Alllllright guys. Bringing you an ACTUAL CHAPTER this time! This story was too popular off of one chapter and now it's just a fuckin story. Along with this chapter the summary and title for the story will be updated since its no longer just a One Shot anymore. So this chapter will continue with the story, answer some questions, and go even more in depth with the poor fool Issei. But seriously, almost 100 followers and favorites already. And I thought it was insane when I uploaded Lone Dragon Emperor and got like 30 - 40 followers and favorites in a day lol. Alright that's enough. Let's go.
Strap in boys. This is gonna get heavy.
[ |X| = POV change/transition]
SCENE
"...Mmm…"
It was morning already. There's sunlight coming in from a window at the side of the large extra room I'm in. I also heard a light moan from behind me. My stomach feels really empty. I didn't have dinner, so I suppose that makes sense. I wasn't hungry. In a way, I'm not even hungry now. I almost feel like I never want to eat again.
...Is this a feeling of disgust?...
"Mmm…. Ise-sama…."
Another light moan, followed by some rustling noises. The body of Ravel is shuffling around behind me. It seems like she's waking up.
"...Mm... Eh?.. Ise-sama?"
I could hear Ravel getting up. She must've lifted her upper body up and began rubbing her eyes tiredly when she called out to me.
I'm sitting up at the opposite edge of the bed. My posture is probably slouching. I'm looking down at my lap after all.
..Do I look sad? Does it even matter?..
"...I...Ise-sama?..."
Ravel calls out to me. She sounds a bit...afraid.
Do I look "scary"?... Ddraig?..
[Well, partner... Do you recall those moments in which you came to let your emotion get the best of you, and your body released a certain aura in response?]
Yeah….
[Well, what sort of aura do you believe you are releasing now?]
…...But, that usually happened when I was having bad thoughts….. I'm not thinking of anything bad now….
[Partner. Which part of you describes you best: what you are thinking, or what you are feeling?]
….
"..I-I-Ise-sama?..."
Ravel called out to me again. I don't know how to make the aura go away because I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I feel….empty.
I turned to Ravel with the best "smile" I could muster right now. It feels like an empty one though. It most certainly looks fake, doesn't it?
"...Morning, Ravel."
"...G..Good Morning... I-Ise-sama..."
She responded to me nervously while lowering her head a bit. I guess I'm intimidating her…. I decided to turn back around.
"H-How do you feel, Ise-sam—?"
"—Ravel."
I interrupted her before she could finish her question.
"Y-Yes?.."
"...Call sensei for me... I'd like to talk to him… Please.."
"Y-Yes, Ise-sama….. Would you like to speak to him alone?.."
"...Sorry."
"N-No, it is alright….. Would you like me to bring you some breakfast?..."
"...N…. Yes…."
I'm not hungry, but if I don't ask for food, Ravel probably won't feel at ease. I could practically imagine her shoulders lose some of their tension from behind me.
"Very well…"
Ravel got up from the bed, and I could hear her opening the door briefly.
"I shall return shortly."
"...Mm…."
And with a quick shut of the door, Ravel was gone.
Dakun.
….Guess I'm alone now…
Somehow, I feel a bit more at ease now that she's gone…... Last night, I didn't want to be alone….. I felt like something was going to happen to me if I slept alone for another night…... But when I woke up….. I couldn't stand lying next to her…... I kept getting this 'eerie' feeling that the longer I lied next to her, the greater the chance I had of something bright and thin piercing through my belly…
Ping!
Ah!...My head!...Ow…..somehow my head randomly felt a tinge of pain...and then it started ringing…..the ringing is slowly dying down until it's quiet...But…..ah…...the thing I was thinking about...I'm sure it was you…...wasn't it?...
[Hyoudou Residence]
|X|
It was a school day. And yet, a majority of the Hyoudou household residents were at home, gathered in different places.
~Din Dun Dun~ [Game Over!]
The Television made a colourful sound. The one who was playing video games, mindlessly, on said TV was Koneko Toujou. She had a distant look in her eyes that suggested she was in no way invested in whatever she was playing at all. Perhaps, somewhere, lost in her own thoughts, whatever they may be. Most likely, there was a serious lack of thought going on, more than anything. But deep under it, was serious concern.
Behind Koneko, on the couch, were a couple other members of the peerage.
Xenovia sat on that couch, directly behind where Koneko was positioned. Her expression was a bit more complicated than her comrades. It was mix of great confusion and slight guilt. Just the day before, she had remarked to Issei that 'even though she was dense, she understood the situation even better than he did'. It wasn't really meant to be a jab as much as just an honest statement, but she fully believed Issei had deserved his treatment.
Now, however, she was confused. She had believed that she was right to say what she said, but Issei's reaction was something she didn't expect. Why would something like this have such a heavy consequence? This isn't something they expected from Issei. Wasn't he just as simple minded as herself? There was more under the surface? Did she misunderstand the situation? Does she not understand Issei at all?
Sitting on that same couch, alone, near the very edge, was Akeno. Her head was lowered, with her hands sitting lifelessly in her lap. On her face was an expression of pure guilt.
Out of all of the members of the peerage, she was most likely the most emotionally intelligent (along with Koneko), especially when it involved a previous trauma. Akeno had always loved her father, but in the moments of her mother's death she had no justification for her hatred. In order to avoid the greatest emotional and mental distress in her years alone, she designated her father and her relation to Fallen Angels as the prime justification for burying her sorrow. Hate is easier to deal with than sorrow after all. But more than that, ignorance was strong tool for trauma. Feigning ignorance for the sake of protecting oneself. She knew this well. She knew what it felt like to lie to yourself. To convince yourself of something you knew deep down wasn't true. It was her greatest protection.
Issei fixed that. He was the one who came along to give her a chance at redemption. He gave her a chance to finally retrieve herself from the deepest parts of her heart, instead of hiding her pain behind a thin veil of false hatred. And now, he was in his "worst state", according to Azazel. A state they've never seen him in, let alone imagined him being in.
—And according to Azazel, it was all their own doing.
The more she thought about what happened in the clubroom, even shortly after it happened, she couldn't help but feel like there had to be more to the situation than what they previously thought. Something she didn't want to consider a possibility.
She had an assumption. A very likely assumption, as to why Issei may have had such a serious reaction. She hoped that this assumption was incorrect, but considering the facts already presented, it was practically undeniable. There was almost no doubt. But if something like that was the case, then the best course of action would be to console Issei now. If they only explained and showed their understanding, maybe that would fix everything.
But it might be too late now.
They may have just missed the only window they had to returning to their everyday life. The way Azazel lectured them so seriously was something they couldn't predict. The way Issei reacted was something they couldn't predict. From this point on, they didn't have a proper way to deal with the situation. What sort of outcome would this situation even have? Would things even be the same anymore? Could they return back to normal?
Who knows. But Issei will not be staying for long. Azazel will be taking him away. His recovery was 'top priority'. And if that recovery involved separation from the group, then the situation does not bode well for the group at all.
The males of the group, Gasper and Kiba, were attending school as per usual. They were not aware of the situation as they were not present during the events that took place at the Hyoudou Residence. After all, they live in a different mansion.
As a teacher, Rossweisse was faithfully fulfilling her duties. But, it wouldn't be inaccurate to say that she would become distracted briefly throughout her classes this day.
As concerned as Irina was, she was a bit more of an attentive student. She decided that staying home in the same manner everyone else has would do no good for their health. Especially if they aren't even going to get the chance to see Issei before he leaves. Besides, compared to the rest of the girls, she can't help but feel more disconnected with Issei at this point. The old days of their friendship were long gone after all.
The last 2 women were in the kitchen, finishing breakfast, along with the mother of the household.
Asia was beside mother Hyoudou, cooking while she spoke to her casually. Despite how much she tried, Asia could not fully listen to everything being spoken to her. Her mind was too cruel to her in that regard. It simply doesn't let her. She has a great sense of guilt lurking in her conscious. She had reacted quite emotionally yesterday. After all, her precious 'Onee-sama' ended up being hurt after the man they loved "disregarded" her feelings. Asia was unbelievably conflicted at the time, to say the least.
But now, she felt guilty, and sad. The collective actions of the group ended up having a terrible effect. According to Azazel, Issei was at his worst. And Asia was part of the reason why. She disliked her naivety, because it's what compelled her to act on her emotions that way. But then, what would that say about the other girls who acted similarly? She was conflicted by that once again.
—Finally, the last household resident, arguably the most relevant person in this situation— Rias Gremory was also in the kitchen, "assisting" in making breakfast.
Or at least, she tried, originally. In truth, Rias was now doing nothing more than staring into a plate of food with a distant look. She was tasked with setting the table, since most of the breakfast was already finished and some eaten by those who were already attending school, such as Irina and Rossweisse. Most of the table was already set and ready with plates of food. Yet, a majority of the residents weren't making an attempt to eat any of it.
Rias was the same. She stared down at what was meant to be her own plate of breakfast without interest. She didn't want it. She didn't care for it.
There was only one thing she wanted. The one thing she knew that she couldn't have. The one thing she might not have again. It's making her uneasy. But overall, there was a great desire. A desire to see him. She just wanted to see him. Of course, she actually wanted more than that. She wanted to touch him, and speak with him, and more, but she knew that wasn't fully possible. But, at the very least, she just wanted to see him.
She couldn't do any of that. It felt "unfair". The fact that she was "not allowed" to even see her own servant, that she considered "hers" in more ways than one, was a powerful strike to her pride and more.
—The poor little princess was unaware of the cruel irony of the situation.
"Rias-oneesama…."
Rias was snapped from her stupor by Asia, who stood beside her with a concerned expression.
"Ah… I'm sorry, Asia… I'm alright…"
Asia didn't believe her very well, but she didn't know what to say. There wasn't a proper response she could give to Rias.
—Issei's mother could see that something was wrong with everyone, and somehow it had to do with her son. He must have done something serious. 'Honestly, what an irresponsible boy'— is all she could think.
Pom Pom Pom Pom Pom…
As if all of Rias Devil instincts were focused on the rooms upstairs, her senses immediately caught on to the fact that someone was descending down the stairway.
"..Ise!"
Rias whispered his name under her breath after whipping her head in the direction of where the living area is located. Asia also followed her gaze with a bit of hope. Rias quickly exited the kitchen with Asia right behind.
"Is—"
Rias's weak, but hopeful smile quickly faded from her face, as she brought the staircase into her view. The one at the bottom of it was not who she had hoped. Instead, it was Ravel Phenex.
"..G….Good morning…."
Ravel greeted the Gremory group of women with an awkward attitude that was reflective of the atmosphere.
Upon realising who it was, Rias lost any energy she had, and her shoulders slumped again. The other girls weren't sure why they were surprised, but their smidgen of hope was also gone. Ravel looked like she gathered a bit of her courage to speak under the heavy atmosphere.
"...I...Ise-sama would like some breakfast…."
The atmosphere lightened up a bit as Ravel suddenly became the centre of attention again. Issei wanted breakfast. That was a good sign.
Rias's expression brightened up slightly.
"T-Then..! I should take it...to him..."
Rias excitedly tried to suggest, but as the seconds passed, the reality that it was impossible sunk in even more. Rather than answering, Ravel only lowered her head, confirming Rias's suspicions.
"..I-I'm sorry, Rias-sama…."
Issei's mother then abruptly appeared from around the corner.
"Ah, Ravel-chan! Is Ise awake yet?"
"E-Eh? Y-Yes, O-O-Okaa-sama…. I came for his breakfast..."
"Wha—?! He sent Ravel-chan?! That boy! Sending a girl to retrieve his breakfast! Honestly! If he wants breakfast, he should get it himself!"
Issei's mother ended it in an exasperated tone. Ravel only fidgeted in place, while the rest of the group frowned, knowing the truth. It was a more sensitive topic for the rest of the group. Issei's mother seemed to have picked up on it based on the girl's behaviour, and also started feeling awkward.
Ravel simply asked about what she came for,
"...Ano... May I have a plate of my own as well?..."
"...Y-Yes, of course, Ravel-chan…. Come.."
Ravel followed Issei's mother into the kitchen, while the quiet and sullen atmosphere returned to the household.
Part 2
|Ise|
I sat quietly on the bed, in the same position, while waiting for either Ravel or Azazel-sensei to show up.
...I wonder what everyone else is doing right now?
From up here, it's not very easy to tell, but it seems like a lot of them are still here at home…
Somehow...
...I...don't want to see them…..
Shiin!
A familiar noise sounded off from behind me, accompanied by a familiar light. A magic circle? When the light finally died down, I heard a familiar voice as well.
"Yo, Ise. You're awake."
It was none other than Azazel-sensei. He appeared from the magic circle and greeted me like normal. But he paused momentarily after seeing me.
"Ise. That's you, right?"
...Ah, I guess he's worried about whether I'm acting like yesterday or not... I may even still be releasing the same aura... Though, I wouldn't know, since I don't remember..
"...Yeah, I'm here."
I said that while turning to face him. I didn't bother with the fake smile this time. If it's Sensei, then he would know either way, so there's no point.
"I see. Do you mind?"
He walked up to the opposite side of the bed, behind me, and pointed at it, asking whether he could sit or not.
"Of course not…. Go ahead…"
"Thanks."
He sat down casually, in a similar position as me, but on the opposite end and with his back turned. We're essentially mirroring each other's images. Is he trying to relate to me subconsciously or something?
...What?… I've...never really thought that deep into something like that before….
"Ise."
Sensei called out to me.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
…...Where do I even start?...
...
...
The room was left in silence, because I couldn't find the words to speak...
"Take your time. Shemhazai should be covering for me back home. Should be fine."
Hehe…. What an irresponsible governor…..
…..….In that case…
"...I... Sensei…. Yesterday, I…."
"Calm down. I'm the only one here, you know?"
"...Y...Yeah…"
—Calm down, calm down. It's okay. I'm afraid. I know. If I want to tell this to Sensei, I'll have to open up.
It scares me. I don't want to say it. But if I don't say it, I may never get better. I may never get the answers I'm looking for. This is something I need to say. All of it is. Oh, grandfather in heaven. I'm so scared. I've never said this to anyone. I can feel something more than fear building up inside of me, and it scares me even more. There's a lot I have to say, and it's so hard to say it. There's a lot that wants to escape me, but I'm afraid to let it out.
But, I have to. I have to take the risk. I don't know what else to do.
...
"...S...S-Sensei…."
I could feel my body start to shake violently, without my consent. I held my head in my hands to try and keep my vision still.
"...I... I... I'm afraid…... I... I'm afraid of what will happen…. T-That person….. She's still fresh in my mind….. I hear her…... I see her…. All the time... I don't know if she'll ever go away….. I ignore her so often….. But, she always comes back…. I don't know what to do….. I feel like….. She keeps me from moving forward…. And now….. What I feared most…. I think it's happening…."
—I hear no response from him. My fear is rising with every silent second that passes, with every word spoken.
...Help me, Grandfather. Give me strength...
"...I feel so alone…. I feel like no one is on my side…. I was….. Could I have just been led around?... Could I have been left behind?... What happens when I become a burden?... —Has that already happened?... Sh... She's the one who keeps me thinking like that…... I don't want to believe it's true….. But, she's the one who keeps me in that same place…... She won't let me move…. I'm stuck…... She keeps me in that state of ignorance…. And fear….. Because if I ever get out…. I'm afraid she'll be waiting on the outside for me... Or maybe... Someone else will be waiting in her place..."
Something wet is dropping from my face. I don't want to keep going. But I have to. I'm already this far. And either way, a part of myself refuses to let me stop.
"...I... I don't want to be like this…. It's not fair…... I try so hard…. What did I do?... I never did anything…... Is...Is it because I was a pervert all this time?... Is that why?... If it is, then I'm sorry….. But, I couldn't give it up…... Because it was the only thing I had left to hide behind…. It was my only form of self-protection... Maybe if i was stronger…... But I'm not….. I can't... I'm not as strong as everyone needs me to be…... I try to carry everything so that everyone can rely on me…... But, if that doesn't work….. Then what will happen to me?... What will happen to me….. If I….. If she was right all along?..."
.
.
.
.
Pomf...
I could feel the bed press down a bit from next to me. A hand lands on my shoulder.
"There's nothing wrong with being afraid."
The grip I held on my head tightened. And Sensei gave me his heartfelt lecture with a rare, gentle tone.
"Listen, Ise. Even the strongest people are afraid of something. There's nothing wrong with that. Especially someone like you. The only reason it frightens you so much, is because of how kind hearted you are. Along with your strength, comes a weakness. The weakness of being too kind. That kindness brings people closer to you, but it leaves you open to pain. You aren't unbreakable. You aren't supposed to be. You need support just like everyone else. There's no problem with that. You shouldn't believe that you have to carry everything. And the people around you shouldn't support that idea alone either. It's not wrong to feel cheated when something unfair happens. And most of all, it's not your fault for running. It's not cowardly. You're not in the wrong here, even if others may want you to believe you are. You have just as much of a right to think about yourself as they do for themselves. Especially when they become selfish…... I know you are afraid. It's scary to think that the day you have to rely on others, they may not be there, and I can't guarantee that everyone you expect to be on your side will be…... But, if it's any consolation….. I will do my best as your sensei... —No. As your friend, I will be the support you need. I may not be the one you want to hear that from, but in case you have nowhere else to turn to, I'll be there. This time, I will. And if anyone or anything tries to disrupt that, then I'd be more content with dying on the spot. If I can't accomplish such a thing, then I'm just a failure of a comrade, and even more as a tutor... Heh. Well, I've already failed there haven't I?... But, at least I can try to be that support from now on, yeah?"
….
….
...I could say nothing, but... I felt my chest become a little tight...
….
….
Dakun!
—Suddenly, the door burst open. It must be Ravel. I can hear something shaking. She must be carrying a tray with food on it. Moreover…. I can hear her sobbing….
"!.. M-Me too!... —(Hic!) Ise-sama! —(Hic!) I as well..! —(Sniff!) W-With every fiber of my being! —(Hic!) I will always support you..! T-To the best of my ability! I swear it! —(Hic!) I promise! I will always— (Hic!) —Be by your side! Uuuuu..!"
—She said all of that with tears gushing out from her eyes, and in between chokes of her voice. All of her powerful emotion was resonating with me.
…..R-Ravel….
"Hahaha. Looks like you've made the girl cry, Ise. Or, maybe that's my fault? Oh well. Who knows."
Sensei stood up and took a stretch.
"I suppose I should leave you two alone, shouldn't I?"
He took a step away from the bed.
"Ise, I'll return in a few hours. Gather whatever you want to take with you. I still don't know how long you'll be staying at Grigori, but I suppose that all depends on your recovery. I'll give you your time. Alright, I'll get out of your way now. Call me when you're ready, eh?"
Shiin!
Sensei quickly disappeared in a magic circle without another word. I didn't even have time to process what he said to me. Yet I could feel the weight of his words. I could feel something approaching the bed from behind me.
"I-I-Ise-sama—(Hic)!"
….I feel a hand tugging and holding onto the back of my shirt…
"Ise-sama! —(Hic!) I will always— (Hic! Sniff, sniff!) I will always —(Sob!) —I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU!"
…A sharp pain in my chest.
...But, I couldn't resist from turning around. Even with the tears streaming down my face...
"...Ravel…"
"Ise-sama!"
Pomf!
Before I could do anything, Ravel suddenly jumped to embrace me. Her arms quickly wrapped around me and her head was on my shoulder.
...I...
"I will always try my best— (Sniff!) So please— (Hic!) Please—! L-Let me stay by your side!"
...I...don't want to be...
"I do not know what it is that haunts you— (Hic!) I do not know who it is— (Sniff!) But even so..! Even so..! Please..! Please let me support you!"
…..Alone...
"Please..! Please allow me to stay by your side!"
…..My arms brought themselves around Ravel's body without thought...
"...P...Please..…. Don't leave me alone...…"
I felt her grip tighten considerably, and she suddenly burst out into loud cries.
"...Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Ise-samaaaaaaaaaa! I'm sorryyyyyyy! Uuuuuuuuaaaaaaaa!"
Ravel apologises for crying….. My teeth are grit so hard….from me holding back...…. My chest feels so tight….. And it hurts so much…... But with every silent tear that runs down my cheek….I can feel my chest lighten up...….just a little bit…..
Is it okay?... Is it really okay?... To put all of my trust in you?...
("HAHAHAHA, A FILTHY DEVIL LIKE YOU?!")
...
"Uuuuuuuuuuuu! Ise-samaaaaaaaaa! I will always-! No matter whaaaaat! Uuuuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeh!"
…...I suppose I couldn't hold it back anymore. At the very least, my chest would soon come to lighten up. So much so, that I felt like I could finally breathe again.
...
...
Or, at least, enough to finally let it out.
.
.
"...Uuu….. Uuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! Aaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!.."
.
.
From downstairs, all of the them could hear it. No matter how muffled it may have been. The cry was too strong not to hear reverberate throughout the walls of large, quiet estate.
And there they stood and sat, as if frozen in time, not a single movement or sound being made….
—Reality had made its call.
Part 3
|Ise|
It's been a couple hours. After the whole…."session" that Ravel and I had, we spent about an hour in silence. We...were hugging for a long time. I started to feel a lot better thanks to her and Sensei. Though, a part of my heart still feels a bit heavy.
I still don't know how I feel after all of the things involving the other club members and... B...Buchou….
Sensei said it would take a lot of time to process all of this. He said he'd talk to Sirzechs-sama about it. I….don't want him to, honestly. I'm afraid of what will happen. Will Sirzechs-sama be angry with me for what I did?... Sensei said I did nothing wrong….and that I was reacting normally…. But what will Sirzechs-sama think? I wonder if he'd be mad... Even more than that, I wonder what Sensei will ask him to do...
I have only a month to recover before the match, but Sensei said he doesn't want to rush me into recovering. So, will he be asking Sirzechs-sama to delay the game? That would be terrible. Considering the popularity of the game, that decision wouldn't sit well with audiences either. It would be infinitely worse if it was cancelled, but I could never see that happening.
Anyway, I sent Ravel out after I calmed down a bit, to make sure no one comes to our floor while I gathered my things. Sensei said to avoid contact with the others as much as possible... A request that would be quite cruel to ask, in the past…. But right now, I agree…..
...I don't think I should see them. I don't know what I would feel...
So right now, I'm back in my room packing some things. There isn't really much I can take with me. I mean, aside from the essentials, I can't think of anything that I would bring. Maybe a few porno mags? Haha…
…...Somehow….. I don't feel the desire to bring them…
Da-ring~!
Hm? Someone sent me a mail. Oh, it's Sensei.
[Are you ready?]
...Mm… Yeah... I guess I'm ready as I'll ever be..
[Send].
I continued packing, or rather, finished packing, since there wasn't much to put in that they couldn't already provide me. It only took a few minutes, but soon enough, a magic circle formed near my bed.
Hm? It's a Fallen Angel circle for sure, but this is one I'm not familiar with. It's similar to the symbol for Grigori, but with a lot more complicated runes instead of the standard transportation ones. Could it be someone important?
Shiin!
"Hello, Hyoudou Issei-san. It has been quite some time since we've first met."
!..The one who was revealed from the light was a somewhat familiar young male with white/grayish colored hair. This person is important!
"Shemhazai-san!"
"Oh, you remembered me. I assumed that you had forgotten my face."
"Shemhazai-sa— I mean, Shemhazai-sama... W-What are you doing here?"
I tried greeting him a bit more formally, but he just waves it off kindly.
"Oh please, none of that is necessary. Even amongst my subordinates, it bothers me to hear such formality. I prefer not to focus on those things. I don't have enough of an ego to find any comfort in it."
He said that casually while approaching me. I didn't really ever get to properly meet him. The only time I spoke with him was during the incident with Loki when he transported Saji over in his new form. That was over communication though, not in person.
He's a much more unassuming kind of guy than I imagined. As a leader of Grigori, he doesn't seem much. Sensei has a very mysterious air about him while, Barakiel-san has a tough intimidating exterior. But compared to those two, Shemhazai-san doesn't seem very "commander-like". He looks way younger than them, only looking like he's in his early 20s, unlike the middle aged looking Sensei and Barakiel-san. Plus, he isn't as big, and his voice is not really deep.
"S-So what brings you here, Shemhazai-san?.."
"Hm? I'm here to pick you up, of course."
"Eh? Wasn't Sensei coming to get me?
"Yes, well, he ended up being a bit delayed in his interaction with Barakiel."
"Barakiel-san?"
"Indeed."
"Hm? Azazel. Where are you off to?"
"Ah! Barakiel. Good timing, actually. I was just about to be off to pick up Ise."
"The Sekiryuutei boy? Hyoudou Issei?"
"Yeah, he's gonna be staying here at Grigori for a while, so I'm off to get him."
"Oh. Is that so? For what reason is he staying? Does he not have an important rating game to be training for? Or could that be why you bring him?"
"Mm. Yeah, that's what I wanted to explain to you. He's coming anyway, so I suppose now is a good chance."
"Your manner of speech is odd, Azazel. Has something happened?"
"Yeah, actually. Ise and the group had a bit of a falling out. It ended up becoming a bit more serious than expected."
"A falling out? They are having a conflict?"
"Mm. Well, might as well explain it properly. Take a seat, friend. I'll try to make it quick, but it's still a bulky story. Just don't go making any rash conclusions or thoughts regarding Ise & Akeno, alright? Especially with Ise. Let me explain thoroughly first, and then you'll understand."
"Hm...The way you say it makes it seem even more worrisome...But..Very well."
"Good. Shemhazai, you head off and grab Ise, will you? I'll probably get there a bit after to explain to his parents and finalise his leave."
"Understood."
"Alright, Barakiel. Try not to be too mad at me when I start. It's a lot deeper than it seems."
"...That's around when I came here."
I see. So he's explaining it to Barakiel-san, huh. Hopefully, he hears Sensei out enough to listen to the full story. I don't want to die yet...
"So, Hyoudou Issei-san."
Shemhazai-san caught my attention again.
"Are you ready to leave?"
"Ah... Yea—"
But before I could finish answering, the door opened and someone entered the room.
Dakun
"Ah, Ise-sama…. And…"
"Oh, Ravel. This is Shemhazai-san, the vice governor of the Fallen Angels. Shemhazai-san, this is Ravel Phenex. She's a friend of mine."
"H-H-Hello!"
Ravel greeted him with a nervous bow, clearly becoming aware of his importance.
"A pleasure. Is this the guest that shall be visiting on occasion that Azazel mentioned?"
"A-Ah, y-yes, Shemhazai-sama! If it is alright with you, I would like to visit Ise-sama as much as possible..!"
She bowed again. Ravel is really respectful when she needs to be. And whenever it involves me….
"Of course. Even if I did not approve, you would be welcome to visit Grigori at any time. As an ally to every side, I have no reason to refuse such a request. Especially if it involves the Sekiryuutei, Hyoudou Issei-san, who will be staying at Grigori as well."
"T-Thank you very much!"
"It is alright. No need to be so formal."
"Y-Yes!"
He really is laid back, huh. Like a more docile version of Sensei. He's nicer too. A cool guy for a leader.
"So then, if you're ready, then we should set off, Hyoudou Issei-san?"
Looks like it is time. I have nothing else to do right now. Might as well get out of here.
Leaving my home….
—I look down to Ravel, who is holding her hands together sadly. She asks Shemhazai-san with a hopeful gaze.
"How often will I be allowed to visit him?.."
"As much as you'd like, I suppose. I won't be barring you from showing up every day, if you do. It isn't my place to prohibit you. So, I suppose it all depends on Hyoudou Issei-san himself."
Ravel turned her hopeful gaze up to me... I want her to continue her normal life. I mean, I still want to see her too…. But, I don't want that to get in the way of her studies or her duties as a Devil or anything…..
...Hmm...
"I guess... Just…. Don't skip school to come see or anything... Okay?"
Ravel's face sparkles into a beaming smile. It felt like it warmed up my heart a bit. Unexpectedly, she quickly wrapped herself around me, happily.
"Yes! Thank you so much, Ise-sama!"
"Ah… Y-Yeah, sure…"
But then she slowly realised what she'd done and released me with a red face.
"I-I-I'm sorry."
"N-No, it's alright."
I scratched the back of my head awkwardly, but this isn't the time to be acting like that. I should act more mature. It's that childish part of me that is so….
"Ahem…. Ravel."
I cleared my throat and tried looking at her seriously.
"Then, Ravel... Um, I'll be going now…"
She becomes sad momentarily, but then she gains a face of determination.
"Yes, Ise-sama…. Please take care….. I will see you...whenever I can…"
I nodded.
"Yeah. You too."
…We were left silently staring at each other like that for a bit.
"Very well. Shall we go?"
"Eh?"
—Ah, I was snapped out of it by Shemhazai-san. We were staring at each other awkwardly, weren't we?
"Y-Yeah, sorry... Let's go."
I grabbed my luggage and stood beside Shemhazai-san.
"Then... I'm off, Ravel."
"Yes... Stay safe."
"Yeah..."
I smiled at her. Shemhazai-san formed the magic circle beneath us.
Shiin!
With that, I left my home for Grigori that day.
Part 4
When I opened my eyes, we were in Grigori already.
"Come, Issei-san. I'll have to show you to your quarters as quickly as I can. I'm afraid I still have work to do."
Shemhazai-san started leading me down the halls of the facility. I have been to Grigori once before. After the stuff with Loki, I accompanied Akeno-san here to Grigori once... Or, actually... It was a new headquarters built in the Kanto region of Japan. From the looks of it, this is the actual main headquarters in the Underworld. Didn't know I was coming to this one.
"Ah."
—While we were walking, we suddenly ran into someone familiar. I couldn't help but flinch lightly upon realising who it was.
"Ah, Barakiel."
"Shemhazai... And…"
It was Barakiel-san who greeted Shemhazai-san.
His gaze shifted to me. I averted my eyes instinctively. Was Sensei able to convince him? Is he mad?...
Tap...
!.. I feel a hand lightly place itself on my shoulder. I lifted my head to see Barakiel-san, who had a serious expression.
"...It seems I have to apologise, Hyoudou Issei."
(—?!)
He said something unexpected to me... He's...apologising...
"The last we encountered each other, I had finally decided to leave Akeno in your care... However, it was only recently, thanks to you, that we began interacting with each other properly. As father and daughter... As a parent, I haven't spent much time with her... Because of that, there are many things she still does not understand, things I have not yet come to teach her... As an adult, I easily understand the situation and your circumstances. I understand that, in a relationship of that manner, there must be a mutual understanding, or care for communication….. But my daughter…. She is still young... She is still naive... No matter how intelligent she may be, there are times when she simply won't understand things that are not taught to her. That's why…. I know this may be too imposing to ask of you, especially at this time…. But..."
—Then, Barakiel-san did something unbelievable.
He bowed his head fully to me.
"Please…. Do not allow such a thing like this...to affect your connection with her….. If not for your sake, or my own….. maybe it is too much to ask if it is for her sake…. But…. Even so... As her father, I... I beg of you..."
….
...All I could say was...
"...If you're asking me not to hate or dislike her, then you shouldn't have to worry about that, hehe…."
Barakiel-san lifted his head in surprise. A slight smile formed on his face.
"Yes… That is all I ask of you…"
I nodded my head to him, seemingly easing his worries.
"Yeah... Don't worry... I won't…."
...Up until now, I didn't know how I was going to feel about everything... But, as I thought... I can't come to hate them…. My memories of them are still fond... But that's why it hurts to think that what happened was real….. But, at least I can promise Barakiel-san that I won't hate Akeno-san...
After we separated from Barakiel-san, Shemhazai took me to my "personal quarters". It was a very lavish looking room that I didn't expect to be so sophisticated in a place like this. Sensei must have gotten this room for me especially. I didn't expect that sort of treatment either. I guess I should thank him when I see him.
"Well then, Hyoudou Issei-san, I'll have to take my leave with this. Enjoy your stay."
"Yeah... Thanks.."
"Of course. Goodbye then."
Dakun...
I was left alone in the big room. I decided to just lie down and rest, since I have nothing else to do. There's a lot in this room. A plasma tv, a nice bathroom, and even gaming systems. There's erotic pictures of Fallen Angel girls on the walls too. As I thought, Sensei must have picked this room for me, huh.
But, I don't feel the same feeling I usually would while looking at the pictures….. It's almost like I feel nothing towards them…. Hehe…
[Partner.]
I'm alright, Ddraig….. Just….. Don't feel like it right now…. I think...
|X|
Shortly after Issei disappeared with Shemhazai, Ravel made her way down the stairs to announce Issei's departure. But there was already someone downstairs, in the kitchen with the rest of the group, informing them.
"...So you see, Ma'am. I'm going to be taking care of your son for bit. Hope you don't mind."
In the kitchen, the group of residents who remained home with gathered around the kitchen, along with the mother of the household who Azazel was speaking to.
"No, no, Azazel-san, don't worry about it. I have heard many things from the children about how great of a sensei you are. I'm sure you'll take care of our Ise. Would you like some breakfast? We have plenty left."
Issei's mother smiled as she offered Azazel breakfast. He waved it off curteously.
"Ah, no, that's fine. Thank you. I've had my fill before coming here."
As he politely declined what was offered to him, Azazel's eyes caught the form of Ravel approaching the area within his view.
"Ah, Ravel. There you are. Has Ise already taken his leave?"
"Yes, he has."
The group of women completely deflated into attitudes of guilt and despair.
That man - was gone.
"I see. In that case, Mrs. Hyoudou, would you kindly allow me to speak with the girls privately? There's a matter I must discuss with them as their sensei."
"Y-Yes, of course. Excuse me."
Mother Hyoudou excused herself from the group and walked off somewhere into the residence, leaving Azazel to speak with the women.
"So, as you've heard, Ise is now gone. Shemhazai should have escorted him to Grigori by now. It seems you did not have enough time to realise what was necessary. Did you at least reflect on your actions?"
He asked while looking around. Every member he met eyes with averted their gaze. Rias did not meet his gaze because her head was lowered in despair. The last person he met eyes with was someone who did not avert her gaze, but rather stared him down with a stern expression.
"Hoh? It looks like you have something to say Akeno."
Akeno stepped forward while she became the centre of attention.
"Azazel. You said you had your suspicions about what it was that caused Ise-kun to turn out this way. But that's not true. You know exactly what it is, don't you?"
Azazel only looked back at her with a face of disinterest.
"Hmm... That may be so. Who knows. Whether I do, or don't, doesn't matter. I already told you lot to figure it out for yourself, didn't I?"
Akeno's gaze hardened.
"Nonsense. The only reason you don't want to tell us is because it's your fault, isn't it?"
She glared at him.
—But Azazel met her gaze with a chillingly stoic expression that exuded authority.
"Watch your tongue brat. I wasn't going around telling you that all of this was your fault was I?"
[—?!]
Akeno quickly lost her hateful expression and averted her gaze ashamedly, quietly backing down. Azazel could only sigh heavily in response to the attitudes of the group members.
"Haah…. Well, I suppose you saying that means you know then. No point in keeping it from you."
The group of girls all collectively lifted their heads to look towards Azazel in anticipation. The reasoning behind This disaster would finally be revealed.
And Azazel spared no hesitation in explaining it to them.
"...Many months ago... I suspected there was a certain Sacred Gear user who had not yet unlocked his power. The Sacred Gear wielded by this possessor seemed to be extremely powerful. Being the cautious man I am, I decided to send my loyal subordinate to observe said possessor, however, that proved to be a mistake. I didn't realise the ambition and foolishness of my subordinate. Because of that, she gathered together her allies and stole a very important piece of technology to further her own machinations, for the purpose of glory."
The group recognised this story. Though, they did not understand why it was being told to them.
"With her allies and technology, she moved her little plan into motion. Rather than a simple observation, as per my orders, she foolishly brought matters into her own hands. She took the life of the possessor and used the device she stole to steal another Sacred Gear for herself. She practically risked war between the two factions only for her own selfish ideals. —What a foolish subordinate. What a foolish superior I was to not realise it, even when I had my suspicions."
Azazel let out another guilty sigh, and Rias asked him hesitantly.
"...Azazel…. Why are you telling us this?..."
Azazel shook his head, as if truly, utterly disappointed.
"...Rias…. That subordinate of mine…. She was scum. For her own selfish ideals, she took the lives of innocent people and became a traitor to that which she convinced herself to be loyal to. In the end, she was nothing but scum. But out of all the crimes she's ever committed, the one that brings me the greatest regret and contempt, is the crime of the manipulating and killing of children that became my precious students in the future. —Her death was just... But it was not "final"..."
A strong sense of unease began to fill the group of girls, as Azazel's tone became somewhat more foreboding.
"...Her worst crime, which has effects that have not yet disappeared, was the crime of luring an innocent human into her worthless trap. Her disgusting method of twisting a human boy's heart into her grasp and then ripping it from his body to bleed onto the floor…. That heart was then forced back into his body without being mended, and he was pushed into a world that he didn't understand. As time passed, his skin grew thick like armour and covered his heart well, but that was only for himself. In the end, the "armour" that kept his heart from being torn out also barred anything or anyone else from "entering". This did not bode well with his allies. They criticised him for his inability to "connect" himself to them. The boy, for the sake of himself, could not move himself in the direction drawn for him. His armour dented and caved in on itself. It crushed his heart…. Do you recognize this story? If you do, you know that the last parts are not fully accurate. Rather than his armour crushing his heart, the boy is now using his armour to guard him from the "spirit" that haunts his heart. His journey from this point on will involve the fight to destroy that spirit. Until then, his mentor will lead him through the sea of fear and pain so that he may return greater than ever before."
….To all of Azazel's cryptic speech, the group members had no words to respond with.
"Poetic, isn't it? I have a knack for being dramatic like this, y'know?"
They had no response to his story, nor his false enthusiasm. He quickly regained his serious attitude and stared them down.
"The spirit that haunts that boy….. You understand now, don't you? Because of this spirit, the road ahead— No. There was no road ahead. There was only a "chasm" with an "oasis" across the other side. It was now all about whether he could make the jump across. With the encouragement of his friends strengthening his will, he could make the jump, maybe even with ease. —But that didn't happen, did it? Instead, they ridiculed him. ["You can't walk even this far? How horrible."] —They said this without the knowledge of the deep canyon set before him. It was one they could not see from their angle, nor did they consider that it could have been there in the first place. The edge of the cliff the fool stood on began to crack under his weight, and caved in from beneath his feet. The only thing holding him up were the hands of his mentor, and suddenly, an unexpected young girl... Do you recognise this story? If you do, then you know— it is not a story."
...
...
—There was an unbroken silence for what felt like many decades, in the minds of the girls. Yet, it was only mere seconds. Azazel stood from his chair without opening his eyes to them.
"I'll leave with that. But just so you know, we will pull him up from that cliff and prop him on his feet. And when he makes that jump across— and he will, we'll make sure of that— it will be only up to him whether he will walk towards you, or past you."
Azazel started to walk out of the kitchen, most likely to teleport himself away, leaving the group speechless and dumbstruck. Before he could fully exit, one of them stepped up silently. Rias stepped forward weakly, with her body slouched and the puny energy of a ghoul. She called out with what little strength she had and reached out with her arms, as if to hold something.
"Azazel…. Wait….. Please….. Let me say I'm sorry…. Please….. Just let me say it..to him... Just once…. I beg you…."
Azazel stopped in his tracks, and spoke without turning.
"...I'm sorry, Rias. It hurts me to say this, truly believe me when I say that it does, but I cannot allow that. You lot are all still kids. And Ise is too kind. If I allow you to do such a thing, he will easily forgive you, and you will all soon forget. —But you will learn nothing. None of you will. And Ise...will not ever take that jump…. So, for your own sake….. Realise that if I don't do this, you, as well, will never reach him yourself... Take care of her, Akeno."
Azazel walked out with those last words. Rias dropped lifelessly to her knees.
"Rias-Oneesama!"
Asia ran to Rias's side, but there was no response. She gave no response for a very long time.
|Ise|
I've been lying down on this bed for about 30 minutes. Sensei must have still been doing things. I don't even know if I'm supposed to be waiting for him at all. Maybe he's just not coming today?
Knock, knock, knock!
Just as I thought that, the door was knocked.
"Ah, yes?"
The door opened. Of course, it was Sensei.
"Yo, Ise. Sleeping?"
"Hm? No, not really. Just….thinking, I guess..."
"I see."
Sensei took a seat on the side of the large bed.
"...D...Did you tell them?..."
"Hm? Oh yeah. I told them. I told them everything."
"E….Everything….. That means…."
"Yeah, that too. Naturally."
"...I see…"
We became silent. There's something I still want to ask him…. Another question which has been haunting my mind…..
"..S...Sensei…."
"Yeah, what is it?"
"...When I was….. Yesterday, I had a thought….. I…. What if….. What if, when I was going to be killed….. What if it was all….. What if it was "meant to be"?….. Because if i died... They could…"take" me….. What if it was something…they let happen?... If that's true…. Then I…"
He interrupted me.
"Don't be ridiculous, Ise. There's no way something like that is true."
!.. I felt like the tension in my body immediately released, even though my doubt is still there.
"B-B-But—! I was—! They gave me—!"
"—Calm down, Ise. I understand how you came to this conclusion. I get it. I see how you can misunderstand such a thing. But you need to calm down. Try to think of it rationally. When you were revived, were all of your wounds healed?"
"...N-No... O-Of course not…"
"Exactly. So do you think, if you had been ripped in half, she would have been able to revive you?"
"...T-That's…"
"What if your body was completely eviscerated? What if there was only a head or a hand left? What if there was no head? What if you were burned alive? What if she took you away? What if you were turned into a pool of blood? You think she would just allow a random Fallen Angel to run rampant and kill inhabitants of her territory, even though she has full right to eliminate such a threat based on rules and restrictions of the armistice and the 3 factions will to avoid war?"
"...I…."
"It's alright. I know. It's not crazy to think that. But, we both know full well it could never be true. So get rid of that thought, yeah?"
"...Yeah….."
Sensei smiled a bit and patted my back.
"Good. So, how do like your room?"
He stood while gesturing to the lavish room with pride.
"Well…. It certainly seems like you picked it.."
He grumbled in irritation like an old man would.
"Che! Damn ungrateful brat. I didn't just have this place built specifically for you or anything. At least you could say something about the girls on the wall."
Hehehe…. He looks away with an "annoyed" expression, obviously just trying to lighten the mood..
"Um... Yeah... They're real nice…"
He took special notice of my lack of enthusiasm towards the erotica. Of course he did. That was my main trait after all.
"Mm? What's up with that? Not feeling it yet, huh?"
"Eh?... Ah, yeah... I guess not.."
I can't feel it at all…... It feels like a piece of me is gone…. Such a big piece of myself…. It almost makes me want to cry...
I feel Sensei's hand lightly place itself on my head and start ruffling my hair.
"Oy, oy, oy, don't go getting like that now. I thought I was talking to the future "Harem-King", huh? Was I wrong? Who's this kid? Whoever he is, if he thinks I'm letting him walk around my place thinking he doesn't want a harem, then he's dead wrong. He's getting one, whether he likes it or not, even if I gotta shove 'em right in his face, ya hear?"
I could feel my eyes begin tearing up under the cover of my hair again.
"Hehehe…. Yeah…."
"Good."
Sensei started to walk out of the room.
"We'll figure out what we're gonna do tomorrow. Just rest for today, ey?"
"Yeah…"
"Alright. Let me know if you need any more pics for "scientific purposes" in here. This is a research facility after all."
Dakun
Sensei exited the room before I could answer... Hehe, damn irresponsible governor. I lied back in bed and looked up to the canopy above.
"We'll figure out what to do tomorrow", huh?...
...Tomorrow...
...What will happen from now on?..
End
Alright. That's that. It's really late and I just gotta get this out. Don't even know if I'll have the chance to proofread it. Just tell me what you guys thought yada yada all that shit. I'm tired. Just leave me all those reviews ye hear? Got a lot the first time around so I expect a lot alright? Especially since I'm sure you guys have a lot to say on it. Lotta shit happened and most of it was probably deeper than some can understand. But that's fine. There's plenty to get here. Just let me know what you're thinking.
Read, Rate, Review go crazy.
Stay frosty.