Chapter 13
Issei stepped out of the shower, grabbing the fresh and warm towel Asia had left him off the shelf. He dried himself quick, making a mental note to thank her again. The girl really was far too good to him.
Asia had moved into the Hyoudou residence almost two months ago now. Rias had used magic to convince his parents that it wasn't strange and was to be considered 'wife training' for Asia. His parents had taken that to mean that Asia was going to be their future daughter-in-law. They doted on Asia like she already was. Issei's mother in particular went out of her way to teach Asia all kinds of culinary and housekeeping tricks she'd learned throughout the years. On a couple occasions, he'd overheard the two of them talking about him. Miki Hyoudou seemed like she was trying to sell him to Asia as a candidate for marriage, and Asia always said something along the lines of "I don't know if that will happen!" with a crazy blush on her face.
Issei didn't quite know how to take that when he'd first overheard it. He'd first thought it had been Asia rejecting the possibility outright, which he couldn't really fault her for. Issei knew he was scum, though he was trying to be a little better now, but his damn perverted nature shined through in some of the worst times. When he'd talked with Naruto about what he'd heard, Naruto had laughed and told him that his assumption couldn't be more wrong.
Issei had thought that meant Naruto was saying Asia actually wanted to marry him, but Issei couldn't see how. He had nothing to offer the girl. He wasn't rich by any stretch of the imagination, though he apparently would own a small plot of land in the Gremory territory once he reached adulthood because Rias had seen fit to grace him as her Pawn. He also knew that he was far from a good person. Issei leaped at the opportunity to join Matsuda and Motohama on their peeping trips, though Naruto's disappointed gaze when he'd last gotten caught had given him a thick lump in his throat. Asia was far too pure to be with someone as corrupt as Issei. That was why he'd decided months ago that he would do everything he could to help her find someone who she deserved.
His gut twisted every time he thought about that.
Issei finished drying off and dressed himself in the fresh clothes Asia had left for him. He could smell the fabric softener on the shirt as he tugged it over his face. It was lavender, which Asia loved, and Issei was coming to appreciate as well. The scent brought a fond smile to his face. Asia is far too good to me, he repeated.
Yes, she is, Ddraig agreed. Have you ever thought to ask her why she is?
Issei shook his head. Not really. I just assumed she does it because she's really nice.
He could feel Ddraig running one of his clawed hands down his lengthy snout. Ddraig grumbled a few insults under his voice, with 'idiot' appearing more than once. Issei had learned to ignore his Sacred Gear's spirit when he did so. Issei already had no shame, so pretending Ddraig's insults got to him was useless and they both knew it by this point.
Issei came out of the bathroom and walked downstairs. Asia was happily knitting something on the sofa under his mother's watchful gaze. Miki Hyoudou was instructing her with a few kind words. "Now you've got it, Asia-chan!"
Asia beamed at Miki for the compliment. "T-Thank you so much, Miki-san! I've learned so much from you."
Miki let out a hearty laugh. "My girl, you're well on your way to being the perfect wife."
Asia's face turned redder than Rias' hair. "W-W-W-Wife? M-M-Me?" Asia squeaked. She then saw Issei come into the room, and the poor girl nearly passed out. Issei thought he could see steam coming from her ears.
"Yo, Mom," Issei said with a raised hand. He looked between the two girls in the room. He decided against teasing Asia. The poor girl already looked like she was at wit's end. "Dad still at work?"
Miki turned around. Her smile turned more into a smirk. "Ah, there you are, Issei. Doesn't Asia look like she'll be a great wife soon?"
"M-Miki-san!" Asia protested, her blush getting even hotter.
Issei rubbed the back of his neck, uncertain as to what his mother was getting at. He said, "Yeah. She'll be a great wife one day."
Asia's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell onto the couch, out cold. Issei thought he could see her eyes spinning and she mumbled something about being a great wife one day and him.
Weird, he thought. "So, Mom. Dad at work?"
Miki suppressed her cackling. "He should be home late tonight. He called me right after you went to the bath."
"Damn. Wanted to introduce him to everyone too."
Miki raised her eye. "Everyone?"
"Yeah. Did Asia-chan not tell you? The entire club is coming over tonight. Buchou wanted to check in on Asia-chan and everyone else apparently just wanted to hang out."
Miki hummed to herself. She looked at the still out-cold Asia, a faint smile on her cheek. "She hadn't yet. I suppose it'll be nice to see everyone you two keep talking about. Will Naruto-kun be joining as well?"
Issei nodded. "He will, though he may arrive later. His part-time job called him in on a surprise job. But, knowing him, he'll actually finish and be here before anyone else."
Miki went back to knitting what seemed to be a scarf. She said, "It's been far too long since he came over." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "He's been good for you, you know?"
Issei grew a wide, toothy smile. "Don't I know it." You have no idea how, Mom. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am right now without him. I owe him so much.
Ddraig hadn't pushed Issei on his suspicions ever since the Rating Game. Issei hadn't taken his defeat well, but Naruto had helped him focus his rage at losing into training, and the results lately had spoken for themselves. Rias was already discussing removing the third seal on his powers, and Naruto had told him that it would only be a matter of time before she did. Issei hoped that he could convince her soon, as he really wanted to keep getting stronger and prove himself as the strongest Pawn. Even Ddraig had grudgingly complimented him, and Ddraig rarely spoke a genuine positive word about anyone as 'all creatures are lesser than dragons' as he said.
Issei sat down and chatted briefly with his mother. It had been far too long since he'd sat down with either of his parents, now that he thought about it. Ever since Asia had moved in, they'd spent most of their time with her, which he couldn't even fault them for. He would too. There were things he knew he couldn't tell them about his new life, but he wanted them to both know that their failure of a son was working hard on becoming someone they could one day be proud of. Even his grades had gone up a little, though he was still in the bottom third of the class rankings. He doubted he'd ever be on top like some of the Student Council was, but he had set the goal to at least make it into the top half by the end of the year. Asia and Akeno had taken to tutoring him whenever he wasn't killing his body with Naruto.
Naruto had started training everyone who was willing now. With his performance in the Rating Game, everyone in the Occult Research Club and the Student Council acknowledged he was far beyond just powerful. Issei was the only one who knew that Naruto was hiding even more power than what he'd already showed off by beating Riser into a beautiful, bloody, smoldering pulp. Saji, the Sitri Pawn, and Tomoe Meguri, Sona's Knight, had asked to join Naruto and Issei's training sessions, and then Kiba and Koneko had joined as well. Naruto worked them all to the bone and then even further beyond. Issei, it turned out, was the one left standing last most days because he was used to the grueling hours already. It had been a swell of pride to see even Kiba sucking wind on the ground, though Issei was holding himself up by his knees on the occasions Kiba fell first.
Recently, Naruto had them in pairs competing against each other. Issei against Saji and Kiba against Tomoe. Koneko trained against one of Naruto's clones, which he claimed he powered down so that Koneko had a fair sparring partner. Issei and Saji had developed a respectful rivalry since the end of the Rating Game, with Saji admiring Issei's growth and loudly proclaiming that he would get even stronger. Issei relished the challenge and never gave Saji less than his very best. Saji had improved quick though, driven partially by Issei's challenges and taunting laughter every day. But Saji would sit and laugh maniacally whenever Naruto deigned to remind Issei that he was far from his goal yet.
He told his mom about the friends he'd made lately. In particular, he talked about he and Saji's competition in the mornings. Miki had smiled proudly with a 'that's my boy!' when he'd told her that he had yet to lose once to Saji yet. He of course had to leave out the true purpose behind the training and competition. His parents weren't aware of the supernatural worlds, and Issei wanted to make sure they were kept separate and safe.
After talking a few minutes, Asia woke up. Miki gave her a teasing grin that nearly made the poor girl pass out again. Asia stayed silent as Issei and Miki chatted for the first time in far too long. Asia, Issei noticed, had a caring smile as she watched the mother and son share some time together.
The doorbell rang a few minutes later, and Asia stood up and answered the door. Naruto walked in first, though he looked like he'd ran through a pile of mud and dirt on his way there. Knowing Naruto, that was entirely possible.
Naruto held up his hand in greeting. "Hey, Miki. Good to see you again."
Miki smiled. "Nice to see you too, Naruto-kun. It's been far too long."
"Agreed. Do you mind if I shower and clean up real quick? My last job got me a little dirty, as you can see." He gestured to all of him. "I brought a spare set of clothes just in case, and boy am I glad I did." He held up a wrapped tight plastic bag.
Miki said, "I don't mind. Do you remember where the bathroom is?"
"Yep. Thanks! I shouldn't be too long!" Naruto dashed up the stairs and slammed the bathroom door shut behind him so hard they could hear it in the living room.
Issei winced. I really hope he didn't just damage the door.He said, "I'll see if Naruto needs any soap or shampoo."
He walked up after receiving a few thankful words from Miki and Asia. Miki and Asia then walked into the kitchen to begin preparing food for when everyone arrived.
Issei walked up to the door. He inspected it and found no damage or noticeable cracks. He let out a relieved sigh. He then knocked three times and entered. He said, "Naruto? You got everything you need?"
"Issei? Oh. Yeah. I'm good. I just need to wash down."
"What was that job today?" Naruto had only texted him that he'd had a surprise summoning for a job that might take longer than normal. Issei had been curious since Naruto hadn't had any major jobs in weeks.
Naruto let out a few soft curses. "One I probably shouldn't have taken, but the payout was worth it. Had to try and break someone out of the police station who'd been arrested under false pretenses."
Issei blinked, shocked. "Wait. The police would do that?"
Naruto scoffed. "It happens everywhere. This one it happened to be the son of one of my regulars who'd apparently insulted the wrong kid at school. If it weren't one of my regulars, I wouldn't have believed her. But I've met the kid, and he's not a criminal. I had to scare the little shit and his dad, who just so happened to be the police commissioner, into dropping the charges and admitting they were false. I then leaked the confession to the press. It should be on the news tonight."
Naruto had said everything like he was giving a normal report to Rias after a night of summoning. Issei had to sit down, taking in everything he'd just heard. He knew corruption existed in the world, but he'd not thought it would infect even the police in such a way. "I…"
"Yeah. It's okay to be surprised. I remember when I first had my innocence and trust shattered like that. Not everyone is corrupt, but enough people are that it makes the good seem worse than they are. Can you toss me that bar of soap, by the way?"
Issei absently pushed himself up, grabbed the bar of soap off the countertop, and walked over to the shower. He handed it to Naruto's hand sticking out from the shower curtain and stepped back. "How… How do you say all that without getting angry?" Issei asked. He was furious just hearing about it.
"Oh, I'm pretty mad," Naruto said. "But I let my anger out by getting back at the people who deserve it. I found a rather ambitious reporter who can't be bought off and gave her the admission recordings. Like I said, story should be on national news tonight or by morning at latest."
That…makes sense. He said, "You sound like you've been dealing with people like that all your life."
The shower squeaked off and Naruto grabbed the towel off the rack. He pulled the shower curtain back, the towel wrapped around his hips. "Because I have," he said, saying nothing more.
Issei's curiosity was piqued. He wanted to ask more, but the look in Naruto's eyes made him think asking now wouldn't be a good decision. He gave Naruto an understanding nod and left the bathroom so that Naruto could dry off and get cleaned.
When he walked back down, he heard the doorbell ring again. Asia and his mother were still in the kitchen, so he told them he'd get the door and did so. On the other side was the entire Occult Research Club.
Rias smiled at him. "Issei-kun. Good to see you again. May we come in?"
He stepped to the side, gesturing for them to enter. "Welcome to the Hyoudou residence."
Everyone walked in and he closed the door behind them. All were dressed in various casual wear since today was Sunday and there wasn't any school. Asia came out from the kitchen with a plate of cold meats and crackers. She greeted everyone with a slight bow. "Welcome. It's good to see everyone again."
"It's good to see you too, Asia-chan," Rias said. She asked Issei, "Is Naruto-kun already here? Or will he be late?"
Issei nodded towards the stairs. "He got here a bit before you. He just got out of the shower last I saw. Should be getting dressed now."
"Wonderful. I was worried something had gone wrong on his job."
"Bah!" Naruto's voice yelled down the stairs. "You know full well it never does, Rias!"
Rias grinned ever so slightly. "I expect to hear all about it when we have a few minutes," she said, never raising her voice but knowing Naruto could hear her. "Now then. Are your parents home, Issei?"
"Mom's here. Dad can't make it tonight."
"A shame. Oh, well. Let's all go introduce ourselves to Miki-san."
The entire Gremory group walked over once Miki walked out of the kitchen. She was carrying a tray of cups with fresh steaming tea, which Issei relieved her of so that she could meet everyone. He set the tray down on the coffee table and watched his mother bow to everyone and they in turn to her. Her eyes shot up behind her hair when she saw Akeno, who was dressed in a lovely sundress that had a plunging neckline and the skirts only went down to her thighs, though she stayed respectful as Akeno showed her the proper respect of an elder. Kiba had her laughing, as he always did whenever he talked with a woman for longer than a few seconds, which normally would've made Issei mad but he wasn't too worried at the moment.
Naruto joined them after introductions were done, and they all took seats in the living room. Issei, Naruto, and Kiba sat on some cushions on the floor, leaving the chairs and sofa to the women. Koneko was standing near Kiba, munching on a cracker snack that Miki had prepared for everyone. Rias and Asia sat on either side of Miki as she pulled out one of her family albums, with Akeno standing up and moving behind them so she could see as well. Issei watched the ladies fawning over pictures of him when he was still young and ignored Naruto and Kiba talking about their next training schedule tomorrow.
"Ara, ara," Akeno giggled. "Issei-kun was quite the cutie."
Miki's smile widened. "You have no idea, Akeno-san. We always joked he'd be quite the ladies' man one day." She looked at the women gathered, giving Asia a long, pointed look that sent the girl into a deep blush.
Rias smiled at Asia kindly. She gushed at one picture and pointed to it. "Miki-san. When was this taken? How old was he?"
Miki found the photo and her grin widened even further. "Oho. Now that takes me back. That was one of the first times our neighbor came over and Issei played with Irina." She looked up at Issei. "Do you remember Irina, Issei?"
Issei thought back to those early days, a fond smile growing. "I remember. We were quite the duo, weren't we?"
Miki snorted. "The two of you were little devils." Issei nearly choked on his tea. "You both corrupted each other." She then said to the girls around them. "Irina's parents were deeply religious. We aren't so much, but we got along well enough. Little Irina was a real rebellious rascal though. Got them both in trouble more times than I can remember."
Asia nearly squealed at one picture. "Is… Is that Issei-san as a baby?"
Miki's smile turned into a sadistic smirk. "Oh, yes. And I imagine any baby that comes from him will be just as adorable."
"Issei-san's…baby…" Asia's face lit up brighter than a Christmas tree. Smoke came from her ears and she nearly passed out again but for Rias reaching over and giving her a firm grip on the shoulder. Akeno let out a few of her usual giggles, though these sounded more amused than usual.
Akeno gave Issei a sultry look, licking one of her fingers in a very obvious way, while everyone was distracted. Issei felt the blood leave his head and he gulped. Akeno looked like she would devour him, and he wondered if it would be worth it.
Abso-fucking-lutely! he shouted mentally.
He could hear Ddraig's amused chuckling in his mind.
The girls spent around another half-hour pouring over the many pictures of young Issei. Miki joked about him being an 'innocent young boy' and Issei and Naruto both snorted. They both knew he'd never really been 'innocent' in anything. Even back when he'd been a young boy, he'd been a pervert. It wasn't until a few years ago that he'd upgraded to super pervert though. Even when he and Irina had played before Irina had moved away, he'd snuck into Irina's place and given him a porno magazine he'd found. Irina hadn't even looked Issei in the eyes the next day. Issei never did find out if Irina had kept the magazine or thrown it away.
After the girls had finished the first photo album, Miki left to go refill everyone's tea. Akeno and Asia had joined her. Rias and Naruto cozied up together and spoke in hushed whispers near the door so as to not be overheard by Issei's mom. Naruto was giving Rias the report that he'd promised. Rias was nodding periodically as Naruto told her about why he accepted it and how he accomplished it. Kiba, Koneko, and Issei gathered together on the floor and started going through the same photo album that Miki had been showing the others.
"I must say," Kiba said as they flipped the page, "you really were a cute boy, Issei."
"Oi!" he protested. "You saying I'm not anymore?"
"Issei-senpai ugly," Koneko said, deadpan. "Used to not be."
Issei hung his head, defeated. "Do you really have to say it like that, Koneko?"
She nodded once, resolute, and went back to looking over Kiba's shoulder. Her eyes brightened when she saw one of the pictures of Issei and his mother playing with one of the stray cats they'd found in the neighborhood one day. I think I remember that one. He thought back to about when he thought that photo was taken. It was right after Irina's parents had moved and taken him with them. Where did they go again? Overseas, I think.
Kiba turned the page one more time and froze, his whole body going stiff. "Issei-kun."
"Huh. Yeah. What's up, Kiba?" Issei had never seen Kiba act like that before. His jaw was tight, like he was clenching his teeth in fury. Koneko noticed the change in mood as well, her eyes going concerned for Kiba.
Kiba tapped one of the photos with his finger. "Do you recognize this picture?"
Issei looked at it. He nodded. "Yeah. I do. That's me and Irina on the floor, and her dad standing behind us. He always had that prop sword with him wherever he went. We always joked he was a cosplayer."
Kiba's eyes went cold. "Issei-kun. That sword is not a fake."
Issei blinked. He looked at it again. The handle was carefully crafted and ornate. Now that he thought about it, that sword was obviously worth a fortune. "What do you mean?"
Kiba said, his voice dead, "That, Issei-kun, is a Holy Sword."
Naruto stood while Issei and Asia sat. The three of them had come to the Occult Research Clubroom so that they could speak in private and not be overheard. Naruto had one of his two clones sitting outside looking for potential threats, though he doubted he would find any. Akeno was standing at Rias' side behind her desk.
Kiba had gone home, obviously shaken by what he'd seen at Issei's place, and Koneko had gone with him to make sure he was care for. Naruto didn't quite know what the Knight's story was, but he recognized trauma resurfacing well enough. Whatever it is, Naruto thought, Kiba has a history with Holy Swords.
"I imagine you are all very curious," Rias said.
"You could say that," Naruto said.
Issei guessed, "Are Holy Swords like what that one exorcist had? What was his name again? Freed?" Asia went stiff at hearing of the former exorcist.
Rias looked at Asia, concerned. She then nodded to Issei. "Yes and no. You see, that exorcist had a mass-produced kind of holy sword. Those are designed solely to try and 'exorcise'," she spat, "devils. They are dangerous to us but not deadly unless you take a bad wound. Normal healing spells can work on those wounds. The other, and far more deadly, kind of Holy Swords are what people call the TrueHoly Swords.
"A True Holy Sword is a sword of legend. Excalibur. Durandal. Ascalon. Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi. Swords that are just as famous as their wielders. My parents forced me to learn about these so that I could recognize a real one and run as far away as possible." She stared daggers into Issei and Naruto. "Do not – I repeat – do not, either of you, try to fight someone who has one. Asia, I know I don't have to worry about you here, but the same applies to you. Even the slightest nick from one of them can kill a devil. If you ever encounter one, run. Naruto," she glared at him. "I want you in particular to promise me that you will run if you do."
Issei gulped and Asia nodded frantically, and Naruto shrugged. "I will promise that I won't actively seek one to fight it out. I can't promise that we won't one day come across one and have to fight to save our lives though."
Rias and Akeno blinked. Rias sagged in her chair. "I know you're right, but I dearly hope we never do. Few things terrify me, Naruto. Those do. Even Onee-sama is concerned when she hears of a True Holy Sword appearing near devil territory."
Akeno explained further. "A True Holy Sword is not only profoundly deadly to devils. It is obscenely powerful. I…have been exposed to such holy power before Rias found me. Even when I was so young, I could feel it. It will overwhelm you. That kind of holy power is entrancing. Be very careful if you ever come across it. Your instincts alone will tell you to run, and you should listen when it does."
Naruto shrugged once more. "Eh. I've fought power that could kill me just by being near it before. I survived that, I can probably survive this."
"But could Issei or Asia?" Rias shot back, bringing him up short. "Naruto-kun, all of us know full well by now that you are far, far stronger than anyone thought possible for someone so new to being a devil. But this world is larger than you think. You've already met my brother, and you've seen how truly insane he is. Even he is careful around True Holy Swords. These aren't just powerful swords. These are swords that are a devil's complete opposite. In some ways, they are as dangerous as a Seraph like Michael or Gabriel."
"However," Akeno added, "very few people can wield a True Holy Sword. The church doesn't spread the exact way they tell, but only a select few are able to wield one. According to what we already know, there are only maybe a handful born every decade who are able. Perhaps they are pre-ordained, but the number is generally fairly consistent, from what I have read."
Naruto, Issei, and Asia stayed quiet, taking in everything they'd just been told. Asia looked like she hadn't learned anything too new, which made sense considering her history with the church. Naruto wasn't worried about being harmed himself. He had Kurama healing him faster than most injuries could harm him, and with his new chakra that healing factor was overcharged.
But Issei doesn't have that.
He knew that already, but having it pointed out to him was like a slap in the face, because he hadn't thought about it like that. He knew he could protect everyone, but what if there's someone that takes up too much of his focus and another person, wielding one of these True Holy Swords, goes after Issei and the rest? As powerful as he was, he wasn't omniscient. He wasn't literally infinity. He had his limits, and this world seemed to be teeming with beings that were either literal Gods or on their level.
Rias had a point, much as he hated to admit it. But that's why I'm training him, he thought, looking at Issei, who was sweating bullets. Asia reached her hand over and gently wrapped his with hers, though Issei seemed to not notice it. He has the ability to be one of those beings that can even kill Gods, and I'm going to get him there sooner rather than later. "Rias."
"Yes?"
"Then why don't you go ahead and release Issei's third seal?" he asked. "He's already earned it."
Issei's ears perked up. Rias crossed her fingers in front of her face, elbows on the desk. She thought in silence for a few minutes, everyone else letting her do so. She asked, "Akeno, your thoughts?"
"Ara, ara." Akeno looked Issei up and down, licking her lips. Issei gulped again, though this one likely wasn't out of fear. Well, maybe a little fear. Asia puffed her cheeks out, and Akeno's grin went seedy. "Issei-kun has showed tremendous growth, Rias. Why don't we let him join us tonight and deal with that rogue devil?"
Rias nodded. "A good idea." She then explained, "I was going to just bring Akeno and Naruto tonight, but how about we consider this a bet?"
Naruto leaned forward. "What are the stakes?"
Rias smirked ever so slightly. "Issei's third seal. Issei-kun, tonight, you will face a rogue devil that I was informed of earlier today. Naruto-kun, Akeno, and I will accompany you to make sure nothing goes wrong. Should you be able to defeat this stray on your own, I will agree to release your third seal tonight. If you are not, your third seal remains for now. Do you agree?"
Issei made to stand up and shout his agreement, but Naruto held him down with a firm hand on his shoulder. Issei looked up at him but stayed quiet. It's time he learned to think on his own too, Naruto thought. He said to Issei, "Isn't there something you need to know, Issei?"
Issei squinted, confused for a moment. He scrunched his brow, furiously thinking about what Naruto meant. His eyes then lit up in understanding. He nodded once, gleeful that he'd figured it out. He then said, his voice happier than it probably should be, "Buchou. What can you tell me about this stray devil?"
Rias smiled with pride. She glanced at Naruto but met Issei's eyes immediately after. "This one is around a C-minus class. Strong enough to make the weaker devils hesitate, but I know that you're not one of them, are you?"
"No, Buchou!"
"We received the orders this afternoon, so we haven't been able to do any scouting yet. What little we do know is that this one is apparently an arachnid-type that uses some kind of bait to lure in humans and eat them. We don't know precisely what the bait is, but it apparently is good enough to make this one a priority. The Gremory butler that contacted me told me that, while weak, it has the ability to cause very real harm if left alone."
Naruto crossed his arms, thinking. A C-minus shouldn't be too hard for him. But…
That lure, Kurama finished the thought. Knowing the pervert, all it will take is a pair of tits to distract him enough to be fatal.
That's my worry. He said to Issei, "Are you sure you want to do this, Issei?"
Issei stood up and met his eyes, and Naruto could see the determination there. "Yeah. I'm ready, Naruto."
Naruto looked into his eyes and searched. He nodded when he found Issei's determination solid. "Alright."
Rias nodded, pleased. She said, "Very well. Asia-chan, will you come with us?"
Asia perked up. "H-Hai!" she nearly shouted, surprised someone had spoken to her. "Happily." She looked up at Issei, worry in her eyes.
Akeno giggled. "Ara, ara. I will get the teleportation ready."
Issei said, "Buchou. I'm ready. Take me there, so I can show this stray devil the power of the Boosted Gear!"
Chapter 14
The five of them teleported to an abandoned warehouse. Issei looked around and saw that the area surrounding them was pretty much deserted as well.
Asia was gripping her arms, shaking with nerves. "Issei-san…are you sure about this?"
He gave her his most confident grin. "Absolutely! I can handle this no prob!" he exclaimed.
Asia's smile showed her nerves, but she nodded as confidently as she could muster. "You'll do great!" she said. With just those few words, Issei's confidence soared even higher than it already was.
Heh. Ddraig chuckled. You're denser than a black hole, you know this?
Oh, shut it. Ddraig teased him about Asia practically every day now.
Akeno closed her eyes and extended her arms to her side. Hundreds of small red magic circles encircled the entire area around them, including the warehouse where the stray devil was hiding. The magic circles were visible only a moment longer, disappearing as fast as they had activated. Akeno opened her eyes and said, "Barrier is set, Rias."
Rias nodded. "Very good. Issei, you know the terms. Go in there," she pointed at the warehouse, "and defeat the stray. The methods are entirely up to you. If you do it without calling for help, then I will remove your third seal on your powers tonight. If Naruto, Akeno, or I need to intervene at all then the agreement is forfeit and your third seal remains." She glared at Naruto and added, "And no clones, Naruto-kun."
Naruto let out a silent curse. "Sussed out already."
Rias grinned. "You are more predictable than you think. Issei has to do this on his own."
"I was just gonna' have one watching in case he needs anything," Naruto grumbled.
"I believe you were the one who told me that I need to trust in him, so I now return those words to you."
Naruto looked like he'd been slapped. He went sullen, looking down at the ground.
Issei knew Naruto was only worried because he cared, so he gave Naruto a thumbs up and the greatest grin he could manage. It actually hurt his cheeks to smile like that. He said, "Relax, sensei! I took down Yubelluna on my own, I can handle a meager stray devil!"
"Yeah. I know." Naruto still sulked, but he met Issei's eyes. Issei could tell he was looking for something, so he didn't look away. Whatever it was, Naruto found it. He nodded to Issei once and broke eye contact. Naruto then returned Issei's grin with one of his own toothy ones. "Now go kick ass!"
"Yosh!"
Rias shook her head, bemused. "You two… Oh well. You can go as crazy as you wish, Issei-kun. I'm also giving you permission to Promote as you believe you need. I won't count that as having outside help. Akeno's barrier should hold even if Naruto here has to go all out." Naruto snorted but was ignored. "We will be right here. If you ever feel like you're getting overwhelmed, send out a message on the communicator." She tapped her ear. "I will be listening."
Issei gave her a grateful nod. "Thanks." He looked at Asia. "Asia-chan, I promise I'll be okay. So you just wait! I'll go kick that stray's ass like it's nothing!"
Asia smiled at him kindly. "I know you will. I'll be right here for you if you need anything."
Issei turned around and sprinted towards the doors, Asia's last words lighting a fire under him. "Yosh!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. He summoned his Sacred Gear, the gauntlet covering his left hand and forearm up to his elbow. It cried out a 'Boost!' as he ran. "I'm coming for you, stray devil! I, Issei Hyoudou, shall deliver my King's justice! As the strongest Pawn, I cannot lose!"
When he reached the large metal door, he tried to pull it open but found it rusted shut from disuse. He looked around the door for anything he could use to pry it open, found nothing, and went back to the drawing board. All the while, the Boosted Gear was Boosting. He snapped his fingers when the idea came to him. He activated the Sacred Gear with a thought, and it cried out "Explosion!" All of the power gathered to that point flooded into him. It was nowhere near the most he'd ever held, but he could feel the new energy in his body.
He formed a ball of pure red draconic energy in front of him. He punched it and yelled, "Dragon Shot!"
The building never stood a chance.
An entire half of the warehouse vanished into thin air, vaporized by the gigantic Dragon Shot. Issei wasn't any good with most magic, but Dragon Shot wasn't really magic, he'd found. Dragon Shot was a focus of his built up or internal draconic energy from the Boosted Gear, and Ddraig had taught him how to control it to a good degree. Issei was by no means a master yet, but he could summon the draconic energy with relative ease now when it used to take conscious effort for him.
There was a piercing scream from what remained of the building that would've probably terrified him before he'd been reincarnated as a devil. Now, he barely blinked at it. He'd already faced down a half-dozen stray devils with his friends behind him, and some of them had been downright disgusting to look at. And the smell! Sometimes that alone was enough to kill.
But this one was a fairly new stray, from what Rias had told him, so it hadn't had the chance to go on a killing spree yet. It was inexperienced and hadn't had to avoid capture before. That made Issei the more experienced one for the first time in a long time. He almost grinned at how easy this was going to be.
He froze when he saw the devil herself.
It had a woman's body from the hips up, but her legs were not humanoid in the slightest. She had a spider's abdomen with all eight legs coming out from it. Her skin was slate grey and nude, revealing larger-than normal bare breasts that bounced around as she shrieked.
Issei was momentarily transfixed by such a wonderful sight, and that nearly cost him. The devil jumped into the air, spun around, and attached to what remained of the ceiling. She then spat some kind of liquid at him from the rear of her spider parts. Issei managed to raise his gauntlet in time to block it, the liquid splashing off of it and away from his head. A few drops landed on his school coat and it dissolved where the liquid fell.
Acid! he realized. He shook his head to shake his appreciation for the inhuman creature's shapely bosom, though it took a few tries. Gotta focus! Don't get distracted! Come on! You're better than that!
I hope you are, Ddraig said in his mind. Because that stray isn't done yet. If you die here, I will never forgive you.
Issei shifted into a battle-ready stance that Naruto had taught him. Ddraig was right. Dying to such a weak stray would be the most embarrassing thing in his life. He spread his feet apart and slightly bent his knees. He tensed, getting ready to move when the stray did.
The stray devil hissed at him and shot out a few more globs of acid at him. Issei deftly jumped a few times and avoided each splash zone, the acid sizzling on the concrete floor. Issei let his Boosted Gear get back to gathering power while he kept jumping around and avoided the stray's acid shots. Idly, Issei wondered if the acid was all it knew to use.
Turned out it did have more than one trick up its sleeve. The stray skittered across the ceiling and a single strand of a web thick as a metal pole fell in front of its face. It grabbed the web and swung it over its head. It then threw it at Issei, trying to cut him off. Issei ducked under it, but the web stuck to the back of his jacket. The spider immediately tried to yank him off his feet and into the air, but Issei planted his feet firm and tore off his jacket before it could. Issei's coat flapped in the air as it zipped back up to the stray. When it realized Issei had managed to get away, it shrieked in fury.
Issei fell into another fighting stance Naruto had showed him, feet a little closer together and hands up in front of him like a boxer. He taunted the devil with a 'come on' gesture from his gauntleted fist. "Is that all you got?"
It shrieked so loud that Issei's ears started ringing, but he wasn't too worried. It was already loud and obvious. He didn't need perfect hearing to keep track of this one. It tried to dart from side to side on the ceiling, but he was able to track it with ease. He noticed its pattern after only a few seconds of watching. Issei sprouted his wings and dashed to where he guessed it was going to try and turn towards, and it did.
Issei's Sacred Gear-powered fist met the stray's face. He could feel the bones crunch and contort around the armored punch, sinking into its flesh. The force from Issei's blow sent the stray towards the far wall, whistling through the air as it flew. The stray crashed into the wall, a few heavy metal beams falling down atop it. The stray let out a pained wail.
When the dust settled, the stray was trying to stand on shaky legs. One of its eight legs was bent the wrong way, with six of the others shuddering under the weight. It was trying to use its arms to lift a metal I-beam off of one of its legs that thrashed in pain. Its face was nearly caved inward from Issei's blow. Blood trailed from its nose and mouth in thick rivers that dripped off its chin into a puddle on the floor.
Issei admired his Sacred Gear. "Damn. Did that come from me?"
Ddraig outright laughed. Mostly, aye. But the Boosted Gear did enhance the punch a little. You've not faced someone this weak on your own, so you likely never realized just how powerful you are compared to a gnat like this.
I think she's actually a spider.
Hush, you. Getting pedantic when I'm praising you.Ddraig snorted derisively. And you wonder why I don't complement you more often.
Heh. I guess you've got a point. I don't think I'll even need to Promote for this one.
Probably not. Ddraig paused for a second. He said, Partner. She's about to make a move. She's going to be desperate. She knows you're much stronger than her and she will die if she doesn't escape.
Yeah, I got it. Issei fell back into another stance, sliding his feet across the concrete.
The stray tossed away the metal beam and glared at him with absolute fury twisting its face. Beneath it though, Issei could see the fear. It knew that it didn't have much of a chance if it came down to it. Its only move was trying something desperate, so he let his Sacred Gear Boost a few more times.
The stray devil let out a ghastly shriek, droplets of its blood staining the wall around it red in thick splotches like a terrifying painting. It bent its knees and launched itself up into the air one more time. This time it threw its web strand upwards and it stuck to the ceiling. It retracted the web at full speed, nearly crashing through the ceiling with its momentum. It then dashed around the ceiling, trailing its webbing in an intricate design that resembled a real spider's web. Issei, curious, stared at it and let it go without making his move.
Partner. This is her last play.
I guessed as much. It wouldn't be hard for him to overpower it, so he let the stray devil try its last gambit on him.
The devil finished its webbing and snipped where it was attached to the ceiling, letting it start to fall through the air towards Issei. The humongous web nearly took up what remained of the warehouse's roof. It would be almost impossible to avoid it.
Almost.
Issei activated his Sacred Gear.
"Explosion!"
Issei took the draconic energy that was released and focused it to form his protective bubble. The web fell on the bubble and immediately constricted to where he couldn't see outside of it. He heard a large glob of acid land atop the webbing and some droplets dripped through the webbing. The acid hissed but didn't damage his bubble.
Issei rolled his shoulders. "I suppose we should end this then. Oi, Ddraig. Where is the devil precisely? Can you point her out for me?"
The Sacred Gear responded in Ddraig's voice, the large jewel glowing as he spoke. "Directly above you." The gauntlet moved almost of its own accord, pointing directly above his head.
Issei grinned. He summoned a small orb of draconic energy in the air above him. He focused his gathered energy into it, cocked his arm back, and punched with all the strength he had. He yelled, "Dragon Shot!"
His bubble didn't impede him at all. If anything, he seemed to be using his bubble as another part of his Dragon Shot. Another grand beam of energy disintegrated the web and acid prison that surrounded him and enveloped all of the warehouse's remaining ceiling. The stray devil howled in frustration as the red beam found it. When the energy dissipated, the stray was entirely gone.
The communicator in his ear buzzed to life. "Congratulations, Issei. We felt the stray die. You won the bet. You can come out now."
Issei felt like he was on top of the world. He thrust his fist in the air in victory. "Yosh!" he yelled. "Another stray down!"
Naruto suddenly appeared in the air in front of him, his wings extended. A beat passed before Issei felt the wind catch up and blow around him. Naruto had the biggest, proudest smile he could remember on his face, and that swelled his chest even further. "Issei, I could kiss you!"
"Please don't!" he said with the same excitement.
Naruto let out a hearty laugh. He hovered down to the ground and clapped him on the shoulder. "Issei, you really have no idea just how strong you're getting, do you? You just took down a stray devil on your own. No help, and you didn't need any, did you? You didn't even Promote!"
Issei shook his head, grin getting larger all the while. "Nope! It tried to trap me with its web and then melt me with its acid, but my bubble held strong!"
Oi, Ddraig said. It's not a bubble. It's a shield. Do not denigrate my power with titles like what would come from an elementary schooler.
It's round, right?
Yes.
You can see through it, right?
Ddraig hesitated for a beat. He admitted, …Yes.
It's a bubble then.
Ddraig sighed tiredly. Issei could almost see him running his paw down his face again. But he went quiet and didn't try to change his mind, so Issei counted that as yet another win for him.
Naruto pelted Issei with questions, but Rias buzzed into his ear and reminded him that everyone would like to hear and see him, so the two of them walked out of what remained of the warehouse and back to where Asia, Akeno, and Rias were waiting. Asia's gleeful smile shined like the sun; Akeno was giggling, obviously quite pleased; and Rias beamed with pride.
At Rias' urging, Issei told the tale of his fight with the stray devil. No one interrupted him, though Asia did gasp a time or two when he talked about the stray's spider half and its acid. It didn't take him long to finish his report. When he did, Naruto was practically preening.
"And that's pretty much it," he finished.
Asia immediately jumped on him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. She took him by surprise, nearly bowling them over. Issei had to step back to regain his balance. She had tears of joy teasing her eyes when she looked up at him. "I'm so happy for you, Issei-san! You've worked so hard with Naruto-san, and now look at you!"
"Ara, ara," Akeno said, though he thought he saw a flash of jealousy in her eyes. "My little kouhai is a man now, is he?" She licked her fingers sensually, and Issei gulped, trying to suppress a blush.
Rias walked over once she saw Asia wasn't letting him go. She wrapped her arms around them both, pulling Issei's head down to the crook of her neck. He could smell her perfume, which was faint but just strong enough to leave an impact. It nearly made him melt right there, being so close to Rias' magnificent breasts. He'd suppressed that urge enough during the fight, so why shouldn't he enjoy it now that he was done?
"Well done, Issei-kun," Rias said, running her hand down his back. She pulled back first, leaving Asia clinging to him still. She then said, "Asia, please inspect Issei and make sure he's not wounded. It's not that I doubt your report, Issei, but adrenaline can make you ignore wounds during a fight."
"Hai, Buchou!" Asia accepted her orders with a firm nod.
Rias smiled in a way that made Issei think she knew something the others didn't. She then said, "Akeno, Naruto. Come with me for a moment. Let's let Asia work undisturbed."
Naruto blinked twice and then grew a smile like Rias'. "Of course," he said, walking over to her side. Akeno joined them and the three walked towards the ruins of what had once been an abandoned warehouse.
Weird, he thought.
I want you to know that, if I could, I would be beating you over the head with a piece of wood right now,Ddraig said, deadpan. Issei wondered why, and he heard an audible 'smack' from Ddraig smacking his forehead in frustration.
Asia had a slight blush on her face, yet she looked like she was determined to embark on a journey to save the world. "I-Issei-san. Please take off your shirt for me."
"Uh. Sure. Give me a sec." He pulled his undershirt over his head and held it to the side. "This good enough?"
Asia's blush soon overtook her face and neck. She got a look on her face that briefly made Issei think of when Matsuda or Motohama were telling him about their recent porn they'd found, but he immediately dismissed that thought as foolish. Asia was not a pervert. She was far too pure for that.
He heard another smack from Ddraig.
Asia didn't pass out from her blush, which was nice enough. She said, "Thank-Thank you. I think I can see a little burn here though. Did the acid touch you?" Her voice went from shaky to concerned. She summoned her Twilight Healing rings.
He thought back to his fight with the stray. "I didn't think so, but I guess a drop or two might've? Can you help me, Asia-chan?" he asked with as nice a grin as he could manage.
"H-H-Hai!" Asia's rings began to glow, and a refreshing coolness washed over him.
Naruto was barely suppressing his cackles at seeing Asia ogle Issei's toned chest. Even the purest can be corrupted! You were right, Jiraiya-sensei!
"Ara, ara," Akeno giggled again. Naruto could feel a strange sense of pleasure and jealousy both coming from her. Was she interested in Issei too?
Naruto looked at Rias, whose grin had widened even further. "Alright. What did you do to the poor girl, Rias-chan?"
"Me?" She gave him the most innocent look she could muster. "All I did was give her an anatomy lesson." She added after a pregnant pause, "With demonstratives."
"With your own, I assume?" Akeno teased.
"Yours, actually. I never would've thought you had such—Oh, who am I kidding? I knew you had them all along."
Naruto watched Asia go from her nuclear blush to concerned in the blink of an eye when she spotted a few scratches and burns. None of them would impede Issei, but she expressed the utmost care for each. She healed her crush back up to full health in a blink. He tsked his tongue, shaking his head amusedly. "You truly are a devil, aren't you, Rias-chan? Corrupting such an innocent soul like that."
"You're one too, by the way." Rias smirked. "But, to be honest, Asia asked me out of the blue why there were so few devils left, and I had to explain dwindling fertility rates to her. When I realized she had no idea what reproduction consisted of, I couldn't in good faith let her go on. Especiallyif she's going to continue living with Issei. I'd rather she learn from me than accidently find some of Issei's porn."
"Fair point."
"Ara, ara. Why did you not ask me to help, Rias? I would've gladly helped instruct my darling kouhai."
Naruto snorted. "Your brand of instruction would kill the poor girl."
"What he said." Rias and Naruto grinned at each other while Akeno descended into another fit of giggles.
Naruto's phone beeped in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the new email he'd just gotten. It was from his client from earlier that day. She expressed her deepest gratitude for his help and swore that she would pay any price he demanded of her. She'd also attached a link to a large news station that had broken the story of her son's false arrest. Naruto took the moment to appreciate a job well done. He then replied, telling her that all he wanted was for her to continue to rely on him and be a good mother. Her reply was a picture of her son, who was cute in his own right, hugging her leg. He smiled and put his phone away.
Rias raised an eye at him. "Secret lover I should know about?"
He shrugged, not denying it. "Jealous if I said it was?"
"Worried in your bad taste, more like."
Kurama let out a loud laugh at his expense. Considering the only person you ever loved tried to kill you once and your best friend betrayed everything you stood for, she's got a good point.
Quiet down, furball, or I'll flood my sewerscape again.
Rias' phone then beeped as well. She looked at it, pressed a button on the screen, and pressed it to her ear. "Koneko-chan? Is everything—Woah. Woah. Slow down. Where is—Gone? Are you sure?" Rias' face went from curious to concerned and back to calm. "Okay. Okay. I'll meet you there. We'll find him. I promise."
When she hung up, Naruto could tell that the time for levity was over. "What happened?" he asked.
"Kiba is gone," she said. "Koneko thinks he snuck away when she was in the toilet. She can't find him anywhere. Of all the times… Naruto."
"Hai."
"Take the western side of the city. Use your clones, I know you have two now, and search for him. I'll head to Kiba's and meet Koneko. We'll search the area around there and then head east. Akeno, take the northeast. I'll have Issei and Asia-chan take the southeast. Everyone understand?"
Naruto and Akeno nodded, their faces grave. "Hai," they both said.
"Good. Now go. I'll get Issei and Asia up to speed."
"Ah! Damn it, pretty boy!" Issei yelled into the night. "You really went and did it this time!"
Rias had pulled Issei and Asia to the side when Naruto and Akeno had left. She'd explained what Koneko had called and told her. They'd all been looking for Kiba for nearly an hour now with nobody reporting that they'd found him. Koneko had tried to follow his scent, but the rain that had hit the area around Kiba's place earlier that night had ruined his scent too far for her to track. The moon was nearly halfway down now.
"I'm worried about Yuuto-san," Asia said, holding her hands in front of her like she was about to pray. She didn't pray as often anymore, having at long last come to terms with the fact that prayer gave her a migraine like no other. It would be nearly impossible to break the church's teaching from her entirely, but every step forward was a good step in Issei's book.
"Kiba can handle himself." Issei assured her with a confident grin. I hope.
Partner. Ddraig's voice was gravely serious.
What have you got for me? Ddraig had agreed to help try and track down Kiba.
There is something deadly in the air. It's nearby. Be careful.
Do you think Kiba's there? He started to worry. He was insanely envious of Kiba's good looks and natural charm, but he had come to respect him the more they trained together.
Possibly. Whatever this is—Partner! Ddraig nearly shouted into his mind, making Issei wince.
Yes?
I just recognized what this is. If your friend is there, you need to get there. Now! You all are in grave danger!
Got it. Issei stopped walking. "Asia-chan?"
"Hmm?" She tilted her head when she realized he'd stopped.
"Call Buchou and Akeno-senpai. And Naruto. Something bad is nearby. Kiba might be facing it alone. Stay here until someone get here to help."
Asia met his eyes, and in them he saw a familiar determination. She shook her head. "No," she said. "If Yuuto-san is fighting alone, he will need us both."
Argh! We don't have time for this. "Okay. Fine. But stay back. We don't want to risk you getting hurt." Or worse.
She nodded and the two of them took off at a run. Issei had to slow his pace because Asia couldn't keep up with him if he sprinted. Asia's face went flush as she ran, her stamina not used to needing to exert such effort before. Issei followed Ddraig's directions and Issei could feel the power in the air. Whatever it was, it gave him goosebumps. It felt utterly wrong to him, whatever it was.
The sounds of metal meeting metal clanged in the air around them. The closer they got, the worse the wrongnessfelt to Issei. He summoned his Sacred Gear, not caring if anyone saw him at that moment. Whatever it was that Kiba was facing down, he would need all the help he could get.
When he turned the corner, he spotted Kiba.
Kiba was fighting a familiar exorcist: Freed Sellzen.
"Kiba!"
"Yuuto-san!"
Kiba glanced over, his eyes widening in surprise when he noticed them. "You—" Freed cut him off with a slice to his thigh. Kiba let out a terrifying scream of pain, falling to one knee. He gripped the wound, which was oozing black smoke.
"Oh no you don't!" Issei leapt into action, punching down with his Boosted Gear.
Freed's crazed eyes widened and his battle-maniac nature shined through. "Oh, hello there, little one! It's been a while, hasn't it?" He brought around his jagged, thick sword and blocked Issei's punch. "Come to join your pathetic devil partner, have you? Well, I'm always down to dance!" Freed pushed him back with a horizontal slash that Issei was only able to track because of his training. He blocked it with his gauntlet, not letting it get anywhere near his body.
As the sparks flew from his armored arm, he realized that the sword Freed was holding was the source of the disquieting aura in the air. Shock overtook him. That's… a True Holy Sword!
He really had the worst luck, running into one of the weapons that could utterly destroy his very essence. But Kiba was injured already, and Issei was not going to run away when someone needed his help.
He let the gathered energy pour into him with a mighty "Explosion!" from his Sacred Gear. The energy enhanced his strength enough to where he pushed Freed back and made him jump away. Issei placed himself directly between Freed and Kiba, who was trying to stand on shaky legs.
"Here," Asia said comfortingly. She raised her hands and the green glow of Twilight Healing covered Kiba's wound, sealing it as if it had never existed in the first place.
Kiba grunted but said, "Thank you." He stood up, stepped forward, and held his blade in front of him. "This is my fight alone, Issei-kun. Stand down."
"Like hell I will! You expect me to just let this bastard get away like last time?"
Kiba grit his teeth. "You don't understand. This is my fight!"
"Don't care. Not leaving. Get over it. That's a fucking True Holy Sword he's got!"
Kiba's voice was like ice. "I know. And I will destroy it. I will have my revenge on Excalibur. I owe them that."
Wait… What? Issei had never heard Kiba talk that way before. He seemed almost detached from reality. The look on his face was one of pure fury the likes of which he'd never expected Kiba capable of. Whatever Kiba's history, he completely loathed Freed's sword. Issei dug in on his heels, falling into a ready stance. "Well then your chances are doubled if I'm here, aren't they?"
Kiba gaped at him, shocked at his words. For the briefest second, Kiba had a thankful grin, but it disappeared so fast Issei almost thought he'd imagined it. "Thank you, Issei-kun, but this is not your fight. I can't ask you to risk your life for my revenge."
"That's what friends are for, idiot!"
Freed's insane laughter demanded their attention so they gave him it. Both of them brandished their weapons of choice: Kiba his black sword and Issei his Boosted Gear. "How touching! Filthy devils thinking they could have friends! Dooooooooon't care though! How about you both go into oblivion holding hands then!" Freed sprinted forward, swinging his glowing sword in a crazed arc.
Kiba stepped forward to guard against it, but Kiba's blade shattered like glass the moment Freed's touched it. Kiba grunted but leapt away from the holy sword before Freed could slice him. Issei immediately filled Kiba's space, getting in close to Freed to try and take out the sword's reach advantage. Freed's manic laughter rung in his ears as he jabbed and then slammed his free hand into the exorcist's gut, though Freed didn't even seem to feel the blow. When Issei brought around his Sacred Gear to meet Freed's face, Freed moved faster than any human should've been able. He ducked the blow, kicked Issei in the stomach, and jumped away from Kiba's follow-up slash down.
Issei grunted but didn't fall from the force of the blow. "What the fuck was that?" he asked Kiba.
Kiba glared daggers at Freed's sword. "Excalibur Rapidly," he said, his voice dead. "One of seven fragments of the original Excalibur. Said to grant the wielder incredible speed that is on par with that of even the fastest devils." His jaw tightened. "Bastard is even able to activate its abilities."
"Oh, yes indeed!" Freed shrieked. He brandished the sword, its length glowing a bright yellow. "This isn't just a fancy sword for me, you see! I can—" A small communication magic circle activated near his ear. "What! But I'm—Fine! I can handle a few measly—What?" His face went terrified. "Shit! I'm on my way!" The magic circle disappeared, and Freed looked at them again. "Well, it's your lucky day, you shitty devils!" He pointed his sword at Asia. "And don't think I've forgotten you either, little witch! More important people need me right now, so I can't play any longer. So long!" He threw something on the ground and it exploded in a light so bright that everyone had to look away. When they looked back, Freed was gone, and none of them could sense him anywhere near.
"Damn it!" Kiba screamed, slamming his sword into the ground so deep his blade nearly disappeared. "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I had it! I had it! After so long… I had it." He fell to his knees, a few tears of frustration and fury falling off his chin. "And I let it get away. Everyone…I'm so sorry."
Asia and Issei met eyes. They both shrugged. Asia stepped closer to Kiba, reaching out hesitantly. Her delicate fingers wrapped around his shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. "Yuuto-san. We're here for you."
Kiba didn't acknowledge her presence. He kept his eyes down, his hair covering his eyes. His grip on his sword's hilt tightened further, veins almost popping from his wrists.
Issei didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything. He pulled out his phone and texted Rias that they'd found Kiba and where they were. He added that Rias should get there as soon as she could, and the teleportation magic circle had appeared before he'd even put the phone away.
Rias' face was composed, but Issei could see the worried tension in her shoulders. Relief cracked through her mask when she saw her Knight. "Kiba," she said, her voice kind. "I'm glad you're safe. We were worried." The smile that came from her was almost sad.
Kiba didn't move and didn't say a word.
Rias' face showed concern. She turned to Issei. "What happened?"
Issei told her about finding Kiba, fighting Freed, and Freed eventually retreating. Lastly, he told her about the sword Freed was using. "Kiba called it Excalibur Rapidly," he said.
She inhaled sharply, her eyes moving to Kiba. She walked over, kneeled in front of Kiba, and reached out and gripped his chin. She forced him to meet her eyes, and Issei nearly gasped when he looked into them. There was no life at all in Kiba's eyes. Whatever just happened had shaken Kiba worse than anything Issei could've imagined.
"Kiba…" she said, worried for him. "I'm so sorry." She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace. "I'm so sorry," she repeated.
Kiba stayed silent the entire time. He didn't say a word when the others arrived, and he stayed silent as they walked him home.