And sadly, we're at the last of the triple-chapter update. It's also the end of my break too, so it's back to school and work for me after this. I hope you all had fun with these chapters. There's still more on the way, but I'll have to scrounge up time to write them. I hope you'll look forward to it.


Chapter 37: What I want. What I Need.

Issei's Lifespan: 15 Months

Day 14

Today was the 3rd day they were spending at the Heaven's Drop Paradise Isle. For today, the gang was going to tour the city. Later tonight, there was to be a festival near the campgrounds, to celebrate one of the island's longest traditions.

It was decided that Vali was going to spend time with family, as she had ensured it. Sairaorg chose to spend time with his peerage, with Rias and Sona following suit. Lefay and Embern grouped with Arthur, Elaine, Bikou, Kuroka, and Lianshi, doing something akin to a triple date. Izalana and Asia were interested in spending time with the other Peerages so they tagged along with Rias'. As for the Satans, they decided to continue trying all the rides for Milicas' sake. It was a good thing the young lad took Issei's advice.

By the time Issei had noticed, he was alone again.

'Huh…I did not account for today. I forgot to plan for the morning and noon. That's what I get for drinking that mystery drink Bikou gave me last night.' Issei paused.

He stood in the lobby, arms crossed, trying to sort himself out. With nobody to mess with, no open spots, and everyone gone, Issei had no idea what to do with himself. He shrugged.

"Guess I'll just go back to my hotel room and wait." Issei turned to the elevator.

"No, you're not. You're coming with us, mister."

A strong hand gripped him from behind by the collar.

"Whoa!" Issei turned to see who it was.

Vali was laughing as she dragged him towards her family.

"Today, we get to hog you." Vali declared.

"Hog me?" Issei chuckled.

"The past few days, you've been spending time with everyone but us. We want to see you too, you know." Vali scolded him.

"My bad." Issei bowed.

When Vali let him go, Rizevim gave him a pat on the back.

"What's the plan, mastermind?" The Lucifer elder asked.

"Tour the city, eat the eats, drink the drinks, and see the sites." Issei decided.

"Simple but effective. Let's go." Rintilr nodded.


They tried the foods, with couples getting a discount at one restaurant.

"Shame neither of you are dating." Ileana sadly said, sipping some coffee.

"Great grandbabies would be nice." Ezagyra shrugged.

"Too soon." Rizevim glared.

"Far too soon." Rintilr growled.

"Relax. You all might get them in a year." Issei chuckled.

"Wha?!" Vali gasped.

"Oh, my goodness, really?!" Ezagyra squealed.

"Is that why you brought him?!" Rizevim roared.

"Oh, it's not me. I'm not the one she loves. Also, nothing's happened, to my knowledge." Issei broke out into laughter.

"Issei, I'm going to murder you in your sleep." Vali muttered, a dark aura around her.

"If only you'd jump his bones in his sleep." Ileana muttered under her breath.

"Mom?!" Vali gasped.

"What? You'd look cute together." Ileana looked innocently at her.

"Actually, the target of her affections is a certain someone." Issei tried to shift the attention away from himself.

It was decided. Issei was going to do everything within his power to burn all flags between him and Vali. If they had a ship, then Issei was going to be the iceberg. The men of the Lucifer Family weren't a problem. It was the ladies, who were intent on shipping Vali, that opposed him. Then again, they could also become his allies.

"Oooh! Who is it?" Ezagyra asked.

"What does mother's intuition say?" Issei asked.

"Sairaorg!" Ezagyra and Ileana said at the same time.

Issei only smiled but then he immediately lost it. Ezagyra and Ileana both looked at each other awkwardly, glares flying from some people. Issei put his coffee down, which had become a source of life for him. He decided to study the expressions on Rintilr and Rizevim. They avoided eye-contact and almost never directly addressed each other.

'And I present the adults of the Lucifer House. Seriously, still this tense after this much time?' Issei facepalmed.

"So, who's idea was it to pair this group together?" Issei asked.

"Me." Vali sheepishly raise her hand.

Issei smiled at her proudly. She was probably aware of the tension between her parents and grandparents and wanted to fix it.

'Alright, should I let em have it? Or be indirect?' Issei wondered.

'Eh, be direct. They're all adults. They shouldn't even need you to say anything.' Rexis waved it off.

'Yeah, you're right. They're all big boys and girls.'

"So, all this time and still so tense?" Issei flatly said.

Vali looked at him in shock.

'What's he doing? I was going to slowly build up to it.' She facepalmed internally.

'Ahahahahahahahahaha!' Albion cracked up, barely able to breath.

'This isn't funny, Albion! He just threw a wrench into the atmosphere.' Vali scolded her partner.

'That's just like him! Make a plan and he smashes it apart with his own! Ahahaha!' Albion wheezed.

Simultaneously, the adults looked at him in surprise.

'Where did that come from?' Rizevim said.

'I was afraid he'd do that.' Ezagyra sighed.

'Okay, so the rumors of him being tactless are true.' Ileana flatly said.

'Of all things…he picks that topic.' Rintilr rubbed his temple.

Issei put some money and tip on the table and slammed the teleporting talisman he had on the table.

"What's going on?" Rizevim asked.

"Something we need to do first before we can start fresh." Issei sternly said.

The next thing they knew, they were in Vali's hotel room.

Issei gagged.

"Oh my god, that's a lot of perfume!" Issei gasped for air.

That earned him a slap upside the head from Vali.

"Ahem. Anyways, let's get started." Issei sat down in a chair.

On one side of the room, Rizevim and Ezagyra sat while Ileana and Rintilr were seated on the other. Vali decided to sit next to Issei.

"I'm sure we're all dying to get the elephant out of the room." Issei said.

"Issei, don't tell me you're going to play counselor and therapist." Ezagyra groaned.

"Well, if I have to, I will. I mean, look at you four; you're four adults that can't be honest with yourselves and each other."

Issei pointed at Rizevim and Ezagyra.

(Doctor Who OST – 11th Doctor Regeneration/Infinite Potential. Play Song.)

"You can't let go of the disappointment and shame that you feel for what happened to your son and daughter-in-law. You're also hanging onto the grudges that you have for them because of the pain the whole incident caused. It's not as strong as before, but it's still there."

He then pointed at Rintilr and Ileana.

"And you two feel too ashamed of your past actions to make any real progress. Whenever you build yourselves up, you immediately stop and double back."

Issei looked at both parties.

"Both sides have faults but refuse to see reason because you're afraid."

"Afraid?" Rizeivm looked at him.

"Yes. You're afraid. You're scared of being betrayed again because you know that if you put your heart into it again, it'll hurt more than ever before. As for Ileana and Rintilr, you're both scared that you might hurt people again. You don't want to jinx anything and settle for the least that you can out of fear. Well, I think it's going to carry you all nowhere." Issei said.

"Issei, you may remember your past lives, but that doesn't mean you get to talk down to us." Ezagyra said.

"I'm not talking down to you. I'm just irritated with how you four are acting because of how much it hurts Vali."

The four adults in the room instantly paused.

"I want you all to reflect and actually think about the impact that your tension and fighting is doing to her. Vali is love-starved, a stigma that she's had to bear since childhood." Issei pointed out.

He felt terrible for talking about her as if she wasn't there, but he felt the need to bring all he had to bear. There was no way to get through to these people unless he went all-out.

"She was tortured, abused, neglected, and then she had to pick up the pieces of her life with two adults who weren't always there. You've all held your grudges and fears for so long that you missed some of the effects that didn't impact you four." Issei turned to Vali.

He gently wrapped an arm around Vali. She was already looking downward, unable to find her voice. Issei smoothed his hand over her back to soothe her while he spoke.

"Take it from me. I don't have a single family member left. I'm the last of my line. Once I'm dead, that's probably it." Issei pointed out.

He kind of wished he hadn't down that. The memories that came flooding back hit him like a train. He swallowed the lump in his mouth as his loneliness was brought back to the front of his mind.

He also realized that he nearly let his secret slip. That was the one thing he was to never do. He could probably turn that around later.

"My parents were the only family I had and now they're dead. You four are lucky that you have each other left. I don't need to remember my past lives to talk. From this life alone, I know the pain of being without family. I don't want you all to get dragged to your graves because of your grudges. Most of all, I don't want you all to continue treating each other with distrust and disdain because you're afraid of having hope. In the end, family is the closest thing you'll have, whether they're your parents, siblings, spouses, or children. Family is supposed to be the thing you can count on. Yet, it's clear that Vali needs to work up courage to speak to you all when she shouldn't have to." Issei said.

His heart ached. That was when it happened. Another painful attack came. Yet…it didn't impact him. Issei forced his body to obey him, ignoring the pain his heart, lungs, and muscles were in. Instead, he channeled it into his words. He'd run out of patience with these painful fits. Instead, he'd use that pain to his advantage, no matter how miniscule. He used it to help him get through to these people.

"Of all the families I've met, this is the most loving one I've seen. However, it's now plagued by doubt and fear. It's time you all accepted the truth. Ileana and Rintilr didn't act out of their own volition. Something else, someone else, forced them to act against their will. As for Rizevim and Ezagyra, they don't have as much hate and spite as one would think. They love you dearly and are just afraid. You four need to give each other a chance again. It's the only way for you to reclaim the love and family bonds that you all want deep down. If you don't, then sooner or later, you're just going to rip each other apart." Issei said.

"That's right." Vali took a deep breath.

She looked at her family.

"I love you all. Grandma, Grandpa, you two took me in and rescued me when my parents were controlled. You didn't force me into anything. You always made sure I was okay. You always did your best for me, even though you both were hurting too."

Vali turned to her parents.

"Mom, Dad, I know it took me a long time to get used to you again, but, I know how much you regret what happened. I know you want to make up for it. I also know that you love me and Grandma and Grandpa a lot. I can tell, you're not lying. But…" Vali trailed off.

"When you all look at each other, you're either scared or don't want to see each other. I hate that. I want us to be a family again. Even when we all go out together, it's through clenched teeth. It hurts and makes me sad that we can't trust each other again. I hate it." Vali sniffled.

All her repressed emotions, sadness, and frustrations came leaking out as she spoke. With every tear drop, it was like a hammer stroke at the adults. They realized that their issues had damaged Vali just like Issei said. They felt regret as they'd forgotten what their bitterness was making everyone feel.

"I just want my family back. I want us all to be together and laugh like back then. When I was growing up, I was envious of other kids because they were spending time with their parents and grandparents. I wanted to know what that was like again. I want to my own future children to know their grandparents and great-grandparents. I'm sick and tired of all this bitterness. In the end, we're all each other has. It's not worth hating each other and fearing each other." Vali said.

Immediately, Ezagyra and Ileana ran up to Vali, enveloping her in a hug.

"I'm so sorry, Vali. I'm so sorry, Ileana." Ezagyra trembled as the three hugged one another.

"No…I should've made the first move." Ileana shook her head.

Soon enough, Rizevim and Rintilr joined in for a family embrace.

"No, we're all at fault. It wasn't just one of us. We should've let go of our fears and bitterness and accepted that some things weren't within our control. That doesn't matter anymore now. I know…" Rizevim's lip trembled.

"We can trust and love each other again, like a real family again. We've gotta give each other a chance to make this work." Rintilr finished.

Issei knew that things had been resolved. He even got a bit misty-eyed watching this sight.

"Alright, getting too emotional." Issei quietly excused himself while the whole family had their eyes closed, embracing.

(Doctor Who OST – 11th Doctor Regeneration/Infinite Potential. End Song.)


It took a good minute, but Issei managed to calm himself down. All that talk about family was getting to him. He remembered his dead parents, his lack of any living relatives, and the fact that he'd have no family or descendants of his own.

'Are you alright?' Rexis asked.

'Yeah, I'll be fine.' Issei nodded.

'Well, if it counts for anything, I'll always be here for you.' Rexis confirmed.

'I know. I know you'll always be here for me, Partner.' Issei smiled.

'You do have a nasty habit of sneaking away, though.' Rexis noted.

'Well, that's how it's gonna be soon. I'll be gone in a few more weeks.' Issei shrugged.

Rexis remained silent. He didn't want to remind Issei of his fate anymore. It was just too tragic. The most heroic calamity was doomed to die a silent death.

A few hours later, Issei saw the Lucifer Family in the distance, laughing and joking together in a cafe. There was no longer any evident distrust and reluctance. They enjoyed each other's presence without a care in the world. Issei took a breath of relief at that.

'Alright, mission 2 complete.' Issei said to himself as he turned in the other direction.

'Mission 2?' Rexis asked.

'Yep, Mission 2 was to help everyone get through a few roadblocks in their lives. Mission 1 is to make sure Vali and Sairaorg get together.' Issei explained.

'Ah, so how far along are we with Mission 1?' Rexis asked.

'Eh, honestly forgot all about it. Well, Phase 1 was to make Vali come clean with Sairaorg and show worry when he was late for the outing. Phase 2 was to make Vali think about him much more, as in, have him always on her mind after he bailed on her. Phase 3 was to make Vali face herself internally and think about how she felt for him which we did the day we went to the beach. Phase 4 will be to make her imagine life without and with him. Still got some more steps, but we're making progress.' Issei summarized.

He was so distracted in thought that he forgot to be aware of his surroundings.

"Did you think you could get away and not get hugged?"

Once again, a strong arm yanked him back. This time, 5 pairs of arms wrapped around him.

"What?!" Issei then looked to see who these arms belonged to.

"Seriously, you always sneak off these days." Vali grumbled.

"People, we're all in public. I look crazy enough as is." Issei sighed.

"Too bad. You've embarrassed all of us already. It's your turn." Vali hushed him.

Issei only lightly laughed.

"Now, there's a festival tonight, so let's make sure we're all ready for it." Ileana said.

"Yeah, we should go yukata shopping." Ezagyra agreed.

"I know where to go." Rizevim pointed down the street.

"My compliance isn't vital, is it?" Issei asked.

"No, you just need to be there to carry the bags." Rintilr chuckled.


(Vindictus OST – Melina Theme. Play Song.)

Later that night, the forested area near the campsite was decorated in stands, vendors, and attractions. Many of the city's shop owners came down to help the smaller businesses as a gesture of kindness. Issei found it unusual, but liked it, either way. What he liked even more, were the yukata the ladies wore. The men wore yukatas too to better immerse into the festivities. Well, all of them except for Issei. Still, the one he was entranced by specifically, was Vali.

Her long silver hair was tied up into a bun with some bangs framing her face and falling onto her forehead. She had light makeup applied, courtesy of her mother and her yukata was navy-blue with white and golden flowers on it. Completing her look, was a silver and blue sash and sandals on her feet.

"So, what's this festival about?" Everyone turned to Issei.

"It's called the Festival of Union. Everyone, ranging from friends and family, get together to celebrate. The festival commemorates unity and family and friends. It celebrates having deep and strong bonds. Ever year, the people of this island also wish for these bonds to continue with everyone present to be here to celebrate again the next year." Issei explained.

He should know, he was a resident here in a past life.

"Really? That's really noble to celebrate." Kuroka smiled.

"Now, It's only the 3rd night. Let's keep the flow going, peeps." Issei pointed forward as if he was dispatching soldiers.

"Right." Vali chuckled.

She dragged him along to the stalls to play.

"You know, Sairaorg is in the other direction." Issei said.

"I've gone up till this point without spending any time with you. I think Sairaorg can hang out with the others." Vali flicked his forehead.

"Ow." Issei rubbed it.

"Let's make a bet. If I win, you're going to sing in front of the crowd tonight."

"That's a mighty steep bet, Vali. Alright, if I win, you're going to sing." Issei smiled deviously.

"Oh? Are you that confident?" Vali raised a brow.

"If you think you can't beat me, then you can still back out." Issei shrugged, mocking her.

"You're going to eat your words." Vali smiled competitively.

(Vindictus OST – Melina Theme. End Song.)


"I can't believe I lost." Vali groaned.

"As agreed, you're going to sing." Issei smiled triumphantly.

At first, he wasn't going to make her sing, but he figured this was a chance to make her dazzle Sairaorg.

"Alright, there's the stage. Anyone is free to go up there and perform. Booers and haters will be taken care of, I promise." Issei swore.

He looked at Sirzechs, Azazel, Rizevim, and Rintilr. They nodded back. Nope, no problems were going to happen.

"Fine." Vali sighed.

"And the prize will be a one-time visitor's pass to all of Tokyo's cafes." Issei said.

Vali looked interested now.

When Vali got onto the stage, she found that a massive crowd was in front of her. She wasn't sure of what song to sing.

"The wind passes by and by

Into the sky, I hear your voice calling to me

Over and over we meet, our touch sparks our love

Through time and space, our love speaks to us

The wind passes by and by

Into the sea, our love sinks, thriving into the sea

Though you and I are apart, our love sparks into flames

Through time and space, you and I find each other

The wind passes by and by

Into the sky, I hear your voice calling to me

Over and over we meet, our touch sparks our eternal love

Through time and space, our love speaks to us."

When Vali finished, a roar of applause, cheers, and cries of admiration echoed into the sky, causing the ground to quake.

Issei had certainly been entranced by her voice. The whole time he'd been unable to take his eyes off her. The way the moonlight shined from above. The torches lighting her from the sides. The majesty of her figure and face. Her gentle and soothing voice. All of it made him fall for her even harder.

Issei forced himself back. He had to control himself. He had to remember that he had a mission to accomplish.


When Vali came back down from the stage, she walked over to him.

"Well, think you still won?" Vali asked.

"You were going to win no matter what." Issei sighed in defeat.

Soon enough, everyone winded down, engaging in the festivities.

"Hey, little man!" Issei kneeled and high-fived Millicas.

At first, Issei wondered how Grayfia would react, being the strict one. Instead, she only smiled warmly. Apparently, she approved of 'Big Brother Issei'.

"So, did you take my advice?" Issei asked as he hoisted Millicas up, seating him on his shoulders.

"Yep."

"Alright, sport, where're we going?" Issei asked turning towards the festival grounds.

"Anywhere." Millicas excitedly said.

"Anywhere it is." Issei laughed.

Everyone went around doing the usual. Split up, have fun, make memories, laugh, and just live as much as they could.

(Chrono Cross OST – Time's Scar. Play Song.)

Soon enough, the festival dance began with literally everyone joining in. Issei danced, clapping along in unison with the music. He laughed, losing himself in the pace and excitement of the moment. He couldn't stop chuckling and laughing in joy and excitement as everyone around him smiled, enjoying life together. At last, Issei was one of the last to stop dancing before turning around to look at what was happening around him, panting.

The first in his line of sight was the Lucifer family. When Issei watched them, he saw how wholesome they were. Sirzechs would seat his son on his shoulders while his wife held onto some toys while holding her husband's hand, giving him quick pecks on the cheek. When Sirzechs did it to her lips, she actually turned a shade of red.

Kuroka, Lianshi, and Bikou looked like they'd buried whatever problems they had, all of them getting along. Kuroka was certainly gaining Bikou's attention, with him even feeding her some takoyaki. Lianshi didn't seem to mind, even poking Bikou to feed her some too. As for Bikou, he smiled and went back to joking like his normal self. It would seem that the three had found a compromise.

Arthur and Elaine were slow-dancing, gazing deeply into each other's eyes as they looked at the engagement ring now binding them. Their secrecy and doubts were gone. Only their strong love and excitement for the future were left.

Lefay and Embern were laughing, with the boy carrying Lefay on his back, racing with strangers in a couple's game. Lefay's radiant smile and Embern's carefree smirk made it clear just how much they'd truly learned to let go of their insecurities and just maximize who they were.

Izalana and Asia were messing around, laughing, and play-dancing with each other and the other friends that had come along. They no longer had any troubles with fitting in. Instead, they only seemed to care about who could laugh the hardest. The two lonely ladies who wanted to see the world and make friends finally had their wishes granted.

The Lucifer parents: Rizevim, Ezagyra, Rintilr, and Ileana were dancing around in a ring, even catching some of the others like Ladora and Kuisha in the middle. They smiled and danced without care nor tension. The only thing Issei saw in their eyes were the relishing of the moment. Their doubts and fears gone, their bonds as a family had been reclaimed.

He looked at Rias, Akeno, Shirone, Reya Kusaka, Momo Hanakai, Saji Genshirou, Sona, and Tsubaki Shinra pelting each other with the festivals decorative petals.

Tomoe Meguri, Tsubasa Yura, and Ruruko Nimura were playing games with Kuisha and Corianna. On another side, Kiba and Jeanne were hugging and kissing as they threw petals back at the others.

Misteeta, Liban, and Beluga were playing target practice with Scathach and Heracles, all of them desperately trying to win prizes. Ladora, Gandoma, and Regulus were also competing with Azazel, Serafall, Ajuka, and Falbium to see who could eat the most food at a competition.

Issei couldn't help but shed a tear at the sight around him.

All around him, everyone he knew, from Rias and her Peerage, to Sona's, to Sairaorg, to the Satans, the Lucifer Household, and the Vali Peerage, were all having the time of their lives.

"This is all I want. This is all I need." Issei nodded, satisfied as he looked all around himself.

Unknown to him, Bahamut's fury was about to flare randomly within his soul. Another attack of pain was on the way.

'No, you don't. Not this time. Don't you dare take this moment away from him.' Rexis spoke to Issei's soul, where Bahamut was resting.

'You've already taken my life and the lives of so many of incarnations. Don't you dare rob the boy of this moment. Don't you ever dare torment him again.' Rexis growled protectively from within Issei's soul and mind, working with all his might alongside Issei's past incarnations to keep from pain from coming.

'Let him be happy with whatever time he has left.' Rexis wept, wanting Issei to have no knowledge of this.

(Chrono Cross OST – Time's Scar. End Song.)


Later that night, the entire gang was hanging out at a bonfire they made. Everyone chatted while roasting mochi and marshmallows. The night was beginning to end, so they all chose to relax together.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – The Road Continues. Play Song.)

Issei sat around a fire alongside Vali and Sairaorg.

"Thank you." Vali said warmly out of the blue.

"I have no idea what you mean." Issei coyly said.

"Oh? So, this whole week wasn't your idea?" Vali giggled.

"What do you mean?" Issei raised a brow.

"Let's see here." Vali put a finger to her chin.

'She looks so damned cute like that.' Issei noted.

"You helped Embern and Lefay get to work on patching up their relationship. You got rid of the bullies that tried to harass Lefay and steal her away. You also punished those brats by posting up evidence on social media. After that, you helped Arthur pick out an engagement ring for Elaine and got them to stop beating around the bush. Now, they're engaged. Not only that, but I heard you helped Azazel fix life up for Mil-tan and gave Morisawa advice to start dating. Oh, and Izalana's been having the time of her life, since she's told me you bring her to certain places to have fun and see the world. Yesterday, you also helped her warm up to the group." Vali listed off.

"Let's not forget. You got Asia to loosen up and have some fun to make up for a strict childhood. You helped Millicas be more of a kid and gave Sirzechs and Grayfia time to be a couple by watching their son. You got the Lucifer parents to take steps to fixing up their relationship and now they're as close as they were before. You got Bikou out of his funk, gave Kuroka the emotional support she always needed, and gave Lianshi reassurance, so they're now coexisting without any neglect. What else is next?" Sairaorg looked at Vali.

"Hm, I also heard from the others that you lent an ear and gave help to literally everyone who came with us on the trip too. Saji's gotten some advice to help get closer to Sona, for example. I think Momo and Ruruko are also talking about stuff. I think we could go on forever." Vali coyly responded.

Hearing all that out loud, in front of so many people just embarrassed Issei.

"Alright, alright, alright, that's enough. We can stop now." Issei bashfully held up a hand.

Vali giggled, almost doubling over.

"I just want all of you to be happy. I hate it when I see sadness and pain in someone's eyes. I want to get rid of it all. I want to do something for everyone." Issei explained.

"You…you really are the miracle worker. A meddlesome one, but the one we all love." Vali hugged him, sending his head into a spiral of emotions.

"I don't know what we'd do without you." She mumbled.

'I'll make sure you will know what to do when I'm gone.' Issei replied in his mind.

"Hey, don't get all emotional on me now. We've still got 4 more days to go through." Issei laughed.

"True. We've still got tons to do." Vali giggled.

"Yes, we do." Issei nodded.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – The Road Continues. End Song.)


And we have reached the end of the triple-chapter update. It was a fun ride and certainly felt wholesome.

In all honesty, I feel like "The Heroic Calamity Reboot" is my highest quality story. Sure, I'm writing this after having improved over the years, but altogether, it just feels unique to me.

The protagonist isn't overpowered. He's not that angsty, not all the time, anyways. He's charitable, kind, and always willing to lend a hand. Heck, he's winning the poll that I made for which Issei was everyone's favorite. I'm glad to see that since he's the most idealistic Issei that I've written.

In these 3 chapters, I hope you all learned a few things and took some words to heart from them.

Now, I hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you next time.