I do not own Highschool DxD nor do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go to Ichiei Ishibumi, the series' creator, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company who made Diablo.
OP: ChouCho – Asterism (Fate Kaleid Prisma Illya 3rei OP)
(Camera opens up to the gray sky as it pulls out when the song begins. In three quick-time images, it shows Aidan on a nearby cliff before he jumps off of it and summons his phantom horse Luna to ride on once the instruments start playing. As he rides off into the empty battlefield of Pandemonium before him, the rest of the nephalem; Alrik, Johanna, Li-Ming, and Kharazim; join in on their horses. The camera is pointed to their point of view as they ride off before it zooms right past them to showcase the Pandemonium Fortress in the distance.)
(Title reveals itself as Highschool DxD The Prime Evil)
tooku hibiku dareka no ashioto (As the title changes to the next screen, it showcases Aidan and Asia walking down the streets of Kuoh in his school uniform)
kodoku no kehai wo tokashite (Aidan looks up at the sky before it changes to one of winter where snow falls and he turns around in a hurry to leave for somewhere, with Asia right behind him. Koneko, Kiba, Rias, and Sona are shown in flash images in that order, with the latter two ladies together)
hoshi furu yoru (Akeno, in her shrine maiden outfit, walks down the stairs of her shrine before stopping)
shikai yokogiru hikari niwa (She looks up in sorrow as her eyes begin to tear up, apparently still in shock over the truth of her mother's death and father's capture)
negai takushite (In her bedroom all alone, Akeno wears a beautiful dress before she raises her right arm up to the ceiling looking at it, before it flashes into one of a Demon's. Baraqiel's image of his imprisonment is shown briefly before it changes to Asia's Familiar Raiden and Aidan's Familiar Sethraliss playfully hissing at one another in a cute manner)
onaji sora miageteru (The villains are introduced in the form of the Seven Evils, beginning with the Lesser Evils Andariel, Duriel, Belial, and Azmodan. Then the Prime Evils Mephisto and Baal show up alongside the Lesser Evils before it ends with the eyes of Diablo lording over his brethren)
anata no tokoro made (Aidan looks out to Kuoh in the winter from a tree with the camera behind him)
toki wo koete (The camera zooms in to Aidan before he activates Primal Terror Vengeance, encased in his armor as he jumps into the air with Silentium in hand and charges down towards the earth)
yozora irodotte (Aidan and Sinestra do battle in their Balance Breaker forms within Tristram Cathedral before their final strike turns the screen white. It then switches to Koneko, Kharazim, and Xuelan fight the Demons surrounding them, each using their martial arts skills as they cut down the Demons to size)
yobiau seizatachi (Kiba, in a dungeon cellar of Tristram Cathedral, comes in with an empowered Sword of Betrayer and cuts down Demons before Alrik assists, but not before he brings out a Call of the Ancients, summoning forth the ancient Barbarians Talic, Korlic, and Madawc to fight alongside him)
porarisu tayori ni (Rias blasts away at the Demons with Asia supporting her from behind with An'Naresh, not noticing an incoming attack from their blindspot. Luckily, Li-Ming teleports in and brings up a large shield spell to block the attack, to the girls' satisfaction)
unmei no nami ni nomaretemo (Johanna the Crusader charges in and, with her shield, blocks all the incoming attacks directed towards her while cutting down a few Demons with her flail before Xenovia jumps above her and cuts down some of her own)
ima, mitsuke ni iku yo (In front of Sinestra and Vali, a blinding red light that cackles with lightning shows before it shows Aidan with an empowered Armiger and Silentium in hand, charging up as the holes in his helmet begin to glow red)
anata to iru (The power up reaches to its final peak as Aidan's eyes glow red with Terror, signifying Diablo within him)
mamoru beki hoshi ga tsumugu sekai (Aidan unleashes Armiger and Terror Blade simultaneously towards his targets. Then the next scene shows Aidan and Rias together but are then separated from a large red sphere of power as the camera spins around them. The camera zooms to their conjoined hands before they are pulled further away to their fingers before being forced to finally let go as the screen turns white)
When the doors opened up, the first thing everyone heard was the sound of an outrageously high-pitched scream. While any normal human being would cover their ears that was not the case. Instead, Aidan and Asia looked confused, exchanging glances with one another alongside Xenovia. Only Kiba and Koneko understood the circumstances, with Kiba smiling bitterly, and Koneko sighing heavily.
"I see you are looking well as usual," Rias said to the screamer. The curtains were tightly shut for no light could penetrate through, except for the door everyone walked through but it only lit the inside on a dim level. For a dark and forbidden room, it was decorated cutely with a girl's touch as stuffed dolls rested along its walls and shelves.
Both Rias and Akeno stood in front of a coffin in the middle of the room, which was situated right in front of the bed.
"What is going on here?!" The young voice exclaimed from inside the coffin.
"The seal has been broken," Akeno gently said with a voice of sympathy, as she walked over to the coffin before grabbing the lid and softly opening it. "You're free to come home with us now, okay?"
"No!" The person in the coffin exclaimed. "I don't want to go outside! It's too scary!"
In a pose that looked as if she wanted to escape, it showed what appeared to be a beautiful young girl with platinum blonde hair and pinkish-violet eyes. Her hair is styled in a short bob cut with several small fringes over her forehead, and she had pointed ears. She was also wearing the schoolgirl's uniform.
"This is your second Bishop, Rias?" asked Aidan. "A little girl afraid of the outside world?"
Unexpectedly for him though, he heard a chuckle coming from his girlfriend, as if she expected such a question.
"I know it looks like it, but this is actually a boy," Rias revealed with a knowing smile.
"A boy?" asked Aidan, surprised if not a bit shocked as he looks at him.
Asia gasped behind him, surprised to see a young boy as a girl.
Akeno giggles a bit at the nephalem and nun's reactions. "As you've noticed, he does like to dress up like a girl, though," She said calmly.
Rias then walks over to the girl-dressed boy and hugs him from behind. "Everyone, this is Gasper Vladi," She introduces to the group. "The other Bishop of my household. He is a first-year student here. And before I had the honor of turning him into a Devil, he was actually a half-human half-vampire."
Asia gasps in shock. "What? He's a real vampire?"
Aidan too was once again surprised. "A half-vampire? I guess it makes sense why the room is darker than usual."
Rias lets go of the vampire in question and backs away, turning on the light in the room so that everyone could see the Bishop more clearly.
Aidan then asked Gasper, "So why the girls' clothing, then, if you are a guy in the first place?"
Gasper replied stutteringly, "W-W-W-Well, I just think girls' clothes are cuter, that's all."
Rather than looking more confused and questionable, Aidan rather found it intriguing and curious. He was never one to stereotype men and women, for if men like girl things and vice versa, then it's okay. After all, who says guys can only like cars and the color blue while girls can only like dolls and the color pink?
Rias comes over and stands next to Aidan. With her hands on her knees, she bends down a little and looks softly at Gasper. "Hey Gasper, why don't you come with us outside now, okay?" She asked gently.
Gasper however desperately shook his head. "I don't wanna! Please don't make me!"
While any normal boy would feel a bit annoyed for someone defying Rias' orders, Aidan restrained himself and simply offers a gentle right hand.
"Come now, Gasper. It'll be okay," Aidan tries to reassure.
But when Gasper saw his hand…
"Eeeeek!"
*FLASH*
Suddenly, a flash of white light shone in front of anyone. Aidan was surprised to see that the small Bishop was suddenly nowhere to be found from his current location. But it was not that hard to find him once the nephalem saw the poor vampire in a corner, shaking in fear and hearing his whimpers.
"I'm sorry! I made you mad, didn't I?" The vampire shouted in fear. "Don't get angry! Don't get angry! Please don't hit meeeeeeee!"
Asia looked just as shocked as Aidan and Xenovia, with a hand over her mouth. "Was that just me or did you guys feel something weird too?" She asked.
"I did as well," Xenovia confirmed. "And I am pretty sure he is behind it."
Akeno then said, "It looks like the Forbidden Balor View to me." Rias knew it and let out a small sigh. Akeno then saw Aidan turn his head towards her, curious of what she meant as the Queen explains. "It's also known as The Evil Eye that Stops the World. Gasper's Sacred Gear."
"A power over time itself?" asked a surprised Aidan as he turns back to look at the frightened boy, staring at his pink eyes. "For such a powerful Sacred Gear, that is a rarity."
Koneko nodded. "When he gets too excited, he can stop whatever he happens to be looking at in that moment for a certain amount of time."
Aidan continues observing the scared little vampire, wondering of how such a fragile little thing became a power beyond the control of his girlfriend.
After leaving Gasper's room with the vampire boy in tow, the ORC went to continue the discussion in the clubroom. Gasper stood before the group as Aidan, Asia, and Xenovia sat on one sofa while Kiba and Koneko sat on the other. Rias and Akeno were nearby the former's seat.
"So, any reason why he was locked away?" asked Aidan.
"Gasper could not control his power," Akeno stated. "So Sirzechs-sama decided that he should be sealed away here as a precautionary measure."
"On top of that, his ability seems to grow stronger unconsciously, so there is a distinct possibility it could become a Balance Breaker," Rias added.
Aidan could understand that. If Gasper's power could unlock his Balance Breaker, it could either provide benefits or disastrous consequences.
There was then a muffled whimpering, as Aidan and the others looked towards Gasper.
"I don't like it when you guys talk about me like I am not here," He whimpered. However, Gasper was not standing where he previously was. They then turned towards the source and saw that it was coming from inside a big cardboard box placed in the corner of the room, "Why can't you just ignore that I'm alive like normal!"
"How did he get over there?" Asia asked, as Aidan sits up and walks towards the box.
"Come now, Gasper," Aidan gently said as he knelt to the box. "You don't need to stay locked up forever."
"Eeeeeeek!" A shout was heard from within. "Leave me alone! I'm not hiding; I'd just rather be Gasper-in-a-box than be all around you!"
Aidan sighs. This was going to be one long hard day for him if the ORC were going to make the poor kid feel any better.
"Rias…" Akeno turned towards the redhead. "I think it is about time for us to go."
"Yes, you're right," Rias said before standing up and looking at everyone else. "If you'll excuse us, Akeno and I must leave to head to a meeting to speak of preparations for the summit. Kiba?"
Kiba stood up when his name was called. "Yes?"
"My brother said he wants to know more about your Balance Breaker and of Tyrael's blessing to you," Rias informed. "I'd like for you to join us, as long as you are free, that is."
"Of course," Kiba responds with a nod.
"Wonderful, thank you," Rias said as she stood up from her chair. A Gremory Family teleportation circle appeared behind her and the Queen. Before leaving, she walks up to Aidan smiling and holding his hands with hers.
"My love, can you and everyone else take over Gasper's training until we return?" asked Rias.
"Sure thing, Rias," Aidan nods. The two then share a small kiss before leaving, attending to their tasks at hand.
"NOOOOOO!"
Xenovia was busy chasing a crying Gasper outside next to the clubhouse with Durandal in her hand. Aidan, Asia, and Koneko watch from the sidelines as the whole fiasco goes down.
"Do you call this running?" Xenovia asked in a booming voice. "If you don't move those legs faster, you'll wind up as the next victim on my blade."
Aidan could not help but feel pity for the vampire being chased. If only Demons fled at the sight of Durandal.
Once the new Knight was done, Gasper sat down against a tree on his knees, tired and crying in his hands.
"I don't understand why you have to be so mean to me," Gasper whimpered.
"A healthy mind lives in a healthy body," Xenovia informed as she brings Durandal to rest on her shoulder. "Trust me, you won't think I'm a mean person once you've become stronger." She smirked.
"Well, at least she's having fun," Aidan said.
"Yeah, that's true," said Asia. "It seems like she really enjoys yelling at people."
"Mou, I can't do this anymore!" Gasper sobs in his hands. "What you say doesn't matter if my legs won't work!"
Koneko then came forward and reached into her pocket, pulling something out.
"Gasper," She called out as the vampire sees what is in her hand. "You'll feel better immediately if you eat these."
Gasper quickly freaked out and jumped at the sight of garlic in Koneko's hands, which was considered one of the many poisons for vampires.
"No way! Are you trying to kill me?!" He shrieked as he ran.
"Get back here," Koneko said with a deadpanned expression. While Gasper ran like a wild chicken, Koneko just speed walked back and forth, chasing the poor guy.
"Koneko seems to be having fun too," Asia said sheepishly with eyes closed.
"I didn't think she'd ever care enough to tease someone," Aidan said.
"Oh, there they are," A voice called out, which was revealed to be Saji. Walking from around the corner of the building along with him was Issei.
Aidan and Asia smiled at the two. "Saji. Issei. How are you doing?" The former asked.
"We heard a bit of a commotion over here and decided to see what was going on," Issei said.
"And I heard your Buchou finally got to release her dangerous Bishop, so we both wanted to check things out," Saji said before he took a look towards Gasper. Once Koneko was done chasing him, Gasper was on the floor again, crying. The sight of the kid made Gasper gasped in a happy expression, and like everyone else, he mistook him for a girl. "Another pretty blonde?"
"Actually, Saji, that's a guy," Aidan said.
It was then that Saji fell to his hands and knees completely dejected and heartbroken while Issei turned white in shock. Shockingly, he asks Aidan, "Are you serious?"
"He is," Aidan nodded in confirmation.
"Well, don't tell me that the house of the Satans have all come out to play together because that would be just too sweet," A familiar voice spoke out. Turning in the direction it came from, Aidan saw that standing a few feet from him was Azazel.
"Azazel!" Aidan glared as he then summons his Armiger to surround Azazel.
*SHIING*
Instantly, all the phantom swords surround Azazel, who seemed unfazed by the threat. But Aidan's actions put everyone on alert, except for Gasper, Saji, and Issei who seemed confused. Xenovia had her sword at the ready and Koneko prepared herself. Asia stood behind Aidan, with An'Naresh at the ready as well.
"Seriously, Aidan?" asked Azazel. "That's how you greet me? After all the drinking we've had together?"
"Are you serious, Aidan?" asked a shocked Saji, as he summoned his Sacred Gear. "That's Azazel?"
"The very one," Aidan confirmed.
"Aidan, wait!" Issei said as he gets up in front of him, "Azazel is friendly. He helped me on a few contracts."
"This son of a bitch also deceived us, Issei," Aidan said. "Didn't even bother to tell us about Mephisto or Kokabiel."
"He what?" asked Issei as he turns around to meet his contractor.
"You could all come at me at once, but that would still end in failure," Azazel said with a hand on his chin. "Even low-ranking Devils such as yourselves realize this much."
"What do you want, Azazel?" Aidan glaringly asked.
"Figured I should stop by to pay a visit," Azazel plainly said. "Is that Holy Devil Sword guy here?"
"No, he isn't," Aidan said, bringing the Armiger closer to Azazel. "Why are you after him?"
"Not here, huh? Boring!" Azael exclaimed while scratching his head. "And can you please get these swords off of me? If I came here to fight, I would've defeated you already."
Aidan didn't like it and while he knew Azazel to be a deceiver, he was also no liar. Taking a big risk, he disperses the Armiger and the others stand down as well. But that is when Azazel noticed Gasper.
"Hey, you adorable vampire!" Azazel called out to where the Bishop was hiding, making Gasper panic but poking his head out from behind a tree. "Forbidden Balor View, huh? You know, this type of Sacred Gear can wind up extremely dangerous if the user's capacity is too low."
Azazel then turned to Saji, who tried to put on a brave face. "And let me guess, you've got the Black Drago Pulse, Absorption Lune, right?" Azazel asked. "During practice, you should get that one to connect with the vampire, so he can take away all that extra power no one can control. You're welcome in advance."
Hearing that surprised Saji as he looks down at his gauntlet. "Take away power?" He asked breathlessly. "I can do that."
"You didn't know?" asked Azazel. "Your Sacred Gear has the power of the Evil Black Dragon King, Vlitra. Otherwise known as the Prison Dragon. It scatters the power of whatever it comes into contact with. Of course, attaching itself to something else for a short period of time is another perk."
Saji showed a complex expression, but one that showed amazement. "This thing is more amazing than I thought."
"Although, actually, there is a more faster method for this," Azazel informed as he looks at Gasper. "He can drink the blood of the Red Dragon Emperor." That made Gasper freak out for some reason.
Issei however looked ore shocked than him. "Drink…my blood?"
"Since he is a vampire, the blood sucking is the best part. Course, I can leave that for you kids to figure out. I was going to suggest the nephalem, but I figured that would be too dangerous."
Azazel then took his leave, but Aidan halts him.
"Hold it!" He called out, getting the Governor-General to stop. "Why all this secrecy, Azazel? Why didn't you inform us about Mephisto?"
"Asides from the fact that it is just my thing…" Azazel then turned to Aidan and gave a serious expression. "I was being hunted by him. If I showed myself out in the open, Mephisto would've killed me himself. So I needed you all to deal with him while I focus on more…important plans. And with Tyrael with you, I figured you wouldn't have had too much trouble."
And with that Azazel left, leaving behind the high school students, all of them exchainging glances and were troubled on how to react to the situation.
"So, he's the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels?" asked Xenovia as she puts Durandal away. "I do not understand him."
LATER…
Once the sun had gone down, the group decided to begin Gasper's Sacred Gear training. They all rallied to the gymnasium and put their plan into action.
Aidan stood off to the side by the volleyball net that was set up. Seated high in his chair used for referees, Aidan looks to see Gasper alone on one side of the net while Koneko stood on the other side with volleyball balls at the ready. To put it quite simply, if Gasper can use his abilities to stop the volleyballs in his place before they hit him, then they will make progress.
Gasper wore the girl's gym uniform with some long black socks, looking nervous as ever.
"Alright," Aidan said. "Saji, get ready for the Absorption Line."
"Okay, I'm ready," Saji said as the Absorption Line is at the ready.
"Koneko, you may fire when ready," Aidan commenced.
Koneko, with one volleyball, uses all of her might to throw the volleyball straight into the air and hits it hard as it comes straight at Gasper. But then…
*FLASH*
Just as when the ball was inches from hitting him in the face, Gasper screamed, and everything went white in a flash. When it was over, Gasper was nowhere to be seen and the ball hit the ground.
"What the?" Issei was surprised.
"Did he just disappear?" Saji asked.
Aidan sighs heavily. "Yes he did. Instead of stopping the ball, he stopped us and tried to flee."
Koneko came walking back, dragging Gasper across the floor by his ankle as he sobs. "Speaking of fleeing…"
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to!" Gasper cried.
Xenovia and Asia watched a few feet away with troubled looks. "This training would be fairly difficult for anyone," The former said.
"And his power isn't helping much, either," Asia sheepishly said.
Aidan then turns to Saji. "Saji, can you take some more power away from him?"
"Absolutely," He complied with confidence. His gauntlet starts to glow in a violet color as she sucks some of Gasper's powers away. And for some reason, it made him moan.
Issei then comes over to Aidan. "So, about that blood sucking thing… for some reason, I don't like that idea."
"I don't either! I hate blood so much!" Gasper cried out with a look of fear on his face.
"A vampire that hates to suck blood?" asked a confused Xenovia. "Don't you need blood to survive?"
"I can't help it! The smell of blood makes me wanna puke! I hate that stuff!"
Koneko looked deadpanned at him and said, "You're like the worst vampire ever of all time."
That caused Gasper to drop down and start crying that was like nails on a chalkboard.
Aidan sighs as he knew this was going to be tougher than he thought. And while he would agree that blood sucking is not an option for more than one reason, he knew that eventually at some point, Gasper will have to start living up to his nature as a vampire.
Perhaps his Uncle might have some information on vampires that could help learn about them more.
The night of the next day was approaching fast with the sun setting. Despite doing everything he could, Aidan wasn't able to get Gasper to control his powers. After failing so many times, Gasper locked himself in his room and could be heard crying loudly to the point of dying.
"Gasper, please come out," Rias pleaded as she and Aidan stood in front of the door. "I want you to know that I never wanted you to be in here."
The only response she heard was sobbing from the little Bishop.
Aidan sighed, both from exhaustion and frustration,. "I'm really sorry about all this. The last thing I wanted to do was bug you in the middle of your meeting, but I have apparently reached my limits."
"It's alright," Rias reassured, placing a hand on his right cheek and touching her forehead with his. "It means a lot to me that you're working so hard and want what is best for him."
Gasper then cried out from the other side. "I can't leave! It's too scary out there!"
Again, Aidan sighs heavily and looks down a bit but still keeping an eye on the door. He then asks in a tired tone, "What am I going to do with him?"
"It's okay, Somnus," Rias said softly. "I know you are doing everything you can to help him."
"It's still not enough though," Aidan remarked, making Rias tilt her a head a bit in confusion. "Rias, what do you know of Gasper before you brought him into your service?"
"Knowing Gasper's background, there's only so much I can tell you," Rias responded.
"Explain."
"Gasper's father is a vampire from a well-known and distinguished family. However, his mother was an ordinary human being. Vampires are even more concerned with pedigree than Pure-Blood Devils. As a result, Gasper was discriminated against by everyone, including his own family. And sadly, when it came to the human world, he was treated like a monster. Of course, that's all on top of his power to stop time. A power he didn't have the ability to control. He wasn't just feared; but loathed. A person can't know what happens to them when they've been frozen. Naturally, nobody wants to be near someone with that kind of power."
"Sounds like Gasper and Asia have a lot in common, don't they?" asked Aidan. "I mean, they are both Bishops in their own right."
Rias nods. "Yes. And like her, we know he would never use that power to do anything bad."
"I wish I couldn't do it," Gasper sobs could be heard from the door, making Rias look truly heartbroken and Aidan feeling sympathy for the poor vampire. Gasper's crying was not one of annoyance, but rather of sorrow and of the wounds his soul had been inflicted with. "I wish everyone wouldn't stop. Then, they wouldn't be so scared of me. I hate it as much as everyone else. My friends freeze right in front of my face, and there's nothing I can do about what I'm making happen."
Rias looks down in depression. "What kind of a King am I to him?"
Her beloved nephalem places a left arm around her waist to hold her close to him. "The only King he needs. Nothing will change the fact that you still care for him, always."
Rias leans into her nephalem's chest, taking in his strong muscles that brought comfort to her, along with his words of encouragement. And his natural smell made her relax a little bit.
"Please leave this to me, Rias," Aidan assured. "I may have a plan. A long shot, but I think I can work it out."
Rias could not object strongly to his suggestion since the meeting was important as well. With the leaders of the Three Factions gathering at Kuoh, any inconvenient incident occurring on that day will have major consequences.
"Thank you, my love," Rias thanked with a small smile.
"I'll keep an eye on Gasper and see what I can do to make him feel better," Aidan comforted. While Aidan was not exactly confident in his plan, this was all he had left to contend with.
Rias smiles and nods. "Okay. I'll let you take care of it," She said before summoning a teleportation circle under her feet. Feeling regretful and worried, Rias took one last glance at Gasper's room, before disappearing.
Aidan turns back to the door. This was all he could do, wait for a person who was a shut in and wait for them to come out.
Asia was on her phone speaking to Aidan. "Okay, I understand. Yeah, we'll be okay; I promise. Alright then, I wish you good luck! Take care."
She ends the call as she continues walking back home with Koneko and Xenovia. After Gasper gave up on training and an away back into his room, Aidan told the nun to head back home without him and that he will catch up soon. But Asia soon got the call informing her that Aidan will be at the old schoolhouse to work with Gasper, possibly spending a night there.
"That was Aidan," Asia told the two walking beside her on her left. "He said he won't make it back home tonight."
"A test of endurance until Gasper comes out, huh?" Xenovia asked.
"I understand why he would do this, but I cannot help but feel bad for Aidan to deal with Gasper all by himself."
"…Really?" asked Koneko. "Because I don't at all."
"Well, we have no choice," Xenovia said. "There must be something else though we can do for him in the meantime."
LATER…
The trio of girls end up back at Aidan's residence, seeing that it was late and walking back home to their houses was not an option. Asia had asked them to come inside and devise a plan to help Aidan with Gasper while taking a bath together doing it. Since they had been walking and later helping Gasper with training, they all needed a wash.
"I'm sorry to be borrowing your bathroom," Xenovia apologizes to Asia as she unclips the strap of her pink and white striped bra, letting her large busts flop out.
"I'm sorry as well to be included," Koneko sincerely said, getting down to one knee as she removed her last black sock before removing her pink and white dotted panties.
Asia had her hair tied up and took off her skirt. "It's better than just talking for a long time outside," She told them before taking off the rest.
"So why in the bathroom then?" Xenovia asked as she pulls her panties down.
"I heard someone talking once about what they called a 'bare-all relationship,'" Asia said as she takes off her white bra.
"I never heard that before."
"It's not quite like that, but you get the meaning of it," Koneko said after taking off her underwear.
"So to put it simply, we can deepen our friendship while discussing what to do about Gasper in the process of taking a bath," Xenovia deduced while Asia heads for the shower.
Asia nodded and smiled. "That's right."
Moments later, the three girls were bathing themselves, the bathroom filled with steam. Asia and Koneko relax while sitting in the bathtub while Xenovia was on her knees next to it, taking a shower and scrubbing her right breast.
"I had sweated a lot chasing Gasper, so I'm glad we have the chance to take a bath," Xenovia said.
"I'm amazed by how hard you two worked," Asia complimented.
"That's nothing compared to the nephalem's enthusiasm," Xenovia said, remembering on the boy she wanted to be impregnated from. "What is really impressive to me is that he is still working hard all by himself for Gasper's sake."
Koneko looked down at the water when she said, "I guess no one can every say that Aidan does not care about his friends."
"I'm beginning to understand more and more about him, though," Xenovia said as she washes herself. "When I heard the truth from him of why he left for Tristram when possessed by Diablo, I found his reasoning to be admirable if not a bit foolish. And when I learned that he was nephalem, I can finally understand why. I guess nephalem always put their friends before themselves, huh?"
"He really is a good person," Koneko genuinely said as she steps out of the water and sits on the edge of the tub. "But he can be a bit…reckless."
"I'm more confused about Gasper, though," Asia said, looking at the girls who seemed puzzled at Asia's confusion. "I thought vampires could only be active at night, but Gasper seemed perfectly fine to me in the daytime."
"Gaspie has the blood of the Daywalker vampire within him," Koneko explained back in the tub as soon as Xenovia joins in. "It grants him immunity from sunlight."
Xenovia lowers herself a sighs a little in relief of warm waters. "Just as I thought. I had already suspected as much."
"What's a Daywalker vampire?" asked Asia as she squirts soap in her hands.
"Vampires who have an immunity to sunlight," Xenovia explains.
Koneko scoops some of the soap suds into her hands and stares at them somberly. "The irony is that Gasper doesn't like the sun even though it doesn't impede his movements."
Soon Koneko and Asia step out of the tub as the latter sits down on a stool and starts scrubbing her arm with a soapy sponge.
"Oh yeah, I guess that makes sense. So, I've been thinking about what we could do for Gasper," Asia suggested.
"So have I," Xenovia agreed as she turns her body to stretch out her legs in the tub before leaning back and looking up at the ceiling. "Right now, the biggest problem we have is his extreme misanthropy. Having him run from place to place isn't technically training."
"True," Koneko said while scrubbing her hair. "That is the first issue."
Asia turns on the water from the showerhead. "Umm…"
"What is it, Asia?" asked Xenovia. "You have something on your mind?"
"No. That's not what I was thinking about," Asia denied, holding the showerhead and washes herself. "I kind of realized that I am not very good around people at first, either, so I think I understand how he must feel. I'm okay on the phone in general, but when it comes to face to face, and I can't tell you why, I still get completely nervous."
Xenovia turns her head away and faces forward, thinking about what Asia just said.
"Face to face, huh?" She asked to herself. It was then that she had an idea.
Back at the clubhouse, Aidan remained firmly at the front door for about an hour, his back leaning against it. There was no sign of Gasper coming out at all. For one so ordinary, one would think they would give up and go home for the day and try again tomorrow.
But Aidan was patient and decided to stay. With the moon in the sky, Aidan took the time to admire its beauty for a brief moment. He then felt that it was time to try talking to Gasper once again.
"Hey, Gasper. Are you still there?" He asked.
Silence was all he got.
"…You're afraid, aren't you? Of your Sacred Gear. Of us disapproving of you."
Again there was a silence.
"If I may be honest, I am scared as well. Mainly of myself," Aidan said as he looks and strokes at his left arm, reminded of his Sacred Gear. Then he touches his forehead with his right hand, reminded of what he did to himself and feeling that soulstone chunk inside of his head.
Then, Aidan decided to give a story. "Tell me, Gasper. Do you know of the story of the creation of the world? Of the nephalem?"
Again there was still silence from Gasper. But that was expected from Aidan.
"Many millennia ago, the High Heavens and the Burning Hells waged an Eternal Conflict over the fate of Creation through the use of an artifact called the Worldstone. It had the power to create worlds and each side held possession during the fight, but none of their worlds, regardless of how they were formed, ever came to life and died too quickly."
As Aidan spoke, images of the Eternal Conflict sprouted in his mind. Of the Elder Angels and Demons fighting over the Worldstone. Then the image shifted over to one particular Elder Angel and Demon.
"But some among them grew tired of the conflict and rebelled against their masters. Led by the Elder Angel named Inarius, and the Demon named Lilith, the renegades stole the Worldstone and created a world of their own. They called it Sanctuary, or as we know of it today as Earth. And it was from their peaceful union that they sired children called the nephalem. Half Elder Angel, half Demon; but stronger than both. The progenitor of mankind."
Aidan recalls a picture he had seen in his Uncle's writings of Inarius and Lilith, along with their followers, creating the nephalem as a result of their comingling union.
"The nephalem were nearly eradicated by their parents as a result of their overbearing power. But Inarius decided to attune the Worldstone where the power of the nephalem died out to the point humanity emerged in our stead. But with the Worldstone's destruction, the nephalem have emerged once again, protecting the world from darkness. Often at the cost of their own lives." Aidan then looks at his left arm and clenches it as if he was looking at his Sacred Gear. "What I am trying to say Gasper that, as a nephalem, I too am scared of it. I have a great duty and responsibility to the world whose burden only I can bear. That's why I want to be stronger for it, even if it meant damning my soul in the process. I can feel my body overflowing with power, but I can also feel myself slipping away into oblivion every time I use it. But I do not let that consume me, knowing that fear will ultimately hold me back."
"…But don't you worry about the things you care for most?" asked Gasper.
This was good progress as Gasper had been listening to the story. Although Aidan wondered his reaction when he told him the truth about the world and mankind's creation, of how God never created them in the first place.
"You might lose the people you love because of that power," Gasper said. "You will fail. So I don't understand how you can keep going without doubts like that."
However troubling that question was, it was easy enough for Aidan to answer. "Yes. The truth is though, Gasper… is that I did lose people because of it. Those people were Rias and the others."
"…I don't understand. They're still alive, though?"
"You misunderstand. When Rias lost her first Rating Game, I resolved to save her from her forced marriage life even at the cost of my soul. And so, I took it upon myself to release Diablo from the Red Soulstone by plunging it into myself. I did indeed save her, but at the immense cost to losing myself and damning my soul to corruption. I knew then that I had become a monster, an abomination whose fate was oblivion. So I fled and sealed myself away, hoping that I would be forgotten. But someone was there to rescue me from that dark fate. That someone being none other than Rias, whom I never wanted to see get hurt again."
Aidan closes his left fist tightly as his brain showed him every detail of Rias' fight with Diablo, of how she had nearly lost her life in that battle. From her fight during the Terror Unleash incident to the conflict in the Burning Hells themselves, Aidan saw it all. And it left whim with a permanent image of dread.
"That is when I realized that for someone like Rias, she would go above even the call of duty to save that one servant of hers that had been corrupted, no matter the cost. Her care for her servant is not one-sided, but affectionate and truly caring."
With a dull sound, Gasper opened the door a bit. "Oh, I heard about that fight," He said as he showed himself behind the door, looking like he was earnestly holding back his tears. "I'm sorry, I was locked in here when it happened."
"I don't blame you," Aidan gently smiles. "You probably didn't want to see it, for good reason."
"But if I am there with everyone, though, I will only bother then anyway," Gasper said.
"I once thought the same thing for myself," Aidan said, surprising Gasper a bit as he looks up. "After I was saved by Rias and freed from Diablo's possession, I exiled myself in the belief that I was a dangerous monster who should not be near people. But Kiba came to me and he said a few words."
"What did he say?" asked Gasper.
Aidan recalls those few words that were a good memory, something for him to remember by. And something that illustrates the brotherly bond he has with the Prince of Kuoh.
"He said, 'You and I… we don't get to hide.'"
Gasper was a bit amazed, opening the door a bit wider to the point where he could be seen holding a stuffed bunny in his arms.
"Just as I was never a bother to anyone in the group, Gasper, you are no bother to me," Aidan gently said. "After all, we are family."
"You mean that?" He asked.
As Aidan gently touched Gasper's head, he peered into both of his eyes with a caring smiling. To Gasper, it looked similar to Rias'. "Of course. So please, help me out. Lend me your power so that we can support Rias, and I promise to defeat anything that scares you."
But despite the smile of confidence, Gasper was still unsure. "I don't know."
"It is natural for you to doubt and say that," Aidan said. "But do not let that hold you back as it once did to me. For it is then that you become truly powerless. And speaking of power, what is it about draining blood that frightens you so much despite being a vampire?"
Gasper answered, "It's too scary for me. I don't like drinking blood form living things. It takes everything I have just to drink blood from transfusions every once in a while. Besides, I'm already terrified of this stupid power. If it somehow got worse, I don't think I could handle it. It's too much."
Aidan was a little surprised to hear this from a vampire. Not once had he heard a vampire afraid of drinking blood and the fact that it takes a great amount of effort just to do so.
"I will say this, Gasper," Aidan spoke. "The power you wield is even greater than what I have as a nephalem."
"What?" asked a surprised Gasper from the bottom of his heart. "My power…is greater than yours?"
"Your ability to stop time is a power few mortals can ever wield," Aidan explained. "If I had that power, I could use it to undo the past mistakes that I have made. Sometimes, I feel envious of you."
Gasper then smiled. "No one has ever told me that my power is greater than theirs nor envious of me. I don't know why, but it makes me feel better. You really are a nice person. It's funny though. You are jealous of a power greater than your own, of something I had believed in my entire life that I needed to hate."
Aidan smiles as he continues petting Gasper's head. "We both have a duty to fulfill, Gasper. And we cannot let the chains of the past bind the both of us any longer if we are to survive. After all, for the servants of Rias Gremory, we don't get to have the option to hide for the rest of our lives."
Gasper gasped in shock, hugging the bunny tighter.
"Despite being corrupted by Diablo, I will use whatever power I have to protect Sanctuary. To protect Rias from the Demons. Everyone else is on board, and together, we will defeat the enemy!"
After a second, Gasper looked up at Aidan with astonished eyes upon hearing his proclamation.
"Oh, I think you're amazing, Aidan!" He said. "You are a being of legend and carry a burden like no other, but instead of being afraid of that responsibility as you were, you've accepted t and have moved forward! Wow. I wish I had your bravery or something similar to that. You know, I'm not sure why, but finding out that you can be brave makes me feel kind of courageous, too!"
That was enough to bring a smile to Aidan's face. "The road ahead is not an easy one, Gasper. But I think I know of someone who can help you along the way."
Gasper was just gushing with amazement. Wanting to hear more from the nephalem. The two of them enter into the vampire's room, as Aidan began to speak about his battles in the past.
Just then, a pair of footsteps was heard as the two turn their heads to see a familiar elderly man come down the hallway.
"Aidan!" Uncle Deckard called out. "There you are!"
"Perfect timing, Uncle," Aidan said. "Gasper, this is my uncle, Deckard Kain. The last of the Horadrim. He is also a professor here at the Academy and advisor to the Student Council. And he has lots of interesting stories to tell."
"Really?" asked an excited Gasper.
"Yes indeed," He said. "Now go introduce yourself."
"I-I'm Gasper Vladi…" Gasper bows. "I-I'd like to hear more of your stories!"
Uncle Deckard could not help but chuckle a bit. "So feisty this one. Rias has informed me of who you are and of your dilemma. But not to worry, I believe we can work this out."
After finding a place on the ground to sit down on the floor, Uncle Deckard began his tale while Gasper sat down and listened, holding his stuffed bunny. Uncle Deckard brought out his book and opened a page.
Uncle Deckard clears his throat. "Stay awhile and listen, Gasper…"
AN HOUR LATER…
Gasper was listening intently to Uncle Deckard's stories
"Did that all really happen?" asked Gasper.
Deckard nodded, "Yes, but some of the details have been lost in time. It all happened so long ago."
"When do you think I can become as great as these people in the stories?" asked Gasper.
"One day, you will, Gasper," Deckard encouraged.
"What do you think will be there?"
"Anything you can imagine. The world has a plethora of untold stories. Each of those stories could have many tales. And every tale could be a link to a different form of life. And every life is a special story of its own."
"I-If it is not too much of a bother, can you tell me another story? One about Aidan?" asked Gasper.
Deckard was surprised as he looks at his nephew before looking back at Gasper. Then he smiles and replies, "Very well. One more story."
The door to Gasper's room soon opens up, making the trio turn their heads.
"How nice," Xenovia popped in as she, Koneko, and Asia enter into the room and approach them. "You all seem to be getting along."
"What brings you three here?" asked Aidan.
"Well, after leaving, an after talking about it, we decided to do what we could to help take care of Gasper, as well," Asia explained.
Xenovia picked up where she left off and said, "And then we brainstormed several different ideas that might help him deal with his life better."
Gasper was surprised to hear that, so he looked at them in astonishment. "You all want to help me?" He asked.
"Of course, you're our precious comrade, as well," Koneko told him with her suual deadpanned expression.
The vampire smiles. "Thank you, Koneko! Gasper expressed his gratitude.
"These are for you," Koneko said as she tosses garlic.
"No! Not the garlic!" Gasper screamed as he runs away to his box in the corner.
*WHISH*
Xenovia then swiftly pulled something out and used her speed to place a brown paper bag with two eye holes cut right over Gasper's head. It all happened so fast that no one could see what had just happened.
Realizing that it looked calming enough for him to look around, Gasper too notice.
Xenovia turns around to him and smiles proudly, "You like that?"
"Maybe. I feel calmer," Gasper said, standing there for a moment to take in the feeling of the paper bag over his head. He looks around before blushing and putting his hands on the bag. "I think I do like it."
Aidan and Deckard were both confused. "Uh, what did you girls do to him?" asked Deckard.
"It was Asia's idea, and it was a good one," Koneko told the two.
Aidan looked at surprise at the blonde. "This was your idea, Asia?"
"Well, not exactly," She replied sheepishly. "I know that I am not good talking to people face to face. The phone is alright as I seem to handle things okay. I just mentioned to them that as long as my face isn't seen, other people seemed to be a lot easier to chat with."
"That when I remembered I had these," said Xenovia as she pulls out a condom. "Then I thought, what if we put something similar over his head?"
Deckard was confused by what Xenovia was holding but Aidan sighs heavily, seeing the sight of it and being reminded of what he nearly did unintentionally.
"How is it?" asked Gasper, getting everyone's attention back to him. He had been sluggishly walking around like a zombie, walking with straight legs and his arms out front. There were read glints made by his eyes coming from the eye holes that for some reason sent a shiver down everyone's spine. "Does it make me look cool?"
"Well, I can say it makes you stand out, Gasper," Aidan said.
"Yeah, he's right," Xenovia concurred. "Makes him stand out as a murderer stalking you. IN the dark and all alone."
"This is fun," The vampire said. "I like this a lot."
Uncle Deckard then chuckles. "Well, Gasper, you look like you are pretty great by yourself right now," He complimented him, getting Gasper to stop and look at the elder.
"You think?" He asked with a hopeful tone. "Oh, I wonder if wearing this will help em get a better reputation as a vampire!" He then turns and bows his head to everyone. "Thank you so much guys. You're the best!"
That brought a smile to Aidan's face. Now finally, he can tell Rias that his plan worked out and that Gasper is doing better.
When the next day arrived, it was back to school as normal. Aidan and Asia walked towards their next class, but without Gasper.
"It's a shame that Gasper could not come to class," Aidan said. "Then again, I do not blame him, especially with that paper bag over his head."
"I think it's going to take him a little bit of time," Asia insisted. Then a familiar voice called them.
"Hey, you two." Rias calls out, standing a few feet away with Akeno behind her. Once Aidan and Asia rally up, the former shares a small kiss with the redhead.
"Good to see you two," Aidan said.
"Nice to see you as well," Asia said and bowed her head.
"Perfect timing as usual," Rias greeted them.
Akeno looks at Aidan with one of her classic smiles; "Aidan. Will you be able to possibly come with me somewhere after school today?"
"…Oro?" Was all Aidan could say. Akeno wanted him? That was a first.
LATER…
After school, some rain clouds gathered overhead in the sky as Aidan made his way to where Akeno wanted to meet him. Once he reaches the place, he was surprised to find himself at the base of the steps leading up to a Shinto Shrine.
"Hello, Aidan," said the voice of Akeno. He looked up and the figure of the beautiful young woman, clad in her shrine maiden outfit, was standing on one floor ahead of him. "Thanks for coming."
"Hello, Akeno," Aidan said before reaching her. "Sorry I am a bit late."
Akeno giggles at this. "Please forgive me," She said to him with a smile. "I apologize for the sudden invitation."
"It's alright," Aidan said, taking in of how beautiful she was in her shrine maiden outfit. "Where's Rias?"
"Right now, she's finishing up her last meeting with her brother," Akeno replied. "She'll be here right after that's over."
"You didn't have to be there?" asked a confused Aidan.
"No I didn't; I had another job with a certain someone."
Aidan then took in the time to admire the place she was in. The shrine looked like it was refurbished and brand new. With its traditional tori gate as its entrance, along with the stone pavement leading to the building, Aidan felt comfortable here. He had visited many other Shinto shrines with Uncle Deckard before in the past, with Fushimi Inari being his favorite, along with Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto.
"This is a nice place," Aidan commented. "Is this your home, Akeno?"
The Priestess of Thunder nodded. "After its previous god left, it remained unoccupied for a while. Then, Rias managed to find a way to get a hold of this place for me."
"So, this is the nephalem you've told me about?"
Startled, Aidan's eyes widen on high alert, making him pull out Silentium. He stood in front of Akeno as a means to protect her.
"Show yourself!" He demanded. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the sky above them that glowed gold, but it made Aidan more on edge.
"It's okay, Aidan," Akeno whispered in his ear, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Aidan Kain. Or rather, Somnus. It is a pleasure to meet with you," said the new voice. "Please, there's no reason for violence."
As the light grew closer to them, Aidan saw a person ascending down to him and Akeno. What caught the nephalem's eyes first and instantly were the twelve golden-colored wings that were dazzling and sprouting from his back. Once that person landed, his appearance became clearer. It was a handsome-looking man with long blond hair and green eyes shaped in a perpetually sad manner. He was wearing a red robe with a gold cross on the front of his white alb. He had a golden shoulder plates with a white sash and a golden halo set above his head.
Aidan recognized who he was. It was an Angel of the Lower Heavens. But this Angel was not just any ordinary one.
"Again, it is a pleasure to meet you," The Angel introduced himself. "My name is—"
"Michael…" Aidan recognized, surprising both the Angel and Akeno. "Archangel of the Lower Heavens. Chief and Leader of all Angels. Former right hand of God. And more importantly…" Aidan then spitefully said the next part. "Servant of the Angiris Council."
Not the best chapter I made but I needed to get this one out of the way so that I can start the next one.
Oh, Gasper. One of the most likable traps in anime yet also one of the most annoying at first until he starts to eventually get better. Sure he still hates the smell of garlic, but that doesn't stop him form being likable and cute. With Gasper now out of the way, preparations for the summit can now be underway.
Azazel and his slyness. But he had good reason for hiding and deceiving Aidan when it came to Mephisto. But slowly and surely, we will begin to learn more about the Fallen Angel race and what had happened to them.
To end it all, the archangel Michael has arrived. And surprisingly, Aidan knows who he is, along with the fact that he serves another role that even the Younger Angels do not know of.
Quick question: should I do a lemon between Akeno and Aidan next chapter or do a lime?
Like, favorite, follow, and review at your leisure! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.