Extremely long note ahead and the same note across all stories I just updated.
In the first instance, the reason I am updating so many stories all at once is because I stick to my word and I did say if I passed my specialist exam, I would update every story that had a proofread chapter ready.
Studying for this exam has basically consumed two years of my life so it is a relief that it is over.
The reason I seem to have disappeared for most of the year is not because I've actually disappeared, but because I haven't been able to shift my focus.
After getting COVID on the back of last year, I started writing a Danmachi fic. It was fun, easy, and since the world is easy to encapsulate, I was focusing on that in the lead up to my exam, with the plan to switch to my Naruto story, TTONU, after the exam.
Then I failed the exam which was quite frankly a crushing blow to morale.
At the same time this was all going on, my dad, who has been sick for a while now, got a lot worse this year and passed away mid-year.
Even with all of that going on, I was still trying to study for the resit of the exam in October.
Then, my own health, which also hasn't been great, also worsened and I needed to be admitted to hospital briefly for some heavy immunosuppression.
Again, all this time I was studying for an exam which basically is a hurdle to ever get into a medical speciality and has limited attempts so I was very anxious and stressed.
How this ties into the fanfiction aspect of things, is given all of this happening, I just couldn't muster up the motivation to switch stories. What this has meant though, is I've written 300K+ of Danmachi fanfiction in the past year.
There is a second exam that I need to do next year, but it is a practical exam, not a memorise all of medicine multiple choice trivia exam.
I will keep writing for Danmachi up to a certain point, I'm thinking the Xenos arc, as that one I'm a little bit stuck trying to work out how to play it.
Coming to my other stories now.
I very much intended to finish TTONU this year but as above, lots of stuff happened. Once I switch from Danmachi, I fully intended to focus on it.
That being said, I will also be writing for other stories too.
Again, because of the exam, I haven't really been able to enjoy anything, as anything that was not study related, would bring up a feeling of guilt. For that reason, for most of the past 12 months, I've just been watching shows that I can passively watch in the background without distracting me, in other words, not anime. This means I have yet to watch the end of Naruto (really far behind), end of Fairy Tail (somewhat far behind), or Cour 3 of TYBW (releasing now).
I plan to write for these archives when I get around to watching them, which will probably be from the start of next year.
My pat reon has also been increasing in support so I am now doing two updates a month.
I also made a discord server, plus there is another shared writer discord server where I have been spending most of my free time this year
Remove spaces first:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Currently, I'm doing a rural term and the internet here is pretty spotty, so I'll be doing a lot more writing as I can't really do much else. As I said, I'm probably going to get out a decent amount of Danmachi in the first instance. I'm up to LN 5 at the moment and will probably work my way through to LN 7 or the just before the end of 8. Then I will start catching up on my anime and write for some other archives.
The thing is though, I do have a lot of chapters banked, even with all of these updates, I still have 8 raw chapters done and 39 proofread chapters ready to go, so I'll be doing double chapters every month with ease for almost 2 years, even if I don't write a single word, but of course I will be writing.
As I have said many times in the past, even if it takes years, I plan to finish each and every story I've started.
Thank you everyone for bearing with me and enjoying my stories, I hope to continue to deliver the best work I can for all of us.
TL;DR Life has been hard, hopefully turned the corner now.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Issei would go to help Xenovia pack her things for the trip to come, where they would rediscuss Xenovia's dream for a child, with Issei deciding he was on board. Xenovia would then start her discussion of the timeline with Issei and Irina's involvement, before the two would practice kissing. Irina would wake the two later and learn of Xenovia's plan, before the group would head to the Hyoudou Household for the planning meeting prior to the arrival of the vampires. After the discussion of who would be allocated to which group for the mission, Rias would speak with Gabriel privately about Issei, becoming disheartened upon realising she would be unable to gain Issei's affection back. Afterwards, Issei would wake and stumble upon Asia who was harming herself with Holy Water as she believed this was her penance and that she was in hell. Failing to get through to her, Kuroka would then intervene and force both Issei and Asia into a sleep.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 26 – Purity
Issei awoke feeling at peace, his mind in a foggy haze.
'Time to get up Issei.' Purred Kuroka.
'Kuroka? How long was I sleeping for?' Asked Issei.
'A few hours, it is time to get going now. The vampires will be coming soon.' Replied Kuroka.
Issei got up and took his pyjamas off in a sleepy daze, before putting on his school uniform. Issei groaned and rubbed his eyes with both hands, before feeling Kuroka press herself against him.
'While I did enjoy the show, you need to be a bit more awake.' Said Kuroka, before her Ki enveloped Issei, reinvigorating him.
'Thanks for that.' Mumbled Issei, blinking himself awake.
'Now you better get going, the others are either already there or making their way there as well.' Advised Kuroka, getting herself ready as well.
'Guess I better get going then.' Sighed Issei.
'Of course, and when you are fully awake, make sure you come and speak with me again first.' Added Kuroka, causing Issei to raise an eyebrow.
'Okay, see you soon.' Mumbled Issei, giving a small yawn.
Issei noticed Azazael was waiting downstairs for him.
'About time you got up, I was thinking I was going to have to leave without you.' Joked Azazael.
'You were waiting for me?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'Obviously. I had to make sure you came to the meeting of course and not get caught up having fun.' Laughed Azazael, before a magic circle appeared under the pair and they appeared at the front gates of the school.
'I must say though, I am truly envious of you. Gabriel is really an ideal to the world. The height of purity and innocence. Out of all the angels, Gabriel would be the last to fall really, she is incorruptible unfortunately.' Lamented Azazael.
'I don't get why you are telling me this.' Replied Issei with a raised brow.
'I just wanted you to understand the difference between someone like Gabriel and someone like me. A true angel is pure, while a fallen angel is purity which has been tainted. In its own way, a fallen angel is also a pure existence as there is only one taint to an otherwise pure being. All it takes is one sin, but that in itself is a purity, to only be tainted by one sin rather than all. That is where the devils come into things, freely indulging in all sin. You might think that most fallen possess the sin of lust, but it is actually quite evenly split between them. It is quite funny that it turns out that most of the highest ranked fallen angels in fact do possess the sin of lust. Kokabiel was one such exception, his sin was wrath, that is why he could never let go of the outcome of the war. It is funny that despite himself, Baraqiel's is actually pride, even if he will never admit it. He is actually embarrassed it isn't lust, which is part of the reason he overcompensates with sadomasochism. Of course, that has its own problems, as once you know someone's sin, you can truly manipulate them, even break them with the right stimulus, especially if their resistance is weak.' Explained Azazael, before the pair reached the door leading to the club room.
'Why are you telling me this, Azazael.' Repeated Issei more firmly.
'Just remember the first expression you see in the room, and you will know why.' Advised Azazael as he opened the door.
'We're here at last!' Announced Azazel loudly.
Issei's eyes swivelled across the room before they locked with someone else's gaze.
"Green with envy. Unbelievable, Azazael." Thought Issei in annoyance.
The gaze of Raynare locked with Issei's own and he could practically feel the envy oozing out of her as she saw him arrive with Azazel. Azazael had clearly planned for Issei's mind to be primed to pick something like this up, as he doubted he would have noticed it to this extent if Azazel had prompted him to be on the lookout for it.
"So envy is what drives Raynare? Envy can make you kill someone for someone else? What a joke." Thought Issei rhetorically.
The other people in the room were Rias and Sona, as well as their respective peerages, minus Akeno, as the representatives of Kuoh. There was Raynare, standing closely by Vali's group, minus Kuroka, who was playing with Koneko's hair, much to her embarrassment. Seated on the couch to the left of the room was Griselda, Xenovia, and Irina. Azazel made his way to Rias' desk and sat down, much to the redhead's silent protest, as she and Sona stood to either side of him. Issei followed suit and made to stand behind the angels.
'Excuse me, President Rias, our guests have arrived.' Announced Akeno, as she entered with three people behind her.
Issei looked at the three arrivals and couldn't believe Xenovia had thought Bennia was a vampire. The aura and presence they carried was so abnormal even Issei felt unnerved. A brief glance back and Issei noticed Gasper started to tremble. It confused him the difference in presence, but it was perhaps because Gasper was only half a vampire. The three vampires were akin to ice sculptures. Their movements were abnormally stiff, as though they were being moved by puppetry, their facial expressions could have been carved out of stone but were so perfectly delicate, like a doll. Their skin was a chilling white and on closer inspection, completely unblemished. Issei's couldn't see a single hair, vein, or mark, on their skin, it was as though they weren't even truly alive, but had instead been manufactured.
'How do you do, members of the Three Great Powers. It is an honour to meet such individuals of renown. I am Elmenhilde Karnstein. Please call me Elmen.' Greeted the leading vampire.
'Karnstein you say. From memory, that was one of the highest ranked households in the Carmilla faction. It has been some time since I last met a pureblood and noble vampire.' Commented Azazel.
'It is as you say, we wanted to put our best foot forward in earnest.' Said Elmenhilde.
'Before we begin the discussion, please allow us to serve some tea first.' Offered Rias, gesturing to Akeno, who took three cups and placed them on the table, before pouring some tea.
'Now then, I believe we may have already anticipated what your request may be, but I will formally ask, what is your reason for contacting us when the vampires have previously avoided all contact with the Three Factions?' Asked Rias.
'It is as you say, we have avoided the Three Factions, and we are not here for the Three Factions even now. I would like to borrow Gasper Vladi.' Spoke Elmenhilde in a business-like tone.
'So you mean you only came to ask another vampire for help.' Queried Azazael, getting a nod from the girl.
'It is as you say. The world of the vampires is in disarray and involving others right now is sure to destabilise what stability remains.' Admitted Elmenhilde.
'Forgive me if I speak out of turn, but can you truly state there is stability in a society in the middle of a civil war?' Interjected Griselda.
'A civil war is just that, civil, if nothing else. Involving outsiders would lead to most undesirable actions being taken. There is no telling what someone else may do, at the very least, vampires have their pride.' Countered Elmenhilde.
'Pride you say? Even though there are already outsiders involved, do you really think pride is the issue here?' Asked Issei.
'I would not expect someone who changes sides as easily as the seasons to understand pride.' Countered Elmenhilde, before an entirely new chill settled in the room.
'My dear vampire, it seems you have stuck your foot in your mouth quite clumsily. I think you will find speaking ill of the Red Dragon Emperor in front of those here is a recipe for your absolute demise.' Cautioned Azazel.
'I did not realise speaking the truth was such an offense.' Persisted Elmenhilde.
'It is not, but if you are coming to request a favour, you should mind your manners. I, as well as many others in this room, are showing immense restraint when you come and request one of our own as though they are an object. Gasper is a precious member of my family.' Spoke Rias, steel in her tone.
'While I don't appreciate the taunt, you have avoided my question, who possess the Holy Grail in this war?' Questioned Issei.
'I see your information is quite extensive. Very well, the current owner of the Sephiroth's Grail is Valerie Tepes, a half-vampire from the House of Tepes.' Admitted Elmenhilde.
'You're lying! Valerie wasn't born with a Sacred Gear like I was.' Protested Gasper strongly.
'She may not have activated it when you were still among you own kind, but rest assured, it is active now. Governor-General, as one who solely studies Sacred Gears, perhaps you can support this statement?' Suggested Elmenhilde, directing the question to Azazel.
'It is true that they can lie dormant for years until they are triggered.' Nodded Azazael.
'You and Valerie were friends, were you not?' Asked Elmenhilde to Gasper.
Gasper simply nodded.
'Then exercise your own judgement, would the Valerie Tepes you knew want to start conflict within her own kind?' Asked Elmenhilde.
'The Valerie I know wouldn't start conflict.' Admitted Gasper quietly.
'Then if you believe she is being manipulated, surely you must assist us. Do you not hold a grudge against the House of Vladi and the Tepes who separated you from your friend?' Pressed Elmenhilde.
'I don't want to return and cause more trouble, especially not for Valerie. I was exiled and I am happy where I am now.' Refused Gasper.
'Halfling, fake, mixed breed, hybrid, or perhaps abomination? Were these not the names you were called living in your own household? Were you not vilified and avoided? Was Valerie not the only one who you could share your feelings and thoughts with? Do you really want to leave things as they stand now? Do you really not want to stop Valerie if she is being manipulated?' Asked Elmenhilde.
'Do you have any proof that she is being manipulated?' Asked Issei.
'If we had proof, we would have gone after the culprit already.' Replied Elmenhilde curtly.
'And what do you come to offer for this request?' Asked Azazael, leaning forward in his chair, resting his chin on his fist.
'Of course, this conflict has made our Queen Lady Carmilla become saddened with the continuation of our war with the fallen angels and the church, and wishes to offer a truce.' Said Elmenhilde.
'So you finally wish for a truce when you require assistance from us?' Interjected Griselda.
'No, we only require assistance from one of our own kind. This truce was long ago planned, we just haven't been able to enact actions towards creating it before now. The timing is truly coincidental.' Retorted Elmenhilde, her expression just as calm as when she first entered.
'Well, it seems that the timing has truly worked out for you, since we were preparing to send an envoy to the vampires as well. I see no reason that we cannot do both, offer assistance and send an envoy. That seems like an efficient way to establish peace quickly, do we not agree?' Asked Azazel, getting nods from Rias and Griselda, as the representatives of their respective factions.
'It was not my impression that such a thing was already planned, we had not received word of this.' Said Elmenhilde, the barest hints of surprise in her otherwise doll-like red eyes.
'Ah, it is as you say, we planned to send an envoy long ago, be we also were not able to enact actions towards sending them prior to now. You have provided us with an opportunity now though, so we of course thank you and will accept the truce as well.' SPoke Azazel, with the smallest victorious smirk he could manage, without being too obvious.
'… I see, this is excellent news then. May I enquire of the participants of the envoy if this was already planned ahead of time?' Asked Elmenhilde, trying to save face.
'Of course, a reasonable request, they are all in this room. You have already conversed with the Red Dragon Emperor, and he will be joined by the White Dragon Emperor, two pillars of peace over an overlap of our respective organisations. Of course, each faction will also send a representative, Xenovia, Raynare, Rias and Kuroka as the representatives of the Church, Grigori, Underworld and Youkai. Yuuto Kiba will serve as the personal bodyguard of Rias Gremory for whom you are requesting a member of her family to assist, and Bennia as the personal guard of Gasper Vladi. That should be sufficient without being seen as anything other than a peace building taskforce, do you not agree?' Revealed Azazel, indicating to each person briefly as he spoke, knowing they couldn't possibly say no at this stage.
'Indeed. I am grateful such a robust contingent of peace was prepared for us so promptly.' Said Elmenhilde, her face appearing especially flat.
'As I said, we had planned to send an envoy long ago.' Added Azazel smugly.
'I see. We will send word then. Thank you for your compliance with our request, we will leave to prepare for our return now and notify both sides of your arrival.' Finished Elmenhilde, before she and her two aides left.
'Kekeke, those vampires sure do love feeling important.' Commented Bikou.
'It is almost hard to imagine Gasper is of the same lineage of those people.' Commented Xenovia.
'Well, that aside, it is clear how we shall split our forces. The devil team shall remain on standby near the Carmilla domain, while my team will remain on standby near the Tepes domain. It seems I will need to step forward however and meet with the Tepes side first. Of course, it will be to provide information about Sacred Gears while we await the envoy and should not be seen as suspicious.' Advised Azazel.
'That is indeed reasonable, but if you are stepping forward, then I shall also join your group. There needs to be some semblance of order present.' Suggested Griselda.
'I feel reassured that our forces will behave if Gabriel's Queen is also present.' Joked Azazel.
'Then we should all prepare now.' Said Rias, deciding to bring the gathering to an end.
Sona nodded in agreement and left with her peerage quickly, with Vali's group also gathering, minus Kuroka.
'In that case, we should get going as well.' Declared Kuroka, before slinking over to Issei.
'See you soon.' Purred Kuroka, giving Issei a kiss on the check, which caused Issei to jolt.
'Sorry.' Added Kuroka with a wink, even though her expression had a hint of bitterness to it, before she and Vali's group formed a magic circle beneath them.
Issei instantly recalled what he had witnessed last night and frowned, briefly spotting Asia, who honestly could have given the vampires a run for how emotionless she looked. Issei frowned as he locked eyes with Kuroka again, who raised a finger to her lips, causing Issei to exhale sharply out of his nose, before she disappeared, along with the rest of Vali's team.
'Griselda, is Gabriel in heaven at the moment?' Asked Issei.
'She is, but I have also been given authority to act on her behalf for operative manners if you require guidance.' Advised Griselda.
'No, it is a problem Gabriel had briefly discussed with me, I will speak with her directly, but I will remember to come to you if I need any assistance.' Replied Issei, getting a nod from the nun.
'Oh, that reminds me, Sister Griselda, do you mind if Issei asks for your permission for my hand?' Asked Xenovia, getting those who remained in the room to balk at such a request, following such an important meeting.
'This is quite roundabout, but I suppose I suspect I should not expect anything less from such a problematic child.' Sighed Griselda.
'Xenovia! I thought we were supposed to wait until after the mission.' Hissed Irina.
'I have never been known for my patience.' Countered Xenovia, causing both Griselda and Irina to sigh.
'Very well then, I give my blessing.' Agreed Griselda.
'Well this is an interesting start to a mission, you never disappoint, Issei Hyoudou.' Joked Azazel.
'Unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual.' Sighed Issei, sparing Raynare a glance, noticing the fallen angel looked offended at how Issei had addressed her superior.
'Ah, I like to think that I surprise rather than disappoint, but perhaps you are the true face of doing surprising things also.' Added Azazel in amusement.
'I will return to the household after speaking with Gabriel. Am I correct in assuming there will be more guests than there were previously?' Asked Issei.
'Oh, no, there will be no imposition.' Advised Azazel.
'Guess you can be surprising after all.' Snorted Issei, before the gates of heaven opened behind him and he disappeared.
'We shall also take our leave now then, come Raynare.' Declared Azazael.
The fallen angel obliged and the two also left in a magic circle.
'Well, I must say, the dynamics of these teams is quiet volatile, but I suppose that is to be expected from who organised it. We should also make preparations.' Advised Griselda, turning to Irina and Xenovia.
The three reincarnated angels opted for the door, leaving the Gremory Peerage alone again.
'This is truly becoming more of a headache than I had hoped. Are you sure you are okay with going back, Gasper?' Asked Rias.
'Yes! Valerie is important to me, I can't abandon her, especially if someone is controlling her.' Affirmed Gasper strongly.
'Very well then, the rest of us should get ready as well.' Suggested Rias, getting a round of nods.
-line break-
As Issei arrived in heaven, he made his way towards where he could sense Gabriel was. As though she was anticipating him, she was sat under their usual tree in the Garden of Eden.
'Issei, how are you?' Asked Gabriel.
'A little upset if I'm being honest.' Admitted Issei, as he sat down in front of Gabriel, crossing his arms over his chest, as he sat cross-legged on the ground.
'And is it a person you are upset with, or a situation?' Asked Gabriel.
'Why didn't you tell me the person who was losing faith was Asia?' Asked Issei.
'Because either way you could have reacted would not have been good. I suspect that is why your friendly cat temporarily suspended your memories.' Said Gabriel.
'So you agree with her actions?' Asked Issei.
'I would not have done the same, but I also understand why it was done.' Admitted Gabriel.
'Why wouldn't you tell me? Is it because it is my fault?' Asked Issei.
'In the first instance you are wrong. Asia's change was precipitated by a more recent event.' Said Gabriel, causing Issei's eyes to widen.
'You mean Raynare is what made Asia resort to harming herself? Why though?' Asked Issei.
'I do not mean to make you feel sad by reminding you of your past, but did Raynare not also kill another person back then?' Questioned Gabriel.
'Asia… oh my God, I never even thought of that.' Mumbled Issei, hanging his head, as he placed his hand on his forehead.
'Yes. The trauma the two of you experienced differed, but it was delivered by the same person. Unlike your reaction to lash out before your anger was quelled by a different fallen angel, Asia retreated inwards and spiralled.' Said Gabriel.
'But why didn't you tell me, surely that means I am the only one who understands what she is going through and the only one who can help her?' Questioned Issei.
'You are correct that you understand what she is going through, but you are wrong when you say you are the only one who can help her. Unfortunately, in her current state, Asia would not respond to anything you do, as she has distanced herself from this world. It will require something bringing her back to reality to enable you to comfort her. Secondarily though, it is not your role to feel obligated to help her either. Asia does have other supports in place, she is simply not accessing them.' Consoled Gabriel.
'But does anyone else even realise what is happening to her?' Asked Issei.
'I suspect many of them do. I do not know how many know of what you stumbled upon earlier due to her healing abilities, but even your classmates have noticed the change in her, have they not?' Pointed out Gabriel.
'So what am I supposed to do then?' Asked Issei.
'Issei, you are free to do whatever you want to do. You remember that I said I would never ask you for more than you can give, and this is a considerable task. While I love all of God's creations, I especially do not want you to experience any more grief or discomfort than you already have. As I said, you are not the only one who can help her. Should you wish to help her though, you will be reopening old wounds for both of you. Is this really something you want to do?' Asked Gabriel.
'I am an angel, aren't I? If a follower is losing faith, isn't it my duty to help them?' Questioned Issei rhetorically.
'That is one perspective, and should it have been anyone else, that rationale would be appropriate, but you are not anyone else after all, you are directly tied to the reason for her faith being shaken, which makes your efforts even more of a struggle for both of you. I will ask again, is this really something you want to do?' Asked Gabriel.
'…I do. No matter what happened… leaving Asia with the trauma Raynare left her with and not helping would be exactly the same thing they did to me, and I am no hypocrite. I will help Asia as that is exactly what I needed to stop my spiral and for whatever happened, I don't want anyone to ever feel the same pain I did… not even Raynare deserves something like that, let alone Asia.' Said Issei.
Gabriel smiled in a way that made Issei realise he had given the correct response.
'You knew I would say that?' Questioned Issei accusingly.
'Of course. I may not understand everything you do, but I understand you, Issei. You are truly a splendid, honest, individual, who wears his heart on his sleeve. I know you would not even let your greatest enemy suffer unjustly. I always knew you would help, but as I said, there is a time, place and set of circumstances that must occur first, before your efforts will bear fruit.' Admitted Gabriel.
'I guess I should apologise to Kuroka too… or thank her I suppose. The two of you are really looking out for me even when I don't realise what is happening around me.' Sighed Issei.
'That is because Kuroka is also someone who shares your heart, but has hid her honesty under layers to survive.' Explained Gabriel.
'I guess I am lucky to have both of you. To think I almost had neither of you though… that must be what Asia feels like now, and even imagining it makes my throat close up and my heart race. Thank you for your time, Gabriel.' Said Issei.
'Of course, I enjoy spending time with you in any setting, but even more so when I can help you.' Replied Gabriel, causing Issei to have an interesting thought.
'Gabriel, after this mission, would you like to go on a date with me?' Asked Issei.
'I must admit, I don't know exactly what that would entail, but if it means spending time with you, I would be happy to.' Replied Gabriel.
'Perfect, it is a date then. I better head back and get ready then.' Declared Issei, standing up and leaving with a small wave, which Gabriel returned.
-line break-
Returning back at the Hyoudou Household, Issei noticed Kuroka, Ravel, and Le Fay, were sitting in the living room. Ravel was the first to notice Issei and immediately stood up from the sofa.
'Issei, how are you?' Asked Ravel, sparing a quick glance to Kuroka.
'I'm fine. Also, thanks Kuroka.' Said Issei, surprising the black cat.
'You're not mad at me?' Asked Kuroka, slightly apprehensive.
'No… well, I was a bit hurt at the start, but I realise you were doing it for me, well, after Gabriel explained things to me. So again, thanks.' Explained Issei with a genuine smile.
'Nya, if you smile at me like that, I won't be able to control myself.' Purred Kuroka, only half-teasing.
'Kuroka, isn't there a matter to address first?' Interjected Le Fay.
'Oh, I forgot, Issei, can Le Fay join us tonight?' Asked Kuroka, causing the young wizard to blush intensely.
'That's not what I meant! I meant about what we learned.' Protested Le Fay in embarrassment.
'Yes. Issei, I have heard from my brother some concerning news which we have now confirmed with a reputable source. Is there somewhere we could discuss the issue now?' Asked Ravel.
'Come on, we can go to my room, the two of you better come along as well.' Replied Issei, gesturing to Kuroka and Le Fay.
As the group made their way up, Issei made sure to close the door behind them. Kuroka quickly settled herself on the bed, while both Ravel and Le Fay looked uncertain. Issei gestured for them to sit on the sofa near the small table, causing Kuroka to pout.
'Now that's just rude.' Huffed Kuroka, as she hopped off the bed and joined the others on the couch, albeit, lying across it as she popped her sandals off and let most of her breasts spill out as she leaned her head on her overlapping hands.
'I'll thank you later.' Commented Issei, causing Kuroka's head to rise, before she settled down again with a grin.
'Issei, my older brother Ruval was informed of something from a trusted source. It seems there is someone out there manufacturing clones of Phoenix Tears and distributing them.' Reported Ravel.
'How is that possible? I thought Phoenix Tears were exclusive to your family.' Questioned Issei.
'They are, which is what makes the situation all the more alarming. The Phoenix Household does not have any traitors or similar, as we are a very close-knit family given our immortality and generational wealth. A Phoenix would never turn on their family.' Explained Ravel.
'So something else must be going on then, am I right?' Asked Issei, to which Ravel nodded, before gesturing to Le Fay.
'It would seem Mephisto Pheles, the head of one of the leading Magician Organisations, has also learnt of this matter and passed this knowledge on to the Gremory Peerage. Rias spoke with us when Kuroka and Koneko returned from their training, to see if anyone in my organisation was aware of it as well.' Continued Le Fay.
'Wait, there are different organisations of magicians?' Asked Issei curiously.
'Yes. Mephisto Pheles is the Chairman of Grauzauberer, otherwise known as the Grey Wizards. I am a member of Golden Dawn. There are a few other organisations, but perhaps the other most well-known one would be Rosenkreuzer, also known as Rose Cross, as it was founded by Rudiger Rosenkreutz, the seventh ranked leader in the Rating Games system of the Underworld.' Said Le Fay.
'I've actually heard of him before, but not from the devils, Dulio told me a story about him once…' Said Issei softly.
'Yes, Rudiger is perhaps one of the devils on good terms with the angels. It is actually through him that Ruval learned of this information, after Rudiger heard of my own transformation and seeing that as even more of a reason to warn us.' Continued Ravel.
'Warn you? Against what?' Asked Issei.
'It would seem these imitation Phoenix tears are being produced through magic, specifically, the branch used by magicians.' Added Le Fay.
'Is that even possible though? With magic, I mean. I thought Phoenix tears were special.' Asked Issei.
'They are, and they are not perfect, but the fact that they work at all is concerning.' Revealed Ravel.
'Yes, magic can be used to create many things, but the base reagent determines the limit of what can be produced. The purity, the element, the characteristic, all of these factors shape the final product.' Continued Le Fay.
'So the fact that they work at all…' Started Ravel.
'Means someone has sourced something… or someone, that can utilise Phoenix magic.' Finished Le Fay.
'I know this is a serious moment, but aren't the two of them adorable, finishing each other's sentences. If I just change the hair, the two could be almost twins, if not sisters.' Interjected Kuroka, causing the two to pout in unison.
'I agree they are both adorable, but this sounds serious.' Commented Issei with a nod, causing the pair to blush in unison.
'It is. Only a Phoenix can produce them and there is a ritual they need to do to create them. Any kind of taint or impurity during the ritual renders them as useful as plain water. So, to be able to produce an actual effect which is even partially similar to Phoenix tears means…' Said Ravel, before Issei interrupted her.
'That you are in danger.' Finished Issei, his expression becoming stern.
'W-well yes, but I was going to say that all of the Phoenix Clan is in danger.' Admitted Ravel bashfully, looking to the ground.
Issei clenched his fist for a moment, before remembering something.
'Where is Ophis?' Asked Issei.
'I, am here.' Announced Ophis, suddenly appearing out of thin air.
'Ophis, can you stay with Ravel until I come back from Romania?' Asked Issei.
Ophis nodded simply, before vanishing into thin air again.
'Ravel, please tell you parents and brothers that I will return as soon as I can and get to the bottom of all of this, but if anything happens, tell Ophis to get me immediately. I promise I won't let anything happen to you, okay.' Vowed Issei.
'U-uh I will, but you don't need to worry about me, least of all if Ophis is looking after me.' Mumbled Ravel.
'I guess… *yawn* you know, considering it is five in the morning, and we woke up to a meeting, not to mention everything else that has happened, I wouldn't mind a nap, just for a few hours.' Said Issei.
'You can always count me in for a nap. What do you say twins, do you want to join us?' Asked Kuroka.
'Is it really just a nap, last time I saw the two of you… I don't think you were just sleeping.' Commented Le Fay with a blush.
'Just sleep, I promise, I'm feeling in need of beauty sleep myself.' Reassured Kuroka.
'Then I guess it would be okay, but I wouldn't want to impose.' Mumbled Le Fay, looking to Issei.
'Actually, I kind of got comfortable sleeping with a few people together, just as long as I don't end up on the floor.' Admitted Issei.
'Then I will also join, I am your future wife after all.' Declared Ravel.
'Well, one of them at least.' Added Kuroka.
'Well either way then, let's get some rest.' Declared Issei tiredly, feeling more emotionally drained than anything at the moment.
'Um, I don't have any pyjamas with me though.' Confessed Le Fay.
'Not to worry, you can borrow some of mine.' Said Ravel brightly, pulling out a white short-sleeve singlet top and a pair of blue shorts.
'Don't worry, I will make sure Issei isn't watching while you get changed.' Teased Kuroka, taking Issei and dragging him to the bed, before nestling his head into her bosom.
'Are you sure you are okay?' Asked Kuroka quietly.
'Yeah… I spoke with Gabriel about it. You were right, I will only make things worse right now, but I will fix things eventually.' Whispered Issei.
'Of course you will, it is what you do after all.' Purred Kuroka.
'How are things with Shirone now?' Asked Issei.
'A lot better now actually.' Admitted Kuroka.
'I'm glad.' Mumbled Issei.
'Nya, don't sweet-talk me now, or we won't end up taking just a nap.' Teased Kuroka.
'We are ready.' Announced Ravel.
Issei was let out of Kuroka's embrace and looked at the pair, now wearing matching pyjamas.
'You weren't kidding about the similarities, but Ravel's eyes are a darker blue, even without the hair style being a factor.' Appraised Issei.
'Oh, as expected of someone once known as the Future Harem King, of course you need to be able to tell your girls apart.' Teased Kuroka.
'Um, is it just a forgone conclusion that I am being included?' Asked Le Fay timidly.
'Well, I don't think it is incorrect to say that Issei has a way of winning anyone over.' Said Ravel.
'And I already know you like him, Le Fay.' Winked Kuroka, before shuffling away slightly.
'Come on, you can even have the best spot.' Offered Kuroka, patting the space between her and Issei.
Le Fay slowly made her way over and climbed into the bed, coming to rest between Kuroka and Issei.
'Well get closer, don't you want to feel the warmth of the Oppai Dragon?' Teased Kuroka, causing Le Fay to blush.
'Kuroka, don't be so naughty.' Chided Issei.
'Yes, we are here to sleep now anyway.' Added Ravel, before giving a cute yawn herself.
'Oh, the two of you are just adorable.' Crooned Kuroka, as Ravel also climbed into bed on the other side of Issei.
'Okay, okay, sweet dreams everyone.' Spoke Kuroka calmly, as she used a bit of magic to help the three beside her fall asleep in moments.
"I really am starting to like this." Thought Kuroka, her two tails wrapping around Ravel and Issei, while her hands reached over and engulfed Le Fay in her embrace.