Chapter 14: His Decision

With the sun finally setting, Chris, Issei, and Sona arrived at their destination. The dim glow from a few lit windows barely illuminated the empty street. Issei looked exhausted, his stolen naps in class had helped, but the sleepless night, combined with everything he and Chris had discovered about the supernatural world, was beginning to take its toll.

Just as he was about to step inside, he noticed that Chris remained still beside Sona.

—Yukine-san?

—I-Issei. I-I… well, you…

Chris wanted to say something to reassure him, for him to go first, but Rias' words echoed in her mind, making her hesitate. "I don't want to force any decision on you… I won't be like her, like Fine."

Sensing her inner conflict, Sona gently placed a hand on her back before addressing Issei.

—Hyoudou-san, I think you should rest tonight. Neither of you has slept well, and you'll need to recover your strength for tomorrow. Yukine-san just has a few doubts that I need to clarify for her. Unless, of course, you have some of your own.

—No. Honestly, I think sleeping will help me keep my sanity after all the craziness we've been through. I mean, you two are probably used to this, but for someone like me, it's a lot to take in. Though…

His eyes lingered on Chris, who was still lost in thought, as if unable to say what she wanted to. Rias had blamed her for guiding his decisions, but he didn't see it that way. A faint glimmer of concern appeared in his expression. Sona noticed it and let out a quiet sigh.

—I could give you my word tha-

Before she could finish, Issei cut her off with a firm look.

—Kaichou, I think you've done more than enough by putting yourself at risk for us and by jeopardizing your family's name. I admit I'm not the smartest guy, but even I can see that you're going too far for us… considering how your people seem to handle things. I don't think you need to prove anything to us, not anymore. Right, Yukine-san?

Sona was momentarily speechless. She looked at Chris, who nodded silently, equally surprised by Issei's unexpected maturity.

—Then I guess a simple good night would have been enough to put me at ease. I know we're safe with you. So, Shitori-san, Yukine-san… good night to you both.

—...Rest well, Hyoudou-san. And thank you. —Sona said.

Just as Issei reached the door, a voice called out to him.

—Issei!

It was Chris.

—Y-Yes, Yukine-san?

—I-I… I'll wait for you tomorrow. I want to talk while we walk… I…

Issei watched as Chris struggled to find the right words, but at least she didn't look as lost as before. She was so different from the girl on that morning, the one who had spent her time trying to lift him out of his depression. Relieved, he decided to respond playfully.

—If it puts you at ease, I don't mind. We're neighbors, after all. Though… didn't you say that walking and talking at the same time was exhausting?

Chris instantly turned red and shot him a glare.

—Hey! Don't use my own words against me! You—Agh, just… just go to sleep already, idiot.

—Alright, alright. "Glad to know you're okay, Chris"

Chris hesitated for a moment before adding…

—And also… just Chris."

—...What?

—I-I just realized… I've been calling you by your name this whole time. So I guess it's only fair you do the same with me.

Issei froze for a moment, debating whether to tell her to call him "Ise" like before, when they were kids, but instead, he quickly turned toward his door, trying to go inside… only to fail.

He had forgotten to take out his keys.

"Shit."

—O-Of course… Y-Yuki— I mean, Chris… Good night, Chris.

With that, he finally stepped inside, feeling a little more at ease. Though he could still sense the two girls' confused stares as they watched his embarrassed expression.

—Good night… —Chris whispered before turning to Sona.

Sona seemed lost in thought for a while before speaking again.

—I have to admit, Hyoudou-san is more mature than he appears or acts.

—I barely know him. In fact, I don't remember anything about him.

—Yet you still went to save him…

—Because of a promise. I didn't want his mother to be sad if something happened to him. Apparently, she and I are still friends… and, well, it seems I promised her I'd look after him… but…

—Rias's words can be cruel. As powerful as her magic is, so is her tongue. She knows how to exploit any weakness she finds. If she couldn't hurt you physically, she'd find another way to get back at you.

—I don't like her.

—Of course you don't…

—What she said… Was it true? All of it?

—Some of it, yes. Some, no. Rias painted the worst possible scenario she could think of so you wouldn't have any arguments against her. One part is that they won't always come for Hyoudou-san, but another is that eventually, they will, and if they do when we're off guard, there's no guarantee of his safety.

—…Do you think he'd be safer in one of those peerages?

—I think, in most cases, yes. A human with knowledge of the supernatural, if they wish to remain human, usually becomes a sorcerer or seeks refuge in the Church.

—You're not suggesting…

Sona interrupted her with a wry smile.

—Before you ask that, I think the real question here is… can you seriously picture Issei Hyoudou in a faction as conservative as the Church? where they constantly ban anything perverted? Seeing him as an altar boy or something religious? And I don't say that just because he was sneakily looking at my chest the whole trip… or your back.

Chris was stunned by the last part. Part of her was indignant, another part embarrassed—but the moment she imagined Issei as a priest, his personality completely at odds with the role, she could barely contain her laughter. If that ever happened, it would hurt Issei more than Raynare's attack, in the worst way possible.

—Pffff… That idiot, he'd never forgive me for that. Not in a million years.

She wasn't the only one. Sona was also holding back a laugh. They didn't want to attract her parent's attention. "So, the best place for Issei to be happy is…"

After a moment, Chris decided to ask something.

—What if he could join yours?

—… —Sona brought a hand to her chin, considering what Chris was implying. "Can you explain why?"

—If it's the best option for him: for his safety, for achieving his dream, and for his happiness, then I wouldn't mind if he went with someone responsible like you. To be honest, I just don't want him to be with Rias. The way she refuses to take her job seriously and treats much more fragile lives, like humans, so lightly… Well, Issei's life is worth more than being someone easily manipulated by his desires. I know he's a pervert, but…

—I understand, though I have to object in part. Rias can be lazy, I won't deny that, but she has incredible potential if she ever took things seriously. She really does care… and she's more sensitive than you think. —The last part was spoken in a whisper.

—… —Chris didn't like the idea of that woman using Issei. She didn't know much about what life as a reincarnated devil entailed, but she was sure it started at a very low caste. She wouldn't say slave, given what had happened at the club, but certainly someone who would be looked down upon by those others they mention.

—As for your proposal, I find it very tempting, but there are several reasons why it wouldn't be possible. And no, none of them have anything to do with his interest in… certain topics.

—What are they?

—Well, first of all, even if you don't like hearing it, Rias and I have an agreement. When one of us finds a potential candidate for our peerage, that person has the right to convince them, not the other. Interfering when it's not my case would be a violation of that agreement. I don't want to be in conflict with her.

—Grrrr… —Chris was furious, but she couldn't blame Sona for something like that.

—Secondly, I've already calculated Issei Hyoudou's power… or rather, his potential. You're more right than you think, Yukine-san. Issei would be valuable whether he becomes a devil or remains human. In fact, I'd say he could become the most powerful, no matter what faction he belongs to.

—What? How?

—It might seem like important information now, but I'll clarify it later. Going back to the main topic, the pieces used to reincarnate devils have special cases. There are situations where converting someone with talent requires more than just a single piece. Normally, it takes double, triple, or even quadruple the pieces, especially if it's a Pawn being reincarnated as a devil. In this case

—Isn't that the weakest piece on the board?

—Yes, but it's also the one with the most potential, particularly due to another rule… though I'll explain that another time. The point is that Issei's potential reaches a level where it would take all eight Pawn pieces of an peerage to reincarnate him.

—All eight?! Why all of them?!

—Yes. Even I find it impressive for that. But that's precisely why I can't accept him into my peerage. I've already used four of my Pawns on Saji Genshirou.

—…Then, for Rias…

—She hasn't used her Pawns. She would be the best option if he wanted to reincarnate as a demon.

Chris clicked her tongue in frustration.

—Even though there is a way for me to obtain him through the piece trade system available to us if we exchange our servants… I wouldn't do it. And that's because it would be immoral regarding Saji Genshirou-san's wishes. I was the one who recruited him, I was the one who convinced him, I was the one who saved him. I'm sure he knows that and he's thankful for that. I don't know why he chose to join me, but the mere thought of trading him away so soon just for someone stronger… That's something I would never do. It would be like spitting on Saji's decision to become a demon under my command.

Chris stared at Sona, a bit cautious, but she could tell she wasn't lying. "Demons are really proud… but in the good ways too."

—Rias and I truly value those who follow us, and I'm certain that if Hyoudou-san joins Rias, she will treat him with the same care and attention as her own family. She will always feel guilty about what you said to her as well. She would never accept a trade. She's very possessive of her pieces, and that's what angers her the most.

Chris remembered how intimidating Rias's aura was when she was angry at her for the slap, but when she insulted her servants, the pressure was even greater, and the look in her eyes was filled with utter disdain.

—She has trouble finding candidates or interacting with people without coming across as someone with a massive ego. And I mean it when I say she's possessive of her pieces, just look at the fact that her only three servants were purely recruited by luck. If you want the full stories, you'd have to ask her. And that would be my final reason: As her first friend and due to a personal situation. Even though I managed to escape, she's still trapped in that… and she needs strong allies. That's all I'll say.

Chris was able to understand both of them better through Sona's words. "They're princesses… I can only imagine a forced marriage or something, and yet…"

—And what about me?

—Yukine-san?

—What I'm asking isn't out of any desire to become a demon. It's about the fact that if these beings come after me as a human… wouldn't they be caught in the crossfire?

Sona didn't fully understand what she meant, but as she followed Chris's gaze, she realized. She was looking toward her house. …Her parents. She would only consider it if it meant her parents would be safe.

—I see. To be honest, Yukine-san, this was something I wanted to talk to you about. While your offer would be appreciated, I would only suggest becoming a demon for the benefits. But in this particular case, it wouldn't help you, because you already have that benefit that you want. Your presence, as someone who knows about the supernatural, is invisible to us. You appear to be an ordinary human, but at the same time, you're even more invisible than that. It's as if you don't exist.

—What?

—The reason we initially believed that Issei Hyoudou was the one who confronted the Fallen Angel was because we didn't sense anyone else's presence. Your music and your missiles were the only things Koneko Toujou-san and I could detect or hear. In fact, I can only sense your human presence when you're close by. I'd say we were lucky to have followed you to the same place where Hyoudou-san was.

—So it's like I'm not even there.

—Yes. And besides, it won't be an issue for your parents because I'll provide the necessary materials for protection. I don't see it as anything more than a slight advantage… and a terrible drawback if you were to become a demon.

Chris let out a relieved sigh. "Finally, something I can get out of. Take that, Red."

After stretching, she let out a yawn, signaling that sleep was finally catching up to her as well.

—Alright, I think that'll help me rest for tonight. Thanks for everything, Sona… sorry, I mean, Kaichou.

—Then it's good to know. We'll be expecting you both, don't be late for class.

Sona was about to leave when Chris called out to her.

—Tomorrow…

—…?

—Tomorrow, I want to test my limits to figure out how to train. Could you help me? Specifically, with a way to keep from drawing too much attention. That would help me a lot, and in return, you'll get to see what a Symphogear can do in action.

Sona nodded, satisfied.

—It would be my pleasure to help. It'll be interesting to witness the strength of another world. Rest well, Yukine-san.

—Rest well, Kaichou.

After entering her house, she had time to freshen up, eat dinner, and rest in her bed. Staring at the ceiling, she recalled how she ended up in this world, the supposedly omnipresent wizard, and how she had blamed him for everything… "Oops."

—Well, Zelretch, I hope you don't mind that I blamed you for almost everything. It was the best excuse I could come up with. Also, I have a question. Were you the one who made me invisible? If so, that probably means you don't want me turning into a demon or anything else… Now I'm talking to you like you're some kind of god. If you enjoyed the show, at least don't make things so complicated.

She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

By dawn, a piece of paper was stuck to her with adhesive tape. Removing it, she saw it was a short letter from the wizard. That alone made her wonder if he had been watching her sleep. Maybe he was another pervert.

To the one who can't own up to her own lie. I mean, liar. I mean, friend:

I accept my villain role with honor and sorrow. I never liked being painted as the bad guy, but if it helps you keep deceiving the demons and keeps the show running, I won't complain. Doubt I'll get any formal complaints anyway. By the way, that whole invisibility thing? Might be worth investigating, but that's for the future.

Now, get up unless you want your future "friend" to ditch you for a woman with a better figure.

Signed,

The so-called wizard who "sent" you to another world and "back."

P.S.: That won't happen. And at least I have the decency not to watch you in the shower. Issei totally would if i let him.

Chris's face burned red with fury at the "better figure" comment. She wasn't jealous… maybe just a little. After getting dressed and having breakfast, she waited for Issei so they could head to the academy together.

An hour passed, making Chris wonder if Issei had actually ditched her. But then, he suddenly bolted out the door upon realizing he was late.

The two broke into a sprint, catching the attention of Miki, who greeted them.

—Would you mind telling me why you took so long?!

—Umm… no, better not. —Issei answered, blushing. "Shit, and I really wanted to talk to her more too."

Chris narrowed her eyes on him.

"Let me guess, you didn't sleep right away, did something else… yeah, better not think about what."

—Fine, forget it, idiot. I shouldn't have asked. Anyway… have you decided what you're going to do?

—I… uh…

Issei slowed down his pace until he stopped, but Chris came to a halt right in front of him. The same place where they had parted ways before. She could see clearly that he was trying to avoid making her mad.

Chris let out a sigh, already prepared for this.

—Issei… No matter what you choose, I won't hate you. That's all I'll say about your decision, whether it's today or tomorrow. Take all the time you need. But I want you to be safe, that's what matters most to me. I have my own opinions on the matter, and even though the only door to your precious harem dream is with Rias, who I can't stand, I won't stop being your friend, whether you're a demon or a human. Just so you know, you're more than what others think. This is where we part ways. Good luck.

—G-Goodbye… Chris.

He whispered her name before watching her disappear.

Issei spent the whole day lost in thought, trying to ignore his friends' complaints about him leaving with Akeno Himejima yesterday. Something he couldn't even remember.

When the school day ended, he headed to the Occult Research Club. Just before disappearing down the hallway, he caught a glimpse of Chris, who secretly waved at him before leaving with Kaichou. Rias and the others welcomed him and explained the chess pieces, what they represented, and what it would take for him to achieve his dream of becoming the king of harems. The pieces he would need, the pawns.

But Issei remembered something.

"Today or tomorrow… and that I'm more than what others see."

He came to a conclusion. His decision, whatever it would be. For now… there was no rush.