Chapter 4: Rediscovery

A total of 5 years had passed since Vali had left. During that time, Issei had been growing stronger and stronger and he had also physically changed. He was now 17-years-old and stood at a height of 5'9 and was quite muscular, thanks to all the training and missions Azazel put him through.

However, as time went by, Issei slowly began to miss human life. He had no companions his age in Grigori, so it was only natural that he wanted to make friends in his age group. He missed being a normal person. He missed not having to fight every other day of the week. It was time to move on to a different chapter in his life.

Issei was currently in his room, spraying deodorant everywhere as he tried to get rid of the dragon smell in his room.

"Stupid puberty. My room reeks of nasty musk, sweat, and dragon breath, which is like morning breath but a hundred times worse." Issei groaned as he walked out of his room and closed the door.

He had several tanks of deodorant placed in his room and were ready for him to activate them.

Pressing a button on a remote, gasses and vapor hissed for 15 minutes until Issei opened the room. With no scents left inside, save for a vanilla scent, Issei was satisfied with his work. He looked around and most of his belongings were packed. The room was now bare, save for what was there before Issei had moved in.

He gazed around his room and slowly touched and smoothed over the desks, drawers, and bed. He smiled sadly as he had planned to leave this home for a very long time. He had planned to return to the home that he and his parents had lived in, which was back in Kuoh.

While it still stung to remember his past, Issei noticed that recalling his past was lessening more and more when he accepted the fact that he had no power over life and death. He could only move on and live for the sake of his loved ones who had left the mortal plane.

Picking up his backpack, his only luggage that was left to move, Issei walked out and locked the door to his bedroom before pocketing the key to it.

Walking around and visiting all of his friends for the last time, Issei made his last visit with Azazel.

Knocking on the office door of his godfather, Issei peeked inside and saw Azazel smile at him.

"You all set?" Azazel looked a bit sad but there was a gleam in his eyes.

'He's probably gonna turn my room into another harem den or lab for himself. Heheh, not that I mind. He raised me after all.' Issei smirked to himself as he recounted the countless antics that Azazel endured because of him,

"Yeah. I'll be leaving right after this."

"I see. Well, it's too bad that you're leaving. I still wanted to teach you about the life of visiting bars and clubs but I guess that's for another time." Azazel laughed as he joked, at least Issei hoped he was.

'I think he's already corrupted you to an acceptable extent already. Like a few nights ago where- ' Ddraig teased his partner but was cut off with a mental message.

'DDRAIG! WE ARE NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT EVER AGAIN!' Issei visible panicked but recomposed himself.

Changing the atmosphere, Issei decided that he had to give his last words to his uncle for a while.

"Uncle…thank you for everything." Issei made a sincere smile as he bowed.

He gave Azazel a hug and a pat on the back right after.

"Issei, know that I'm proud of you. I've raised you since you were 8. Now that you've turned 17 and have practically become an adult, I can only tell you that if you need anything, you can ask me. Even though I can't steer your life anymore, I can still help you move along the path that you choose to. Also, I'm very sure that Ryuken and Reiko are proud of you too, son." Azazel lost his laid-back demeanor and adopted a sentimental one as he saw his godson/nephew off to the Human World.

"I'll make sure to visit when I can." Azazel gave another input as he waved farewell to the young Red Dragon Emperor.

Disappearing into a magic circle, Issei felt his tension rise high as he awaited to see the sight of his old home again.


In a flash of light, Issei was met by the sight of the three story Hyoudou Home, which had been well kept by Azazel. He had to admit, a tear was brought to his eye as the massive amount of childhood memories of his past flew at him.

Shaking himself out of his stupor, Issei walked up to his front door and unlocked it with the key to the house.

As he slowly opened the door, Issei felt different. He truly felt at home. It wasn't like all the times he'd gone back to Grigori after missions. This time, it truly felt like he'd come home.

He was happy to see that everything was the same. Photos were kept in place, the furniture was the same, and the same homely atmosphere that was present back then, was still present now.

He walked up to his old room and was surprised that it was exactly how he had left it. Empty. To be honest, Issei thought that Azazel would throw some stuff in for him but he guessed the Governor General chose not to.

"Well, this means the Master Bedroom's mine then."

While it would be considered subpar compared to his room in Grigori, which had twice the size of everything here, everything felt just right to Issei.

After quickly unloading and placing all of his things, which wasn't much, Issei got to preparing his school supplies. The year would officially start in a few days. Luckily, Azazel had already dealt with paperwork. This just left Issei to deal with academic matters, which wouldn't be much of a problem for him since he studied under a genius for almost a decade.

Azazel made sure he would get A+ in everything.

Unfortunately, Issei's last check was his fridge. He didn't have any groceries in his refrigerator. Not even a crumb.

"I guess this means grocery shopping. Oh well, I guess this means that I get to familiarize myself with Kuoh again." Issei locked up his home and walked to the supermarket.

'It's in times like these that I'm glad to be without a body. I don't have to worry about food.' Ddraig remarked as Issei made his way to the store.

'That reminds me. What did dragons have as parts of their diet?' Issei was curious as to what dragons ate, now that the topic came up.

'We either ate livestock or plants of different kinds. We used to live abundantly in the Human Realm until the time came for us to move to different places. There was also a certain fruit that certain dragons depended on for survival. I believe they were called Dragon Apples. Tannin, the Dragon King, was one of them.' Ddraig wasn't sure how the purple dragon was doing but he was probably doing well in life.

Reaching the supermarket, Issei browsed around while carrying a shopping basket. Considering how he was only one person; he'd only need to get enough to last a week for himself.


After leaving the store, Issei walked home with a sense of renewal in himself.

"Looks like this is a fresh new restart for me." Issei remarked as he kept with a smile.

Suddenly, a far distance away, Issei a group of people running quickly. He recognized them all dressed in the Kuoh Academy uniform. He would know since he would be attending as well.

'Devils?' Issei could easily identify their species through their natural aura and scent, something his father had taught him.

'Definitely.' Ddraig confirmed.

There were a total of four people, with three women and one male. One of the women had long crimson hair and cyan eyes. She was altogether, amazingly beautiful and she seemed very graceful and refined. Unfortunately, Issei instantly zeroed in on her bust and broke into a perverted grin but mentally slapped himself.

'Stop it, Issei! Don't ogle strangers! You're a man, not an animal.' Issei scolded himself as he kept walking.

One of the other girls was short, being below average height. She had white hair and hazel eyes. Strangely, she had fingerless gloves with cat paw prints on them. Issei instantly thought that she was cute and adorable when he looked at her, even though she had an emotionless feel to her.

The sole male was a handsome young man. He was about average height and he had grey eyes, with a mole under his left eye. However, what stood out about him was that he had a sword in his hands. It had a black blade, with a gold handguard, and a white hilt.

However, when Issei laid eyes on the last individual, he could feel his eyes bulging and his heart stopping.

The last of the mysterious group was a young woman of dazzling beauty and elegance. To him, she was the most beautiful in the group. She had long black hair that was tied into a high ponytail with a gold-orange ribbon. Her eyes were violet, and her figure could make anyone drool like a waterfall.

'Akeno?!' Issei was flabbergasted.

The young woman looked so similar to Shuri that the resemblance was uncanny. However, if Shuri were alive, she would've been with Baraqiel. Recalling what the Fallen Angel Leader said, he didn't actually see the destruction of Akeno's body but he confirmed that only ash remained of their shrine home, with no bodies evident.

'Partner, could it be…through some miracle, that Akeno survived?' Ddraig was also alarmed.

'I need to investigate!' Issei was about to make a brash move until Ddraig intervened again.

'Wait, Partner. Remember what Azazel said. This territory is controlled by Devils. We can't just make rash actions that could damage the ceasefire of the Three Factions. Those four are wearing Kuoh uniforms. There's a highly likely chance that we'll see them again. I know how you feel, but we have to tread softly or we might cause a major domino effect.'

Taking Ddraig's advice seriously, Issei growled loudly with frustration but relented.

"Gah. Fine." Issei sighed as he took one last look at the direction where the four had headed off to.

Issei turned the corner of the street that they ran through but when he did, the four Devils were gone.

"Ddraig, if that was Akeno…" Issei muttered to his dragon partner. He didn't finish his sentence. He was afraid that if it was her, then he'd wronged her so terribly for so long.

He could only imagine the years of loneliness and grief that Akeno must have experienced if she had survived the incident at the Shinto shrine 8 years ago.

Ddraig didn't say anything. Whatever he was thinking, he wasn't intent on sharing it.


After a span of a week, Issei and Ddraig hadn't seen the group of Devils again. This only served to frustrate Issei, who wanted to find information, but he couldn't because anything could be used against him if he were caught by Devils. He knew that if he had ever gotten into trouble, Azazel would jump in, which would lead to big problems if the other factions were involved in a particularly accusational matter.

The school week finally began and Issei hoped that he would finally get answers.

Walking into his classroom, Issei made his introductions. He looked around and didn't notice anybody standing out in particular, until he saw the blonde boy from the group of Devils from a few nights ago. He resisted the urge to say something but didn't want to make a scene.

"Does anyone have any questions for Hyoudou?" The teacher asked around.

Issei expected silence but several hands went up, surprising him.

"Yes, Murayama?" The teacher pointed to a well-endowed, twin-tailed brunette.

"Do you happen to know those two over there?" She pointed at one boy that had a shaved head and another boy who wore glasses. Both of them had the same aura that wreaked of perversion. Issei was more than happy that he was not involved with them.

"No. I do not know those two."

"I see. Good." Murayama had taken it upon herself to ask every male that question so that she and the other girls would know who to watch out for. The last thing that they needed was another pervert trying to peep on them.

Issei was glad that he didn't get many questions. He chose a window seat when he was done, naturally.

As lessons for the day ended, Issei was getting ready to go home until the blonde Devil boy had entered Issei's sight. He put up his hand to shake Issei's and offered a smile.

Shaking hands, the two exchanged proper greetings.

"Hi, I'm Yuuto Kiba." He spoke.

"I'm Issei Hyoudou. It's a pleasure to meet you." Issei returned the polite greeting.

"Hyoudou, I was wondering if you were busy at present." Kiba asked calmly.

"I'm not. Is there something that I can help you with?" Issei wasn't sure what was coming but he was ready.

"Well, I'm a part of the Occult Research Club and my Club President wanted to speak with you. Would you be willing to come along?" Kiba asked politely.

Issei saw no harm in going with him. He was thankful since it could get him the answers he wanted.


Issei followed Kiba to the Old School Building and was led up to the room where a certain crimson-haired girl awaited.

Knocking on the door and opening it, Issei wasn't exactly surprised that he would see the crimson-haired girl again.

"Welcome. Please come in." The Club President spoke politely with a gentle and relaxed tone.

Now that Issei got a good look at her, he could recognize her as a Gremory. Given her crimson hair and the stories he had heard about her, Issei practically knew who she was. She was Rias Gremory, the Crimson Ruin Princess.

"Thank you for inviting me. May I ask what you want from me?" Issei half-expected to receive accusational glares of suspicion from everyone in the room but he only received looks of indifference.

"Thank you for coming. My name is Rias Gremory. I believe that you are Issei Hyoudou, correct?" Rias knew the answer but she only said this for courtesies sake.

Issei nodded courteously in response. He looked to one of the couches and noticed the girl named Koneko Toujou. Now that he got a good look at her, Koneko was about average height, with a moderate physique and proportions.

"I'm well aware of the fact that you aren't human. I believe that we crossed paths a few nights ago. While the rest of the Club members and I were busy with duties, I meant to ask what you were doing here, let alone what you are." Rias looked at Issei again with a quizzical look.

Issei knew that beating around the bush was useless, nor was lying a good idea. He didn't particularly see anything wrong with telling what he was, unless the princess had ulterior motives.

"I'm half human, half youkai. My mother was human and my father was half youkai." Issei wasn't going to tell that he was part dragon unless he had to. He didn't know if anyone had dragon slayers after all.

"Specifically, what kind of youkai are you?" Rias pressed on.

"I would prefer not to answer that. I'm sure that you would also like keep your safety uncompromised." Issei tried to appeal but it seemed unlikely that Rias would accept that.

"Very well, then. I am Rias Gremory of the Gremory Devil Clan. As you may know, I am a pure-blooded Devil and Devils have a weakness against light. Of course, that is common knowledge now. So then, may I ask what kind of youkai you are?" Rias looked at Issei again.

'Fair enough. I guess if they bring a dragon slayer out, I'll have to make sure that I take it out before it's used against me.' Issei really wasn't being left with any room to work with.

"I'm half dragon." Issei responded finally.

Rias's brows furrowed in surprise.

'A half dragon? Here? This doesn't bode well.' Rias was certain that most dragons didn't involve themselves with any faction, save for a select few, like Tannin.

"May I ask for the names of your parents?" Rias asked again, curious to find out more about him.

Issei recalled that Azazel told him to never give the names of his parents, or else.

"I'm very sorry but I've sworn an oath not to give the names of my parents." Issei vehemently declared to Rias.

Force wasn't the best way to go about things, so Rias let the matter drop.

"I understand. Very well, then. However, let me make this clear. If you cause trouble in this territory, consequences await you. I won't tolerate any troublemaking. Please bear that in mind." Rias ended her talk with him on that note.

"I understand. I will be off then." Issei rose up from his seat and left when he realized what time it was.

Today was far too important to pass up. He could ask Rias for more information later.

Several minutes later, a certain black-haired young lady came out of a doorway that led into a different room, presumably a small little snack room or kitchen, given how she came out with a tray of tea and cookies.

"Oh my. Did your guest leave already, President?" Akeno looked around and found that the guest that Rias had been waiting for was gone.

"Yes, he did. Sorry, Akeno." Rias apologized to her Queen piece for having her make tea and cookies for nothing.

"It's fine, Rias. By the way, who was it?" Akeno wasn't aware of the identity of this person, and so she couldn't help but be curious.

"He was a half-human, half-dragon. His name was Issei Hyoudou, a second year transfer student." Rias spoke and was then shocked by the sound of a tray dropping.

The tray Akeno was holding had clattered to the floor as Akeno's eyes widened in shock.

'Issei's here?!' Akeno started to feel old emotions rising to the surface in her mind.

Anger, pain, sorrow, and relief all boiled to a rise in Akeno.

She remembered her past where she had been discovered under piles of ash. She had only been 11 when she was taken in by distant relatives and after some time, she had been chased out when her heritage of being half Fallen Angel was discovered.

She spent some time wandering around, using her purification skills as services to buy food. She could barely hang on to life until the time came where she had almost lost it. On a fateful day, Akeno had wandered into the territory of the Himejima Clan, who were still after her life and the life of her father. She could recall the events as if it were yesterday. She remembered how she was about to be killed until she was saved by Rias and Faust. After much negotiation, Akeno was allowed to be free in exchange for never entering Himejima territory.

However, while she was eternally grateful to the Gremory Clan, Akeno couldn't help but imagine what it could have been like if she had lived with Issei and Vali. When she thought about it, only bitterness and anger came to mind.

'Why aren't Issei and Vali coming to save me?'

'Do they hate me for my wings too?'

'Why?! I thought Issei and Vali were my friends?! We promised to be there for each other! Have they forgotten me?!'

These were questions that Akeno would never stop asking when she was younger. Had her supposed two best friends forgotten all about her and were living happy lives? She had grown bitter and angry when nobody from her past had come to save her, nor did it seem like anyone was searching for her. She had learned how to fight from a young age and was always able to sense presences.

Not once, was she able to sense any fallen angels near her when she was wandering Japan. Not once did she ever sense anyone trying to find her.

Now, in present time, Akeno had grown to hate Issei and Vali as well, along with all other Fallen Angels.

Rias and Kiba were stunned by how upset Akeno looked. Her eyes were wide, wet with angry tears, her brows were furrowed, and her teeth were grit.

"Akeno, what's wrong?" Rias was largely unaware of Akeno's past with Issei since she had never made any reference to it. To her, this was the absolute first time she'd ever seen Akeno like this.

There was so much that she had wanted to say to Issei, specifically. Yet, she had come so far. She had managed to leave that chapter of her life behind, despite the resentment and bitterness trapped in her heart.

"Nothing, Rias. Just some unwanted attention and history I don't want to talk about."

"Do you not want to see him?" Koneko asked.

Koneko could tell that Akeno didn't have a positive opinion of Issei, whoever he was. Akeno didn't respond, merely sitting down and sipping her team. Although, the bitter frown on her face didn't go away.


Far away, in the shopping district, Issei was conversing with Ddraig.

"Ddraig, what kind of flowers should I get them? It's been awhile since I saw them." Issei mused as he stopped by a flower vendor.

'It wouldn't hurt to get several kinds if you don't know what to get.' Ddraig responded. He wasn't exactly an expert on flower symbolism so he couldn't help Issei much in this field.

Issei was amazed by the wide range of flora in the shop and bought several kinds. Having brought along a bucket of water after dropping off his things at home, Issei placed his bouquets of flowers into the bucket and made his way to a place he hadn't been to in years.

Issei had gone to the rebuilt Himejima Shrine, which had been discreetly restored by Azazel. Walking around the Shrine and entering the burial grounds, Issei stopped in front of four graves. Laying out four bouquets in front of the graves, Issei did his prayers and then began to talk to them.

(Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows OST – Lily's Theme. Play Song)

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. How've you been? I've been doing fine; in case you were wondering. I've spent the last 9 years training with Uncle Azazel. It was so grueling that I felt like I was in the worst pits of Hell. I finally managed to obtain Balance Breaker, Dad, just like how you wanted me to. I haven't forgotten any of your lessons either. And Mom, I've never forgotten what you told me either. I'll always try to be merciful." Issei spoke as if the spirits of his parents were in front of him.

"I'm living alone in Kuoh now. I actually moved back into our old house. I'm kinda nervous about it. I've lived through almost 10 years depending on Uncle Azazel for parental support. Now that I'm almost a fully-grown man, I'm not sure what to expect but I'll do my best. So rest assured, that I'll keep walking like how you wanted me to."

Issei then turned to the third gravestone.

"Hi, Auntie Shuri. Are you doing okay? It's been a long time since I visited you. I guess it's been about 8 years. Uncle Baraqiel is still as stern as ever but lately, ever since you died, Uncle Baraqiel has gotten sullener. When he came back to Grigori, he spent every day crying over you and Akeno. He even got insomnia because of his grief. Also, he's been shutting down some of his emotions too. He doesn't laugh anymore and he doesn't really smile much now. Auntie, I'm so sorry that Uncle Azazel and I can't help him gain closure. Please help him, Auntie." Issei put a hand on Shuri's gravestone and made a request to her spirit since he wasn't sure if he could do anything anymore.

Issei made another silent prayer and finally he turned to the last grave.

"Akeno…" Issei spoke glumly.

"I miss you so much. Not a single day goes by that I don't remember our days as children. I miss playing with you and I miss spending time with you. Ever since the day Uncle Baraqiel came back, he said that the shrine got turned into ash and he couldn't even come search for your bodies because he got teleported away before he could come get you and your mother. When Baraqiel and other Fallen Angels came to look at the Shrine…they found nothing. The whole shrine got reduced to nothing." Issei's voice shook.

"I'm so sorry that I broke my promise to you. I remember that I promised to protect you and Vali when we were children. Until this day, I've never forgiven myself for failing you and Auntie Shuri. Uncle Azazel and Uncle Baraqiel didn't tell me but I found out about how you and Auntie Shuri died."

Issei pursed his lips, a lump forming in his throat.

"It's all my fault. If it weren't for me…Uncle Baraqiel would have never left you two that day and you would be safe and alive. If I hadn't been so weak, I would have never fallen under the Juggernaut Drive's spell. If I hadn't been possessed by the past wielders of the Boosted Gear I-I…I wouldn't have caused you two to die." Issei stopped himself before he could break down completely.

Despite all that, silent tears fell down his face.

"I'd give my life so that you and Aunt Shuri could be with Uncle Baraqiel again. I'm so pathetic. I couldn't save you and Vali and because of me, you and Auntie died. I never even got to tell you how much I liked you. If we'd continued growing up together, I'd be in love with you." Issei's voice continued to tremor.

"And now, you just might be alive." Tinges of hope started to fill Issei's voice.

"I saw someone just like Aunt Shuri. I'm going to find out tomorrow whether or not she really is Akeno." Issei took a deep breath to calm down.

(Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows OST – Lily's Theme. End Song)

He had repressed those thoughts and feelings for so long that it felt refreshing to get it all out. For years, he'd blamed himself for the death of Shuri and Akeno. Even though the guilt still wasn't gone, Issei swore that he'd find Akeno's doppelganger and get the answers.


The next day, Issei went to school, wanting more information. It was going to be easy, given it was school. As he walked through the gates, gasps of admiration and gawking sounds went behind him. He turned around and saw four young ladies entering campus. It was Rias, Akeno, and two others.

Issei stared at Akeno, unsure if it was really her or just Doppelganger Theory.

"Your second day and you're already interested in someone?"

Issei turned around and saw a young woman with braided pigtails and pink glasses. It was Aika Kiryuu.

"It's not like that. I'm just curious about why everyone's gawking and gasping at them. Are they celebrities?" Issei asked.

"They're the Four Great Ladies of Kuoh. They're popular because they've all got amazing looks and smarts. The boys drool all over them, though they don't reciprocate. The redhead is Rias Gremory, a foreigner. The one with short black hair and glasses is Sona Shitori, the Student Council President. The other one with the long black hair and glasses is Tsubaki Shinra. The one with the black hair in a ponytail is Akeno Himejima."

Issei started sweating. He already knew the answer, but he didn't want to give himself false hope. Shame and guilt washed over him. Aika noticed that, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"You alright? You're as pale as Motohama and Matsuda when they're caught peeping."

"Y-Yeah, I'm good…I'm good." Issei's voice was small.

Issei spent the entire day trying to figure what he would say? Hell, even if he made a pretty speech and talk about feelings, it'd just be a smoldering pile of excuses.

On his first break, Issei walked through the halls, only for Akeno to be heading in his direction.

"Akeno-" Issei called out to her, but she ignored him, walking away as if he were thin air.

At lunch, he went to her classroom, only for her to be gone. It was clear to Issei that she had no desire to see him. The next day, he tried again on the afternoon break, only for the young lady named Koneko to stop him in the hallway.

"Senpai, Akeno isn't here right now."

Issei figured Koneko was playing messenger.

"How'd-"

"Please don't harass Akeno too much." Koneko's tone was flat, but Issei could sense the ominous warnings hidden underneath.

In the distance, Kiba only gave him a sympathetic smile. Issei was disheartened, even sad, but it gladdened him to see that there were people who cared about her. Issei even caught the eye contact that Akeno and Koneko had between the classroom and hallway. Issei sighed, nodding in defeat.

'Perhaps it's better if we don't see each other. If she hates me, then I don't want to push her.' Issei walked away from Akeno's classroom.

'Even if you try to put this off, there's no getting around this, Partner. Walking away won't solve anything. You're just gonna be tortured for the rest of your life.' Ddraig warned.

'It's not going to reach that point, Ddraig.'

'You're thinking the same way your predecessors did. Big things got small over time, then they got big again and then they ran and ran before they fell.'

Issei sighed. Ddraig had a point. He was scared, honestly. He was afraid of what would happen. Would Akeno remember him? Would she tear into him or obliterate him? Their connection was on a fragile thread and he didn't know what was going to happen.

Taking a deep breath, Issei couldn't go to Akeno's classroom, not wanting to cause a scene. He wrote a simple letter and began looking for Akeno's locker. He stopped in front of one, hesitating for a few moments.

"That's not Akeno's locker."

Issei turned to see that it was Rias.

"Her locker is behind you." She pointed at the right one.

"You're not going to stop me?" Issei held up the envelope.

"That's between you and her. I figure there's some past behind you two. Whenever you come up in conversation, Akeno's mood changes. The others stopped you at Akeno's request. I realize that this may not be my place to interfere, but I don't think Akeno can continue like this forever. I won't get in your way, but I'll give you another warning." Rias unfolded her arms and glared dangerously at him.

"Akeno's like a sister to me and is a part of my household. I don't care who you are. If you hurt Akeno, I'll make you regret it with every connection and power I have. I'm only letting you near her for now until she makes how she feels about you clear. If she decides she really doesn't want anything to do with you, then please respect her wishes." Rias then walked away.

Issei scratched the back of his head. There was so much ire and distrust sent his way. Then again, if he were in Rias' shoes, then he'd probably react the same way.


He waited on top of the school's balcony, hoping for privacy. He was so nervous, his stomach twisting into knots before bouncing like a bungee. With the past few days, Issei started to understand just how resentful she felt. He had come to a conclusion in response.

'Are you really going to do this, Issei?' Ddraig's tone was grim.

He didn't like what Issei was going to propose to Akeno.

'Yeah. We talked to an understanding last night, didn't we?' Issei sighed.

'There has to be another way, Issei.'

The door opened with a haunting creak. Issei turned around and found Akeno. A part of him was elated, another part crushed by the spiteful glare she was giving. Akeno closed and locked the door behind her.

"Hello." Issei knew it was an awkward start, but what else was he to do?

"You've grown up." Akeno's reply was laced with cold venom.

"I…" Issei paused. He had words but they were just so difficult to get out.

"Where were you?" Akeno cut him off.

At first, she was going to let him say his peace, but her temper had gotten the better of her. She was hurt and she wanted him to know.

"Huh?"

"Where? Were? You?" Akeno repeated herself, each word like a hammer dropping on Issei's head.

(Bleach OST – Soundscape to Ardor. Play Song.)

"I drifted around for years, wondering where you were? I wondered just how long I had to wait for someone to help me. I was kicked out of home after home, starving and scared. You promised to protect me when we were kids. Where were you?!" At the last sentence, Akeno's anger exploded.

She stared swords through him. Tears dotted the corner of her eyes as she trembled with rage.

"We all thought you were dead! Uncle Baraqiel only saw your home destroyed, turned into ash. He even went back to look for you but he couldn't find you or your mother's body! We even went looking for you!"

Akeno grit her teeth, her anger still unabated.

"People know of Rias; I even earned my own title! Azazel isn't an idiot! Why didn't you reach out to me, Issei?! Where were you and Vali?!" She screamed, her tears now falling freely.

Issei was silent, only able to listen as she vented.

"You two were my best friends! I hate Fallen Angels! It's because of them that my mother died. It's the source of all my misery! I didn't hate you two because you weren't fallen angels…"

"Now, why did you only choose to appear now?" Akeno's voice became low again.

"We really thought you'd died. I know I failed you. I'm sorry for all that."

"What good does it do to apologize after the damage has been done? You think I'll just forgive you for breaking my heart after one apology?! Did you really think that if you just said sorry and showered me with sympathetic words that I'd just forgive you?!"

"No, not at all! You can blame me for everything! But, please, don't blame the others!" Issei begged as he got on his knees.

"Explain yourself…" Akeno was panting, her anger and curiosity blending into adrenaline.

"It was after we got attacked as kids. After I thought you two died, I went into a state called Juggernaut Drive. I got possessed by the past hosts of the Boosted Gear. It's a state that fully unleashes the Boosted Gear's power but, it also drives the user berserk. I went on a rampage and Azazel called your father to help subdue me. If it were outsiders, they'd have killed me."

Akeno knew Issei was many things as a child, but a liar wasn't one of them. She didn't want to believe it, but she had heard of the Juggernaut Drive before. Every passage she'd read about it in books always ended with the user's death. She didn't want to believe him, but she knew that there was some truth to his words.

"It's all my fault. The reason why your dad went away that day was because of me. As for your abandonment, it's also my own fault for not looking for you. I really thought that you'd died that day. Not a day didn't go by where I didn't think of you. I know I can't instantly make up for all the pain I've caused you, but I'm truly sorry. I broke my promise to be there for you. I didn't even look for you. I know I can't bring your mother back. If you never want to see me again, that's fine. If you even want to kill me, that's fine too."

For a long time, Issei had thought about it. It was his blunder that cost Baraqiel and Akeno a wife and mother. He'd shattered their happy family because of his weak mind. He'd always prepared himself for such a conclusion if he had to give his life to pay for the tragedy of Shuri's death.

"I'm offering my life to you. Do with it as you will." Issei prostrated himself, ready for a fatal outcome.

Akeno was wide-eyed, stunned silent. She stared into his eyes, as if she could see into his soul. He was dead serious about dying to appease her grudge. Akeno swallowed the lump in her throat. She'd bore a grudge against him, but it never got to the level of wanting revenge. Akeno stood as still as a mountain, trying to come to a conclusion.

Everything Issei told her made sense. If she were totally honest…she knew that her grudge was unreasonable. Nobody was truly at fault. It was just the cruelty of fate. Issei had flown into a rage because she and Vali wore almost fatally wounded. Baraqiel was strong enough and cared enough to help stop him. She'd awoken from the ashes of her home and knew that anyone would've believed she had died.

In the deepest, darkest parts of her soul, she only blamed the people in her old life because it kept her going for a while. It gave her something to keep herself from being devoured by despair. It gave her the time she needed to salvage her sanity.

(Bleach OST – Soundscape to Ardor. End Song.)

Akeno took a deep breath, unsure of how much she would regret her decision. The tears continued to fall, almost like the last of her poisonous emotions were leaving her system.

"I…I…"

Issei closed his eyes, bracing for the worst.

"I forgive you, Issei. What happened wasn't really your fault. I only blamed you and the others because…it helped me stay sane. I know it was wrong, but wandering around from place to place, hated because of something you can't help...I was so close to falling off the edge so many times. I just…I was so tired." Akeno sank to her knees.

Issei and Akeno were in complete silence after they beared out what they wanted to say.

"Himejima, I…I really do want us to be the way we used to be. I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."

Akeno remained quiet, still sorting herself out. After finally unloading all her resentment and coming to terms with the reality of it all, she felt immensely better.

"Issei, I also feel the same way. I'm also sorry. I wasn't being fair. I've heard of the Juggernaut Drive and what it does. We were all just kids. I'm also sure it wasn't easy to bear those thoughts of guilt till now, especially since you offered to die."

It was clear that the two had sharp blows dealt to their mental health, given both their dialogues. Still, the bonds that they shared from their past made it easier than normal to forgive.

"What does this mean then? Where do we go from here?" Issei awkwardly looked at her.

Were they friends again? After almost 9 years apart, with some of them being full of resentment from one side, it would be strange to easily just sweep it all aside. Regardless, Akeno knew there was only one way to move on with her life.

"I…I want to be friends again, Issei. I forgive you, even though it wasn't necessarily your fault."

Issei couldn't be happier upon hearing that.

"Thank you, Himejima."

"Akeno…" Akeno retorted.

"Huh?"

"Call me Akeno, like you used to."

Issei felt his heart shiver again. There was still hope.

"Thank you, Akeno." He corrected himself.

"Now that we've come to an understanding, I'll see you tomorrow, Issei. Come by the Club after school. I want to introduce you to the others. Also, please keep this a secret from my father. I don't think I'm ready to see him just yet."

"I will, Akeno." Issei smiled.

When she left, Issei took a deep breath. He felt light as a feather, the emotional weight he'd put on himself was gone. He didn't expect things to be sugar and rainbows after this, but he could at least take heart that Akeno was willing to forgive him.

"I'm happy for you, Partner." Ddraig, chuckled softly.

"I'm thankful things worked out that well. I expected to die."

"Akeno would've never gone that far."

"Maybe. Either way, I would've accepted whatever she chose to do."

"Are you going to confess to her? About how strongly you liked her as kids?"

Issei paused.

"I'm not sure, Ddraig. We've grown up."

"Don't lie to me, Issei. You've still got a torch for her. If you two had stayed connected till now, you'd have been in love with her, wouldn't you?"

"I…" Issei trailed off.

"Wouldn't you?" Ddraig repeated himself.

"Probably. To be honest, if we'd had more time to develop our relationship…I'd have been head-over-heels in love with her."

"What about right now? A man in love would willingly die for the person they loved, as cheesy as that sounds."

"Still, it's been so long. She's probably not the same as when we were little. It's too soon."

"And if you had to make a statement right now?"

"I still have feelings for her, more than a crush, but less than being in total love, I guess. Like I said, it's been so long."

Ddraig chuckled to himself. Akeno was still standing on the other side of the door, having heard his conversation with Issei. Her face was burning red, her heart beating rapidly.

'He…he had a crush on me since we were kids…He actually felt the same way…' Akeno was relieved.

It was sudden to be feeling this way after having declared resentment toward him mere minutes ago. However, it wouldn't have been forgiveness if she hadn't let it all go. As children, Akeno had a crush on Issei, admiring how cheerful he was and the positive atmosphere he could make. It also helped that he was one of the few boys she knew back then.

Akeno couldn't help but smile. Perhaps this could be a fresh start for the both of them in certain ways. She descended the stairs below, wondering what the next day would bring.


The changes from the original chapter:

1. Akeno actually avoids Issei. In the original version, Akeno immediately followed Issei to the Shrine graves and listened to him recount events. After going back and reading it, I thought it was just too early. Back when I originally wrote this chapter, I didn't want to spend too long on this and I was inexperienced. So, I had Akeno avoid Issei for a whole week.

3. Akeno and Issei don't instantly admit how they feel about each other to the other's face