Alright, I've got another 2-Part chapter for you all. This chapter is a very important one and will have a massive impact on the story, so I figured I'd make it a 2-parter.
I've been looking forward to this one for a long time too because it means we're only a few more chapters away from the fun part. I'm trying to get back into the goofball headspace because I seriously need to channel my inner comedian for it.
Out of curiosity, how would you all rate the comedy from the beginning of the story till now? If it was funny at all. To be honest, looking back, this story really lacked any kind of humor, so I wanna try and remedy that.
Now, to respond to a Guest Reviewer: AnonymousLight
I don't want to give away any spoilers, so you're gonna have to wait and find out how things will end. Sorry, but I've learned my lesson about giving away spoilers. However, I will say this: Issei will not end up alone and will have a romantic partner. At the moment, maybe in a sequel story, he might even gain a harem. I'm still considering it all. However, in this story, he will firmly stay in a monogamous relationship.
Last, and most importantly, thank you for continuing to read my stories. I understand that it takes forever for me to update my stories now. For coming back and reading and keeping up with things, I want to thank you and everyone else who's stuck with me for the past 4 years.
Anyways, I hope you'll enjoy the 2-Parter
Chapter 25: Secrets Wrapped in Pain Part 1
(Final Fantasy XV OST – Sunset Waltz. Play Song.)
Paris, France, aka the City of Light. Issei hadn't ever been here before, so he was quite impressed with how everything looked. Lights were strewn all across the streetlamps. Narrow paths for people to browse through the stores, tall buildings, and shops dotted the streets as far as the eye could see. It truly was the City of Light, indeed.
Together, the Vali and Rias peerages walked through the city to meet with Serafall.
"Oh, wow, it's so beautiful here." Lianshi gasped in amazement.
"We don't come too often since it's attached to the Vatican's network. I'm kind of happy that we've got a better chance to enjoy it this time." Vali smiled.
Together, they entered a massive building with stained glass and church elements. Statues of saints and popes were stationed around the building, with crosses and fountains dotted across beds of flowers.
Passing through the golden gates to the area, the group were met with their charge.
"Hey, kids!" Serafall called over.
Issei was surprised to see that the fabled Serafall Leviathan was so casual with her attitude. Now that he thought about it, she looked alarmingly like Sona. She had the same violet hibiscus eyes as Sona, with the same jet-black hair. Thing was, she was much shorter and her chest was way larger than Sona's washboard bust.
Suddenly, Issei felt eyes on him, as if Sona heard his thoughts from far away.
"Don't stare." Vali slapped his shoulder.
"Sorry." Issei cleared his throat.
"It's been a long time, Lady Serafall. It's our honor to accompany you." Vali bowed along with Rias.
"Aw, don't be like that. We're all friends here. I remember when you kids would all play in our backyard. It was almost like yesterday." Serafall fondly said.
"That was a long time ago. Anyways, Serafall, could you tell us what the official mission is today?" Vali asked.
"Yep. We're here to arrange deals with the Vatican stationed in France. You all will be accompanying me as bodyguards. Still, those old coots keep throwing you all into the mix. Old Man Rizevim and I were completely against having you all join and yet, we got overruled." Serafall huffed.
"But you're one of the Satans. We can't just leave you alone." Bikou answered.
"I'm plenty capable at taking care of myself, thank you very much. You all are still young. I'm already 400 years old and I've seen quite a bit already. You all are only around 17-18. I don't want you all tasting war at all. You should be out there. So, these are my orders. Get out there and have some fun! I'll call you all back as soon as the meeting's ready." Serafall decreed.
"Uh, we really can't leave you alone." Vali sheepishly said, imagining the scolding she'd get from her grandfather.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'll be with some friends too. Besides, this is Vatican land and I'm meeting up with Grayfia in a few minutes too, so go out and have fun!" Serafall lightly pushed everyone toward the city.
"Was it really a good idea to just leave her alone? I feel like it's a really poor decision." Issei paled.
"She's always been like that. Sometimes, she'll just up and go somewhere alone." Vali sighed.
"It's alright. I've put a charm on Lady Serafall's attire. I'll know if she's in danger." Lefay reassured them.
"Isn't that a crime?" Issei asked, completely baffled by Lefay's actions.
'When was this girl so devious?!' Issei wailed in despair.
"Rizevim gave me permission to do it." Lefay chuckled.
"Come on, let's scan the area. You're free to do whatever you want but stay close to Serafall's location. We'll make a perimeter." Vali said.
Whilst walking through the streets, Issei was accompanied by Vali, who wanted to talk with him.
"Thank you." She said out of the blue.
"For what?" Issei asked.
"For what you said the other day. I was stuck in a funk and you helped me out of it." Vali said as she browsed through a window.
"I was only doing what a friend would do. Besides, you were there when everyone wanted me dead." Issei replied.
"Even if you weren't the Host of Bahamut, I'd have done it." Vali confirmed.
"I know you would." Issei smiled.
Eventually, Vali went with Rias and Akeno into a store to look at some bags.
"So, any progress yet?" Akeno asked.
"What?" Vali asked.
"Any progress with Sairaorg?" She elaborated.
"Eh?!" Vali yelped.
"I mean, it's pretty obvious that you both like each other. You blush around one another. You get all bashful and you say so many nice things to each other. And, most of all, you two are together a lot when something happens." Akeno pointed out.
"It's…" Vali trailed off.
"Why're you hesitating?" Rias asked.
"It just doesn't feel right, yet." Vali muttered.
"Why?"
"I don't know. Something deep down…in my heart, something in my heart tells me that it's just not time yet. I can't explain it, but something just tells me that it's not right. I can't put it into words." Vali said.
"Well, let's go over it." Issei said.
Vali, Rias, and Akeno yelped. He literally appeared out of thin air.
"EEP!"
"Where'd you come from?" Akeno asked.
"Why do you do that?!" Vali cried out, a hand over her heart.
"Never mind that, let's talk." Issei leaned in.
'Why does he like to gossip so much?' The 3 girls wondered.
"It sounds to me that you're unsure of how he feels." Issei theorized.
Crossing his arms, he sat down in a chair.
"Also, there're probably some issues that you need to deal with first before you can move on to romance." Issei said.
Vali knew what he was hinting at. She had to put her demons completely down before she could move on to developing relationships.
"What?" Rias asked.
"I mean, before Vali can work up the courage to ask him, she needs to come to terms with some things." Issei explained.
"Hey, you guys have to come and try this!" Bikou's head popped into the store as everyone was purchasing items.
(Final Fantasy XV OST – Sunset Waltz. End Song.)
He led them down the street to a table where a young woman was sitting. She had a hooded cloak on with a crystal ball on the table, along with a deck of tarot cards. From under the hood, Issei could see platinum-blonde hair and very fair skin.
"Ah, I see you've brought some friends with you." She said to Bikou.
"I'm not into divination, but it's crazy accurate." Bikou said.
"She predicted how we got into our current dynamic." Lianshi blushed.
"So, we're all going to get our love divinations done." Lefay excitedly said.
"Why not you, dear? You seem the most anxious, even uncertain." The Fortune-Teller looked at Vali.
Sitting down, Vali held out her palm at her request.
"Ah, your love life is going to be extremely complicated."
Vali looked nervous.
"Poor girl. She's gonna get friend-zoned." Bikou muttered.
"You will face many trials. You will have to brave through much sorrow to get to the happiness that awaits you. That uncertainty will persist for a long time, but know that everything that will happen, must happen for you to understand. To achieve the love that you're destined for, you must keep your mind open and stay strong. It will be tough, but ultimately, if you can make your choices quickly enough, you may be able to finally have the one meant for you. However, be warned, not everything is as it seems. See and hear with more than your eyes and ears. Listen to your heart." The fortune-teller ominously said.
Next, was Kuroka, who was eager to hear what she had to say.
"You need to stop flaunting. A little more refinement and truth to yourself and he'll start giving you more attention. He might even start trying to match up to you."
Kuroka paled at that brutal truth.
"Oh…" Kuroka tearfully blushed at the blunt remark.
The fortune-teller smirked.
"Do not worry, dear. If you show your conviction, all will end well." She gave Kuroka a comforting pat on the cheek.
Next, was Lefay. The moment she sat down, Issei listened intently.
"You're too young to be doing what you're thinking." The fortune-teller sternly said.
Issei gasped like a father who found out his daughter was pregnant.
"Eh?!" Lefay screamed in embarrassment.
"Not you!" Issei despaired.
"Just kidding. Ufufufu." The Fortune-Teller chuckled.
Issei sighed in relief.
"Be more confident, dear. Your significant other is ready to devote himself to you. You need only have faith in him and yourself. Just…be patient with your father." The Fortune-Teller subtly chuckled at Issei.
When everyone had their go, they were set to leave. Well, all of them, except for Issei, who hadn't had his done. Apparently, he wasn't very superstitious.
"Ah, young man, won't you try? I believe…I might be able to give you some help." She offered.
"I'm fine, thank you for your kindness." He politely refused.
"I'll do it completely free of charge. I promise, I can help you." The Fortune-Teller said, with some more urgency in her voice.
(Doctor Who OST – Timelord Victorious. Play Song.)
Issei wasn't one to put stock into this sort of thing, but she seemed adamant in reading his fortune. He reluctantly sat down in front of her, extending his hand. The moment she touched his hand, he froze, feeling a strange energy emanating from around him. Gently, the Fortune-Teller let him go, but her hands shook like she'd seen a horrid nightmare.
"Hm…" She fell silent.
"What was that?" Issei asked.
"You must brace yourself for this. What I'm about to say, won't be pleasant. No, it'll be terrifying." She warned, gulping.
"On the 9th hour, after the bells toll for the 16th time, you will die. You must prepare for this and most of all, you must not succumb to your own justice. From this moment onward, everything that befalls you, will be at your own discretion. May God bless you." The Fortune-Teller said.
Issei didn't even know how to take this. He was skeptical but deep down…something resonated with his heart, his mind, his intuition. Something was telling him that this wasn't exactly false.
'Rexis, do you know what she meant?' Issei said in his mind.
Silence. There was no response from the lingering memories of his predecessor.
'Rexis?! What did she mean?!' Issei demanded, panting out of utter fright. He was starting to panic because his heart was telling him to.
What the hell was this? Out of nowhere, someone just told him that he was going to die. What was this about the 9th hour? What was this about bells ringing for the 16th time?
"Are you okay?" Vali reached over.
He jumped when she touched him, instinctively backing away.
"Wha?!" She gasped at his rapid reaction.
"S-Sorry, just got a bit nervous." Issei quickly reformed his composure.
"Come on, maybe we'd better get going. We should head back to Serafall." Vali gently ushered him out.
(Doctor Who OST – Timelord Victorious. End Song.)
After they left, the Fortune-Teller spoke.
"May fate have mercy on your ancient soul, O' Host of the Calamity."
"It's time. We need to begin the operation." A voice said from behind her.
"Yes, I understand, Cao Cao." The Fortune-Teller stood up, removing her hood.
She was revealed to be incredibly youthful, around 17-18. Her long locks of golden hair flowed freely, with a French braid tied at the back of her head. She had cobalt-blue eyes and a serene look, befitting that of a princess or angel.
"I'm sorry, Jeanne, but we need your help today." Cao Cao solemnly said.
"The future has become clouded now, I can't see what's going to happen. I just know that something incredible is coming, both tragic and amazing." Jeanne said sadly as she put a hand on her crystal ball.
"You may no longer be part of the Vatican, but all the same, we need to sneak in there. I know you don't want any more fighting, but just for today, I need to ask for your help." Cao Cao pleaded.
"As I said, I can't see the future for this path that we're treading. However, if there are others who wish to upset this delicate balance…then I will help you." Jeanne declared.
"Thank you, Jeanne." Cao Cao smiled.
Meanwhile, after the group had finished their little divination, they were meeting up with Serafall to check on her.
"Issei, are you okay?" Vali asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to understand some things." He shook his head, brooding.
"What did she say?" Vali asked.
"It's nothing. I'd rather not say." Issei distantly said.
That surprised everyone. Issei was quite open with them. For him to deny them information was perplexing and worrying.
Suddenly, everyone felt a tremor from several blocks away.
"What was that?" Akeno wondered.
"I have some ideas." Vali sighed.
"Everyone!" A voice called from above.
"Asia?" Issei said as said person came into view.
"Sorry for the late arrival, but the Khaos Brigade is making its move. Someone tried to get into Vatican's Paris Branch. We need to get over there now." Asia said.
"I'm sorry, but we can't let you do that."
Turning around, there were 7 people standing there: Heracles, Robin Hood, Anastasia, Ashoka, Nora Kelmendi, Scathach, and Cao Cao.
"Wow, you guys are going all out if all of you are here." Rias noted.
"Right now, another part of our organization is taking care of things, but you've all have been rather thorny lately, so we're going to have to terminate you." Cao Cao pointed his spear at the group.
"Aren't you the leader of the Hero Faction? Shouldn't you be with your other lackeys?" Issei asked.
"Well, I'm curious as to how powerful a host of Bahamut is, so I came to test you out. I heard you gave Rintilr and Ileana some trouble the other day." Cao Cao shrugged.
"Then let's play."
Equipping his Sacred Gears, Issei readied himself for battle.
"Quick on the trigger today, are we?" Cao Cao remarked.
"You could say that." Issei said.
"Good. It'll make for a better fight."
"Issei, don't fight him." Vali warned.
"I know. He's got the True Longinus." Issei said.
He recognized it from history books that he'd read before. The spear that stabbed Jesus Christ, the spear that could kill immortals and cause miracles. It and the Holy Grail were the two most powerful Sacred Gears in the Biblical Pantheon.
"I'd say that him and Arthur Pendragon are the only ones that can be touched by this spear and not die." Cao Cao noted.
True, it was a holy weapon. Just being near it made every devil in the area's hair stand on end.
"Are we going to fight, or are we going to talk the day away?" Bikou broke the pace.
Cao Cao merely smirked as he threw his spear.
(Gundam Unicorn OST – MOBILE SUIT. Play Song.)
Issei knew not to underestimate Cao Cao. With that familiar burning feeling, Issei activated the Abyssal Aura. Ricocheting it back with the Aura's tail, Issei dashed right at Cao Cao.
Clapping his hands together, Cao Cao created a shockwave in front of him. Using the power of his Greaves, Issei used his own burst to neutralize the enemy's attack. Before his fist could hit Cao Cao, Heracles caught it. Jumping up, he kneed the man in the jaw.
From behind him, gems began forming into spears, aimed right at his back. Before they could touch him, particles of light-blue energy erupted, shattering them.
"Hello there, Vali. Ready for our rematch?" Anastasia smirked.
"Don't think you're getting away this time." Vali warned.
And so, the battle erupted everywhere, with members of Vali and Rias' Peerages clashing with members of the Hero Faction.
"Koneko, Akeno, and Gasper, you three need to get to the Vatican." Rias ordered.
"Arthur, Lianshi, and Lefay, you two go with them." Vali added.
"Roger!"
"Sorry, but you're staying right here." Anastasia erected a wall of gems to block their path.
Issei slammed his fist into the ground, creating a shockwave that obliterated the wall.
"What?!"
"Go, now!" Issei urged as he blocked an attack from Cao Cao.
Throwing a talisman at him, Issei wasn't quick enough to dodge it in time as it stuck to his armor. Instantly, the magic immobilized him. Cao Cao hefted his spear, aiming right for Issei. With his mind, Issei activated his armor, creating a shockwave that plastered Cao Cao to a wall. Brushing himself off, he smirked.
"Not bad. From what Ashoka and Anastasia said, I thought you'd fare poorer."
"Well, time can do you a lot of favors." Issei said.
"Yes, it can."
Cao Cao threw a wad of talismans at Issei.
"And I've got all the time in the world."
Issei stomped his foot, creating another shockwave. Cao Cao snapped his fingers, liquifying the solid ground with his talismans. Issei's foot plunged in as the ground solidified around it. Cao Cao immediately threw his spear, aiming it right for Issei's chest.
Suddenly, a blast of light knocked it away. Asia zapped the stone around Issei's foot while blocking a blast from Anastasia.
Robin Hood notched an arrow, aiming right for Vali's back. With a wave of his hand, Issei blasted it into nothing as Arthur came rushing at the archer. Robin Hood tried to back away but he was too slow to evade. Luckily for him, Cao Cao intercepted, locking blades. Immediately, Arthur responded with Caliburn, bearing down more pressure on the leader of the Hero Faction.
Cao Cao smirked as created an orb sprouted around him, glowing brightly just before Arthur was flung in the opposite direction. It was almost as if he were tied to an invisible jet.
Heracles took over, throttling Arthur through several buildings.
Issei lunged in, swinging a sword right at Cao Cao. He blocked it with his spear, twirling it rapidly before jabbing at Issei countless times.
"Tell me, are you still going to refuse my offer?" Cao Cao asked.
"Once was enough." Issei answered.
"That's too bad." Cao Cao sighed.
Issei stepped back as that same glowing orb appeared next to Cao Cao's spear again. Issei had already been flung around enough before. He wasn't letting that happen again. At point-black, Issei fired off a navy beam, completely engulfing Cao Cao.
Much to his dismay, Cao Cao had protected his followers and himself with a barrier talisman, but barely. Cao Cao looked genuinely amused with what had just happened. The blast was strong enough to cause a violent series of earthquakes, battering buildings all around them.
"Dear God, you really are something else." He chuckled.
The barrier that Cao Cao used to protect himself was cracked like an egg, barely holding itself together.
"Even with my talismans enhanced by the Holy Spear, you can almost completely destroy it."
"The next one won't fail." Issei swore.
Kiba ran next to Issei, hefting a weapon that Issei hadn't seen before.
"What's that?" Issei asked.
It was like a polarized sword. The blade was black and white on separate ends with sapphire and ruby gems adorning it.
"This is my new Sacred Gear, Sword of Betrayer." Kiba smirked proudly.
"When'd you get that?" Issei wondered.
"It was a while ago after the Peace Conference. I'll explain later." Kiba promised.
For a moment, they'd nearly forgotten the problems in front of them.
(Gundam Unicorn OST – MOBILE SUIT. End Song.)
"Cao Cao, it's done." A voice said.
Everyone looked up and saw who it was. It was that young woman from before, that Fortune-Teller.
"Good, then we can hurry up and end this." Cao Cao stamped his spear onto the ground.
"Let me guess, you've got another problem in the works?" Issei asked.
Everyone was left guessing what was going on but not Kiba and Jeanne. The moment they locked gazes, they froze, wide-eyed. To them, it was as if no one else existed. It was only the two of them.
(Final Fantasy XV OST – Tenebrae. Play Song.)
"I….Is-…Isaiah…" She muttered in disbelief.
"Jeanne?" Kiba looked bewildered.
"Jeanne? As in Jeanne D'Arc?" Issei turned around.
"How did you survive?" Jeanne's voice trembled.
"Why're you with them?" Kiba asked.
"What's going on?" Issei asked.
"A long time ago, I was one of many children in the Vatican. We were chosen to participate in the Holy Sword Project, where Valper Galilei, an alchemist, tried to harness the genes that allowed people to wield Holy Swords. As time went on, the experiments kept failing and the results failed to improve, so Valper killed all of the participants off to hide his secrets. I was the only survivor of that night. Jeanne, was the model and example of the project and a dear friend." Kiba explained.
"I was there to help provide help for the program. I didn't know the dark secrets behind it all. I was an instructor and an example for the other children who were training for the Holy Sword Project. I was also using my power to help Valper with his research and in deciding candidates." Jeanne groaned in discomfort.
"Back then, we were close as could be." Kiba nostalgically said, though saddened.
It was clear already that they were on opposite sides. Jeanne was clearly in cahoots with Cao Cao, who wanted the elimination of nonhumans. Jeanne landed in front of Kiba. Issei kept his guard up but kept himself from attacking. Unlike the others…Issei didn't feel Bahamut react to her presence. She had no hostile intentions, no malice, and nothing truly worthy of alarm.
Jeanne walked closer toward a frozen Kiba, who was unsure of what to do. Who knew if his mind was even here? Jeanne immediately brought Kiba into a tight embrace.
"I've waited so long to find you again. I knew you were alive!" Jeanne muttered as she wrapped her arms around him tightly.
(Final Fantasy XV OST – Tenebrae. End Song.)
This felt so out-of-place, but Issei could forgive the two. Despite this not being the time nor the place, he couldn't bring himself to ruin their reunion.
"Jeanne, you're getting too close to them." Cao Cao warned.
"I said I'd help you occasionally. The mission is finished now, Cao Cao. This is where we part." Jeanne declared.
Cao Cao merely scoffed.
"If that's what it's going to be like, then very well." Cao Cao readied his weapon, pointing right at Jeanne.
"You know what we do to traitors, don't you?" Cao Cao raised a brow.
"I'm ready." Jeanne nodded.
Materializing a sword and flag, she stared down Cao Cao.
"Well, that was sudden…" Bikou muttered.
Issei turned around, ready to start fighting again, but froze. He felt an unsettling feeling from above. It felt familiar.
"Speaking of traitors, should I say the same about all of you?" Someone said, their form nowhere to be seen.
Cao Cao and the Hero Faction dove straight at the Peerages as a blast of demonic energy came rushing from above.
"What's the meaning of this?" Issei asked.
All around them, Cao Cao and the others had formed a barrier to protect everyone.
"Looks like we got busted." Cao Cao sighed.
"Cao Cao, are you on your way?" A magic circle appeared next to his ear. It was Sun Wukong.
"Are you all doing battle because we got found out." Cao Cao said.
"We've just begun." Sun Wukong confirmed.
Issei soon pieced it together. Cao Cao was a spy for the Alliance. The entire Hero Faction was a spy group.
"So, you're all double-agents." Issei said.
"Poor ones, clearly. I thought we'd be able to keep Rintilr and Ileana fooled until things were too late for them. Guess this is as far as our dual-roles go." Cao Cao nodded.
Above them, Rintilr merely looked at them disappointedly.
"Well, it didn't entirely work to our detriment. You allowed us to work things to our benefit with all your traveling. We went to many places and took them as our own."
"Should you be so confident when your base is being burned down?" Cao Cao asked.
"Hmph. Well, it doesn't matter. We've already accomplished our own goal." Rintilr snapped his fingers.
Issei's face went white when he saw two people emerge from magic circles.
"Issei?!" Mrs. Hyoudou gasped.
"Issei, is that you?!" Mr. Hyoudou asked.
"Mom?! Dad?!" Issei couldn't believe one of his worst nightmares was happening.
"Now, Vali, it's time to go home to Mommy with Daddy." Rintilr snapped his fingers, firing the chain spell that was meant to imprison her.
Vali tried to maneuver out of the way, but while she was distracted, Rintilr used his [Ricochet] ability to yank her towards him. Wrapped in chains, Vali struggled to break free but thanks to some unknown traits of the spell, she was helpless to get out.
"No! No, no, no!" Vali frantically kicked her feet and wriggled.
Issei cursed. This sort of situation was probably like when he used to abuse her.
"While you all were away attacking our bases and trading information, two very important people were left vulnerable. Also, I don't approve of you hanging around with my daughter. If you want them back, boy, then you'd best bring your strongest." Rintilr chuckled as he left with Issei's parents and Vali.
"Damn it!"
For the first time, Issei felt his emotions rise up to extreme levels. His blood was boiling as his mind raced to make sense of this.
"Cao Cao, explain all of this now." He demanded.
"Several others and myself banded together to infiltrate the Khaos Brigade, each of us sent by our own pantheons. For the past few months, we'd given intel to the Alliance to help us win as quickly as possible. Today's visit was to give the location of Rintilr's base to the Alliance. He must've pieced everything together and found out about our allegiances and launched his own plan." Cao Cao concluded.
"So, all those times you showed up…" Arthur confirmed.
"Was to keep up our charade while passing information to the Alliance. You'll notice that no one died during our supposed attacks." Cao Cao nodded.
"So, what do we do now?" Kiba asked.
"I see you all have learned about what's been going on." Someone flew down to meet them.
It was Azazel.
"New orders for you kids. You're to exit this place and go to your respective capitals and defend them. Leave the rest to us." Azazel said.
"And what of my parents and Vali?" Issei asked.
"We're going to do everything we can to rescue them, Issei, don't worry." Azazel sympathetically said.
Issei couldn't help but feel skeptical. Azazel noticed his gaze.
"Look, I know you want to save them, but this is growing beyond what you kids were supposed to do. A full-on war-like battle isn't something you all should be experiencing. I didn't even want you all here in the first place. For your own safety, you need to remain here. That is final and otherwise will be treated as insubordination." Azazel said.
"I'm sorry, Azazel, but this isn't something that I can just let happen. My parents became targets because of my interference. I can't leave it up to others to save them. Not only that, but Vali's been taken. Who knows what those bastards are doing to them. I refuse to just sit here and allow people to take their chances with them. Even if I'm branded as a Stray or traitor, I'm going to save them." Issei swore as he got right in Azazel's face.
"You're going to be playing into their hands, Issei." Azazel warned.
"I know, but I can't just let them suffer because I chose to run away. You and the other leaders and because you're leaders, they're expecting you to be delayed and to waste time. That's a gamble that they'll probably win. I won't let that happen. Now, are you going to step aside, or do I have to make you? You and I both know what'll happen if push comes to shove, whether I win or lose." Issei growled.
Everyone was frozen in place. They'd never seen Issei like this. The very air around him was trembling, a navy glow covering his form as his eyes began glowing. That stunned his friends. That had never happened before. Was this a sign of his growing powers or his emotions? Better yet, was this a sign of Bahamut preparing for his release?
Ultimately, Azazel growled in frustration.
"Fine! You win!" Azazel stepped aside.
"Boy, are you going to leave without this?" Someone called over.
Issei turned around to see Michael and Indra. Indra had navy hair that was sleeked back, with a grey robe as his attire. Lining his arms and legs, were golden braces and charms with black shoes on his feet. As for his eyes, Issei could see that his pupils glowed electric blue, which was fitting for the Hindu god of Lightning and Rain.
"Lord Indra." Issei respectfully regarded him.
Suddenly, Indra threw something at him. It looked like wings!
Issei jolted and cried out in pain as the wings touched him. With one blinding flash of light, Issei found that two metallic wings were sticking out of his back. They were sectioned apart with sharp points tipping from each curved segment.
"Think of that as a grant, boy. Hopefully it'll be enough for you to get out of this alive and it should keep you from tapping into other powers and minds that should keep sleeping." Indra folded his arms.
"I don't understand, won't that rouse Bahamut even more?" Kuroka asked.
"Bahamut reacts the most to the emotions and thoughts of his host. Either that or his host is in danger of death. His survival instincts will activate and that will lead to a definite path of Bahamut's reawakening. As for the collection of the Sacred Gears, it doesn't affect things as much because it will simply pool his power together. It won't affect the seal on him as far as we know." Indra answered.
"Thank you." Issei nodded respectfully before turning around, materializing all of his Sacred Gears.
With him, the Vali and Rias Peerage went.
"Was it really wise to let him have that final piece?" Cao Cao asked.
"There was no other choice. If the boy fought Rintilr and Ileana and tried to draw on more power from Bahamut's core, it would rouse the Wyrm. If he had his own innate power or additional power that was independent of Bahamut's soul, then he might be less tempted. Bahamut's Sacred Gears don't actually hold pieces of Bahamut's mind or soul, contrary to other people's beliefs. Instead, I believe they're merely pieces that hold abilities that Bahamut had. The one true thing that's guaranteed to rouse Bahamut is emotions There's still too much we don't know about the seal left on Bahamut and the one who put him in Sacred Gears is dead. Besides, even if we'd stopped the boy, he'd have probably gone and done it on his own anyway. Like Bahamut, I have the feeling that they're the frivolous sort. If that happened, then we wouldn't be aware of anything at all." Indra shrugged.
"Still, I've got a bad feeling about this." Azazel sighed.
Onward to Part 2 of Chapter 25
