And now, we have reached the final Chapter of Arc 3. I'm honestly very proud of how things have come along for this story. When I decided to reboot this story, I wasn't sure of how well it'd be received. I didn't know if it was going to live up to the original. I didn't know if it'd touch as many hearts as the original. I also wasn't sure if it was even a good idea to mess with what I had.
But complacency isn't a good thing. I wanted to keep growing. Even with the criticisms and compliments, and impartial words, I wanted to continue.
When I looked back and saw how the original "Heroic Calamity" turned out, there were some regrets. I wanted to correct that. I wanted redemption for myself. I wanted to touch on more emotions. I wanted to experiment more. I wanted to do a few different things.
And now, we're here. I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 47: The Final Goodbye
Issei's Lifespan: 11 Months
Issei had spent the entire night preparing for today. However, he decided that he needed to let Sairaorg know.
"Alright, bro. Today's the day. Don't worry about what to do because I'll have everything prepared. Trust me when I say that I've taken everything into account. Just enjoy the ride and do what you think is right." Issei explained.
Sairaorg didn't have time to respond before he hung up.
Issei took a deep breath. He looked around his room and gave it a satisfied look. Now that things were wrapping up, he noticed a lot more in his surroundings now. His desk had a ton of maps, papers, and books on it. Most of them documented his plan to scour the world for Aviturs. There were also markers on where he had visited in the past. He had more souvenirs and little trinkets from his travels. He had a collection of teas from the Pendragon Family. He had a jade flute gifted to him from Sun Wukong. He had a ring with a dragon devouring a cobalt gem.
However, the two things that were most important to him were his pictures. The first was a picture of his parents and him posing for a picture. The smiles they all had in the picture reminded him of happier times. It reminded him of who he was back then and who he was deep down.
The other photo was of the entire Lucifer Family with the Rias Peerage, Sairaorg Peerage, Sona Peerage, the Four Satans, the Four Archangels, Asia, and Azazel. His massive surrogate family. They reminded him of how far he'd come and what was at stake if he failed. They were also the ones who gave him the strength to keep moving.
Issei chuckled as he reminisced the beginning of his tale till this point.
"You've come so far…do you regret a thing?" Rexis asked.
"Not one." Issei smiled.
He ran a check on today's plans. He had arranged Sairaorg's and Vali's date in advance. Before, he'd had them hang out so much that it was likely that they appeared to be a couple to strangers. Yet, this time felt so different. He had taken Sairaorg's and Vali's likes into consideration for this date, wanting it to be fun for both of them. He had avoided saying a thing because he wanted it to be a surprise for both of them. As things were, Issei was confident that the two were going to confess their feelings for one another.
It had been a long month, but Issei had felt that everything would fall into place.
Since he had woke up at the crack of dawn, Issei went downstairs to prepare breakfast. He made everyone their favorites breakfast foods.
"What's the occasion?" Rizevim asked.
"Nothing. Just wanted to make breakfast. I've gotten lazy so I think I need to get my cooking back up to par." Issei smiled.
Everyone took their seats and dug in.
"So, why the quicker pace, Vali?" Ileana asked as she bit into her crepes.
"Oh, uh…" Vali paused.
"Is it Sairaorg?" Rintilr asked, narrowing his eyes.
"N-No. I just have a lot to do today." Vali replied.
Ezagyra looked at her granddaughter's outfit. Vali had her hair nicely combed with her hairband removed. She wore a blue dress that reached just above her knees. The cleavage was cut a bit low, giving a generous view of it. Over her dress was a white jacket with black hems. On her legs were black stockings and garters with white shoes on her feet.
"Enough that you'll have time for a date?" Ezagyra chuckled.
"Nugh!" Vali blushed.
"Busted." Issei muttered as he ate his waffles.
"Why am I always the one getting teased?" Vali mumbled.
"Because you're just so loveable, dear." Rintilr patted her head.
"Just make sure not to go to the wrong Love Hotel." Ileana chuckled.
"Mom!" Vali yelped in shock.
"Alright, stop picking on the poor girl." Rizevim snickered.
After breakfast was finished, Vali began heading out the door before Issei stopped her.
"Hold up. One sure-fire thing to nail the mission before you go." He sat her down in front of a mirror.
"What's this about?" She asked.
Issei remembered how he and Sairaorg would talk in passing. He liked Vali with her hair in a ponytail.
"Just a feeling." Issei said.
After a few minutes, he had done her hair up in a high ponytail with the purple ribbon. He didn't even consider makeup since she had no need for it.
"What do you think?" Vali asked with a small spin.
"Big Brother Issei approves." Issei gave her a thumbs up.
"Thank you, Issei." Vali smiled.
"Now, here's your mission briefing: have fun and love." Issei said.
"Sounds less explicit compared to everything before, don't you think?" Vali tilted her head.
"You don't need my help anymore. You two have been going out on your own pseudo-dates now, so you don't need me anymore. At this point, just go out there and be you and I know you'll succeed." Issei replied.
Vali was silent as she looked at him. Slowly, a look of gratitude crept across her face.
"Thank you." She choked out.
"My pleasure. Now, get out there and make me proud." Issei gently nudged her out the door.
"I'll make sure to tell you all about this when I get back. You'd better be here." Vali giggled.
"I promise, I'll always be here." Issei smiled back.
As the door closed, Issei went up to his room and called Sairaorg.
"Alright, you out the door?" Issei asked.
"Yep, on my way to the rendezvous point." He replied.
"Hey, come on now, be more relaxed. This is a date, not an assignment. Just go and have fun. Be yourself and I know everything will work out for you." Issei smiled.
Despite not being there, Sairaorg could tell that was what Issei was doing. He couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you, Issei." Sairaorg nodded.
After the call was done, Issei felt lost.
'Guess I should start packing.' He told himself.
Vali and Sairaorg had no idea what Issei had in store for them. They only knew where their day was supposed to start. Of course, he'd told each of them to lie to the other about his involvement. It still baffled Issei that he hadn't been caught yet. Then again, he spent sleepless nights trying to cover all the plot holes and hide his tracks.
The two arrived at the park where Issei had told them to meet.
"Looks like we're both on time." Sairaorg chuckled.
"Yes, we are." Vali excitedly said.
Sairaorg blushed and paused as he took a look at her. She really was dazzling, bewitchingly so. Vali also took pause as she looked at Sairaorg. He was wearing a black jacket with a purple button-up shirt, cream pants, and black shoes.
"So, any idea what's going on? Issei told me to show up and dress nice yesterday. He said that there was supposed to be more people too." Sairaorg looked around.
"Yeah, he said the same to me too." Vali looked away.
Just then am open carriage drawn by horses pulled up.
"What?" Vali gasped in surprise.
(Final Fantasy X Remaster OST – Suteki Da Ne ~ Orchestral Version. Play Song.)
"Sir Issei asked that I help you travel for the first leg of your journey." The Coachman said, smiling.
Vali and Sairaorg hopped onto the carriage as it rode through the town.
"Hey, isn't that the statue you used to always mimic when we were kids?" Vali pointed at a statue posing heroically.
"Oh, no. I thought they took it down." Sairaog hid his face.
"Ahahahaha! Don't get shy now. I still have so many memories to bring up." Vali laughed.
"Oh? Should I mention the clown incident?" Sairaorg snickered.
Vali froze.
"I can't believe you saw that…"
"You mean how you froze and turned pale as a sheet? Then you were out the door in the blink of an eye?" Sairaorg smirked.
"Have you forgotten that you were the one who was flexing so hard that you pulled your back? Or should I talk about the time you forgot to turn off the stove as a kid and nearly burned your house down?" Vali raised a brow.
The two went back and forth, joking with each other. Before long, they arrived at the batting cages, something Sairaorg liked to do.
"This is your first destination, Lord Sairaorg and Lady Vali. I will wait out here until you are done." The Coachman smiled.
"Oh, we can't do that to you." Sairaorg shook his head.
"Do not be concerned. Sir Issei has introduced me to video games, so I'll keep myself entertained while I wait." The Coachman held up a handheld console.
"He's just a massive influencer." Vali giggled.
"Come on." Sairaorg took her hand as they went inside.
The two rented a room and started batting. Sports and training were some of Sairaorg's favorite pass-times. He enjoyed working up a sweat and improving his condition. He wanted to be strong for the people he cared about. With sports, he could indulge in the adrenaline and not worry about anyone's safety. Yet, here with Vali, he wanted to relax and just take his time.
"Is that all you've got?" Vali taunted.
"Oh? A challenge?" Sairaorg asked.
"I'm sitting pretty on 245, Mr. 199." Vali smirked.
Sairaorg smiled competitively. Ultimately, after 2 hours, they left the batting cages to go to the movies, something Vali loved.
"I do apologize but this will be the end of your first leg on this journey. Thus, I will be taking my leave. However, Sir Issei asked me to tell you to open that your next transporter will arrive once you have finished your movie. Your next transportation will arrive. Now, without further ado, I bid you well wishes on your date." The Coachman tipped his hat off to them as he left.
As soon as they got entered the theater, Sairaorg immediately deferred to Vali's decision.
"What do you wanna watch?" He asked.
"Hm…How about War on Two Fronts?" Vali asked.
"Sounds good to me." Sairaorg nodded.
It was unorthodox to watch a movie that sounded like an action flick, but the two didn't care. They were going to do what they wanted and enjoyed. To hell with society's standards and snobby views.
The two were about to speak to the cashier until she smiled back with a glint in her eyes.
"I believe Sir Issei has already paid for your tickets. He's reserved tickets for you preferred viewing so go ahead and pick any movie at any time." She said.
After seating themselves, they enjoyed the movie. Partway through the movie, Sairaorg and Vali heard strange noises behind them. It was odd and sounded…not quite right. They turned around to see the stunning sight of a couple making out. It was certainly getting heated.
The two uncomfortably turned around and ignored the events going on.
Thankfully, the plot was engaging. The movie was about a man who was going off to war. He had a lover at home. However, the soldier knew he wouldn't be returning from the war. Thus, he had his best friend, the doctor take his place. He began to treat his lover cruelly and coldly. He set up ploys and pushed his lover into falling in love with the doctor. Eventually, the soldier was sent off to war, only to die in the final battle where he stopped the enemy's bomb from destroying countless lives.
Vali couldn't help but cry. She sniffled despite doing her best to choke back the tears. This was ridiculous? Why was she crying? It was just a movie! Movies never made her cry. And yet, Vali's heart kept quivering, shaking her to the core. Her heart kept hurting as she mulled over the film's plot. She kept wracking her brain for explanations and answers and yet, nothing came about.
Sairaorg offered her a handkerchief, which she graciously took. Dabbing her eyes dry, Vali was able to enjoy the rest of the movie. Sadly, she just couldn't calm down.
"Are you okay?" Sairaorg asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't think the movie would be that amazing." Vali sheepishly chuckled, her cheeks pink from embarrassment.
"I think it's fine. It just means that you're brave enough to not hide your emotions. Unlike me, who keeps up a strong front, you're not scared to show that you have weaknesses. Even better, you're strong enough to work to overcome them each and every time. I remember when we were just kids and you'd always cry over everything. I'd chase you with a bug and you'd cry. I'd scare you and you'd cry. The other kids made fun of you and you cried. Yet, look at you now. You've become so strong and resolute that I was baffled when we reunited." Sairaorg reassured her.
Vali gave him a thankful look.
"I remember you too. You hated responsibility. You'd mess around and joke around. You'd pull pranks on us, girls and didn't listen to anyone. Next thing I knew, you grew up to be a strong, responsible, and determined man. You put up a strong front because you want to keep others together and to live up to the expectations of the people who depend on you. Not only that, but you never let anyone keep you down. I'm really shocked that no one's tried to snatch you up." She smiled.
(Final Fantasy X Remaster OST – Suteki Da Ne ~ Orchestral Version. End Song.)
Awkwardly, the two sat around in silence for a few minutes.
"So, let's get going. Our next ride's here." Sairaorg cleared his throat.
Outside, a limousine pulled up as they got in.
"Hello, Milord and Milady. Sir Issei asked that I receive you and take you to the second leg of your day." The Limousine Driver smiled.
(Final Fantasy X-2 OST – 1000 Words ~ Japanese Version ~ Orchestral. Play Song.)
The limousine drove them off to the more forested areas of the Underworld, via magic circles. As it drove, beautiful scenery after beautiful scenery bombarded them.
"Wow, the flowers and forest have bloomed really well this year." Vali gasped in delight.
She couldn't help but admire the beauty of the land. She'd noticed it before and had seen it before but for some reason, it was all even more beautiful than before. Was it because there was so much going on today? Or was there another reason to cherish such a view? Was it going to go away tomorrow or something? Vali wasn't sure. Or maybe…it was because Sairaorg was here with her.
When the limousine stopped, they saw that a gigantic transparent gondola lift was waiting at the top of a tower. A cable connected the tower to the city, stopping at another tower connected to a building.
"Oh, now I remember what this is. Falbium thought that this would be a good tourist attraction. He said that after studying various human business tactics and attractions, he wanted to try it out and see how Devils would react." Vali recounted.
"Sounds fun. I think with how it's designed; we'll get to see almost all of the entire area from the forest to the city." Sairaorg peered around.
"Let's go, then." Vali prompted.
"Yes, let's." Sairaorg agreed as the two walked side-by-side.
After entering the gondola lift, Vali and Sairaorg sat at the front, wanting to get a view of everything. Taking out the Memory Catchers, they began recording their trip on the gondola lift. Vali smiled as she looked at the little book in her hand. It was so sweet of Issei to make this for everyone. It must've cost quite a but and took a lot of work. It made her a little sad that he wasn't here. He'd have loved this.
Suddenly, the gondola shook, causing it to tremble and wobble. Vali tripped, slipping due to her shoes, she fell into Sairaorg's arms. At first, Vali felt mortified for tripping over nothing. Then she noticed something: her heart was going thousands of miles per minute. She felt calm, relaxed. Was that a bad sign?
She sighed. Where was Issei when she needed his advice?
"S-Sorry." Vali fixed her clothes.
"You're fine." Sairaorg shook his head.
It was also odd for him. He wasn't stuttering in surprise like before. He was also quite well-adjusted for it.
When the gondola ride ended, the two got off and went outside, causing the limousine from before to pull up.
"And next, will be dinner." The limousine driver said as he pulled up to the most famous restaurant in the Devil Underworld, Grilgar's.
"Are you serious?!" Vali gasped.
Not even she had the insanity to dine here. The price for just one dish was just too absurd. Yet, the absolute best chef in their society worked here. Just a single bite of her food was enough to cause an unending craving for it.
Sairaorg only chuckled. It was just like Issei to do crazy outlandish things sometimes.
They were shown to their seats, which gave them a sunset view of the Underworld. The lights in the city began brightening as the sun fell. Even the stars were beginning to appear. It was, without a doubt, an unbelievably romantic sight.
After ordering and receiving their food, Vali and Sairaorg chatted as they ate. Without a doubt, and much to their hesitation, the taste of the food was deserving of its all its praise. Even more so, it was even more enjoyable eating with someone else.
"So, what do you think so far?" Vali asked.
"Excellent." Sairaorg almost stuttered but saved himself.
Vali only chuckled lightly.
"I have to be honest, tonight's been wonderful. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Sure, the activities might seem trivial to others, but to me, it's opened my eyes to countless things." Vali softly said.
"The same goes for me. Tonight, I learned a bit about myself and learned even more about you, despite the reminiscing we've done. I can't express how meaningful tonight was to me." Sairaorg smiled.
For a while now, the two couldn't help but think about what Issei had said to them. The moment they become comfortable around each other and felt that spark inside their hearts, that meant they were ready.
The waiter then walked over. Sairaorg pulled out his wallet to pay but instead, the waiter shook his head.
"Your meal has already been paid for. Here is dessert, complements of the restaurant and to thank you both for your hard work."
He brought over a tall glass of a sundae, drizzled with chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream.
The two smiled at each other.
"This is a dessert meant for two, so please enjoy." The waiter then bowed as he walked away.
The two shrugged and laughed as they shared the massive dessert.
The limousine pulled up to a clear hill that overlooked a good portion of the city of Lilith. As they got out the car, the limousine driver handed them a picnic basket and a mat.
"I believe you'll want this, courtesy of Sir Issei." The Limousine Driver smiled.
"Thank you." Vali smiled as they set up on the hill.
Opening the basket, they found bread, butter, fruits, cheese, meats, and chocolates accompanied by fancy juices.
"He's gone all out, hasn't he? Where's all his money coming from?" Sairaorg wondered.
"I've been trying to get the answer out of him, but he won't say a thing." Vali sighed.
BOOM!
Suddenly, the two jumped.
They looked up and to their delight, a steady assault of fireworks shot into the air. Colors of the rainbow showed up randomly in random variations and times. It was so dazzling and did all the right things to set the mood. The two snacked as they watched the show, which showed almost no signs of slowing down or stopping.
(Final Fantasy X-2 OST – 1000 Words ~ Japanese Version ~ Orchestral. End Song.)
"Amazing." Sairaorg sighed in contentment.
"Tonight…I feel like nothing will be the same." Vali nodded.
The two looked at each other. They knew for themselves that it was time. They stood up, staring into one another's eyes.
"I think we both know what time it is. It's time to stop delaying." Vali said.
"We've been putting this off for too long. I think it was because we're both scared."
"But not anymore."
(SID – USO. Play Song.)
The two stared into one another's eyes, unable to look away. Yet, despite them urging themselves to kiss, they couldn't. They tried to move forward but couldn't. Something was holding them back. No, that wasn't right. They were holding themselves back.
Vali, at first, felt her heart thumping in anticipation before it eventually died down. Sairaorg was also nervous but when his heart settled, he came to a realization.
"Vali, for a long time, I couldn't help but think of you as a sister. We grew up as kids before we went our own ways for a while. It was a sad time for me since three of my friends were gone. But when you came back, I was captivated. I wasn't sure of what to think. I didn't know who to label you as. I then developed a crush on you. Your courage, strength, determination, sympathy, and kindness entranced me. But now…I see that what I felt for you wasn't love. It was merely admiration and siblinghood that was confused as love because of my lack of knowledge and experience. Because I grew up without much help and knowledge on it, I didn't know what love was until recently. What I feel for you isn't that. I'm sorry." Sairaorg confessed.
Vali only smiled.
"Sairaorg, you have no idea how much I had a crush on you. For the longest time, I thought of you. You were always there to defend me when I got bullied. You always tried to get me to stand up. You became someone that I admired as a symbol of strength and strong will. Yet, I'm also in the same boat. I grew up insecure of myself and I confused myself. The boost in esteem that you gave me was confused for love because I didn't trust myself enough to understand that. I've also come to the realization that what I felt for you was a fleeting crush of a little girl. The love that I feel…I know who it's for now." She confessed.
"The fact that we can't even kiss and bear the thought of it…it just proves that we're not meant to be, is it?" Sairaorg laughed.
"It sure does. Still, I'm thankful for all the thoughtfulness that you've shown me over the years. I hope we can still remain friends." Vali said.
"Of course. It's as I said, what I feel for you, is what I would feel for a sibling. That's why I know things will never get awkward or irreparable." Sairaorg said.
Vali smiled.
"I think we both have people we need to go see now." She chuckled.
"Yep. I know I've kept her waiting for too long now." Sairaorg nodded.
"And I need to sort my person out before he gets too carried away again." Vali giggled.
"Issei's the one, isn't he?" Sairaorg laughed.
"And I know Kuisha's the one for you." Vali followed suit in laughter.
"Good luck." She said to him.
"And the same to you." Sairaorg nodded back.
The two immediately took off for their respective homes.
Overwhelming determination was overflowing in their hearts. They were so excited and nervous that they felt as if their hearts were going to burst.
'I knew it. I found out the night we went to that club. I wasn't sure of it, but these past few days have proven it to me. The one I love is Kuisha. She's been with me the longest. She's always stood by me and helped me. No matter what I did, she put up with it and never hesitated. When I saw her dancing with that guy at the Club at the Resort, it hurt. It hurt to watch her be so close to someone else. It bothered me as I thought about it more. And when she got hurt for me and with being poisoned, I knew that I wanted to do anything for. Anything at all. That's why I know she's the one now.' Sairaorg sorted himself out as he ran home, grinning to himself like an idiot.
Love was already making him crazy. Instead of teleporting home, he just ran.
The same went for Vali.
'I was so stupid. The entire time, the love of my life was in front of me. Issei was always next to me. He always went out of his way to make me happy and cheer me up. He defended me when my parents were brainwashed. He nearly ripped himself apart during the Rating Game against Sairaorg for my honor. He always wanted others to be happy and he never asked for anything. He even went through the trouble of preparing all this for me and Sairaorg. Most of all…when he nearly died…I didn't know what to do with myself. I just couldn't imagine another day without him after that. I have to make things right. The moment I see him when I get home, I'm going to tell him how I feel! I love you, Issei!' Vali thought to herself, giggling.
She couldn't help but laugh and smile as she ran home. She was so excited. She finally knew how she felt. The fact that Sairaorg was just like her in this situation lifted a massive weight off her shoulders. The guilt of refuting him was gone since there was nothing to refute. Now, she could completely look forward to the future.
(SID – USO. End Song.)
"Issei!" Vali burst in through the door, her smile still on her face.
She looked around, hoping to find him instantly.
"Where's Issei?" She panted, still smiling.
That was when she registered the sight in front of her. Everyone was sitting in a circle in the Living Room. Nobody was smiling or laughing. In fact, it was so grim that Vali could almost see the lack of color in the house.
"What's wrong?" She asked, her happy mood slowly slipping away.
Ezagyra looked at her sadly, almost guiltily.
"Vali, sit down for this."
Vali felt her heart freeze as her mind began to try and come up with explanations for everyone's behavior.
"Here." Rizevim gently said as he handed her several papers.
With it, were all 8 of her Pawn Pieces. They were no longer navy blue. They had returned to being white, the default color for an unclaimed Evil Piece. Vali dropped them as she read the letters.
(Sola OST – Kasuka no Hikari. Play Song.)
Dear Lucifer House,
I'm sorry things had to be this way. I should've said something, but I just couldn't. It'd have been too difficult for me to go through with it. That's why I decided to write messages for each of you. Perhaps by doing this, I can bring closure to you all and myself. First off, I'm leaving to go on a journey. Over these past several months, I've been thinking to myself that my view of the world is too small. I want to see more. I want to know more. I want to expand myself and do things I'd have never done as a regular teenager in Kuoh. I want to see this world with eyes that aren't clouded by hate like Bahamut or clouded by the past like my past incarnations. As a human, I have so little time, so I chose to leave now. Attached to this letter, I have messages for every single one of you.
Dear, Bikou,
I know you're nervous, trust me, I get it. You've got two women in love with you and you're not sure how to handle it all. Well, I was a king in a past life and I had many lovers. The one thing you should always remember, is to think of everyone before yourself. Think of your wives and children first. Their happiness will become your happiness.
I'm also thankful for all the brotherhood you've shown me. You'd always joke around with me and try to get me to laugh. You'd always join me for laughs and always livened up the place. I hope you stay that way. Remain the light in the family that will remind everyone to have fun. Just don't take things too far and keep your heart and mind in line. Laughter will only work if you want others to do it too.
Dear Kuroka,
You're a real fun gal and when it matters, you're always dependable. You know how to care for others and give advice. You just choose not to show it often. However, others will never be able to understand you if you don't make yourself clear. Sometimes, teasing and jokes aren't the right idea, no matter how difficult it is. Even so, I know that your heart is in the right place. I hope that you also continue to get along with Lianshi. I'm sure things can and will get heated but don't let jealousy consume you. Jealousy and resentment are very ugly things and don't suit a bombastic and fun person like you.
Dear Lianshi,
I know we haven't gotten to know each other as well as we could've. I'm still regretful that we can't do that. However, I know that you'll be okay. Out of the romantic trio, you're the one with your head screwed on right because you never thought about your own happiness and angsted the least. You have a mature and selfless heart and I know that you'll help make sure that the heart of the Lucifer family stays on course. Please continue to work hard like you always have. I know that as long as you're like that, your future will be bright.
Dear Lefay,
I'm sorry, little sis, but I've gotta go now. As soon as I'm done with everything, I promise I'll come back. I know I promised to witness all the things you're going to do but I've got things that I need to take care of. I know you're going to go on to do great things. I watched you go from a timid girl to a strong young woman with initiative. I'm so proud to have been able to witness that journey. Maybe in the future, our paths will cross again and I hope to hear all about it when you catch up. I'm eagerly waiting for the day you catch up to me.
Dear Elaine,
I know we haven't gotten to know each other as well as we could have. I've only got myself to blame for that. Still, I wanted to leave parting words for you. I know you're helpful, thoughtful, and earnest in whatever you do. But you tend to wrap things up and bottle them inside. Don't do that. It'll only end up hurting you and the people you want to communicate with and hurt what you cherish.
I'm also so sorry for leaving like this, even after agreeing to be the primary godfather to your future children. However, it's just that this was something I had to do for myself. I have to become stronger and for your safety, I need to stay away as much as possible. I'm a walking nuke that can blow up at any time and I'd never forgive myself if your children got hurt. You and Arthur are the oldest of the children in the family and I hope you two can help keep everyone in line. I can rest easy knowing that you'll be there to keep an eye on everyone.
Dear Arthur,
I'm sorry for leaving, brother. I know I said I'd be the primary godfather for your future children. However…over time…it's been made clear to me that I might bring harm to everyone around me. As my memories from my past lives return, so do the memories of all the atrocities my past selves committed. It'd be better if I stay away and deal with my own inner demons before I ever consider coming back. Who knows, once I've succeeded, I might make it back before I'm old and gray.
I know you're not very expressive, but you can't keep to yourself all the time. You should be more involved in the lives of the people you cherish if you want them to understand. Getting out your comfort zone isn't easy, but it'll be worth it for the things that truly matter in your life.
Dear Izalana,
Well, Princess, much like how you wanted your own journey, it's time for me to go on mine. I hope that wherever you go, you'll keep the wonder and optimism alive. I enjoyed all the time that we've spent together. I hope that you'll continue to enjoy your time here and I hope that you can see the wonders of the world, away from all that darkness. I know that with you at work, diversity and learning will help everyone flourish.
Dear Ileana,
It was an honor to have you met, Ileana. Now I know where Vali gets her good looks and playfulness from. Despite our short time together, I wanted to address you at the very least. Don't blame yourself for what happened in the past. What happened was outside your control. Don't hold what happened over yourself because it wasn't a willing decision. I know that you still feel terrible, with the guilt in your eyes. I can reassure you that despite all that happened, Vali turned out well. Your in-laws have forgiven you as well. Move on and don't look back. You deserve to be happy.
Dear Rintilr,
I know you're feeling the same way as Ileana. As someone who remembers their several past lifetimes, I want you to know that it's okay to forgive yourself. Your crimes aren't as heavy as you might think. Vali has grown up to be a fine young woman and your parents have accepted you back into the family. It's okay to let go of what wasn't your willing actions. It's time to move forward in life and keep what you have. Don't look back on the past anymore or you'll miss the future.
Dear, Rizevim,
I don't know how to thank you enough in one message. You've done so much to protect and support me. Whenever I asked for help, you always came through. I could've gone on a rampage at any time and destroyed everything. Yet, you gave me a chance, despite all the risks. The will and courage it took to do all that is something I can't ever repay enough, especially when you were present at the First Calamity. When you told me that I was the grandson you'd always wished for, I felt the same. I'm glad to have had a grandfather like you.
Dear Ezagyra,
At this time, I know you're very upset. Out of the entire family, you're easily the most doting and caring. You're always checking up on others whenever you can and you try to make everyone feel welcome. I was just a random stranger mooching off you all and yet, you treated me like I was your own flesh and blood. I grew up never knowing any of my grandparents. It made me feel honored to think of you as such. I hope that no matter what, your caring nature never goes away, as that's what makes you so admirable and strong in my eyes. I know that your future great-grandchildren will grow up to be amazing people if you're there to guide them.
Dear Vali,
Vali, I'm so sorry. I know I made so many promises and now I've just broken all of them. I'm also sure you're upset and crying right now. Don't cry. This isn't deserving of your tears. We'll meet again someday, whenever or wherever that is. Maybe we can catch up again or maybe, we'll get to know each other all over again. I just want you to know something.
I want you to be happy. I want you to forget about me and go be happy with Sairaorg. I know we're just best friends and all that but to me, you're family. I can't ever thank you enough for bringing me into your life. You've always looked out for me and tried your best to protect and help me. I was just a lonely and quiet kid until I met you. You gave me strength and put me on a path that I've never regretted taking. I can never thank you enough for all that you've done for me. Thank you for giving me a wonderful life.
Vali's hands trembled and tears continued to trail down her face.
She looked at the final page of Issei's messages.
Now that everyone has read the letters I addressed, I'll be off now. I don't know when I'll be back, if I'll even remember. As time has passed, it's become more and more apparent to me that I'm a danger to everyone. I never said it, but I could just feel Bahamut's Rage seething in my core, ready to burst at any time. I could never bear the thought of being the responsible for dooming everyone. That's why it's best that I leave now before anything else happens.
I won't rule out that we'll see each other again, but in case we don't, remember…I love all of you, my dearest family. No matter where and how I am, I'll always remember and think of you. No matter how far away we all are, I'll always be there in spirit, mind, and heart. Goodbye.
Love,
Issei
"Taking off on your own like this…" Vali muttered.
Tears kept spilling down her face as her heart trembled, threatening to break. She started to heave, choking back her sobs as she gripped onto his letter to her.
Vali ran out the door. She didn't know where she was going. She didn't know what she was going to do. She was just hurting. It was like going back to square one, where she lost the most important person to her. She sputtered and failed to regain control of her emotions as she ran. She was just so focused on running as far as her legs would carry her.
'You could've told me. You should've told me. Why'd you keep quiet about this? Why did you do this to all us? Why did you do this to me? You could've taken me with you! I'll never forgive you for this!' Vali cried to herself.
"Why, Issei?!" She lashed out into the night, unable to even control her emotions nor sort herself out anymore.
After what felt like an endless time, she dropped to her knees, unable to run anymore. And that night, the poor girl could only cry over the lost opportunities and the unpredictable future, a future without the one she truly loved.
(Sola OST – Kasuka no Hikari. End Song.)
Arc 3 End
Next Arc: Arc 4 – Fare Thee Well
How was it? Did it hit your feels?
It was a very long journey. And you know what? I'm proud of how far I've come. Sure, I'm not making a name for myself or getting anything out of this, but I do get the feelings out of it. I feel satisfied in knowing that people enjoyed my story.
When I first set out to remake "The Heroic Calamity", I didn't know if it could hold up to the original one. I didn't know if it would work the second time I did it. I didn't know if it would touch as many people's hearts as the original did. I didn't know if the new version of Issei in "The Heroic Calamity" would be as funny, as kind, and determined as the original one. Yet, I feel like things worked out.
I'm happy with where the story has gone and I hope that you all are too.
With that being said, and if you're actually reading my Author's Notes, what was your favorite part of the Rebooted Heroic Calamity? And no, I'm not asking about anything from the original. What I'm asking about is the Rebooted Heroic Calamity. What was your favorite moment? Who was you favorite character? Etc.
The reason why I ask these questions is because I want to see what worked and to kind of see if I hit my check marks as far as I personally intended. It's also kinda fun to know what other people think and get their own views on things.
Anyways, that's gonna do it for this update. I hope you enjoyed the 4-chapter update and I will see you next time. Be safe, be kind, be responsible, and be happy.
