Alright, next one coming at ya guys. As I said, this chapter is a bit more of a character focused one rather than action or dark shit. Most of it will mainly focus around the Devils, Asia, and Issei. And even a couple returning characters. *wink, wink*. You won't be disappointed. Also, this chapter may feel a bit more "lighthearted" when compared to others, but that's really just cuz of how fucked up the story is, lol. Plus, Asia is a ball of sunshine so there's that.
SCENE
….
Darkness. Darkness, again. That was all Issei could see.
….
—Up until the moment that he was suddenly bombarded with the traumatic montage that was his full existence.
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!
"AAAAAAAAAAH!"
Issei upper body shot up, and his throat released a terrified howl.
"Haaah! Hah!..."
While heaving his chest, and being drenched in sweat, it took him a short moment to realize that he was in his room.
"...Haaah…"
And of course, he let out a heavy sigh. As per usual.
The only difference was the thumping he heard following shortly after his scream.
Dakun!
His door flew open, revealing another new resident of his household. It was his beloved friend, Asia Argento.
"Ise-san! What's wrong?! Are you okay?!"
Asia entered with a deeply concerned expression on her face. Issei only responded while wiping away the sweat on his head.
"Ah, it's nothing, Asia.. Just another dream, like usual. I'm okay."
Asia was relieved to hear it, but also a bit worried. She gained a more sympathetic expression.
"...Ise-san has a lot of nightmares… Is there something you're worried about lately?"
Issei leaned against his knees and looked down to the cross hanging around his neck with a sullen expression.
"...No. It's all in the past already…"
Though it had only been little over a week since Asia began living with Issei, she came to understand one thing. Issei is not always the most expressive person, but when he is, it's only about something that really matters to him. At times like these, his right eye usually closes, and he becomes silent— but his face will very clearly express his feelings for him. At these times, his expression becomes very descriptive towards his inner emotions. It almost seems like it's a habit of his. Perhaps an unconscious one.
Regardless, Asia came to realize that, with everything that may have possibly happened in his life, things that she does not know, there might be parts of Issei she may never come to understand.
That aside…
"...Hawaa!"
Asia covered her eyes in a sudden embarrassment, even though she was still peeking through her fingers.
"I-I-Ise-san! P-Please cover yourself!"
"Hm?"
Issei raised a brow at Asia's randomly bashful attitude. He then realized that he was shirtless, as he usually slept without a top.
"Ah, my bad."
Part 1
Hyoudou Issei, 16 years old, soon to be 17 in a few months, during summer. Asia Argento, 16 years old. One week and two days since the 'Raynare incident'. One week and two days since Asia began living with Issei.
The two teenagers were blissfully making their way to school, casually making conversation along the way. Yes, even Issei himself had a slight smile on his face, shocking many of the few students that they happened to pass along the road.
"Ise-san, we're going to do softball today in Physical Ed! It's my first time, so I'm excited!"
"Is that so?"
Issei smiled slightly at Asia's enthusiasm over such trivial things. Though, he couldn't help but notice the few students around that stared at them in disbelief, as usual.
"...No way… Isn't that the new girl, Asia-chan, walking with the new guy, Hyoudou-kun?"
"But, isn't he, like, a delinquent or something? They say he's a really scary guy, right?"
"Nah, he just looks that way. He's actually a nice guy if you talk to him."
"Really? Then go talk to them."
"No way, you do it."
From what Issei heard, it seems like his reputation is indeed going through some sort of shift ever since he spoke with Aika Kiryuu. Honestly, what sort of rumors has that girl been spreading about him? What is she saying that has students suddenly thinking he's now "approachable"?
'...Well, not that I would tell them to "fuck off" or anything…'
Issei's eye then twitched a little bit when an imaginary voice that resembled Kiryuu's sounded off in his head with a smug tone.
《"Kukuku, that exact thought you just had is what allows me to go tell people you're approachable, Ise-kun."》
"Tch! Shut up..!"
Issei just waved away the imaginary visage of the smug bespectacled girl with an annoyed face.
"Hm? Is something wrong, Ise-san?"
Asia asked with a cute tilt of her head, but Issei just shook it off.
"Huh? Ah, no, it's nothing. More importantly, Asia. How is school? Have you been enjoying it? Has everyone been nice to you so far?"
Issei asked with a certain curiosity in his tone. Though he didn't know it himself, he was most concerned with his last question to her. Asia however, answered with a happy smile.
"Yes, I love it! Everyone has been very nice to me! I have made lots of friends as well! They invited me to go shopping with them next time!"
Issei could only imagine the unfortunate life Asia has led on to this point, and he rubbed her head softly.
"I'm glad to hear it. Your life will be happy from now on. I promise you, Asia."
"Teehee! Thank you, Ise-san!"
In the middle of Issei and Asia's wholesome moment, they ended up encountering some guests that Issei would describe as "unsavory".
" "Good morning, Asia-chan!" "
"Ah, good morning, Matsuda-san, Motohama-san!"
Immediately upon greeting Asia, the academy's two most notorious perverts, Matsuda and Motohama, randomly brought Issei into a huddle and began whispering to him.
"Um, ey, Matsuda, Motohama. There somethin' yuh need from me?"
Issei asked them with disinterest, but the two perverts only questioned Issei with an overwhelming passion.
"Oy, oy, oy, Hyoudou, man! We've been hearing rumors that you and Asia-chan walk to and from school together daily! Is this true?!"
"Hm? Yeah, it is. Why?"
"Just like we thought! Does that mean it's true then?!"
"What's true?"
"The rumor that you're dating Asia-chan! Is it true?! Is she your girl?!"
"Oh."
Issei peered over his shoulder, back to Asia, who had a confused expression. For some reason, he scoffed, as if disappointed with himself for hesitating to answer.
"...Hmph. Nah, that ain't it. It's not like that. But you could still call her "my girl", I guess. After all, if anyone touches her, I'll kill 'em…."
Issei finished that last part with an exceedingly dark tone that easily freaked Matsuda and Motohama out. Having said that, Issei stood up from the huddle and considered the conversation done, for the most part.
"Anyway, Asia and I walk to and from school together every day, that much is true. Since we live together and all."
It was at that point, Matsuda and Motohama's interests were truly sparked.
[—?!]
"W-WAIT! Y-You..! D-Did….. Did you just say what I think you said?!"
"Hm? What? Asia and I live together?"
Once again, they were sent into shock.
" "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" "
The two perverts suddenly appeared in front of Asia's face and exclaimed.
"Asia-chan! Don't tell us..! Is..! Is this true?! That you two— l-l-l-live togetheeeeeeer?!"
They asked her with shaking bodies and pale faces, hoping that it wasn't the truth, but Asia just smiled happily.
"Yes, that's right. Ise-san and I are living together under the same roof."
[—?!]
"T-Then, Asia-chan comes to wake him up in the morning?!"
While the perverted duo was imagining bizarre scenarios, Asia simply answered their questions with a smile.
"Well, Ise-san is a very earnest man, so he is usually awake at the right times. But, I do think he is a sleepy head, since he always sleeps whenever he wants to relax, ufufu."
Asia said it with a cute giggle, to which Matsuda only sat in a corner away from them in response. This left Motohama to question Asia on his own.
"..D-Do you serve him rice too?!"
"Well, Ise-san is usually the one cooking…"
"But Asia's rice is good. I think you are gonna be a good cook, as long as I teach you. In fact, Asia has many "spouse-like" qualities about her. I'm sure she'll make a great wife."
"I-Ise-san, it's embarrassing, teehehe!"
To Asia's adorably shy reaction, Motohama was sent to the corner with his friend in a dejected manner. Both of the perverts sat together with a depressed cloud over their heads.
"...Hey, remember when we tried to recruit this guy? It looks like we were the stupid ones…"
"...Yeah, this guy has far surpassed us…."
Issei was left scratching his head at the two boys odd shift in attitudes. He attempted to remedy their sadness, but before he could even say anything, they jumped up and stood against Issei with rage.
"Curse you, Hyoudou! You non-virgin bastard! This makes you our enemy! From now on, we're no longer comrades, so you better watch out!"
"Yeah, watch your back, delinquent bastard! From now on, we're enemies!"
Declaring that, the two perverts bolted off with a fiery passion, leaving just Asia and Issei behind.
"Non-virgin?"
Asia tilted her head at the conjoined word, wondering if it was some new age term, and also not recognizing the Japanese pronunciation of the word "virgin". Issei hesitated in explaining it to her, but decided it was better for her to know than not.
"[Non-virgin]. As in, someone who has already had sex, made love with someone, and lost their virginity or 'purity'."
Asia made a shocked expression and covered her mouth.
"W-What?! Ise-san has..!?"
"Huh? Ah, no. I'm still a virgin."
'..Though I was close to losing it one time….'
Asia seemed to settle down after Issei's denial.
"Eh? Oh… Is that so?..."
"Ahaha, you're adorable, Asia."
"I-Ise-san! D-Don't say such embarrassing things! Other students are close by!"
Finishing up that conversation, the two continued walking to school, earning more and more gazes along the way from curious students. Upon reaching the academy, Asia mentioned a more "unappealing" topic.
"By the way, Ise-san. Yesterday, I was approached by Miss Gremory-san, during class break."
The moment Issei heard that, his eyes switched down to Asia in an intimidating manner.
"—What did she say to you? Did she bother you?"
"N-No, no! She was very kind! It was no problem!"
Asia waved her hands frantically, hoping that Issei wouldn't think of doing anything drastic. After a few seconds, the darkness in his expression lessened, but didn't fully disappear. He asked while walking.
"...So, what did she say?"
"S-She invited me to visit their clubroom, I think…"
"She did what?"
Issei's face contorted in pure confusion. Asia's posture became a bit stiff with his expression.
"W-Well, she asked me if I would like to join their club… She said that I was free to visit them tomorrow and so on…"
"..Join her club?"
"Y-Yes…"
"...And, what did you say?"
"I-I didn't agree….because I know Ise-san wouldn't want me to, so…"
"That is…."
Though Issei wanted to say that it was the "right decision" to make, somehow, he couldn't help but feel a bit irked by limiting Asia's actions. If there's anything he doesn't want to do, it's restrict her. He wants her to live a happy and free life, not any life that could possibly resemble the church.
True, he may not want her to be closely associated with the Devils, but….
'...if it's for Asia's sake, then….'
"...Asia. What do you want to do?"
"What do you mean, Ise-san?"
"...Do you want to be around those Devils?"
"Eh?"
Asia looked a bit confused for moment, right before denying Issei's question vehemently.
"N-No, that's..! Well…. They…. They were kind to me before when they took me to Ise-san's home…. And, they were kind to me when we spoke yesterday, so I just….."
"You just what?"
"...I just wanted to make as many friends as possible…. But, if Ise-san thinks I shouldn't, then….. Nevermind, if Ise-san says not to, then I won't. It's okay."
Issei's eye twitched at Asia's dejected demeanor. He felt guilty, to limit her so. He doesn't want to be the one to hold her back from being happy. Not like 'they' did.
'...Friends…..'
Issei cursed himself while releasing a deep, defeated sigh.
"...Haaah….. Do what you want, Asia."
"Eh?... Ah, n-no, it's fine, Ise-san…. I don't need to do anything you don't want me to—"
"—Asia. If you want to go to that place and...make friends, then… I have no right to stop you….. But…."
Issei turned his head away with a scowl.
"...If you're really going to that place….. Then, I'll have no choice but to accompany you."
'I won't leave her alone with supernatural beings, let alone Devils….'
"Eh, but, Ise-san shouldn't be doing things he doesn't want to just because of me…."
Issei gently patted Asia's head in response to her regretful expression.
"Asia, I would do it for you. Because if it's for Asia, I'll do anything. You deserve to be happy, even if it my suffering."
"...B-But, I don't want Ise-san to suffer…"
"I know. I won't. But this is just what I'm telling you. If it's for Asia, I will do it, even if it's painful for me. Because that's how far I'm willing to go for you."
"Ise-san…."
Issei rubbed Asia's head gently with a smile, and Asia smiled back up at him with an almost enamoured gaze. To the outside world and the students inhabiting it, the two were being surrounded by an aura of enchantment. To just anyone observing, it would clearly seem like they were a couple.
—Then, to interrupt the tender moment, an ominous figure appeared from behind Issei's back.
"Ohohoho, is this a lovey-dovey atmosphere I smell?"
"Ah, could you be… Aika Kiryuu-san?"
"Ah, so you recognize me! That's right, Asia-chan! I am the famed Aika Kiryuu, from the same class as you! And I have come to finally make acquaintance with yo—"
"—Asia, don't associate with this person."
"Eh?! Denied already?!"
Part 2
It was late afternoon, the school day was over for most students, including Issei and Asia. Said teenagers were making their way home after finishing their school day, like usual.
But while they were walking, Issei was halted in his step by a certain sensation from off in the distance.
"Ise-san? What's wrong?"
Asia became confused at Issei's sudden halt, but felt unsettled when looking back at his dark expression.
"—Asia. Stay close to me."
"E-Eh? O-Okay... Where are we going?"
—The place that they went to - were the ruins of the abandoned church.
Issei and Asia arrived at the ruins of what was left of the abandoned church, practically that which was nothing but a wasteland, but being covered by a concealment spell, making it appear as if the church was still there.
Issei easily dispelled the concealment with the wave of his arm, exposing the real-time wasteland that was hidden behind it. The moment he did, both of the teenagers caught a glimpse of a figure, sitting further into the ruins.
A person. Someone sitting on their knees, with a disheveled appearance, and sloppily applied bandages covering their back. A person with the appearance of a young, but mature woman.
Sitting on the floor, with her knees to her chest, practically curled up like an abandoned child.
The black haired Fallen-Angel, Raynare.
"...No, Azazel-sama…. I swear that I tried…. I know, I'm good for nothing….. Yes, I know…. I should just die…."
And from behind Raynare, a tall, ever-imposing figure towered over her.
"—Would you like me to oblige you on that?"
[—?!]
Raynare's head snapped back to face the dark visage that she has come to dread and dream about. The very same image of a monstrous, "humanoid" form. Issei Hyoudou, her greatest personal demon.
"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Raynare frantically crawled away from Issei in fear. Curling up into the corner of a remaining structure with her hands tightly gripping the sides of her head.
"N-NO, NO! YOU'RE NOT REAL! GO AWAY! PLEASE!"
Raynare yelled at Issei's figure while cowering in fear and shaking profusely, assuming that he was nothing but another hallucination. She would soon come to know that she was wrong.
"Not real? Looks like she's still dreaming. Let me wake you up for a bit then."
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHMMMMMMM!
Upon feeling the full release of Issei's overbearing aura, coating the entire ruined area red, Raynare became very aware that this was no mere illusion. This was, undoubtedly, reality.
"Are you awake now, pigeon-shit?"
[—?!]
"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Raynare shrieked in unbridled terror, once again coming face-to-face with the monster of her nightmares. This time, in reality.
"—I remember vaguely telling you and your comrades to disappear from this place the last time we met….. Was I misheard?"
"I'M SORRY! P-PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I WAS PLANNING TO LEAVE, I SWEAR! B-BUT WITHOUT MY WINGS, IT WAS DIFFICULT— A-AND, AND, MY COMRADES ABANDONED ME HERE! I-I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH TO TELEPORT MYSELF BACK! I WAS JUST REGAINING MY STRENGTH, HONESTLY! I SWEAR, I WOULD'VE GONE—"
"—My ears grow tired of hearing the same things, you know? I was sure that I had told you what to do many times before. But clearly, it seems like you can't take instructions correctly. Your superiors must have been constantly disappointed with you. But I will do them, and you, a favor— and rid us all of you."
"...?! N-NO, PLEASE!"
And just like always, the scenario ended up playing out the same exact way as before. Raynare immediately began groveling before Issei's feet.
"P-PLEASE! I'LL DO ANYTHING! ANYTHING YOU WANT! JUST PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! WHAT DO YOU WANT? DO YOU WANT MY BODY? D-DO YOU WANT MY EYES? YOU CAN HAVE THEM! MY LEGS? YOU CAN TAKE THOSE! JUST PLEASE, LET ME LIVE!"
Raynare was consumed by such fear that it seemed like she was being pushed to the brink of madness, with even a twisted smile being present on her face. Declaring all of that she was willing to give up for her survival.
Issei, however, was not compelled.
"I don't have any interest in your offers. But if you must know what I want, then that would be— your head."
[!?—?!]
And with that, the massive, black claw of the beast from her nightmares hovered over her once again, ready to snatch her life from her, without so much as a breath of hesitation. Blacking out the sun and covering her world in darkness, her existence was easily snuffed out in the crushing palm of titan.
This time, in reality.
"N-No, wait!"
—The darkness halted, stopping just short of reaching the trembling Fallen-Angel. The one who had stood between the beast and the vixen, was the holy image of a pure Angel.
"...Asia?"
Issei let out a sound of confusion, not understanding why Asia was standing in between him and Raynare's groveling form. Asia held her arms out in front of the Fallen-Angel, as if protecting her from danger.
"Y-You can't, Ise-san! This is wrong! You cannot kill her!"
Issei was truly shocked. To see Asia defending the very person who planned to kill her only a week ago, it sent a shock to his core.
"...B-But, Asia! This damn wench..! She..! Just a week ago, she was planning to kill you! She was going to rip your Sacred Gear out of you and kill you! She was gonna take your precious item and use it for herself! Don't you understand, she's scum! She deserves to die for what she's done!"
To Issei's shocked rebuttal, Asia just shook her head to the sides.
"Even so! She has already been punished enough, hasn't she? She doesn't need to be killed! Even if she is a Fallen-Angel, I don't think it is right to kill her like this! Even Fallen-Angels, a-and Devils, they also deserve to live!"
Raynare, realizing that there was a possible light at the end of tunnel, pathetically clung onto Asia's legs from behind her.
"Asia! Y-You're such a good girl, Asia! I'm so sorry for everything I've done! I regret it all, really! So p-please, don't let him kill me!"
Asia turned back to Raynare with a sympathetic expression and knelt down beside her.
"...You have really been reduced to a pitiable state, haven't you, Raynare-san….. But, even so….."
Asia looked back up to Issei with sad expression that caused him to feel a tightness in his chest.
"...Isn't this just too cruel, Ise-san?"
Issei's eye received a violent twitch when his mind was subjected to reliving a certain memory.
("...Subjecting all of those brainwashed victims of Genesis to such trauma, and then killing them mercilessly, without the chance to recover….. Isn't that just too cruel, Écaille?..")
("Hmph. Too cruel? If you're talkin' about cruelty, then why would you wanna let them live like that? Wouldn't you wanna just put 'em out of their misery, instead of forcing 'em to live with the horrible things they've done? What would you know about living with something terrible you've done? I know it well. And I don't plan to let them suffer like that. To me, you're the one who's too cruel.")
("...Even they deserve a chance at life…. Who are you to decide?")
("Who do you think is the one who decides then?")
("The Lord is…")
("God? Hmph... It's clear, isn't it? He's already decided….")
Issei's shaking hand clutched onto his face as he struggled with his inner turmoil.
"...But..! Isn't it even more cruel to let her live like this..!"
Issei whispered that only to himself, not having the courage to say it to Asia directly, in fear of possibly repeating history in some indirect way. While Issei was struggling with himself, Asia turned her attention back to Raynare. She quickly took notice of Raynare's scorched backside.
"...This is… These wounds, even though they've been burned, they somehow haven't healed yet…. And it's still warm here…. Let me see.."
"N-No, please!"
Raynare flinched at Asia's gentle touch, but Asia reassured her with a kind smile.
"It's okay. It won't hurt."
After calmly reassuring her, Asia raised her hands up to Raynare's abhorrent wounds and began healing them.
"There. See? It doesn't hurt, right?"
"N-No…"
"You're shaking like a scared kitten… Where have you been staying all this time?"
"I-I have been here…"
"Here? Do you mean… You have been staying at these ruins?"
"I-I have nowhere else to go…. I n-no longer have a home to return to…. After what I did, t-they would surely banish me….. I, I don't have anywhere else…."
Asia's expression became even sadder after hearing that.
"...Is that so…. So you don't have anything then…."
After only a few minutes, Asia was done healing Raynare, and Issei had calmed down enough to speak again.
"...Alright… I understand…. If it's for Asia, then…."
Issei took in a good breath and partially regained his calm and collected demeanor. He pointed his finger towards Raynare.
"Alright then…. You, get the hell out of here. This'll be the absolute LAST time I'm telling you this. Next time, Asia WILL not save you. Get, the hell, out of my home. Do you understand?"
Raynare turned her head down to the floor with an expression of pure despair, as if still facing the inevitability of death. To her, it was essentially a death sentence. A stray Fallen-Angel with no allegiance or comrades, she would certainly be killed by whatever had enough power to do so. Stay, or leave, she was still going to end up dead at some point.
Nevertheless, she had no choice but to agree.
"...Yes….."
Only answering with such a weak voice and posture, Asia could not help but pity Raynare. She saw too much of herself in her. A lost girl with no one or nothing to turn to. But unlike her, she doesn't even have God.
….Or perhaps, they might have been similar in that way...?
….
….
Upon reaching that conclusion, Asia made her decision. She stood up from beside Raynare slowly.
"...Ise-san…. This person has nowhere to go…"
"Hm? Ah, so what? That's not our problem. She can go die off somewhere else for all I care. Asia asked that I spare her, so I will. It's not my problem if somebody else along the way kills her. Or even if she just starves. I've done what's been asked of me."
Issei said it in a nonchalant manner, with not a shred of sympathy in his voice.
But Asia responded to him in a small voice, whilst seemingly refusing to maintain eye contact with him, and holding a nervous posture.
"...When I had nowhere else….Ise-san gave me a home….."
"..."
It went quiet for a moment before Issei's began to fully process what had been said.
"...Heh?"
"...This person was abandoned, just like me…. I also once had no place to belong…."
"...No…. No!"
"...Me and this person… We are the same—"
"NO!"
At that point, Issei's demeanor snapped and he began to shout.
"No! Asia is..! Asia is a kind girl who has never done anything wrong! This bitch..! She's just a good for nothing failure who has hurt and killed many people! Asia and this person are in now way comparable! She is scum! She deserves to die!"
"...Ise-san once told me that he had hurt many people…. I wasn't sure if that was true, but if that is the case, then would that mean that Ise-san is the same?.."
Issei twitched, but agreed nonetheless.
"Yeah, that's right! I'm also a good for nothing scumbag who deserves death! But I still have a promise to protect and make Asia happy! —But this bitch..! She's good for nothing! Nothing at all! She has no worth to anyone or anything the way that she is!"
"...I also had no worth at one time…."
Issei's voice caught in his throat and his face contorted in a torturous inner confliction. His mouth and eye twitched violently, in self frustration and pain. He was hesitant to respond too literally by saying that Asia has a valuable healing power, because to imply that her worth stems from her ability was something that he refused to do. The entire argument was only bringing him pain.
But still, he continued.
"No! That's wrong! That was just the fault of everyone around you! It was just that those bastards failed to recognize Asia's worth as a human being! It's their fault, not yours! That's why Asia has me, and many more friends now! So, it's not comparable! Because this person has no worth anywhere, at any point in time! She only does bad and isn't good for anything! She is worthless from any point of view!"
"...Who is it that gets to decide such things?... God?..."
"God decided her worth when he cast her out from the heavens!"
—All it took was one final soft look in Asia's eyes for Issei to finally break, and with her words dealing the final blow.
"...Then, did God also decide my worth when I was left behind?"
[!?—?!]
—Issei felt an all-encompassing shock to his being upon hearing those words. His expression of confliction gradually began to shift further and further into one of pain. His eye continued to twitch violently, to the point that it almost felt painful, and his teeth ground up against each other harshly.
This time, he could not find the right words to respond.
"...N-No…. Asia is…. She is my friend…. It's not the same…."
"...[For when I was hungry, you gave me food]..."
"—NO! Don't say it! Don't say those words!"
Issei's hands tightly gripped his head, as he struggled to shut out the memory of those words being spoken to him before, and the sound they made in his current reality.
"...[I was thirsty, and you gave me drink]..."
"NO! Stop! Enough!"
("Écaille…. Please….")
"...[I was a stranger, and you made me feel welcome]…."
("Please...")
"NO! NO! NO!"
("...Stop trying not to feel….")
—No longer being able to contain his emotions, Issei's lungs released a howl into the sky, and a burst of energy from his body that broke the ground beneath him.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
BOOOOOOM!
The area was briefly blanketed in a cloud of dust before clearing, disappearing as quickly as it came.
And Issei was left on his knees, with his fists nailed into to the ground.
"...Kuh!.. Krr..!"
Issei's jaws continued to grind against each other as he fought against the tears building up in his eyes.
—What he should do, he already knew. It was the same as with Marie. He has thought of it many, many times before.
What would he do for her, if he had her back with him again? He would do anything. If only he could have her back, he would do anything for her. He would never say no to her again. He would never deny a single request from her again, no matter what it was. He would do whatever she says, no matter how unpleasant or painful it was to him. He just wants her back.
And there is no end to the amount of regret he has for not cherishing his time with her, and for ever having told her "no" just for some insubstantial reason.
He would do anything to have her back. And once he got her back, he would do anything and everything for her.
Because if it was for her sake, then….
….
….
….
….
"...GRR!"
Letting out a short but powerful growl, Issei shot his almost teary glare towards Raynare. Raynare flinched harshly under his gaze. But before any further reaction could be had, she was suddenly lifted up into the air by a tight grip on her throat.
—With an grip as firm as steel, Issei held Raynare's body up like a rag doll, and burned his glare into her skull. And with a booming voice that echoed throughout the woods, he commanded.
"—YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN MAKE ANOTHER SINGLE MOVE IN YOUR LIFE THAT IS NOT DICTATED BY MY WILL! NOT SO MUCH AS BREATHE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! NOT A BLINK WITHOUT MY APPROVAL! NOT A WORD WITHOUT MY CONFIRMATION! NOT A SOUND WITHOUT MY CONSENT! NOTHING! EVERYTHING YOU DO AND WILL DO, IT WILL ALL BE DECIDED BY ME! IF I TELL YOU TO DIE, YOU WILL DIE WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! —FROM THIS MOMENT ON, YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON ASIA'S HAPPINESS! IF YOU DO ANYTHING TO OBSTRUCT THAT, YOU DIE! IF YOU EVER MAKE HER FEEL UNHAPPY OR UNAPPRECIATED, YOU DIE! IF YOU EVER HURT HER, YOU DIE! IF YOU EVER TOUCH HER, YOU DIE! IF YOU SO MUCH AS MAKE HER UNEASY WITH YOUR GAZE, I WILL TEAR YOU OUT FROM THIS REALITY AS IF YOU HAD NEVER EXISTED! —YOUR LIFE, DEPENDS ON HER WELL-BEING! IF THERE IS EVER A MOMENT IN WHICH SHE IS IN DANGER AND I AM NOT PRESENT, YOU WILL PROTECT HER WITH EVERY MOLECULE OF YOUR BEING! IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, YOU WILL PRAY THAT YOU ARE KILLED BY ANYONE ELSE BEFORE I REACH YOU, BECAUSE ANY PUNISHMENT THAT THEY COULD POSSIBLY BRING YOU, IN COMPARISON TO MINE, WOULD ONLY BE AS 'HEAVY' AS THE VERY WEIGHT OF THE FEATHERS THAT I HAVE SCORCHED FROM YOUR BODY!— DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME, RAYNAAARE?!"
It was the most powerful shout Issei had ever released in Raynare's presence, quaking her being to the point that she felt the rumbling in her soul.
It was such a powerful command, that her body needn't even ask for her own consent to agree. Her head nodded without even requiring communication from her brain. Nothing but pure instinct.
"I-Ise-san! Please, calm down! Put her down!"
Issei's grip released, and Raynare was dropped onto the floor, where she struggled to regain oxygen.
Thud!
"FUCK!"
Issei turned his back to the both of them, with his upper half hunching over and shaking from frustration. The tears threatened to fall out of his eyes, but only a lone one left his right eye.
"...Fuck!….. If it's for Asia's sake, then I will do anything!….. This is my proof of that!... Shit!"
"...Ise-san?..."
Asia stood behind Issei in confusion and worry, not having the courage to touch or speak to him. Issei grit his teeth and wiped away his tears. After a few seconds of silence, he took a deep breath.
Soon enough, he regained his stern, intimidating demeanor filled with authority.
"—Stand."
In a second's notice, Issei was pulling Raynare up by her forearm, forcing her to stand. He instructed her with a demanding tone.
"If you do not walk, then I will drag you there."
Dakun!
The door to the Hyoudou household burst open and three figures entered. Asia entered first, with Issei following closely behind, forcibly bringing Raynare in by her arm. As soon as they reached the living room, Issei dropped Raynare onto her knees and took hold of a bunch of her hair, pulling her head back.
"—Do not think of this place as your "home". You are NOT welcome here, and I don't care how you feel about it. The only reason you're breathing is because of Asia, so show some respect. More than that, respect this place as if it was the temple of heaven itself. No, considering that your a filthy fallen, you need to treat it with even MORE respect than that place. To you, this better be the most sacred fucking place on earth. Otherwise, if you disrespect it in any way, or break a single thing, you know what will happen."
"Y-Yes, Hyoudou Issei-sama…"
"Who gave you permission to refer to me so casually, wench?"
"I-I'm sorry. P-Please forgive me, Sekiryuutei-sama…"
"Tch! Shut up. More importantly, this."
Issei pulled Raynare by her hair again, having no regard for her painful squeal, and pointed her towards the hallway leading to a certain extra room in the house. Down that hallway, was a shrine dedicated to the Hyoudou couple.
"See that room? That room is the most sacred place out this entire sacred house. If you ever set your filthy foot into that room, even for a moment, I will take your head without hesitation. Understand?"
"...Y-Yes, Sekiryuutei-sama…"
"Your life belongs to me and Asia now. I decide if you live or die, no one else. Disobey me, and your life is forfeit. Understand?"
"..Y-Yes, Sekiryuutei-sama…"
"Hmph. Good."
With that, Issei released Raynare onto the floor and walked away. Asia, who had been standing by silently up till now, knelt down beside Raynare.
"Are you okay?"
"...Y-Yes, Asia-sama…"
"It's okay. I don't mind being called normally."
"...Y-Yes, Asia-san…"
"Is your body okay? Does it hurt anywhere?"
"...No, I'm alright…"
"But you're covered in dirt…. Ah, that's right! We should take a bath. It's been a while since you've had one, right? Your body still has some blood and ash on it. We should get that cleaned off."
"Eh? N-No, thank you. —I-I mean, I am alright. Asia-san doesn't need to trouble herself over someone like me... I.."
Though Raynare tried to decline, Asia asked Issei from where he stood in the kitchen.
"Ano, Ise-san… I am going to take a bath now. Is that okay?"
"Hm? Yeah, sure, go ahead. I'm gonna keep cooking. Dinner will be ready by the time you're out."
"Okay…. And also, Raynare-san will be joining me as well..."
Issei stopped cooking and turned to face Asia.
"No. I won't allow it."
"B-But, Ise-san..! If it is just a bath, then it should be fine. I'm sure there will be no problems. Just leaving her like that is cruel."
"I don't care how she looks or smells, it won't change how disgusting she is to me either way. Allowing her to wash herself would only let her retain some sense of dignity, which I don't care for."
"B-But, if her body is dirty, then she may stain the house..?"
"In that case, I'll just make her stay out back."
"Y-You can't do that! Ise-san, you said that I was the one who decided what happened to her. If that's the case, then I decide that she should be clean. She is a girl just like me, so she should be able to be clean too."
Issei only groaned in response to Asia's retort.
"...You keep saying considerate things like that… You shouldn't be kind to scum like her."
Asia looked down to her hands in a sad way.
"...But without that, I have nothing….. Being kind is…. It's part of who I am…."
(—!)
To that, Issei had no response. It was something he couldn't argue, after all.
"...You're right…. Asia is just kind…. She shouldn't have to change that…."
And because of that, he sighed in compliance.
"Haah…. Alright, Asia. Go ahead. Do what you want."
Asia's face brightened up with Issei's confirmation.
"Okay!"
Asia ran back to the place that Raynare was left and stood her up with a kind smile.
"Come with me, Raynare-san. Let's take a bath."
"E-Eh? But.."
With that, Asia dragged Raynare off into some separate area of the household in order to take a bath, leaving Issei alone to cook in the kitchen. Ddraig communicated to Issei from within his mind.
[Why not just bathe with them yourself, partner?]
'..I wouldn't want to make Asia feel uncomfortable. Besides, if there are any problems, Asia will let me know.'
Meow~
Issei knelt down and fed his cat with some sliced ham he was holding.
'..And depending on what she says, I'll be washing that woman's blood down the drain.'
"Hmm~ mm, it doesn't hurt, does it, Raynare-san?"
"...N-No…"
Inside of one of the bathrooms, Asia and Raynare were bathing together. Despite Asia's seemingly friendly and kind attitude, Raynare was fairly quiet, only speaking when spoken to. Asia simply washed Raynare's back with a smile, making sure to rub gently as not to harm her. Even though her wounds had been healed by Asia's Sacred Gear, she wouldn't want to take the chance.
Raynare, on the other hand, was sitting with a stiff and insecure posture.
"I'm sorry that you didn't get to keep your wings. I thought they were pretty."
"..."
"..Um, d-do those grow back..?"
"..."
"...R-Right, of course not… I'm sorry..."
Asia couldn't help feeling awkward due to the uncomfortable atmosphere. It wasn't easy to make small talk with someone who attempted to kill you, and was then defeated by your savior. "Defeated", because again, Asia does not know the full extent of Issei's 'judgement' inflicted on the Fallen-Angels.
Regardless, she still tried.
"...A-Ano, if you don't mind me asking… What was heaven like?"
"...Asia-san."
"Eh? Yes?"
Raynare asked Asia with a very small voice and a reserved posture, almost letting her body curl up on itself.
"...Why are showing me kindness?"
"Eh?"
"...You heard him, right?... I tried to kill you….. He was right….. I was going to take your Sacred Gear and let you die…. You understand, right? I was going to kill you….. So why do you treat me like this when you know what I was going to do to you?"
To Raynare's loaded question, Asia went quiet for a moment. Then, she responded.
"...Raynare-san, do you want to die?"
Raynare froze. Her fingers tightly gripped her forearms, almost digging and tearing into the skin from pure fear. Her body could be seen shivering very subtly.
"...N-No….. I-I'm sorry….. I didn't mean t—"
"—I also want to live."
"Eh?"
Though Raynare was still fearful, she also quickly became confused as Asia started to give her an oddly personal speech.
"...Before I met Ise-san, I didn't really care what happened to me… Because, in the eyes of those I cared about, I no longer had any worth… So, I thought that maybe it was better for Raynare-san to take my Sacred Gear… Because maybe then, Raynare-san could make herself feel more useful to those she cared about, unlike me…. But…."
Asia placed a hand close to her chest.
"...But after I met Ise-san, that all changed…. I wanted to continue living on to make new memories in a new life that he promised me…. I don't have to worry about my "worth", because now I have Ise-san, and many other friends…. Raynare-san is stronger than me. Even though you have nowhere to go, you don't want to die. You want to keep living on no matter what….. And, if Raynare-san wants to keep on living too, then who am I to take that away from her?"
"...B-But…. I was the one who tried to kill you…. Don't you think I deserve to be punished for that?"
"...Maybe…. But I am still not the one to decide that."
"...What?"
"In the eyes of Ise-san...and maybe even in the eyes of the Lord himself, you may deserve punishment or judgement….. But…. I am not Ise-san. And I am not God….. Unlike them, I can never be the one to decide to cast judgment unto others…. It is not who I am….. I…"
Asia placed her hands together and closed her eyes in a prayer-like fashion.
"I believe in the Lord's teachings to spread peace and love…. I don't want to watch others suffer. I don't want to watch others die. And I don't want to be the one to decide who suffers and who dies…. That is not who I am…. That is not who I want to be…. That's why, I am grateful that Ise-san does not force that upon me…. Ise-san may seem scary, and maybe even a bit cruel sometimes, but…. I know that he is kind in his heart. I know that he wishes to be kind. Because if that wasn't true, then he would have just forced his ideals on me, and he would've killed Raynare-san and the others without thinking about me….. But he didn't…. He was considerate of me…. Even though it angered and hurt him, he was still considerate of me….. Raynare-san, I am not Ise-san. I am myself. I do not wish you death or suffering….. That's why, if Raynare-san doesn't want to die, then I also do not want to let her die…. Perhaps that is a weakness…. But that is who I am….."
Then, Asia gave Raynare a smile as bright as the sun.
"Besides, Raynare-san no longer has a reason to hurt me anymore, right?"
And she was only to be followed by pure silence.
…..
…..
…..
Raynare whispered quietly under her breath.
"...Thank y…."
"Eh? What was that, Raynare-san?"
"...Nothing."
Raynare picked up a wash rag from beside her.
"...I'll wash your back too."
"Eh? N-No, it's alright. You don't need to.."
"...I don't mind."
"Eh? O-Okay…."
Splash!
Issei sat down in the bathtub with his signature apathetic expression. Asia and Raynare had already finished their bathing before dinner, leaving Issei to bathe on his own after dinner.
And having nothing else to do but soak, Issei's mind wandered off to the happenings of that day.
"Haaah…."
Of course, he was contemplating on whether he would regret his decision.
—Meanwhile, Asia was washing dishes alongside of Raynare in the kitchen.
"...I'll help you with that…"
"Ah, o-okay..!"
The two girls washed dishes in silence together. While Asia was feeling a little awkward from the silence, Raynare was lost in her own thoughts. Even now, she was still pondering her own life's purpose.
'...I am their slave now…. That's all I am at this point…. I have no dignity, no pride, and no purpose….. All I can do is whatever they say… Otherwise, I die… That's all there is to it….. I'm nothing more than the Sekiryuutei's glorified bitch-slave….'
Raynare growled internally.
'...Tch…. And those bastards! They were supposed to be my allies, but they just left me behind here! They knew I couldn't transport anywhere with that little amount of stamina and power, especially just after having my wings clipped! It was supposed to be obvious that we'd all use our power to get out of here together, not leave somebody behind! Idiots! ...Well, then again, I guess I did try throwing them under the bus before…. But, they said they would always stay loyal to me, so what the hell's up with that?!... Hmph. Whatever… I guess I just got what was coming to me, huh…..'
The rate at which Raynare washed dishes decreased, and her movements became slower.
'...And now I can't even return to Grigori because they would label me as a traitor and cast me out... So it's not like I even have a choice anyway….. I'm on my own…'
Raynare stopped herself midway through washing a bowl and caught her own reflection in the water contained in it.
'...On my own, just like always… Now, I'm just stuck playing "doggie" to the Sekiryuutei and…. This girl…. This damned girl! Even though I recently tried to kill her, she still smiles at me! What the hell's up with her?! Is she messed up in the head or something?! Stop smiling at me! Stop playing nice with me! Stop showing me kindness, acting as if you really care! You don't care! Nobody cares! That's just how it is! That's how it's always been! I'm all on my own, just like always! So stop acting so friendly with me! Stop acting nice to me! —I don't have anyone! I don't have you, I don't have my allies, and I don't have Grigori! I'm on my own, just like I've always been!...'
Raynare's hands began to shake, causing the bowl filled with water to quiver, jumbling her reflection. Her grip on it tightened and she bit her lip. She could not ignore the intense frustration she felt. So much frustration, to the point that it threatened to moisten her eyes.
'...Fuck them! Fuck those idiots! Fuck Grigori! It's all the same anyway, with or without me! Nothing changes! —I'm all on my own again, just like always! Nothing has changed! Even now, everything has stayed the same! I was stupid to think that things would get better just because I joined Grigori! It's still the same! It's always been like this! It will always be like this! Nothing has changed! Nothing will ever change! So fuck it! Who cares! No one will remember me anyway! No one will care anyway! So fuck it! Who cares! Pride and dignity, my ass! As if I care about that! I'll just go on and survive no matter what, just like I always have! Even if that means becoming the Sekiryuutei's bitch! Even if that means throwing away my Fallen-Angel pride! Even if that means having no dignity! I don't care! I will survive! Because that's who I am! That's what I have always been! A survivor! And that's what I'll keep on being for the rest of my life, nothing more! — Nothing has changed! Nothing! Nothing! NOTHING!'
And so, due to the pressure of her grip, the bowl in her hands broke apart.
Crack!
"R-Raynare-san! What happened!"
"Nothing!"
Raynare immediately turned her body away from Asia and held a closed-off posture. The moisture in her eyes was already on the brink of falling down her cheeks, and she grit her teeth tightly, as to not release any of it.
Asia attempted to reach out to Raynare, but she pulled away.
"Raynare-san? What's wrong?"
"Nothing! Don't touch me!"
"—What's going on?"
Suddenly, from beyond the corner, Issei's figure had somehow appeared. His body was still drenched in water and he held only a towel around his waist.
"I-Ise-san! I thought you were in the bath!"
"I was. But then I heard the sound of something breaking."
His gaze shifted over to Raynare, who had her back turned to both of them. His expression naturally growing dark over the seconds.
But Asia stepped into his line of vision, covering Raynare with her own body and smiling nervously.
"I-It's nothing, Ise-san. It was my fault. I accidentally dropped one of the bowls I gave to Raynare-san, and it ended breaking and cutting her hand. She just hurt herself because of my mistake. I-I'm sorry…"
Though Asia said that, Issei was clearly skeptical, retaining his suspicious gaze on Raynare's backside. But Asia continued.
"...Y-You aren't mad that I broke the bowl, are you, Ise-san?"
Issei remained silent for a moment, but then sighed lightly. His rare smile of kindness returned once again.
"No, Asia, I'm not mad. It's just a bowl. So long as you're not hurt, I don't mind."
"N-No, I'm fine. B-But, Raynare-san is hurt, so I'm just going to heal her.."
"...Yeah, do what you want, Asia. It's fine…. I'll be in the bath if you need me."
"Y-Yes, Ise-san… Thank you.."
With that, Issei returned to his bath, allowing Asia to let out a sigh of relief.
But Raynare fell onto her knees.
"...Fuck!"
"R-Raynare-san!"
And finally, the tears fell from her eyes.
'Fuck, fuck, FUCK! Why the fuck are you crying, you fucking idiot! What are you fucking crying about?! — Shut the fuck up! Shut your fucking mouth! You don't have any right to cry, so shut the fuck up, you failure! What do you care about any of it?! What do you care about being alone?! What do you care about being abandoned?! What do you care about having no dignity or power?! You've done it like this your whole life! Nothing has changed! It's all the same! Nothing is fucking different, so why are you crying?! You're pathetic! You're laughable! — What would they all say about you if they could see you?! They would laugh at you, and call you a failure, because that's just what you are! You're a stain! You're a nuisance! Crying over something like this, something you're used to?! You're pathetic! Trash! Scum! Lowlife! Failure! You're a sorry excuse for a Fallen-Angel! You have no right to cry, so shut your fucking trap!'
Raynare let out small noises that sounded almost like she was choking on something. Her hands were up near her chest, balled up tightly into fists. And her teeth were glued to each other, with small sounds of struggling released from them. Sounds of struggling against something powerful.
"...Kuh!... Fuck!..."
"...R-Raynare-san?"
Asia peered over Raynare's shoulder, in hopes of realizing what was wrong with her.
"...Why..!"
—Only to see that she was crying painfully.
"...Why?!... Why does it fucking hurt?!..."
Hug…
And from behind her, Asia wrapped her arms around and held her softly.
"...Don't..! Fucking…! Touch me..!"
And though Raynare said that, she made no attempts to remove herself from Asia's grip.
She simply continued to pointlessly struggle against her emotions, despite the waterfall of tears being released from her eyes.
It was later that night, and it was time for Issei and Asia to sleep. Asia requested for Raynare to sleep in her room, to which Issei initially refused. But when Asia reiterated that it was her choice to make, Issei reluctantly complied. Thus, he pulled Raynare by the collar of her borrowed pajamas from Asia and held her close.
"—You will do NOTHING to her and you will NOT disturb her sleep. If I receive complaints of any sort, you're dead, understood?"
Raynare's eyes were drained of all emotion, and her expression made it seem as if her spirit had finally broken. And so, she easily complied with a dead voice.
"...Yes, sir…."
Satisfied with her answer, Issei released his grip and dropped her onto the ground. After that, he and Asia gave their good nights, and they seemingly all prepared to sleep.
Asia said it after shutting the lights off.
"Ano…. Raynare-san, y-you can sleep in my bed with me, if you'd like…."
Raynare, who was lying on a futon on the floor and turned away from Asia, responded in a flat tone.
"...Is that an order?"
"Eh? No…"
"...Then I'm fine…."
"Eh? Ah, okay…. Goodnight then…."
After saying her goodnight, Asia set herself to sleep, leaving Raynare to lie in her futon, awake and motionless.
….
Yet, for some reason, her gaze kept being drawn behind her, towards the bed.
"..."
After some time, Raynare stood up from the floor and walked over to Asia's bedside. With a few seconds of pause, she slowly brought herself into the bed and laid down beside the sleeping Asia.
"..Huu… Huu.."
Asia slept peacefully beside her, hardly even letting out a sound with her gentle breathing. Raynare merely stared at her silently.
"..."
Pomf…
With a very slow and subtle movement, Raynare lifted her arms up and held them open. She reached to the sleeping girl beside her, almost as if to bring her into an embra…
….Slide….
But, she just turned her body to face away from Asia and closed her eyes.
'...I'm alone….. That's how it's always been….. And that's how it will always be…..'
The Occult Research Club
Part 3
In the clubroom of the old school building, the Occult Research Club, otherwise known as the Gremory group, were all gathered as usual. The school day was already over and the Devils were now preparing to do their 'Devil work'.
That was until they heard a knocking on the door.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Following Rias's approval, the doors opened and two familiar figures stepped in. Upon which she promptly stood up from her desk when seeing them.
"Oh! Well, look who it is."
"E-Excuse us…"
"Tch…"
Asia walked into the clubroom with a bow, while Issei just clicked his tongue, clearly discontent with being there. Rias greeted the both of them with a friendly smile.
"Welcome, Ise, Asia. I see that you've taken up my invitation to join my club."
Asia answered her a bit shyly.
"No, well… I'm not sure about joining, but… I wanted to be able to continue making new friends. Even if it was with Devils…."
"Ah, well, thank you for your consideration. And I see that even Ise has come around to the idea as well."
"Don't get the wrong idea, Gremory. I'm only here to take care of Asia. I have no interest in exchanging niceties with you."
Issei stated it coldly to Rias, as usual. In fact, it was such a natural occurrence at this point that Rias simply nodded without losing her smile.
"Mm, well, I thought as much. Nevertheless, welcome. Please have a seat wherever you'd like. Would you like some tea?"
"Y-Yes, please."
The two sat down together on the couch opposite of the silently eating Konenko. Asia greeted the school mascot and Koneko merely responded with a nod. Asia also greeted Kiba, and Akeno, who served them tea. Unlike her, Issei obviously refrained, preferring to scan the room for anything suspicious as he had always done.
Some might say he was being paranoid, but caution was something he learned not to neglect, even as a child. Or more like, 'especially' as a child, most unfortunately.
Finding nothing out of the ordinary, aside from a red magic circle painted with red ink sitting at one side of the room, Issei ceased his scanning and addressed the Devils themselves.
"So, shitty Devil. Why exactly have you called Asia here? What business do you have with her?... You don't plan on asking her anything 'stupid', do you?..."
Issei finished the last part with a more ominous tone, clearly making reference to the idea of Rias reincarnating Asia into a Devil. Rias answered casually after taking a sip of her tea.
"My, isn't it just enough to say that we were being friendly? I just wanted to make sure that little Asia-chan knew she was welcome here anytime. All of us being involved with the supernatural world in one way or another, I just wanted her to know that she had some more allies on this side, in case she ever needed it."
Issei's eye twitched at hearing the word "allies". Rias then sent Issei a playful wink.
"Besides, if the priestess shows up, then I'm sure her "Dragon guardian" will follow, right?"
In other words, a calculated move to get Issei to return to the clubroom along with Asia. Realizing this made Issei click his tongue in irritation.
"Tch…. Cunning as a flying fox, huh, Devil…"
"Well, Ise. I'm afraid to say that your analogy doesn't really work, considering that flying foxes are not in any way affiliated with the family of genus canis, you know?"
"Hmph. It's called "wordplay" for a reason, Devil. So I guess that just means you're as smart as a rodent instead."
"Ara, Ise. Bats aren't rodents either. Your grades are fairly high, I thought you would know all of this."
Rias ended that with a sly smile. To which, Issei only frustratingly growled.
[Hoh. It looks like the woman has become acquainted enough with your callous attitude to properly banter with you, boy. How funny.]
'Shut up, lizard..'
Issei groaned at himself, dreading the idea that he was going to be stuck in this room for possibly minutes. Asia just continued to drink her tea in a respectful manner.
When Rias originally invited Asia over to the clubroom, she was almost certain that Asia would have brought Issei along with her. But she wasn't entirely sure what to do once they got here. There wasn't much that she had planned for their arrival, especially considering that she didn't expect them to appear so unexpectedly.
"Buchou."
Interrupting Rias's train of thought, Akeno leaned in and whispered to her.
"What about the clients for tonight?"
"Clients?"
Rias was then reminded of the clients they were meant to contract with that night. And with that reminder, she suddenly had a thought.
'That's right!'
Having found her solution, she stood from her desk with a cool smile.
"Thank you for reminding me, Akeno. —Asia, Ise, good timing. Today I have actually called you for good reason."
Rias said that, though she didn't technically have a reason until now. This sudden announcement caused Issei to raise a brow in suspicion.
"And pray tell, what exactly is that, Devil?"
Rias smirked.
"That is: A Devil's job!"
"Huh? I told you we're not interested in becoming your lackeys, shithead."
"—Erk."
Having her dramatic thunder immediately ruined by Issei, Rias frowned.
"No, that's not what I meant, Ise…. I meant that... Rather, let me ask you this. Do you know happen to know what a Devil's "job" is, Ise?"
"Don't know, don't care."
"—Er."
For the first time, Rias actually found herself just the least bit irritated with Issei's attitude and her brow twitched slightly. But knowing that this would happen, she asked Asia instead.
"—Ahem. In that case, let me ask Asia. Asia, do you know what a Devil's job is?"
"J-Job? Um, no, I do not…"
"Well, would you like to know?"
"Um…"
Asia looked up to Issei for his approval. But Issei gave her the usual answer while looking away.
"...Do what you want, Asia."
Hearing this, Asia just looked back at Rias.
"Um, okay…"
Rias regained her lost smile.
"Great! Allow me to explain."
"Fuck."
Rias walked around to the front of her desk and leaned her supple bottom against it as she prepared to give her explanation. Issei groaned heavily to himself. And with the clear of her throat, Rias began.
"Ahem. —So, Asia, for starters, it's important to know that amongst Devils there are certain ranks in the hierarchy. The main three levels are of course: Low-Class, Middle-Class, and High-Class Devils. Any one Devil who is recently reincarnated and servant to a High-Class Devil is known as a [Low-Class Devil], the lowest level for Devils. Though there are many High-Class Devils who are born into their status, like myself, there are also a few Low-Class Devils who became High-Class Devils through hard work, attaining their rank by certain means."
"—Ha. So I guess that just means you're just a spoiled brat who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, huh, Devil."
"Ise-san…"
Issei said mockingly to Rias with a smug smirk. Rias ignored his very insulting comments and continued.
"...The means by which these Low-Class Devils attain their ranks are through various achievements. Achievements like societal contributions, war efforts, contract fulfillment, and success in something called the [Rating games]. But that's a conversation for another time. What we want to focus on is 'contract fulfillment'. You see, every Low-Class Devil starts out by being assigned to receive contracts from humans. Contracts that tie the human to the Devil and allow the human to make a "wish" or "request" for the Devil to fulfill. If the Devil fulfills this request, then a "pact" is created and the human must sign a contract with the Devil. That, and the human will provide the Devil with some form of compensation. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's a gift, usually it depends on the agreement reached between both parties. But the old days of when souls were used as barter are practically done and gone. All in all, nowadays, a Devil's job is contract making."
The two humans took in the information in their own ways. Asia, being the innocently curious girl she is, found it quite intriguing. Meanwhile, Issei found himself being reminded of the memory with the crazy priest, who nailed a man to his own living room wall.
("Hmm, hmm? What do you mean? Obviously I did it because~, he was a regular criminal who has been summoning Devils, so I had to kill him. Huh? Are you shocked? Aren't you going to walk away? That's weird? Really weird. I mean humans who make a pact with Devils are scum. Scum indeed. You're a member of the church. Can't you understand that?")
Issei's eyes narrowed as he whispered to himself.
"Hooh… So that's how it was…"
"So, any questions?"
Rias prompted for the two to ask a question of any sort. Asia, being a generally uncoordinated girl, didn't really know what to ask. So she struggled to herself while humming. Issei, however, didn't care to know anymore, so he didn't ask.
"Umm…"
That was until, Asia started staring up at him for some reason.
"...What?"
Issei was confused as to why Asia was staring at him, but he very quickly figured it out.
[It seems that she wants to know more, partner.]
Issei frowned and stared down at Asia.
'...You want me to ask them about it, don't you?'
Even though Issei was staring quietly at Asia in the outside world, Asia somehow nodded in confirmation to his unspoken question.
[Hoho. She is a mind-reader now. Or perhaps you've simply become that close with each other.]
'Shut it, gecko.'
"Haah…. Fine, I got one… Uh, fuckin'..."
Issei asked the first thing that came to mind.
"I don't know. Is there anybody who ever asks ya' to fuck 'em?"
"I-Ise-san!"
"What! You told me to ask 'em! It's the first thing I thought of."
"T-That's dirty!"
"Aw, come on! Humans are sick fucks. You know there's gotta be one or two assholes who wanna play with those tits."
"I-Ise-san!?"
To Issei's vulgar question and comments, Rias somehow found herself smiling awkwardly.
"My, my, Ise. That is quite the...interesting question. Well, I can tell you for the record that there are certain services in Devil society that do specialize in such things, so that doesn't affect us. Most Devils like us handle the more "moderate" requests. But, you know, Ise… By the way you say that, it almost makes it seem like you're the one who's interested instead. I had no idea you had a fascination with breasts."
Rias finished that while very subtly accentuating her bust and smiling, as if she was trying to somehow tease Issei. Issei did not react.
"I don't. I did used to run around yelling "oppai" in the past, but that was when I was kid, for…certain reasons."
"Hm, Ise as a mischievous child? Somehow I can't imagine it."
"Good. Don't."
From across the table, Koneko gave Issei a deadpan expression and a harsh label.
"...Pervert."
"Huh? Who the hell you callin' "lust", "gluttony"?"
Asia looked down at her own chest with a bit of a sad face.
"...I didn't know Ise-san valued such things.."
"No, well, I just said I didn't but alright."
"Oh, Ise, it's fine. There's no shame in being attracted to such things. You are still a healthy young boy after all."
"Shut up, spoiled brat."
Rias frowned at Issei's insult again.
"Ise… I'll have you know, just because I was born into an esteemed family does not mean that I do not work hard. I also do things on my own, you know."
"Uh huh, sure. So says every other rich kid with an inheritance."
"Inheritance? Now, I may be from a financially prosperous estate, but that doesn't mean I intend to leech off of my family's success. I work to get to the places I am, not rely on my heritage. —I am my own person. Just because I stem from one of the remaining 72 pillars doesn't mean I think I deserve special treatment or any advantages."
Issei basically zoned out while Rias was proclaimed herself very passionately, being more focused on picking the inside of his ear with his pinky. But unlike him, Asia became curious at the fact.
"Is Rias-san an important person?"
"Hmm, me? Well, in a way, I suppose I am. I am considered an [Arch-duchess] of the Gremory family after all. In layman's terms, that would be akin to a princess, I believe."
"A princess..!"
Asia made a sound of amazement, clearly impressed by Rias's statement. In contrast to her, Issei just made a scoffing sound.
"Huh! So you're just a spoiled shitty pretty little princess instead. That's even worse."
"Again, I don't think I have to reiterate that I am still mysel—"
"—Uh huh, whatever you say, blue-blooded bat. More importantly, there even a reason why you told us all this shit in the first place?"
"Hmm? Oh!"
Rias made an expression of surprise, as if she just remembered something.
"Right. I had almost forgotten. Ahem. Back to the topic of contract making, I actually had a proposition for you two."
"Oy, don't even think about asking us for any stupid contract shit. Just to let you know, we're denying immediately."
"No, no, Ise. That's not it. What I wanted to ask is related to that, but not directly to you two. Rather, what I wanted to ask was if you cared to join us on one of our excursions to make a pact with humans."
Issei furrowed his brows at Rias's so-called proposition.
"Join you? Why the hell would we wanna help you steal human souls?"
"Ugh, as I said before, that is not a common practice anymore. But if you must ask, I'm inviting you so that you can possibly become familiar with the work of Devils."
"Huh? Why should we?... Don't tell me this is another plot to try and get us to join your shitty side..."
Issei was too perceptive for his own good. Or more like, he was too perceptive for other people's good. Not being able to admit that Rias did consider this as a possible way to interest them with Devil society, she denied his claim.
"Another? I don't really remember ever enticing you with such a thing before… But, either way, isn't it something that interests you, what Devils do at night? Aren't you curious to find out what it's like?"
"No."
And of course, Issei displayed no interest at all. Sighing in expectance, Rias turned to Asia instead.
"Haah, why am I not surprised?... Asia, what about you? Are you interested in seeing how Devils operate?"
Asia didn't answer right away. Instead, she turned her gaze back to Issei, who was immediately bothered by it.
"You've got to be fucking kidding."
"..N-No, well… If Ise-san doesn't want me to, of course I won't…"
"Ugh, Asia, what have I said a thousand times up to this point? Whenever you wanna do something I don't approve of, what do you do?"
"...Ask you?"
Issei deadpanned at her response.
"Asia."
"...Do what I want.."
"Okay, so what do you wanna do?"
"...I want to see the Devils work.."
"Fuck!"
Issei cursed out loud at himself, knowing that he's lost the battle.
"...In that case, we're fucked…"
Rias smiled widely the moment Issei said that.
"So you agree! Great. That's perfect timing because our Rook, Koneko, just so happened to receive a contract request tonight. So this is your opportunity to witness it firsthand."
"Ah, fuck, look what you've gotten us into, Asia.."
"...I'm sorry.."
"No, I'm joking, Asia. I'm annoyed with the Devils, not you."
"Ara, Ise. But Asia is the one who agreed, you know?"
"Yeah, and if you didn't exist, my life would be perfect right now."
"Ise-san, that's mean..."
"But it's true."
In the middle of the back and forth, Akeno called out to her master, gesturing to the time.
"Well, all of that aside, we best get going. Otherwise, the client may become impatient and cancel the summon. Considering that this is a special occasion, I'll allow the whole peerage to accompany us. Now, please step over here, you two."
Rias motioned to another spot in the room, right over the place where the red painted magic circle was. As soon as Issei and Asia came near it, Issei stopped himself and Asia midstep. He examined the circle suspiciously.
"...What's special about this magic circle?"
"Special? Well, without being a part of my peerage, it would be impossible to teleport using our personal magic circles. Unlike the magic circles that I can create, this relies solely on the activation of my and my peerage members' demonic-power. It's possible to transport those outside of my group via this specific circle. As much as it pains me to say it, I don't yet have the magical skill to easily create magic circles that stretch beyond transporting my members."
Issei smirked amusingly at Rias's confession.
"Heh, that so? Not as smart as you thought you were, huh, bat-brain?"
"I'll have you know that I'm considered a very talented magician, despite my age. I have fairly good magical prowess, and even higher magical potential, compared to most of my generation."
For some reason unknown to himself, Issei found his right eye closing on itself. He didn't know why, but he was being reminded of the times when Ddraig would say that he had the highest potential amongst the Boosted Gear possessors. He remembers obsessing over it, training so hard just to see that potential reached.
And now, he wonders if it means anything. After all, if he reached his potential at a time that was "too little, too late", then what would that mean?
—If he reached his potential after failing to protect the woman he was seeking that very potential for, then what worth is that potential?
…...
"...Hmph. Well, "princess", potential is just that. Potential. If it isn't turned into something tangible, then it's worthless. It doesn't exist. Just having potential doesn't bar you from becoming a failure."
Issei stated that in a solemn tone that was uncommon of him. Despite his words, it didn't sound like he was even trying to mock Rias this time. It was just something he said truthfully, as if they were his own feelings.
As a result, Rias ended up subconsciously taking his words to heart.
"...That is…"
She shook away her thoughts, returning to the situation at hand.
"Anyway, let's get going. We don't want to keep out client waiting, do we?"
Part 4
Shiiin!
The magic circle beneath the group gave off a bright glow, forcing them to hold their eyes closed as they teleported. When the light dimmed down, they opened their eyes, revealing themselves to the environment.
From the looks of it, it was a room in an apartment. When Issei looked around the room, he noticed the abundance of objects related to Sengoku. There was a sword in a sheath mounted on the wall and many posters of Japanese castles. There was also a scroll that says "Fuurin-Kazan". There was even a helm of the "bushou" from the sengoku era on the shelf. The room was dark, but there were lights on lamps.
"Waah!"
Asia let out a sudden voice and almost fell back. But Issei quickly caught her with his forearm.
"It's alright, Asia. It's just armor."
That's right. The thing that surprised Asia was an armor of a bushou right in front of her. It looked ominous because of how dark it was in the room. Looking around, there didn't seem to any persons in the room besides them.
But, thanks to Issei's acute senses, he could very easily tell: that armor was not empty.
"Um….ummmm…"
GASHAN.
Just as the armor moved, a voice was also released from within it, causing Asia to jump again.
"Uwaah!"
"Ar…..are you people Devils….?"
The armor was talking. No, rather, there was a person speaking from inside of it. And from the sound of the voice, it was a woman. Or at least, that's what Issei had surmised. But honestly, he was also just as surprised to see someone in bushou that he almost didn't believe it and had to confirm it himself.
"...You're a woman, aren't you?"
The armor nodded in response to Issei's question.
"But I'm really shocked…. Devils do exist….."
"Oh, you're the shocked one, huh?"
"My name is Susan. Just like you can see, my hobby is to collect things related to the sengoku-era…. I'm sorry for dressing up like this… It's dangerous at night, so I protect myself like this by wearing this armor…."
"No, you're clearly the only dangerous one out there, miss foreigner."
"I-Ise-san!"
To interrupt the banter, Rias stepped in front of the group, taking the foremost position. She started with a nod.
"Yes, the first step of learning another country's culture is by being in contact with them. It's wonderful."
"No, don't agree with her, you'll enable her, shitty Devil."
"—Anyway, my name is Rias Gremory. We are the Devils you summoned. These two on my left are just here to supervise, but they are humans like you."
"I see…. I'm glad that the ones who came out were kind looking devil-san. If it was a scary devil-san, I would have drawn out this katana, "Kijin-marukuni-shige"….."
Susan says that while holding a Japanese sword in a sheath in her hand. Due to the blatant ridiculousness of the situation, Issei's face somehow ended up getting stuck with a deadpan expression. Truly, there were not many times that he was in a situation like this. But if it wasn't for Asia being around, he would've already walked out of the apartment without saying a word.
"So what was the reason you summoned us? You called us because you wanted us to fulfill your wish right?"
When Rias asked, the armored woman, Susan, started to cry.
"….Sob….sob….. Please come with me to the University I am attending as an exchange student…. University at night is really scary…"
Upon hearing that request, Issei reflexively felt the need to ask.
"You're joking, right?"
"B-But, but..! I left my University notebook there….. University at night is too scary, I can't go alone…. Uuu…..."
"Hmm…."
Issei let out a low hum with a pure deadpan expression….
—And true to his word, he immediately turned to walk out of the room, with Asia pulling back at his sleeve.
"We're going home, Asia."
"N-No, wait, Ise-san! We're supposed to supervise!"
Issei turned back with a now annoyed expression.
"What a stupid request. Can't you just go on your own?"
"N-No way..! But what if I get attacked..?!"
"There's no one way in hell someone would attack you. If anything, anyone who sees you would immediately assume that you're out to kill them."
"It's fine, isn't it, Ise? If you really don't care to help, then you two can just wait here while my peerage and I go to retrieve it. How's that? Can Ise and Asia wait here with you, Susan?"
"Wait? No, no. I can't let only Devil-san go. I will go as well!"
Susan said it while crying.
"Oh, it looks like she wants to accompany us. Well, that's fine too. In that case, let's just all go together."
"Y-Yes!"
Susan agreed with Rias's suggestion, leaving only Issei to respond. Of course, Issei looked to find his answer in Asia. But she just tilted her head cutely up at him.
"...Ugh, goddammit."
—.
GASHAN, GASHAN.
It's nighttime, and there is an armor walking in the street.
"Ooooooooooooooon…!"
Susan is crying because she's afraid of walking at night. She cries with such a low voice that it sounds like she's a walking curse. She has so much intensity that it's scaring Asia.
"It's a waste to leave her as a human."
Rias says that while she was taking interest at the atmosphere Susan was giving off.
Susan is a scaredy cat, and she starts to dangerously swing her katana if she gets even the least bit afraid. She was troubled because she left an important notebook at school. Then she saw the leaflet to summon devils and she ended up summoning the Gremory. The Devils have already received a payment. It wasn't a big wish so they didn't mind doing it for free, but she insisted she would pay a price. The payment they received was a small scale Japanese castle. For some reason, Rias took a deep interest in it, and decided that they would keep it in the clubroom.
"Don't be scared. I'm with you, so walk with pride."
"...Sob…. Thank you…"
Rias cheered Susan on while she walked next to her. Asia asked Susan a question out of curiosity.
"...But isn't it heavy wearing that armor and walking?"
"There's no problem. Even if I look like this, I train while wearing this armor when I'm bored. Of course, it's only training inside my room. The Musha from long time ago ran around the battlefield wearing armor. Even I should be able to do that."
Throughout the interaction, Issei's deadpan expression returned.
"...Who exactly are you competing against, miss america?"
Though Issei said that sarcastically, Susan ended up responding.
"Hmm? No, I'm from France."
—Upon hearing that, Issei briefly stopped walking.
"...Eh, Ise-san?"
Asia looked back, noticing that Issei had stopped. But before anyone else could realize it, he was already walking again.
"...It's nothing, Asia.."
After a few minutes, they reached their destination.
"Ah. It's the University I go to…. See? It's got a scary atmosphere, doesn't it? Let's go inside. Aaaah, it's scary…"
After quickly retrieving Susan's notebook from within the University, the entire group returned to Susan's apartment.
Rias started to cast the magic equation connected to the magic circle in the clubroom, made for returning to the clubroom after confirming the job is completed.
"Okay. We will be going back now."
"Um…excuse me…."
Susan walks up to Rias shyly.
"…..It might be a bit rude….. If it isn't rude, there is one more wish I want to be fulfilled….."
Issei grimace at the idea that they would stay longer.
"Huh? What's up with you, woman? Don't be lettin' your greed get the best of you, that's how the Devils catch you in their traps—"
"—That's okay."
Slam!
As soon as Rias approved it, Issei slammed his head into a wall without hesitation. Asia comforted him while Susan spoke with the rest of the group.
"To tell you the truth…. I'm thinking of going forward to someone…. who goes to the same University as me….and tell him my feelings."
"Is that a challenge to that person? Going forward as in killing that person?"
"N…no!"
Because of Susan's over-the-top circumstances, Issei immediately assumed that she meant to challenge to a death battle, but that was wrong. Susan said it while shaking like a maiden.
"Umm...umm, there is a man that I like… I'm slow at these things, but I want to tell him my feelings….."
Rias gained a smile after hearing that and nodded.
"It's a wonderful wish. Okay. I will listen to your wish."
"You will? I'm glad! Devil-san are good people!"
Susan started to do a step dance after hearing Rias's answer. Issei's deadpan remained untouched as a result.
"So what are we supposed to do? Do you want us to organize a showy play? Or do you want us to get this person's heart by using demonic-power?"
"No, no! If it's possible I want to go out with him by telling my feelings….. But it's my first time at things like this….. I'm not sure where to start from."
In other words, she wants to win a man's heart by natural means, but since she doesn't know much about it, she's asking for assistance from the Devils. Issei respected that, at least.
"It would be the quickest if you confess your feelings directly."
Susan shook her head violently at Rias's suggestion.
"It's impossible for me! I'm too embarrassed!"
That was her response. Being the scaredy cat she is, it did seem implausible for someone like her to confess so directly. Especially if she was gonna probably end up doing it inside of the armor.
"Confessions, huh…"
Issei whispered to no one but himself. Only Asia who was standing beside him heard it. She looked up at his face curiously, wondering why he had such a vacant look in his eyes.
"...Ise-san?"
But he didn't hear her voice. The world around him slowly. And he was stuck with only the memories of an all too nostalgic past.
("It's Valentine's day! Écaille, let's go on a Valentine's date!")
("Hell no, buzz off.")
("Auntieeee! Issei doesn't want to go on a date with meeee!")
("Ise-kuuuuun!")
("Ah, god fucking dammit! Fine, let's go!")
("Yay! Let's go!")
During those moments of his reminiscence, his expression of emptiness shifted. It soon became an expression of sadness.
("Ooh, Écaille! Let's go to the aquarium next! It's always fun there!")
("Ugh, will you stop clinging so close to me! It's annoying!")
("Eeeeh, no way~ It's still cold at this time of year, I don't want to get sick.")
("If it's cold, then why even come out! Why'd you even want to go on this stupid "date" anyway!")
("Because~ it's the day of love! An entire day dedicated to Saint Valentine and the love that he inspired! Isn't it amazing? It's a French woman's dream! But you're more cranky than usual, Écaille. Is something bothering you?")
("...You wanna know what's bothering me? What's bothering me is that Genesis is still fuckin' out there, doing who knows what, and we're here wasting our time on these stupid fuckin' "dates" of yours!")
("...W-Well, it's true, but we all need to take breaks sometimes, Écaille… We can't be searching around the clock for them, you know?... Besides, you were okay whenever we took breaks before, so what's changed now?")
("You wanna know what's changed?! What's changed is that I can't fucking sleep at night anymore! Every night, I hear and see all of the sick shit that's ever happened since those fuckers came around! It's driving me crazy! I can't relax anymore! I can't rest anymore! Meanwhile, you just wanna waste all of our fucking precious time, while they're out there probably doing worse shit!")
("...I…. I have those nightmares sometimes too, Écaille…")
("Oh yeah?! Do you hear the screaming voices of people begging you not to rip them apart?! Do you see guts spraying all over the grass and the trees next to you?! Do you feel their flesh tearing underneath your jaws like juicy rubber?! Do you taste their blood?! Do you feel the weight of their body parts in your belly?! Do you feel that?! Are those the nightmares you're having?!")
("...É-Ecaille…. Let's just go home…. You aren't okay right now…")
("You're damn right I'm not okay! I'm never okay! I'll never be okay! Not until I've killed those fuckers! Not until I've made them suffer for what I've been through! Not until they're completely eradicated! —Everyday, I suffer silently like this, itching for the chance to finally destroy those bastards! Meanwhile, here you are having fun and living your best life, leaving me to suffer all alone!")
("...I…. I-I didn't…..")
("Why do you even keep dragging me out to these stupid fuckin' "dates" anyway?! Isn't there someone else you can bother, like Maki?! Why do you have to drag me out here constantly?!")
("...I just thought…since we're partners, it's fine if we spent time together…")
("Yeah, we're partners! And that's where it fuckin' ends! So why don't you start acting like it?!")
("...")
("...Well, say something!")
("...")
("...Hey, where are you going?... Hey..!")
As the seconds passed, Issei's saddened expression became all the more forlorn.
("Ise-kun, what did you say to Marie-chan?! She hasn't come out of that room ever since she got home!")
("...Leave me alone, Baa-san…")
("You said something mean to her, didn't you! You go up there and apologize right now, young man!")
("I said leave me alone, didn't I?!")
("...If you're willing to yell at me, then I guess that means something really serious happened, huh?..")
("...")
("...Do you really want to leave it like this, Ise-kun? Is this how you want it to be from now on?... Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you didn't have her anymore? What if she went back to her homeland, and you never got to see her again?... Is this how you would want to leave it be?... When that happens, could you live with yourself…..")
("...")
("...You're both still so young…. Don't make a mistake like this….. Trust me when I say, life is too short….. It's not worth it, Ise-kun….")
—Life is too short. Issei's aunt could never have been more right…
("...Uh, fuck…. Um, Baa-san…. About what you said earlier….. Um, I wanna, ya know, say something, but…. I don't even know where to start….")
("Well, then why not write write her a letter?")
("A letter?... We live in the same house, isn't that just stupid?")
("Can you say it directly?")
("No way, not with how it is now…")
("Then, write a letter. After all, it's Valentine's day, isn't it? A love letter would be perfect!")
("A letter, huh….. What the hell do I even write on it?...")
("Write what you feel.")
Issei's sad expression gained an equally sad smile.
'...If only I had written everything I felt….'
The memory of Issei's letter flashed through his mind. A messy, sloppily written letter with scribbles, ink blots, and scratched out words everywhere. Practically none of it was readable. Nothing, except for a few short words in the middle of the paper.
《...I'm sorry, partner….》
….
...
"...Ise-san?"
—Issei returned to reality upon hearing Asia's quiet call.
From what it seemed, it looked almost as if not even a full minute had passed. Rias was still discussing the options with Susan on how to go about her confession as well.
"...Confession.."
For some reason, Issei spoke without thinking.
"...A letter."
He gained the attention of those around when he spoke. Turning to the group and Susan, he said it with an oddly serious expression.
"Write him a letter."
Rias nodded at Issei's suggestion.
"Yes, I think a love letter is also good. I think it's wonderful to show your feeling in a letter as well."
"I understand! I will write it!"
Susan went into a corner of the room and started to search for something. She then took something out. It was a calligraphy set. She got a blank page for the calligraphy and put it down. She then dipped the brush in the ink, preparing to write something on the paper. But then she stopped.
"..."
And her body started shaking.
"...Uuu, I don't know what to write…"
She sounded like she wanted to start crying again. Just before Rias herself could answer, Issei stepped forward and spoke with the uncharacteristically serious voice again.
"..Write what you feel."
"...W-What I feel?"
Issei answered while averting his gaze. There was a distant look in his eyes.
"Yeah…. Write what you feel when you're around him…. Write what you feel when you think of him…. Write everything that you feel…. Even if it's embarrassing or scary, write it anyway…. Don't hold anything back."
"B-But, what if he rejects me?..."
Issei answered by shaking his head.
"—Life is too short. It's better to regret saying something embarrassing than to regret never having the chance to say it. Because it might work out in the end. But if you don't try, then you'll never know. So don't be afraid. It's not worth it."
Though she was still afraid, with that encouragement from Issei, Susan was able to steel herself enough to write the letter.
"Ah, and also, write it using normal pen and paper. Put that calligraphy shit away."
"Eeeeh?!"
A few days have passed since Issei, Asia, and the Gremory group visited the armored woman known as Susan.
Today, that whole group has gathered back together again in a random park. In front of them, is a base. There are various flags with a certain symbol on it everywhere. And at the centre of it, there is an armored Musha sitting on a chair. It's obviously that same girl, Susan.
With the help of Rias a few days ago, she finished writing her love-letter safely and safely delivered it to the person she likes. It's unknown how she gave the letter, but she successfully gave her letter. And that person is coming to the park today to give Susan a reply to her confession.
At first, when Asia was contacted by Rias that Susan would be receiving her confession reply today, Asia was certain that it was going to take some convincing for Issei to some along with her. And if not, then he would most definitely be reluctant about it.
But, she was surprised to see that somehow wasn't the case. Instead, when she informed him that they reply would be taking place today, he just replied with: "I see…. So what time is it?"
Asia never expected him to come along so unhesitantly. He didn't even complain about it. He was quiet, even up to this point. And now, he just stood on the sidelines with the rest of the group, with a rarely seen serious expression on his face.
Susan, on other hand, is shaking a bit while wearing armor. She seems nervous, but it looks creepy. A bizarre sight for any bystanders witness to it.
"Looks like he's here."
When the group looked in the same direction as Rias, there was a figure in the distance, gradually getting closer.
GASHAN, GASHAN.
The sound of metal colliding.
The one who appeared from far away— is a person wearing western armor. A knight's armor. He held a cone shaped lance in his right hand and a shield on the left. His head is covered with a helm that also covers his whole face so his face cannot be seen.
Just like with Susan, it ended up being another culturally fanatical person.
"Aaah, it's amazing. It's a collaboration of a Musha and a Knight."
"Mm, it's a splendid armor."
Rias said it with some sort of wonderment in her eyes while Kiba admired the knight's armor. If one was to look carefully, an arrow could be seen piercing the helm of the knight.
"...W-Why is there an arrow in his head?"
"Yes. I thought about it a lot... and the only method I had, to give the letter, was by using the arrow."
Susan said that to Asia as if it was natural. Asia would've expected to react outwardly in some way by this point, but he did no such thing. For some reason, he simply continued observing silently.
—Then, finally the knight gets closer to Susan. He came into Susan's base while making sounds of metal colliding. No matter how you look at it, it looks like a battle.
The Knight stands in front of Susan. Susan also stood from her place. There was an abnormal atmosphere around them. The knight then pierces the ground with his lance violently and brings something out. It's a letter.
"…This letter. I have read it…"
"Yes…"
Susan's body was shaking nervously.
"…It was a wonderful arrow-letter. For me to let my guard down and get shot…. It was a good arrow-letter…."
"I…I was just thinking about shooting the bow….Horie-kun."
And so, the arrow-head knight was revealed to be called "Horie-kun".
"If it's me, I would be glad to go out with you…"
—But luckily for Susan, she ended up receiving the answer she was hoping for.
"Ho….Horie-kun….. Sob….. I'm glad….sob..."
Susan had a tearful voice. It was difficult to tell because she was wearing a helm, but it certainly sounded like she was crying.
"Susan….."
The western knight, Horie-kun, hugs Susan gently. They are hugging each other while wearing their armour so it's possible to hear the sounds of metal colliding. It was an especially bizarre scene, as innocent as it really was.
"Let's talk about [The Book of Five Rings] you wrote about in this letter."
"Yes. I wanted to talk about Miyamato Musashi's Niten Ichi-ryuu with you Horie-kun…"
The Musha and the Knight then took each other's hand and walked away.
"Thank you very much!"
Susan waves her hand at the whole group. The group responded with smiles and applause. In the end, it was so considered a "happy ending of sorts".
"Hmm?"
In the midst of all their clapping, Rias's attention was attracted to the one person among them who was not clapping. Issei, who stood with one hand in his pocket, and the other caressing the cross around his neck, whispered it to himself quietly.
"Confession, huh…."
—There was a small but noticeable smile on his face.
"Alright, good work, everyone. Job well done."
Rias said it when the group returned to the clubroom. Issei and Asia grabbed their belongings and prepared themselves to leave.
"Ise, Asia, thank you for joining us on this little adventure. I hope that it was as much of an enjoyable experience for you as it was for me."
Asia replied happily with a smile.
"Yes! Thank you very much for taking us! It was a fun experience to watch love flourish!"
Rias then turned to Issei, who was still packing his things without paying them any mind.
"I also hope that you enjoyed it. Or at least, I hope you didn't dread it enough to never want to return again, Ise."
"Mhmm, whatever…"
Issei answered disinterestedly while still continuing to ready himself to leave. Rias raised a brow at his response.
She was expecting more along the lines of: "Shut up, Devil", or, "If I had the choice, I wouldn't return again, shitty Devil". But that's not what she got. Instead, she received a much more reserved answer that it made it seem like he was lost in his own little world.
Rias then decided to ask the question that had been sitting in the back of her mind for a few days.
"Say, Ise. I have a question."
"..What?"
"Have you ever been in love?"
—Issei froze. His body was still and quiet for a moment.
Including the silent world around him, there was only one sound that invaded Issei's mind.
("...Écaille…..")
….
….
"Heh…"
Issei turned back to face Rias.
—There was no emotion in his face.
"No."
Saying just that, he turned his back again and promptly made his way to the door.
"Let's go, Asia."
"Ah, y-yes!"
And just like that, they exited the room.
Dakun!
Rias leaned back against her desk with an intrigued expression.
"...I think I may have just realized something."
"Hmm, what is that, Buchou?"
Rias said it while crossing her arms.
"...That might be first time he's ever blatantly lied to me."
Issei's apology letter to Marie Bellerose said only one thing.
《I'm sorry, partner.》
And though the apology clearly went through, considering that things got better after that— in fact, it could even be argued that the relationship between the two teenagers had become stronger after that— even despite that, that memory was still one of the few events that haunted Issei's life. Even though it turned out alright. Why?
Well, perhaps it was because the only thing that Issei wrote on that letter— one day turned out to be Marie's last words to him.
《I'm sorry, partner.》
(In unintelligible, scribbled out writing below it.)
《I love you.》
END
Alrighty, that's all for that one! Damn, this one was a little longer than I expected. Not too unusually long, but for a chapter without action, it's quite long.
Anyway, as I said in the beginning, this chapter was mainly focused around characters and stuff. A LOT of development took place between various characters. And also, surprisingly, there were actually instances of comedy as well. But as for the development, I think the one that is the most interesting and impactful is Raynare's. There's a few stories where I've seen her being kept alive and somehow forced to be alongside of Issei, but it always sucked in those stories. It never felt natural, it always felt artificial and improbable. When I thought about doing this, I wanted to do it in a way that actually made sense, and Asia was the perfect vehicle for that. I was lucky that, thanks to her character, it was actually possible. And thus, it happened. There's still a lot more development to be had concerning her, but for right now, that's it. It's a long and gradual change, it wouldn't make sense for her to be comfortable so easily, take notes, guys. And if you're wondering about the other Fallen-Angels, don't worry, there will be a time for them as well.
Other than that, just some stuff with the Gremory. I think it's been made pretty clear that Asia is Issei's crutch towards certain things. Out of basically everyone else around, she's the only one with a semblance of control over him. Also, Rias and Issei's dynamic is constantly changing. It clearly changed again, considering that Rias is now accustomed enough to Issei's rudeness to banter back and forth with him. That may also be on account of Asia being present now though. I wonder if his dynamic with the rest of the Devils will change or not.
—And finally, the heartbreaking connection is finally revealed. The only thing that Issei wrote to Marie on his Valentine's day letter to her. It was also the very last thing she said to him. Was it just cruel irony? They never had the chance to say what they really felt to each other. Issei never said it due to fear of the unknown result. And Marie never said it because of the fear that he would have to live on knowing the painful truth. That's right. Just like in Issei's letter, Marie didn't say anything more than an apology to him. But she and Issei both meant the same thing when they said they were sorry. That is—"I love you."
Life is too short.
Lol, now that death scene is 10x sadder than before, suffer.
So, tell me what you guys thought about this chapter.
Did you enjoy the little humorous bits here and there? Were you expecting Raynare to come back so soon? Were you expecting Issei to spare her on Asia's behalf? What did you think about Raynare's current development? What do you think of the dynamic between Issei and the ORC, mainly Rias? What do you think about the development? Is this sad nigga hours again?
Read, Rate, Review go crazy.
Stay frosty.
