It was a sunny day, perfect for rock climbing! A trio of teenagers were eager to climb the steep face of a rock (who was promptly nicknamed Moai). A successful experiment of mad scientists, a holy sword wielder, and the exiled Holy Maiden. It was a rather odd trio that somehow meshed well together. Issei carried the climbing equipment with his many limbs and Asia carried one set of ropes, hooks, and a helmet— not wanting Issei to carry all of it— while Xenovia was content to follow leisurely behind.

Asia and Issei were chatting happily as the boy hammered down the rope anchors. He was explaining to Asia that even though he could catch either of them if they fell, having some extra protection helped. Asia nodded in understanding.

"Is this your first time going rock climbing, Asia?"

"It is!" Asia said happily. "Well, it is my first time going on a real rock! Rias-neesama brought me rock climbing one time but that was indoors and not like this." Her eyes shifted to the face of the rock (Moai-kun). There was no sign of anxiousness or fear in them, she trusted Issei to catch her if she fell.

"So you have some experience then, good," Issei nodded his head as he plotted a line to the top of the rock (Moai-kun). "I'll be putting in the protection," he held up a handful of chocks, nuts, and tapers; climbing equipment that you use to secure your rope with. "Just follow me and be careful," he smirked. "I'll be sure to catch you if you fall though."

"We'll be in your care," Asia bowed.

Issei turned to Xenovia. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

The climb went well, splendid even! Asia had plenty of fun. It was a different experience compared to rock climbing indoors! She felt the wind beat against her, like it was pulling her off the mountain. The rocks were also different: they felt either like a damp rock or a dry rock, instead of just plain rock that Asia was used to touching. It was pretty slippery, especially the rocks with a little moss on them. Asia nearly slipped once on the moss but learned quickly to identify those without moss and grab or step on those.

Xenovia had an easier time climbing due to her exorcist training. She even commented that she "didn't need all these safety hooks and ropes" but acknowledged that they did serve their purpose after doing an experimental fall— giving Asia a heart attack. Rock climbing all came so naturally to Xenovia that Asia was amazed and inspired to learn faster.

"Careful girls, there's a strong breeze coming," Issei said. "I think we should call it off and head down."

"But we're so close to the top already," Xenovia argued. "We could make it before the wind becomes worse."

"I don't know," Issei scratched his chin. His eyes went to Asia. "What do you think, Asia-chan?"

Asia gave Issei a determined look. "We can do it."

"Alright," Issei relented. "But don't say I didn't warn you." He turned back to climbing. "Just be extra careful now. I feel like this wind comes with rain."

"Roger." "Yes!"

The trio continued their climb despite the cold wind blowing on their backs. Issei asked a few more times if they should stop but Asia and Xenovia were determined to make it to the top. The climb only got harder and harder as it started drizzling, making the stone wet and slippery.

The weather only got worse as the three neared the top of the cliff. It was a summer storm! The wind whipped and the rain got stronger. Thunder hailed the coming of lightning, the white swords of electricity lighting up the darkening earth. The lightning grew closer and closer to the three. Issei prepared himself to slap away any lightning bolt that came close to zapping them. Thousands of eyes lined his arms, ready to react faster than the speed of light.

Issei redirected two consecutive streaks of lightning, sending them away and into the nothingness of the sea. A few lightning struck close to them but not close enough for Issei to worry about. A lightning struck the rocks above Issei. Issei reacted instantaneously and created a thick layer of flesh above them, deflecting all stones and pebbles. Another lightning targeted them and Issei slapped it away with a tentacle.

What Issei didn't expect was the lightning to ricochet into the cliff beside them. Sharp rocks flew all around. Issei was too late to react and put up a shield.

"Ah-!"

"Asia!"

Issei didn't know what happened. It all occurred too fast and instinct took over. A second earlier, they were all clinging onto the cliff, the next, the three of them were free falling– the rope cut by the shattered rock. Asia was falling first, Xenovia followed, driven by her battle instincts to save her friend, and Issei was right behind Xenovia and gaining speed.

Issei knew he only had a few precious seconds. Brown wings similar to a falcon's appeared behind him. He quickly overtook Xenovia and came close to Asia. He wrapped his arms around Asia, cradling her softly, as he adjusted altitude. He extended an extra limb towards Xenovia and yanked her away from the tree tops.

Issei flapped his powerful wings and flew high, high up into the sky, past the dark thunderclouds. The golden setting sun appeared on the horizon. Snowy white clouds was all that Asia and Xenovia saw below them. Both were amazed at the sight.

"It's… beautiful…" Xenovia said breathlessly, wrapped tightly in a tentacle to keep her from falling.

"Yeah…" Asia whispered. Her eyes turned to Issei. She smiled. "I didn't panic. I knew you would save me."

Issei rolled his eyes but there was a smile on his lips. It was nice to be trusted. "The next time we go rock climbing, I'll be calling the shots."

"HUH? No way!" Xenovia protested. "You'd be there to catch us anyway like what you did now— AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Issei uncoiled his tentacle around the girl and let her drop.