Chapter 9

Now, it's time to see the really fun time. All actions have consequences, and now it's time for some of the ORC's families to deliver said punishments to a few members.

Kuoh Town.

It was a summer evening in Kuoh City. The sun was setting, and the couples were happy as they enjoyed the evening talking about their date or school events. Everyone was truly happy—well, almost everyone. There was a sad, lonely soul in the park.

Her name was Akeno Himejima.

She decided to take a walk to clear her head. Over the past few days, Greg has been getting better at using his head when it comes to using his Sacred Gear. However, there were times when he got too emotional and began to revert to using brute force, but Akeno could tell that he wanted to get stronger to prove that Issei was weak.

Greg believed that Issei was a weak kid now that he was no longer bad at the Boosted Gear and that he couldn't actually do any of the stuff he was able to accomplish without the Longinus.

It made Akeno a bit mad when she heard him bashing him and making him seem weaker since, if she was being honest with herself; Issei was stronger than any of them—stronger than her, Rias, Koneko, Kiba, Gasper, Xenovia, even Irina. But it's not just because of Longinus that he was able to accomplish his accomplishments.

It's because Issei did things that no one else expected him to do; he blew expectations away when he first defeated Riser in battle. Granted, he was lucky, but he still won't fight with determination and willpower. One thing that Akeno was jealous of about Issei was that he was selfless, and granted many times, he could've asked for compensation, but he didn't.

Issei wasn't a greedy person and cared more about the feelings of others than himself. Akeno was unsure if Issei knew of the many people who would help him because of what he had done for them during the War and after. He also possibly didn't know of the political power he had since many of the leaders were touched by Issei's actions when he helped them, especially the Youkai, the Norse, and even the Greek Faction, which surprised Akeno since many of the Gods were extremely arrogant and looked down on most humans unless they earned their respect.

Akeno recalled thanking Issei for his kindness and compassion after she told him of her mother's death. Before she met him, Akeno had problems with her heritage, which led to her fallout with Barakiel, her father.

When Raynare killed Issei, she left a scar on his heart and made him dislike fallen angels or, rather, the feeling of falling in love after how Raynare played him like a violin. Akeno confronted him about it and revealed to him that she had partly fallen, but he replied with a smile. He told her he didn't like fallen angels, but he still liked Akeno because "Akeno is still Akeno."

Later, he became the reason Akeno and Barakiel reconciled and started talking again. Eventually, Akeno depended on him as her emotional support, something to help her get on her feet when she was losing her strength or felt like giving up. Issei would be there to carry her back and help her when she needed it.

Akeno had been reminiscing for too long and had lost track of how long she had been walking, so she didn't notice a tree root sticking out of the ground.

"Ahhhh! Oof!"

Groaning and rubbing her head, Akeno opened her eyes and gasped at where she had run into after her fall. It was a small overlook located a ways away from the neighborhood in which the ORC lived. It was where Issei had taken her before the Battle against Trihexa. It was where they promised each other their futures. The memory was as clear as day to her.

That was the day that Issei and Akeno had a moment that would've made her truly know how much she meant to the man who gave her so much and never asked for anything in return.

Flashback

"Issei-kun?" Akeno looked at Issei curiously as he took her hand and led her down the road. Issei had a happy grin on his face as he led her up the road, climbing up the hill.

"Huh? Oh, Akeno-san, don't worry! You're going to love this place. I showed it to Rias a while back on our second date, and we come here frequently when we go alone," Issei said, grinning.

Akeno smiled warmly, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

The two walked in comfortable silence for several more minutes until Issei went off the road and down a dirt path. Curious, Akeno merely followed along, appreciating the wildlife around her. Birds chirped happily while critters chattered amongst each other in the trees.

It was at times like this that Akeno forgot about the War against the Khaos Brigade. The War against Rizevim Livan Lucifer. It was just an ideal peace. And it was one that they would be willing to sacrifice themselves for, just for more days like this. These were days when all that mattered were your looks, grades, and next food or whatever it was people desired. But for one, Akeno Himejima, all she wanted was more—more peaceful moments with her beloved Issei.

"Here we are!" Issei said as he let go of her hand. He gestured dramatically to it. Akeno marveled at how beautifully simple it all was. It wasn't grand, nor did it possess the alluring beauty that meadows that painters gazed upon had. But it was charming in its way. Before, she was a cliff meadow filled with several species of flowers, the most abundant being the white daisy. A gentle breeze wafted past them, making all the flowers sway and dance gently. Akeno smiled at the scenery. No wonder Issei and Rias came here often. What it lacked in majesty, it made up for in its simplicity.

"Irina and I used to come here a lot when we were kids," Issei said. He knelt next to a rock where they etched their names with a knife that Irina had swiped from her father. Well, back then, he was unaware that she was a girl, something she never let him live down—a distant memory of a childhood long gone.

II Besties Forever.

He smiled, and his eyes drifted down to another etch in the rock.

IR A Bond Unbreakable.

"Issei," Akeno said. She glanced over his shoulder and saw the etches in the rock.

"Wanna have a go at it?" Issei asked.

"What about the others?" Akeno asked.

"I was planning to bring them up here one by one, but for now, it's your turn. Do you wanna carve our names?" Issei asked, handing her a small knife.

"Adding more girls to your little official harem tally?" Akeno asked teasingly as she knelt next to him.

"Hahaha. That's cute, but it's not like that. This here rock shall be proof that I, Issei Hyoudou, have gone to where no man has gone before. I also wanted to thank you for being so patient with me. I know we haven't spent a lot of time together since my therapy sessions, schoolwork, and helping out with the rebuilding has taken some time, so I wanted to take you out someplace special before we get back to our lives." Issei explained, which made Akeno smile at his thoughtfulness before giggling at Issei's small speech.

"Of course. Let's start, but mine will be different from theirs!" Akeno said, positioning the knife's blade on the rock.

End Flashback

Akeno smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. Her fingers traced over the etch that she and Issei had created on the rock in front of her.

Ordained by Heaven and Hell themselves. May they be forever entwined and have a bond greater than any before them and after them.

Issei and his beautiful Fallen Angel Akeno.

Akeno laughed at herself as she read what she wrote. "A bond greater than before and after them. That's what I wrote, so why? Why did I do it? Why did I cheat on him?"

"I have asked myself that same question for the past few days, and unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way, " a voice said, making Akeno turn around to see Irina, with a sorrowful look on her face, coming out of the forest as she continued until she stopped at the rock.

Akeno wondered what made the girl look so sad. Irina always had that bright smile on her face, but now she looked like she had lost everything. "Irina, what's wrong?"

Irina didn't answer her and walked next to the stone. "I remember when Issei and I etched our names into the stone. I thought this meant I would be with him forever and stand by his side, but it seems my stupidity was the cause and reason I'll never be with him again. I blame no one but myself for being so caught up in that whirlwind of emotions and my selfishness that I never even bothered to tell Issei about my relationship with Ayano. If I had told him, then maybe we could've worked it out, and I would ask for forgiveness from not just my folks, Issei's family, but also Gabriel and Michael for the pain that I gave them when they learned I committed one of the worst sins."

Akeno didn't understand but just kept listening, to which Irina sighed. She then took off her shirt and let her wings out. "Look at this."

Her wings appeared, and Akeno gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. She looked at them in shock. "Y-Your... a Fallen?"

Irina's wings, which were white as snow and pure, were now black as night, and her halo was shattered. Irina sniffed a bit and cried at the sight of them before she responded to Akeno. "I didn't even realize my wings had turned black until yesterday. Ayano doesn't know, in case you're wondering."

Akeno hugged her and asked how this even happened. "What happened?"

Irina wipes away her tears and responds, "It happened just last night when I went out for a late-night walk, thinking about the game that's to come..."

Flashback

Irina was walking down the sidewalk as she thought about the upcoming ratings game. 'Ayano is getting better at using her powers, and her skills with the sword are improving thanks to Kiba, even though he goes a bit rough on her. It's good for fighting enemies who are only magic-based users like Bishops and most Queens, but she has to work on her stamina and not let her arrogance blind her since she's been obsessed with defeating Issei at said Ratings Game.'

Irina was so lost in thought she didn't notice that someone was following her and reading her thoughts. Gabriel was watching the girl from afar by orders from her brother. Michael and Gabriel knew what had happened to Issei, given the report, but they had to see it with their own eyes. Granted, neither Gabriel nor Michael were enraged with Irina dating a woman, but it was the fact that Irina was cheating on her boyfriend when he did nothing to warrant this act of betrayal.

Gabriel truly cared for Issei and remembered hearing and being taught what the emotion called love was since Issei was fun to talk to during their therapy sessions as his Guardian Angel, Gabriel wished to help him in his darkest moment when he lost his best friend, Ddraig.

For the longest time, as she watched Issei grow into the man he was now, Gabriel felt that strange emotion inside of her heart. She thought of Issei and the great things about him, so when she asked her brother what this emotion was, his answer was a simple and confusing one.

'Gabriel. That feeling you have is called love. It's something that even we angels have. You deserve to fall in love and find out if the one who took your heart is the right one for you.'

Gabriel later asked Griselda, Serafall, Penemue, and Barquiel what love was. Their answers left her with many questions, but she needed confirmation about these feelings.

So one night, while Issei was asleep by himself in his room, exhausted from the workload and crashing for the night, Gabriel snuck in and saw that he looked like he was having some nightmare.

Issei's face was dry with tears, and he whispered, "I'm sorry, Ddraig. Please forgive me."

Gabriel was saddened seeing the man she loved suffering like this. 'Why aren't the girls aware of this?' However, she decided to think about it later as she eyed Issei's sleeping face and gently rubbed his hair so she didn't wake him.

Her touch made Issei freeze for a second but then relax, which made her smile as Gabriel saw his breathing soften and his face relax as if he were having a good dream. "It'll be alright, my love. I know Ddraig is happy and is watching over you just like I am."

Gabriel looked at his lips, and her heart began to beat fast. She leaned into the lips, and a second later, their lips connected, and her heart felt like it exploded in passion and love.

Gabriel was shocked when her body moved on its own, and her tongue tasted Issei's mouth. Issei moaned and kissed back, to the angel's delight.

The feeling grew as her body became excited, but then she realized that if she continued, she could be in serious trouble. She let go of his lips and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, Issei. Have wonderful dreams, and know that your guardian angel is always here for you.

I look forward to our next therapy session," Gabriel said as she vanished before anyone sensed her presence.

But if she stuck around a bit longer, she would've felt a portal open from the Dimensional Gap. A certain black-haired loli floated to Issei's body and saw him in a relaxed state.

Ophis looked at the window and had a tiny smile on her face as she thanked the angel for helping her big brother figure. "Thank you, Angel, for helping Issei. I am curious about the women who aren't with him. Sadly, I have to go back so soon to ensure that the seals are set. Farewell for now, Issei, my brother and friend."

Ophis said before she walked back into the portal and vanished.

After that night, Gabriel returned and informed her brother what had occurred. Michael was curious about this. "And you're sure Irina, Xenovia, and Asia weren't there?"

Gabriel nodded. "I'm sure of it. He appeared to be suffering a night terror from the trauma of not just the War but also losing Ddraig. The two respected each other and looked out for each other like brothers, but I was able to calm him down."

Michael nodded at this before replying with an order: "Keep an eye on Irina for me. With everything going on, I can't watch her, but I can make it so you can spy on her and find out if she really did betray Issei from the report Santiago gave to Azazel."

Gabriel nodded and mentally prepared herself. 'Why do I feel like there's more than meets the eye.'

Ever since that day, Gabriel has used a human persona to blend in with Kuoh City and follow The Church Trio undetected. After seeing the trio with different individuals on dates, Gabriel was definitely suspicious, as the three had been with different men, one of whom was Ayano, for the past few months.

She thought they were just friends because she didn't want to believe it after Issei had done so much for the trio, especially Asia and Xenvoia. Still, after asking a few members of the school under her alter ego, Gabriel learned they were actually dating.

Many of the girls at said college who were from Kuoh Academy were jealous of the ORC girls but were badmouthing Issei since they thought that the perverted beast finally went too far, and the girls decided to leave him so he could die alone.

Gabriel had to contain her rage at the comments about Issei and continued her investigation until she saw Irina drop off her girlfriend at her home that night.

Gabriel saw Irina's aura and gasped at what she saw before her eyes, which had a sign of pity in them.

"Oh, Irina. What have you done?" Gabriel said before she flew down and appeared before Irina. "Irina, we need to talk."

Irina was surprised at the sudden appearance of Gabriel and bowed. "L-Lady Gabriel! What brings you here?"

"Have you been with Issei lately or know of his night terrors?"

Irina's eyes had a little rage at the mention of the dragon until she smiled. "No, I haven't lately."

Gabriel decided to get this over with since she needed to confirm what she detected from her aura. "Irina, show me your wings."

"But why?"

"Your aura is different now, so show me your wings."

Irina was confused but summoned her wings and was shocked when she saw Gabriel gasp. "Irina... I'm afraid you can no longer be my brother, Ace."

Irina gasped at this and asked. "But why not? What's wrong with them?!"

Gabriel turned Irina to the window of the shop they were in front of, and she gasped when she saw her wings. Irina's wings were no longer white as snow, and her halo cracked before it disappeared.

Tears began to form in her eyes.

Irina turned to Gabriel, who sadly shook her head. "I'm disappointed in you, Irina. I truly thought you would never fall and break your promise to your father, your mother, me, and my brother. Especially to Issei, the man you proclaimed so much that you loved him." Gabriel said as she held out her hand, and the Ace card flew out of Irina. Irina still had her fallen wings as she cried, seeing the card leave her body.

"Irina Shidou. As of this moment, you are no longer the Ace of Michael. I am sorry, but for the rest of your life, you are now a fallen. I am disappointed in you, my child since Michael and your parents didn't want to believe you when we heard you...you betrayed Issei and lied to his face for months." Gabriel said before Irina tried to reason with Gabriel.

"L-Lady Gabriel, please let me explain! Y-You don't understand, I-"

"I do understand! I understand that, apparently, Issei was never enough for you. You never loved Issei for who he was; you love your girlfriend who doesn't care about Issei at all and is jealous since he had something she didn't get, like a child being envious of another child having a toy they wanted,d but they didn't get." Gabriel said before holding up a file and showing the pictures of Irina and Ayano on many dates.

"And you even lied to not just myself, but you betrayed the trust that my brother and your parents had in you."

"Please! Lady Gabriel, let me explain!" Irina begged as she didn't want this to be real, but Gabriel, who was like a second mother figure to her, looked away from her.

"I can't. You lied to me once, and you'll do it again. Have a great life with your girlfriend, Irina. Farewell." Gabriel vanished after, giving Irina a look of disappointment, leaving Irina alone and crying.

End Flashback

Akeno was surprised as she listened to the former angel's story. Irina looked at Akeno and sighed. "So now you know. I'm no longer an angel. I'm a fallen." Akeno hugged Irina and asked. "Are you planning on talking to your parents? They will wonder why, especially your father."

Irina sighs. "I haven't figured out what my next move is, but I do know that this is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life. And maybe this is my form of punishment for betraying the man who saved me multiple times, who turned my existence upside down. The same man who was my childhood friend, and I promised him that I would never betray him. I'm truly worse than that fallen angel who killed Issei. I really am just a dumb bimbo."

Irina said before she cried her tears, and Akeno couldn't do anything but hug the saddened girl and rub her back with her hands.

Akeno looked back in the night sky. 'Issei. I truly am like Raynare. I stomped on your feelings and didn't even bother trying to understand what you were going through. Forgive this foolish and selfish woman for her stupidity; just please come back.'

That was a night of sorrow and regret. But these two maidens weren't the only ones suffering the consequences of their actions.

With Asia and Santiago.

Santiago and Asia were walking to Kuoh Park. The two were on a date, but at the restaurant, they weren't exactly talking. Over the past week, Santiago has been giving his girlfriend the cold shoulder and hasn't been talking with much emotion, like he was disappointed in her or something.

Asia didn't know why because she thought she had done something to him. When they reached the park, Santiago looked at the fountain and asked, "Asia Argento."

Asia was scared because he had never spoken to her like that before. "Y-Yes." Her legs were shaking from fear as Santiago turned around and asked.

"Were you and Issei still engaged when we started dating? And don't lie to me; I will know."

Asia stuttered a bit and looked at Santiago. "N-No. of course not!"

Santiago sighed as he turned around and looked into her eyes. He rubbed his hand in his hair and shook his head. "I should've known you would say that. Despite having evidence against you and giving you a chance to confess, you still refused and proceeded to lie to me, Asia. I really thought you were a good person, given what Issei told me about you, but now that you've spat in the chance to confess your sins and lies, I cannot keep dating you, Asia."

"Y-You knew?! For how long?"

Santiago stopped walking away and looked back at her. "It doesn't matter since it doesn't change the fact that you lied to me about your relationship with Issei. I knew the two of you dated, along with Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Irina, and Xenovia. Each one of you loved him, and after hearing everything that he did for every one of you, I admired him, especially as a king, since I was hoping to face him in the Azazel Cup. He was one of the true Kings that I admired, as well as Saiorag, Vali, Sona, and even Riser since he's changed after his defeat against Issei."

Santiago continued as he looked into the sky. He extended his hand to the moon and tried to catch it but couldn't. "Issei Hyoudou was someone I truly admired and respected since Issei was part of a rare group. A human child who had no affinity for magic, no descendant who knew of the supernatural, he wasn't part of an ancient legend or prophecy or even had any knowledge of this moonlit world. Still, yet he was able to do much more than even some of the most powerful beings in this world. I guess it's because he did things differently than they did."

"He didn't give a care about what people said about him. He was called childish, naive, spineless, weak, perverted, and pathetic, but he didn't care about what others called him. He still pushed his body past his limits, even when it seemed like it was all over for him, and he still stood tall, continuing to fight and never gave in no matter what."

Santiago said before pulling out a photo of him in a Kuoh Academy Uniform.

"I was a senior when I had heard of him but kept my identity a secret due to my foolish brother. I remember some of my classmates calling him the incarnation of lust, but I believe he truly is the Incarnation of Love. He is a dragon that will never falter or fall. He says what he wants to say and will do what Issei wants, but he will always live according to his own accord. He'll defend the weak and helpless. He'll fight others who dare harm others, but if some don't wish to fight, he will be there as a friend and heal them."

Asia was so shocked by the confession she couldn't say anything before Santiago turned back around to look at her in the eyes. "I'll still fight in the Azazel Cup but with my peerage. Granted, I wanted you to suffer for what you did to him. However, Issei told me and Michael to let you continue to pray even though you are a devil since, despite the pain you caused him, Issei still cared for you, and whatever relationship we had is over. I can't be with a woman who would dare betray the one man and say right to his face that she loved him with all her heart, only for her to betray him in the worst way possible. Farewell, Asia Argento. Have a great fucking life."

Asia didn't do anything but watch Santiago leave her in the park to her thoughts.

Asia thought back to her time in Kuoh City. She remembered all of the times she spent with Issei.

How much he cared for her and spoiled her. How much he loved her. He even went into Juggernaut Drive because she was too weak and was angered at the thought of her death.

Asia felt water touch her cheek, and when she felt it, she was surprised.

"These are...tears?" Asia said before she cried her heart out, feeling the pain of no longer being with the man she truly loved. Her heart cried to her soul to go back with Issei, beg him for forgiveness, and ask for a second chance, but her mind told her it was too late.

"Do you truly deserve to shed tears? Pathetic girl, and you say I'm a monster? How fair for the pot calling the kettle black."

Asia gasped at the voice as she turned to see no one. "Who are you? Answer me! I am a bishop of the Gremory household, so tell me who you are and where you are."

No one answered her until the voice came back.

"Who am I? I am another possessor of Twilight Healing, but it was only for a short time. Don't you remember me killing you in front of the man we both loved? I realized my foolishness when I kept watching from inside of you."

"I don't understand. The only other person who used my power was...!" Aska said as her eyes widened in shock before yelling aloud. "But that's impossible. You're dead!"

The voice started to laugh. Asia heard laughter until she realized something.

Wait, the one who's laughing...'

Asia's body was laughing, and her eyes were closed as she laughed.

'Is me?!'

Her head was lifted. Asia's right eye turned purple, and a wicked smile formed on her face. "It's been a while since I had a body of my own."

Asia was scared as she struggled to fight against whoever was inside of her. "Tell me, who are you? Raynare is dead, so why are you doing this? Give me back my body!"

Asia shouted before her body laughed and replied. "You really don't recognize me by my voice? Then again, it has been a long time since we've seen each other, so perhaps this name will ring a bell. Fallen Angel, Raynare. Surely you remember me?"

Asia's left eye widened as she now knew the invader was none other than Raynare, the Fallen Angel that killed not just her but also Issei. "B-But how? The Twilight Healing can't house souls like the Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing can, so how?"

The right eye had a calm look as Raynare replied. "That's simple. Before I truly died, my body had been destroyed beyond healing, but I didn't want to leave since, at first, I hated how Issei had the Boosted Gear, so I stuck my soul within Twilight Healing and watched everything you saw, heard, felt, and much more. I wanted to get revenge on him for humiliating me since I didn't care since I've killed many humans during my life because of my orders."

"However, while I possessed the Twilight Healing, I saw how Issei grew and knew my soul was in pain. I didn't understand at first why I was in pain until I realized that I was in love with him. After that revelation, I always tried to find a way to tell him, but all I could do was observe and watch from within the Sacred Gear. Before my death, I was in love with Azazel, but after watching and seeing Azazel, I wondered, 'Why did I fall in love with him in the first place?' It was then I knew I wasn't in love with him. I lusted for him because I wanted someone to look at me with the same admiration he had in his eyes when he was with his wife."

Raynare said while moving Asia's body to the park bench that she was glad no one was around before continuing her story.

"Azazel could never return the feelings I had for him, but I saw how Issei always stood up for everyone. How he took the burden on his shoulders, how he hid his fear, endured all the beatings, and did so much by knocking some sense into the lot of you. However, I was truly disappointed in you when you insulted him that one day just because he didn't call Rias by her name. She had to realize that she had said to call her Buchou. She tried to RAPE him when she was trying to get out of an arranged marriage. She was a possessive woman who only cared about herself."

Raynare said with a hint of rage while her eyes glowed a bit before calming down and continuing.

"After the battle of Trihexa, I saw you cheat on Santiago, who was a good man, mind you, and that you went behind Issei's back, lied to the one you were 'dating,' brutally insulted Issei, abandoned him when he was going through a lot and then when you realized your mistake you went on to believe that you and Issei could be together after breaking him in the worst way."

Raynare said that she had no right to talk since she hurt Issei as well but wanted to punish Asia for what she did to him. "And because of those reasons, I could never allow you to harm his heart. I'll be taking over and showing you why I'm much better than you. And perhaps, I can kill two birds with one stone. Oh, don't worry. You won't remember any of this. So bye-bye for now!"

"Wa-!" Asia said before she collapsed on the bench. The rings flowed with a purple aura and then faded. A minute later, Asia woke up and rubbed her head.

"Oh, my head." Asia opened her eyes, and they were back to normal. "Wait, what happened to me? I remember Santiago breaking up with me, but what happened after that?"

Asia didn't notice as her shadow began to take the form of angel wings. 'Don't worry, Asia. I'll let you have control for now, but only because I need you to be my puppet for a while longer until I have what I need to be reborn fully, and once I take over your body, I can make some changes to this stupid body.'

An old enemy has returned and is out for vengeance, so the ORC girls better sleep with an eye open.

And now, the last one, Xenovia and her 'boyfriend' Makoto.

The streets of Kuoh were quiet, save for the soft sounds of footsteps echoing through the night. Xenovia Quarta walked with a confident sway beside her boyfriend, Makoto Itou, her hand linked with his. She had never felt more alive.

Makoto was different from Issei. He was exciting, free-spirited, and, most of all, willing. He didn't hesitate when she proposed taking their relationship to the next level. Unlike Issei, who always found excuses or hesitated when she tried to push things further, Makoto embraced her fully.

And she loved it.

She had spent months wrapped up in this new, thrilling relationship, enjoying the pleasure he offered and the excitement of someone who truly wanted her without reservations. Slowly, she had drifted away from Issei, dismissing his kindness, strength, and sacrifices.

But tonight… something felt off.

Makoto had been acting distant lately, and his usual charm had slightly faded. Xenovia was no fool; she had noticed the way his eyes wandered and the way his interest in her seemed to dwindle.

"Makoto, is something wrong?" Xenovia asked, squeezing his hand.

Makoto smirked, shoving his free hand into his pocket. "Nah, babe. Just thinking about how long we've been together, you know?"

Xenovia frowned. "What do you mean?"

Before he could answer, a voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Xenovia Quatra."

The weight of authority, of sheer disappointment, made her blood freeze.

She turned around, and there, standing with her arms crossed, eyes sharp with cold fury, was Griselda Quarta.

Her mentor. Her guardian.

Her mother.

Makoto blinked at the newcomer, then let out a chuckle. "Hey, who's the old lady?"

Xenovia didn't even have time to warn him before Griselda moved.

In an instant, she struck Makoto with a palm to the chest. The force sent him flying backward, slamming into a lamppost with a sickening crack. He crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.

"Makoto!" Xenovia shouted, stepping forward—only to freeze as Griselda's piercing gaze locked onto her.

"You will not speak," Griselda commanded, and for the first time in a long time, Xenovia felt small under her mother since this felt worse than when Griselda spoke to her after the fact she became a Devil.

"You… my daughter," Griselda began, her voice eerily calm. The Lord Himself chose you. You were blessed with His sacred swords, given a purpose few could ever hope to bear. You swore an oath—to protect, to uphold the ideals of our faith. And yet…"

Xenovia swallowed hard. "Mother, I—"

"SILENCE!"

The authority in her voice made Xenovia stiffen as she heard that voice only when she really screwed up.

"You turned your back on your duty. You turned your back on the man who gave you everything, the one who saved your life, who accepted you when even you chose to leave the Church and Angel Faction. And for what?"

Griselda's eyes flickered to Makoto's unconscious form, her lips curling in disgust.

"A boy who whispers sweet lies in your ear? A playboy who has no loyalty, no strength, and no honor? Tell me, Xenovia, did you truly think this would last?"

Xenovia clenched her fists. "Makoto is—"

"A child," Griselda interrupted. "A weak, pathetic, selfish child who used you for pleasure, and you let him get under your skin with his honeyed words and lies."

The words hit harder than any attack.

Because deep down… Xenovia knew it was true.

She had noticed Makoto's wandering eyes and felt his growing disinterest. But she ignored it, blinded by the temporary thrill he provided. She thought they could make it work, but in doing so, she had thrown away something far greater.

"You abandoned Issei," Griselda continued, stepping closer, her voice now dripping with disappointment. "A man who bled for you. Who stood against gods, devils, and even the Beast of Apocalypse for you? Who never asked for anything in return. And where were you when he needed you the most?"

Griselda's expression hardened.

"Nowhere because you betrayed him."

Xenovia's breath hitched.

"You chose lust over loyalty," Griselda went on mercilessly as she pushed Xenovia back. "Selfishness over sacrifice. You turned your back on the one man who would have never abandoned you. And now, Xenovia?"

She held out her hand.

"You are no longer worthy of the swords you carry."*

Xenovia's heart pounded. "What…?"

"Durandal and Excalibur no longer recognize you as their wielder," Griselda stated firmly. "Surely you felt them becoming heavier throughout the past few months, or were you too busy being screwed by him that you didn't notice at all? They do not serve the faithless and deem you unworthy."

Xenovia felt it before she even tried.

Durandal, once a natural extension of her soul, now felt heavy and distant. The warmth it had always provided her… was gone.

"No…" she whispered, horror settling in.

"Give me the swords, Xenovia."*

Her hands trembled as she reached for Durandal, trying—begging—for it to respond. But the once mighty blade remained cold.

Tears burned at the edges of her eyes.

With no other choice, she unsheathed both Durandal and Excalibur and let them go. The moment they left her grasp, they glowed faintly in response to Griselda's presence.

Xenovia felt like she had lost a piece of her very soul.

"You have fallen from what grave you had, Xenovia," Griselda said softly, no longer filled with rage but with pity. "You are no longer a knight of the Church, nor are you the same warrior I raised. But most of all, you are not the same daughter that I raised and loved."

Xenovia choked back a sob. "What happens to me now?"

Griselda sighed. "That is for you to decide. But know this—Issei Hyoudou? The man you cast aside like nothing? He will never show you the same trust again, and now you will have to live with the fact that you were one of the reasons why."

With that, she turned on her heel, taking Durandal and Excalibur with her, leaving Xenovia standing in the empty street, broken and alone.

Until she stopped, shocking Xenovia before Griselda spoke one last time.

"I actually thought you genuinely loved him for more than the Boosted Gear, but now I was wrong to think you changed. I still care for you, Xenovia, and you have a place at my home, but I can never look at you the same again."

Griselda said that before leaving her daughter alone, Xenovia truly understood the weight of her sins for the first time in her life.

And scene!

So I wanted to do the first act since, looking back on the ORC girls before Rossweisse, Issei genuinely loved these four more than Rias and Koneko due to their stronger bond of trust and respect. That's why Issei didn't want them to suffer so much despite the betrayal. Still, it was because he didn't want them to have anything, and he knew that despite them cheating on him, Issei still wanted them to be with their families.

Rias and Koenko will get their just desserts next time, and trust me when I say Rias won't be getting bashed even though I don't like her. However, she will suffer the consequences of her actions, though hers will be more severe since she is a noble, while Koneko only has her sister.

See you all next time since Raynare will not play an antagonist but will play a role in being reborn.