italics - Thoughts
Bold underlined - Spells/Sword Skills
[Bold] - Ddraig
[Ddraig] - Ddraig mental speech
{Bold} - Albion speech
[Issei] - Issei mental speech with Ddraig
[Issei] - Issei speaking with Ddraig
Underlined - Timeskips/Flashbacks
"Bold" - Rating Game Announcement
Disclaimer: I do not own Highchool Dxd, Sword Art Online, or any of its characters. All rights belong to their creators.
Chapter 11:Family bonds
"Hah…hah….hah…." Issei practised his sword skills against a metal dummy, the wooden blade making a sharp *thwack* sound with every hit against its hard surface. To think that I would be doing this this late at night….
Issei was doing some exercise down in the gym level of his 'house'. Normally, he would rather just sleep in, but after what he had transpired in his room, he would not be going back in there anytime soon. Which was surprising in itself, since there was currently one of the school beauties in his room, in a defenceless state.
Flashback, a few hours before…..
After the confrontation with her father, Akeno had decided to take a bath. She was feeling a little unclean from her earlier run from the rest of her stalkers. Aka, the rest of the Peerage sans Kiba. As for Issei, he had decided to take a quick rest on the bed in his room. This one was the bigger one which he had first woken up in when the house was rebuilt.
He had two rooms. The one he spent most of his time in was one of the smaller, would-be guest rooms located on the same level as the outrageously large room that was called his room. The reason for spending more time in the smaller one was because he was STILL not used to the large, almost living room like space that was his main bedroom. Hence, the separate room was for his comfort, as it was more like his old room in space. It was very calming for him to be in that smaller room. Although, if he wanted to sleep, it would be in the main bedroom, as half the time Asia and Rias would climb into bed with him in the middle of the night. And to make matters even worse(for his body), Xenovia would do this as well. And she was a kicker.
"Ise….." A very seductive sounding voice entered Issei's ears, taking him out of his pain-filled thoughts..
"Ah, Akeno-senpa-" His voice died in his throat, having just seen Akeno's figure entering his room.
She was wearing a bathrobe over her body, her hair slightly damp from the bath she had just taken. Add to the fact that some water on her body glistened in the dim lighting, and that her hair was down, it made for an especially deadly combination for a man's heart.
"Ah….ah…..ah…." Eyes wide, Issei could not stop the blood from dripping down his nose. Nor could he close his jaw.
"Ara ara…." Akeno slowly made her way to Issei, swinging her hips seductively as she did so, every action emphasizing her womanly curves and her natural cross of beauty and sexy. "Is Ise-kun speechless?" A coy smile made its way onto her face. "Well then, shall I continue from where we left off?"
"….eh?"
"Is your brain still shocked?" Akeno gave a small giggle. "Then, allow me to refresh your memory."
"…wah!" Issei felt a strong force, unfitting the dainty hands that were on his chest, push him down onto the large bed.
"What I said in front of the hotels….they were my true feelings." A blush on her face, Akeno peeled off the damp towel that barely covered her body, turning the otherwise daily act into a show. One for the eyes of the man in-front of her. "So, please, make me a woman!"
Akeno-san… Issei's body was reacting in various ways to the girl that was in his line of sight. Had it been a few months ago, he would have happily taken the offer that Akeno was offering him. In fact, he still wanted to do it. But… Akeno-san would not be saved like this….
"Please…..Ise….." Akeno pleaded to the young boy, her eyes moist with a warm heat. "Make me forget everything."
Akeno-san….. Issei resolved himself. "Akeno-san, what do you really feel? About your father."
"….." An angry pout overcame her features. "Ise, please….don't talk about that man…. I want to do this….."
"Then why are you shaking?" Issei's words made her stop.
Eyes wide, she stopped what she was about to do, instead taking a look at her hands.
They were trembling.
"!"
"Akeno-san…" Issei draped the large bedcovers over Akeno. Although her body was damp, the covers were thick enough to hide her body's skin from showing. "Why are you asking me to do this?"
"…..do you want to know?" Akeno pulled the covers around her, covering herself up properly.
"I want to know." Issei nodded. "I want to know what happened to make Akeno-san feel so much pain."
Akeno took a moment to observe the boy's face in front of her. Usually, it was a perverted one, or a lecherous one, but right now, he looked very manly to her. "Okay." She took a deep breath before she began.
"My mother, Himejima Shuri, was a shrine priestess of the Himejima clan, born and raised at a Shinto shrine." Akeno started to explain. "One day, a high-ranked general of the Fallen Angels lay outside her shrine, severely injured from battle. The two of them fell in love, and I was born.
"Because of me, someone who was born from the union of a human and a Fallen Angel, both my mother and I were expelled from the Himejima family. But we started a quiet life with the fallen angel. Life was peaceful and fulfilling for us. But it did not last long." Tears streamed down her face as Akeno spoke of her past. "My black wings alienated me from others. And so, they decided to eliminate this young me. My mother tried to protect the young me, but…."
"…..She passed away?" Akeno nodded at Issei's solemn tone. Akeno continued, wiping away the tears that had streamed down. "After that, I was continuously chased by numerous hunters. I managed to evade them for a while, but I was still just a young child. Eventually, I reached my limit."
A soft smile made its way onto her lips. "Then, just as my body and spirit were exhausted, taken to the breaking point, I met Rias. She told me to fight for her. And, I did. In the process, we shared our stories and sorrows, and we became very good friends with each other."
"….so, that is how you met Buchou." Issei spoke.
"Mmm." Akeno nodded.
"….Akeno-san, have you….gotten better?" Issei's question confused her at first, but she realized what it was that he was trying to say.
"It's fine Issei." Akeno hugged the covers around her. "But, what I said was the truth. I want to do it with you. So, please-"
"Akeno-san." Issei's tone made her stop. "Even if I did this…..it wont change anything…to me, this would only cause Akeno-san more pain later on."
"….do you…..not want to do it with me?"
"No no no!" Issei quickly shouted, waving his hands frantically. "I want to do it! I want to do it with Akeno-san! But, with how Akeno-san is right now…..I don't like her. And, even if you do it now, you might regret it in the future. So, if you want to do it…."
"Ise….." Akeno's eyes widened at his words, before it narrowed, silently showing her appreciation for Issei's consideration. "…thank yo-"
"I was lonely"
Akeno and Issei's eyes widened. A large, white space had appeared around them. "This is…."
"It's…..Pailingual(*1*)?" Issei's eyes moved down. His hand had firmly grasped the right breast of Akeno. Most likely, when he had moved to push Akeno away from doing something she might regret.
"I knew it was not actually father's fault. But, my person back then couldn't not stand saying that. I am weak….that is why, I was always lonely…"
..
Images flew into their brains as well. First, it was off her and her father bathing.
'I like father's wings! They are shiny and black, like my hair!'
.
The image blurred, before it settled on a small Akeno was sitting on a porch with her mother.
'Will I have wings like father when I grow up?'
.
Finally, the image settled on a small Akeno grasping the dead body of her mother. Barakiel stood not too far from her, blood covering the front of his body.
'I hate father! I hate my black wings! Father did not protect mother! He let her die!'
.
"I want to see father more! I wanted to play with father more! I wanted to live with Father and mother more!" Akeno's heart kept saying its true desires out loud, without restraint. The white space kept up its appearance for a few more seconds, before it disappeared.
..
"Was that a dream?" Akeno leaned away from Issei, her hands drifting to her chest.
"…maybe…." Issei had numerous thoughts running through his mind. That feeling…..I am sure I felt it before on the mountain….but, what is it?
"Thank you Ise." Akeno's words brought Issei out of his thoughts. "Even if it was a dream, it was thanks to you."
"…no, it was not me…" Issei rubbed the back of his head.
"Even so," Akeno smiled, standing up. "It was thanks to you that I managed to find peace in my heart." She closed her eyes, hands over her heart, before she opened them again. "Something seemed to be wrong, so I am sorry for what I did just now." Akeno bowed. "Excuse me, I have to prepare dinner now. "
Later on, after dinner, Akeno would arrive in Issei's room, clad In naught but her pyjamas(which helped emphasize her cuteness and innocence.) This, coupled with the other three girls in his bed, made him stay awake, so he decided to move down to do some training.
..
End flashback
Yeah, it was dangerous in various ways. Especially since when they got into bed, Akeno and Rias were staring daggers at each other. With smiles on their faces too.
And, the mian reason why Issei was training with a sword was because if Ddraig's insistence.
[Partner, your balance sucks.]
"I….know!" Issei grunted, swinging the large practice blade against the target once more. This time, he did not fall down.
"Who are you talking to?"
"!" Issei spun around, not expecting the sudden voice.
"Yo." Kirito waved his hand. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Yeah." Issei took the chance to wipe his sweat. "Thought I would practice using the blade."
"I can see that." Kirito walked up. "But…..your movements are too clumsy. You have improved quite a bit since I taught you, but up against a faster or more skilled enemy, you will be taken down for sure."
"Yeah." Issei could not help but smile bitterly. "If its pure force, I can beat Kiba and you. But, when it involves skill, I'm pretty sure I can be beaten by even an amateur."
"Don't sell yourself short." Kirito patted Issei on his shoulder. "You only picked up the sword about a month back, if you accumulate the amount of time you have been training in swordplay. Seeing you being able to hold a sword properly, as well as assume basic stances in the western style and Japanese style of swordplay is already very good in my books. Though it could be better."
"Right…" Issei's smile, which had brightened up with the praise, cramped when he heard the last bit.
"That said…." Kirito picked up one of the numerous practise swords laying on the rack. He swung it a few times, before he turned to Issei, blade pointed at him. "It has been a while, so let's spare. I might be able to find a way for you to fight with the sword as well. But," Kirito shrugged his shoulders slightly. "it's a stopgap measure at best, so you would have to either walk the way of the sword, or come up with your own style."
"Can't I not use Ascalon?" Issei pleaded. "It is one of the weakest holy swords against anything other than dragons, after all."
"I refuse." The simple reply crushed any of Issei's hopes. "To a guy like me, not using a legendary sword like Ascalon-" A fire burned in Kirito's eyes as he slowly assumed a stance. In fact, Issei could have sworn he saw large flames emit from his body. "-is nothing short of blasphemy!"
"Please, treat me kindly." Kirito only grinned at Issei's plead.
That night, Issei had his ass handed to him. In various ways.
The next day, early morning
"-irit-!"
Mmh? Kazuto's mind was full of drowsiness when he came too. Opening his eyes blearily, he could make out the blurry figure of Issei lying not too far from him. Ah, right. We trained until early this morning. We were so tired, we took a short break. But we must have been more tired than we thought. Kazuto closed his eyes, content with sleeping a little while longer.
"-irito-kun!"
Just five more minutes Sugu…. Kazuto yawned in his mind, before he lay on his side. Raising his hand lazily, he waved his hand, making the 'Shoo-shoo' gesture. "Go…away…let me sleep….for five more minutes."
"Honestly!" The female voice was definitely familiar to Kazuto. He just could not remember why. "Kirito-kun!" A sharp stinging pain shot through his head. Then-
"Blurb-!?" Kazuto shot up, eyes wide open. His face was dripping with water.
"Kirito-kun…." The owner of the voice huffed. "Honestly, you sleep too much. "
It took Kazuto a few seconds to process what had happened Ah. It looks like Asuna splashed some water on me. And, judging from that pain I felt earlier, it's most likely a water spell she learnt.
The sleep now completely gone from his eyes, Kazuto wiped the rest of the water from his face before he stood up, wringing the water that had soaked his clothes as he did so.
"What was that? Devil magic? Or was it undine?" As Kazuto wrung out the water, he asked Asuna what she had used. Without waiting for a response, he kicked the practise blade up. His hands deftly grabbed it, hilt first.
"Undine." Asuna cheerful spoke. "It is slower to cast compared to devil magic, but it is more cost efficient."
"Guess that is not a surprise." Kazuto futilely wiped off the water stick in his hair. "Since we spent so much time in VR as compared to the world of the supernatural, I guess we are more attuned to using things that we are more familiar with, so they are more cost-efficient."
"You two…." The familiar voice of Rias Gremory entered Kazuto's ears. Looking up, he noticed her busty form, standing beside Asuna's body. "What is it that you are hiding? And don't say something like you are not hiding anything." She warned, seeing Kazuto open his mouth. "It has been bothering me for a while now, but since we did not know each other that well, I left it alone. But, since we would be working rather closely now, I can't put it off any longer." Rias huffed, before she took a breath and continued. "What exactly did you go through? And how did you obtain those skills you call Sword Skills? Every time we asked, you either gave an ambiguous answer, or avoided the topic completely."
"…." Kazuto thought on how to respond. He was already contemplating on telling Rias and her Peerage sometime soon. Especially since, as Rias said, they were going to be working quite closely together, not counting the fact they were living under the same roof.
A small, warm pressure alerted him to Asuna's presence. She had managed to get close to him and squeezed his hand in reassurance. It was wordlessly telling him her approval.
'Whatever your choice is, I stand by it.'
Kazuto chose to answer Asuna's expectations.
"….we will tell you. Eventually." Kazuto squeezed Asuna's hands back lightly. "We still need some time to adjust to our new circumstances. I know we have been devils for nearly two months now, but it all still felt...surreal, to us. Until that fight with Loki, and later on, those two Rating games. But until then, could you wait? Until we are ready?"
"….okay." Rias sighed. "Now then, I have to ask…." She looked around her. "What on earth happened here? It looks like a storm blew through!"
"Ah ha ha…." Awkwardly, Kaztuo scratched the back of his head with his free hand. "Well, Issei and I could not sleep, so I wanted to help him with his combat ability."
"….That does not explain the storm like mess." Rias bent down, picking up a wooden board. "And is this….the remains of a broadsword?"
"I was wondering what happened to that." Kazuto blinked when he took in the sword's sorry state.
"….do I even want to know how you managed to destroy a reinforced-wooden practice blade?" Kazuto sheepishly scratched his right cheek, looking away from both the stares of his girlfriend/wife and the Gremory heiress. "Forget it. " She tossed the blade away, allowing it to clatter against the messy floor. "So, how is Issei?"
"…. Frankly, his sword skills need a lot of work." Kazuto decided to not beat around the bush. "It has improved significantly since he first began if what you told me was correct. And he now knows the basic stance for Japanese-style and western-style swordsmanship, which has increased the moves he could make. But that is still not enough against enemies on par or stronger than him, even if he uses his Boosting ability to make Ascalon sharper or increase its holy aura, especially since the holy aura trick is a one-time thing. Once the initial shock wears off, enemies can counter it rather effectively."
"So, what is your verdict, Kirito-kun?" Asuna asked, releasing her hand from Kazuto's in favour of picking up a foil.
"Right now, it would be better for him to fight close quarters. That is to say, hand-to-hand combat." Kazuto explained. "Ascalon can be used as a blade gauntlet, or it can be used to add cuts to his punches by just barely extending Ascalon to cover the tips of his fist. That way, it would serve as a way for Issei to block any swords aiming for his left hand, and it would be hard for enemies to defend against the combined force of his punches, and the holy aura emitted by Ascalon."
"I see." Rias nodded. "That would make his attacks much more effective against all sorts of enemies, especially 'evil' ones like us devils, or dragons, since Ascalon is a dragon slayer."
"Of course, this is only a temporary way for him to fight." Kazuto shrugged. "A barely bladed gauntlet is less effective if it is only one, and that would make his enemies expressly target one arm, since one of them is stronger or weaker than the other. Unless he makes Asclaon stronger, and gets another equally as powerful, or stronger, sword in his right gauntlet, he would have to eventually use a different fighting style or make up a new one unique to him later on."
"Thank you for your input." Rias nodded her head towards the black haired teen. "But, may I ask what happened to Ise? He is still out of it."
"Ah…" Kazuto looked at the still knocked out Issei. "Well, I might….have…knocked him out one too many a time? "
He got scolded by both his girlfriend and the Gremory heiress for his troubles.
..
"Leaving so soon?"
"Mm." Odin grunted. "I have already spoken to various Japanese gods. Plus, I got to visit the titty bar that I wanted to see thanks to you brat."
"That was not your main goal was it?" Azazel tsukimoied at the Chief god of the North.
He laughed in response.
"Well, I will be off now." A faint light enveloped the old-looking man. "It seems that my bodyguard has some shopping to do."
"My co-workers waned souvenirs back at base." Barakiel sighed.
"Don't let me keep you then." Odin chuckled, before he left, the faint outline of a magic circle the only thing that indicated he was there.
..
..
"Still, for the guys back home asked you to buy back things for them…." Azazel sighed. In his hands were already some of the many bags that Barakiel would have to lug back by himself.
"It is your fault after all." Barakiel grumbled. "You are our leader, yet you are so lazy and perverted."
"It's not my nature to be so uptight about some things, you know?" Azazel leaned back, allowing his back to rest against a nearby wall.
"….that should be all of them." Barakiel looked down at the list of things, double-checking them, before he nodded, satisfied with the gifts he had bought. "But some of them were very weird. Why did one of them ask for a bristled hairbrush?"
"Those brushes are very good, despite it weird look." Azazel spoke. "They are really great at smoothing out the creases and knots in our wings. Even though they are made of feathers instead of fur." Azazel's mind thought back to something. "Speaking of…."
Reaching into one of the bags, he took out a neatly wrapped package. "Here. For you."
"What is it?" Barakiel's question went unanswered. Instead, Azazel urged him to open it(with his eyes.)
"…a bento?" Barakiel was taken aback by the container at first, before he chuckled. "I did not take you to be the type to cook your own food." Barakiel managed to open the bento, despite the number of bags he was holding. "Or rather, since when did you start to cook your own food?"
"Ah, this was given to me." Azazel waved his hand in an uncaring manner. Akeno gave me this to give it to you. He smiled wrly, though he hid it from the Fallen Anel in-front of him. She did not have to say anything for me to understand her intentions though.
"This is…."
When he opened the bento-box, it had magnificent Japanese food inside which was full of different colours.
Barakiel looks at Azazel. He urged him to "Eat it" without saying it and by making a smile.
Timidly, unbefitting his gruff face and large frame, Barakiel took the hashi(*2*), and placed a piece of the food into his mouth.
A single tear dripped down his face. " ….the Nikujaga(*3*) ….. It has the taste of Shuri."
While shedding many tears, Barakiel started gulping down the food silently, the bags of souvenirs long forgotten.
"Leave Akeno to me, Rias, and others. There isn't a problem. The guy who she fell for is an idiot and is lecherous, but he is a good guy."
As Azazel said that, Barakiel stopped eating his hashi, and covers his eyes with his hand.
"He….I want to believe that he will…take care of Akeno." His voice was mixed with a cry.
Smiling reassuringly, Azazel patted his friend's shoulders. "Yeah, it's going to be okay."
"He doesn't eat w…woman's breasts right?"
"Yeah, he doesn't eat them." I want to say that he does, just to tease them, but I'll read the mood for now.
"I see….. You are right."
Barakiel started to resume eating after being relieved. He started filling his mouth with nikujaga.
Azazel just chose to watch on silently, left alone with his thoughts.
The food made by the woman he loves which he thought he would never taste again. This taste has silently, but certainly reached him. You will be able to eat it again. As much as you want. And as many times as you want.
For some reason, Azazel wanted to laugh put loud.
Ise. I couldn't say this in front of you but...
-I also feel like I was saved by you as well.
"Damn, I have never heard of a dragon who makes people happy by using oppai."
"Neither have I." Barakiel smiled. "But, if he makes Akeno cry…..I'll smite him with my lightning."
"Hah!" Azazel chortled. "I thought you would have smitted him for trying to get a harem!"
*cough*
Barakiel choked on the rice he was eating. "Ha…rem?"
"Yeah, that kid's dream is to have a harem." Although, he is too dense right now.
"…..I'll let him off the hook for today." The hand holding his chopsticks tightened its grip, showing the whites of his knuckles. "…but if we meet again….I'll give him a thrashing before I'll allow him to have my precious daughter."
"I wish Ise the best of luck then." Azazel laughed, before he looked into the sky.
Shuri-san….I hope you are watching them right now. How your husband and daughter have grown.
Timeskip
The next few days passed by in a blur for Issei.
When he awoke from his forced sleeping by Kirito, he was first met with the concerned faces of Asia, Rias and Akeno. Then, Akeno tried o get closer to him, but was pulled back by Rias. Sparks flew in the air. A fight was about to start, but Koneko slipped into his lap, choosing to take a small nap there.
This action caused a whole host of troubles for Issei. Especially since he was a young boy(Correction, a now young devil who was said to also be the incarnation of lust.)
After that, he spent his days completing his homework, training with Kirito and Kiba for swordplay, and Akeno for his magic abilities(that part was going very slowly.)
He clearly remembered the introduction of a 10 year old girl into the Gremory peerage on day during their last week though, despite his other memories being a little hazy. After all, it was the day that all the older girls had fawned over the young Kirigaya. And, it also had to do with the teasing the parents of said kid had to endure that night. It was only later that they learned she was the familiar that Kirito had talked about summoning once before.
He got a scolding and was banned form Asuna's cooking for a day for his troubles.
He took the punishment with a smile on his face though. So, it was most likely worth it for him. And, judging by the smiles on Asuna's face and Kirito's when he ate a sandwich that Asuna made for him after the punishment set for him was over, the couple was of one mind when it came to their daughter(he also later learned that she was adopted. Did not stop the two of them from spoiling her though.)
Then there was also an interview the Gremory Peerage had to take. Said interview took place in Kuoh, so they did not have to move back to the underworld to do it. All in all, it was a rather quick affair. Although, Issei was told to stay behind after the interviews for reasons he would not disclose to anyone anytime soon.
And thus, the time for them to go to school came all too quickly.
..
"Haaaa….." Issei leaned out the window, looking at the all so familiar scenery of Kuoh academy. "I wanted to do so many things, but thanks to those things, I ended up having no time to do what I wanted with all that training."
"Issei!" A painful impact collided with his butt.
"Yargh!" Issei jumped high into the air, hands over his butt, before he fell down, face first.
By the way, he was still holding his butt.
"You did not go to the beach with us-…."
"Did you forget our gentlemen's all-….…."
Two boys, who had started shouting, let their words die away when they saw the writhing figure of the third member of the Perverted Trio.
"Issei…" Matsuda, a boy with a shaved head, leaned down to help Issei up.
"You okay man?" Motohama, the only male in their group wearing glasses, moved to the other side of their fallen friend.
"Yeah…" Issei groaned, still rubbing his sore butt. "Wait!" Issei leapt away from his friends. "Why did you do that for!?"
"We thought that you forgot our alliance!" Matsuda shouted at the brown-haired pervert before him.
"But when we kicked you, you started to squirm about…" Motohama scratched the back of his head.
""So, what did you do?"" Twin glares filled with suspicion and worry were erected at Issei!
"I had to attend a training camp with my club." Issei explained. "Then, during the camp, Kirito was asked to train me."
"Who is he? A pretty boy?" Motohama's and Matsuda's eyes glinted with malice.
"A pretty boy. He has a girlfriend, to, so he must die!" Issei shouted, before he realised that he was going off track. "Anyway, he asked to train me."
"Why?"
"Said something along the lines of 'me reminding him of himself when he was younger'. " Issei hurriedly thought of an excuse.
"And how does that result in you rubbing your butt?" Motohama asked.
"…..he is a fighting and training nut. Like how Matsuda is a guy who can obtain any and every sort of porn…..Every time I wanted to take a break, he would force me back up. Said he would whoop into shape….and he did tht….in various ways…" By the way, Issei was still rubbing his butt.
""My condolences…."" Both boys said in respect for Issei's stinging butt.
They took the bai! Issei did a mental fistbump. Take goodness for Kirito's tips on how to deal with people that care for you!...although, he could have been more gentle with my training. And when did he have to develop those sort of techniques? . "So, did you get any results?"
""Grk!""
So, that is a no… Issei thought as he observed the faces of his friends.
"Knowing the three of you, I bet you three did not had a meaningless summer break." A familiar female's voice entered their ears.
"What did you say?!" Matsuda demanded of the girl before him.
"Kiryuu Aika!" Issei growled.
"It's none of your business!" Motohama raised his fist at the girl before him as he shouted.
"Hey, did you hear?" Aika's grin irked Issei. It reminded him of a certain character in a gal game he once played.(Although said character ended up being one of the hidden heroines he could conquer.) "There are new transfer students coming. And I hear that they are girls."
"Ah." Issei's mind flashed to the people he had interacted with not too long ago. "You mean Asuna-san, Kirito-san, and Kirito-san's cousin?"
"Eh?" The dumbfounded look on Aika's face made a grin form on Issei's. For reasons he shall not disclose, it was very refreshing. Ha ha!
"Yeah, I saw them this morning. In fact, I know for a fact that Asuna-san and Kirito-san's cousin are well-endowed- bffgh!?" Whatever Issei was about to say ended up becoming nonsense by the sudden attack on his body. Mainly by the his two friends that had been supporting him a few seconds ago.
"You bastard!" Motohama had tears coming from his eyes as he pummelled Issei. "You say you went through a hellish training camp, but you not only saw our school beauties and mascot, but also saw the transfer students' bodies as well!?"
"Here we thought you went through a pitiful time, and yet…and yet!" Matsuda grabbed onto Issei, allowing Motohama to pummel Issei properly. "You were actually having a fun time, weren't you!?"
I did! I did go through a hellish training camp! Issei wailed in his mind. I had to train with a large Ossan on a mountain and catch and cook my own food for a month! I had to fight a god-killing beast, and I nearly died in the process! Asuna-san and Kirito-san whopped my life out of order with their pervert ban! Even though I should be happy that I got to go out with Akeno-san, my feelings and health are all in the negative from the hellish training camp in hell!
Timeskip
"My name is Shido Irina. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"My name is Kirigaya Kazuto. Nice to meet you."
"My name is Yuuki Asuna. I am Kirito-kun's girlfriend."
As Kazuto bowed to the class, he could hear the murmurs that were going around, thanks to his enhanced senses –
"-so those are the transfer students…"
"-oh, look at those faces! They are so beautiful!"
"Hmm, those two newcomers are a couple? I can't see it though…."
"Kyah! She exerted herself as the girlfriend of that guy! Wanna support them?"
"Mou~ You have to wait a while, you know?"
–It went something like that.
Still for us to be in the same class as Issei… As Kazuto got out of his bow, he could see Asia and Xenovia waving at him. Smiling, he waved back a little. Did Rias do something? Or was it just luck?
"Gohon, let's see, let's see….that girl's three sizes are- gack!?"
"Ah." Kazuto blinked. Uncounciously, his body had picked a duster and thrown it at the spectacled boy sitting near the back. "Oh, sorry. I just heard you say something dangerous, so I…reacted."
All was quiet, then–
"Oh, its fine, its fine!"
"Yeah, that guy is fine to be hit. Along with this guy and that one over there." A girl pointed out a bald teen, along with Issei. "They are the Perverted Trio, so as long as they do something perverted against a girl, the girl is free to retaliate however they wish. As long as it is within the rules that is."
"Oh, Issei-san would not do anything to Asuna or I." Kazuto grinned at Issei darkly. "Right, Issei?"
"Y-yes!" Issei saluted a little. Guess I won't make his training that harsh anymore.
Whisper's started to spring up, but Irina spoke up, cutting those whispers to pieces.
"Ah, Issei-kun, we are in the same class?" Irina waved her hand at Issei.
"Issei you bastard, you know that girl!?" The shaved teen leaned over to shout at the brown haired boy.
"Hyoudou Issei-kun is my childhood friend you know~" Irina said with a smile, winking at the end.
*Badump!*
The boys in the class felt their hearts skip a beat when they saw the action of their newest classmate.
"Okay class, now that we have welcomed our new transfer students, we are to pick a seat for them….hmm, could Kirigaya-san and Yuuki-san take a seat beside Quartet-san? And as for Shidou-san….perhaps you should seat next to Kiryuu-san."
And so, this was how the trio were introduced to the class.
And, by the time class ended, everyone noticed a few things.
One: Asuna and Kazuto were very close to each other. So close, in fact, you could call them newly-weds(Which was not exactly wrong, since they had been an in-game couple for around 2 years now)
Two: Asuna and Kazuto were very smart, as can be seen when they managed to answer most of the questions that were sent their way. Asuna was better in literature, while Kazuto was better at math.
Three: The transfer student Irina Shidou was hitting it very nicely with the other two religious girls in class. This led to some speculation that they had met each other before.
..
..
"I'm glad to see that you are well." Xenovia spoke with a smile on her face,
"I'm so happy to see that you are well, Irina-san" Similarly, Asia had a smile on her face when she spoke to the girl.
"It's good to see you again, Xenovia, Asia-san!" Irina's eyes sparkled as they looked at the two. Rushing forwards, she extended her hands out, hugging the two in her embrace.
""Ah!""
Letting out gasps of pain, the two of them quickly wiggled out of her hug.
"What's wrong?" Irina asked, confused as to why her friends suddenly retreated.
"It's because of the cross on your neck, Shidou-san." Kazuto spoke, a wry smile on his face. "We are devils after all."
"Oh, that's right. Devils can't stand crosses." Irina clapped her hands together in understanding. "I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine." Xenovia waved off her friend's apologies.
"It just stung a little." Asia placed a hand on her cheek. "It's fine."
"Still, for you to be here Irina…" Issei spoke from his place on the couch. Koneko was sitting on his lap snacking on some cookies Asuna had made, with Gasper beside him, clutching some red-jelly filled snacks. "What's going on?"
With a small creaking sound, the club-room doors opened, revealing the forms of Rias, Akeno, Asuna and Suguha. "It looks like everyone is here then." Rias smiled, before she walked towards Irina. Asuna closed the door behind her. "Irina Shidou, I welcome you to this school."
"Rias-sa– Ah, I mean, President Rias and everyone, I look forward to working with you!" Twirling around, Irina greeted everyone in a cheerful tone.
"Buchou, what is going on?" Issei asked again, this time tilting his head slightly in confusion.
"I can answer that." A yellow light shone behind the couch briefly before it disappeared, revealing a certain blond-and-black haired individual.
"Azazel-sensei!"
"With the Khaos Brigade on the loose, Micheal was a worried that Devils and Fallen Angels won't be enough to protect the school. So, he sent some of his forces over."
"We did form an alliance after all." Kiba said in a slightly resigned tone, closing the half-finished book in his hand. "So there is no reason for us to refuse, after all"
"Hold up," Kazuto raised his hand. "There is an alliance now? Are you saying that there wasn't one beforehand?"
"Well, not to this extent." Azazel chuckled. "There have been times were there were small skirmishes here and there, as well as ceasefires, before the treaty and the alliance. In fact, before this alliance/treaty was formed, this was the longest ceasefire we ever had. Before Kokabaiel tried to start a war, that is."
"…I hate studying…" That was Kazuto's true thoughts. He thought that all the lore he had picked up when researching about games, combined with some slight history skimming, would be sufficient for him to get by. Looks like he would have to hit the history books again. Which was his weakest subject, all things considered.
"No need to fret." Azazel thumped Issei on his back causing the latter to wince slightly. "You can just ask this one for help. After all, he was a former human as well. Around three months ago, that is."
"Yeah! Just leave it to your senpai!" Issei quickly recovered from the pain, cheering up slightly.
Sorry to disappoint, but Asuna is older than you Issei. Nevertheless, Kazuto smiled and thanked the boy for any help he would need in the coming days.
"Now that I, a reincarnated angel of Micheal-sama is here, you can all rest easy." With a flutter, the pure white wings and halo that Kazuto had glimpsed on the battlefield made its appearance one more. " A-men!" This time, he could have look at it closer. Speaking of wings….could I manifest the wings I get in ALO when I am using my Gear? The devil one's are cool, but they are a little harder to control compared to the ones in ALO.
He would later find out that his cousin found the devil wings much easier to control than the virtual fairy ones in ALO.
"…I'm surprised that a human could reincarnate as an angel." Kazuto spoke what had been on his mind. "But, since almost all my friends are now reincarnated as Devils, I guess the Angels and Fallen Angels have the same system?"
"Well, you are partially right there, Kirito." Azazel leaned against the wall. "When God died, new Angels could not be born. So, they have to resort to reincarnating humans as Angels. The Devils were the first to implement this system, with the Angels just starting to do so. The Fallen Angels have no such system though. We keep to ourselves mostly, and we are the type to research stuff, so there is little need for us to increase our ranks. At least, that was our mindset."
Kazuto noticed it. "Was?"
"Like I said, with the Khaos Brigade on the loose, fear and tension is running really high in the three factions." Azazel sighed. "This is also spreading to the other mythologies, so this mean that there would be a large fight breaking out soon. If the Grigori don't bolster their ranks, we might become extinct soon. So, I have been pouring some of my research into creating a system for us to create pseudo-Fallen Angels."
"Why not just turn humans into Fallen Angels?" As the words left his mouth, Kazuto was surprised by how indifferent he sounded towards humanity. If he were still a human, he would have felt a little bit of disgust towards himself, as well as remorse, for selling out his own kind. But, now that he was a reincarnated devil, such feelings towards humanity, or more specifically the people he was not close with, were close to none. …did turning into a devil change my mental state?
"Fallen Angels are that. Fallen Angels." Azazel gave a slightly bitter smile. "Fallen Angels are, in essence, Angels who have lost their Grace. And as such, if we wanted to increase our ranks with Fallen Angels, we would have to reincarnate humans as Angels, and then make them fall. Which is a very troublesome way to increase one's ranks. So instead, I'm thinking of turning them into pseudo-Fallen Angels."
"That seems complicated." Kazuto agreed, a small smile on his face. "So, Irina-san, what system do the Angels use?"
"The Angels use cards. A high level Angel is the King, which is followed by a Peerage of an Ace to a Queen." Irina explained, dispelling her wings and halo. "By the way, I am an Ace!" Placing her hands together, she quickly assumed a praying position. "Ah, I am so honoured to be chosen as the Ace of Micheal-sama's Peerage! Amen!"
Yeouch! Kazuto winced, but he noticed something. Hmm?
His Sacred Gear had activated partially. He could tell since his vision became quite similar to the Augma. A blinking icon had appeared in the top left corner of his sight. It would not obstruct one's vision, but it was a little irritating if it were left alone. What's this?
Curious, he mentally manipulated the 'screen' he had, tapping onto the icon. A small pop-up showed up.
*Photon Sword requirement (2/3) completed*
*Excalibre requirement (1/4) completed*
Ex…calibre?!
Timeskip
"Man, this is quite the amount of stuff." Issei lifted the bag he was holding, checking it's contents. "Asia, you okay?"
"Yes, Ise-san." Asia smiled gently from her place beside Issei. "I'm fine."
"Still, for Irina to also be staying with us…" Issei sighed. "My house has the space now, but I don't know how to feel about my house being able to easily host a large of group of people now."
"It can't be help, Ise-san." Asia laughed gently. "Rias-san is really accommodating. And, as a former holy-maiden, I want to be close with Irina-san. Her staying there would be great for me and Xenovia. We could all pray to the Lord. Oh Lord– Ahw!"
Feeling the sharp sting of pain, Asia clutched the side of her head, her face contorting in pain.
Ah, Asia-chan… Despite feeling the pain, Issei smiled as he watched Asia's cute actions. You are healing me everyday with that cute actions of yours….
Just then , Asia tripped.
"Asi-" Issei panicked, attempting to catch her, when he saw unfamiliar hands clasp onto her shoulder's
"Ah! Erm, I'm sorry, and thank you for helping me." Acting on reflex, Asia regained her footing and turned around, bow to thank and apologise to the mystery person who had helped her regain her balance.
"Ah, no need to thank me." The stranger raised his hand, making a 'stop' gesture. "This is the least I could do for what you did for me."
"Hmm?" Asia and Issei blinked in confusion. "Do…I know you?"
"Asia-chan, do you not remember me?" The stranger removed his hat, revealing a face that the two had briefly seen once before. "I am Diodara Astaroth. You saved me once before, remember?"
(*1*) – It is also known as booblingual.
(*2*) – Chopsticks
(*3*) – Japanese styled meat and potatoes
AN
Annnndddd, that is a wrap!
This is felt like a good place to stop since I reached my daily quota, so I did. And, this is my first chapter that was typed using Word. How is it?
Well, this should be slightly better than my last chapter, since I am taking this one a little slower than the last one, which was me trying to mash up anime and Light Novel, plus some of my fanfic elements in there.
This feels muck better. Not sure how the thing works though.
Anime is Life, please review, and enjoy the rest of the series when the next chapter comes out!
