Update:Since so many people are jumping to conclusions and questioning the way things went in this chapter I made a MASSIVE explanatory note at the end of the chapter, please read it but know it will have spoilers.
Firstly thank you to all of you for your input from last chapter; I enjoyed discussing my previous question with you all immensely.
This chapter has my first, semi-serious fight scene in DxD style so I would appreciate your collective opinions on it.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 3 – The Other Sacred Gear Holder
Raynare woke up and instantly felt one thing: pain and lots of it. A lower level fallen angel like her would never need to train herself so much as she only ever got low risk missions where very little threat was involved, this may have actually gotten her in this situation in the first place but that was neither here nor there.
The second thing she noticed was a large heat source was immediately to her right. Turning her head slightly she was greeted to the form of a sleeping Issei.
Raynare sat up without disturbing Issei and tried to remember what happened last night. She recalled meeting with the devils and then coming home after which she ate dinner and then did some training with Issei. Unfortunately things started to become a blur at this point and she couldn't quite remember what happened.
Now being a fallen angel Raynare's mind was usually for lack of a better term, in the gutter, so seeing Issei just in shorts and her in her usual attire caused her mind to wonder. As her mind wandered so did her eyes, spotting 'little Issei' after some time. At the sight of Issei's morning wood lustful thoughts started to enter Raynare's mind but her machinations were cut short when Issei stirred and rubbed his eyes before sitting up and looking at her.
'Morning.' He said sleepily before stifling a yawn with his right hand.
'Uh morning. Um what am I doing here?' Asked Raynare weakly.
'Wow you must have never trained a day in your life if you can't even remember what you did yesterday.' Said Issei unknowingly quashing many theories Raynare had of why she was in Issei's bed.
As Issei stood up and begun to head downstairs he noticed a genuine confused expression on Raynare's face which caused him to laugh a little.
'Don't worry I'll explain downstairs come on, it's breakfast time.' Said Issei leaving Raynare in his room.
After a short while Raynare slowly made her way to the kitchen/sitting room and noticed Issei had started cooking some rice and was chopping up some vegetables which he started to stir fry with a bit of meat.
'After yesterday you're going to need a breakfast with more of a kick if you plan on recovering. You were almost dead on your feet. Still you didn't give up and that earns you some points in my book.' Said Issei.
Raynare stiffly sat down on the couch still in a fair bit of pain and seemed to feel a large amount of pain emanating from her right shoulder; looking at it she noticed she had a small bruise.
Issei finished cooking and brought over two bowls of rice with stir-fried meat and vegetables and handed it to Raynare before starting to eat. Noticing Raynare seemed to still have a vacant expression on her face he picked up a small piece of meat with his chopsticks and shoved it in her mouth startling her.
'Come on eat before it gets cold then I will explain what happened yesterday.' Said Issei before going back to his breakfast with Raynare doing the same.
After washing the dishes again, Issei sat down opposite Raynare again.
'Alright what's up?' Asked Issei.
'Um what happened during training?' Asked Raynare trying to remember what happened.
'You trained obviously, and since you probably never trained a day in your life before yesterday you were utterly exhausted. That bruise is from you being too slow to dodge a two kilo medicine ball and you were in my bed because I put you there since I felt you deserved it over the couch after the effort you put in yesterday. Any questions?' Said Issei quickly.
'How often are we going to train?' Asked Raynare in trepidation.
'Every second day, but I'll give you a break on the weekend.' Said Issei.
Raynare breathed a small sigh of relief having feared that she would need to train every day. Her worries assuaged she tried to get up and found her legs couldn't support her weight.
Making a small groan of discomfort she tried to stand up again only for Issei to chuckle.
'Yeah until we get your fitness level up your going to be practically immobile the day after we train.' Said Issei.
'Well if I'm immobile and can't move why don't you try something?' Said Raynare pushing her breasts together with her arms.
Issei stared for a minute before walking away.
'Hey wait where are you going? I can't get up, come back!' Cried Raynare seeing her teasing had backfired once again.
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Arriving at school Raynare was leaning on Issei's shoulder with his right arm wrapped around her. To the unobservant bystander it would appear to be nothing more than two teenagers in love. For those who took the time to watch them they would realise that the girl was almost incapable of moving and was practically being carried by the boy.
'I hate you so much right now.' Said Raynare in her usual voice having changed back into her alternate form for school.
'Well too bad for you, you can't get around without me.' Snickered Issei.
Throughout the day Raynare was constantly at Issei's side leading to even more rumours about their supposed relationship much to Issei's chagrin.
"Maybe I should have thought this through a bit better." Thought Issei noticing lots of people were either pointing at them and giggling or glaring at them enviously.
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Issei gently placed Raynare on his bed.
'Alright I need to go out and get some things, try to get some rest.' Said Issei.
'What going to get some lewd material to add to your collection?' Asked Raynare.
'Honestly you would love Matsuda and Motohama, your brains are on the exact same wavelength.' Deadpanned Issei.
'Anyway I'll be back soon, later.' Said Issei before leaving an immobile Raynare behind.
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'Alright I think that should be all I need for this week.' Muttered Issei looking over a small shopping list he had.
Having an unexpected house guest meant he needed more supplies, early than usual.
'Ouchie.' Cried a feminine voice.
Issei turned to see a blonde-haired girl had fallen over and dropped a large suitcase. Being the gentleman that he was he went to help her up.
'Are you okay?' Asked Issei.
The girl looked up and started speaking quickly in Italian.
"Ddraig a little help here." Thought Issei only being able to understand that she was lost.
'Fine one second.' Said Ddraig before boosting Issei's mental capacities enabling him to understand what was being said.
'And I don't know where to go and can't ask for directions because I can't speak Japanese.' Stated the girl sadly.
'That's alright I'll help you find where you need to go.' Said Issei in Italian as he looked into her big green eyes.
'Oh thank you very much; this must be a sign that God sent you to guide me on my way.' The girl said happily.
Issei took a good look at her and noticed she was wearing the clothes of a nun and had a very strong holy aura around her.
"But what would a holy person be doing here?" Thought Issei.
Issei helped her get back to her feet and moved all his groceries to his left hand so he could carry her suitcase for her.
'Thank you very much, I was trying to find the church in this town but can't read any of the signs.' Said the nun in embarrassment.
'That's alright; I'll help you find your way, what are friends for?' Asked Issei jovially.
'Friends?' Asked Asia in confusion.
'Sure, I'm the first friend of yours who can understand you in this town.' Said Issei oblivious to Asia's thoughts.
"But I never had a friend before. Is that what friends do? I'm so confused." Thought Asia innocently.
'I'm Issei by the way Issei Hyoudou.' Said Issei.
'Ah I'm Asia Argento, nice to meet you, thank you for helping me again.' Said Asia shyly.
'It's no problem I was on my way home and it is near the church anyway.' Said Issei.
Along the way the duo saw a small boy crying because of a scratch on his knee. Asia quickly went to help him and soothed him when two rings appeared on her fingers and a green glow started emanating from her hands healing the wound.
"So that must be a Sacred Gear, a powerful one at that, it had a very strong aura." Thought Issei as he watched the boy thank Asia and run off.
'Sorry about that I just had to help him.' Said Asia shyly with a small bow.
'It's fine, it was nice of you to help him, that is quite a gift you have.' Said Issei as they resumed walking.
'Yes, it is the power to heal. It is a wonderful power that God gave me.' Said Asia becoming melancholy near the end.
'What's wrong?' Asked Issei picking up on her tone.
'Oh it's nothing, uh it is just that, well I never really had a friend before, but it was alright.' Said Asia timidly.
Issei stopped abruptly and turned to look at her.
'Ok then, tomorrow at six, meet me at the park where you healed that boy.' Said Issei firmly.
'What, why?' Asked Asia.
'Well I just figured I could show you around and we could have some fun.' Said Issei with a small smile.
Asia just gasped and looked up at him, seeing his smiling visage made her smile as well.
'Ok then.' Said Asia happily.
Eventually they reached the church but Issei felt something was off.
"This feeling, the holy aura coming of this church is tainted…" Thought Issei in confusion.
'Thank you Issei see you tomorrow.' Said Asia with a bow as she took her suitcase back, bowed, then walked inside the church.
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'That's him isn't it, should we kill him?' Asked a cloaked figure inside the church.
'No after all he did us a great favour bringing that girl here, we will let him go this time.' Said another cloaked figure as they watched Issei walk away from inside the church.
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'I'm home.' Said Issei as he took the groceries to the kitchen and took his shoes off.
'Welcome back.' Said Raynare with a bit of snide edge to her words.
'Still sore I see.' Said Issei knowingly causing Raynare to glare at him from the couch.
'So I met someone interesting today.' Said Issei out of the blue as he put the groceries away.
'She had a unique ability; she could heal people and had a very strong holy aura. I dropped her off at the church. Any ideas why a holy person was sent to a church inhabited by fallen angels?' Said Issei.
'Oh I almost forgot! We were going to kill that girl and take her Sacred Gear.' Said Raynare suddenly standing up before wincing in a bit of pain.
Issei frowned momentarily before deciding on his next course of action.
'Well if that's the case I'll just have to get her away from those other fallen angels. How many are there?' Asked Issei.
'Three not including me but we have a lot of exorcists, one of them is particularly powerful but he is a lunatic even by fallen angel standards.' Said Raynare distastefully.
'Meaning?' Prompted Issei.
'If you were friends with someone who summoned a devil once he would hack you up to pieces and string your body along a power pole, in front of you family.' Said Raynare.
'Hmm definitely not my kind of guy.' Said Issei in slight disgust.
'I thought you hated devils?' Asked Raynare in surprise.
'True but I can live with them in small doses, plus doing such gruesome acts to someone not even directly involved with devils… well that rubs me the wrong way.' Said Issei truthfully.
After dinner the two went to bed due to Issei feeling merciful towards Raynare, knowing that this pattern of training and soreness would repeat itself and thus, allowed her to sleep on his bed with him knowing this was most likely going to become a regular thing.
"Although why complain about getting to sleep next to a drop-dead gorgeous girl every night. Most straight men would give up an arm and a leg to have some like Raynare sleep next to them. At least this is a double sized bed, or this would be pretty uncomfortable." Thought Issei before falling asleep.
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After Issei and Raynare woke up and carried out their usual morning ritual they went to school. Just like what happened two days ago a member of Rias' Peerage, this time being Kiba, came and asked for them to meet with them after school and so with some effort on his part Issei dragged himself to the old school building, Raynare in tow. After knocking and entering Issei noticed the atmosphere was significantly more relaxed than last time. Both Kiba and Akeno no longer released any malice towards Raynare and Rias herself seemed pleased that they were actually here.
'Thank you for coming again, I hope you didn't have plans today.' Said Rias kindly.
'As a matter of fact I am meeting someone in two hours but I doubt you will need us for that long.' Said Issei.
'Yes that is fine I just need a little bit of your time, more specifically yours Raynare.' Said Rias.
'Me? What for?' Asked Raynare.
'Well you see Koneko here had a rather interesting run in with a stray exorcist who terminated one of her clients.' Said Rias.
'Oh I see, let me guess white hair, carried a gun and a light sword, and swore a lot?' Asked Raynare.
'Yes actually, know him?' Inquired Rias a little surprised that Raynare was immediately able to pinpoint who it was they were trying to learn more about.
'Yup that could only be one person: Freed Sellzen.' Said Raynare distastefully.
'I'm guessing that was the person you were talking about last night?' Asked Issei.
'Ara, ara ufufufu sleeping with a fallen angel, my you certainly are very daring. They are after all known for luring men with their bodies.' Said Akeno throatily.
Issei turned to look at Raynare.
'I guess that is why your mind is always in the gutter and why you always think I'm having lewd thoughts.' Said Issei flatly.
'Hey you can't tell me you weren't distracted by my body at all.' Retorted Raynare indignantly causing Issei to blush slightly.
'Knew it.' Muttered Raynare arrogantly.
'Oh yeah like you weren't eyeing me like a steak when I was just in my shorts.' Replied Issei causing Raynare to blush slightly.
'I-I was just checking for any weak-points so I could escape later.' Said Raynare unconvincingly.
'As amusing as this is I would like to know what the situation is with the fallen angels right now.' Said Rias before things could proceed any further.
Raynare proceeded to explain what the fallen angels were doing and the plot to steal Asia's Sacred Gear.
'A powerful healing ability that takes the form of two rings, that sounds like Twilight Healing, a particularly rare Sacred Gear.' Said Rias aloud.
'Now that you know this what are you going to do, massacre the fallen angels and subjugate the Sacred Gear wielder?' Asked Issei accusingly.
'You would actually be surprised; that despite what you may think of devils, the Gremory clan is renowned for their kindness. Don't judge our king too hastily just because of your past.' Said Kiba.
'So are you telling me that if a faction, say the fallen angels tried to kill you when you were a child you would be able to think positively of them and not judge them based on your past experiences?' Questioned Issei unknowingly striking very close to home for Kiba.
'Kiba is right though, the Gremory clan is known for its kindness and not all devils are as bad as you may think. We treat our peerage like family.' Said Rias softly.
'Well if that is the case more devils should be like you, still, I only have scum to base your entire faction on so at the very least I will give you all a chance. To see what you propose most devils are like. If you can change my view on the matter that is, right now I am more or less neutral towards you all.' Said Issei getting a grateful nod from Rias.
It might not be what Rias wanted but having Issei warm up to them was important, especially since he didn't think of devils in a favourable manner to begin with.
After a bit of amicable talk about what most devils were like and how strays were vastly different from those who hadn't betrayed their masters Rias invited them to come see them exorcise a stray devil later on to show the difference between the two groups of devils to which Issei agreed.
"If they can be trusted it will make living here easier. Besides it would be nice to think not all devils are bad." Reasoned Issei.
After dropping Raynare off at home and assigning her some books on strategy and war to read, Issei went to meet Asia. After meeting up with her he took her to a restaurant where he taught her how to eat hamburgers after which he took her to an arcade and won her a stuffed plushie. Asia also told Issei about her life in the church and the orphanage she grew up in. Issei considered not letting her go back to the church but couldn't think of a way to do it without arousing suspicion or making Asia untrustworthy of him something he would later come to regret.
When Issei returned home he grabbed Raynare who he happily noticed had finished reading through the first chapter of Sun Tzu's The Art of War which dealt with laying plans, something Raynare desperately needed to learn how to do if her 'plan' to kill Issei was any indication, before heading for the address given to him by Rias. The group of two met up with the group of four before entering the abandoned warehouse housing the stray devil.
'This stray devil left her master and has been luring humans here and eating them.' Explained Rias.
'Ugh that's disgusting.' Said Raynare distastefully.
'Really, I would have thought fallen angels would carry out similar distasteful endeavours.' Said Rias.
'Not really all we ever do is try to seduce people to our side and recruit or kill sacred gear holders.' Said Raynare truthful.
'I suppose that does make sense, of the three factions your numbers are the hardest to raise.' Said Rias thoughtfully before stopping at the opening to a very dark room.
'I smell something bad. But I also smell something delicious. I wonder if it's sweet, or if it's sour?' Commented an eerie voice.
'Stray devil Viser, we are here to eliminate you.' Said Rias.
'Um Akeno is it necessary to announce your presence and intentions like this?' Asked Issei in surprise.
'No Rias just likes to put on a bit of a show, why do you ask?' Replied Akeno which lead to Issei pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
'No doubt Raynare isn't the only one here who needs to read The Art of War, honestly what is wrong with deception.' Muttered Issei getting Akeno to chuckle lightly.
'Akeno.' Said Rias.
'Oh my, my turn already, what should I do with you.' Said Akeno while looking at the downed from of Viser who was missing both of her arms.
'Akeno is my queen.' Said Rias.
Issei nodded remembering the talk about evil pieces they had at the clubroom.
'Ara, ara, it seems you still have some energy left in you. Then how about this?' Said Akeno as she raised her hands to the sky.
Energy gathered between Akeno's hands before a bolt of lightning struck the downed stray, which Akeno did a few more times laughing very loudly.
'She is also an ultimate sadist.' Said Rias proudly for what reason Issei did not know.
'You two would be perfect for each, both annoying sadists.' Grumbled Raynare.
'Just for that you have to wear ankle weights throughout training tonight.' Said Issei with a smile not too dissimilar from Akeno's.
As Raynare paled at the thought Rias laughed a little at hearing that Issei was a sadist like her queen.
'I wonder who would be in charge if you had a relationship with Akeno.' Said Rias with a laugh as she gestured to Akeno who was happily frying the stray devil.
Issei said nothing while Raynare muttered they'd probably take turns before Rias stopped Akeno and whispered something to her before facing Viser, her hand out in front of her.
'Any last words?' Asked Rias.
'Kill me.' Said the downed stray weakly.
'Then disappear.' Said Rias as a gigantic mass or dark red energy burst from her outstretched hand and obliterated Viser from existence.
'So you see a stray is not like your typical devil, they are generally cruel creatures who betray their masters for ill reasons.' Said Rias as she walked back to the group.
'I see… I might not hate you anymore… but I… will see you around I suppose.' Said Issei hesitantly before gesturing to Raynare to follow as they left.
'So what do you think President?' Asked Kiba.
'I think he is coming around.' Said Rias.
'I do hope so; after all, with the White Dragon on the side of the fallen angels, having the Red Dragon against us as well would be very bad.' Said Akeno seriously.
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The next day
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It was Friday and with it the usual monotony of school life changed slightly due to the weekend coming up. People were happier and laughing with their friends. A stark contrast to the general atmosphere exuded from the form of Raynare.
"So cruel, what did I do to deserve this?" Thought Raynare in agonising pain thanks to Issei's torture last night.
"I was right he is a perfect match for that sadist." Thought Raynare bitterly as Issei whistled happily with a smile on his face.
'Come on Yuuma it's Friday be happy.' Said Issei internally enjoying the sour look on her face when she looked at him.
If looks could kill Issei would be a smouldering pile of ash right now, but unfortunately for Raynare she didn't have that ability.
'Ah don't look at me like that, besides you get the next three days off.' Pointed out Issei.
Raynare just sighed.
"What did I do to deserve being bound to a training nut?" Lamented Raynare
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Over the weekend Issei and Raynare spent a bit of time with the Occult Research Club. Rias had invited them over for tea and to talk. Issei found it was easy to get along with Rias and Akeno, Kiba too but he had a habit of making things a little awkward for Issei, Koneko on the other hand was very reserved and didn't say or do much. Issei had asked about this and Rias had explained how Koneko was almost killed for something her sister did. This made Issei frown thinking his initial assumptions about devils were correct but after hearing what Rias and the Gremory family had done to avoid her being killed he couldn't help but gain a bit of respect for them while also thinking that maybe not all devils were so bad.
Over the weekend he made sure Raynare read up more on tactics and had her practise forming light spears as fast as she could, to get better at it. It was barely noticeable but her spears formed two seconds faster and were an extra centimetre in diameter now.
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When Issei and Raynare returned home on Monday after school Issei had a bad feeling.
'Say Raynare how exactly do you take someone else's Sacred Gear?' Asked Issei feeling a sense of foreboding creep upon him.
'Well there is a special ritual that needs to be carried out the day after Sunday an hour after sunset.' Said Raynare trailing off at the end as she looked out the window.
'What happens to the Sacred Gear wielder?' Asked Issei in trepidation as he watched the sun disappear from view.
'They die.' Said Raynare spurring Issei into action who quickly burst out of the house and started running to the church.
'Issei wait!' Shouted Raynare but she was to slow.
'Damn he has no idea that the church is heavily fortified… he probably isn't going to like this, but he'll need help.' Said Raynare to herself before transforming and flying towards the old school building.
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As Issei ran towards the church a blue light spear embedded itself in the ground just a little bit in front of him.
'So you somehow figured out what we were going to do, did you?' Questioned a man. The man was no doubt a fallen angel as he had two black wings sticking out of his back. He was a middle-aged-looking gentleman with short black hair and dark blue eyes. His outfit consisted of a pale violet trench coat over a white dress shirt with a matching ascot, black pants and shoes, and a black fedora.
'You will move, or I will crush you.' Said Issei.
'Dohnaseek is the name of your killer boy.' Said Dohnaseek as he touched down onto the ground and created a blue light spear which slightly resembled a lance.
'You won't stop me and I will only warn you one more time, move or I will crush you! Boosted Gear!' Shouted Issei as his gauntlet appeared.
'Arrogant child, I have lived through a war, you can't kill me!' Shouted Dohnaseek as he charged Issei.
Dohnaseek swung his light spear from the bottom left to top right looking to slice Issei in half. Issei ducked under the blade and thrust his gauntlet-clad left arm upwards in a block and stepped into Dohnaseek's guard and launched a vicious right-handed straight punch at his chest, sending him back a bit. Capitalising on the recent separation Issei jumped back and shouted boost, which was mirrored by his gauntlet. With his increased speed and jumping ability he jumped forward into the air and sent a right legged fly kick straight at Dohnaseek who put his light spear in front of him to block the kick. To follow up he swung his light spear to the side sending Issei with it and threw it after him. Issei ducked his head down and curled up into a ball; minimizing his size and in the process, sparing himself from become speared. Dohnaseek created a new light spear which was twice the length of his first one and started using it as a spear rather than a sword as he had been doing previously. He stabbed multiple times aiming for Issei's head which Issei kept dodging by tilting his head to the other side.
'Stay still damn you.' Growled Dohnaseek before launching the spear at Issei at extreme speeds.
Issei couldn't dodge it completely and as it grazed his shoulder he cringed in pain before another subsequent boost helped him get over the pain. Issei then charged at Dohnaseek at even faster speeds than before and swept his legs before he could form another light spear, after which Issei ducked under his body and double mule kicked Dohnaseek into the air.
'It is over, Dragon Shot!' Shouted Issei as a blast of red energy pursued Dohnaseek.
Dohnaseek flapped his wings and rolled to the side of the blast surviving the attack but burning his right wing in the process.
'*tch*' Grunted Issei seeing Dohnaseek had survived the attack relatively unharmed.
'You're good boy but I will not lose here today. You had best hurry.' Said Dohnaseek before flying away, shakily but flying nonetheless, away from Issei and the church.
"Is he running away? Doesn't matter I have to get to Asia quick." Thought Issei as he watched Dohnaseek fly off.
Issei ran as fast as he could and with two subsequent boost enhancing his already impressive speed, he got there in less than a minute. He paused at the foot of the church before going inside.
'Oh and just who might you be, a shitty devil maybe? No, you don't feel like one of them at all, maybe an angel? Ha no, no, either way I wonder how you will cry out when I stab you. Maybe a grunt, or a long drawn out tearful plea perhaps. I just can't wait to find out.' Screamed a white-haired man waving a gun around.
'So… I'm guessing you are Freed right?' Said Issei eyes narrowed.
'Oh that look, is it love? It feels like malice and killing intent, I love it!' Shouted Freed as he waved around a gun and the hilt of a sword.
'Where is Asia?' Asked Issei in a steely voice.
'Oh you mean the devil healer, she is down there under the altar, probably dead by now, serves her right for healing a shitty devil. Uh I see that look you want to try and save her, too bad for you I'm here.' Said Freed as a sword of light burst from the hilt of his sword before he lunged at Issei only to be intercepted by a pew that came hurtling at him which he only narrowly dodged.
'Oh what is this, the same shitty devil from before, so emotional. A reunion! I never met the same devil twice before! You know, since I'm super strong, I cut devils into pieces when I first meet them! Once I see them, I cut them up on the spot! I then kiss the corpse and say goodbye! That's how I used to live! But since you ruined my style, I'm so lost! That's no good.' Ranted Freed.
'Issei, you can go save your friend, we will deal with him.' Said Kiba who appeared near Issei as Koneko walked over to him.
'But what are you guys doing here?' Asked Issei only for Freed to interject.
'Oh are you ignoring me because those shitty devils showed up? You must be a shitty devil lover like that girl, when I kill you, I will bury you together.' Ranted Freed before Kiba put a hand on Issei's shoulder and gestured for him to go save Asia.
'Ok but I want an explanation after this.' Said Issei before rushing past Freed and going down the secret steps under the altar.
Issei followed the passage and eventually reached a large door.
"I can feel them, lots of exorcists and two fallen angels." Thought Issei before smashing through the door with a heavily boosted punch.
Inside where dozens of exorcists and atop an altar Asia was tied up with two fallen angels near her, she was crying out in pain and a green light emerged from her body.
'ASIA!' Shouted Issei as he ran right through the exorcists, ploughing them off to the sides.
'You're too late.' Said the shorter fallen angel in a happy voice as the green light entered her body.
Issei leapt up to the altar and grabbed Asia's tied up form.
'Asia are you alright?' Asked Issei desperately.
'Issei, I'm sorry.' Said Asia weakly.
'Why are you apologising I was the one who failed to save you.' Said Issei.
'I'm sorry, that you are crying because of me.' Said Asia.
Issei was indeed crying, salty tears slowly dropped from his eyes, lamenting the fact that he couldn't save a girl as innocent and pure as Asia. Issei could feel Asia was dying very quickly and wouldn't live for much longer.
'Asia I'm so sorry but no matter what, I will bring you back that's a promise.' Said Issei tearfully as Asia closed her eyes and departed from this world.
Anger.
Issei stood up.
Rage.
Issei looked at the smirking visage of the fallen angel who now possessed Asia's Sacred Gear.
Hatred.
Issei's gauntlet boosted once again before explosion was heard emanating from it.
'Twin Dragon Shot!' Shouted Issei obliterating the two fallen angels, who were too busy gloating, in a blast of red energy.
Regret.
Issei grabbed Asia's Sacred Gear and her downed form before leaping out of the basement area eventually reaching the sanctuary area. He set Asia down on one of the pews and stared at her form. After a short amount of time Rias, Akeno and Raynare appeared along with Kiba and Koneko who looked a little tired but fine overall.
'Rias do you think you can reincarnate her, she has a strong healing ability.' Said Issei who stopped feeling a hand on his shoulder. It was Rias.
'Don't worry about it.' Said Rias as she pulled out a red bishop piece and took the Sacred Gear from Issei.
'Rias… thank you.' Said Issei warmly to which Rias just smiled.
'I order, in my name Rias Gremory. You, Asia Argento. I, resurrect you back to this soil as my servant, and have you reborn as a Devil. You, my Bishop, be delighted with your new life!' Said Rias as both the glowing chess piece and the Sacred Gear entered Asia's body.
As Asia sat up in confusion Issei smiled.
'I told you I would bring you back somehow Asia.' Said Issei as he walked over to Asia and hugged her confused form.
After a while Issei let go and stood up before bowing to Rias surprising the all considering how much he hated devils.
'Rias words can't express my gratitude. I'm truly thankful. If you ever need anything from me, anything at all I will give it to you in the hope that one day I can repay what you have done for me here today.' Said Issei passionately.
'Thank you Issei I will remember that.' Said Rias happily, no doubt glad that the self-proclaimed devil hater had changed his attitude so much in just a short week.
'Come on Raynare, Asia, we are going home.' Said Issei.
BIG EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THIS CHAPTER.
Ok it seems a lot of people have misread some things and jumped to conclusions of their own from this chapter so I will explain all major concerns now, alternatively if you trust in my abilities as a writer just wait 3 more chapters and everything will make sense, if not, I shall explain.
However, if you do read the explanation all I can say is I am essentially unravelling Issei's personality and telling you exactly what Issei is like instead of SHOWING you all through the story as well as giving at least 2 spoilers from future chapters. Although if it comes down to me spoiling a few things or you guys dropping this story, I would rather spoil a bit and explain things to all of you rather than have you all stop reading.
1. Issei's feelings towards Rias and her peerage – Now all of you think he is good friends with them now. Wrong. Issei is not friends with them, they are merely acquaintances. Now some people wonder if he hates them why he is being so grateful to Rias; the reason for this is twofold so bear with me.
a. Rias saved Asia's life – Now this in itself is unfortunately two-fold as well so let me explain.
Firstly, Issei finds Asia to be an innocent, someone who does good and seeks nothing in return. In doing good and being exiled from the church add to the fact that she has no friends and was abandoned by her family for whatever reason he wants to make sure she can live a life she deserves, one of happiness and joy.
Secondly, look at things from Issei's point of view, Rias saved Asia; now she does have twilight healing, meaning Rias would have reincarnated her anyway, but the thing is HE doesn't know that, WE all do because we are familiar with canon. To him this essentially means Rias wasted a bishop piece just for him, someone who has done nothing to earn her trust; therefore, he is immensely grateful and feels that he owes her. Don't forget Rias is a DEVIL meaning it is in her nature to be deceitful, sneaky and greedy as well, just because she looks nice she is still a devil, keep that in mind.
This now leads onto the second aspect.
b. Issei owing Rias.
Think about things this way, I have already explained in the first point that Issei feels that he owes Rias however most of you are confusing this as him TRUSTING Rias. This is not the case, if you borrow money from a loan shark you OWE them but that doesn't mean you TRUST them. Issei doesn't trust Rias and as I said if you can wait three more chapters you will see this. To ruin the surprise though Issei owes Rias, meaning he will help her in return for her helping him (not so big spoiler: with Riser), it in no way means he trusts her with, his life, the life of his friends or family. Think about it, he was almost KILLED by devils, you aren't going to trust a group of them just like that no matter what.
2. Issei acting stupid and rushing to save Asia – Now I have already partially explained this above, but I will sum it up nicely here for all of you.
Asia, is literally the most innocent, pure character I have seen in any anime before Rias and Kiryuu start corrupting her, are you telling me you wouldn't drop everything to try and save someone like that? Issei felt bad for her upbringing and wanted to give her a better life (friends etc).
I have sent this to many who reviewed via pm but here is the explanation for all of you to see. Think of Asia as a pure bird, Issei merely wanted that bird to retain its purity even if it meant personal risk to himself, essentially, he sees Asia as a golden child, one who should be protected.
3. Issei's fight with Dohnaseek and him supposedly being weak all of a sudden – Again this one is twofold so once again please bear with me however major spoilers for Issei's power so read at your own risk.
a. In canon when Rias easily killed him along with the other two fallen angels, they were underestimating her. Now if you underestimate someone and have them outnumbered AND supposedly surprise them (as they thought), most people get arrogant and lower their guards. This is what happened in canon and as such, they died.
In my story Issei was viewed as a powerful threat. What this changes is this: Issei wasn't being underestimated but instead viewed as a threat; Dohnaseek had his guard up and was cautious even though he surprised him; when Dohnaseek was hurt he quickly fled, as he realised how powerful Issei was.
Now before I get on to the second half of the explanation, a brief interlude about Issei's powers. For reference, an average human has a base power level of 10 (yes I am using power levels as a reference tool but it has nothing to do with experience).
Issei (a pseudo dragon) has a power level of about 5000 without his sacred gear being used, merely summoning it doubles his power to 10 000 (I am using simple figures to make this clear).
Rias has a power level of 20 000 BUT she has very little experience in battles.
Dohnaseek, a two winged fallen angel, has a power level of 12 000 BUT lots of battle experience, hence the line about living through a war.
To compare Raynare has a power level of 7000 (but as can be noted, she makes bad plans and is a bit dumb).
Now from this take into account Issei used two boosts. Firstly, the initial boost, when he jumped back from Dohnaseek after the first few blows. This put his power at Rias' level of 20 000. This means he was as strong as Rias when she killed Dohnaseek BUT Dohnaseek wasn't underestimating Issei and took him seriously AND has more fighting experience than Issei hence why he was able to scratch him. After his second subsequent boost, which happened after the scratch Issei had a power level of 40 000, making him much stronger than Dohnaseek and as such it was only battle instinct that allowed Dohnaseek to avoid being obliterated by the dragon shot BUT he felt it strike him and as such was able to roughly gauge how strong Issei was and how much stronger than him he was, hence he fled.
IMPORTANT
Take these power levels with a spoonful of salt, there are in no way indicative of ability, power, strategy or anything else merely raw power. Also they will not be used again there were merely used as a reference point for this chapter, they will change quickly and rapidly.
b. Dohnaseek will be stronger than he was in canon – In canon there are less than ten very powerful fallen angels that we know of: Azazel, Kokabiel, Baraqiel, Shemhazai and other Grigori members. Point being aside from them there is only cannon fodder (Raynare and her group) representing the fallen angels. For this reason I am making Dohnaseek stronger (and eventually Raynare), to give the fallen angels a middle ground in terms of power. Canon only gave us weak and OP; to use Dragon Ball Z as a reference, this is equivalent to only showing the grunts who destroyed Bulma's ship, who had power levels of 1300 and Frieza, someone with a power level of 120 000 000 meaning no Cui, no Zarbon and no Ginyu force to show a middle ground.
Since I don't want this to be the case Dohnaseek and Raynare will become more powerful and represent a middle ground in terms of fallen angel power levels, (another spoiler) Dohnaseek will be sticking around for a while, hence why he gets some significance and a power boost as well as Raynare obviously.
These seem to be the major concerns people had with this chapter, if there is something else you disagree with review and I will respond and explain.
I really, really don't mean to sound arrogant but I know what I am doing and how I am going to get there. What this does mean though is if you have a question about say the Excalibur arc I can already explain it too you (since I have already written half of it). Even now I am already making plans for the Khaos Brigade/Hero faction arc which is in light novel 11.
Hopefully this extremely long and detailed note, which is over 1000 words I might add, clears up any concerns and more importantly keeps you all reading and maybe, makes some of you trust in my skills as a writer.