I'M SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG, HOLY SHIT.
MY EXPLANATION IS DOWN BELOW AT THE END.
NOW LET'S NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME.
SCENE
"I want you to take my virginity. Immediately."
—That was what Rias requested of Issei, right after abruptly appearing in his room.
Of course, Issei's reaction was a profound confusion.
"...What?"
Rias took Issei by his arms and pushed him onto the bed.
"Hurry, get on the bed. I will get ready for now."
Because of his confusion, he wasn't really able to retaliate. He merely sat down on the bed, confused.
Meanwhile, Rias began stripping her clothes off of her body.
"...Wait.."
Issei shook his head while Rias continued stripping, as if he was gradually returning to his senses.
"..What are you..?"
However, Issei was still too bewildered to even formulate a sentence. He couldn't understand for the life of him what was happening.
It wasn't until Rias, now clad only in her underwear, leaned closer to Issei and tried to lift up his shirt, that he reacted..
Issei caught her hands midway up his abdomen.
"Oy."
Rias hesitated when she caught a glimpse under his shirt, realizing that there was a certain item pressed up against his skin.
"...That cross would make things difficult for us.. It's best to remove it for now."
—Inside the depths of his mind, Issei heard the sound of something snapping.
Creak!
Issei stood up from the bed so quickly that, to Rias, it appeared as if he unexpectedly grew in size.
Either way, bigger or not, he would always end up towering over her regardless.
"—Being a "King" of Devils does not make you a king of dragons, Gremory."
Issei's large figure leaned forward slightly, closer down to Rias, while narrowing his eyes. To call his form "intimidating" was an understatement, as always.
"Now. Why - are you - here, Gremory?"
The air then became silent and heavy, following Issei's question. Rias hesitated to answer. Her head lowered, her bangs hanging over and shading her face.
She asked Issei in a quiet voice.
"…...Ise…. Do you hate me?"
Assuming that her question could possibly be the reason this was about, Issei's firm expression softened a bit. He answered Rias's question while averting his gaze.
"...No."
—That's right. That was the answer Issei found within himself. He has spent a long time thinking about it, but he was finally able to come up with an answer. That was his answer. And he was finally able to say it properly.
A small smile grew on Rias's face.
"...I'm glad."
Rias placed her hands on Issei's hips.
"..Then, is my body not good enough?"
Issei dreaded having to answer questions like these.
"...Your body is fine.. That's not.."
"I've thought about all sorts of things, but this is the only method left."
Issei's gaze returned to Rias, and his eyes narrowed again.
"...Method for what?"
Issei asked suspiciously, but Rias seemed to ignore it and went on about incomprehensible things.
"..If there is evidence for it, then they can't complain about it. The only person close to me who is able to do it with me is you….. Yuuto won't do. He is a pure knight. He would decline, for sure…. That's why, I thought, perhaps if it was you.."
Issei placed his hands on Rias's shoulders, keeping her at an arm's length away.
"What are you getting at, Rias?"
"...Ise, you don't hate me.."
"..So what if I don't?"
"...But you still hate me my family…don't you?"
Issei's eyes narrowed even further.
"...Who knows…. But if I do..?"
Rias's little smile appeared to be somewhat of a sad one.
"...That's alright if you do… In fact, it's fine that way…. Because if you do, then I want to give you a chance.."
"..A 'chance'? A chance for what?"
Rias said it while removing one of her bra strings from her shoulder.
"A chance for release."
"...Release?"
Rias explained as she removed her other bra string, leaving her hands to be the only thing holding up her bra by their cups.
"...An outlet… If you really do hate my family, Ise, then perhaps you'd like to take it out on something… Perhaps you'd like to take it out on me..? I'm sure even someone like you has frustrations, of some sort… Whether sexual or not.. And I think that even you would have desires as well… If all of that is correct, then...why don't you use me, Ise? If you wish for a release, you can let it out on me… It doesn't matter if you're rough. I can handle it. It's my first time, so I'm inexperienced. But if you are going to take the lead, then I'll leave it to you… Even if it's unpleasant for me..."
Quite frankly, Issei didn't even know what to say to Rias. But Rias dropped her hands, allowing her bra to fall to the floor. Her large breasts were now fully exposed.
"...Do you have those frustrations, Ise? It's okay…. You can take them out on me…."
Rias grabbed Issei's left hand and brought it up to her chest, placing it right onto her breast.
"..I'll take it without a complaint.."
And she ended that with a very helpless smile on her face.
Badump, Badump, Badump..
Issei could feel her heart beating through the palm of his hand..
….
—He was speechless.
Frustrations? Perhaps Issei did have those, from time to time..? He certainly was a complicated person, even to himself. He didn't always understand his own feelings.
Does he hate Gremory itself? He knows that what happened "that day" was not Rias's fault. She was only a child. But what about her family?
Does he hate the existence of that family as a whole? He isn't entirely sure. Maybe he actually does. It isn't as if all of that burning hatred and contempt contained within him simply disappeared into thin air.
So if he does hate the Gremory, then what does he do with those feelings? Does he just let them fester inside himself forever?
His initial plan when returning to Kuoh was to wait. Wait for someone to come find him. Whether it be Devils, Fallen-Angels, or even God himself. He wanted to wait, wait for them to appear on his front doorstep. And when he refuses to join them, he would kill them and become their enemy.
Perhaps he would become an enemy to all of the supernatural world. And he would say to them, "Come get me."
..Whatever the case, things didn't turn out that way. Things have changed.
Now, Issei has Asia. Issei is no longer alone. He has Asia now, and yes, even Raynare as well... So then what is he supposed to do? He certainly can't endanger Asia.
As of currently, he has made enemies of no one. Not the Devils, not "Grigori", and not even the God he loathes. He is nothing but a bystander at this point. And he has nothing left to direct his hatred towards. Nothing but himself. And that hate will do nothing but sit there, growing, and eventually tearing him apart from the inside… That is, if it wasn't doing that already...
Issei is then reminded of those words, that a certain Fallen-Angel named "Bal", left him with:
("That hatred of yours - it's gonna drive you crazy.")
….
But Issei can't just let that happen, can he? He has Asia to look after now. He may have been training Raynare for a while already, but she's not enough to protect her. Not yet. And even if she was, losing his mind would only make Asia sad. And even more importantly, he would likely end up endangering her with just himself.
…If that was the case, then he certainly had to do something. He can't just let things go on as they are. Because no matter how hard he may try, he can't forget his hatred. His rage can never fade away for nothing. He will never get closure.
And that means that he only has one option left.
"...An outlet..?"
Issei muttered those words with his gaze stuck to the ground. The only part of Rias in his vision was her feet, until he started moving his eyes further upward.
—An 'outlet'? Something to release his frustrations on, whether good or bad?
Issei was never a sexually driven being, so far as he remembers.
But perhaps if it wasn't even about that, he could use that part of himself for something. Perhaps if he could release whatever sort of frustrations he had trapped within himself, no matter what type they may be, he could remain stable. Perhaps he could maintain a healthy mentality. Perhaps he could keep control of himself.
"..An…outlet.."
—Issei's eyes began examining every part of Rias's body.
..If he really blames the Gremory; if he really hates the Gremory… Then what better way to get back at them then to target their current heir? What better than to kill their heiress and end their bloodline?...
But he can't kill Rias. He knows that. That would be too much. Even he isn't so heartless, no matter what he may think.
But if not kill her, then what's the next best thing..? The next best option would be to disgrace and dishonor that family entirely.
Disgrace the Gremory. Dishonor the Gremory. Make them regret what happened to Kuoh. Make them regret what happened to his parents.
And what better way to do such a thing, than to defile their heiress? What better than to violate and make her his own?
A Dragon of Domination takes what it wants. It does as it pleases.
And what better way to disrespect the Gremory than by deflowering their heiress? What better way to damage the pride of Gremory than to steal their heiress's innocence?
—Issei's other hand slowly raised itself, as if it was also about to reach out for Rias's body. His eyes had an incomprehensible look in them.
..Besides, it should be a fairly easy thing to accomplish.
Frustrations? Issei has a few. But desires? Issei only has one.
To see that unforgettable woman once again...
That's why, perhaps if he were to simply fool his own conscious, it would be easy.
Perhaps, if he was able to remind himself of that loose resemblance that the Devil shared with that beloved person from his memories... Then, it would be easy..
..So, so easy..
….
….
《Right, Hyoudou Issei?》
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
("Écaille~!")
—.
...No.
—Without that, that smile he could never forget, a mere physical resemblance - is worth absolutely nothing.
"...A.."
And after being struck with the image of that unforgettable smile, Issei was suddenly snapped back to his senses.
[—?!]
Issei retracted his hand from Rias's bosom and lost his balance. As if he was suddenly dropped back down into the real world, he became dizzy and staggered past Rias, towards his desk.
"...Ise? What's wrong?... Am I truly not good enough?"
"..N-No, Rias, just..!"
Issei held his face in one hand while using the other to support his weight on the desk.
What was he about to do? "Defile"? "Deflower"? "Dominate"? What is wrong with him? What sort of solution is that? Using another person as a tool for "release", did he really just consider doing something like that? Using a friend as a means to an end, was he really almost okay with that?
Perhaps he truly has lost his mind..
SHIIN!
Then, another magic circle with the same crest appeared on the floor. Another Gremory crest. Issei was shocked to see it, assuming that another member of Rias's group was here to find her. But Rias's reaction was a deep sigh.
"...It looks like I was too late.."
To Issei's surprise, what appeared instead of one of Rias's servants - was a beautiful, silver haired maid.
The moment she noticed Issei and Rias, the maid spoke with a blank face and an astonished voice.
"Are you trying to break the agreement by doing something like this?"
Rias's eyebrow twitches after hearing that.
"If I don't go this so far, then Outo-sama and Onii-sama will not listen, right?"
"Both Sirzechs-sama and the master will be saddened when they find out that you tried to give your purity to someone lowly like this."
Issei, who was standing at the side, was left completely uninformed on the circumstances. He didn't understand any of it.
'..Sirzechs-sama? The master?... The hell is going on?'
[..Sirzechs… I recognize that name. Sirzechs Gremory?]
'You know that Devil, Ddraig?'
[...He may have been involved in my original destruction and sealing.]
'..!?'
While Issei was communicating with Ddraig, Rias chided the maid for the rude remark regarding him.
"My purity is mine and mine alone. What's wrong with giving it to someone I acknowledged? And don't call Ise "lowly". You don't know the first thing about him. People like you, Onii-sama, and Otou-sama could never understand why I chose him. He is more than you can imagine. Certainly much more of a man than Raiser, at least..."
After Rias finished that confident declaration, the maid then directed her full attention to the person standing at the side, Issei.
The maid bore her cold, uncomfortable gaze through Issei's body. Issei returned a stare, but it was more hostile than the maid's own.
'...Ddraig, this Devil is..'
[Yes, she is powerful. Dangerously so. I would advise against instigating anything.]
—The two remained in a cold standoff with each other, not even exchanging a word between each other. Issei couldn't help but note to himself that he felt the atmosphere becoming cold. That was the opposite effect that his aura usually has. Likely because it's not his aura..
"..Is this person your servant, Ojou-sama?"
The maid asked Rias that without removing her gaze from Issei. Rias answered hesitantly, feeling the atmosphere become tense.
"..No, he is human… He is my good friend."
Issei and the maid's staring contest continued, with the air becoming more tense and heavier by the second. It began to feel like the maid was gazing even deeper inside of Issei.
"...This person is human, you say?... He is more than just a human, isn't he? He has a Sacred Gear... It must be a special type."
At that point, Issei's instincts started sounding off, and he felt threatened. For some reason, the thought of being frozen permeated through his subconscious.
That was, until Rias stood in between the two, right in the maid's face.
"—What Ise is or isn't does not concern you. He is my ally and my friend. That is all that you need to know. If you wish to antagonize him any further, I will not forgive even you, Grayfia."
Rias defended Issei..
Truthfully, Issei wasn't sure how to feel about it. There weren't many people in this world who would defend him. At least, not amongst those who know what he really is. The only person who defended him for everything that he was, was of course, the woman he loved… Perhaps Asia would also do the same at this point?
..Whatever it makes him feel, Issei knows one thing. It certainly makes him feel guilty for even considering to "use" Rias the way he planned to..
Acknowledging Rias's determination, the maid, now identified as Grayfia, relented and stepped away. She proceeded to pick up Rias's clothes and redress her.
"Anyway, you are the next heiress to the house of Gremory, so please do not show your skin to a man so recklessly. Even more so if you are in the middle of a situation like this."
After placing Rias's bra back on her bosom, Grayfia turns towards Issei and bows her head.
"How do you do. I am a maid that serves the house of Gremory. My name is Grayfia. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"...Tch."
Issei simply clicked his tongue in response to Grayfia's polite introduction. Clearly, her first impression wasn't a good one. He turned away while Grayfia continued dressing Rias.
"Grayfia, did you come here of your own accord? Or because you were sent by the household? ...Or is it Onii-sama?"
Rias made an unpleasant face, emblematic of a girl her age. It was a rare sight to see. Though, Issei had seen her make similarly angry expressions before.
"All of the above."
Grayfia answered honestly. Hearing that, Rias gives a deep sigh of resignation.
"..Is that so? You, who is my Onii-sama's [Queen], came to the human world personally. So it can only mean one thing... I understand."
Finally, Rias's body was loosely dressed, and she addressed Issei directly.
"I'm sorry, Ise. Let's make it so that thing from earlier never happened. It seems that I wasn't thinking straight either. Let's forget about today's incident."
Issei turned around and gave Rias a wry smile.
"Hmph… Just forget about it, huh. Yeah, thanks for bargin' in too. I'll just pretend this never happened~. Tch, damn Devils.."
"This person is your "friend"?"
Rias ignored Grayfia's comment.
"Grayfia, let's go back to my room. I will listen to what you have to say there. Akeno can also attend, right?"
"The 'Priestess of Thunder'? I don't mind. It's a must for High-Class Devils to have their [Queen] by their side at all times."
"Very well. Ise."
Rias approached Issei for an unknown reason. Unexpectedly, she planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Please take this as an apology for today. I troubled you a lot. Let's meet again in the clubroom tomorrow, as usual."
Rias gave that farewell to the bewildered Issei, and quickly disappeared in a flash of light, alongside Grayfia.
SHIIN!
Issei was left alone in his room, silent.
….
[She hasn't made anyone aware of our presence, partner.]
'...Yeah… She kept me a secret..'
Issei sat down at his desk again, in silence. He brought his hand up to look at it.
"..."
—The palm through which he felt Rias's pulse…. As if from fear, it was beating furiously.
….
….
And from beyond his door, Issei heard a voice.
"Ise-san! We are done with the bath!"
Part 2
The next morning, Issei, Asia, and Raynare are walking to school, as usual. The only unusual detail was that Issei had a distant expression stuck on his face, as if he was in contemplation about something.
"Ise-san… Ise-san?"
Issei was snapped out of his stupor by Asia's voice.
"Ah, Asia. What is it?"
"..Are you okay?"
Asia asked that with a worried face. Issei couldn't help but feel a little guilty in concerning her.
"You and Raynare-san didn't do any morning training today, so I assumed that maybe you were bothered by something..?"
Issei averted his gaze in a dishonest manner.
"...No. I'm fine. I just decided to give Raynare a break, since she was sore from the other day."
Raynare mentioned no such thing. But she didn't contest Issei's story either. If Issei wanted to skip training, there was certainly a good reason for it. It would be the same with whatever reason he keeps getting lost in thought as well. He has a good reason for his behavior, Raynare is sure of it. She just doesn't know what that is, for the life of her.
..But if she isn't crazy, she could've sworn she sensed a Devil's presence in the house yesterday, when she and Asia were in the bath. Though, she chalked it up to Rias Gremory possibly bothering Issei about something menial, as her personality would suggest.
But what's even more odd is that Issei didn't scold Raynare for not reacting to a Devil's presence in their house. Almost as if Issei was acting like it didn't happen.
"..Is that so, Ise-san?"
"Yeah, that's right. I'm fine, so don't worry about me."
Issei finished that statement with a smile, in an attempt to reassure Asia. But that smile quickly faded away as he continued thinking.
The walk, up to a certain point, was quiet.
—It wasn't until the old school building was in sight that Issei halted his companions.
"Wait.."
"..What is it?"
Raynare asked him, her guard immediately being placed up when he reacted that way. If Issei had noticed it, he would have commended her for it. But he was too focused on the building ahead.
"..Walk faster."
Issei said that and nothing more. And so, the trio began walking towards the old school building at a faster pace than before.
When they entered the building, Raynare felt an unrecognizable presence that gave her chills. Little did she know that, that same presence was just in their house last night, but concealed.
Issei, however, recognized this presence already. And when he opened the doors to the clubroom, he was not wearing a friendly expression.
Dakun..
The doors to the clubroom opened, and the trio entered. When they entered, they noticed that all of Rias's peerage was already gathered. And for some reason, her servants were standing off to the side.
Issei felt the tension in the atmosphere and broke the silence.
"...Are we interrupting something?"
—And, of course, there she was.
Standing by Rias's desk, there was the "french maid" from yesterday. The one named "Grayfia". Raynare was trembling at the sight of her. She recognized the maid.
'...A s-silver haired maid?! In Rias Gremory's presence?! A maid that serves Gremory is..! That can't be..! T-The strongest Queen?!'
"Raynare-san?"
Asia took notice of Raynare's shock, but Issei had his gaze locked onto Grayfia.
With the same cool and professional attitude as the night before, Grayfia responded to Issei's intrusion.
"Yes, in fact, you are. This meeting today is reserved for Rias Gremory and her servants. We would appreciate if you took your leave for today."
Issei's eye twitched in a subtle irritation. It's been a while since that's happened.
"Grayfia, I have made it clear to you that these are my friends. I will not have you disrespecting them any further. They may stay."
"No, I must object, Ojou-sama. This is a matter that concerns us Devils only. Only the Devils of Gremory may remain present."
Usually, Issei believes that he would exit almost immediately while saying, "whatever, not my problem."
..But for whatever reason, this time, Issei refused to leave.
"—Nah. Actually, I think we're gonna be staying here. Asia, Raynare, come on. Let's sit down."
Before Rias could have even defended Issei, he had already done it himself. He led the hesitant Raynare and Asia towards the empty sofa on the left side of the room, the couch that Rias's servants were standing behind. All the meanwhile, Grayfia kept her narrowed eyes on Issei.
Issei paid no mind to it, and instead, he smirked at Grayfia when he sat down.
"So, what exactly are we interrupting?"
Realizing that there was no helping it, Grayfia yielded.
"Shall I explain it to them, Ojou-sama?"
Grayfia suggested, but Rias declined with the raise of her hand.
"I'll do it…. Well, you see.."
However, before she could elaborate, Rias was interrupted by a bright flash of light that emanated from the room's corner.
SHIIIIN!
And with that flash of light, a minor formation of heat and flames seemed to follow.
Fooooom!
"..Phoenix."
From behind the couch that Issei's trio was sitting on, Kiba whispered that.
Issei was perplexed by the term.
'Phoenix? Does that mean that a fuckin' bird of fire is about to spawn in the middle of this room?... Didn't know those existed.'
[Phoenix… I have heard that name. There is no doubt.]
'..Name? It's a name?'
While Issei was questioning it, a person appeared from the unrecognizable magic circle and emerged from the flames.
Foom!
"Fuu~, it's been a while since I've been to the human world."
The one who stood in the magic circle's former position was a man in his mid-to-late twenties, who had handsome features, and was wearing a red suit. Since the suit was being worn casually, it was missing its tie and the top button was left undone. The man also had blond, punk-ish style hair, and blue eyes.
Issei couldn't help but note that the flames the man emerged from didn't feel very hot..? Maybe he just wasn't close enough.
The man then took a glance around the room and smiled when he saw Rias.
"Ah, my lovely Rias. I've come to see you."
Issei raised a brow at the man who had just appeared.
'...My lovely Rias?'
Rias was looking at the man with half-closed eyes. She was certainly not giving him a warm welcome. The man didn't seem to care and approached Rias regardless.
"Now then, Rias. Let's go take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony had been decided so it's best to take a look before then."
The man then grabbed Rias's arm without permission.
"...Let go of me, Raiser."
Rias demanded it in a low and sharp tone while shaking the man's hand off. She was clearly angry, but that didn't seem to bother the man either, and he just continued smirking.
—Issei was always a good judge of character. He could always tell whether someone had ulterior motives, bad intentions, or were just straight up bad people. It might have possibly been due to the influence of the Sekiryuutei, his instincts, or a natural skill. Whatever the case, he was good at seeing people for what they truly were. It's part of the reason why he could initially tell that Genesis cult members were suspicious.
That being said, he knows very well what category of person that this "Raiser" character fits into. From his attitude and appearance, he seemed like what Issei would refer to as an "arrogant prick". Unbothered by the feelings or opinions of others, a confident and intrusive personality. This type of person was not Issei's "cup of tea", to say the least.
In fact, if there was any type of person he hated in this world, it was people who were inconsiderate of others in most senses of the word, and acted superior based on superficial reasons like appearance, wealth, status, or prejudice. It was always a fun idea to Issei, the idea of forcefully "bringing them down to earth" with the rest of the population.
For all of the things that Issei could say about Rias, including her prideful attitude and general immaturity, he couldn't say that she was like "that".
—Thanks to all of this, Issei felt compelled to disrupt the man, "Raiser's", flow.
After all, the last thing you want people like this to do, is take control of the situation.
"Oooy~, uh, Razor-san? People usually don't walk into a room uninvited without an introduction~, you know?"
"Ah?"
Raiser turned around with an unpleasant expression, and looked at Issei with a face that said, "who the hell are you?"
Witnessing this, Grayfia decided to elaborate for Issei.
"Your name was Hyoudou Issei-sama, correct? This person is Raiser Phoenix-sama. He is a pure-blood High-Class Devil and the third son of the Phoenix clan."
"Heeeh~, is that so.."
Issei very clearly made it sound like he "couldn't give less of a shit" with his response. However, Grayfia continued and mentioned an interesting detail.
"He is also the future husband of the next Gremory heiress."
It took Issei a moment to register that.
"Hah?"
"He is engaged to Rias-ojou-sama."
[—?!]
Raynare and Asia were shocked by this news.
'The heiress of Gremory is engaged to an heir of Phoenix..?! That sort of union, it's a dangerous one for the other sides…'
"Uwaa… This person is Rias-san's fiancé.."
Meanwhile, Issei's reaction was..
"...Oh."
—Mild disappointment.
'..Somehow, I was expecting more than that.'
Part 3
"The tea made by Rias's Queen is superb."
"Thank you."
Raiser praised Akeno's ability to make tea, and though she was smiling, Akeno didn't do it with her usual attitude.
Rias was now sitting on the sofa across from Issei's trio, with Raiser, who sat down beside her and casually touched her hair, arms, and thighs. Obviously, this contact was unwelcome, as Rias constantly shook his hand off. But again, Raiser seemed unbothered.
Rias's servants, who were standing behind Issei's couch, were maintaining composure, but they were clearly uncomfortable with this man's presence. Raynare felt uneasy, and even paranoid, being in the presence of not only a Phoenix but also the [Strongest Queen]. She felt so uneasy that, without even being aware of it, she was unconsciously holding Asia's hand in a protective manner.
—Issei, however, was the most detached from the situation.
He wasn't focused on the context of the situation, of which he had no knowledge of. Nor did he seemed concerned with the fact that Ddraig felt a familiarity to both foreign Devils.
Instead, he was focused on nothing but "the phoenix" itself. His gaze was glued onto Raiser, examining his every movement and mannerism. It was almost like he was thoroughly analyzing him.
Raiser didn't fail to notice this, but wasn't able to comment on it due to what happened shortly after.
"Stop it already!"
Rias stood up with an anger filled voice that disrupted the uncomfortable silence in the room. She was staring daggers at Raiser, but Raiser maintained his usual smirk.
"Raiser, I've already told you many times before! I will not marry you!"
"Yeah, I've heard that before. But Rias, that won't do, you know? I think the situation of your household is quite serious."
"That is none of your concern! If I am the next heiress of Gremory, then I will choose my husband! My father, brother, and everyone in the clan are rushing it! Also, it was a promise that I would be free until I graduated from university in the human world!"
"That's right. You are basically free. You can go to college and you can do whatever you want with your servants. But your Otou-sama and Sirzechs-sama are worried. They are afraid your house will become extinct. We lost a great number of pure-blood Devils in the war. Even if the war has ended, the rivalry between the three sides hasn't. It's not uncommon for successors of pure-blood households to be killed as a result. So for a pure-blood Devil which is also a High-Class, getting together would be the obvious solution for the forces of us Devils. A pure-blood High-Class Devil. Even you know that these children will be important from now on, right?"
Raiser and Rias were now arguing about a topic that Issei didn't have extensive knowledge on. He didn't really care for the affairs or politics of Devils. Though, he does know that the Devil race was in a bad place after the war, which is why they created the reincarnation system.
Rias became quiet after Raiser began speaking on the serious topic, but her eyes did not lose their sharpness. Raiser continued after taking a sip of his tea.
"The newly produced Devils, the ones like your servants, they are expanding in numbers and strength. But that would make us, the pure-blood and High-Class with an old history background, lose our place. There are nobles who get close to reincarnated Devils because they are powerful. Well, that might be alright. The newly produced Devils are also important to our future. But we can't allow the pure-blood houses to become extinct, can we? You and I were chosen to prevent the pure-bloods from going extinct. My house is safe because I have my brothers, and even my sister. But your house is one with only two siblings. And your brother left your house. That would leave only you, Rias, who can inherit the house of Gremory. If you don't take a husband, the house of Gremory will go extinct in your generation. Are you trying to destroy the house that has been continuing for centuries? Because of the last war, there isn't even half of the Devils who used to be referred to as the [72 pillars] left. This marriage has the future of Devils on the line."
The 72 pillars. Issei vaguely recalls hearing of it from Rias before, though not by his own volition. It was something related to all of the major houses that made up the Devil race. And apparently, half of them went extinct thanks to the last war. At this point, Issei wasn't sure whether to feel sorry or relieved about it.
Who is he kidding, he probably doesn't give a shit and thinks it's hilarious.
All of that aside, it seems that this situation deeply involved the history and politics of Devils. It also involved a situation with the Gremory household as a whole. Rias's actions from last night were now starting to make sense to Issei. It was indeed about her family, but also the Devil race.
But, again, someone like him still didn't give a shit about any of that.
"I'm not going to crush my house. And I am willing to take a husband."
Hearing Rias's declaration, Raiser stood up with a large smile.
"Oh, to be expected of Rias! Then let's—"
"—But I will not marry you, Raiser."
Rias cut Raiser's celebration short and said it clearly.
"I will only marry the one that I acknowledge. Even the Devils from the old nobles house have a right to choose."
Hearing that, Raiser's attitude became unpleasant again and he even clicked his tongue.
"...You know, Rias. I'm also a Devil that carries the name of Phoenix behind me. I can't let that name get tarnished. I didn't even want to come some little old building in the human world. Rather, I don't like the human world all that much. The fire and wind of this world is filthy. For a Devil like me who rules fire and wind, I can't stand it."
Raiser then leaned closer to Rias and placed a hand on her chin.
"I will bring you back down to the underworld… Even if I have to burn all of your servants to do it."
And in that next moment, both Rias and Raiser flared their auras to their full extent.
Oooooooohhhhmmmmmm!
Ooooohhhhmmmmmm!
—But unfortunately for Raiser Phoenix—
Smack!
—That hand of his was slapped away from Rias's face by an unexpected character.
"...Ah, my hand slipped."
Hyoudou Issei.
….
….
The room was silent for a moment, as if everyone in it was stunned. Judging from their expressions, Rias and Raiser were certainly shocked to notice a figure that had suddenly appeared between them.
Issei, however, was more concerned with his own internal conflict.
'...What the hell am I doing?...'
Issei didn't understand his own actions, nor his intentions. Perhaps they were too complicated, even for himself, at this point.
But he remembers asking Raynare once, how she was able to truly "feel" for Asia over time. Raynare only told him that she didn't fully understand it herself. But as time continued to pass, she decided for herself that "she would no longer question it, and simply allow herself to feel what she feels". And if she felt those feelings she didn't understand, then she would explore them by moving in accordance with them.
And thanks to that, Raynare one day became Asia's "friend".
Issei had been thinking to himself for a while, that perhaps he should take a note from Raynare's book and implement it into his own life. Simply feel what he feels, and act according to those feelings, without question. And after a while of doing that, perhaps he could finally understand himself better..?
Well, if he wants to do something like that, then there was definitely no better time than the present.
That's why, while looking at Raiser, he thought..
'...Ah, fuck it..'
—With a great disdain in his eyes.
'..This bastard's annoying anyway.'
Raiser took a second to register what had happened, then he scowled and said it in an irritated tone.
"...Hey, you lowly one. What do you think you are doing?"
Without the annoyed Raiser noticing, Issei smirked for a moment. Then, he placed his hand up to his chin and completely ignored Raiser's question, as if unbothered by him.
"...Hmm. They call you "Phoenix", huh? Say, what does that mean? Earlier you were talking about how you were a "master of fire and wind", and that this world's flames are "filthy". You also let out some flames when you appeared from the magic circle. Does that mean you're a Devil that specializes in flame magic or something? Or maybe you're actually like a phoenix bird in disguise? Like a shapeshifting one? I didn't think the Devil species were so complex."
Issei said it in a way that was sarcastic, though it was only easy to tell if you knew how he usually acted. But to Raiser, it was like speaking to a buffoon. Raiser furrowed his brows at Issei in a condescending manner.
"...Huh? What, you mean you're too uneducated to even know that? What's with that? Did Rias not teach you that properly? She clearly didn't teach you manners… Honestly, Rias, I'm shocked. I never believed you could be so irresponsible to your servants."
Rias's blood boiled in anger. But before she could even retort, Issei replied to Raiser with the tilt of his head, completely unfazed.
"Hm? I'm not Rias's servant though? I'm just a human."
Raiser made a surprised expression when he heard that.
"..Human? What? What is a human doing in a place like this, during a time when important Devil matters are being discussed? No, more than that, what kind of human are you, to know about Devils and such?... Not only that, but now that I realize it, there's even a Fallen-Angel here..?"
Raiser directed his gaze to Raynare, who flinched under it, tightening her grip on Asia's hand. It seems like he was too distracted with himself to notice Raynare before.
But Issei also stepped in front of Raiser's face, blocking his view of the two girls.
"Ah, who cares about that. More importantly, I remember asking you a question. I asked you about that title— er, or name? Or whatever the fuck.. Um, 'Phoenix'. What does that mean?"
Issei asked that question in a manner that came off as ignorant, but it was done purposefully. Feeling an insult to his pride, Raiser fell for Issei's little mind trick.
"...Are you a fool? That is the name of a great family from ancient times. I am Raiser Phoenix of the legendary Phoenix clan. Didn't you understand that from the context, or are you seriously that dense?"
Issei rubbed his chin in a willfully ignorant manner again.
"Hmm… That's interesting. Definitely interesting.."
On Raiser's forehead, there was a vein that popped up and started pumping blood vigorously. For some reason, something about this human's attitude irritated him immensely.
"...Hey, what is your problem now?"
Issei said it as if he was thinking deeply about it.
"Nah, I was just thinking, you know… I mean, I'm just a human so I don't know much about Devils stuff. And you don't really have any presence in the human world, so of course I wouldn't know. But that just makes me think… It's kind of funny, you know? The fact that you act really high and mighty, but…"
Issei said it while stifling a laugh, but he still intentionally smiled at Raiser.
"I don't even know who the fuck you are, haha?"
Raiser's vein pumped blood through his head even more violently, and his eye below it twitched. Raiser was cracking.
"...Of course you don't. Lowlife humans like you couldn't even fathom how great existences like the Phoenix's are, let alone Devils themselves. You're nothing but worms of the earth which we tread on.."
"Oh? But I thought hell was below us humans?"
Raiser eye twitched harshly again.
"Oh, wait! I just thought of something!"
Issei snapped his fingers in realization. Then, for an unknown reason, he began laughing to himself. He was trying to "conceal" his laughter by doing it into his fist.
"Hehehe… Haha…"
Seeing this, Raiser's lips contorted in a slightly ugly way due to anger. Raiser was on the verge of breaking.
"...What are you laughing at, lowlife?"
Issei's laughter died into nothing, and he cleared his throat.
"Ah, heh…. No, it's nothing, my bad. It's just that… Well, you know, I just thought… Kuku.."
—Issei then pointed his finger towards Raiser and started wagging it in a circular motion. And he said it with a smile that threatened to burst out into laughter, in the most mocking tone he could ever muster.
"Yakitori~! Ya~ki~tori~!"
SNAP!
And Raiser's composure broke.
GRAB!
Raiser instantly took hold of Issei's shirt collar, trying to lift him up by it, despite Issei actually being slightly taller than Raiser. Of course it was to no avail, since Issei didn't physically budge at all.
Moreover, Issei didn't mentally budge either. His reaction was a blank stare towards the ceiling, while Raiser growled at him.
"Listen here, you lowlife worm..!"
But Issei's deadpan expression doesn't mean that he took kindly to Raiser's actions.
"Oy.."
Raiser then experienced a sharp pain in his wrist. Issei's hand had gripped tightly around it. It was such a strong grip that Raiser's own grip, which he thought to be firm, was somehow gradually being pulled away.
"...Don't do that. You'll mess up my uniform."
Raiser struggled to keep his hold of Issei's collar, the fabric slipping through the grasp of his fingers as his hand was being slowly forced away.
Raiser's arm shook in his struggle against Issei's grip, but Issei's arm was firm. Once Issei had removed Raiser's hand from his shirt, he tossed Raiser's arm away as if it was nothing.
Raiser rubbed his wrist in disbelief. This wasn't the strength of a "human". This was much more..
"You..! Who are you? What are you?"
—Before Raiser's eyes, Issei's lips curved into a wicked smile to his question. And Issei took claim of a name that he never would have thought so fitting for him, until now.
"..I'm the beast from the east.."
….
Raiser, not understanding what Issei meant, only furrowed his brows in confusion.
"..What?"
From the sidelines, Rias was left speechless.
Issei was defending her…? She never thought she would see the day. But perhaps he found a similar dislike for Raiser as she did. That was understandable, at least. But still, she was surprised by Issei's actions anyway.
..And witnessing Raiser easily being thrown off by Issei, who was human, it gave her a deep sense of satisfaction..
"Raiser."
For that reason, Rias decided to reveal Issei's true identity to Raiser.
"This person is indeed a human, but he is no average human. Nor is he my servant."
Rias said it clearly, and with a smile on her face.
"This person is Hyoudou Ise, and he is this generation's current Red Dragon Emperor."
[—?!]
Raiser made an expression of shock. Even the cold demeanored Grayfia's eyes widened slightly at the announcement, as if in realization of the truth.
"What?! This human— is the Sekiryuutei?!"
Raiser exclaimed in shock to the unexpected realization.
Issei shot Raiser another devious smile in response to his surprise.
"What's wrong, Yakitori-san?... You look scared.."
For a brief moment, Issei's eyes emitted a green light that exposed his reptilian looking eye. And something akin to fear might have flashed in Raiser's own.
"..!"
But after a few seconds, Raiser regained his composure and somehow returned to his smug demeanor. He snickered to himself, which turned into a full blown laugh.
"Hehehe… Hahahaha!"
Judging by Issei's flat expression, he was not as amused.
"Hahaha… I see, I see. Well then, that's my bad then. Looks like I was being the ignorant one. Forgive me for not realizing it. It makes sense now. As I thought, it would take the Sekiryuutei in order to hold me back like that. I shouldn't be surprised."
Raiser somehow worked a way to stroke his own ego through that situation. That seems about right.
"So you were the Sekiryuutei all along, huh? I had no idea you made such important friends, Rias. Not bad. But it looks like you couldn't convince him to join your peerage, huh. Well, I can't blame you— what was it, Hyoudou Issei? Yeah, Rias has potential, but she is still like a child. I can see why you refrained."
Rias was annoyed by Raiser's comments, but she held back from saying anything. She had a good feeling about how Issei would reply. Besides, seeing Raiser's initial distress at finding out about Issei's true nature was very entertaining.
Raiser randomly snapped his fingers.
"Ah, that's right! Why don't you join my peerage instead? My peerage is a special group that usually excludes males, but for the Sekiryuutei, I'll easily make an exception. Under me, you'll turn you into an excellent Devil. Ah, but what piece would you take? I have no free pieces so I would definitely have to trade one. A [Bishop], perhaps? No, a [Rook]. You have good physical strength despite being a human, so maybe that would fit you best. We'd have to test out your magical capability to find out first though…"
Raiser went on a speech about Issei's theoretical capability as a servant, even though he never even agreed. Issei's flat expression turned into a wry smile, and he started shaking his head with a laugh.
"Kuku…. Hahaha… Are you dumb? Hey, Yakitori. What's up with you? Are you all ego and no brain? You find out that I'm the Sekiryuutei and suddenly we're buddies? When did I ever even agree to become a slave to a shitty scumbag Devil like you?"
Issei gave Raiser a poetically condescending smile while holding out his arms.
"—Are you seriously that fuckin' dense or something?"
Raiser's eye twitched, and his smile faded from his face. He returned to the same threatening attitude he displayed with Rias.
"...Ah, I see.. You want to remain a lowlife worm your entire life then? Well, that's fine too. You'll die in less than a century. It doesn't concern me. But just because you're the Sekiryuutei doesn't mean that I'll let you do as you please. This matter concerns Devils, not you. So if you interrupt us again, then I will have to do something about it myself."
Hearing Raiser's threat, Issei broke out into an almost maniacal laughter.
"Wha… Whahahahahaha! You're gonna "stop" me!? Hahahahaha!"
While Raiser was feeling irked by Issei's reaction, Issei was smiling smugly.
"What do you take me for, some sort of vegetarian fellow? I'm not afraid of a grilled chicken like you. I'm a carnivore… More than you could imagine, in fact.."
Issei finished that sentence in a dark tone that unsettled Raiser's instincts. But consciously, Raiser felt more aggravated than anything.
"..But I'm not really interested in the affairs of Devils, you know. I'm just peeved by the existence of shitheads like you. So if you say that you'll remove me when I interfere… Then I only want to do nothing but intervene, you know?"
Issei smirked at Raiser, but Raiser glared daggers into Issei with a threatening tone of voice.
"...Hey, shitty human. I'm not talking about exclusion here. I'm talking about destruction. Don't think I'm playing around with you… If you interfere with this matter which doesn't concern you, I will kill you.."
Issei mocked Raiser, but his expression and tone soon became dark as well.
"Oooh~, scary…. Even someone like me can eat something besides raw meat, Yakitori bastard… In fact, I'll even take it if it's all burnt up too..."
Then, as if to mirror the standoff between Rias and Raiser, Issei and Raiser were now staring each other down with auras shrouding their bodies. Raiser's eyes emitted a yellow light, similar in color to his aura. But Issei's eyes contrasted their previous green hue, and now they were glowing red, with an aura similar to coagulated blood.
"—Enough of this."
—Just as Raiser and Issei were flaring their auras at each other, it felt like a chilly breeze blew through the room. The atmosphere felt cold, and there was a prickly feeling on their skins.
Of course, Issei's instincts led his gaze towards the silver haired maid standing at the sidelines.
Her gaze had an especially piercing effect, and her eyes were colored in a bluish hue.
"I will not allow any sort of conflict to take place within this room, regardless of who it is started by. I was sent here by Sirzechs-sama to be a mediator, and that is what I shall do."
The room fell silent.
Though both Raiser and Issei's auras disappeared, they didn't remove their glares from each other.
—After lowering the tension slightly, Grayfia contemplated something to herself.
What should she do, she wondered.
Originally, she was sent here by two certain individuals as a "mediator", as stated before. But her intention was to bring up the [last resort] that she was instructed to mention. The "last resort" for Rias. It was an inevitable outcome.
But now… The situation has changed. An unpredictable element has been introduced into the equation.
—The Sekiryuutei. The Red Dragon Emperor.
Grayfia didn't think she would have to deal with something like this. Her master's didn't prepare her for such a scenario. Rias has been hiding the existence of such a factor in her presence. For how long? It can't have been more than a few months, the grade year just started.
In any case, now, this Sekiryuutei, which is not a Devil of Gremory or Sitri, is starting a conflict with a family member of the Phoenix clan.
A rogue Sekiryuutei vs the third heir of Phoenix.
This was getting out of hand. This wasn't what 'Sirzechs-sama' and 'the master' planned for.
…Unless…
"You two— No, all of you. Do not make any rash decisions or take any drastic actions. There is something I must determine for myself. I will ask that you wait patiently for my return. That goes most especially for the two of you, Raiser-sama, Sekiryuutei."
Grayfia made that announcement which most of them didn't understand. Raiser and Issei still kept glaring at each other, despite Grayfia's words.
"...You heard her, Yakitori. Don't go causin' trouble now, ya hear?"
"...If it wasn't for her, I would have already scorched you with my flames."
"Heeeh~, that sounds terrible. Knowing your flames, I think I'd freeze to death before that happened though. Killing the Sekiryuutei with matchstick flames is impossible after all."
"Should we see about that?"
"Hoho~, yeah, please, it'll be funny."
Again, Raiser and Issei's eyes emitted lights while glaring at each other. But again, Grayfia shut it down.
"—Enough. You two will separate from each other and wait for my return. Understood?"
Raiser's glare lightened up slightly before Issei's did.
"...Well, if it is the 'strongest Queen' saying that to me, then even I must obey."
Raiser sat back down on the couch, but without removing his glare from Issei.
Issei, instead of taking a seat somewhere else, decided to crudely sit down on the coffee table right in front of Raiser. He also refused to remove his glare from Raiser.
"..Sitting on a table, don't you have any class?"
"I don't care what fuckin' class I fit into, as long as it isn't the class that says I'm a shitty bird-brain engaged to a high schooler who hates my fuckin' guts, I'm fine."
And so, their glaring contest continued.
—Grayfia decided that was good enough and went towards the next room to contact someone.
"W-Wait, Grayfia..!"
Rias stopped Grayfia before she could enter the side-room to contact that certain person.
"...What are you going to do?"
Rias asked that in a hesitant manner, dreading Grayfia's answer. Grayfia simply responded in a matter of fact tone.
"I will be contacting my master, of course. Excuse me."
Saying just that, Grayfia excused herself from the room and entered the extra room directly beside the clubroom. Rias began to feel nervous after realizing it.
'She's going to contact Onii-sama..! He doesn't know about Ise yet. To find out that I've been hiding him in Kuoh without anyone's knowledge… And now Ise and Raiser are squabbling… What is Onii-sama going to do?'
"Onii-sama…"
Rias whispered it under her breath, but Issei didn't miss it.
So he knows that Grayfia's master is Rias's older brother, it seems.
—Meanwhile, in the next room that Grayfia was in, she created a small communication circle on her palm that was in direct connection with someone.
That person was..
—In the Devils' section of the Underworld, there was a large estate that resided in a certain territory. This territory was owned by the highest class of officials in Devil society.
Inside of the estate, inside of a certain room, there was a man— a Devil, who was sitting at a desk, filling out many stacks of paperwork, silently.
Shiin!
On the Devil's desk, a miniature magic circle appeared in front of his paperwork. Of course, he immediately recognized this magic circle. Placing his paperwork down, he prepared himself to speak.
This person— This Devil was..
[Sirzechs-sama.]
"Grayfia. What is it? Has the interaction between Rias and Raiser ended yet?"
[No, it hasn't. Actually, I am contacting you because there has been a complication.]
This Devil known as "Sirzechs-sama", leaned in closer out of interest.
"Complication? Of what sort?"
[An unexpected factor has now introduced itself into the equation. Or rather, it has always been there. We simply didn't know it.]
"What kind of factor are you referring to?"
[A dangerous one.]
The Devil, Sirzechs, narrowed his eyes.
"..Dangerous? Is Rias in danger?"
[Not exactly. However, there is a layer of danger that can now be perceived through this situation. If anything, the situation has simply become more complex than we could have anticipated.]
"...Alright, Grayfia. Tell me what it is."
[There is a human with a Sacred Gear here who is interfering with this matter. Apparently, Ojou-sama has been hiding his presence in Kuoh for quite some time now. He and Raiser-sama have developed a sort of animosity towards each other.]
"A human is..? What type of Sacred Gear does he have? It can't be that it's a Longinus, can it?"
Grayfia then made the shocking piece of information clear to Sirzechs.
[—He is the wielder of the "Boosted Gear", host of the Red Dragon Emperor. He is this generation's current Sekiryuutei.]
(—?!)
Sirzechs's eyes widened in shock, but he soon regained his composure. He stood out of his seat without hesitation.
"I understand, Grayfia. I will head there now. Let me meet with this Sekiryuutei."
[Wait, Sirzechs-sama.]
Grayfia interrupted Sirzechs's sudden decision.
"What is it?"
[You shouldn't act too hastily. I understand that it is about the Ojou-sama, but you must think before you act.]
"You mentioned that this Sekiryuutei was "dangerous", did you not?"
[Indeed, I did. However, I meant that as a danger to the situation at hand. Whether or not he is a danger to Ojou-sama and her servants is to be determined. He certainly seems like a hostile figure, but I have seen him exhibit relatively no negative behavior towards Ojou-sama and her peerage. Rather, he seems to have a great disdain for Raiser-sama instead. Both of them dislike each other, to the point of almost wanting to destroy each other on the spot. Even now, they glare at each other maliciously.]
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes with a keen interest to Grayfia's words.
"...I assume you are telling me this for a reason, Grayfia."
[Of course, Sirzechs-sama. I would not waste your time otherwise.]
Sirzechs paused for a moment, then, he sat back down in his seat.
"...What is it that you want to suggest, Grayfia?"
[I was going to suggest that perhaps this an opportunity for us.]
"An opportunity? This Sekiryuutei, you mean?"
[Yes. —Consider this. Rather than go with the first option that you had originally intended, what if we were to use this Longinus wielder as an opportunity? After all, he and Raiser-sama have a general dislike for each other. Perhaps that could be something that the Ojou-sama can use to her advantage?]
Sirzechs leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression.
"...You said that this Sekiryuutei was a human. So he is not a Devil under Rias?"
[Correct.]
"Does he identify himself as an ally to the Devil faction?"
[I am not sure yet. There has not been an opportunity in which he displayed the contrary, though he doesn't necessarily refer to Devils with affection either. But according to the Ojou-sama, he has been living here for months, and she would attest to them being closely affiliated.]
"...So they are friends?"
[The Ojou-sama would say so, "good friends", in fact. He is the man that she "acknowledged", the one she planned to give her chastity this previous night.]
To that, Sirzechs became surprised again. It was the Sekiryuutei that she offered herself to?
Sirzechs began thinking aloud.
"...A human who wants to interfere in the matters of Devils. This generation's current Sekiryuutei, who hasn't even been discovered, and it isn't even confirmed of whether he is an official ally to us yet… The nobles of the old houses wouldn't allow something like that… They might not even have accepted it if he was just a "lowly servant" of Gremory…. You're right, Grayfia. This situation is certainly more complex than when it first started."
Sirzechs rubbed the bridge of his nose for a moment.
"..To believe that Rias kept him a secret from us… She must have been trying to prove herself by taking responsibility for an unpredictable element like the Sekiryuutei without anyone's help. And the fact that Sona Sitri would allow this…. No, I suppose it's not surprising. They both have a common interest. Rias wants to handle things on her own, as a mature Devil would, keeping me out of it. And Sona would want to keep her sister out of the equation, because knowing her, she might take drastic action after finding out about a rogue Sekiryuutei that appeared near her…. Honestly, what troublesome children."
[There isn't a possibility that Sona-ojousama was unaware?]
"Not likely. Sona is too smart for her own good sometimes. She might have even known before Rias. Though, it could depend on how well the Sekiryuutei hides himself…. Speaking of which, Grayfia. Tell me. Is he powerful?"
Sirzechs asked in a very serious tone. Grayfia answered without hesitation.
[He is "strong", yes. Physically, he was capable of easily removing one of Raiser's arms off of his clothes.]
"Do you know if he 'Boosted' himself or not?"
[That, I do not. But I would assume not, considering that he didn't have his Boosted Gear in sight when he did it.]
"He was able to do that with his base strength..?"
[Possibly. More than that, I had no idea what he was when I first met him. I had the instinct to tell that he was certainly "special", but nothing beyond that. I assumed that he was a Sacred Gear possessor with a high level Gear, but I didn't assume it was a Longinus. He was good at masking it.]
Sirzechs said it as if he almost didn't believe it, with a hand to his mouth in a contemplative manner.
"He was able to hide his true nature from Grayfia..? He must be especially experienced with such a skill. To think that a mere human would be capable of doing such a thing, to someone like Grayfia….. He is a good host. No, he is exceptional. One-in-thousands, if not greater. He may be the strongest Sekiryuutei in a good few generations…. I'm not even sure someone like Rias could make him a servant, if she wanted to. She might not be capable…. But having him interfere with these matters would be…."
Sirzechs placed his hands together in deep contemplation.
A disgruntled sister. An impatient family. An arrogant playboy. A rogue Sekiryuutei.
This situation really was too complicated… It was giving Sirzechs a headache.
If he were to look at it from the perspective of a high level official, his answer should be obvious. But if he looks at it from the perspective of family, then…
It all comes down to what he values more. Honoring tradition and upholding classic values, or, the freedom and happiness of his younger sister…
His sister, who wanted nothing more in her life than to be happy with someone she loves… If he would deny her that dream, then she would…
Rias's happiness would be…
….
….
"Grayfia."
Within himself, Sirzechs reached a decision.
"Arrange for me to meet with this Sekiryuutei, face to face."
—After a few minutes of silence in the clubroom, Grayfia finally came out from the extra room and stepped back into the main room. The tension was still fairly thick, most of it emanating from Raiser and Issei, who were still glaring at each other. Though, the level of hostility seemed to lessen from before.
"...Grayfia. What did Onii-sama say?"
Rias asked Grayfia in a low voice, but Grayfia ignored her question. Instead, Grayfia walked over to the couch that Raiser was sitting on and addressed him directly.
"Raiser-sama."
"Ah?"
Noticing Grayfia, Raiser finally removed his gaze from Issei's.
"Sirzechs-sama has requested that you return home for today."
"..?!"
Raiser stood up in shock.
"What?! Sirzechs-sama did?!"
"Yes, that's correct."
"That doesn't make any sense! Why would Sirzechs-sama request something like that..?!"
Raiser's demeanor changed when he realized it.
"...Oh, I see.."
Raiser, despite being wary of Grayfia before, was now standing in her face with an unfriendly attitude.
"So he's showing special treatment for his beloved sister after all…"
"That is not the case, Raiser-sama. You are misunderstanding."
"Do not forget, just because he is a Maou doesn't mean that he has all of the authority over such matters. If he wants to show favoritism towards his family over his duty, even someone like him can be reprimanded for it.."
"Rest assured, Raiser-sama. Nothing of the sort is taking place. This is simply a formality. Sirzechs-sama is not objecting to the union, he is merely asking for some patience on your end. Perhaps even just a day or two. There is something he must take care of before then, and he would like to meet with you after that. But being the busy man he is, he cannot do it immediately. That's why he's requesting that you wait until then, then he'll meet with you for official business regarding this. To assist you in sorting this situation with Rias-oujosama out."
Raiser narrowed his eyes. He took a glance back at Issei, who was still erroneously sitting on the coffee table.
Issei only gave Raiser a fake smile that infuriated him.
"...Very well. I understand. If it is Sirzechs-sama, my future brother-in-law, who requests this, then I'll oblige…. Besides, I won't be able to discuss things with a clear mind here."
Raiser finished that by shooting another glare towards Issei. Then, he walked to the edge of the room that he first teleported onto.
"Well then, my lovely Rias. It looks like I'll be taking my leave here. The next time we meet, we should be choosing a designer for your wedding dress."
Rias scoffed in disgust towards Raiser's flirtation.
"As for you, Sekiryuutei…"
Raiser then turned his attention back to Issei, and he spoke to him in a threatening tone.
"...When we see each other again, I'll make sure to use my flames to turn you to dust."
"Heh. And I look forward to snuffin' out those cold ass flames before ya even get to stroke your own cock-shaped ego, bird brain."
Raiser growled before a flash of light appeared beneath his feet.
"..We'll see about that."
SHIIN!
In a flurry of flames and light, Raiser's figure disappeared from the room. The flames surrounding his teleportation were stronger than when he first appeared, and a spot on the floor he was standing on was left singed. He did that on purpose.
After Raiser's disappearance, Grayfia then unexpectedly approached Issei.
"Hyoudou Issei-sama."
"Huh? What do you want?"
Then, Grayfia made a shocking announcement.
"My master would like to meet with you."
[—?!]
That shocked practically everyone in the room who understood it, with Rias being the most dumbfounded.
"What?"
"What?!"
Rias echoed Issei's confusion, but in a much more passionate voice.
"What is this, Grayfia?! Why would Onii-sama want to meet with Ise?!"
"Yeah, why the hell would Rias's bro— er, your master want to meet with me?"
Grayfia elaborated, but mainly to Issei.
"He wishes to have a discussion with you."
"A discussion? What the hell about?"
Rias also chimed in, despite not being included in the conversation.
"That's right, Grayfia, about what?! What is it that Onii-sama would want to discuss with Ise?!"
"Do not worry about it, Ojou-sama. It doesn't concern you."
"But it does concern me, doesn't it?! That discussion— that conversation surely concerns me, doesn't it?! It's about me, isn't it?! Besides, Ise is my friend! Onii-sama cannot just interrogate my friends without my consent—"
"—Ojou-sama."
Grayfia interrupted Rias in a surprisingly powerful tone.
"Your assumption is incorrect. This discussion does not involve you. It only involves the Sekiryuutei and my master. That is why you have no input."
Rias was able to say nothing against Grayfia's words. Grayfia then asked Issei.
"Would you be willing to meet with my master and have a discussion with him, Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei-sama?"
Issei silently stared at Grayfia for a few seconds.
Sirzechs Gremory. Grayfia's master, Rias's older brother. A name that Ddraig recognized, a name he suspects was involved in his sealing. That man…
The Devil likely wants to meet with Issei because he is the Sekiryuutei, and the Sekiryuutei could be a threat. So it's more of an assessment than anything, Issei assumes.
But if he were to meet with this "Sirzechs", a member of the Gremory family…
….Perhaps he would have something to say to Issei about the great "Kuoh disaster"...
On behalf of his family, what would the Devil have to say for himself..?
….
….
"Alright."
Issei had to know.
"I'll meet with this slave master of yours, maid-sama."
To Issei's reply, Grayfia was satisfied, and Rias was terrified.
Surely, if Issei initially recognized Rias because of her crimson hair, then he will certainly recognize her brother for his own. Especially considering that it was his hair that Issei saw that day, as his first sighting of a Gremory, in the first place.
This could have drastic and unforeseen consequences.
"..G-Grayfia.. If Onii-sama is going to meet with Ise, then may I also be in attendance for that encounter?"
Rias pleaded earnestly with Grayfia, but Grayfia stared at her silently for a moment, before shaking her head.
"No, I'm afraid that won't do. Sirzechs-sama wishes to meet with him personally, in private. A matter like this is detached from you, so there would be no reason for you to attend."
Rias only became more worried after Grayfia's answer. She had a bad feeling that this could lead to disaster. But she couldn't just let this go on without at least warning Grayfia of what could come.
"...Grayfia, if you're going to have him meet with Onii-sama, then I can't stop you. But, there's something you should know…"
Rias approached Grayfia and whispered something in her ear. Grayfia's eyes widened and looked at Issei. Issei became suspicious of what exactly Rias told the maid.
But Grayfia gave no other reaction and simply bowed to Issei.
"Well then, Hyoudou Issei-sama. I will be leaving. Take this for now."
Grayfia handed Issei a white card. Issei examined it, but it was blank.
"There's nothing on this."
"Do not worry. In a few hours, a time and place should appear on that card in red writing. That is the time and place that you should be meeting my master."
"Huh. Handy trick. I guess everything about Devils really is sneaky and dishonest."
Grayfia ignored Issei's remarks and stepped away in order to depart from the room.
"Good day to you all."
Shiin!
Grayfia quickly disappeared from the clubroom, leaving only the ORC members behind. Rias immediately approached Issei with a worried face.
"..Ise, please listen to me. No matter what happens between you and my brother, please, don't do anything drastic. I-I know we aren't the closest, but… I don't want to lose a friend… Don't let your anger take hold of you. Please… If not for yourself, if not for me, then for Asia… Remember that she cares for you deeply, and I know you care for her.. Okay, Ise?"
Issei turned his head towards Rias with an unnerving expression.
"The French maid was right, Rias. This doesn't concern you."
After saying that, Issei stood up and walked over to the exit of the clubroom.
"Let's go home, Asia, Raynare."
"I-Ise-san? What about school?"
Issei said it while opening the door.
"We're skipping today."
Raynare and Asia hesitantly followed Issei out of the room, leaving only the Devils of the ORC behind in the clubroom.
Part 4
At around 6pm, the card that Issei received from Grayfia finally had some words revealed on it. But it was an unrecognizable language for a moment. They only became Japanese kanji after a few seconds.
In bold, red letters, the words "8:15 pm, Occult Research Club room" appeared. Two hours after the words appeared, Issei walked over to the academy. He shouldn't be surprised that the meeting place ended up being the clubroom, Issei supposed. It's common territory, this is Rias's brother after all, right.
Also, now that he thinks about it, that little card trick reminds him of something similar from his previous years. He recalls a time that he met an "angel" in a random house, accompanied by his beloved partner. The angel tossed a card with unrecognizable characters at him. The language then morphed into Japanese kanji and he could read it.
The maid used the exact same trick that the angel used.
That aside, Issei arrived at the school at almost exactly 8:15pm. He made his way to the clubroom, at the dark of night, wondering what could possibly happen during this meeting with "Sirzechs Gremory".
What was going to happen, only time would tell.
But for some reason, Issei was being slowly overcome with a foreboding feeling… It was a feeling that he has felt before… He remembers feeling it in times when he was hunting Genesis members.. It was like a "hunger" or a "thirst"… A feeling that something bad was going to happen… A feeling of anticipation..
And it was something that the madness inside of him was craving, and tingling with some bizarre sense of excitement for..
...Was this feeling an enticement towards the idea of chaos..?
….
….
Whatever it was, it was making him anxious. And yet, it also felt like it was sharpening his senses. He felt like a predator, hunting for its prey.
Oh yes… Now that he thinks of it, this was certainly a familiar feeling.
He can only imagine what becomes of this feeling during the meeting..
—Speaking of which, he has now just arrived in front of the ORC room entrance. And with hands he expected to be shaking with anticipation, but were somehow disturbingly steady, he pushed open the doors to the clubroom.
DAKUN…
The sound of the doors being opened was surprisingly loud, and Issei's world suddenly began to move in slow motion as he entered.
"Welcome, Hyoudou Issei-sama."
Grayfia greeted Issei with a bow that felt like it went on forever.
But Issei's eyes were naturally drawn towards the front of the room, near Rias's desk, where he felt his instincts were leading him to look.
His world came to a stop.
—Right in front of that desk, there was a figure standing there. With a bold attire that was meant for royalty, dark robes with shoulder plates representative of status.
And most of all, crimson hair.
Crimson hair, like blood, that glistens in the moonlit sky. High, high, above the ground. On a night like no other. A night filled with blood and terror. A night that couldn't be forgotten, no matter how many decades passed.
On that night, a crimson mane would become a symbol. A symbol for pain and suffering.
And that symbol was now present before the beast that it created, in its full glory.
"—GREEEMOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"
[NO, YOU FOOL!]
PREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!
.
.
.
.
.
The boy— The snarling beast— Hyoudou Issei, had only made it an inch off the ground. And in only one moment, his head entire body, save for his head, was entirely frozen in a thick block of ice.
"Greetings, Red Dragon Emperor— Hyoudou Issei."
Grayfia, who was standing at the side, had frozen Issei using magic almost instantaneously. Her eyes were glowing in a bluish hue, and her body was surrounded by a chilling aura. Literally.
And with Issei being frozen, practically the entire half of the room he occupied was also frozen along with him as a result, and that included the entrance.
Despite that, Issei was still snarling like a wild beast, unbothered by the fact that he was frozen, and only concerned with the being that was standing ahead of him.
There had been no time in Issei's life that he had snarled and growled so ferociously, with teeth grit so tightly they sounded like they were on the verge of breaking, and even saliva dripping from his jaws. The only time he was similar was when a Genesis member had broken into his home and hurt his family.
But this time, his rage was somehow even more palpable, at a level that has never been seen before.
His vision was red. All he could taste was blood. All he could hear were screams and monstrous sounds. And all of the moments of his treacherous life flashed in his mind.
Issei, in this moment, was undoubtedly losing himself to insanity.
—Sirzechs "Gremory" was frowning at the sight of this man, the Sekiryuutei, snarling like a mad dog. It didn't bode well for Rias's situation, or for the Sekiryuutei's prospects as an ally to the Devil's side, if he had any.
"It is true that the clan which I originated from was Gremory. However, I am no longer a Gremory now. Now, I am known as [Sirzechs Lucifer]. I am a [Maou], Devil-king of the underworld."
Sirzechs, now identified as "Lucifer" rather than "Gremory", made an attempt to introduce himself in an orderly manner.
Despite this, Issei, the Sekiryuutei, was still growling like a madman.
Sirzechs furrowed his brows, wondering if this man would ever regain his sanity. Looking into the Sekiryuutei's eyes, they were filled with madness and hatred. Eyes that were making slight, erratic movements, yet still piercing through Sirzechs's form. Those eyes felt like the were spewing endless flames, burning a hole into Sirzechs's soul. He could practically make out the dragon sitting behind those eyes. Especially in the right eye, which had somehow lost the appearance of being human, and had red scales grown around it.
Crack!
Near Issei's neck, where his body was frozen up to, Sirzechs noticed a tiny hairline fracture in the ice surrounding Issei's body. Though it was ever so small, so small that it hardly compared to a bobby pin in size, it was a crack in the ice nonetheless.
'...Unbelievable. It's an insignificant fracture, but still.. The fact that he can manage that without even using his Sacred Gear, ice magic from Grayfia herself, it's terrifying… With the body of a human, no less..! This host is certainly exceptional. But why hasn't he taken a different form? If I recall, the Sekiryuutei has an ability to take on a different form, the "Balance Breaker", for the Boosted Gear. Perhaps he can't activate his ability because of Grayfia's ice… Let's keep it this way, for now.'
Sirzechs continued to speak while the beast of a Sekiryuutei didn't seem to listen.
"Sekiryuutei— No. Hyoudou Issei. I have brought you here so that we may have a civil discussion. I was already assuming that you would have your grievances with me, but I had no idea you would be so unwilling to cooperate… Is it perhaps because your circumstances with me are..complex?"
Despite acting like he was insane, the wild Sekiryuutei still somehow understood Sirzechs's subtle implication, that is, the subtle reference to "that day" ten years ago.
"GRRRRR..! GRRR!"
Crack, crack!
And unexpectedly, a few more hairline fractures formed in the ice around the Sekiryuutei's neck again. Sirzechs's eyes widened in shock at the sight. Then, more ice began to slowly replace the fractured section, due Grayfia's influence.
"Stop."
Sirzechs held his arm out, ordering Grayfia to cease her actions.
"Leave it be."
"And if he takes a new form?"
"We will deal with that if it happens."
"Sirzechs-sama—"
"Do as I say, Grayfia."
"..Very well."
Though she was hesitant, Grayfia complied, and she made sure not to freeze the Sekiryuutei any further. Meanwhile, Sirzechs continued to make attempts to converse with the Sekiryuutei.
"..Hyoudou Issei. —Or are you nothing but a mad dragon now?... I can see nothing but destruction in your eyes. Tell me.. If we release you, will you go on a rampage?"
Sirzechs asked that with the hope that his question would somehow provoke a coherent response from this "Mad Dragon Emperor".
—But inside of the mind of the dragon, there was only madness.
《KILL HIM.》
Once again, while all of the different maddening events of Hyoudou Issei's life played through his head, interrupting his vision like a constant nightmare, a familiar figure appeared ahead of him once more.
Standing right beside the Devil which he felt he was destined to kill, there was himself. There was, holding a bloody cloth in his hands - the boy who suffered, yelling at him, along with a tribe of other voices.
《KILL HIM— KILL THE GREMORY! MAKE THEM SUFFER!》
《"It's started?"》《"Looks like it's started."》
G̷̡̧̦̞͎̦͚̮͓̱̮̲̝̘̱͈̭̞̣̜̣̗̥̹͔̮̲̩̰̮͒͗̍̔͌̽͑̓͗̀͂̀̂̈́͆̆̇͛̈́̋͊̂́̆̋́̃͋̚͜͝ͅŖ̸̢̞̠̘͉̮͚̯̺̮̝̫̼̰̯̜̍̊̎̀͗͗̈́̐͘͝͠Ề̸̡͕̙̖̙̬̮͖͍̙̖͓̠̟͆̈̿͝M̵̨̨̧̢̡͚̠̬͍̤̘̻̼̳̜͚̗͎̘͇̝̞͎̩̀̿̽͛͂̈́͒̀̎̐͒͐̄͌̄̐̋̏͜͝O̶̝̠͑̿̈́͑̆̐̐̀͆̑̄̎̇̈͋̓̎͂Ŕ̴̢̢̛̳͔̺̟̘̹͖͈̯̤̟̥͎͎̠̂̐̈̄͛̌̓̔̐͂̍̋̍͂̈̔̏̓͒͂̊̊̚̕̕͝͝͝͝Ÿ̵̢̢̧̤͓̟̭͍͓͎͍̣̲̦̻̘̞̮̺̦̮͎͈̹̭͍̖͇͍̘̻̜̙͍̤͔́̎͊̇̒͗̀̽̽̆̾͠ͅͅͅ!
《TAKE AWAY EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN FROM YOU!》
《"I hear screaming."》《"I hear weeping."》
D̸͓͙̟͔̮̲͓̀͊̄̃͗̌̋͘͜͝͠Ě̸͓͍͂̒̈́͋̓̋͌̉͂̃̿́͘̕͠͠Ṿ̴̨̢̦͕̺͚̪̜̖̗͍̈́Ȋ̷̧̫͙̙͙̫̙̭͕̗͙̝͔̳͉̤͓̮̏̽́̔̒̈́̂̀̇̑̈́̔͘̕̕͘̕L̷̢̟͇̜̣͔̰̉S̷̩̹͓͔̳̣̰͎̙̩͖̽͂̅̔̌̚͘͝
《BREAK FREE FROM YOUR RESTRICTIONS! RAMPAGE! CREATE MAYHEM! CREATE CHAOS!》
《"It's changed."》《"Something has changed."》
Ç̴̡̧̡̝̖̠̣͚͙̘͇̬͚͕̯̜̱̮͈͌́̀̑̈́̌̌̈́͐̑͊̀̇̃́͗̑̊͒̇͛̑̑̾̽͛͒͌̎̊͋̽́̚̚͝R̴̛̰̪̗̯̹̠̮̗̟̾̂͜͠Ȋ̶͔̗̪͎̼̲̗̜̥̻̪̲̗̹̹̳͕͔̱̫̭̝̥̭̞̀́́́̅̀́̇̀́̊̾̿̅̆̐͐̋̉̾̀̽̊̒͘̚͜͠M̸̡̧̛͔̘̫̺͕̱̠͕͍̪͙͓̘̯̠̗̭̲͉̙͈̻̩͈͉͋̍̆͂̓̽̀͆͒̔̂̎́͌͛̂͑̆̆͑̇̅̚̕͜͝S̴̨̧̨̢̧̢̛͈̪̗͔̭̙͉͔̭̫̺̠̘̲̹͙͖̫̲̜̬̬̩͎̋̀͂̌̃͘͝ͅƠ̸̧̢̛̳̺̭̭̙̰͚͇̳̝̱̭̹͔͚̣̲̩̙̼͍̥̬̺̲̯̩̥͚̘̒͂͗̓̊͗̀̈̓͛̅̃̈́͆̑́͒̅̌͒̇̌͆̉̕̚̚͝͝ͅṆ̷̮̠̳̲̝͉̔̅̾̿̽̆̃͐ͅ
《DESTROY THE DEVILS! DESTROY EVERYTHING!》
《"Something is trying to escape."》《Something is trying to enter."》
L̵͓̫̼̩͓̠͎̍͐̾͜E̸̹͍͈̰̰̣̙͈͒Ṭ̷̺̤͈̲́̈́͗̚ ̴̢̾͆̕M̵̧͙̗̹̻͍̤̈́̿̿Ë̶̬͉̭̟͖͉͙̟́̽̍̽̋̎̈̕͝ͅ ̸̡͎̰͎̜̗̩͇̍̄̐̊͛̚̕͠Į̴̥̙̘̰̰͓̪̤̯̓͗̂̑͛̎̍͐̌N̴̛̪̼͖̮̂́̒̆̄̿̉
L̵͓̫̼̩͓̠͎̍͐̾͜E̸̹͍͈̰̰̣̙͈͒Ṭ̷̺̤͈̲́̈́͗̚ ̴̢̾͆̕M̵̧͙̗̹̻͍̤̈́̿̿Ë̶̬͉̭̟͖͉͙̟́̽̍̽̋̎̈̕͝ͅ ̸̡͎̰͎̜̗̩͇̍̄̐̊͛̚̕͠Į̴̥̙̘̰̰͓̪̤̯̓͗̂̑͛̎̍͐̌N̴̛̪̼͖̮̂́̒̆̄̿̉
.
—And through all of the madness, the boy who was usually cursed with eyes redder than blood, or eyes blacker than an abyss - this time, his eyes somehow possessed a golden radiance.
.
《C̸̛̤͚͙͎͓̺̤̬̣̖͊͒̈́̌͛R̷̛̤͓͐̌̍͊̔́̓̾̕Ê̴̜̹̭̂̌͌̆͌̉͊̋̈̃̅̕A̶̡̗͚̳̰̖̘͉͖̹̟̋͛͛̂̈́̂̋͒̎͐̓͑ͅT̷̢̪̤̳̣̭̺̰̝͙̦͈̮̙̮͉͂̈́E̶̱̘̺̖̪͒̈́̀̑͆̋̂͋̓̿͒̉̈͝ ̶̧̢̛̰̯̖͓͉̥̜͂̈́̍̓̅̈́̒̂̿́̈́̕͘̚͜͝͠ͅṪ̸̨̨̖̰͖̙̤̩͉̘̬̰̻̍̆̈̈́̊̚̚H̷͔̎̍́͗͆̀͜E̵͌̀͊̏̃̈́̐̽̆͗͜͝͠͝ ̵̡̨̲̥͈̩͙̭̎̏͑̊̎̉̄̍̄͐ͅͅS̶̨̢̢̱͔̙̭͚̻̦̩̜̱̳͚͔̜̆͗̃̉̆͆̎͘͠T̸̮̤̲̬̓͊͛͐̚͜͝Ọ̵̮͇͍̣̠̦̘̤̙̖̾̔̈̐̒̑̈̔̓̐̈́̕͜R̸̡͌̌̿̚M̶̢̪̖͆̒̀͐̄̊̆͂̅̒̈́̚ ̷̨͕͓̝̖͔̻͇̣͔̜̗̈́̃ͅͅŢ̶͕̯̲̱̯̣͖̭̣̝̲̳̖̯̌͒̾͊̅̎̈́̒̅́̀̕͝͝H̷̢̬͈̭̣̮̯̜̳̙̭͚̩̄̿̈́̅̀̓́̾̐͆͝͝͝͝͝ͅÀ̸̢̘̲̭̻͉̫̥̠̘̌̈́̂̎͆̎̀̾̈́̏͊̚̕Ţ̵̡̯̮̟̙̩͕͕͓͍̭̟͛́̒́̀͊͂̀͂̚ ̸̭̗̬̈͆͋̉̾̏̌̒͌̍͝͠W̵̧̙̝̟̼͓͎̫͚͙̙̹̠͉̼̞̽͂̈́̆̂̎̑̑̎̃̅͝͠I̷̢̿̓̑̆̈́̚L̸̡̢̨̢̮̦͉̝̥̘͍̟̍̓L̶̨̲̭͚̮̪̩̱̎͐̍̐ ̷̛̦̺͙̎̄̅͒̑̊̂͑̎B̸̮̀̿̈́̌̓̈́̎̽͑͘I̴̡͔̤̜̽̋͂R̷̡̧͈͈͉̗̥̺̠̜͕̪̓̐̂́̑̇͆͝Ţ̶̛̼̟̤͇̪̟̻͙̟̤̲̍̒̈͑͒̓͆̔̈́̇̌̀̍͜͝H̵̫͙͈͔̼̼̽̉̆͊̀̓̌̔̾͒̉̉̅͘̚͘ ̶͚̆̿̐͋̐͐̓̎͘Ç̸͚̖̹̤͙̞̼͎̿̅̽́̀̚̕͜Ḣ̷̞͛Ą̸̺̥͓̝̗̪̗̠̺͗̀͛̍̀̾͝Ǫ̷̗̯̹̯̘̖̗̠̟̝̑̍̀̐̃̎̀̎̏̃̃͘͘̕͜͝Ş̸̱͙͖͔̝̗̫͖̍́̑͛̔̓̏̔̄̀̄̕͘.》
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"Hum~, hum~~"
The maddening avalanche of sounds and sights suddenly became silent and disappeared. It was quiet, it was dark. But, it was also soft.
A soft humming, and a gentle voice.
"Frère Jacques, frère Jacques,
Dormez vous~ dormez vous~
Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines,
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong~"
A lullaby.
A French lullaby. The feeling of warm sunlight, and a soft lap to lie on. An alluring scent. The sound of a beautiful voice. And soft hands that were running through a certain boy's hair.
"Écaille~. Écaille, open your eyes."
Hyoudou Issei opened his eyes, only for him to see the dazzling smile of an unreachable person above him.
"What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream again?"
She spoke with soft words to ease all of his torment.
After laying his eyes upon this radiant being again, Hyoudou Issei began to realize something he should have long ago.
"..Ah… You're an Angel…"
The vision of this Angel shimmered from the sunlight, and her white wings bathed the boy in a comforting light.
"—No one else but yours."
….
….
….
….
[...ner!]
….
[Pa...ner!]
….
[—Partner!]
"..!?"
—Hyoudou Issei's eyes shot open in shock. His sight and sound returned to him, in their regular state. His body felt cold and tight. But at the very least, he could feel again.
Issei finally regained his sanity.
"..Ugh.. Ddraig, what is it?"
For a reason he couldn't understand, Issei had a splitting headache. His head was throbbing, as if he had just had it bashed in. Moreover, he felt like he couldn't move his body either. Was he sleeping in an uncomfortable position? No, now that he was regaining his sight, it seemed more likely that he lost consciousness for whatever reason.
Wasn't he supposed to be somewhere?
[Partner. I need you to remain calm. If you lose your mind again, I'm not sure I can bring you back. Manipulating your mind to replay memories of yours is one of the most complex things I have done, and it took all of my focus to do it. I wasn't even sure how effective it would be, but I had to risk it, lest you lose your mind on your own.]
"..What? Oh… Yeah, I think I was losing it for a second, huh… What the hell caused that?.. Thanks for bringing me back anyway…. Wait, you said you 'used a memory'?"
[Yes, I was able to stimulate your brain into playing a memory from your past, in order to restore your sanity. I wasn't sure of its effectiveness initially, but luckily, it seemed to work.]
"...Memory?.. That was a memory..?"
[You were in a maddened state, partner. Whatever you could have seen, only you would know. I don't know what effect that madness could have on your interpretation of memories.]
"...Hey, who cares about that, tell me where I'm at. Wasn't I doing something..?"
Issei shook his head to eliminate his daze. The headache finally subsided, thankfully. But now he needed to know what he was doing before he passed out.
If he recalls, wasn't he supposed to do something? Wasn't he supposed to go somewhere? Wasn't he supposed to meet up with someone?
'..Ah, that's right. The school. I was s'posed to meet up with that maid and her…'
….
"..!"
Upon remembering it, Issei raised up his eyes.
And of course, straight ahead of him, there was Sirzechs Gremory.
[!?—?!]
"GREMORRRRRYYYYYYYYY!"
[NO, PARTNER!]
Issei shouted and struggled violently, suddenly realizing that he was encased in ice. He was growling and glaring at Sirzechs in a rage, but his sanity was still intact. For the most part.
Seeing this, Sirzechs took the opportunity to begin the encounter anew.
"Hyoudou Issei. I assume that you have finally regained your composure."
"GREMORRRYYYY! YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAARD!"
Despite Sirzechs's best efforts, there still seemed to be a certain level of madness within Issei, at least to the point of howling at Sirzechs angrily.
[Partner, calm yourself! Don't lose your sanity again! If you are devoured by madness again, I'm not sure I can bring you back so easily! I can already tell that you were risking "the Drive" just before! We can't risk that again! Calm down. Think of your family. Think of the church girl. If you go on a rampage here, you won't be able to see any of them again.]
"...Ma… Asia..?"
Issei's growling died down, and he was left wondering about which "church girl" he should be thinking of first.
But still, there was no denying that he felt enraged. That person— The Devil from that day, he was standing just in front of Issei. If not for this ice that was holding Issei, he could walk right up to the Devil.
He was this close. He was in the same room.
"...Gremory..!"
Although he did it in a considerably lower tone than before, Issei still growled Sirzechs's family name with contempt.
Despite this, Sirzechs still took this as a good sign rather than bad.
"..From what I understand, you are a very special man, Hyoudou Issei. Grayfia has told me a small bit about your past. She says that you happen to be one of the survivors of the "Kuoh disaster" from a decade ago. And more importantly, she says that you are the only human who remembers it…"
At finally hearing the acknowledgement of the only thing that concerned Issei, his rage was starting to build up again.
"I was curious about this so I wanted to ask. How exactly is it that you were able to remember? Did you do it as a result of your Sacred Gear?"
[Maintain your sanity, partner. You cannot question him about "that day" without it.]
Issei made attempts to keep his anger from heightening beyond any point he cannot control, and he answered Sirzechs's question in a struggle against insanity.
"..Looks like your sissy didn't tell ya, huh. The answer to that is: fuck you, your shitty underlings suck at their fucking job, you god forsaken piece of shit..!"
Even though Issei was spitting vulgarities with venom at Sirzechs, which Grayfia certainly didn't appreciate, Sirzechs maintained his composure and responded fairly easily.
"I see. I assume that means you just weren't found then? So you were never under the affects of the memory spell. You always knew the truth."
"Yeah, that's right. I was always aware of your scummy existences and the rest of the fuckin' monsters in the world… And I always knew that it was you shitty Gremory who were at fault for it all."
Sirzechs's expression then gained a level of darkness to it after Issei's statement.
"...Have you ever planned to take vengeance for that?"
Issei didn't answer that question, he merely began glaring at Sirzechs silently. Sirzechs's expression then grew a threatening undertone to it.
"...Have you planned to take vengeance using my sister?"
Issei was reminded of the night before with Rias, and his right eye twitched slightly. In response, an aura began to seep, ever so subtly, off of Sirzechs's skin.
"...And what if I have, Gremory?"
The ice surrounding Issei's body felt like it became heavier, and Sirzechs raised a hand up with his palm open.
"...Then perhaps it's best if I just eliminate you here."
Voooooooooom...
Out of Sirzechs's palm, something resembling an orb took form, appearing with a small rumble. It reminded Issei of the "power orbs" that he would create before firing a "Dragon shot or blast". But unlike Issei's own power, this orb was dark at its center and surrounded by a red outline. Its appearance made Issei's instincts sound off immediately. He instantly knew it was bad news.
[Partner, that power is dangerous. We can't allow ourselves to be hit by it.]
'I can tell. It's making my fucking skin crawl underneath this ice. That's supposed to be the "Power of Destruction" that Rias uses, but something about it is wrong. It's too potent. It's too focused. Compared to Rias, who is like an amateur, this is the version that a master would use. Perfectly concentrated energy.. And I'm saying that as somebody who doesn't even know how the ability works other than destroying things…'
The stare-off between the two continued silently, uninterrupted. And with every second that passed, Issei grew more and more uneasy. Not only because of that power, but also because of that childish visage of himself that wouldn't disappear for some reason.
Would Issei lose his sanity, or his life? It was beginning to feel like it was a question of which would happen first…
Voom..
But the orb in Sirzechs's palm disappeared, and he lowered his hand. Sirzechs seemed to close his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them he was stoic again.
"..Tell me something, Hyoudou Issei."
Issei felt a certain pressure under Sirzechs's gaze.
"Do you loathe me?"
—What a question.
It was almost like a question that Issei was waiting his whole life to be asked.
Perhaps it could've been wrong, or maybe it was justified. But regardless of that, Issei knew his answer very well. It was down to his very instincts that he could answer it, so easily.
That answer, given with an expression that displayed his instability, was…
"..More than you could ever imagine, Devil."
To that answer, Sirzechs merely shut his eyes again.
"That's fine. I understand."
Understand? That was certainly not a word Issei expected to turn up in Sirzechs's response. Nevertheless, it still managed to anger him.
"...What the fuck do you "understand", Devil scum?"
Sirzechs opened his eyes ever so slightly, but looked down to the side while answering.
"Perhaps not enough."
Despite whatever implication there could've been, Issei only felt more and more agitated hearing these things.
"Tell me something else, Hyoudou Issei. I assume that with your hatred for me, those feelings may also transfer over to my family. But, I'd like to ask you earnestly.."
Sirzechs asked after a pause. His gaze, though not intimidating, Issei felt walk through his soul.
"Do you loathe my sister?"
—There it was again. Once again, that question had come to present itself to Issei, as if God was mocking him over his own answer.
To Sirzechs, Issei wanted to say many things. But above all else, to this question specifically, he wanted to respond with: Yes.
He wanted to laugh at Sirzechs, and proclaim his hatred for his detestable sibling. He wanted to call her an arrogant, prideful, naive, foolish, petulant child. An idiot who he could play mind games with all day, if he wanted to. A weakling who he could easily dismember, if he wanted to.
A harlot, who he could defile without a second thought or hesitation.
All with a wicked smile etched onto his face.
….
But why?
Why was it that he couldn't say these things, even now of all times?
Why was it that he felt a conflict, a struggle against what he so dearly wished to say?
Why did it feel wrong? Why did it feel like lies?
Why?
Why?
….
"...No.."
—Issei doesn't always understand himself, he is a complex man after all. That's why, he's decided to simply take a note from Raynare's book and learn to act according to what he feels regardless. In the end, it was his namesake that Ise's words took form over.
Honesty.
"...I cannot hate a child for a sin that isn't theirs.."
That was a response that lightened up Sirzechs's eyes considerably. Though Issei didn't say it while looking directly at him, Sirzechs understood, simply by the shameful expression, that Issei was telling the truth.
Unbeknownst to Sirzechs, the place which Issei was directing his gaze, the "empty space" that was beside Sirzechs, it was actually the thing Issei was looking at.
The form of the forsaken boy with golden eyes, staring at Issei with a sinister grin unlike that of a child's.
《—LIAR.》
Issei ignored the vision and returned his gaze to Sirzechs, who was still wearing a stoic expression, but with softer eyes than before.
"...I see. That is certainly a relief to hear, I must say. Then I suppose our assumption to label you two as "friends" wouldn't be inaccurate?"
To that question, Issei provided no answer. But to Sirzechs, that was enough. Sirzechs has confidence in his intuition, and right now, that intuition doesn't feel a need to see this as a negative response.
"Very well. If this is the case, then I can relax just a bit. But still, this leaves one other problem. That problem is the very reason I've brought you here, Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei."
Issei looked back at Sirzechs, internally questioning what Sirzechs's original intention for bringing him here was.
"From what I've heard through Grayfia, you and Raiser Phoenix don't seem to get along well, do you?"
That name sparked Issei's interest and a visible irritation. That of which, Sirzechs did not fail to notice.
"As I thought. Well, that's alright. I understand that sentiment. Rather, I wanted to take advantage of it. I am a Devil, after all."
Those words fueled Issei's suspicion towards Sirzechs.
"...What do you mean, Gremory?"
"Please, call me [Lucifer]. Gremory is no longer a name that I live under."
[—?!]
Because of Issei's previous loss of sanity, he hadn't realized it, but that name shocked him.
"Lucifer?! You..! You're Satan?!"
"Indeed, I am. Though, if you're thinking of the original Satan, then you are mistaken. I am merely a placeholder for the title of Satan. My three other colleagues and I share this position."
Issei didn't understand the dynamics of Devil hierarchy, but he understood that Sirzechs was not the "Satan" he was thinking of, at least. Whether or not that should comfort him, however, he didn't know at all.
"...So then what are you talking about, "taking advantage of me", Maou-sama?"
"Well, perhaps "taking advantage" has the wrong connotation to it. It's more like an object of "mutual interest", if anything."
"..What kind of interest?"
"Tell me, Hyoudou Issei, would you like to have a match against Raiser Phoenix?"
(—!)
"...A match? You mean a fight?"
"Yes, a fight."
Issei narrowed his eyes to Sirzechs's suggestion.
"...Under what circumstances?"
"Suspicious, are you? Understandable, but I assure you that you have no reason to suspect me. As I see it, we are on the same side. —As for what circumstances, I would say: a duel, of sorts. A one-on-one match between the newly discovered ally, the Sekiryuutei, and the legendary Phoenix. Perhaps even a death-match? Quite an interesting concept, don't you agree?"
Issei only became even more suspicious with Sirzechs's given details.
"...Why would that put us on the same side? What sort of benefit would that bring to you?"
Sirzechs answered it clearly and with no hesitation.
"My sister, of course. I aim to save her from this arranged marriage."
Issei was confused by his answer.
"What? Isn't that marriage important to the Devil race or some shit?"
"Yes, it is."
"Aren't you the fuckin' leader of the underworld or something?"
"I am."
"Then why the hell would you wanna stop that?"
"Only for my sister's happiness."
"Hah?"
Issei found it hard to believe, so he laughed condescendingly.
"Hahaha, what a shit leader you are, "Lucifer"!"
"Mm. Perhaps I am."
Despite Issei's remark, Sirzechs simply agreed while closing his eyes.
Issei lost his entertained smile. For everything he could hate Sirzechs for, maybe that was the one thing he couldn't. He could understand the sentiment. After all, if someone tried to force Maki into an arranged marriage and threatened her happiness, he would burn heaven and earth to solve it. Especially if it was with someone like Raiser.
Hell, who is he kidding, he would just kill the bastard. Under those circumstances, he understands Sirzechs fully, as much as it irks him to admit it.
"I don't expect you to understand it, but that is my reason."
"...I do understand. But so what if I do?"
"If you do then that makes things easier. All that is left is to discuss the details, and then you can have your fight with the Phoenix."
Issei halted Sirzechs before anything could progress.
"Wait, you shitty Maou. I still don't have a reason why I should have a fight with that bastard."
"Hmm? From what Grayfia has told me, you two have a great contempt for one another. Is that wrong?"
"Hold on, I may hate that slime, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"I assumed that you would like to release that contempt from yourself and onto Raiser."
Issei's eye twitched when he heard the word "release". The second time that a Gremory offered him some sort of outlet for his frustrations. Though, this time it was more along the lines of violence…
"Don't get me wrong, I fuckin' hate him, but I also couldn't give a shit less what happens to him. As long as he disappeared from my life and never came back, I wouldn't fuckin' care."
"Well, it would certainly be difficult to rid him from your life if he marries Rias, wouldn't it? After all, he might interact with her very often."
"Hah? Yeah right, you fuckin' kiddin'? If that happens then I can just always quit going to club and never speak to Rias again."
Sirzechs frowned at Issei's statement.
"..Doing something like that is very inconsiderate. I was under the assumption that you two were "dear friends".."
Issei scowled and turned his gaze away from Sirzechs.
"...You make too many assumptions, Lucifer. Most of which are wrong.."
"My sister believes in that assumption."
Issei's eyes narrowed, but not in anger or suspicion. It must've been something else.
"...So what..?"
There was a short silence hanging in the air after Issei's response. A quiet sigh could be heard from under Sirzechs's breath.
"..I see. In that case, perhaps a simple wish would suffice instead?"
From the sidelines, Grayfia tried to interject.
"Sirzechs-sama, you are in no position to—"
"I know, Grayfia. Let me handle it."
Issei turned his eyes back to Sirzechs with more confusion than suspicion this time.
"..A wish?"
"Yes, that's right. A wish. —Is there any desire that you want to have fulfilled, Hyoudou Issei? Perhaps you want power? Or wealth? Or maybe status? These are things that I could give to you, in exchange for your services. A more "give-and-take" option."
Issei scoffed upon realizing it.
"Pff! A deal with the devil, huh? What's in it for me? Is that all I can ask for?"
"You can ask for anything. I will try my best to grant it."
"...Anything, huh? You'll give me anything?"
"So long as it is within the realm of my ability, I will give it to you."
Issei's eyes narrowed further than ever before, and this time, it was his gaze that was piercing through Sirzechs's soul.
"...Can you bring the dead back to life?"
As if Sirzechs understood the implication immediately, he replied while shutting his eyes.
"If the death was recent enough, then yes. Otherwise, it is impossible."
—Somewhere inside of himself, a part of Issei crumbled. Those were the words that broke his spirit.
Though it was hyperbole, it destroyed his hope, the realization that even Satan himself could not bring back the dead as he wished.
Somehow, it was the heaviest realization he'd ever encountered in his life. The fact that, now, he had no choice but to accept their deaths. As if, up until now, somewhere deep inside of his heart, he held out hope that it wasn't true. A childish part of him that attached to that idea.
His mother. His father.
And most of all, the woman he loved.
They were truly gone.
His heart was truly broken.
—Sirzechs was silent, but internally, he was in disbelief. To think that the Sekiryuutei that was acting like a rabid beast towards him earlier, was now making the same expression as a heartbroken child…
He should've expected it. All of this boy's hatred, it was just another manifestation of his pain.
"...Hyoudou Issei."
Sirzechs called out to Issei again, trying to regain his attention.
"What do you desire? What do you wish for? I shall try my best to fulfill it."
Even though Sirzechs offered it earnestly, Issei's face did not change. He was still utterly downtrodden.
Was there even a point in asking for anything? If he can't even get back what he wants most in this world, then what's the point of asking for anything else? Can he even think of anything more to ask for?
There's nothing left.
He has nothing.
….
Nothing except for..
"...Revenge.."
Although Issei muttered it under his breath, Sirzechs and Grayfia didn't fail to hear it.
Issei dead eyes looked over to the spot beside Sirzechs. There stood his boyish counterpart, with a sinister grin unbecoming of a child.
He said it while the cloth in his hands started bleeding onto the floor.
《KILL HIM.》
Issei's eyes moved over to Sirzechs and they narrowed.
—Issei has nothing left to desire for in this world. Nothing, except vengeance.
Revenge for his murdered mother and father, and revenge for his beloved.
But he has already achieved it for his lover.
Now all that is left is for him to redeem is his parent's honor.
《KILL THE DEVIL. KILL HIM. KILL HIM. KILL HIM. KILL HIM! KILL HIM! KILL HIM!》
He can only get revenge for his parents. He can only regain their honor.
And to do that, he must KILL—
….
….
Honor?
….
No, wait.
He doesn't have to kill to return their honor.
Actually, it's much simpler than that.
"...Sirzechs Lucifer.."
He just has to bring down those responsible for their deaths, down to their level.
No, he has to bring them down further.
He must take his honor.
"...If you'll really to give me anything to save your sister.."
—He has to humiliate him.
"..Then get down on your knees and beg for it."
[—?!]
With a deranged smile on his face, that was what Issei demanded of Sirzechs.
A cruel ultimatum.
Either swallow his pride, toss away his honor as a king, and save his sister— or, allow his sister's happiness to be inevitably destroyed.
To Devils, whose pride and greed are valued above all else, this was what Issei demanded of their great king, in order to save one person, rather than his entire race's purity.
It was so unbelievable that it caused Issei to burst out into maniacal laughter.
"AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! KNEEL DOWN BEFORE ME! KNEEL DOWN AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS FOR KILLING MY PARENTS! BEG FOR THIS LEGENDARY DRAGON'S STRENGTH! BEG FOR ME TO HELP YOU! BEG FOR ME TO SAVE YOUR PRECIOUS SISTER AND MAYBE THEN I'LL HELP YOU, YOU PATHETIC DEVIL BASTARD! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! AAAHAHAHAHAAAA!"
Issei cackled like a madman, filling the empty room with his laughter.
The thought of his parent's "murderer" begging him for his help, it delighted him to no end.
Grayfia, though appeared stoic as usual, had an underlying darkness present in her blank expression. There was even a part of her palm which was layered in ice, and her eyes were glimmering in a bluish hue.
Meanwhile, Sirzechs remained entirely silent and nondescript. But that only amused Issei even further.
"AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHA!"
But while Issei continued laughing, Sirzechs did the unbelievable.
"..Sirzechs-sama…!"
Issei's laughter died down as he returned his gaze down to where Sirzechs was, only to realize that the Devil's position had somehow lowered.
"..Hahaha…. Haha… Ha…"
Grayfia, for some reason, had brought herself down to the lowest and most respectful position, the dogeza, from the side.
It was said that, in hierarchical societies, if your lord were to ever bow or kneel, their underlings should also kneel to a position equal or even lower than that. But with Grayfia's situation, that wasn't possible.
—Because Sirzechs had done the dogeza, and there was no position more lowly than that.
"...I, Sirzechs Lucifer— No, Sirzechs Gremory, not as a Maou, but as the Devil that I was born as— I ask for your forgiveness. Not as the Sekiryuutei, but as the man, Hyoudou Issei, and as the son of your parents. And I humbly request that you save my sister from her arrangement, so that she may one day find happiness in her free life."
.
.
.
.
.
Issei's world was frozen in time, and in silence.
Sirzechs had done it. Just as Issei demanded, Sirzechs had fulfilled his request. Something that even Issei himself never expected to be done, and found satisfaction in the idea, Sirzechs had done it with almost no hesitation.
Why?
Why couldn't it just be easier?
Why couldn't it just be simpler for Issei to hate this Devil, Sirzechs Lucifer?
Why did he have to be willing to toss away his pride for his sister's future? Why did he have to be willing to disgrace himself as a king, all just to save one family member?
Why couldn't have Sirzechs Lucifer just been a bastard? Why couldn't he have just been a fool with no virtue? Why couldn't he have just been a scumbag in the same vein as Raiser, with no care for others besides himself? Why couldn't he have just been a shitty Devil with no remorse or consideration?
Why?
Why?
Why couldn't Sirzechs Gremory, one of the main Devils Issei blamed for the death of his parents— why couldn't he have just been an easy person to hate?
Why?
….
….
….
….
"...Let me go.."
Issei said it in a small voice, but Sirzechs and Grayfia heard it sure enough.
"...Let me go home.."
Sirzechs raised himself and asked.
"Does this mean there is no deal?"
Issei answered without raising his lowered head.
"...Just let me go.."
Although Sirzechs was disappointed, he didn't express it openly.
"Release him, Grayfia."
"..Sirzechs-sama—"
"Do it."
Grayfia hesitated, but she eventually released Issei from her ice magic. The ice surrounding Issei quickly cracked and fell apart.
Crack! Break!
The ice disappeared into thin air, leaving nothing but a few sparkles. And Issei, without saying anything, turned around and began walking out.
"Please wait just a moment."
Sirzechs gestured over to Grayfia, who then approached Issei and held out a paper.
"Take this. You don't need to make a final decision now. We still have a day or two. At the very least, I hope that you can contact Grayfia through this slip, should you change your mind."
Issei, who still had his head down, looked over to the paper with eyes that were concealed by bangs. He didn't move for a moment, but after a pause, his hand slowly came up to retrieve the paper.
"..."
Issei took it, then walked out without saying a word more, leaving Grayfia and Sirzechs behind in silence.
"...Sirzechs-sama."
Grayfia came up beside Sirzechs with an expression of disbelief, and slight hurt.
"Why would you kneel? Would you so easily toss away the entire underworld for the Ojou-sama?"
Sirzechs replied without looking at Grayfia, keeping his gaze locked onto the doors from which Issei exited.
"...If it is nothing but my pride as a Devil and my honor as a Maou, then I would easily toss it aside for Rias's happiness."
And that was his only answer.
Part 5
Issei returned home after his meeting with the Devil-king and the maidservant. According to the clock at his home, Issei had only been away for 15 minutes. To Issei, it felt as if an entire day had passed by already.
When Issei made it up the stairs, he noticed Asia and Raynare both standing there, waiting for him.
"W-Welcome home, Ise-san."
"..W-What happened?"
They both greeted Issei with worry about the encounter, but he ignored them and went straight into his room.
"Are you alright, Ise-sa—"
Dakun..
Issei shut his door without responding to Asia's concern.
"...Come on, Asia. Let's just go to bed. We know better than to ask when he's like that… At least he's home alright."
Raynare returned to her and Asia's room, but Asia didn't seem to follow.
—Inside of his room, Issei went to flip on his light switch without lifting his head, but he stopped. He didn't want any light right now. He'd rather sit silently, in darkness, unnoticed by the world.
"...Ise?"
From behind him, Issei heard a familiar voice. He turned around to see a femimine figure sitting on the edge of his bed. She stood up, and the only light that entered the room from the parted curtains, the moonlight, illuminated her figure.
But most of all, the moonlight that ran through her crimson hair and caused it to glisten. And this sight only anguished Issei even further.
"...W.. What happened, Ise?"
Issei turned his body away, allowing for shadows to blanket him again.
"...Why are you here, Rias?"
"...I wa…. I just…"
Rias struggled in giving a proper response, finding it difficult to find the right words. But her face had a sad expression.
"...Did he tell you to help me, Ise?"
Issei didn't answer.
"...I wasn't sure about it before, but… I thought, maybe if it was Onii-sama then he would try to help me somehow… It's something out of his reach, even as a Maou, but 'maybe if he asked Ise', I thought…. Did he ask you? Or was Grayfia right? Was my assumption wrong, and it was just a meeting about you, as the Sekiryuutei…? Neh, please tell me, Ise? ...Please tell me, that maybe I can have hope..?"
Again, Issei did not say a word. He remained silent and still, with his head looking to the ground.
Rias's frown became even sadder as the silence hung heavy in the air.
Then, Issei spoke.
"...Rias…. Tell me….. Why is it that you don't want to marry Raiser?"
Rias's sadness gained a smile, and a little bit of sarcasm, when Issei asked that.
"..Would you believe it if I told you that it's because he's a bad person?"
Rias chuckled to herself, but Issei was silent. Rias looked out of the window and out towards the moon with a melancholic expression.
"..Well, even though that is true, I suppose it isn't my biggest reason… I can't say that it's what bothers me the most about the prospect of an arranged marriage. No, that would undoubtedly be.."
Rias paused, and a greater amount of sadness filled her eyes as she hopelessly looked out to the night's sky.
"...I am proud to be a Gremory. To be acknowledged as a "prodigy", to be blessed with talent and the gift of my mother's power, to be revered by the entire Devils society…. I, Rias, am proud to be a Gremory…. Yet, despite that, there are many times when I think: 'am I only just a Gremory?'... Does everything that I possess, and everything that I am, does that lose meaning without the name [Gremory] attached to it? Are all of my talents and hard work meaningless if I am not "Rias Gremory"?... Or is my talent only something that I have because I am "Gremory"..? Does my identity as a person, or even just as a woman, does that all only lead back to "Gremory"? …..Am I not myself? Am I not "Rias"?... I remember when you said to me, Ise, that you no longer hated me… That filled me with such joy. Not only because it felt like an achievement to call you my friend, but also because I knew that you still hated my family. That's right. I knew that you still had resentment for my family, but not for me. And that made me happy… Why? Because it meant that you were seeing me as "Rias" and not "Gremory". Not as an extension of my clan... Can you believe that? Can you believe something so shameful?"
Rias was met with another pause, but it was an emotional silence, and her eyes began to build up tears at that time.
"...As a little girl, I always wanted to be like a princess. And one day, I hoped that there was someone like a "prince" to whisk me away… Maybe that was too greedy, and I was okay with not exactly having that. But, at the very least, I wanted to find someone who truly loved me. That was all I ever wanted, for someone to love me as "Rias", as myself. To love me, Rias, not "Rias Gremory" of the Gremory clan. Rather than hold me like a trophy, like Raiser will, I wanted someone to say: "I love you, Rias"... There were even times that I hoped, when coming to the human world, that I would meet someone like that. Because humans couldn't know what the name "Gremory" stands for, so it would mean nothing to them, and I would end up only being "Rias" instead…. Hehe, it's stupid, isn't it? It's laughable…. But still, I wished for that…. So, that's why, I want to marry someone of my choosing, and not Raiser. Even if it's greedy, I was willing to fight to the bitter end for that freedom. I still am…. But even so, it doesn't break my heart any less, that thought. That thought, that I'm always left thinking when I'm reminded of this subject…"
Rias's sad smile faded away and became a frown. Rias then shut her eyes, and tears flowed freely down from them.
"...'If I am not Gremory, am I worth nothing'?"
….
….
….
….
Issei remembers once asking a similar question to Ddraig.
—"Beyond being the Sekiryuutei, what good am I"?...
Ddraig answered Issei, and told him that he was [strong willed], and [had a creative mind]. He [used his brain despite being foolish], and he would [never give up, even after being "defeated"]...
…Though it was a satisfactory response, to Issei, it somehow didn't make him feel any better.
Issei remembers asking that question to Ddraig… But more than that, he remembers asking that question to "that woman"... That woman, which he loved so dearly…
And of course, her answer was not as simple…
And yet, it was an answer that filled his heart..
("...Écaille is… No, Issei, is more than the Sekiryuutei… Being the Sekiryuutei, that only makes you 'powerful'. But that's not what makes Issei 'strong'… Even without that power, you are strong. You are the strongest person I know. You are more than your power… Even though you are sometimes a cruel person.—Sometimes, you are cruel and vicious, vulgar and rude… But more than that, you are kind and caring, forgiving and nurturing… When it matters most, you will show kindness rather than hatred, even though you deny it… When it matters most, you are there to protect and nurture… You are mean, and angry, sometimes… But even so, you do not 'enjoy' being cruel… I know that, deep inside, you are someone who 'wishes' to be kind. You are someone who wishes to be a hero… You, who claims to be a "bastard", burden yourself with the task of being "the monster who kills monsters". Not because you enjoy it, but because you don't want anyone to ever face the pain you have experienced… Because that is who your parents raised you to be. That is Hyoudou Issei. The Sekiryuutei's power is not wasted on you, no. Without you, the power of the Sekiryuutei is wasted. Issei is more than the Sekiryuutei. —Issei, you are, and always will be, my hero.")
.
.
.
.
For what was a long while in that room which was frozen in time, the two went quiet. Neither of them said anything to disturb the silence, and Issei remained standing in his corner of the room.
….
But there was a short stream of tears running down Issei's cheeks.
"...Go home, Rias."
That was all Issei said to break the silence.
Rias smiled sadly again and wiped her tears. She stepped away from the window and created a magic circle beneath her feet.
"...Thank you for listening, Ise."
With a beautiful smile, and a flash of light, Rias quickly disappeared from the quiet room.
Issei was left all alone, again.
….
Issei walked over to his bed and sat down on the edge of it. He reached into his shirt and pulled out the cross that hung from his neck, staring at it silently while its emerald reflected the moonlight.
"...What would you want me to do..?"
Knock, knock..
Two knocks were placed softly on the outside of Issei's door.
"...Ise-san?"
It was Asia.
"...Ise-san? ….Um, I'm coming in."
Asia entered the room without waiting for Issei's response. When she opened the door, she realized it was still dark.
"...I-Ise-san?"
Issei, who Asia could tell from his silhouette that he was sitting on the bed, said nothing to her.
"Did Buchou-san leave?"
Despite inquiring Issei, Asia's question was left unanswered.
"...Ise-san?"
Issei gave no verbal or physical responses to anything Asia was saying. He only kept his hanging down and his body slumped slightly forward in a depressed fashion.
Despite this, Asia still went on asking him.
"Buchou-san needs help, doesn't she?"
"..."
"...Are you going to help her, Ise-san?"
Issei didn't reply, but his hand twitched after hearing the question.
"...Rias-san is our friend, and friends help other when they're in need, right? So then… Doesn't that mean that we should help her?"
"..."
"Ise-san…. Won't you help her?"
Issei was still silent. His head moved ever so slightly. It wasn't enough for Asia to see Issei's face, but it was enough for Issei to catch a glimpse of Asia's face.
While looking at Asia's sullen expression, Issei couldn't help blending her image in with Marie's own.
"...If it's you asking me..."
Issei turned his eyes away and went silent again.
..With some hesitation, Issei shook his head and said it quietly.
"…Leave me alone, Asia…. Please..."
Asia frowned sadly. She has never been pushed away by Issei before.
Asia made her way to the door and stood there. With some hesitation, she said one more thing..
"I believe…... I believe that Ise-san wants to help her….. That's the type of person that I believe the Ise-san I know is…."
And with that, Asia left the room as gently as she when she first came in.
With only the silence to accompany him once again, Issei released a deep, but quiet, sigh.
'...Ddraig…. What should I do?...'
[You are asking me? I'm not sure what to make of it, partner. The decision is yours. It is all up to you whether you decide to "rescue" this Devil or not.]
'...If I had my own idea regarding this, I would not be consulting you...'
[True enough. —Well, if you wish to know my personal opinion, then I suppose I would say that it's best to make a decision that would benefit you. Though, I suppose in what manner it would be benefiting you is what concerns me more, I would say.]
'...A benefit to me? What benefit?... In what sort of "manner" are you referring to?'
[In this case, your survival or physical well-being isn't in any sort of detriment by the situation. So, I suppose what matters here is the part of you that is least "intact".]
'...The least intact part of me…?'
[Your mind, I suppose. Or maybe your heart as well. I'm sorry to say but there aren't many parts of you that aren't damaged, partner. But that's why, in this situation, I think that maybe it's best to protect one of these two things.]
'...What do you mean by that?'
[Ask yourself this, partner: how exactly do you believe this situation would affect you, should you let it continue untethered?]
'...I...don't know...'
[Aye. The very fact that it is a question that conflicts you is what shows that the subject matter may run deeper with you than you may believe.]
'...How so?'
[Take this, partner: That woman from the past— Should you have had the chance, would you have saved her, back then?]
Though it was in the voice of his mind, Issei responded with a subtle disbelief in his tone.
'...Are you mocking me, Ddraig?...'
[Do not be ridiculous, partner. Understand that I am asking you this in consideration of your best interests. It is simply something I wanted to know.]
'...The answer is obvious, isn't it?'
[Indeed, it is. Undeniably so. —However, that much is my point, partner.]
'What do you mean?'
[Partner. Out of the many people you have not had the luxury to save the lives of, how many times have you regretted not being able to do so? How many times have you cursed yourself for not being able to save someone?]
As if a part of some type of cruel irony, a classical phrase that haunted Issei's life returned to play itself again, perfectly on cue.
([You are but a child. —There is simply nothing you can do.])
….
….
Issei was left silent with Ddraig's question, but Ddraig continued.
[So partner, for the sake of sparing you any future suffering— considering your past, the question you should really be asking yourself, is this: "What do you believe you are more likely to regret: the decision to save someone in need— or perhaps, the decision to refrain from doing so? Which will you regret doing more, "saving", or "forsaking" someone?"]
…
—As Ddraig's voice became silent, and another voice came to take its place in Issei's mind. It was a lovely voice that remained deep within his heart. And that voice was having a conversation with his past self.
("Écaille…. Did you know, you're my hero…")
("HA! "Hero"— Pfft. Not cut out for it.")
("...Maybe not in some ways…. But in my eyes, that's how I see you.")
("Hmph…. Maybe you should get your eyes checked then…. You're seein' wrong…")
("...Even though you say that, you wouldn't hesitate to save me if I was in trouble..")
("Just shut up. I ain't no hero, alright?...")
("Wrong…. You'll always be my hero, whether you like it or not, hehe~... Besides...")
….
("I know that, if you had the chance, you would want to be a hero. From the bottom of your heart. Because that's just the way you are. And that's exactly what makes you— MY hero.")
.
.
.
.
.
"...Ddraig."
[Hm? What is it, partner?]
"...Thanks…"
[Hm? You are thanking me? It seems I was of some assistance then?]
"Yeah…. You always are… Even earlier when I was facing the Devil-king, you were able to keep me in check.."
[Yes, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do that. It was luck that made my efforts meaningful.]
"Yeah… But it was still thanks to you…. And now, I think I may have learned something more about myself too… You've always been kinda like my mentor in that way…"
[Hmm, is that so? —A "mentor", ey? How interesting. It still amuses me to this day, the fact that this host treats me with such respect, I never would have imagined the possibility that such a thing could happen. Considering that all of my past hosts ignored me after all. Somehow, I can't say that I haven't been appreciative of the time we've had as partners as well. Perhaps I had grown weary of the overbearing silence up to this point. Hmph. A "lonely dragon emperor". How amusing. We are one in the same, partner.]
"...Yeah…. Just a little bit, huh…. 'Guess I'll never really be alone then..."
[Indeed. I will always be here. —So, I assume you have found your answer then?]
"...I don't know. But I have to confirm one last thing.."
Issei stood up from his bed and walked out of his room. He walked through the dark hallway, reaching the door of Asia and Raynare's shared room. When he reached the door, he softly placed two knocks on the door, just as Asia had done with his.
After knocking, Issei heard a few steps come towards the door. Asia, who was behind it, tried to open the door, but Issei stopped her by holding onto the handle.
"...No, it's fine this way."
"W-What's wrong, Ise-san?"
Issei waited for a moment before asking Asia the question that he considered so important.
"...Asia, tell me…. In this situation... What would you want me to do?"
From behind the door, Asia was silent momentarily. But soon enough, she answered Issei honestly.
And to Issei, for a split second, her voice came out sounding like the voice of another.
"...I want you to help her. Because I think that's also what you want to do. Because I believe that is the type of person you aspire to be, Écaille."
….
….
….
Issei released his grip on the door handle.
'Ddraig, I've found my answer.'
[Hoh? And that is?]
Issei finally lifted his head, his expression becoming visible in the darkness thanks to the dim, emerald glow of his eyes.
"The answer is obvious, isn't it?"
—Perhaps an expression of determination.
[Sirzechs-sama.]
That very same night, only a mere hour after Sirzechs's first meeting with the Sekiryuutei, Sirzechs received a communication circle from Grayfia once again.
[We have his reply.]
Sirzechs placed his hands up near his face in an intrigued manner.
"..Hoh?"
END
Alright, FOR REAL THIS TIME, you have a small amount of time to write your reviews for this one. Seriously. This shit should NOT have taken almost a month to get out. Life gets in the way like a bitch.
SERIOUSLY THOUGH, you only have ONE DAY to put your reviews in. Tomorrow the next part WILL come out. GUARANTEED. So hurry up! Get your reviews in cuz it's DOUBLE UPLOAD TIME!
