And now, the 3rd chapter of the 4-chapter update.
Chapter 46: Prelude to Departure
(Final Fantasy X Remaster OST – Suteki Da Ne ~ Orchestral Remastered. Play Song)
The storm had passed. Kuisha was cured, Sairaorg's family was put in line, with Sirzechs and Vali having set them straight.
Things were looking bright again.
Arthur and Elaine were preparing plans for their wedding, set for next year. Lefay and Embern were thinking about expanding his family business, which was guaranteed to be a hit with Lefay's genius and Embern's efficiency and resources. Bikou, Kuroka, and Lianshi were working on their contracts, intent on building up their reputations and skills. Izalana was going to help open a Department of Trade and Alliance Resources in the Underworld in an effort to spread diversity and culture.
Asia was often coming by for visits, helping herself grow a bit more. Cao Cao was also thinking about getting the Hero Faction officially integrated with the Alliance instead of just being part-timers.
Last but not least, Vali and Sairaorg were now…natural around each other. No more of that awkwardness. They'd even playfully tease each other and relax around one another. It was completely unlike before where they couldn't even look each other in the eye if they got flustered. Everything just seemed right.
Everything was falling into place. Everything was falling into…place.
Issei was staring at the sunrise from his balcony.
'It's time. It's time to go.' He thought to himself.
He'd done all that he could. He'd done his best to try and help solve everyone's problems. He'd now seen that everyone was able to sport the carefree smiles that he'd hoped to put there. They were all moving forward with their lives. He couldn't ask for more. He couldn't do more than he already did.
Just then, the door to his room was knocked.
"Issei? You inside?" Vali's voice called.
"Yep. Come in." Issei prompted.
Vali walked next to him, gazing at the beautiful view.
"So, what'cha up to?" She asked.
"Just thinking. I think you're ready." Issei said.
"Ready?" Vali asked.
"Ready to go at it without my interference or guidance. I think you know how you feel about Sairaorg now." Issei explained.
Vali fell silent.
"You think so?" She asked nervously.
"I think you're ready to confess your feelings. From an outsider's point of view, you two honestly look like a couple now. At any point now, you two are gonna hold hands and kiss in public." Issei chuckled, only for Vali to nudge him bashfully.
After settling down, Issei decided to get to business.
"So, what's your plan, soldier?" He asked.
"I'm going to…confess my feelings tomorrow." Vali said.
"Not today?" Issei raised a brow.
"Nope. Today's a celebration day. We're all just gonna cut loose and have fun. I trust you're going to attend?" Vali raised a challenging eyebrow. It was as if she was daring him to run off.
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world." Issei enthusiastically said.
"Awesome. I'm holding you to it, Issei." Vali giggled.
"I'm going to go help with preparations, so I'll call you when it's all ready." She smiled as she left.
(Final Fantasy X Remaster OST – Suteki Da Ne ~ Orchestral Remastered. End Song)
Issei went downstairs, seeing that Embern was over.
"Oh? Then how about we go visit that hot spring?" Lefay suggested, blushing.
"WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!" Issei roared from behind the couch.
"IYAH!"
"UWAH!"
Embern and Lefay gasped as they clutched at their hearts.
"Just cus you did the nasty at the Resort Hotel doesn't mean you get to do it anywhere at any time." Issei glared.
Embern instantly froze as Lefay turned beet red, steam hissing from her head.
"Pffttt! Ahhahahahahahaha!" Issei laughed, clutching face.
"Why do you do that?!" Lefay demanded, completely flustered.
"I just love teasing you two." Issei took a seat at the couch.
"Do you have to let the world know what we did that night?" Lefay pouted.
"Well, it's not like it was a secret. Everyone ran over to check." Issei shrugged.
Lefay covered her face in embarrassment.
"Besides, I thought I'd mess with you two before this. I think you'll love it. I call them Memory Catchers." Issei produced 2 small books before giving them to Lefay and Embern.
Opening it, images sparked to life, projecting moments that Issei captured at the Resort vacation like virtual reality or holograms.
(Charlie Puth & Wiz Khalifa – See You Again. Play Song.) *Honestly, you guys can pick whichever version of the song you like, whether it's the Charlie Puth Solo or the one with Wiz Khalifa. Both are amazing.
"This was when we were playing at the beach." Lefay smiled as she looked at an image of her and Embern splashing each other with water.
"And that's when we tried that couple's drippy sippy." Embern blushed as it showed an image of her and Embern sharing intertwined straws from a massive glass.
"I figured you two would like to hang onto those. Memories are important. They immortalize us and remind us of the brighter times in life when things go dark. I also figured that when you two are older and have dealt with more stuff, you two will remember one important thing." Issei smiled.
"Remember what?" Embern asked.
Issei reached over and patted them on the heads.
"Stay the same old loving, kind, and sweet people, you two. I'm not telling you two to say the same, but…just don't forget who you truly are." He smiled.
Lefay blushed heavily as Embern scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Thanks, Issei." He chuckled.
"Thank you, Issei-nii." Lefay nodded.
"Good. Now, I'll let you two lovely people plan your vacation out. I've gotta go embarrass more people." Issei picked up his bag.
He walked out into the backyard where Bikou, Kuroka, and Lianshi were tying up streamers and hanging holiday decorations.
"Hey, you three got a minute? I got something for you." Issei patted the table he was seating himself at.
Bikou, Kuroka, and Lianshi ran over.
"What's up?" The junior monkey asked.
"These. I had these made after our vacation." Issei showed them the exact same books that he gave to Lefay and Embern.
"I call them Memory Catchers. They're like cameras but instead of capturing what's in front of you, it captures moments from all around you and can project them. Go ahead and open them."
Kuroka was the first, opening hers to reveal a simulation of her and Issei. It was a picture of when they went to the makeup store at the Resort's town. He gave her a full makeover to impress Bikou speechless.
"Oh, I remember this. Issei's actually got quite the feminine side. Give him beauty supplies and he's a miracle worker." Kuroka joked.
"He did do an unbelievable job." Bikou nodded.
"And he's a king at motivational speech." Kuroka smiled sweetly at him.
Issei only shrugged casually.
Bikou opened his to show an image of him, Kuroka, and Lianshi riding a roller coaster. All three of them were waving their arms through the air, laughing freely. It fit them so perfectly that it made them feel so warm and tingly inside.
"I remember that one. A bird smacked into Bikou's face and pecked him for it." Issei chuckled.
Lianshi then opened her photo book, projecting an image of Bikou wiping some cream off her face.
"Oh yeah, that was that one time we went out to eat and Lianshi got really engrossed in it. And then Bikou noticed and tenderly wiped it off." Issei noted.
"They were like newlyweds." Kuroka agreed.
"So, what do you three plan to do now?" Issei asked.
"Well, we're going to start building up our prestige and reputations. We're going to climb the ranks and be worthy of our titles and names." Bikou pumped his fist. He then turned to Kuroka.
"But we've got something to do first." Lianshi nodded.
"We're going to track down my parents and find out the truth behind everything." Kuroka declared with determination.
Issei nodded in satisfaction.
"That's good. You're finally ready, then?" Issei asked.
"Yeah. It's been years already. Shirone and I have been talking and we want to know why we were abandoned. What caused it and why in explicit detail."
"And we'll be there with you in full support." Lianshi smiled at her, to which Kuroka returned a grateful look.
Issei couldn't be happier at this sight. They were moving on so strongly and steadfast in their resolve. It was like a father watching his kids move on.
"So, any chance at a wedding or weddings? Arthur and Elaine are already planning." Issei sipped some water.
"Not yet but soon." Bikou replied.
"Oh? And who's going to get the ring first?" Kuroka asked.
"And where?" Lianshi added.
"W-Well, I..." Bikou stammered.
Issei chuckled as he took his leave while the ladies grilled Bikou.
He found Izalana in the Living Room of the Lucifer Mansion, helping the butlers and maids clean. She was wiping down a window before she saw Issei walk up behind her.
"What's that you've got there?" She asked, alluding to the Memory Catcher in his hands.
"A little gift. I got them all done today so I wanted to pass these out before I forget. We do have a party and all." Issei smiled like a dork.
"Oooh! Let's see." Izalana walked over.
Issei opened the book to reveal a projection of Izalna yawning while sipping some water. She looked like she was roaring with water looking like drool down her chin.
"WHAT?!" Izalana glared at him in embarrassment.
"Whoops, next one." Issei quickly turned the page.
Izalna's irritation was quickly subsided as a picture of her playing at the beach with the rest of the gang appeared. She was smiling brightly and laughing as she splashed water at Bikou, Kuroka, Lianshi, Arthur, Lefay, Vali, Lefay, Embern, and Issei. Izalana chuckled as she recalled the memory.
"I remember that one. It was after you helped me loosen up." Izalana smiled gratefully.
"It was my honor." Issei nodded.
"The Smiling Hero, I think that's what I'll have them call you." Izalana pressed a finger to her chin.
"What?" Issei asked.
"We're compiling profiles and history texts back at Draczal and in the Alliance's records. Everyone's getting titles. Maybe I'll recommend the Smiling Hero or the Joy Bringer. After all, you're the one who brings life and joy to the home." Izalana spoke earnestly. She wasn't joking or making fun of him. Instead, she wanted to honor him.
"Eh…not sure I deserve any of that rep." Issei shrugged.
"Or maybe The Heroic Calamity. Since you're Host to Bahamut but use his powers for the happiness of others. You're also wonderful at wrecking the plans of villains." Izalana laughed.
"Sounds way more cool." Issei nodded seriously before breaking into a smile.
Issei then moved on to Arthur and Elaine. They were cutting and preparing fruits, separating them too.
"What're you two up to?" Issei asked.
"Preparing fruits and nuts for mince pies." Elaine answered.
"If I didn't know any better, you two look like parents preparing for their child's birthday." Issei said with an earnest tone.
Arthur and Elaine blushed. Issei gasped.
"Don't tell me." He breathed.
"No! Nononononononononono! Not yet!" Elaine stammered, panicking.
"We were quite responsible." Arthur cleared his throat.
"Oh, I see. Well, you gotta make sure Lefay gets the memo." Issei shrugged.
"We did. I was very thorough." Arthur flashed his knife dangerously.
"So, wanna try? I made one to test." Elaine offered a mince pie.
"I'd be honored." Issei took a big bite.
The crust was flaky and buttery with the inside being of soft jam with strawberry chunks. On top of it was some powdered sugar, giving it some flair and more complexity.
"Delicious as always, Elaine. I'm calling it. It three years, Arthur's going to get fat and your kids will be asking for it all the time." Issei smiled.
He couldn't help but smile but at the same time, he felt sad. This was going to be the last day he got to eat Elaine's trademark mince pies.
"Here, talk after you swallow." Arthur sighed, handing him a cup of tea.
"Thanks." Issei graciously took the cup.
Washing it down with Arthur's tea was the perfect idea.
"And I'm more than confident that Arthur will be a wonderful parent. He'll know how to discipline but also love your kids." Issei declared.
The knight and maid looked at him curiously.
"Issei, what's got you talking about the future?" Arthur asked.
"Is something wrong?" Elaine asked, concerned.
"Nah, but I just can't help it. You two have been in love for so long and nothing seems to deter your relationship, if for long. I'm just really proud and really looking forward to it." Issei smiled.
"I'm glad you think so, brother. I want to make sure my future children know their uncle. Which is something that I wanted to talk to you about." Arthur smiled proudly.
"About what?" Issei asked.
"If and when we do have children, will you be their godfather?" Elaine asked.
Issei's eyes widened in shock as his mouth fell open in shock.
'Why did this have to happen? Not when I have to go and march off to my death.' He asked fate.
He bit his lip. His heart quaked as he gripped his side. He nodded vigorously as he fought to hold back the tears. He was so touched that Arthur would ask something so important of him. The fact that Arthur entrusted him with the fate of his future children if something were to happen touched him so deeply. He wanted to reject them but he couldn't find it in his heart to do something as cold as that.
"I'd be honored." Issei choked out.
Arthur and Elaine smiled proudly and happily.
"If something were to happen to us, I'd be no prouder and relieved to know that they're in your care. Of course, Bikou and the others will also be their godparents but Elaine and I wanted you and Vali to be their primary godfather and godmother." Arthur explained.
Issei turned around, wiping his tears, choking back a sniffle.
"Oh? Are you crying?" Elaine softly asked.
"Of course. A true man isn't afraid of his emotions. He embraces them." Issei cleared his throat.
"So, what'd you want to talk about?" Elaine asked.
Issei handed them the Memory Catchers.
"Little books I made. They can take pictures of your surroundings and project them for later viewing like a simulator."
Waving his hand over a page, it projected an image of Arthur and Elaine hugging as they stared at the sunrise at the beach.
"When did you take this?" Arthur asked.
"I was passing by and thought you two might want to look back on it. I prepared these for everyone since I thought that trip was extremely memorable. For me, it was probably the most important trip of my life." Issei explained.
"Thank you, Issei." Elaine held the book close to her heart.
"It's my honor. Now I've got other people I've gotta go annoy." Issei stood and walked away.
"Thanks, Mom." Issei chuckled as he snuck another pie.
"That's your last one before the party! And wash your hands! They're soaked with syrup!" Elaine sternly called out as he walked away.
Issei decided to go visit Rizevim next. He knocked on the door to his study.
"Enter."
When he did, Rizevim gave Issei a warm smile.
"Hey, what's up?" Rizevim set his pen down.
"Getting your paperwork done?" Issei asked.
"Finishing it quite well. Just signed away the orders that'll take away all powers away from Sairaorg's father as well as all the government traitors. This'll keep them from sending our young off to their deaths and helping the poor get the help they need. Sirzechs and the others have also made it quite clear that Zekram needs to pay more attention to what his descendants do." Rizevim said with satisfaction.
"Well then, things are looking brighter already." Issei nodded.
"So, what brings you to the office? You hate paperwork." Rizevim asked.
"Wanted to bring you your gift." Issei gave him his Memory Catcher.
"Oh, Issei, you shouldn't have." Rizevim smiled reluctantly.
"I wanted to. You've done so much for. Ever since we met, you've done nothing but help me. You took a total stranger like me in. Even after you found out I was a walking nuke, you still didn't care and took care of me. You protected my parents and after they died, you took me in. I can't ever thank you enough, Rizevim. I'll be honest, you're the grandfather I never had. You're the grandfather I always wished I had." Issei admitted.
Rizevim nodded before standing up. He held his arms out. He gestured his fingers toward him.
"W-What's that supposed to mean?" Issei asked skeptically.
"Come on." Rizevim prompted.
"What?"
"Come on." Rizevim prompted again, gesturing his fingers to have him step forward again.
"Oh." Issei chuckled.
Rizevim enveloped him into a tight hug.
"You're exactly the grandson that I've always wanted." Rizevim said, his voice shaky.
Issei only smiled as he patted Rizevim on the back. The two separated before awkwardly standing around.
"So, make sure you're at the party tonight. No roaming around. Tonight's for everyone." Rizevim pointed a finger at him.
"I wouldn't give it up for the world." Issei nodded.
He then decided to track down the grandma. He found her baking up a storm while the others went out to get more ingredients, leaving her to handle the cakes and other pastries. He snuck behind the corner, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"You know, if you're gonna sneak up on me, make sure you eat first. I can hear your stomach." Ezagyra spoke out loud.
'Damn it!' Issei mouthed as he slapped his stomach.
"Ah." Ezagyra turned around with a slice of cheese potatoes.
Feeding him like how a grandmother would feed her grandchild, she smiled as she turned back to cooking.
"Thank you." Issei smirked.
"Now, what's up?" You've been doing a lot of walking around today. Is it something I should be concerned about? I'd prefer not having to bail you out of jail again for public disturbance." Ezagyra laughed.
"That was only once…Once!" Issei declared.
"So, what're you up to this time, little monkey?" Ezagyra asked.
"Just wanted to give you a gift." Issei gave her, her Memory Catcher.
"What's this?" Ezagyr asked.
"Magic photo album. I took the liberty of making it and taking photos. I figure it'd be nice to have. It can take photos from all around you and simulate it like a hologram." Issei opened the book and waved his hand over it.
Instantly, a projection of the Lucifer family shimmered to life. It was a projection of Vali, Ezagyra, Rizevim, Ileana, and Rintilr standing together, hugging and smiling.
"Oh…" Ezagyra trailed off.
"I snuck that one during the Vacation." Issei shrugged.
He paused when Ezagyra sniffled. He then started to panic. Did he step on a landmine?
"Oh, you sweet, sweet boy." Ezagyra smashed him into a hug.
"Can't breathe." Issei choked out.
"You do so much for us, you sweet, sweet miracle." Ezagyra sniffled as she embraced him.
"Well, making you all happy, makes me happy." Issei chuckled.
"It was a blessing for the Lucifer House when you entered our lives, Issei. Oh, I'm so thankful that you're a part of this family. That's it, we're adopting you." Ezgayra wiped a tear from her eye.
"It was a blessing for me when you accepted me. I will never regret coming here." Issei chuckled.
"There's only one issue, though." Ezagyra smirked.
"What's that?" Issei asked.
"Next time, you need to be in the family picture." Ezagyra pointed at the photo, noting his vacancy despite him being present at that moment.
"I promise, I will be. Now, I need to go make more people cry." Issei turned around to find his next victims, er, prospects.
He decided that he wanted to make proper peace with two people in the house. Rintilr and Ileana were decorating the tables for the party tent outside, preparing cutlery and plates with glasses.
"Mind if I take up some of your time?" Issei asked, entering the tent.
"Not at all. What's up?" Ileana asked, gesturing to a seat at a table.
"Just wanted to give these to you two." Issei gave them their Memory Catchers.
"You can use those to document, film, and photograph anything around you at any place for later viewing. I figure that the family loves capturing moments and sharing memories, so I made those. I even put in some photos that I snuck in when…nobody was looking." Issei trailed off at that last part.
Ileana opened hers, revealing a projection of her holding hands with Vali and Rintilr, with Vali in the middle.
"Just like old times. I remember we'd used to take Vali to the park every day and hold her hands like this." She muttered.
Rintilr opened his to show him and Vali playing sports with Ileana cheering them on in the background.
"This was when we were at the Resort and Vali challenged me to a game." Rintilr chuckled happily.
"Since when?" They asked Issei.
"Since you two returned to normal. I've been getting these ready so that you all could patch things up, catch up, and maybe even prepare for future events. I wanted you all to have something to use so that you could have something to remember and cherish." He explained.
"I don't get it, boy. You barely know us and you're going this far." Rintilr shook his head.
"It's because I want people around me to be happy. When I look you two in the eyes, you look tired, guilty, and sad. That was until you two patched up with Vali and your parents. After that, I decided to finish these with the mindset that you two could catch up and make more happy memories to wash away the dark ones. I'm a person that doesn't like it when the people around me are upset or sad. I just want everyone to be happy and smile." Issei explained, flashing a toothy grin.
Rintilr and Ileana couldn't help but chuckle.
"I don't know how but we were very lucky to have you in our lives." Rintilr said.
"Don't tell anyone this, but…you're my favorite in winning Vali's heart. If I had to pick a son-in-law…it'd be you." Ileana admitted.
"What?" Issei paused.
"I know the look of a boy in love, Issei. Rintilr used to flash me that look before he bucked up the courage to ask me out." Ileana patted her husband's chest.
"I see. It's actually not Vali that I'm in love with." Issei chuckled.
That was a lie.
"Oh? Then who is it? Is it Izalana?" Ileana asked.
"No, not her, either. The girl that I love is far away, with no memory of me, I'm sure. She was a human back when I lived in the Human Realm. But, due to obvious reasons, I knew things wouldn't work out." Issei got up.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go annoy more people." Issei chuckled.
Throughout the day, he passed out Memory Catchers everywhere, to everyone he knew. It was a little parting gift from him to others, hoping that they could go on in life without forgetting who they used to be, who was important to them, and the places that were dear to them. It was a way to immortalize happy times.
And then, there were 2 people left.
Sairaorg was helping Kuisha prepare food to bring to the party. After closing the oven door, Sairaorg jumped as Issei appeared out of nowhere.
"AH!"
"Ah!"
They yelped.
"Why do you always do that?" Sairaorg sighed.
"Just wanted to drop this off first." Issei handed him his Memory Catcher.
"What's this?"
For the hundredth time, Issei explained what it did.
"Open it." He prompted.
Sairaorg opened the book, causing it to project an image of Vali and himself to appear. They were chasing each other through the beach, laughing and splashing each other with water.
"Aw, lovebirds." Issei smiled teasingly.
"So, you snuck around and took photos of everyone? I should report you to the authorities. Get you arrested for the third time." Sairaorg chuckled
"I took a picture of the wrong person once…ONCE!" Issei held up his finger.
"You're lucky it was Roygun Belphegor. She likes younger guys." Sairaorg snickered.
"Anyways, I thought I'd give this to you to capture those important memories." Issei returned to the topic at hand.
"Thank you, Issei." Sairaorg smiled gratefully.
"So, I think it's time." Issei said, leaning on the counter of the kitchen.
"I think so too." Sairaorg nodded.
"Got yourself sorted out?" Issei asked.
"Yeah. Tomorrow. I'll tell her how I feel tomorrow." Sairaorg nodded.
"Gotta say, I'm proud of you. Back then, you couldn't even look her in the eye without blushing. Now, here you are, ready to confess your feelings."
"Well, I had tremendous help. It's thanks to you that I was able to grow this much and come this far. I can't even begin to thank you enough for helping to cure my mother and Kuisha. Hopefully, I can start repaying instead of racking up debt from you." Sairaorg said.
"Like I said, it's my honor to help. It's sad, being lonely. You already know what it's like." Issei nodded.
"Yeah, but Vali did tell me what it was like in your case." Sairaorg sighed.
"Coming home to an empty, cold, and dark house isn't something pleasant. It might not seem like much to most people, but when it happens every day, it starts getting to you. When you watch others go out with their families. When you see people dating and loving life together, it hurts because you're not allowed the same thing. Life isn't something that you're intended to deal with alone but it still happens. The pain of solitude is terrible because the worst kind of death is one that no one is aware of. I don't want you all to go through anything like I have. I've lived through countless lifetimes. I've been drawn and quartered, poisoned, melted, butchered, beheaded, and so on. In all those deaths, nobody even remembered me. I don't want that for any of you when you get to the end of the road." Issei said.
Sairaorg was at a loss for words. Everything Issei did, he did for other people, so that nobody suffered like he had in the past.
"Now, there's something that I want to talk to you about. It's about Kuisha." Issei said.
"What about her?" Sairaorg asked as he drank some water.
"Have you ever considered polygamy?"
Sairaorg did a spit-take, spewing water all over Issei's face. The Host of Bahamut merely blinked in annoyance as he slowly wiped the water off his face.
"Sorry."
"Again…have you ever considered polygamy?"
Sairaorg set his cup down.
"Well no, not really. I mean, have you seen my biological father?" He asked.
"Yeah, but you're not him. I think it's becoming clearer and clearer that Kuisha has feelings for you. If you don't reciprocate, then don't lead her on. I was blind to it before since I failed to even consider the possibility, but now I understand. Kuisha's been in love with you for a very long time now. I can tell with just a look at the gaze she gives you. Have you noticed?" Issei asked.
Sairaorg paused as he sat down.
"Before, I didn't. But, as of recently, I've begun to realize the meaning behind her looks. I feel so stupid. This whole time, she's felt this way and…I ignored it." He sighed.
"Then I suggest you sort this out yourself now. Things have reached a point where I can't interfere anymore. Do you love Vali? Do you love Kuisha? Do you love them both? Are you willing to support just one or both? This all falls on you." Issei explained.
"I understand, Issei. But like you said, this is something I need to do myself." Sairaorg resolutely said.
"Good." Issei nodded as he started to walk away. He then had a thought he couldn't allow himself to leave without voicing.
"If you do love Vali, then you need to swear that you'll love her more than anything. You need to treat her properly with honor and respect. Listen to what she has to say and voice your own opinions. Protect her and love her more than you would yourself. Look out for her but don't get insecure and try to control her. You need to do everything in your power to make her happy. The same goes if you love Kuisha. Treat her the exact same way, especially if you three agree to polygamy. If you fail even a single one of these, be sure to expect me to show up and make you regret being born." Issei warned.
Sairaorg only smiled.
"If I ever fail at these then I'd personally hand you the executioner's axe for my stupidity."
Issei only chuckled.
"You do that. Still, I've got faith in you. If I didn't trust you, I'd have killed myself for helping."
Issei meant it when he said that he had faith in Sairaorg. He just needed to add some scare so that Sairaorg wouldn't forget anything. Taking things for granted was always a key to disaster.
At last, Issei made his last visit. He found Vali on the rooftop of the Lucifer Mansion, setting up more decorations and banners. He opened the Memory Catcher for Vali, projecting an image of Kuoh's rooftop.
"What?!" Vali exclaimed in surprise, causing the ladder to wobble.
'This is going to be so cliché. Go and catch her.' Rexis sighed.
Zipping over, he braked when Vali landed on her feet.
'Oh…okay.' Issei sighed in defeat.
"So, where've you been? I heard you'd been popping up all over the place?" Vali asked, chuckling.
"Yep. Handed out all my gifts." Issei revealed his hands to show nothing.
"Nothing for me?" Vali asked with a smirk.
"Nope." Issei seriously said.
"Huh?" She then looked at him dejectedly.
"No gift for you." Issei shook his head.
"Oh…" Vali trailed off awkwardly.
"Just memories." Issei produced the Memory Catcher for her.
Vali pouted.
"It's like you do this just to make sure we hit you later." She muttered.
"Open it. I think you might like it."
Opening the book, the Memory Catcher projected the Kuoh Academy rooftop once again.
"Brings back memories, right? We used to go to the rooftop for lunch every day until Kuoh got blown up." Issei walked around.
He was quite proud of himself. Even the sunset felt real.
"We used to come up here to chat and hang out. Back then, I was still kinda shy and awkward around everyone. Ehehehe, I still remember all the antics we had. Like how Kiryuu tried to mess with everyone at the Festival." Vali giggled.
"We really have come a long way since then." Issei said.
"We sure have. We've fought demons, dragons, machines, ninjas, and all sorts of things to get here. We could've died so many times but we didn't. It makes me glad, especially when we all made it through together. I hope things will continue like this. I want us all to keep living on together, experiencing life together, being happy together, helping each other. It's days like these that I never want to end." Vali agreed.
Issei laughed at the bittersweet moment. He wasn't going to be here for much longer. He had so much to do and so little time. He wasn't going to be here for everyone's birthdays. He wasn't going to be here for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. He wasn't going to be here to comfort anyone when they cried. He wasn't going to be here to help when more battles came. He wasn't going to be here to smile when someone needed it. He wasn't going to be able to keep his promises anymore.
Even so, he had to push forward. He had to keep himself steeled. He had to stay strong. He had to keep lying.
"I agree. No matter what…I'll always be with you." Issei nodded.
"So, these Memory Catchers…they're meant for us to cherish these moments and to remember the important things, aren't they?" Vali held it close to her chest.
"Yep. It's so that we don't forget who we were, who we are, who's important to us, and the places that're important to us. It's also to help us tell our stories to the future generation. Who knows, maybe when you and Sairaorg have kids, you can share your memories with them."
"W-Why do you always have to go there?!" Vali stammered.
"Because I've got a hunch." Issei shrugged.
"Issei…about Sairaorg…I've decided I'll tell him how I feel about him tomorrow." Vali declared.
"Awesome. I'll handle the planning, then." Issei nodded in satisfaction.
"What?"
"Think of it as my one last act of interference. Also, think of it as a gift. After tomorrow, I've gotta get back to work so I'm going to milk things as best as I can." Issei explained.
"Same old crazy loveable Issei." Vali giggled.
"So, don't worry about a thing. I'm going to plan it all out. You two just enjoy the day." Issei smiled deceptively.
"I'm worried about your mental health again." Vali retorted when he had that look on his face again.
That earned a look from him.
"Seriously, I think you two deserve it. Ever since you were kids, you two went through a lot. Yet, look at you two. You've risen above others, despite all their attempts to stop you and put you down. You've also gone out of your way to protect others and helped them get back on their feet. It's the least I can do to help karma pay you back." Issei explained.
Vali was about to speak but closed her mouth again. A red tinge spread across her cheeks as she stared ahead.
"Thank you…" She bashfully muttered.
"It's my honor." Issei replied.
(Charlie Puth & Wiz Khalifa – See You Again. End Song.)
That afternoon, the party began. The Lucifer House and their collective of close friends gathered together on the grounds to celebrate. They gathered in the massive white tent in the backyard, with Rizevim standing on a platform as the head of the house.
The reason for tonight's party was simply due to the fact that everyone was going to get massively busy again. So, they all wanted to have one last shebang before their daily lives returned to normal. Not only that, but Issei was quite eager to have a party. They thought it was simply because he'd become a party animal. Unbeknownst to them, it was because this was going to be his last official day with them.
"Welcome everyone to yet another party night. I know, we've been doing them a lot, but trust me, I think we've all earned it. We've gone through a lot and done a lot. Times were chaotic for a while but now, those times are over. We can all rest and grow now in the company of those that are close to us. So, tonight, let's let loose, have fun, and enjoy life before we return to reality." Rizevim raised a glass, with everyone following suit.
And so, the party began. Issei was now repenting upon himself. He'd turned everyone into party animals after the Vacation.
'I'm starting to wonder if I'm a bad influence.' He wondered to himself.
'You've only realized that now?!' Rexis was baffled.
"Come on, Issei-nii. We're going to start playing some games." Lefay ran over and dragged him to the group.
(Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core OST – The Price of Freedom. Play Song.)
The family did a plethora of things, almost as if it were a fair. Firstly, they had a pinata game. Unfortunately, a blindfolded Vali was first. Issei decided to do the honors and spun Vali around several times.
"Whoa!" She yelped as Issei gave her a slightly strong push.
Immediately, she landed in Sairaorg's arms, causing a plethora of cheers and whistles.
"Love is in the air." Rizevim sang.
"I want grandchildren soon, Sairaorg." Misla called out.
"Well, I guess everyone has a different target in mind." Issei shrugged mischievously.
As soon as he blinked, a cloud of candy came flying at him. Courtesy of Vali.
"Every! Time!" She growled.
The group then played a game called "Most Likely To…". It was a game where someone drew from the deck of cards, read it aloud, and pass it to the person most likely to fit the criteria on the card. If the target couldn't refute and pass it to someone else, they kept the card, with the loser having the most cards at the end of time.
"Most likely to get arrested." Sairaorg read.
Everyone stared at Issei, with Sairaorg passing him the card.
"I'm not gonna even argue." He shrugged in defeat.
"Most likely to be the raunchiest…" Issei looked around.
Instantly, he gave it to Ezagyra.
"You heard us?" She gasped.
"Why do you think I asked for reinforced walls around my room?" Issei glared.
"Most likely to wake up with a hangover."
There wasn't even a contest when Azazel got the card.
"This is a game where friendships are destroyed." Issei nodded before breaking into laughter with everyone.
Just like before, Issei felt content, happy. Everyone was eating, drinking, dancing, play games, and enjoying each other's company. Everyone was happy. As he looked around at everyone's faces, he burned their names and personalities into his mind and soul. After he was dead, he wanted for there to be a way to remember everyone when he was just another mind inside the Calamity Catalyst. Even if his soul reincarnated, his personality would be encoded into the Sacred Gear and with it, he'd be in eternal solitude. He was going to need these memories to carry him through an eternity.
He was going to need something to help him through the grief and loneliness.
(Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core OST – The Price of Freedom. End Song.)
I was at such a crossroad with the songs I wanted to recommend. It was especially hard with the "See You Again" song. I loved both the Charlie Puth Solo and the one with Wiz Khalifa. So, I figured I'd just let you guys pick whichever version you preferred. Again, the music I suggest, is simply just a suggestion to get a grasp on the emotional atmosphere of the story.
I guess in a way, it's a kind of song that'll be sung for Issei when he's left. Actually, a lot of these songs from this arc would be dedicated to Issei if I were to ever make a tribute video for this version of Issei.
