A/N: So, I'm back! I was gonna post on Sunday, but I decided to wait for the first of the month. A new arc started on the first sounds cool to me! It...it made more sense in my head...ok? Anyway, the second arc is the Riser arc. I wanted a cooldown, fluffy, light-hearted chapter for this one, though, so the action will start up again next chapter. I look forward to providing everyone with more content!
"Kokabiel's dead?"
"Yes, sir. The report says that he went through with his plot to assassinate the two devil heiresses in Kuoh, but was stopped by a coalition of devils and angels."
"I know all that. Why do you think I didn't have Vali step in? I just didn't realize they actually killed him. Can't really blame them, I suppose, but I thought they'd be too afraid to kill someone that's ranked that high." The man sighed, running a hand through his dark brown hair that ended with a golden-blonde fringe. "Nothing to be done about it now. Is that everything?"
"No, sir. Apparently, the frontrunner in all of this has made great strides towards peace between the devils and the angels."
"Really? Interesting."
"Yes, sir. Should we be concerned?"
"About what?"
"The possibility of an alliance being formed against us."
"If they're trying to make peace between the devils and angels, which are as polar opposites as you can get, I seriously doubt they would be doing so for another war. I'd say we help them out. Keep an eye and an ear open. If things seem to be going well, I'd say there really is a chance to have true peace between the factions."
"A formal declaration of peace?"
"Exactly. We've been stuck on an armistice for too long. Times have changed and it's about time we all move on with our lives, don't you think? After all, I have all these gears to research! And, I believe that there's a brand new one out there just waiting to be researched!"
"Of course, sir."
"But first," he paused. "I have...ahem...important business to attend to."
"Sir, a brothel does not count as important business…"
"IT'S NOT A BROTHEL!" The man straightened his outfit slightly. "I prefer the term, 'gathering site for people in the service industry of companionship.'"
"...You are vile, sir…"
"Dismissed!"
"Yes, sir."
{Line Break}
Issei began to stir, his eyes squinting against the bright light as his consciousness returned. The first thing he noticed was how utterly sore he was. Every bone, muscle, and fiber in his entire body felt like it was being body-slammed by an orc-based Yokai.
The second thing he noticed was how comfortable he was. Never before had he been lying on something that felt so completely perfect. It was like he could spend the rest of eternity here...never moving or doing anything at all…
"So, you're finally awake," Yahweh hummed, as Issei continued to struggle to open his eyes. "About time."
"...Yahweh…?" Issei grumbled out, stretching slightly as he managed to fully awaken himself.
"Issei!" another, more feminine voice called out. The body from which the voice came from threw itself around Issei.
"Ow~," Issei groaned.
"I'M SO SORRY! I FORGOT!" she apologized, quickly backing off.
"No...it's…it's fine," Issei yawned, taking her outstretched hand to sit up. "Gabriel, where are we?"
"Your room, silly," she smiled. "Well, your new one."
"My room?" he asked.
"Yep! You have three members of your Brave Saints deck, so, while you were unconscious, Michael finished construction on the building."
"So, this is the House of Crowns?" Issei grinned. "Awesome!"
"It is, isn't it?" Gabriel agreed.
"So...how long was I out?" Issei asked the haunting question.
"Almost a week," she admitted. "We all missed you, Issei."
"It's really good to see you again, Gabriel," Issei smiled. "Screw it, come here!"
Gabriel smiled again and entered his embrace, glad to finally have a conscious Issei again.
"Forgotten about me already?"
"No, it's good to hear from you again, Yahweh," he answered, letting go of Gabriel, though he didn't notice that she wasn't exactly thrilled about their hug ending. "Though it hasn't felt like very long to me...unconsciousness and everything."
"Yeah, yeah, time is relative, I've heard it all before," Yahweh drawled.
"Didn't you invent that?"
"Time? I may be God, Issei, but even Ophis and Great Red have no influence over time. There was only one creature who could but it was severely limited... Anyway, that's not important right now."
"Uh, right?" Issei asked, suspiciously.
"I believe you have a personal fan club slash harem that's waiting for your safe return-"
"I do NOT have a harem!" Issei protested.
"Sure you don't. But in addition to your harem, you made a promise to Rias, remember? Her marriage to Riser?"
"THAT'S RIGHT!" Issei exclaimed. "I almost forgot about that!"
"What's wrong with Rias, Issei?" she asked, tilting her head cutely.
"Here, help me walk to...wherever it is that everyone else is and I'll tell you on the way." Issei scooted over to the edge of the bed and threw his arm around Gabriel's shoulder, who helped ease his way back into movement.
{Line Break}
"And you're telling me instead of punishing me, he went ahead and finished the building?" Issei asked as they entered the main room of the Crowns building.
"Mmmhmm!" she nodded. "Michael decided that, since he couldn't really stop you from using the cards, it was either finish this place and help you make sure you use them correctly or take them away entirely. Guess he made the right choice."
"ISSEI~!" another feminine voice squealed, covering vast and unquantifiable distance at Mach 10 in order to be the first to greet Issei whenever he entered a room.
"Yuuma! It's good to-OOF!""ISSEI! ISSEI!" Yuuma sobbed, latching on to the Angel and nuzzling into his chest. "Don't ever do that again!"
"Told you that you had a harem," Yahweh pointed out.
"I DON'T-..." Issei sighed and looked at the obviously distressed Angel. "Alright, fine...I have a harem…"
"HAH! I DID IT!" Yahweh boasted. "SUCK IT, CRAIG!"
"Uh...who's Craig?"
"...He may have been my previous host...and he may have denounced religion because God wouldn't, quote, 'assist him in getting women to like him,'" Yahweh finger-quoted. "He's lucky I was never awakened or I would've made every woman in a 10-mile radius have nothing but contempt for him!"
"So...you wanted me to get a harem just so you could pretend you made women fall in love with me?" Issei deadpanned.
"No comment."
"Ok then…" he sighed. "Alright, Yuuma? Let me go see everyone else too, ok? Come on."
{Line Break}
After many-a tearful reunion among his friends and more-than-friends-but-less-than-lovers, Issei was now in the Occult Research Club building with his own Brave Saints as well as Rias' peerage.
"Is Irina back yet?" Issei started from his position on the couch. Yuuma had won the position on his lap, while Asia and Katase won his two sides. Gabriel asked him to meet back up with her later back in Heaven, while Xenovia was exploring the place alongside Griselda.
"She's perfectly fine, however, she had to go back to England," Rias admitted. "They still needed to complete the mission and you sort of took Xenovia…"
"I guess I can't blame her for not saying goodbye," he mumbled, looking down sadly.
"You still have me, Issei," Yuuma smiled at him, snuggling into him more.
"Yeah, she'll be back eventually," Katase agreed, clinging onto one of his arms.
"Yes, I'm sure of it," Asia nodded, shyly leaning against him.
Issei smiled at them, hugging the three closer to him.
"My, my, someone's popular," Akeno teased, chuckling.
"Anyway, any news on the wedding?" Issei asked.
"Nothing good," Rias sighed, used to Issei's eccentricity by now. "He's coming by tomorrow after school."
"Which means that your wedding could be as early as this weekend," Issei hummed. "Any plans for how to deal with that?"
"I was hoping we'd have enough time for you to train us," she admitted. "I could always run away...or maybe fake my own death-OOH! Do you think you could reincarnate me as an Angel so they won't have a reason to marry me off anymore?"
"Uh...no…" Issei deadpanned. "No, for so many reasons. All of the reasons no."
"What do you suggest we do?" Akeno asked as Rias huffed in annoyance.
"Well, from what you've told me," Issei reasoned. "Riser is a massive douchebag. Extraordinarily perverted, has a massive ego, is extremely proud of his heritage, and is willing to use any underhanded methods necessary to get what he wants."
"Just about," Rias nodded. "Besides, he already has a harem. He doesn't want me, he just wants to claim that he's the husband of the Gremory heir…"
"Issei," Yuuma asked, turning her head slightly. "Are we going to have to compete to prove that you have the better harem?"
"WHERE WOULD YOU GET THAT IDEA FROM?" Issei shouted.
"Oh, we're just simple trophies to our powerful Lord Issei," Katase sarcastically wept.
"You'd never treat us like trophies, right, master?" Asia asked, looking up at him with her big adorable eyes.
"This is a good thing. This that is going on right now is good," Yahweh nodded approvingly. "It's been far too long since I've been adequately entertained."
"You're all the worst," Issei groaned.
"Yeah, but you love us anyway," Yuuma giggled.
"Moving on," Issei sighed. "So, he's going to be here tomorrow? Should I attend this meeting as well?"
"That could help…" Rias hummed. "Maybe you could pretend to be my boyfriend? Hmm...that could work. Or you could take my virginity so he wouldn't want-"
"If anyone's taking Issei's virginity, it's going to be me," Yuuma interrupted. "But he can pretend to be your boyfriend if you want him to. I don't mind renting him, but he gets overbooked, so I'll need a down payment."
"Wait a second-" Issei tried to protest.
"Why do YOU get his virginity?" Katase demanded. "That's not fair! If anyone gets it, it'll be me!"
"I-I also w-would l-like to…" Asia stuttered out, her face catatonically red and her eyes rolling around her head while she entered fantasy-land.
"MY VIRGINITY IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE FOUGHT OVER LIKE THE LAST SLICE OF PIZZA!" Issei exclaimed.
"Pervert…" Koneko said flatly.
"HOW DOES THEM ARGUING OVER WHO GETS TO TAKE MY VIRGINITY MAKE ME A PERVERT?!"
"So, who do you find sexier, Issei?" Yuuma demanded. "Which one of us gets to have sex with you first?"
"YAHWEH, SAY SOMETHING!"
"Alright, fine," Yahweh sighed. "Issei's really into innocence. A balance between shy and tsundere should do the trick. Not too aggressive, but not so passive that it forces him to initiate. You see, the trick is-"
"WHY IS MY LIFE LIKE THIS?" Issei cried.
"Issei, focus. We need a plan," Rias reminded them. "What should I do?"
"Well, considering how weak you all are right now, barring Yuuma,-"
"HEY!" they all shouted.
"Aww~, Issei!" Yuuma squealed.
"I would need a decent amount of time to beat you into shape properly. When I head back to Heaven tonight, I'll pull some strings and call in a few favors. I'll need more manpower, since the time I'll need isn't time we have to spare. Once I figure out how strong this Riser guy and his peerage is, I'll see what I can do from there."
"So, does that mean you have a plan?" Rias asked hopefully, conveniently forgetting that he called her and her peerage weak.
"Of course I have a plan!" he replied confidently. "Don't I always?"
"No," Yuuma shook her head.
"Not really," Katase agreed.
"I think you're very smart, Issei," Asia told him, skillfully dodging the question.
"I would say it's more common that you don't have a plan…"
"Why do I talk to any of you…"
{Line Break}
Issei was sitting under the tree in the Garden of Eden with Gabriel. Just Gabriel. It had taken a while, but Issei wanted to spend some time alone with the Seraph to thank her for helping him so much. He also needed to figure out how to go about the whole 'he was God' situation. That wouldn't exactly be the easiest thing in the world…
"It's nice here, don't you think?" Gabriel started, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Though I'm surprised that Dulio isn't here. You haven't met him yet, have you?"
"Not yet, no," Issei shook his head, putting one of his arms around her. "What's he like?"
"He's a wonderful person," Gabriel smiled. "Dulio is like the older brother many of us never had. I had three, of course, but Dulio takes on that role for everyone."
"Well, anyone that has the praise of the great Gabriel is someone worth meeting," Issei teased.
Gabriel just giggled. After a long pause, she asked, "How do you think you should tell everyone?"
"Honestly? I have no idea. I doubt they'd all accept me anyway," Issei admitted. "I mean, for all this time, they believe God is dead and now some kid just comes along claiming to be his next in line? I wouldn't blame them for being skeptical."
"I suppose that would be the case," Gabriel hummed. "But it's not just some kid. It's you. That's what makes it different."
"I don't get what you mean."
"What's there not to understand? You're Issei. Just be patient with everyone, be the person they need to follow and they'll come around. Everyone likes you, Issei. It just comes naturally to you."
"I guess," he blushed and looked away slightly. "I'm just a bit...nervous I guess. I mean, Yahweh was so good at what he did, that even Michael struggles. How am I supposed to do any better?"
"Well, you've made it this far," Yahweh pointed out. "No point in getting here if you don't go all the way, right?"
"Father makes a good point," Gabriel agreed. "You've been waiting for this your whole life. Now you have the opportunity to help bring peace to the three factions, to return our God to us, and to do more good for the world than anyone else ever had. Just believe in yourself, Issei. I'm sure you'll do fine."
"Thanks a lot, Gabriel...that...that really means a lot to me…"
"Of course, Issei. If you ever need a shoulder to lean on, I'll be here."
"I think you're the one leaning on my shoulder," Issei pointed out.
"Well, if you didn't like it, you wouldn't have that goofy smile on your face," she replied cheekily. "Besides, I don't see how it's my fault your shoulders are so comfy."
"Point taken," Issei chuckled. "What do you think? How should I do it?"
"Well, you could make a big speech," she suggested. "You're good at that. Have Michael summon all the angels and just make a speech."
"That seems rather...simple, doesn't it?"
"What did you expect to do, Issei? Some magical treasure hunt that would inevitably lead someone to become the next true successor by holding up some special relic or something?"
"I mean, aside from the treasure hunt, that did kinda happen," Issei noted. "I was chosen by some sort of special relic or something which makes me the next true successor."
"That doesn't change the point I was trying to make," Gabriel sighed. "Just be yourself to them. I'm sure they'll appreciate it."
"I guess I will."
The two sat in a comforting silence for another while; Gabriel contempt to be with someone that was comfortable with and Issei glad to be out of the hospital.
"Lady Gabriel, it's nice to see you here," came a new voice, approaching the two of them. Issei looked up to see a young man with a gentle smile on his face, his hair blonde and his eyes a sparkling green. "And who's this with you? Did you finally decide to take a lover?"
"Dulio!" Gabriel squeaked, blushing and hurriedly getting off Issei. "No! Ahem. This is Issei Hyoudou."
"So you're the Dulio I've heard so much about," Issei greeted. "Nice to finally meet you. Issei Hyoudou."
"Dulio Gesualdo, Joker of Heaven," Dulio introduced, the two shaking hands before Dulio grabbed an apple from the tree and started to snack. "So, you're Michael's Jack? Is that right?"
"Not exactly," Issei chuckled sheepishly. "I've got my own deck."
"Oh?" Dulio questioned, continuing to munch on his apple without too much of a change of expression.
"After the last battle of the Great War, Yahweh sealed himself into a Sacred Gear. That's the one I have; Heavenly Crown," Issei explained.
"I see," Dulio nodded understandingly. "I suppose that means you outrank me."
"I...guess…?" Issei was beyond confused. He was taking it so casually the fact that Issei held Yahweh's soul within his Sacred Gear. Not only that, but he believed him! Right away, too! "Why aren't you-"
"Surprised?" he asked, finishing the first apple and moving on to another. "You're a very powerful angel, Issei. It's not hard to figure out that there's something different about you. I wouldn't have guessed that God still lived on in any form, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility."
"So, you're Heaven's joker, hmm?" Yahweh questioned.
"I am. And you're Yahweh?" Dulio replied.
"I like you already. Titles can be such a bore."
"I agree. I prefer the simple things. Like sampling the global cuisine."
"I truly envy you, Dulio. All I can eat in here is memories of food. It's not the same…" Yahweh sighed.
"WHAT'D I TELL YOU ABOUT EATING IN MY SOUL!" Issei shouted.
"What brings you here, Dulio?" Gabriel inquired. "I haven't seen you here as of late."
"Ah, I was summoned to Canada by the rumors of a wonderful new dish." Dulio sighed in happiness at the memory. "Truly wonderful."
"I thought Canada wasn't real?" Issei wondered.
"Well, I just went there. So it must be," Dulio reasoned.
"That's not what Ms. Hatcher told us…" Issei thought carefully, remembering the lesson.
{Flashback}
"And as you can see here," she instructed, pointing at a large graph. "This proves that Canada is in fact a fictional place invented by the United States government to convince people to live in their Northern sector. Normally, it's far too cold, but studies show that incentivizing people with maple syrup can be a strong motivator."
{Flashback End}
"Yeah...I don't think she's a real teacher…" Issei deadpanned.
Gabriel giggled at him. "Perhaps I should join you in class sometime."
"As much as I would love to see you more often, don't you have too much to do here?"
"I guess you're right," she sighed. "But I can dream at least."
"Do you have any ideas about how we should inform Heaven, Dulio?" Issei asked, changing the subject back.
"Perhaps a large speech, though you'll need to provide adequate refreshments," Dulio pondered aloud.
"Sounds like you have your answer," Gabriel giggled.
"That just seems rather boring," Issei sighed. "I'd rather fight some giant monster and unveil it that way, or make some sort of super divine judgement of awesome righteousness!"
"But that means there has to be a giant monster," Gabriel pointed out. "And even if there was, you already did both of those things, remember? First Yuuma and then Kokabiel. I think you could use a bit of normalcy, Issei. You can be a bit eccentric sometimes."
"I don't see the problem with that," Issei huffed.
"It's part of the Issei package," she giggled again.
"Hope you kept the return address…"
"YAHWEH!"
{Line Break}
"This...is going to be a long day," Issei sighed, staring at the mirror of his bathroom. He had contacted Michael about how soon he could gather all the Angels together and, apparently, the answer was the next day. That day was today, which also just happened to be the same day Riser was coming to visit Rias, on top of the fact that he had school. Fridays were normally something to look forward to…
This morning had been rather pleasant, though. He, Yuuma, Asia, and Xenovia had officially moved into the House of Crowns, the girls having moved all his stuff while he was unconscious. Of course, Yuuma and Asia decided that they only needed rooms to store stuff in and refused to sleep anywhere but with him. Normally, this practice was something Issei tolerated, but it just felt more right this time. Maybe it was the new living space.
Issei finished getting ready and had his morning meal with his fellowship of crowns. Now, he was off to the morning sermon, which Michael had set up as a mandatory meeting for all angels. He would be giving a speech...introducing himself...as God...to all of Heaven…
"Hey, Issei?" Yuuma started. "You should really calm down, you know."
"What makes you say that? Calm? I'm plenty calm. Calmness does not evade me, I embrace the-"
"You seem a bit...nervous," Asia added quietly.
"Why would I be nervous? That'd be crazy! Nervous? Not me! I'm only about to give a speech to all of Heaven about how I'm supposed to be the successor to the greatest being who has ever lived and expect them to believe me without murdering me, and, assuming they believe me and are willing to follow me, which are both far-off and unlikely assumptions to make, I then have to lead an entire faction! I'm 17! That's perfectly reasonable, so why would I be-!"
"Shush," Yuuma scolded, grabbing his face between her hands as the three walked towards the gathering area so Issei would have a bit more time to relax. "You have nothing to be nervous about. You're Issei! Sure you aren't perfect, but what's wrong with that? You're kind, gentle, strong, caring, brilliant, and a wonderful leader."
"Y-yes!" Asia quickly agreed. "You're a very great friend...and I'm very happy to be following you…"
"But that's just for the-"
"No, it's not just for the two of us," Yuuma shook her head. "What about Xenovia? And Rias' peerage?"
"And you have Lord Michael and Lady Gabriel's approval," Asia added.
"So, in conclusion," Yuuma spoke professionally, as if giving a great speech herself...before grabbing him again and kissing him deeply before pulling away. "We have full faith in you. If you don't have faith in yourself, then our faith would be wasted. Do you not trust us to put our faith in people that can be trusted?"
"W-wha-!" Asia turned red as Issei shook his head dumbly, his mouth still open in surprise.
"So, then you should have a little faith in yourself," she winked. "Right, Asia?"
"U-um, y-yes!" she sputtered.
"Why don't you give Issei a good-luck kiss, too, Asia?" The blonde just squeaked in response and started to become a stuttering mess. "Oh, well. Another time. Ready, Issei?"
"Uh…" Issei took a moment but managed to shake off the surprise and process everything. "I...I think so."
"Good," she smiled.
"Thank you both," he smiled back and pulled them both in for a hug.
"Just don't forget about us when you get mobbed by fans," Yuuma teased.
"I love you both…" he murmured.
"Hmm?" Yuuma asked, faking ignorance. "What was that? I didn't hear you?"
"Uh...nothing!" he quickly replied, pulling back. Asia was already barely conscious, her face red and eyes spinning around in their sockets.
"Ihavetogomakemyspeechnowbye!" he spoke quickly, sprouting his wings and teleporting off.
"Issei," Yuuma sighed but quickly started to giggle. "I love you, too."
"L-love….I-Is-Issei…" Asia babbled.
"Alright, come on. Let's go," Yuuma said, dragging the blonde by her arm to the section of the sermon designated for the Crowns.
{Line Break}
There he stood, a slow drip of sweat from his forehead. Michael had announced that there was special news, which was why this morning's sermon was mandatory, barring extreme emergency circumstances. Then, he brought Issei out. Now, Issei stood in front of every angel in Heaven and had to come up with something to say.
"Er...Hello, my name is Issei Hyoudou," he started out, slightly nervously.
"Real smooth," Yahweh commented. "Just take a breath and explain everything. You get really into it once you get started."
'Uh...right…' Issei cleared his throat and started. "As you are all aware, following the sealing of Ddraig and Albion, our Lord perished, having successfully saved our faction's survival. His loss was painful and difficult for all of us. We were left to grieve our Heavenly father, Lord Michael was left to run his great systems, and we were all at a loss on how to move forward. Through the bravery and continued efforts of all the Angels, we survived and will continue to survive."
"Good start," Yahweh nodded. "Now, on to the main point."
"Unfortunately, that is not the whole truth of the matter," Issei continued, earning gasps and murmurs from the crowd. "Although, no one knew this, not even Lord Michael or Lady Gabriel. In his final moments, our great Lord sealed himself away within a Sacred Gear himself, intent to be kept imprisoned within a gear for all of eternity. Until now, no one has awakened it."
"And…"
"My name is Issei Hyoudou." The King of Crowns released his ten glittering golden wings and activated his Sacred Gear, replacing his trademark halo with a glowing crown. "I am the first wielder of the Heavenly Crown. Following the abdication by our Heavenly Father, I intend to follow his footsteps, his teachings, and his guidance and become his true successor. He gave us two cities; wherein I am from one and intend to lead the other. I ask you to follow me as you followed him, to accept me as I learn and grow alongside you, and to continue to spread His teachings of love, forgiveness, kindness, and charity."
"The boy speaks the truth," Yahweh spoke, earning even more gasps from the crowd. "As the wielder of the Boosted Gear is the Red Dragon Emperor, the wielder of the Heavenly Crown is the Lord. Issei is the best successor I could have asked for, my children. So, unto my orders, let there be one ruler, one king. And that king is Issei."
"I, who is the mercy of the sky above," Issei started to chant, bathing in the light of Heaven.
"What's he doing?" Xenovia exclaimed from the crowd, starting to panic.
"Wait!" Yuuma stopped him. "It feels different...let him finish."
"I-I agree," Asia nodded timidly. "It feels...warmer...not scary and powerful...like last time."
"Am the God and the Lord in Heaven," Yahweh joined.
"Should the end come,"
"I am but the beginning."
"Should the dreams wither,"
"I am but the dream."
"Should the stars burn away,"
"I am but the sun."
"May my holy path," Issei clasped his hands together and shut his eyes.
"Embrace you." Yahweh finished.
The blinding holy energy that radiated from Issei flashed, forcing the angels to shut their eyes. When they opened again, Issei stood before them. He was much taller, towering over the angels. His hair was blonde instead of its previous brown color and his eyes were the trademark green of pureblood angels.
"This is my form," Issei boomed. "My Form of God. So, will you accept me?"
The angels stared for a moment until Yuuma started clapping. Asia and Xenovia quickly joined her. Soon after, all of the angels were applauding, many shedding tears of joy and shouting.
"Our Lord has returned!"
"By the Holy Father, we will be saved once more!"
"I always knew if we prayed hard enough, he would return to us!"
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel joined Issei on stage, Michael directly to his left, Gabriel directly to his right, Raphael slightly to Gabriel's right, and Uriel to Michael's left.
"Many years have come into preparing Issei for his role," Michael explained to the quieting crowd. "But we believe he is now ready to take the mantle left by my father and do far greater things than I have ever done. I was but a temporary substitute. Issei, is Father's true successor."
"In addition," Uriel stepped slightly forward. "We have also provided him with his own Brave Saints deck. A new suit was developed, the suit of Crowns. As King of Crowns, Issei and his Saints will continue to grow and prosper in order to protect the Heavens."
"We hope that everyone will come to see him as a leader," Gabriel said. "As we all have. The four of us, as well as Father, believe that Heaven could be entrusted to no greater man."
"From the short time I've known him," Raphael finished, stepping slightly forward. "The praise of my siblings speaks true. I entrust my faith into Lord Issei and his Saints."
"Yuuma, Asia, Xenovia," Issei boomed. "Please, come forward."
The three hastily flew in front of Issei and the Four Great Seraphim. "Yes, my Lord."
"Yuuma Amano, high-class Angel," Issei introduced, gesturing for her to bow before the crowd. He introduced each of them before beginning to conclude his speech. "I shall endeavor to lead with the grace of my predecessor and lead Heaven into the future with a peaceful world. I seek to live in a world where I do not fear for the lives of those I love. Where I can trust that they will be safe without me by their side to shield them from harm. Where my friendships, trust, and love is not to be restricted by faction or politics. Soon, angels, we will all breathe free and lead the world towards a better future."
The vast majority of the angels continued to cheer, applaud, and cry. They were ecstatic for a new leader, a true successor to their fallen Lord. He had returned to them and with him in front, they would prosper.
{Line Break}
"That...was the most terrifying thing I've ever done," Issei groaned into his pillow, trying to milk the last few minutes they had before teleporting to school.
"But you did amazing!" Yuuma praised.
"You were really wonderful," Asia spoke timidly.
"I have no regrets choosing to follow you," Xenovia nodded. "I believe you are worthy of the title of my King."
"Thank you guys," Issei sighed. "But I'm not really one for crowds…"
"That's ok, Issei. It's not like you have to do that every day," Yuuma giggled.
"As long as I have you three with me, I'll be fine," he smiled.
"Aww, Issei~," Yuuma cooed, tackling him and snuggling into him. "You can't just say stuff like that you know."
"I have to remind you every so often," he chuckled.
"Yes, yes you do," she leaned down and kissed him again.
"If that doesn't make it official, I don't know what does," Yahweh grunted.
"Eh, he's got a point," Issei shrugged. "So, I take it you're into the whole harem thing you've wrapped me into?"
"Only if Asia's second," she grinned and yanked the bright red blonde over too.
"I'll...let myself out…" Xenovia said awkwardly, her own face relatively pink as she walked out of the room.
"You'll join us in time, Xenovia," Yuuma waved her off. "Now, Asia. Did you have something to say to Issei?"
"U-um, e-er...I...Iss-Issei," she stammered, her face bright red.
"Honestly, screw it," he shrugged, before kissing her as well. Asia squeaked in surprise but did nothing to resist. In fact, she leaned into him slightly.
"Um...I...I really like you!" Asia admitted, trying not to faint in embarrassment.
"I like you too, Asia. I can't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't abducted you that day," he grinned as she giggled slightly. "So...I guess...this is an official thing now?"
"Wow...way to not make that awkward at all," Yahweh drawled. "For someone who thinks he's an anime protagonist, you really had to go about starting your harem in the least dramatic way possible, didn't you?"
"Not everything has to be clichè you know!" Issei yelled back, blushing in embarrassment.
"I'm just glad you're admitting it early. That makes you better than those protagonists in my eyes," Yahweh grinned. "Now. GET TO SCHOOL! YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES UNTIL CLASS STARTS!"