(Episode 10: Winter Break and Truths Abound)..Since
It would soon be the start of Winter Break for Issei and AIka who alongside Freed and Asia were celebrating their victory over Raynare and her forces, the occasion being a momentous one; for having taken down someone who presented that great of a threat. As such, after Kalawarner and Mittelt bid farewell after taking Raynare's ice-encased husk of a body with them, and promising they would return with their leader to better discuss things; that all were left to enjoy their winter break.
(Issei's House, Christmas Day, 1:06 Pm)
It would be a surprisingly sunny afternoon as Issei was finishing clean-up duty as well as making lunch for his mother and grandfather who would be coming over soon for the holidays, which had our Conduit in a very good mood.
"There now everything is cleaned up, and ready to go…The last thing I need is for Mom and Grandpa to see this place a hot mess, after the celebration party we had yesterday." Issei said as he finished sweeping up the living room floors
"Plus, with Freed and Asia having a day out on the town; for the first time in…ever. Aika working on her concept album, after I got her that new bass guitar for Christmas. I've got the house to myself for the rest of the day." Issei added as he looked in pride at his cleaned-up house
"Quite honestly, I am surprised to see you this happy, Issei. Other than when you are working on your craft, or spending time with that Aika woman or the pugilist, do I see you smile." Ddraig spoke usually seeing Issei as often taciturn when not involved with one of the few things
"That is the thing, Ddraig. Unless its with what I love to do for a living, or being with my friends. There isn't really much that has me jumping for joy…That's why with my folks coming to see me for the holidays, I'm absolutely excited about it!" Issei said absolutely ecstatic to have his family over
"While I cannot remember a time, in which I was able to spend time with my own family. I have seen through the eyes of my previous partners, how much joy spending time with their loved ones can bring them. Therefore, I wish you the best in regards to time well spent with your family." Ddraig replied knowing from experiences prior that familial outings and the like were incredibly cherished events
"Wait, you don't remember if you have family or kids?... Seems like something a God-slaying dragon would remember; if you don't mind me shooting the fair one with you." Issei questioned
"To be fair, I am a dragon over thousands of years old. So while my memory isn't completely shot, understand that my ability to remember certain things is rather…limited." Was Ddraig's answer
"You know what, that's a good point. Anyway, I hope you won't mind if I don't talk to you all that much today. Since it's gonna look super weird if I get caught having a mind conversation with a god-slaying dragon in front of my folks." Issei said to the Dragon of Domination knowing that telepathic conversations with Ddraig were gonna be put to a minimum for the moment
"That is completely fine. All that I ask is that you enjoy the times spent with your family during the holiday…You have more than earned it." Ddraig told Issei
"Thanks, I appreciate it, my guy." Issei replied as he then went to check on the food he was making
From thereon after he spent the next 15 or so minutes finishing up cooking his lunch for his folks, before he heard the ring of his doorbell; the young Conduit rushing over to the door to answer it as he tossed his oven mitts aside. The moment he did so he was greeted by both the mammoth form of his grandfather and the smaller but no less welcoming figure of his mother, who as with every visitation greeted him with a tight embrace that after months of fighting against the supernatural and the loss of his friend in Motohama; felt extraordinarily comforting to the brunette in question.
After spending a few moments worth of hugging and greeting one another after Vasco went outside to grab Issei his presents from the rental van they drove in, Issei welcomed them in, where they could have lunch together and just enjoy a warm meal as a family. Which went as ell as one could imagine considering that Issei had woken up enough to do what amounted to a spread of foods that everyone could enjoy, from sweet potatoes, fried chicken, homemade waffle fries, steamed broccoli, lasagna, baked shrimp, pan-fried squid, raviolis, and chicken alfredo.
The trio in question devoured the well-made meal given that if there was one thing that they all shared; despite their fervent faith in the Lord on high; it was a very much almost ravenous appetite, and as such after 2nds', 3rds', and even 4th platings of food; did they finish their lunch…Rather they did before Issei brought out some lemon cake and brownies that he made as dessert, which despite the rather large meal that Issei had made for them; that the trio had been able to consume in their near entirety.
Afterwards, after they finished eating their desert and Miki assisted him in cleaning up the dishes, pans and et cetera used to make their dessert and lunch, did the trio eventually gathered themselves in the living room. What with Miki and Vasco after giving Issei his Christmas presents having decided to now inform of the truth of what had actually happened to his birth father, as well as telling him the truth of what they really were and their offer to him.
"So…what did you guys want to talk to me about?" Issei asked unaware
"There are two major things that we want to talk to you about. Especially, now that you are finally old enough to know about them." Vasco answered back
"Alright, then…Let's get this started. What stuff are we gonna talk about today?" Issei asked once again
"Let's start with your father…This time around the truth about what actually happened to your birth father." Vasco spoke knowing that this would be the easiest
"Wait a minute, didn't he die in some big accident before I was born?" Issei questioned
"Not necessarily? D-Do you know anything about New Marais and Conduits?" Miki asked back
"Yeah, I know about the second thing…I'll get to that in a moment but I don't really know much about this New Marais place. Other than its' some big town in the south side of the states." Issei answered back
"...Your father was a Conduit, and a very strong one. His name was Cole MacGrath, and one of the bravest, most noble, and selfless men I've ever met. We met awhile back and knew each other a little bit, and was actually one of the first people I knew when I was still sent out to handle things for my job." Miki told him as memories of those times in the Louisiana town-turned-city flashed through her mind
"Even with all the incredible things he could do, Cole never lost sight of what mattered. That mans' heart was always in the right place, as I don't think that there was a time when he wasn't out there helping people, saving lives, all the superhero stuff ya know…Takes me back to simpler times." Miki said losing herself in thought
"I think he gets the idea, Miki. As much as he would love to hear you regale him with tales of your love-life, I think you should get back to the topic at hand." Vasco said as he gave his daughter a nudge to get back on track
"R-Right…Bottom line is that after a few nights of fooling around and 2 months before he died. I got pregnant with you…you should've seen the look on his face when I told him he was gonna be father…Scared as all hell, and overjoyed as can be I'll tell ya." Miki spoke after focusing herself again
"However, that's where things went sour. Since the accident or…rather the thing that killed him happened. You see, Issei, your father didn't die in an accident so much as he sacrificed himself to save the world from something called The Beast." Miki added much to Issei's confuison
"What in God's name is the Beast, and why did my dad have to sacrifice himself to stop the thing?" Issei questioned his mother
"The Beast was a Conduit like your father. Except it was a kaiju-sized monster made of magma, flame, unholy power, and rage; that cut a swath of destruction across America; and poisoned almost everything it touched. Your father after hitting it with everything he possibly could, and I mean raining down bolts of lightning from the sky that shook the city to its foundations, near hurricane-sized storms of lightning against it, and everything in-between; it was unfortunately only enough to keep at bay. This is why, he used some mysterious device that he and your godfather put together to slam inside The Beasts' heart, and detonate it from within…Destroying that monster and taking him along with it, unfortunately…that is the truth of how your real father died." Miki answered back as she finished her tale
"Woah…Just…Just woah, so my dad was a real deal superhero." Was Issei's only response to the information told to him
"We understand that it is a lot to take in. To be honest, I barely believed myself until your mother showed me all of what happened. He was a rather courageous man, with a pretty good spirit about himself…Shame I never got to meet him in person." Vasco spoke
"Trust me, it is a whole lot to absorb, Grandpa. My real dad went out like a superhero from the comics, ain't that something else..."Issei replied with a small smile and chuckle
"But it also clears up one other thing, that's been going on with me; for a while now." Issei added as it now made sense that his Conduit powers were inherited from his father
"What are you talking…" Miki said before Issei almost casually summoned lightning from his hands
"Turns out that I'm like my dad in more ways than one…I always wondered why when I got my powers it was lightning, but now I know." Issei said back as he formed the mass of lightning into a harpy eagle that began flying about
"Since when have you been one, Issei?" Miki questioned
"Since September…This is also part of the reason why I wanted to wait until you and grandpa came to visit in person. It is kind of hard to tell your folks that you have superpowers over the phone." Issei answered back
"This certainly changes things. My Grandson a Conduit of all things, isn't that something else." Vasco spoke as the eagle made of lightning flew about the living room
"Yup, so now that I'm a Conduit like my pops…Where do we go from here? Since the only other thing I can think to do now, is go to New Marais and find out more about him." Issei told his mother and grandfather
"I can't say I blame you for wanting to go there, of all places. Given how much history is there concerning your father." Vasco spoke not faulting him for wanting to go there
"So now that I know more about my dad and what happened to him. I was wondering if you guys could spot me and my friends to fly there in about 2 or so months. Since also other good news, I got my G.E.D." Issei told the two exorcists before him
"I don't see why not, considering that first of all congratulations, Issei. I knew you could do it, just tell us when you and your friends will be leaving for New Marais, and I will have the rest covered." Vasco said back being more than fine with covering the expenses for said trip
"Thanks a ton, Grandpa." Issei thanked the elderly behemoth
"Not a problem at all, Issei." Vasco said
"Well, other than telling me about what happened to my real dad. What's the other thing you wanted to talk to me about?" Issei replied
"As you may well know, your mother and I work particularly close to the clergy." Vasco told Issei
"Yeah, of course. You're a super-cool bishop, and mom does overseas stuff for the Vatican…Where exactly is all of this going?" Issei spoke
"That's the thing, Issei, the stuff we do for the church. On top of what other duties we have to the clergy, is because we are exorcists." Miki informed her only begotten son
"Wait, like in the movies?" Issei questioned
"More of the, we fight Devils, monsters, and cultists with holy weapons; type of exorcists. To be honest its' pretty cool what we do for a living." Miki answered back stunning Issei
"Huh….of all things I was expecting to hear about you guys today. This was not one of them." Issei replied while surprised he wasn't over-the-top shocked about it
"You are taking this surprisingly well, my boy." Vasco spoke having actually expected more of an animated reaction from his grandson
"After everything I've had to deal with since getting my Conduit powers. You and mom being super-duper exorcists, is the least mind-blowing thing I've had to deal with since getting my powers." Issei replied
"Fair point, but nonetheless, Issei. We did want to give you the offer of joining our ranks as a fellow exorcist…that is if you are interested?" Vasco said to his grandson
"I think that I'll have to pass on that for now…Don't get me wrong, the chance to be a super holy man like Grandpa is pretty awesome, but it's not in the cards for me…At least for now, so in the meantime, I'll have to say no."` Issei replied
"Plus, I'm only 17 right now with a whole lot of decisions and stuff that I wanna do…Can't really see me doing stuff I want to, while I'm committing myself full time, to the man upstairs. So until I figure things out for myself, and get things squared away in New Marais and figuring out the rest of my future. It'll be pass, so sorry to disappoint you guys." Issei further spoke knowing that as of right now committing himself to being an exorcist and to the big guy upstairs full-time wasn't for him at the moment
"We are not disappointed at all, Issei. I figured it was a 50/50 shot you would say no, since your still a teenager that has a lot of things he wants to do in life. But at least you know the offer stands anytime you want to change your mind." Miki told him
"I appreciate it, Mom." Issei replied
"However, since we will be here for an extended amount of time. I say that until you leave with your friends to New Marais, that we will at the very least train and help you to grow stronger…While we have no idea the level of threats, that you have faced since gaining your powers. We know all too well that threats nonetheless will come for you yet." Vasco said to his grandson
"So how about it, Issei? Up to getting a training session with your mom and dear ol' Grandpa? We may be getting up there, but we've still got some gas and holyfire in our tanks." Miki asked
"Hey, if it means spending more time with you guys. Then sure, I'm all here for it!" Issei answered back
If this truly meant getting to be around his folks more often and growing even stronger on top of it, for whatever was going to come his way; then Issei was 160% on board for whatever could come his way, besides he was always down to learn a new trick or two from somebody.
"Great to hear, my boy! We will start your training next week, and be prepared as your mother and I won't be going easy on you." Vasco warned his grandson
"Like I just said, as long as I get to spend time with you guys. Then I'm ready to handle whatever you guys can throw at me!" Issei said moreso excited to just spend time with them
"I hope you can keep that same energy, while we train. Because we will be putting you through the ringer; until you and your friends decide to head to New Marais…Spoilers, your gonna be sweating buckets with how much we put you through." Miki replied
"Bring it!" Was Issei's sole response
"That's the spirit, anyways. Miki and I should get going, we have things of our own to attend to…Even if it is the holidays, our work is never fully done." Vasco told Issei as he and his daughter rose from their seats
"Alright, well I guess I'll see you guys later." Issei said as he got up to usher them out of his house
"See you again, Issei, and good luck with what we're going to do you. You're going to need it." Miki replied after getting hers and Vasco's winter coats back on
"I'll be fine, I've handled a whole lot worse since I've got my powers. So I'm pretty sure I can handle anything you guys can throw at me." Issei said back as the two eventually walked out the door
"As your mother said, keep that same energy, Issei. You are going to need it!" Vasco spoke before he soon closed the door between himself and his grandson
"...So, my folks are a bunch of super holy men, and my dad was a badass Conduit who killed Kaiju…Ain't that something to hear on Christmas." Issei said to himself finding all this new information to be all things considered life-changing
(The following day, December 26th, 2018, 3:45 Pm, Orlando, Florida)
Meanwhile, over in Florida was Vali in attendance with Azazel after Kalawarner and Mittelt finished giving their harrowing report after being coerced into Raynare's plans; what with the sundered daughter of Kokabiel being held in an airtight holding unit until further notice.
"And that is just about everything, Lord Azazel. We are sorry that we couldn't do any more to prevent Raynare from doing as she wanted. However, between her and Dohnaseek, and her connections that she has with her sister. There was not much we could do directly against her." Kalawarner spoke as she and Mittelt felt themselves under the penetrative and calculative gaze of their leader
"You gotta understand, it was either we did what we had to, and help out where we could, or don't and get obliterated for it…You and everyone in Grigori should no how much an anger problem Raynare has when she doesn't get her way." Mittelt chimed in hoping that the leader of Grigori would be sympathetic to their plight
"...You two can relax, I'm not going to imprison you, banish you, or some other 3rd horrible thing, if that's what your thinking." Azazel told them after a few moments of silence
"Wait, really?!" Was Mittelt's surprised response
"Yes, really. If anything the blame is to be had on my end, for allowing Raynare to handle something like this in Kuoh Town of all places. The fact that I did not consider that she would go behind my back, and try to not only take it over for Kokabiel. But to also use it to stage a re-sparking of the Great War, is something that falls squarely on my shoulders." Azazel responded knowing that he should have more properly vetted Raynare for the mission before allowing her to take lead on it
"Even I could've told you that it was a shit show waiting to happen. That bitch is a fucking hot mess and a half...Which means thanks to her we're gonna have to worry about the Devils and the Clergy coming for our necks. Since oh boy did we get uber-boned on this one, old man." Vali piped up much to Azazel's dismay
"...Also, someone's gonna have to break it to old-man Barquiel, that his daughter got snapped in half; like a Kit-Kat bar. Because, the moment he finds out how this shit happened, he is gonna be PISSED!...Definitely won't be me, because I'm a lot of things but crazy isn't one of them." Vali added knowing that someone had to break the news to Barquiel that Raynare murdered Akeno
"Yes…that. I will figure out something soon enough after things calm down. In the meantime, however, there will be the matter of how to proceed from here on out. Given that, we will have to deal with not only Sirzechs's sister being furious that we allowed this to happen and rightfully so once this gets back to him. But also the fact that we now have a newly awakened Red Dragon Emperor, a wielder of the Vritra Sacred Gears, the Saint of Slaughter himself, and the former Holy Priestess, Asia Argento…This is truly going to be something spectacular to deal with indeed." Azazel spoke knowing full-well that the proceeding course of events would be interesting as an understatement
"Is there anything further you would like for us to do, regarding the Red Dragon Emperor, Lord Azazel?" Kalawarner questioned
"You and Mittelt both are more than welcome to come if you want. Considering that if there is any way in which you want to say your thanks to him, for not having let Sirzechs's sister kill you on the spot when she was well within her rights to do so, despite your unwilling aid in Raynare's plot. Among any other things you two have in mind that could build a potential positive rapport between him and Grigori, then by all means do so." Azazel answered back
"I might have an idea, Lord Azazel." Mittelt said with a devious grin on her face
"You do?" Azazel asked the shortstack fallen angel
"Yes, Lord Azazel. However, I will need to go over it with Kalawarner in private, to get her Ok on it." Mittelt answered back
"Just what do you have in mind, Mittelt?" Kalawarner questioned the diminutive but no less curvy blonde
"Trust me, I think its something that will make everyone happy…Just go with me on this one." Mittelt told her taller and more busty companion with a upbeat-looking wink towards her that contained lustful intentions behind it
"Fine, but the moment it turns into nonsense. I'm dunking you in ice water." Kalawarner said back with a deadpan
"Oh come on, Kala. Lighten up for a change." Mittelt said back to her companion
"Your conversation aside, and what I can only infer from it. I will say that with everything taken into consideration, as well as your efforts regarding the mission. Which turned into a bittersweet success overall, you two are dismissed for the time being." Azazel told the two female fallen angels who bowed before heading off relieved to not get punished as harshly as they could have
"Well, old man. Look at it this way, you got what you wanted out of their little outing to Kuoh Town. Only this time around we are screwed from here to Valhalla." Vali spoke the moment Kalawarner and Mittelt were out of sight
"Yes, and along with it a walking headache that I will be hearing from Sirzechs, Serafall, and Baraquiel. On one hand, it is fantastic that we discovered a wielder of one of the Longinus Sacred Gears, the Vritra Sacred Gears and 2 powerful former affiliates of my brothers' faction. Then on the other hand, we have what could only have been a massive catastrophe should Raynare have gotten her way, and succeeded with her plans." Azazel replied knowing that at the end of this, sending Raynare to lead the charge in Kuoh Town was a Monkey's Paw if he's ever seen it
"...It is stuff like this that really has me feeling my age, Vali. You would think that things would get easier with how long I have been at this. But every now and again, a curveball gets thrown my way; that really makes me feel the centuries that have passed since I have had to lead my kind through our fall...Perhaps, retirement would not be a bad idea after all in this day and age." Azazel added in feeling the countless decades really begin to take their toll when things like this happened
"It is what it is old man. Besides, with Raynare's massive screw-up having nearly caused another war to break out. The only thing that you really can do, to make everyone happy; is to have her executed…With how much trouble she has caused for everybody, that is the only punishment that will resolve any of this." Vali remarked on how Raynare's punishment via sentencing to death was the only feasible one
"Otherwise, if we don't. Then I doubt Grigori is going to survive having the combined pressure of both Heaven and the Underworld bearing down on us." Vali further spoke knowing that the amount of political pressure both sides could force on them would downright break Grigori fivefold
"You are right about that, Vali. Even if I sent her to Cocytus for the next thousand years, I doubt it would solve much if anything. Hell, it would probably piss off Serafall and Barquiel the most…At least with Sirzechs he is far more amiable to these sorts of things." Azazel spoke in agreement with Vali's reasoning
"That being said, however, how do you feel about the new Red Dragon Emperor? I know you have been keen on fighting them the moment they popped up?" Azazel then questioned Vali
"Simple, I plan to wait until they have achieved a bit more of their Sacred Gears' power to challenge them. It wouldn't be much of a fair fight if I challenged them; while they were still green at using it and whatever else they have at their disposal." Vali answered back regarding his imminent battle against Issei
"This is very much a first if I've ever seen it. Normally, you would be chomping at the bit to fight your destined rival." Azazel said slightly impressed that Vali was showing restraint towards going after his counterpart
"I have waited this long to challenge my rival. I can wait a bit more to do so. Besides, the longer I wait; the stronger he becomes. Which is why I want them to grow as powerful as possible before we have our fight against each other." Vali replied
"At the very least, if you do fight the kid. Try not too cause too much collateral damage, the last thing we need is for Kuoh Town to be turned into a crater." Azazel half-requested/half-pleaded with his adopted son
"Don't worry, Azazel. I'm sure we can find somewhere that we can go all out." Vali spoke with an eager grin towards that long-awaited day
"Then the best of luck to you, in that regard, Vali." Azazel replied
"Thanks, also a side question that I should have asked earlier. But how exactly are you going to convince my counterpart to join our side? I know I wouldn't after the crap Raynare pulled." Vali questioned considering that Issei had every right to be pissed at their side for what the daughter of Kokabiel had done
"I cannot say for sure how I'm going to pull that off. All I do know is that I am going to have my work cut out for me…She certainly didn't make this easy that's for sure." Azazel said with a tired sigh at knowing he was going to have to pull a Hail Mary or two to convince Issei to join Grigori
"Then best of luck to you too, old man. Because you will have to pull out a miracle or three to make that work." Vali said in agreement
"Thank you, Vali, I appreciate the words of confidence." Azazel said back
"No problem. If you need me I will be in my quarters marathoning Power Rangers: Dino Thunder." Vali told Azazel as he then took his leave as well leaving Azazel by his lonesome
'Fuck me sideways, how I'm going to pull this off. I will never know...Damn you Kokabiel, of all times to stick your hands in everything, why now?!' Azazel said to himself knowing he was going to be on his P's and Q's to make things work for when he met Issei in the near future
(December 30th, 2018, Kuoh Town, 1:10 Pm, 4 days later)
That being said on that following Saturday was Issei now out and about catching up with Irina; who had surprised him by showing up as a stacked-as-hell young woman; which had Issei's face almost go fully flush from out astonishingly pretty she looked.
"I-I still can't believe you look this great, Irina. Who would've thought that one of my best friends would turn out to be a super sexy exorcist." Issei said as he grabbed their hot chocolate with mini marshmallows
"Ahhh, stop it, Issei. You're going to make me blush." Irina said back as Issei sat their mugs down at their table
"But it's the honest to god truth thought. I mean seriously, and in my personal opinion. You look a dozen times better than most of the girls at the academy. Not to mention, your a lot more fun to be with too." Issei said having always remembered feeling like the day couldn't go wrong when he and Irina were kids
"I did have to straighten out a bit, while I was off training to be an exorcist…So sorry if I don't get into the same shenanigans we used to when we were kids." Irina replied as the Conduit gave her her mug full of hot chocolate
"Hey, I completely get it. All I know is that its great to see you after all this time. Here I was thinking you forgot about me." Issei said back just happy to see his childhood friend again after so many years
"Yeah, sorry I forgot to keep in contact. I was just so busy with training, prayer, and everything else that everything just fell through…B-But I promise this time, I'll try really hard to keep in contact with you!" Irina promised to Issei
"Relax, Irina. Its all good, I totally understand. Besides, with my mom and Grandpa being top-tier exorcists. I totally get it, so its water under the bridge." Issei told her not really seeing any reason to make a big deal out of it concerning he knew how things went with his folks
"That is a big relief, Issei. I thought you were going to be really mad at me...Since I haven't been the best at keeping in touch these past few years." Irina said still feeling guilty for not staying in contact with her childhood friend
"Oh no, no, no, no. I mean I was sad and a bit hurt that we lost touch, but now that I know a bit more about the whole exorcist business thanks to folks. Plus, the fact that I doubt that there's anything you could do to make me legit angry at you. Then I honestly can't stay mad at someone I care about, and still do with my whole heart." Issei replied having nothing but love in his heart for the pig-tailed exorcist
"Ahhh, Issei, that's so sweet…" Irina said back almost tearing up at the unabashed kindness
"Look, all I know is that I'm here with a wonderful person; I haven't seen in ages, they look great, and we're both in great health thanks to the man upstairs. And that's all that I know, and all that I care to know." Issei spoke as he took a sip of his hot chocolate
'Man, this is some good stuff.' Issei said as he finished another small gulp
"Thanks, Issei...I appreciate you going out with me." Was all Irina could really say after feeling herself grow flustered before her longtime friend
"No problem, besides what kind of friend would I be if I didn't spend time with one of my favorite people in the world." Issei responded as the two continued to enjoy their hot chocolate and croissants
"By the way, I was talking with Father Vasco yesterday about you, and…Is it true that you turned down becoming an exorcist?" Irina questioned her longtime friend
"Yeah, I did. It wasn't anything personal, just that I have stuff and things that I want to do right now…Being an exorcist just ain't in the cards for me at the moment." Issei answered back
"Don't get me wrong I am happy to give thanks and serve the Lord, but for right now. I gotta do what's best for me, and that is doing what I love with my artwork and stuff…I hope you don't take it personally, or anything like that?" Issei further spoke knowing that as much as he was a follower of Christ, that he also had to do what made him happy at the end of it
"I…I understand. I was just hoping that you would have said yes, so we could travel the world, fight evil, and be superheroes together. I love being an Exorcist, Issei. But I wouldn't be lying if I wasn't hoping that we could be together and really make up for lost time…it would've been really great to have my friend with me again." Irina replied
As the pigtailed exorcist wouldn't be lying if she wasn't hoping that she or father Vasco would've been able to have Issei be convinced to join their cause, as she had hoped that in doing so that she could have her friend by her side again, and not only make up for lost time in the years spent training to become an exorcist, but also make sure that she could be there for her friend for all the years she failed to.
"Hey, I will always be with you, Irina. Granted there's going to be a bit of distance between us, so we can't always visit in person. But what I do know is that, when and wherever I have the chance. I will make sure that I can make the trip out to wherever you are in the world…Since you did the hard work of coming all the way out here to see me, the least I can do is return the favor." Issei replied seeing it as only fair that he should make the effort to do so if she was willing to take time out of her day to see him
"Issei, you don't have to do that. I was just happy to have the chance to visit you for the holidays." Irina said to Issei who now had a rapidly brewing storm of resolve growing in his eyes
"Well, I'm gonna do it now. Because, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't go the distance for one of their loved ones?" Issei said back
"Thank you, Issei…That is really sweet of you." Irina said
"No sweat, and that also reminds me that I almost forgot to give you your Christmas present…Sorry, I'm late giving it to you, but I wanted to make sure it was absolutely perfect." Issei said back as he then went towards his satchel to give her her gift
"You don't have to do that for me. I was just happy to see you." Irina told Issei
"Nonsense, you arer my friend and the least I can do is make something good for you." Issei said as he pulled out a small framed paintng
"I know it may not be much, or be something all that great like you'd see over in the Vatican where Grandpa lives. But…I like to think that its still something super cool that I could do for a good friend." Issei further spoke as he pulled out an almost life-like painting of Irina as a Sister of Battle from Warhammer 40K with her having 10 golden wings on her back, a chainsword in one hand and a tower shield in the other
"This looks amazing, Issei!…You painted this?" Irina said stunned at how ell done and awesome it made her look
"Yeah, I figured that its the least I could do. Granted, I know you're not a Warhammer 40K fan, but I still figured that I could use it to make some awesome art for a great friend." Issei replied glad that she liked the painting he did of her
"I don't know what a Warhammer 40K is, but I will definitely hang this up in my room when I return to the Vatican." Irina said back whilst making a mental note to find out more about whatever Warhammer 40K was
"I think you might like it. It's not for everybody, but its got some really cool stuff. Heck, its one of my favorite all time series." Issei told her considering that he was repping a Khorne shirt right now
"I'm sure I will, Issei." Was Irina's reply as she put the painting to the side
"In the meantime, let's enjoy the rest of our day together. I mean we still have a lot of catching up to do." Issei said back as Irina nodded and the two continued on about their day on the town
(5 hours later, 6:42 Pm, The Underworld, Gremory Estate)
Meanwhile, things were of a different tune for Rias Gremory who was beside herself at her family estate, her mood being a solemn one given that in the aftermath of her bittersweet victory against Raynare; that required Kiba to be outfitted with prosthetics, Koneko put in critical condition to the point where even with Phenex tears she may die, and Akeno's death that she was very much not in the holiday spirit.
"...Come in, the door is open." Rias spoke as she sat in her room
"Hey, Rias. I stopped by to see how you were doing." Came the voice of her older brother
"Oh, hi Sirzechs…Sorry, I'm not more presentable, but after what has happened lately. I-I don't feel like being bothered right now." Rias replied her heart heavy with the borderline sundering of her entire peerage at Raynare's hands
"So I have heard…If it is any consolation, I'm sorry that you had to go through this. The loss of a servant, especially someone that is or rather...was as close as Akeno was to you, is never an easy thing to go through." Sirzechs said back as he went over to his little sister whose eyes were red and bloodshot after tear-filled sleepless nights
"It honestly feels like I have succeeded in failing as a King to my peerage. Kiba lost both of his arms, Koneko had been put through so much that the doctors are saying that, she may die within a few months, and Akeno…I-I had to bury my best friend on Christmas, Sirzechs. How do I live with knowing that because of my own weakness in not preparing my peerage better; that I very well may have to bury Koneko as well?" Rias said to her elder brother feeling her heart break even further at the thought of having to bury her Rook because she wasn't strong enough to take down Raynare or prevent Koneko was being captured
"If I had been stronger from the start, prepared them better for threats against my domain as I should have. Then none of this would have happened, and I wouldn't feel like my heart is breaking more and more with each day." Rias further spoke feeling nothing but guilt, dread, and sorrow in her heart
After all, when you go from feeling that you are finally making improvements to show that you are strong enough to be worthy; to nearly losing your entire peerage in a single night, the heartbreak and shot to your confidence is nothing if not immeasurable.
"If I can share something with you, Rias. I actually do know what you are going through." Sirzechs said to a desponded Rias
"You do?... I find it hard to believe that the unbeatable Sirzechs Lucifer would know what I'm going through right now." Rias spoke finding it almost unbelievable that the invincible Sirzechs would know about losing his servants
"Contrary to popular belief, and even for all my strength. I have lost and gone through quite a bit of servants. 1 Queen, 3 Knights, 2 Rooks, 4 Pawns, and 3 Bishops to be precise... 14 servants gone far too soon, and not a day goes by where I don't regret not doing more to save them." Sirzechs told his younger sister of those he had lost until the present day
"You've lost that many servants? But how, when you're so strong…Beter yet you are one of our strongest, so I am terribly sorry for sounding rude. But how in Lucifer's name could you lose anyone when you have more power than anyone?!" Rias questioned in disbelief as Sirzechs chuckled
"That would be, thanks to my earlier years during the Great War, when I had to fight against Grayfia and her brother during the Civil War, and during my earlier years as a Satan when I was much more…reckless." Sirzechs answered back as memories of those horrible times in which he had to bury his dead servants that he cherished as brothers and sisters
"I am no stranger to having to bury your own. In fact, I am all too familiar with having to do so. Even to this day the pain in my heart from having seen their deaths and not being able to intercede, is still there…Better yet there is not a day that goes by where I do not feel saddened by those who have fallen in my peerage… My youth was a very unpleasant one, Rias. One that I try not to talk about, with how much loss, strife, and pain that comes with it. Even now I still have nightmares about those dark days." Sirzechs told Rias, his voice being one who has seen and lost more than what his eyes could tell you in their deepest moments
"How did you get through it?" Rias asked
"I won't lie to you and tell you it was easy. Far from it, as going through so much loss in my lifetime, and even as I became a Satan; was difficult, to say the least. But I managed by not only having people there to support me through it. I got through it by living every tomorrow going forward for them, as I know that if I were to give up on myself and drown in my sadness that it would be a disservice to their memory." Sirzechs answered back on how he was able to get through the loss of over a dozen of his servants
"That seems incredibly difficult if I can be honest with you." Rias spoke
"Believe me it is. However, I know that with times like these where you are facing a level of adversity many in your position should not have to. That you will find the strength to keep going. As I believe that you have the fortitude to persevere through this, Rias." Sirzechs replied knowing in his heart that his little sister would pull through this trying time
"I appreciate the words of confidence, Sirzechs…Right now, I could use them after everything that has happened." Rias said back with a small but brief melancholic smile
"Of course…I may not always be here, but I will always do my best whenever you need me." Sirzechs promised to the younger of the Gremory siblings
"Thank you, it means a lot right now...Especially, after everything that happened...I swear every day that I wake up it feels like its a bad dream; that I want to wake up from but can't." Rias said happy that her brother came to console her in her time of grieving
"It's what older brothers are here for. Its our job to cheer up our little sisters, no matter what." Sirzechs said wrapping Rias in a big side hug
"...Do you think it was a mistake for me to have my territory this soon? I hear how mother talks with father about it after what happened, and honestly, I could not blame her for thinking I was given it too early." Rias asked knowing that deep down her mother had a point for being too green to have a territory of her own
"Personally, I say she's wrong, and it isn't because I am your big brother. But from someone who has faced similar challenges, when they were in your shoes at one point." Sirzechs replied
"Then what is it? After everything that has happened with this fallen angel nonsense. I can't really blame her when the writing is on the wall, that I have failed both as a King and as an overseer of my own territory." Rias asked once more
"Because you are still growing, and learning how to be a leader. You are only 18 years old, Rias. To expect you to know how to lead, and have the capacity to run your own territory with impeccable efficiency would be foolishness." Sirzechs answered back knowing that RIas was still learning how to govern and lead
"That is why, I see what you have experienced as not your failing as a leader. Instead, a lesson and learning experience on what being a leader is like. For being one is not as glamorous as others have made it to be…take it from personal experience. However, you have only truly failed as a King and overseer of your territory when you stop making the effort to improve. Which is why I want you to promise me something." Sirzechs further spoke as Rias looked towards him
"What do you want me to promise you?" Rias asked
"I want you to promise me that, you will do your best to better yourself going forward. As I know that you are in pain right now, and rightfully so. However, you owe it to yourself and to your peerage to come out of this stronger than ever…For you are Rias Gremory, the future leader of our household and I know you can and will come out of this for the better. So please, I ask you to try and be better than before; otherwise, you would be doing yourself a great disservice." Sirzechs requested of his younger sister in knowing that this was something she owed to not just her peerage but most of all to herself
"I promise you that I will. I-I don't know how I'm going to keep moving forward, and consistently at that without Akeno beside me. But I will do the best I can to become a better King for my peerage. Rias swore to her elder brother
"Good, and as long as you are trying; then I know you will make not only yourself proud. But Akeno as well." Sirzechs spoke with a small smile
"I hope so. The very last thing I want is to dishonor Akeno or even Koneko's memory." Rias said as her elder brother began to rise up
"...Well, if you need anything. You know that I am literally just a call away. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my little sister." Sirzechs replied with a modest yet confident smile that Rias would be something incredible in the future
"I will keep that in mind, Sirzechs…Also, tell Milicas that I said hello, and that I'm sorry I didn't get him anything for Christmas this year. I wasn't expecting…you know what to happen." Rias spoke as Sirzechs let out a soft chuckle
"I am sure he is more than understanding of what you are going through. Besides, I am sure that one Christmas without presents will be more than enough." Sirzechs responded
"That being said, I will be having your future Queen checking in on you from time to time; to make sure you are doing ok. I know it is sudden to have a replacement this soon, but I think that having someone who will make sure you are on the up and up; will do you a great deal of good." Sirzechs informed his younger sister
"I understand, and thank you for your concern." Rias said knowing she wasn't in the best headspace to refuse a replacement right now
"Alright…Well, you know where and how to reach me if needed. Until then, I will see you later, Rias." Sirzechs spoke before in a flash of vibrant red the immeasurably powerful Satan vanished from sight
"A new Year without Akeno by my side, and Koneko potentially dying…It may not be the most ideal circumstance to ring in 2019, but for the sake of my servants, I will do my best as their king to be better and keep moving forward. It is the very least that they deserve." Rias said before resolving to herself to grow and be better for the sake of her servants both living and deceased
So with the start of the winter holidays and Issei finding out the truth of his birth father, as well as his family and reconnecting with Irina. We also see Azazel figuring out how to proceed after the disaster that was sending Raynare to Kuoh, and Rias having a heart-to-heart with her brother on moving forward in lieu of Akeno's death. How things shall carry on from this point onwards, as all parties involved move on into the New Year? Well, you'll have to stay tuned for the future episodes of, The INfamous Dragon Emperor to find out.
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we end the 10th installment of the story thus far, and I will as always express my thanks to everyone for supporting it and sticking around this long; for all my shenanigans. Because, I still have a lot in the tank in terms of shenanigans to pull for the future of the story and I can't wait to share them with all of you in what's to come. As such thanks again to everyone who gave this story a favorite and follow, as well as any reviews on what you like about it, and what more you want to see from it, as it is truly appreciated.
That all said and out of the way this is Pravus666 signing off until next time, what with next time covering some downtime for our intrepid heroes; during Issei's winter break. So stay tuned for that.
Part 1 Theme Song: Back from the Dead by Halestorm
Random End Song: Holy Water by Sevendust
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: All I can say is that its... it's gonna be an uncertain future for Koneko going forward as your gonna see in the upcoming arc, since Raynare really wanted to make sure that even when she loses that she still wins. Oh yeah, as I was telling y'all from the jump that the fallen angel arc was gonna end off on a hard one; considering that I wanted to drive home that from here on out, anything can happen to anyone in the story since I'm making it so that if you get caught lacking and don't train to tap into your full power that your gonna pay for it one way or the other. Plus this was also an idea that I came up with thanks to one of my friends and fellow writers on here Nomadic Chaos who pitched it too me as a way to make sure that, if I want the end of the Fallen Angel arc to have stakes that I needed to come out swinging...just so happened that Akeno was that unlucky target. Also, yeah, I can definitely see Matsuda after winning his 1st belt that he would on national T.V tell everyone at the academy to suck it, as he's now far ahead of them in a way they will never be while they're slaving away not being shit at Kuoh Academy, and he's an up and coming world champion.
SpartanKingJ: Hey man, its just how it is. Not to mention that Akeno in a way did it to herself by not prepping for the fallen angel threat while it was going on, since had she tapped into her fallen angel side to help against Raynare; she would've survived or at least not gone out the way she did. Since I wanted to illustrate that unlike most stories where she gets off relatively scot-free for half-assing it with not tapping into her true strength when its' called for (I'm looking at you, Akeno when you pretty much dick-around at the last minute during the Riser Arc and cost Rias her match when you know what the stakes are); that I had to set forward that no any and everyone can get it if they don't get their act together and actively improve on who they are. Also, expect over the course of the next couple arcs leading up to the Excalibur arc that Grigori is gonna be going through it considering that Azazel really screwed the pooch on this one, seeing as how his actions in not properly vetting Raynare for the mission will essentially cause Grigori to furhter fracture as a whole; even moreso when Raynare who isn't only a cadre but one of Kokabiel's daughters...has given them a major black eye. As such if I do the Peace Treaty, its gonna be more in regards to how Grigori/Fallen Angels are going to be dealt with going forward, considering how much Azazel has really been off his game.
Obsidian Nova Arc: All I can say is that Baraquiel ain't gonna stick around for much longer in Grigori; considering that as far as he's concerned its on Azazel for not doing his due dilligence and letting them intercede when Raynare was in Kuoh for far, far longer than what she should've been causing trouble; given that you would think that he would be more proactive instead of reactive on these sorts of things. So expect for Baraquiel to be going through his own training arc to get his get-back against Kokabiel, as he is NOT gonna let any of this slide whatsoever. Furthermore, glad you like what Aika has been doing in mixing things up with her Sacred Gear; given that she does mean it when she says she's doing ninja/assassin stuff with 'em, as heck how she uses them a good chunk of the time does follow more sneak-attack based shenanigans when you think about it, so expect for her to do more stuff like that become a good deal more on support/stealth.
Duyade: I will be covering their reactions to all of it in the upcoming chapters and such, given that there is a large amount to cover in regards to the fallout of Raynare's actions, seeing as how you do make a good point regarding this affecting Suzaku, and as such I will be doing what I can to cover her as well as Tobio and even Kuroka; given that...Koneko is in dire straights to say the least.