The day after the meeting, Issei and Mash were in Chaldea as they were going over the data from the battle as well as Issei's condition. "We managed to gather a ton of data from the conflict, both from the Servants and from you, Fujimaru-kun. We're still sifting through it but with the help of our new friends going through this data will be much easier soon." Da Vinci made a solemn look as she stared at Issei. "But the main reason I called you here is to talk about your condition," she said with a hint of sadness.
Mash didn't like where this was going. "What happened to Senpai?" she asked.
"While I wasn't able to get an exact reading on your condition, your little stunt during the battle caused your soul to suffer severe damage. We're currently unable to determine the extent of it, but Azazel offered to help with technology that is better suited for that kind of examination. But from what I'm able to tell your life force was drastically lowered even though I can't tell by how much," said Da Vinci with a sad expression.
Mash looked horrified by the news. The fact that Issei's life was shortened greatly saddened her. Ddraig decided to speak up after Da Vinci. "I can tell you the damage done."
"You know for sure?" asked Da Vinci.
"Yes, it took a bit to be sure. I couldn't tell when it happened other than the fact that it took more than half his life force, but now that things have calmed down, I can tell you how much he lost." Ddraig paused before he gave them the news. "Partner only has 14 years left to live in his current state," he said solemnly. "Under normal circumstances, that stunt should have killed him, but those magic circuits that you guys implanted in him took most of the burden for him. Even so, it was still a gamble if he would survive or not. If you want my opinion though, I knew partner would pull it off. In the grand scheme of things, it's not the craziest thing he's done."
Da Vinci showed a wry smile at the dragon's response. "Honestly, I probably would take that same bet as well. But that's a different matter." Her gaze shifted to the distraught Mash who was silently looking at the ground, no doubt her thoughts in chaos at knowing that Issei's life was shortened to less than 20 years. "We should figure out if there's a way to reverse the effects and get your life force back. Perhaps we should consult with the other factions?"
Issei made an uncomfortable face. "I wouldn't want to tell the others if I can help it," he said.
"Ritsuka, they deserve to know! If your life is in danger then the others deserve to know so that they can help you!" said Mash passionately.
"Mashu…" said Issei, sad to see Mash on the verge of tears.
"I agree with Mashu. We should use every resource available to help save you. They also have a right to know," said Da Vinci.
Issei just made an unsure face. He didn't want to tell them that it was pointless considering what would happen eventually. "...Fine, we'll tell the others," he said.
Da Vinci nodded to Issei's response and continued the assessment. "That aside, there was one other thing that came up during the battle." This got both of their attention. "During the moment when you had your, "outburst", against Vali we got a reading from you aside from your growing power. It seems like your origin awakened slightly."
This news shocked Issei and Mash. Issei knew about origins from his studies and knew they were unique to each person and can affect their personality. "Are you sure that's what it was? Do I even have one?" asked Issei.
"Even if your body composition is different from being from another world, we've already confirmed that your body can operate under the same rules as ours do. I can confirm the readings are that of an origin. Although it's not fully awakened, only slightly. The question is, what is your origin? Do you feel any different? Do you know the exact cause that may have started it?" asked Da Vinci.
Issei thought back. Supposedly, it had awakened when he went berserk on Vali after the thought of Rias' breasts being threatened by him sent Issei over the edge. He didn't feel any different from normal when the fighting ended. He only felt something when he started gaining power, but he attributed that to his Sacred Gear and not his origin. He knew his old personality came out when he was in his berserk state and felt embarrassed after it was over. I really shouldn't have been embarrassed about that since that guy was threatening my woman. Breasts are everything anyways, and anyone who would threaten that is my enemy. Wait a second…, as Issei thought about the incident and the aftermath in its entirety, he realized his thoughts were different from usual.
It had apparently shown on his face because Da Vinci spoke up. "Did you realize something, Fujimaru-kun?"
"This is just a hypothetical, but I think I know what's going on," said Issei. Da Vinci and Mash looked expectantly at him as he explained. "Origins are tied to a person's personality, which means that my personality should show signs of change, even if it's just a little since my origin hasn't fully awakened. But my personality hasn't changed, or rather, my personality is going back to how it was before." The statement surprised the duo as Issei continued. "As I was thinking about the incident yesterday, I noticed that my embarrassment from after the battle didn't show up at all. I was embarrassed when it happened, but as I was thinking about it now, I didn't feel there was anything wrong with my reaction, as if it was the natural response. Thinking back, when I regained my memories, my personality didn't immediately go back to normal. Even though I remembered my past it always felt like I was an outsider looking in. I knew what I saw was myself, but it didn't feel like me, and I think I now know why. I think before I was summoned my origin was already mostly awakened, if not fully awakened. Since I didn't have access to any magic or magecraft back then it only showed in my personality. Perhaps something in the summoning process not only suppressed my memories but my origin as well, and me regaining my memories alone wasn't enough to turn me back to normal." Issei directed his gaze at Mash. "But you and the girls have been trying to help me return to how I used to be, and while I have been trying to act like my old self that's all it's really been, an act. It's not like I wasn't interested in those things anymore, all our nights together are enough proof of that," he said with a wry smile as Mash blushed. "But the thought of something I love and prefer on a personal level being threatened more than likely was enough to jolt my origin awake, along with my Sacred Gear's power flowing through me."
Da Vinci had a hand on her chin in thought. "That's a good theory. It's probably the best answer we have until we do some more research into it."
Issei nodded and continued. "But now we get back to the real question. What is my origin exactly?"
All three stood in silent contemplation for a moment. Da Vinci spoke with a wry smile. "Whatever it is, it's clearly tied to your perverse attachment to breasts. Not only that but it seems to take away some of your shame since you said you don't feel as embarrassed about your behavior as before. We can't be sure what abilities you'll get unless you awaken more of your origin but that comes with its own risks, such as a complete personality change. We don't know to what extent your origin was originally awakened. If it was only half or mostly awakened, fully awakening it could make you someone different from both how you are now and were before. There is a lot we don't know, and this is just if your hypothesis is true."
They all didn't know what to make of this with so little information. Issei had a lot to think about. "Well, we should take this one step at a time. Once we have a base established in Kuoh we can do a more thorough examination and possibly training to control it," said Issei.
Da Vinci nodded. "I agree, that's probably for the best for now." She turned to Mash. "Mashu, could you go and inform the others about Fujimaru-kun's condition? I need to talk to him about a few more things." Mash nodded her head but felt there was something else behind Da Vinci's words. She looked at Issei to see if he knew what was going on, but he looked like he didn't know either. After a moment she turned and left. After about a minute of silence Da Vinci finally spoke. "We need to talk."
Issei was caught off guard by Da Vinci's serious tone. "About what?"
"About whatever it is Merlin told you," said Da Vinci with a stern look.
Issei looked away. How did she…? He was trying to figure out how she learned about it.
"I know because you and Ddraig were talking during your fight with Vali and mentioned that losing life force didn't matter based on what Merlin told you. So, what did Merlin tell you?"
I really should stop monologuing when I get heated up, Issei thought to himself realizing that Da Vinci heard his conversation with Ddraig. Da Vinci was staring at him waiting for an answer. Issei sighed and relented, telling her about Merlin's vision.
Da Vinci kept her stern look. "And you had no intention of telling the rest of us you were going to die?" she asked, clearly upset.
"I didn't want to worry everyone with it being so vague. Besides, it's not uncommon for people who try to avoid their fate to end up running face first into it. I thought it would be better to live as I normally do and not worry anyone else instead of having everyone worry all the time about if something might happen to me," said Issei in a sad tone.
"Fujimaru-kun, the others have a right to know, just like Mashu said before."
"You will say nothing to them!" Issei said in a harsh tone. Da Vinci was taken aback, never having heard Issei talk like that to her, but she could tell by the look in his eyes that he was dead serious about this. "I refuse to have them be miserable and bend over backwards trying to prevent my death! I want them to enjoy their lives. I already compromised by having them know my life span was shortened, I won't have things be worse by having them constantly wonder when I'll be killed."
"But Fujimura-kun-."
"This is not up for discussion," Issei cut it off there.
Da Vinci had a sad expression. She clearly saw that Issei was thinking about the others, which is why he didn't want to tell them about his death prophecy. But Da Vinci couldn't just do nothing either. "So you just expect me to do nothing while you wait for death?"
"Who said I was waiting for death? I have no intention of rolling over and dying. I want to get stronger and stronger just as always, but I'm not letting the prophecy guide my actions or hold me back. I will live my life the way I want to, that's all there is to it."
Da Vinci saw his determination and saw that he hadn't given up. After a few moments of silent contemplation, she relented. "Very well, I won't say anything to the others," she said, getting a thankful smile from Issei. "But from now on you're going to consult with me about anything related to your condition. We are going to do everything we can to make sure you pull through this, which includes making you stronger."
Issei had a grateful smile at that. "And what do you suppose we do?"
"We have a suggestion," said a timid voice from behind Issei.
Issei turned around and had a surprised look as did Da Vinci. Standing there were Kuro, Illiya, and Miyu. "How long have you been standing there?" asked Issei, now concerned about their reaction to this info.
"Since Mashu left the room with a concerned look on her face. We decided to eavesdrop from outside the door," said Kuro.
Illiya walked up to Issei. "We won't let you die Master! We'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe!" she said emotionally.
Issei knelt down and rubbed her head. "Thank you Illiya, I appreciate it. But I don't just want to be protected. I want to be able to stand on my own. Besides, it's not like anything's changed. I risk my life all the time in these fights and going through Singularities, so a death prophecy doesn't make much of a difference to me."
The three girls clearly weren't satisfied with that. "If that's the case Master, then we have a suggestion on how to be stronger," said Miyu. Issei and Da Vinci inclined their heads in interest. "In our world we used things called Class Cards, which allowed us to channel the power of Servants through our bodies. We weren't the only ones who could do it where we were from, so it should be possible for Master to be able to do it too, although we don't have any Class Cards with us right now."
Da Vinci understood and agreed with the girl's suggestion. "I see, in that case we should talk about what you know about Class Cards so that we can develop our own for Fujimaru-kun."
The girls nodded and Issei spoke to them. "Listen, you three can't tell anyone what you heard here, especially Mashu. Understand?"
The three saw his serious look and nodded. "We understand," said Illiya. Issei nodded with a smile at their response.
After confirming that there was nothing else, he left to meet up with the girls. After he left Da Vinci let out a sigh. "He really needs to take better care of himself," she said.
"Master will be alright, right?" asked Illiya.
"As long as we have something to say about it, he will. He has spent all his time helping others, us included. It's time we made sure he gets to be happy," said Da Vinci. "Make sure you don't mention this to anyone like he asked. If the others find out they will undoubtedly do something to try and help and that will only make Fujimaru feel more indebted to everyone, which would probably make him more reckless as a result." The three Servants nodded in agreement.
The next day the ORC were gathered in the clubroom, surprised to see a certain someone sitting in Rias' chair. "So, starting from today, I have become the advisor for the Occult Research Club," said Azazel.
"What are you talking about?" asked Rias, annoyed.
"What? I just asked Sirzechs, and he said to tell Serafall's little sister," he said in a carefree tone.
Everyone was surprised and turned to Sona who was also in the room with them along with Tsubaki. "It was you, Sona-kaichou?" asked Issei.
"If I didn't allow it, Onee-sama threatened–I mean begged to come to school instead," she said while looking away.
So you threw us under the bus, huh, thought Issei.
"So what you mean is that you sold us out," said Rias. Issei smiled internally, glad that they were on the same page.
"Anyway, I leave the rest to you," said Sona as she and Tsubaki made their getaway.
"Wait a minute, Sona!" Rias called out but she ignored her and left.
Rias sulked a bit at her friend's betrayal as Issei saw something that seemed out of place. "What's with the new arm Azazel?" When he asked everyone noticed he got a new arm as well.
"Oh, it's an all-purpose arm I made during my Sacred Gear research. I always wanted to make something like this," he said as the arm transformed into various things to show off its versatility. He even shot it off as it flew around the room doing a rocket punch before reattaching to Azazel. "However Sirzechs is only allowing me to stay here under one condition."
"Condition?" asked Gasper from his box.
"To help develop everyone's immature Sacred Gears." Azazel chuckled a bit before continuing. "The Holy-Demonic Sword, Forbidden Balor View, and of course the Boosted Gear with unprecedented evolutionary potential. I'll use the fruits of my research to evolve them individually. Got it? From now on, call me Azazel-sensei."
"Azazel-sensei…?" Issei had a bad feeling about this.
"Oh right, one more thing. There will be another teacher joining me as well," said Azazel.
"Another? Who is it?" asked Mash.
As she asked, the door to the clubroom opened again. When everyone turned to see who it was, Scàthach was standing there in a schoolteacher's outfit. Oh no… thought Issei.
"After some discussion the leaders along with Da Vinci-chan decided that having someone from Chaldea here aside from Issei-kun was a good idea, and although Da Vinci wanted to come herself her duties prevented that, so Skadi was the next best choice, having history as a teacher," explained Azazel. Issei breathed a sigh of relief that it was Skadi and not Scàthach. He didn't want to imagine what kind of chaos Shishou's version of teaching would bring to the school.
Skadi showed a small smile that sent shivers down Issei's spine. "I'm looking forward to teaching all of you," she said.
"Same here," said Azazel as he got up and walked to the window.
"Wait, "working with us"? I'm not convinced you should even be here yet–" Rias tried to argue back but was cut off by Azazel.
"-Oh… Sirzechs gave me a message for you."
"From Onii-sama?"
"It seems when he stayed at Issei-kun's house before, he learned the importance of skinship between household members. Especially for you Issei-kun. It looks like how close you are to others affects your power."
"What are you trying to say?" Issei felt like this was going in a weird direction based on how Azazel was phrasing it.
""By order of Sirzechs Lucifer, all female members of Occult Research Club are to move in with Hyoudou Issei." Is what he said," explained Azazel.
"W-what?!" exclaimed Rias, Issei, and Mash.
Skadi smiled from behind the group as she addressed Issei. "Look at you Master, it seems like everyone is throwing women at you. You might be better than some kings from the past at this rate," she teased. Issei felt a mix of embarrassment and happiness from the situation.
The next day the female members of the ORC brought their things to Issei's house. He had already informed his parents and the Servants about the situation which caused him to get various looks from all of them, ranging from being proud of him to suspicious glares. Akeno was the first to greet him. "Issei, Akeno has arrived by your side!" she said while hugging him. Issei was happy with this but noticed the others pouting.
Xenovia walked by him with her things. "I guess I should move in with Asia in her room," she said.
Next was Koneko, who walked up to Issei with her things. "Hello. Issei-senpai."
Issei separated himself from Akeno and looked at Koneko. "Yes?"
"If you peek in my room or the shower, I will never forgive you," she said in her usual monotone, but with a threatening edge. Issei just nodded.
"B-buchou…" said Asia now wondering how things were going to work out with all the girls here.
"W-well, if it's what Onii-sama suggested, then I'll have to go along with it." Rias' expression changed to a smile. "I've decided then." Issei turned to face Rias. "Why don't we have Onii-sama remodel the house?"
"He can do that?" asked Issei. Rias nodded in confirmation and then left to go make the call. Akeno grabbed her things and went with Koneko to find their new rooms, leaving Issei, Asia, and Mash behind.
Issei saw them leave and then saw Asia who seemed to be down. Issei thought it was time he set things straight. "Mashu, could you leave me and Asia for a bit? I wanted to talk to her," he asked.
Mash was surprised at first but then a small smile made its way to her face as she nodded and left. Asia was just confused at the suddenness of this. "Is something wrong Issei-san?"
"No, nothing is wrong, Asia. I just think I needed to talk to you about something I've been putting off for a while." He gestured to the living room as the two went in and sat next to each other. "I want to start off by saying I'm sorry."
Asia was again surprised. "Sorry about what Issei-san?"
"I've been ignoring your feelings for a while now, partially because I'm dense, but also because part of me felt like I wasn't good enough for you. You're a really pure and good person and I kinda felt like if I reached my hand out to you it would corrupt you."
"There is no way Issei-san would do that!" said Asia seriously, taking Issei by surprise. "Issei-san has done so much for not only me but everybody. There is no way you would corrupt anyone. Not only that, it's thanks to you that I can pray to God again."
Issei couldn't help but smile at Asia's earnest words. He gently grabbed her shoulder and brought her in for a hug. Asia's face became beet red from the sudden hug as she looked up at Issei. "Thank you for saying that Asia. I'm sure it's been rough waiting for my stupid self to get the hint, but after talking with Rias and Mashu I realized something." Asia looked at Issei curiously, wondering what he had discovered. "I don't want anyone else taking you away from me." This again earned a blush from Asia, but she was also smiling, glad her feelings finally got through. "So, I'll ask you, Asia. Will you be my woman?"
"Yes! Yes Issei-san, I will!" said Asia, incredibly happy with tears in her eyes.
"You don't need the "san" you know, especially now that we're dating," said Issei jokingly. Asia looked a bit embarrassed and nodded. Then she did something unexpected. She went and kissed Issei. This took him by surprise as he wanted to do that but wasn't sure how to. He was still having a hard time not treating her super delicately. After the kiss though, Asia looked down even more embarrassed which just earned a smile from Issei.
But soon their moment was interrupted by the sound of people falling over in the doorway to the living room. In fell Rias, Mash, Akeno, Xenovia, Jeanne, Martha, and even Issei's Mom. Apparently, they had all been listening in from the hallway and eventually all of them piling at the doorway trying to peek was too much. Once they all got up and saw that their cover was blown, they all spoke at once. "Congratulations, you did it Asia!" said Mash.
"Glad to see you finally stepped up, Issei," said Rias.
"Ufufufu, so that's how it's done, is it? Well then, I guess I should go next," said Akeno.
"Sorry, but even if you're my senpai, I won't back down. I already have plans to make babies with him and we got interrupted last time, so I'm next," said Xenovia.
Jeanne and Martha looked happy that Asia and their Master were together although they still had conflicting feelings about him having a harem. Issei's Mom on the other hand was so happy things had progressed nicely for her son and adoptive daughter. "I'm so happy for the two of you!" she said while bringing them in for a hug. Asia hugged her back with Issei patting her back.
He looked around at everyone in the room and simply smiled. This is what I'm fighting for. This is the world I want to protect. No enemy or prophecy is going to stop me from doing so, I swear it, he thought to himself.
Finally, I got the Asia confession done. I've been trying to do this for a few chapters but couldn't figure out how to integrate it properly. This seemed like the best opportunity to get it out of the way. As for the origin thing, this is my work around for Issei not being reincarnated. Since Issei got his ecchi powers from being a devil I figured this would be a good replacement for Issei being able to access his personal powers. Keep in mind that I left it up to interpretation if this is how Issei's origin works, just in case there is something about origins that I'm misunderstanding. I had also been planning on adding Class Cards from the beginning too, since I feel that would be a good replacement for his illegal move Triaina since again, Issei isn't a devil. I wanted to upload this chapter a bit early since its just the wrap up for this arc. I already have the next chapter done and the next one being worked on. I look forward to the comments as always. : )