Well, this is the second chapter. I've been writing to this off and on, while trying to work on my other works, so I doubt that you'll see Chapter 3 anytime soon. I just want to use this time to say that I hate regurgitating canon, so while I do repeat some of the Canon material, I also do go out of my way not to repeat things that any fan of this series will already know. I also wanted to respond to some of the reviews I got for Chapter 1. In this Issei has Divine Dividing, and one of the reviewers said that means Issei should have a thing for butts, while Vali should have an unhealthy obsession with breasts. This simply isn't true. In canon the joke is that Issei and Vali are polar opposites, Vali is born a talented, powerful half blood devil while Issei is talentless and weak. Issei has a thing for breasts, Vali likes butts, this has nothing to do with their Sacred Gears. There will also be another, shorter note after the chapter, and I KNOW I'm going to catch hell from some of the people for what happens in this one.
Chapter 2: The Corrupted Angel
Together Asia and Issei spend the afternoon together. They go to the arcade, play games, go into a photo booth together, and Issei even wins her a plush doll based off a popular cartoon about battling monsters that live inside small balls.
"I don't think I've ever had this much fun before…" Asia explains, the two of them standing near a small bank of vending machines, a can of soda dropping into the receptacle near the bottom of the machine.
"I'm glad." Issei replies, bending down to pick up his soda when a spike of pain flares up his leg, Issei winching at the sudden feeling, the pain from his wound intensifying when Issei puts additional weight on the leg.
Damn…Issei thinks to himself, the young devil metaphorically biting his tongue. He doesn't want to worry Asia.
Watching his body language Asia can tell that something is wrong with him.
"It's your leg isn't it?" Asia half asks. "It still hasn't healed from yesterday…"
Frowning Issei tries to play it off as not being as bad as it really is.
"It isn't really that bad." Issei denies, and Asia shakes her head in denial.
"Come with me." Asia says, reaching out and grasping his hand, the blonde nun suddenly filled with purpose Issei doesn't have it in his heart to argue with her.
XXX
The next thing Issei knows he's sitting at one of many benches that surround a medium sized man made pond. Asia kneels in front of him, her hands held over his leg where the bullet passed through him, a soft green light suffusing the wound.
After only a few moments the pain is gone, and Issei can't believe it. It feels as though he was never even hurt, his leg feeling like it did before he ever set foot in the apartment.
"Is that good?" Asia asks as the light fades, Issei nodding appreciatively.
"Yeah." He answers enthusiastically, awestruck by Asia's ability to heal. "It feels awesome!"
To prove his point Issei stands up, moving his wounded leg up and down, not a flicker of pain on his face as he does so. Seeing him recovered Asia smiles, the girl standing up as well, her expression seeming to shift to a faraway gaze, Asia's next words accompanied by a forlorn tone.
"When I was little I was abandoned, left at a church…" Asia begins slowly, Issei stopping in his tracks at the sound of Asia's words, the young devil realizing that Asia is telling him about her past. "For years I lived there until one night a wounded puppy came into the church. Seeing it I prayed again and again for days with all my heart, and finally a miracle happened…" Asia trails, raising her hands to show the pair of rings still on her middle fingers. "After it happened the priests said it was a miracle, and they moved me to a much larger church. There they told me to heal the sick and wounded people that traveled there from all over the world to see me. I was very happy. I knew that I was helping people and that my gift really was a blessing. Then one day I saw a man who'd been hurt, and without thinking I helped him, but he wasn't a man, he was a devil, and when the priests found out they called me a sinner and heretic…"
Realization in his reply Issei speaks carefully.
"So…that's when you decided instead to serve the Fallen Angels, since you didn't have anywhere else to go?" Issei asks, and Asia nods slowly.
It's just like pretty boy said…where else is someone with a supernatural power to heal going to go?
"It is…but I really don't like it…" Asia replies, her voice breaking. "They do so many awful things in the name of God…but I know that this has to be a trial from the Lord. I know that if I endure this he'll grant me what I've always wanted…"
"What you've wanted?" Issei asks, and Asia nods, slowly bobbing her head in affirmation.
"I want to make friends…" Asia replies in a small voice. "I want to go shopping with them, talk with them, eat with them and do many other things with them…" Asia explains, and Issei can't help the feeling of sympathy he feels for the girl. "Actually…I'd really be happy with just one friend…"
"Asia…" Issei trails, her own eyes looking down at the water, her hands on her lap. "Well, we haven't gone shopping yet, but we've ate together, and we've hung out all day, so I'd say that makes us friends."
Blinking Asia looks up at him, her blue eyes cautious and hopeful, the young woman opening her mouth to say something when another voice, a very familiar voice to both Issei and Asia cutting her off.
"Not going to happen…" Raynare's voice cuts into their conversation.
The two of them blinking in surprise both Asia and Issei follow the sound back to it's source, the Fallen Angel standing in the middle of the small lake, her feet on the water.
"Yuuma…" Issei offers in recognition, Asia's own voice showing that they've met, even as Issei moves to put himself between the nun and the Fallen Angel.
"Raynare-sama…" Asia speaks, Issei blinking in surprise.
Raynare…? Is that her real name?
"So it's true…" Raynare begins casually. "I'd heard about your descent into devil-hood but I didn't really believe it. Come now Asia, leave that annoying devil here and return with me."
"No!" Asia denies, shaking her head in denial. "I won't go back with you to that awful place!" Asia turning her attention to Issei. "I'm sorry but I ran away from that church…I just…"
"I know…" Issei replies, never once taking his eyes off Raynare. "Don't worry Asia-chan, I'll protect you."
Blinking Asia can feel her cheeks flush, a warm feeling filling her stomach at Issei's
proclamation.
"You?" Raynare asks dubiously. "What do you think you can do against me? Or have you forgotten that I already killed you once. Care for another taste?" Raynare asks, holding out her hand and forming a spear of light in her right hand.
Crap…
"Divine Dividing!" Issei calls out, assuming a 'battle' pose like in anime as his wings appear on his back, Raynare blinking in surprise at the sight of them.
"That's what you had?" Raynare asks, staring at it a moment. "Word from above was that you had a Sacred Gear that was dangerous to us, but if that's all it is; just a pair of odd looking wings then they must've been wrong."
"You'll see how dangerous I am!" Issei denies, bracing himself, preparing to launch himself at Raynare and try and hit her.
If he can't touch her, he can't steal her powers and weaken her.
"Heh…" Raynare grins, her spear shooting into Issei's stomach.
Feeling incredible pain surging through him Issei drops to his knees, barely able to even stay remotely upright with Raynare's spear running him through.
FUCK! This hurts! What the hell? I've never felt anything that hurt so bad…
"Issei-san!" Asia cries out, Raynare's spear disappearing Asia moves next to him, a green glow surrounding the wound.
Feeling the pain recede Issei blinks in surprise, looking up at her Issei can feel the last vestiges of pain vanish.
"Asia-chan…" Issei mumbles, not believing how much she's able to heal, and so quickly.
"Your Twilight Healing really is impressive Asia." Raynare praises her, forming another light spear in her hand. "Now, come with me and return to the church."
Finishing with Issei's healing Asia shakes her head in denial, refusing to acquiesce to Raynare's demands.
"No. I'm not going with you." Asia denies, and Raynare smirks.
"All right then…" Raynare begins. "How about a deal? You come with me, and I won't murder that stupid devil trying to protect you."
Both Issei and Asia blink in surprise at Raynare's statement; Issei immediately denying it.
"No way, she isn't going anywhere with you!" Issei denies, Asia feeling that warm feeling fill her again.
"Issei-san…"
Her eyes locked on Issei Asia doesn't see Raynare pull back her hand and toss her spear, Issei watching the Fallen Angel the entire time, he just reacts, doesn't think.
"Asia!" Issei blurts out, grabbing her and pushing off of the ground, Issei feeling his feet leave the concrete, the two of them rising up into the air.
"Hmm?" Raynare asks, watching the two of them fly away from the impact point of her spear, her spear exploding a moment after it strikes, the two of them flying up and away from the blast zone, Issei and Asia hovering fifteen feet in the air, Issei clutching onto her, his face contorting in surprise, Asia blinking before she realizes what is going on.
"Issei!" Asia suddenly grabs hold of him, the nun holding on for dear life while the two of them hover in the air, Issei blinking in surprise at his suddenly being airborne.
"I'm…flying…" Issei mumbles, momentarily awestruck by the thought.
Before when he'd launched himself at Freed he'd been focused on hitting Freed and killing him, he hadn't even realized that when he'd charged Freed his feet hadn't hit the floor, never thought they he may've actually flew…
"So you can fly…" Raynare replies matter of factly. "Give me Asia and I'll spare you, you worthless low level devil trash."
His grip on Asia tightening ever so slightly Issei shakes his head no.
"No, and you won't try and harm me." Issei denies. "Stab me or cut me and you'll kill Asia too!" Issei explains, and Raynare scoffs in disgust.
She can't just kill the girl. If she did just kill Asia it would destroy her Twilight Healing, and Raynare wants it more than she wants to hurt Issei. Asia's ability is powerful and rare, only two or three people a generation born with the Twilight Healing Sacred Gear, and without a means to detect dormant Sacred Gears in humans the Fallen Angels have no idea where the other bearer is, if there is one.
"Issei…let me go…" Asia offers quietly, Issei and Raynare blinking in surprise.
"What? Asia-chan, what are you saying?" Issei stares at her uncomprehending.
"I don't want you getting hurt because of me." Asia explains. "If you died I'd never be able to live with myself, so I'll go with her…"
Smiling victoriously Raynare can't believe her luck.
"There…you see?" Raynare asks. "Asia is a good girl and wants to come with me all her own, so put her down and go away you low level trash."
Still clutching onto Asia Issei does not want to just hand her over to the Fallen Angel.
"NO!" Issei denies, shaking his head. "I won't let you hurt Asia-chan! She's too good to be hanging around people like you!"
"So what are you going to do?" Raynare asks. "It isn't as though we're the only people in the world. Are you just going to float there forever, trying to think of something? My comrades will come looking for me eventually, and when they do we'll find a way to pry Asia from you, without hurting her."
Blinking Issei lowers his gaze, his arms still wrapped around Asia, the young devil really not wanting to let the innocent girl go.
Buchou…I need to get to Buchou…
Then run…A strange but familiar voice whispers in Issei's mind, Issei blinking in surprise at the suggestion.
"That…that voice…" Issei mumbles, Raynare's face screwing in confusion.
"Voice? What voice?" Raynare asks, and Asia blinks.
Neither she nor Raynare heard anything.
"I…" Issei mumbles, looking down at Asia.
I only have two options. I can run and try to find Buchou, or I can let Asia go and let Raynare do whatever it is she wants with her or I can try to protect her and probably die in the process…
Knowing those are his only real options Issei makes a split second decision.
Time to go!
Turning away from Raynare the Fallen Angel blinks in surprise.
"What are you…" Raynare begins, Issei's course of action becoming clear to her as he begins to move away from her during the turn.
All right…I need to get to Kuoh Academy as fast as I can!
His wings glowing Issei feels his Sacred Gear begin to move, Asia opening her mouth to ask what is going on when the two of them leap forward, Issei and Asia taking off like a bolt of light, a white streak the only trace of the two of them as they disappear into the distance.
"Shit!" Raynare growls, her spear vanishing, the Fallen Angel realizing that Issei is long gone.
She's never seen a creature move that fast.
He isn't here, but he'll likely run back to his master. He won't leave town, and we know exactly where his precious master is, so it's only a matter of time…
XXX
The world passing by in a blur the next thing Issei knows the two of them are hovering Kuoh Academy, the two of them coming to a stop almost directly above the Occult Research Club building. Seeing that and hoping that Rias is inside Issei starts to head toward the ground, Asia blinking in surprise at the sudden change in scenery.
"Where…" Asia asks, turning her head left and right, her expression curious.
"Don't worry Asia-chan, you'll be safe here." Issei says, the two of them touching down on the ground, Issei's Sacred Gear vanishing as he releases Asia from his arms.
"But…" Asia mumbles, not wanting to do anything that might cause Issei to be hurt. She truly would prefer to sacrifice herself than allow her first friend to come to harm.
"Don't worry." Issei says again, taking her hand. "Come with me, Buchou will know what to do!"
XXX
Leaning against the front of her desk Rias Gremory sighs heavily, her entire peerage assembled around her inside the Club Room. Fortunately it's a Sunday, so there are only a small number of people in the school, and none of them saw Issei's little entrance. She'd only happened to be in the club room, trying to get a handle on what the Fallen Angels were planning when Issei came into her office, holding the hand of a blonde nun who looks like she's never been more confused.
"So…that's what happened…" Issei finishes his tale, telling Rias and the rest of the Club how he and Asia came to be standing in the Club room.
"Issei…" Rias begins slowly. "Do you realize what you've done?"
Blinking Issei breaks eye contact with her, shame clouding his gaze.
"I…" Issei trails. "I just wanted to protect Asia-chan." Issei explains to them. "It was either this or let that Fallen Angel take her…"
Exhaling Rias can understand why Issei would choose to run, but that one single choice has brought all sorts of trouble down upon Rias and her servants. The Fallen Angels have some sort of interest in Asia, and will undoubtedly come looking for her now that Issei has brought her here.
"I'm sorry." Asia speaks up, Rias blinking at the nun's sudden speaking. "I'll go with the Fallen Angels when they come for me, so no one has to get hurt…" Asia offers, and Rias blinks in surprise, Akeno, Yuuto and Koneko all mirroring the emotion.
"That's very noble of you sister, but I'm not just going to hand you over to those Fallen Angels." Rias replies, Issei blinking in surprise, happiness playing across his features.
"Buchou…" Issei mutters her title, unable to believe that she's willing to protect Asia from the Fallen Angels.
"That's…" Asia tries to argue, but Rias cuts her off.
"No member of my family has any love for the Fallen Angels." Rias explains to the human. "Whatever they want with you we aren't going to just let them have you."
Her face falling Asia is about to try and say something when she looks around the room, seeing Rias' sentiment reflected in the faces of the other devils in the room.
They're willing to protect me even though I'm nothing to them…Asia thinks to herself, wishing that she had friends like these.
"Buchou…what are we going to do?" Issei asks, and Rias pushes off her desk, standing straight.
"While we aren't the only devils involved with this school we can't really expect any help from the other group..." Rias replies, Issei blinking in surprise.
You mean there are other devils in the school besides the Occult Research Club?
"We're on our own." Koneko says matter of factly, her tone flat.
Nodding Rias doesn't argue that point.
"However we also have the advantage." Rias explains. "The Fallen Angels have to come to us to take her, meaning we can fortify ourselves and make it as difficult as possible for them to assault us."
"How will we do that?" Issei asks, and Rias smiles at him, the expression sending chills down Issei's spine for some unknown reason…
XXX
Seven Hours Later.
"This really isn't necessary Issei-san…" Asia explains to him. "I don't want you risking your life for me…"
Standing in the school gymnasium Issei has his Divine Dividing out, the wings furled behind him with Asia nearby, the large open gym empty save for the two of them, the pair standing near the door on the opposite side of the building as the front of the building, where Rias and the rest of the Occult Research Club wait.
"We…I'm not going to just hand you over to those Fallen Angels Asia-chan." Issei explains, shaking his head. "Besides, you heard Buchou's plan, we're going to win."
Her gaze distraught Asia lowers her eyes, her hands clasped together in front of her the blonde woman doesn't want anyone to get hurt because of her. Seeing Issei and the other devils of the ORC Asia now knows what it looks like to have friends, to have precious people that will put their lives on the line for each other. More than anything else Asia wishes that she'd been born a devil in the Gremory family rather than a human. If she were she would have a sister like Rias, and a family that cares…
"I just…" Asia mumbles, not really sure what she wants to say.
"Don't worry." Issei assuages her, giving her a thumbs up. "We'll beat those Fallen Angels and then you'll be free. You can make friends and do all the things you've ever wanted to without having worry about those damn things."
"I…" Asia mumbles, pressing her hands together. "I'd be happy if I could just be with you Issei-san…"
"Asia…" Issei begins, about to say something to her when the doors on the opposite side of the gym burst open.
At the same time both Issei and Asia turn toward the sound and movement, the doors slamming against the interior walls, Raynare standing in the doorway in her Fallen Angel form, the sound of explosions, lightning and things being smashed coming in through the doorway.
Balling his hands into fists Issei puts himself between Asia and Raynare, the Fallen Angel casually walking into the gym and toward them, the woman clearly in no big hurry to get closer to them.
She's probably just trying to make us sweat…remember…stay calm…
His knuckles white Issei keeps his eyes on Raynare, opening his wings to their full span, preparing to take to the air.
"Well, well, well…" Raynare begins, casually striding toward them. "You've certainly made yourself to be quite the pain in my ass!"
A light spear forming in her hand Raynare glares at Issei. Were looks capable of murder, Issei would be struck dead at that moment.
"I told you already, I'm not letting you hurt Asia!" Issei replies, an angry growl escaping Raynare's lips.
"Jesus Christ you're like a broken record! All you ever say is 'I won't let you hurt her,' or 'I'm going to protect her!'" Raynare growls at him. "You're the most annoying fucking low class devil piece of shit I've ever met!"
His hands balled into fists Issei doesn't flinch, the young devil standing his ground, in spite of the Fallen Angel's proximity.
"You know what…" Raynare begins. "I think I'm not going to kill you, I'm going to beat you to a pulp and when you're nothing but a pile of broken bones I'm going to make you watch as my friends slaughter all your precious devil friends, starting with that red haired bitch you call master!"
Grinning Issei doesn't cower at Raynare's threat.
"I think you're the one who's going to end up a pile of broken bones." Issei replies. "After all, my Buchou is the Red Haired Princess of Destruction, Rias Gremory!" Issei reminds the Fallen Angel.
Outside Issei can hear the sound of Rias using her magic, an explosion following shortly thereafter.
"Not to mention her right hand…" Issei continues. "Her Queen and The Priestess of Thunder and Lightning and a super sadist Akeno Himejima!"
At that moment thunder cracks, Akeno laughing joyously as lightning rains down.
"Not to mention her Knight the Pretty boy Yuuto Kiba, knight of the sword and expert Demon Sword wielder!"
"What kind of shitty sword is that!?" Freed's voice carries, Yuuto replying casually.
"This is my sword Holy Eater, it consumes light and Holy power."
Inside the gym Raynare scowls, clearly displeased with how the battle fairs outside.
"Next is the Rook Toujou Koneko. While she may be small, she packs quite the punch!" Issei explains, the sounds of men being hit and sent flying repeatedly wafting into the gym.
"And last but not least, me, her Pawn Issei Hyoudou, super pervert and future Harem King!" Issei introduces himself, striking a pose.
Standing there a sweat drop forms on Raynare's head, the Fallen Angel looking at Issei skeptically. Hearing his introduction Asia has no idea what he's talking about. Growing up in the church Asia has no idea what a pervert or a harem is.
"So…" Raynare begins slowly, not knowing whether Issei is being serious or not. "You're just a pawn and you expect to stand against me?"
Dropping his pose Issei stands up straight, his Sacred Gear still on his back.
"I may be just a pawn right now, but you'll find that pawns are the most dangerous of all…"Issei begins.
XXX
One Hour Prior.
"Our strategy is going to hinge on you Issei…" Rias explains, and Issei breaks eye contact with her, guilt coloring his tone.
"I'm just your Pawn Buchou…" Issei replies carefully. "Just release me from your family and I'll take Asia-chan and run. You don't have to risk your life for me, I'm just a worthless pawn after all."
Blinking Rias gives Issei a hard look, the President of the Occult Research Club clearly displeased with Issei's statement.
"I told you once that reincarnated devils have the same powers as the chess pieces they're named after." Rias explains. "But a pawn is by far not the weakest piece."
"How?" Issei blinks, not comprehending what Rias means. "I'm not strong like Koneko-chan, fast like Kiba, or powerful like Akeno-sempai, so what good am I to you?"
"Promotion." Rias replies, and Issei blinks in surprise.
"Promotion?" Issei asks and Rias nods.
"That's right. When a pawn gets deep into enemy territory they are allowed to 'promote' into any other piece other than the King." Rias explains to him. "So, for example, if I were to designate say the school gym as enemy territory, then all you have to do is get there, and you can promote into any other piece."
XXX
Present
"What are you talking about?" Raynare demands, her patience wearing thin. "A pawn is just a pawn, a worthless foot soldier, a throw away piece."
"Then you obviously don't know anything." Issei denies. "A real master has no throw away pieces."
Promotion: ROOK! Issei thinks to himself, feeling something inside him shift with the thought. Just standing there Issei knows that he's changed, that the promotion has already taken effect.
"Try this!" Issei calls out, jumping forward, taking off toward Raynare.
Grinning Raynare pulls her arm back, throwing the spear with pin point aim, her strike flying straight toward Issei.
Holding out his right hand Issei runs into the spear head on, Issei stopping in his tracks, a small barrier forming between him and the spear, sparks radiating off the point of impact, Issei gritting his teeth, the skin of his hand already feeling like it's starting to burn, even though he isn't even touching the spear yet.
"Divide!" The wings pulse, and Issei feels energy surge into his body, strength filling him, restoring him.
"So you've resorted to leeching strength from your allies now? All in a desperate attempt to keep yourself alive?" Raynare goads. "It doesn't matter how much strength you take from your friends, you're just making it easier for my subordinates to kill them."
"You…wish…" Issei mumbles, trying to fight against the spear burning his right arm.
"Try all you want you can't destroy my spear. Light is poison to a devil, no matter how strong you are."
Hovering there, his right arm grinding against the spear of light Issei tightens his jaw.
I can't fail…I have to win…for Asia…
Struggling against the spear Issei pushes back, trying desperately to throw the spear aside and hit Raynare.
I will…I'm going to protect Asia, I'm going to protect her and I'm going to make this woman pay for trying to kill me!
His feelings surging inside of him Issei hears a voice call out to him from the Sacred Gear.
"English Dragon Power Gift!" The Sacred Gear speaks, and Issei blinks in surprise, not knowing what's going on as white light covers his entire body.
"Power Gift!?" Raynare blurts out, staring in surprised shock as the white light begins to fade. "What the hell is that!"
The light disappearing Issei now wears a suit of white armor with blue jewels. Inside the armor Issei feels like he's on top of the world, like he can move mountains.
Looking at him Asia sucks in a sharp breath of surprise. Seeing him covered in light and now clad in white armor Asia is struck with the sudden image of an Angel, as though Issei were her own personal Guardian Angel, ready to fight against anyone that would threaten her.
"Issei-san…" Asia whispers, her hands held together near her lips, her eyes wide in awe.
"I…Impossible!" Raynare stares in shock, the spear pressing against Issei's gauntleted palm.
"Divide!" The voice calls out, the light from the spear fading, Issei not feeling the familiar rush of energy that he normally feels when his Sacred Gear drains the energy from an opponent.
Why did that happen? I didn't order the Sacred Gear to use it's power, so why…
For just a moment Issei is allowed to contemplate that before a voice speaks in his mind.
Hurry boy! Don't you want your revenge!? The voice from before goads Issei on, reminding him of what's happening.
"I don't know what this is, or what's going on, but I'm not going to waste this!" Issei declares.
Flinging his right hand to the side the spear shatters, disappearing in a small flash of light. The spear no longer impeding him Issei shoots forward, the young devil like a freight train, and Raynare stands right in his path.
"W…Wait!" Raynare cries out, fear on her face as Issei crosses the distance between them, drawing his left hand back.
"TAKE THIS!" Issei roars, driving his left hand forward like a battering ram, slamming his left fist into Raynare's jaw, the Fallen Angel flying backward from the impact.
Raynare crashing through the far side of the gym Issei stands there, momentarily clad in the strange white armor before his body shines again, the armor disappearing along with the light, the Sacred Gear disappearing as well.
His world spinning Issei drops to his hands and knees, the young devil feeling like he's the one that's just been beaten. Feeling exhausted Issei sucks in air, trying to fill the seemingly perpetual feeling of emptiness in his lungs.
"Issei-san!" Asia calls out, Issei about to raise his head when suddenly he feels his arm being pulled up.
"Good job Hyoudou-kun…" Kiba praises him, the blonde boy draping Issei's right arm across his shoulders as he helps Issei up.
"K…Kiba…" Issei mutters, footsteps drawing Issei's attention.
"Good work Issei." Rias praises him as she walks into the room, her uniform slightly ruffled from the fight outside.
"B…Buchou…" Issei mumbles, not sure what exactly is going on as Rias approaches him.
"The Fallen Angels are dead, though that stray priest managed to escape." Rias explains to him, her gaze shifting to Asia. "Are you hurt?"
Shaking her head no Asia mumbles a negative, Rias relieved that the human girl wasn't hurt during the battle.
"I'm fine…Raynare-sama never even touched me."
Nodding Rias turns her attention back to Issei.
"Good…what about you Issei, how do you feel?"
"Tired…" Issei mutters, feeling like he's just run a marathon. "Though, your plan worked Buchou…"
XXX
Thirty Minutes Earlier.
Standing in the clubroom Issei is alone with Rias, the red haired President of the Occult Research Club having already sent the rest of the club and Asia off to the gym to prepare for the Fallen Angel's attack. Rias has already informed them what their general battle plan will be, their strategy being to lure the Fallen Angels to an area where they can battle without fear of collateral damage, but also where they can safely store Asia away from the battle.
Buchou and everyone else are going to be waiting outside the gym while I'm supposed to wait inside with Asia as her personal guard, but I don't understand what else she needs to talk to me about alone…
"B…Buchou…" Issei begins awkwardly, Rias sitting behind her desk, the last member of the club leaving just over five minutes prior.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
The sound of someone gently tapping their fist against the club door is surprisingly loud to Issei, the young man starting in surprise at the sudden sound.
Who could that be!?
"Come in." Rias calls, the doorknob turning, the door opening, revealing a pair of teenagers wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform.
That's…the Student Council President Souna Shitori and the Vice President Tsubaki Shinra!
"Wha…?" Issei mumbles, confused as to why the Student Council would be at school this late, and why Rias would want them here when Fallen Angels will soon be here…
"Greetings Rias." Souna offers politely, Rias standing up from behind her desk and walking out, smiling at the bespectacled dark haired girl.
"Greetings Sona." Rias replies warmly, Issei blinking in surprise.
"Sona?" Issei asks, and Rias answers him.
"Issei, this is Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra, they're both part of the other group of Devils that operate out of the Academy that I mentioned earlier." Rias explains, and Issei blinks, understanding settling on his gaze.
"Souna Shitori is my alias while I am attending here." Sona explains to him. "My real name is Sona Sitri, though please refrain from using it in front of any normal students."
Nodding Issei doesn't say anything, the young Pawn choosing to stay quiet.
"So…" Rias begins. "I take it you're here to respond to my offer?"
Offer? Issei thinks. What offer?
"That's right." Sona answers, addressing Rias.
"Wh…what offer?" Issei asks, and Rias smiles at him.
"I asked Sona to allow us to borrow her Queen's power during the upcoming battle." Rias explains, and Issei blinks in surprise.
"Borrow her power?" Issei asks, and Rias nods, Tsubaki's face chiseled from stone for all the emotion it shows.
"That's right." Sona affirms again, her voice stoic. "Rias has asked me to allow you to absorb my Queen's power with your Divine Dividing Sacred Gear."
Blinking Issei turns his head toward Rias.
"You told her about my Sacred Gear?" Issei asks, and Rias nods.
"Of course." Rias replies. "Your Sacred Gear's ability to divide another creature's strength in half and then add it to your own is incredibly powerful, but in this battle you might not be able to touch your opponent before needing a boost in power. If you touch Tsubaki with your Sacred Gear active and keep it active until after the battle you'll be able to divide her power and add it to your own, something the Fallen Angels won't be suspecting, and it could give you the edge you need to defeat your opponent."
"I see…" Issei trails thoughtfully.
"So…" Rias begins, turning her attention back to Sona. "Do we have an agreement?"
Staring at Rias Sona's face is an impassive, emotionless mask, Issei wondering just how Rias knows the robot like Student Council President. She's considered to be the third most attractive girl in school after Rias and Akeno, though Issei doesn't know anything else about her. She along with the rest of the members of the Student Council tend to keep to themselves.
"We do." Sona answers, and Rias smiles at her friend.
"Thank you Sona." Rias offers warmly, and Issei blinks in surprise.
"W…why are you agreeing to something like this? Why don't you just help us in defeating these Fallen Angels?" Issei asks, and Sona rounds her gaze on him, the look on her face making Issei suddenly feel like a five year old with his hand caught in the cookie jar.
"You have brought the attention of these Fallen Angels upon yourselves, if you wish to risk your lives protecting a former Sister of the Church then that is your choice, but I am not going to risk the lives of my Family for something that has nothing to do with me." Sona explains to him. "That said, no Devil has any love for any Fallen Angel, and if my assistance in this manner will aid you and Rias in killing a few of them then so long as the lives of my people aren't at risk, I'm willing to help."
XXX
Present
With that, he'd brought out his Sacred Gear and shook hands with Tsubaki. After that Issei made his way to the gym, Rias walking with him Issei was infinitely glad that the school is deserted. Were a normal human to see him with a pair of giant light wings on his back they would likely start asking questions that would be difficult to answer.
"Good, I'm sure gaining strength without actually touching Raynare was quite the surprise for her."
That power and the Promotion are the only reasons you were even able to wear the armor…A familiar voice whispers in Issei's ears.
"What…" Issei mumbles, his eyes going wide at the voice in his head.
Opening her mouth to answer Issei Rias stops before she begins, the far look in Issei's eyes telling her that he isn't speaking to her.
You asked for power, and I gave it to you, unfortunately for you your body could only handle that strength for a scant few moments before I had to take it back. Fortunately it was long enough for you to get satisfaction against that creature that nearly killed us…
"Who…who are you?" Issei whispers.
I am the Vanishing Dragon Albion, and I reside inside your Sacred Gear. It is my armor that you were wearing when you defeated that Fallen Angel, it was me that told you to flee when you faced her before.
"I…" Issei mumbles, Yuuto, Asia and Rias watching him, none of them quite sure what is going on with their newest member.
Listen well, the red one will come eventually, and when he does you must be stronger if you're going to defeat him.
"Red one…?" Issei asks aloud, both Asia and Yuuto looking to Rias, their expressions curious, but the red haired devil simply shrugs her shoulders, clueless as to what Issei is talking about.
His eyes seeming to come back into focus Albion doesn't reply to Issei, instead his mind is filled with only his own thoughts again, Rias speaking slowly and carefully.
"Issei…are you all right?" Rias asks, genuine concern in her voice.
Blinking Issei looks up at her, giving the President a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little exhausted." Issei tries to assuage her.
Opening her mouth to ask who Issei was talking to the question has yet to form on Rias lips when Koneko calls from the open gym door.
"I'm back." Her voice carries, Rias, Yuuto, Issei and Asia all turning toward her to watch as Koneko drags Raynare's body back into the gym.
"Well…" Rias begins, putting her back to Issei to face Raynare as Koneko unceremoniously tosses the still breathing Fallen Angel onto the ground at Rias feet. "Look what the cat dragged in."
For a moment no one talks, a sweat drop forming on Yuuto, Issei and even Koneko.
Buchou…that was a bad joke…
Raynare groaning in pain the Fallen Angel pushes herself up to her hands and knees, looking up at Rias as the Red Haired Princess of Ruin begins to glow with dark power.
"My servant didn't finish you, so I thought I would do you the honor of finishing you myself…" Rias begins, her power forming around her hands.
Blinking Raynare knows that she is in no shape to fight, that her only hope of saving her own life lies in convincing Rias to spare her…
"Issei-kun…" A very familiar voice reaches his ears, Issei blinking in surprise to see Raynare now looking like 'Yuuma,' his gift to her still tied on her left wrist. "Issei-kun, please don't let her kill me…"
Issei's gaze wavering Yuuto narrows his eyes, the fact that Issei is leaning on him heavily the only thing stopping Kiba from drawing his sword.
"Please Issei-kun…" Raynare pleads with him. "I really did treasure our time together, and I never meant to hurt you, I only did that because I was told to. See?" 'Yuuma' asks, holding up her left hand and the bracelet there. "I really did enjoy our date together, I even kept this because I love you…"
His gaze wavering Issei looks away from 'Yuuma,' his voice gravelly and low as he replies.
"I would've treated you like a Queen…" Issei begins quietly. "You were my first girlfriend, I spent days planning our date, I would've bent over backwards for you…but instead you betrayed me…" Issei closes his eyes, the motion seeming to take much of what remains of his strength, his own voice coming out as a small plea as he continues. "Buchou…please finish it, I…I don't have the strength…"
Her countenance darkening the energy around Rias' hands grows, Raynare realizing in that brief moment that she's going to die.
"…Are you sure Issei?" Rias asks. "Wouldn't you rather have her as a harem slave?"
Blinking Issei looks back to Rias, the red haired devil looking at him curiously, Issei opening his mouth curiously.
"…Slave…?" Issei asks weakly, and Raynare feels a pit of dread form in her stomach.
"That's right." Rias explains to him. "You can bind this Fallen Angel to you. It isn't normally done, since usually only high class devils can do it, but since you're the White Dragon Emperor, you shouldn't have a problem."
"H…How…?" Issei asks, still leaning heavily on Kiba.
Neither Kiba nor Koneko knows how to feel about following with Rias' suggestion. Neither of them has any love for Fallen Angels, though the thought of humiliating one of them by making them a slave does have its own, twisted draw.
Her aura fading Rias walks over to where Issei stands, Rias reaching out, grasping the hilt of Kiba's sword, Rias drawing the blade from its sheath.
"All you have to do is have her drink your blood." Rias explains.
"My…blood?" Issei asks, and Rias raises the sword, the point now pointing up toward the ceiling.
"Hold out your hand Issei, and I'll cut it. Once your blood is on the sword I'll make her lick it, and then she'll be bound to you as a slave. She'll have to do whatever you want her to do, when you want her to do it."
"I…" Issei trails, not sure what to say as he holds out his hand.
Rias touching his hand with her left hand Rias presses the sword against Issei's palm, Kiba's blade slicing into Issei's flesh, Asia winching at the sight of the sword piercing Issei's flesh, the young devil gritting his teeth at the pain that flares through him.
Blood on the blade Rias turns away from Issei, Raynare still on her hands and knees, her eyes going wide in shock as Rias walks over toward her.
Holding the blood stained blade out for Raynare to lick Rias glares down at Raynare. The Fallen Angel staring at the sword Raynare's eyes flicker between Rias and the sword.
"Drink the blood Fallen Angel, or I'll kill you."
Her voice is cold, Rias staring down at the Fallen Angel, the beaten woman swallowing Raynare stares at the sword, feeling conflicted. She doesn't want to die, she most definitely doesn't want to die, but on the other hand she doesn't want to spend the rest of her life as some annoying devil's slave.
Rias glowing with dark power Raynare swallows the saliva in her mouth, feeling like she's been caught between a rock and a hard place.
On one hand I die. On the other hand I'll live…
Opening her mouth Raynare sticks out her tongue, pressing it against the blood stained section of the sword Raynare slowly drags her tongue along the side of the sword.
Swallowing the blood on her tongue Raynare closes her eyes, feeling a strange, uncomfortable feeling flowing down her throat. Her face contorted in disgust Raynare doesn't say anything. Issei on the other hand doesn't feel anything for a moment after Raynare swallows his blood. Then Issei feels of jolt of electricity flare inside his body, like being struck by a bolt of lightning.
"GAH!" Issei cries out in pain, Asia blinking in surprise.
At the same time Raynare feels the surge of current, as though lightning were coursing through her veins, burning her from the inside out.
Screaming in pain Raynare doubles over, feeling the pain surging through her even as Issei succumbs to the sensation.
"Issei-san!" Asia cries out his name, the young blonde's voice mixing with Raynare's scream; the sounds the last thing Issei hears before he slips off to unconsciousness.
Well? What do you think? I thought I would have Raynare as a recurring character and the true first member of Issei's so called 'harem.' I'm going to be going off the anime where Yuuma is Raynare's human guise, her voice being timid and 'girly' while in that form and her body becoming more seductive and her voice lower when she's in her true, winged, Fallen Angel form. I hope this is enough to separate this story from Canon, and that you continue to enjoy it. As far as the Balance Breaker and Issei getting it so quickly, he isn't going to start changing into the Scale Mail every fight from now on, and he isn't going to be using it willy-nilly. Simply put, Divine Dividing doesn't have that many powers, and I didn't want to go making stuff up or giving the Wings powers exactly like the Boosted Gear, so I chose to do what I did.