Chapter 14: Fallen Nun
"Nice to meet you, Jiro-san and Irina-san. I'm Asia Argento," Asia said as she bowed slightly, a warm smile playing on her lips. Asia, being a nun, carries herself with a certain innocence and kindness, similar to Irina's, which is quite endearing, contrasting somewhat with Jiro's hardened appearance.
Irina looks at her, recognizing the name Asia Argento, and her eyes widen in surprise as she realizes the blonde nun's identity. "Wait a minute, did you just say your name is Asia Argento? As the same Asia Argento who was a holy maiden, then excommunicated from the church in Italy, and declared a heretic?" Irina asked, staring at Asia with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"Yes, that's me. It's no secret that I was excommunicated and labeled as a heretic. But I promise, I'm not a bad person. I still believe in God and continue to follow his teachings and values," Asia said, speaking with sincerity and conviction, her words carrying a sense of remorse but also determination.
Irina nods in approval while Jiro smirks and then turns slightly concerned. "Well, that's good to hear. So, where are you off to in such a hurry? From the look on your face, you looked like you were running from something." Jiro asked with an eyebrow raised.
Asia glanced around nervously, as if making sure she hadn't been followed. "Ah, about that... I was trying to avoid some troublesome people who have been chasing after me. It's a long story, but they're determined to find me, and it's been tough to shake them off. That's why I was in such a hurry," Asia said, looking worried.
Jiro, hearing her words, then remembers the fallen angels hiding in town and puts two and two together. "Would those people happen to be fallen angels by any chance?" Jiro asked suspiciously.
Despite her surprise that he knows about fallen angels' existence, Asia nods in confirmation, her expression becoming solemn. "Yes, you're right. They are fallen angels. They are after me for various reasons I won't burden you with. Let's just say they believe I possess something they desperately want."
"I thought so. Do you happen to possess a sacred gear? Because I'm sensing something like that from inside you, and if so, is it what they want your sacred gear?" Jiro asked curiously. Irina listened intently, also sensing something within her.
Asia looks at Jiro even more surprised but also relieved. "Yes, I do. And that's exactly what they want: my Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing. They believe that by obtaining it, they can fulfill their own twisted desires. But I won't let them get their hands on it." Asia said, clutching the cross necklace she wears around her neck, gripping it tightly as if seeking strength and protection.
Jiro and Irina looked at her in surprise at the revelation. "Wait, Twilight Healing?! That's a rare one! Didn't think we'd find its current wielder here." Jiro said, then Irina added her own two cents about it.
"Wait, Asia-chan, you have the Twilight Healing sacred gear? That's amazing! It's one of the rarest and most powerful healing-type sacred gears out there. I've heard stories, but never imagined I'd meet the real wielder. I'm sure you've used it to help countless people. It's truly admirable." Irina said in astonishment and awe.
Asia chuckles softly, touched by their interest. "Oh, well, it's not as impressive as it sounds. Twilight Healing allows me to heal others at the cost of my own energy. It can be quite draining, both physically and emotionally. But I do my best to help those in need. It's a blessing and a burden, but I accept it as my duty," Asia said, smiling, her gratitude evident in her eyes. To which Irina responds, "Amen, sister."
"Well, no wonder the fallen angels are after you. I know how you feel; people scout me out for my sacred gear all the time." Jiro said with a wistful smile as Irina glanced at him in empathy.
Asia nods, also empathizing with Jiro's situation. "Yes, I agree, having a rare and powerful sacred gear often attracts unwanted attention. People will try to use you or manipulate you for their own gains. It can be quite frustrating. But it's also important to remember that we have the power to choose who we trust and how we use our abilities. We can't let others dictate our lives or manipulate us into doing their bidding," Asia said, looking at Jiro with a confident expression.
Jiro smirked at her words. "That's what I like to hear. You're quite the character, Asia." Jiro said, patting her head.
Asia's cheeks turn a slight shade of pink as Jiro pats her head, surprised by the gesture. "Oh, um, thank you, Jiro-san. It means a lot to hear that from you," Asia said, slightly flustered, as Irina grumbles and pouts slightly at her.
She then composes herself and clears her throat, a little flustered but still composed. "By the way, which Sacred Gear do you possess, Jiro-san? I'm quite curious as well."
"Oh, the Boosted Gear." Jiro said as he summoned one of his gauntlets on his right hand and forearm. Asia's eyes widened in surprise and awe as Jiro summoned his Boosted Gear.
"The Boosted Gear?! The Longinus?! It's quite famous for its potential to multiply the wielder's strength and abilities rapidly. That's quite impressive, Jiro-san. You have the power to grow stronger with each passing moment." Asia said, looking at the Boosted Gear glowing on his hand and forearm, a mixture of admiration and curiosity in her eyes.
Jiro and Ddraig smirk within the gauntlet with pride. "I'm very aware. Oh, by the way, since you're a nun, you love angels, right?" Jiro asked with a knowing grin.
Asia nods enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes! I adore angels. They're the closest beings to God, embodying His divine love and grace. They radiate purity, compassion, and strength. Plus, they look really beautiful with their wings and halo. I've always been fascinated by them." Asia said, smiling and glancing up, as if she could see the angels in heaven above.
Irina gives Asia another approving smile as Jiro's grin widens. "Well, you're looking at one, right now," Jiro said, gesturing to the smiling Irina.
Asia looked at Irina with surprise and disbelief written on her face. "Wait, what? Are you serious? Irina-san, you're an angel? But where are your wings?" Asia asked, eyes wide.
She looks at Irina, her face filled with curiosity, as if trying to spot any signs of angelic features. But all she sees is Irina's human appearance. "They're right here." Irina said, then unfurls her white wings and her halo appears over her head.
Asia's jaw drops in awe at the sight. "Oh my goddess... It's true. You're really an angel! And your wings... they're so beautiful. Almost mesmerizing. Is it okay if I touch them? Just gently, I promise! I've never seen angel wings up close before. I won't get corrupted or anything right?" Asia asks, her eyes practically twinkling, her words coming out almost frantically.
She reaches out a hand cautiously, her eyes filled with wonder as Irina giggles. "Hehe, don't worry, you won't. Go ahead." Irina said, bringing her right wing closer to Asia.
Asia carefully touches Irina's right wing, her fingers delicately gliding along the feathers. "Oh, wow! It's so soft and smooth. It feels like touching a cloud. Truly a divine touch, fitting for an angel, Irina-sama," Asia said, smiling warmly and respectfully, deeply appreciative of the opportunity to interact with Irina and her heavenly presence.
Irina giggled again at her excitement. "Hehe, no need to be so stiff, Asia-chan. I'm not demanding respect, or anything like that, and you don't have to call me 'Irina-sama.' " Irina said playfully.
Asia chuckles, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Oh, pardon me. It's just... It's the first time I've actually touched an angel's wings. It's pretty overwhelming for an ordinary human like me. But you're right, I don't have to be so formal around you. Although it's an honor to meet you, Irina-san. Thank you for sharing this moment with me." Asia said, giving Irina a warm smile, feeling more at ease and genuinely thankful for the connection they're forming.
Asia then lets go of Irina's wings and she retracts them and hides her halo. Then Asia's stomach grumbles loudly, much to her embarrassment. "Well now, sounds like you're hungry. Want to come to the cafe with us?" Jiro said, making Asia's eyes light up with excitement, her stomach growling even more in agreement.
"Y-yes, I would like that. I am indeed pretty hungry. Thanks for the offer! I would love to join you at the café. It would be nice to get to know you two better over a delicious meal. Plus, I've heard the café is a great place for conversation and, well, I haven't eaten in several days since I'm always on edge and on the move, running from the fallen angels." Asia said, making Irina look at her in concern.
"What?! You haven't eaten in days?! Then we better get there so you can eat." Irina said, in her usual worrying tone as she pushed Asia forward with one hand and used the other to grab Jiro's hand and pull him along.
The three entered the cafe, and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, making Asia's stomach growl with anticipation. She took a seat at one of the tables, grateful for the opportunity to satisfy her hunger and enjoy some delicious food. They ordered some pork cutlet sandwiches, and Asia's mouth watered at the sight.
"Mmmm, these pork cutlet sandwiches smell heavenly. I can't remember the last time I had a warm, hearty meal like this. Thank you, Jiro-san and Irina-san, for inviting me here. I feel truly blessed. Let's dig in!" Asia said gratefully as she clapped her hands in anticipation and wasted no time digging in.
Jiro and Irina chuckled at the sight. After they finished their meal at the café, they made their way to the park, finding a tranquil spot near a beautiful fountain. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the sound of the splashing water created a calming ambiance.
Jiro and Irina chuckled at the sight. After they finished their meal at the café, they made their way to the park, finding a tranquil spot near a beautiful fountain. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the sound of the splashing water created a calming ambiance.
Asia sat down between Jiro and Irina, under a tree, her expression serene and relaxed. She took a moment to soak in the peaceful surroundings. "This is so lovely. Parks have a unique charm that always seems to soothe me. The fountain adds a touch of serenity. It's nice to have some quiet time like this. We could talk about anything, or simply enjoy the silence, whatever you two prefer."
"Well, if that's the case... how exactly did you get excommunicated from the church anyway?" Jiro asked, glancing at her. "Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. It was said that you were a holy maiden who was suddenly excommunicated for sinful reasons. But from our time together, you don't look like someone who would do anything bad at all, so what happened," Irina said, just as curious, if not more so, than Jiro.
Asia hesitated for a moment, reflecting on her past. "It's a long and complicated story, but in short, I was abandoned by my parents in front of a church as an infant and was raised there. Sometime during my childhood, I discovered an injured puppy and prayed with all my might for it to survive. Then suddenly, my hands and the puppy glowed green, and it was all better. I know now that it was at that moment I awakened my sacred gear to heal the puppy, which was witnessed by the church members, leading to me being labeled a holy maiden. Soon, many people from all over the world came to visit me, seeking permanent injuries or illnesses to be healed. At the time, I was very happy that I could help so many people, however, in that time, I didn't have any real friends or people to talk to since I was placed on such a high pedestal." Asia said, Jiro and Irina listened intently as she continued.
One day, I came across someone who had been stabbed in the chest and was bleeding profusely. I couldn't just leave him there, so I immediately went over to heal him. However, right after I discovered he was a devil, and he had killed the priests who were pursuing him, and then escaped. When the higher-ups found out, they were horrified by my actions, believing they undermined their teachings and were sinful in nature. They labeled me as a witch and a heretic and exiled me from the church. Soon after, I thought I could be welcomed by the fallen angels, but when they found out what my sacred gear was, they used, exploited, and abused me. I eventually made my escape and have been on the run ever since. Asia said, finishing.
Jiro and Irina looked at her sympathetically. "I see. That's a shame," Jiro said, his voice stern yet filled with sympathy. "Asia-chan... I'm so sorry you had to go through something like that," Irina said, her eyes glistening with sadness.
Asia looks at them fondly, appreciating their sympathy. "I know it might sound weird, but believe me, my intentions were always pure and aimed at saving lives," Asia said honestly.
"We believe you, Asia. Sometimes, the path to righteousness might not be clear to those in power. Your intentions truly matter; you have a truly good heart." Irina said, giving her a reassuring smile, her voice filled with understanding.
Jiro then stood up. "You said you didn't have any friends, right? Well, now you have us now. We'll be your friends." Jiro said, looking down at Asia with a smile.
Asia looks up at him with a look of surprise and hopefulness as she says, "R-really," in a low voice. Irina beams with excitement and stands up with Jiro. "Yes, we'll definitely be your friends. And we'll keep you safe if the fallen angels try to come for you again," Irina said with a determined smile.
Asia's expression brightens as she hears Jiro and Irina's offer of friendship and protection. She runs up, pulls both of them into a tight hug, and looks up at them with gratitude, relief, and emotion.
"Yes, I would love that. Thank you, both of you. Your kindness and support mean a lot to me. I'm so happy to be your friend." Asia said, almost moved to tears.
Jiro and Irina smiled while looking down at her. "Of course, Asia-chan. Jiro-kun and I will be by your side and watch your back," Irina said, determined.
"You heard her; the fallen angels won't be able to harm you as long as we're around. You can count on us." Jiro said, rubbing the back of Asia's head as she hugged him.
Asia's smile widens, and they stand there hugging for several minutes.
Meanwhile, in the abandoned church on the edge of town.
A certain fallen angel with raven-black hair and violet eyes had just returned to base. "Hey Raynare, still haven't found that nun yet?" asked another fallen angel, who appeared to be a young girl with blonde hair styled into twin-tails, a large black bow on top of her head, and blue eyes. She wore a Gothic Lolita outfit, which consisted of a black dress with white frills, a large black bow on the front, and a green jewel embedded on the collar, white thigh-high socks with suspender garters, and black shoes.
"Clearly not, Mittelt. Damn, that little witch is slippery as hell." Raynare said as she walked into the church. "Hey, look on the bright side. You got your hot date with that handsome punk boy tomorrow, right?" Mittelt said, teasingly.
"I think you have a death wish." Raynare said, glaring at Mittelt. "Hey now, take it easy, girl. I was just messing with you." Mittelt said, chuckling nervously while waving her hands.
Raynare rolled her eyes as another fallen angel walked in. She was a tall and buxom woman with brown eyes and long, navy blue hair that obscured her right eye. She wore a maroon, trenchcoat-like top, a matching miniskirt, a gold necklace around her neck, and black heeled shoes.
"In any case, your "date" is necessary to get close to him and kill him. He could be a potential threat, so he must be eliminated, like our commander said." she said in a serious tone.
"I know, Kalawarner, but I don't understand why I have to do it." Raynare said in annoyance.
"Because you got careless and let the nun escape, so this is punishment." Another fallen angel said as he walked in. He appeared to be a middle-aged-looking man with short black hair and dark blue eyes. His attire consisted of a pale gray trench coat over a white dress shirt with a matching ascot, black pants and shoes, a pair of black gloves, and a black fedora.
"Yeah, screw you too, Dohnaseek," Raynare said, glaring at him. Dohnaseek rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Oh, quit your whining. You got the easy job. You didn't have to stick around this annoying bastard." Dohnaseek said, pointing to a priest behind him.
"What was that, you damn crow?!" the priest yelled. "You should be happy I came along!!" He appeared to be a young man with short white hair and black eyes, dressed in typical clerical clothing.
"Why the hell would I be happy having you around, you sick freak? I only brought you along because I can't touch that stupid flute." Dohnaseek said, making the priest glare harder.
"Anyway, as a reward for my hard work, which one of you lovely ladies is going to screw me?" He asked, turning to the three fallen angel women with a perverted smile. They all glared at him in response.
"Do yourself a favor, Freed; shut up and show us the flute," Mittelt said, trying to resist the urge to punch him in the face and kick him in the balls.
"Tch, tasteless bird chicks," Freed said as he reached into his coat and pulled out an ominous-looking flute. The flute was nearly 50 centimeters in length. It had a skull with three eyes on one end, and an oval-like cutout in the skull's brow. On the other end, there were root-like cutouts.
"That's the flute, alright. "Lullaby," was it? Capable of killing any human that hears its tune, apart from the player. Quite the tool for mass murder." Kalawarner said, looking at the flute with a mischievous smile.
Mittelt looks at the flute in curiosity and awe. "Yeah, and it ain't like devils? It's a demon, right? From a book of some sort. I can't remember the name. But is it true that it can turn into a giant monster?" Mittelt said, looking at the flute with eyes practically sparkling.
"Oh, it's true. It can change if the player so chooses, but honestly, this thing isn't really my style. I prefer a more hands-on approach, if you catch my drift." Freed said, shrugging with a mischievous smile.
"Well, it's our style, and we're keeping it. We had to search the darkest corners of the underworld for it, and we're letting you hold onto it because something with that much demonic power is something we fallen angels can't touch." Dohnaseek said, matter-of-factly, to which Freed made another "tch" sound.
Raynare, who had been silent the whole time, glares at the flute while gritting her teeth and clenching her fists. Memories of her past experiences with "demons" flash through her mind, infuriating her. Kalawarner turns to her, noticing her expression.
"Is everything alright, Raynare? You look like you're ready to murder something." Kalawarner asked, with an eyebrow raised. Raynare sighed and regained her composure.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just had an... unpleasant flashback. Anyway, you guys have fun with your flute and keep preparing for the ritual. I'm going to get some rest and prepare for my pain-in-the-ass date tomorrow." Raynare said, going to her room in the basement of the church, leaving the other fallen and Freed looking at her confused.
Raynare went to her bedroom and sat down. "That flute. "Lullaby", a demon from the book of Zeref. Disgusting creatures!" Raynare said aloud to herself in anger, before laying down to sleep.
To be continued
Everyone's favorite nun joins the battle :)
By the way I know I put the day of the "date" as Sunday before but I think Saturday would be better for the continuity.
Well finally time for Jiro to have a nice "date" next chapter.
See you there :)