Man, I forgot how easy and fun writing Dxd stuff is and then I come back to it and smash through things, even writing an entire raw chapter in less than 24 hours. I've got two more chapters written as well and am starting on the third now.
Finally starting to dig into the meat of the story, because frankly up until Raynare's rebirth, a lot of this was an entirely different story since that was going to be the original end. Now you will get to see me start fleshing out the branching pathways to come and I am dropping hints often about what the end of the story will be and if you are really, really perceptive, what this story can be continued as when it does finish as I have alluded to earlier.
Anyway, feel free to join my discord too if you want to have a chat about it, or anything else really (discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG).
Previously:
Issei and Ravel travelled to Heaven, meeting with Gabriel and Michael who were in the midst of an important discussion. The two reincarnated angels had their energies analysed with surprising synergy between both sets of powers. Following a brief discussion, Issei and Ravel would head home and prepare for the arrival of the Vampire convoy. Elsewhere, following the battle between the Hero faction and Issei, multiple groups were plotting their next move, including the Grim Reapers and Rizevim, a man with the name of Lucifer. Xenovia and Issei would discuss their respective plans for the future as they searched for Saji, before locating him along with Yuuto and Gasper who had been training. The group would then discuss the upcoming meeting with the Vampires, while assisting Issei with home repairs.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 24 – Reflections
The ragtag group of multiple races of varying affiliations were sitting around the living room table. It wasn't the biggest table, so in lieu of chairs, the group were sitting on the floor directly.
'Well I think we've made a lot of progress so far, even though we started in the wrong direction.' Said Issei, as he looked to Xenovia.
'You need to destroy the old to build the new.' Said Xenovia simply.
'That's kind of funny coming from someone who was an exorcist.' Said Saji.
'Especially considering how old the things the church holds on to are of course.' Added Ravel, causing Xenovia to shrug.
'So Gasper, what do you know about these vampires that do drink blood?' Asked Issei.
'Uh, well, all vampires can drink blood, I just don't like the taste… blood is like a power-up to vampires and depending on the amount and type of the blood, the effects it causes can change.' Started Gasper.
'So what, you have branching skill trees for abilities?' Joked Saji.
'Well, sort of.' Admitted Gasper, causing the Sacred Gear wielding devil to go slack-jawed
'I was joking!' Exclaimed Saji in incredulity.
'Well then, Gasper, what are the base abilities of vampires, and why don't we build from there?' Suggested Yuuto.
'Uh, right. Well, all base vampires have the ability to drink blood and a weakness to light and garlic, with beheading or a stake to the heart being a surefire way to kill one, as vampires are really durable otherwise. After that, there is a vampire's presence, which is the chill a normal person would get when they are near a vampire. The other thing is basic transformation, all vampires can turn into bats.' Said Gasper.
'That's a lot for just base abilities.' Said Xenovia.
'Most vampires don't really get much stronger after that. Drinking blood is hard and also tastes bad.' Said Gasper, scrunching up his nose in distaste.
'So if someone does drink blood, what happens next?' Asked Issei.
'Well then you can think of it like gaining skill points on all of those abilities. With enough blood, some vampires can build up enough resistance to walk in the light. Otherwise, they can make their skin so tough that an ordinary weapon won't be able to break their skin to behead them. The presence can also be made so strong it literally suffocates someone to the point that they can die of fear. Transformation is the most branching ability after that, vampires who try hard enough can become anything they want, even darkness itself.' Said Gasper.
'I can do that.' Said Ophis, seemingly blinking out of existence for a moment, before reappearing.
'Can they do that?' Asked Issei.
'Not completely, but they could turn into little specks of intangible darkness, it would look like static on an old TV.' Said Gasper.
'So if that is the base skills powered-up, are there any special skills?' Asked Issei.
'There are a few and that depends on the blood. Depending on whose blood a vampire drinks, they can gain attributes of that person.' Said Gasper.
'So if a vampire drank the blood of an angel, would they be immune to holy weapons?' Asked Xenovia.
'I don't know about an angel, but vampires who drank a lot of exorcists have a really high resistance to light and holy weapons, there are even some that can enter a church if they want to.' Said Gasper, shocking Xenovia.
'Impossible.' Gasped Xenovia.
'What about a dragon? That time in the club room, it made your Sacred Gear activate.' Asked Issei.
'The dragon blood boosts potential briefly. With your blood, it was like all of my stats got maxed out for a minute.' Said Gasper.
'That might be a problem…' Muttered Issei quietly, reflecting on his knowledge of the reincarnated dragons.
'There is one last thing I should probably say… it is really scary to even think about it, but vampires… can drink the blood of other vampires.' Said Gasper, surprising the others.
'Why would they want to do that?' Asked Issei.
'Once there was a terrible attack on the vampires and many were killed… one vampire decided to make the decision to feed off his dying comrades and absorb their strength to become strong enough to repel the enemy… no one has ever done that since. That vampire almost became immortal, like really immortal, meaning no one and nothing could kill them.' Said Gasper, getting Ophis' eye to briefly glimmer with recognition.
'Impaler.' Said Ophis, causing Gasper to nod.
'Yes. Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Vlad Tepes the Third and the first king of the vampires.' Said Gasper with a nod.
'What happened to him?' Asked Issei.
'His son killed him and drank his blood.' Said Gasper, causing the others to gasp in shock.
'His own father?' Questioned Saji.
'Yes. He knew if his father became immortal, he would never rule, so he killed him and took his blood to empower himself.' Said Gasper, causing an uneasy silence to settle on the group.
'So is there anyone close to that then? Is there someone we should be aware of?' Asked Issei.
'I'm not sure, I left the vampires a long time ago, but it took Vlad the Impaler almost two decades to get that strong and after that, I don't think anyone would let anyone get that close ever again.' Admitted Gasper.
'Well, we better wrap things up here then, we're going to need to be ready to meet the vampires tomorrow then. Do you know who it might be?' Asked Issei, as he stood to his feet.
'No, but I think it would be someone from the Carmilla Faction.' Said Gasper.
'Well, no sense worrying about it now, let's finish up here.' Said Issei, spurring the others to stand to their feet as well.
-line break-
'Azazel, there is someone requesting to speak with you.' Said Baraqiel, entering the Governor General's room.
'Don't I have people for that?' Asked Azazel jokingly.
'Yes, that is why it has reached me and now I am advising you. Escalation of authority.' Said Baraqiel sternly.
Azazel frowned knowing there were only a few things that Baraqiel couldn't handle requiring his input and sat up straighter in his chair.
'What is it?' Asked Azazel.
'Raynare has been having dreams. Dreams of events she has no right to know about.' Said Baraqiel.
Now that got Azazel's full attention. There were a few theories as to what happened to Raynare. Of course, Azazel knew of the mythos of his own race, but that was then, and this was now. What happened this time around did not fit with the current body of knowledge and was concerning. Despite this, at the same time, Azazel was fascinated. If there really was a way to harness complete resurrection within months that would be a groundbreaking change to their entire existence. Fallen Angels did not have an afterlife in any sense of the word. There was no afterlife after life for them, only darkness, eternal sleep. Of course, as proven quite recently, they could linger and hold on like a subhuman parasite until they could return, but it had been thousands of years since the last one had occurred and it took decades, not months.
'Very well, I suppose I have a few minutes.' Joked Azazel.
Baraqiel nodded and briefly disappeared through the door, before returning with the fallen in question. Baraqiel indicated for Raynare to sit in the chair in front of Azazel, before excusing himself and closing the door behind him. As Azazel took the moment to look his underling over, carefully scrutinising her, he found he had no easy explanation for just why things had occurred as they had. Raynare was a run of the mill fallen angel. She had two wings and adequate control over light. The depth of her sin was not particularly greater than any of the other fallen angels under his employ and she had no unique qualities to speak of, aside from slightly above average transformation skills. It had not been her first mission to watch Issei and it was never planned for it to be her last. It had not been the first time a fallen angel had been sent to recruit a Sacred Gear user and it also wasn't the first time they had gone rogue for whatever reason and ended up dead because of it. Her physical characteristics were not outside the normal either, with her appearance being somewhere in the mid-upper rank in terms of appearance, even Baraqiel's child, a halfling, was more seductive and voluptuous than her. It was after a few more moments that Azazel realised he had been staring, as Raynare had started to fidget. A quick glance at the clock and it revealed the pair had been sitting in silence for three minutes now while Azazel scrutinised her.
'Ah, forgive my absentmindedness, I was just caught up in my thoughts, how can I help you, Raynare?' Asked Azazel, causing the girl to jolt in her chair.
'Oh, no, I'm sorry for intruding on your personal time Lord Azazel. I am so sorry to be disturbing you and wasting your time. It isn't anything really, I can leave and come back at a better time.' Said Raynare nervously.
'Ah nonsense, I always have time for my subordinates. What is bothering you?' Asked Azazel.
Azazel noticed the way Raynare's eyes and expression changed at his words. It was obvious she was enamoured with him and given her actions before her demise; it wouldn't be a stretch to say she was obsessed with getting him to notice her. Truth be told, had Raynare not done what she did, Azazel would have never noticed her, or given her the time of day unless she approached him directly. Not because he thought of her as insignificant, but because objectively she was. Her actions, whether she intended for them to have the impact that they did, made her stick out, however, it is usually the nail which sticks out furthest which is hammered in first, case in point with Kokabiel.
'I was wondering what… where Lord Kokabiel is?' Asked Raynare, causing Azazel to raise an eyebrow.
'That is an odd question, surely you could have easily found out that Kokabiel is in Cocytus?' Questioned Azazel.
'I-I just wanted to be sure. I… no nothing, its nothing, I'm so sorry for wasting your time.' Said Raynare, making to stand and leave.
'Please sit and explain, Raynare.' Said Azazel, causing the girl to freeze.
'I… I'm sorry, I apologise Lord Azazel.' Said Raynare, before sitting back down.
'Now, Raynare, I don't claim to be listening to you right now for no purpose. Even if I don't fully seem to understand how or why, you are quite special, unique in fact.' Said Azazael, causing Raynare to look up at him in surprise.
'Unfortunately, it is not because of the reasons you may hope. If you would like a glimpse at my theory, please explain to me why you needed to come and speak to me and why Baraqiel felt that you should be allowed to speak with me.' Said Azazel sternly.
'I… I've been having dreams about Lord Kokabiel… but they change. Sometimes he is beaten by a man in red armour, sometimes he is beaten by a man in white armour, other times he is killed and sometimes he is imprisoned and later escapes, but is beaten by that boy… the Red Dragon Emperor. I don't know how, but I even had a dream once that I killed him somehow too and none of it makes any sense to me. I can't remember all the dreams, but I can't make sense of any of the ones I do remember, and I can't tell if any of them are real.' Said Raynare.
If Raynare had managed to procure Azazel's passing interest before, she now had his full attention. The scenario's Raynare had just described were all different, but Azazel only recognised one. Was this because only one scenario was true and the others were just derivatives from it in Raynare's sleep addled mind… or was there some deeper resonance there.
'You mentioned the Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou… what does that boy mean to you?' Asked Azazael.
'What? He isn't anything to me.' Stammered Raynare.
'Now Raynare, I am not going to be jealous by your answer and I would very much want the truth here.' Said Azazael in amusement.
'I… I don't know what he is, should I?' Asked Raynare uncertainly.
'Before I answer that, is there anything else you have noticed, dreamt, or thought recently.' Asked Azazel.
'I don't know, I think I am having nightmares too.' Admitted Raynare.
Azazael raised an eyebrow at this. Fallen Angels didn't dream ordinarily, but nightmares? That was not a thing for a fallen angel.
'And what do you see in these nightmares?' Asked Azazel.
'I'm always afraid. I'm always being tortured or killed. Sometimes I see that red haired devil, sometimes it… is the Red Dragon Emperor, sometimes it is a figure I can't recognise and sometimes it is someone I've never seen before… I… even think some kind of God tried to kill me once… it might have even been the real God.' Said Raynare.
Alarm bells were now ringing in Azazael's head like a foghorn. Raynare was not alive at the time when the news of God had broken and while she had been updated on the specifics of the agreement, she had not explicitly been told the fate of God as it was not something Azazel wanted to tell her immediately as she reoriented herself.
'That is very interesting, truly. In all of these scenarios, do you see yourself as you do now?' Asked Azazel.
'Not exactly, in some I am a lot stronger and in some I am even weaker actually… do you… I mean, what do you think this means, Lord Azazel?' Asked Raynare, showing the first signs of her inner vulnerability and not merely hero worship.
Azazael exhaled deeply at this and tried to put his thoughts together before responding.
'Raynare, what I am about to tell you is only a theory, how correct or true it is I cannot say. Your situation is unique, while there have been other fallen angels who have returned, they have never returned so quickly and were never bonded to a Longinus wielder before. The relationship between yourself and Issei Hyoudou is one that transcends the normal rules of existence. I honestly don't have any explanation as to why or how, only theories. The only one who could perhaps give the truest answer would be God. My theories however hint at a more profound relationship that no one can understand. I suppose the easiest way to explain it would be to say that you and Issei are soulmates in a way.
These dreams of yours, I can't even begin to make sense of them really. From the scenarios you have given I know at least two of them have occurred to you, including one of your deaths. These dreams of Kokabiel and others though, most of them seem to be after your death. It has always been thought that the Dimensional Gap was a portal to other worlds, as it serves as the space between Heaven, Earth and the Underworld… but perhaps it also serves as a portal to other realities beyond space and time. It can be thought of in its simplest terms as a massive space-time distortion that exists around our world, absorbing the improbable and unfathomable to maintain the stability of the worlds, a lynchpin of sorts.
Given where Issei ended up and where he was recalled from… that is the most likely explanation as to your renewed existence, however, it is hard to articulate what your existence is right now. It could perhaps represent the Raynare of this world that you were before your demise, or it may be the existence of another. In many ways, Issei has likely affected your very existence and that may be the simplest explanation, you are changed because your soul sought shelter within Issei's own, but to accept that as the only explanation would be foolish.
Your existence is contradictory, Raynare, you exist, but also shouldn't and it is unclear as to why you are currently able to do so. If anything, I would hope Ophis or Great Red may have some insight to offer, but they are not the most talkative of individuals, even if Ophis has taken a shine to Issei.' Said Azazel.
'I… I don't understand.' Admitted Raynare uneasily.
'And I think that is reasonable, as I truly don't understand myself. All I can ask is that if you should experience any other dreams, nightmares, or visions, that you speak with me about them. This is not a request mind you; I need to be informed of these things as depending on what you are seeing it may provide vital information to help determine what happened to you, but also to understand the very fabric of the Dimensional Gap and perhaps even our would and what a soul truly is and represents.' Said Azazael.
'B-but what am I supposed to do then, what should I do?' Asked Raynare desperately.
'That is not for me to answer. I have enrolled you into Kuoh Academy so you can be close to Issei Hyoudou, mostly for his benefit. I do not mince words when I say that Issei is an important individual to me for many reasons and not just his Sacred Gear. I do not want you to do anything that you think you should do because you believe it will impress me or make me acknowledge you. True, I already acknowledge your existence as an anomalous one, but I also do not want you to not enjoy your life. I would just warn you strongly against trying to upset those around you. You first attempt to gain recognition led to you killing Issei and making the Red Dragon Emperor join the side of the devils and eventually led to your death. Had we not all become allies later down the track, you could have helped cause another great war. Of course, I do not think that was your intention, nor do I think you would be able to do so now, given we are already in a war of sorts truly. Really, I would just suggest your try to find meaning in your life, but I firmly advise you to look beyond myself. I am not the type of person who reciprocates infatuation and my interest in women is now far below my interest in research. If you wish for my acknowledgment, you already have it, but should you seek to impress me in another way, then see for yourself if you can find the meaning of these visions you have, as I will also be looking into them as well, but if you find something else of interest, feel no obligation to continue to look into them, as I doubt either of us will find a satisfactory answer. Despite this likely unsuccessful venture, I will continue to look into things as it is of interest to me, but as I have said, if you have other interests, then feel free to pursue them.' Said Azazel.
Raynare sat there gathering her thoughts for a moment, feel herself truly shaken. Azazel watched as the girl seemed to grapple with the concept of her truly existential crisis in the purest meaning of the word, as her existence truly shouldn't be. It took almost two minutes, but it seemed as though Raynare seemed to click her mind back together as she stood from the chair. She bowed at the waist deeply.
'Thank you very much for your time, Lord Azazel. I will do my best not to disappoint you.' Said Raynare.
'Good luck finding your meaning in life then, Raynare, and remember to come to me if you have something else to discuss.' Said Azazel, given Raynare a small wave.
Raynare nodded and opened the door, before closing it behind her as she left. A moment later there was a knock at the door and Baraqiel re-entered.
'Well?' Asked Baraqiel simply.
'I honestly don't have an answer for once.' Said Azazel, causing Baraqiel to come and sit in the chair Raynare had previously occupied.
'What should we do?' Asked Baraqiel.
'Nothing really, just observe, I only hope no one reacts rashly, this is truly an unprecedented situation.' Said Azazel.
'And just how closely should we be observing?' Asked Baraqiel.
'Closer than you watch your own daughter.' Said Azazael, causing Baraqiel to raise an eyebrow.
'You're that concerned, are you?' Asked Baraqiel.
'Yes, very much so.' Said Azazael seriously.
'Should we alert the devils or the angels as well?' Asked Baraqiel.
'I wouldn't worry about the angels, I'm sure they will be watching even closer than we will be, at least on the other side. Involving the devils now however would be a mistake. They are not so accepting of recent events and it may lead to them being, how shall we say, rather proactive in removing a potential threat.' Said Azazael.
'Do you really think there is a threat?' Asked Baraqiel.
'Honestly no, but perception is everything really.' Said Azazael.
'Understood.' Said Baraqiel, before dismissing himself.
Azazael reached under his desk for a drink. Azazel paused for a moment, deciding if he want to get a glass, before uncorking the bottle and drinking from it directly.
'What a headache this is turning out to be, but I can't say I'm not excited.' Said Azazael with a rueful shake of his head, before taking another swig.
-line break-
'Hey Issei, could I speak with you for a minute?' Asked Yuuto, as he approached Issei, the man in question standing on the railing of the walkway to his apartment as he watched the sun go down with a frown.
'Oh, Kiba, what is it?' Asked Issei.
'I was just hoping to speak with you about what happened.' Said Kiba.
'Do you really want to bring that up again?' Asked Issei.
'No, not really, but I feel that I have not properly apologised at this point.' Said Kiba.
'I don't think you really need to honestly. Not because I think you didn't do anything wrong, but because I could never expect you to side with me over Rias.' Said Issei.
'What do you mean?' Asked Kiba.
'Well, you are Rias' knight, in more ways than one. While I thought we were starting to become friends, the relationship between you and Rias is much stronger.' Said Issei.
'I suppose there is some truth there, but I like to think that we did become friends in the end.' Said Kiba.
'Nah, I always hated and envied you, even right up to that time. I still don't get why people thought you and I could be in any kind of relationship; I hated your guts.' Laughed Issei.
'Well, they do say that love and hate go hand-in-hand.' Said Kiba.
'If that is the case, Rias would have probably ended up with Riser.' Said Issei.
'If you weren't there, that is very likely what would have happened.' Said Kiba, causing Issei to frown.
'I wonder sometimes if I made a mistake there.' Said Issei.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Kiba curiously.
'I caused a lot of trouble. I know why I did it and if I went back in time I would do it again, but looking back on it from now, I wonder if I did something wrong.' Said Issei.
'Well, as far as most devils would have been concerned, yes, you do something very wrong. If you asked any of us though, we would not think you did anything wrong. All you wanted to do was protect your friends.' Said Kiba.
'You know, Riser isn't that bad really. I feel bad about turning his life upside down and traumatising him for a while. I think he is better now, and he seems to be a good big brother to Ravel… maybe he just wasn't a good boyfriend or fiancé.' Said Issei.
'I think most of us have become better since meeting you. Remember, even if you don't consider us friends, you saved me from becoming a stray and risked yourself for my own grudge. That isn't a debt I can forget. While I hope to repay it someday, I hope you will at least accept my apology for now.' Said Kiba, before giving a small bow and walking away from Issei.
'I don't accept your apology.' Said Issei loudly, causing Kiba to laugh.
'I know. It would be too easy if you did, most stories of us have their difficult moments. If you don't believe me, you could just ask Murayama.' Said Kiba.
'What, why would Murayama know about that?' Asked Issei.
'Well, it was her and your two other classmates, Katase and Kiryuu who wrote most of them.' Said Kiba, causing Issei to have a scandalised expression.
'I will definitely never forgive you for this.' Said Issei, causing Kiba to smile.
'That's okay, I know things will change later, they always do in the stories.' Said Kiba, before leaving Issei alone.
Issei pulled out his phone and called Murayama.
'What is it, Issei?' Asked Murayama.
'I need to speak with you about something, it is important.' Said Issei.
'Okay, I will be there later this afternoon.' Said Murayama.
Issei made his way back into his apartment only to notice only Ravel and Ophis were left.
'Where did everyone go?' Asked Issei.
'Xenovia said she went home to pack, and the others were called away by their kings for something.' Said Ravel.
'I guess there would be something involving Gasper probably. I wonder how he will handle all of this.' Said Issei.
'Is something wrong, Issei?' Asked Ravel, walking over to the boy.
'I'm just getting a bad feeling about this, like something big is going to happen.' Said Issei, only to feel Ravel tentatively grab his hand, the shorter girl looking down at the floor with a small blush.
'Please be careful… I… we wouldn't know what to do without you.' Said Ravel, only to be surprised when she felt someone else take her hand.
Looking to the side, it was Ophis who had grasped her hand.
'Fire bird doesn't need to worry, I will keep Red Dragon safe.' Said Ophis.
'See Ravel, nothing to worry about. Now why don't you take Ophis back to my parent's house, I'll join you all there tomorrow, okay?' Said Issei.
Ravel nodded at this, trying to maintain her composure, but Issei could see she was still nervous, so he placed his other hand on her head, making her look up at him.
'Don't be sad, we're going to have to plan a wedding together and do I really look like the kind of person to just leave it all for you to do? Of course I will help you with it, so I will have to come back.' Said Issei.
'O-of course you will, I wouldn't let my betrothed be so passive. We will deal with everything together.' Said Ravel strongly.
'That's right, so I'll see you in the morning, okay?' Said Issei, getting a firm nod from Ravel.
'Come Ophis, let me take you back now.' Said Ravel.
The dark-haired girl obliged and followed the blonde as she led her to a magic circle and the pair disappeared.
'I am still surprised how much sway the phoenix holds over Ophis.' Commented Ddraig.
'Ravel is special of course.' Said Issei.
'In more ways than one. I would keep a close eye on her. With what she has become, she will be targeted by many.' Said Ddraig.
'Like I said, I won't let anyone harm her, but I think Ophis will also help with that.' Said Issei seriously.
'True, Ophis is nothing to scoff at, but it would be wise to be on guard as well.' Said Ddraig, causing Issei to nod.
"I will." Thought Issei, before deciding to get some rest for a bit.
-line break-
'So, were you ever planning on telling me you, Katase, and Kiryuu, were the ones who made up all those rumours about me and Kiba?' Asked Issei, stroking Murayama's forehead, as she rested her head in his lap.
'It hadn't crossed my mind really.' Said Murayama, having snuggled up to the sleeping Issei while he was resting, not wanting to wake him, the pair having stayed in bed when Issei awoke.
'I just don't understand how any of you thought it was possible. I hated his guts.' Said Issei.
'Of course you did. He was the cool popular one and you were the dark, perverted loner. Kiba could never be the Seme like that, it had to be you, Kiba had to be the Uke.' Said Murayama.
'Well at least I wasn't the one on the bottom… hey, wait a minute, I'm not into Kiba!' Protested Issei.
'I know, you're into me. If I had known then what I do now, I would have changed my story content.' Said Murayama.
'Well, we can try out some things if you want?' Offered Issei, causing Murayama to giggle.
'I think you are spoiling me now, the two of us have already tried out quite a few things, shouldn't you let someone else have a turn?' Questioned Murayama.
'Maybe you should be my harem manager. I've already got Ravel to handle the business and supernatural side of things, but I can't imagine anyone else offering to let someone else go in front of them.' Said Issei.
'Well, over the past few days, I was thinking about how to manage a harem, after realising how serious you were about it.' Said Murayama.
'Why couldn't you have admitted you liked me like a year ago?' Asked Issei after a moment.
'Well, I didn't like you enough back then, and I don't think you looked at me seriously then either. I also think we've both changed since then for the better to get to this point. I'm not saying we wouldn't have been able to get to this point, but I don't think it would have been this easy and natural.' Said Murayama.
'Man, I am lucky to have you, you really are an angel.' Said Issei.
'I am now.' Joked Murayama.
'So here is a serious question then? Who do you think should be next?' Asked Issei.
'I think after everything you've told me, probably Xenovia.' Said Murayama.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Issei.
'She took the first step unprompted and has already made it clear that she is only loyal to you now really. You're her life really and while I wish I could say the same, I can't, I do have other things that I care about a lot. You are almost the only thing Xenovia has.' Said Murayama.
'That's a pretty heavy burden to carry on my shoulders.' Said Issei after a moment.
'Well it's a good thing you've beefed them up then, right?' Joked Murayama, only for Issei to lean down and kiss her.
'Honestly, I'm so lucky to have you.' Said Issei.
'Uh-uh, don't sweet-talk me now, you've got someone else to focus on now.' Said Murayama.
'You don't mind if I head home now? I imagine you won't be sleeping over here today anyway, and I wouldn't want to get in the way.' Said Murayama, referenced the damaged apartment.
'Guess not, we'll have to move tomorrow morning anyway.' Admitted Issei.
'Then I better leave you to it, just remember to come to school early when you get back and I can show you a few things I thought of.' Said Murayama.
'Oh, I really like you, you know.' Said Issei.
'I know, let that feeling build up for now, I want your best next time.' Said Murayama, giving Issei a little kiss as she sat up from his lap.
'Oh I will, trust me.' Said Issei, causing Murayama to giggle.
'Oh I know. See you then.' Said Murayama before leaving.