Happy July 4th, everybody. I hope you all are having a good holiday or had, depending on when you're reading this chapter.
So, as of late, I've noticed something. This story hasn't been that funny, and comedy was a key component of the original story. Thus, I kind of want to get to work on remedying all that. If I can't, then, I'll shoot towards the current atmosphere that the current story has. Don't want to waste a good story just for jokes, after all. Still, I wanna try to get some laughs in here and there.
I'm also gonna be changing up dynamics for some characters in this story. For this story, I wanted to try new things. The ideas I had for the original version of "The Heroic Calamity" was a story where I could try new things out that I didn't with my other stories.
Don't worry, it doesn't concern Issei, so don't panic. I just ask that you guys don't jump the gun. Honestly, people do that a lot for my stories. Kind of makes me glad, since sometimes, it means people haven't predicted my plots yet. However, I don't appreciate it when people try to convince others that something definitely happened within my stories when that's not really the case. Just try and be patient. If you've read my stories up till this point, you know that things aren't always what they seem. And if you have stuck with me for the past 4 years, then know how much I genuinely appreciate you folks.
Anyways, enough of my rambling. Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 15: Time to Go Home
Issei was very thankful that school wasn't in session. Thanks to some strings pulled by Rizevim, he got the break to extend for a ludicrous amount of time. Unfortunately, a crap-ton of homework was assigned to make up for all this. Yet, that was when the scariest part came. Issei had found that after obtaining the third piece of the Calamity Catalyst, things had changed even more than he'd anticipated. He could think faster, move faster, and hit harder than before. In subtle ways, his strength was growing, but it kind of unnerved because of how quickly it all happened. It felt so unnatural.
During his recent training with Vali, he was progressing rapidly. It was now at a point where he was learning magic from Rizevim on a more advanced level.
Regardless, he tried to shake the thoughts away. No more negative thoughts. Today, the group was going out for some bonding time. Vali was always insistent on spending at least one day together every week. In her words, it encouraged team building and relaxation. This time, they were going out shopping. One could only go so long with a few sets of clothes when fighting took place almost every other day. Vali also wanted to take this chance to show the newest member of her Peerage around the city. Obviously, it was Elaine, who was her 2nd Bishop.
Not only that, but they all needed formal attire for the party that was going to happen soon to celebrate the Alliance.
Issei had just gotten his suit ordered and now had time to kill. That was when he spotted a delicious situation. The guys were still getting their clothes tailored, so he decided to sneak around the girls and listen.
"Is that him?"
Lefay's nervous groan answered 'yes'.
'Oooh, who is it?' Issei peeked up from behind them. How had they not noticed him yet?
He looked at where they were pointing. It was a young man around Lefay's age with short green hair, purple eyes, and an average figure, with a purple shirt, white pants, and brown shoes.
"Oh, the timid kind, I see." Kuroka licked her lips.
"Kuroka!" Lefay cried out.
"Don't worry, they're not my type." Kuroka shrugged.
"Is he the reason why you're dressed like that?" Elaine asked with a stern eye.
Lefay had her shirt noticeably unbuttoned, showing some cleavage with a miniskirt. Her body was well-endowed, though not on the level of Kuroka or Vali, but still, she could woo many with her figure. Issei felt his inner dad screaming for her to dress much more conservatively but he wanted to eavesdrop.
"N-No…"
"As a Lady of the Pendragons and the Lucifer House, you should take care not to expose yourself so much." Elaine sighed.
"It's fine, don't be so strict with her. Here in the Underworld, you can dress almost however you want. We're devils, after all. Kuroka waved her off.
"So, what're you gonna do?" Vali asked.
"W-Well…" Lefay nervously shuffled.
"You should try and get a little more aggressive if you want to make things progress." Kuroka urged.
Issei felt a little bad for her. Lefay clearly wanted to say something, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She must've felt like a nervous wreck right now. Issei sighed. Her eyes were basically swirls. She was getting so much information that she had no idea what to do.
"Okay, stop tormenting the poor girl." He turned around from where he was sitting, reassuringly patting Lefay's head.
Sitting next to Lefay, Issei made himself comfy, pushing Kuroka aside.
"Issei?! What the hell are you doing?" Kuroka demanded.
"Just curious about what's going on." Issei shrugged.
'He wants to gossip like a schoolgirl.' The ladies groaned.
He put a comforting arm around Lefay's shoulder and patted her head gently.
"Alright, don't listen to the scary ladies, specifically the harlequin. Now, tell Big Brother what's bothering you. Who's ignoring your feelings?" Issei looked around, crossing his legs.
"Hey!" Vali and Kuroka took offense.
"Him." Lefay shyly pointed at guy with short green hair.
"What's his name?" Issei asked.
"Embern. We've worked together before on jobs and he also works at the place where I buy apothecary supplies." Lefay explained.
"Ah, I see. What's he like?" Issei raised a brow.
"He's a little quiet. He's patient and doesn't talk too much. He's kind of shy but with people close to him, he's talkative. He's always watching out for his customers and he's also smart with potions and elixirs. And- "
"And it's pretty clear that you really like this guy." Issei chuckled.
Lefay blushed as she realized that she was about to fire off into a monologue about the points of him that she liked.
"And what're some of his issues?" Issei asked.
"Well, sometimes, he can be a bit indecisive. He stalls sometimes and he can't make up his mind. Still, that's all so minor." Lefay twiddled her thumbs.
"Wow, you really like this guy. How long have you known him?" Issei asked.
"A year." Lefay said.
"Well, then, let's get you two closer on a more personal level."
Issei turned to Lefay.
"First, let's take this off." He took off her hat.
"What?!" Lefay looked surprised.
"Now, button up that shirt and cover your panties. Shy boys might lose their nerve unless you get aggressive enough to make up for it." Issei pointed at her cleavage.
He knew Lefay was shy about romance and intimate things like dating, so she was going to get timid when approaching it. Lefay quickly closed her shirt, embarrassed.
"Now then, let's get started."
Issei turned towards Embern's direction.
"Hey! HEY! YOU! AROOROOROOROO!" He barked to get his attention.
"Issei, the hell are you doing?" Vali looked around in distress, hoping nobody was paying attention.
Much to Issei's dismay, Embern seemed so shy that he wasn't even looking at Lefay. Exasperated, he walked away and circled around. At least Embern didn't notice him when he was sitting with the girls. This next part would've been awkward. Standing in an alleyway, he listened in.
"Alright, Embern, just muster up the courage and talk to her." Said person said to himself.
'He's…psyching himself up…that's not good. He needs a push.' Issei closed his eyes in grief.
"Ask her out!" His voice echoed, high-pitched.
"Huh?"
"You can do it! You've got nothing to lose!"
Embern continued to look around, confused and startled by the loud voices.
"Uh…is somebody there?"
"Go ask for her contact, dumbass!"
Issei, having gotten Embern's attention, moved on to the next part of his improvised plan. Walking out from behind the alley, he looked as passive and normal as possible. He hoped Embern thought it was somebody else yelling at him.
"Are you okay, buddy?" He asked.
"Y-Yeah, I was just…uh…"
"You look nervous, man. Something got you frazzled?" Issei asked.
"W-Well, I guess you could say that."
'This poor boy is like an easily-turned book. His heart and soul are so easily revealed by himself.' Issei couldn't help but bless this guy.
"Well, if you'd like, allow me to help. It seems to me that you're nervous. You about to confess to a girl or something?"
Embern froze.
"Ahah! So, it is a girl?" Issei smiled.
"Well, yeah, it's, um, well yeah." Embern fumbled over his words.
"May I ask your name, bro?" Issei leveled with him.
"Embern."
"Well, Embern, my friend. The first step to this is to be calm. You want to be confident, not submissive but not overbearing either. Don't try so hard and be true to yourself. Be yourself but don't be too meek. Now, point us in the direction of your affection."
Embern pointed at Lefay.
'Oh, thank goodness, it's mutual.' Issei put a hand over his heart in relief. He was going to look crazy for no reason.
"Ah, I see. You know her well?"
"Well, we've worked together before. She's really nice, helpful, smart, cute, and supportive. When I need help, she's always there before I can say a thing. When I got to my shop, I'm always looking forward to seeing her."
Issei smiled happily and warmly. This attraction was a whole lot purer and genuine than he expected. It warmed his heart greatly.
'Alright, forget tricks, let's just be real.' Issei told himself.
"Alright then, let's get to it. To be honest, all you've gotta do is be yourself. The way you are now, if you act based on those feelings that you've got, there's no way she'll say 'no' to you. You've just gotta buck up and become less timid and confess. Believe in yourself more and you'll be fine. Just don't let your head get big or you'll screw things up. Also, don't be a douche. Ooh, and you'll get messed up by some really powerful people if you're a bastard." Issei gave Embern an encouraging pat on the shoulder before muttering that last sentence under his breath.
Pushing Embern forward, he gave the boy a small shove towards Lefay. He watched from afar as the two talked, both blushing madly. He laughed as they tried to work up their nerves to say those six words.
"H-Hey, Lefay. What brings you here today?"
"Well, I was just shopping with my Peerage. What about you?"
"Just getting more supplies and stuff."
"Oh, that's cool. Oh, yeah, I got this for you while I was in the Human Realm. I remember you said that you really wanted this, right?"
Lefay brought out a book on magic botany and gave it to Embern. Embern looked so touched by this gesture that it gave him the extra boost to muster up his courage. Vice Versa, Lefay had the same look after giving him the gift he'd been wanting.
"Embern, could I have a moment alone with you?"
"Lefay, could I have a moment alone with you?"
They both gulped out of nervousness but there was no going back now. They walked away, leaving the others behind.
Issei followed them to the park and observed. Partway, he asked himself:
'Why am I still here?'
"So, I guess we were both thinking the same thing, huh?" Lefay sheepishly asked.
"Y-Yep. So, Lefay, will you go out with me?" Embern awkwardly asked.
Lefay only smiled.
"Of course." She murmured, trying to suppress her joy.
The two embraced, which prompted Issei to leave. His work was done here. If they kissed, they kissed. He wasn't going to stick around for that stuff.
Stopping by a café, he decided to try some Underworld coffee. Taking a seat, he texted Vali, telling her that he'd come home separately. That was when he caught himself. He'd started calling the Lucifer Mansion his 'home' now, instead of 'The Mansion'. How crazy was that? He laughed.
"What's up with you and going off on your own?" A familiar voice asked.
Looking up from his table, he saw that it was Vali.
"No idea. Guess it's a side-effect from school." He chuckled.
"Well, I can't exactly leave you alone, since you might get lost." Vali sat across from him, sipping some tea.
"I'm surprised nobody's fawning over you directly. Aren't you the Princess?" Issei asked.
"Was. I was a princess but my Grandpa is no longer the official king of the Underworld. I don't mind, though. I don't like that kind of attention." Vali said.
Issei sipped his coffee but stopped when he heard some commotion outside. Some girls were squealing and murmuring at something, no, someone. He looked in the direction that they all faced and saw that it was Bikou, Arthur, Elaine, and Kuroka.
"He's so cute."
"Think he's still single?"
"Doesn't look like Arthur is. That girl's got her arms around his."
"But Bikou still is, though."
"Look at those muscles and that cute smile."
"Wow, I had no idea they had such a big following." Issei remarked.
"Oh yeah, they'e all got fans. Girls fawn over Arthur and Bikou while boys drool over Kuroka and Lefay."
Issei was surprised that people gushed over Bikou this heavily, specifically the girls. The others made sense. Bikou having a fanbase didn't. Still, he paid it little mind. Kuroka had his attention. She looked different, perhaps…irritated. His radar went off. There was a powder keg just waiting to pop.
The next day, Issei was lying down on his bed, staring at the ceiling. It had been a several days since he'd gotten his newest Sacred Gear. In that time, he'd been training with it, exploring its capabilities while learning with Vali. Late into the night, he would train, trying to be stronger. That fight with Ashoka had taught him, that he had a long ways to go before he could be capable of fighting alongside the others. Thanks to her grueling training, his skill and power had grown as he learned more and more about his abilities.
As Merlin said, he could form whatever weapon came to mind from the material of his armor without really worrying about it running out. It was pretty cool, honestly. However, his mind wouldn't stop bugging him about Bahamut. Was he being manipulated into completing that ancient Wyrm? He didn't want power just for the sake of it and he didn't constantly want more. He wanted just enough strength to be able to protect those close to him and it scared him that that desire was going to turn against him.
Right now, he wondered about what he should do. He had yet to figure out what he wanted to do with himself too. There was so much going on that Issei had no idea where to start.
Suddenly, he heard a loud rumble underneath.
'Looks like those two are at it again.' Issei sighed.
He went downstairs to see that Kuroka and Bikou were fighting again. For the past few days, this had been happening, with Vali growing exasperated with their antics. Quite honestly, Kuroka was acting weird.
She was moodier, irritable, and didn't crack as many jokes as before. Nothing seemed to have happened recently, so Issei wasn't sure what the cause was. Well, he had one, but that was a touchy thing to talk about and was quite rude.
"So, you've got any idea why those two have been like this lately? It's even worse than usual."
"I'm going to shave you bald, you shriveled ape!" Kuroka snapped.
"Come and try it, nip-sniffer." Bikou smirked.
"Grrrr!" Kuroka growled.
Pointing a finger at Bikou, she was about to fire a ring of senjutsu at him, but Vali stepped in.
"Alright, that's enough you two. Whatever joke Bikou made, let it go and don't make that joke again, either." Vali sternly said.
Kuroka merely huffed away, exiting the room as Bikou went the other way.
"I hope they don't do this at the party." Vali rubbed her temples.
Ah, yes, the party celebrating the Alliance was tonight. Everyone had gotten new outfits fit for the occasion and it was just a matter of time now before it was time to get ready.
"So, what's been up with Kuroka lately? Normally, she's kind of playful, yet she seems so short-tempered." Issei asked.
"Oh, that's right, we didn't tell you. Well, Kuroka is a Nekoshou, which is a Nekomata subspecies. At certain times of the year, usually 2 times, they experience phases where they get…riled up. Sometimes, they get very irritable and become easily affected with their emotions or they go into 'mating' season. Right now, it's that time for Kuroka to be more emotionally volatile." Vali explained.
"But why only Bikou, though? Wouldn't she get mad at the rest of us?"
"No idea. Maybe it has to do with the fact that you went and played cupid. That might be unbalancing her. Sometimes a girl might let things happening around her get to her." Vali gave him a knowing look.
"Oh…you saw that." Issei cleared his throat.
"Well, it's not like you did anything wrong, so I guess…" Vali shrugged.
"All I did was give a little push. You know how Lefay can be and that guy was so shy. It would've taken forever." Issei said.
"What would you have done in that situation if you were him?" Vali asked.
"I'd have gone up to that girl after confirming how I felt and confessed." Issei resolutely said without batting an eye.
Vali actually looked taken aback by this. She smiled.
"You know, you've gotten bolder since I met you…I think it's pretty cool." She chuckled.
"I guess my friends were a good influence on me." Issei smirked.
"But you're nosey, a bit overbearing, and kind of creepy too."
Each time Vali spoke, Issei could feel a dagger dig into him. She had a point, but it still hurt.
Later that afternoon, everyone had changed into their formal attire, all of them about to head to the Party. The boys were in suits, with colors matching their preferences. Arthur wore a traditional black suit with a white shirt and red tie. Bikou wore a black suit with a red shirt and gold tie. Issei opted for a navy suit with a black shirt.
As for the girls, Vali chose a cerulean silky dress that reached a bit above her ankles. The sleeves were detached, flowing like silky wind. She had her makeup done, touching it up nicely but very lightly. In the first place, Vali never needed it. She had black high-heels on, with a sapphire-embedded silver necklace around her neck.
Kuroka wore a red dress that had thin straps that tied at that back of her neck. She wore a gold bracelet and a golden sash around her waist and gold shoes. Clipped to one strap was a golden flower with a ruby in the center.
Lefay was wearing an emerald-green dress that had two large straps with a slightly low neckline. She had a silver necklace around her neck with a jeweled bracelet around her right wrist. Her shoes were white with a fancy touch to them. Her hair had been tied into a bun, with a silver pin, giving her a more mature impression.
Lastly, Elaine was wearing a purple dress which had golden streaks across it. The dress had one shoulder left out, which a split going up the left side up to the knee. She wore golden white shoes with golden streaks designed on them.
"So, are we all set?" Vali asked.
Everyone nodded and spoke in unified agreement. It was time to party.
Issei should've known better than to have come along. He had failed to remember that the Devils shared some human customs. One of them was long speeches. At the moment, Rizevim was giving one about unity and growth and all that blah-blah. Meanwhile, he was waiting for the speech to end so he could find a seat. He looked around and took notice of just who was here. Deities from all sorts of religions were here, like Odin, Hades, Indra, Horus, and so on. Not all deities were here, but a good chunk of them were. It made Issei a little uneasy since he recalled how people said that people were wary of Bahamut. Was he going to run into trouble here?
"Sorry, but Gramps can lose track of himself sometimes." Vali chuckled apologetically.
"It's fine. I'm sure it's a dream-come-true for him." Issei said.
"Now, let's eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves tonight." Rizevim declared.
"Well, you heard him." Vali smiled.
"Thank goodness, other people that I know." A grateful voice said.
Issei turned around and saw a winded Sairaorg.
"Girls chasing you?" Issei saw the crowd of girls that were all looking at him. Even he was a bit scared. He was so used to benevolent people that he'd forgotten that high-class society also had ravenous sharks.
"Kind of. I honestly don't know why, but they do it." Sairaorg wiped some sweat from his forehead.
"Ah, here they come." Issei pointed out.
"Hey, help me escape for a bit." Sairaorg sped into the crowd.
"How on Earth do I do that?" Issei was flabbergasted.
"Excuse me, but have you seen Sairaorg?" A young lady asked.
"Yes, I believe he went that way." Issei pointed in the opposite direction that Sairaorg walked in.
"Many thanks."
And so, the crowd of girls ran as he directed, probably to try and get a dance alone with him, or chat, or suck him dry like a plum.
"Life of a celebrity, I see." Issei chuckled.
When he didn't hear a reply from Vali, he found that she was also quickly getting away from the heap of guys that wanted a dance with her.
Soon enough, Vali and Sairaorg met up, getting away from their respective fans and suitors. When they bumped into each other, there was a slight pause between them. Awkwardly, they backed up before regaining their composure, with Vali having a slight pink hue on her face from the suddenness.
"Sorry." They both said at the same time.
"S-So, I've been meaning to ask, what's that Issei fellow really like?"
"Well, he's a helpful guy, for starters. He's always doing his best to make people feel better, even happier. He can be a bit meddlesome, but he does it for the sake of others. He's the kind of guy that just wants people to be able to move forward with their lives and be happier. Why?"
"Nothing. I just assumed he was a part of your peerage."
"No, he's just a good friend to us." Vali shook her head.
"Interesting. I look forward to getting to know him better. I'm also glad to see that Arthur's warmed up now. Elaine's doing him a lot of good. Lefay's also much happier." Sairaorg remarked.
"She has. He smiles and laughs a lot more now. I know this is something that's been bothering him a lot too. I'm glad that he's happier. But, what about you? Have you found anyone?" Vali asked.
Sairaorg shook his head.
"Not yet. I haven't found the right one yet."
"Well, you should keep your eyes peeled. The person you like could be right in front of you or vice versa." Vali chuckled playfully.
"You sound like my nanny." Sairaorg laughed.
A fair bit of distance away, a scene of the same type was happening all over again. Bikou and Kuroka were both being surrounded by admirers. Unfortunately, only Bikou seemed to be amused by the attention. Kuroka only had a look of irritation.
"Hey, so are you still single, Bikou?" One girl sked.
"A catch like you shouldn't be." Another girl followed up.
"Well, easy now. I'm actually interested in someone else." Bikou backed up.
"I see you're still as frivolous as ever, kid."
Bikou froze. He knew that voice, that old voice that hid so much power.
"Hey, Gramps." Bikou sighed.
"Is that how you greet your grandfather after such a long time?"
"Well, I'm expecting a lecture about my banishment again." Bikou retorted, turning around
Standing behind him was an elderly man with golden eyes with a black and gold male Changshan (traditional formal Chinese male attire) fit for nobles. He wore black prayer beads around his neck with golden bracelets around his arms and legs. Around his forehead was long golden band, with a golden stick tucked into his golden sash. This man was Sun Wukong, the Victorious Fighting Buddha.
"Yes, you were banished, but I'm here to tell you something far more than that. Due to your involvement as a Rook under Validia Lucifer, your banishment has been nullified. Young Lady Vali has asked for this condition, herself. Be grateful to her. Also, a certain someone's wishes got through too."
Bikou instantly turned around. At first, he looked bewildered, his usual chipper demeanor gone. He then cleared his throat, realizing his sudden reaction.
"Your banishment was indeed unjust. However, your rashness didn't help matters. I won't say more, so it would be rude to speak of such matters in public, but at least entertain the thought, Xiao Mei Hou." Sun walked closer towards Bikou.
Mei Hou, Bikou's Chinese name. It had been a long while since he'd been called by that name, 4 years, in fact.
"I understand that you can't forgive us so easily, but at least give your parents a chance. They fought tooth and nail so that you could have your banishment lifted. Your King asked for your sentence to be lifted too. Don't you think she wants to see you too?"
Bikou sighed.
"Alright…I'll give it some thought. Can you get off my back now? It's not like I wasn't going to come back for a bit." He shrugged.
"Good. I'll make sure to let your family know. Besides, I also wanted to see how you were doing." Sun Wukong smiled, happy.
He honestly thought Bikou would be holding a grudge against him and the others at the Jade Palace and Mount Kunlun. Still, he also knew that his descendant wasn't one for holding grudges and usually forgave others after a certain amount of time. Bikou was always willing to forgive. It was just that he wasn't sure what 4 years away from home would do to him.
"I've been good. Haven't gotten into trouble anymore and I've just been living a mundane life. I make contracts and such and just get tangled up in the occasional adventure." Bikou said.
"Quick to sweep your irritation under the rug." Sun raised a brow.
"Well, I don't really hold grudges. Besides…I am a little happy that I get to come home for a bit." Bikou sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"Hoho, and I have a feeling it's because you want to see her too." Sun chuckled.
However, his smile soon faded.
"However, you best make haste. There's an issue that we can't exactly talk about here." Sun cleared his throat.
Bikou's expression turned serious. He merely nodded acceptingly.
"Still, you haven't found anyone here yet, have you?" Sun asked.
"No, I haven't." Bikou shook his head.
"Good, because I want to talk to you in private about that."
As Bikou spoke with his ancestor, Kuroka watched, now intrigued. She wasn't used to his many changes in expression like this. He seemed bothered, happy, relieved, and even hopeful all in the span of a few moments. It made her wonder what he was talking about. To make him shift around so much, she wondered if it was a good thing since he was now casually speaking to his ancestor. Before, he would either be intimidated or he'd be down about seeing Sun Wukong.
It made her curious. Just what was going to happen next?
The next day, the group was slammed with another request once again.
"Hey, uh, guys, there's something I wanted to talk to you about…" Bikou cleared his throat.
This was certainly uncharacteristic of Bikou. He had an extremely serious look on his face. His brows were furrowed, lips in a thin serious line. His eyes radiated intensity and resolve. Issei could only think of one reason for this change in Bikou's attitude.
"Did you get a girl pregnant?" Issei asked.
Everyone looked at him for his crude comment.
"What? I figured it was something legitimately serious. I'm treating this totally seriously." Issei looked around, offended.
"No, I did not get a girl pregnant. Although, that is something I'd like to prevent down the road." Bikou raised a factual finger.
"Does it have to do with your home?" Vali asked.
She had seen him talk to his ancestor last night, so she could only assume.
"Yes, well, I'm sure Issei doesn't know, so I'll explain from the start. Y'see, I was banished from my home in China. My real Chinese name is Mei Hou, and as you already know, I'm a descendant of Sun Wukong, the guy who protected Tang Sanzang aka Tripitaka, on his Journey to the West for the Buddhist Sutras. So, once my ancestor completed his quest and was granted Buddhahood after being cleared of his many past sins, he settled at Mount Kunlun, which is a major community for Chinese Myth. Can't tell you how many people live there. Anyways, I was eventually born there and grew up there. Now, the thing is, I, uh, got banished from that place because of several incidents."
Now, Issei was thinking up of reasons for that.
"What'd you do?" He asked, this time he was serious to a genuine degree.
"You know Romance of the Three Kingdoms?" Bikou asked.
Issei could only admit that he knew about the games based off them.
"Yeah." He nodded, lying.
"Well, the characters are real. They had descendants. One of them, lived on Mount Kunlun. Her name was Lianshi in honor of her ancestor. The thing was, she was cursed. Her family had a run-in with a demon and she got hit with it at birth. Things got worse over the years and then push came to shove. At the time, I was assigned as a guard for the garden for the Peaches of Immortality. So, one day, I tried to steal a Peach of Immortality for her."
Issei was stunned by his crazy boldness but nodded for him to go on.
"The Jade Empress spotted me and things got a bit…out of control."
"What'd you do?" Issei asked.
"I attacked her." Bikou simply said.
'HOLY FUCKING SHIT!' Issei's jaw dropped at the instant escalation. Attacking the Jade Empress was seriously no joke. She was one of the chief figures of Chinese Mythology. He was shocked Bikou got off with just a banishment.
"I also accidentally burned one of the trees and spilled a bunch of the Elixir of Immortality. And for that, I got banished. I was forbidden from stepping foot there and I was forbidden from contacting anyone from there. So, I was left alone, homeless, and with nothing but that was when I met Vali, who took me in as a Rook. In honor of what's happened, I changed my name to Bikou." Bikou smiled gratefully at his King.
"And just what does this lead to?" Vali asked.
"I need your help to stop a wedding."
Issei sighed.
'Typical. This is starting to sound like some cliché plot. Now that I think about it, I think I saw a Wuxia drama with this kind of thing.'
"I know it's been a long time and I don't have the right, but it doesn't sit right that this happens. I want to make sure that things are mutual before it continues. Anyways, I wanted to know if you guys would be willing to help. I know it's crazy, sounds half-baked, and could have severe repercussions, but you guys are my best friends in the world. If there's anybody I can ask, then it's gotta be you all. My gramps made it clear that he won't be too involved in this since he's an important figure. After my banishment…I don't think I can turn to anyone else." Bikou said, returning to his serious demeanor.
'The bastard played the friendship card.' Issei narrowed his eyes at the cheap tactic.
Issei really wasn't looking forward to the incoming drama. Still, it was Bikou asking, so he knew he had to help. He just hoped it wouldn't blow up in anyone's face in the long run.
"This is Kunlun, one of the most sacred places in the Chinese Pantheon. Don't you think things will go wrong if you just barge in and stop a wedding?" Vali asked.
"Yeah, I figured. However, this doesn't really involve any giant politics with the gods. Lianshi and her parents are servants to the Jade Emperor and Empress but that's about it. Her groom-to-be is the original Sun Jian's descendant. So, it's more like we're just gonna be dealing with people who live there."
'Holy shit, it's gonna be Romance of the Three Kingdoms all over again.' Issei paled.
"So, let me get this straight. You want us to go to Kunlun, stop a wedding, see if your childhood sweetheart is okay with it, check out the groom, and then allow it to go on if it's okay?" He summarized.
"Basically, yeah." Bikou nodded.
"You really love this girl, don't you?" Issei asked.
He took Bikou's silence as a 'yes'.
'Well, it's for love so I can't let this just happen now, can I?' He relented.
"So, what's the reason for this arranged marriage? Is it your run-off-the-mill become a family through your kids thing?" Issei asked.
"Well, see, it's a bit more complicated than that. Lianshi's from a family of bodyguards." Bikou sheepishly started.
"Oh, it sounds like it'll be so romantic." Kuroka said.
"And Sun Jian's family is a crime family." Bikou finished.
"Yep, we're gonna be sleeping with the fishes by the end of this." Issei nodded.
And that ends this chapter. Yeah, I know things are looking cliché or overdone with the arranged marriage thing. However, this'll lead up to important stuff, I swear.
Now, before we end this, I do have a question for you all, who're reading this story. What do you think of the story so far? Do you think it's funnier than the original? Not funny enough? Do you think it's inferior? Share your thoughts with me, as I'm curious about everyone's opinion about the rewritten version so far?
Anyways, I hope you're all having a wonderful July 4th. Stay safe, don't do anything stupid or crazy and have a good time.
