Chapter 7
Here we go! The Prelude to War is beginning.
Also, it is a warning that a character will die here.
Chizuru was smiling as she was in front of Issei's home. She knocked on the door, waiting for her future boyfriend to come out and ask how she was doing.
'I know it'll soon be a war zone here, but I wanted to see you before things get too crazy,' Chizuru thought, her heart beating with anticipation. She had always admired Issei from afar when he and Aika dated back in Kuoh. Still, with the impending conflict she was orchestrating, she felt an urgency to be closer to him, to share her feelings, to see if he would follow her in her dreams for the future.
The door opened, and Issei stood there, a look of surprise and warmth spreading across his face. "Chizuru? What are you doing here?" Issei asked, stepping aside to let her in.
Chizuru stepped inside, her smile unwavering. "I just wanted to check on you. With everything that's happening, I thought you might need someone to talk to."
Issei nodded, closing the door behind her. "Yeah, things are getting pretty intense. But I'm glad you're here. It means a lot."
They moved to the living room, where they could talk more comfortably. Aika glanced around, taking in the familiar surroundings. She had been to Issei's home a couple of times before, but today, it felt different and more significant.
"So, how are you holding up?" Chizuru asked, her voice soft and concerned.
Issei sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's tough. My mom and dad are leaving for the summer, so it'll be just me, and I was hoping to invite the gang together, but they got their stuff going on."
This was a lie; however, since Issei was planning on going to Hueco Mundo after preventing the war, he had to do one of the most difficult things he'd ever had to do since he was part of the supernatural world.
Kill a person close to him.
Issei knew Aika wouldn't have wanted her sister to go down the path of revenge, but with how deep Chizuru got herself in then, there is no other option but to nip this relationship in the bud before it become something worse.
'I'm sorry, Aika. I failed to help your sister let go of her rage, but at least I can put her at ease before killing her and sending her to you.' Issei said in his mind before Chizuru blushed as she pulled out two tickets.
"Well, since they're so busy, why don't we have some fun with just the two of us?" Chizuru asked before Issei raised a brow at the tickets and thought he might as well give Chizuru a full day to herself.
Issei agreed to this, which made Chizuru so happy as they went to the movies. The movie is about a man who lost his dear sister to murders who were in positions of power but swore he would do anything, even if it meant becoming a demon, to avenge his sister's life. Along the way, the man meets a woman he loves and asks her to follow him after he returns from his mission, and the woman agrees to follow him as the duo avenges his sister's life before the two leave together and become married in the future.
While the movie was playing, Chizuru pictured herself in the man's position, with Orihime and Issei holding her hands and going with her to their happy ending. Unfortunately, Issei could tell that this was Chizuru's fantasy. The two people that she loved going with her on some adventure and getting married together.
Issei could tell that he still had feelings for Orihime, even if she never reciprocated his feelings due to her love for Ichigo despite him turning her down when Orihime confessed her feelings to him that day.
'In another universe. In another life. With another us, this fantasy you have could become a reality, Chizuru, but sadly, that's all it is in the end. A dream that can never come true.' Issei said in his mind as the movie played.
Chizuru pictured herself in the man's position, with Orihime and Issei by her side. She dreamed of the three of them running away together, finding a happy ending. Issei could tell this was her fantasy—a dream where the people she loved joined her in an adventure.
'If only this could be real,' Chizuru thought wistfully. 'If only we could leave everything behind and be happy together.'
Issei, on the other hand, was lost in his thoughts. He knew what he had to do, but it didn't make the task any easier. He cared deeply for Chizuru, and seeing her happy, even if just for a moment, made his heartache. He wished there was another way, but there wasn't. This was the only path left.
'I'm sorry, Aika, but the only way to save your sister from what she's about to do is to end her life so that she can be reunited with you. Please forgive me for what I will do.' Issei said in his mind before the movie ended.
The duo then wandered the city, enjoying the summer festival's lively atmosphere. The streets were alive with music, laughter, and the vibrant colors of the festival stalls. They played games, ate street food, and laughed together. It was a perfect day, a brief escape from the reality that awaited them.
As they walked through the festival, Chizuru's mind kept returning to her fantasies. She imagined a life where they didn't have to worry about wars or conflicts—a life where she, Issei, and Orihime could be happy together. The thought filled her with a bittersweet joy. She knew it was a dream, but for now, she allowed herself to indulge in it.
Issei watched Chizuru, seeing the happiness in her eyes. He knew that she was picturing a future that could never be, and it broke his heart. He wanted to give her that happiness, but he knew it was impossible. The war was coming, and Chizuru, along with the Fullbringers and their Hollow comrades, were at the center of it. He had to stop her, for her sake and everyone else's.
As night fell, they made their way to the hills, where they could watch the fireworks alone. The city below them sparkled with lights and the night sky.
The city below them sparkled with lights, and the first bursts of fireworks illuminated the night sky. Issei and Chizuru found a secluded spot on the hills where they could be alone and watch the display in peace. The colors exploded above them, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold.
Chizuru leaned against Issei, her heart swelling with a mixture of joy and anticipation. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she whispered, her eyes reflecting the brilliant lights above.
Issei nodded, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, though his mind was elsewhere. He knew this moment was fleeting, a brief interlude before the inevitable.
They sat in comfortable silence, watching the fireworks light up the sky. Chizuru's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. She felt so close to Issei, so connected. Her dreams of the future with him and Orihime felt almost tangible. 'If only we could stay like this forever,' she thought wistfully.
Issei, too, was lost in thought. He felt the weight of his mission pressing down on him, but for now, he allowed himself to enjoy this moment with Chizuru. He knew what he had to do, but it was challenging. He cared deeply for her, and seeing her happy made his heartache.
As the final burst of fireworks lit up the sky, Chizuru turned to Issei, her expression serious. "Issei, there's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Issei looked at her, his heart pounding. "What is it, Chizuru?"
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I hate the Soul Society," she began, her eyes fierce with determination. "They took my sister from me. I can't forgive them for that. I have plans to take them down, to start a war with the Maou Faction. But more than anything, I want you to know that I love you, Issei. And I love Orihime, too. I want us to be together, to escape all of this."
Issei pretended to be shocked, his eyes wide with feigned surprise. "Chizuru, this is... I don't know what to say."
Chizuru looked at him, her eyes pleading. "Say you'll follow me, Issei. Say you'll be with me, no matter what."
Issei took a deep breath, his mind racing. He had to play his part perfectly. "I... I love you too, Chizuru. And I love Orihime. I'll follow you, no matter what."
Chizuru's face lit up with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, Issei! I knew you would understand! Together, we can make our dreams come true. We can avenge my sister and find happiness together."
Issei smiled, though his heart was breaking. He held her close, wishing he could give her the future she dreamed of. But he knew it was impossible. He had to stop her, for her sake and everyone else's.
Chizuru hugged him tightly, feeling a sense of hope and happiness she hadn't felt in a long time. She believed in their future together, believed they could overcome anything. "Thank you, Issei. With you by my side, I know we can do this."
Issei held her close, his mind filled with conflicting emotions. He cared deeply for Chizuru, and seeing her so happy made his heartache. But he knew the path she was on would only lead to more pain and suffering. He had to stop her, even if it meant breaking her heart.
As they walked back to Issei's home, Chizuru couldn't stop smiling. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, a belief that they could achieve anything together. "Issei, I can't wait to start our new life together. With you and Orihime by my side, I know we can overcome any obstacle."
Issei nodded, though his mind was heavy with the burden of what he had to do. "I believe in us too, Chizuru. We'll find a way to make this work."
They reached Issei's home and stepped inside. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and Chizuru turned to Issei, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "Issei, there's something I want to do before everything changes. Before the war begins, I want to give my first time to the man I love."
Issei's heart ached, but he nodded, understanding the significance of her request. "Chizuru, are you sure?"
She nodded, her eyes unwavering. "Yes, I am. I want it to be with you."
They moved to Issei's room, where the atmosphere grew even more charged. Issei gently pulled Chizuru into his arms, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate as their hands roamed each other's bodies, exploring and memorizing every inch.
Chizuru's fingers traced the contours of Issei's chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her touch. She felt a sense of closeness and intimacy that she had never experienced before. "Issei," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion, "I love you."
Issei's heart pounded in his chest as he looked into her eyes. "I love you too, Chizuru," he replied, his voice choked with emotion.
They continued to kiss, their passion growing with each passing moment. Issei's hands caressed Chizuru's back, pulling her closer to him. She responded by running her fingers through his hair, deepening their connection. Their kisses became more urgent, their need for each other overwhelming.
As they undressed each other, their bodies were marked by their love. Chizuru's skin bore the gentle marks of Issei's kisses while his body carried the traces of her touch. They lay down together, their hearts beating in unison as they made love for the first time.
The room was filled with whispered words of love and promises for the future. Chizuru felt a sense of completeness, a feeling that she was exactly where she was meant to be. "Issei," she murmured,
"Issei," Chizuru murmured, her voice soft and filled with love, "I've never felt this way before. Being with you makes everything feel right, even with the chaos around us."
Issei looked into her eyes, his own filled with a mixture of love and sadness. "Chizuru, you mean so much to me. I want you to be happy, to find peace."
Chizuru smiled, her heart full. "With you, I feel like I can find that peace. I feel like we can face anything together."
Their bodies moved in harmony, their connection deepening with each kiss and touch. The intimacy they shared was more than just physical; it was an expression of their deepest emotions and desires. They held each other close, their breaths mingling as they whispered sweet nothings in the dim light of the room.
As the night went on, they lay together, their bodies entwined. Chizuru rested her head on Issei's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Issei, promise me something,"
Issei gently stroked her hair, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come. "What is it, Chizuru?"
"Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll remember this night. Remember how much I love you and how much this meant to me," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and desperation.
Issei's throat tightened with emotion. "I promise, Chizuru. I'll never forget this night or how much you mean to me."
They lay there in silence for a while, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Chizuru closed her eyes, savoring the warmth and comfort of being in Issei's arms. "I wish we could stay like this forever," she murmured.
"I wish we could, too," Issei replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
After a while, Chizuru looked up at him, her eyes serious. "Issei, there's something I need to say. Before I can make my dreams come true, I have to avenge my sister. I have to take down the Soul Society, and that means starting a war with the Maou Faction."
Issei was sorrowful knowing this before asking. "Chizuru, are you serious? This is... I don't know what to say."
Chizuru's grip tightened on his arm. "Say you'll follow me, Issei. Say you'll be with me, no matter what."
Issei took a deep breath, his mind racing. He had to play his part perfectly. "I... I love you, Chizuru. And I love Orihime. I'll follow you, no matter what."
Chizuru's face lit up with joy, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, Issei! I knew you would understand! Together, we can make our dreams come true. We can avenge my sister and find happiness together."
Issei smiled, though his heart was breaking. He held her close, wishing he could give her the future she dreamed of. But he knew it was impossible. He had to stop her, for her sake and everyone else's.
As Chizuru drifted off to sleep, her heart full of hope, Issei remained awake, his mind heavy with the burden of what he had to do. He watched her sleep, memorizing every detail of her face, every soft breath she took.
When he was sure she was deeply asleep, thanks to the Kido spell he used on her, Issei gently slipped out of bed.
Summoning Muramasa, Issei steeled himself for what was to come. Issei wrapped Chizuru in his strings, ensuring it would be painless and quick around her heart.
Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Chizuru. I hope you find peace and reunite with Aika in Heaven."
Issei said as he gave a final, loving look before he ended Chizuru's life, her last moments filled with the warmth of his love.
Chizuru never even felt her heart shredded to multiple pieces until Issei released the strings from his gloves and clothed her body before picking her up bridal style and using a Gargantua to open a portal between Karakura and Kuoh Town, which allowed Issei to walk through with no issues since his destination was clear in his mind.
Issei held her close, wishing that in another life, in another world, their dreams could have come true, but in this life, they were enemies.
Stepping through the portal, Issei emerged at the quiet, solemn cemetery in Kuoh Town. He walked through the rows of gravestones, his heart heavy with grief and guilt, until he reached Aika Kiryuu's grave. The night was still, the air filled with a profound silence.
Issei gently laid Chizuru's body beside Aika's grave, his tears falling onto the ground. He knelt, his voice trembling as he read the inscription on Aika's tombstone:
Aika Kiryuu
Beloved Daughter, Friend, and Sister.
1994 - 2011
May she find eternal peace and happiness
Issei's fingers traced the engraved letters, the memories of their time together flooding back. "Aika, I'm so sorry. I tried to save her, but her hatred and need for revenge were too strong. I hope you're both together now, at peace."
He turned his attention to the spot beside Aika's grave, where he would lay Chizuru to rest. With a heavy heart, Issei used his strings and Kido to create a grave for her before Issei placed Chizuru gently into the ground, her face serene in the moonlight.
Once the grave was prepared, Issei stood over it, his voice breaking as he spoke. "Chizuru, I'm so sorry it had to end this way. I hope you find peace with Aika. I hope you both find the happiness you deserve in life."
Issei crafted a makeshift tombstone for Chizuru, inscribing it with his hand:
Chizuru Kiryuu
Beloved Sister and Friend
1996 - 2012
May she find the peace she sought
Issei placed the tombstone at the head of her grave, then knelt between the two graves, his heart heavy with sorrow. "Aika, Chizuru... I miss you both so much. I hope you can forgive me for what I've done to Chizuru, Aika, but I had to do it to protect everyone and stop the chaos she would have unleashed. But it doesn't make it any easier."
His shoulders shook with silent sobs as he continued, "I loved her, Aika. Just like I loved you. And I still love Orihime. I wish things could have been different. I wish I could have found another way, but I couldn't, for I knew if I rejected Aika, then she would've harmed Orihime."
The moonlight cast a gentle glow over the graves, the only witness to Issei's sorrow. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I promise I'll continue to fight for a better future. For all of us. I'll carry your memory, and Chizuru's, with me always."
He stood up, his heart still heavy, but his resolve strengthened. Issei looked down at the two graves, his eyes filled with determination. "Rest in peace, Aika and Chizuru. I'll make sure your deaths weren't in vain."
With a final, lingering glance, Issei turned and walked away, the weight of his actions still bearing down on him. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to honor their memories and protect those he loved.
Issei then wiped his tears since it was now time for him to do his job: Protect Karakura Town.
This meant it was time for him to nip the Xcution rose in the bud and end the organization once and for all.
The Next Day: the Underworld.
The dawn of a new day brought with it the echoes of war. Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan stood ready; their forces prepared to attack the town where their sisters, Rias and Sona, had last been seen. The tension in the air was palpable, the impending conflict looming over the Underworld like a dark cloud.
Before the first move could be made, a portal appeared in the sky, shimmering with an ethereal light. From it emerged the peerages of both Sona and Rias, unharmed but unconscious. The girls lay on the ground, seemingly untouched by the horrors they had faced.
Sirzechs and Serafall rushed forward, their hearts pounding with a mix of relief and confusion. As they checked their sisters and their respective peerages, Sirzechs noticed a note slapped onto Sona's face. He carefully peeled it off, his eyes narrowing as he read the words.
Clearing his throat, Sirzechs began to read aloud:
"To Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan,
Your sisters and their peerages have been saved, and any damage to their bodies has been undone. I urge you not to start a war, for you are being deceived. This conflict is rooted in a personal vendetta, driven by the grief of a sister seeking revenge for the death of her sibling.
Rias Gremory allowed a Soul Reaper Captain to kill Aika Kiryuu in her territory and then made a deal to keep the incident hidden. The following document is a copy of the deal made between Rias and Captain Jushiro Ukitake:
Deal Between Rias Gremory and Captain Jushiro Ukitake
Date:?
Parties Involved:
- Rias Gremory, Head of the Gremory Household
-Jushiro Ukitake, Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Soul Society
Incident:
- Aika Kiryuu, a substitute Soul Reaper, revealed her identity to her boyfriend within Gremory territory. Captain Ukitake intercepted, giving her a chance to cease her actions. Aika refused, resulting in her death by Captain Ukitake's sword.
Agreement:
- To prevent conflict between the New Maou Faction and the Soul Society, Rias Gremory agrees to mark Aika Kiryuu's death as a Stray Devil attack.
- This agreement is to be kept confidential and is to be a one-time deal. No further incidents shall be hidden, and no one else must know.
Signed:
- Rias Gremory
- Jushiro Ukitake
Signed by the Gremory Seal.
The weight of the note's contents and the enclosed document settled heavily on the gathered demons. Serafall's eyes widened in shock, her gaze flickering between her sister and Sirzechs.
"This... this can't be true," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Sirzechs, his face pale with anger and disbelief, crumpled the note in his hand. "We need to find out who wrote this and verify its claims. If Rias truly did this, we need to know why."
Serafall nodded, her determination mirroring Sirzechs's own. "Agreed. We must uncover the truth before making any decisions that could plunge us into war."
As they began to rouse their sisters and their peers, the gravity of the situation became clear.
Rias began to stir, groaning as she regained consciousness. She blinked up at her brother, her eyes filled with confusion. "Onii-sama? What's happening?"
Sirzechs helped her sit up, his expression stern. "Rias, we need to talk. Right now."
Sona, still disoriented, looked up at Serafall. "Nee-sama, what's going on?"
Serafall held up the note and the document. "We found this with you. It claims you made a deal with a Soul Reaper Captain to cover up the death of Aika Kiryuu. Is it true?"
Rias's eyes widened in shock, her face paling. "I... I didn't want to, but Ukitake insisted. He said it was to prevent a war. I had no choice!"
Sirzechs's eyes narrowed. "So it's true. You hid the truth to protect us from a larger conflict. But at what cost, Rias? Look where we are now."
Rias's voice shook as she tried to explain. "I never wanted this to happen. I thought it was the best way to keep everyone safe. I never imagined it would lead to this."
Sirzechs took a deep breath, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "We'll need to verify this with the Soul Society. If what this note says is true, then we have been deceived, and this war can be avoided."
Serafall nodded in agreement. "We need to find out who wrote this and why. But for now, we must focus on the truth and prevent any more bloodshed."
With a final glance at the crumpled note, Sirzechs and Serafall steeled themselves for the task ahead. The dawn of a new day had brought with it revelations that could change everything.
Normally, Sirzechs would go to the city and locate the ones who kidnapped his sister, but now that Rias was safe, that's all that mattered to him, and they were able to stop him from making a huge mistake.
'Still, I wonder about this 'friend,' and who he is so I can thank him and reward him for not only saving my sister but also preventing us from starting a war with the Soul Society that would've had severe consequences.' Sirzechs said before helping Rias and her peers, they should be taken to the mansion where they could be looked over and treated for any other possible injuries and such.
Back in Karakura Town.
Issei was getting himself ready for the fight with Xcution when he sent a group text to everyone: Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, Tatsuki, Soifon, Rukia, and even Yoruichi about the situation with Xcution. They replied almost immediately that they would be getting ready for the war.
Issei was ready until he heard a doorbell ringing on his porch before walking to the door and seeing it was Riruka, standing with blood on her face and a massive wound in her chest.
"Riruka, what happened?" Issei exclaimed, helping her to a table in his living room. Riruka winced but managed a weak smile as Issei tended to her injuries before stopping his hands.
"Issei... Ginjo found out I've been helping you. He... he left me just enough strength to come here and give you a message." Riruka said before coughing some blood as Issei's brows furrowed in concern.
"What message?"
Riruka took a deep breath, gathering her strength. "Ukitake... Captain Jushiro Ukitake is in danger. Xcution plans to eliminate him. They've mobilized their forces, and their army is ready."
Issei's mind raced as he processed the information. "Dammit! I thought my puppet would've informed me."
Riruka shook her head slightly. "Ginjo learned of your puppet yesterday evening and destroyed it. That's why you didn't know what happened to him, and before I could inform you, Ginjo decided that he no longer needed my services and took my power. He used me as an example of what happens to traitors in Xcution."
Issei clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Thank you for warning me, Riruka, and I'll make sure they pay."
Riruka nodded, her strength fading visibly. "I'm sorry, Issei... I couldn't do more to warn you. Please stop them... for all of us..."
Before Issei could respond, Riruka slumped forward, her injuries finally taking their toll. Issei caught her in his arms, gently lowering her to the ground as he checked her pulse. She was unconscious but stable thanks to his strings, but the pulse was weak, meaning she needed medical attention as soon as possible.
Issei then looked out the window to see the sky outside began to darken ominously. A low rumble filled the air, and he could sense a massive spiritual pressure approaching. Stepping outside, he saw the sky split open, revealing a swarm of Hollows and a towering Menos Grande descending upon Karakura Town.
Issei then narrowed his eyes as a certain bat flew over him and landed next to his being.
"Take Riruka back to Hueco Mundo and inform Sazyll to begin the Hollowfication process on her. Riruka will be a valuable asset in the future, but she must be alive." Issei said to Uliquorra, who nodded in agreement with her master and lover before leaving for Hueco Mundo but not after she kissed Issei on the lips, which made Issei calm down but also love the affection from his lover before thanking her.
Uliquorra smiled as she then left Issei alone in the house before Issei let out a breath he didn't know he was holding until Issei summoned a Quincy bow in his left hand before a massive pillar of spiritual energy enveloped his body.
"I think it's time to show Xcution their futility in harming my home; that's under my protection," Issei said as his bow began to flicker between his spiritual energies within him that were both his Hollow/Soul Reaper and Quincy powers.
"And to also show them what happens when they challenge The Overlord of Karakura Town and the Prince of Darkness," Issei said as his body began to transform until Issei muttered a word that released his Quincy powers.
"Vollstandig."
I apologize for this being shorter than my usual chapters. This one is because I wanted to end Chizuru's chapter and have Issei commit an action that he had to but struggled for. Issei is Aizen's son, but he still has Miki's heart, which makes it difficult for him to murder someone he loves. Now that Xcution is making their move while the Soul Society and New Maou won't show up, it is time for Issei to reveal why he isn't to be underestimated and feared by his enemies by using tech while the Quincies were given by their False God.
Vollstandig.
The war will be separated since Ichigo and the others will battle Hollows in separate areas of the town and grow in their way, so getting ready for the slaughter is about to begin.