So, because of my message in the previous chapter, I thought I'd say it here so that it's not so overwhelming.
As of this moment, the Fanfiction Site is having issues displaying reviews, so I'm not accessing them as quickly as I normally can. So, if it's taking time to reply, then I apologize. I am also dealing with some things in Real Life. I usually reply when I'm signed in since that's when I have time to do it.
Now, with that outta the way, on to confession time.
Yeah, you guys got me. Issei's death dialogue was really long. I'll own up to that. I got carried away and didn't think of shortening it because I just felt that it was really important since it was supposed to be a 'final' moment and Issei didn't want any stones left unturned. I mean, if you're dying, wouldn't you want to get out as much as possible before you went? I sure would.
I also know I did something very polarizing, which was the introduction of Adelaide, who is the half of Aria that retains her memories of her past lives while Vali is the other half that doesn't.
In response to "BaronChronos", I came up with the idea of soul splitting because it's the device I needed to accomplish my goals. The Void and Abyss are almost all-powerful and omniscient, so interacting with souls is a simple matter for them. It was just an idea that popped into my head while I was staring at my monitor. I was wondering what I could do to keep things interesting and maintain the emotional flow while also setting up the future events of the story. I then just worked around that desire.
Chapter 56: Nothing Lasts Forever
Issei, despite the pleasant circumstances, was wracked with a great predicament. He jolted and jumped in his sleep.
Images flashed into his mind. Bahamut rampaging, his cries of hate echoing across the galaxy. He saw images of corpses overflowing on the ground like they were the new soil. The smell of blood was so strong that he almost thought it was real.
He shuddered and winced in his sleep as memories of past lives and wars overwhelmed his mind.
"There is nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. They will come for you. They will come for her. You will have to fight. You will have to run. You must choose. Be yourself and fail. Doom everything and everyone. Or…become me and pacify all your conflicts!" A deep and cold voice said.
Leaping at him from out of the shadows of his mind was a massive dragon, a wyrm of navy and silver. It opened its maw, ready to consume him.
"AAAAH!" Issei screamed.
Adelaide immediately awoke upon sensing his distress. She saw him jumping in fright, his face contorted in pain.
"Issei! Issei, wake up!" She tried to shake him awake from his nightmare, but it wasn't working.
Issei was being enveloped by the darkness of Bahamut's mind.
Adelaide took a deep breath before activating her powers. Her eyes began to glow as she held Issei close to her as she began singing.
Sleep safe and sound and loved in my arms
Leave your pain and fear behind in the lasting dark
A thousand steps you've taken, and a thousand lives were saved
I will hold you safe and sound with a thousand charms
No more will you have to fight in pain that's stark
I will keep you in the light on the path that you have paved
Home at last and home you will be in my arms
Don't be scared of all that's in the dark
I will love you for all time and we will rejoice in what you have saved.
After Adelaide finished her song, she gently brushed the hair from his face with the gentlest look. She couldn't hide the quaking in her heart nor the trembling of her lip.
Issei had finally calmed down and returned to a quiet slumber. His trembling and jolts had subsided and his tormented frown went away as Adelaide gently stroked his hair.
"I prayed this wouldn't be the extent of damage done to you. Why did the Abyss have to pick you? You don't deserve to suffer like this. It's my fault. I should've been there for you through all those times." Adelaide gently said to him, her voice overflowing with regret and shame.
One day, after a month had passed, Issei awoke, feeling a familiar weight on his chest. He looked to see that Adelaide had rested her head on his chest, breathing softly as she kept a firm hold on him.
'Hm, must be Heaven.' Issei said to himself.
Waking up with the love of your life was something that he considered massively fortunate. The problem was getting out of bed without waking Adelaide up. This had become a regular sight for him now, given his lack of surprise.
'Right. What to do here…' He thought to himself.
"Mine." Adelaide muttered as she wrapped both arms around Issei, unaware of his presence in her arms.
Issei looked at the clock and saw that it was 10 in the morning. It was high time they got up. Issei had a big day planned out.
"Hey, it's 10 now. We should wake up and start the day." He whispered to her.
"Mmm…" Adelaide pouted in protest.
"It's morning, love. We can laze the rest of the day away after we've washed up and eaten." Issei proposed.
Adelaide was silent, thinking over his offer.
"Unh-unh. Stay." Adelaide held him closer, nuzzling her face into his neck.
Issei only chuckled.
"What a shame. I was thinking about planning out a date for you."
Adelaide immediately opened her eyes, thinking about what he said.
"Do you mean that?" She asked.
"Yeah." Issei nodded.
Adelaide grumbled.
"Fine." She pouted.
Issei kissed her gently.
"I promise, we can laze about as much as we want when we get back home." He said as he got up.
Adelaide felt her heart skip a beat.
"What?" Issei asked when he saw her sit up and look at him.
"You said 'home'…" She said happily.
This meant the world to her. It meant that he'd come to accept her and this place as somewhere he belonged.
Issei then realized what she meant.
"Well, being with you is like being home." He chuckled as he went into the bathroom.
After they both washed up and got ready, Issei was handed a box.
"Here. It's a gift." Adelaide said.
Opening it, he found that it was a magic smartphone.
"I figured that you'd need one that'll work for the normal and supernatural." She said.
"Thanks." Issei nodded as he set up his phone.
He checked his accounts and was glad to see that his accounts were still loaded even after his journey all over the world. Immediately, he started planning out his date with Adelaide. Making calls and making payments, Issei was able to finish in a few hours.
"Ready?" He asked as Adelaide got done picking out her outfit.
She exited her room to reveal herself in a grey shirt, white jacket, and navy skirt with black shoes. She had a large handbag made of black leather and she had not a single trace of makeup on her. There wasn't any need for that and neither of them cared about it.
Issei took hold of her hand and walked outside the house with her. Adelaide's house was on a hill, far from any neighbors but not too far from the town.
"So, what do you have planned? We going away to Britain or something?" Adelaide asked.
The two swung their hands back and forth, chatting as they walked to town.
"Actually, I was thinking we could do something a little more domestic. We've gone to a bunch of different places and lived almost everywhere at this point. So, I thought we could slow things down and just enjoy the now. It really helps to just take a few steps back and see what's in front of us." Issei smiled.
"Sounds like a plan." Adelaide laughed.
(Big Star – Thirteen. Play Song.)
The two ventured into the town, hands swinging as they went. As soon as they entered the town, Issei's eyes immediately went to the food. Adelaide giggled.
"Still a glutton?" Adelaide asked.
"Yeah." Issei admitted.
"Two, please." Adelaide bought some falafel shawarma from a vendor, handing one to Issei.
"Thanks." Issei took a hearty bite.
"You've got sauce on you." Adelaide chuckled, wiping the sauce from the corner of his mouth.
The two walked around, enjoying the bright lights that beautifully encrusted the view of the navy night sky.
"So, where to first?" Adelaide asked.
"Something that I'm sure you'll like." Issei said as he took her to Boston Common.
The Park was packed with people as an improv show was preparing to start. Issei guided her to a blanket with a basket full of snacks and drinks.
"How'd you get this ready?" Adelaide asked.
"Made some calls, did some things, went out while you weren't looking." Issei shrugged.
Since when had Issei left the house? Adelaide started to wonder what other things he'd been up to.
"And now, we just enjoy the show." Issei popped open some sparkling juice and some glasses.
"Don't we technically not have to worry about alcohol age limits?" Adelaide asked.
"Drink too much and you get hooked. Besides, I know you don't like alcohol and neither do I." Issei said.
True, he had a point. The two clinked their glasses as they watched the Broadway show happening at the center of the Park. The show was about a young man who'd lost his memories of his wife due to biological problem. Despite her best protests for him to stay, he left her to recover his memories, spending a few years looking for himself and his past. At the end, he recovered his memories and returned to his wife, resuming the happy life he had before he lost his memories.
This hit a little too close to home for Issei and Adelaide. Memories, being unable to be together, and returning to one another…it was almost too poetic. It reflected their situation so much. Much like how the play went, Issei and Adelaide hoped their life would turn out like how the characters in the Play did, a happily ever after.
"So…that hit home a bit." Adelaide said.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't think the play had that plot." Issei apologized.
"It's okay. I know you just wanted us to have a good time. Besides, this time, we're going to have a happy ending." Adelaide smiled reassuringly.
"Without a doubt." Issei smiled back.
"So, you up for the next part? I know it's your favorite." Issei said.
"Oh?" Adelaide chuckled.
He took her hand and led her to a lake. Above them was a sight to behold. Stars lit the sky as far as the eye could see. There was no light pollution, so every single dot, speck, and twinkle could be seen.
"How?" Adelaide asked, referring to the perfect sight above them.
"A little bit of magic and we get a clear view of the night sky." Issei said.
He walked over to the lakeshore and gestured toward a small boat sitting there.
"Got it rented and ready." Issei said.
The two drifted in the middle of the lake as the gentle waters caressed the boat.
Adelaide sighed in contentment as she lay in Issei's arms. She rested her head on his chest as they looked at the stars.
"I hope these days never end." Adelaide sighed in contentment.
Issei agreed. Whenever he was with Adelaide, he was unsure of how to sort himself out in a positive way. Being with her, made him feel many things. He wanted to just savor every single moment with her in stagnation. He also wanted to take her anywhere and everywhere. He wanted to fulfill anything she wanted and he wanted her happy and with him.
Despite some hazy parts in his memory, Issei didn't mind. He had won his chance at a happy life and he was going to keep it. Spending every day with the woman he loved and hopefully starting a family with her was all he wanted now.
"Are you ever going to go back to that supernatural world?" Adelaide asked.
"No. I've had my fill of it. I've fought and died enough times to say that I just want to rest now. Why?" Issei asked.
"I was just wondering. I know you've spent more time there than I ever have. I was wondering if you ever missed it." Adelaide asked.
"I really don't, to be honest. Almost every day, I had to look behind myself. I had to sleep with one eye open. I had to think about what would happen after every choice. I'm done with that. I just want to relax and spend my days with you." Issei kissed her.
Adelaide turned a deep shade of pink. Her heart started beating rapidly as the bashfulness crept in. She held onto Issei even tighter as he said that. She dug her blushing face into Issei's chest to hide his eyes from seeing her expression.
'Ugh, why does he always know what to say?!' She cried out in her head.
"I hope these days never end too." Adelaide muttered, desperately trying to control her raging bashfulness.
(Big Star – Thirteen. End Song.)
The leaders of the Alliance had gathered in Sirzech's meeting room to discuss their current situation. Seated around a massive table, were leaders of various mythical pantheons, all of them arriving to give their findings as of today.
"Alright, so it's clear that everyone's going crazy now. The Aviturs are back, the Host of Bahamut is missing, and no one knows where to look for either parties, correct?" Odin sighed as he sat down.
Many didn't have the audacity to say something prideful since they all knew that they'd come to the same conclusion.
"We've actually found something of grave importance." Michael said, standing up.
Everyone turned to listen to him.
"As of yesterday, we have learned of the survival of the Cult of Bahamut."
Scowls spread across the faces of many present.
"Many eons ago, after the destruction of the First Galaxy in the First Calamity, all life was brought to the second galaxy. History was tampered with and the world was different. However, those changes had spawned a new problem. Many still remembered the First Galaxy and the events that transpired before and after it. The ones that remembered Bahamut began to worship him as a deity of destruction and rebirth. It's their belief that Bahamut must destroy all life to recreate a newer and stronger galaxy. We don't know how they remembered or why they decided to make themselves known now, but we can't let them do as they please." Gabriel added.
"We will need to organize 2 search parties. One party will look for the Cult of Bahamut and the other will search for the Host of Bahamut." Vishnu said.
"My granddaughter will handle the search for the Host since she has a connection with him." Rizevim stood up.
"I'm sorry, Rizevim, but I think this should be handled by a group more specialized for something as important as this." Ra interjected.
"My granddaughter is the Songstress of Serenity. If there's anyone who has the highest chances of finding him, it's her. The Host of Bahamut and Songstress of Serenity are like partners, which would imply that they have a connection. Most of all, she has the deepest relationship with him. If some stranger or a group of powerful entities were to approach him, do you think Bahamut would react kindly? It's better to give a gentle approach rather than a forceful one. Ill will would only set off Bahamut's rage and we might even fall into the trap of the Aviturs if they do have a hand in this." Rizevim said.
There was much deliberation amongst the people present but after some discussion, a decision was reached.
"Very well. We will then organize teams to search for the Cult. It is imperative that we do not allow them to release Bahamut." Rod, the Slavic god of Creation, said.
When the meeting was adjourned, Rizevim returned home to Vali and her Peerage.
"I have a new assignment for you." He said.
"Is it relevant?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, very much so. You all are going to join the team that will search for Issei. We'll gather our leads and Vali will point the way to finding him. We still have the Black Box to the Vestige, which also recorded his movements, so we can start there. He might be somewhere that he's already been to." Rizevim said.
"When can we leave?" Vali eagerly asked.
"Tomorrow at the earliest. Information is being compiled as we speak. However, that's not all." Rizevim sighed.
"Got a bad feeling about this." Bikou muttered.
"As you should. A long time ago, there existed a cult. They were remnants of the First Galaxy who remembered the First Calamity. They were a group of individuals that worshipped Bahamut. They believed that Bahamut needed to rampage in order for all life to be eliminated so that a new galaxy made of stronger, wiser, and smarter individuals could be evolved from it. We managed to eradicate them before they could actually cause trouble, but some remnants are still around of that fanatical genocidal cult." Rizevim explained.
"And you're afraid that they'll also try to find Issei and unleash Bahamut." Izalana surmised.
"Yes. Their end goal is the release of Bahamut and our total destruction from his mad rampage. That's why I need you all to find Issei before anyone else can." Rizevim said.
"And what about the one who took him?" Vali asked.
"Capture them. The more information we get, the better." Rizevim said.
After spending enough time in the lake, Issei and Adelaide decided to leave. Instead of taking the convenient way, they decided to walk to dinner. Issei had reserved somewhere for them to eat and it was apparently somewhere that she liked.
"Spice Palace? How'd you know?" Adelaide asked.
"I remember you saying it was one of your favorite places to eat at." Issei opened the door for her.
Inside was a restaurant decorated with Indian designs. It was elegant, yet simple. Red curtains were draped across the windows, tables were neatly set with cutlery as shiny as pure silver of the highest caliber.
"Hi, I'm here for a reservation for Marcus Moua." Issei said.
Marcus Moua was one of a few aliases he'd used during his trip around the world to hunt the Aviturs.
"Please, right this way." The Waiter said as he directed Issei and Adelaide to a reserved table that had a view of the Charles River.
After they got their drinks and meals, they began to talk. It was pleasant for both of them. Adelaide finally had someone to spend time with, someone to chase away her loneliness while Issei could finally talk about someone about his troubles and not worry about the repercussions of the truth.
"So, what else have you done without me knowing?" Adelaide asked with a curious smirk.
"I don't know. It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you." Issei replied.
Adelaide puffed her cheeks.
"Always so secretive. C'mon, tell me." She pouted cutely.
"Nope. You'll find out tomorrow night." Issei shook his head.
One thing that Adelaide had learned was that Issei loved to tease people. It made her enjoy his company even more but sometimes it was just tantalizing.
As promised, Issei had another plan set the following night. He remembered that Adelaide liked to dance, so he decided he'd take her somewhere she'd like.
Issei got in a button-up shirt and formal pants with dress shoes and jacket. He knew that Adelaide wasn't one for dance clubs that was full of alcohol and all those sweaty people grinding on each other. So, he opted for somewhere a bit more formal but not too strict.
He decided that he wanted to go somewhere a bit more normal too. He didn't want to go somewhere that had supernatural connections. He had been serious about wanting to get away from that place. He was so tired of fighting every day or worrying about the prospect of it. He'd only fight for the people that he cared about and as of now, it was only Adelaide who'd reached that list. Even then, he wanted to avoid any fights. He never liked fighting. It was only something that had been forced upon him.
He heard the sound of footsteps climbing down the stairs. Looking up, he saw Adelaide in a short dress that reached her knees. It was red and sleeveless. She wore a black jacket and matching black shoes with a red bag in her hands. Clearly, her attire was a nice contrast to Issei's blue attire.
"So, ready?" Issei asked.
Adelaide only excitedly walked over and took his hand.
"So, Mr. Secrets, where're we going? And I hope it's somewhere we can both enjoy. If it's uncomfortable for you, we don't have to go." She said.
"It's fine. I think it's a place that we can both indulge in." Issei chuckled.
"I don't want you forcing yourself to do things for my sake. Remember, I want you to be happy too." Adelaide stopped in her tracks.
Issei gave her an appreciative smile.
"Thank you, Adelaide."
Regardless, they continued onto where Issei wanted them to go.
"A cruise ship?!" Adelaide gawked.
"Yep. It's not overly crowded. It's a one-night trip. It's not too expensive. Most of all, we can dance to our heart's content and not worry about anyone trying to grind on you…or me." Issei explained.
"Still…cruises aren't cheap." Adelaide felt bad now.
She didn't want Issei to blow through money just to make her happy. Just being with him was all she wanted.
"Money doesn't mean a thing to me if it helps me give you something to remember. I want to give you happy memories that're worth cherishing." Issei said as he continued to walk up to the guards.
"Name please?" The Guard asked.
"Marcus Moua plus one." Issei said.
"You're on the list. Please enjoy the night on our cruise." The Guard nodded.
Issei winked at Adelaide.
"Marcus Moua?" She whispered.
"I used a lot of aliases when I was traveling around the world. I've got several bank accounts too, so I might as well use the names on them." Issei shrugged.
"Are you a spy in this life?" Adelaide asked.
"Nope. I could make a killing, though." Issei chuckled.
As the cruise ship took off, Issei and Adelaide checked around to see what there was to do. There was a live band, movies on demand, gambling, hot-tubbing, karaoke, and dancing along with live shows.
Gambling wasn't something that Issei and Adelaide were fond of, so they did other things. Mainly, they sat and dined as they watched the band perform and the improv shows act up. Before long, the band and DJs took over, prompting Issei to bring Adelaide to the dance floor.
"May I have this dance?" Issei asked.
"Of course." Adelaide chuckled.
The two got onto the dance floor as the dance began a soft and slow waltz.
"So, what kind of dances can you do?" Issei asked.
"Wanna try me?" Adelaide raised a brow.
"What do I get out of it?" Issei asked.
Adelaide smirked, leaned over to his ear, and whispered. Issei's jaw dropped.
"Sound fair?" She asked.
Issei was left stammering before nodding.
"You're on." Issei nodded.
Immediately, Adelaide changed from her waltz and went into a Tango routine. Issei was hard-pressed to keep up. She then went into a Salsa routine before mixing in some Foxtrot. Issei realized that this was her way of teasing back at him for all his messing around. He smirked competitively as he let her go.
Adelaide started walking away, swaying her hips sensually as she knew he'd follow. To her shock, Issei moonwalked past her, entangling their hands again. Adelaide gawked in pleasant surprise at his moves.
"Can't let you win, can I?" Issei smirked.
The rest of the dance floor made room for them, intrigued by their dancing. Even the band got caught up in the mood, switching songs on the fly to match their pace and style.
The claps and cheers started coming as the two continued. Yet, they weren't focused on anyone else but each other. They gazed into each other's eyes and only felt the desire to endlessly continue.
When the two finished the chaotic yet enthralling storm of dances, everyone on the ship was left applauding at their enthusiasm.
They went to the bar for some drinks after that long dance.
"I'll be back. Gotta go use the bathroom." Adelaide said as she walked away.
When she finished her business, she found that someone was now blocking her way. A young man with short brown hair and green eyes wearing a black suit with a grey shirt was talking, unaware of her presence. He accidentally bumped into her, causing him to stammer.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." He stepped back.
"It's fine." Adelaide politely smiled as she casually wiped some liquid off her shoulder.
"Hi, I'm Robert Eisner. I should've been watching where I was going." Robert bowed a bit in apology.
"It's okay, Mr. Eisner. It was just an accident."
"Let me buy you a drink as an apology." Robert said as he went over to the bar next to them.
"I'm alright. I don't drink alcohol." Adelaide said.
"It's just sparkling juice. I promise." Robert held up the glass.
Adelaide had a bad feeling about this but took the glass.
"So, you just here to enjoy the open cruise?" Robert asked.
"Yeah. I came here with my boyfriend." Adelaide stated her situation clearly.
She had a feeling he was going to try and hit on her. There had been a lot of guys who'd tried to worm up into her good graces to try and score on her. Buying drinks was usually one of the tell-tale signs.
"That guy you were dancing with?" Robert asked.
"Yep. We came here for a night of relaxation where nobody could bother us." Adelaide said.
"I understand. Where is he, by the way? That was some real cool dancing you two did." Robert said, looking across the ship's deck.
"He's at another bar, waiting for me." Adelaide said.
"Well, if I were him, I'd never let someone like you be gone for so long. It doesn't look like he's around." Robert remarked.
"He's right over there." Adelaide immediately pointed at Issei.
"Oh." Robert chuckled sheepishly.
"Say, it's just you two, right?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Then who's that girl over there hugging him?" Robert pointed out.
Adelaide looked closely and there was indeed another woman wrapping her arms around his. Adelaide immediately felt the flames of annoyance spark in her heart. She didn't like this one bit. She didn't like the idea of anyone trying to worm their way up on Issei. Even so, she remained calm, despite her desire to walk right over and rip that girl a new one.
"Some guy he is. As soon as you leave, it looks like he's started chatting up someone else." Robert said, taking a step closer toward Adelaide.
"No, I don't think so." Adelaide quietly said.
"Pardon?"
(Faye Wong – Eyes on Me. Play Song.)
"I know my boyfriend and he's more of a man than most. He doesn't try to prove it by being one those guys who talk about all the girls they dated or try to be alpha male. He's already a man among men and proves it through his humbleness, generosity, hard work, and loyalty. He doesn't go around acting like woman are trophies and doesn't care about them just for looks. He knows about the more important and finer things in life that money and looks can't ever get. I know it and I'm sure that other women with high standards see it." Adelaide replied.
"He's a guy. All guys get the desire to stray. What makes him so special? I bet he's another one of those guys who just sit around and let their parents pay for everything." Robert skeptically said.
"Well, my man isn't like other men. He doesn't care what others think of him in a shallow light because he's deeper than that. He doesn't go around boasting to other people and acting like he's hot stuff. He does what's important and doesn't see the need to show off because he knows what he does counts. He doesn't need validation from other people. Most guys who think they're men are just boys too busy trying to show off. My man is a real man. Have a good night." Adelaide said in a very calm way, almost like a teacher lecturing a kid trying to sound like a man.
She walked away with all the authority of a queen without looking back.
While Adelaide had been experiencing all of that, Issei had been waiting patiently at the bar.
Issei sipped his water before an entirely new person came up to him.
"You're some real hot stuff. Where'd you learn?"
It was a young woman with a purple dress. She had long auburn hair tied up into a bun with some fancy jewelry around her neck and earrings that twinkled like stars with the smallest ray of light.
"Took some classes when I was younger. And, I'm not anything special. I just got caught up in the flow." Issei chuckled.
"Mary DiMaggio. It's a pleasure." She extended her hand.
Issei shook it politely.
"So, you here alone?" Mary asked.
"No, I'm not." Issei shook his head.
"Oh, I see. Are you interested in a dance with me?" Mary asked.
"I'm sorry, I'll have to decline." Issei politely said.
"Why? I promise, it won't make your date jealous." Mary said.
"Tonight's a special night. I made a promise to her." Issei shook his head with a smile.
Mary looked at him with a smirk.
"And what if we just danced as a way to be friends? Is that so wrong?" She asked.
"No, it's not wrong, but I made a promise, so I'll be keeping it." Issei said.
"Then why's your lady drinking with another guy." Mary pointed at Adelaide.
Issei turned with exasperation and saw that Adelaide was indeed talking with another guy, holding a drink in her hand. Yet, he knew that Adelaide wasn't doing this willingly. Her eyes told the whole story and judging by her body language and expression, she was probably shaming the hell out of that guy for something crass.
Adelaide wasn't disloyal and she didn't like drinking alcohol, either, for starters.
"If it's alright for her to drink and talk with other guys, then surely, it's alright if we have a small dance." Mary suggested.
"Nah, I think I'll pass. I know my lady. She's loyal, sweet, patient, intuitive, and smart. I'm not the only guy who knows this, so I'm not surprised that someone else would pick up on it too. To me, she's irreplaceable. She does her best in everything she does and isn't afraid to make it clear about how she feels. So, I'm sorry, but I have to decline. Tonight's for her, so I've gotta keep to my word." Issei politely said with a smile.
As he finished, he felt two arms wrap around his shoulders.
"Am I interrupting something?" Adelaide asked with a smile.
"No, not at all. Have a good night you two." Mary said with an impressed voice, though she didn't seem too bothered with the rejection.
"And just when I thought we could go somewhere and not get caught up." Issei sighed.
"Well, what can you do? We've gotta fight for our happiness." Adelaide said as she hugged Issei from behind.
Her heart was pounding now. She had heard every single word that Issei had said about her, which rocked her to her core. It lit a flame inside her stomach and heart. A passionate blaze that urged her to be more intimate as admiration, love, and a longing throttled her. Her face went red with some embarrassment as his words rung around her head. Those words made her fall even harder for him.
When the cruise ended, Issei noticed her gazing at him. He wondered if she was upset about what had happened.
On the contrary, it was such a loving and passionate look that Issei could easily translate what it was that she was saying to him. Even he was started to get flushed and hot.
'I love you so much.' Her eyes told him as she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked home.
After two months had passed since Issei had come here and she spent more time with him, Adelaide reflected on herself. She had initially wondered if her feelings for Issei were merely based off her remnant love as Aria for Ardjis. She had wondered if her love for Issei was, but a sham fabricated from memories that fate pushed upon them.
However, during the days they spent together, Adelaide began to determine her answer. She saw his true self, Issei Hyoudou shine through. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, patient, loyal, and mischievous. He was just but he was never cruel and never lost his temper easily. He felt sympathy for everyone, no matter who they were and was always willing to give chances.
Watching him in action made her fall deeper in love with him. To hell with Aria and Ardjis' past romance, these feelings of love that she felt now were her own. Issei had seen into her very core.
Initially, she had been motivated by the remnant wishes of Aria, but as time went on, she felt those urges subside. Instead, she wanted to know even more about Issei Hyoudou and spend more time with him. She wanted to be happy with him. She wanted to make him happy. She wanted to do whatever she could for him as she learned more about his past.
And indeed, they'd grown even closer together. It was almost as if they were married.
Despite Issei having lost a good chunk of his memories from the process that evolved him, the place that Adelaide had earned in his heart had made it as if that gap in his mind never existed.
(Faye Wong – Eyes on Me. End Song.)
Issei chuckled to himself as got done putting his stuff into their room. The house had grown more complete with him moving in and adding his own spin on things. There were now rugs to decorate the floor, more shelves to hold more books, fixed up boards and pictures, and displays for all of Adelaide's awards.
He opened the closet and noticed that there was a slightly loose board nailed into the wail. No, not tailed, hooked. Issei decided to readjust it so that it wouldn't fall out but the exact opposite happened. Due to his momentary clumsiness, the board slipped out of his hands as a loud crash followed.
Issei scratched his head in exasperation as he was about to pick up the mess he made. He immediately froze when he realized what he was looking at.
"Issei?! Issei, what's wrong?!" Adelaide came up the steps.
Issei turned to look at her, his eyes blank, his jaw dropped.
"What?" She asked as she realized what was on the ground.
'HE FOUND THEM!' Adelaide screamed in her head in morbid embarrassment.
'TOYS?!' Issei had gasped in his head.
'I CAN'T BELIEVE HE FOUND THEM!' Adelaide cried in embarrassment.
One night, after Issei and Adelaide were coming home from grocery shopping. It was a night that Adelaide felt would change everything.
'So, goji berries, yogurt, fatty fish, beef, soybeans, and…soft-shelled turtle…' Issei trailed off as he read the list of ingredients on the shopping list in his head.
His mind connected the dots. Toys, certain bottles, energy-enhancing foods. Issei felt pandemonium in his head as he realized what was going to happen.
Adelaide froze.
"Issei?"
"Y-Yes?!" Issei yelped.
"Do you feel that?" Adelaide asked.
Issei paused as he also sensed that feeling. He groaned in frustration and defeat. He'd know that feeling anywhere. That supernatural feeling. That feeling that always came whenever a fight was on its way.
"It wasn't going to last forever, was it?" Issei asked.
"No, but I'm ready for it." Adelaide sighed.
"Come out." Issei demanded.
From out of the bushes, several robed figures walked over. They wore navy cloaks, all of their faces hooded. Issei and Adelaide felt dark premonitions from them. The feeling they gave off was unsettling, dangerous.
"Lord Bahamut, it has been too long."
Issei immediately recognized their cloaks after a look at the crest upon it. The dragon with multiple wings devouring the world. These people were from the Cult of Bahamut. In truth, they were Bahamut's unwanted cult. Bahamut hated them just as much as everyone else.
"What is the meaning of this?" Issei asked, stepping in front of Adelaide defensively.
"Lord Bahamut, it is time. Six of the Seven Beasts have returned. The world has erupted into chaos again. It needs your cleansing might to emerge from the ashes anew. The world must end by your hand so that a stronger and wiser galaxy can arise." One of the fanatics said.
"I am not Bahamut. How do you even know if I am?" Issei said.
"Please do not say so, Lord Bahamut. You are Host to him. You are Bahamut. In your very soul, you are him. Surely, you understand the great calling that awaits you. We have spent eons developing ways to find you. Your power is without equal and unique. Through your power and its traces, we have found our way back into your service." Another Cultist said.
"I have no great calling now. I will not destroy this galaxy. It is a waste of life and effort. The world is moving towards change. Even now, pantheons that once went to war over followers have begun cooperating toward a better future. They have even begun to make changes towards the mortal realm for the better. This belief that the Galaxy must end, cannot transpire." Issei objected.
"It was only by the flames of cleansing that this Galaxy was made. This world only came so far because of its initial destruction. Even so, it is still so flawed. The gods convene for alliance, and yet, they plot behind each other's backs. The mortals still pillage and plunder only so discreetly. They lie and wear masks of altruism and yet have no shame in defacing others. Humanity is two-face, hypocritical, and greedy. This world still has too many flaws to be saved. Your power is needed once more to make the world understand what it has done wrong so that it can improve even further." A Cultist reasoned.
Issei understood now. He understood that these people were just genocidal. They pinned their desires onto Bahamut who had the means to accomplish what they wanted and only deluded themselves and others into revering him to fulfill their wish for destruction. Disgusting.
"I will say it for the final time. I refuse. I refuse to do it now and I will refuse forever. Your cult is obsessed with destruction. You think that the world only improved because of the destruction but that is false. It improved because people did learn on their own from their own mistakes. Bahamut's rampage was nothing more than a fit of madness that came about because of the innocent lives taken by the chaos of the great war that consumed the original galaxy. Don't pin your beliefs on others where it isn't wanted. Bahamut is no god, so don't continue deluding yourself." Issei said.
He knew he was triggering a fight, but he couldn't let these lunatics run around using him to spread their message of suicidal genocide.
"Delusions, you say? It would seem that you are mistaken. Very well, it must be us who help you remember what must happen." A Cultist said.
"Issei…" Adelaide prompted.
Issei summoned his gauntlets, handing her a special bow crafted from his gauntlets.
"Spread the word that your Cult needs to disband and return to your normal lives. There's no point in pursuing a delusion." Issei warned.
"You will not say so once you remember." A Cultist shook his head.
(Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core OST – True Motives. Play Song.)
The Cultists slammed their hands down on the ground, creating a unified magic circle that gave off a blue glow.
Issei felt a pull at his chest, like someone was yanking it around with an invisible chain. He stifled some groans as he felt Bahamut's rage bubbling inside him. With some effort, he shattered the magic circle, destroying it with a shockwave before dashing over to a Cult member.
Kneeing her in the stomach, he hit her on the back of the head, sending her to the ground. He flipped over another foe, bringing his heel down on their head, knocking them out. Chains whirled around him, only for a bolt of mana to shatter them.
Issei looked in front of him and saw that Adelaide had shot the bolt. Even after so long, she hadn't forgotten any of her skills.
She whirled around, shooting an enemy with paralyzing bolts before backflipping, kicking two people in the chin. As she flipped, she whirled around, firing dozens of magical arrows that rendered several enemies unconscious.
She spun around, kicking someone's feet and knocking them to the ground as she shot them with a paralyzing arrow.
Above them, several mages rained down a shower of magic. Issei spread his wings, flapping them back at the enemy.
"You know, for a Cult of radical believers, they're not very tactical." Adelaide said.
"That's what happens when you're too busy yapping and not doing enough training." Issei said.
He dodged a chain, pulling it towards him alongside its owner. With a mighty air-shaking punch, he knocked the assailant to the ground.
Chains came whirling at Adelaide, who skillfully jumped over and fired a rain of magic arrows that struck all their targets, numbering 20 in total. Aiming her bow at the sky, she fired another attack, causing a single giant arrow to split into dozens more that blanketed every centimeter of the area.
When a Cultist lunged at her with a knife, she sidestepped. With a simple kick of her foot from behind their ankle, they tripped as she knocked them out with an arrow. Then another Cultist came from behind.
Blocking the overhead strike, Adelaide spun around, hitting them with the hilt in the face before kicking them back with both feet. Landing on the ground, she immediately went into her aiming pose and fired an arrow at an escaping Cultist.
Adelaide turned toward Issei and saw that someone was about to attack him from behind.
"Issei!"
She dove forward, moving him out of the way. Issei felt time slow down in horror as he saw a blade shooting right at Adelaide. His breath and heart stopped as his mind began to simulate and think of horrible thoughts at what might come of this. The wounds she could suffer, the pain she could feel, her life threatened, it cause a spark of agonizing worry to plague him as he felt the emotion grow. That familiar rage born of worry and fear was sparking to life at a monstrous rate.
Much to his relief, Adelaide had blocked the attack with her bow before using the bow string to twist it around his wrist and kneeing him in the forehead.
(Final Fantasy 7: Crisis Core OST – True Motives. End Song.)
And with that, the fight ended, with Issei impressed. Adelaide hadn't been hit once. Even more impressive was how quick she was to begin fighting. She looked like she'd been practicing with the bow in forever. Her flips and jumps were precise and weren't for show, instead, they gave her an advantage. Her attacks were quick, precise, and tactical. It was a stark contrast to his direct and overpowering approach.
"Wow…" Issei whistled.
He wasn't going to lie, he was even more attracted to her now.
"One last thing before we leave." Adelaide said.
Raising her hand to the sky, she fired a spell, creating something akin to gentle snowfall.
"What's this?" Issei asked.
"A memory-wiping spell. They'll never remember what they saw here. That way, they shouldn't be able to find us again and they'll spread the word so that the rest of the Cult won't ever come back. I'd rather not pack up and leave if we don't have to." Adelaide said.
"And what about your arrows?" Issei asked.
"Those are arrows that I created that can paralyze and knock my enemies unconscious without killing them. Thankfully, these Cultists were just regular humans. It's a bit trickier for anything stronger." Adelaide said.
She walked over to a tree with the ingredients they bought.
"I'm a bit rusty but looks like I can still fight." She winked at Issei.
"Yes, you can." Issei nodded.
Hours after things were finished, the town of Boston, Massachusetts welcomed a new group into the fold.
"Think he's here?"
"Yeah. I've got a strong feeling. We've gone everywhere Issei has and the most recent places is here. I can sense him."
Vali and her Peerage had arrived, having used her spiritual connection to Issei to try and track him down.
"It's been a long two months. Let's make sure not to miss him." Izalana said.
"I know he's here." Vali said, pressing a hand over her heart.
Without a doubt, her heart, mind, and soul all agreed that he was here. She wasn't going to leave until she found him.
And that's the end of the chapter as well as the 2-chapter update.
I'll be honest, I like Adelaide, maybe around the same amount as Vali. But, there's the fact that I know what's gonna happen since I'm the writer. Some people might like her, some people might not like her, and some don't know how to feel about her yet. I can understand anyone who enters one of the three sections.
Honestly, it's still too early to fully form an opinion of her, so give it some time before you form an official opinion.
