Mei stared at Raynare for a brief moment, before uttering something in shock. "W-W-What was that?" Raynare repeats the request again, getting Mei to point out the two extra desks one of which was in front of Issei.
"I just said I transferred here to be with someone and that person is..." She said pointing at Issei. "Issei, my boyfriend. So if you don't mind." She said looking at him lovingly. Issei narrowed his eyes at her when she blew a kiss at him. "If you don't believe me..." She pulled out a cell phone, pulling up the selfie she took of her sitting on Issei's lap, him in just a t-shirt and boxers giving him a kiss on the cheek. Mei's eyes widened after seeing the picture.
Dumbfound the entire class except Issei and Mittelt let out a unanimous "EEEHHHH?"
Raynare had a smug expression on her face when the class went dead silent. Mei was staring at the image non-stop, slowly recovering from the affair she turned her attention to Issei who currently had his hands over his face that had a pained expression on it. Taking the hint from Issei she quickly answered. "I'm sorry, Amano-san. I have no intention of moving desks, I do in fact mind."
The answer had the class in a storm of comments and jeers from the onlookers ranging from "Is the pervert worth the trouble" to "Go Yamamoto, protect your man!" The background noise added to Raynare's mounting frustration. Sighing, Raynare tried a different approach. "If you are that adamant to sit by him." She pointed at the seat in front of Issei. "As you said that one is free." Raynare said blankly.
"Why don't you, take that one that is."
The response wared at the remaining patience Raynare had left, but before she could act a growl that was her alias' name came from the seat Issei was in. Every supernatural being in the room except Issei and the person the very audible call was directed to had a chill go down their spines as each of them looked at Issei, who was currently staring a hole into Raynare. "Yuuma." Issei said coldly.
Raynare however had a cheerful demeanour once hearing him call to her. "Yes darling." She said in a sing-song tone. The use of her first name got everyone's attention, silencing them once again.
"Is this really necessary?" The tone in his voice not changing.
"Yes, Issei. Yes it is." Her tone not changing either. "I am the one who promised to be by your side no matter what, do you know what I sacrificed for you and yet you choose everyone else over me..." Mid-speech all movement in the room ceased, both hers and Issei's eyes turning a pale blue. Ice began to slowly cover their surroundings. "I don't know what the me you used to know did, but whatever happened between you two is never happening again. What do I have to do to prove that to you? Was the person you knew that terrible that you can't see me for me? What do I have to do?... What do I have to do?" That last question repeated itself several times over her tone and expression darkening with every word.
Issei looked at her with a pained expression. He couldn't answer her questions, to him trusting Raynare was still a concept to get used to. It's not that he was doing any of what she is accusing him for on purpose. 'She has to know that, right.' He thought that to himself. 'No one else can see in your head, of course she doesn't... Your nature isn't something others can accept on the surface level. She might be worth the effort, don't you think.' Making his decision he put his thoughts together, he looked down as he began talking. "I'm sorry..." Getting flashbacks from this morning he took a short pause before continuing. "I don't know... I don't know what, but what I said to you the other night was true... And if I made you feel like it was any different, then I am sorry. I will try harder to prove to you that you don't have to do anything. There was a time when I would have loved her... For doing what you are doing now. There was a time that her affection meant the world to me. Her just throwing that away, killing someone I held dear, and pretending to care destroyed me. You have no idea how long I spent trying to get over what she did." Issei paused again, a lump developing in his throat.
Raynare came over to Issei kneeling at the side of his desk, she took his hands in hers giving him a small smile. "It's fine, I really messed you up huh?" Raynare said, getting a barely audible laugh from the boy.
"You could say that."
"It's a lot to take in, but I somehow feel like I should take at least a portion of the responsibility for what happened. If you did not wake up here, if you were that boy you were when you first met that version of myself then I would have done the same to that Issei, maybe you being here changed everything for the better. I for one don't know what I would have done if your history was our present. So I'm sorry if I am putting you in a hard position, that was never my intention. You are special, at least to me and I can't imagine going back to what I was before we met. If you need time to adjust then I will not rush you. As long as you are at my side I will do anything for you Issei." Her tone was gentle.
Issei was quiet as she spoke, when indeed she finished he felt her sincerity of which looking back he did not once feel from her counterpart, he kicked himself for not seeing that sooner, for falling for her and the trap she laid. Having the same person basically confess four times now threw him for a loop. What was he waiting for? Last time he was all for giving her an immediate answer. Why all of the sudden? Why is it now so hard to reciprocate this time? His answer should be clear, but it is not. He closed his eyes, muttering something inaudible. Issei felt Raynare's arms wrap around him and bring him into an embrace in the attempts to comfort him.
Feeling him relax in her arms Raynare began speaking again. "You have nothing to apologise for or feel bad about Issei, like I said as long as I am allowed to be by your side. I won't betray or intentionally hurt you. You are my dragon emperor after all." She punctuated her sentence with a kiss on the cheek. She tightened her hug, not letting go until he had calmed down and was ready to face the world again pretending that their conversation just now never took place.
The room returned to normal as the pair returned to their original places. Taking the time to gather his composure, Issei prepared a response. Thinking over what Raynare said when the class had the ability to listen in. "Yuuma, it's not what you think. I am not choosing Mei over you. I just think that selfishly asking someone to up-root themselves because it suits your self-serving agenda is a pretty shitty thing to do on your first day. You may not care but you can't be on your own all the time." Pointing at the empty desk in front of him. "It's not like we can't seat near each other."
Everyone looked at Raynare in interest as she took a mock thinking pose, pretending to have thought it over. Raynare dropped down into the empty desk to the surprise of everyone, most of all Mei who was expecting a far different result. Raynare turned to Issei offering a quick word. "You are lucky you're cute, though I won't let you off easy for that."
With a smile Issei responded. "I would not expect any less from you. I will make it up to you and that's a promise, Yuu-chan." He said the pet name with a sly grin.
"Trust me, Issei. You will."
Seeing that the class had settled, the not too bothered homeroom teacher started his lesson. The day after the rowdy morning the rest of the day went down like usual. The only difference being the two new transfers politely introducing themselves to each teacher before every period, and before long the lunch period came. Raynare, not wasting any time, got up and headed straight for Mittelt in a good mood. Mittelt however was surrounded by some of the girls in class much to her chagrin. A sense of relief came over her as she saw Raynare approach. Not that the constant questions and the occasional compliments and fawning over her looks and persona weren't riveting, she didn't share the same fondness seemingly the girls had for her. Grabbing Mittelt's arm both angels made their way to Issei's desk, Raynare taking her school bag as well. The girls who found themselves with the 'cute' Uehara Kyou frowned, some even cursing Amano Yuuma's name for even thinking of monopolizing her. Deciding to throw a quick apology their way Mittelt spoke. "Sorry guys, me and Amano-san have known each other for a long time and I promised to have lunch with her."
Ignoring the background noise Raynare returned to see a small cluster of desks, frowning at the happily chatting Mei, Makoto, and Issei. Having remembered Mei's resistance in the morning, Raynare had a mischievous grin come across her face. Instructing Mittelt to get a desk so she can join them, Raynare walked behind the object of her affection getting his attention with a tap on the shoulder. Issei looked up at her with a genuine smile that she returned as he inquired about her sudden appearance. "What's up Yuu-chan?"
"Remember when you said you were going to make it up to me for what happened this morning?"
"Y-Yeah?"
"Well I am going to take you up on part of that debt now." Raynare said matter-of-factly. A look of confusion crossed Issei's face when her words left her mouth, but he quickly understood what she had in mind as Raynare moved him to make room. Her grin did not leave her when she plopped down on his lap, draping an arm on his shoulders. The look of satisfaction was on her face as she leaned into Issei. Taking stock of their surroundings Mittelt had joined another desk with the other three already there and she could not help but notice Mei's bright red face as she looked away. "There this is a great way to pay for what you owe me... And it's a plus for you, having your lovely girlfriend in your lap."
"How exactly do you expect me to eat like this Yuu?" Issei retorted, not amused.
"I could always feed you."
"I would rather you not."
"Well I'm not moving." She said, taking Issei's chopsticks in her free hand, sampling the rice and what appeared to be a chicken strip from his bento.
Not too long after Raynare dug into Issei's lunch, the doors to the class were forced open to the boisterous sounds of two teens. "ISSEI!" Hideki's voice seemingly cut through the air of the class like butter. The remaining students went silent as for the second time in the day they were getting a show at Issei's expense.
the girl on the said boy's lap felt as his whole body tensed up. 'Oh... What happened between the three of them.' Raynare did a self-inquiry, her answer did not come from him however, the two classmates who were chatting up her 'lover' also did the same. Mei had a similar reaction to Issei though she looked more uncomfortable than the barely disguised annoyance her current seat cushion was giving off. Her attention was forced on Makoto who had a furrowed brow. 'Huh. Aren't you an interesting one?' She thought as she got off Issei. The boy's confusion was met with a wink, which prompted a glare from him. With the nonverbal warning disregarded, Raynare made her way to the two boys. "Sanada-san, Takei-san, it's a pleasure to meet the two of you again." Raynare declared with a slight upwards curl in her lips.
"A-A-Amano-san?" Hiroyuki asked dumbfounded.
"W-W-What are you doing here? Aren't you a Kyusei student?" Hideki added, looking her over.
"Well I was until this morning. May I ask you what you would possibly want with my Issei?" The possessive tone in the question comes loud and clear. Not being sure they got the underlying message that was laced in her question she resumed with a statement. "I hope whatever it is you can leave it for another time." Raynare finished, invading the two's personal space with venom dripping from every word.
Hiroyuki was the first to respond mostly to Hideki's silence, stepping back a couple of steps when he opened his mouth. "We are just here to speak with Issei for a brief second."
"Yeah, we just want to talk to him, you won't know he is missing." Hideki threw a quick glance at Issei's group.
Raynare's eyes shifted to Hideki, a brief thought of 'oh' crossed her mind. For a split second the overwhelming feeling of jealousy and lust escaped. Those feelings she gathered from him, and the tension her Issei had as well as the other two, her making sense of the situation. "I apologise." Hideki dropped into the fetal position in tears nursing his crotch in pain. Raynare the only one not reacting to this put a hand on Hiroyuki's shoulder, as gently as possible she forced him on his knees, all the while grinning. Raynare then kneeled in front of them continuing where she left off. "Issei is having lunch with me right now, if it's an important subject you can always try to speak with him later. Oh, Sanada-san. I have no clue on what you did, but let this be a lesson for you." She voiced, not amused. "You should probably take him to the nurse's office he doesn't look well." Doing as she instructed, Hiroyuki picked up Hideki, putting his arm around his shoulder supporting Hideki's weight. Both boys left the room to the satisfaction of Raynare.
Returning to her new favorite perch that is Issei's lap she let out a content sigh snuggling close and resting her head on his shoulder. Mei taking the opportunity got Raynare's attention. "Amano-san, I know you didn't do that for me, but I wanted to thank you. You... " She paused to look at Issei. "You did something I couldn't. And I appreciate it."
A raised eyebrow was the first response, then came an auditory one. "Although you are right, I did it for Issei's benefit, I am glad it was to your benefit too." She got off of Issei's lap offering a hand to Mei. "I hope we can become great friends."
(...)
Yawning, Issei was taking off the school slippers, opening his shoe locker in the process. He was exhausted and Raynare's constant displays of affection did not help. He had hoped that they would lessen throughout the day, but that was a fool's errand. 'What the hell?' He internally questioned as he opened the locker. Sitting on his shoes was an envelope, taking the object he examined it. It was a normal white envelope and judging by the size it was housing a couple sheets of paper, but the most offending piece of information that he neglected to inspect was a heart sticker used to seal it as well as the way it was addressed to him. 'To My Dearest Hyoudou Issei' was written cutely on its face. 'Today of all days.' He thought to himself.
Bringing the letter to eye level a black flame consumed it while Issei thought to himself how familiar the situation felt. "If you wanted to talk alone, that could have been arranged." He said to no one in particular.
Though it was aimed at no one, someone did answer him, Aika came out from behind the row of lockers. "To be fair, that letter was not from me but from a mutual pink-haired acquaintance who does not go to this school. But I do need to speak with you, Hyoudou."
His mind flashed back to a girl he had saved from some overzealous adults when they were both kids, then to an older version of her standing over him with a shinai in hand. 'That explains why I haven't seen her around.' He thought to himself. He made a note to apologise to her if their paths ever crossed again. "So is this dragon emperor business, or is it about something else Sano-san?" Issei said, holding a bored expression.
Aika's eyes widened, she hadn't pegged down this generation's Red Dragon Emperor until the day before though she had suspicions. She was careful to hide her presence, but not good enough it seemed. "How? How did you know about me?" She questioned.
Issei shrugged, pointing to her. "The same way as you probably." He offered a retort. "It hasn't been long but when I awakened the Boosted Gear about 2 weeks ago, my senses were all improved though I wasn't sure. I was not expecting the White Dragon Emperor to be so close this soon, and a classmate at that."
"If you knew why didn't you say anything?"
"You didn't seem like you cared let alone have any killing intent towards me."
Thinking what he said over she did not know if it was now easier or harder to go ahead with what she had in mind, Raynare's arrival made things harder for her but she was willing to do whatever it took to get Issei on her side. "I don't want to be fighting an inherited rivalry if I can help it, though I do have business with you, I would like this to be kept privately between us."
"That's fair, so what now?"
Aika thought to herself for a moment before responding. "Meet me on the new practice building's roof in 10 minutes." She spoke leaving Issei behind exiting through the entrance.
'You could have asked if I was free, I should tell those two I am going to be late.' Thinking this he pulled out his phone, opening up a group chat he had with Akeno and Momo, typing up a message.
(...)
HYOUDOU: I am going to be late... Something came up.
HIMEJIMA: What happened, is there a problem?
HANAKAI: Does this have to do with what happened yesterday?
HANAKAI: Are you ok?
HYOUDOU: I am fine, and no it is not about yesterday.
HYOUDOU: A classmate asked me to meet them at the new practice building.
HYOUDOU: You guys can go ahead. I will meet you at Kei's.
HIMEJIMA: We can wait for you, we should stick together.
HANAKAI: She is right, Hyoudou-san.
HANAKAI: After yesterday, that's the last thing we should be doing.
HIMEJIMA: When are you done? We can meet up then before leaving.
HYOUDOU: Meet me at the entrance in half an hour.
HYOUDOU: I should be done by then.
HIMEJIMA: Alright Issei. See you then.
HANAKAI: If anything happens, call us!
(...)
Closing the locker Issei put his cell phone in his pocket not after putting his shoes on. He then made his way to the roof of the new practice building. It was less of a daunting task compared to the secluded ORC. With a staircase that hugged the exterior that went straight to the roof he was able to avoid contact with any of the club goers. Making his destination minutes before the appointed time, Issei sat leaning himself on the railing near the edge paralleling the roof access, then began on his homework.
The door opened revealing Aika making her way to the roof, spotting Issei with a textbook beside him and scribbling in a notebook propped up by his legs. "Ain't you the dedicated one." She said.
"Well I wouldn't say that I am. So... What is it you called me here for?" He asked, finally tearing his eyes away from the page seeing Aika in a French maid costume with a short skirt. Cocking a brow at her state of dress, Issei decided that it was better to ask. "What's up with the cosplay?"
Aika, noticing the nonchalant way he has stated, decided to go with a half lie as explanation. Walking over making sure he could not see underneath her dress she picked up his textbook sitting next to him, keeping the book open she gently placed it on her lap. "It turns out my part-time job was understaffed and I was asked to come in." She explained.
"You know the school frowns on that kind of job, and you need special permission to work in the first place." Issei said, turning the book's page.
"I know, but my parent sees it necessary not to give me enough money to live comfortably. Like what I am supposed to do with the bare minimum?" Her rhetorical question earned a shrug from Issei. "What about you, having a girlfriend must be draining on the wallet?"
Issei paused his writing looking to the sky in thought, then to what he was doing giving her a brief retort. "I have a single parent too, but in my case she really likes my girlfriend and treats her as if she is part of the family. So I guess I have to treat her nicely or I am not going to hear the end of it."
"Must be rough, what happened there? For it to be just your mother and yourself."
Issei's eyes again left the page eyeing her suspiciously, but in the end chose to answer her truthfully. "My father died seven years ago, and it has just been me and her for all that time..." He paused. Even though it wasn't the same person he knew the memories he had inherited hurt the same as if they had been, it was part of the reason he had brought Raynare home so shortly after she had confessed.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Aika said, cursing herself.
"It's fine…" Issei quietly said to his notebook. Turning the question on it's head, Issei returned it to her. "What about you? I assume that you had a similar experience. That is, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
Aika thought it over staring a hole in his textbook. She finally decided that it was only fair for him to get an honest answer. "You are right... But unlike you both of my parents are dead, my grandfather took me in for a while but he is also gone now too. That's when my foster dad took me in..." She said, balling her fist in frustration, she then turned her head to face Issei. "I guess what they say about sacred gear users is right."
Not in the mood of staying in her company longer than necessary, Issei moved the conversation in the direction of why she wanted him here. "Not that I mind sharing, but why have you called me here Sano-san?"
"Oh. That..." Aika paused, clearing her throat. She had wanted to get to know more about him before moving ahead with her plans but he seemed to want to get down to business, not that she could fault him for it. Taking a deep breath she opened her mouth again. "How much do you trust Raynare? Hyoudou." She questioned making a point to use their new classmate's real name.
Issei for his part was taken aback, not only was she the white one, but it appeared that the girl knew Raynare. Taking some moments to gather his thoughts he asked her one thing. "Before I answer that I assume that I don't want to know how you two know each other."
"Trust me Hyoudou, that will come in time... Some day near. That's a promise, but if you are going to accept my request sometime in the future I need to know that we can trust each other and our allies. I mean I have known Sona Sitri for a long time so I trust her judgment, but you. I am still trying to figure you out." She said, not breaking eye contact.
"Huh, I guess the short answer to that question is yes. Though I would say depending on what you are planning I would leave the Pres. out of it."
Getting up, brushing herself off, and offering him a hand pulling him up. "Fair enough, there is an entire laundry list to do first, but don't get me wrong here the devils are the last people that I will trust with this. You are new to all of this, but I have seen what happens behind the scenes and it is not pretty. Besides I just need you and anyone else who trusts you and you trust them is a bonus." Her reassurance comes with a serious expression.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah..." She began, but paused as she remembered something important. "Here, my contact information. We are going to need to stay in contact once everything goes down." She said taking his pencil and scribbling everything down on the last page of his notebook.
"One thing Sano-san." Issei said, examining the last page.
"And that would be?"
"if you know Raynare then you know Azazel... And what Kokabiel is planning."
"Yes?" Aika answered, though she was confused by the hate radiating from Issei.
With a blank face Issei uttered something that genuinely the girl did not expect. In a clear voice Issei made his position absolutely clear. "When Kokabiel comes for Kuoh, leave him to me and don't interfere."
"If you know Azazel then you know that I can't do that if he orders it then I have no choice but to interfere with how Raynare has cut down all but one fallen angel that came here with her." Sighing, she made a compromise. "Keep him alive, don't kill him until I get there. If Azazel orders it then I am taking him with me, otherwise you are free to do as you see fit."
Agreeing to the terms, Issei voiced it. "Deal."
"Right, well I will see you tomorrow Hyoudou." Aika said, turning to the entrance, only to be stopped by a hand.
Issei had his hand on her shoulder with all his stuff packed away in his school bag. "You work at the café downtown right? I know this is sudden but you shouldn't just walk out, someone might see you."
Her curiosity overwhelmed her as she was trying to figure out what he was up to. "Yeah? What do you have on your mind?"
"Nothing really, I can get you there without anyone being the wiser." he said as his eyes turned a pale blue.
Aika was surprised to say the least, not only at what Issei said but the very familiar aura that he was presenting, though she wanted to decline she did not. "What do you have in mind, Hyoudou? I doubt anything you can do is something I can't."
Feeling her tense up from under his touch, Issei let go explaining further. "In a few words. Consider it as a special ability that lets me travel around very quickly and undetected." He said vaguely. "Think of it as a way to show my trust Sano-san."
Against her better judgment she decided to intrust herself with Issei. She looked at him in his now blue eyes which seemed to be connected to whatever he had planned and spoke. "Fine... But if this goes south I'm kicking your ass." Aika said in a displeased tone.
"Right..."
She was intrigued on what Issei was going to do. He went to grab both of their school bags, a strap on each shoulder, and then his eyes glowed slightly. Aika's reaction was immediate as the world around them shifted. She found herself in an alleyway near her workplace in shock as a calm Issei stood at her side. "W-W-What?" That was the only thing she managed to stutter out, a look of surprise stood firm on her face.
Issei however was amused by her reaction. "Like I said, quick and undetected. And as for what I'm sorry but that's a secret."
Shaking off her shock, Aika faced Issei in slight irritation. "Dude it's not fair you can do this. Imagine what I could get done if Devine Dividing can do that." Sighing, Aika then took Issei's hand then dragged him behind her. "Come on, you have to get back to school right? So we should hurry." Not waiting for a response, Aika ran dragging Issei, it was only a couple minutes walk from where they started, but they got there in record time. Aika let go of Issei's hand and made her way to the entrance. "Stay here, don't you dare leave."
Not arguing, Issei put his hands in his pockets staring up at the sign marking the building 'Café Kobayashi' in roman lettering. He has always wondered about that but put that thought aside, putting it down as the name of the owner but not looking into it any farther. He's thoughts were interrupted by Aika bursting out the door with a take away bag, and to his bewilderment step into his personal space wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him into an embrace. "Uh."
"I told my manager that I might be late because I had planned to meet a boy after school, and I guess she thought you might be my boyfriend." She whispered.
"And you couldn't correct her?"
"Why?" she began, letting go. "It's not going to harm anyone, and we are going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on anyway. Besides, what's one more to your harem going to do." She said jokingly.
Issei, not giving the thought the time of day, quickly replied. "It's not like I want a harem in the first place. Not that you have feelings for me."
"You don't know if that won't change in time. And it is going to be more convenient for the both of us if that was the case."
"..." Issei sighed, rubbing his temples, then begrudgingly agreed. "Do what you like, but we are only doing this for your boss so none of it at school, alright."
Tilting her head with a small smile Aika stuffed the take away at Issei's chest. "I can live with that... For now. This is a little something to say thank you for walking me to work like a proper gentleman. I am sure your mother would like it too." She said not before giving a small wave and disappearing back into the establishment.
Issei looked into the bag revealing four neatly packed containers, and a package marked 'Red Velvet x2' on it. He then took one more look at the café then went about his business, disappearing in the usual way after confirming that no one was around.
Aika made her way to the employee only area when a middle aged woman stopped her. "Was that him?"
"You really need to learn to mind your own business Lisa. And yes that was the person I had plans with today." Aika said feigning annoyance.
"I can't help, but be curious. You never seemed interested before and you don't chatter with the other girls, so it was just so surprising." Lisa said in an attempt to calm her down. When Aika returned to a more neutral expression she continued. "But one thing surprised me though, he is supernatural too, is he like us?"
"I don't think so, at least not anymore... He was taken in by one of the peerages at school." Aika said darkly. "He may be a part of their system but... I don't think he is with them willingly. But he is agreeing to help..."
"Well, whatever the case may be I am glad you are willing to let someone in. Now we just have to get you to at least make friends with your coworkers." Lisa said with a gentle smile.
"When pigs fly."
Not long after Aika had entered the café for a final time, her brief exchange with Issei although mostly inaudible to this person was being spied on. That person hid in the alleyway when he spotted the pair, and did not leave until Issei disappeared around the corner. "What the fuck, what is Issei doing with flat chest?"
(...)
Finding his way to school Issei ran into Momo and Akeno by the practice building, preparing to leave the group and was approached by a distraught Mittelt. Her demeanour was one of panic as she ran up to Issei. A growing worry was going through the group as she spoke. "I am glad I caught you, Issei-sama." The honorific gave a level of surprise among the girls, but thinking of the rescue yesterday offered some explanation.
"What is it Kyou?" Issei said worried.
Mittelt looked confused for a second then remembered her alias and where she was, managing to sell it of a momentary stress induced lapse she returned to what she came here to do. "Right Issei-sama... I cannot find Yuuma-sama..." The name made Akeno visibly cringe. "She said that she was going to speak to you, and that she would return shortly... But that was over 20 minutes ago. So when I asked around, people saw you enter this building so I came looking, but when both hers and your presence disappeared... I was frightened of what could have happened." She finished, taking short breaks between sentences in an attempt to relay what she wanted as clearly as possible.
"Hyoudou-san, who is this girl?" Momo questioned, a hint of sympathy clear on her voice.
"She is a friend of the Fallen that... Helped Issei last night." Akeno said with hidden disgust.
Although Issei was the only one to notice he did not draw any attention to it, he returned his attention to Mittelt. Closing his eyes, Issei searches for Raynare's presence in the same way he had in a dream recently. Feeling that she was near did not make sense, especially when it was coming from the direction of the old practice building. 'Ah crap.' He thought to himself, nothing good can come from her being in the same location as the ORC. Any possibility that would arise in his head was the worst case scenario. Quickly forming a plan of action in his head, Issei turned to Mittelt. "Go to my home and wait there, my mother shouldn't be there until late." He instructed her, handing over his house keys and cell phone. "Don't answer any call that's not from Yuuma..."
"Wait." All three requested in unison.
Issei ignoring them continued. "If we are not back by morning. Leave. Leave Kuoh and never look back."
Finally having enough Akeno stops his speech. She cups his face in her hands to get his attention. "Issei, What's going on? What happened? You are acting like the world is about to end..." Akeno questioned. if only the other two knew of the irony that consisted of that statement. "Whatever it is you can tell us. You don't have to do things on your own anymore."
Throwing a quick glance at the disguised angel he answered Akeno. "Not here, I know where she is, but not now. Alright." Getting a nod of acknowledgement, Issei returned to Mittelt. "Did you understand that?"
Though the question was directed at the Fallen Angel, Momo was the first to answer. "You cannot just put this on someone like that, when it is about someone they care about."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, but."
"Then no buts... Go." He nearly shouted at Mittelt, his eyes turning a pale blue. He then created a barrier around their group, erasing their presence and blocking them from sight. "Don't worry Yuuma will be just fine... Trust me, but the safest thing for you is to wait for us to come to you." He said with a sad smile. He had said this mostly to convince himself of what he was saying. Right now he did not know what was going to happen, and with his experience that was usually something that was bad.
Issei gave her one more pleading look in order to deter her from doing or asking what was on her mind. Mittelt just looked at him with distress, the way he was speaking made her believe that Raynare was in immediate trouble, and the worst part she did not know what it was. The fact that she knew that he was not going to speak on the subject made the feeling worse. Deciding that he probably knew best, she turned to leave. "I will leave it to you, whatever is happening be safe Issei-sama." She said as her wings appeared stretching to their full-length, but a hand stopped her from taking off. Akeno came into close proximity as her nose twitched.
Akeno took a deep breath as she inhaled Mittelt's scent. "Don't worry Kyou, was it? I won't let Issei do something stupid, As someone who is fond of the perverted idiot..."
"Oi."
"As I was saying, as someone who is fond of him." Akeno said while pointing at Issei. "I will keep him out of any major trouble. He won't be alone when he goes after this Yuuma, and if anything happens we will be there to help in any means necessary." She said as she motioned to Momo and herself. The angel nodded, taking flight, She then retreated from sight towards the home of Issei. "Now Issei, what is this all about?"
"Yeah Hyoudou-san, you seemed to be worried." Momo added.
Issei took a solemn expression as the teen explained the situation. "I know where the person she was looking for is... She is in the old practice building." Akeno had a serious look on her face while Momo had a look of confusion.
"If what Himejima-senpai said was right then shouldn't this be no problem, she saved you after all."
"You don't understand, Hanakai-san... She is a Fallen, and not only that, the one who tried to snuff out Issei's life. If she is with Rias then... She does not have much longer to live, I am afraid."
Feeling the full gravity of the situation Momo made her decision. Issei being a major reason she was alive if not horribly injured. "So... What's the plan." She said plainly.
"No. You are not getting involved in this."
"What no, Hyoudou-san. I was not lying about the three of us sticking together." Plus she owed him a debt that she is honor bound to repay. "I'm sure if we explain the situation to Gremory-san... Then maybe..."
"You don't... " Issei paused, sighing to himself. "Akeno and I are going to most likely fight our way out." Issei explained further. "I wouldn't want you to get involved in any of this, Hanakai-san."
"Are you serious?" She asked.
"You know how the Sitri and Gremory families treat their evil pieces. Well imagine if someone you cared about died and you have their killer in your grasp, and what you would do to them. She wasn't there last night and certainly not here a couple of moments ago when our apparent enemy asked us for help while treating Issei as someone who is above her in status. You should really think this over Hanakai." Akeno replied.
Momo found herself in between a rock and a hard place. Though she had hoped for a conflict free resolution, that seemed like the unlikely route in this case. She would not be deterred here, she had made up her mind to repay Issei so she hoped that Sona's reason would be in the forefront of her mind if things went south. Sighing she gave her answer, willing herself to accept whatever the consequences might be. "You two have a plan right? So what is it?"
(...)
The group of three arrived at the entrance of the ORC in record time. "I can't believe we are doing this." Momo spoke nervously. "This for sure constitutes us as being idiots."
"You can still back out if you want, Hanakai-san. I was going to do this by myself, you do not have a stake in me rushing to a Fallen Angel's aid." Issei said giving Momo one final chance.
"Do you really think I would abandon you to that? Do you know what it is like to live as a stray devil? It is not at all pleasant." She paused to look at him. "I am not going to do that, after we just got to know each other. I am not the type to leave their friends behind, Sona will understand once I explain it to her."
"Akeno-chan?"
"Uh-uh, I am not backing out from the promise we have made... Not again. So come hell or high water you better believe I have your back." Akeno said with a stern expression.
The boy looked back in gratitude at both companions, new and old, with a hand on the door. Opening the door the three were greeted by a gruesome sight, they saw Raynare hanging from the ceiling with two chains holding her up by her arms, her arms were covered in blood as the chains tore at her skin. Raynare was completely naked as her borrowed hoodie and blazer were neatly folded on the desk in the back of the room. She was looking down as her bangs slowly dripped a red crimson down her face, her face was expressionless, and her eyes were dull without light. Then there was the rest, her pale skin was covered in bruises and cuts, the sight of her like this made Momo's eyes widen, though the other two gave no visible reaction, as if they were accustomed to the sight. Confirming amongst themselves, Issei and Akeno prepared themselves for battle.
A lone figure stood in between them and Raynare, and that was Rias, to her surprise it wasn't the other angel that came to the one she had in her possession's rescue. Issei and Akeno had the same thought. 'It was better to ask forgiveness in this case than permission.' As the group of three entered, Akeno was the first to speak. "Isn't this way too barbaric even for you Rias. I honestly don't mind, but it is pretty obvious that neither of us can't get away with it."
"W-W-What are you three doing here." Rias finally found the words. "Shouldn't you be protecting Mizuhara-san. Especially after the events of last night."
It was Issei's turn to speak, he eyed the hanging Raynare wryly . He was following their plan to attempt to free Raynare without conflict. This was hard for him to do, but he trusted the other two's judgment. "I see you have some business you are taking care of, but you know whatever she has to offer is unnecessary. We would not want to draw any unwanted attention." Issei tried to appeal to her.
At the sound of Issei's voice the lifeless Raynare stirred, her eyes widened when she saw him. Her expression darkens and tears start to fall. Seeing this, Issei decided to act in one swift movement. Issei covered the distance between them, cutting the chains holding her. Trying not to cause any more harm, Issei carefully picked her up in a princess carry, but as soon as he did he felt a familiar presence as Yuuto swung his sword straight down towards him and the Injured Raynare. Issei had no choice in this situation but to call upon the Boosted Gear's balance breaker. Without the sacred gear's signature cry Issei was covered in it's full body dragon-mail. He had barely just dodged the blade.
"Yuuto don't." Rias cried out.
Not paying her any mind, Yuuto continued his advance, Issei trying to not disturb the girl in his arms moved in a way not to make any sudden movements. Despite doing so Raynare winced in pain at the slightest adjustment he made, and the fact that his current balance breaker now more resembles a decaying dragon therefore having more edges and sharp corners did not help. Akeno, noticing this, reacted. Three red crystals separated the pair. Looking at Momo Akeno gave her the go ahead. "quickly now, Hanakai-san." Akeno ordered, her hand bleeding and her eyes a deep crimson.
Momo, not giving a second thought, followed Akeno's lead. In her right hand a bow of light materialized in the shape of a star, using it five light arrows fired creating more space in between Issei and Yuuto. "Sorry Kiba-san." Momo said, finishing her volley of arrows. The two quickly made their way to Issei side, as she came to a stop she took out a small marble throwing it up and to the center of the four of them. Aiming upwards at the marble she fired another arrow hitting the marble when it hit it's apex, shattering it. A rain of arrows fell from the point where the arrow and marble connected creating an artificial wall of light all around the four separating them from the remaining members of Rias' peerage. Aiming the bow at Yuuto, she spoke again. "If you are going to go and get her to safety you should do so right now Hyoudou-san."
Issei's balance breaker subsided as he looked down at Raynare in his arms, he then looked at his two accomplices with worry plastered on his face. "What about you guys?"
"Don't worry about us Issei, we are going to be just fine. Go, you need to get her to Asia-chan, and we got a mess to clean." Akeno said as her eyes met Rias', she hadn't moved since Yuuto attacked Issei.
"Thank you, both of you." Issei replied as his eyes turned blue, getting an affirmative nod from momo and an affectionate smile from Akeno. He and Raynare then dematerialized from the room without a trace.
Akeno pointed a bloodied index finger with a grin that showed off her extended fangs. "Now, Yuuto, I warned you about your hostility towards Issei." Her grin grew wider. "Punishment is in order don't you think?"
"What do you two think you are doing?" Yuuto growled out.
Momo was the first to answer. "I don't know about Himejima-senpai, but I am helping the one who saved my life save another that's all."
Giggling, Akeno brought her hands to her chest before she provided hers. "Keeping my promise to him, and I am about to make sure that the person that tried to take what is mine gets what they deserve." Her blood colored eyes give a faint glow as she speaks staring a hole in Rias who was currently lost for words.
(...)
Issei appeared at the front door of his home with Raynare in his arms, Raynare winced as she looked up at the boy as he struggled to get the key to the front door from his pockets. She weakly got his attention by caressing his cheek with one hand. "Don't worry, once I get you to my room I will get Asia to heal you, and then I'll fix things with Rias so just wait and everything will be just fine." He said finally fishing the house key from his pocket.
Faintly after Issei had finished his sentence Raynare tried to speak but the words came out as a jumbled mess. Taking a few pained breaths after Issei gave her a confused face, Raynare tried for a second time, this time her speech was clearer. "It's Asia... The priests... Freed... Betrayed me... I... I needed you... To know... I am sorry... They have her... Issei... I... I... Am so sorry... I tried..." Raynare forced her speech.
Issei's heart dropped, but he hadn't had the time to process what Raynare was relaying to him when he picked up footsteps walking up the walkway behind him. A feminine voice let out a shock as Issei turned his head to find his mother covering her mouth with her hands. 'Wonder how you are going to play this off, you were never able to lie to her. Hopefully she will understand if we leave to tear those priest to pieces, Mother fuckers don't deserve jack shit.'
Reiko after some moments rushed to the door opening it, her eyes flickering to the blood covered teens and the door. "What are you doing Issei? Hurry up and bring her inside." She said as she hurried her son into the house. Once the three of them were inside Reiko quickly went into the dining room with a distressed Issei following, clearing the table she turned to Issei giving him a sullen look. "Here, put her on the table." When he did, Reiko went into the bathroom to grab a first aid kit and extra bundles of bandages. Returning she noticed that Raynare was now unconscious and her breathing was labored. Issei was staring at the girl, the expression on his face had darkened, deciding it was for the best that she spoke to him. "Issei you should wait in the living room, I will make sure Yuuma-chan is alright." Nodding Issei left the room. Proceeding to look after the girl laying on the dinning table in nothing but one of Issei's hoodies she softly said to herself. "What happened to you Yuuma-chan?"
While his mother provided Raynare with some aid, Issei paced back and forth, his anger building every second he waited. 'You don't have to worry about Sam, she is in good hands... You saw your mother at work, but right now we have something we need to do. I know you prepared for her death, but that was supposed to be in terms your doing, was it not? Lets teach those who attempt to take from you in this world that this is a deed left undone and a sin that has them wishing for death.' As the thought crossed his mind Issei moved to the entrance. Giving one last look in the direction of Raynare and his mother Issei exited with a scowl on his taking over.
Reiko heard as the front door was slammed shut, jumping a little from the sound. Raynare winced a little when Reiko brushed her hand against the wound near the one that was being cleaned. Letting out a whimper, Raynare jerked a bit before returning to a more natural position. "Sorry Yuuma-chan, I will try to be more careful, so hang in there if not for yourself then for Issei. We are both worried about you."
Issei found himself in front of the abandoned church that he showed Asia the other day, he had an angry expression on his face and the Boosted Gear engulfed in a black flame. Deciding to not take the courteous route he aimed a weak Final Dragon Wave at the bell tower on the church's roof. For the first time in almost a decade the bell chimed. Issei's frustrations only grew with the apparent lack of a response. A thin layer of ice grew in the surrounding area mirroring his anger, the black flame that had encased the Boosted Gear only growing larger. With his anger at its peak Issei entered the church all the while being followed by the Ice as it spread. If he found it funny that the sickening feeling he felt near holy sites was gone now, whether it being his anger, the power of his 2nd sacred gear Kage, or an unseen force being the cause he did not know. The fact of the matter remained the same, the safety of Asia was his only priority at the moment.
Remembering that the podium was the entrance to some underground basement area he slowly made his way, not bothering with the expected amount of decorum he kicked the podium straight into a table against the wall behind it shattering both items in the process. As he had remembered, the secret passageway was there. Now with the church covered in ice Issei made his way down it. Coming to a clearing Issei found himself in a large oval like room with several hooded figures praying to a crucifix in the middle of the room, but what was on the object made his eyes grow wide. In that very moment the black flame that was burning freely engulfing the lower half of his arm dissipated as the Boosted Gear disappeared, Issei dropped to his knees as his hands found his face. Large white angel's wings sprouted from his back, the ice that had been at his heels now spread to everything in the room, freezing everything in place. The wings that had appeared on his back started to decay.
"Why are you crying? This is your doing, you said you would sacrifice yourself over others. You chose this path, but you know what happens when you play both sides don't you, in the end, everybody loses."
'It's not your fault Issei.' Tears began to form in his eyes.
"You've learned the lesson your king couldn't seem to have grasped, that sometimes to protect one thing you have to have the resolve to give up on another. But you are not weak like she was. You have the power to break the chains of fate."
The decaying wings started to repair themselves, white feathers being replaced with black ones.
"And what if your decision ends up being the wrong one in the end."
A halo of black smoke appeared over his head, his screams began filling the frozen landscape as a white goo creeped up his left arm leaving a thin layer of armor as it creeped upwards. When it reached his collar it started wrapping around his neck creating a red scarf that the ends came to a rest near his lower back, but the substance did not stop there.
"Wake up dear wielder. Wherever you look, wherever you see light in this world I will be there. I am your shadow. Victory, peace, and love. You shall know them with no limits. I will be the bearer of your sins. So devour your chains until your last and be proud of your choices. Because I am."
(...)
"Issei... Issei... Issei, Issei you need to calm down."
Issei opened his eyes to the familiar blues that belong to Sarinna. He was surprised to find the girl had taken on more draconic features. She had a large red horn that parted her side-swept bangs in two, the pupils took a more reptilian shape, and large white feathered and scaled wings fluttered energetically when she saw Issei's eyes open. "Good, you are responsive. I don't know what I would have done if you lost all sense of self." Sarinna said with a hint of panic in her voice. "I know what you saw was horrific, but Asia's not dead yet and she needs you my wielder. You need to calm down, you have use of me if needed."
'Calm down... Do you know what you are asking, how am I supposed to do that? How can I? And what if I don't want to Sarin-'
His thoughts were interrupted by her cupping his cheeks with a determined look on her face, "If you cannot, focus it into your anger. Have you forgotten my dear wielder, I will bear your sins as your shadow. I will support you in all your choices, you are the one who showed me your will to devour your fate. I will be your tool as long as you need me my dear Issei." Sarinna said as she began to tear up. "Your sacrifice has been recognized, so please do not lose yourself, not now not ever again."
(...)
Issei opened his eyes this time back in that oval room, everyone and everything in it was frozen under thick sheets of Ice, he turned his attention to the crucifix, the only thing that isn't covered in ice and the girl on it. The person who called him a friend, a person that he held dear. She was chained to it with a peaceful look on her face. He let out a sharp breath noticing the difference within himself. Issei felt more powerful, he felt as if he had more freedom in his power, he did not feel as restricted as he did before. That's when the memory of the day he regained Kage came to him and Sarinna's words in his dreamscape.
"Whether you want to believe it or not, much of the power you've gained in the last two years has stayed with you, only amplified by your recent change back from being human."
He examined himself again. Much of the changes he went through when he blacked out were still there, but with one thing in particular there was a skeletal mask that covered the bottom half of his face. "What the hell." he commented.
'This my dear wielder is the full extent of our power that you called upon.' Sarinna's voice reverberated in Issei's head. 'My true strength.' Issei then felt the need to reply. 'So, does this mean that this is me at full strength again?' He questioned. 'Not quite, your body as it is can not handle your full power, and remember you had just awakened me Issei. You have not reached the absolute limit of our power yet, but you still have time until you need it so do not be discouraged. Though I would be remiss to remind you that this power does not exist in this world.'
"Yeah, Yeah. I understand." Issei focused as glowing pale blue eyes shining brighter. The changes his body went through receded. He now held the familiar katana Kage in his right hand and reactivated the Boosted Gear in his left, the quietness of it still bothered him. He turned his attention to one of the frozen hooded figures.
The ice the figure was in broke off and the person looked around letting out a frightened yell. The room around them seemingly to the figure frozen in an instant. "W-W-What is this? Why is this happ-"
The man was stopped as he was in Issei's grasp, Issei lifted the man by his neck, choking him in the process. Though he was irreparably angered his face did not show it, in fact his face did not show any emotion at all. After struggling under Issei's touch finally spoke to the man, his voice coming out without anything that revealed his intent. Issei had forgotten in his time here, he was enjoying the feeling of being a version of himself that didn't have to be here in this moment, but all of that was gone now. "I don't care to know what you think you were doing here, but I do have a question for you." The Boosted Gear tightened around the man's neck. "Where. Is. Freed?" Issei loosen his grip letting the man breath and to give the man a chance to speak.
"You daemon! You think that you can coerce me into doing what you want, if it wasn't for Lady Raynelle you would be burning in hell. Creatures li-" The man's speech was once again cut off when Issei tightened his grip on the man's throat slamming him on the ground. Only to have the man's eyes widen when he saw what was behind Issei, large black wings that appeared to be molting the remaining white feathers.
"I think you have been mistaken about something."
"Burnt wings... " The man's tone had all of its bite leave. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... Please forgive us. We were lied to. If we had known th-." The pressure on his windpipe grew.
"That doesn't answer my question does it? So let's try that again. Where is Freed?" The question leaves Issei as a growl.
The man gasping now answered Issei weakly. "I-I-I do not know, forgive me."
"You think that I don't know that you are lying. I sense him on you. Out of anyone here you have spent the most time with him." Issei paused. "You can see why I don't believe you right?"
The man struggled under Issei's hold, the tone in his voice nearly a whimper. "Please have mercy, I would never turn a blind eye to a servant of our lord."
Issei pointed at the crucifix, having the man breaking down in tears. "You tortured and crucified one of his followers, someone who was cast aside because she had the power to heal all living creatures, is she not a servant of his will." Tossing the man aside he froze him leaving his head, Issei then walked over to one of the sixty kneeling in a similar hood, pointing the blade of Kage at the figure's throat. "Know this their deaths are on your hands." Issei said with a vacant expression, the katana made one swift movement and the man screamed.
The screaming did not stop until the last person. Having had enough the man broke down begging Issei to stop, he knew that pleading for forgiveness was not an option, that this boy wouldn't accept it now if those wings were any sign. He had helped to cause the fall of one of the lord's children and he accepted that, but the person that kneeled next to him and prayed did not need to suffer for his sin. A young girl that he fed Freed's lies, a person that wanted to believe as much as he did that what they were doing was right. He was telling the truth about Freed, but if he can save her from this fate he would take whatever punishment he had coming. "P-Please stop, not her, she has nothing to do with this. I don't know where he is, but I can lead him to you so please, anything but her life I beg of you."
Issei with his sword inches from her heart turned to the man letting out a menacing aura, he had an intrigued look on his face, but Issei had his mind made up. Though he didn't want to, he thought over the man's request. 'Issei I know how this might sound, but leave the girl to me. She can still be of use.' After listening to the woman Issei lay his katana on the ground next to him, he kneeled down next to the hooded girl putting a hand over her hood. The girl then disappeared from sight with Issei looking the man in the eye. "Don't worry, she is safe. Not that I can say the same about you."
"Thank you, thank you so much." The man was relieved, though his fate was still up in the air he had at least saved that girl from paying for his sins. He felt as the ice holding him vanished, taking the first real breath for what seemed like hours, but before he could speak a sharp object pierced the man's chest and made its way through him to exit his spine as soon as he stood. He looked down to the point of impact in shock, he saw that the Boosted Gear had it's knuckles driven into the wound, a pale light shining through the gaps of the knuckles. Issei pulling the offending object out of the man revealed the blade to the Holy Moonlight Sword, an Excalibur created by the church in the hopes of fighting against Devils and Cambion alike. The irony was not lost to him as he dropped to the ground. The sword he had stolen from the church had become his end. Though he couldn't breath and the pain was great, he was at peace for the first time in what felt like hours. He was glad that he had paid greatly for his most recent sins, and he would be now in his god's hand graciously accepting whatever fate he had for him. The last thing he saw was Issei cutting down the nun from the cross. The boy had tears in his eyes, which made the man's guilt spike again. "So you were her guardian... I am so sorry..." the man's voice was barely the level of a whisper. His final thoughts were of the two teens and a prayer directed at them and the girl he would be leaving behind. 'May you find peace and one day may you forgive my sins, for both our sakes.'
Issei was climbing the stairs of the passageway as he carried Asia bridal style when he felt a hand on his cheek. The sudden stop made the girl wince but Issei was crying and she had to comfort him somehow although there wasn't much she could do. 'I wish I would be the one to dry those tears of yours, but I am not the one to do so. At the very least I can help you on your way until we meet again.' she thought to herself. The girl after a few moments of caressing Issei's face lowered her hand giving him a faint smile. "We haven't known each other for long but I had loved my time with you, and..." She choked up at the boy's tears pausing. "Don't cry Issei, I will not say that I am okay with this but we have to believe that it's all part of his plan for us. I for one am glad he let me be with you before I passed." Issei's rugged breaths in between sobs didn't help. "I am glad that you were my first friend. I know that it may be selfish to ask but I want to see you smile." Her eyes lit up when she saw Issei's smiling face that she returned, as soon as she did, however all light faded from her eyes and her body went limp.
Issei couldn't support her weight anymore let alone his own. Quickly leaving the passageway he put the girl down near the entrance as gently as he could. Tears that he held back so he could smile at her came back. Unbeknownst to him there was an angel watching over him, Issei stiffened as he felt a woman's embrace from behind. The angel buried her face in the crook of the neck of the now kneeling boy. 'I am sorry Issei, I wanted to see the day that you would not feel this much pain, and my selfishness to see you again caused so much more. When I see you next I will make sure that I never leave you.' She thought as Issei felt wetness on his shoulder. He was about to communicate with this person but stopped himself when he heard an unfamiliar voice speak.
"Let's meet again, Issei."
(...)
Raynare and Mittelt were worried as it had been several hours since Issei left home. At one point Mittelt had to physically restrain Raynare from leaving Issei's room in search of him due to the many injuries she accumulated in the afternoon. As they were waiting a plume of black smoke began rising in the direction of the abandoned church. Raynare looked worryingly out the window at the black formation hearing sirens. Her body was covered in bandages from head to toe, she had thanked Reiko for the quick first aid when she woke up.
Sensing a presence start to fill the room both angels turned their heads to the source. It was Issei who took a couple of steps before collapsing on his knees using his arms for support. Mittelt was the first to approach him, kneeling beside him and putting a hand on his back. Raynare however kept her distance, something inside her feared what the boy experienced, but when the boy started crying she moved as quickly as she could, pulling the boy into an embrace. Mittelt removed her hand from Issei's back not feeling too comfortable being the third wheel in this situation, but when she made a move to leave Issei's hand found hers. She had to adjust in his vice like grip loosening when she gave him a gentle squeeze and began rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb.
A/N: Edit 2022-01-10: Typos and grammatical errors