Welcome back! Chapter 10 is here! I don't really have much to say aside from that I'm still handling personal problems. So I'll go right to the reviews.
ptl: Thank you for pointing those out. Hopefully, I won't make the same mistakes here. Though, knowing me, I will. Still, I'll correct them at a later point if anyone points them out.
angelvan105: Well even Issei has standards you know? Thought Kiritsugu is more then willing to kill Issei(or anyone really) if he proves to be a threat, but yes, he is a bit more mellowed out this time around. Still, a man you wouldn't want to cross, however.
Now onto the chapter!
"Speaking."
"Thinking."
"Servant Speaking."
Issei was currently riding his bike. With Ai regrettably holding on to his back. The two were well... They were not enjoying the presence of each other.
He was hoping it was someone like Akeno or Rias. Isai-chan would have also been great too. But Ai? No that was a big red flag he would have rathered avoid.
It's a shame he couldn't.
"I'm only here because Isai asked me to come." She suddenly said. "Thought I didn't know it was you. I would have declined it if I did."
Her hate for him is already showing. Like really. What's her problem? He wasn't even done anything to her! Is it because he peaked on Isai-chan? It was only once and he never has done it again! Not to mention Isai-chan herself was over it. If that was truly the case. Then she could hold a grudge for the longest time.
No. Issei was starting to think that there something else. Something that causes her a deep hate for him. Heck, it wouldn't even be surprised if she didn't care if he had stayed dead! She might have even celebrated it for all he knew. With just how much she hated him. He could see it.
"Of course you would." Issei quietly said.
"What was that?" Ai sharply said. It seemed he didn't say it quietly enough.
"N-Nothing!" He quickly said. Backpedaling his statement. Since well... He didn't want to deal with an angry Ai. Especially when she was riding his back like this.
"I thought so." She said before sighing to herself.
"Why the hell didn't Isai say it was you?" She asked herself. "God that girl is so infuriating sometimes."
"Maybe she wanted you to get to know me?" Issei suggested.
Ai was about to harshly retort him. But stop and actually thought about what he said.
"...Damnit. Yea. That really sounds like her." She admits. But she's not happy about it.
"So how about doing th-"
"No." She cut him off without a thought.
"But why?!" He couldn't help but shout.
"Why bother with something so pointless?" She told her.
"Why is it pointless?!" Isei asked her. Starting to get slightly irritated. At least get him a chance right? What's so wrong with that?
"It should be obvious." She stated. "Your not stupid right? It shouldn't be hard to figure it out."
"You know." Issei started. "You're a really mean girl! And not in a sexy way!"
And then silence. Nothing but Silence. For a good minute. Only for Issei to feel a sudden and hard slap at the back of his head.
"Gah?!" He let out.
However, since Issei was riding the bike. This probably... wasn't the best idea.
Issei lost the balance of his bike, due to Ai's rather painful slap. And after trying, and failing to regain balance. They both crash into a nearby wall and falling off.
"Well Master, looks like you've caused us quite the problem." Archer nonchalantly told her.
"Shut up, Archer. I don't have time for your comments." She harshly retorted as she got back up form the crash. Ignoring the strained pain. It only makes things for worst for her since she hasn't fully recovered from when Archer took control of her.
It seems her human body isn't yet ready to handle the power of a Servant. Even after nearly a month of training with Archer's abilities.
She can't protect Isai like this...
But for now, as long as she doesn't have to overexert herself. She should be fine.
"Not in the mood for Jokes?" Archer asked. Thought Ai knew he knew she wasn't.
"Archer..." Ai growled.
"I'm just trying to lighten the mood Master." Archer merely told her. Ai just scoffs at him.
"Please. I highly doubt that that's really the case." She bluntly told him.
"MY BIKE!" The two then heard Issei yet.
They see Issei by his bike, which was totally trashed. Or well, the front part of it was.
"Well, there goes ours from of transportation," Ai mentally commented toward Archer.
"Well, That's only to be expected. He was pedaling pretty fast." Archer noted. Ai noticed that also, he was probably wanted to get over this whole ordeal as quickly as possible.
It was something she could agree with for once. Though the idea of agreeing with him made her sick to her stomach.
"Hey!" Issei shouted towards Ai. "This is your fault you know?!"
"We'll just walk from here," She said... To herself. She wasn't even paying much attention to what Issei said.
"But my bike!" He shouted again. Ai just waves at him dismissively.
"I'll just buy you a new one." She said. She doesn't really care much about the bike. But it was her fault that this happened. So she'll just buy him a new one.
"That's not the point!" Issei looked to start some sort of rant. But Ai just started walking towards their destination.
"Hey! Don't ignore me!" She could hear his voice get more distance as she walks away.
"You know the contract is for him right? There no point going without him." Archer pointed out. Ai just sighed. And stops to wait for him.
"I wish I didn't have too." She grumbled.
But she did. And when he finally caught up. He was holding his trashed bike. And was reasonably upset.
"The hell was that?! You just left me!" He yelled at her. But again, she just ignored him and started to walk like usual.
"Come on, at least say something!" Issei said. Trying to get something out of her.
"Don't you think you should say something?" Archer suggested to his Master.
"Why should I? I have no reason too. And I rather not get even madder by talking to him." She said to him.
"You seem so hostile. Especially since he's also Isaiviel's friend-"
"They're not friends." Ai interrupted Archer. "Isai never calls Issei by his nickname. If she really thought herself as his friend. She'd no doubt call him that."
"You sound jealous." Archer pointed out.
"I sound realistic." She corrected. "There more like acquaintances then friends really."
"And yet she wants you to give him a chance," Archer point out towards her, and she couldn't deny it.
"Yes... She did." She said.
"So why don't you?" Archer wondered.
"... Don't ask me. And don't bring it up again. Got it, Archer?" Ai said... Her tone was different... And not in a good way.
"... As you wish Master." Archer sighed.
And threw out all That, Issei been trying to get her to talk. or at least say anything. And he has been getting increasingly more upset about it as time went by.
Well, it'd soon be over, they weren't far from their destination. So Issei could do whatever he needs to do with Ai's help maybe, and she when could just head home. Maybe pick up some ingredients to make for dinner...
Yea, That could work. She was in the mood for something spicy, and she didn't really have anything spicy at home to make.
"Why do you hate me so much?! I've done nothing to you! Yet you act like I'm some sort of criminal!" He reasoned/argued.
Ai kept walking. Not answering anything.
"Is this about Isai?" He then after a bit of thought.
And then she stopped.
"You know, I'm not surprised that was what caught your attention. Probably should have mentioned her sooner." Issei said to himself. Thought he was loud enough Ai and Archer to hear her.
"It's best you stop talking now-"
"But I don't think she's the whole reason," Issei told her. Something that Ai didn't expect,
"I mean. Yes. I did peek on Isai-chan. But it was only once, and yet you seem to hold an insane amount of Hate." He said.
"That doesn't prove anything besides the fact that I hate you." She responded.
"But that doesn't make any sense. Like when Yuuto trained Isai the other day. I don't know what happened. But Isai looked pretty beat up and tired." Isai said.
"But I knew he wasn't going to hurt her or do anything." She reasoned him.
"You also have a clear dislike for Akeno. But you haven't shown her as much hate as you do for me. And you even can reasonably talk to her!" Issei expressed.
"But she hasn't done anything." She mentioned to him. But she was getting a bit more on edge.
"But Knowing you and your protectiveness towards her. I'm pretty sure you at one point assumed that Rias tasked Akeno to keep an eye on Isai-chan for possible recruitment." Issei pointed out.
Ai turned at him. One of her fists clenched.
"He a lot smarter then he lets out," Archer commented. Ai... didn't respond to his little snip.
"So why do you-"
And he was interrupted, not with words. But a Punch to the face. Causing Issei to take a couple of steps back.
"Oh, that looked like it hurts," Archer said.
"I don't need your comments right now Archer." She harshly let out.
"You think you're so smart huh?" Ai, let out. "Think you got me figured out? Well, you don't know jack."
"But clearly you hate me for some other reason then Isai." Issei quickly told her. Rubbing the cheek that Ai punched.
If look could kill. Issei would have died 10 times over by her.
"You want to know why I hate you so much? It's because you're a pervert, And not just any pervert, the worse kind." She said through gritted teeth.
"Eh? It's cause I'm a pervert?" Issei asked... mostly to himself. "But... That's a lot of hate for something so natural."
"I have my reasons." She told him. "And they have nothing to do with you."
"Bullshit!" Issei suddenly yelled. " Complete Bullshit! With how much you despise me. I can't help but disagree!"
"A low-life Pervert like you doesn't need to know jack shit!" She raised her voice to the point she was... Pretty loud.
"I more than do! I'm taking the brunt of all of this! Every time I'm even around. You get so hostile and unfriendly!" He shouted back!
"Well maybe if you acted like a normal person instead of some pervert who acts like a lecherous pig. Then I would treat you better!" She scoffed at him.
"Lecherous pig?! I'm a guy who's honest to himself! A man who not scared to do what he truly enjoy! And not some mean Bitch!" Issei protested.
"Then keep it to yourself! Why do you think most of the female body hates you?!" Ai retorted.
"Sure, they don't like me. But they're not on your level! But what about you? You scare nearly everyone! Hell, I bet you're the reason Isai doesn't have as many friends as she would! You scare off everyone before she gets the chance to befriend anyone!" Issei said and that actually stung Ai quite hard. Actually somewhat taken back.
"Well. I'd rather known as a mean person than a pervert you Pig!" She told him.
"Shut up you Witch!"
"Revolting Slob!"
"Bitch!"
"Low-life!"
"JERK!"
"PERVERT!"
"FIEND!"
"SICKO!"
"MONSTER!"
"Man, this is so sad it's not even Funny," Archer said.
"SHUT UP ARCHER!" Ai screamed at him... Only to be frozen stiff when she realizes she said that out when she saw Issei face turn from rage to confusion.
"Archer?" issei suddenly said.
"I... I..." She takes a step back.
"Who's Archer?" He then asked. But Ai was in a panic, she just made messed up badly. She didn't know what to do at this point. She could tell him of all people!
Sp she never answered him. And instead turned around and started to run away from Issei.
"W-wait!" Issei tired to say, but She ignored him, his voice quickly grew distant.
And she kept running for a bit. Though she wasn't really sure how far she ran. But she slowed to a stop when her muscles were starting to strain.
"Nice job Master, surely there be no repercussions for this," Archer remarked.
"Ugh..." She said to herself. "Stupid body... Stupid Archer."
"Hey, don't blame me for your mistake," Ai told her.
"I'm not blaming you." She corrected. "I'm just... not sure what to do. I just ran, and I'm pretty sure I shouldn't have done that."
"What makes you think that?" He sarcastically asked.
"Ha Ha, Very funny Archer." She snapped back.
"Right. Jokes aside." Archer begins. "As much as I detest the boy's personality. He has a point. You seem to hate him for some reason or the other."
Ai stood, as silent as the dead of night.
"I'm not going to ask you why. That is a personal matter that really doesn't have anything to do with me. But you do need to fix your problems as much as he needs to fix his." Archer told her.
"What do you mean...?" Ai had to ask him. Thought she knew what he meant.
"He's right about you. You're a rather mean person towards him for seemingly no reason. And as much as you don't like it. You're going to be seeing him a lot more from now on." Archer told her bluntly.
"And your point is...?" She let out.
"Grow up." Archer simply stated. "You're acting like Child who couldn't get what they wanted. If you want him to even consider changing how he is. It's best you change as well."
"... I can't-"
"Again, I don't know why you can't stand him. But I don't care. If you don't want to do it for yourself. At least do it for Isaiviel." Archer said.
"Isaiviel...?" Ai wondered. "Why Isaiviel? Don't tell me because she wants me to accept him."
"No, it's so you can maintain your relationship with her," Archer told Ai. In which she eyes widen in shock.
"What...?" Ai said, confused and suddenly unsure of herself.
"No matter what you do. She going to get closer to the Boy. And As she gets does so, your unwillingness to accept him might cause Isaiviel to grow distance from you. Do you want that to happen?" Archer asked her. In which Ai shook her head without thinking.
"No. Isai's my best friend... Without her, I..." She said, saddened by just the thought of it.
"Then think of that every time you see the boy," Archer told her.
Ai just stood there, Thinking. Unsure of herself at this point. Archer isn't surprised. He was blunt and harsh, but it was something she needed to hear. He hopes that at least this may finally reach his master. Otherwise, she would become more of a liability as time went on.
And honestly, he's just trying to do what best for his Master.
"... He probably still needs help with that contract." she finally said. "Let's go Archer."
With hear those words, Archer only smirked.
"Very well Master."
Issei was both angry and confused. Angry because of what happened. But also confused about what just happened. Mainly, who was this Archer? And why did she shout that name?
He knew she wasn't talking about him. Because she didn't mean to say that.
Ah well, he guesses it didn't matter right now. He had a contract to do, and with or without Ai, he'd do it.
However, when Issei enter, he knew something was wrong, Very wrong.
Thought anyone would have been able to guess that due to the smell. The smell of blood.
Issei was suddenly on guard. Something had to have happened-
"Took you long enough!"
Issei suddenly heard someone yell. Then heard something impact the wall by him.
"GAH!" He gasped and quickly moved. Something bad had almost happened!
"Like damn. You Devils take forever you know!~" The unknown man sang. "Like really Aren't you suppose to teleport in? Why the hell are you walking in through the front door?"
"W-what...?" Issei let out. Looking at the main. White Hair and Red-eyes, he couldn't help but briefly think of Isai-chan when he looked at her.
And then he noticed the body... His stomach felt sick and had to used off of his will not to gag.
"W-was that...?" He said.
"It was the retard who tried to summon a Devil!" The man wildly said.
W-What... He killed him!?
"Why?!" Issei said, before narrowing dodging the slash of some sort of... light sword? Well, either way, Issei manages to dodge it. He was thankful for being a Devil. Or he might have been missing a limp just then!
"Stand still!" He shouted! "I've been in a pissed off mood lately and I need to relieve myself! And the retard over there wasn't any fun!"
Issei at this moment had was ducking and waving the man's attacks, Most of them just narrowing missing him.
But he could feel the energy coming off the 'blade' and he could tell it wasn't something he wanted to get touched by!
After thinking he saw an opening in his attack, he went and threw a punch.
However, Issei didn't know much about fist fighting and his punch was caught Intinctly.
"S-shit!" Issei panicked, but at this point, he couldn't think about what to do! The man had his hand and was ready to stab him right in the gut.
"Dam, you were way too easy you know. Like what the hell? I expected more than this." He said, a bit disappointed. "Whatever, I'll just Torture you a bit and be done with it."
"S-stop!" A voice suddenly said. A voice that he knew all too well.
"A-Asia?!" Issei worriedly said. Now mostly worried about her. Why was she here with that creep?! He needed to get her away from him as fast as possible!
"Please! Mr. Freed! Stop this!" Asia pleaded at him.
"Ehhhh~?" Freed made a confused sound. "You telling me to let this devil go? What are you? A devil lover?"
"Just stop it! Ise didn't do anything bad!" Asia told him.
"Ise? You know this shitty devil?" He asked him.
"He's my friend!" she said. "Please! Let him go!"
"Asia run!" Issei yelled. "This man isn't right in the head! If you stay here who knows what he'll do!"
But then, just after he said those words. Freed Dropped Issei and bought up his 'sword' to block a small barrage of silver streaks.
"The hell?! What little shit would?!-"
"I'm seriously getting tired of this," Ai-chan said. Standing at the door. "First I have to deal with that pervert. And now I have to deal with someone far worse."
"You..." Freed suddenly growled. "Your that bitch!"
Issei looked at Ai. He has never felt so happy to actually see her.
"A-Ai!" Issei shouted. And then he could see Ai shivers a bit.
"Ugggh... Don't say my name like that. It sounds so wrong." She said. Unsummoning her bow... and then summoning these two awesome looking swords!
"I see- Wait what?" Ai suddenly looked confused. And suddenly gestures at Asia. "Why is she here? Shouldn't she be at that church?"
"... You know this Bitch too?!" Freed scream at Asia, who flinched.
"Uh-uhh... She and Isai helped me find the church the first time..." Asia meekly let out.
"... Issei." ai suddenly said. Catching his attention.
"Huh?" said person confusingly let out.
"The hell going on?" She asked him.
"Uh... well that Freed person was trying to kill me... and that all I know." He honestly told her. Ai looked like she didn't know what to think. But in the end, she just shook her head.
"Ugg. Whatever, I Don't have time for this." She then points one her blades at Freed, "Unless you want a repeat of last time. I suggest you leave."
Issei could help but be even more confused now. Last time? Did Ai meet Freed before?
"Now now, you see after the humiliation you gave me. I've been thinking. I was too rash." Freed explained
However, Ai was not in the mood to listen to this man. And instead opted to attack him.
And She moved Fast! Faster then, anyone, he's seen so far. It didn't even take a second to reach Freed, One of her blades clashed with his light sword.
And then she swings her other sword right at him. Causing him to duck... and to suddenly meet a foot in his face.
"GAH?!" He yelled, tumbling back. "God damn it!"
"That was kind of predictable." She admits before going at him again.
This time those, Freed was prepared for Ai. Instead of focusing on Ai herself, he mostly kept his eyes off her arms and legs. And consistently deflected any blows from her blades.
And usually, when he could strike back, and he did. But the problem is that Ai was far too swift for him. If she ducks, she would also move to the side at the same time. If she hops back, she quickly dashes forward at an attempt to stab him.
But Freed was able to block everything she threw at her. It was scary, she was attacking so fast he could barely see what was going on! Yet this Freed person not only saw every swing and stab with her blade, but he also looked to effortlessly block or deflect the blows.
If Issei had to take a guess. Freed was physically stronger than his opponent. But Ai was far more agile, practically dancing around the man. He constantly
had to bend and turn as she kept attack any blind spots.
Issei couldn't just see the impact of Ai's blades striking with Freed's sword. He could feel it. It could feel the intensely and screeching of the blade's metal on the light.
He wasn't very sure as to how that could even happen. But he just going to chalk it up to 'magic.'.
But he soon became worried. Because he was noticed that Ai was starting to slow down.
She was getting tired already, and she been having pained expressions threw out the fight. It made Issei remember the condition she been in the last couple of days.
She most likely wanted to take him out quickly due to not being able to fight for very long. And it wasn't working.
Freed also noticed this. But was buying his time it seems, waiting till she was just slow enough.
And when she was. He was able to grab her arm.
"S-shit!" She yelled, she tried to attack him, before she could, he bashed the side of her head.
"Ai!" Issei shouted. H-He can't just let this happened! She's here because of him! He needed help and she came... She didn't want to come. But that besides the point.
His first instinct was to rush at Freed and stock him in the face. however, Freed, easily saw him coming, tilted his head to dodge his punch, and threw his knee into Issei's Stomach.
It was a hard hit, it took him everything not to just puke up his lunch. Taking a few painful steps back.
"I'll kill you after I done with her," Freed said to the boy, and throwing Ai to the ground. Hard, Issei could even hear how hard Ai hit the ground and her pained gasp. Dropping her blades as they vanished into thin air.
She tried to get back up, but then Freed placed his foot on her stomach. and pressed hard.
Ai Tired to created another blade... But then Freed... stabbed his light sword right into her palm.
And she screamed. Oh, she screamed loudly.
"And that's what I've been wanting to hear~" Freed sang. Twisting the sword a bit. Which only made her scream harder.
"But we're not done. I'm going to have the fun I didn't have before... then you're going to tell me where my sword is." His tone turned to form her playful evil self to actually serious when he mentions the... his sword? Did Ai take something form him?
"Fuck you... You disgusting pig..." She let out. In insult, she seems to like it seem.
"Hah! your not the first person to actually say you know?" Freeds admit. "But who cares! I'm willing to admit it!"
Issei was about to run over and ram into the man.
However, Asia seemed to beat him too it.
Freed wasn't expecting it. But only Because it was Asia. She actually ran at him and threw herself at him. forcing him off of Ai.
Ai then grasped the hand that was stab. panting heavily
"Gah... That dick meant it..!" She said. She tried to get back, but then she cringed in pain.
"... I.. I don't think I can fight like this." Ai admits.
"B-but you have too! Asia! She'll!" Issei tired to say.
Freed easily pushed Aisa off you. Getting up himself.
"Your Shitty slut!" He Grabbed Asia by her hair and pulled her up. Causing her to welp in pain. "First, it turns out you're a Devil lover! And then you try to stop my revenge."
"T-This isn't right!" She yelled back! "They did nothing wrong!"
"He's a Devil! He needs to die! And the bitch over there certainly did a lot!" Freed screamed back.
"No one needs to die!" Asia protested
Issei was panicking. He needed to help them. Ai can't fight anymore and Asia in danger! B-but... He can't... This man is way too strong for him... If only... If only he could fight!
He needs to be stronger... if only he could...
Then he felt something... something dwelling deep within. He wasn't sure what it was. But it felt... Powerful... more powerful than anything he's ever felt before.
This power in him... He could use this! He could beat him!
He then ran at Freed.
"Come on! I need you right now!" Issei pleaded. Hoped. That something could happen! Something! Anything!
And without even thinking, he shouted.
"BOOST!"
Power surged out threw out his body and some sort of Red gauntlet formed on his left hand.
Freed was again, caught by surprise. Suddenly having a red gauntlet meeting his face. Causing him to let go of Asia and to fall and tumble on the floor a bit. The surge of power faded in about 10 seconds.
"The fuck?!" He screamed as he was punched.
"Asia," Issei said to her and he helped her up. then getting in front of her and holding up his gauntlet "Go heal Ai. I'll handle this Monster!"
She looks at Issei then at Freed, and finally at Ai, or more importantly, her hand. But nods and goes to Ai's side.
"I'll be your opponent now!" issei told him.
"Well.. perhaps you'll be a bit more fun then I thought," Freed said as he got up.
"Issei" Ai suddenly said. but Issei could tell there was... something very different about her voice. It was deeper, like that was older women instead of someone like Ai's age. And he could have sworn he heard another voice behind it.
"Who...?"
"You can't win with that power." She suddenly said. "I'll admit that was quite the punch. But look back at that man."
Issei did look back and was... He... wasn't that hurt. I mean sure he had a bruise on his face. But a punch with that much power should have done more than just a bruise!
"Oh.. so that bitch came out huh?" Freed growled. "Well Good! I've been waiting for you!"
Ai got up, somewhat unsteady. But... she was in a much better stated than before.
"I'm afraid we might not have much time." She said.
"W-why?" Issei asked to ask.
Just before Freed quickly went at him... for Issei, he was far too slow to respond to Freed, he was moving too quickly.
Luckily Ai was already in front of her. and deflected his attack with her newly summoned blades.
"This guy has some connection to the Fallen Angels," Ai said. "I fought him and a Fallen angel a couple days prior."
Issei froze... The fallen angels...? J-Just what has Ai been doing?!
Ai continued to protect Issei form Freed. Thought at this Freed was getting far more focus on Ai then Issei himself like he has some sort of grudge.
"We can talk more about that at another time," she said. "Right now. Even with that's girl's ability to heal. Ai was tired, and I can't stay in control of her for very long without doing serious harm to her body."
Ok, seriously what?! Issei was suddenly hit with so much information he wasn't sure what to think at this point.
"Who are you...?" Issei had to ask.
"For now, just call me Archer. I could maybe fight him myself." Archer grunted as she barely deflected another one of Freed's blows. "But I wouldn't be able to beat him fast enough, if at all. And Asia couldn't fully heal me before I had to step in."
So they need to work together. But if he's right. What could Issei do? He would be useless!
And he couldn't ask archer what to do. After telling him that, he put all his focus into fighting Freed. It was like a wild bloody dance of Death! Especially for Ai- Archer, who was leaving his vitals constantly open for Freed to try to strike at. It looked suicidal honestly.
But it was working. Archer could hold Freed off with it. But he didn't know for how long.
"I can tell! You're starting to get sloppy!" Freed hungrily yelled, getting a small nick on Archer's cheek. "You're not going to last much longer!
Issei had to think... is there anything he could do?
Wait...? Maybe he could...? If it works for him, He doesn't see why it couldn't work for her...! But how?
Well whatever Issei had thought of, it was at least worth a shot. He just needed a chance to touch her.
So he waiting a little bit. Watching the fight. But he could wait for long, he had only one chance. And if they failed. They all might die.
There it is! Archer appear right in front of him. This is it!
"You have ten seconds!" Issei yelled before quickly touching Ai's back.
"BOOST!"
It could feel the power inside of Archer suddenly double. And with it. Archer smirks.
"More than enough time." Was all she said.
With speed far faster than before. He seemed to have 'teleported' away form Freed and Issei. And took a decently large jump into the air.
"Can't use it at full power nor use it perfectly with this body. But it'll be more than enough!" Archer then shouts.
"The hell?!" Freed yelled. "The fuck you're doing?!"
"Spirit and technique, flawless and firm."
He Tosses the first pair of swords. and they go spinning toward Freed
"Our strength rips the mountains."
Then, she creates two more identical Pairs of the blades that she was using in her fingers.
"Our swords split the water."
She Tosses the blades at different angles, but still, they all head right for Freed, who just got done blocking the first pair.
"Our names reach the imperial villa"
As she lands on the ground, again, another pair, but this time, she starts to run at him. At this point. Freed knew what was going on. But he could see it, the different angles they were approaching him! and with Archer running at him, there was no way he could fully doge or block the attack.
But that doesn't mean he can't do anything.
"The two of us cannot hold the heavens together."
And right before Archer would have attack Freed... She 'teleported' Right behind him. Just as the all the blade were right about to hit him.
"Triple-Linked Crane Wings!" She shouted. All six blades striking him from six different angles. Naturally. He couldn't block them all. Two at most really.
"GAAAHHH!" Freed howled in pain as he collapsed from the resulting impacts.
At that moment, the power fades as the ten seconds passed...
"Just in time," Archer said. Sighing a bit... and she then felt very heavy. "That took a lot more out of me then I wished it would have."
Issei was in awe as he watched the whole technique. It was something like in an anime really! It was so freaking cool! it was no wonder
Rias wanted someone like her in her peerage! With someone like this! He couldn't see anyone beating her!
"I'm giving Ai her body back," Archer said. "Make sure she's properly healed or she might not make it."
And then Issei paled. She can die?! Wait... Asia! That's why he even decided to do this. Asia could heal her!
"Asia!" Issei suddenly yelled at her. "You have to help her now!
At that a moment. Ai fell to her Knees and starting caught violently. And not just Violently. There was also a lot of Blood.
She looked miserable, and all she could do is keep coughing.
He was thankful that Aisa was here. Who are already at Ai's side and started to heal her.
They'd certainly be dead if not for her. But for now, they could relax for a bit. The Red gauntlet disappearing. God today has not been a good day. He could help sit down.
"Well.. at least it's over," Issei said.
"Yea... Thank god.." Ai said as she was finally able to stand up. then looking at Asia. "Uh... I know you can't understand me. But thank you."
She bows a bit at Asia. she was.. .a bit confused. But bowed back too when Issei told her that what Ai said.
"You... motherfuckers..."
Everyone suddenly became alerted and turned towards his voice.
"Did you think... You could beat me with... Such a stupid idea?! You shitty slut!" Freed yelled, he was bloody and clearly in pain... but he was standing back up. He
"H-how durable is that guy?!" Issei couldn't help but ask. He shouldn't be standing! Why is he standing?!
"But now... The only threat is down for the count... I'll make all you fucker pay for what you did!" He screamed
"I'm not down... and I think I'm in a much better state then you are." She said as she breathes heavily. She was still very exhausted. but that didn't deter her. She got in between Freed and the two. About to summon her swords.
Filled with anger. Freed changes at her.
Only to be met by a blindly red light form a pentagram that was on the floor. Everyone couldn't help but cover their eyes.
"Ara, Ara~. What do we have here~?" A voice that annoyed Ai said.
"Oh, great." Ai dejectedly said.
"A-Akeno?!" Issei yelled. Looking confused.
And out of the bright light. Three people... or well. Devils appeared.
"Don't worry Ise, Ai, we're here to help," Yuuto said, sword in hand said.
"Save the day," Koneko stated.
"A bit late," Ai mentions. "Already beat him... Or well at least I thought I did..."
"Indeed. Sorry about that." Yuuto said, before turning towards free.
"Uggh retarded Devils! Get out of the way! I have a Bitch to kill!" Freed said. He was.. still clearly focus on Ai. But Yuuto clearly got in the way... and since Freed... wasn't in the best of shapes. So it was.. kinda of one-sided.
"Ai-chan~," Akeno said happily. Much to the dismay of Ai
"We are not friends! Stop calling me that!" she protested.
"You can't bring you back with us since your not a Devil," Akeno informed them. causing Ai to pause.
"...What?" she let out.
"So you should run ok?" Akeno suggested.
" . . . . " Ai just stared at her Akeno. Before looking at a scared Asia, then looks at Issei... who had a pleading face.
"P-Please take care of Asia!" Issei begged her.
She looked... conflicted. Was... was she going to say no before Issei asked?! Issei could help but get angry at the thought.
But then she nods at Issei.
"I'll keep her safe. Promise," she told her. Going on to Asia.
That Issei couldn't have been more overjoyed.
"Asia!" He yelled at her. "Ai-chan-"
"I swear to god. If you ever call me Ai-chan again Issei I will-"
"Ai-chan will take you somewhere safe ok?!" He told her.
"Uh... ok... right." she looks at Ai "I'll be in my care."
"... This is not over Issei." She coldly told him. Issei felt the coldest chill go down his spine.
But for now, she takes Asia, and they run out of the building.
None of the devils actually did or say anything involving Asia. They were probably going to let Rias do that instead.
"Hey! That Bitch needs to die! That dumb Red-eyed Archer!" Freed kept screaming as he desperately tried to get pass Yuuto. But couldn't.
Issei could only hope that they would find safety
Oh god! oh god! I can't stop thinking of the worst! I just couldn't! Not with what Rais said!
"Master. I'm sure your friend is just fine." Saber assured me. But I couldn't help it. I couldn't help but be worried!
"Calm down Isai-chan. Ai and Ise will be fine. Don't worry about them alright?" Rias told me, having her hand on my shoulders.
Oh right... right now. I guess you can say that Rais was holding me a bit. I was.. well very nervous and panicky.
She even patted my head a bit. And I couldn't help but relax a bit every time she did that.
... What? I like head pats! Father always have them to me when I was younger! They make me smile and feel warm and happy inside!
Speaking of head pats. Rias place her hand on my head and started to do just do... and... It feels nice! I mean. I'm not sure to say no to it. I don't mind.
It kinda feels like Father is patting my head really.
So I started to relax again, not doing anything to stop Rias.
"There there, Ai and Issei will be ok." She assured me again with that alluring voice of hers. "You've seen Yuuto, he's very strong."
Yea... Yuuto was strong. He can surely handle anything that comes his way.
"...Yea... Sorry... I'm just..." I tried to say.
"Scared? It's fine. I can understand. I'm just as worried about Issei as you are about Ai. Which is why I sent all three of them." Rias told me. Ok. I'm not fully sure if that true. But that's hardly the point. They'll be fine...
And then they teleport back via about pentagram they used before.
... But I only see Issei as a new attention.
". . . Where Ai-chan?" I said. Suddenly worried about my best friend.
"Oh. We could only take Devils. And Ai isn't a Devil." Akeno told her.
"...What?! W-What!? Why?! What happened to Ai-chan?! Is she safe?!" I suddenly constantly barrage them with different assortments of 'Is Ai-chan safe?!' but I couldn't help it! they left ai-chan! They left my best friend alone!
"Ara Ara, don't worry!" Akeno suddenly said. "We gave both Ai-chan and Asia time to run."
O-oh... ok... T-That's good! that means she has to had gotten away!
Wait. Did they say, Asia?!
"Asia?! She was there?! Why?!" I had to ask. Why Asia of all people?! shouldn't she be that that church?
".. I don't know why she was there. But if it weren't for her. Both me and Ai-chan would be dead!" Issei said. Ok.. well Thank god for that. But...
"Issei." I stared a bit blankly at him. "Ai-chan is going to kill you if you call her Ai-chan."
"I'll be fine," Issei said. Not knowing of the fate that awaits him.
I just sigh at him... Ok, so Ai-chan got away. With Asia no less. Not sure why she was there. But what matters was that they are safe.
Rias then narrows her eyes. at him. If I was Issei, I'd be pretty nervous. And From what I can tell, he was.
"Issei," She said. Catching the person's attention. "What did I say about not seeing her?"
"It's not my fault! She was just there for some reason!" Issei defended himself.
"She was?" Rias said. easing up a bit. "Why was she?"
"I don't know..." Issei admits. "B-but Ai-chan can confirm for me!"
Rias pondered what Issei then for a bit.
"... Very well.' she finally said. "Well need to ensure her safely anyways. But where would she go?"
"Oh, that's easy," I said. Catching their attention. "Knowing Ai-chan. She probably went home."
"That... seems a bit risky." Yuuto pointed out.
"Maybe," I admitted. "But honestly if I was in danger in any sort of way. The first place I would want to go is back home. I'm sure Ai thinks the same as well."
"Very well," Rias said. "We shall first head to Ai's place to confirm her safety. Then talk about the events that unfolded there."
Everyone agreed with Rias.
"I'll also get to make sure Asia is safe too!" Issei added. Yea, we have to do that too. Asia is my friend too!
"Do you know where that is Isai-chan?" she asked me.
"Well, Duh, I been to her place a couple of times already," I confirmed.
"So we're heading to Ai-chan's place huh? I wonder what's it like." Issei wondered out loud. Yup, he so going to die. Rest in peace Issei. A brutal death by Ai-chan awaits you.
"It's..." I was going to say... but then. I thought it'd be best to leave it as a surprise. "Well, you'll see."
We waited for everyone to get ready. and then set off towards Ai's home.
"Welcome to the Toritsukare residence!" I shouted happily.
It quite is an impressive place I must say. It's very big and fancy! Which is to be expected from Ai-chan! It has a traditional Japanese style to it. And I see that everyone else is shocked as well.
"This... is Ai-chan's place?" Issei said, in shock and awe "It's... It's really big!"
"Big is an understatement." Rias commented as she overlooked it, "You said she lived alone? How could someone stay is such a big place by themselves?"
"She has cats," I told her. "Three to be precise. Don't worry, they won't bother you if you don't bother them."
"Right..." Rias sweatdropped.
"Ara ara, it's very impressive," Akeno said. "I wonder what it looks like on the inside."
"It's very nice! She even has a garden in the back." I told them.
"She must be rich," Yuuto said. Yea. she kind of is. Make me wonder what her mother job is really.
"Well enough staring. Let's go in." I said, and without a thought, I opened the gate and head inside. Much to the surprise of everyone else. Probably due to the fact I didn't even knock on the gate or anything like that.
And I was soon greeted by Masa, she was rubbing on my leg and purring... Daww...! I couldn't help it, so I crouch down and pet her a bit.
"Hello, Masa~ If Ai-chan here today?" I asked. getting no answer. Which is what I would have expected.
But.. then Masa
noticed Everyone else coming in... She didn't hiss or anything, but she did look at him, only to walk away.
Seems that noticed the cat as well.
"Guess that was one of them huh," Issei said. I only nod.
"Well, I'm heading inside. Remember, make sure to take your shoes off before going in. Unless you want Ai-chan yelling at you. And make sure tell Ai-chan you're here before making yourself at home." I told him.
I did just that and head inside. Zooming straight to the main area.
"This place is rather big." Saber suddenly said. "Won't they get lost?"
"If they followed me they won't be," I told her.
I go into the main room to see Asia sitting crossed legged at the table. Nervously waiting. And I couldn't but smile.
"Asia!" I yelled. Startlingly the girl a bit before looking in my direction. I quickly run up to her and grasp her hand between mine.
"O-Oh. Isai! It's been a bit." she said, smiling lightly. Truly the smile of an angel.
"I missed you! How's your day been? Aside from the almost dying. and all that." I asked her quickly.
"Uhh... I'm been fin-"
"ASIA!" I heard Issei suddenly yell, from where I came from.
He came rushing in, his worried face becoming one of relief when he saw Asia safe and sound.
"I-Ise?" she asked. A bit shocked that he was here. But I could tell her mood became so much better when she notice it was Issei.
"Thank god you're safe! I was so worried about you!" He told her.
"I was worried about you too Issei..." She said, looking down and smiling a bit.
"So this is Asia huh?" I heard Rias say as she came into the room. "Sorry if I was late. This place is so big I got lost for a second."
One by one the others came here too. With Koneko coming in the room last, taking a bit longer to get here than the others... but the odd part was that she had Saki in her arms, and was even petting her.
It was strange. Saki hates being held by people. Why is she suddenly being friendly with someone she just met?
Of course, my thought process was cut short when I heard an extremely girlish, yet very pained cry, with the sound of something falling onto the floor afterward.
I look to see Issei, would who was on the ground, painfully clutching where her family jewels are. With a ball of yarn not too far away from him.
"I told you it wasn't over. Issei." Ai said. And she was standing at another doorway.
A/N: That's chapter 10 guys, hope it was good enough for you. The Freed vs Ai rematched! And Ai would have honestly lost if it wasn't for Asia and Issei being there. And we get to see some fancy stuff form archer! at the expend of Ai though.
However, as you can tell, with this chapter. Our focus is going back to Isai, Most likely for the rest of the arc too. She is the main character after all, Even if it doesn't seem like that right now. But don't worry, she'll get her time to shine sooner or later! Just need to wait untill we focus more of the Fate side of things.
Chapter 11 will be posted within 2 weeks. But again, if I finish it early I make sure to post it then!
See you all then!