Cry Havoc
An idiom: to warn of danger
Note: Gamer Gear is no longer a Sacred Gear. How he got them has changed from this point on. This chapter will serve to explain it and a lot of the exposition I've been holding out on.
"Ise, you're not tired yet?"
The boy turned with a look of utter confusion. He wasn't even breathing abnormally yet. This was nothing. He could walk at this pace for years! Although, once he took in his mother, the true meaning of her words hit. His heightened senses had accidentally ignored the smell of her sweat, as it was something pretty normal in his home.
Miki caught his look with a slight smile and prevented him from fretting over her, joking, "I'm not what I used to be, dear."
"Sorry." Issei left it at that, standing at his point in the forest trail to wait for her. It bothered him more than a little that he couldn't say the exact reason for his apology.
She shook her head. "I'm just glad you're excited to see your grandparents, and I didn't mar them with my... trepidation."
Her son didn't have a response, but in the second half of her sentence, his raw look of sucking on something sour clearly voiced his thoughts. It was weird to see her normally forthright and oblivious son be so perceptive or attentive to her words
Not to say he was dumb. It was just.. her son was growing up so rapidly, she couldn't keep up. She could only close her eyes in thought. It would be best if she could keep self-doubt out of her words. While it was her normal, there was no need to burden anyone else with it.
Especially her beloved son.
His voice rang over the sudden spring breeze, "Watch out." His left snatched a branch flying her way. Before she could stop herself, she poked his hard bicep. "Kaa-san?"
"Really, dear... What are these muscles for?"
"H-Huh?"
"Did you pick up a sport?" She paused to tap her pursed lip, recalling something, "isn't Yuuma the sporty type? She's joining the-, the volleyball team, right? Are you trying to, I don't know... relate?"
"A sport? U-Uh, I guess, martial arts count." He moved on, quickly, hoping she wouldn't question it much. It helped that he got to gush and brag about his girlfriend. "Yeah! She must've told you, but I was there with her at tennis tryouts. She was amazing! Not only that, but she has some incredible spiking power and return speed. Don't underestimate her legs! That's not even getting into how she basically held down the whole court single-handedly!"
He didn't exactly ignore the frown etched on his mother's face, but she didn't pry, nor would she continue. So, he felt a little forced to keep talking as she mulled over the new info.
"Just the other day in gym class, we were playing volleyball. It was supposed to be doubles, but Yuuma, alone, was enough to wipe any duos. It was quite the sight." An almost bloodthirsty smirk overtook his lips, "Except for me. Geez, she didn't even relent against me. I think she went even harder because of that!"
Miki finally spoke up, "on top of that, your grades are improving. I-I know I already brought it up, but..."
The first sentence sorta sounded like a question to him, and it threw him for a loop, "y-yeah?" Even before Yuuma, there was a noticeable leap in his grades after he couldn't stand to face their unsaid disappointment from their usually outspoken depositions. It was worse than if they had mentioned it. "My friends were kinda good at something, while I was... nothing special."
"—So, you'd be prepared for Kouh Academy?" Issei froze. "Don't be so surprised, my beloved son. You're so earnest in anything you desire. We- I can't crush your dreams if that's truly what you want."
The viewpoint was above the fact he was her only child. After all, it was one of the few times he asked for something in a long time. Her only child normally worked hard and bought his own books, posters, and other items himself from minor jobs or increased allowance as soon as he could. Never did he take advantage of them intentionally, nor would he beg for anything.
Miki couldn't think of anything to explain why her son turned out this way in her years of raising him. Maybe some unsaid shame based on his hobby surrounding certain things (right deserved in her opinion), but she tried her best to be supportive. However, as much as she respected this aspect about her son, there was always this disparity between them.
It was only due to Yuuma ramming her way into his life did Miki learn more about Issei's everyday school activities, after all.
A large part of her craved it, cherished it, and hoped it continued. The bridge between them was mending, slowly but surely. Her dearly beloved son was more confident, happier, and thriving. The last one gnawed on her. Her Issei was growing up so fast! She could barely keep up when he was a toddler. The rascal couldn't stay still and would often run up or even down strangers. The time of teaching him about numbers and the alphabet or what was good and bad were still fresh and as clear in her mind as the morning sweep of the floor she did that day.
Now, he walked at her side just about her height- if not taller? He was growing every day as if he was a baby again!
It was all too fast for her. She didn't even have enough time to decide if she raised him right, yet...
"Haha-ue." This time, Miki stilled. Her Issei never called her that before. He paid it no mind. Instead, her son took one of her hands with both of his, kissed the back of it and knelt. He then placed the hand in his hair with a great smile.
Unbeknownst to her, he used the Transfer ability to bestow her some energy and increase her stamina. Her attention on his face and his legs hid the faint glow of his left hand.
It felt good to help his mother, he couldn't lie. Either way, he tried his best to channel the regalness of Kunou to convey how much he cherished his mother.
"I love you."
"I-Issei? What is this?" Her vision welled up with tears as her heart threatened to burst out her chest. She struggled to understand just where this was coming from. Issei may be earnest, but — this was too much.
"I just-" he pulled a finger to his cheek to scratch, breaking character, "thought I never really showed how much I love you, Kaa-san. Didn't mean to scare you, but you always beat me to the punch, you know?"
Hesitantly, she ruffled his hair. "I-I'm just surprised." She helped him up, "I love you too, Ise."
"I know."
And with that, they kept pace down the dirt path.
Walking another ten minutes saw them to the site of a wooden cabin. It was built using massive pale logs and old Japanese techniques that held older buildings up even into the modern era. All in all, it was much different from what the teen expected. Or could remember.
If it was a little more decorated, had a different roof and extra padding on the walls, Issei would think it was a shrine. The thought only reinforced his suspicions.
A chill crawled up his spine.
A quick glance to his mother saw her do the same with far more intensity. She met his eyes and fought past the acute feeling. "Y- Your father has gotten used to it, apparently."
Easily, the teen slipped a hand into one of his mother's. They were both taken aback by it. He hadn't done that in years—since he was a child. It used to bring him comfort, and now, here he was on the other end of the stick.
After a moment, she smiled at him, wordlessly. She tightened her grip and slipped her thinner fingers between his and pulled him along. He was glad it worked. It helped to shove down his embarrassment, too...
And before he knew it, the front door slid. A feminine figure stood in the dark doorway. Her most prominent feature were her narrowed and glowing crimson eyes that froze him where he stood, nearly tripping his mother, who had hurried to greet her mother-in-law.
Those narrow eyes softened as they landed on him. Atop her head sat a simple status window.
- :|: -
Name: Sariel
Race: Angel
Lvl: ?!
Description: Blessed to see their grandson all grownup
Emotions: Proud, Jovial, Pleased
- :|: -
It was his grandmother, all right. He didn't know what to think. Was he really part Angel? Would he have to ask his... All-Father for forgiveness after indulging in the sin of Lust so much...
The boy was so caught up in his thoughts, he completely forgot they weren't related by blood. One of Sariel's dandy brows rose, as if sensing his inner turmoil. It didn't stop her slow, careful approach.
His mother, who quickly bowed beside him, drawing him out of his panic, greeted her mother-in-law with cold sweat, "Good afternoon... M-Mama..."
It was one fast ball after another!
"Mama?" Since when did his mother speak so informally!
A voice entered his head. It wasn't Ddraig. '—I had asked her to call me Mama if she was more comfortable with it, but...' The feminine voice was too monotone but all the same, single-minded in the one emotion it tried to convey: love.
His head swerved back to his supposed grandmother, giving him a sense of whiplash, but he ignored it. Instead, the brown-haired boy stared back at Sariel's unblinking crimson gaze. Her eyebrow was still raised.
Issei broke the eye-lock to glance at his bent mother. Slowly, he mimicked her. "It's been a long time, Obaa-san," he finally decided to say.
Because he was bowing, he missed the ghost of a smile on her lips. "Whatever happened to Baa-chan, Ise?" Her tone was low, just a hint off from being 'ara ara' archetype.
She seemed to flow down the steps and reached out to them, so they could rise, "enough of that, Miki, Ise. We're family." She locked eyes with him in specific, doubling down, "I promise."
He swallowed before nodding. The fact that her status hadn't changed at all comforted him. Still, it was odd that it changed only once after seeing him and never after that. It could only mean she was either very simple as a person or very happy to see them. The summarized status of others often conveyed the most prominent thoughts and feelings, after all. He couldn't trust his body to extend the window without gaining an odd look.
Still, he hadn't visited his grandparents in years, having only remembered them because he assumed they would be one of the reasons his parents would stay here. It was weird. It was refreshing to be faced with such honest and eager feelings. All the same, it made Issei more guilty. Ashamed even. Here he was, assuming the worst from a literal Angel.
Though, his girlfriend had made it clear throughout their many lessons that the virtuous race wasn't as perfect as they loved to make themselves out to be.
The silver-haired woman that towered over him and his mother tilted her head down at him, slightly confused, sensing his emotions. She promptly put it in the back of her head, beckoning them into her humble home. "Come now, you two. My son did say lil Issei wanted to visit, so I've been expecting him, y'know?" The smile planted on her face inflamed his core with familiar warmth. It was almost intoxicating. From the corner of his eyes, Issei could even see his mother relax slightly. Sariel's curious gaze drifted to her daughter-in-law. "I'm really glad you could make it too, Miki."
The said woman shrunk into herself, sinking into his side. She barely squeaked out, "t-thank you for the warm reception, Ma... Mama." If it wasn't for the window above her head, Issei would've reacted protectively, misunderstanding his mother's actions.
She was simply overwhelmed by Sariel's... everything.
Maybe it was because he was so used to seeing "?!" within statuses, but he was more surprised about her looks and how welcomed she made him feel.
Though, his grandmother had nothing on Yu—Raynare. After all, his beloved was the fairest of them all! But... Sariel was a close second—no, forth! She was in contention with Yasaka, closely followed by Kuroka. Either way, this GILF looked younger than his mother. Being an Angel must come with benefits.
Her long bony-white bangs framed her face, gently, cutting across the left eye a little. However, it did nothing to stop the fierce crimson eye from shining through. Further draped behind her was the rest of her long, straight hair, which was only beaten by her soaring height. The cape of hair seemed to shield her unblemished pale skin, which was warm and smooth to the touch based on earlier contact, too. Even though she was dressed a modest casual: just a pair of baggy shorts and a simple cardigan that exposed her long limbs, she radiated warm feelings like he never felt before.
He struggled to call it something other than overwhelming. This woman was trying her darnest to keep it under control, if just for Miki's sake, he could tell. It was something she couldn't control. A new entry to his encyclopedia had said so. Sariel was on the cusp of reaching her next stage, something to surpass Archangel. It reminded him of how despite Ddraig's sealed state, her dragon energy still leaked through and ultimately transformed the holy armament into something new.
Which reminded him, Ddraig was awfully quiet. Before he could question his soul buddy, Issei froze as a presence drowned out everything. It was nothing like Sariel's. Whereas the former was overwhelming, the new one was downright suffocating. The surrounding forest went still. The wind, chirps, their breaths and all.
The earth shook as the sound of thunderous steps severed even that. Before the mortal couple realized it, an even taller man, built similarly to the ogres he had fought before, but stronger—much stronger, bent slightly, so he could fit through the entrance. His eyes, redder than Sariel's, widened when they fell upon Issei as did his lips, slipping into a massive grin.
Issei found it in himself to step between the newcomer and his mother, unconsciously. Even despite the utter mess of the window, the man—God had for a status. It was cracked and gave him only a name and species, atop of a splitting headache. For the first time, he was scared, not just for himself but his mother too.
- '/, -
NaME: HachiMAn
RåČĘ: God
- '/, -
Everything everyone had warned him of flashed through his mind.
And just as sudden, the paralyzing aura disappeared. The giant of a man waved with innocent eyes and a jolly laugh. "Yo, sonny." He nodded at his in-law, "Miki." He sent his wife, who gave him a slight frown, an apologetic glance.
She bowed, deeply, "G-Good afternoon, Papa..."
Again, it was his mother who beat him to the punch. She was shaking like a leaf and squeezed her eyes shut even as she remained bowed. A pang of annoyance shot through him like a bolt of fire.
"L-Long—" he fought down the curse that rose at his stutter, "time no see, Oji-san." The cracked status window rattled him a lot more than he'd like to admit. Ddraig's lore hinted at strength beyond his imagination, but her status hadn't done anything like that before.
This monster was his grandfather?
"Miki must've taught ye good if you're so formal, squirt." The said woman sent the ground a small and wry smile. "Come on now; don't wait on me, we're family."
The parent and child rose as one, and the pressure from the heavenly duo mostly subsided. It was there but no longer unwelcoming. Instead, it beckoned them with open arms. And with that, the parent-child pair could finally find it in themselves to relax, if just barely.
"So, Ise," Sariel tested, sensing the change, "how has high school been?"
From the corner of his field of vision, he noticed her hand clasped in her husband's fiddling nervously. And that was still without her status changing. It was... endearing. He knew Angelic beings were pretty much human too as shown by Raynare and her crew, except the lengths they had to go to remain pure. However, Sariel was an outside factor, one he had never known was so close.
It helped that she had made a mistake.
"It's..." The boy wasn't sure how to say it without indirectly shaming her. "I'm still in my last year of junior high, Obaa." He made sure to capture his grandfather's expression as well.
They both blinked, confused at the info.
"Oh, pardon me!" She giggled into her unoccupied hand. To her side, Hachiman simply waited with a warm expression. They both took the correction easily. "Time for us works a little differently, y'know? Just a second ago, Masaru was here. Before that, you were just a babe, Ise!" the angel gushed, happily. "Now you're on your merry way to manhood. Just look at you!"
Miki unconsciously gripped his hand a little tighter. It was a little unnerving to witness. Visiting them now or later would matter little to them. No wonder his mother had laughed when he thought of them as an aging, fragile couple.
"R-Right," he decided.
"You've grown into a man, boyo," Hachiman puffed his chest, staring him down with a wholly human intensity. Otherwise, a glare Issei assumed the God would be unable to emulate. It was warm with pride and joy.
"W-Well, I have to keep up with my friends—"
"No, no. You misunderstand, Ise." The skyscraper of a man let go of his wife and walked with thundering steps towards Issei until he was a couple inches from his grandson. He practically stood over the boy as he narrowed his gaze down. "Intimacy drips off you."
The boy's throat choked on the sudden dryness that overtook it. His face blossomed into a red he hadn't thought possible. "Huh?! That couldn't possibly happen. 'Cuz we- uh- w-we haven't really done much, I swear!" He released his mother's hand to frantically explain and wave off the notion.
Miki retook Issei in a new light with her analyzing eyes. "Ise, my son..." she tilted her head, "when was this?" She knew her son took to his new hormones like a bear with cocaine. B-But, her Ise wouldn't possibly do... d-d-do the sex with the perfectly perfect girl that was Yuuma... right?
Well, based on her "fruitful" body, maybe the hormones hit the girl just as hard, if not worse.
Oh no...
"We didn't do anything like what you were thinking, Ma!" He clasped his hands together to somehow garner the last of her respect. "I-It was just a little touching and.. k-kissing.. I-" he wanted to punch his past self, "I didn't even get to touch her boobs much..."
"O-Oh my." Miki could feel herself getting dizzy. "It's too early for grandkids, Ise..."
"I swear, nothing like that happeneddddd!"
Sariel re-interjected, moving to stabilize her daughter-in-law, "I think that's enough teasing, honey."
The man made a betrayed look, grumbling, "I wasn't even talking about that..."
The human mother caught it with wide eyes and a gaping mouth that she sent towards her son. "I-Ise? When...?"
The 15-year-old boy was tempted to grovel. "I honestly have no idea what he's talking about. Or what you're assuming right at this moment." He didn't. "Yuuma is my first girlfriend. It must be a huge misunderstanding!"
"Ok, ok, ok. Time to head in, everyone," Sariel ushered them all into the modest home. Faintly it reminded him of Raynare's place. Just much less color. Everything was a handcrafted wood product, finished with resin or oil, he assumed.
Except the leather couch, intricate coffee table, and clay fireplace in front of it.
His grandmother sat him there with mother. They squeezed past the long coffee table. Then, Sariel left to brew tea. Miki tried to rise and assist her, but her legs failed her. She was fatigued and drained like never before from both the trip there and the oppressive auras of two very strong beings.
Luckily, Issei caught her easily and didn't say a word as he helped her back onto the couch. He didn't want to make his mom feel more embarrassed than she already made herself to be in her head as she fidgeted. Even though all he wanted to do was share how cool she was, sticking upright by his side as a wholly normal human. She wasn't giving herself enough credit!
From the corner of his eyes, the boy noticed his God of a grandfather nodding, seemingly in pride. Oddly, the very old man was reminiscing and tried to make himself smaller. Even without the status telling him, he could tell the God's actions were for his mother. Though, he was much too big for it to work.
Issei failed to bite back a small grin.
His grandfather sent an awkward one back from his chair across them, looking everywhere but at his daughter-in-law.
It wasn't much longer before his holy grandmother returned. In her hands, she held a tray full of teaware. She quickly set up each of them with their own custom cups.
That floored his mother. The number of times she made the trek could be counted on one hand. And yet, her in-laws saw fit for her tea cup. It was mainly white, decorated with daisies, otherwise her favorite flower, dotted with gold. The interior was sky blue, leaking into the rim.
Her husband had mentioned his adopted parents' heirloom of custom-made tea cups a couple of times. She could never imagine her own joining them, as she had essentially ignored them, excusing herself by caring for Issei.
A tap to her knee drew her from her thoughts. It was her son, who noticed the Angel's want to connect with Miki. His gaze had pointed his mother to Sariel, who smiled gently and said, "I'm glad you like it."
"I-" Miki clutched it tighter slightly, "I love it."
And with that, the tea pouring commenced.
"...I thought you two would be ancient, skinny, and fragile."
Issei's mother probably would've smacked him in the back of the head for the comment. However, she retired into Masaru's childhood room. It took a lot of pleading on his end. She could be stubborn. It must've been where he got it from, but she couldn't deny it when they all urged it.
The longer she entrenched herself in the combined aura of these godly figures, the more it'll drain her mind and soul, apparently. Ddraig had mentioned it. And so, he had to be more stubborn than her on the matter.
Speaking of the dragon, she was roaring up a storm at him from within from his words. Up until she wasn't and his left arm grew goosebumps from the sudden chill.
—Tea shot from his grandfather's nose into his comparatively tiny tea cup, mid-sip. Standing by his side, Sariel rubbed her partner's back before responding.
"Ah, I guess you'd think that," Her eyes narrowed slightly, "before meeting us again." He was pretty sure she was looking at his left arm...
Her status had yet to change, so he assumed only good intentions. Issei only nodded. He fiddled with his left hand. He felt pretty terrible for exposing Ddraig to her... curse again. Thankfully, the dragon was too busy calming to find out he knew. She'd probably be mad that he did.
She was silly like that.
"You don't have any questions, boy?" Hachiman finally spoke up, seemingly less nervous without his mother here. "We'd answer any questions that we can, seeing as you know something about us." His wife nodded, staring at the boy supportively.
"...You're a God, and she's an Angel." During his brief research of the supernatural, he had learned of many gods. If he remembered it correctly, Issei was pretty sure he knew what kind of God his grandfather was.
They noticed it wasn't a question, so they remained silent.
"...do I have to repent for my sins?"
Sariel's calm voice answered him smoothly, "No, Ise, you don't. You'll do that when you die." She would've continued if Hachiman hadn't stopped her with a pat. "A-Ahem, anything else?"
The boy slumped, back against the couch. "Honestly, I have too many questions. I don't know where to start." The temperature of his left arm finally rose back to normal, so that helped calm him a bit. But, not for long, as the self-control he had been cultivating for the last few months finally slipped. "I-I get that we're family, but..."
Issei averted his gaze.
He was afraid. Of them. For his life. His mother's. And his father's, who would be there any moment now.
Even though, they were supposed to be family.
It helped that Sariel was doing everything she could to be accommodating. That Hachiman was trying to pretend to be a normal guy. However, Issei felt so out of his depth and sucker-punched by their reveal. His mom had told him they were some kind of immortals or whatever, sure. And sure, he had tossed around the idea that one of them were a god or angel.
But, to feel it? He had made light of the situation. Utterly so. His power he had fallen so reliant on was completely unhelpful here and had been less and less helpful for the past month or so after meeting all these new supernatural beings.
Yasaka had to have been holding back or something! Maybe it was Kunou who helped him remain calm. He had tried his best to stay focused on her, after all. The boy ended up all but ignoring his second near-death experience because of her. It could've been because he was more worried about his mom too..
The Youkai who apparently broke his back was a complete nobody. He had just been too weak and fresh to the supernatural to see and make up the troll things' stats.
Just like now. Sariel alone dwarfed him to a degree he could only imagine and wish was never real. They could squish him like a bug. And right now? He couldn't get over that notion. It was disgustingly easy for them.
He was surrounded by it. This more than ever before. All of it was making the air grow heavy and the room darken.
['—Partner, slow down. You're hyperventilating.'] The seal of Issei's feelings for certain memories could only hold them back for so long. It was the best she could do after becoming aware after a grossly long time. It was the only reason she didn't blame herself. However, she hadn't accounted for the fallout coming so early. ['As much as I want to agree with you, look down.']
She was so useless. She should've known better. There were plenty of holes in her patchwork that she shouldn't have called a seal. There were plenty of chances to fix them. The dragon sighed, forcing herself to move on before her seal kicked in.
Her host needed her.
Regaining some control over himself, he followed Ddraig's words. It took him a minute. He regained his sense of place and noticed a pair of hands, glowing with a holy power he was familiar with, resting on his chest. It was his grandmother's.
Ddraig forced the disdain from reaching her voice as she spoke to Issei. He couldn't afford to worry about how 'comfortable' she was. It was utterly unimportant. ['They're your family. Don't focus on the lingering energy. They're here for you because you asked for them, no?']
He couldn't help it, though. But because of that, his ears picked up his grandmother's voice.
"Oh, Hachiman, this is all my fault!"
"No. We were both too excited." There was some thumping, probably his heavy footsteps. "We should've made more precautions. We got too used to our son being around and mostly immune..."
A gasp ripped itself from the Angel. "H-His eyes, Hachiman, look..."
He half-heartedly listened to his soul-bound partner and grandparents before he regained control with a deep inhale and blurry blinks.
Noticing that, the Angel stepped back. Issei noticed they now sat and stood even further from him. He felt guilty but wanted to reassure them first. They were trying their best, from what he could tell. Ddraig had repeatedly reassured him of their intentions. She didn't lie if she could help it. If there was anyone he could trust, it'll be her, his soul buddy.
...Honestly, he had thought he pushed these negative feelings away. It was beyond shameful to feel this way again. Issei prided himself to handle anything thrown his way. He had thought he could continue
"S-Sorry," he huffed out, still catching his breath. "I-," he failed to smile, "I didn't think that would happen." He felt ashamed but continued, "I guess... without my mom here to keep me grounded, you brought back bad memories." He tried to laugh, but his lungs and heart wouldn't calm down. So all he got for them was a wheeze.
Nonetheless, he had to get this out.
Sariel cut him off. "That's enough, Issei. W-We can wait. Take your time, please, dear." The seemingly infallible Angel looked concerned but frustrated with her powerlessness as she stood practically across the room.
Atop her head, the simplified status window shifted rapidly. Reassurance. Joy. Concerned. Excitement. Loving. Proud again. And so many other instances of positive emotions he hadn't known existed.
It helped a ton.
"...Sorry again, Obaa and Oji."
Both of them shook their heads. His grandmother took the lead once more. "You've been through a lot, huh, my dear lil grandson."
The boy could only chew the inside of his lower lip and nod.
His grandfather's face twisted with annoyance. Faintly, he could tell it wasn't towards him. It helped. "It was exactly the reason we had left." His massive hand snaked towards Sariel's. "But we shouldn't have left you in the dark." His intense eyes flicked up to his. Issei barely held back the flinch. "That wasn't fair to you in the slightest."
Sariel drifted forward, kneeled when the only thing between Issei and her was the short table. "Perhaps, we should start from the beginning."
And so, she did.
"As far as Heaven's aware, I am lost. Dead towards the end of the last..." she frowned despite her calming smile, "hopefully the final great war."
"It was a bloody three-way war between the Angels and Church, the Fallen Watchers and..." her visage twisted in sadness, "forsaken Devils." Her feelings on the matter even bubbled through on her status. She pitied them. "No one side came through as the victor in the end."
"Yuu-" Immediately, he regretted speaking up. He couldn't be sure they would let Raynare alone. And so, his eyes fleeted away, quickly thinking of something else. "The Youkai have given me the basic rundown, since I carry a Sacred Gear." He didn't exactly ignore Ddraig's grumbling on not to do what he was about to do, but he proceeded with his plan, unchanged.
It was plain he wasn't being completely forthright, but no one called him out on it except his partner.
He outstretched his left arm to summon the red draconic gauntlet. "The Longinus, [Boosted Gear]." He scanned their reactions. Neither of them really reacted to it other than minor curiosity. So busy with that, it slipped past him that the Sacred Gear was silent.
His grandmother spoke up first, still kneeling, "it was that one, huh?"
His mountain of a grandfather nodded, fist to his chin. "The connection seems stronger." His eyes lit with a dark flame, widening a fraction of a second later. "Much stronger."
Issei scratched the back of his head with his right hand, "I mean, I have been training a lot."
His grandparents shared a look of confusion. "Boyo, we would've sensed it." His hands gripped the armrests with enough force to crack them. "Someone's—" Sariel turned to him, and he calmed quickly before his control on his aura slipped.
"Is someone manipulating you, Ise?" It was weird to hear him so concerned and whisper. He was still having trouble not mixing his image with the trolls.
It threw him off. "N-No." They instantly caught the lie. Hachiman rose from his chair, but Issei shook his hands and head, frantically. "It's not what you think!"
Tension grew as silence took over.
The boy was still unable to look at his grandfather's eyes on his own volition. But, he tried. "M-... My girlfriend, she's—p-p-please don't hurt her," Issei begged, bowing deeply and slamming his head on the table. The pain was nothing like his near-death experiences. Instead, all he could think about was how he had nothing to offer. Nothing to protect Raynare with. There was no control he had in this situation.
They could snuff her out, and he wouldn't be able to do a single thing.
"...Ise," one of Sariel's pale hands helped him rise despite his mind fighting to beg, "We're... Listen up Ise. We're not going to do anything to harm you or your loved one, I promise."
His grandfather nodded, having taken his seat.
Issei inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "She's- She's a Fallen, a direct assistant to Azazel, she's confessed." There was no overly reaction to the pair, so he continued. "Right now, she's a- uh, a double agent?" He clenched both his hands into fists. "From what I can tell, she- she won't make it out alive, i-if I stand by and do nothing."
"'From what you can tell?'" His grandmother quoted, peering into his eyes. "Issei, have you made contact with Ddraig?" The nervous boy nodded. "So, you understand that you have abilities other than the Red Dragon Emperor?" Again, he nodded, albeit slower. "Your eyes. They've changed, you know?"
The boy blinked. "I never noticed that?" He really hadn't other than a soft glow when actively using the [Boosted Gear].
"They feel infused with my own and Hikki's powers."
"You mean, all these extra windows, the stats, encyclopedia and quests come you guys?"
Hachiman frowned, finally speaking up. "I'm not sure what all that means, but we blessed your mother, so she would have no issues to conceive you af—" Sariel quickly covered his mouth and took over.
"After trying so hard for a baby, Ise. Before we could take it back after your birth, we found it gone, so she wouldn't grow reliant or end up on... our side of things. There was no sign of it anywhere, so we assumed it dissipated without any traces after fulfilling its purpose, besides..." She trailed off, trying not to worry him about something. She shook her head, then pointed at his left hand. "Anyway, the... Longinus in your arm might've taken it as it was tied to your and your mother's soul, and so it became what you have now after, I assume, your body matured enough to handle it."
"O-Oh." Did they want it back? Could he let go of the power?
He felt his head fall. Issei couldn't imagine losing this. It opened up so much for him. It was instrumental to all the things going on, and he couldn't lose it now!
The woman hummed happily, seemingly in spite of the new storm brewing in his head. "I'm glad." His head whipped up. "It must've protected you in our place." Gently, she inched her hands forward to grasp at his. "The combined blessing was meant to protect her from all sources of harm, keep her body in top shape, and make sure her mind and soul were completely shielded, just in case."
She smiled so brightly that he couldn't help but try to return it.
"Whatever it is that you see, I hope you trust it... And us, my dear grandson." The immortal pair stood before him with matching smiles. "So, please, share your story with us."
He decided to force back his fears and nodded. "Well, the blessing—it suddenly changed how I saw everything. I woke up, and I could interact with the world in a new way. I could sorta tell how everyone was feeling and their level at a glance."
At their confused looks, he elaborated, "the culmination of their... experiences put into a number form, I guess?"
Hachiman quirked an eyebrow with a slight smirk. "What level would I be?"
Issei jerked. "I- The window that would normally tell me is cracked. It only shows your name and that you're a God. I think it's either you're super beyond strong or this blessing doesn't want to show you for some reason."
"Oh- oh!" The God planted a fist into his palm, unleashing a harmless wave of Life energy. It was followed by a cringe-worthy crack. "What about now?"
He peeked and saw the fixed status. Everything but his grandfather's name changed.
"You're a Buddha?"
The man gave a wry smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's a long story." He sent Sariel a loving look. "But basically, for us Gods of War, there was no reason to continue with our purpose. I had no other reason to live, so might as well, y'know?"
That... didn't really answer anything, but it seemed simple enough, he supposed.
"Well, your level, like all the other crazy strong people I've met, just shows an exclamation and question mark as if to warn me to run away." He smiled, cheekily, feeling himself return to mostly normal. "I haven't really been listening to it, to be honest."
Hachiman twitched.
"D-Don't worry please. Usually, the sign isn't a sign of someone your kind of strong. I think I've only met one person around your ballpark of strength. I think. No one else seemed stronger than her besides you guys.
Yasaka was really nice and even gave me a personal trainer for saving her daughter"
The large man deflated with relief. "Just her. Good."
A thought flared in Issei's mind. "Uhm," he hoped they wouldn't be mad with him, "do you have any idea how strong a ten-winged Fallen would be?"
All the attention fell to his grandmother. She stared him down before sighing. "It depends on a couple of things." Her partner reached for her hand with his larger one. She smiled his way and continued. "Since you hold the [Boosted Gear], I suppose this explanation is appropriate. Generally, those with two pairs of wings are about twice as strong as one pair. Three would be doubled of two and so on.
"However, whoever this mysterious ten-winged is, they should be around my age. Their wings wouldn't count for their experience, so you can assume they're much more than their strength. I'm confident to say I am the pinnacle of my kind outside of two... Nay, three, if they haven't been still in time."
She frowned, gears turning in her head. She may not keep up with the modern atmosphere of things, but she had a pretty good guess of who. "Do you have any clues, Ise?"
Issei was taken aback. He wasn't expecting them to just take his words and run with it. The fact he could say everything about his game-like powers made his heart swell. Either way, this would help him immensely!
His mind mulled over the quest named: Save Raynare. There was one thing that would be an indicator for the Seraph. "'Starfall of God?'"
Sariel frowned, and her forehead creased for what seemed like the first time. "The second Star of Father's? Kokabiel? Are you sure?" The boy nodded. "I see." She turned to Hachiman.
The man's expression didn't change. "We can't do much more than train him, Sariel." A feeling of loss and regret filled the woman, who nodded solemnly and let him take over the conversation by stepping back and controlling her disappointment.
"Grandson." Issei struggled to meet his eyes but forced back the comparison to the orcs. "How new are you to this side of things?"
"Two months ago, I unlocked... these eyes? Eye abilities? But it was only, like, a week and a half ago when I awoke Ddraig." Issei rubbed his left forearm fondly. Combined with his next words, he felt much better already. "My girlfriend has given me the rundown on the... Biblical side of things since then. And then, Yasaka explained how, as a man, I am at a disadvantage.
"There hasn't been much time to learn between school and training. I-I'm hoping to change that after the school year... I've been trying to better myself instead of wasting around doing nothing."
The wave of relief at their softened and proud expression washed over him like a warm summer breeze. It felt nice to confess that and see their positive reaction, rather than waiting for the results to speak for themselves. He would live up to the expectations and then some!
Hopefully, at least.
The quests and all the affection meters were laying out a lot on him. There was much work to be done and more to see through. He could do it. However, he quickly scraped that doubt. Raynare, Ddraig, Kunou, Yasaka, Kuroka and now his grandparents would be there for him. His unique skills and growth would see the promised culmination of it all come to light.
He could do it.
He had to.
"As for this evening, hm." A hand to his chin, Hachiman mulled over everything he knew. "We'll start with Japan."
"The Youkai have two factions. One dedicated to upholding the values of old Shinto as a direct ambassador for Amaterasu, and the other holds reign over Youkai by Youkai, if you will—"
"S-Sorry to interrupt, but I already know this much. Yasaka-" he struggled with if he should add a suffix or not for a split second, "uh, she gave me some history books for my Youjutsu initiation." He averted his gaze, "I just didn't want to waste your time even more..."
Sariel finally spoke up, withdrawing from her tea cup and having taken her partner's seat. "You're not wasting anyone's time, dear."
A clap on his back made him flinch. His grandfather has taken a seat next to him. "Glad you could tell us, my boy." And so, they continued. "'Guess it's time for us, then?"
"I'm sure this dragon might be wondering why we haven't done anything, eh? Honestly, we didn't know exactly what you had. We dreaded it."
Sariel grimaced but said nothing otherwise.
"I'm sure everyone and their mothers has shared how important a Longinus is, so I won't linger on this. Knowing it's the [Boosted Gear] though... just, try to stay you, I guess. The fates of red dragon empres—" The man blinked, retaking Issei in his gaze, "the past holders haven't lived a fulfilling life." He washed it down with a small joke, "maybe since I'm a Buddha, I'm a lil harsh, haha!"
It worked slightly to unfrown the boy's lips.
"Anywho Takamagahara and Yomi (Japanese 'Heaven' and Underworld) have gone mostly silent. After the age of wars and the loss of many Gods, their influence has dwindled to specialized shrines. A lot of other religions have fallen on similar times. However, Japan has lost both their parental head gods, their influence to the top two factions from the outside world and has almost completely withdrawn. Maybe, only the Egyptians can compare, I guess."
The man paused to finish his tea in a single gulp. Sariel gently slipped his cup from him to refill as he continued more.
"What your books probably don't say is Yomi used to have the assistance and alliance of the other Death Gods. Not anymore." The god's hands seemed to fracture air as he clenched fists. "They, our faction, slipped out for all the wrong reasons. Izanami and Izanagi were reconnected. My... great-grandmother sealed her husband there, corrupting many and draining the lands to revive herself. Her ying quickly tore through the lands, seeping into Japan and Takamagahara, killing those with yang and rewrote amany Laws. It spread into China, snowballing into a whole 'nother beast.
"The problem is it wasn't just an isolated incident. It seemed like a chain reaction. All around the world, similar changes happened. Hera, bless her patience but not her spite, finally chained down her husband with help from Nyx and stole his authority, the Titans' and the Roman God Jupiter's. She immediately took out her enemies and those she didn't like. At the moment, there's a bit of a cold war between her and Hestia. Not sure how or why. My guess? The eldest sister is done seeing the Greek faction in turmoil.
"Moving on... Hel, granddaughter to the head of the Norse, escaped her prison and usurped Odin and Thor somehow. Instead of igniting Ragnarök, she ruled with her fa—m-mother? Yeah, last I heard, Loki stuck with a woman's appearance."
Sariel slid the cup back into his hands easily. At it, the man deflated beside Issei and took a brief sip.
"The Egyptians were attacked internally while they were weakened by Set. Isis killed him off single-handedly during a... fated battle, revived both him and their former head, Ra, as fortified guards, and usurped her husband and her brother Horus' right to the throne. D-, Don't even get me started on Hindu faction."
He sent Sariel a glance. She returned a small smile, mouthing three words: 'you got this.'
"A great war on par with the Biblical one tore open a massive power vacuum. I may be some kind of Buddha, but I couldn't tell ya who's in charge. My 'enlightened' job to bridge our world to the Asian mainland was ruined. So, I've been kinda stuck here, unwilling to face my grandma cuz I'm no match for a whole pantheon, hiding in the shadow of my cousin, watching humanity much closer than most."
The god sighed, pulling Issei into a shoulder hug. It nearly caused the boy to spill his drink.
"Not that I regret it. I got to meet Sariel. And raising your father was one of the best things we could've done. Not like we could have one of our own—but after a couple of centuries, we lost to 'temptation.'" Hachiman laughed at his partner's disapproving look before he grew serious again. "It kept us grounded in this new... reality. Us... War Gods have lost, utterly, ironic given how many of us stood for victory. Even those still in the warring South Asia fell. Their authorities now stolen and torn into trophies to wear."
His grandfather glanced up and over Issei, where Sariel now sat on the armrest of the couch. She simply patted the outstretched arm of his.
"Haah, I said a lot, didn't I?"
Issei finally mustered the courage to soak up again. "I-It's okay, Oji." The boy no longer seemed nervous. "You explained a lot, but I think I get it. I'll watch my back."
Hachiman's brow rose, "Not exactly why I was venting but sure, boy."
Sariel blinked, stood to turn to the entrance. "We can shelve this conversation for another day. Our son is here." She made her way to greet him but paused to say, "It may have been our blessing for your mother, but we couldn't think of no one better to hold it if you were raised by Masaru and dear lil Miki.
"Your 'eyes' are still infantile, but they should take you much further." Her tone changed. It was much more affectionate. "I'm glad you visited, my dear Ise."
Issei couldn't trust himself to respond to such words. What could he say to reciprocate the warm words? Thank you?
['—Exactly that. Gods are pretty fickle, but everyone wants to feel useful. This Sariel is on the cusp of being one of her own too...']
The boy thought it wouldn't be enough still but heeded the words nonetheless. He stood and bowed. "Thank you." He hoped Ddraig knew they were pointed her way as well. She was trying her best. And with this new knowledge, she'd probably be able to point him in the right direction with all sorts of things better.
A large hand ruffled his hair. "Yer my grandson, now closer than I ever thought. Closer to a son than Masaru. You got a part of me in your soul, kiddo."
"Aw shucks, Gramps!"
The dragon in his soul didn't respond. Instead, she was too busy fighting back her chilling curse with the warm feelings that clearly didn't overwhelm her!
'Stupid bond, abilities, and wielder.'
Issei rolled over in his bed.
He learned a lot of things that put things into perspective. It sounded like a whole lot of nothing. Honestly, he sorta felt like he learned nothing.
But, that would be disingenuous.
Two overpowered auras taught him what true strength was. They recontextualized his powers, and gave him a broader view of the world. Ddraig had spent the better part of the night, delving into her foggy memories as best as she could to help organize the timeline.
Currently, she was 'resting' by going through a new training regimen with their new understanding of their shared power and with Kuroka. If she tried to sleep, she'd be too mentally drained to control her chaotic mess of dreams. That would be dangerous because they could cause her curse to activate without either of them prepared for it.
['...Since those two essentially confessed to being your parents—']
"HUH?!"
['Did you not understand what they were saying, Issei?']
'W-Wait a minute!' He went as far as to physically raise and shake his hands. 'Run that by me again. What do you mean by being my parents?'
['You gained a sliver of their powers, no? That Buddha even mentioned housing a part of him in your soul. I've since found it... I'm unable to interact with it since I am chained up and am not you, despite sharing this... blessing.
Either way, they're unable to reproduce the normal way... probably until Sariel ascends to Godhood, I assume, which could be tomorrow or a decade later. Who knows. You are more than a simple human. I don't think you realize how big of a deal it is for you to juggle these energies of yours with relative ease.']
'...D-Do I still call them my grandparents?'
['That would be what you would be focused on. But, yes, Partner. They did not request it of you, nor did they take credit for your creation.
If anything, they now hold your mother and father in higher regard to bore a fledgling with a twine of godhood. But... they probably regret not involving themselves with you more. The only thing holding that from expressing itself was the fact it was your mother, who indirectly asked for space.']
That reminded him of something. They always cared for and protected him, huh? When his mother had told him he was a blessing from the gods, she wasn't kidding. Geez...
A part of him wanted to check over his Family tab to see what it said, but Ddraig might be bothered by his lack of focus.
['It was probably for the best they stayed out of things if they valued their secrecy and you, your childhood.']
'Meh.'
Issei didn't dwell on that. He was happy with how everything was for now. He was happily in love and on a fast track to grow strong with even more help. Although, he felt the pang of guilt inflame again. He would regret leaving his... grandparents behind if he continued on as he envisioned for a completely different reason.
—Knock Knock!
The boy scrambled out of bed, caught in the grasp of his blanket and covers. His attention shot to his window, where a dark shade of hair framed the perfect face of his (fallen) angel of a girlfriend. She waved with a shy smile.
"Ray- Yuuma?" He quickly opened his window and let her in, "what's going on?"
Gracefully, she slipped into his room in her casual Yuuma-disguise. Same hoodie and all. It took almost all his effort to not stare down the length of legs as she did so.
"I just... wanted to check up on you," she confessed. The tips of her ears grew red as she plopped herself onto his bed. "I saw that you were still up so..."
Grinning widely, Issei sat beside her. "Thanks," he said simply. His eyes had been spying her status the whole time. She had been rather genuine. As her true self, Raynare didn't blush so dramatically like he was used to, but that was absolutely alright.
The whole ears turning red was almost just as cute, as was the "gap-moe."
"Are you alright?" The Fallen asked, scanning him with her eyes. "I heard you yell."
"Oh, don't worry about that. Ddraig had said something outrageous. It was real surprising."
Her brows furrowed at that. "Outrageous?"
His grandparents were trying to stay out of the supernatural side of things. Therefore, he decided to hide their involvement. "We learned some stuff about my powers today. And since we haven't talked much since training with my tutor, she was adjusting my training program." He wasn't exactly lying, either.
"Oh." She opened her mouth to continue but paused. Only to softly shake her head, Raynare then asked, "Has Ddraig been okay?"
"Quiet but better, I think." He slipped a hand onto hers. "Thank you again for helping her." He grinned, seeing her shiver and avoided his gaze. It was intoxicating for her to bare her truest self.
"I-, I was the only one who could do something about it..." she trailed off, shifting their handhold, so she could interlock her fingers. "It's my job to do so."
"Mhmm." Issei slid in closer until they were shoulder-to-shoulder. "I appreciate it." He debated on adding and exposing Ddraig, but it wouldn't bid well to trigger his partner by teasing her pride. She would be off the hook for now...
His girlfriend replied, "I heard you the first time, Ise." This time, she refused to stammer.
The hand in hers slipped onto her thigh. A sly smile stretched his lips. "Would you allow me to show you just how much?" The disguised Fallen bit her lip, staring down at his hand. Her curiosity piqued. However, the nearly sixteen-year-old boy noticed something. Seemingly, under his hand, she grew noticeably warm. Issei blinked down at it. "Were you out all night?"
His girlfriend nodded, alleviating her indecisiveness to answer his question. "Just did some training with my new abilities." She then leaned towards him, pressing a hand atop his. Breathily, she answered his first question, staring into his soul with glowing pink eyes, "I wouldn't mind."
The windows of her soul sucked him in for a couple of moments before he shook it off. He would never grow tired of it. Just like the feeling of her lips...
Which reminded him, he still had yet to kiss her again since that one session in his bedroom. So, he leaned in to meet Raynare halfway, pressing his lips against hers briefly with open eyes. He watched intently as her eyes closed, and her lips puckered to ready themselves for his.
There was a short-lived surprise when he retreated quickly with a smirk. When her eyes fluttered open, they were darkened with mirth. After all, the Fallen had felt the smirk before he departed. It riled her up as easily and quickly as their kiss was brief.
It was done on purpose. Issei knew what buttons of hers to press, to take advantage of, to make sure Raynare could be Raynare. Her status reacting alongside her physical ones, the ability her affection gifted him, and her profile within his powers made sure of this.
Issei felt he hadn't appealed to her holy side much. Since her "Awakened Virtue" (whatever that meant) had dealt with charity, the best way to stoke those flames would be to thank her, he assumed. She had done a ton of thankless work to cover his tracks, after all. Probably a ton more than he couldn't imagine, and a lot under the... eerily named "Beloved Uncle" of hers from her profile.
The boy would've been jealous if he wasn't about to make out with Raynare again. On top of that, it was an utterly unrequited crush of hers. One that was dying with his timely intervention.
It had bothered him at first when he read it from her profile that was crafted with his newly explained powers of his. However, it wasn't like he hadn't been in a similar spot with quite literally any girl, who showed him extra attention before the blessing surfaced two months ago. This time, he wanted to be on the other foot, drawing her to him like a moth to a flame, even if he hadn't known what to do at first.
Thankfully, Interm. Sin Mastery II carried him. Ironic, given it originated from her.
Either way, he would be a poor boyfriend if he didn't give her the extra attention his (Fallen) Angel deserved. She deserved to feel at home with him. It was clear it wasn't common with the way she treated herself. He hoped to change that, sooner rather than later.
This time, she initiated. Whereas, last time, he had to get her in the mood more after her (not-quite) begging.
She rose, pressed both her hands to his chest and once he fell back, she straddled his lower abdomen. The power she had over him inflamed her Sin, engulfing her with need. It was intoxicating. So much so, she needed to vent.
And so, she leaned down, bending her back and tilting her head slightly, to kiss him again. Both of her hands slid from his chest to grasp at his lower jaw in a very gentle hold. As if to suck the life out of him, she deepened their lip lock and tightened her grip.
Just as the pace changed, she separated her lips, smirking back at him, all but saying, how does it feel? To her unspoken question, Issei only had one response. "I love you, Raynare."
Instantly, she froze. Her face and ears shot into the red. His waist grew hot since her body seemed to boil from within. For a split second, the boy thought he broke her. Raynare had never reacted this way as herself.
Issei worried until he read her status.
Just as he finished reading it, she all but lunged forward, retaking her hold over his chin and his lips with a harshness that was sure to bruise them. The chocolate eyed boy couldn't find himself to care as her tongue slipped between his lips freely. He tried his best to match her intensity, draping a head to the back of her neck. His other wove itself into her long black curtain of hair. Both pressed down, abusing Interm. Sin Mastery I to increase her stronger thoughts and feelings at their intimate distance.
There came the sounds of wings fluttering in mass as she quivered despite the scalding warmth. It furthered their kiss. She was feverish and almost panicky, sucking the life out of him.
He let it happen as two prominent notifications stole attention.
—Ping! Ping!
- :|: -
"Raynare" route
Status: "Dark Lustful Watcher"
Currently: 50%
Bonus(es):
"Unique" Equipment: Gray Halo
"Unique" Equipment: Raynare's Tear (x2)
"Epic" Equipment: 6-Feathered Fallen Sabre (wristlet form)
"Rare" Equipment: Black-Feathered Dragon Mask
Refer to the Relationship tab in your Profile
- :|: -
Issei nearly choked on Raynare's tongue as he took in the first one. Her affection meter skyrocketed. He expected an increase, but nothing on this level nor the amount of rewards for this affection.
His girlfriend misunderstood the strangled sound. She briefly pulled back, just far enough their heaving breaths brushed against one another. Her pink eyes, glowing in the darkness that was her hair, stared unblinking at him.
His gaze wavered more than once, only because his glance over the second notification hinted at something new. A couple of things actually...
- :|: -
"Twice fallen, Once for you" Screenshot Saved
Description: Raynare surrenders herself to her desires completely. This time, you were the reason, instrument, and relief, drawing very close to her core as a Fallen Watcher.
Bonus(es):
"Legendary" Equipment: Soul Link (Raynare)
"Unique" Equipment: Corrupted Essence (Shard)
Interm. Holy Light Mastery I
(First time bonus = early rewards, Host.)
Refer to Scenes tab in your Profile
- :|: -
Ddraig was fucking with him—which would be strange from the prideful dragon—or his blessing had gained some kind of sentience. And, this was the first time he got rewards for unlocking 'Scenes.'
Raynare shut his brain off by whispering his name, "Issei..." At some point, her disguise had shifted to her actual self. A taller Raynare now sat on his lap, pulling the rim of the hoodie upwards. It exposed her navel and outlined her bra-less boobs beneath.
All in all, it was quite the sight from up close.
Issei felt himself harden at her tone, then blush as his lower head pressed against her. Maybe she didn't notice, but he had shifted himself back sometime during their kissing, so Raynare wouldn't accidentally slip off the bed, j-just in case! He hadn't taken into account how that would change their position.
She now sat directly over his crotch. Her hips grounded against it, slightly. It turned his brain into mush. He wasn't expecting this, to say the least.
She audibly sucked in a breath, seemingly draining it from his coinciding exhale. Her hips shuffled back and forth once as she leaned forward to confess, "I love you too."
Whatever response he could somehow drag up was plugged by her plump lips. They mashed again with increased fervor. Her hands slid into his brown locks, pulling him closer if possible.
His own fell down to the base of her wings. Issei felt her briefly stiffen at that. This area was both one of weakness and pleasure. For her to willingly expose her wings meant he had gained her utmost trust, or she was extremely horny.
He liked to think it was both.
Both were good.
And so, with a smirk, his hands ghosted up and down her raven wings. It increased her shivering and lessened her focus on their shared kiss, but neither of them cared. His eyes tailed the goosebumps trailing her arms that struggled to hold on to him still.
His fingers, nimble after speed practicing the runes to Youjutsu, continued to caress and massage her anxiously fluttering wings that relaxed at his touch. They seemed needy and begged for his touch, as if exposing Raynare's thoughts. Not like he needed it, given her status and Sin Mastery at his beck and call. It was so cute, reminding him of a puppy.
The boy felt a heated glare and quickly bit back a laugh. He wasn't the only one who could read their partner. She really was made for him, huh?
To show his appreciation, he rose slightly, releasing one of her wings, so he could prop himself up. Before she could complain or yearn needlessly, he weaved a hand through her feathers and combed through in a manner that gave even him goosebumps as they glided across his hand. He started from the top wing and slid onto the next, then the final layer.
Raynare reacted poorly.
Or, just right if you asked Issei.
Her lips left him to gasp. Her shoulders fell upon him as her head lulled against his. The Fallen Angel sighed against his ear, stuttering with shutters, clutching tight around his shoulders. Her thighs clamped around his, and her ankles locked themselves underneath his knees.
Issei cooed further gratitude into her ear as she began to unravel in his lap, now gyrating in every which way, but careful not to hurt him. It seemed to have some of the greatest effect on the budding woman.
Soon, his pajama sweats were soaked under Raynare, whose hands turned to trembling fists, the second sign to the apex of her bliss. Issei continued undeterred—if anything, he was more assured. He had experienced her blushed and redden with delight from their previous make out. It was time to see her glow in rapture.
It only took a couple of minutes before she couldn't hold on.
Raynare tightened her hold for a split second as she cried out in a way that surpassed anything he could imagine. Then, she slumped, utterly spent. Her wings fell limp as she melted against him.
Absent-mindedly, she mumbled into his neck, "...love you, Isse..." He would've replied if she hadn't started sliding off of him.
Quickly, his hand left her back to ooze into her ass. The Watcher gave a small moan, in what sounded like approval. Despite himself, he smiled semi-awkwardly into her hair, hugging her to him with one arm; the other gently lowered them.
Again, it wasn't on purpose, but it worked out in the end. He caught her AND got to grope at her juicy underside. Although... His hands were wet and slightly sticky. Apparently, her shorts-turned-bloomers were soaked. Thoroughly and utterly ruined.
It was a lil mind-boggling that he could affect her to this degree. It was a complete mess, but one he didn't mind. If anything...
Issei started spooning her. His erection abraded against her weeping core. His hands, still sunken into her, gradually massaged more and more as he fell into a slow rhythm, as he waited for raven girlfriend to come down from her high. His dating-sim powers were telling him Raynare was the type to try and elongate her orgasmic bliss.
Good god, she was so hot.
"...I-Ise, how-? Have.. Are you meeting another Fallen in secret?" Raynare asked, incredulously, against chin, having finally found the motivation to move, and barely the effort to speak.
She knew the answer to that; she was his Fallen Watcher, after all. Even Issei could tell, so he didn't bother answering. Instead, he shoved her body upwards so he could kiss her nose. A flush overtook her cheeks. A peek below would see her ass pink from his handling already. However, he was too busy staring into her eyes.
His assigned liaison broke contact, noticing his hard-on again. "Oh- y-you haven't..." She stuttered in slight embarrassment then trailed off, shuffling out of his hold to slide down. Trickling to his waist, she sent him a smile before gently massaging his bulge through his soaked sweats. It was a wry one before Issei encouraged her with soft moans, increasing her confidence.
It wasn't long until she pulled at both waistbands to his undergarment and pants. The maneuver released his throbbing sex, which slapped against her flushed cheeks with a wet pap. Issei went wide-eyed at that in disbelief. He—w-well, it's not like he hadn't imagined a similar situation, but he wasn't expecting anything like this so early in their wholesome relationship!
Raynare ignored it, taking in his erection through her many senses. The smell was heavy, infused with her blush-worthy essence, but otherwise, clean and shaven, thankfully. One of her hands wrapped around the base, slowly tightening until she thought it was good enough. Her boyfriend's reaction seemed good enough, but they were supposed to... communicate, right?
A part of her wanted to laugh because she of all people shouldn't be mentioning communication. She shoved it down, refocusing on the matter in hand, literally.
She peered up at him and his slightly raised torso. His muscle mass was coming along nicely. A-Anyway! "Is this good enough, Ise?" She rubbed it up and down, gradually encompassing more and more of his length, having sensed his hesitation. "Don't hold back. Like I said, Ise..." The raven mistress pressed his length against her clothed chest, still stroking, "I'm here for you."
All in all, it was a mouth-watering sight to behold. Yet, she thought it wasn't good enough! His Yuuma wanted to further his pleasure, not just to repay her own orgasm or their last make out session, but because she was diligent like that.
Fuuuck, she was perfect.
So, he would be completely honest with her.
"Y-You can..." The brown-eyed boy groaned as she learned firsthand how sensitive the end of his penis was. "Hold it a lil tighter, Ray." He couldn't believe he was lasting as long as he did.
And so, she followed his word. "Is this good enough?" In her opinion, she would think it was too tight already, but with the increased fervor of his pleasure, never mind the boiling Sin of Lust welled within him, it couldn't be.
"Perrrfect, Raynare. You're... so perfect..." The older girl smiled beautifully, preening, before turning her attention back to his throbbing mass. "Almost there," he groaned, trying his best to restrain his hips. "A-Almost..."
"Don't hold back, Ise~" she sang, readjusting herself. Her thighs splayed themselves as she rubbed herself over one of his. She leaned down and over Issei to suckle at his neck. Her midriff edged his lower head. The friction grew harsher as his hips became more and more uncontrollable.
"R-Raynare!"
As if she knew, her hand that propped her up already snapped into place above his hard-on as he came harder than ever before. Her body promptly fell forward without support. Her lips crashed against his, muffling and swallowing his moan. Even amidst his orgasm, Issei felt something leave him into Raynare, draining him further. His hands had a handful at the base of some of her wings, riding out the high as he continued to unleash into her hand.
Eventually, his head, hands and knees fell back against the bed. He huffed as his raven girlfriend mewled against him, somehow reaching a similar high again. A tired smirk reached his lips as he thought about that. His pleasure was hers. It must've been her Virtue of Charity at work, corrupted by her signature sin or something.
The idea was kinda hot, like the pair of sizable boobs pressed up against him. So much so, he could feel himself grow hard again. He peeked downward, getting movement, only to catch Raynare test-tasting her glossy palm. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her, apparently.
Gods...
"You're so sexy, Yuuma."
The budding woman froze, mid-lick. Then, she noticed his even-wetter sex harden against her pillowy thigh. She turned back up to him with a sheepish smile, as if to say, 'I should've expected this.'
Swiftly, she moved before he could say anything. Dragging herself to the edge of the bed, she hithered him to follow. He did so, easily. Her status shared that she wanted to reward him with something. He almost couldn't wait!
His gaze followed the Fallen as she gathered herself before him on her knees. She collected the front of her hoodie and raised it above her nude chest. "I knew you would really like this, so..." She raised herself up and forward. "H-Here you go, Ise." The smooth and plump mounds, oozing through her palms, swallowed his twitching and thoroughly lubricated length.
Instantly, the sensation overwhelmed him in new ways. He couldn't care that the hoodie had fallen forward and covered her cute, pink nipples that had peeked betwixt her fingers. It was everything he had imagined this situation would be and more!
Even still, it didn't completely overcome him.
He had to show his appreciation. "It feels amazing, Y-Yuuma. Real fucking good..." A part of him was glad that she was just as inexperienced as he was, carried along by her extra sense. "You're doing great." He shoved his unnecessary thoughts, focusing on his girlfriend and his effects on her. That his words meant so much to her. That he had gotten this far with her. That not too long ago, he was worried. And now, here she was, being the most gorgeous and sexiest woman he had ever seen.
It filled him with such happiness, he nearly shed a tear!
His words—and, seemingly, his thoughts too—spurred the raven-haired beauty on. She gradually sped up, cooing all the while. Her six wings fluttered, helping, flaring out with loose black feathers. Her almost-panicky movement ruined her hair style, throwing it all over. When it covered her face, in specific her lovely eyes, Issei couldn't help but take a hand to brush it out the way.
For a moment, she slowed, so she could lean into his touch. Her instinct surprised her so much, her eyes widened like never before, as they stared up at him, incredulously. Her ears blossomed a deep crimson. The red reached down to her collar.
Issei would've giggled or gushed about how cute she was with such a visage. However, he was too overcome with pleasure to pay it more than a split second of attention. "R-Raynare, I l-love you!" he cried, hugging her head into her stomach. And like that, his vision went white, and he finally came.
As ropes shot into her stolen hoodie, Raynare shifted, even in his strong grip, so she could capture his essence with her mouth. It would be a massive waste if she didn't. It contained energy of all kinds in one of the purest forms she's ever seen. A mix of Yin-yang, Holy Light, strands of Sin, and most prominently, raw draconic energy welled within her. If she didn't know better, the Fallen Angel was sure he had used the infamous [Transfer] ability onto her.
But she didn't get to analyze it for long. She hadn't realized that absorbing more of his fluid would come with consequences. It overwhelmed her instantly.
Her many wings flared suddenly, only to fall limp a second later. She had to clutch his calves like a lifeline, as yet another burst of delight rammed into her core. Her cry against his forearm was barely muffled. Her legs lost control, spazzing to catch a grip on anything. She nearly slipped and fell multiple times, if not for the unconscious ability of her wings to keep her afloat and Issei's tight grip that fell around her shoulder.
It was the most amount of liquids she has ever made, period. She didn't know it was even possible! It was embarrassing. Never mind shameful, unseemly, and mortifying...
Her boyfriend somehow sensed it even amidst the throes of his pleasure. From the pits of her arm, Issei easily lifted her up during her bout of powerlessness. He released her when they found his soft pillows—only to pull her back to his chest. When her wings returned to her back, she couldn't tell. Yet, she tried to struggle, weakly.
Issei used his stolen hoodie against her, holding it in a way she could barely move in his embrace. He then shook his head and kissed the crown of her head. He mumbled, "It's okay, Ray.. Clean-up can wait for the morning." The younger boy spooned against her, gently. His free hand drew lines over her many curves, ghosting in its touch.
Her mind rebelled against the shivers and goosebumps his adoring touch caused. "You're so good with magic..."And yet, she eventually stilled, enjoying his loving, near-unconscious attention, "You were so hot. Pretty. Sexy. Perfect really... I love you..."
Ultimately, his drained mind entered the clouds, drifting away to slumber.
Despite the reenergized feeling of his essence, her body felt weak. She could barely bring herself to turn around in his arms. All she could muster was a kiss to his forehead before she followed him into the land of dreams.
Meanwhile, Ddraig tried her best to meditate and ignore everything. She failed a couple times, gaining the attention of the accursed chill. However, she had made sure it would bother Issei by drawing upon the warmth his soul generated.
The unintended effect was that it made her horny.
She couldn't remember the last time she felt this way, but she already hated it.
Aes (A/N): Well then... The last scene did not want to be finished, holy smokes. It took forever.
Ngl, it doesn't feel like it's been almost a year since I've updated. My bad in any case. Also, I totally forgot I planned to do an extended intermission about Raynare. Whoops. It was probably unnecessary if I forgot about it.
Was the explanation for the origins of his powers sufficient? Too much? Unnecessary? Please, do share. Speaking of explanations, here's some more:
How come he didn't have such a reaction with Yasaka, who I've made much stronger but haven't exactly shown, you might be wondering? Simply, what he met was a clone made from Youkai energy with the utmost control. As such, it was able to bypass his 'infant' eyes. Also, she is "hot waman" and the mother of Kunou and saw no need to intimidate him after the second rescue, instead of being an ugly big man.
50% affection meter is a point where the character feels like they can confidently confess they like another person. Kunou was practically already there, explained since she's on the younger side/more emotionally tuned, has been saved by him twice (not just heroic worship, trust me), and seen him when no one has, i.e. a person's real self that was seen while pretending to be their pet (holy shit, that's kinkier than I meant).
For Raynare—a mostly isolated and repressed lab assistant turned spy in charge of a rebelling group against her father-like figure/crush—I'd imagine it would be harder than most characters I've written thus far (Kuroka doesn't already like anyone, lol) and others that I will introduce in this story to gain her affection. Since she's his first, there obviously is more focus on her, hastening her meter's growth. And then, with the new wings' growth and the upgrade to her unholy sin that came with them, she's a lot more thankful. A basis to her character, to grow strong, still remains, but why has changed slightly.
I'm not sure if I conveyed it thoroughly enough, but Sin Mastery is practically a cheat for his infantile powers. It does more than sensing sins, like reemphasizing them, infecting others, and using it to empower his attacks through the will of intent, if that made sense.
75% should be when a character would rather lay down their life than harm them. Or, at least, an equivalent based on the type of person. Quite odd that the Raynare quest required only 70%, hm. Doesn't that seem weirdly close?
Did Issei's trumatic episode come from nowhere? He had a mini one before, and I tried to hint at lingering stuffs a few times but idk.
Edits: A good amount; gave up towards the end again
[Words: 13,896]
Reviews:
Misaka Phenex: NTR? I would hope there won't be any. For example, Sariel will remain with Hachiman. But, given how many girls and a lack of foresight to plan out each and every one of them, I guess I'm bound to cuck someone ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It shouldn't be Issei either way. Odd thing to point out in a mostly wholesome story so far...
Tyrant Overlord Killidia: It's a bit of a "long-term" quest, with checkpoints to meet rather than pure results for completion. As for the Gremory family, there should be a pleasant surprise there :)
DarkDrawerJ: Thank you, really, my friend. I try.
theclaymoredj: it is a pretty uncommon change, and personally, I've rarely seen it done well (can't think of one from the top of my head). It's usually a very rushed job... Hopefully, so far I've given her justice despite a lack of focus.
To everyone else who still sticks around for some reason: Hi and thank you. That is all.
My new story 'Light in a Bottle' and probably either my PKMN story or Lovely Angel will be updated next. Then, a complete overhaul of an older story (sounds long, but it shouldn't be). And then, I should be back here again.