Ok, lemon reception was fairly good, just some of you wanted a little bit more detail, which I can easily add next time, if/when I do another. Truth be told, I held back… a lot, mostly because I figured, an M rated lemon can't be too raunchy. In any case, there is now a good chance for more lemons in the future, but don't expect a lot, lemons aren't my speciality or my focus, character development and overcoming hardship is always my goal in any story. If I want lemons, I'd just watch "adult material" instead. A story to me, means a riveting adventure which you can't stop reading… but then again, you can always add a lemon to an adventure.
In this chapter, you will finally see Issei come to terms with a few people. I can foresee some of you disliking the changes in Issei this chapter, but I need to say this: Issei is not completely "fixed" yet. He is still emotionally fragile and vulnerable, Gabriel and Kuroka helped, but Issei is still hurt from his friends turning on him, not to mention, Raynare still haunts him.
Also, in case some of you notice the character tags have changed, Ophis isn't out of the harem. I just feel that that person I replaced her with, will have more of an impact on Issei, so I promoted her to the primary tag.
For those of you who want the harem, this is it right now: Gabriel, Kuroka, Ophis and Yasaka.
These are all in without a shadow of a doubt. In addition, the two from this chapter, will also join them, but I won't list them yet, to not spoil the chapter.
People who have a strong (pretty much guaranteed to be in it soon) chance of being added are: Ravel and Le Fay.
Behind them, there is also a good chance of Tiamat being added as well.
Beyond these nine, I don't have anyone in mind, a few suggestions have been for Serafall to be added and one person suggested Elmenhilde Galnstein, the vampire envoy in volume 14 (not Valerie, Gasper's friend), but beyond that, no one has really suggested anyone.
This I can say with absolute certainty though: Rias and Asia will NOT happen in this story no matter what.
Whether Issei eventually forgives them though, is completely irrelevant to if they are paired with Issei. I know that in chapter two I said Akeno and Koneko were in the same boat, however, I have spent many hours deliberating on them… which is kind of sad… but, the point is, they have a very slight chance of getting back in.
The reason Rias and Asia are so much further gone than Akeno and Koneko, is because they have had the strongest connection with Issei from the beginning of canon, whereas Akeno and Koneko joined in later on.
That being said, Akeno and Koneko were there when things happened between Raynare, hence why they are so unlikely. At this stage, it will be easier to redeem Koneko, since I have something planned for her, Issei and Kuroka already, so expanding on that wouldn't be too difficult.
Akeno though… is really, really hard to redeem. I'm thinking hard and I've only got one real way to do it and it is the closest thing to an ass-pull that I have ever written, so I'd appreciate ideas for Akeno's possible redemption.
In any case, I'll probably update Heart of a Dragon tomorrow and then A Third Chance, before possibly another update for this. Truth be told, I really want to update Naruto Guardian of the Mist soon, this week if I can, before I need to go back to Uni.
Also, with this chapter, I've updated non-stop, every day for TWO WEEKS! I can't believe it!
With this chapter, I will have written over 85K (88020 words, to be exact) and after I update Heart of a Dragon, A Third Chance and Naruto Guardian of the Mist, I will no doubt break 100K words… the only reason I've been able to keep writing, day after day and night after night is because of the immense response each of my stories are getting, filled with great feedback and praise, so thank you, to everyone who adds my stories to their favourites, follows and reviews them. Waking up every morning after I post a chapter and seeing 200+ emails makes me unbelievably happy.
Now, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 7 – Forgiveness Is Earned
Xenovia had been unconscious for over four hours now. While her body wasn't weak, in any sense of the word, taking a brutal punch from Sairaorg, then exhausting all her energy in a final attack, had drained her completely. As she returned to consciousness, she found that she wasn't in as much pain as she expected.
'I was wondering when you would wake up.' Said a voice, getting Xenovia to turn in its direction.
Xenovia stared blankly at the person before turning her head away.
'What are you doing here… Issei?' Asked Xenovia, as the newly reincarnated angel walked up to her bedside.
'I saw the game, heard everything too.' Issei muttered, getting Xenovia to look at him.
'Did you come to gloat? I wouldn't hold it against you if you did, we couldn't win without you.' Queried Xenovia.
'No, I'm not that petty. True, I tore into you all on the clubroom, and I don't regret anything I said, but I was venting a bit as well.' Confessed Issei.
'You weren't wrong.' Xenovia added, to which Issei nodded.
'So why are you here?' Asked Xenovia.
'Like I said, I heard everything, particularly, what you said.' Said Issei.
Xenovia turned her head away from Issei again.
'I meant it all, whether you agree or disagree with it doesn't matter.' Said Xenovia.
'Who said I disagree with it? I was surprised in fact… especially that you were the one to say all of that. Why?' Asked Issei curiously.
'The way we all turned on you… it is just like what happened to me with the church.' Xenovia started, looking back at Issei again.
'I knew something that they didn't want to acknowledge and was turned on because of it. While the circumstances are not identical, I feel as though the intent between both situations is similar… similar enough that I feel guilty and ashamed of myself.' Said Xenovia.
'So you mean to say, if they weren't similar, you wouldn't feel guilty?' Asked Issei curiously.
'Don't twist my words, you know I'm not the most intellectual individual.' Retorted Xenovia.
'What we did was wrong, there is no question there. The reason I feel extra guilty, is because I should have understood enough to not turn on you. I know how much that hurts… and then I did the same in turn, to someone who has been nothing but nice to me.' Said Xenovia sourly.
'Well, you weren't there at that time, so how could you know?' Said Issei airily.
'I realise that. That isn't why I feel bad. The fact that I turned on you, without even understanding your reluctance and thinking only of Rias, is why I feel bad. The church thought only of keeping their faith and I thought only of Rias. Either way, both of us were overlooked by those we thought we could trust. That's why I feel bad.' Explained Xenovia.
'Hmm, I never thought of it like that…' Said Issei thoughtfully, placing a hand under his face and scratching his jaw.
'Although, I still find it strange, how passionately you defended me… I mean Sairaorg can say all he wants, he doesn't know the truth.' Muttered Issei.
'Because, after how much we hurt you, I won't stand for anyone else doing so again.' Said Xenovia hotly.
'Why? That's what I'm not understanding.' Questioned Issei, genuinely confused.
'Even in the beginning, I didn't think much of you, just another devil. However, the way you strongly defended Asia and stood against us was interesting.' Said Xenovia, getting Issei's face to narrow.
'However, the moment where I knew what I thought of you changed… was when you asked Lord Michael to allow me to pray.' Said Xenovia.
'Why? Change to what?' Queried Issei.
'That was the point I realised why the others liked you… and the point I started to like you as more than a friend.' Said Xenovia with a small smile.
'I told you that I wanted to join you peerage in the future, as I wanted to stay with you… however, now that is impossible and furthermore, we hurt you.' Said Xenovia with a small frown, before turning away again.
Issei didn't respond for a minute, absorbing what Xenovia said.
'Do you really mean all that?' Asked Issei softly, getting Xenovia to look back at him.
'Every word, I love you Issei.' Said Xenovia, getting Issei to inhale sharply.
'…How can I trust that you won't hurt me again?' Asked Issei quietly.
'I promise on my honour as a knight and on my blade.' Said Xenovia strongly, getting Issei to look at her with a searching look.
Issei suddenly smiled and it eased Xenovia's nerves.
'Thank you, Xenovia and I… I forgive you and would like to be friends again.' Said Issei hopefully.
'I'd like to be more than that, but I will build my trust up with you again first.' Said Xenovia bluntly, which caused Issei to chuckle.
'Well you know me, I can't stay mad at a great set of boobs for too long.' Said Issei, somewhat embarrassed.
'Does that mean you will forgive the others in time?' Asked Xenovia curiously, which caused Issei's face to harden.
'Maybe some… but some… especially Rias and Asia… I won't be able to forgive… they hurt me too much… especially those two.' Said Issei stiffly.
'I see.' Said Xenovia, before the door to the room opened.
'Oh, I didn't think you would be here, Red Dragon.' Said the figure that had just entered the room, closing the door behind him.
'Well, I'm sure you realised by now, I'm full of surprises, Sairaorg.' Said Issei, as the Bael entered the room.
'I suppose I should apologise first and foremost. I judged you without knowing the situation… and after how desperately she fought for your honour, I would be wrong to do so.' Said Sairaorg.
Xenovia didn't respond and merely turned her head away with a small blush, a surprising action from the normally calm, and also shameless, stoic.
'Yeah, I didn't expect that from Xenovia either, but I can't say I'm upset about it.' Said Issei kindly, getting Xenovia's blush to increase marginally.
'Now that you are here though, I know I have no right to ask, but what happened?' Asked Sairaorg curiously.
'Like you said, you have no right to ask, this is between me and Gremory's peerage.' Said Issei, getting a stiff nod from Sairaorg.
'True, but she is my cousin and while beating her in battle does help my reputation, I care for her all the same.' Said Sairaorg firmly.
'Isn't that the case?' Muttered Issei sourly.
'If you must know, your cousin is a rather selfish person when she wants to be and disregards others and how they feel.' Said Issei harshly, getting Sairaorg to narrow his eyes.
'What do you mean by that?' Asked Sairaorg stiffly.
'What I mean, is there are only so many times a person will risk their life to save you and be taken granted for, before they snap. That's all that happened.' Said Issei bitterly.
Sairaorg didn't respond.
'Although, I heard of you wanting to face me in battle. I also would love to fight you, but not for reputation. I want to fight you because you are someone who cares deeply for his peerage… who care deeply for him in turn. I saw the battle, you are all united. I don't wish to fight you because that was how things would have gone, if I was in this game, I don't want to fight you for prestige either. I want to fight you because you are someone worth fighting, someone who fights for others and sacrifices himself for others as well.' Declared Issei strongly.
'Now I feel even guiltier for having questioned your worth. I could not have asked for a more honourable battle. I would enjoy facing you in battle.' Said Sairaorg.
'That being said, I should warn you.' Said Issei, getting Sairaorg to look at him in interest.
'I saw you use Touki, so it is only fair I tell you, that I have learnt true Senjutsu from a master. Furthermore…' Said Issei, before his wings burst from his back.
'I'm an angel now and am capable of using light as my weapon, something which is absolutely toxic for a devil.' Finished Issei.
Sairaorg merely grinned.
'I'm getting excited already.' Sairaorg said in anticipation.
'In any case, releasing my wings broke my Ki cloak, so I'm going to need to go now. I look forward to our upcoming battle though… also, see you later, Xenovia.' Said Issei, before disappearing in a burst of light.
'That Issei sure is something.' Commented Sairaorg with a laugh, before exiting the room, leaving Xenovia alone.
"He is." Thought Xenovia, happy that Issei had forgiven her.
-line break-
Issei arrived home and was startled to find someone already there.
'Irina, what are you doing here? Also… why are angels suddenly breaking into my house this week?' Asked Issei, before whispering the second part.
Irina was sitting on the sofa and fidgeted.
'Uh, um Issei.' Struggled Irina, before she simply stood up and offered something to Issei, with her head bowed.
Issei looked at it in surprise.
'Is this what I think it is?' Asked Issei curiously, as he took the offered object.
'Yep, I've kept it all this time.' Said Irina cheerfully, with a forced smile.
Issei looked at the object, it was a cardboard dagger, held together with tape.
'Why are you giving this to me?' Asked Issei quietly.
'Issei… I'm really sorry.' Said Irina sadly.
Issei looked at her and frowned.
Issei gave her back the cardboard dagger and Irina felt as though her heart had been torn out. Issei then disappeared in a flash of light and Irina dropped to her knees, tears beginning to fall from her eyes.
"He won't forgive me." Thought Irina sadly, before another flash of light occurred and Issei was back in front of her.
'Issei…' Said Irina with a sniff, which turned to shock when she saw what Issei was holding.
In Issei's hand, was another crudely made cardboard dagger.
'Issei… you kept yours as well.' Said Irina in surprise, from her place on the ground.
Issei offered her his hand and she took it, standing back to her feet and quickly wiped her eyes.
'Of course I did. You were my first and only friend growing up… when you left, it was one of the only things I had left to remember you by… even if I thought you were a boy.' Said Issei quietly.
Irina gave a small giggle at this, but it was strangled.
'I still can't believe you thought I was a boy.' Said Irina softly, as she blinked away her tears.
'You know Irina… out of all the people who turned on me… yours probably hurt me the most.' Said Issei sadly.
Irina looked at Issei sadly.
'I'm sorry Issei, I didn't know about what had happened to you.' Said Irina.
'I know, that's why I'm not upset with you like I am with… those four…' Said Issei, growling towards the end.
'But even before all of this, before Ddraig, before becoming a devil, before all of it… you were my friend.' Said Issei sadly.
'I-I'm so sorry Issei.' Said Irina tearfully.
'Out of everyone there… you should have been on my side… it really hurt when you agreed with everyone, that I was the bad guy.' Said Issei, as he grimaced slightly in pain.
'Issei… what can I do to make it up to you?' Asked Irina desperately.
Issei thought on this for a moment.
'Show me your wings.' Said Issei and after a moment of confusion, Irina complied, revealing her two wings to Issei.
'If you have impure thoughts outside of love, you'll fall, won't you?' Questioned Issei rhetorically, already knowing the answer.
Irina nodded.
'Then kiss me here and now.' Said Issei, getting Irina to blush.
'W-w-what?' Stuttered Irina in embarrassment.
'If you really love me… you won't fall right? If you don't fall, it will mean you love me, truly love me. Gabriel told me that an angel who follows their heart, not out of sin, but out of love, won't ever be able to fall. That is why, if you really love me, this will prove it without a doubt.' Said Issei calmly.
Irina took a moment to absorb what Issei had said and nodded her head.
'Will you do it?' Asked Issei curiously.
'I-I will! I love you Issei and if this is what I need to do to prove it, then I will gladly do it!' Declared Irina boldly, as she placed her cardboard dagger down on the coffee table.
Issei walked over to the table as well, placing his dagger down next to Irina's and turned to face her.
Irina's heartbeat quickened, as she drew closer to Issei, taking in his stern looking face and calming brown eyes. Irina stepped closer to Issei, until she was only a hairs breadth away from touching him and angled her head upwards, eyes half closing, as she leaned in. Issei brought his face closer to Irina's, so close that she could feel his warm breath against her face.
'Last chance to change your mind.' Whispered Issei.
'My mind is made up, I love you.' Whispered Irina, before pressing her lips against Issei's.
Issei reciprocated the kiss, wrapping his left arm around Irina's waist while his right gently caressed her cheek and neck, deepening the kiss. Both had closed their eyes and in that moment, only felt each other. Irina was in bliss, she had been waiting for this moment for months now and after what had transpired, worried that it might never happen, but Issei was really kissing her. After a few more seconds, the two broke the kiss, eyes opening slowly. Irina looked into Issei's eyes happily. Issei looked behind Irina briefly, before turning his gaze back to Irina's.
'I love you Irina and I guess this means you really love me as well.' Said Issei happily, which caused Irina to shed a tear.
Irina still had two pure white wings behind her and that was all the evidence that Issei needed.
Suddenly though, Issei started to tear up, which surprised Irina, even more so when he pulled her into a hug and buried his face into her shoulder.
'Just please promise me.' Said Issei weakly.
'Please promise me that you will always love me and won't turn on me again.' Issei continued tearfully.
'You… you had so much more of my heart than anyone in that room… because you weren't just a girl I liked, you were my friend even before all that. My precious childhood friend.' Said Issei, getting Irina's eyes to widen.
'As far as everyone in that room went… you were irreplaceable to me.' Said Issei, getting Irina's heart to soar.
Irina gently pulled Issei's head off her shoulder and looked into his bloodshot eyes.
'I love you Issei, now and forever.' Said Irina, before giving Issei another kiss, which he happily reciprocated.
'I love you too Irina, now and forever.' Said Issei with a smile.