(Issei)
I went up the stairs up to the ground level…
Haruto started looking worse and worse with each passing second, his face being distorted in pain when it didn't look like he was half-dead from exhaustion. Making it to the Sanctuary, I sat Haruto down on a pew.
The poor bastard didn't even attempt to sit up. The moment I let go, he flopped down onto his side.
I turned him over on his back so he could at least have some moderate level of comfort.
"...Is…sei…" Haruto's voice weakly called my name.
I almost started crying again. He sounded so weak and scared. Like a sick puppy.
He tried reaching for me and I grabbed his hand, trying to suppress my trembling.
"...I'm sorry…" I choked out. "I was a coward… If I hadn't run away… if I hadn't been so afraid, then—"
"I…diot…" Haruto interrupted. "...first time… you actually listened… dummy… now… Asia's safe… thank you…"
My eyes were beginning to sting like crazy, but I couldn't break down now! I had to get Haruto to get healed by Asia!
"Yeah… I guess you're right…"
"...Issei…" Haruto's grip on my hand tightened. "...He heard me…I'm so happy…"
I rubbed my eyes on my sleeve, trying to prevent tears from staining my face.
"What… What are you talking about?"
Haruto smiled weakly. It wasn't like his usual smiles. This one was much purer than any of his normal ones. He seemed genuinely happy.
"...I got my wish… even in such circumstances… I was allowed to see everyone again."
"Idiot! You haven't seen everyone! They… They are all waiting for us! That stupid washboard and the other babes you have drooling over you are waiting for you too! There's Asia also! They're all waiting for you to come home, you idiot!"
This wasn't right! It wasn't fair! I was a useless pervert! Haruto was always smarter than me! The only time I was ever stronger than him was when we're little and since then, HE was the one protecting my ass! He was always better with girls and had so many more people who treasured him! It should've been me! If I had made him run away with Asia instead of me, then—!
"Hey, God!? You are there right, God!? Devils and Angels exist, so you do exist as well, right, god!? You were watching, right!? You were watching all of this, right!? Why Haruto!? What had he ever done?!"
I'm sure He is up there, someone has to be watching. Even if he is a Devil, Haruto doesn't deserve this at all!
"Issei…" I looked back at Haruto, no longer able to help the waterfalls of tears pouring from my eyes.
He was still smiling albeit with clear strain judging from his more pained expression. Dumbass…how can you still smile like that…?
"He IS listening… He fulfilled my prayer… He listened to the prayer of someone like me, a Devil… He let me see you guys again and kept you guys safe… that makes me happy…" Weakly, Haruto grabbed onto my collar with his other free hand, pulling me closer. "...Listen, Issei… there's… something else…" Haruto suddenly cringed. "It's… It's not.. their fault…"
Having used up all of his strength, Haruto fell back onto the pew, wheezing as if he had exerted a great effort.
"Ara, a Devil repenting in this place like this? Or were you wishing for something?"
On instinct, I turned around. Upon turning around, I saw Raynare approaching.
Fear filled my heart at the possibilities regarding her appearance.
"Where are the others?!" I demanded out of a mix of worry and fear.
"The priests are doing a good job of keeping them busy." Raynare answered. She gestured to Haruto. "I could truly use the Vanishing Dragon's power as of right now, Issei-kun." She spoke with a mockingly sweet tone. "If you hand him over right now, I might just forgive you for so rudely intruding."
My blood started boiling at that. "You've hurt my brother for the last time! Let me just ask one question: Why would you do this?!"
"Because your dear friend has a Sacred Gear. That's why." Raynare answered without remorse.
"You could've left him alone! You could've left both of us alone! We've never done anything to you! We could've lived normal lives without knowing any of this!"
"You couldn't. Those with irregular Sacred Gear would be left out of the world and groups. Because they possess a powerful ability. Because they have a different power than others. You know humans hate those things, right? And considering he was the Hakuryuukou, he would've ended up in a fight to the death with his destined rival anyway in which a weakling like him would've died anyway."
My eyes widened. 'Fight to the death'? 'Destined rival'? And what's this about being a 'Hakuryuukou'?
Raynare seemed amused by my expression. "Oh? He didn't tell you? Yes, well it is the fate of those who are born as the possessor of the Vanishing Dragon to face their destined rival, the possessor of the Welsh Dragon. It is only a matter of time before the two meet and fight. Once they do, only one will remain in the end. That's how it happens every time. Even if Haruto-kun remained blissfully unaware of his power, the Sekiryuutei would've hunted him down and would have killed him. After I take Haruto's Sacred Gear, I'll find the Welsh Dragon and put him down before continuing on to prove my worth to Azazel-sama."
So… Haruto was hiding something else from me… Once again, he probably thinks he's protecting me, but—
"I don't give a shit! If that Welsh Dragon guy shows up, I'll beat the shit out of him!" I raised my fist which was covered by my Sacred Gear. "I won't let anyone hurt him!"
"Ahahahaha! It's impossible! You realize he's already dying, right?! He'll be dead soon, you know? It's not the matter of whether you protect himor not. You couldn't protect him! You couldn't protect him back then, this afternoon, or even now! You really are a weird boy! It's so amusing!"
I clenched my fists. "You… Haruto… he wanted to protect me from you… I realize it now. He didn't tell me to run because he didn't think we could win. He told me to run because he knew I was afraid. He knew, deep down, that I couldn't bring myself to fight you… but now my feelings have completely changed… I know I failed. That's why I can't forgive you. I can't forgive myself…"
I can't forgive everything.
Myself who couldn't protect my best friend since childhood.
Raynare who hurt Haruto and assured his death.
It was unforgivable!
Then Buchou's words come into my mind. She had spoken to me about this earlier.
—Desire. Sacred Gear is driven with the power of desire. And it also determines the power for it as well.
"Give him back…"
—Even though you are a Devil, your will to desire hasn't been lost. The stronger you desire, the stronger your Sacred Gear will respond to you.
"Give Haruto baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
[Dragon Booster!]
The Sacred Gear on my left arm activates as if it responded to my shout. The jewel in the gauntlet makes a bright shine. Some mysterious mark appeared on the gauntlet. At the same time, power flows into my body. From my left arm equipped with the Sacred Gear to my whole body.
I went ahead while having my body overflow with power.
I thrust my fist towards the Fallen Angel front of me who is smirking.
Raynare dodged it easily, as if she were dancing.
"I will explain it so even a dummy like you can understand. It's a simple power difference. I have a power of 1000. You have a power of 1. You can't shorten the gap between us no matter what. Even with the ability of that Sacred Gear, the power doubled is only 2. It's futile! How can you win against me!? Ahahahahahahaha!"
[Boost!]
Another sound from the jewel. The mark on the jewel of the gauntlet changes from [I] to [II].
A second change happens to my body.
The power-something to beat down the enemy in front of me-is increasing.
"Uoooooooooo!"
I went charging at her while concentrating my overflowing power to my fist. I'm already promoted to a [Rook].
"Heh! Did your power increase a bit? Still, it's not enough!" Raynare mocked me as she dodged my attack again
In the next moment, light began to gather in Raynare's hand, forming a familiar shape.
"I put a lot of power in it! Eat this!" Raynare threw something at me.
The spear of light pierced both my legs. It went deep into both of my thighs. Even with the defense of a [Rook], it wasn't able to defend against it.
"Guaaaaaaaaaah!"
I screamed.
My body went through intense pain, but I can't get on my knees for something like this.
I grabbed onto the spear immediately.
"Guaaaaaaaaaah!"
The sound of my flesh burning. Hot! It's burning hoooooooot! Is it because it's made up of light!? The palm of my hand that is holding onto the spear gets burned. There was coming from my hand and also from the wounds on my thighs. It burned my hand and legs violently.
Raynare started to laugh at me after she saw me trying to pull out the spear.
"Ahahahaha! A Devil trying to pull that spear out is foolish! To Devils, lights are intense poison. Just touching it will make you burn. That is the ultimate pain that Devils can taste! For a Low-class Devil like you, it's—"
"Nugaaaaaaaah!"
I made a scream which you can't describe in words, but I tried to pull out the spear of light slowly by gripping strongly onto it.
The intense pain caused by the spear that is piercing my legs. The intense pain that is inflicted on me by the power of light. Those things were causing me so much pain.
I'm about to lose consciousness because of it. It felt like I will die if I don't bite my teeth hard.
So what about it? What about it!?
"This-This is nothing compared to what Haruto went through!"
I pull out the spear slowly while my tears and drool comes out of my face.
It hurts. It huuuuuurts dammit!
But I couldn't give up… Haruto wouldn't stop for something like this… That's because… Haruto… he's…
—He's the strongest guy I know!
When I got the spear out from both my legs, I dropped it from my hand and it disappears before hitting the ground.
Splash.
After losing the thing that was blocking the holes on my legs, blood starts to flow out from the wounds.
Even though I took out the spear, the pain still remains.
[Boost!]
Even if I was pierced by the spear and stopped my attack, the gauntlet on my left arm continued to make a sound.
It hurts. It really hurts. I'm crying a lot and I have so much drool coming out from my mouth.
I slipped onto my butt after I lost some strength in me. I didn't have the strength to stand up.
Shit, I don't have any strength in my legs. No, I don't have any strength left in my whole body. Am I in a bad condition?
"…Quite remarkable. A Low-Class Devil pulling out the spear of light made by a Fallen Angel. But it's futile. My light isn't flashy, but has a high killing ability against Devils. The density of the light is strong. So strong that it is used as the blade of light priests uses. Getting hurt even once will be hard to heal, even for a Middle-class Devil. For a Low-class Devil like you, this is the limit. Fufufu, you can't look down on the damage caused by the power of light, you know? Especially my light."
Like always, she is talking long about something I don't understand. I looked back to Haruto who was in a sorry state… but he was smiling. He was smiling at me. Despite everything he's been through, he still found the strength to smile…
He's depending on me now, so that means I have to endure! Just as he endured!
"I'm going to bash this shitty Fallen Angel in front of me, so please make sure no on interferes. I seriously don't want anyone to interfere. I also don't need any back up. I will do it myself. And my legs are fine as well. I will get up on my own. So make it a one on one fight. It's a good situation. My anger is so high that I think I can handle this pain. Just one hit is enough. … Please let me hit her."
My legs could move. I already lost the sensation in my legs. Just moving it by a millimeter gave me intense pain. With a great effort, I got off the floor, experiencing further pain.
"I-Impossible! Your body isn't in a condition to move! Because of the damage of light—"
I approached Raynare slowly who has a shocked look on her face. And I stood up right in front of her eyes with my feet shaking and lots of blood flowing out of me.
"Hey, Ex-girlfriend. I've been through a lot because of you."
"…There's no way you can stand! A Low-Class Devil shouldn't be able to stand up with those wounds! The lights are burning your insides from within your body!? A Low-Class Devil who doesn't have the demonic-power to ease the effect of light shouldn't be able endure it!"
"Yeah, it hurts. It really hurts. I'm even close to losing my consciousness. But you know, my hatred towards you is so great that I can endure this." I glared straight at my opponent without even blinking.
My next hit will be my last blow. If I use it, I will fall down. That's why I have to finish it with my next hit. I can't look away from my target.
"Hey, my Sacred Gear. You still have the power to punch this thing in front of me, right? Then let's finish it."
[Explosion!]
The sound from the jewel made just now sounded especially strong. The jewel shined even brighter. Such a bright light. It's dazzling, but unlike the light of a Fallen Angel, this light didn't give damage to me, instead giving me peace.
Just getting touched by this light feels like I am over flowing with power. It was amazing.
So there is a light that doesn't cause harm to Devils.
I take a step forward. The blood from my wounds splashed on the ground. I also coughed some blood. Looks like I'm in a critical condition. There is no stopping to the pain I'm feeling right now. It even reached up to my brain. But it's okay. I could still move.
Even now, my gauntlet was flowing power into me.
When I was against Raynare at evening, I was scared of the power difference between us.
My instinct as a Devil instinct grasped hold of the overwhelming power difference between us, and my body didn't stop shaking because of it. That time, I thought that I could never beat her.
But it's different now.
The power I'm receiving from this gauntlet is insane.
I somehow know. It's possibly because I'm the Sacred Gear possessor. This power won't last forever. It's a one-time-only-type deal.
If I used it against my enemy even once, then it will end there. Even though the Sacred Gear wasn't telling me verbally, it's telling me physically.
I made a posture to punch. I have no experience in fighting. But it will be okay if I hit her once.
My target is the shitty Fallen Angel that is in front of me. I'm definitely going to hit her. I'm absolutely not going to miss it.
"…Impossible. What is this? Why is something like this happening…? Isn't that Sacred Gear supposed to be the Twice Critical which doubles the power of the possessor? …It can't be. It's not possible. Why has your power surpassed mine…? This wave of demonic-power I'm feeling… is that of a Middle-class… no, that of a High-class Devil…"
My power is that of a High-class Devil? Is it because of my Sacred Gear?
Hey hey, weren't you supposed to be a Sacred Gear that just doubles my power?
Buchou is the only High-class Devil I met, so it means that I'm currently about the same strength as her.
Raynare once again summoned a spear of light in both her hands.
I hit it to the side with my fist and the spear of light disappeared easily. This caused Raynare's face to become even paler.
"N-No!"
Raynare flapped her black wings, preparing to fly away.
Is she trying to run away? Hey hey, you were looking down and laughing at me till a few seconds ago.
You run away as soon as you find out that you can't win? Who do you think you are? But I won't let you escape. Like hell I would!
I went up to her at the same time she's about to fly, and I grabbed her arm. I had unbelievable speed. A speed that even the Fallen Angel can't react to. The arm I was holding onto felt unreliable, and it was so small that she looks weak.
I pulled her arm towards me. I definitely won't let her go.
"I won't let you get away, fool."
"I'm superior—!"
"Blow away, you shitty Angel!"
"Damn yoooooooou! Low-class Deeeeeevil!"
"Uoryaaaaaaaa!"
The gauntlet released all of its energy. All the strength gathered in my left arm, and I concentrated it on my fist. I used that fist to punch straight and accurately at the face of the enemy I detest.
The hard sound echoes. My fist is dug into her face, and I pushed my fist even further! Raynare went flying backwards with my punch! The Fallen Angel crashed into the wall while making a very loud noise, breaking through and creating a rather large hole. When the dust disappeared, there was nothing left in the direction I punched Raynare towards.
The hole led all the way to the outside where Raynare laid.
She wasn't moving. I couldn't tell if she is dead but she won't be able to move for a while.
—I'd finally paid her back.
"Serves you right."
I got my revenge by beating that bitch ex-girlfriend of mine into the dirt!... Out of context, that would sound very bad, but I don't care! Haruto would be so jeal—Shit! Haruto!
I tried spinning on my heel to face Haruto, only to stumble and almost fall over completely. I would have if it weren't for Kiba who appeared by my side to support me.
"Good work. You actually beat a Fallen Angel."
But it was clear that Kiba's heart wasn't in it. I noticed her eyes kept on darting over towards the half-dead Haruto. She was right to be unhappy. What was there to be happy about when our friend was laying over there, dying?
"Buchou told me not to interfere." Kiba said.
Buchou did?
"That's right. I believed that you were able to beat the Fallen Angel Raynare."
When I turned around to the direction where the voice came from, seeing Buchou approaching. One by one, the others appeared as well. Soon, everyone was here except Akeno-san for some odd reason.
"Buchou…" I said, once again about to fall into tears. "Haruto… he's…"
Buchou pulled a bitter expression. "I know. I'm sorry. I wish I could say I knew what to do in such a scenario. I don't think there has ever been a case where someone had an attempt to extract a Sacred Gear interrupted half-way through." She turned and gave Haruto a sad look. "I'm sorry, Haruto-kun."
What really shocked me was when a pale hand shot up into the air.
"Don't… Don't worry bout it… I've been worse…" With a loud groan of pain, Haruto used his arms to, with great strain, lift himself up to a sitting position, leaning against the back of the pew.
"Haruto!" Hope and relief flooded my heart. "You're—!"
"Still feeling like death? Yes. Really dying? Don't think so… My injuries seem to be healing faster than normal… I should be fine as long as I don't get put through any more bullshit like this… and get some rest…" I could feel my heart rising more and more. Then Haruto turned to Buchou. "...I just… need to say something… Rias, the Fallen Angels, they—"
"—may have been tricked?" Buchou finished suddenly.
My eyes widened in shock, as did Haruto's.
""...What?""
We both couldn't help but sound surprised.
Buchou crossed her arms, pulling a strange expression. "You see, it was a strange thing really." She said. "Imagine my surprise. Akeno and I are facing the two Fallen Angels allied with Raynare when, all of a sudden, a third Fallen Angel half-glides/half-falls from the sky, landing literally in the middle of our battle."
Eh?
I noticed Haruto's expression cheer up a little, as if he knew something I didn't.
"Sorry! Sorry for being so late!"
"Ara ara, I have to say that this is rather inconvenient."
I heard a voice I didn't recognize before Akeno-san's.
However, I did recognize the face other than Akeno-san's.
Carrying two unfamiliar, unconscious people were Akeno-san and that weird gothic lolita girl who told me Haruto was in danger!
When she noticed I was staring in shock at her, she gave me a casual peace sign. "Yo."
..That's it? 'Yo'? ...How anti-climactic…
Buchou sighed. "The Fallen Angel Mittelt has explained to me everything you told her. Are you positive that you aren't mistaken about this?"
Haruto, clearly exhausted, nodded. "Yes… I believe that they are being deceived by the Fallen Angel, Kokabiel. During my imprisonment, Mittelt and I discussed this at great length and this is the conclusion I continue to arrive at. These Fallen Angels were deceived by Kokabiel. Even the bitch, Raynare."
W-What?! What are you talking about, Haruto?!
"Aye…" I jumped as I realized that the man wearing a fedora was actually conscious despite being injured.
"After listening to Mittelt explain… I feel so foolish…" The woman who was also restrained sounded more embarrassed than anything. No shame. Just embarrassment.
"I did it, Haruto! You were right about everything!" The Fallen Angel known as Mittelt cheered. But then a sad expression appeared on her face. "But… I was too slow…"
Haruto leaned forward, smiling. "It's fine… I'm still kickin. Not in the best of shape, but still kickin." He gestured her to come forward. For a second, I thought he was gonna hit her or something, but instead he simply placed a hand on her head.
Mittelt seemed to thoroughly enjoy being pet on the head by Haruto. She was blushing almost as if—
Oh.
….FUCKING-HELL! Haruto always gets girls to fall for him even when he's not even trying!
Kaichou adjusted her glasses. "There is still the matter of punishment to be handled."
Buchou's expression became serious. "She's right, Haruto. The actions of the Fallen Angels here cannot be ignored."
Haruto seemed annoyed by Buchou's words. "Come on, Senpai! You can't really punish these guys! They aren't bad people! Kind of stupid, but not bad!"
""HEY!""
All three of the conscious Fallen Angels let out an insulted outburst.
"Shut up!" Haruto replied right back. "I just saved your lives!" Then he turned back to Buchou. "Anyway, you can't seriously kill them!"
Buchou seemed to take this as an insult. "'Kill them'? How brutal do you think I am?" Haruto stuck out his tongue playfully, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clearly back to normal. "Anyway, no. The Fallen Angels Mittelt, Dohnaseek, and Kalawarner will be reported to the Fallen Angel Governor, but they shouldn't be punished too harshly. Raynare, however, has committed a most grievous crime by bringing harm to Leviathan-sama's servant…"
Kaichou nodded. "Yes. To let her go unpunished would not only be an insult to Onee-sama, but it would also be an insult to those who suffered because of her."
Oh yeah. Leviathan-sama is a pretty important person! Now that I think about it, this whole thing could've easily escalated into a huge political incident and possibly war! Especially since Haruto is her Queen!
"Buchou. I've brought it." Koneko-chan suddenly appeared, having dragged a familiar person over to us.
"Thank you, Koneko. Now then, let's wake her up. Akeno."
"Yes."
Akeno-san summons water in the air which she then drops on the face of the unconscious Raynare. The Fallen Angel woke up amidst a fit of coughing.
"How are you doing, Fallen Angel Raynare." Buchou greeted casually.
"…The daughter of the Gremory clan…"
"Hello, my name is Rias Gremory. I'm the next heir of the House of Gremory. This here is the heir of the House of Sitri, Sona Sitri." Buchou gestured to Kaichou who nodded politely. "It will be for a short while, but nice to have your acquaintance."
"For your crimes against Serafall Leviathan, you will face severe consequences." Kaichou explained.
Raynare's eyes seemed to widen in shock. "What?! That's bullshit! I didn't do anything to her… yet!"
You probably shouldn't have added that last part.
"Attacking the Queen of our Leviathan-sama, that is a most heinous crime against the Devils." Kaichou explained.
"What the fuck are you talking about!?" Raynare demanded. "I didn't—"
"Ray…" The Fallen Angel Kalawarner cut in. She sounded nervous. "It turns out… we fucked up. We… we really stepped in it this time."
Raynare raised an eyebrow. "What-What are you talking about?!"
Dohnaseek turned away. "The Hakuryuukou… he…"
Then realization struck Raynare. "You mean HE—!?" She gestured to Haruto in shock.
Everyone except Haruto gave a collective nod.
Raynare now definitely seemed afraid. "W-Well, I didn't know that! It's not my fault!"
Kaichou's gaze sharpened. "It doesn't matter who you intended to slay. The moment you attempted to slay the servant of a Devil, you already broke our laws. You are only lucky that this is Gremory territory. Thus, it is not my place to render judgment." Her tone remained level, but I could tell that Kaichou was PISSED.
"Indeed." Buchou agreed. "And not only that, you do not have the proper authorization. Those 'orders' you were given were nothing but a lie conjured by the Fallen Angel Kokabiel. With these false orders, you have not only done harm to the servant of Leviathan, but you have harmed my own adorable servant."
Raynare's face only started becoming paler and paler with each passing second.
Buchou turned to me, examining me. Then my arm which was covered by my gauntlet.
"…Red Dragon. Until recently there wasn't a mark like this… I see, so that's what it is…" Buchou spoke with a shocked voice. "I found out the main reason why Issei was able to beat a Fallen Angel."
"Fallen Angel Raynare. This boy, Hyoudou Issei's Sacred Gear isn't a regular Sacred Gear. That's why you lost."
Raynare had a puzzled face after hearing Buchou.
"Boosted Gear, a Sacred Gear that is said to be the rarest of the rare. The Red Dragon mark on the gauntlet is the evidence. Even you have heard of that name before, right?"
After listening to Buchou, Raynare puts on a very shocked expression.
"B-Boosted Gear… One of the Longinus… Even though it's for a temporary time, it's said that it has the power to surpass Maous and God… Are you telling me that hateful power is possessed in a boy like this!?"
"If it's just like the legend is told, then the ability of the Boosted Gear can double the power of the possessor every 10 second. Even if his power starts from 1, it doubles his power every 10 seconds, and it can reach the power of the leader-class Fallen Angels and High-class Devils. And by mastering it, he could even kill God."
Are you serious, Buchou!? I can defeat God!?
…So that's the power of my Sacred Gear.
There is a mark of a Red Dragon carved into my gauntlet.
Wait… she said Red Dragon… and…
"Buchou…" I spoke nervously. "This Red Dragon…"
Buchou pulled a solemn expression. "Yes, Issei. It's as you guessed. The Red Dragon is also known as the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig, the enemy of the Vanishing Dragon, Albion. As the possessor of the Boosted Gear, you are the direct rival and enemy of the possessor of the Divine Dividing… Haruto."
There was a shocked silence as Buchou closed her eyes.
"Kekekeke…"
In the middle of the silence, Raynare started chuckling.
"How funny… the very person you tried to save is actually your worst enemy, Issei-kun…" She was clearly going to be punished, and she was still saying such cruel things. "What do you think is going to happen? Things will just go on as they were? Haruto is the Hakuryuukou and you are the Sekiryuutei, the possessors of the Vanishing Dragon and the Welsh Dragon. You two are destined to kill each other someday! If anything, I think I did you a favor. In his weak state, I think even you could kill him if you wanted. No matter what you do, one of you will die one way or ano—GAH!"
Raynare was silenced when a flying object… a-a shoe?! A flying shoe just hit Raynare in the head! She fell down backwards, reeling back from the shock.
We all turned toward the source of the shoe, seeing Haruto, one leg close to his chest and one shoe missing. An annoyed expression was on his face.
"That was so worth the strength I don't have right now… she was really starting to piss me off…" Haruto growled angrily. "Any complaints?"
There was silence in response to Haruto's question. Raynare remained silent mostly out of fear of getting another shoe in the face.
"Now listen up, shitty crow." Haruto continued. "I really don't get any of this bullshit concerning Welsh Dragons, Vanishing Dragons, Dragon Emperors, or any of that nonsense. What I DO understand, however, is what you're expecting of me and Issei right now. Well I'll just say it now: It's not gonna happen!" Haruto… "I don't give a damn if it's some kind of bullshit destiny between the Welsh and Vanishing Dragons! If it's some kind of cycle or whatever, then I'll gladly break it! There's no way in Hell that I'm going to hurt my bro! If I ever do, then I'll gladly take my own life in penance! We carve our own destinies and I won't let mine be decided by some stupid rivalry between two stupid Dragons, ya hear me?! Me and Issei are brothers! We watch out for each other and protect one another! That's the way we roll!"
Haruto… I was feeling like crying… for happiness this time… even though I was such a failure… he still thought of me as his brother…
Buchou smiled at Haruto's words. "Very well then. For a moment, I was worried that things might become unpleasant." What? What did she think Haruto was going to do? "But I suppose that situation resolved itself rather quickly." She then turned to Haruto. "Haruto-kun, can I truly trust you to keep your word? Even if you're Issei's friend, you are still the Hakuryuukou."
Haruto nodded. "Of course… Lying in front of so many people just to sound cool isn't my style. I'm not that kind of guy." He managed a weak smirk. "Besides, I'm not really in much of a fighting shape. Even if I did want to fight Issei, I'd probably just have my ass handed to me, hehehehe…" He was joking so lightheartedly despite having almost died…
Yep. He's back alright.
Buchou nodded. "Now then… back to the previous matter that our 'friend' tried to distract us from…" Buchou turned back to Raynare who was once cowering in fear, panicking now that her diversion had failed. "I will have you disappear, Fallen Angel-san."
"Y-You can't be serious!? They were supposed to be our! I was supposed to get the Twilight Healing and the Longinus for Azazel-sama and Shemhaza-sama—"
"To live your life for love is beautiful. But you are too tainted with dirt. You have no elegance. And I don't allow that." Buchou aimed one of her hands at Raynare.
"Me, here."
Then, a shadow appears from behind the broken wall.
The Priest-Freed Zelzan.
It's that shitty Priest! He came back despite running away once!
"Wow! My superior is in serious danger! So what's going to happen now!?"
"Save me! If you save me, I will give you a reward or anything you want!" Raynare screamed at the appearance of the Priest.
Freed made a sadistic smile. "Hmm, hmm. I received a wonderful order from an Angel-sama. Eh? So I can have sex with you? To me, having sex with an Angel-sama is like the best honour and it will become a good social status for me."
"Ku… D-Don't fool around and save me!" The Fallen Angel's expression was filled with anger. It also seemed like she's in a rush. No, she WAS in a rush. She probably thought "A mere human won't betray me".
"Ararararara, you know that I'm actually serious… I mean, something simple like that should be all right, isn't it, Angel-sama? So it's a no? Is that so? Then I will take my leave now. No matter how you look at it, I'm at a disadvantage, so I will just take off." Freed said it in a funny tone while curling his body.
"Y-You are a Priest, aren't you!? You are supposed to save me! I'm an all mighty Fallen Angel! I—"
"I don't need a superior who loses to trashy Devils. You are pretty, but you lack plans and you are hard headed. The only thing you are useful for is masturbation. So just die away already. Well, a Fallen Angel who is abandoned by God won't go to either Heaven or Hell, but goes back to nothing. Maybe the experience of turning into nothing will be helpful? Ah, that's impossible. Since there will be nothing left. It's impossible. So namusan. Wait, that's Buddhism. Ah, I'm a former Christian! I'm such a naughty boy!"
Then he just disappeared after that.
"What a fucking psycho." Haruto said, voicing what I'm sure was everyone's thoughts.
"Now, Fallen Angel Raynare, who was abandoned by her own servant. Miserable." Buchou didn't have the slightest sympathy in her tone.
Raynare started to shiver.
Maybe the reason why I felt a bit sorry for her is because she was my ex-girlfriend "Yuuma-chan".
Well, that was also part of her dirty plan.
Raynare made sorrowful eyes at me. "Issei-kun! Please save me!" She changed her voice to that of "Yuuma". Raynare once again acted like Yuuma-chan and begged for help from me while crying. "This Devil is trying to kill me! I love you! I love you so much! That's why, let's defeat this Devil together!" I was stupid for feeling even a bit sorry for you, Yuuma-chan. No, shitty Fallen Angel.
"Tch… You're so pathetic…" Such harsh words came from Haruto. "How dare you ask for help after everything you've done, slutty Fallen Angel!"
Whoa… I never thought Haruto would use such words with a woman, even an enemy. Then again, he's probably too weak and exhausted to give a damn.
The Fallen Angel looked terrified.
Buchou's expression was cold. "…Don't try to flirt with my cute servant. Blow away." She raised her hand to deal the finishing blow. I couldn't bear to look.
Goodbye… Yuuma.
"STOP!"
The air in that Church froze with shock.
"E-Eh?!" Buchou halted her attack, shocked by the Haruto hanging around her waist, his arms wrapped around her.
Oi! Haruto! What are you doing with Buchou!?
For a brief moment, all of my pain turned into annoyance towards Haruto!
Haruto held an embarrassed expression on her face. "S-Sorry, Senpai… I kinda meant to run up and grab your arm to stop you… but I was kinda acting on instinct and lacked the strength needed so this was the best I could do… I would let go, but this is the only thing keeping me from just falling and hitting the ground." There was a long pause as everyone just stared. He stared at them incredulously. "WELL? Is nobody really going to help me up from this awkward position?"
"O-Oh!"
"Right."
Both Kiba and Kaichou walked up to help Haruto up from Buchou, Kiba supporting Haruto as he tried to stand.
Buchou gave Haruto a confused look. "Haruto, what is the meaning of this?"
"Don't kill her, Senpai."
"""….what?"""
Everyone, even Raynare/Yuuma, spoke with surprise at Haruto's request.
"H-Haruto…how could you ask such a thing… she… she almost…" I was so shocked I couldn't speak right.
"But she didn't." Haruto pointed out.
Kiba also expressed shock. "But, Haruto, she tried to—!"
"But she didn't." Haruto interrupted again.
"Namikaze-kun—" It felt weird that Kaichou suddenly went back to calling Haruto "Namikaze-kun".
"On the assumption I know what you're going to say, 'But she didn't' is my response." Haruto responded coolly.
"Haruto-kun, can I at least know WHY you want to spare her?" Buchou answered, an annoyed tone in her voice. "She killed you and Issei. She attempted to harm the one you called friend. Explain yourself. Why would you let her go?"
Haruto shrugged. "It seems rather depressing to end things like this. Besides, killing her now would be too easy. She deserves to be punished, that's why…" I couldn't hear what Haruto said next because he started whispering into Buchou's ear.
Whatever it was must've been interesting because Buchou gained an amused smile. "I admit it's an interesting idea." She then turned to Fallen Angel Mittelt. "Could you come here for a second?"
Mittelt, confused, approached their small group. Buchou whispered something into her ear as well.
Mittelt gained a mischievous and perverted grin…I couldn't tell if that was good or bad.
"I think that could be arranged."
"What? What could be arranged?!" Raynare asked, alarmed. "What are you guys talking about?!"
"You'll see, Ray-chan," Mittelt teased. She then turned back to Buchou. "So with these conditions, are we free to go?"
Buchou nodded. "Yes. Even the Fallen Angel Raynare."
"WHAT?!"
Haruto just smiled at my reaction. "It's fine, Issei. Trust me, in the end you will be happy about what I'm doing. It'll definitely make you feel better."
...Eh?... I feel oddly at ease. Confused, but at ease. I trusted Haruto. If he says that, then I had to have faith in him.
The Fallen Angels Kalawarner and Dohnaseek were released from their restraints, stretching their bodies to remove the discomfort their temporary capture had caused from their joints.
"You have our deepest apologies and our thanks, Rias Gremory."
Buchou gave a harsh expression to the Fallen Angel who spoke. "Do not thank me. Thank Haruto, the one who went to so much trouble to have you spared. If it was up to me, I would have eliminated you from the get-go."
"Ah," Kalwarner noted. Then she turned to Haruto. "Then thank you, Namikaze Haruto." Then there was an odd expression on her face as she observed Haruto. "Hm… Not bad."
'Not bad'? What did that mean?
Before I could figured out the answer to that, both Kalawarner and Dohnaseek walked over to Raynare, grabbing either of her arms and lifting her up. With that, they spread their wings and started to fly away.
"Oooh, Ray-chan's in for an interesting surprise," Mittelt giggled. Then she turned to Haruto, blushing. "Um… Haruto… Ireallytrulyloveyou, BYE!" She spread her wings quickly and flew away faster than her allies had.
….I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that. Haruto's alive and I'm be happy. No reason to ruin that by getting jealous over his skill with women.
It… was over.
It was actually over. We-We did it!
"...Haruto…" My brother turned towards me. I clenched my fist which possessed Boosted Gear. "For what it's worth… I'd rather die than kill you too."
Haruto's eyes widened. "Issei…" His eyes started watering.
No… No tears… not now man… I don't think…
Before I knew it, my eyes were watering too… dammit!
""Brotheeeeeer!""
Before we knew it, Haruto and I embraced in a bro-hug (hey! We're bros so this hug between guys is NOT gay!).
"Ara ara," Akeno-san giggled. "It's almost kind of cute seeing two boys their age cry like that."
"I-Idioooooot!" Haruto cried. "We're not crying! Only girls cry! Men WEEP! We're weeping tears of brotherly joy!"
"Yeah!" I agreed.
Everyone just watched as we cried like men.
However… things got awkward after five minutes…
"...Um… I still can't really move…" Haruto admitted, blushing lightly.
I had an embarrassed expression as well. "Yeah… my legs are pretty much no good. Leaning against Haruto is the only thing keeping me up so…"
""Heeeeelp…""
We both groaned.
Buchou sighed, but she was smiling from amusement. "Oh brother… Akeno, Yuka, if you would?"
Both Buchou's Queen and her Knight moved forward. Akeno-san supported me while Kiba walked over to Haruto and supported him. She had such a relieved expression as she leaned her head on Haruto's shoulder. Haruto smiled softly, patting her on the head while whispering something. It was honestly kind of a cute scene. I felt slightly jealous, but I couldn't get mad because it was like one of those scenes in a romance movie where the audience goes "Awwwwww".
Haruto then turned to everyone else and smiled brightly. What he saw wasn't just his friends and comrades.
He saw his family.
"Well, let's go home, where everyone's waiting for us." I said to him.
Haruto nodded. "Yeah… let's go."
And so we walked out of the Church.