Yep. I'm still alive.
Alright, it's basically been 6 months now. I'm long overdue for a chapter release.
I was absent for a long time because I was and still am busy with my full-time job. I was also away for a while because I spent about a month working on a Grim Herald side-story. Instead of updating it chapter-by chapter, I published the entire story completed, so it took a lot more time since I also imposed certain limitations on the length of the story and had to make several decisions with the plot.
After that, it was time to start working at my new full-time job. So, life happened and that's why I was gone for so long. I'm thankful to the readers who expressed concern for me and waited patiently for me.
Honestly, I no longer know what things will be like. Still, I'll try to update whenever I can, whenever that'll be these days. My new job doesn't really leave me with too much time to myself plus my personal life's schedule.
I wanna thank everyone who's been waiting so long for an update from me and have done so patiently. I know it can be frustrating to wait for things that you like, so I appreciate the thoughtfulness that some readers have shown me and the respect they've given to my private life by not rushing me to release more chapters. Shout-outs to "Baron Chronos" for actually reading my Profile Status updates and showing me courtesy. Only a few people have ever bothered to do that and that's where I usually post information about what's going on with my activities and stories.
Now, with all that out of the way and explained, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 62: Time to Talk
Adelaide sat in her room. It supposed to be a prison cell, but maybe because of her connection to Issei, she got luxury. She stared out the window, wondering how much longer it'd take to leave. She'd already been here for a while. Every day, she'd be questioned, monitored, and screened. The Alliance was trying to find any reason to suspect her.
To be honest, she didn't sense Vetrazin's presence in her mind anymore, let alone her heart. Adelaide sat down at the couch, eyeing the reset chess board in front of her.
Right on cue, someone entered the room. As expected, it was Sun Wukong.
"Punctual like usual." Adelaide smirked as she waited for him to sit down.
"I enjoy our games of chess." Sun Wukong chuckled as he sat down.
"Don't you get tired?"
"Of course not. We always spend every day talking about new things." Sun Wukong extinguished his pipe as he made the first move.
"I see. Found any new questions for me?" Adelaide jovially asked.
"I gave up two days ago." Wukong chuckled.
"I take it, they're gonna find new ways to keep me in here." Adelaide politely spoke as the game continued.
"You got me." Wukong sighed just as he lost a Knight.
Wukong noticed her accusational glance.
"I'm doing what I can." He sighed in defense.
"I'm intrigued." Adelaide quietly said.
"With?"
(Kingdom Hearts 3 OST – Keyblade Graveyard Horizon. Play Song.)
"You showing up every day for a game of chess. You try to probe me for information, to see what I'm after. You try to find any and all reasons to see if I'll divulge something. It's just that you're less direct about it. Have you thought of anymore mind games?" Adelaide asked.
Wukong only sighed.
"You misjudge me, Adelaide. I'm actually trying to help you out here." He then took Adelaide's bishop.
"How so? If you're trying to prove something, the others will just think I'm lying or faking." Adelaide scoffed as she took one of Wukong's pawns.
"True. Still, that's not it. The reason why I come here to play chess every day is simply to learn of who you are, not what you are. Fate has taken a severe interest in you, Vali Lucifer, and Issei Hyoudou." Wukong chuckled.
That much was obvious to Adelaide already.
"From the moment the Alliance was made, all the way to now, Issei has influenced events around him. The Aviturs moved in the shadows against him and in retaliation, he went on the hunt. Thus, Vali Lucifer was dragged along, being his King. On the side, you and Vali were once one person, but due to unknown interference, the soul of Aria was ripped in half by the Void and the Abyss. While Issei journeyed the world, you followed, awakening soon after meeting with him. Now, the Cult of Bahamut arose but just as soon as it appeared, it disappeared, replaced by the Novella Caelum. Like a cracked dam, water has begun to spill from the wall that kept us all complicit. That dam will soon break, and we may very well have a flood on our hands."
"Your point?" Adelaide asked in confusion.
"It is my concern that you three are part of an even bigger game than the one we're already in. For a long time, I've wondered where the Void came from and why it's in conflict with the Abyss. Why did Bahamut come to be? How? Perhaps by learning all of this, I may be able to help you and by extension, the world. We're all in this together, whether we like it or not. This world was much bigger back then. Perhaps it's smaller to teach us to coexist. There's no point in living if there's no world to live on." Wukong took Adelaide's Rook, trading his Knight.
"What's your angle, Sun Wukong?" Adelaide asked, this time with deeper meaning.
"I'm a very old soul. You've heard the stories, I'm sure. I thought I was undefeatable. I did as I pleased and crossed whomever because I believed I could. Buddha taught me otherwise. Over the ages, I've been humbled by time and my journeys. There's no better teacher than time." Wukong bitterly remarked.
"You mean the war…" Adelaide quietly said.
"Immortals live for so long that we tend to forget. Some of us even sweep things under the rug the longer we live. That war was so long ago, yet so horrific, but why is it that so many of us gods and immortals fail to remember so many important things?" Wukong stroked his beard.
"You suggesting all of our memories have been tampered with?" Adelaide looked at him.
"When dealing with omnipotent forces like the Void and the Abyss, would you doubt it? I'm sure there are even blanks in your memories." Wukong rhetorically asked.
"But what's the point?"
"Maybe there's something in our pasts that isn't supposed to come to light. The farthest that I can remember is their sudden appearance and the hell that broke loose not too long before it. I can't recall how they came to be or why. So far, I've only been able to conclude that someone messed with our minds just before we were all brought into this second galaxy." Wukong put Adelaide in Check.
"And you think I'm responsible or connected." Adelaide stared at the chess board.
"Perhaps. However, that's not really what I mean. I'm here today to offer a deal. In exchange for your help and monitoring, you'll be allowed to walk free under 'parole'. Buddha, Odin, Vishnu, and I have been wondering how far we can dig. Time hasn't been kind and we may have lost clues already. To deal with that, I want us to be able to act as quickly as possible. We need answers and the ones best equipped to find them are you, Vali, and Issei."
"What makes you think that?" Adelaide didn't like where this was heading. They were being seen as tools.
"Issei is the Host of Bahamut, the original catalyst that caused the blanks in this story. Vali is a Songstress of Serenity but lacks memories that are now with you. The reason why Issei must be involved is because the Aviturs hate Bahamut but I think the reason is more personal than just being from opposite sides. There's more to Bahamut and the Aviturs than some petty feud about who hit who."
"So, you want information as to why and how this all started and in exchange, I get to leave?" Adelaide considered his offer.
"You'll still have to come back periodically for checkups. The Void's tricky and we don't know much about it. Most of the gods don't agree with my views, but I see no reason to persecute a young lady who hasn't hurt anyone yet." Wukong shook his head. His expression then softened.
"Besides, it's not like you asked for all this. No harm, no foul. We're just trying to play it safe." Wukong chuckled.
Wukong had a point. Despite being present during Bahamut's rampage, the only things she recalled were the lights that ended her life. She remembered the final moments of her life as Aria but like Wukong, she didn't remember the deeper matters about the Aviturs.
Just why were the Void and the Abyss at war? The questions just started rolling into her brain all of a sudden. She knew that if these answers weren't found, this would continue in their next lives. An endless cycle. She was so tired of it.
"Fine. I accept." Adelaide nodded, tipping over her King.
"Excellent. I'll get to work with arranging your release." Wukong nodded.
"And how many strings are you attaching to me?" Adelaide asked.
"Just the one. I won't lie to you; there are people who'd like you dead. Still, you have the protection of the Alliance at your back, so you're safe from several threats. With Parvati and Buddha guaranteeing you political safety, there's not many who'd cross you openly. Just make sure to be careful. Not all barriers are infallible." Wukong then looked at his King piece.
"I wonder what life would be like if that War hadn't happened. What would we be like now? Are all calamities and resets so bad? Are the ones who cause the event or the ones who commit the deed to blame? Hmph." Wukong set the chess piece back down before leaving.
(Kingdom Hearts 3 OST – Keyblade Graveyard Horizon. End Song.)
Vali had spent hours trying to find a good outfit for her date with Issei. It had been so long since she'd been this excited. So much crap had happened that Vali seriously hadn't thought much of happy things until now.
'Heh.' Albion chuckled as he listened to Vali humming.
'What?' Vali asked.
'Nothing. It's just been a while since I've seen you this happy. I'm just glad.' Albion explained.
'Ever since I found out how I really felt, this is something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. I guess even I fantasize about this sort of thing from time-to-time.' Vali chuckled to herself.
'But what about Adelaide?'
Vali sighed. Yes, there was still that issue. She paused, allowing her mood to slightly dampen.
'The way I see it, there're only three options, Vali. Either you get Issei to focus only on you, you let him go, or you compromise and share him with her.'
Vali was well aware of that, having already thought extensively about the issue.
'I know.'
'We don't know what Adelaide thinks about you, either. The last time you two talked with each other one-on-one, a huge fight broke out.'
'I'm not proud of how I behaved. Still, I need to know what her angle is in all this. I need to know if she's what and who she says she is. If she's not, then all bets are off. I made the mistake of negligence before. I won't do it again.'
Issei was waiting by the door. When Vali came down, he found that she was wearing an off-shoulder shirt with black hems. Underneath it was a spaghetti-strap blue shirt with a black belt and gray skirt that reached just above her knees. To complete her getup, she had white high heels, a silver bag, and a bit of makeup and earrings on.
Issei's feelings were reignited when he saw her again. With Adelaide far removed from his vicinity, he could feel the conflict within him lessen. He wanted to focus on Vali and Vali only now. It made him feel sleazy, but he just couldn't help it.
"Shall we get going?" She smiled, exhilarated.
"Yep."
The two headed out to the Human Realm. Issei wanted to get a change of pace and go somewhere that wasn't in the Underworld. He decided that he wanted to take Vali somewhere meaningful.
"Hey, it's Kuoh!" Vali exclaimed as they arrived at their destination.
It had been a long time since she'd come back here in good spirit. She couldn't help but laugh and smile. She honestly didn't care about going anywhere fancy. She just wanted to spend time with Issei.
"So, what's your plan?" Vali asked.
"Remember how you'd always wanted to go see a Broadway musical in Japan? Well, I managed to book some tickets for that musical you'd missed out on. It's coming back due to popular demand." Issei handed her a ticket.
Vali smiled in excitement. She loved musicals; a given since singing was one of her hobbies.
"Let's go." Issei excitedly took her hand as they strolled off.
The moment they sat down, Vali intertwined her arm with Issei's as the play began.
The musical was about two lovers, a princess and a soldier, who'd been separated due to their social classes. After years of separation, they were reunited but the Princess was heartbroken to find that the soldier had married someone else, forgetting all about her. The ending actually hit a sore spot for Vali, scaring the daylights out of her. The Princess died of a broken heart, alone, even with lasting wealth.
When the last act ended with the Princess dropping dead on the floor, still and lifeless, she felt her heart drop too.
At first, Vali hadn't given much thought to it, but as time went on, she grew more and more terrified. It made sense with her current standing. Issei's role as the Host of Bahamut and their differing social classes had played a role in their separation. Issei went away, died, and was taken away from her. When he came back, he showed up with someone who was so similar to her, yet so much more confident and alluring, securing the spot that she'd wanted. Now, she was left wondering where she fit into all this.
Vali took a deep breath as they left the theater. It was just a plot, nothing more. Even so, the bravado threatened to fall apart.
'Are you going to be okay, Vali?' Albion asked.
'I really don't know.' Vali sighed.
"What's wrong?" Issei asked, snapping her out of her thoughts as they left the theater.
"Huh?"
"You're upset."
"I'm okay, Issei." Vali tried to play it cool.
"No, you're not. I've known you long enough to know that you're just saying that, so I don't feel bad." Issei neared her.
Vali stepped back as he approached. He then paused, as if a new thought just came across his mind.
"Come on, I think I've got something that'll take the edge off." Issei held her hand and gently led her away.
They went to an Italian restaurant that was of Vali's preference. The two sat down and ate, with Issei trying to start up conversation.
"So, what's the plan nowadays?" Issei asked.
He wanted to slap himself. He sounded like a total stranger. What happened to trying to take the edge off?
"Oh, well, things have calmed down, so, just the usual daily life. Contracts, paperwork, the occasional fight, rinse and repeat." Vali awkwardly smiled back at him.
"That's great."
Issei knew that things weren't going the way that he'd imagined. Vali wasn't enjoying herself as much as she would've. Things were so much easier when he was dying.
'Is it me or have you gotten stale? You can't even start a conversation properly now.' Rexis sighed in disappointment.
'It's not like I'm doing this voluntarily. We both know how each other feels but with circumstances, it's kinda become a dance that we can't find the right steps to.' Issei sighed.
'Then, I suggest that you figure it out. Fast. You two have wasted enough time. I know you two are feeling awkward, but this really isn't helping anyone out anymore.' Rexis growled.
Issei paused. He had a point. Vali and he weren't strangers. They were both already aware of how the other felt. At this point, Issei was just thinking way too hard now.
'Screw it. No more beating around the bush.' Issei sighed.
He'd been trying too hard to spare feelings. There wasn't anything wrong with that, but he ended up inhibiting any progress he could've made already. Issei sighed as he decided to bite the bullet.
After they ate, Issei didn't utter a single word to her as he took her to wherever it was that he was thinking about. Issei decided to take her to his original home.
Issei had to take a moment to collect himself. He hadn't set foot here once ever since his parents died. The house was still in prim and proper shape. The real question was what it was like on the inside.
(Star Wars: Attack of the Clones OST – Love Across the Stars. Play Song.)
The locks were all still the same, even. When he stepped inside, he had to admit, he got a little emotional. It'd been so long since he'd stepped in here. He looked around and everything was as it was left. Sadly, it still had that quiet and sad atmosphere that he was used to coming home to too. It hit like a truck to taste that familiar cold sting again.
"We kept everything as it was. We weren't sure if you'd ever come here after you left." Vali explained.
"Thank you." Issei nodded graciously as he went to prepare some tea.
After setting down cups for both of them, Issei took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, Vali."
Vali looked at him quizzically.
"For what?"
"I invite you out on a date, only to drag you down. What should've been an enjoyable day for you is being wasted because I'm being a wet blanket. You deserve better." Issei sighed.
"What're you talking about? It's not your fault, Issei. You've had so much to deal with, with so little time to rest. Even when you get time to relax, something else always comes along. I've learned to accept that. That's why I'll wait as long as you need me to." Vali replied, smiling radiantly to reassure him.
"That's not all. I haven't been fair to you or Adelaide. I haven't been fair to anyone for a long time. I started a lot of things and then I ran off to do other things. I wanna make up for that."
Vali prepared herself. The way he was talking, she knew that the time was here. She just didn't know which direction things were going to go.
"I love you, Vali. I always have. From the moment I realized how much you meant to me, you kept me going. Almost everything I did, had you as the focal point. You became my world." Issei recounted all of his trials and the one who motivated him to get through.
Vali was touched, clutching at her heart to keep herself calm. She resisted the urge to break out into a smile. Issei still had more to say.
"However, things have changed. My love for you still exists, and I don't blame you for being disgusted by me for this, but…I love Adelaide too." Issei bit his lip.
Vali nodded in acceptance. She'd expected this sort of reply from him. She knew that what they felt for each other was real. Sure, it happened quickly to the point of ridicule and skepticism, however, she saw how genuine and committed it was.
"I…I'm sorry, Vali. I don't think I can just choose one of you. I know it makes me look like a douchebag, but…"
"It's fine, Issei. I'm not surprised. After you told me everything, Adelaide also has a right to be included all this."
Issei had to take the time to blink. Did he hear her properly?
"Huh?"
"I know she's just as serious about you as I am. I know that you two love each other dearly. I won't come between you two like that. We're both two halves of one person. I can understand how she feels to an extent. I know she also understands how I feel. That's why, I understand how much it would hurt her and you and me if this whole thing got torn apart because someone was forced to choose." Vali looked Issei dead in the eye.
"That's why, if you're going to love us, then I want you to do it equally. That's the condition I'm imposing. In the devil world, polygamy is common. But, as you know, the wives and husbands all get treated differently. I don't want that. I want to be loved just as much as you love Adelaide. I don't want to hurt you or her. With this, we can all gain some happiness, but only if we all try."
Issei was trying to wrap his head around how quickly and easily this was being resolved. Did he land in some other world that was just conveniently working his life out for him?
"Adelaide and I haven't spoken yet, but I can guess what she's thinking. We're two halves from one person. The only thing we're waiting on is what you want to do. Will you choose only one of us? Or both of us?" Vali asked.
She knew Issei wasn't controlled by his hormones. He thought deeply and cared about how people felt. That was one of the things that made her fall in love with him. Still, it was a double-edged sword since it often forced him to drive himself into a corner. It's probably what really killed him.
Issei was silent for a while, thinking. Before too much time passed, he nodded.
"I want to try. If you're both okay with this, then let's give it a try." Issei nodded.
Vali smiled brightly, as if none of this chaos had ever happened, back to the days where they could trust each other with anything and everything. Only this time, Vali took things a step further. There still existed the matter of Adelaide's input, but they'd cross that bridge when they got to it.
She took hold of Issei's face and brought him in for a deep kiss. Issei felt his brain melt a bit as she leaned into him.
When they parted, Vali smiled, a single tear dripping from her eye.
"Finally…finally." Her voice cracked.
"I'm sorry I took so long. I swear, I'll make up for all the time I wasted."
"You'd better. I'm never letting go of you ever again." Vali wrapped her arms around Issei.
The two stood still, savoring the moment.
"Issei…will you return to the Peerage?" Vali decided to ask after some silence.
"No, I don't think I will."
Issei had her take out her Evil Pieces. Sadly, they didn't react to him anymore.
"Whatever it was that happened to me, the Evil Pieces will no longer resonate with me. I don't think it's meant to be anymore. Besides, you don't need those to keep me around." Issei smiled lightly.
"I just wanted to check." Vali chuckled.
"You know, the day's still young. How about we keep going? Let's have a real date."
"Yeah, let's." Vali nodded.
(Star Wars: Attack of the Clones OST – Love Across the Stars. End Song.)
(Utada Hikaru – Beautiful World ~ Acoustic Version. Play Song.)
They didn't have a care in the world now. They were only concerned with making up for lost time and making new memories.
Issei took hold of Vali's hand as the two ran through the streets, playing around at the arcade, browsing the shops at the mall after. They didn't even have a plan. They just did whatever came to mind. The only thing they really cared about was spending time together.
"Ah~." Vali held up some food.
"Uh, well…" Issei had to remind himself that they were in Japan. Open displays of affection weren't exactly something he was that comfortable with.
He couldn't argue, though. Vali kept her spoon hovering in front of his mouth, smiling.
'Are you going to disappoint her?' Rexis goaded him.
Issei ate the food she offered, drawing some eyes.
'Eh, whatever.' He shrugged.
"So, tell me, when you were trying to set Sairaorg and me up, did you ever worry about someone else cutting in?" Vali asked.
"All the time." Issei admitted, swinging his arm through the air while holding onto Vali's hand.
"I was always nervous and frantic. I lost a good chunk of hair from it all. It didn't help how dense you two were back then." Issei added.
Vali let go of Issei's hand, immediately wrapping her arms around his left one.
"I'm sorry I took so long. I'm going to make up for it now." She sweetly said with a quick peck on the cheek.
"I guess I taught you two a thing or two." Issei sheepishly looked away.
"Well, what you did opened up our eyes." Vali nodded.
"I really thought Sairaorg would get the hint when Kuisha sang that diss song." Issei chuckled.
Vali paled as a thought touched her mind.
"Issei…how did you do it?" Vali asked.
"Do what?"
"Keep yourself together while you were trying to get Sairaorg and me together? When I saw you and Adelaide, I wanted to just shatter. Yet, you spent months committed." Vali tightened her hold on his arm.
"Honestly, I felt like it was just killing me faster. It wasn't easy. I was doing the exact opposite of what I wanted. But the thought of helping two people that I care about very much was a thought that pushed me through. One was like a brother to me and the other was the love of my life." Issei blatantly admitted.
"I-I see." Vali stuttered, her face a red mess.
"Why?" Issei asked.
"Nothing. I just…I wanted to understand more." Vali shook her head.
"So, when Adelaide gets back, uh…what'll be our living arrangements?" Issei asked.
Vali froze.
"Didn't think about that. I don't think that whole "everyone sleeps on one bed" is going to pass, is it?"
"No, I don't think so." Issei shook his head.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." Vali decided as they kept walking.
(Utada Hikaru – Beautiful World ~ Acoustic Version. End Song.)
That was when a most unexpected incident occurred for them.
"Hey, is that Hyoudou?!"
Issei turned around at the mention of his family name. It was Aika Kiryuu along with Murayama and Katase. Standing with them was Morisawa and another pretty young lady.
"Hey, how's it going?" Issei casually approached them.
"Where've you been?" Aika asked, showing a rare moment of concern.
"Oh, you know, just been traveling. When my parents died and Kuoh closed, I decided to start traveling and find my new life." Issei shrugged.
"You know, Kuoh's open again." Aika informed him, as if disappointed.
"So I've heard. But I've already done my graduation early, so I'm not worried. What about you all? Just the same teen life routine?" Issei asked.
"Pretty much. Motohama and Matsuda were confined in their houses for so long that I think they had life-changing epiphanies. Motohama is working hard to become a coder for a video game company and Matsuda's been hard at work to become a pro soccer player." Aika pushed up her glasses.
"Wait, why're they so important to you so suddenly?" Issei raised a brow. Last he remembered, Aika never bothered to give them any thought.
Aika flashed a proud grin.
"Because they've officially reformed. They stopped peeking and are even stopping other perverts now. Somehow, they managed to snag these two." Aika pointed at Murayama and Katase.
"It's not like we hated them seriously…maybe. It's not like we wanted them to die. Still, after we saw how serious they were and how much they'd changed, one thing led to another." Murayama blushed, though she kept her stern look and tone.
Issei nearly dropped to the ground in shock.
"Wow…Is the sky raining fire?" Issei looked at the glass ceiling.
Vali slapped him on the arm for his rudeness.
"What about you?" She asked Aika.
"I'm actually just spending time with my Aunt and Uncle." She then pointed at Morisawa.
Somehow, Issei wasn't surprised.
"So, everything went really well." Issei noted with a very proud smile before he realized what Aika said.
'Aunt?'
When Morisawa nodded, he smiled at his new wife, Akari Takamine.
"Ah!" Issei had to turn away and shield his eyes when he saw the light radiating off their love-struck gaze.
"Thanks to your words, I managed to buck up and asked Akari out. Not long after, we started dating and just got married last week." Morisawa smiled like a drunk monkey, a complete inversion of his usual scowl.
"He was so cute and romantic. I couldn't refuse even if I wanted to. The more time I spent with him, the more I fell in love with him." Akari proudly said.
"Murayama! Katase!"
Turning around, Motohama and Matsuda ran up to the group.
"Sorry we're late." Motohama panted.
When Motohama and Matsuda looked back and forth between Issei and Vali, they gasped.
"When did you two get together?" Motohoma adjusted his glasses.
"Not too long ago." Issei replied.
"Wow…look at all of us." Matsuda noted.
"Since we're all here, why not have a group date?" Aika asked.
"When's your boyfriend getting here, Aika?" Morisawa asked.
"In a few minutes. Anyways, it's been lovely Auntie and Uncle, I'll be heading the other way now." Aika waved at Morisawa and Akari as the older couple went home.
'Wow, didn't expect them to tie the knot so soon.' Issei raised a brow at the stability of their relationship.
'You never know. Some couples get lucky. Sometimes, they get hitched and they almost immediately find out they don't love each other that much after all. Some, however, only fall deeper in love. Don't be fooled. Love at first sight wasn't popular in the old days for no reason, despite it being shallower. Like with all relationships, time does things.' Rexis stated.
Vali was about to speak up, but when she turned to look at Issei's face, she noticed the troubled look on his face. It disappeared just as quickly as it came across his face. He was hiding some unpleasant thought.
"Sorry, guys, but we actually had our own plans. We're only back for a little while before we've gotta leave." Issei declined Aika's offer.
"What?" Aika looked disappointed.
"You see, we're only back for a day before we've gotta get moving. My grandpa might have work for us to do." Vali decided to help fill in for Issei's lie.
"That's too bad. Maybe next time, then." Aika shrugged.
When Issei and Vali walked away, they decided to continue their own private date.
"Are you okay?" Vali asked.
Issei was silent but he smiled, shaking his head.
"Knowing Aika, she'd probably start probing. She's a smart cookie. Come on, the night's young." He returned to his normal mood and led her away.
Vali knew that something was off but decided not to pursue the matter. He needed time to unwind. He'd earned some privacy.
"Come on, I know a place that you'll like." Vali took the lead, grabbing Issei's hand.
The two arrived in front of a bar that had a black stone exterior with a pale-yellow sign. The logo was a black dog devouring a red moon.
"Black Dog Bar? Vali, this is a pub. We can't go in." Issei clarified as if she didn't know the law.
"Not a problem. Azazel owns the bar." Vali walked in as if it were only natural.
The inside of the bar was well-lit, with round tables dotting the place. Vali took a booth by the window, giving a good view of the starry street.
"Feels more like a restaurant than a bar." Issei looked around as staff went in and out of the kitchens.
"Azazel decided to add food cus he said it got boring just drinking. Also, he got drunk one time on an empty stomach and wrecked the place, so he makes sure to drink after eating. The restaurants down here while the real bar's upstairs. So, we're actually allowed to come in." Vali sighed, rubbing her temple as she led Issei upstairs.
"I see. Still, a real popular place." Issei looked around.
"That's because of two reasons." Vali pointed at the bar as they entered.
Standing there, was a handsome young man with short black hair and a tall, toned build. His movements were quick, precise, and strong, as if he knew he could handle a job for three at once. Even more noticeable were the barely noticeable scars on his hands and neck. Whoever he was, he'd seen his fair share of hardship. Obviously, the bartender, he was being fawned over by several young women.
"That's Tobio Ikuse, one of Grigori's top fighters. I don't think you ever got the chance to meet him." Vali informed.
"Nope. I heard about him. Something about Sirius Black and stuff like that." Issei shook his head as he sipped his water.
"Well, as you can tell, he's really popular with the ladies. Hmm…Sae's not gonna be happy when she finds out." Vali mumbled that last bit to herself.
"And the second reason?" Issei asked.
"Over there." Vali pointed at the stage.
Issei almost felt bewitched as he registered the sight before him. A beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes was wearing a white dress, singing a soft tune as dozens of patrons sat in silence. That was a testament to how majestic she was. Not a single soul dared disturb her song, not even for a moment. Everyone just sat and listened and watched, dazzled by her beauty and melodious voice.
"That's Lavinia Reni, another associate of Grigori. She's a mage that's been through some stuff with us. Along with Tobio, they're part of the Slash Dog Team, which is a part of Grigori. Also, they work part time here. It makes it easy for them to stay in touch with Azazel." Vali explained.
"Hey, Vali." Tobio waved the pair over.
"Hey, Tobio. Wrapping up the first part of the night?" Vali took a seat.
"Yeah. The regulars are getting ready to clear out in a few minutes." Tobio set out some glasses.
"What can I do for you two?" Tobio looked at them both, though his gaze lingered for a bit on Issei.
"The usual for me. Virgin Sangria." Vali rested her head on her hand.
"I'll have a virgin banana daiquiri."
"So, you're looking a lot happier tonight. You feeling better?" Tobio asked, showing some worry.
"Yeah, a lot." Vali gave her sparkling smile.
"I'll bet. Did you find him?" Tobio quietly asked.
"Yep. He's right here. I wanted to introduce him to you and Lavinia tonight." Vali wrapped her arms around Issei's.
"I'm Issei Hyoudou, it's a pleasure to meet you." Issei extended his hand.
"I've heard the stories. It's a pleasure as well." Tobio shook it.
"So, just a night on the town?" He followed up.
"Yep. Enjoying the quiet life while it lasts." Vali sighed.
"Azazel gave me the news. Not surprised. You patch a hole and another one rips open." Tobio set their drinks in front of them.
"You guys got your orders too?" Vali sipped her drink.
"No, but we got some leads. Novella Caelum are starting to pop up all over the world, starting with religious sects and cults. We're even getting reports of some tech industries being bought out. Subtlety's clearly a strong suit for them." Tobio got to polishing glasses.
"It won't be long before another war happens. The thing is, we don't have many leads to follow up on. They wipe their tracks pretty well." Vali took another sip.
"Well, whatever it is, we'll do what we always do; work through it together." Tobio confidently smiled.
A roar of applause echoed around the room as Lavinia's song came to an end and with that, the bar's patrons began leaving.
"Well, 10 PM on a Saturday. Time for the VIPs." Tobio sighed as he hit a switch.
Instantly, the bar's drink racks flipped, showing alcohols and bottles that Issei recognized from various pantheons. Asgardian mead, Shinto Sake, Greek wines, the whole shebang.
"It's around now that Grigori staff start coming in and with that, my shift ends." Tobio loosened his bowtie.
"Thanks for the drinks." Issei finished his drink.
"Not at all. Now, how about some dinner?" Tobio offered.
"Great timing. Tobio's food is to die for." Vali playfully leaned on Issei.
"Did Tobio offer to cook? That means my shift ended on a good note."
Walking up to them was Lavinia. Soon enough, everyone headed downstairs as Tobio walked out of the kitchens with four plates and a massive tray of paella.
"Please enjoy."
True to Vali's testament, Issei found himself blinking a few times before his plate was clean.
"Wow…" He quietly said to himself.
"Eat up. It's the least I can do for the one who defeated the Aviturs. Azazel told us all about it." Tobio ladled more food onto Issei's plate.
"So, this is the guy you've been telling us about…" Lavinia eyed Issei with interest, almost like she was a parent.
'I'm suddenly feeling very insecure.' Issei inched back.
'This is the big one, boy. Meeting the parents of the bride.' Rexis whispered.
'You're not helping, Rexis.' Issei growled.
"I wanted to introduce him to you since we're officially going out now." Vali smiled gleefully.
"Well, if he's everything I've heard, then you picked a good one. I seem to recall the Rating Games. I'm sorry about all those fan letters some of my colleagues sent." Lavinia chuckled.
Vali's brow twitched.
"Yes, many of them had to be disposed of." She put up a smile, though she exuded a dark aura.
'If I'm not mistaken, I heard that some of those letters had some very risky photos attached.' Rexis muttered.
'Again, not helping.' Issei mumbled.
"So, when was it official?" Tobio asked.
"Today." Issei sheepishly confirmed.
Tobio choked into his cup as Lavinia patted his back.
"Well, I'm glad you finally found someone to be with." Lavinia chuckled.
"Vali stayed with us for a while when she trained with Azazel. She was like a little sister to our group. I remember that little rebel that would follow us around everywhere, trying to pick fights during training." Tobio snickered.
"And getting so flustered that she'd cry a lot if she couldn't find her plushie." Lavinia added in.
"S-Stop!" Vali frantically covered their mouths.
"It's our privilege to embarrass you now." Tobio removed her hand.
"Keep talking and I'm snitching on you to Sae." Vali muttered.
Tobio paled.
"Sae?" Issei raised a brow.
"She's a teammate and someone very close to dear Tobio." Lavinia chuckled.
"Keep talking tough. Just wait till I get to the plushie story." Tobio grinned.
"You. Wouldn't. Dare!" Vali hissed, her eyes glowing.
Tobio merely chuckled.
"Ufufufu, fine. Still, you've got the right idea. Let's enjoy these days while we've still got them." Lavinia relented.
"In that case, mind telling me more stories?" Issei leaned forward.
"Issei!" Vali pouted, shaking him.
"Well, we met Vali a little while before our Team was formed. Vali was with Azazel as part of a deal for training with us in exchange for her help. Vali would flip from being shy and timid to being boisterous and aggressive. If only you could've seen her." Tobio obliged him.
"And on the flipside, she'd cry if you pushed too many of her buttons." Lavinia chuckled.
"There was also that time Vali shattered all of the windows at the apartment with her singing." Albion chuckled.
"That was my fault. I wasn't too sure where to start with teaching her how to sing." Lavinia raised a hand.
For hours, Issei learned more of Vali's childhood antics, trading stories with Tobio and Lavinia.
"No way! Vali did that?!" Lavinia's jaw dropped.
"Yep. She pushed me down several flights of stairs while I was in a wheelchair." Issei nodded.
"Please stop! Spare what's left of my dignity!" Vali started crying, wailing.
"Oh dear, I think we've gone too far." Lavinia nodded as she patted Vali's head.
"Everyone's so mean." Vali mumbled.
"If there's one story that'll stick with me, it's the one where you got arrested by the cops." Albion fired back.
"Damn you, Albion." Issei whispered.
"Arrested?"
Issei recounted the resort trip that he'd planned to Lavinia and Tobio.
"Wow…you've got a real problem with authority." Tobio flatly nodded.
"It wasn't my fault! They couldn't read the signs!" Issei frantically defended himself.
For hours, Issei traded tales with Tobio and Lavinia. It was cool to learn that Lavinia helped Vali hone her singing while Tobio helped teach Vali how to defend herself. It reminded Issei of just how much more he needed to learn about Vali.
Dinner ended peacefully, something that Issei and Vali were slowly growing accustomed to. After thanking Tobio and Lavinia for dinner, Vali and Issei took a late-night stroll through the streets.
"Hmph!" Vali turned away when Issei looked at her.
"What's wrong?" Issei coyly leaned closer.
"Getting turned into the butt-monkey for two hours." Vali muttered.
"Hey, I'm sorry." Issei held her close, trying to get back into her good graces.
Vali's frown immediately turned into a smile as he tightly hugged her.
'No, wait! I'm supposed to be upset!' She scolded herself.
"H-Hmph!" Vali failed to regain her upset demeanor. Now, she just looked distressed.
"I promise, I'll cut back on the ribbing. One free hit. I'll wait." Issei stood in front of her, eyes closed.
Vali smirked.
"I'm going to let you think on how I'm going to get back at you." She walked past him, leaving him to silently ponder her promise.
"W-Wait, what?"
"Not telling." Vali giggled as she started jogging away.
"Hey, wait!" Issei ran to catch up.
"If you can catch me, I'll do anything you want. Ahahahaha!" Vali laughed without a care in the world.
Albion chuckled to himself. For the past many months, it had been utter hell for Vali ever since Issei left. It only got worse when he died, only to be taken away from her again. Now, she could laugh without a care in the world like she used to.
Rexis was also of the same opinion, having been one of the casualties that brought the world this far. For Issei to finally be free of fearing an early death that was brought on by time, he couldn't ask for more for Issei, who was like a younger brother to him.
Whoever was out there, whoever brought him back to life, would have Albion and Rexis' eternal gratitude.
And that's the first chapter in about 6 months since I last updated. At first, I wasn't going to make any breather chapters, but I figured I couldn't tackle anything too big just yet. Not gonna lie, I'm pretty rusty. So, I guess this chapter kind of served the purpose of moving things forward but wasn't vital enough to be something of a "core" chapter.
Originally, I'd intended to release a bundle of chapters, but honestly, I don't know when I'll get the time to do it again, so I'll try and go back to releasing chapter-by-chapter like how I used to.
As for this chapter, it was just something I wrote to try and get my feet wet. I rewrote it 4 times since I wasn't too sure of where I wanted to go. Eventually, I did decide where I wanted to go with the plot. At this moment in time, "The Heroic Calamity" has approached its half-way point, but it's all still liable to change if I find a reason to extend things further than I've already planned. I want to avoid that, but only time can tell.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope to see you all again soon.
