It was nighttime as Issei was making his way to a shrine. There were only a few days left until the meeting and everyone was making their preparations. After Rias had come back from one of her meetings she had told Issei that Sirzechs had requested to have him meet someone important related to the upcoming meeting. So, Issei was making his way to the now appointed place. When he arrived, he saw Akeno waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs in her shrine maiden outfit. Akeno turned and smiled at him. "Welcome Issei-kun. I'm glad you could make it here."
"Hello Akeno-san. I didn't realize you would be here to help me."
"Well, this is my home, so it's only natural that I be an attentive host."
Issei was a bit surprised. "You live here?"
"Yes. After the last priest died, Rias secured the shrine for me. So now I take care of this place," said Akeno as she led Issei up the stairs.
"Would you like some help? This place is so big for just you. I have some shrine maiden Servants that could help. I'll lend a hand as well if you need it," offered Issei.
Akeno showed a surprised look, then a grateful smile. "Ufufufufufu, Issei-kun, if you keep spoiling me like this, I'm going to get the wrong idea," she teased.
Normally Issei would be embarrassed by Akeno being suggestive, but he was curious how she would react if he went along with it. "Who said anything about it being the wrong idea?" he responded playfully with a smirk. Akeno regained her surprised look in addition to a slight blush. Cute! Issei thought.
"Ara ara Issei-kun, you're getting bolder by the day."
"Well, I have you guys to thank for that. I don't think I could ever be like this if you all weren't so forward. I know you're just teasing me, but I wouldn't be against it if you were serious."
Akeno stopped walking near the top of the stairs, her back to Issei not showing her face. "You would really be okay with someone like me?" she murmured quietly to herself.
"What was that Akeno-san? I couldn't quite hear you," asked Issei.
Akeno turned her head and had her usual smile on her face. "Nothing Issei-kun. Come on, our guest is still waiting for us," she said and began walking towards the building ahead.
Issei noticed something was off but decided to ask her afterwards. As he got closer to the building, he sensed something that put him on alert. It was a similar feeling as when he got near his Servants that had dragon slayers. As they made their way into the building he could feel the source of this power on the other side of the next door, but Akeno stopped in this room. Before he could ask what was next a voice from behind addressed them. "Is this the Sekiryuutei?"
Issei turned to face the voice and saw a regally dressed young man with 12 golden wings and a halo. "I am. And who might you be, Angel-san?" asked Issei, now in negotiation mode.
"I am Michael, leader of the Angels and the church. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sekiryuutei," he said with a bow.
Issei also bowed politely, but on the inside he was angry. He still hadn't forgotten what their faction did to Asia and the poor decision making during the Excalibur incident, but he pushed those feelings aside for now. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a meeting with one of the Faction Leaders?"
Michael gestured to the next room where the power Issei was sensing was coming from and the three moved into the room. When they entered Issei saw the source of his anxiety. It was a sword floating in the air glowing and giving off a holy aura. "This blade is the holy sword Ascalon, once wielded by-"
"Georgios, yes I'm familiar with it. It's no wonder my skin was crawling," interrupted Issei. He was already feeling less welcome by the second and Michael was beginning to see that.
"Right, I'm sorry. I guess I should have been more upfront with wanting to meet you than an anonymous invite. In any case, I'm here today to gift this sword to you."
Issei now looked at Michael in complete confusion. "Why?"
"This is a show of good faith. As you know, God is dead. Since this is becoming a more well-known subject amongst the supernatural it won't just cause problems for those involved, but could attract the attention of other beings who wish to take advantage of the situation. With the upcoming meeting, we can hopefully put an end to this long, ongoing stalemate. Sirzechs, Azazel, and I have already talked it over and have exchanged some gifts. We received some of the holy-demonic swords from the devil's side, so this is our gift in return," explained Michael.
"But I'm not a devil."
"That may be, but you are aligned with them. Not only that but you're in a relationship with Sirzechs younger sister from what he's told me."
"Blabbermouth," Issei muttered under his breath. "That only means I'm friends with some devils, and who I choose to go out with is my business. This doesn't count as a gift for them." Even though he was complaining Issei got closer to the sword even though his instincts were telling him to stay away. He reached for the sword and once it was in his hands the uncomfortable feeling went away.
"Seems the sword has accepted you as its new owner," said Ddraig in Issei's mind.
Issei swung the sword around a few times to get a feel for it, then began to examine its craftsmanship in detail. As he was doing this Michael spoke again. "A ritual was done on the blade so that even a person with dragon-like qualities can wield it. Thankfully, it wasn't as difficult as if we had to do it for that and someone who was also a devil." Issei thought it was odd for him to mention that, but he also didn't think he was wrong. "Since you will have to do battle with the Hakuryūkō eventually we wished to give you this sword as a gesture of good faith."
"That's all well and good, but as I said, I'm not a devil and not a part of their faction so this doesn't count." Michael slightly frowned at Issei giving him a hard time, but was surprised by his next words. "But, if you were to gift this to create friendly relations with Chaldea, then that would be a different story, now wouldn't it?" he said with a sly smile.
Michael smiled, seeing what he was aiming at. "I see. It's true that I wanted to establish relations with your organization ever since Sirzechs told me about it, but we weren't exactly on speaking terms."
"Well, I've been meaning to talk to you as well and I figured the meeting would be our chance to talk, but I guess this works too."
"With that said I have something to ask you." Issei cocked an eyebrow in interest. "I've heard from one of my followers that you have some believers in your service, and based on our reports I can only assume you have actual Saints serving you. Would it be possible for me to talk with them?"
"This is a bit sudden. Even if they are my Servants they do have their own lives. But I'll try," said Issei. He focused for a bit and two people responded to his call.
Appearing behind him was Jeanne and Georgios. "You called for us Master?" asked Jeanne.
Issei nodded and gestured to Michael. Once the two noticed him and saw he was an angel they immediately went into a prayer stance, similar to how Xenovia and Irina reacted to Martha. "It's an honor to meet a messenger from heaven!" said Georgios.
"To what do we owe this honor!" said Jeanne.
Michael lifted a hand as to calm them down. "No please, raise your heads. The honor is mine. I wanted to confirm the rumors on whether or not Saints were working for the Sekiryuutei."
"It's true. He is a kind and just Master, who would risk his life for the sake of others despite being at a disadvantage," said Georgios.
"He is someone who is loyal and pure of heart. He was willing to go along with my selfishness of self-sacrifice and even stand by my side with no guarantee of his own wellbeing," said Jeanne.
""We would follow him to the ends of the world,"" said the two together, which made Issei blush slightly from embarrassment.
Michael smiled at their devotion to their Master. "I see. Then my assumptions were right about you. If you have followers of our teachings that are this devoted to you then I have nothing to worry about in terms of your intentions."
"Glad to have your seal of approval," said Issei stoically, but there was a hint of sarcasm that he couldn't quite cover up.
Michael seemed to notice and despite keeping a smile his presence became a bit sadder. The two Saints noticed the atmosphere and tried to change the subject when Georgios noticed the blade in Issei's hand and its familiar aura. "Master, what is that blade you're holding?"
Issei looked at Georgios with a small smile. "This is Ascalon, the one from my world. Michael-sama was just giving it to me as a gift to give me an edge against my rival. I was actually hoping to talk to you about training me to use it."
Georgios stood up and walked over to Issei. "May I?" he asked, pointing at the sword. Issei handed it to him, and he began to examine it carefully. He noticed it gave him a familiar feeling despite it being a different design from his sword. This Ascalon looked more draconic in design with the cross guard looking like a dragon's claw with the base and mid-section of the blade having a total of three indents on each side making it a serrated blade. There was something else that caught his attention. "Master, if I may. This sword is more powerful than my Ascalon but it lacks a key function that I personally found helpful when I wielded it." Both Issei and Michael looked at Georgios with interest. "Ascalon was a blade that was meant to protect the user from all harm, which I then used in reverse to pierce through any defense. This blade seems to be focused on being powerful enough to slay dragons rather than to protect."
"I see. So then does that mean you won't be able to teach me the same way you used it?"
Georgios stared at the blade a bit more then answered. "It may be possible, but we can't be sure until we start," he said. He then pulled out his own Ascalon and held the blades side by side. The two swords looked so different despite being the same blade. Not only that but once they were side by side they began reacting to each other and their auras began to mix. Georgios separated the blades and the phenomena stopped.
"Well that was unexpected," said Issei curiously.
Georgios handed the sword back to Issei and Michael seemed satisfied with the outcome. "It's great that you will be able to put the sword to good use. Now then, I was wondering if you could combine the sword with your Sacred Gear. It unfortunately doesn't come with a sheath."
"Huh. I never thought of doing something like that. Let's see." Issei summoned his gear and held the blade with it. He focused on the blade and the Boosted Gear and their powers began to swirl together just like the two Ascalons did earlier. Eventually there was a flash of light, and the blade was now sticking out of the front of the gauntlet. "I-I did it!" said Issei with a bit of excitement.
"How unexpected. I never thought the blade could be used in such a way. Perhaps there is more to learn about the blade for myself as well as you, Master," said Georgios with curiosity.
Michael also looked at the situation with great interest and satisfaction but had to shelve it since he didn't have a lot of time. "As much as I would like to continue this conversation, I unfortunately don't have too much time, so for now I will see you at the meeting Issei-kun."
Michael turned to leave but was stopped by Jeanne. "A moment your grace." Michael turned back, curious at what the Saint of Orleans wanted. "If I may be so bold, I must know," she paused, hesitant to ask. "Why did you cast out Asia?"
The tension in the room immediately shot up. Issei had been wanting to ask that question too, but held his tongue for now because there was more at stake than his own personal feelings at the moment. But Jeanne seemed unable to hold back her curiosity. Michael made a sad face as he spoke to everyone. "You all will be at the meeting, correct?" he asked, seemingly changing the subject. With everyone's nod he continued. "Then I will explain there. There is more going on than just her actions and she deserves to hear it herself. The same goes for Xenovia." He looked towards Issei. "I hope you all can wait until then and then judge for yourself."
Issei sighed, slightly exasperated but nodded. "Fine, we'll wait." Michael nodded and made to leave but Issei said one last thing before he left. "Make sure you properly give a gift to the devil's side. This doesn't count," he reminded.
Michael let out a small laugh. "I will. Well then, until next time," he said and left in a flash of light.
Sometime after Michael left Issei was now sitting with Akeno drinking some tea that she brought in. They were having a little tea ceremony together as they went over how the meeting went. After that they were just chatting and having a good time. "Thanks for being here, Akeno. I'm sure it was boring just listening to me and Michael talk."
"It's no issue Issei-kun. I'm glad to help my cute kouhai."
Issei had a small blush from his usual interaction with her. As he drank his tea, he thought this might be a good opportunity to talk to Akeno about something that had been bothering him. "Hey Akeno, can I ask you something?" She looked at Issei curiously, wondering where this change of mood came from. "I know I might be sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but I was wondering what has been bothering you for a while now?"
"What do you mean?" she asked a bit too calmly.
"Well, since our training with Shishou when we were preparing to fight Riser, I noticed that you had some issue that has been bothering you. Shishou pointed it out then, and then again when she reevaluated us after our fight with Kokabiel and you looked like you were hurting. I've been meaning to ask you about it, but if it's too personal then I'll back off."
Akeno looked down with her hair covering her eyes. Issei looked at her with a bit of worry, wondering if he stepped too far. After a few moments of silence Akeno finally spoke. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Issei-kun."
"There's nothing to apologize for Akeno-san. I just want to help, if you'll let me." Issei was now in full support bond mode, like he did with his Servants.
Akeno saw the look in his eyes and slowly started to explain. "I'm sorry Issei-kun, but, I have been deceiving you."
"What do you mean?"
Akeno stood up with her back to him. She lowered the top of her shrine maiden outfit, exposing her back to him. At first Issei was confused as to what was happening and began to blush a little, but shortly after he saw something he wasn't expecting. Akeno exposed her wings but unlike usual where there were two devil wings there was instead one devil wing and one fallen angel wing. "I am the child of Baraqiel, one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels, and a human woman. My mother was the daughter of the people who looked after this shrine and one day she found my father wounded from a battle. She nursed him back to health and one thing led to another and I was born. Rias found me and I hoped that her reincarnating me into a devil would get rid of this dirty blood inside of me, but instead I became this gross creature with both wings," she said as she grabbed her black feathered wing.
I see, so she's a Nephilim. I thought her power felt weird but familiar and now I know why. Her power was a mix of devil and fallen, I just couldn't tell the difference yet since I'm still getting used to sensing magic, Issei thought.
"You must hate me now that you know the truth," said Akeno sadly.
"Huh? What are you talking about? Why would I hate you Akeno-san?" asked Issei, not understanding what she was talking about.
Akeno looked at Issei surprised. She turned to fully face him with her top still lowered, barely covering her chest. "You hate fallen angels, don't you? After what they tried to do to you and Asia, I doubt you have good feelings about them," she said, her own hint of distaste for what they did in her voice.
"Well, I definitely am not looking at them favorably right now," he said. Akeno looked down with a gloomy expression. "But none of that applies to you." At Issei's words Akeno stared at Issei in surprise. "Akeno-san is Akeno-san, and she has been a caring, helpful, responsible, and flirtatious girl. Not to mention a smoking hot chick." Issei did the same thing he did with Rias. He told Akeno how he truly felt without holding back to make her feel better. "So, unless Akeno-san is a spy for the fallen, you have done nothing wrong. And while I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, your secret is far from the worst thing to be kept from me from someone I trust."
"I-is it really ok? You're really not disgusted with me?" she asked hesitantly.
"C'mon Akeno-san, have a bit more confidence in yourself. You were always the mature Onee-sama of not only the club but the school. Everyone looks up to you, and respects you, and I doubt you would do what you do if you were as terrible as you made yourself out to be." Issei then made a sly expression. "Or do you need me to officially make you one of my girls to understand I'm not just saying so?" Issei was half teasing her. He knew it was mean since she was being vulnerable right now, but he both didn't want to miss this opportunity to tease the normally composed Akeno-san and because he wanted to lighten her mood.
The person in question was looking down in front of her with her hair covering her eyes again. Issei thought he might have gone too far but that worry went away when he saw she had a small smile on her face. "You really said some killing words there," she said as she got closer to Issei. "When you say something like that, I won't be able to hold back," she said seductively.
"A-Akeno-san," stuttered Issei, as Akeno became assertive again.
"Call me Akeno," she said while lifting a finger. "Issei-kun, are you sure you have room for someone like me? Between Rias, Mash, Asia, and Nero, you already have your hands full, not to mention Xenovia making moves on you as well. Then again, being in such a precarious position is fun in its own way. It's like I'm a secret lover," she said as she circled a finger across Issei's chest. "Of course, with all the attention you're getting I'm going to have to do something to stand out more, don't you think?" she said as she grabbed Issei's hand and led it to one of her breasts.
His hand began to sink into her breast and the sensation caused Issei's mind to go blank for a second. When he came back to reality, he saw that Akeno had a pleased look on her face as she stared at Issei. I thought I was used to this stuff by now, but it seems that the more I'm exposed to this the more I slip into my old personality. I thought I had a handle on it now, but I guess it's not too bad when it's just me and the girls. Issei thought to himself.
As Issei was lost in thought Akeno spoke again. "Hey Issei, I don't mind being fifth, and I'll make sure to let you do all the things Rias wouldn't let you do in bed," she said.
"T-things she wouldn't… Like what?" Issei was losing more of his composure, but before either of them had a chance to continue the conversation they were interrupted.
"Yes, like what, Akeno?" said an irritated voice.
Both Issei and Akeno looked to the source of the voice and saw a very angry Rias glaring at them. Issei became nervous and unintentionally clenched his hand that was still on Akeno's breast causing her to let out a moan. The noise made him realize that he was still holding her breast and he quickly removed his hand. Akeno made a bit of a disappointed face when he did that but quickly changed back to her cool smile as she looked at Rias and fixed her outfit. "Ara ara, that's a strong aura you're projecting Rias. Wasn't it your idea that I should get closer to Issei-kun?"
"That and this are two different things. There is nothing you can do that I can't do for Issei!" said Rias angrily. She then walked over and pinched Issei's cheek. "Where is Michael?"
"Uh, he left."
"And the sword?"
"I, uh, got it."
"Then there's nothing left to do here. We're going home, right now," she said in a huff and stormed out.
Issei was rubbing his sore cheek as Akeno gave her usual "Ufufufu" laugh. "You better go and comfort her, otherwise she will be in a sour mood tomorrow. We can pick this up later," she said seductively.
"Uh, yeah, I'll do that. Hey Akeno." She looked at Issei with curiosity. "I meant what I said. If you want to talk about it, I'll always be willing to listen," he said, showing her a kind smile.
Akeno blushed slightly but nodded with a smile. After that he left following after Rias. Once they were gone Akeno mumbled to herself. "Being that kind, how unfair of you Issei."
A day later Issei was walking through the halls of Chaldea. He had started training under Georgios in utilizing Ascalon but also was there for another reason. After Azazel mentioned that his blood could help Gasper, he got curious about who else it could help. He eventually found the people he was looking for. "There you are Vlad, Carmilla," he addressed the two vampires.
"Is there something you need Master?" asked Vlad.
"Make it quick. I have plans for later," said Carmilla haughtily.
"It was made apparent to me earlier this week that my blood has special properties. I was told because I am the host of the Welsh Dragon that my blood would be helpful to one of my new comrades, who happens to be a Dhampir, control his power. I figured that if it works on him it might work with you guys too." Issei pulled out two vials of red liquid. "So, I went to Nightingale and Asclepius and had them take a few blood samples for them to study as well as a few for myself. I wanted to see if it would help make you stronger as well."
He handed a vial to each of them and they both examined it. Vlad made an uncomfortable face. "Master, I understand your intentions, but I would like to avoid drinking blood unless necessary."
Carmilla made a condescending face. "As usual Vlad, you are boorish. You make me laugh at you denying the vampire world. Is it not thanks to that vampire that you are here?" Carmilla opened the vial. "If Master is willingly giving me his blood, who am I to deny it, along with the power he claims it holds." She drank the blood elegantly and for a few moments nothing happened. But shortly after her magic power began to skyrocket. "My my, I never would have thought your blood contained so much power. I've never felt more powerful and beautiful than right now. It seems that the information you got was true."
"That's good to know. Hopefully it can do more than just be a powerup but that is for Asclepius to figure out. Vlad, I know you try to keep yourself in check and aren't a fan of your current state, but would you hold onto that? In case of an emergency and you need a power boost I would like you to hold onto it."
"If that's your wish I shall oblige, Master." said Vlad with a bow.
"Also speaking of my friend, he is currently training to get stronger and control his power. I was wondering if you would be willing to help him since you two would have the most knowledge about vampiric powers?"
"If that is what you wish it shall be done," said Vlad.
"Hmph, I have better things to do than teach a fledgling vampire. If I get bored I may do it if I feel like it," said Carmilla.
"Thank you, both of you," said Issei. Vlad simply nodded in response while Carmilla huffed and turned away.
After that Issei spent the next few days training with Georgios to use Ascalon. He was getting the hang of using its power and apparently when they sparred the swords powers would mix just like when Georgios was holding them before. This seemed to acclimate the powers in both swords so that they became similar to each other, which made teaching Issei how to use the sword easier, or so Georgios hypothesized. On the last day before the meeting Issei was training, trying to use Georgios' Noble Phantasm in the simulator with him. Issei was breathing heavily from exhaustion. "As I thought, it's really difficult," said Issei.
"True. You are able to use the power of my Noble Phantasm to harm the enemy, but you have yet to learn the technique to transfer the dragon aspect onto the enemy and thus make them vulnerable to your blade. Thankfully, your rival should already have the dragon aspect so that shouldn't be a problem," said Georgios.
"True, but I can't just be focused on fighting him, I need this to be useful against anyone."
"No need to worry Master, I'm sure you will get it soon enough. You were already training under other Servants so you've been picking up my training quickly, so it's only a matter of time."
"Yeah, I guess it's currently at the level of a Pseudo Noble Phantasm like what Mashu had for a while."
As the two were conversing someone came into the simulator. "Master. Ms. Da Vinci would like to see you," said Miss Crane.
"Thank you Miss Crane. Sorry Georgios, I have to go."
"No problem Master. We'll pick this up again after the meeting."
Issei nodded and followed Miss Crane to meet Da Vinci. When he arrived he saw Da Vinci with Fou on her shoulder and Nero. When the pair saw him they smiled with Nero going up to Issei and wrapping her arm around his. "Welcome darling," she said.
"Alright that's enough of that Nero. Ritsuka, we have your new Mystic Code ready for tomorrow. Here it is." She showed a Chaldea uniform that was similar to the regular outfit except it was red with gold trimming with shoulder tassels on each side and a red caplet with a gold Chaldea symbol in the center. "I'm sure you can tell who came up with the color scheme," Da Vinci said as she looked at Nero, who looked proud of herself. "On top of that, Miss Crane insisted on making this uniform so it's slightly enhanced thanks to Miss Crane's abilities on top of the Mystic Codes we added."
Issei turned to Miss Crane who gave an embarrassed nod of confirmation. "Thank you Miss Crane."
"No problem MasP-san. I'm no good in battle, so it's the least I can do."
"And we appreciate it, Miss Crane. Now everything is all set and we are prepared to join the meeting if the opportunity arises. But we'll leave things up to you. We already have the Servants you selected ready to guard the meeting both inside and out as well as the ones you chose to leave with Gasper-kun. You really were taken by him weren't you?" teased Da Vinci.
"He's my kouhai. It's a senpai's duty to look after their kouhai." he said proudly.
"Well, that's you all over. Anyways, let's hope things go smoothly."
"Is something wrong?" asked Issei.
"We've been getting some strange readings recently. Nothing definitive yet so I don't want to distract you. I will let you know when I know what's going on for sure."
"Alright. I'll leave it to you." With a nod Issei took his new Mystic Code and left followed by Nero.
After he left, Da Vinci looked down in front of her. "I really hope it isn't what it looks like. You just got back to your normal life," she mumbled to herself.
Update: So a little of a personal update, I've changed positions at my job in hopes of going full time. This means that I will have less time to write but I was planning on this which is why I chose to do the once a month model. Next months chapter is already almost done and it was one I was looking forward to writing since I started this story, but I'm slightly dissatisfied with it because I forgot some things I was gonna write for it and I knew it was good but just can't remember. So I'm gonna be spending the next month tinkering with it but if I don't remember then it's whatever. Now about this chapter, just like with the Excaliburs, the Ascalons of each universe works a bit differently. So with this in mind I'm going to try and have both meet somewhere in the middle but I'll get more into that when it applies. I'm sure someone is going to say that Issei isn't a Servant and thus can't use a Noble Phantasm but that is false. In the various Fate media there are several cases of regular people using NP's. I would suggest going to youtube and looking up lessons in magecraft, the videos in that series is very informative and easy to understand. Also, its been bothering me for a while but I keep hinting at Issei going to add Asia into his harem officially but I'm having a hard time figuring it out properly. I have a vague idea of how to do it this volume but if it feels rushed to you all I wouldn't blame you. Most of the character building will come in the side stories so I will try to do her justice there eventually. As always I'm looking forward to the comments like usual.