Ok, so as promised, here is the confirmed, not changing, set in stone harem, at this stage: Gabriel, Irina, Xenovia, Murayama, Kuroka, Ravel and although this is technically a spoiler, but most of you are already guessing at it, Raynare.
I won't mention anyone else right now, as I do frequently change my mind on things. That being said, the above won't change.
However, I can say that, both Koneko and Akeno will be dealt with soon, in that order.
I also have an idea for Rias, but it does not involve Issei.
Asia is still kind of hovering in my mind… not quite sure what to do with her yet, but I do know Issei is off limits.
Rossweisse is also in the balance… with the way I've set things up, for this story at least, her role is not very significant and I do have big plans for her in both of my other DxD stories, so I might leave her out of the harem for this one.
Same for Serafall.
Jeanne is still someone I'm considering, but I need to put more thought into that.
Tiamat is still an unknown for all of my stories. I really need more on her before I proceed, in the same way that I didn't have Gabriel in Heart of a Dragon because I didn't have enough to work with at the time.
Ophis is currently being toyed with. Thinking over the plot of my next few chapters, I might be able to work something, but also maybe not.
I'm also thinking against Yasaka at this stage, but I might put her in Issei Leviathan. She just doesn't fit very well in this story.
Aside from all of them, a somewhat strange pairing I'm contemplating, is Bennia, Sona's knight from volume 14. This would be the only one of my stories she would work in and I do like the character so far.
Aside from that, I have no one else in mind and that is probably it. I'd say at best, four of them can be added to Issei's current harem. Four is the maximum though and I can always add less.
Now, moving away from the harem.
I finally started writing on TTONU and it is going well, but I am feeling a little unenthusiastic about. I think maybe after I post the first chapter I've written, which is about half done, I might be motivated more… but I can't say for sure. A chapter for ATC and AHTNK are both done and I've also got about 2K words for this story written down. What this means, is don't expect another update for a bit, but maybe in a week or two, maybe, I might have chapter 16 done. It all depends on if I get a push for TTONU or not.
In any case, 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 15 – Conversions
As Issei awoke, he felt someone beside him. Opening his eyes, he saw a head of brown hair and remembered the events of last night.
'Wow… did not see that coming at all.' Muttered Issei.
'Neither did I, but I can't say that I'm disappointed.' Giggled Murayama, from beside him.
'Oh, you're awake. Morning, sleep well?' Asked Issei.
'Very well, just wish I didn't feel so sore.' Whined Murayama.
'Yeah, first time and all. I was pretty sore the first time as well… but then again, we did do something I've never tried before, so maybe that's more painful, dunno.' Commented Issei.
'So, what was the thing you said, that would change how I see you?' Asked Murayama, sitting up on the bed, keeping the sheets to her chest.
'Well, before I say that, what do you think about angels and devils?' Asked Issei, sitting up as well.
'Um, I never really thought about it, why?' Asked Murayama in confusion.
'Well, what if I told you they were real?' Asked Issei nervously.
'I'm not sure… maybe ask you if you are feeling okay.' Joked Murayama.
'What if I told you I was one?' Asked Issei carefully.
'Devil or angel?' Teased Murayama.
'Um, both at one point.' Confessed Issei.
'Are you feeling okay Issei?' Asked Murayama suspiciously.
'You know what you need to do.' Commented Raynare with a grin, looking forward to what Murayama would do.
'I'm fine, but let me show you something.' Said Issei, turning to face Murayama, who did the same.
Murayama watched in idle curiosity, before switching to shock, when ten red wings burst from Issei's back.
'I'm an angel.' Revealed Issei.
Murayama's reaction was completely unexpected, for both Raynare and Issei. Murayama laughed. Not a giggle, or a chuckle, but full blown laughter.
'Seriously, the most perverted person I know is an angel.' Laughed Murayama in disbelief.
'Um, are you fine just accepting that I'm an angel… just like that?' Asked Issei in confusion.
Murayama stifled her laughter, bringing herself under control, before speaking.
'Well, you aren't lying are you? You're being genuine and honest with me, right?' Asked Murayama.
Issei nodded in confusion, while Murayama simply smiled.
'Then of course I believe you.' Said Murayama curtly.
Issei was stunned, not knowing how to respond to this.
'I can't believe this rubbish! Who accepts this stuff so easily?' Shouted Raynare in exasperation.
'Although, can I ask you something?' Asked Murayama.
'Um, sure.' Said Issei.
'Are people like Xenovia and Irina the same?' Asked Murayama curiously.
'Uh yeah, Xenovia is a devil and Irina is an angel like me.' Answered Issei.
'Well, that at least explains why you suddenly had all those girls interested in you. This is pretty big stuff.' Commented Murayama.
'Um, do you understand that? Quite frankly, you're taking this way better than I first did.' Said Issei hesitantly.
'Well, I'm shocked, don't get me wrong… but I was starting to get suspicious of a few things. First, how did you, of all people, get to join the Occult Research Club, something so rare, there were less than half a dozen members? Then there were all the new students who kept showing up, Asia, Xenovia and Irina, who all happened to know you and all happened to join the club as well. It felt very suspicious.' Said Murayama.
'I… see.' Said Issei in surprise.
'You know, for having boobs bigger than average, she's pretty shrewd as well… how do you keep getting girls like this?' Said Raynare in surprise.
'That being said, I didn't see this coming, just something… fishy going on.' Added Murayama.
Issei hummed at this, but didn't speak.
'So who else is a devil or an angel? I'm curious.' Asked Murayama.
'Well, only Irina and I are angels. The Occult Research Club and the Student Council are all devils.' Revealed Issei.
'That many… wow. Although, how exactly are angels comfortable being around devils?' Asked Murayama curiously.
'Well, there was actually a big treaty between the angels, fallen angels and devils a few months back, just a bit before break.' Answered Issei.
'Fallen angels?' Queried Murayama.
'Angels that fell due to impure desires, most commonly, lust.' Explained Issei, causing Murayama to giggle.
'How are you still an angel then? You're practically an embodiment of lust… well, at least you were.' Said Murayama.
'Well, I was actually a devil up until a month ago. Right before my little self-discovery.' Revealed Issei.
'Is that why you came back less perverted?' Asked Murayama.
'Yeah… well that and finally having sex a bunch of times. Once you actually start doing that, you calm down a lot… probably why Matsuda and Motohama keep escalating.' Said Issei.
'Exactly how many times have you done it?' Asked Murayama, with narrowed eyes.
'Um… lost count… maybe fifty.' Said Issei thoughtfully.
'Wow.' Said Murayama.
'Anyway, is there anything else you wanted to ask?' Asked Issei.
'Can I use your shower?' Asked Murayama.
'Sure.' Laughed Issei.
Murayama got out of bed, before finding her legs were terribly weak and slumped back down on the bed.
'Um, sorry about that, but since you know I'm an angel, I can fix that.' Said Issei sheepishly, as he got out of bed and walked over to Murayama, before placing his hand just under her belly button.
A brief red glow surrounded Issei's palm, before dissipating.
Murayama stood up and found her pain and weakness was gone.
'Angel magic?' Asked Murayama curiously.
'Actually, Senjutsu.' Answered Issei.
'You know Senjutsu?' Asked Murayama in confusion.
'Yeah, learned it from the same person who took my virginity… and she used sex as positive reinforcement.' Confessed Issei.
Murayama giggled at that.
'Super effective no doubt.' Commented Murayama in amusement, to which Issei nodded.
Issei then led Murayama to the shower, before grabbing a towel for her.
'I'll just go straighten your clothes out for you. I don't really have women's clothing here, sorry.' Said Issei.
'I'd be a bit worried if you did.' Said Murayama, before turning on the water, leaving Issei to go back to his room.
Luckily, their clothes had been rather easy to find. Issei took his clothes and dumped them in his laundry hamper, before grabbing a red shirt and black shorts and set them on his bed, along with Murayama's, next to his. After Murayama finished her shower, she came out wrapped in a towel and Issei found himself getting distracted.
'Not that I don't appreciate the compliment, but you should probably go shower yourself.' Said Murayama.
Issei looked at her in confusion, before realising he was still naked and little Issei was enjoying the show.
'Er, right.' Said Issei, going to shower himself.
It was as Issei had started showering, that he noticed a still stunned Raynare.
'You've been pretty quiet so far.' Said Issei quietly.
'Who accepts all this so easily? I can't believe it!' Exclaimed Raynare.
Issei laughed, enjoying Raynare's confusion, before finishing up his shower, as quickly as he could. Stepping out of the shower, Issei made his way back to his bedroom, where Murayama was now fully dressed, sitting on his bed. Issei quickly dressed himself as well, before leading her to the living room.
'So what now?' Asked Murayama.
'I don't know to be honest, I'm just really surprised you took everything so well.' Said Issei.
It was then, that Issei heard his door being opened and looked at it. After a moment, Irina had opened the door and she and Xenovia had stepped inside.
'Hey girls, sleep well?' Asked Issei.
'Not as well as you did from the sounds of things.' Commented Xenovia.
Issei blinked in confusion, before the meaning of Xenovia's words hit him.
'Oh…' Said Issei, before giving an awkward chuckle.
Murayama had buried her head in her hands in embarrassment, before raising her head in shock at Xenovia's next words.
'So when can I have my turn?' Asked Xenovia.
'X-Xenovia, what are you saying?' Asked a flustered Irina.
'Are all devils that forward?' Asked Murayama, surprising the duo, who weren't aware of Murayama's newfound knowledge.
'Nah, just Xenovia is like that. She's unique like that.' Said Issei calmly.
'Issei, is there something we're missing here?' Asked Irina nervously.
'Oh, she knows about devils and angels. Took it way better than I did too.' Said Issei, pointing at Murayama, who merely smiled at the two.
'I see… in that case, how was it?' Asked Xenovia, getting both Irina and Murayama to blush.
'Maybe that's too much to ask for, Xenovia.' Chuckled Issei, before sobering up.
'However, now that you're here, I have a serious question I need to ask you, Xenovia.' Said Issei seriously.
'Seriously! You're going to do it! Have you learned nothing in the past few months?' Shouted Raynare.
'What is it?' Asked Xenovia.
'Would you like to become an angel?' Asked Issei, getting Irina to look at him in surprise.
'What do you mean Issei? Are one of the Seraphs interested in Xenovia?' Asked Irina.
'Not exactly… one second.' Said Issei nervously, before heading to his bedroom again.
'Seraphs?' Asked Murayama in confusion.
'Yes, Lord Michael, Lord Raphael, Lord Uriel and Lady Gabriel, are the four Seraphs capable of turning people into angels.' Explained Irina happily.
'Yeah, Gabriel is the one who turned me into an angel, while Michael was the one who turned Irina.' Added Issei, once he returned from his bedroom.
'So Issei, which one wants Xenovia?' Asked Irina curiously.
'Well, believe it or not, none of them.' Said Issei, causing Irina to gasp and Xenovia to frown.
'W-what do you mean?' Asked Irina, sparing a glance at Xenovia.
'Well, you know I was in heaven for almost a month, right?' Asked Issei, to which Irina nodded.
'You went to heaven?' Asked Murayama in shock.
'Hmm, oh yeah, beautiful place, I'll see if I can show it to you sometime.' Replied Issei, turning to Murayama momentarily, before looking to Irina again, ignoring Murayama's gobsmacked expression.
'Well, when I was there, they were investigating why I couldn't fall. I only found out a few days ago, that they were examining the Boosted Gear as well, along with the Brave Saint system and they discovered something.' Said Issei, as he took the three cards out of his pockets.
'They think I might be able to reincarnate angels myself, like devils, as a sort of peerage of my own.' Revealed Issei.
'Then I accept.' Said Xenovia quickly, surprising Issei.
'Uh, are you sure, I didn't even finish explaining?' Questioned Issei in surprise.
'I know I frequently say I want your children, but even when you were a devil, I told you, when you got a peerage of your own, I would happily join you. Truth be told, I never did have great loyalty to… her. She saw an opportunity and took it. It didn't help that I am rather rash as well. If I could become part of whatever this is with you, I have no regrets in my decision.' Explained Xenovia strongly.
Issei was momentarily taken aback, before he gave a soft smile.
'I see.' Said Issei quietly.
'Or, OR, she could be fooling you.' Interjected Raynare.
'In that case.' Said Issei, before his wings burst from his back and his halo appeared over his head, along with the Boosted Gear appearing on his left arm.
Murayama had made her way over to Irina, while Xenovia had stepped closer to Issei.
'What's that on Issei's hand? It doesn't look like something an angel would have.' Asked Murayama quietly.
'That's Issei's Sacred Gear, a gift from God, which contains the soul of a dragon in it.' Explained Irina.
'A dragon?' Questioned Murayama.
'I'll explain it to you a bit later, Murayama.' Said Issei, having overheard their mutterings.
'Now, I'm not sure how this works exactly…' Said Issei, trailing off at the end.
'Place the card on top of the gauntlet, over the jewel would be best.' Interjected Ddraig, startling Murayama.
'Did it talk?' Whispered Murayama.
'Yep, that's Ddraig, the dragon inside it.' Said Irina chirpily.
'Now, place your hand on the swordswoman.' Instructed Ddraig.
Issei obliged and placed his hand on Xenovia's right shoulder.
'Angel transfer.' Boomed the Sacred Gear.
Issei felt a small amount of his power disappear, along with the card.
Xenovia glowed red and gold for a minute, before something shot out of her, right towards Issei. Issei quickly caught the projectile with his right hand, before opening it and spotted a red knight piece.
"That's going to be a pain to return." Grumbled Issei in thought, before refocusing his attention on Xenovia.
As the glow died down, Xenovia blinked a few times.
'Is that it? Is it done?' Asked Xenovia.
'Yeah, only one way to see if it worked or not though.' Said Issei.
Xenovia paused for a moment, before making her wings appear, causing Irina to gasp and Issei to smile.
Xenovia's wings were those of an angel now, what made Issei smile though, was they were red as well.
'Mou, no fair! Why did Xenovia get four wings from the start, while I still only have two?' Complained Irina.
'Not sure myself.' Muttered Issei in surprise.
Xenovia gave her wings an experimental flap, before bringing them closer.
'Interesting, does this mean I can't fall either?' Asked Xenovia curiously.
'Maybe, I'm not sure how to test it though…' Started Issei, before Xenovia quickly rushed Issei and kissed him, pushing him down to the floor.
Irina gasped, while Murayama looked on in surprise. After half a minute, Xenovia sat up, before allowing Issei to do the same.
'This is perfect. Not only am I an angel and part of your peerage, now I can still have your babies as well. Thank you Lord, for this wonderful gift.' Said Xenovia, giving a small prayer.
'Well, I think we need another name for it than peerage, but seems like it.' Said Issei, before helping Xenovia stand, along with himself.
Issei opened his right hand again and looked at the piece, before placing it on his table.
'That thing is going to be a pain though.' Muttered Issei, looking at the chess piece in annoyance.
'Um, Issei, do you think I could become an angel as well?' Asked Murayama curiously, surprising everyone.
'Um, maybe. I don't know how the cards work yet exactly and it might have only worked on Xenovia because she has strong faith. Michael gave me the cards to test them out first.' Answered Issei carefully.
'Well, wouldn't this be a good test?' Countered Murayama.
Issei opened his mouth to speak, before closing it.
'Seriously! You're actually considering this? You are way too trusting. First me, then red, don't you learn from your mistakes?' Asked Raynare cynically.
"It's better to open your heart, than to close it. You might feel pain occasionally, but it is better than missing out on something special." Thought Issei.
'Alright then Murayama, let's give it a shot.' Said Issei, with a smile.
'Really?' Asked Murayama in excitement.
'Sure, you handled all of this pretty well, so I suppose I can trust you. That being said, if it does work, there is a lot of other stuff I'll need to fill you in on.' Said Issei kindly, before becoming serious towards the end.
'Okay.' Said Murayama, before moving to stand in front of Issei, as Xenovia moved back.
Issei pulled out the second card, rested his hand on Murayama's right shoulder, before lastly, putting the card on his jewel.
'Angel transfer.' Boomed the Boosted Gear once again.
Murayama felt a strange tingling sensation wash over her, before she was bathed in a red and gold glow as well.
'If it worked, how am I supposed to make wings appear?' Asked Murayama.
'Just flex and depress your shoulder blades.' Instructed Issei.
Murayama focused for a minute, before doing so and felt a strange weight on her back. Looking back, Murayama saw two red angel wings.
'It worked!' Cheered Murayama.
'Sure did… I think I should go tell Michael about this.' Said Issei in awe.
'Can we come?' Asked Irina.
'You know what, it would probably be better if you did, especially you two. They might need to check things with both of you.' Said Issei, looking at Murayama and Xenovia.
Issei once again caused the portal to heaven to appear in his room, before gesturing for the others to go through first. Murayama was a little hesitant, but after Issei placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod, she relaxed.
'Well, I did say I'd show you heaven. So here it is.' Issei told Murayama, enjoying her awed expression.
'T-this is really heaven. It's real?' Asked Murayama in shock, as the four passed through the gates.
'Yeah, it is actually split into levels even. The heaven everyone would be aware of, the place where souls go after passing on, is actually on the third level. The fifth floor is where they do all their research and where they would have developed the card I used on you.' Explained Issei, as the group walked towards the elevator.
'How many levels are there?' Asked Murayama in excitement.
'Seven in total. I spent most of my time here on the fourth and sixth levels, which is where the Garden of Eden is and where the Seraphs reside respectively.' Explained Issei.
'The first floor is where most of the other Brave Saints and lower level angels like me reside, while the second floor is where angels who have sinned are punished. Amen.' Added Irina.
'The second floor is also where the angels observe the stars, for that reason it is pretty dark.' Added Issei.
'What's the seventh floor for then?' Asked Murayama, as they exited the lift.
'That is where the Sacred Gear System and God's System resides. It is responsible for divine protection of our followers and the way through which miracles are worked.' Said Michael, walking up to the group to greet them.
'Hello Xenovia, it is good to see you again. I'm also sure a certain someone would be glad to see you as well.' Said Michael.
'Who would that be?' Asked Xenovia.
'It's been a while, Warrior Xenovia.' Said a polite voice to their left.
Issei snickered a little, upon seeing Xenovia turn completely rigid and robotically turn to face the voice.
'S-S-S-S-S-S-Sister Griselda.' Stuttered Xenovia uncontrollable.
'I never thought I'd see you here.' Commented the woman, who was wearing a veil. She had blue eyes and appeared to be of northern-European descent. She was a true beauty, even through her nun attire, it was clear she had a rather impressive figure. She seemed to be in her early twenties and possessed a warm smile, although, instead of giving off her usual warm aura, an intimidating aura was rolling off her in waves.
Griselda walked over to Xenovia and grabbed her face with both hands.
'H-How h-have you b-been….?' Stuttered Xenovia.
Issei had never seen Xenovia sweating this much and speaking this nervously. It was actually pretty amusing for Issei.
'How have you been, isn't something you should be saying right now? Why did you reincarnate into a Devil, after coming to Japan for a mission? Not only that, why haven't you contacted me until now? If there's something I really want to ask, it is what you are doing here, showing your face?' Asked Griselda, with a frightening smile.
'I was about to go crazy when I heard that you went to Japan and reincarnated into a devil. You, who I have raised with the teachings of God, became a devil… you always acted on your own and created some weird theory all the time, so everyone treated you as a problem child, but I always thought of you as kind hearted girl.' Continued Griselda, causing Xenovia to sweat even more.
'Sister, in all seriousness, it wasn't really Xenovia's fault. She is easily swayed and much too impulsive for her own good. However, since she is an angel now, I'm sure you can re-educate her.' Said Issei kindly, causing Xenovia's eyes to turn to him in fear.
'Ah, you are more sadistic than I thought.' Chuckled Raynare.
'I see. If the former incarnation of sin and lust is vouching for you, then it seems there is hope for you yet.' Said Griselda.
'I take it the process worked then.' Commented Michael, to which Issei nodded.
'On both a reincarnated devil and a human.' Said Issei gesturing to Murayama.
'Hello Murayama, I am the Archangel Michael, it is a pleasure to meet you.' Said Michael, giving Murayama a kind smile.
'H-hello, it is an honour to meet you as well.' Said Murayama nervously, not knowing how to speak to one of the most well-known angels of all time.
'Don't worry Murayama, no need to be nervous. Lord Michael is very kind and wouldn't ever think ill of anyone.' Said Irina reassuringly.
'Yes, please be at ease.' Added Michael calmly.
Murayama gave a small nod, but didn't speak.
'It also seems as though they may have gained an inability to fall, like me, but I think it would be better to test if that is the case, just to be sure, so I recommended we come here.' Said Issei.
'That is a wise move, we can have everything done by today I believe, since we've already established the tests to determine this through Issei. Sister Griselda, would you mind taking Xenovia and Murayama to the fifth floor?' Asked Michael politely.
'Of course Lord Michael, I have much to discuss with Xenovia after all.' Said Griselda pleasantly, still holding Xenovia's face between her hands.
'Irina, perhaps you would like to join them. I'm sure some of our newest inventions will hold your interest, especially the ones that Issei has proved instrumental in creating.' Said Michael.
'Wait, you mean there is more than just the cards?' Asked Issei in surprise.
'Of course. As far as angels go, you are one of a kind, being incapable of falling. This has always been one of our greatest issues to deal with, so having the opportunity to deal with it, is immensely beneficial to us.' Explained Michael.
'Makes sense I suppose.' Said Issei thoughtfully.
'We shall take our leave now then, Lord Michael.' Said Griselda, to which Michael nodded, before the others left, leaving Issei and Michael alone.
'Any news on the situation?' Asked Issei seriously, once the others had left.
'Unfortunately no. The vampires are still extremely wary of us and we have not made any other reconnaissance missions since your own. Communication between the other two factions is also yielding no news. We are mostly guessing at this stage.' Confessed Michael.
'I see.' Said Issei, with a small frown.
'That aside, you do realise that with what you've done, you may need to face certain people.' Said Michael.
'*sigh* I know. I thought I was over it, but seeing her again… it seems I haven't moved on as much as I would like.' Said Issei tiredly.
'Time does heal all wounds Issei, however, a month is not a great deal of time. I encourage you to be patient and spend time with those close to you. They will support you and help you get past this after all. I'm sure you know that Gabriel and I would both be willing to help you as well, in any way we can.' Said Michael patiently.
'Can I ask a question then?' Asked Issei, to which Michael nodded.
'How could you forgive the fallen and devils, knowing they had killed dozens of your supporters? Especially the fallen, knowing they had directly betrayed you. How do you get past that?' Asked Issei desperately.
'Issei, in this world, there are two types of people: those who can forgive and those who cannot. It is by no means easy to forgive someone, but it is possible. You only need to realise, that even if you have been wronged, there are still those who will stick by you, no matter what.' Said Michael kindly.
I won't ever turn on you, or ask you for more than you can give. Know that you have my love, forever and be strong.
Issei smiled upon recalling Gabriel's words.
'I understand.' Said Issei, with a smile.
'Glad I could be of assistance.' Said Michael happily.
-line break-
Issei had stayed with Michael and listened to what had been happening throughout the various churches, as well as any information they had gathered on possible threats, before the girls had arrived. Issei laughed upon seeing Xenovia, who appeared as though half her soul had been sucked out of her. The group had headed back after that, with Murayama leaving to return home, after Issei had filled her in about Ddraig, God's death, the events of the year so far and told her how important it was to keep everything hidden from those not directly involved in it all.
Issei had walked Murayama to her house, leaving before anyone could see him, before returning home, only to find a certain fallen angel on his couch again, along with his two neighbours.
'It's rude to just intrude like that.' Said Issei plainly, upon closing the door behind him.
'Ah, forgive me then.' Said Azazel cheekily.
'That reminds me though, when did this happen?' Asked Issei, pointing at the framed picture of him and Azazel.
Azazel beamed at Issei.
'When you took the first step towards fulfilling my dream.' Declared Azazel proudly.
'Uh huh… and take that massive picture out of my bedroom! What the hell did you do to it, so that I can't take it down?' Shouted Issei.
'A secret of course. Although, I believe you have more secrets than I expected.' Said Azazel, showing what he had been hiding in his right hand: Xenovia's former Evil Piece.
Issei stiffened at this, but was surprised when Azazel merely threw it to Issei.
'You should get rid of that as soon as possible. If it hadn't been someone as forgiving and curious as me who had stumbled upon that, you could have made a rather tense situation occur.' Said Azazel sternly.
'*sigh* I will.' Said Issei, grateful that Azazel was not going to rat him out to the other factions.
'However, as you will recall, there is someone who would like to see you. I told you this before. That being said… despite the situation, it would be much safer if this occurred at your previous residence.' Said Azazel calmly.
Issei frowned, before giving another sigh.
'Okay.' Said Issei, surprising all gathered.
'Just like that? You agree to go back there?' Asked Azazel in surprise.
'I've heard enough from both Gabriel and Michael, to know that I will need to forgive them eventually. I'm not saying it will be easy, I don't even think I am ready for it, but this is a good reason to start trying at least. Besides, it isn't good to dwell on past sorrows, as it will dampen future joys.' Said Issei tiredly.
'I see, how mature and, dare I say it, angel-like of you.' Commented Azazel in interest.
'Well, we'll see how things go.' Said Issei.
'In that case, I will arrange for the guest to arrive at the Hyoudou residence tomorrow afternoon. I'll leave you three for now.' Said Azazel, before leaving.
'Issei, are you sure about this?' Asked Irina tentatively.
'Yeah. Gabriel has been telling me this for weeks now and Michael started to as well recently… but, I really do need to move on from this, all of this.' Said Issei, turning to Raynare at the end briefly, before looking back to Irina.
'For what it's worth, I'm sure they all feel terrible and really do regret what they did.' Said Irina softly.
'I know… but just because they feel bad about… what they did, it doesn't change the fact that they did it… that's the part I am having trouble moving past. It was one hell of confrontation I got back in that room and it shook me deeply. Then again, I probably gave it back to you all tenfold when I returned.' Said Issei quietly, pausing for a moment.
'It's just… something broke inside me that day. Like when the light in a machine goes out, but it keeps working. If it wasn't for Gabriel though, I probably wouldn't be working at all right now. I'd be broken beyond repair… and probably dead.' Confessed Issei.
Irina and Xenovia both looked down at this, ashamed of the part they had played in making Issei lose himself.
'Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things go tomorrow.' Said Issei optimistically, with both reincarnated angels perking up at this.
'Yeah, maybe everything will work out for the best.' Said Irina happily.
'Although, I might cause a bit of an issue.' Said Xenovia, thinking about her recent change.
'If they can't accept it, then it's just proof that they aren't really your friends.' Said Issei sternly.
'Really, what are these two then?' Asked Raynare sarcastically.
After that, Irina and Xenovia went downstairs to rest and Issei went to bed as well, in anticipation for tomorrow.