"So, when were you going to tell me about that?"
"About what?"
"You, using someone from my household without my permission. In fact I asked you to keep Akeno and Issei out of it."
"Do you really think they feel the same way, Rias... You know their history with the fallen, what makes you think that they would not want to fight. And why are we not using our strongest pieces? You can't be babying people like them. When the Boosted Gear and Akeno's blood are revealed, what do you think is going to happen?"
"We will deal with it... Like we always do."
"Rias, I love you and Sirzechs, you two are family in every way except for blood. So believe me when I say, you have been unbelievably lucky. 'We will deal with it'... Like always?... Sister we can't win when they do come for those two. And we can't rely on our siblings forever. Our queens, your pawn, and my bishop Momo are going to be crucial to both of our peerages' survival."
(...)
Meanwhile Issei was walking through the hallway with Mei happily chatting, Issei's eyes had returned to normal much to the relief of the pair. From what Mei heard from Makoto, supernatural beings like them needed to stay hidden even from other beings. Shaking her head she asked Issei a question. "So the Student Council huh? How did that happen? I was surprised when Shitori-senpai announced that you were joining."
Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not really my decision... Shitori-senpai and Gremory-senpai have weird concepts for punishments."
"Wait, are you in trouble?" Mei asked in genuine concern. "You haven't done anything, is there anything I can do?" She asked, coming to a stop in front of him.
"No, no, no. I just know too much, and it's something that senpai doesn't want to be public knowledge."
Mei putting two and two together came to the conclusion that the members of the student council were all supernatural so she decided to drop the subject. Coming to the class she opened the door for Issei. "There you go, sir..." She said mischievously, but before he could decline Mei added one more thing. "Pervs first." earning a laugh, but what he retorted with made her face bright red.
Issei paused but quickly came up with an idea. He grabbed her hand bowing before kissing it. "Thank you, but someone of your beauty should be the first to enter."
"Take it somewhere else lover boy." Aika came up to them.
Issei raised a brow as Mei's face only grew redder. "I don't see how that's any of your business." He replied blankly.
"Hyoudou, I don't really care about the PDA dude, but..." She said, before bowing. "I needed to have an excuse to speak with you both before class started, I heard that you ran into some trouble earlier and I wanted to apologise for my part in it. He had asked me about Yamamoto and with the rumours about you Hyoudou I figured what's the harm. I didn't know Sanada-san would act as deprived as he had." Aika paused to gauge his and Mei's reactions, feigning an apologetic look and tone she continued. "If I knew, I wouldn't have told him anything, again... I am sorry." She finished. To her surprise Issei was the most receptive to her apology.
"Sano-san, um..." Issei got her attention. "I don't know what you told him, but as a mutual friend of his I want to say that it's not your fault. It was a decision he made, and no matter what your involvement was this was the outcome nine times out of ten... You have nothing to apologise for." Issei finished.
Mei on the other hand wasn't hearing it. Ever since she has entered the school her mood has only been going down hill, for once she felt that Issei wasn't just humouring her, she felt even though he had Himejima-senpai her feelings weren't being totally ignored by her new friend, but now that she had his attention and becoming closer to him, the whole world was working against her and now she had a target to direct her anger towards, so she did. To the surprise of everyone in the vicinity a loud smack sounded in the classroom. Mei had slapped Aika and all of the present members of the class looked in shock. They, especially Issei, had never seen her upset, let alone enough to actively hit someone, but here she was absolutely livid. Aika brought a hand to her cheek wincing in pain, when she did another one came this time on the opposite cheek. She looked Aika in the eye, a blank expression on her face with her speech coming out slow and deliberate. "I don't know you well Sano-san, but I have always been good at reading people. And when I look at you now it is safe to say I don't believe a word you said. Even though your apology was not sincere, I will accept it as is. Solely on the reason for Ise's forgiveness." She finished, grabbing Issei's hand Mei dragged him behind her making her way to both of their seats.
"Wow."
"Damn even I felt that."
"Did something happen between Sano-san and Yamamoto-san, maybe we should find out."
"I wouldn't push it, let's wait until things cool down."
"I bet it's because of that pervert, what is even a person like him doing in our class. Do you think he cheated." That comment earned a glare from Mei.
"What did I just say?"
Issei gave Aika a silent mouthed "Sorry" that was accepted by her. Aika rubbed her cheeks, annoyed. 'God, she hits hard, see I told you Albion hazard pay. Looks like Hyoudou saved my skin from anything worse.' the girl thought to herself, heading to her own assigned seat.
[I guess we should be glad Ddraig's host is the forgiving type.]
'He is not, as Hyoudou said himself... I am not to blame, Sanada is. I should probably check that he is still alive tomorrow.'
(...)
Elisabeth opened the door to Sirzerchs' home to greet the first of his guests. A young woman in a dark red evening dress, her jet black hair styled in twintails tied with similarly colored bows standing on the other side. Noticing Elisabeth as the person who opened with gave the maiden a smile. "Hello Liz, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be playing teacher in Japan?"
Her answer came in the form of a shrug as Elisabeth led the way through the mansion, her verbal response coming shortly after. "I have to keep Gray out of trouble." She said with a toothy grin, before making an inquiry of her own. "What about you? Zerchs' other guests are not due to arrive for several hours."
"He asked me to come early..." The woman paused, blushing looking away from Elisabeth. "He might have considered my proposal, and is ready to give me an answer. What do you think Liz? Are you ready to see me here a lot more often?"
Elisabeth looked at the woman as she replied. "I don't know Sera, I doubt that's why he called you here. The whole Rias situation has probably soured him on weddings, at least anytime soon." Elisabeth said absent-mindedly.
The woman Elisabeth was escorting mood shifted for a split second before returning. "Speaking of Rias, how is she doing?"
"She is doing alright all things considered, she has added a pawn... Her only pawn to her peerage." Elisabeth said, getting a confused look from the other woman. "Yeah, apparently one was not enough for his power."
"Are you saying this person is strong enough to eat up all eight pawns, interesting. Have you met him yet?"
"About that... " Elisabeth took an unreadable expression. "He is in the club I have been assigned to advise... And we had a sparring match... I don't know if it's a waste to empty all her pawns, but he is most definitely at our level in terms of power and he shows a high intelligence and he is still developing."
"So, a low-class devil with power that rivals two of the great kings, intelligent, and has room to grow... Looks like Rias made the right decision if you ask me." The woman said thinking to herself. Elisabeth rounded the corner as the two talked coming to the entrance of Sirzerchs' study. "So what do you think of him?... You must know him better than anyone I could ask."
Thinking the question over Elisabeth paused at the double doors of the study, a small smile creeped on her face. "He is hard working when motivated, and seems the type to only work so he can play harder, but I get there's something below the surface that he keep's hidden for such an open person."
"Uh-oh."
"What?"
"I know that look, last time I saw it I watched you chase after that British girl years back." The woman explained with a giggle.
"Please, Sera, I am old enough to be his mother... High school student remember."
"Like that's going to stop you Liz, now we have to find someone for Gray and maybe one day the four of us will be having playdates, or gushing over our children." The woman said fantasizing.
Looking the woman over, Elisabeth snorted before speaking again. "Good luck with that, I doubt Gray would like what you thought up in that thick skull of yours, and Zerchs hasn't agreed to marry you. So you should work on that first." She finished with a sly grin.
"Come on Liz, Where has the faith in me gone? I can be very persuasive when I want to be. It's just a matter of time."
"Riiiight." Elisabeth said unconvinced. Opening the doors she caught the scent of someone she never thought she would see today. Sitting at the opposite side of Sirzerchs was a blonde man in a three piece suit who appeared to be in his mid-twenties with a lean build with short blonde hair, bangs spiked. "Great, I should have gone to school after all." She whispered to no one in particular. Clearing her throat she got the attention of both men. "Lord Sirzerchs... Lord Phenex... Lady Serafall Beelzebub is here for her meeting with you Lord Sirzerchs." She moved an arm to present Serafall with a blank expression before bowing her head and trying to make a quick exit.
Sirzerchs looks at the apprehension on the two women's faces, and sees Elisabeth trying for a retreat. "Wait, Elisabeth, I need you here for my business with Lady Beelzebub. Mind staying for a bit."
"Of course." Elisabeth said staying by the door while Serafall made her way to where the two men were sitting.
"I apologise Riser, but I have to cut our meeting short." He said getting up as the two men shook hands.
"Not a problem Lord Lucifer, just remember..." Looking over to Elisabeth, a predatory expression on his face. "My sister is still on the table if you ever get bored of this one. She may not be as strong, but a high-class pawn is more up your speed. I consider the offer fair, we are soon to be brothers after all." Riser said, the total shift in room temperature was missed by him.
Being given not so subtle glares by the two ladies, Sirzerchs sighed to himself. Putting a hand on his shoulder, a small chuckle escapes. "You know any of the trades I have made and any of my pieces that left did so on their own volition." He threw a quick glance at Serafall. "In this situation that logic applies, I am respectfully declining your offer Riser. I have no interest in trading any of my pieces." Sirzerchs then patted his shoulder, a magic circle being created on Riser's back.
In response Riser smiled before turning to exit, passing by Serafall on the way. The magic circle flickered when they made eye contact and after a few seconds disappeared. "I hope whatever you have to discuss is more fruitful than my endeavors, Lady Beelzebub." Riser said, shooting Sirzerchs a look.
"Oh it will. I have an offer he can't refuse, at least he should not." Serafall cockily said.
"I thought the same, but it seems your former king is hard to please." He said turning to the other man. "And brother after I marry Rias... We have to do something about your asexual life style. You are a king now and you and your family have left the Mid-class behind. You should live like it." Riser said, giving Elisabeth another once over. He seemingly ignored or did not care for the red eyes of Elisabeth glaring a hole through him, giving him a wide berth as he passed by leaving.
Serafall took a seat next to Sirzerchs letting out a heavy breath. "So I assume you didn't call me to disguise your tracking spell."
Laughing Sirzerchs responded. "No, it is about my sister's newest member."
"Ah... The mystery pawn. What about him?"
(...)
Keisuke was playing the DBE MMO 'Parallel' something he picked up because of Issei and their shared interest in the manga, a couple hours into his gaming session he heard a knock on his door. He didn't have any visitors outside of Issei and Koneko. Neither of them should be here, he did not summon them or did they answer the summons when he tried. It was embarrassing to admit but he had tried several times in the past two days, speaking to those two had become a highlight. Not knowing who it was he decided to leave them to it hoping that they would leave. Knocking stopped like he'd hoped so he returned to customizing his build for solo play since he found interactions troublesome. When he did though he heard the door open and several voices, they seem to be two female voices admonishing a male one, if they were not using the male's name he would recognise him right away.
"You shouldn't break into other peoples homes like that, Hyoudou-san"
"She is right you know, Issei what if he wasn't home? We have to be respectful with our contracts' personal space."
A hearty laugh could be heard reverberating through the apartment. Keisuke logged off and moved towards the entrance, where Issei and the two girls' voices were coming from. The two girls had contrasting hair styles, the one nearest to Issei had long jet-black hair that came down to her waist and very attractive 'features' complimenting her purple eyes, she had a shopping bag matching Issei only with green onions sticking from it. The other one was a beautiful young girl with white hair down to the middle of her back and blue eyes. They were both in the same school uniform, and going by design they all appear to go to the same school, if the armbands shared between the three wasn't enough. Now deciding to rescue the poor boy from any further verbal lashing, Keisuke spoke up. "I should probably give you a key if this is going to be a pattern Issei." Keisuke said.
Turning to see Keisuke leaning on the wall overlooking the entrance, Issei looked pleadingly at him. "Kei, please do something. Please tell them it's okay, that I can come in without... Your permission." He paused, knowing how bad his last words sounded.
Keisuke laughed at Issei's implication. "Sorry Issei, but this is your hole you should dig your own self out of it." earning a giggle from the black haired teen. "What are you doing here?"
Rubbing the back of his head he chuckled. He had quite the story for Keisuke. "Well remember the night I came by..." Issei paused. "It appears I was followed and you might be in danger." Issei began. He quickly explained the past couple days to Keisuke, that he being a Gremory or Sitri contractor meant that he was a target for the fallen angels. The girls added with the tensions that the two factions shared, as well as what the sacred gear were and why Issei was followed. They ended with the introductions of the two girls, that being Himejima Akeno and Hanakai Momo.
Keisuke got the gist of the frankly overwhelming information that was thrown at him all at once, but for him to keep his part of the contract with Issei he needs to know this information sooner or later, better now then later. Having this information now meant that he would be better prepared when whatever Issei's plans are come to fruition. "So let me get this straight, you three are going to be my bodyguards while your leaders have a turf war with a bunch of fallen angels?"
"Basically." Issei answered. "If you have any questions you can ask these two." He then took the shopping bag the girl Akeno was carrying and headed towards the kitchen. "I told Akeno-chan and Hanakai-san about your eating habits and it was decided that you should have a proper meal while we are here. We are having Akeno-chan's fried rice." Issei sent him a side eye glance. "You better be grateful Kei." He added threateningly in a joking tone, before going out of sight Akeno following.
Seeing Momo moving around the apartment putting up talismans and drawing magic circles around he decided to ask her a question. "So what's up with them? I was under the impression that Issei was a loner." He enquired.
"You are asking the wrong person... As far as I know they could have been perfect strangers before today, from the way they act at school. I find it interesting that you didn't ask me about the protections that are being put around your home." Momo answered matter-of-factly.
Keisuke waited for the girl to finish before continuing, taking a great interest in what was being done. "It is not that I am not curious, I just want to know about the people who are now going to be fixtures in my life." He said then pointing to this arm that was mirrored with an armband on hers. "What about you? How do you fit in here?"
Noticing he was pointing out the arm with the student council armband she replied. "I... They are in the student council, same as me, as of today... Them not me. Like I said, as far as I know Himejima-senpai and Hyoudou-san might as well be strangers... Though it may not be my place to say, I would say Hyoudou-san has a bit of a reputation at school." Pausing to sit down in the living room. "Other than that we serve under close friends."
The man adopting a thinking pose thought over what she had to say. The feeling he got from Issei was that the boy felt alone, and had a lot on his mind. He couldn't help thinking of the time they met, the desperation in Issei's voice, maybe the reputation Momo speaks of had something to do with it, but what would Issei's relationship with Akeno mean in that scenario. Sighing he then turned his attention to Momo deciding to shelf the thoughts aside. "So what kind of magic were you using? And I assume that the talismans were for protection."
Studying Keisuke for a second, Momo was convicted of the innocence of his inquiry and decided to answer truthfully. "In a few words, I am putting up protection spells and wards. In a sense, think of it as a home security system."
Keisuke thought it over, this was another thing he should ask Issei the next time they were alone. He doubted that this girl would readily offer the information required, something told him she was guarded at best.
Meanwhile Akeno and Issei were in the kitchen preparing dinner for the four of them in a comfortable silence, barely speaking unless it was necessary. Plating the meal, Akeno finally spoke. "So childhood friends eh?" She said with a questioning brow.
"What?... I panicked. It was the only thing I can come up with on short notice, how was I suppose to know you were going to be there." Issei responded with a slightly hesitant tone.
"It's a cliché."
Issei got defensive, answering her, "hey it's a pretty good one."
"Whatever you say... " She put a hand in his hair ruffling it. "But there's a problem with that, Issei."
"And what would that be?"
Akeno took an apprehensive look, the girl looked down before speaking again. "Our histories are different here. We no longer know each other, as far as others are concerned we ar-"
Her eyes widened when a finger to her lips stopped here mid-sentence. Dropping it, Issei looked into her pools of deep purple, Akeno doing the same being amused at the change in natural eye color. The two stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Akeno was the first to act by capturing Issei's lips with hers. After a few moments Issei brought his arms around her, enveloping her as the sign of affection deepened. Separating the two shared another longing look before any words could come. Issei, now smiling, offered words of his own. "Does not matter."
"But."
"No buts, it doesn't matter if we knew each other for 3 weeks or 3 years, the Himejima Akeno that I have known for so long is right here in front of me, and no one can tell me any different." Issei said, putting his hands on her shoulders.
"You don't understand, Issei. In a lot of ways we are not the people anyone in this world knows. The Himejima Akeno and Hyoudou Issei they know now don't belong, which means we can't exactly ignore that. You have to have noticed it right... We did not go back in time and we don't know if the events of our memories are going to repeat themselves... It's all too much." Akeno started breaking down, her stare affixed to the floor.
Issei had a downcast expression when Akeno's thoughts started to pour out. The boy Had no clue on what to say. It had been obvious that she had been in this world longer than he, and the person in front of him had similar thoughts as him. The memories that weren't his, the people they were before coming to this world, and everything both versions of them that existed are; They have to continue on if not for themselves. He repeated something he had whispered to himself time and time again, catching the attention of the girl. "-ave to live on, if not for us, but for the people we were and the people we care about and care about us."
Hearing barely any of what he said under his breath as he brought her into an embrace, She leaned into him before requesting him to repeat what he just muttered. "What was that?" she questioned in a low voice.
With a slight rosy tint Issei cleared his throat in preparation to repeat the statement he made moments earlier. "We have to live on, if not for us, but the people we were and the people we care about and care about us..." He paused to gather his thoughts. "It is something I say sometimes to keep me grounded in the present. I guess before we found each other I was personally willing to go through life with the single minded focus of not letting history repeat itself... Like it was my sole duty to stop what happened to us from happening here... And what scared me most was if you were somehow different... No matter how hard I tried, we couldn't be like we are now..." The embrace of Issei with Akeno tightened with every passing moment. He did not want to let go of the only connection he had with his previous life.
Returning the embrace Akeno found her head coming to rest on Issei's shoulder with a content sigh. She had missed this feeling, something she wanted since seeing him again. "I... I felt the same way... I still do." She couldn't help but to take in his scent. "Some part of me is still not fully here. Like this is all some vivid dream that I haven't woken up from, that the person that is in my arms right now isn't you." She continued, a lump forming in her throat. "The idea scares me, it scares me like you wouldn't believe." Her own grip around him tightened, not wanting to speak anymore.
'Akeno.' The name came to Issei as she spoke, and when Akeno eventually stopped Issei decided it was probably best to change the subject and lighten up the atmosphere. One thing halted that idea, and that was how he would distract her when she was upset. He looked over at the egg fried rice in the four plates on the counter top. Slowly speaking he reminded Akeno of their dinner slowly cooling while they were in each other's company. "As much as I would dream to cut this short, we have responsibilities and hungry kids to take care of." He joked as both were letting go.
Blinking Akeno was caught off guard but quickly recovered. Giving Issei a sly grin she reciprocated. "As possibly the youngest person here says, but if I am the mother in this situation, I would not mind having a son like you." She remarked giggling, earning a blush from her companion. "Though I do admit you are right, you wouldn't mind helping, Issei."
The couple grabbed two plates each and moved to the living area where the others were. The four enjoyed their meal in relative peace. Issei and Keisuke spent most of the night discussing their shared hobby, while the other two looked on. Akeno feeling the divide suggest an activity that included all of them, that being card games which Momo agreed to after some prodding. After a few games of poker in which Akeno took the victory in most rounds, it was time for the three supernatural members to leave, it being a school night. Keisuke was at the front entrance seeing them off. "Well out of the two, I have to say this has to be my favorite case of breaking and entering."
Issei acting mock offended jabbed Keisuke with his finger. He then had a pout on his face before it changed into a large grin. "We wouldn't have to break in if you were less anti-social, and we can't necessarily guard a body that's not in meat shield distance."
"Wow, what are you? My parent?..." Keisuke took a moment to register what Issei just said. "Wait, who is the meat shield in that analogy?"
Reacting from a snort coming from the direction that the other two were, Issei had a smug expression on his face as he replied. "Who knows."
"Some bodyguard."
"Alright you two…" Akeno interjected, getting behind Issei gently pushing him through the door. She turned her attention to Keisuke. "If nothing changes we are going to return tomorrow, if you have any favorites you would like to eat, please let me know."
"You don't have to." Keisuke paused, but the look on her face made him reconsider. "Actually, if you don't mind, I would like it if you made curry rice." He requested to the delight of Akeno. "…Oh," he moved to a table near the entrance of his home. He then lifted the lamp sitting on it revealing a key underneath it, handing it to Akeno.
"What is this for?" Akeno asked, examining the key.
Keisuke motioned to the key then to the door as he spoke. "It's a spare, in case you come and I am not here or the door is locked. And you don't have to worry about ingredients. I will get whatever you need during the day, just tell Issei and I am sure we will be in touch."
Akeno smiled at him after he finished, something that made Keisuke blush. "Thank you, I appreciate the thought, and I will do so."
"Hey… What about me Kei, I was here first where's my house key. I thought I was your favorite." Issei exclaimed jokingly.
"Do you exactly need one, I was sure you could come and go as you wished." Keisuke retorted.
Putting on his best pout, Issei began walking away, only to utter one last thought. "It's the thought that counts Kei."
"Well goodbye to you too." Keisuke said to the back of Issei as he walked. "Thank you for the interesting visit, it's been a pleasure meeting you both." He said, seeing the two girls off. They both offered him a bow before joining Issei.
"Is it going to kill you not to act like a child Hyoudou-san?" Momo said, as she and Akeno stepped into pace with Issei.
The boy looked confused but adopted a blank expression. As the three exited the building Issei explained his behavior with Keisuke. "I don't know what you mean, it's been like this since we met." He paused, he then looked at her. "Hanakai-san… What do you think is the most important action in moments of crisis?" Not waiting for a response he continued. "I have always believed that acting as if the problem is well in hand is the best way to confirm that everything is going to be ok."
"So you are saying that you were acting the way you normally do with him as a way to not cause a panic?" Momo tried to confirm, getting a nod back in response.
"I agree that it was the right thing to do in this case." Akeno added. "Some people usually do not take high stress situations well. Plus we have to have confidence in our kings' judgment and our own abilities in front of others, if we are going to be effective at our duties… "
Akeno was cut off by Issei's cries of pain as he had moved Momo out of the way of an attacking assailant. She looked over to him terrified, he was doubled over with a broadsword sticking through the torso with the blade sticking out of his back.
'Looks like you got yourself in some trouble, but it's not the first and it will not be the last. You can still move, can you not?'
Glaring at their attacker, Issei put a hand out behind him, warning the two girls to stay away. Getting the message Akeno pulled Momo to her side and backed up from Issei and the attacker. He was a hooded man, his face covered by an white expressionless mask. He seemingly multiplied as eleven in black hoods and a similar mask appeared enclosing them in a circle cutting off all escape. 'This is just great, there is more. Though the odds are against us we can not die here, You can still fight can you not?'
The figure of the person to the left of the original spoke in a surprisingly feminine voice. "You daemons have nowhere to run, enemies of our lord and savior will soon all perish starting with you on this day. Surrender yourselves to his light and you will feel no pain in death." The hooded woman finished, producing a dagger from her sleeve. Only to be surprised as three of her companions were hit each with an arrow of light. The shock was felt with all of the remaining figures upon seeing Momo with a disintegrating bow, her features had changed, she had red hair with it's ends frosted black, her human ears were replaced with ones reminiscent that of a fox. The woman that threatened them had stepped back a few steps in fear. "I-I-I-It can't be. A daemon with the use of his divine light."
'Interesting, fanatics... It doesn't matter in the end, they are nothing. Stand, your power is greater than theirs.'
Akeno and Momo make a break for it in the opening made by her attack. The two standing next to the hooded figures that fell moved to intercept only to disappear in static. Reappearing moments later in a pool of blood, Issei coughing up his blood got the attention of the remaining seven, his eyes shone a pale blue, a magic circle in each. "Are those th-"
'You two haven't met, and yet, you would think of her.'
The man that stabbed him was cut off by a stray left hook from Issei. Issei was standing in the middle of the now semi-circle of enemies, the lower half of his left arm ablaze in a black flame. The Boosted Gear activated, swallowing the flame, appearing without it's signature cry of boost. To the surprise of all the gauntlet appears slimmer and skeletal in nature. He then brought the gauntlet covered hand to the sword stuck in his chest. The hooded figures watched in horror as the sword became ash on contact.
'Who's the idiot who would give these fools a holy sword, a faux Excalibur that is poisonous for devils at that, too bad for them we were the ones they ran into.'
Before anyone could react the man the sword belonged to dropped to his knees, a stump and fountain of blood where the head should be. Issei kicked the body over, his eyes glazed over. The remaining six surrounded Issei deeming him the greater threat. Issei had labored breaths as he lowered into a fighting stance. When Issei took a swing at the closest person, he found his punch was parried and standing in between him and his intended target still in her borrowed pajamas was Raynare.
Raynare had an irate expression. She closed the distance between them pulling Issei into her arms. "What have I said to you, Issei." She said under the same pale blue eyes. The group surrounding them backed off a few feet as Raynare brought up a hand to the exit wound. Issei winces in pain before going limp.
"I'm sorry, and thank you for coming, Yuu." Issei said in a layered voice prior to losing consciousness.
The currently disguised angel's anger only multiplied. Six black wings sprouted from her back as a green glow covered them both. Momo made a move to go after Issei, but Akeno stopped her with a hand. She looked at Akeno in confusion. Akeno however had crimson eyes, a scowl on her face, and her opposite hand balled into a fist her nails producing blood. "We should check if our charge is okay." She growled out through her very prominent fangs. Momo was about to question the decision but her worries were addressed. "Issei is going to be just fine, but we don't know if his contract, Mizuhara-san is. He is our priority right now."
"alright... " Apprehensive of the order, Momo followed it, moving back into the apartment building. Akeno gave a final look at Raynare and the unconscious Issei, the angel giving her a silent thank you as they disappeared into the building.
The remaining six hooded figures were staring at Raynare and Issei in disbelief. The wounds caused by the Excalibur were all but completely healed, Raynare was hovering off of the pavement to accommodate for the 10 cm height difference. That's when one of the hooded figures spoke. "Lady Raynelle we did-" The person was cut off by blood quickly flooding his mouth. He grabbed at his throat in fear dropping to the ground.
Carefully lying Issei on the ground, Raynare looked at the woman who was speaking to the devils with a sadistic smile. However before the woman could respond a spear of light was launched at her head, leaving nothing of it. When Raynare finally spoke again her tone was cold and uncaring. "You were warned." Pointing to the resting Issei, she continued. "I warned you against approaching this boy, he is under my protection..."
"But Lady Raynelle. We had no idea. Please forgive u-" Another member of the hooded figures dropped to the ground unmoving.
"Any of you want to lie to me too?" She questioned the last three. No one spoke. "Now bring me the one who whispered the sweet little lies that caused you to betray me by tomorrow night, or suffer for your foolishness.'' She finished, pale blue eyes burning holes in the figures. Satisfied she returned to Issei, caressing his cheek she awkwardly picked him up bridal style creating an artificial cocoon around the pair. "If you want to stay out of the church's eye I suggest cleaning up after yourselves." A final warning before she and the boy disappeared in static.
(...)
"Ara ara. Still asleep I see. It's morning you know, I wonder what it will take to wa-" The alarm's snooze button was now in its 10th day of abuse at the hands of one Hyoudou Issei. 'Fuck my everything hurts.' He thought to himself.
"You are too reckless," a feminine voice he recognized came from behind him, "thanks to Asia you were healed. I told you that I would not let you die." The voice said with clear concern. Issei then felt his body being turned around by the person. Lying in his bed was a naked Raynare in her Yuuma disguise. 'Why are you so willing to sacrifice everything for people who don't remember you, I do not get it' Raynare thought to herself. "What do you need? What can I offer you?... What of me would get you to consider your actions and well-being?" The next part came as a whisper. "Tell me." She pleaded.
"Raynare..."
"I can't stand it... This feeling." She cupped his cheeks. She felt the pain coming from him or was it herself. In the next moment their lips were locked together, but something was off. Issei did not return the kiss like before. Raynare's heart sank as her thoughts raced. 'No no no... You can't.' Raynare felt a hand brushing her cheek. Tears she did not know she was shading were wiped away. "Is it her." A small voice escaped.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't, don't..." Issei was blown from the bed, and in the next moment Raynare stood in front of him a pure white Katana in her hand centimeters from his throat. She saw his eyes widen. Raynare had her six wings unfurled and her two front facing horns in her disguised state. After seeing his face, the despair in it, her resolve went away, she dropped to her knees grabbing a pair off his discarded clothes before running out of the room.
"..."
Before he knew it he was chasing after her. "Yuuma wait." no answer came from the girl now in just his favorite hoodie. She rounded the corner and down the stairs with Issei right on her tail. They ran past a blonde girl sporting long twin tails that Issei did not recognize in Kuoh Academy's uniform. As they were in front of the front door, Raynare's katana reappeared before hers and Issei's eyes turned a pale blue when right before his eyes she disappeared in static. "Shit." Issei yelled to no one. 'Petra' Issei thought inwardly.
'Yes, master.' Issei heard a voice inside his head. 'Can you find Raynare for me and look after her for a while.' Thinking this, Petra appeared from his shadow in her lion form. 'And what of yourself, Issei-sama?' Issei paused for a minute before answering. 'Make sure she is okay, and after that come back to me with her preferably.'
'Understood.' Petra then moves towards the door phasing through it.
"Is there an issue? Issei-sama." The girl came from behind him, but when she finished a blade was at her chest. "Wait Issei-sama it's me. It's Mittelt."
Mittelt had a fearful expression, Issei seeing this dematerialized the sword, relaxing a bit. "What are you doing here? And why are you in a Kuoh uniform?"
"I am not positive that I can share that information with you Issei-sama." The fallen angel replied, but after seeing Issei's annoyed confusion she explained further. "Raynare-oneesama wanted it to be a surprise for you."
"Yeah, but aren't you showing up out of nowhere going to ruin part of the surprise, not to mention you are in my school's uniform and combined with the fact I am a fan of manga and Japanimation makes this situation easy to figure out. Don't you think?" Issei said smugly.
Mittelt looked puzzled at first, but as what he said sunk in her face morphed to one of fear. Dropping to a crouching position Mittelt let out an inaudible sound that resembled that of a scream. "I messed up, again. Raynare-oneesama instructed me to meet her here. I should've remained hidden..." She said in a low voice.
Noticing that the girl seemed to be genuinely upset, he crouched down beside her, putting a hand on her head. Causing Mittelt to look at him in confusion, Issei however continued what he was doing. "You did nothing wrong..." He began. "It's not that you outright told me, and Ray... Yuuma called you here right?" He got a nod in response. "So it's only natural I would find out, besides she will probably be more angry with me after this morning, rather than with you. So I wouldn't worry about it." Issei said, patting her hair.
While he was speaking she was silently listening, somehow the combination of his words and the head pat the feeling she was experiencing was one of relief. "I don't think Onee-sama can be angry with you, out of all of her obsessions over the years you have had the most hold on her. I have never seen her take to another like she has with you."
"Is that so? It makes what I did even worse." Still with a hand patting her head he continued. "Well, do you have any idea how I can make up with her?"
The Blonde shrunk a little before shaking her head. "Don't worry Issei-sama, I am sure Onee-sama will forgive whatever happened earlier." Mittelt said with a sad smile. Usually when Raynare is in a bad mood she takes out her frustrations in an either destructive or sexual manner. In this case Mittelt is hoping this was one of those times, to take most of the abuse in the boy's place. Her way to thank him for his kindness. While she admires Raynare, Issei's nature comes as a refreshing surprise for a being with the aura they share. "With enough time she will probably act as if nothing happened."
The fear was clear on her voice as well as the underline determination. Issei seeing decided not to intervene on what she had planned. Instead he made a silent vow to be there for her if she ever needs someone. The two of them stayed there for a while until Issei felt her relax a little, when she did he got up pulling her to her feet. "Why don't you go to the kitchen and wait as I get ready, so I can treat you to some breakfast, I hope you don't mind something western. My mother is half British so I have a bit of a craving..." Issei began up the stairs, stopping in his tracks halfway in realization of what she is. "You eat, right?"
Mittelt gave him a sharp nod. "Yes, I do eat, but... you don't have to worry about me, Issei-sama."
"Nonsense, you are a guest and my... Huh, what are we." Issei brought his hand up to his chin in thought. "Well whatever we are to each other, I'll be honoured if you had breakfast." he said smiling, taking the opportunity to run up the stairs to prepare for the day leaving a blushing Mittelt behind.
(...)
The class atmosphere was jovial as it was getting two transfer students today. Class discussions ranged from gender to personality, the consensus having them be attractive females due to one of the boys spotting an unfamiliar face earlier. Issei however had his face looking out of the window bored, his head resting on his hand. "What's the matter Ise? I thought you would be thrilled to have some fresh faces in class." Mei inquired. "Especially girls." she added.
Issei looked at Mei sitting next to him in disinterest. 'Some surprise this is, I would have figured it out before I even got to class.' He thought to himself. "It's not that I am not, it's an off day for me I guess."
Mei looked at him in genuine concern, there was something off about Issei all morning. He was usually up for mindless chatter with her and Makoto, but today he seemed out of it and distant. He got like that when he had something on his mind or when he was having a bad day, something she had noticed happened every so often even before they started getting closer over a week ago. Then it hit her. "Hey Ise, are you busy on Sunday?" A question asked complimented by her best smile.
"I shouldn't be why?"
"Me and Mako are going shopping, you should join us. It will be fun."
"I don't normally like shopping." He said thinking back to his, where he was a glorified pack mule for the girls in his life.
"Come on... " She began in a whiney voice, before coming up with an idea. "We are stopping at a lingerie store, and I will even convince Mako into you picking some underwear for each of us. What do you say, Ise?"
Issei looked at her blankly, not thinking about the offer. "I don't know, it's not like I am going to get to see you two wear anything like that."
Mei blushed, tapping her fingers on her desk. She went silent looking down for a moment in thought. As if to gather courage she slapped both sides of her face looking at Issei with determined eyes. "Fine... If it means you will come... I don't know if Mako will agree to it but... I will model whatever you pick for me." She froze after saying it, though the thought was embarrassing to her she meant every word.
Sighing Issei responded in a monotone voice. "You don't have to, you know. I was just... not thinking about what I was saying."
Mei clutched at her uniform skirt. She looked at him, not backing down. "No you were right, and that's why I offered. It's super embarrassing and I have never done anything like that before, but... But if it's for you then I don't mind..." She said shyly. 'I want to be there for you,' she finished the sentence in her head.
Issei had a solemn expression throughout her speech, deciding to agree to the day out, he rubbed the back off his head. "Really it's fine, we can hang out without me imposing on you guys. So when are we going to get together on Sunday and where?"
Mei's face lit up and had to restrain herself from tackling Issei with an embrace. Her and Makoto hadn't made definite plans yet but now that Issei was coming they had to come up with something. "I will mail you the details later. I am so glad that you decided to join us, Ise! We are going to have so much fun together."
Moments later the homeroom teacher came in with the two transfers. Issei recognized them instantly, right behind him was the disguised Raynare and Mittelt. The two came to a stop right before the podium. The class was buzzing in excitement, mostly the boys commenting on the girls' beauty. Raynare stood there uncaring, throwing Issei quick glances, he was staring out the window which irritated her. Mittelt however was uncomfortable in this situation, Issei's current state didn't help. The teacher cleared his throat, getting the class to quiet down. "Hello everyone, I would like to introduce you to the newest members of our class. Ladies, if you would like to introduce yourselves." The man said vacating the podium.
Mittelt was the first, she slowly walked up to the podium coming off as shy in her actions. "H-H-Hello I am... Uehara Kyou... And it's nice to meet you all. I hope we can all be friends." She finished.
"She's so cute!" Some of the class said in unison, then a group of cheers and applause began. To the surprise of both angels.
Up next was Raynare's turn, she had a different air about her that intrigued the class but no one spoke in order to listen to what she had to say. "I am Amano Yuuma, and I am only here to continue my education and be with a specific person." Raynare paused, throwing a quick glance at Issei who was currently looking at her with a blank expression. "I don't care either way... But I guess if you care to I wouldn't mind becoming friends." She finished with a hint of irritation at Issei's lack of a reaction.
"Oooo a cool beauty! The oversized pullover and boys blazer is working for her." one of the girls spoke up.
"And a tsun at that."
"Did she say she transferred here for someone I wonder who it is."
"it's got to be Kiba-san, right?"
"Well whoever it is, it looks like I don't have a chance."
The last comment earned a dangerous glint and a smile from Raynare that both Issei and Mittelt found terrifying. The teacher replaced Raynare at the podium instructing the girls to find any empty seats. Mittelt did so, coming to an empty desk two behind Makoto and across the room from Issei. Though there was an empty desk in front of Issei, Raynare paused her movements right at the desk beside him which was currently occupied by a confused Mei. Leaning forward, Raynare gave her friendliest smile. "Do you mind moving? I would like to sit here."
Mei stared at Raynare for a brief moment, before uttering something in shock. "W-W-What was that?" Raynare repeats the request again, getting Mei to point out the two extra desks one of which was in front of Issei.
"I just said I transferred here to be with someone and that person is..." She said pointing at Issei. "Issei my boyfriend. So if you don't mind." She said looking at him lovingly. Issei narrowed his eyes at her when she blew a kiss at him. "If you don't believe me..." She pulled out a cell phone, pulling up the selfie she took of her sitting on Issei's lap, him in just a t-shirt and boxers giving him a kiss on the cheek. Mei's eyes widened after seeing the picture.
Dumbfound the entire class except Issei and Mittelt let out a unanimous "EEEHHHH?". Then there was dead silence.
A/N: Edit - Typo and grammatical errors: 2022-01-10