Well, it looks like is still having issues with posting reviews, so it's gonna take me a while longer to see the full reviews you guys wrote. Sadly, my email is cutting off some messages due to length, so patience is necessary for me to answer any questions that may have come up.
Now, to clarify something. Readers have noticed that some characters are stating that the Aviturs are alive, despite the "fatal" injuries they received in Chapter 52. Allow me to clarify.
Absolutely nobody was there when Issei won against the Aviturs. Therefore, nobody aside from Issei and Rexis knew about the outcome. For all the others know, Issei could've failed because nobody bore witness to what happened. The gods are only speaking based off their own theories and experiences because if they're unsure of what happened, it's better to act like they're alive and confirm that they are dead, rather than just assume they're dead and have it bite them in the ass later. Better safe than sorry is how they're approaching it because they weren't there to see the final outcome of Issei's battle before his death.
Also, consider the fact that Issei was brought back to life and think about what Buddha, Sun Wukong, and Vishnu said at the start of Chapter 53. If the Abyss and Void were fighting Proxy Wars, they needed pieces to use against each other. If the Aviturs were dead or were going to die, then what point would there be in Issei coming back to life if the Abyss won that Proxy War? His purpose would be done and he could've stayed dead because the Void's pieces would've been gone. Yet, here Issei is. Of course, I basically spoiled things, but that's a freebie on me since a few people were confused.
I'm also really, really, really happy that a lot of you folks like Adelaide. I've come to really like her character. She's much more forward with her feelings in contrast to Vali and can be just as supportive and loving.
With that said, enjoy the chapter! I was really enthusiastic with this one because I'd been looking forward to setting up the next several chapters.
Chapter 57: Past vs Present
Vali and the Peerage had arrived in Boston, Massachusetts for a whole week now. She had basically turned the entirety of the state upside down on the Mortal side. It actually worried the others, given how obsessive she'd seemed recently. She barely ate or slept. She only stared at maps and walked around like a machine.
Their stay had been at the Boston Harbor Hotel, which Rizevim hoped would give them a place to relax while they searched.
Vali was pouring over notes at a table in her room before Kuroka walked in.
"Hey, Vali, we're going to go eat dinner. Why don't you come and join us?" She asked.
"No, you go on ahead. I've got stuff to do." Vali shook her head.
Kuroka frowned in exasperation. For the past 2 months, Vali had refused to budge from her mindset. It was so unhealthy that Kuroka had had enough. She, Izalana, and Elaine walked right over and gripped both of her arms.
"Hey, what're you doing? Let me go!" Vali protested.
"No! You are going to sit down and join us for dinner and eat till you can no longer breathe properly. You will then have no less than 10 hours of sleep tonight. Boys, confiscate her things, if you please!" Kuroka said as Arthur and Bikou walked in to clean up all her papers.
"Hey, don't touch my stuff!" Vali snapped.
"No! You have been running yourself ragged. You don't eat, sleep, or relax. It's been two whole months and you haven't done anything to take care of yourself. Any day now, you'll collapse, and we won't have that!" Kuroka denied her.
"But Issei-" Vali objected.
"You're not Issei!" Izalana snapped.
Everyone went silent as Vali stopped her legs.
It had been a thought everyone had been sharing but had been hesitant to speak. Even so, someone had to finally say it. Vali was trying too hard to keep up with Issei. The thing was, she didn't have the same level of hardened conviction that Issei had built up over the eons thanks to countless reincarnations that he remembered.
"I just…" Vali muttered.
"We know how much you love him. We all miss him too. He's family to all of us. He's the brother none of us had and one that we needed. He made everything brighter, but you can't be like him. Issei had a resolve that was unique to his circumstances. What good are you going to be for him if you can't even stand and walk when you find him? We understand and agree that we need to do our best, but we've gotta make sure we don't make his efforts go to waste." Kuroka said, this time, her voice had gone gentle.
Vali sighed in defeat, finally absorbing Kuroka's words.
"Okay." She nodded.
The girls led her down to the Dining Hall and let Vali eat in silence till she was satisfied before escorting her up to her room.
On the way, Vali got looks from several men. Some of them were about to hit on her till all the girls sent death glares their way, threatening them to dare and cross them. Despite it not being the intention, the entire room left the group alone.
"Alright, I drew a nice hot bath for you." Kuroka exited the bathroom as Vali nodded and went in.
Closing the door behind her, the rest of the group started talking.
"At least she's trying." Kuroka sighed.
"Yeah, but for how long?" Izalana asked.
"I don't know. Vali keeps relapsing into her new habits. Without Issei, it's like she has no idea who she is. It's like looking at a puzzle that keeps shifting parts." Kuroka rubbed her eyes.
"Anything, guys?" Kuroka asked.
Arthur and Bikou were both looking over notes and maps, volunteering to take up search duties.
"Nope. My clones can't find anything, either." Bikou said.
"I can't hear his voice anywhere here, either." Lianshi shook her head after taking off her headphones.
She'd been developing her sound abilities even further, trying to pick out Issei's voice from the millions of other noises around them.
"We need to keep trying. For tonight at least. Tomorrow, I think we all need a day to rest." Arthur said.
Everyone looked at him in alarm. Arthur Pendragon suggesting a day off? Whenever Vali wasn't available, leadership always fell onto his shoulders as the most focused of the group.
"I know that we need to find Issei as quickly as we can, but we can't afford to deal with whoever took him if we're all too tired. Tomorrow is the start of the Renaissance Festival. We should all go and clear our heads before resuming the search." Arthur revealed the 7 tickets he procured.
Everyone nodded, but the enthusiasm wasn't there. Ever since they'd seen Issei's logs, nothing had been the same. The memories still haunted them. While they were all playing around and enjoying life, Issei was out there fighting for what little life he had left. Even worse was that they had the audacity to call themselves his friends despite not being able to see just how much he was hurting.
"Stop that." Arthur said.
Everyone looked at him in surprise. He didn't even look up from his papers.
"I can hear you all beating yourselves up. While I'm also guilty of it, we need to keep our heads on straight. We failed to see what was in front of us and connect the dots. However, moping about it won't do us any good anymore. So, stop blaming yourselves and redouble your efforts into trying to find Issei and making sure that we won't shame his efforts when we find him." Arthur said.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
When Vali opened the door to the bathroom, Bikou and Arthur returned to their room as the girls got to putting their attention on Vali.
Kuroka started blow-drying Vali's hair as Elaine brushed it while Lefay and Lianshi cleaned up and prepared Vali's bed.
"We've decided to take a break tomorrow. We're all going to the Renaissance Festival." Kuroka said.
She expected Vali to protest but she only nodded silently as she started to nod off.
"Now, get some rest and we'll set out first thing tomorrow morning." Kuroka gently said as Vali laid down onto her bed.
Almost immediately, she was lulled into sleep, having spent so much energy thinking and reflecting.
Issei and Adelaide were enjoying a day inside yet again.
After their little run-in with the Cult of Bahamut, they decided to lay low for a while and just stay inside. With a combination of both their knowledge with hiding, Issei and Adelaide were basically undetectable to most people for the entire week.
Even so, Adelaide was quite upset.
'Just when the mood was going so well, those troublemakers went and caused such a mess.' She groaned in disappointment.
She had the night planned out for when they got home. She'd prepared a nice and fancy dinner that would've "boosted" Issei's energy for the night. She'd even bought a few things to help enhance the night, particularly a new sexy set of lingerie.
"What's wrong?" Issei asked.
"Nothing." Adelaide mumbled.
Issei sensed her frustration and walked over.
"So…that other night…" He paused.
Adelaide turned as red as a beet.
"Uh…"
She looked at Issei, using an expression that told her everything. She wasn't going to say a thing about it.
"Right." Issei nodded.
Adelaide turned back around and continued looking at the TV, still sulking. Issei felt bad that she was so disappointed. Still, it had been a whole week, so he decided he'd entice her into doing something to lift her mood.
"Well, it's been a week and I think we've done all we can. We ate in, watched movies and shows, played games, read, danced, and you even convinced me to sing. So, how about we go out just for today?" Issei asked.
"And do what?" Adelaide pouted.
'She's so cute when she pouts.' Issei chuckled.
"Let's go to the Renaissance Festival. It's in town for the weekend but since it's a Friday, there won't be as many people." Issei said.
Adelaide paused.
"But what about the Cult?" She asked.
"We'll just use spells to mask our presence and powers. They shouldn't be able to find us. Besides, you've got another vacation home, right?" Issei suggested.
"I do, but I'd rather us not have to go on the run. I don't want you to have to fight anymore." Adelaide said.
Issei paused. He understood that she feared for his safety, but he understood that some things just had to happen.
"Sometimes, some things just gotta happen. If I have to, I will fight so that we can keep this life. But I promise I'll always come back to you." Issei cupped Adelaide's face before kissing her.
Adelaide took in his scent and let the passion of the moment entangle her. She never wanted this moment to end.
"Now, I owe you a lifetime of dates, so let me take you somewhere." Issei suggested.
Even so, Adelaide seemed hesitant.
"I promise, we'll be fine. We can't run and hide forever." Issei said soothingly as he embraced her from behind.
'I hate it when he does that. It never fails to persuade me. He always knows how to turn me putty in his hands!' Adelaide blushed.
"Okay." She nodded in defeat.
After getting dressed, the two teleported to the Festival Grounds. They got their tickets and went inside.
"So, what'cha wanna do first?" Issei asked.
"How about archery?" Adelaide gave him a competitive smirk.
"Is that even fair?" Issei asked.
"I'll go easy on you."
"I don't know, you didn't fulfill your promise the last time we competed, it was a draw." Issei said.
"Oh?" Adelaide leaned over and whispered so that only Issei could hear.
"Even though I promised that you could literally do whatever you wanted to me? Still not enough?" She whispered sensually into his ear.
Issei felt his self-control shatter at that exact moment.
"You have got yourself a deal." Issei shook her hand.
They walked over to the range and as expected, Adelaide took a lead of 20 over Issei's 14.
When Adelaide was about to shoot her last arrow, Issei decided to pull a cheap trick.
"Wow, you're sexy when you're in action." He said as he pecked her on the cheek.
"Hya!" Adelaide yelped in embarrassment as her arrow missed, striking a deer instead of a boar.
She blushed completely red in exasperation as she pursed her lips.
"I can't believe you did something so cheap." She tearfully grumbled.
"It's the truth, though." Issei shrugged.
He notched his arrows since Adelaide had run out. Even though he used a cheap move, Issei found that Adelaide still had the advantage with archery.
"Go on and keep trying, you've still got 3 more arrows. If you hit the boar on the head, you get double points." Adelaide chuckled.
For a first, Issei ignored her. Adelaide was surprised as he never gave her silent treatment. Issei's eyes were focused and razor-sharp like an eagle's. His form was perfect and strong. Adelaide only smirked as a playful thought crossed her mind. It was a deliciously vengeful idea.
She leaned in close and whispered.
"You get me so wet when you're being cool." She huskily said.
"Dah!" Issei yelped.
Instantly, Issei fumbled as he shot his arrow, tripping and falling to his knees in defeat. He slammed his fist lightly onto the counter.
"Damn it. The prize was so close." Issei said in defeat.
"Don't feel bad. You know what they say, cheaters never prosper." Adelaide giggled.
"My powers of deception, they're gone." Issei lamented.
Issei and Adelaide left the archery games and moved onto the hatchet throwing, where Issei won. They went to the obstacle course, listened to a violin concert, watched some jousting, and ate, and frolicked about the area.
Once again, the two could just let go and enjoy the 'here and now'. No Aviturs, no Bahamut, no superpowers. It was just two people enjoying their love and time together.
When Vali and her Peerage arrived at the Festival Grounds, they were stopped by their King.
"Before we go in, I have something to say." Vali said.
"What's up?" Bikou asked.
"I'm sorry for how I've been acting these past several months. I've been a horrible leader. I didn't pay attention to your needs or troubles. I've been working you all into the ground. I've been ignoring any help you all tried to give me. I've been ungrateful and selfish and I'm so sorry for all of that." Vali said with every bit of regret she had.
The Peerage only chuckled.
"You don't need to apologize, Vali. We understand how you feel and also feel the same way. Love makes you crazy and when they go somewhere else, it makes you a different person. Still, we just wanted the old Vali back, the one that was always with us. The determined yet kind Vali who we all admired." Lefay said.
"You're right." Vali nodded.
There was no need for yelling or crying. Apologies were barely needed because that's how close they all were. So long as any of them realized what they needed to do, that was all that was necessary.
They entered the grounds for the Festival and immediately partook in the activities.
"Alright, Bikou, what're you gonna win me?" Kuroka asked as she and Lianshi dragged him to a booth.
The group broke apart and pursued activities that interested them. Lefay, Izalana and Vali checked out the trinkets. Bikou, Kuroka, and Lianshi tried the foods. Arthur and Elaine looked at the wood carvings and paintings.
Despite that, however, none of them could deny that strange feeling in their hearts. There was something telling them that they were failing to spot something. It was like hearing a call from faraway without being fully aware of that call.
After a day of some fun, everyone decided to go to the tents and enjoy their meals.
"This kinda hits home since Arthur, Elaine, and I are British." Lefay said as she enjoyed some meat pies.
"Ah."
"Ah." Lianshi and Kuroka teased Bikou, waiting for him to feed them.
"They roasted the turkey leg perfectly, though the skin's kinda tough." Elaine muttered.
"It still hits home, at least." Arthur took a bite out of his.
"It's like I never left home." Izalana fondly said as she ate a sausage roll.
Vali only chuckled. Everyone was enjoying themselves, having escaped the wariness of searching frantically. She had scolded herself for failing to see how tired everyone was and for disregarding their feelings. She had to make sure to improve herself for their sakes.
"I'm gonna go get some more stuff. I'll be back." Vali got up.
She went over to a booth that sold cheese tarts, getting one. She guessed it was because Issei loved cheesecake and anything with cream cheese in it. Vali smiled a bit after taking a bite. It was like having Issei next to her once again.
She looked up and paused, dropping her tart. Walking in the distance in front of her was a young man who looked like Issei with a girl that had silvery hair. The two smiled and laughed with each other. Vali shook her head. The girl looked so similar to her that it was almost like looking in the mirror.
Her heart began thumping rapidly, as if her inner radar had finally pointed itself in the right direction. Her goal were merely several feet away from her. The feeling and intuition that she'd been using had confirmed it to her that she was where she needed to be.
She scoffed at herself.
'Get a grip, Vali. Just because you want that to happen, you shouldn't let yourself hallucinate.' Vali sighed.
"Come on, Issei, I said I was sorry." Adelaide's distant voice said.
Vali gasped. At first, she thought it was just a visual illusion made from longing but hearing his name called in real time made it clear. She had found Issei.
She immediately sprinted for Issei but the moment she took a step forward and directed her attention at them, Issei seemed to have picked up on it.
"You sense it too?" He asked Adelaide.
"Yeah. Let's not fight them." Adelaide said.
He took her hand and sprinted off with her.
"Guys, heads up! I think I've found Issei! I'm pursuing him right now!" Vali called back to the Peerage.
Kuroka dropped her cup as everyone scrambled to start chasing. Bikou turned back to finish his pie.
"Bikou!"
"Sorry!"
"They're not slowing down." Adelaide said.
The two of them could still feel Vali's gaze beaming at them.
"We'll split up and meet at the gates." Issei said.
"But what if they catch you?" Adelaide said.
Her eyes were wide and worried, almost frantic.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I promised, remember? I'll always make my way back home to you." Issei said as he kissed her on the lips before he went in the other direction.
Adelaide fought every single little urge to go with him, but she chose to have faith in him as she went in another direction.
(Sherlock Holmes OST – Discombobulate. Play Song.)
Issei slowed down his pace, walking quickly. He had a plan and it was going to be smooth. He suppressed his power, his spiritual intensity, anything that made him stand out, he bottled it up. It was a trick he remembered from one of his past lives, after all.
He took some cash out of his pocket and got it ready. He walked by a shop, grabbing a button-up shirt and slapped a large bill on the counter. He put it on and walked over to the jacket shop.
Slap!
He grabbed a black leather coat and left money behind again. He grabbed a smidge of charcoal and rubbed some on his face from a firebreather's table. Next, he walked up some stairs, past some dressing rooms for a stage show. Grabbing a scarf, Issei wrapped it around his neck.
He sped down the stairs, grabbing a leather cord from the shops, wrapping them around his arms as binders before walking behind a booth. He used his Sacred Gear powers to forge a prop sword, strapping it to his side.
Passing by a tent for wigs, he passed some cash to the owner before tossing it over his head.
As he sensed Vali catching up to him, he grabbed a bottle of alcohol and stood next to a firebreather. With a small chug, he held a lit torch in front of him and breathed it. Masquerading as a performer, Vali completely missed him, still looking around frantically.
Issei smiled at the confused performers before tossing a tip into his hat.
He walked off stage, as he continued avoiding Vali. He took a ribbon from a shop and wrapped them around his eyes after cutting holes into them just as he bought a feathered sailor's hat and tossed it on top of his head, completing his disguise.
As Issei walked toward the entrance, he smirked as Vali passed him by, unaware of him.
While Issei was disguising himself, so was Adelaide.
"Vali!"
She heard someone call over to her.
Adelaide walked into a shop, grabbing a dress and walked into a changing room. The ladies of the Vali Peerage checked out each booth, only for Adelaide to walk out of hers while they were all occupied. Exiting the shop in a gypsy outfit, she passed money to the cashier before sliding her bag over her shoulder.
Adelaide swiped a fan from a shop, passing along payment to avoid being a thief. Grabbing a cloth, she wrapped it around her head and donned a necklace.
"Vali, wait up!" Lefay called over.
Adelaide ignored her and kept walking. She walked into a tent filled with people drinking from taps of barrels, grabbing some mugs, she passed them to their intended recipients as the Vali Peerage passed her.
Exiting, she could see them running around the corner. She grabbed her fans and started dancing on stage with them. She swung her fans and twirled as she kept her eyes peeled for the Vali Peerage.
"Where on Earth did Vali just go?!" Bikou asked.
"You sure she didn't run off the other way?" Lianshi asked.
"Let's split up and look for Issei and Vali!" Arthur said.
Adelaide smirked. She took a bow and walked off stage.
Passing by a literal beggar by the gates, she dropped some money into his hands before twirling around and falling into the arms of her beloved.
"Why, hello, good sir." She giggled.
"Afternoon, Madame. Care to help this poor traveler?" Issei smirked.
"Yes, I think I have a warm home ready for you." Adelaide giggled.
The two linked arms and walked off to an isolated place before teleporting home, laughing at how hectic yet fun that was.
(Sherlock Holmes OST – Discombobulate. End Song.)
'Damn it, damn it, damn it! I can't believe I lost them!' Vali growled in livid frustration.
Albion had no words to say. Once again, Vali's chance got taken away. If he still had his body, he'd fly right over to whoever made these decisions and Reduce them to nothing. The poor girl just couldn't catch a break.
"Vali! What the hell is going on?!" Kuroka demanded, panting.
"What?!" Vali stepped back.
"We saw you running all over the place and tried to catch up. We kept calling you but you ignored us!" Bikou was gasping for air.
"That wasn't me! I was chasing Issei!" Vali was flabbergasted by their accusational looks.
"Then who was that?" Izalana asked.
"I don't know! But there was a girl who looked like me with Issei. I mean, she doesn't look exactly like me, but she looks similar." Vali explained.
"You think it's a doppelganger being used on him?" Elaine asked.
"Doubt it. They could just use more direct methods." Lianshi shook her head.
"Whatever the case, it means that Issei is here in Massachusetts." Vali said.
Despite today's failure, it meant that there was hope for success. If Issei was in these parts, then that meant that they were closer than ever. Vali was greatly upset that her 'inner radar' wasn't impeccable, but as today had proven, it was working, and she could sense him now without doubt.
'Just a little longer, Issei. Hold on a little longer and I'll find you.' Vali said.
Issei and Adelaide had arrived home, laughing.
"Look at your outfit! Ahahaha! You look like you literally tripped through a closet." Adelaide laughed.
"Hey, I do make it look good." Issei shrugged as he took off his disguise.
"I don't know about the wig, but sure." Adelaide started taking off her dress.
"Still, didn't think anyone would track us down there." Issei fixed his hair.
Adelaide paused.
"Yeah, I didn't think so, either. I guess we're going to have to be more discreet." She said.
"It's my fault. I knew this could've happened, but…" Issei trailed off.
Two warm arms embraced him.
"It's fine. I know you just wanted to cheer me up." Adelaide kissed him to lift his spirits.
"Anything for you, Adelaide." Issei smiled.
A few days after the Renaissance Festival incident, Vali reported to her grandfather.
"So, any news?" Rizevim asked with hopeful eyes.
"We were close, absurdly close. We saw him several days ago but it looked like he was actively trying to avoid us. We think he might've been controlled or brainwashed. There was also another person with him, a woman that looked like me. I think she's behind this." Vali said.
Rizevim looked troubled by this.
"It's possible. However, like Azazel said, Issei's evolutionary process was completely unexpected and we don't know a thing about it. It's possible that memory loss might also be a consequence." Rizevim responded.
"Maybe. We're still looking but Bikou and the others have set up spells and countermeasures. We'll know if someone comes in or tries to leave." Vali said.
"Good. We've managed to find a hideout of the Cult of Bahamut. I didn't think we'd have so many, but we've managed to confiscate a lot of their belongings. Some of them might be capable of locating Bahamut's power. Once we get it checked out, I'll have some sent over. Not all of them have been caught, so make sure to keep an eye out and be careful." Rizevim said.
"Got it." Vali nodded, ending her call.
She sighed. Ever since that day at the Renaissance Festival, her mind was occupied by that girl she saw. She looked so similar and felt so similar to herself. It almost felt like being in two places at once. It was scary. There were no dreams or premonitions or anything, but Vali felt that she shared a connection to her as well, and not just to Issei.
She sighed again.
She walked out of the Boston Harbor Hotel and went for a walk. She wanted to clear her head.
Adelaide was cooking dinner, with Issei asleep on the couch. The two had spent the entire day just talking, lazing about, and enjoying each other's company. However, Adelaide, now left alone, couldn't help but think of less happy thoughts.
Issei had become her world in these past few months. He had become that ray of light that chased away the darkness that was threatening to engulf her. She was on the verge of being devoured by loneliness and fear. She knew she had been on the cusp of snapping. The sudden memories of Aria and her past lives were almost the straw that broke the camel's back. However, Issei's constant optimism and hope had cleared it all away.
She wasn't a believer in any religion, but she did thank fate for bringing him into her life.
She went into the pantry and frowned when she realized that she didn't have enough coconut milk for her Tikka Masala. She was about to ask Issei to go get some but remembered that he was asleep.
She laughed at herself. They were already developing some habits that some considered marital, like having the husband go and get ingredients while the wife cooked dinner. She decided not to disturb him and grabbed her jacket for a quick grocery run.
As she exited the market, she crossed paths with someone that completely alarmed her. Clearly, fate just never stopped messing with anyone.
"You…" Vali glared at her.
The two women, two halves of one whole glared threateningly at each other.
"Where's Issei?" Vali asked.
"Who're you talking about?" Adelaide feigned ignorance.
"You know who I'm talking about. You kidnapped him!" Vali spat venomously.
"You mean Issei, the man you forgot, the man that you left to die, the man that you used." Adelaide spat back with the same intensity.
"I didn't use him!" Vali refuted.
"Oh? Then why was it that when he was in that living hell, you didn't do a thing? Why did you let him suffer in silence? You were there with him the entire time, but instead of looking at the one in love with you, you kept looking at the one that didn't know a thing." Adelaide took a step forward.
"If you know so much, then why didn't you do anything?" Vali shot back.
"I only found out a month before Issei died. After I did, I went looking for him. That was something you were too stupid to pick up on. When I found his ship and saw his logs, I realized that you're all no good for him. You were all too busy angsting and thinking about your own problems to think of what he was going through. When he solved all your problems, not a single one of you thought of how to repay him. You just took the charity he gave you and didn't do a thing in return. If that's not what using is, then what does your definition of it mean?" Adelaide said.
If looks could kill, then Adelaide would've buried Vali dozens of feet underground already.
"That doesn't change that what you did was also wrong. You took him from us! You took him from home and did something to his mind!" Vali tightened her fist.
"Don't you dare accuse me of doing such a thing! I took him away before you and your gods could meddle with him. I'm doing my best to heal him, unlike you. His memories were lost because of the process that transformed him. If you ask me, nothing will enrich his life even if he remembers. You'll just throw him at the feet of the enemy and wait for him to fight your battles like how you've always done. If you all were as effective as you think you are, then he'd never have had to fight your battles for you. You think you love him, but if you truly loved Issei, you wouldn't treat him like a piece of meat that you can dangle to lure in those beasts. I won't let him suffer any more at your hands and the people you side with." Adelaide rumbled.
Vali faltered. Adelaide had a point. Even so, Issei was in the hands of someone that she didn't trust. The healing she was claiming to do could mean anything if her mind was twisted enough.
"I won't say this again. Give Issei back to us." Vali threatened.
"You're going to have to kill me." Adelaide spat back.
Words were useless now.
The two moved over to a more secluded area before creating a barrier to isolate their fight.
(Crisis OST – 9a14s. Play Song.)
"You won't touch Issei, again." Adelaide swore.
Materializing behind her were two wings of white light with a magic rune floating behind her. Enveloping her was a light-blue aura of light which seemed to sparkle with particles that were like stars.
Vali spread her wings, entering Balance Breaker.
The two immediately charged for the first strike. Their fists clashes, sending out a massive shockwave, the two flew into the air, blitzing one another with blasts of mana.
"How can you use light?" Vali asked.
"It's one of our abilities granted to us by the Abyss. Light can purify and soothe, which was our role as the Songstress of Serenity. We were meant to support and pacify the Hosts of Bahamut. Your power over light isn't because of your lineage. It's because of the reincarnation that it stuck with you." Adelaide explained.
Just as she spoke, she flapped her wings, ricocheting a sphere of mana right back at Vali.
Vali used [Transcendence] to teleport behind her, going in for a punch at Adelaide's face.
Adelaide covered herself, causing Vali's attack to become ineffective. Forming a sword out of light, she slashed at Vali, cutting a gash in her gauntlet.
"[Half Dimension]"
Adelaide felt the area around her compress, as if something was trying to squash her. When she looked back in front of her, Vali was closing in with her hand covered in sharp mana. Just when Vali thought her attack struck her, Adelaide turned into light particles before reassembling behind Vali.
She swung her sword of light down again, only for Vali to block with her wings. Adelaide dispersed her sword, clapping her hands together.
A magic rune materialized on the ground. Disappearing into particles, Adelaide reappeared in front of Vali, kicking her into the area covered by her rune. Vali instantly cried out in pain and jolted forward, as if rejected by the space she'd stepped into.
This was one of Adelaide's powers, [Rejection Zone]. With this ability, Adelaide could reject anything that was inside the area of the magic circle and rune she'd lain. Vali was sent flying back at Adelaide, who had materialized another magic circle in front of her, knocking her back before she could blink.
"AH!" Vali choked out in pain as she felt as if thousands of invisible forces slammed against every atom in her body.
Vali used [Transcendence] to teleport out of the trap, taking a moment to regain her bearings. Vali had to admit, Adelaide was a trickier opponent than she'd anticipated. She didn't know how what those magic circles did, but she learned that touching them was unacceptable.
Adelaide drew a circle in the air, firing a hollow ray of light that howled around her.
"What?" Vali was surprised at the fact that the ray was hollowed out where she was.
Then she realized what was going on. She was barraged from all sides by invisible forces, as if hundreds of invisible arms were punching her with the force of speeding trucks.
Before things could get any worse for Vali, she used [Reflect] to send the attack back at Adelaide. She enclosed her wings around her, dispersing the attack with a flap. However, it was too late to move.
Vali had teleported right in front of her, landing a punch in her stomach. Adelaide choked out air as she was sent flying into the ground, rolling onto the asphalt.
(Crisis OST – 9a14s. End Song.)
Issei, who was asleep at home, jolted awake. He then recalled what had happened. He'd fallen asleep waiting for Adelaide to finish cooking dinner. He rubbed his eyes, getting the sleep out of them.
"Where'd she go? Adelaide?" Issei called out as he checked the house.
She was nowhere to be found. He tried calling her, but there was no answer. He began to panic as he realized what could've happened. The people that had chased after them might be attacking at this very moment. Or, it was the Cult of Bahamut. Either way, Adelaide was possibly in danger.
Then, he felt his stomach sink and his heart throb in pain, as if a warning sign, a call. His brain ached and pulsated as he felt a jolt of a memory in his head. It was of a girl that looked like Adelaide, but with silver hair and sapphire-blue eyes instead of icy-blue.
No, even worse, Issei felt that something was wrong. Adelaide was in danger. His heart and intuition was screaming at him to move.
He dashed out the house, letting his heart guide him.
Adelaide was thrown against the wall as her attack rebounded once again, only for Vali to [Divide] her before she could defend properly. She used her [Rejection Zone] to create a blockade, knocking Vali back, shattering her chest armor and some of her pauldron.
Vali growled. This fight was going nowhere. They were both equally matched unless one of them pulled out another trick.
Adelaide stood up and took a deep breath. She charged forward again, causing Vali to resort to something she'd developed after Issei's death and rebirth.
(Date A Live OST - Pride. Play Song.)
"I am the Heavenly Dragon Empress who shall awaken. I have demolished the Laws of Domination and received enlightenment. I will guard the dream and purify the infinite. I shall become the Empress of the White Dragon. You shall obey my royal decree." Vali chanted.
"Juggernaut Imperial Over Drive! Argent Raiment!" Albion declared.
In an explosion of light-blue light, Adelaide was blown back into the wall of the barrier by the sheer power of Vali's transformation. When the light faded, she was clad in silver armor with her sapphire gems shining constantly with mystical light.
Vali stretched her hand forward, her palm glowing with a silver radiance.
"[Compression Divider!]" Albion declared.
Adelaide immediately felt that quaking around her again. She looked around and saw that everything around her was being shrunken in size at a steady rate. From what she figured, she was next.
She decided to also follow suit with something she hadn't done since first awakening her powers in a past life.
"[Advent]"
In a similar train of events, Vali was forced to guard as bright light-blue light flooded the area with particles. When her vision cleared, Adelaide was wearing white and gold armor from head to toe, with shining metallic wings sticking out of her back, producing a constant glow around her.
"How?" Vali wondered at her transformation.
Adelaide teleported out of Vali's attack, reappearing in front of her and punching her in the stomach, cracking her armor.
Vali returned the favor, kneeing Adelaide on the side of her face, damaging her helmet.
"Vali!" A distant call came.
Out of nowhere, a barrage of spells that thundered like a cloud, slammed at Adelaide. Blocking the attack with a barrier of light, Adelaide failed to notice Arthur, Izalana, and Bikou rushing in from multiple directions. Arthur used a combination of Excalibur and Caliburn to cleave at her barrier. In response, she detonated it, creating an explosive burst that sent them crashing back.
Adelaide snapped her fingers, creating an explosion that obliterated the 35 clones that Bikou had created. Just then, the air trembled as the glass shattered in the area, courtesy of Lianshi, who struck against Adelaide's sword of light.
Adelaide opened her palm, blasting her back just as Izalana jumped in, kicking her away. Adelaide shook off the slight dizziness.
Vali teleported in front of her, blasting her back with a beam from her chest armor.
Adelaide moved back. Grabbing a blade from her armor's back, she threw a curved blade that was similar to a boomerang. As it spun, it duplicated into several more, ricocheting off each other.
"[All Divide]" Albion declared.
All of Adelaide's Light Boomerangs froze in mid-air as they lost their luster, clattering to the ground.
That was all the time she needed, however. Adelaide backflipped, creating a blade of light from her aura around her legs. Although Vali flew back, she wasn't fast enough to dodge the elongated blade that Adelaide made from her leg aura. Carving through her chest gem, Vali was forced to recede as Bikou jumped up.
"Eat this!"
Enlarging Ruyi Jingu Bang, he turned it into the size of a plane. His swing was blocked but it gave Lefay, Elaine, Kuroka, and Lianshi the time to combine their magic. With their combined magic circle, Adelaide was assaulted by a storm of sound, elemental magic, senjutsu, and weakening spells.
She used all her strength to defend against the blast but Vali also joined in.
"[Morning Star]"
Appearing directly above Adelaide was a gigantic star of light-blue light, smashing down on her like a meteor.
Arthur then used Caliburn's dimension altering powers to contain the explosion, causing it to roll over Adelaide several times.
"You okay?" Kuroka asked.
Vali was left panting.
"Yeah. She's way stronger than I expected. She's probably equal to me."
Suddenly, the explosion was dispersed as Adelaide rose from the explosion, volleying the blast back at the group.
Vali knew that if [Morning Star] hit her peerage, they'd sustain wounds that could be fatal or outright kill the ones that were devils. She had put all of her strength into it to try and finish off Adelaide, after all.
She flew in front of the group, absorbing the full force of the blast that was enhanced by Adelaide's magic.
"[Sky Fall]" Adelaide said.
The entire Peerage was smashed down onto the ground with an invisible force as a literal wall of light came rushing down like an ocean. With Arthur's quick thinking, he used Caliburn to weaken the attack with its dimension powers as Vali Divided Adelaide's power and the attack.
Izalana then used her own spear's ability to absorb the properties of the attack as Lefay used her magic to nullify the attack from above. Lianshi then combined her attack with Elaine's to disperse the barrier protecting Adelaide, allowing Vali to close in with a point-blank [Stardust], firing a flurry of light particles that exploded right in Adelaide's face.
"AGH!" Adelaide screamed as her armor was shattered, sending her crashing into defeat.
(Date A Live OST - Pride. End Song.)
The Peerage were panting, surprised at how difficult the fight had been. It took all of them moving as fast as possible and hitting as hard as possible to take her down while keeping the pressure going.
Lefay and Kuroka used a restoring spell along with their combined magic to help the team recover a significant amount of strength.
"What was that?" Bikou asked as the gentle green light around them died down.
"It's an experimental potion I developed with Embern after researching Phoenix Tears. It'll help restore energy levels and mana to acceptable degrees. Can't say the same for injuries, though." Lefay took a deep breath.
Vali walked over towards Adelaide; who's armor was completely shattered.
'Damn it. I'm out of time.' Adelaide cursed.
"What do we do?" Izalana asked.
"Give Issei back to us." Vali demanded coldly.
"You can go ahead and kill me, but I won't let Issei go back to you. You treat him like an attack dog. Whenever an enemy shows up, you send him out and before then, you treat him nicely to keep him complacent while he sorts out your troubles. If you think that's what being a friend is, then you're dead wrong. So do your worst." Adelaide glared back at the Peerage, her eyes unflinching and strong despite her defeat.
Vali grit her teeth in frustration.
"We'll have to take her prisoner, then." She decided.
Suddenly, far away, everyone jumped as a massive power surge came rushing at all of them.
Ten familiar blades that looked like they came from wings appeared, flying all around the area, firing beams of mana at everyone.
"KYA!" Lefay yelped as a beam struck her away.
Bikou was forced to defend from an axe that nearly lodged itself into his chest. Lefay, Elaine, Kuroka, and Lianshi barely had time to defend themselves before a massive beam shattered their defenses.
Arthur jumped into the air, only for a familiar navy warrior to fly at him, knocking Caliburn and Excalibur out of his hands with one expert swing of his sword before punching him savagely across the face.
Vali flew around as four of these wing blades circled around in zig-zagging motions, firing rapidly at her.
Everyone else managed to recover but were hard-pressed to defend themselves from the constant barrage of explosive attacks.
"I know these blades…" Vali gasped.
Vali was knocked out of her surprise as an array of beams blasted her.
Issei arrived, carrying Adelaide to safety.
"How're you holding up?" He asked her as he began to heal her.
"I'm okay, just beat up." Adelaide smiled weakly.
"Everything's okay. I'll take care of this." Issei smiled.
"No, Issei." Adelaide latched onto his hand.
"I'll be fine. I've dealt with tougher." Issei smiled reassuringly at her.
Adelaide knew that to be true. As powerful as the Vali Peerage was, they weren't as powerful as the Aviturs, or as resilient at the least.
Issei flew right in front of the Peerage before they could get close to Adelaide.
"Issei!" Everyone cried out in relief.
Instead of the smile that they expected, the look they got shook them more than they could've ever anticipated. It especially hurt for Vali. The way he looked at them wasn't like how a friend would look at them. He looked at them as if they were enemies. The sharp aggressive scowl, the flat lips, the foreboding frown, it wasn't a look they'd ever thought they'd be on the receiving end of.
"Issei, it's us! It's me, Vali Lucifer. Don't you remember us?!" Vali desperately begged.
Every fiber of her being was telling her to disengage her armor and rush over to hug him. She'd been dreaming of this moment for so long already. Even so, it wasn't happening. Vali already knew that the chance had slipped away again.
"I don't know who you are, but I'm going to warn you to leave right now. Don't come near us ever again and forget you ever met us. That's my first warning to you." Issei glared.
The aura he was exhibiting ignited fear in them, a side effect of Bahamut's power being exerted. Every single human soul still remembered the terror and destruction that was wrought forth by the ancient wyrm.
"Issei, please wake up! It's us! Don't you remember how we met?! We met in Kuoh in school! You lived with us for so long! We fought the Khaos Brigade! We sent to England to see Arthur's Family! We went to China where you defeated the Earth Avitur! We went to Draczal where we met Izalana! We defeated Rias and Sairaorg in the Rating Games! We shared so many fond memories together! Don't tell me you've forgotten?!" Vali frantically recounted.
This couldn't be real. This was too much. The glares were already enough to wound her, but his words of having no memories, the threat, and the igniting of his aura, all of this had always been reserved for enemies. This had never been directed at her and the Peerage. To add more salt onto the wound, he didn't remember any of them.
"I don't know who you are at all. You attacked the woman I love. Not only that, but all of you ganged up on her like she was a wild animal trapped by a pack of wolves. I've had enough of that world. A world where fighting is sport for so many religions. A world that never seems to be able to sort itself out despite having all the power imaginable. I want nothing to do with any of you." Issei glared, his tone icy and overwhelming.
Issei looked at each and every one of them.
"I have no conflict with any of you. Just leave me and the woman in peace. We have no intentions of causing any problems. Is that so wrong?" Issei asked.
"Issei, she kidnapped you and hid you away! You weren't even consenting!" Vali cried out.
"And while I was with her, I haven't had to relive that painful life. I don't have to fight. I don't have to remind myself that I'll die soon. I'm supported and living each day in peace and quiet, far from the chaos of the supernatural and mortal realms. I can finally be at peace. Tell me, why do you want me to come with you so desperately?" Issei asked.
"Because we all love you! I love you!" Vali cried out, echoing into the night.
Issei narrowed his eyes. Despite being strangers at this point, Issei still had consideration for others.
"I'm sorry." He quietly said, understanding how serious Vali was.
That hurt more than anything that he could've done to Vali. She felt like her heart had been ripped out, stomped on, and obliterated. Her blood ran cold as she started losing feeling in her body.
'No, no, no, no, no, no! D-D-Don't despair! Keep yourself together!' Vali reminded herself.
It was taking every ounce of her power to keep herself from falling apart.
"Issei, listen to yourself! Snap out of it, brother!" Arthur begged.
Issei merely glared coldly before turning around.
"We're leaving. Don't you dare follow us." He warned.
Just as he began to move, Bikou and Arthur gripped his arms.
"I'm sorry, brother." Bikou said.
"Unhand me. Final warning." Issei said.
He didn't know what to do right now. He wasn't sure if these people were his friends or enemies pretending. All he knew was that they had seriously injured and ganged up on Adelaide. That alone had ignited the cold rage he was fighting to suppress in his heart.
"You can't go! Not after we've found you!" Lefay shook her hand.
"You have 5 seconds to let me go before I use force." Issei gave one final prompt.
Vali couldn't believe this was happening. No one had ever expected things to come to this. They had expected a happy reunion, not threats from their closest friend.
"Is it a yes or no?" Issei inquired.
Vali lost the will to respond. Even so…she couldn't let Issei slip away again.
"We can't let you go." Izalana said.
"Then you leave me no choice."
(Attack on Titan OST – Appleseed ~Instrumental. Play Song.)
"Balance Break!" Issei said.
A navy aura erupted around him like a volcano, blasting everyone backwards into the sky.
Everyone was alarmed by just how much stronger the burst was when compared to when Issei was human. It was now believable that Issei could kill Aviturs alone. They had to block the massive burst of energy flooding the air, all of them still too surprised to see themselves opposite of Issei.
They cursed Adelaide, who they believed to have turned him against them with whatever witchcraft she possessed.
Detaching the blades from his wings, Issei controlled them with his mind to fire at all of the Vali Peerage. Lefay tried to defend with her wand, only for it to be knocked out of her hand. She was barely able to block an attack from a [Satellite] with her bare hands before Issei knocked her to the sweep of her legs.
Bikou summoned 50 clones from himself, using them as a massive wall. In one fell swoop, they were obliterated by Issei's [Onslaught] mode, where he fired a beam of mana.
He dashed over to Izalana, gripping her spear before blasting her backwards with a weak pulse of energy, disorienting her before tossing the spear into the distance.
He then turned toward Elaine, who jumped in fright. The glowing red eyes and foreboding navy and silver armor with sharp wings scared her. It was almost like looking at Bahamut, himself.
He flapped his wings, blasting her into the ground, though he made sure not to hurt her too much. Even though his instincts told him to beat them with the same aggression and savagery that they attacked Adelaide with, he decided that he wanted to avoid that. There was indeed a part of him that didn't want to fight them, either. He didn't know why, but he decided that it was his mercy and sympathy.
Issei was gripped from behind by Arthur and Bikou, who tried to restrain him.
"Issei, stop this!" Arthur pleaded.
Issei merely flew into the sky like a rocket, both Arthur and Bikou were barely able to hang on. Issei changed direction midair like a whip crack, slamming the two onto the ground with both arms, avoiding any injury whilst doing enough to leave them in pain to immobilize them.
Kuroka and Elaine tried to immobilize him with chains made of magic, only for Issei to backflip, dodging their chains. He gripped the magical binds and wrapped them around the two, tightly trapping them together as he tossed them aside.
Lianshi tried to use her sound ability, only for Issei to stomp on the ground, causing her to fly into the air as he put her to sleep with a hand over her mouth.
'This was too easy. They're holding back more than they should.' Issei noticed.
(Attack on Titan OST – Appleseed ~Instrumental. End Song.)
He then noticed that Vali was gone. He looked around and found that nobody was there.
(*A/N: I have no idea how fast each of you read, so I left this little note. You can start the two songs wherever you like after this point. However, for maximum impact, I recommend having the part where the bass drops for the two songs to happen at the same time. That's just my recommendation, though.)
(Cross Ange OST – Towagatari ~ Hikari no Uta. Play Song.)
He then noticed that there was a sound in the air. Someone was singing. He tried to move but found that his body wasn't doing as he wished. He tried to move his legs, but nothing. He tried to flap his wings, but nothing.
In the distance, Adelaide had healed enough to get up. She too realized what was happening. She gasped, her blood running cold. Vali also had the Powers of the Songstress of Serenity. She had to counter before Vali could harm Issei. Mustering her strength, Adelaide also engaged her powers of the Songstress of Serenity.
(Attack on Titan OST – No Matter Where You Are. Play Song.)
After much effort, he got his body to listen to his commands. He looked around as he realized that there was singing in the background. He had no idea where it was coming from but he felt it picking away at him.
Issei had no idea what was going on now. His mind felt like it was being soothed and lit on fire at the same time. An unbearable itch began to pick at his mind. It was like someone was clawing at his brain, digging into it with sharp hot blades while something would put it back together with cool fingers. It was as if the cool fingers were keeping the hot claws out. Issei had no idea who was doing what anymore.
He realized that one voice belonged to Adelaide while the other belonged to Vali. He began to sweat profusely as images kept popping into his head. Images of his past fighting alongside Vali and the others clashed with the memories of Ardjis and his recent ones with Adelaide.
His mind kept flashing images of Adelaide and Vali over and over in his head. He couldn't sort anything out as he felt like a hammer slammed at his consciousness while something would build it back up.
Issei's Balance Breaker disengaged as he struggled to stand.
As Vali and Adelaide sang, they felt a battle of power erupt. Vali tried to urge Issei's mind to unlock itself. Somewhere inside his mind, his memories of her and the others were still there. She wanted to bring them out to the surface. However, Adelaide would counter, trying to keep her from digging, stopping her at every turn.
The two tunes they sang clashed, creating a melodious storm that swirled all around everyone in the area.
Issei froze, his mind finally erupted into a massive headache after enduring so much agony from the strain on his mind.
"AAAAAAAGGHHHH!" He howled in agony, gripping his head.
(Cross Ange OST – Towagatari ~ Hikari no Uta. End Song.)
(Attack on Titan OST – No Matter Where You Are. End Song.)
Vali and Adelaide were snapped out of their struggle upon hearing his ear-bleeding howl of pain.
The frenzy of blazes and cold mixed, finally overloading his mind until the pain knocked Issei unconscious.
"ISSEI!"
"ISSEI!"
Adelaide and Vali dove for him. Unfortunately and perhaps fortunately, Adelaide reached him first. She violently blasted Vali back with all her strength, shattering her Balance Breaker as she teleported away with Issei.
"No!" Vali roared in rage and grief.
While she and Adelaide fought with song, everyone had managed to catch up when Issei let out his agonized scream.
"What the hell did those two do to him?" Izalana gasped in horror, recalling that haunting scream.
Adelaide and Issei had teleported to a safe-house that she owned. She had prepared in case anyone tried to come after them should their home in Boston be compromised.
"Issei?! Issei?! ISSEI?!" Adelaide frantically inspected him.
He was burning up horrendously, sweat literally dripping down his face as he panted. HE gripped Adelaide's hand for dear life as he groaned in agony.
Adelaide looked at him with broken eyes, horrified over her own actions.
At the same time, Vali and Adelaide felt horrendous guilt for what they'd done. Their minds kept replaying the haunting sound of Issei's howling pain and frenzied outburst. All of this had been caused by their clash of music in an attempt to get to Issei.
At the same time, they shared one thought.
"How could I have done this?" Vali said.
"How could I have done this?" Adelaide said.
Whoooooooo, boy! That was intense! I loved every moment of it. Hahaha!
It was thrilling to write this chapter for many reasons.
Vali had never had a direct opposite before, so it was really fun and interesting to pit her against Adelaide. It was also really refreshing for me to write a scene where Issei fights the others, as that had never happened in the Original Heroic Calamity and until this morning, where I flipped everything around.
I also relished the chance to write more Adelaide x Issei moments. As much as I love Vali, I also share the same amount of love for Adelaide.
I sure hope I mixed up how you all felt. Personally, I know I'm not supposed to pick favorites, but DAMN IT, I've REALLY come to like Adelaide now. I'm willing to put her on the same standing as Vali. Even more than before! I know I'm the writer and all, but I just found it so hard to dislike her! I'm glad most of you folks like her too!
Although, the next coming chapters are gonna cause total chaos, so I hope you're looking forward to it because I sure am looking forward to writing it!
