W
Chapter 3:
Initiation and awakening
(ORC clubroom):
Both Issei and Yukina entered the clubroom one after the other. School had just ended and they were ready to start their new duties that came as a part of their new lives. For the past few days, Rias had the siblings delivering fliers out to potential clients. She'd also told them how they could move up within the ranks of devil society and earn promotions, enabling them to eventually get their own peerages. Needless to say, that was the only motivation that Issei had needed for him to fully jump into and accept his new life. Yukina on the other hand was more controlled, accepting mostly because there wasn't really anything that she could do about it anyway.
Rias had asked the two Hyodous to try manifesting their respective sacred gears too, but it the attempt had been unsuccessful. Nevertheless, she assured them that with training they'd soon be able to unlock them. Yukina and Issei were both rather interested and curious as to what their sacred gears could be, especially since the others in the club had made them sound so amazing.
Of course, M&M had been jealous as hell when they found out that their fellow pervert had somehow gotten into the ORC. Everyone else went into shock and/or wailed that "the beast" was going to "corrupt" the rest of the club.
On the other hand, Yukina had received praise and admiration for getting in, even though she felt uncomfortable from the attention. She'd also been requested/begged to keep her "perverted beast of a brother in control", but she didn't give a response to those. On the plus side, she felt as though she was beginning to form a good friendship with her fellow first year and peerage member Koneko. While the petite white-haired girl didn't really converse much, she sometimes gave responses to Yukina, more often than she did to anyone else in their year. They'd also started eating their lunch together, with Yukina usually making the other girl eat some of hers so that she didn't consume only snacks.
"Welcome," greeted the redhead heiress warmly upon seeing them. "I have good news for the two of you. Today will be the last day that you need to hand out fliers. From tomorrow, you'll be taking on requests from summoners like everybody else."
"Finally!" cheered Issei joyfully. Riding the bike was fun and all, but it did get tedious quite quickly.
Yukina couldn't help a small smile forming on her face. "That sounds kind of fun. I just hope that we don't get called by any creeps or weirdos."
Rias gave her a nod of understanding. "Don't worry, I'll look over any requests before sending you off to fulfil the contract."
Issei quickly grabbed the stack of leaflets. "Come on Yukina, there's no time to waste!"
"Alright, alright, I'm coming Nii-san."
(Later: Elsewhere in Kuoh):
Issei was cycling back towards Kuoh Academy, having just finished handing out all of the fliers a few minutes ago. Suddenly, a strange sensation came over him, causing him to pull the brakes. It felt disturbingly similar to when that fedora hat guy had attacked him and his sister all those days ago.
"Hm, a lone devil?" mused a mature, feminine voice from above. Following the sound, the brown-haired teen caught sight of an airborne female with black feathered wings sprouting from her back. He was momentarily distracted by her rather impressive figure and tight clothing, but snapped out of it when she spoke again. "Aren't you the kid that Raynare was supposed to kill?" A light spear materialised in her hand, sending alarms ringing within Issei's mind. "Doesn't matter either way, I'll just finish the job myself."
The teen's body froze up in fear. He didn't know what do to, or what he even could do. The last time he'd tried fending off one of these so-called fallen angels, he'd ended up gutted and on the brink of death. Besides, she was too high up in the air for him to even reach. He tried shaking off the web of despair encroaching his mind.
'Damn it! Why does this kind of crap always have to happen to me?!' he mentally screamed, clenching his fists in frustration. 'Come on body, move! I can't just stand here like a retard and get skewered again!' He felt an odd tingling in his left arm. Tightening his muscles, not even knowing what to expect, he punched towards her whilst giving a loud roar of defiance.
There was a burst of emerald green light, briefly blinding him. As the glow around his arm died down, a blast of green energy shot off rapidly towards his mysterious assailant. She gave a cry of pained surprise when it hit her, singing her skin and burning her clothes. Not wanting to stay around in case of another attack, she made a hasty retreat, leaving Issei to marvel at the red fingerless gauntlet that now covered his left wrist.
"So this is my sacred gear," he murmured. Soon, his mouth broke out into a giddy smile. "Oh man, I can't wait to get back and show this to Buchou and Yukina, as well as the other club members!"
(ORC clubroom):
"And that's when how I got this," Issei finished, indicating to the red gauntlet. He'd just recounted his encounter with the fallen angel and subsequent awakening of his sacred gear.
"I see," remarked Rias with a smile. "Congratulations on awakening your sacred gear Issei."
"Geez Onii-san," Yukina faux complained. "Now I'm going to have to work even harder on trying to awaken mine."
The brown-haired boy laughed sheepishly. "Well, I am the older sibling." The red gauntlet suddenly disappeared from his left wrist. "Oh, that's neat. I was actually wondering how to get it off. After all, it would have been pretty hard to carry on like normal if everyone were to see it."
"You'll be able to make it appear and disappear whenever you wish from now on. Sacred gears respond to their user's desire and will," Rias explained. "They also develop and grow according to that."
"Wow, that's pretty awesome to be honest," said Issei.
"I think that's enough excitement for one night," stated Rias calmly. "Why don't the two of you head home? You can take your first contracts tomorrow."
"Okay," agreed Yukina. "See you all tomorrow then."
(Next morning: Outside in Kuoh):
The brown-haired siblings were walking together to school as usual. They talked about regarding the prospect of taking contracts; Issei saying that he hoped Yukina didn't get any creeps and Yukina saying she wished he didn't get into any trouble.
They suddenly heard someone yelp in surprise. Gazing in the sound's direction, they saw a young, foreign looking blonde girl dressed in a nun's clothing sprawled out on the floor. A large suitcase was toppled over next to her. Her habit had been blown off and was now near the older sibling's feet. The mysterious girl moaned about how she was so clumsy, rubbing her head.
Issei seemed slightly dazed. Yukina promptly stamped his foot when she figured why, sending him a disapproving glare when he turned his face towards her. Releasing a sigh, her brother apologised and bent down to pick up the habit. They both approached the teenage nun, now back on her feet and righting the suitcase.
"Excuse me Miss, you dropped this," Issei announced, holding the article of clothing out to her.
"Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed. "Sorry to make you go through the trouble of picking it up for me."
Yukina smile in a friendly and reassuring way. "You're welcome, and it was no trouble. It landed right in front of my brother after all."
The blonde's eyes widened in shock. "You can understand me?" Her expression quickly turned to one of joy. "This must be a blessing. My name is Asia Argento."
Issei responded in kind. "I'm Issei Hyodou. This is my younger sister Yukina. Where are you trying to go anyway Asia?"
"Oh, I was recently sent to the church in this town. I'm trying to get there now." Her face fell. "But I don't know my way around and nobody else understands what I'm saying."
The Hyodou siblings shared a quick look. The only church they knew of had been out of use for years as far as they knew. Then again, maybe it had been back in use for some time but they simply hadn't heard about it. Yukina sent a silent question with her doe brown eyes. Issei shrugged and mouthed 'why not?' Plus, it just seemed too cruel to leave Asia depressed like this.
"Asia, we know where the local church is," Issei revealed, causing her face to light up with hope. "We could show you the way there if you'd like."
"Yes please!"
During the journey, there was an incident involving a little boy who'd scraped his knee. Asia immediately went over to him and gently told him that boys shouldn't cry over little things like that, Issei translating for her. A green glow surrounded her hands and healed up the boy's injury without a trace. Issei and Yukina's eyes dilated as they recognised it to be a sacred gear. When Yukina what it was, Asia replied that it was a gift she'd been bestowed with. She and her brother realised that the foreign nun's smile was false, but didn't probe her on it.
(Old church):
The trio arrived at the old building. It looked like it was still empty and not being used, but didn't appear derelict. An unexpected sense of unease washed over the Hyodou siblings, their bodies tensing up. Asia seemed completely unaffected. However, Issei felt a slight touch of something else too. Something more familiar, almost comforting. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite place it.
The blonde nun happily rushed to the entrance. She offered the pair some tea as thanks, but they declined using the excuse of school. While it was true, they simply wanted to get away from the church's vicinity and the almost hostile aura about it. Asia became a little crestfallen at their refusal. Without really thinking about it, Yukina told her that maybe they'd come around to see her again later.
Without any further ado, the two brown-haired students walked away with a brisk pace. Yukina checked her watch, leading to her crying out in alarm and bolting off, Issei right behind her.
(ORC clubroom):
"Don't go near the church again, either of you," Rias ordered sternly to the duo. She'd said this almost immediately after they'd entered the room, surprising them that she found out so quickly. "Any church is considered off bounds to devils. It could be taken as an offence just stepping foot into one. You're both lucky that no angels killed you, probably as a favour since you escorted one of their own."
Issei gaped at her. "Is it really that serious?"
Rias sighed, the sound composed of equal parts worry and relief. "The two of you already escaped death once by me bringing you back. If you die again, then that's it. Especially if you're killed by holy energy or a priest or exorcist's blessed weapons, since they'll destroy your soul and reduce you to nothing. Do you understand?"
Yukina stared at the ground uncomfortably. "Yeah, we do. Churches are a no-go."
The redhead heiress pulled the brother and sister into an embrace. "All I want is for both of you to stay safe. You only recently joined us, and I don't want to lose either of you, especially so soon." They both cheered up, although Issei had a certain extra reason for it. Rias let them go and stepped back. "I would have let you start contracts today, but we just received information that a stray devil has taken up residence in this town, along with orders to eliminate it. It's a good opportunity for you, so I want you to come along as well."
The siblings nodded in acceptance. They walked into the magic circle along with everyone else. Once they were all standing within its perimeter, it glowed brightly and took them away.
(Abandoned building):
Note: (I'm skipping the fight with Viser because I just can't be bothered with it.)
Issei and Yukina walked out of the derelict building along with the rest of the peerage. Issei had a somewhat defeated and depressed gait to his walk, while Yukina was moving with her shoulders a little slumped. Understandable, since they'd just been told that they were both pawn pieces. That seemed rather insignificant when compared against everyone else's amazing pieces and respective traits.
"Man, why do I have to suck at everything?" Issei complained.
"Don't be like that Onii-san," Yukina comforted. "You're good at helping me with my work. You're decent in an actual fight too. Maybe there's something special about being pawns, but we just don't know yet."
Her older brother sighed. "I hope so. Come on, let's head back home. Tomorrow's the first day we start taking contracts."
(Next day: ORC clubroom):
The siblings were stood in front of Rias, ready to take their first customers. Their redhead leader had just drawn the Gremory crest onto their hands magically. Akeno was prepping the magic circle. Issei had been asked if he could fill in for one of Koenko's regulars since she was already going to go to another.
"Buchou, it's ready," the raven-haired queen announced.
"Alright. Issei, walk into the centre please," Rias instructed.
The brown-haired pawn did as he was told. "Alright, here goes."
"Good luck Onii-san," cheered Yukina. He flashed her an appreciative smile.
The circle increased in the intensity of its glow. It flashed, briefly obscuring their vision. When they could see again, Issei was still standing there.
"Heh?! It didn't work?" His eyes were wide with surprise. Rias and Akeno looked troubled. Yukina didn't really know how to react.
Rias sent Issei a pitying smile. "Sorry Issei, but it looks like you don't have enough magic power to use the circle. You'll have to go to the client on foot."
"Seriously?!"
Akeno giggled. "Sorry, but yes. You might want to get going now actually. After all, you shouldn't keep the client waiting."
"Oh crap!" Issei shouted as he bolted from the clubroom.
"Is that a normal problem?" Yukina inquired with a light frown.
Rias sighed. "No. you see, even the average devil infant has enough magic power to use a transportation circle like this."
Yukina's doe brown eyes widened in disbelief. "No way. So you're telling me that he…"
"Unfortunately, yes," Rias confirmed, a sympathetic look in her turquoise eyes. "Why don't you come and try? I'm sure that you shouldn't have the same problem."
The younger Hyodou still felt a little unsure, but complied nonetheless. "Alright."
Yukina stepped into the circle's centre. Like before, the light rose and flashed. Thankfully, she was no longer in the room when it died down.
(Client's location):
The brown-haired girl suddenly found herself standing in a completely different room. The walls were painted a sky blue colour. In front of her was a young man, probably in his twenties, sitting on a white leather sofa. He was also gaping at her in a mix of shock and disbelief.
He had messy black hair and wire frame glasses over his dark brown eyes. His skin had a very slight tan to it. He was dressed casually in a white T-shirt and navy jeans.
"It, it actually worked?" he muttered. Yukina began to feel a little awkward as he continued staring at her in surprise.
"So… do you actually have a request for me?" she asked nervously.
The client snapped out of his daze. "Oh, sorry! I just didn't really expect this thing to actually work." A terrified expression crossed his face. "You're not going to take my soul are you?"
Yukina shook her head. "No, we don't do that. We take compensation for fulfilling your request, but not your soul. Just something of equal value."
The man breathed a sigh of relief. He stood up from the sofa, scratching the back of his head. "Um… do you know how to cook?"
"A little," Yukina replied with a small nod.
"Do you think you could help me out then?" he requested. "I've got a few friends coming over and I'm making dinner for them. I'll mostly just need you for prepping things while I handle majority of the actual cooking."
"Sure. Shall we start now?"
(ORC clubroom):
An hour and a half later, the circle in the centre lit up. A moment later, Yukina appeared, holding a couple of hundred yen notes in her hands.
"I'm back Buchou!" she announced happily. "The contract was a success!"
Rias smiled approvingly. "Well done Yukina. It wasn't anything too hard was it?"
"Not really. He just wanted some help with cooking for his friends." She noticed her older brother sitting down dejectedly. "Onii-san, what's wrong?"
"Issei-senpai is a failure," stated Koneko. "He forgot to collect compensation and complete the contract."
"I said I was sorry!" the resident pervert protested. "He was happy with what I did though, shouldn't that count for something?"
Rias shook her head negatively. "Unfortunately Issei, it doesn't mean anything unless the contract was completed. You won't be credited for having fulfilled the request."
The elder Hyodou slumped deeper into his seat, an aura of depression radiating off him. Yukina walked over and patted his shoulder reassuringly. He looked up at her with a sad face.
"Don't worry Onii-san, I'm sure you'll complete the contract next time," she encouraged. He stood up and briefly hugged her, patting her on the head appreciatively.
"Thanks Yukina. You're the best younger sister that a guy could ask for."
"Why don't the two of you go home for today?" Rias voiced. "Take things nice and slowly. You can both do more tomorrow."
Nodding in agreement, the brother and sister made their way out of the clubroom. A small smile crept onto Rias' face. While Issei had technically failed the contract, the client had commented that he'd thoroughly enjoyed himself and was happy with the service. He'd even requested to have Issei again at some time. Yukina's client had given similar praise, claiming that she'd been a huge help. She was glad that she'd gained those two in her peerage.
As usual, please comment/Review. The next chapter will be where things start picking up, with Freed and Raynare encounters.