but it doesn.."
"You talk too much." I say as I attack her. However she evades and summons her light lance.
"And why should I worry? Last time you couldn´t even come near me."
´Last time I had no weapon bitch´ I think to myself but there is no reason to remind her.
As we clash I manage to overwhelm her with my skill with the sword and give her a small cut on her arm.
"AAAAHHHH!" Raynare yells in pure pain. "What the hell is that sword? It isn´t a demonic sword. It lacks the aura for one."
Now knowing that can actually can hurt her and quite painfully at that. She is much more cautious and change her tactic. Using her wings she takes to the sky (or more precise the cave ceiling) and creates many light lances.
´This is the same attack as at the park. It would make sense to use it if we were in the same position as to last time. This however there are two differences.´ I think to myself as I put my sword in a defensive position and Raynare fires her lances.
´The first is that I have now a great weapon.´ I either evade all lances or parry them. Non coming even close to hitting me.
´And the second difference is…´ I think as I start sprinting toward the nearest wall from Raynare slightly confusing her. As I come near it I jump on it and then do a wall jump putting me on the same height as her. ´… that we are not outdoors.´
Raynare is so surprised that she does not protect herself in time and enable me to cut of one of arm and half of a wing resulting in both of us falling. I landed safely by doing a roll to redirect my momentum while Raynare simply crash on the ground near Asia.
Before I could celebrate my victory Asia starts to scream and something starts to shine around her breasts area more precise where her heart is.
"AHAHAHA YOU GUYS ARE TOO LATE!" Raynare yells with a maniac smile and turns toward Asia. In the time where I looked at Raynare two rings appeared which are taken by her and is healed instantly. At the same moment Asia loses the light in her eyes and goes limp. "FINALLY IT IS MINE! AHAHAHA! Nowthenready for round three? Not that it matters!"
And with that she charges at me and takes the offensive. I only could go in the defensive because of my instincts. I can only react not being able to form a tactic or truly concentrating on the fight since I am still in shock at what happened to Asia.
"ISE CONCENTRATE ON THE FIGHT." I hear Akeno-san yell at me. It does its job and shakes me out of my shocked state.
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO ASIA!" I yell angrily at Raynare and use an opening in her attacks to counter.
While it manages to hit the wound isn´t big. Unlike before Raynare doesn´t scream in pain. She still flinches at receiving the wound but smiles even crazier. "Wasn´t you who told me I talk too much? But I guess it doesn´t matter if I tell you or not so why not." She says as she takes to the sky again. Making sure that she has some distances between the walls. "What I did was taking away her Sacred Gear. It is Twilight Healing which has the ability to heal wounds of anybody." As tells me that the wound I gave her started to heal.
"But why is she like that now?" I say. Less toward Raynare and more to me but she hears me anyway and answers me: "Sacred Gears are a part of their owner´s soul. So by taken away it one takes also away a part of the owner´s soul which is quite deadly as one could imaging."
I do not know how to react to it but I also have not the time to think about it because Raynare starts to nosediving and tries to skewer me with her lance. With me not focus and Raynare not pacing herself she manage to cut my arms a few times. They aren´t wound which stop me from fighting but annoying non the less.
Luckily Raynare cannot do these nosedives for long and takes back into the air.
"Honestly you humans are so dumb." She starts to taunt. "I mean first we have you who thinks he could fight and win against ME. And then we have that little blond idiot who seriously thought we would help her and care for her. I mean how stupid can one be? We didn´t care for her. She was just a tool."
With each word I got angrier and angrier and my goal to defeat her got stronger and stronger. Until…
´I declare you worthy enough to wield it.´ I hear a voice in my head.
´Despite being insulted for being stupid and weak. You feel anger not because of that but because of the insults against someone else. Despite not truly being part of the mystical world. You still decide to fight in order to protect those who are innocent. So with that I declare you worthy to wield Arondight´s power. Focus your magic in it, call its name and it will give you the power you need.´ And with that the voice becomes quiet.
´What was that? Worthy? What does that mean? Whose voice was that? Can Arondight really do that?´ Those and many other questions go through my head but one thing is clear. I canonly win if the voice tells the truth.
And with that I do as the voice told me and focus my magic energy in Arondight. This generates blue flames along the blade. Something which doesn´t go unnoticed.
"Oh what are you trying now? Do you not know that it is useless?"
"Shut up and find out if it is useless you deranged bitch."
"How dare you" And with that she charges.
As I was about to call Arondight´s name my instincts say that it isn´t enough energy yet. But I cannot wait neither do I want to wait. ´I will end this with this attack. So please lend me your power…´ "ARONDIGHT." I yell and swing it.
"What?" Raynare could say before she is hit by the slash of light which was fired of Arondight and explodes on impact.
It is over. All the tiredness of yesterday night, today and this fight caught up. It takes away most of my strength away making even standing a chore. But I am feeling great. Afterall I did it. I defeated Raynare… or so I thought.
"ISE WATCH OUT!" Akeno screams and pushes me.
As I look up I only could watch in horror as a light lance is in Akeno´s abdomen.
"AHAHAHA Did you really think you won?" My head slowly turns toward where the voice comes from. Standing there is Raynare. Her whole body is covered with dirt and burn marks and has a large open-wound which goes from here left shoulder down to her hip. While she stands it is clear to me that she is on her last leg.
"Sure you possessing Arondight and being able to use it was a surprise but it doesn´t change anything. It even makes things better." Raynare starts to talk. More to herself than me because she doesn´t notice me making my way slowly to her. "I can say that that bastard child has stolen Arondight and gave it to you. I have found out and killed you guys to take it back. In addition you guys also stole the Sacred Gear form that girl. It would make sense too since so long the owner is dead anybody can take it so long they are fast enough." This gives me a pause and a plan forms itself in my head.
"Yes that will work nicely. AHAHAHAHa… ha?" That are the last thing I hear from Raynare as I cut off her head. I do not waste time and take the two rings Raynare has and run as fat as I can toward Akeno.
"Akeno, here take those." I say as I hold the rings toward Akeno.
"Ara *cough* Ise, I think we´re a bit young to marry." Akeno jokes weakly.
"Akeno, please." I desperately plead with her. This gives her a pause and looks at me before smiling gently and takes the rings.
I hold on of her hands tightly and praying to anyone that it work. At first nothing happens and I fear the worst but then green light starts to glow from her and her wounds heal.
To say I am happy is an understatement. With the reassurance that Akeno would survive I collapse. Exhausting finally taking me.
Unknown time later… Issei´s room ( 3rd POV)
It is early in the morning when Issei finally wakes up. At first he is confused where he was but that quickly vanish. The next thing he notice is that he isn´t alone in his bed. Now normally he would be extremely excited but with him not remembering what happened the last days his excitement is limited. After a moment he takes a look as who it is.
It is Akeno and in that moment Issei remembers what happened.
"Akeno! Are you alright? Do you have any wounds? Do you feeling good?" Issei let out a flood of questions.
"Hm? Ah good morning Ise or should I say Darling?" Akeno chuckles at her own joke. "I am fine Ise. But more importantly how are you feeling? You were asleep for 3 days."
"What I was asleep for so long?" As if to answer his own question his stomach let´s out a growl similar to that of a lion.
"Ara, it seems like so one is hungry. Come let get up. Your parents will be happy that you up again." Akeno says before standing up and leaves the room to go and change.
After changing his clothes Issei goes to the kitchen. No two steps into the kitchen Issei is tackled down by his mother.
"Issei, Iamsohappythatyouareawake." Miki mumbles out as she cries into her son.
Issei at first isn´t sure at what to do but then simply starts hug his mother as he as well starts to cry. He finally has started to realize that he could have died in that fight.
After a moment Gorou comes and helps his wife and son up and then hugs them tightly.
"You have worried so much. You have no idea. But finally you´re awake." He says to his son as some tears roll down his face. Over the last few days he needed to be strong for his wife and tried to hold in his tears but now with their son awake and well he doesn´t need to hold back anymore.
Akeno mean while observes them and continues to make breakfast. After the family has calmed down enough they eat breakfast. And after that both Miki and Gorou needed to had to work. Leaving Akeno in charge of Issei.
"So what happened after I collapsed?"
"Well first I tried to heal you with Twilight Healing which worked but you still were unconscious."
"Wait Twilight Healing?"
"That is… was the Sacred Gear of Asia Argento. It has the ability to heal anyone which is a rare ability to have."
In that moment Issei realizes something. "Asia what happened to her? Is she alright?" He knows that she is probably dead but to know and to accept are two different things.
"I am sorry Ise. She died after Raynare took out her Sacred Gear. There was nothing we could have done."
"No… Why here? Didn´t she not already went through enough?" Issei asks no one in particular. Akeno Only could hug him and keep him company.
After awhile Akeno continues to tell Issei what had happened after he collapsed. How she carried him back to his home. How she went to the student council and gave a short report to them about what happened. They still need to give more detailed report but that could wait till tomorrow.
The rest of day was they talk together to try and distract from Asia´s death. Issei talked about the voice he heard. In the end they guess that it was Lancelot who judge Issei as worthy. It was later decided that Issei is fit enough to go to school.
The next day after school…
Issei was welcomed back warmly back. Many at first thought that Issei tried to run way from the beating he would had received thanks to Akeno´s joke. However after Akeno appearing with distract look and later hearing gossip of both his taking a few days free from work. It was accepted that something happened.
Issei decided to let this thought continue and not correct it. When ask what happened he simply says that he was involved in an accident and leaves it at that.
Akeno comes after the last period and both go to the student council room.
"Good afternoon Miss Himejima, Hyoudou-san. I hope you are feeling fine Hyoudou-san. Should you need to more rest do not worry about classes. We will make sure you are excused." Sona greets Akeno and Issei.
At the moment only Akeno, Issei, Sona and Tsubaki who is the vice president of the student council.
"Thank you Shitori-kaichou but I am feeling fine so it won´t be needed." Issei thanks her.
"Alright then. Let us start this meeting. So just to repeat what we already know: You two found one of the missing fallen angels and a group of unknown humans. They did a ritual to get a Sacred Gear and it came to a fight between you and them. The results were that Hyoudou-san was unconscious, Miss Himejima received the Sacred Gear, the unknown group of humans were captured and the fallen angel dead." Sona recounts what she already knew.
"Well the first thing we should add is that before we found the ritual we fought against a stray exorcist. A certain Freed Sellzen." Akeno begins to add more information. "Unfortunately he manage to escape. He didn´t seem to be a part of their group however."
"Why are you thinking that?" Tsubaki asks and instead of Akeno Issei answers: "He says that he was only there because ´the boss´ told him so. Who this boss we do not know."
"We didn´t find anything from important in the church. Did find maybe something or did the human tell you something?" Akeno asks Sona in hope they found something but Sona simply shakes her head. "While we manage to find out the humans were a mix of stray exorcist and mages we didn´t find out much more or anything of important. What I like to know is why you killed the fallen angel? Raynare? She would have more information."
"I didn´t kill her Ise did it." This shocks the two devils.
"I didn´t had another choice. I couldn´t defeat her because of Twilight Healing and I needed it because otherwise Akeno-chan would have died."
"Okay wait I think the two of need more information here." Sona says.
"Because of me lowering my guard before confirming Raynare´s defeat. Akeno took the hit for me. Raynare did the same error as me and I killed her and gave Akeno Twilight Healing in order to save her."
"I see." Sona replies before becoming quiet and thinks if she should try to recruit Issei. But decides that it is a matter for another time. "Anyways are there more things that we should know?"
"No there isn´t more. Now the only thing I need to do is find the other fallen angels."
"That won´t be necessary. Yesterday night we did one of typical patrols. On it we were attacked by the missing fallen angels. They thought that we were the one who interfered with the ritual and wanted revenge. We managed to defeat them and capture them. We still need to do some interrogation and reports and then you can have them."
Upon hearing that Akeno doesn´t seem to be as happy as Issei would have expected but she still thanked Sona for the information and apologizes for the inconvenience.
Since there isn´t any more to discuss Issei and Akeno say their goodbyes and head to Issei´s home.
Later… (Issei POV)
´Ever since Akeno-chan was told that Shitori-kaichou has the other fallen angels she seems to be sad. Why through?´ Instead of continue thinking about it I decide to simply ask her. "Hey Akeno-chan, what is going on? You seem to be sad."
"Hm oh thanks Ise for worrying. It is… well once I have get the fallen angels I need to go back to the Grigori. While I will happy to go back especially since my father is there I also started to enjoy my stay here. So I will it and more importantly you."
"Ah" and more I couldn´t say. I mean I knew she would leave one day but it still feels strange to think that she will leaves soon.
A few days later… (3rd POV)
It was time for Akeno to leave. Today a few members of the Grigori came to help with the transport the fallen angels. They already left and left Akeno so she could say her goodbyes.
Akeno and the Hyoudou family stand in front the family´s house. Miki is the first to hug Akeno and tells her: "Dear please come visit again. It was really nice to have you stay with us."
"Don´t worry I will make sure to visit." Akeno tells the older woman and returns the hug.
The next person to say his goodbyes is Gorou and likes his wife he also gives Akeno a hug.
"You are always welcome here so if you ever need a place to simply take a break feel free to come here."
"Thank you. I will keep that in mind." And with that only one person still needs to say his goodbyes.
As Issei makes his way toward Akeno he summons Arondight.
"I guess I should give this back to you."
"No Ise. It is yours. You were chosen by it and I have no need for it. So keep it."
"So that´s it, huh?" At that Akeno starts to smile that too innocent smile.
"Oh Darling don´t worry. Did you already forgot the wedding rings you gave me?" At that Akeno summons Twilight Healing. "Even if I need to go for now I will come back. But I guess I didn´t told you yes, did I? And you also do not have your own ring. Hm what to do, what to do? Ah I have an idea which will work for now." And with that she kissed Issei on the mouth.
"Kyaa Gorou-dear did you hear that. Our little Issei is growing up." Miki happy says to here husband and hugs him.
"Yes, Issei slowly becomes a man" Gorou says proudly.
Before Issei could say anything Akeno says her last goodbye and runs toward a car which waited for her. And with that it drives away.
So that was this arc. Maybe I should have split this chapter in two or three separate chapters but oh well.
I will not update this story for a week or so since I still need to watch the anime and I want to do some other things.
For the next chapter I also to ask you guys (the few that read this bit) about Issei´s familiar. I have a poll on my account so vote please.
Goodbye with my best regards.