"Hah… hah… hng… I… I haven't been defeated yet, Masters of Chaldea!"
Blinking, Ritsuka opened her eyes to find herself inside some sort of castle, surrounded by others. Shifting her gaze to her right she noticed a familiar face, a black haired teen whose name escaped her, yet warm feelings surged at the sight of his face.
A little further to the right was a blond haired teen, with the face of Jeanne Alter but wearing a more solemn and hopeful aura than the cynical doofus of a spirit she was familiar with.
Meanwhile to her left were a pair of girls with cyan and pink hair that were not entirely human if the horns on their heads were any indication. Feelings of trepidation and trust welled within her at the sight of the two, but like the Jeanne Alter look alike and the familiar black haired boy, their identities escaped her grasp.
Turning her head to the origin of the voice, she saw her beloved spirit, battered and exhausted, looking far more sickly than her normal self, almost as if she was nothing more than a pale imitation of the Blond girl beside her, and the snarky friend she came to love.
Then, as the Not Jeanne Alter opened her eyes, Ritsuka felt a wave of nausea overwhelm her senses as the girl's sight and thoughts bled unto her own.
Glaring defiantly against her foes, a pair of black and red haired teens standing tall against all that was sent against them. Jeanne Alter propped up her failing body against her banner, golden motes rising from her fading form.
"No… not yet! I can… I can…"
"Rest easy Jeanne, leave everything to me."
Ah that's right, Giles is here! We can still make it!
Another foe?! Where did he come from? Is he the true mastermind?
Feelings of relief flooded Ritsuka's mind, clashing with the anxiety of hearing the new voice, a new threat. The conflicting sensations colliding into an uneven blend as the two perspectives merged to the observing girl. Both perspectives shifted to view another familiar face, a man whose madness shifted him from a brave knight to jester of a mage, a joker that wished to see the world burn in his grief.
"Ah Giles… That's right, I can leave it to you… I just need to rest now… just for a moment... "
Closing her eyes she astralized, yet not entirely fading from existence quite yet. Doing her best to hold on, she listened on to the ramblings of her enemies and her sole remaining ally...
Only to hear the crushing revelation of her origin, a mere forgery created from Gilles De Rais' grief into a new Saint Graph to create a false Jeanne.
One that would embody his bitterness towards the world…
Against a callous France that would abandon its savior, a capricious church that would betray its values, a cruel Britain that cared not for who they trampled on, and a mad world created by an ambivalent god that tolerated such evils.
I'm…I'm not even Jeanne? Then what was the point of this? What was the point of any of this!? No… no… NO! I refuse to accept this, I refuse! I…
What a waste… all that suffering she caused, all that misery she induced… And for what? Created in suffering to be the vessel for a grieving friend, a pointless mockery whose existence was a torturous contradiction... No one deserves that.
"Nnngh, fuaaa~"
Arching her back to stretch, Ritsuka struggled to open her eyes within the warmth of her sheets. Her body pillow was nice and warm, and the soothing sensation of her head being patted reminded her of days long past, of safety and contentment in the midst of a ruined world.
Her eyes still closed, she squeezed her pillow tighter and gently nuzzled her face against it, enjoying the soft warmth emanating from it.
Wait, since when did I have a body pillow?
Snapping her eyes open, she looked up to see the gentle smile of her guest, the warmth of her embrace and the soothing sensation atop her head beating back the budding feelings of embarrassment as she froze in confusion.
"Ah, good morning Ritsuka-chan! Are you feeling better?"
"Uh… good morning Asia-san… um… why are we like this?"
Asia smiled for a moment before she began petting the girl again, speaking as she caressed the top of Ritsuka's head.
"You were tossing and turning in your sleep; it looked like you were in pain. You wouldn't wake up when I called your name and Twilight Healing didn't respond to whatever was bothering you. It was only until I started hugging and petting you did you calm down. Did you have a nightmare?"
Frowning, Ritsuka glanced downward as the memories of the dream were slipping away.
"Maybe? It felt more like I was remembering something bad."
Shaking her head, Ritsuka slid off the bed, stretching her arms and back before yawning then rubbing her eyes as she opened a drawer to pull out fresh clothes. Asia frowned in concern as she followed suit, only to realize that what few pieces of clothing that survived her brief imprisonment were gone.
"Um… Ritsuka? What happened to my clothes?"
"Didn't you leave it on the chair last night?"
"They're gone."
"Huh, that's weird. I wonder wha-"
Then, as if on cue, the door swung open revealing a smug Azazel with one arm behind his back, while with the other, holding on to an outfit that could be generously described as "some velvet silk satin ribbons" from a certain eroge doujin.
"Don't worry girls! Last night, after all was said and done, I realized sweet Asia here was still wearing the ruins of her old habit, so I went through the trouble of digging through my collection to find an appropriate replacement."
Asia merely wore a stiff smile to his words, her mind unable to respond to the absurdity before her, while Ritsuka merely closed her eyes and gave a hollow smile.
"Uncle Az."
"Yes Ritsuka?"
"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!"
She swiftly kicked his shin, materializing Jeanne Alter's plated boots mid kick. Then, Ritsuka grabbed him by the collar after dragging him even further from the heavens and pulled the fallen angel to her face, her right hand burning dangerously close to the offending cloth.
Azazel's eyes widened in horror at the comparably pint sized terror, a cold sweat dripping down his cheeks as he glanced down at his silky smooth offering.
"Ritsuka-chan, wait wait wait! Timeout! It was only a joke! I have the real replacement behind me! Do you know how hard it was for me to get that outfit! I had to wait hours at Comiket in 199X for it, and there were only 12 of them made!"
"And do you know how long it will take for me to burn it? Besides Uncle Az… knowing your tastes, perhaps I should just burn them both now just to be safe?"
"It's a good outfit, I swear! Please, just move your hellfire away from the Limited Edition XXXXXX Doujin outfit!"
Ritsuka merely frowned at his pleas, grabbing the original outfit and holding it to the side with a faint glow in her hands, her presence grew large enough to gaze down upon the elder fallen angel as judge and executioner, waiting to destroy the offending cloth.
Knowing his precious collector's item was at risk, Azazel knelt before the tyrannical girl, lifting up the true outfit from behind himself as tribute, revealing a lily white sleeveless ruffled dress, with black leggings and modest black safety shorts, complemented by black knee high travel boots.
Ritsuka examined the offered tribute with an analytical eye, while a nervous Azazel held his breath.
Tsk. Dammit… as much as I hate to admit it Master, it looks nice. I really wanna burn that… WASTE OF SATIN though…
I know Jeanne Alter. If we burn that… thing, Asia will lose the cute outfit. And we don't want her back into those rags she last had, assuming Uncle Az hasn't already gotten rid of them.
Then what shall we do Master?
Spare the abomination...
This time.
Glaring at the annoying man, Ritsuka's fist trembled as she threw the offending cloth at his face and swiped the other outfit out of his hands. Ignoring his sighs of relief, she gently placed the clothes on her bed before turning around, glaring at the offending bug whispering his sweet nothings of solace towards the satin cloth. Wordlessly, she grabbed him by the collar of his haori and dragged him towards the door before literally kicking him out with a plated boot.
Turning around, she looked towards her guest with an angelic smile.
"Sorry for that Asia. I'll prepare a bath for you if you don't mind waiting here for a moment. Be sure to yell if Uncle Az does something stupid again."
Asia merely nodded with a dumbfounded expression before shifting her gaze to the assorted clothes before her.
I… I wonder if Issei will like how I look?
Will he think I'd look cute?
Various thoughts of how her first friend and personal hero would think of how she looked drifted through her mind, before a muffled shout came through the door.
"Asia, the bath is ready!"
"Ah, coming!"
Shaking her head, she walked out of the room, trying her best to ignore the anxiety and anticipation building within her about meeting her saviour once again.
Breakfast was a subdued affair, with the two quietly eating the fresh takeout Azazel brought home for them to eat, with the man himself made scarce as Ritsuka's glare promised hellfire now that Asia was wearing her new clothes.
Asia herself however, was constantly fidgeting in her seat, glancing down at the outfit that was so different from the religious habits she was so familiar with during her old life in Italy.
Ritsuka, noticing her discomfort gently started patting her on the back. Asia flinched for a moment in surprise before glancing at her new friend and smiling in appreciation.
A comfortable silence continued as the two ate, until the unwanted fallen angel suddenly returned and sat next to the former nun.
"Good news girls, all the paperwork is complete."
Easily ignoring Ritsuka's glare, he slid between the pair and set down a pile of papers in front of Ritsuka with an unusual air of professionalism.
"Here you go Ritsuka, this will be our cover story for Asia. Be sure to read it and teach it to her for me."
"Eh, then what will you be doing Uncle Az?"
"Convincing the employers of Hyoudou-kun's parents to send them home early today, with our organization compensating for the time lost. As well as the necessary hypnosis and record manipulation to ensure no one asks questions."
At his words, Asia's eyes widened, but before she could say anything, Azazel placed a finger on her lips.
"Oh, and before you say anything Asia, don't worry about the costs. It's our fault that you nearly died, so it's only fair that we bear the burdens of it. All related expenditures will be covered by Raynare's subordinates as part of their punishment. So don't worry about this ok? I'll come back after I pick up lunch for us, then we'll head out to the Hyoudou residence."
"Eh!? We're going directly to Issei's house after lunch?"
"Why not? I mean you already said you wanted to stay with him right? Might as well get you situated immediately so he doesn't worry."
"I do... but, I don't want to inconvenience him…"
"Hah, based on the reports I've read, you'll be fine. Besides, we'll find out from his parents if it's a hassle or not. If there are any issues, we'll cover the necessary costs, so don't worry about it."
Seeing the girl fidget anxiously despite his assurances, the older angel merely sighed and ruffled her hair.
"You worry too much, Asia. Just study the cover story with Ritsuka while I deal with the rest ok? And if you are still really concerned, just ask Ritsuka for some ideas to add to your already cute outfit. First impressions can go a long way."
"Ok…"
Shaking his head, Azazel merely smiled softly placing an engraved necklace of the cross in her hands. The girls tilted their heads in bemusement while the fallen angel merely smirked.
"Oh and be sure to put this on before you leave the house. You can communicate just fine with us and the devils, but do you actually know Japanese, Asia?"
Both girls' eyes widened at his words while a smug aura radiated from Azazel.
"Ah, I see you forgot. How do you expect Asia to talk to japanese parents as a mortal that never learned the language? The necklace will let Asia mimic our fallen ability to speak the tongues of mortals. Remember Ritsuka, the small details can make or break a plan."
At his words, the smaller girl merely pouted and crossed her arms while Asia marvelled at the angelic engravings upon the cross she just received. Smirking Azazel wagged his finger in a taunting manner, then with a slight swagger just to rub the oversight in Ritsuka's face, Azazel walked out of the home, his smirk fading as he entered the car out of the girls' sight.
Hopefully we won't need to use hypnotism on Issei's parents. It would leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, but the girl deserves a small share of happiness after all. Wouldn't you agree with me, Father?
Gorou Hyoudou had no idea what to expect when he reached the front door of his house. His boss suddenly dismissed him from work that day saying that he needed to return home immediately, and today will not be held against him in any way, without any further explanation, only to find an unfamiliar car in the driveway.
What is going on? I hope Issei didn't do anything too stupid and perverted that it requires some sort of intervention.
Dour thoughts aside, he opened the door and was immediately greeted by his concerned wife.
"Welcome back dear… We have some unexpected guests."
"Unexpected guests?"
"Yes, they are waiting for us in the living room."
Furrowing his brow in concern, Gorou nodded his head and followed his wife. What greeted him as he entered the room was a sharply dressed man with blond and black hair in a suit standing next to a pair of sitting girls; a cutely dressed teenager with blond hair, and another slightly smaller girl with orange and black hair.
As Gorou approached, the other man briefly bowed.
"A pleasure to meet you Hyoudou-san. My apologies for such a sudden intrusion into your life, but time isn't on our side. My name is Azazel and I'm here in regards to an… incident over the past few days involving your son."
Glancing at the girls behind him, both Gorou and his wife Miki's faces paled in horror, thoughts of their perverted son's antics and fears of how it may have escalated.
No… don't tell me Issei…
Seeing the human couple's reaction Azazel raised his hands into a calming motion.
"Now now, no need to imagine the worst. Issei's actions are to be commended in this case."
"Huh, what do you mean?"
"Issei didn't say anything? Hmmm, he's been maintaining the gag order. The courts and the bureaucrats shouldn't have much room to complain then."
At his words, the couple shared a concerned frown before Gorou's eyes narrowed in frustration. Unconcerned, Azazel motioned for them to sit, which they reluctantly complied. Once Azazel himself followed suit, Gorou spoke with a hardness he rarely ever felt the need to use.
"Gag order? What is going on here, uh, Azazel-san?"
"I'll tell you, once you sign these."
Motioning to the younger girl, Ritsuka slid two pieces of paper in front of the couple while Azazel rested his chin on hands, watching as the pair skimmed the documents.
"A non-disclosure agreement? Why would you need that?"
"What I am going to reveal has some sensitive… details that would hurt Kuoh and several innocent women should it be made public. It is for the safety of the girls and other victims like Asia here that this is required. Should you reject it, well other measures will be taken but you wouldn't have to worry about this any longer."
I'll just hypnotize you into not worrying about the details.
At his words, Gorou and Miki glanced at each other, sharing an unspoken conversation before signing the documents before them. Azazel nodded in respect, while Asia and Ritsuka smiled in relief as the human couple slid the papers back to Azazel.
"My thanks. I won't go too much into detail, but I am part of an organization in cooperation with the Japanese Government and the United Nations to help young victims of exploitation escape abusive and, quite frankly, dangerous situations. I won't go into any further detail on this because it has only tangible relevance to this situation and isn't required. Secrecy is our best tool when dealing with cartels, the yakuza and other dangerous criminal organizations."
Gorou and Miki merely nodded at his words and stayed silent as they listened on.
"Asia Argento here is an asylum seeker fleeing persecution and exploitation from Italy, and we originally sent her here for her safety. Unfortunately, the local section of our organization were… infiltrated by criminal elements that wanted to exploit her. I don't think I need to go into detail of what fate awaits a young girl like Asia here should she fall into the hands of criminals."
They wanted to steal her sacred gear, but I'll just let their imagination create their own ideas. After all, should they find out the truth later, they can't say we lied to them.
Azazel mentally smiled as he saw the pair grimace at the implications.
"We would have never found out about the corruption were it not for your son's intervention. You see, young Asia here encountered Issei a few days ago when she first arrived in the city. Being the young gentleman that he was escorted her to our local safehouse when she was lost but sensing that something was amiss kept an eye out for her. When Asia eventually discovered the corruption of our local branch, she escaped and ran into Issei. Ignorant about the danger she was in, he took her on a rather lovely date from what Asia here told us."
Azazel smirked as he glanced to a now blushing Asia who averted her eyes from the incredulous parents.
"It was there that renegade agents abducted her in front of Issei who raised one hell of a storm. The boy was so outraged by what had happened, he tried to pull a one man rescue at the safe house against several armed turncoats. Fortunately, the stir he caused alerted us to something wrong and we sent our own personnel to investigate. They ran into Issei and upon verifying his story stormed the safehouse and rescued Asia, as well as arresting and detaining the corrupt ringleaders."
The couple's face paled in shock at his words; the image of their son's perverted antics clashing with the image of a hot blooded hero Azazel was painting for them.
"Our son did something that reckless?"
"Indeed, but in doing so saved Asia from a fate worse than death. They were about to wash their hands of her the night Issei tried to rescue her. Had he done nothing, Asia would not be here today."
The girl in question nodding her head in agreement, further confusing the couple further.
"After Asia was rescued, our agents as well as government officials who followed up instructed Issei to keep silent about what happened, which is what you also just agreed to. This must stay quiet."
"But why Azazel-san? Why does something like this need to be kept quiet? Shouldn't this be reported so such things won't be repeated in the future?"
Azazel merely gave them a sad smile.
"Yes, I agree with you. To a degree. Things like this shouldn't be hidden. The problem is that by doing so, we would reveal our operations to save others from their fates, such as those fleeing North Korea and other hostile or misogynistic countries. We would lose our ability to act in secrecy to protect not only the victims but also the assistance of sympathetic government officials from other nations to aid us in missions such as Asia's case. This does not mean, however, that the perpetrators of this incident will go unpunished. They've already been taken care of and are going to work back their debt to society for a long, long, LONG time."
The couple shuddered at the implications of his words before nodding. Gorou's merely closed his eyes to digest the information given to him. Seeing him remain silent, Miki hesitantly spoke.
"I see, but that still leaves the question of why you are telling us this Azazel-san. Issei has kept his word and told us nothing, so we had no idea about any of this until you arrived. Why tell us now?"
To her question, Azazel's already sad smile fell further.
"Despite the best intentions, our organization failed Asia here in every measure possible. It was only the intervention of an unaffiliated boy that ultimately saved her life. So we asked her what we could do to make up for our failure, and now here we are."
Azazel's gaze shifted towards the until now silent girl followed by all the others present. Wordlessly she looked to Azazel's eyes, wondering if she should speak or not. After a pregnant pause, Asia took a deep breath and with a soft determination, looked at the parents of her cherished friend.
"If… if possible… can I live here with Issei?"
At her earnest plea, Gorou and Miki stared incredulously at the girl for a moment before gathering their wits. Glancing at Azazel and the girls, they waited for a punchline that would never come. After a few moments of silence, Gorou finally spoke up.
"Wait… are you serious? I mean, isn't there any other long term solution besides living with us? I mean I hate to say this about my own son… but he's an unrepentant pervert! He gets in trouble almost daily because of his antics!"
Unphased by their words, Asia met the gaze of the reluctant parents with clear determined eyes.
"Even if you say that… There is no place on Earth that I'd feel safer in than by his side. He was willing to risk his life for me, a simple girl he met only a few days before and showed me friendship when no one else would."
I trust him more than anyone else.
The couple's eyes softened at her words, with faint proud smiles adorning their face. Seeing his opportunity, Azazel adopted a feline smile as he added a few words.
"Indeed, she wants to stay with him… till death do they part."
Asia immediately blushed and averted her eyes yet said no words of denial, while Ritsuka merely watched on, amused at the antics before her. Issei's parents on the other hand…
"Oh my gosh Gorou! She's our best chance of having grandchildren! I was so afraid Issei's perversion would deny us a chance but…"
"I know Miki! We'd be fools to deny our perverted son the chance at a love life! She may actually serve as a means to get that idiotic lust under control!"
"Sorry Asia dear, but can you call me Mother?"
"And me Father?"
Asia tilted her head in confusion at their request before wearing a bemused smile and bowing
"Of course, Mother… Father."
The couple squeed in joy.
"She's so cute dear!"
"I know Miki! But before we accept, I must ask once more... Are you sure you want to stay with us, Asia?"
The pair took a good look into the girl's eyes and found themselves enraptured by a radiant light of determination brighter than the heavens.
"Yes."
The pair gave her a soft smile before nodding in acceptance. Sighing in relief, Azazel smiled and stood up before bowing to the accepting couple.
"Thank you for accepting our sudden request, Gorou and Miki Hyoudou. I would love to stay, but now that I have your acceptance, I need to leave as soon as possible. I am in charge of the ongoing investigations in my organization, and the sooner I complete them, the sooner I can ensure that no one else is suffering like Asia was before."
"Ah, we understand Azazel-san. I hope they go smoothly."
"My thanks Gorou-san. Before I leave, however, there are two things I forgot to mention. First, we will be sending information regarding Asia's schooling within the next three days. We are currently working on having her accepted into Kuoh Academy, as we feel having a school environment that has a predominantly female population but enough male presence will help Asia adjust to general society after what has happened to her."
"Hmm… makes sense, I suppose. And the other point?"
"We will be providing a stipend to you for supporting Asia through this time until she reaches adulthood, but in return allow my niece Ritsuka to visit here on a regular basis to check up on Asia. My organization wishes to make amends, but unfortunately besides myself and Ritsuka, Asia has an understandable… reluctance to deal with us."
"Ah… We have no objections to that, right Gorou dear?"
"Indeed… I'll be honest Azazel-san, I was not expecting to gain a daughter today when I was sent back home from work. Ah Miki! We need to cook to celebrate this occasion, both for Asia and Issei's surprisingly good traits outside of his idiotic perversions!"
Smiling at the excitement Azazel started walking out the door, pausing briefly.
"Oh, I almost forgot, you might want to consider going out to celebrate. To help Asia get settled I left a prepaid card of 100000 yen which will be considered separate from the stipend you will be receiving each month. Ritsuka if you would."
"Of course Uncle Az, have fun with your investigations and stuff!"
Be sure to call on me if you need some more hellfire!
With a brief smile and a nod, he quietly walked out the door. Ritsuka, with a smile, pulled out the debit card from her pocket and passed it over to Miki.
"So, yeah… Asia doesn't have any clothes besides what she's wearing right now… Think we can go shopping for necessities first? I mean, we have a couple of hours before Issei comes back home from school right? We can go out to celebrate then!"
Miki's brow furrowed at her words.
"Asia dear… you don't have anything else besides the clothes on your back?"
"No, mother… I lost everything by the time Issei and the others came. Azazel-san was the one who gave me clothes to wear today."
"Oh dear… we need to fix this right away! Let's go, you two!"
"Yes!"
"Ok!"
"And Gorou dear, while we are going clothes shopping, can I trust you to pick the other essentials?"
Gorou merely gave his wife a wry smile as he followed the girls out of the house.
"Of course dear."
Sighing, Issei walked alone to the nurses office.
The normally spirited and perverted boy was unusually quiet the entire day, ignoring his so called friends' attempts to enlist his aid in their normal antics, opting only to stare outside the classroom window with a concerned look on his face. The women of the school were perfectly content to ignore the pervert, but as the day progressed, the teachers and even some of the usually scornful female students were concerned by his stillness.
He was so lost in thought that no words reached him, even as teachers tried to call for his attention.
The words of his so-called friends failed to remotely faze him, even when they blatantly pulled out ero magazines and bragged about their new peeping spots for all the other students to hear. Even the ensuing screams as they were beaten by the members of the kendo club next to him failed to register.
It wasn't until well after lunch when his second to last teacher of the day tapped him in the shoulder and felt his forehead for signs of a fever that he noticed time had passed and was finally instructed to visit the nurse for evaluation.
Yet there was no real motivation to move forward. Wistfully sighing, he passed once more and looked outside to see a beautiful day, yet to him seemed so gray and empty.
Asia… are you alright?
"Issei-kun, what are you doing over here?"
Issei's eyes snapped back to look in front of him to see a familiar red haired devil in front of him.
"Ah, sorry Buchou. I was sent to check in with the nurse."
Rias's eyes widened in surprise as she looked over her normally energetic pawn for signs of illness. Instead what she saw was an all too familiar aura of melancholy, with a slightly hunched back and tired empty eyes.
"Issei… come on, let's get you to the nurse's office. She's out right now, so we should have some privacy."
Taking his hand, she all but dragged him towards the office frowning at the unnatural silence and quiet demeanor of her pawn. The uncomfortable silence continued until they arrived, and after checking to ensure no one else was around, sat Issei down on one of the beds.
"Ok Issei, what's wrong?"
"Sorry Buchou, I just can't focus. I kept thinking about Asia, and whether or not she's ok. I mean I left her with the Inquisition and based on what you and Kaichou said, she's super dangerous."
Oh Issei, you really are too kind for your own good, aren't you?
Rias merely gave her pawn a sad smile rather than a false reassurance.
"I'm sure Asia will be ok. Judging from history, the Inquisition won't hurt her, despite the high priest body count."
"Hah… but I can't get it out of my head… Wait, her name its-"
"Ah, so you finally realized it. Yes she's related to Akeno. Her little sister to be exact."
"Wait, WHAT!? Then can't we just-"
"Issei."
The usually perverted pawn paused at the weight of her voice. Contrary to her normal confident self, her expression was grim and serious, enough to give him pause.
"What I'm about to tell you Issei, is not to be repeated, especially not in front of Akeno. Do I make myself clear?"
"Huh, but-"
"Please Issei. I'm serious. Promise me."
Staring into his king's eyes, he saw a desperate plea for his compliance.
That expression… it doesn't suit Buchou.
"I… okay Buchou. I promise. But what is going on?"
Sighing, Rias sat next him with a sad smile.
"Like you, I saved everyone in my peerage from a sad fate, but Akeno's is especially cruel. In the past, she was being pursued by her extended family. They wanted to 'cleanse' her from the family for the sin of being born."
"What, why would they do such a thing?!"
"The old magical and spiritual families are a conservative lot, willing to do almost anything possible to maintain their 'purity' from outside sources. To them, Akeno and her sisters' birth was an eyesore for them. Working together with some stray devils, they tried to kill her family in their home and nearly succeeded, with Akeno only able to escape the carnage with her youngest sister. For over a year they survived on the run, being chased by both stray devils and their genocidal excuse of a family. Ultimately though, they did catch up. Fortunately however, Akeno saved the life of a mortal contracted to the Gremory family, so we were able to intervene on her behalf to have her life spared. But the head of her family was a crafty and cruel bastard."
Rias's face grimaced in bitterness at the memory, silently cursing the man.
"While we were busy negotiating for Akeno's life, he tied us down so we couldn't move to protect Akeno's little sister from a stray devil moving to kill her. Taking advantage of my inexperience and haste, he forced me to isolate Akeno from her family, and block her from communicating with them. At the time, I wasn't concerned, we had a little girl to save, and why would Akeno want to bother talking to people that wanted to murder her? But we were too late. The stray devil already reached her sister."
Issei's face paled in horror as he listened on, unwilling to interrupt the tragedy being revealed before him.
"All we found was blood stains and torn clothing… and a gloating stray talking about how delicious she was. Of course I personally ensured that filth no longer exists,"
Issei winced at the grim satisfaction in Rias's voice before it shifted back to a sorrowful tone.
"But that could never make up for Akeno's loss. Then to add insult to injury, a few months afterwards, we received a message from the Grigori: the rest of Akeno's immediate family survived and wanted to see her… But I had to hide it from Akeno. The head of the Himejima knew they survived… and worded the pact we agreed to so that I would be forced to isolate Akeno from the very people that loved her."
"But why?"
"Why what? Why that old bastard would do that, or why I have to hide from my best friend that her family is still alive?"
"Both?"
"The old man is a spiteful bastard that wants Akeno to suffer for being born. If he can't kill her, he wants her to wallow in misery. Were it not for the pact I made to save her life, I'd kill him myself."
"Eh, but isn't she safe now Buchou? Why not tell her now anyways?"
Rias's eyes flashed in irritation as she stared at her pawn. Then, taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes.
"Issei, you are new as a devil, so I'll ignore that. A devil's word is paramount. It's difficult enough to make contracts as is; a reputation of oath breaking would ruin my family."
For a moment, Rias paused, her voice shuddering in indignation.
"Besides that, the backlash from breaking such oaths could also be potentially lethal to the oathbreaker. Not to mention the fact that by breaking our word, countless other mortals, devils and other magicals that rely on our protection via contracts and our reputation would now find themselves exposed. It will be open season on all of our clients if I did that."
"Is… is there nothing that can be done Buchou?"
"If there is, I haven't figured it out yet. Until then, I have to keep up this lie until I can find a way out of it."
Looking into his King's eyes, Issei saw nothing but remorse and sorrow.
That kind of look doesn't suit Buchou.
"Don't worry Buchou, I'll help find a way out of this."
At his words, Rias gave him a small smile.
"Thanks Issei. Oh and don't worry about Koneko, I've already talked to her about it."
"Oh, ok…"
"Go ahead and head home, I'll talk to Sona about it so you won't get into any trouble. The day is almost over and there's nothing to do except come up with some more plans to prepare for whatever the 'Inquisition' is here for. I'll give you a heads up on what to expect later."
"Ok Buchou…"
Nodding Issei got up and took a few steps before stopping and looking pleadingly at his king.
Is there really nothing I can do?
To which she merely gave him a small smile before shaking her head.
Not right now, just go home and take a moment to rest.
Sighing, Issei merely looked at the ground before walking out. Putting his hands in his pockets, his mind wandered back to his missing friend as he meandered his way out of school, oblivious to everyone around him.
Huh, I wonder what I should tell mom? I mean, I am coming home early. Guess I'll just say I wasn't feeling well so they sent me home. But if I say that, mom would get worried. Hmm… think Issei, think!
Frowning, Issei paused in front of his home. Lingering for a few moments, he sighed in frustration at the lack of ideas before opening the door, only to be greeted by an unexpected sight.
"Issei! It's so good to see you again! How are you doing?"
Staring wide eyed, the pervert said nothing as Asia ran towards him in a hug, dressed in something cuter than her nun habit.
"Huh...?"
"Issei?"
Dumbfounded, Issei could only close his eyes and return the hug, afraid that if he were to let go she'd vanish once again.
As the tension faded however, the pervert began to acknowledge the warmth radiating from the embrace.
I'm so glad you are safe Asia… but uh… I can feel your… No! Bad Issei! Purge the urge just this once! Don't think about it! Don't ruin the moment!
Opening his eyes, he glanced down at a head of gold. Smiling in relief he looked up, only to see three, large shit eating grins.
"Oh my, do you think we should just leave those two alone dear? We might have a grandchild by the end of the year!"
"You're right honey, it would be rude of us to interrupt such a touching reunion. What should we do? Should we leave and take Ritsuka-chan with us?"
"Ah, don't worry Hyoudou-san, you two can go on and have a date and leave these two to their own little world. I am more than willing to write you both a report documenting Issei's skills as a husband in full detail afterwards. I'm more than confident in my ability to hide."
Asia's grip on Issei tightened, burying her face in his chest. Blushing at the sudden intensity, Issei glanced down to see the nun's face in an even brighter shade of crimson, reaching all the way to the tips of her ears.
A pregnant pause filled the air, the couple remaining frozen in embarrassment until finally...
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! Hold on! What in the actual hell is going on here?!"
Issei had finally rebooted.
In a perfect display of the duality of man, Issei's mind was completely split between Asia still in wrapped in one arm, and pointing the world's most accusatory finger at the fucking Inquisition with the other.
"Huh, I get that Issei-kun is surprised to see Asia again so soon, but not even a word about the idea. Maybe we really should leave them be, Hyoudou-san. I'm pretty sure we can find a good restaurant by ourselves."
Still smirking, the older couple glanced at their son and de facto daughter-in-law before shifting their gaze back to Ritsuka.
Placing a hand on his chin in thought, Issei's father closed his eyes briefly, adopting a thoughtful facade; his eyes betraying his obvious mirth.
"Indeed. It is their precious reunion. We should respect their space and give them plenty of time alone."
Nodding along, his mother gave the two lovebirds a sly smile.
"Ah, sort of like a honeymoon? Or practice for one? Gods above we know Issei will need the practice to make the real deal memorable."
Issei has crashed… rebooting.
Asia has crashed… rebooting.
Her shoulders shuddered at the teens now turned to stone, encapsulating the formation of two vibrant blushes. Ritsuka's poker face finally collapsed and burst into a laughing fit, tears forming as she struggled to remain standing.
Finally realizing his resistance is fueling their antics, finally rebooted… again.
Taking a deep breath, he realized the still frozen Asia smelled of lilacs.
No no, dammit Issei, don't do anything stupid! You're already a laughing stock in front of your parents. Oh no, I can see it in their eyes… GAH! Fuck this, I'm out!
Sighing, he wheeled Asia around and holding her hand, guided her out the door.
"Y'know what, don't care anymore. Let's go, Asia."
Smiling mischievously, Ritsuka jogged out and grabbed his other hand.
"You're going the wrong way Issei, this way!"
Sighing once more, he resigned himself to the whims of the Inquisition and allowed himself to be led away, with a still rebooting Asia in tow and his cooing parents following them.
To any observer, it looked as if a young couple were going on their first outing with family.
And years later, Issei found himself begrudgingly agreeing to that assessment.
Author's Notes: Yeah, it's been a while. Life has been kicking my ass, and I've been suffering depression and writer's block for months and months. This chapter has been sitting at 90% for almost a year, but I couldn't get the ending down.
It's taking everything I have not to have a political rant at how vaccine hesitancy has gotten so many people I know killed because they couldn't get medical aid in time because the hospitals have been filled with victims of a preventable plague.
Yeah, I'm incredibly bitter about that.
Editor's Notes: This chapter has been… a long time coming. I'm not gonna even bother trying to math out how long it's been. Kovaras was dealing with more than I am willing to even bother listing and I was busy dealing with small contingents of panic attacks and depression before I finally decided to do something about it and hit the gym, which has been the biggest boon to my confidence in my life, which isn't exactly a lot, but enough to start looking at myself more positively. 100% would recommend it for everyone, even if it's for ten minutes every other day or something, it helps so damn much.
Anyways, story jazz. After seeing how this chapter came out, it has been decided that I'm gonna start taking a more active role in dialogue since it still feels pretty stiff. That said, the "perfect duality of man" line was apparently the highlight of my contributions this time around and I will say, I have no idea how that came to be. While I can't speak for Kovaras about how long it'll take for the next chapter of… whatever we're doing next to come out, it should be out much sooner than it took for this fucker to reach you guys. If everything starts to even out for our Gil-Aqua deity, may sooner than later.
Til next time,
"Ijustwantthissemestertoend"-kun