Chapter 5: Two Wills, One Goal

Silence again met my ears as Forcuis and I had our stare off. Now that I'm not freaking out, I notice that he's actually kinda young, around late twenties to early thirties, and slightly taller than me. He's got smooth black hair tied into a short low ponytail, tan skin, grey eyes and handsome face. He's wearing some sort of formal clothing: black long-sleeved coat with white inner shirt, all buttoned except the neck area, and slacks. He looks more like going to a party instead of a battle, then again everyone except me are wearing their uniforms right now.

His eyes went to my hands for a few moments before speaking out, "Are you the one we are searching for?" Raising an eyebrow in confusion but still keeping my guard up. "It is obvious that Issei, the Twice Critical user, could not have triggered our sensors as a potential threat. Despite an unusual power I sense from him, you hold a superior Sacred Gear. That is why, let me ask you again. Are you the one we are searching for?"

So he knows about Double Burst, "Why ask me and not your bosses? How am I suppose to know that I might be your target".

"I do not believe your timely arrival of attempting to aid Issei from complete annihilation as a pure coincidence. Perhaps the devils have already made contact with you and to use him as lure to find out our intentions".

Scowling, I narrowed my eyes in anger, "I rather drink poison than selling out one of my friends. Don't think that we're militaristic and emotionless as you. No, I didn't use him as bait and my arrival was coincidental".

"I was merely stating a possibility. If that is the case, then I have no more questions. Prepare yourself". His yellow light sword was in his right hand pointing at me and I'm not willing to make the first move. He's faster than me and can counter me if I make any stupid mistakes. A bead of sweat dripped from my forehead, my right hand out in front of me and my left near my body, legs slightly bent to get ready to move if he gets too close.

He charged straight at me to slice my chest. I leaned back but still got a nick and jabbed his chest. He side-stepped away from it and came at me again, so I jumped back to get some cover from the forest. His sword is long which means he can't swing it like he wants with all the trees around. But I was dead wrong, he can literally carve through thick wood like it was butter.

"Shit". I started panicking, got behind a tree summoned my clones to hide themselves. As soon as I'm out, we re-engaged in close combat. Slice, slash, thrust, he just kept going and I can't find an opening while still figuring out his rhythm. He tried an overhead slash, I dodged left and aimed at his legs. He jumped back but a clone got behind to sucker punch him and I used some lumber he cut to throw it at him. I thought the pincer attack would work until he spun around to grab the clone's hand and kick him towards the log.

The clone dispelled and Forcuis cut the log in half before it could hit him. Clone two tried to hit him from above but met the same fate as the previous clone when he sliced him. 'Are you kidding me!? He wasn't even looking at them. They made sure to get into his blind spot!' My sweat became more prominent and I made two more clones.

The three of us charged forward to try to overwhelm him. I went forward and the clones went to his sides, no point in hiding myself since only the original can use the Sacred Gear. My fist met blade while the other hand went to grab his wrist, astonishment crossed his eyes and my clones went for the vitals. His other hand managed to stop one clone but he got a jab to the neck from the other. I was about to knee him until his sword glowed brightly and exploded.

Both of us skidded backwards whereas the clones popped. I got some serious burns to the chest and left arm whereas Forcuis only got light wounds from his sword-wielding hand, he must have directed the explosion towards me instead of making it omnidirectional. He wasted no time and came at me again. Gritting my teeth, I got down low to leg sweep him but he avoided again.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" I've had enough of subtlety and decided to rush forward with our fists reeled back. He dodged the clones easily and thrust his sword towards me. I grabbed it, ignoring the burning sensation, and punched him in the nose. A sickening crack was heard and he was sent flying through a tree and smashed into the one behind it.

My clones closed in, going for a kick in the stomach and a hook to the face, only to have one of them has his arm severed from a wide arc slash and the other retreated. Snapping the nose back in place, blood came out of it and he was breathing hard. Guess he's not used to tanking attacks, but I'm still in worse condition. All my sneak attacks were easily countered and he can evade my frontal ones with his speed except when I grabbed him. Clones won't help me, and I'm really getting tired, my only other option is to try to get him in my illusions. I haven't perfected it yet but I don't have anything else to use.

Relaying instructions to my clone, he charged forward as the distraction this time. Just as they were about the clash, the clone suddenly stopped just before he attacked whereas Forcuis swung his sword and lost his balance for a second. He fell for the feint which made his momentum work against him, I quickly charged my magic into my hand. He got up to fight back but widen his eyes instead and jumped back just as I was about to hit him.

'What gives? Why didn't he fight back?' I lost concentration in my spell and we resumed the fight. He made an upper slash, I dodged left and tried to elbow him until he stepped back, spun around and slashed my wounded chest as he got into my guard. My clone returned to aim low but got blocked by his leg and dissipate after a clean hit. It wasn't meant to attack, I used this chance to cool down and hide behind one of the trees.

Breathing hard, suffering light-poison, and running low on magic. I had to bite on my uninjured arm to stop myself from screaming in excruciating pain. Did I mention that I was losing a lot of blood too? 'Holy fuck, that hurts! It's like he knows almost all of my moves before I can make them! Come on, think! He avoided my illusion spell, can he see the future? No. If he can, he wouldn't have fell for my my clone's feint'.

I saw a few trees destroyed in a yellow explosion, he's trying to draw me out. 'Something like the Byakugan? No. If he did then he wouldn't be looking for me right now. Then... 'Despite an unusual power I sense from him, you hold a superior Sacred Gear'. A sensor! My clones and illusion are magic spells, but the amount of magic must be at a certain threshold or distance otherwise he can't notice them'.

I saw another explosion, so he can't make them as quickly as Raynare. 'Okay, speed and surprises won't work on him. Judging by how exhausted I am, I only have a few good shots at best, then... Oh, this is gonna suck so hard!'

Exuding magic like the leaf sticking exercise to surround my entire body, crossing my fingers into a familiar hand sign, and doubling up, "HAAAAH!" I ran out of my hiding spot just in time before he got me with a boom. I quickly got into his personal space and unleashed a barrage of punches alongside my clones. Forcuis used the flat side of the sword to block them and jumped back but I keep darting towards him.

Another explosion got me, I didn't care. My makeshift barrier absorbed some of the damage and I landed a solid punch to his right shoulder joint. My clones followed and landed a few strikes. He made another sword to slice them, but I used my arms to block and took the hit. Perplexed by my sudden change of tactics, we continued this routine as my clones keep punching him.

As we exchanged blows, each swing looks clearer and slower. Was he getting tired? I could almost predict his attacks and manage to block without taking damage. However, my body was failing me quicker than I anticipated and he's breaking through my defense. Eventually I lost all my energy and collapsed as he made a wide slash.

He was covered in bruises and bleeding but still had that warrior face and pointed his sword to my neck, "I did not expect your relentless assault. Was that your desperate final attempt to win?"

I had to take deep breaths despite the burning pain in my chest, "P-pretty much".

"It is such a shame to let someone as much potential as yours to die, this has been one of the most enjoyable battles I had in decades. However, you are a threat to our plans and therefore must die".

"W-wait! At least answer me this. W-why Kuoh? Why do it in the t-town where the sister of M-Maou resides? Why not some other church?" I breathed out the words.

"... I am afraid I do not have that answer. I was merely following orders from my superior". Forcuis revealed after considering whether to answer my question for a few moments.

"Who is your superior?"

"Kokabiel-sama". My eyes widen. Kokabiel the warmonger!? It all makes sense; Asia from the church, the fallen angels, and us devils. The motherfucker is taking the first step in restarting the war from all three sides! Asia is excommunicated, but she's still a faithful sister and prays for Michael. With all of us fighting in the territory of the Maous' sisters, the animosity will escalate!

"For your honor and courage, I shall make your death swift and painless". With that, he cleanly decapitate me. Dismissing his sword, Forcuis took some deep breathes before walking to the church. However, after taking two steps...

"Aaagh!" Forcuis was kicked in the chin up into the air, clone one punched the center of his spine towards clone two who uppercutted his stomach further into the air where I was hovering. I made an overhead hammer strike to the same spot where clone one punched and sent him hurtling towards the ground, the two clones were waiting and had their fists meet sternum and stomach before I free fall with a battle cry, "DOUBLE UP x6!" Spinning once, I crashed onto his spine again with the back of my right heel.

The result was a sizable crack in the ground and the sound of bones cracking echoed as well as clones popping out. My Sacred Gear disappeared entirely and I slumped onto the floor. Pushing past my pain, I gambled everything in that last barrage. Blood flowing out of me with both stamina and magic at near zero, if he could still fight after that then I'm seriously screwed.

Fortunately, he wasn't getting back up after a while, instead he turned his head towards me, "H-h-how?" He asked after coughing a bit of blood.

After coughing out some blood, "B-back when my clones barraged y-you before this. I realized you are a m-magic sensor, so they i-infused tiny bit of magic in each punch. W-with that many, I thought it would b-build up overtime and t-trapped you in my illusion. Apparently, it w-worked". I gave a weak but victorious smirk.

"W-what blunder. I had s-speculated that your f-flickering blue eyes were the c-cause". Forcuis thought out before grunting in pain.

Blue eyes? Before I could ask what he meant, my consciousness was fading. My eyes felt so heavy and I really want this whole mess to end. Maybe a few minutes of rest wouldn't hurt...

"... suke-kun! Daisuke-kun!" It was really blurry, but I think I could see violet eyes and a red glow to my chest.

"H-Himejima... -san..."

"Daisuke-kun, please hold on! Don't die!" Her words just confused me. Dying? I was just resting for a while.

The blur cleared up a bit and I can see some tears at the edge of her eyes. Why was she sad? Is it because of me? Weakly raising my arm, I patted her head in attempt to comfort her, "It's o-okay. I won't d-die anytime soon".

She seems slightly relieved and redoubled her efforts to heal me. Breathing became easier and I'm getting more and more lucid, "How are I-Issei and the others?"

"They are currently fighting Raynare. She extracted the sister's Sacred Gear and used it as her own". That was not good, so Asia did die in this world as well. Even with everything I've done, I couldn't change anything for the better. After a few minutes, Akeno's hands stopped glowing, "I have given you emergency treatment but we need to meet with the others before we can safely continue, can you move?"

I nodded my head and she grabbed an arm over her shoulder to support me. It was hard to move, but we walked to the church and Forcuis, tied with some sort of magic rope, was unconscious and dragged along. Just as we approached, we saw a red beam blasted out Raynare through the walls. Upon closer inspection, I saw something different.

She has 4 wings.

'Yeeeeaah, at this point, I'm not gonna be surprised anymore. Wonder what happened?'

About 15 minutes ago:

Issei, Kiba, and Koneko left Daisuke to handle the fallen swordsman. After a few seconds, they reached the front door which Koneko just punched through. A resounding 'thud' was heard as the room was devoid of people.

"Please be careful, there should be a guard somewhere". Kiba instructed out with his hand inching towards the sword on his waist.

Koneko moved in front and eyes surveying, her nose twitched and looked at a pillar, "Enemy".

A clapping sound could be heard and a familiar psycho priest emerged, "KYAHAHAHAHA, nice to see you again shitty devils. Eh? Where is your friend, Daisuke-kun was it?"

"We're more than enough to beat you! Where's Asia!?" Issei yelled and his gear appeared.

"Haaah? So the shitty devil I want to butcher first is not here!? Tch, guess I'll just settle with killing you lot".

"You seem awfully confident. I hope you are not just all talk". Kiba unsheathed his sword.

"Don't worry, it is my policy to kill all shitty devils the first time I met them. You all are one of the few exceptions to survive". Freed turned his attention to Issei, "You want Asia-tan right, the bitch is underneath this altar. A hidden staircase will lead you underground".

"Well that was easier than I thought". Issei was dumbfounded for a second.

"Hyodou-kun, Koneko-chan, head to the altar!"

A bench was thrown at Freed but he just sliced it. Kiba tried to sneak attack him but his sword was easily deflected. "This trick again? You shitty devils running out of ideas or something". Freed came with a horizontal slash which Kiba dodged. They made a run for the altar, but was interrupted when Freed fired a few bullets, "Uh-uh, shitty devils need to die first before they can leave". He wagged his finger in admonishment.

The priest stayed near the underground entrance and fire some bullets in the mix to confuse the Knight. A few nicked him which prompted Koneko to come and help but Freed just jumped away from her punch. Issei tried again but only got the same result, it was clear that they need to beat him before they can save Asia, "Damn it!"

More bullets were shot but just bounced off of Koneko, sustaining only minor pain. She then repeatedly throw more benches which were either dodged or cut. Kiba used one of the benches as cover to get in close, but Freed wasn't surprised and they crossed blades again.

[BOOST]

"Promotion: Queen". Issei tried to provide back up by hitting him from behind but took a few shots by surprise instead with Freed's gun pointed backwards from the side of his torso. Thankfully, his increased defense protected him from most of the damage and just stung him. Kiba apparently had enough, "Holy Eraser!"

The blade of the light sword was engulfed in darkness and disappeared. Annoyance was evident in his expression, "So, you're a Sacred Gear wielder as well". Issei saw his chance and landed a successful punch to his side this time. Freed was flown back quite a bit but got back up and dodged another bench. He saw Koneko and aimed his gun for her weak spots like joints, neck, and eyes.

Koneko had to use her arms to protect herself this time. Kiba saw this and helped her by engulfing the light bullets with his sword. Issei came in with another punch to the face but was blocked by the handle of his sword. Freed retaliated by kicking his stomach which pushed himself back to a wall. Kiba and Koneko surrounded him, Issei did the same after a quick grunt. Seeing himself cornered and his weapons ineffective, he made a very angry face.

"I see that Daisuke-kun is not the only shitty devil with talent in your group. My, my, aren't I in a precarious situation". He suddenly dropped a cartridge which made a bright flash. The three devils closed their eyes in surprised, by the time the white spots faded from vision, the stray exorcist was already gone.

"You are all that red-haired bitch's minions right. I'll remember your faces, so next time I'll make sure to kill you nice and good. See ya". Freed ran out through a window before anyone else could utter a word.

"You bastard! Get back here!"

"Hyoudou-kun, forget about him. We must hurry"

Koneko pushed the altar effortlessly and revealed a staircase just like the priest said, "This way".

The devils ran down the stairs and found another door. Seeing as there weren't any other guards, they guessed that the welcoming party is behind the door. Opening forcefully, they were treated the sight of many priests, but Issei's attention wasn't on that.

"Asia!"

"You arrived just in time. Witness the birth of my new power". Raynare extracted Twilight Healing and absorbed it as her own. She then collapsed to her knees and felt her vessels pulsing while hyperventilating and clutching her chest. Asia however was screaming in pain. Issei couldn't take it anymore and ran towards her.

"Evil devil! You shall come no closer". A priest was about to whack Issei with his staff until Koneko jabbed him. More priest came to help their brother in arm but Kiba's Holy Eraser made them falter. Issei was at Asia side, but she was getting really pale and her eyes were losing light, "Asia, it's okay. I'm here to save you". She didn't reply which made him to panic even more. Raynare was still on the ground and groaning a little but didn't try to stop Issei.

"Hyoudou-kun, take the girl and leave. Koneko-chan and I will clear a path for you".

"Leave it to us".

"What! But you guys can't take this many priests by yourselves".

"Your objective is her, is it not. Do not let our and Daisuke-kun's efforts go to waste. Go!"

"Damn it. I'll be waiting, you hear me! And call me Issei since we're friends!". Issei hoped that they'll be alright and went upstairs back to the sanctuary. He carefully laid Asia on a bench. She weakly opened her eyes and saw the one friend that has given her so much joy.

"Issei-san... You came for me?"

"Of course I did. We're friends right, and friends help each other". Issei tried to stay positive but still had a worried expression.

"Thank you... Would you still take me to other fun places and play with me". Asia was tearing up.

"Yeah. We can watch movies, go bowling or even go to the game center again. I'll even introduce to to my friends, Matsuda and Motohama are perverted idiots but good people. We can all hang out together".

"I feel so happy. You have done so much for someone like me. Thank you... Issei-san". Asia closed her eyes for the final time.

"Asia? Asia? What wrong, Asia!?" Issei thought of the worst possible scenario but didn't want to acknowledge it.

"It is useless". Issei turned around a saw Raynare with two pairs of wings and wearing familiar rings. "Once a Sacred Gear is extracted, the only future awaiting the wielder is death". She explained with a happy yet cruel smirk.

"No... no, no, NO! Give it back!" Issei teared up and yelled in hatred.

"Sorry, but the Twilight Healing will have a better use for the fallen angels. Azazel-sama will surely be pleased". Raynare flew higher a twirled a little, "This power is better than I could have ever hoped. We were right to execute the ceremony after all".

"All she wanted was to make friends. Was that so wrong!? She didn't even want to hurt anyone!"

"All Sacred Gear users are cursed to be used or persecuted. You were one of them remember, right Ise". Raynare finished the last part with a deceivingly cute voice.

"I won't forgive you, or myself who couldn't protect her. I'll make you pay! Give Asia back!"

[DRAGON BOOSTER]

Issei went to punch Raynare but she just flew away and threw a light spear to his leg, "Last time, I have underestimated you and your friend. But with my new power, I will finish you right where you stand". She made another spear to throw but changed her mind and blocked a blade.

"Issei-kun, sorry we're late". Kiba had his sword against the spear. Koneko landed a solid punch to the fallen's side. Issei grabbed the weapon stuck in his leg and got it out in one pull. Coughing some blood, "Gah, you two are okay!"

"I have thought those exorcists already killed you? Bunch of incompetent fools". Raynare spat out before healing her injury and continued to throw spears.

[BOOST]

Raynare frowned in confusion after hearing Issei's gear the second time but didn't have time to ponder as benches were thrown towards her. She easily dodged those. Kiba came flying with two Holy Erasers this time to engulfed her spear. It wasn't completely erased but he managed to push back Raynare to where Koneko was waiting. Another punch struck her but was easily healed and she used a spear to pierce the white haired Rook.

Koneko used her arms in response and grabbed it just before reaching her chest. She winced in pain from the burning sensation whereas Issei got behind Raynare to punch her but the fallen swung her spear and injured the Pawn's arms instead. Kiba returned to the fight with a fire sword in his left hand and an ice sword in his right. The repeated slashes between the two swords caused the temperature around the fallen to fluctuate wildly, hoping to work against her. He suddenly ducked as a piece of rubble flew over him and hit the astonished fallen.

[BOOST]

Raynare heard it again and decided to throw two exploding spears at Kiba and targeted Issei. She had learned her lesson earlier and not to risk it the second time. Issei charged forward to knock the spear away with his gauntlet and punched her face. She definitely felt the pain and had to use more time to heal. A larger than normal spear was conjured and thrown at Issei which blasted him away.

Kiba and Koneko tag teamed and came at her from both sides. The former holding the temperature swords after giving the latter the Destruction Sword. Raynare made two spears to block but buckle under the pressure and got slashed again. She was breathing heavily and getting tired constantly healing herself. She flew backwards to get some breathing room but Koneko threw her large sword which hit her square in the stomach.

The Knight closed in with a cross slash. Raynare blocked and swung her spear which he ducked under and made a twin rising slash. She yelled in pain and made a circle of spears aimed towards the blonde. He tried deflecting and dodging them but got pierced in his left shoulder. Raynare proceeded to kick him back down to the ground.

[BOOST]

Issei struggled to get up and coughed out more blood, the last spear hurt his arm badly but willed himself to continue and the other two weren't faring much better. Some debris was going to crash onto Asia, forcing Issei to move and use his back to shield his friend. Kiba made three Holy Erasers from the ground which Koneko used to launch them. Raynare flew away and Issei saw his chance, "Please, give me the power to beat this bitch!".

[EXPLOSION]

In a flash of green, Issei's gauntlet finally reached its initial form and the Boosted Gear emerged. Raynare saw this and was stunned in fear and disbelief, "Impossible, that Sacred Gear, it's-"

Issei instinctively charged his magic into a small red sphere and punched it towards her, "This one's for Asia! Fly, you fucking angel!"

The energy beam made a solid hit on the strap wearing fallen. Raynare screamed in pain, the damage was too much to heal and the concussive force knocked her unconscious. The heat radiated from the blast could be clearly felt by all of them and a loud boom reverberated throughout the sanctuary. Issei panted in exhaustion as Kiba and Koneko did the same, but it didn't stop the smiles growing on their faces.

They won.

Present:

Akeno scowled in distaste when the four-winged crash landed in our sights and tied her with the same rope as she did with Forcuis. The whole church was a mess, pieces here and there, I'm surprised that it wasn't completely destroyed yet. Entering, we saw that everyone is fine and alive.

"You guys sure know how to wreck the place, huh".

"Whoa Daisuke, you look like shit". Issei replied.

"I feel like shit". Grinning weakly, I heard the sound of footsteps. Paranoia made me think it's an enemy but it was just Rias, guess the exhaustion is messing me more than I thought. She looked at all of us with pride and relief until she spotted me.

"We will talk about your actions later". She said with an happy yet angry tone. Great, what did I do this time? "You all have fought bravely and won. At first I was worried about letting you three fight her, but it was unwarranted after all". Behind her were Dohnaseek, Kalawarner, and Mittelt knocked out and bounded. Forcuis and Raynare were dropped together with them, "Akeno, wake them up".

"Yes, Buchou". A ball of water was formed and used to splash them back to consciousness.

"W-what?"

"What is the meaning of this!?"

"Why am I not tied up in bondage?"

I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that last one.

"Good evening fallen angels, my name is Rias Gremory, heir of the Gremory Household. I am sure you are all aware of the situation you are in". Rias' tone was leveled but has that undertone that demands compliance.

"You will pay for this! We have authorized permission to be here. Azazel-sama will avenge us and reduce your bodies to ashes!" Raynare yelled out in bravado.

"Do you mean this authorized permission" Rias showed them a piece of paper which made all of them go deathly pale.

"Th-this signature!? Impossible, this doesn't make any sense! Kokabiel-sama gave us the order" Dohnaseek yelled in surprise.

"Kokabiel from the Grigori? I do not know why he would do this, but the signatures of both Azazel and Shemhazai are legitimate. You can feel their faint magical signature, yes?" Rias, with all the smugness within her, said without mercy.

"Then, what have we have been fighting for all this time!?" Forcuis shouted. He must really be in a turmoil right now if his calm attitude is broken.

Everyone else except Akeno and I were confused. For a higher-up to lie about a mission is a serious situation and could end up really badly if dealt carelessly. Azazel must already be investigating this matter and puzzled by his subordinates' change of actions.

"Obviously, you all have been deceived. You will be sent back to the Grigori and questioned for details. Consider yourselves fortunate I have not killed you yet" If you watch closely, you can see a tiny amount of Power of Destruction surrounding her.

Raynare turned to stare at Issei's gauntlet and scowled, "The Boosted Gear. Of all the Sacred Gears, the weakling possess one of the thirteen Longinus".

"Boosted Gear? I thought you said it was a Twice Critical? Come to think of it, it changed appearance a little" Issei whispered in confusion.

"The Boosted Gear, a mid-tier Longinus class Sacred Gear. It is capable of doubling the wielder's physical abilities consecutively every 10 seconds instead of once for a minute. A Sacred Gear that is said to even be able to kill a God and the only limit is the wielder's stamina. It seems that devil luck has graced me once again". If Rias was in private, I bet she would've done more than making a big smile right now.

I gave a whistle, "Damn, that's totally badass Issei".

"Now, I will take back that Sacred Gear". Lightly touching Raynare's chest, her expression changed from confused frustration to fear, Rias channeled magic into her index finger and pulled out Twilight Healing. A piercing scream came from her mouth until she dropped into unconsciousness once again. Don't know how she did that, but I'm too tired to figure it out.

"These belong to her". Rias passed the rings to Issei who limped to Asia's corpse.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I couldn't keep my promise. I was too weak to protect you, I'm sorry". Sobs could be heard and he kept apologizing to Asia profusely without stopping. Tears dripping down his face as he looks at Asia's smile. Even when she's dying, she doesn't want Issei to worry about her.

I've had enough of this and turned to the redhead, "You sure you still won't change your mind after seeing this?"

The King gave me a pointed look but didn't say anything. She looked at the heart broken Pawn once more before walking to their direction, "I do not know the full repercussions of this, however having this nun as part of my peerage will help us all".

Issei stopped crying for a second and turned to Rias in confusion, "H-huh, what do you mean Buchou? Asia is..."

Pulling out a Bishop piece, "It's okay, Issei. Just leave it to me". He obeyed and gave them some space. Rias then placed the piece on Asia and chanted, "I, Rias Gremory, from the Gremory Household. To thee, Asia Argento, may thy soul return to the world of the living once more and become my servant. Arise as my Bishop and rejoice in your new life as a devil".

The red Gremory circle below Asia disappeared and the Bishop piece was assimilated into her. Her body lightly glowed red for a second and then she went back to normal. Issei was holding his breath and looked with desperate hope. It was another second or two, Asia's body twitched and her eyes slowly fluttered open.

"Huh?" She slowly sat up and looked around, "Issei-san? Wh-". Before she could finished, Issei bear hugged her with joy and relief.

"A-Asia! Your okay!"

"Issei-san? What's wrong?"

"Allow me to explain. My name is Rias Gremory, Issei's master, and now yours as well. I have reincarnated you as my devil servant". Rias said gently with a smile.

"Uh, um, it is nice to meet you Goshujin-sama (Master)". Asia said politely and calmly despite getting turned from sister to devil. She also tried to stand up but Issei was still hugging her.

"You seem awfully calm for someone who has reincarnated as a devil. And please, call me Buchou".

"Yes, Buchou-san. I have heard from Issei-san you are a nice person, so I thought I have no reason to be scared of you".

"In that case, I'll get to the point. I brought you back to life as they..." Waving her arms to the physically and emotionally wrecked fallen angels, "... were the ones responsible for your death. Do you wish to enact vengeance on them? I was told to bring their leader back, but the others were never mentioned. You may kill them if you want, especially Raynare".

The only thing I can hear right now is pin drop silence. Issei was shocked and let go of her. The fallens tensed up in anticipation and sweating like crazy, with the way they have been treating her, they think they are done for.

"Asia-chan, I know we got on the wrong foot, but don't you think we-" Mittelt couldn't finish talking her way out due to Rias' cold gaze staring right into the her eyes. The hidden message was very clear, 'Be quiet'.

Is Rias testing Asia? Even if Asia did say yes, who could blame her for wanting them to die? They were the ones who killed her first just to get her gear. If it's not a test, then... does Rias just want an excuse to kill them like in canon!?

Asia took one look at her killers before shaking her head, "No. Killing them would not make me feel better, it will just cause more pain. They gave me a place to stay however short it is. And..." She look at Issei with a happy smile, "... if they didn't brought me here, I wouldn't have met Issei-san". She turned back back to the fallens and gave them a bow, "Thank you very much, fallen angels-sama".

I silently stared at Asia in awe and I'm pretty sure everyone else has a similar reaction. She just thanked her fucking killers with an honest to goodness smile. There wasn't any hint of malice or lies in her words, she truly felt what she just said. Issei, you got yourself a one-of-a-kind girl, you lucky dog.

Rias shook her head in astonishment with a kind smile, "Very well. Then welcome to my peerage, Asia. Issei, Daisuke, you two died at their hands as well, what do you wish to do with them?".

Issei looked at them, more at Raynare than the others, before thinking about it and then shook his head, "... To be honest, I thought I wanted them to pay. But after hearing Asia's answer and seeing her alive again, I don't care anymore. All that matters is that she's safe".

"What he said. Besides, I already got my payback when I beat Raynare earlier today". I pointed at Issei with my thumb while grinning.

"In that case, let's go back". Our enemies sighed in relief as they evade death. Huh? Rias doesn't look bothered by the fallens' survival. Am I overthinking this?

Shaking my head, we all got to the magic circle to head back.

Asia was a bit tired form her whole death and revival thing, but she insisted on healing everyone's wounds. With me never sustaining such pain before, I didn't object. It also helps that it will put less burden on Rias and Akeno to heal everyone, and I don't have to get nude, it's a win-win. Her healing made my pain vanished and my body completely soothed to heal the wounds, all within minutes.

After she was done with her patients, she got more tired and took a shower but still wanted to stay by Issei's side in Kuoh's female uniform and hugging her plush toy, Racchu-kun I think. I rested on a couch while listening to Kiba who was explaining his Sacred Gear to us. Rias and Akeno left to deliver Forcuis and the others to Sirzechs. Hope their punishment isn't too bad, they were being manipulated after all. It wasn't long until they came back and Rias wanted the whole story from all of us.

Issei went to explain first and I was really impressed. The tale of three of them working together to take down a four-winged fallen without taking too much damage was kinda epic. The King nodded in affirmation and now she wanted to know what happened to me. By the time I was done, it was almost midnight.

"So you mean to tell me...". She leaned back onto her chair and pinching the bridge of her nose, "... you fought against the leader, who was their strongest combatant prior to Raynare's increase in power, without any help from the others voluntarily". Her voice was half mad and half in disbelief.

"Yeah, that's about right". No point to beat around the bush, the sooner I'm done, the sooner I can go to sleep.

"You could at least have one of them to support you, didn't you hear when I said one devil can't win alone?"

"If I did that, then they would have one less devil to fight Raynare. Besides, didn't you sense me fighting alone through my Rook piece? I thought you allowed it?"

"I can sense whether my servants are alive or not by their life force closely tied to the Evil Piece, not their location or who they are fighting against. I roughly knew where you were when you and Issei fought Raynare with the location of the barrier".

"Oh... Well, it's a good thing that I won, huh?" I sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck.

"What made you think you could actually win alone? Aren't you afraid of dying again?" Rias was getting really irritated if that look meant anything.

"I already got over it before facing Raynare. If I could face my fears while fighting my killer, then I thought I could stand a chance against Forcuis".

"Daisuke, can't you be more serious about this! If Akeno didn't reach you in time, you would have died!" Rias shouted and slammed her hands onto the table which made me completely awake and slightly unnerved.

I visibly winced and the tension in the room was palpable. When Kiba and Koneko was holding off those priests for Issei to escape, Rias and Akeno came just in time to help them. When the King couldn't find me as the rest was at the church, Kiba informed her of my decision and she immediately sent Akeno to back me up. By the time the Queen made it, I already beat Forcuis but suffered fatal injuries and extreme exhaustion. I didn't even know I was so close to death again, all I thought about at that time was winning and to get back and help everyone else. Looks like my tunnel vision nearly costed me again.

"I didn't think my injuries were that bad, sorry Buchou". I avoided her gaze and felt like a kid caught red handed with my hand in the cookie jar.

Letting out a sigh, "Just... just make sure you don't do anything so reckless again. Do you understand?"

"Lound and clear, Buchou. I promise".

"And Daisuke..." Rias suddenly smiled brightly at me, "... good job in defeating that fallen angel by yourself. Keep up the good work. I'm proud of you".

My eyes widen in surprise and I gave her a smile of my own, "Thank you very much, Buchou".

Now that this whole fiasco is finally over, I can get some sleep...

"Ara, ara, to celebrate our three newest members, I baked a cake for all of us". Akeno summoned a large, creamy, delicious-looking cake with cherries for toppings.

... after getting myself some of that cake!

"Alright cake!" I joined everyone else and we all helped ourselves to the dessert. We laughed, joked, and had lots of fun.

"Issei-kun, why are taking such a big portion?"

"Issei-sempai, don't be greedy".

"Akeno-san's cake! I will remember this taste forever".

"Issei, slow down! You're gonna choke. And damn, this cake is so good!"

"Ufufu, thank you".

*COUGH*

"Issei-san!? Here, water".

The merry atmosphere lasted through the whole party. Some small part at the back of my mind told me about even stronger opponents we're going to face in the future, but right now I was too happy to care. I know I may never truly be a part of the team and stole Rossweisse's place away, but seeing everyone celebrating like this and I'm celebrating together with them, makes me wish to be with them just a little longer.

I guess having a little fun wouldn't hurt. After all, we earned it.

A.N.: Phew! Took a lot longer than I expected and don't expect more chapters for a while, I got a crapton of assignments to do. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell we what you think.

Ja Ne