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 12:Games upon Games
Kazuto was having a nice time with his daughter when Issei burst into the room.
"Buchooouuu! Asia got proposed toooooooooo!"
….what sort of madness have we been thrust into now?
..
"So, basically, this heir to a big-shot's family proposed to Asia-chan because she saved her life?"
"Yeah." Rias nodded. "That sums it up pretty well."
After Issei's sudden declaration, everyone gathered in the living room to discuss what to do about it. Well, it was meant to be a party to officially welcome the three-no, four of us into Kuoh Academy, so this would dampen the festive mood a little.
"What did he do to you?" Rias asked.
"He just greeted me today." Asia looked down a little. "He left not too long later."
"Still, for Diodara to be the one who was saved Asia…" Akeno hummed. "Did you remember his face?"
"I'm sorry, I can't remember too well." Asia apologised. "After I healed him…many painful things happened."
Immediately after, Kazuto noticed that all the Peerage members of Rias(sans Xenovia, Gasper and Irina) had a slightly dark look cross their faces. Especially Issei's.
Ah, right. Kazuto realised. Asia came into the Peerage not too long after Issei did. So, it would make sense for Issei to know what happened to her, as well the others. But, if Xenovia does not know…how far apart were their reincarnation as devils?
"I see you do not know." Kiba noticed Kazuto's clueless face first. "Asia-chan, is it okay if Issei tells them later?"
"…can I do it?" Asia asked timidly. "I want to tell them."
"Of course you can." Rias immediately responded in place of Kiba. "It is your history to tell after all. You can choose when to tell them."
"Then– "
Asia explained to everyone present. About her past.
About how she was once a holy maiden, but was excommunicated by the Church when they found out she was also able to heal devils. About her faith to God, even though she was excommunicated, which led to her helping Fallen Angels due to her naivete. Her meeting with Issei. And, her death.
When she was done, more than one sniffle could be heard.
"Asia-chan…" Asuna murmured softly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay." Asia smiled a little. "Although I was saddened I could no longer read the Bible, or pray to God, I was happy. Because, I can be with Issei-san for the rest of my life!"
*Bang!*
Kazuto jumped, not expecting the loud noise. When he turned his head to look for the source, he realised Xenovia had struck the edge of the sofa she was sitting on. In fact, said sofa's arm had become bent.
"For us to have treated you that way when we first met you back then…" Xenovia muttered. "Asia-san, I apologise once more for my treatment of you back then!"
"Me as well!" Irina jumped from her seat, assuming a seiza position. "Asia-chan, I am so sorry for how I treated you when we first met! I thought it was because your faith in our Lord was not strong enough, but it appears I was wrong!" She bent down, creating the famed dogeza position that Kazuto was familiar with.(Having not only seen it, but done it multiple times with Asuna, Sugu and Sinon as well. Each for various reasons.) Xenovia followed suit, getting down into a dogeza position as well.
"Awawawa!" Asia panicked a little, flailing her hands about. It seemed that her nature was unable to take the sudden dogezas."It's fine! Even if our Lord is gone, and even if I was kicked out of the Church, I am happy. Because, I am with Issei-san!"
Oi oi… Kazuto sweatdropped. Is it really okay for you to say that? If I am hearing this correctly, you are indirectly confessing to Issei, aren't you?
Thankfully, Yui, who was munching on a sandwich that Asuna had made(it was a very spicy one), did not go follow her previous programs into mental health counselling. Which was where the feelings of love fell into.
"I used to think of all devils as evil beings that needed to be hunted down and exterminated." Irina began. "But, since Micheal-sama said that we needed to cooperate, and hearing Asia-chan's story…I've decided!" Standing up, Irina raised her fist into the air. "I won't hunt down all devils! Only bad ones!"
"…but…isn't it a matter of perspective?" Kazuto asked. Irina blinked. "You could say that devils are bad because they accidently harmed a person, right? When they were trying to tempt others?"
"Hm...you're right." Irina nodded. Then, I will only hunt down devils my devil friends recognise as evil!"
"Oohh." Xenovia stood up as well. "The, shall we work together again to hunt down Strays?"
"Strays?"
"Strays are devils who killed their masters, Irina-san." Asia explained.
"Then, yeah!" Irina grinned. "Asia, do you want to pray?"
"Mm!" Asia nodded.
Clasping their hands together, the three former members of the Church prayed. """Amen!"""
Kazuto braced himself for the pain…that did not come?
"Ah, it looks like Micheal-sama adjusted it so that Xenovia and Asia could pray now." Rias, having noticed the non-existence of pain, commented when she saw Kazuto clasp his head in preparation for the pain. "Although, it would seem that they would still be hurt if they get splashed with holy water, hit with crosses, or try to read from the Bible."
"No way!" Asia's eyes started to water slightly. "I want to read my favourite scriptures…but, if I endure the pain, I would be able to read it!"
"Maybe Micheal-sama might help us in that aspect to if we read it hard enough?" Xenovia commented. I would like to join you as well, Asia."
"Okay, Xenovia-san!"
Asia-san….please, don't push yourself. You would only end up hurt… Kazuto thought to himself in worry, before he was hit with a burst of inspiration. Wait…if, she takes damage, couldn't she heal herself? Then, wouldn't that mean she could read the Bible if she clads herself in the healing aura of her Sacred Gear?
"Kirito-kun, don't give them any ideas. Or try them out yourself." Apparently, Asuna noticed what he was thinking.
Dang it. I was hoping to test if it would have worked if I used my Sacred gear to power through these things.
After the party, Issei was faced with a few new facts.
Firstly, the interview he had? Not only was it going to be published in a documentary about him, he was also getting a theme song about him. And the nickname he got from Barakiel?
It came from the producers of the theme song.
And its lyrics?
Azazel was responsible for it.
He had to calm down Ddraig when he heard that. It was quite the surreal experience for him, having to actually hold down his left arm(which had become dragonified) with his right to prevent it from strangling Azazel, before it grasped a knife and commit seppuku.
Aw man…And I had managed to just barely calm him down when he heard that the interview was actually about the show too. Issei panted in exhaustion in the middle of the room. It took the combined might of Akeno, Rias, Asuna and Kirito's sword, Dark Repulsor, to finally calm Ddraig down.
I mean, I just managed to bring him back from the brink of embarrassment and becoming a hikkimori dragon by promising him I would grope breasts less in public(AKA, only in the house or in barriers), but Azazel-sensei ripped that wound right back open by spilling that song to us…even I want to die of embarrassment. Issei's panting slowed down. Ah, wait. I died once already. No need for me to go through that again.
"Are you okay?" A face framed with short black hair entered his vision.
"Hmm?" It took Issei a moment to figure it out. "Ah, Kirigaya-san. Yeah, I'm fine. Ddraig is calm now too."
"Please, call me Leafa or Suguha-san. Since me and my brother would be staying here. It would makes things less confusing." Suguha smiled faintly. "Here's some water."
"Thank you very much." Issei took the water gratefully. His eyes caught the glint of metal beside her hip. "Erm, may I ask what is that thing by your hip, Suguha-san?"
"Ah, this?" Suguha smiled. "I brought this with me in case I have to fend off any perverts. When I heard that I was going to a former all-girls school, I knew that I would have to bring a extendable baton to help beat up some perverts that would appear for sure. Since I practice kendo, I needed something that could be compact. A extendable baton fits that bill pretty nicely."
Scary! Issei shouted in his mind. I had this thought before, but this confirms this! All the Kirigayas are super scary!
"By the way..." Suguha frowned at Issei. "I heard from some of my new classmates that there is a group of Second-years who are perverts called the 'Perverted Trio. Since you are in the same year as that group...do you know who they are?"
"Ah..." I can't let her find out its me! If I do... Images of the busty girl before her smashing his body with the extendable baton, as well as Kirito upping his training regime crossed his mind. I'll actually die a second timmmmeeee!
"So, Issei-san, do you know who they are?"
Suguha stared at the boy that was staring up at her. Thankfully, she was wearing a shirt, so Issei could not see the inside of the girl's shirt. Otherwise…he would have already died.
"Ah, erm…I don't know?" Issei laughed slightly in his mind. If I just stick to my batch, I'm pretty sure I will be fine. Of course, I will avoid going in whenever Asuna-san is there!
[Partner…you know that is flawed reasoning, right? Asuna is female as well, and that would mean that you would be unable to peep at the girls when they are changing anymore.]
"…okay then." Suguha straightened up, allowing Issei to breathe a sigh of relief. "If you were the pervert…" Issei felt a breeze go past his face, as well as the sound of a dull impact near his head. His head moved like it was a machine that had not been oiled for a long time, turning to see what had hit near his head.
A black rounded head had been embedded in the wooden floor next to his face.
Hii!
"I would have dished out some justice against the perverts!" Suguha smiled. It was an angelic one to those who were watching from the side-lines, but to Issei, there was a shadow over her eyes, and there was a dark aura hanging over her entire head.
I…As long as I live, I am not going to ogle at this girl! Lest I die from two siblings!
That day, for the first time in history, an honest-to-goodness pervert named Issei swore in his heart to not look at a girl who was near his age with any perverted intentions, even though said girl hit every checkmark in his list.
..
..
"Haaah…" Issei sighed.
"What's wrong, Issei ma boy?" Matsuda asked. As they were sitting rather close together, he could see, that his friend was down in the dumps for some reason. Yet, Issei did not respond to him.
First, when the pretty boy name Kazuto and his girlfriend Asuna entered the room, Issei did not curse the pretty boy with him and their other friend, Motohama. Second, when his childhood friend had volunteered to do the treasure hunt race for their annual sports event, he had just stared off into space, his eyes unfocused.
"Oi." Matsuda snapped his fingers in-front of the pervert. Yet, he still did not react in the slightest. What the hell? Did this guy manage to find some sort of legendary porn item an di imagining it in his head? He stared at his brown-haired friend for a bit, before he shook his head. Nah, if he did, his eyes would not be glazed over. Could it be…that guy!?
Matsuda turned to look at his suspect.
Kirigaya Kazuto, the newest transfer student, was just snoozing on his desk, a little device hanging off of his ear.
Did that bastard put Issei through hell again? Matsuda growled. Unforgivable! For him to not only be a pretty boy, but to also have a girlfriend and to make my comrade this way! We can accept him being a pretty boy and having a girlfriend, but for him to turn our friend away from our desires…Go die! A hundred times!
"Oi, Issei." Matsuda tapped his friend's shoulder. "You okay?"
"Mm?" He gave a disinterested sound. "…yeah, I'm fine…"
"What's wrong?" Matsuda stared at his friend. "You aren't acting like yourself you know."
"Ah…just, some things happened…I'll be fine…" Issei gave a disinterested response.
No no no. Something is definitely wrong! Matsuda tsukimied in his head.
"Now, for the three-legged race…" Aika Kiryuu looked around the classroom. "Any volunteers?"
Matsuda just leaned back in his chair. No one would want to do that race. He looked up. It is a good chance for us boys, since that would give us an excuse to get close to a girl, but the girls would definitely want to stay away from us…
"Ah, Hyoudou. You have a rip near your arm."
"Eh?" Issei's surprised voice prompted Matsuda to look at his friend. "Where is that rip?"
"O~kay, we got our volunteers!" The smirk that Matsuda saw made his blood boil. Damn it Kiryuu, you tricked him!
"You tricked me!" Issei's outraged voice echoed in the classroom.
"Your fault for being tricked!" Kiryuu's smiled. "And, the partner for the three-legged race would be…Asia!"
""Eh?""
Matsuda hurriedly turned his head. True to her word, the class's cutest girl was raising her hand up, a small blush on her face.
Damn you Issei! Matsuda wanted to throttle his friend right there and then. You got our class's cute Asia to be your partner!
It was then he noticed Issei's face. His mind shot back to the last time he saw that face.
That face….ever since he started to ask us about some 2d girl named Yuuma Amano, he would sometimes get that face… Matsuda frowned. I thought he was just playing with us…but that time…
Matsuda was someone that could get the most elusive and most never-before seen, yet legendary porn. Everyone knew that, especially his friends. But, when he heard Issei's description of the girl that had 'went out' with him, he first thought he was playing with them. After all, they had not remembered a girl that had approached Issei, nor a girl with that description.
So, he started to research. Matsuda thought that if the girl was not in 3D, then it was in 2D. After all, the way he described her…one could only describe her with such detail and passion if they had seen said person with their own eyes and burned them into their minds.
…but his research bore no fruit. No dating, gal or porn game had a female character with the name 'Amano Yuuma'. Try as he might, he was unable to find her.
That was when he stumbled on the possibility. That the girl had actually existed, but he had never the girl, because the girl had appeared in Issei's life before he met them, and he was just only remembering it now.
That was also when he stumbled on a possibility about his friend. Because, he noticed it. That his friend changed ever since that day, when he started to ask about a girl named Amano Yuma.
Issei…I would let you off this one time. Matsuda looked at his friend in concern. You should stay partner up with Asia. Just for this one time though!
It was time for their PE period, but Issei had not changed much.
"We can't see their breasts swaying if they run too fast!"
"Yeah!"
…that is, in his usual attitudes towards the girls in the class.
"Big ones…and small ones…" Motohama said in a slightly dazed tone, his eyes not looking away from the sight before him.
"They are all so wonderful…" Issei said, a perverted grin on his face.
"Gym clothes are the best! Banzai to gym clothes!" Matsuda concluded, huddling close to his two friends.
"Oh, do you want to look at the new transfer student?" A perverted idea crossed Motohama's mind. "Since your childhood friend is too fast, maybe the other one would be able to give us a treat!"
Issei's eyes widened. "Wait, st-"
*bam!*
"Gyah!" Motohama screamed as something struck him on the head. Pressing his hands to the stinging area, he rolled around in pain. "It hurts!"
"Who hit him?" Matsuda asked in partial outrage. He had been busy looking at another group of girls, so he did not know what had hit his friend to cause such a reaction from him.
"Stay away from Asuna, you perverts." A dark voice was whispered into the remaining two boy's ears.
"Hii!"
Scrambling away in fear, the two practically, teleported away from the source of the voice, grabbing onto the still rolling Motohama as they did so. That was when they were able to see the source of the voice.
Kirito stood where he was, a baton casually being tossed up and down in his hand. A dark aura currently hung over his body. Wa-wait…is that his demonic energy!?
"Ah! It's the pretty boy!" Matsuda exclaimed.
"K-kirigaya-san, I have no relation whatsoever to what you had just heard! So please, forgive me and allow me to leave!" Issei practically stuttered in fear. Images of what he had done, as well as what he could do to the current Red Dragon Emperor, flashed through his mind.
"Oh, I know, Issei-san." The dark aura around Kirito receded slightly, allowing Issei to take a small breather. "I have just been gathering some information, you know? From the girls in the class." Issei stiffened. "I knew you were a perverted idiot, but I never did know that your perverseness ran so deep, it has become something you are known for."
"W-what are you going to do?" Issei stuttered in fear. I can already see the things that is gonna happen to meeee!
"…Absolutely nothing." For a second, Issei thought he misheard.
"Ah, Kirigaya-san, I think I misheard you." Issei smiled. "I thought you said that you would not do anything to me."
"I did." Kirito smiled back at the perverted boy.
"…"
"…" Both boys looked at each other, smiles on their faces. Then-
"This has to be a dream!" Issei shouted out. Frantically, he looked around him. "It has to be! There is no way that Kirito would be this lenient after hearing that I was doing something perverted!"
"Oh, I intend to cure your perverted nature." Kirito affirmed, causing Issei to calm down.
"T-then–"
"Of course, I won't stop you from doing whatever you want to." The baton that Kirito was tossing landed on his palm, perfectly balanced. "You can be perverted and act as you see fit. But, I would up the intensity of your training, and you would have to restrain your perverted nature as much as possible when Asuna is around."
"R-really?" Issei thought that he was still hallucinating, so he pinched himself. Ow. That definitely hurt, so I'm not dreaming…is this a godsend? Ironically, that was Issei's true thoughts, so he got a small headache for his troubles.
"Like I said, you can do as you wish. As long as you keep that perverted nature of yours in check whenever I, or Asuna is around." Kirito nodded towards the downed Motohama. "Tell that to him when he is not rolling about in pain. And Issei-san." Kirito looked at the brown-haired boy. "Asia needs help." Kirito gave one last look at the three members of the Perverted Trio, before he walked off.
Asia needs help? Issei thought to himself. But, there isn't anyone around that would harm Asia here. Confused, he looked around for the blonde-haired girl. He quickly spotted her. Along with another girl that the Perverted Trio was all-too familiar with.
"Asia, did your chest grow over the holidays?" Aika was grinning as she grabbed onto Asia from behind. If one were to look from afar, it would have been seen as Aika just hugging a person, or helping with a girl's stretches. But, since Issei was near them, he could see it was actually Aika feeling up someone's bust.
So that's what Kirito meant. Issei blinked. Wait! If I leave Asia with her, does that mean our sweet, innocent Asia would get corrupted?
An image of Asia in a risqué outfit popped into Issei's head. Nooo! Issei held his head in a panic. I mean, Asia would look very cute, but that would not be Asia at alllllll! Hurridly, Issei moved towards the duo. "Asia," he called out. "Let's start to practice!"
"H-hai." Asia wormed her way out of Aika's grasp. "See you later, Kiryuu-san." Asia bowed towards the bespectacled girl, before she ran over to Issei.
"Oi, Hyoudou!" Aika called out to Issei. She had a sly grin on her face. "Don't do anything lecherous to Asia-chan while you are practicing! Got it~"
"Well, I'm not like you!" Issei called back, before he worked on the ribbon that would be tying the two together for their event.
"…some pairs look like they are doing fine, while others seem to be having a lot of trouble." Asia noted as she waited for Issei to be done. "It seems that if we aren't in sync, it would be very difficult."
I'm done." Issei stood up. Mm, I already knew this, but I'm a few heads taller than Asia. Issei frowned slightly, before he smiled at the former nun. "Well, let's start with walking first to see how well we would fare."
"H-hai." Asia lightly grasped onto Issei's hips.
O-ooh! Issei mentally screamed in shock. A-asia is touching me! Especially her oppai! Even now, he could feel the softness that was being transmitted to his lower chest. No no. Control yourself Issei. You should control yourself! This is Asia! Asia! "O-okay, then…" Moving slowly, he grasped onto Asia's hip, mirroring his partner's action.
"Eep!" Asia gasped lightly, but Issei did not notice it.
"One, tw-o!" Issei's eyes widened in shock as they fell forwards. Acting quickly, he managed to regain his balance, holding onto Asia tightly as well to prevent her from falling flat on her face. What happened? Issei was confused, before he noticed the problem. Ah, right. Since I'm taller than Asia, I'm going to have to match my strides with hers. What a blunder!
"Erm…Issei-san?" Asia's voice came out meeker than usual.
"Yes?" Looking down, Issei saw Asia's beet red face…as well as his hand grasping onto her chest.
"S-sorry!" Reflexively, Issei stepped away from the girl, only for him to lose his balance. "Ah!"
"Ah!" Asia, fell forwards with a scream, the band tying their legs together forcing her to follow Issei's descent onto the ground. Miraculously, she landed on Issei instead of the hard ground, which would have definitely bruised her skin.
I-I wanted to be careful, but I ended up grabbing Asia's chest! Issei stared at the blue sky. As he watched, a few birds flew over them. Looks like I need to be even more careful! "A-asia, are you okay?"
"I'm…fine, Issei-san." Asia raised her head.
"I'm sorry for grabbing you chest earlier. It was an accident…" Issei blushed, averting his eyes slightly.
"N-no, it's fine." Asia blushed. "But…if you want to touch them…it's okay. I, just need to prepare myself, so if you want to touch them, could you tell me first?"
So it's fine if I ask you first?! Issei tsukkomied in his head. Asia-chan, please stop. If you look at me with those eyes…I won't be able to control myself!
..
..
"Issei-san, thank you for all that you have done for me." Asia's voice echoed in his mind.
A-ara? Issei blinked. He was surround in darkness, so he could not see anything. What's this? Last I remember is the hellish training Kirito put me through… When he blinked again, Asia appeared in-front of him. She was wearing a white yukata, as well as a white-hood that covered her head. Asia-chan…you look so beautiful…
"Issei-san, today is the day I become a wife." Asia smiled brilliantly at the boy, not noticing his face had suddenly frozen.
Eh?
"Asia, you can come back anytime." Suddenly, Rias appeared from behind him.
"Asia-chan, there is no need for you to worry about us." Akeno slowly appeared from behind Rias. "Enjoy your newly-wedded life as much as possible."
Eh? Buchou? And Akeno-san? Issei was stumped. What's going on? Who is Asia being married to?
"Asia, may the Lord bless your marriage." Irina appeared as well, followed by Xenovia. Both of them had their palms pressed together. "Even if the Lord is no longer here, Lord Micheal-sama would surely allow your marriage to be a happy one."
"Umu." Xenovia nodded. "All of us wish that you have a wonderful wedded life."
"…Who's marrying Asia?" Issei's voice came to him. At that moment, everyone turned to face him. "Who's the groom?"
"Issei, I will take care of Asia from now on." A very familiar face suddenly appeared in the darkness. In his hands was Asia, being carried bridal style. "She would be very happy with a high-class and rich devil like me." As those words were said, both of them started to drift away from Issei.
"…Asia…" One foot stepped forwards. Then another. Then another. It was not long before he began to run after the pair. Yet, no matter how fast he ran, he was unable to catch up to them. "Asia! Wait, Asia!"
..
..
"Asia!" Issei gasped. Asia, don't leave me!
"…Issei-san?" From beside him, the aforementioned girl rubbed her eyes sleepily. "Is something wrong?"
As his eyes cleared up. He could see that he was actually at home. …so it was just a dream…
"Issei-san?" Asia got closer to Issei, until her body was nearly touching his. "Are you okay?"
"Asia…" Issei slowly sat up. "You…won't leave me, right?"
"?" Asia cutely tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"I…dreamt that you were being married to that guy." Issei wiped the tears from his eyes. "It…was more painful than I thought."
"Issei-san…" Asia slowly approached the boy, before she hugged him tightly. "I won't be married to Diodara-san."
"…really?"
"Mm!" Asia nodded. "I like Issei-san the best!"
Asia… Issei felt like his heart was going to burst from happiness.
"Ise…" Rias's tired voice made the boy look at the red-haired girl. "What's wrong?"
"Buchou…" Issei wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. "It was nothing." He smiled. "I just had a bad dream."
The sudden sound of shuffling sheets prompted everyone to look at Issei's lower body. "Eh?"
A slowly rising and falling hump had appeared in the space between his legs. Raisng his hand, he puled back the sheets, revealing-
A white-haired nekomata snoozing comfortably at his feet. "Koneko-chan?"
The girl's ears twitched. "Mm?" Bearliy, she rubbed her eyes, before she looked at thee trio who were staring at her with amazed expressions. "Nyah~"
..
..
..
Timeskip
"Thank goodness Asia getting married was just a dream…" Issei tiredly rubbed his eyes, shovelling some eggs into his mouth.
"I just hope it stays a dream as well…" Rias took a sip of coffee, glancing at the countertop.
Following her line of sight, Asuna noticed a bunch of letters, All of them had was seals on them, and all of them were untouched. "Whose letter's are those?"
"Those are all Asia's." Came the short reply. "Diodara Astaroth has been sending them to Asia."
"Ever since we met each other on that day, he has been sending me something every single day." Asia looked down.
"What has he been sending her?" Asuna was curious.
"Movie tickets, dinner invitations, large gifts, gift cards and more." Rias sighed. "Most of the things he sent to her are things she would do with him."
"…I see." Asuna's eyes narrowed. This feels too much like back then. Her mind flashed to her mother's actions, before she convinced her to stop looking for rich suitors for her. This all feels…very suspicious.
"I'm sorry." Asia apologised. When Asuna looked at the blonde girl, she just stared at the table. Her plate of food was left untouched. "I'm just causing trouble for everyone, aren't I?"
"There isn't a need for you to apologise, Asia." Rias smiled at the girl in a comforting way. "This is just how Diodara is. Really," She sighed "he is such a troublesome boy."
Asuna's eyes narrowed eve further. That is what it looks like…but this 'Diodara Astaroth'… he reeks of the same scent as Sugou Nobuyuki.
"Asia." Asuna called over to the girl.
"Hai?" Asia looked at Asuna.
"Be careful of him." She warned. When she saw Asia's confused face, she elaborated further. "This devil, Diodara Astaroth, was it? He feels like he has some sort of hidden motive behind his actions."
"Really?" Rias frowned. "But to me, this feels like he just does not know how to court a girl that saved his life."
"I might just be overthinking things." Asuna agreed. "But, something just feels off to me." She stood up, before she left, taking her plate with her. For now, she wanted to get started on training. It had been a while since she had done anything related to a sports festival, after all.
Timeskip
"One, two. One, two. One, two. One, two." Issei counted out loud. "Just a little bit more, Asia!"
"Mm!" Asia nodded her head, opting to not speak.
Right now, the two were working on their teamwork for their three-legged race. Xenovia was helping them with their preparations by clapping her hands at set intervals for them to pace themselves.
"Good job, you two." Xenovia stopped her clapping, the duo having reached the end of the field. "At the rate you are improving, you would be able to get first place!"
"Thanks for your help, Xenovia." Issei wiped his brow. "It really does make a difference if someone is here to help pace us!"
"…I feel bad for making you help." Asia apologised, bowing her head slightly.
"There's no problem." Xenovia waved her hand. "I'm in the dash event, so I just need to be fast. For now, how about the two of you do a light jog instead of a brisk walk?"
"Got it." Issei nodded. "Ready Asia?"
Asia did not respond. Instead, she just remained silent, staring at the ground blankly. "…Asia?"
"Oh!" Blinking, Asia looked up at Issei. "Issei-san, I'm sorry for blanking out. Shall we start?"
"…Asia…" Issei looked at the former nun in concern. "What's wrong? Is it about Diodara?"
"…hai…" Asia looked down.
"Do you regret saving him?" Asia looked at Issei with wide eyes, her mouth slightly agape. Similarly, Xenovia was looking at the boy with a slightly shocked face. It took a minute for Issei to realise what he said. "Ah, sorry! It just…slipped out."
"…No…it's okay, Issei-san." Smiling softly, Asia looked at Issei. "I don't regret saving him. I may have been exiled from the Church, and I was unable to pray to the Lord, even though He is gone." Small tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes. At first, Issei thought it was because she was sad. But, her happy voice stated otherwise. "But, it was because I saved him that I met everyone. I made so many friends too!" She closed her eyes, placing her hands close to her chest. "I love Kuoh Academy, everyone at the Occult Research Club…and you, Issei-san." Her emerald-coloured eyes shone as they stared at Issei. "For me, all of you, and my friends…are all things that I treasure. And, I would not change it."
"You're right." With a smile, Issei hugged Asia tightly. "All of us love you too, Asia." I'm so happy that Asia said that!
"Uuoo." A new voice sniffled. "This is so touching! I came by to see how you were all doing, but I stumbled across such a touching scene!"
"Irina!" Issei said in a surprised tone. "You were here too?"
"I just arrived." Irina dabbed ta the corners of her eyes with a pink handkerchief. "Xenovia said that Kuoh's mornings were wonderful, so I arrived earlier than usual to see it. But, for me to also see this touching scene….ah, Micheal-sama!" Irina put her hands together in a praying position. "May you bless this beautiful friendship. Amen."
"Amen." The other two girls prayed as well, their hands clasped tightly together.
I thought this before, but… Issei looked over the three girls with a smile on his face. They click pretty well together, don't they?
..
Timeskip
"A Rating game?" Issei asked Rias.
"Yeah." She nodded from her place behind the desk. "There would be many devils coming to watch it, unlike the one we had last time."
"Why now?" Kazuto asked as he munched on some of the biscuits that were in the clubroom. This game feels too sudden.
"It was meant to be during the holidays." Rias explained. "However, thanks to the Khaos Brigade, and Loki's attack, they had to push back the preparations. This is the earliest time they could make it."
"So, those people we met, and Argo would be there, huh…" Kazuto muttered under his breath. Then, louder "So, Asuna and I would not be joining you, correct?"
"That's right." Rias replied with a sigh. "Since the both of you are technically not in my Peerage, you are unable to participate in the games this time. The Flauros heiress would have joined too, but since it would become an odd number if she joined, she declined the offer to do so."
"Knowing her, it's not the only reason for her to draw out of the fight." Kazuto thought out loud. "Asuna, what do you think?"
"Hmm…" Asuna casually spun the knife in her hand. "I would guess it is for strengthening her Peerage. After all, most of her team were reincarnated a month or two back, and they all have things to do besides training. Klein is working, Silica is in school. Same with Liz. Sinonon is also working part-time in GGO, so she can't really spend too much time outside of the game to train."
"…okay…" Rias blinked in surprise. "Anyway, the fights would be to mainly show the strength of the latest generation of Devils, which would include us."
"…then, would we be fighting Saiarog?" Issei's eyes were visibly shaken when he mentioned the name 'Saiarog', so Kazuto had his interest peaked. Wonder who he is?
"We won't be facing my cousin that early, so don't worry." Rias answered with a chuckle. Well, I guess that answers that question.
At that moment, his phone rang. Wondering who it was, Kazuto quickly answered the call. "This is Kirigaya Kazuto. How can I help you?"
"Papa." Hearing his young daughter's voice put Kazuto on alert. "Yeah, Yui?"
"Someone is looking for you papa." That answer made him blink. Someone is looking for me? Who? His mind went to a certain government official. Is it him?
"Yui, is it Kikuoka-san?" Kazuto stood up from his seat. Excusing himself, Kazuto exited the clubroom.
"Ah…" Rias could only stare at the closed door from which Kirito had left.
"Could you please continue?" Asuna prompted Rias. "Kirito-kun would join us when he is done."
"…right." Clearing her throat, Rias banished her earlier thoughts. "As I was saying, we would not be facing my cousin Saiarog this early on."
"…The brackets have been already decided?" Koneko sat up straight, her ears popping out of her head in surprise. Realizing this, Koneko hurriedly placed her hands onto the top of her head, pushing her ears back down.
"Yeah." Rias felt a small headache come when she thought about the devil they were going to fight in the coming week. "We would be fighting Diodara Astaroth. The little brother to the Maou Beelzebub."
"…what?"
..
..
"Yui, is it Kikuoka-san?" Shutting the door behind him, he made sure it was properly closed before he continued with his conversation. The clubroom had the special feature of alerting its inhabitants to when any non-supernatural related being was approaching, as well as the ability to muffle voices such that you could hear what they say, but you can't actually discern it unless the user wished it. Thankfully, Rias had that feature on right now, so there were no worries about his conversation being overheard. I know I might still be acting paranoid, but this is just a small step. Baby steps, baby steps!
"No papa." Hearing that answer made Kazuto even more confused.
"Okay then…" Kazuto tried to think of any person who would look for him. "Do I know them?"
"You met him before, Papa." Yui's voice sounded a little apprehensive, which was a first for Kazuto. "…Papa, it would be easier if you put on your Augma. But, please do not overreact."
"Why would I overreact Yui?" Kazuto smiled a little. "Your papa is not that violent."
"Papa, promise me you would not overreact." Yui's voice came out stern, which was something that Kazuto could not imagine in his head. Why is Yui so worried? I think I would be able to hold myself back if it was Kayaba.
"…okay, I promise." Kazuto finally let out a breath.
"Okay then papa." Yui's voice sounded a little more cheerful now. Check your Augma's inbox for the image I sent you." The line went dead, signalling that Yui had cut off communications.
Putting his phone away and slipping on the Augma, Kazuto's sight was greeted by the familiar sight of it booting up, before it went to the main menu. Hm? His eyes caught his inbox. I guess that must be who Yui who was saying was looking for me.
Manipulating the device, he opened up the inbox and tapped onto the newest message.
An image popped up.
And Kazuto's blood ran cold.
"…Wha…t…" Eyes wide, Kazuto could only stare at the image of a familiar SAO survivor he had briefly met before.
The second ranked player of the Ordinal Scale event.
Eiji.
"…he is the one is looking for me?" Kazuto struggled to contain his feelings. Most of them were of rage, but there was some worry and sadness mixed in. I know that Eiji did what he did because he wanted to bring someone back, even if they were not in a human body, but I can't…no, won't ever forgive him for involving the other SAO survivors into bringing back Yuna and hurt them in the process.
"Hai, Papa." Yui flew into his vision. "Looks like you managed to control your emotions papa!"
"Just barely." Kazuto clenched and unclenched his fist a couple to calm himself. "So, Yui. Why is Eiji looking for me?"
"Eiji-san wants your help with something." Yui waved her hand, causing a few screens to pop up in-front of Kazuto. "Eiji-san said that this is something that you are very familiar with, and he hopes that you would be able to help him. He did say that if you refused to help him, he would understand, since he had threatened to put Mama and the other SAO survivors with irreparable brain damage."
"…I see." Well, at least he has some form of repentance for what he did. Kazuto sighed. He knew that if it were another person, they would refuse to help. Heck, they would just straight up ignore the person who was asking them!
But Kazuto was not like other people.
He had been one of the 10,000 human participants of the Death game, one of the 6,000 who had survived said Death Game(as well as cleared it and saw people he knew get killed, including Asuna).
He had been threatened with legal action, came face to face with death less than 3 months after clearing the game yet again, this time from a knife-totting idiot who wanted to develop brain-washing techniques that would have only worked if the person's mind was directly linked to the web with no protection whatsoever. And, in the process, ended up burying his Black Swordsman person for a year.
Then, a year after that, he had to come face to face with death yet again, this time at the behest of his government official acquaintance, Kikuoka. In the process, he remembered the supressed memories of when he killed 4 orange players, as well as brought out the Black Swordsman persona once more, before he buried it deeper than ever.
Now, less than two months before, he got killed(presumably), resurrected as a devi with an unknown master, and was sent out into the world with the knowledge that the supernatural world existed, and that he was a celebrity in said world for saving a further 8,000 individuals, some of which were practically royalty.
Now that I think about it, my life is way too similar to a light novel or manga protagonist. Kazuto sighed. He had decided. "Yui, tell Eiji that I would meet him. On New Aincard, the 24th floor. Where Zekken passed. If he does not know where it is, send him instructions on how to get there."
"Got it Papa." Yui saluted once, before she flew out of his vision.
With a small sigh, Kazuto slipped off the Augma. This is getting too complicated for me to deal with. First, I have to deal with me and Asuna being supernatural celebrities, so we have to be on the watch for any being affiliated with the supernatural. Then, I also have to deal with any fights that come my way because of me and Asuna being devils now, making us a target for any supernatural being who hates our guts. And to add on to that, we have to also find out who on earth is our master, as well as why he resurrected us?
Why can't I deal with this when we have more time to deal with the fact that we are now supernatural beings with at least 5 times the life span of an average human?
AN
How is this for a chapter?
We are now proceeding into the Diodara Astaorth fighting scene. Which is also quite near when the anime ended off, if I remember correctly. This also means that the first part of the series is drawing to an end pretty soon.
After which, I would put up and interlude, which would then separate this fic into two distinct parts: Season 3 of DxD, and Season 4 of DxD. As for the interlude…I am curious to know. Would you prefer it to be a chapter that is like and everyday life? Or would you want it to be the fight between the Gremory and Sitri heiresses? It is gonna be either as a separate story linked to this one, or as interlude chapters. Please review your thoughts. For now. I will set up a poll tmr and re-update this chapter then, as well as my profile, so remember to check in again around 26 hours after this chapter goes up!
And, as a side note, we are now heading into the partial-original arc for SAO. I say partial original, cause there is actually a SS called Cordial Chords. This Arc is based slightly off of that. It came to me when I watched Ordinal Scale again, so yeah.
As a side note to the above side note, the SS was given to all the Ordinal Scale Movie watchers in Japan, and it was not animated, so those who only watch the anime would have a small treat in this fic!
Anime is Life, and please Review!
Warning. There are spoilers for those who had not watched the final episode of Sword Art Online, Alicization, or the 18th Light Novel of the SAO series. Please read at your own discretion.
Woohoo! The last episode of the Alicization Arc has aired!
That final episode was too cool! At first, I had thought that they would not animate the final part, seeing as the latest series has been a series of ups and downs, meaning they would not give any teasers to the people who were watching. But then, they did it.
They. Actually. Did it.
They animated the whole book! Oh My GAWD!
We have spaceships. We have aliens. We have possibly an entirely revolutionised Central Cathedral and its surrounding areas!
And then, I HAVE to talk about those two pilots at the end! The descendants of Ronie and Tiese! They are too much like their ancestors in their looks and actions. At least, that is what I got from the few minutes of air time they had. Plus, for them to blatantly put down 'Kirito will Return' in the credits, they must be super confident that there would be enough sales to cover the fourth season! Well, if they do that, I really hope they make Sword Art Offline 3, as wellas OVAs for the Moon Cradle Arc. I wanna see the strongest babies to meet… T_T
That being said, I need to catch up on my reading. I have 18 books to cover before I can start on my future series of this fic. Well, I have time. Not much, but it should be enough.
Ah. This is the poll it would be up until the interlude pops up. Copy the one down below, but paste 'forms.' in front first.
.gle/UPyGVfhmFW1DYBc17
