Day 4 of DxDecember and the feels are about to be kicked below the belt.
Don't forget the second tag of this story is angst. It is particularly heavy in this chapter, probably the deepest it will get in the entire story, so it can only get better from here (well, at least it won't get darker I guess, but it might take a bit to get better).
Also feel free to join my discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG and/or a more wild discord with more memes discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Gasper would explain some of the abilities of the vampires to Issei and the others helping him with his apartment rebuild, revealing the range of skills vampires could possess, as well as the story of Vlad the Impaler. Elsewhere Raynare would speak with Azazael regarding visions, dreams and nightmares of realities and events not only of her previous life. Azazel would discuss the apparent link Issei and Raynare seemed to share, before asking the fallen to report to him any further visions. Yuuto would approach Issei later and try to apologise for recent events while also revealing Murayama had a hand in the rumours of Issei and Kiba having an amorous relationship. Issei and Ravel would mutually reassure each other, the pair sensing something on the horizon, before Ravel would take Ophis to the Hyoudou Household in preparation for the eventual meeting with the vampires. Later, Murayama and Issei would discuss the development of their own relationship, before Murayama would prompt Issei to pursue Xenovia romantically.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 25 – Illusion of Reality
Xenovia heard a knock on her door and went to answer it.
'Issei, what do you need?' Asked Xenovia.
'Nothing really, I just wanted to come in and see how you are doing.' Said Issei.
'I am doing well; I was just preparing a suitcase for our eventual trip.' Said Xenovia.
'Oh, do you want me to leave?' Asked Issei.
'Of course not, you can help me pack.' Said Xenovia.
Issei followed Xenovia as she led him to her bedroom where there were two empty suitcases and a partially filled one resting on her bed.
'Do you really need three suitcases?' Asked Issei curiously.
'One is for souvenirs.' Said Xenovia.
'Oh, I guess that makes sense then.' Said Issei.
'So which set should I back, red or black?' Asked Xenovia, showing Issei two sets of brassieres and panties.
'Uh, why not both?' Asked Issei.
'Hmm, I didn't think of that, having options would be a good idea.' Said Xenovia, before placing both into a suitcase.
'Hey, Xenovia, you know how you were talking about having a child earlier?' Asked Issei, getting Xenovia to nod.
'Yes. Have you changed your mind about that?' Asked Xenovia.
'No, I still want to have lots of kids too, but I was just wondering, you said you also wanted to be Student Council President and a few other things, but if you had a child, you wouldn't be able to do some of that stuff anymore, you'd be a lot busier.' Said Issei.
'Hmm, I do understand what you are saying, but I don't think it would be a problem. I would have access to all supports and assistance I could ever require between yourself, the others, Sister Griselda, and the angels. It also wouldn't be a problem, as I would not feel as though I am missing out on anything if the difference is me having time to spend with my child.' Said Xenovia.
'Then do you want to have one now?' Asked Issei, causing Xenovia to blink.
'I am unsure how to respond, is this a joke?' Asked Xenovia.
'No, I'm being serious. I want you to be happy as well and if having a child will make you the happiest, I would be happy to help you get there.' Said Issei.
'I need a moment to process this.' Said Xenovia, her expression rather blank.
'Can we build up to this first?' Asked Xenovia after a moment.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'I would like to experience all steps leading up to having a child. We have yet to kiss, or go on a date, furthermore, we should have a ceremony prior to consummating things, shouldn't we?' Asked Xenovia.
'I mean, I guess that's up to you, Kuroka didn't really care about any of that stuff, she just really wants babies, but she is pretty extreme in that way. I don't mind a few steps before that though.' Said Issei.
'Good. I think it should only be a few days or weeks once we sort out this mission then. I will make sure I organise everything by then.' Said Xenovia.
'Huh? You want to organise everything?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'Yes. Since you are ready, I will just make sure I complete the other requirements as quickly as possible and proceed from there. Would you be able to come with me to ask Griselda for my hand as well? I doubt she will refuse, as it seems Sister Griselda has expressed her great approval for you, despite being a former incarnation of lust.' Said Xenovia.
'Oh, okay then.' Said Issei easily.
'That is good. I will also speak with Irina to ensure she is also ready.' Said Xenovia.
'Um, what do you need to speak with Irina about?' Asked Issei, tilting his head slightly to the side in confusion.
'I think it would only be right for the two of us to lose our respective virginities to you together. Of course, this will be difficult for Irina as she can still fall, so we will need to make some preparations first.' Said Xenovia.
'I didn't realise you and Irina were that close…' Admitted Issei after a moment.
'I know I have trouble expressing myself, but Irina is my best friend, and we were basically inseparable for years prior to our arrival here. We would eat, sleep, bathe, and carry out our missions together all the time. It is funny to think that we are going to fight vampires now, as Irina helped saved my life from a vampire three years ago. It is also why my hair is short now.' Said Xenovia.
'I guess I really don't know about what happened to Irina after she left… or what your life was like before coming to Kuoh.' Said Issei.
'Which is why I think a date would be helpful for the two of us to get to know each other better, however, I would also like to practice now in the meantime.' Said Xenovia.
'Practice? I thought you wanted to wait… wait, I thought I was here to help you pack?' Asked Issei.
'That's fine, I just want to practice some other things I have seen and overheard. Despite her appearance, Murayama has quite the imagination.' Said Xenovia.
'Yeah, I'm starting to realise that.' Muttered Issei.
'As for packing.' Said Xenovia, before grabbing two handfuls of clothes and dumping them into her suitcase before zipping it up.
'Done.' Said Xenovia.
'So what do you want to practice first?' Asked Issei.
'Could we start with a kiss?' Asked Xenovia.
'Of course we can start there, you just make sure to let me know when to stop.' Said Issei.
-line break-
'Issei, Xenovia, wake up, it is time to go!' Said Irina, knocking loudly on Xenovia's door.
'The door is open.' Said Xenovia sleepily.
'Wha-what are you two doing?' Asked Irina, after she made her way to Xenovia's bedroom, only to find her cuddled up to Issei.
'Don't worry, we did not have intercourse.' Said Xenovia, causing Irina to start stammering in disbelief.
'Besides, I want us to share our first time with Issei.' Finished Xenovia, causing Irina's face to break out in a blush.
'What?' Squeaked Irina.
'Don't worry, Sister Griselda told me about something they are working on upstairs, I'll make sure you won't fall when we have our eventual threesome.' Said Xenovia.
'Well either way, we need to get going.' Said Irina, not knowing how to react any further, causing her to default back to her mission-oriented mind.
'Issei, are you awake?' Asked Xenovia.
'Yeah, I was just wanting to see how Irina would react to your suggestion without interfering. Irina, do you want to go on a date later as well? Would you like me to speak to your father as well?' Asked Issei.
'Uh, um, this is too soon and too early in the morning! Can we discuss all of this after we finish our mission?' Requested the flustered angel.
'Of course, I just want to know what I need to do, I wouldn't want Xenovia to have to wait because I was being lazy.' Said Issei, before crawling out of the bed and giving a stretch to the roof.
'I'll go grab my stuff and meet you downstairs in ten minutes.' Said Issei, before exiting Xenovia's apartment, leaving Irina and Xenovia alone.
'So should we do rock-paper-scissors to work out who goes first on the night?' Asked Xenovia.
'Wait, you were serious about that?' Asked Irina.
'Of course, despite what has happened between us, I still think of us as best friends and he was your friend first, I wouldn't want to overstake my claim.' Said Xenovia.
'Mou, you say the strangest things Xenovia, no wonder Sister Griselda had her hands full with you growing up.' Pouted Irina, before her expression shifted to a small smile.
'I'm fine with you being first. It is as you said, he was my friend first, but you were the first to go after him.' Said Irina sadly.
'Don't dwell on the past, we have a future to create after all.' Said Xenovia.
'That's right, so we better get ready, come on then.' Said Irina.
-line break-
The trio of angels arrived at the Hyoudou Household and noticed the others were noticeably absent.
'Oh Issei, did you come to see me?' Said Kuroka, approaching the three.
'Kuroka? You came back, where have you been?' Asked Issei.
'Just spending some quality time with Shirone. I guess you didn't come to see me though, did you, nya? Let me take you upstairs.' Said Kuroka playfully, before she bounced off.
The three angels followed the playful Nekomata and found themselves upstairs with a few of the highest profile figures around. Sitting around the table was Gabriel, Serafall, and Azazel, with Ophis casually sitting on the edge of the table. In the corner was Vali, Le Fay, Bikou, and Arthur. Off to the side were Rias and Sona, with their respective queens beside them, with a small box in front of them on the floor.
'Gasper? What are you doing in there?' Asked Issei, noticing the pair of eyes in the box.
'It is too scary right now.' Whined Gasper.
'Ahaha, I don't blame Gasper, it isn't every day two of the most beautiful rivals in the world come together like this.' Commented Azazel.
'Rivals?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'Of course! Gabriel is my biggest rival!' Exclaimed Serafall.
'Ara, I thought we were best friends though, Serafall.' Said Gabriel with a pleasant smile, causing the Leviathan to fume.
'Lady Gabriel is truly the kindest.' Said Xenovia, causing Serafall to pout.
'That's not fair. Ehm, but anyway, we should discuss the upcoming meeting.' Said Serafall, schooling herself after a moment.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'Ah, just a minute, the last of our guests should be arriving now.' Said Azazael, as a magic circle appeared.
'Sorry I'm late, I had to be careful.' Said a pale skinned individual, with dark purple hair.
'Is this the vampire? They don't feel like one, but do look like one.' Asked Xenovia curiously.
'This is Bennia, she is my knight.' Said Sona.
'And she is a grim reaper, more importantly. So then, what have you learned?' Asked Azazel.
'Hades is furious. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts working with Khaos Brigade later, but he isn't yet.' Said Bennia.
'Well at least that is some good news.' Said Azazael.
'How can that be considered good news?' Asked Issei.
'It means he won't be involved in this next mess at least. Especially given what we think is involved. If Hades had gotten wind of it at this point, there is no telling what he might have done.' Said Azazel.
'Yes. As an aspect of death, something like the Holy Grail is the antithesis of Hades. It would be best if we can sort things quietly, which is why we are hoping to arrange a certain request with the vampire envoy.' Said Gabriel.
'Yes, we will agree to assist them if we can have a representative from each faction be present. It might be a difficult negotiation, but we should be able to secure a reasonable strike force. We will propose a team including Bennia, as well as Issei as a representative of the Red Dragon Emperor, Vali as a representative of the White Dragon Emperor, Xenovia as a representative of the church, Kuroka as a representative of the Youkai, and Rias as a representative of the devils. There was a plan to include Akeno as the representative of the fallen angels, but Azazel had a different idea.' Said Serafall, turning towards the fallen angel.
'Yes, I will send Raynare to accompany you as well.' Said Azazel, causing Issei to frown.
'She isn't strong enough for something like this. What's your game?' Asked Issei.
'Oh? How do you know how strong Raynare is?' Asked Azazel teasingly.
'She'll just get killed or slow us down.' Said Issei, causing the others to look at Issei strangely for saying something so callous.
'That's what you are there for.' Said Azazael.
Issei felt his annoyance build and looked to Gabriel, who simply gave him a small smile, her beautiful eyes locking with Issei's own and quelling his disquiet instantly.
'Ah, I am truly envious of that bond of yours, but surely this is why you are the inheritor of my will.' Said Azazel offhandedly.
'Azazael, what else is part of this plan? If it was just us going, there would be no need for all of us to meet beforehand?' Asked Issei.
'Ah, of course, that is because we will have two auxiliary teams to support you in secret. It is very likely that whatever this envoy wants will have something to do with Gasper, so it is inherent that Rias as his king will also attend, with Yuuto as her bodyguard, and we will propose Bennia as Gasper's bodyguard. The first secondary team will be comprised of the remaining devil members of Rias' and Sona's peerage. The second secondary team will include Dulio and a group from the angel's side, the rest of Vali's team, and myself.' Said Azazel.
'You're coming as well?' Asked Rias in disbelief.
'Of course, I am your club supervisor, I need to be present to supervise and prevent any accidents from happening on the mission.' Said Azazael.
'I am not so childish that I would risk my cute little servant over a grudge.' Said Rias.
'Better to be safe than sorry.' Said Azazel.
'Well, I hope you have thought this through then, it doesn't sound like things are going to be as straightforward as we might hope.' Said Issei.
'Of course. After all, we have all of our heaviest hitters coming as well as some technical specialists. Now then, why don't we discuss the plan. If there is any hint of Khaos Brigade involvement, particularly the Hero Faction, we will send word for reinforcements. Sairaorg Bael's peerage, as well as Tannin, are also on standby, and Lady Yasaka has kindly volunteered Yu-Long, should we need further assistance.' Said Azazel.
'Yu-Long? Why couldn't we get Sun Wukong instead?' Asked Issei.
'Oi, don't bring my ancestor into things! That guy is always lecturing people.' Said Bikou.
'There is only one condition that will lead to Sun Wukong joining us and I am doubtful it will occur. Have no fear though, this Governor-General is only a word away from securing further assistance.' Said Azazel.
'If I can be blunt, what exactly are you expecting us to encounter?' Asked Xenovia.
'Ah, direct as always. Very well then. Evil dragons. Some of the strongest creatures to ever exist just below Ddraig and Albion. While we are lucky to have Ophis with us, her powers remain a touch volatile, so we can't just rely on her infinite power to solve all of our problems, so we will need power types like yourself.' Said Azazael.
'The two of us will also be watching over things, so rest assured you will not be going in alone.' Said Gabriel with a smile, with Serafall nodding.
'Of course, we will make sure if anything bad tries to happen we will stop it with brutal force.' Said Serafall.
'Ah, I feel at ease with The Strongest Woman in Heaven and the Ultimate Female Devil watching our backs.' Commented Azazel.
'Do we actually have any information on what the vampire envoy wants?' Asked Sona.
'Given the turmoil in the area, we can only anticipate they will ask for assistance of some sort, although vampires do not make the politest requests.' Said Gabriel.
'Yes, they will arrive for the meeting at the Old School Building, given that is stronghold of Rias, who they have specifically sent the request to. That being said, they will be arriving at two in the morning so it might be worth getting some rest in the meantime.' Said Azazael.
'Nya, then I want to take a nap with Issei and his fluffy wings.' Said Kuroka, glomping Issei's right arm.
'Just a nap?' Asked Xenovia curiously.
'Yeah, I haven't been sleeping well away from Issei. Shirone doesn't want to cuddle very much.' Said Kuroka.
'I see, if it is just a nap, I will join too… is what I would like to say, but I have some preparations to do first.' Said Xenovia.
'Okay then, nap time, nya.' Said Kuroka, before dragging Issei away.
As others started to filter out of the room, Gabriel remained seated, sensing someone in the room was wanting to speak to her.
'Lady Gabriel, do you have a minute?' Asked Rias, approaching the Seraph.
'I do, is there something I can help you with?' Asked Gabriel with a smile.
'…I can see why Issei must have fallen in love with you, even just speaking to you like this is overwhelming… I wanted to ask you about Issei.' Said Rias.
'Please sit down then, I believe this conversation will take some time.' Said Gabriel, gesturing for the seat across from her that Azazael had vacated.
'Is there… is there any chance… do you think there is a chance I could ever win Issei's love back?' Asked Rias.
'I think that is the not the right question to ask. Issei's love isn't a prize to be won, it is something he gives freely. Your question is wrong though. You should not ask if you could ever win Issei's love back, but instead ask how Issei's heart is doing. You should ask if he is happy or not, and if there is anything you could do to help. You want Issei's love, but you want it before giving your own love, that is what caused the breakdown between you.' Said Gabriel.
Rias started to laugh bitterly at this.
'I really am a devil, aren't I? Even when I thought I had learned to be different, I fail to prove it again and again. I never understood what Issei said back then… that time… he said that you told him that you won't ever turn on him or ask for more than he can give and that he has your love forever. I thought it was something similar to how I reincarnated my pieces where I ask them to live on for me and be pleased with their new life, but you didn't need to say anything like that, did you?' Commented Rias.
'No, there is nothing so involved, it is only an exchange of trust and honesty to be converted into an angel. I believe that is where you failed, Rias. Issei was always a very honest boy, he could never be deliberately malicious to someone, but he was scared. He remains scared now in fact, especially with recent events. I only try to help him through them. Issei knows he can come to me in any state, and I will not refuse or rebuke him, I will only accept and acknowledge him. In the same way that you ask your pieces to live for you, Issei has decided he will live for me. I could never betray someone so wholeheartedly devoted to me.' Said Gabriel.
Rias started to feel tears gather in the corners of her eyes.
'I think I really understand what he meant back then. You truly are an angel. To offer comfort to someone who hurt someone who is close to you… I know I couldn't do that; my first instinct was to try and murder Raynare on the spot when I first saw her. I think I need to thank you, Lady Gabriel… even if I will never be able to make Issei happy, I am glad he at least has you, he deserves that much after being betrayed twice.' Said Rias with a teary smile.
'You do not need to worry about Issei, Rias, I will be with him until one of us perishes and even then, our bond will endure. Please do look after yourself as well though. Issei is a very honest and forgiving boy, but if you approach him as you are, even he will feel pain. His intention was never to hurt you, it was to close off his heart to you so he would never be hurt again. If you can learn to give love even if you may never receive it, you might be able to reach Issei one day.' Said Gabriel.
'That breaks my heart, really. You are trying to comfort me, but deep down I know my own insecurities could never let me give my love so freely and expect nothing in return.' Said Rias sadly.
'Then I am afraid I cannot guide you any further. Please excuse me though Rias, I must get going now.' Said Gabriel, before the entrance to heaven opened behind her.
'Thank you for your time, Lady Gabriel. Please… please look after Issei for me.' Said Rias with a small smile, even as her face continued to be stained with tears.
'I will, please look after your own heart as well, Rias Gremory.' Said Gabriel kindly, before she disappeared.
Once the gate faded, Rias placed her arms and head down on the table and sobbed. Sobbing for what she once had. Sobbing for what she had lost. Sobbing for what she would never be able to get back. Sobbing for Issei's love.
-line break-
Issei awoke later that evening, finding Kuroka was still curled into his side. Issei had half expected someone else to have joined them, as had been his experience many times in the past, remembering how his room was connected directly to Rias and Asia's rooms. Issei slipped out of Kuroka's light grasp and made his way to the bathroom. After washing his hands, Issei frowned, hearing water still trickling. Taking a closer look at the sink, Issei couldn't see any leaks anywhere, but could still hear the sound of drop after drop falling. Walking around the bathroom, trying to find the sound, Issei found it got louder as he made his way to Asia's side. Assuming Asia was sleeping, Issei quietly entered her bathroom through the adjacent door and tried to find the source, again with no luck. It was as Issei made his way through the bathroom; he heard another sound in addition to the sound of the water. It was a faint hiss, almost like the sound of water striking hot metal, but different somehow. Issei quietly opened the door to Asia's bedroom, only to see the small girl sitting on the edge of the bed, her left arm outstretched, while her right held a small bottle. It took Issei only a second to recognise the bottle, remembering how instrumental it had been in his nigh-impossible battle against Riser. It was Holy Water.
'Asia, what are you doing?' Asked Issei, making his presence known as he opened the door.
'Oh, Issei, what are you doing here?' Asked Asia flatly, even as another drop fell on her porcelain skin, momentarily becoming an angry red, before a green glow covered it, and unblemished skin was again revealed.
'Asia, what are you doing to yourself?' Asked Issei, as he approached the girl, coming to stand beside her.
'I am repenting and atoning for my sins.' Said Asia flatly.
Issei felt a chill run up his spine at the absolute lack of emotion in her tone. It didn't even sound like a person had spoken. It was a tone more akin to what Ophis used, but lacked the sense of curious apathy, it just sounded like an empty well, rather than an infinite one. As the next drop slipped through, Issei grabbed the bottle of Holy Water and angled it back up, so no further drops would fall.
'Why are you hurting yourself, Asia?' Asked Issei.
'Hurting? This isn't hurting me at all. There is nothing to hurt.' Said Asia, finally lifting her head up to look at Issei's face.
Issei felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up at the former Holy Maiden's gaze. It was not broken, it was vacant. There wasn't even any sense of hurt left, just nothingness.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei.
'Isn't it obvious? Nothing has any meaning anymore. God is dead. I am a devil. I have lost my best friend. Life is cruel. This though, this is too cruel for life even, so I must been in the Hell of the end.' Said Asia.
'What does that have to do with hurting yourself?' Asked Issei.
'I told you, it doesn't hurt, there is nothing left to hurt. You should go and get some rest, you have things to do still, don't you?' Said Asia, gently prying her hand from Issei's, before attempting to drop another drop of Holy Water on her arm.
Issei put his hand in the way, which caused Asia to blink.
'That's right, you're an angel now. You gave up your hand to be able to use it back then. Holy Water is toxic to a devil after all.' Said Asia.
'What is it that you are planning to achieve like this Asia?' Asked Issei.
'To repent. One cannot have their sins forgiven if they do not repent. If I never repent, I will be stuck in this world of hypocrisy, injustice, and lies.' Said Asia.
'All of this because of what happened that time?' Asked Issei.
'I don't understand, that was a nightmare, it couldn't have been real. To be crushed by the kind Issei who saved my life, that could only be a nightmare. The return of Lady Raynare is only the final proof. What broken God could allow something like that to happen? Of course, there is no more God in Hell, which is why something like this can happen.' Said Asia.
'What are you saying Asia? Do you even believe half of what you are saying?' Asked Issei.
'God is dead, Issei is not my friend, and Lady Raynare is alive. I believe these things mean I am in Hell.' Said Asia, with the slightest hint of bitterness, the first emotion Issei had heard come through her voice in the entirety of this conversation, causing Issei to back off a step, with Asia then resuming her self-described repentance.
'Issei, what are you doing in here?' Asked Kuroka seriously.
'Something is wrong with Asia.' Said Issei.
'Isn't that obvious? Her Ki is still.' Said Kuroka.
'What does that mean?' Asked Issei.
'Ki needs to flow for life to exist. Ki which doesn't flow is what is essentially being dead can be thought to be.' Said Kuroka.
'What are we supposed to do to make her Ki flow then?' Asked Issei.
'It doesn't work that way, Issei; Ki flow comes from within. Something is broken for Ki to not flow. This isn't something you can fix by flicking a switch.' Said Kuroka.
'She says it is because she is in Hell.' Said Issei.
'She is in a sense. The world she has come to know no longer exists.' Said Kuroka.
'But Asia isn't even someone who uses or understands Ki, she has belief and faith.' Said Issei.
'Had. She had belief and faith. She has neither now, no belief in herself and no faith in others.' Said Kuroka.
'How, there are literal angels going to school with her, how can she have neither faith nor belief?' Asked Issei.
'Well she isn't wrong. God is dead, you are not her friend, and Raynare is alive. Is it really so absurd for her to think she is in Hell?' Pointed out Kuroka.
'Asia, please stop this.' Said Issei, crouching down so he was at Asia's eye level.
'Ah, the old kind Issei, the one we betrayed. I really must be in Hell if I am seeing this version of Issei again. The version of Issei I helped destroy.' Said Asia, before letting almost half a cup of water spill out on her arm, splashing onto her legs as well with some of the water splashing into Issei's face.
'Asia, please stop this!' Pleaded Issei.
'I can't ever stop this; this is my eternal hell.' Said Asia.
'Issei, you should leave, you are making things worse at this point.' Said Kuroka, pulling Issei away, even as the green glow covered Asia and healed her completely again.
'How can I leave?' Asked Issei.
'As harsh as it sounds, actions have consequences. You are not equipped to deal with something like this right now and you are too close to the issue. Just leave it to me for now. Go back and leave us for a minute.' Said Kuroka.
Issei obliged and went back to his room, sitting on the edge of his bed as he waited. A minute later, Kuroka arrived and sat beside him.
'She is sleeping now.' Said Kuroka.
'…Did I do something wrong?' Asked Issei.
'Before today, did you think you had done anything wrong?' Asked Kuroka.
'No.' Said Issei simply.
'Then no, you haven't done anything wrong. You can't be responsible for the actions of others. We all have a choice in what we do, right now, this is Asia's choice. You cannot control the choices of others.' Said Kuroka.
'I know, but at the same time, I can't do nothing.' Said Issei, only for Kuroka to rest her head on his shoulder.
'I know, that is who you are, but right now you need to focus, and you weren't getting through to her, if anything, you were making things worse.' Said Kuroka, causing Issei to wince.
'Get some rest as well, Issei, I'll wake you when it is time.' Said Kuroka, as a mist of white energy emerged from her hands and enshrouded Issei's head.
Issei felt himself becoming more and more sleepy, managing one last look at Kuroka, who gave him a loving smile, before his eyes rolled into the back of his head.