Chapter 9: Break a Word Again

Rias sat in her office, arms crossed, visibly upset. Things had spiraled out of control much faster than she had anticipated. Meanwhile, her friend and rival, Sona Sitri, paced back and forth, alternating between concern and frustration. However, her expression was one that Rias knew all too well.

"Sona, are you blaming me for this?" Rias asked.

The mentioned president sighed.

"No… I'm not, Rias. But for Lucifer, I should. Neither of us knew how far Yukine-san would go for Hyoudou-san's safety. We shouldn't have provoked her with your plan. We should have just let them meet and intervened once they were more comfortable with us. That way, we would have earned their trust."

"Hmm…" Rias pondered for a moment. "True. But now that we know Yukine's real condition, it would have been like placing fresh meat in front of wolves and expecting them not to devour it. And if we lost sight of them for even a moment, the Fallen Angels would have exploited that weakness too. Besides…"

She paused, letting her friend piece it together.

"There was always a chance that Yukine-san was aligned with the Church or a new weapon designed to eliminate us. Yes, I know. But still, I didn't like that you hypnotized Hyoudou-san to use him as leverage against Yukine-san."

"Believe me, I didn't like it either. But you know what would have happened if she had been hostile toward us… the destruction she could have caused. I doubt the barrier you created would have held if she had unleashed hell on us like it was a battlefield. Do you remember how she reacted when you told her that? She wouldn't have changed her aggressive stance if her body hadn't given out."

Sona nodded, not denying Rias's logic.

"Even so, you know it'll be much harder to get her to listen to us and trust us now. Both her and him." Sona pointed out as she looked around the room, noticing an absence. "Where's Hyoudou-san? Wasn't he here?"

"Well, for starters, we at least have the benefit of the doubt, considering she allowed you to bring her here, right?" Rias replied. "As for Issei… when he found out what happened to Yukine-san, he wanted to be with her no matter what. And trust me, he made it very clear he was willing to fight us if we didn't let him go. Hehehe… pretty angry. Left marks on Kiba."

"Wait. Does that mean he's already learned how to use his Sacred Gear? Was he able to summon it?"

"No, but his desire was so strong that it almost manifested. I decided to let him go to avoid causing a disturbance. Although, in his current state, I don't think Kiba would have lost, but it's better not to create such a situation. After all, we should handle everything in a proper meeting."

"Agreed. Though I must say, this has raised my opinion of both of them. They're definitely valuable in their own way."

"I'd call it sweet." A voice interrupted as Akeno Himejima entered the room. "Don't you think so, Rias? Even though they barely know each other from what we've heard, just because they were childhood friends, they were both willing to face an unknown danger together for the other."

"Yes, I must admit, I didn't expect such bravery from the leader of the Perverted Trio or his determination to be with Siren of Kuoh. It was like watching a romantic shoujo with a fantasy twist." Rias joked, smiling slightly, which earned a disapproving look from Sona, clearly disagreeing with her carefree attitude.

"Let's focus for now, girls." Sona interjected. "Akeno, how is Chris Yukine?"

"She'll be fine, Kaichou. We managed to heal most of her injuries. In fact, all her wounds were already closing before we even started treating her. Maybe her 'Gear' allows for accelerated healing if she doesn't push herself too hard. She just needs something to replenish the blood she lost. I'd say she'll wake up in a few minutes. I'll go prepare some tea." Akeno responded in a calm tone.

Sona let out a relieved sigh.

"Good. In that case, I'll inform her parents with a little suggestion so we can arrange that meeting… whether we like it or not, it will be on their decision. Is that clear, Rias?"

"Understood."

—-

Issei didn't remember how he had ended up in the Occult Research Club room or why he was now in the same space as the school's mascot and prince, as the blonde and the silver-haired girl had introduced themselves. As strange as the situation was, he had to admit he had thoroughly enjoyed the view of Rias Gremory, the club president, bathing behind a curtain. The image of her naked silhouette was burned into his memory, and he couldn't get it out of his head, nor could he stop wondering why there was a bath in a clubroom.

But who cares? Rias-senpai was naked! Her curves are so… erotic. he thought, practically drooling.

"What a perverted face…" Koneko murmured indifferently, though Issei heard her.

Shit He thought.

When Rias finished changing, she reappeared alongside Akeno Himejima.

"Sorry for the wait." Rias said with a calm smile.

"N-No problem." Issei stammered nervously.

"A pleasure to meet you. My name is Himejima Akeno." She introduced herself in a soft, melodic tone.

Despite being captivated by the girl's presence, something gnawed at his mind, telling him that there was something strange about all this.

Once everyone took their seats, Rias welcomed him to the Occult Research Club, though Issei didn't remember ever agreeing to join.

Maybe they're just inviting me to check it out… he thought.

Before they could discuss the reason for his presence there, Himejima-senpai received a call and had to step out quickly. The atmosphere grew tense for reasons Issei couldn't understand. The silence made him uncomfortable, but more than that, it gave him time to process the strange feeling in his chest. The sensation that he had forgotten something very important.

When Himejima returned, she mentioned that Chris Yukine was in critical condition. Then, it all came rushing back.

It was true… he was supposed to meet with her that afternoon to talk about what had happened during his "date," if he could even call it that. The being that had nearly killed him, if not for the sudden appearance of his childhood friend. She had promised to protect him, and now she was injured.

She was fighting… and I… What the hell am I doing here?!

He jumped to his feet, ready to follow Himejima, but Kiba Yuuto stepped in front of the door.

"Move out of my way."

Rias remained seated, serene but thoughtful, while Koneko watched the situation with indifference. Issei was growing more irritated by the second, Kiba was stopping him with just a simple push, as if it took no effort at all. Images of Raynare and Chris flashed through his mind: one cold and deceptive, with black wings and a spear, the other warm and genuine, laughing with him on the street. And finally, an image of a young Chris, holding out her pinky finger.

Do you promise me?

"Calm down, Hyoudou-san. I'm sure Himejima-san can-" Kiba started, but before he could finish, Issei's left hand shot up, grabbing him by the neck. His hand crackled with green lightning, his face twisting with rage as the burning sensation in his arm seemed to guide his actions, tightening his grip.

Behind him, he heard the chairs scraping against the floor as the two girls stood up, probably surprised by his sudden aggression. But he didn't care. No more Mr. Nice Guy.

"Move." He growled. "Or I swear, Prince Charming, no girl will ever look at you again when I'm done with you."

His threat was clear and direct, and Kiba hesitated, unsure of how to respond. That was when Rias stepped in.

"Let him go, Yuuto. She's in the infirmary, Issei." Rias said firmly, her tone making it clear there was no room for argument.

Issei stopped, still glaring daggers at Kiba. Slowly, he released him, though his frustration was still evident. With a slight nod, he turned and headed for the infirmary, while Rias watched him with a hint of annoyance.

When he reached the infirmary door, a member of the student council stopped him. He was about to protest when the vice president, Tsubaki, stepped out and calmly advised him that going in wouldn't be a good idea, not because the situation was critical, since Chris was already stabilizing, but out of respect for Yukine's dignity.

At first, Issei didn't understand, but when he caught the implication, his face turned as red as a tomato in embarrassment. All his aggression vanished.

The girls found it adorable, the leader of the Perverted Trio, completely frozen. A guy who constantly shouted to the heavens that he'd become the King of Harems, now acting like a completely different person when it came to Chris. He walked stiffly, like a robot, to the nearest chair outside the infirmary and sat down, expectant, while the others returned to the student council, now calmer about the situation.

After a while, Akeno Himejima stepped out of the infirmary and found Issei visibly worried, but more than anything, weighed down by something.

He's going to blame himself for this… Most likely. I'm sorry. Akeno thought, feeling pity and, above all, guilt.

"H-Himejima-senpai." Issei's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Y-Yes?" She replied.

"Himejima-senpai… Yukine-san… how is she?"

Akeno's expression softened into a gentle smile.

"She'll be fine. And she's already dressed, so you can go in."

"Thank you." Issei said, relieved.

"She'll wake up in a few minutes." Akeno added with a playful smile. "Though I wonder if she'd wake up faster with a kiss."

The teasing suggestion left Issei completely flustered, his face turning an even deeper shade of red. Despite his usual perverted nature, when it came to Yukine, he completely froze. Akeno couldn't help but smile as she left him alone. A little tea will help her regain her fluids.

As Issei quietly entered the infirmary, he found Chris lying on the last bed, fast asleep, the blankets pulled up to her shoulders. He stood there, staring at her peaceful face. Akeno's teasing words echoed in his mind, making him blush again, but after a moment, a familiar pang of regret settled in. Again… he thought.

Unlike Chris, who claimed she didn't remember, he knew exactly why they had stopped talking, or rather, the obvious reason. And it hurt, especially now that they were older.

After Shidou-san, his second friend, left, Issei began his climb toward what he once thought would be a life without regrets: becoming the "Harem King." In simple terms, for him now, that meant being an open pervert who constantly talked about women, their bodies, and his goal of forming a harem of beautiful girls. It was something Chris clearly would have had no interest in, and yet, their friendship had endured for a time.

Around her, he always tried to restrain his baser impulses, though it was incredibly difficult. Every time she caught him looking at one of his magazines or talking about his usual interests, Chris would puff out her cheeks in frustration, mutter something to herself, and refuse to speak to him for a while, at least until she forgave him.

But over time, things changed. Issei started ignoring her at school for his own interests, and Chris, despite being popular, in turn became the target of whispers and teasing for being friends with "the little pervert, Issei."

Chris loved singing and music. Her dream was to become an idol and wear beautiful outfits, like in a magical girl anime. But no matter how busy she was chasing that dream, she always found time for Issei. At least, whenever he was available, they still talked. She even praised him when they sang together at karaoke, saying he had talent for it, even if he refused to admit it.

One day, Issei remembered that Chris had asked him for something, a promise, something she had been really excited about. But he had been too distracted to give it the attention it deserved. Maybe it had been a new XXX DVD that had him obsessed, or some other thing that had captured his attention alongside his friends.

Whatever it was, he didn't kept his word.

The next time they saw each other, Chris threw it all in his face, and they ended up fighting.

To Issei, it might have been just a childish argument, but to Chris, it clearly meant something far more important.

After that, Chris was accepted into Kuoh Academy, and they stopped seeing each other. Issei believed that his mother was the only one who still kept in touch with her. Chris avoided him, and after a while, he started doing the same. It would be some time before the boys were able to attend Kuoh. Tragically for Chris, the music club would close that year due to a lack of members. She never had a reason to approach him again, especially when her reputation could be at risk by associating with him.

Not talking to him, not interacting with him. To her, he simply didn't exist at that time. And yet, after losing her memories, here she was, acting like a heroine, fighting… Fallen Angels with firearms and saving him from his date. Choosing to protect him, the so-called "Harem King." Pathetic.

A part of him wanted to believe she had saved him because they were still friends. But knowing she had no memory of him only made it harder not to think otherwise. She only saved me because of a promise...

He didn't remember exactly what he had done to make her so mad all that time ago or why they had fought that day.

If you did remember, would you think it would've been better if Raynare had just killed me?

A selfish part of him hoped she would never recover her memories, just so he could spend more time with that smile, as she said she would be helping him. A smile he had always adored, but had been too distracted by his own dreams to truly appreciate.

Another part of him wanted the best for her, and that's why, when it came to topics like the woman's body or anything erotic, his dream, he could never bring himself to talk about them in front of Chris or about her in that way, she is very important, because she is a regret he never forgave himself for failing. And his pinky finger reminded him.

More than anything, he had never wanted to break his word to her.

And yet, he had done it again.