I do not own the Persona series or High School DxD. Everything belongs to their respected owners.
"And that's what happened."
As much as Ann would have loved to have just blamed the Occult Research club for interfering with the whole situation, Ann blamed herself for not being able to react fast enough when she saw Freed throw that smoke bomb. Instead, she just went home immediately without even talking to Rias' peerage as she simply got back to the Phantom Thieves and reported what she had gone through.
"So that's why I'm asking you guys to help me find and save Asia-san!" Ann exclaimed after, standing up while throwing her arms open to emphasize her need.
As everyone stared at her while sitting down, Akira was the first to answer with his elbows on a table and chin resting on his hands. "And we will save her." The black-haired male answered. "But, there is still the need to finding where Asia-san is to begin with. We don't even have any idea where the Fallen Angels are setting up their own base."
"Akira's right." Ryuji nodded his own head. "We can't do anything unless we can find out where they are so we can bring the fight to them."
"Although…" Makoto said slowly, starting to get an idea. "This could also be the perfect opportunity to get some stuff ready. I think we may even have some supplies from our previous Palace infiltrations that we could use like medicine and such." Nodding her head, she took a couple steps away from the group before turning around. "I'll go and check to see what there is in stock."
"We don't know how fast we'll find where they are though." Morgana stated however, slightly frowning as he paced around the table on his four legs. "We also have no idea what they're going to do to Asia-san if we don't find her in time. So we'll have to not only search for her quickly, but also react just as fast. As Makoto said, we need to have as many tools as we can have ready at our disposal."
Haru stood up. Since she and Ann both were the only one's who hung out with Asia, she was one who had a much higher level of determination than everyone else. "I'll see if I can help make some food to help you guys keep your strength up when fighting."
Akira raised his hand however to stop Haru. "No. I'm sorry, but I can't have you doing that at this time of night. I think it might be better if you help Makoto search for medicine. There may be some stuff that we could use that's not as effective as the food but possibly still useful."
Seeing Haru nod in determination and walk off, Akira turned to Futaba and Ann. "You two, go to sleep now. Since you both are the only others that have awakened you Personas, it's best that we have you ready for a fight at any moment."
"But-!" Ann attempted to protest but Futaba placed a hand on the ashen-blonde's shoulder.
"Akira's right, Ann." Futaba said quietly. "You have Asia-san on your mind… You're worried about her. But you won't be able to save her if you're too tired to fight." Tugging on Ann's clothing, the orange-haired girl kept pulling and refused to move until Ann did.
Watching Ann begrudgingly walk away to her room since all of them were in the girls' apartment, Akira sighed while resting his face in the palm of his hand. "I really hope I'm making the right decisions here…" He said, rubbing his forehead. "Plus I think I'm rushing you guys as well."
"Come on, dude. You're just doing the best you can. Besides, if it were any one of us giving orders there'd be a lot of setbacks." Ryuji pointed out, attempting to boost his friend's confidence.
"He's right." Yusuke agreed, nodding his head.
"But think about it." Akira said straightly. "This is reality that we are dealing with. Not the Metaverse. Not a Palace. The real world." He paused for a second. "An actual human life we are dealing with here with. This isn't changing a heart like we normally do."
"…" Both Ryuji and Yusuke were silent, thinking about Akira's words.
He was right. This was not as simple as going through a Palace defeating Shadows eventually having to steal the Treasure and fight their way out. Now, the shots from their guns did matter. The strikes of their weapons had to be careful. It didn't have to be said, but the weight of thought was a bit obvious.
It was going to be difficult to not kill real people in reality.
"…I'm going to go search around on the internet. Maybe they're staying at some famous place or something around the city. I mean, they don't really want to be seen with blood on them if they do happen to hurt someone when entering a hotel." Ryuji volunteered, getting off of his seat and walking out of the door to get back to their own apartment.
"Hey," Morgana managed to get Akira's attention as the cat hopped off of the table and onto the couch. "Think we might still have some of that stuff you crafted in your room back in Tokyo? Maybe even some more materials?"
Akira thought about it. Humming to himself in thought, he nodded his head. Yes, they may still have some combat infiltration tools left. Although… there was actually something that just came to his mind. Looking over to Yusuke, the blue-haired boy looked like he was in an awkward position since he was the only one left with nothing to do.
"There's something very important I need you to do."
TakeABreak
The sun was bright and the sky was clear, but the streets of the city were noticeably empty as lunchtime approached. How strange considering that it would usually be the time that the streets were packed with people. The weather was nice too, and it had been nice for the last week or so. Why people would choose to stay in on such a wonderful day was baffling… or maybe it was actually a school day and people were working.
Among the scarcely populated streets was Ann. The Phantom Thief weaved her way around the people that she came across as she moved swiftly and intently towards her destination.
What was she doing out of school during lunch?
During the morning as she arrived to school, she walked into her classroom and saw that there was a note on her desk. Well… she didn't really see it. Akira actually pointed it out when she dropped her bag right on top of it. The contents of the note were pretty suspicious and quite cliché if Ann had to state her opinion verbally. It was a typical 'meet me at this location' message.
The sender even cut out letters from magazines and newspapers so that there didn't have to be any writing. Whoever sent it either really was not messing around or had a really strange sense of humor.
At the moment of thinking about why she was walking outside of school grounds, the teenager passed the park that the note had singled out for a rendezvous point. Suddenly, Ann felt someone grab her shoulder. It was not aggressive, but it surely got her attention.
The blonde turned her head slightly to see Issei standing behind her. It seemed that the perverted boy had recovered from his injuries rather quickly. Maybe it was with Devil powers or something. There was something odd about the whole situation though. Rias or anyone else from her peerage weren't spotted nearby so either they were hiding or not around at all.
Still, Ann had to ask with a bit of a surprised look. "Hyoudou-san? What are you doing here?"
The brunette had a confused look. "What are you talking about?" He scratched his head. "Didn't you get my note?"
Ann raised an eyebrow as she dug into her pocket and fished up a crumpled wad of paper. She held it out for Issei to see. "You mean this?" Seeing the boy nod, she raised an eye even higher. "Why would you send me a note? You could have just talked to me, you know…"
"Y-yeah, but… you're kind of… uh… intimidating..." Issei admitted while sheepishly scratching the back of his head now. "
"…Intimidating?"
Issei nodded energetically. "You're pretty intimidating." He stated with a bit of fear as he eyed her carefully. "If the fact that you would chase me and the others down whenever you would catch us wasn't enough, using that whip and gun is scary enough by itself." He finished with a dreadful cringe but then it began to lighten. "Although…" He trailed off to stare at her chest for a second.
"Yeah…" Ann said awkwardly before noticing where his eyes were. She slapped the back of his head. "Focus!" She scowled for a second. "So, any reason why you called me out?"
"I want to save Asia-san. But in order to do that… I need your help, Takamaki-senpai!" Issei stated earnestly, rubbing the back of his head.
Ann stared for a few seconds. She then blinked. "You want to save Asia-san?" She repeated the question just in case she wasn't hearing things.
"More than anything else." The perverted boy nodded his head. "Plus, you're the only one I can think about that also knows about Devils. So you have to know about Fallen Angels as well then! You're the only one I can ask since we both know Asia-san."
"Why ask me then?" Ann asked, folding her arms and developed a confused expression. "I mean, I definitely would be glad to help you. But what about Gremory-san helping you? If you want to find her then Gremory-san could probably do it better than me."
Issei hung his head, "I don't think that's an option."
"Why's that?"
"Because Bachou told me to forget about Asia. That it's too dangerous for me to continue associating with her." Issei's voice was sad and slow. "But, I really want to save her. I can't just leave her with those freaks." He continued. "Even if I die, I can at least make sure that Asia-san is able to escape."
Ann didn't reply immediately. Closing her eyes, she was perfectly content with Issei's answer actually. Yes, the boy's actions were perverse. But the rumors were certainly much more exaggerated that ever. She first witnessed that when Issei talked to Asia. Ann also remembered when he protected her. She was no convinced that Issei meant every word, being such an honest person.
He was no longer a pervert. He was now a chivalrous pervert.
"I like that answer." Ann stated with a smile. "Alright, I'll help you." Issei's eyes lit up. "But… We have no idea where to even start looking. Ever-"
"Issei-san? Ann-san?"
Both teenagers looked over to the side and were stunned to see Asia standing next to them. She was safe… and seemingly uninjured.
"Well… that was easy." Issei commented.
"Yeah."
"So… what do we do now?" The perverted boy asked, really confused on what to do.
"I don't know…" Ann said slowly, wondering if there was going to be more to this event. "Maybe get some lunch?"
"Uh, I guess?"
TakeABreak
Akira was at the back of the school for lunch. Not the old school building, but a small clearing hidden behind some trees. It was the perfect spot not to be disturbed even if there was noise. Not a soul would disturb him. He prepared himself, getting into a good position.
Sona waited in a bit anticipation for Akira to get start.
Setting up a small object that looked like a combination between a grenade and a C4 explosive, Akira backed away a fair distance while Sona stayed a couple of feet behind the black-haired boy. Morgana himself was in his humanoid form as he watched the two of them be at a good amount away from the item. With his slingshot aiming for the thing, Morgana released a shot and hit the item.
The explosive blew up.
The size and power of the blast was fairly powerful. Akira and Sona both had to cover their ears as the noise was louder than expected. Fortunately, especially for Morgana, it was only bad enough to cause their ears to ring for a couple of seconds before they unplugged the open canals to their brains.
"Well, it seems that any form of impact will cause them to explode." Morgana stated with an interested look at the damage that had been done to the area that had been a victim to their tests. A good chunk of the ground and a couple of trees were gone and knocked over due to a lack of trunk.
"…" Sona stared with a slightly disturbed look as she then looked over to Akira who was nodding his head in approval to Morgana's comment. "You made explosives…" She said in a tone that proved she was not too happy with what she had just discovered. "…In your room."
"It's called a Megido Bomb. I made it from tanned leather, red phosphorus, and liquid mercury." Akira nodded his head as Sona seemed to glare at him. "Don't worry, I have a limited supply of everything so I can't make any quantity I want anytime." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone."
"The fact that you made such threatening items is still a huge concern." Sona deadpanned, folding her arms. "Just where did you get tanned leather, red phosphorus, and liquid mercury to begin with?" She thought about it for a second. "Wait, let me answer my own question. You found all of that in the Metaverse, didn't you?"
"Pretty much." Morgana nodded his head, shaking his skull.
Sona then shook her head. "I don't think I want to ask how such things can be found within such a place." She sighed, massaging her forehead before looking at Akira. "So let me guess… You're getting ready to save that nun that Ann-san is close to."
Akira looked over to his side. "You know about Asia-san?"
"Correct." Sona confirmed, widening her standing posture to make herself a bit more comfortable. "Rias explained everything to me last night, feeling a bit anxious that her new Pawn is going to try and act on his own."
"And what is your opinion of the situation?" Akira asked, getting a questionable look from Sona. "I'm just asking. How would you feel if it was one of your own members in the predicament Hyoudou-san and Ann are in?"
"…That is a bit of a tough answer." Sona admitted, putting a thoughtful look on her face. "I… I think-"
There was a quick sound of vibrating, but it was enough to cut Sona off. Reaching into his pocket, Akira pulled out his phone just as Morgana leapt up on his shoulder to get a better look of who was messaging the boy. Sona also peek over to see the conversation on screen.
[Guys, this is crazy. But I found Asia-san!] Ann texted each and every one of the Phantom Thieves in the group chat.
"Wait, is she serious?!" Morgana exclaimed, rather surprised at this sudden outcome.
[For real?! How the Hell did that happen?!] Ryuji answered, seeming to be in as much of a shock as Morgana judging by the words.
Yusuke was next to dive into the conversation. {I too am curious as well.]
[That's what I'm planning to ask her.] Ann told everyone. [We're going out to eat lunch at the moment with Hyoudou-san. Hopefully Asia-san will tell me everything we need to know.]
[Can't you just bring her back?] Akira asked.
[I don't think that's a good idea.] Makoto commented. [Who knows what may come to the school if we do end up doing that. We'll have to keep this issue outside of academy grounds]
[So does that mean that we'll have to be ready earlier than expected?] Haru joined in. [We knew that it could have happened at any time but I didn't think it would be this fast.]
[I'm kind of happy that you found Asia for two reasons.] Futaba put in her own thoughts. [First of all, we can find out where those Fallen Angels are and kick their butts. Second, it's the perfect opportunity to escape from Gremory-san. Ugh, she has no idea of when to just give up! No matter how many times I say no, she keeps pressing on!]
"Rias does have her reasons though." Sona said from the side, reading the conversation.
[Sorry, we're about to eat now. I'll start questioning Asia-san now.] Ann had to end the conversation there.
As Akira placed his phone into his pocket, Sona stared. "Despite the sudden rush, you're pretty well organized."
"It's sometimes good to keep a cool head in the situations you are in." Akira answered. "If you lose it, you could be in a disarray and lose concentration. Such could be applied to battle."
"Noted." Sona nodded her head. Hearing footsteps approach them, she turned her head and raised an eyebrow at who was walking towards them. "…Yusuke-san? What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Sitri-san, I was not aware that you would be joining us." Yusuke nodded his head, fully aware that the student council president had discovered their secret identities but kept it all a secret. "I'm just here to drop off a few things for Akira that he asked me to make."
In Yusuke's hand was a briefcase. Seeing the blue-haired boy hand it over to him, Akira took the object and quickly opened it up. There were cards, many cards that held all kinds of strange symbols and pictures.
Taking a card that had a tiny fireball, Akira stared at it for a few seconds. Akira then shrugged before flicking the card away to send it soaring. Picking up a rock and throwing the stone, the card was hit but nothing special really happened. It simply fluttered down with a bit of a crease in the middle of the card but nothing to severe.
"…Okay..." Akira said as he picked up the card. "Morgana… Now I want you to try and hit it with since you are in your Phantom Thief clothing." He tossed the object once again. This time, Morgana raised his golden slingshot and released a pouch. His aim was perfect as he struck the card dead center. The result from the shot landing was an explosion of fire that wasn't as bit as a Megido Bomb, but still powerful.
Yusuke stared at the display that was before his eyes. "Does this mean that we can use these cards that I have drawn up as well and it is not just restricted to you?" He asked, looking at the inside of the briefcase. "You must have collected so many while I have drawn and replicated countless amounts… This is amazing." His eyes looked in awe.
"There's something else that I have to see though." Akira said before passing the new card in his hand to Sona. "Do you think you can channel some energy into this card and attempt to shoot it?"
Staring, Sona gingerly took the card and looked. It… didn't seem to be anything more special than a brilliant drawing of a small flame. Pointing it forward, she pumped just a small bit of magic into the card. Seconds later, a fireball soared out of the object and nailed a tree in the process.
Watching the tree and card burn, Akira ignored Sona's surprised look as he nodded. "Perfect. Now all we need to do is wait for Ann's report."
TakeABreak
Putting her phone away, Ann turned to Asia while Issei was sitting adjacent from the both of them as they were given their food from a small fast-food restaurant they found. "Asia-san… I know this may be hard for you, but I need to ask you some questions. "Is that okay?"
The shorter blonde girl frowned, as if she knew what was coming. But she still nodded her head regardless.
"My first question is how are you here right now? The last time we saw you, you were taken away by that Freed guy." Ann inquired, her arms folded and her expression serious with Issei nodding.
Asia lowered her head. "I… ran away from the church." She said, gaining a shocked look from Issei. "I was going to tell you that I was on my break, but when I saw that the both of you were at the park I decided to be honest."
Ann nodded her head, trying to be as gently as possible. It then hit her. "Wait… the church?"
"Yes. The church near the city's edge."
…Ann pinched the bridge of her nose, tilting her head back and inhaling sharply. She should have known, how could she have been so stupid? Asia did say that she got transferred to this town's church, where else was she going to be? She literally had been hidden in plain sight and she still was unable to put it together. That was definitely a slap in the face.
Well, the good news was that their search was no longer needed.
"Okay… I have a third question and it should probably be the last. How many Fallen Angels are there and is there anyone else?" Ann asked, knitting her fingers together.
Asia didn't answer immediately. "I think there were four of them… counting Raynare-sama. Then there is Freed with a handful of other exorcists."
Ann stayed silent. That meant that there were still two Fallen Angels that they didn't know of. That wasn't as bad as she thought it would be… But wasn't Raynare that person who attempted to kill Akira? Either way, Ann got the information she wanted. "Sorry guys, but I have to get back to school soon. Hopefully I'll see you all later." She quickly grabbed her burger and drink.
"Wait." Ann stopped as she was slowly getting off of her seat to see Asia fidgeting around a bit in her seat. "S-since you asked me a few questions, it's only natural that I get to ask a few things myself… right?"
Ann thought about it for a bit and shrugged. "Yeah, that sounds about fair."
"My first question and only question is…" Asia started to frown. "Were you going to kill Father Freed?"
A frown soon grew over Ann's face as well. "No, I wasn't." She answered, looking down slightly. "It… sort of sickens me that guys like Freed actually exist. But no matter how much I would want them to probably go and die… that isn't the answer. At least… that's how I feel."
"You don't have to think about it so hard, Takamaki-senpai." Issei stated softly, earning a nod from Asia. "Plus, you did save me back there, so I'm grateful for that." He gave a small smile. "I'm weak after all. I'm so weak that I couldn't do anything. If you hadn't interfered as you did, I would have most likely been killed."
"I don't think that makes you any less likable." Asia stated, earning the attention of the Kuoh student duo. She smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed red. "You both are the kindest people that I have ever met… and I am really thankful for meeting you two in my short time here."
"So, we're all friends?" Issei asked with a slightly eager smile. As everyone else nodded their heads with their own warm looks, he decided to switch topics. "So Asia, could you tell us your story? You know, what your life was like before you got mixed up with Fallen Angels and that psycho exorcist?"
Asia took in a deep breath and recomposed herself, even if barely. "I was abandoned as a baby by my parents at the steps of one of Rome's churches." She started. "The church took me in and raised me there." She paused for a moment. "Then, one day, an injured puppy wandered into the church's courtyard. I prayed to God will all I had so that the puppy would get better. That was when my… power had awakened."
Ann and Issei remained silent as Asia continued her story.
"When my miracle was discovered, I was moved into the Main Church where people from all over the world came to hear my prayers." She stated with a smile. "I was truly happy that I could help so many people. It made me feel like I had something great to offer, that I was useful." She continued. "Then… one day, after finishing attening the morning masses, I stumbled across an inured boy. Without hesitation, I quickly healed him… only to find out that he was a Devil."
Ann frowned at that information, and the sad look that took hold of Asia's face once again. I was branded as a witch for healing a Devil and immediately excommunicated."
Issei looked away somberly as Ann slammer her fist on the table. Luckily, they didn't attract any attention. "Are you kidding me?!" She nearly shouted, but settled for a loud whisper. "That was a complete accident and yet you still were thrown out?! What kind of bullshit is that!?"
"That's pretty harsh." Issei commented sadly.
"No kidding." You did so much for them without asking anything in return, and those bastards banished you for a simple, small mistake." Ann scoffed angrily, adding in some words.
"Don't say that!" Asia cried defensively.
Ann rolled her eyes. "I don't see why you're defending them." She continued. "They treated you so badly and for what reason? For helping someone that you weren't even aware of being a Devil? How were you even supposed to know that?"
"Yeah!" Issei agreed.
Opening her mouth, Ann stopped herself from speaking anymore to think for a few seconds. "But… I guess that shows just how kind you really are, Asia. Most of your life you've remained faithful to your religion, and later on was treated badly by the very people that made you believe in it… and yet, in the end… you don't hate them." She looked out the window to see the streets starting to bustle. "But, at what cost?"
Asia tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Ann turned back to face her and briefly glance at Issei out of the corner of her eyes. "Asia… you're a lonely girl, aren't you?" Both younger teenagers looked shocked at Ann's statement. "If it makes you feel any better, I was kind pretty lonely too… for a very long time. Until I met a dear friend… and everyone else."
She brought her full attention to Asia. "I don't want you to be lonely like I was back then. So that's why you've just gained an important friend for life. You won't ever have to be alone again, Asia. The same goes for you as well, right Issei?"
The brunette nodded his head eagerly for a few seconds. But then it hit him. "Wait… Issei?" He asked.
"Well, yeah, we're friends now." Ann stated. "Plus, saying Hyoudou-san is a bit of a mouthful. Well… Takamaki-senpai is as well. So, just call me by my first name. Should be simple enough."
Issei blinked before smiling widely. He then looked at Ann hopefully. "Ann-senpai… I know that there is still school to go to… but can I spend more time with Asia?"
Ann smirked. "Were you going to do it anyways even if I said no?" She watched him look away. "Yeah, thought so."
"Sorry."
"Don't be. You should continue making Asia happy." Ann smiled, looking over to the other blonde. "Hear that Asia? You're going to be spending your afternoon together with Issei… You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
The surprised blonde in question shook her head. "N-no."
"Then I leave her in your care. Make sure that you have some fun as well."
Waving her hand, Ann ran off back to school while texting.
TakeABreak
Rias sighed as she looked at Issei. Her Pawn had just barged into the clubroom about ten minutes ago with a bloody shirt and a seared wound on his chest. There was no doubt that it was the work of a Fallen Angel. Although, when Issei told her his story she noticed a few things that were a bit… off.
The first thing she noticed about his story is that Asia was involved yet again, even after she had repeatedly told Issei to stay away from her. The second thing she noticed was Ann's involvement in the issue. The blonde in question seemed to know a lot more about Devil's than she expected. It was almost like she knew everything Akira did.
Rias' green eyes moved to the side to see Akeno standing at the entrance with a slightly concerned look on her face. Kiba was sitting on the couch, polishing a sword. Koneko was sitting next to the male, knowing on a piece of candy yet still kept an ear open.
"Issei-kun, I told you over and over again to not get involved with that nun." Rias chided in annoyance. "But, now it seems that even Ann-san has gotten involved with your shenanigans. She's not even supposed to know about Devils."
Issei shook his head vigorously. "But she knew Asia too! She wants to save her as much as I do!" He almost shouted. "If you won't do anything to save her, then Ann-senpai will! And I'll help her!"
"No, you will not!" Rias countered as she got up from behind her desk. "I will not allow you to! You've almost died twice in one week's time and if you die again, I won't be able to bring you back this time!"
Issei looked away with a sour look on his face. "What's the big deal then, huh?" He looked back at his King. "I'm just one piece on the chess board. A simple Pawn! I'm easily replaced."
A slap suddenly rang out and everyone in the room, even Koneko, turned to see Rias standing in front of the perverted teen. Her arm and hand was raised while Issei's head was turned as if he had been slapped. It was pretty obvious what happened to everyone in the room.
"Don't talk like that, Issei-kun." Rias said, pulling her hand back while trying not to raise her voice. "Do you really think that the Pawn is the weakest?" She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at the boy in front of her. "The Pawn piece has special traits that none of the other pieces have called Promotion."
The brunette tilted his head with a questioning look. "Promotion?"
The red0haired beauty nodded. "When a Pawn is deep in enemy territory, they rank up to any other piece, besides the King." She explained. "But, it is not something that you can do at will. As I stated, it required you to be in enemy territory, and have the permission of your King to do it."
"Enemy territory and the permission of a King? That's another detail you forgot to mention."
Slightly startled, everyone turned their heads to see Akira walked through the door carrying a suitcase with Morgana perched on his shoulder in cat-form. Sona however stayed right beside the black-haired male as she traveled the same speed he did. Futaba popped her head out from behind Akira and gave Rias a glare. Ann meanwhile was behind them by only half a second.
Walking right over to where Rias and Issei were standing, Akira stopped and that's when everyone else who accompanied him did as well. "Sona… Akira-kun… what are you both doing here as well as Futaba-san and Ann-san?" Rias asked with a bit of a confused look.
"Gremory-san," Ann breathed, her voice even and firm. "We heard the entire conversation. What Issei said is true." She stated. "I met Asia the same day as he did. Just like him, I do want to save Asia… with or without your help."
"There is also the issue about you constantly pushing Futaba to join your peerage." Akira added, taking a step closer to Rias. "Stop it. In fact, don't even bother asking Ann or anyone of my friends. Their answer is going to be no. It always will be no. They will always stick with the response of no."
As Akira's eyes bored into Rias', Issei took the opportunity to take a couple of steps closer to Ann. "…Ann-senpai, I…" The brunette started before Ann put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry about it." Ann waved him off before giving a small smile. "It's not like you gave her to them, right? You tried your best to protect her. Besides, you asked me to help you save her, remember? Well, it won't just be us. Akira, Morgana, and even Futaba are going to help get her back."
Issei blinked in surprised before smiling back. "Yeah."
"So, you had a fun day with her?" Ann asked.
The boy nodded. "Yes, we had a blast." He answered honestly, a ghost of a smile appearing on his face before disappearing quickly. "I should have been careful… I should have taken here somewhere safe, but… she told me that this may be the last time I see her."
The ash-blonde was confused. "And why is that?"
"She… she told me that when we were hanging out." Issei responded. "I don't know what she meant, but I have a feeling she was serious."
Ann was confused. Why would Asia say… Ann's eyes widened when it hit her. The Fallen… they were going to do something to Asia that may end her life. That, or something was going to happen that kept her locked up forever. "Akira." Ann walked up and pulled the boy's head to her ear. "I… I think they're going to kill her."
Akira slowly turned his head. Looking around him, it looked like Futaba and Morgana both heard what the blonde of their group had said. "We're heading out. Now." He stated firmly as they all took a step towards the door.
"Akira-kun," That stopped all of the Phantom Thieves in their tracks as they turned to see Rias giving them a stern look. "I cannot allow you all to go after this girl either." She stated. "You all will die if you go there. Each of you may have been able to survive a single Fallen Angel or a stray exorcist." Her eyes narrowed. "But there is no way you can take on more than one."
"…" Akira stayed silent. His own eyes began to narrow as he took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he inhaled and exhaled. It was getting very annoying at the moment. What Rias was basically telling them to do was to let Asia die. He was not going to let that slide. "If you had at least taken care of the situation from the beginning, none of this would be happening." His tone was even, but his words were cold. "Hyoudou-san died remember. I'm not going to let the same happen to an innocent girl when I know what may end up happening to her."
"But even though that happened, I still revived Issei-kun to keep him alive." Rias tried to reason, which was a pretty bad one in Akira's opinion. "Even if it happened to you, you know I would bring you into my Peerage-"
"Peerage, peerage, peerage." Akira repeated like a broken record, saying the words with a distasteful look in his mouth. "That's all you care about, isn't it? You don't care if you harass others. You just keep pressing, pressuring them. We had to drag Futaba out of her room because she didn't want to deal with another afternoon of your bullshit." Everyone flinched at Akira's swear. "It almost looks like Sitri-san is the only different Devil that I am aware of that isn't too greedy. You're nothing special as she describes. Just as common as fictional Devils come." Stepping away, he gestured the others to follow him. "Come on."
"Stop right there!" Rias exclaimed, stepping after Akira. "If you go to the church, you will die!" Akira didn't show any signs of stopping. Gritting her teeth, she slapped her hand on his free shoulder. "Akira Kurusu, I am talking!"
"And I'm not listening!"
Spinning around, Akira grabbed Rias' outstretched arm and pinned her against the wall near the door. They were face to face as Akira now had a glare on his features. The entire Occult Research club but Issei stood at attention, all preparing to protect their King. The brunette of the Devils though was shocked. Sona however stood right between them and Akira as she stood firmly in place but kept a glare in Akira's direction.
"Now you listen to me, Rias Gremory." Akira almost growled out as the voice rumbled in the back of his throat. "You are treading on a very thin line that is between my patience and a deep, dark pit of trouble if you continue to try and stop us. You could have taken care of Raynare when you had the chance, but let her go freely. You could have just asked Hyoudou-san to join your peerage but you didn't. Futaba asked you to stop asking her the same question over and over and over and over again, time after time… You. Didn't." He leaned in closer. "We don't take orders from you. We are not your servants. We are not your friends. We are strangers. If you do want to move out of the stranger level, I suggest at least to stop asking us to join your peerage as it will make you seem much more competent than usual and prove that you listen to the well-being of others. After that, I am sure that we could become friends extremely fast."
A hand grabbed the arm that was pinning Rias. Turning his head, Akira saw that Sona was now right beside the two of them. "Akira-san, let her go now." The girl requested, staring at his eyes while he looked at her. "I'm sure that she's learned her lesson now. Plus, she has her reasons. She just never bothered saying any of them due to high moments of stress. But the main point is that a war between the Three Factions could possibly be started if any members of her peerage attempt to storm the church." Her pupils narrowed. "And I'm sure that you wouldn't want to be the cause of a war… would you?"
Akira didn't say anything. Slowly looking back to Rias, his attention snapped back to Sona in seconds. Thinking, he eventually stepped back and let Rias go. "Well… it's a good thing that none of us are part of her peerage then or are Devils to begin with." He commented as he looked to all of the other Phantom Thieves around him. "Are we all ready to go?"
Ann blinked, realizing that Akria was speaking to them. She had to admit, she was a bit shocked that Akira could react like that. "Yeah, I'm ready to save Asia."
Futaba was the next to regain her senses, but easily waved the moment away. "Mm-hmm!" She hummed while nodding her head.
"Let's get going." Morgana commented from his shoulder.
Before they could move though, Sona's hand was still holding onto Akira's. "I have to ask you this question though." She stated, her narrowed eyes still staring. "Just how confidant are you being able to rescue this Asia girl without any of you dying?"
"None of us will be dying today. I can promise that." Akira answered, nodding in confirmation.
Sona seemed to be satisfied with the answer as she released her hold. "Go then. It's a shame I won't be able to see you in action. If I go, then I may be accused of commanding such an attack."
"Thanks, Sitri-san." With those words, Akira and the other ran out of the room.
"Are you crazy, Sona?!" Rias exclaimed, watching them leave. "You're just letting them go into a place that may be swarming with exorcists and Fallen Angels?!"
"Akira-san said that he is confidant that none of them will be dying. Therefore, I have complete faith in him that he will rescue Ann-san's friend without any of their lives being lost." Sona simply reasoned, walking out of the room. But before actually going out of the door, she turned her head and eyed Rias. "You would have faith in them as well if you knew who they truly are."
Well, there we go. I say the last scene could have gone better. But still, I'm happy with what I wrote down… even though there is a reference from something that many people may or may not like.
About the crafting of infiltration combat tools and use of skill cards… I don't know. Maybe it may have ended up ruining this series, but I wanted to add it in to try and make this series more unique since this was a mechanic in game that I heavily relied on when I first started in a way to get all those all-out attacks and moves I wanted. Besides… where is Akria going to get some more tanned leather, red phosphorus, and liquid mercury for those Megido Bombs now? Plus, I'll attempt to balance the skill cards out in a way.
So… Battle at the church next… and there is going to be something else that is going to just seem like it's inserted in but I feel like I want it to be like that.
No flames please.