And this is the 3rd and final part of the 3-chapter holiday bundle.
Chapter 29: Realized Too Late
Issei had decided that he'd figure this whole 'death' prophecy out later. Or maybe, not at all. He was in no hurry to figure out when he'd die.
For now, the group was going to greet a new guest in the house. Rizevim had agreed with someone to take in their daughter who was interested in the Underworld. That, and they owed Rizevim.
"Alright, everyone, be sure to be on your best behavior. We've got a new live-in guest coming so let's make good impressions." Ezagyra excitedly said.
They stood in the Living Room as a magic circle appeared. Emerging from the light was none other than Izalana.
"What?!" The peerage was stunned.
"Hi, thanks for agreeing to my favor." Izalana chuckled.
"What're you doing here?" Vali asked.
"Well, I was pretty impressed with what I saw back home and I saw the broadcasts of the Rating Games, so I asked my Dad if I could move here. Next thing I knew, Rizevim offered to house me and we owe you guys, so he agreed." Izalana casually explained.
"For the time being, Izalana will be staying in our home as a long-term guest."
"I'll be joining in as a liaison and hopefully, become a new friend." Izalana said.
"Well, welcome to the Lucifer Home. Treat this place as you would your own castle." Ezagyra smiled.
"And if you need anything, you need only ask us." Issei added.
"Thank you. For sure, I'll repay you guys for helping with the dragon issue. I heard it was thanks to Vali that the Horn of Rayzwormr was destroyed." Izalana bowed.
"Yeah, one thing led to another and I ended up destroying it." Vali admitted.
"Well, that's another reason why I came, actually." Izalana said.
"What?"
"I'm here to offer my services as a Rook to you. Rizevim filled me in on the Evil Piece System and how it works. These days, it serves as an ID for Kings and servants instead of tying them to a Clan and turning the recipient into a devil. I saw the trouble you had with the Rias Peerage at the Rating Games and I decided to come and repay you. I swear, I can be of help." Izalana said.
"That's sudden." Issei muttered.
"I noticed the issues too. If Issei hadn't done something underhanded…" Rizevim trailed off.
"Hey!" Issei incredulously said.
"Then you'd have suffered a loss. You need some more manpower if you're going to fight Sairaorg. His team is diverse and he's at least as strong as you at full power. He's trained his body long and hard and he can compete with many of the stronger devils. If he hones himself even more, he could become much stronger than you, Vali." Rizevim bluntly stated.
Vali thought on this for a while, sitting as still as a statue.
"Alright, let's do it."
And just like that, Vali phased her Evil Pieces into Izalana's body after the ceremonial incantation. It never failed to be cheesy so Issei tuned it out.
"And with that, you're my final servant and second Rook. Welcome to the team." Vali smiled.
"Thanks." Izalana replied.
After getting her things moved in, Issei decided to talk with her, getting a funny feeling about all this. It felt forced and sudden. What was Izalana hiding?
The two sat in the Living Room, chatting.
"So, what inspired you to come here, exactly?" Issei asked.
"It's as I said: you all inspired me to come out here. Specifically, you inspired me." Izalana said.
"Me?"
"I still remember the story you told me. You were a regular guy who decided to join this group for the sake of your friends. You fought tooth and nail for them and you've never hesitated to do so. I've heard accounts of how you were from Vali from when you first started to who you are now."
Izalana looked out the window at the sky.
"All my life, I felt like I was in a prison. My father always feared for me and kept me close to home or only let me out for small moments at a time. I always wished for full freedom. The way you go anywhere and do anything that feels right to you, inspired me. I want to grow as well and become a better person. That's why I felt that coming here was the best way to do that. I'm far from home, relying much on myself but with some friends to help guide me. I want to find my own way and learn who I am. I guess you could say that you were a prime example to someone like me." Izalana chuckled.
"I'm a bad role model." Issei laughed.
"Lefay told me that it was you who pushed her and Embern to get together. You also helped get Kuroka to move on her feelings for Bikou and got Bikou to make a decision. I also heard you saved the day at the arranged wedding ceremony that Lianshi was supposed to be in. If you're a bad role model, then that's the flaw of society." Izalana shook her head.
Issei was amazed that she knew this much about him.
"Oh, and Vali was the one who told me all that. Don't think I'm a stalker or something."
"So, what's the routine around here?" Izalana asked, changing the subject.
"Well, we just live out our normal daily lives until it's time to do a mission. Right now, everyone's training for the Rating Games, so there's that. Otherwise, we take jobs. That reminds me, I've gotta respond to one right now." Issei looked at a piece of paper in his pocket, which was glowing with a summoning circle.
"Ah, Rizevim told me about that. You guys get summoned by people who get your flyers to do certain tasks and get compensated." Izalana nodded in understanding.
"Well, pretty soon, since you're in the peerage, you'll be doing that too."
For a moment, Izalan's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Yep. In fact, wanna go with me on this job?" Issei offered, knowing she wanted to explore the world without restraint.
He didn't know why she didn't just do it on her own, but he assumed her father wouldn't have agreed to it if she was on her own.
It had become clear that Izalana was really desperate to go out into the world and see what it was like. This time, there were no missions, no hunts, no troubles, and no time limits that forbid her from exploring. She could indulge in her curiosity as much as she liked.
"Of course!" Izalana practically skipped over.
All of that calm elegance was nearly gone in the face of this child-like joy. Was she that badly repressed?
The client that Issei was summoned by, was none other than one of Issei's regulars, Mr. Morisawa. He was, bluntly-put, an otaku shut-in. He lived in an apartment alone and got paid by repairing programs and coding for websites. He was marvelous at it but he had a strong dislike of socializing with "normies".
Normally, he'd play games and debate anime and shows with Issei, who was just as avid.
"Alright, Hyoudou, today we won't debate about whether the 10th or 4th Doctor is better." Morisawa glared at him.
Issei was a fan of the 10th Doctor, which triggered Morisawa to no end.
"Today, I want to ask for your help. You give off a normie vibe, so I'll just assume you're a 'people' person." Morisawa said.
"Never said that but go on."
"I've encountered a raid that I'd never expected in my life, Hyoudou." Morisawa clutched his heart.
"A colonoscopy?" Issei asked.
Morisawa glared even harder.
"No! Love!" He snapped.
Issei started clapping while laughing.
"Damn you!" Morisawa barked at his mockery.
"No, seriously, I'm impressed. You told me how much you hate going out." Issei calmed down from bawling.
"Anyways, I met someone."
"Lady?" Issei guessed.
Morisawa nodded.
"What's the deal?" Issei sipped some tea.
"I think I'm in love."
Issei did a spit-take.
"Love?" He wiped his mouth.
"Yep. Her name is Akari Takamine. She works at my favorite video game company. I had to go there in person for my job. She's a graphic designer there. We hit it off when we met since we love so many of the same things. She likes Vocaloid, idol songs, and she also plays competitively. Hyoudou…"
Morisawa was trembling. Was he having a fit? Issei inched back.
"I was wrong! Please, teach me how to approach her seriously!"
Morisawa did a Kamen Rider jump right into a seiza.
Issei's jaw almost dropped. Morisawa was normally surly and grim. Now, he was desperate and even went into a dogeza.
'Agh…I can't say no now.' Issei sighed.
'You know you'd help him anyways. Should I talk to him?' Rexis offered.
'You were a king. A polygamist. I think that would be a bad idea.' Issei deadpanned.
'I never said that! I…actually died without any romance…' Rexis muttered.
"Alright, stop, stop, stop. I'm happy to help, so let's get right down to it." Issei helped him up.
Izalana looked at Issei with utter confusion.
"Dogeza is when someone prostrates themselves to ask for a favor or to sincerely apologize. It's more serious than how the media portrays it." Issei explained.
Issei and Morisawa sat down and spoke much more calmly. Morisawa showed a picture of her. She had long brown hair tied into a bun with some hair framing her face. She wore a black business suit with a skirt that reached her knees and some very high high-heels. Like Morisawa, she also had glasses.
"So, what made you like her?" Issei asked.
"She's incredibly intelligent, she's funny, nice, patient, and sees past my…rough exterior. She tried to make me feel welcome when I was there. She even offered to hang out after." Morisawa sighed.
"And what'd you do after?" Issei asked.
"I ran off."
"Why?" Issei was baffled.
"It'd been so long since I'd had positive interaction with anyone in real life. I didn't know how to react. I just ran off when she offered. It didn't help that everyone else was judging me." Morisawa grumbled.
"I see. Well, Morisawa, I think the first step is to clear everything up. Be honest. If she's as kind as you say she is, then she'll understand. She sounds lovely if she can put up with your sandpaper exterior." Issei shrugged.
"Hey!" Morisawa growled.
Issei laughed, joking.
"But in all seriousness, you should just be honest. Try and get out of your comfort zone slowly. Don't go all in, since that's usually a bad idea. Try out what she suggests and suggest what you like to do. Clearly, the both of you like the same thing, so start there. Get to know her and tell her about yourself. Trade things, like information and likes and dislikes. That's always a good place to start. Also, don't go in with the typical guy thing and think of sex. That just makes you into a douche. If you were serious enough to do dogeza, then you're clearly serious about her, whether you realize it or not. When you want a serious relationship, you want to do more than just have sex. You might as well just go to the red-light district for that, if your loins are the only thing that feels anything. For a serious relationship, you want to be able to spend the rest of your life with a person, as far as end goals go."
"I am serious about her!" Morisawa snapped, almost declaring it to the world.
"Way to go, bro!" Someone yelled next-door.
Issei smiled proudly and excitedly.
"Alright, we know where you wanna go, then. So, just think about what I said. Explain yourself and clear everything up first. Don't stay in your comfort zone. Learn about her and teach her about yourself. Don't go too fast. Try to ease into deciding whether or not you want a relationship with her. Also, clean up your act. Don't sneer so much. It turns people away. She may be fine with it, but you want to at least try and be more approachable. Get a haircut and clean yourself properly. Wear fresh clothes and carry yourself properly so that you can grow some more confidence in yourself. The fact that you ran away from others judging you means that you lack confidence in yourself. Don't worry too much about what others think. Just try to get yourself across to her." Issei advised.
"Got it." Morisawa nodded.
"Also, try to be considerate. She took the time to be considerate with you and tried to make you feel welcome. Return that courtesy to her. A relationship isn't all about only giving or only taking. It's trading equally and honestly."
Before Issei could finish, he also forgot one very vital piece of information.
"Oh, and don't get a big head or feel entitled to something. You're not even dating. A lot of guys and girls think that if they keep giving, they're entitled to a relationship, even when it's a small thing. Reality doesn't work that way. It's about how you make them feel and how well you can communicate your feelings. If she can't see you as more than a friend or colleague, then sometimes that's all there is. Maybe, you can turn her around, but you have to be earnest in doing it. Don't get spoiled or start throwing a tantrum if she refuses your advances. Sometimes, a person just isn't interested in you and that's how life rolls the dice. You've gotta be able to move on and learn from it. A lot of guys and girls who say they're nice people, aren't nice people. They'll take the time to do things for others but deep down, they want something in exchange. They either want sex, a relationship, or a favor. It's not deeds being done out of genuine kindness. Make sure to keep that in mind."
Morisawa nodded. Much to Issei's shock, he even smiled. His frown started to disappear, or at least, he was trying to make it relax.
"Thank you, Hyoudou. I'll make sure to remember everything. You're right. I should clean up first and then get started."
Issei stood up with Izalana.
"Oh, and is she your girlfriend?"
"Oh, no, she's a new partner in the business." Issei shook his head.
"Ah, considering all that advice, I thought you were in a relationship or had one."
'You've got no idea, buddy.' Issei thought to himself, remembering his past lives.
After Morisawa paid him with a bunch of anime merchandise and games, Issei made his report as he and Izalana walked down the street. He looked forward to no sleep tonight. The Final Fantasy VII Remake was calling his name.
"You had a lot of advice to give."
"Eh, I remember past relationships pretty well, so…"
Issei then paused. He'd just let it slip. He'd forgotten that he hadn't told anyone about him remembering his past lives. He hadn't even told the others about the whole reincarnation thing.
"You've dated before?" Izalana asked.
"No, I just remember how people were when I was at school." Issei lied.
He didn't want people worrying about him and he surely didn't want people to start treating him differently. He felt his face heat up in a panic as sweat started coming out of his pores. Now he was all disoriented and faltering. He had to change the subject. One small mistake and he'd trip over himself.
Just then, another paper began glowing in his pocket. It was another contract.
"Well, looks like it's another job." Issei shrugged.
The next contract he had to fulfill was to another of his regulars, Ms. Wong. She was a young lady training to be a bride to her high-school sweetheart. As tradition dictated by her fiancees family, the wife was to marry into the husband's family and she had to be able to cook and clean and know how to perform many traditions.
When he was finished, she paid him with Yuan before the night was over. Issei even managed to make some time to show Izalana around Hong Kong.
As Izalana watched him, she did notice a few things about him. He had told her before that he'd never picked up languages before and yet, here he was, speaking perfect Cantonese as if it was 2nd nature. He didn't even seem to realize it.
"I didn't know you could speak Cantonese." Izalana started.
"Ah, I forgot to mention that I did take some lessons in school. My parents traveled a lot, so they taught me languages while they were doing the same thing." Issei sheepishly said.
Once again, he lied. He was still faltering into habits and ways of life that he lived in his past incarnations.
"Do they know about your life?" Izalana asked.
Issei's smile faltered, he almost looked as if he was going to stop dead in his tracks.
"They did but they've passed away already." Issei quietly said.
Izalana immediately felt guilty.
"I'm sorry. I should've been more aware."
"It's fine. You shouldn't fault people for things that they never knew about, Lin." Issei reassured her.
He then paused. He'd done it again. He sighed in exasperation with himself. His past was bleeding into his present. He'd just addressed Izalana as someone from his past when he was reincarnated as a Hong Kong man. He'd been doing this for a short while now. He'd called everyone around the house different names and did some things differently.
Just the other day, he said 'thank you' in Italian to Rizevim. Luckily, Rizevim thought he was just joking around but that wasn't the case at all.
Issei decided he just had to bear with it. He had to wait until Rexis was done processing everything. Everything would be back to normal soon.
Izalana, however, had a bad feeling about this. Issei seemed troubled, maybe even a bit frantic. This was probably something she'd need to tell Vali about.
(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take To His Grave. Play Song.)
Over the next few days, Issei kept himself in his room in seclusion. He tried not to come out for more than an hour at a time or for necessities. It had gotten to the point that Vali was now worrying over him.
Knocking on his door, Vali didn't get a single response.
"Issei? It's Vali. Can I come in?"
Again, there was silence. She sighed. She'd had enough. Opening the door, she found that he was asleep. He'd knocked out while reading books again at his desk.
In exasperation, she chuckled. Grabbing a blanket, she decided not to disturb him. Instead, she draped it over him. What she saw when she glanced at his books unnerved her. He was reading books on dissociative identity disorder, amnesia, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
Vali wanted to slap herself. Was he agonizing over this the whole time? Was this why he refused to see anyone or come out of his room? He'd been bottling this all up and she'd failed to notice a thing.
She had to do something about this, no matter how miniscule or large it was. She asked around the house, but nobody had noticed a single strange thing about Issei. All except for Izalana, that is.
"So, that night he took you with him out on his jobs, did he act strange or anything?" Vali asked as the two drank tea.
"At first, he didn't. Later, though, he started to look worried."
"What'd he do?" Vali continued.
"The first time, he said he remembered how his past relationships were. He caught himself and then he looked like he didn't mean to say that or he wasn't supposed to. He said that, instead, he remembered how people were in relationships while he was at school. The second time, he started speaking Cantonese when we went to Hong Kong for his second job. I didn't think much of it at first, but when I pointed it out, he looked like he'd seen a ghost. He paled and he tried to change the subject. He told me before that he didn't know any other languages." Izalana relayed.
Vali saw the holes in his stories. They'd spent a long while talking to each other on the school rooftop when they went to school together. He'd told her before that he'd never been in a relationship.
This had to have been a problem that Issei had been dealing with for a while now. This made her feel even worse. How could she have been so oblivious?
The next day, Issei was called down to the Living Room by the family to talk. At first, he assumed that there was a new task for them. Unfortunately, it was otherwise. He then cursed himself as he realized that he fell asleep last night and forgot to put his books away. Someone had caught him.
"Issei, we need to talk." Vali started.
"About what?" He acted innocent.
"About all the things you've been reading."
"Look, I'm a growing boy. Reading that kind of stuff is normal for me." Issei backed up.
"You can stop pretending, Issei. I know you've been reading psychology books and studying mental disorders." Vali snapped.
"We want to know the truth. What's wrong, Issei? You've been a shut-in for the past many days. You won't come out of your room unless necessary. You barely talk to us now, and you've been acting strangely." Elaine stated.
Issei sighed. There was no point in pretending or lying now. He took a seat and gave his story.
"Ever since I gained all pieces of the Calamity Catalyst, I've been experiencing changes. My body's grown stronger, I think better, and just about everything about me has improved. However, there're side-effects."
Issei wondered how everyone would react to the next part.
"The Calamity Catalyst isn't like normal Sacred Gears. Instead of randomizing to other people, the Calamity Catalyst sticks to me and me alone. When I died, er, when I die, the Calamity Catalyst will stay with my soul when I reincarnate. A function of the Calamity Catalyst is that when the previous incarnation dies, their personality and memories are stored within the Sacred Gear to help maintain the seal on Bahamut and to help support the next incarnation. To do so, their memories and skills are infused into the mind of the current incarnation. In past lives, I was different people and thus, I can recall the knowledge that some of them had. In some lives, I was a chemist, doctor, engineer, warrior, king, etc. I can remember the skills they had, aside from combat skills. That's why I've been acting so weird lately." Issei said.
He looked down, not wanting to see the faces gazing at him.
"My mind is processing the influx of memories merging with my own. Rexis, one of my past incarnations, is helping me store and break it all down so that my past memories won't impact me. It's just…"
"You were worried that we'd judge you, is that it?" Lianshi asked.
"I didn't want anyone to worry."
"Issei, we're family. We're going to worry no matter what. That's the whole point of family." Ezagyra patted him on the head to soothe him.
"I'm a walking time-bomb. I didn't want to give any more reasons for people to be afraid." Issei also admitted.
"Issei, we never cared about that. If something's wrong, then we're going to get through it together." Vali placed her hand over his.
"You just need to make sure to tell us. We can't help with anything if you don't say anything." Bikou added.
"Right. Thank you." Issei quietly said.
(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take To His Grave. End Song.)
Ever since then, Issei never had to worry about his memories lapsing over his own. He wasn't sure if it was because he felt better now or if it was because of Rexis, but his memories no longer overlapped. He was able to function like normal again. It was gladdening since it was the last little push he needed to get back to his regular self. Ever since the death of his parents and this recent revelation, he'd felt changed, unfocused, and incomplete. Now, he felt that things were truly back to normal.
At least, that was the desire. Just when the Lucifer Home thought everything was okay, another problem arose.
"Hey, I've got something you guys need to see." Lianshi rushed into the mansion.
Everyone gathered around a table as she slapped a newspaper on the ground.
"Major News: The Lucifer Criminals Unveiled. The Disowned Offspring In Hiding…" Issei read aloud.
He frowned as he read the article. Someone had exposed Ileana and Rintilr's location.
"Who would do this?" Issei wondered.
No one aside from the government and the Four Satans knew about the sentencing of Ileana and Rintilr. Thankfully, very few knew of their involvement with the Khaos Brigade, so that part hadn't reached the news.
"So far, it looks like the media's exposed that Rintilr and Ileana are alive and are here in the Capital. At least they don't know about their involvement with the Khaos Brigade.
"It must've been one of the officials. If not them, then it had to be someone who came to our home and saw them." Rizevim frowned.
"Why would someone dig this back up?" Vali muttered.
"It had to be someone against the Lucifer Clan." Lianshi assumed.
Just then, the door opened, with Sairaorg walking through.
"I've got some news." He grimly started.
"Yeah, we just found out." Issei held up the newspaper.
"I got some people to cut off circulation of the papers as soon as I found out. We still haven't learned who leaked the info." Sairaorg said.
"Good thinking. We'll have to rein in the media before things get worse." Rizevim said.
"We'll have to go public." Ezagyra stated.
"What?"
"We'll have to give a public statement. Before, we'd announced to the public that Rintilr and Ileana were arrested. However, we didn't give specific details. We're going to have to come clean and quell people's imaginations with solid evidence." Ezagyra elaborated.
"And how're the people gonna keep their faith?" Elaine asked.
When the public find out about Rintilr and Ileana living in their old home, they'd be outraged. They were the heads of the Khaos Brigade and their abuse of Vali had been known for a long time already, with Vali being a beloved person amongst the community. Hate was the automatic reaction that'd be flung at the two.
"We've weathered through these things before. This time is no different. We'll do whatever it takes to settle the matter." Rizevim resolutely said.
"Yeah, but what to say…" Kuroka wondered.
Issei sighed, having thought of some things.
"The public doesn't know the full details, that's why it's best that we speak before the media can blow it up into a fiasco. We'd best tell the Alliance the truth. There should be evidence to support it as well. Ajuka and others have looked into what's happened to Rintilr and Ileana. They've already scanned them for mind-control. I can also testify. Vali's words also have weight since she's the unofficial princess of the Underworld. When so many high authorities speak out on this, the media will have no choice but to back down before they can start lying. They can't go after the Lucifer House either, since it's law that defamation against the Lucifers and High-Rankinh Houses is punishable with the loss of wealth and titles." He explained.
"And there're those who would exploit those truths, Issei. They can also deny the truth." Rizevim countered
"Yes, but it's better than lying about it. That would only make things worse in the long run. This world was built on lies and that's one of the reasons why Bahamut is still so full of rage. Nothing's changed." Issei pointed out.
"How're you so sure?" Arthur asked.
"Guys, I can feel Bahamut's rage. As his vessel, his emotions bleed onto me, whether I share the feelings or not. With how feared and Bahamut is claimed to be, I'm willing to put stock in it. I don't feel an ounce of rage when I'm near Rintilr and Ileana. That uneasiness that I felt before, is no longer present. If I have to, I'm willing to vouch my head on it." Issei declared.
"Issei, that's too much." Vali shook her head in disapproval, worried.
Issei didn't respond. He knew that it looked weird for him to risk his life for people that he barely knew that well. Better yet, it was insane that he'd stick his neck out for the two that were previously his enemies. That wasn't it, however.
He was doing this for Vali.
He knew how much this meant to her. Over the past few weeks, they'd spent so much time together, repairing their family bonds. Going from total strangers and back to a family, was a slightly slow process, but Issei saw that their love for each other remained. He refused to let all that fall apart, no matter who it was. If there was one thing his parents taught him, it was that happiness shouldn't be shattered, whether it's the happiness of friends and family or strangers.
If he was to be honest, these past few months had been…lonely, rather than cathartic. All around him, people were together, joining one another and enjoying life. Bikou, Lianshi, and Kuroka. Arthur, Lefay, and Elaine. Rizevim, Ezagyra, Ileana, Rintilr, and Vali. They all looked so happy. Yet, deep down, he didn't feel that he belonged. He felt so out of place. Was it because he was human? Was it because he didn't come from great reputation and was of commoner blood? Or was it because he was host to the greatest catastrophe? He didn't know. He didn't care. But, he'd be damned if the happiness these people shared was going to be shattered.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of this." Sairaorg declared.
"What?"
"If the Lucifer House does something, then it'll look like they're trying to cover their tracks. The media and whatever enemies you have will use it against you. However, the Bael Clan also has connections that we can use. As the next heir, I can pull some strings and find out who's behind all this."
"What if they go after you?" Vali asked.
"Then, we'll settle it the old-fashioned way if we have to. People can mess with me, but they don't mess with the people that I care about." Sairaorg swore.
"Thank you, Sairaorg." Rizevim bowed.
"What're you thanking me for? It's because of you all that I'm where I'm at now and I am now. I'd probably be dead in a ditch somewhere or I'd be an arrogant aristocrat. I should be thanking you all." Sairaorg smiled.
Without further ado, Sairaorg left, intending to get started on the investigation. The Lucifer Clan had taken care of him and his mother and helped them land on their feet. There was no way he'd let political rivals shame and defame them. He'd stake himself on it.
Later, while Issei was reading in the Library, trying to get to work on laws and whatnot, he heard the door open. He paid no mind to it as he continued to study. Footsteps grew closer and closer before he felt two arms embrace his shoulders.
(Kingdom Hearts 1.5 OST - Musique pour la Tristesse de Xion/Xion Theme. Play Song.)
"Thank you, Issei." Vali said.
"No problem. I didn't even do anything besides say big words." Issei chuckled.
"It was thanks to your testimony that my parents weren't executed on the spot. I swear, I'll find a way to repay you." Vali swore.
"You were the one who snapped me out of my transformed state. If it weren't for you, I'd have probably been executed too. You staked your life by getting close to me. Honestly, a repeat of history would've happened if you hadn't stepped in. Give yourself more credit, Vali." Issei said.
"Still, thank you for being willing to go so far." Vali insisted.
"And I'll do it as many times as I have to, Vali. This is my family now. I'll do anything for all of you." Issei swore.
As Vali kept him in an embrace, even though it was platonic on her end, it didn't feel like it on his. His heart was going miles per minute, his face slightly reddening. There was no point in concealing it now. He had developed feelings for her.
He had heard her talk to Zephyrdor right before he exited the shop and she had sent him flying into the air. The way she defended him and how she summarized him…it did something to his feelings.
He'd known Vali for a long while now and reflecting on all this, it was impossible not to fall in love with her. The only problem was that she had a crush on Sairaorg and Sairaorg had a crush on her. Was it wrong to step in? What was he to do? He had no idea. Still, there was a matter of time and place. Perhaps…perhaps he'd wait until the Rating Games were over. Once everything was truly settled, he'd make a move, whether he confessed or not.
"I don't know what I did to deserve all of you." Vali said.
"I could say the same, Vali…" Issei trailed off.
(Kingdom Hearts 1.5 OST - Musique pour la Tristesse de Xion/Xion Theme. End Song.)
Several days after the news about Vali's parents being housed at home coming to light, Sairaorg had discovered who it was that had leaked the news.
"It was the Glasya-Labolas Clan." He said after entering Rizevim's Study.
"Are you sure of this?" Rizevim asked.
Sairaorg pulled out documents from an envelope.
"In the past few days, I'd gone around asking people and urging information out of certain officials and politicians that would know of this. A lot of people would gain something from the fall of the Lucifer Clan. I've compiled a list of individuals and evidence against them personally."
True, Rizevim had heard that Sairaorg had been doing certain things regarding information. From news feeds, monetary transactions, and personal testimonies, he'd been gathering them all to find out who'd caused the information leak.
"It seems people have taken to treating me as if I'm an old coot now. I guess it's time to put people in their place again." Rizevim looked over the list of offenders.
"It started several days ago. Zephyrdor had offended Vali and she taught him a lesson. The Clan found out and decided to shame the Lucifer Clan in order to reduce support from the people and turn them toward the Glasya-Labolas Clan." Sairaorg concluded.
"Then, we've got all we need to strip their power away." Rizevim flipped the pages of evidence.
"So, how do I reward you…" Rizevim wondered.
"I don't want a reward, Rizevim. I just want those people to pay." Sairaorg shook his head.
"Oh?"
"They attacked you and your Clan. I can't let that pass. You all saved my mother and me from cruel lives. I won't ever forget it and I never will."
Rizevim chuckled.
"Are you sure? Are you not also thinking of the sake of a certain silver-haired girl?" Rizevim chuckled.
"What?" Sairaorg blankly said.
"Oh, you don't have to hide it, Sairaorg. I've known you since you were a little boy. I know you like my granddaughter." Rizevim chuckled.
"What?! Uh, well, I…." Sairaorg stuttered.
"Issei has also told me how you two are obviously crushing on one another…" Rizevim chuckled.
"Issei…" Sairaorg growled.
That guy just never stopped.
"Oh, the boy has your best interests at heart. Now, understand that I've got no problem with it. You just need to deal with your own demons, if that's what's stopping you. You know Vali. You have to make the first move so she can react. It just depends on whether or not you've got the balls to do it." Rizevim advised.
Sairaorg didn't answer.
"There really isn't much stopping you from your uncertainty. Perhaps you two need to clash so you can clear things up." Rizevim suggested.
"Are you going to rig the matches?" Sairaorg raised a detesting brow.
"Goodness, no! I'm just suggesting that it could happen at this rate. Besides, you don't even need to have an official match. You could just duke it out in the backyard." Rizevim shrugged.
"Right, I'm gonna get going before it gets weirder." Sairaorg sheepishly inched toward the door.
"Make sure to tell Uncle Zekram to mind his own business too. He's too old to be causing issues now." Rizevim added as Sairaorg left.
When he was completely alone, Rizevim made a call.
"Yes, Sirzechs, remember when I told you to get the Legal Department ready?"
"Yes, they're still on-call."
"Tell them that evidence is secure. Move in and take them into custody. It's time to get rid of the corrupt parasites." Rizevim decided.
"I've been waiting for that. You know, even though you're not the King of the devils anymore, you sure love acting like one."
"What can I say? Until I get great-grandchildren, I'm just a bored old man."
"That reminds me, have you heard of the name Argina Stolas?" Sirzechs asked.
"Nope. Why?"
"I've got stories to tell you." Sirzechs chuckled.
If you guys remember the name Argina Stolas, then I'm sure you know what's' coming. If you don't, then don't worry. I've change things a slight bit. Oh, I've been looking forward to this next part. I just wish I could hurry up and get on with that part. But, I don't like rushing my stories. It makes for bad writing.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this 3-chapter bundle for the holiday. Make sure to be safe and be careful for the holidays. If you've got school, make sure you do your work. I know I've gotta catch up on it. Thus, I hope to see you next time.
