Chapter 14: An Ironic Nexus
Issei opened his eyes, his head resting on the most unlikely cushion: Akeno's lap.
"A-Akeno?"
Akeno merely smiled at him, stroking his face lovingly. Issei went silent, dazed by the look in her eyes. Issei knew what 'bedroom' eyes were. He could see love, lust, hunger, and affection all swirling beneath her eyes.
"Akeno?" He called out to her again.
Once again, Akeno didn't respond at first. She kept smiling, still gently caressing his face.
"Your heart is beating so fast, Issei."
Now that she mentioned it, Issei could feel the organ thumping a bouncing ball. He swallowed his spit, entranced by Akeno. She lowered her head, delivering him a kiss to the lips. Issei felt as if his head had been connected to a reactor. His pulse went insane, he couldn't believe what was happening.
When Akeno released his lips, the look of love in her gaze intensified a hundredfold.
"Issei, I love you. How do you feel about me?" Just like that, Akeno went for another kiss.
Instantly, the moment Akeno covered his eyes, his perspective changed again. It was no longer her that he was resting his head on, it was Vali. Vali had the same loving look that Akeno had. She held his hand tightly as she hungrily eyed him.
"What about me, Issei? How do you feel about me?"
"I don't know…" Issei was startled by the question. He didn't have an answer.
Vali didn't seem to mind.
"I don't mind. I'll wait as long as I have to. I love you the most, after all."
Just as Vali went in for another kiss, Issei's world went to black.
He was awoken by a strange sensation, a presence. He opened his eyes to find Akeno directly over him, smiling seductively. She was laying in his bed, wearing a black negligee. It took all Issei's willpower to keep blood from pouring out his nose. That was when he realized that the kiss was a dream.
"Good morning, Issei. You should get ready; we've got a big day today." Akeno giggled.
Issei felt as if he wasn't in control when he held onto Akeno's waist. He didn't know why he did it, it was so sudden. His heart was beating so fast, he thought it would stop. Akeno gasped quietly, not having expected this action. Her cheeks turned vermilion as she sat still on Issei. The two kept their eyes locked on each other. They could've sworn they felt each other's heartbeat speed up; they were so loud that it could've been audible.
"S-Sorry, Akeno. I'll get ready now." Issei snapped himself out of his state, releasing Akeno.
"Right." Akeno nodded, leaving to change in her room.
The moment she closed the door, Akeno slumped against the wall. Her heart was beating so fiercely, she feared it would burst like a grenade. Akeno forced herself to take a few deep breaths to calm down. She didn't think that the one subtle action would wake up some of her restrained impulses.
Issei got up, washed his face and teeth, got dressed, and went downstairs to cook. That was when he remembered that he had 3 housemates now. He wasn't the only one to take care of the cooking anymore. Ever since Raynare, Akeno, and Vali moved in, he found that he could finally relax a little bit more since there were others who helped out at home now.
He recalled that it was Vali's turn to cook breakfast and lunch today, as they had all agreed to rotate days for housework.
Quickly eating their food, the four house-mates finished eating and headed out of the door. As they made their way to the Academy, Vali spoke up.
"Dad told me that there's going to be something important happening this weekend. He said to keep an eye out for anything suspicious until then."
"That's just like Uncle. Drop a hint and withhold the rest." Issei shrugged.
"All he said was that we don't say anything to anyone else. Aside from that, there's nothing else to tell you about."
"Well, aside from that, things are looking good for the Festival today." Issei smiled brightly as he looked at how decked out the Academy was. It was draped in webs, orange, black, and purple. Jack O' Lanterns were stationed along doors. Fake statues and ghosts were hung along trees all around Campus and stalls had been set up, being officially ready to start business.
"It's a good thing we patched the whole place up." Vali sheepishly smiled.
"It would've been so upsetting for everyone. They all worked so hard to decorate for the Festival." Raynare agreed.
"Well, we'd better make sure to go to the ORC. Don't wanna be late." Issei chippered up as he started walking.
"Come on." Issei extended his hand to Vali.
"Huh?" She looked at him in confusion.
"I don't want you to be alone for the festival, so how about you come with us? I'll even ask Rias if she can let you hang out at the ORC's activities." Issei smiled. He knew Vali had a weakness for being alone, so he made sure to never forget about her.
Vali smiled and took his hand.
'Now, Issei…why did you take hold of her hand? That's not something a non-relative would do in this context. Besides, you also had that dream about kissing Akeno!' He berated himself.
He hadn't meant to send any misunderstandable signals. Still, saying he saw Vali platonically would be a lie.
Quickly zoning out, he started to do some introspection again. Ddraig found that he had been doing this very often lately.
Ever since Issei knew Akeno, he found her teasing nature to be attractive and it would tug at his heartstrings whenever she started getting intimate with him. She was beautiful and though she was mischievous, she always tried to look out for him. When he believed that, she had died, it struck him deeply and painfully. He honestly felt that it'd changed him. Feelings that he was never aware of had surfaced. As time went on, he couldn't deny that his affection for her wasn't like a friend's, it was romantic.
However, there was the account of Vali. She always went the extra mile to cheer him up. She stuck with him whenever she knew that he was down. The one who always did her best for him, was Vali. When they were children, they spent all their time together, healing the emotional wounds that they both had. After seeing her once more, just being close to her made his heart either skip long beats or start thundering as if it were a storm.
The dream he had that morning didn't help, either. His own mind had pushed into his face that what he felt for Akeno and Vali wasn't just a simple crush. He felt so much more for them than he was brave enough to admit. When his parents died, they and their families became his world.
The previous night, in a bout of inability to sleep, Issei had chosen to converse with Ddraig, seeing as how the ancient dragon had wisdom to share.
"I've been thinking it over and I'm going to confess to them: Akeno and Vali. At the same time would be best. I also need to let them hash it out too. This thing will only work out if it's mutualistic. I can't force them to get along with each other. It would be unbearable for them." Issei reasoned.
"True. Do you think they'll accept this, though?" Ddraig asked, curious to hear Issei's answer.
"I don't know. I guess that's what scares me so much."
Ddraig nodded in agreement.
"True. However, don't brood too long. You might make yourself worse." Ddraig chuckled.
"Yeah. I just need to do it at the opportune time." Issei nodded.
The next day was finally the first day of the School Festival. There was much excitement and anxiety in the air. Many had been looking forward to this day, students and families included, as the relatives and friends of students were allowed admission with the use of tickets, which could be ordered by students to pass out.
Issei was putting the finishing touches on decorations on the ORC's Haunted House, as he was nitpicking his work. He should've cracked the wood a bit more and put some fake cobwebs around the place. Maybe even splatter some fake blood on the walls.
"Issei." A familiar voice called over.
He turned around and saw one of the people who graced his dreams. Akeno was wearing a dark purple dress made of silk, which reached her calves. The sleeves were loose and long, with designed cuts made where the dress met with the sleeves. A large pointed hat was on her head, making her bangs obscure her eyes a little. Her nails were also painted purple and red lipstick was applied to her lips, alongside eyeliner.
She gave him a smile that was enough to make him pause and just stare at her, mouth slightly agape.
"Uhh…are you okay?" She asked, her eyebrows knitting, after he just stood still for several minutes.
Blinking, he shook his head slightly to break out of his trance.
"Yep." He cleared his throat while resuming his activities.
"You're not dressing up?" She looked at him, disappointment slightly evident in her question. She had been looking forward to seeing him in a costume.
"Nope. Not my kind of thing."
"That's too bad." She pouted, puffing her cheeks and giving him a sad face.
'Must. Not. Give. In!' Issei saw her and forced himself not to give in to her desires.
"I was hoping that you'd dress and maybe we'd get to do some role-playing later." She made sure to seductively emphasize 'role-play'.
"May I ask what that entails?" Issei nervously looked at her with a suspicious glint in his eyes.
He had learned that Akeno had grown to be fond of activities that made him spit-take. He recalled how Akeno had shown early warning signs but when he discovered what she owned…that was when his suspicions were confirmed.
Flashback
Issei had helped Akeno move into his house, bringing her things from her apartment complex. When the loading truck left, there were several boxes stacked in his home. It had been determined that Akeno would share a room with Vali, who didn't mind. It would've been strange to have Akeno and Raynare share a room, since the two weren't very familiar with each other, and they seemed a bit uneasy around each other, probably due to Akeno's former resentment towards Fallen Angels.
"Thanks, Issei. I'm really happy to be spending time with you again. It reminds me of the old days!" Akeno giggled happily as she carried a box upstairs.
"Yeah, same here. Hopefully, we'll still be able to have fun like old times." Issei smiled naively, not noticing Akeno's excessive bubbly mood.
She was humming and there was a barely noticeable spring in her step. When she entered Vali's room, she was introduced to a white room that had a twin-sized bed in one corner, with a closet, a desk, and a dresser. Everything was still a little bare since Vali wasn't completely settled in either.
Just then, Akeno's eyes focused in on a picture frame on Vali's desk. It was an old photo of her, Vali, and Issei as kids. Both were holding onto his arms and were smiling happily at the camera. Issei on the other hand? He looked more confused than anything…
Akeno giggled to herself. Even back then, there was an unknown competition for Issei's affections, though they were technically too young to even understand these feelings yet.
"Oh yeah, that picture. I managed to hold onto that. When Vali saw that, she seemed so attached to it, so I chose to give it to her." Issei chuckled as he set down a box of Akeno's stuff.
When the raven-haired girl noticed the special coded marking on the box, her panic mode started blaring signals to her brain. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape. Her breath hitched and her voice became desperate.
Issei was already cutting the box open with a box-cutter. This could not continue.
"DON'T OPEN THAT!" She shrieked.
Too late. Issei jumped at her sudden shout, wrenching the blade out of the box, but it had inadvertently severed the last bit of tape on the box.
The boxes' covers had already flapped open, revealing items that Issei had never anticipated. His face went blank and his mind started doing math.
Black leather outfits that implied a very revealing amount of skin would be seen, were neatly packed within. A black long whip that looked like it would sting anyone's skin red, was coiled next to it. A collar with chains were rolled on top of the outfit, shining as if polished to perfection.
Akeno had teary eyes and was making a sad and whiny groan. She had never ever wanted Issei to discover those things. While she was a major tease, she was actually very shy to engage in activities such as this. She had only gotten those S&M items as payment for one of her contracts, though she had to admit, she was deeply interested in S&M.
Akeno turned around, covering her face with both of her hands in shame. When Issei turned around to look at her, she lowered her palms. Issei was thrown for a loop when the seductive and teasing Akeno showed him an all-new expression.
"Uh…" He grunted in sudden shock.
Akeno's eyes were swirling, her lips agape, and her face was entirely red. There were even tears at the corner of her eyes.
"Uuuuh!" She sounded like she was gonna cry.
Issei, meanwhile, felt shocked, but not in a negative way. He just didn't know she liked this kind of stuff. He wasn't particularly bothered? He paused…Was this awakening something within him?
"Well, it's not something to be resented or ashamed. Don't worry, Akeno. I'm not judging." He smiled, though it did nothing to alleviate the girl's embarrassment.
The raven-haired girl said nothing as she sat in a corner and covered her face, too scared to say anything. The last thing she wanted was for Issei to see her in a bad light. He must've been so disgusted to see those things among her belongings. Heck, he must've been scared too.
Vali and Raynare, who had gone out to go shopping for food, returned home just as Akeno screamed at Issei, causing Vali to rush upstairs.
She looked around, alarmed, wondering what caused all of this. When she laid eyes on the box of BDSM equipment, she understood. She even went red in the face after scanning the objects in detail.
Looking at her best friend, who was covering her face with a surprised Issei next to her, it was obvious that Akeno was undergoing a big moment of reveal and shame.
"Issei, why don't you help Raynare downstairs? I'll help Akeno finish unpacking." She sheepishly urged him to leave.
Not saying a word, Issei departed.
Flashback End
Issei never meant to make Akeno feel like it was something to be ashamed of, but given the context she was using now, it seemed like she was embracing it. Issei cut off the thought. He needed to talk to her more seriously.
"Akeno, I want to talk with you, and Vali after the Festival is over today. Can you come to the rooftop again?"
Akeno was taken aback a bit when Issei looked at her with such a serious expression. She wasn't sure what was causing this, but she knew that it was something that was torturing him.
Behind Issei, Rias walked over. She was wearing a black dress that reached her ankles, with a black crown of thorns, purple lipstick, and several black rings adorned on her fingers.
"Akeno, are you ready to start? The Festival begins in 30 minutes." She smiled at her friend, who seemed to be enjoying herself.
"Yes, I'll come. I'll see you later, Issei." She waved at him before walking away.
With that part done, Issei now had to track down Vali. He was surprised that she wasn't touring around the campus, as he couldn't spot her anywhere. Now unsure of what to do, he began to just randomly look around, hoping he'd find her before the day was over. The Festival was already underway now.
However, along the way, he met up with Raynare, who was walking back from the Main School Building. Dressed in her 'Ghost Bride' costume, Issei decided that now was the time to talk with her.
"How'd the Haunted House go?" He asked.
"Quite well. We managed to scare everyone who came in. Even Aika Kiryuu screamed her head off." Raynare chuckled.
"How'd you manage that?" Issei was gobsmacked. The calm and perverted Aika Kiryuu surprised?
"It was mostly thanks to your handiwork. I popped up from a floorboard with some fake blood spewing everywhere. It also helped that I grabbed her shoulders while shrieking." Raynare stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner, chuckling at her success.
"So I take it you're on break then?"
"Yep. Rias gave me some time off while she and Koneko took over. Apparently, Kiba can't be of use since the girls just cling to him and fawn over him, so he can't scare anyone properly."
Issei broke into laughter at that remark.
"By the way…" Raynare trailed off, looking away.
This got Issei's attention. What was making her so shy?
"Did you want to go explore?" She nervously asked, preventing herself from stuttering.
"Sure." The young man nodded, making Raynare smile happily with a sigh of excitement. Her eyes lit up and a small tinge of pink colored her cheeks.
"Thanks! You see, ever since you saved me, I've been trying to think of a way to make things up to you. You've done so much for me and yet I haven't repaid you in any significant way. Even now, I'm asking you to waste time with me. Still…" Raynare had a downcast expression creep across her face before replacing it with a sincere one.
"Even if you're alone and nobody is with you, I want you to know that I'll always be with you. You helped give me get my freedom back, I'll always stay with you." She boldly declared.
Suddenly, Issei felt something go off inside of him. His face heated up a little. Her words had really gotten through to him. Since childhood, after his parents died, he had been alone for a while, even with Azazel and the rest of Grigori there, there was still some loneliness, especially with Vali gone. There was just a void there that he didn't know how to fill. Now, he felt some of that void be filled and he had to admit…it felt so warm and stimulating.
"Y-Yeah. Thank you, Raynare. I can't really express how much that means to me." Issei stuttered, unsure of how to word himself or even compose words. This was odd. Just where did these feelings come from?
Soon enough, the two ventured around, taking a look at the many stalls and activities that were being offered.
Raynare walked over from a food stall and handed him something that looked like webs wrapped around a stick.
"What is that?" He asked with a curious note.
"It's called Cobweb candy." She bit into her own share as she spoke.
Following her example, he was surprised by the sweet marshmallow taste. It was basically cotton candy now that he thought about it.
"It's good." He expressed his approval.
The two continued to look around, visiting another stall that was offering hand-made trinkets. There were necklaces and wristbands along with earrings and rings.
"Welcome! Take a look and let me know if you see what you like!" The student shopkeeper exclaimed.
Raynare looked interested at the assorted number of goods, scanning around with a keen eye. Issei wasn't particularly interested in accessories, but he did take the time to see what was being sold.
"How about this?" Raynare held up a silver necklace that had a red pendant, shaped similarly to fire.
"It looks good."
"That one's 1,500 yen." The shopkeeper noted.
Deciding to buy it, Raynare asked Issei to help her put the pendant on. The necklace clashed well with her black hair and violet eyes.
The two proceeded to spend an hour together. It was honestly fun to Issei. He didn't feel the romantic awkwardness that he felt with Vali and Akeno, who both caused his thought processes to screw with him. It just felt so relaxing to be with Raynare. She was gentle and didn't push for reactions from others but she also made sure to keep everyone on their toes for their own sake.
The two sat at a bench, taking a break from walking, a calm silence being shared between the two. The odd thing was that they were far from where the Festival was taking place, though he didn't pay much mind to that. It was no longer possible for him to say that he didn't look at Raynare like a woman. At first, she was merely a stranger to him who needed help, but she showed that she was warm and caring, always trying her best to help in any way.
"Issei, there's something that I wanted to say to you." Raynare looked at him with an utterly red face, almost to the point that Issei was worried if she was sick or something.
"Is something wrong, Raynare?" Issei looked at her with concern.
"Issei, is something going on with you and the others in the house?"
Issei turned crimson. So it was obvious. He'd avoided looking at Akeno and Vali more than necessary, each time his face turned red. It was so hard after having dreamed about them.
"I-Is there a reason why you're asking? I promise, nothing's going wrong."
"The reason is because we've known each other for a few months already and we've already dealt with several problems along the way. I was just worried." Raynare decided to answer that question first.
Issei was about to speak again but he paused. He felt something important coming along.
"Also, I wanted to talk to you about something even more important."
Taking a deep breath, Raynare composed herself.
"Issei, I like you." She confessed with an utterly timid face.
'FFFUUUCCK! AS IF MY FEELINGS WEREN'T ALREADY GOING HAYWARE ALREADY!' Issei groaned in his head.
He had a stone-faced look on, unsure of how to compute this confession.
"When we first met, you were just a human to me. After you saved me and my family, I came to see you as an incredible friend. You're always so helpful. You don't seek to dominate everyone over every little thing and you're so forgiving. Even when you have nothing to do with others, you never hesitate to help them. Seeing all of that…it's made me realize that I don't just see you as a friend." Raynare looked him in the eyes with stalwart sincerity.
Issei felt like a train had rammed into him and dragged him on one hell of a ride.
'And now…feels are messing with my emotions and head again. Damn why is she so cute?!'
Before Issei could stutter any words out, Raynare continued.
"I know that you're in love with Vali and Akeno. It's as clear as day to me. Even so, I just wanted to tell you how I felt before it was too late. You don't have to answer me now. I'll wait for a while, so please think on it." She gave him a passive smile as she stood up and waved before walking back to the ORC clubroom.
Not even allowed a chance to talk, Issei sat with his mouth agape.
Sighing to himself, he decided that he'd do as Raynare told him, and think about what to say to her.
Walking around again, he was starting to get worried about Vali since she wasn't answering her phone. Suddenly, he noticed that several people were flooding to the Auditorium. He saw a sign outside the doors and found that a play was in preparations. He looked at his watch and saw that it was 12:00 pm. Perhaps he could take a look and see if Vali was inside? The play didn't start till 1:00 after all.
The room was dark, with the dark red curtains masking the stage. He [Boosted] his eyesight and ears and found that Vali's voice was quite distant, prompting him to go a bit farther forward into the room. Soon enough, he ended up going backstage, where he wasn't even supposed to be. There were voices talking in urgent and agitated tones. That was already a warning flag.
Deciding that this was a bad idea to proceed, Issei turned around, but he had already screwed himself over.
"Oh, perfect timing, Hyoudou." A familiar voice spoke.
Said person turned around and found Aika Kiryuu beaming at him. She wore a white lab coat with a dress shirt, a tie, and a business skirt underneath. It was an outfit that matched her attitude. A mad scientist, she was.
Next to her was Sona Sitri, who was sporting a scanning look. She was wearing a doctor's outfit, complete with a white coat and scrubs.
"Is something the matter?" He asked.
"Can you come with us? There's a problem that you might be able to help with." Sona urged him to follow. However, her eyes were commanding him to come along. There was no room for arguments.
'Geez. Noblewomen are scary…' He drearily whined.
Backstage, there were several students from the Theater and Film Club, getting props in place. Countless people were in costume and everyone was practicing their lines.
"Soooo, you're telling me to do what?" He asked in disbelief at their proposition.
"The Main Male Lead injured himself, so he's unable to fill in for his role. Given how we're short on people who are capable of acting, I've decided to nominate you as the Lead Male, Vagabond Nero." Kiryuu pointed at him with a mischievous grin and a shining finger.
"I also agree. Everyone else is busy with their own roles and time is short. I hope you can help us out with this one favor, Mr. Hyoudou." Sona adjusted her glasses, flashing a pleading but serious look.
"Uh…I have zero talent with acting. I really don't believe that I'm a good idea." Issei deadpanned, sweating.
Suddenly, another voice called out.
"Issei?"
The young man turned around and was stunned silent. In front of him was Vali, who was wearing a white silk dress, a platinum tiara, blue and white earrings, formal gloves, and white high-heels.
His mouth hanging open, Issei had no idea what to say. She looked like a princess. Well, she was also a literal one, but that was beside the point.
"What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I think we've found our new MC." Aika grinned with an evil look.
"Eh?!" Vali's face went pink.
'Wait for it…' Ddraig chuckled.
"And Vali is our Main Female Lead, Princess Avadina." Sona confirmed.
"How'd you get involved in this?" Issei asked.
"Well, one of our classmates needed help, so she asked me. It sounded like fun so I decided to help out. Why are you here?" She put her hands on her hips, curious.
"He's our last resort." Aika admitted.
"It would mean a lot to us if you helped. I'll bake you a cake as thanks." Sona whispered into Issei's ear.
"Well, given who he is, I'm certain that he'll do fine. If he fails, at least we know to cancel in the future instead of picking anyone." The President shrugged.
With his goal accomplished, Issei considered refusing, until…
"Why don't you do it, Issei? I'm pretty sure that Dad has asked you to do this sort of thing before." Vali chuckled.
That was true. Issei had to do some espionage before, but not for this sort of thing. As he opened his mouth to refuse, new incentives were thrown into the air.
"Well, if Hyoudou won't do it, then I guess we can ask someone else that we know. Kiba is occupied, Saji is busy doing other work." Sona counted off.
Smirking to herself, Aika spoke.
"With that said, I guess our only options left are Motohama and Matsuda from my class. Those two are doing nothing in the seats. I'll go ask if they're interested."
Those two were absolutely NOT going near his Vali. Issei straightened up, knowing that they had intentionally forced his hand.
"I'll do it!" He agreed with wholehearted luster, though he was throwing silent verbal curses at Aika and Sona.
"Perfect." The two bespectacled masterminds grinned.
He was so easy to manipulate.
"Are you sure, Issei? Acting was never really something you liked to do." Vali looked at him, feeling a bit bashful. She had read the script and it made her feel shy and giddy when imagining herself doing it with Issei.
"Yeah. I won't let those two pervs get near you." Issei resolutely declared, holding her hands.
Steam puffed from her head, as Vali gave a red smile.
"Things couldn't have lined up more perfectly." Kiryuu snickered.
Soon enough, Issei was wearing a black cloak over a red shirt, black pants, and plain black shoes. His hair had been ruffled into what Vali called a 'handsome mess', looking unruly but stylish at the same time.
When the play began, Issei was nervous but steeled himself, deciding that it was too late to regret. He would do this with his best effort. Taking a look at the crowd, his face paled when he saw the entire ORC watching the play from the seats.
The Play Begins
The play had the premise of a princess being forced into an arranged marriage. Her name was Avadina, who was rescued by a wandering vagabond, Nero, who happened to see her kidnapping being staged.
Vali (Avadina), was tied with ropes and being carried away with a carriage until Issei (Nero) jumped from behind the curtains and kicked the carriage to a grinding halt.
'Now that I think about it, this stage is unbelievably big. It's almost as big as a hallway!' He noted to himself.
"Enough, what are you bastards doing to this woman?" He spoke from his memorized script.
Issei was glad that nobody responded since he felt horribly cheesy. When he got ahold of the script he was…less than amazed, to be nice. After a fight scene, the scene ended with him freeing Vali from her bonds.
"Thank you. I can't express how grateful I am to you for saving me. It's almost as if…you're like a shining knight in the old stories." Vali spoke her lines perfectly. Her tone was soft and gave off a feeling of timidity.
"I'm no such thing, Madam. I'm merely a poor and penniless traveler."
"If so, then why save me?" Vali held his hand, giving it a soft squeeze.
"Because that is what is right. Any sane and honorable person wouldn't ignore something like what was being done to you. I must leave." Issei exited the stage, with Vali stretching out her hand, calling for Nero.
"At least let me know your name!" She demanded.
Deciding to copy what he'd seen in anime and movies, Issei slowly turned around and spoke with a calm and cool voice. At least he hoped he looked cool.
"My name is Nero." He curtly spoke before going backstage.
The curtain closed, ending Act 1. Issei felt so embarrassed that his face was kind of red. Act 2 was a bit too close for comfort that he wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hide.
Act 2
Vali was standing a few feet away from another student who was dressed as Avadina's father, the King, complete with a black beard, fake royal clothing, and a gold crown.
"You shall do as I say. The honor of the kingdom and our family name rest upon you. If you had been born a boy, then perhaps this situation would not have come. You will marry the son of our allies, and you will not argue!" The King roared.
Costumed soldiers walked out from the curtains and marched toward Vali. Taking this cue, Issei jumped in.
"Hold! I won't let you do this!" He shouted.
"Who is this knave?! Seize him and my foolish daughter!" The King barked.
"I'm but a wanderer who hates seeing people abuse their power. If you will not cease, then I will make you."
Issei charged at the King's troops and proceeded to knock them out, one by one. He made sure to tone down his fighting so that it didn't look too noticeable. He didn't want to make a crater in the ground.
"Curse you! This is not the end, you plebian filth!" The King ran off stage at that.
Issei dropped to his knee, holding onto a fake wound on his stomach. He popped a fake blood packet for dramatic effect. He staggered until Vali rushed over.
"It's all my fault. If only I could defend myself, you'd be fine. Why did you come to save me?"
"I had some suspicions about the King. I only intervened because I couldn't stand seeing what you were going through. However, I'm afraid that I might've complicated matters for you."
"There's nothing left for me here. So that's why, I ask of you…will you take me with you?" Vali asked.
However, the way she said it was what surprised Issei. It sounded far too real to be a scripted line, even though it was.
"I cannot. My past is coming for me. I can't afford to drag others into my bloody history." Issei staggered up.
"Why?! What are you hiding from me?!" Vali stood up, gripping his cloak.
"Princess, we've but met only a few times. I'm afraid the truth would appall you." Issei sighed.
"Do you not trust me?! If you didn't, why save me?!" Vali cried out.
Issei sighed. It was a literal one because he forgot his line again. It was time to improvise.
"I was a former assassin in my homeland. I killed evil men to eradicate an evil system. Before I realized it, my hands were soaked in so much blood that I couldn't believe what I've become. A monster, that is what I am. Even now, I am undeserving of companions nor a peaceful life. My old friends are now enemies, who hunt me. I can't risk anyone else. I shall handle all of my problems alone." Issei was about to walk off-stage until Vali rushed over and hugged him from behind.
The crowd went nuts, screaming in delight and surprise.
"Don't go. Don't leave me. All my life, nobody has seen me as more than a tool to be used for gain. You're actually the first to ever care enough to risk themselves for me. So please…please don't leave me alone." Vali's lips trembled, a tear fell from her eye as her voice shook.
She didn't mean to, but the script was so reminiscent of her past that it brought out some feelings that she had never hoped would see the light of day.
Issei raised a gentle to hold hers, which were still wrapped around his chest.
"Why must you make this so difficult?!" He growled. He was doing everything he could to channel his inner actor.
"Fine. If that's what you want, then come with me."
When Act 2 ended, Issei was glad because Act 3 was the final part of the play. The narrator had explained that after Avadina joined Nero, they journeyed across the land, growing closer and closer before kindling some romance between them. With that said, the moment that Issei dreaded, had come. It was time for him to take off his hood and reveal himself. He was certain that he was going to die of embarrassment at this rate.
And he was right.
When the crowd saw his face, everyone's jaws hit the floor. Especially the ORC.
"ISSEI?!" Akeno shouted, alarmed, but quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment. She had absolutely no idea that Issei was going to be in the play. He wasn't the type to do any sort of acting.
When the play proceeded, she could see that he was begging for anyone to save him.
Act 3
After a climactic battle with his past enemies, Nero was mourning a fatally wounded Avadina, who had been injured in the fight.
"Don't grieve for me, Nero. It's not your fault. All of the pain that has come, was never your fault. It made me so happy to spend so much time with you. You're so kind and so brave. You risk everything for others and never ask for anything. Ever since I met you, I've wanted to devote myself to you, to help you through your pain because you just make me feel so happy. I love you…Issei."
Vali panicked when her words slipped. She was supposed to say Nero, not Issei! She played dead, which was something she wanted to do. She basically just confessed to the whole school that she was in love with him.
'Oh no. Nonononononono! I can't believe I did that! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Vali, why did you let your tongue slip?! What if Issei gets freaked out?! Oh, I'm so embarrassed, I want to die!' She raged at herself in her mind.
Issei, who was so shocked, that it reflected on his face. His eyes were wide, his mouth agape, and his body was shaking. This was absolutely NOT acting on his part. He felt so elated that he wanted to shout for joy but he forced himself not to. He groaned and grunted, sounding barely loud enough for anyone to hear. His sounds were mistaken by the audience to be sounds of pain but it was the opposite. It was a scream of joy.
"GGGAAAAAAAHHHHH!" He let out a long yell.
Issei applauded himself for his acting at this moment. He made his happiness and excitement become masqueraded by a cry of sorrow and rage.
Even Vali was startled. Taking the context of the scene into account, it was very touching coming from Issei.
Akeno and Raynare, on the other hand, were feeling uneasy. They both felt that this was coming but for it to be done on this magnitude was something else. Vali was a very powerful rival. She had devoted countless years of her life to Issei alone, something the both of them felt that they hadn't done. Akeno, knew that part at least, since she knew that Vali liked Issei since they were children. To be honest, she knew that Vali was in love with Issei before she ever was.
Act 4
Nero was being attacked by the King's forces and neighboring kingdoms for ruining a planned alliance. Faced with death, Nero prepared to join Avadina, but things didn't go that way.
By divine intervention, the King and his allies were destroyed by a higher power, along with Avadina being restored to him.
On the stage, mist was made so that Vali could enter the stage. Issei really had to hand it to Sona. She had pulled out the stops for this play, since it was apparently her, who was funding the whole thing. If anything, she also wrote the story and directed the play.
"Avadina?" Issei looked at her with disbelief.
"Yes, it's me…Nero." Vali beamed brightly at him and smiled.
The two rushed at each other and enveloped each other into a deep and warm hug. The audience made gasps, as if urging for something to continue developing.
The entire time during the play, Issei and Vali had been placing themselves in the shoes of their characters and just imagined how they would feel if they both suffered the same fates as Avadina and Nero. Using this method, they channeled their imagination into acting, which worked out remarkably well.
"I'm never letting you go again, Avadina. I've realized how broken and lost I am without you. Up until you began traveling with me, I was nothing. I could feel almost nothing. I had lost so many that were dear to me that I was hollow on the inside. Yet…you. You gave me purpose and restored me to life. I love you, Vali."
The audience went wild, making squeals of delight from the girls and roars of jealousy from the boys.
Vali, had never anticipated this, as it wasn't even scripted. Her eyes widened and she simply stood limp, not believing what just happened or her luck. Was Issei finally responding to her feelings? She hadn't even done much to reveal them to him in the first place.
With this, the play finally ended.
"Well, a lot of things were changed, but overall, it was executed to the letter. Thank you for your hard work." Sona bowed and gave him a smile.
"T-Thank you, President." Issei nodded and left.
Walking away, he jumped when he saw Vali, who reacted the same way. She immediately darted her gaze away with a fiery red face.
"Vali, there's something I wanted to ask you before the play." Issei prepared himself and spoke with an unyielding voice.
"W-What?!" She jumped to attention.
"Will you come to the rooftop after the Festival is over today?"
Vali's mind started overloading as she imagined so many possible things happening at said place. What Issei had done earlier had thrown her for a massive loop. Instead of using their character's names, Issei ended up saying her name.
"Okay…I will." She composed herself and gave him a serious expression.
Issei walked out of the auditorium and went to the rooftop, choosing to avoid meeting anyone until he did what he had to do for the day.
"Well now…" He said to himself.
He leaned against a wall smiling to himself before gritting his teeth. He slammed his head against the concrete wall multiple times.
"What! Were! You! Thinking!" Each time he spoke, he slammed his head against the wall. When he thought about it, he crashed his skull against the concrete no less than 20 times.
He had acted under the influence of his emotions and kissed Vali without thinking about it. It was especially troubling, considering what he was going to do in a little bit.
Issei jumped and froze when the door creaked open.
"Issei! Why are you slamming your head against the wall?!" Vali cried out and ran over.
"Your head's bleeding too!" Akeno began to wipe the small trickle of blood off the side of his forehead.
Stepping back, Issei cleared his throat.
"Never mind that. There's something I wanted to talk about concerning you two."
Cold sweat began to trail down his forehead as he started to lose feeling in his legs. He had dealt with angels, devils, monsters, machines, and all sorts of scum. None of that had ever prepared him for something like this.
"Yes?" Akeno looked at him nervously. It disturbed her to see the composed Issei behave so differently.
"For as long as I can remember, I've always cared about you two since I was a kid. We spent so many days playing and enjoying each other's company. I didn't think about it much back then …I can't deny what I'm thinking or feeling. It feels wrong, but I have to say it."
Taking a deep breath, Issei calmed himself down before continuing. He turned to Akeno and spoke.
(Naruto Shippuden OST – The Road Continues. Play Song.)
"Akeno…I've already told you before but now…I want to say it again. I love you. Nothing will ever change that. Being with you just makes me happier, you make me want to be better. When I thought you died, the pain was destroying me, because I learned that I was the cause but now, I want to spend every single day of my life with you."
Issei then turned to Vali.
"Vali…you don't know this yet but this is something I've been wanting to say for a long time.
"I love you too. Seriously. I've noticed that ever since we were kids, you've always tried to cheer me up. You were like the light of my life when I felt that everyone I loved had died. I'd be a sorry sobbing wreck if you hadn't brought me out of my stupor. When you left, my feelings for you grew. Now that you came back, it made me fall even harder for you. You've become so strong, independent, kind, and bright that I'd never dreamed of you becoming like this. Still…"
Issei made a reproachful look but continued forward.
"Whatever happens now, is up to the both of you. I know it's all kinds of messed up to confess to two girls at one time but I've gotta clear the air. I don't want to lead the both of you on when you can find much better men than me. If you both hate me and reject me, then I'll be happy to exit your lives- "
Before Issei could finish, Akeno and Vali interjected.
"Don't say that!"
They both gave him emotional looks and walked closer.
"Don't say that you'll leave. Don't you know how much you mean to me? You showed me that there were many ways to live life. You filled up my childhood with bright memories and helped me get over so much trauma. I grew up with so few friends, but thanks to you, I could stop being scared." Vali shook her head.
"The same goes for me. Back when we were kids, you'd always cheer me up and keep bullies away from me. You've risked so many consequences when you could've just stood aside and watched. You make me laugh and happy. I love you too, Issei." Akeno held onto one of his sides as she spoke.
Issei had never anticipated for this to happen. He expected them to glare at him, yell at him, hit him, or even just straight-up leave.
"As for the matter of sharing you…I don't mind at all. As long as I get a portion of love from Issei, I'm happy." Akeno rested her head on Issei's shoulder before looking at Vali.
The White Dragon Empress was doing the absolute same.
"I don't mind either. As long as Issei is here, I'm happy with anything." Vali giggled.
"You two…I have no idea what to say." Issei lowered his head.
In response, he got kisses on both of his cheeks.
"There's no need. You've said more than enough." Akeno smiled encouragingly at him.
"From now on, let's focus on making the best of the future." Vali added.
"You're right. The time for clinging to the past is over. It's time to enjoy our lives now." Issei smiled brightly like he would used to as a child.
(Naruto Shippuden OST – The Road Continues. End Song.)
Now that that matter was done with, Issei had one less burden on his shoulders. Regarding the matter with Raynare, he would have to spend more time with her to decide what he wanted to do.
When the trio came home, Raynare jumped up the couch. Issei saw the look on her face and felt that something was wrong. It was of disbelief and surprise.
"What happened?" He inquired.
"It's my family." Raynare's face broke into a smile.
"They've all woken up!" She happily declared.
Changes made from the original Chapter 14:
1. Grammar fixes
2. Some dialogue change
3. I kept the play. Against my better judgement, I retained the play. Upon rewriting and editing this chapter again, I really wanted to remove it, then I remembered something. When I originally posted this chapter, readers liked it. However, I did remove the kiss that Issei and Vali had. That moment belongs to someone else.
