"...ssei. Issei~. Issei!" Issei's eyes opened slowly, after he was woken by several pokes to the cheek.
"Whosawhat?" The groggy teen asked, shaking his head.
When his vision cleared, he was greeted by the sight of a smiling Raynare. She was still in her Kuoh uniform from the day before, and so was he.
"You're cute when you sleep." She said, smirking.
Issei didn't have anything to say back; he just blushed. She giggled.
Issei remembered the position they were in. She was sitting on his lap, and they were both on the couch.
"Is that a roll of quarters in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?" Raynare said with a sly grin.
Issei blushed violently. Raynare was right on the center of his lap, and he'd just woken up.
"Uh...quarters?" He said, playing dumb.
"Really? Alright, how many are there?" Raynare asked, coy.
"Um...twenty-five." Issei's mind was blanking out.
"Really? It doesn't seem like twenty-five. Maybe I'll count them." Raynare said, lightly touching his...quarters.
Issei's face turned completely tomato red, and he shot up from the couch. Raynare stood up with him, laughing. Her wings were out behind her, and they shone the same silver they had yesterday. While Issei had found her raven feathers beautiful before, the silver wings were...breathtaking.
Raynare noticed him staring at her plumage, and she absentmindedly twitched the top two wings, bringing his attention back to her. It didn't last. As Issei slowly woke up, he looked out the window and realized the sun was already out in full force, something that wouldn't be the case if they were on time for school.
"Oh, man. What time is it?" Issei asked, slowly coming back to reality.
"Half past nine."
Issei's eyes went wide. They were very late for school. "How long have you been up?"
"A few minutes."
"Agh…" Issei rubbed his forehead.
"What's the matter? It's not like you're gonna fail from missing one day." Raynare said, retracting her wings.
"I mean, you're right...but…"
"Plus, it gives us more time to spend...together." Raynare said, getting up close to him. Issei fell backwards, back onto the couch. Raynare fell on top of him with a grin, blocking him from getting up.
"As much as I'd love to see what kind of monster the two of you could cook up, I don't think I need to see it happen." A voice came from behind them, in the front door.
Issei and Raynare both sighed. She rolled off of him, and the two stood up.
"Yo." Azazel said with a grin. The man was dressed in black robes, and looked pretty comfortable.
"Do doors mean anything to you?" Issei asked.
"No. Why?" Azazel replied, grinning. He looked at Raynare, who was walking into the kitchen to get a drink, with curious eyes. "You seem...different."
Raynare snorted. "Tell me about it."
"Did something happen?" Azazel asked, looking between the two of them.
"You could say that, yeah." Issei answered, following Raynare into their attached kitchen.
"Well, I'm all ears." Azazel said, waiting for them to tell him what was going on.
Issei and Raynare looked at each other, Issei nodding to her. Raynare looked back at Azazel, and released her wings.
"...What?" Azazel asked, in dumb shock. He'd never once in his life seen an angel, fallen or otherwise, with silver wings. As a man who prided himself on his knowledge, to not know something was...less than desirable.
"Jealous?" Raynare asked, flapping her new wings.
"Did you get a paint job or something? There's no way those are real." Azazel said shaking his head.
"They're as real as you or me." Issei said.
"Okay, well...is anything different? I mean, your light, or magic, or anything?" Azazel asked, scraping for knowledge. He would try to touch them or take a feather, but he knew the overprotective dragon wouldn't let it happen. Azazel remembered what happened last time he'd implied a threat against Raynare.
"You won't touch her." Issei had said, way back. Azazel didn't doubt him.
"When I find out, you'll be the first...or maybe, like, third, to know. It only happened yesterday." Raynare quipped, annoyed by his flurry of questions.
"What were you doing when it happened? Was it instant?" Azazel asked, eager to scrape anything he could from this.
"Just...talking." Raynare said, shrugging.
"Hmm…" Azazel hummed, not quite believing her but not wanting to call her out on it.
"We've gotta get to school, so is there anything in particular you needed?" Issei asked, rifling through the fridge for something to eat.
"Uh, yeah. I ran some tests on that drug Kalawarner got dosed with, and I got some results."
"Really? What was it?" Raynare asked.
"It's a variation of a drug used by sacred gear wielding terrorists, called Chaos Break. Normally, it just lets them sort of...fuse with their gears, and become monstrously powerful, but the version used on Kalawarner was designed to drive normal people mad. I don't know how Freed got his hands on it, but that's not good…anyway, are the two of you busy?"
"I literally just said we're going to school." Issei asked, standing up straight. There was nothing in the fridge, so he'd just be hungry till lunch.
Azazel snapped his fingers, like he'd forgotten. "Oh, right. Sorry, this silver wing thing has got me all mixed up. Well, I'll keep it quick; this is important. Do you remember a few weeks ago, the night you attacked the church?"
"Yeah, why?" Issei replied.
"I told you to ask Raynare to teach you how to contact me. You never did." Azazel said, grinning.
Issei grimaced. "Oh, right. Sorry about that, I just-"
"Don't worry about it. I should've explained better then, but I didn't have a chance. I'll start with this; your mom's name was Elsa, right?"
Issei's jaw dropped. He didn't even think Raynare knew his parents' names. He'd definitely never talked about them. So, how did Azazel?
"Uh, yeah...Doctor Elsa Hyoudou. Why do you ask, and how do you know that?" Issei inquired, suspicious. Raynare watched without saying anything. Issei never talked about his mother, and she never asked. It was a sore subject.
"What do you know about her?" Azazel asked, rubbing his chin.
"I know she was a great person, and the car crash stole her and my dad too soon. Look, we've really got to get going…" Issei said, taking Raynare's hand. He started to walk to the door with her in tow, but Azazel's next words stopped him in his tracks.
"She left something for you." Azazel said, smiling.
Issei turned to him. He didn't say a word, he just walked back over to where the man was standing. His face was a cacophony of emotion, and he struggled to keep himself contained.
"What do you...what are you talking about?" Issei asked quietly.
Azazel reached behind him, and pulled an old leather-bound journal from his robe. He handed it to Issei, the boy snatching it hungrily.
As soon as he opened it, a letter fell out of the front of the book, which Issei caught before it could hit the ground. He started opening it, and Azazel cleared his throat, grabbing Issei's attention.
"I'll leave you to it. Give me a ring sometime this week, huh? We've got a bit to talk about. It's been a long time, Issy." Azazel said, waving and teleporting away.
Issei's mouth and eyes were wide open. He held the letter and journal in his hands, staring at the floor where Azazel had been.
"Issy? What in the world is that nickname?" Raynare asked, confused.
"There's only one person who ever called me that...but...there's no way…" Issei mumbled, shocked to the core.
"Who was it? Issei?" Raynare asked, looking at his face with concern.
"One of my mom's oldest friends, pretty much my uncle...she called him Ziz. Wait a second...Ziz...Azazel...are you fucking kidding me?!" Issei suddenly yelled, figuring something out. Raynare looked surprised. Issei almost never cursed. To hear him do so, and do it loud, made her assume something crazy just happened.
"Issei, what are you talking about?"
"Azazel is my uncle!" Issei said, whirling around to face Raynare. He had stars in his eyes, and looked more excited than she'd ever seen him.
Raynare rapidly opened and closed her eyes, trying to come to terms with what Issei had just said. "Your...uncle. But, you're a human?"
"Not biologically, of course, but he was really close with my mom, to the point where he was basically family. But, if it was really Azazel...why did he wait so long to tell me? Why did he leave me with that garbage?" Issei asked, suddenly becoming solemn. Why would Uncle Ziz leave him with his awful step parents? Surely he knew Issei was suffering?
"Hey, Issei, I'm sure he had his reasons...Azazel's not a bad guy, if he left you there, he didn't do it to hurt you." Raynare said, wrapping her arms around Issei's shoulders. He touched her hand, trying to glean some assurance. All thoughts of school were forgotten as Issei remembered the letter and journal.
Issei set the journal down on a countertop, near where they stood in the kitchen, and opened up the envelope the letter was in. Inside, were several pieces of old paper. He gingerly took the yellowed documents from the envelope, and unfolded them.
My dearest child, if this letter reaches you well, I want you to know, I love you so much. Your father and I had to leave you early, it would seem, and for that, I am so sorry.
Tears fell from Issei's eyes as he read the first part of the letter from his mother. Raynare was right there beside him, reading along.
I have much to say and little time to say it, so I will keep myself brief; I have known about the supernatural world for quite some time. It was first revealed to me when I unwittingly worked with the governor general of the Fallen Angels, Azazel, on a project in Jerusalem. Can you believe it? Azazel himself, as recorded in the bible! I suppose, you know him as Ziz.
Yes, your Uncle Ziz is the highest of the Grigori. As you are right now, you're probably going to have mixed feelings about him. "Why did he leave me with those awful people?" You'll think, I assume. But, don't hate him. I ordered the man, in the event of your father and I dying, to cut all contact with you and your step-parents. I didn't want you becoming involved with the supernatural until I could be sure you were ready; and now, I hope you are. If everything went according to plan, you should've met Azazel several times already, though I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't give any signs of being Ziz. He never failed to impress me with his skills in deception.
Anyway, if this letter was delivered in a timely manner as instructed, you should be in your late teens. This is the same age your father became aware of the supernatural, and so I think you should too be able to handle it. You always shared his strength, even as a boy.
In the event that you haven't been told about the supernatural, allow me a brief explanation; things are not as they seem. Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils, Gods, Demons, Monsters, and all manner of other being walk this Earth with you. I wish I could be there to tell you more, but alas, all I can share with you is this; keep your mind open, and your eyes wide, and I should think you'll see more than your share of otherworldly creatures in your time, just as I did.
But, I digress. You're probably wondering, "why would you leave me with those awful people?" Well, Issei, I have no answer that can justify what you went through. We gave your step-parents exclusive rights to you, because we needed you safe. While your life with them was far from ideal, it was a protected one. If everything predicted has come to pass, you should be reaping the benefits of our choice by now, no? If not, I deeply apologize, and I ask that you keep your head up, my son. You're destined for greatness, I know you are. Don't let something as trivial as two mean step-parents get in the way of your conquests, hm?
Tears fell freely from Issei's eyes. Raynare had stepped back, letting him have his moment with his long-dead mother. She could sense deep sadness within the boy, but also unfathomable happiness.
Issei, my darling. Time grows short. I have instructed Ziz to give this letter to you and make contact if and only if he thinks you ready, and to keep an eye on you from the shadows. I have so much to tell you, but if I were to 'keep a long story short' as they say, I would tell you this; I have seen your future. In my travels, I came across an item that showed me the future of myself and two others; you and your father. Of course, your father and I shared the same fate, but you, my son, have a much greater path ahead. I have adhered to the prophesized chain of events just as I was shown, but even then I cannot be sure everything will come to pass as I have seen.
If this is the correct future, then won't you tell Raynare I approve? I'm so happy for the both of you, and I could not hope for a better daughter-in-law. And, hey. Don't be afraid to go on the offensive with her. I promise, you won't regret it.
Issei smiled through the tears. His mom was one step ahead, as always.
Ah, I know I must sound like a broken record, but my end is drawing ever closer. Within this journal, you will find a record of all my exploits, and I do hope you'll choose to continue it with adventures of your own. The ring I have given you will serve you greatly, and I hope, if anything else, you have also kept the dagger; it too was quite the find.
Issei. Tonight is the night your father and I go to the cinema. I'm sure, if you're reading this, you know what that means.
My son, I miss you. I love you so, so, so, so so so very much, and I only wish that I could be beside you as you triumph. I'm proud of you, and if your father had seen what I did, I know he would be too. You've become a fine young man, and it is my greatest sorrow that I can't be there to watch you grow up with my own eyes. I know you'll read this with tears in your eyes, but please don't be sad. You've made me the happiest mother in the world.
Even in my whole life as a treasure hunter, nothing I've ever found could compare to you, my little boy.
Goodbye, Issei.
~Elsa Hyoudou, loving mother
Issei gingerly set the stack of letters on the countertop next to him, and then braced himself on the same counter. Raynare was by his side in an instant, ready to comfort him. The boy sobbed, but he was smiling all the same.
The two of them didn't say anything, they just stood there. Issei cried into Raynare's shoulder, just as she'd done to him. She knew what he was going through better than anybody.
After several minutes, Issei pulled himself away. His face was red and puffy, but he still smiled. Raynare looked up at him, concerned.
"I'm gonna go take a shower, alright? We need to get ready for later." Issei said, wiping his eyes.
Raynare knew he was just going into the shower to cry some more, but she couldn't exactly judge him for that, could she? Not that she would, anyway.
"Sure thing. Don't hurt yourself, or I'll come in after you." Raynare said, winking. Issei laughed, and fled to their room.
As soon as he was gone, Raynare's curiosity got the better of her. She gently picked up the letter, quickly going over what it said. She gasped, and covered her mouth. She didn't cry, but she too was smiling for Issei. He must not have had any kind of closure, and this was exactly that. Sighing, she turned the papers over, more as a reflex than anything, not really expecting anything from it.
But, she was surprised to see more writing on the back of the last page. Raynare glanced to the bedroom, making sure Issei wasn't coming back, and then back down to the letter. To her great suprise, the writing on the back was addressed to her.
Dear Raynare,
I'm sorry you and I will never get to meet; I would've loved the chance to thank you in person.
You might be confused as to how I'm talking to you, but remember what the other side said; I've seen the future. I know as soon as Issei went to cry in the shower, you went for this letter. Don't worry, I'm not mad, and he won't be either. If you hadn't looked, he would've shown you anyway, so don't feel bad.
But, back to my main point. From the bottom of my heart, Raynare:
Thank you.
You saved my child. I know very well he would've killed himself, had you not shown up. And for that, I can never thank you enough. And, if what I'm saying makes no sense to you, allow me to elaborate.
The day after you asked him out, when he was getting beaten up, Issei was going to kill himself. He had every intention of going home and cutting his own wrists. I guess I should explain a bit better; I didn't see the future, per se, I saw many possible futures. And, much to my horror, in the ones where you didn't get to him fast enough, I had to watch my own son kill himself. I can't even begin to describe the feeling, watching my little boy take his own life...I shudder at the recollection.
But, you saved him. In this future, if you're reading this, you saved my son.
Raynare, if you'd asked me a while ago who the best match for my son would be, I don't think "Fallen Angel assassin sent to kill him" would ever have even crossed my mind. But, then I saw how the two of you meshed. You fit together like pieces on a puzzle. I've seen you talk, I've seen you laugh, I've seen you cry. If you gave me a thousand years and a list of all the people on the planet, I couldn't come up with a better match for him. You're his perfect girl.
Oh, how I wish I could've been there to see you walk the aisle. You're going to look wonderful in your wedding dress, I know it. It makes my heart heavy to know I'll never meet my daughter-in-law, but all the same, I'm glad to have had this chance to tell you how I feel.
Now, as I said to Issei, my time draws near. I have only one more thing to say.
Take care of my baby, will you? I'm entrusting my child to you, Raynare. I'm sure, as a woman, you understand what this means. Ah, I wish I could be there to see your face. Oh well.
Goodbye, Raynare.
~Doctor Elsa Hyoudou, proud mother-in-law
PS. Maybe invest in some baby shoes? If it's a girl, Rachel. If it's a boy...come up with something good, will you? Issei is bad at names. XOXO.
Raynare's mouth hung open wide, and her eyes, too, grew wet. She wiped her face, not wanting to cry, and set the pages back down where Issei'd had them. Elsa's letter had been...shocking, for several reasons.
Issei was going to kill himself? Lisa Lisa had mentioned it, once, but to think he really would've done it...it made Raynare sick. And then, what was that about babies? There was no way, not after one time...not as a Fallen Angel...right?
Raynare's head was spinning, and she didn't notice Issei come out of their room. The boy, dressed in only a towel, jumped at her from behind, and yelled her name.
"Raynare!"
"Ah!"
Raynare nearly jumped out of her skin, Issei scared her so much. She turned to the laughing Issei, glaring at him. Her heart was pounding, and then she saw him, standing there, in the towel, dripping wet...and her heart started to pound a bit more. Recovering her wits, she turned on him.
"Oh, Issei. Could it be, perhaps, you want another taste of what happened the other night?" Raynare asked, seductive. She sauntered towards him, swaying her hips and biting her bottom lip.
The towel-clad boy suddenly lost his smile, realizing he'd just startled a very predatory Fallen Angel.
"Wait, Raynare, we've got to go to school…"
"We're already late, we can be a minute. Rias wants to leave after classes, so we've got a bit anyway. Don't think you're just going to get away with scaring me. I'll get my payback…" Raynare said, cornering him against the wall. She undid the loose ribbon at the top of her uniform, and unbuttoned the top two buttons on her shirt, leaving Issei with a bird's eye view.
Issei narrowed his eyes. "Alright, fine. Fine. Mom said I should take the offensive, so I will." Issei said. He grabbed Raynare's right arm at the elbow, and pulled her in for a kiss...only, he skipped her lips and went straight for the unsuspecting angel's collarbone. His other hand landed on her thigh, and started snaking up.
Raynare moaned, not expecting the sudden move from Issei at all. But, she didn't let it stop her from reciprocating. She hastily undid the knot on Issei's towel with her free hand, leaving him completely in the nude. The boy only paused for a moment, before returning to the rapidly forming hickey on his angel's neck.
They did, in fact, not go to school.
"They should be here already." Rias said, aggravated.
"They weren't in class today, from what I've heard. Maybe something happened?" Akeno offered, thinking.
"Someone would've told us if something went down, right?" Kiba asked.
The Occult Research Club was gathered on the second floor of the Old School Building, their headquarters. They all looked ready for a trip, with bags packed and all. Matsuda and Asia sat on one of the couches, Koneko and Kiba on the other, and Rias sat at her desk, with Akeno standing behind her.
Mid-conversation, the door quietly creaked open. Everyone in the room turned to see Issei poke his head in, then enter with Raynare. They both had bags that were obviously packed in a hurry, and their clothing was disheveled. Issei had a blush, and Raynare was practically glowing.
"You guys were doing the nasty, weren't you?" Koneko asked, sniffing the air with a disgusted look.
"No-" "Yup." Issei and Raynare both had very different reactions, making the whole ORC feel a bit awkward.
Rias hesitated, blinking rapidly, before getting down to business. "...Okay, well, now that we're all here, we can go. It's a short train ride, and then we'll hike a bit, and then we'll be at one of the Gremory mansions. Everybody ready?"
Everybody answered in the affirmative, and within moments, they were on route to the train.
No author's note, I don't feel like writing one. If you have an issue, just PM me.