The next day found the newest student of Kuoh academy joining the ranks of the students there. Most were immediately enamored with her, but when they saw her stick close to Issei, their jovial smiles and gasps of awe turned into surly sneers and hateful glares, as if his mere presence was somehow defiling the pure maiden. Thinking about it, Issei thought it funny how their mistrust in him wasn't technically unjustifiable, even though none of them knew the truth. He felt rather indifferent to the threatening looks as he led Asia to his classroom.
They would be in the same year so it was a rather nice experience to actually be able to understand what was properly being said in class. Asia's gentle aura pushed back the darkness that creeped at the back of his mind as school rolled on.
Then they had PE, something Issei had not participated in often due to his medical history.
The PE class wasn't that large either, most of the athletic kids were in various clubs. Most including but not limited to: Kendo, Track, Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Basketball and so forth.
The regular PE class was a class that the second years had to take before they would either join a club or continue onto the harder PE class that came in third year. Given that this was Issei's first class with Miss Naima Ima, he was surprised at how small the class was.
The teacher was standing in the center of the basketball court, in a pair of workout shorts and a tight running top that covered everything needed. Her midriff was free and showed off the faint outline of a six-pack. A whistle hung around her neck and a towel over her left shoulder.
"Welcome, students," She said, giving them all a cursory look over, "Now, before we start, I want to announce to any of the Kendo Club members here that the Kyoto Kendo Tournament is in a few months time. I expect you to actually be training your hardest for that, given that Private Aiichi Symbiosis Academy is still holding the record over us for Kuoh's past eight tournaments."
That got all the students hissing as the thought of the Kyoto Private Aiichi Symbiosis Academy, the long hated rivals of the Kuoh Academy.
Unlike Kuoh Academy, rumor had it that the Aiichi Symbiosis drove their male students into being effeminate and adopting female identities, while the women got weapons to defend themselves. Only five of the top students got actual swords, though there were rumors that only one guy actually kept his male identity recently.
Issei was pretty sure that something unnatural was keeping the Kyoto government from acting against the Academy, like magic or something even more sinister, if the rumors were in fact true. He wasn't fully sure but it smelled completely fishy to Issei and he was pretty sure that Rias and her Peerage knew this too.
But the rivalry had gone even further back to when both academies were female only, the rivalry had become national when it was shown live in Japanese televisions nearly forty years ago.
Ever since then, it has become a national pastime for everyone to tune into the Kuoh-Aiichi tournament battles. If anyone even breathed the victories that Aiichi had, they would be nearly crucified by the student body. Both men and women of the academy all agreed that Aiichi was the greatest evil.
As Issei felt Asia get closer to him as it seemed the room temperature dropped before Naima blew her whistle, shattering the building rage in an instant. She then pointed at the obstacle course she had set up around the court before speaking loudly.
"The only reason I see you all not moving is because you decided to stew in your anger at your rival. I suggest you put that anger to good use. Go through this course four times, by the time you're done, I expect you all to be ready to learn something."
She blew the whistle again and the class seemed to move as one, all charging the obstacle course like a herd of wild buffalo.
When Issei got to the first obstacle, he barely had time to register the fact of what it was until he was shoved aside and something snapped. The pain didn't even register, but Asia's screams of horror did, as he looked down and saw his left leg was bent in the entirely wrong direction.
That scream also made most of the students pause as Issei started to feel the pain register, as he went to grab his leg before a hand stopped him. Looking up as tears filled his eyes, he saw Naima was above him, looking him over with a rather intense look of worry.
"Everyone!" She barked, getting everyone's attention, "Keep doing the obstacle course until I get back! And if any of you start creating rumors about this, I'll be sure you get even more exercise time than you even want!"
She then picked Issei up, as he winced in agonizing pain as she moved him as gently as she could to the nurses office. The only thoughts running through his head were what in the world had happened and if Asia was going to be alright?
Naima had not expected this to happen to her, but when Issei Hyoudou was shoved aside by one of the older women into the lowest hurdle, she could only watch as his left leg snagged then snapped loudly. That seemed to silence everything in the court.
The newest student, Asia Argento, then screamed. That had brought Naima back to reality as she rushed over to Hyoudou and she was at his side instantly, looking over the wound.
The left leg had twisted and snapped out of its socket in the hip, now limply laying on the floor as Issei went to go touch it. She stopped him, getting a closer look before telling her class to continue doing the obstacle course. She would get back to them later, right now she had a rather injured student to deal with. Carrying him to the nurses' office, Naima put Issei on the single bed in the rather spacious room before noticing someone had followed her.
Asia Argento had followed and was instantly at Issei's side before her hands were at Issei's broken leg. Naima was about to stop them when a green glow covered the young girl's hands and Issei's leg started to repair itself. In only a few moments, Issei's left leg was back to normal as Asia grimaced before hugging Issei tight enough to crush a bear.
Asia nodded before turning to look at Naima, who was rather taken aback at the suddenness of the entire thing. She may be the Red Dragon Empress but something like that injury should have taken phoenix tears or particularly powerful healing magic, she had never once seen a Sacred Gear heal that quickly or effectively.
Issei then groaned, "I think we may have done this in the wrong place, Asia."
Asia blinked in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Issei pointed at his healed leg, "Leg injuries like mine don't just repair themselves that quickly."
Naima put a hand against her forehead as she sighed, "I can fix it, but what in the world happened, you two?!"
She said this last part with her teeth grinding together, frustration welling up inside her.
Asia shakely answered, "I-Issei has a monster inside of him that left him a mean surprise to inflict pain upon him."
Naima looked at Issei, "A monster, are you serious?"
Issei glowered at her, "You apparently know about the Supernatural world if you are acting like Asia is lying, Sensei Ima."
Naima felt like she had been slapped with that remark before the top of her left hand started to laugh. She lifted it and glowered at the glowing circle, not at all amused.
[He has you there, Naima,] Ddraig laughed, clearly smiling at the situation, [I told you that you needed to work on your acting skills a bit longer!]
"Shut up, you overgrown lizard." Naima hissed before looking at the pair, "I can handle the memory modification, making it so you only got a rather nasty scrap. That good enough?"
Both nodded before Issei got off the table, as Naima said, "I want you both out of the course until the end of the class. In case this monster left any more surprises in your body."
"Yes, Sensei!"
Akeno frowned as she walked up to Issei and Asia during lunch, her senses on edge since last night. But as she walked up to them, she noticed how comfortable Issei looked around Asia.
It was like Asia gave Issei some sort of peace he never had before, something that Akeno felt she could have given if she hadn't stayed away from much of the population of the school due to her rather valid issues.
Such as the Kuoh Rumor mill, which she hated with a passion. Rumors seem to appear with every step she took, something she wanted to blast away with her electric based powers, but couldn't as that would mean harming the humans that were innocent.
Such a tight line she must walk while up here, which made her restless. That didn't help her so she had to release her energies in other ways, like teasing.
"Hello, Senpai Himejima," The young lady said, waving Akeno over to their little spot next to the trees, "Please come sit with us!"
She could hear the rumors flying, but she ignored them as she smiled and made her way over, purposefully putting a sway in her hips that made Issei look her over. That made her smile widen a fraction.
"Of course," Akeno said with a giggle, "why wouldn't I sit with one of the cutest young girls in Kuoh Academy?"
Asia blushed completely red, as Issei smiled as he moved back a bit to allow Akeno some room to sit with them. Akeno sat and got her food out as she looked at the pair, taking in their details for later. Asia's blush was fading but her blonde bangs framed her heart shaped face with startling green eyes that screamed of pure innocence.
Issei, on the other hand, looked at her with his brown eyes that spoke of newly released freedom. His face had a sunken look, but it was getting healthier, smiling more as the bags under his eyes didn't seem to exist anymore.
As he ate, he seemed to lean towards Asia before something shifted in the air between her and him. She felt it and so did Issei, from the look of surprise he gave her.
Akeno only smiled before taking a bite of her food, not saying anything as Asia talked about her new friends in the class Issei was also in.
Akeno felt a spark inside her, one that came from Issei himself. It was like he was a storm waiting to be unleashed upon his enemies, lightning only lying dormant for Issei to call upon at a moment's notice.
For Akeno, whose entire being could turn into that very natural plasma energy, it was like Issei was pulling her to him.
Akeno felt like energy being pulled into a powerful storm and being surrounded by other energies. It was a rather warm feeling, but it was also alien, like the clouds were alive in some fashion. But with Asia being so close, it was like that alien feeling couldn't get a hold of her or hang on. It was quite funny, but everything came to an end.
The bell rang and everyone was packing up their lunches, Asia looked rather put out about it however.
"Don't worry." Akeno told her, patting the young lady's head. "We can do this tomorrow as well."
"O-ok!" Asia nodded as Issei led her back to the school, followed by Akeno, who was only a few steps behind them both.
After the last bell rang and the students were let out, Issei felt rather put out. It wasn't like he expected much from having something resembling a normal day, that would have been crazy. But after that PE class, he wasn't so sure on whether he should expect many good things to happen. Asia and Issei were walking home when Asia asked him something unexpected.
"Issei? Am I worth something?"
Issei was caught off guard at the question. Given by Asia herself and in such a timid manner, it was rather unsettling for the boy. What could have caused her to question her self worth?
"Why do you ask?" Issei asked her, wrapping an arm around her to comfort Asia.
"I-I just feel like I'm not worth much." She whispered, looking at the ground as her depressed mood only grabbed hold of her more. "Like I have only one purpose and nothing else."
Issei felt his heart sink at that, remembering last night as Asia told him her past. That had been rough on her but then having more events take place that only seemed to drill that point home. Issei pulled Asia against him as he held her tightly, making sure she could feel his friendship for her.
"Asia," He said to her, "you are not a one trick pony, you are my friend. That is something I will always cherish over whatever abilities you have or what you can do."
Asia stiffened, relaxed before hugging him tightly. Shivering as she shed tears into her shirt, Asia held onto Issei. Just letting it all out in a session of sobbing and tears.
"B-but," She sobbed, "all I can really do is heal stuff! For my gifts, I got thrown out of the one place I called my home, then I went to another place but I was called a witch after others found me healing. I come here and do what I've always done, but then I nearly get taken advantage of by a false priest…"
Issei hugged her as she continued to let out everything that burdened her innocent heart, the tears staining his outfit as he held her close.
Soon, Asia finally calmed down, hiccuping as she sniffled. Issei pulled out a handkerchief from his schoolbag, the one his dad gave him for emergencies like this one, and gently wiped away the tear streaks on Asia's innocent face.
"Let's get home," Issei said as Asia slowly nodded, smiling a bit, "Mom and Dad will be worried over the late hour of our arrival."
At the Hyoudou residence, the atmosphere was light and loving. Nothing amiss as Issei and Asia told their parents about the school day, while Gorou gave them some stories of his time with the Guardians. Everything was going right as rain when everything took a turn.
Miki Hyoudou was busy finishing up dinner as her family sat down when a chill went down her spine, one that made her look up like an alert prey animal.
Gorou, Asia and Issei all looked up at this, as Miki gave her husband a look. Gorou then grabbed the kids as Miki started weaving magics around the kitchen and dining room, as the front door exploded off its hinges. The makeshift shield held before collapsing as Miki growled like a wolf at the intruders that dared to enter her home.
Rogue Exorcists came in, weapons at the ready. Their leader, an older woman with graying brown hair, fired at Miki with her gun. Miki deflected the bolt of light before calling upon two more Shinto Deities.
"By the glorious light of Amaterasu and the enveloping silver shine of Tsukuyomi!"
Silver daggers appeared in the air around Miki as a golden flaming katana ignited into existence by her hand.
Grabbing the flaming sword, Miki slashed with her hand as that caused the daggers to hurl themselves at the enemies before her. The daggers sunk deep, blood spurting as she closed in on them.
Miki swung the sword, the golden aura cutting through the stunned Exorcists like a knife through butter. The bodies turned to ash as they collapsed before Miki grimaced as another shard of light nearly hit her leg, if Gorou hadn't shot the shard out of the air.
"Kids, stay down!" He shouted, as Miki called for the powers of Susanoo and Rajiin once more.
Lightning coursed through her as all four deities peered into her mind, curious as to why she was calling all four of them.
Miki grunted as she lashed out with a 'slightly' overpowered bolt of lightning that torched the Fallen Angel that came bursting through the window, as Gorou rushed up the stairs. The Shinto deities then decided on giving more of their powers to defend her home, as the power rushed through her body.
Miki curled her fingers into a claw-like gesture as lightning roared from her fingertips, catching a group of Fallen and Rogue Exorcists in the storm of plasma energy.
"Gorou!" Miki shouted, like it was another day without a home invasion, "Have you found your sword yet?!"
"No, dear!"
"Then please hurry up!" She groaned loudly, slashing the head off another stupid Fallen that tried to run her through with a light spear, "The neighborhood is going absolutely bonkers!"
"I'm hurrying! I can't find it because you sort of buried it beneath your garms!" Gorou said before Issei shouted over the cacophony of battle.
"Can you two stop fighting and actually focus on the battle?!"
Then Asia screamed as a light spear nearly disintegrated her hand, as Issei pulled her away. His right arm turned into that hideous golden scaled gauntlet before firing off several blasts from it.
Miki sent several bolts of her own lightning over the heads of the children, striking the survivors of Issei's attacks. Miki then got kicked back, hitting the kitchen table as she rolled over it and landed on her feet.
"Impressive but not good enough," The Exorcist said before his head exploded in a shower of red from Issei's energy blast.
"Where is dad?!" Issei gasped, looking pale as Asia clung to him in utter fear.
Gorou had finally gotten deep enough into the closet to find where he hid his sword, the one he had gotten when he caused an incident at the Guardians.
He grabbed the sheath before rushing out of the closest, right into the metaphorical arms of a pair of Fallen Angels. He grimaced before grabbing the sword's handle, gold fashioned with a curious workmanship.
"What the-" The left one said before the blade removed both Fallen angels heads from their bodies.
The blade didn't even get covered in their blood as Gorou rushed out of the room, leaping down the stairs onto the back of an exorcist as he tried to stab his son through the back.
"What the fuck, dad!" Issei yelped before Gorou wagged his finger.
"Language, Issei," Gorou said before stabbing the sword behind himself, the blade piercing the chest of the Fallen that tried to get him from behind, "It's unbecoming of someone that is going to get married to have a dirty tongue."
"What…how is this relevant?!" Issei shouted before blasting another Fallen Angel into a pile of crimson gore.
"You'll understand when you're older," Miki snapped before Asia's screams could be heard.
Gorou noticed an exorcist had his hand on Asia, dragging her towards a window. He sent a dagger made of light at the man, the blade slicing open his throat as he turned. His sword caught the light blade of another exorcist, grinning as the woman looked in shock.
"How?" She started to ask before Gorou twisted his blade and took off her hands at the wrists.
"Ancient Sword used by the Prophets and Generals of old," He answered before his wife blasted the Exorcist away.
"Could you not flirt with all the younger generation, Gorou?!" She asked in exasperation.
"They clearly have lost the fine art of flirtation," He shrugged before stabbing a Fallen as she tried to spear Miki through the back, "though I believe they are trying to kill us, so I'll stop for now."
"AAAAH! NO! LET ME GO!" Asia screamed as she was grabbed and pulled out the front door.
"No," Issei panicked as he bolted for the door, Gorou followed after his son as he shouted, "Asia!"
Looking up, Gorou gritted his teeth as he saw a blue haired fallen angel holding Asia by her upper arm, surrounded by more fallen angels. His son moved with irregular speed, but was then jumped by four Fallen who impaled his back in sync.
Issei yelled in both pain and frustration, as Asia and her captor seemed just out of reach. Before his attackers could inflict any more injuries, Gorou leapt over them. He flung a dozen light daggers so quickly that the movements of his hands were almost undetectable to the naked eye.
The sound of blessed steel raining down from above rang in Issei's ears before it stopped, followed by the heavy thud of four bodies hitting the floor.
"Get her, son! I've got your back!" Gorou said while fending off three other Fallen.
Without even hesitating, Issei jumped to his feet with a bit of a stumble and rushed towards the blue-haired woman who looked ready to take off. She paused momentarily as she noticed him, but just as Issei reached for Asia, she threw a light blast at his abdomen, making him keel over and groan in pain right at her feet.
She 'tsk'-ed and kicked him square in the face.
"We got the little bitch, we have a ritual to finish tonight! Let's go!" She snapped, taking off into the darkness.
"No," Issei snarled before one of his brown eyes bled into a crimson red, "no, no, no, no, NO!"
"Son?" Miki reached for him, only for Gorou to grab her hands.
"Don't touch him," Gorou hissed before motioning to his son's shadow with his head, "The thing may treat you like a threat or a meal."
Miki nearly screamed but forced it into a squeak as the spiney snake-like neck of the great evil slithered out of their son's shadow and seemed to be taking in the situation itself.
It then slid back inside Issei's shadow before their son was running after the kidnappers, moving as though Hell itself was on his heels. Both parents shot off after their child, wanting to help both Issei and Asia.
Akeno Himejima was just finishing up her contract for the evening when she heard Asia's screams, causing her to look up and gasp in shock. Above her, Asia was being carried by one of the rogue fallen angels as they sped towards the abandoned church on the hill overlooking Kuoh.
"Oh no you don't," Akeno hissed under her breath, opening her devil wings and taking flight.
Given that tonight was the night of the true blood moon, the only reason they would be trying this would be to extract her sacred gear at the height of its power.
The Gremory Queen wouldn't allow one of her favorite innocent students to get murdered in such a fashion, not on her watch. Electricity crackled between her fingers, singing a tune that promised lethal results as it started to build up in her hands.
She gritted her teeth before flinging out her hands, blue lines of lightning flashing out and striking several of the Fallen. Their bodies turned into ashen husks that fell to the ground below, as Akeno readied for another strike. The one with four wings, flying in formation with a blue-haired bimbo and a shortstack, turned and hurled a rather large spear of light at her.
Akeno dodged, twirling through the air before throwing her own spear that was made of electricity right back. It missed her target and nicked the bimbo in the arm, making her drop Asia. Akeno dived, barely catching the young girl before she became a streak on the pavement.
"A-Akeno-Senpai!" She gasped, holding onto the devil with shaking arms.
Akeno twisted in the air, dodging a few more light spears before shooting off past the remaining Fallen towards where the Hyoudou residence would be. Except the nearly got shot, by several exorcists on rooftops. They had her trapped, they way to keep Asia safe was to-
"What's that noise?" Asia asked, causing Akeno to look around before she heard it too.
It sounded like running feet but it was moving too fast for it to be human, before one of the Exorcists screamed in alarm before he was hurled off the roof. Both young girls went still as they saw Issei, but his eyes were both red. Glowing that alien crimson that didn't belong on this planet as the blood moon rose up behind Issei, which caused that organic gauntlet on his right arm to start glowing a brilliant golden hue.
"Oh dear Maou," Akeno cursed under her breath, "I forgot that Issei would be affected by the Blood Moon, too."
Issei's hair started to defy gravity as he was lifted up into the air, electricity sparking off his skin as he growled. His teeth turned sharp and dragonic as he pointed at the three Fallen Angels that had kidnapped Asia.
"Prepare to meet your Creator, worms!" The voice sounded like Issei's, but something within it was twisted. It was ominous, deeper even and possessed far more cruelty than Issei could ever have in his heart.
Akeno dived to the ground, rolling with Asia to protect them both as they hit the grass and tumbled. Akeno was pretty sure Asia should not see what Issei would do to these Fallen at all, or it might break her heart.
Everything seemed to slow down the moment the blood moon peeked over the housetops, as Kalawarner watched as that kid rose into the air without any wings.
That was until he seemed to appear right in front of Dohnaseek, those alien red eyes glowing so brightly within his skull. Dohnaseek couldn't move fast enough as the kid's right hand shot out and gripped him around the throat before the claws dug deeply into his flesh.
Dohnaseek gagged as the kid leaned in close, hissing, "I remember you, bird freak, you were the one to disintegrate my hosts lungs and heart. I also remember blowing your chest wide open like some over ripe fruit, shame it didn't stay that way."
Dohnaseek tried to pull the arm away but the gauntlet started to pulse, then Kalawarner nearly threw up. The Gauntlet was drinking Dohnaseek's blood, greedily slurping it up through the embedded claws like it was some smoothie.
Both Millet and Kalawarner watched as Dohnaseek's body paled, then his skin seemed to tighten around his bones before he turned to ash right before their eyes. Issei closed his hand into a fist before licking his lips like he had finished a fine meal.
The brat then spun, kicking Millet so she flipped through the air before his claws dug into her back.
Her gasp left her lips before she too met Dohnaseek's fate, her body disintegrating into dust as he focused his gaze on her. Her heart stopped beating before he pounced at her, claws reaching for her.
Kalawarner screamed as she formed a light spear, stabbing it into the boy's chest as his claws stabbed her between her huge breasts. He looked down then back up at her, grimacing as this was some minor inconvenience.
"Really, my darling?" That voice said before digging those claws deeper into her chest as she couldn't breathe, "Was that how you wanted to give the last man you'll ever have a good time with? Tut tut, bitch, where are your manners?"
She gurgled as blood filled then fled her mouth as she felt her blood all flow through her body into her chest, the golden gauntlet flexing as crimson lights could be seen flowing up the arm. In addition, she felt her body go weightless as her toes and fingers started to disintegrate, the wind blowing her body into nothing but she was still there. That was until that brats claws wrapped around her, absorbing her too.
Asia looked up as she didn't hear anything for a while before seeing Issei, floating in the air. He was looking at his clawed fingers, as though fascinated by them.
She pushed herself away from Akeno, who tried to hold her back. Asia broke free and ran into the middle of the road. Her raven-haired senpai yelled after her, but the blonde girl ignored her.
"ISSEI!" She screamed, causing him to turn.
She stopped, seeing that both of his once brown eyes were glowing crimson. He then floated down and stood before her, growling like she had threatened him. Asia felt fear run through her before she shoved it away, pouncing and hugging Issei tightly. Issei went still, blinking before he started shaking like someone was electrocuting him violently.
"LET ME GO, YOU VILE CREATURE!" It shouted in Issei's voice, its shaking growing worse.
"No," Asia hissed, glowing into those red eyes, "You give me back my friend, coward. You don't belong in Issei Hyoudou's body! Now let him go."
"YOU FILTHY MOUTH-BREATHER! UNHAND MY FORM THIS INSTANT!" It tried to pull her off but something kept him from touching her, "WHY CAN'T I FUCKING TOUCH YOU, WHORE?!"
"Issei won't let you." Gorou Hyoudou said, causing Asia to look over her shoulder at the man who had at this point become something of a father figure to her. "My son won't let you harm the closest friend he's had in so many years."
"GAH! NO! CURSE YOU HYOUDOU!" It shrieked before Issei seemed to collapse in on himself, limply hanging in Asia's arms as the Blood Moon finally turned from red to white.
"It's over," Miki gasped before running up to Asia and her son, "is he alright?"
Gorou came up, as did Akeno, as he said, "I think Asia saved his hide again."
Asia blushed, but held onto Issei as she used her Sacred Gear to heal him of the wounds that couldn't be seen on the surface.
Issei woke up in his own bed when a wet cloth was put over his face, causing him to splutter and cough.
Sitting up, Issei pulled the cloth off his face and blinked his blurry vision away. He then felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders before he was pushed back onto the bed. Finally getting his vision cleared, allowing him to see Akeno with Asia looking over her shoulder.
"Finally awake are we?" Akeno smiled before Asia moved around her and hugged him.
"W-what happened?" He asked, weakly hugging Asia back.
"You got possessed by that monster due to the Blood Moon last night," Akeno explained, "You are lucky it's the weekend or you would have missed school."
Issei sighed before looking at the female Devil with a questioning look.
"Asia asked me to stay after I saved her life from the Fallen," Akeno said with a smirk, "I must say, you are quite the catch in some circles in Kuoh."
"I feel like Kiba when you say that," Issei groaned, causing both girls to laugh at his meaning, "I'm not a pretty boy."
"No, you're a rather handsome one," Akeno said with a nod, "one that would be happy to have a date like Asia or myself."
Issei looked at both girls in confusion, as Asia lightly hit Akeno's arm, "He doesn't need to know that yet, let him heal, Akeno-senpai."
"Fine," Akeno said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "I'll let him heal before he takes us on dates, how about that?"
Asia nodded before smiling, looking expectantly at Issei. Issei, for the life of him, felt a chill run down his spine that wasn't from the monster inside his soul. This chill…it wasn't unpleasant. The boy let it ease the buzzing, unordered thoughts in his head.