Chapter 24: Just in Case

Issei was currently staring down Vali's parents, roused to arms by the emotional torment they'd just delivered their daughter. They'd defaced the few bright parts of her time with them. All of the love and care that her mother and father had given her was all a lie. To see his best friend, and one of the closest people to him reduced to a crying shell, Issei wasn't going to stand for this.

Manifesting the [Abyssal Aura] of Bahamut, Issei was going to do everything in his power to bring them down and make them beg. He didn't care what he had to do or how outclassed he was, he was going to win.

(Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ignis OST – Apocalpysis Magnatus. Play Song.)

Spreading his ghostly wings, Issei dashed at them. Like a sudden explosion with the flap of his wings, Issei raked at Rintlr's arms with his claws. Forming a spear, he threw it at Ileana as the Abyssal Aura blasted her husband with its navy breath.

The bright stream scourged the land as the Aura whirled around bashing Rintilr away into a mountain. Now that he had everyone's attention, enemies swarmed in like moths to a flame. Gathering mana from the air around him, Issei let out a pulse of mana that obliterated waves of rogue devils into particles.

It was shocking. Before, Issei could barely defend himself but now, he was strong enough to tear apart dozens of enemies by himself without any sign of fatigue. He blitzed through the air, spinning, spreading a rain of mana orbs that exploded simultaneously.

The Abyssal Aura roared as it went to and from. It was as if Bahamut, himself, was enjoying liberation.

Issei circled around, going back for Ileana.

It was palpable, this power. He felt a constant surge coursing through his body. He felt all the adrenaline in his veins, the comfortable warmth along his skin and the unstoppable feeling in his soul. Opening its maw, the Abyssal Aura open-fired a massive sphere of destruction from its mouth.

"[Abatement]" Ileana slapped the attack away.

"What?" Issei was surprised.

Before, she looked like she was having trouble, but it almost looked effortless for her to deflect his attack.

"I'm a daughter of witches and warlocks, boy. How else could I have landed a descendant of Lucifer?" Ileana scoffed.

"He hits hard, surely, but it's not enough." Rintilr dusted himself off.

'So, this is the best I can do?' Issei growled.

'For now, yes. The reason why it's different this time is because you're in control, not Bahamut. Your attacks don't pack the same punch.' Rexis explained.

'Well, what can you tell me? Surely, a Host has tangoed with them before or at least heard of their abilities?' Issei asked.

'Honestly can't say. You're going to have to stay on your guard and observe.' Rexis sighed.

Issei didn't have time to keep talking as he dodged an orb meant for his head. Swatting it away with the Aura's wing, Issei made a charge. Blasting a burst of air at the two, they defended with magic circles. Closing in, he whirled around, bashing the two away, creating a massive shockwave in its wake.

Rintilr and Ileana collided into mountains but quickly retaliated. Issei dodged back and forth as he was forced to understand the flaws he had right now. His defenses weren't perfect. Whenever Rintilr punched hard enough or when Ileana hit the same spot multiple times, the ghostly shell around him would disperse and crack.

Rintilr flung a kick from behind as Ileana threw a punch at his face. Guarding with his arms, Issei let out a roar of effort, hurdling them back with a navy shockwave.

"I must admit, you're certainly stronger than the rumors say. When the Hero Faction last spoke with us, you were nothing more than a small-fry that was toyed with. Now, you're strong enough to hold your own. Appearances are deceptive." Rintilr grinned.

Issei merely continued glaring.

"So, what scheme would require you to use and trick your daughter?" He demanded.

"Again? Look, kid, what person in their right mind would tell you their whole plan? This isn't a work of fiction." Rintilr sighed in disappointment.

"And what did you say earlier? That you'd make us regret?" Ileana taunted him.

Issei merely frowned. Spreading out his arms, he created swords, axes, arrows, and spears from his gauntlets before flinging them at Ileana and Rintilr. Again, Ileana blocked the attack.

"[Abatement]" She snapped her fingers.

Rapidly, the weapons began dissolving into nothing as it touched her magic circle. Issei noted that whenever she touched his attacks, they seemed to shrink or fade away, becoming weak and useless or nullified.

Issei zipped right in front of her, throwing a punch. Catching his attack, Issei attacked again with his Aura. Holding his right hand, Ileana defended with her left, blocking the Aura's breath attack with her magic circle.

From behind, Rintilr kicked him away from his wife.

'Rintilr hasn't shown any abilities but Ileana…I think I'm starting to get the picture. She can nullify or weaken magic. She couldn't do anything when I attacked her with my fists but most of my magic barely works on her.' Issei noted.

He turned toward Rintilr. It was time to find out what sort of tricks he had up his sleeve. Issei attacked with everything he had, letting loose beams, spheres, and shockwaves of navy mana. Rintilr merely hid behind his wife before physically attacking him when the coast was clear.

Issei had to guard as much as possible and when he did attack, Rintilr would outmaneuver him and attack from behind. Grabbing hold of Rintilr's kick, Issei had the Abyssal Aura's head bite at him.

Rintilr merely snickered as he snapped his fingers. Issei was lurched backward several feet, feeling dizzy and disoriented. Shacking the nausea off, Issei barely had time to block when Rintilr and Ileana attacked. Catching both of their fists, Issei blew them back with a shockwave, following up with knees to their faces.

Rintilr growled, barely fazed by the knee to his nose. Ileana flexibly struck him in the back of his head as she whirled around. Jolted forward, Rintilr grabbed him by the face and blasted him back.

That was another flaw that Issei noticed with his Aura. If he got hit or lost concentration, his aura would falter and leave him vulnerable like normal. A few months of training could only do so much in real life.

Stopping himself in midair, Issei took a deep breath to recompose himself.

"I have to give him credit, he's holding up pretty well by himself. Against the two of us together, a lot of opponents would be a pool of blood on the ground." Rintilr smirked.

Issei had a feeling that was just a false remark. He knew in the back of his mind that they weren't serious yet. It needed to stay that way because he had to finish them as soon as possible. Amassing as much mana as he could, he aimed the Abyssal Aura right at the two. As Bahamut's ghostly head gathered energy in its mouth, Issei could feel his body resonating with its current state. He felt a tingle crawl across his skin like a warm caress as adrenaline started going overtime in his veins. He felt himself growing more and more explosive by the second.

Ileana snapped her fingers, creating a magic circle that had chains bursting out of it. Issei let go of the attack, blasting them with a massive beam of navy light. The force of it was so strong that it obliterated the mountain-range that it passed over with its mere resulting shockwave.

Ileana's chains were obliterated as they were completely shattered when they touched the beam. Forced to defend, the husband-and-wife duo used their combined magic to protect themselves.

After the beam dissipated and the smoke cleared, Issei saw that the two were still alive. Their clothes tattered and several cuts were made, but otherwise, they were alive and well.

"I now understand that we shouldn't have taken you so lightly." Rintilr panted.

"Let's kick things up a notch." Ileana put her hands together.

Issei was about to move in for another attack but he came to a jolting halt. He felt his body spasm and cramp up as a cold and electrifying tingle spread across his skin.

'You pushed yourself too much too quickly. You can't keep going at this pace.' Rexis explained.

'Damn this human body.' Issei growled.

'You need to take it slower or you're going to be left at their mercy. I also think I've got Rintilr's power figured out. He can control kinetic forces and the direction in which they go. That's why you got suddenly yanked in different directions. He reversed your movement.' Rexis followed up.

'So, one's strong against magic and the other is strong against physical attacks.' Issei was exasperated. Rintilr was a melee fighter because he could stop or redirect physical attacks. Ileana could weaken and even nullify magic and keep them away from close-ranged combat with her own spells.

'A powerful duo, indeed. No wonder their daughter mixes both styles together.' Rexis agreed.

What was he to do now? Issei couldn't afford to use another blast like before. His body was already paying the price for that right now.

"Now that your bravado doesn't hold any more weight, let's settle this." Ileana aimed right at his head as she wrapped her chains around him.

Issei tried to move out the way, but her chains kept him as still as an ice sculpture.

"These chains were originally meant for Vali. How ironic that they'd ensnare another dragon."

While Issei was wide open, Rintilr dove in and grabbed hold of his neck. Issei tried to break free but couldn't get out of his iron clutch. Issei choked and gasped for air as Rintilr tightened his grip. He tried to rouse his aura again but at that exact moment, Issei felt all strength leave his body. The Abyssal Aura vanished as the pain settled in. His muscles began burning, he could feel his bones shaking, and it was like being stabbed with electric pins over and over. He felt his consciousness grow fainter as exhaustion slammed into him like a truck.

"And it looks like time is up for you." Rintilr shrouded his hand with energy.

Issei tried to will out any remaining power that he had but it wasn't working.

'Damnit!' He cursed.

"Why're you fighting so hard for Vali? You do realize she's using you, don't you?" Ileana raised a brow.

"Think about it. You were a normal human who didn't know who you were until recently. After Vali came here, Kokabiel's faction noticed you when you started hanging out with her. All of a sudden, she comes to your rescue when you need it most. All of this, was arranged by her and her family. You're just a pawn in every sense of the word." Rintilr taunted as he dove toward him, covering his hands in demonic energy.

With just one look, Issei knew those meant to be finishing blows.

Suddenly, Issei felt something pulse within him. Like a sudden volcanic eruption, power burst forth from him. As expected, Bahamut's survival instincts kicked in and overtook Issei.

'We're lucky Bahamut sensed that. His survival instincts have given you power, now you'd better make it count before it runs out. Long-term fighting will also harm you.' Rexis warned.

Issei mustered all of his physical strength and anger together to break free of the chains binding him. The blast obliterated the terrain and the Rogue Devils around him, clearing away any interference. With his second wind, Issei used his newest technique: Vaccuum Burst. Gathering all of the mana around him and absorbing it into his Abyssal Aura, he felt it growing like a contained explosion. Just as it was about to burst, he let it all loose, firing two massive lasers from his hands.

"How many times do you need to see this to understand?" Ileana asked.

Snapping her fingers, Ileana used her [Abatement] to weaken it. Much to her shock, her ability wasn't making enough of a difference quickly enough. It was still like a raging bull charging right for her without any signs of waning.

Rintilr flew next to her, using his [Ricochet] ability to try and yank them in another direction away from the laser. Issei dragged the laser through the air, chasing them.

"What?!" Rintilr gasped before the beam scraped him.

Despite the small contact, the air around the laser was acting like a drill, dragging his arm into the laser, dismembering him.

"We need to go!" Ileana warned.

The pair looked at their forces, which were being routed. They weren't doing too well either. As expected, fighting the Host of Bahamut wasn't an easy task. The two had bruises, gashes, and they were running low on stamina and mana. However, they had succeeded.

"My Lord, we've recovered the Horn." One of Rintilr's soldiers glided next to him, holding the blood-stained horn.

"Good, pull back."

(Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ignis OST – Apocalpysis Magnatus. End Song.)

Quickly disappearing into magic circles, the Khaos Brigade vanished almost as quickly as they had come.

"Damn it." Issei cursed under his breath.

He turned around and inspected the damage. So far, everyone had cuts, bruises, and moderate injuries, but thankfully, no one had died. He returned to where Vali was, who had managed to retain enough composure to defend herself while his back was turned.

Still, one look in her eyes and he knew she was holding things in. Issei was then met by King Vorda, who was clutching at the cut across his stomach.

"So, I take it they were from the Khaos Brigade?" He groaned.

"Yes, and it looks like they succeeded." Issei sighed.

"We need to contact the Alliance immediately. The mission is a total failure." Sairaorg decided.

As he stepped away to call Sirzechs, Issei turned to Vorda.

"Our apologies. We didn't think they'd appear so suddenly." Issei said.

"That doesn't matter anymore. We need to go on the hunt. If they blow the horn, then it'll be a disaster for all of us." Vrydlain stomped over.

"The Horn has been enchanted by my family. Only descendants of those who created the Horn, can blow it and make it work." Vorda explained.

"One of the enemy leaders is skilled with magic, so she might be able to break that enchantment." Issei countered.

Everyone went silent. That failsafe had fallen flat on its face. Issei wracked his brain, trying to think of something.

"I've spoken with Sirzechs. Our contract is terminated with the Dragon Slayers. We're to return immediately and await new orders after a meeting." Sairaorg informed.

Issei nodded. He walked over to Vali, who was sitting in the snow, and offered her a hand. She calmly took it but when Issei held it, she was trembling like she was going into shock. Helping her stand up, he and the others gathered together before departing. Their business was done here.


When they all got back to the Lucifer Mansion, Issei turned to Vali.

"You should go and get some sleep." He softly said.

"I'm fine." Vali shook her head.

"I know you better than that. You're not fine and far from it. Just go and rest. I'll tell your grandparents about what happened." Issei said.

Vali was silently staring at the floor before she turned and walked to her room. When Rizevim and Ezagyra came down, Issei turned to them with a hesitant look. They weren't going to like this at all and it was going to hurt them just as much as it hurt Vali.

Issei informed Rizevim and Ezagyra of what had happened in their Study.

"What?!" Ezagyra gasped.

Rizevim merely frowned, maintaining his composure. Still, in his eyes, all the disturbance was visible.

"So, they showed up out of nowhere and stole the Horn of Rayzwormr?" He summarized.

"Yes."

"This isn't good. Rayzwormr is stronger than most of the Dragon Kings. The Alliance must convene. For now, you're all on break. Take some time to rest." Rizevim immediately left to go to the Capital.

This left Ezagyra and Issei alone.

"The others told me that you used Bahamut's power today. Are you alright?" Ezagyra asked.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine."

"You know, if something's wrong, you can always let any of us know." Ezagyra suspiciously looked at him.

"I'm fine." Issei repeated, chuckling.

"Fine. Go and rest up. I'm gonna go and check on Vali." The grandmother left the room after patting Issei on the shoulder.

Honestly, he just wanted some sleep now. It'd been a long few days and too much happened too quickly. Seriously, his body felt fine, so he had no worries. However, as fate would have it, he was instantly proven wrong. The moment he closed the door to his room, Issei dropped to his knees. He felt his entire go cold while cramping up. He felt like his muscles were pulling themselves apart and his legs lost all feeling and strength. His breathing was growing difficult and his head started pulsing.

'Rexis?!' Issei called out in his mind.

No response. Issei then remembered that sometimes Rexis would be unable to maintain communication with him. It was stronger than before, but without that final piece of Bahamut, Issei couldn't regularly talk to him like how Vali could talk to Albion.

Issei writhed in agony on the floor as he could only brave through the episode. After 2 minutes, it went away, leaving Issei stuck on the ground, disoriented.

As expected, he had put too much strain on his body before. He'd consciously forced out the power of Bahamut and maintained it at levels that were dangerous for him. Crawling onto his bed, Issei tried to relax, brushing away another fit of pain from using his powers.


Meanwhile, Ezagyra went to Vali's room. She knew that despite her calm exterior, was a little girl that was stared of love and affection. Despite all that she did to create a composed and strong image, Vali was still a young lady who'd had her emotional growth and ability to cope stunted along with so many other problems.

Why did the children of the Underworld have to deal with so many emotional problems that scarred them for life? Why did it ever have to come to this?

Ezagyra knocked on the door before entering the room. She found Vali sitting on her bed with a dark chocolate block on her desk that was the size of a brick.

'A block of fudge instead of a bar? It really is as bad as I thought' She sighed sadly.

"Hey, sweetie." Ezagyra gently said as she sat next to Vali.

She turned to her grandmother, nodding with a small smile.

"Hi, Grandma."

"Issei told us about what happened." Ezagyra stated.

Vali nodded dreadfully.

"Come here." Ezagyra kindly placed Vali's head on her shoulder as she gave her a hug.

She wasn't going to beat around the bush and ask if Vali was okay. She obviously wasn't. For starters, she was going to give her granddaughter a hug and…

(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take To His Grave. Play Song.)

"It's okay to let it out, you know. You can tell me what you're feeling. Remember what I used to tell you: if you hold it all in, it'll all become something else, often for the worst. I know that must've said some horrible things to you, didn't they?" Ezagyra guessed.

Vali nodded. Before long, the young lady couldn't hold it in anymore. Ezagyra felt wet drops touch her dress as Vali began to cry and sniffle. The grandmother patted her head gently as Vali wept.

"I really thought she loved me. It always scared me when Rintilr came around but…it was different with my mother."

Ezagyra took note of this. Vali had long ceased to genuinely call Rintilr her father but always addressed her mother as such. Even now, she couldn't drop the term.

"Whenever I was tired, beaten, and wounded, she'd always take care of me. She'd cook for me, bathe me, clothe me, and sing me to sleep. I knew that if I had my mother, I could always endure it. But…"

Vali clutched her grandmother's arm.

"It was all a lie! Everything was a trick! My mother never loved me! It was just so she could get close to me and get control over me! I was just a weapon to them! The two people who conceived just saw me as a tool and let me think they actually loved me!" Vali sobbed.

The floodgates were let loose as Vali became a sniffling mess.

"I won't say it's all a lie. I won't lie to you, Vali, but I want you to understand this. There are people who love you very much, your grandfather and I, for starters. Your peerage loves you like family. It doesn't matter now if those two never loved you. They don't deserve your tears and grief. They don't understand that they've lost the chance to be with an amazing person like you. Even if they never loved you, we do. Blood is thicker than water, but it is weaker than bonds and that's what ties us, a real family together."

Vali slowly calmed down, listening and internalizing her grandmother's words.

"The way we all feel about you is no lie. That's why you need to dry your tears. Those two aren't worth your grief because they never gave you anything worthy of it, whether it was love, care, health, or materialism. Save your tears for the people who deserve your care. You are Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Empress, and most of all, you're a kind, caring, strong, patient, and beautiful young lady. Don't let this stop you. Grow and learn from this because even if you trip up, we'll be here for you." Ezagyra gave Vali another gentle squeeze.

"I remember when I used to sing you to sleep like this. You were only about 7 or 8 years old." Ezagyra chuckled.

"I'm way too old for you to start singing me lullabies now, Grandma." Vali calmly said.

"I know, dear. You're almost a complete adult now, so I know you'll get through this." Ezagyra said.

With that, Ezgyra took her leave.

(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take To His Grave. End Song.)


A little while later, after reflecting on herself, Vali decided to go down to dinner. Her grandmother was right. She couldn't allow her parents, the people who never genuinely cared about her, get her down. In this home, there were people who cared about her. They stood by her through tough times and proved their care for her. That brought comfort to her and lessened the pain of recent truths.

The first to notice her was Issei, who looked at her with concern. He decided to respect her and stayed silent, not wanting to talk about matters that she wasn't ready for. She smiled a bit at him and nodded. She was okay now.

"So, is Grandpa not coming home tonight?"

"No, he's busy with the Alliance. The fact that Rintilr and Ileana are alive, is stirring things up completely. It's put him in a bit of a tight spot. Still, with the Four Satans there, I'm sure it'll be fine." Ezagyra said.

"What do we do in the meantime?" Issei asked.

"You'll be on standby. I think it's time you all took some time off the battlefield and worry about your own youth and lives. I don't want you all growing up fighting." Ezagyra sternly said.

Clearly, there was some tension between her and the higher-ups.

"Are they looking for them?" Issei guessed.

Ezagyra's silence spoke for itself.

"I want to talk to you about something as well."

"Hm?" Issei prompted.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Ezagyra looked at his trembling hands. Issei sheepishly chuckled.

"My body's tired after the fighting. I haven't used the Abyssal Aura often enough. I've only just recently gotten it down in training." He explained.

"Perhaps you should take some time off and go visit your family. I'm sure they're worried about you." Ezagyra suggested.

"I'm not going to leave while all this is going down." Issei denied her.

"If something happens, I'll let you know. You shouldn't lose your old life for this one. This is something that the old sowed. You young people shouldn't be paying for it. Now, I've made sure to double the guards around your family, but that can only do so much."

"Yeah, it was amazing. Issei was fighting the both of them on equal footing. Actually, I think he was pushing them back." Bikou recounted.

"I'm not surprised. You've been training like a possessed man lately. You spend half an entire day training every day. Adding Bahamut's power to that, I'd be surprised if you performed less." Ezagyra proudly said.

"Yeah, and I had the bruises, broken bones, and cuts to prove it." Issei sighed, looking at his fading scars.

"Then that settles it; you're taking a break." Ezagyra decided.

"It's like you guys want to get rid of me." Issei slumped.

"Trust me, I already had to deal with Vali passing out in the Training Grounds before. I don't look forward to doing that with you." Ezagyra bluntly stated.

"I don't know if you hate or care about me." Issei dropped his head on the table.

He finally relented.

"Fine. I'll take a vacay."


After dinner finished, Issei decided to take a walk in the Gardens. It was one of his favorite places here. There were so many exotic plants and vibrant colors here that it was hard not to be mesmerized. In the distance, he noticed that Vali was sitting alone on a bench, staring up at the night sky.

(Doctor Who OST – Rose's Theme. Play Song.)

"How're you feeling?" He asked as he sat next to her.

"A lot better." Vali said.

"Can't sleep?"

Vali nodded.

"Cus' of them?" He continued.

Vali nodded again.

Issei thought back to what had happened. It had seriously infuriated him. The way Rintilr and Ileana treated their own daughter. If only they knew how wonderful she was.

"Thank you and I'm sorry." Vali said.

That was out of left-field.

"About what?" Issei asked.

"I stood there crying like a child in the middle of the battlefield. You had to step in and protect me. Also…thank you for defending me." Vali sheepishly looked down at the ground out of shame.

"Have I mentioned just how many times you've saved me already? You don't need to apologize or thank me for anything. I'm just happy as long as you're safe and happy."

Vali blushed. She couldn't help it since things were getting so emotional and deep.

"I think they're fools."

"Huh?" Vali looked at him, puzzled.

"Your parents. They're fools for doing all that to you. Hanging onto ideals from a bygone age. They should've loved and appreciated you. If they were sane, they'd understand just how lucky they'd be." Issei said.

Vali's face flushed from embarrassment.

"You're strong, beautiful, kind, caring, maternal, and patient. You're intelligent and you always give people chances. I don't think you should hang onto what they said. When I didn't have any sort of role in your life, you didn't care. You flew in and saved me and took me in, going above and beyond for my sake. There wasn't anything in it for you, but you still did it. Now, even my family is in your care. You're not a weapon, Vali. You're someone who protects others because you're strong. Even if you weren't born intentionally, they'll never understand just how lucky they were. That's why, have faith in yourself and the other people that do care about you. For starters, if they or anyone else comes to bother you, you can always count on me to help. I'm not lying. No matter what it is, you can always tell me. I'll come flying, rain or shine, hell or high water." Issei swore, holding her hand.

Vali was deeply touched by his words. He was right. She was stronger than this and wouldn't let this get her down. She had to grow stronger from this.

"Thank you, Issei. Same to you. I know that this is all crazy and scary, but if there's ever anything you need, then you just have to tell me. You're my best friend and I want you to think the same of me." Vali held his hand.

Issei couldn't help but blush a bit, himself. His heart, for one small moment, stopped. It felt like it just flattened at the sincerity of her words and the sight of her radiant smile.

(Doctor Who OST – Rose's Theme. End Song.)

'Did your heart just skip a beat?' Rexis asked.

'Now?! Now you choose to talk?!' Issei screamed back.

'Hey, I already told you that our connection isn't strong enough yet. You're still missing a piece of Bahamut's Sacred Gear. If you can get that, then we can talk almost indefinitely.' Rexis explained.

"Issei, are you okay? You're going cross-eyed." Vali asked.

"Huh?" Issei snapped back to reality.

Vali started laughing.

"Ahahahaha! What's with that look?" She asked.

"Just thinking." Issei said.

"Still, thank you, Issei. It means a lot that you said that to me. Next time, for sure, I'll take them down." Vali swore.

Issei felt relieved. His little pep talk worked.


The next day, Sairaorg came over to check up on Vali, with some of his peerage accompanying him.

"Is she okay?" Sairaorg asked, referring to Vali.

"Yeah, she's a lot better. She's in her room." Ezagyra nodded.

When Sairaorg got to talk to her in her room, he felt a bit awkward. He hadn't been alone in her room before. Still, he wasn't going to remove her from it just because he was feeling weird about it. She might be grieving right now.

He knocked on her door and when it opened, he could've sworn he saw her cheeks turn pink.

"S-Sairaorg?" She realized.

"Yeah, I thought I'd come and visit." Sairaorg smiled.

"Yeah, come in!" Vali squeaked.

She sat him down at her table, pouring him some tea and serving cakes.

"So, how's things on your end?" Vali asked.

"It's all fine. Right now, we're on standby until we're needed. My ancestor is organizing a hunting party for…" Sairaorg trailed off.

Vali nodded. She knew he didn't want to mention her parents, out of concern for her feelings.

"It's fine. I've already decided that the next time I see them, I'm taking them down." Vali smiled.

Sairaorg blushed. He really did love it when there was a fire in people's eyes, especially if it was his crush. That passion to be stronger, to improve, to overcome life while maintaining who you are…it really did have a strong effect on him and it made him much more smitten with her.

"Well, it's the same as when we were kids. If anyone dares to give you grief, you can always count on me to knock em out." Sairaorg solemnly swore.

Vali blushed.

"You delivered on that promise enough when we were kids." She hastily sipped her tea.

"Well, I wasn't going to just let those rich kids bully you." Sairaorg laughed.

"And after that, they never bothered me again. I think you even gave me a speech." Vali chuckled.

"Yeah, I…think I gave a really cheesy one." Sairaorg chuckled.

"Still, thank you. Everyone's been so supportive lately that I can't be any more grateful than I am now. I really am lucky to have all of you."

"Well, what do you expect? You've always been there for us. You gave Arthur and Lefay a home when they had nowhere to go. You protected Kuroka from less-than-savory people and helped her find her sister. You also helped Bikou learn how to smile again. You've also protected Issei and family, despite the risks of it all. It'd be wrong if nobody repaid you for your kindness. Let's not forget, your family helped pull my family out of a nasty pit before we dug our own graves. You're also helping with my mother's condition. You've always been there for me." Sairaorg stated.

Vali blushed madly when he said all of that. For him to say all of that…it really did hit much harder than she'd expected.

"T-Thank you. So, shall we go down with the others?" Vali asked.

"Sure." Sairaorg nodded.

'Ooookay, calm down, Vali. He's just your crush. Don't get too excited. He might get the wrong idea and turn away.' She told herself.

The two made their way downstairs, where Vali and Sairaorg's peerages were hanging out. They were playing games and chatting, relaxing with some much-needed time. It was like watching one gigantic family.

"Yeah, I really am lucky." Vali smiled to herself.


The next day, Issei decided that he was going to take the vacation that Ezagyra wanted him to go on. He had called his parents, who were taking a break and had returned home for a bit. That was great, since he missed his human home. All it took was one visit and he was already feeling homesick.

He thought about inviting the others out and went to go see what they were doing. Bikou was with Lianshi and Kuroka, with Bikou taste-testing food. Arthur was talking with Elaine, looking over papers and brochures. Issei couldn't help but feel a mischievous twinge when he saw them. Lefy wasn't even home, having gone out n a date with Embern. As for Rizevim and Ezagra, they were away on business. Lastly, Vali was talking with Rias, Sona, and Sairaorg. She was laughing and joking around, planning out a day with them.

Issei decided that there was always next time. Everyone was too busy to waste time with him today, so it looked like it was going to be a solo day for him.

"So, how're things going with your job?" Mr. Hyoudou asked.

"It's all going great. We're all on vacation right now until business starts up again." Issei sipped his tea.

"I see. So, you found a special someone yet?"

Issei sighed.

"Dad, I'm only 17. I'm not ready for any of that yet." Issei shook his head.

(Final Fantasy X: Remastered OST – Someday The Dream Will End/A Fleeting Dream. Play Song.)

"Son, I'll tell you right now that you'll never be ready for a relationship. You'll never really know who you're going to end up with and if you do, you won't know what it'll be like when do het with them. It's different; seeing someone every day and actually living every day with them."

"Tell us, are you interested in Vali?" Mrs. Hyoudou asked.

"No, she likes someone else. Besides, I only see her as a friend." Issei refuted.

"That's too bad. You two look so cute together." His mother disappointedly said.

"Well, how do you know that person isn't you?" Mr. Hyoudou asked.

"Because I've met the guy she likes." Issei retorted.

Mr. Hyoudou nodded.

"I see. Well, here's my advice to you, son: don't think too much. Sure, think things through, but don't do it so much that you miss your chance. If I hadn't taken that dive, I'd have never gotten to be with your mother." Mr. Hyoudou grinned fondly.

"A lot of people think that once you start liking or dating someone, then you should try to be with that person or stay with them. It's all because people fabricate this bright image in their heads and want it to stay that way. Life isn't like that, sadly. The people that you like can change and so can you. You might like someone one moment and then it might stop working or someone that you've overlooked will become the target of your love." Mrs. Hyoudou sipped her tea.

"If you feel a certain way towards someone, then you should take that dive because there's nothing worse than wasted time. If you like someone that isn't with someone else, you should confess before it's too late. I'm not saying that person will reciprocate. It's just that you should find out the truth and then move on in whatever direction that it takes you. There's no use in lying to yourself or standing around doing nothing."

"Your father and I don't want you living alone in the future. We're getting old and it'll only progress from there. We want you to at least hear what we have to say before it's too late. When you get older, you'll at least have these memories to think back on. All of these lectures and talks are just in case we don't get the chance." Mrs. Hyoudou gently patted Issei's head.

That certainly got things emotional.

"I tell ya, there's nothing better in life than a loving family, a warm and happy home, and a peaceful land where there's food, song, dance, and laughter. People think money, luxury, power, and influence are what's important life. Sure, it makes things easier, but it doesn't make you happy. In the end, money will desert you. People who love you, won't. Don't you ever forget that, son. Even if the people you love die, they'll always be with you in mind and heart. And when you die, you can always be with the people that you love in spirit." Mr. Hyoudou pointed at Issei.

"Not only that, but don't forget that loneliness is a terrible thing. We know how you are and we know that you're afraid of being a burden. You shouldn't think like that, Issei. Everyone is important and has their own strengths that contribute to a greater whole. You just need the determination and patience to find and use it. Even when things look bleak, there'll always be something that can help you break through it. You just need to be strong and brave. Most of all, don't you ever forget that kindness in you." Mrs. Hyoudou poked at Issei's heart.

"Thanks, Mom and you too, Dad." Issei nodded.

(Final Fantasy X: Remastered OST – Someday The Dream Will End/A Fleeting Dream. End Song.)

"Good, now go and find a girl and bring us some grandbabies, hahaha!" Mr. Hyoudou laughed.

"You want me to be a teen parent?" Issei asked.

"Don't you dare do it till you're of legal age!" Mrs. Hyoudou hissed.

Issei's phone rang suddenly. It was Vali. He walked into his room to take the call.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Issei, we've found one of the Khaos Brigade's bases. We need you to come back." She apologetically said.

"Got it." Issei nodded.

He walked down to his parents, feeling disappointed.

"So, my job just called in and I've gotta go." He explained.

"Okay. Be careful and make sure to tell us all about it when you get back. We'll always be waiting to hear your stories." Mrs. Hyoudou nodded.

They both smiled warmly at him before he left out the door to meet up with the others.


When he arrived at the Alliance's Headquarters, Issei was briefed with the others by Rizeim.

"Our spies have told us that Rintilr and Ileara are in the South of our Underworld, overseeing a base. We will gather an assault force and head there before they can make their escape." Rizevim said.

"Where is it?" Bikou asked.

"In Paris, France." Rizevim answered.

"You will be going with Team Rias to Paris while escorting Serafall Leviathan to speak the representatives there. It'll be far removed from anticipated points of battle. You all just need to make sure that no one tries to kill Serafall and to help her with whatever she needs you to do." Rizevim ordered.

"Yes, sir."